Il/Q
Fai> banks
PAST AND PRESENT
OF
GREENE COUNTY
H MISSOURI
Early and Recent History and Genealogical Records
of Many of the Representative Citizens
BY
JONATHAN FAIRBANKS
AND
CLYDE EDWIN TUCK
VOLUME II
ILLUSTRATED
1915
A. W. BOWEN & COMPANY
INDIANAPOLIS
DEDICATION.
This work is respectfully dedicated to
THE PIONEERS,
long departed. May the memory of those who laid down their burdens by
the wayside ever be fragrant as the breath of summer flowers.
for their toils and sacrifices have made Greene county
a garden of sunshine and delights.
<*
^
^* PuBl/c
*
FOREWORD
All life and achievement is evolution ; the wisdom of today comes from
past experience, and present commercial prosperity is the result of former
exertion and sacrifice. The deeds and motives of the men that have gone
before have been instrumental in shaping the destinies of later communities
and states. The development of a new country was at once a task and a
privilege. It required great courage, privation and suffering. Compare the
present conditions of the people of Greene county, Missouri, with what they
were three-quarters of a century ago. From a trackless wilderness and a
virgin prairie, less than a century ago, it has been transformed into a center
of prosperity and advanced civilization, with millions of wealth, modern
railroad facilities, great educational institutions, splendid industries, and
immense agricultural productions. Can any thinking person be insensible to
(he fascination of the study which discloses the incentives, hopes, aspirations
and efforts of the early pioneers who laid so firm a foundation upon which
has been reared the magnificent prosperity of later days? To perpetuate
the story of these people and to trace and record the social, political, and
industrial progress of the community from its first inception to the present
time has been the function of our historians. A sincere purpose to preserve
facts and personal memoirs that are deserving of perpetuation, and which
unite the present with the past, is the motive for this publication. While
the actual writing of most of the work was done by Clyde Edwin Tuck, the
data was gathered by many trained assistants and the finished product ap-
proved by competent local authorities, to prevent possible errors, Jonathan
Fairbanks being the principal editorial advisor, while special chapters were
written by Edward M. Shepard and others well equipped to prepare such
articles. A speciallv valuable department has been devoted to the sketches
of representative citizens of this county whose records deserve perservation
because of their worth and accomplishments. The publishers desire to ex-
tend their thanks to all who have aided in any way in making this under-
taking a success, and to express their gratitude for the uniform kindness with
which the citizens of Greene county have regarded their efforts and for the
many services rendered in obtaining necessary information.
In placing "Past and Present of Greene County, Missouri," before the
citizens, the publishers can conscientiously claim that they have carried out
the plan as outlined in the prospectus. Every biographical sketch in the
work was submitted to the party interested, for correction, and therefore
any error of fact, if there be any, is solely due to the person for whom the
sketch was prepared. Confident that our efforts to please will fully meet
the approbation of the public, we are,
Respectfully,
THE PUBLISHERS.
CONTENTS
CHAPTER I— PREHISTORIC RACES IN GREENE COUNTY- 25
Evidence of Cave Dwellers and Mound Builders — Indian Implements —
Characteristics of the Osages, Delawares and Kickapoos — Indian Trails —
Early Explorers — First Settlers — Under Flags of Spain and France — The Old
Louisiana Territory.
CHAPTER II— GEOLOGY, LOCATION AND TOPOGRAPHY- 59
Altitudes — The Ozarks — Various Rivers and Streams — Caves — The Differ-
ent Formations — The Geological Ages — An Interesting Region for the Stu-
dent of Geology and Archaeolgy.
CHAPTER III— ECONOMIC GEOLOGY 85
Water — Springfield Water Supply— Mineral Waters— Building Stones —
Sandstones — Limestone — Ornamental Stones — Lime — Soil — Road Material —
Coal — Iron — Lead — Zinc — Copper — Silver — Gold — Petroleum — Local Mines.
CHAPTER IV— ORGANIZATION OF COUNTY 120
Official Acts Connected with Its Formation — Beginning of the Various
Townships — Giving Greene County a Legal Existence — Unique Court Docu-
ments.
CHAPTER V— EARLY SETTLEMENT 12»
Where the Pioneer Settlers Emigrated From— Where They First Effected
Their Settlment— The Early-day Mills— Early Roads— Pioneer Schools-
Churches— Customs and Manners— Going to Market— Mail Facilities.
CHAPTER VI— COUNTY GOVERNMENT 156
First Set of Officers— Pioneer and Later Court Houses— Jails and Care for
the Unfortunate Poor — Bond Issues— Roads and Bridges — Finances at Dif-
ferent Periods — A Glimpse of Early Court Proceedings.
CHAPTER VII— TRANSPORTATION 185
Railroad Building and Freighting — How Early Merchants Obtained Their
Goods — First Train Into Springfield— Old Gulf Railroad— The Bolivar
Branch — Springfield Traction Company — Stage Coaches.
CHAPTER VIII— FARMING AND STOCK RAISING 196
Pioneer Methods of Farming — Old Time Implements — Smaller Farms Now
— Greater Diversity of Crops — Improved Methods — Stock Raising — Products
Shipped Out of the County.
CONTENTS.
CHAPTER IX— VARIOUS DIVISIONS OF GREENE COUNTY 204
History of Each Township — The Original Townships — Changes in the Civil
Subdivisions — Population at Various Periods — Early Settlement of Each
Township — History of Towns and Villages — Special History and Events.
CHAPTER X— COUNTY GROWTH AND PROGRESS 211
Miscellaneous Events of Interest — Population by Decades — Population by
Last Federal Census by Townships and Precincts — First Events in the
County — Market Quotations at Different Periods — The "Rough Side of Life."
CHAPTER XI— MILITARY HISTORY 229
Revolutionary Soldiers — Indian Troubles — Soldiers — The Mexican War —
Beginning of the Civil War — Coming of General Lyon — Battle of Wilson's
Creek in Detail — Springfield Under Federals and Confederates — Zagonyi's
Charge — The Battle of Springfield — Trials and Troubles of the People Dur-
ing the Long Struggle — Conditions Immediately After the War — Greene
County's Part — The Spanish-American War.
CHAPTER Nil — HISTORY OF PUBLIC EDUCATION IN SPRINGFIELD.. 409
First Public Schools — High School and Various Ward Schools — Number of
Pupils — Drury College — State Normal School — Old Normal School — Carne-
gie Public Library — ( )ther Schools of the county.
CHAPTER XIII— BENCH WD BAR 443
Prominent Early Lawyers and Jurists — Characteristics of the Members of the
Greene County Bar in Pioneer Days and the Present — Names and Records
of Attorney- and Judges During the Entire History of the Local Bar.
CHAPTER XIV— THE PRACTICE OF MEDICINE IN GREENE COUNTY- 485
Growth of the Science — Nanus and Characteristics of the Pioneer Doctors
— Later General Practitioners, Surgeons and Specialists — Dentists — Veter-
inarians— Osteopaths — Chiropractors — Hospitals.
I II \PTER XV— BANKS AND BANKING 509
Amount of Deposits — Annual Clearing House Figures — First Bank — First
National Hanks — Names of Leading Bankers of the Early Days — History
of Various Hanks of the Fast and Present.
CHAPTER XVI— THE NEWSPAPERS OF THE COUNTY 519
The First Published in What Was Originally Greene County — Names of
Early and Later Publications — A Brief History of Each — Names of the
I 'ublishers.
CHAPTER XVII— SECRET SOCIETIES 524
History of Masonry and Its Co-ordinate Branches in Greene County — Var-
ious Lodges — Sons of tlic Revolution — Grand Army Organizations — National
( 'emetery —Confederate ( Irganization — Confederate Cemetery — First Decora-
tion—Y. M. C. A.— Y. W. C. V
CHAPTER XVIII— WOMEN'S CLUBS 560
Interest Manifested in Intellectual Development After the Civil War — Names
of Charter and Present Members of the Various Organizations — The Growth
ol tin i lub Movement— Some of the Things \ccomplished.
CONTENTS.
CHAPTER XIX— CHURCH DENOMINATIONAL HISTORY 579
The Methodist, Baptist, Christian, Presbyterian, Congregational, Evangeli-
cal, Lutheran and Other Churches — Colored Churches — Catholic Church
History.
CHAPTER XX— MANUFACTURING 663
Its Beginning, Growth and Present Condition — Early Plants and Shops —
Modern Mills, Foundries and Other Centers of Activity — A Comparison Be-
tween Pioneer and Modern Methods.
CHAPTER XXI— CITY OF SPRINGFIELD 682
Its Founders — Incorporation — Early-day Business Interests — Growth — Re-
cent Years — City Governments — List of Mayors — Street Making — Fire De-
partment— Water Works — Electric Light and Power Plants — Other Items
of Interest.
HISTORICAL INDEX
Agriculture 196
Altitude of Springfield 59
Ash Grove 208
Banks and Banking 508
Growth of Banks in Springfield 508
First Banks 510
National Banks 512
North Side Banks 515
Trust Companies 516
Banks of the Smaller Towns 516
Baptist Young Men's Organization. 652
Baptist Young People's Union 617
Bench and Bar 443
Early Lawyers 443
Early Judges 443
Brief Mention of Former and
Present Practicing Lawyers 471
Criminal Court 451
Congressmen 464
Lawyers in Springfield Before the
War 457
List of Present Active Practition-
ers 483
Oldest Member of the Bar 469
Bois D'Arc 210
Boone, Nathan 140
Brotherhoods 617
Campbell Camp 552
Carnegie Public Library 428
Cave Spring 208
Chiropractors 499
Christian Endeavor 616
Churches, Catholic 618
Immaculate Conception 619
Sacred Heart Parish 622
St. Agnes 635
St. Joseph's 638
Churches, Protestant 579
Christian 585
Baptist 595-650
German, and others 608
Methodist Episcopal __579-600-639-644
Methodist Protestant 584
Congregational 603
Protestant Episcopal 607
Presbyterian 588-646
Colored, Baptist 611
Other Denominations 660
Country Churches 639
Civil War 239
Before the War Began 239
News of Ft. Sumter 242
Federal Troops 245
General Lyon 249
Expedition to Forsyth 252
Engagement at Dug Springs 253
Confederate Troops 256
Federal Account of Battle of Wil-
son's Creek 257
Battle in Detail 266
Death and Burial of Gen. Lyon 270
Col. Sigel 274
Confederate Account of Battle 281
McCulloch's Fight with Sigel— 288
Losses 290
Care of Wounded and Burial of
Dead 292
Greene County Men in Battle 293
Federals Evacuate Springfield 295
Confederate Troops Enter Spring-
field 297
Influence of Battle 300
Col. T. T. Taylor 309
Gen. John C. Fremont 311
Major Zagonyi 312
General Hunter 324
Gen. Sterling Price 307
State Militia 336
Greene County Men at Pea Ridge- 337
Military Hospital 341
Fortifications 342
Battle of Springfield 344
Col. Sheppard's Account 360
Losses 362
Provisional Regiment 368
Gen. J. B. Sanborn 378
HISTORICAL INDEX.
After the War 382
Farewell to the Military 387
Clans. Gathering of 244
Confederate Cemetery 5S4
Confederate Monument 555
County Government 156
Permanent County-seat 158
First Court House Burned 161
Historic Court House Torn Down 164
County Court 16/
Plans and Construction of Present
Court House 169
Daughters of the American Revolu-
tion 577
Delaware Indians. The 38
Dentists 496
De Soto 48
Divisions of Greene County. The
Various 204
Drake Constitution. The 3'v.">
Drury College 417
Organization 417
Location :— 419
Scholarships 422
Presidents 424
Early Explorations 44
Early Hunters and Pioneers 52
Early Settlement 129
Pioneer Settlers 129
Settlements 131
Delawares 131
Frontier Life 143
Early Roads 145
hirst Churches 147
Log Cabin Schools 149
Early Travelers. Record of 46
Ebenezer 207
Education 409
First School Building in Spring-
field 409
First Public School 410
Movement to Establish a System
of Public Education 410
Present School Buildings 414
Enrollment in Schools 415
Teachers 416
Members of Board of Education.. 416
Epworth League 617
Fair Grove 208
Farming 196
Pioneer Methods 196
Smaller Farms 199
Improved Methods 200
Products Shipped Out 202
Crop Failures 221
High Prices 221
Federation of Churches 614
"Firsts'' in Greene County 216
General Election in Autumn of 1864 380
Geology 66
Stratigraphy 66
Cambro-Ordovician Age 66
Stones 67
Devonian Age 69
Carboniferous 70
Tertiary Age "i^
Pleistocene 77
Geology. Economic 85
Springs ■ 85
Springfield City Water Supply 89
Mineral Waters 90
Stones 90
Soils 94
Coal 101
Road Material 100
Clays 101
Moulding Sand 104
Iron 104
Lead and Zinc 106
Mines Worked Long Ago 107
Deposit of Ore HO
Local Mines 113
Copper, Gold and Silver 118
Petroleum 119
Grand Army of the Republic 546
Greene County Sunday School As-
sociation 661
Growth and Progress of County— . 211
Statistics 211
Guerrilla Raiders. The 375
Headlee Murder. The 226
Hospitals 500
Springfield 501
Burge Deaconess 503
Southwest 505
St. John's 506
Frisco Employee's 507
Indian Implements 29
Indian Trails 41
Ingram's Mill 138
Journal. A Pioneer's 135
HISTORICAL INDEX.
Kickapoo Indians, The 39
Kickapoo Settlement 40
Levy-Wolf Dry Goods Company 1685
Manufacturing 663
Early Growth 664
Primitive Industries 666
Metropolitan Improvements 672
Public Service Corporations 675
Medical Profession 485
Pioneer Physicians 486
Present Active Physicians 488
Mexican War 235
Survivor, The Only 237
Military History 229
Mob Violence 122
National Cemetery MS
First Decoration 550
Newspapers 519
Nichols 210
Organization of County 120
Boundaries of First Townships 125
Formations of New Townships 205
Osage Indians, The 30
Dress 31
Characteristics 32
Lodges 36
Favorite Haunts 36
Treaties 37
Osage War 230
Osteopaths 498
Pawnee Indians, The 41
Percy Cave 946
Piankashaw Indians, The 41
Poorhouse, The 177
Prehistoric Races in Greene County 25
Cave Dwellers 25
Mound Builders 26
Regulators, The 224
Republic Township 702
Republic 209-703
Public School 704
Flour Mills 705
Banks 705
Custom Mill 706
Revolutionary Soldiers 229
Rough Side of Life, The 222
Salvation Army, The 618
Sampson Bass' Mill 151
Sanitarium, Johnson 1622
Sarcoxie War 233 '
Schools of Greene County and Out-
side of Springfield 430
First School 432
Schools of the Different Town-
ships 434
Sequiota Cave 955
Societies, Secret 524
Fremasonry 524
Odd Fellows 531
Woodmen 533
Benevolent and Protective Order
of Elks 536
Improved Order of Red Men 537
Knights of Columbus 539
American Yeomen , 540
Court of Honor 541
Loyal Order of Moose 542
Eagles 542
Knights of Pythias 543
Sons of the Revolution 544
Spanish-American War 388
Maine Disaster 390
Roosevelt's Rough Riders 391
National Guard Requirements 393
Farewell Reception 394
Off for Chickamauga 396
Epidemic of Typhoid 398
Officers of Company K 404
Officers of Company M 406
Springfield 682
First Settlers 682
Incorporation 690
Traveling Facilities 692
After the War 695
Municipal Bonds 697
Wholesale Center 701
Springfield Baking Company, The._ 680
Springfield Jobbers' and Manufac-
turers' Assn. 673
Springfield Normal School, The 428
Springfield Wagon Works 676
St. Agnes School 637
Stage Coaches 692
State Normal School 426
Enrollment 426
Graduates 426
St. De Chantal Academy 1907
Strafford 209
Topography 59
Watercourses 60
HISTORICAL INDEX.
Hydrography 63
Caves, Sinks and Natural Bridges 64
Transportation 184
Steamboats 184
First Railroad 180
Stages 187
First Train 188
Old Gulf Railroad 190
Bolivar Branch 193
Missouri Pacific Railroad 193
Springfield Traction Company 195
Townships, Original Boundaries of- 125
Tucker-Ferguson Warehouse and
Transfer Co. 1926
Under Three Flags 57
Union League, The 377
Veterinarians 497
Walnut Grove 209
Water Power 144
Welsh Packing Company 678
Willard 210
Woman's Missionary LTnion 615
Women's Clubs 560
Young Women's Christian Associa-
tion 558
Young Men's Christian Association. 557
BIOGRAPHICAL INDEX
Abbott, Alfred S 1273
Albert, Jake 1896
Albright, M. D., Win. E 1871
Alden, John 8S0
Allebach, Newton V 1291
Allen, Charles H 443
Allen, John D 1071
Anderson, Henry S 1699
Anderson, Joseph G 1911
Andrew, Paul E 1533
Anthony, George W 711
Anthony, James 854
Armstrong, Frederick W 1882
Armstrong, Tom W 1255
Arnett, R. L 1290
Atherton, M. D„ J. LeRoy 1550
Atherton, M. D., Mary Jean 1556
Atteberry, James O 1789
Atwood, George Albert ^ 936
Atwood, George Hammond 936
Aumoth, Joseph G. 822
Ausherman, Martin 8i76
Bacon, Rev. John T 1522
Bair, James 1356
Baker, J. 454
'Baker, S. A 1664
Banfield, Lewis F. 920
Banister, Theodore 988
Barnes, M. D., George W 1436
Barrett, John 1840
Barrett, Robert Franklin 1252
Barron, Willard M 1704
Barton, James H 776
Barton, William H 778
Bass, Sampson 1008
Bassett, Louis N 1092
Bassett, Samuel H 1093
Bates, Percy J 1305
Baxter, Hendry 1727
Baxter, Kirk 989
Beal, Daniel N 772
Beal, M. D., Edward L 764
Beal, George T 764
Beal, Capt. George T 771
Beatie, Maj. John W. F 1676
Beckerleg. John 1799
Bennett, H. S 867
Benson, Richard H 1733
Berry, James A 1120
Berry. James Blaine 1333
Berry, Gustavus F 1756
Beyer, Frank A 1050
Billasch, William C 1195
Bishop, Franklin T 1722
Bissett, James 1124
Blanchard. Green I 1846
Bodenhamer, Andrew J 1496
Bodenhamer, Emsley L 1091
Bodenhamer, Joseph J - 1499
Bodenhamer, Louis F 1498
Bomgardner, D. V. S., George I.— 1399
Bon, Ira Carl 1310
Booth, Waldo Cornwell 1669
Bowland, Robert A 1187
Bowman, Benjamin 1570
Boyd, M. D., John R 970
Boyd, S. H 447
Boyer, Ray C 1841
Bradley, Thomas H 1047
Brazill, James B 1749
Briggs, Cecil Alvin 1504
Bright, John C 1823
Brower, Madison A 1845
Brown. Addison 1875
Brown, Frank E 1588
Brown, Harry F 1334
Brown, James M 1317
Brown, John D 1044
Brown, Joseph Addison 1043
Brown, Thomas T. 1472
Brown, M. D., William McF 1040
Bryant, Arthur W 1221
Burge, Mrs. Ellen A 708
Burge, George W 707
Burge, James T 709
Busch, Charles R 1314
Butler, Nelson Garrett 1502
BIOGRAPHICAL INDEX.
Butler, Stephen E 1303
Butts, James M 1344
Camp, Warren N 1811
Camp, William P 1738
Campbell, Irvin H 1194
Campbell, John Polk 1478
Cantrell. James T 1374
Carroll, Frank P 1299
Carter, Charles W 1613
Carter, M. D„ William C 1697
Cass, Dudley 1768
Cass, Mason 1768
Chaffin, John C 1741
Chalfant, Ephraim 893
i 'happell, Lewis E 1660
Clark, M. D., James W 1818
Clark, Clarence M 906
Chavose, Charles C 1901
Claypool. Luther M 1888
Chrisman, John Maloney 1632
Christman. Matthias 1294
Childress, James G 1806
Clements, M. D., Christopher C.__„142S
Clements, Oscar S 845
Cloud, Daniel E. 1539
Cloud. William B 1643
Coffelt, M. D„ Theodore A 1 245
Cole. Stephen Henry 1495
Collier. P. V 1163
Colvin, Hugh P 1804
Condon, George W 1147
Constance. Walter 1323
( oon, Walter A 781
Cooper, George 1307
Cooper. Ilarry 1597
Cornell. William C. 1214
Counts. Benjamin B 1834
( owan, John 993
Cowan, John Maxwell 992
( owden, James S 1798
Cowden, M. D., William H 1409
Cowell, John 1337
Crane, M. D., Thos. V. B 1873
Crawford. A. B._„. 918
Crawford. William J 1161
Crenshaw, Louis A. D 1406
Crenshaw. Thomas T 1711
Crow, J. W 945
Crnwdus, Charles _. 1645
Culler, George W 942
Curran, Rev. Father Francis 623
Curry, Rev. Father George 628
DeBoard, Elisha 1856
DeGroff, Moses R 840
DeLange, William 1886
DeWitt, Edward J 1843
Dabbs, Thomas E. 1675
Dade. Davney C 870
Daggett, William A 1226
Daigler, George 759
Dale, Harris K 1858
Dando. Charles E 1283
Daniel, William R 980
Danzero, Domino 1219
Darby, Ezra Faucett 1170
Darby, D. D. S., Robert Ezra 1168
Dark, Melville E 1552
Davis, Emil O 1812
Deaton, John P 856
Deaton, John W 856
Deeds, James C 1748
Delaney, T. J 460
Delzell, M. D., William A 1554
Demuth, Capt. Albert £08
Dennis, Benjamin F 1760
Dennis, John E 1672
Dennis, William A 833
Devereaux, James 864
Devereaux, Mrs. Mary 865
Dewey, M. D.. James E 1765
Dift'enderffer, David M 1714
Diffenderffer, David R , 1714
Diffenderffer, Harry W 1715
Diggins, Hiram W 1642
Dillard, George E 1779
Dingeldein, Edward P 1509
Dingeldein, Sebastian 1216
Donnell. Francis M 1894
Donovan, William F 1394
Doran, Thomas H 1682
Douglass, Gaylard 1877
Dozier, Duerrett W 848
Dozier, John 848
Draper. Charles 825
Draper, John N24
Draper, Joseph N 824
Drift, John R 1302
Drury, Charles J 1094
Dulin, James E 1102
Duncan, Andrew B 1826
Durst, Harry D 1752
Eagleburger, Joseph S 1625
Earnest. C. W 1535
Earnest. James Howard 1460
BIOGRAPHICAL INDEX.
East, Howard B 787
East, Sidney 788
Eaton, Henry 1362
Edmonson, Walton E 1529
Eisemnayer, Andrew J 1380
Elson, Edwin Wiggins 1006
Elson, William Penn 1064
Emerson, Walter P 982
Emery, Alonzo W 1101
Emery, Edgar T. 1628
Ennis, Edgar E 1619
Ernst, Louis P 1531
Eslinger, Jas. E 1766
Eslinger, Samuel L 1766
Evans, M. D., E. L 1074
Evans, Owen M 11S8
Everett. Richard E._ 1610
Fairbanks, Jonathan 961
Fallin, Walter Augustus 1011
Fallin. Wilbur M 1010
Farmer, Edward ; 1318
Farmer, Oscar F 1583
Farmer, Samuel A 1594
Farmer, William C._— — - L__i— 1640
Harrington, J. S 456
Fawcett, Leonard 1431
Fay, Edwin L 1788
Fellows, Erastus _' 737
Fellows. Col. Homer F.' 1364
Fellows, Norris W .___.. 736
Fenton, Jeremiah 1917
Ferguson. Ernest N 1890
Ferguson, George W 1758
Ferguson, John R 1115
Fielder, Benjamin F 1128
Finch; Edward Swayzee 997
Finch, Harry H 1430
Fine, Alphonsus F 1055
Fink, Charles H 752
Fink. Richard M 752
Finley, Elder Newton 882
Finney, Frank L 1621
Fitch, James W 1571
Fogarty, Thomas 1500
F'ortune, Rev. Father T. J 626
Foster, Jr., Jesse J 1455
Fowler, J. W 1627
Frame, M. D., Homer G 1470
Freeman. John Guy 1651
Freeman, Rederick F.__ 1648-49
Freeman. William 1648
Freeman, William B ' 1648
French; John 1331
Frey. Frank A 1184
Fricke, George W 842
Fry, William A 1512
Fulbright, Charles R 757
Fulbright, John L 741
Fulbright, John Y 758
Fulbright, William 741
Fulbright, Willam H 740
Furrow, Calvin 1005
Gallagher, Francis A 1138
Galloway, Jesse E 1696
Gann, J. W 1288
Gardner, James Coleman 1037
Carton, Jacob W 1708
Garton. John H 1536
George, C. M 1149
Gideon, James J 1131
Gideon, Thomas J T22
Gideon, William C. 722
Gifford, M. D., Anson H 1537
Glass, Albert M 1820
Glass, John Baker 896
Glassmoyer, Howard S 1850
Goode, R. L 455
Goodwin, Oliver Smith 880
Gorman, Daniel C 790
Gorsuch. William R 1341
Gosney, Napoleon 1206
Granade, John A 912
Grant. William W 1475
Gray, James H 1336
Gray, Josiah J 1584
Green, George 1293
Greenwade, John T 1384
Greenwade, Weldon 1386
Grier. Azzo B 1104
Grier, Samuel S 1328
Griffin, John P 1688
Groblebe. Charles I 1067
Grubel, Frank 1254
Gustin, Walter P 1899
Hall. John M 1376
Hall. William Alexander 1417
Malstead. Capt. John 1925
Hammond, Clyde L 1898
Hankins, William T 1296
Hannah, Ezra F 844
Hansell. Jefferson E 1166
Han.^ell. William M 1783
Hanson. Albert N 1076
BIOGRAPHICAL INDEX.
Hanson, M. D., Richard H 984
Harman, M. D., William Roby 904
Harrison, John B 1098
Hart, Andrew Thomas 1510
Hart, Rpswell K 1630
Hartt, John W 1209
Hasler, Thomas L 1117
Hasten, John 11 1150
Haswell, Alanson M 720
Haswell, James M 720
Haun, George N 1719
Haun, Walter 1463
Hawkins, Kirk 929
Hayden, John C 850
Hayden, Joseph H 853
Haynes, Ernest D U89
Hayward, Hubert H 1923
Headlee, Blondville D _ 1034
Headlee, Claude Leslie 1033
Headlee, Judge Elisha 1411
Headlee, James Ward 1034
Headlee. Samuel W 1032
Headley, Frank E 933
Healy, Rev. Father D. L 632
Heckart, Henry M 1197
Heckenlively, James L 1837
Hedges, James H 716
Hegarty, John 872
Henderson, Walter H 1782
Hendricks, I.ittleberry 445
I U ndrickson, George W 1229
Henshaw, John E 1566
Herman, Daniel H 1027
Herrick, Samuel 1848
I I Mil. Reuben J 1803
Hibler, Elihu 1227
Hickman, Isaac M 909
Hilderbrand, James N 782
Hinerman, J. II 1618
Hpbbs, John J 1424
Hogeboom, M. D., R. W 495
Holden, Harry Clyde 991
Holland, Charles 1827
Holland. Gen. Colley B .1744
Holland, T. Blondville 976
Hood, James D 1520
Hooper, Samuel A 1932
Hoover, John W 1573
House, Merton C 1842
Houston, Jerome A 1324
Howard, Harvey W 1448
Howell. William 1403
Hubbell, Lucius W 1377
Hubbard, W. D 449
Hudnall, John R 828
Hudnall, M. D., M. L 828
Hummel, Lynn 897
Hurd, Rev. Fayette 1144
Ingler. Hugh B. 1702
Jackson, George W 1691
Jackson, John S. C 1700
James, David 1088
James, Jason R 1089
James, Nancy 1090
James, Thomas 1089
James, William C 900
James, Winfrey 1090
Jaquith, Jesse D. 1297
Jared, Flemin T 1516
Jenkins, Robert 1222
Jennings, William T 799
Jewell, Harry Sanford 1371
Johnson, John H 836
Johnson, M. D., Samuel A 1022
Johnson, Silas M 1791
Johnson, U. G 479
Johnston, A. J 1808
Johnston, James B 1634
Jones, Capt. George M 792
Jones, Henry B 1889
Jones, Henry T 794
Jones, James 792
Jones, John 1807
Jones, John H 1154
Jones, Joshua L 1703
Jones, William J 1602
Kanning, Charles F 1258
Kauffman, Stanley K 1900
Keller, W. Robert 1785
Kelley, Prof. Edwin H 1562
Kellcy, Jesse Marion 1559
Kelly, John 1276
Kemmling, Ernst 1725
Kennedy, Henry F 863
Kennedy, Lee C 1743
Kerr, Andrew B. 1099
Kerr, Charles W 1449
Kerr. M. D., Ulysses F 1922
Kershner, Capt. Wm. H 797
Kilkenny, Rev. Father Peter 627
King, Charles L 1208
King. M. D., Thomas M 1526
Kinser, Jefferson 1739
BIOGRAPHICAL INDEX.
Kinser, John 1739
Kirby, Guy D 975
Kirkey, William L 1332
Kirkpatrick, Robt. A 1770
Kissick, Robert F 1029
Kite, Robert B 1575
Klingensmith, Peter 1862
Klingner. John W 1408
Klingner, M. D., Thomas O 1238
Knabb. M. D., Enoch 1586
Knelle. George 885
Knighten, Amnion 1824
Knowles. M. D., John T 739
Knox, Alexander 1024
Kohler, Edward F 1557
Kucker, L. S 1 1038
LaBounty, Charles F 1918
LaFollette, Ransom S 1763
Lane, John M 1157
Langsford, John 1565
Langston, Jackson P. C 1218
Lee, Bert S. 1666
Leedy, Joseph W. 766
Leeper, George 1590
Lehr, John Henry 1122
Levy, M. 1685
Lilly, Rev. Father John J 621
Lincoln, Azariah W 1230
Linney, William Burts 1387
Lloyd, Charles Lee 1929
Lloyd, Samuel Mack 1422
Love, Robert 1048
Love, D. V. S., Robert B 1051
Love. Thomas B 784
Love, Col. Thomas C 784
Lowe, M. D., H. A 1490
Luper, James E 1810
MacElveny, Andrew W 1647
McAfee, Judge Charles 922
McCammon, John P 1351
McCarty, Luther Q 1056
McClernon, Hugh 1515
McCluer, James H 755
McCluer, John 756
McCollum, George A 826
McConnell, John Aaron 1568
McConnell, Milton C 1713
McCraw, Gabriel 1735
McCrory, James 1729
McCroskey, Charles W 1904
McCurdy, Thomas 1121
McCutcheon, L. C 847
McCutcheon, O. J 847
McDonald, Alexander 873
McElhany, George LaFayette 1440
McGinty, William H 1736
McGuire, Guy H 1139
McHaffie, M. D., Charles H 735
Mcllvin. James S ' - 1018
Mclntire, Cyrus B 830
Mcjimsey, Elmer E. E 1345
McKay, Elmer A 1926
McKee, Roy 1379
McKerall, William 1000
McLinn, Albert S 1432
McMaster, Cyrus J 1426
McMaster, Walter Weir 1396
McMehen, John A 1165
McMehen, William A 1158
McMillan, Otho D 958
McMurtry, James Gilmer 1353
McNabb, John T 1488
McNeill. E. B 1289
McQuiston, Brandt 1118
Mack, Clarence S 1087
Mack. Clyde B 126D
Mack, J. W. D. L. F 458
Mack, Rowan E. M 996
Maddox, Elisha B 1780
Magill, James G 1860
Major, Will J 1014
Malley, John P.__ 1301
Martin, Harry E 1205
Mason, James H 1717
Mason, John F 1831
Mason, Robert T 1717
Massey, Frank R 1914
Massey, Richard 1927
Maxwell, William M 1624
Mellon, Henry G 919
Mercer, Carver O 1541
Meyer, B. E 1372
Meyer. John F 1816
Miller, William S 1797
Mills, Andrew D 1287
Ming, Emmett M 1068
Minto, Robert 1775
Mitchell, Harry H 901
Mitchell, Obadiah C 1192
Moomaw, H. M 1152
Moon, James A , 1518
Moore, Anderson T 1916
Moore, George W 1105
BIOGRAPHICAL INDEX.
Moore, Robert A 986
Morckel, Charles W 1921
Morgan, Harry C 1066
Morice, Leon 1635
Morton, William M 1549
Moser, John A 1329
Murry, Harvey 1223
Murray, Thomas 1404
Murphy, William C 1480
Murray, William Penn 1080
Murphy, Lawrence J 744
Murphy, Michael J 1285
Xee. Daniel Martin 1241
Nelson, Marion A 1183
Newbill, John Glenn 1433
Newton, Edward F 1360
Xewton, Job 1786
Nichols, A. D 763
Nichols, Capt. Danton H 760
Nichols, George W 883
Nichols, Matthias H 760
Niederhuth. George W 1135
Noland, George L 1450
O'Bryant, George W 1456
O'Bryant, James H 973
O'Byrne, James 1178
Olendorf, George F 1270
O'Neal, Andrew J 1694
< I'Neal, George W 1686
O'Neill, Rev. Father Francis 622
O'Reilly, Rev. Father J. J 629
Ormsbee, M. D., James L 725
Orr, W. J 480
Orr, William J 866
Ott, Theodore 1146
Owen, Charles J 1605
Owen, John S 1878
t (wen, Joseph L 1592
Owen, Stephen A. D 1596
i >wens, Jerry W 1919
Page, Judge Alfred 1350
Patterson. M. D., Wm. P 746
Paxson. Ely 1016
Peak, M. D., Oscar 1 1062
Pepperdine, George 467
Perkins, Leonard B 858
Perkins, Judge Wm. H 1339
Peterson, Harvey E 953
Phelps, Hon. John S 1175
Phillips, Lorenzo 1039
Pickering, Charles B 1893
Pickering. Clayton R 1801
Pierce, M. D., Charles E 1693
Pigg, Herbert W 1653
Pike, M. D., Columbus J 1212
Pipkin. Lewis F 1853
Pollack, Calvin 1545
Porter, Henry Webb 1654
Potter. M. D.. Ambrose 1474
Potter, James Elmer 1358
Potter, Nicholas 1470
Potter, W. C 1368
Potter, W. H. F — 878
Powell, William P 1311
Preston, L. W 1659
Price. Isaac 1321
Price, Thomas W 1867
Price, W. C 444
Proserpi, Henry 1136
Prugger, August F 1507
Pursselley, M. D., Walter L 1524
Putman, Mansel 1160
Quinn, John 1600
Quinn, James 1600
Race, Edward F 1865
Ragsdale, Howard 1012
Ramsey, James A 1608
Ramsey, Robert L 979
Rathbone, B. F 1163
Rathbone, William H 1468
Rathbun, Col. George S 889
Rauch, Fred William 1022
Raum, Egmont 1493
Raymond. George E 1880
Redfearn, Jesse O 1851
Rebori, Louis L 1680
Reed, Samuel A 1398
Reilly, James W 1211
Renshaw, Moses M 1553
Rhodes, Clarence J 1275
Rhodes, C. I 1256
Rhodes, Eugene J 1107
Rhodes, Jr.. Eugene J 1263
Rhodes. Ira G 1107
Ricketts, Lemuel C 1002
Risser, Omer E 1190
Ritter, Aaron M 1864
Ritter, David M 1832
Robberson. M. D., Edwin T 718
Robberson, Walter B 713
Roberts. John 1046
BIOGRAPHICAL INDEX.
Roberts, Prof. John R 1348
Robertson, Charles L 1232
Robinson, David H 832
Robinson, Henry D 1343
Roper, William Fry 1513
Rosback. John 1772
Rose. John W. 1277
Rose, Reuben R. 1684
Ross, Bennette J 804
Ross. David Edward 1443
Ross, J. B. 926
Ross, LaFayette A. 1248
Ross, M. D.. Leonidas C 1242
Roudebush, Marshall 959
Ruffin, J. B 1114
Rule, Charles W 1577
Rullkoetter, William 1638
Rupprecht, George C 1086
Russell, Columbus B 1678
Ryan, Rev. Father James 625
Salts. Robert A 1823
Sanders, Emiel 1434
Sanford, William B 800
Sanford, Wyatt 801
Sartain, James S 983
Scharff, Max 1180
Schofield, Albert L 1320
Schofield, Thomas 1143
Schreiber. William H 1910
Scott, Andrew J. 868
Self. William R 1773
Shackelford, John H 1236
Sheedy, Mike 1269
Shelton, W. B 916
Shepard, Edward M 728
Shepard, Harriett E 732
Sherman, M. D., David U 1662
Sheridan, Rev. Father J. M 636
Shumaker, George M 754
Sidman, Wesley C 1225
Sidman, Rev. Wm. D 1202
Sisk, John M 1616
Sjoberg, John 1486
Skelley, William W 1312
Small, George W 1217
Smith, David 1282
Smith, Harrison Milton 1416
Smith, Isaac N 1777
Smith, James E 1084
Smith, James M 810
Smith, M. D., John R 1280
Smith, Mitchell C 1383
Smith. M. D., Onas 1390
Smith, Russell G 1391
Smith, William F 1306
Smith, M. D., William M 1234
Smith. William Y 1673
Snider, Otis Everett 1438
Southworth, Marvin H 1724
Spandri, John 1072
Spencer, Edward A 875
Spencer, George W 940
Spencer. James D 888
Squibb, Elmer D 1829
Squibb, James Caleb 15S1
Stafford, Bertha 1758
Stafford, S. R 1757
Stahl, Charles H 1252
Stahl, William F 1251
Staley, Weldon E. : 1543
Stancill, Godfrey C 1266
Starks, Charles L 708
Steinert, John A 1721
Stemmons, F. B 1173
Stephens, John G 1742
Stephens, William M 1906
Steury, Rudolph 1615
Stewart, William R 1446
Stone, M. D., Murray C 727
Stoughton, James A 886
Studley, Joseph 1903
Stutzman, Frank P 1272
Tatlow, W. D 472
Tefft, M. D., J. E 487
Tegarden, Benjamin F 1883
Terry, M. D., Norman F 714
Thompson, Abner D 1458
Thompson, William E 1547
Thurman, George W 1689
Tillman, Joseph A. M 1731
Tillman, Samuel T 1731
Tracy, Isaac T 1869
Trenary, Alvin B 1279
Trevitt, Claudius E 1728
Triece, George 1035
Trogdon. John Parker 1504
Trogdon, William C 1528
Tucker, Edward G 1822
Turk, Joseph Henry 1030
Turner, Granville W 1078
Turner, M. D., William L 1657
Underhill, John F 1730
Underwood, Flavius J 1082
Underwood, John J 1814
BIOGRAPHICAL INDEX.
Van Bibber, Alfred H 1572
Van Bibber, James D 1563
Vaughan, Judge James R 449-1413
Vestal, Charles W 837
Vinton, Madison C 1112
Vogel, Rev. Father William 628
Waddell, James S 1637
Waddill, John S 446
Wadlow, Charles E 1466
Wadlow, Elijah G 775
Wadlow, Elmer G 774
Wadlow, John W 1454
Walker. James T 1392
Walker, Leonard 1400
Walker. Robt. II 1754
Wallis, John A 1870
Walsh, James T 1421
Washburn, Mason C 1579
Watson, Gilbert R 779
Watson, James 928
Watson, M. D., Lorenzo 813
Watson. William R 1792
Watts. Henry T 1181
Watts. James 812
Watts. James W 820
Wear. A. H 462
Wear, Sam M 1930
Weaver, Samuel 768
Weaver, Maj. Wm. M 768
Westmoreland, H. H 1264
Whalen, Jr.. Richard F 1326
Whaley, William W 1261
White, J. A "72
Whitlock, Arthur L 1
Whitlock, Lambert I 1097
Whitlock, Thomas J 1096
Whitlock, Williamson P 861
W ilder. Frederick C 1025
Wiley, George P 807
Wilhoit. Sidney Edwin 1268
Wilkerson, M. D., James M 1462
Williams, Elwood A. 1019
Williams, Frank B. 1200
Williams, John W 750
Williams, M. D., X. C.__, 1243
Williamson, John P 1S55
Willier, Thomas E 1913
Wingo, Irvin W. 1155
Winters, George F 1198
Wilson. Alfred H 914
Wolf, David 1750
Wolf. Martin V 1750
Wood, Albert 1204
Wood, James G 816
Wood, John 816
Woodson, James A 1126
Woodward, Jacob 1836
Woodward. Ransom B 1835
Woodruff, John T 473
Wooldridge, Edward W 1140
W right, Foster P 444
Wright. Marion D 1603
Wrightsman, Timothy J 1003
Wygal, Frank 1201
Yancy, Charles S 444
Yeakley, George 1491
Yeakley, John 1483
Yeakley. Thomas 1482
Young, Henry C 1794
Young, Walter B 1710
Voungblood, James P 747
Youngblood, Theodric B 748
BIOGRAPHICAL— Continued
JONATHAN FAIRBANKS.
The name of Jonathan Fairbanks recalls the history of the public school
system with which he has been identified for forty years and the successful
development of which is due largely to his untiring efforts and capable ad-
ministration as superintendent. A man of enlightened views, he has been
eminently practical while liberal in his consideration of the various proposi-
tions which enter into the scheme of modern education. Mis pupils and
those who have been under his general care as head of the schools are filling
places of honor and trust in all the walks of life in this community and else-
where. Some who have been prepared in these schools for prosecution of
their studies in higher institutions of learning in a manner which has re-
flected credit upon all concerned while the great majority whose period of
tutelage ended with the completion of courses in the common schools have
found themselves well ecjuipped on entering the University of Life to con-
tinue their progress in a maner which has given an insight into its lessons
enabling them to reach attainments in which they are not far behind the
graduates of many colleges.
Early in his career, "Professor" Fairbanks, as the head of the schools
was called in the old days, made his mark as a disciplinarian. And. yet, he
was gentle while firm. Fie insisted on strict observance of the rules and
regulations prescribed for the students but he was so human in his treatment
of dereliction that he won the good will as well as the esteem of all. No
stickler fur the text, he was insistent on a knowledge of the principles of
the subject with the result that the pupils of the schools became imbued with
the love of knowledge for its own sake rather than with the desire for credits,
diploma^ and degrees, the value of which is problematical. This disposition
has been made manifest also to those who have come in contact with him
in his capacitv of county superintendent ami the various associations of
school teachers. Always a student, he will lie found today reading scientific
works embracing the latest discoveries of the world's specialists on all that
relate to the problem of life in its various aspects. This is the habit of a
(61)
962 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
life-time and he has always given freely of what he has received from what-
ever source. In fact, he has regarded himself more as an instrument for
the transmission of knowledge than as the possessor of it. He has been a
fellow student with his pupils and teachers, rather than a preceptor, just
as in his discipline he appealed to the self-esteem and ambition of all to
keep them from delinquency and attain high standards of deportment.
He is public spirited to a degree and has forgotten more about politics
than has ever been learned by some who have attained leadership in differ-
ent parties. He is progressive in his views on this subject, but as on all
others, he has never permitted himself to become dogmatic in his expressions
therein. He is a modest, kindly man whose open friendship for all he
meets has won him favor on every hand. He is a humanitarian, a student, a
teacher, all that is implied in the fullest significance of these words.
The boys and girls of other days in Springfield have in the course of
their lives and in the pursuit of knowledge met various teachers, professors
and eminent specialists but the quiet unpretentious man who directed them
early in the paths of learning holds a place in their memory and claims an
influence 011 their careers, greater perhaps than that of any other with whom
thev have come in contact. The people at large, in view of the visible re-
sults, are prone to believe that Jonathan Fairbanks is entitled to a niche in
the local hall of fame which shall bear testimony fur many years to his
efficiency, general worthiness and the great popular esteem in which he is
held by all classes of people in the city of Springfield, in Greene county,
and wherever he has been known.
'i"he man who has tlm- endeared himself to the people here, comes
-if one of the oldest New England families whose members have displayed
singular talents and virtues wherever their lots have been cast in the great
country to which thev haw assisted in bringing the blessings of civilization
during a period of three hundred years. 1 lardy pioneers, they have liven
noted for patriotism, public spirit, devotion to the ideals of the republic and
persistent application to tasks through which they sought the attainment of
the higher end- of life. \ will kept book of their genealogy brings the
record of then lives in orderly precision and ample detail down to die present
time showing that they have been prominent in each succeeding generation
.if people who in the proper conduct of business and the manifestation ol
care for the general welfare have led in the upbuilding of communities and
the development of the country in various ways. A majority of them ha
Followed the pursuits of agriculture returning thereto often after adventures
in business which have not proven profitable, sustaining reverses with equa-
nimity, and bravelj beginning the reconstruction of their fortunes after the
failures which so often come in the magical changes of American life
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. 963
which none are so well prepared as those who are imbued with the spirit of
the patriot pioneers which has been the making of the Great Republic.
Their work in this country was begun by an immigrant family the head
of which is known in their genealogy as Jonathan Fairebank (Fairbank,
Fairbanks), of Dedham, Massachusetts, a town which he helped to establish
after coming to Boston from England in 1033. He came from Sowerby
in the West Riding of Yorkshire, lie was born prior to 1 1 ,00. The family
had an interesting history in the old country, mementoes of which are found
among the heirlooms of the old Fairbanks home at Dedham, built in 1036,
and now preserved as a memorial after having been continuously occupied
by the builder and his lineal descendants longer than any other homestead
in Xew England. The first Jonathan Fairbanks passed from the scene of
pioneer activities to another life at Dedham in 166S. In the fifth generation
another Jonathan Fairbanks was horn at Holliston, Massachusetts, March
29, 1755. He was a soldier of the Revolution and died after a long and
useful life at Sudbury. Massachusetts, February 28, 1840. One of his sons
was Joseph Bradley Varnum Fairbanks, father of our Jonathan, who engaged
in wool manufacturing at Andover, Massachusetts, and Fort Edwards, New
York. With the assistance of two brothers, he built up an extensive busi-
ness but when they were stocked up with a surplus they were bankrupted
by a change in the tariff in 1833. Joseph Bradley Varnum Fairbanks mar-
ried Miss Margaret Haclden in 1827. She was born in Scotland. February
25, 1803. They had three children. Jonathan, born in Andover, Massa-
chusetts, January 7, 1828; James Dexter, born in Monroe. New York, August
H), 1830; Joseph Bradlev Varnum, Jr., born in Sudbury, Massachusetts,
August 29, 1833. The head of the family never recovered from the shock
of his disastrous failure in business. He died at Monroe, New York.
shortly afterward. May 20, 1833. The youngest child followed soon after-
ward, October 31, 1833. The mother had taken him to Boston, where she
had gone to live, the two elder boys being placed in charge of relatives. The
family had thus been reduced from affluence to poverty and broken up in a
very short time. The widow made her home in Boston for a number of
vears and afterward moved to Worcester. Massachusetts, where she died
October 19, 1865.
Jonathan Fairbanks was just five years old when with his younger
brother, Tames Dexter, he went to live with James Quinn and his wife, an
aunt of the boys. Beginning to learn the hardships of country life at this
tender age. he mastered all the details of the work so thoroughly that his
relatives parted with him reluctantly when the time came for him to leave
the farm at the age of nineteen. He had up to that time received no com-
pensation for his labor except his board and clothes and the privileges of the
district school, taking advantage of the meager advantages thus afforded for
964 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
obtaining an education with such earnestness that there was little left for
him to learn there.
Realizing the necessity of seeking a betterment of his condition he
struck out for himself with resolution. In starting away he passed through
a field in which James Reilly, a nephew of his wife's husband was working.
"Where be y' going 'Jonton,' " said the Irish lad. "To look for a job."
"But y' have no moneys, here's a 'sovroir for you." "
The gift was accepted in proper spirit, for the boys were somewbat of
■comrades. It was the first money Jonathan Fairbanks had ever received
and he took it with the intention of returning it, although he had spent all
the years of his young life in labor on the farm which Reilly was to inherit.
Jonathan went to Boston, where he called on his mother and remained five
days, after which he returned to the neighborhood in which he had been
raised and went to work on the farm of another relative, Nelson Fairbanks,
wild paid him wages at the rate of ten dollars per month.
In the meantime James Dexter had left the Quinn farm after remaining
there a short time and gone to Concord where he grew up, learning the
painter's trade in shops where be was under the tutelage of skilled work-
men and became an expert, afterward making his mark in the business.
lie was wounded while serving a second term a- a veteran volunteer in the
Civil war and died October in, [864. He had married Olive Green, Novem-
ber 2, [855. They bad live children. The widow moved to Worcester,
Massachusetts, where she died June 11. 1886.
Jonathan remained with his cousin. Nelson Fairbanks, a year, working
eight months of the time and attending school four months. He had an
excellent tutor here, w In > in addition t" assisting Jonathan to rapid advance-
ment, induced him to prepare for entrance to the academy at New Ipswich,
an institution famous as a training school for teachers and preparing students
fur college. Hither the two journeyed together the nexl year, master and
pupil, to complete their education in the same excellent school. Jonathan
took widi him fifty dollars, the savings from his first year of work as a wage
earner. lie had received eighty dollars for eight months' work and had
spenty thirty dollars fur clothing, books and other necessities. He was now
twenty years of age. He remained at Xew [pswich two years, working his
way, and at the completion of his course there started oul as a teacher. He
was successful in his firsl application for a position. He spared no pains
when he entered upon his work at Ashby. He taught night school tour
nights in the week for the benefit of ambitious students, specializing in arith-
metic, penmanship and rhetoricals and preparation for a greal exhibition at
the end of the year. The people said that they had never had such a school
and that the young tutor would never teach such another. They took it for
granted that he was working for a reputation, when as a matter of fact his
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. 965
single purpose had been to do all he could for his pupils. But that first
year's work opened the way to great opportunities. The president of the
school board at Wilmington, Delaware, had written to his father-in-law at
Ashbv to send him the name of .some young man whom he could recommend,
some up-to-date teacher who could come down to Wilmington and "wake
'em up." Jonathan Fairbanks was mentioned in complimentary terms and
correspondence led to his employment at Wilmington. He says, speaking
of his experience at that place : "1 spent four years at Wilmington. It was
like a heaven on earth. 1 was told that if I would get married and settle
down m Wilmington the people would build me a house. I formed lifetime
friendships there and have corresponded with one of my pupils of those days
for sixty years."
Put he was persuaded to go west with his old teacher, George G.
barker, and so they went together to Ohio, as they had gone to attend the
academy at New Ipswich. Mr. barker stopped at Dayton but there was no
school for his friend to be found at that place. Never dismayed Jonathan
Fairbanks continued his quest and began seeking; a country school. Finally,
after meeting Mr. Parker again at Piqua. he was informed of an opening
at St. Man's and started over in company with Ardivan Rogers. Passing
through the Ohio woods, a land of leaf and moonshine, he seemed to come
under a mystical influence in which he received an impression of something
unusual about to happen. He was in no desperate straits but repeated fail-
ures to find employment at this time had been discouraging. He arrived
in a canal town, St. Mary's, at 3 :oo A. M. There he was informed that
they wanted an assistant teacher. Without waiting to sleep after his long
ride he called on the members of the board as soon as they were awake, with
the result that be was engaged. Rogers was employed as principal and
instituted an unusual division of the pupils. The bovs of the school who*
worked on the canal part of the time had the name of being a hard lot.
The people said they knew when school was let out, because they could hear
for a distance of two miles the noise made by the boys as they came down
stairs. One teacher after another had failed to restrain the disorder and it
was said that nobody could discipline that school. Now the principal turned
over the boys whom he could not handle, the larger ones in a body to his
assistant, himself taking charge of the older girls while the smaller boys
and girls were left in charge of lady teachers. The first thing Mr. Fair-
banks did was to get well acquainted with his boys and explain to them the
advantages of having order in the school, showing how it would promote
their advancement and the interests of all concerned. The boys fell in with
his ideas and he soon had them coming in and going out in orderly fashion
with their arms crossed behind them. This kept their hands from meddling
with those in front of them. After a couple of days there entered school a
966 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
taciturn stubborn boy and there were knowing smiles when the teacher began
to question Luther Bradley, who it was soon learned had been the leader
in mischief in the school. Luther was cross-eyed and the teacher could not
tell where he was looking, at him or the grinning boys. To the questions,
have you studied this and have you studied that he answered a reticent
"yes, sir" or "no, sir" without any particular respect in voice or manner.
He was told to take his place and after a little was dismissed for recess with
the rest of the boys. When they came back all entered in order with their
arms crossed behind them, all except Luther, who despite instructions, came
swinging his arms. The new teacher stepped up to him quickly. The boy
was stocky and almost as large as the teacher, but the wiry little man grabbed
the delinquent by the coat collar, gave him a jiu jitsu twist and the lad's feet
lieu out from under him. I Ie went up in t lie air and bumped his head hard
<>n the floor as he came down. It was a hard jolt but he was not hurt badly,
but all the rebellion had been knocked out of him. The punishment was
nune severe than the teacher had intended. He merely meant to give the
Imy a good shaking but lost hi- hold on the coat collar with the result
described. After helping Luther to his feet the teacher restored order and
everything moved smoothly during the rest <>i the day.
That evening some one on the street who had heard of the occurrence.
asked one of the reputed tough boys how they were getting along with the
new teacher. "I dunno, he don't punish, he kills 'em."
Mr. Fairbanks never had to "shake" another boy in that school. But
the irrepressible Luther Bradley came in for it just one more time. Passing
along in Mont of the class looking out of the corner of his eye. the teacher
saw Luther drop a paper wad into his pocket. Quick as a Hash he turned
and grabbed Luther and shook him till his teeth chattered and the bones in
his body seemed to he unjointed. Never again did Luther trouble the
teacher, hut on the contrary they became fast friends. At the end of the
year. Mr. Fairbanks was offered fifty dollars a month to teach the school in
the summer time but he had made an engagement to teach at the Piqua high
school, an exclusive private institution. There he had for pupils fifty-seven
fine boys and it was a pleasant and profitable year for all concerned. Then
he returned to St. Mary's as principal of the schools. He remained there
seven years, leaving behind him an enviable reputation when he resigned for
the purpose of engaging in another business. He had acquired an interest
in a new patent steam engine and was to put it on the market. The time
was not propitious however. The Civil war had upset business throughout
the countrv. Mr. Fairbanks then accepted an invitation to return to Piqua,
where he remained teaching during the next five years. At the end of that
time he received all kinds of offers to continue teaching. Almost any position
in the public schools of Ohio was open to him. But he had other ideas.
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. 967
The best that was offered to the school teacher in those days in the way of
remuneration was but meager compensation compared to the rewards of
ability and energy in business. Air. Fairbanks had received a flattering offer
from the West, a place called Springfield, in the heart of the Ozark region
and the principal cit) of southwest Missouri, from J. C. Wilber, who was
close in (.i'l. John M. Richardson, then prominent in the affairs of the city.
The school teacher, who was bent on changing his vocation, arrived in
Springfield, November 10, i860. He found a prosperous town of two thou-
sand in the midst of a region of such great resources that he was satisfied
there would be extraordinary development. There was so much building in
progress that there was an unprecedented demand for lumber and when Fair-
banks and "Wilber opened up in the sawmill and planing business they had
all the orders they could attend to. They increased their facilities and their
business expanded rapidly. Mr. Fairbanks worked early and late. Some
weeks he would leave home Monday morning and eat, sleep and work at
the mill until Saturday night. He and his partner prospered for nine years,
while his family grew up around him, he built a comfortable home and the
prospects of life were fair from every point of view. Then came the hard
times following the panic of 1873, in which men possessed of property amply
sufficient to secure all their obligations under ordinary circumstances were
made bankrupt before they knew it. Mr. Wilber had borrowed fifteen hun-
dred dollars and Mr. Fairbanks had signed a note for the amount and in the
general crash of credits be was called upon to meet the obligation for its
payment. Friends tried in vain to help him. The holder of the note, per-
haps himself pressed by creditors, was inexorable and the money had to be
forthcoming. The real estate owned by Mr. Fairbanks embraced one hundred
and ten acres located in what is now a populous part of the city between
Washington avenue and the National boulevard. Different tracts and
numerous town lots estimated at the time to be worth eight thousand dollars
were sold to satisfy the note for fifteen hundred. John M. Richardson pur-
chased much of the land, which was resold at great advances. Mr. Fair-
banks, acting as agent for Colonel Richardson, afterward sold forty thousand
dollars worth of property. He bought back his old homestead from the
Richardson heirs and still lives there. Following the climax of his mis-
fortunes which came in 1874, Mr. Fairbanks made preparations to leave
Springfield. He was on the point of returning to Ohio, when Hon. John
McGregor, president of the Springfield school board, following a suggestion
made by Hon. L. H. Murray, came to him with a proposition to take charge
of the schools of this city. Mr. Fairbanks accepted, assuming the duties of
superintendent the next year. From that time down to the present, forty
wears, his work in connection with the schools of this city is well known.
968 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
However, it may not be amiss to recall some of the incidents connected
with this part of his extraordinary career.
There had been half a dozen superintendents of education during the
years immediately preceding the beginning of the forty years administration
of Jonathan Fairbanks. The chairman of the school board complained that
the board had been called together nearly every week for a while to consider
cases which should have been disposed of by the superintendent. On com-
ing into office one of the first things which Superintendent Fairbanks noticed
was the absurdity of some of the rules which had caused trouble.
The pupils were forbidden by one of these from entering the school
building after a certain number of minutes during the noon hour when a
number of them who lived at a distance hail no other place to eat their
lunches. This rule was quickly abrogated, the children being left free to
enter the building at the noon hour and special provision was made fur their
comforl 111 other ways. The students of the high school were put on their
honor, the pupils of the lower grades were treated with consideration, the
schools were in a manner reorganized on a basis of reciprocal justice and
kindness. Changes were made in the course of study by which the interests
of practical education were conserved with continuous progress in liberal-
izing and otherwise improving it. Various other changes were made to
meet the demands of the times and the efficiency and popularity of the
schools continued to increase from year to year. The teachers of the Spring-
held schools welcomed the change to an enlightened administration at the
beginning of Superintendent Fairbank's first term and became loyal sup-
porters, lie was re-elected without opposition For another term, and again
and again until his re-election at the end of each consecutive year became a
mere matter of formality. In politics, Mr. Fairbanks has been a Republican
all his life, though liberal-minded, progressive and independent in his views.
In view of this fact, the Greenbackers having made great progress in this
section in 1N7N. and wishing to put out a stmng county ticket, sent a com-
mittee to Mr. Fairbanks soliciting him to allow them to use his name as
their candidate for county school commissioner. As a concession to the
spirit of reform represented by their movements, he gave his consent with
the result that he was elected by a majority of four hundred. Results similar
to those which had followed his assumption of the duties of city superin-
tendent followed throughout the county. The teachers of the country
schools, as those of the city, had so. ,n felt the inspiration of Jonathan Fair-
banks' presence and helpfulness in all their works. So he was re-elected
county commissioner at the end of the term, lie was re-elected continuously
during a period of twenty year- until the office was merged in that of county
superintendent.
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. 969
In the last election he received one thousand seven hundred majority
over three other candidates for county commissioner. In the administration
of that office he did much toward the complete systematization of the county
schools. Among other things, he kept a complete record of the proceedings
of the boards and everything done in connection with the county during the
twenty years of his incumbency. The record was unfortunately lost in a
lire in Superintendent Bradley's office in recent years.
Superintendent Fairbanks never made a practice of punishing boys for
fighting. His plan for dissipating this kind of trouble was to call them up
and make them explain their differences and come to some kind of an under-
standing. Some interesting stories are told in this connection. Other
problems which have vexed less capable minds were disposed of in a similarly
happy manner.
Summarizing his observations on the subject of discipline Superintend-
ent Fairbanks said in a recent conversation : "Teachers should assume as far
as possible that there are no bad pupils. Boys and girls will do the best
they know how. The thing to do is to make clear to them the reasons for
the requirements made of them. They often do wrong when they think
they are doing right. Reason and consideration will go farther in securing
compliance with the wishes of the teacher than anything else. There is
not nearly leniency enough in the world."
The Jonathan Fairbanks of today is as busy as though he had but begun
his life's work at the end of the three-score years and ten allotted to man.
He is still a student teacher and reader, though no longer under necessity
of hearing sixteen recitations a day. the first one at 7 A. M. and often
continuing his ta<ks by lamplight and then getting up at 2 A. M. to go over
the lessons in advance of his classes in preparation for the work of the fol-
lowing day as he used to do at the beginning of his career as superintendent
of the Springfield schools.
Much of the success and happiness of this venerable man's life is at-
tributed to the helpfulness of the excellent woman who became his wife in
youth and journeyed with him far toward the final rewards. Jonathan Fair-
banks and Miss Angie Bowker were married September 3, 1856, in Sudbury,
Massachusetts. She was born there June 13, 1832. She was a daughter
of the Puritans, her parents, Samuel X. and Mary Earl Bowker. being
descended from early settlers of New England, of ScotchAYelsh extraction.
Children of Jonathan Fairbanks and Angie (Bowker) Fairbanks: Grace
Ida, born in St. Mary's, Ohio, June 4, 185;. died October 1. 1858'. Joseph
Maybin. born in St. Mary's, Ohio. March 12. 1859, died May .19, 1865.
Mary Caroline, born in St. Mary's, Ohio, April 7, i860, died February 5,
1862. Alban Bradley, born in St. Mary's, Ohio, June 22, 1862, died in
191 1. Annie, born in Piqua, Ohio, March 20, 1866, died June 21, il
'97° GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
George Bowker, born in Springfield, Missouri, April 16, 1868. John Wilber,
born in Springfield, Missouri. November 13, 1870. James Otis, born in
Springfield, Missouri, October 30. 1873. George Bowker Fairbanks is en-
v.ed in the general merchandise business at Foose, Dallas county, Missouri.
lie married Sarah Davis, July 31, i<;io. Two children have been born to
them. Perry George Fairbanks. September 23, 191 1, who died March 11,
1 913; and an infant daughter, Harriet.
John Wilber Fairbanks married Annie Jugram, June 5, 1902. They
have one child. John Howard Fairbanks, born March to. 1904. James
Otis Fairbanks married Miss Golden Sands, January 13. 1913.
Mrs. Fairbanks died December 29, 1912. She was a consistent mem-
ber of the Baptist church.
JOHN R. BOYD, M. D.
It is not always easy to discover and define the hidden forces that move
a life of ceaseless activity and a large professional success; little more can
be done than to note their manifestation in the career of the individual under
consideration. In view of this fact, the life of the physician and public-
spirited man of affairs whose name appears above affords a striking example
of well defined purpose with the ability to make that purpose subserve not
only ln> own end- but the good of his fellow men as well. Doctor Boyd has
long held distinctive prestige in a calling which requires for its basis sound
mentality and intellectual discipline of a high order. In his chosen field of
endeavor Doctor Boyd has achieved success and his present eminent standing
among the leading medical men of southwest Missouri is duly recognized and
appreciated, not only in Springfield and Greene county, where he has been
engaged in the | ractice for the past score of years, but also throughout this
section of the state.
Dr. John R. Boyd was born in Logan county, Kentucky. December 16,
1854. He is the son of R. G. H. and Isabella ( 1 [erndon I Boyd, both natives
•of Kentucky.
The father was a land owner and ranked among the leading citizens of
his community. His wife's people, the Herndons, were also extensive land
owners in the Blue Grass state. The death of Mrs. Boyd occurred when her
son, John R., was only six weeks old. She was a devout member of the
Baptist church. To R. G. H. Boyd and wife four sons and four daughters
were born. Three sons and one daughter survive. The living daughter
makes her home in Lawton, < Iklahoma. ( >ur subject's surviving brothers are
engaged in farming in Kentucky and Oklahoma.
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. 9/1
Doctor Boyd grew up on the farm and received his early education in
the common schools and in Auburn Academy. He remained in Kentucky
until 1879, when he came to Jackson county, Missouri, where he taught school
and began reading medicine. He spent one year in the Bellevue Medical Hos-
pital College of New York City and completed his medical education in the
University of Louisville, Kentucky, from which institution he graduated with
the class of 1886, later taking a post-graduate course from the Post Graduate
School in Chicago, also a post-graduate course from the Polyclinic Institute
of Chicago. He began the practice of his profession at Butler, Bates county,
Missouri, in 1886, where he remained until 1895, when, seeking a larger
field for the exercise of his talents, he removed to Springfield and has since
been successfully engaged in the general practice of medicine, being success-
ful from the first, and during this period of nearly twenty years has occupied
an envied position among his professional brethren.
In 1901 Doctor Boyd was elected state medical director of the Modern
Woodmen of America, which important office he still holds with much credit
to himself and satisfaction to all concerned. He was one of the promoters of
the Missouri Fidelity and Casualty Company, at the organization of which
he was elected a director, also medical director, and in 19 12 was elected presi-
dent of the company. He is now a director of the Southern Surety Company
of St. Louis, Missouri. Several years ago he was president of the Greene
County Medical Society for one term. He still holds membership in the
Greene County Medical Society, the Southwest Missouri Medical Society,
and the Missouri State Medical Association. Doctor Boyd was one of the
founders of the Springfield Hospital, and has been a director in the same from
the first, and for the first few years was treasurer and is now secretary of
the same.
He maintains a modern suite of rooms in the Holland building, Spring-
field. He has been very successful in a financial way and has been interested
in numerous business enterprises and has been influential in the latter-day
upbuilding of the Queen City. Politically, he has always been a stanch Demo-
crat, and, fraternally, he belongs to the Masonic order, including the Council
and the Royal Arch degrees. He also belongs to the Independent Order of
Odd Fellows and the Modern Woodmen of America, and has always been
actively interested in lodge affairs.
Doctor Boyd was married in 1883 to Nannie M. Montgomery, of Leba-
non, Kentucky, in which state she grew to womanhood and received her edu-
cation. She is a daughter of a farmer and stockman and an excellent old
family. She has been prominent in the best social circles since coming to
Springfield, and is an active member of several clubs.
The union of Doctor Boyd and wife has been blessed by the birth of one
daughter. Lillian Boyd. She is a young lady of exceptional talent and refine-
ment. She was graduated from the Academy of Drury College and after-
ward received the degree of A. B. Cum Lauda from that college.
972 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
Miss Boyd spent a year at the College of Hawaii, Honolulu, Territory
of Hawaii, where she specialized in science, taking the degree of B. S. She
was an enthusiastic member of the college fraternities, Mu Beta and Pi Bi
Phi.
The Doctor is a gentleman whom it is a pleasure to meet, at once im-
pressing you with his polished Southern manners, his directness, frankness
and learning, also his unpretentious simplicity.
J. A. WHITE.
The automobile business is a comparatively new line of human endeavor.
It has not been so very many years ago since the first automobile made its
appearance in Springfield. The business has grown with perhaps greater
strides than any other line in the twentieth century. These autos are not
only to be found in the larger cities, but in almost every city and town in
the Union, and even on the wide plains of the West and in mountainous dis-
tricts. One finds them in many of the rough, poor sections of the Ozarks.
People not only enjoy riding in them, but they realize that they are time
savers and thus in many instances money makers. Those engaged in this
line of business, whether in manufacture, selling or repairing, are making a
success. One of this number is j. A. White, manager of the Western Alotor
Car Company of Springfield.
.Mr. White was born in Springfield, Missouri, August 21, 1879. He
is a son of J. A. and Lou (Proctor) White. The father was a native of
Tennessee and the mother was born in Louisville, Kentucky. They left their
native states when young and came to Springfield, Missouri, where they
were married, ami here J. A. White, Sr., engaged successfully in the con-
tracting and building business. During the Civil war he enlisted at Leaven-
worth, Kansas, in the Twelfth Kansas Cavalry, and made a gallant soldier
for the Union, being promoted for meritorious conduct to second lieutenant.
He went out the first year of the war and remained in the service over three
years, taking part in many engagements and campaigns. Politically, he was
a Democrat and was active in party affairs. He was at one time a member of
the city council of Springfield. His death occurred here in 1884. His widow
is still living in this city. Three children were born to these parents, namely:
J. A., Jr., of this sketch: Mrs. May Costella, and George P.
The subject of this sketch grew to manhood in bis native city, and here
he attended school, receiving, however, only a meager education. He first
engaged in the bicycle business in Portland, Oregon, being naturally of a
mechanical turn of mind, and believing that the Far West held greater op-
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. 973
portunities than his own country. He was. however, later convinced that
this was not the fact, and after spending four years there, during which he
got a start in life, he returned to Springfield on October 8, 1900, and here
he continued the bicycle business until 1905 with much success, and in that
vear he turned his attention to the automobile business, and during the ten
years that he has been engaged in this line he has met with ever-growing and
excellent success. He was first connected with Holland Keet. He is now
manager of the Western Motor Car Company, and is agent for the Chalmers
machine. His place of business is located at 411-13-15 South Jefferson
street, where he has one of the largest and most complete and modernly
equipped repair shops in the Southwest. He is prepared to do promptly and
well all kinds of repairing and has in his employ a number of practical and
highly skilled mechanics. He also maintains here a charging station for elec-
trics. He is doing a large and lucrative business, and he enjoys the good will
and confidence of his hundreds of patrons, who know him for a prompt, hon-
est and obliging man of affairs.
Mr. White was married on June 28. 1904, to Alzora Sedgwick, a native
of Kansas and a daughter of A. C. and Anna ( Palmour) Sedgwick. To
this union one child has been born, Charles S. White, whose birth occurred
August 17. 1910.
Politically. Mr. White is a Republican. Fraternally, he belongs to the
Masonic order, including the Knights Templar and the Ancient Arabic Or-
der of Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. He is prominent in local club life, be-
ing a member of the Springfield Club, the Young Men's Business Club, the
Country Club and the Springfield Gun Club.
JAMES H. O'BRYANT.
There is an habitual tendency in human nature to live in and for that
which is perishing, hence the necessity for something that shall remind us
of what is abiding, something that shall enable us to realize our larger duties
and higher destiny. The life of the masses of the people tends to become
commonplace, and the only way to give color _ and zest and interest and
beauty to the things around us is to be able to view them from the inside
of a rich, splendidly furnished intellectual home. This is possible no matter
in what line of work we are engaged. James H. O'Bryant is one of the
citizens of Springfield who realized these facts long ago. and he has thus
sought to develop his mind along general lines while engaged in his routine
of daily tasks.
Mr. O'Bryant was born in Greene county, Missouri, August 20, 1866.
974 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
He is a son of George W. and Mary C. (Howard) O'Brvant, natives of
Tennessee and North Carolina, respectively, the father's birth occurring in
1823, and the mother's in 1830. They received limited educations in the
old-time subscription schools, and when young they accompanied their par-
ents from their respective communities in the South on the long overland
journey to Greene county, Missouri, both the O'Bryants and Howards being
pioneer settlers here, and here the parents of our subject were married.
George \Y. O'Brvant was a successful farmer and stock raiser and became
owner of three hundred and sixty acres of good land near Republic, and
there his death occurred in 1866. His widow survived about thirty-seven
years, dying in July, 1903, at the old homestead in Brookline township at an
advanced age. Mr. < ('Bryant was a member of the State Militia during the
Civil war and was an active Union man, but served only in one important
engagement — the battle of Springfield, fought on January 8, 1863. His fam-
ily consisted of ten children, namely: Sarah Jane is deceased; Alan- Frances
lives in Polk county; John C. is deceased: Martha A., deceased, was the wife
of Judge Phillips, of this county; William and Delila. twins, both live in Re-
public; Alice A. is deceased; Nancy C. lives in California; George W. lives
near Republic, and James H., of this sketch, who is the youngest of the
family.
James H. O'Brvant grew to manhood on the home farm in Brookline
township ami he received his education in the common schools. He remained
on the home farm, of which he owned one hundred and forty acres, until
1899, when, alter a successful career as general farmer, he sold out, and
in that year was appointed superintendent of the Greene County Farm, serv-
ing four years in a manner thai reflected much credit upon himself and to
the satisfaction of all concerned, doing much the meanwhile to improve the
general condition of the farm and inaugurating an excellent system of man-
agement. In February, [903, be began working as salesman for the J. T.
Carter Vehicle Company. Since then, or for nearly eight years, be has been
engaged in the mail messenger service in Springfield.
Mr. O'Brvant was married May 24, [891, in Republic, to Maggie L. E.
Hood, who was bom in Greene county, Missouri, July 31, [873. She is a
daughter of James D. and .Mary E. (Clack) Hood. Her father was born
111 this county on December 31, [848, and here he attended school, married
and has spent his life. lie is still living on a farm northwest of Republic.
His wile was born in Tennessee, in 1N56. These parents have always lived
on the farm. To Mr. and Mrs. O'Brvant eight children have been born,
namely: Nellie A., born March 21, 1892, is teaching school in the state of
Washington; Earle J., born December 30, [893, lives in Oregon; Leta I-".,
born December 25, 1805. is married and lues in Kansas City; Elias !'>.. born
November 9, 1897, died August 15. 1900; Mary T., born February 15. [902,
( i K E E N E CO U N 1 Y , M I SSO URI. 975
is attending school ; John R., born August 15, 1905, died May 3, 1910; Helen
[... born September 19, 1907; Hazel C. burn September 30. 1911.
Politically, Mr. O'Bryant is a Republican. Fraternally, he belongs to
the Masonic order, including the Chapter and the Order of Eastern Star,,
while Mrs. O'Bryant is a White Shriner and was treasurer, also worthy
matron in the Order of Eastern Star, and is very active in lodge work. Our
subject and wife belong to the Grace Methodist Episcopal church.
GUY !). KIRBY.
As a lawyer ( iuy I >. Kirby, now judge of the Circuit Court of Greene
county, for many years stood at the front of his profession at the Springfield
bar, his career being noted for strength, fidelity and honor in his character.
The relations between him and his clients are ever loyal and genuine. He is-
ever steadfast, sure and true. Among his professional brethren he is noted
fi >r his thorough knowledge of the law, not only of its great underlying prin-
ciples, but also for its niceties and its exacting details, and for his faculty of
clearly presenting to court and jury the law and facts of the case. On the
bench his painstaking, laborious review and study of each case, and his accu-
rate recollection of precedents always keep him in thorough preparation, and
his profound legal erudition and sound judgment prevent him from resting
on any hazardous or uncertain ground. In every sphere he demonstrates the
individual unit and creation of himself. Rectitude, moral force, integrity,
innate love of justice, exalted sense of honor, and unflinching advocacy of
that which is right, are well defined elements of his personal character. Add
to these industry and mental equipment, and we have the key to his success
as a lawyer and as a judge.
Judge Kirby was born in Springfield, Missouri, March 3, 1873. He is
a sun of William M. and Virginia (Parrish) Kirby, the father being burn in
Baltimore, Maryland, in' 1846. and the mother's birth occurred in Springfield,
Missouri, in 1847. William M. Kirby spent his earlier years in the Monu-
ment City and received a good practical education, and when a young man
came to Springfield, Missouri, and ran a drygoods store here for several
years, then held various positions under county officers for a number of
years, and, in 1881, began his long career as traveling salesman, which he
has continued to the present time, being one of the most widely known com-
mercial salesmen in the Southwest. On December 22, 1870, he and Vir-
ginia Parrish were married here. She grew to womanhood and was edu-
cated in her native county, receiving an excellent education. T<> the parents
of our subject four children were born, namely: William C. is deceased: Guy
9/6 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
D., of this sketch; Anne L. and Lellah V. These children were all given
excellent educational advantages in the Springfield schools.
Judge Kirby grew to manhood in his native city and here attended the
ward and high schools, later was a student in Drury College. Leaving
school in 1895, he began the study of law with the late John O'Day as pre-
ceptor, and, having made rapid progress, was admitted to the bar in Decem-
ber, 1896. After that he continued studying law, lint did not begin the
practice of his profession until 1900. He continued active practice in the
local courts for ten years with much success, or until he was elected judge
of the circuit court in 1910, since which time he has discharged the duties
of this important position in a manner that has reflected much credit upon
himself and to the satisfaction of his constituents and all concerned, being
generally regarded as one of the best men ever on this bench.
Judge Kirby has remained unmarried. Politically he is a stanch Demo-
crat and active in local political affairs. He belongs to the Baptist church.
T. Pd.nXDYlLLE HOLLAND.
True biography has a more noble purpose than mere fulsome eulogy.
The historic spirit, faithful to the record; the discerning judgment, unmoved
by prejudice and uncolored by enthusiasm, are as essential in giving the life
of the individual as in writing the history of a people. Indeed, the ingenuous-
ness ol the former picture is even mure vital, because the individual
is the national unit, and if the unit lie justly estimated the complex organism
will ben niie correspondingly intelligible. The world today is what the lead-
ing men of the past generation have made it. and this rule musl ever In 'Id
g 1. From the past comes the legacy of the present. Art. science, states-
manship and government are accumulations. They constitute an inheritance
upon which the present generation have entered, and the advantages se-
cured from so vast a bequeathment depend entirely upon the fidelity with
which is conducted the study of the lives of the principal actors who have
transmitted the legacy. Tin- 1- especially true of those whose influence
has passed beyond the confines of locality and permeated the larger lite of
the stale. h such a careful study are the life, character and service of the
late T. Blondville Holland pre-eminentl) entitled. no1 onl) on the part of
the student of biography, but also of every citizen who. guided by example,
would in the present build wisely for the future. In studying a clean-
cut, sane, distinct character like that of the subject, interpretation follows
fact in a straight line of derivation. There is small use for indirection or
puzzling. Ilis character is the positive expression of a strong nature. As
Y
■
wxm
fSr&SR
ffig
J/ O H 6-U
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. 977
has been said of him, "he was distinctively one of the notable man of his
day and generation, and as such is entitled to a conspicuous place in the
annals of his city, county and state." Mr. Holland was a member of one
of the oldest, best-known and must influential families of Greene county,
Missouri, and in his lifetime had engaged widely in various business pur-
suits, and as head of the great banking company which has long borne his
name, he wielded a potent influence in financial circles of the Southwest.
1 )espite the fact that his father was a wealth}- man, he began early to make
his own way. He traveled by horse long distance in his youth in live stock
deals and by exceptional ability in his efforts became wealthy in his own
right. His name had become a household synonym of conservativeness,
as trustworthy as a gold bond.
Mr. Holland was a sun of Gen. C. B. and Emiline H. (Bigbee) Hol-
land, the latter a daughter of I apt. John S. Bigbee. T. Blondville Holland
was burn in Robertson county. Tennessee, January i, 1836. He immigrated
to Springfield. Missouri, with his parents in the spring of 1841, and here
spent the rest of his life. The family made the tedious journey from across
the Tennessee plains and the rugged range of the Ozark mountains. At
that time Springfield had only a few small log huts, one of which the father
of our subject rented. As no furniture could be bought, the elder Holland
made his own furniture out of walnut rails from a fence nearby which he
purchased from John P. Campbell, who donated the original townsite where
Springfield now stands. With General Holland and family also came John
L. Holland, his brother, who still lives in Springfield at the advanced age
ol ninety-five years. He and the General were among the first merchants
in this city. The two brothers married sisters. Lee Holland, a son of
J. L. Holland, was a double cousin to T. B. Holland.
In the beginning of the Civil war our subject enlisted in the Union
Army under his father. Gen. C. B. Holland, and served with distinction
throughout the war. He was at one time offered and refused an officer's
commission. He took much pride in the military history of his ancestors
and was a member of the Sons of the American Revolution. His father
being a self-made man, he believed in boys assuming responsibilities in earlv
life, and at the age of eighteen years. T. B. Holland started in a small
mercantile business for himself at a point which at that time was in Taney
county, now near the town of Rome, Douglas county, Missouri. Although
the business proved successful, after two years he disposed of same and re-
turned to Springfield, where he later entered into a partnership business with
his father under the firm name of C. B. Holland & Son, which proved suc-
cessful. Both dealt in live stock also, and later added the hanking business.
(62)
97§ GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
The partnership was continued until the death of the father in 1901. During
the early partnership before the war our subject several times drove horses
and mules overland clear through from Springfield to New Orleans. After
the war a general mercantile business was conducted in Springfield by C. B.
Holland & Son which was continued until 1870. In the year 1875 the
banking business was established as a private bank, which was likewise
conducted under the firm name of C. B. Holland & Son and continued
until 1896, when it was incorporated as the Holland Banking Company
and has been conducted under that name ever since. Our subject was
associated with the bank until his death and was president of the same
the latter years of his life. .Mr. Holland was a strong character of sterling
worth whose integrity and honor was his religion, and it was largely these
characteristics injected into the business that won the Holland Banking Com-
pany the high standing in the community which it enjoys today. .Mr. Hol-
land was the first president of the Springfield Clearing House Associa-
tion.
The domestic life of T. B. Holland began in [860 when he was united
in marriage with Matilda Dade, a young lad) of St. Louis and a sister
to the late Dabney C. Dade, of Springfield, and a daughter of Judge John
hade. She died in [875. This union resulted in the birth of five children.
two of whom died in infancy, and two sons, T. 1). and VV. C, died after
reaching manhood. The eldest daughter, Cora 1!.. died in [901. She was
the wife of William I!. Sanford, now president of the Holland Banking
Company. To Mr. and Mrs. Sanford one child was born, Grady II. San-
ford. T. 11. Holland was remarried in 1S77 to Miss I'.. \. Hamilton, who
survives him. with four children, all living and married: they are: Charles,
proprietor of the Holland Stock and Dairy Farm near Springfield: Mrs.
Will Darby, who resides with her mother in Springfield; Mrs. Manney
Simmons, and Mrs. Clifford Jarrett.
In ion Mr. Holland sold a controlling interest of stock of the Holland
Banking Company to William I'.. Sanford.
Mr. Holland was prominently identified with the making of Springfield,
doing as much as am other man for the material upbuilding of the city
in which he always had implicit faith and took so great a delight. He
was a large contributor i<> all public enterprises and charities but avoided
publicity therewith, lie was a member of the first board of trustees of Drury
College and remained a close friend of this institution throughout his life,
especially through Us early struggles until it was well on the road to success.
In the big fire that visited the heart of the business district of Springfield
in the spring of [913, Mr. Holland was the heaviest property loser, he
having accumulated considerable property in this section of the city.
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. 979
After a period of ill health T. Blondville Holland was summoned to
close his earthly career at the Holland home on St. Louis street, Springfield,
on July 30, 1913, in his seventy-eighth year, after a long, useful, successful
and honorable life, fraught with much good to his county, city, himself,
family and the world, and the young man of today might well emulate
his example, not only in a business way but in all walks of life, for his
career presents to the contemplative mind many lessons of value.
ROBERT L. RAMSEY.
In his efforts he. who essays biographical or memorial history, rinds
much of profit and much of alluring fascination when he would follow out.
in even a cursory way, the teachings of an active, rightly lived life, seeking
to find the keynote of each respective personality. These efforts and their
resulting transmission cannot fail of value in an objective way, for in each
case may the lesson of life be conned, line upon line, precept upon precept.
The late Robert L. Ramsey was a man who lived to good purpose and while
laboring for his own good and that of his immediate family, helped others
on the road that leads to the mystic goal ahead
Mr. Ramsey was born in Lewis county, Missouri, in 1836. He was a
son of Silas and Elizabeth (Brown) Ramsey, natives of Kentucky, where
they grew up and were married and from there removed to Missouri, being
among the early settlers of Lewis county, where the family has been well
and favorably known to the present time. Seven children were born to
them, all now deceased but one. namely: John; Martha is the only survivor;
Thomas; Sarah; Lucy; Robert L., of this sketch, and Samuel, the youngest.
Silas Ramsey, the father, was twice married, our subject having been by
Ins first union, lie became one of the leading farmers of Lewis county, and
owned three sections of fine land there.
Robert L. Ramsey grew to manhood in his native county and assisted
his father with the work on the farm, and he received a fairly good educa-
tion in the common schools. He was by nature an excellent mathematician.
He began life for himself as a fanner, but believing that the business world
held greater inducement for him he went to Canton, county-seat of Lewis
county, when a young man, about [869, and there began his mercantile
career, which he continued with ever-increasing success for over twenty
years, enjoying an extensive trade with the town and surrounding country.
He always carried a good stock of merchandise and dealt fairly and cour-
teously with his customers, and thereby retained their confidence and good
will. His health failing, he retired from active life three or four years
980 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
prior to his death, being at that time one of the oldest and best known mer-
chants in Canton.
Mr. Ramsey was married in his native county, February 3, 1859, to
Sarah E. Ray, who was born in Lewis county, Missouri, March 22, 1839.
She is a daughter of Judge M. and Sarah ( Brown) Ray, the former a native
of Tennessee and the mother of Kentucky.
To Mr. and Mrs. Ramsey six children were born, two of whom are
living, namely: M. Beatrice; Mattie L. ; Lula E. ; Roberta; Sarah and Eliza-
beth, twins, are the only survivors; Sarah married Walter \Y. Baxter, who
is mentioned in the sketch of Kirk Baxter on another page of this volume;
Elizabeth married George H. Baxter, who is living a retired life in Spring-
field.
The death of Robert L. Ramsey occurred in Canton. Missouri. Sep-
tember 19, 1900, at the age of sixty-four years. His widow subsequently
removed to Springfield, this state, to live with her two daughters. She
purchased a home on South Eremont street, and there spent the rest of her
days, being called to join her husband in the Silent Land on April 13. [914.
The daughters now occupy the cozy home she left.
Mr. Ramsey was a Democrat, and religiously he was a member of the
Baptist church. Fraternally he belonged to the Masonic Order, and Ins
father-in-law was the first Mason in Lewis comity. Mr. and Mrs. Ramsej
were excellent people, religious, neighborly and charitable and were beloved
l>\ all who knew them.
WILLIAM R. DANIEL.
No matter what line of work one is engaged in he should strive to
become an expert in it, which will not only result in better remuneration,
hut a greater degree of satisfaction and pleasure all around. If one goes at
his worl< in a half-hearted, slip-shod manner very little good will he accom-
plished and little satisfaction gotten out of it. In fact, it is not too much
to say thai poor work should never be done, for it is very often worse than
nothing — detrimental. William R. Daniel, the skilled coach carpenter in the
Frisco's new shops at Springfield, realized these facts when he made up his
mind when a young man to become a carpenter, lie knew tin- world was
full of wood workers in various lines and that to achieve anything really
worth while he would have to become a superior workman. Years ,,f patient
and careful work have made him one.
Mr. Daniel was born on October ;, 1857. in Savannah. Tennessee. He
is a son of Calloway and Caroline (Hutton) Daniel, natives of Tennessee
and Alabama, respectively. They grew Up in the South, attended school
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. 981
and were married in Tennessee, from which state in tS6i they removed to
Illinois, where they lived during the Civil war, and, in 1865, came to New
Madrid county, Missouri, where they spent the rest of their lives on a farm,
dying near the town of New Madrid, the father in 1883, and the mother in
1893. Politically, Calloway Daniel was a Democrat, and he belonged to the
Granger order. His family consisted of ten children, namely: Emily and
Elsie are living; Thomas is deceased; James is living; Patrick is deceased;
William R. of this sketch; Jane, Alice, Benjamin and George are all de-
ceased.
William R. Daniel was four years old when he left his native state of
Illinois and was about nine years old when his parents brought him to New
Madrid county, Missouri, where he grew to manhood on a farm and there
worked during the summer months, attending the district schools in the
winter. He followed farming in that county until 1884, when, on August
12th of that year, he came to Springfield, this state, and engaged in car-
penter work for a few years. On November 23, 1890, he went to work
for the Frisco System at the old North Side shops, in the coach department
as a carpenter, where he remained until 1009, when the new shops were
opened, at which time he was transferred to the latter and promoted to
coach carpenter, which position he still holds, giving eminent satisfaction,
for he is not only exceptionally skillful, hut is a fast and painstaking work-
man, always conscientious in bis work.
Mr. Daniel was married on December 22, 1880, in New .Madrid, Mis-
souri, to Fanny V. Edmondson, who was horn there June 26, 1804, and was
reared and educated at that place. She is a daughter of John and I.avina
S. (Freeman) Edmondson. Her father was born in Louisville, Kentucky,
November 10, 1820, and her mother was born in North Carolina. December
1, 1834. They grew up in the South, were educated and married there,
finallv removing to Springfield. Missouri, where the death of Mr. Edmond-
son occurred on February 3, 1901 ; his wife died in Kansas City, May 8,
1904; they are buried in Springfield. Mr. Edmondson, who devoted his
life principally to agricultural pursuits, was a well-read man. Politically he
was a Democrat. His family consisted of four children, namely: Mrs.
Elizabeth J. Warrington lives in Kansas City, Missouri: Laura is deceased;
Fanny V., wife of Mr. Daniel of this sketch, and William, who is the
youngest.
To our subject and wife two children have been born, namely: Laura
Lavina. was born in 1882, and died when a year old; the second child died
in infancy, unnamed.
Mrs. Daniel is a well educated and accomplished woman, who is prom-
inent in local club life. She is an active and influential member of the
Woman's Christian Temperance Union. She also belongs to the Progressive
982 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
Workers' Club. She was first vice-president of the Children's Home when
it was first organized in Springfield. She is a member of the Pickwick Sew-
ing Club, and is a member of the Young Men's Christian Association
Auxiliary, and belongs to the Second Presbyterian church, of which Mr.
Daniel is also a member and an elder. Fraternally he is a member of the
Masonic Order, the Improved Order of Red Men and the Maccabees. Polit-
ically he is a Democrat.
Mr. Daniel owns a cozy home on YVeller street, Springfield.
WALTER P. EMERSOX.
One of the enterprising and deserving young men of Fair Grove, Greene
county, is Walter P. Emerson, who is filling very acceptably the position of
postmaster and is also conducting a store there. He was formerly a resi-
dent of Springfield and has spent most of his life in this count}-.
Mr. Emerson was born in Jasper county, Missouri, November 14. [880.
He is a son of James Daniel and Sarah Ann Frances (Wheeler) Emerson.
The Father was born in [852, in Greene county, this state, spending his first
years in Franklin township, in fact, with the exception of one year spent
in Jasper county, be spent his entire life in his native county, and made
general fanning his vocation, owning a good farm of one hundred and
twenty acres, all under improvement, in Jackson township, and there his
death occurred in May. 1904. Politically he was a Democrat, and while
active in the affairs of his party was never an office holder. He was a
member of the Methodist Episcopal church. South, at Fair Grove, in which
he took much interest, and in which he was a deacon for years. He was a
member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows at hair Grove. His wife
was a native of Tennessee, and when young in years she came to Greene
count}-, Missouri, with her parents, James T. and Nancy A. (Andrews)
Wheeler. This was during the period of the ('ivil war. The family located
at Hickory Barrens, anil secured one hundred and forty acres of good land
in that vicinity, where Mr. Wheeler carried on general farming. During
the war he was a private in a Missouri regimenl in the Union arm}-, later
being promoted to corporal and was honorably discharged and mustered out
as such. He saw considerable service and had a horse shot from under him
in an engagement. He was in St. Louis at the close of the war. He en-
listed on the road from Tennessee to Missouri and his wife continued on to
Greene count}-, where he joined her after the war and resided the rest of
his life.
Three children were horn to Tames i '. Emerson and wife, namely:
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. 983
Walter P., of this sketch; Airs. Alary Alexander Yancy, and John Reed,
who is one of the country school teachers of this county.
Walter P. Emerson grew up on the home farm and assisted with the
general work there. He was one year old when his parents brought him
from Jasper county to Franklin township. He was educated in the district
schools here, later taking a course in the Springfield Business College, from
which he was graduated in 1902. He lived in Springfield six years, work-
ing as a street car conductor for four years, and as a teamster for two
years. He moved to Fair Grove in March, 1908, where he has since resided.
He has for some time been conducting a small general store, and in the
spring of 1914 took the civil service examination and was appointed post-
master at Fair Grove the following July. He is discharging the duties of
the office in a highly acceptable manner to the department and the people.
Mis store is next door to the office. He is an honest, obliging and courteous
young man, and his appointment to this office was highly pleasing to the
citizens of Fair Grove and vicinity.
Air. Emerson was married October 9, 1901, to Pearlie Blair, a daugh-
ter of Thomas A. and Malinda ( Sharp) Blair. To this union five children
have been born, namely: Audra Preston, James Thomas, Zelma Hazel,
Flma Dazel and Claude Elwyn.
Politically, Air. Emerson is a Democrat. He is a member of the Inde-
pendent Order of Odd Fellows and the Woodmen of the World, both at
Fair Grove, and his wife is a member of the Baptist church.
IA.MES S. SARTAIN.
From the great Prairie state, where lived such renowned men as states-
men, warriors, men of business and authors, comes James S. Sartain, en-
gineer of the Fruit Dispatch Company, of Springfield. He has not tried to
emulate in his life work the eminent men of his native state only in that he
has tried to do something well, not desiring the plaudits of the world in a
public way, and so he has done his allotted work on earth just the same as if
his name was inscribed high on the honor roll of the nation, for all good
work by mankind is viewed as a part of the plan of creation, and we are
taught that "each thing and person in their place is best."
Air. Sartain was born October 18, 1868, in Pike county. Illinois. He
is a son of Charles and Matilda (Ham) Sartain. The father was born in
North Carolina, in 1845, and the mother was born in Pike county, Illinois,
in 1854. These parents received common school educations and were mar-
ried in Pike county, Illinois, whither the father removed from the South
9§4 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
when young. He devoted his active life to general farming and stock rais-
ing. He remained in Illinois until 1880, when he removed to Bates county,
Missouri. During the Civil war he served a full term of enlistment, par-
ticipating in a number of battles, and was captured at Arkansas Post. His
death occurred in Bates county, this state, in 1909. His family consisted of
nine children, seven of whom are still living.
James S. Sartain grew to manhood on the home farm and received his
education in the public schools of Bates county and the high school at Adrian,
that count}-. He lived on the home farm until he was eighteen years old,
then engaged in the threshing business for several years. He also became a
stationary engineer. In 1908 he moved to Springfield from Butler, Bates
county, and here he has since been running an engine, at the present time
being engineer at the plant of the Fruit Dispatch Company. He is regarded
as an expert in his line and likes the work; moreover, he has proven to be a
thoroughly trustworthy employee.
Mr. Sartain was married on November 18, 1889. in Adrian. Missouri,
to Eulalia McCraw, who was born, reared and educated there, the date of her
birth being February 27, 1874. She is a daughter of James and .Margaret
(( alland) McCraw. who were natives of Pennsylvania, but who came West
in early life. The father is still living, but the mother is deceased.
Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Sartain, namely: Grace,
born Februar) 3, 1892, and Fred, born May 2, 18.14.
Politically, Mr. Sartain is a Democrat, and fraternally he belongs to the
Knights of Pythias.
RICHARD HENRY II \XS<)\. M. D.
It was the great Thoreau who said thai men would be better if they had
sufficient vision to look below the surface of things. This vision is not
vouchsafed to many, but one of the favored in this respect is Dr. Richard
Henry Hanson, a well known homeopathic physician of Springfield, whose
long and useful career has been an interesting and varied one and of much
good to humanity. We find that he was a gallant soldier in the defense of
the Union, a worthy minister in the Methodist church for many years, an
effective worker for the cause of temperance, a potent influence in the state
legislature where lie served two terms, and enterprising merchant and for
more than three decades ;i successful man of medicine, both a pharmacist
and physician, and withal a true gentleman who deserves the high respect in
w Inch he is universallly held.
Doctor Hanson was born in Tent. Clinton county. New York, June r.
tvyyi ,
m
(PlA^d
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. 985
1842. He is a son of Cyrus and Luanda (Hill) Hanson, natives of New
England, the father born near Dover, New Hampshire, and when a boy he
ran away from home and went to Vermont and later removed to near Peru,
Xew York, where lie followed farming the rest of his life. The mother of
our subject was reared in Vermont and her death occurred in Minnesota.
Dr. Richard 11. Hanson grew to manhood on the home farm in Xew
York state and there he received a common school education, later attending
Malone Academy, at Malone, X. Y. He remained on the farm until he was
twenty years of age, then studied chemistry and photography, the daguerreo-
type method. When the Civil war came on be enlisted in Company L, Sixth
New York Heavy Artillery, and saw considerable bard service. He was
among the troops which was detailed to guard the wagon trains of the Federal
army during the battle of Cedar Creek, but the company he was a member
of was annihilated. However, be effected his escape, was taken sick and
spent the latter part of the war in a hospital in Philadelphia. After he was
honorably discharged from the army he returned to bis home in Xew York
state and soon thereafter bought a country store, which he conducted a few
years, then came to Springfield. Missouri, in the early seventies. Later taking
up the ministry of the Methodist Episcopal church, he joined the St. Louis
conference and spent thirteen years in the ministry, during which time he
was regarded as one of the most earnest, faithful and able members of the
conference and a leader in this denomination in southern .Missouri. He was
for a time connected with the school of this denomination at Marionville,
and among his charges were Ash Grove, Marshfield, Windsor. Sedalia,
Bloomfield. Iberia, Dixon and Hartville. In all these places he did a most
commendable work and greatly strengthened the church in each. During the
latter part of his ministry he studied medicine and finally abandoned the
pulpit, much to the regret of those who had occasion to know of his splendid
work in the gospel, and took up the practice of homeopathy, which he has
continued with pronounced success for the past thirty years, and is one of
the best-known men in this branch of medical science in the Southwest. He
was duly licensed as a homeopath and was also given a pharmacy license,
having made himself familiar with that profession also. While living in
Wright county he served as coroner for a period of eight years in an emi-
nently successful manner. He led the campaign for local option in Wright
county, which won by a majority vote of over twelve hundred, the credit
for this victory being due very largely to him. On the strength of his labors
in this line he was elected representative from Wright county to the state
legislature on the Republican ticket, and his record there was so highly sat-
isfactory and commendable that he was elected for a second term by a much
larger majority than previously. He was an ardent supporter in locating
the State Normal School at Springfield, also was chairman of the emigration
986 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
committee, which appropriated $io.cco toward bringing emigration to Mis-
souri. In fact, for many years Dr. Hanson has been a power in the Repub-
lican party in southern Missouri.
Dr. Hanson located in Springfield in November, 1912. He is a member
of the Grand Army of the Republic, of which he is past chaplain.
Dr. Hanson owns and runs a sanitarium on North Main street, which
is a spacious, fine building, with a fine, well-kept yard and grove. Dr. Han-
son also has a fine 500-acre farm in Wright county, Missouri, which is also
very valuable mineral land.
Dr. Hanson was a teaher in Aurora, Missouri, and taught on ground
that has since proven to be rich mineral land.
The doctor was married in Bolivar, Polk county, Missouri, in 1878. to
Zillah F. Holt, a daughter of John L. and Joanna Holt. Her father was a
spy for the Union army during the Civil war. He devoted his life to cabinet
making, and was surveyor of Lawrence county for a number of years. Five
children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Hanson, Viola, widow of Edward
McXealy ; Perry L. lives at Hartville, Missouri; Golden lives at home, now
Mrs. William Curry; (ialen lives in Springfield and Daisy lives at home.
ROBERT A. MOORE.
Eminent business talent is composed of a combination of high mental
and moral attributes. It is not simply energy and industry; there must be
sound judgment, breadth of capacity, rapidity of thought, justice and firm-
ness, the foresight to perceive the drifting tides of business and the will and
ability to control them, and, withal, a collection of minor but important quali-
ties to regulate the details of the pursuits which engage attention. Robert
A. Moore, superintendent and manager of the Moore Manufacturing Com-
pany, of Springfield, affords an exemplification of this talent, if not in its
highest development, yet an extraordinary character, and notwithstanding the
somewhat limited theater of his operations he has achieved a reputation
which places him in the front rank of ( ireene county's progressive successful
men of affairs.
Mr. Moore was born in Wayne county, Xew York, May 11, 1846. Ik-
is a son of Robert X. and Sarah ( Pollok ) Moore. The father was burn in
Duchess county, Xew York, in 1818. received a good education in his native-
state and there married and engaged in farming, later becoming a capitalist
and was a promoter in agricultural lines in the Smith until the war. Ili>
death occurred at Burlington, Iowa, in 1870. llis wife was a native of
Wayne county, Xew York, and the date of her birth was 1823. She grew
GREEXE COUNTY, MISSOURI. 98/
to womanhood in her native locality and received an excellent education, in-
cluding a course in the Elmira Seminary, from which institution she was
graduated. She was a woman of culture and many praiseworthy attributes.
Her death occurred in Richmond, Virginia, in 1858, when still a young-
woman. To Robert N. Moore and wife four children were born, namely:
James Z., Robert A., Frank P. and Mary.
Robert A. Moore received a limited education in the public schools of
his native state, but this early deficiency has more than heen made up by
wide home reading and contact with the world in later years. He found it
necessary to leave school when he was sixteen years old, and, taking Horace
Greeley's advice, went West to seek his fortune. He located in Burlington,
Iowa, in 1863, and there began railroading with the bridge and civil engineer-
ing department of the Chicago. Burlington & Quincy Railroad Company, with
which department he remained for five or six years, then took up contracting,
which he followed until the death of his father in 1876. He remained in
Burlington working as a millwright and superintendent until 1886, when he
came to Springfield, Missouri, where he continued to work as millwright.
In [892 he opened a manufacturing business at 600 East Phelps avenue, be-
ginning the manufacture of school and church furniture. The business was
a success from the first and it was incorporated in 1893. He has continued
in this line of endeavor to the present time with ever increasing success, and
the Moore Manufacturing Company is now widely known throughout the
Southwest and has a capita! stock of twenty-five thousand dollars. Its prod-
ucts find a very ready market owing to their high-grade workmanship, finish
and quality, seating, fine cabinet work and machinery being specialties; also
school and church furniture, office fittings, tahles, desks, law cases, opera
chairs, assembly chairs, hall seatings, railroad seatings, lawn seatings, etc.
In connection with the wood work the company handles machinery for vari-
ous kinds of wood work manufacturing and a large trade is also enjoyed in
this department. The plant is a large, well equipped and substantial one,
modern in its various appointments, and a large number of skilled mechanics
and artisans are constantly employed. Only the best grade of material is
used and only the highest grade of workmanship is permitted to go out of
the factory. The officers of the company are: Flora L. Moore (wife of our
subject), president: Robert A. Moore, superintendent and manager; H. A.
Hutchins, secretary; Charles I. Moore and Frank P. Moore, directors.
Robert A. Moore was married twice, first in 1871, to Christiana Morgan,
whose death occurred in 1879. To this union three children were born, name-
lv: Charles I., born in 1872, lives on a farm in Laclede county. Missouri;
Frank P.. horn in 1877, is in business with his father; Julia L., born in 1879,
died in May, 1900. In October, 1888, Mr. Moore was united in marriage to
Flora L. Hutchins, in Springfield. Missouri. She was born in Greene county,
988 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
this state, March 5, 1868, and was reared and educated here. She is a daugh-
ter of Thomas A. and Eliza A. ( Bowker) Hutchins, both natives of Massa-
chusetts, the father born in June, 1824, and died in Arizona in February,
1893; the death of the mother occurred in Springfield, Missouri. July 11,
1901. Eight children were born to Thomas A. Hutchins and wife, namely:
Howard B. is deceased; Mary E., Edward W., Angeline, Harriet. Flora L.,
Clara E. and Francis S.
Four children were born to Mr. Moore's second marriage, namely : Fred
N., born in 1889, lives in Oklahoma and is in the employ of the Frisco Lines;
Ester I., born in 1892, is principal of the high school at Miller. Missouri;
Ruth \Y., born in 1895, is attending Drury College, and Katherine >.. born in
1 901, is also attending school.
Politically, Mr. Moore is a Democrat, and he and his family are mem-
bers of Calvary Presbyterian church.
THEODORE BANISTER.
From the "banks of the Wabash far away" hails Theodore Bani>ter.
and no doubt, in the language of Paul Dresser's famous sung, "oft his mind
reverts to the happy scenes of childhood" in that fair country where " 'round
his Indina homestead wave the cornfields" with "scent of new-mown hay"
and sycamore bottoms and all that; for it is indeed a desirable country, and,,
of course, seems better to those whose youth was spent there. It is not only
a picturesque country, but it has produced some of our best American
citizens, men of industry, courage and honesty, so that they have been wel-
comed into whatever communities they have cast their lots. Not many of
them have settled in Greene county, but Mr. Banister has found it to his
advantage to do so.
Our subject was burn in Wabash county. Indiana. February 28, 1 S40
He is a son of Nathaniel and Emiline (Dale) Banister. The father was
born December 13, 1818, in Nicholas £Ounty, Kentucky, in which state he
spent his earlier years, finally emigrating to Indiana in an early day and
locating in Wabash county. They were married in Fayette county, Indiana.
February 9, 1841, and there began life in typical pioneer fashion, he enter-
ing eighty acres of land from the government, which he cleared and de-
veloped into a farm, making general fanning his life work. He lived On
one farm for a period of forty-six years, and was a well-known man in his
locality. His farm in Wabash county consisted of one hundred and sixty
acres of excellent land. There his death occurred many years ago, but his
widow survives, having attained at this writing the unusual age of ninety-
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. 989
four years, still making her home in the Hoosier state. Politically, Nathaniel
Banister was a Democrat, and he was at one time trustee of his township.
His family consisted of ten children, seven of whom are still living, namely:
Merritt. who has remained in Wabash county, Indiana: Theodore, of this
sketch; Louis. Alfred, Horace, San ford and Alice, all live in Indiana; the
other three children died in early life.
Mr. Banister, of this review, grew up on the home farm, where he
worked when a boy, and he received Ins education in the public schools of
his vicinity, the first school he attended being in a log cabin. He followed
farming until he was twenty-one years old, then began learning the car-
penter's trade, for which he had unusual natural talent. He remained in
his native state until in [880, when he came to Springfield, Missouri. He
has continued in carpenter work all the while and is a fast and high-grade
workman, and his services are in good demand at the highest wages.
Mr. Banister was married on November 7, 1884, in Springfield, to
Laura Loveless, who was born in the central part of Ohio, May 1, 1863,
and there she grew to womanhood and was educated near Bellefontaine,
removing to Springfield, this state, when young, and finishing her educa-
tion here. Her parents, George and Sarah ( Outland ) Loveless, spent most
of their lives on the farm. The father was born September 7. [823, and
died here July 16, 1892. The mother was born June 30, 1823, and died
in Springfield July 18, 1886.
To Mr. and Mrs. Banister three children have been born, namely:
George E., born July 3, 1886, is a traveling salesman and resides in Spring-
field ; Ralph, born December id, 18XS, who is employed in Snyder's cloth-
ing store in this city; Theodore, Jr., born October 21, [896, works in
Holland's blank, this city.
Politically. Mr. Banister is a Democrat. He is a member of the South
Street Christian church, in which he is a deacon, and be has long been
active in church work. He has a cozy home on East Elm street.
KIRK BAXTER.
The late Kirk Baxter will long be remembered by the people of Spring-
field as a minister in the Christian church, and as a teacher, a man who was
imbued with the deepest and most helpful altruistic spirit, and he gave his
best years to the furthering of the movements calculated to uplift and make
the world better. Pure, constant and noble was the spiritual flame that
burned in and illumined the mortal tenement of the subject of this memoir,
and to the superficial observer can come but small appreciation of bis in-
990 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
trinsic spirituality, his faith having been fortified by the deepest study, and
the Christian verities were with him the matters of most concern among the
changes and chances of this mortal life. No man with his intellectual vigor
and the love of truth which marked him could live long without inevitably
being brought to investigate the great moral laws governing life, in fact,
he was a strong man in every respect and was successful in all he under-
took.
Mr. Baxter was born in New York City, in the year 1836. His parents
were natives of England, where they grew up and were married, finally
emigrating to America, and both died in New York City, when their son,
Kirk, who was the youngest o\ three children, was small, his two brothers
being William and George Baxter. They are all now deceased.
Kirk Baxter received his education in his native city, through the assist-
ance of his oldest brother, William Baxter, but while still a boy, the three
brothers went to the Southland, locating in Louisiana, where our subject
continued his education in a college, and there entered the ministry of the
Gospel, and for many years preached at various places in the South. He-
went to Mississippi after leaving Louisiana, and later located in Arkansas,
where he remained a short time, and, in 1868, moved with his family to
Springfield, Missouri, and became minister of the local Christian church,
holding this charge for many years, during which he was one of the most
popular ministers in this city. He also taught school, private classes, here
for some time, and as both preacher and educator his work was high-grade.
He was a man of learning, of advanced ideas, was well versed in the Bible
and was a forceful and entertaining speaker.
Mr. Baxter was married in Louisiana to Emma F. lackson, a native
of that state, and a daughter of Jarrett E. Jackson and wife, and she grew
to womanhood and was educated in her native locality, and she proved to
he an excellent helpmate to her gifted husband. They became the parents
of eight children, namely: Charles W.. who died January 30, 1014: Mary
lives in the state of Washington; Lena lives in Oklahoma: William II. died
in 1879; Rosa lives in the state of Washington; George H.. horn February
5, 1867, received his education in the Springfield schools and the old Ash
Grove College, and on December 2j, 1898. he married Elizabeth Ramsey;
he lives in Springfield, travels for a large St. Louis shoe house, and fra-
ternally he belongs to the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and the
Royal Arcanum. Curt, the seventh child in order of birth, is living in Mon-
tana; Walter W., the youngest of the family, was born February 3, 1872, in
Springfield, and here grew to manhood and was educated; on December 28,
1899, he married Sarah Ramsey, which union was without issue; he was for
some time general manager of the Springfield orifice of R. G Dunn & Co.;
his death occurred in January, 1901.
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
991
Politically Kirk Baxter was a Democrat. For a period of twenty-five
years he was prominent in the upbuilding of Springfield, especially along
civic and moral lines, and during that period few men did more for the edu-
cational development of Greene county. He started the first Girls' Sem-
inary in Springfield, and was the founder of the Ash Grove College. He
was a man of whom it may be said, "truly his works do follow him." He
was summoned to his eternal rest in 1 89 s -
HARRY CLYDE HOLDEN.
One of the young men of Springfield who has found it to his advantage
to remain in his native city rather than seek opportunities in other places is
Harry Clyde Holden, foreman of the mill shop at the new Frisco shops in
this city, where, by persistency and prompt and faithful service, he has
climbed up from the bottom round of the ladder.
Mr. Holden was born in Springfield, .Missouri, March 23, 1871. He is a
son of George and Elizabeth (O'Bannon) Holden. His mother was born in
Charlestown, West Virginia, in 1841. and her death occurred in Springfield,
Missouri, in 1893. George Holden. the father, was born in England, near
London, the world's greatest city, in 1839, and his death occurred in Spring-
held, Missouri, April 12, 1908. He spent his early life in his native land and
there received his education, emigrating to the United States when a young
man and locating in Charlestown, West Virginia, where lie was married. He
remained in the East until the close of the Civil war. when, in the year 1865,
he moved to this city, after spending some time in Union City, Missouri. He
participated in this war by serving in the Union army, taking part in many
important battles, proving to lie an excellent soldier in everv respect. He
learned the carpenter's trade when a young man, and this he followed the rest
of his active life, being a very skilled workman. Politically, he was a Repub-
lican. I lis family consisted of six children, all of whom are still living, name-
ly: Florence, Emily, George, Hannah, Harry C. and Dwight.
Harrv C. Holden grew to manhood in his native city and received his
education in the local public schools. When a boy he went to work in the
box car department of the Frisco shops, being only sixteen years of age at
that time. After working in that department for some time he wrent to the
pattern shops in the old North Side shops of this road, where he remained
until 18Q2, when he went to St. Louis, where he secured employment in the
St. Louis Car and Wheel Company's works, in the pattern department. Re-
turning to Springfield in 1893, he resumed work in the pattern department at
the old shops, where he remained about a year, then went to Cincinnati, Ohio.
992 GREENE COUXTY, MISSOURI.
remaining in that city until 1909. when he returned to Springfield, at the
opening of the new Frisco shops, where he has since been employed as mill
and cabinet foreman, the duties of which important position he is discharg-
ing in an eminently satisfactory manner, having a large number of men un-
der him, whom he directs in such a manner as to get the best possible results
and at the same time retain their good will. Me understands most thorough-
ly every phase of the work in his department.
Mr. Holden was married July 2. 1901, to Anna Moeller, in Dayton, Ohio.
She was born in Cincinnati, that state, and is a daughter of August and Louisa
( Bradermyer) Moeller.
To our subject and wife one child has been born, Harry William Hol-
den, whose birth occurred March 19, 1905.
Politically, Mr. Holden is a Republican. Fraternally, he belongs to the
Masonic blue lodge and the Junior Order of American Mechanics. He is a
member of the Baptist church.
JOHN MAXWELL COWAN.
There is nothing in the world more beautiful than the spectacle ><i a life
that has reached its late autumn with a harvest of good and useful deeds.
It is like the forest in October days when the leaves have borrowed the richest
colors of the light and glow in the mellowed sheen of the Indian summer,
reflecting in their closing days all the radiance of their earthly existence.
The man who has lived a clean, useful and self-denying life and has brought
into potential exercise the best energies of his mind that he might make the
world brighter and better for his being a part of it. while laboring for his
individual advancement, cannot fail to enjoy a serenity of soul that reveals
itself in his manner and conversation. When such a life is preserved in its
strength and integrity so that even in age its influence continues unabated.
it challenges the added admiration of those whose g 1 fortune it is to be
brought 111 contact with it. Such a life has been that of John Maxwell
Cowan, who has played no inconspicuous part in the affairs of Springfield
and Greene county since he cast his lot in our midst over a quarter of a cen-
tury ago. and now in the ninety-third year of a life that has been noted for
its sterling honesty, industry and devotion to family, church and his country,
he can look backward with no compunction of conscience for misdeeds and
forward to the mystic Beyond with no fear. Such a life merits a record of
its deeds, that the debt due it may be acknowledged, and that it may serve
as a stimulus to others to endeavor to emulate it. But his record is too
familiar to the people of the locality of which this history treats to require
MRS. .inllX M. COWAN.
JUDGE JOHN M. COWAN.
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. 993
any fulsome encomium here, his life-work speaking for itself in stronger
terms than the biographer could employ in polished periods. There is no
doubt but that his long life has heen due to his conservative habits, whole-
some living and pure thinking. He is hospitable and charitable, his many
acts of kindness springing from his altruistic nature rather than from a desire
tn win the praise of his fellow men.
Air. Cowan springs from a sterling old family on both sides of the
house, which may be traced back to the old Colonial days in American his-
tory, ile was born December 6, [821. He enjoys two distinctions worthy
of note, one is that he was the first white child born at Indianapolis, Indiana,
and he is the oldest living graduate of Wabash College, one of the oldest and
most important schools id" the Hoosier state. He is the only child of John
and Anna I Maxwell) Cowan, and he is of pure Scotch ancestry and inherits
the sturdy qualities of his forefathers who were all frontiersmen of Vir-
ginia, in Colonial and Revolutionary time--, who helped blaze the trails into
Kentucky and Tennessee. John Cowan was born in Rockbridge county,
Virginia, in 171 >N, and at an early age went to Tennessee, locating at Knox-
ville, where many of his family still live. !;nnn there he went to Charles-
town, Indiana, and joined the army under Gen. William Henry Harrison,
remaining in the service during the entire campaign against the Indians in
tSii, taking part in the famous battle of Tippecanoe, November 9, 1811.
He was a mounted ranger dining the war of r8l2. He was a son of Samuel
and Ann 1 Walker ) Cowan, both natives of Virginia. Samuel Cowan was
killed by the Indians while working in the harvest field, and his wife was
taken prisoner the same day and held a captive many years, was finally ran-
somed and returned to her home in Virginia. John Cowan married first,
Margaret Weir, in Virginia, [769, and his second wife was Anna Maxwell,
who was born in Albemarle county, Virginia, in 1781. They were married
in Jefferson county. Indiana, December 30, 1819, and she died in Indiana, in
1854, and he died in 1832 in Indiana. Anna Maxwell was a daughter of
Bezaleel and Margaret (Anderson) Maxwell, the former born in Albemarle
count}'. Virginia, in 1751. the latter born in Virginia in 1755; the)' were
married in 1775: his death occurred in iN_>4. and she died in 1834. Bezaleel
Maxwell was a son of John and Fannie (Garner) Maxwell, and Margaret
Anderson was a daughter of John and Ann (Irwin) Anderson, the former
born in Virginia in 17.23 and died in Kentucky in 1796. Ann Irwin was a
daughter of Matliew and Elizabeth Irwin; the father died in .Augusta county,
Virginia, in 17(12. John Maxwell, who was a son of Bezaleel and Rebecca
( Boyd) Maxwell, became a captain in the Revolutionary war, and both he
and his son fought at the great Indian battle of Point Pleasant. John Ander-
son, mentioned above, was also a soldier in the war for independence and
•63)
994 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
these three men all fought in the battle of King's Mountain and other en-
gagements.
John M. Cowan, of this sketch, grew to manhood in Montgomery county,
Indiana, where his parents removed soon after his birth, locating near Craw-
fordsville, where he received his early education in the common schools,
later attending Wabash College there, from which institution he was gradu-
ated with the class of 1842 with the degree of Bachelor of Arts, the degree
of Master of Arts being conferred on him later by that college. As before
stated he has been the oldest living graduate from that school for many years,
it having been seventy-two years, more than the Psalmist's allotted life for
a man, since our subject received his degree there. Deciding upon a legal
career he then entered the law department of the University of Indiana, from
which he was also graduated in 1845. Immediately thereafter he began
practicing law at Frankfort, Clinton county. Indiana, and became one of the
leading lawyers in western Indiana, enjoying an extensive and lucrative
practice. He was judge of the eighth judicial circuit in Indiana for a period
of twelve vears, the duties of which responsible position he discharged in
a manner that reflected much credit upon himself and to the eminent satis-
faction of all concerned, his long retention being sufficient criterion of his
efficiency and popularity. His decisions were noted for their profound
knowledge of the basic principles of jurisprudence and for an unbiased fair-
ness to all parties concerned, and they seldom met reversal at the hands of
higher tribunals. lie held this office from [858 until 1S70. Retiring from
the bench he resumed the practice of law. entering into partnership with
Thomas M. Patterson, who eventually became a United States senator from
the state of Colorado. Subsequently our subject formed a partnership with
lion. M. I). White and his second sun. James 1'. K. Cowan. He carried
on his practice with greater success and popularity than ever until 1881,
when he retired from the profession owing very largely to his wife's failing
health, and he and his wife removed to Springfield, Missouri, in search of a
better climate. Col. W. D. Crothers, an old-time friend, having settled in
the Ozarks, which country he pronounced decidedly healthful, was instru-
mental in bringing the Judge here. Soon thereafter, our subject purchased
the old Murray farm, two miles south of Springfield, one of the finest and
must desirable farms in dreene count}, and he became one of our largest
agriculturists and stock men. In (889, Judge Cowan built an attractive city
home on South Jefferson street, and he purchased The Springfield Repub-
lican, which his two sons. James and William, edited and managed suc-
cessfully for some time. The Judge was a pioneer in the development of
Walnut street as a business center, which has rapidly gained on the other
business centers during the past few years until it bids fair to soon surpass
all competitors.
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.' 995
Judge Cowan was married at Stockwell, Indiana, November 13, 1845, t0
Harriet Doubleday Janney, who was born July 29, 1826, and was a daughter
of Abel and Margaret (Porter) Janney. She was a descendant of a Quaker
family of that name in Virginia, and her maternal ancestors were from the
Porter family of Lancaster county. Pennsylvania and the Judahs of Switzer-
land. Mrs. Cowan was a woman of strong intellect and many estimable
characteristics. She was called to her eternal rest. June 28, 1905.
To Judge Cowan and wife the following children were born: Edward
Howard Cowan, born December 21, [846, was graduated from Wabash
College. Crawfordsville, Indiana, with the degree of Bachelor of Arts, later
received the degree of Doctor of Medicine from Miami Medical College; he
married, November [3, 1877. Lucy L. Avars: they live at Crawfordsville,
where he is a successful physician, and they have had two children, John
Avars Cowan, horn August 11, 1880. died September 27, 189] ; Elizabeth L.
Cowan, born June jr. 1884, is a teacher of domestic science in the high
school at Crawfordsville. Indiana. James Porter Ellis Cowan, second son
of the Judge, was born October 20, 1848; he received the degrees of Bachelor
of Arts and Master of Arts from Wabash College (was the first grandchild
of that institution); he is a special pension examiner in Washington, I). C.
lie married, first, Louana Burnett, January 30. 1N73, and to this union was
born Harriet Janney Cowan, November 12, 1873. She married Lewis T.
Gilliland, November T3, iqoo; they live in Portland, Oregon, and have one
child, Maxwell Porter Gilliland, horn August [5, 1901. James P. E. Cowan's
second marriage was on December 31, 1883, to Lalula R. Bennett, and to
this union three children were born, Janet L. Cowan, horn July 7, 1885;
Mary Bennett Cowan, horn July 20, [888; \nna J. Cowan, horn August 18,
1891 : they all three live at Marietta, Ohio. Laura Anna Cowan, third child
of Judge Cowan and wife, was born March 14, 1851, was educated at Glen-
dale Female College in Ohio, lives in Springfield, Missouri, is a member of
the Daughters of the American Revolution and Daughters of the War of
1812: she married on February 16, 1876, Allen Trimble Blaine, who was
born November 13. 1846, and died April 26, 1880. He was a soldier in the
Seventy-fourth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, later veteranized and was a
member of the Twenty-second Indiana Volunteer Infantry; to Mr. and Mrs.
Blaine was born Mary Maxwell Blaine, October 3, 1877; she was graduated
from Drury College with the degree of Bachelor of Science in 1898, and
Master of Arts from the University of Pennsylvania in 1900. She lives in
New York City: was married February 14, 1906, to Rudyard S. Uzzell,
who is an A. B. and a member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity from
the University of Denver; to Mr. and Mrs. Rudyard LTzzell two children
have been born, William Cowan LTzzell, born January 14, 1910; and Rud-
yard S. Uzzell, Jr., born June 26. 1912. John William Cowan, the youngest
996 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
child of the Judge and wife, was horn October 6. 1853, is unmarried and lives
in Springfield, Missouri.
Judge Cowan was formerly a strong Whig and later just as strong a
Republican. He has been a life-long Presbyterian. He is a member of
the Society of Colonial Wars, and is a member of the Sons of the American
Revolution. -Although past his four score years he is hale and hearty and
as active as many men at fifty. He is a grand character and is beloved by
all who know him.
ROWAN E. M. MACK.
Another of the successful business men of Springfield who is a native of
Greene county, where he has been content to spend his life, is Rowan E. M.
Mack, well known groceryman. Much of his active life has been spent in
agricultural pursuits, alternated with the grocery business, and in each he
has made a pronounced success, owing to his willingness to closely apply him-
self to his affairs, lead an honest life and depend upon himself rather than
waiting for others to assist him or for fate, to provide for him.
Mr. Mack was born in this county. May 11, 1865. He is a son of Wil-
liam L. ami \rmenta (Dew) Mack. The father was born in Tennessee in
[832, and the mother's birth occurred in that state in 1836. They were
brought to Greene count}-. Missouri, by their parents in the early forties and
here they grew up. attended school and were married. William L. Mack
was by nature a fine penman and was a well read man for his day and gen-
eration and was influential in his community. His earlier life was devoted
to farming and stock raising, but he quit the farm upon being appointed dep-
uty sheriff under Jack Potter, and removed lii- family to Springfield. Later
he served as deputy under Probate Judge W. A. Lincoln for a period of eight
years. He gave entire satisfaction in both these positions. He was always
a strong Republican in his political affiliations, Ill- family consisted of six
children, four of whom are living at this writing, namely: Maude E. is de-
ceased; lona i- deceased; Rowan E. M., of this sketch: Caddy S., IMward
W. and Lilly.
Rowan E. M. Mack is an excellent example of a -elf-made man. He re-
ceived only about six months' schooling, but he has made up for this lack of
early training by wide home study, and is now a well informed man. He as-
sisted hi- father with the general work on the farm when he was a boy, be-
ing eighteen years old when he removed to Springfield. Here he worked in
various stores, in each of which he sought to learn something of what was
going on about him, so when he was only twenty years of age he was en-
abled to launch out in the grocery business for himself, in a location at the
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. 997
corner of South and Walnut streets. However, after five years in this line
he decided to return to farming, and for five years tilled the soil near this
city, then came back to Springfield and engaged in the grocery business five
years, after which he engaged in farming again for four years. On Febru-
ary 28, 1904. he opened a grocer\ store at his present location, corner of
High and Grant streets, and the fact that he has remained here ten years in-
dicates that he has been successful and has enjoyed a good trade all the while.
He has a well arranged and neat store and carries a large stock of Staple and
fancy groceries, also a large line of teed.
.Mr. .Mack was married <>\i July _'4. 1800, in Springfield, to Norma E.
Dutton, a daughter of H. J. and Louise ( Brinsdon ) Dutton. She was born
in Cedar county. Missouri. June 22, 1N71. Her father was one of the early-
day merchants in Springfield.
Seven children, all living, have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Mack, name-
ly: Lester 11., born June _>o. [891, married on February 28, 1014. to Leone
A. I'arnitter; Lundy A., born December 9, [892; Harvey K., born Septem-
ber 31, 1895; Carl R., born June 30, 1898; Edith L. bom September jo.
1901; Elva M., born February 1, [904, and Ernest T., born November 4,
1 906.
Mr. Alack owns his store building and also a comfortable and substan-
tial home nearby. lie also owns three farms, two of which arc located in
Polk county, the other in Greene. His farms in Polk county consist of three
hundred and twenty acres, which he is maintaining as stock I arms.
Politically, he is a Republican. Fraternally, he belongs to the Modern
Woodmen, the Modern Brotherhood and the Knights and Ladies of Security.
He and his wife are members of Woodland Heights Presbyterian church.
EDWARD SWAYZEE FINCH.
One of Greene county's well known and successful business men is Ed-
ward Swavzee Finch, manager of the Metropolitan Hotel, Springfield, for
a decade in its early history, later operator of a large farm and now conduct-
ing a big store in Ash Grove. His earlier history in the wild West reads
like an adventure story and as a soldier in the war between the states he
proved himself a man of courage, but like thousands of his comrades he
has laid aside all animosity. For in the fulness of time there has been
blotted from the bosoms of men all sentiment toward men of another sec-
tion. No longer do we measure prejudice by the metes and bounds of a
river of imaginary lines. Those who fought and won. and those who fought
99§ GREENE COUNTY; MISSOURI.
and lost have mutual admiration for the courage and patriotism of the other.
The very issues of the contest have almost passed from memory. Today
one can not tell whether the boy who wears the uniform of a united country
came from a sire who wore the blue or the gray. In these uncertain days,
when there are rumors of war. there is no question as to who will do his
duty when the clouds have lowered and the reign of death begins. There
is no suspicion in the minds of men that any one section of our land will
sulk, but from every point of the compass will come the men of stout
hearts and ringing patriotism to redeem from insult the common banner of
a common people.
Mr. Finch was born in Columbus, Ohio, February 2, 1849. He is a son
of Wallace M. and Martha (Comstock) Finch. Wallace M. Finch was
born in Maryland in 1820, and was a son of Mathew Finch and wife.
Mathew Finch was also a native of Maryland but removed from there to
New York where he followed contracting until his death. He was a captain
during the war of 1812, and his father was a captain in the Revolutionary
war. When a young man Wallace M. Finch went to Chillicothe, Ohio, and
began in the mercantile business in a small way, later establishing himself in
Columbus, where he became a very successful wholesale merchant. He re-
tired from business on account of ill health in 1857 and until his death spent
his winters in the South and summers in the North. His death occurred in
1863. Politically he was a Whig and during the last few years of his life
a Republican. He was a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fel-
lows and the Episcopal church. He and Martha Comstock were married
about 1845. She was born in 1X26 in Columbus, Ohio, and died in 1903.
Edward S. Finch left Columbus, Ohio, when seven years of age. He
received common school education and later was a student at Racine Col-
lege, Racine. Wisconsin. In December. 1863, he enlisted in Company I,
Second Wisconsin Cavalry, and saw considerable hard service in the South,
proving to be a courageous and gallant soldier. He was wounded in the
battle of Black River in the right arm. and later was again wounded in the
same place while on patrol duty. He was honorably discharged in August,
1865. After the war he attended a commercial school for some time, then
went to Richmond, Indiana, where he worked in the office of a wholesale
grocery company as shipping clerk, also salesman. He then went to Mexico,
Missouri, where he engaged in the grocery business in 1872-3. then came
to Springfield, this state, where he worked as clerk in the Metropolitan
Hotel tor six months, then spent five years on the western frontier as a
miner, prospector, stage-driver anil lie was the first sheriff of Ouray county,
Colorado, when it required a man of nerve, tact and courage to fill such an
office. He had many thrilling and interesting experiences (hiring his career
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. 999
in the West. He came back to Springfield in the spring of 1879, his mother
having purchased a two-thirds interest in the Metropolitan Hotel, our sub-
ject later purchasing the remaining third. The hotel building he operated
successfully for a period of ten years, during which it was one of the most
popular and best appointed hostelries in southwest Missouri. In 1889 ne
left the hotel and engaged in the real estate business, and to him and others
is due the credit of opening the Pickwick addition and securing the Elm
street car line and also the Old Normal School. And for many years he
was identified with every movement for the upbuilding of Springfield and
a large contributor to the same. In 1896 he traded his interests in Spring-
field for the old Gates farm, Greene county, and engaged in general agri-
cultural pursuits nn a large scale until K)i4 when he purchased the Smith
Brothers' store in Ash Grove which he is now conducting and is enjoying
a large trade. He carries a complete line of merchandise, everything found
in an up-to-date store of this kind. By his fair dealings and courtesy he has
not only retained the customers which the store formerly had but is securing
new ones constantly. He employs a number of capable assistants, and his
store would be a credit to cities much larger than Ash Grove He was one of
the ten men who signed the guaranty that brought the "Gulf shops" to
Springfield.
Mr. Finch was married on October 26, 1889, to Brella Sherwood, who
was born in Springfield, Missouri. She received a good education. She is
a daughter of Judge T. A. and Mary E. (Young) Sherwood, one of the
prominent old families of Greene county.
To Mr. and Mrs. Finch six children have been born, namely : Mary,
wife of \\". A. Hennington, lives in Springfield; Martha, who is a stenographer
and student in the State Normal school at Springfield; Florence is at home;
Constance is also a student in the State Normal; Elenore and Adele are
both at home.
Politically. Mr. Finch is a Democrat. He belongs to Capt. John Mat-
thews post. Grand Army of the Republic at Springfield. Religiously, he is
an Episcopalian. He is one of the active and prominent Masons in this part
of the state. He was made a Master Mason in 1881 in Solomon Lodge, and
has now demited to the Ash Grove Lodge. He is a member of the Chapter,
Royal Arch Masons, and St. John's Commandery No. 20, Knights Templar,
■of which he was captain general for ten years, then was eminent commander
for some time and again became captain general. He also belongs to Abou
Ben Adhem Temple, Ancient Arabic Order of Nobles of the Mystic Shrine,
and at this writing is captain of patrol and has been for ten years. By his
daily life he seems to strive, in an unobtrusive manner, to inculcate the
sublime principles of Masonry, and his example as a man and citizen might
well be emulated by the vouth whose characters are vet in the making.
I COO GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
WILLIAM McKERALL.
The annals of Greene county do not present to the historian a name
mure worthy of laudation than that of the late William McKerall, a hue
type of the old-time chivalrous Southern gentleman, one of the largest land
owners of this county for many years and in his earlier career a lawyer of
distinction and a soldier of talent, having been a West Point product and
an officer in the Mexican war. His life was one of hard study and un-
selfish industry, whose laborious professional duties in the various relations
in which he was placed, led to a high position in the esteem of the public,
which gave evidence that the qualities which he possessed afforded the means
of distinction under a system of government in which places of honor and
usefulness are open to all who may be found worthy of them, lie passed
over the troubled sea of life like a galleon through the phosphorescent Spanish
Main, leaving in its wake a pathway of illuminating radiance.
Mr. McKerall was born in Orange county, North Carolina, lune 17,
[824. He was a sun of John Wilson McKerall and Lorena McKerall. a
prominent old family of the Carolinas. The father of our subject was born
at Norfolk, Virginia, in 1771. His father was a Scotch sailor and was lost
at sea. I luring John McKerall's early life, his folks moved to North Caro-
lina and his mother was married to a man by the name of Childs. While
Mr. McKerall was in Tennessee attending to business, the children of his
mother's second marriage, influenced his creditor- to push their claims,
which they did. and John McKerall lost bis entire estate, lie was a lawyer
but gave up bis practice late in life and was recorder in Orange county.
North Carolina. He was commander of a company in the War of 1812.
His sister was the wife of one of the governors of North Carolina. Tohn
McKerall died of apoplexy in 1834 on the way from bis borne to bis office
in Hillsboro.
Our subjecl grew to manhood and attended school in Orange county,
North Carolina. When sixteen years of age he entered West Point Mili-
tary Academy and was in the same class with Winfield S. Hancock, who
became a famous general and was called the "hero of Gettysburg." Owing
to failing health, our subject was compelled to leave West Point before
he finished the course. He returned to his home in North Carolina and
later entered Caldwell Institute. When the Mexican war began, he en-
listed as a volunteer and was elected first lieutenant of Company E, in a
North Carolina regiment. Later he was promoted to captain. On one
occasion he commanded a detachment on escort and conducted a supply
train one hundred and eighty miles without loss or mishap. He was a most
capable and faithful officer, trusted and admired alike by bis men and'
WILLIAM ill KEKALL, Deceased.
MARY A. McKERALL.
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. [CO]
superior officers. He was honorably discharged at Old Point Comfort,
Virginia. He then took up the study of law and settled in Louisiana, and
practiced his profession in Texas for some time, moving to Waco in 1854.
After a successful career at the bar, lie engaged in merchandising and raising
cattle on a large scale. The same year he was appointed to till an unexpired
term as chief justice of McLennan county, Texas. He discharged his judicial
duties in a manner that reflected much credit upon himself and to the eminent
satisfaction of all concerned.
Our subject was married twice, his first wife being a Miss Sedbury
and tn their union two children were horn, Nannie and William. In the
summer of 1868 he came to Greene county, Missouri, and married Mrs.
Alary Roan (Danforth) Campbell, widow of Capt. John Al. Campbell. She
was horn February 22, 1838, and was reared and educated in Greene county.
She was the daughter of J. F. and Latitia Danforth. Her first husband,
1 apt. John Al. Campbell, was burn in Springfield, November 17, 1832.
When fifteen years old, he joined the Cnited Stales army when the Mexican
war began and served in that conflict with credit, taking part in a number
■ if engagements, His father was also a soldier in that war, at the close
of which, the latter was made bearer of dispatches to Washington City. The
< 'ampbells were honorably discharged al the close of the war. Five children
were burn to Mis- William Mekerall by her marriage with Captain Camp-
bell, namely: Louisa. Argyle and John, all deceased; Finley lives in Cali-
fornia; ami Airs. Mary Schaffer lives in New Mexico.
In the union of our subject and wife, four children were born, Josiah
Danforth is living in Greene county; Fannie Elizabeth, widow of Thos.
Jackson Bennett, who died November 8, 1013. lie was a native of Dallas
county ami was a farmer and capitalist. Airs. Bennett is living on the
homestead with her mother. Daisy is the wife of Jei O'Kino, to whom
she was married December 19, 1913.. He is a graduate of the Imperial
University of Tokio and is a gentleman of rare ability. Airs. O'Kino is
also making her home with her mother; and John Wilson, who is the
youngest of the family. After the marriage of our subject and wife, they
settled 011 land inherited by Airs. McKerall, northeast of Springfield. Air.
McKerall prospered as a general farmer and stockman and at one time
owned seven hundred acres of valuable land in this county and for vears
ranked among our most progressive men of affairs and influential and
honored citizens. The house in which the widow and her two daughters
reside was built in 1849 and is of the Colonial type.
Politically, William ATcKerall was a Democrat. He was a member of
the Alasonic Order and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He be-
longed to the Methodist Episcopal church. Personally, lie was a scholarly,,
broad-minded, gentleman of never-failing courtesy.
1002 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
LEMUEL C. RICKETTS.
In pioneer days when farming implements and machinery were of
the crudest kind, requiring a goodly supply of both muscle and grit to
use them to advantage, brawn, more than brains, was needed in the business
of farming, in order to rescue the fertile soils from the wilderness of forest
and prairie growth. In these modern days of worn and worn-out soils and
the abandoned farm, with the most improved labor-saving farm machinery,
the business of farming needs brains more than brawn, that our soils may
be rescued from the wilderness and desert or wasted fertility that has stifled
and depleted them. One of the farmers of Jackson township, Greene
county, who is evidently intelligently applying himself to his vocation, is
Lemuel C. Ricketts, who not only uses his brains, but is a hard worker with
his hands, and therefore has succeeded.
Mr. Ricketts was born in Fairfield count}, ( >hio, November 3, 1873. He
is a son of Jesse M. B. and Othelia (Chaney) Ricketts, both natives of that
county and state also, each born near the town of Carroll, the father's birth
having occurred in 1819. There they spent their earlier years and attended
the common schools. Jesse M. B. Ricketts also went to school in Columbus.
Ohio, studied law. and later practiced his profession at Einley and Lan-
caster, that state, with success. He retired from his professional life at
the age of sixty-five years, and moved to a farm in Greene county, Missouri,
his place here consisting of eighty acres. His death occurred in Colorado
at the advanced age of eighty years. His family consisted of three children.
namely: Mary Ella, deceased; Lemuel C, of this sketch; Airs. Viola M.
Russell lives in Billings, .Montana.
Lemuel ( '. Ricketts was reared in Ohio. lie was thirteen years of age
when he removed with the family to Greene county, .Missouri. He received
a good education, lie hired out most of the time until he was twenty-one
years old. In [897 he went to the West, where he worked for some time
as a contractor, returning to Greene county in 0,07- Scum thereafter he
purchased the farm of two hundred and twenty acres where he now lives,
He has a well-improved and productive place, which gives every indication
of good management. lie has been very successful in a business way and
is one of the substantial and influential citizens id" this section of the county.
He is president of the Hank of Stafford, which he helped to organize and
which, under his able and judicious management, has become one of the
popular and sound banking institutions of this part of the state. He has
been president since its organization. It has had a constant and satisfactory
growth and a general banking business is carried on. He has built an attrac-
tive home on his farm. This place was settled in 1S45 by F.rskin Danforth.
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. IOO3
Mr. Ricketts was married, January 6, 1899, to Estella Palmer, who was
born in Wisconsin, August 19, 1N70. She is a daughter of Randolph and
Marira (Dearth) Palmer. She spent her early life in Iowa, Kansas, Ar-
kansas, Oklahoma and Missouri. She received a common school educa-
tion.
The father of Mrs. Ricketts was a soldier in the Civil war, having
enlisted in Company D, Sixty-third Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and he
served in the Georgia campaign under General Sherman, with whom he
marched to the sea. Pie is now living in Joplin, .Missouri.
Six children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Ricketts. namely: Hugh,
born October 25, 1899, lives at home: Lemuel E., born October 29, 1901,
died October 20, 1908; Jesse Paul, born January 17. 1905, is at home:
Arthur P., born July 6, 1907, is at home; Helen May, born August 7, 1910,
is at home: Ralph Randolph, born July 4. 1912. died March 3, 1915.
Politically, Mr. Ricketts is a Republican. Fraternally, he is a thirty-
second degree Mason, and is a member of the Independent Order of Odd
Fellows.
TIMOTHY J. WRIGHTSMAN.
"Through struggle to triumph" seems to be the maxim which holds swav
with the majority of people, that is, those who attain to a successful goal at
all, must find it after arduous effort. And, though it is undoubtedly true that
many fall exhausted in the conflict, a few, by their inherent force of character
and strong mentality, rise above their environment, and all which seems to
hinder them, until they reach the plane of affluence toward which their face
was set through the long years of struggle that must necessarily precede any
accomplishment of great magnitude. Such has been the history, briefly stated,
of Timothy J. Wrightsman, one of Greene county's pioneer business men
and Civil war veterans, who, after a long, busy and useful life, is living in
honorable retirement in his attractive home in Springfield, spending the De-
cember of his years in quiet, as he is now in his seventy-seventh year.
Mr. Wrightsman is the scion of an old Southern familv and hails from
the Old Dominion, "the mother of Presidents." his birth having occurred in
Roanoke, Virginia, November 13, 1838. He is a son of Joseph and Kesia
(Beckner) Wrightsman, both natives of Virginia, also, the father's birth hav-
ing occurred in 1808, and the mother was born there in 181 8. They grew
to maturity in their native state, attended the early-day schools and were mar-
ried there, and devoted their lives to agricultural pursuits, and the father was
also a cabinet maker by trade, and made a great deal of fine furniture in his
early life, thereby getting his start in the business world. He remained in
!' :| GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
Virginia until about [849, when he removed hi> family to Illinois, remaining
in that state until the year 1857. when he brought his family overland to
Greene county, Missouri, locating a few miles south of Springfield, where he
spent the rest of his life in farming and was drowned in a small creek in that
vicinity in January, 1883. His wife had preceded him to the grave twenty
years, having died in [863, in Illinois. To these parents ten children were
horn. six of whom are still living, namely: Sarah and Julia are both de-
ceased; Timothy J., of this sketch; Ann lives in Ozark, Missouri; Lear is de-
ceased: George lives in Florida; Abbie lives in Webb City, .Missouri: Susan
lives in Kansas; Rebecca lives in Rich Hill, Missouri, and Edward is deceased.
The Wrightsman family is of German descent, the paternal grandfather
of our subject, Alexander Wrightsman, being born in Germany, from which
country he emigrated to the United States in Colonial days and located in
Virginia, where he became well established through his industry. lie was
a soldier in the Revolutionary war, taking part in a number of the principal
engagements.
Timothy |. Wrightsman was nine years old when his parents removed
from Virginia to Illinois, and there he grew to manhood, living there for a
period of eight years, when he removed with his father and the rest of the
children to Greene county, .Missouri, in [857, since winch time he has been a
resident of this locality, ami during that period of nearly sixty years he has
seen great changes "come over the face of the land." the forests changed into
productive farms, the wild prairies reclaimed on which peaceful herds now
graze, and small villages grow into cities of wealth anil renown. In his hoy-
hood days h( worked hard on the farm, and attended the rural schools, receiv-
ing a limited education, hi 1 S75 he began operating a flouring mill at Wal-
nut Grove, Greene county, which he continued for four years, then ran a
grocery store at Shell City, Missouri, for four years, then, in the fall of
[883, he came to Spring.field and engaged in the grocery business on East
I ommercial street, continuing this line tl en for a period of twenty-six years.
during which time he enjoyed a large and lucrative trade, ranking among the
best known and most popular grocers on the north side, lie always carried
a large and well selected stock of fancy and staple groceries and dealt honestly
and courteously with his hundreds of customers, retaining their confidence
and good will to the last. He accumulated a comfortable competency through
his judicious Inismcss management and retired from active life in 1003. since
which time he has been living a quiet life, merely looking after his various
real estate holdings. He has a line residence on North Campbell street.
Mr. Wrightsman served three years during the Civil war in Company
E, Third Missouri Cavalry, Confederate army, under Captain Thompson.
He first served under old "Dick" Campbell, having enlisted in the fall of
1861. .He saw considerable hard service, including the battle of Pea Ridge,
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. IOO5
his first real engagement, lie did not participate in the battle of Wilson's
(reek, being held a prisoner in Springfield by the Federals at that time.
Mr. Wrightsman was married on January 1 1, 1870. in Christian county.
Missouri, to Mildred Chestnut, a daughter of Judge Chestnut, one of the
first judges of that county. He and his wife were natives of Ohio, from
which they removed to Taney county, this state, in [833, and were therefore
early pioneers of the Ozark region. James Chestnut, brother of Mrs.
Wrightsman, was the first man killed in Christian county, on account of the
Civil war, he having been murdered by bushwhackers, while serving as
deputy sheriff.
Five children have been horn to Mr. and Mrs. Wright-man. namely:
Fred, horn in 1871, is a freight conductor on the Frisco, and lives in Spring-
field: Walter, horn in 1873. lives in Texas and is employed by the Dean
Drug Company; Frank, horn in 1S70, lives in Oklahoma; Herbert, horn in
1878, lives in Monett, Missouri; Cora F... horn in 1880, is the wife of S.
O. Duemler, and they reside in Springfield.
Politically, Mr. Wrightsman is a Republican, hut he has never been
active in public affairs, preferring to leave the troubles of public office to
others, merely striving to do his duty as a fair-minded citizen.
CALVIN FURROW7.
The varied, interesting and often exciting experiences of Calvin Fur-
row, would make a fair-sized volume should they he told in detail by some
of our writers of Western adventure stones. Out of all these experiences
he received much good, such as an accurate knowledge of the world, courage
to fight life's battles, and coolness as well as decision, which a man had to
possess in order to survive if lie lived in the wild West forty or fifty years
ago; but unfortunately space forbids us giving more than a brief resume
of his unusual life record within the pages of the present volume.
Mr. Furrow was born in Folk county, Iowa. August 15, 1848. He is a
son of John and Lydia (Johnson) Furrow. In those pioneer days in Iowa
educational advantages were limited and young Furrow was not permitted,
under the circumstances to obtain the text-book learning that he otherwise
would have been glad to have embraced. He grew to manhood on the farm
and spent his early youth engaged in farming and handling live stock, later
taking up farming in Kansas; but not long thereafter went on to Fort Sill,
Indian Territory (as the eastern part of Oklahoma was then known), and
from there went on to New Mexico, finally located in FT. Worth, Texas,
in which vicinity he worked as a cowboy until 1871, then returned to Iowa
1006 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
and for ten years was in the employ of the Wabash railroad. We next find
him in the Black Hills of South Dakota, where he engaged in mining for
awhile, but his principal work there was as a cowboy. He remained in that
picturesque country for a period of over twenty-five years. Leaving the
Black Hills country in 1906 he came to Greene county, Missouri, and has
since been successfully engaged in farming, making his home in Boone town-
ship. He owns eighty acres in Greene county and one hundred and twenty
acres in Wright county, all well improved and valuable land, and he is re-
garded as one of the best farmers in this section of the county and is well
fixed in the way of worldly goods.
Mr. Furrow was married in December, 1868, to Martha E. Kensler, a
native of Fulton county, Indiana, and a daughter of John and Louisa Kens-
ler. She was born on June 22, 1851. She was a member of the Christian
church at Ash Grove. Mrs. Furrow died September 20, 1914.
To Mr. and Mrs. Furrow one child was born, Louisa Furrow, who
was burn in the central part of Iowa on March 24, 1879. She received a
good education, and in the year 1901 was married to Marion Arment, and
they now reside in Sand Hills, Nebraska.
Politically, .Mr. Furrow is a Democrat, but he has never sought politi-
cal honors, although not lacking in proper patriotism. Fraternally, he be-
longs to the Masonic Order, including the Blue Lodge, and the Ash Grove
Lodge No 124, Royal Arch Masons, and is active in this order.
EDWIN WIGGINS ELSON.
In the person of Edwin Wiggins Elson, Greene county has a farmer and
stockman of ideas of such a progressive nature that his methods might well
be studied by the younger generation of agriculturists, for his fine farm in
Boone township has lYu equals as to improvement and high state of culti-
vation, lie has been a resident of this locality for more than thirty-five
years, during which time he lias advanced by his own labors and sagacious
plans from a comparatively modest beginning to a position in the front rank
of agriculturists in the Ozark region, and in matters pertaining to the wel-
fare of his township, county and state, he is deeply interested, and his
efforts in behalf of the general progress have been far-reaching and bene-
ficial.
Mr. Elson was burn in Stark county, Ohio, April 8, 1850. He is a
son of John H. and Osee (Wilson) Elson. The father was born in Brooke
county, West Virginia, October 14. 1806, and was a son of Capt. John R.
and Margaret (Wiggins) Elson. Captain Elson was also born in what
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. IOO7
is now Brooke county. West Virginia, but which at that time was a part
of Virginia proper — 1769. He was a son of Richard Elson, who was born
in Scotland, from which country he emigrated to Virginia in Colonial times,
and there entered four hundred acres of government land, taking up a
"tomahawk claim," which he cleared and placed under cultivation and on
which he spent the rest of his life, and there reared his family of four
sons and three daughters. Capt. John R. Elson served in the War of [812,
also in the Indian wars with a most creditable record. His death occurred
in 1820 in Starke county. Ohio, where the family removed a few years
before his death. His widow survived until 1N47. John 11. Elson, father
of the subject of this review, when twelve years of age, moved to Starke
county, Ohio, where he engaged in farming the rest of his life, dying in
1898. He and the mother of our subject were married in [833. She was
horn May 15. 1815, and received a g 1 education, being a wide reader,
and her death occurred in 1894. They wire people of intelligence, industry,
hospitality and popular among their neighbors.
Edwin W. Elson was reared on the home farm, where he worked when
a boy. He received a good education in the public schools and .Mt. Union
College at Alliance, Ohio, after which he turned his attention to general
farming in Ohio, where he remained until 1N7N, getting a good start in the
meanwhile, and in that year came to Greene county, .Missouri, where his
brother, William P. Elson. (a sketch of whom appears on another page of
this work) had preceded him shortly after the close of the Civil war.
Upon reaching his new locality our subject bought a farm of one hundred
anil sixtv acres in Boone township and was soon actively engaged in general
farming and stock raising, and, prospering with advancing years by his
close application and good management, he has added to his original holdings
until he now owns six hundred and forty acres of productive and highly
improved land, all under cultivation, constituting one of the most valuable
and desirable farms in this section of the state. He has an attractive and
commodious home in the midst of pleasing surroundings, and nearby may
also be seen a group of convenient outbuildings. He is an excellent judge
of all kinds of live stock, and is one of the best known stockmen in the
western part of the county. He makes a specialty of jacks and Percheron
horses, and at present owns seven jacks and one Percheron registered. His
animal sales will average twenty mules, and he has now sixty mules on
hand and ten brood mares. He also feeds large numbers of hogs for the
market, and each year sows a vast acreage of wheat.
Mr. Elson was married January 29, 1880, to Mary Belle Jones, who was.
born in Greene county. Missouri. August 31, i860, and here she grew to
womanhood and received her education. She was a daughter of Benjamin
G W. and Kittura (Cossey) Jones. The father was horn in Tennessee,
I008 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
February 26, 1822, and died in this county July 2j, 1898. Mrs. Elson's
mother was born in Indiana, and also died in this county. The father was
a farmer all his life. This union was blessed with thirteen children, six
of whom are still living.
To Mr. and Mrs. Elson nine children have been born, named as fol-
lows: Benjamin F.. born February 20, 1881. is farming in Walnut Grove
township, this county; Edna Myrtle, born February 28, 1883. died when
three months old: Thomas E., born June 8. 1884: Nora, born June 12. 1886,
is the wife of William Marsh, and they live in Fair Play, Missouri; Sher-
man, born April 5, 1888. is farming in this township; Joshua C. born
August 7, 1890; Mae, born December 2, [893; Ruth, born August 24, 1897;
and Helen, born December 2, 1900. The younger children are at home.
Politically. Mr. Elson is a Republican and has been more or less active
in local political affairs. He has been school director in his district for
about thirty years. Religiously, the family attend the Methodist church.
Among those in whose midst he has so long resided he is held in the
highest esteem by reason of his public-spirit, his upright life and his obliging
and neighborly disposition.
SAMPSON 1! \SS.
One of the oldest pioneers of Greene county is Sampson Bass, one of
the best-known citizens and substantial farmers of Jackson township, who
has Spent nearly all of his long life of eighty-seven years in this county,
which he has seen come up to its present position from the wilderness where
roamed the red man and wild beast and where very few white people were
t'> he found. To all this change lie has been an interested and by it> means
a passive spectator, having sought t" d his full share in the work of progress
in the locality where he has been contented to abide through many decade-,
lie talks most interestingl) of the early days when customs and manners
were different, men and women were different — everything, in fact, unlike
what our civilization is today, lie and other earl) settle;- are of the opinion
that thos(- were better, at least happier, times than now, and this is. in the
main, true, lie might well he compared with the character represented by
the American poet, Oliver Wendell Holmes, in hi- beautiful lines. "The Last
Leaf." for Mr. Pass ha- lived to see his early acquaintances and friends
perform 'heir allotted acts in the local drama of civilization and then pass
hi to rest, coming down to us from a former generation.
Air. I'.ass was born in Marion county. Tennessee, on December 8. 1827.
lie i- a si in ot Andrew- and Ellen 1 Smith I Bass. The father was a native
SAMPSON BASS.
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. IOO9
of Georgia, from where he removed to North Carolina, thence to Tennessee
when a small boy, and he grew to manhood in the last named state on a
farm, and there received a limited education. He emigrated with his family
td Missouri in 1830 and, by mistake, settled on land belonging to the Indians,
who subsequently drove him off and he settled in Greene county in the fall
of 1830, securing eighty acres at first. He started with practically nothing
in this state, but being a man of exceptional ability, he became wealthy for
those times and owned fourteen hundred and forty acres of land at the time
of his death, having acquired his property by hard work and good manage-
ment, and he died in 1867 on the place where our subject now lives. He
was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. His wife was a native
of Marion county, Tennessee, and there grew up on a farm, received a limited
schooling and there she married Mr. Bass. She was a pioneer woman in
every respect, working hard assisting her husband to get a start in the wilder-
ness, spinning and weaving, molding candles, making soap and the thousand
and one things about the house, of which the modern woman knows nothing
except by tradition. She was also a member of the Methodist Episcopal
church. Her death occurred on the homestead here in 1862. To these
parents fourteen children were born, namely : Sampson, our subject, is the
oldest; John, Henderson, Jackson and James are all deceased, Martin V.
lives in Greene county, Newton, McCord and Leonard H. are deceased, Lila
lives in Polk county, Missouri: Leda, deceased; Narcissus, deceased: Mar-
garet is living in Greene county; Ellen also lives in this county.
Mr. Bass, of this sketch, was three years old when his parents brought
him to Missouri and he was reared in Greene county and here received such
limited educational advantages as those early times afforded. He worked
hard assisting his father clear and develop the home farm, remaining under
the parental roof tree until he was twenty-one years old, when, in 1849, he
married Ann Rogers, who was born in Tennessee on October 11, 1830, from
which state her parents brought her to Greene county, Missouri, when she
was a child, and here she grew to womanhood. Her death occurred in
1866. Mr. Bass married a second time, in 1888, to Eliza Lowder. who
was born in Greene county, Missouri, October 8, 1850, a daughter of George
H. and Juda (McCall) Lowder. She is a member of the Baptist church,
as was also Mr. Bass' first wife. To the first union nine children were born,
namely: Elizabeth, deceased; Jane. Polly, Riley, Sampson H., Jr., deceased;
Dave J., deceased; the three youngest children died in infancy. To Mr.
Bass' second union two children were born, Roy and Wright.
After his first marriage Mr. Bass went to work as a wagon maker, later
bought forty acres. His father then gave him eighty acres, and later he
(64)
lOIO GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
entered forty acres. He worked hard and managed well and therefore pros-
pered with advancing years. He continued to buy land until he accumulated
seven hundred acres, constituting one of the finest farms in the county, which
land he placed under an excellent state of improvement and cultivation and
established a commodious home. In i860 there was no mill in this part of
the county and one was badly needed, so Mr. Bass invited his neighbors to
his home on Christmas day of that year for the purpose of talking over a
proposition to establish a mill in the neighborhood. It finally devolved
upon Mr. Bass to build a mill in section 15, Jackson township, and for years
he carried on a large and successful business with his combined flour and
sawmill, sawing lumber for residents in adjoining counties, as well as for
those who lived in Greene. This was in i860 and was the first steam mill
to be operated in Greene county. During the Civil war he ground flour for
the armies in this part of the state. He sold his mill in 1866 and resumed
farming. The town of Bassville in this township was named for our subject.
Politically Mr. Bass is an uncompromising Democrat. He is a member
of the Masonic Order, and religiously belongs to the Baptist church.
WILBUR M. FALLIN.
The Missouri mule has a reputation throughout the world. That repu-
tation in some sections is not the kind that would be pleasing to him if he
but knew, for there are times when he is unruly, stubborn and inclined to
show his displeasure by means of his heels. But nevertheless, when it
comes to quality and line points in his anatomy he is nut excelled on the
globe and he has done much to advertise the "Show Me" state abroad.
There are few foreign armies where he is not found, and nearly every war
of importance increases his demand. However, by nature he is not a war-
rior and no doubt prefers the peaceful plantations and the lazy negro
drivers of the cotton and cane districts of the South, where, for three-
quarters of a century these animals have been sold in ever increasing num-
bers. Throughout this state men may be found who devote their exclusive
attention to dealing in mules, finding it a desirable and profitable business.
Among these the linn of Fallin Brothers of Springfield, composed of
Wilbur M. and Walter A. Fallin, is the best known in southwestern Mis-
souri, and is one of the oldesl and most successful.
Wilbur M. Fallin was bom March 31, [872, in Greene county. Missouri.
He is a son of Joseph S. and Polina (Reed) Fallin. The father was born
in middle Tennessee in 1841, and there grew to manhood and attended
school, emigrating to Greene county, Missouri, in the early sixties, where he
GREENE COUNTY. MISSOURI. IOII
established the future home of the family, and here his death occurred on
March 26, 1909. He was a stone mason by trade, but devoted most of his
life to general farming and stock raising. He left his farm in 1884 and
moved to Springfield. His wife was born in 1843, and she died in 1877.
They were married in Arkansas. To this union five children were born,
namely: Anna died about 1889; Minnie lives in Springfield, Missouri;
Wilbur M., of this sketch; Emma Belle lives in Springfield; Walter AM
who is a member of the firm of Fallin Brothers.
Wilbur M. Fallin received his education in the ward and high schools
of Springfield. He had an inclination toward the livestock business when
very young and began his career by buying and selling hogs and calves.
He also learned the trade of stone mason under his father, but did not
follow this long until he returned to the livestock business and also engaged
in farming a few years. In the year 1900 he formed a partnership with his
brother, Walter A. Fallin, who gave up his position as machinist in the
Frisco shops, and they engaged in the horse and mule business, under the
name of Fallin Brothers, buyers and sellers, and were successful from the
first. They have continued in this line of endeavor ever since and have
built up an extensive and lucrative business. They were first located on
the south side of the city lot, remaining there until 19 14, when they bought
and built three commodious and substantial barns, including the erection of
a modern two-story brick building, one hundred and twenty by one hundred
feet, on Market street and Mule alley, where they are at present located,
owning two hundred feet on Market street and one hundred and seventy-
five on Mule alley. They keep a large number of high-grade mules on hand
at all seasons, buying and shipping to various markets continuouslv.
Wilbur M. Fallin was married on December 10, 1902, to Mary Eliza-
beth Roper, who was born in Polk county, ■ Missouri, June 12, 1884. She
is a daughter of J. W. Roper and wife, who live on a farm in Polk county.
Mr. Roper's wife was known in her maidenhood as Vine Davis. Mr. Roper
moved from his farm to Springfield and engaged in mercantile pursuits for
some time, and he is still living in this city.
Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Wilbur Fallin, namely:
Wesley Edwin, born September 7, 1904; Alfred M., born August 18, 1906,
died December 10, 1909; and Orin, born August 29, 1909.
Politically, Mr. Fallin is a Republican, and he and his family belong
to the Christian church.
Walter Augustus Fallin, of the firm of Fallin Brothers, was born October
23- i&77< at the Fallin homestead near Springfield, and here he grew to
manhood and attended the ward and high schools. He learned the ma-
chinist's trade when a boy and for some time worked at the same local
Frisco shops, where he remained until 1900, when he formed a partner-
IOI2 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
ship with his brother and began dealing in horses and mules, as related in
a preceding paragraph. He was married on April 7, 1901, to Hattie G.
Price, who was born in Greene county, August 29, 1882, and was here reared
and educated. She is a daughter of William K. and Ellen (Gregory) Price,
the father a native of Ohio, and the mother was born in Greene county,
Missouri. Mr. Price came to Springfield when a young man and has long
been employed in the local Frisco shops, where he has charge of a depart-
ment.
Four children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Walter A. Fallin, named as
follows: Lawrence A., born September 25, 1903; Walter Harold, born June
12, 1908; Joseph Price, born March 31, 1912; Earle Augusta, born August
9, 1914.
Politically, Mr. Fallin is a Republican. Fraternally, he belongs to
the Court of Honor, the Maccabees, the Independent Order of Odd Fellow s
and the United Workmen, also the Travelers' Protective Association. He
is a member of Central Christian church.
The Fallin boys are excellent judges of mules and horses, and have
gained and retained a reputation for prompt and fair dealings, consequently
have always enjoyed the good will and confidence of their score of regular
customers and patrons.
Both Wilbur and Walter Augustus served ten months in the Spanish-
American war, enlisting for service, and on May 3, 1898, were called out.
Their company went first to Jefferson Barracks, then to Chickamauga, Ten-
nessee, and from there to Lexington, Kentucky, then to Albany. Georgia,
where they were mustered out, March 3, 1899.
HOWARD RAGSDALE.
In the list of present day lawyers of Greene county, the name of How-
ard Ragsdale, of Ash Grove, must not be overlooked. He has passed the
half-way house along the thoroughfare of the human years, and has rapidly
risen to an influential and prominent place in his profession in both Greene
and Dade counties. He is a well read lawyer, a ready debater, an industri-
ous, indomitable worker, and a skilful tactician. The mighty Julius plead-
ing at the bar was greater than when thundering in the war. He conquered
nations with his invincible legions : ' Tis of more renown to save a client
than to save a town." .Air. Ragsdale's arguments to the courts embody no
surplusage, but are direct, terse and incisive; to the jury they are plain,
logical, matter of fact, compactly presented. He cares more for a rod of
truth than for a mile of rhetoric, more for a principle than for a thrilling
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. IOI3
climax, more for a fact than an acre of verbal felicities ami gems. He has
a clientage in the courts that older practitioners would be pleased to com-
mand. He is a man of -firm and decided convictions, whether in law, poli-
tics, or in any department of thought or action employing his time and at-
tention.
Mr. Ragsdale was born in Dade county, Missouri, August 16, 1869.
He is a son of Benjamin F. and Nancy E. (Buckner) Ragsdale. The father
was born in Greenfield, Missouri, in October, 1843, and was a son of Joshua
and Sarah Ragsdale. Joshua Ragsdale emigrated from the Carolinas in a
very early day, the early thirties, and located in Dade county, where he en-
tered twelve hundred acres of land from the government and here he fol-
lowed general fanning the rest of his life, and became a prosperous and in-
fluential citizen. He had married before leaving his native country, a woman
who also first saw the light of day under Dixie skies. Benjamin F. Rags-
dale grew up on his father's broad acres, which he assisted in getting ready
for cultivation and he helped with the general work of the farm when a boy.
He was given the usual educational advantages of the times. During the war
of the states he enlisted in a Dade county company in the Union arm)- and
was captured by the Confederates but subsequently paroled. He spent his
life in Dade count)', successfully engaged in agricultural pursuits and was
widely known there. His death occurred on November 25, 1899. Politi-
cally he was a Republican. He and Nancy E. Buckner were married in
1867. She was born in Lawrence county, Missouri, in 1852 and her death
occurred in July, 1910.
Howard Ragsdale grew to manhood in his native county and received
a good common school education; later was a pupil at Ozark College, Green-
field, Missouri, lie began life for himself by teaching school a few terms
with satisfaction, then began studying law with E. 1'. Mann, of Greenfield,
with whom he remained two years, and in 1807 was admitted to the bar of
Missouri, and soon thereafter he began the practice of his profession at
Everton, Dade county, where he remained thirteen years, enjoying a large
patronage and ranking among the leading attorneys of that county. He
served a term as prosecuting attorney of Dade county in a manner that re-
flected credit upon himself and to the satisfaction of all concerned. In
1909 he located in Ash Grove and has remained here to the present time and
has from the first enjoyed a satisfactory and growing practice throughout
this locality.
Mr. Ragsdale was married in September, 1899, to Ellen Finley. wdio
was born in Greenfield, Missouri, February 1, 1879, and there grew to
womanhood and received a good education. She represents one of the old
prominent families of that town, and is a daughter of Milton Finley and wife.
Politically, Mr. Ragsdale is a Republican. Fraternally, he belongs to
IOI4 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
the Masonic Order, the Blue Lodge at Everton, and the Royal Arch Chapter
at Ash Grove. He is also a member of the Knights of Pythias. He is a man
of excellent mental endowments and commanding personality, a man who
has ever stood well in this locality.
WILL J. MAJOR.
"The gay will laugh when thou art gone,
The solemn brood of care plod on,
And each one, as before, will chase
His favorite phantom; yet these shall all
Leave their mirth and their employment,
And shall come and make their bed with thee."
The above lines, penned by America's great poet of Nature, in his in-
comparable "Thanatopsis," strikingly sets forth in a few phrases a picture
of death. Since the beginning of the world death has been looked upon as
"the king of terrors." Why this should be so. since it is as common as birth
or any other natural occurrence, the biographer leaves to more philosophic
minds. The manner of laying the dead away has been given much thought
by the various peoples of the earth, and many and diverse methods have
been promulgated; in fact, all times, and places and customs are noted by
the historian, from the methods of certain savage tribes, who suspend their
dead in tall trees to the present rapidly-growing method of cremation, when
all that is earthly of a mortal quickly disappears in a wave of white heat.
It has always seemed to be the prevailing desire of most nations to preserve
the bodies of the dead a-- long a- possible, ami, this being -". thinking men
began devising means whereby this could best be accomplished, and thus
resulted the art of embalming, ages ago, and although the methods have un-
dergone changes from time to time, it is doubtful it the twentieth century
undertaker can do his work any more effectively than did the Egyptian em-
balmer in the days of Pharaoh. The most advanced ami satisfactory meth-
ods of embalming are employed by Will J. Major, well known undertaker
of East Commercial street, Springfield.
Mr. Major was born in Iroquois county, Illinois, December 19, 1861.
He is a son of Robert 1). and Ellen (Hitchcock) Major. The father was
born in Tippecanoe county, Indiana, about 183"), and was a son of James
Major and wile. James Major was born in Indiana back in the days of the
first settlers ami there he grew up, but finally located in Illinois where his
death occurred in 1877, after an active" life as a fanner. His wife, who
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. IOI5
was a native of Pennsylvania, preceded him to the grave by several years.
Robert D. Major learned the carpenter's trade in early life and followed
this in connection with fanning for a livelihood. He remained in Illinois
until 1883 when he went to Montana and followed his trade, remaining there
until 1885, when he came to Springfield, Missouri, where he continued car-
pentering practically until his death in 1896. Politically, he was a Repub-
lican, was a member of the Baptist church, and belonged to the Independent
Order of Odd Fellows, in which he passed all the chairs in the local lodge.
Ellen Hitchcock, mother of our subject, was born near Niagara Falls, New
York, March 30, 1832, a daughter of John and Eliza Hitchcock. She died
in St. Louis, Missouri, September 4, 19 14, at the age of eighty-two years
and six months.
Will J. Major received a common school education, spending two years
in the high school at Aurora, Illinois. He remained on the home farm until
he was eighteen years of age, then began learning carpentering and cabinet
making, at which he worked until 1898, having attained a high degree of
skill in each. He then spent four years as assistant custodian in the Spring-
field postofhce. Then went to work for J. M. White, a pioneer undertaker
of this city, and, making a careful study of the business, he passed the state
board examination in 1909, and was duly qualified to enter the profession,
and has since been in business for himself at 230 East Commercial street,
and is now one of the busiest and most popular undertakers in Springfield,
maintaining large, modernly equipped and well furnished parlors and his
treatment of his patrons is always courteous and honorable.
Mr. Major was married April 15, 1886, to Anna B. Reynolds, who was
born in Nebraska, October 1, 1869. She was a daughter of a highly re-
spected family, and she received a good education, and proved to be an ex-
cellent helpmeet. This union has been blessed with three children, namely :
Mabel, born July 4, 1890, is the wife of John Hulse, of Springfield; E'Uene,
born in September, 1892, is the wife of Lee Donald, of Kansas City; Helen,
born July 25, 1897, is at home.
Mr. Major is prominent in fraternal circles, belonging to Springfield
Lodge No. 218, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, of which he is past
grand, has been district deputy grand master for three years, and has been
secretary of the same for the past eighteen years; he is a member of the
Empire Encampment, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, of which he is
past chief patriarch; also Springfield Canton No. 23, Independent Order of
Odd Fellows. He is a member of Julia Lodge No. 72, Daughters of Re-
bekah. He also belongs to the Loyal Order of Moose, Bears, Fraternal
Order of Eagles, Knights and Ladies of Security, Modern Woodmen of
America, Woodmen of the World, Modern Brotherhood, Knights and La-
dies of Honor, and the Court of Honor.
I0l6 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
ELY PAXSON.
From the days of the Egyptian mummies, when the old Pharaohs were
elaborately embalmed, to the present time this science — embalming — has
gone through various stages of development, but it is doubtful if it is any
better today than when the body of the great Rameses was prepared for the
tomb, for the student of history finds that the ancients knew many things
which we do not know, the "lost arts" being a theme which has engaged
much thought by moderns. In various museums, notably the British, mum-
mies are to be seen which have withstood the ravages of many thousands
of years. The manner of laying away the dead has differed widely in
different ages and with different nations. The ancients preferred sepulchers
hewn from solid rock, some were buried in upright positions, some with
their heads to the east, others to the west. We read of the Hindus casting
their dead into the Ganges river, of bodies being deposited in trees by the
Indians of North America and the natives of Africa. It was once the desire
to so prepare the body that it would retain its material form forever; now
many desire that this house of clay shall be dissolved as quickly as possible
after it has been cast aside by the inscrutable something we call spirit or
soul, hence cremation is now a well-established business. The universal
civilized manner of burial demands skill of a high nature, and so in every
city and town in Christendom we find undertakers and embalmers. One of
the most adroit, learned and successful, as well as best known and popular,
of those who are engaged in this line of endeavor in Springfield is Ely
Paxson, whose experience of half a century entitles him to a position in the
front rank of undertakers in Missouri.
Mr. Paxson was born near Findlay, Ohio, January 17, 1847. He is a
son of Morris and Mariah (Shipman) Paxson, and a descendant of an old
English family of Colonial stock. Ely Paxson, the paternal grandfather of
our subject, was a native of Pennsylvania and received bis christian name
from the old Ely family. He grew to manhood in the old Keystone state
and there became a successful farmer and useful citizen, remaining there
until [833, when he removed with his family to near Findlay, Ohio, where
he continued farming until his death, which occurred about 1876. His son,
Morris Paxson, father of the subject of this sketch, was born in Burks
count}', Pennsylvania, September 26, 1825, and he was eighl years of age
when the family removed to Ohio. He grew to manhood in Hancock
county and assisted his father with the work on the farm, and he received
his education in the pioneer schools there. When a boy he learned the black-
smith's trade, at which he became quite expert. lie remained in the Puck-
eye state until 1867, when he came to Missouri, arriving in Springfield in
£>
'Us^Otm-
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. IOI7
May of that year, and here he spent the rest of his life, becoming well known
to the business world here in that early period of the city's development.
His death occurred January 17, 1893, in his sixty-eighth year. He was
an honest, hard working man whom everybody respected. He was a mem-
ber of the Knights of Pythias, and religiously he belonged to the Methodist
church. He and Mariah Shipman were married at Findlay, Ohio, where
she had spent her girlhood and was educated. To this union seven children
w ere bom.
Ely Paxson, the immediate subject of this sketch, spent his boyhood at
Findlay, Ohio, and there received his education in the common schools, and
later learned the cabinetmaker's trade, also the undertaking business, for
which he seemed to possess from the outset decided natural ability, such as
industry, tact, steady nerves, kindness, promptness and integrity, and these
qualities with others have resulted in great success in later years. In 1868
he came to Springfield. Missouri, and for two years worked as a journey-
man cabinetmaker in the establishment of Julius Kassler on College street,
then entered into partnership with his employer, and in March, 1880, bought
him out, and has continued in the undertaking business ever since alone, his
business growing with advancing years until it has long since reached very
extensive proportions and Mr. Paxson's name is known over all southwestern
Missouri, and in his dealings with the people here for a period of over forty-
five years he has maintained a reputation for honesty, courtesy and good
citizenship, enjoying all the while the good will and esteem of his fellow
men. His establishment was destroyed by fire in 1875 and again in 1885.
In 1888 he erected the substantial two-story brick structure which he still
occupies, and which is modernly equipped in every respect for the successful
and prompt carrying on of his business, and here he employs assistants of
the highest skill.
Mr. Paxson was married on March 20, 1873, to Anna Belle Keet,
daughter of James Keet, a prominent business man of southern Missouri,
the Keets having been among the leading families of Springfield for many
years, and here Mrs. Paxson grew to womanhood and received an excellent
education. She is a lady of culture and is prominent socially.
Politically, Mr. Paxson is a Republican and has been more or less active
in public affairs. lie was coroner of Greene county for two terms, the
duties of which office he discharged with ability and satisfaction. Frater-
nally, he is a well-known Mason, having attained the thirty-second degree
in that order. For a number of years he was recorder of St. John's Com-
mandery No. 20. Knights Templars, of which he is past eminent commander.
He is treasurer of the latter body and Solomon Lodge. Free and Accepted
Masons, and treasurer of Springfield Chapter, Royal Arch Masons. He is
IOl8 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
also past master of the Blue Lodge. He and his wife are members of Grace
Methodist Episcopal church, of which he is treasurer.
Mr. Paxson has always had the welfare of Springfield at heart, and
his aid in furthering the best interests of the same has never been withheld
in all laudable movements, and he is not only one of the best known men in
this citv and count}-, but is one of the most highly respected for his industry,
public spirit and exemplar}" record as a man and citizen.
JAMES S. McILVIN.
The great Empire state ( which seems to have been given a most ap-
propriate sobriquet) has sent large numbers of her enterprising citizens into
the great West, where they have made commendable records in every walk
of life, being people who believe not only in doing things but in doing- them
well; they seem to be, almost without exception, men and women who
combine the proper elements of character and innate qualities to make good
and useful citizens. James S. Mcllvin, a locomotive engineer of the Frisco
Lines, living at Springfield, is one of this number.
Mr. Mcllvin was born at Rochester, New York. May 16, 1856. He
is a son of Robert and Rosine E. (Richards) Mcllvin. both parents natives
of New Hampshire, each representing an old Xew England family. They
grew to maturity in their native state, attended the common schools there
and were married in Xew Hampshire, but removed from that state to the
state of Xew York aboul the middle of the nineteenth century. The
father of our subject was a carpenter by trade and he followed carpentering
and building during the latter part of his life, but his earlier years were
devoted to farming. His death occurred at West held. Xew York, about
ten years ago. He removed his family to Kansas when that state was being
settled by Eastern people and there the mother of our subject died, in the
town of Lacygne, in 1872. To these parents two children were horn.
namely: Herbert, a conductor on the Southern Pacific railroad, lives in
Dallas, rexas; and James S., of this sketch.
James S. Mcllvin was taken to the state of Kansas In- his pari
when he was a small boy and there he grew to manhood and received his
education in the common schools. He began his railroad career in [877,
in Pennsylvania, on the Bessemer railroad, which at that time was known
as the old Alleghany road. He began as fireman and remained with this
road about five years, then came to Kansas and worked out of Dodge City
a short time as fireman on the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe road. He
removed to Kansas City, Missouri, in 1NS1, ami began firing on the Kan
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. IOIO.
City, Ft. Scott & Memphis railroad. He was sent to Springfield by this
road in 1882 and worked on the Ozark division. He assisted in track
laying from Cedar Gap to Mammoth Spring. In 1883 he was given a regu-
lar run as engineer on this division. He remained with the old "Memphis
Route" until it was leased to the Frisco Lines in 1900. when he went with
the latter road, with which he has remained to the present time. He is
now engineer on a freight train, between Springfield and Thayer. He has
given excellent satisfaction in the various positions he has held with different
railroads, being capable, alert, conscientious and trustworthy.
Mr. Mcllvin was married in Mercer, Pennsylvania, October 23, 1883,
to Ida A. McGinnis, who was born in YTenango county, Pennsylvania.
She is a daughter of Samuel and Sarah (Jolly) McGinnis. The father is
deceased, but the mother is living at the advanced age of eighty-five. Air.
McGinnis devoted his life to farming. Mrs. Mcllvin's maternal grand-
father, Capt. Thomas Jolly, was a soldier in the War of 181 2, in which
he made an excellent record. He lived to the unusual age of ninety-three
years.
Six children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Mcllvin, namely: Gert-
rude is the eldest; Annetta is teaching in the public schools of Springfield;
Mary, Hazel. Edith K., and June are all at home.
Our subject owns an attractive and well furnished home at 1820 Dem-
ming Place, Springfield.
Politically, Mr. Mcllvin is a Republican. He belongs to the Masonic
order and the Order of Eastern Star, he and his wife being charter mem-
bers of Crescent Chapter. No. 21. The family belongs to the Cumberland
Presbyterian church.
ELWOOD ALAMANDO WILLIAMS.
It was Charles Kingsley, the noted English author, who said that every
morning we should remember to be thankful that we have something to do
during the coming day, whether we like it or not. Being forced to work,
and forced to do our best, will breed in you temperance and self-control,
diligence and strength of will, cheerfulness and content, and a hundred
virtues the idle will never know. Elwood Alamando Williams, a farmer
near Ash Grove, is one of the citizens of Greene county who takes delight
in his work and is therefore happy and prospering.
Mr. Williams was born on a farm in Carroll county, Missouri, Sep-
tember 23, i860. He is a son of Mortimer H. and Jennie S. (Gale) Will-
iams. The father was born in Monroe county, Ohio, June 20, 1837. and
was a son of William and Martha (Hurd) Williams. William Williams
1020 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
was born near Wheeling, West Virginia, in 1809, and followed farming until.
1S48, when he began running a boat down the Ohio river to the Mississippi,
then up that stream and up the Missouri river to Boonville and later to
Carroll county, Missouri, carrying freight and passengers, each trip re-
quiring several weeks. He was a cooper and cabinet maker by trade and
was also a physician of the old school. After locating in Missouri he made
a professional trip to Ohio. He was a learned man and remained a close
student all his life, one of his favorite studies being astronomy and he
became an amateur astronomer of no mean ability. He entered eighty
acres of land in Carroll county, this state on which he spent the rest of his
life, dying there in 1887. Politically, he was first a Whig, later a Republican.
He was an ardent worker in the cause of education and helped in the matter
of establishing schools. Fraternally, he was a member of the Masonic
order, and he was a free thinker and broad-minded man. His wife was
also born near Wheeling, West Virginia, the year of her birth being 1812,
and her death occurred in 1859.
Mortimer H. Williams had only such educational advantages as the
frontier schools could furnish in his day, but his father taught him much
and furnished him many books, so he became a well-informed man, and
he taught school in Carroll county, this state, for a number of years, and,
learning the blacksmith's trade, followed that for some time. In 1873 he
moved to Chillicothe, Missouri, where he followed his trade for about ten
years, then went to South Dakota, continuing blacksrnithing there about
six years, then engaged in mining in the Black Hills a few years, after
which he made three trips to Alaska, finally locating in Rapid City, South
Dakota, where his death occurred in 1909. Politically, he was a Republican;
religiously, a Universalist, and fraternally a member of the Independent
Order of Odd Fellows. His wife, Jennie S. Gale, whom he married in 1859,
was born in Chautauqua county, New V'ork, on farm where the first chau-
tauqua in the United States was held. Mr-. Jennie Williams was burn Janu-
ary [3, 1S40, and her death occurred in [883, To these parents five children
were born.
Elwood A. Williams received a fairly good education up to the tenth
grade in the Chillicothe schools. When seventeen years old he went to
Deadwood, South Dakota, where he worked a- a freight driver, having
charge of a nine-yoke team hitched to three wagons, and this work he con-
tinued about a year, then went to a lumber camp for a year, then was
superintendent ami bookkeeper for a lumber camp for several years, after
which he came to Rapid City, South Dakota, and was head of the lumber
yards there for three year-. During this time he filed on one hundred and
sixty acres and proved up on the same, -old out and filed mi a homestead
of one hundred and sixty acres, and proved up on it, and lived on the same
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. 1021
for seven years or until 1900, when he sold out and came to Greene count}',
Missouri, purchasing one hundred and sixty acres in Boone township, and
has since resided here. He owned over one thousand acres of land in
Dakota, which he finally sold. He is making a specialty of live stock,
raising a fine grade of mules, horses, sheep, cattle and hogs for the market,
and no small portion of his annual income is derived from this source.
He is one of the substantial men of Boone township, and has made what
he has solely by his own efforts.
Mr. Williams was married on November 29, 1888, to Maggie M. Trim-
mer, who was born in South Dakota, October 1, 1872. She was born near
Chamberlain, that state, and there reared to womanhood and was educated,
She is a daughter of George M. and Mary 1 Boyua ) Trimmer. Mr. Trimmer
was born near Cheona, Illinois, November 8, [844, and was a son of Nicholas
and Mary Trimmer, who lived and died on a farm in Illinois. George M.
Trimmer received a common school eduction, working on the home farm
during the summer months, and when a young man lie went to the eastern
part of South Dakota and began wood contracting for steamboats on the
Missouri river. In 1876 he went to the Black Hills, and there engaged
in mining and fanning. He was a sterling pioneer, and helped establish
trails, towns, did freighting and was incidentally a renowned hunter. He
was a stanch friend of the Sioux Indians, who liked him. He was the
first settler in Hot Springs, South Dakota, and he did much toward making
it one of the best towns in that state, and at this writing he owns a tine
orchard of one hundred and sixty acres near there, which was the first
orchard set out in that region. He is one of the prominent and influential
men of eastern South Dakota and has been offered many political posi-
tions of importance in the state, but has refused them all. Politically, he
is a Democrat, and fraternally he belongs to the Independent Order of Odd
Fellows and is an enthusiastic worker in the same. On November 8, 1871,
he married Mary Boyua, who was born March 4. 1847. Grandfather Boyua
was an early French trader on the Missouri river.
Mrs. Trimmer was the real discoverer of the springs in what is now
known as Hot Springs, and cut the first bathing "tub" out of a rock. When
a child she was present at the New Ulm massacre in Minnesota, and was
taken prisoner by the Sioux Indians and carried to the head of the Missouri
river.
To Mr. and Mrs. Elwood A. Williams three children have been born,
namely: Blanche G., born December 20, 1889, was given good educational
advantages; Barney B., born April 20, 1892, was also well educated in the
schools of Ash Grove, Missouri; M. Cleopatra, born September 26, 1897,
graduated from the Ash Grove high school with the class of 1915. These
children are all at home with their parents.
1022 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
Politically, Mr. Williams is a Progressive, and is liberal in his public
views. Fraternally, he is one of the leading Masons of this locality, being
a member of Ash Grove Lodge No. ioo, Ancient Free and Accepted Ma-
sons; Ash Grove Chapter, Royal Arch Masons; and Zabud Council No.
125, Royal and Select Masters; he also belongs to the Independent Order
of Odd Fellows. He has for some time been a member of the local school
board, and religiously he holds membership in the Presbyterian cll'urch. He
has had a vast experience in the world's affairs and talks most entertainingly
of his life in the picturesque pioneer days of the North, and it is a pleasure
to visit him in his neat, hospitable home.
FRED WILLIAM RAUCH.
Spake full well in language quaint and olden,
One who dwelleth by the castled Rhine,
When he called the flowers so blue and golden
Stars that in earth's firmament do shine;
Stars they are in which we read our history
As did astrologers and seers of eld,
Yet not wrapt about with such awful mystery
As were the burning stars which they beheld.
Thus wrote the poet Longfellow in his line poem on the flowers, which
have been a favorite theme of poets since the days of Homer, and it has ever
been the opinion of the thinkers of the world that he who does not love
and admire these "stars of earth" has little good in him. No vocation could
be more conducive to pure and high thinking, and consequently right and
wholesome living, as a natural sequence of such thoughts, as floriculture.
Most of the flower gardens and green-houses in this country are conducted
by Germans. We offer no theory as to why this is so. Suffice it to add that
we are greatly indebted to our brothers of Teutonic blood in many respects,
and especially because they keep us supplied with their beautiful and neces-
sary "hot-house" products during the "winters of our discontent."
Fred William Ranch, a young German-American, is one of the success-
ful florists of Springfield. He was born on July 7, 1881, in Springfield,
Ohio, and is a son of Peter and Caroline (Winter) Ranch. The father was
born in Hessedarmstadt, Germany, April 26, [854, and there he grew to
manhood and received a common school education. He remained in the
Fatherland until tX;.^ when he emigrated to America with a brother, and
settled in Urbana, Ohio. He learned the blacksmith's trade when a young
man, also was a tool dresser and he followed his trades in a machine shop
in Urbana a short time, then removed to Springfield, Ohio, where he con-
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. IO23
tinued working at his trade until 1884, in which year he came to Billings,
Missouri, located on a farm near there, which he operated four years. He
then returned to Urbana, Ohio, and followed the cigar manufacturing busi-
ness for eleven years, then came back to Billings, this state, and for the past
fifteen years has engaged in farming there. He has been very successful in
a business way and owns a good farm and is highly respected by all who
know him. Politically, he is a Democrat. He has been school director at
Billings for a number of years, having received every vote in that place ex-
cept his own in the elections for director. Fraternally he is a member of
the Knights of Pythias and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He is
a member of the German Evangelical church. He and Caroline Winters
were married in 1877. She was born in Baltimore, Maryland, December 31,
1859, and she received a good common school education. She is a daughter
of William Winters and wife. Mr. Winters is a baker by trade and is still
living, making his home with Mrs. Rauch at Billings. His wife died about
fifteen years ago.
Eight children were born to Peter Rauch and wife, namely: George
is a florist at Monett, Missouri; Fred W., of this sketch; Lulu is the wife of
Frank Dean, of Billings; Charles is a florist in Monett; Katie lives in Mo-
nett; Anna and Philip are at home with their parents; William died when
six years old.
Fred W. Rauch received a good education in the common schools, and
when a boy learned broom making and worked at the same about four
years, after which he worked on a farm near Billings, Missouri, for four
years, then came to Springfield and worked for a florist about two and one-
half years, meanwhile learning the ins and outs of the business, then was
employed at the Chalfant conservatories a year, then, with two brothers
built greendmuses and laid out gardens at Monett where they are still in
business, his two brothers remaining there and operating the business, while
our subject stays in Springfield, where he returned in 191 1 and began
operating the Chalfant conservatory and later established offices in the Co-
lonial Hotel under the firm name of Rauch Brothers, and he has built up a
large and constantly growing business.
Mr. Rauch was married March 10, 1907, to Bertha Kemm, a native of
Springfield, born April 10. 1880, in Wisconsin. She received a good edu-
cation in the public schools. She was a child when her parents, Karl and
Mary (Schmith) Kemm, brought her to Springfield. Her father's active
life has been devoted to the ministry.
To Mr. and Mrs. Rauch one child has been born, Frances Rauch, whose
birth occurred on April 21, 1908.
Politically, Mr. Rauch is a Democrat, and religiously he is a member of
the Presbyterian church. He is a prominent Mason, being a member of
Gate of the Temple Lodge No. 422, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons ;
1024 GREKNE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
Vincent Council, Royal and Select Masters; St. John's Commandery No. 20,
Knights Templar; Abou Ben Adhem Temple and Ancient Arabic Order of
Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. One would judge from Mr. Rauch's daily in-
tercourse with his fellow men that he is endeavoring to live up to the sublime
precepts of Masonry.
ALEXANDER KNOX.
Born on the far-away heaths of bonnie Scotland, that picturesque coun-
try, famed in song and story, familiar to us principally through the versatile
descriptions of such immortals as Scott, Burns, Stevenson and Miller, but
spending the major part of his life in America, the late Alexander Knox, a
descendant of the famous British statesman, John Knox, is deserving of
mentions in these pages. His long life of usefulness and commendable acts
winning for him the sincere regard of all those with whom he came in con-
tact, it is meet that his life record should be preserved in proper form. He
possessed many of the traits of character of his sterling Scotch ancestors.
Air. Knox was born in Scotland, January 26, [848. He was a ><>n of
George Knox and wife, who were natives of Scotland, where they grew up
and were married and spent their lives.
Alexander Knox grew to manhood in his native land and there received
a -'"id education, taking a high literary course in one of the best schools
of the country. When twenty-one years of age. in [869, he immigrated to
the United States alone, and first settled in the South, hut after a short time
lie came to Missouri, lie began life fur himself as a general farmer, which
line of endeavor he followed until about [875, then entered the employ of
the St. Louis and San Francisco Railroad Company, first as fireman and
later he became an engineer, and finally was engineer on ;i passenger train,
which position he held for many years, or until his health failed. He was
regarded as one of the most faithful and competent of the company's
employees, and was popular with officials and his fellow employees.
Mr. Knox was married on January n. [873, to Maria E. Ball, who
was horn near London, England, April 11. [856, She is a daughter of
Frederick and Margaret (Price) Ball, both natives of England, where they
grew up. were married and established their home, and where they resided
until 1S70. when they immigrated to America, first locating in Illinois, later
moving to Missouri, and here Mr. Ball began working for the St. Louis
and San Francisco Railroad Company in their shops at Springfield. He
was a skilled blacksmith, having as high as four and six helpers under him
all the time, and was looked upon by his officials as one of their most valu-
able men. 1 [e did a great deal in his department to make it up to date, and
^/£%W a*t,0C& *- J pi *V
I
/t^ „ 'tj . J'S^^c^
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. 1025
he was given credit for many things of importance. He was a man who
was held in high regard by all who knew him. He remained in the local
shops until his death in the year 1882. His family consisted of six chil-
dren, three of whom are still living, namely: Frederick, Mrs. Agnes Havens,
and Mrs. Maria E. Knox, widow of our subject.
Mrs. Knox spent her girlhood in England and was educated in the
common schools there and in the schools of St. Louis, .Missouri. She was
fourteen years of age when the family moved to America.
Two children were born to Alexander Knox and wife: Alice M., born
on September 29, 1879, married first to Charles Schneider, who 'lied about
fourteen years ago; later she married T. P. Nichols, and they live in St.
Louis. They have two children. Josephine and Charles A. George F. born
on July 8, 1882, married Courtney Gustin, who is engaged in the shoe busi-
ness in Springfield. Our subject and wife also raised James D. Knox, from
the time he was five years old, and shortly after our subject's death Airs.
Knox adopted the child, who was burn on November 18, 1880; he married
Maude Walker; he is connected with the Frisco shops and lives in Spring-
field. They have three children. Charles Vere. Maxine and Margaret.
Alexander Knox was a Republican. He belonged to the Brotherhood
of Locomotive Engineers, and was secretary of the local order for a period
of fifteen years, performing the duties of the office most faithfully. He
was a member of the Masonic Order, the Blue Lodge, Gate of the Temple
( Masonic ) and the Ancient Order of United Workmen, being a charter mem-
ber of the same. He was a member of the Royal Arcanum Lodge, and
belonged to the First Congregational church.
The death of Mr. Knox occurred on August 14, 1899, when scarcely
past the half-century mark. Mrs. Knox has a cosy home on Washington
avenue, Springfield.
FREDERICK CHARLES WILDER.
One of the public-spirited citizens of Ash Grove who withholds
his cooperation from no movement which is intended to promote public
improvement in that city and vicinity is Frederick Charles Wilder, who
for the past fourteen years has been engaged successfully in the livery busi-
ness there and is one of the best known men in this line of endeavor in
Greene county, and what he has accomplished illustrates his steadfastness of
purpose. In his earlier years he was a farmer and also worked as iron
molder.
Mr. Wilder was born near Carpentersville. Illinois. August 9, 1865.
(65)
1026 GREEXE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
He is a son of Thomas and Catherine (Tubbs) Wilder. The father was
born in the state of New York, in October, 1828, was there reared to
manhood and educated in the district schools and he devoted his active life
to farming. He joined the tide of "forty-niners" for the gold fields of
California and remained in that state a few years, finally returning to Illi-
nois, his trips across the great trackless plains being without particular
incident. He resumed farming and remained in the Sucker state until in
1869, when he removed with his family to Lawrence county, Missouri,
where he bought one hundred acres which he farmed until 1881, when he
went to Barry county, Missouri, and homesteaded one hundred and sixty
acres, which he cleared, improved and farmed until his death, which oc-
curred in 1902. Politically, he was a Republican, and religiously a Metho-
dist. Catherine Tubbs, mother of the subject of this sketch, was burn in
1837. It is not certain whether in Illinois or Wisconsin, and her death
occurred in 1875.
Frederick C. Wilder grew to manhood on the home farm, where he
worked when a boy, and he received his education in the district schools.
He spent four years in Dundee, Illinois, working for the Illinois Iron
Bolt Company, learning the molder's trade, from 1894 to 1898, after which
he returned to the home farm in Lawrence count}', Missouri, not caring
to continue the molder's trade as a livelihood. lie engaged in general
farming until fourteen years ago, when he came to Ash Grove and started
in the liver}- business, which he has continued here and in Mt. Vernon,
Lawrence county, to the present time, and his is now the only livery business-
in Ash Grove. He lias a well-equipped barn, including such vehicles as
his needs require and a large number of good horses. His barn is popular
with the traveling public, prompt and honest service is his aim.
Mr. Wilder was married March 17. [887, to Emma Bowman, who
was horn in Christian county. Missouri, August 4, [869, and was reared
on the farm and educated in the public schools. She is a daughter of Will-
iam P. and Sarah Bowman. The father was a pioneer of Christian count)
and the mother was born there.
Five children have been horn to Mr. and Mrs. Wilder, namely: Oma,
born January 1. [888, is cashier at Bourguenot's confectionery in Spring-
field; Dade, horn May 20, [889, is employed by the Aurora Milling Company
at Aurora, Missouri; Nellie, horn February 5, [892; she married Richard
M. Ryan and they live in Hot Springs. Arkansas: Luna, horn .March [9,
[894; and Clyde, horn May 17, [897.
Politically, Mr. Wilder is a Republican. Fraternally, he i- a member
of the Knight- of Pythias, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and
the W Imen of the World. Religiously, the Family attends the Presbyte-
rian church.
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. 1027
DANIEL H. HERMAN.
For a period of thirty-five years the name of Daniel H. Herman has
stood for the highest grade of tailoring known in southwest Missouri, and
his business advancing with the years has long since assumed very large
proportions, and, owing to the excellent quality and style of the work from
his establishment, his prestige is such that many of his customers come from
nearby towns, and the fact that many of them have remained with him fur
a quarter of a century or more is a criterion of not only good service but
courteous and honest treatment. Mr. Herman has devoted practically his
life to this line of business and no one is more thoroughly conversant with
the various phases of the same than he. As a man of affairs and a citi-
zen he has been one of the influential men of Springfield for many years,
Mr. Herman was born June _\ [857, in Syracuse, New York. He is a
son of Henry and Hannah (Stern) Herman. The father, a native of Bavaria,
Germany, emigrated to the United States about [832 ami settled i,. Syra-
cuse, Xew York, where he was an extensive live stock dealer until 1868,
when he went to Chicago, where he continued the same business. In 1871
he went to Rochester. Xew York, and followed the same vocation, subse-
quently moving to Elmira, that state, where his death occurred in [904, at the
home of his daughter, and he is buried in the lot adjoining that containing
the grave of Mark Twain. His wife, Hannah Stern, was also born in the
province of Bavaria, Germany. She came to America when young and mar-
ried Air. Herman in Syracuse, New York. Her death occurred in 1894 >n
Rochester, that state, but she was buried in Chicago. Air. and Airs. Henry-
Herman were the parents of rive children, namely: Hannah is the wife
of Albert Samuel, of Elmira, New York; Fanny is the widow of Henry
Klopfer, the great Chicago packer; Benjamin lives in Rahway, Xew Jersey;
Daniel H., of this review: and Charles, who lives in Xew York City. Politi-
cally, the father of these children was a Democrat. He belonged to the
Alasonic order, and he was a member of the Hebrew Reformed church.
Daniel H. Herman spent his boyhood in Rochester, Xew York, and
there received a good common school education. 'When sixteen years old he
went to Elmira, that state, and began learning- the tailoring trade and clothing
business in which he seemed to have a decided natural bent ami consequently
made rapid progress. He remained there until he was twenty-two years old,
1N70, in which year he came to Spring-field. Missouri, and opened a tailoring
and clothing establishment on Boonville street ami has continued in this line
to the present time. Successful from the first, he managed his affairs with
honesty and good judgment until in due course of time he became one of the
substantial business men of the city, and now his establishment would be a
1028 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
credit to cities many times the size of Springfield. He had the distinction of
setting up and running the first full page advertisement in a newspaper in
this section of the country, for which he paid ten dollars per month. On
his opening day here he hired a brass band to play in front of his estab-
lishment and an orchestra on the inside. Later he opened branches in the
same line at Lamar, Joplin, St. Louis, Ft. Smith, Arkansas ; and Dallas,
Texas, all of which were successful under his able management, and pro-
gressive methods. In a few years he opened up where the Globe Clothing
Company is now located on South street and the public square. In 1885 he
sold out on the public square and devoted his business on Boonville street
to tailoring exclusively, then moved where the Union National Bank m >\v
stands. Selling, his lease there he moved on South street, where he remained
four years, and in 1912 moved to his present location on St. Louis street,
where he has a modernly appointed, neat, inviting and convenient estab-
lishment and carries an extensive and carefully selected stock of goods and
employs several skilled tailors, including two expert cutters and about forty
other employees. Prompt and high-grade sen ice is his aim as it has ever been.
In 1889 the company was incorporated as the Herman Tailoring Company.
Mr. Herman and family are sole owners. They handle all the best domestic
and imported cloths, which are made up for an exclusive clientele from
southwest Missouri, southeastern Kansas and northwestern Arkansas. The
firm has patrons even from New York City, Boston, St. Louis. Kai
City, the tar West and Mexico. They have also unquestionably the highest
class of haberdashery in this part of the United States. They are ex-
clusive agents for Crofut & Knapp, Knapp fell and the Dobbs hats, Keyser
cravats, Mark-Cross gloves, Vassar underwear, Manhattan shirts, S. Stein
& Company, importers of woolens. Burberry'- of London, England; Water-
house & Resher Company, of New York City.
Mr, Herman was married. June 10. [885, to Nellie Langsdorf, of
St. Louis. She was born, December 7. [864, and i- a daughter of Morris
and Hannah (Rosenstine) Langsdorf, an old and prominent family of the
Mound City, where Mrs. Herman grew to womanhood and was educated.
She is a lady of culture and has long been a favorite in the besl social
circles of St. Louis and Springfield.
The union of Mr. and Mrs. Herman has been graced b) the birth
of four children, namely: Hortense, wife of Nathan S. Rose, of St. Paul.
Minnesota; Edgar S., who is in business with his father, was born in Spring-
field, Missouri, November 25, 1:888, was graduated From the common schools,
after which she spent a year in high school and a year in Drury ('"liege:
from a mere child be has shown an aptness and interest in cutting, fitting
and designing clothes and now has full charge of that department of the
Herman Tailoring Company; at the age of twenty-one years he took his
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. I02Q
first honors at the National Clothiers' Association in New York City. He
has refused flattering offers from large tailoring concerns in Chicago and
New York to act as their designer at a large salary. His ideas are always
in advance of others and he is indeed a genius in his line. The third child
of our subject and wife is Blanche I)., who is attending Soldon high school
in St. Louis; Ruth, the youngest of the children, is at home and attending
Springfield high school.
Air. Herman has always been a supporter of laudable movements for
the general improvement of Springfield, whose interests he has had at heart
from the beginning of his residence here, and he has ever enjoyed the good
will and confidence of his fellow citizens as a result of his industry, public
spirit and manly principles.
ROBEK 1' FRANK KISSICK.
L'pon the shoulders of a train dispatcher rests grave responsibilities. A
little mistake on his part may, and often does, result in most revolting dis-
asters, so that it behooves one thus employed to keep a clear head and a
steady nerve, be wide-awake when he is on duty and also a conscientious
worker. Such a man is Robert Frank Kissick, train dispatcher for the
Frisco Lines at the Springfield North Side shops. He is a man in whom
the head officials repose the utmost confidence in every respect.
Mr. Kissick was born in Holt county, Missouri, in January, 1873. He
is a son of William and Jane (McKane) Kissick, both natives of the Isle
of Man, a British possession. The father was born in 1827, and the mother
first saw the light of day in 1839. They grew up in their native country
and there attended school, emigrating to the United States when young and
they were married in Illinois, where they resided on a farm until 1871, when
they removed to Holt county, Missouri, remaining there on a farm until
1886, when they moved to Kansas, in which state the father spent his last
days in general fanning and died there in 1892; the mother is now making
her home in Hutchinson, Kansas. To these parents eight children were
born, namely: Mary Jane lives in Wisconsin, Ida C, William E., Walter
S., deceased; Lottie E., Robert F., Fannie F. and Daisy P.
Robert F. Kissick grew up on the home farm in Holt county, this
state, where he worked when a boy and there he attended the common
schools. In 1890 he entered railroad service for the Atchison, Topeka &
Santa Fe at Nickerson, Kansas, as call boy. remaining with that road in
various capacities until 1900. He remained in Nickerson until August, 1892,
after which he was telegraph operator at Sterling, that state, working in this
capacity there, at Great Bend and Dodge City, Kansas, for a period of
IO3O GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
ten years. After this he worked for the Rock Island railroad in Kansas
and Texas when that company was building its line to California. He was
in the building department and remained with that road until August, 1901,
when he came to Springfield, Missouri, and began working for the Frisco as
telegraph operator. Thus employed for three years he was promoted to
extra train dispatcher and then promoted to regular train dispatcher at the
North Side shops, which position he holds at this time. He has given emi-
nent satisfaction with each of these three roads in every position he has
filled.
Mr. Kissick was married in June, 1905, in Springfield to Eva Skates,
who was born in Union county, Missouri. She is a daughter of Robert
and Mary Skates. Her father is a carpenter and contractor by trade,
and has done a great deal of this kind of work for railroads. He now
lives in Kansas City, Missouri.
To our subject and wife one child, Roberta Jane, has been born, the
date of her birth being October 22, 1913.
Politically, Air. Kissick is a Republican. Fraternally, he belongs to
the Modern Woodmen of America and the Masonic order, in which he has
taken all the degrees except that of the Scottish Rite. He is well known in
Masonic circles.
JOSEPH HENRY TURK.
It is oftentimes considered by those in the habit of superficial thinking
that the history of so-called great men only is worthy of preservation and
that little merit exists among the masses to call forth the praises of the his-
torian or the cheers and appreciation of mankind. A greater mistake was
never made. No man is great in all things and very few are great, even es-
pecially competent, in many things. Some by a lucky stroke achieve lasting
fame, who before that had no reputation beyond the limits of their neigh-
borhoods. It is not a history of the lucky stroke that benefits humanity
most, but the long study and effort which made the lucky stroke possible. It
is the preliminary work, the method, that serves as a guide for the success
of others. Among those enterprising men of Greene county who have
forged ahead along well-established lines, gradually mounting to the lad-
der's summit by earnest, honest endeavor is Joseph Henry Turk, the present
efficient and popular postmaster of Ash Grove and for many years a well-
known hardware dealer of that city.
Mr. Turk was born in Lawrence county, Missouri, October 18. 1871.
He is a son of Thomas B. and Sarah Jane (Stotts) Turk. The father was
born in Cumberland county, Kentucky, in 1834. and there grew to man-
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. IO3I
hood, received his education and resided until about 1865 when he emi-
grated to Missouri and located in Lawrence county, where he engaged in
general farming until about eighteen years ago when he returned to Ken-
tucky, and engaged in the real estate and insurance business in Bowling
Green, that state, until his death on August 14, 1914. Politically, he was
a Democrat. He belonged to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and
was a member of the Presbyterian church. He and Sarah Jane Stotts were
married in 1865. She was born in Cumberland county, Kentucky, about
1840, and there she was reared and educated and they were married in their
native locality. Thomas B. Turk and wife were'the parents of five boys and
• one girl, namely: James; Joseph H. ; Lee; Luther; Loren and Hiram.
Joseph H. Turk, of this sketch, grew up on the home farm where he
worked when a boy, and he received his education in the common schools.
Having a natural inclination to machinery he secured a position in an im-
plement house, and later was a traveling salesman for a champion implement
linn for three years, giving it entire satisfaction and doing much to increase
its prestige in the territory to which he was assigned. In 1892 he launched
out in the hardware business in Ash Grove where he has remained ever
since and has built up a large and growing trade which extends all over this
section of the country. He has always carried a large and well-selected
stock of general hardware and farming implements.
Mr. Turk has manifested an interest in public affairs fur smue time, ami
on July 13, 1913, he was appointed postmaster at Ash Grove, and is dis-
charging the duties of the same in a manner that reflects much credit upon
himself and to the satisfaction of the people and the department. Politi-
cally, he is a Democrat, and he has been a committeeman for eight years
and is active and influential in the affairs of his party. Fraternally he is a
member of the Masonic order, and is now worshipful master of the local
Blue Lodge; he is also a member of the Chapter, Royal Arch Masons, Zabud
Council, Royal and Select Masters, and the Order of the Eastern Star. He
is one of the active and prominent Masons in this part of the state. Re-
ligiously he belongs to the Presbyterian church.
Mr. Turk was married on April 22, 1896, to Laura Barham, who was
born in Ash Grove, in September, 1873, and here grew to womanhood and
was educated. She is a daughter of Mr. W. F. and Mrs. T. E. Barham,
natives of Missouri. Mr. Barham devoted his active life to farming. His
family consists of six children.
To Mr. and Mrs. Turk the following children have been born: Seth,
who is attending the Springfield high school ; Harold is attending the high
school in Ash Grove; Richard is in the public school; Geraldine is also a
public school pupil; and Llelen, who is the youngest.
I032 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
SAMUEL W. HEADLEE.
As one reviews the history of Greene county and looks into the past
to see what people were prominent in its early development, he will find
that for more than three-quarters of a century, the period covering its first
settlement to the present time, the Tennesseeans have been closely connected
with the progress and advancement of this section of the state. Wild was
the region into which they came. Its forests stood in their primeval strength,
the prairie land was still unbroken, and the Indians still roamed through
the woodlands and over the plains, seeking the deer and lesser game which
could be found in abundance. The Headlee family, while not so early as
some, yet figured in the early-day development of this locality. The late
Samuel W. Headlee was of this number, and for a long lapse of years he
was one of the most prominent men of the county, playing well his part in
the local drama of civilization, not only clearing and developing the land, but
aiding in the establishment of schools and churches, and was a public servant
of unquestioned ability and integrity; in fact, the various members of this
sterling old family have ever manifested the characteristic thrift of the emi-
grants from the old state of "Hickory" Jackson, and justly entitled to rep-
resentation in this work.
Samuel W. Headlee was born in Maury county, Tennessee, March 6,
[823. He was a son of Caleb and Mary (Steele) Headlee. His parents
were from North Carolina, but emigrated to Tenneesee in a very early day,
where they lived until 1X36, when they emigrated overland to Missouri and
settled in Greene county, began life in true pioneer fashion, and here Caleb
Headlee spent the rest of his life engaged in farming, dying in 1847. Samuel
W. Headlee was thirteen years old when he accompanied his parents to
Greene county. He grew to manhood on the farm and received such educa-
tional advantages as the schools of those early days afforded, and for some
time taught school in this county. In 1850, having caught the "gold fever."
he crossed the great western plains to California, where he spent four vears,
engaging successfully in mining. Upon his return here he purchased the
old homestead upon which he spent the rest of his life, and was regarded
as one of the county's leading farmers of that period. He was elected to
the lower house of the state Legislature by the Benton Democracy, re-elected
in 1862 and in 1S1.4. In 1866 he was elected by the Republicans to the
state Senate, and in iS;j. lie. to heal the breaches in his party, became a
candidate for the lower house, and was elected by a handsome majority.
He was again elected to the Legislature in 1870- In all that period of six-
teen years he voted as his conscience and judgment dictated, and won for
himself the applause and approval of all good men, doing much for the
i
H
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. IO33
general good of his county and looking carefully after the interest of his
constituents. He was a faithful and conscientious servant of the people, and
his long retention in important official positions would indicate that the people
here reposed implicit confidence in his ability and honesty. During the Civil
war he took an active part in the service of the Union and in 1862, to that
end, was commissioned captain of a militia company. From 1803 to the
close of the war, he was captain in the Sixteenth Alissouri Cavalry of the
Federal army. In 1874 he was complimented by a nomination by the peo-
ple's committee as their candidate for lieutenant-governor upon the ticket
headed by Major Gentry. After retiring from public life he devoted his
attention to general farming on a large scale, and in the decline of a long,
useful and honorable life enjoyed the satisfaction of peace with himself
and the full confidence of those who knew him best. His death occurred
on February 6, 1900.
Samuel \Y. Headlee was married May 2, 1855, to Emily L. Armor, a
daughter of Washington and Nancy S. (Kerr J Armor, natives of Georgia
and North Carolina, respectively. They immigrated to Alissouri in 184O and
settled in Polk county. After remaining their until about 1848, the Armor
family removed to Greene county and here the parents spent the rest of
their lives, being long since deceased.
To Samuel W. Fleadlee and wife nine children were born, namely:
Warren E., born on July 27, 1857; Arthur 1!., born on April 12. 1858, died
in infancy; Margaret E., born on July 4. 1859; Blondville 1)., born on Sep-
tember 4, 1 861; Samuel M., born on February 5, 1865, died on August 14.
1887; James W., born on July ji<, 1867; Claude L., born on November 20,
1871 ; Cora M., born on June 16, 1873, died on November 20. 1903; she
was the wife of Avery Robards, and to their union one child was born,
Jessie Margaret, whose birth occurred September 30, 1903; she was taken
by her grandmother when six weeks old and is still living in her home.
Jessie E. Headlee, youngest of our subject's children, was born on Septem-
ber 13, 1875, and died on August 26, 1899,
Claude Leslie Headlee was born on November 20. 1871, on the home
farm in Franklin township, Greene county, and here he grew to manhood and
received his education in the district schools. He has been a life-long
farmer ; however, he learned the carpenter's trade when a young man and
has since followed it to some extent. He is the owner of one hundred and
thirty acres of good land, eighty-five acres of which is under cultivation. He
lives but a short distance from the old residence where he was born. He
married, on January 24, 1879, Lona M. Knighten. a daughter of Amnion
and Alan- E. (Dotson) Knighten. Mr. Knighten is one of Franklin town-
ship's leading farmers and stockmen, and formerly was engaged in black-
1034 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
smithing and mercantile pursuits at Hickory Barrens, this county. A cuin-
plete sketch of himself and family appears on another page of this volume.
iu Claude L. Headlee and wife three children have been born, namely:
Arthur Harry, Samuel Leslie and William B. Politically, Air. Headlee is a
Republican. His wife belongs to the Baptist church at Pleasant Hope, Polk
county.
Blundville D. Headlee, son of the immediate subject of this sketch, was
born on September 4, 1861, on the homestead in Franklin township, this
county, and here he spent his boyhood and was educated in the common
schools, remaining on his father's farm until he was thirty years of age.
On February 3. 1892, he married Nanny Norman, who was born near
Brookline, Greene county. She is a daughter of William and Mary (Gib-
son) Norman. To this union two children have been born, Frank and
Grace, both at home. Mr. Headlee has devoted his life to general fanning,
making a specialty of grain and live stock. He owns a well-improved place
of one hundred and ten acres. Politically, he is a Republican. His wife is
a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian chinch at Mt. Comfort. Her
father, William Norman, was burn on August 4. 1823, in Maury county,
Tennessee, and in an early day he came with his family from his native
slate to Missouri and settled in Greene county, developing a farm in Brook-
line township, where he owned a large tract of land and was a successful
farmer. Here he spent the rest of his life, his death occurring October 24,
1895, three miles from Nichols Junction, in the western part of the county.
Politically, he was a Democrat, and was a member of the Brookline Congre-
gational church. His wife was born in Tennessee and died in this county
in 1879. She was a faithful member of the Presbyterian church, and was
buried in the cemetery ai Brookline. To Air. and Mrs. Norman eight chil-
dren were born, three of whom are now living — Frank X.. who makes his
home in Oklahoma City; Marshall is a resident of Shawnee, Oklahoma; and
Nanny, wife of Blondville 1). Headlee.
James Ward Headlee was born on the old homestead here, and here he
-rew to manhood and was educated in the public schools at Hickory Barrens.
He, too. has devoted his life to general farming, and is now owner of a
very productive place of eighty-three acres, which lies close to the old home-
stead. He learned the blacksmith's trade when he was a boy and this he
has followed to some extent ever since, following the same fourteen years
111 connection with farming, maintaining his shop at his home place. He is
a natural mechanic, and is regarded as a very highly skilled blacksmith. On
December 2, 1894, he married Dora Kesterson, a native of Greene county,
and a daughter of David C. and Minerva (Ketcherside) Kesterson. natives
•of Ohio and Georgia, respectively. They came first to Arkansas, and from
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. IO35
there to Missouri, locating on a farm in Franklin township, Greene county,
where Mr. Kesterson spent the remainder of his days engaged in general
farming. During the Civil war he enlisted in Company K, Second Arkansas
Cavalry, was appointed second corporal of his regiment on April 28, 1864,
and was mustered out of the service and honorably discharged at the close
of the war at Memphis, Tennessee. He was in the command of Col. John
E Phelps, of Springfield, Missouri. Mr. Kesterson was born on March 18,
1837, and died on November 8, 1911. He was a tanner by trade, which he
followed in Arkansas and also for a time after coining to Greene county,
but after his marriage devoted his attention to farming. He came to this
county immediately after the close of the war, in 1805. His wife was born
on September 14, 1841. She was a daughter of James and Genette I Scab-
berry ) Ketcherside. Her death occurred in November, 1903. He died at
the Soldiers' Home at Ft. Leavenworth, Kansas, while her death occurred
on the farm in Franklin township. James and Genette (Scabberry) Ketcher-
side were both natives of Tennessee, but from that state they moved to
Georgia, where they spent the remaining years of their lives. David C.
Kesterson' s family consisted of seven children, of whom Mrs. Dora Headlee
was the fourth in order of birth. She has three brothers living at this writ-
ing— John E., of Kansas City; Arthur U., who is farming near Hickory
Barrens, this county; and Arvel 1)., of Los Angeles, California. Politically,
Mr. Headlee is a Republican, and he belongs to the Cumberland Presbyterian
church at Mt. Comfort, to which Mrs. Headlee also belongs.
The Headlees have always enjoyed excellent reputations, being neigh-
borly and honorable in all the relations of life.
GEORGE TRIECE.
It was nearly thirty-five years ago that George Triece came to Ash
Grove, and he has ever since been a resident of Greene county, and has
been an interesting spectator to the general development of this vicinity. A
Hoosier by birth, his earlier life was spent in that state, and most of his
active life has been devoted to general farming, but the latter part has been
spent as a hotel keeper. He is one of the honored veterans of the great war
between the states, having proved his patriotism to his country by fighting in
defense of the Stars and Stripes on many a sanguinary field, and he was
one of the sufferers at Andersonville prison.
Mr. Triece was born in Vermilion county, Indiana, March 26. 1841.
He is a son of Samuel and Sarah (Missemor) Triece. The father was born
in 1801, in Pennsylvania, and he was a son of Henry Triece, a native of
IO36 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
Pennsylvania and of German descent. The latter came from his native
state to Vermilion county, Indiana, in 1832, and entered three hundred and
twenty acres of land which he farmed until his death in 1850. His son,
Samuel Triece, came to Indiana at the same time, and spent the rest of his
life farming in Vermilion county, dying there in i860. The mother of the
subject of this sketch died in 1872 at the age of sixty-nine years. Politi-
cally, the father of our subject was a Democrat, and in religious matters
he was a Methodist.
George Triece grew to manhood on the old homestead in Indiana and
there worked hard when a boy, and he received his education in the com-
mon schools. When the Civil war broke out he enlisted in August, 1861,
in Company K, Seventy-first Indiana Volunteer Infantry, in which he served
one year and was transferred to Company K, Sixth Indiana Cavalry. In
fact the former regiment was merely changed into the latter. As infantry
the regiment fought at Richmond and Muldo Hill, Kentucky, and as cavalry
at Knoxville, under General Burnsides; Kenesaw Mountain, Resaca, Buz-
zard's Roost, and was with General Stoneman on July 20, 1864, on his raid
to Macon, Georgia, where our subject was captured and sent to Anderson-
vine for three months, then to Florence. South Carolina, for two months,
from which prison he was paroled and sent to Savannah, thence to Mary-
land, and on home, and was mustered out and honorably discharged June
27, 1865.
After the war Mr. Triece returned to Vermilion county, Indiana, and
resumed farming which he carried on along general lines until 1880 when
he came to Ash Grove, Missouri. He was deputy postmaster here for three
years, then operated the Grove House twelve years and the Commercial
House nine years, then conducted a grocery store and restaurant two years.
He also spent two years in Springfield, and during the past two years has been
running a boarding and rooming house in Ash Grove. He has become one
of the most widely known men in his vocation in this part of the country,
and the traveling public have always found him a genial, obliging and hon-
est host.
Politically, Mr. Triece is a Republican. He belongs to the John Mat-
thews Post, Grand Army of the Republic at Springfield.
Air. Triece was married May 22, 1866. to Lydia McBuey, who was
born May 16, 1851, in Fountain county, Indiana. She is a daughter of
Daniel and Mary (McKewn) McBuey; they came from Ireland. Mrs.
Triece received a limited education.
To Mr. and Mrs. Triece four children were born, three of whom are
deceased, namely: Charlie L., Millard; the third died in infancy, and Man-
drid M. Triece, the surviving child, is living in T-ong Beach, California.
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. I°37
JAMES COLEMAN GARDNER.
Among those whose military records as valiant soldiers of the great
war between the states reflect lasting honor upon them and their descendants
is James Coleman Gardner, who has had a varied career and has long been
engaged as trustee and receiver in bankruptcy at Springfield, where he has
won an honored name by virtue of his consistency to truth, honesty and
right living. It was fifty-eight years ago that he first came to the present
capital of the Ozark region, then a mere village on the frontier, and he has
been identified with the growth of the place ever since, taking a delight
in its progress.
Mr. Gardner was born near Santa Fe, Murray county. Tennessee, on
November- 17, 1832. He is a son of Britton D. and Jeanette (Oakley)
Gardner. The father was born, September 1, 1808, and was a son of Na-
than and Nancy ( Gardner. Nathan Gardner was of German descent, and
in an early day he went west to make his fortune. Britton D. Gardner grew
to manhood in Murray county, Tennessee, and there devoted himself to
general farming. When the Civil war came on he enlisted in the First Regi-
ment. Tennessee Cavalry. Confederate army, and fought gallantly for
the cause until killed while fighting in General Forest's brigade at Thomp-
son's Station, Tennessee, March 23, 1863. Politically, he was a Democrat,
and religiously belonged to the Methodist Episcopal church, South. His
wife was born in Murray county, Tennessee, August 22, 1X14. She did
not long survive after the death of her husband. Their home, which was in
the heart of the country overrun by the opposing armies, was destroyed by
fire; she was ill at the time, and died from the effects of the exposure.
October 17. 1863. Both subjects' great-grandfathers were soldiers in the
Revolutionary war.
James C. Gardner grew up on the farm and received a limited edu-
cation, attending the district schools about fifteen months, but later in life
he educated himself by general home reading. He worked on the farm
until 1854, when he went into the dry goods business in Santa Fe, Ten-
nessee, for a year. On May 23. 1850, he arrived in Springfield, Missouri,
and clerked for some time in a dry goods store. In September, 1862, he
enlisted in Company H, Sixty-first Regiment, Tennessee Volunteers, Con-
federate arm)-, and proved to be a brave soldier, taking part in numerous
engagements, including Chickasaw Bayou, where he was under fire eight
days and nights continuously, and also during the siege of Vicksburg he
was under fire at one time continuously for forty-seven days and nights.
He had the distinction of firing the first gun in the battle of Black River.
He surrendered with the balance of General Pemberton's army of thirty
thousand men at Vicksburg, July 4, 1863. He had been promoted to first
IO38 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
lieutenant for meritorious conduct. He returned to Springfield in 1866 and
clerked in a store until 1872, when he went into business for himself, where
the Aladdin Theatre is now located. Later taking a farm in Greene county,
he moved thereto and continued general farming until 1881, when he moved
back to Springfield and resumed clerking. During the past twenty-two
years he has been working in the bankruptcy business, as trustee and re-
ceiver, and is regarded as an expert in this line and his services have been
in great demand.
Politically, Mr. Gardner is a Democrat. He* is a member of Campbell
Camp, No. 488, United Confederate Veterans, which camp was organized
by himself and Dan Campbell, and he has been active in its work ever since.
Mr. Gardner was married. January 31, 1866, to Mrs. Mary ( Evans)
Shackleford. She was born in Tennessee, January 31, 1833, and died
August 18, 1898. She was a woman of line Christian sentiment.
To Mr. Gardner and wife three children were born, namely: Minnie
is at home; Henry E. has also remained a member of the family circle;
and Lillian is the wife of J. W. Quade.
L. S. KUCKER.
A man of unc|uestioned artistic temperament is L. S. Kucker, who.
although practically a new-comer in Springfield, i- one of our best known
and must highly accomplished photographers, and a man who has made
many friends since casting his lot with the people of Greene county.
Mr. Kucker. of this review, has made the photograph business a life
study and therefore ha- kept well abreast of the time- in all phases of the
work as new discoveries and advancements have been made, and he is there-
fore mie of the most up-to-date photographer- in the Southwest. He first
began the business in Alta, Iowa, when about twenty year- old. He was
successful from the start, and, seeking a broader tield for the exercise of
his talents he removed later to St. Louis, Missouri, ami accepted a position
as special demonstrator for the Eastman Kodak Company, and he made St.
Louis his headquarters until he came to Springfield on December 1. [909,
where he has since remained, and has built up a large ami lucrative busi-
ness here. He has been in the same location ever since coming here —
314 Boonville street, buying an old studio there. While this place was fairly
well suited to his needs, he moved into one of the mosl attractive and con-
venient studios in the state in May. 1915, in the Fraternity building on St.
Loui- street, a handsome new structure, where he will have modernly ap-
pointed, conveniently located and attractive quarter- with new and attractive
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. IOjQ
equipment. He will spare neither pains nor expense in his new studio and
will doubtless rank with the best in the Middle West in every respect.
Aside from his regular portrait work. Mr. Kucker does a great deal
of commercial photography, which has a certain distinctness about it not com-
monly found anil he is very successful in both lines and is always a very
busy man, yet never slights any part of his work, planning to do his h I
always, but promptness and courtesy as well as honesty are his watchwords,
He does every kind of work which one can have done at any first-class,
up-to-date studio. He is a firm believer in advertising and does a great deal
of it, always judiciously- He is a member of the advertising trio watch, "300
Green," "Walkover," and "'Take 'em all." He is a memher of the Spring-
field Club, the Young Men's Business Club, and the Retailers' Association.
LORENZO PHILLIPS.
Among the high-grade and straightforward business men of a past
generation who helped to make Springfield the suhstantial commercial city
which we of the present generation take such delight in, was the late Lo-
renzo Phillips, who for man)- years was one of the city's best known gro-
cerymen. He was a man who bore a reputation for wholesome living in all
walks of life and was therefore deserving of the material success he achieved
and also the social prestige which was unquestionably his.
Mr. Phillips was born in Greene county, Missouri, September 23, 1866.
He is a son of Thomas and Elizaheth Phillips, who were natives of the state
of Fennessee where they grew up, were educated and married. Thomas
Phillips became a prosperous farmer and extensive mule dealer in his na-
tive state, from which, however, he finally removed to Greene county, Mis-
souri, where his death occurred a number of years ago. His family con-
sisted of eleven children, seven of whom are still living-, namely: Marion,
Monroe, Jesse, Thomas, Warrie, Vida and Lorenzo.
Lorenzo Phillips grew to manhood in Greene county and received his
education in the common schools and here he engaged in farming until his
marriage, after which he went into the grocery business in which he con-
tinued with ever-increasing success up to within two years of his death. The
L. Phillips Grocer}-, located on South street, Springfield, of which he was
proprietor, was well patronized by the best people of the city, for there they
always found a large and well-selected stock of staple and fancy groceries
and were dealt with in a courteous and honest manner. The last two years
of our subject's life were devoted to the bakery business with equal success.
Mr. Phillips was married on November 21, 1886, to Laura Hardest)-,
I040 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
who was born in Audrain county, Missouri, December 18, i860. She is a
daughter of Felix and Catherine (Gurton) Hardesty, the former a native
of Missouri and the latter of Kentucky. They have both been deceased for
some time. Mrs. Phillips received good educational advantages and she
taught school several terms. Her father devoted his active life to mercantile
pursuits. He located in Springfield when Mrs. Phillips was sixteen years
of age and her education was obtained here.
Five children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Phillips, namely : Curt, born
on August 14, 1887, married Bessie Codel and they live in Springfield; Al-
bert, born on July 19, 1889; Marie, born on August 28, 1891, died Septem-
ber 23, 1895; Pearl, born on September 25, 1893, is at home; Georgia, born
on December 4, 1895, >s at home. These children received good educations
in the Springfield schools.
Politically, Mr. Phillips was a Republican. He remained active in
business affairs up to his death which occurred on December 24, 1898. He
left his family well provided fur, including a pleasant home on South Main
street.
DR. WILLIAM McFARLAXD BROWN.
The strength of a man is in a way measured by the amount of perse-
cution he can stand, his weakness is never thus tested. Dr. Win. McF.
Brown is a broad-minded symmetrically developed man, whose interest in the
public welfare is potent ami salutary. He has so thoroughly demonstrated
the sincerity of his attitude as a physician and citizen that he now stands
secure in the confidence and esteem of a very wide circle of friends and
patrons. An insight into the true character of Dr. Brown, may be obtained
by noting his application of the following words.
The importance of human relation can lie no more admirably exempli-
fied than in the instance wherein one man can lie of just benefit to another
man. A good character is the greatest worldly asset of mankind and that
whoever seeks to destroy it is worse than lie who would steal away your
property in the darkness of night. .Man's morality is evidenced by a reason-
able degree of self-sacrifice and unassuming display of sympathy and charity
commensurate with his ability to act. His bravery by his straightforward
way of doing things subservient to a will that meets a moral obligation
and a true measure of his success by what he has accomplished.
In contradistinction to the old adage that a prophet is not without honor
save in his own country, particular interest is attached to the career of Dr.
Wm. McFarland Brown, he having been born, reared and has lived his
entire life within the confines of the county of which this historical com-
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. IO4I
pendium treats and that he has so directed his ability and effort as to have
gained recognition as one of our respresentative citizens and worthy scion
of two of our sterling pioneer families.
Dr. Brown has not only kept in close touch with the trend of current
medical thought and research, but is an appreciative student of all social
public and scientific subjects being thus one of the leading physicians in a
locality noted for its medical talent.
He is a plain unassuming gentleman who has a greater desire to be use-
ful than to gain the admiring plaudits of his fellow men. He so much
enjoys the discovery of good in other people that he has become a close
observer of human character and disposition and depends much more upon
what he observes that what he hears, especially self praise or soliloquy, the
former being considered by him as inexcusably foolish and funny as the
latter except, perhaps, on occasion when the soliloquist wants to hear a smart
fellow talk awhile.
He was born in Greene county on what is known now as the Duff farm,
about ten miles southeast of Springfield, on the 24th day of August, 1861.
From childhood he was remarkably vivacious and active, taking a great
amount of physical culture which, together with his active farm work during
earlv manhood resulted in the upbuilding of a vigorous constitution which
has doubtless served him well during his strenuous professional life, and
which in part solves the mystery of his wonderful endurance. He is regular
in evervthing except eating and sleeping, yet he eats and sleeps to live and
not to be considered otherwise in a single instance. He is ever content to
depend upon his natural reactionary powers for relief from those tired
feelings to the exclusion of all other agents.
He obtained his literary education in the schools here and vicinity and
.at Morrisville College, after which, upon urgent request by Dr. Robberson,
Dr. Tefft. Dr. Rose and his father, he early decided to follow in the foot-
steps of his father in a professional way and having had a decided natural
predilection in this worthy field of endeavor, he studied medicine under his
father until 1882, when he entered the Missouri Medical College at St.
Louis, where he made an excellent record and from which institution he
graduated with honor in the class of 1885.
Immediatelv after graduation he located in Springfield, this county,
where he practiced for about a year then moved a short distance east among
the people who had known him from childhood. Here he met with great
encouragement and gained universal confidence which still endures. In the
vear 1890 he moved on a few miles east to the town of Strafford, this coun-
tv, where by meritorious professional work and conduct he built up a very
(66)'
IO42 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
extensive practice and where lie remained until the year 1909, when seek-
ing a broader field for the exercise of his talents he located in Springfield,
where he has since resided, at once taking his place in the front ranks of the
leading practitioners ; he has thus stood secure in the confidence and esteem
of the people of this city and community, both as to his professional ability
and his personal worth, and is deserving in every way of the Large success
he has achieved. He has remained a diligent student of all that pertains to
his profession and has kept fully abreast of the times in every phase of the
same. He has acquired a large amount of real estate, including several
farms, a commodious residence on Benton avenue, Springfield, and other
city property.
The domestic life of Dr. Brown began on December 18, 1890, when he
was united in marriage with Alta Catherine Love, the daughter of Robert and
Margaret (Piper) Love, a prominent family of Strafford. The father was
born in Pike count}', .Missouri, and the mother was a native of Greene coun-
ty, Missouri ; they became the parents of ten children. ( See sketch and por-
trait on another page of this work.)
Mrs. Brown was horn in 1866. at Strafford, where she grew to woman-
hood and received her education. She is a lady of many praiseworthy attri-
butes of head and heart. The union of 1 )r. Brown and wife has been
blessed with four children, namely: Mary, who was educated in the public
school of Stratford, and at Drury College, married on November [6, [912.
to Junius \V. Houston, son of I'.dward and Florence 1 Wilson 1 Houston, a
well-known family of Springfield. Mr. Houston is a talented electrician and
a promising young business man. having charge of the electrical supplies of
the Frisco railroad at the present time, lie resides in Springfield and has
one child, a daughter. Meredith Brown Houston, who was born on January
6, 1914. The other children of Doctor and Mrs. Brown are Robert Addison
Brown, who was educated in the public school at Strafford and Drury Col-
lege, and is now living at home: Hermosa Rose Brown, who is in Ward-
Belmont College, Xashville. Tenn.. and Maxie Eleanor, who is at home.
Politically. Mr. Brown is a Democrat, but is duly considerate and appre-
ciative of friendship, efficiency and true manh 1 wherever found, lie is a
church member, member of the Independent Qrder of * >dd Fellows, Knight-,
of Pythias. Eagles, Court of Honor, Woodmen of the World, Woodmen
Circle. Rebekahs, Modern Woodmen of America, Royal Neighbors, Knights
and Ladies of Security, Ben-Hur and Society of Colonial Wars. He is a
man of warm sympathetic impulses, obliging, companionable, and uniformly
courteous, with high conceptions of good citizenship and right living.
When young in years the father of our subject came with his parents
on the long and wearisome overland journey from his native state to Greene
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. IO43
county, Missouri, when the locality was but little developed and settlers
were very few. He first attended school at Green Mountain, North Carolina,
and later at Ebenezer Academy, this county, after which he taught school
for a few years, then studied law for two years ; then took up the study
of medicine under Dr. G. P. Shackelford and completed his medical educa-
tion at the McDowell Medical College of St. Louis, Missouri. He entered
upon the practice of his profession near and at Springfield. Missouri, before
the Civil war, where he continued during and for some time after hostilities
had ceased, thereafter maintaining his home on a fine farm near the Na-
tional Cemetery, where he continued practicing until near the end of the
century. He was one of the oldest and best and most widely known physi-
cians in this count)', and a man whom to know was to respect and honor,
not only for his ability as a physician, but for his unswerving integrity.
Although of southern birth and breeding, be remained neutral during the
war between the states, prescribing and caring alike for Federals and Con-
federates, which attitude resulted in making him many enemies who did all
in their power to annoy him and obstruct his freedom and progress, even
their persecutions continuing for years after the war bad ended.
And these enemies had to cope with the insurmountable effort, and influ-
ence of his many true friend-, exemplified in one instance when John Pickle, a
Union man, yet his friend and brother Mason, walked in a roundabout way
five miles barefooted in the dead hours of night to bis home, to apprise him
of the plot of a gang of bushwhackers and their appointed hour to take
his life, thus enabling him to escape unharmed. And in another when Dr.
E. T. Robberson, who was the physician in charge of the Federal hospital,
which occupied the old building which still stands at the George M. Jones
place between Sherman street and Springfield avenue, extended to him a
hand in friendship ami professional fellowship, thus lending him material
aid in his efforts to obtain a living, and at whose hands the climax of assist-
ance came when he sent Doctor Brown, accompanied by wife ami a guard,
to treat Col. John A. Lee, who was sick at Galena, Missouri, with pneumonia,
where he remained at the bedside of the colonel until convalescent, leaving
his two children, Alice and William McFarland, at home in the care of Will-
iam Porter's family, wdiereupon Col. John A. Lee enjoyed the discovery of
the sterling qualities and medical ability of Doctor Brown, and in prompt
accord therewith sent orders to headquarters at Springfield to immediately
and continuously remove all obstacles to his necessities, liberties and pleas-
ures to the peril of all violators.
Rut he was of an amiable and peaceful disposition, which doubtless
prevented him from receiving harsher treatment at the hands of his ene-
mies. He was a member of the Masonic order and occupied a high position in
1044 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
all circles in which he moved. He lived to reach an advanced age, death result-
ing from pneumonia at his home on the 17th day of February, 1894, after
a useful and commendable life, and his name will be perpetuated in local
history as being one of Greene county's ablest and most popular pioneer
physicians. He was of English descent by both parents, having descended
through his mother from Rev. Stephen Batcheler. of England, an Oxford
graduate who founded the city of Hampton, New Hampshire, and who was
presented to the living of Wherwell County Haunts by Sir Thomas West, the
second Baronet De LaYYare, father of Lord Delaware, who gave his name to
the Delaware river, for sixteen years he was vicar of Wherwell.
Dr. Joseph Addison Brown, the father of our subject, was a blood
relative to John G. Whittier, the poet ; Daniel Webster, the statesman ; Hon.
Justin S. Morrill. United States senator from Vermont ; Hon. M. B. Allison.
United States senator from Iowa; Gov. Benjamin F. Butler, of Massachu-
setts; John Bachelder, the inventor of indispensable parts of the sewing
machine, and many other noted people.
John D. Brown, LL. D., the paternal grandfather of the subject of
this sketch, was a native of Randolph county, North Carolina, and a son
of Henry Brown, who was a soldier in the Revolutionary army, as shown
by Colonial Records of North Carolina, Vol. XVI, page 1022. From the
old Tar state he removed to Arkansas in a very early day, and soon there-
after came on to Greene count}'. Missouri, locating on a large tract of wild
prairie land a few miles southwest of the hamlet of Henderson, which land
he converted into an excellent farm by persistent and careful management,
and there spent the remainder of his life, dying of smallpox in the vear 1863.
He was a dignified and courageous gentleman, possessed of a great amount
of natural intelligence and tact and, by profession, a lawyer.
Politically, he was a Democrat and a local leader in his party, but was a
man who always considered the public good first. He took an active interest in
public life both in North Carolina and Missouri. While in North Carolina
he tilled the following offices and positions, namely: Justice of the peace.
l>eing appointed by the governor of the state: probate judge of Randolph
count}-; president of Springfield Female College, and later judge of the
court of chancery until he left the state. While in Greene county. Missouri.
he was justice of the peace, county school commissioner fur several years,
and twice his party's candidate for representative.
He was very successful in a business way. and at the breaking out of
the war of the rebellion was one of the wealth}- men of the county, but he. like
nearly all of those who lived in this locality during those troublous days, lust
heavily. His widow, whose maiden name was Jean Bray, survived him
three decades, being well past her ninetieth birthday when she was summoned
tn the Silent Land as a result of pneumonia.
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. IO45
To John D. and Jean (Bray) Brown, the following children were born:
Emeline married William Jessup, who established their home at Jamestown,
Arkansas; Lydia, who has long been deceased, was the wife of Anderson
Pendleton, of Christian county, Missouri, and at her death left one child;
Jane married Eli Jessup, also of Christian county; John D., Jr., who located
at Lead Hill, Arkansas, served through the Civil war in the Confederate
army under Gen. Sterling Price, and was once wounded; Dr. Eli B., who
became a physician at Billings, Missouri, also served in the Confederate army
and was shot through the shoulder in one of the numerous engagements in
which he participated; William T. was a soldier in the Union army about
a year, and was honorably discharged on account of having suffered a sun-
stroke, which thus disabled him from further service; Dr. G. P. S., who
was graduated from the St. Louis College of Physicians and Surgeons, estab-
lished himself in the practice of his profession at Nixa, Christian county,
and Dr. Joseph A., father of the immediate subject of this sketch. The
wife of John D. Brown is credited with the honor of naming Christian
county. John D. Brown, together with Gov. John S. Phelps, was sent at
one time as special delegate to interview President Jackson in the interest
of this part of the country, being accompanied by his son, the father of our
subject.
To Dr. Joseph A. and Martha A. ( McFarland) Brown, parents of our
subject, the following children were born : Alice, who married Joseph Dan-
forth, of Greene county, and who died April 2, 1914, of tetanus, the germ
having been received into a small finger wound while preparing garden;
Dr. William McFarland, who is next to the eldest; Henry and James both
dying in infancy, James having died at the age of one year as a result of
swallowing glass; Jamie married C. J. Edmondson, of Greene county; Joseph
Edwin, who resides in Springfield; Martha, who is deceased; and Daniel
Keating, who is in California.
Hon. William McFarland, the maternal grandfather of the subject of
this review, removed from Cooper county, Missouri, in a very early day,
settling at the big Jones spring, where he built and operated one of the first
grist mills in this country and where the old mill race foundation still stands,
as a landmark of his ingenuity and industry. Here he received and gratified
patrons from the country far and near. He was successful in this business.
Later he became an extensive farmer and stockman and became quite wealthy,
owning about a thousand acres of fertile land, a great many slaves, and an
abundance of other personal property. His home was situated four miles
southeast of Springfield, being the same as was later owned and occupied
by Dr. Joseph Addison Brown, the father of our subject. A part of his
land joined up with that of Gov. John S. Phelps, just outside of the city
IO46 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
limits. He was a tine example of self-made man, a natural born leader, who
was possessed of rare ability and general information, and was an eloquent
and forceful public speaker, whose personality, knowledge and evident inter-
est in the public welfare placed him in demand on many occasions, especially
during political campaigns. Politically, he was originally a Whig, but became
a Republican at the birth of that party, which held him in abiding faith
the remainder of his life, death resulting from poisoned water, which set
cooling out on a shelf, thus rendered, it was believed, by the fiendish impulse
of an intractable slave whom he had sold on account of gross disobedience.
Although a slave owner, he was merely such by custom and apparent neces-
sity and not by principle, for he was a man imbued with the spirit of sym-
pathy and humanity, never having struck a slave but one time in his life,
and that was Stephen, the neighborhood hddler, upon the violation of his
orders by proceeding to play for a dance at a house of questionable repute.
This occasion brought tears to the old master's eyes while pleading with
Stephen to be honorable and thus avoid the obligation of treating a man as
some men treat an animal.
He took an active part in the political affairs of this county, being twice
elected to the state Legislature, defeating the paternal grandfather of our
subject in both campaigns. He was also at one time sheriff of this county.
His wife was Patsy Roberts, one of the two children of John and Rebecca
(Langley) Roberts, who removed from Kentucky to Greene count}-. Mis-
souri, about the year 1830. John Roberts was a typical pioneer, very
strong, and a man whose courage was never doubted. He delighted in the
crucial tests of physical manhood, and gloried in his ability to surmount the
obstacles allotted to his pathway. He was a great hunter, in the pursuit of
which he felt no terror at the sight of a redskin crunched behind a rock or
the vicious inhabitants of the woods nearby, having at one time near a sink
hole in the east field of what is now known as the Joe McCraw farm down
by old Mt. Pisgah church, attacked and killed a large bear with no other
weapon than his dirk knife.
He lived and conducted a mill and distillers- at the big Jones spring,
where he prospered for a number of years, and later was coroner of Greene
county. He was shot and killed by an enemy on the public square of Spring-
field whom he had previously frightened by a fun-making snap of his spec-
tacle case. His enemy had threatened him, which only served to stimulate
his mischievous attitude and he was unarmed when the fatal moment came.
His bodily remains still rest on the hilltop by that noted spring marked by
a tomb hewn from the native rock by the hands of a fellow pioneer.
The wife of John Roberts was a good, industrious woman, bearing,
it is said, a strong resemblance to Gen. Winfield Scott, and who lived to the
GREENE COUNTY, .MISSOURI. 104/
advanced age of about ninety years, and died suddenly while sitting in a
chair. She left a great many nice things of her own handiwork, which are
still in existence, scattered among her posterity, and the occasional display
of which serves to remind us of her great worth and importance in a genera-
tion long gone by. Patsy McFarland evidently inherited her father's nerve,
as shown on an occasion of her return from the Holland bank to her home
late one evening, when she was attacked by a highway robber, whom she-
beat into a state of insensibility with her walking cane, when old and very
decrepit. The children of Hon. William and Patsy (Roberts) McFarland
were: Rebecca, the wife of John Pursley, who is deceased; Harriet Green-
lee, who was honored with the title of "Mother of Springfield" before her
death; George, who is still living in Greene county; John T. ; William;
Nancy, wife of Abner Galbraith; Lucinda, wife of Robert A. Mack; all
being deceased, and James, a prosperous resident of Tulare, California.
Dr. William McFarland Brown is a direct descendant of Christopher
Ilussey, who married a daughter of Stephen Bachiler, who would only give
his consent to the marriage on condition that they would sail with him for
America. This agreement was complied with and, about 163 1, they
embarked for America. About the year 1639, Christopher Hussey was
appointed a justice of the peace in New bury. .Massachusetts, a position of
dignity and importance in early days. He was also one of the purchasers
of Nantucket, Massachusetts, but did not remove there. He and his father-
in-law were proprietors of Hampton, New Hampshire, where they finally
settled, and from 1658 to 1672 was deputy or representative to the general
court, having been elected to this position.
THOMAS H. BRADLEY.
One of the chief concerns of every man in the productive period of his
life is to accumulate sufficient means to enable him to properly care for him-
self and family in old age. Many men start out with the best of intentions,
but err in business judgment and find themselves penniless in old age. Others
seem to be followed by unfortunate circumstances classified under the gen-
eral heading of "hard luck." Thomas H. Bradley has exercised such sound
judgment and persistency in his active career that he has been able to earn
a good livelihood and rear his family in comfort and respectability, notwith-
standing the usual adversities that occasionally beset the pathways of every
mortal.
Mr. Bradley was born in Sumner county. Tennessee, September 17,
1844. He is a son of Isaac F. and Sarah (Maberv) Bradlev, an excellent
IO48 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
old Tennessee couple who devoted many years to successful farming in Sum-
ner county. The father received excellent educational advantages and was
a good scholar. He was born in 1820 and died March 8, 1879. Mrs. Brad-
ley was born in 1820 and died March 9, 1906.
Thomas H. Bradley grew up on the home farm. As a lad he was not
very strong and his education was limited. He left his native state early in
1855, and arrived in Greene county, Missouri, on April 5th of that year,
locating on a farm near Springfield, when the place was a small village. He-
continued to follow farming here until 1879, when he established a livery
business in Springfield, which he conducted until 1886, when he sold out and
went back to farming, which he carried on with his usual success until 1894,
when he moved back to Springfield and did a general live stock and trading
business until in October, 1913, when he bought a livery, feed and sale stable
at 1220 North Campbell street, which he conducted until recentlv.
Mr. Bradley enlisted during the early part of the Civil war in Greene
county, in the Seventy-second Regiment, State Militia, in which he served
for some time, later enlisting in Company E, Sixteenth Missouri Cavalrv,
under Captain Headley, serving ten months, but was in it in any engagements.
During the latter part of the war be married and hired a substitute to fill out
his military service.
Air. Bradley married in Greene county, in September 16, 1863, Mary
Louisa Akin, who was a daughter of Lafayette and Patsey ( Stricklin) Akin,
wliu were both born in Tennessee, east of the Cumberland mountains.
Nine children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Bradley, named as follows:
Thomas Franklin is the eldest; John Harvey is deceased; Mrs. Lola May
Smith, William \\\. Samuel L., Robert Lee lives in Kansas City; Mrs. Evella
Stocker lives in Kansas ( ity; Luella is deceased; Elsie is also deceased. Our
subject owns several valuable pieces of city property here.
Mrs. Bradley is a member of the Baptist church. Politically, our sub-
ject is a Republican.
ROBERT LOVE.
The history of Greene county reveals the handiwork of many a noble
soul who wrought heroically and unselfishly. Her smiling fields and splen-
did homes, her high-grade institutions, her happy, prospering people speak
volumes of some one's steadfastness of purpose, of some one's strength of
arm, courage of heart, activity of brain — of some one's sacrifice. But time,
that ruthless obliterator. before whose destroying fingers even the stubborn
granite must, in the end succumb, is ever at bis work of disintegration. Be-
neath his blighting touch even memory fails, and too often a life of splendid
Ml! AMI NIKS. i:< IBK1IT l."\ E
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. 1049'
achievement is forgotten in a day. Lest we forget, then, as Kipling ad-
monishes us in liis superb "Recessional," regarding a number of important
things that should not be forgotten, this tribute to the memory of the late
Robert Love is penned. Pioneer merchant, successful agriculturist, a public-
spirited, brave, kindly, generous man, it is the desire of the biographer, as it
must be of all who knew him, that his deeds and his character be recorded
for the benefit of those who follow after.
Mr. Love was born in Pike county, Missouri, which picturesque locality
has been made famous by the late Secretary of State, John Hay, in his
"Ballads from Pike," the date of the former's birth having been March 26,
1839. He was a son of Andrew and Mary Ann (Muir) Love, both long
deceased. Our subject was one of four children, namely : Harrison, de-
ceased; Mrs. Margaret Dunn, deceased; Mrs. Sarah J. McCullister, de-
ceased; Robert of this memoir.
Robert Love was reared in his native county and there received a com-
mon school education. At the breaking out of the War of the Rebellion, he
joined the Union army and was such a brave and efficient fighter for the
cause that he was promoted to lieutenant. He took part in many engage-
ments, including the battles of Pea Ridge and Springfield, and was honorably
discharged at the close of the war. Before the war he had removed with
his stepfather to Greene county on a farm. He sold this place not long after
the war and began the mercantile business, selling dry goods at Strafford,
being the first store-keeper in that place. He built up a good trade with the
surrounding country, his many customers remaining his friends owing to
the honest and courteous treatment he accorded them. He was the fir^t
man to buy a lot in Strafford. After remaining in business there about a
year he resumed farming, but eventually returned to Strafford where he
spent the last days of his life and died there on October 29, 1905.
Mr. Love was married November 26, 1864, to Margaret C. Piper, who
was born near Strafford, April 28, 1842, and there grew to womanhood on
a farm. She received a good education in the local schools. Since the
death of her husband she has shown rare business tact in managing success-
fully her various affairs. She has lived in Strafford twenty-nine years.
She is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. She is a daughter of
Samuel and Sarah (Smith) Piper, both now deceased. Mr. Piper was a
successful farmer and stock raiser, well and favorably known in this locality.
He and his wife were members of the Methodist Episcopal church. They
emigrated here from Virginia in 1839 an<^ were among the early settlers in
Greene county, where Mr. Piper entered land from the government and
developed a large and productive farm.
Six children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Love, namelv : Mrs. Alta C.
IO5O GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
Brown lives in Springfield; Mrs. Sarah N. Dishman lives in Jackson town-
ship; Florence H. lives at home; Mrs. Mary E. West lives at Nogo, Mis-
souri ; Mrs. Margaret K. Ivepley lives in Taylor township ; Maude May died
February 4, 1896.
Politically, Mr. Love was a Democrat. He was a member of the
Masonic fraternity, and belonged to the Methodist Episcopal church. He
was a man of fine personal character.
FRANK A. BEYER.
When we are told that such and such a man is a general foreman of no
matter what, we know at once that he is a man who possesses native talent and
that he has not attained his position at a single bound, but that he has spent
years in close application and careful preparation; that he has been faithful
to every trust reposed in him and that he is a man of self-reliance and forti-
tude. Without any attempt to unduly praise Frank A. Beyer, general foreman
of the locomotive department of the new Frisco shops at Springfield, we can
truthfully say that he is such a man as we have here indicated.
Mr. Beyer, who has spent his active life in railroad service, is a man of
Teutonic origin, his birth having occurred in Germany, August 5, 1877. He
is a son of Joseph and Margaret ( Fleysch ) Beyer, both natives of Germany,
the father's birth having occurred on November jj. 1861, and the mother was
born in 1865. There they grew to maturity, attended school and were married
and spent their earlier years, emigrating to America more than three decades
ago. The mother died in Topeka, Kansas, in 1904, and in that city still resides
the father. He is a machinist by trade. It was in the early eighties that
he came to that city from his native country and there he has since resided.
He soon found employment in the shops of the Santa Fe railroad in Topeka
and he has since worked there in this capacity. I lis family consists of live
children, namely: Frank A. of this review, he being the only one born in
the old country; Rosa, Tressey, Anna and Emma.
Frank A. Beyer was a small boy when he came to the United States,
and he grew to manhood in Topeka, Kansas, and there attended the common
schools, the high school and a business college, and was thus well equipped
when he began life for himself. When a boy he began his career as rail-
roader, serving his apprenticeship in the Santa Fe simps at Topeka, and
later worked at many different places on that system, during a period of
eight years. In 1904 he came to Springfield and began working as ma-
chinist in the North Side -hops. When the new shops were opened he was
promoted to the position of erecting foreman and in 1910 was promoted to
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. IO5I
general foreman of 'the locomotive department which responsible position
he still holds, having a large number of skilled mechanics under his direction.
.Mr. Beyer was married on August 17, 1899, in Topeka, Kansas, to
Carrie Mohmeyer, who was horn in Louisville, Kentucky. September 7,
1882. She is a daughter of Henry and Anna (Sutter) Mohmeyer. Her
father is a trunk maker by trade.
Two children have been born to our subject and wife, namely: Frank,
born August 24, 1900, is attending Springfield high school; and .Mary Etta,
born October 1, 1906.
Politically, Air. Beyer is a Democrat, and fraternally he belongs to the
Woodmen of the World, the Eagles and the Germania Hall Society. He
is also a member of the Masonic lodge, including the Shriners.
ROBERT B. LOVE. D. V. S.
Greene county has never had a more efficient, progressive and popular
veterinary physician and surgeon than Dr. Robert B. Love, a man of state-
wide reputation, who seemed to have a natural aptitude and liking for this
calling when a mere boy, and from that time to the present he has left no
stone unturned whereby he could advance himself in the same, remaining
a close student of everything" pertaining to this science, observing, investi-
gating and experimenting. His counsel has been frequently sought by his
professional brethren and invariably followed with gratifying results, his ad-
vice in any phase of the profession being accepted as unqualified authority.
His modernly equipped hospital in Springfield is known to all horsemen in
southwest Missouri and he has built up an extensive and lucrative patronage
during his long years of residence here. An admirer and expert judge of
borses of superior breed he always keeps a number of animals, owning three
stallions at this writing which have few peers in the country.
Dr. Love was born in Webster county. Missouri, February 5, 1873. He
is a scion of a sterling ancestry, some of the Loves having been distinguished
military men in the early wars of the nation and influential citizens of
Virginia and Tennessee. He is a son of Thomas C. and Sallie Jane ( Rodgers )
Love. The father is a retired resident of Springfield, having been a suc-
cessful farmer in Webster county during the active years of his life, and
in that county his birth occurred in 1844, soon after his parents, Thomas
B. and Elizabeth (Barnard) Love settled there, having emigrated from Ten-
nessee. Thomas B. Love was born in North Carolina and was a son of
Gen. Thomas Love, who was a native of Ireland, from which country he
emigrated to the United States in old Colonial days and he became a sol-
IO52 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
dier in the Revolutionary war, finally become coloner of a North Carolina
regiment. Later he moved into Tennessee and became a general of militia
and a great man there, serving thirty years consecutively in the state legis-
lature. His oldest son, Robert, was a colonel in the War of 1812 and fought
under Jackson at New Orleans. The family has always been lovers of
liberty and have unhesitatingly taken an active part in the wars in which
this country has been involved at various times. Thomas B. Love, grand-
father of the subject of this sketch, entered six hundred acres of land upon
his arrival in Webster county, and this he cleared and developed and thereon
established the permanent home of the family. His son, Thomas C. Love,
father of our subject, became owner of the homestead, which he retained up
to a few years ago, when he sold it, retiring from active life as a farmer
and moving to Springfield, as before indicated. Thomas B. Love owned
about two dozen slaves at the time of his death, which occurred in 1852,
after a residence of only a decade in the Ozarks. He was a man of humani-
tarian impulses and was also very considerate in his treatment of his slaves.
His family consisted of nine children. The oldest son joined a company
for the Mexican war. became a first lieutenant, but died on the march
to Mexico. The widow of Thomas B. Love died in 1869. Thomas C.
Love, mentioned above, grew to manhood on the home farm in Webster
county, and when the Civil war came on he enlisted in the Confederate army,
a Missouri cavalry regiment, under General Marmaduke and proved to be a
gallant soldier. He still carries a pistol ball received in a battle in Arkansas.
He was also in prison on two different occasions for some time. When his
brigade was defeated in battle at .Mines (.'reek. Kansas, where General Mar-
maduke and Cabell and a large number of the men were captured, be made
a sensational escape by swimming a dangerous stream, and later joined a
reorganized body of the same troops in Texas and served until the close of
the war, surrendering at Shreveport, Louisiana, in June. 1865. After the
war he devoted three years to the management of a plantation in Texas,
raising cotton, then returned to Webster county. Missouri, and carried on
general farming and live stock raising until [892, when be turned bis farm
into an apple orchard. He first moved to Springfield in 1883 to educate
bis children, moving back to the farm in [899, and in [91] again took up bis
residence in the Queen City. Me was formerly active in the Democratic
party and served one term in the state legislature in 1882. In 1893 he was
appointed postmaster at Springfield, which office he held four years.
The mother of Dr. Robert B. Love was a daughter of R. W. Rodgers
and wife, of Texas county, Missouri. This family is of Scotch-Irish de-
scent and became known in the New World at an early day. The grand-
father of Mrs. Love took up bis residence in Texas county long before the
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. IO53
opening of the Civil war and became an extensive lumberman and well known
to the early pioneers of that section. Mrs. Love grew to womanhood in her
native locality and received her education in the early schools there. Her
death occurred May 20, 19 12.
Seven children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Thomas C. Love, namely :
Dr. Joseph W., of Springfield; Dr. Robert B., of this sketch; Thomas B.,
an attorney, of Dallas, Texas; Ralph M., a banker, of Mt. Pleasant, Texas;
Edgar P., a manufacturer, of Dallas, Texas; two sons died in early life.
Dr. Robert B. Love grew to manhood on the homestead in Webster
county and there did his share of the general work when he was a boy.
He received his early education in the district schools. He came to Spring-
field in 188 1 and served as money-order clerk at the postoffice for three
and a half years. Prior to that time he spent a term in Drury College, after
which he entered the Western Veterinary College at Kansas City, where
he made rapid progress and from which institution he was graduated in
1898-99. He was valedictorian of his class. Returning to Springfield lie
opened an office and has been engaged in the practice of his profession
here ever since, each year showing a further advancement than the preceding.
He has maintained the same office all the while, his hospital on Convention
Hall avenue is equipped with all up-to-date appliances and apparatus to in-
sure prompt and high-grade service. He has kept fully abreast of the times
in his chosen line of endeavor and has long ranked among the leading
veterinary physicians and surgeons of the state, and for many years has
held the office of deputy state veterinarian of Missouri, having served in
this capacity under the past five governors of the state. His long reten-
tion is evidence of his ability and satisfaction. In 1899 he took a post-gradu-
ate course in the Western Veterinary College. He has had a large practice
here from the first, and is often called to various parts of the state on
consultation. He was placed in charge of all the territory south of the
Frisco lines on the tick-eradication work several years ago.
During the Boer war. Doctor Love was hired by the British govern-
ment as chief veterinarian in charge of steamship Kelvingrove, which carried
a load of mules from New Orleans to Cape Town. South Africa, for the
army. He did his work so thoroughly and ably that the English officials
complimented him highly, reporting that he had made the best record in
transporting animals from New Orleans to South Africa ever made for the
British government up to that date. He lost but two mules out of nine
hundred and ninety-nine on the entire voyage. While in South Africa Doctor
Love was offered a position as chief of veterinary hospital and outfitting
army station at Queenstown. After traveling over the southern portion
of the Dark Continent he visited the important cities of England, visiting
Paris during the World's Fair in 1900.
1054 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
Doctor Love was married, July 11, 1894, to Mable M. Williams, who
was burn in Springfield, December 19, 1873. She is a daughter of John and
Julia ( Vinton) Williams, a prominent family of this city, the father having
been a leading hardware merchant here for many years, but is now living
in retirement. A complete sketch of this family a-ppears on another page
of this volume to which the reader is respectful referred. Mrs. Love
grew to womanhood in this city and received a good education in the local
schools. The union of the Doctor and wife has resulted in the birth of
three children, namely: Robert W., born July 2, 1896. is attending high
school; George McDaniel, born October 18, 1901, is in school; and John
Thomas, born March 17, 1905. is also a student.
Politically, Doctor Love is a Democrat, but professional duties have
prevented him from taking a very active part in political affairs. Fra-
ternally, he belongs to the Loyal Order of Moose, having passed all the
chairs in the local lodge up to dictator. He was brought up in the faith of
the Methodist Episcopal church, South, the family attending the Christ
Episcopal church. For recreation the Doctor formerly devoted considerable
time to rod anil gun. and is an expert shot, but of late years he has had
little time to devote to sportsmanship owing to his extensive practice.
Our subject is an ardent lover of good horses and is an enthusiastic
breeder of thoroughbred and saddle horses, and has sold more of them than,
perhaps, any other breeder in Missouri. He has often acted as judge at
various count}- fairs within a radius of two hundred miles of Springfield.
He is at this writing owner of three of the finest and most valuable stallions
in the state, namely: "P. J." 0107, is one of tin- fastest and best breeding
combination stallions, ami one that has sired more high-class, level-headed
family horses than any other horse in this section, a horse that has shown
two-minute speed and possesses unquestionable disposition for which his
gets are also noted. The year 1 k shows that "P. J." was one of the
gamest and most successful race horses in his daw He has been shown
in almost all the streel fairs and show rings in the vicinity of Springfield and
has never met defeat. His last appearance was at the Springfield show,
October 9, 1909, for combination stallion with five of his gets, competition
advertised open to the world. "Peacock Chief" [585, is the durable saddle
stallion that has been advertised without successful contradiction, to show-
more gaits both under the saddle and in bis gets than all the rest of the
saddle stallions in Greene county combined. Chief has sired more high-
priced saddle colts than any other saddle stallion ewer having made a season
in Greene county, many of his colts having sold from one thousand to
eighteen hundred dollars. "Hot" 70049 (79746) Percheron stallion, was im-
ported from France for the Charles Holland stock farm, and purchased by
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. 10
.-o
Doctor Love in January, 1914, whose pedigree shows him to be one of the
richest bred Percheron stallions in the United States, and unquestionably the
best stallion for this section ever imported by the Holland stock farm, one
of the most noted farms of its kind in the state.
ALPHONSUS F. FINE.
One of the best known retail grocerymen in Springfield is Alphonsus
F. Fine, who has been engaged in this line of endeavor on the South Side
for a period of twenty-five years, during which time his prestige as a
straightforward and conscientious business man and substantial citizen has
constantly increased. He did not begin his career with the get-rich-quick
idea, but sought to advance himself along steady and legitimate lines, so
shaping his course that each succeeding year has found him further ad-
vanced and with a wider circle of friends.
Mr. Fine was born in Greene county, Missouri. January 30. 1871.
He is a son of Felix F and Martha (Gesford) bine. The father was born
in St. Louis county, Missouri, in 1833, and he is now making his home
with our subject in Springfield, having attained the advanced age of four
score years. His wife was born in St. Francis county, this state, in 1840,
and her death occurred in Springfield in [886, when forty-six years of age.
These parents received limited education in the early-day schools and were
married in St. Louis count)' in [858. They removed to Greene count)- in
1867 and here Felix F. Fine went into the nursery business, the Fine
Nurseries being located three miles west of Springfield, and he made a
success of this business, enjoying a large patronage, sending his trees all
over this portion of the state. He studied the business thoroughly and
understood even' phase of it, and took great pleasure in the work. Mr.
Fine formerly took considerable interest in political matters, and was elected
judge of the county court in [882 and re-elected in [884, on the Democratic
ticket and he filled the office most acceptably and satisfactorily. He is a
member of the Catholic church. He is well known throughout the county
and highly respected. He and bis wife bad but the one child, our subject.
Alphonsus F. Fine grew to manhood in Greene county and assisted his
father with the nursery business when he was a boy. He obtained his edu-
cation in the district schools for the most part, and in 1890 engaged in the
grocery business with his father, who was connected with YV. F. Durbin
under the firm name of Fine & Durbin. In 1897 he engaged in this business,
for himself at the corner of College and Market streets, where be remained
twelve years, and five years ago moved to his present location at 329-331
IO56 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
East Walnut street, where he has a modernly appointed, well-stocked and at-
tractive store, carrying a complete line of staple and fancy groceries and
employs a number of assistants. He enjoys a very large trade, including"
many of the leading families of the city.
Mr. Fine was married, October 20, 1897, in Springfield, to [Margaret
Coughlin, who was born in Paola, Kansas, August 10, 1875. She received a
good common school education. After the death of her father she re-
moved with her mother to Springfield.
To Mr. and Mrs. Fine five children have been born, namely: Gesford
F., born March 9, 1899; Margaret, born December 25, 1901 ; Eululie, born
June 10, 1903; Marion, born July 14. 1906; and Martha, born July 1, 1912.
Politically. Mr. Fine is a Democrat. Fraternally, he belongs to the
Knights of Columbus, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the
Royal Arcanum and the Modern Woodmen. Religiously, he is a member of
the St. Agnes Catholic church.
LUTHER QUIXTER McCARTY.
The name of the late Luther Ouinter McCarty needs no introduction to
the readers of this volume, if indeed, it needs any formal presentation to
readers anywhere, for that name has been printed repeatedly throughout
the world, and it has attracted much attention and aroused both admiration
and regret — admiration owing to his physical prowess, and regret that his
brilliant career as one of the greatest athletes of modern times should
have terminated so soon and so tragically. P>ut we are reminded of the
saying of the ancient Creeks, the wisest people the earth has ever pro-
duced, that "whom the gods love die early." Those same Greeks, also
the Romans, were great admirers of athletes, and the latter nation
especially boasted of its line specimens of manhood. The Olympic games
held in those remote days were national affairs and attended by emperors,
senators, famous generals and men of letters, and the victors at these great
fetes — the winning athletes — were lionized by the fashionable and cultured,
and myrtle wreaths were placed upon their brows a- symbols of victory,
these wreaths being coveted almost as much as crowns of royalty. And
from that epoch down to the present, the world lias never ceased to admire
and applaud the man who is capable of showing superior physical ability
just as much as Ik- who achieves fame in the realm of intellect. Many-
thinking people of today are saying that we, as a nation, neglect the phy-
sical development of the youth of the land and place too much emphasis
upon business qualifications, and are advocating that more encouragement
^^^^F
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. IC>57
be given to a stronger, purer physical manhood. Surely no one could object
seriously to clean athletic spurts, and the man who excels, as did Mr.
McCarty, is entitled to the plaudits of his fellowmen. Physically he was an
Apollo, and personally a prince of good fellows; no kinder heart or broader
sympathy could have been found among the young men in this country. His
career was short, but it was brilliant, like the meteor that flames along the
horizon for a moment, then disappears in darkness.
Luther O. McCarty, for some time white heavyweight champion pugi-
list of the world, was born on a ranch near Omaha, Nebraska, March 17,
1892. He was a son of Aaron and Margaret McCarty. The mother died
when our subject was an infant, and the future champion lived in various
homes when a boy, but later the father remarried and the boy was partly
reared by his stepmother. The father, Dr. Aaron McCarty, known as
"White Eagle, the Indian doctor," spent his earlier life in Nebraska, but for
a number of years he has made his home in Ohio and he and his second
wife are residents of the city of Piqua, that state. Dr. McCarty is a giant
in size, measuring six feet and eight inches and weighing three hundred and
fifteen pounds.
Luther O. McCarty received a meager education in the public schools
of Nebraska, and later in life became a well-informed man by wide travel
and contact with the world. He was endowed with good common sense
and learned quickly. He was the right kind of man to make a good
pugilist. He never had the bad habits that wreck so many of the young
men of the world. There was no taint of easy living to be worked out
of his system. He was a working man from the start. He was brought
up on the farm, where he lived in the open air all the time, riding horses,
herding cattle, working hard, and it was this free life on a western ranch
that aroused in him a love for horses which characterized his subsequent
career, and, useless to add, that he was an expert rider and horseman.
Nothing delighted him more than to "break" an unruly broncho. When a
pood lad, he admired the great saddles of the cowboys, and it was his ambi-
tion to own one when he grew up. This desire was gratified beyond his
youthful dreams, for during the last year of his life he had made to order
a very fine saddle, beautifully studded with silver and various trappings
that would have been the envy of any Indian chieftain in the country, paying
the sum of seven hundred dollars for the saddle and a special trunk in
which to keep it.
When he left the ranch, Mr. McCarty went to sea, where he lived
the hard life of a common sailor for two or three years. After that he
became an iron worker, a bridge builder. This kind of work required
nerve, strength and courage and it made McCarty's sinews like the iron he
(67)
IO58 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
handled. When he left that trade, having had his leg broken in an accident,
he went back to the West again and took up the old cowboy life. There
he accidentally had occasion to take on a glove fight and discovered that he
was fitted for the profession that brings in the money faster than any other
open to a man without a college training. He not only had the physical
strength and agility, but he had also one of the most important qualities
which a boxer can have — intelligence. When in the ring he needed no
coaching or advice from his seconds, he used his own brains.
Entering the ring when about eighteen years old, his first fight was
at Swift Current, for which he received only fifteen dollars. His rise was
perhaps the most rapid of any prize ring star in the history of pugilism,
and his last battle, about eighteen months after his first, brought him many
thousands of dollars, and during that brief period he earned about one
hundred thousand dollars. In all he engaged in twenty-three battles and
won sixteen of them with knockouts. Four of the other seven were ten-
round, no-decision bouts, two were six-round, no-decision bouts, and one,,
the last, was to have been a ten-round fight. He won over such widely
known pugilists as Carl Morris. Al Kaufman. Jim Flynn and Al Palzer.
Upon the defeat of the last named at Los Angeles, California, January 1^
1913, he was given a diamond-studded belt, valued at five thousand dollars,
and was the recognized white heavyweight champion of the world, which
honors he retained five months, or until his untimely death.
Air. McCarty was married at Sidney, Ohio, May 28, 1907, to Rhoda
Wright, who was born November 9, [888, in Sidney, Ohio, and there grew
to womanhood and was educated in the common schools. She is a daugh-
ter of Theodore and Amanda (Stumpff) Wright, both natives of that
place, also where they grew up. were educated, married and established their
home. The father was born January 23, 1 S 5 5 . and his death occurred at
Sidney, February _'<>. 11)14. The mother was born March 23, 1852, and
she still lives in Sidney. Mr. Wright devoted his active life to general
farming, also operated a threshing machine. Politically he was a Democrat,
and fraternally a member of the Masonic Order. His family consisted of
six children.
To Luther Q. McCarty and wife one child was born, a daughter, Cor-
nelia Alberta McCarty, the date of whose birth was February 14. 191 1.
Mrs. McCarty and daughter make their home in Springfield. The deceased
champion was very fond of his little daughter, and intended retiring from
the ring on her account after he had amassed a sufficient fortune to live
comfortably the rest of his life and provide for her in every way, especially
giving her an excellent education. He left a large bank account and
valuable property at Venice, California, and elsewhere.
The death of Luther O. McCarty occurred at Calgarv. Province of
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. IO59
Alberta, Canada, May 24, 1913. The exact cause has never been fully
determined. He was engaged in a bout with Arthur Pelkey, and in less than
three minutes after the opening of the engagement McCarty fell to the
mat and expired almost immediately. It seems certain that he was not
killed by a blow from his antagonist. However, such a blow probably had
its effects in causing the champion's tragic end. It was at first believed that
heart failure was the cause, but this was later doubted by physicians, who
found that a dislocation of a vertebra in his neck had taken place, and it was
the accepted theory by most that this injury had been caused a few days
previous when the champion was riding a bucking mustang and that Pelkey's
blow caused a further dislocation, resulting in death.
The remains of the great athlete were sent to Piqua, Ohio, for burial.
The body was viewed by thousands as it lay in state. Beautiful floral
tributes were sent by admirers from all over the country. Interment was
made in the family lot in Forest Hill Cemetery. The city of Piqua never
saw so large a crowd at a funeral. Newspaper representatives from big
dailies throughout the country were there covering the funeral, as well as
magazine writers of national reputation.
The following obituary, written by Billy McCarney, manager of the
subject of this memoir, during his successful ring career, appeared in The
Ozark Magazine in its issue of June, 1913:
" 'Luther McCarty. Springfield, Missouri,' were the last words ever
written by the lamented heavyweight champion who went to his death in
an orthodox ring engagement with Arthur Pelkey, at Calgary, Alberta,
Canada, May 24th. The night preceding the bout, McCarty remained in
the city of Calgary instead of returning to his training camp. Where
he elected to stay was the best hotel the city of Calgary affords, the Royal
King George, and it was on the register of the hotel he inscribed his name
and home town. Luther McCarty was essentially a product of the Queen
City of the Ozarks. He was heard continually referring to Springfield as
the grandest place in the world and no matter when his trips across the
country were being routed, he always tried to have it so arranged that he
could go through the city he loved. When we were leaving the East to
make the trip through Calgary, Luther asked me to try and arrange it so
that we could go by way of St. Louis and Springfield, but it was so much
out of the way and meant such a sacrifice of time that I declined changing
the ticket routing and we made the run by the shortest route, via Chicago.
I am sorry that I refused his request.
"The sudden and unlooked for death of McCarty jarred the whole
world, but nowhere did it hit with such teriffic heart aches as it did in
Springfield. They loved the big good-natured boy in the city he loved to
call home. They had seen him in his budding days, saw him blossom the
IOOO GREENE COl'XTV, MISSOURI.
night he tumbled Carl Morris to the mat and later when he returned from
his triumphal, sensational, astounding tour of the West, with the champion-
ship of the world in his keeping, it was the people of Springfield who
gave him his greatest reception. McCarty returned in full bloom to greet
his friends of the early struggling days. Despite the fact that he had won
the greatest honor a man of his chosen profession could acquire, he returned
to Springfield as just the same plain Luther McCarty they had known here
in the days of privation. He did not run to grasp the hands of the big men
of the city. It was not his way. With the reception over he jumped on the
same horse he had ridden in the early days and rode from place to place
meeting the friends he called friends when he was just one of the common
herd. His success never turned his head and he never forgot anyone who
befriended him in the early days. The religious element did not take kindly
to the reception planned for the return of the lad who went forth from
Springfield to conquer and, incidentally, placed Springfield on the map. and
headed by one individual they made the home-coming of the champion some-
what different from what it was planned, but McCarty never once referred
to it as an unpleasant memory. His idea of life was that we all travel
in our own grooves and it hurt him to know that he had been spoken
of so illy by the man who fought the giving of a reception for him. It
was not the individual; it was not a combination of forces working against
him: it was not the stout-hearted friends who battled to have him received
properly, that stood out in his mind. It was simply that he loved Spring-
field. Despite the harsh things said of him by the man who opposed his
being received properly. I am glad to say Springfield loved Luther McCarty.
Not Springfield alone, but the world loved the big boy. The world admires
a winner, but some are better liked than others, and Luther McCarty was
loved to the fullest. I do not recall him ever speaking mean of anyone.
He lived a temperate life, was free frmn profane language, loved his fellow-
man and was ready at all times to benefit one in need. The Golden Rule
was his motto and he never was so well pleased as when, in his days of
prosperity, he was able to help one of those in need. His charity was not
ot the noisy kind. lie was unostentatious in the performance of good
deeds and his enjoyment was in knowing he had done something for some-
one, that he at some time in his early life would have appreciated having
done for him.
'"In the death of Luther McCarty the world lost a noble character.
His loyalty to a friend was unbounded. Appreciation of good done for
him was paramount and the one way to awaken him to a point of showing
his temper was to have anyone speak disparagingly of his friends. As a
companion he was truly lovable. Of a sunny disposition, he loved the good
things of life and wanted those nearest to him to share his every pleasure.
GREEXE COUNTY, MISSOURI. I06l
His treatment of myself was so perfect and our days of close association
so crowded with sweet memories that he will live in my mind for all time.
1 loved him as a son and Ik- respected me as an obedient son would a
father. In our eighteen months of daily association we never had a cross
word. I did at times chide him for some of his recklessness, hut he never
answered me back. He knew 1 had his interest at heart. By his death I lost
the dearest pal man ever had, one who knew no wrong. His equal in manly
principles will never again grace the profession he adopted. May the dust
rest lightly over him."
It would require volumes ti > hold all that was published about him.
The Springfield Daily Leader, in its issue of June 8, 1913, contained an
article under the caption of "McCarty and Ketchel," which we deem worthy
of reproduction here:
"With the sad taking off of Luther McCarty, the name of his home
town, Springfield, Missouri, became temporarily the most talked of place
in America. Twice before the Queen City was the central focus point of
the Union. The night Carl Morris went down to defeat from the powerful
right of Luther McCarty and the day Stanley Ketchel was done to death
were the two occasions when, everywhere over the country, this city was
foremost in the topics being discussed. Speaking of Ketchel and .McCarty,
two of the most senational men who ever gained distinction in the sport
world, it is strange that this city should have to do with the end of one
and the rise of the other. They were two grand characters standing out in
bold relief from all others of their profession. Each bore a name, one
Stanley, the other Luther, new to listiana. They both rose meteorically,
astonished the world by the character of their ring work, champions of the
never-to-be-forgotten kind, and after brief careers each went to a sensa-
tional death. From the beginning of their lives to their untimely end these
two men, lovable socially and dreaded when in the roped enclosure, traveled
in almost parallel lines. Disciples of Nomad by choice, stout-hearted to the
point of recklessness, with the love for adventure uppermost in their hearts,
it was but natural when they took to boxing' that their very temperaments
would carry them to the front ranks of their new profession. Both men
sprang into prominence from the unknown class over night. It was Joe
Thomas, then welter-weight champion of the world, who was the stepping-
stone for Ketchel, while Carl Morris answered the same purposes for
McCarty.
From the first time they attracted attention, McCarty and Ketchel were
lionized by the public. Their care-free ways won people to them. The
newspapers of Xew York attacked both men, but was the result of work on
the part of their managers demanding what they figured the right price
for services of the men wanted by the Xew York clubs. The un justness
IO62 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
of their attack on McCarty was so palpable that many other papers took
sides with the big boy, and the unwarranted abuse of the New York sport
writers cut deep into McCarty's sensitive brain, but he never once com-
plained. Both McCarty and Ketchel survived the attacks and when away
from New York were idolized. They both thrived on the adulations they
received, loved to be in the limelight and the very air they breathed, they
exhaled with a sensational flavor. Dying sensationally as they did, they lived
their parts right to the very last earthly move. Even in death, the eyes of
the world were focused on them. The train bearing McCarty's remains
was met all along the line by throngs of people who stood about, sad-eyed,
talking of the good traits of the boy they all loved. Just so with Ketchel.
When the former, on his tour, visited Grand Rapids, Michigan, he made the
trip to the Polish cemetery and paid his respects to the grave of Ketchel —
the man whom he had always looked upon as his hero. May the memory of
both be kept green forever."
OSCAR L. PEAK, M. D.
The name of Dr. Oscar L. Peak, of Springfield, will be held in lasting
honor as one of the able physicians who has given loyal service in behalf of
suffering humanity in Greene county. Those who know him best are unre-
strained in their praise of his genial disposition and his ability as a physician.
The large success which has crowned his life work, coupled with his ripe ex-
perience and kind heart, has enabled him to bring comfort, hope and confi-
dence to the sick room and he has brought sunshine into many a home.
Doctor Peak was born in P.uffalo, Dallas county. Missouri, November
20, 1849. He is a son of Reuben T. and Juliet I'". (Johnson) Peak. The
father was born in McMinn county, Tennessee, in 1824. and his death oc-
curred in St. Joseph, Missouri. June 11, 1907. The mother was born in
Steubenville, Ohio, July 16. 1828, and her death occurred August 2, 1852, in
Buffalo. Missouri. The Doctor's father received a good college education
in Illinois, and after coming to Missouri in pioneer times be taught school
in Buffalo. lie was also a minister in the I'.aptist church in later life. A
part of his earlier life was devoted to merchandising. I lis family consisted
of six children, namely: Dr. Oscar L., of this sketch; Loren J., deceased;
Marv A. lives in St. Joseph, Missouri; William ('. lives in Aline, Oklahoma;
Edward C. lives in Modena, Utah, and Dr. Frank is a practicing physician in
I 'ratt, Kansas.
Dr. Oscar L. Peak received a good common "school education, later at-
tending Shurtleff College in Illinois, after which be took a course in a medi-
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. I063
•cal college in Cincinnati, Ohio, where he was graduated with the class of
1878, and in 1886 he took a post-graduate course in St. Louis, Missouri. He
began the practice of his profession in Pratt county, Kansas, in 1878, and
remained there until 1893. He took an interest in public affairs there and
was county superintendent of public instruction of Pratt county, Kansas, in
the eighties. He was United States pension surgeon in Pratt county for over
ten years. He enjoyed a good practice in that field, but in 1893 he left it
and took up his residence in Springfield, Missouri, where he has since re-
mained. He first established his office on the south side of the public square,
later moving to the north side of the city, with an office at 4103^ East Com-
mercial street, where he is still located. He has built up a large practice
and is one of the best known general practitioners in the county.
Doctor Peak was married, April 13, 1880, in Pratt, Kansas, to Eliza-
beth Viola Moore, who was born in Van Buren county, Iowa, June 6, 1862.
She is a daughter of Thaddeus S. and Samantha A. ( Richey) Moore. The
latter was a daughter of James E. and Elizabeth (Parker) Richey. Mr.
Moore was a cabinet maker by trade. He was born in 1834 and is now liv-
ing in California. He is a first cousin of Thomas Moore, the famous Irish
poet. The mother of Mrs. Peak was born in 1837 and died September
8, 1885. Mrs. Peak is a graduate of the Woman's Medical College of St.
Louis. This college suspended operations several years ago.
Five children have been born to Doctor Peak and wife, namely: Burt,
born February 22, 1881, in Pratt, Kansas, died February 28, 1882; Bird C,
born May 20, 1882, married William A. Minor, superintendent of Lieut W.
Weiler's force pump factory at Rochester, New York, and they are the par-
ents of one child, Oscar E. Minor; Bessie O., born September 12, 1883, mar-
ried, June 1, 1912, Rev. Paul B. Waterhouse, of Pasadena, Cal., a graduate
of Princeton, and they are now living in Hachiman, Japan, where they are
engaged in missionary work in Omi Mission. A son was born to them in
Tokyo, Japan, February 19, 1915. He was christened Gordon Merrill. Mrs.
Waterhouse is a graduate of Drury College, where she was'an honor student.
She is also a graduate of Hartford (Connecticut) Theological Seminary
Reuben T., born April 30, 1891, lives in Springfield. He attended Drury
•College, after having graduated in the Springfield high school, later being
graduated from the Western Dental College in 1914. He was married in
October, 1914, to Miss Helen V. Trenary, of this city. He has an office with
his father and is making a good start in his profession; Oscar L., Jr., born
May 2^, 1893, died June 13, 1893.
Doctor Peak is a Republican, of the progressive wing of the party.
Fraternally, he belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Mod-
ern Woodmen of America, the Knights and Ladies of Security, in which
he has been financier for a period of ten years. He is also a national trustee
I064 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
of this order. He and his family are members of the First Congregational
church. Mrs. Peak is president of the Greene county district of the Women'
Christian Temperance Union. They are both very active workers in the
temperance cause.
s
WILLIAM PENN ELSON.
It was nearly a half century ago that William Penn Elson came to
Boone township, Greene county, Missouri, from the old Buckeye state and
here he has resided ever since, doing his part in the general change that has
come 'over the face of the land," and his labors have benefited alike the com-
munity about Ash Grove and himself, for he had little of this world's goods
when he took up his residence on a small farm here just after the close of
the war between the states, but by close application and honest dealings he
has become one of the substantial agriculturists of the township and owns a
large and well stocked farm.
Mr. Elson was born in Stark county, Ohio, September cj, 1837, and is
therefore now getting well along in years — seventy-seven in number — but
is still comparatively hale and hearty, having led a careful life. He is a son
of John Harris and Osee (Wilson) Elson. The father was born in Brooks
county. West Virginia, October 14. [806, and was a son of Capt. John
Harris and Margaret (Wiggins) Elson. Captain Elson was also born in
the last named county and state, the year of his birth being 1701). He was a
son of Richard Elson. The latter was a native of Scotland and (.migrated
to America in old colonial da_\s, and took up a "tomahawk claim" of four
hundred acres from the government, in the Old Dominion, now a part of
the state of West Virginia, and there he spent the rest of his life engaged
in fanning, clearing his land and rearing his family of four sons and three
daughters. Captain John Harris Elson was an officer in the war of [812
and also served in the early Indian wars with distinction. His death
occurred in [820. The subject of this sketch is now in possession of his
poll-book and many of his papers, llis widow survived until [847. When
twelve years of age John Harris Elson, father of our subject, moved to
Stark county, Ohio, and there he engaged in farming the rest of his life,
dying in 1898. Politically he was first a Whig and later a Republican. He
and Osee Wilson were married in 1833. She was born May 15, 1815. She
was a woman of rare intellectual attainments for those days anil was a great
reader. Her death occurred in [891. The parents of the subject of this
sketch were excellent types of the sturdy citizens of Ohio during the century
that is past.
WILLIAM P. KI.SON.
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. [065
William P. Elson grew to manhood on the home farm where he worked
when a hoy and he received good educational advantages, having attended
the common schools and later Mt. Union College at Alliance, Ohio, after
which he engaged successfully in teaching for a number of years in Ohio,
Indiana and Illinois. Later he worked at the insurance business in Illinois,
and in the town of Fidelity, that state, lie clerked and acted as postmaster
for three years, then returned to Ohio, where he remained until 1X66 when
he came to Greene county, Missouri, and purchased eighty acres in Boone
township, and here he has since been engaged in general farming and stock
raising, and, having prospered with advancing years, is now owner ol a fine
farm containing two hundred and forty acres under cultivation and forty
acres in timber, constituting one of the choicest farms in this part oi the
county. It is productive, well improved and has on it a large, well-furnished
residence and numerous substantial barns and other buildings.
.Mr. Elson was married. November 2, [875, to Elizabeth C. Frame, who
was born in Montgomery county, Indiana, February 13. [860, and came to
Greene county with hei father and mother, Samuel Park and Elizabeth E.
(Harshburger) Frame when she was nine years of age. They settled in
(enter township and were substantial citizens of the early days. .Mrs. Elson
received her education in Greene county. She has proved to be an excellent
helpmeet in every respect.
Six children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Elson, namely: Vinnie
Ream, born December 23, 1770, is the wife of F. J. Hawkins, a farmer of
Boone township; they have three children, Elson C, Carrol and Paul. |ohn
Harris, born March 1 X, 1X71), who is in the commissary department of the
United States army, is at present stationed at Vera Cruz, Mexico. He is
married and has one child. Vinnie. Charles II., born July 1, [881, is assist-
ing with the work on the home farm; married Laona Wheelock and they
have three children. John Harris. Martha !•"., and Robert B. William
Robert, born December 9, [893, lives on a farm in Boone township; married
Frances Hawkins, and they have had two children, Louise and one deceased.
Richard P., born November 13, 18X7, lives in Fayetteville, Missouri; mar-
ried Jessie White and they have two children. Vera and William Penn.
Archie died at the age of nineteen in the West.
Politically, Mr. Elson is a Republican and religiously a Presbyterian.
Fraternally he belongs to the Ancient Order of United Workmen and the
Masonic order. He has been more or less active in public affairs and has
had charge of the Boone Township Republican Committee, and he once
made the race for presiding judge of the county court. He is a man of
influence in his community and no one is better or more favorably known in
the western part of this county.
1066 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
HARRY CARRIGAN MORGAN.
In few branches of art or science have such developments or perfected
improvements been made as in photography and few establishments in Greene
county and this section of Missouri show more conclusive proof of this
assertion than that of Harry Carrigan Morgan, whose studios are located
on West Commercial street, Springfield. He has long been a close student
of art, and his splendid work is pronounced by those best capable of judging,
to be fully equal to that of his co-workers in this field of endeavor in this
locality. He has won a growing reputation over this country for securing
for those who sit before his camera, a natural pose and pleasing expression
and in all his work is shown the skilled hand of the adroit artist. No one
is more qualified to execute work in this direction than Mr. Morgan and no
one has the happy faculty of meeting the requirements of all more than he.
Mr. Morgan was born near Logansport, Indiana, February 29, 1872. He
is son of Rees and Alice (Carrigan) Morgan. The Morgan family is of
Welch descent and the first emigrant took up his residence in America several
generations ago. Rees Morgan was born in the same locality in the Hoosier
state as was our subject, the former's father having been a pioneer citizen
of Cass county and there he developed the home farm on which the father
of our subject was born in 1847 and on which he was reared to manhood.
He received his education in the common schools of his community, and
when a young man learned the carpenter's trade and followed this and
contracting for a livelihood. He remained in Indiana until 1883, when lie
removed to Rolla, Missouri, where he carried on his line of business with
success fur a period of seventeen years, meanwhile engaging in farming
also. In [900 he came to Springfield, where he lived until 1908, working
as a builder, then he and his wife located in California, where they now
make their home. Politically he is a Republican, and religiously is a member
of the Christian church.
Harry C. Morgan was eleven years old when hi- parents moved from
his native state to Missouri, and grew to manhood on the home farm near
Rolla. Missouri, where he worked when a hoy. and received his education in
the district schools there, and also studied photography, having manifested
a decided natural talent in this direction when but a child. He remained
with his parents on the farm until he was twenty-one years of age. He
worked in the city of Rolla a year, then came to Springfield and formed a
partnership with S. H. Wickizer, and they conducted a studio for two years,
but since that-time Mr. Morgan has been in business alone, and is now lo-
cated on West Commercial street, where he has a neat and modern equipped
studio and is doing a good business, many of his customers coming from
neighboring towns and adjoining counties..
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. IO67
Politically, Mr. Morgan is a Republican, and religiously he holds mem-
bership in the Christian church.
Mr. Morgan was married, August 12, 1897, to Minnie E. Pierce, of
Shelbyville, Illinois. She was born in 1878. She received a good public
school education. To the union of our subject and wife two children have
been born, namely: Harold, born March 28, [899; and Edgar, born Jan-
uary 2, IQ05; they are both attending school.
CHARLES I. GROBLEBE.
Springfield has long been noted lor a lumber center, and ever since
the days of the Civil war large yards have been located here, and this line
has been one of the leading assets of the city, which is a distributing point
for the vast Ozark lumber region, and although much of both the pine and
hardwood forests have been denuded of their best trees, in southern Mis-
souri, the lumber business here has not abated, but the supply of lumber
is obtained in more remote sections of the country, for the most part. One
of the most successful of the younger lumbermen here is Charles I. Grob-
lebe, whose place of business is located on South Campbell street.
Mr. Groblebe was born October 2, 1879, in Carroll county. Arkansas.
He is a son of Charles and Mary (Mitchell) Groblebe. The father was
born in March, 1844, in German)-, from which country he emigrated to the
United States in his youth and settled in St. Louis. He served in a Mis-
souri regiment in the Confederate army during the Civil war. After the
war he went to Arkansas and engaged in the lumber business at Eureka
Springs, and became a well known lumberman throughout northwestern
Arkansas. He is now 71 years of age and is still active. His wife. Mary
Mitchell, was born August 24, iS'50, and reared in Arkansas, and her death
occurred September 12, 1883 when our subject was four years of age. He
has three brothers, namely: George was born April 4, 1870, lives in Arkan-
sas; Earl was born July 7, 1879, and lives in Elgin, Washington; Edward,
born August 6, 1881, is employed on the Missouri & Northern railroad.
Charles I. Groblebe grew to manhood in Arkansas and when a boy
he worked with his father in the sawmill or on a farm, and he received
his early education in the public schools of his native state. He was a
poor boy and fought his way up from the bottom, and he is deserving of
a great deal of credit for what he has accomplished in the face of obstacles
that would have discouraged many. He had to work hard when a boy.
often in severe winter weather, when scantily clad, and he attended school
only three months of the year. He came to Springfield. Missouri, in 1902,
[O68 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
and in order to better equip himself for the battle of life, took a course in
the Queen City Business College, remaining there a year, after which he
worked two years in the local lumber yards, the meanwhile mastering the
various phases of the lumber business, and in 1905 he went into the busi-
ness for himself, and prospered from the first, his success growing with
advancing years until today he is one of the widely known lumbermen of
southwest Missouri. He is one of the few in this line who own their own
property where their yards and buildings are located, and is the only dealer
in Greene county owning an auto truck for the delivery of lumber. He
carries a thirty thousand-dollar stock, which is extensive and complete,
and he aims at prompt and honest service whoever he deals with.
Air. Groblebe was married in 1906 to Kate Brown, who was born,
reared and educated in Springfield. She is a daughter of Thomas Brown
and Mahalia (Stutzman) Brown. She is one of three children, the other
two being Alberta and Frank.
Two children have been born to our subject and wife, namely: Kath-
erine. born May 5, 1907; and Annabell, born August 2, 1913.
Politically Mr. Goblebe is a Democrat. He is a member of the Spring-
field Club, and is a member of the board of directors of the Young Men's
Christian Association and Young Men's Business Club. Fraternallv he
belongs to the free and Accepted Masons, and is a Knight Templar. He is
an active member of the South Street Christian church, and has been a
member of the official board of the same since too~. He teaches the largest
adult woman's Sunday school class in Springfield, lie is a man of genial
personality and is popular in the circles in which he moves.
EMMETT McDONALD MING.
1 low shall we recall the fond memories that cluster about our beloved
dead? I low -hall we portray the nobleness of his character, the purity
of. his life, the gentleness of his disposition? I low shall we describe his
affection as father, his tenderness as -on and brother, his devotion as hus-
band, his sincerity as friend? How shall we impart the patience of his
suffering, the unfailing fidelity of his trust in the great Healer of all our
infirmities, the sorrow and desolation that, at his death, fell like a dark pall
upon the hearts of the loved ones left behind? We know that all that is
must share his destiny; that the brief term of mortal existence is but a pass-
ing dream — a story that is briefly told — and man's spirit drifts away on the
bosom of that tranquil river that winds with noiseless murmurs through the
-loom shaded shadows of the Valley of Death. To eulogize the <\e^i\> and
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOUKJ. IO69
preserve the memory of our dead from oblivion is at once our privilege and
our sacred duty. Since the dawn of civilization men have made expression
at the death of their fellows, whether such dead were citizen, statesman or
soldier. Realizing that "all flesh shall perish together, and men shall turn
again unto dust," we are naturally inspired with the desire that we may
be remembered after death; that after our earthly remains shall have been
laid away to sleep throughout the silent centuries yet to come, awaiting the
final day, we are fed by the hope that some human heart that yet beats may
cherish a memory of us, may yearn for one touch of "a vanished hand and
the sound of a voice that is still." Prompted by such feelings we come to
chronicle the lamented death, "in that he died so young," of Emmett Mc-
Donald Ming.
Air. Ming was born at Gray's Summit, Franklin county, Missouri, De-
cember 3, i860. He was a son of Judge James Morris and Jemima (Os-
borne) Ming, the father a native of Virginia and the mother of Missouri.
Judge Ming was a descendant of that chivalrous race of men who peopled
the Old Dominion, but in an early day he emigrated to Franklin county,
Missouri, and there became one of the leading and influential citizens of
that section of the state, and he at one time represented that county in the
state legislature and later was elected judge, serving as such for a number
of years. His wife belonged to that class of noble Christian women and
true type of womanhood found in the South in the happy days before the
Civil war. Both the judge and his wife reached ripe old ages and spent
their declining years serenely in their cozy home at the cjuiet town of Wash-
ington, Franklin county, where they were ever known as good neighbors,
hospitable and helpful. They reared a large family of sons and daughters,
Emmett M. of this review having been the youngest.
The subject of this memoir grew to manhood at the town of Washing-
ton, and spent his boyhood days upon the farm, close to nature. As a young
man he was industrious, honest and everybody liked him. for even at that
tender age he had a kind word for everybody, a helping hand for those in
need, and a word of cheer for the disconsolate. He had the advantage
of an excellent education, having passed through the common schools in
Franklin count)-, and later took a regular course in Central College. Fayette,
Missouri.
Mr. Ming began life for himself on a cattle ranch in Arizona, which
he owned, but after his marriage he engaged in the lumber business, and
later in the hardware and furniture business at Yinita, Oklahoma ( then In-
dian Territory ) , having selected Yinita as his future home. He built up a
large and lucrative trade with the people of that town and locality and was
doing much for the material welfare of the same, and at the time of his
death his furniture establishment there would have been a credit to any
IO/O GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
city. He was a stockholder and promoter of the first artesian well at Vinita,.
and was regarded by all who knew him as a business man of rare foresight
and acumen.
Mr. Ming was married November 18, 1891, to Emma Wallis, a daugh-
ter of Christopher and Elizabeth (Hoover) Wallis, a well-known family of
Marshfield, Missouri, where Mrs. Ming grew to womanhood and was edu-
cated. After their marriage they established their home at Vinita, in the
Cherokee nation. Their union was blessed by the birth of two children,
namely: Christopher, who was born at Vinita, October 20, 1892, and who
is now a prominent young business man of Springfield, Missouri; and Mar-
tha Lelia, whose birth occurred at Vinita, July 18, 1896.
In 1899 Mr. Ming built a comfortable home for his family in Vinita,
surrounding them with all the comforts of life and preparing a place for
them and for himself in his old age. No man was ever more happily mar-
ried and his affection for his wife and children was tender and strong. He
was never happier than when at home with his family. His devotion to his
father and mother was genuine as well as was his love for his brothers and
sisters, and he was never known to falter in his loyalty to a friend. He
was an active member of the Knights of Pythias, and belonged to the
Methodist Episcopal church, South, at Vinita. His life was ever an open
book, and no one ever heard him say anything derogatory regarding his
fellow man.
Air. .Ming was called to his eternal rest in St. Anthony's hospital, St.
Louis, Missouri, August _». 1900, when lacking a few months of his fortieth
birthday, lie had been in failing health for some time. He was buried at
his old home near Washington, Franklin county, "ii the old Ming home-
stead, on a beautiful bluff overlooking the Missouri river.
Something of the high standing of Mr. Ming in the community hon-
ored by his citizenship, may be gained from the following resolutions, passed
by the Knights of Pythias at Vinita, Oklahoma, shortly after his death:
Whereas, God in His infinite wisdom has deemed it best to remove
From the scenes of his earthly home our beloved friend and co-worker.
Brother E. M. Ming, be it
Resolved, That while we bow in humble submission to His supreme
will, yet we mourn the death of our fellow-worker, fully realizing our lodge
has lost a faithful member, the community a true patriotic citizen and his
family a good husband and father. His many sterling qualities of head
and heart, the blameless character, and pure name won the love and admira-
tion of all who knew him.
Resolved, That we extend to the sorrowing family our heartfelt sym-
patic in their bereavement, praying the all-wise Father to lighten the deep
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. IO/I
sorrow that has fallen upon them, by shedding into their hearts and lives
that blessed peace and comfort which man can not give.
Resolved, further, That a copy of these resolutions be spread upon the
minutes of the lodge, that a copy of the same be sent to the local newspaper
and also a copy to his bereaved family.
JOHN D. ALLEN.
The wanderlust, like a siren, calls to every youth to forsake his an-
cestral hills and halls and go out in quest of a better country. Many have
heeded the summons to their advantage, but perhaps more have answered to
their doom. In such a county as Greene that young man is fortunate who
has the sagacity to remain at home. The call very frequently leads men to
forsake the "land of milk and honey" and go in search of a never-to-be-
attained oasis of a mirage, ultimately finding instead the barren, sand-swept
waste of a Sahara; often, too, after it is too late to return and establish
themselves in their own native locality in a proper manner. John D. Allen,
foreman of the tin department at the new Frisco shops, Springfield, is one
of our native born sons who has been prudent in remaining in his native
county.
Mr. Allen was born at Cave Spring, Cass township, Greene county,
March 18, 1870. He is a son of Stephen G. and C. N. ( l'enley) Allen. The
father was born in Georgia, April 15, 1845, and is still living at Cave Spring,
w hither he removed from Dixieland in the year 1868. He has a good small
farm here and has followed agricultural pursuits for some time but being
a carpenter by trade his earlier life was devoted to work in this line. He
served in the Confederate army in the Civil war, enlisting before he was
eighteen years old. lie was wounded in the battle at Atlanta. Georgia,
August 11, 1864. After the war, he located in Marion county, Tennessee,
where he was married, August 10, 1867, to C. N. Penley, a native of Ten-
nessee. In 186S, Air. Allen came to Greene county, locating at Cave Spring,
where he has since resided and here has reared his family of seven children,
namely: J. Charles, John D., Laura. Louis M., Stephen G., Mary A. and
Katy J. The latter died at the age of four years. Mr. Allen, at the age of
seventy years, is a hale, hearty man and enjoys caring for his little farm.
Politically, he is a Democrat and belongs to the Universalist church.
John D. Allen grew to manhood on the home farm in Cass township
where he worked when a boy and he received his education in the district
schools at Cave Spring. He remained on the farm until he was nineteen
years of age, then came to Springfield and went to work in the office of the
IO/2 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
Springfield Republican, later he worked at the barber's trade for a short
time. In 1890 he began work in the Xorth Side Frisco shops where he
learned the tinner's trade, remaining there three and one-half years, then
spent over six years in the South Side shops at his trade, after which he re-
turned to the shops on the Xorth Side and has remained in the tin depart-
ment litre, being now foreman in the new shops, which responsible position
he has held since the opening of the new shops. He has a large number of
men under his direction, and he is not only a most capable and highly skilled
workman but is a man of considerable executive ability.
Mr. Allen was married on December 5, 1892. in Springfield, to Delia
Gee, who was born in Indiana, April 12, 1871. She is a daughter of Amos
and Nancy Jane Gee. The father was a native of Indiana and was born in
1845 and the mother was born in 1850. They are still living and reside on
a good farm near Alva. Oklahoma.
Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. .Mien, namely: Wade,
born on March n, 1895; Gladys, born on July 15, 1899; and Louise, born
on August 9, 1909.
Politically. Mr. Allen is a Democrat and fraternally he belongs to the
Modern Woodmen of America. He and wife belong to the Knights and
Ladies of Security.
JOHX SPANDRI.
In the following .-.ketch is strikingly illustrated the force of well-directed
energy, steadfast purpose and never-ceasing effort for the accomplishment
of noble ends, and the successful overthrow of those obstacles which beset
the progress of every young man who, unaided and alone, starts out to combat
life's stern realities and hew his own way to distinction and fortune. It is
the story of a successful life, and from the study of such a record tin- dis-
couraged youth may gain lessons of ultimate value, lessons that are calcu-
lated to inspire new zeal in his faltering heart and new courage in his darkened
spirit. It shows that it take- grit, perseverance and honesty to win in life's
battle rather than the help of wraith or influential relative-- or friends. In
other wonb. it is better to rely 011 ourselves and map out our own paths than
in rely upon others and follow a career dictated by Others.
Mr. Spandri hails from the wonderful little republic of Switzerland, a
country from which many of the so-called great nations of the earth might
take valuable lessons. His birth occurred in the southern part of that country
on December 1. i860. He is a son of Peter and Mary (Vanini) Spandri.
both natives of Switzerland, where they were reared, educated, married and
established their future home. The paternal grandfather of our subject
'i^CL^^&d^- (2^r^cf ^J-ot^P^^l^^
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. IO73
was a native of Italy. Peter Spandri was a collier by trade, his work being
chopping timber, which he burned by a process to make charcoal. His death
occurred in his native land before our subject left there and the mother
survived until about seven years ago, having reached an advanced age. To
these parents four children were burn, namely: Juditta is living in Italy,
Frank is deceased, John, of this sketch, and Giacomo lives in Europe.
John Spandri spent his boyhood in Switzerland and he received a limited
education at home, which has been greatly supplemented in later life by
contact with the world and by wide miscellaneous home reading until today
he is a well informed man and an excellent conversationalist. When a boy
he worked with his father in the woods, but when only fifteen years of age
he left home and began working for wages. Believing that America held
greater opportunities for the poor boy with pluck, he bade a final adieu to
his native hills in the autumn of 1882, crossed the great Atlantic, landing in
New York in the month of November. He did not tarry in the great city,
but came 011 West to Rolla, Phelps county, Missouri, reaching the goal of
his long journey with only ten dollars and twenty-five cents in his pocket. He
soon found employment and went to work with a will. Six months later
found him a contractor, in business for himself. In May, 1883, he came to
Springfield and began contracting to build foundations for houses and build-
ings in general. Pie prospered at this and continued in this line until a few
years ago. Among the foundations he laid for well-known buildings were
those of the South Street Christian church. Meyer's Model Mills, the round
liouse at the North Side shops, St. John's church and many others. Some
years ago he turned his attention to other lines of contracting, such as railroad
•construction work and sewer building. His first work in the former line was
in 1901, when he turned out jobs for both the St. Louis & San Francisco
and the Missouri Pacific railroads. It was in 1909 that he began sewer work,
and during that year put in about three miles of sewer in Springfield, then
took a large contract for the Frisco in Texas in building arch culverts. At
this writing he is confining his attention to sewer construction. He has been
a careful student of modern ways of contract work along his lines and his
work is always highly satisfactory, being well done in every respect. He is
well equipped in the matter of modern machinery and tools and employs a
large number of skilled hands. He gives personal attention to every detail
of his business, which is under a superb system. He has been very successful
in a business way and is one of the substantial men of affairs of the Queen
City of the Ozarks. He deserves a great deal of credit for what he has
accomplished, which has been done in the face of obstacles. He owns an
imposing home and office at 520^ East Commercial street.
Mr. Spandri was married on January 15. 1885. in Springfield, to Eliza
(68)
10/4 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
Carmack. She was born in Phelps county, Missouri, on July 10, 1861, and
is a daughter of William Carmack, a native of Indiana, where he grew up
and married, removing with his family to Phelps county, this state, in an
early day, and there he became a well-to-do farmer. Mrs. Spandri spent her
girlhood in Phelps county, and she was given the advantages of a good
education.
Two children have been born to our subject and wife, both deceased:
they were named, John, whose birth occurred on December 28, 1886. re-
ceived a good education in the Springfield ward and high school and Drury
College; he met an untimely death in a railroad accident on May 15, 1910:
he had married Blanche Morrison, by whom one child was burn. Walter J.,
whose birth occurred on September 8, 1909. William, our subject's second
son, was born on November 22, 1888, received a good education in the Spring-
field schools and died on August 19, 1901. They were both very promising
young nu-n and their early deaths were much lamented by their family and
friends.
Politically Mr. Spandri is a Democrat and he has long taken an active
interest in public affairs. However, has never been an office-seeker. Fra-
ternally he belongs to the Masonic Order, including the Knights Templars and
the Ancient Arabic Order of Nobles of the Mystic Shrine.
.Mr. Spandri won the Springfield Republican trophy cup in the first
annual ( )/.ark motor tour of three hundred miles on June 27th to 29th, inclu-
sive, 1910. using his favorite car — E. M. E, a make of the Studebaker Com-
pany. He gets a great deal of pleasure and diversion out of motoring. He
is a gentleman of sociable inclinations, obliging, public-spirited and com-
panionable, which traits, added to his unassuming manner and high sense of
honor, make him popular among a wide acquaintance.
E. L. EVANS, M. D.
The medical profession of Greene county has no abler exponent than
Dr. E. E. Evans, universally liked by all with whom he comes in contact.
His friends feel deservedly proud of his success in his profession, for he
ha- studied hard, worked diligently and liven self-sacrificing when there
was need. He possesses excellent judgment of men and things, well balanced
by knowledge and experience. He is a gentleman of good personal appear-
ance and courteous address, and is certainly entitled to mention with the
representative citizens of Springfield and Greene county.
Doctor Evans was born in Boone county. Indiana. January 2. 1867. He
is a -on of John and Sarah Jane 1 Clark) Evans. The father was a contrac-
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. IO75
tor and died here on December 17, 1913; the mother is living on St. Louis
street, Springfield, Missouri. Grandfather Samuel Evans was a farmer and
one of the early settlers of Boone county, Indiana. His death occurred at
the age of eighty-four years. His wife was a Miss Wilson. The maternal
grandfather, Ezra Clark, married Harriet Hancock. They were both na-
tives of Ohio in which their parents were early settlers, and there Ezra Clark
and wife grew up and were married, and soon thereafter moved to Boone
county, Indiana, where they established the family home on a farm, and
were among the first settlers.
Dr. Evans of this review has two brothers and one sister living, namely :
Dr. Emery Evans, is a practicing physician in St. Louis; Dr. Harry T.
Evans is engaged in the practice of his profession in Springfield, and Mrs.
Ella Speer, also lives in Springfield.
Dr. E. L. Evans is one of those self-educated, successful, self-made
men, commonly met in America. When a boy he earned his own way,
working at various things to earn an honest dollar to assist in defraying the
expenses of an education, and when he had gone far enough in the public
.schools of his native county to enable him to teach he took up that line of
endeavor and taught several terms most satisfactorily, working meanwhile,
during the summer months, on the farm or at other things until he suc-
ceeded in obtaining his professional education. He received his primary
education in the schools of Harrison, Arkansas, where he removed from
Indiana when a boy, and later he attended the Rally Hill Academy, and in
1892 he entered the Marion Simms Medical College in St. Louis, from
which he was graduated with the class of 1895. Soon thereafter he re-
turned to Harrison, Arkansas, where he began the practice of his profession,
in partnership with Dr. Kirby, and remained there eleven years, during
which he enjoyed a large and constantly growing practice, and was one of
the leading general physicians of Boone county throughout which his name
was a household word. Seeking a larger field for the exercise of his talents
he came to Springfield, Missouri, in April, 1906, and has been engaged
successfully in the general practice from that time to the present, each suc-
ceeding year finding him further advanced and more popular than the
preceding.
Doctor Evans is a member of the Greene County Medical Society, the
Southwest Missouri Medical Society, the Missouri State Medical As-
sociation and the American Medical Association. He was for some time
president of the Boone County Medical Society when he lived in Arkansas,
and was also secretary of the same for many years, resigning the office upon
his removal to Springfield. Fraternally he is a member of the Masonic
order, including the Chapter, Commandery and the Ancient Arabic Order
of Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. He also belongs to the Knights of Pvthias
IO76 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
and other lodges. Politically, he is a Democrat, and is a member of the
Si nUh Street Christian church.
Doctor Evans was married March 19, 1897, to Nora Kirby, who was
born in Harrison. Arkansas, in September, 1876, and there grew to woman-
hood and received her high school education in Harrison, Arkansas, and
graduated from Christian College at Columbia, Missouri. She is the scion
of a prominent family of that place, and is a daughter of Dr. L. and Vir-
ginia (Crump) Kirby.
To. Doctor Evans and wife the following children have been born:
Virginia, born January 11, 1898; Harry C, born March 17, 1899; Frances
Irene born June 17, 1900; Dorothy Lee, born July 11, 1902; Lenore, born
July 26, 1903; Kirby, born June 23, 1909, and Ezra Levi, born January
29, 191 1.
ALBERT X. HANSON.
All credit is due a man who wins success in his chosen fields of en-
deavor in spite of obstacles, who, by persistency and energy gains a compe-
tence and a position of honor as a man and citizen. The record of the late
Albert X. Hanson, for many years a well-known contractor of Springfield,
is that of such a man, for he came t<> this city in the days of her rapid growth
and here worked his way up from the bottom to definite success and inde-
pendence. He quickly adapted himself to the conditions which he found
here and labored so consecutively and managed so judiciously thai he finally
became the manager of a thriving business, which he ever conducted along
honorable lines and all the while was establishing a reputation among his
acquaintances and friend- for sound judgment, honest dealings and good
citizenship. I lis tragic death was a matter of sincere regret to all who
knew him.
Mr. Hanson was born on October 17. 1848, in Hancock county, Illi-
nois, lie is a sun of Nichols and Adalize (Hubbard) Hanson. The father
was burn in the state of New York and the mother was a native of the
province of Nova Scotia, Canada, from which she came to the state of New
York when young where she met and married the elder Hanson. He was
a blacksmith by trade in his early life, but later turned his attention to gen-
eral farming. He and his wife removed from New York to Michigan, later
to Illinois where they remained until within a few years of their deaths,
having removed t<> Nebraska, where the death of Xichols Hanson occurred
in iijoo at an advanced age. and his wife passed away soon after. During
the Civil war he was quartermaster of the Twenty-sixth Illinois Volunteer
Infantry under Hen. Kim C. Fremont, having enlisted in [862. Seven
GREENE COUNTY. MISSOURI. 1077
children were born to Nichols Hanson and wife, namely: Ellen, Charles,
Louis are all deceased; Allien X., subject of this memoir; Mary E. Lewis
lues in Springfield, Illinois; William is deceased; Florence, the youngest, lives
in Turon, Kansas.
Albert N. Hanson received a common school education, and later at-
tended a business college in Michigan about six months, lie was all his
life a wide reader of good literature and in this way and by coming in con-
tact with the business world he became a well-informed man. In bis early
career he followed farming fur the most part until he came to Springfield,
Missouri. He had engaged in railroading also for a time during his younger
days, and was in the mercantile business awhile. After living in Kansas
several years he moved t<> Shannon county, Missouri, where be .spent a few
years, locating in Springfield in 1888. Here he engaged in contracting,
general building and railroad construction work. When the Missouri Pa-
cific built its branch from Crane, .Missouri, to this city be secured the con-
tract for the excavation between Alain and Campbell streets in Springfield,
also built the Washington avenue subway at the intersection of that thor-
oughfare and Commercial street. During a period of twenty years he kept
in his employ a crew of from ten to fifteen men, working at various places all
the time. Having through his able management and close application ac-
cumulated a competency for his declining years he partially retired from
active life a few years before his death and lived quietly in his beautiful
home on Guy street, Springfield.
Mr. Hanson was twice married, first, on December 30, 1867, in Han-
cock county, Illinois, to Aarie Mintle, who was born in Ohio, from which
state she moved to Illinois when a child. She was born on April 19, 1846,
and was a daughter of Aaron P. and Mary Ann ( Ward) Mintle. To our sub-
ject and his first wife the following children were born, namely: Jessie, born
on March 30, 1870, died on December 22, 1874; Frank and Fred, twins,
born on December 8, 1872. both live in Springfield; Flora, born on October
15, 1876, lives in Springfield; Fffie, born on April 14, 1870, lives in Spring-
field; Mrs. Pearl Rueter, born on June 29, 1882, lives in Springfield;
Harry E. and Harvey E., twins, born on December 20, 1884, the former
lives in Springfield and the latter died in infancy; Mrs. Stella Revnolds,
born on June 20. 1887, lives in Springfield.
The mother of the above named children was called to her rest on
March 24, 1910. On September 25, 1910, Mr. Hanson married Mrs. Etta
B. Merchant, who was born in Ohio, October 25, 1862. She grew to wom-
anhood in her native state and received a common school education. She
first married W. W. Merchant on March 25, 1883, in Ohio. He died on
March 12, iqio. Two children were born to this union, Maurice E., born
on October 26, 1885. He married Odilia Branch on September 18, 1910.
IO/8 GREENE COUNT V, MISSOURI.
They live in Kansas City. Missouri. They have one child, Donald J., born
on September 24, 191 1, and died on May 24, 1914. The second child is
Leister H., born on August 16, 1890.
Mrs. Hanson is the daughter of Erastus Lockwood and Emily R. Bax-
ley. They were both born in Ohio, the father on September 12, 1833. He
died on February 7, 1891, in Ohio. The mother was born on August 19,
1840, and is still living in Raymond, Ohio, at the old home.
Politically, Mr. Hanson was a Republican, and he was always loyal in
his support of the party. He served as street commissioner of the city of
Springfield under Mayor Bartlett, also Mayor Malotte. He discharged the
duties of this important position in a manner that reflected much credit
upon himself and to the entire satisfaction of all concerned. Fraternally,
he was a member of the Knights of Pythias. Air. Hanson enlisted in Com-
pany A, Sixty-fifth Illinois Regiment Volunteer Infantry, in the ninety-day
service. However, he served till the close of the war and was discharged
at Jonesboro, North Carolina.
The death of .Mr. Hanson occurred on April 16, 191 5. as the result of
an accident. He was driving across the street in bis automobile when a
street car crashed into his machine, hurling him from hi- seat a distance of
some twenty feet, his head striking the curbing. Burning oil from the
gasoline tank id" the automobile was scattered ever him and the oil took
fire, igniting his clothing. Help reached him immediately, but he remained un-
conscious to the end which came a few hours later, as a result of injuries to
the head.
Personally Mr. Hanson was an admirable character, kind-hearted, com-
panionable, charitable and always a high-minded gentleman. He was be-
loved by the hundreds of men who had been in his employ during his long
business career. I lis work was always honestly done and all who knew
him esteemed him highly as a result of bis main commendable characteristics.
GRANVILLE W. TURNER.
To be employed nearly a half century by one linn, continuously, is a
record ol which few citizens id Springfield and Greene county can boast, but
Granville \\ . Turner has been connected with the bridge building depart-
ment of the St. Louis & San Francisco Railroad Company since 1866,
and for forty years has been in charge of that department. He would not
onl\ have had to proved himself to be an expert in his line, but also a man of
courage, fidelity, integrity and industry to have been retained during so long
a period, I te 1- one of the most widely known Frisco employees. He is a man
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. I<^79
who has always valued his good name and today takes pleasure in feeling that
he has won the respect of his fellow workers and acquaintances by his course
in life.
Mr. Turner was born in Knox count)-, Missouri, January 3, 1843. He
is a son of Granville D. and Maria (Taylor) Turner. The father was born
in the mountains of Kentucky and the mother was a native of Ohio, but she
came to Harrison county, Kentucky, when young. These parents were mar-
ried in Quincy, Illinois. Our subject's father and the first governor of Illi-
nois came to Quincy together. Mr. Turner became a large land owner. He
was a cabinet maker by trade. Leaving the Prairie state in an early day,
he located in Knox county, Missouri and he and his wife died in this state.
He was a minister in the Christian church, an old-time circuit rider, and
preached among the pioneers. Politically, he was a Democrat. I lis family
consisted of nine children, named as follows: The eldest child died in in-
fancy; William is deceased; Mary; Emma; Granville W., of this sketch;
James, deceased ; Reuben, deceased ; George and May E.
Mr. Turner of this review received a limited education in the common
schools, and he grew up on the farm in Knox count)-, where he worked when
a boy. He has worked hard and is a self-made man in the best sense of the
term. In his youth he learned the carpenter's trade. In September, 1861,
he enlisted for service in the Civil war, at Rolla, Missouri, under Captain
Rich and Colonel Phelps, and although his term of enlistment was but for
six months, he served nine months, lie saw considerable service during that
brief period, including a number of skirmishes and the battle of Pea Ridge,
Arkansas. He was honorably discharged in April, 186.2, then went to work
for the government, building pontoon bridges, corrals, barracks, coffins, etc.
He continued in this work until the close of the war, gaining valuable ex-
perience which stood him well in hand in his subsequent career. He began
work for the Frisco at Rolla in 1866. in the bridge building department, with
which he has been connected ever since, being head of the department for the
system for some four decades. In 1913 he was retired by the company on
a pension. However, he is still doing special work in his department, re-
porting direct to the general manager. He long ago mastered every phase
of the art of bridge building and has kept well abreast of the times in this
line of endeavor.
Air. Turner was first married in June, 1879, to Malissa Trower, in St.
Louis, her native city. She was a daughter of Samuel Trower, a farmer and
stock raiser, a pioneer of the Mound City, where, for a number of years, he
was justice of the peace, also holding other minor offices. Mr. Turner's
first wife died October 10, 1889. leaving five children, namely: Walter G.
married Gertrude Singleton in St. Louis and he is a civil engineer by pro-
fession; Mary Agnes married Mr. Greenridge and they live in Douglas,
IOSO GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
Arizona; George R. married Goldie Holder and they live in Walnut Grove,
Missouri ; Nellie E. married Thomas Wommock, an employee of the Frisco,
and they live in Springfield; Lillian F. married G. Marks, who is also con-
nected with the Frisco and lives in Springfield. Mr. Turner's second mar-
riage was consummated in February, 1893, m Carthage. Missouri, when he
was united in marriage to Mrs. Agnes L. Brown, a daughter of John and
Eliza Deyell, of St. Thomas, Ontario, Canada. To this second union two
children have been born, namely, William E. and James D.
Politically, Mr. Turner is a Democrat. Fraternally, he belongs to the
Masonic order, Gate of the Temple blue lodge and St. John's Commandery.
Mr. Turner made his headquarters in Springfield in 1873 and moved
here to make his home in 1879. In 1872 he was made assistant superintend-
ent of the bridge and building department of the old Atlantic & Pacific rail-
road, later known as the Frisco. In 1875 he was made general superintend-
ent of this department. He has had something to do with the building of
nearly every bridge on the entire Frisco system.
WILLIAM PEXX MURRAY.
The deft shuttle which weaves the web of human life and human destiny,
constantly and ceaselessly flies backward and forward, and into the vast and
checkered fabric is woven the individuality, the efforts, ambitions and achieve-
ments of each man — of all men. Within this web may be defined the lines of
personality, be the}' those that lend the beautiful crystal sheen of honest merit
and worthy effort, or dark, curving and deflecting ones, which penetrate warp
and woof, and mar and efface the composite beauty of their darkened threads.
The life record of the late William 1'enn Murray, for many years one of the
most progressive agriculturists and stock men of Franklin township, Greene
county, indicates that the fabric of which his individuality was woven was 01
the best and purest, and consequently he left behind him "that which is rather
to be chosen than much riches — a good name."
Mr. Murray was born in Wyandotte county. Ohio. June 4. 1867. He
was a son of David C. and Hulda I Dow) Murray. David Murray, who was
also a native of the localit) in which our subject was born, grew to manhood.
was educated and married there, and in 1869 he removed from the old Buck-
eye state to Greene county, Missouri, with his family, locating in Robberson
township, on a farm of three hundred and twenty acres which he purchased
and on which he followed general farming and handling live stock in a suc-
cessful manner. I le Ik cante well known here and was considered a man who
'iAst/vbcxsys'
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. Io8l;
was uniformly fair in all his dealings with his fellow men. and here his death
occurred in 1873, when our subject was six years old. His wife, who was also
a native of Wyandotte county, Ohio, also died on the home farm 111 Greene
county, being summoned to her rest in 1879.
William I'enn Murray was two years old when his parents brought him
to Greene county and here he grew to manhood on the homestead where he
worked when a boy, ami he received his early education in the common
schools. February 18, 1891, he married Jennie Stiver, who was born January
5. 1870, a daughter oi Isaac and Susannah (Horner) Stiver. Isaac Stiver
was born March [6, 1826, m Pennsylvania. After his marriage he moved to
Elkhart county, Indiana, and was living there when Mrs. Jennie Murray was
born, and there he engaged in farming fur twenty-two years, then sold out
and removed with his family to Greene county, Missouri, locating seven miles
northeast of Springfield, buying one hundred and twenty acres of good land,
and here followed general farming until his death, July 24, 1897. He was a
Republican and a Lutheran. His wife was born December 30, 1835, near
Dayton, Ohio, and her death occurred on the home farm in Greene county,
June 20, 1908. To Isaac Stiver and wife twelve children were born, namely:
Daniel J. lives in Newcastle, Indiana; Jacob M. is deceased; Louis J. is prac-
ticing dentistry in Ft. Wayne, Indiana; Mrs. Mary L. Risk, of Amsterdam,
Xew York; Isaac X. is deceased: Wesley M. lives in Campbell township,
( ireene county; William H. lives in Indianapolis; Jennie, widow of the subject
of this memorial review ; Harrison G. lives in Springfield, Missouri; James
is living but his address is not known at this writing; Edward and Calvin J.
are both residing in Springfield.
William P. Murray devoted his active life to general farming and
handling live stuck. lie owned a valuable and well kept place of one hun-
dred and twenty acres in Franklin township; however, his principal business
was raising, buying and trading in livestock, especially cattle, and in this he
was very successful, being an exceptionally good judge of all kinds of stock
and dealing honestly with his fellow men so that he retained their confidence
and good will, lie owned over one hundred head of good cattle at the time
of his death. March 9, 193 1.
Mr. Murray's family consisted of three children, namely: Mrs. Mazie
Newton, born November 20, 1891, wife of R. H. Newton, first lieutenant of
No. 2. Springfield fire department, of Springfield; Ralph, born January 15,
i,v<)3, died October 16, 1893; and Norman B., born September 2T,, 1895, w^o
is living with his mother on the home farm which he operates.
Politically, Mr. Murray was a Democrat and served for some time on
school board. While he was not a member of any church he was religious at
heart and a good honest man in every respect, a kind husband and an indulgent
I082 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
father and a man whom his neighbors admired and respected. He was super-
intendent of Sunday school at Pleasant Valley for several years and a man
who delighted in extending a helping hand to those in need, and he will long
be greatly missed from his neighborhood.
FLAVIUS JOSEPHUS UNDERWOOD.
The world owes much to the plain, plodding worker who, uncomplain-
ingly, does his whole duty as he sees it; but beyond his labors there is a
sphere of activity wherein the workers are few and the products produced
more rare — that of genius. Through the medium of this subtle, sublime,
elusive thing, possessed of certain favored ones, all the great treasures of
art, music, invention, literature and science have been given to the world.
Those who know him best do not hesitate to pronounce Flavius Josephus
Underwood, a venerable inventor and business man of Springfield, as a
genius of high order, although it is doubtful if many who know him appre-
ciate this fact to the fullest extent. His fertile brain has given humanity
many helpful things, which will continue for all time to be a hlessing to the
race. For considerably more than a quarter of a century he has been one
of our leading men of affairs, for man)- years a wagon manufacturer and
later a contractor, but now in view of his advanced age, he having passed
his eighty-fourth mile-post, he is living in retirement at his cozy home on
North Grant street, although he is hale and hearty and in possession of his
faculties, his lusty old age being due no doubt to the fact that he has led
a busy, temperate and wholesome lite.
Mr. Underwood is a scion of one of the oldest American families, who
lived in New England for many generations, where the first of the family
landed from the ( lid World nearly four centuries ago, and from that remote
period to the presenl time the various members of his descendants have
played well their parts in pushing forward the wheel- of the car of civiliza-
tion in the western hemisphere.
Flavius J. Underw 1 was horn in Hardwick, Caledonia county. Ver-
mont, March o, [830. lie was a son of Silas and Lucy Warner (Leslie)
Underwood, the latter a granddaughter of Roberl Leslie, an Irish peer,
who immigrated to America in the earl) period of the country's history and
located in New Hampshire. Silas Underwood was born at Westford,
Massachusetts, December 7. 1783; he devoted hi- life to agricultural pur-
suits, and hi- death occurred in March, 1869. He was a son of John Und
wood, of Bradford, Vermont, who was horn October 28, 1755. and was a
01 of Joseph Underw 1. born 0,1 September 15. [727, at Westford,
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. [083
Massachusetts; the latter was a son of Joseph Underwood, born on May 28,
1681, at Watertown, Massachusetts; he was a son of Joseph Underwood,
who was born in 1650 at Watertown, Massachusetts, and was a son of Jo-
seph Underwood, the emigrant, who crossed the Atlantic from England,
his native country, and took up his residence at Hingham, Massachusetts,
in 1637, later removing to Watertown. He was the founder of the Under-
woods in America, now quite numerous, having dispersed to all states of the
Union.
Flavins J. Underwood of this review, was the youngest of ten chil-
dren ; he grew to manhood in Vermont, assisting his father with the general
work about the farm, and during the winter months he attended the district
schools and an academy, and he began life for himself by teaching school
in his native locality. Remaining in Vermont until he was twenty-two years
of age he, following the advice of Horace Greeley, editor of the New York
Tribune, came west, locating at Milton. Pike count}-, Illinois, and operated
a farm in that vicinity several years. In i860 he went to Rock Island, that
state, where he resided until 1871. having turned his attention to the manu-
facturing business, and became superintendent of Buford's Plow Works.
Forty-three years ago he left Rock Island and came to Springfield, Missouri,
where he has since resided, and where, with James M. Wilhoit, he started a
wagon manufacturing plant, and made a success of this venture, operating
the plant for many years with much success, there having been a great de-
mand for their products owing to the high-grade workmanship and superior
quality of their wagons. Our subject finally gave up the manufacturing
business and turned his attention to contracting, which he followed with
satisfactory results up to his retirement from active life a few years ago.
But it has been as an inventor that Mr. Underwood has figured most con-
spicuously and for which he is deserving of the most credit. He has se-
cured about twenty patents. While at Rock Island he built the first suc-
cessful two-horse cultivator1, which has revolutionized agricultural work, es-
pecially in the corn producing states, lie enjoys the distinction of being the
first person to advocate and demonstrate the circulation of steam for the
purpose of heating buildings, which method is now so universally employed.
Among his man}' inventions is a coal chute which he patented in 1904 and
which is widely used. He believes his best invention is a machine for
I Hiring out hubs in which to insert boxes. His name is deserving of a high
place among the successful inventors of his day and generation.
Mr. Underwood was married at Hardwick, Vermont, July 8, 1851, to
Daphna Josephine Hortense Bridgman, who was born in that town and
there grew to womanhood and was educated. She, too, is a representative
of an excellent old family of New England. Our subject and wife have
traversed the life-path which leads through sun and shadow, for nearly
IO84 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
sixty-three years. Theirs have been an ideal domestic life, mutually help-
ful and pleasant, and now, in the December of their years they can look
backward with no compunction for wasted hours or misdeeds and forward
with the hope of the just. Their union was blessed by the birth of four
children, but only one survives, Airs. Ida M. Jenkins, who lives at Xobo,
Greene county, Missouri; she has three children. Our subject and wife
have seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. The following
children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Underwood: Genevieve Leslie, born
on November 19, 1853, died November 9, 1854; Ida May, born in April,
1856, married Grovner A. Shinn, September 19, 1873, and three children
were born to them, John B., Grover L., and Nellie U. ; Inez Belle, born on
October 18, i860, married George B. Garlick, and to them two children
were born, Harold U., and Ruth; Nellie Maud, born, January 6, 1864, mar-
ried William Sheffield, and to them two children were born, Hortense and
Cornelia.
Politically, Mr. Underwood has always been a loyal Democrat. He
has served as a member of the city council. He was at one time candidate
for the state legislature, and for many years he has taken an active part in
political affairs. During campaigns he lias frequently taken the stump in
Greene and adjoining counties and won a reputation as a forceful speaker.
Fraternally he belongs to the Masonic order, and is active as a member of
St. John's commandery, and served as eminent commander several years
ago. Mrs. Underwood is a member of the Order of Eastern Star of which
she \\a-> formerly worthy matron when it was first organized.
This grand old couple are well known and highly esteemed by a very
wide circle of friends in Springfield. (Mr. Underwood's death occurred on
May 4. [914, after the above sketch was written.)
JAMES E. SMITH.
It is a good sign when a county like Greene can boast of so many of her
enterprising business men and farmers who arc native sons, for it indicates
that there are to be found all the opportunities necessary to insure success
in the material affairs of life and that her native sons, unlike so many if mi
various sections, have found it to their advantage to remain at home. They
have been wise in doing this for nature has offered the husbandman unusual
advantages here and has seldom failed to reward the earnest worker with
gratifying results, and when the tillers of the soil are prosperous all lines
of business flourish, consequently not only the fanners have succeeded in this
locality hut also the merchants, millers, lumbermen, stock dealers, and many
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. IO85
others, and the county ranks well with the most thriving sections of this or
any other state.
One of the native-born business men of Springfield is James E. Smith,
whose birth occurred in this city, July 28, 1868. He is a son of David and
Mary (Fulton) Smith. The father was born in Glasgow, Scotland, as was
also the mother, and there they grew to maturity, were educated and mar-
ried, and when young immigrated to America and located in Greene county,
Missouri. The elder Smith was a well driller and he operated the first well
drill in the vicinity of Springfield. It was in 1858 that they located here
and they spent the rest of their lives in Springfield, the father's death occur-
ring here in 1870. To them thirteen children were born; the following are
still living, namely: Maggie lives in Pennsylvania: David, a machinist, in the
employ of the Frisco, lives in Springfield: Joseph lives in Kansas City:
James E., of this sketch, and Jennie E. (twins), the latter also lives in
Springfield : Robert makes his home in this city.
James E. Smith grew to manhood in his native city and here received
a common and high school education, and when young served his apprentice-
ship as machinist and followed this trade at the old foundry at Mill and
Boonville streets, where he learned the trade. After remaining there about
three years he secured a position in the Springfield Wagon Works, in the
paint department, later drove a grocery wagon for ten or twelve years.
In i8qo he went into the grocery business for himself on Boonville street,
also cigars and confectionery, remaining in that stand until 1894. However,
prior to that year he was for some time in the employ of the Frisco, working
as brakeman between Springfield and Memphis. In 1897 he went to work in
the city fire department, where he remained until 1000, then opened his
present grocery store at 831 North Campbell street and has built up a large
and constantly-growing business, carrying at all seasons a large and well-
selected stock of fancy and staple groceries.
Mrs. Smith was married, August 13, 1890. to Anna Miles, who was born
in Hannibal, Missouri, September 17, 1870. She is a daughter of William
A. and Malinda (Snyder) Miles, both natives of Pennsylvania, being early
settlers in Missouri, locating on a farm. Mr. Miles served five years in the
Civil war, participating in many hard-fought battles. Mrs. Smith grew to
womanhood in her native city and received a good common school educa-
tion in Hannibal.
To Mr. and Mrs. Smith three children have been born, namely: James
E.. Jr., born May 16, 1891, lives at home: Jennette, born March 19, 1896,
died the same year: Genevieve, born November 10, 1898.
Mr. Smith is prominent in fraternal affairs, being a member of the Ma-
sonic Order, Knights of Pythias, the Improved Order of Red Men, the Roval
Arcanum, Highlanders, also the Woodmen of the World and the Mod-
1086 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
ern Woodmen of America. He has been clerk of the Woodmen of the World
for the past eighteen years and is active in Woodmen circles. Politically,
he is a Democrat, and for the past three years has been councilman from the
Sixth ward and has done much for the general good of the city. He was
formerly secretary of the Retail Merchants' Association. His wife is a
member of the Woodmen Circle and the Pythian Circle. Air. and Mrs.
Smith belong; to the Catholic church.
GEORGE C. RUPPRECHT.
It is not enough to be all right in this world, but it is necessary that
we look all right as well, because two-thirds of success is making people
think we are what we profess to be and can be depended upon. Success
in life also depends a great deal in selecting the line of work for which
we are best fitted by nature. How many third-class ministers, lawyers,
physicians there are who might have made remarkable success as agricul-
turists or merchants, or as inventors, railroad men or mechanics. George C.
Rupprecht, foreman at the Steineger Saddlery Company, Springfield, studied
himself and found out what he was capable of doing and what he was un-
fitted for, so he wisely selected a practical calling and has made a comfortable
living all the while.
Mr. Rupprecht was born October 4, 1865, at Wurzburg, Bavaria, a
province of the German Empire. He is a son of John and Barbara (Seu-
bertj Rupprecht, both natives of the same locality where they grew up.
were educated, married and established their permanent home. There the
death of the mother occurred in 1S71 at the early age of thirty-three Years!
The father became somewhat prominent in public affairs and was a city
official and held other public offices. He was also a commissioned officer
in the 'regular arm}- there for a period of sixteen years. His death occurred
in his native land in 1882. Her father, Michael Seubert. was also a Ba-
varian and spent his life in the Fatherland. He was a bleacher and master
of bleachers, also a riverman for years. To John and Barbara Rupprecht
four chidlren were born, namely: Carl, Anna, Barbara and George C.
Mr. Rupprecht, of this sketch, spent his boyhood in his native land
and attended school until he was thirteen years of age, then went to work-
learning the saddlery trade in the city of Wurzburg. After serving his ap-
prenticeship he entered the Seventy-sixth Infantry of the German army,
at Hamburg, ami served two years. Then he followed his trade in differ-
ent towns of the Empire until 1892, when he came to America, landing at
Baltimore, Maryland, and from there made the long journey to central
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. IO87
Texas, where he followed his trade until 1899, when he came to Spring-
field, Missouri, where he has since resided, and for over fifteen years he
has been in the employ of the Steineger Saddlery Company, working for a
year as saddle maker, then was promoted to foreman in 1900, which re-
sponsible position he has continued to hold to the present time, giving
eminent satisfaction to his employers. He is an expert in his line and is
reliable and trustworthy. At present he has twenty-four hands under his
direction. He has saved his earnings and owns a good home on Cherry
street.
Mr. Rupprecht was married in Springfield in 1900, to Cecelia Guettin-
ger, who was born in Zurich, Switzerland, from which country she emi-
grated to America when young. This union has resulted in the birth of
four children, namely: Carl is deceased; George is now twelve years of
age ; Walter is eight, and Cecil is three.
Politically, Mr. Rupprecht is an independent voter. He formerly be-
longed to the Catholic church. He is a member of the German-American
Alliance, being now president of the local order of the same ; he is also
secretary of the German-American Beneficial Society of Pittsburg, Penn-
sylvania. He is also prominent in the Masonic order, being a member of
Solomon Lodge No. 271. in which he has held all offices. He is al 0 a
member of Springfield Chapter No. 15 and has also held all offices, being
at this writing high priest.
CLARENCE S. MACK.
By a life of persistent and well applied industry, led along the most
honorable lines, Clarence S. Mack has justly earned the right to be repre-
sented in a work of the character of the one in hand, along with other pro-
gressive men of affairs of Greene county who have made and are making
their influence felt in their respective communities. He is widely known
as a wholesale dealer in tobacco and other lines, and is a creditable repre-
sentative of two of the old families of this locality.
Air. Mack was born in Springfield, Missouri, April 7, 1876. He is a
son of James B. and Elizabeth (Shackelford) Mack, both natives of Spring-
field also, the father born in April, 1854, and the mother born in May, 1855,
and here they grew to maturity, attended the local schools and have always
resided. James B. Mack started in the drug business when only thirteen
years of age, for the Hall Drug Company, and he continued successfully in
this line for many years. About thirty years ago he began traveling on the
road for the Myers Drug Company, of St. Louis, and is still thus engaged,
lo88 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
being one of the best known commercial travelers in this portion of the Mid-
dle West. His family consists of but two children, Clarence S., of this
sketch, and Georgia.
Clarence S. Mack grew to manhood in his native city and here received
a high school education. When eighteen years of age he went into the retail
cigar business on his own account, and this he continued with gratifying re-
sults until 19 10, when he entered the wholesale cigar, tobacco, candy and
chewing gum business, also soda fountain supplies. His present place of
business is 309 McDaniel avenue, where he has a neat, modernly appointed
and attractive store and is carrying on a large and lucrative business which
extends over a large portion of the Ozark region.
Mr. Mack was married on April 7, 1906, in Springfield, to Cyrena Jones,
who was born in Piatt City, Missouri. She is a daughter of George T. Jones
and wife. She received a common school education.
To Mr. and Mrs. .Mack two children have been born: Margaret, whose
birth occurred .May 14, 1907, and Nancy Elizabeth, born August 17, 1914.
Politically, Mr. Alack is a Republican, lie belongs to the Benevolent
and Protective Order of Elks, and is a member of the Christian church.
He is a sociable and genial gentleman who is well liked about town.
THE JAMES FAMILY.
This is one of the earliest pi< neer families in Greene count)-, where, lor
a period of three-quarters of a century its members have been active in various
circle.-, doing their lull parts in the upbuilding of the locality and leading
public-spirited and exemplary lives, so that they have ever borne the best of
reputations and haw in every way deserved the material success they have
been blessed with, as well a- the high esteem in which they are universally
held.
We first hear of David James, a native el' Wales, who, when a child,
crossed the Atlantic ocean to the New World in an old-time sailing vessel,
the trip requiring man) week-. Me located in Virginia, from which state he
moved to South i arolina, thence to North Carolina, from there to Tennessee,
later to Kentucky, then to western Tennessee, where his death occurred. ft
is believed he was married in South Carolina to Nancy Atchison. He was a
soldier in the Revolutionary war. was wounded in battle and he carried the
bullet in his arm the resl of his life. He was a blacksmith by trade. One of
liis mar relatives settled in Ohio, and he also had a brother. Enoch, and it is
believed that the .Mr. James of President Garfield's cabinet was one of the
( )hio branch of the familv. It was u, Henrv county, Tennessee, that David
JASON R. JAMES.
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. I089
James spent his last days and died in 1842. His wife, Nancy Atchison, was
born in Ireland, but when an infant, was brought to South Carolina and there
grew up and married. Her brothers were Sirgenner, John. Robert and Wil-
liam Atchison. In later years most of the Atchison family moved to Arkansas,
some going on to Texas. Mrs. Nancy ( Atchison) James died on the old
homestead in western Tennessee, about 1840. To David and Nancy James
these children were born, Thomas; Polly, who married a second cousin by the
name of James, from the Ohio branch of the family ; Mrs. Parmelia Wadkins
of Kentucky; Mrs. Malinda Hall of Kentucky; Mrs. Aurelia Good, Joseph,
John and Robert, all of Tennessee; David was killed when a boy, in Ken-
tucky, by lightning, which struck a tree under which he took refuge during a
storm which came up while he was out hunting.
Thomas James was born in South Carolina, December 21, 1792, but he
grew up and was educated near the Kentucky and Tennessee line. He served
as justice of the peace in Madison county, Tennessee, before removing to
Missouri. He was a life long farmer, clearing and developing a good farm
from the wilderness. It was in 1835 that he removed with his family to
Greene county, Missouri, and his death occurred in Missouri while returning
from his old home in Tennessee, on November 9, 1837, when a comparatively
young man. He married Nancy (lately and their family consisted of nine
children, all of whom are now deceased, namely: Mrs. Parmelia Wallace died
in Greene county: Irwin David died when young in d'ennessee ; Levi also died
in early life in Tennessee; Mrs. Minerva Putman died in Greene county ; Win-
frey died in Oregon after the family moved to Greene county; Aurelia died
in this county, November 6, 1844; Jason Robert, born February 2^. 1827, in
Madison county, Tennessee. Jason R., seventh child in order of birth, was
about eight years old when he removed with the family in December. 1835.
to Franklin township, Greene county, Missouri, and here he grew to manhood
and was educated and when only ten years of age assumed charge of and
farmed the homestead after the death of his father. His mother also died
on the homestead here. April 11, 1863, aged about seventy. During the Civil
war, Jason R. was a soldier in the Union army under Captain Jenkins, in the
Missouri State Militia, and took part in the battle of Springfield, January 8,
1863. After the war he continued farming here until his death at an advanced
age, March 21, 1908. The eighth child in order of birth of Thomas and
Nancy (Gately) James was Susan Jane, whose death occurred in Greene
county, February 1, 1845; Thomas, the youngest child, died April 14, 1858;
he was a minister in the Methodist Episcopal church. South. He married
Elizabeth Patterson, by whom one child was born, Nancy Arbelia, who now
lives on the old James homestead in Franklin township, this county, operating
the entire James estate of two hundred acres, and she has one hundred and
(69)
IO9O GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
two acres of her own which she farms with the assistance of her cousin,
Robert James, the son of John and Martha (FutrellJ James. Nancy James
was educated in the township schools and has lived on the home place most
of her life. Winfrey James, mentioned above, was a Methodist minister,
having preached all over Greene county, where he was widely known 111
pioneer days, but later moved to the state of Oregon, where he continued
preaching and where his death occurred September 17. 1897. He became a
presiding elder of a conference of his denomination in that state. He mar-
ried Sarah Jenkins, first, and later married Jane Williams, after the death of
his first wife. The first union was without issue, but four children born of
the second marriage, namely: Charles Wesley, who lives in Oregon; John
Fletcher lives in that state: Sarah Jane, who married Thomas Bailev, is de-
ceased; for his third wife he married Malinda Baisley and by this union had
two children, both living in or near the state of Oregon. Thomas died in
early life. Parmelia James, mentioned above, married John Wallace, by
whom one child was born. Henry James Wallace, who married Tina Harkne-^.
of Franklin township. Greene count}-, and three children were born to this
union, namely: Blondville, Mrs. Flora Vaughn is deceased ; Mrs. Lellian
Bryan. Blondville Wallace married Pearl Logan and they have two chil-
dren, Chesney and Flora Lee. Lellian Wallace married Bert Bryan and they
have one child. Helen. Minerva James, mentioned above, married Man-el
Putman, a farmer, late of Franklin township, and to this union one
child was born. Alary Jane Putman. who married Amnion Knighten, a sketch
of whom appears on another page of this volume. Both Mr. and .Mrs. Mansel
Putman are deceased.
Little is known regarding the Gately ancestry. The great-great-grand-
father Mercer seems to have been stolen when a child from his home.
|i — ilily in the British Lies, and reared b) seafaring men. taught when a child
to assisl "i! a sailing ship, especially in tying knots in the rigging. When
lie was supposed to be about twenty-one years of aye lie was given hi- freedom
and a tine cup (silver, lined with gold) was presented him, and be took bis
own name. It i< believed that he eventually located in the state of Tennessee.
His daughter, Jemima, married John Gately. an Italian. In North Carolina,
the great-great-grandfather Mercei was living with great-grandfather Gately
sometime after the year 170.V The former bid a considerable Mini of money
and could not remember where be put it. and thinking bis son-in-law. John
Gateb had stolen it. finally killed him. but afterward found the money where
he 1 VTero r) had hidden it. Mercer had a son who was at one time a Con-
gressman. Tbe son helped his father out of his trouble without punishment
Great-grandmother Gately later moved to Kentucky, where -lie settled. Her
children were John. James, Polly, Susan, Nancy, Crecy, Jemima and Phoeba.
GREENE C0U XT V, MISSOURI. IO9I
|iihn married Rebecca Watt and one of his sons was named John i lately also.
Polly married William Atchison, a brother of great-grandmother James.
Susie married William Jenkins. Nancy married Thomas James. Crecy
married William Tedford. Jemima married Sam Bradshaw. Phoeba mar-
ried Jesse Grace.
EMSLEY L. BODENHAMER.
By a life consistent in motive and action and because of his many com-
mendable personal qualities. Emsley L. Bodenhamer, for many years a suc-
cessful farmer and stock raiser in Greene county, who is now connected with
one of the leading implement houses of Springfield, lias earned the sincere
reeard of all who know him. He came from an ancestry that distinguished
itself in pioneer times, having had in them that unrest of the old world
races that drives humanity ever westward on its great adventure, globe-
girdlers and zone-conquerors. His progenitors were courageous, large-mus-
cled, a stolid sort of people, in whom acute imagination was coupled with
immense initiative, and who possessed, withal, loyalty and affection as sturdy
as their own strength. He has inherited many of their commendable at-
tributes.
Mr. Bodenhamer was born on December 27. 1872, five miles east of
Springfield, on the old homestead. He is a son of Andrew J. and Charlotte
Elizabeth (Wharton) Bodenhamer, the former a native of Greene county
and the latter of South Carolina, from which state she came to Missouri
overland in an early day with her parents. The parents of Andrew J. Bo-
denhamer were among the pioneer settlers of Greene county, locating on a
farm which they developed by hard work, enduring the usual hardships of
life on the frontier. On the farm our subject's father grew up and worked
when a boy, and he attended the early-day schools in his vicinity. He has
devoted his life successfully to general farming, in which he is still engaged.
He and his wife are both now advanced in years. His farm formerly con-
sisted of one hundred and sixty acres, but is now only one hundred acres,
he having disposed of the balance, not caring to be burdened with so much
land in his old age. During the Civil war he enlisted, in 1861. in the Eighth
Missouri Volunteer Infantry, in Springfield, and he served three years in a
faithful and gallant manner.
Six children, all living, have been born to Andrew J. Bodenhamer and
wife, namely: Alice, William. Tenny, Josephine, Emsley L. and Ira G.
The subject of this sketch grew up on the home farm and there he as-
sisted his father with the general work when a boy, and in the winter months
he attended the common schools in Seymour and his native vicinitv. He
IO92 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
made his start in life on the farm. When twenty years of age he went to
Tulare, California, where he spent three years, then returned to Greene coun-
ty and resumed farming on a place containing two hundred and ten acres,
near the old homestead. He continued general farming and stock raising
on a large scale for eight or nine years, then sold out and moved to Spring-
field, in 1906, bought city property and went to work for the Diffenderffer
Implement Company, at Market and Walnut streets, and has been employed
by this firm continuously to the present time. He has proven to be a most
energetic, capable and trustworthy employee and has drawn a great deal of
trade for the firm.
Mr. Bodenhamer was married on December 18, 1895, to Mattie L.
Quisenberry, who was born in Greene county. Missouri, June 10, 1878, and
here she grew to womanhood and was educated. She is a daughter of El-
cano and Ellen ( Vandergrift) Quisenberry.
One child has been born to our subject and wife, Minnie K. Boden-
hamer, whose birth occurred on June 28, 1897. She is attending the State
Normal School here and is taking a course in music, having decided natural
ability in this line.
Politically, Mr. Bodenhamer is a Democrat, and, fraternally, he be-
longs to the Modern Woodmen of America.
LOUIS X. BASSETT.
Every human being either submits to the controlling influence of others
or wields an influence which loaches, controls, guides or misdirects others.
If he be honest and successful in his chosen field of endeavor, investigation
will brighten his fame and point the way along which others may follow with
like success. Consequently a critical study of the life record of the gentle-
man whose name forms the caption hi tins paragraph may be beneficial to
the reader, for it has been one of usefulness and honor and indicates how
one may rise to positions of responsibility in the industrial world while yet
young in years if he directs his energies along proper paths and is controlled
b) pn 'per ideals.
Louis X. Bassett, superintendent of terminals of the Frisco Lines at
Springfield, is a worthy representative of a distinguished family, lie w:as
born August jo. 1874, in Allen county, Ohio, and is a son of Samuel II. and
Mary (Whipp) Bassett. The father of our subject was born in Ohio, in
October, 1848, and there grew to manhood and received a limited education,
and there he married and spent his earlier years. His wife was also horn
and reared in the stale of Ohio and was educated there, the date of her birth
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. IO93
being in September, 1850. To these parents eight children were born, name-
ly: Ollis O., Mrs. Rosie Buchanan, Sarah (deceased), Louis N. (subject),
Clara, Samuel, Jr., DeWitt and Glen.
Samuel H. Bassett is a line example of a successful self-made Ameri-
can. He made up for his early lack of education of a higher order by wide
home study and by contact with the world until he became an exceptionally
well informed man. and, choosing a military career, has attained a promi-
nent place in the United States navy, having been connected with the navy
department since 1896, and is now occupying the responsible position of au-
ditor of the navy, with offices in Washington, D. C, and is discharging his
duties in a manner that reflects much credit upon himself and to the satis-
faction of his superiors in that department. During the Civil war he joined
the Federal army in the fall of 1863 and served very gallantly as a private
in the Twenty-seventh Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Company I. He saw a
ereat deal of active service in the far South, and was with General Sherman
in his campaign about Atlanta ami was on the memorable inarch to the sea.
At the close of the war he was mustered out and honorably discharged. Many
years ago he worked in the internal revenue department in northwestern Ohio
and from that went into the navy, in which his rise has been rapid. He has
shown much natural ability, and this, combined with keen observing powers
and the fact that he has been a diligent student of everything that pertained
to his work, has made him very efficient as well as popular in this branch of
the government service, and he is popular and well liked in government cir-
cles in Washington. He is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic
and belongs to the Knights of Pythias.
Louis N. Bassett grew to manhood in Allen county, Ohio, and there
received a good common school education, later studying at the Ohio State
Normal, at Ada, that state. He began his railroad career in 1896 in Kansas
City, Missouri, as messenger boy for the Frisco in the terminal department
there, and he has remained with this road to the present time. Being dili-
gent, quick to learn, faithful and reliable in all his work, he has been pro-
moted until he now holds a very responsible position. He became chief clerk
in that department, which position he occupied until in 1908, when he was
appointed superintendent of terminals at Springfield, and has since held this
post in a manner that has proven him to be entirely capable and worthy of
the high degree of trust and esteem in which he is held by the company. He
looks after the operation of trains, both passenger and freight, also the yards,
tracks and station. He is regarded as one of the best men, in this particular
field, the Frisco has ever had. and he is frequently complimented by his su-
periors for his efficient and prompt work.
Mr. Bassett was married April 3, 1895, m Ohio, to Genevieve Murray,
who was born in Allen county, that state, where she was reared and well edu-
1094 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
cated. She is a daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth (Depler) Murray. Mr.
Murray was one of the oldest residents of Allen county and was twice mar-
ried and reared a large family. To his second wife eight children were born,
three of whom were triplets. Dr. Robert D. Murray, the brother of our
subject's wife, was, at one time, government physician, specializing in yel-
low fever, and was United States surgeon for many years and was located
at Ship Island, Mississippi, for a time, and then went to Macon, Georgia, and
was instrumental in wiping out the yellow fever epidemic at New Bruns-
wick, Georgia, and in 1903 died in Key West, Florida.
Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Bassett, namely: Clif-
ford, born September 19, 1904, and Howard, bom August 29, 1906.
Politically, Mr. Bassett is a Republican. Fraternally, he is a member of
the Masonic order, including the blue lodge and other degrees of the Ancient
Arabic Order of Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, and including the latter. He
is active in the affairs of the order, in which he stands high. Religiously,
he is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. Personally, he is a man
of fine character, is a good mixer, and has made a host of friends since lo-
cating in Springfield.
CHARLES J. DRURY.
There is a great deal in being born under a good eye, one that watches
and guards off the error and folly that overtake so many young men. The
parents thai are able to infuse into their children the spirit of the Spartans
—the spirit that can meet any fate and make the most of the world — will
see their children grow to years of maturity with excellent habits and splen-
did principles, and see them become exemplary citizens. Charles J. Drury,
former superintendent of the North Side machine shops for the Frisco, and
a man who had an envied record in his special line of endeavor, although a
young man. was fortunate in having broad-minded, honest and painstaking
parent-, so dial he looked out upon the world from a sane, intelligent and
comprehensive viewpoint.
Mr. Drury was born September 17, 1878, at Chicago Junction, Ohio. He
is a son of M. J. and Mary (Cook) Drury, the former a native of England
and the latter of Wesl Virginia. M. J. Drury was born in May, 1849. He
spent his earlier years in his native land and received a good common school
education, but was young when he came to the United State-. He has spent
his life in railroad service. He served his apprenticeship at Parkersburg,
West Virginia, in the shops of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Company.
Later he went to Kansas and was general foreman at Parsons in the shops
of the Missouri. Kansas & Texas Railroad Company, from 1880 until 1886,
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. IO95
after which he was gang foreman until 1892 for the Atchison, Topeka &
Santa Fe Railroad Company, was general foreman for this road at La Junta,
< Colorado, until 1895. From that year until 1902 he was general foreman at
Arkansas City, Kansas, for the same road, and from 1902 to 1906 he was
master mechanic for the same road at Winslow, Arizona. He then was
master mechanic for about a year at Raton, New Mexico, for the same road,
and from 1907 to 1912 he was mechanical superintendent at La Junta, Colo-
rado, and since then has been at his present location, Topeka, Kansas, as su-
perintendent of shop. The mother of the subject of this sketch died in Jan-
uary, 1907.
Charles J. Drury, who was the only child of M. J. Drury and wife, re-
ceived his education in the schools of Kansas City, Missouri ; Topeka, Kan-
sas, and La Junta, Colorado, attending the high school in the last named
place, lie entered railway service July I, 1895, from which time until July
1, 1909, he was machinist apprentice for the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe
railroad, at Atchison, Kansas. After serving his four years there he was,
until July 1, 1900, machinist for the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe railroad,
Southern Pacific Company, Kansas City Southern railway, El Paso & South-
western railroad, Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific railroad and other roads.
From July 1, 1906, to July 1, 1908, he was roundhouse foreman of the
Santa Fe at La Junta. Colorado. From November, 1908, to September, 1910,
he was general foreman of the same road at Albuquerque, New Mexico.
From September 1, 1910, to April 1, 191 1, he was master mechanic on the
Oklahoma division of the same road at Arkansas City, Kansas. From April
1, 191 1, until January. 1913, he was master mechanic of the Plains division
of that road at Amarillo, Texas. From January, 1913, until July of the
same year he was general foreman for the St. Louis & San Francisco rail-
road at Fort Smith, Arkansas, and from that date until July, i<;i4^ he was
general foreman in the Springfield shops of this company, and at his death
was master mechanic of the machine shops at Sapulpa, of the < >klahoma di-
vision. He was a master of his special line of work and made a fine record
in the responsible position which he held as he did in all previous positions.
His death occurred October 19, 1914, as a result of typhoid fever.
Air. Drury was married, in February, 1903. in San Francisco, Califor-
nia, to Julia McKenry, who was born in Wisconsin, in August, 1880. She
is a daughter of William and Mary McKenry, who reside in Wisconsin.
Five children, four of whom are still living, have been born to Mr. and
Mrs. Drury, namely: Mary, born December 25, 1904, died in January,
1908; Florence, born March 11, 1907; Jack, born \ugust 17, 1909; Charles,
born March 13, 1910; Frances, born January 12, 1913.
Politically, Mr. Drury was a Republican. He was a member of the
•Catholic church, and, fraternally, he belonged to the Knights of Columbus.
IO96 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
ARTHUR LAFAYETTE WHITLOCK.
This is the age of the expert. In every walk of life there is an insistent
demand for the man who has made a particular study of one thing, whether
it be in science, medicine, architecture, agriculture, horticulture, or, in fact,
any other field of human endeavor. In the few short years, however, that
the soil expert has been a recognized factor in the success of American agri-
culture, he has demonstrated beyond dispute that he is. of all the experts,
the most valuable, for, upon him. as upon no one else, depends the success or
failure of America's most important citizen, the farmer. There are some
who cling to their old-fashioned methods and ideas and refuse to heed the
advice of the expert, all to their own detriment. But such progressive farm-
ers as Arthur Lafayette Whitlock, of Franklin township, Greene county, avail
themselves of the advice of the expert and, in fact, utilize all practical in-
formation regarding their vocations and are therefore making a success as
general farmers.
Air. Whitlock was bom .March 27. 1870, in the above named township
and county, lie is a son of Lambert L. and Mary J. ( Harkness) Whitlock.
The father was born in Tennessee, April 23, [832. He was a son of Thomas
J and Elizabeth Ann (Montgomery) Whitlock. Thomas J. Whitlock was
a native of North Carolina, from which state he emigrated to Tennessee,
and finally came on to Greene county. Missouri, in [832, when Lambert L.
was six months old. Thomas J. located on a farm here among the early
pioneers and became an influential citizen. He devoted his entire life to
general farming and stock raising and. being a man of rare judgment and
industry, accumulated much wealth, was one of the largest land owners in
this county. lie was the possessor of a number of fine farms at the time of
his death. He was associated with C. P.. Holland in the horse and mule
business in Springfield for some time, and before the Civil war it was his
custom to buy up large herds of live stock and drive them to the South where
be disposed of them at a good profit. During the gold rush to the California
Eldorado, Thomas J. Whitlock joined the throng that crossed the great
plains of the west in [849 and remained on the Pacific coast two years.
Upon returning home he sent his sons, Lambert L. and Samuel T. to Cali-
fornia with a drove of cattle and they drove them across the plains succi
fully. At one time. Thomas J. Whitlock owned sixteen slaves, for whom he
refused an offer of sixteen thousand dollars. Pie was a man of charitable.
hospitable and liberal impulses, and was a power for good in his community.
Everybody admired him and respected him. His advice was Frequently
sought on various questions. IPs death occurred in Greene county at the
advanced age of eighty-four Avars. His wife, who was also a native of
Tennessee, died in this county at a ripe old age. During the war of the
THOMAS .T. WHITXOCK.
r.. i.. wiirn.ocK.
\iai:y .1. WHITLOCK.
GREENE COUNTY, .MISSOURI. 1097
Rebellion, Thomas J. Whitlock owned and operated a grist mill at Marsh-
field, Webster county, also owned and operated a grist mill and a saw-mill
in Greene county. He was identified with nearly evcr_\' enterprise that bad
for its object the upbuilding and advancement of the county in any way.
He was widely known, a good mixer, made and retained friends easily and
was loyal in Ids friendships. He bad no superiors and few equals among
tbe pioneers as a business man and public-spirited citizen.
Lambert L. Whitlock grew to manbood on his father"s farm, in tbe
development of which be bad a band, making himself useful during the crop
seasons, and during the winter attending tbe township schools; he was a life-
long farmer and stock man. inheriting many of tbe sterling characteristics
of his fatber. He became owner of one hundred and sixty acres of excellent
land and was one of the best general farmers in his township, and with the
exception of two years spent in California, be lived his entire life within
three miles of the homestead where the family located when be was a child.
Politically, he was a Democrat. He belonged to the Cumberland Presby-
terian church, in which he was a deacon for many years. His death occurred
on the home farm January 4, 1906, at the age of seventy- four years, after a
successful and honorable life. During tbe Civil war he served in the militia.
His wife, Mary J. Harkness, born December 23. 1832, in Tennessee, came
to Greene county, when twelve years old, where she grew to womanhood and
was educated, and here her death occurred August 30, iS'ijn. She too. was
a devout member of the Cumberland Presbyterian church at Mt. Comfort.
To Lambert I.. Whitlock and wife nine children were born, five of whom
died in infancy. Those living are, Anna, who has remained on the home
farm; Arthur L. of this review: Finis E. is deceased: Mrs. Ollie Freeman
lives in Robberson township, this count}-.
Arthur I.. Whitlock spent his boyhood on the homestead and there
assisted with the general work. He obtained his education in the rural
schools of his community, and here he has continued' to reside, following
general farming. In December. 1898, he married. Lula Wharton, a daugh-
ter of J. William and Louise (Beckner) Wharton, the former a native of
Greene county and the latter of Laclede county, Missouri. Mrs. Whitlock
was born. August 7. 1866, and was reared and educated in Greene county.
To our subject and wife one child has been born, William Arthur Whitlock,
born October 7. 1903.
A year after his marriage, Mr. Whitlock purchased the farm on which
he now resides, and. during Iris residence of over fifteen years on this ex-
cellent farm, he has brought it up to a high state of cultivation and improve-
ment, until today, it ranks with the best in Franklin township. It consists
of two hundred and ninety acres of rich land. He harvests a large acreage
of grain annually and raises large numbers of Shorthorn cattle. Jerseys and
!i:i:N GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
other live stock, of which he is a good judge. He has a pleasant home and
numerous convenient outbuildings.
Politically, he is a Democrat and while he is interested in local as well
as national public affairs, like his honored father before him, he takes no
active part and has never held office. Fraternally, he is a member of the
Modern Woodmen of America, No. 4975, of Springfield, and of the Inde-
pendent Order of Odd Fellows of Fair Grove. He and his wife are mem-
bers of the Methodist church at Oakland, east of Springfield.
JOHN B. HARRISON.
Scattered here and there among Greene county's population of over
seventy thousand people are men and women who claim, with a degree oi
pride as well they may, the state of Kentucky as the place of their nativity.
There is a certain distinction in being a native of the line old Blue ( hass
state, which has furnished many great men to our national life and has for
a century been a potent factor in the affairs of the Union. One of those
who hail from within her borders is John B. Harrison, foreman for over a
quarter of a century of the great Meyer mills of Springfield.
Mr. Harrison was born at Bowling Green, Kentucky, August 2. [862.
He is a son of William H. and Lucinda (Poor) Harrison, the father a
native of Virginia and the mother a native of [reland, she having emigrated
from that country when young and met and married the elder Harrison in
the East. The father of our subject died when his sun, John I'... was about
twelve years of age, and the latter was small when his mother passed away
in Missouri, 50 he was reared to manh 1 in the home of his grandfather.
Benjamin Harrison, who was one of the early pioneers of southeastern
Missouri. There our subject received a common school education and worked
on the farm when a boy, until he was about sixteen years of age. then went
away with Sells Bros, circus, with which he traveled for two years, during
which he gained much valuable knowledge of the world first handed. He
then secured employment driving a street car in St. Louis. In 1SN1 he came
to Springfield and here drove one of the first "mule ears" ,,f the local street
railway, continuing in this work for about four ami one-half years, then
began working in the grain milling business for Fox & Rienman at the
old Gulf .Mill, which stood at the corner of Jefferson and Mill streets. He
remained there two yeai . duri hich he mastered the various ins and
outs of the milling business, then went to work for Clark & Russell, with
which company he remained until the panic during President Clevelan
.administration, at which time the mill was -old t . . the Meyer Milling Com-
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. IO99
pany and Mr. Harrison has been with this concern ever since, his long ser-
vice indicating that he has been most faithful and capable in this line of
work. For a period of twenty-six years he has been foreman and grain
buyer of this well-known mill, and is one of the most widely known men
in his line in the Southwest.
Air. Harrison was married nil October 4, 1884, in Springfield, to May
Edmondson. who was born in this city, August 7, 1864. She is a daughter
of R. II. and .Martha A. (Mathews) Edmondson, an old family of Spring-
field, both parents of our subject'-- wife having long been deceased. Mr.
Edmondson was in the employ of the Frisco railroad for nearly forty years
here. Mrs. Harrison grew to womanhood in this city and was educated
in the local schools.
Five children have been born to our subject and wife, all living, namely:
Eugene <'.. born November 5, 1885, is connected with Fred Harvey at this
place; Beatrice, born on March 8, 1888, married F. J. Green, who is em-
ployed here by the Frisco; Nellie Shaw, born on February 14, 1801. mar-
ried 11. K. Tegarden, a farmer living northwest of the city; John 11, Jr.,
born on November 6, 1894, married Jessie Hartley and he also works for
Fred Harvey in this city; Ralph Ashley, born on September 14, 1897, 's
attending high school at this writing.
Mr. Harrison owns a good home at 071 Robberson avenue. Politi-
cally, he is a- Republican. He is a member of the Woodmen of the World,
and is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church.
ANDREW B; KERR.
In going through a large establishment like the new Frisco shops in
Springfield one is impressed at the sight of such a large number of beardless
youths, and this is true all over the country, whether one visits machine
shops, factories, foundries mi- whatever kind of industrial establishment, be-
ing constantly reminded that this is, according to the oft quoted phrase, "the
age of voting men." It is not the mission of the biographer to here expatiate
on reasons or causes or explanations why this has come about, but the fact
remains nevertheless that elderly men are much in the minority in such places.
Andrew B. Kerr, while yet young in years, is discharging the duties of an
important and responsible position, that of instructor of apprentices of the
Frisco shops.
Mr. Kerr was born February 27, 1885. in Allegheny county, Pennsyl-
vania. He is a son of William J. and Margaret (McCracken) Kerr. They
were both born in Pennsylvania, the father in 1861 and the mother in 1863,
JIOO GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
and there they grew to maturity, were educated and married and are still
living in Allegheny county, that, state, near Pittsburg. After attending a
college, which is now the University of Pittsburg, William J. Kerr took
up the study of law, but has never followed that profession, devoting his life
to railroading. He was a call boy for the Pennsylvania railroad and has
since held various positions with this company in the transportation depart-
ment, and at this writing holds the responsible post as general yardmaster
for that road in Pittsburg. His family consists of ten children, namely :
Andrew B., of this sketch, is the eldest; John, Katharine, Herman, Margaret,
William, Isabel, Herbert, Merideth and Norman. They are all living at this
writing. Politically, the father is a Republican, and. fraternally, is a mem-
ber of the Knights of Malta.
Andrew B. Kerr grew to manhood in his native state and there attended
the public schools, but quit school when fourteen years of age and began
work carrying mail in his locality. He later learned telegraphy in the rail-
road office there, and served his time in the Pennsylvania shops at Verona,
as machinist, remaining there from May 21. 1901, to January 8, 1906. Not
being satisfied with the education he had obtained, he quit the shop in the
last mentioned year and entered Purdue University, at Lafayette, Indiana,
made a good record and was graduated from that institution June 28, 19 10,
with the degree of bachelor of science; also received a degree from the me-
chanical engineering department. After leaving the university he began
w< irking as assistant engineer at the car barns of the Pittsburg Street Rail-
way Company at Homewood, Pennsylvania. Later he went to work for the
American Steel and Wire Company, in Pennsylvania, as machinist. From
there he went to Yoakum, Texas, as a machinist on the San Antonio & Aran-
sas Pass Railroad, in 191 1, being with this company but a short time when
he took up a position as instructor and representative of The International
Correspondence Schools, of Scranton, Pennsylvania, in Yoakum, and in the
spring of 19 1-' went to Omaha, Nebraska, as instructor and text book writer
of the educational bureau of the Harriman lines, and in the spring of 1913
came to Missouri. He came to Springfield, Missouri, July 12, 1913, and
secured employment as machinist in the Frisco shops. His ability was soon
recognized and he was made instructor of apprentices of the shops of this
company in Springfield, which position he is holding to the satisfaction of
all concerned, being a young man of advanced ideas, capable, energetic and
trustworthy. He has charge of all the apprentices, having under his care
one hundred and twentj boys at the present time. He makes use of two
class rooms, one at the old plant and another at the new plant. Each boy
is required to attend his respective class two hours each week. They are
given sufficient instruction to enable them to gain a general idea of all shop
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. IIOI
work. Mr. Kerr is making a great success in this undertaking and has
aroused much enthusiasm in the work in his classes.
Mr. Kerr was married July 3, 191 1, in Lafayette, Indiana, to Grace
Ullman, who is a native of Tippecanoe county, Indiana, and a daughter of
Emanuel and Caroline Ullman; the father is deceased, but the mother sur-
vives and still makes her home in Tippecanoe county, where Mrs. Kerr grew
to womanhood and received good educational advantages.
The union of our subject and wife has been without issue.
Politically, Mr. Kerr is a Republican and a member of the Presbyterian
■church. He is a young man of fine mind and progressive ideas, and the fu-
ture evidently lias much of promise for him in his special sphere of endeavor.
ALONZO W. EMERY.
Among the large numbers of conductors of the Frisco system, none is
performing his duties more faithfully or satisfactorily than Alonzo W.
Emery, who has devoted the principal part of his active career to railroad
service, for which he early in life manifested a decided liking, and every one
knows that we must like our work if we succeed in it to any appreciable de-
gree.
Mr. Emery was born in Brooklyn, New York, November 6, 1864. He
is a son of George D. and Maria Thresa (Van Arsdel) Emery. The father
was born in New Hampshire and the mother was a native of Summerville,
New Jersey, the date of the former's birth being December 4, 183 1, while
the latter was born in October, 1840. She received a good education. The
latter part of her life was spent in Springfield, Missouri, where her death
occurred March 21, 1888. George D. Emery's educational advantages were
limited, lie devoted the principal part of his business career to the furni-
ture business, and for years maintained a store on the South Side, Spring-
field, to which city he removed with his family in 1870. and on September
7. 1914, died at his residence, having reached the advanced age of nearly
eighty-three years. His family consisted of only two children, namely:
Alonzo W., of this sketch, and Frank E.
Alonzo \Y. Emery was six years of age when, in 1870, he removed with
his parents front Brooklyn, New York, to Springfield, Missouri, and here he
grew to manhood and received his education in the ward and high schools.
When a boy he clerked in various stores, and in 1885 went to Colorado and
followed ranching two or three years, returning to Springfield in 1888, and
began braking on a freight train for the Kansas City, Ft. Scott & Memphis
Railroad Company, commonly known as the "Gulf road." which was sold to
I 102 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
the Frisco system in 1900. After working for that company a year, he re-
turned to the West and worked on the Oregon Short Line until 1892, when
he came back to Springfield, and went to braking again, which he followed
until 1895, when he was promoted to conductor of a freight train. After
live years of this work he was promoted, in 1900, to passenger conductor, his
run being between Springfield and Memphis, and he still continues on his
regular run on this division.
Mr. Emery has been twice married, first, on June 15. 1890, to Marion
Cummins, in Huntington, Oregon. She was born in Wisconsin, and her
death occurred in Springfield, Missouri, in 1906. To this first union two
children were born, namely: Clifford, burn December 16. 1897, and Albert,
burn April 2j, 1899. Mr. Emery's second marriage was consummated on
.March 4, 191 1, his choice of a companion being Wanda Lasley, a widow,
who was born in Logan county, Ohio, November 6, 1880, and is a daughter
of James L. and Maria (Franks) McKinnon, both natives of Ohio, and the
parents of each came from New York state. Mr. McKinnon was born in
1846 ami his death occurred in Urbana, Ohio, in 1884. Mrs. McKinnon was
born in 1850 and she is still living, making her home in Webster county Mis-
souri. Mr. McKinnon was an architect and builder of superior skill, and
won a wide reputation in his line of endeavor in the state of Ohio. His fam-
ily consisted of three children, namely: Mrs. Nettie M. Littleton, who re-
sides in Springfield, Missouri; Alva, who makes his home in Kansas, and
Wanda, who married Air. Emery of this sketch.
Politically, .Mr. Emery is a Democrat. He belongs to Division 321,
Order of Railway Conductors, and is a member of the Masonic order, in-
cluding the Knights Templar degree and the Ancient Arabic < >rder of Nobles,
of the Mystic Shrine. Religiously, he belongs to the Presbyterian church.
Mr>. Emery is a member of the Christian church.
JAMES E. DULIN.
It requires men of grit, courage, coolness and decision to make a suc-
cessful locomotive engineer. It takes nerve on many occasions to meet the
unexpected which the engine driver often encounters — wrecks, washouts,
train robbers and various situations where one must think rapidly and do the
right thing at the right time. One of these men is James E. Dulin, well
known in railroad circles of this locality, one of the oldest engineers on the
Frisco running out id' Springfield.
.Mr. Dulin was born October 26, 1856, at Aledo, Illinois. He is a son
of Edwin R. and Sarah I Artz) Dulin. The father was born April 28. 1825,
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. I I O 5
iii Columbus, Franklin county, Ohio, and the mother was born in Wood-
stock. Shenandoah county, Virginia, March 13. [828, and she moved with
her parents from the Old Dominion to Delaware county, Ohio, in Septem-
ber, 1 S34, when six years of age, and there she grew to womanhood and
married Mr. Dulin. They both received good educations for those times,
Airs. Dulin becoming a tine scholar. From Ohio the parents of our subject
moved to Illinois, where they lived on a farm. Leaving that state, they set-
tled in Missouri and continued farming for a while, then moved to Kansas
City, where Mr. Dulin followed the trade of cooper and carpenter, and there
the death of the mother occurred March 22, 1897; the father died Septem-
ber 19. igoo. They were the parents of nine children, six of whom are still
living, namely: Ernestine; Josephine is deceased; Elwy died February 7,
1015; James, of this sketch; Archie died in infancy; May, Ettie. Lester
and Jesse.
When James 1-".. Dulin was ten years of age the family located in Mis-
souri, locating in Johnson count)-, where he grew to manhood and received
his education in the common schools. Fie was of a mechanical turn of mind,
and his first work was in a woolen mill, where he spent one summer. He be-
gan his railroad career in Urbana, Illinois, in 1S73. in the shops there, later
began as fireman on the Indianapolis, Bloomington & Western railroad; he
then went to Kansas City, Missouri, and went to work for the Missouri
River, Ft. Scott & Gulf railroad, in March, 1S74, as fireman, running be-
tween Kansas City and Ft. Scott, Kansas, and while on this run was pro-
moted to engineer on March 8, 1880, and transferred to Springfield, Mis-
souri, on November 7, 1883, to remain here only thirty days, helping out on
the new lire; hut he remained, and has been running on the Ozark division,
between Springfield and Thayer, and is the oldest engineer in point of serv-
ice on this division. This road was purchased by the Frisco System in 1900.
Thirty-one years is an exceptionally long time for a railroader to work for a
company on the same division, and Mr. Dulin's long retention on this line
would indicate that he is efficient, trustworthy and faithful. In all, Mr. Dulin
has been with the same company for forty-one years.
Mr. Dulin was married June 16, 1881, in Kansas City, to Lillah H.
Hagerty, who was horn in Princeton. Illinois. December 25, i860. She is
a daughter of Rev. T. II. Hagerty. of St. Louis, a minister of the Meth-
odist Episcopal church. He has answered the roll call sixty-two consecutive
times in St. Louis ("(inference and is ex-chaplain-in-chief of the Grand Army
of the Republic. At present he is chaplain of the Ransom Post Grand Army
of the Republic, of St. Louis. Missouri. His wife, who was a Hull before
her marriage and a daughter of Rev. H. Hull, a Presbyterian minister, has
been deceased several years, her death occurring July 15. 1872. After her
mother's death she was reared in the family of J. Radle. Esquire, of Meade-
II04 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
ville, Pennsylvania, and there received her education. Mrs. Dulin received
a good education, being a graduate of Lewis College, Glasgow, Missouri.
Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Dulin, namely: Elsie,
born June 7, 1882, died April 29, 1884; Jamie H., born October 24, 1883,
was educated in the Springfield schools, graduating from Drury Academy.
He now lives in Chicago and is a designing artist, maintaining a studio of
his own there, where he turns out some very fine work in his line. He mar-
ried Dorothy Sessna; Everett, born January 23, 1899, is a junior at this
writing in the Springfield high school.
Politically, Mr. Dulin is a Republican of the Progressive wing. He
belongs to the Methodist Episcopal church and is a member of Division 378
Brotherhood of Engineers. Fraternally, he is a Mason, and for the past
twenty-four years has been a member of the Ancient Arabic Order of Nobles
of the Mystic Shrine.
AZZO B. GRIER.
As a rule when we observe men changing from one line of work to
another it indicates that he has not made a very marked success of his former
calling, if indeed he has not failed outright. However, this is not always
the case, as may lie observed in the career of Azzo B. Grier, who has suc-
ceeded as farmer, educator and merchant, at present engaged in the drug
and grocery business in Strafford. Greene county, where he is widely and
favorably known and is regarded as a useful and public-spirited citizen.
Air. Grier was born near the town in which he now resides, just across
the line in Webster county, on May 1 1. [870. He is a son <>f Samuel R. and
Elizabeth (Morton) Crier, the father horn in North Carolina on November
23, [834, and the mother was born in Greene county, Missouri, on May 29,
[849. The former came to Missouri when a small boy and was reared on a
farm in Webster county and there received a limited education. Fifty years
ago he purchased the farm when' he still lives, his farm now containing two
hundred and fifty-four and one-half aero. He is one of the successful and
progressive men of his locality. During the ('ivil War he served sevent) days
in the state militia. His wife was reared on a farm in this county and
attended the common schools'. Site is still very active for one of her age.
Only two children were horn to this couple. \//o 1',,. of this sketch, and
Lorenzo, who lives in Tulsa, < >klahoma.
Mr. Grier, of this review, grew up on the home farm, lie received a
good common school education, lie worked on the farm until he began
teaching in [888, ami he taught eight terms during a period of ten vcars
with gratifying success. He ha- a record of teaching fortv-nine months
A. B. GEIEE.
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. IIO5
without losing a day on account of sickness. He came to Strafford in 1898
and engaged in the drug and grocery business with Dr. I. H. Mason, later
selling out and teaching another term of school, then came back to Strafford
and bought back his old mercantile business from his former partner, Dr.
vdason, and he is still engaged in the drug and grocery business, enjoying a
large trade with the surrounding country. He has been continuously engaged
in business in Strafford longer than any other man.
Mr. Grier was married in December, 1898, to Hettie Langston, a native
of Greene county, where she was reared and educated. She was a daughter
of Jackson P. C. and Phronie (Comstock) Langston, a sketch of whom
appears on another page of this volume. Mrs. Grier's death occurred on
November 2, 1909, and our subject was subsequently married to Mary Lu
Mullinax, who was born and reared on a farm near Strafford. She is a
daughter of Martin and Mariah (West) Mullinax. She received a good
education in the local schools and taught school six terms with much success.
Two children were born to Mr. Grier and his first wife, Roberta, born on
December 16, 1899, and Orville, born on November 26, 1902, both of whom
live at home. One child was born of the second union, Mildred, born on
June 17, 191 1, who is at home.
Politically Mr. Grier is a Democrat, and fraternally he is a member of
the Modern 'Woodmen.
GEORGE W. MOORE.
To successfully discharge the duties of general car foreman for the
great Frisco shops of Springfield, as George W. Moore is doing, indicates
that such a man has improved well his every opportunity in his chosen voca-
tion, and also that he is reliable and energetic. It is a position that not every-
one, although skilled in this line of work, could successfully fill, for it re-
quires something more than technical knowledge to superintend a large shop
and handle a number of employees so as to get the best results promptly and
at the same time retain the good will of all connected with the establishment,
but our subject has done this for some time.
Mr. Moore was born in St. Joseph, Missouri, January 1, 1874. He
is a son of Charles and Josie (Newman) Moore. The father was born in
Indiana in 1841, and he died in Kansas City, Missouri, in 1893. The mother
was born in St. Joseph, Missouri, in 1853, and her death occurred in Decem-
her, 1910. Charles Moore left the Hoosier state when young and came to
St. Joseph, Missouri, where he and Josie Newman were married. He was a
•cooper by trade. When our subject was- two years old he removed with his
(70)
I I06 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
family to Kansas City, Missouri, where he continued his trade, and for some
time was assistant foreman of the cooper shop for the Armour Packing Com-
pany. His family consisted of eight children, namely: Frank is the eldest;
George W., of this review; Aland is living; Claud is living; Charles, de-
ceased ; Hettie, deceased ; Jesse and Josie are the two youngest.
George W. Moore grew to manhood in Kansas City and there received
his education in the public schools, which has been supplemented in later
life by self-culture. He was only seventeen years of age when he went to
work for the old Kansas City, Wyandotte & Northwestern Railroad Com-
pany (now a part of the Missouri Pacific), in the shops, serving his time as
an apprentice there, then went to the Armour Car Lines Company in the
same capacity, remaining with the latter firm until October 3, 1897, tnen
went to work for the Frisco System as car repairer and car inspector, and
as checker of piece work. Leaving Kansas City, he went on the road as
traveling car inspector, July 30, 1909, and remained in this work until May
10, 1912, when he was transferred to Memphis, Tennessee, as general car
foreman. October 9 of that year he was sent to Kansas City in the same
capacity, remaining there until May 22, 1914, when he was transferred to
Springfield, where he is now engaged in the same work in the North Side
shops. He has given eminent satisfaction in all the above named positions,,
being a skilled workman, faithful and industrious. He is regarded here as
one of the most efficient general car foremen the Frisco has ever had.
Mr. Moore was married .May 30, 1895, m Kansas City, Missouri, to
May E. Stewart, who was born in Boonville, Missouri, December 2j, 1873.
She is a daughter of William H. and Maggie F. 1 Brown) Stewart, natives
of Wisconsin and Boonville, Missouri, respectively. Mr. Stewart is a pat-
tern maker by trade and is a noted inventor, his best known invention being
the "Monarch scales." lie also invented many other tilings of use to hu-
manity, lie lives in Kansas City.
To Mr. and Mrs. Moore one child has been born. Ward C. Moore,
who.se birth occurred April _m . [896. He is at this writing an apprentice to
the machinist's trade in the Kansas City shops of the Frisco company.
Fraternally. Mr. Moore is prominent in the Masonic order, having at-
tained the thirty-second degree in the same. lie belongs to the blue lodge,
Xo. 522, at Kansas City; the Scottish Rite, No. 21, of Memphis. Tennessee;
the Ancient Arabic Order of Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, of Kansas City.
He also belongs to the Knights of Pythias, the Ancient Order of United
Workmen, the Royal League and the Iowa State Travelers' Association.
Politically, he is a Democrat.
Although Mr. Moore has not long been a resident of Springfield, he is
winning friends rapidly by his pleasing manners and general attitude of
brotherly kindness.
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. I IO7
EUGENE JOSEPH RHODES.
There could be no more comprehensive history written of a community
or even of a state and its people than that which deals with the life work of
those who, by their own endeavor and indomitable energy, have placed them-
selves where they well deserve the title of progressive, and in this sketch will
be found the record of one who has outstripped the less active plodders on
the highway of life, one who lias not been subdued by the many obstacles and
failures that come to every one. but who lias made them stepping stones to
higher things and at the same time that Mr. Rhodes has been winning his
way to the front in business affairs he has gained a reputation for upright-
ness and honor.
Eugene Joseph Rhodes, a well known citizen of Springfield, formerly
of northern Arkansas, was born in Jefferson county, Iowa, March 17, 1845.
He is a son of Ira G. and Ann Emelia ( Botts) Rhodes. Ira G. Rhodes was
born in the state of New York, on August 29, 1X14, but when a child he
was brought to Trumbull county, Ohio, where he grew to manhood and re-
ceived his education. His father was of German ancestry, his mother Eng-
lish, though the former was born in Massachusetts and the latter in Con-
necticut. The family record shows that John Rhodes, grandfather of Ira
(]., was born .May 2, 1779, and died June 24, 1819. His wife, Hannah
Graves, was born June 17, 1783, and died September 10, 1835. Their son,
Joseph, father of Ira G., was married to Polly Waters, February 15, 1801.
The parents of Polly Waters were named Guerdon and Eliza, the former
dying December 25, 1813. and the latter dying January 24, 1819. Joseph
and Polly Rhodes were the parents id' eight children, live girls and three
boys, Ira G. being the sixth child. The exact place of his birth is not known.
In 1814 his parents left Connecticut to go to Ohio, and while en route this
son was born. It seems that the trip from the old Nutmeg state to the Buck-
eye state required quite a long time, and when the family reached Ohio their
infant son was one year old. Thus it was in 1815 that the Rhodeses took up
their residence in what was then the western frontier or wilderness, still the
domain of the red men, and there endured the usual hardships and privations
of early pioneers. There Ira G. Rhodes' parents spent the rest of their lives
and there their children grew to maturity and then left the old home to be-
come themselves pioneers in the still farther West. Ira G. remained with
his parents until twenty-one years old, working on the farm in summer and
attending district school in winter. Although he had no other schooling than
was afforded by the common schools of Ohio, yet he prepared himself for a
successful teacher and taught several terms of school before he became of
age. His first school was a winter term of three months, at eleven dollars
per month, and "board around," which necessitated going to the poorest
IIOS GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
cabins, sleeping with dirty children, with scant covering, and in huts where
through the cracks between the logs the snow sifted in winter and the stars
were visible through the roof, and the usual fare nothing but "hog and hom-
iny." Though his early life was that of the farm boy, he eventually had
good training, his parents being people of sturdy character and strong minds.
In his early life Ira G. Rhodes was a Whig and first cast his vote for Gen.
William Henry Harrison; following his father, however, he later joined the
Free Soilers and became a Republican on the organization of that party. He
was all his life a stanch advocate of temperance. His father died at the
old farm in Trumbull county, Ohio, December 30, 1853, and his mother died
there on November 1, 1848.
Soon after reaching the age of twenty-one, Ira G. Rhodes, with only a
capital of one hundred dollars, started West to seek his fortune, traveling
horseback through the states of Ohio, Indiana and Illinois, locating in Han-
cock county in the last named state, where he engaged in teaching school for
seven years. Here he met and married Ann Emelia Botts. She was born in
Kentucky, May 14. 1820. Her ancestors were originally from England.
Her father, Joseph Botts, was the ninth child of John and Lucy (Gaines)
Botts, and was born in Virginia. He married Sabra Wilkes, of Boone coun-
ty, Kentucky, and they became the parents of twelve children, of whom Ann
Emelia was the fourth. She lived with her parents on the farm in the old
Blue Grass state until she was sixteen years of age, when they emigrated to
Hancock county, Illinois, the journey requiring four weeks, Ann Emelia
riding the entire distance on horseback. Illinois was then principally a wild,
unbroken prairie, with a settlement here and there. Mr. Botts was a slave
owner in Kentucky, but finally freed his slaves and sought a country where
slave holding was nut the custom. He was a minister in the Baptist church
for over a half century and a great preacher among the pioneers.
It was on January 15, 1843, tnat ^ra '■■ Abodes and wife were married,
and in April of that year they went to Iowa to make their future home, set-
tling in the timbered lands bordering the Skunk river in the northeast cor-
ner of Jefferson county. Here, six years before Iowa became a state, on the
outskirts of civilization, where the tracks of the Indians were still fresh in
the soil, far away from relations and friends, with only a few scattered
neighbors, they began housekeeping and homebuilding. On that farm in
the woods, carved out of Nature's raw material by their own hands, they
lived for nearly fifty years, rearing their family of eight children, their way
being hard and toilsome, but it was always cheerful and hopeful. By per-
sistent, well directed labor and judicious economy, they won prosperity and
secured a competence, so they were enabled to spend their old age in quiet
and comfort. Mr. Rhodes was always active in school matters, and for many
years after he gave up teaching he was a school director. He was a good de-
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. IIOO,
bater and took an active part in all literary and debating societies of the
neighborhood. Before and during the Civil war he took great interest in
politics and was active in his locality. In 1874 he allied himself with the
Grangers and was elected by that party county treasurer, holding the office
two years in an able manner, this being the only public office he ever held,
and this he did not seek. However, he was often urged to become a candi-
date for the legislature, but always refused. Upon his election to the office
of county treasurer he abandoned his farm and moved to Fairfield, the coun-
ty-seat. At the close of his official career he purchased a home in Brighton,
four miles from the old home, and there they continued to reside, spending
a portion of each year visiting their children in Missouri, Arkansas and other
places. Mr. Rhodes was a robust man physically, was never known to be
sick. He never used tobacco and liquor or indulged in profane language.
He was a kind husband, father and neighbor and beloved by all who knew
him, as was also his good wife. He was a man of liberal religious views
and never belonged to any church, although his daily life was that of an
honest, upright man and his character was always exemplary. He was a
thinking man and all his life he was true to himself and the world. Mrs.
Rhodes also shared her husband's views on religion, and they believed in
right for right's sake, opposing the dogmas and creeds of orthodox churches.
They both closed their days in Jefferson county, Iowa, his death occurring
in March, 1898, and she followed him to the grave on November 9, 1912.
To Ira G. Rhodes and wife nine children were born, all of whom grew
to manhood and womanhood but the fifth, Helen Louise, who died in in-
fancy. Lucilia Jane Rhodes, the oldest child, was born October 22, 1843,
taught school three years prior to her marriage, which occurred October 23,
1863, to R. H. L. Barricklow, a farmer of her own neighborhood, and to
this union six children were born, Grace, Irvin Ernest, James Luther, Dell
Eugene, Ira G., and Lulu Lillian; the Barricklow family removed from Iowa
to Arkansas in 1887 and settled at Stuttgart. Eugene J. Rhodes, the imme-
diate subject of this sketch, was the second child in order of feirth. The
next in order was Luther Graves Rhodes, whose birth occurred February
24, 1847, was educated for a teacher, which profession he followed nearly
twenty years in Iowa, Illinois and California; February 28, 1877, he mar-
ried Sadie Irvin, and to them three sons were born, Claudie Irvin, Glenn
Vernon and Lester Ray; after giving up teaching, Mr. Rhodes located in
Yolo county, California, and engaged in horticultural pursuits and official
work. Mary Sophronia Rhodes, the fourth child, was born February 8,
1849, and engaged in teaching for a short time before her marriage, which oc-
curred on November 11, 1868, to John W. Townsley; to this union one
child was born, Xettie ; her second husband was A. S. Bailey, whom she
married December 28, 1879. and to this union three children were born,
I HO GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
Homer Garfield. Ralph Emerson and Faith. Mr. Bailey is now engaged in
newspaper work in Iowa at Shenandoah, where he is active at the age of
eighty years. William E. Rhodes was born May 31, 1853. and was also
educated for a teacher, which profession he followed many years in Iowa,
Kansas and Alabama, in which state he established his permanent residence,
where he finally engaged in the jewelry business and merchandising, also was
farmer, justice of the peace, postmaster, surveyor and now a banker at Lin-
den, Alabama; he married Sarah Emma Miller, and to them four children
were born, Ray Gustavius, Charles Eugene. Ira George and Carrie Alvaretta.
Myrtle Ann Rhodes was born January 5, 1856, taught school a while before
her marriage, on December 24, 1873, to Gideon G. Sampson, a native of
England, who followed teaching for twenty years, finally removing from
Iowa to Boone count}-, Arkansas, in 1890, and to this couple four children
were born, Ernest Eugene, Fred Vernon, Grace Helen and Myrtle Agnes.
Florence Alvaretta Rhodes was Born September 2, 1858. the youngest
daughter; she married, May 14, 1887, Nathan A. Heacock, for many years
engaged in the United States postal railway service, and to the union of this
couple one daughter was born, Florence Natalie. Homer Ellsworth Rhodes,
youngest of the nine children, was born November 18, 1861, married Ida
Barricklow, on September 27, 1882, and to this union the following children
wire born: .Mabel Irene. Farl Edwin. Margaret Ann (deceased), Hazel
Adline, Victor William 1 deceased 1, Arthur. Marie, Gladys, Garland, Mil-
dred and Lucile. After their marriage this couple lived on a farm in Iowa
until 1889, when the) emigrated to Arkansas, establishing their future home
at Stuttgart, where Mr. Rhodes engaged in the hardware business, and is
n< i\\ living retired.
Eugene J. Rhodes, of this review, grew to manhood on the old home-
stead in Jefferson county, Iowa, where he assisted with the general work
during the summer months and during the winter he attended the district
schools, remaining at borne until be was twenty-one years of age; then he
entered Eastman's National Business College, at Poughkeepsie, New York,
where he made an excellent record and from which institution he was grad-
uated in the spring of [867. He then attended the State University of
Iowa at Iowa City, graduating from the normal department of the same in
June. 1869. In July of that year he left his native state and located in John-
son county, Arkansas, where he engaged in teaching school for a short period ;
locating in Fayetteville, two years later, he was appointed register of the United
States land office at Harrison, removing the office from Clarksville, and he
began upon his duties in 1S71. After filling this office very acceptably for
a period of three years, during which his ability and faithfulness, courtesy
ami high integrity commended him to all concerned, he went to California,
in May. 1873, where he engaged in teaching for four year- and also in book-
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. Ill I
keeping for some time. In 1878 he returned to Arkansas and located in
Boone county, and on November 14, 1878, was married there to Mattie
Keener, who was born in Pennsylvania, September 30, 1859. She is a
daughter of Judge William Keener, w ho removed with his family from the
old Keystone state to Missouri when she was a child, and here and in
Arkansas she grew to womanhood and received a common school educa-
tion; in 1872 the Keener family removed to Arkansas.
After his marriage Mr. Rhodes resided some time in Harrison and
later moved to the pinery, where he resided a number of years, enjoying
the comforts of a home in the pine-clad, picturesque hills, and engaged suc-
cessfully in the manufacture of lumber and in commercial orcharding. Here
he owned a tract of land comprising three thousand one hundred acres and
man)' acres of mining land, and was also engaged in farming, stock raising
and operating his mines, besides discharging the duties of United States
mineral surveyor for a period of ten years for the state of Arkansas. In
his locality he held the office of justice of the peace and also that of notary
public. He was always a stanch Republican and was influential in public
affairs in Boone count v. having been for some time an active member of the
county central committee. While there he was a director of the Boone
County Bank. His principal business for a number of years there was the
manufacture and sale of pine and oak lumber, and he was president of the
Arkansas Zinc and Lead Company, which was incorporated in 1890 to op-
erate in the mining regions of Arkansas, and which had control of twelve
hundred acres of rich mining land in Marion county. He was half owner
of the well-known Diamond Cave in Newton county, Arkansas, and it can
of truth be said of him that he has done as much as any man in Arkansas to
push forward the zinc and lead industry. He was regarded as one of the
most substantial and foremost citizens of Boone county, and owned one of
the finest homes and one of the largest orchards in that county.
Mr. Rhodes left Arkansas in 1895 ancl located in Springfield, Missouri,
where he has since resided, and has been engaged extensively in the lumber
business here, both retail and wholesale, his business extending over a vast
territory of the Southwest. He has also engaged in the coal and wood busi-
ness on a large scale, and has done considerable engineering work for vari-
ous railroads, also surveying, having served as deputy surveyor under Sur-
veyor Phillips and also Alassey, and ten years ago he was elected county
surveyor of Greene county, serving one term with ability and general satis-
faction. At this writing he is extensively engaged in the ornamental and
concrete business, and he was the first person to introduce the manufacture
of artificial marble, a splendid imitation of marble. He is regarded as one
of the leading men of affairs of this localitv and is a man who has always
1 1 12 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
enjoyed the good will and confidence of those with whom he has come in
contact. He owns much valuable property here.
Seven children, five sons and two daughters, have been born to Mr. and
Mrs. Eugene J. Rhodes, named as follows: Homer, born September 23,
1879, died September 6, 1880; Florence Ethel, born February 3, 1881, teach-
ing in Harrison, Arkansas; Eugene Joseph. Jr., born March 26, 1883, is en-
gaged in business in Springfield; William Ira, born January 12, 1885, is
engaged in the feed and fuel business in Springfield; Clarence Julius, born
February 1, 1887, lives in Springfield and is engaged in business here; Carrie
Lena, born March 17, 1889, married Trevor Sanks, and lives in Pittsburgh,
Pennsylvania; Arthur Clyde, born September 18. 1891, is in the motorcycle
business in Springfield.
MADISON CAMPBELL VINTON.
Although the business of farming requires, in its operations, constant
industry and the exercise of thought and study in its every detail, in order
to make it successful, yet it affords greater opportunities for the best and
right living and the achievement of happiness than any other business.
Realizing this fact. Madison Campbell Vinton, one of the leading agricul-
turists and stuck raisers of Jackson township, < ireene county, left the city of
Springfield, where he had become a successful merchant, and turned his
attention to farming many years ago. In the country he has found not only
a large- degree of material success, but health and contentment. He has no
desire to return to the commercial world and the city.
Air. Vinton was born three miles smith of Springfield on the Campbell
street road on September [8, 1855. He is a son of Samuel S. and Margaret
Eugenia (Campbell) Vinton, one of the well-known and highly esteemed
old families of this locality. The father was born in Baltimore. Maryland,
nil January 28, [828, and the mother was born in Tennessee. Samuel S.
Vinton came west with .Major Barry when fourteen years of age. and he
finally became owner of a fine farm of three hundred and twenty acres south
of Springfield, when' he engaged in general farming and stock raising and
trading on an extensive scale. He was a very successful man of affairs. For
some time he followed merchandising in Springfield, where his death occurred,
January 16, 1890. His wife died when the subject of this sketch was four
years old. To these parents three children were born, namely: Mrs. Juliet
R. Williams lives in Springfield; Madison C. of this sketch: and Samuel S.,
Jr., of Springfield.
Madison C. Vinton was taken to St. Louis by his father when he was six
vears old. where he lived until he was fourteen years "Id. when he returned
M. C. VINTON.
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
Ill
td his native county. He received a good education. He began his business
career by clerking in a store in Springfield, going to Marshfield, Webster
county, about a year later, and worked in a store for seven years, later went
into the grain business for himself. He subsequently returned to Springfield,
where be engaged in merchandising in 1880. Selling out he started a shoe
store and for a number of years enjoyed a good business on the south side of
the public square, under the firm name of Vinton-Baxter Shoe Company, "The
Jumbo Shoe Store." Selling out in [887, he bought the farm in Jackson
township where he now lives, which contains two hundred and eighty acres.
VINTON 1'I.ACE.
which he has brought up to a high state of improvement and cultivation and
which ranks among the best farms of Greene county. He has a beautiful
In une and large and convenient barns and other buildings, and he carries on
general farming and stock raising on an extensive scale, paying particular
attention to the raising of a good grade of live stock, handling a large number
of mules annually. For some time he operated a dairy on his place.
Mr. Vinton was married, first, in 1878, to Elizabeth McGinty, by whom
four children were born, namely: Harry C, who lives in Texas, working for
the National Lumber Company ; James K. lives in Denver, Colorado, and
works for the Colorado Southern Railroad Company; Walter B. lives in
1 1 14 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
Greene county; William A. is at home. The mother of these children died
December 8, 1893, in Springfield, Missouri, and Mr. Vinton married Bessie
Dabbs by whom one child has been born, Juliet Lee Vinton, whose birth
occurred July 24, 1904. His first wife was a daughter of A. C. McGinty and
wife, and the present Mrs. Vinton is a daughter of William P. Dabbs and wife.
Politically, Mr. Vinton is a Democrat. Fraternally, he is a member of
the Royal Arcanum lodge. He is a self-made man, well informed and a
pleasant gentleman to meet.
J. B. RUFFIN.
Among the large percentage of Southern people in Greene county is
J. B. Puffin, and, like most of them, is the possessor of the personal charac-
teristics of those bred in fair Dixie land, which makes him a desirable citi-
zen, one who wins and retains friends easily. From his early youth he has
been a lover of horses and has become an expert judge of them and also
an expert in their successful handling, and he is at this writing the owner
of a number of good ones which he keeps in his modernly appointed livery
stable in Springfield. «.
Mr. Puffin was born in Panola county, Mississippi, September 2, 1866.
He is a son of James and Mary (Brahan) Ruffin. The father was born in
Hardman county, Tennessee in 1838, and the mother was born in Missis-
sippi in 1848. They each represent old families of the South and grew to
maturity in their respective communities, received good educational advan-
tages, were married and have always lived in the South, still living at Sar-
dis, Mississippi, where they are widely and well known. James Ruffin at-
tended medical college when a young man and received his degree of Doctor
of Medicine and became a successful practitioner, engaging in the practice in
Tennessee and Mississippi for many years. Having accumulated a com-
fortable competency he is now living retired. Having been long a prominent
and influential Democrat in his locality he was in 1906 elected deputy sheriff
nf his county, and was also elected a representative to the state legislature
in Mississippi, serving one term of two years in a highly creditable and
satisfactorj manner. During the war between the states he enlisted in the
Confederate army and was promoted from time- to time for his gallantry
and merit until he became captain of his company and served all through
the war. taking part in many important engagements. Fraternally he is a
member of the Masonic order, lie is a fine type of the Southern gentleman
nf the old school, and his descendants may well lie proud of his record as a
soldier, physician, public servant and citizen. His family consisted of nine
children, all still living but one. namely: I. P>. of this sketch; Maggie I'.ellc,
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. I I 1 5
Rosa, Mary, Willie, Sallie, Haywood, Mrs. Catherine Lee, and one who
died in infancy.
J. B. Ruffin grew to manhood in the Smith and he received his early
education in the common schools in Mississippi, also attended high school.
He began his active life by selling goods, later going into the live stock
business, paying particular attention to race horses, and he has owned a large
number of fine ones, with excellent records. He engaged in farming and
stock raising in Tipton county, Tennessee, for some time and his operations
met with gratifying results. He remained there until 1006 when he came
to Missouri and located in Aurora where he engaged in the livery business
on a large scale, which he followed until 19 12 when he came to Springfield
and continued the same line of business, his present location being at 310
Boonville street, where he has a large and modernly equipped barn, keeping
some of the finest horses and buggies in the city, and maintains a boarding
stable in connection, everything being first-class, and promptness and uni-
form courtesy are watchwords with him. He is enjoying a large and rap-
idly growing patronage.
Mr. Ruftin was married in February, [892, in Tipton county, Tennessee,
to Mamie J. Culbreath, who was born in that county and state on October
28, 1873, and she was reared and educated there. She is a daughter of J.
Llark and Sallie (Cockrell) Culbreath, natives of western Tennessee, where
they grew up, were educated and married. Her father served all through
the Civil war in the Confederate army.
Four children have been born to our subject and wife, namely: James
is now a student in Drury College; J. B., Jr., is attending the Springfield
high school; Josephine and Clark are both in the ward schools.
Politically, Mr. Ruffin is a Democrat. He is a member of the Wood-
men of the World and the Loyal Order of Moose. He belongs to the Meth-
odist Episcopal church. South. He and his wife have made many friends
since locating in Springfield.
JOHN R. FERGUSON.
John R. Ferguson, who is a scion of a sterling old Southern family,
was born near Louisiana, Pike county, Missouri, on February 10, 1842. He
is a son of John S. and Elizabeth (Allison) Ferguson, the father born in
Virginia and the mother in Franklin county, Kentucky. John S. Ferguson
was a soldier in the war of 1812, and he came to Missouri before or about
the time this state was admitted into the Union, and was therefore one of
the pioneers of the state, locating in Pike county upon land bought of the
1 1 16 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
government, which land he converted into an improved farm and there
resided until his death about 1852. On this old homestead the subject of
this sketch was born and spent his early boyhood. His parents died when
he was less than twelve years of age, and the farm was then rented out by
the administrator of the estate, who also was guardian of our subject. He
worked on farms of the neighborhood, and attended short terms of school
during the winter months until he was about eighteen years of age, when,
with the consent of his guardian, he contracted, in the fall of i860, with a
St. Louis medicine manufacturing concern to travel and "peddle" their goods,
which he did for one year. At the termination of his contract he returned
to his native county and enlisted in the Fifth Missouri Militia, in Col. T. J. C.
Fagg's regiment for six months, and at the expiration of this service he
enlisted for three years or during the war in Company E. Tenth (later the
Third) Missouri Cavalry, State Militia, in April, 1862, at Louisiana, Mis-
souri. For meritorious conduct Mr. Ferguson was promoted first to cor-
poral, in 1863, and in 1864 to sergeant. He proved to be a faithful and
courageous soldier in defense of his state. He was mustered out of the
service at Macon City, Missouri, on April 14, 1865, at the expiration of his
term of service. In May, 1865, he was appointed clerk in the paymaster
general's office at Jefferson City, which position he held until his resignation
111 the spring of 18(17, allt' soon engaged in the drug business at Ironton,
thi> state, and in [869 removed to Springfield and followed the same business
for ten years. After twelve years of diversion in farming and politics, he
returned to the drug business in 1891, becoming a member of the Hall-
Ferguson Drug Company, wholesale, of Springfield, now the Hall Drug
( ompany, and he took the road as a traveling salesman for the firm, later
Mild hi> stock in this company, and accepted a position as traveling salesman
for a wholesale drug company in St. Louis, which position he held for over
twelve years. He gave this (inn eminent satisfaction in every respect and
was one of their most faithful and trusted employees. He is now living
practically retire':, keeping a set of mercantile books and doing the chores
abi lit his pleasant home on East Elm street.
Mr. Ferguson was married on .May (X, 1867, to Virginia Anna Smith,
a daughter of Jared F. ami Roberta I Mack) Smith, of Springfield, Missouri,
ami to this union the following children have been born: Dora Roberta, died
in infamy; Ernest X.. Mrs. Florence Morris, deceased; Jared E., deceased;
Mrs. ( )iiv Elizabeth Tucker. John R., T. Franklin, Mrs. Virginia C. Andres,
Charles A. and Mrs. Mary X. Hilt.
Mr. Ferguson is a Republican and has long been active in the affairs
of his party. He has been a member of the city council, was treasurer of
Springfield, was clerk of the circuit court for eight years, and was recorder
of deeds of Greene county four years. At this writing he is secretary of the
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. Ill 7
board of managers of the State Federal Soldiers' Home of Missouri, on
which board he is serving his third term as a member. As a public servant
his record is without blemish. He is a member of Capt. John Matthews Post,
No. 69, Grand Army of the Republic. Fraternally he belongs to Solomon
Lodge, No. 271, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons. He is a member of
the South Street Christian church and is an elder in the same, and has long
been active in the work of the church. His wife is also a devout member of
this congregation.
THOMAS L. HASLER.
The fair Oriole state, while not so rich or vast in area as some of her
sisterhood in the Union, is one of the best beloved. "Maryland, My Mary-
land," has long been a favorite song, formerly more so than now, however;
but all of us, from whatever section of America we may hail, admire the
state that has produced so many splendid citizens. From the early Colonial
days down to the present she has given to the nation leading men and women
in all walks of life. Among the citizens of Greene county, Missouri, who
originally came from within her borders, is Thomas L. Hasler, one of the
well known locomotive engineers of the Frisco System, with which road he
has been connected for a period of forty years, and it goes without saying
that he has been capable and trustworthy, for that is a very long time to re-
main with one company.
Air. Hasler was born in Baltimore, Maryland, July 14, 1852. He is a
son of Eli and Maria (Divine) Hasler, the father, of Pennsylvania Dutch
stock, having been born in the Keystone state in 1825, and his death oc-
curred October 12, 1903. The mother of our subject was born in Ireland
in 1820, immigrated to the United States when young in years, and her death
occurred March 21, 1909. These parents received limited educations in the
common schools and they were married in Pennsylvania. Eli Hasler was a
cabinet maker by trade, which he followed in a number of the large cities of
the East, finally locating in St. Louis, where he lived a while, and in i860
moved to Phelps county, Missouri, where he purchased a farm and there
spent the rest of his life, but his widow spent her last years with her son, our
subject, in Springfield. During the Civil war Eli Hasler was a member of
the Home Guards at St. James, this state. His family consisted of eight
children, namely: William lives in St. James, Missouri; Thomas L., of this
review; Marira, George, Agnes, John and Frank are all living; Edward is
deceased.
Thomas L. Hasler was but a boy when his parents brought him to Mis-
I I l8 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
souri and he grew to manhood in this state and received his education in the
schools of St. James. He worked on the home farm until 1873, then began
his railroad career on the Atlantic & Pacific railroad, which subsequently be-
came known as the Frisco. He began as fireman and worked his way up to
engineer on a passenger train, in which capacity he is still employed, his run
being between Springfield and Fort Smith, Arkansas. He has long been re-
garded by the company as one of the safest and most capable of its engineers,
sober, reliable and careful.
Mr. Hasler was married on September 3, 1879, in Springfield, to Lucy
E. McCleane, a native of Illinois, and a daughter of Archie and Lucy E.
(Bird) McCleane. The father's death occurred in Jefferson county, Mis-
souri, and the mother of Mrs. Hasler died in England. Mrs. Hasler received
a good common school education.
To our subject and wife seven children have been born, namely: Allen
is employed in the Frisco shops here; Mamie; Archie is employed in the
Frisco shops; George is also a machinist in the local railroad shops; Agnes,
Delia and Eli, the latter working in the Frisco shops.
Politically, Mr. Hasler is a Democrat. He belongs to Division 83,
United Brotherhood of Engineers. He is a member of the Knights of * 0
lumbus, and he and his family are Catholics.
BRANDT McOULSTOX.
Works of biography and history, for the most part, record the lives
of only those who have attained military, political, literary or professional
distinction, with now and then a captain of industry, or those who in any
other career have passed through extraordinary vicissitudes of fortune. But
the names of men who have distinguished themselves in their day and gen-
eration, in the ordinary walks of life, for the possession of those qualities of
character which mainly contribute to the success of private life and to the
public stability — of men who. without special talents or genius, have been
exemplary in all their personal and social relations, and at the same time
enjoyed the confidence and esteem, the respect and good will of those with
whom they associate or come in contact — ought not to be permitted to per-
ish; for all are, or should be, much benefited by the delineation of those traits
of character which find scope and exercise in the common walks of life.
Among the individuals of this class of a past generation in Greene county
was the late Brandt McQuistpn, for a long lapse of years one of the best
known locomotive engineers on the Frisco system. Those who knew him
well say that his life history was marked by the most substantial qualities of
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. Ill')
character and exhibited a long and somewhat strenuous career, and his mem-
ory will continue to be cherished by his many friends fur many years to
come.
.Mr. McOuiston was born on October 22, 1859, in Indiana where he
grew to manhood and received a common school education. He came to
Springfield. Missouri, when a young man and went to work as fireman for
the Kansas City, Ft. Scott & Memphis Railroad Company, which was leased
by the Frisco system in 1900, later he went with the Frisco as passenger
engineer, his run being between Springfield and Thayer. He was then pas-
senger engineer for the former road, commonly known as the "Gulf" from
[886 until this road was absorbed by the Frisco and he continued in his
regular run after that for the latter road until his tragic death on October 1,
1903. He met death in a head-end collision between extra freight train
No. 251, going east on the Southern division, and passenger train No. 202,
bound from Memphis to Kansas City, at half-past five o'clock in the morn-
ing of the above mentioned date, at Horsesln le Curve, five miles north of
Thayer, Missouri. It is the supposition that the freight had mistaken its
order and was running on the passenger's time. A sort of mist or fog pre-
vailed at the time, which added to the darkness of night and prevented the
crews from seeing very far ahead of their trains, which were running at
full rate of speed. The two trains were almost totally wrecked and a section
of the track about the length of four cars was torn up. Mr. McOuiston,
engineer of the passenger train and his fireman. Ernest White, were instantly
killed, while John Finch, engineer of the freight, and John Tune, the fire-
man, both died soon thereafter. Some of the other members of the train
crews and passengers were badly hurt. Our subject was spoken of at the
time by the press as one of the oldest and best engineers running out of
Springfield. One of the sad features of his death was the fact that he was
soon to retire from the road, having purchased a good farm in Greene county
and was preparing to remove thereto and spend his old days quietly. He
had made his home on the South Side until the consolidation of the freight
business on the North Side. He was buried with Masonic honors.
Mr. McQuiston was married on October 16, 1882, to Agnes L. Wright,
a daughter of Charles James and Wells (Lee) Wright, who were born in
England, from which country they emigrated to the United States in early
life; the father became a successful physician and also a minister in the
Episcopal church. Mrs. McOuiston is still residing at the old home place-
on College street.
To our subject and wife three children were born, namely: Kenneth,
born on July 10, 1884. married Jessie Petty, and he is a machinist in the-
new shops of the Frisco in Springfield; Arthur C, born on March 31, 1889,
has marked natural talent as an artist, and he is living in San Francisco, Cali-
1120 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
fornia, where he is a paint salesman; Janet W., born on August 12, 1891,
was graduated from the local high school, later attended Drury College and
the University of Missouri at Columbia, specializing in languages, paying
particular attention to German; she is one of the successful teachers in Gal-
latin, Missouri, schools, being exceptionally well qualified for her chosen
work.
Politically, Mr. McOuiston was a Republican. He belonged to the
Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers. Fraternally, he held membership
with the Royal Arch Masons and the Knights of Pythias.
[AMES A. BERRY.
Since [ames A. Berry, well-known farmer and stock breeder of Frank-
lin township, Greene county, located in this vicinity over sixty years ago he
has noted many changes — among others, a change 01 climatic conditions —
the seasons are not so dependable now as formerly, consequently, the farmer
has had to change his methods. One of the most serious conditions now to
be met with is a drought at some period during each growing season. But
he, with others, have learned that when crops are grown in rotation and
proper tillage methods are followed, they will suffer les-~ from dry weather
than when thev are grown continually; that crop rotation is usually of more
importance than the method of tillage used in this respect, although both
are important.
Mr. Berry was born, January [, 1842, in South Carolina. He is a
son of William I'.. and Martha 1 Latham) Kerry. The father of our subject
was a native of Alabama and was a son of Robert Berry, who located in
South Carolina when a young man, where he married, after which he moved
to Tennessee, remaining in that state until 1852, when he emigrated to
Greene county, Missouri. The subject '>t' this sketch was two years old
when he left his native state with his parents, and his early boyhood was
s]>ent in Tennessee. William B. Berry was a life-long farmer, and owned
a good farm in Greene county, and here his death occurred on the home-
stead September 21, iS<)_>. Politically, he was a Republican, but was never
active in public affairs. The mother of our subject was also a native of
South Carolina, and her death occurred on the home farm in Greene county
in 1891. She was a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian church at Mt.
Comfort, and she and her husband were both buried in the cemetery near that
church. They were the parents of eight children, named as follows: James
A., of this sketch; Mrs. Calverna Win Runnells, deceased; Mrs. Emily Run-
nells, deceased: Mrs. Mary lane McCurdy; Mrs. Dora Lay lives in Center
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. I 121
township, this county; Mrs. Etta Newton, deceased; the two youngest chil-
dren died in infancy.
James A. Berry was eleven years of age when he accompanied the rest
of the family to Greene county, Missouri, and he worked on the home farm
in Franklin township, and was educated in the township schools. He re-
mained on the home farm until his marriage, then moved to his present farm
of one hundred and twenty acres. He also owns forty acres west of his
home farm, which lies near the old home place. He has been very success-
ful as a general farmer and live stock raiser, making a specialty of grain
and trading in horses and mules, and formerly he raised large numbers of
hogs annually, but of late years has not made such an extensive effort along
this line. He has an excellent group of buildings. In the fall of 1912 he
built a breeding barn, thirty-six by forty-eight feet, with box stalls — modern
and complete. He is one of the best-known horse breeders in this part of
the county and owns some fine stock, including a beautiful black Percheron
stallion, "Charley," which is a splendid saddle horse, registered. He also
owns "Roscoe," six years old, fifteen hands high; weight, fourteen hundred
pounds. He also owns two fine jacks; one, "Black John,'" is a coal black,
seven years old, and fourteen and one-half hands high.
Mr. Berry was married on December 18. 1800, to Elizabeth Katherine
McCurdy, a (laughter of Thomas and Nancy .M. (Appleby) McCurdy. Air.
McCurdy was born in Tennessee, December 5, 1820, and removed from that
state to Arkansas when he was eleven years of age. Remaining in that
slate until he was twenty years old, lie came to Greene county, Missouri,
married the following year and located on a farm of one hundred and twenty
acres, of well-improved land in Franklin township, and here his death oc-
curred August 28, 1904, at the advanced age of eighty-seven vears. Ili>
wife was born in Tennessee, July ij, 1821, and died on the home farm in
Greene county, Missouri, July 3, 1901. Thomas McCurdy was a soldier
in the Civil war, having enlisted in Company K, Seventy-second Missouri
Volunteer Infantry, in 1861. He did guard duty mostly, and was kept with
the garrison in Springfield most of the time. He had several very narrow-
escapes from serious wounds and at one time holes were shot through his
hat and cape, and at another time a grape-shot narrowly missed his foot,
but he went through the conflict unscathed, and was honorablv discharged
in 1865.
Fourteen children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Berrv, namely:
Leroy McClelland was killed by a falling log at the age of seventeen ; Oliver
DeW'itt lives in Franklin township; Rolland Pate lives in Pittsburg, Kansas;
Mrs. Calverna Ann Patterson lives in Springfield; Gustavus Antioch Fink-
(70
1 122 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
linburg is a member of the real estate firm known as the Ozark Land Com-
pany, Springfield; Mrs. Fidelia Cornell lives in Springfield; James Blaine
lives in Springfield and is a member of the firm of the Ozark Land Com-
pany, being in the real estate business with his brother; John Logan lives in
Springfield; the other six children died in infancy.
During the Civil War Mr. Berry enlisted for service in the Federal
army in 1861, in Company K, Seventy-second Missouri Volunteer Infantry.
He drove a team most of the time, however he took part in the battle of
Springfield when Marmaduke and Shelby attacked the town, on January 8,
1863, and he was also in several skirmishes. He did guard duty for some
time about the commissary. He was mustered out and honorably discharged,
August 20, 1865. He remained in Springfield during his entire service. He
is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic. He has always been a Re-
publican but now votes independently in local affairs. His wife is a member
of the Cumberland Presbyterian church at Alt. ( lomfort. When a young man,
just before the breaking out of the Civil war. Mr. Berry hauled lumber for
the old court-house, also hauled sand from the James river for the same, driv-
ing six yoke of oxen. He recalls many interesting reminiscences of the early
days, and it is a pleasure to visit his home.
JOHN HENRY LEHR.
John Henry Lehr, now living in honorable retirement in his comfort-
able home on East Elm street, Springfield, is worthy of mention in the pages
of a volume of the province of the one in hand for various reasons, not the
least of which is the fact that he is one of the loyal sons of the North who
offered his services and his life, if need be, to perpetuate the Union, during
its greatest crisis, a half century ago. He has spent his active life princi-
pally as a carpenter, builder and agriculturist, and, being a persistent worker
and doing his work thoroughly and well, he accumulated a competency for
his declining years and is now spending his days quietly.
Mr. Lehr, as the name indicates, is of German descent, and of an Ohio
family, his birth having occurred near Tuscarawas, in the count}' of that
name, in the state of Ohio, December 9, 1845. ^e *s a son °f Michael and
Catherine (Gnagie) Lehr. Michael Lehr was born in Oldenbach, Germany,
in June, 1809, and there he grew to manhood and received his education.
When twenty years of age he immigrated to the United States and located in
Tuscarawas county. Ohio, where he worked at his trade of cabinet maker
which he had learned in the old country. He was an expert workman and
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. 11^3
was always busy. Catherine Gnagie was also born in Oldenbach, Germany,
and there grew up and was educated, and there she and Mr. Lehr were mar-
ried in 1828, and for a wedding trip they came to America. These parents
have long been deceased.
John Henry Lehr grew to manhood in his native county in the Buckeye
state and there he assisted his father with the general work on the farm.
He received his education in the common schools of his day, and when the
Civil war came on he enlisted for service with the National troops, al-
though he was but sixteen years of age, but, according to his comrades he
proved to be as good and faithful a soldier as his older companions in his
regiment. It was on August 6, 1862, that he enlisted in Company G, Ninety-
Eighth Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He saw much hard service ami partici-
pated in numerous important engagements, including the battles of Perry-
ville, Kentucky, Chickamauga, Missionary Ridge, Resaca, Peach Tree Creek,
Atlanta, and from that city marched with Sherman to the sea at Savannah,
thence up through the Carolinas, and fought at the battle of Bentonville. He
was never sick, captured or wounded, and was with his regiment every day,
and never shirked his duty no matter how dangerous or arduous. He was
commissioned corporal for his faithful service, and was so mustered out in
June, 1865, after he had marched in the grand review in Washington City.
He was honorably discharged and returned to his home in Ohio where he
continued farming until 1869 when he came to Livingston county, Missouri,
where he worked at the carpenter's trade, and in 1870 purchased land there
and resumed farming which he carried on with his usual success until 1906
when, on account of failing health, he sold his farm and went to Colorado
Springs, Colorado, where he remained three months, then came to Spring-
field, Missouri, retired from active life and has since made his home here.
Mr. Lehr was married in December, 1870, to Mary Umphrey, a native
of Illinois. Her death occurred in 1901. To this union five children were
born, namely: Oscar V. lives in Chillicothe, Missouri; Clay E. is deceased;
Margaret E. is the wife of A. D. Miller, of Gault, Missouri; Esther D. is
the wife of Dr. L. Hopper, of Ft. Scott, Kansas; Grace E. is the wife of
H. L. Atherton, of Oklahoma City.
Mr. Lehr was again married in December, 1906, to Ellen Affolter, of
Tuscarawas, Ohio, where her birth occurred on August 26, 1876. She is a
daughter of Jacob and Elizabeth Affolter. The father was a soldier in the
Fifty-fifth Ohio Volunteer Infantry during the Civil war, also served in a
battery. Mrs. Lehr grew to womanhood and was educated in her native
vicinity.
Politically, Mr. Lehr is a Republican. He belongs to the Grand Army
of the Republic, and the Grace Methodist Episcopal church.
1 124 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
JAMES BISSETT.
The pioneer railroader, for many years master mechanic in the Spring-
field shops, the gentleman whose life history is herewith outlined, was a
man who lived to good purpose and achieved a large degree of success, solely
by his individual efforts. By a straightforward and commendable course
Mr. Bissett climbed to a responsible position in his calling, winning the
hearty admiration of his fellow workmen and earning a reputation as an
enterprising, reliable, trustworthy and efficient man of affairs which a num-
ber of the leading railroad officials of the country were not slow to recog-
nize and appreciate, and those who knew him best will readily acquiesce in
the statement that he was eminently deserving of the good things which fate
brought him during his life.
James Bissett was born in Scotland, May 15, 1840, and had many of
the characteristic traits of the noble race of Scots. His birth occurred within
two blocks of the house in which Andrew Carnegie first saw the light of
day. but his family brought him to America when he was a child and he was
reared in Madison. Indiana, receiving his education in that town and in In-
dianapolis. However, his schooling was limited, and his knowledge, which
was considerable and general, was acquired chiefly by experience in the prac-
tical affairs of life. He was a son of Thomas and Mary ( Walker) Bissett,
both natives of Scotland, where they grew up and were married. The father
died in Madison. Indiana. He was a machinist by trade. His family con-
sisted ot" seven children, five of whom are still living, namely: Thomas is
deceased; Elizabeth; William; Robert; David; Ellen, and James of this
sketch, who was the second in order of birth and who died on November 11,
1914.
James Uissett returned to Madison, Indiana, after he left school in In-
dianapolis, and went to work in the railroad shops of North Madison, re-
maining there as an apprentice about four years, or until 1858, then went to
Nashville. Tennessee, and from there to Huntsville, Alabama, where he was
fixing when the war between the states began. He returned to Nashville
ami went to work in the Memphis & Nashville machine shops there, later
ran a locomotive between Huntsville, Alabama, and Brownsville, Mississippi,
and while thus engaged was captured at Hunts\ ille by the Federals, the Fourth
Ohio Cavalry, under Col. < >. M. Mitchell. The invaders were later driven
out ot that city, and our subject went to Chattanooga, Tennessee, arriving
there while General Bragg was crossing the river with his army, just prior
to the battle of Chickamauga. He went on to Atlanta, being with Bragg's
army most of the time. All the while he had been running an engine for
the Confederates, and he look his engine from Atlanta to Macon, Georgia,
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. 1 1 25
later, where, the fire box giving out, he left it, and from there went to Selma,
that state, and worked on the Blue Mountain route. From there he went to
Birmingham, Alabama. He was captured at Selma by "Billy" Wilson.
After the war Mr. Bissett came to Nashville and went to work on the
Nashville & Chattanooga railroad as engineer, but in 1865 he returned to his
old home in Madison, Indiana, then went to work for the Louisville & Nash-
ville Railroad Company. Later he was in the employ of the Chicago, Bur-
lington & Quincy Railroad Company, with headquarters at Galesburg, Illi-
nois, and from there he went to Omaha, Nebraska, for the Union Pacific,
which company sent him to Wyoming, in [868, that country then being a
territory. He ran an engine for some time and later was foreman of the
company's shops at Laramie, remaining there three years, then came to
Moberlv. Missouri, and took charge of the old North Missouri shops, re-
maining there some time, then went with the Santa Fe road, ami was the
first master mechanic on that road west of Topeka, Kansas, his headquarters
being at Dodge City, where he remained two years, after which he went to
Los Angeles. California, in 1876, from which city he ran an engine to and
from Wilmington. Later he went to Colton, at the edge of the desert, which
was at the end of the road, which was only <>ne hundred miles long. It was
a private road at that time, but is now a part of the Southern Pacific. Sub-
sequently Mr. Bissett ran a locomotive for the Missouri, Kansas & Texas
Railroad Company between 1 'arsons, Kansas, and Hannibal, Missouri. Leav-
ing this company, he ran an engine out of Marshall, Texas, for the Texas
Pacific road, and later was given an engine on the International Great North-
ern. He came to Kansas City in 1883 and was made foreman of the Mis-
souri River, Ft. Scott & Gulf shops, remaining in charge of the same until
October, 1890, when he came to Springfield, Missouri, as master me-
chanic for the Kansas City, Ft. Scott & Memphis road, remaining with
the same until 1901, when this road was purchased by the Frisco System.
He remained in the same capacity with the latter road, discharging his duties
with his usual fidelity and success and to the eminent satisfaction of all con-
cerned. When the old Gulf shops on the South Side wTere closed, he was re-
tired with a pension, having reached the age limit.
Mr. Bissett was married on December 25, i86n, in Madison, Indiana,
to Levena Aigner, who was born in Jefferson county, Indiana. November 13,
1844. She is a daughter of M. C. Aigner and wife, her mother dying in the
year 1865. She grew up in her native city and had the advantages of an ex-
cellent education.
Three children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Bissett, two of whom are
living, namely: James, born in Galesburg, Illinois, is deceased; Harry, born
in Laramie, Wyoming, February 13, 1871, was graduated from the high
school in Kansas City, after which he came to Springfield and went to work
1 126 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
for the Frisco, beginning at the bottom, and is now foreman of the South
Side shops. He married, on June 27, 1900, Emma Weaver, daughter of
Major Weaver and wife, and they have one child, Marion, born September
7, 1903; Clyde, youngest child of our subject, was born March 19, 1876, and
is living in Kansas City.
Politically, Mr. Bissett was a Democrat. He was an interesting talker
on early railroading in this country, and his vast experience in so many
places, made his reminiscences entertaining and instructive. His death was
a great loss to the community and he will long be remembered as one of
Springfield's best citizens.
JAMES A. WOODSON.
Some families seem to be born mechanics, just the same as men are
born with a bent toward any other vocation, and the children of such are
as a rule very precocious in the lines which they are destined to follow, their
inclination being shown in their toys and in their play often when they can
scarcely talk or walk. This bent should be carefully encouraged by the
parent, whose child may become in due course of time a man of rare talent,
if not an inventor of useful devices, at least a man of great service in some
way or another, capable of doing exceptionally good work in some useful
line and therefore be a blessing in a general way to the human race. James
A. Woodson, general foreman of the South Side Frisco shops, Springfield,
came from such a family and was such a child. He has followed up his
natural liking for mechanical work with the result that he is one of the
ablest mechanics on the great system for which he works.
.Mr. Woodson was born at Roanoke, Howard county, Missouri, May 10.
1859. He is a son of William B. Woodson, who was born in the state of
Virginia where he grew up, attended school and learned the carpent< 1 -
trade when a boy, later, in 1842, removing to Missouri and establishing
his future home. He was of Scotch-Irish descent, and he became a well-
known and successful contractor and builder in Howard and Randolph
counties, this state, maintaining his office at Roanoke, under the 'firm name
of Woodson & Phelps. II is death incurred in 1893 at the age of seventy-
four years. Politically, he was originally a Whig, later a Democrat. He was
a member of the Baptist church. He married Martha C. Lockridge, who lived
near Roanoke. She was a daughter of William Y. Lockridge, who was one
of the first tanners in .Missouri, who later became a manufacturer of shoes
and handled leather ami leather ^««K, being well known in Howard county.
Archer W. Woodson, our subject's paternal grandfather, was a farmer near
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. I 1-7
Gordingville, Roanoke county. Virginia. Nine children were born to Will-
iam B. Woodson and wife, namely: Willie married P. A. Frederick, a
broker and real estate man of Kansas City; Emmett L., who died in 1909,
was a traveling salesman for Swift & Company; James A., of this sketch;
Lutie is 'the wife of a Mr. Mowinkle, traveling auditor for Swift & Com-
pany out of Chicago; Ruth, Charles and Harry are all deceased; Bessie is
the wife of C. A. Carrier, who is engaged in the manufacturing business in
Kansas City; Maud, who has remained single, is with the secretary of the
Relief Board of Kansas City.
James A. Woodson grew up in Howard county and there received a
common school education, and when but a boy he began work as a machin-
ist at Moberly, Missouri, where he served his apprenticeship in the St. Louis,
Kansas City & Northern Railroad shops, beginning there on March 8, 1874,
and remained with that company until 1880, then went to Mt. Vernon, Illi-
nois where he worked a year as machinist for the Louisville & Nashville
Railroad. He then worked at Tracy, Tennessee, as machinist for the Ten-
nessee Coal & Iron Company, was division foreman there for three years.
He then went to Chattanooga, Tennessee, where he worked as machinist for
the Southern railroad for a short time, after which he came back to Mo-
berly, Missouri, where he worked in the Wabash railroad shops for awhile
at his trade, then went to Kansas City and found employment with the
Kansas City, Ft. Scott & Memphis Railroad Company, beginning as ma-
chinist there on October 1, 1884, and remained there until October 1, 1890,
then came to Springfield for this company, working in their shops here
until October 1, 1891, when he was appointed machine shop foreman. In
March, 1907, he was promoted to general foreman of the South Side shops
which position he has occupied to the present time, and was placed in charge
of the round house here on August 11, 191 1. He has under his direction
on an average of one hundred men. Everything is under a splendid system
of modern management and he is a man of such fine executive ability that he
gets the best results possible from his men and at the same time wins and
retains their good will and friendship.
Mr. Woodson was married in 1889 to Julia D. Wray, a daughter of
Joseph A. and Christiana ( Rea) Wray, who were born near Pittsburg,
Pennsylvania. To this union two children have been born, namely: Doro-
thv L. is a student of piano under Miss Afwood, of Springfield, and she has
decided musical talent; Gladys is a student in Drury College.
Politically, Mr. Woodson is a Democrat. Fraternally, he belongs to
the Masonic order. Solomon Lodge; also the Royal Arcanum, and the Mod-
ern Woodmen of America. He is a member of Calvary Presbyterian church,
in which he was a deacon for some time. He has long been active in church
-work.
1 128 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
BENJAMIN FRANKLIN FIELDER.
That period of the nineteenth century embracing the decades between
1830 and the breaking out of the Civil war was characterized by the immi-
gration of the pioneer element which made the great state of Missouri what
it is today. The immigrants were sturdy, heroic, sincere and, in the main,
upright people, such as constitute the strength of the commonwealth. It is
scarcely probable that in the future of the world another such period can
occur, or, indeed, any period when such a solid phalanx of strong-minded
men and noble, self-sacrificing women will take possession of a new country.
The period to which reference is made, therefore, cannot be too much or
too well written up. and the only way to do justice to such a subject is to-
record the lives of those who led the van of civilization and founded the
institutions which today are the pride and boast of a great state and a strong
and virile people. Among those who came to (ireene counts- when it was
still largely in its primitive wildness was the late Benjamin Franklin Fielder,
who was not only a leading actor in the great drama which witnessed the
passing of the old and the introduction of the new conditions in this locality.
but who enjoyed an excellent reputation that penetrated to adjoining counties
during his career here of over sixtv vears. He devoted his life, which em-
braced the unusual span of ninety years, to agricultural pursuits, and by close
application he established those habits of industry and frugality which insured
his success in later years. With the able assistance of his estimable life com-
panion he forged ahead, extended the acres of cultivable land and in due time
found himself Upon the high road to prosperity with a good farm in his
possession and all the comforts and conveniences of hie surrounding him.
He was regarded as an enterprising and typical fanner of the progressive
type. His thorough system of tillage, the good order of his fences, the well-
cared-for condition of his fields, the commodious and comfortable buildings.
all demonstrated his successful management and substantial thrift, and his
long residence in the vicinity of Springfield won for him a very high place in
the confidence and esteem of his neighbors and friends.
Mr. Fielder was born in Maury county, Tennessee, on February 7. 1X24.
He was a son of John and Mar) ( Denton) Fielder, one of the old families
in that section of the South, and there they spent their lives, dying in Maury
county. The father of our subject was a successful farmer and was influential
in public affairs. He was at one time sheriff of Maury county. His family
consisted of eight children, all now deceased, namely: Mrs. Martha Speer.
Thompson Benjamin F., Mrs. Mary Wilkes, Samuel I'.. Ellen, Louisa and
the youngest died in infancy unnamed.
Benjamin F. Fielder grew to manhood on the home farm in Tennessee
and there worked when a boy. He received a limited education in the rural
BENJAMIN F. FIELDER.
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI 1120'
schools of his neighborhood, and remained at home until he was about thirty
years of age, when he came overland to Greene county. Missouri, in the year
1853, and settled on a farm about three miles southeast of the business center
of Springfield, which was then a mere village, but which has now spread
almost to the Fielder homestead. However, he had learned the carpenter's
trade in bis native state and followed this for some time after coming to
Greene county in connection with farming, in fact, be liked to use tools so
well that he worked at his trade ai times during all his active life. Being
industrious and managing well, he prospered and became owner of a number
of good farms in this count}', all of which he placed under high-grade im-
provement and an excellent state of cultivation. His widow still owns the
old home place, lying just east of the National cemetery, and which fine farm
contains one hundred and live acres. Old age finally rendering him unlit
for the strenuous work of the farm, he removed to a comfortable dwelling
on East State street, Springfield, which he purchased, and here he resided
from [913 until his death, which occurred on December 4, 1914. lie was
twice married, first in Tennessee to Mary Fstes, about 1X51. Four children
were born to this union. Alary A. Brown, living near Ozark. .Missouri: Roxie,
deceased; William Thomas is living in this count}-, and Andrew J. is living
in Lindsay. California.
Mr. Fielder was married on February 0, 1S77. on his farm in this
count}', to Mary S. Barnes. She was born in Greene county, .Missouri, on
September 28, [846. She is a daughter of Matthew ('. and Luceta A. ( Town-
send) Barnes. Her father was born in Indiana on January 18. 1X23. Ik-
spent his earlv life in that state, eventually removing to Greene county, Mis-
souri, where he spent the rest of his life on a farm, dying here on December
7, 1908. He was thirteen years old, when he came here, Springfield at that
time being a small trading center on the wild prairies. Mr. Barnes became a
minister in the Methodist Episcopal church and was prominent in that de-
nomination in the earl}' days in this locality when most preachers were also
farmers. I le i-- remembered as a man of fine characteristics, beloved by all
who knew him. and he did much for the moral and general uplift of the
county. His wife was born in Logan count}'. Kentucky, on August 20, 1X27,
and her death occurred about twenty-seven years ago near Monett, in Barrv
county. Missouri, when she was in the prime of life. To Mr. and Mrs.
Bani'es eleven children were born, nine daughters and two sons; five of them
are still living, namely: Mrs. Alary S. Fielder, widow of our subject; Mrs.
Virginia Thomas, Mrs. Ellen Decker, Mrs. Lula Williams and Mrs. Geneva
Tharp.
.The union of Benjamin F. Fielder and wife resulted in the birth of four
children, named as follows: Mrs. R. L. Matthews lives in Springfield, Cor-
delia lives at home, Benjamin F., Jr.. resides in Springfield, Mrs. G. W.
I I3O GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
Chapman lives at Hunter, Missouri. These children all grew up on the home-
stead southeast of the city and all were given good educational advantages.
Thompson Fielder, a brother of our subject, was also an early settler
in this county and he was a soldier in the Mexican war.
Benjamin F. Fielder was a member of St. Paul's Methodist Episcopal
church, South. In earlier life he was a Democrat, but in later years voted
for prohibition. He was lung an active member of the Masonic Order, having
in earl}- life united with Polk lodge at Columbia. Tennessee. He led a quiet
home life, never taking an active part in politics and was never a candidate
for office.
The following article on Mr. Fielder's death occurred in the Sprin</ficld
Republican in its issue of December 6, 1914:
"Away back in '^3 a prairie schooner pulled by a span of horses rattled
and creaked its way across the country from Maury count}-. Tennessee. A
jolly party was in the schooner. lien F. Fielder and his brother. T. F. Fielder,
with their wives and babies, were searching for a new home. Both had been
married less than two years. It was autumn and the whole world looked
brigbt.
"For days the part}' looked over the Missouri country — and drove on.
Arriving in the Ozarks, the Fielders drove more slowly, having been enamored
with the beauty and prospects of the hillsides. Arriving in a little village of
log cabins on November 17. 1853, they made their camp. That was the town
of Springfield.
"Yesterday morning one of the pioneers of Greene count} p.i-M-d away.
It was "Uncle lien" Fielder, the lasl "i" the four grown-ups who traveled
across the country in the schooner to Springfield, lie died at the family
home on Easl State street. For the last month "Uncle Ben," as he was
known to hundreds of people in the count}', had been failing in health. He
grew weaker, but firmly believed to the last that he would recover and again
go about among his friends. Prior to the beginning of the month of illness
"Uncle lien" was hale and heart} and walked about town unassisted. He
was known here as the oldest Mason in Missouri.
"Soon after the close of the Civil war Mr. Fielder joined the South
Side Mount Pisgah church and for years was the superintendent of the
Sunday school. Years ago the pupils of the class he taught presented a
beautiful Bible to him. which was at his side on his death lied."
We aNo quote the following article from the Springfield Daily Leader,
under date of December 6, 1014:
"Benjamin F. Fielder, whose funeral will be held this afternoon at the
family home, was a member of the famous Seventy-sixth Regiment. Missouri
Militia, which successfully frustrated the attack on Springfield on January 8,
18*13. attempted under order of General Marmaduke. The engagement at
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. I I3I
the southern and western outskirts of the city was the only active service
experienced during the Civil war by Mr. Fielder.
"The decedent's activity in the memorable battle was given last evening
by Martin J. Hubble, a Greene county pioneer.
" 'I first met Mr. Fielder in the town of Columbia, Tennessee, in the vear
1852,' said Mr. Hubble. 'I was clerking in a country store there at the time
and Mr. Fielder purchased a razor from me. From that time until the death
of Mr. Fielder we were firm friends and he was often a guest at my home
after his removal to Missouri. He was in possession of the razor at the
time of his death.
" 'My friend came to Springfield in the early fifties. He was induced to
come to Greene count) by the obvious opportunities for a farmer here. Land
was much higher priced in Tennessee than it was in this state. Mr. Fielder
was never active in politics, as he was of a retiring disposition. Recognition
should be given his moral characteristics. His word was as good as his bond,
and he was a devoted prohibitionist ; in fact, he was one of the noblest men
with whom I have ever been associated.' "
Mr. Fielder, despite the fact that he was nearly ninety years of age at
the time of his death, was unusually well preserved, lie was able to read
without glasses, and until a short time before he died he made daily walks
about the city.
JAMES J. GIDEON.
The name of Judge James J. Gideon has been a prominent and honored
one in Greene county for many decades and he is still in the front rank- of
the local bar. His force and effectiveness are strongly emphasized in his argu-
ments to the jury, as he seems not so much to look at them, as to look through
them, less for the purpose of seeing how they felt, than to rivet their attention,
and, as it were, to grasp their attention by the compass of his own. The calm
and masterly manner in which he disposes of the preliminary considerations
is the reminder of the experienced general, quietly arranging his forces and
preparing to press down with overwhelming force upon a single point. His
manner becomes aroused; his action animated. It is first the expression of
extensive views and the enunciation of general principles applicable to the
case; then the application of those to particular facts, examining the testimony
of each witness, showing its weakness, the suspicions attaching to it and its
inconsistency either with itself or with the other parts of the evidence. As a
judge he was an active, hard worker. Always careful, painstaking and
prompt, he was a valuable member of the court — always sustained himself
well on the bench. The decisions made bv him were alwavs short, clear and
I 132 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
to the point, disposing of cases rapidly and satisfactorily. Possessed and
imbued as he is to a large degree with the elementary principles of the law,
he was able in his written opinions to make them models of perspicuity and
force and plain to the comprehension of all. But while he has distinguished
himself as a lawyer and jurist, he has a far greater claim to the respect of
the people of Springfield and vicinity in his sturdy integrity of character and
his life-long course as a friend of justice.
Judge Gideon was born on Ozark Mountain soil, was reared in the latter
part of the pioneer period and he springs from a sterling Irish-Scotch ancestry
of Colonial American stock. His birth occurred in Taney count}", in a section
that is now a part of Christian county, Missouri, on December 11. 1846. He
is a son of William C. and Malinda (Byrd) Gideon. James Gideon, the
great-grandfather of our subject, was the founder of the branch of the family
in America. He came from Dublin. Ireland, with his brothers. Reuben and
Edward, and bringing his wife. Nancy. His sons were Edward. William,
[sham, James and John. They all settled on land in southwestern Xew York.
Edward, brother of James, was killed in battle during the Revolutionary war.
All of the family moved to North Carolina about 1781 and settled on the
Yadkin river. James Gideon moved to what is now Hawkins count}-. Ten-
nessee, in 1821, where be settled on wild land and there established the family
home, cleared and developed a farm. He took with him the apple trees with
which to plant his orchard. Several members of the Gideon family went
with him besides his own immediate family. He was a substantial farmer
and lived to be an aged man. pa-sing the remainder of his days in Tennessee.
William Gideon, bis son and the grandfather of our subject, was born in
the -tate of Xew York in ijNij, and went with the rest of the family to North
Carolina, and there he married .Matilda Wood, and to them these children
were born: James II.. Burton A.. William ('.. Francis M., W Ison T.,
Green I'... John A.. .Minerva and Elizabeth. Mr. Gitleon moved to Tennessee
in iNji and engaged in fanning, although lie was a batter by trade. He was
a member of the Baptist church and was an elder in the church for forty
years. However; in his old age he became a Universalist. In the spring of
[836 be came to Missouri and settled on land north of ( 'zark, entering two
hundred acres of wild land two miles from that town and here began life in
true pioneer fashion. He became a successful farmer here and a well-known
and highly respected citizen. His death occurred in [868 at the age of
seventy-nine years. Hi-- -on. William ( '. Gideon, our subject's father, was
born in Hawkins county. Tennessee, on February 15. (824, and received a
limited education in the schools of his day, and was but twelve years old
when he came with bis father to Missouri, and was reared among the fron-
tiersmen of this state in a rugged and primitive environment. When twenty-
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. II33
one vears old he married Malinda Byrd, a daughter of James Byrd and wife,
and to this union eight children were born, namely: Thomas J.. James J.,
Francis M.. William \Y.. John M., Martin \\, George B. and Matilda.
William C. Gideon settled on a farm in what was then Taney county,
now Christian county. Missouri, and during his life lived on a number of
different farms in this locality. He was a hard worker and managed well.
and even prior to the breaking out of the war between the states he owned
four hundred and eighty acres of land in Christian county. He cleared up
several farms. During the war he was obliged to remove his residence to
Greene county, settling four miles south of Springfield on account of the
depredations of guerrillas. His sympathies were with the Union, and during
the war he served in the Home Guards, three months under Capt. Jesse Gal-
loway, and on March 5. 1862, he enlisted in Company F, Missouri State
Militia, and was mustered into L'nited States service. He was promoted to
sergeant and detailed as recruiting officer at Springfield, Missouri, for Rabbs'
Battery, having been transferred to the Eighth Missouri State Militia. While
in this service, he was killed by a hand of guerrillas, in Christian county, at
the home of his father on December id, [863, at the early age of thirty-nine
years. He had participated in the battle of ( )zark and the battle of Springfield
when Marmaduke and Shelby made their raid and attempted to capture the
town on January 8. 1863. He was also in other engagements and proved to
he a brave and gallant soldier. In religion he was a Methodist. lie was a
man whose judgment was respected by the people and he was influential in
his community. He served as justice of the peace four years. In politics he
was a Douglas or war Democrat, hut after the war began became a Repub-
lican. He was a man of quiet and peaceful disposition, was honorable in
character, and had the confidence of the community in which he lived.
Judge James J. Gideon grew to manhood on his father's farm in Christian
county and there worked hard when a boy. He received his earlv education
in the common schools, and when a boy. being fired with the patriotism of
the youth of this country during the Civil war. he ran away from school at
the age of sixteen years, and on June 20. 1003, enlisted at Springfield in
Battery A. First Arkansas Light Artillery. After serving a short time in
this batten- he re-enlisted in Company H. Sixteenth L'nited States Cavalry,
in which he served twenty months. While in this regiment he was in the
tight at Boonville against General Price, at the battle near Jefferson City, at
Big Blue, where General Marmaduke was captured. Independence and in the
Newtonia fight and many skirmishes, in all of which he deported himself as
creditably as did any of the veterans of his regiment. He was promoted to
corporal and was honorably discharged on July 1. 1865. During his service
he was neither wounded nor imprisoned. At the close of the war he was
11^4 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
elected captain of Company E, Ninety-ninth Regiment, Missouri Militia, but
saw no active service as such. After his military career he returned home,
attended school and fanned. On December 29, 1868', he married Mary S.
Ball, a daughter of Captain Jackson and Elizabeth (Keltruer) Ball. To Judge
and Mrs. Gideon the following children were born: Percy P., Frederick E.,
Nora (died when thirteen years old). Kate M.. who died on November 20,
1900, and Mary, born on January 1, 1894, died on March 10. 1907.
After his marriage Judge Gideon settled on a farm near Ozark, but
agricultural pursuits were not exactly to the tastes of a man of his active
mind and laudable ambitions, and he began the study of law during his spare
moments, and, making rapid progress, he was admitted to the bar in January,
1872, and immediately began the practice of his profession at Ozark, where
he soon had a good practice and where he continued until 1886. During this
time he won the confidence of the people of his county and filled the office of
public administrator and prosecuting attorney for eight years. He also rep-
resented his county in the state Legislature one term and was elected to the
state Senate from the Nineteenth Senatorial District in 1884 and served one
term, giving his constituents entire satisfaction in both offices. On July 26,
1886, he removed to Springfield, where he still resides and where he was
successful in the practice of his profession from the start and his ability
recognized, in 1888, by his election as prosecuting attorney for one term and
in the year 1902 by his election as judge of the criminal court. In November,
1900, he was again elected judge of the criminal court for one term, which
important office he filled to the satisfaction of the people. It is said that
under his administration the business of the criminal court was dispatched
expeditiously, as indicated in the beginning of this article, and that wisdom
accompanied his judgments, which were tempered with mercy. Judge Gideon
is -widely known throughout southwestern Missouri as a stanch leader in
the Republican party and a successful politician. He has never been defeated
before a convention or at the polls for any office for which he has seen fit
to run except in the free silver craze of 1896. He is still active in the
practice of hi-- profession. Fraternally he belongs to Solomon Lodge of
Masons at Springfield and at Ozark held all the offices of Friend Lodge, Xo.
3^2. He also belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He is an
active member of Capt. John Matthews Post, Grand Army of the Republic,
Springfield, of which he has been commander, and he was at onetime assistant
inspector general of the Grand Army of the Republic.
ludge Gideon's life record might well be emulated by the ambitious
youth whose fortunes are yet in the making, for our subject is an example
of the self-made man who came up from the soil and has battled his way
to the front unaided and along honorable lines.
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. II35
GEORGE WESLEY NIEDERHUTH.
The evolutions in the industrial world and the improved modes of manu-
facturing things have been marvelous in the past half century, and scarcely
an industry exists that has been left untouched by the spirit of reform. The
demand of the age is for labor-saving devices, improved appliances, machin-
ery, and short cuts generally to desired ends. George Wesley Niederhuth,
chief engineer at Drury College and agent for a number of standard makes
of motorcycles, is one of Springfield's young men who is giving much
thought to these things and has a comprehensive understanding of modern
mechanical industries in general.
Air. Niederhuth was born on August 2, 1889, at Eldora, Iowa. He is
a son of Rev. Otto Niederhuth, who was born in Hanover, Germany, on
February 12, 1862, where he spent his boyhood and attended school, emi-
grating to America when eighteen years of age, and he became a minister
in the Methodist Episcopal church, having studied theology at Wesleyan
Academy at Wilbraham, Massachusetts, in 1884; also studied at the Ger-
man college and the Iowa Wesleyan University at Mt. Pleasant, Iowa; then,
being well equipped for his serious life work, he went to Bismark, North
Dakota, having charge of the Grand Forks Mission, extending sixty miles
north and south and one hundred and fifty miles east and west. He drove
over this large field with horse and buggy and during winter often with
thermometer registering thirty degrees below. Later he filled appointments
at Crookston, Minnesota, Eldora, Iowa, also Olderbolt, Colesburg. Burt and
Burlington, of that state; Brighton, Illinois; Hermann, Mt. Vernon and Trux-
ton, Missouri, being still the pastor of the German Methodist church at the
last named place. He has done an excellent work in all these charges and
is a learned and eloquent expounder of Holy Writ. Politically, he is a
Republican, and fraternally a member of the Modern Woodmen. His wife
was known in her maidenhood as Louisa Launroth, a native of Burlington,
Iowa. To them nine children were born, and were named as follows : Lulu
is the wife of Rev. Herman Langer, a Missouri Methodist minister; George
W., of this sketch; Esther is the wife of Louis Schultz, a farmer of Madi-
son, Nebraska; Oscar, deceased; Otto, deceased; Irwin, deceased; Raymond,
Earl and Alberta are all three at home with their parents.
George W. Niederhuth received his education in the common schools,
then studied two years at Central Wesleyan College at Warrenton, Mis-
souri, and after that took the International Correspondence School course
in electrical and mechanical engineering. His first employment was at No-
komis, Illinois, as assistant night engineer at the electric power plant there,
later being promoted to engineer and then to the position of chief engineer,.
I I36 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
remaining there three years. He then came to Hermann, Missouri, as assist-
ant engineer at the Starr Roller Mills, where he remained nearly a year, then
went to Warrenton, Missouri, and entered college, working his way through,
and also worked at spare times at the city electric plant there. He then
came to Springfield, and secured a position as engineer at the Woodruff
building in January, 1911, filling this position until December nth follow-
ing, then accepted his present position, that of chief engineer at Drury Col-
lege. He has given entire satisfaction in all these places, being faithful,
trustworthy and having an excellent working knowledge of both electrical
and mechanical engineering. He has for some time also been agent for the
best makes of motorcycles and does high-class motorcycle repairing at his
home at 1090 East Harrison street. He handles motorcycle accessories, such
as lamps, tires, horns, etc., and he has built up a good business in this line.
He has furnished motorcycles to the special police of this city for some time.
Mr. Xiederhuth was married on September 14, 191 1. to Ella Boehm,
a daughter of John Boehm, a veteran of the Union army, formerly of Her-
mann, Missouri, now of Springfield.
To our subject and wife two children have been born, namely: John
Wesley and Allvn Edison.
Politically, Mr. Xiederhuth is a Republican. Fraternally, he formerly
belonged to the Modern Woodmen of America. He is a member of the
National Association of Stationary Engineers, lie holds membership with
the Cumberland Presbyterian church.
HENRY l'R( ISERPI.
It is not strange that the little republic of Switzerland should lose many
of u- enterprising citizens who come to the United States and establish their
homes, for our institutions are similar to their own and they do not have
such a hard time adjusting themselves here as do the emigrants from other
countries of Europe, horn and reared under conditions which are just aboul
the antithesis of our own. The port-- of entry of America have ever beer
freely Opened to the Swiss, and having thus extended to them a hearty hand
(if welcome, they have been coming to our shores for two centuries or more,
and their substantial home- now adorn the towns, hills and plains in ever)
state in the Union. They have been loyal to our institutions and have proven
!<• lie splendid citizens in every respect. Thus they have aided us in pushing
forward the civilization of the western hemisphere and we have helped them
in main ways, giving them every opportunity, which they have not been slow
to grasp, being people of thrift, tact and energy.
One of the worthy ela-s mentioned in the preceding paragraph is Henry
>A
t&M <>' ' '
B
if #5
**.'-'" Bj
$BHEBb£
i ' s^^B^^^^^^^^^BBI^E
IIKNKV ruusKuri.
MRS. HKNKY L'KOKEIU'I.
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. I 137
Proserpi, who is engaged in cement contracting in Springfield, his birth
Inning occurred in Switzerland on October 25, 1855. He is a son of Balyds-
our and Christina (White) Proserpi, both these parents being born in Canton
Fazeno, Switzerland, and there they grew to maturity, were educated in the
common schools and were married and they spent their lives in their native
country, the death of the father occurring in 1873, and the mother passed
away in 1871. They were the parents of ten children, of whom Henry, of
this sketch, was the youngest. Six of these children still survive.
Henry Proserpi grew to manhood in Switzerland and there received a
public school education, which was somewhat limited, and he may be classed
with our self-made men. He emigrated from his native land when he was
twenty-rive years of age, in r88l, coming to the United States and pene-
trating the interior to Springfield, Missouri, arriving here with but seven
dollars and fifty cents as his sole capital, and unable to speak a word of
English. But he had a trade and plenty of grit and determination, so it was
not long until he was on his feet. I le began working at the cement and stone
business when fourteen years of age. and he has followed the same ever
since, mastering the various ins and outs of the same when but a boy. He
started on his own account here in [884 and has become widely known in
Greene county in his special line of endeavor. He has done numerous big
jobs for the Frisco railroad, and among the notable larger jobs which he has
had was the Landers Theater, on which he did all the cement work, and the
auditorium at Drury College, lie is known to be a man of advanced ideas
and does his work promptly, neatly and honestly. He has been very suc-
cessful in a financial way.
Air. Proserpi was married on December 20, 1884, to Belle Hopkins, a
daughter of James Hopkins, a farmer of Phelps county, Missouri, and she is
one of a family of twelve children, six sons and six daughters. Mrs. Pro-
serpi's father was from Tennessee. He died in Phelps county, and the
mother was Fanny Morrow and was born in Indiana. She is still living in
Phelps county. Missouri.
Seven children, two sons and five daughters, have been born to Mr. and
Mrs. Proserpi, namely: Rosa Gertrude, born on November 2, 1885, married
-Clyde Sperry, a real estate and insurance man of Springfield, and they have
one child. Harold Eugene Sperry; Daisy Christina, born on Xovember 8,
1887, is at home; Joseph Franklin, born on November 6, 1889, died in in-
fancy: Jessie May, bom on November 6, 1890, died in infancy; Charles
Ernest, born on January 27, 1894: Georgia F., born on November 28, 1897,
and Mamie A., born on February 21, 1900.
Politically Mr. Proserpi is a Democrat. Fraternallv he belongs to the
Modern Woodmen of America and. the Woodmen of the World. He and
his family attend the Baptist church. Their home is at 2133 Benton avenue.
<7-7)
1 138 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
FRANCIS A. GALLAGHER.
The career of Francis A. Gallagher, superintendent of the Springfield
Traction Company, has been a varied one, with success in every line to
which he has turned his attention, for at the outset he realized that to
achieve anything worth while in this world one must not only have big ideas
of a practical and sane nature, but there must also be courage, sound judg-
ment, persistency and close adherence to high ideals. He has never waited
for some one else to do his planning or to execute his plans, but has been
self-reliant and resourceful, and so it is not surprising that he is now filling
a very responsible position while yet a young man.
Mr. Gallagher was born February 17, 1875, in Bradford county, Penn-
sylvania. He is a son of Francis A. and Winifred ( Collom ) Gallagher.
The father was born at Painesville, Ohio, in 1850, and the mother's birth
occurred in Bradford county, Pennsylvania, February 22, 1851. These par-
ents grew up in their respective communities and received common school
educations, and when young in years the father went to Titusville, Penn-
sylvania, where he established his home, and there he engaged in the oil
business. He became a prominent man in politics. He was a member of
the Catholic church. His death occurred at Titusville, November 17. 1874,
when a young man. His widow still survives, and makes her home in Brad-
ford, Pennsylvania.
Francis A. Gallagher, only child of his parents, grew to manhood in
his native state and there received a common school and college education.
When but a boy he began his railroad career by taking a position with the
Erie Railroad Company, working at different office positions. He then went
to the Standard Oil Company, working at different places in Pennsylvania,
West Virginia, Ohio and Kentucky. In 1896 he went into construction
work for the Pierce Construction Company, building street railways, etc.
This firm was located at Bradford, Pennsylvania. Later our subject went to
Michigan in the same business for the Marquette Railway Company, re-
maining there until 1907 when he came to Springfield, Missouri, and took a
position as superintendent of the Springfield Traction Company, which he
has rilled to the present time with his usual eminent satisfaction that has
marked all his work in the past. Since coming here he has rebuilt the sys-
tem, relaying even- foot of track, constructing new barns, etc.. and has
given the people of Springfield a modern and satisfactory street railway,
lie maintains his offices at 1405 Boonville street. He has always been a
close observer and a deep student of his line of work and has therefore kept
well abreast of the times in his special field.
Mr. Gallagher was married on June 26, i<)Oi. in Bradford. I'ennsyl-
!>
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. I:39
vania, to Edna Holmes, a native of that place, where she was reared and
educated, including both the public schools and a college course of several
years. She is a daughter of Henry and Elizabeth (Venetti) Holmes, both
natives of Pennsylvania, where they grew up, were educated and married
and established the family home at Bradford where they are well known
and influential. Mr. Holmes was engaged in the oil business for many
years there.
To Mr. and Mrs. Gallagher three children have been born, namely:
Francis A.. Jr., born on May 17, 1902, in Bradford, Pennsylvania; John H.,
born on June 10, 191 1, and Mary Elizabeth, born on June 28, 1913.
Air. Gallagher and family are members of the Catholic church. Frater-
nally, he belongs to the Knights of Columbus and to the Benevolent and
Protective Order of Elks; at the present time he is state trustee of the latter
order, and is one of the active and prominent Elks of Missouri. He and his
wife have made many friends since locating in Springfield.
GUY H. McGUIRE.
Whenever an attempt is made to write the history of a successful en-
terprise or the worthy career of any man, it has been found that ability,
backed by energy and push, has been the basis of it all, and this fact can
not fail to impress itself upon the writer of history proper, or that branch
of history which consists of the biographies of those who have achieved suffi-
cient distinction to make the record of their lives of interest to the public.
Guy H. McGuire, a well-known North Side groceryman, is one of Spring-
field's business men who owes his success in life to his own fighting qualities
—the fighting ability that overcomes obstacles.
Mr. McGuire was born at Brighton, Polk county, Missouri, October 9,
1878. He is a son of Henry and Margaret (Cunningham) McGuire, both
natives of Tennessee, the birth of the father occurring on January 1, 1849,
and the mother's birth occurred on August 22, 1857. They grew to ma-
turity on the farms of their parents in their native state and in Polk county,
this state. They attended the old-fashioned schools, and were children when
their parents brought them to Missouri, each locating in Polk county. The
father devoted his active life to general farming near the village of Brighton,
but he and his wife are now living in Springfield. They have always been
known as plain, honest, church-going people, highly respected by all who
know them. They are the parents of five children, named as follows : Mrs.
Nora Page lives in Springfield ; Guy H. of this sketch ; Mrs. Grace Randalls
is also a resident of this city; Jessie is the wife of R. W. Coleman and lives
II-jO GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
in Springfield; Esther married \Y. T. Font and lives in this city. These
children all received common school educations and they are all well situ-
ated in life.
Guy H. McGuire spent his early childhood on the farm in Polk county,
and when nine years of age removed with his parents to Springfield, the
family locating on Commercial street, and here he received his education
in the public schools. He began his career in the grocery business when but
a boy, first driving a wagon ; he then engaged in farming a few years in both
Polk and Greene county, as well as other sections of the Southwest. He
went into the grocery business for himself in 1906 on Commercial street,
this city, later moving to his present location, 318 West Commercial street,
where he has built up a large business and maintains one of the most mod-
ernly appointed and attractive grocery stores of its size in Springfield. He
carries a complete line of staple and fancy groceries at all seasons, and he
always aims at honesty and promptness in dealing with his many customers.
Mr. McGuire was married on February 17. 1004, in Springfield, to
Margaret Wells, a native of Webster county. .Missouri, and a daughter of
P. P. and Alary (Humphrey) Wells, the father a native of North Carolina
and the mother was born near Lead Hill, Arkansas, and her death occurred
in Springfield on February 8, 1913. Mr. Wells is fixing retired in this city.
In his earlier life he dealt extensively in the cattle business, later was a
merchant.
To Air. and Mrs. McGuire one child has been born. Jack P., whose birth
occurred on September 5, 1906, in Kansas City.
Politically, Mr. McGuire is a Democrat, and fraternally he belongs to
the Modern Woodmen.
EDWARD WAYNE WOOLDRIDGE.
Practical industry, wisely and vigorously applied, never fails of success.
It carries a man onward and upward, brings out his individual character and
acts as a powerful stimulus to the efforts of others. The greatest results
in life are often attained by simple means and the exercise of the ordinary
qualities of common sense and perseverance. This fact having been recog-
nized early in life by Edward Wayne Wooldridge, for many years one of
the well-known members of the Frisco office force in Springfield, he seized
the small opportunities that he encountered on the rugged hill that leads to
life's lofty summit where lies the ultimate goal of success, never attained
by the weak, ambitionless and inactive.
Mr. Wooldridge was burn at Stockton. Cedar county. Missouri, on
Fridav, August 10. i86(>. He is a son of Madison Brasher and. Ann filiza
GREENE ClirXTV, MISSOURI. I 1.(1
(Morgan) Woolridge, the father a native of Christian county. Kentucky,
where his birth occurred on December 22, 1832; and the later was born in
eastern Tennessee, October 27, 1847. His great-grandfather was Edward
Wooldridge, born on April 30, 1789, and his maternal great-great-grand-
father was Thomas Brasher. Each side of the house may be traced back to
sterling old Southern ancestry. The parents of our subject grew to maturity
in Dixie land, received such educational advantages as the times afforded,
and in pioneer days joined the numerous train of emigrants to southwest
Missouri, locating in Cedar county, where they became well and favorably
known for their industry, old-fashioned hospitality and general spirit of
altruism. The father, who was born and reared a Southerner, was at heart
a stanch Unionist, and, like man)" another during the polemic civil drama
of the early sixties, had conflicting opinions as to his duties, lie first served
six months in the Confederate cause, then enlisted in Company A, Fifteenth
Missouri Volunteer Infantry. He always said the hardest battle in which
he ever took part was the "parting of the ways," when having to decide be-
tween love for the South and its traditions and institutions and his con-
science. A physician by profession, he served at the front as surgeon, was
in man}- of the great battles of the war ami was several times wounded.
He once performed the operation of trephining on a wounded comrade, with
only an ax for an anvil, a pair of old scissors and an old-time half-dollar
which he shaped to nearly lit the broken skull; a shell from the enemy's
ranks had just destroyed what crude surgical instruments he then pos-
sessed. But the patient recovered and is at this writing living at the ad-
vanced age of eighty-nine years, Strong and health}-. The wound was washed
in dirty water through which a cannon had but recently been drawn, but
the same kind of water often made a very fine cup of coffee, an experience
which thousands of soldiers on both sides had. After the close of the war
Doctor Wooldridge returned to Stockton and resumed the practice of his
profession and for many years his name was a household word in Cedar
count}-, throughout which he enjoyed a good practice. His death occurred
in 1899, ami his wife passed away in 1892. They were the parents of the
following children: Edward Wayne Wooldridge, Clara May Davis. ( arrie
Lee Harris, Lula Margaret Wooldridge, John Franklin Wooldridge and
Madison Bruce Wooldridge.
Edward W. Wooldridge grew to manhood at Stockton and received
his earl_\- education in the public schools there and the Stockton Academy,
later attending the Southwestern Telegraph Institute, in Sedalia, Missouri,
the Southwestern Business College in Springfield, Missouri, the Berlitz School
of Languages in St. Louis. Missouri, the Strasburg Conservatory of Music,
Washington University of St. Louis, and the Cincinnati Phonographic Insti-
tute. He thus obtained a high education, making an excellent record in each
1 14- GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
of these institutions, in fact, he has remained a student all his life and is
familiar with the world's best literature, the sciences, the arts and the cur-
rent topics of the age.
The major portion of Air. Wooldridge's life has been spent in railroad
service; however, when a young man he was a banker, a mine owner and
a teacher. He is now interested in the Joplin lead and "Jack" (zinc)
fields. He always taught young men who could not afford the expense of
special training. His specialty was rapid mathematical calculations, in which
he is commonly spoken of as one of the highest proficiency. He entered the
employ of the Frisco System in 1891, filling various positions in the general
offices at Springfield and St. Louis until promoted to his present position,
chief clerk of the car service department. Owing to his fidelity, accuracy
and trustworthiness he has always been regarded by the head officials of the
road as one of their most efficient and worthy employees.
Mr. W'ooldridge was married on December iS. 1909. to Beatrice Van
Derford, a lady of many estimable characteristics. She is a daughter of
Monroe and Belinda ( Britton) Van Derford, a prominent family of Neosho,
Missouri. To this union one child has been born, namely: Wayne W'ool-
dridge.
Politically, Mr. Wooldridge is a Democrat, but always votes indepen-
dently in local elections. He never aspired to any political office, not even
having been judge or clerk at elections. Religiously, he is a member of the
Christian church, or Disciples of Christ. Fraternally, he is a member of
the Masonic order, both branches of the York and Scottish Rites, a past
potentate of Abou Ben Adhem Temple of the Ancient Arabic Order of
Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, a past master and past high priest in the Ma-
sonic Blue Lodge and Chapter. He holds beautiful jewels presented by each
of these bodies in honor of long years of devoted service to the cause and in
recognition of his having been presiding officer of the several bodies. He is
one of the best known and most influential Masons in southern Missouri, and
one would judge from his daily life that he endeavors to live up to the high
precepts of this time-honored order. He is also a member of the Woodmen
of the World and a vice-president of the Frisco Railroad Club of Spring-
field. He was offered a Carnegie hero medal, for what his modesty calls "al-
leged" heroism in rescuing a boy and an old man from drowning in icy
waters at St. Louis in the year 1898, when he plunged into the stream and
after two trips brought them safely to shore; however, the experience was a
dear one as be was not only badly cut and mangled by the heavy pieces of
floating ire, but be suffered a long time from the exposure. Personally, he
is a plain, unassuming gentleman of genial and courteous address, makes and
retains friends readily, being esteemed for his true worth by all with whom
he Ci unes in contact.
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. I 1 43
THOMAS SCHOFIELD.
Among the sturdy characters which the British Isles has sent to the
new Republic of the West is Thomas Schofield, a retired railroad man of
Springfield, who has inherited many of the line qualities of the Anglo-Sax-
ons and has therefore succeeded in his active life work and at the same time
been a good citizen. The United States always welcomes such men to her
shores and offers them opportunities very often greater than they enjoyed
in their native land.
Air. Schofield was born May 15, 1841, in the town of Failsworth, near
Manchester, England. He is a son of James and Amelia (Johnson) Scho-
•fielcl and a grandson of Joseph Schofield. They were all horn, reared, edu-
cated and married in their native land. The grandfather devoted his life
to general farming, and the father, who emigrated to America with his
family about a half century ago, was a stone mason by trade; also followed
farming in Illinois for some time. He established the family home at the
town of Bellville that state. He was killed by a locomotive on the Bellville
& St. Louis Railroad when sixty-seven years of age. His family consisted
of eight children, only two of whom grew to maturity, Thomas, of this
sketch; and Betsy, who married Joseph Tungue. who lives in England.
Thomas Schofield grew to manhood in his native land and there re-
ceived a common school education at Failsworth, leaving school when thir-
teen years of age. After working on the farm with his father, he began his
career as railroader with the Lancanshire & Yorkshire railroad, spending a
year in the goods department, then emigrated to the United States, arriving
here February 22, 1864, during the Civil war period, landing in New York
City, where, however, he did not long remain, coming direct to Cincinnati,
Ohio, where he went to work for the Ohio & Mississippi Railroad Company,
in the freight department, repairing and building freight cars. This road
later became the Baltimore & Ohio by which name it is now known. Mr.
Schofield remained with the road for a period of twenty-five years, during
which he was connected with a number of different departments, being fore-
man and in charge of the caboose gang, later in the coach department for four
or five years, then was passenger carpenter in the shops of that road, rank-
ing among the most skilful in the coach department. In September, 1888,
he was employed by the Frisco Railroad in the coach department as carpen-
ter. He also remained with this road for a period of twenty-five years, when
in June, 1913, he was retired on a pension. He worked both in the old north
side shops and the new shops. He has evidently been not only a very highly
skilled workman but also trustworthy and conscientious else he could not
have spent a half century in one line of work, during which period he was
I 144 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
employed only by two different companies. In 1909 Mr. Schofield made a
trip to England, visiting and sightseeing.
Our subject was married. June 18, 1867, to Jane Schofield, a daughter of
James and Mar)- ( Swift) Schofield. She was born in England only a
fourth of a mile from the birthplace of our subject and there she grew to
womanhood and was educated. .To. Mr. and Mrs. Schofield four children
have been born, namely: Lillie A. married Harry Fenton, a cabinet maker
in the new shops of the Frisco and they live in Springfield; Emma J. is the
wife of Clarence Warner, a fireman on the Frisco ami they live in Spring-
field; Albert L.. a sketch of whom appears on another page of this work,
is also a Frisco employee of this city; Farl B. married Carrie Thompson and
lie is employed in the local Frisco offices.
Politically, Thomas Schofield is a Republican. Fraternally, he belongs
to the Knights of Pythias, which he joined on May 26, 1879, thirty-six years
ago, being a member of Oriental Lodge No. 86. Subject and wife are mem-
bers of the Second Presbvterian church.
REV. FAYETTE I II" PI).
The life of a man like Rev. Fayette Hurd C worthy of emulation by the
youth of the land whose destinies are yet to be determined, for it has been led
along high planes of endeavor, inculcating right thinking and therefore right
living, fur the world is rapidly coming to understand the Biblical phrase,
" V a man thinketh so is he." Rev. Hurd is a scion of a sterling old family
of Michigan, but the latter part of bis long and useful life lias been spent in
tin- Southwest, in leaching and in the ministry of the gospel, and while he is
now living retired from active work, making his home in Springfield, he still
"goes about doing goi "i."
Reverend Hurd was born at Burlington, Michigan, August i_>, 1835.
lie is a -on of Homer C. and Sarah Jane 1 McGee) Hurd. The father was
bom in 1 onnecticut, August 23, t8o8, and his death occurred at Burlington,
Michigan, February 12. 1873. The mother of our subject was born in War-
ren county, New York, ( »ctober 24, 181 1. and her death occurred on Septem-
ber 17. [888. These parents grew up in their respective states and received
common school educations, as good as could be procured in those early days
The) were married in Spring Arbor. Michigan, I leceml er J. [833, and. locat-
ing on a farm in the township of Burlington, devoted their active lives to
leral farming. Politically, Homer C. Hurd was a Republican, and was
twice a member of the lower house of the Michigan Legislature, besides
serving several years as supervisor of Burlington township, lie led a quiet,
REV. FAYETTE TIERD.
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. I 145
honest home life. His family consisted of five children, two of whom are
still living, namely: Rev. Fayette llunl, of this review ; Mary Elizabeth is
deceased, as is Sarah Janette; Edward 11. is living in Union City, Michigan;
( Jeorge l\, deceased.
Rev. Fayette Hurd grew to manhood on the home farm in Michigan,
where he worked when a boy, and in the winter time he attended the public
schools of Union City, Michigan, alter which he entered the University of
Michigan at Ann Arbor from which institution he was graduated in 1859.
From this institution, after a course of special graduate studio, he secured,
in 1891, the degree of Doctor of Philosophy. He then studied theology at
Andover Seminary in Massachusetts, in preparation for the ministry of the
Congregational church, and he was graduated there in 1863, having made an
excellent record in both the above named schools. Returning to Michigan
he was pastor of a number of churches of his denomination, then went to
Iowa and filled the pulpits of .Montour and Cherokee, in that state, subsequently
returning to his native state, continuing the work of the ministry there until
[891, when he went to Vinita, Oklahoma, where he taught three years in an
academy, and in [894 came to Springfield, Missouri, where he has since lived
practically retired from active work, although continuing a prominent worker
in church affairs. In all his charges he built up the church and strength-
ened the congregation and was popular wherever his work took him. for he
was regarded from the first as an earnest, conscientious worker for the
genera] good of the church, and as a scholarly, logical, forceful and eloquent
pulpit orator.
Reverend Hurd was married on June 19, 1886, to Julia T. Robinson,
at Ascutneyville, Vermont. She was born in New Hampshire, and is a
daughter of Williams D. and Mary 7.. ( Clement ) Robinson, a highly esteemed
family who spent their lives in Xew Hampshire, where she grew to woman-
hood and received a good education, completing her schooling at Mary
Sharp's College in Tennessee.
To our subject and wife one child was born, a son, Carlos F. Hurd, a
distinguished journalist, whose birth occurred in Iowa, September 22, 1876.
After passing through the public schools he entered Drury College at Spring-
field, Missouri, from which institution he was graduated in 1807. and soon
thereafter began his career as a newspaper man, and most of his work has
been in St. Louis. He has for some time been a member of the editorial
staff of the Post Dispatch. He was abroad with his wife in the spring of
1912 and he was the only newspaper man on board the Carpathia, which
re- cued part of the passengers of the ill-fated Titanic, and had the distinc-
tion of being the first to report to the world that great disaster, perhaps the
greatest news from the newspaper man's standpoint of modern times. He
was married on November 29, 1906, to Catherine Stewart Cordell, a native
1 146 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
of Missouri, and the daughter of John H. Cordell, of Marshall, Missouri,
where she was educated. To Carlos F. Hurd two children have been born,
namely : Clement R., and Emily V. Hurd. This family has for some time
resided in St. Louis, while the immediate subject of this sketch has a home
on Summit avenue, Springfield, though planning on early removal to St.
Louis.
Reverend Hurd is a Republican politically. He holds membership with
the First Congregational church of this city and has been for some years
and till quite recently, clerk of the same, and active in the general work of
the church. He is one of the charter members of the Springfield chapter
of the Sons of the Revolution and has been for some years an active and
enthusiastic member of the Trinity Tyrants, a local literary and social club
of men and women which is organized and conducted on somewhat original
lir.es. When in the university he was a member of the Zeta Psi fraternity.
Tiii'.i mi >ki. ( i'j r.
Theodore Ott was born on November u. 1845, near Cologne, in the
Rhine country, Germany. He is a son of Adam and Mary Ott, natives of
Germany, where they grew up and were married, and made their home until
1857 when the family emigrated to America, locating in Calumet county,
Wisconsin, where the elder Ott became owner of a large farm, farming
having been his business in the old country. He continued this line of en-
deavor until 1805 when he removed to Chicago and lived with his son,
Theodore, of this sketch, until his death at the age of seventy-three years
and he was buried in Chicago. His family consisted of nine children, namely:
Gertrude married John Smith, a fanner of Calumet county, Wisconsin;
Helena married William French, of Green Bay, Wisconsin, he being now
deceased; Henry is engaged in fanning in Calumet county, Wisconsin; Theo-
dore of this sketch. The other five children are deceased.
Theodore < Ht was twelve years old when his parents brought him to
the United States, lie assisted his father on the farm in Wisconsin until
1863. He received a common school education. When eighteen years of
age he went to Chicago and worked in a furniture factory as wood shaper
and sawyer, for the Thayer & Tobey Furniture Company, with which firm
he remained until 1873 when he began working for the McClusky & Craig
Company, also furniture manufacturers, remaining with this concern a year
and a half, as shaper and sawyer, and while there lost a finger in a saw. He
then went to Nashville, Tennessee, in 1871 and worked for the \. 11. Field
& Nashville Furniture Company as win id moulder and sawyer, in fact, did
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. I 147
all kinds of wood work for one year, then went to Humboldt, Tennessee,
where he worked in the factory of the Humboldt Furniture Company for
nine months, when the plant was destroyed by lire. This firm also operated
a plant there in which were manufactured wagons, buggies and fruit box
materials and our subject worked in this three years, after which he went to
Kansas City, Missouri, and worked six months in the planing mill of Rich-
ardson & Heinz. He came to Springfield in 1887 and began working for
the Kansas City, Ft. Scott & Memphis Railroad Company in their shops
which are now controlled by the Frisco lines. The year he came he pur-
chased a lot at the corner of Brower and Grant streets and built a comfort-
able home. He has been running a wood working machine for twenty-seven
years and has long been regarded an expert in this line of work. He was
journeyman for a number of years, and when the Frisco took over these
shops he was promoted to foreman of the mill room which responsible posi-
tion he still holds, having an average of ten men under his direction.
Mr. Ott was married in November, 1865, to Elizabeth Bower, a daugh-
ter of Joseph Bower, a farmer in Wisconsin at that time. Mrs. Ott was
born in Canada.
Besides owning a good home on Brower street our subject owns a valu-
able farm adjoining Hazelwood cemetery. His family consisted of the
following children, namely: Mary, Annie, Adam, Frank, Josephine are all
deceased; Abbie married George Creiger, an Iowa farmer; Anton is a wood
worker in a box factory in Los Angeles, California; Allois, a barber by trade,
lives at Ozark, Missouri, where he also conducts a moving picture show; he
is married and has three children, Louis, Allois and Elizabeth.
Politically, Theodore Ott is a Democrat. He belongs to the Catholic
church, the Catholic Knights and was formerly a member of the Knights
of Pythias.
GEORGE W. CONDON.
The fair Sunflower state just to the west of us is a land of great oppor-
tunity and a pleasant place in which to live, therefore not a very large per-
centage of her native sons leave her prairies for other climes; however, some
find it to their advantage to do so, and this is well for the communities in
which the}' locate, for the native Kansasan is almost without exception a
man of energy, tenacity of purpose, ingenuous and withal a good citizen.
We have been fortunate in securing a number of them in Greene county,
among whom must consistently appear the name of George W. Condon,
foreman of the Oxweld plant of the reclamation department of the Frisco's
South Side shops, Springfield.
IiaS" GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
Air. Condon was born at Osage City, Kansas, Feruary 4, 1880. He is
a son of Charles and Catherine (Hett) Condon; the mother is a native of
England, and is now fifty-eight years of age. The father is sixty years old
and lives at Hanna, Illinois. He is a native of the state of Xew York from
which state he moved to Pennsylvania where he grew to manhood, and was
for some time employed as telegraph operator with the Western Union Tele-
graph Company, at Williamsburg, Pennsylvania, later worked in the same
portion at Osage, Kansas, lor a year, then went into the coal business for
himself at the last named city, operating a soft coal mine for about five
years, then worked for three years as a coal miner, after which he went to
Hanna, Illinois, and was a manager in the coal mining fields there for five
years, then he engaged in the insurance business t<>r a period of ten years,
representing the Home Insurance Company of Xew York, and was also in
the real estate business. He is at this writing assistant state mine inspector
for the state of Illinois, which position he has held some time. He has made
his home at the town of Hanna for the past ten years. He was justice of
the peace there for some time, and was also elected police justice which
position he now holds. Politically, he is a Democrat. He is a thirty-second
degree Mason and a member of the Shrine and the Independent Order of
Odd Fellows. Hi- family consists of eleven children, namely: Charles
died when seven years of age; William died when nineteen years old; the
next three children died in infancy: Thomas is a lawyer in San Francisco;
George W. of this sketch: Robert is engaged in coal mining in North Da-
kota; Mary is the wile of Charles Wise, a carpenter and contractor at Anna,
Kansas; Margaret married Ear] Welling, who is engaged in the hotel busi-
ness at West Carlisle, Ohio; and Joseph who is engaged in the plumbing
business in Des Moines. Iowa.
George W. Condon was educated in the common schools, leaving school
when fifteen years of age and worked as clerk in a grain and feed -tore at
Osage City. Kansas, for three years, and then engaged in coal mining there
for six years, then operated a coal mine there two years, after which he en-
gaged in the laundry business there for four years. After this he began
railroading, working for the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe railroad in its
hops at Topeka. in ioi<>. as machinist helper for about six months, then he
was promoted to acetylene welder which position he held until [913. In
June of that year he went with the < >xweld Acetylene Company of Chicai
as demonstrator, and remained in that position until October 1. 1913, then
came to Springfield, Missouri, and in-tailed this system for the Chicago
company in the Frisco shops and now he is foreman of that department,
and has ten men under his direction. The plant is under the general direc-
tion of the reclamation department of the South Side shops.
Mr. Condon was married on June 16, [908, to Mary Clerico, a daugh-
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. I 1 49
ter of Louis and Anna Clerico, of Osage City, Kansas, where she grew to
womanhood and was educated. To this union one child, Marguerite Con-
don, has been born.
Politically, Mr. Condon is a Democrat. He belongs to the Catholic
church, and fraternally is a member of the Loyal Order of Moose and the
Independent Order of Odd Fellows.
Mr. Condon has the distinction of being the first man to use the Oxweld
system on any railroad in the United States.
C. M. GEORGE.
There is such a fascination in railroad work that those who once enter
it seldom abandon it for some other vocation, and it is not by any means an
uncommon thing to find that men are still working at this line of endeavor
who have perhaps been offered better positions in other lines. Many will
remain active in the work until old age compels them to retire or the com-
pany voluntarily retires them on a pension. The}' evidently do not remain in
the work because it is easier than anything else or because the element of
danger is lacking, but the fascination is there, nevertheless, and, too, the re-
muneration is good and certain, better, perhaps, than in most lines.
One of the most capable and well known engineers on the Frisco, run-
ning out of Springfield is C. M. George, who has been in the train service
here for a period of twenty-five \cars, although he is scarcely a middle-aged
man. He was born in Montgomery, Illinois, March 20, 1870, and is a son
of I. E. and Mary (Tevbaugh) George. The father was born in Henry
county, Indiana, in the year 1837, and the mother was born in Illinois in
1S48. Her death occurred in Springfield, Missouri, December 31, 191 1.
I. E. George began railroading early in life and for a period of thirty years
was an engineer. He came to Springfield in 1888 and began working for
the Kansas City, Ft. Scott & Memphis road, and later worked in the com-
pany's shops here, and subsequently was employed in the Frisco shops on
the North Side. His family consisted of five children, namely: C. M., of
this sketch; E. E. is deceased; John W. is deceased; Delia is deceased, and
Bessie, who is deceased.
C. M. George spent his boyhood in Illinois and there received his educa-
tion in the public schools, remaining in his native state until the fall of 1888,
when he came to Springfield, Missouri, where he has made his home ever
since. In March, 1889, he began firing on a freight for the Kansas City,
Ft. Scott & Memphis road, with which he remained as fireman until 1897,
when he was promoted to engineer, and has worked in this capacity ever
II5O GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
since, being in the employ of the Frisco for many years, this road having
purchased the old "Gulf road" in 1900. Mr. George is regarded as one of
the ablest and most trustworthy engineers on the system and he has long had
a regular freight run from Springfield to Thayer on the Ozark division.
Mr. George was married on December 22, 1898, at West Plains, Mis-
souri, to Mamie Buchanan, a native of Texas, who came to Missouri with her
parents when she was a child. She received a high school education. She
is a daughter of W. A. and Belle Buchanan.
Three children have been born to our subject and wife, namely : Albert
V., born in August, 1901 ; Mary Margaret, born January 5, 1905 ; and Rose-
belle, born in 1908. They are all attending school.
Politically, Mr. George is a Democrat. Fraternally, he belongs to the
.Masonic order, and he is a member of Division No. 378, Brotherhood of
Engineers. He resides in a neat cottage on North Grant street.
JOHN H. HASTEN.
Everyone, in addition to his ordinary workaday life, whether it be pro-
fessional, political, commercial, or one of manual labor, by which he earns
his dailv bread, needs to have something aside from his material existence
to which he can turn for relaxation. If he is to escape the limitations of a
humdrum, commonplace, provincial, and narrow existence, he must build for
himself a home in the realm of the ideal. Thus he will be able to escape
when he wishes from the ordinary environment of business or professional
life and become a citizen of the world, living in a sense a life as wide as that
of humanity. John H. Hasten, president of the Springfield Bakery Com-
pany and for many years a well known business man of this city, is one who
knows the value of good ideals — an intellectual abode, and thus he is not
only a successful man of affairs but is a citizen who is highly appreciated
by those who know him.
.Mr. Hasten is a worthy representative of one of the sterling pioneer
families of Greene county, and his birth occurred in Cass township, in the
northern part of this county, on August 27, 1869. He is a son of Isaac N.
Hasten, also a native of that vicinity, where he grew to manhood, attended
the district schools and engaged successfully in farming many years, later in
life locating in the village of Cave Spring, not far from the Hasten home-
stead and there he engaged in general mercantile pursuits for a period of
twelve or fifteen years, enjoying a large trade with the surrounding locality,
dealing honestly and courteous with his many customers and carrying a large
and well selected general stock of g Is at all seasons. Finally he removed
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. I 1 5 I
to Springfield and engaged in the retail grocery business on West Commer-
cial street with his usual success until his death about five years later, in
July, 1897, at the age of fifty-seven years. He was not only a capable busi-
ness man but an influential citizen and active in public affairs. For a period
of nearly twenty years he served Cass township as justice of the peace in a
manner that reflected much credit upon his ability and to the eminent satis-
faction of the people, his decisions being characterized by a uniform fair-
ness and sound principles of jurisprudence. He was also a member of the
school board in his district and was a great advocate of good education, do-
ing much to encourage better schools in his part of the county. Politically,
he was a Republican. During the Civil war he enlisted in this county in
the Forty-sixth Missouri Cavalry and saw three and one-half years of faith-
ful and commendable service for the Union, proving a gallant and intelli-
gent soldier.
The mother of the subject of this sketch was known in her maidenhood
as Mary Jennings, who was born on August 22, 1850, in Neosho, Missouri.
Mrs. Mary Hasten, our subject's mother, is still living, now at an ad-
vanced age, and makes her home with her son, John H, of this sketch, who
is the youngest of her three children, her daughter being Docia, who mar-
ried Joseph B. Wilson, a farmer and stock raiser of Cass township; the
eldest child, William, died in infancy.
John H. Hasten grew to manhood on the home farm in Cass township
and there he worked when a boy. He received his education in the district
schools of his community and in Morrisville College in Polk county, later
attending Drury College, Springfield, and finally took a business course
in this city. When nineteen years of age he went into business with his
father and helped manage the grocery store on Commercial street which
was a success from the start. He was in partnership with his father
and upon the latter's death he bought out the heirs and continued to con-
duct the store until 1901 when he sold out to South Brothers, and en-
gaged in the grocery and seed business on East Commercial street, in part-
nership with R. A. Fisher under the firm name of Hasten & Fisher. They
continued successfully until 1007 when our subject sold out, having other
business interests which took the major portion of his time. In 1905, with
others, he organized the Springfield Bakery Company, of which he has since
been president and he has been the principal spirit in building up one of the
largest, best equipped and popular bakeries in the Southwest. Further men-
tion of this industry is made on another page.
Mr. Hasten was married on August 28, 1891, to Josie N. Lee, a daugh-
ter of Robert and Ruth (Watson) Lee. Mr. Lee was a successful farmer
of Cass township, Greene county, where Airs. Hasten was born, grew to
J I 5- GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
womanhood and educated. Later Mr. Lee moved to California and engaged
in the vineyard and fruit raising business.
Fraternally. Mr. Hasten is a member of the Masonic order, including all
branches, such as the Ancient Arabic Order of Nobles of the Mystic Shrine
and the Order of Eastern Star; he also belongs to the Independent Order of
Odd Fellows, the Modern Woodmen and the Court of Honor. He was a
member of the school board of Cass township for two wars. Religiously he
belongs to the Baptist church, to which bis wife also belongs, and in which
he was formerly trustee and is now deacon. He is active in church work
H. M. MOOMAW.
Among the substantial farmers living in Brookline township is H. M.
Moomaw, a man who has an interesting life record. He originally came
from the Old Dominion, his people on both sides of the house having been
among the residents of that grand old state in the early (laws, but little of
our subject's life has been spent there, he having been lured across the conti-
nent when a boy to the far West, where he sought that elusive yellow metal
— gold — that has both made and ruined its thousands, and the last forty-live
years of his life have been devoted to general agricultural pursuits in Greene
county, Missouri, where he started in a modest way and eventually has
become one of the leading farmers of this locality.
Mr. Moomaw was born in Virginia, December 13. 1841. He is a son
in Christian and Frances (Noffsinger) Moomaw, both natives of Virginia
but of German descent. They grew t" maturity in their native state and
were married there, and established their home on a farm and lived there
until their son. II. M., was six years of age. when they removed t<> northern
Indiana, where the family resided aboul seventeen years on a farm, and
there our subject grew t" manhood and received his education in the public
schools of his district. In 1864 our subject left his parental home in the
Hoosier state and made the long, hazardous overland journey across the
plains to Virginia City, Montana, where he remained six months, then went
mi t<> Portland, < Iregon, remaining there about seven months, and then went
to Idaho, where he spent about four years, during which time he did i"ii-
siderable prospecting fur gold, then went back to Portland. Oregon, and
from there to San Francisco. After remaining in California awhile he took
a ship on the Pacific ocean for the Isthmus of Panama. After crossing the
isthmus he took ship for New York City, and from there went to South
Bend, Indiana. Remaining at home about six months, he came, in 1869, to
MRS. H. M. MOOAI.SW.
H. M. MOOMAW.
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
"53
Greene county, Missouri, and located permanently, after his extensive wan-
derings, during which he gained a vast knowledge of the world, lie located
on a farm about seven miles northwest of Springfield, purchasing one hun-
dred and twenty acres of railroad land on which he lived about four years,
then sold out and moved to Brookline, this county, and in [88l bought a fine
farm of two hundred and twenty acres, all tillable but a few acres, which
embrace a small oak grow. Ik- made many important improvements here
with advancing year-, and carried on general farming and stock raising on
an extensive scale, rotating his crops scientifically and becoming known as
JIAPT.E GKOYE FARM — RESIDENCE OF II. M MOOMAW.
one of the most progressive farmers of his township. In November, 1913.
his four thousand dollar home was destroyed by fire.
Air. Moomaw was married in November, 1872, to Mary Dale, in Greene
county, Missouri. She was born in Pennsylvania, June 4. 1846, and was a
daughter of Solomon and Catherine (Zink) Dale, both natives of Pennsyl-
vania, where they grew up and were married, but when Mrs. Moomaw was
a young girl the family moved to Greene county, Missouri, and here the
parents spent the rest of their lives on a farm, dying several years ago,
and here their daughter, Mary, grew to womanhood and attended the public
schools. Mrs. Moomaw died on April 28, 1914.
To Mr. and Mrs. Moomaw eight children were born, all of whom are
(73)
I J 54 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
living at this writing, namely: William, Lottie, Arthur, Dot, Erne, Homer,
Curtis and Earle.
Politically, Mr. Moomaw is a Democrat, but he has never been active
in the affairs of his party, devoting his attention to his farm and his home.
JOHN H. JONES.
We are glad to note in this series of biographical articles that so many
of the progressive citizens of Greene county have been born and reared
here, for this is an indication of at least two things — that they are men of
keen discernment, being- able to see and appreciate present conditions as
they are, and that the county is indeed one of the favored sections of the
great commonwealth of Missouri, else these people would have sought
opportunities elsewhere. As it is they did not need to heed the call of the
wanderlust that is heard at some stage or other in the lives of all young
men. One of this number who has been contented to spend his life in his
native locality is John H. Jones, the energetic druggist at Fair Grove,
Jackson township.
Mr. Jones was born in this county on November 4, 1877. He i- a -on
of James T. and Rachael A. 1 Norton) Jones. The father was born in
Dallas county, Missouri, November 14, 184(1. and there he grew to man-
hood on a fa mi and attended the rural schools. Remaining in that county
until 1870, he removed to Greene county and entered government land
which he improved into a good farm and on which he establishd a com-
fortable home and here our subject was horn. The place first consisted of
eighty acres. As the elder Jones prospered through good management, he
added to his original holdings until he now ha- a Farm of two hundred
and fifty-five acres, which is well improved and productive, lie has. how-
ever, retired from active life and keeps his land rented, and is residing in
Fair Grove, where he moved ten years ago, buying a good home there.
He devoted all his active life to general farming and raising live stock and has
been very successful in his life work. IF- was married in [868 to Rachel
A. Norton, who was horn in Tennessee, .May [4, 1840. and when young in
years her parents brought her to Missouri, the family locating in Webster
count) and there she grew to womanhood on a farm and she attended the
country schools. She is a member of the Baptist church. To these par-
ents four children have been born, namely: William < ',. lives in Greene
county; Messer F. is deceased; John II. of this -ketch; and Mrs. Vada
Bass, of this county.
John H. Jones was reared on the home farm in his native com-
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. I 155
munity and there he assisted with the general work during the summer
months, and attended the district schools in the winter. Be continued to
work on the farm until the fall of 1901. The following year lie entered the-
St. Louis College of Pharmacy, where he made a good record and from
which he was graduated with the class of 1906. Soon thereafter he went
into the drug business at Fair drove, which he has continued with ever-
increasing success to the present time, having built up an extensive trade,
lie has a neat store which is stocked with a full line of drugs and drug
sundries. He has been very successful in a business way and owns several
lots and buildings in Greene county and a forty-acre farm in Dallas county,
also a town lot in Oklahoma.
Mr. Jones has remained unmarried. Politically, he is a Democrat.
Fraternally, he belongs to the Independent Order of ( )i\d Fellows and the
Woodmen of the World.
IRV1X W. WINGI >.
Widely known in Greene and Dallas counties, Irvin W. Wingo, of near
Fair Grove, is a man deserving of a conspicuous position for his biography
in a work of the province of the one in hand, for his career has been fraught
with a large measure of success both as an educator and agriculturist. Over
three decades of his career were devoted to school work with most com-
mendable results, and for many years as county superintendent of schools
in the latter county he did much to raise the standard of work in this held
and place the county high in the list of those of southwestern Missouri do-
ing good educational work. Although a school man in the broadest and
best sense of the term and as such, making every other consideration secon-
dary to his professional and official duties he never became narrow or
pedantic as have so many whose lives have been spent in intimate association
with the immature minds within the four walls of the school room, lie re-
mained a well rounded, symmetrically developed man. fully alive to the
demands of the times, thoroughly informed on the leading questions before
the public and has ever taken broad views of men and things, and is there-
fore a useful and influential citizen in his locality.
Mr. Wingo was born in Dallas count}-, Missouri, July X, [861. He is
a son of Jasper and Nan (Johns) Wingo, both natives of Tennessee, the
father born in the middle section of the state, October 24. [838, and the
mother's birth occurred in Weakly county, February 24, 1842. They came
to Missouri when young in years, with their parents, and here grew to ma-
turity on farms and were educated in the early-day common schools and were
1 1 56 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
married in Dallas county, in 1859. During the war between the states
Joseph Wingo joined the Union army under Captain Kershner, in Company
A, Eighth Missouri Calvary, and he saw considerable service, taking part
in the battles of I'rairie Grove and Brownsville and a number of minor en-
gagements. At the close of the war he was honorably discharged at St.
Louis, after which he returned to Dallas county and resumed farming. He
owned one hundred and sixty acres. He is now living in Fair Grove,
Gr.eene county, in retirement, being advanced in years. His wife also sur-
vives. They are members of the Cumberland Presbyterian church and
are highly respected by a wide circle of friends. Two children, were born
to them, Irvin \\\, of this review ; and William W. of Springfield, who is
employed by the Frisco Lines.
Irvin \Y. Wingo was reared on the homestead in Dallas county and
there worked hard when a boy during the crop seasons, and in the winter
time he attended the common schools, receiving thereby and through his
individual efforts at home a good education. He began teaching school
when only sixteen years of age, teaching twelve years in rural schools, then
entered the Missouri State Normal at Warrensburg, taking a full course
in teachers' work, graduating in 1889. lie was then fully equipped for
his chosen profession. Returning to his native county he was elected princi-
pal 1 if the schools at Buffalo, county-seat of Dallas county, remaining in that
position five years. He then taught one year in the old Springfield Normal,
then taught three years at Cassville, Missouri, after which he came to Fair
Grove and taught until 1911, thus, out of a period of thirty-four years, lie
engaged in teaching thirty-two years, during which his services were in
large demand and he gave eminent satisfaction wherever he was employed,
being progressive in his ideas and building up the work in general. He
was elected school commissioner of Dallas county for two terms, without
opposition, and was offered a third term hut declined. This js sufficient
criterion thai his official duties were ably and satisfactorily performed.
Finally tiring of the school room, Mr. Wingo moved to his fine farm
of four hundred and twenty acres which he had purchased while teaching
and has since devoted his time and attention to general agricultural pur-
suits with gratifying results, now specializing in the dairy business for
which he is well equipped in every respect ami he finds a very ready market
for his products. Everything is kept in an up-to-date ami sanitary condi-
tion. His place is well improved along all lines and he has a commodious
home in the midst of attractive surroundings. He is one of the progres-
sive and substantial men of his community and one of the most influential,
ami vet is a man of entirely unassuming manners.
Mr. Wingo has been twur married, first, on < >ctober 10. [881, to Ollie
J. Wills, by whom three children were born, namely: ['"red. who is em-
GREENE (<>i my, Missouri. 1 157
ployed in Springfield; Elbert lives in Springfield; and Mrs. Gertrude Jones,
also of that city. The wife and mother was called to her eternal rest on
September 15, 1886. She was a daughter of Jack and Mollie (Goss) Wills,
•On December 26, 1889, Mr. Wingo married Julia McKee, a daughter of
Melvin and Phoebe Ann (Grimes) McKee, both now deceased. To this
second union eleven children have been born, named as follows: Glenn
is living at home; Carl W., -Mrs. Bessie Albright, Russell is teaching school,
Ruth is attending high school at Fair Grove, Ralph, Charles is deceased,
Jewett, Jasper, Phoebe Ann, and an infant son,- deceased.
Politically, Mr. Wingo is a Republican. Fraternally he belongs to the
Masonic Order, the Knights of Pythias and the Independent Order of Odd
Fellows. Mrs. Wingo is a member of the Christian chinch.
JOHN M. LANE.
Successful farming calls for the best of judgment. It means good
crops, good live stock well fed and handled, and a thoroughly balanced busi-
ness in every way. John M. Lane, a farmer of Jackson township, Greene
county, seems to know what constitutes success in agriculture and is there-
fore making a good living on the place where he has been privileged to
spend his entire life. That he knows what to do and when to do it is evi-
denced from the fact that this farm is today as productive as it was when
it first came into possession of the Lane family over a half century ago.
Mr. Lane was born on the home place in the township and county
above mentioned, September 8, i860. He is a son of William and Sarah
(Rudde) Lane. The father was born in Tennessee on a farm and there
he was reared and was educated in the rural schools in his native commun-
ity. He came to Missouri when a young man, and located in Greene
county at an early day. When the war between the North and South
began he cast his lot with the Union army, as first lieutenant in Company
E, Seventy-second Missouri Volunteer Infantry, and he proved to be a
brave and efficient soldier. He fought in the battle of Springfield, January
8, 1863, U1 which he was gallantly engaged in defending the city from Mar-
maduke's raiders when he was severely wounded from the effects of which
he died eleven days later. During the gold fever days of the early fifties he
had made two trips across the great western plains to California, driving a
herd of cattle to the West. He secured a farm of two hundred and sixty-
five acres in Greene county and was a man of much industry. His wife
was born in Caswell county, North Carolina, and her parents brought her
from that state to Greene county, Missouri, when she was a young girl and
X I5S GREEXE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
here she grew up on a farm and received her education in the common
schools. After the death of her husband she managed the home farm un-
til her marriage to John McCabe. Her death occurred in 1889 on the home-
stead. She gave thirty acres for the town site of Stafford. She was a
member of the Methodist Episcopal church. Her father, Joseph Rudde.
was a large slave owner in the early days and he settled the place where
our subject now lives.
To William Lane and wife three children were born, namely : Thomas,
deceased; John M. of this sketch; and Edward, of Kansas City.
John M. Lane was reared on the home farm and attended the neigh-
borhood schools. He has never left the homestead and owns one hundred
and fifty-five acres of the same, which he has kept well cultivated and well
improved, and although the land has been in the Lane family for seventy-
five years it has been so carefully tilled and handled that it is still pro-
'ductive and more valuable than ever before. General farm products and
live stock are raised.
.Mr Lane was married in 1888 to Tobiatha Winn, which union resulted
in the birth of three children, namely: Sadie R.. William and Mrs. Jane
Hessie. The wife and mother passed away in 1898. She was a daughter
of Richard M. and Martha Winn. Our subject subsequently married Mrs.
Allie (Fitch) Lane, widow of his deceased brother. By this second union
one child has been burn, Joe. By her first marriage the second Mrs.
Lane became the mother of five children, namely : James, Richard, Blue
is teaching school in Strafford; Thomas, and John.
Politically, Mr. Lane is a Republican. His wife is a member of the
Baptist church.
WILLIAM A. McMEHEN.
The student interested in the history of the northwestern part of Greene
county does not have 1" carry his investigations far into the annals of
Walnut Grove township before learning that William A. McMehen has long
been an active and leading representative of its tine agricultural interests
and that his labels have proven a potent force in making this a rich farming
region. Through several decades he has carried <m diversified farming and
stock raising, gradually improving his extensive farm, and while he has
prospered in this he has also found ample opportunity to assist in the
material development of his locality, and his co-operation has been of value
to the general good.
Mr. McMehen is one of the few Canadians in Greene county, and, like
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. JI59
all of his follow countrymen, is energetic and resourceful. His birth oc-
curred in the province of Ontario, Canada, April 30, 1864. He is a son of
James and Hannah ( McConnell ) McMehen. The father was born in same
locality as was our subject, April 26, 1826, and the mother was also born in
Canada. There these parents grew to maturity, each received fairly good
educations in the schools there and were married in that country. Remov-
ing from Ontario in 1865 they first located near Champaign, Illinois, where
they spent live years on a farm, then came on to Greene county, Missouri,
and here James McMehen became owner of a good farm of two hundred and
forty acres, to which he later added sixty acres, and was a successful gen-
eral farmer, and here his death occurred in February, 1908. The mother
of our subject is still living, now advanced in years, and makes her home in
the town of Walnut Grove, on part of the old homestead. She is a member
of the Methodist church, of which Mr. McMehen was also a member. They
were the parents of eight children, one of whom is deceased, and named as
follows: .Mrs. Barbara Rice, Andrew M., Charles A., William A., Mrs.
.Minnie E. Keger, John A., and James. The other child died in early life.
William A. McMehen was six years old when his parents removed with
him from Canada to Illinois and there he spent his early boyhood, being
six years old when the family established their future home at Walnut
Grove, Missouri, and here he grew to manhood on the farm where he now
lives, and attended the public schools. He worked for his father until he
was twenty-one years old, then bought a part of the homestead, to which
he has added until he now owns one of the finest and best improved farms
of Walnut Grove township, comprising three hundred thirty-two and one-
half acres, where he has been very successful as a general farmer and stock
raiser, making a specialty of shorthorn cattle and he also deals extensively
in live stock especially mules and cattle, being, like his brothers, an excel-
lent judge of both.
Mr. McMehen was married in 1892 to Nattie Waltz, who was born in
Polk county, this state, and reared there on a farm. She received a good edu-
cation and in her girlhood taught school very successfully for some time.
She is a daughter of Elias and Helen (Britton) Waltz, the father now de-
cased but the mother is still living.
The union of our subject and wife has resulted in the birth of one child,
Ena Lee McMehen, born on December 20, 1907.
Politically, Mr. McMehen is a strong Democrat, loyal to the party in
"both victory and defeat. Fraternally he is a member of the Masonic order,
including the Ancient Arabic Order of Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. He is
a member of the Methodist church. He is one of the influential men of this
section of the county.
Il6o GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
MANSEL PUTMAN.
The social, business and political history of this section is filled with
the deeds and doings of self-made men, and no man in the pioneer period
of Greene county was more deserving of the appellation than was Mansel
Putman, who has long been sleeping the sleep that knows no waking, like
the Scottish hero of "The Lady of the Lake," for Mr. Putman marked out
his own career in his youth and steadily followed it to the final ending of
his mortal career, his success having been attributed to his earnest and per-
sistent endeavor, and to the fact that he consistently tried to follow the
teachings of the "Golden Rule."
Mr. Putman was born on January 12, 1S22, in Marshall county, Ten-
nessee, and there he grew to manhood and resided until 1842 when he immi-
grated to Greene count}', Missouri, at the age of twenty years, with his
parents, John and Polly (Garrett) Putman. The family located seven miles
north of Springfield, where John Putman bought a claim on which he farmed
until his death, September 27, 1867, at the advanced age of eighty-four
years. The land was mostly in the rough, but he was a hard-working man
and cleared most of it. Politically he was a Benton Democrat, and religiously
he was a member of the Primitive Baptist church, being a member of the
Zion congregation.
Minerva James, wife of Mansel Putman, was born on August 8, 1820,
in Madison county, Tennessee, and she and Mr. Putman were married Feb-
ruary 15, 1849. She came to Greene count}-. Missouri, with her parents,
Thomas and Nancy ( ( lately ) James, and her death occurred on the home-
stead farm in this county, November 2j. 1905. Mary Jane Putman was
their only child. She is the wife of Amnion Knighten, a sketch of whom
appears on another page of this work.
The death of Man-el Putman occurred on November 9, 1895, on a
farm in Franklin township, where Mrs. Knighten \va> born and reared and
has lived all her life, having .succeeded to the ownership of the homestead
upon the death of her mother in 1905. She was educated in the rural
schools.
Politically, Mr. Putman was a Republican, and he was in sympathy with
the Union during the Civil war. He was a member of the Home Guards,
and while the war was in progress he was taken from his home and shot
by a band of General Price's soldiers, but he finally recovered from his
wounds.
He belonged to the LTnion League and the Grange. He was a member
of the Cumberland Presbyterian church at Alt. Comfort. His wife also held
membership there, and the}- were both active in the affairs of the church, lib-
eral in their support of the same.
>
25
oo
H
F
d
B
>
25
B
>
2!
oo
El
F
H
B
>
25
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. Il6l
Mr. Putnian was a very successful farmer and a highly respected citi-
zen. He was one of a family of fourteen children, all now deceased but
John G. and Josepji Edward Putman. The former is engaged in fanning
in Franklin township; he was born in Marshall county, Tennessee, and came
with his parents to Missouri in 1842. After devoting his active life to gen-
eral farming he is now living in retirement, and has reached the advanced
age of eighty-six years. -His son. Seth Jerome Putman, operates the home
farm. John G. Putman has seven children, namely: Mrs. Alary C. Porter
lives on a farm in Greene county; one son died in infancy; Man' S., who
was the wife of William Clark, died in 1913: -Mrs. Xellie Saltsgaver, Seth
Jerome, Norma Alice and Nancy Ellen.
WILLIAM J. CRAWFORD.
William J. Crawford was born on June 18, 1862, at Coshocton, Coshoc-
ton county, Ohio. He is a son of Robert Crawford, who was born in Steu-
benville, Ohio, and he grew to manhood and attended school in his native
state. When a young man he engaged in the cooperage business at Coshoc-
ton, making barrels in large numbers, later he was in the real estate business
there, owning considerable land, and was a successful business man. He
engaged in farming on an extensive scale, not only operating his own vast
acreage but rented some land and worked it on the shares. At times he em-
ployed over one hundred hands. He was a prominent and influential man in
his community. Politically, he was a stanch Democrat of the Jackson type
and took much interest in politics, holding numerous offices, such as that of
overseer of roads, township treasurer, a member of the school board in his
district, of which he was president for a period of twelve years, during
which he did much for the educational uplift of the township. He was at
one time urged to become candidate to the state legislature but declined.
He was a man of fine personal character. His word was as good as his
bond and he enjoyed the confidence and respect of all who knew him. He
loved his home and was best contented when by his own fireside and was
never known to neglect his family in any way, which was a mutually helpful
and happy one. He was a well-read man and a good debater, and was in
deportment epiiet and unassuming. He reached an advanced age and was
active up to the last, dying in 1903 when past his eighty-first birthday. He
married Evelyn Daugherty, a daughter of George Daugherty, of Belmont,
Ohio. Her death occurred in 1904 at the age of seventy-seven years. She
was a woman of fine Christian sentiment, helpful and neighborly. To these
parents five children were born, namely: George died in infancy; John
M., who was in the employ of the Frisco system, died in 1912; Lenore, who
IIOj GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
taught school for some time, died in Ohio; William J. of this sketch; and
Harriet E., who is the wife of J. N. Edwards, a traveling salesman of
Springfield.
James Crawford, paternal grandfather of the subject of this review,
engaged in the cooperage business at Steubenville, Ohio, for many years,
making iron-bound barrels which he shipped to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania,
and he was very successful as a business man. He lived at Steubenville until
his death.
William J. Crawford grew to manhood at Coshocton and there he at-
tended the common and high schools, leaving school when seventeen years
of age to enter the milling business at his home town, serving an apprentice-
ship of two and one-half years in the Empire Mills there. He then came to
Topeka, Kansas, where he had charge of the Shawnee Mills for a period
of nine years, being head miller, and he was responsible for the prestige and
general popularity of these mills during that period. Next we find him at
Newton, Kansas, where, for fifteen months he operated the Newton Mill &
Elevator Company's plant. He came to Springfield, Missouri, in the latter
nineties and while here enlisted for service in the Spanish-American war,
on August jo, 1898, in Company A, Thirty-second United States Volun-
teers, and served in the army until 1901 with a most creditable record, hav-
ing seen active service in the Philippine Islamic taking part in several cam-
paigns on the island oi Luzon, and fought in the battles of Tarlac, Orami,
Colcobin and others, also was 111 many skirmishes. He was injured while in
the service and was for two months in a hospital in San Francisco, in which
city he was mustered out in May. [901. Soon after he went to his old home
in Ohio, and from there returned to Springfield and entered the employ
-1 the Frisco railroad, first a- (luck- clerk in the freight department, then
became chief of the delivery department in the inbound freight department
which responsible position he -till holds.
Mr. (raw ford was married in [902 to Mary E. Voorhees, a daughter
of George W. and Elizabeth (Bretzl Voorhees. lie was a captain in the
Union army during the Civil war, having enlisted at Scio, Harrison county.
Ohio. Mrs. I 'raw ford'- uncle. Richard Voorhees, is at this writing circuit
judge in Ohio, his circuit embracing the counties of Coshocton, Muskingum
and Summit. The Voorhees has long been a prominent family in Ohio and
Indiana. Mrs. Crawford was horn in Ohio, grew to womanb ': there and
was educated in the common schools.
The union of our subject and wife has been without issue.
Politically, Mr. Crawford is a Democrat in principle, but he votes inde-
pendently, lie i- a member of the Knights of Pythias, and he belongs to
the Presbyterian church, lie resides on Washington avenue in a pleasant
hi line.
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
I 163
MR. P. V. COLLIER,
The Walk-Over shoe man of Springfield, Mo., who lias one of the best ami mosi up-to-
date shoe stores in the State of Missouri, which carries a complete line of
men's and women's "Walk Over" shoes. Located at 312 South SI reel.
B. F, RATHBONE.
Many minds labor under the misapprehension that real patriotism
is peculiar to men of high genius or the favorites of fortune. The true
patriot is one who, from love of country, does, or tries to do, in the proper
sphere, all that appears necessary to promote her honor, prosperity and
peace. The substantial elements of this precious virtue which underlies
the welfare of every nation, and especially of one professing to be free,
like our own, are furnished by men in every walk of life, who step out of the
realm of mere self-love, and seek to further and augment the commonweal.
Among those who fill the highest seats, and prove themselves most deserv-
ing of public gratitude, many have been the farmers of the land, who have
redeemed this great country from the wilderness and made even the rocks
drip with fatness and blessing; or they may have, many of them, come
from the ranks of tradesmen, doing their allotted tasks in the shops and
factories of the country, in fact a patriot and useful citizen may spring
from any walk of life. B. F. Rathbone, formerly an agriculturist, and for
many years one of the Frisco's dependable shop employees, was born under
alien skies, but he has spent most of his life in America, fifty-seven years
of which have been lived in Greene county.
1 164 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
Mr. Rathbone was born March 13, 1848, in Birmingham, England.
He is a sun of Thomas H. and Sarah Ann (Warr) Rathbone, a sketch of
whom will be found on another page of this work. The father of our
subject immigrated to the United States in the spring of 185 1, and the
family followed during the autumn of that year. They all remained in
New York City until 1858, when they removed to Greene county, Missouri,
and established their permanent home.
B. F. Rathbone, of this sketch, was three years of age when his parents
brought him from England. He spent his boyhood in New York City,
where he attended school. He also went to school after coming to Greene
county, having attended the Capt. John R. Kelso Academy. However, his
education was limited, the Civil war having interfered with his studies.
The family settled at the old Rathbone spring, northeast of Springfield, and
there our subject worked on the farm when he was a young man, in fact,
he followed general farming until 1882, in which year he removed to
Springfield, and in August of that year began working in the old North
Side Frisco shops. His first work for this road was the hauling of all
the rock for the culverts from Springfield four miles east of the city. His
first work in the shops proper was as blacksmith's helper. He remained
in the shops until 1888, when he was elected constable of Campbell town-
ship, and he became deputy sheriff under Joe C. Dodson, however, he served
but a short time in this capacity when he was appointed to a position on the
police force. He served in all twelve years in the various official posi-
tions, proving to be an efficient and dependable officer. He then returned
to the shops and finished learning his trade. About nine years ago he was
as>igned to the work of spring maker at the North Side shops, and this
position he has continued to hold to the present time, having long since
become an expert in his line.
Mr. Rathbone was married March 13. 1871, in Springfield to Emily
Rush (Woods), a daughter of Samuel Woods, a well-known citizen here
a few decades ago. He came to Greene county from Tennesee in an early
day and devoted his attention to general farming. During the latter years
of his life he served one term as county treasurer, and prior to that was
deputy sheriff. He made a good official and was well liked by all who
knew him. lie was a gentleman of the old school. Our subject's wife's
mother was known in her maidenhood as Mary Ragsdale. To their union
six children were born, only three of whom are living at this writing. Mrs.
Rathbone was born at Springfield, reared to womanhood and educated here.
To Mr. and Mrs. Rathbone six children were born, all of whom sur-
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. I165
vive, namely: Emma R., burn March i, 1872, is the wife of Albert L.
Schofield; Ernest G.»born January 9, 1874, married Erma Smith, and they
reside in Springfield; Harold H., born August 29, 1877, married Ida Robin-
sun, to which union two children were born, Milton and Marjorie; John I).,
burn May 24, 1879, married Mary Culler, and they have two children, Erma
and Dorothy; Walter G., born September 9, 1884, married Clara Parker,
and they have two children, Ross and Emily; Edith L.. born January 18,
[891, married Brandt Gaffga, and they have one child, Emily L.
Politically Mr. Rathbone is a Republican and he has always been
loyal in his support of the party. He is a member of the Orient Lodge No.
Nil. Knights of Pythias, and he served a- captain of Ascolon Division No. 15.
Uniform Rank. Knights of Pythias, and Lodge No. 218, Independent
Order of Odd Fellows, having passed the chairs in both these orders. He
also belongs to the Blacksmiths' Union. The family holds membership in
tin- Benton Avenue Methodist Episcopal church.
JOHN A. McMEHEN.
At the outset of Ids career John A. McMehen. well-known farmer and
stockman of Walnut Grove township, Greene county, recognized the fact
that it takes self-reliance, perseverance and fortitude to win success in any
line of human endeavor, so he did not seek any shady lanes to the goal of
prosperity, but began to work diligently and along honorable lines to advance
himself and the result is that he is now numbered among the successful and
progressive citizens of his locality, and is a creditable representative in every
way to the McMehen family, one of the must influential in the vicinity of
Walnut Grove for the past forty years or more.
Mr. McMehen was born on a farm near Champaign, Illinois. Novem-
ber 12, 1869, some four years after his parents, James and Hannah R. ( Mc-
Connell) McMehen, settled there. (See sketch of William A. McMehen on
another page of this volume for further mention of parents.)
John A. McMehen grew to manhood on the home farm, being a small
boy when the family removed here from Illinois, and he received his educa-
tion in the local public schools. He remained on the home farm until he
reached young manhood, doing his share of the general work, then started
out for himself, buying seventy-three acres from his father and at the pres-
ent time he owns a productive and well-kept place of one hundred sixty-nine
and one-half acres. In connection with general farming he handled live
H66 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
stock on an extensive scale, especially mules, and is one of the well-known
and successful stockmen of the county, being all excellent judge of them-
Mr. McMehen was married on December 24, 1893, to Jessie B. Roun-
tree, who was born in Cedar county, Missouri", October 22, 1874, and there
she grew up and was educated in the public schools. She is a daughter of
Thomas B. and Dorothy (Haley) Rountree, both of whom still live on the
homestead in Cedar count}-, and are actively engaged in the mercantile busi-
ness at Cain Hill, Missouri.
To Mr. and Mrs. McMehen six children have been born, namely: The
first child died in infancy, unnamed; John A., Jr., born August 26, 1898;
Rountree, born on September 7, 1900; Blon, died on April 29, 1902; Jessie
B., born March 23, 1903, and Andrew M., born December 30, 1912.
Politically, our subject is a Democrat, fraternally a member of the Ma-
sonic order, and he belongs to the Methodist church. His wife is a member
of the Christian church.
JEFFERSON E. H AX SELL.
One of the popular, capable and courteous passenger conductors of the
Frisco System is Jefferson E. Hansell, a man who is universally liked not
only by railroad men but by all with whom he comes in contact. He has
had charge of passenger train-- between Springfield and Memphis for twen-
ty-five years for the Frisco and the old "Gulf" railroad, and it stands to rea-
son thai in' "iK- c<mld retain such a responsible position a quarter of a cen-
tury were they not capable, honest and trustworthy.
.Mr. Hansell was born July 1, 1856, in Marion, Lynn county. Iowa.
He is a son of Joseph and Hannah (Leeka) Hansell, both natives of Ohio,
the father born near Cincinnati. They grew up in the Buckeye state, re-
ceived such educational advantages a- the schools of those early times af-
forded, and there they were married. Joseph Hansell learned the carpen-
ters trade when a ydung man and became a successful carpenter and con-
tractor, and in later life was a traveling salesman. He was a soldier in the
Civil war, enlisting in [861, in Company K. Iowa Volunteer Infantry, un-
der Captain Christian, Mr. Hansell having located in Iowa in 1855. He
served three years in the Union army, principally against the hostile Indians
of tin' West, and he saw a yreat deal of hard, active service. After the war
he returned to Marion, Lynn county, Iowa. His family consisted of four
children, namely: Francis M. was a soldier in the Union army during the
Civil war: Mary Elizabeth, William Madison and Jefferson E. of this
sketch. These children are all living at this writing. Politically Joseph
Hansell was a Republican, and he was a member of the Grand Army of the
Republic.
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. l\6j
Jefferson E. Hansell grew to manhood at Marion, Iowa, and received
his education in the public and high schools. After leaving school he drove
a team across the great western plains to Salt Lake City, Utah, and back.
In 1881 he began his career as a railroader, which he has continued to the
present time, a period of thirty-three years. He first secured employment
with the Chicago, Burlington & Ouincy, first as freight brakeman, then was
promoted to freight conductor. In [886 he came to Springfield, Missouri,
with his family and went to work for the Frisco railroad, first as brake-
man, and for three weeks worked on the Kansas City, Ft. Scott & Mem-
phis railroad, which road was purchased by the Frisco Railroad Company
in 1900. On December 25, 1889, Mr. Hansell was promoted to passenger
conductor and placed in charge of a train between Springfield and Mem-
phis, and this has been his rim continuously to the present time. He took
the first train over the mammoth bridge across the Mississippi river at Mem-
phis, May 12, 1902.
Mr. Hansell was married, May 17, t88l, 1" Minelte Risser, w In > was
burn at Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, October 15, 1862. She is a daughter of Daniel
and Martha (Foarisend) Risser. Mr. Risser was born in Germany, from
which country he emigrated with his parents to the United States when
he was five years old. The family first located at Cleveland, Ohio, and
there Daniel Kisser grew to manhood and received his education, and from
there he moved to Salem, Iowa. He was born in 1832, and died in 1904.
J lis wife was born in Richmond, Indiana, and came west in 1845 to Iowa.
She was born in [842, ami is still living, making her home in Springfield,
Missouri. She and Mr. Risser were married in Salem, Iowa. Politically,
Mi. Risser was a Democrat, and he served for some time as justice of the
peace, and was also postmaster for a while at Pilot Grove, Iowa. His fam-
ily consisted of eleven children, five of whom are still living, namely: Mi-
nette, wife id' Mr. Hansell of this sketch; < '. H.. Omer E., Mamie and
Etna. Mrs. Hansell grew to womanhood in Mt. Pleasant. Iowa, and there-
received her education in the public schools and an academy, under Profes-
sor Howe, completing the teacher's course, but was married before she
could begin a career as teacher.
Four children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Hansell, all living,
namely: Bertha, born December 2. 1882. is the wife of Mathew H. Gait;
Emma E., born December 2, 1885, is single and is living at home; Jeffer-
son E.. born October 25, 1891, is a reporter on the Springfield Republican;
Don M.. born May 1. 1893. 's m tne hardware business and lives at home.
The Hansell home is a beautiful new brick structure at 1440 Fast Wal-
nut street. Politically, Mr. Hansell is a Republican. He belongs to the
Masonic order, in which he has attained the thirty-second degree. He is.
a member of the Order of Railroad Conductors and the Springfield Club.
I I 68 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
ROBERT EZRA DARBY, M. D.. D. D. S.
No doctor of dental surgery is better known in southwestern Missouri
than Dr. Robert Ezra Darby, of Springfield, and certainly none are his
superiors and few his equals in applying this branch of science for the
good of humanity. He has for years ranked as one of the leaders among
his professional brethren in Greene county and in the state of Missouri.
1 )r. Darby is descended from a sterling old American family.
Daniel Darby, his paternal grandfather, was born near Ripley, West Vir-
ginia, October 31, 1799, and died on November 27, 1862. He married
Phoebe Evans, of Ohio, September 12, 1822. She was a daughter of Jona-
than and Sarah (Faucette) Evans. Mrs. Phoebe Darby was born on Novem-
ber 13, 1803, and died January 18, 1880. Her great-grandfather came to
America from Wales. The names of her brothers were. Ephraim, Jona-
than, Samuel, Robert, Edward and Mark, the latter dying in childhood; and
her sisters were Mrs. Ellen Stoots, Mrs. Margaret Starcher, Mrs. Tabitha
Wright, .Mrs. Sarah Starcher. Mrs. Lydia Eong, Mrs. Priscilla Beezlev,
Mrs. Ann Stoots. Thirteen children were born to Daniel Darbv and wife,
four of whom died in infancy, namely: Jedediah, Jonathan, Sarah Ann,
and Cynthia; the nine reaching maturity were. Elizabeth, who married Noah
Bray, was burn in West Virginia, September 29, [823, died January 21,
1851; Rebecca, born in West Virginia, December 23, 1826, died January
24, 1842; Joseph Wright, who became a Baptist minister, was born in Indiana,
May 9, [832, and .lied in Cedar Mill, Texas, January 2^,. 1863; Ezra Fau-
cette, father of the subject of this sketch, was next in order of birth: Ruarni,
born in Vermillion county. Illinois. April 4, 1N37. died December 24. [913,
having remained unmarried; Ephraim Evans, a minister in the Methodist
Episcopal church, South, was born in Hickory county. Missouri, December
10. [839, and lives in (.'enter Point, Texas; William Henry, a farmer and
carpenter, was born in Hickory county, this slate. April iS, 1842, now lives
in Dallas county, Missouri; George Washington, farmer, born in Hickory
county, May 13, 1844, lives in Corpus Christi, Texas; Isabella Jane, who
married Rev. Samuel Lopp, was born in Hickory county, February 1. 1847,
lives with a daughter in Pennsylvania. The four last named reared large
families. /
Daniel Darby was a mechanic of unusual ability and served the new-
country wonderfully well. His early manhood was spent in Ohio, Indiana
and Illinois. He made a model of one of the first mowing machines which
clipped the grass in his own yard to the delight of the patentee. He bad
a wagon shop in Danville. Illinois. He also made furniture and wooden
clocks: one of the latter lie brought with him to Missouri in 1838. He set-
CO
-
-
-
a
EZRA P. DAKl'.Y AND WIFE.
WENDELL EZRA DARBY. ROBERT STEMMOXS LARKY.
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. Il6o,
tied in that part of the state which later was made a part of Hickory county.
There he established a tannery of thirty vats and manufactured and sold
leather. He built a grist-mill with a forty-foot tread wheel on which the
weight of walking oxen turned the machinery that ground the wheat into
flour and the corn into meal. He also established a nursery farm, from
which he supplied the country for miles around with fruit trees. He also
had his own blacksmith shop as well as carpenter shop. He supplied the
needs of the country with everything from a plow, spinning wheel or fan-
ning mill to a wooden clock. The power to become skilful with tools seems
to have been inherited by Doctor Darby.
Jedediah Darby, the paternal great-grandfather of Doctor Darby of
this sketch, was a native of Vermont, and at the age of twelve years he
was bound out to a millwright to learn the trade. He was then living in
Pennsylvania, but subsequently moved to West Virginia. He married
Rebecca Sayers, and in later life removed to Iroquois county, Illinois, where
his death occurred while he was in his eighties. Six sons and four daughters
were born to Jedediah Darby and wife, namely: Daniel, Owen, Moses,
Aaron. Elijah, Elisha, Hannah, Eliza, Sarah and Nancy. Longevity is one
notable characteristic of this family, two members of which live to be well
into the nineties — one of them still living.
Samuel Darby, father of Jedediah, was a soldier in the. Revolutionary
war. He lived in Pennsylvania, and when last heard from was one hundred
and one years old. His ancestors came from England. The older stock of
Darbys were tall, strong men, with great endurance.
Our subject's maternal family also goes back through many genera-
tions of excellent citizens. The Andrews family came to America from
England. Adam Andrews lived near Petersburg, Virginia. He died of the
"black plague" while a soldier during the War of 1812. This family,
although living near Richmond, the Confederate capital, were always op-
posed to negro slavery. Dr. Mark Andrews, a son of Adam Andrews, grand-
father of the subject of this sketch, was born in Chesterfield count}-. Vir-
ginia, December 28, 1812. He married Martha Ann Griggs, April 12, 1835.
She died on February 21, 1836. One child was born of this marriage — Mar-
tha Ann Eliza, the mother of the subject of this sketch. Martha Griggs had
two brothers and one sister who came West. Joseph went to California,
William to Greenfield, Missouri. The sister married Jacobs, a well-known
merchant and banker of Greenfield, Missouri. Dr. Mark Andrews later
married Virginia Thompson, August 25, 1836. They came to Missouri in
1840 and located at Buffalo, Dallas county. Here she taught the first school
ever taught in that town : was also a teacher in the Sunday school. Thev
moved to the farm near Urbana in 1850. Doctor Andrews lived a very
(74)
I I7O GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
active life in the practice of his profession and became very prominent.
Overwork and exposure hastened his death which occurred on June 31^
1865. His family consisted of eleven in number, namely: Mary Elizabeth,
who married William Howard, was born June 16, 1837, and died in 1885;
Robert Jones, born December 31, 1838, died while a soldier in the Union
army, July 6, 1864; Virginia Atkinson, born June 11, 1840, married C. P.
Fletcher, lives in Meade. Kansas; Emily Frances, born July 13, 1843, >s
the wife of W. H. Darby, of Urbana, Missouri; Lucy Jane, born July 4,
1845. is the wife of I. N. Reser, of Urbana, Missouri; Dr. John Polk
Andrews, born July 14. 1847, lives at Marionville. Missouri; Harriet Yer-
linda. born March 7, 1850. is the wife of VV. B. Coon, of Republic, Mis-
souri; Jesse Edwin, born February [9, 1852, died June 18. 1853: Joseph
William, born September 11, 1854, was a farmer, and died in 1893; Susan
Buchanan, born March 4, 1857, is the wife of Charles Darby, of Medford,
Oregon: Mark Lafayette, born Jul}" 7, 1859, is a farmer of Urbana,
Missouri.
Ezra Faucett Darby, father of the subject of this sketch, was born in
Vermilion county, Illinois. October 30, 1834. In 1838. when he was but
four years old, his father came to Missouri, and settled in that part of the
state which was later organized into Hickory county. There he grew to
manhood and devoted his active life to general farming, stock raising, ship-
ping and also fruit growing. He became one of the most influential citizens
there, taking a very active part in public affairs, always striving to better
general conditions of living; he was a friend to education, the church and
everything that made for advancement, lie was ever broad-minded and a
man of charitable impulses. He enlisted in the Federal army at Urbana,
Missouri, in the fall of 1863, in Company A, Eighteenth Iowa Volunteer
Infantry, under Captain Stonaker. He was at once sent with the regiment
into Arkansas, the first stop being at Fort Smith. He was in the cam-
paign to Camden, that state, in [864. He took part in a number of skir-
mishes. He was ordered from his regiment to the United States hospital
at Little Rock, as ward master, in May, [865. While in the army be demon-
strated what he taught, that one can live the life of a Christian, and of tem-
perance, even in the face of adverse circumstances. He married Martha
Andrews, April 14. 1859. She was born in Dinwiddie county, Virginia,
January 29, 1836. Her father moved to Missouri in 1840. and settled in
Buffalo, where she attended school. She was a woman of strong mind and
line Christian sentiment. Like her husband she was a member of the Meth-
odist church more than fifty years. She grew up in the days when every-
body worked in establishing and maintaining the home, in the days of the
spinning wheel, carding machine and loom and she hel|>ed make the cloth-
ing worn by the family, doing her full share of the household duties. She
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. II7I
was a helpmeet beyond reproach, one of the most devoted of mothers, with
great forethought for others and hut little for herself. This splendid old
couple retired from farm life in 1898 and came to Springfield. They built
a cozy home in a suburban orchard tract where they enjoyed a quiet life un-
til necessary to break up housekeeping, in 1912. The}' then went to live
with their daughter in Fort Scott, Kansas, where Mrs. Darby died Sep-
tember 26, [914. Of their children the first born died in infancy: Ira Bar-
ber, born January 4, 1876, died January 28, 1878; the other h\x- children
reached maturity and have families of their own. They arc, Mark Evans,
born June 12, 1862, lives in Springfield, and he has been appointed to the
fifth two-year term as state inspector of apiaries; Robert Ezra, subject of
this review; William Daniel, a merchant at Marionville, Missouri, was born
June 22, 1866; Vernon Kingsley, a merchant, lives at Marionville also, and
he was born on June 2, 1871 ; Alary Alice, horn on June 25, 1873, 's trle
wife of W. O. Pardue, of Ft. Scott, Kansas.
Doctor Darby was born in Hickory county. Missouri, March 31, 1864.
There he grew to manhood on the home farm and assisted with the general
work. He received his early education in the public and private schools, later
entering Marionville Collegiate Institute at Marionville, Missouri, from which
institution he was graduated in 1X8(1. Filtering the Missouri State Univer-
sity, he was graduated from the normal department in 188S. He taught
school a few terms, then studied dentistry and medicine. He was graduated
from the Western Dental College in Kansas Citv in iNo_>, and from the
University Medical College of Kansas City in 1893. He began the practice
ot dentistry in Hickory count)', remaining there and in the adjoining county
of Dallas until he came to Springfield in April, 1895, anc^ established his per-
manent business, which has gradually increased with advancing \ ears until
he has long since taken a position in the front rank of his profession in ( ireene
county, and has been busy from the first. He is a member of the lecture
staff at Burge-Deaconess hospital. He has been a trustee of Marionville
College several years. He was one of the organizers of the Springfield
Dental Society, and was its second president. He joined the Missouri State
Dental Association in 1892. He has read papers and given many clinics
before it. He is also a member of the National Dental Association. He
was elected president of the Missouri State Dental Association in 1909 in
Kansas City ; and presided over and was one of the leading spirits in the
annual meeting in St. Louis in May. lgro, when the association was reorgan-
ized to affiliate more closely the National Dental Association. That was a
memorable event, being a -part of a general move to raise the standard of the
profession in the entire United States, and make it a greater power for good.
In all these positions of trust he has discharged his duties with fidelitv
and an ability and soundness of judgment that has reflected much credit
WJ2 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
upon himself and lo the eminent satisfaction of all concerned. Doctor
Darby is a learned and forceful writer on subjects of interest to his profes-
sion. They have been published in the leading professional journals and some
of them widely copied — one of which we chanced to see in the British Jour-
nal of Dental Science, published in London.
Politically, Doctor Darby may be classed as an independent Democrat.
In religious matters the same independence is strongly characteristic. He
thinks for himself and makes his own interpretations. He has a good
library, and is a good reader on a wide range of subjects. He is a member
of the Methodist Episcopal church. He was a member of the building com-
mittee when the present structure of the Dever Benton Avenue Methodist
church was built, and he was superintendent of the Sunday-school for ten
years ; the school was noted for being well graded, studious, and for its
system and well-ordered management. He has served the church in many
official capacities and is at present a trustee.
Doctor Darby was married on May 22, 1895, to Mattie Stemmons. n
daughter of F. B. Stemmons, deceased, for many years a prominent farmer
and stock raiser near Golden City, Jasper county. Missouri. There Mrs.
Darby grew to womanhood and was educated in the public schools, later
attending Marionville Collegiate Institute, from which she was graduated
in 1887. She then spent two years in the Missouri State University, but
prior to that she had taught one term in Lawrence county. She had intended
to follow teaching, but her mother's death occurring after she left the
Marionville school she remained at home to help her father. After his sec-
ond marriage she then entered the University at Columbia. Mrs. Darby
was a teacher in the Sunday school for many years, taking an active part in
church work. She being a great home woman, with a wide circle of friends,
Mrs. Darby has been of incalculable assistance to her husband, her encour-
agement, sympathy as well as counsel resulting in much of his success. To
our subject and wife three children have been born, namely Winfred, born
March 12, 1898, and died April _>_\ 1899; Wendell Ezra, bom May 17.
1900: and Robert Stemmons, burn August 20, [913.
Mrs. Darby has an interesting ancestry. Martin and Alexander Stem-
mons. two brothers, came to this country from ' Germany. Martin never
married. Alexander's wife was of Scotch-Irish descent. To them four s<>ns
were born, namely: Jacob, Martin. Henry and Stephen. We find these
names running through all the families "i succeeding generations. Martin,
Mexander and the latter's oldest son, Jacob, who was Mrs. Darby's great-
grandfather, were in the Revolutionary war under General Washington.
One descendant never used glasses and could read line print and write well
at the age of ninety years. He had one son who moved t'> Lagrange, Texas,
where he and his wife died, childless. They left by their will, except enough
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. I I 73
for a monument to themselves, fourteen hundred and twenty-five acres of
land and all property to found an orphans' home and for other charitable
purposes.
Jacob Stemmons was horn in Virginia. He died in Logan county, Ken-
tuck}', at the age of seventy years. He married Nancy Stovall and settled
in Campbell count)-, Virginia, in 1790. He manufactured bells, and was a
silversmith. They were the parents of ten children, one of whom died in
infancy; the other nine are, Elizabeth married Isaac Lewis; Mary G. mar-
ried William Gallian; Lucinda P. never married; Alexander Henry became
a Methodist minister; Jaquillian Martin became a physician; Mrs. Dorothy
H. Armstrong; Martha Wesley married William B. Hamilton; M. Ann
Benton married Doctor Stephens ; and Harriet Madison married Thomas
Noll.
Dr. Jaquillian Martin Stemmons was born in Logan county, Kentucky,
in 1803. He was killed during the Civil war, in March, 1861. He was
twice married. His first wife was Harriet Allen, a daughter of Doctor
Allen of Logan county, Kentucky, in which county their children were all
burn. Doctor Stemmons and family came to Jasper county in 1854. Two
years later a scourge of flux swept the count}-, taking his wife and three
daughters. Eleven children lived to be grown and also the two half brothers,
making in all thirteen. Their children were named as follows ; William
Henry, a blacksmith, lived to be eighty-three years of age; John Martin, who
was a lawyer in Dallas, Texas, for many years, died at the age of seventy
years; Anna C, who married Robert Seymour, died at the age of seventy
years; Jacob died when a child; Mary Etta died when twenty years of age;
Thomas Jefferson is still living at the age of seventy-five years; Wilbur
Eisk, an insurance and real estate dealer in Golden City, Missouri, died when
about seventy years of age; Martha died at the age of eighteen years;
Redford was just entering young womanhood when she died; Felix Beverly,
a farmer, died at the age of fifty-five years; Napoleon L., a blacksmith, is
living at the age of sixty-eight years; James B., a farmer, is now sixty-two
years old.
Doctor Stemmons' second wife was known in her maidenhood as Susan
Pane, and she was a native of Virginia. To this last union two children
were born, namely : Alexander Clay, who is engaged in the real estate and
insurance business in Carthage, Missouri ; and Jaquillian Martin, a physician
of Oologah, Oklahoma. Two sons of the first marriage served in the South-
ern army and four in the Union army during the Civil war.
F. B. Stemmons, son of Dr. Jaquillian Martin Stemmons, Sr.. and
father of Mrs. M. Darby, was a prominent farmer and stock raiser of Jas-
per county, Missouri. He was a man who loved the good and the beautiful
and was always a friend to the needy and those in distress. He was a mem-
I IJ4 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
ber of the Methodist church for many years. He married Eliza J. Clark,
March 6, 1867, She was a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian church
but after her marriage united with the Methodist Episcopal church. She
was a woman loved by all who knew her, was devoted to her home and
family. She lived a consistent Christian life for years and strove to train
her children in Christian service. Her children were named, Mattie Ann,
born December 22, 1867; Jaquillian Orange, born August 25, 1870, died
when a child; James Monroe, a farmer near Colden City, married Ahce
Parker; he was born January 16, 1872; Marietta, born April 25, 1875, and
died October 7, 1894; Mrs. Clara Allman, born March 20, 1879, lives in
Glasgow, .Montana; Luther Beverly, born May 1, 1882, is a farmer in
Nebraska, and is unmarried; Mrs. Maggie Bell Marshall, born November
14, 1884, lives in Regina-, Canada; three children died in infancy, unnamed.
F. B. Stemmons was twice married. His second wife was Mrs. Lvdia
Wilson, and to this union one child was born — Ruth Stemmons, born |ulv
15, 1891, and lives in Carthage, Missouri. The death of F. B. Stemmons,
father of Mrs. Darby, occurred September 2j, 1897.
Of Mrs. Darby's maternal ancestors, we mention Orange R. (lark.
her grandfather, who was born in St. Louis county, Missouri, February 6,
[820. He was the twelfth and youngest child of Alexander and Mary
Clark, lie was a Union soldier during the Civil war. and was killed July
21 , [864. lie was well educated for his time and had a good library. He
was elected county judge of Jasper county in i860 but because of the Civil
-war never served his term. Alexander Clark was born March 17. 17(12;
Mary, his wife, was born February 2. 1777. The following children were
born to them: John, whose birth occurred August 2. 1703; James, born
September 2;. 1705; Patience, born January 22. 1798; Thomas, born Sep-
tember [8, [799; Harvey, born June 12. [802; Mary, born November 29,
1804; William Alexander, born February [6, 1N07: I). Franklin, born April
26, 1809; Elizan, born February 19, 1N11: Pamelia, born January 7, 181.4;
Henry B., born February 3, 1N17: Orange Rector, horn February 6, 1N20.
Martha l.ewallen, daughter of S. L. I.ewallen, was horn in Bowling
Green, Kentucky. November 13. [818. Her grandfather came to America
from Scotland. In an early day her family emigrated to Missouri, locating
m Pike county, where she later married ( ). 1\. (lark, February 20, 1S40.
She and Mr. ('lark moved the same year to Jasper county, this state, and
settled on a farm near While Oak where their children were born. Her
death occurred November 11. [880. Their children were. Mary .Margaret.
born October 2-. [840, and died July 29, [860; Thomas Kerr, bom Decem-
ber 5, [841, died January 1, 1N42. Three girls, triplets, were born October
2. [843; one died October 2. [843; the other two also died in 1843: Will-
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. I I 75
iani B., born September 13, .1845, and died March _>y, 1873; Eliza Jane,
burn September 6, 1849. <llei1 February 16, 1889; she was the wife of F.
B. Stemmons, and they were the .parents of Mrs. Darby. John F. Clark
was burn March 26, 1852, lie became a minister in the Cumberland Presby-
terian church; Martha Frances Clark, burn July 7, 1855, and died Sep-
tember 15, 1856; James O. Clark, burn October 4, 1858, is farming near
Craik. Saskatchewan, Canada. He is growing this year (1915) eight hun-
dred acres of wheat.
The Stemmons, Allen, Clark and Lewallen families were industrious,
Law-abiding, temperate, God-fearing people. By occupation, they were farm-
ers, for the must part, but there have been editors, physicians, ministers and
merchants among them.
Doctor Darby, when asked about the secret of his success, gave clue
credit tu the wisdom of his good father and mother who instilled within
him high ideals in life and brought him tu manhood with noble purposes.
Other traits in his family history are important, two of which are typified
in his grandfathers — the one a physician, with splendid training for scien-
tific thought, the other a genius in mechanical construction. The combining
of scientific knowledge and ability in construction is said to be of the great-
est importance in his profession.
HOX. JOHN S. PHELPS.
The grand old state of Connecticut has sent out thousands of her sons
in the founding and upbuilding of new communities in the West. Many
of these have served their adopted states long and well, and have left the im-
print of their character and courage upon the history of their times, carving
their names and fame upon the very foundation stones of many of the great
commonwealths. But never did the old state make a better gift, never did she
send out a better man, a brighter intellect, than when she gave John S. Phelps
to Missouri. The prominence, both state and national, of this most dis-
tinguished citizen of Greene county of a past generation, may well serve
as a reason why this sketch is given a conspicuous position in this volume.
Mr. Phelps was burn in Simsbury, Hartford county, Connecticut, De-
cember 22, 1814. He was a son of Elisha Phelps, who was a lawyer of
great prominence in the old Nutmeg state, who served his fellow citizens
in the state Legislature, state offices and four terms in the national Con-
gress. Noah Phelps, our subject's paternal grandfather, was first a cap-
tain, then a colonel in the Revolutionary war and a must successful scout
and spy. He was one of the "committee of safety" that planned the cap-
1 176 GREENE COUXTV, MISSOURI.
ture of Ticonderoga. Like his son and grandson he, too, served the people-
in legislative and other capacities of public trust.
John S. Phelps was reared in his birthplace, receiving his education
in the public schools and in Washington (now Trinity) College at Hart-
ford, completing his course there in 1832, graduating when seventeen years
old. Subsequently he studied law under his father for three years, and
was admitted to the bar on the twenty-first anniversary of his birth. After
a year and a half of practice in Hartford, be married there and determined
to come West and seek a better and wider field for an ambitious young
lawyer. Acting with that wisdom and foresight which ever characterized
him in both public and private life, he chose the newly admitted state of
Missouri, and in 1837, set foot upon her soil. It was necessary to be re-
examined, before being enrolled as a member of the Missouri state bar, and
young Phelps went to Boonville, where Judge Tomkins of the Supreme
court had agreed to meet and examine him ; the judge, however, failed to
come, and Mr. Phelps mounted a horse and proceeded to Jefferson City,
where the judge resided. Here again was a disappointment for Judge
Tompkins was some distance in the country at a sawmill, and there, sitting
on a log in the woods in Cole county. Missouri's future governor was ex-
amined and licensed to practice in all courts of record, the license being
written on a leaf torn from an old blue ledger, that being the only paper in
the mill camp. Armed with this document, the young lawyer started for
the great Southwest, locating at Springfield, then a mere hamlet with but
fourteen white families. He at mice entered upon a good practice. When here
less than a week he was retained to defend Charles S. Yancey,, who after-
wards became circuit judge. He rapidly ruse to the bead of his profession,
practicing over a district extending from Warsaw on the north to Forsyth
"ii the south and from Waynesville on the east to Neosho on the west. He
was soon recognized as the leading member of the bar in that section, for
young as he was. his great legal attainments enabled him to cope success-
fully with the most experienced lawyers.
His public life began at an early age. In 1840 he was chosen to rep-
resent Greene county in the General Assembly of Missouri, and but little
of his life was spent in retirement from that time until his death. In 1844
he was elected to Congress, and For eighteen consecutive vears, served in
the same high position of public trust, lie was the father of the postage
stamp. Any attempt at a full statement of his acts comprised in those
years — his many valuable services — would far transcend the limits of this
work: but the bare fact that for twelve years he was a member of the com-
mittee on ways and means — always the most important committee of a
legislative body — and part of the time its chairman, is, in itself, the best
evidence of the esteem and confidence reposed in him 011 the part of his co-
GREENE COUNTY, .MISSOURI. ll77
workers in Congress. He believed in a tariff for revenue only, and voted
for the tariff of [846, a measure denounced by the protectionists as one
fraught with destruction to the manufacturing interests of the country.
In about ten years thereafter, when a further reduction of duties was advo-
cated and carried, the leading manufacturers of the country besought Con-
gress not to interfere with the duties established in 1846. Mr. Phelps
favored the measure granting bounty lands to soldiers, lie favored the
granting of lands by the general government to Missouri to aid in building
a railroad from St. Louis to the southwest corner of the state. In 1853
when Congress was discussing the building of a trans-continental railway,
Mr. Phelps favored the construction of a road through the Indian country
to Albuquerque, thence to San Francisco, on which route a road was later
built.
During his last term in Congress, which was in Abraham Lincoln's
first administration, he was part iff the time in the field, the great Civil war
being then in progress; and he was appointed on the committee of ways
and means before he had been sworn in as a member, a compliment never
before tendered to any other citizen, in 1861 he raised a regiment, known
as the "Phelps Regiment," which did valiant service for six months, and
was commanded by Colonel Phelps in person at the memorable engage-
ment at Pea Ridge, in which it suffered such heavy loss. Without solici-
tation on his part Colonel Phelps was appointed military governor of Ar-
kansas, in 1862, which he accepted, but ill health soon necessitated his re-
turn to St. Louis. In 1864 he resumed the practice of law in Springfield,
his Congressional career having closed in 1863. He was nominated for
governor of Missouri in 1868 on the Democratic ticket, but he failed of
election but he ran 12,000 ahead of his ticket, but eight years afterwards
he was elected to this high office by a larger majority than any governor of
this state ever received up to that time, and no man ever did greater honor
to that highest office than he, and no lady ever did the honors of the gov-
ernor's mansion with more becoming grace than did his daughter. Mrs.
Mary Montgomery. Had not the constitution fixed the one term limit on
the governor's office, there is no doubt but that Mr. Phelps would have been
re-elected, had he been willing. In the convention of 1876, no less a per-
sonage than the Hon. George G. Vest — Missouri's greatest senator since
Benton — was defeated by Governor Phelps for the Democratic nomination.
After the expiration of his gubernatorial term Governor Phelps lived in
partial retirement, only occasionally giving legal advice in some very im-
portant cases. He spent considerable time in travel, including northern
Mexico and Oregon. President Grover Cleveland tendered him the posi-
tion as American minister to any country in Europe, excepting the four
great powers, but he declined the honor owing to failing health.
IIjS GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
Few men had greater conversational powers or enjoyed more keenly
the social intercourse of friends, than did Missouri's great governor, from
Greene county. He enjoyed a large circle of distinguished acquaintances
from various parts of the Union, and when he was summoned to his eternal
rest in 1886 he was mourned not only by the state but by the nation as well.
David R. Francis, mayor of St. Louis, afterwards governor of Mis-
souri, declared a half-holiday in St. Louis and came in person to attend
the funeral.
Great, genial, magnanimous, easy of approach, and yet dignified withal,
scholarlv, brilliant and a genteel gentleman in all the relations of life, Gov-
ernor Phelps was just the style of a man that a whole people delighted to
honor and revere, following his lead with the implicit confidence which is
ever the surest criterion in pronouncing him a great man.
JAMES O'BYRNE.
Springfield has long been headquarters for a great number of commer-
cial travelers. Men representing a wide diversity of firms maintain their
homes here, which some of them have an opportunity to visit only infre-
quently. It is a good residence town for their families, 1- conveniently and
centrally located in one of the best sections of the Union, and salesmen go
■ nit in all directions in the adjacent territory, representing not only local
houses but companies in many of the eastern and northern cities. Of this
number the name of James (J'Byrue should have specific mention, as lie is
not onl) one of the most successful but one of the best known traveling men
out of the Queen City of the Ozarks.
Mr. O'Byrne is a native of northern Ireland, and is a son of Patrick
O'Byrne and wife. I lis paternal grandfather, lames O'Byrne. emigrated
from the Emerald Isle to America in an earl) daj and proved his loyalty to
the United State- b) enlisting in our army during the War of iSu. and he
foughl at the memorable battle of New Orleans under Gen. Andrew Jack-
son. He was a fanner and also a manufacturer of Irish linen of a su-
perior quality, lie finally returned to Ireland, where his death occurred at
the unusual age ol one hundred and three years, and was buried beside his
wife, lie spent ten or twelve years in the United States. I lis son, Patrick
O'Byrne, father of our subject, was born in Ireland, where he learned the
machinist's trade when a young man. After emigrating to America he fol-
lowed his trade in New York City, working in one shop for a period of
seven year-. \ fter spending ten years in tin- country he returned to his
native land. Hi- wife was known in her maidenhood as Margaret McCal-
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. U?9
lig, a daughter of Hugh McCallig, a native of Ireland. Two sons and one
daughter were horn to Patrick O'Byrne and wife, James, our subject, being
the only one living and the only one to come to America. The death of the
father occurred at the advanced age of ninety-eight years.
lames O'Byrne spent his boyhood in Ireland and received a good com-
mon school education. He has always been a commercial man, and he
came to the United States before the Civil war. On April 17, [861, at
New Orleans, he enlisted in the Confederate army, among the first to of-
fer his services, and as a private in the Third Louisiana Volunteer Infantry
he served with valor and credit all through the struggle of four hard year-,
participating in many important campaigns and nearly all the great battles.
After the war he remained in the South until the spring of 1867, reaching
Springfield, Missouri, on March 17, and lie has made his home here ever
since. He has traveled in even' state in the Union, also Central America
and South America and Australia, having a record as a commercial trav-
eler which few can equal in the United States. He lias no doubt traveled
more miles as a salesman than any other man in the Middle West, lie has
met with uniform success, no matter what territory was assigned to him,
and has been faithful and trustworthy at all times, ever alert to the good
of the firm he represents. lie is a man of tact, diplomacy and earnestness,
a good mixer and makes and retains friends easily. He is one of the most
widely known commercial travelers in the country. lie has long owned a
nice home in Springfield.
Mr. O'Byrne was married, September 27, 1876, in this city, to Mar-
garet Hayes, a daughter of James Hayes, who owned a livery stable on
Boonville street, Springfield, for many years, or up to a few years of his
death. Mrs. O'Bvrne was horn in Mexico, Missouri, where she received a
good education.
To our subject and wife eleven children have been born, nine sons and
two daughters, namely: James Patrick died when twenty-six years of age;
Ann married I'M ward L. Maurice, who has long operated a confectionery
on South street, this city, and recently added a cafe; John, who lives in
Springfield, Missouri, is a widely known race horse man, having for years
participated in races in the United States and Canada; Margaret Ellen is
engaged in the coal business with her brother in Springfield ; Leo, who lives
in Texas, is a commercial traveler; Edward Emmett is engaged in the coal
business on Main street, this city; Joseph William is a member of the firm
of Walker-O'Byrne Electric Company on East Walnut street, Springfield;
Eugene is an attorney-at-law, with an office in this city ; Lawrence is a
salesman for the W'alker-O'Byrne Electric Company; Francis Xavier is em-
ployed in Mr. Maurice's cafe; Hugh Vincent lives in Lewistown, Montana.
Politicallv, Mr. O'Bvrne is a Democrat. He is the oldest Catholic
Il8o GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
resident in Springfield. He is a stanch friend of Father Lilly. Fraternally,
he belongs to the Knights of Columbus. He holds membership in the
Church of the Immaculate Conception. He is also a member of the Illinois
Commercial Travelers' Association. He recalls with much satisfaction his
meeting with Count John A. Creighton, of Omaha, Nebraska, on the last
birthday of that well-known gentleman. During his residence of nearly a
half century in Springfield our subject has seen many important changes
take place here and has always been interested in the city's general wel-
fare. Although his vocation has made it necessary for him to be absent
from the city a great deal during this long period, nevertheless he is well
known here and has a host of good friends.
MAX SCHARFF.
Among the enterprising citizens of Springfield who originally came
from the German Empire is Max Scharff, the major portion of whose active
career as a man of affairs has been spent in America, having for a number
of years been a resident on a plantation of the far South before casting his
lot with the people of the Queen City of the Ozarks.
Mr. Scharff was born in Esslingen, Rhinepfalz, Bavaria, September 9,
1854. There he grew to be seventeen years of age, and received his educa-
tion, emigrating to the United States shortly after the close of the Franco-
Prussian war, in 1871. lie was then seventeen years of age. He landed in
Vicksburg, Mississippi, subsequently locating in Louisiana on a sugar plan-
tation, where he resided until 1891, in which year he came to Springfield,
.Missouri, and engaged in business on South street for one year, then moved
to the northwest corner of Campbell and Walnut streets after the new build-
ing was completed here, in i8<)_> and this has been his location ever since.
Ills industry and good management has resulted in success. He owns a
modern and attractive home in this city.
Mr. Scharff was married September 6, 188 J, to Rosa Scharff. of
Natchez, Mississippi. She was a daughter of Daniel and Carolina (Wert-
heimer ) Scharff. Her father is a native of Germany. To our subject and
wife four children have been born, two sons and two daughters, namely:
Daniel is engaged in business with his father; Clarence is a traveling sales-
man with headquarters at Vicksburg, Mississippi; Clara is the wife of M,
A. Ullman, a member of the firm of the Ullman-Netter Dry Goods Com-
pany of Springfield: Fay is the wife of Marx Xetter, a member of the firm
of the Ullman-Netter Dry Goods Company.
The mother of the above named children died in Louisiana in October,
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. IlSl
1889, and Mr. Scharff was married in Cincinnati, Ohio, on September 1,
1895, to Carrie Hart, of that city. She is a daughter of Meyer Hart, a
native of Villmar, Nassau, Germany, on the river halm. There lie grew
to manhood and was educated. He came to America in 1896, and his death
occurred in Springfield, Missouri, in 1907.
Mr. Scharff is a member of the Masonic blue lodge, Acacia, No. 116, at
Plaquemine, Louisiana. He also belongs to the Royal Arcanum and to the
Knights of Pythias, also Florence lodge of the Benevolent and Protective
Order of Elks. Politically, he is a Democrat; however, he is somewhat of
an independent voter and does a great deal of "scratching" on his ballot,
his aim always being to support the best man for the place sought, and his
method is one to be commended to the voters of all parties. He is a mem-
ber of the Temple Israel of Springfield, being vice-president of the same,
and has been influential in the work here for years. He has led a quiet,
law-abiding life, never having served mi a jury, and has never been sued
or had to stand a law suit.
HENRY T. WATTS.
Restlessness causes many of us to leave our parental halls and seek our
fortunes in distant lands. Some people feel this wanderlust spirit so strongly
that they have no control over it. Offer to them whatever inducements you
please — wealth, honor, a pleasant home — they will not yield to them, but
rather struggle against the hardships which the building up of a new domicile
in a foreign land implies. It is exactly this hardship that attracts them.
They dislike nothing more than the monotony of a well-regulated life, and
consider themselves well repaid for their troubles by the charms which ever-
chaftiging enterprises offer them. Another cause for emigration is the attrac-
tion which another occupation holds out to the new-comer. It is the outcome
of the excellent and infallible law of supply and demand. These are doubt-
less some of the reasons that have brought millions of Europeans to America,
among them being the Watts family, of which Henry T. Watts, foreman of
the air room at the Frisco's North Side shops, Springfield, is a creditable
representative.
Mr. Watts was born in London. England. December 18. 1868. He is
a son of Robert Watts, a native of Summersetshire, his birth having occurred
near the town of Yoeville, England, and there he grew to manhood, was edu-
cated and married. He was there engaged in wool buying until he emigrated
with his family to the United States, in 1872. having first traveled through
Canada, and located in St. Louis, Missouri, where he took up the carpenter's
Il82 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
trade and worked as a journeyman. After remaining in St. Louis ten years
he removed to Springfield, in 1882, where he followed carpentering, con-
tracting and building for a number of years; also worked as coach carpenter
and bridge builder for the Frisco railroad for many years. His death oc-
curred at his home here in 1908 at the age of sixty-eight years, and he was
buried in Hazelwood cemetery. He was a member of St. John's Episcopal
church in England, but after coming to Springfield he united with the Baptist
church. His wife, who was known in her maidenhood as Emily Baker, was
born, reared and educated in the same locality in England of which he was a
native. She is residing in Springfield with her unmarried daughter at their
home on Sherman street, and she will be seventy-two years of age on July 4.
1915. To these parents the following children were born: Alice, Mollie,
Bessie, Henry T., Frederick, Minnie and Frances.
Henrv T. Watts was four years old when his parents brought him to
America, lie spent his boyhood in St. Louis and received a common school
education, which was very limited, for he went to work when only nine years
of age, and has supported himself since that time, his record being one of self-
reliance, grit and unswerving perseverance, and be is deserving of much
credit for what he has accomplished. When a boy he worked for the news-
paper known as the Springfield Southwest, the name of which was later
changed to the Southweslcr. He held the position of "printer's devil" for
three years, then worked as pressman for some time at the plant of the
Springfield Patriot, and later was pressman on the Springfield Republican.
As pressman he turned out the first daily paper in Springfield, in the building
opposite the Metropolitan lintel on College street. He remained in the em-
ploy nf the Republican five or si\ vears. From there he went to Johnstown,
Pennsylvania, in [886, and was there during the memorable flood, then went
to Pittsburgh, but later returned to Johnstown. He subsequently worked as
machinist at Rankin. Pennsylvania, with the Braddock Wire Company, and
learned his trade there. Returning to Springfield on a visit, he accepted a
position at his trade in the Frisco's North Side shops, first being under in-
structions, then worked during the year of [888 as regular machinist, and
continued as journeyman for sixteen or seventeen years, when he was trans-
ferred to the round-house as air-brake inspector in the North Side shops,
which position he held for four years, then was promoted to foreman of the
air room there, in July, mot), and is still holding this position, and discharg-
ing his duties in an able and acceptable manner. He has ten men under his
direction. They do repair work for the entire system.
Mr. Watts lives at 1^52 Clay street, where he bought a lot and had a
neat dwelling erected according to Ids own plans. He was married, in 1880,
to Minnie Sterling, a daughter of John and Mary (Shepard) Sterling. Her
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. I 1 83
father is a farmer near Crocker, Missouri. She grew up in this state and
received a common school education.
The union of our subject and wife has been without issue.
Politically, Mr. Watts is a Republican. He is prominent in fraternal
circles, being a member of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, the Royal
Arch, the Blue Lodge, the \\ hire Shrine and the Order of the Eastern Star;
also the Woodmen of the World, the Loyal Order of Moose and the Inter-
national Association of Machinists.
M \KIOX A. XELSOX.
We do not find many Greene count}- people who originally came from
Arkansas. The reason is perhaps that they have as good a country as ours
and find it to their advantage to stay at home. Arkansas is a great state
in e\perv respect, greater than most citizens in other states ever dream. This
is due partly to the fact that there has never been a "boom" there, the rail-
roads have not put forth much effort to advertise it, as they have had such
overrated states as Oklahoma, Florida and California, consequently the
general public does not really know of the vast resources and opportunities
to be found in the slate just to the south of us. Marion A. Nelson, en-
gaged in the life insurance business in Springfield, is one of the enterprising
young nun from that state who has cast his lot with the people of Greene
county.
Mr. Nelson was born at Wilmar, Drew count}-. Arkansas, November
20, 1875. lie is a S..11 ,if Thomas D. and Maggie X. (Alexander! Nelson.
The father was born in Tennessee, in which state he grew to manhood and
there enlisted in a regiment in the Confederate army during the Civil war,
serving with credit until the close of the conflict. After the war he came
to Arkansas and engaged in the lumber business until 1882, when he went
to Louisiana, where he has since made his home, and there he is still en-
gaged in business. His family consisted of nine children. The maternal
grandfather of our subject was a native of the state of Mississippi, and
during the Civil war he was a soldier in the Confederate army and was
killed in battle. His family consisted of three children, all now deceased.
His daughter, Maggie X. Alexander, mother of our subject, died April 25,
1 9 14, in Dubach, Louisiana.
Marion A. Nelson spent his childhood in Drew county, Arkansas, be-
ing seven years of age when he removed with his parents to northern Louis-
iana, where he grew to manhood and received his education in the public
I 184 • GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
schools there. After graduating from the high school in his community he
began his career by entering the lumber and mercantile business, continuing
these lines with ever-increasing success in northern Louisiana and southern
Arkansas until 1909. when he took a position with the Equitable Life As-
surance Society, in which his advancement has been rapid, and he now oc-
cupies the responsible position of agency manager for this district, with
headquarters at Springfield, and he is discharging his duties in an able and
faithful manner that is highly satisfactory to the company.
Air. Nelson was married on February 17, 1902, to Pearl Hale, at Junc-
tion City, Arkansas, and they resided at that place until 19 13, when they
removed to Springfield, Missouri, where they have since made their home.
They are the parents of four children, namely: Marion Hale, James Den-
ny, .Maurice Sanders and Rose Elizabeth.
Politically, Mr. Nelson is a Democrat. Fraternally, he belongs to
the Masonic order, including the Royal Arch degree. He has long been
quite active and influential in this order, and while in Arkansas was deputy
grand master. He has also been a member of the Knights of Pythias for
many years, and has been equally active and prominent in this order, hav-
ing passed all the chairs while living in Arkansas. He is a member of St.
Paul's Methodist Episcopal church. South, in Springfield. He and his wife
have made many warm friends since locating in this city.
FRANK A. FREY.
The chief characteristics of Frank A. Frey, prominent agriculturist and
stock man of Taylor township, Greene county, who also maintains a home
in Springfield, are keenness of perception, an unflagging energy, honesty of
purpose and motive and every-day common sense, which have enabled
him nol only to advance his own interests in a most gratifying manner,
but also to largely contribute to the moral and material interests of the
community. He worked his way from a modest beginning, having landed
from a foreign strand on our shores many years ago, "a youth to fortune
and to fame unknown." step l>v step to a position of no mean importance,
by his individual efforts, which have been practically unaided from hoy-
hood, which fact renders him the more worthy of the praise that is freely
accorded him by his fellow men. I lis life has been one of unceasing in-
dustry and perseverance, and the honorable and systematic methods he has
ever employed are commended to others, if they court the goddess Suc-
cess.
Mr. Frey was horn in Alsace, France, March 9, 1853. He is a son of
MRS. FRANK A. FREY.
FRANK A. FREY.
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. I 185
Francis Joseph and Christina (Herd) Frey, both natives of Alsace, for-
merly a part of France, now a province of Germany. There they grew up,
were educated and married, and spent their lives, and to them two sons
were born, Aloys Frey, now deceased, and Frank A. Frey, of this sketch.
Frank A. Frey sent his boyhood in his native land, and there received
his education. When eighteen years old he emigrated to the United States,
in 1871, landing in Xew York, where he remained only a month, then came
on west to St. Louis, where he spent one year, then spent two years in
Terre Haute, Indiana, where he was engaged in the butcher business, then
went to 1'aris, Illinois, where he worked for George Mullins in the meat
business for five years, then started in the same business for himself, and
continued to operate successfully a meat market there for nine years, when
he sold out and went to Grand Island, Nebraska, where he continued his
former vocation for two years, then sold out and came to Springfield, Mis-
souri and here established a meat business, which he carried on with his
usual success for seven years, then sold out and started in the live stock
business in connection with general farming in Taylor township, a lew-
miles from Springfield, where lie owns a valuable and productive farm of
two hundred and forty acres, which he has placed under modern improve-
ments and a high state of cultivation, and there carries on general agri-
cultural pursuits and stock raising on an extensive scale, and has become
one of the leading fanners of Greene county. He keeps large numbers of
various kinds of live stock of a good grade, and there is no better judge
of stock in the county than he. A substantial, convenient and attractive set
of buildings are to be seen on his farm, and everything about the place
denotes good management, thrift and good taste. Mr. Frey also owns a
fine new residence in Freemont street in Springfield, wdiere his family re-
sides, and from there he makes frequent trips to his rural home. His hold-
ings contain over thirtv-five acres inside the city limits, some of which is
platted and is very valuable.
Mr. Frey was married first, in 1 881, in Paris, Illinois, to Emma Ormis-
ton. whose death occurred twenty-two years later, on January 31, 1903. She
was a daughter of David and Harriet Ormiston, who lived in Paris, Illi-
nois, in which city Mrs. Frey grew to womanhood and was educated. To
this first union one son was born, Paul A. Frey, who is engaged in farm-
ing two miles south of Springfield. In 1909 our subject was married a
second time, his last wife being Mrs. Susie Smith, of Greene county, Mis-
souri, widow of Samuel Smith, and a daughter of John and Julia (Miller)
Harpster. She was born on April 29, 1856, and she received a common
school education in White county. Illinois; where she was born and reared.
This last union has been without issue.
(75)
u86
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
Mrs. Frey's first husband was S. R. Smith, an old railroad man. In late
life he was injured, losing his right arm, and with his wife, went to farming
in Taylor township, Greene county, and from a small beginning he and his
wife accumulated two hundred and eighty acres. Mr. Smith died in 1904.,
leaving his widow with two hundred and eighty acres of land in Greene
county and a heavy mortgage to pay. It is greatly to her credit as a man-
ager, as well as to Greene county's wonderful resources, to state that in
one year Mrs. Smith had paid up the mortgage, cleared her property and
had an abundance of stock and property free of debt.
Politically. Mr. Frey has been a Democrat since old enough to exer-
RESIDBNCB OF FRANK A. FREY.
rise the righl of suffrage, However, he has never cared for public office,
having no time to take from his private business affairs. Fraternally, lie is
a member of the Masonic order. Air. Frey, in [882, and again in 1886,
crossed the Atlantic to visit his native land.
Mr. Frey's grandfather served in the French wars under Napoleon for a
period of fourteen years and attained the rank of second lieutenant, and took
part in the great battle of Waterloo, seeing the fall of the mighty Corsican.
( hir subject is the possessor of a number of interesting relics and heir-
looms, including a number Of grim reminders of the terrible wars of his
native country a century or more ago. Among these is a sword carried
by his grandfather, who was with Napoleon during the last years of the
emperor's career in France.
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. I187
ROBERT A. BOWLAND.
Robert A. Bowland has established a reputation for honesty and in-
tegrity which is attested by the high estimation in which he is held by his
fellow citizens, being a citizen and neighbor highly honored in his locality,
and in his sphere of life, nobly and faithfully, has he performed every duty
that presented itself. Formerly he was one of our efficient school teachers,
and later served Greene county many years as treasurer, and thus is well
known over the city and county. He is a man of positive temperament,
firm in his convictions, forcible and fearless in his adhesion to principles,
and is regarded by all who know him as an honorable man and obliging gen-
tleman.
Mr. Bowland was born in Morrow county, Ohio. He is a son of Boyd
M. and Mary Elizabeth (Colmery) Bowland, both natives of Pennsylvania,
from which state they moved to Ohio when young and were married in the
latter state, and were educated in the public schools. The mother of our
subject taught school for some time prior to her marriage. Boyd M. Bow-
land devoted his life to agricultural pursuits. He moved his family from
Ohio to Greene county, Missouri, when his son, Robert A., of this sketch,
was a small child. Politically, the elder Bowland was a Republican. Dur-
ing the Civil war he was a soldier in the Union army, and after the war
he served for some time as postmaster at Iberia, Morrow county, Ohio.
Eleven children were born to Boyd M. and Elizabeth Bowland, eight
of whom are living at this writing. They were named as follows: Charles
C. and Harry C. are the two eldest; Boyd M., Jr., is deceased; Robert A.,
of this sketch; William B. is deceased; David M., Cora E., Edward B.,
Leroy R. and Calvin are all living; and Samuel M., the youngest, is de-
ceased.
Robert A. Bowland grew to manhood on the home farm and there as-
sisted with the work when a boy. He received a good education in the
public schools and the normal school in Springfield. He began life for him-
self by engaging in farming for a few years, then taught school a number
of years with much success, and later was a deputy assessor, and served as
such in the Greene county court house for three years under W. A. Smith.
During that time he mastered thoroughly the ins and outs of the office, and
in 1904 made the race for county treasurer and was elected by a large ma-
jority. His record as a public official in this connection was so highly com-
mendable and he proved to be such a careful, honest and obliging public
servant, that he was re-elected and held the office eight years, to the satis-
faction of all concerned. Mr. Bowland owns a good home in Springfield,
which is tastily kept by a lady of refinement, known in her maidenhood as
Emma V. Kerr, whom Mr. Bowland married in 1895. She is a native of
Il88 GRF.EXE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
Kansas, and when she was but a child she came with her parents to Greene
county, Missouri, locating on a farm near Republic, where she completed
her education in the Republic high school. To this union one child was
born, Robert Paul, born at Republic, Missouri, August 19, 1900, and is at
home attending public school. Her parents were born in Indiana and went to
the Sunflower state many years ago, but remained only a few years.
Politically, Mr. Bowland is a Republican. He and his family are
members of the First Baptist church, in which he is a deacon and an active
worker. Fraternally, our subject belongs to the Independent Order of Odd
Fellows and the Modern Woodmen. Mrs. Bowland is a charter member
of the Wild Rose camp. Royal Neighbors, of Republic.
OWFX M. EVANS.
There are not many Vermonters in Greene county, notwithstanding the
fact that this New England state is one of the oldest in the American Union,
and has been sending her population westward for over a century to_ help
build up and develop the newer sections of our country. The}- have the record
of being good citizens wherever they have located, being industrious, intelli-
gent and law-abiding, for the must part. Owen M. Evans, chief engineer at
the Springfield Wagon Works, and one of Greene county's honored citizens.
is such a man.
Mr. Evans was born in Castleton, Rutland county, Vermont, December
27, 1862. He is a son of Moses Evans, a native of Wales, the little rugged
country where all the numerous family of Evanses originated. There he
grew to manhood and from there emigrated to the United States in the fifties,
locating at once in the Famous Vermont quarry district. He engaged in pros-
pecting and got out roofing slate for himself, owning and operating slate quar-
ries at Castleton. ilis death occurred in [897, at the age of sixty-five years,
and he was buried at Fair Haven, Vermont. Before leaving Wales he joined
the Independent Order of odd Fellows. He was a member of the Presby-
terian church, and was for many years active in church work. Politically, he
was a Republican. Ilis wife, who was known in her maidenhood as Jane
Williams, was also a native of Wales, where she spent her early childh 1.
emigrating to America when thirteen years of age, and lived with her brother
in Vermont until her marriage. Her mother died some time before she left
her native land. She was a daughter of < )wen Williams and wife. She died
in [910 at the age of seventy-two years and is buried at Fair Haven, Ver-
mont. To Moses and Jane Evans thirteen children were born, named as Fol-
low: Annie married William Peck, a carpenter and contractor at Stamford.
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. II89
Connecticut, where they still reside; Owen M., of this sketch; John is en-
gaged in farming in Pennsylvania; Laura married William Owens and they
live in New York City; jane, widow of John Tackebury, lives in New Ro-
chelle, New York; William is engaged in the grocery business in New York
City; Moses is engaged in the bakery and confectionery business in West
End. Xew Jersey; Elizabeth has remained single and is engaged as book-
keeper for the Bell Telephone Company at New Rochelle, New York; Mar-
garet, widow of Llew Perrv, lives in Xew York City; Katie, who lives in
Florida, is a twin sister of Nellie, who married Harry Owens, a slate operate
at Poultnev, Vermont ; Winifred is unmarried and makes her home at Xew
Rochelle, Xew York.
The paternal grandfather of the above named children, whose name was
Owen Evans, was a native of Wales, where he spent his entire life; he was
a slate operator, and this business has been the principal vocation of many of
his descendants.
Owen M. Evans, of this sketch, grew to manhood in his native state,
and there attended the common schools, and when twelve years of age he
went to work cutting stone, continuing for three years, then worked as a
farm hand in that community for three years, after which we find him oper-
ating pumps and engines at the slate quarries at Castleton. subsequently
working as engineer for the Castleton Milling Company, holding this posi-
tion one vear. Leaving Vermont when twenty -eight years of age, in 1890,
he came to Springfield. Missouri, and soon thereafter secured employment
with the Dunlap Construction Company, later worked for the Metropolitan
Street Railway Company, then was trimmer and lineman for the Springfield
Lighting Company. In March, 1893, be was employed by the Metropolitan
Electric Railway as chief electrician at the power house, and he held this
position until the spring of [900, when he went with the Springfield Brewing
Company as chief engineer, leaving there in July, 1901, and began working
as night engineer for the Springfield Ice and Refrigerator Company. In
November of that year he went with the Springfield Wagon Company as
chief engineer, which position he has continued to fill to the present time,
giving his usual satisfactory and faithful service. When he began with the
last-named firm, steam was used throughout the plant, but Mr. Evans de-
voted his spare time for years to the study of electricity and has become
a capable and thorough electrician, and, at his solicitation, the company in-
stalled an electric power plant in 1914. In January, 1913, Mr. Evans was
promoted to the position of assistant superintendent, the duties of which he
ably discharged for a period of two years, but finding the work too engross-
ing, he resigned, preferring the position of chief engineer. He has been in
the employ of the Springfield Wagon Works thirteen years.
Mr. Evans was first married in [886, to Annie Fox, a daughter of Henry
I IC)0 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
and Margaret Fox. Her death occurred in 1909, at the age of forty-six
years. This union was without issue. In 191 1 Mr. Evans married Millie
Grantham, widow of Howard M. Grantham. This union has also been
without issue.
Mr. Evans is a member of the National Association of Steam Engineers,
in which he has long been active and influential; in fact, he has the honor of
being known as the founder of this new important and widely known asso-
ciation, of which he has for some time been president. He belongs to the
Masonic order, including the Knights Templars. He is also a member of the
Knights of Pythias, the Modern Woodmen of America, the Woodmen of
the World, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the Knights of
Pythias Sisters, the Order of the Eastern Star and the Royal Neighbors. He
is a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian church, and politically is a Re-
publican. He is chairman of the board of stationary engineer examiners.
He was twice elected city councilman from the Sixth ward and served two
terms of four years in this capacity. He is known as the father of the Con-
crete Paving Company, of Springfield. He is devoted to the work of citv
progress, and he was one of the prime factors in starting the movement that
led to the paving of our streets. He has always been conservative in the
expenditure of the city's money; in fact, has done much for the general and
permanent good of Springfield in many ways, and in all the positions of
trust which he has occupied he has proven himself to be most capable, ener-
getic, honest and trustworthy, meriting" the esteem in which be is universally
held, and he ranks with the most representative and useful of our citizens.
OMER E. RISSI R.
Among the well known and popular railroad men of Springfield is
Omer E. Risser, passenger conductor, who has been connected with the
Frisco for over a quarter of a century, and his long retention by the sys-
tem would indicate that he is a man of ability and worthy of the trust re-
posed in him. He is of German descent on his father's side and has in-
herited many of the commendable qualities of those people, and his suc-
cess in life has been due entirely to his own efforts.
Mr. Risser was born in Mt. Pleasant, [owa, July 26, 1864. He is a
son of Daniel and Martha (Tbwnsend) Risser. The father was born in
Germany in [830, and there he grew to manhood and had the advantages
of a good education, and he served three years in the army, as is the cus-
tom in that country of every able bodied man when he becomes of certain
age. He was a shoemaker by trade, which he followed for a livelihood.
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. II9I
and became quite an expert workman. He emigrated to the United States
when a young man and spent several years in Indiana, where he was mar-
ried; later lived in Iowa during a protracted period, but finally removed
to Springfield, Missouri, where his death occurred in 1898. The mother of
the subject of this sketch was born in 1832, in New England, of Quaker
parents, and was reared in their faith. She is now living on East Walnut
street, Springfield, Missouri. To Daniel Risser and wife eleven children
were born, five of whom are living at this writing, namely: Mrs. J. E. Han-
sell, of Springfield (a complete sketch of Mr. Hansell and family appears
on another page of this work) ; Dr. C. H. Risser lives in North Manches-
ter, Indiana; Omer E. Risser, of this sketch; Mamie Risser is living with
her mother in Springfield; Airs. A. T. Moore, who lives on West Walnut
street, Springfield.
Omer E. Risser received his education in the public and high schools
of Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, and when but a boy he took up railroading as a
career, first working, however, for the American Express Company, in the
office at Mt. Pleasant, Iowa. In 1883 he went to work for the Chicago,
Burlington & Ouincy Railroad Company, with which he remained until
1886, in January of which year he came to Springfield, Missouri, and went
to work for the Frisco system as brakeman, his run being between Spring-
field and Newburg, Missouri. In 1888 Superintendent W. A. Thomas re-
quested our subject to go to the southwestern division, at Talihina, Indian
Territory (now Oklahoma), and after working there a short time he was
promoted to freight conductor. Mr. Risser worked between Talihina and
Paris, Texas, until 1893; then returned to Springfield and went to work
on the Kansas City, Ft. Scott & Memphis railroad as brakeman behind
twenty-six extra conductors. In 1897 ne was promoted to the regular crew
again as conductor of a freight, and in 1903 he was promoted to extra pas-
senger conductor, and for many years his run has been between Spring-
field and Thayer, this state. He has been very successful as a conductor
and is one of the best known and most popular men of his division.
Mr. Risser was married June 19, 1889, in Springfield, to Rose Con-
lin, who was born in St. Louis, December 11, 1864. She is a daughter of
Thomas and Ann (Mooney) Conlin, both born in Ireland, from which
country they came to America in early life and were married in Auburn,
New York.
Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Risser, namely:
Ralph D., born March 2$, 1892, is at present employed in the city engineer's
-office, Springfield: Kathrvn. born January 8, 1896, and Marjorie. born De-
cember 28, 1899.
Politically, Mr. Risser is a Democrat. Tn i8go he joined Division 30,
Order of Railroad Conductors, and when on the old Gulf road was trans-
IIQ2 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
f erred to Division 321. He joined the Masonic order in 1907. is a Knight
Templar and became a member of the Ancient Arabic Order of Nobles
of the Mystic Shrine in 1908. In 1910 he was elected councilman from the
fifth ward and served two years with much credit. Since 1907 he has been
secretary of the local Order of Railway Conductors, and was a delegate
to the annual meetings of the order at Jacksonville. Boston and Detroit.
He has long been an active and influential worker in the same.
OBADIAH CLARK MITCHELL.
Few can draw rules for their guidance from the pages of Plutarch, but
all are benefited, one way and another, by the delineation of those traits of
character which find scope in the common walks of the world. The unos-
tentatious routine of private life, although in the aggregate more important
to the welfare of the community, than any meteoric public career, can not,
from its very nature, figure in the public annals, though each locality's his-
tory should contain the names of those individuals who contribute to the
success of the material, civic and mural welfare of the community and to
its public stability; men who lead wholesome and exemplary lives which
might be profitably studied by the oncoming generation. In such a class
must consistently appear the name of Obadiah (lark .Mitchell, the present
efficient and popular postmaster of Springfield, Missouri, a man who has
led a plain, industrious life, a large part of which has been in government
service, and suffice it to say that his record is without blemish, fur he has
always endeavored to do his duty faithfully, deal honestly with everyone
and contribute somewhat to the general public good in an unobtrusive man-
ner. He is one of the best examples in Greene county of the successful
self-made man, and is deserving of a great deal of credit fur what he has
accomplished in the face of obstacles, having climbed, step by step, from
an environment nunc too promising in his youth to a position of promin-
ence in the affairs of the capital city uf the Ozarks. llis example might be
studied with profit by the youth, discouraged and hesitating at the parting
of the ways.
Mr. Mitchell was born in Dallas county. Missouri, October 20, 1858.
He is a son of Greenberry Mitchell and Sarah (Williams) Mitchell, both
natives of the slate of Tennessee, the father born in [819 and the mother
in 1822. They each represented line old families of that state. There they
grew to maturity, received such educational advantages as^the early days
afforded and there they were married. At the age of twentv-three vears
Greenberry Mitchell began the ministry of the Missionary Baptist church.
O. C. MITCHELL.
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. I 1 93
About the year 1850 he moved to Missouri as a missionary of his church,
and was one of the pioneer ministers of this section of the state. He was a.
man of sterling character, a powerful preacher of the old school and he
did an excellent work among the frontier settlers here, some of the older
citizens yet remember him and revere his memory tor his kind, helpful and
unselfish life. He was called to his reward in the Silent land in [S'88. His
wife died in Greene count)- in 1882. They are both buried at the Union
Grove cemetery, near Fair Grove, Missouri.
To Rev. Greenberry Mitchell and wife nine children were born, six
suns and three daughters, two ot the sons and one of the daughters being
now deceased. Those living are. Samantha is the wife of H. A. Highrield,
and they live at Highrield. Arkansas; David 11. lives at Marshfield, Mis-
souri; Rebecca A. is the widow of George W. Cooksey, of Strafford, Mis-
souri; Robert G. lives in Cassville, Missouri; Allen J. makes his home at
Pladd, this state; and Obadiah (A, of this review.
The subject of this sketch received a common school education and
spent one year in Morris\ ille College, in Polk county, Missouri, after which
he engaged in farming until March 0. 1887. when he came to Springfield
and secured employment with the Frisci railroad with which he remained
two years, then secured a position on the police force under Mayor Walker,
which he held for two years, discharging his duties most faithfully, then
engaged in the grocery business for a year. In [893 he was appointed mail
carrier, in which capacity he served in a highly satisfactory manner to all
concerned until in February, 1914. when he was appointed postmaster at
Springfield, and he is proving to be a most faithful, conscientious and calla-
ble public servant, giving eminent satisfaction to both the department and
the people. He has served the government faithfully for a period of twen-
ty-one years.
Mr. Mitchell was married October _', 1878, to Elizabeth Donnell, who
was born in Greene county, Missouri, March 26. 1858. She was reared
to womanhood and educated in the public schools of her native community,
and she has proven to be a most faithful helpmate. To Mr. and Mrs.
Mitchell one child has been born, John E. Mitchell, who is employed in the
Frisco shops at Springfield.
Politically, Mr. Mitchell is a Democrat and has been a worker in the
party since attaining his majority. He has been a member of the Baptist
church since 1877. He is a member of the Ozark Mountain Branch, No.
203, National Association of Letter Carriers. He has been president of the
same for ten years, and has lieen a delegate to the state and national con-
ventions af the .order. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias, the RoyaL
Arcanum and the Woodmen of the World.
1194 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
IRVIN H. CAMPBELL.
The old Keystone state has furnished many of her good citizens to
the newer western states who have been of inestimable value in develop-
ing them, for it seems that they have ever been people noted for their en-
terprise and courage. Although poor when they came into the wilder west,
many of them, a few years finds them in possession of good homes, for
they work with a will, are not thwarted by obstacles and make good citi-
zens in general. One of this number was the late Irvin H. Campbell, for
many years a successful agriculturist, later devoting his time to railroad-
ing, and was one of the trusted employees of the Frisco Svstem for a num-
ber of years.
Mr. Campbell was born in Huntington, Pennsylvania, January 8, 1848.
He is a son of Armstrong Campbell and wife, both natives of the state of
Pennsylvania, where they grew up, were educated in the early-day schools
and married, later removing to Ohio, and from that state moved finallv to
Illinois, the mother, however, dying while the family lived in Ohio. Arm-
strong Campbell devoted his life to general farming. His death occurred
in 1893. Hc was twice married, the only child by his first wife being Irvin
H., the subject of this memoir. Four children were born to his second
marriage.
Irvin H. Campbell grew to manh 1 on the home farm and he as-
sisted his father with the general work on the same during the crop season,
and during the winter attended the district schools in Ohio. However, he
had little opportunity to receive an extensive education in his boyhood, but
he developed himself ami always depended upon his individual resources.
Mr. Campbell was a soldier in the days immediately following the
Civil war. having enlisted, in May, [865, in Company 1. One Hundred and
Thirty-second Regiment, < >lii< > National Guard. This was during the re-
construction period and his service was aboul the same as if he had enlisted
during the regular period of the Civil war. in which he would gladly have
served had he been old enough. He saw some service, however, and was
in one skirmish. He was honorably discharged, and not long thereafter
came west to Bureau county, Illinois, where his father had previously lo-
cated, and there he took up farming, which he followed until March 8,
1881, when he came to Springfield, Missouri, where he first secured employ-
ment in the Queen City Mills, with which he remained some time, then went
to work for tin- Frisco railroad, remaining with this company until about
a year prior to his death, when he retired from active life, after a faithful
and successful career as railroader.
Mr. Campbell was married June 5. [869, in Illinois, to Anna S. Ott.
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. I I95
who was born in Maryland, April 21, 1853. She is a daughter of Jacob
D. and Margaret Ann (Houck) Ott, both natives of Maryland and repre-
sentatives of old Southern families. Mr. Ott was a tanner by trade. When
the wife of our subject was five years old the Ott family moved to Illinois,
and later came to Missouri, where the death of the father occurred in 1904.
The mother is still living, making her home in Springfield. Mrs. Camp-
bell is the oldest of ten children, all living. She received a good education
in the common schools in Illinois.
Four children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Campbell, namely: Eva M,
born October 30, 1870, makes her home in Springfield; Blanche E., born
April 30, 1872, married J. E. Ledman, and they have one child, Margaret
Ann, born March 17, 1913; Lillian B., born August 30, 1874, has remained
unmarried; William E., born October 8, 1885, died in infancy.
Politically, Mr. Campbell was a Republican in his earlier years, but
later was a Socialist. He was a Christian Scientist in his religious beliefs,
and he was formerly a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, but in
later years dropped his membership in the same. He was a man of fine
character and had a large number of friends here.
WILLIAM C. BILLASCH.
Parents should carefully consider the inclinations of their children.
The great mistakes of life are owing in a large measure to the fact that
young people adopt professions or enter businesses for which they have no
natural ability. It is easy to see that if young men could start out in early
life in the pursuit for which nature has best adapted them, and if they
should persist in that line industriously and energetically, success would be
assured in every instance, no matter if they were not possessed with bril-
liancy or unusual ability ; persistence in this one line will bring success.
William C. Billasch, foreman painter of the Springfield Wagon Works, has
followed his profession from boyhood, having been fortunate in selecting
the vocation for which he seems to have been well qualified by nature.
Mr. Billasch was born in Dubuque, Iowa, June 18, 1856. He is a
son of George F. Billasch, whose death occurred in Dubuque in 1910 at
the age of eighty-three years. He had been inspector in a leather factory
there and previously held a similar position in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
He was a native of German}-, from which country he came to America when
young and settled in Philadelphia, where he became superintendent of a
large tannery. He came west at the age of twenty-nine years, establish-
ing his future home in Dubuque, Iowa. After working there and at Sioux
[IQ6 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
City for some time as leather inspector in factories, he worked as round-
house foreman for the Illinois Central Railroad Company for a period of
fort}- years, retiring five years prior to his death. While living in Phila-
delphia he also engaged in the cooperage business for six or seven years.
Politically, he was a Republican. He was a life member of the Independent
Order of Odd Fellows, by which ludge he was buried. He belonged to the
Lutheran church. His wife, who was Henrietta Louise Reinicka before her
marriage, was a native of Germany, from which country she emigrated to
the United States when a girl, locating in Philadelphia, and there she and
.Mr. Billasch were married. Her death occurred also in the year 1910, at
the age of eighty-one years. These parents were an excellent old couple,
industrious and honest. They were the parents of seven children, namely:
William C, subject of this sketch; Theodore died when fourteen years of
age; George is engaged in mercantile pursuits in Dubuque, Iowa: Edward
1- superintendent of a hardware factor}' in Chicago; Albert lives in Indian-
apolis, Indiana, where he is in the employ of the Indianapolis Railway and
Construction Company; Henry Louis is deceased: he and Henrietta Louise
were twins: -he is the wife of August Northdorf, who is employed as fore-
man for the Brunswick-Balke-Collender Company, of Chicago.
William C. Billasch received a common school education and took a
course in a business college in Chicago. He studied two years at a night
school. When thirteen years of aye he went to work in the A. A. Cooper
Wagon Works at Dubuque, Iowa; then worked three years in Chicago in
the Schuttler Wagon Works, two and one-half years of which were spent
in the painting department, and then was foreman 111 the plant of the Wreb-
ber Wagon Compan) in Chicago tor a period of seventeen years, in the
painting department, and in that city he also worked a year in the Staver
Manufacturing Company. From there he came to Springfield, Missouri,
in the fall of 1895, a,1(' took a position as foreman painter in the plant of
lie Springfield Wagon Works, assuming charge of that department, which
position he has held continuously for a period of twenty years, which fact
would indicate that he has been not only an expert in his line hut faithful
iinl reliable all the while.
Mr. Billasch was married August 30, 1879, to Catherine Wyant, a
daughter of Peter and Christina ( Eckert ) Wyant. To our subject and
wife six children have been born, one of whom is deceased. The}' were
named as follows: Christina, deceased: Henrietta is the wife of A. A.
Scott, a traveling salesman, and they live in Kansas City, Kansas; Louise
is the wife of William Powell, who is engaged in the grocery and meat busi-
ness in Kansas City, Kansas: George is record clerk for the telephone com-
pany at Springfield; Fred is clerking in Repp's dry goods store, Spring-
field; Gertrude, who has remained unmarried, lives at home and is em-
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. IJ97
ployed as stenographer at the office of the Hall Drug Company, Spring-
Held.
Politically, Mr. Billasch is a Democrat and he has been more or less
influential in local public affairs since coming to this city, and for two
terms he served as a member of the city council from the fourth ward, un-
der both Mayor Blain and Mayor Lee. His record as councilman was emi-
nently creditable and satisfactory. Fraternally, he belongs to the Loyal Or-
der of Moose and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, his membership
in the latter being in Chicago. He is a member of the Reformed Lutheran
church.
HENRY M. HECK ART.
For a period of thirty-four years the name of Henry M. I leckart was
a synonym in Springfield ami this section of Missouri for high-class jew-
elry, for be maintained an extensive jewelry store here during that period,
and was known as one of our leading business men and a friend to the
Queen City on every occasion, and his influence for promoting the devel-
opment of the city along material ami civic lines was most potent, yet this
was done in his usual quiet, unobtrusive manner, for he was not a man who
sought the limelight of publicity, merely endeavoring to lead a useful life
as a citizen and win success along legitimate lino, and although he was
compelled to relv upon himself entirely from boyhood, he exercised such
discretion and perseverance as to bring to him a large measure of prosperity,
and he will Jong be missed from the commercial circles of the city and
county.
Mr. Heckart was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, February 28, 1855.
He was a son of John and Nancy (Pool) Heckart, both natives of Penn-
sylvania, of Dutch ancestry, both being old families of the Keystone state.
The father of our subject devoted his active life to the lumber business. He
and his wife grew to maturity in their native state, wdiere they received
such educational advantages as the early-day schools afforded, and there
they were married, but the latter part of their lives was spent in Missouri,
where they died. To these parents eight children were born, five of whom
are living at this writing.
Henry M. Heckart grew to manhood in his native city and there re-
ceived a limited education in the public schools. This lack of early train-
ing, however, was subsequently made up by contact with the business world
and by wide home reading. When lint a boy he decided upon the jewelry
business as a life work, and began in this line in a modest way in Marsh-
field, Webster count)', Missouri, and there got a good start. Seeking a
I I98 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
larger field, he came to Springfield in 1878 and established a jewelry store,,
which gradually grew in volume of business with advancing years until it
became one of the most extensive and best known in southwestern Mis-
souri. He remained on the public square all the while, and at the time of
his death his was the oldest business of its kind in Greene county. He car-
ried an extensive, carefully selected and up-to-date stock of everything
found in the large jewelry stores in the important cities of the country. He
also maintained a repair department in which only artisans of the highest
skill were employed.
Mr. Heckart was married, December 26, 1878, to Belle Jarrett, who>
was born in Sedalia, Missouri. She is a daughter of Edward and Rebecca
(Jones) Jarrett, both parents natives of Huntsville, Alabama.
To Mr. and Mrs. Heckart two children were born, namely Bessie,
born January 8, 1880, died November 27, 1891, and Harry E., born May
29, 1884, married Maurine McClintock. and they make their home in Los
Angeles, California, where he is engaged in business.
Henry M. Heckart was a home man and a business man, and there-
fore cared little for political life. He was a member of Grace Methodist
Episcopal church, in which he was an active worker and for a number of
years was a member of the board of trustees. He was a man of honest
principles and good habits and was respected by all who knew him during
the more than three decades that he lived in Springfield and conducted his
jewelry store. His death occurred November 17, 1912.
GEORGE F. WINTERS.
It is the men of bread and comprehensive views who give life, to com-
munities— men who have foresight and energy, pluck and energy to for-
ward whatever enterprises they are interested in and who still retain an
untarnished reputation through it all. Such a man is George F. Winters,
superintendent of the Springfield Wagon Works. He is deserving of a
great ileal of credit for what he has accomplished, for he has mounted the
ladder of success without the aid of any one and by honest efforts, having
from the beginning of his career s, mght to do well whatever be undertook.
Mr. Winters was born September 13, 1873, at Cincinnati, Arkansas,
lie is a son of Charles Winters, who was born in Dayton, Ohio, and who
is now living in retirement in Springfield, after working for the Spring-
field Wagon Works about twenty-four years. He came to this city in
[883, having previously been employed by the James Oats Wagon Works
at Cincinnati, Arkansas, making wagon gears under contract. He learned
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. I 1 99
the wood worker's trade when a young man and became quite expert in
the same. On March 9, 191 5, he reached the age of eighty years. He is a
self-made man, has always been a great reader, and when nineteen years
old taught school for some time in Chicago. For a period of nine years
he was in the employ of the government, making wagons, and worked at
this during the Civil war in Springfield. However, he spent three years
of the war period as a private in an Iowa volunteer infantry regiment. Po-
litically, he is now a Democrat, but in his earlier life was a Republican. He
belongs to the Grand Army of the Republic, and is a member of the Pres-
byterian church. His wife was known in her maidenhood as Lucy Moller,
a daughter of William Moller, of Springfield. To Charles Winter and
wife eight children were born, namely: Delia is the wife of F. L. McClel-
lan, who is in the postoffice service in Omaha, Nebraska; William is en-
gaged in the poultry business at Houston, Texas; Charles, Jr., is connected
with the wagon works at Fort Smith, Arkansas; George F., of this sketch;
Samuel died in infancy; Hazel died in infancy; Winnie is the widow7 of
Lawrence Denman, deceased; Bert is engaged in the poultry business in
Springfield.
George F. Winters grew to manhood in Arkansas and received his
education in the schools of Fayetteville. He left school when seventeen
years of age and went to work in a grocery store, then sold hay for six
months, after which he came to Springfield on October 23, 1890, and soon
thereafter found employment at the Springfield Wagon Works, laboring in
the yards for sixty cents a day, then worked in the wood shop there until
1900, at bench work, and ran a wood shaper. He was then promoted to
foreman of the mill room or the wood shop, which position he held until
1914, when he was promoted to the responsible position he now holds, that
of superintendent of the entire plant, the duties of which he is discharging
in a manner that reflects much credit upon his ability and fidelity and to the
entire satisfaction of all concerned. He has on an average one hundred and
twenty men under his direction, and he knows how to handle them so as to
get the best results and at the same time keep on the best of terms with
them. He understands thoroughly every phase of the business and is a
conscientious, industrious workman, who has been the recipient of the high-
est trust from the head officials of the plant from the first. He has been
employed continuously in this widely known plant for nearly twenty-five
years.
Mr. Winters was married in 1900 to Letha Van Hoosen, a daughter of
Alex Van Hoosen, a traveling salesman, who was born in North Carolina.
The union of our subject and wife has been without issue.
Politically, Mr. Winters is a Democrat. He carries large life insur-
ance. He belongs to the Presbyterian church.
1200 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
FRANK BOYDEX WILLIAMS.
Une ui the must successful and Dest known members of the Greene
county uar is I1 rank ttoyden Williams, whose name tor years has figured
prominently in important cases in local courts..
mr, wniianis was born at .Golden City, Barton county, .Missouri,
Aovemuer 23, 1609. fie is a son of i*rank and Maria B. ^lviorganj Vvm-
lams, natives of .Memphis, Tennessee, and Burksville, Kentucky, respec-
tively. They grew to maturity in the South and were educated and married
there, and made their home in Kentucky until soon after the close of the Civil
war, when they removed from the Blue Grass state to Cedar county,
Missouri. The father of our subject devoted his life to farming and stock
raising. He removed from Cedar to Barton county and owned a good
farm near Golden City. During the war between the states he was a lieu-
tenant in Company T, Second Mississippi Cavalry, Confederate Army,
under Gen. Nathan B. Forrest, one of the greatest military geniuses the
war produced on either side, and Mr. Williams proved to be a faithful
and gallant officer under this great chieftain until he was mustered out
1 )ecember 2, 1862.
Frank B. Williams received his education at Sparta, Wisconsin, and
Watertown, South Dakota, attending the common schools there, later was
a student at Yankton College, Yankton, South Dakota, then entered the
law department of Washington University, St. Louis, .Missouri, where he
made a good record and from which institution he was graduated, June
20, 1895. lie was admitted to the bar at Searcy, |#kansas, soon after his
graduation, and in 1896 he located for the practice of his profession at
Springfield, Missouri, enrolling as an attorney-at-law, Greene county bar.
March 9th of that year, and here he has remained to the present time, en-
joying a good practice. He was elected a member of the Springfield city
council in April. [898, and was re-elected in [900, and during that period
he looked well to the interests of the city in every way. He was elected
probate judge of Greene county, in November, i</>_\ and served one term
of four years, after which he re-entered practice of the law, January 1, 1007,
and in December, mu, he formed a partnership for the practice of his
profession with Matthew 11. Gait, under the firm name of Williams &
Gait, which still continues, with offices in the Woodruff buildine.
a
On June 27, 11)05. he united in marriage with Harriett E. Kellond,
daughter of William A. and Fanny J. Kellond, a highly respected family
ot Springfield, and to tin's union three children have been born, namely:
Frances Kellond Williams. Harriett Morgan Williams, and (Catherine Sel-
fridge Williams.
JUDGE FRANK I!. WILLIAMS.
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. 1201
Politically, Judge Williams is a Democrat and is active in the affairs
of the party. Fraternally, he belongs to the united lodge of Ancient Free
and Accepted Masons, the Modern Woodmen of America, the Woodmen
of the World, also belongs to the University Club, the Springfield Club,
and the ( Country Club.
FRANK W'VGAL.
In most cases when a young man or a young woman starts out in life,
they are at a loss to know what to undertake, and the consideration of what
they are best intended for by nature is the last thing which they consider.
They are apt to be guided by circumstances, choosing the undertaking or
enterprise that offers itself must conveniently, or are governed by considera-
tions of gentility, selecting something that is genteel, or so considered, or
taking- up enterprises or professions that seem to offer the greatest reward
for the least effort, or that give the most promise of social position. Frank
Wygal, foreman blacksmith at the Springfield Wagon Works, selected a
trade for which he was well qualified by nature, one that he liked, and, not
being afraid of hard work, he has made a success at it.
Mr. Wygal was born on March 17, 1854. at Newcastle, Pennsylvania,
tic is a son of Daniel Wygal, who was born in western Pennsylvania, where he
grew up, attended school, and learned the wagonmaker's trade, and finally
went into business for himself at Newcastle, then came west, and continued
his business in Eldora, Iowa, later moved to Cass. Missouri, then to Paola,
Kansas, being in business for himself all the while, and under the firm name
of Wygal & Sons he operated a large concern at Paola, his sons, Frank and
Sylvester, being associated with him. His death occurred in Kansas at the
age of seventy-six years, having remained active in business to the end. He
was active in Republican politics, and he was a member of the Presbyterian
church. His wife, who was known in her maidenhood as Mary Cubberson.
died at the age of seventy-four years. To these parents ten children were
born.
Frank Wygal received a common school education. He spent his early
boyhood in Pennsylvania, being eleven years of age, when, in 1865, about
the close of the Civil war, his parents took him to Iowa. He went to work
when eighteen years of age with B. Miller, manufacturer of wagons and
buggies, with whom he remained three years, learning the trade, at which
he became an expert in due time. He was then for a period of eight years
associated with his brother and J . W. Miller in the same line of endeavor. He
came to Springfield in 1884 and on August 1st of that year began working
0°)
[202 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
for the Springfield Wagon Works, as foreman of the blacksmith department,
which position he has held continuously to the present time, a period of over
thirty years, which fact is certainly a criterion of his fidelity, ability and good
habits. He mastered all phases of the work in his department before coming
here, and he has been quick to adopt new methods from time to time, thus
keeping fully up-to-date, and he has done much to establish the sound repu-
tation of this firm over the southwest. At present he has thirty hands under
his direction. He resides in his own cozy home on Poplar street, which was
built according to his own plans.
Mr. W'vgal was married in [882 to Katie A Bigelow, a daughter of
Seth G. Bigelow and wife, and to this union two children have been born —
Winnifred C, who is secretary of the Young Women's Christian Association
at Reno. Nevada. She has been highly educated, having attended the Spring-
field high school, Drury College and the Normal, also the University of
Xevada and took a post-graduate course at Columbia University, in Yew
York. Olive, the youngest daughter, who was educated in the common and
high schools of Springfield, is the wife of R. M. Humble, a farmer of Stone
county, Missouri.
REV. WILLIAM D. SIDMAN.
Any conflict waged on our planet between good and evil belongs to
the basic work of divine mind before it belongs to us. The "power not
ourselves that makes for righteousness," is more interested in the success
of the good cause than we can be. The constitution of this moral universe
is against evil and oppression and injustice. The stars in their courses eter-
nally fight against Sisera. The thought should gird one with strength for
mortal endeavor. He who strikes with a hammer finds all the force of
gravitation adding force to his blow. And he who combats any of the
gigantic evils under the sun has the support of infinite and invincible al-
lies. Let the fact nerve the arm and cheer the spirit of each halting re-
former to the end of time. May it encourage us all to believe with Tenny-
son in that "one far-off divine event to which the whole creation moves."
Believing in the above theory, Rev. William 1). Sidman. superintendent
of the Springfield district of the St. Louis Conference of the Methodist
Episcopal church, left a lucrative practice as a physician to take up the work
of the ministry of the gospel in order that he might accomplish more good
"between these walls of time," to which Longfellow referred in his poem,
"The Builders." Rev. Sidman was born in Vinton county, Ohio, June 9,
[860. He is a son of Wesley C. and Rebecca (Rose) Sidman. The father
was born near Syracuse, .Yew York. September 11. [834. When a small
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. I203
boy lit- came to Ohio, where' he grew to manhood and received a common
school education. He was a carpenter and cabinet maker by trade and be-
came a very skilled workman. When the Civil war broke out he joined the
Union army, in which he served four years, after which he returned to
Ohio, but later removed to Illinois, where he continued to work at his trade,
then went back to Ohio, and after spending a few years there came to
Springheld, Missouri, and worked at his trade for some time, lie retired
from active life six years ago. His wife, Rebecca Rose, was born near
Logan, Hocking county, Ohio, where she grew to womanhood and received
a common school education. Her death occurred September 27, 1909. To
these parents seven children were born, namely: William D., of this sketch;
John W. lives in St. Louis; Airs. Elizabeth Hamilton lives in Carterville,
Missouri; Airs. Delia Jones lives in Springfield; Robert R. is deceased; Mrs.
Captolia Irving resides in St. Louis, and l'.essie Al. is teaching in Spring-
field,
William D. Sidman grew to manhood in Ohio, and there he received
a good education, was graduated from the Xelsonville high school, later
studied medicine and was graduated from the medical department of the
University of Cincinnati in 1884. He began the practice of his profession
soon thereafter at Rushville, Ohio, and he came to Springfield. Missouri, in
1887. He engaged successfully in the practice of his profession for a period
of six years, building up a large practice as a general physician, but. believ-
ing that the ministry was his true calling, he abandoned the practice of med-
icine and joined the conference of the Alethodist Episcopal church in 1895,
and has remained in the same to the present time, having had charge of
churches of this denomination at the following places: Stockton, Republic,
Greenfield, Osceola, Poplar Bluff and Marionville, Missouri.
He is at present superintendent of the Springfield district of the St.
Louis conference, to which responsible post he was assigned on March 18,
1913. He is widely known throughout the conference as an aide and earn-
est church worker and a learned theologian and forceful and accomplished
pulpit orator.
Rev. Mr. Sidman was married February 23, 1882, to Ina M. Carnes,
who was born in Nelsonville, Ohio, and there grew to womanhood and
received a high school education. She is a daughter of Alfred H. and
Emily (Bridges) Carnes. Mrs. Sidman is a lady of admirable Christian
character and is an active member of the various societies of the Methodist
Episcopal church, and she has made a host of warm personal friends since
coming to Springfield, as has also her husband. Their union has been
blessed by the birth of one child, Emma, who was born February 5, 1885,
who has remained single and is living at home.
Fraternally, our subject is a member of the Alasonic order.
1204 GREENE COl'XTY, MISSOURI.
ALBERT WOOD.
From the farms of Greene county the city of Springfield has drawn its
best citizenship during the past half century. The farmer boy, tiring of what
he considers drudgery, is often glad of an opportunity to leave the plow and
take a position in the city, no matter if the work is really harder than his
former work. Often he is wise in making the change; again, it is questiona-
ble if he betters his condition. The railroad shops here have absorbed the
larger number of these young men from the rural districts. Employing such
large numbers of men and paying good wages, the prospective employee has
usually found a place waiting for him in some one of the many departments
of the Frisco's local plants, and if he has been energetic, wide-awake and
trustworthy, he has found his services appreciated and has been advanced
accordinglv. Albert Wood is one of the boys who left the farm and went
to work in the shops, and, while yet a young man, he has risen to the position
of foreman of the steel car repairing department in the North Side Frisco
shops.
Mr. Wood was born in Franklin township, Greene county, on February
22. 1886. He is a son of Alec J. and Sarah (Johnson) Wood, the mother,
a daughter of Zadock Wood, is now fifty-two years old. The father was
born and reared in this county, four miles from his present farm in Frank-
lin township, where he owns fifty acres, and has always engaged in general
farming, lie is fifty-four years old. Politically, he is a Republican, and
for ten vears was road overseer in his community, and has done more for the
good roads movement there than any other one man. Me is a member of the
Xew Salem church.
To Alec J. Wood and wife four children have been born, namely:
Roxie is the wife of Julius Webber, a farmer of Franklin township; Albert,
of this sketch; Clarence is employed in the North Side Frisco shops; Madge
lives at home.
James Wood, paternal grandfather of our subject, was a native of
England, having been born in the world's greatesl city — London. He emi-
grated to America when a young man. locating hrst in Xew Orleans. Lou-
isiana, where he lived tor some time, finally coming to Missouri in an early
day. lie entered a homestead in Franklin township, Greene county, and here
established the future home of the family, and developed a farm from the
wilds. He served in the Federal army during the Civil war in the Home
( mards.
Albert Wood yrew to manhood on the homestead and there worked
when he was a boy. He received his education in the district schools, and
remained with his parents until U)n~. when he came to Springfield and secured
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. 1 205
employment in the freight yards of the Xorth Side Frisco shops as laborer.
Three months later he went to work at steel car repairing, and remained at
this until 1912, when he was appointed foreman of the steel car repairing
department there, and has held this responsible position ever since, giving
splendid satisfaction. He has forty-two hands under his direction.
.Mr. Wood was married in December, 1910, to Effie Bleckledge, a daugh-
ter of Frank Bleckledge and wife. To this union two children have been
born, namely : Thelma and Alice.
Politicallv Mr. Wood is a Republican. He belongs to the Independent
Order of Odd Fellows, and to the Methodist Episcopal church.
HARRY E. MARTIN.
In all ages of the world industry, perseverance and energy, where intel-
ligently applied, have achieved results which could only have been gained
by having one end in view, and by improving every opportunity of ultimately
attaining that object. Harry E. Martin, chief engineer of the Springfield
Furniture Company, is an example of what can be accomplished when the
spirit of determination is exercised in connection with the every -day affairs
of life.
Mr. Martin was born on March 17, 1879, at Richland, Missouri. He is
a son of John H. and Mary ( Young) Martin, the latter a daughter of Pres-
ton Young, and she is now about fifty-four years of age, the former being a
year older, and they now make their home near Richland, Pulaski county,
this state, where Mr. Martin is a machinist by trade. He formerly lived
in Springfield, where he was chief engineer and master mechanic for the
Davis planing mill for a period of twenty-five years, and for ten years he
worked as a machinist at the Springfield Wagon Works. He is at this writ-
ing building a corn-mill at Brumley, Miller county. He owns and operates
a large farm in Pulaski county. His family consists of three children,
namely : Harry E., of this sketch ; Icy is the wife of Arthur Bryant, a farmer
of near Richland. Missouri : William lives in St. Louis, where he is working
as electrician for the street railway company.
The paternal grandfather of our subject was Charles Martin: he was
a wagon manufacturer by trade, an early settler of Miller county, this state,
and died there many years ago.
Harry E. Martin received his education in the public schools of Rich-
land and Springfield. He worked for some time in the Davis planing mill,
where he finallv became fireman, but his principal work there was as an ap-
prentice machinist under his father. Later be worked on a farm which his
I2o6 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
father owned. When only eighteen years old he was filling the position of
engineer for the Culver Lumber .Manufacturing Company at Kansas City.
In 1903 he returned to Springfield and became engineer for the Springfield
Furniture Company, and in a short time was promoted to chief engineer,
which position he still holds, discharging his duties with his usual fidelity
and ability. He is also master mechanic at this plant, and has many hands
under his direction. He is an expert machinist and does all the machine
work for this large factor}-. He has kept well up-to-date both as a machinist
and engineer, and has no superiors in either line in Greene county. He has
also found time to make himself an expert electrician, and was instrumental
in obtaining the new electric plant lor the concern with which he is now con-
nected. He is a self-made man. and learned to be an electrician through ex-
tensive home study, taking the course of the American Correspondence
School.
Air. Martin was married in December. i<)OC to Lillian Bergstresser. a
daughter of Charles and Ellen (East) Bergstresser. of Harlan, Iowa. This
union has been without issue. Mr. and Mrs. Martin own a pleasant home
on the National Boulevard, where they operate a chicken hatchery, composed
of thirty-eight incubators.
Politically, Mr. Martin is a Democrat. Me belongs to the Knights of
Pythias, Woodmen of the World, and to the National Association of Sta-
tionary Engineers. lie is now serving In-- second term as treasurer of the
local order of the latter. Religiously, he is a member of the First Christian
church.
NAPOLEON GOSNEY.
It is the dreams ahead that keep hope in us all. To some it is dreams
of financial success, to others political power; still others, perhaps, it is
dreams of health, pleasure, fame or the chance to be of service to mankind.
To those who. in earl) life, fate lias not been overly kind, it has been the
dreams of the possible opportunities held by the mystical future that has
given them hope to continue the battle, often against seemingly overwhelm-
ing odds. Napoleon Gosney, for many years one of the leading contractors
of Springfield, who fur some time has been living retired, had dreams when
he was a hoy, ami these led him to a useful and succesful life in a material
way, as well as caused him to so shape his ends as to become a helpful
citizen.
Mr. Gosney was born at Ottawa, Canada, May 24, [852. He is a son
of Andrew and Delphine Gosney. The father was horn near Montreal,
Canada, and the mother was horn at Ottawa. They grew in their native
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. I207
localities and received common school educations, and were married in Ot-
tawa. Andrew Gosney was a contractor in stone and lime, and was also a
stone cutter. He died at the age of forty-five years, when our subject was a
small boy. 11 is wife survived to the advanced age of ninety years, and her
parents lived to he over one hundred years of age. To .Andrew Gosney
and wife eleven children were born, named as follows: Delphine, deceased;
Severe died in 1910; Henry, Emma and Leon, all deceased; Napoleon, of
this review; Emily, deceased; Lenore lives in Minnesota; Mrs. Eugenia
Dugan is living near Cleveland, Ohio; Exzelda lives in Ottawa, Canada,
and one died in infancy.
Napoleon Gosnev grew to manhood in Canada and received a common
school education. He followed in the footsteps of his father in a business
way and learned to be a stone cutter and mason. When seventeen years of
age he left Canada and moved to Akron, Ohio, where he lived about four
vears, then traveled over the East and South working at his trade. He
came to Missouri in 1877, locating in Springfield later, and here engaged in
construction work, organizing at different times several construction com-
panies and became one of the best known men in this line of endeavor in
this section of the state. He has done an immense amount of construction
work for the Frisco. Operating for many years on an extensive scale, giv-
ing his close attention to his affairs and exercising good judgment and fore-
sight, he accumulated a comfortable competence. He retired from active
life about eight years ago on account of failing health.
Mr. Gosney was married at Carthage, Missouri, September 10, 1878,
to Josephine A. Smith, who was born in Winchester, Indiana, August 16,
1858, and she spent her girlhood days in the Hoosier state and was edu-
cated there. She removed with her parents in 1872 to Jasper county, Mis-
souri, where the family home was established. She is a daughter of George
A. Smith and Nancy Ann Paxton, who were born in Pennsylvania. Mr.
Smith was a millwright by trade. He bought a large farm in Jasper coun-
ty, Missouri, and was a successful farmer, and there his death occurred
about 1884. His wife was a native of Pennsylvania, and she was reared
and married in Cleveland, Ohio. She died in 1892 at the family home near
Carthage.
Five children have been born to Napoleon Gosney and wife, namely:
Eugenia May, wife of William Henry McCowan, was born March 5, 1879,
and is at present living in Springfield. She has six children: Josephine
Anna, born September 5, 1904; William Henry .McCowan. Jr.. born March
6. 1907: Frances Eugenia, born March 15, 1910; Richard Gosney, born
July 16, 1911; Mary Eileen, born April 19, 1913. and Xell Genevieve, born
June 25, 1914. Vera Pearl, wife of O. B. McGlothlan, was born October
19, 1.88 1, and is living on a farm in Webster county, Missouri. She has
I208 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
three children: Loriene Josephine, born May 14, 1904; Lucile Donella,
born December 30, 1905, and Vera Cordus, born December 24, 1907. Les-
ter S., born August 5, 1883, is working in Kansas City at this writing.
Josephine and Reynold are both deceased.
Politically, Mr. Gosney is a Republican and has been loyal to the party
through both victory and defeat. During his residence in Springfield of
twenty-two years he has become well known and has always been regarded
as a good and honorable citizen in ever}' respect. The family belong to the
Christian church, to which Mr. Gosney gives liberal support.
CHARLES LOUIS KING.
For many years Charles Louis King has occupied a prominent place in
the business circles of Walnut Grove and few men are better known in
Greene, Polk and Dade counties. As merchant, stock man and banker, each
role having been successfully followed by him, his career has been charac-
terized by industry and sound judgment, and fair dealing is his watchword
in all his transactions. He has for a decade been president of the Citizen's
Bank at Walnut Grove. He is optimistic, looking on the bright side of life
and never complains at the rough places in the road, knowing that life is a
battle in which no victories are won by the slothful, but that the prize is to
the vigilant and the strong of heart.
Air. King was born at Walnut Grove. Missouri. February 7. 1868. He
is a son of John M. and Nancy E. (Carlock) King, the father born at Walnut
Grove on November 12. 1839, and the mother was born at Dadeville, this
state, on October 5. [845, each representatives of pioneer families in this
section of the Ozarks. They grew to maturity amid frontier scenes, were
educated in the earlv-dav subscription schools, and upon reaching maturity
married and established their home at Walnut Grove, where Mr. King spent
his life, engaged in various pursuits, such as farming and operating a hotel,
and was always well and favorably known throughout this locality. During
the Civil war John M. King enlisted in Company K. Sixth Missouri Infantry.
Federal army, and served faithfully as a private for two years, when he
was discharged on account of disability.
Charles L. King grew to manhood in his native community and received
his education in the Walnut Grove schools, and here he has spent the major
portion of his life. When twenty years of age he went to California and
herded cattle on one of the large ranches of that state for a period of five
years, during which time he became an excellent judge of cattle, and. upon
returning to Walnut Grove, bought and shipped live stock for a period of six
CHARLES L, KING
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. 1 209
years with much success, then operated a drug store here for three years,
enjoying a good trade. He then went to Oklahoma, where he engaged in
the hardware business for a year, then returned to Walnut Grove and organ-
ized the Citizen's Bank, and from that time to the present he has been presi-
dent, a period of ten years, during which his able management and conservative
policy have resulted in the building up of one of the sound and safe hanking
institutions in this part of the state and a large business is carried on with
the country, a general banking business being done along the most approved
and modern methods of banking. Mr. King also finds time to deal extensively
in the mule business.
On December 31, 1912, Mr. King was united in marriage to Audrey B.
Morgan, of Humansville, Missouri, a daughter of Daniel \Y. and Eliza A.
Morgan, a highly respected and well-known family of that place.
Politically Mr. King is a Democrat and has been more or less active in
local partv affairs, although not as a candidate for public honors. In 1907
he united with the Presbyterian church at Walnut Grove, of which he has
since been a consistent member. Fraternally he belongs to the Benevolent
and Protective Order of Elks at Springfield and the Independent Order of
Odd Fellows at Walnut Grove. He is a good mixer, friendly, obliging and
has no trouble in retaining the many friendships which he forms everywhere
he goes.
JOHN W. HARTT.
In these days of large commercial transactions, when credits cut a
large factor in the daily round of business, the province of the banker is
very wide and very important. The excellence of the banks of the pres-
ent compared with those of the past gives to all classes of business men
first-class security for their deposits, assistance when they are in need of
ready money to move their business, and a means of exchanging credits-
that could be accomplished in no other way. In a large measure the suc-
cess of the present time in all branches of business is largely the result of
the present banking methods. One of the flourishing and substantial banks
of Greene county is the Bank of Strafford, of which John W. Hartt is the
present able and popular cashier.
Mr. Hartt was born in Hardeman county, Tennessee, February 19,
1869. He is a son of John S. and Eliza A. (Johnson) Hartt. The father
was born in Missouri, August 10, 1839, and was reared on a farm in this
state. He received a limited education in the public schools. When a young
man he learned the shoemaker's trade, which he followed in later life. He
also devoted considerable time to the butchering business, maintaining the
&
T2IO GKEENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
same in several different parts of his native state, his last location being
.Fair Grove, Greene county, where his death occurred in the year 1889. He
was a member of the Baptist church. His wife was born in Hardeman
county, Tennessee, January 13, 1841, and there she grew to womanhood
and was educated, coming to Missouri in 1876. She survived her husband
two years, dying in hair Grove. She, too, was a member of the Baptist
church, 'i o these parents seven children were born, namely : Joseph, de-
ceased; Amanda, deceased; John W., of this sketch; James, deceased;
Frank, deceased; Margaret; Mrs. Mae Putman lives in Springfield.
The first seven years of our subject's life were spent in Tennessee.
He lived with his parents in different parts of Missouri until he was six-
teen years old, when he came with the family to Fair Grove. He received
a common school education and when a young man worked on the farm
and also learned the carpenter's trade, which he followed for some time.
He worked for some time in different stores, including the Long Brothers'
general merchandise .store at Fair. Grove. He then carried the mail for
eighteen months; then went into the drug business for himself; later be-
came assistant cashier of the Bank of Fair Grove, in which he remained
two years, and then went to Strafford and assisted in organizing the Bank
oT Strafford, of which he is the present cashier. Me has done much toward
building up a popular and sound banking institution which would be a credit
to any community. It has a capital stock of ten thousand dollars, is ex-
cellently housed and modemly equipped and managed under safe and con-
servative methods, and has a large list of depositors. A general banking
business is carried on. The directors of the bank are L. C. Ricketts, Theo.
Thorson, A. 1!. drier. I '. A. Womack, I. 1. Foster, Jr.. W. P. (amp. J. YV.
Hartt. The officers are: L. C. Ricketts, president; Theo. Thorson, vice-
president; J. W. Hartt, cashier, and T. F. Womack, bookkeeper.
Mr. Hartt came to Strafford in February, [911, and on the 14th of
that month the hank began business, which lias increased gradually in vol-
ume ever since.
Our subject was married September 15. [896, to Sarah !. Minor, who
was born in Kansas in [877. She is a daughter of William and Amanda
Minor. They spent their lives on a farm and are now deceased.
Mrs. Hartt grew to womanhood on the home farm and received a good
education. One child has been born to our subject and wife. Pauline Hartt,
whose birth occurred October _>4, 1907.
Politically, Mr. Hartt is a Democrat. Fraternally, he belongs to the
Masonic order, and in religious matters he is a member of the Baptist
church. He is a man who has relied very largely upon his own resources
and has succeeded in life despite obstacles that would probably have thwart-
ed the purpose of a man of less ambition and determination.
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. 121 I
JAMES W. REILLY
'Die name Reilly has long been a familiar one among railroad men of
Springfield, for both our subject and bis father before him were long on
the Frisco payrolls in this city, having come here from the great Crescent
City of the far South shortly after the cli.se of the war between the states.
The one is now living in retirement and the other has passed on to his eternal
rest.
James W. Reilly was born on January 25, 1856, at Xew Orleans, Lou-
isiana, lie is a son of John and Bridget ( Fitzpatrick) Reilly, and, as the
names would indicate, his Irish blood comes from both sides of the house.
The father of our subject was born in County Cavan. Ireland, where he spent
his boyhood days, emigrating to Xew York City when a young man, and
from there went south to Xew Orleans, working some time as a laborer and
gang foreman. Coming to Missouri in the sixties he assisted in building the
St. Louis & San Francisco railroad line from St. Louis to Springfield, work-
ing from Rolla to Xeosho. Later he became gang foreman in the North Side
shops, Springfield, having long been connected with the blacksmith depart-
ment, and was numbered among the Frisco employees for a period of twenty
years. Mis death occurred in [897 at the age of sixty-seven years, and be
was buried in St. Mary's cemetery, lie and his wife were both members
of the Catholic church. The mother of our subject died in 1886 at the age
of fifty-five vears. The following children were born to John Reilly and
wife, namely: James W.. of this sketch; Charles, who was a car repairer
in the Frisco shops at Springfield, died when forty-nine years of age; Man-
is the widow of Warren Reed, deceased, and lives with her children in St.
Louis; Eugene died in infancy; John is a car repairer in the Frisco's Xorth
Side shops, Springfield; Ellen married John Lowell, a traveling engineer
for the Chicago \- Eastern Illinois railroad and lives at Danville, Illinois.
lames W. Reilly was twelve years of age when he came to St. Louis.
Two vears later be was employed as water-boy. when the road was being
built into Springfield, having thus begun his railroad career at a tender age,
after a brief schooling. However, it was not long until his father removed
with him to a farm, where they remained some time, then young Reilly re-
turned to the city and went to work in the North Side railroad shops, learning
the trade of car repairer. He worked as foreman for sixteen years in the
North Side shops, also as journeyman for some time. At intervals he had en-
gaged in farming for short periods. In September, ign, he left the road
permanently and has since lived in retirement. He owns several valuable prop-
erties in Springfield, which he keeps rented. Fie now lives on the site where
his father built the first bouse for the family upon coming here, it being one
1212 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
of three homes in the section of the city now known as "the North Side."
Our subject erected his present splendid residence in 191 1.
Air. Reilly was married in 1879 to Mary E. Hooper, a daughter of
Spencer and Harriet F. (Kane) Hooper. Her father was a native of North
Carolina, from which state he came to Missouri in 1845, located in Greene
county, and the Hooper family lived on a farm on the Cherry street road,
near Springfield. Mrs. Reilly grew to womanhood in this locality and was
educated in the common schools of Greene county.
To our subject and wife six children have been born, namely: Paul
married Hattie Dodson and is employed as switchman in St. Louis for the
Iron Mountain railroad; Kate married T. E. McKenna, a Springfield switch-
man, and they have four children, Francis, Thomas, Elenore and Paul ; James
L. is a switchman for the Cotton Belt at Jonesboro, Kansas. He married
Maud Gaffker and they have two children, Clifford and Louise; Charles died
in infancy: Ralph is engaged in the grocery business on Jefferson street, this
city ; he married Annie Connelly and they have two children, Connelly and
Clarence; Clarence died on May 26, 191 4.
Politically, Mr. Reilly is a Democrat. Fraternally, he belongs to the
Catholic Knights and the Modern Woodmen of America.
COLUMBUS JEFFERSON PIKE. M. D.
Proper intellectual discipline, thorough professional knowledge and the
possession and utilization of the qualities and attributes essential to success
has made Dr. Columbus Jefferson Pike, of W'illard. Greene county, eminent
in his chosen calling, and he has by his own efforts risen to a place in the
front rank of the enterprising general practitioners in a county long distin-
guished for the high order of its medical talent.
Doctor Pike was born at Brighton, Polk county. Missouri. March 12,
[861. He is a son of James M. and Polly ( DeRossett) Pike. The father
was born in [808 in Montgomery county, Tennessee, and in that state he
spent his boyhood days and received his education in the town iff Clarksville.
remaining in his native state until 1835, when he emigrated to Missouri and
settled on a farm in Polk county. He had married in Tennessee and three
of his children were born there before he removed with his family to Mis-
souri. Upon coming to this state he tirst settled on one hundred and sixty
acres near Morrisville, where he lived for seven years, then sold out and
bought about three hundred acres near Brighton, and lie operated this excel-
lent farm until 1N54. when he entered the mercantile business at Brighton,
which he continued until [863, when his store was burned, and he returned
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. 1213
to his farm, where he resided until his death in 1878. He was a prominent
man in that community. He was a Democrat and a Southern sympathizer
during the war between the states, and religiously he belonged to the Bap-
tist church. James M. Pike was twice married, first to Miss Mallard, by
which union twelve children were born, namely : William, born in 1830, died
in 1904; Sarah lives in Slagle; James M., Jr., died in 1912; Mrs. Mary Jane
Slagle died in 1862; the fifth and sixth children, twins, died in infancy; Mrs.
Lucy Brvant is deceased; Mrs. Rebecca Slagle lives at Brighton, Missouri;
Pollv Ann is deceased: George W. lives in Texas; Carney and Joseph J. both
reside at Slagle, Polk county. Polly DeRossett was the second wife of James
M. Pike, and to this union ten children were born, namely : Mrs. Lora Lick-
lider lives at Slagle, Polk county; Richard lives at Cliquot, Missouri; Emily
died May 25, 1014; Thomas Leander lives at J'leasant Hope, Polk county;
Ransom is a merchant at March, this state; Sebain is a Baptist preacher and
lives at Bolivar, Polk county; Dr. Columbus J., of this sketch; the eighth and
ninth children, twins, died in infancy; Robert I... the youngest of the twenty-
two children, is engaged in farming at Rocky Ford, Colorado. The mother
of these children. Polly DeRossett, was born in Tennessee in 1825. and her
death occurred in 1905.
Dr. Columbus J. Pike, of this sketch, spent his boyhood days on his
father's farm, and he was seventeen years old when the death of his father
occurred. He received his early education in the public schools at Slagle,
Polk county. He began life for himself by entering the drug business at
Brighton, which he continued four years, reading medicine the meantime,
and finally entered the Kansas City Medical College, from which he was grad-
uated in 1890. having made an excellent record there. He began at once the
practice of his profession at Pleasant Hope, his native county, where he got
a good start, but remained only eighteen months, when he located at North-
view, Webster county. Missouri, and practiced there for a period of eight
vears in a most satisfactory manner, then came to Willard, Greene county.
Desiring to further add to his medical knowledge, he took a post-graduate
course in the New York Post-Graduate College, from which he was grad-
uated in 1904, after which he returned to Willard. and has since been con-
tinuously engaged in the general practice of medicine, enjoying all the while
a lucrative practice, and uniform success has attended his work in his voca-
tion. He stands high with the people and his professional brethren in this
section of the state, as may be surmised from the fact that he was president
of the Southwestern Missouri Medical Society for the year 1913, his office
expiring in April, 1914. In this responsible position he discharged his duties
in a manner that reflected credit upon himself and to the satisfaction of all
concerned. He is also a member of the Missouri State Medical Association.
the Greene County Medical Society and the American Medical Association.
1 2 14 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
Politically, he is a Democrat, fraternally a member of the Independent Order
of Odd Fellows and the Court of Honor, both at Willard; and in religious
matters he belongs to the Baptist church at Willard, of which his wife is also
a member, and in which she takes an active part.
Dr. I'ike was married, August 15, 1880, to Mollie Ryan, who was born,
reared and educated in Polk county. She is a daughter of William Ryan, an
early settler and prominent in Polk county.
Three children have been born to Dr. Pike and wife, namely: Ethel,
who married Horace Dameron. a farmer of Rogersville, Missouri, has one
child, Lucile; Charles R., who married Gettie brazier, a native of Greene
county, is engaged in the drug business at Willard, and they have two chil-
dren, Lillian Belle and Robert Kay; Arbaleta is at home with her parents.
WILLIAM G. CORNELL.
it is not everyone that can make a success of the real estate business.
Some men fail at it no matter how long and hard they may try. Those who
enter this line of endeavor should study themselves carefully, weigh their good
and bad qualities accurately and be influenced rather by sound reason than by
impulse. If he has a mind capable of grasping situations quickly and accu-
rately, if the arithmetic is the easiest to him of all text-books, if be likes the
work better than anything else, ami, finally, if he is willing to be uniformly
courteous, pleasant and honest, then be may open an office and announce the
fact that he has entered the real estate field as his serious occupation. We do
not know whether William C. Cornell did all this or not, but as manager of
the National Land and Investment Company, of Springfield, he has shown
himself to be a capable real estate man in every respect, well suited by nature
for the work which lie has chosen.
.Mr. Cornel] was born in Greene county, Missouri. January 3, 1^74. and
he comes .if one of our honored old families, being a son of Leonard W. and
Elizabeth ( Witherspoon ) Cornell, the latter still living at the age of sixty-
seven years, the father having died in 1914 at the age of seventy-two years,
lie was a sun of ( harles < ornell, a native of the state of Michigan, who died
tl ere at an advanced age.
Leonard W. ('ornell was a soldier in the Union army, having enlisted
in [861, soon after the outbreak of the Civil war. in a Michigan cavalry
regiment, but owing to sicknes- overtaking him he did not get to the front
aCnd was discharged for disability, but upon bis recovery be re-enlisted in
a different company and regiment and served until the close of the war with
an excellent record, lie is remembered as a quiet, home loving man and
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. I2r5
a guild neighbor. Our subject's maternal grandparents were William and
Mary Witherspoon, who were well known Greene count)' farming people,
the former having died in [882, but the latter is still living, having attained
the unusual age of ninety-four years, and she is in possession of all her
faculties and enjoying good health. To Leonard \Y. Cornell and wife
seven children were born, four suib and three daughters, namely: Arthur,
John, Hiram, William C, Mrs. E. O. Rogers, Mrs. Xettie Jones and Mettie
Cornell.
William C. Cornell spent his early life on the farm, removing with the
rest of the family from Greene county to Kansas when he was young, and
in that state he attended the public schools and later was a student at Union
College, Lincoln, Nebraska. His father was engaged in the wholesale hay
and grain business, and our subject assisted him in this work until he was
twenty-three years of age. and then began life for himself by engaging in
the livery business in Springfield, Missouri, fur two years, after which he
was associated with the Deering Harvester Company until this concern con-
solidated with the fnternational Harvester Company, and he continued with
the last named firm until [909, giving eminent satisfaction to both. In that
year he began his career as a real estate dealer in Springfield and has con-
tinued in this line to the present lime with ever increasing success, and is
at this writing manager of the National Land and Investment Company,
which is doing an extensive business under his able guidance.
Mr. Cornell was married on October 21, 1897, to Delia Berrv, a daugh-
ter of James and Elizabeth (McCurdy) Berry, both still living in Greene
county, at the home where the subject of this sketch was born. They were
among the early pioneers of this count)'. Mr. Kerry was born in North
Carolina, January 1, 1841, and he made the long overland journev from
that state to Greene count)-, Missouri, with his parents when he was eight
years of age. and he has since resided in this county. The original farm,
which the grandfather entered from the government, is still in possession
of the family. Elizabeth McCurdy was a daughter of Thomas McCurdv,
and she was born in this county, February 3, 1842, and here she grew up
and married Mr. Berry in i860, shortly before the breaking out of the
Civil war, in which he served as a member of the Home Guards of Spring-
field. His father, William Berry, was a native of North Carolina, where
he spent his earlier years and married. He spent his latter years in Greene
county, dying here at the age of seventy-four years. To James and Eliza-
beth Berry the following children were born: O. D., R. P., G. F., J. B.,
Mrs. L. F. Patterson, and Delia, wife of our subject.
The union of Mr. and Mrs. Cornell has been without issue.
Politically, Mr. Cornell is a Democrat. He belongs to the United
Commercial Travelers, and is a member of the Presbvterian church.
I2l6 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
' SEBASTIAN DINGELDEIN.
The late Sebastian Dingeldein, for many years a well known business
man of Springfield, afforded in his life and its success and other evidence
that industry, economy and straightforward dealings constitute the keynote
to honorable competency. Pre-eminence is a goal that most men strive to
attain. No matter what field, whetber it lie literature, art, science or com-
merce, the ambition of the true man will push him to such endeavor that
his success shall stand out with glaring distinctness and his position shall
be above all others.
.Mr. Dingeldein. as the name implies, was of Teutonic blood, his birth
having occurred in Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany. October 15, 1842, and was
one of a large family, seven daughters and six sons, and there he grew to
manhood and received his education. He learned the trade of brewer and
traveled around for some seven years. Emigrating to America, he landed
at New York City. October 6, 1867, and went from there to Pittsburgh,
Pennsylvania, and in October, i8(><X. he went to St. Louis. Missouri. He
worked in the largest breweries and malt houses in that city for over eight
years, and then came to Springfield, this state. Here he engaged in the
brewery business the rest of his active life, the brewery in question having
been built in [872 by Buehner & Finkenauer. Mr. Dingeldein leased this
property in October, [876, for ten years, and in June. [882, bought it before
the lease expired, and for a period of fourteen rears he was owner of the
Southwest brewery, located on College street. It is a substantial plant with
walls of the best rock and laid in cement, the cellar having a capacity of
twelve hundred barrels. When first started the brewery turned out eighl
hundred barrels per day. but Mr. Dingeldein increased its capacity until, in
1882. it made twenty-one hundred barrels per day. He thoroughly under-
stood every phase of the business and built up a large and lucrative trade.
shipping bis products all over the country. He retired from active life a
tew years prior to bis death, which occurred on March 24. [904. His
father died in Germany in [859 and his mother died in [862.
Mr. Dingeldein was married in St. Louis to Dora Stuedt, who was
born in Keppeln, Prussia, April 5. 1N44. She is a daughter of Peter and
Annie (Greisher) Stuedt. whose family consisted of eight children, four
of whom are still living — Mrs. Dingeldein, of Springfield; two daughters in
Illinois, and one in Prussia. Mi's. Dingeldein grew to womanhood in Ger-
nianv and received her education in the common schools there: however,
her textbook training was very limited. Her teacher was a man who had
taught in the schools for over fifty years, teaching all grades, and it was
compulsory for children to attend school two years to the local minister for
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. 12 1 7
Bible education, Bible history, etc. Airs. Dingeldein is known to her many
friends as a woman of kindness, charity and hospitality, and her beautiful
home on College street is often visited by her many friends. Religiously,
she is a Protestant and belongs to the German Evangelical church.
To Mr. and Airs. Dingeldein four children were born, namely: Julius
\\ .. born in St. Louis on January 24. 1870; Peter Edward, born in St.
Louis on December- 25, 1873; Amelia Margareta, horn in 1882 in Spring-
field, and William Sebastian, horn in Springfield, August 18, 1885, the last
named being deceased.
GEORGE W. SMALL.
Americans are often spoken of as a restless race, and this is unques-
tionably true. Thousands of trains are constantly speeding from one place
to another, carrying families to new localities — everybody hunting a bet-
ter place to live. Most of them would be Letter off to remain in their old
communities. So when we find a man like George \\ . Small, of Jackson
township, Greene county, who has spent his entire life of sixty-eight years
on the same farm, we arc ready to extend our congratulations, for such a
man is worthy of admiration. It shows that he has had stability and a wise
foresight.
Mr. Small was born on the farm where be now resides, ( (ctober 16,
1846. He is a son of Robert B. and Martha R. ( Donnall) Small, natives of
Rockingham county. North Carolina, but when small children they moved
with their parents from that state to Tennessee, where they were reared on
farms and received common school educations, and they were married in
that state and remained there until the year 1833, when they emigrated to
Greene county. Missouri, being among the first settlers, and here our sub-
ject's father entered land from the government and owned seven hundred
acres at the time of his death. He was a very successful farmer and was
one of the substantial men of his locality and influential in county affairs.
His death occurred August 7, 1861. His widow survived many years, dy-
ing July 17, 1897, mi the home place. These parents were members of the
Presbyterian church. Ten children were born to them, namely: Mrs.
Sarah Ross, deceased; Airs. Mary J. Barnes; James B. is deceased: Mrs.
Cordelia Duke is deceased; Columbus lives in Greene county; George W.,
of this sketch; Mrs. Christina Cavin, deceased; Julia is living with the sub-
ject of this sketch; Willie and Robert, deceased.
George W. Small grew to manhood on the home farm and was edu-
cated in the district schools. When twenty-one years of age he bought the
^77)
1215 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
homestead, which he has kept well improved and well tilled. He has one
of the choice farms of the township, consisting of five hundred and forty-
six acres. He carries on general farming on an extensive scale and has
prospered by his able management. He keeps an excellent grade of live-
stock of all kinds and is a believer in progress in all lines.
Mr. Small was married in 1876 to Harriett A. Pipkin, who was born,
reared and educated in Greene county. She was the daughter of Louis and
Frankie (Roberts) Pipkin, highly respected farming people of this county,
the Pipkin family having long been a well established one here. The death
of Mrs. Small occurred January 7, 1878. The union of our subject and
wife was without issue. Mr. Small has never remarried.
Politically, Mr. Small is a Democrat. He belongs to the Masonic
order, and is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. He has never
been especially active in public affairs, but has always been influential for
good in his community.
JACKSON P. C. LANGSTON.
A man like Jackson P. C. Langston, farmer of Jackson township,
Greene county, is deserving of a great deal of credit, who. thrown upon
his own resources at a tender age, and in a number of ways handicapped
for the battle of life, lias, nevertheless, forged ahead and kept the even
tenor of his way until he is not only regarded as a successful farmer but as
a good citizen in every respect.
Ah-. Langston was horn in Christian count}-. Missouri. October 11,
1856, near the town of Linden. He is a son of George W. and Elizabeth
(Hayden) Langston, the father born near Nashville, Tennessee, in 1836,
and the mother was horn near Bowling Green, Kentucky. George \V. Lang-
ston was brought by his parents to Greene county, Missouri, when a small
child and here he grew to manhood on a farm and received a common
school education. Ills wife was but a child when she accompanied her
parents from the Blue < irass state to this county, and here she grew up on
a farm and was educated in the district schools, and here they were mar-
ried in [855. Mr. Langston worked on the farm when young and later
handled a great deal of live stock and was a good business man. While
driving cattle to St. Louis at the age of twenty-three years he was seized
with an illness and returned home and died on April [2, 1858. His widow
later married John P. Simpson, but she. too, was fated to till an early grave.
She left two children, Jackson P. ('.. of this sketch, and a daughter by her
last marriage, Mrs. Sarah Comstock.
The subject of this sketch was but a child when he lost his parents, and
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. 1219
he was reared by his grandparents, having been six years old when taken
into their home. He grew up on the farm, learned to work there, and was
given the advantages of a fairly good education. He remained with his
grandparents until a young man, then began life for himself by renting
different farms and thereby got a start. In 1879 he bought a farm near
Strafford, Greene county, which he later sold and bought another farm
west of that town. Selling it, be purchased the place where he now re-
sides, owning eighty acres of productive land, which lie keeps well tilled
and well improved and on which is to he found a cozy cottage and conven-
ient outhouses; in fact, he built his own modern home and made practi-
cal lv all the improvements now seen on the place. He has lived in Jackson
township forty-five years. He handles a great deal of live stock from year
to year.
Mr. Langston was married in 1877 to Sophronia Comstock, • who was
born in Tennessee, in March, 1858. She was brought -to Greene county,
Missouri, when small ami was reared here on a farm, that of her parents,
and attended the rural schools. She is a daughter of Luther B. and Nancy
( Ferguson) Comstock, both now deceased.
Four children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Langston, namely:
Hettie, who was the wife of A. B. Grier, now deceased; Arby J. lives in
Springfield; Mrs. Mazie Sweetin lives in Cuba, Missouri; Inez is single
and at home with her parents.
Politically, Mr. Langston is active in Republican affairs. He served
very acceptably as deputy sheriff of Greene county for two years, was also
constable at Stafford for a period of six years, and he was a committeeman
from Jackson township for twelve years. In all three capacities he proved
faithful, alert and energetic and was highly praised by his fellow partisans.
DOMINO DANZERO.
From the far-away land of purple peaks and turquois skies, the genial
clime of sunny Italy, the favored haunt of authors and painters, bails Dom-
ino Danzero, who is proprietor of a popular bakery in Springfield. Inherit-
ing many of the commendable traits of head and heart of the respectable
middle classes of the realm of the once mighty Caesars, be has proven to be
a good citizen of Greene count)-, a man of industry, good habits and proper
decorum, and while he at times longs for the subtle beauties of his pic-
turesque home land, as is quite natural and right, he nevertheless appre-
ciates the opportunities in this our land of the free and is content to re-
main in the broad republic of the west.
I 2 JO GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
Air. Danzero was born near Turin, Italy, January 13, 1871. He is a
son of Jack and Angelina Danzero, both natives of the same vicinity in
which our subject was born, and there they grew to maturity, received com-
mon school educations and there married and established their home, and
the father is still living in his native land and is still active, being a painter
and decorator by trade and is a highly skilled workman. The mother died
when our subject was rive years of age. To these parents two children
were born, Domino, of this sketch, and John, who died when eleven years
of age.
Domino Danzero grew to manhood in Italy, and there he received a
good common school education, attending high school two years. When
nineteen years of age he emigrated to America and settled in Chicago, Illi-
nois, where he worked in a bakery for four years, during which time he
mastered the various phases of this business. From there he came to St.
Louis and traveled for a bakery there for a period of seven years, giving
his employers entire satisfaction, being energetic and courteous to the trade.
He then came to Springfield, Missouri, where he has since made his home.
At first he managed a restaurant of his own, then opened a bakery on Jer-
ferson street, and about two years ago built his own bakery at Elm and
Pearl streets, which he has since operated with ever increasing success and
ba< built up an extensive trade owing to the superior quality of his products
which find a very ready market. His plant is sanitary in every respect and
is modernly equipped and only skilled employees are to lie found here. Prompt
and honest service is Ins aim and he has therefore won the good will of
the people.
.Mr. Danzero was married in St. Louis, \ugust iS, 1902, to Bridget
Roetto, who was born near Monett, Missouri, February 19. 1883. and there
grew to womanhood and received a good education. She is a daughter of
Charles and Katherine Roetto, both natives of Italy (born in 1852 and
1S57. respectively), where they spent their earlier years, but emigrated to
the United States in an early day and settled in Missouri. Mr. Roetto has
engaged in agricultural pursuits in this Mate for a period of forty-two vears,
has become wealthy through his g 1 management and wise foresight, and
is the owner of several finely improved and valuable farms near Monett.
where he and his wife are still living and are well and favorably known in
that locality. Mr. and Mrs. Roetto are the parents of nine children.
'I wo children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Danzero. namely: An-
gelina, born September 26. [903, and Leola, born June 14, 1907.
Politically. Mr. Danzero is a Republican. Religiously, he is a member
of the Catholic church, and. fraternally, he holds membership in the Knights
ot Columbus and Modern Woodmen.
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. 1 22 1
ARTHUR W. BRYANT.
In reading over the record of the lives of many of the leading citizens
one becomes impressed with the fact that certain families show at the outset
a strong inclination toward books and learning generally, or in at least
keeping up with the times on current topics, especially dealing with national
affairs. The Bryant family, which has long been well established in Greene •
county, is one of this type, and we find that Arthur W. Bryant, at present a
progressive merchant of Strafford, was formerly a successful educator and
is a well informed man on current topics.
Mr. Bryant was born near Fair Grove, Missouri, August 10, 1870. lie
is a son of Junius A. and Sarah J. ( Harkness) Bryant. The father was
born in North Carolina, June 9, 1834, and when a child his parents re-
moved to Maury county. Tennessee, where he grew to manhood and at-
tended school, receiving an excellent education for those times. He spent
his early life on the home farm. When twenty-two years of age he emi-
grated to Missouri and located in Greene county, near Fair Grove, where
he purchased a farm and engaged successfully in general farming and stock
raising. He taught school a number of years with much success. Being
successful, the last few years of his life were spent in retirement from ac-
tive work. His death occurred January 6, 1910. During the Civil war
he was a soldier in the Eighth Missouri Cavalry, Union army, serving two
years in Company C, proving to be a gallant soldier in every respect. He
was honorably discharged in St. Louis on account of disability, lie took
part in a number of minor engagements, lie was a member of the Baptist
church. The mother of our subject was born in Tennessee, February 13,
1841. and when an infant her parents brought her to Missouri, where she
grew to womanhood on the home farm near Fair Grove and was educated.
She and Mr. Bryant were married April 6, 1858. She was a member of
the Baptist church. Her death occurred December 10, 191 1.
Seven children were born to Junius A. Bryant and wife, namely:
Columbus N.; Mrs. Nannie Dyer, deceased; John F ; Walter W.; Arthur
W., of this sketch; William S. ; Viola, deceased.
Arthur W. Bryant grew to manhood on the home farm and worked
there during his boyhood, receiving a good common school education. He
began life for himself by teaching school four years, after which he began
his career as merchant in Strafford in 1896, and has continued in the same
line with ever increasing success to the present time, enjoying a large and
lucrative business with the town and surrounding country, and always car-
rying a well selected stock of general merchandise at all seasons. His aim
is to deal courteously and fairly with all.
1222 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
Mr. Bryant was married March 22, 1897, to Lola M. Bass, who was
born near Bassville, Greene county, December 22, 1877, and there she was
reared on a farm. She is a daughter of Martin V. and Edith (Allen)
Bass, who are living still on the old home place and are well known in
this part of the count)-. Mrs. Bryant received a good education and in her
girlhood taught school several years. She is a member of the Baptist
church.
Five children have been born to our subject and wife, namely: Junius
S., born January 2j, 1898; the second child died in infancy; Nola M., born
April 6, 1905; the fourth child died in infancy; Marion W., born April
I, 1911.
Politically, Mr. Bryant is a Republican. Fraternally, he belongs to
the Modern Woodmen and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He is
also a member of the Baptist church, and has always borne an excellent
reputation as a man and citizen.
ROBERT JENKINS.
Not many Canadians are found within the borders of Greene county,
which is a fact to be deplored, for we who are conversant with these ster-
ling people know that no better citizens are to be found than they, and that
community is indeed fortunate who can boast of a colony of them, for they
are, without exception, thrifty, persevering, painstaking, and. as a rule, law
abiding and honorable in all walks of life. One such is Robert Jenkins, a
successful farmer of Jackson township.
Mr. Jenkins was born in Sarnia, Ontario, Canada, January 6, 1849.
He is a son of William and Sarah (Gordon) Jenkins. The father was
born in Paisley, Scotland, and was reared in that country and received a
good education. Wlu-n a young man he learned the iron molder's trade,
which he followed during his active life. He was a member of the Pres-
byterian church. His wife was also a native of Scotland, where she was
reared, and there they were married and from that countrv emigrated to
Canada about a year before the birth of our subject, and the family moved
to Michigan in 1850, and there the death of the father occurred in 1854.
The mother, who was a native of the city of Glasgow, died in Sarnia, On-
tario, in 1858, to which place she returned after the death of her husband.
To these parents four children were born, namely: Robert, of this sketch;
Mrs. Mary Craw James and William. The last named is deceased.
Robert Jenkins was reared in Canada and Michigan until he was four-
teen years old, at which age he joined the United States army, in the fall
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. 1223
of 1863. and fought with the Federals in our great Civil war, under Cap-
tain Steele, of the Eighth Michigan Cavalry. He remained in the army
until the close of the war, seeing considerable hard service. He was with
Sherman on the march to the sea through Georgia, took part in the battles
of Knoxville, Tennessee, and others, and was honorably discharged at
Raleigh, North Carolina. After the close of the war he went to St. Louis,
and later to Kansas, where he learned the bricklayer's trade. From there
he went to Texas, thence to Mississippi, then returned to Missouri and lo-
cated in Greene county in 1872, where he has since resided, owning a good
farm in Jackson township.
Mr. Jenkins has been twice married, first, to Mary Blankenship, by
whom three children were born, namely : Inez, Mrs. Mazie Baxter, and
the youngest died in infancy. The mother of these children passed away
while living in Springfield. Mr. Jenkins then married, on February 27,
1890, Mrs. Ida M. (Underwood) Shinn, widow of Grovener A. Shinn. She
was born in Milton, Illinois, April 2, 1856. She is a daughter of F. J. and
Daphna J. H. (Bridgeman) Underwood. Mrs. Jenkins was reared in Illi-
nois and received a good education. She came to Missouri in 1871 and
was married in 1873 to Mr. Shinn, by which union three children were born,
namely: John, Grovner Leslie and Mrs. Nellie U. Gross. Mrs. Jenkins' last
marriage has been without issue.
Politically, our subject is a Democrat. He belongs to the Knights of
Pythias, and is a member of the Episcopal church.
HARVEY MURRAY.
The name of the late Harvey Murray stood out distinctly as one of
the central figures in professional circles in Greene county. Continuous ap-
plication through many years gave him a clear and comprehensive insight
into the philosophy and basic principles of jurisprudence, and the largest
wisdom as to the method and means of attainment of ends, and he achieved
success in the courts when most young men are just entering upon the form-
ative period of their lives. A high purpose and a strong will, together with
virile mental powers, close application to books and devotion to duty made
him eminently useful. His individuality was impressed upon any work with
which he was connected, and he was always ready to assume any amount of
responsibility and labor incurred in accomplishing his ends, when once he
decided that he was right. He is remembered as a broad-minded, manly
man, a credit to his profession and one of the leading citizens of Ash Grove
during the generation that is past.
1224 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
Mr. Murray was born on a farm near Ash Grove, Greene county, Mis-
souri, February 6, 1864, and he was a scion of one of the prominent old
families of this part of the county. He was a son of William and Malinda
(Stone) Murray, natives of Tennessee. The father died in Ash Grove and
the mother lives in Ash Grove. The father was a farmer.
A sketch of T. J. Murray, of Springfield, a brother of our subject,
will be found on another page of this work.
Harvey Murray grew to manhood on the home farm and there assisted
with the general work when a boy. He enjoyed good educational advan-
tages in the schools of Ash Grove, later studied law and was in due course
of time admitted to the bar and established himself in the practice of his
profession in Ash Grove. He was successful from the first and his busi-
ness increased until it assumed large proportions and he ranked among the
leading lawyers of the county. He was painstaking, earnest and diligent,
kept fully abreast of the times in all that pertained to his profession and
all fully recognized and appreciated his character for personal and profes-
sional integrity. He never failed to fulfill all proper obligations and ap-
pointments in all the relations with bis fellow men, and he was ever "ready
to identify himself with his fellow citizens in any good work and extended
a co-operating hand to advance any measure that bettered the material, civic
and moral condition of his home community,
Mr. Murray was married in Bois D'Arc, Missouri, October 19. 1898,
to Fannie Lambeth, who was born in Lawrence county, Missouri. She is
a daughter of Jennings \V. and Julia (Bymaster) Lambeth, a highly es-
teemed family, who finally removed from Lawrence county to Bois D'Arc,
where the father of Mrs. Murray became a prosperous merchant, and there he
and his wife spent the rest of their lives, both dying a number of years ago.
And it was there that Mrs. Murray grew to womanhood and received a
good education in the common schools. She has an attractive home in
Springfield, which is a favorite gathering place for Iter many friends, who
never fail to find her a genial, entertaining and charming host.
The union of Mr. and Mrs. Murray was blessed by the birth of one
child. Marjorie Murray, whose birth occurred on December 25, 1899. She-
is attending high school at this writing, and is a young lady of much promise.
Politically, Mr. Murray was a Republican, and influential in local party
affairs. Fraternally, he belonged to the Masonic order.
The lamentable and untimely death of Harvey Murray occurred on
September 5, 1899, by accident, resulting from a fall from a stairway in the-
business section of Ash Grove. His death was a shock to the people of this
community where he was regarded as a leading citizen and an able and suc-
cessful attorney, a man who was universallv liked and respected.
GREENE COUNTY. MISSOURI. !_'_
WESLEY C. SIDMAN.
Worry comes from failure to think properly, so we are commanded to
consider, be still and know, and to remember that we live and move and have
our being in the same universal spirit which has expressed itself in all the
wonders of the material universe. Even a flower is the unfolding of a vast
divine plan. We are, therefore, not to worry about our life, but to take up
our duties from day to day, as we know and understand the right and —
wait. The long and honorable life of Wesley C. Sidman. now living in re-
tirement in Springfield, in the fulness of his four score years has lived along
such a plan, for he knew from the start that the best he could do was to
work industriously, live nobly, and, therefore, worry has had little place in
bis nature.
Air. Sidman was born near Syracuse, Xew York, September 11. 1834.
He is a son of John 11. and Alary (Quick) Sidman. both natives of the state
of Xew York, where they were reared and received limited educations, and
there they were married. 1 hey were living in l )hio at the time of the father s
death, and the mother died in Jasper county, Missouri, a few years after
moving there from the East. They were the parents of seven children.
Wesley C. Sidman grew to manhood in Athens count)', Ohio, and there
received a common school education. In Ins youth he learned the carpen-
ter's and cabinetmakers trade, at which be became quite expert, and followed
the same throughout his active career, lie remained in Ohio until [888, when
he came to Springfield, Missouri, and here be worked for the St. Louis &
San Francisco Railroad Company for a period of six years, in the coach de-
partment of the North Sick- shops, giving satisfaction in every respect. He
then continued his trade, working for public schools until he retired from
active life some six years ago.
Mr. Sidman was married, September 9, 1N58, to Alary R. Rose, who.
was born near Zanesville, Perry county. Ohio, where she grew to woman-
hood and received her education in the public schools. She proved to be a
most faithful helpmate and was a kind and generous-hearted woman, who
left behind a host of good friends when she passed to her eternal re>t in Sep-
tember. [90S'.
Seven children were born to Mr. and Airs. Sidman, namely: William
D.. a Methodist minister, living in Springfield, is represented in a separate
sketch in this volume; John W. lives in St. Louis; Robert R. died on No-
vember jo. 1903; ATrs. Alary Elizabeth Hamilton lives in Carterville, Mis-
souri; Airs. Delia Jones resides in Springfield ; Mrs. Captolia Irving lives in
St. Louis; Bessie M. has remained at home with her father.
Politically. Air. Sidman is a Republican. He is a member of the Grand
122< > GREENE COUNT V, MISSOURI.
Army of the Republic by virtue of the fact that he served four years in the
Federal army, having enlisted in 1861 in Athens county, Ohio, in Company
H, Eighteenth Regiment Ohio Volunteer infantry, and he saw much hard
service with the army in the South, taking part in numerous engagements
and fighting gallantly for his country. He was honorably discharged in Vin-
ton count)", Ohio, on September 24, 1865. Religiously, he is a member of
the Benton Avenue Methodist Episcopal church.
WILLIAM A. DAGGETT.
Believing with Longfellow that "within ourselves is triumph or de-
feat," William A. Daggett, the present librarian at the Springfield State Nor-
mal school, determined at the outset of his career to so shape his course that
when life's goal was reached he could look backward along the labyrinthin
highway without compunction or regret, and so far he has left no stone un-
turned whereby he might honorably advance himself.
Mr. Daggett was born on March 14, 1876, at Waldoboro, Lincoln
county, Maine. He is a son of Athern E. and Helen M. (I'arsons) Dag-
gett, both natives of Maine, each representatives of old families there. These
parents grew up and were educated in tin- early-day schools of that state
and were married there in 1875 and have since resided near their early
day home. To this union, one son, William A., was born. The mother was
a daughter of William and Margaret (Fitzgerald) Parsons, descendants of
English emigrants who established the future home of the family among
the earl) settlers of Maine. The father of our subject was reared on the
farm of his parents and he devoted the major portion of his active life to
agricultural pursuits; however, he engaged in other line- of endeavor, in-
cluding the confectionery business, for a period of twenty years. Politically,
he is a Republican and lie belongs to the Congregational church.
William \. Daggett attended the public schools in his native state and
when fourteen years of age left there and -pent two years in Tabor Acad-
emy at Marion, Massachusetts, then came to Springfield, Missouri, in 1893
and studied two years in Drury Academy and four year- in Drury College,
from which institution he was graduated with the degree of Bachelor of
Arts in [899. Soon thereafter he accepted a position as assistant princi-
pal at Rogers Vcademy, Rogers, Arkansas. He taught mathematics and
science there for two years. Ills advancement as an educator was rapid and
it was n, it long until his services were in demand in other and larger fields
than the one at Rogers where he won such a creditable record during his
two years at that place as an instructor. Learning of his success the board
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. 122J
•of the Springfield high school tendered him the position of instructor in
history, which position he accepted, and in which he accomplished a work
of far-reaching importance, such as had probably never before been attempted
here and more signally successful than his former efforts as teacher. After
spending six years in this school in the department of history, he was se-
lected librarian at the Springfield State Normal, the duties of which position
he has since discharged in an able and highly satisfactory manner, and at
the same time has taught some in the history department; however, he has
had no classes for two years, his increasing work as librarian claiming all
his time and attention, including his committee work in the school and the
library instruction course by him. He has also held positions as an instruc-
tor in athletics and physical culture, in which lines he has pronounced natu-
ral ability of a high order.
Air. Daggett was married on June 12, 1900, to Evelina Park, youngest
daughter of Dr. William H. Park, a pioneer doctor of Greene county, Mis-
souri, also a prominent business man of Springfield. Mr. and .Mrs. Daggett
are the parents of two children, Athern, born on January 10, 1904, and
Algoa, born on April 11, 1906, and died January, 19 14.
Politically, Professor Daggett is a Republican, and a member of the
First Congregational church, in the work of which he has been active and
influential for a number of years, having been identified with the various
branches of the church of this denomination in Springfield. Personally be is
an unassuming, accommodating and likable gentleman.
ELIHU HIBLER.
Referring to agriculture, one of the earliest bards of the English-
speaking race wrote the following: "In ancient times the sacred plow was
employed by the kings and fathers of mankind ; and some, with whom
compared your insect tribes are but the beings of a summer's day. Have
held the scale of empire, ruled the storm of mighty war with unwearied
hand, disdaining little delicacies, seized the plow and greatly independent
lived." He might also have added that agriculture has been from the days
of Cain, the greatest of all the arts of man, for it is the first in supplying
his necessities. As an agricultural region. Missouri has no superiors. No
state has a more natural system of natural drainage, or a more abundant
supply of pure, limpid water than this state. Both man and beast may slake
their thirst from a thousand perennial fountains that form our "blue, rejoic-
ing streams that catch the azure of the skies." And here Nature has p.lao
generously bestowed her attractions of climate, soil and scenery to please
[228 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
and gratify man while earning his bread by the sweat of his brow. Being
thus munificently endowed. Missouri offers superior inducements to the
farmer, and bids him reap varied harvests from her broad domain and
avail himself of her varied resources. One of the men of a past generation
who wisely decided to devote his career to tilling the soil in this, his native
state, was the late Elihu Hibler. and he was not only amply repaid for his
toil, but found comfort in his close communing with Nature, and this in
turn made him a peaceable and kind-hearted citizen who always had the
good will and respect of his neighbors and acquaintances.
Air. Hibler was born in St. Louis county, Missouri, July jo, 184O. He
was a son of Alton and Mary A. (Baxter) Hibler and was one of a family
of six children, an equal number of sons and (laughters, namely: Leora,
tsadore and William are both deceased: Elihu, subject of this memoir;
Pamella is the wife of J. W. Hoggs, of Springfield, and George, who lives in
Kansas City. 1 he father of the above named children devoted his active
life to general fanning in St. Louis county, this state, and there his death
occurred many years ago.
Elihu Hibler grew to manhood in his native community and assisted
his father with the work on the farm and there laid the foundation for his
future success as a husbandman. He received bis early education in the
common schools of bis district, and he remained in St. Louis county until
the deatli of his father, when he removed to Bates county, Missouri, and in
the year [S'84 he purchased a farm there, which he operated successfully
many years, finally moving to Liberal. Barton count}, this state, where he
purchased a farm, on which he spent the rest of bis life, and was known as
one of the leading general farmers and stock raisers of that locality.
.Mr. Hibler was married on July 25, [889, in Hates county, to Frances
J. .Maxwell, a daughter of I'.dley t '. and Rebecca J. I Lark) Maxwell. The
father was a native of Virginia, wl ere he spent bis early life, finally remov-
ing to Hales county, Missouri, where be purchased a farm, and there be
and bis wife still reside, highly respected citizens. Their family consisted
of seven children, live daughters and two sons, namely: John Beauregard
lives in Ft. Scott. Kansas: William P. died in infancy; Frances J., widow
of Mr. Hibler, subject of this memoir: .Mrs. Lucy Coon, of Ft. Scott. Kan-
sas, is the mother of seven s,,us and one daughter; Betty lived with her
parents on the farm; and Leila May. who died when twenty-seven years
of age.
Three children were born to Elihu Hibler and wife, namely: Edith
Lamella, born October 29, [890, was graduated from the State Xormal ;
she is married and has one son. William Elihu, named after bis grandfather,
our subject, be being the tenth William in the family line of descent, and
his birth occurred June 14. [913; she has made herself proficient in music.
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. IJJ()
especially in voice culture, and she lias for some time been a successful
instructor in music. Jessie Gladys, second child of our subject and wife,
was born October 15, 1894, was graduated from the State Normal at Spring-
field, specializing in domestic science and music. Mary Rebecca, the youngesl
child, was born Jul}' 2^, [897, is now a student in the Springfield schools
and expects to take the course in the State Normal. These daughters have
all been given excellent educational advantages, which they have duly appre-
ciated and properly improved. Their father, our subject, was a great
advocate of education, and himself a great reader and student all his life.
Religiously, Mr. Hibler belonged to the Methodist Episcopal church.
He was summoned to his eternal rest on January 11, 1906.
GEORGE W. HENDRICKSON.
Faithfulness to duty, persistence in the pursuit of a worthy object and
a desire to be of service to those about him while laboring for his own ad-
vancement have been some of the principles which have been dominating
factors in the career of George W. Hendrickson, the present able assistant
postmaster at Springfield, in which city he has made his home for a period
of twenty-five years, and where he was formerly engaged in mercantile pur-
suits. Like many of our best citizens he hails from the fine old Blue Grass
state and possesses many of the winning traits of his progenitors, who were
Southerners.
Mr. Hendrickson was born in Lewis county, Kentucky, January 6,
[860. He is a son of John T. and Jemima (Myers) Hendrickson, and was
one of ten children, an equal number of sons and daughters, all now deceased
but four sons. John T. Hendrickson. the father, was a native of Kentucky,
where he grew up, was educated in the early-day schools, married and spent
his life as a general merchant and died there in 1896. Jemima Myers,
mother of our subject, was of Pennsylvania German stock. She met and
married John T. Hendrickson in Lewis count}-, Kentucky, and spent the
rest of her life there, dying in [866.
George W. Hendrickson grew to manhood on the home farm in Lewis
count}', Kentucky, where he worked when a boy and there he received his
education in the common schools during the winter months, remaining on
the farm until he was eighteen years of age, when he went to Cincinnati,
Ohio, where he secured employment with a paint company, with which he
remained for a short time, then secured a position as clerk for the Cincin-
nati & Memphis Packet Company, which he retained for ten years, then,
in 1889, he came to Springfield, Missouri, and he and his brother engaged
I23O GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
in the grocen- business for four years, after which he sold out to his- brother
— John F. Hendrickson, and entered the political arena. He was first em-
ployed in the sheriff's office, where he spent two years. Then served as
deputy circuit clerk for three years, after which he accepted a position, in
1898, as assistant postmaster, which he has retained to the present time,
his long retention being sufficient evidence of his satisfactory service, hav-
ing discharged the duties of this responsible position for a period of eighteen
years in a manner that reflected much credit upon himself and to the satis-
faction of all concerned, being accurate, alert, painstaking and a man whose
integrity has never been questioned.
In 1887, two years before Mr. Hendrickson left his position with the
Cincinnati Packet Company in Ohio, he married Mary Rittenhouse, of
Evansville, Indiana, a daughter of Thomas H. Rittenhouse, whose family
consisted of three children.
To Mr. and Mrs. Hendrickson four children have been born, namely:
Alberta, born on November 4, 1888, is librarian at the Springfield high
school; Willa died in infancy; Georgia, born on June 10, 1806, was educated
in the Springfield public and high schools, later attending Drury College;
John I"., born on July 11, 1900.
Politically, Mr. Hendrickson is a Republican, and has been loyal in his
support of the party. He served for three years as a member of the local
board of education with Prut. J. Fairbanks. Fraternally, he belongs to the
Modern Woodmen of America. He and bis family attend the Presby-
terian church.
\V. AIM. Ml WILLIAM LINCOLN.
One of the best known members of the Greene county bar is Azariah
William Lincoln, who has been practicing law in Springfield for thirty years,
during which time he has met with continued success and has kept well
abreast of the times in bis profession. Concerning the sincerity of purpose,
the unquestioned probity and uprightness of conduct and character, the
ability and honesty of Mr. Lincoln, it may be said, they arc as well known
and recognized as bis name. It occurs occasionally that a peculiar accent
accompanies the declaration, when it is said of anyone, that he is honest,
as it' to imparl a whisper of suggestion that the quality is rare or exotic.
In its application to men in responsible public position it is not true: the
reverse of ii is. In its application to lawyers, as a body, which is not infre-
quently done, it is false; the reverse of it is true. Both Mr. Lincoln and
his s.m. Harold T. Lincoln, a rising young lawyer, are known to be advo-
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. 123I
cates of strict honest}- in all relations of life, and this has been one of the
main secrets of their success.
Azariah W. Lincoln was born in Iowa count)-, Wisconsin, September
25, 1851. He is a son of Thomas Lincoln, a native of Pennsylvania, who
went to Wisconsin with his parents when a child, and after his maturity
he removed to Ohio in 1862, and engaged in farming. His death occurred
in May, 1890. lie was a son of Azariah Lincoln, who died in Ohio in the
earl)' sixties
Air. Lincoln, of this review, received his education in the common
schools of Ohio and the Ohio Wesleyan University at Delaware. Ohio, from
which institution he was graduated. He began studying law with James E.
Wright, of Columbus, Ohio, and was admitted to the bar in 1881, before
the supreme court of that state, but instead of devoting his attention to
practice he engaged in educational work, was elected county superintendent
of schools, which responsible position he held for three years with satis-
faction to all concerned. He then came to Springfield, Missouri, in 1884,
and began the practice of law. which he has continued to the present time,
and has been very successful all along the line and ranked among the leaders
of the bar here from the first. He was judge of the probate court from
[887 to 1895. and was judge of the criminal court for two years. As a
jurist he more than met the expectations of his friends and discharged his
duties in a manner that reflected much credit upon his ability and fidelity,
his decisions being noted for their fairness and profound insight into the
basic principles of jurisprudence, as well as his familiarity with the statutes.
He is senior member of the firm of Lincoln & Lincoln, and with his sun
enjoys a large practice.
In April, 1885, tnc marriage of Judge Lincoln occurred to Jennie M.
Adams, a native of Mt. Gilead, Ohio, a daughter of Henry H. Adams, a
merchant, who at present resides with his daughter, Airs. Lincoln, in Spring-
field. Missouri. His wife was know in her maidenhood as Isabel I-. Swaner.
To the union of our subject and wife three sons were born — William
Lincoln, born in Springfield, in January. 1887. was graduated from the
local high school, later attending Drury College several terms; he married
Pauline Burns in 1908; she is a daughter of F. M Burns, and to this union
one child has been born, William Burns Lincoln, whose birth occurred in
January, 1910. Harold Thomas Lincoln, second son of Judge Lincoln
and wife, was born in Springfield November 11, 1888. He was graduated
from the Springfield high school and from the Columbia Law School in
Ohio, and commenced the practice of his profession with his father in 1909,
and he is regarded as one of the leaders of the younger generation of the
Greene county bar. In December, 191 1, he married Maggie Sims, and to
this union one daughter has been born, Margaret Lincoln. Harold T.
'123- GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
Lincoln is a Republican. He was appointed city tax attorney, which position
he held two years, and was assistant prosecuting attorney of Greene county
under James H. Mason. Urged by his friends, he was a candidate for city
attorney in 19 14, and his election was regarded from the first as most
probable, since he is popular with all classes, and his record as a public
servant in his former capacities was most commendable in every respect.
Elwyn Russell Lincoln, youngest son of the Judge and wife, was born
in Springfield, October 26, 1896, and died October 27, 1913.
Mr. Lincoln is a Republican. He is a member of the Masonic order
and the Improved Order of Red Men. Religiously he belongs to the Meth-
odist Episcopal church.
CHARLES L. ROBERTSON".
Year has been added to year ami decade to decade until seventy-seven
years have been numbered with the past since Charles L. Robertson, a ven-
erable and highly honored farmer of Murray township, came to Greene
county, this long span of years embracing nearly the whole of his life, which
has been .-.pent in this locality. Upon the arrival of the Robertson family
this section of the state was largely an undeveloped region, awaiting the
awakening touch of the sturdy pioneer- to transform its wild lands into
rich farms and beautiful and comfortable homes, to establish churches and
schools, and in many other ways reclaim the country for the use of man.
Our subject has played well his part as a citizen of enterprise and public
spirit, has lived to see and take part in the transformation of the county,
whose interests he has ever had at heart, and, having been a close observer
all the while, he is an interesting talker on what the vicissitudes of time has
wrought here.
Mr. Robertson was born in Hamilton county, eastern Tennessee, April
5, [837. He is a son of Jefferson and Mary Ann (Lodspeach) Robertson,
representatives of very old Southern families. Jefferson Robertson was
born in Roam- county, Tennessee, in [806, and there he grew up and mar-
ried and made his home until [837 when he came to Greene county, Mis-
souri, with his family. Springfield then being known to many of the settlers
as "Stump Town." In [839 he purchased two hundred acres of laud where
our subject now lives, the latter owning forty acres off this tract. The
lather devoted bis life to general farming, and here he resided until his
death in 1877, was known to his neighbors as an honest, hospitable and hard
working man. He was a Democrat, and belonged to the Methodist Epis-
COpal church, South, first, when the services of this denomination were held
in Murray school house later, when a church house had been built at Willard.
he attended there. His wife was born in Greene county, Tennessee, and
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. 1 233
when nine years old she left there with her parents and the family located at
Sweetwater, Tennessee, where she grew to womanhood and married. She
was born in 1817 and died May 9, 1908, at the unusual age of ninety-one
years, having outlived her husband thirty-one years, he having died in the
inline of life. She was a grand old lady, beloved by all who knew her.
To Jefferson Robertson and wife eleven children were born, t namely :
Charles L. of this review; Mrs. Elizabeth Ann Young of Willard, Greene
county; .Mrs. Nancy Caroline Grant of Polk county, Missouri; Mrs.
Armeldia Potter of Oklahoma; John Lindsay of Oklahoma; Mrs. Josephine
Gilmore, of Cave Spring, Cass township, Greene county ; Mrs. Eliza Jane
Snider, who lives on the old homestead in Murray township; Mrs. Sally
Murray, of Murray township; Mrs. Martha Frances Philips, of Panhandle,
Texas; the two youngest children died in infancy unnamed.
Charles L. Robertson was alumt two years old when his parents brought
him from the mountains of Eastern Tennessee to the vicinity where he now
resides and here he grew to manhood on his father's farm and there worked
hard when a boy in assisting to clear and develop the place, and dining the
winter he attended the brief >essions of the old-time subscription schools in
his locality. He remained on the homestead until he was twenty-one years
of age then began farming fur himself, settling on a part of what he now
owns and has lived here continuously to the present time, successfully]
engaged in general farming and stock raising. He owns one hundred and
twenty-acres, one hundred acres .if which is under cultivation. He has
heen a hard working man all his life and has a well improved and well
kept place and a good group of outbuildings. He always keeps an excellent
grade of various kinds of live stock and is one of the best known men n\
the township, respected by all his acquaintances.
Mr. Robertson was married May 10, 1857, to Eliza Ann Wittenburg,
a native of Greene county, Missouri, and a daughter of Phelix and Nancy
(RobbersorO Wittenburg, both natives of Eastern Tennessee, the father
born August 17. 1810, and the mother August 15, 1820. The latter was
eleven years old when her parents brought her to Missouri and she died here
October 5, 1844.
Ten children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Robertson, all dying in early
childhood but two, who are still living. Mrs. Mary Caroline Olinger, of
Murray township, this county; and William J., who lives in Walnut Grove,
Missouri.
Politically Mr. Robertson is a Democrat, but has never aspired to office,
preferring a quiet home life. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal
church South, at Pearl, Cass township, where his wife and daughter also
hold membership. During the Civil war he served three months in the
Confederate army in a very creditable manner.
(78)
1234 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
WILLIAM M; SMITH, M. D.
One of the best-known physicians of the city of Springfield, an hon-
ored veteran of the Civil war, and for a quarter of a century one of the
respected citizens of Greene county, is Dr. William M. Smith. He chose
medicine as his life profession and life purpose and pursuit. The environ-
ment of his earlier years, its discipline, his college course and drill, the
culture that comes from books and study and travel, the success with which
he has met as a physician, and the standard in his profession to which he
has risen — all testify to the wisdom of his choice.
Dr. Smith was born in Barnesville, Ohio, June 7, 1S42. He is a sou
of John C. and Hannah (Thompson) Smith. The father was born in 181 7,
was reared a Quaker, and was a carpenter and contractor during his active
life. Toward the early part of the Civil war, although then advanced in
years, he enlisted for service in the Union army in August, 1862, in the
One Hundred and Twenty-fourth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, under Col.
John H. Howe, and he served in the battles around Yicksburg, Mississippi,
but the hardships of army life proved too much for him and he died before
his term of enlistment had expired and was buried in the National cemetery
at Mound City, Illinois. The mother of our subject was born January 18,
181S. in Huntington county, Pennsylvania, and was a daughter of Amos
Thompson, a farmer. She came with her family to Ohio when she was a
child, and her parents both died in that state. She spent the latter part of
her life at the home of our subject in Springfield. Missouri, where her
death occurred in 1889, and was buried in Hazelwood cemetery here. Some
of the maternal great-great-uncles of our subject were soldiers in the Revo-
lutionary war. The family is of German-English, Scotch and Irish ancestry.
Dr. Smith was reared in Ohio and there he received his early education
in the common schools, later graduating from the Kewanee Academy, at
Kewanee, Illinois, and was preparing for college at the time of his enlist-
ment in the Federal army, in September, 1861, in Company A, Forty-second
Illinois Volunteer Infantry, under Col. Stewart, later serving under Col.
Northrop. He saw considerable hard service and proved to be a gallant
defender of the flag, participating in the battles of Farmington. Stone River,
and the great battle of Chickamauga, in which he was wounded and taken
prisoner, but was later paroled and sent to General Hospital in St. Louis.
He \\a> honorabl) discharged at St. Louis at the expiration of term of
enlistment and later re-enlisted. February 7, 1865, in the Ninth Illinois
Cavalry, serving until October, 1865, and was discharged at Selma. Alabama.
After his career in the army Dr. Smith returned home and taught school
for several terms, devoting his spare time to the study of medicine, and in
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. I235
1868 he entered the Keokuk Medical College, at Keokuk, Iowa, later entering
Rush Medical College, Chicago, from which he was graduated in 1870.
He first began the practice of his profession at Atkinson, Illinois, remaining
there nine years, and had a good practice; he then went to Sterling, Illinois,
and practiced three years, after which he moved to Beadle county, South
Dakota, where he practiced six years, and in 1888 came to Springfield,
.Missouri, where he has remained to the present time, enjoying an excellent
practice all the while and ranking among the leading general practitioners
in the county.
Dr. Smith is a member of the Greene County Medical Society, the
Southwest Missouri .Medical Society, the Missouri State .Medical Asso-
ciation and the American Medical Association. He was president of the
first named society for one term. He belongs to the Grand Army of the
Republic. He has been secretary of the local board of pension examiners
for the past sixteen years. Politically he is a Republican and religiously is
a member of the Congregational church.
Dr. Smith married Viola M. Ferrin, December 15, 1870. She is a
daughter of Isaac and Maria ( Bailey) Ferrin, both natives of New England.
Mrs. Smith's father died when she was an infant. The mother spent her
last years with our subject and died at his home in Springfield in 1890.
Four children have been born to Dr. Smith and wife, namely: Wells
Ferrin, born in Atkinson, Illinois, in 1871, was educated in the Springfield
high school and Drury College, later was graduated from Beaumont Medical
College, in 1898, and he began his practice in Springfield, securing a position'
in the Frisco Hospital, where he remained two vears, then removed to
Arkansas, and is now division surgeon for the Iron Mountain Railroad,
with headquarters at Little Rock. He married Robbie Blythe, of Clarks-
ville, Arkansas, in 1905. and they have four children, Helen, John, Elsie
and Elizabeth. He is a thirty-second degree Mason, and is a fine surgeon.
Charles Wilbur Smith, second son of our subject, was born in Atkinson,
Illinois, in 1873, was educated in the Springfield high school and Drury
College, also studied at the Beaumont Medical College, graduating with the
class of iqoi, later, in 1902, taking a post-graduate course, in the St. Louis
Hospital. He began the practice of his profession at Keota, Missouri, in
1902, and remained there six years, then came to Springfield and has been
engaged in practice here ever since, and is one of the most successful of our
younger surgeons and general practitioners, doing a great deal of surgery.
He is a member of the Greene County Medical Society, the Missouri State
Medical Association, the Southwest Missouri Medical Society and the
American Medical Association. He was at one time health commissioner
of the city of Springfield. He is a thirty-second degree Mason, and also
belongs to the Knights of Pythias and B. P. O. E. He married Mary Helen
121,6 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
\"ail in 1902. She is a daughter of Edward Vail, superintendent of a local
coal company. One child has been born to Dr. Charles W. Smith and wife,
a daughter, Vail Smith, whose birth occurred in 1903. Amy Jessie Smith,
daughter of the subject of this sketch, was born in Atkinson, Illinois, was
educated in the Springfield high school and graduated from Drury College.
She married Alfred H. Mansfield, an attorney, now chief claim agent of
the Missouri Pacific Railroad ; they reside in St. Louis. To this union one
child has been born, Elizabeth, born on August 8. 1914. Winifred Elizabeth
Smith, youngest of our subject's children, was born in South Dakota, was
educated in the Springfield high school and Drury College, and she married
O. J. McCutcheon, president of the McCutcheon Bros. Vehicle & Harness
Company, of Springfield; to them one child, Elizabeth, was born in 1910 in
this city. The above named children were given every advantage as to
education and general preparation for life, and they are all popular wherever
thev are known, and are well situated in life.
JOHN H. SHACKELFORD.
The Shackelford family has been known in Greene and Webster coun-
ties during the past three-quarters of a century, the father of the subject of
this review having established the future home of the family here in the
year 1840 when Springfield consisted of a few log huts, lately the site ot
the Kickapoo Indian village: when the county was sparsely settled and very
little development had been done, the virgin soil being covered with im-
mense woods or rank wild grass, the haunts of many kindreds of the wild.
So the elder Shackelford was an important factor in the early civilization
of the county, f"r he was a builder by profession and was a man who never
quailed at hardships and loved to see reclaimed this region of promise. From
that early day l<> this the name of the family here has been one against which
11. > aspersions could be cast, and has always stood for good citizenship.
One of the best known of the present generation is John H. Shackel-
funl. widely known contractor of North Campbell street. Springfield, who
was horn on October 7, 1855, in Greene county. Missouri, and who has
spent his life here and in the adjoining county of Webster. He is a son
of Garland and Mary E. (Forren) Shackelford, and is a scion of old Vir-
ginia people on his father's side. Garland Shackelford was born in Vir-
ginia, January 16, 1816, and there he grew to manhood and spent his life
until 1840 when he emigrated overland to Missouri, reaching the present
site of Springfield on June 17th of that year, lie had learned the carpen-
ter's trade when a young man in his native state and he at once began
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. l22>7
working at the same in his new community, and had the distinction of build-
ing the first frame house in Greene county, which was erected for Major
Powell, father-in-law of Martin J. Hubble. He did a great deal of carpenter
work and contracting and built many of the best houses in this locality in
the pioneer days. In 1850 he joined the gold seekers across the great
western plains, making the perilous journey to California, with Rip Weaver
and Joe Farris. He returned to Springfield in 185 1, on account of sickness,
making the return trip by way of the Isthmus of Panama. Upon his arrival
here he purchased a farm two miles from town, and continued building and
farming for six years, and in 1857 removed to Marshfield, Webster county,
this state, where there was a better field for his contracting and building
business. There he also bought a fanning and carding mill. He became
one of the leading men of that county, and there he spent the rest of his
life, reaching the advanced age of ninety-two years, his death occurring on
July 9, 1908. He was twice married, Alary E. Forren being his first wife,
and to this union thirteen children were born, six sons and seven daughters,
six of whom, two sons and four daughters survive, namely: Garland C,
of Springfield; Mrs. Mattie Robertson, of Marshfield; Mrs. Loma Darby,
of Center Point, Texas; Mrs. Amelia McKnight, of Nevada, Missouri; Mrs.
Josephine E. Lyon, of Marshfield, Oregon, and John H., of this review.
The mother of these children was born in Tennessee where she spent her
girlhood, coming to Springfield when twelve years of age, her mother hav-
ing died some time previously. She came to this locality with her father
who was a farmer, and here he died during one of the scourges of cholera
which swept the country at intervals in those early times. The death of
Mrs. Shackelford occurred on January 14. 1892, and the father of our
subject subsequently married Miss Elian Whiticar. His last union was
without issue.
John PI. Shackelford was two years old when his parents removed with
him from Greene to Webster county in 1857, and he grew to manhood at
Marshfield where he received his education in the common schools. He
assisted his father with his general work as a carpenter, contractor and mill
man while growing up, and upon reaching maturity engaged in business for
himself first as a farmer and later, March 16, 1883, he came to Springfield
and here he has resided ever since, engaging in business, for the most part
as a contractor for gravel and composition roofing. His present establish-
ment is located at 968 North Campbell street, where lie is well equipped
for the prompt and successful carrying on of his line of endeavor, and he
has built up an extensive and constantly growing business and employs a
large number of skilled workmen. He has a reputation for honest, high-
grade and quick work and is one of the popular contractors of Springfield.
He always handles the best of materials and his prices are reasonable.
I238 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
Mr. Shackelford was married on July 4, 1886, to Emma Donald, a
daughter of William Donald, of Saline county, Missouri. His family con-
sisted of five children, namely : Mrs. Julia Shelby, of Springfield, was twice
married, first to ex-senator S. R. Bridges; she has three children; Mrs.
Ella Louder is deceased; Emma, who is the wife of Mr. Shackelford of this
sketch; Leander McCord Donnell, of Springfield, married Rosie Roberts,
and they have four children; Royal, who is engaged in farming in Saline
county, this state, married Mattie Crowder, and they have two children.
To John H. Shackelford and wife two children have been born, namely:
Bessie E. Tolia Shackelford married Lake H. Gibson, of Springfield; he
is city salesman for the G. D. Milligan Grocery Company, and Louis C.
Shackelford, who was born on May 24, 1892. was educated in the Spring-
field schools and Christian Brothers College, St. Louis; he is engaged in the
same line of business as his father — gravel and composition roofing, and is
a promising young business man.
Politically, Mr. Shackelford is a Democrat. Fraternally, he is a mem-
ber of the Knights of Pythias, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks,
the Royal Arcanum and the Modern Woodmen of America. He and his
family are members of the Cumberland Presbyterian church.
THOMAS OTIS KLINGNER, M. D.
Whether in the substance of our human nature or the spiritualities of
an expectant future being, mankind is inclined to cling, with fierce tenacity,
to not 1 mly the hope that the ego may not disappear, but that the tangible,
if dissolving personally, may he fittingly remembered. To rescue, preserve
and perpetuate was the mission of the ancient Chronicle.-, and this is the
province of history; and equally so, of biographic narrative. "Man's so-
ciality of nature." says Carlyle, "evinces itself, in spite of all that can be
said, with abundant evidence by this one fact, were there no other: the
unspeakable delighl he takes in biography." So when a man like Dr.
Thomas Otis Klingner, one of the best-known specialists of his class in
Greene county, ha- reached the honored position in the vicinity which he
ha- attained, it is meet that something of hi- individuality he set forth.
I )r. Klingner was horn near Fair Grove, Greene county, Missouri,
March 3, 1874. fie i- a -on of John and Mollie ( Shade 1 Klingner. The
father was born at North Vernon, Indiana, in [844, and there he -pent his
earlier years working on the farm and attending the district schools during
the winter months, and later he began teaching in the rural school-, which
vocation, in connection with farming part of the year, he continued for
GREENE COUNTY. MISSOURI. I -\iO
some time. He eventually emigrated to Missouri and located in Greene
county, where he purchased a farm near the village of Fair Grove and there
he still resides, having developed a good farm and reared his children in
comfort, giving them proper educational advantages. For many years he
has served his community as a local preacher in the Methodist church, in
which he is an earnest and influential worker, and is called on by all denomi-
nations to conduct funerals and marriages. He is widely known in his end
of the county and everybody is his friend. Flis good wife, who has proven
to be a most worthy helpmeet, was born in 1845.
This family is of German descent, as the name would indicate, the
paternal grandfather, August Klingner, having been a native of Bingen,
Germany, from which country he emigrated to America in an early day, with
his wife, and settled at North Vernon, Indiana, where he engaged in farming,
and there he and his wife spent the rest of their lives. The maternal grand-
father, Henry Shade, who was of Scotch descent, was a machinist by trade,
and he resided at many different places, but spent the latter part of his life
on a farm near Fair Grove, Missouri.
Seven children were born to John Klingner and wife, named as follow.-:
Dr. Thomas Otis, of this sketch: Henry Augustus resides at Wray, Colorado,
where he is engaged in the mercantile business; John W. lives in Spring-
field, Missouri, and is engaged in the undertaking business; Charles E. is a
farmer and has remained on the homestead with his parents; George Mack,
of Roswell, New Mexico, is professor of English in the high school there;
Mamie Louise, who has taught school for about twenty years, has remained
single and lives at home; Florence Elizabeth, also unmarried, lives with her
parents on the farm.
Dr. Thomas O. Klingner was reared on the home farm and there did
his full share of the work during the crop seasons, and during the winter
he attended the district schools, later entered Morrisville College, at Morris-
ville, Polk count}', Missouri, where he completed the course leading to the
degree of Bachelor of Philosophy, however, was not graduated. When about
eighteen years of age he commenced life for himself by earning his own
living and obtaining money by teaching with which to educate himself, also
followed other pursuits, and in 1895 ne entered the Missouri Medical Col-
lege at St. Louis, where he made a good record and from which he was
graduated with the class of 1898 with the highest honors in that class.
Returning to Greene county, he began the practice of his profession at
Willard, where he remained three years as a general practitioner, then spent
two years at Walnut Grove, this county, enjoying a good practice at both
places. In 1903 he took the civil service examination and went to Wash-
ington, D. C, where he was given employment in the medical department
I24O GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
of the Pension Bureau, remaining there three years to the eminent satis-
faction of the department. The last two years there he had the management
of the eye and ear department. He came to Springfield, Missouri, in 1906,
established an office on Commercial street, which he has maintained for the
past nine years, building up a large and lucrative practice, which is rapidly
growing, and he is now located at 318 Landers building. He has taken his
place in the front rank of his professional brethren who confine themselves
to the treatment of the eye, ear, nose and throat. He has met with great
success in this field. His experience in Washington City was invaluable to
him, but in order to further equip himself for his chosen work he took a
post-graduate course, in 1906, in the Chicago Eye, Ear. Nose and Throat
College; also in 1912 took a post-graduate course in the Chicago Polyclinic.
Dr. Klingner is a member of the Greene County Medical Society, the
Southwest Missouri Medical Society, the Missouri State Medical Asso-
ciation, and the American Medical Association, being a Eellow of the last
named. He has been secretary of the Greene County Medical Society for
the past five years, also has been president of the State Association of
Medical Secretaries and counsellor for the Twenty-eighth District. He is
oculist and aurist for the Burge-Deaconess Hospital, the Southwest Missouri
Hospital, the Children's Home and the hospital for the St. Louis & San
Francisco Railroad Company. He is also vice-president of the Southwest
Missouri Bospital, and is secretary of the J. \V. Klingner undertaking
establishment. In all of the above positions of trust and responsibility he
has discharged his duties in a manner that lias reflected much credit upon
himself and to the satisfaction of all concerned.
Dr. Klingner was married in 1900 to Effie May Kernaghan, who was
born in Greene county, Missouri, November -7. [874. She i> a daughter of
Jesse and Elizabeth Kernaghan, for many years residents of this county,
who later made their home in Joplin, Missouri. -Mr. Kernaghan, who en-
gaged in contracting for many year-, is now practically retired from active
life. Mis wife died in Joplin in [904 and was buried there. Mrs. Klingner
was reared in ( ireene county and educated in the public schools here.
To our subject and wife two children have been born, namely: Keat-
ing Kenneth, born in Washington. D. C, in 1004. died in 1908'. and Mary
Elizabeth, horn in Springfield, Missouri, January 10, 1913.
fraternally Dr. Klingner is a member of the Masonic Order and the
Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Politically he is a Democrat, and in
religious matter- is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. South.
Personally the Doctor is a gentleman of the highest integrity and socia-
bility and the high position he has gained in the medical profession and the
countv is in every way deserved.
ORF.EXE COUNTY, MISSOURI. I --4 l
DANIEL MARTIN NEE.
One of the most promising of the younger members oi the Greene
county bar is Daniel Martin Nee, a member of the firm of De Vorss & Nee.
He seems to be the possessor of the necessary qualification for a success in
the legal field and lias most carefull) prepared himself for his chosen calling,
taking a great deal more pains in this respect than many of the older lawyers.
By wise and judicious legislation, a barrier has been interposed against an
easy and miscellaneous invasion of the legal profession, and those who
propose to enter it must submit to the rigid requirements of the laws of
the present time. The prescribed course of study must be observed, the
ordeal of examination must be borne, and fixed grades and standards must
be touched before the applicant can cross the statutory line that separates
him from the bar. The result is, the profession draws its nutriment from
a better, cleaner, stronger and more intellectual class — men fitted for the
profession and who will sustain its high character. Our subject is of
this class.
Mr. Xee was born at Thayer, Oregon county. Missouri, April i, 1888,
but most of his life lias been spent in Springfield, Greene county, whither
the family removed when he was a child. He is a son of Coleman C. and
.Mary 1 Foley) Xee, both natives of Ireland, and from his progenitors our
subject seems to have inherited many characteristics of the Celtic race
which will be of inestimable benefit to him as a lawyer. These parents
spent their earlier years in the Emerald Isle, from which they emigrated
to the United States when young. The Foley ancestry were mostly tillers
of the soil. Coleman C. Xee received his education in the common schools
of his native locality and when eighteen years of age emigrated to our
shores. Finally penetrating into the Middle West, he took up his residence
at Thayer, Missouri, where he engaged in business. Seeking a larger field
for his operations, he removed to Springfield twenty years ago and
ha- been a successful business man here ever since, well known about town
and highly respected. Patrick Xee, the paternal grandfather, was born in
Ireland, lived and died there, following the sea for a livelihood; in fact.
most of the Xee progenitors were sailors by profession, and noted for their
ability and bravery in this line.
Daniel M. Xee grew to manhood in Springfield and here lie received
his education, first attending the parochial schools, later was graduated
from the public schools and high school and attended Drury College for a
time. In 1906 he entered the law department of the University of Missouri,
where he made a splendid record and from which he was graduated with
the class of iqij. In July of that year he commenced practicing in Spring-
1242 GREEXE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
field in partnership with J. T. De Yorss, and notwithstanding the fact that
the firm is a new one, they are doing a very satisfactory volume of business,
with very bright prospects, their auspicious start auguring well for the
future.
Mr. Xee has for some time been well known locally as an athlete and
lias devoted considerable attention to athletics, of which he has been a suc-
cessful teacher, and has coached many baseball and football teams with
gratifying results, and at this writing he is in charge of the athletic teams
at Drury College. He was a professional baseball player, and by his excel-
lent work during vacation periods as a member of some good team he
earned money to defray his expenses in college, thus being enabled to obtain
his professional education.
Mr. Xee is unmarried. He is a Democrat politically, and in religious
matters is a Catholic. He is a member of the University Club and the
Sigma Cbi. He was popular among the students while in school in Spring-
field and at the University.
LEONIDAS CLARK ROSS, M. D.
It is no invasion of the province of propriety to narrate or chronicle
the exploits, achievements, character or the lesser or larger deeds of a man
who is yet a living personality. The truest biographic insight of an indi-
vidual will come to him who knows him best, has most closely studied him
in his particular spheres of thought and action, and who has the advantage
of aids of the subject of his narrative, as the living, suggesting source and
inspiration of it. The artist's picture of the vanished original will not be
an accurate photograph of it. It was a maxim of the Egoists, who were
uncertain of everything, only a few things, that "each one submit to a
record of himself, for hi- -elf's sake hut especially for his friends." Thus
it affords the biographer pleasure t" set forth appropriately, but succinctly,
and. we hope, accurately, the life record of Dr. Leonidas Clark Ross, who,
owing t" the enviable position he has gained in the medical circles of Greene
•county, is entitled t<> specific mention within these pages.
Dr. Ross was born in Greene county, Missouri, January r. i860, and
is a scion of one of tin- oldest and most prominent families of the county.
lie is a s' m m|' Rev. David and Eliza ( Robberson) Ross, the father a promi-
nent minister in the Methodist Episcopal church. South, for many years
in the pioneer days. His death occurred on January 6, 1869. The mother
was a sister of the late Dr. I".. T. Robberson, of Springfield, Missouri, and
also a representative of an "Id and well-known family. William Rn-. our
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. 1243
subject's paternal grandfather, died in Morgan county, and was buried at
Versailles, this state. William Robberson, the maternal grandfather, spent
his lite in Tennessee, died and was buried at Farmington, that state.
Dr. Ross' brother. Dr. F. E. Ross, was for over a half century one of
the best known physicians of Greene county, having practiced medicine in
Springfield from 1865 until his death in J 910. His widow still lives in
this city.
Dr. L. C. Ross grew to manhood in his native community and received
his early education in the schools of Springfield. Finally deciding upon a
career as a physician, he entered the Missouri .Medical College at St. Louis.
where he made a good record and from which institution he graduated
with the class of [891. In April of that year he began the practice of his
profession in Springfield, and from that time to the present his patients
have continued to increase in numbers until he is now a verv busy man and
ranks with the most successful general practitioners of the county. Dr.
Ross is a post graduate of the New York Polyclinic, attending in the year
1895.
He is a member of the Greene County .Medical Society, the Missouri
State Medical Association, the Southwest Missouri Medical Society and
the American Medical Association. Fraternally he belongs to the Masonic
Order. Politically he is a Democrat, and in religious matters belongs to the
Methodist Episcopal church, South.
Dr. Ross has remained unmarried. He is well liked by a wide acquain-
tance, being a man of pleasing address and good habits.
NANDY C. WILLIAMS, M. D,
To have the human name preserved has ever been, not only the desire,
but one of the illustions of the race and will doubtless always he. Mauso-
leums are built and the tablets hewn — "A graven stone to plead for tears
with alien eyes," for the purpose of binding in memory the fact of a life.
In the very earliest of the Hindoo mythology the milk of the sea was mys-
tically churned to make the amrita which gave immortality; and, all litera-
ture since bears trace of similar fancies. This desire to be remembered,
that our dust shall retain the tender regard of those whom we leave behind;
that the spot where it shall lie will be remembered with a kind and soothing
reverence ; that our children will visit it in the midst of their sorrows; and
our kindred in after times will feel that a local inspiration hovers round it,
has been one of the most potent forces in the history of man. Hence the
value and importance of biography and a volume of the nature of the one
1244 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
in hand, embracing as it does the leading characters in the drama of civili-
zation as staged in Greene county, one of the well known and deserving
actors in it of the present generation being the successful physician of Spring-
held, whose name forms the caption of this article.
Dr. Nandy C. Williams was born in Warren county, Iowa, February
25, i860. He is a son of Uriah F. and Jane (Graham) Williams. The
father was born near Indianapolis, Indiana, and there spent his earlier years,
finally emigrating to Warren county, Iowa, where he established the family
home. He devoted his life to general farming, and his death occurred in.
1878. His wife preceded him to the grave in 1871. William Williams, the
paternal grandfather of our subject, was a soldier in the Mexican war and
was killed in battle.
Doctor Williams grew up on the home farm and much hard work fell
to his lot when he was a boy; however, he was ambitious and forged ahead
despite obstacles. He received his early education in the public schools of
his native community and also spent three years in the Simpson Seminary
College at Indianola, Iowa, and in 1884 he entered the Iowa State Univer-
sity at Iowa City, where he remained two years. In order to defray the
expenses of a college course, having to depend entirely upon his own re-
sources, he engaged in any kind of honorable work he could get to do dur-
ing vacations, and taught school seven years. His undaunted determina-
tion brought success. Making up his mind to enter the medical profession
at an early age he began the study of medicine while still in school and began
practicing under a preceptor in [888, and in 1894 received his degree from
Barnes .Medical College, St. Louis. Missouri. In 1895 he came to Spring-
field, Missouri, and began the practice of his profession, which he has con-
tinued to the present time with much success, and has long since ranked with
the best and most popular general practitioners in Greene county.
On June 17, 1885, Doctor Williams was married to Etta A. Lyman,
who was horn near Bloomington, Wisconsin, March 9, 1862. She is of
Welsh ancestry. To the doctor and wife one son was horn. Leslie E., born
at Clifton Hill, Randolph count}, Missouri, December 0, 1891 ; he was edu-
cated in public and high schools at Springfield, this stale, later spending
three years in the Fine Arts Academy at Chicago; he taught one year in
the Art Institute of Chicago, in 1913, and is now engaged in commercial
art work; he lives in Xew York City, and is unmarried; he was evidently
born with the artistic temperament, which has been well developed and he
gives promise of a brilliant career in bis chosen field of endeavor.
The parents of our subject's wife are both deceased, George Lyman,
the father, who devoted his life successfully to farming, died in 1898, but
was living retired at the time of bis death. His wife bad preceded him to
the grave in 1890.
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. 1 245
Doctor Williams is a member of the Greene County Medical Society,
the Southwest .Missouri Medical Society, the Missouri State Medical
Association and the American Medical Association. Fraternally, he belongs
to the Masonic order, including the Ancient Arabic Order of Nobles of the
Mystic Shrine and the Order of Eastern Star; he also belongs to the Benevo-
lent and Protective Order of Elks. Politically he is a Democrat, and in
religious matters belongs to the Presbyterian church which he faithfully
supports.
THEODORE A. COFFELT, M. D.
A name that is deserving of a high position in the list of physicians in
Greene county is that of Dr. Theodore A. Coffelt, formerly a Methodist
minister. He is appreciated and respected in every relation of life — profes-
sional, social and religious — a learned doctor, a sincere and reliable citizen,
and in the better and higher conception of him, an honest man. The unos-
tentatious candor and openness of his character were never warped by selfish
instincts, or obscured by professional ardor. As a friend and neighbor he
is known as a genial, generous, kind-hearted man, free from circuity and
deceit, gentle in disposition, modest, judicious, placid, reasonable and just;
who holds his own and his friend's honor above all the blandishments of
passion and the seductions of ambition and wealth ; and who aims to come,
as nearly as human nature can come, to loving his neighbor as himself.
Doctor Coffelt was born in McDonald county, Missouri, April 10,
1855. He is a son of Rev. Wyatt and Jane (Sligar) Coffelt, the father a
native of Kentucky, and who devoted bis active life principally to the min-
istry and was one of the prominent pioneer preachers of his day- He spent
the last years of his life on a farm. His death occurred in Springfield,
Missouri, October 17, iqoi. and he was buried in the Coffelt cemetery near
Mason Valley, Benton county, Arkansas. The mother of our subject was
a daughter of Adam Sligar, a German; she was born on June 18, 1816, in
McMinn county. Tennessee. Her death occurred on January 20, 1886. She
and her husband are buried in the same cemetery. They became parents of
a large family, twelve children, an equal number of sons and daughters.
Philip Coffelt, the paternal grandfather of our subject, was born in
Greenbriar county, Virginia, now a part of West Virginia. He was a son
of Henry Coffelt, a native of Germany, from which country he emigrated
to America in the old Colonial days. He was a member in George Wash-
ington's company at the time of Braddock's defeat, during the French and
Indian war. Henry Coffelt married Ellen Ryan, who was born in Ireland,
from which country she emigrated to America when five vears of age. She
I246 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
and her older brother were captured by the Indians when she was seventeen
years old, but effected their escape after eight weeks of captivity. Their
freedom was gained by the wit, perseverance and ingenuity of the girl. Her
brother was lame, suffering with what was then known as white swelling
of the hip. When the Indians were within one day's journey of their set-
tlement they compelled this girl and her lame brother to carry wood from
the nearby forest into camp. The girl suspected that this meant that they
were to be burned at the stake while the red men engaged in their accus-
tomed revels on such occasions. So she instructed her brother how to
leave the encampment, where to go and await her coming. He got away
late in the afternoon and when night came on she made a break for liberty
herself. Finding her brother at the appointed rendezvous, they concealed
themselves under a fallen tree in a dense thicket and remained there for three
days, never daring to move. At one time the Indians in their search for
the runaways climbed upon the very tree under which the children were
lying. All the sister and brother had to eat during that trying period was
the dried tongue of a horse which Ellen had stolen from her captors shortly
before she escaped. Finally deciding that it was safe for them to leave
their hiding-place they traveled by night, secreting themselves during the
day, and eventually came to the Ohio river, which was at that season low,
and, finding a shallow place the girl carried her brother on her back across
the river, which she waded. The hardships proved too much for the cripple
and when sixty miles from home he died. Ellen having no way of digging
a grave, placed the body in the crotch of a fallen tree, and with much hard
work piled limbs of trees, rocks and leaves over the body, and that was his
only grave. She made her way back home which she reached after much
privation and suffering from hunger and exposure. After Ellen Ryan's
marriage to Henry Coffelt they settled in Greenbriar county, Virginia, and
to them ten children were born. One of their sons, Philip, was the grand-
father of Dr. Coffelt of this sketch. He married a Miss Wvatt, of English
ancestry, who was a cousin of Sir Francis Wyatt, first governor of Virginia
under old Colonial conditions.
Doctor Coffelt received his education in the common schools and the
high school at Pea Ridge. Arkansas, after which he entered the medical de-
partment of Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, in 1883, where
he remained one term, and in 1885 entered the Missouri Medical College
from which he was graduated in 1886. He has been a practicing physician
and surgeon since 1884. His earlier years were spent in Arkansas. Leav-
ing that state in 1891 he entered the post-graduate department of the Mis-
souri Medical College, where he remained until 1893, tnen removed to Car-
thage, Missouri, and began practicing as a specialist on the eye, ear, nose and
throat. Remaining there two years, he then entered the ministry of the
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. 1247
Methodist Episcopal church, South, and was thus engaged from 1895 to
1901, having joined the Southwest Missouri Conference. During that pe-
riod of six years he served the congregations of that denomination two years
at Pineville, in his native county; two years at Willard, Greene county; and
two years at Marshfield, Webster county. He did an excellent work in
building up the churches at these places and was regarded as an earnest,
faithful and capable pastor in every sense of the word. But on account of
failing health he gave up the ministry and resumed the practice of medi-
cine, opening an office in Springfield where he has since remained, confin-
ing himself to the eye, ear, nose and throat, in which field he has few equals
and no superiors in southwest Missouri and has enjoyed a constantly grow-
ing business all the while. He maintains an up-to-date suite of rooms in
the Woodruff building. In order to further equip himself for this special
line of work, the doctor took the course in the New York Post-Graduate
School of Medicine, from which he was graduated, and he also has a certifi-
cate of graduation from Washington University, 1888.
Doctor Coffelt is a member of the Greene County Medical Society, the
Southwest Missouri Medical Society, the Missouri State Medical Asso-
ciation, the Western Academy of Ophthalmology and Oto-Laryngology and
the American Medical Association. Fraternally, he is a member of the Ma-
sonic Order, including the Royal Arch and the Council degrees. Politically,
he is a Democrat, and he belongs to the St. Paul Methodist Episcopal church,
South. He has always been an ardent worker in the lines of his profession.
He has been president of the Greene County Medical Society, also president
of the Southwest Missouri Medical Society, vice-president of the Mis-
souri State Medical Association, and in 1908 was appointed a delegate to the
international tuberculosis congress which convened in Washington. D. C.
He is now president of the board of directors of the Springfield Hospital.
Doctor Coffelt was married on October 1, 1885, to Mary M. Clayton,
a native of Arkansas, where she grew to womanhood and was educated.
She is a daughter of Rev. John M. and Cynthia (Dameron) Clayton. The
father's death occurred in 1902 and the mother passed away September,
19 1 4, in Fayetteville, Arkansas.
Five children have been born to Doctor Coffelt and wife, named as
follows: Everett C, born at Pea Ridge, Arkansas, July 14, 1886, was edu-
cated in the high school in Springfield and Drury College ; he married Vita
Hampton, and they have two children, Kenneth, born in 1912, in Kansas
City, and Kathrvn Ruth, born on March 1, 1915. They reside on a farm in
Webster county, Missouri. Anna Maud, second child of Doctor Coffelt,
was born in Pea Ridge, Arkansas, September 5, 1889, was educated in the
Springfield high school and Drury College, also attended the State Normal
here, and is at this writing a student in the Ward-Belmont School at
I248 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
Nashville, Tennessee. Oscar T., the second son, was born in Pea Ridge,
Arkansas. December 18, 1890, was graduated from the Springfield high
school and is now a student of Drury College, where he will graduate with
the class of 1915; Mabel Ruth, born in Willard, Missouri, September 19,
1898, is attending high school in Springfield; Glenn Palmore, born in Marsh-
field, this state, July 11, 1900, is in his last year in ward school.
Doctor Coffelt is, practically speaking, a self-made and self-educated
man, and is a credit to himself, his family and the public; he is a master of
his specific profession, and justly merits the large practice which he has
gained through skilful work, honest dealings and courteous manners.
LAFAYETTE A. ROSS.
One of the venerable and must widely known citizens of the northern
part of Greene county is Lafayette A. Ross, who iias spent practically the
entirety of his nearly four score years in this locality, which he has seen
grow from a wild and sparsely settled prairie, dotted with log cabins, when
land could be secured for one dollar and twenty-five cents per acre to its
present thriving state when some of the best acres are worth one hundred
and seventy-five dollars each and modernly appointed homes are numerous.
And in this great transformation he has played well his part in every respect.
His lout; life of usefulness, industry and charitable acts has won for him
the sincere affection of almost every man, woman and child in Murray town-
ship, and of many erf those living in townships adjacent. His early industry
has resulted in his possession of a neat competence, and while he still enjoys
the glow of the golden rays of the sun of life that must eventually set behind
the horizon of the inevitable, he share- that enjoyment with no stint in the
companionship of the members of his family and bis wide circle of friends.
won through his residence here of more than three-quarters of a century.
Mr. Ross was bom in Robberson township, Greene county, Missouri,
February 21, 1835. lie is a son of David and Louisa 1 Robinson) Ross.
David Loss, who was one of the noted pioneer preachers of southwestern
Missouri, and one of the most extensive agriculturists and stock men of
Greene county, was born in Kentucky, March i_\ r8i2, and he was six
years of age when his parents, William and Elizabeth Ross, removed with
their family to I'.oonville, Cooper county. Missouri. William Ross was a
man of ability and an expert surveyor. While living in Cooper county he
laid off the town of Boonville, and about that time was employed by the
government of Mexico to assist in surveying the greater portion of what is
now the state of Texas. After returning from the Southwest to Cooper
MR. AND MRS. L. A. BOSS.
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. 1^49
county he brought his family to Greene county, having maintained his home
in the former county six years. He took up a claim in Robberson town-
ship, before this locality had been surveyed, and on this he erected a log
cabin, made such other improvements as were necessary in placing raw-
prairie land under cultivation, but he subsequently moved to Bolivar, Polk
county, and engaged in mercantile pursuits for seven years, then located at
Versailles, Morgan county, this state, where he spent the rest of his life,
dying when past eighty years of age. His widow died at the home of their
son, David Ross, when past eighty-two years of age. They were a sterling
old pioneer couple and did much for the advancement of early civilizing
influences in this section of the state. David Ross was twelve years of age
when he accompanied his parents to Robberson township Greene county,
from Boonville. Here he engaged in farming, erecting a log cabin and
starting in true primitive fashion, and. being a hard worker, a man of rare
foresight and good judgment he prospered with advancing years and became
owner of over five hundred acres of fine farming land here, which he
brought up to a high state of cultivation and improvement and carried on
general farming and stock raising on an extensive scale, raisin- large num-
bers of horses, mules, cattle, hogs and sheep annually, and was a most ex-
cellent judge of live stock. He was one of the best known and most influen-
tial of the early settlers in this locality. For a period of over thirty-five
years he was a minister in the Methodist Episcopal church, South, and
preached in Springfield for many years and all over this country. He was
profoundly versed in the Bible, was an earnest, forceful and eloquent
preacher of the old school. His wife, Louisa Robinson, was born in Ten-
nessee about 1815, and her death occurred on the home place in Greene
county at an advanced age. He died in 1869 at the age of fifty-six years,
when in the zenith of his powers.
To David Ross and wife twelve children were born, namely: Lafayette
A., subject of this sketch, is the eldest; William Monroe; Dr. Francis
Emery, now deceased, was for over a quarter of a century one of the lead-
ing physicians of Springfield; Mrs. Elizabeth Jane Whitlock lives in Spring-
field; Mrs. Mary L. Skeen lives in Ash Grove, this county; David W. lives
at Willard; Mrs. Sarah Melissa Watson lives at Morrisville, Polk county;
Mrs. Henrietta Josephine Robinson lives in Texas ; Mrs. Cordelia Robinson
lives in Oklahoma; Bennett J. is farming in Murray township; Mrs. Laura
Emma Appleby lives in Topeka, Kansas : Dr. Leonadus Clark is practicing
medicine in Springfield.
Lafavette A. Ross grew to manhood on the home farm and w< irked
hard when a boy, and received such educational advantages as the early
schools afforded. He remained on the farm until he was nineteen years of
(79)
125° GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
age, when, on April 10, 1853, he started overland across the great western
plains to the gold fields of California where he remained three years, return-
ing home on July 7, 1856. His experiences on his long journey to and
from the Pacific coast and while in the West forms a most important and
interesting chapter in his life record. With the exception of this brief
period he has always lived in the locality of his birth, and has resided in
his present home since in April, 1868, or over forty-six years. He owns a
finely improved and well-kept farm of one hundred and twenty acres, which
was a raw, unpromising looking tract when he purchased it, but by hard
work and close application he has made a fine farm of it and has a commo-
dious residence and substantial group of outbuildings, his place being now
well worth one hundred and seventy-five dollars per acre. He has always
followed general fanning and stock raising, and he is still active, although
the frosts of old age are upon him. but he has had an exceptionally robust
constitution and has lived a careful life. He is a man of fine business judg-
ment and broad-minded in practical affairs.
Mr. Ross was married on September 21, 1856, to Malinda Evans, a
daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth (Leathers) Evans, all three natives of
North Carolina. Joseph Evans was born in 1804, and was fourth in a fam-
ily of seven children. He grew up in his native state and when a young
man learned the millwright's trade which he followed in connection with
farming, plying his trade during the winter months. He removed with his
family to Greene county. Missouri, in 1840, locating in Robberson town-
ship, at tin' edge of what has long been known as Robberson Prairie. He
built the first frame house in Greene county, and also had the distinction of
building here the first saw mill and grist mill. He sawed logs for his home
out of black walnut trees that would now be worth a small fortune. He
became a prosperous fanner and influential citizen among the early day
residents. His death occurred in September, 1888, at the advanced age of
eighty-five years. Ten children were born to Joseph Evans and wife, four
"i whom are living at this writing, namely: Alexander makes his home in
Springfield; Malinda. wife of the subject of this -ketch; Mrs. Emma
McDaniel, who resides in Springfield; Daniel McCord lives in Willard, tin's
county. The paternal grandparents of these children were Daniel Evans
and wife, who, with their son, John, emigrated from England to the United
States in an earl) day and settled in North Carolina.
Eight children have been born to Lafayette A. Ross and wife, namely:
George Emery lives in Texas: William J. makes his home at Morrisville,
Polk county; -Mrs. Emma Ault lives in Tulsa. Oklahoma; Mrs. Lula R.
Appleby is living on the home place with her parents; David Edward lives
in Willard; Walter Evans makes his home in Oklahoma. Two died in
infancy.
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. I25I
Mr. Ross is a Democrat hut he has never held public office or desired
to be other than a quiet, honorable and unobtrusive citizen. He is a mem-
ber of the Methodist Episcopal church. South, at Willard, has been secretary
and trustee of the church at different times. His wife is also a member of
the same church, and both are much interested in general church affairs.
STAHL BROTHERS.
The firm of Stahl Brothers, horse-shoers and general blacksmiths at
218-220-222 West Pacific street, Springfield, is one of the most widely
known and popular of its kind in Greene county and special mention of the
success of these young men in this, one of the oldest and at the same time
one of the most important and indispensable of the trades, should be noted
in a work of the nature of the one in hand. They believe in employing pro-
gressive methods in their work and maintain a modernly equipped shop,
where high-grade work is promptly done, and their customers come from
over a wide territory adjacent to Springfield.
William F. Stahl, senior member of the firm, was born on September
26, 1878, in Sullivan, Franklin county, Missouri, lie is a son of Julius and
Louise (Rauch) Stahl, both natives of the state of New York and of Ger-
man descent, but they were reared in St. Louis, and they are now living in
Springfield. The father is a contractor in concrete work and is one of the
well-known men in his line in this locality, having lived here twenty-six
years, removing at that time from Lebanon, Laclede count)-, Missouri. To
Julius Stahl and wife five children were born, all still living, namely: Will-
iam F.. Ernest A., Charles H., Julius A., and Paul W.
William F. Stahl received a common school education and when he
began life for himself it was in the brick business, later was with his father
in the concrete business, finally learning the blacksmith's trade, having com-
menced working at the age of eighteen for a blacksmith on Commercial
street, Springfield. He then went to Watrous, Xew Mexico, and went into
business as a blacksmith for himself, and later established a shop at Canyon
City, Colorado, where he remained until 1906, when he returned to Spring-
field and continued his business in partnership with L. L. Calk at the corner
of Campbell and Pacific streets, later purchased one-half interest in the firm
of Stryker & Morgan, buying out Mr. Morgan. Then our subject's brother,
Charles H. Stahl, bought a one-third interest in the business, the firm name
changing to Stryker & Stahl Bros. The latter purchased Mr. Strvker's in-
terest in 1908 and have since conducted the business under the firm name of
Stahl Bros., at the present location, and have built up a large and constantly
I252 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
increasing business and enjoy a reputation for honest and excellent work as
horse shoers and general blacksmiths. They began in a modest way, start-
ing with a small shop, but in iqij it was necessary for them to add two new
buildings, and they are now occupying a large, well-arranged and substantial
two-story brick structure and are the leading blacksmiths on the north side
of the city and equal to any in Greene and adjoining counties. Beside them-
selves they require seven skilled assistants.
William F. Stahl was married on August 7, 1908, to Bessie Sanders,
who was born in Mountain Grove, Missouri, and is a daughter of William
Sanders and wife. The union of Mr. and Mrs. Stahl has been without
issue.
Politically, he is a Democrat. He belongs to the Modern Woodmen
and the Eagles, having been treasurer of the latter lodge for the past six
years, is also treasurer of the Fraternal Aid. of which he has been a member
for a number of years. He is a member of the Germania Club and the
( ierman Brotherhood.
Charles II. Stahl, junior member of the firm, was born on October 11,
1883, in Lebanon, Missouri, and received his education in the common
schools in Springfield and when a boy began learning the blacksmith's trade
and has since followed this vocation in Springfield. In his earlier career he
worked for some time in the shop of L. L. Calk. He has remained unmar-
ried. Politically, he is a Democrat. He belongs to the Modern Woodmen
and the Eagles, the Germania Club and the (ierman Brotherhood. Both
these young men stand well in the circles and clubs in which they move.
ROBERT FRANKLIN BARRETT.
After a successful railroad career of nearly thirty years, Robert Frank-
lin Barrett decided upon a less strenuous and quieter vocation and turned
his attention to the theater business with the result that he is earning a very
satisfactory livelihood as proprietor of the "Happy Hour" moving picture
theater in Springfield, and while there are tune-, as might naturally be ex-
pected, when he longs again for the old life of the train man, yet this mood
does not last long, as a rule, and he is well pleased with his new vocation.
Mr. Barrett was born in Salem. Missouri, November 13, 1855. He is
a son of William and Margaret I McDole) Barrett, both natives of Ireland,
from which country they emigrated to the United States when young in
years and lure spenl tin- resl of their lives. They established their home in
Virginia, where they spent main years and from there removed to Mis-
souri, locating at Salem over sixty year- ago when that part of the state was
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. I25J
sparsely settled. They had been educated in the common schools of Vir-
ginia and married in that state. There the father of our subject learned the
business of iron ore worker which he followed principally the rest of his
life, dying near Salem, .Missouri, when his son, Robert F., was a boy. His
widow survived many years, dying at Bloomington, Illinois, in October, 1904.
After the death of his father the subject of this sketch was compelled
to get out and hustle for himself, but he was by nature courageous, having
inherited many of the indomitable traits of his Irish ancestors, and he not
only made his own way when a boy but also managed to obtain a fair edu-
cation. He came to Springfield when a young man and here began his rail-
road career in 1879 as brakeman on the Frisco, running principally on the
western division, and he also worked as flag man on a passenger train for
some time. He proved to be a very faithful employee wherever he was placed
and he was promoted to freight conductor in 1885. Twelve years of his
railroad career was spent with the Chicago & Alton Railroad Company, a
part of which time he was passenger conductor. Leaving this road in 1898
he returned to the Frisco system, and was given a position as freight con-
ductor on the central division. He continued with the Frisco until 1907
when he quit the road and engaged in the moving picture business in which
he has been very successful and which he has continued for seven years.
The first three years were spent at Hugo, Oklahoma, after which he came
to Springfield and opened the "Happy Hour" Theater at 502 East Commer-
cial street, which has been very popular and which continues to be one of
the best patronized in the city, for Mr. Barrett knows what a good show is
and tries to give his patrons the best and at the same time make them as com-
fortable as possible no matter what the season or the weather is. He has a
neat, clean and sanitary place and a full modern equipment, including an
up-to-date electric piano. He shows the "Universal" program. He shows
four reels daily.
Mr. Barrett was married on December 7, 1898, in Ft. Smith, Arkansas,
to Josephine Crow. She was born in Iowa, January 4, 1864, and she is a
daughter of Jonathan and Helen (Dooley) Crow, both parents natives of
Cork, Ireland, from which country they emigrated to America when young
and here established their home, spending the rest of their lives in the New
World. They have been deceased for some time, the father having died in
Iowa and the mother in Arkansas. They gave their daughter, Josephine,
good educational advantages.
To Mr. and Mrs. Barrett one child has been born, Irene J., whose birth
occurred on December 10, 1899, and who is now attending school.
Politically, Mr. Barrett is a Democrat and has been active in the af-
fairs of this party for many years. He was elected city marshal of Spring-
field in 1886, serving one term in a manner that was highly pleasing to his
1254 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
constituents and with credit to himself. Fraternally, he belongs to the Ma-
sonic Order, having attained the thirty-second degree in the same, is a Knight
Templar and a Scottish Rite, in fact has taken everything in this time-hon-
ored order but the thirty-third degree, the highest in the order. He has long
been prominent in Masonry in the Southwest.
FRANK GRUBEL.
There was a time when a large per cent of the cigars consumed in the
United States were imported, but of recent years this is not true to such a
great extent, partly because American growers have improved in the stock
of tobacco produced until some grades equal any in the world and partly
because our manufacturers have learned mure about turning out high-grade
products. One of the best known and must successful cigar manufacturers
in this part of the country is Frank Grubel, of Springfield, who, as his name
indicates, is of German descent, but he has resided under the stars and
stripes many years.
Mr. Grubel was born on December 12, 1853, at Grafenhaynchen, Ger-
many. He is a son of Edward and Christina (Muadrick) Grubel; both na-
tive's of the above named place also, where they grew up and were educated.
The father was a woodturner by trade. He and his wife spent their lives in
their native community and died there. Their family consisted of twelve
children, eight of whom are living, namely: Edward. Frank, Ernst, Minnie,
Emma, Paul, Carl and Herman.
Frank Grubel lived in his native land until fourteen years of age and
there received his education. He emigrated to the United States in 1S68,
locating ill St. Louis, where he learned the cigar manufacturing business, at
which he seemed to have a natural aptitude and became quite proficient, and
he has continued the same to the present time with ever-increasing success,
lie came to Springfield, March 7, [873, remaining a short time, then moved
away, but ten vears later, June 27, 1883, returned and has been in business
here continuously ever since, in the cigar manufacturing business alone since
1897. 1° tnat year ne formed a partnership with August Engelking, under
the firm name of Engelking & Grubel. which partnership continues. They
manufacture a fine grade of five and ten cent cigars, a few of their leading
and well-known brands being "Frank's Club House," "Sticker," "Little
Puritan," "Frank's Financere, Hand Made," and "Promoter." They carry
on both a retail and wholesale business, and employ six cigar makers and
two stemmers. Only the best material is used and most modern methods
employed, all cigars being hand-made. The tobacco, which enters the fac-
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. 1 255
tory in a raw state, is purchased of the most scientific growers of the South,
.and it leaves the factor}' in the form of a line grade of cigars, boxed, sealed,
ready for market which is found very readily and over a vast territory. The
factor}- is located at i6n Boonville street.
Mr. Grubel was married on October 15, 1879, in East St. Louis, to
Elizabeth Goetz, who was born in Louisville, Kentucky, August 27, 1859.
She received a common school education.
To <mr subject and wife two daughters have been born, namely: Ida
B., born on March 6, 1881, is teaching in a local school; Clara, born on
August 10, 1882. married William Ipson, a local contractor.
Politically, Mr. Grubel is a Democrat, and fraternally he belongs to the
Woodmen, Eagles and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, also
the German Brotherhood.
TOM W. ARMSTRONG.
The methods used now by modern plumbers are in many respects vastly
•different from those in general use when Tom W. Armstrong began this
vocation over thirty-five years ago. During that period he has followed the
calling continuously and has kept well abreast of the times in the same and
.today is one of the most efficient as well as one of the best known plumbers
in Springfield, where he has spent a quarter of a century.
Mr. Armstrong was born in Hillsboro, Illinois, February II, 1863.
He is a son of William F. and Minerva P. (Simmons) Armstrong, the fa-
ther born in Ireland, April 11, 1830, where he spent his boyhood and from
which country he emigrated to the United States when a young man. He
located in Hillsboro, Illinois where he spent the rest of his life and died on
April iS, 1867. He was a soldier in the Union army during the Civil war,
serving in Company E, Ninth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, enlisting in the
spring of 1861 at Lincoln's first call for volunteers. He proved to be a gal-
lant and efficient soldier and was promoted to the rank of major. He served
four years and nine months. He was severely wounded at the battle of
Shiloh. Remaining in the army some time after the close of the war he
had occasion to take part in some of the Indian wars of the West. He
was in many engagements and important campaigns and the fact that he
went to the grave carrying five bullets in his body indicates that he was not
afraid to mix in the fiercest of the fighting. He was a carpenter and con-
tractor by trade, which he followed until his death. He was a strong Re-
publican, and fraternally belonged to the Masonic order and the Independent
Order of Odd Fellows. His wife was born in 1835, in Hillsboro, Illinois,
I256 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
and they were married in Hillsboro, Illinois. Her death occurred in De-
cember, 1900. Four children were born to these parents, namely: Samuel
lives in Hillsboro, Illinois; Tom W. of this sketch; Elizabeth is deceased,
and Frederick W., who lives in Springfield, Missouri, is at this writing
plumbing inspector of the city.
Tom W. Armstrong grew to manhood in his native city and he received
a common school education there. On September 6, 1913, he married Met-
tie E. Bowers, who was born in Chicago. When fifteen years old Mr. Arm-
strong began learning the plumber's trade in his native city and served as an
apprentice two years, then in 1881 went to Abilene, Kansas, where he
worked at his trade nine years, moving from there to Springfield, Missouri,
March 31, 1S90. He went in partnership with a Mr. Shearer on Xorth
Boonville street, which partnership continued for ten years. Since that time
he has been engaged in business for himself, his present shop and office be-
ing located at 206 East Olive street where he has a well equipped shop and
display rooms, carrying a large stock of modern fixtures and a general
plumbing outfit. He has been very successful in his line and has built up
a large business throughout the city. He handles some large contracts and
is always busy, keeping a number of skilled assistants.
Politically, Mr. Armstrong is a Republican. He has been a member
of the Knights of Pythias since the day he was twenty-one years old. He
also belongs to the Improved Order of Red Men, the Woodmen and Benevo-
lent and Protective Order of Elks.
C. L. RHODES.
Life is pleasant to live when we know' how to make the most of it.
Some people start on their careers as if they had weights on their souls, or
were afraid to make the necessary effort to live up to a high standard.
Others, by not making a proper study of the conditions of existence, or by
not having the best of trainers — good parents — are side-tracked at the out-
set and never seem thereafter to be able to get back again on the main track.
C. L. Rhodes, well-known produce man of Springfield, seems to have been
fortunate in being reared under the superb influences of a good old South-
ern home and, having gotten a proper start on the highway of life, has
succeeded admirably.
Mr. Rhodes was born in the northern part of Georgia, April 19, 1853.
lie is a son of Wesle) and Nancy (Stewart) Rhodes, both natives of Xorth
Carolina, in which state they grew to maturity, received limited educations
and were married, removing in an early day across South Carolina into
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. l257
northern Georgia where they established the future home of the family on a
farm which they purchased, and there they spent the rest of their lives, the
mother dying in 1881 and the father in 1891. During the war between the
states Wesley Rhodes enlisted in the Confederate army under Captain Stew-
art, in Tennessee, but served only six months. His family consisted of seven
children, namely: C. L. of this sketch is the eldest; John is engaged in
farming in Georgia; Mrs. Sarah Freeman and husband live on a farm in
Lawrence county, Missouri ; Nancy has remained single and lives in Ala-
bama; William X. lives in Billings, Christian county, Missouri; James and
Emanuel are both deceased.
C. L. Rhodes grew to manhood on the home farm in Georgia and he
received his early education in the public schools of his home district. He
spent his early life in general farming and also operated a country store for
awhile or until he removed to Christian county, Missouri, in 1886. There
he engaged in farming four years, then moved to the town of Billings where
he engaged in the produce and mercantile business, general trading, etc.
Continuing there two years he returned to the farm for awhile, and in 1891
moved to Springfield and at once opened up a produce business which he
has conducted with every growing success to the present time, or for a
period of twenty-three years, during which he has become one of the most
widely known dealers in produce in southwestern Missouri. However, he
has had other business interests the meantime. His place of business has
remained in the same block on South Campbell street ever since coming to
this city and he is widely known to the rural visitors from Christian, Taney
and other counties who come to Springfield to trade. He buys and ships all
kinds of produce in carload lots, doing mostly a jobbing business, handling
chickens, turkeys, ducks, geese, eggs, furs, hides, roots, etc.
Mr. Rhodes was married in August, 1874, at Blairsville, Georgia, to
Sarah Bishop, who was born in Georgia in 1858, and there she grew to
womanhood and was educated in the common schools. She was a daugh-
ter of Alfred and Mary (England) Bishop an old Georgian family, Mr.
Bishop having been a successful planter in that state many years. Mr.
Rhodes' first wife died on August 2. 1911. To this first union twelve chil-
dren were born, namely: Mary is deceased; Bettie is deceased; William S.
lives in Springfield, and is engaged in business with his father: Mrs. Ida
Bowman lives in this city; James and John, twins, both live in Springfield;
Lou and Gertrude, twins, are both deceased ; Hershel and Ernest, twins, the
former deceased, the latter living in this city; Minnie died in early life;
Jessie also died when young.
On September 12, 1912, C. L. Rhodes married Frances Little, in Au-
rora, Missouri ; she was born in the same vicinity in northern Georgia of
which our subject was a native, but was brought to Christian count)'. Mis-
J-'5'S 'GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
souri, when young by her parents and there grew to womanhood and at-
tended school. She is a daughter of William and Louise Jane (Cobb) Little.
Her mother was born in North Carolina, February 14. 1837, and her death
occurred in Billings. Missouri, in 190S. The father of Mrs. Rhodes was
born December 31, 1836, in North Carolina and his death occurred at Bill-
ings, Missouri. June 26, 1892.
.Mr. Rhodes has been very successful in a business way and owns con-
siderable valuable property in Springfield, including a substantial modern
residence on Phillips street. Politically, he is a Republican. Fraternally, he
belongs to the Woodmen of the World and the Modern Woodmen of
America. He and his family are members of tbe Methodist Episcopal
church, South, in which he is a trustee and a liberal supporter.
CHARLES F. KAXXIXG.
When we learn that a man has engaged in one line of business for
over a quarter of a century at the same location, as has Charles F. Kanning,
well-known business man of Springfield, we know that he is tbe possessor
of a rare combination of personal qualities which never fail to make for
success wherever they are found. It indicates that he is a man of keen
discernment, sound judgment, conservative and persevering as well as honest
and honorable in all the relations of life.
Mr. Kanning, the well-known meat market man of Boonville street,
was born March [9, [863, in Kentucky. He is of German descent and is a
son of Henry and Mary (Kimmell) Kanning, both natives of Germany,
from which country they emigrated to the United States when young, and
were married in Xew York City, where they lived for awhile, then came
West, finalh establishing then- home in Kansas. The father of our subject
was well educated and was a merchant tailor by trade. The last fifteen
years of his life was -pent in St. Loth-, where he followed his trade. During
the Civil war he- served in the Union army.
Politically he was a Democrat. His death occurred in St. Louis in
January. [909. His widow died 011 November 27. IQ14, at her home in
Pittsburg, Kansas. To these parents twelve children were horn, namely:
Agnes is deceased; Alexander; Fisco is deceased; Henry; Charles F., of
this sketch: Mary: William: Clara; Tilly; Otto; Emma, and Bertha.
Charles F. Kanning received a common school education in Kan
When he reached his majority he came to Springfield and went into the
butcher business, starting with practically nothing, but by wise economy and
good management he forged ahead and for many year- has enjoyed a grow-
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. I259
ing and lucrative trade. He has been in his present location, 527 Boonville
street, for a period of twenty-seven years under the firm name of Kanning's
Meat Market, which is one of the best known in the city. He carries a large
line of everything commonly found in the best meat markets anywhere, and
his place is neat and attractive. Promptness and honesty have been his
watchwords. He is still active. He has a fine home on Poplar street.
Mr. Kanning was married in St. Louis on December 20, 1887, to Nannie
I'.. Dunbar, who was born in Port Gibson, Mississippi, April 5. 1864. She
is a daughter of Robert G. and Mary K. (Sevier) Dunbar, both natives of
Louisiana, where the}' grew up, were educated and married. They each rep-
resented excellent old Southern families. The father of Mrs. [Canning
died at Pointe Coupee Parish, Louisiana, in 1866. His wife was born on
June 5, 1S44, and her death occurred on July 17, 1887, in Nashville, Ten-
nessee. She received a good education and was talented in music and was a
cultured, refined lady in every respect. Her father, George VV. Sevier, was
born near the city of Nashville, and he died at Port Gibson, Mississippi,
about thirty-five years ago. He was a grandson of Governor Sevier of
Tennessee. His wife, Sarah Knox, was a first cousin of James EC. Polk,
President of the United States, also a niece of Mrs. Andrew Jackson and
she was reared by President Andrew Jackson and went with him to New
Orleans on his first trip down the Mississippi river. John Sevier, great-
grandfather of Mrs. Kanning, was a soldier in the Revolutionary war,
participating in thirty-seven battles of that conflict. By reason of his service
in our Mar of Independence, Mrs. Kanning is a member of the Daughters
of the American Revolution. Pier paternal grandfather, Robert Dunbar,
spent his life in the South and died in Louisiana. Her father, Robert G.
Dunbar, was an extensive Southern planter, owning a large plantation. Ik-
was an Episcopalian. His family consisted of three children, namely: Nannie
B., wife of our subject: Isaac, now deceased, was the eldest of the children;
and Robert, who lives in St. Louis, is the youngest.
Mrs. Kanning grew to womanhood in the South, and the careful train-
ing and wholesome home influences of her girlhood are still manifest in her
general address, for she is a woman of culture, social inclinations and affa-
bility, and enjoys the friendship of all who know her. She had the ad-
vantages of a good education. When she was a child the family left the
South, locating in Mexico, Missouri, but lived there only about two years.
To Mr. and Mrs. Kanning one child has been born, Margaret Norvell
Kanning, whose birth occurred on June 25, 1893; sne was given excellent
educational advantages, attending the Springfield high school and Drurv
College : she is now a successful teacher in the public schools, and is a young
lady of much promise.
6
[260
GREENE COUNTY. MISSOURI.
Politically Mr. [vanning is a Democrat. Fraternally he belongs to the
Modern Woodmen of America; also the Improved Order of Red Men. His
wife belongs to the Women's Christian Temperance Union, the Maccabees
and the Presbyterian church.
CLYDE B. MACK.
A representative of an excellent old Greene county family and a suc-
cessful young merchant of Springfield is Clyde B. Mack. He is a man who
would win his way in any locality in which fate might place him, for he has
sound judgment, coupled with great energy and business tact, together with
upright principles, all of which make for success wherever and whenever
they are rightly and persistently applied. He possesses many of the sturdy
traits of his father who was long a prominent and highly esteemed citizen
here.
Mr. Mack was born on December 27, 1872, in Greene county, Mis-
souri. He is a son of Marshall H. and Lucy (Herndon) Mack. The father
was born in Maury county, Tennessee, May 4, 183 1, and the mother was
born in Virginia, April iS, 1837. They were brought by their parents from
their respective localities in the South to Greene county, Missouri, in pio-
neer days and here they grew to maturity, were educated and married. John
A. Mack, tbe paternal grandfather, was born in Maury county, Tennessee,
and there grew up and married a native of that locality. It was in 1853 that
they removed with their family to Greene county, .Missouri, and here he be-
came a prominent man, was influential in public affairs and at one time was
elected probate judge. He was a great student of law. Here he and his
wife spent the rest of their lives. Their son, Marshall H. Mack, father of
our subject, was twenty-two years of age when he came to this county. He
had grown to manhood in his native state and there attended the common
schools. He studied medicine and became a successful general practitioner
alter the Civil war. During that conflict he served as a member of the
Home Guards. Politically, he was a Republican. At one time he was road
commissioner in this county. He was a member of the Independent Order
of Odd Fellows. After a successful career as physician his death occurred
in Springfield, March 17, 1888. . His widow survived many years, dying
here on June 10, 191 1, at an advanced age. Her father, William Herndon,
was a native of Virginia, where he grew up, was educated and married. He
removed to Kentucky when the mother of our subject was fourteen years
old, and after remaining there a short time came on to Greene county, Mis-
souri in 1853 and established the future home of the family.
GRI ENE C0UN1 V, M [SSOURI. [26]
Eleven children were born to Dr. Marshall H. Mack and wife, namely:
Lina L. is deceased; Ali O. is living; Harriett and Z. I. are deceased; the
next child died in infancy unnamed; Austrian is deceased; Louella and Min-
nie are living; Clyde JB. of this sketch; Claude E. is living, and Clinton A.
i> the youngest.
Clyde B. Mack grew to manhood in Springfield and here he received
his education in the public schools. He first went into the grocery business
as a clerk, later worked for the Wells-Fargo Express Company in Spring-
field for a period of eleven years, giving a high degree of satisfaction. In
December, 1908, he went into business for himself at 1223 Boonville street,
his place being known as the "Cash Grocery," and he was successful from
the first. His present location is 1150 Boonville street, where he has a large
and attractive store and carries at all seasons an extensive stock of fancy
and staple groceries, and, having always dealt courteously and honestly with
his many customers has enjoyed all the while a constantly growing trade.
Mr. Mack was married in Springfield on July 25, 1892, to Flora Port-
ser, a daughter of L. F. and Jennie ( Guthrie 1 Portser, both natives of Penn-
sylvania, from which state they finally came to Springfield, Missouri, and
established their future home. The lather is now deceased, but the mother
is still living here.
One son has been born to our subject and wife, Clyde [van Alack, whose
birth occurred July 8, 1893; he is attending school.
Politically, Mr. Mack is a Republican. He belongs to the Modern
Woodmen of America and is a member of Cumberland Presbvterian church.
WILLIAM VV. W'HALEY.
Upon the role of representative citizens of Springfield of a past gen-
eration and prominent and highly esteemed men of affairs of Greene county
for over a quarter of a century consistently appears the name of the late
William \Y. Whaley, merchant, banker, insurance and general man of affairs,
and prior to his coming here a prominent citizen of Mt. Vernon, this state,
to which locality the Whaley family moved from the South when the Ozark
country was little developed and here the subject of this memoir and. his
worthy father did much toward the general development of the country in
a material, civic and moral way, and gradually won their way into the affec-
tions of the people through their genial, obliging and helpful natures, as
well as their unswerving honesty, in short, they both possessed those sterling
qualities of character which command themselves to persons of intelligence
and the highest morality. Such a family as this is deserving of conspicuous
1262 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
mention in any history purporting to set fortli the record of the lives of the
most enterprising and public-spirited citizens of the locality under con-
sideration.
William W. Whaley was born in Dekalb county, Tennessee, not far
from the city of Nashville, October 31, 1837, and was a son of Seth and
Elizabeth (Bowen) Whaley, the father a native of Tennessee and the
mother of Maryland, each scions of splendid old Southern families, long
noted for their culture and enterprise. The parents of our subject received
such educational advantages as the early days in the South afforded and
there they were married on November 3. [825, and this union was blessed
by the birth of eight children, all now deceased, namely: Mary, Nancy,
Thomas, Robert, Margaret, Elijah. William W. (our subject), and Henry.
Seth Whaley, father of the above named children was twice married, and
to his second marriage three children were born. Seth Whaley devoted his
earlier years to teaching school, later learned the trade of harness-maker,
which he followed some time, and later engaged in farming. His death
occurred in Eawrence county, Missouri, in the late seventies.
William W. Whaley received a g 1 education in the public schools of
Mt. Vernon, this state, where his parents located when he was about eight
years of age. He remained on the farm until [851, when he entered a
general store in Mt. Vernon as a clerk, and. having keen perceptive fac-
ulties, he soon mastered the ins and outs of merchandising. .About this
time he studied at the college at Fayetteville, Arkansas. In 185N Mr. Whaley
began working for his wife's father. Benjamin Stone, and after the death
nf the latter he continued to operate the store with the assistance of Mrs.
Stone, and kepi the trade up to its former high standard. Later Mr. Whaley
engaged extensively in the banking business in Alt. Vernon, and was for
years regarded as one of the most enterprising and substantial citizens of
that city. Seeking a larger field for the exercise of his business talents, he
removed to Springfield in [883 and became president of the Commercial
Ba k, which he made most successful by his able and conservative manage-
ment. Subsequently he became a general lmsincss man. finally devoting
much attention to the insurance business, and toward the latter part of his
life Whaley &• Company became one of the most important insurance com-
panies in Southwest Missouri and did a very large business.
Mr. Whaley was married on October 3. 1867, to Mar) I.. Stone, a lady
of many commendable characteristics, who proved to lie a most faithful
helpmeet in every respect. She was born near Sedalia, Missouri, on June 3.
[850, and she is a daughter of Benjamin and Nanc) (Owsle) 1 Stone, both
these parents being natives of Tennessee, the birth of Mr. Stone having
occurred in [818, and he died on April 3. [863, in the prime of life. The
mother of Mrs. Whaley was bom on August 20. 1820. and her death occur-
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. [263
red in 1898, having outlived her husband thirty-six years. Air. Stone was a
successful merchant. His family consisted of six children.
To Mr. and Airs. Whaley two children were born, namely: Estella,
who became the wife of Dr. J. E. Dewey, of Springfield, is deceased; and
Lena Stone Whaley, who has remained single, lives with her mother in the
commodious family home on North Jefferson street.
Politically, Mr. Whaley was a Democrat, and, while he took much
interest in public affairs, was never an aspirant for political honors. Fra-
ternally he was a member of the Masonic Order, attaining the thirty-second
degree, \\a^ a Knight Templar and a member of the Ancient Arabic Order
(if Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. He was a member of the Baptist church,
and was known to all as a splendid Christian gentleman.
EUGENE J. RHODES, JR.
For most of us life has the elements of abundant cheeriness in it. It
represents more of encouragement than discouragement, more of satisfac-
tion than disappointment, more of joy than sorrow, more of comfort than
pain. Souls that are depressed and downcast are quite likely to be weighted
down by borrowed trouble. A successful business man must be of the former
type. Understanding this. Eugene J. Rhodes, Jr., who is engaged in the
motorcycle business in Springfield, newer permits the little things of daily
life that "wear and Ire. the mil" manifest themselves in his countenance or
disposition, and I is agreeable nan-, er is a good as^et in his business.
Air. Rhodes was born in Arkansas on March 26, 1883. He is a son of
Eugene J. Rhodes, Si\. a. prominent business man and citizen, formerly of
norther. 1 Arkansas, now living in Springfield, a complete sketch of whom
is to he found on another page of this volume, hence will not be reproduced
here.
Our subject moved with his parents from Arkansas when young to
Springfield and here he received his education in the high school and the
State Normal. For three years he worked as deputy under his father, when
the latter was surveyor, after which he engaged in the lumber business in
Arkansas, also engaged in this business in Springfield with his father for
some time, then for a year or more he engaged in the grocery business in
this city, and in iqir, with his brother. Clyde A. Rhodes, he began in the
motorcycle business, under the name of Rhodes Brothers, at 319 South Jef-
ferson street, where the)- have remained to the present time, and have enjoyed
a large and growing business all the while. They handle all kinds of motor-
cycle supplies and auto accessories, maintaining a well-equipped garage and
I-'"4 GREENE COUNTY, .MISSOURI.
repair shop, doing all kinds of auto and motorcycle repairing promptly and
of the highest grade of workmanship. They are also agents for several
standard grades of motorcycles, including the Indian, Flying Merkel and
Thor, and have built up a large trade in these. Our subject has made this
line of business his special study for a number of years and has kept well
up-to-date on the same.
Eugene J. Rhodes, Jr., was married on July 14, 1901, to Mure! Hart, a
native of Iowa and a daughter of \Y. H. and Dora Hart. Mrs. Rhodes came
with her parents to Springfield when young and she received a good edu-
cation. To our subject and wife five children have been born, namely: Boyd,
born on February 15, 1903; Vivian, born on September 22, 1906; Hugh,
born on February 14. 1909; Maxine, born on April 7, 1912; and Mildred M.,
born on January 21, 19 15.
Politically Mr. Rhodes is a Republican, and Mrs. Rhodes is a member
of the Christian church.
HIRAM H. WESTMORELAND.
The lamented subject of this sketch, now sleeping the sleep of the just
in God's quiet acre, as the old Saxons referred to their burving-grounds,
was in life one of the best known agriculturists in North Campbell town-
ship, Greene county, he having been one of that worthy class of men who
have fought their way to success through unfavorable environment; and a
study of Mr. Westmoreland's life record reveals the intrinsic worth of a
character which not only can bravely endure so rough a test, but gain new
strength through the discipline. He was not favored by inherited wealth
or the assistance of influential friends, but in spite of this, by perseverance,
industry and wise economy, he attained a comfortable position in life and
left behind him what should be and is prized by his descendants — a good
name.
Hiram H. Westmoreland was born on July \<>. [848, in Tennessee. He
was a son of Henry Westmoreland and wife, who were born, reared and
educated in the South and there resided until they removed with their two
children from Tennessee to Greene county, Missouri, when the subject of
this sketch was seven years of age. The father devoted his life to general
farming and buying and handling live stock. He lived in Oklahoma for
twenty years. His death occurred in [909.
Hiram H. Westmoreland grew to manhood on his father's farm, where
he assisted with the general work when a buy and lie received his education
in the common schools and in Boonville College; however, bis higher edu-
cation was interrupted by illness which compelled him to return home.
>
v.
O
iz!
d
d
3
H
f
d
GREENE COUNTY; MISSOURI. 1 265
Alter his recovery he resumed work on the homestead and for some time
engaged in buying and selling cattle. He was still a young man when he
took rank among the well-known stockmen of his community, and prior to
the breaking out of the Civil war he frequently drove mules overland to
Illinois and sold them. Finally he purchased a farm of his own in Campbell
township, Greene county, on which he raised much stock, including blooded
horses. About thirty years ago, Hiram H. Westmoreland, with several
other Springfield men, went to Kentucky and purchased a thoroughbred
horse known as General Duke. This horse proved a wonderful sire and
from him sprang some of the best horse stock known in this part of the
state. While there he also purchased Denmark King. This horse was a
grand breeder and noted show horse. Most of our readers residing here
remember a coal black saddle stallion, greatly admired by every one. He
also purchased on the same trip a highly bred trotting stallion ( Star
Wilkes). That was the sire of some of the best road horses ever raised in
Greene county, Missouri. Another stallion brought to this county by the
subject was Diamond Denmark, who was high bred and had many admirers
among our stockmen. These are names of but a few of noted horses Mr.
Westmoreland owned and at that time his reputation as a breeder of fine
horses was well established over all this part of the state. In later life he
removed to Mountain Home, Arkansas, where he operated a stage line
between that town and West Plains, Missouri, maintaining a station at
Bakersfield where his drivers met and teams were changed. The stage line
covered a little over fifty miles. Our subject also owned and operated a two
hundred acre farm in Arkansas. Mrs. Westmoreland owns a fine farm,
which now comprises three hundred and eighteen acres of productive and
well improved land, the place being known as the "Model Dairy Farm," an
extensive dairy business being carried on, for which the place is well
equipped and adapted. This department is kept very sanitary and a high
grade of cows are kept. A very ready market is found for the products in
Springfield. A general farming business is carried on by our subject's
widow, who is a woman of rare business ability. The old residence here
was burned in September, 1896, but was immediately rebuilt, and a fine,
modernly appointed and attractive home is now to be seen on the old site,
about four miles northeast of Springfield. The dwelling is surrounded by
a spacious and well shaded lawn and a generally attractive environment.
Mr. Westmoreland was married on November 13, 1873, to Susie E.
Morton. She was born in Greene county, August S, 185T, and is a daugh-
ter of the late Hon. John and Margaret (Logan) Morton, a well known and
highlv respected old family of this locality, Mr. Morton being now deceased,
but his widow resides at the home of H. B. McDaniel in Springfield.
(80)
1266 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
Five children were born to Air. and Airs. Westmoreland, named as fol-
lows: Joseph H., born November i, 1876, resides on a part of the old home
place in Campbell township, engaged in general farming, raising and feeding
live stuck ; he married Eva Litton and they have four children, Austin, Belle,
Pauline and Robert; Lucinda W., born February 21, 1879, married Lee
Hopper, a farmer in Campbell township, and they have five children, Fay,
Donnie, Rolland, Louise and Ralph: Susie, born November 14, 1884, mar-
ried Edward Baker, deceased, formerly of Mountain Home, Arkansas, and
she makes her home with her mother; Ida. born November 24, 1889, mar-
ried Blond Gurley. a well known dairyman of Campbell township ; Hiram
H., born September 19, 1894. is single and is living at home, assisting his
mother operate the farm.
Airs. Westmoreland is a woman of hospitality, kind and neighborly,
well read and she is an active worker in the Alethodist Episcopal church.
South, of which her late husband was also a member, in fact, the entire
family are loyal in their support of this church. Fraternally, our subject
was a member of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, also the Knights
Templar. Politically, he was a Democrat and active in public affairs. He
was a school director for some time, both in Arkansas and Greene count}'. He
was a man of fine character and was honored by all who knew him. He was
called to his eternal rest on March 1, 1903. his loss being deeply deplored by
the entire communitv in which he was so well and favorably known.
GODFREY C. STANCILL.
It matters little what vocation a man may select as his life occupation
as long as it is an honorable one. If he is an honest, upright man, courteous
in his intercourse with his fellow-men, and possessed of the average amount
of energy and business sagacity, he is bound to make his business a financial
success. The late Godfrey C. Stancill possessed all the above mentioned
requirements, and was for many years a prosperous merchant of Spring-
field. In his earlier career he operated a plantation in the South with equal
success. He was one of the gallant veterans of the Confederacy, and was
always loyal to his native Dixie land.
Mr. Stancill was born in North Carolina, one of the strongest of the
Confederate states, having first opened his eyes on the light of day on April
-7- l&37- He was a son of Caswell and Rebecca A. ( Anderson) Stancill,
both parents also natives of North Carolina, the mother having been a
daughter of Col. Rule Anderson of that state, and there these parents grew
to maturity and married and established their home, but in 1839. when the
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. \2hj
subject of this memoir was two years old, they removed from the old Tar
state to Mississippi, locating on a plantation where the parents spent the re-
mainder of their lives. Caswell Stancill entered land from the government
there, and developed it, finally owning a valuable plantation of several thou-
sand acres, and was a prominent citizen in his community. His family con-
sisted of five children, three of whom survive at this writing.
Godfrey C. Stancill grew to manhood on his father's plantation and he
assisted with the general work on the same when a boy. He was given ex-
cellent educational advantages for that time and was a well informed man,
naturally keen intellectually and of sound judgment. He was still in school
when the war between the states began and he unhesitatingly enlisted in
1861 in Company 1. Mississippi Volunteer Infantry, under Captain Hum-
phries, and this regiment was finally a part of General Longstreet's division,
Confederate army and saw much hard service, participating in many im-
portant engagements. Mr. Stancill was seriously wounded in the great bat-
tle of the Wilderness, and was not in the service after that. He returned
to the home plantation after the close of the war and carried on general
farming, which he enjoyed, for a number of years, or until he removed to
Springfield, Missouri. Here he went into the grocery business on Boon-
ville street, later on Cherry street, and enjoyed a good business, always
carrying a well selected stock of staple and fancy groceries and dealing
honestly and courteously with his many customers. He spent the latter
part of his life in retirement, having given up the store about nine years
before his death.
Mr. Stancill was married twice, first, to Mrs. Amanda Cox, who died
without issue. On September 26, 1899, he married, in Springfield, Ellen V.
I'otterfield, who was born in St. Louis county, Missouri, December 13, 1839.
She grew to womanhood in her native community and received a good edu-
cation in the city schools of St. Louis, and she followed teaching in that
city for a period of fifteen years. She is a daughter of Daniel and Eliza
(Garrett) Potterfield, both natives of Virginia in which state they spent
their earlier years, finally removing to St. Louis county, Missouri, where
they spent their last years, Mr. Potterfield engaging in mercantile pursuits
during his active life.
Politically, Mr. Stancill was a Democrat, but was never a public man,
giving his time exclusively to his business and to his home. He was a
worthy member of the Christian church. He always took a great deal of
interest in the affairs of the United Confederate Veterans.
The death of Mr. Stancill occurred at the family home on Cherry street,
Springfield, where his widow still resides, January 6, 1912, when past sev-
enty-five years of age. He was a man of polished Southern manners,
neighborly, kind-hearted — in every way a true gentleman.
1268 GREEXE COUNTY, MISSOURI".
SIDNEY EDWIN WILHOIT.
None of the one hundred and fourteen counties that are embraced by
the boundary lines of the state of Missouri can boast of a more heroic band
of pioneers than Greene county. In their intelligence, capacity for civiliza-
tion and loyalty to the right they have no superiors. In their daring and
courageous enterprise they have been equal to the California argonauts, a
vast number of whom were Missouri pioneers, not a few from Greene
count}'. Their privations, hardships and earnest labors have resulted in
establishing one of the foremost counties in this or any other state, and one
which still has a great possibility before it. The Wilhoits and Rountrees
were members of this worthy class of our earliest settlers. They have been
among our thriftiest agriculturists and worthiest citizens. A well-known
member of the present generation of one of these old families is Sidney
Edwin YVilhoit, manager of the Jefferson Theater of Springfield.
Mr. Wilhoit was born in Greene county, Missouri. March 3. 1869. He
is a son of James M. and Nancy ( Rountree ) Wilhoit. The father was
born in Clay county, Missouri, in 1833, and the mother was born in Greene
count}-, this state, in 1848. The father of our subject grew to manhood in
his native county on the farm and he received exceptionally good educa-
tional advantages for those early times, having graduated from William
Jewell College at Liberty. Missouri. He was a school teacher by profession
and was prominent in educational work in Clay and Greene counties for
some time, however, his later life was devoted to farming for the most
part. He was also one of the founders of the Springfield Wagon Works.
He was a leader in public affairs here, and was at one time city marshal of
Springfield, and was for two years superintendent of the county farm. He
was widely known and highly respected by all classes. He was a man of
ability, industry and public spirit, as well as known for his integrity and
hospitality. He was active in Masonic affairs, having been a member of that
order for many years. The mother of our subject grew to womanhood in
this county ami was educated in the local schools. Her death occurred in
1906, while the father of our subject reached an advanced age. passing his
four-score years and more, dying in October, [914. To these parents seven
children were born, all still living, namely: Sidney E., of this sketch; Guy,
Andrew. Ralph R., Ray, Bessie, and Roy.
The immediate subject of this sketch grew to manhood in bis native
county and he received his education in the public schools. When young in
vears he began his career as machinist in the Frisco shops in Springfield, the
South Side plant, known as the old Gulf shops. Here he remained two
vears. when he gave up this line of work, which was not congenial to his
GREENE COUNTY. MISSOURI. I269
tastes, and went to Memphis, Tennessee, where he engaged in contracting.
Later returning to Springfield, he bought the old Hargrove Bottling Works.
Subsequently he returned to Memphis and worked in the Frisco shops, where
he became general foreman, in which responsible position he gave eminent
satisfaction. Finally he began dealing in apples, and was very successful as
a horticulturist. In 1905 he went into the theater business in Memphis and
has been very successful in this field of endeavor ever since. Since then he
has owned and operated thirteen shows. In September, 1913, he opened
the Springfield Hippodrome, in which he owned a half interest, and on
January 25, 19 14, he took full charge of the Jefferson Theater at 216 South
Jefferson street, an up-to-date and popular vaudeville house, with two changes
per week. In connection with a bill of several good acts of vaudeville he
features at each performance a pleasing moving picture. He has been very
successful with both the Jefferson and the Hippodrome.
Our subject was married on May 1, [908, in Pine Bluff. Arkansas, to
Priscilla (Cagle), of Pine Bluff. They have one child, Thelrna Vermel,
who is five years old.
Politically, Mr. Wilhoit is a Democrat. He belongs to the Springfield
Club, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Improved Order of
Red Men.
MIKE SHEEDY.
No people that go to make up our cosmopolitan civilization have better
habits of life than those wdio have come from "Erin's green isle." These
people, as well as their descendants, are distinguished for their thrift and
honesty, and these two qualities in the inhabitants of any country will in the
end alone make that country great. When with these two qualities is cou-
pled the other quality of sound sense, which all the Celtic race possesses,
there are afforded such qualities as will enrich any land and place it at the
top of the countries of the world in the scale of elevated humanity. One
of this number is Alike Sheedy, of Campbell township, Greene county.
Mr. Sheedy was born in Ireland, in August, 1885. He is a son of
Matt and Katy (Sexton) Sheedy, both natives of Ireland also, where they
grew up, were educated and married and there they spent their lives on a
farm. They were members of the Catholic church. They were the parents
of three children, namely: Alike, of this sketch; Katie, wdio lives in Ohio;
and Mrs. Mary Lathem who makes her home in Ireland.
Mike Sheedy grew to manhood on the home farm in his native land
where he was taught to work diligently and intelligently. What education
he has received has been through his own efforts. When he was fifteen
12/0 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
years of age he emigrated to America with his sister Katie and settled in
Cleveland, Ohio, later went to New Orleans, thence to St. Louis in 1868,
and has lived in Missouri ever since. For some time he was in the service
of the St. Louis & San Francisco Railroad Company. In 1873 he purchased
the farm of eighty acres where he now lives in North Campbell township,
Greene county. He has prospered through close application, good judgment
and honest dealings and he is now owner of nearly eight hundred acres in
Greene county, comprising one of the most valuable and desirable farms of
the county, and he carries on general farming and stock raising on an ex-
tensive scale. He raises blooded short-horn cattle, keeping about one hun-
dred head the year round, and feeds some two to three car-loads of hogs
yearly — also is an extensive wheat grower. In 19 14 he had two hundred
acres in wheat and raised five thousand bushels — an average of twenty-five
bushels per acre. He has a substantial home and large outbuildings and is re-
garded as one of the successful self-made men of the county.
Mr. Sheedy was married on July 5, 1873, to Mary Gorman, a native of
Iowa, but she was reared in Missouri. She is a daughter of Simon and
Mary (Russell) Gorman, both her parents being now deceased. She is a
member of the Catholic church.
To Mr. and Mrs. Sheedy nine children have been born, namely: John
lives in Kansas City, where he is state grain inspector; Simon. Mike, James,
Emmett, Mrs. Katie Gorman lives in this county and has five children as
follows: Kate, Allen, Hal, Agnes and Margarite; Agnes, Maggie and Nel-
lie. All these children but the one married daughter live at home:
Mr. Sheedy was on the school board for twenty years and was road
commissioner for some twenty years. Politically, he is a Democrat, and he
and his family are members of the Catholic church.
GEORGE F. OLENDORF.
The (heater has long been recognized as one of the world's indispensable
institutions, and the management of theaters, if done judiciously, is a re-
munerative and pleasant one. Humanity needs amusement amid its exacting
ami trying daily occupations, truly "the show's the thing," as one of the
wisest of men remarked. The human mind must relax, must find relief at
times, "must lose itself in other men's minds," as the great essayist. Lamb,
wrote. This can be done in no better way than in spending an hour or so at
a good play-house. The theater has been popular with the masses — men
and women of all creeds and convictions, of all parties and denominations
from remote ancient history to the present time, from the days of Grecian
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. I27I
one-act, outdoor tragedies to the latest twentieth century complex grand
opera, and it will ever be so. George F. Olendorf, of Springfield, has long
given his attention to the theater business, and is widely known throughout
southwestern Missouri in this particular field. He has met with gratifying
success because he has been industrious, has had the tact of knowing what
the people want and because he has always been desirous of giving his
thousands of patrons adequate returns for their money and time. He has
made it a study and has therefore kept well abreast of the times in this line
of endeavor.
Mr. Olendorf was born in Middleport, New York, July 20, 1S75. He
is a son of George H. and Caroline (Forrest) Olendorf, both parents also
natives of the state of Xew York, where they grew to maturity, attended
school and were married. George H. Olendorf devoted his earlier life to
the drug business in his native locality in central New York. Back in the
seventies he removed with his family to St. Joseph, Missouri, where he
engaged in the furniture business fifteen or twenty years and where he
resided until twelve years ago, when he moved to Springfield, in which city
he and his wife still reside, living in retirement. The father has been a
successful business man and laid by a competency for his old age.
George F. Olendorf, the only child of his parents, was a small child
when the family moved from the state of New York to St. Joseph, Missouri,
and there he grew to manhood and received a common school education. In
September, 1893, he began his career in the theater business, which he has
continued to the present time with ever-increasing success. He began in St.
Joseph, and was also cashier of the large Tootle estate and had charge of
the Tootle Theater, the leading playhouse there, remaining with this estate
for about eight years, giving eminent satisfaction in every respect. Then
he and three other men leased a circuit of thirty-two theaters in the state
of Missouri, which proved to be a paying venture. Mr. Olendorf came to
Springfield in 1903 and leased the old Baldwin Theater on St. Louis street,
one of the finest theaters south of the Missouri river in this state, with the
exception of St. Louis, for many years, if not the finest. He managed this
with his usual success until it was destroyed by fire in 1909. Afterward
he was instrumental in promoting the new Landers Theater on Walnut street,
which he leased and managed until 19 12, when he re-leased it and promoted
the Bell-Olendorf-Ballard Amusement Company, of which he is president
and which operates sixteen summer theaters, including the Skydome in
Springfield. He is also manager of the Springfield Poster Advertising Com-
pany, and maintains offices in the Landers Theater building. Each of these
new ventures has proven successful and he is kept busy in their management.
Mr. Olendorf was married on November 17, 1902, in Kansas City,
Missouri, to Matilda Meyer, who was born in St. Joseph, this state. She is
1272 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
a daughter of J. B. and Marie Meyer, both natives of Germany, from which
country they came to the United States when young.
To our subject and wife three children have been born, namely: Marie
Caroline, born on May 3, 1905; George Meyer, born on November 17, 1910,
died August 3, 191 1 ; and Forrest George, born on October 7, 1912.
Mr. Olendorf is a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of
Elks and the Springfield Club; also is a thirty-second degree Mason, belong-
ing to the Knights Templars. He is active in Masonic affairs, and his daily
life is led along the lines laid down by this time-honored order.
FRANK P. STUTZMAN.
"The Song of the Forge" has ever been pleasant to the ears of Frank
P. Stutzman, one of the most skilful and popular blacksmiths of Greene
count}-, whose well-equipped shop in the city of Springfield draws patrons
from remote parts of this locality, for here they know that they will receive
prompt and careful attention. A criterion of his high-grade work is shown
from the fact that man}- of his customers have patronized him for a score
of years, refusing to have any other do their blacksmithing. It is as much
an art to shoe a horse properly as it is to do anything else in a mechanical
way, and our subject has become quite proficient in this art, being excelled.
in fact, by none of his contemporaries, lie has lived in Springfield nearly
a half century.
Mr. Stutzman was burn in Goshen, Elkhart county, Indiana. April 25,
1856. Fie is a sun of John M. and Catherine (Baughman) Stutzman, both
natives of Ohio, where they grew up, received Mich educational advantages
as the early-day schools afforded and there were married and established
their home. In his earlier years John M. Stutzman was a carpenter, con-
tractor and builder and in later life a fanner. He is living in Springfield,
Missouri, at this writing. He has been twice married, first to Catherine
Baughman, by which union eight children were born, six of whom a"re still
living, namely: Elizabeth. Frank P., Mahalia. Emma, Adeline is deceased;
Mary, Jerome; the youngest child died in infancy, unnamed. The father's
second marriage was to Mrs. Shaw.
Frank P. Stutzman spent his boyhood in northern Indiana. He had
little opportunity to attend school, and most of his education has been ob-
tained b\ studying at home of evenings after the day's work. When eleven
years of age, in [867, he accompanied his parents to Springfield, Missouri,
where the family established their permanent home, on a farm, just south
of the city, and there they resided about five years, then our subject went to
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. I273
Illinois where lie remained two years, after which he returned to Spring-
field and took up blacksmithing, first working with Sam Begle, and when
only nineteen years of age Mr. Stutzman went into the business for him-
self, having learned rapidly and shown much natural ability in this direction.
He started up in the alley in the rear of the Metropolitan Hotel, on a small
scale, and since then he has carried on general blacksmithing and horse-
shoeing, his business increasing constantly with advancing years until he
soon found it necessary to secure larger quarters and employ assistance. He
has built up a large and lucrative business, and is now located in a modern
and commodious shop on Convention avenue. He has an excellent location,
and while he is specializing in high-grade horseshoeing, he is doing a great
deal of general blacksmithing. Prompt and honest work has ever been his
motto.
Mr. Stutzman was married on May 5, 1878, in Springfield, to Louise
Crostwait. who was born in Canada in 1859, and she removed from her
native land to Missouri with her parents when she was a child, and here
grew to womanhood and received a common school education, and here
Mr. and Mrs. Crostwait spent the rest of their lives, both having been de-
ceased a number of years.
Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Stutzman, namely :
Alta, born in [881, was reared and educated in Springfield, and she is liv-
ing at home; Virginia, horn in 1883, was also reared and educated in Spring-
held, and is still with her parents.
Politically, Mr. Stutzman is a Democrat. Fraternally, he belongs to
the Knights of Pythias, the Modern Woodmen, and the Royal Arcanum.
He is a member of the Christian church.
ALFRED S. ABBOTT.
The eminent position attained by Alfred S. Abbott, master mechanic
at the Springfield Frisco shops, has been the result of long years of patient.
painstaking, honest and conscientious effort, and he is therefore deserving
of his success. His record might well be studied with profit by the young
men who are striving for recognition in the mechanical world, for it indi-
cates, among other things, how merit wins, despite obstacles, and that suc-
cess is dependent on ability and integrity more than anything else. But
Mr. Abbott had good parents who taught him from the start the duties
of life — not ordinary instructions, but the higher duties which all owe t"
each other and to society. The result has been to give broad ideas of life
and its responsibilities and to fit him for honorable citizenship.
1274 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
Mr. Abbott was born, May 2$, 1868, in Pentwater, Michigan. He is
a son of Jacob B. and Elizabeth E. (Snowden) Abbott. The father was
born in Hamburg, New York, in 1842, and his death occurred in Joplin, Mis-
souri, in 1886. The mother was born in- Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, in 1844,
and she died in Joplin, Missouri, in 1901. These parents grew to maturity in
the East and were given the advantage of a public school education. Jacob
B. Abbott studied medicine when a boy and became a successful physician
and surgeon, which profession he followed the remainder of his active
life. In 1873 he removed with his family from Pentwater, Michigan, to
Kansas. In 1875 he located in Joplin, this state, but the rest of the family
did not locate in that city until 1877. Doctor Abbott was enjoying an ex-
cellent practice in the mining town at the time of his death. Politically, he
was a Republican. During the Civil war he served in the Union army, having
enlisted in Company I, Forty-sixth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, in 1861, at
Oregon. Illinois, and he saw considerable hard service in the South and
took part in many of the great battles of the war, Wilson's Creek, Missouri,
being among them. He was honorably discharged in 1865. His family con-
sisted of three children, two of whom are still living, namely: Alfred S.,
of this review; Fred J., deceased; and Harry C, who lives in Birmingham,
Alabama.
Alfred S. Abbott was nine years old when he came to Joplin, tliis state
and there he attended the common schools. In February, 1888 he began
his railroad career by going to work in the round-house of the Frisco
railroad at Joplin, and there and in Springfield lie served his apprentice-
ship of four years. In 1898 he was made division foreman at Sapulpa.
Oklahoma, where he remained until 1902, in September of which year he
came to Springfield as machinist in the North Side shops, and worked as
such until in December, [902, then was made division foreman at Newburg,
Missouri, which position he held from December 13th, of that year until
March 1, 1907. when he was sent to Birmingham, Alabama, as general
foreman, where he remained until July 1. 1909. when he was appointed
master of mechanics at Ft. Smith, Arkansas, winch position lie held until
March 1, 191 1. when he was transferred to Sapulpa, Oklahoma, with the
same duties, which he discharged until August 15, 1911, when he was made
mechanical superintendent at Springfield, remaining in that position until
September 1, 1913, since which time he has been master mechanic for the
Eastern division of the Frisco, and is at tliis writing discharging the duties of
this responsible and important post in a manner that reflects great credit
upon his ability, fidelity and integrity and to the eminent satisfaction of
the company, which has ever reposed in him the utmost confidence and lias
regarded him as one of its mosl efficient, trustworthy and reliable em-
ployees. He is not only a close observer but is a diligent student of all
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. I275
that pertains to his lines of work and has kept well abreast of the times
in the same.
Mr. Abbott was married, June 26, 1894, in Toplin, Missouri, to Kate
Seanor, who was born in Iowa, January 1, 1871. She is a daughter of John
and Clara B. (Wilder) Seanor, the father a native of England and the
mother of Sandy Creek, New York. Mrs. Abbott received a good education,
including a college course at Boulder, Colorado.
To Mr. and Mrs. Abbott, three children have been born, namely: Katie
P., born July 17, 1895; John Seanor, born January 31, 1899; and Alfred S.
Jr., born February 1, 1907.
Mr. Abbott is a Republican. He is a member of the Episcopal church,
and fraternally belongs to the Masonic order, including the Knights Templars
and the Ancient Arabic Order of Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. He also
belongs to the Modern Woodmen.
CLARENCE J. RHODES.
The life of the average man of affairs today is spent amidst so much
bustle and hurry and worry that he often imagines he can find but little
time to devote to books, recreation, retrospection ; and there are many who
hardlv ever open a book, seldom spend a day in the woods communing with
nature, who content themselves with the dull routine of the daily drudge,
and who never lose themselves in prose or poetry or fiction, in science, art or
history. Perhaps one of the most busy men who lived in the past century
was William E. Gladstone; yet he was one of the best informed and most
deeply read men in Europe. The same may be said in America of Theodore
Roosevelt. Such men do their work better because they come to it with
minds refreshed and strengthened, and the}- move under the heavy load of
the world's affairs with ease and grace and dignity because they hear things
that other ears are deaf to and see upon all things a light to which un-
taught eyes are blind. Clarence J. Rhodes, of Springfield, is one of our
citizens who takes a delight in keeping up with current events and investi-
gating the various realms of learning, having never permitted himself to
become wholly absorbed with his daily tasks, therefore he is not only hap-
pier but does his work better than if he ignored his tastes for culture.
Mr. Rhodes was born at Zinc, Arkansas, February 1, 1887. He is a
son of Eugene J. Rhodes, Sr., a well-known man of affairs, formerly of
northern Arkansas, now of Springfield, a complete sketch of whom will
be found on other pages of this work.
The subject of this sketch received a practical education in the high
I276 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
school and Springfield Normal, having come to this city with his parents
when he was a child. After leaving school he went to St. Louis with a
bonding company, where he remained until in February, 1907, when he
returned to Springfield and went to work for the Kansas City, Clinton &
Springfield Railroad Company as assistant ticket accountant or statistician,
then became revising clerk, joint freight accountant and voucher clerk, and
at present he is bookkeeper, with offices in the Woodruff building. He has
given eminent satisfaction in all the above named positions, being alert, pains-
taking, energetic and trustworthy.
Mr. Rhodes was married on July 30, 1908, in Springfield, to Stella I.
Sanders, who was born in Billings, Missouri. She is a daughter of J. \V.
and Elizabeth T. (Tipper) Sanders, both natives of England, from which
country they came to the United States in early life. The father is now
deceased, but the mother is making her home in Springfield. Mrs. Rhodes
was given good educational advantages.
To our subject and wife two children have been born, namely: Warrena
L., born July 14, 1909; and Richard J., born November jo, 1911.
Politically, Mr. Rhodes is a Republican, and fraternally he belongs to
the Knights of Pythias.
JOHX KELLY.
The vast majority of men are not their own employers. They are
working for some one else and must continue to do so. The tendency of
modern business is toward more economical production and this means
larger establishments and fewer employers. Out of the ranks will come
some captains of industry who will have large business enterprises of their
own; but their number will be insignificant compared with the army of toil-
ers who work for some one else. There are few men who are not compelled
to sell their services in their youth in order to get a start in life, but lucky
is he who does not remain a hired man too long, thereby losing confidence in
himselt and incapacitating himself in a way to be able to go it alone. One
of the business men of Springfield who had the tact to quit hiring out and
start in business for himself when the proper time came is John Kelly, who
first came to Springfield forty-four years ago, and for nearly four decades
has been identified with the business of the city, thus literally growing up
w itli the t< >wn.
.Mr. Kelly was born in Ireland. June [3, [849. lie is a son of Patrick
and Mary (Heckey) Kelly . both natives of Ireland, where they grew up,
were educated in the common schools, and there were married and devoted
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. 1 2JJ
their lives to general farming. The mother was a daughter of a physician.
John Kelly spent his early boyhood in the Emerald Isle, and there re-
ceived a limited education by attending night school. He was sixteen years
of age when he emigrated to America. He penetrated to the interior, first
locating at Fulton City, Illinois, where he remained about a year, then went
to Montana, Utah and Colorado, remaining some time in the West, then came
to Springfield, Missouri, in 1870, arriving here in February, but soon there-
after he went to Neosho and started in the liquor business for E. F. Kinney.
After remaining there a year he came back to Springfield where he remained
until 1876, when he went to Fort Worth, Texas, and spent two years there,
then lived at Parlor Point, Texas, two years. From there he went to Colo-
rado, where he remained six months, then returned to Springfield in the fall
of 1880 and continued working at his profession until 1883, when he started
in business for himself in partnership with E. F. Kinney, in the liquor busi-
ness, on Commercial street, but two years later the partnership was dis-
solved and he struck out for himself near the corner of Boonville and Com-
mercial streets, where he conducted his business for fifteen years, then moved
to Mill street where he has remained to the present time. He has prospered
in a financial way, and has always been regarded as a law-abiding citizen.
Mr. Kelly has remained unmarried. He has been a Democrat ever
since he was old enough to vote, but has never aspired to office. He was
confirmed in the Catholic church in infancy, and has always adhered to the
same.
JOHN W. ROSE.
Among the enterprising, progressive and widely known merchants of
Springfield is John W. Rose, one of Greene county "s worthy native sons,
and a worthy scion of an old and honored family of this locality, a man who
is deserving of a great deal of credit for what he has accomplished, which
has been in the face of obstacles that would have crushed men of less grit
and ambition, for his early environment was decidedly unpromising, but, the
modern Don Ouixot that he was, he did not sit by idly pining for something
to turn up, but went forth to conquer, and, by persevering, succeeded. His
life, though comparatively uneventful, has not been unfruitful of good results
and kind deeds in behalf of his fellow-men. He thoroughly understands
the business to which so many years have been devoted, and the confidence
and respect of the hundreds of customers who pass in and out of his doors
continuously are his in a satisfactory degree.
Mr. Rose was born in Greene county, Missouri, on November 6, 1862.
He is a son of John W. and Elizabeth (Laney) Rose, both natives of this
I278 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
state. The father was a soldier in the Confederate army and was killed in
a skirmish with Union troops in 1864. The death of the mother occurred
in 1906. The paternal grandfather, W. R. Rose, was a native of Ten-
nessee, and from that state he came to Greene county, Missouri, in early
pioneer times, locating on a farm here in 1834. The maternal grandfather,
J. H. Laney, was also a native of Tennessee, from which state he emigrated
to Lawrence county, Missouri, in 1835, and was one of the earliest settlers
of that county. Both the Rose and Laney families were represented in the
Revolutionary war. The Laneys are of French and English ancestry.
Grandfather Laney and wife are buried in Garroutte cemetery, and Grand-
father Rose and wife are buried in Prospect cemetery.
John W. Rose was left fatherless when two years of age, and he has
always depended upon himself, which fact has doubtless been largely respon-
sible for his success in life. When thirteen years of age he hired out as a
farm hand at ten dollars a month, and continued farming until he was
eighteen years of age. Meanwhile he had little chance to obtain an educa-
tion, but this lack has later been made up by wide home reading and study
and hy contact with the world until today he is regarded as one of the best
informed men on general topics in Springfield. When a boy he learned
telegraphy, and at the age of nineteen was in the employ of the Frisco rail-
road and in charge of a station. He continued in that capacity for a period
of six years, giving the company excellent service and was commended for
his accuracy and fidelity. Not seeing much future to such employment and
believing he had qualifications for the mercantile world, he left the road's
employ and entered the mercantile business, and has since been engaged in
the same in Springfield, with the exception of fifteen years spent as a traveling
salesman, during which he gave excellent satisfaction to the firms employing
him, and became widely known to the trade over a vast territory. He has
operated a general book store on East Commercial street since 1906 and has
enjoyed a large and ever-growing trade, and he carries at all seasons an
extensive and up-to-date stock of everything found in a modern book store,
and his obliging and courteous nature has won and retained a host of friends
among his patrons.
.Mr. Rose was married in 1883 to Mattie Wade, a native of Greene
count v, where she grew to womanhood and was educated. She is a daughter
of T. W. and Ellen ( Skelton | Wade. Mr. Wade has devoted his active
life to farming, and he is a resident of Springfield.
Four children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Rose, namely: Ethel,
married R. R. Matthews, a mechanic, and they reside in Dallas. Texas ; Leon
M. died on July 4. 1912: Jerry H. is associated with his father in business;
Ina D. is at home. Ethel and Jerry H. are both graduates of the Springfield
high school.
GREENE rOUXTY, MISSOURI. l279
Politically Mr. Rose is a Democrat. Religiously he belongs to the
Methodist Episcopal church, and fraternally is a member of the Independent
Order of Odd Fellows. He is deeply interested in the general welfare of
his city and county in every way.
ALVIN B. TRENARY.
Although Springfield is a noted railroad town, thousands of trainmen
and shopmen making their home here, it is impossible for each to know the
other, but in some instances, like that of Alvin B. Trenary, an individual
becomes well known in his own circle. This is partly because our subject
has been a resident of this city for a period of thirty years, during which
he has followed railroading, and partly because he is a good mixer, a jovial,
companionable gentleman and is therefore popular among his fellow workers,
and is a widely known passenger engineer.
Mr. Trenary was born in Franklin, Indiana, February 20, 1862. He is
a son of Thomas L. and Mary A. (Stairs) Trenary, the father a native of
Indiana and the mother was born in Ohio. They grew to maturity in their
respective localities and received good educations for that period, the father
becoming a successful teacher, which he followed for some time. He was
also a carpenter by trade. During the Civil war he enlisted from Johnson
county, Indiana, in 1862, and met death in the service of his country, being
wounded in battle, and died from the effects of the same in a St. Louis
hospital. His widow survived to old age, and died in Greene county, Mis-
souri. Our subject's paternal grandfather and mother had the distinction
of being the first couple to be married in Tippecanoe county, Indiana. To
Thomas L. Trenary four children were born.
Alvin B. Trenary was a small child when he lost his father and he was
thrown upon his own resources early in life, consequently his education was
limited, but he has made up for this lack in later life by general reading
and contact with the world. What schooling he obtained was in Urbana,
Illinois, and when but a boy he began working in a grocery store in that town,
and when eighteen or twenty years of age he went to Indianapolis. Indiana,
and began his railroad career by firing extra on the Big Four road, and
there he remained until in the autumn of 1884, when he came to Springfield,
Missouri, where he has since resided. He went to work here for the old
Kansas City, Ft. Scott & Memphis Railroad as fireman of a freight train on
the Ozark division, and eighteen months later as fireman on a passenger train
and about the same run. Later he ran a switch engine about three years,
then was promoted to a regular freight engineer, and ran in this capacity on
IjSo GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.-
the Ozark division about six years, then was promoted to passenger engineer
on this division, and at this writing still has the same run. This road has
been a part of the Frisco System since 1900. Our subject is regarded as one
of the safest and most efficient engineers out of Springfield, always sober,
•cool, alert and careful.
Mr. Trenary was married in Springfield on November 14, 1889, to
Lutie Seaman, a native of Iowa, who was a small child when' her parents
brought her to Springfield, and here she grew to womanhood and was edu-
cated. She is a daughter of Levi and Mary (Fisher) Seaman. Mr. Seaman
is a carpenter by trade.
To our subject and wife two children have been born, namely: Helen
V., born on August 13, 1890, received her education in the local high school
and normal, and is living at home; Elsie Louise, born on April 12, 1896, is
a junior in the Springfield high school at this writing.
Mr. Trenary has a splendid and well furnished home on West Walnut
street. Politically he is a Democrat. He belongs to No. 378, Brotherhood
of Locomotive Engineers. Fraternally he belongs to the Masonic Order, in
which he has attained the master's degree. He and his family are all mem-
bers of St. Paul's Methodist F.piscopal church. South.
JOHN R.W'DOLPH SMITH. M. D.
That life is tin- most useful and desirable that results in the greatest
g( od to the greatest number and. though all do not reach the heights to which
they aspire, yet in some measure each can win success and make life a bless-
ing to his fellowmen; and it is not necessary for one to occupv eminent
public positions to do so, For in the humbler walks ,,f life there remains
much good to be accomplished and many opportunities for one to exercise
one's talents and influence which in some way will touch the lives of those
with whom we come in contact, making them better and brighter. In tin-
list of Greene county's honored citizens is Dr. John Randolph Smith, now
living in honorable retirement after a long, useful and eminently successful
career as a physician, having for many wars ranked among the leading
professional men of southwestern Missouri. In his career there is much
that is commendable and his life forcibly illustrates what one can accomplish
even in the face of obstacles, if one's plans are wisely laid and bis actions
erned by right principles, noble aims and high ideals.
Doctor Smith was bom on January 2~ , [836, al Monticello, Kentucky,
a scion of an excellent old southern family, lie is a son of David and
Charlotte 1 Havens') Smith, born in 1777 and 1800 respectively, who re-
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
I28l
moved to Newton county, Missouri, in 1836, and were thus pioneer settlers
in this state. David Smith died January 24, 1845, when Doctor Smith was
nine years of age, and his wife died in May, 1884. Our subject was an
infant in arms at that time and he grew to manhood in Newton county,
received a limited education in the old-time subscription schools and worked
on a farm during his boyhood. But he was an ambitious youth and studied
hard at home, taking an interest in medicine when only sixteen years of age,
and about that time began studying medicine under Dr. J. W. Walker in
Jasper county, Missouri. He made rapid progress and was equipped for
his chosen career at an early age, being a fine example of a self-made man.
He first began practice at Diamond Grove, this state. Seeing the need of
a college training he went to Cincinnati, Ohio, and took the course in the
medical college there. He owes much of his success in life to his mother
who was a well educated woman and taught him much at home. In his
youth he taught school for a time in Xewton county, Missouri. Finally
turning bis attention to the newspaper field he started, owned and operated
the Weekly Record at Stella. Missouri, which he retained until in February.
19 14, when he retired from active life. From 1871 to 1873, inclusive, he
owned and operated a wholesale and retail drug store in Springfield, under
the firm name of W. G. Porter & Company, at the southwest corner of the
public square. Upon the death of Mr. Porter, Doctor Smith continued the
drug business at 223 South street, under the firm name of J. R. Smith &
Company. He enjoyed a large trade, maintained one of the leading drug
stores of Springfield and was very successful as a business man. In con-
nection with his business interests he followed his profession and had an
extensive practice. Being of a literary turn of mind he has written and
published a number of books on varied themes, principally of a religious
tone. His writings show a depth of thought, broad culture, a splendid
general knowledge and a fine literary finish.
Doctor Smith was never named by bis parents, being known only by a
"nickname" until he was eight years of age when he selected his own name.
He comes from an excellent old .American family. Robert Smith, his grand-
father, was born in England, and he served in the Revolutionary war. be-
coming captain of a company in the Fourth North Carolina regiment. He
was a gallant officer and took part in many engagements, including the battle
of King's .Mountain. After the war he was a merchant and ship builder
of note, owning several vessels which operated between North Carolina ports
and the West Indies. Nathaniel Geist. the doctor's great-grandfather, first
married Mary Howard, of Baltimore, Maryland, and later Dinah Yolkeer,
of Holland. His daughter, Mary Geist. by his first wife, married Robert
Smith, our subject's grandfather. Nathaniel Geist served with George
(81)
1282 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
Washington in the war with England against France, and he was captured in
1773 at Braddock's famous defeat by the Cherokee Indians, who held him
four years. During his captivity he married an Indian maiden and they
reared a family. One of their sons, George Geist, was a man of exceptional
prowess and ability and the Indians called him Chief Sequoyah, and he was
for some time chief of the Cherokee tribe. He has been held in great rever-
ence by the succeeding generation of Cherokees in view of the fact that he
originated the Cherokee alphabet.
1 )avid Smith, father of our subject, was born in North Carolina. He
lived in Tennessee, Alabama and Kentucky before coming to Missouri in
1836. He was a great cattleman, raising large numbers in the above men-
tioned states, and in the early days before there were any railroads in the
South, he practiced driving immense herds of cattle to Baltimore, Maryland,
where he marketed them. Many claim that he originated the familiar term
"cowboy." He was left an orphan in infancy, his father and mother both
thing at that period of his life. All his life he was a dealer in live stock and
was one of the most widely known cattle and horse dealers in his day and
generation in the localities where he resided. He was one of the first to
import blooded horses, and he raised thoroughbreds for a number of years.
He lived to a ripe old age, spending his last years on his large stock farm
in Newton county, this state. His family consisted of the following chil-
dren: Benjamin F. died in infancy: Sarah A. married Thomas Walker;
Mary |.. who is now eighty-two years of age and has never married, is living
at the old homestead. "Kent Park," Newton county, Missouri: Dr. John R..
of this sketch; Charlotte E. married James W. Roseberry, now deceased;
their son Chalmer II. Roseberry. owns and conducts a large deer farm at
"Kent Park," Newton county, ami is a member of the Society for the
Preservation of Wild Animals of the United States Government. Thomas
H. Benton Smith died in 1 So- while in the service of the Confederacy, hav-
ing been with ( ieneral Rains' brigade at Ft. Smith. Arkansas, at the time
of his death.
Dr. fohn R. Smith owns a gun which was made to order for his father
in 1829, by l"hn Pull, a gunsmith of Warrior Mountain, Alabama. It is a
fine specimen of guncraft of those days, is mounted with silver and has a
gold powder pan and bushings. The stock is of curly maple and the barrel
of a very soft iron. It is a remarkably accurate shouting piece and it was
designed as a "target" gun for the pioneers. The mounting has several in-
scriptions on the silver plating. The doctor values this heirloom very highly.
Doctor Smith was married October 3, 1861. to Frances Ruth Keet, a
daughter of Josiah T. and Elizabeth Proctor 1 West) Keet.
To Doctor Smith and wife the following children were born: Kenyon
Ida died in infancy: Ernest V. is a lieutenant-colonel in the regular army of
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. I283
the United States, now stationed at Honolulu, Sandwich Islands; lie is a
graduate of West Point Military Academy, which he entered when seventeen
years old; he married Cora Young, of Troy, New York. Grace K. Smith
became the wife of the late George Cooper, a sketch of whom will be found
in another part of this work; Charlotte married Willard P. Paddock, who
was for many years a professor in the Pratt Institute, Brooklyn, New York;
he is now a well known artist, and has made a fine bronze statue of Noah
Webster, that was unveiled in Sep'tember, 1014. in Massachusetts. Mr.
and Mrs. Paddock reside in New York City. Clara, youngest of the doctor's
children, married Edward Steichen, a well known artist of New York City.,
where they reside. The mother of these children, to whom they owe so
much for their general culture and success in life, is now seventy-one years
of age.
Doctor Smith has been living retired for some time, making his home
with his daughter, Mrs. Grace Cooper, at her beautiful home on Cherry street,
Springfield. He is now in his seventy-ninth year, but is still comparatively
hale and hearty and possesses all his faculties and has a fine memory. For
a number of years he w:as medical examiner of the pension bureau of the
United States government. Politically, he is a Democrat. He is a mem-
ber of the Sons of the .American Revolution and Ancient Free and Accepted
Masons, and belongs to the Christian church. He and his good wife are
indeed a grand old couple, greatly beloved by a very wide circle of close
friends. They have led useful and helpful lives, being hospitable and chari-
table by nature, but never from a desire for display — rather from an innate
love for suffering humanity and to meekly follow in the footsteps of the
lowly Nazarene.
CHARLES E. DANDO.
History is made rapidly in these latter days, representing ceaseless
toil and endeavor, the proudest achievements and the most potent progress
in all lines, and thus it is gratifying to mark the records of those wdiose
influence has impressed itself along the various channels through which the
swelling tide of accomplishment makes its way. If the present volumes are
to contain the names of the men who have "done things" in Springfield
and Greene count}-, the name of Charles E. Dando will necessarily have to
be included within their pages. For many years he was a widely known
railroad man, an engineer and passenger conductor, after the usual pre-
liminary positions, and was also a skilled machinist and worked in many
different railroad shops. Later we find him owmer and manager of a number
of noted horses, then he was in the moving picture business, and now is
I284 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
living in retirement. He enjoys the distinction of having driven the engine
that pulled the first passenger train from Kansas City to Springfield, which
was over the old "Gulf road."
Mr. Dando was born in Cleveland, Ohio, on September 8, 1850. He is
a son of Joseph M. and Alary (Ball) Dando, both long since deceased; and
he is the youngest of four children, two of whom are deceased ; Mrs. Harriet
Prichard, the eldest, and Joseph and William were the brothers.
Charles E. Dando received a limited education, but in later life became
a well informed man by contact with the world and wide reading. When
only fourteen years of age he began his railroad career, securing employ-
ment with the old Atlantic & Great Western railroad, now owned by the
Erie railroad. He started in the shops at Meadville, Pennsylvania, where
he remained two years, and from there went to Galion, Ohio, where he began
firing a switch engine in the yards: six months later he entered the railroad
shops of the Atlantic & Great Western, learning the machinist's trade, which
he worked at for three and one-half years, then left Galion and went to New
Orleans, Louisiana, where he went to work in the Shakespeare & Gettys
foundry, remaining there about a year, then went to Litchfield, Illinois, and
worked for the Illinois & St. Louis Railroad Company as a machinist in
their shops there, remaining a year and a half. He then went to Kansas
City, in the spring of 1872, and worked in the machine shops of the Missouri
River. Ft. Scott & Gulf railroad for about four months, when he began
firing, which he continued about a year when he was promoted to engineer
and assigned to a locomotive which ran as both freight and passenger. When
the Kansas City, Ft. Scott & Memphis road was built between Kansas City
and Springfield, Mr. Dando ran the engine that pulled the first passenger
train from Kansas City to Springfield. Judge John G. Xewbill rode in the
cab with him from Ft. Scott to Springfield. .Mr. Dando was later made a
conductor and worked in this capacity a few years, then went back to run-
ning a locomotive. He finally retired from railroading and purchased some
fine race horses, including the famous "Black Dick." He took his horses all
over the Eastern states, engaging in a large number of races, and was very
successful. ( )f late years he has been engaged in the moving picture business
in Springfield, but has lived in retirement during the past four years, owning
a good home on South Main street.
Mr. Dando was married, March 23. 1884. to Lizzell Davis, of Fort
Scott. Kansas, a daughter of Dr. and Sarah F. 1 Hulse) Davis, whose family
consisted of four children, namely: James. Faustien. Lizzell. and Josephine:
the last named is deceased. Doctor Davis was horn in France. Mr-. Dando
grew to womanhood in Ft. Scott and received her education there, making
excellent grades in all branches. Our subject and wife had two children.
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. 1 285
one living: James Edward was born April 19, 1886, and died October 24,
1904; Charles Joseph was born February 19, i8y6, and is in a military-
school at Ashville, North Carolina.
Politically, Mr. Dando is a Democrat. He is a member of the Eastern
Division of the Order of Railway Conductors, No. 321, and the Brother-
hood of Locomotive Engineers. Fraternally, he belongs to the Knights of
Pythias and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. He was also
made an honorary member of the Grand International Division of the
Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers, Xo. 378.
MICHAEL J. MURPHY.
It is indeed hard to find among our cosmopolitan civilization, people of
better habits of life, taking it all in all, than those who originally came from
the fair Emerald Isle or their immediate descendants. They are distin-
guished for their thrift, wit, consecutive industry, patriotism and loyalty,
and these qualities in the inhabitants of any country will in the end alone
make that country great. One of the well-known engineers of the Frisco is
Michael J. Murphy, who has long resided in Springfield, a man of Celtic
blood and of the second generation of Irish in America. He hails originally
from the Crescent City of the far South.
Mr. Murphj was born on January 1, 1861, in New Orleans, Louisiana.
He is a son of Michael 1). and Dorothy Ann (O'Dwyre) Murphy, both
born, reared and married in Ireland and there resided until 1854, when they
emigrated to the United States, first locating' in New York state, then, in
1859, went to New Orleans, and in 1861, when the Civil war began, they
came north to Rolla. Missouri, when our subject was an infant. In 1847
Michael D. Murphy took part in the Smith-O'Brien rebellion. He escaped
and went to Australia, and after a separation of seven years rejoined his
wife, and they came to America. He was a railroad levee contractor. His
death occurred in September, 1872, at Rolla, this state. His widow subse-
quently removed to Springfield, where her death occurred in 1892. To these
parents four children were born, namely: Jeremiah, Charles E., Mary, are
all deceased, and Michael J., of this sketch.
Mr. Murphy, our subject, had little chance to receive an extensive edu-
cation. However, he is a self-made man. On April 1. 1879. he went to
work for the St. Louis & San Francisco Railroad Company in a stone quarry
at Rolla, later coming with an extra gang to Springfield and helped put in
the foundation for a turntable and roundhouse at the North Side shops. In
1880 he was given a position as fireman out of Springfield and was promoted
1286 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
to freight engineer in 1889, and to regular passenger engineer in 1901. and
has retained this responsible position ever since, being regarded by the com-
pany as one of its most efficient and trustworthy engineers. His present run
is between Springfield and Xewburg.
For three years he traveled as special representative of the Frisco in
fourteen different states, and did his work most acceptably. Since August
15, 1914, Mr. Murphy has been devoting his time on the "Safety First"
movement in accident prevention for the conservation of human life and limb
of the employees and patrons of the Frisco system, and because of the
increased cost of materials used and consumed by the railroads and the
increased cost in taxes, interest and wages and the decrease of 33 1-3 per
cent, in passenger revenue and decrease of 21 per cent, in freight revenue,
due to the two-cent passenger fare and the maximum freight rate in Missouri,
resulting in placing the Frisco and other Missouri railroads in a position
where their earnings are not sufficient to meet cost of operation and main-
tenance, interest and taxes, the roads are forced to retrench and cut down
expenses. This could only be done by the laying off of men in shops, in the
office and in the bridge and building departments and the purchase of less
material, such as ties, ballast, steel rails, bridges, and building materials.
This retrenchment on the part of the railroads placed over forty thousand
wage-earners, skilled and unskilled, idle, leaving them unable to purchase
the necessaries of life, which in turn affected the retail and wholesale mer-
chants and producing classes of the state. To overcome those conditions
and to start the wheels of progress moving, to find employment for the idle
men. Air. .Murphy on February 3, 1915, organized the Railway Employees'
Protective Association, and by and through this organization in the state
of Missouri secured the signatures of bankers, farmers, merchants, manu-
facturers, and members of organized labor to petitions aggregating in the
whole the signatures of over 750,000 of the above citizens of Missouri and
mailed those petitions and signatures to the members of the Forty-eighth
General Assembly of Missouri asking for a repeal of the maximum 2-cent
passenger fare, restoration of the 3-cent passenger rate, and that the public
service commission of Missouri to adjust and grant a fair equitable equali-
zation of rate- in Missouri, and for the future Mr. Murphy will be engaged
making this movement nation-wide in its scope, so that capital will be en-
courage to invest in railroad securities, so that the credit of the railroads
will be restored, so that capital and labor will be in a position under wise
and just laws, state and national, to furnish the transportation facilities so
essential to the future development of the internal resources of Missouri
and of the nation as a whole.
Mr. Murphy was married on September 27. 1887, in Rolla. Missouri,
to Mary A. Powers, a native of that city. She is a daughter of James and
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. I287
Winifred C. (Condron) Powers, both natives of Ireland. They spent their
early days in their native land and finally emigrated to the United States.
Mr. Powers was in the employ of the Frisco Railroad for a number of years.
His death occurred on July 10, 1878, in Rolla. Mrs. Murphy's mother died
in Springfield on May 19, 1900. The wife of our subject was reared and
educated in Rolla, attending the public and Catholic schools.
To Mr. and Mrs. Murphy two children have been born, namely: Charles
Edward, born on August jo, 1888, in Springfield, was educated in the public
and high schools here ; he is a machinist by trade and is living at home.
Blanche May, born on January 11, 1890, in Springfield, attended the local
public and high schools and later business college; she married C. N. King,
who is with the International Harvester Company, and lives in Little Rock,
Arkansas. Mr. and Mrs. King were married on May 10, 19 10, and one
child has been born to them, Jack Weldon, whose birth occurred on January
19, 191 1.
Politically Mr. Murphy is a Democrat. He is a member of Ozark
Division, No. 83, Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers. The Murphy
family are members of the Roman Catholic church. They own a fine and
neatly furnished home on North Main street, Springfield.
ANDREW DURYEA MILLS.
Andrew Duryea Mills, chief clerk to J. R. Dritt, freight agent of the
Frisco System at Springfield, was born in Brooklyn Borough, New York
City, March 7, 1881. He is a son of Simeon Drake Mills, who was for
many years engaged in business for himself in Brooklyn as a manufacturer
of jewelry. In 1883 he removed with his family to Kansas City, Missouri,
soon thereafter opening the S. D. Mills Jewelry Company's place of busi-
ness, which he conducted until his death in 1890 at the age of thirty-two
years. Politically, he was a Republican. He belonged to the Knights of
Pythias, and was a member of the Baptist church. He was twice married,
first, to Ella B. Duryea, a daughter of Andrew Duryea, who was a mer-
chant in Brooklyn, New York. Her death occurred in 1883, leaving two
children, namely : Ralph, who is agent for the Union Pacific railroad at
Tonganoxie, Kansas, and Andrew D.. of this sketch. His second marriage
was with .Mice Dewey, a daughter of Dr. John Dewey, of Kansas City,
Missouri. This union was without issue.
Andrew D. Mills was a small child when his parents brought him to
Kansas City, and there he grew to manhood and received his education, in-
•cluding the public schools and a business college. He began his railroad
1288 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
career when nineteen years of age, and has worked for the following roads :
Kansas City, Ft. Scott & Memphis, now operated by the Frisco; the Mis-
souri, Kansas & Texas; Kansas City Southern; Missouri Pacific & Iron
Mountain; the Kansas City, Clinton & Springfield; the Texas & Pacific;
Union Pacific; Denver & Rio Grande; Missouri Pacific; Chicago, Burling-
ton & Ouincy; later to the Missouri Pacific, then the Atchison, Topeka &
Santa Fe. after which he went with the St. Louis & San Francisco road,
with which he has since been connected. He was telegraph operator and
station agent for the above named roads. In January, 1913, he was pro-
moted to the position of chief clerk to the Frisco's freight agent at Spring-
field, which position he still holds.
Mr. Mills was married in 1902 to Nellie Wilson, a daughter of Joel
Y. and Josephine (George) Wilson, of Osceola, Missouri. Mr. Wilson has
for many years been a druggist at that point. There Mrs. Mills grew to
womanhood and was educated in the common schools.
Four children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Mills, namely: Wilson,
Charles, Alice M. and Josephine G.
Politically, Mr. Mills is a Republican in principle, but votes independ-
ently, more for the man than for the party, as many other sensible people
are doing today. Fraternally, he belongs to the Masons, the Royal Ar-
canum, Royal Neighbors and the Modern Woodmen of America.
J. W. GANN.
From an excellent old Kentucky family comes J. W. Gann, the oblig-
ing and popular city passenger and ticket agent for the Frisco Lines at
Springfield, and he seems to have inherited many of the commendable traits
of his worthy progenitors. He has devoted the major portion of his ac-
tive career to railroad service and has given eminent satisfaction in every
position he has held in this field of endeavor.
Mr. Gann was born in Wayne county, Kentucky, December 11, 1871.
He is a son of William K. and Mary (Daugherty) Gann. The father was
born in Kentucky in 1838, and there the birth of the mother occurred in
1848, each scions of old Southern families. They grew to maturity in the
Blue Grass state and were educated there, the father receiving an excep-
tionally good education for that period. After passing through the com-
mon schools he attended the Louisville Medical College, where he made a
fine record and from which institution he was graduated with the degree
of doctor of medicine, also completing a course in pharmacy. He engaged
successfully in the practice of his profession until his death in 1885. His
greexe County, Missouri. 1289
wife preceded him to the grave in 1883. They were the parents of five
children, four of whom are still living, namely: Charles M. is deceased;
1. VV. of this sketch; Hattie, Mattie and Edward Everett.
I. W. Gann was reared at the parental homestead in Wayne county,
Kentucky, and there he received a practical common school education, but
he started out in life when young, being but seventeen years of age when
he began his career as railroader, in which he has been engaged ever since.
He began as telegraph operator lor the Queen & Crescent railroad in Tate-
ville, Kentucky. He was sent to various places to work by this road, with
which he remained until 1900, then went to work for the Frisco Lines as
ticket seller in the office at Birmingham, Alabama. In 1905 he was made
city passenger agent in that city. Remaining there until in March, 1907, he
was transferred to Springfield, Missouri, as chief ticket clerk, and in De-
cember, 1910, he was promoted to city passenger and ticket agent, which
position he still holds.
Mr. Gann was married on November 7, 1906, in Birmingham, Ala-
bama, to Mrs. Sarah Elizabeth Prewitt. She was born near Springville,
Alabama, February 5, 1874, and there grew to womanhood and received
her education.
The union of Mr. and Mrs. Gann has been without issue.
Politically, our subject is a Democrat. He is prominent in Masonic
circles, having attained the thirty-second degree. Religiously, he is a mem-
ber of the Cumberland Presbyterian church.
e. b. McNeill.
Like many another boy reared on the farm, E. B. McNeill, agent of
the Missouri Pacific railroad at Springfield, turned his attention to railroad-
ing and has continued to the present time, showing a peculiar adaptability
for the same, so that he has won and retained the confidence of his employ-
ers, for he is not only capable of quickly grasping the various details of his
work, but is faithful and energetic in the performance of the same.
Mr. McNeill was born in White county, Arkansas, May 16, 1881. He
is a son of John T. and Amanda ( Lessenbury ) McNeill. The father was
born in Tennessee, from which state he came to Arkansas in an early day,
where he established the family home on the farm where he still lives in
White county. The mother of our subject was also born in Tennessee. Her
death occurred in White county, Arkansas, July 10. 1914. These parents
were young when they left their native state and they were married in
Arkansas. John T. McNeill served as a Confederate soldier during the
I29O GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
last two years of the Civil war, was under Gen. Sterling Price and was in
the famous raid of that great leader into Missouri.
Tohn T. McNeill has been a successful farmer and stock raiser. His
family consisted of eleven children, six of whom are still living, namely:
Florence married C. M. Welbon, and they live in Colorado; E. B. of this
sketch: William E. lives in Kensett, Arkansas: Elmer is engaged in rail-
mad service in Arkansas: Mrs. Anna Davidson lives in Kensett, Arkansas;
Mrs. Grace Taylor lives in White county, Arkansas.
E. B. McNeill grew up on his father's farm in his native county and
there assisted with the general work when a boy, and in the winter months
he attended the common and high schools in Arkansas. He left the farm
when nineteen years of age and began his career as railroader for the Iron
Mountain as clerk and later as telegraph operator in his native state, work-
ing at many points on the system. He came to Springfield in June, 191 J,
since which time he has been filling his present position, most of his work
being on the White river division.
Mr. McNeill was married on June 12, 1907. at Calico Rock. Arkansas,
to Allie M. Crew-, who was born at Walker. Missouri. She is a daughter
of Cassie Crews and wife. She received a good common school education.
One child has been born to our subject and wife. Dorothy May McNeill,
whose birth occurred May 12, 1911.
Politically, Mr. McNeill is a Democrat. He is a member of the Knights
of Pythias, is associate member of the Springfield Club, and his wife be-
longs to the Methodist Episcopal church. Our subject has never affiliated
himself with any religions body.
R. E. ARNETT.
R. I.. Arnett was born in Fredericktown, in southeastern Missouri, on
February 2. [881. He is a son of R. ('. and Fanny (Layman) Arnett. The
father was also born at Fredericktown. February 5, 1849, his parents hav-
ing been pioneer settlers there. The mother of our subject was born in
Piqua, Ohio. December 21, 1853. She came to Fredericktown, Missouri,
when young and there met and married the elder Arnett. who devoted his
life to general farming, although lie never lived on a farm. Politically,
R. C. Arnett was a Democrat and was an influential man in public affairs
in his native locality, having represented his county several times in the
state legislature. His family consisted of five children, all sons, and all
still living, namely: Smith D. lives in Pine Bluff, Arkansas; Sam R. lives
in Minneapolis. Minnesota; R. E. of this sketch: Eugene F. is in the train
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. I29I
service and is located at Pine Bluff, Arkansas; Alexander W. is attending
Columbia University at this writing.
R. L. Arnett grew up at Fredericktown, where he obtained a good
common and high school education. When only thirteen years of age he
was enabled to begin the career he had long aspired to, that of railroading,
and he has kept it up to the present time, his rise being gradual, and he
evidently has greater things to yet accomplish in this field of endeavor. He
began work for the Missouri Pacific before leaving school and continued
at intervals with this road until he finished school, then went in the office
as clerk in his native town. With the exception of a few months spent in
the employ of other lines, he has remained continuously with the Missouri
Pacific, having in the meanwhile been nearly all over the system, in various
departments of this road. In September, 1908, he was promoted to com-
mercial freight agent, in Ft. Scott, Kansas, and in November, 1909, he was
sent to Springfield, where he is now occupying the same position. He is a
young man of energy, tact, versatility and honesty of purpose and his su-
periors place great confidence in his ability and integrity.
Mr. Arnett was married, April .23, 1903, in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, to
Anna Lee Green, a native of that city, where she was reared and educated,
later attending Ouachita College at Arkadelphia, Arkansas. She is a daugh-
ter of Thomas and Disda Green.
To Mr. and Mrs. Arnett one child has been born, Roeanna, whose
birth occurred July II, 1905.
Politically, Mr. Arnett is a Democrat. He is a member of the Benevo-
lent and Protective Order of Elks, also the Hoo Hoo or Black Cat frater-
nity. He is a member of the Springfield Club and the Country Club.
NEWTON V. ALLEBACH.
The beginning of the career of Newton V. Allebach was characterized
by hard work and conscientious endeavor, and he owes his rise to no train oi
fortunate incidents or fortuitous circumstances. His rise has not been of the
•meteoric type, but has been steady and slow. The major portion of bis
life has been devoted to railroad service, having been on the Frisco system
for a number of years, and he is the present popular general chairman of the
Order of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers, in which he has long
been active and influential.
Mr. Allebach was born in Clarion county, Pennsylvania, August 6,
i860. He is a son of Abraham H. and Catherine (Kramer) Allebach. The
father was born in Montgomery county, Pennsylvania, September 2j, 1810.
I292 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
and the mother was also born in the old Keystone state in the year 1833.
There they grew to maturity, received limited educations in the early-day
schools and they were married in Clarion county and established the family
home there, Mr. Allebach engaging in the mercantile business. He was twice
married, our subject being a child by his second wife, and is one of six sons,
four of whom are still living, namely : Ansen M. lives in New Bethlehem,
Pennsylvania; Rufus D. is deceased; Newton V., subject of this sketch;
Arlington H. is deceased; Melvin C. lives in New Bethlehem, Pennsylvania,
and Victor L. lives in East Brady. The death of Abraham H. Allebach
occurred June 14, 1881, his wife, mother of our subject, surviving until in
January, 1912, both dying in Pennsylvania, where they spent their lives.
Politically he was a Lincoln Republican, and fraternally was a member of
the Masonic Order, while his Wife belonged to the Eastern Star.
Newton V. Allebach grew to manhood in his native community in
Clarion county and he received a common school education. When he was
seventeen years of age he went to Minnesota and worked in various parts
of that state. For some time he engaged in lumbering at the head of Lake
Superior. In 1881 he went to North Dakota, and in 1884 he began his
career as railroader at Fargo, that state, on the Northern Pacific as fireman,
and was later promoted to engineer on switch engines and freight trains.
He remained in the North until 1889, when he had a run into Montana and
Wyoming, then was in the employ of the Southern Pacific until in Sep-
tember, 1895, when he came to Monett, Missouri, and went to work for the
Frisco system as freight engineer, his run being from that city to Ft. Smith,
.Arkansas, and in 1906 he was given a passenger train and was in that
service about seven years. His career in the train service on all the above
named roads has been eminently commendable and satisfactory, and is a
record of duty ably and faithfully performed.
Mr. Allebach has been actively engaged in the work of the Brotherhood
of Locomotive Engineers since 1895. He moved to Springfield in 1910,
where he has since resided. Since his election to general chairman in above
order he has devoted his time exclusively to the interests of the order. His
position is one of importance and considerable rsponsibility. and lie is kept
very busy looking after adjustments and the many things constantly coming
up to be attended to, which requires a man of tact, diplomacy and forceful
personality, as well as energy and fidelity. The splendid record Mr. Allebach
has made in this important office with which he has been honored would in-
dicate the wisdom of his selection and his services are entirely satisfactory to
all concerned. He is one of the best known and most universally liked rail-
road men in the Southwest, being a good mixer, friendly, genial, honest and
conscientious.
Mr. Allebach was married in Monett, Missouri, December 25, 1897. to
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. 1 293
Nora Blakeslee, who was born in northern Pennsylvania in 1870, where she
spent her early girlhood, being eight years old when her parents, Lafayette
and Delia (Cook) Blakeslee removed with her to Barry county, Missouri.
These parents were natives of Pennsylvania, where they grew to maturity-
received limited educations in the common schools and were married. The
death of the father occurred in Barry county, Missouri, where Mrs. Allebach
was reared to womanhood and educated in the common schools. The
mother is still living. Mr. Blakeslee devoted his active life to farming and
contracting. His family consisted of eight children.
To Mr. and Mrs. Allebach four children have been born, namely: Franz,
born October 3, 1898; Vernon A"., born September 13, 1901 ; Karl A., born
November 3, 1904: Catherine, born May 22, 1907. died December 4, 1908.
Politically Mr. Allebach is a Democrat. Fraternally he is a member of
the Masonic Order, is a Knights Templar, and a member of the Ancient
Arabic Order of Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. Religiously the family belongs
to the Presbvterian church.
GEORGE GREEN.
Americans have always had great admiration for Englishmen, not-
withstanding that these nations have twice been at war. Each has enjoyed
a century of peace and good feeling toward the other, and we have ever
welcomed the British to our newer land of opportunity. Greene county has
not been fortunate enough to secure many of her immigrants, but what few
we have we are glad to note are good citizens in every respect. One of
these is George Green, blacksmith foreman in the shops of the Frisco sys-
tem at Springfield.
Mr. Green was born in Kent Waldwick, England, September 15, 1863.
He is a son of Robert and Susanna Green, both born in England, where
they grew- up and received fairly good educations and spent the earlier years
of their lives, eventually emigrating to the United States, where they both
died, the father in South Dakota and the mother in Kansas. Robert Green
was a carpenter by trade, which he followed for a livelihood most of his
life. In his earlier life he was in the British arm}- as a wheelwright and
was in the memorable East India mutiny. After coming to America he
followed railroading for a while and later was a ranchman in Texas for
about four years. His family consisted of four children, namely: Robert
is a locomotive engineer on the Frisco, running out of Kansas City, where
he lives; George of this sketch; Mrs. Clara Bowen lives in Kansas City,
Missouri, and Mrs. George Wallace, also of Kansas City.
George Green was young when his parents brought him to America,
1294 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
and here he received his education. He attended school in different places,
including a year in Dallas. Texas, and some time in Rochester, New York.
In 1880 he drove overland from Texas to Springfield, Missouri, and began
work for the Frisco System in the North Side roundhouse. After remain-
ing there about three years he went to Kansas City and went to work for
the Kansas City, Ft. Scott & Memphis Railroad Company, which was leased
by the Frisco System in 1900. and when the shops of the former road were
opened in Springfield, now known as the South Side Frisco shops, Air.
Green was sent here as blacksmith helper. He continued at his trade until
in 1896, when he was elected constable of Campbell township, in which of-
fice he served two years with satisfaction to all concerned and credit to
himself. In 1901 he was appointed foreman of the blacksmith shop and is
still one of the foremen in this shop. He is quite expert in his line and
handles men well.
Mr. Green was married in 1882. to Sarah E. Twigger, who was born
in Connecticut, in December, 1862. She is a daughter of George and Ann
Twigger. She was educated in the common schools. She came west when
young in years, with her parents, locating in North Springfield, Missouri,
and here grew to womanhood, receiving her education in the public schools
of Springfield. She was one of eleven children, ten still living.
To Mr. and Mrs. Green seven children have been born, namely: Frank.
born December 25, 1883; Maude, born in [885, married George Brougher;
Ruby, born in tSXj; Mrs. Georgia Woodfill, born in 1899; William J., born
in 1897; Charles, born in 1900. and Clara, born in 1902.
Politically, Mr. Green is a Democrat. Fraternally, he is a member of
the Masonic blue lodge, the Modern Woodmen and the Loyal Order of
Moose. The family are members of the Episcopal church.
MATTHIAS CHRISTMAX.
It is not the kind of work, but the kind of Spirit with which it is done
that dignifies and exalts human service. This is a thought that should pu1
heart into every worker, put glow and cheer into his service and fill him
with a large degree of satisfaction in doing the work that nature seems to.
have, in a way, appointed for him. .Matthias Christman, general machine
foreman in the North Side Frisco shops, Springfield, is a man who gets
satisfaction out of his daily tasks and therefore his work is not only well
done, but life is worth living to him.
Mr. Christman was born in Springfield, Illinois. January 29. 1863. He-
GREENE COUNTY. MISSOURI. I — < J 5
is a son of Michael and Caroline (Duffner) Christman, both natives of Ger-
many, in which country they spent their childhood years, and from there
immigrated to America when young, both locating in Springfield, Illinois,
where they were married, and there established their permanent home, the
father of our subject, who is now eighty-four years old, and who has de-
voted his active life to the machinist trade, is still a resident of that city,
but the mother passed away on May 17. [914, at the age of seventy-hve years.
To them seven children were born, three of whom are living at this writing,
namelv : X. B. is engaged in the hardware business in Springfield, Illinois;
Matthias, of this sketch; John D., who was a machinist by trade, is de-
ceased; Mary is the wife of Joseph Phillipp, who is engaged in the furniture
and dry goods business in Springfield, Illinois. The other children died in
early life.
Matthias Christman spent his boyhood days in his native city and there
he went to school until he was fourteen years old, when he left his text-
books and went to work as an apprentice in the Wabash railroad shops in
that town, remaining there from August, 1877, until 1882, completing his
trade as machinist, then went as journeyman to the Atchison, Topeka &
Santa Fe shops at Raton, New Mexico, working there from September, 1882,
until April, 1883, in April of which year he went to Decatur, Illinois and
worked at his trade in the shops of the Wabash Railroad. From April, 1883,
until July, 1883, he worked for the Wabash & Decatur Railroad, and in
August he worked as machinist in Kansas City for the Kansas City, Ft. Scott
& Memphis Railroad Company, which transferred him in 1890 to its shops in
Springfield, Missouri, as erecting foreman, which position he held there until
August. 191 1, having continued in the employ of the Frisco System, which
leased the former road in njoc. In August, 191 1, he was transferred to the
North Side shops as assistant general machine shop foreman, and in 1912
was promoted to general machine shop foreman, which position he now holds.
there being about one hundred and fifty men under his direction. He is
giving his usual general satisfactory service, being a man highly skilled in his
trade and possessing marked executive ability. He has an interest in the
Christman Adjustable Hub Plate Company, being a director and stockholder
in the same. He has been the dominating factor in the success of this
concern, indicating that he is a man of fine business acumen. He is also of
an inventive turn of mind, and has invented piston valves and bushing for
air pumps and holds patents on each. These devices have been highly praised
by manufacturers.
Mr. Christman was married in 1884 to Elizabeth Hurley, of Mt.
Pleasant. Iowa, and to this union two children have been born, namely :
John M., who was educated in the ward and high schools of Springfield,
I296 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
is now a machinist in the North Side Frisco shops ; Carrie, who was also
well educated in the Springfield schools, lives at home with her parents.
Politically Mr. Christman is a Democrat. He belongs to the Modern
Woodmen of American, and to the Catholic church.
WILLIAM TAYLOR HANKINS.
Great changes "have come over the face of the land" since William
Taylor Hankins first saw the light of day nearly sixty-seven years ago, and,
having spent these long years in the same locality, he has been a most inter-
ested and by no means a passive spectator to the transformations of the
eastern part of Greene county, having sought to do his full share in the work
of progress here. For many years he was postmaster at Strafford, but is
now living quietly on his farm. Xo one is better or more favorably known
in this community, for his life has been an exemplary and inoffensive one.
Mr. Hankins was born on a farm near Strafford, Missouri, on April 2,
1848. He is a son of Abraham and Sarah R. 1 Miller) Hankins. The
father was born in Tennessee on March 23, 1808, and was reared there on
a farm and attended the common schools. In youth he learned the tanner's
trade. Remaining in his native state until 1835, he then emigrated to Greene
county, Missouri, making the trip by wagon, drawn by an ox and a horse.
He farmed and followed his trade here, and he owned many slaves and was
a successful farmer. His death occurred in November, 1861. He was a
member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and was a prominent man in
his community. The mother of our subject was born near Winchester, Ken-
tucky, on June 3, 1809, was reared on a farm there and attended the public
schools. She came to Greene county. Missouri with her parents about the
year 1835, and here met and married Mr. Hankins. She was a member
of the Methodist Episcopal church. Her death occurred on June 30, 1878,
on the home farm. To these parents live children were born, namely : Andrew
Jackson, deceased; Benton T., deceased: William T., of this sketch; Letitia,
deceased, and Mrs. Susan Potter, of Strafford, who is the youngest.
William T, Hankins grew to manhood on the old homestead near
Strafford and he received his education in the district schools. He worked
on the home farm until after his father's death, and his principal life work
has been general fanning. In [896 he was appointed postmaster at Strafford,
the duties of which office he continued to discharge acceptably and satisfac-
torily for a period of seventeen years, resigning in [913. He moved to his
farm of one hundred and twenty acres, which joined Strafford, where he
has a cozy home and is now living practically retired.
fa
GO
>
z
V.
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. I297
Mr. Hankins was married on March 7, 1S71, to Mary Jane Comstock,
who was born on November 4, i85_J. while her parents were emigrating from
Tennessee to Greene county, Missouri. She is a daughter of L. B. and
Nancy Comstock. She grew up on a farm in this state and attended the
common schools, removing with her parents to Greene county during the
Civil war. She was a member of the Baptist church. Her death occurred
on April 5, 1889.
To our subject and wife three children were born, namely: Nathaniel
Brown lives in Greene county ; he married Sarah McCabe Fitch and they
have two children, Hershel and Zenobia ; Mrs. Florence Foster lives in
Strafford and has two children, Joe and Helen, and Mrs. Manta Delzell, who
married George G. Delzell. They have two children, Gregory and Sarah
Marie. She makes her home with her father.
Politically Mr. Hankins is a Republican, and fraternally he is a member
•of the Masonic Order.
JESSE D. JAQUITH.
The respect which should always be accorded the brave sons of the
North who left their homes and the peaceful pursuits of civil life to give their
services, and their lives if need be, to preserve the integrity of the American
Union is due Jesse D. Jaquith. He proved his love and loyalty to the govern-
ment on the long and tiresome marches in all kinds of situations, exposed
to summer's withering heat and winter's freezing cold, on the lonely picket
line a target for the unseen foe, on the tented field and amid the flame and
smoke of battle, where the rattle of the musketry mingled with the terrible
concussion of bursting shells and the diapason of the cannons' roar made up
the sublime but awful chorus of death.
Mr. Jaquith was born January 8, 1845, near Paris, Edgar count)-,
Illinois. He is a son of Jesse VV. Jaquith, a native of New Hampshire, where
he spent his earlier years. He studied pharmacy, and, having cast his lot
with the people of the Middle West, became owner and operator of a drug
store at Urbana, Illinois, and he was the first postmaster of that town.
Active and influential in public affairs, he was elected a judge of the county
court of Champaign county, Illinois. He received a good education in his
native state, there learned the shoemaker's trade, which he followed for a
number of years, also engaged in farming in New Hampshire. It was in
1839 that he removed to Edgar county, Illinois, among the early pioneers,
and there he continued his trade for some time before locating in Champaign
county and turning his attention to the drug' business. Finally leaving
(82)
1298 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
Urbana he came to Holden, Missouri, where he engaged in the shoe business.
There he spent the rest of his life, dying in 1881 at the age of seventy
years, and was buried at Holden. Politically he was a Democrat. He be-
longed to the Masonic Order and to the Methodist Episcopal church. His
wife, Catherine A. Wilson, was a native of Kentucky and a daughter of
John and Maggie (Buckner) Wilson. To this union the following children
were born: Lottie, now deceased, was the wife of John Allen, a farmer;
Jesse D., of this sketch; John located in San Francisco and engaged in the
machine business ; Richard, now deceased, was a shoemaker by trade ; Mate
( Matilda) married John Cass, a commercial traveler, and they live at Holden.
.Missouri. Willard Jaquith, grandfather of these children, was born in New
Hampshire, from which state he emigrated to Detroit, Michigan, in an early
day. He was a farmer in his earlier life.
Jesse D. Jaquith grew to manhood in Illinois and received his education
in the public schools of Urbana, leaving his text-books at the age of seventeen
to enlist in the Federal army, in 1862, in Company G, Seventy-sixth Illinois
Volunteer Infantry, at Kankakee. He saw much hard service and took part in
numerous battles and skirmishes, including the great siege of Vicksburg and
the many engagements incident thereto, also the battles of Jackson and Mobile,
and although he was in many close places he was never wounded, neither had
he occasion to answer to sick call. For meritorious conduct be was pro-
moted from time to time until he became quartermaster sergeant, and was
mustered out as such in July, 1865. at Chicago. He was in the armies of
Grant and Sherman. After the war he returned to Urbana. Illinois, and
learned the trade of tinsmith, first working for J. M. Davies. Later he came
to Warrensburg, Missouri, and worked witli J. L. Bettis, finishing his ap-
prenticeship there, then be worked as journeyman tinsmith at Warrensburg
until 1870. in which year he returned to l'rbana and continued at his trade
until 1877, then went to Kansas City and secured employment with the Union
Pacific Railroad, working in the company's shops at Armstrong. Kansas, just
across the river from Kansas City, Missouri. He was a journeyman tinsmith.
He resided at Wyandotte, Kansas, and remained with that road three years.
When the towns of Kansas City, Kansas. Wyandotte and Armourdale were
consolidated into Kansas City, Kansas, lie was the first clerk of the board
of education.
Mr. Jaquith came to Springfield on February 18, 1887, and took a
position with the Kansas City. Ft. Scott & Memphis railroad as tinsmith
foreman in their local shops, which are now known as the South Side Frisco
shops, having come under the control of the Frisco System in iqoo. and
this position our subject held till 191 5, his long retention in the same being
evidence of his faithfulness and skill and his ability to handle men so as
to obtain the best results. However, he was foreman tinsmith at the new
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. I299
shops on the North Side for three years. He has been with these roads con-
tinuously for a period of twenty-eight years.
Mr. Jaquith was a member of the city council of Springfield for four
years. Before leaving Urbana, Illinois, he was a member of the board of
education for two years and was also city clerk there for two years. As a
public servant his record has been a most satisfactory and commendable one.
Politically he has always been a stanch Democrat. He is a member of the
Baptist church. Back in the seventies he was a member of the Knights of
Pythias.
Mr. Jaquith was married in 1865, at Warrensburg, Missouri, to Killa E.
Dulin, who was born, reared and educated in Illinois. To this union two
children have been born, namely: Ira, who is a machinist by trade and
employed at the new shops in Springfield, married Carrie Burton, and they
have two sons and two daughters ; Charles was for some time a soldier in
the Seventeenth United States Infantry, regular army, saw service in the
Philippines, where he was mustered out.
FRANK P. CARROLL.
If there is one thing which distinguishes the American tradesman or
business man from those of any other country it is the faculty with which any
and all occupations are readily taken up by him and made successful. In
the older countries it was customary for the son to follow the father's
pursuit. "Follow your father, my son, and do as your father has done,"
was a maxim which most of sons were expected to adopt. In this country
we find few men of the present generation engaged in the same pursuits as
were their fathers, except among the farming element. Frank P. Carroll,
chief engineer in the Frisco's North Side shops, Springfield, has turned his
hands to various things and proved that farming was not the only occupation
which he could make successful.
Mr. Carroll was born May 2, 1863, near Frankfort, Clinton county, In-
diana. He is a son of Moses Carroll, who was born at Troy, New York. He
grew up in his native state, attended school and learned the carpenter's trade
there, later removing to Clinton county, Indiana, where he established his
home. He is now deceased. He married Hannah Clark, a daughter of A. B.
Clark, of Clinton county, Indiana, and a native of Kentucky, from which
state the family removed to Indiana in 1840. Ten children were born to
Moses Carroll and wife, four of whom died in infancy; the others were
named as follows: Louisa J. is a widow and resides at Zion City, Illinois;
Wilson B., who was a carpenter and engineer, is deceased; Mattie, also a
I3OO GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
widow, is engaged in dressmaking at Phillipsburg, Montana; Relda is the
wife of Ellis Kiser, a draftsman by trade, and they reside in Springfield, Mis-
souri; Mary, commonly known as Mollie, is the wife of Gus Widmeyer, a
farmer of Greene county, this state, and Frank P. of this sketch.
The subject of this review spent his boyhood in Clinton county, Indiana,
and received his education in the common schools. When seventeen years
of age he went to work as a farm hand, later worked as fireman in a flouring
mill in Boone county, Indiana, for two years, then came to Springfield, Mis-
souri, in 1884, and went into the dairy business with his brother-in-law, J. X.
Kern, remaining in this line of endeavor two years. The next two years
we find him employed at an electric light plant and in various other posi-
tions. He also worked at the old Coon Tobacco Works, under George H.
McCann, who was president of the concern. Our subject worked here as
engineer from 1888 to 1900, in which year he was made chief engineer, and
continued in this capacity with the plant until it was absorbed by the Amer-
ican Tobacco Company, whereupon he went to the South Side or old Gulf
shops, and was assistant engineer here for two years. He then went to Cali-
fornia, where he remained a year as chief engineer for the Italian-Swiss
Wine Company at Kingsburg, that state. Returning to Springfield. Missouri,
he took a position as gas and steam fitter with the Springfield Gas Company
and worked at this two years, then farmed a year, having previously pur-
chased a farm near the Valley Water Mill. He then came back to Spring-
field and worked as chief engineer at the Frisco Hospital for two months,
then was chief engineer at the Metropolitan Hotel for some time, after which
he worked as night engineer in the North Side Frisco shops, remaining there
from September, T905, to May 12. 1910. when he was promoted to chief
engineer there, which position he still holds. He has thirty hands under his
direction and as in all his former positions i- giving entire satisfaction.
Mr. Carroll was married in 1890 to Dura Gardner, who was horn
on the old Phelps farm in Greene county. Missouri. She is a daughter of
Allen V Gardner, of Springfield. She grew up in this county and was edu-
cated in the common schools.
To our subject and wife four children have been born, namely: Myrtle
is single and lives at home; Leonard married Mattie Leamon, and he is em-
ployed a- typewriter repairer at the Gardner Office Supply Company in
Springfield; Frank is employed as typewriter repairman at the office of the
Underwood Typewriter Company in Springfield; Paul is attending school.
Our subject and wife celebrated their twenty-fifth wedding anniversary
on November 5. T914. They reside on Clay street.
Politically Mr. Carroll is a Republican. He belongs to the Christian
church. He is a member of the National Order of Stationary Engineers
No. Q. the Springfield division.
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. I3OI
JOHN P. MALLEY.
The general foreman of the Frisco System boiler shops, John P. Malley,
is evidently as well qualified for his position as anyone whom the company
could have selected, for his record shows that he has been constantly employed
about boiler shops for a period of nearly thirty-rive years, or ever since he
was a boy, and during this time he has had vast experience in many different
places. He has been a close observer and has learned many new things about
his chosen calling in each shop he has been employed, in fact, has left no stone
unturned whereby he might improve himself.
Air. Malley is of Irish parentage and has inherited many of the praise-
worthy traits of that industrious people. He was born in Laporte, Indiana,
September 25, 1862. He is a son of John and Mary (Consendine) Malley,
both born in Ireland, where they grew to maturity, received good educations
in the common schools, but were married in Indiana. They were yet young
when the immigrated to the United States. They established the family home
in Laporte, Indiana, where they spent the rest of their lives, both dying
there, our subject being a small boy when his father died. The father fol-
lowed railroading and for years was roadmaster for the Lake Shore rail-
road, also the Michigan Southern railroad, being employed in that capacity
by the latter road at the time of his death. To John and Mary Malley three
children were born, all living at this writing, namely: John P. of this sketch;
William is a tinner by trade and lives in Chicago; Charles is an engineer and
also lives in Chicago.
John P. Malley had little opportunity to receive an education, however,
he attended the common schools in Indiana, but he is for the must part self-
taught. He was married May 24. 1900. in Kansas City. Missouri, to Alary
Glennon, a native of Independence, this state, and a daughter of Patrick
Glennon and wife, both natives of Ireland, from which country they immi-
grated to America when young. Mr. Glennon was a stone mason by trade.
His death occurred in Kansas City, as did also that of his wife. Mrs. Malley
grew to womanhood in Jackson county and was educated in the common
schools.
To our subject and wife one child has been born, Glennon Malley, whose
birth occurred May 24, 11)04.
In 1870 John P. Malley left Laporte, Indiana., and worked as check
clerk in the mammoth mercantile establishment of Marshall Field's, but not
desiring to continue this line of endeavor, he began his apprenticeship to the
boiler maker's trade about a year later, when seventeen years of age, in the
plant of McFarland & Company, of Chicago. He remained in the employ
of that company for about eight years, during which time he thoroughly
1,302 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
mastered his trade, then went to Dubuque, Iowa, and worked about a year,
then went to St. Paul, Minnesota, where he worked for the Great Northern
Railroad in their shops there about two years, then returned to Iowa, and
worked in Dubuque for the Milwaukee and St. Paul Railroad Company, then
went to firing on a locomotive and continued in this work a year and a half,
after which he went to Texas, and was foreman at Galveston in the boiler
shops of the Gulf, Colorado & Santa Fe Railroad from 1891 until 1900, in
which year he came to Springfield. Missouri, as general foreman of the boiler
shops of the St. Louis & San Francisco Railroad Company, and has since
been connected with this shop, having been general foreman of the same since
1.9 10, and is still incumbent of that position, in which he is giving eminent
satisfaction in every respect.
Politically, Mr. Malley is a Republican, and he belongs to the Catholic
church.
JOHN R. DRITT.
The responsible position which John R. Dritt, freight agent of the Frisco
Lines at Springfield, fills while yet a young man, would indicate that places
of merit and responsibility are open to those who are capable of filling them
no matter what their age or early environment may be. However, our
subject had careful preparation, taking sure but definite steps in his chosen
field of endeavor from the time he was a hoy, having all the while been
honest both with himself and his employers. This is, no doubt, the secret
of his success.
Mr. Dritt was born in Pierce City. Missouri, November 13. [880. He
is a son of A. M. and Nancy Jane ( Roark) Dritt. The father was born
at Tipton, Missouri. He was engaged in the harness and saddlery business
at Pierce City, where his death occurred in [892, at the early age of thirty-
four years. Politically he was a Republican, and religiously he belonged to
the Baptist church. The mother of our subject is a daughter of \Y. I'.. Roark
and wife. The father is engaged in the mercantile business at Aurora, Mis-
souri, and in that city Mrs. Dritt is making her home. Three children were
born to the parents of our subject, namely: John R., of this sketch: Russie,
who married E. \Y. Cave lives in Chicago, where Mr. Cave is engaged
in the automobile business. Wiley M.. the third child, who was engaged
in mercantile pursuits at .Aurora, this state, died at the age of twenty-six
years. Joseph Dritt, paternal grandfather of these children, was a prominent
citizen of Tipton, Missouri, and was mayor of that town for a number of
years.
John R. Dritt spent most of his early years at Aurora, where the
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. 1 303
family located when he was young, and there he attended the common and
high schools. When sixteen years of age he went to work in that town
for the Frisco System. He was messenger boy and did station work. Later
he came to Springfield and engaged in the hotel business, clerking for some
time in the Central hotel, then went back to Aurora and continued station
work for the Frisco, remaining there until 1904, at which time he went
to Monroe, Louisiana, and worked for the National Packing Company, re-
maining there until in December, 1905, as cashier and auditor. He then
came to Springfield as cashier for the Frisco in its freight department. In
May, 1907, he was promoted to assistant general agent of the general freight
department, and in December, 191 1. he was appointed agent of the freight
department, which position he now7 holds, and the duties of which he is dis-
charging with his usual fidelity and general satisfaction, and with much credit
to himself. He has under his direction seventy-five clerks.
Mr. Dritt was married on December 15, 1912, to Edith Smith, a daugh-
ter of Earl N. and Lola (Doss) Smith, a well known family of Ash Grove,
this county, where Mrs. Dritt grew to womanhood and was educated. To
our subject and wife one child has been born, Nancy Jane Dritt, who was
born April 27, 1914.
Politically Mr. Dritt is a Democrat. He belongs to the Benevolent and
Protective Order of Elks, and religiously he attends the Baptist church.
STEPHEN E. BUTLER.
It is no reflection when we say a man is a Hoosier; on the contrary it is
a compliment, if the word is properly understood. All natives of the great
state of Indiana are known as Hoosiers, and everyone knows that some of
the greatest men of the nation have been born and reared on her soil, in-
cluding presidents, vice-presidents, great statesmen, renowned army and navy
officers and famous literary men and women. Stephen E. Butler, foreman of
the tin shop of the reclamation plant in the South Side Frisco shops, Spring-
field, is a Hoosier, although not yet belonging in the class of the mighty
just enumerated, however, being yet a young man and possessing those
traits that win success, one must necessarily predict for him a future of use-
fulness and more than average success.
Mr. Butler was born April 23, 1882, in Stark county, Indiana. He is a
son of Austin D. Butler, a native of Ohio, and a carpenter by trade. He
left his native state when a young man and located in Stark count)-, Indiana,
where he remained until 1888, when he went to Helena, Montana, whither
he removed his family the following vear, and there his death occurred in
I304 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
1897 at the early age of forty-six years. He was a soldier in the Spanish-
American war; however, contracting malaria typhoid in the Philippines not
long after his enlistment, he was sent back home, having spent about a
year in service. He was a member of Company L, First Montana Volunteer
Infantry. Upon his recovery from the malaria typhoid he resumed his trade
of journeyman carpenter, in which he was exceptionally skilled. As a
soldier his comrades say he was brave, faithful and intelligent. His untimely
death was by accident, having been drowned in the Missouri river near Stubbs
Ferry, where he was working on a dredge. Politically he was a Democrat
He belonged to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He belonged to the
Methodist Episcopal church. His widow, who was known in her maidenhood
as Alice Miller, is now the wife of A. J. Lemkie, and they reside in Helena,
Montana. Three children were born to her union with Mr. Butler, namely:
Stephen E. of this sketch ; Ethel married Earl B. Richardson, who is engaged
in the retail drug business at Helena; Hazel married Charles H. Coar, super-
intendent of the telephone company at Minot, North Dakota.
Stephen E. Butler was seven years of age when his parents removed
to Helena, Montana, and there he grew to early manhood and received a
common school education; however, he left school when only fourteen years
of age and began learning the trade of sheet metal worker there, serving
a four years' apprenticeship. He worked with Jacob Rummell about six
years in that city, then went to the Pacific coast and the Northwest, where
he spent a year working as a tinsmith, after which he came to Kansas City,
Missouri, and worked six months, then returned West and worked in Helena
and Virginia City three and one-half years, one year of which time he was in
business for himself as tinsmith. \n March. [910, he came to Springfield,
Missouri, and worked a year for the Anslinger Sheet Metal Works, then
took a position in the- North Side Frisco shops in March, 1911, as journey-
man tinsmith. On November 1. 1913, he was promoted to foreman tinsmith
of the reclamation plant at the South Side shops, which position he still
holds, and in this, as in all previous positions he is giving entire satisfaction,
for he is nol only an exceptionally highly skilled man in his line, but is
energetic and understands handling those under him to good advantage.
Mr. Butler was married in July, 1907, to Dora Etta Burrell, a daughter
of Charles and Mary (Codrey) Burrell, who reside on a farm near Conway.
Missouri; Mrs. Butler grew to womanh 1 in Lane. Kansas, and received
a common school education there and in California, where the family moved
after leaving Kansas.
To our subject and wife one child has been horn, Austin Elmer Butler,
born July [8, [911.
Politically Mr. Butler is a Democrat. Tie belongs to the Methodisl
Episcopal church. South.
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. I3O5
PERCY J. BATES.
Ruskin says that we are always given strength enough and sense
em iueh for what nature intended us to do, and that, whatever we are doing,
o
we cannot be properly fulfilling our earthy mission if we are not happy
ourselves. A part of our service to the world is unquestionably cheerfulness,
and unless we are happy in our work and in the life we lead among men we
are withholding something that is essential to true serviceableness. Percy
1. Bates, rip track foreman at the North Side Frisco shops, Springfield, is a
young man who is cheerful in his daily tasks, thus making them much lighter
to perform.
Mr. Bates was born September 28, 1886, at Essex Junction, Chittenden
county, Vermont. He is a son of Job Bates, who was born in Westford,
Vermont. He grew up in his native state and attended school there and in
his younger days followed farming, later owned and operated a general store
at Essex Junction. He was very successful as a business man and became
owner of three or four fine farms, which he kept well stocked and highly
improved, but keeping them rented, merely looking after them in a general
way. He owned a large town house in Essex Junction, where he spent about
twenty-five years of his life. He was very fond of good horses and made
a specialty of raising them, always owning some fine ones. Politically he was
a Republican, and was a road master and selectman, influential and prominent.
in his town and county. He was a member of the Congregational church.
His death occurred on May 12, [904, at the age of seventy-five years. His
widow, who was known in her maidenhood as Mary Ella Brackett. a daughter
of Hiram Brackett, of Amboy, Illinois, is living at Burlington, Vermont;
she was born in 1851.
kleven children were born to Job Bates and wife, named as follows:
Kizzie married Allen Martin, an attorney of Essex Junction, Vermont; Julia
I. has remained single and lives at home; Charles M. is manager of a hotel
at Cambridge Springs. Pennsylvania; Marion E., single, is teaching school
in Los Angeles. California; Willis S. is physical director at Southwestern
College, Winfield, Kansas; James S. lives at Amarillo, Texas; Jessie E., sin-
gle, is teaching in Burlington, Vermont: Percy J., of this sketch; Mary E.
is the wife of Dr. John Hunter, of the L'niversity of Vermont; Alice B. is a
missionary in Labrador, teaching in the Dr. Grenville Mission there;
Dorothy S. is single and lives at home.
Percy L Bates grew to manhood in Vermont and there received his
education in the common schools, two years in high school, then studied at
Kimball Union Academy at Meriden, New Hampshire, fj-om which he was
graduated in 1904, then in 1905 he came- We"st and entered Fairmount College
I^o6 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
at Wichita, Kansas, from which institution he was graduated in 1909. Tak-
ing an interest in athletics he played professional base ball in 1909 and 1910
for the Wichita Western League, being right fielder for that team, then
played center field for the Arkansas City (Kansas) State League. He en-
tered railroad service at Arkansas City with the Atchison, Topeka & Santa
Fe Road, in the transportation department, and later worked in the mechan-
ical department until May 5, 1912, when he went to Amarillo, Texas, where
he worked as time keeper and in the car department of the same road. On
January 26, 1914, he entered the service of the Frisco System at Chaffee as
piece work checker. On June 1. 1914, he was transferred to Springfield,
Missouri, as rip track foreman in the North Side shops, which position he
is holding at this writing. He has thirty hands under his direction and
is giving his usual satisfaction.
Mr. Bates has remained unmarried. Politically he is a Republican, and
he belongs to the Congregational church. He is a member of the Masonic
Order.
WILLIAM I'. SMITH.
A native of Missouri, but with the blue blood of Kentuckians in his
veins, William F. Smith, chief engineer of the Springfield Gas & Power Com-
pany, is a young man who has attained a very creditable standing in life as
a result of his straightforward and conscientious course.
Mr. Smith was born in St. Joseph. Missouri, November 8, 1882. He
is a son of Prank and Bernedina ( Vanderstay ) Smith. The father was a
native of Kentucky, where he spent his earlier years, and from there emi-
grated to Missouri. He devoted his active life to the plasterer's trade, and
died in 1892, when only about thirty-six years of age. His wife was a
daughter of Prank Vanderstay, a western Missouri citizen. Mrs. Smith is
now making her home in Springfield, living with her son, our subject.
To Prank Smith and wife five children were born, namely: William F.
of this sketch; Walter is deceased: Benjamin is engaged in the grocery
business in Kansas City; Joseph is attending school in Pennsylvania; Vincent
is an electrical operator in the employ of the Springfield Gas & Plectiic
Company.
Levi Smith, the paternal grandfather of the subject of this sketch, was
a bricklayer by trade, lie spent his life in Kentucky and western Missouri,
having married in the former state. In later life he removed to Kansas,
where he continued to follow his trade.
William P. Smith was educated in the common schools of St. Joseph.
Missouri, and Atchison, Kansas. When sixteen years of age he went to
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. I3O7
work for a grocery store, delivering goods and clerking, then worked in
the power house at Leavenworth as fireman helper, was also oiler in the en-
gine room, then became night engineer in the Leavenworth Light, Heat &
Power Company, remaining in the employ of the traction company there for
eight years. He then worked a few months for the St. Joseph Light, Heat
& Power plant at repair work, then went hack to Leavenworth and worked in
the machine shops, later becoming day chief engineer for the traction com-
pany of that city. In September, 1908, he came to Springfield, Missouri, and
took a position with the Springfield Gas & Electric Company, working as
night engineer from 1908 to 1912. when he was transferred to day engineer,
and on August 12th of that year, he was placed in charge of the company's
power house, located at Main street and Phelps avenue, and has since been
chief engineer of the power house, and is discharging his duties with his usual
success and satisfaction. He has had as many as twenty-five men under his
direction since taking this important position, and at present he is assisted
by ten men. He is an expert in his line and is well read on every detail.
Mr. Smith was married in November, 1913, to Florence Pile, a daugh-
ter of Jonah Pile and wife, of Springfield. The untimely death of Mrs.
Smith occurred on December 23, 1914, leaving one child. Arthur Smith, who
was born on November 9, 191 4.
Politically Mr. Smith is a Republican. He is a member of the Catholic
church, and he belongs to the Improved Order of Red Men and the National
Association of Steam Engineers.
GEORGE COOPER.
Memoirs dealing with enterprising men. especially good men, are very
often of inestimable benefit to others, having a tendency to point the way to
the goal of worthy things. The examples they furnish of steadfast endeavi >r
and patient integrity forcibly illustrate what is in the power of each individual
to accomplish when they have courage and right principles to control their
course of action. Some men belong to no exclusive class in life; apparently
insurmountable obstacles have in many instances awakened their dormant
faculties and served as a stimulus to carry them to ultimate renown. The
instances in the face of adverse fate would seem almost to justify the con-
clusion that self-reliance, with a half chance, can accomplish any reasonable
object. The late George Cooper, a well-known business man and enterprising
citizen of Springfield during the past generation, was a man who lived to
good purpose and achieved greater success than that which falls to the lot
•of the average individual. By a straightforward and commendable course,
I308 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
he madc-his way from a none too favorable early environment to a respect-
able position in the industrial world, winning the hearty admiration of the
people of his adopted city and earning a reputation as an enterprising, pro-
gressive man of affairs and a broad-minded, upright citizen which the public
was not slow to recognize and appreciate, and there is much in his life
record which could be studied with profit by the young man starting out into
what we are prone to allude to as the battle of life.
Mr. Cooper was a representative of a sterling old English family, whose
genealogy traced back to ancient days ; he first saw the light of day under
England's skies on December 5, 1863, at Leicester. He was a son of Henry
and Mary (Richardson) Cooper, both natives of England also, where they
grew to maturity, were educated, .married and established their home, resid-
ing there until in 1872, when they immigrated with their children to the United
States, landing in New York City. From there they came direct to Missouri
and established the future home of the family in Wilson township, Greene
county, where the father secured a farm and became one of the enterprising
general agriculturists of his locality, and is now living in retirement on a
small farm in that township, where he bears an excellent reputation. Upon
taking up his residence in the Republic of the West he made a careful study
of the political situation in this country, and cast his lot with the Democrats.
He has served as a member of the school board in his district. He is a mem-
ber of the Episcopal church. His lather, William Cooper, was born and
reared in England, and there spent his life. He was a man of rare business
ability and was for man}- years regarded as one of the foremost and
wealthiest citizens of the city of Leicester, in the upbuilding of which he
cook much interest; one of his principal benefactions was the building of a
handsome Episcopal church there, he being the principal contributor, and he
was lung an active member of that denomination, lie retained the coat-of-
arms of his ancestors, tin- older Coopers having been a prominent family in
that part of England.
Henry Cooper was twice married, his first wile, mother of the sub-
ject of this biographical memoir, passing away in 1 N74. leaving two sons,
namely: Harry, a well-known business man of Springfield, a complete sketch
of whom will be found on another page of this work, and George of this
review. Elizabeth Jackson became Henry Cooper's second wife, and to this
last union one son was born, Frederick Cooper, who is now engaged in the
plumbing business in Springfield.
George Cooper spent his early boyhood in England, being nine years of
age when his parents sailed with him to America in 1872. lie grew to man-
hood on his father's farm in this county and assisted with the general work
during the crop seasons, attending the public schools during the winter,
continuing to farm on the homestead until he was about twenty years of age.
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. I3O9
then decided on a business career and went to Springfield, where he was
employed as clerk in Sutter & Bryan's grocery store for a short tune, then
began learning the plumber's trade, in which he became an expert, and fol-
lowed this until 1887, when he formed a partnership with his brother, Harry
Cooper, establishing a plumbing business of their own at 412 South street,
later moved to 414 that street, then to 402 the same street, the last location
being now the site of the Bank of Commerce. They were successful from
the start and their gradually increasing business compelled them to seek larger
quarters from time to time. They did not only have an excellent practical
knowledge of the plumbing business, but they each proved to be men of
exceptional executive ability. They continued in this line of endeavor with
■ever-increasing success until 1908. During that period of twenty-one years
the Coopers became widely known throughout the Southwest in their line of
endeavor, and turned out some of the finest work and some of the largest
contracts in the state of Missouri, including the plumbing for the Missouri
state building at the Louisiana Purchase Exposition in 1903, at St. Louis.
They maintained a large, up-to-date and well equipped establishment ami
kept a large number of skilled artisans constantly employed.
Having accumulated a comfortable competency, George Cooper lived a
retired life from 1908 until his death. He had long desired to visit his
native land, particularly his boyh 1 home at Leicester, so he ami his brother
Harry sailed for England, February 9, 1910. After spending some time
at the old home they made extensive tours about the British Isles and were
preparing for their return trip to America when our subject was suddenly
stricken with illness and a few days later was summoned to his eternal rest.
on April 9, 1910. His body was brought back to Springfield for burial.
Mr. Cooper was married in [891 to Grace Keet Smith, who was born
in Keetsville, Barry county, Missouri. November 3, 1866, and she received
a iwiod education in the high schools of Springfield. She is a daughter of Dr.
John R. and F>ances R. (Keet) Smith, a prominent family of Springfield.
a complete sketch of whom will be found on another page of this volume.
Mrs. Cooper has long been a favorite with a wide circle of friends, and she
and her children belong to the Episcopal church.
Mrs. Cooper is living- quietly in her beautiful home on Cherrv street,
with her two winsome daughters. Mary Ruth, born October 30, 1892, and
Elizabeth Fearn, born May 31, 1804, who are receiving excellent educational
advantages.
Politically Mr. Cooper was a Democrat, but being a quiet, unassuming-
business and home man, he never sought public office. Fraternallv he be-
longed to the Royal Arcanum lodge, and was an active member of the
Episcopal church, in which he was a vestryman for twenty-six vears. He
was held in the hiqiiest esteem by all who knew him.
J3IO GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
IRA CARL BOX.
It has been by. close application and persistent, honest work that Ira
Carl Bon, general foreman of the reclamation department of the South Side
Frisco shops, has risen from a machinist's apprentice to his present responsi-
ble position, and not by the influence of friends or the inscrutable working
of fate. He is a man of personal worth and popularity and enjoys the con-
fidence of all with whom he comes in contact. He is enterprising and pro-
gressive by both word and example and seeks to infuse that spirit into those
with whom he is associated.
Mr. Bon was born May 3, 1876, at Centerville, Iowa. He is a son of
George Bon, who was a native of New York, from which state he came
to the Middle West when a young man and entered railroad service, and is
at this writing coach inspector at Centerville, Iowa, for the Chicago, Bur-
lington & Ouincy Railroad Company, having been employed by this road
for a period of thirty-three years. He helped build the shops of this com-
pany at Centerville and has remained there ever since. He is sixty-seven
years old. He has charge of the superintendent's office and the depot. He
is a member of the Christian church and is a thirty-second degree Mason,
and belongs to the Ancient Arabic Order of Nobles of the Mystic Shrine;
also belongs to the Woodmen of America and the Ancient Order of United
Workmen. His wife was known in her maidenhood as Eva Swearengin;
she is fifty-five years old. Their only child is the subject of this sketch.
I. Carl Bon's grandfather was Henry Bon, a native of Germany, from
which country he immigrated to America when a young man. He was a
cigarmaker by trade, and later in life became a railroad contractor, and was
for years a builder and contractor in the state of New York and in Iowa,
maintaining his home for some time at Centerville.
The subject of this sketch grew to manhood at Centerville, Iowa, and
dure attended the common schools until he was sixteen years old. when he
began serving his apprenticeship as machinist in the shops of the Chicago,
Burlington & Ouincy railroad at that place, remaining there from 1898 to
1905, then worked for the Wheeling & Lake Erie railroad at Canton, Ohio,
as storekeeper in the supply department, from 1906 to 1910. In 1910 he
went in business for himself, as agent for several standard makes of au-
tomobiles. He continued in this held with success until 1914, in March of
which year he secured employment with the Frisco Lines at Springfield as
general foreman in the reclamation department, and he is discharging the
duties of this responsible position in a manner that reflects much credit upon
himself and to the eminent satisfaction of all concerned. He has under his
direction three hundred and fiftv men.
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. I3II
Politically, Mr. Bon is an independent .voter. Fraternally, he belongs
to the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the Ancient Free and Ac-
cepted Masons, and is a member of the Christian church.
He was married in iqo8 to Alice Harvey, a daughter of William E.
and Mary M. ( Streepy) Harvey, of Centerville, Iowa, in which city she
grew to womanhood and was educated. She is a member of the Daughters
of the American Revolution, her grandfather having been a soldier in that
war.
To our subject and wife one child, Maxine Bon, has been born, whose
birth occurred June 20, 1910.
WILLIAM P. POWELL.
A gentleman of warm, sympathetic impulses, liberal and generous, Will-
iam P. Powell, assistant foreman of the reclamation department of the South
Side Frisco shops, Springfield, is a young man whom everyone, who has ever
known him personally, likes and speaks well of. His manners are easy in
social intercourse, with high conceptions <>\ morality and honest, fraternal
living. All these commendable traits, together with the fact that he has
achieved such notable success in his field of endeavor at such an early age
would augur for him a bright future in railroad service.
Mr. Powell was born at Saint Mary's, Sainte Genevieve county, Missouri,
October 10, 1884. He is a son of Elisha T. Powell and a grandson of Will-
iam Powell, a large tobacco grower of Kentucky in the early days. The
father of our subject was born at Henderson. Kentucky, where he grew' up,
attended school and spent his life, engaged in raising tobacco of a high grade
and on an extensive scale. Later in life he removed to Sainte Genevieve
county, Missouri, and established the family home. For some time he op-
erated a cooperage business at Jackson, this state. The latter years of his
life were spent in retirement at De Soto, this state, where he died at the age
of fifty-seven years, and was buried there. Politically, he was a Democrat
and he belonged to the Methodist Episcopal church. The mother of the sub-
ject of this sketch was known in her maidenhood as Delia Van Winkle, and
she was born at Jefferson City, Missouri, where she grew up and was edu-
cated, and she is now making her home in Springfield and is fifty years old.
To these parents only two children were born, a daughter dying in infancy,
and William P., of this sketch.
Our subject received his education in the common and high schools at
De Soto, Missouri. After leaving school he went to Texas and became a
clerk in the postoffice at the town of Brownwood. having taken the civil
13 12 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
service examination for the same. Later he was for one year in the United
States mail service in that state. He then came to Springfield, Missouri, in
1902, and took a position as helper in the blacksmith shops of the Frisco
railroad, in the North Side shops, under John French, who was foreman there
for eighteen months. Our subject then went with the United Iron Works in
this city as blacksmith helper, where he remained nine months, then took
a position in the Schmook Machine Foundry Company here as blacksmith,
later taking a position in the South Side Frisco shops as blacksmith helper,
but returned to the Schmook foundry as blacksmith, then came to the South
Side Frisco shops as blacksmith, in 191 3. and for some time he has been
assistant foreman of the blacksmith shop in the reclamation department of
these shops, and has given his usual high-grade service and satisfaction.
Mr. Powell has remained single. Politically, he is a Democrat. He
belongs to the Modern Woodmen of America, the Knights of Pythias and
the International Brotherhood of Blacksmith Helpers. Religiously, he is
a member of the Methodist Episcopal church.
WILLIAM WESLEY SKELLEY.
The time has arrived when intensive and diversified farming is neces-
sary for conditions have changed since the former generation. We must
now look more to soil fertility, grow better and mure livestock, each farmer
must do more work himself and hire less. The farmers and editors and
statesmen who at one time insisted that American intelligence. Yankee thrift
and ingenuity needed no protection have come to discover something differ-
ent. In the language of the late Grover Cleveland, "It is a condition which
confronts us — not a theory." One of the intelligent young farmers of
Franklin township, Greene county, who realizes that he must emploj differ-
ent methods in his vocation to those employed a quarter or a half century ago
is William Wesley Skelley. and he is therefore making a success in his
chosen work.
Mr. Skelley was born September 17, [876, in Cumberland county. Penn-
sylvania. Me is a son of Theodore A. and Mary Elizabeth (Smith) Skelley.
The father was born in the same count}- and state as our subject, April 30,
[840, and there also occurred the birth of the mother of our subject. They
grew to maturity in their native locality, were educated in the schools of
the early days and married there and established the family It 'me. Theo-
dore A. Skelley devoted his active life to farming and was also a wagon
maker by trade which he followed in his native state, working for some time
in the railroad shops at Altoona, Pennsylvania, in fact, followed his trade for
GREENE COL' NT V, MISSOURI. I3I3
a period of eighteen years. He was highly skilled and always found ready
employment. He removed with his family to Greene county, Missouri, in
1884, when our subject was eight years old, and here he purchased a farm of
one hundred and seventy acres in Franklin township, known as the "Cedar
Bluff Farm." It was well improved and had a good group of buildings on
it. Here he carried on general farming successfully, being a hard worker
and a good manager, and was highly respected by his neighbors, being a good
man in every sense of the word. He was a member of the Methodist church
at New Salem in which, he was steward for several years. During the Civil
war he enlisted in Company G. Two Hundred and Second Pennsylvania
Volunteer Infantry, at Harrisburg, that state, August 20, 1864, and served in
a faithful manner until the close of the war, being mustered out as corporal,
August 3, 1865, at Harrisburg, and was honorably discharged. He was in
the army of the Potomac, hut did mostly guard duty and was not in any of
the great battles, but was in several skirmishes, his principal work was in
guarding railroads in Virginia. Previous to his enlistment he had heen in
the employ of the government as mechanic, teamster, etc.
The death of Theodore A. Skelley occurred on his farm in Greene
county, October 3, 1912, at the age of seventy years. Hi- widow survives
and remains on the homestead. To these parents five children were born,
named as follows: Fdward lives in Atchison, Kansas; Etta is deceased;
Mrs. Ada Stokes, wile of George J. Stokes, lives at Ebenezer, Greene county;
William W. of this review; Mr-. Mollie Hall, wife of Jesse R. Hall, lives
near Gladville, Greene county.
The early boyhood of William W. Skelley was spent in Pennsylvania,
but he grew to manhood on the home farm in Greene county where he worked
during the summer months and in the winter time attended the common
schools. He has remained on the home farm, which he is still operating in
a highly successful manner, raising much grain and large numbers of live-
stock annually.
Mr. Skelley was married December 24. 1902, to Lenora Stokes, who
was born December 2j. iXN_>, a daughter of Thomas Layson Stokes and
Martha Ann (Vaughn) Stokes, the former a native of Greene county and
the latter of Tennessee. He was born February 2, 1836, and died in 1898,
and she was born March 22, 1838, and died March 1, 1889. Mrs. Stokes
came to Greene county when a child with her parents and here she spent the
rest of her life. Mr. Stokes spent his life engaged in blacksmithing and
general farming on the homestead in Franklin township, just west of the
Skelley farm ; however, he removed to Willard ten years prior to his death,
where he maintained a blacksmith shop, having learned the trade when
young. He also followed his trade in connection with farming in Franklin
township. He was regarded as one of the best blacksmiths in the county
(83)
I3I4 GREENE COUNTY, .MISSOURI.
and many of his customers came from long distances. Fraternally, he be-
longed to the Masonic order at Ebenezer. Politically, he was a Republican.
To Thomas Stokes and wife thirteen children were born, namely: Marx-
is deceased; Mrs. Sarah Frances Roan; Gatley is deceased; Cordelia is de-
ceased ; Jasen H. is deceased ; John R. lives at Pearl, Greene county ; George
lives at Ebenezer; Mrs. Dona Dysert lives at Hickory Barrens, this county;
Charles lives in California: Mrs. Lotty Skelley lives in Atchison. Kansas;
Lucy is deceased; Mrs. Lorettie Chisler is deceased; Otterson is deceased,
and Lenora, wife of our subject, who was six years old when her mother
died.
Airs. Skelley grew to womanhood in Greene county and was educated in
the public schools. She has borne her husband four children, Lee, born
November 1, 1903: Helen, born May 24, 1905: Loyd. born November jo,
1909, and Anna, born April 11, 1908. died August 6, 1909.
Politically, Mr. Skelley is a Democrat, and he and his wife are members
of the Methodist church at Xew Salem, and they are both well liked through-
out the community.
CHARLES R. BUSCH.
From the life record of Charles R. Busch many useful lessons may be
gleaned by the youth starting out on the road to success in railroad service,
for he has been a man who believed in the wise saying of an old philosopher,
"Lose no time in getting off the wrong road as soon as you discover that
you are traveling it." He has been an advocate of progress in all phases of
life, progress at any sacrifice, and. this being a fact, he has achieved a some-
what unusual degree of success lor so young a man. Inn he began early to
advance himself in hi- chosen arena of endeavor and has left no stone un-
turned whereby he might do so, ami the future for him is redolent with
promise.
Mr. Busch, who is chief clerk of the reclamation plant of the South
Side Frisco -hops. Springfield, was born in this city January jo. 1892. He
is a -on of Charles J. Busch, who was born near the River Rhine, in Ger-
many, ami who was brought to America b) hi- parents when he was four
years of age, and was educated at Litchfield, Illinois, in both German and
English, receiving a tine education, although he left school when seventeen
years of age. lie soon became foreman for his father in the Litchfield Car
and Foundry Company, holding tin- position for four years, when he went
to Quincy, [llinois, as machinist for the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy
railroad and worked there a year. He located in Springfield in 1877 and
began working as machinist in the Frisco North Side shops, being pro-
moted to machinist foreman there in 1880, which position he filled until
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
i.u:
1899, and in that year was promoted to general foreman, which position he
held until his death, on February 7, 1913, at the age of fifty-five years.
Politically, he was a Democrat and was prominent in the affairs of his
party. He was county committeeman of Greene county for a period of
twenty years and was a member of the city council. He did much for the
general welfare of Springfield and was one of the city's most valuable and
influential citizens for some two decades. Fraternally, he was a member
of the Knights and Ladies of Security, the Modern Woodmen of America,
a charter member of the Improved Order of Red Men, and also belonged
to the Knights of Columbus. He was a member of the Catholic church.
He belonged to the Germania Hall German Society, and was one of the most
influential Teutons of Springfield. In 1876 Charles J. Busch married Cath-
erine Holland, a daughter of Charles M. and Annie M. Holland. She was
reared and educated in Cincinnati. Ohio. Her father was at one time a to-
bacco planter and lived at Cincinnati many years. She was educated in a
convent. She is now living with her son, our subject, and is now fifty-one
years of age.
Five children were horn to Charles J. Busch and wife, namely: Lena
died in infancy; Edna married J. J. O'Dowd, chief clerk to the president
of the Southern Pacific railroad, and he lives at Tucson, Arizona; Charles
R. of this review; Julions is deceased-; and Leo, who is attending school at
this writing.
The paternal grandfather of our subject was also named Charles J.
Busch, and he was a native of Germany, and a coffin maker by trade. He
grew up in the Fatherland and there received his education and learned his
trade, remaining there until he was about twenty-three years of age when
he immigrated to America and located in Buffalo. Xew York, where he re-
mained two years working as a cabinet maker, then went to Litchfield, Illi-
nois, where he opened up the Litchfield Car and Foundry Company, which
concern made all the equipment for all railroads west of Chicago for some
time. He remained thus successfully engaged until 1895. at which time the
foundry was sold to the American Car and Foundry Company, when he re-
signed and retired from active life. Fie was general manager of the con-
cern which he founded, and through his exceptional business acumen and
industry it grew to very large proportions and made him wealthy. He was
the largest stockholder in the company. He is still living, being eighty-five
years of age, and makes his home in Litchfield, Illinois. He started in busi-
ness in this country on a small scale, manufacturing wheelbarrows and other
small conveyances, and gradually, but surely, he became one of the leading
and well known manufacturers of the Middle West, and solely by his own
efforts forged ahead from an humble beginning to a man of wealth and in-
fluence in the manufacturing world. He is a Scottish Rite Mason.
I316 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
Charles R. Busch was educated in the public and high schools and St.
Joseph's Catholic school. Thus well equipped for his life work, he began
his railroad career in 1909 as stock clerk in the stock room of the Frisco's
North Side shops, Springfield, where he remained until October 13, 1910,
when he took a trip to Tucson, Arizona, with his brother-in-law, J. J.
O'Dowd, the latter having lost his health and believing that the climate of
the Southwest would benefit him. Our subject accepted a position with the
general manager of the Mountain States Telegraph Company as private
secretary, but three months later the company sold out to the Bell Tele-
phone Company. He then entered the service of the Arizona & Eastern
railroad and the Southern Pacific Railroad of Mexico as accountant, with
offices at Tucson. He remained there until January, 1912, when he was
promoted to the position of traveling accountant, covering all the western
lines of these companies. While at Tucson he studied at the University of
Arizona, taking up law and economics, studying at night. On September
1, 1913, he came to Springfield, Missouri, on account of the illness of his
father, and here secured a position as foreman at the North Side Frisco
shops in the general store department : then was promoted to accountant at
the general stores; then became assistant chief clerk to A. H. Young. Sep-
tember 24, 1913 resigning and accepting a position as foreman of the
reclamation plant, and on October 24, 1913, was promoted to chief clerk
of this department in the South Side simps, under R. F. W'halen, which po-
sition he is holding at this writing, the duties of which he is discharging in
his usual high grade and faithful manner.
In H)i- Mr. Busch was detailed by certain American interests to col-
lect various data and information concerning varied enterprises in the states
of Sonora, Cinaloa and the territory of Tepic, Mexico, he made a trip in
a motor car over a vast part of the southern republic, and, being a man of
keen observation and quick perceptive faculties, secured the information de-
sired in a short time, and while there saw something of the great revolu-
tion, and upon his return to Arizona wrote a graphic, interesting and val-
uable article on his trip, telling of his varied experiences, the manners and
customs of the natives, the resources of the countries be visited, and touched
upon such other points in a manner that would have been a credit to a
trained and experienced man of letters.
Mr. Busch has remained unmarried. Politically, he is a Democrat. He
is a member of the Delta Omikron Omikron. Fraternally, he belongs to the
Knights and Ladies of Security and the Loyal Order of Moose. He is a
member of the Catholic church. Personally, he is popular with all who
know him owing to In- genial and obliging manners and genuine worth
which the stranger at once perceives upon meeting him.
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. ^3l7
JAMES M. BROWN.
The name James M. Brown dues not sound very Irish-like, neither
• lues the bearer of this plain old cognomen possess many of the outward
characteristics of the Celtic people, but it is evident that he has inherited
many of the praiseworthy traits of his ancestors, which have resulted in
his success in his chosen field of endeavor and in his popularity among his
associates. For we all know that there is no better blood in this country
than Irish blood. Our subject is filling the responsible position of master
mechanic at the Springfield ( .las and Power Company. Such positions are
not attained without careful preparation.
Mr. Brown was born in fCnoxville, Tennessee. May 28, 18O4. lie is
a son of John and Mary (Perry) Brown, the latter dying in [910 at the
age of seventy years. The father was born in County Cork, Ireland, where
he spent his boyhood, immigrating to the United States when he was about
nineteen years of age, and located in Tennessee, where he became a railroad
contractor, making his home at Greenville, Greene county, that state, where
his death occurred at the early age of forty-eight years, in 1894, and he
was buried at Quaker Knob, Greene county. As a contractor he built rail-
roads in eastern Tennessee. Virginia and Georgia. His family consisted of
six children, namely: William M. is an engineer for a railroad company,
operating coal mines in Xorth Carolina; Thomas, formerly a stationary en-
gineer, lives at Little Rock, Arkansas; Daniel is engaged in farming in
Texas; James Al., subject of this sketch; Alary, a trained nurse, resides at
Morristown, Tennessee; Sallie is married and also resides at Alorristown,
Tennessee.
James M. Brown received his education in the public schools, but left
his text-books when only twelve years of age to go to work in a saw mill
at Bull's Gap, Tennessee, where his duties were to keep the sawdust thrown
back out of the way and to pull the whistle three times a day, considering
the latter privilege an honor. He was later fireman at the mill, receiving a
dollar and fifty cents per day. after he had been working only six months
at the plant. He held this position for two years, and. being a close ob-
server and a willing worker, became a full-fledged engineer before he was
he worked on a farm two years; then worked in a water mill on Clear
fifteen years of age. lie then went to McDonald county, Missouri, where
creek, hauling flour from the mill for one year ; then came to Ash Grove,
Greene county, about 1880, securing a position with the Likins Milling
Company, and helped erect a plant there, of which, when it was finished, he
was engaged as engineer, which position he filled until 1895, then came to
Springfield and was employed by the Springfield Electric Light Company,
later the Springfield Traction Company, as engineer, and three months later
I318 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
was appointed chief engineer, continuing in this position until 1913. The
work became too heavy and he then took a position as repair man, and is
now master mechanic at the Springfield Gas and Power Company, in whose
service he has been employed for a period of twenty years. He has given
eminent satisfaction in every respect, being not only an expert engineer and
mechanic, but is faithful, reliable and trustworthy.
Mr. Brown was married on October 28, 1890, to Annie E. Sanford,
of Walnut Grove, Missouri. She is a daughter of Robert C. and Mary
(Holder) Sanford, To this union two children have been born, namely:
Millard F., who was educated in the Springfield ward and high schools, is
single, and he has been employed in the main office of the Frisco railroad
for five years; Sanford, who was educated in the high school, Drury Col-
lege and a local business college, is connected with the Heer Dry Goods
Company, of Springfield.
Mr. Brown owns a pleasant home on North Main street. Politically,
he is a Republican, and, religiously, a Presbyterian. He is a member of
the National Association of Steam Engineers, of which he was formerly
secretary. Fraternally, he belongs to the Modern Woodmen of America
and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.
EDWARD FARMER.
To the person who closely applies himself to any occupation which he
has chosen as his calling in life, there can only come one result, that of suc-
cess and a high place in the esteem of those among whom his lot has been
cast. Edward Farmer, chief engineer of the state Pythian home at Spring-
field, is no exception to this rule, and he has also during his residence here
of nearly forty years manifested much interest in the city and county where
he located his permanent home, taking a just pride in their general devel-
opment.
Mr. Farmer was born at Belsfield, Prince Georges county, Maryland,
January 26, [861. He is a son of Alfred and Susanna (Dugan) Farmer,
the mother a native of the same county and state as our subject, where she
grew to womanhood, attended school and was married. She lived in a
number of states until she removed with her family to Springfield, Missouri,
where she spent the rest of her life, dying here in 1898. at the age of sev-
enty-two years, and was buried in Maple Park cemetery. The father of
our subject was born in England, where he spent his earlier years and at-
tended school, immigrating to the United States in 1840. landing in New
York City. He had learned the bricklayer's trade in the old country, which
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. I3T9
he followed as his chief life work. However, he was a deep sea sailor for
ten years. After leaving the seafaring life he located in Maryland, where
he married, after which he resumed his trade of bricklayer, which he con-
tinued to follow the rest of his life, eventually developing into a contractor
and builder, his work taking him practically all over the state of Maryland,
and he became well known and successful in his vocation. Upon the break-
ing out of the Civil war he went to the state of New York, locating in
Onondaga. county, continuing his occupation until he joined a large colony
of New Yorkers in 1871 and went to the state of Kansas, where he re-
mained three years. They were on their way to Florida when his death
occurred in Carrollton, Arkansas, in 1875, at tne aSe °f forty-six years.
He was a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows before the
Civil war, and he belonged to the Methodist church.
To Alfred Farmer and wife six children were born, namely: Albert
met an accidental death in Oklahoma a number of years ago; Edward of
this sketch; George, who was engaged in business in Kansas City, is de-
ceased; Frank is a landscape gardener and lives in California; Ellen, who
lives in Baltimore, Maryland, is the wife of Frank Chappell, a railroad
man; John died in infancy.
Edward Farmer received a limited education in the common schools,
and when only twelve years of age he went to work helping his father as
mortar mixer, which he continued two years. In 1876 he removed with
his mother and the rest of the family to Springfield, Missouri, and went to
work running a picking machine in a cotton mill, in which he remained three
years, where he was also employed as fireman and engineer. Then he went
to the Queen City mills as engineer in 1882, and later became chief en-
gineer of the Meyer Milling Company, with which he remained over thirty-
two years, having charge of both Model and Queen City flouring mills.
He became an expert in his line and was a very faithful and trustworthy
engineer, as may be surmised from his long employment here. He had
four men under his direction most of the time, and during his long service
there he saw many changes made in employees and also in the methods of
operating the mills, many of these changes having been made at his sug-
gestion. He left this concern in September, 1914, the work having become
too heavy for his advanced years, and accepted the position he now holds,
that of chief engineer at the Pythian Home, where he is residing, although
owning two good residences in Springfield.
Mr. Farmer was married in 1887 to Pauline Dyer, a member of an
old Springfield family and a sister of Fillman Dyer, a retired veteran of the
Civil war. Here Mrs. Farmer grew to womanhood and spent her life,
dying in October, 1907, and is buried in Maple Park cemetery. To our
subject and wife two children were born, namely : Eva has remained sin-
1320 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
gle and is keeping house for her father; Nicholas is a Frisco clerk in the
general offices at St. Louis.
Mr. Farmer is an independent voter. He belonged to the National As-
sociation of Stationary Engineers, and for seventeen years he has been a
member of the Knights of Pythias.
ALBERT L. SCHOFIELD.
The Hoosier state has produced a very large percentage of the nation's
capable men. many of whom have distinguished themselves as statesmen,
generals, authors and scientists. This state has furnished to the West and
Middle West a myriad horde of capable men who have been of material
assistance in furthering our civilization. They have established schools,
churches and various kinds of industries and have proven to be valuable
citizens wherever they have dispersed. Albert L. Schoneld, foreman of
the coach department in the South Side Frisco shops, Springfield, is one of
this number, and he seems to have many of the commendable characteristics
of tne native Hoosier.
.Mr. Schofield was born at Cochran, Dearborn county, Indiana, May
22, 1872. He is a son of Thomas Schoneld, who was born in England, in
which country he grew to manhood and received his education. When
twenty-one years of age he immigrated to the Limed States, where he has
since made his home, settling in Cochran. Indiana, where he began work-
ing for the Ohio & Mississippi Railroad lompanv, in 1863. He came to
Springfield, Missouri, in [889, and secured employment with the St. Louis
& San Francisco Railroad Company, remaining in the coach department as
carpenter from that time until in [912, when he was retired on a pension
by the company. Me was a skilled mechanic and one of the most faithful
employees ot the local shops, lie is living at 10(15 Commercial street, being
now in his seventy-second year, lie is a member of the Knights of Pythias,
and belongs to the Second Presbyterian church, lie was the father of three
daughters and two sons, namely: Lillie married Harry Kenton, a cabinet
maker in the new Frisco shops, Springfield; Emma married Clarence War-
ner, a fireman on the "high line" division of the Frisco, between Spring-
field and Kansas City; Albert L. of this sketch; Agnes is deceased; Earl
is a clerk in the Frisco offices, Springfield, in the master car builder's de-
partment.
Albert L Schofield attended the common schools in his native town
until he was fifteen years old, when he gave up educational pursuits to be-
gin his career as railroader, for which he had a natural bent. He began
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. 1^21
working in the coach department of the Ohio & Mississippi railroad, where-
in- remained a year, then came to Springfield, Missouri, and continued his
apprenticeship in the coach department of the Frisco shops, also learned
body work, beginning his apprenticeship in 1889, remaining in the North
Side shops until 1909, a period of twenty years, then was sent to the new
shops here, where he worked as journeyman until 1912, being appointed
foreman in November of that year. He remained there until July 10, 1914.
when he went on the road as traveling passenger car inspector. On October
], [1)14, he was placed in the South Side shops as foreman of the coach
department, which position he now holds, having charge of about sixty
men on an average. In all the various positions he has been placed he has
never been found wanting, always capable and trustworthy, he has given
entire satisfaction.
Mr. Schofield was married June 26, [895, in Springfield, to Emma R.
Rathbone, a daughter of Barney and Rush (Woods') Rathbone, an old
Springfield family, where Mrs. Schofield grew to womanh 1 and received
her education. The union id' our subject and wife has been without issue.
Politically, Mr. Schofield is an independent voter. Fraternally, he be-
longs to the Knights of Pythias and the Modern Woodmen of America.
Mrs. Schofield is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church.
[SAAC PRICE.
One of the oldest employees of the St. Louis i\ San Francisco Railroad
Company is Isaac Price, foreman of the paint department in the South Side
shops, Springfield. It is a significant fact that he has been continuously on
the pavroll of this company for a period of forty-live years. That would
indicate that he is a man of unusual skill, industry and faithfulness. Al-
though but a small boy during the great war between the states, he desired
to do what he could for his country, and, not hardy enough to carry a
heavv musket and other accoutrements of a regular field soldier, be served
as bugler for the artillery.
Mr. Price was born at Pelham, Grundy county, Tennessee, September
17, 1846. He is a son of William and Matilda (Meeks) Price, both na-
tives of Tennessee, where they grew to maturity, attended the old-time
schools and were married, establishing their home at Pelham. The father
was a blacksmith by trade. Taking a part in public affairs, he was elected
sheriff of Grundy county, his native state, and served in that office for
many years. Later he removed to Rockport, Arkansas, where he followed
blacksmithing for a short time, and there his death occurred in 1X61, when
T322 GREENE COL'XTY, MISSOURI.
only thirty years of age. and he was buried at that place. His widow sub-
sequently came to Missouri, and died at Pacific in July. 1914, at the ad-
vanced age of eighty-seven years, having survived her husband over a half
century. To William Price and wife six children were born, three sons
and three daughters, namely: George, now deceased, was a locomotive
engineer on the Frisco ; William, who resides in Springfield, is a Frisco en-
gineer; Alary married Charles Hacker, deceased, who was a car repairer
in St. Louis; Bettie. deceased, was the wife of John McGoan, also deceased;
Isaac of this sketch, and one who died in infancy. John Price, paternal
grandfather of these children, was a millwright by trade and lived at Pel-
ham, Tennessee.
Isaac Price spent his boyhood in his native community and there re-
ceived a limited education in the common schools, also attended school at
Rockport. Arkansas, for a while, but left school at a tender age, went to
St. Louis and enlisted in the Federal service, in 1863, as bugler, in Com-
pany M, Second Missouri Light Artillery, with which he remained until
the close of the war in 1865, seeing considerable active service, and after
the war he also served in the army of the West against the hostile Indians.
He was honorably discharged and mustered out in St. Louis. December
29, 1865. After his career in the army he followed the carpenter's trade
about a year, then, in 1867, began learning the painter's trade in the Mis-
souri Pacific railroad shops at St. Louis, under a Mr. Langley. Remaining
with that mad until 1870 he began work at Pacific, Missouri, for the Frisco
mad. as car painter. Remaining there until this road opened shops in
Springfield, now known as the North Side shops, he was sent here and
worked as a painter foreman until July, 1909, in which year he was trans-
ferred to the new shops as foreman painter. He worked there until April
15, 11)14. when he was sent to the South Side shops as painter foreman,
which position he occupies at this writing.
.Mr. Price owns a small farm of thirty-five acres in Greene county and
a good residence on the National Boulevard, Springfield. He was married
in 1872 to Margaret Maugan, a daughter of Thomas and Mary Maugan,
and to their union the following children were born, namely: Thomas, a
sign painter in Springfield, is in business for himself; William is chief of
the Springfield fire department; Annie married Connie Jones, who has long
been in the employ of the Springfield Traction Company; Laura is single
and lives at home; Nellie married William Burks, a conductor on the New-
Orleans, Texas & Mexico railroad, and they live in Kingsville, Texas. John
died in infancy.
Politically, Mr. Price is a Democrat. He belongs to the North Side
post of the Grand Army of the Republic. He holds membership in the Im-
proved Order of Red Men. and his family belongs to the Catholic church.
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. I323
WALTER CONSTANCE.
Railroad service in some form has a fascination for a very large num-
ber of men, and when they once enter it, whether it be on the road or in
the shops, they seldom give it up unless compelled by various circumstances
to do so. It is well that this is so, for when we come to think of it a vast
army is needed to keep necessary transportation lines of the world in suc-
cessful operation, and it has been said that one of the chief differences be-
tween civilization and barbarism is in modes of transportation. To the con-
templative mind this statement is not so far fetched as it might at first ap-
pear. Walter Constance, foreman of the blacksmith department of the
reclamation plant in the South Side Frisco shops, is one who, although well
qualified by both nature and education to follow other lines of human en-
deavor, selected railroad service.
Mr. Constance was born on December 7, 1877, at High Hill, Mont-
gomery county, Missouri. He is a son of William and Josephine (Flor-
ence) Constance, the father a native of England and the mother of High-
land county, Ohio. William Constance grew to manhood in his native land
and there received his education, immigrating to the United States when
twenty-two years of age, finally located his permanent home on a farm in
Montgomery county, Missouri, where he is still living and is actively en-
gaged in his vocation, although sixty-seven years old. He served his county
four years as county assessor. He is a Republican in politics. His wife
grew up in Ohio and received a common school education, and she came
West when young. She is now seventy-seven years of age. To these par-
ents five children have been born, namely : Edward, who is a civil engineer,
now in the employ of the United States government, lives in St. Louis;
Walter, subject of this sketch; the next two children died in infancy un-
named; Florence married Owen Palmer, a farmer at High Hill, Missouri.
Walter Constance grew up in his, native county on the home farm,
where he assisted with the general work during crop seasons, and during
the winter he attended the local schools there. First deciding to enter the educa-
tional arena as teacher, he entered the state normal school at Kirksville. Upon
leaving that institution, he taught two years in Warren county and one year
in Montgomery county, this state, with success, but, not liking the work as
he had anticipated, he went to Topeka, Kansas in 1898, and entered upon
his railroad career, securing employment with the Atchison, Topeka & Santa
Fe railroad. He worked there three years as helper and blacksmith, then
came to Springfield, Missouri, and continued his trade in the North Side
Frisco shops for a period of eight years, then was transferred to the same
department in the new shops when they were opened in 1909, remaining in
I324 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
the blacksmith department at his old trade until [913, when he was changed
to the reclamation department of the South Side shops. October 20, 1913,
as foreman of the blacksmith department, which responsible position he still
holds, having a number of men under his direction. He has long been re-
garded as an expert in his line and has been in the .service of the Frisco
for fourteen years.
.Mr. Constance was married in 1897 to Viola McClure, a daughter of
John and Sarah (Gosney) McClure, of Clark county. Missouri; to this union
four children were born, namely : Grace, a junior, and Rae. a freshman, in the
Springfield high school at this writing; Mary is deceased, and Margaret is
attending ward school.
Politically, Mr. Constance votes independently. The family attends
tli- 1 ongregational church. He belongs to the Modern Woodmen of Amer-
ica, and for a period of eleven years was a member of the Blacksmiths'
Union.
JEROME A. HOUSTON.
It was fifty years ago that Jerome A. Houston, foreman of the air
department at the reclamation plant of the Frisco's South Side shops, in
Springfield, began his career as machinist, and he has been active in rail-
road service ever since, having held many pi ^it i< m - of responsibility with a
number of different companies. Ills long and close devotion to one line of
endeavor has made him an expert to be envied by the young machinist ap-
prentice, but his advice to all such would doubtless be that there is no royal
road t< the goal of those with ambitions to become an expert in his line.
It can only be won by earnest, hard, conscientious and long continued work.
Mr. Houston was born in Loudonville, Ashland county, Ohio, January
20, 1845. He is a son of James E. and \nn 1 Prutzman) Houston, the lat-
ter having died in 1865 at the age of forty-eight years. The father was
lorn near Lancaster. Pennsylvania, and there grew to manhood and at-
tended school. When a young man be started out as a cabinet maker in
' icas'.er, later took- up the railroad business at Lancaster, Ohio, with the
Cincinnati, Wellington & ZanesVille railroad as foreman of the paint shop,
which position be held ten or twelve years, then went to Logan, Ohio, and
formed a stock company known as the Logan Cabinet Manufacturing Com-
pany, for the manufacture of cabinets, and his death occurred in that city
at the age of sixty-six year-. As a Republican, be took a lively interest in
political affair- and was elected mayor of Lancaster, Ohio, two terms. He
belonged to the Masonic order, including the Royal Arch and all chapter-,
lie was a member of the Lutheran church. His family consisted of the fol-
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. 1325
lowing named children: Jerome A., of this sketch, is the eldest; Sarah is
deceased; Margaret, widow oi Alonzo Belt, deceased, now lives at Winni-
peg, Canada; George, deceased, was a locomotive engineer on the Frisco
Lines, and met an accidental death; Ellen, who is married and lives at
Galesburg, Illinois; Lelia married Homer Wright, who is an ex-judge and
is now representative from Logan county in the Ohio legislature; Mrs. Mary
Johnson lives in Danville, Illinois, where her husband is engaged in the
coal business; Hattie, who has remained unmarried, lives at Columbus,
Ohio; Ida and Frank are both deceased.
Jerome A. Houston attended the public schools in his native state until
he was fifteen years of age, when he left school and began learning the ma-
chinist's trade in the shops of the Cincinnati, Wilmington & Zanesville rail-
road at Lancaster, Ohio, and there completed his apprenticeship. From
there he went to Vincennes, Indiana, as machinist for the old Ohio & Mis-
sissippi railroad (now the Baltimore & Ohio). Remaining there eighteen
months, he went to Lancaster, Ohio, and worked six months for his former
employers at his trade, then went to Columbus, Ohio, with the Piqua rail-
road, known as the Columbus, Cleveland & Indiana Central railroad, and
worked there as machinist for three years; then came to St. Charles. Mis-
souri, as machinist for the North Missouri railroad, with which he remained
for eighteen months; then returned to Columbus and continued his trade
with his former employers there, but in time returned to Missouri and
worked at the town of Pacific for the South Pacific Railroad Company from
1869 until 1871, in which year he came to Springfield as machinist for the
old Atlantic-Pacific railroad, now the Frisco, and after working at his usual
trade for six months, he was transferred to St. James, Missouri, as round-
house foreman, which position he held two years; then worked at Dixon,
this state, as roundhouse foreman; then held the same position at Xewburg
two years, alter which he came back to Springfield and began working as
machinist in the North Side shops. A few months later he was promoted to
-erecting foreman in this department, which position he held twelve or fifteen
years, then was transferred to Sapulpa, Indian Territory, as master mechanic
■on the Frisco's Red River & Western division, and was there four or five
years, when he was sent to Hugo, Oklahoma, as general foreman, then was
ordered back to Springfield as foreman of the air department of the reclama-
tion plant, South Side shops, which position he has held since 1912. He has
twenty-two men under his direction. He has given honest and high grade
service in all the above named positions and has been regarded very highly
by all the roads for which he has worked, both as to his skill as a machinist
and a man of executive ability and as a trustworthy gentleman.
Air. Houston was married in 1872 to Julia Hufschmidt. a native of
Pacific, Missouri, and a daughter of Frederick and Julia Hufschmidt, of
1326 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
Pacific, Missouri, and to this union one child was bom, Archie. Mrs. Hous-
ton died in 1876, and our subject later married Martha Harris, a native of
Dixon, Missouri, and a daughter of William Harris and wife. To this
union six children were born, named as following: Mary married George
Bailey, superintendent of the Western division of the Frisco; George is
with the Long Belt Lumber Company at Cleveland, Ohio; Frank died when
twenty years of age; Earl is with the Long Belt Lumber Company in Louis-
iana; Homer lives in St. Louis; Helen also lives in that city; the last two
children are twins.
Mr. Houston resides on Washington avenue, Springfield, but his fam-
ily is making their home at Newburg, Missouri. Politically, he is a Re-
publican. He is a member of the Lutheran church. Fraternally, he be-
longs to the Masonic Order, the Knights of Pythias, the Benevolent and
Protective Order of Elks, the Woodmen of the World, and the Ancient
Order of United Workmen.
RICHARD F. WHALEX. JR.
An undeceiving, earnest man, self-assertive and self-controlling, is
Richard F. Whalen, Jr., superintendent of the reclamation department of
the South Side Frisco shops. Springfield. He has, owing to his Celtic
blood, a number of the characteristics of his people, and thus he has "cer-
tain things to say" when occasion demands, which is no fault. Good nature
beams through his features; a kind heart sits at the windows of his imag-
ination, and his soul is pervaded with sympathy and good will. Me is ap-
preciative and sensitive to the opinions of others, though strong to himself
in the trial hour.
Mr. Whalen was born March 21, 1N75, at Hannibal, Marion county,
Missouri. He is a son of Richard E. and Johanna (Cronican) Whalen, and
a grandson of John Whalen, the latter born in Ireland, where he spent the
first half of his life, finally immigrating to America, and spent the rest of his
days on a farm near Quincy, Illinois. The father of our subject was also
born in Ireland, in County Waterford, and he was brought to America by
his parents when six years of age. lie grew to manhood at Quincy, Illi-
nois, and was educated there, and in that city lie served his apprenticeship
as machinist in the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy railroad shops, then
worked there as a journeyman for many years. He later removed to Han-
nibal, .Missouri, where lie worked as machinist and later as gang foreman
for the Hannibal & St. Joseph Railroad Company for many vears. For
some time he held the position of master mechanic, tie was subsequently
GREENE COUNTY. MISSOURI. I.^-'J
employed by the St. Louis & Hannibal Railroad Company, and then the
Texas Railroad Company. At this writing he is gang foreman at Hannibal
for the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy road, although he is in his seventy-
third year. He has been very faithful in each of the positions with the sev-
eral roads for which he has worked and is a highly skilled machinist. He
is a Democrat and is a member of the Catholic church. His wife is now
seventy years of age. To them nine children have been born, live of whom
are deceased; those living are: Mary, who has remained single and lives
with her parents; John is traveling out of St. Louis for the fuel depart-
ment of the Frisco railroad; Richard F. of this sketch; Michael, of St. Louis,
is manager of the Pay ton Lumber Company.
Richard F. Whalen, Jr., attended the common schools until he was
sixteen years of age, when he began learning the machinist's trade with the
St. Louis & Hannibal Railroad Company in their shops at Hannibal, Mis-
souri. Later he went to the shops of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy
railroad as journeyman machinist, then became gang foreman and finally
general foreman of the machine shop of this road at Hannibal, remaining
there until 1905, when he became general foreman for the Lehigh Valley
Railroad Company at the locomotive shops at Sayre, Pennsylvania. Re-
maining there until 1907, he went to Topeka, Kansas, for the Atchison, To-
peka & Santa Fe Railroad Company, as assistant superintendent of the road's
shops there. He then took a position with the Frisco system at Springfield
as superintendent of the reclamation department in the South Side shops,
which position he still fills, having two hundred men under his direction,
whom he handles in such a tactful and diplomatic manner as to get the
best results possible and at the same time retain their friendship and good
will. During his career of twenty-four years in railroad service he has
filled his many positions with the several roads mentioned above in a man-
ner that has reflected much credit upon himself and to the satisfaction of
his employers.
Politically, our subject is a Democrat, and. fraternally, he belongs to
the Knights of Columbus.
Mr. Whalen was married in September, 1S97, to Margaret Burke, who
was born in Schomokin, Pennsylvania, December 23, 1874, and was a
daughter of John and Ellen (Whalen) Burke, of Hannibal, Missouri, in
which city she grew to womanhood and was educated. Mrs. Whalen died
at her residence in Springfield December 2$, 1914-
To our subject and wife eight children were born, namely: Anna and
Francis are both attending the Springfield high school; Mary. Richard,
Monica and Regina are all attending the ward schools; Ellen and Mar-
garet died in infancy.
Mr. Whalen and family are members of the St. Agnes Catholic church.
I.^S GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
SAMUEL S. GRIER.
in farming communities it is the rule and not the exception to find ordi-
nary educations, but occasionally you meet a family who takes more interest
in the development of the mind, not necessarily attending school longer or
going away to college, but who lose no opportunity to keep up with advancing
civilization, who remain home students and close observers, and as a result
they in time rise above some of their countrymen in the scale of mentality
and the capacity to grasp the larger questions of mental improvement. Such
families are numerous in Greene county, and it is a sign that this locality is
equal to any in the state in point of citizenship. One of these is the Grier
family, of which Samuel S. Grier, a well-known business man of Strafford
is a creditable representative.
Mr. Grier was born just across the line in Webster county. Missouri, on
December 16, 1870. He is a son of X. F. and Sarah (Smith) Grier. The
father was born in North Carolina in 1845. and he was brought to Missouri
by his parents when a small boy, and was reared on a farm. He received a
limited education in the common schools, and when eighteen years old he
joined the Union army, in 1861, and fought in one of the Greene county
volunteer regiments at Wilson's Creek on August 10th of that year, and was
wounded in that sanguinary engagement, which wound disabled him to such
an extent that he was later discharged from the service. Returning home,
lie followed farming for some time. Prospering, he became owner of a
two hundred and four-acre farm, lie is now making his home in Spring-
held, lie i- a member of the Baptist church. I lis wife was born in Ten-
nessee, and when a young girl she was brought to Greene county, this state,
by her parents and here grew up on a farm and attended school. Her death
occurred in Webster county on the old < irier homestead. She was a member
of the Baptist church.
Four children were born to X. F. Grier and wife, namely: Tasso L.,
Samuel S.. of this sketch: Dorsie and Mrs. < lllie Wammack.
Samuel S. Grier was reared on the home farm, where he worked when
a boy and he received his education in the local schools, lie remained mi
the farm until he was seventeen year- of age. then carried the mail for three
years, after which he went to work as clerk in Strafford in the store of
Hanson & Thorson. Later he began in the livery business, and built the
first livery barn in Strafford, remaining in the business for five years, then
engaged in the milling business, and was president and secretary of the local
mill for two years, after which he launched out in the real estate business,
in which be has since been engaged and in which he has built up a large and
satisfactory business. He is one of the besl informed men on the values of
MR. AND MRS. S. S. GRIER.
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. 1.329
real estate in the eastern part of the county, and he has the confidence of
tin isc with whom he has had dealings. In 1912 his total business amounted
to a profit of nearly two thousand dollars.
Mr. Grier was married on October 11, 1897, to Louie Jane Bryant,
who was born in Kansas on August 26, 1881, but she was an infant when
her parents brought her to Greene county, where she was reared on a farm
and was educated. She is a daughter of J. C. and Sarah (Urby) Bryant:
the former is engaged in the grocery business in Strafford, lint the mother
is deceased. Mrs. Grier is a member of the Baptist church.
Three children have been born to our subject and wife, namely: Harry
I*., born on August 30, 1897: Hazel W., born on July 26, 1899, and Arnold
S., born mi March 30, 1904.
Politically, Mr. drier is a Democrat. He is now justice of the peace
at Strafford, being elected in November, 1914. He is a member of the Inde-
pendent Order of Odd Fellows, and be belongs to the Baptist church.
1()I l\ A. MOSER.
The Swiss have ever been known as a liberty-loving and independent
people. As a rule the peoples of the world in mountainous countries are.
This little republic has furnished an admirable example to many of the larger
nations of the earth and her government and institutions might be emulated
with profit by the kingdoms and monarchies whose subjects do not seem to be
as fortunate as the Swiss. A large number of them have immigrated to Amer-
ica, where they have broader opportunities, and they have been welcomed
everywhere for reasons too obvious to detail here. Greene county. .Missouri,
has not been so fortunate as some localities in securing these aliens, for not
a large number have cast their lots with us: but among those who have is
John A. Moser, foreman of the frog department of the reclamation plant of
the South Side Frisco shops. Springfield.
Mr. Moser was born in Canton Bern. Switzerland. May 5, [875. He is
a son of August and Lizette (Lowrie) Moser, both natives of Switzerland.
also, where they grew to maturity, attended school and were married. They
remained in their native land uuntil 1880, when they immigrated to the United
States, landing in New York City. From there they came direct to Spring-
field. Ohio. In Switzerland, August Moser learned the miller's trade, which
he followed until he left there. Upon locating in Springfield, Ohio, he se-
cured a position as grinder for the Ohio Knife and Bar Works, and remained
there six or seven vears, then moved to Arkansas, and. six months later, came
(84)
133° GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
to Springfield, Missouri. He located on a farm three miles from here and
carried on farming, gardening and trucking until his death, in November,
1900, at the age of fifty-five years. His widow survives, is now sixty-five
years of age and makes her home in Springfield. He was a Democrat, and
belonged to St. John's Lutheran church. His family consisted of nine chil-
dren, named as follows: John A., of this sketch, is the eldest; Minnie mar-
ried a Mr. Whittaker, who conducts a restaurant at the new Frisco shops,
Springfield; Rosa is the wife of John Fridley. a farmer at Symerton, Illinois;
Ada married Rudolph Messerli, who is employed in the coach department at
the new Frisco shops here, and with this daughter the mother
makes her home; Mrs. Lucy Knowles is the wife of the master
mechanic of the American Creosoting Company; Charles is a machinist in the
new Frisco shops; Fred is farming near Svmerton, Illinois: Ernest is a clerk
in the bridge and building department of the North Side Frisco shops: Lillian
is deceased.
John A. Moser was five years of age when his parents brought him to
America, and he grew to manhood in Ohio and Missouri and received a com-
mon school education, but his schooling was limited, for when only eleven
years of age he began working in the knife and bar shops at Springfield,
Ohio, as a rivet hand. He remained there until 1890, when he came to Spring-
field. Missouri, and here worked in a cooper shop for a short time, then
learned the trade of stonemason, and worked here as a journeyman stone-
mason until April, 1S96. He worked in Chicago for some time, where lie
was fire inspector for Marshall Field & Company, and had charge of the fire
apparatus there a little over a year. In tgoo he went to work for the Frisco
Lines in Springfield, in the car repairing department in the old North Side
shops, later worked in the coach department in the South Side shops. Later
he was sent out on the road as frog and switch repairer as foreman on all
the lines of the Frisco system. This position he held until November 15.
1913, when he began work in the reclamation department of the South Side
shops, as foreman of the frog department, and this position he still holds.
He has shown himself to be capable and trustworthy in all positions which
have been assigned to him. He also owns and looks after a grocery store
at Park and Atlantic streets. Springfield, and has built up a good trade here.
He owns five houses and lots in this city and owns considerable lands, and is
a speculator of ability, lie has been successful above the average in a busi-
ness way.
Mr. Moser was married, in [909, to Katherine Rees, of McAlester. Okla-
homa. This union has been without issue.
Politically, Mr. Moser is a Republican. He belongs to the Lutheran
church, and is a member of the Masonic order and was formerly a member
of the Eagles.
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. I33I
JOHN FRENCH.
Among the comparatively small element of foreign-born citizens who
have cast their lot with the people of Greene county and have won success
through their industry and close application is John French, blacksmith fore-
man in the Frisco shops, lie comes of a sturdy family, one that has always
been strong for right living and industrious habits, for education and morality,
and for all that which contributes to the betterment of the communities in
which thev have resided. Many years ago, in fact, nearly a half century ago,
our subject, unaccompanied, although scarcely more than a boy, crossed the
great Atlantic, having bid a permanent farewell to his native isle, and cast
his lot among the Americans who have treated him so kindly and well that
he has been pleased to remain with us.
Mr. French was born in Durham county, England, April 16, 1846. He
is a son of John and Elizabeth ( Robertson) French, both natives of England,
also, where they grew up, were educated and married and spent their lives.
The father learned the blacksmith's trade when young, in which he became
very skillful and at which he spent his life. The grandfather of our subject
was also a blacksmith by trade. The parents of our subject have both been
dead many years, the mother dying in 1888. To them ten children were born,
namely: Allen; Elizabeth is deceased; Annie is deceased; Polly; James is
deceased; John, of this sketch; William is deceased; Robert; and the two
youngest died in infancy.
John French spent his boyhood in England, and there received a com-
mon school education, and when a boy learned the blacksmith's trade under
his father, who owned his own shop. Our subject worked in different parts
of England at his trade, and in a few years became an expert in his line. He
immigrated to America in the spring of T865, reaching our shores about the
unsettled time that marked the closing of our momentous conflict, he being at
that time nineteen vears of age. The great armies of citizen soldiery had not
had time to return to the pursuits of peace and he found it hard to get a
start, and for a time worked as a laborer in Cincinnati, Ohio, later worked
at his trade there. He came to Greene county, Missouri, in 1900, having
previously worked at his trade for different railroads, and since coming here
he has been employed by the Frisco, and has been promoted for his skill and
faithfulness to the position of foreman of the blacksmith shop, the duties of
which responsible place he is worthily discharging, having a large force of
men under his direction.
Mr. French was married, in November, r868, to Mrs. Jane Wright, who
was born in the state of New York. June 18, 1840. and there she grew to
womanhood and was educated. To our subject and wife five children have
133- GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
been born, namely: Alice is deceased; Mrs. Susan Tingell, Mrs. Martha
Player, Mrs. Jessie Weaver, John C. is a soldier in the United States army,
being with the troops in Vera Cruz, Mexico in 1914.
Politically. Mr. French is a Republican. Fraternally, he belongs to the
Knights of Pythias.
WILLIAM L. KIRKEY.
It is not a very frequent occurrence that in a historical work of this
kind the biographer finds a man who was born in the fair Sunflower state
living east of that state: they either prefer to remain within the limits of
their own boundary or go farther west, but in the person of William L.
Kirkey. foreman of the mechanical department of the reclamation plant of the
Frisco's South Side shops, Springfield, we have an exception, and, if all na-
tives of Kansas are as capable in their vocations and as good citizens in gen-
eral as he. we would welcome many more to Greene county
Mr. Kirkey was born. August 24. 1872, in Highland Station. Doniphan
county. Kansas. He is a son of Louis and Nana (Jones) Kirkey. The
father was born in America of French parents, and the mother was a native
of Nevada, Missouri. His death occurred in 1 S74 and he was buried in Kan-
sas. Her death occurred in [886 at the am' of forty-eight years. To the
union of these parents only one child, William I... of this review, was born.
After the death of her first husband the mother remarried. X. X. Fields
being her last husband. To them three children were born, namely: Nathan
was a carpenter in Springfield, Missouri; Charles is deceased, and Burton E.
is tin- youngest.
William L. Kirkey worked some on a farm when a boy and lie received
a limited education in the public schools, lie hired out at farm work when
only thirteen years of age, later learned the marble-cutter'- trade, having had
natural ability a- a sculptor. He served hi- apprenticeship at Rich Hill. Mis-
souri, for P. II. Scott, and continued in this work for twelve or fourteen
years, then turned his attention to machinery and learned the machinist's
trade at St. Louis, meanwhile studying at home all bocks available pertain-
ing to his trade, and in due course of time be became an expert, working for
the Parker-Russell Mining and Manufacturing Company as a full-fledged
machinist, at their St. Louis plant for six or eight years, the last four or
live years "i that period a- foreman, lie then secured employment with
the PTisco Railroad Company at Springfield in die North Side shops as
carpenter in the each department, in [907, then was inspector until in No-
vember, 1013. when he was transferred to the reclamation plan! of the com-
pany in the South Side shops as foreman of the mechanical department, which
GREENE COUNTY, .MISSOURI. C333
position he still holds to the satisfaction of his employers. Here repairing
of all descriptions is done, as well as new work turned out. He has a large
number of men under his direction, about forty on an average. He still
devotes some time to sculpture, maintaining a shop at home, this being his
hobby, and he lias achieved quite a reputation as a sculptor, turning out some
beautiful work from time to time, lie owns a pleasant home cm Vernon
avenue.
Mr. Kirkey was married, in October, 1892. to Clara F. Phillips. She
is a daughter of George and .Mary Phillips, of Springfield, where she grew
up and was educated. To our subject and wife two children were born,
namely: Mabel, who married Frank Thomas, a farmer at Cabool, Missouri;
and Clarence, a carpenter in the South Side Frisco shops.
Politically, Mr. Kirkey is an independent voter. Fraternally, he belongs
to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Modern Woodmen of Amer-
ica and the Free and Accepted Masons. He is a member of the Christian
church.
JAMES BLAINE BERRY.
Of the vounger business men of Springfield, few seem to have better
prospects of large success in future years than James Blaine Perry, who has
a diversity of natural gifts, and. although it is a far cry from an iron moulder
to the music business, he did both with gratifying results, and was for many
vears a well known traveling man over the Southwest, and now we find him a
member of the Ozark Land Company, which his enterprise and keen discrimi-
nation is making one of the most successful and important real estate firms
in southern Missouri.
Mr. Rerrv was horn on a farm in Franklin township, Greene county.
Missouri. April 30, 1882. Pie is a son of James A. and Elizabeth ( McCurdy )
Berry, a highly esteemed old family of this county, and as the reader will
find a complete sketch of these parents on another page of this colume, the
record of their lives will not be repeated here.
lames B. Berry grew to manhood on the home farm, and there assisted
with the general work during the summer months when he became of proper
age, and during the winter attended the district schools; also took an academic-
course in the State Normal School at Warrensburg, Missouri, after which he
came to Springfield and learned the iron-moulder's trade. Although he be-
came a good moulder, he did not altogether fancy the work, and abandoned
the same, and in 1903 went on the road as a salesman for the A. Beste Music
Company, of Pittsburg, Kansas, and was assigned to southwestern Missouri
and eastern Kansas, in which territory he did much, during his two years of
1334 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
service with this company, to increase the prestige of the same. He then re-
turned to Springfield and took a position as city salesman for the Martin
Music Company, which position he held for a year, then went on the road
as advertising and demonstrating representative for the Baldwin Piano Com-
pany, of Cincinnati, Ohio, covering Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, a part of
Arkansas and Illinois, with headquarters at St. Louis. In all these responsi-
ble positions he gave his employers eminent satisfaction in every respect and
was regarded as one of their most faithful, efficient and trustworthy em-
ployees. In 1909 he resigned his position with the Baldwin people and re-
turned to Springfield, Missouri, purchasing an interest in the Ozark Land
Company here, and has since been connected with the same and has been a
potent factor in making it a large and successful business.
Mr. Berry was married, March 10, 1904, to Marry B. Tedrick, who was
born February 25, 1884, in Springfield, Missouri, where she grew to wom-
anhood and received an excellent education. She is a daughter of George
and Emma Tedrick, a highly esteemed family here.
To Mr. and Mrs. Berry one child has been born, Doris Dolores Berry,
whose birth occurred February 3, 1905. She is attending school and is now
in the fifth grade.
Mr. Berry is a Republican in his political affiliation. Religiously, he
is a Presbyterian. He is a member of the Illinois Men's Commercial Asso-
ciation.
HARRY I'. BROWN.
We are so accustomed to think of man as a material composition com-
plete in the food that matches his hunger, in the water that slakes his thirst,
in the air that trades with his lungs, in the raiment and roof that protects him
from the cold, in the money that relates him to the world's commerce, that
we fail to recognize that the person who has no mental abode in which to
shelter his higher self, and the moral, spiritual and intellectual fumishments
necessarv for its equipment, health and inspiration, lives on a level not much
above that of the animal. Harry F. Brown, who has charge of
the store-r n of the reclamation department in the South Side Frisco
shops, Springfield, is not of the class referred to, but while laboring for the
material comforts of life, as if natural and right, he has not neglected to pro-
vide what might be called an intellectual abode, being a thinking man of good
ideals and practices.
Mr. Brown was born in that great country which all Americans admire —
England, he having first seen the light of day at Farlingdean on July 24,
1876. He is a son of Walter E. Brown, also a native of England, in which
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. I335
country he grew up, attended school and was married, residing there until
the year 1881, when he immigrated with his family to the United States, land-
ing in New York. Coming on west he selected Springfield, Missouri, as the
best place in which to locate, and although he had followed gardening in his
home country, he here sought and found employment with the Frisco rail-
road, in the North Side shops, where he became foreman of a labor gang.
He is now employed in the Florence Bottling Works in this city, being owner
of same. He remained with the Frisco ten years, from 1882 to 1892, then
spent ten years in the grocery business, in which he was very successful, giv-
ing that line of endeavor up in 1902 to engage in the bottling business at the
corner of Lyon and Division streets, where he has a modernly equipped and
excellent plant, employing a number of hands and from which he sends out
large consignments of his products all over this section of the state. He has
been very successful as a business man, being now a man of considerable
means, although he landed in this citv with very little capital. Politically, he
is a Republican. He was a member of the city council for eighteen months.
Fraternally, he belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Knights
of Pythias, the Modern Woodmen of America and the Masonic lodge.
The mother of our subject was known in her maidenhood as Fannie
Madden, who was born in England, where she grew to womanhood and at-
tended school. She became the mother of five children, namely : William,
who lives at Lebanon, Missouri, is a machinist and electrician, and has charge
of the city's lighting plant there; Harry F., of this sketch; Bert is engaged in
the bottling business with his father; Florence marred Thomas Hixon, who
was formerlv engaged in the meat business in Springfield ; Fannie married
John W. Crow, who lives at Strafford, this county, and is in the employ of
the Frisco.
Harrv F. Brown was five years old when his parents brought him from
England to America, and he grew to manhood in Springfield, and here at-
tended the public schools and a business college. When twenty years of age
he went to work, in 1896, for the Frisco system as baggage-man at the Spring-
field station, working there three years, then, in 1899, was transferred to the
store department at the North Side shops. In 1902 he went to work for the
Kansas Citv Southern railroad, with which he remained six months, then
worked six months with the New Phoenix Foundry and Machinery Com-
pany, after which he engaged in the grocery business for himself until 1906,
then went to work again for the Frisco in the store department at the North
Side shops, and was assistant there until 1909, in which year he was sent to
the new shops as foreman of the store department, which position he held
a year, then was sent back to the old North Side shops as general stock clerk,
remaining there a year, then was shipping and receiving foreman in the store-
room there for a vear. after which he was transferred to the reclamation
133^ GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
plant in the South Side shops, November 1. 1914, and is now foreman of the
store-room, and is giving his usual high-grade service.
Air. Brown was married, in 1898, to Ollie Oliver, a daughter of Benton
Oliver, of Springfield, a well-known dry goods merchant here, on Commercial
street. Mrs. Brown was reared and educated in this city. The union of our
subject and wife has been without issue.
Politically. Mr. Brown is a Republican. Fraternally, he belongs to the
Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Modern Woodmen of America.
He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. South.
FAMES H. GRAY,
Since this is the "electric age," at least no other term seems more ap-
propriate, and the period in which we are now living is universally referred
to in this phrase, it would be a good thing if more young men would turn
their attention to some form of this work, learn some line in which elec-
tricitv can be applied to the world's industries, rather than taking up many
of the older vocations of men. such as the law. ministry, medicine, etc. Of
course the world needs good men in all these lines as much, if not more than
ever before, but if a boy has any natural bent whatever along mechanical
lines, he doubtless will develop into a better earning capacity by studying
electricity than if he entered any of the old-line professions or trades, and,
all in all, he will accomplish just as much for the general welfare of the
human race. James II. Gray, foreman of electricians of the Frisco System,
headquarters at Springfield, was wise in chousing Ins life work and he has
met with gratifying success while yet a young man.
Mr. Gray was born February i_\ 1881, at Carthage, Missouri. He is
a son of Theodore F. Gray, a native of western Ohio. He grew up in the
East and attended school there. In his earlier years he was a traveling
salesman and in later lite engaged in the brokerage business, being success-
ful in both. I laving accumulated a competency, he retired from active life
ten v cars ago, after engaging in the brokerage and commission business in
Springfield for many years and he is now living quietly in his pleasant home
on East Elm street, at the age "t seventy years. During the Civil war he
served with credit as a soldier in the Union army. Politically, he is a Re-
publican, and he was formerly a member oi the Knights of Pythias. His
wife, who was Mary E. Grissom before her marriage, is still living. To
these parents five children were born.
James II. Gray received In- education in the schools of Carthage. Ne-
vada, and Springfield, having removed to the latter city when young with
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. 133/
his parents, and here he began life for himself as clerk in a grocery store,
later worked fur his father in the commission business, later taking a po-
sition with the Springfield Traction and Lighting Company as general elec-
trician, most of his work being on motors. He began studying to be an
electrical worker. Leaving this company, he worked for some time as elec-
trician at the old Baldwin theater, having charge of the switchboard on the
stage. All the while he studied electricity by night and soon had a g 1
working knowledge of the science. In igoi he was employed by the Frisco,
working with its electrical equipment on cars, etc. When the road's electric
department was created in 1904 he was placed in charge of the same as fore-
man, having proven that he was well qualified for this responsible position,
and from that time to the present, a period of over ten years, he has been
foreman of this department, his long retention indicating that his work
has not only been high class, but that he is reliable and trustworthy. He
has continued a deep student of all that pertains to his line of work and has
kept well abreast of the times. He has had from seven to nine men work-
ing under his direction in this department all the while in the shop, and also
several men working on the outside. He had charge of the electric depart-
ment in the new shops for some time. He has served under the four chiefs
in this department, named as follows: I'. M. Pierce, \Y. C. Coover, Rober
E. Massey and L. C. Hensel.
-Mr. Gray has remained unmarried. Politically, he is a Republican.
He belongs to the International lirotherhood of Electrical Workers, the
Knights of Pythias, the W linen of the World and the Christian church.
JOHN LOWELL
The name of John Cowell is well known to the people of Springfield,
whither he came forty-five years ago, during which period he has been an
interested and most active spectator to the city's development along general
lines, always having the interests of the Queen City at heart and abiding
faith in her future. Through close attention to business and unswerving
industry, he has met with a larger degree of material success than falls to
the lot of some of our foreign-born citizens. He comes of a sturdy English
ancestry, his family on both sides going far back into the annals of that
"merrie isle." So he has in him many of the elements that always win in
the battle of life, no matter where fought out, and while Air. Cowell was
fortunate in coming to a country of unlimited opportunities, where the soil
is new and competition not so fierce, and where, as the poet Mackay, his
noted countryman, wrote nearlv a century ago, "The humblest may gather
I338 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
the fruits of the soil, and a man is a man if he is willing to toil." Yet Mr.
Cowell, no doubt, would have succeeded in establishing a good home in any
country where he might have settled.
John Cowell, who is at this writing, one of the three judges of the
Greene county court, was born in Peel, England, June 23, 1844. He is a son
of John and Isabelle (Skinner) Cowell, natives of that locality, where they
spent their lives engaged in farming, being honest, hard-working gentle-
folk, highly respected by their neighbors. Their family consisted of six
children, of whom John of this review was second in order of birth; one
child is deceased ; two sons and one daughter reside in England, and two
of the sons make their home in America.
John Cowell was reared on the home farm in his native land and there
he assisted with the general work and received his education in the home
schools. He immigrated to the United States shortly after the close of the
Civil war, and came on west to Springfield, Missouri, where he located his
permanent home in 1869. Here he followed the business of stone contractor
for more than forty years, and was eminently successful in this line, being
known as a man who did his work thoroughly, promptly and in an up-to-
date manner. He has handled many big jobs in this city and vicinity. Hav-
ing accumulated a competency sufficient for his old age, he abandoned ac-
tive work a few years ago.
Mr. Cowell was married in 1872 to Sarah Daniels, a native of Spring-
field, Missouri, where she grew to womanhood and was educated. She was
a representative of an old family here. Her death occurred in 1898 at the
age of fifty-one years. She was known to her friends as a woman of many
fine personal characteristics.
Six children, five sons and one daughter, were born to Mr. and Mrs.
Cowell, named as follows: Edwin, a graduate of the local high school, is
a bookkeeper by profession, is married and has two children; Minnie mar-
ried H. W. Thompson, and they are living in Detroit, Michigan, and have
one son, eight years old; John \\\, who is in the tailoring and notion goods
business in Joplin, Missouri, is married: Harry B. is a traveling salesman,
lives in Springfield and is married; Frank, who is clerking in a clothing
store in Oklahoma, is married and has one child; Charles L., who is en-
gaged in the tailoring and clothes pressing business in Springfield, is mar-
ried and has one child.
Politically, Mr. Cowell has always been a stanch Democrat and active
in local political affairs. He has long been a member of the city council
from the Sixth ward and has made his influence felt not only for the good
of that section of the city but for the general community, and his work as
a public-spirited citizen has been greatly appreciated by all classes. In the
fall of 1912 he was elected judge of the Greene county court, and is now
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. L339
incumbent of that office, the duties of which he is discharging in a manner
that reflects much credit upon his ability and integrity, and to the satisfac-
tion of his constituents. He, at the present time, is serving his second term.
Fraternally, he belongs to the Knights of Pythias and the Benevolent and
Protective Order of Elks. He is a member of the Christian church. He
has always enjoyed the utmost confidence of his fellow men owing to his
straightforward and honorable course.
JUDGE WILLIAM H. PERKINS.
Examples that impress force of character on all who study them are
worthy of record in the annals of history wherever they are found. By a
few general observations the biographer hopes to convey in the following
paragraphs, succinctly and yet without fulsome encomium, some idea of
the high standing of William H. Perkins, ex-judge of the Greene county
court, as a leading agriculturist and stockman, one of the representative
citizens of the county and a public benefactor. Those who know him best
will readily accpiiesce in the statement that many elements of a solid and
practical nature are united in his composition and which, during a series of
years, have brought him into prominent notice at least throughout the west-
ern portion of the county, his life and achievements earning for him a con-
spicuous place among his compeers.
Judge Perkins was born on a farm in Brookline township, Greene county,
Missouri, February 18, 1850, and is a scion of one of our pioneer families,
being a son of William G. and Martha A. ( Beal ) Perkins. The father was
a native of Logan county, Kentucky, where he was reared. When a young
man he came to Greene county, Missouri, and entered two tracts of land from
the government, the first in 1848 and the last in 185 1. These he developed
by hard work and became a successful farmer and business man. Both these
tracts of land, now very valuable and comprising as fine farming land as the
vicinity affords, have remained in the family, being now owned by the sub-
ject of this sketch. The father was known as "Grief" Perkins, his middle
name being used instead of his first name. He was an influential man in his
community, especially in the affairs of the Presbyterian church, in which he
was an elder for many years, being the founder of the church of this de-
nomination in this community. He had two brothers and two sisters, all
now deceased but Mrs. Hayden, who lives in Texas. The death of William
G. Perkins occurred in 1908 at the advanced age of eighty-seven years. He
was known to all as a man of fine personal character, a "gentleman of the old
school" who never was known to neglect his duties as a neighbor or citi-
I34O GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
zen. His faithful life companion, a woman of beautiful old-time Christian
faith, survived him only six weeks, passing away at the age of eighty-one
years. She was a native of Tennessee, and when young in years accom-
panied a party of emigrants from that state to the Ozark mountain country.
They reached a certain stream, since known as "Turnback" creek, from the
fact that here this party of homeseekers turned back on their route. They
finally located on Wilson's creek, which stream was destined to become
famous in history. Here Mrs. Perkins's father. Daniel Beal, entered land
from the government, which he developed into a good farm, which remained
in possession of the family until recently, when our subject turned the patents
1 >ver to purchasers. This place lies some fi >ur miles west of Springfield.
There Mr. Beal spent the rest of his life. He was an energetic man. and
was active as a member of the Baptist church.
Judge Perkins is the second of nine children, all born in Greene count}-,
where the parents were married; they were named as follows: Mrs. Mary
O. Norman, a widow, is living eight miles southwest of Springfield; William
H., of this review; Mrs. Nannie Crenshaw, a widow, lives nine miles south
of Springfield; John T. is farming in Oklahoma: Laura is the wife of Rev.
W. II. Wilson, now residing in Oklahoma: Mrs. Minerva Dillard lives nine
miles ea^t of Springfield; Mrs. Lucy Hutchinson, Mrs. Jennie Stephens and
1 )aniel are all three deceased.
Judge Perkins was reared on the old homestead, where he did his full
share of the work when growing b • manhood, and in that neighborhood he
received a common school education, which has been greatly supplemented
in after years by contact with the world and wide home reading. Early in
life he turned his attention to general agricultural pursuits which he followed
successfully ami continuously up to a few years ago. I [e paid especial at-
tention to the live >tock business, and no small portion of his comfortable
competency was derived from this source. Growing up among stock and
having a liking for them he became an exceptionally good judge of all
kinds. He still owns a part of the old home place, but now lives in Spring-
field, where he removed in [909.
A stanch Democrat. Judge Perkins always took an abiding interest in
political affairs, and in the fall of [910 lie was elected county judge and
presided at the sessions of the Greene county court in a manner that Stamped
him as a man of ability, far-seeing, impartial and having the best interests
of the county at heart, unbiased in his efforts to benefit the general public,
and his course has been entirely satisfactory to liis constituents. Religiously,
he is a member of the Presbyterian church.
Judge Perkins was married in Greene county, in the year 1873, to
Martha T- Ellison, a daughter of John Ellison, an early settler in this countv,
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. I34I
and here he became a successful farmer. Mrs. Perkins was horn here in
1853 and reared and educated in her native community. She proved to he
an excellent helpmate, sympathetic, kind and industrious. Her death oc-
curred in February, 1909 at the age of fifty-six years. Her only brother
also <lied a few years ago.
Three children were born to our subject and wife, named as follows:
Clarence, now forty years old, is farming in the state of Louisiana; Bessie
is the wife of George Langston, at present postmaster at Texhoma, in
western Oklahoma, where he has a ranch, and they have one son, Maurice,
now six years old; Eunice, youngest of the trio, is living with her father
in Springfield.
The Judge was always a man who made friends easily, and after his
career on the bench began they rapidly multiplied, and all who knew him
will agree that he is deserving of the respect in which he is so widely held.
WILLIAM R. GORSUCH.
Those who know William R. Gorsuch, who at this writing is one of
the three judges of the (ireene County Court, are not surprised that he has
won success at his chosen vocation, that of tilling the soil, fur he is a man
who has been a close student of all that pertains to his chosen life work,
believing that even the best methods can often he improved upon. He has
kept the old home place in Cass township in tine condition, so that it has
retained its old-time richness of soil and the same abundant crops are an-
nually gathered from its fields. He has considered himself fortunate, and
indeed he might well do so, that he has been permitted to spend his life on
the homestead, for, in the first place, as a talented writer said long ago,
"There is no place like home," and also because his home happened to be
in a community greatly favored by nature. It is true that it took a great
deal of hard work to get Greene countv in proper shape for successful agri-
cultural purposes, but once in condition, there is no better.
Mr. Gorsuch was born in the above named township and count}', on the
farm where he still resides. November 3, [871. He is a son of Reece and
Eliza Jane (Brower) Gorsuch. The father was born in middle Tennessee,
June jq. 1829, and when a small hoy he and his father made the long jour-
ney in a wagon from that state to Greene county, Missouri, his father having
previously died in Tennessee. When a young man Reece Gorsuch worked
out for twenty-five cents per day to help support the family, he being the
eldest son. During the gold fever days he made the hazardous overland
journey across the western plains to California, accompanied by a brother.
134^ GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
the trip requiring' six months. He remained on the Pacific coast some six
years, then returned to this county and bought the farm where our subject
now lives and here he spent the rest of his life as a successful farmer, and
died in 1906 at the age of seventy-seven years. He was a man of invincible
courage and persistencv and was well thought of by his neighbors. He was
a member of the state militia in his earlier life. The mother of the subject
of this sketch was born in North Carolina about 1839, and when a child
she immigrated with her parents to Greene county, locating east of Bois
D'Arc. where her father developed a farm, and there she grew to womanhood.
Several of her brothers were in the Confederate army during the Civil war.
Her death occurred about 1903. Five children were born to Reece Gorsuch
and wife, named as follows: The eldest died in infancy, unnamed; George
W. died at the age of twenty-two years; Jeanette died in 1871 when about
five years old; William R., of this review; John H. lives in California.
William R. Gorsuch was reared in his native township and there he
received a good practical education in the public schools. He began working
on the home farm as soon as he was old enough and he has followed general
farming and stock raising here ever since with pronounced success all along
the line, and he now owns the homestead, which he has kept well tilled and
well improved and the buildings in good repair.
.Mr. Gorsuch was married to Margaret X. Smith, October 2, 1890.
She was born, reared and educated in Walnut Grove township, this county,
and is a daughter of Joseph W. Smith, a well-known minister in the Chris-
tian church, who preached in Springfield about two years, and at various other
places in Missouri, Oklahoma and Kansas, and was regarded as a prominent
minister in that denomination. His death occurred about 1909.
Four children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Gorsuch, namely: Clar-
ence C, a harness maker of Lamar, Missouri, recently married a Miss Mc-
Linn, daughter of A. S. McLinn, of Greene count)": Joseph K.. Nettie G-, and
Maud L. are all at home.
Politically, Mr. Gorsuch is a Republican and has long been more or
less active in the political affairs of his township, and has served in various
local offices, school and township. He has been township committeeman
since he was twenty-one years of age. was also deputy assessor several times,
and in the fall of 1912 was elected county judge, which office lie is now
filling. In n)i.| he was re-elected to the n\\\cc of county judge. As a public
servant he has ever given the utmost satisfaction to all concerned, being
faithful in the discharge of his every duty, obliging and prompt and proving
himself to he a man of progressive ideas and well informed. Fraternally,
he belongs to the Masonic Order and tin- Improved Order of Odd Fellows
at Willard, and the Modern Woodmen of America at Cave Spring, while
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. 1 343
his wife holds membership with the Royal Neighbors. They are both mem-
bers of the Christian church at Cave Spring, in which the Judge is an elder
and active worker. He is one of the leading men of Cass township in every
respect and is highly respected by all who know him.
HENRY D. ROBINSON.
In working for others it has always been the aim of Henry D. Robinson
to do his full duty, and do well and honestly the tasks assigned him, and this
conscientiousness and fidelity have resulted in success and a good conscience.
If it had not been for these qualities he would not today be holdng the re-
sponsible position of engineer of the crane and magnet reclamation depart-
ment of the Frisco's South Side shops in Springfield.
Mr. Robinson was born in W'aynesville, Pulaski county, Missouri, on
December 9, 1875. His father, John Robinson, was born in Tennessee, where
he grew up, attended school, married and engaged in farming, and from that
state removed to Pulaski county, Missouri, prior to 1875, where he owned and
conducted a farm for a number of years, finally removing to Springfield,
where he engaged in the livery business under his own name for five years,
then spent the rest of his life in retirement, dying in November, 1913. at the
age of seventy-five years. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal
church. He married Sarah McMillan, also a native of Tennessee, where she
grew to womanhood and attended school. Her death occurred in 1897, in
Pulaski county, Missouri, and she was buried at W'aynesville. Nine children
were born to these parents, namely : Mrs. Mollie Trower lives at Crocker,
Missouri; William is engaged in farming near Waynesville ; Mrs. Alice Gil-
liat was next in order; Mrs. Cora Walker lives in St. Louis; Henry D., of this
review: Mrs. Xira Wryrick is deceased; Edward lives in Springfield and is
a brakeman on the Frisco Lines; Lilburn is engaged in the manufacture of
stoves in St. Louis; Charles lives in Springfield.
Henry D. Robinson grew to manhood on the home farm in Pulaski
county, where he worked when a boy, and he received his education in the
public schools of that vicinity. He remained with his parents until he came
to Springfield, in 1900. In February, 1901, he began working here for the
Frisco, in the old North Side shops, a hostler, continuing at this for four
years, then was fireman for a short time, after which he was appointed en-
gineer of the traveling steam crane in the construction department, making
trips all over the various divisions of this road. In September, 191 3, he was
transferred to the reclamation department as engineer of the yard crane and
magnet, which position he holds at this writing in a manner that reflects
1344 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
credit upon himself and to the satisfaction of the company. His duties are
manifold, including the overseeing of the shipment of a certain amount of
junk from the yards, etc.
Mr. Robinson was married on June 4, 1897, to Augusta King, a daugh-
ter of Martin King and wife, of Bellefonte, Pulaski county, where she was
reared and educated. To this union four children have been born, namely:
Ray, John, Estelle and Mabel.
Politically. Mr. Robinson is a Democrat. Fraternally, he belongs to the
Knights and Ladies of Security, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and
the Loyal Order of Moose.
JAMES M. BUTTS.
Among the self-made men of Greene county who deserve their present
comfortable situation in life is James M. Butts, who hails from the renowned
Blue Grass state. This latter fact may not have much significance to some
who peruse this biography, but maybe if he had not been fortunate enough
to have had in his veins the blood of the sterling people who lived in that
state in its early history and had not liven reared in that splendid environ-
ment he would not have succeeded in overcoming the obstacles that have
beset his pathway. True it is that the Kentuckians who have located in
Greene county have all been courageous, energetic and in every way good
citizens, so there must he something after all in the place where we happen
to be horn, as the humorist Hill Nye maintained long ago.
Mr. Butts was born in Simpson county, Kentucky, on December 28,
1S42. He is a son of II. ( i. and Mary (Barker) Butts. The father was
horn in Rockingham county. North Carolina, in [815, anil was reared in
Kentucky, to which state he went when a small boy. lie had no chance to
obtain an education, lie made a trip to Texas, hut returned to Kentucky in
1850, and in 1856 moved to Missouri, locating in Dallas county, where he
spent the rest of his life, dying on March 6, [897. The mother of our
subject was born in Simpson county, Kentucky, in 1813, and was reared on
the home farm near the city of Franklin, Her death occurred on the Butts
farm in Dallas county in [891. She was a member of the Christian church.
T11 these parents six children were born, namely: Reuben, deceased; John.
deceased; James M., of this sketch: Richard, deceased: Nancy, deceased; the
youngest died in infancy, unnamed. So our subject is the sole survivor of
his family.
James M. Butts was reared on the farm in Kentucky, where he worked
hard when a boy. His education was neglected for lack of time and oppor-
>
z
w
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. 1 345
tunitv. He came with the family to Missouri in 1856, and located in Greene
county in 1885. Here he went to work in a mercantile establishment, later
worked in a mill, then secured employment in a drug store. He became owner
•of a farm of one hundred and twenty-four acres in Dallas county. His
present neat little farm of fifty-eight acres in Jackson township, Greene
■county, is well kept.
Mr. Butts was married in 1861 to Mary F. McGlotblin, who was born
in Barry county, Missouri, on August 26, 1846. She is a daughter of Alex-
ander and Mary (Durham) McGlothlin, both natives of Tennessee, the
father born on October 15, 1808, and the mother born on February 2, 1809.
They were married on February 22, 183 1. They came to Missouri in 1833
and located in Barry count}-, making the trip over the rough intervening
mountainous country in wagons. Their farm in Barry county consisted of
three hundred acres. They were among the early settlers in that county.
.Mr. McGlothlin was influential in public affairs there and at one time repre-
sented the county in the state legislature. His death occurred in that county
in [857, in which year also occurred the death of his wife. Mrs. Butts was
reared on the home farm in Barry county and received her education in the
public schools there. She was ten years old when her parents died, but she
continued to reside in her native county until her marriage. She is one of
ten children, eight of whom are deceased.
Six children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Butts, namely: Columbia,
burn on July 14, 1864; Mrs. Lula Bryan, born on December <>, [867; Mrs.
Mcie Cowden, born on March 6, 1870; Mrs. Sipie Burford, born on October
26, 1872, is deceased; Mrs. Florence Leslie, born on April 24, 1875; the
voungest child, James H., died at the age of thirteen years.
Mr. Butts is a member of the Masonic Order, and he belongs to the
Christian church.
ELMER E. E. McJIMSEY.
Elmer E. E. Mcjimsey is the editor and owner of The Springfield ( Mis-
souri) Republican. His brother editors declare that to think of the city of
Springfield or of the beautiful Ozark country is to think in the same moment
of Editor Mcjimsey, so closely has the fame of the region and of the Mis-
souri journalist, politician and orator become interwoven.
Mr. Mcjimsey is not a native of the Ozark country, nor even of Mis-
souri. This information frequently surprises his most intimate friends. He
was born in the little Indiana town once known as Pleasant Hill, but now
called Wingate. in Montgomery county, February 23, 1862. His father,
(85)
1346 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
Joseph Mcjimsey, a native of Wheeling, West Virginia, was a merchant of
Pleasant Hill before an<l during the Civil war and for some years afterward.
In 1875, however, the family came to Missouri, locating at Maryville, Noda-
way county, where Joseph Mcjimsey engaged in the livery business, conduct-
ing this establishment for years. Joseph Mcjimsey died at the age of eighty-
two years in Chillicothe, Missouri, March 9, 1906. His wife, nee Isabel
Bales, was born in Xenia, Ohio, in 1837, and is now a resident of Lung
Beach, California.
Elmer E. E. Mcjimsey was educated in the public schools of his native
town in Indiana and those of Maryville. He was from his earliest boyhood
a lover of horses, and at fourteen yea-s of age rode as a jockey with such
success that he continued in this calling for two years. At the age of sixteen
he was made a full partner with his father in the Maryville livery business,
the first name becoming Mcjimsey & Son.
It was while pushing the interests of this business that the yi iung man,
always a lover of books, began to show a fondness for writing and later
for public speaking.
Mr. Mcjimsey purchased in 1895 a half interest in the Maryville Tribune
and became at once its editor. Almost as soon as he had fully entered upon
his new duties he realized that he had found his life work, and during
the succeeding eight years the vigor of his writings — making possible in a
short time the issuance of The Tribune as a daily instead of a weekly news-
paper— attracted wide attention.
Mr. Mcjimsey was deeply interested in politics and scarcely did his suc-
cess as a journalist become assured when he also began to win fame on the
public platform. An enthusiastic believer in and supporter of the princi-
ples of the Republican party, he defended that faith in state campaigns and
became one of a company of earnest young men who took for their slogan,
"Win Missouri for Republicanism." But he was not permitted to confine
his campign efforts to his own state. Mr. Mejimsey's fame as speaker
reached the national Republican headquarters in Washington and he was
called upon to visit the Easl and participate in the great battles being waged
there for the predominance of Republican principles. One of his memorable
oratorical efforts was when, the daj of the death of President McKinley,
he spoke in a pouring rain to a great concourse of people on the public square
of his home town. Maryville. the address being such a tribute to the martyred
executive as stirred his hearers profoundly.
Calls to more extensive fields came constantly to the Maryville editor
as his reputation grew, and in [903 he disposed of his holdings in the Mary-
ville Tribune to his business associate, Curtis Wray. and associated him-
self with Charles D. Morris in the purchase of the St. Joseph (Missouri)
Gazette. Mr. Mcjimsey became at once editor-in-chief of this paper and soon
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. 1347
the journal took front rank with the best daily papers of the country, in 1906
Mr. Mcjimsey severed his connection with the Gazette in order to enter a
yet more promising field. With John E. Swanger he bought The Springfield
Missouri Republican on March 1st of that year, and at once Mr. Mcjimsey
assumed editorial and managerial control. He has seen this paper grow to
one of the influential and valuable properties in the Middle West, and is
not only its editor now, but also principal owner and president of The Re-
publican Company, as well as a stockholder in the St. Joseph Gazette Com-
pany.
The Republican has wielded, from the moment Mr. Mcjimsey took up
the direction of its policies, a potent influence in the development of Spring-
held and southwestern Missouri. The Republican has stood firmly for public
improvement in city and country. The paper originated the good roads
movement in southern Missouri, and by persistent and wise effort built up
an enthusiasm for highway improvement which has resulted in that section
equalling other portions of the state in the extent and permanency of its road
building'. The Republican set about making known to the world the richness
of the natural resources of the Ozarks, the salubrity of the climate of that
region, the beauty of the scenery and the charm of year-around life there.
.More than to any other factor, it is admitted far and wide, the ensuing won-
derful growth and development of this section of country is due partly to
The Republican's work of loyalty and love toward this end.
Among the recognitions of his service which have come to Editor Mc-
jimsey have been offers of posts of honor and of opportunity for yet addi-
tional achievements for the public weal. Owing to the extent of his own
business affairs, not all of these responsibilities could be undertaken by Mr.
Mcjimsey. He accepted the supervisorship of the census in the fourth Mis-
souri district under President McKinley. He declined the appointment to
the consul-generalship of Peru, South America, offered him by President
Roosevelt. Mr. Mcjimsey was named by Governor Folk as a member of the
Missouri commission to the Portland Fair in 1905, and by Governor Hadley
as a member of the board of regents of the Springfield State Normal for six
years, beginning with 1909. After serving as president of the board from
191 1 to 1913, Mr. Mcjimsey was compelled to resign because of other grow-
ing duties. He was appointed by President Taft as postmaster of Spring-
field, April 11, iqio. and also as custodian of the Federal building of that
city, resigning both positions in January. 1914. He was named to the Spring-
field library board by Mayor Ernst in 19 10, resigning in 1913, in which rear
he was appointed by Mayor Culler as a member of the Springfield public
park board and was made the first president of that board, which was
created by vote of the people largely as the result of the tireless work of
The Republican to inaugurate a park and boulevard system in Springfield.
I348 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
Mr. Mcjimsey was a member of the Republican state committee of Mis-
souri for two terms, beginning- with 1898, was chosen as both temporary
and permanent chairman of the Republican state convention held at Jefferson
City in 1902 and was president of the Young Men's Republican Associa-
tion of Missouri, 1911-12. He is a member of the Masonic. Knights of
Pythias, Modern Woodmen and Elks fraternal orders. He is a member of
the Springfield Club and served as its president from 1909 to 1910. and
belongs to the Country Club and the Springfield Club. His family is Metho-
dist in religious affiliations.
Mr. Mcjimsey was married at Maryville, August 24, 1901. to Caroline
M. Webb, daughter of H. N. Webb, at the time of his death editor of the
Unionville (Missouri) Republican, and at one time secretary of the Re-
publican state committee.
PROF. JOHN R. ROBERTS.
Of high professional and academic attainments and ranking among the
foremost educators of southern Missouri, Prof. John R. Roberts, the efficient
and popular superintendent of the Creene county public schools has achieved
marked distinction in the noble work to which his talents and energies have
so long been devoted, and judging by the past it is safe to predict for him a
future of still greater usefulness and honor. Not only as a teacher and man-
ager of schools has he made his presence felt, but as a citizen in the daily
walks of life, his influence lias tended to the advancement of the community
and the welfare of his fellow men, while the responsible public positions
to which he has been called from time to time bear testimony to his ability
to fill worthily high and important trusts. His name with eminent fitness oc-
cupies a conspicuous place in the profession which he adorns and his career,
presenting a series of successes such as few attain, lias gained for him much
more than a local reputation as a successful organizer and manager of edu-
cational interests. The major portion of his life has been spent in this, his
native state, and at the proper age he entered the school room, where lie
early displayed the powers of mind and desire for study which subsequentl)
won for him honorable distinction as a scholar ami success as a teacher.
Ten years ago he accepted the superintendency of the Greene county public
schools, and in this perhaps the greatest of his labors as an educator and
manager have been thus far accomplished. His great force of character and
ripe scholarship, together with his ability as an organizer enabled him to
bring to his work in this county the result- of his professional experience
with marked effect, and it was not long until the schools under his super-
J. R. ROBERTS.
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. 1349
vision advanced to the high standing of efficiency for which they arc now
noted. The teaching force during his incumbency has been increased and the
enrollment of pupils is vastly greater than a decade ago, while many things
tending to lesson the teachers' labors and at the same time make them
more effective have been introduced ; the course of study throughout has been
modified and improved, the latest and most approved appliances purchased
and everything in keeping with modern educational progress, tested and where
practical retained.
Prof. Roberts was born in Macon county, Missouri, January 8, 1849.
He is a son of Joseph P. and Celia (Rippetoe) Roberts, natives of Jackson
county, Tennessee. They were married in Tennessee, from which state they
emigrated to Missouri in 1844 and located in Macon count)*, where they made
their home until 1856, when they removed to Greene county. Joseph P.
Roberts was a pioneer minister in the Christian church and he did an incal-
culable amount of good among the early settlers in this state. Upon coming
to this county he located on the James river. Our subject was then about
seven years of age. The}- lived in what is now a part of Christian county,
which was formed from Greene county in 1858. The father died in 1888,
and the death of the mother occurred in 1898. Their family consisted of six
children, two sons and four daughters, fiye of whom survive at this writing,
namely: Prof. John R., of this sketch; 1'. \Y., a farmer and minister of
the gospel, a veteran of the Civil war, and ex-judge of the county court
of Christian county, is still living there; Mary A., married X. .V Inman. a
farmer of Christian count)-, bore him eight children and is now deceased;
Wealthy is the wife of H. C. Collins, a stock flealer of Christian county, and
they have six children; Nannie has been a teacher for forty years at Pea
Ridge, Arkansas, where she is still employed; Martha, who married X. T.
Robbins, a fanner and fruit grower of Bentonville, Arkansas, has eight
children.
Prof. John R. Roberts received his early education in the public schools
of Ozark, this state, then entered Abington College, Knox county. Illinois,
from which institution he was graduated in the degree of Bachelor of Arts
in 1873, and later that college conferred on him the degree of Master of
Arts. After leaving school he went to Arkansas and established a college at
Pea Ridge, of which he was president for a period of twenty years and which
grew to be an institution of great importance to that country under
his able management, and it has sent thousands of useful young men and
women from its halls to benefit northwestern Arkansas especially, and this
school will ever be a monument to our subject of which his descendants may
well be proud. Coming to Springfield, Missouri, in 1896. Prof. Roberts con-
tinued his profession here, teaching most acceptably in both the Normal and
high schools until 1905, when he was elected county superintendent of public
I35O GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
schools and has discharged the duties of this important trust for a period of
ten years in a manner that has reflected much credit upon himself and to
the eminent satisfaction of all concerned.
Prof. Roberts was married in 1876, in Arkansas, to Alice Dean, of
Benton county, that state, where she grew to womanhood and was educated.
She is a daughter of W. B. and Laura Dean. Air. Dean was a merchant
during his active life, and his death occurred in 1910. His widow is now liv-
ing in Dallas, Texas. Their family consisted of seven children, namely :
A. J., Alice, John L... William A., Henning A.. Marguerite and Nannie.
To Professor Roberts and wife one child was born. Josephine, who was
given excellent educational advantages, and she is the wife of H. P. Mob-
berly. a well known civil engineer, who has been employed in the engineering
department of the Texas Pacific railroad for a period of twenty years. Mr.
and Mrs. Mobberly reside in Springfield and have one child, Alice Dean Mob-
berly, born in 1906, and is now a student in a local grade school.
Politically. Professor Roberts is a Republican, but has never cared for
political preferment. Religiously, lie belongs to the Christian church. A
gentleman without pretense, broad-minded, of pleasing personality, lie is
honored bv all with whom lie conies in contact.
JUDGE ALFRED PAGE.
One of the prominent lawyers of Greene count) is Judge Alfred Page;
whose career at the local bar. comparatively brief, has been most commend-
able. As judge of the Circuit Court for a period of four years, he proved
himself to be worthy of the people's trust in high positions. Coming up from
the soil, battling his way .alone and unaided up the ladder of professional
success, he is entitled to the respect and admiration that all should accord
the successful self-made man.
Judge Page was born near Covington, Tipton county, Tennessee. He
is a -on of L. and Artemissa (Montgomery) Page, early settlers in western
Tennessee and there the father engaged in farming, being now eighty-three
years of age. The death of the mother occurred in 11,04. when about seventy-
five years oi age. The father removed to Missouri many years ago. lo-
cating in Webster county and came on to Greene county in 1007. Judge
Page has a brother in California and one in Missouri, who are engaged in
teaching; four of his brothers are deceased: two sisters are living, one in
Joplin. this state, and the other is keeping house for her father in Greene
county, Missouri.
Alfred Page grew to manhood on the farm and assisted with the gen-
GREENE COUNTY, .MISSOURI. I35I
eral work about the place when he became of proper age. He was sixteen
years old when he came to Missouri in 1885, and located in Greene county
in 1891, where he has since maintained his home. He received a common
school education, and later studied at Drury College, Springfield, from
which institution he was graduated with the class of 1897. He began his
career by teaching which he foil,, wed five years, four of which were spent
as principal of the high school at Ash Grove and one as principal of the
high school at Aurora. Not finding this field of endeavor entirely to his
liking he began the study of law while still teaching and in 1901 was ad-
mitted to the bar, and at once began practice in Springfield. Taking an
interest in public affairs from the first lie was assistant prosecuting attorney
of Greene county from 1903 to 1906, inclusive. He was elected judge of
the Criminal Court in 1908, the duties of which office he assumed January 1,
1909. In April of that vear the criminal court was merged with division
No. 2 of the Circuit Court, and Air. Page was appointed by Governor Herbert
Hadley the first judge of the new division. After his term of office ex-
pired. January t, 1913, he formed a partnership with Col. G. A. Watson,
under the firm name of Watson & Page, with offices in the Baker block on the
public square, Springfield, and he has since been a member of this firm.
Politically, he is a Republican.
Judge Page was married in 1900 to Ada Trevitt, of Ash Grove, a lady
of many commendable attributes of head and heart, and she was summoned
to an untimely grave in 1903. leaving a daughter, Lenora Artemissa Page.
Personallv the Judge is a gentleman of exemplary character, a good
mixer and a pleasant man to meet.
I
JOHN P. McCAMMON.
John P. McCammon was born in Henry county, Iowa, May 25, 1853,
and is a son of Samuel and Mary E. ( Brown) McCammon. He is of Scotch-
Irish ancestrv on the paternal side. His father was born in Pennsylvania
where he grew to manhood, received such educational advantages as the
old-time schools afforded, and he devoted his active life to general agricul-
tural pursuits, remaining in his native state until 1852 when he removed to
the state of Iowa, and in Henry county, but subsequently removed to Davis
county, that state, where his death occurred in 1864. He was a man of
courage and possessed the typical pioneer industry that resulted in success,
and he stood high in the estimation of his neighbors, was a loyal Republican
and did what he could toward the general advancement of the communities
in which he lived, and held a number of minor political offices, the duties
I352 GREENE COUXTY, MISSOURI.
of which he always discharged with fidelity and credit, and at all times,
proved his worth as a citizen. His wife, Mary E. Brown, was born in
Washington county, Indiana, near the town of Salem, and was the daughter
of a pioneer family of that state. After the death of her husband she came
to Missouri and made her home in Ash Grove, Greene county, subsequently
going to Perry, Iowa, where she lived until her death at an advanced age.
To Samuel McCammon and wife five children were born, named in order
of birth as follows: John P., of this review; William H., who established
himself in the mercantile business at Perry, Iowa; Jessie married John Ir-
win, and they located in Belvidere, Nebraska; Augusta became the wife of
I. Woodridge, of Stockton, Cedar county, Missouri; Samuel A. established
his home in Perry, Iowa.
John P. McCammon grew to manhood on the home farm in Iowa and
worked hard when a boy, assisting his father develop a farm in the new
country. He attended the district schools in his community until he was
about fifteen years of age, then entered the Iowa Wesleyan University at
Mount Pleasant, Iowa, made a good record and was graduated from that
institution with the class of 1877. That his scholarship was profound and
he had won the highest estimation of his teachers is indicated by the fact
that he began teaching in that university the following fall after his gradua-
tion, and he followed teaching with much success until 1879, becoming one
of the leading educators of that section of the state. In that year he came
to Springfield, Missouri, where he continued his profession, but he had been
studying law for some time before leaving his native state and he continued
the study of this profession after coming to the Ozarks and was admitted
to the bar in 1881. He practiced alone from [881 to [887 and was forging
constantly to the front ranks. He then formed a partnership with Col. C.
W. Thrasher and I. T. White, the same continuing until 1890, when Mr.
Thrasher retired, and our subject and Mr. White continued in partnership
until 1903 and the firm became one of the best-known in Springfield. Dur-
ing the years he has been engaged in the practice of law he has shown a
superior ability all along the line, has kept well abreast of the tunes, being
ever a close student, not only of the statutes but of current events of im-
portance. He was one of the original incorporators of tin- Missouri Fidel-
ity & Casualty Company, in 1909, and was president of the same for the
first six months, and got it well established and it grew rapidly into a large
and important concern. He was then vice-president and general counsel for
the same until [014. when it was merged with the Southern Surety Corn-
pan}- of St. Louis, and the offices moved from Springfield to the Mound
City, but Mr. McCammon became vice-president and attorney for the newr
concern, and is doing much to make it a great success as he did the for-
mer concern.
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. 1.353
Mr. McCammon was married in 1859 to Lucy Owen, who was born in
Springfield, .Missouri, where she grew to womanhood and received a good
education. She is a daughter of Jabez Owen and wife, an old and influ-
ential family of Greene county. Five children have blessed the union of our
subject and wife, named as follows: Elizabeth Rush, born in September,
1890, is taking domestic science and physical training at the University of
Missouri, Columbia; John Purdue, Jr., burn in April, 1893, is studying law
in the University of Kansas at Lawrence; Owen, born in December, 1896,
is attending the Porter Military Academy at Charleston, South Carolina;.
Lucy, born in August. 1900, is a student in the State Normal School at
Springfield; and William Samuel, born in June, 1903. is a student in the
local grade schools.
Mr. McCammon has made the practice of law his foremost concern
but has also found time to take an interest in manufacturing and real estate
and has been very successful in a business way, accumulating a comfortable
competence through his good management and wise foresight. He has been
counsel for a number of corporations. Politically he is a Republican and
while interested in party affairs has never sought office. Fraternally, he is
a member of the Masonic order. He is a Beta Theta Pi. He was a mem-
ber of the board of regents, State Normal at Springfield, Missouri, his term
expiring in January, 1915.
JAMES GILMER McMURTRY.
In placing the name of James G. McMurtry, president of Drurv Col-
lege, in the front rank of educators who have at one time or another hon-
ored Springfield with their residence, simple justice is done a biographical
fact, recognized by all who are familiar with his history. A man of high
intellectual attainments, wise discretion and rare executive ability, he has
managed with tactful success the great institution of which the citizens of
Greene county are justly proud, lie has been very largely the architect of
his own fortunes, has been true and loyal in all the relations of life and
stands as a type of that sterling manhood which ever commands respect. He
is a man who would, no doubt, have won a conspicuous position in whatever
environment fate might have placed him, for he has sound judgment, cou-
pled with great energy and keen discernment, all of which make for success
wherever they are rightly applied and a laudable ambition is persistently
followed. Withal, he is an unassuming and cultured gentleman, popular
in all circles in which he moves.
President McMurtry was born on a farm in Parke county, Indiana,
1354 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
April 2, 1870. He is a scion of a sterling old family of the Hoosier state,
being a son of David W. and Martha E. (Cooper) McMurtry. The father,
also a native of Parke county, was born in 1837 and died in 1910, at the
age of seventy-three years, after a long and successful career as a general
farmer and stock raiser. He was a son of John S. and Margaret (McKee)
McMurtry, both natives of Kentucky, from which state they came to west-
ern Indiana in pioneer days, and there became well established through their
industry. The McMurtrys have ever stood for right living and good citi-
zenship, and it has been a pleasure to our subject to keep untarnished the
bright escutcheon of the family name.
James G. McMurtry grew to manhood on his father's farm on which
he laid the foundation for a robust manhood by performing his full share
of the work during crop seasons. In the winter time he attended the dis-
trict schools, later taking a course in Wabash College, from which institu-
tion he was graduated in 1893. with the degree of Bachelor of Arts. In
1805 this institution conferred upon him the degree of Master of Arts, and
Doctor of Philosophy in 1898. After leaving college he began his career
as educator, in which his rise was rapid, each succeeding year finding him
further advanced, until today he is universally recognized as one of the
foremost educators of the Middle West. He has specialized in Greek, and
is regarded as an authority on that old classic language. He has made him-
self proficient in Latin also, and he taught these languages in the Collegi-
ate Institute at Carthage, Missouri, in 1893-94. From 1895 to 1897 he was
vice-president of Washington College in Tennessee, and was professor of
Greek and philosophy in that institution, then taught the same branches in
Henry Kendall College until 1902. lie then went to Parsons College, Fair-
field, Iowa, where he remained seven years as professor of Greek. When
he first entered upon his duties there one pupil out of every twenty-three
was studying Greek, lie made this department so popular that when he
left one out of every two students was studying this dead language, a re-
markably notable increase which perhaps has not been equalled in any other
school.
His insatiable thirst for higher learning led Professor McMurtry, after
five years' work in Parsons College, to an extended sojourn abroad in travel
and study in Scotland. France, Germany, Italy, Greece, Egypl and Palestine.
He bad not been in Europe long until he became a member of the American
School of Archaeology at Alliens. Greece, lie lias also been a member of
the Classical Association of the Middle West and South since 1905, and
since 1907 his name has been on the membership roll of the American Philo-
logical Association. He is a man of highly developed perceptive faculties,
and thus being a keen observer, be was greatly benefited by his studies in
foreign lands, and since his return to the United States lie has given many
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. 1355
interesting and instructive lectures, especially on Jerusalem, also many other
places of importance, having been frequently requested to do so. His de-
scriptions of the scenes and places through which he passed are graphic
and are of greater value to the auditor than the average lecture by travelers.
He produced a masterly sermon or prose poem on the twenty-third psalm
several years ago, and, while not a theologian, his interpretation of this
beautiful portion of the Scriptures, is superior to any yet known, according
to those who have had the good fortune of hearing his address. He has
been frequently importuned to have it published, but, never having put a
single line of it to paper, he has so far refused to give it to the printer.
Upon his return from Europe he went back to Fairfield, Iowa, and
continued his connection with Parsons College until 1909, when, much to the
regret of the curators and all concerned, he resigned in order to give his
attention to personal business interests at El Campo, Texas, and although he
had never given much time or attention to business affairs, he was so suc-
cessful that while there he was offered the position of cashier in the First
National Bank, which he accepted, acting in that capacity from January 1,
191 1, until the following September. Such was his administration of the
bank's affairs that he received numerous flattering offers of positions in
Eastern banks. However, he had never been imbued with an ambition to
became a captain of industry, and he preferred to return to educational
work, and he gave up his high-salaried position with the El Campo bank
to accept the chair of Creek in Drury College, at a salary of less than one-
half of the amount he was receiving as cashier. Thus he has been connected
with Drury College since the fall of 1911. He proved to be such a valuable
addition to the faculty that his salary was raised a number of times and in
August, 19 13, he was appointed acting president of the college for one year.
However, before the close of the year, he was elected president, which re-
sponsil !e and exacting position he has since filled in a manner that has re-
flected much credit upon himself and to the satisfaction of all concerned.
He has done much to strengthen the work in all departments and increase
the prestige of the school. His exceptional business acumen has been of
great service in placing Drury on a sounder financial basis. He is greatly
enamored of his work, believing that teaching is the greatest of all profes-
sions. He mixes freely with his students, encourages and assists them in
any way possible, unlike the heads of some of our great institutions of learn-
ing who hold themselves aloof from their students. He is easy of approach,
obliging and of unquestioned altruistic impulses, and is therefore popular
with all with whom he comes in contact. His superior scholarship, sound
erudition and rare ability as an educator being unquestioned by those who
know of his commendable work. Unlike many of his profession he has
I356 GRFENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
never become narrow or pedantic, but bis views on national and other ques-
tions are broad and progressive. He has marked ability as a public speaker.
Doctor McMurtry's domestic life began on July 25, 1894, in Craw-
fordsville, Indiana, when he was united in marriage with Mary Anice Bray,
a daughter of Ira M. and Emma Bray, a prominent and highly esteemed
family of that city. Mrs. McMurtry received the advantages of an excel-
lent education, and is a lady of culture and refinement.
The union of our subject and wife has been blessed by the birth of two
children, namely: Mildred Oenone and James G., Jr.
Politically, Doctor McMurtry is an independent voter. Socially he be-
longs to the University Club of Springfield, the Young Men's Business Club
and the Springfield Club.
JAMES BAIR.
The army record alone of James Bair, deputy county clerk of Greene
county, entitles him to the respect of all good citizens who remember the
troublous times of the great war between the states. True Americans can
never forget the heroes of the sixties, nor should they ever fail to do them
honor. Mr. Bair has spent forty-five years in our midst and each succeeding
year has found him with more friends than the preceding, which would
indicate that he has been an honorable and valuable citizen. Indeed his
li ng record as educator and public servant in this county is worthy of praise.
He is an example of what honest effort, combined with perseverance and
right thinking, will produce. His beginning was somewhat humble and dis-
couraging, but he in <\uc course of time rose to a position in the body politic
which commanded respect by his fellow-citizens. All the mure credit is
due him for his own brave efforts, and his example may well be imitated
by those whose youthful environments are nol of an encouraging nature,
nut that he has been a great success financially, but what is better, that he
has made a good and useful citizen.
Mr. Bair was burn at ("anal Dover, Tuscarawas county, Ohio, on De-
cember 18. [845. lie is a SDn of Jesse and Elizabeth 1 Bonfield) Bair. Jesse
Bair was born near Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, aboui 1817, was reared on a
farm and learned the millwright's trade when a buy. also worked at the
carpenter's trade. From his native state he went to Canton, < >hio, and about
1842 moved to Canal Dover, that state, where he worked at his trades,
erecting a number of substantial mills and other buildings over that country;
the old Blake mills are still standing near that city as a monument to his skill
as a builder. Politically he was a Democrat, and fraternally a Mason. His
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. L357
■death occurred in 1890 at the home of our subject. Elizabeth Bonfield,
mentioned above, was born at Canton, Ohio, and was a daughter of Dr.
Bonfield, of that city. Her death occurred in New Philadelphia, that state,
in 1853. Four children were born to Jesse Bair and wife. James, of this
sketch, being the only survivor at this writing. His eldest brother, Martin
V. B., was a soldier in the One Hundred and Fifteenth Ohio Volunteer
Infantry during the Civil war, and was one of the large number of soldiers
who met death by drowning by the sinking of the steamer Sultana in the
Mississippi river in 1865.
'Upon the death of his mother in 1853 James Bair went to live with
relatives near Waynesburg, Ohio. He received his education in the public
schools there, and on December 22, 1861, enlisted in Company F, Eightieth
Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and proved to be a gallant soldier for the Union,
serving in a number of important engagements, such as Farmington, Iuka,
Corinth, Raymond, Jackson and the siege of Vicksburg, all in Mississippi,
later in the battle of Missionary Ridge, Tennessee, and Resaca, Georgia, then
joined Sherman during the Atlanta campaign and marched with his army
to the sea. He had previously re-enlisted in the same company and regiment,
which entitled him to rank with the veterans. After reaching the coast at
Savannah he accompanied the army northward through the Carolinas to
Raleigh and was present when ( len. Joseph E. Johnston surrendered to
Sherman, then marched overland to Washington, D. C, camped at Arlington
Heights, Virginia, and later participated in the grand review at the capitol.
After that he was sent with some troops to Louisville, Kentucky, and thence
to Little Rock, Arkansas, and was honorably discharged and mustered out
on August 13, 1865, as sergeant-major of his regiment, of which he had
been adjutant clerk from August, 1863, until May, 1865, when he was
appointed sergeant-major. Appreciating his ability as a soldier, he was corn-
commissioned first lieutenant, but never mustered as such.
After his career in the army Mr. Bair returned t<> Waynesburg, Ohio,
and attended school for some time, then spent two terms at Mt. Vernon
College at Alliance, Ohio. After finishing school he clerked in a store at
Malvern, Ohio, for eight months, then began his career as teacher, for which
he seemed well qualified by both nature and training. His first work as an
educator was at Mapleton, Ohio, where he remained until 1869, when he
came to Springfield, Missouri, and soon thereafter began teaching in the
rural schools of Greene county, which he continued for a period of seven-
teen vears, teaching nine terms in one district. He was regarded as a
progressive, thorough and painstaking instructor and his services were in
great demand. He was one of the best-known teachers in the county of that
period. Since abandoning the school room he has served in various capacities
in business and countv offices. He was deputv recorder of deeds for two
I,^5'X GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
years, was deputy county clerk for one term, then bookkeeper for five years
for a wholesale company in Springfield, then traveled for a firm for eighteen
months in several states. We next find him as deputy county collector for
two years, then as deputy county assessor for four years, and in 1903 he
was appointed deputy county clerk, in which capacity he has since served,
being still in this office. His long career in the county offices has made him
one of the best-known men in the county, and his work has been most satis-
factory to all concerned, being not only well performed, but promptly and
courteously.
Politically Mr. Hair is a Republican. He is a member of the local posl
of the Grand Army of the Republic, and religiously he is a member of the
Christian church.
Mr. Bair was married on August 11. 1870, to Virginia J. Jeffries, who
was born in Greene county. Missouri, in March. 1851, and her death occurred
on November 12, 1912. She proved to be a faithful and sympathetic help-
meet and was a good woman in every respect.
To Mr. and Mrs. Bair four children were born, namely : .Anna L., born
on April 20. 1871, died on August o. 1005: William M.. born on May 4,
1873, died in March. 1875: Victoria, born on September X. 1875. died on
February 28. 1894; Charles A., born on May 2. [878, is a conductor on the
Frisco Railroad and lives in Springfield.
J \.\1KS ELMER POTTER.
A young man who lias stamped the impress of his strong personality
upon the minds of the people of Greene county in a manner as to render
him one of the conspicuous characters of the locality is James Elmer Potter,
who is now serving his second term as county collector. Few men of his age
are better known throughout the county, few occupy a more conspicuous
place in public affairs, and it is a compliment worthily hestowed to class him
with the representative men of this locality where the Potters have been
influential since the first settlement of the county and where he has been con-
tent to spend his life as teacher, agriculturist and public servant— always
having the best interests of the county at heart.
Mr. Potter was born on February 2, 1875, near Strafford in the eastern
part of Greene county, Missouri, and he is a son of Louis Cass Potter and
Susan M. (Hankins) Potter. The father was born in the same locality as
was our subject, the date of his birth being 1845. an<' there also, about three
miles south of Taylor township line, the mother was born. These parents
grew up in this locality and received their education in the common school
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. T359
and were married there, established their home on the farm and spent their
lives engaged successfully in general farming and stock raising, and there
the death of Louis C. Potter occurred in 1893. He was a man of industry
and public-spirit and made a success in his vocation, leaving behind him at
death an honored name. His family consisted of three children, namely:
Susie, James E. and Ethel.
lames E. Potter grew to manhood on the home farm near Strafford
and there he worked when a youth, and when of proper age he attended the
schools of his community and later the Springfield Normal, after which he
taught school for a short time, but was compelled to give up that line of
endeavor owing to failing health. He has made general farming and stock
raising his main occupation.
Politically, Mr. Potter has always been a stanch Republican. He was
first elected to the office of county collector in 1910, and, having served his
term of four years in a manner that was highly satisfactory to all concerned
and with much credit to himself he was again elected to this office in No-
vember, 1914, and is now beginning on his second term. He is faithful,
painstaking and accurate in his official work. Being a man of uniform cour-
tesy and fair dealing, and being straightforward, candid and sincere, lie
at once enlists the good will of everyone.
Mr. Potter was married on August 10, 1904. near Strafford, to Susan
E. McCraw, who was a native of California, from which state she was
brought to Greene county, Missouri, when young by her parents and here
grew up on a farm and received a common school education. She is the
daughter of Gabriel and Elizabeth C. (Waterson) McCraw. These parents
were early settlers here, locating on a farm. They went to California, where
the mother died. The father later returned to Greene county, Missouri, where
he still lives on the old homestead on the James river. Our subject's wife is
the oldest of two children, the youngest being James G. McCraw, living
with his father on the farm.
John L. McCraw, paternal grandfather of our subject's wife, was one
of the pioneer settlers of Greene county, and was a surveyor by profession.
He surveyed a great deal of land in this locality.
Thomas Potter, paternal grandfather of our subject, was among the
first settlers in Greene count}-, was prominent among the pioneers and was
sheriff of the county in the earl}- fifties.
Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. James E. Potter, namely:
Eldred McCraw Potter, born May 16, 1905, died in infancy: and Howard
Cass Potter, born July 5, 1910.
Fraternally. Mr. Potter is a member of the Independent Order of Odd
Fellows, the Knights of Pythias and the Modern Woodmen of America.
He is a Republican. The family are members of the Presbvterian church.
J360 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
EDWARD F. NEWTON.
Why is it that railway magnates, presidents of banks and heads of great
•enterprises who must perforce do business in cities, almost all try to have
.homes on farms in the country, where they develop soils, plant crops and
breed animals? It is because there is wearisome monotony in piled up
brick and stone. There is confusion in crowded streets and clanging trolley
cars and hot smoky railways. These things man has made, and they are
needful, but they are not life, much as the farm boy may imagine them to be.
It is the dream of millions of country bred boys to get established in some
city, but after they have tried urban life a few years and see the many ob-
jectionable phases of it. they begin to have other dreams — of returning to the
farm, where there is more freedom, better health and greater happiness.
Edward F. Newton, well known farmer and breeder of live stock of Franklin
township, Greene county, has been wise enough to establish himself in the
country.
Mr. Newton was born in Bowling Green, Kentucky, March 2, 18(14.
He is a son of Hiram and Caroline ( Kite) Newton. The father was born
in Massachusetts, from which state he came with his parents to Bowling
Green, Kentucky, when young and there spent the rest of his life, engaged
principally at the carpenter's trade, his death occurring in 1865, when about
fifty-two years of age. Politically, he was a Democrat. He owned valu-
able property in Bowling Green. His wife was born in Warren county,
Kentucky, and her death occurred also in the year 1865, when forty- four
years of age. To these parents fourteen children were born, named as fol-
lows: Richard. James. John. Hiram, Jr., are all deceased: George lives at
Beaver Dam. Kentucky; Andrew Jackson and Silas are both deceased: Ed-
ward I". of this sketch; Mary. Fanny, and Eliza are deceased; the next child
died in infancy: the two youngest, twins, also died in infancy.
Edward F. Newton was reared by his sister, Mrs. Elizabeth Mel Vary,
with whom he came to Greene county, Missouri, when a child, the family
locating near Ebenezer, and bought a farm of one hundred and twenty acres
on which our subject remained until lie was twenty-two years of age. He
received a common school education.
Mr. Newton has been twice married, first, to Nettie Berry, a daughter
of William and Martha 1 Latham) Berry. She was born in Franklin town-
ship, this county. William Hern' was born in Tennessee, from which state
he came to Greene county. Missouri, when young, making the tedious oxer-
laud journey with an o\ V in his v a! eh Id ■. : Fects. lie
settled on rough land, which he cleared and developed by hard work, and
here he and his wife spent the rest of their lives, dying on the farm now-
owned by our subject. Mr. Berry purchased one hundred and sixty acres
EDWARD I". NEWT! >\
I
-
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. I361
of railroad land, later took up other railroad land. He devoted his active
life to general farming.
Mr. Newton was married again in 1909 to Mrs. Elva (White) Massey,
which union has been without issue, but he is the father of seven children
by bis first wife, namely: Roy. born September 20, 1886, married Mazie
Murray and lives in Springfield; Ethel, born March 28, 1889, married John
Tacoby, lives in Springfield and they have one child, Kenneth ; Theodore,
born August 5. iX')2, married Bertha Goetz and they live in Franklin town-
ship; Ralph, born November 4, 1894; Maver, born August 13. 1897; Harold,
horn July 13, iqoo; and Thelma, born October 24, 1003. Their mother died
February 6. 1903.
Air. Newton moved to his present farm in 1N85, after his first marriage.
He has prospered through his close application, sound judgment and honest
dealings, and he is now owner of one of the choice farms of the township,
consisting of two hundred and fifty-three acres, of well improved and pro-
ductive land, all under cultivation, but ten acres in timber. He built his
present substantial residence, also outbuildings, in 1904. In 191 2 he built a
modern breeding barn, thirty-two by forty feet, with box stalls and other
■conveniences found only on up-to-date farms. In connection with general
farming he makes a specialty of breeding live stock and owns some fine
animals which are greatly admired by all. At present he has three jacks
and two stallions — Black Eagle. Blue John and Silver Song, Skelix and
Young Roman. Black Eagle is a tine black jack with mealy points, four-
teen and one-half hands high, heavy bodied, high beaded, large flat heavy
honed. He was sired by old Ratter, a large breeder, well known in the
southern part of Polk county. Black Eagle's dam was a mammoth jennett,
stood fifteen hands high. Eagle's sire and dam were both high bred animals,
making Black Eagle a well-bred jack. Blue John is a blue jack, fifteen
hands high, jack measure, and is well known throughout Greene county to all
breeders. His colts are heavy-boned, with good heads, and always make
big fine mules that never fail to top the market. Silver Song is a fine black
jack, weighing about one thousand pounds, and is fourteen and three-quarters
hands high; he is sired by Big Eagle, dam. Lady M. Skelix is a dark bay
stallion, fifteen and one-half hands high, black points, weighing" eleven hun-
dred pounds. His sire is Kiosk, Xo. 21359, Vol- I2> page 88. Trotting
record, 2:31, sire of five trotters in the list; chestnut, star, one white hind
foot; sixteen hands high; weight over twelve hundred pounds; sire, Kremlin,
-2:o7;l, trotting; champion of the world in 1892. Dam, Elista, 2:20; dam
of Elison. 2:17, trotting; second dam Green Mountain Maid; dam of nine
2:30 trotters. Young Roman is a draft stallion, eight years old in 1915,
sixteen and one-half hands high, weight seventeen hundred pounds. He is
(86)
I362 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
three-fourths Percheron, has fine style and action, is an extra well made
horse with large heavy hone. He is an entirely hlack stallion. Young
Roman was sired by Roman Prince, an imported and thoroughbred Percheron.
He weighed two thousand pounds and was as fine a breeder as the southwest
has ever afforded. His dam is a large black mare, one-half Percheron, and
weighs fifteen hundred pounds.
Politically, Mr. Xewton is a Republican, but he has never been active
in public affairs or held office. He is a member of the Anti-Horse Thief
Association. Fraternally, he belongs to the Modern Woodmen of America,
at Springfield, also the Royal Neighbors. He and his wife are members
of the Methodist church at Pleasant Valley. He is a great lover of good
horses and mules and is a good judge of them. He is a home man. is soci-
able, is well acquainted over the county and has hosts of friends everywhere.
HENRY EATON.
From a sterling family of the old Pine Tree state came die late Henrv
Eaton, for many years one of the prominent business men of Springfield,
and. having inherited many of the commendable traits of his rugged ances-
tors, he won not only material since--, but also a creditable position as a
citizen, lie was a man of industry, prompt in the discharge of his every-day
duties, and he gradually overcame tin- obstacles in his pathway and became
one nf the substantial men of his city, and in- standing here as a thorough-
going, honorable man of affairs was such a- affords tin- keenest satisfaction
to his family and friends, and no doubt was gratifying to hint-elf. and in
the true sense in which the term is used his life was a signal success
Air. Eaton was horn on October to, 1840, in Stonington, formerly
known a- Greene's Landing, a small island off the coast of Maine, lie was
a son of Charles ami Rebeci I (Doane) Eaton. The father was horn in
Stonington, Maine, also, and the mother was a native of Newberg, that
state, the birth of Charles Eaton occurring in 1N10. and Rebecca Doane
first saw the light of day in t8l8. These parent- grew to maturity in their
native state, received meager educations and were married there. They
each represented old families of \\w England. Nathan Eaton, the paternal
grandfather, established the family home in Maine when that state was
sparsely settled. Charles Eaton -pent his life in Maine, where he engaged
extensively in the mercantile business, dry goods and groceries, also owned
several fishing vessels, and carried on fishing on a large commercial scale.
lit- family consisted of eisrht children, five of whom are -till living.
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. 1363
Henry Eaton grew to manhood in Maine and assisted his father when
a boy and lie received his education in the public schools, also attended a
seminary. After leaving school he went to sea for awhile, and was also
associated with his father for some time in merchandising, remaining there
until 1870, when he came to Missouri and located in Clinton, Henry county,
where he remained two years, and traveled for Cole Brothers, of Ml. Pleas-
ant, Iowa, then came to Springfield and went into the transfer lmsiness,
becoming a memher of the firm of Bryan & Eaton, and later conducted the
business alone. It grew to large proportions, and his vans and teams were
to be seen all over the city daily. Later he added coal and ice to his transfer
business and also did a large lmsiness in this line of endeavor, and con-
tinued both with increasing success until his death. Honesty and promptness
were his aims, and he had the good will and confidence of the people. He
was also interested in mining and other lines of business.
Mr. Eaton was married on June 30, [863, to Tryphosa B. Raynes, who
was horn at Sunset, on the same island in Maine on which Mr. Eaton was
born, her birth occurring 011 November 2j, 1845. She is a daughter of
Abial and Susan (Lufkin) Raynes, both parents being native- of that
vicinity also, and there they grew up and were married, and Mr. Raynes
became a sailor, was shipwrecked on Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts.
and although he lived to reach shore died of cold and exposure later. Mrs.
Eaton's family were all seafaring people. Mrs. Eaton's grandfather, Wil-
liam Raynes, was horn in 1778, and lived to the advanced age of ninety-one
wars; his wife, Ruth Sylvester, was born in 1789 and died in 1852. John
Raynes. father of William Raynes, was horn in 1753 an^ died in 1837; his
wife, Deborah Cuchman Sylvester, died in 1837 also. Capt. Edmond Syl-
vester, the maternal great-grandfather of Mrs. Henry Eaton, was horn on
Tune 17, 1 762, and he served a short time in the Revolutionary war, and
thereby Mrs. Eaton is a member of the Daughters of the American Revo-
lution. Her grandfather and grandmother Sylvester were married at Marsh-
field, Massachusetts, on December 23, 178-). Airs. Eaton was the only child
of her parents, and she was hut a year old when her father lost his life at
sea. She grew to womanhood in her native community and received a
common school education.
To Henry Eaton and wife six children were horn, three of whom are
deceased ; they were named as follows : Ann is the, eldest, Charles is deceased,
Daisv is living, Henry. Jr.. is deceased, as is also Kate: Karl, the youngest,
lives in Springfield and is well known among the younger business men here.
Politicallv, Henrv Eaton was a Republican, and fraternally he belonged
to the Masonic Order. He was called to his eternal rest on March 23, 1913.
at the age of seventy-two and a half years.
I364 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
COL. HOMER F. FELLOWS.
No man stood higher in the affairs of the city of Springfield in the
early period of her development than the late Col. Homer F. Fellows, a pio-
neer who came here nearly sixty years ago, in ante-bellum days and by his
industry became one of the leading business men of Springfield, founded a
great wagon maufacturing concern, helped organize the street railway sys-
tem, was twice chief executive of the city and prominent in public affairs,
and during the war between the states became an officer of high rank. His
record shows that he did as much as any other man ever did toward the
general growth of the city for a period of half a century, and he merits
extended notice in a work of this nature.
Col. Fellows was born in Willsborough, Tioga county, Pennsylvania,
July 28, 1831. He was a son of Erastus and Elizabeth Fellows. He
sprang from old Colonial stock, and was of English-Puritan extraction, two
brothers, John and Drane Fellows, having emigrated from England among
the earlv colonists. John Fellows, the colonel's grandfather, was born
in Canaan, Connecticut, where his ancestors had settled, and served in the
Revolutionary war. He married Edna Deibold, also born in the town of
Canaan, and of French descent. After their marriage they removed to Lu-
zerne county, Pennsylvania, locating on a farm, which they developed by
hard work from the wilderness, which was filled with Indians and wild beasts.
Remaining there until about 1820 John Fellows moved with his family to
Tioga county, Pennsylvania, and there passed the remainder of his life.
dying at the age of eighty-three years. I lis family consisted of six children:
Horace, Ashel, Erastus, Merritt, Eliza and Ilulda. His son, Erastus. father
of our subject, was also a native of Canaan, Connecticut, and was ,1 small
boy when the family moved from there to Pennsylvania. He received a
fairly good education for those early times, and when a young man he
went to Cincinnati. Ohio, where he spent one year, then returned to Penn-
sylvania and married Mrs. Elizabeth 1 Cole I Johnson, a widow, and a daugh-
ter of Royal Cole, a native of the state of Xcw York, but of English ex-
traction. Mr. Cole was a soldier in the Revolutionary war, participating
in a number of important engagements, including the battle of Trenton,
and was present at the surrender of Burgoyne. He also served in the War
of 181 2. He was a well-informed man on general subjects, and was a
Universalist in his religious belief. He reared a large family. The latter
part of his life was spent at Wellsborough. In that town also Erastus
Fellows and his wife located, and there he engaged in hotel keeping ami
farming, being proprietor of Fellows' Temperance House there from iNj;
until 1865, his inn being well known to the traveling public of that period.
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. I365
He was one of the early advocates of temperance, accomplished much good
by his determined stand, and was known as a man of high moral character
in every respect. He was also a strong Abolitionist, and his house was
the refuge for slaves escaping to Canada about the Civil war period. He
was fearless and outspoken in his views when once convinced that he was
right. The famous James G. Burney, at one time candidate for the Presi-
dency on the Abolitionist ticket, came to Wellsborough, but owing to the
opposition, could find no place in which to make a speech, and Mr. Fellows
gave him the use of his dining-room and there his lecture was delivered.
Politically, Mr. Fellows was at one time a Whig, but later an Abolitionist, and
finally a Republican. During the latter part of his life he became a man
of wealth, and his death occurred in 1884 at the age of eighty-four years.
His wife received an excellent education for her day, and her descendants
are in possession of a certificate issued to her in 18 13 by the directors of the
district of Coeymans, Albany county, New York, attesting her ability to teach
school. Through her life she took an interest in literary matters, was a
great reader, and wrote verse of much merit, some of which found its w,i\
into print. She was a member of the Methodist church and was strong in
her moral convictions. By her first husband she became the mother of two
children, Newton and Almira Johnson, and her union with Mr. Fellows
resulted in the birth of four children : Rachael A., Homer F., of this sketch;
Norris W. and Mary E. The parents of these children lived their entire
married life at Wellsborough, Pennsylvania, and there their son. Homer F.
Fellows, grew to manhood, working on his father's farm in the summer
time and attending the common schools in the winter. At the age of seven-
teen he began clerking in a dry goods store in his native town, in which
position he remained about a year and a half. He then taught a district
school, and later entered the Wesleyan University at Lima, New York, where
he remained a year. By the time he had reached his twenty-first year he had
acquired a good education for those days, and with the intention of going
to Texas he came west, but illness overtook him at Rock Island, Illinois,
interfering with his plans. He went on to Muscatine. Iowa, where he re-
mained some time, then went to Burlington, that state, and was salesman for
a mercantile firm, and later worked as collector there for one of his em-
ployers, then managed a store for him at Chariton, Iowa, for a year and a
half. Following this he managed a general store for two other employers,
one of whom sent him East to purchase the stock. In 1856 he went to
Plattsburg, Missouri, where he engaged in the real estate business, which
business he purchased of his employers a year later, and established offices
at Warsaw and Springfield, this state, under the firm name of Fellows, Todd
& Robinson, in 1857, and the firm located many land warrants in the Piatt
Purchase in southwest Missouri, also engaged in the abstract business here.
I366 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
Mr. Fellows was a strong Republican from the first, and, possessing
exceptional qualifications, he was appointed registrar of lands for the dis-
strict of Springfield by President Lincoln, in May, 1861, and continued in
this office until the battle of Wilson's Creek. In 1861 he visited Washington,
D. C, on military business in the interest of General Sigel, and made the
personal acquaintance of President Lincoln, whom he had voted for the
previous year. Springfield then being occupied by the Confederates, Union
men avoided the city, and Mr. Fellows engaged in merchandising at Rolla,
Missouri. In 1863 he was appointed lieutenant-colonel of the Forty-sixth
Missouri Militia, which regiment was called out under General McNeil,
mustered into the service of the United States, and was on guard duty
during the last invasion of Missouri by the Confederates under Gen.
Sterling Price. In the winter of 1864 Mr. Fellows sold out his interests
in Rolla and engaged in the wholesale grocery business in St. Louis, under
the firm name of McElhaney & Fellows. Continuing in this business until
1867, he then sold out and went to Arlington, where he established a gen-
eral store. The St. Louis & San Francisco railroad was at that time being
built from St. Louis to Springfield, and when business over the same com-
menced Mr. Fellows established stores at convenient points along the road,
one at Lebanon and another at what was then known as North Springfield.
This business was largely wholesale. In 1871 he erected the first grain
elevator in Springfield and the following year was induced to take charge
of the Springfield Manufacturing Company, which had just been organized
and which was in a bad condition financially. Finding the concern hope-
lessly involved the stockholders surrendered their stock and a new com-
pany was organized as the Springfield Wagon Company. The principal
stockholders were Colonel Fellows, hi- brother, Morris W.. and Capt. Boy-
den. New capital being invested the company began the manufacture of farm
wagons and did a g 1 business from the start. In [883 the plant was
destroyed by lire, but was rebuilt a year later and the capital stock increased
from twenty-five thousand to fifty thousand dollars. A year later it was
increased to seventy-live thousand dollars. The plant was greatly enlarged
and the business increased, and from that time to the present the demand
has been equal to the capacity of the works, and several thousand wagons
have been annually manufactured here, and they find a very ready market
over a vast territory. The reputation of the Springfield wagon for utility
and service has steadily gained from the first, so that it has long since com-
manded the highest price in southern Missouri, Arkansas, Texas and all
over the great Southwest. It- equal is not manufactured by any firm in
America, and it come- in competition with all other wagons manufactured in
this country and rank- a- the best. The greal success of the enterprise was
due for the most part to Col. Fellows. The plant of the company i- a
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. ^3^>7
large and modern one and gives employment to scores of men, and as an
industrial enterprise has been one of the most important in the city for
thirty years. In 1881 Col. Fellows was the chief promoter of the Spring-
field street railway system, and was president of the company for three
years and made it a successful venture. In 1859 he was one of the stock-
holders of the first telegraph line through Springfield. This line followed
the overland stage road. Col. Fellows built the first telephone line that
came into Springfield, in the latter part of the seventies, which connected
his office and residence. He was a liberal contributor to the Kansas City,
Ft. Scott & Memphis railroad, which was made a part of the Frisco System
in 1900. He was one of the organizers of the Springfield Water Works,
and president of the company for three years. For a number of years after
the close of the war he also engaged in shipping and a transfer business
between Rolla and Springfield. He remained manager of the wagon fac-
tory the rest of his life.
In i860 Col. Fellows was the only man in Springfield but one who
openly voted the Republican ticket. Like his father, be bad the courage
of his convictions upon all occasions. He was elected mayor of this city in
1876, later serving a second term, and for many years he was a member
of the city council and the local school board. He ever extended a helping
hand to the cause of education, and did much to establish good schools here.
Liberal in his views and progressive in his ideas, he always assisted with
his means, time and influence the churches of the city without regard to
denomination; in fact, one of our most public-spirited citizens, he did much
to further the general interests of the city. Fraternally, he was a member
of the Masonic Order, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, in his earlier
years, and towards the latter part of his life belonged to the Knights of
Honor and the Woodmen of the World. He was at one time nominated for
lieutenant governor of Missouri, but was defeated.
Col. Fellows was three times married, first, on November 15, 1859, to
Martha Alvira McElhaney. of Springfield, and to this union three children
were born, namely: Emma, who married Charles T. Keet ; Clara, who mar-
ried F. J- Curran ; and Adah, who married George Rathbun, all establishing
homes in Springfield, but the eldest and youngest daughters were left widows
early in life. The mother of these three daughters died October 5, 1869.
Col. Fellows was married a second time on August 15, 1872, to Minnie L.
Boyden, of Neosho, Missouri, and to this union one son was born, Homer
Frank Fellows, who was in the employ of the Frisco railroad for some time,
in the offices of the company at St. Louis, but he is now president of the
Springfield Wagon Works and makes his home in Springfield. A sketch
of him will be found on another page of this work. The death of the
Colonel's second wife occurred September 24, 1881. On March 24, 1884,
I368 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
our subject married Mrs. Matilda (Dickard) Jackson, widow of J. C. Jack-
son. She was born, May 29, 1847, in Kentucky, and is a daughter of Josiah
R. and Mary E. (Hart) Dickard, the father a native of Virginia and the
mother of Kentucky, and they were married in Hardin county, Kentucky,
later removing to Illinois when Mrs. Fellows was a child and there she
grew to womanhood and received her education, and from that state she
came to Springfield, Missouri, in 1870. She first married John C. Jackson,
in December, 1864, in Illinois. He was a native of North Carolina and
was a merchant by occupation. His death occurred February 22, 1883. To
this first union two daughters were born to Mrs. Fellows, namely, Mary
M. Jackson, born March 16, 1873, married James H. Jordon, and they live
in Oklahoma; and Jennie Mabel Jackson, born April 29. 1876, married
Richard M. Holbrook, and they live in Clarksville, Arkansas.
Mrs. Fellows owns a picturesque, old-fashioned home 1 in North Main
street, Springfield. She is a member of Calvary Presbyterian church, and is
a woman of many praiseworthy attributes.
The death of Col. Homer F. Fellows occurred November 10. 1894, at
the age of sixty-three years, after a successful, useful and honorable life.
W. C. POTTER.
In a brief sketch of any living citizen it is difficult to do him exact and
impartial justice, not so much, however, for lack of space or words to set
forth the familiar and passing events of his personal history, as for want
of the perfect and rounded conception of his whole life, which grows, de-
velops and ripens, like fruit, to disclose its true and best flavor only when it
is mellowed by time. Daily contact with the man so familiarizes us with his
many virtues that we ordinarily overlook them and commonly underestimate
their possessor. Nevertheless, while the man passes away, his deeds of vir-
tue live on, and will in due time bear fruit and do him the justice which our
pen fails to record. There are, however, a number of elements in the life
record of \Y. ( '. Potter, president of the Bank of Fair Grove and one of the
most progressive agriculturists and representative citizens of Greene county,
that even now serve as examples well worthy of emulation, and his scores of
friends and acquaintances are not unappreciative of these. He is one of the
leading native citizens of this section of the state, and here he has been con-
tent to spend his life, which has already reached the Psalmist's specified out-
post of three score and ten, and during that long period he has done much
toward the general development of the country, which he has seen reclaimed
from the wilderness and transformed into a splendid agricultural section.
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. T3°9
For he is a scion of one of the earliest pioneers of southwestern Missouri,
his parents having located here, "far from the maddening crowd's ignoble
strife," like the "rude forefathers" in Gray's Elegy, over three-quarters of
a century ago.
Mr. Potter was born September 18, 1844, in Dallas county, Missouri.
He is a son of Benjamin T. and Sarah (Adams) Potter. The father was
born in Tennessee, June 15, 1815, and died in Texas, December 16, 1891 ; the
mother was born in Virginia, in May, 1820, and died August 4, 1874, in
Greene countv, Missouri. These parents spent their childhood in the East
and received limited educations in the old-time schools. When a mere boy
B. T. Potter and his elder brother, Col. Tom Potter, emigrated to Missouri,
in 1828, and were the first settlers in Dallas county (then Crawford county),
locating there about the time the Fulbrights emigrated to Greene county.
B. T. Potter spent his early life in Dallas county, clearing and improving a
farm. He and Sarah Adams were married in Greene county in 1838. In
i860 he was one of two men in the township where he was living to vote for
Abraham Lincoln. However, in later life he was a Democrat. He reared
his family on his farm in Dallas county, there being twelve in number, name-
ly: Elizabeth Jane is living; Louise Ann and John W. are deceased; W. C,
of this sketch; Lewis and Clark twins, are deceased; Martha is the wife of
A. J. Hankin; Josephine is deceased; Benjamin F., Napoleon D., D. L. and
C. L. are all living.
\Y. C. Potter, of this review, grew to manhood on the old homestead in
Dallas county, where he worked hard when a boy. He had little opportun-
ity of obtaining an education, partly because of lack of schools and partly
because of the interruption by the Civil war. However, lie has made up
for this deficiency in later years by contact with the world and by wide
miscellaneous home reading, and is a fine type of the successful self-made
man. He remained in Dallas county until 1881, having devoted his atten-
tion to trading in live stock, cattle and mules especially. In that year he pur-
chased the fine farm where he now resides, the place then consisting of three
hundred and twenty acres, known as the old Adams farm. During his resi-
dence here of thirty-three years he has made many important improvements.
and, having prospered, is now owner of over six hundred acres of valuable
and productive land in this vicinity, all well fenced and properly improved,
and he has long carried on general farming and stock raising on an extensive
scale. His farm ranks with the best in the county in every respect. He has
an attractive, substantial two-story stone residence, modern in its appoint-
ments and elegantly furnished, a place where he can spend the "twilight of
his years" in comfort and happiness. He has a large number of convenient
and well arranged outbuildings, in fact, everything about his place denotes
thrift and prosperity. He built his handsome residence in 1888 of stone
I37O GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
quarried from his own lands. This home is known to the many friends of
the family as a place of old-fashioned hospitality and good cheer. He has
continued to handle annually large numbers of live stock of various grades,
and there is no better judge of live stock in the county than Mr. Potter.
Mr. Potter has been president of the Bank of Fair Grove, near which
village his farm lies, since its organization in 1905. and its pronounced suc-
cess has been due for the most part to his conservative, honest and able man-
agement. It is regarded as one of the sound and safe banking institutions
of southwestern Missouri, and a general banking business is carried on. Its
capital stock is ten thousand dollars. J. W. B. Appleby is cashier and H. E.
Gault is assistant cashier. All three of these gentlemen are well known about
Fair Grove and they have the confidence of the patrons of the bank to the
fullest extent.
Mr. Potter was married December 30. 1886. in Greene county, to Emma
Anthis. who was born in Madison county, Illinois. January 28, 1856. She
is a daughter of George and Maria | Ellis 1 Anthis, the father born in In-
diana in 1828, and died in Alton, Illinois, December 25, 1898; the mother
was born in Delaware in 1830, and died in Springfield, Missouri, October
26, 191 1. These parents were married January 30. 1851. in Madison coun-
ty. Illinois, where Mr. Anthis devoted hi- active life to farming until 1876,
when he removed to Greene county. .Missouri. His family consisted of eight
children, namely: Frances E., deceased; Wesley, deceased; Emma, wife of
our subject: Hiram, deceased; Stephen; .Morton: Anna, wife of J. Fergu-
son, and Ida, widow of J. S. Reed.
Mrs. l'otter grew to womanhood in Illinois, where she received a good
education, and she taught school a year in that state, and after coming with
her parents to Greene county, Missouri, taught six years in the schools here.
Prof. J. Fairbanks being superintendent of schools at that time.
The union of Mr. and Mr-. Potter ha- been without issue.
Politically, Mr. l'otter is a Democrat, and although he has always been
deeply interested in the public affair- of hi- township and count}', as well as
state and national, lie has never held public office, being essentially a home
and business man. Fraternally, he belongs to the Independent < Irder of < >dd
Fellows, a charter member of Lodge No. 387, at Fair Grove, in which he
has pa— ed all the chairs. His wife is a charter member of the Rebekahs at
Fair Grove, and they both belong to the Baptist church at that place and are
liberal supporters 1 -\ the same.
Mr. l'otter is a splendid example of the virile, broad-minded man of af-
fair-, who has always believed in doing well whatever i- worth doing at all.
a man of keen discernment and sound judgment, and at the same time a fol-
lower of the principles embodied in the Golden Rule in all his relations with
hi- fellow men, and therefore he enjoys their confidence and good will.
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. I37I
HARRY SANFORD JEWELL.
Tlie name of Harry Sanford Jewell is well known in newspaperdom in
Missouri for he has long been the motive force behind the Springfield Daily
Leader, one of the leading Democratic newspapers of the state and one of
the best known papers of the Southwest — an organ that bas done much for
the upbuilding of tbe Queen City and the entire Ozark region.
Mr. Jewell was born in Wyandotte, Kansas, August 11, 1867. He is a
son of tbe late J. B. Jewell, a well-remembered publisher, who was engaged
in the newspaper business in Missouri for a period of forty years. He was
also a minister in the Methodist Episcopal church, having been ordained in
1S69, an'' engaged in regular work as pastor of various churches from that
year until 1880, in which year he retired from the ministry and resumed his
newspaper career, purchasing The Democrat at Carrollton, Missouri, of which
he was owner and editor from that year until 1803. Removing from Carroll-
ton to Springfield in 1895, he became editor of the Springfield Leader-Demo-
crat, the latter part of the name being later dropped. He was connected
with the Leader for many years, also had other interests in this city. His
death occurred March 23, 1907. He was a member of tbe Independent
Order of Odd Fellows and held the highest honor, grand master of .Missouri,
during the year 1892, also served as grand patriarch of the Encampment
branch. He established the Triple Link, the official paper of the order, in
1875 and was editor and publisher until his death. He also represented the
order at various meetings of the sovereign grand lodge of America. His
widow still lives at the old homestead here.
Harry S. Jewell was nine years old when the family located at Carrollton,
Missouri. There he received a public school education, and learned the news-
paper business under his father, associating with him in business in tbe publica-
tion of The Democrat of that city in 1 SSS. He removed to Springfield in
1893 and became business manager of the old Springfield Democrat, a morn-
ing daily paper, which was purchased by The Leader in May, 1895, and he
has ever since been connected with tbe paper of which he is now owner and
publisher. He is also owner and publisher of The Ozark Countryman, a
monthly farm journal. He is president of the Springfield Paper Supply
Company. He built and still owns the Jefferson Theatre in Springfield, a
popular vaudeville house. The Leader occupies its own substantial two-story
brick building, which is equipped with modern presses, type-setting machines,
etc., being one of tbe best plants of its size in the Southwest, and a large
force is employed here.
Mr. Jewell was married in 1889. in Carrollton, to Abba T. Kelly, a
daughter of the late William H. Kelly, of Carrollton, Missouri. She was
137- GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
born at Strathroy. Canada, and moved with her parents to Carrollton, this
state, in 1870, and was there educated in the public schools and in a convent
of Independence, Missouri.
Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Jewell — John, now twenty-
three years of age, was educated in the local schools and at this writing is
attending the school of journalism at the State University at Columbia. Mis-
souri ; Marguerite, now sixteen years of age, is a student in Drury College.
Politically, Mr. Jewell is a Democrat and while he has never sought
political leadership has been a loyal defender of the party's principles through
his newspaper. Fraternallly, he is a member of the Independent Order of
Odd Fellows, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the Royal Ar-
canum and the Travelers' Protective Association. He also belongs to the
Springfield Club, the James River Club and the Country Club.
B. E. MEYER.
For many years B. E. Meyer has been one of Springfield's most progres-
sive men of affairs and most influential in public life. Strong mental endow-
ment, coupled with an honesty of purpose that hesitates at no opposition,
have so entered into his composition as to render him a dominant factor in
the business world and a leader of men in important enterprises. He is
essentially a man of affairs, sound of judgment and far-seeing in what he
undertakes; and every enterprise to which he has addressed himself has
resulted in gratifying financial returns, while at the same time he has won
and retained the good will and confidence of all classes.
Mr. Meyer was born in Columbus, Ohio, on December 27. 1863. He
is a son of B. E. and Mary I.. (Fisher) Meyer. The mother was born in
Reading, Pennsylvania, and the father was born in Baden, Germany. They
emigrated to America in 1849. The father's birth occurred in 1834 and
the mother's ten year- later, in 1844. These parents grew to maturity in
their native locality, received good educations and were married in Allen-
town. Pennsylvania, and there established their home. Mr. Meyer engaging
in the brewery business in Allentown for a number of years, later removing
to Columbus, Ohio, and from there to Urbana, that state, continuing in the
same line of business. Selling out in the last named city in 1866, he came
to St. Louis and was connected with the Phoenix Brewery for some time.
During tin- Civil war he served several months in the Union army, being
sent home from the front on account of sickness. Politically he was a
Republican in his earlier life, but later was a Democrat. He belonged to
the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and to the Knights of Honor. He
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. I373
was a good business man and always provided well for his family, which
consisted of seven children, all of whom are still living but one, namely:
B. E., Jr., of this sketch; Nellie, Charles D.. A. E., .Mary, Jane and Louis,
the last named being deceased. The parents of the above named children
finally located in DeSoto. Missouri, where the death of the father occurred
in 1894, and there also the mother passed away in 1896.
B. E. Meyer, of this sketch, received a practical education in the public
schools, and when a boy went to work for the Anheuser-Busch Brewing
Association, with which he has remained continuously to the present time,
this being his thirty-seventh year with this concern. His long retention would
indicate that he has been faithful in the discharge of his duties and has been
reliable and industrious, looking well to the company's interests in every
respect. He came to Springfield in 1895 and took charge of the Springfield
Ice & Refrigerator Company, with which he is still connected as manager
and secretary, and he is also manager and secretary-treasurer of the Ozark
Ice & Storage Company, and is general manager at Springfield for the
Anheuser-Busch Brewery Association. Thus it will be seen that he has a
vast amount of business to claim his attention, but, being a man of rare
business acumen and industry, he manages his affairs in a successful manner
without friction and worry and whatevef he turns his attention to brings
gratifying results. The plants with which he is connected are well equipped
in every respect, employing a large number of men and doing a mammoth
annual business which extends over a vast terrritory.
Mr. Meyer was married on June 5, 1889, in St. Louis, to Louise A.
Meyer (no relation), who was born in Berne, Switzerland; she is a daughter
of Gustav and Anna Meyer. Her father, who was a tailor by trade, is now-
deceased. He and his wife grew up in their native land, were educated and
married there, and when our subject's wife was a child immigrated to
America and located in St. Louis, where Mrs. B. E. Meyer received her
education. Her mother is living at St. James, Missouri.
The union of our subject and wife lias resulted in the birth of five
children, namely: Charles A., born on June 8, 1890, died in 1902; Lydia M.,
born on February 19. 1892, died in 1892; Lelia, born on July 16, 1893,
died in 1894; Bert E., born on October 14, 1895, grew up in Springfield
and was educated in the local schools and is now foreman of the storage
house with which his father is connected; Irena A., born on November 24,
1897, was educated in the Springfield schools and is at home with her
parents.
Politically Mr. Meyer is a Democrat and has long been active in party
affairs, in fact, a leader. He was a member of the city council in 1902-3,
and was elected mayor of Springfield in 1004, and, having made an excellent
record during his first term, was re-elected in 1906, his administrations
1374 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
being marked by a comprehensive idea of what the city needed for its general
development, and all parties regarded him as one of the best chief executives
the city has ever had, his being a straightforward, conservative and yet most
effective administration. He is a member of the Springfield Club and the
Country Club, and is prominent in fraternal circles, being a member of the
Independent Order of ( )dd Fellows, the Knights and Ladies of Security,
Royal Arcanum, the Improved Order of Red Men, the Fraternal Order of
Eagles, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, having been exalted
ruler three consecutive times of Florence Lodge, No. 409. He is also a
member of the Knights of Pythias.
JAMES THOMPSON CANTRELL.
As an agricultural region of which Greene county, Missouri, forms a
part is not surpassed by any state in the Union. It is indeed the farmer's
kingdom, where he always reaps an abundant harvest of one kind or an-
other. The soil, in most portions of Greene and adjoining counties, has an
open, flexible structure, quickly absorbs the excessive rains, and retains mois-
ture witli great tenacity. This being the case it is not s, , easily affected by
drouth. The prairies are covered by esculent, luxurious i^rass, equally good
for grazing and hay; grass not surpassed by the famous Kentucky blue
grass, the best of clover and timothy in raising live stock. This ^r;h> 1-
now as full of life-giving nutriment as it was when cropped by the buffalo,
the elk, antelope, and tin- deer. One of the enterprising men of Creene
county who took advantage of the naturally favorable conditions for agri-
cultural purposes in this locality and was adequately repaid for his pains
is James Thompson Cantrell, now living in the town of Walnut Grove,
1, nene county, after a long, active and successful career as general farmer
and stock raiser. lie has also a good record as ;i public servant, having
Idled a number of county offices in an adjoining county, and he is also a
veteran ol the Civil war, and a citizen who has ever enjoyed the respect
and confidence of his fellow men.
Mr. Cantrell was horn in DeKalb county. Tennessee, on a farm, Oc-
tober _'<). [842. He is a son of Peter and Elizabeth (Cantrell) Cantrell.
Peter Cantrell was a native of Tennessee also, where his parents located in
an early day, having removed from South Carolina. After spending his
earlier years in his native state. Peter Cantrell came to Dade county, Mis-
souri, arriving there November 3. [848, ami entered two hundred ami forty
acres of laud from the government, one hundred and twenty acres of which
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. 1375
his son, James E., of this sketch now owns. Here he worked hard de-
veloping his raw land into a good farm, the work of clearing and improving
being an arduous task, but he was not a man lacking grit and courage, and
here he fanned successfully until his death on Tune 24, 1874. Politically,
he was a Republican and was quite active in political affairs, was always
ready to defend his position on any public question. Religiously he was a
Baptist, and active in the work of the church. He married his cousin, Eliza-
beth Cantrell, in Tennessee, where she was born and reared. Her death
occurred in iSoj. To them a large family, fifteen children, were horn, two
of whom died in infancy. Seven of the sons were all soldiers in the Union
army during the Civil war, and all survived the conflict except one who
was killed by a guerrilla near Dadeville, Missouri.
James T. Cantrell grew to manhood mi the home farm, being six years
old when his parents brought him to Dade county, this state. He assisted
his father clear and develop the homestead, and he received what education
he could in a few books at home by the old lire-place, school advantages of
those days being very limited in his locality On August 8, 1862, when but
eighteen years of age, he enlisted in the Missouri State Militia in which he
served a year, then enlisted in the Fifteenth Missouri Cavalry, and was con-
tinuously fighting guerrillas while in this regiment. While in the service he
contracted rheumatism from which he has never recovered, lie was hon-
oral Iy discharged on June 30, 1865, in Springfield, after which he returned
home and resumed work on the farm, and continued farming in Dade countv,
which joins Greene count}- on the west, until 1800 when he was elected re-
corder of Dade county, which office he held four years, then returned to
fanning, which he continued with his usual gratifying results until 1911
when he retired from active life and located in Walnut Grove, Creene
county. He always kept his farm in Dade county under a high state of
cultivation and improvement and was regarded as one of the leading farm-
ers of his community. He served as clerk of his township for some time,
and was also assessor of his township for two years.
Politically, .Mr. Cantrell is a Republican and has been more or less
active in the affairs of his party for many years. He attends the Baptist
church, and he belongs to the Grand Army of the Republic.
James T. Cantrell was married on December 8, 1867. to Mary E. York,
who was born in Kentucky, April 15, 1852, a daughter of Greenberry and
Elizabeth ( Hardcastle ) York, and when young in years she came to Dade
countw Missouri. Ten children have been born to our subject and wife,
three of whom arc now deceased, namely: Alva B. is the wife of William
Carlock and they live in Dade county; Louis E. is practicing dentistry at
Evertori, Dade county; Nora E. is the wife of T. J. Drisdel, and they make
1376 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
their home in Dadeville, Missouri ; Benjamin F. is practicing dentistry in
Walnut Grove; Homer A. lives on the home farm; Henry C. lives in San
Pedro, California, and Kate B. is the wife of F. A. Wheeler, of Walnut
Grove.
[OHN M. HALL.
The record of John M. Hall is that of one of the leading twentieth cen-
tury agriculturists and stock men of Franklin township, Greene countv, where
lie owns and operates a valuable farm, specializing in dairying. His char-
acteristic- observed in demonstration arc those of the matter of fact business
man, reliable and responsible, careful of his antagonisms and loyal in his
friendships, lie is economic in the use of time, knowing that the "mill will
never grind with the water that is passed,'' so he tries to make the best use
possible of the present; for time moves a- steadily as the clock ticks in its
measurement, but the manifestation of things resulting during it- movement
is dependent upon the impetus or push applied in correlation. Knowing how
and doing promptly dissolves the mysticism which wonderment attaches.
Mr. Hall believes with the eulogies of Bret Harte. that
"The charitable few are chiefly they
Whom fortune places in the middle way;
Just rich enough, with economic care,
Ti' save a pittance, and a pittance spare."
Mr. Hall was born October 5. [869, in the above named township and
county. He is a son of Isaac M. and Martha (King) Hall, a well known
old family of this locality, full mention of whom is made in a separate sketch
in tin's volume, hence their life records will not be reproduced here.
John M. I bill spent hi- boyhood days on bis father's farm in Franklin
township, and he received his education in the common schools of bis native
county, and with the exception of six months spent in Colorado, he lias
always lived in Franklin township. In the spring of igo~ he bought ninetv-
four acres, known as the McMurrav farm, and bis father gave him sixty
acres, thus making him a farm of one hundred and fifty-four acres, which
is known as the "Grove View Stock barm." and which he has placed under
a lush state of improvement and cultivation, and here be is making a pro-
nounced success as general farmer and stock raiser. Formerlv be handled
large numbers of mules annually, but has now turned bis attention to dairy-
ing, operating a modern and sanitary dairy for several vears. keeping an
excellent grade of cows and be also raises large numbers of hogs, specializing
in spotted Poland-China breeds, ami is having great success with them. At
V,
-
-f.
H
o
PS
r1
r1
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. L377
this writing he owns two choice specimens of Poland-China hogs, one ten
months old and weighing four hundred and fifty pounds, lie takes great
pride in his stuck and the upkeep of his fine farm, believing in advanced
methods whenever practicable, and everything about his place indicates thrift
and good management. He has a pleasant home and large outbuildings.
He has such modern farming machinery and implements a- his needs require.
In [QI2 he built an imposing barn, sixty by seventy feet, with a capacity of
one hundred tons of loose hay. It is equipped with box stalls and is well
protected by lightning rods.
Air. Hall is one of eight children, namely: Mrs. Sadie Appleby lives
near Strafford. Missouri; Mary has remained on the home farm; John M.,
of this review; Mrs. Lillian Appleby lives in Kansas City; William lives near
Gladville, this county, <>n the Bolivar road: Avery lives in Franklin town-
ship; Frank makes his home in Franklin township; Charles died in infancy.
Mr. Hall was married in October, 1891, to Emma Thomas, a native of
Greene county, Missouri, where she grew to womanhood and received her
education. She is a daughter of Jackson and Cellia ( Foren ) Thomas. To
Mr. and Mrs. Hall six children have been born, namely: Coral; Madison,
born April 5. [892, who married Emma Kemling. have one child. Edward
Kemling Hall, born April 4. 10.15, is a native of Greene county and lives
with the subject of this sketch; Mrs. Mabel bitch, born November 17. [893,
is living at home; Hazel, born January 7. [896, died December 20. iqoi ;
Loal Luanna, born January 2, [898; Dorotha C. A., born February 3. [907,
and Martha Hermosa born August 30, [910, all at home.
Politically, Mr. Hall is a stanch Republican, but has never aspired to
public office. However, he takes a delight in assisting in any local movement,
political or otherwise, which he thinks will be for the general good of his
community.
LUCIUS W. HUBBELL.
When a man can command his own self-respect he will have no cause
to worry about what the world thinks of him. Lucius W. Hubbell, well-
known real estate and insurance dealer of Springfield has always looked
well to his self-respect and thus the world has respected and trusted him
and since coming to Greene county, some forty years ago, he has built up
a reputation that is inviolable, having the good will of all with whom he
has come in contact. Like many of the best citizens of the Ozark region
he hails from the old Buckeye state, a commonwealth that has produced
more presidents, great generals and famous statesmen than any other except
I 87 )
I378 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
Virginia, and the natives of that state are always welcomed into the newer
sections of the Union, for they have proven themselves to be people who do
things and can be relied upon in all emergencies.
Mr. Hubbell was born in Ashtabula county, Ohio, May 16, 1841. He
is a son of William S. and Eliza (Case) Hubbell, both natives of Connec-
ticut, the father's birth having occurred in the town of Birmingham in 1812,
and his death occurred in 1899. The mother was born in 1809 at Canton,
and her death occurred in 1877. These parents grew up in the old Nutmeg
state, and there attended the common schools, and they both emigrated to
Ohio when young where they were married. William S. Hubbell was a
woolen manufacturer, having served his apprenticeship in Orange, Connec-
ticut, going from there direct to Ohio, and was married about 1835. He
built the tirst woolen mill in that part of the United States. In later life
he and his wife removed to Benzonia, Michigan, where they both died.
Politically, Mr. Hubbell was a Republican in his later life. He belonged
to the Congregational church. His family consisted of seven children, only
two of whom are living at this writing. They were named as follows: Har-
riett, deceased; Helen, deceased; Lucius, of this sketch; John, deceased;
Buel; Nelson, deceased; Lizzie, deceased.
Lucius W. Hubbell grew to manhood in his native state and was edu-
cated at the town of Kingsville, and graduated from the old Spencer commer-
cial school at Oberlin, Ohio, having taken a commercial course. Later he
taught penmanship in the Kingsville Academy. He was teaching there when
the Civil war broke out, and he enlisted for service in the Union army when
Lincoln issued his first call for seventy-live thousand volunteers, but was
rejected as physically unlit for service. He then went to northern Michi-
gan and took up land in 1862, and after remaining there about a year he
started a school at Traverse City. Michigan, teaching penmanship. He was
in the employ of Hannah Lay & Company, of Traverse City, Michigan, in
[863, continuing for five years in this large mercantile and lumber firm,
then was in active business for himself for many years in Traverse City.
In 1874 Mr. Hubbell came to Springfield, Missouri, where he has since
made his home. He first engaged in the drug business, under the firm name
of L. W. Hubbell & Company, continuing about ten years, later took up real
estate and insurance which he still carries on successfully, having built up
a large business through his industry and fair dealings, lie maintains an
office in the Holland Building. For a period of ten years he was interested
in mining at Aurora. Missouri, and in Colorado. He has been very success-
ful in a business way. lie has a pleasant home on East Walnut street.
Mr. Hubbell has been twice married, first, in Kingsville, Ohio, on July
4, 1862, to Jennie Peck, whose death occurred on \pril 27, 1872. To this
union four children were born, namely: May, who married William L.
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. 1379
Case; Nellie, who married Walter X. Case; Agnes has remained single, and
Bernice, deceased. On April 8, 1873, Mr. Hubbell was married in Traverse
City, Michigan, to Mina Leach, a daughter of Dewitt C. and Abigail (Com-
fort) Leach. To this second union were also born four children, namely:
Lucius C, who married Clara Gage; Hattie II. is the wife of David H.
Frazer; Ruth S. is unmarried, and Alfred W. is also single. The sons of
our subject are all members of the Sons of the American Revolution, and
Air. Hubbell's daughters belong to the Daughters of the American Revolution.
Politically, Mr. Hubbell is a Republican, and has been more or less
active in party affairs. He served for some time as a member of the city
council. Fraternally, he belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.
ROY McKEE.
By a life of persistent and well-applied energy, led along the most ap-
proved lines Roy McKee has won the right to a position in this history
along with other good citizens of Greene county, of which he is a native
and jin which he has spent his life. He is one of the best-known and most
promising young men, who has been willing to work hard for his advance-
ment. He came up from the soil, improved every opportunity as best he
could and the fact that he has recently been elected for a second time to the
responsible position of city collector of Springfield indicates that he is not
only a man of ability and tact, but also of scrupulous honesty and integrity.
Mr. McKee was born in the northern part of Greene county, Missouri,
on a farm, June 15, 1888. He is a son of William D. and Fanny (Alex-
ander) McKee. The father was born in Bedford county, Tennessee, March
5, 1852, and there he grew to manhood and received his education in public
schools. Remaining in his native state until 1882, or until he was thirty
years of age, he came to Greene county, Missouri, where he has since re-
sided. His earlier life was devoted to general farming, but during the past
twelve years he has been employed in the upholstery department of the
Frisco shops in Springfield, and is a proficient workman in his line. His
wife was born in the year 1856, in Greene county, and to them the follow-
ing children were born : Leila, Roy, Auddroth and Ralph. Roy McKee
was reared on the farm in his native community and there he worked when
growing up. When a boy he attended the rural schools in his district. Like
many boys from the farms in the territory adjacent to the Queen City he
came here seeking employment, and became a conductor on the Springfield
Traction Company's lines, which position he held a number of years, giving
the company most satisfactory service in every respect. In 1912 he made
I380 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
the race for city collector of Springfield and was duly elected, and he re-
signed his position with the traction company to assume his official duties.
The fact that he was re-elected to this office in the spring of 1914 is suffi-
cient evidence of his popularity as a public servant and the faithful, con-
scientious and honest discharge of his duties.
.Mr. McKee was married February 18, 1908, to May Foster, of Spring-
field, a daughter of John and Malinda Foster. She was born in Springfield
in 1889 and was reared and educated here.
Two children have been born to our subject and wife, namely: Ber-
nice, born on September 11, 1909, and Leroy, born May 14, 1911.
Politically, Mr. McKee is a Democrat and is a worker in the ranks of
bis party. He is popular in fraternal circles, belonging to the Free and
Accepted Masons, Gate of the Temple Lodge Xo. 422; Vincil Chapter Xo.
no, Royal Arch Masons; St. John's Commandery, Knight Templars; Abou
Ben Adhem Temple of the Ancient Arabic Order of Xobles of the Mystic
Shrine: also belongs to the Knights of Pythias, Woodmen of the World,
Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Modern Woodmen of America.
ANDREW JACKSON EISENMAYER.
One <if Springfield's representative citizens is Andrew Jackson Eisen-
tnayer, whose life has been -pent in activities that seem to exercise to the
full his somewhat varied and unusual abilities: a life that carries with it
tlie lesson that one whose capacity, while not of the very greatest, may yet
do great work- l>v close devotion to the task in hand. He is a busy man,
an industrious man. For the past thirty years he has been successfully en-
gaged in building up one of the important industries of Greene county, one
of the largest of its kind in southwestern Missouri — having been manager
during that protracted' period of the Eisenmayer Milling Company. He has
attained a place in the commercial world of high degree and compelling
importance in this locality, in which be i^ a constant quantity — one of the kind
that makes up the front rank, the kind that can be relied on, a good work-
man in the world's affairs, a splendid specimen of the many that do the
real, hard work of the world in places of passing importance, and do it well.
His is a kind of life that does not attract attention for its unusual brilliancy
or any picturesque or erratic qualities, lint the kind out of which the war])
and woof of the substance that i;ms to make up the continuous achievement
of humanity is made.
Mi-. Eisenmayer, as his name would indicate, is of German blood, but
he is an American by birth, having first opened his eyes on the light of day
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. I 38 1
in Mascoutah, Saint Clair county, Illinois, January 27, 1862. He is a son
of Andrew and Christian (Sauter) Eisenmayer, both natives of Bavaria,
Germany, the father's birth having occurred February 22, [824, and there
they grew to maturity and received their educations. The paternal grand-
parents of our subject were Christopher and Margaret (Sies) Eisenmayer,
both natives of Bavaria, also, his birth occurring in 1784, and she was born
about 1788. and there they grew Up and were married in [807. He became
a large land owner, devoting his active life to farming. During the Neapoli-
tan wars he served in the Home Guards. He was a Protestant. His death
occurred in 1870, and his wife died in 1S72. They were the parents of eight
children, six sons and two daughters. Five of the »sons and one daughter
came to America and established their homes.
Andrew Eisenmayer, father of our subject, was seventeen years old
when he immigrated to the United Slates in [841. He worked for two years
at the carpenter's trade in Saint Clair county, Illinois, and in [843 Started
a sawmill and a flouring mill in .Mascoutah. Illinois, and operated the
latter until 1886, and was known as one of the successful mill men of
Saint Clair county. In 1884 he came to Springfield; Missouri, and purchased
the present mill of the Eisenmayer Milling Corhpany on West Commercial
street, and, having accumulated an abundance of this world's L;<>!>ds, he re-
tired from active life in 1886. Upon purchasing the local mill he placed his
son, Andrew J., of this review, in charge. Politically, he was first a Whig,
later a Republican, and was very active in political affairs, but would newer
accept public office, although many were proffered. He was a director of the
German Methodist College at Warrenton, Missouri, and contributed large
sums to its support. He erected a well-equipped gymnasium which bears his
name, for that institution. Religiously, he was a Methodist, as was his
wife and they were both very active in church work. They grew up in the
same locality in the Fatherland, and after he had gotten a start in the New
World he returned to his native land for her. and they were married in
1847. She was a daughter of John Sauter, a fanner, who was also a mem-
ber of the Home Guards during the wars with Napoleon. The death of
Andrew Eisenmayer occurred in 1900. his widow surviving until 1904.- They
were a fine old couple, beloved by all who knew them for their true German
hospitality and kindness. They were charitably inclined, and helped in all
good causes, but never gave for the sake of display. Eight children were
born to them, three sons and five daughters, namely: Elizabeth is the wife
of Dr. A. E. Wehrman, of Indianapolis, Indiana; Louisa is the wife of Wil-
liam Brorneleich, a banker of Lawrence, Kansas; John C. is engaged in the
banking business in Trenton, Illinois: Kate is the wife of Z. T. Remick, an
attorney in Trenton, Illinois; Andrew Jackson, of this review; Julius W. is
vice-president of the milling firm in which our subject is interested ; Anna
I382 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
E. is the wife of Dr. L. C. Toney, of Los Angeles, California; Amelia lives
in Los Angeles, also.
Andrew J. Eisenmayer grew to manhood in Saint Clair county, Illi-
nois, and he received a good education in the common schools of Mascoutah,
later studying at the University of Illinois, at Champaign, and was graduated
from the mechanical engineering department in 1882. After leaving school
he spent a year in his father's mill in Trenton, Illinois, and spent the fol-
lowing year traveling, and as already intimated he came to Springfield, Mis-
souri, in 1884 and took charge of the Eisenmayer Milling Company's plant,
and has since been president of the same. Under his able and judicious
management, the business increased with advancing years until it assumed
extensive proportions, its products being sent to very ready markets all over
the country, and it is one of the best known flouring mills in the Southwest,
and is one of the largest mills in this section of the state, occupying four
hundred and sixty feet on Commercial street and one hundred feet on Broad
street, covering forty-six thousand square feet of ground. One elevator of
concrete, of six tanks, has a capacity of one hundred and forty thousand
bushels of wheat, and another elevator has a capacity of one hundred and
eighty thousand bushels. This mammoth plant has a daily capacity of one
thousand barrels of flour, the leading brands being the "Spotless" and the
"Royalty." The plant is modernly equipped in every respect a- to machinery
and conveniences, a general milling business is carried on and a large force
of skilled assistants are employed, everything is managed under a superb sys-
tem. Thousands of carloads of flour are sent annually from the railroad
spur which has been built alongside the mill.
Mr. Eisenmayer was married October 1, 1890, to Celia A. Heer, a daugh-
ter of Charles H. Heer. She is a representative of one of the most promi-
nent Springfield families and is a leader in the best social circles. She was
born in Waterloo, Illinois, in December, [867. She was given excellent edu-
cational advantages.
The union of our subject and wife has resulted in the birth of five
children, namely: Walter G, born June 3, [891, i< assisting his father in
the mill; Christine, born February 5, [893, is the wife of Victor Simon, who
is connected with the Farmers & Merchants Bank of Springfield; Louise.
born on March 25, 1N07. is attending school; Marie, born February 5. mjoo,
is also a student in the local schools; and Andrew J., Jr., born July i_\ igi 1.
Politically. Mr. Eisenmayer is a Republican, and he has always been more
or less active in public affairs and has done much for the general welfare
of Springfield. He was one of the first councilmen when the city was con-
solidated, spending four years in the council, and he was a member of the
local school board for six years. He received a captain's commission in
the military department of the University of Illinois, was president of the
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. 1 383
junior class, also president of the literary society, and was elected presi-
dent of college government, and other offices of trust and honor were ten-
dered him, but business affairs prevented him from accepting them. Those
he has held, whether at the University or in Springfield, have received his
close attention and been well and commendably filled. Fraternally, he is a
member of the Masonic order, Gate of Temple Lodge No. 422, Ancient Free
and Accepted Masons; Vincil Chapter, Royal Arch Masons; St. John's Com-
mandery No. 20, Knights Templar; Abou Ben Adhem Temple, Ancient
Arabic Order of Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. He is also a member of the
Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.
MITCHELL C. SMITH.
As a leading citizen of Springfield, in its professional life, lending
eminent strength to her bar, Mitchell C. Smith commands attention from
the biographer who would wish to do Grecnr county justice. He is one of
our ablest of attorneys, and has few peers in his comprehensive knowledge
of state ami international law, and has conducted annually for many years
a large number of cases to successful issue. He is thoroughly the thinker
and legal philosopher, inclined to be mild and gentle, but capable of attain-
ing a glowing passion of eloquence, stirring and exciting in its appeals to
the emotions and the intellect. He possesses the elements of determination,
courage and nerve, and his mental organism is broad, solid, and disciplined
to the last degree by thought and study; he is singularly free from any
narrowness of professional bandinage, ami the prejudices and partialities
of the mere attorney. He seldom indulges in anecdote or humor, but this
may not be equally true in matters of retort and repartee. It is not of fre-
quent occurrence that a lawyer can be found who has so sharp and clear a
mind for details and historic particulars, accompanied by such depth and
strength of thought, and sustained and invigorated by so healthful a moral
nature.
Mr. Smith was born in Hinds county, Mississippi, in 1849. He is the
scion of an old Southern family. His father, Dr. N. J. Smith, was a native
of Norfolk county, Virginia, and his mother, Sarah J. Smith, was a native
of Currituck county, North Carolina. The progenitors of our subject were
patriotic and several of them served in the various wars of the country, in-
cluding the Revolutionary war, War of 1812, and the Civil war. In the
latter they were true to their own Dixie and fought on the side of the Con-
federacy. Several of his ancestors were prominent in public life, were mem-
I384 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
bers of the convention in North Carolina on the adoption of the constitution
of the United States, and also the ordinance of secession of 1861.
Dr. N. J. Smith was born in 1809. He was graduated from Jefferson
Medical College, Philadelphia, in 1840, and practiced his profession in Nor-
folk county, Virginia, and Hinds county, Mississippi; He died in Kansas
in 1884. His mother's maiden name was Bell, who was a descendant of the
Ferebee family, among the earliest settlers of eastern North Carolina. She
died in Kansas in 1912, at the age of eighty-seven years.
Mitchell C. Smith grew to manhood in eastern Kansas. He received
his early education in the common schools, and later attended the State Nor-
mal at Emporia, Kansas. He began studying law when a young man and
was admitted to the bar in 1882, at Yates Center, Kansas. He first began
practice at this place, and in 1893 located in Springfield, Missouri, where he
has remained to the present time, and has built up a large and lucrative
clientele, ranking among the leading attorneys of the Greene county liar.
Mr. Smith was married in November. 1882, to Elenor M. Bixler, a
daughter of Israel Bixler and wife of Sumner county, Kansas. Mrs. Smith
was born in 1861, and she received a good common school education in
Kansas, graduating From the State Normal at Kmporia. Kansas.
'Id our subject ami wife three children have been born, namely: Otto
M.. Allie D., and Edwill B. These children are now all mature and have
been carefully educated.
Politically, Mr. Smith is a Democrat. He is a member of the Spring-
field I!ar Association, and fraternally is prominent in Masonic circles.
JOHN T. GREENWADE.
The social, political and Intsiness history of this section is tilled with
the deeds ami the dbings of self-made men. and no man in Greene county,
Missouri, was more deserving the appellation than the late John T. Green-
wade, for he marked oul his own career at an early day and steadily followed
it up to tin- rml of Ins career, his prosperity being attributable to his eamesl
and persistent endeavor as well as to the fad that he always consistent!)
tried to do as he would be d< me by.
He was Imru in Hampshire county, Virginia, < >ctober 14, 1839, and was
a 51 n ot' Moms T. .ind Mary Ann (Long) Greenwade, natives of Allegany
county, Maryland, and there they were reared, educated and married, residing
for a tew years thereafter in Virginia, where Mr. Greenwade owned some land.
They later returned to Maryland and there the mother died when |olm T.
was about fourteen years of age, after which his father was married to
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. [385
Rhoda Allen, who survived him. Moses T. Greenwade was a very successful
fanner and stock raiser, was industrious and enterprising- and was a public-
spirited man and an active politician but by no means an office seeker, lie
was independent in his religious views, but the soul of honest)- and morality.
1 1 is death occurred in 1858.
The paternal grandfather of John T. Greenwade emigrated to America
from England with his parents when he was about six years oi age, the
family settling in Maryland, about ten miles east of old Fort Cumberland.
It is supposed that he spent his life in that state, where his death occurred
in 1852. His wife, Rachel,, was nf Pennsylvania Dutch stock. Their chil-
dren were, John, who died in Maryland about 1890, leaving a family well
provided for; Mrs. Nancy Cheney, who resided in Scotland county, Mis-
souri, for over a half century; Mrs. Mary Parker, win.) died in (893, in
Hampshire county, Maryland; Mrs. Sallie Miller, who died while visiting in
Indiana in 1883; Mrs. Rebecca Welch, who died in Maryland, in [892;
Daniel has long been deceased; and Moses T.. father of the subject of this
sketch.
Mary Ann Long, the mother of our subject, was a daughter of Adam
Long-, who was a German 1>\ descent, but was probably horn in Allegany
county, Maryland, and died in Harrison county. West Virginia, to which
place he removed about the middle of the last century. He was a farmer
and left a fair property to he divided among his sons and daughters, who
were named as follows; George, who died in Harrison count). West Vir-
ginia, in 1891, was a farmer; Jacob, who also died there; John, who died
in the same count)-, in [892; William was a soldier in the Civil war, and
he died in the above named count)- also; Jesse died there in [892; Mary Ann,
who became the wife of Moses T. Greenwade; Mrs. Sallie McCray, who
died before the Civil war and soon after her marriage.
To Moses T. Greenwade and wife live children were born, namely:
John T.. of this review; Sarah C. married A. P. Pace and they settled in
Greene county, Missouri; Mary Ellen married John F. Dayton, and tin,
established their home in Mineral county. West Virginia; William became
a farmer in Allegan)- county. Maryland; and Nancy, who was a twin to
William, died young.
John T. Greenwade spent his youthful days on a farm, received a com-
mon school education, and after the death of his father he began life for
himself, and when only nineteen years. of age rented a piece of land and
began farming. In January, i860, he was married to Ruhamah, daughter of
Nimrod and Elizabeth Pugh. natives of Virginia, where they spent all their
lives, Mrs. Pugh surviving her husband mam- years. She was of Irish, and
Mr. Pugh was of Welsh descent, and they reared a large family. Mrs.
I386 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
Greenwade was born in Hampshire county, Virginia, and died, after becoming
the mother of seven children, namely: Edward Everett; Josephine, who
married John Brady; Jennie, who married Dewitt Murray; Sallie, who mar-
ried Dr. J. I. Grieves; Robert, Claude and Porter. In 1879, Mr. Greenwade
was married to his second wife, Maggie Johnson, a native Kentuckian and a
daughter of Samuel and Lucy Johnson, who came from the Blue Grass state
to Greene county, Missouri, about 1870, and located their future home on a
farm near Springfield. This wife died after having borne her husband three
children: Mollie, W'eldon and Ralph. On June 26, 1892, Mr. Greenwade's
third marriage was consummated, Nellie, daughter of Robert and Lizzie
Shepherd, becoming his wife. Her parents came from England about twenty-
five years ago and began farming in Greene county.
John T. Greenwade lived in Maryland during the Civil war and was not
subject to military duty, owing to ill health. He was in sympathy with the
South, but all the rest of his people were stanch Unionists. In the fall of
1886 he came to Greene county, Missouri, and in 1867 located on a farm of
one hundred and sixty-two acres, one mile east of Willard, where he con-
tinued to labor during his active life, all the improvements of the place being
made by himself, and he was known as one of the leading fanners of that
part of the county for many decades. Politically, Mr. ( .reenwade was a
Democrat until 1S67, when he joined the Greenback party, and back in the
seventies became a Populist. He was frequently on the Populist ticket for
office, and in 1878 came near being elected treasurer of the county. He
has been a justice of the peace, was a candidate for county judge and also
for representative. He was a prominent Alliance man, having held nearly
all the offices in that order. He was of a decidedly public spirit, and being
a successful organizer was an active worker for public good in every way.
.Mr. Greenwade's death occurred in February, 11)14.
W'eldon Greenwade, son of our subject, was bom September _>_>. [882,
in Willard, Greene county. He received his education in this count v. He
remained on the farm until he was twenty-two years old and then moved
to Springfield and went to work as conductor for the Springfield Traction
Company, which position he held until 1014. He was then appointed deputy
city collector, which position he still holds.
Weldon Greenwade was married in Springfield, February 4. [906, to
Olive Carr, a daughter of Henry and Cynthia II. (Stubblefield) (air. They
were from Craw ford county. Missouri. Mr. Carr has been a farmer in this
comity since the Civil war. W'eldon Greenwade and wife have one child.
Hazel, who was horn April 13, [909. Mr. Greenwade has always been a
Democrat. He made the race in Tor4 for county collector, but was de-
feated. He is a member of the Masonic Blue Lodge, and the Knights of
Pythias, in which he has been keeper of records and seal for a number of
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. I38/
years. He is also a member of the Uniform Rank of Knights of Pythias,
the Woodmen of the World, the Anti-Horse Thief Association, and the
Ozark Game and Fish Protective Association. His family are members of
the Christian church.
WILLIAM BURTS LINNEY.
Those who are observing know that it is not a very rare thing in this
favored land of ours for a man to achieve his ambition in the face of ob-
stacles, accepting assistance from no one, or at least not depending upon
others to bring them to the goal sought. William Burts Linney, a well-
known and successful Springfield attorney is an example of one who has
met and overcome in an admirable manner the obstacles that have threat-
ened to thwart him in his laudable quest for the coveted heights of profes-
sional success. In early life he was apprised of the fact that the pathways
of mortal men are beset with many things calculated to impede them in
their race for material crowns; but he was also taught that the prize is
always won by the deserving, persevering and patient.
Mr. Linney was born on August 28, 1867, in Fort Worth, Texas. He
is a son of William Carlyle Linney and Mary Ann (Kelso) Linney. The
father was a soldier in the Confederate army under Gen. Sterling Price,
and fought at the battles of Wilson's Creek, Pea Ridge, Lexington, Cabin
Creek and others. At Cabin Creek his regiment captured, by the assistance
of other troops, a Federal wagon train, taking valuable supplies. William
Linney's brother had enlisted in the Union army about the same time of his
enlistment in the Southern ranks. After the train was captured the bag-
gage, clothing, provisions, etc., were divided among General Price's troops,
and William Linney's allotted portion contained a suit-case in which he
found a new pair of boots and a good suit of clothes. In the pocket of the
coat several letters were found, addressed to John Linney. and thus he knew
that he had come into possession of his brother's clothes. After the war
was over the Linney brothers got together and verified this fact.
William C. Linney was a native of Kentucky, but his wife was born
in Missouri, to which state he removed with his parents when about two
years old, the family locating in Grundy county in 1843, where they lived
until 1861, when he moved to Ft. Worth, Texas, living there until 1867,
when he. his wife and son returned to Grundy county, Missouri, living there
until 1869, when he located at Clinton, Henry county, but not long there-
after removed to Joplin, this state, thence, in 1878, to Grundy county, Mis-
souri, where their permanent home was established.
William B. Linney received his primary education in the public schools
I388 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
of Joplin and the district schools of Grundy county. He assisted his father
with the work on the farm in Grundy county, where the family led the plain
life of a plain American people, the life which, in its apparently monotonous
smoothness makes possible the development of good citizenship. During the
winter months he attended the district schools in the vicinity of the home
farm, until 1883, when he obtained a teacher's certificate. But he did not
begin teaching then, securing a position as clerk in a general merchandise
store at Grant City. He adopted a very simple rule at that time which has
stood him in good stead in those greater undertakings later in life. That
rule was to do every day's work thoroughly. Thus it was that his employer
soon came to learn that the young man in his emplo) was to be trusted to
do whatever was assigned him, with accuracy and complete fidelity to their
interests.
The goal of Mr. Linney's ambition was finally reached and he entered
the law department of the University of Missouri, at Columbia, from which
institution he was graduated on March 25, 1886. His ambition to Lie a
lawyer did not spur him ahead so rapidly that he neglected or only half
learned the preliminary details of the profession. He took care to study his
forms, the verbiage and the principles of its constructions so that he might
be able to apply the knowledge to future original work. The future seemed
very bright to his imagination, and he had already begun to look back with
pride at the progress he had made since the day- of the Grant City store.
Especially encouraging was the consciousness that every day he was acquir-
ing in fuller measure the powers by which he had cleared a way for himself
thus far, and that, set in the right channels from the beginning those powers
must ultimately briny success
On Augusl 23, [886, Mr. Linney was admitted to the bar of Grundy
county by Hon. Gavon I) Burgess, at that time judge of the Grundy Cir-
cuit Court, lie continued in the practice of his profession at Trenton,
Missouri, until i<>o8\ except the year [894, when he was located at Joplin,
in partnership with former Attorney-General Edward C. Crow, when he
moved to Pryor, Oklahoma, where he was elected and served as cashier of
the First National Bank of that place. It was said of him, "He filled faith-
fully and with conceded ability the position which industry and honorable
ambition secured for him." In January, i<>i4, he located in Springfield,
Missouri, where he has since been engaged in the practice of the law with
very gratifying results.
Mr. Linney was married on June 5. [895, to Elenora Van Horn, a
daughter of Robert F. and Margaret V 1 Messerly) Van Horn, a well-known
family of Webb City, Missouri. Mrs. Linney had the advantage of a good
education. One child has been born to our subject and wife — Mary Marga-
ret Linney, whose birth occurred on May 24, 1898.
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. l3&9
Politically, -Mr. Linney is a Democrat. He is a thirty-second degree
Mason, belonging to Indian Consistory at McAlester, Oklahoma; he is also
a member of Bedouin Temple, Ancient Arabic Order of Nobles of the Mys-
tic Shrine, at Muskogee, Oklahoma. He is also a member of the Knights of
Pythias and the Woodmen of the World. He is a member of the Spring-
held Club and the Country Club. He and Mrs. Linney have made many
friends since locating in this city and gained a high standing in the circles
in which they move.
KRXEST D. HAYXES.
It is not too much to say that it is possible for ever) able-bodied young
man to prepare against those periods of misfortune and ill luck which await
all mankind somewhere down the path of life, but some, instead of doing
so, trust to luck, which is an elusive and capricious thing, and so, believing
in the optimism of the future, they spend all on the present. The late Ernest
D. Haynes, of Springfield, it seems, was wiser and his prudence urged him
to pursue a different course, which, all contemplative minds will agree, is
the wiser, and therefore bis example is to be commended to the younger
generation of readers of this work whose destinies are yet matters for fu-
ture years to determine and who are hesitating at the parting of the ways,
apparently unable to determine which course to pursue.
Mr. Havnes was born in Putnam county. Missouri, May 21, 1867. He
was a son of Simon and Mary Belle (Smith) Iiaynes, the father a native of
Missouri and the mother of Kentucky. He is now living in Arkansas, the
mother of our subject being deceased. Siom Haynes has been a real estate
dealer and promoter, and very active in politics, and has held several county
offices on the Democratic ticket. His family consisted of four children,
namely: Mattie M., deceased; Cora is living; Myrtle is living; and Ernest
D., of this sketch.
Our subject grew to manhood in Putnam county and received a good
common school education. He was engaged in mining for several years
during his younger days, in Utah, interested in gold and silver mines. Re-
turning East he began railroading in Et. Scott, Kansas, becoming an engi-
neer on the Kansas City, Ft. Scott & Memphis road, which is now under
lease by the Frisco system, and he continued to work as such until 1901,
when he went into the coal and fuel business in Ft. Scott, under the firm
name of E. D. Haynes Coal Company, remaining there, enjoying a large
business, until 1909, when he went to West Plains, Missouri, and purchased
the ice plant there. Selling out later he bought a hack and buggy line in
Ft. Scott, but subsequently returned to West Plains, where he remained two
139° GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
years, and in 1910 located in Springfield as manager of the Consumers Ice
Company, and later bought the Clinton Ice & Fuel Company which he
operated with his usual success until his death, having changed the firm
name to the Haynes Ice & Fuel Company.
Air. Haynes was married on December 16, 1891, in Park City, Utah,
to Margaret Nolan, who was a native of New Jersey, and a daughter of
Philip and Mary (Lyons) Nolan, both natives of New Jersey. Mr. Nolan
was for a number of years engaged in the woolen mill business, and he and
his wife spent their lives in their native state and died there. Their family
consisted of ten children, six of whom are still living.
• To Mr. and Mrs. Flaynes only one child was born, Myrtle Haynes,
whose birth occurred on October 24, 1892. She was given good educa-
tional advantages. She married William M. Hamilton, who is in partner-
ship with Mrs. Margaret Haynes in the fuel business at 331 North Campbell
street, Springfield, under the firm name of the Hamilton Ice and Fuel Com-
pany, with yards at Campbell and Water streets. They have built up a large
and growing business and are making a pronounced success. Promptness
ami honesty of service is their motto.
Politically, Ernest D. Haynes was a Democrat. Fraternally, he was a
member of the Benevolent ami Protective Order of Elks, the Knights of
J 'vthias and the Ancient Order of United Workmen.
The death of Air. Haynes occurred on October 31, 1912. He was
known as a man of industry, making a success of whatever he turned his
attention to, and he numbered his friends by the scores wherever he was
known.
ONAS SMITH, M. D.
Success in the medical profession comes as a result of merit and
painstaking effort. In the industrial world one may by the proverbial "lucky
Stroke" win great results or may cine into po->ession of a lucrative business
through inheritance, hut professional advancement, especially as a physician,
is in be depended on solely by critical study and consecutive research long
continued, lie must not only be a man willing to work hard and honestly,
but must have courage, fortitude, sympathy, a kind and genial nature and
lead a wholesome life, so that lie will inspire the confidence and trust of his
patients. The medical profession is a very old and honored one. All tribes
and peoples of all the ages have had their so-called "doctors'' or medicine
men. and as a rule these were regarded as being especially gifted of the gods,
hut in this rushing age. with the mad desire to obtain wealth speedily, many
young men are dishonoring the physician's calling by practicing quackery
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. L391
and every unfair means, their motto being: "Get the money, get it quick and
in as large amounts as possible." Tin-- class, however, is confined principally
to the great cities, for such a course could not well be long pursued in rural
districts for obvious reasons. So when a young man of ability and honest
principles like Dr. Onas Smith, of Ash ( Irove, < rreene county, takes up this
calling he should receive special notice.
Dr. Smith was born at Halltown, Missouri, February 22, 1883. He is
a son of Russell G. and Melvina (Oldham) Smith. Russell G. Smith was
born in Alt. Vernon, Missouri, February 22, 1857, and is a son of James
and Mary Ann (Clayton) Smith. James Smith was born in Kentucky about
1821, and was a son of Spencer and Sally Smith. Spencer Smith was a
native of Kentucky, where he spent his life, meeting death suddenly, being
killed by a horse. James Smith spent his earlier years in Kentucky, and
removed to Lawrence county, Missouri, in 1857, and engaged successfully in
general farming there for about thirty year-, His death occurred in 1891.
He was a Democrat, and while very active in public affairs, newer held office.
He was also active as a member of the Christian church. He was a member
of the Masonic Order — the Blue Lodge.
Alary Ann Clayton, wife of James Smith, whom he married about 1840,
was born in Kentucky in iN_»o, and her death occurred in 1906.
Russell G. Smith, father of our subject, grew up on the farm and
received the usual educational training of that period in Lawrence county,
.Missouri. There he began farming when a young man and continued until
1910, when he removed to .Ash Grove and in i<)\j he purchased a third
interest in the drug store of the firm name of Smith, Mason & Smith, a large
and popular store here, which is doing an extensive business and is well
stocked with drugs and drug sundries. Politically he is a Democrat and is
very active in party affairs; is a member of the Christian church and is active
in that. Fraternally he is a Mason, belonging to Ash Grove Lodge. No. 100,
Ancient Free and Accepted Masons. He and Melvina < lldham were married
on September 10, 1877. She was born in Kentucky, on January 6, uS'56.
She was a daughter of Daniel and Mahaley (Sims) Oldham, who were early
settlers of Lawrence county, Missouri. Airs. Smith was a woman of fine
Christian sentiment, and she was called to her eternal rest on July 4, 1904.
To these parents two children were born, namely: Daisy, wife of John F.
Afason, a sketch of whom appears on another page of this volume, and Dr.
Onas Smith, of this review7.
Dr. Smith grew to manhood on the home farm in Lawrence county and
he received his early education in the public schools. He began studying
medicine with Dr. C. A. Wilkerson, of Halltown, and in 1899 entered the
St. Louis College of Physicians and Surgeons, where he made a good record
I392 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
and from which institution he was graduated on April 13, 1904. and just
one month later he opened an office for the practice of his profession at Piano,
Missouri, but remained there only six weeks, then came to Ash Grove, where
he has been engaged in general practice to the present time and has met with
encouraging success from the first. He is surgeon for the St. Louis & San
Francisco Railroad at Ash Grove. He has a one-third interest in the Smith,
Mason & Smith Drug Company here. In 1912 he took a post-graduate course
in the Polyclinic Hospital in Chicago.
Dr. Smith was married on July 20, 1904, to Allie B. Safer, who was
burn in Kansas 1 n May 18, 1886. She had the advantages of a good edu-
cation. To the Doctor and wife one child has been born, Orland, whose birth
occurred on February 15, 1906.
Politically, Dr. Smith is a Progressive. Religiously, he is a member of
the Christian church. Fraternally he belongs to the Masonic Order, includ-
ing Ash Grove Lodge, No. 100, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons: Ash
Grove Chapter, No. 124. Royal Arch Masons; Zabud Council. Royal and
Select Masters, and St. John's Commandery, No. 20. Knights Templars. Ib-
is also a member of the Knights of Pythias, of which he is past chancellor,
and he belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. The doctor and
his wife have made many friends since locating in Ash Grove.
JAMES THOMPSON WALKER.
Nearly sixty years has passed into the irrevocable past since James
Thompson Walker, deputy collector at Springfield, came to Greene count}-.
Thus he has lived to see and take part in the great transformation of the
country from practically a wilderness to one of the leading agricultural and
commercial centers of the state of Missouri, and he talks most interestingly
of the early days here, since which time everything has so changed as to
make n seem that he i- living in an entirely different country. He has not
'■iilv lived to see the Forests replaced l>v line fields of grain, log cabins by
large farm houses hut an insignificant handful of buildings grow into the
great citv of which everyone of this section of the state i-- justly proud.
Mr. Walker has served his country well, both as a soldier and as a public
servant and citizen and now in his eightieth year, he is —till active and
efficient as a result of a carefully lived lite, and he enjoys the good will and
esteem of all classes, all well knowing that his long life has been one of use-
fulness.
Mr. Walker was lorn in Bedford county. Tennessee, September 23.
(834. lie is a son of Isaac W. and Violet Matilda I Reed) Walker. Isaac
JAMES T. WALKER.
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. I393
Walker was horn in Mecklenburg county. North Carolina, November 12,
1800. Isaac Walker was a man of much industry and devoted his life to
farming in connection with carpentering and stone mason work. He and
his mother removed to Tennessee in 1X06. locating in Bedford county, the
township in which they settled being now a part of Marshall county. There
he grew to manhood and spent the rest of his life, and became a prominent
citizen there, served as count)- commissioner for a number of years. His
■death occurred in July, [888. Politically, he was first a Whig and later in
life a Democrat. His wife Violet Matilda Reed, was born in Logan county,
Kentucky, July 1, 1802, and died in July, 1865.
James T. Walker grew up on the farm where he worked hard when a
boy. He had practically no chance to obtain an education, learning what
he could in Sunday school, hut later in life he became a weli read man,
and is well informed on general topics. He remained in Tennessee until he
reached his majority and in 1855 came overland to Greene county, Missouri,
reaching here November 12th. He found employment as clerk in a small
store in the village of Springfield. Later he farmed in Robberson town-
ship, Greene county, until the commencement of the Civil war, when he en-
listed in Company A. Twenty-fourth Missouri Volunteer Infantry, August
5, 1861. He was in a number of engagements, including' Pea Ridge, \rkansas,
and Tupalo, Mississippi. His fidelity and ability were soon noted by his
officers and he was made first sergeant, then duty sergeant and afterwards
orderly sergeant, and served with his regiment in all the campaigns until
mustered out October 14, [864 at St. Louis. Lie was sick for two months
at Helena, Arkansas, but was never wounded or a prisoner.
After the war he returned to Springfield, and engaged in farming near
here until 1885, with the exception of six years, when he served as assessor
of Greene count}-, having been elected in 1867, and he made such a satis-
factory and commendable record that he was twice re-elected. He estab-
lished his permanent home in Springfield in 1883. In 1898 he was appointed
deputy revenue collector, which position he has held to the present time, a
period of over fifteen years, his long retention being evidently a criterion of
his faithful and satisfactory service.
Mr. Walker was married December 2^, 1856, to Margaret H. Mullings,
who was born in Bedford count)-, Tennessee, April 8', 1833. She was a
daughter of Hosea and Margaret (Reed) Mullings, who came to Greene
county, Missouri, in 1833. She has proven to be a faithful life companion.
Mr. Mullings was in the war of 1812. Mrs. Walker is one of only a few of
the real daughters of the war of 1812, there being only three living in Spring-
field. To the union of our subject and wife, eight children have been born, two
•of whom died in infancy: Etta is at home; John Clav is farming in Greene
(88)
1394 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
county; Hosea E. is a physician in New York; Violet is the wife of H. S.-
Warner, of Denver, Colorado ; Maude is the wife of G. G. Beckley, who is
employed by the Frisco railroad; and Isaac G. is a member of Fire Depart-
ment No. i, Springfield.
Politically, Mr. Walker is a Republican. Religiously, he is a member
of the Presbvterian church. He belongs to the local post of the Grand Army
of the Republic, of which he has been post commander. He was a member
of the Masonic Order, but is now demited.
DR. WILLIAM F. DONOVAN.
Ability, when backed by enterprising measures and progressiye ideas,,
will accomplish mure than any other professional requirement, an illustration
of which may be seen in the career of Dr. William F. Donovan, one of the
most widely known opticians in the Southwest. He ranks among the lead-
ers in the professional circles of Springfield, and is in every way deserving
of the large success that he has attained in life, for he has by his own efforts
risen from an environment none too auspicious to a conspicuous position in
the professional world. Hut this is not to be wondered at when we learn
that there runs in his veins blood of an excellent old Celtic family, and he-
has doubtless inherited from his sterling ancestors the characteristics that
win in the battle of life.
Dr. Donovan was born in the cit) of Cork, Ireland. July t6, [868. Ib-
is a son of John and Mary (McCarthy) Donovan. The father's death oc-
curred in Null. England, in 1892. He was surveyor of the hoard of trade
of the British government for a period of more than thirty years, lie was
also an officer in the Royal navy for a period of more than twenty years,
having been a lieutenant. Our subject's mother died when he was an infant
and he has little knowledge of her family.
Doctor Donovan attended the common schools and later was gradu-
ated from Christian Brothers College in [883. When a hoy he immigrated
to America without the consent of his father. He went direct to St. Paul,
Minnesota, ami there began working for an oculist, remaining in his em-
ploy for six months, and then entered the University of Minnesota, near
the city of St. Paul, remaining a studenl there two years. He received funds
from his father to defray his expenses while in school there. He then went
hack to work for his former employer, the "Pioneer" oculist, remaining with
him one year, then took a position in the technical department of the Spencer
Optical Company, of New York City, remaining there about live years.
Desiring to further his optical education, he spent one year in the Phila-
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. 1395
delphia College of Optics, and then went to Chicago and took charge of the
Julius King Optical Company of the Chicago branch, this firm having other
branches in Philadelphia, Cleveland and Chicago, the company's headquarters
being in New York. After remaining three years with this company in
Chicago and becoming exceptionally well equipped for his life work, he
opened offices for himself on State street in Chicago, where he built up a
lucrative and satisfactory business, remaining there until the opening of the
Louisiana Purchase Exposition in St. Louis, in 1904, when he came to St.
Louis to accept a flattering offer by the A. S. Aloe Optical Company of that
city, who had obtained exclusive optical concession at the World's .Fair.
Doctor Donovan accepted the offer and became general superintendent and
head consultant in difficult cases, lie remained with this widely-known firm
until the close of the fair, giving his usual satisfaction and high-grade sen ice.
On February 6, 1905, Doctor Donovan came to Springfield, Missouri,
ami opened an office at 303 South street, taking the entire floor, and imme-
diately built upon one of the largest businesses of its kind in the Southwest.
After a stay of six months it became apparent, because of the crude and
unsatisfactory work received in ordering his lenses ground in St. Louis and
Kansas City and the necessity of returning them frequently for correction,
it was absolutely necessary, if he was to turn out the high-class work, which
had already won him an enviable reputation in Chicago and elsewhere, he
must instal a grinding plant of his own. in September, 11)05, an order for
the same was placed with the Bausch & Lamb Company of Rochester, New
York, and on November 1, 1905. was ground the first lens in southwestern
Missouri, and his is still the only institution equipped for lense grinding in
southern Missouri; in fact, there are only four other lens grinding concerns
in the state. The extent to which Doctor Donovan's private practice has
grown is illustrated by the fact that he has on file seventy-live thousand pre-
scriptions for lenses, fitted and ground under his supervision, in addition
to this, many lenses for other opticians in this section of the state. An aver-
age day's grinding amouts to fifty pairs of lenses. Eight expert lense grinders
and one frame maker are employed. Sixteen people are employed by Doc-
tor Donovan to assist him in ministering to the needs of the eves of the
people of the Ozarks. In 1913 he removed from his first location to 306
South street, taking the entire ground floor, his increased business making
this move necessary. In May, 1914, he began the erection of the attractive
and substantial Donovan building at 420 South Jefferson street, and it was
completed the following October. It occupies an excellent site just across
the street from the Y. M. C. A. building. It was built at a cost of forty
thousand dollars, and its erection would indicate the faith of Dr. Donovan
in the future of Springfield.
Dr. Donovan was married on Thanksgiving Day, 1909, to Mary P..
1396 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
Durbin, a daughter of William F. and Matilda (Manning) Durbin, natives
of Kentucky, from which state they came to Greene county, Missouri, in
1879, Mr. Durbin engaging in the grocery business on the public square,
later removing to a location on South Campbell street. He is now conducting
a large grocery store and meat market on College street. Mrs. Donovan was
born in Springfield, on September 20, 1885, and here she grew to woman-
hood and received a liberal education in the Loretto Academy, making a good
record, and graduating from that institution in 1900. She was talented by
nature as a musician and she devoted special attention to the study of this
art, with the result that she is a highly accomplished musician, both vocal
and instrumental. Until her marriage she was a leader in the choir o. the
Church of the Immaculate Conception. She is a lad}- of culture and has long
been a favorite with a wide circle of friends. The union of our subject and
wife has been without issue.
Dr. Donovan is a member of the Missouri State Optical Association,
of which he is president, the duties of which important office he is discharg-
ing in a very creditable and satisfactory manner. Politically he is a Demo-
crat. He belongs to the Springfield Club, the Retail Merchants' Association,
the Young Men's Business Club, the Associated Retailers, and he and his
wife are members of St. Agnes Catholic church.
Personally Dr. Donovan is a genteel gentleman and he stands high in
the circles in which he moves.
WALTER WEIR McMASTER.
Walter Weir McMaster belongs to the class of citizens whose lives do
not show any meteoric effects, but who by their support of the moral, political
and social status for the general good, promote the real welfare of their
respective communities, and are therefore deserving of honorable mention
(ju the pages of history. He takes an abiding interest in the progress and
improvement of schools, good roads, in fact, in all matters pertaining to the
upbuilding of his city and county.
Mr. .McMaster was born in Springfield, Missouri, on March 22, 1^74.
He is a son of Cyrus J. and Belle 1 Weir I McMaster. The father of our
subject was a sou of Dr. Edwin K. and Eliza J. I Bull) McMaster. and was
born in Dade county, Missouri, May. [847. 1 1 is parents were natives of
North Carolina, and were among the pioneer settlers of Dade count)-. In
185] his parents moved to Greene county, where Cyrus I grew to manhood
and was educated. In 1864 he enlisted in the Fourteenth Missouri Cavalry,
and served until the war closed. During [869-70 he carried on the saddle
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. J397
and harness business at Walnut Grove, this county. In 1871 he came to
what was then called North Springfield and engaged in the produce and
commission business. In 1880 he entered into partnership with George O.
\ ick and they carried on a thriving business in produce and grain shipments,
handling about a quarter of a million dollars' worth of grain in 1882. We
next find him engaged in the buggy and wagon business, which he conducted
alone and on an extensive scale for a period of thirty-four years and was
one of the best known dealers in tins line in southwestern Missouri. Besides,
he was local agent for a number of the standard makes of wagons and
buggies. About 1904 he went on the road as traveling salesman for the Joel
Turnev Brothers Wagon Company, of Illinois. He remained active in busi-
ness affairs until his death, which occurred on December 30, 1912. In Wal-
nut Grove, on December id, 1869, he had married Belle Weir, who was born
in Springfield, Illinois, on April 23, 1852; she was a daughter of James D.
and Fidelia (Meacheld) Weir, natives of Kentucky and Illinois, respectively.
They spent their active lives on a farm in Illinois, and to them nine children
were born, only three of whom now survive, namely: Andrew, Mrs. Agnes
Dagan and Marion. To Air. and Mrs. McMaster two children were born,
namely: Vernie, born on April 6, 1871, married John French, and they reside
in St. James, Missouri, and Walter \V., subject of this sketch.
The death of Mrs. Belle McMaster occurred on September 14, 1914.
Walter W. McMaster was educated in the Springfield schools, and when
seventeen years of age he went into his father's store as clerk, remaining
there several years, then took a position in the coach department of the Frisco
shops, in the repair department, in which he remained three years, then started
in tiie implement business with his father on Commercial street and remained
in this two vears. then, in 1902, he was appointed deputy recorder of deeds
and served eight years as such in a most faithful manner. In [910 he was
elected recorder of deeds on the Republican ticket, serving one term, dis-
charging the duties of the same in a manner that was highly satisfactory to
all concerned. He is now engaged in the implement and real estate business.
Mr. McMaster was married on July 10, 1893, to Nettie Smith, who was
born in Springfield, Missouri, on August 28, 1875, and here grew to woman-
hood and received her education. The union of our subject and wife has
resulted in the birth of five children, named as follows : Raymond, born in
1894; Irma. born in 1899: Verna, born in 1901 ; Marjorie, born in 1903, and
Louise, born in 1910.
Politically Mr. McMaster is a Republican, and has been faithful in his
adherence to the party in both victory and defeat. Fraternally he is a mem-
ber of the Modern Woodmen of America, the Yeomen and the Court of
Honor, and religiously he belongs to the Presbyterian church, in which he
is a trustee and is active in the affairs of the congregation.
I39§ GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
SAMUEL A. REED.
The people of Greene county have been fortunate in securing such men
as Samuel A. Reed as their public servants and it would be difficult to re-
place the present county officials, clerks of the various courts and those in
general who are serving the people here in an official capacity with better
men, at least this is in the main true. It seems that they have been chosen
for these responsible positions more for their ability and honesty than for
political reasons. One of these is Samuel A. Reed, present incumbent of the
office of clerk of the circuit court.
Mr. Reed is a scion of a worthy old family of the far Southland and
he was born in the fair state of Mississippi while the family was en route
to the North, on September 8, 1859. He is a son of Robert S. and Sarah
(Goode) Reed, and is one of a family of twelve children, eight sons and
four daughters, of which number only four sons now survive. Robert S.
Reed, the father, was a native of Tennessee, where he grew to manhood,
was educated and married and there he spent his earlier years engaged in
farming. His wife was also a native of that state where she grew up and
was educated. The paternal grandfather of the subject of this sketch was
of English descent, and he was born in Virginia, from which state he re-
moved to .Mississippi in a very early daw
The Reed family was desirous of getting out of the South on account
of the turmoil there during the Civil war period. The long journey over
rough roads to Christian county. Missouri, required over six weeks. It
was on this trip that our subject was born. The family located on a farm
and made their permanent home in this locality, unlike most of the Southern
families who left on account of the war. after which they returned to their
old homes. Robert S. Reed continued farming up to old age and he is now
living in Springfield at the advanced age of eighty-four years. He is well
known in the sections of Christian and Greene counties in which he has lived
and his record is of the best. Mis wife passed away a quarter of a century
ago, dying in 1889.
Samuel A. Reed grew to manhood on the farm and assisted his father
with the general work of the same when a boy. He received his education
in the common schools of his locality.
On November 3, 1881, he was married to Susie W. Turner, a daugh-
ter of John and Edith Turner, an old family of Greene county, who spent
their active lives on a farm, and here Mrs. Reed was reared to womanhood
and was educated in the common schools. She is one of a family of thir-
teen children.
Five children have been born to our subject and wife, namely: Lulu
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. 1399
Maud married R. N. Farren, an electric engineer; they live in Wright
county, Missouri, and have three children: Sarah E. married Fred W.
Hoover, who is engaged in the lumber business in Tacoma, Washington,
where they reside; Elizabeth, born in 1888, is at home; Benton, born in
1892 is a natural artist and at this writing is attending the Chicago Art
School, expecting to be a member of the graduating class of that institution
in 1915; Nellie, born in 1894, is at home.
Politically Mr. Reed is a Republican and has been more or less active in
political affairs. In 1910 he was chosen clerk of the circuit court here, the
•duties of which he has discharged in an eminently satisfactory manner, being
accurate, prompt and courteous. He was re-elected in 19 14.
Mr. Reed and family are members of the Grace Methodist Episcopal
church on South street.
GEORGE IRVIN BOMGARDNER, D. V. S.
Foresight is one of the greatest assets of the individual. We all know
what we should have done yesterday. The real trouble is to know what to
-do today. There are opportunities in southern Missouri and northern Arkan-
sas for the young and middle-aged men who are not afraid to work and wait
for time to bring them recompense for their years of toil. In the Ozarks,
in the country and in the town there are innumerable opportunities awaiting
men with foresight, but the majority of these opportunities will not be seen
bv the present generation until they are brought within the range of vision
of their retrospection. Among the exceptions is Dr. George Irvin Bomgard-
ner, a promising young veterinarian of Ash Grove, Greene county, who had
the foresight to first get ready to do something that needed doing well and
then locate in a country that abounds in opportunities and has a great future.
Dr. Bomgardner was born at Cedar Rapids, Iowa, on July 28, 1882. He
is a son of John and Adeline E. (Hawkins) Bomgardner. The father was
born in Somerset county. Pennsylvania, about 1848, and when quite young
he went to Iowa among the pioneer settlers, and was living there when the
war between the states began, and although he was quite young, he enlisted
in the one hundred day service in an Iowa volunteer regiment and served
faithfully until his term expired and he was honorably discharged. When a
young man he learned the painter's trade and followed that for some time,
later engaged in the coal and livery business. In 1875 ne began farming,
which he followed with success until 1895, in Iowa, when he moved to Greene
county, Missouri, and bought a farm in Center township, adjoining the town
•of Bois D'Arc, and here he spent the rest of his life, dying on June 4, 1898.
I400 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
His widow survived until November 26, 1913. Politically he was a Demo-
crat, and he belonged to the Grand Army of the Republic.
Dr. Bomgardner grew to manhood on his father's farm in Missouri and
assisted with the general work there. After his father's death he and his
yi amger brother took charge of the farm. He had the advantages of a good
common school education, and later he entered the Western Veterinary Col-
lege, where he spent one year, then was a student for three years at the
Kansas City Veterinary College, making an excellent record there, and was
graduated in 191 1. The first Missouri Kansas City Veterinary College Club
was organized that year and our subject was elected vice-president and the
following year he was elected president. Soon after graduating he began
the practice of his profession at Ash Grove, where he has since remained
and has built up a large, satisfactory and rapidly growing practice, and has
had uniform success. He is very studious and keeps fully abreast of the times
in all that pertains to his profession.
Dr. Bomgardner was married on July 6, 1904, to Mary M. Hudgings,
who was born in Boone township, this county, on September 6, [881, and
here she grew to womanhood and received a good public school education.
She is a daughter of F. M. and Dortbula (Gilmore) Hudgings.
To our subject and wife two children have been born, namely: Doroth)
A., who is attending school, and Gertrude A.
Politically the doctor is a Progressive, and religiously he belongs to the
Baptist church. In March, io'.v he organized the Baptist Young Men's
Organization, the only organization oi its kind. Dr. Bomgardner is a teacher
and active worker in the Sabbath school, lie is Scout Master of the Boy
Scouts of America at Ash Grove, and is also a Free and Accepted Mason in
the lllue Lodge.
I.I-OXARD WALKER.
The name of Leonard Walker is entitled to a high ]><'-ui"ii in the list
of Springfield's successful attorneys-at-law, as those conversant with his
record will readily attest, for be possesses the personal characteristics that
should always enter the make-up of the man who essays a legal career. In
addressing the jury or the court he is interesting, forcible and decisively
natural — natural in bis native conceptions of the law — forcible in his scru-
tinizing nf it. direct, lucid and concentrative in his presentations, employing
and using in a remarkable measure the language of the law. if n<>t by actual
quotation, in a vocabulary of hi-- own, highly comparative with its besl stand-
ards of legal and literary expression. He easily obtains the understanding
of the court, and uniformly places himself in such relations t" it that he will
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. I4OI
not be misunderstood. His powers with a jury is well known. His argu-
ments come from the sources upon which decisions are based, radiate the
light of his judgment and investigation, and his words are but the echo of
the law with which courts are disposed to co-ordinate themselves.
Mr. Walker was born near Ozark, Christian county, Missouri, on March
1, 1800. He is a son of Leonard and Nancy M. (Adamson) Walker. The
father was born in Wilson county. Tennessee, on July 12, 181 2, and was a
son of William J. and Polly (Adams) Walker. William J. Walker was born
near Dublin, Ireland, and he emigrated to America when a boy, just after
the close of the Revolutionary war. He first located in North Carolina,
later lived in Virginia and Tennessee, and was a resident of the latter state
during the war of 1812 and joined Gen. Andrew Jackson's force and fought
with the famous Tennessee Riflemen at the memorable battle of New Orleans.
After the war he returned to Tennessee and accumulated a handsome for-
tune, owning six hundred and forty aero of rich bottom land, also a large
whisky distillery. He owned many slaves, but sold them after the death of
his wife, and began trading in live stock, buying up large herds and driving
them to the far South and selling them, and while on one of these trips be
contracted a fever in northern Alabama and died there about 1827. Polit-
ically he was a Whig, and was a great personal friend of both Henry Clay
and Andrew Jackson. Religiously he was a Baptist. Leonard Walker, Sr.,
was reared on the home plantation in Tennessee, and received a limited edu-
cation in the schools of his native locality. His mother died when be was
ten years of age and he was reared by an old negro mammy, who did in it
accord him very tender treatment. He was fifteen years of age when his
father died. The estate was all squandered and be was left practically penny-
less. When young in vears he began his career as a general farmer, also
engaged in the tinware business, remaining in Tennessee until 1842. when
he made the tedious overland journey to Missouri, stopping first near Bolivar,
Polk county, and farmed there for three years, then moved to the Finley
Creek bottoms near Ozark, Christian county, where he purchased a farm of
two hundred and five acres, which he developed and operated in a fairly
successful manner until his death, which occurred on January 18, 1896. He
was regarded as one of the substantial, useful and worthy citizens of that
county and was more or less influential in public matters. Politicallv he was
first a Whig, later a Republican and was a stanch Union man during the
Civil war period. He belonged to the Baptist church. He and Nancv M.
Adamson were married in September, 1842. She was born in DeKalb
county, Tennessee, on July 24, 1826, and was a daughter of Wells Adamson
and wife, pioneers of that state and there Mrs. Walker grew to womanhood
and was educated in the old-time log cabin schools. Her death occurred
on October 15, 1901. Twelve children were born to the parents of the subject
I402 GREENE COUXTY, MISSOURI.
of this sketch, ten of whom are still living at this writing. One son, \Y. J.
Walker, was a soldier in the Civil war.
Leonard Walker, of this review, grew to manhood on his father's farm
and assisted with the general work during the crop seasons, and he had the
advantages of a good education, attending the district schools in his home
community, and later was a student in Drury College, Springfield, but was
compelled to leave his studies on account of failing health. When only
sixteen years of age he was deputy assessor of Christian county. He has
remained a close student and has become a well educated man, not only keep-
ing fully abreast of the times in his chosen profession, but is familiar with
the world's best literature and well informed on current topics. He began
studying law when quite young and made rapid progress in the same. How-
ever, ill health interrupted his studies and he underwent an operation in a
hospital in St. Louis in 1890. He studied in the law offices of Harrington &
.Pepperdine, a well-known firm in Springfield, in 1891, and was admitted to
the bar in February, [892, and ever since he has been successfully engaged
in the practice of his profession in Springfield, enjoying a constantly growing
ami satisfactory business and ranking among the leading lawyers of Greene
county
Mr. Walker was married in August, 1892, to Lucy Jania Robertson, ^i
Ozark. Missouri, where her birth occurred on December 25, [866, and there
she grew to womanhood and was educated. She is a daughter of J. W. and
Martha Robertson, a well-known and highly respected Family of Christian
county To Mr. ami Mr;-. Walker two children have been born, namely:
Harold M., horn on November _', 1895, is at tin- writing a junior in Drury
College; Helen A., born on October 26, t8g6, 1- now a sophomore in Drury
College; they are both making excellent records in scholarship.
Fraternally Mr. Walker is a member of the Masonic Order and the
Knights of Pythias, being past chancellor of the latter lodge in Springfield
and a member of the ( .rand L dge of Missouri. He is a member of the Con-
gregational church.
I lis Americanism and Republicanism, neither give nor take quarter from
any faction, junta or party. Practically self-educated, self-qualified for the
exercise of his civic duties, fortified in his political views by the continuing
theories am! opinions of the most brilliant ami powerful leaders of the Re-
publican party, Mr. Walker stands nobly erect in the ranks of the gigantic
national political organization to which he belongs. The principles that gave
birth to it. that vitalized it in infancy, nurtured its growing years, and in its
maturity impart to it. its dominant and beneficent character, are those that
he advocated in the days of Grant, Garfield ami Blaine, for even when a boy
lie had pronounced views on national questions, and he has ever been in
Straight and uniform alignment with the Republican party and its policies,
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. 1 403
and he has been one of the local leaders in the same for many years. He
was elected city attorney of Springfield in 1896 and renominated in 1898,
but went down in defeat with the entire ticket in Greene county. .Again in
1912 he was elected city attorney and served two years. He has also served
one rear as tax attorney. As a public servant his record was eminently
.satisfactory to his constituents and all concerned, being marked with fidelity
to duty, honesty and ability of a high order.
WILLIAM HOWELL.
The late William Howell was one of the sterling pioneer characters of
Greene county, there remaining today but very few of his type. He came
here when the country was comparatively little developed. He was also an
adventurer of the great plains of the Southwest in the days of the hostile
red man. He also served his country as a soldier. All this indicates that
he was a man of courage, hardihood and strong characteristics. It is the
names of such as he that the biographer likes to write of in a volume of the
nature of the one in hand.
Mr. Howell was born at Scranton, Pennsylvania, in 1838. His father
died when our subject was about three months old and at the age of about
one year his mother also died, he was then taken by his uncle, James Free-
man, to raise, who was a resident of Ray county, Missouri. Mr. Howell
lived here, receiving his early education in the district school and doing what
work fell to him on the farm. When the war of the rebellion broke out
our subject enlisted in Company C, Sixth Missouri Cavalry, serving his full
term. He took part in many important engagements, including the battle
of Pea Ridge, also the battle of Springfield, January 8, 1863. He remained
in this city during the spring of that year, and while here met and married
Lettie J. Gardner, who was horn in 1840. in Tennessee, and was a daughter
of James D. and Matilda Gardner, both Tennessee people. During his life
he made two trips overland to New Mexico, which were hazardous in vari-
ous ways and in later life he told many interesting incidents of the same.
Mrs. Howell is still living. She remained in Springfield during the
time our subject was with his troops in the field during the Civil war, and
at the close of the war he was honorably discharged as first lieutenant and
located in this city where he spent the rest of his life, dying on August 30,
1901. His family consisted of three children, namely: John C, deceased;
Charles A., who lives on South Florence street; and James Edward, living
■on Monroe street, this city.
Charles A. Howell was born on November 1. 1866. in Ray county, Mis-
I404 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
souri. He received a high school education in Springfield, in the early
period of Professor Fairbank's superintendency. He has lived in the vicin-
ity of Springfield since 1873, followed farming for awhile; and kept books
for seven years. On June 10, 1896, he went into the feed business for him-
self in the old "elevator corner" at St. Louis and Jefferson streets which
soon afterwards was destroyed by fire. He remained in this business, also
carrying a line of wood and coal until January 1, 1909, since which time
he has retained the last two lines, discarding the feed business, at the corner
of Lena and Hayden streets, having been in business alone, and he has en-
joyed a good trade which is all the while increasing. He was married on
January 22, 1891, in Springfield, to Katherine C. Blackman, who was born
on the old Blackman homestead a few miles south of Springfield and here
she grew to womanhood and was educated. She is a daughter of J. M.
and Fanny C. (Deupree) Blackman. Mr. Blackman was born in this city,
March 4, 1840, and here his death occurred on Xovember 22, 1904. He
spent his life as a farmer. His family settled in Greene county in pioneer
days. He became an influential citizen. He was a nephew of the well-
known John P. (Jack) Campbell, who founded the city, donating ground
for the public square and other important places in the heart of the city.
To Charles A. Howrell and wife three children have been born, namely :
Junius B., burn August 22, 1893, is single and is employed in the McDaniel
National Bank of Springfield: Mary K.. born on September 25, 1895, is at
home; Katherine I\, born on November 8, 1900, is also with her parents.
Politically. Mr. Howell is a Republican. He belongs to the Royal
Arcanum lodge, and is a member of the Christian church in which he is a
deacon and active in the affairs of the same.
THOMAS ML' PRAY.
Recurrence to the past, with reflections and associations which make
it appear in life-like review before our mental vision, will continue as "long
as the heart has sorrows, as long as life has woes" to be a source of satis-
faction; and especially when our personality and former friends, happily in-
terwoven 111 some pleasant incident, will the picture thus reflected be more
pleasing. These reminders, however, often vanish and pass away with the
life of the participants when no landmarks remain to serve as a background
for the picture engraved on the tablets of memory, the impressions of which
arc but remodelings of others. To preserve these from oblivion before they
have lost their distinguishing originality is the work devolved upon the
writer of local history and biography. These both fail in their mission when
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. I4O5
they fail to preserve the life features connected with their trust. Biography,
more than anything else, commands the most interested attention for the
reason that it is a record of those who, in times gone by, traveled the thorny
pathway of life as companions, acquaintances, friends or relatives. To pre-
serve from forgetfulness the simple story of their experiences and record
their acts, however uneventful, is a task attended with much pleasure and
fraught with great good to humanity. Especially is this the case when the
subject, like that of the well remembered pioneer engineer whose name
forms the caption of this article, has led a useful and honorable life.
Thomas Murray was born in Ireland in 1842. He was a son of
Thomas Murray, a native of the Emerald Isle, where he grew up, attended
school and was married, and from there immigrated to America when com-
paratively young and located in Clyde, Wayne county, New York, and when
about forty years of age he was killed on the Erie Canal in New York. His
family consisted of six children, all of whom are now deceased.
Thomas Murray, of this sketch, was a child when his parents brought
him to the United States from Ireland, and he grew to manhood in the state
of New York, receiving a limited education in the common schools of
Wayne county, that state. When a buy he worked awhile on the Erie Canal,
later began working fur the Pennsylvania Railroad Company as fireman
out of Mcadville, Pennsylvania, which position he held two years, then
came West and located at Pacific, Missouri, when the St. Louis & San
Francisco Railroad Company was being built in that part of the state, and
there he began firing for this company. This was about the time this road
was being built into Springfield. Later he was promoted to engineer, and
he removed from Pacific to Springfield. He remained a locomotive engi-
neer the rest of his life and was in the service of the Frisco system for a
period of fortv-six vears, during which he was regarded as a capable and
trustworthy engine driver. He found but a straggling village when he
first came to Springfield, and he saw the place grow into the important city
it is today. He was married in St. Louis in 1872, to Julia Hailey, who was
born in 1849. Her death occurred in 1895. She had received a common
school education and she was a member of the Sacred Heart Catholic church.
To Thomas Murray and wife four children were born, namely: El-
len is deceased; J. D., our subscriber, is mentioned at the close of this sketch;
Julia is deceased; Thomas is also deceased.
Politicallv, Thomas Murray, the immediate subject of this sketch, was
a Democrat. He belonged to the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers,
having been a charter member of the Springfield branch of the order. He
was a member of the Sacred Heart Catholic church. His death occurred at
the family residence in Springfield on September 12. 1908, at the age of sixty-
six vears.
I406 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
J. D. Murray, son of our subject, was born in Pacific, Missouri, No-
vember 19, 1876, and be was an infant when his parents brought him to
Springfield, in which city he grew to manhood and was educated in the
ward and high schools. After leaving school he worked eighteen months as
machinist apprentice in the north side Frisco shops, later was sent out on
the road as brakeman for the Frisco out of this city, and was in the serv-
ice nine years as freight brakeman. In 1907 he met with misfortune, losing a
limb which incapacitated him for further road service.
J. D. Murray has remained unmarried. Politically, he is a Democrat.
He belongs to the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. He is also a
member of the Brotherhood of Trainmen.
LOUIS ALLEN DICKEN CRENSHAW.
Few men of a past generation in ( rreene county were held in higher
esteem than the late Louis Allen Dicken Crenshaw, who, now that life's fit-
ful fever is over, is sleeping serenely in the "windowless palaces of rest."
Although more than a quarter of a century has elapsed since he was an actor
in the local arena of material affairs, his memory is -till revered by a vast
circle of friends who knew him well and admired him, for he was a man in
whom all took delight, owing to his sterling honesty, his indomitable indus-
try, his charitable nature and his readiness to help in the furtherance of any
movement looking to the general upbuilding of the community. He was one
of our sterling pioneer citizens to whom we owe so much, for he came here
when little improvement had been made, and, working long and hard, re-
ined, with others, the Fertile fields and tl arms which we of today
enjoy and which are now so valuable. We can never say too much regarding
these splendid, brave and courageous pioneers who literally took their own
lives in their hands, and. not counting the cost, casl their lot in a new coun-
try, away from the pleasant hearthstones of their ancestors and the advan-
tage >re advanced civilization. Mr. Crenshaw bj his own efforts rose
to In one of the m< >>t substantial men in the community, was one of the
county's most extensive land owners and largest farmers and stock men, and
influential in public affairs.
Mr. Crenshaw was born in iN_>i in Nashville, Tennessee, and was a son
of William and Susanna 1 Ward 1 Crenshaw. The father was a native of
Virginia, a representative of a prominent family, members of which built
the capitol building in Richmond, and the Crenshaws owned the mansion
which was used by the Confederate president in Richmond. The mother of
the subject of this memoir was born in North Carolina; her father emi-
b
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. '4°7
rated from that state to Nashville, Tennessee, when it was a little more than
a fort. To William and Susanna Crenshaw four sons and one daughter
were burn.
Louis A. D. Crenshaw spent his early life in Tennessee. When a bo)
lie assisted his father, who was a wholesale grocery merchant in Nashville.
In [839, when just entering young manhood, our subject removed with his
father to Greene county, Missouri, and located on a farm. Later the father
purchased another farm, 011 which he spent the rest of his life.
In 1840, Mr. Crenshaw went to California, crossing the plains at the
head of a large train of wagons drawn by oxen and loaded with provisions
and merchandise of all kinds. He took with him twenty-seven men, who
gave their services for their expenses on the trip. One of this number was
later well known as Governor McClurg, of Missouri, being honored with the
highest office in the gill of the people of this state. While in California,
Lewis A. D. Crenshaw fitted Up a store with the merchandise which he had
taken to the coast, and then sold his stock and all his wagons at a big price.
This business sagacity was characteristic of him. He seemed always to
recognize the full value of an opportunity and by the wise use thereof he
gained success. In all of his dealings he was thoroughly reliable and his
efforts upon the Pacific coast gave him a good start. After about a year he
returned by way of the Panama route and New York to Missouri. Again
settling m Springfield, he engaged in dealing in mules and likewise became
interested in a wholesale hardware business and other undertakings. He
also made extensive investments in land and resided upon a large ranch of
about three thousand acres four miles south of Springfield, which, since his
death, has been divided into several farms, lie planted forty acres in black
walnuts, which made a magnificent grove. On this place he built a com-
modious, substantial, and. at that time, elegant home, in the old Colonial style
of architecture, and near by stands a large, expensive barn. Here his widow,
who owns the place, still spends the summer months, but lives in Springfield
with her daughter in the winter time. Mr. Crenshaw was one of the prin-
cipal contractors and. builders of the Kansas City, Ft. Scott c\- Memphis rail-
road, commonly known as the "Culf" line, which is now a part of the Frisco
system, his operations being between Springfield and Ash Grove, ibis county,
and he owned considerable stock in that road.
Mr. Crenshaw was twice married, first, in 185 1. to Louise Crenshaw,
whose death occurred in September, 1865, having borne her husband six chil-
dren. On June 20, 1867, Mr. Crenshaw married Fanny Smith, who was
born in Nashville. Tennessee, May 28, [841. She is a daughter of John T.
and Elizabeth ( Shockwell ) Smith, the father and the mother natives of
Georgia. To John T. Smith and wife six children were born, only one of
whom. Mrs. Fanny Crenshaw, is still living. She grew to womanhood in
I408 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
Nashville, and there received her education, being graduated from a semi-
nary there in 1857.
Eight children were born to our subject's second marriage, seven of
whom are still living, namely: Susanah, born May 10. 1869, married Dr.
J. W. Love ; they live with her mother and they have two children, Louis
C. and Bettie Love; Anna W., Mrs. Shepard; Edith is deceased; Dicken W. ;
Smith S. : Aileen Sandridge; Thomas, and Clara C, who is the wife of Allen
Earley.
Politically, Louis A. D. Crenshaw was a Whig, later a Greenbacker. and
finally a Democrat. He was a strong supporter of the Union during the Civil
war times. When he was but a boy he was a deputy constable. His death
occurred on his fine farm near Springfield on December 23, 1884.
JOHN" WESLEY KLINGNER.
The record of John Wesley Klingner is one that is deserving of our
admiration for it shows the possibilities here in free America of a young man
of ambition, fortitude, grit and perseverance, although springing from a
humble environment. It proves that blood counts in this country but in a
different way in which the "blood" of the European nations count, for here
we count as worthiest, the good, sterling blood of our honest, hard-work-
ing ancestors, while across the ocean it is merely a difference of aristocracy
so-called and peasantry, the latter counting, in many instances, for more than
the former, in the true scale of being. Our subject was fortunate in having
behind him progenitors of the right sort, what we in this country would call
the best blood of Germans and Anglo-Saxons, and so it is not surprising
that he has made a success in life despite obstacles.
.Mr. Klingner was born September 28, i N 7 7 . at Fair Grove, Greene
county, Missouri He is a son of John and Mollie (Shade) Klingner. a
well known and highly respected family of that locality, where the father
ha- long been engaged in general agricultural pursuits and where be is also
doing a splendid work as a local minister in the Methodist church. In view
of the fact that a full record of this family appears on another page of this
volume, it will not be repeated here.
John W. Klingner. who is one of the progressive and efficient under-
takers of tins section of Missouri, grew to manhood on the home farm near
Fair Grove and there did bis share of the work during the crop season, when
he became of proper age, and be received his early education in the public
schools of his native vicinity, and when young learned the blacksmith's trade
at which he worked for a period of ten years, becoming quite proficient in the
JOHN W. KLINGNER.
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. I-P9
same and had a good business, bul turning his attention to another field of
endeavor he entered the Williams Institute of Embalming at Kansas City,
where he made rapid progress and from which institution he was graduated
with the class of 190S. Soon thereafter he went to Rogers, Arkansas, where
he engaged in his professi' in a year and got a good start, but seeking a larger
field for the exercise of his talents he came to Springfield, Missouri and on
November 1, 1909, organized the J. W. Klingner & Company, with a capital
stock of seven thousand dollars, and incorporated the same. They com-
menced business at 432 East Commercial street and here they have remained
and have built up a large and constantly growing business, of which our
subject is manager. They are properly equipped, everything modern, and
prompt and honest service is the aim of the company at all times. Mr. Kling-
ner is an expert in embalming and is a close student in all that pertains to this
art, and he is popular as a funeral director.
Mr. Klingner was married December 24, 1899. to Lulu Putman, of
Fair Grove. Missouri, where she was horn September 17, 1880, and there
was reared to womanhood and educated. She is a daughter of E. B. and
Meranda Putman.
Four children have been horn to Air. and Mrs. Klingner, namely: Yelda,
horn August 2, 1901, died October 4. 1913; Mona, born February 14. 1906;
John B., born July 13, 1909; Malcolm, born June 12, 1911.
Politically, Mr. Klingner is a Democrat. He belongs to the Methodist
Episcopal church. South, and fraternally, is a member of the Independent
Order of Odd Fellows, the Knights of Pythias, the Masonic order, being
pastmaster of Gate of Temple Lodge, No. 422, in the work of which he
has been very active; he also belongs to Queen City Chapter, Order of East-
ern Star, No. 226.
WILLIAM II. COWDEN, M. D.
Amidst the splendors of twentieth century achievements and the nu-
merous factors that go to make up the component parts of our boasted
advanced civilization one factor looms among the most conspicuous — the art
of healing. This fact may not be readily accepted by the rank and file of the
peoples of the world, who no doubt believe the palm should be given to
mechanical science, because the conspicuous progress in this field is more a
part of our every-day life and is therefore kept more constantly before us and
is more quickly observed and appreciated. The student of the early history
of the human race finds that ignorance and superstition surrounded the
anatomy of the human organism, which resulted in the belief that disease
(89)
I4IO GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
was of supernatural and mysterious origin. For ages it was believed that
the sick and afflicted were possessed of devils and weird chants, incantations
and so-called religious rites were common resorted to rather than the appli-
cation of drugs or other means of modern healing. In fact, it was not until
the thinking Greeks proved that the medical cure was the practical way of
overcoming the multiform ills of the flesh which were not due to the presence
of evil spirits or to the anger of the gods, and thus was placed upon a scien-
tific basis the study of the human organism with its various ailments. There
is generally a wide diversity of opinion among the people outside the medical
profession in their estimate of the skill and ability of a particular physician.
A family is likely to pin its faith to one practitioner and distrust all the rest.
If there is a member of the profession in Greene county who has successfully
fought down this prejudice, and now stands secure in the confidence of the
general public, that man is Dr. William H. Cowden, of Springfield, a man
whose research in the fields of science has produced such pronounced results
as to leave no question of his knowledge of his profession.
Dr. Cowden was born in Polk county, Missouri, on February 9, 1850.
He is a son of Robert Blackburn Cowden and Martha J. (Headlee) Cowden,
who were born in Maury county, Tennessee, the father in 1825 and the
mother in [831. There they spent their early childhood, but were young
when they accompanied their parents to this section of the Ozarks. the
Cowden family emigrating to Polk county in about 1839, and the Headlee
family coming to Greene county in 1836. The parents of our subject received
such educational advantages as the early day schools afforded, and here they
were married, and immediately thereafter settled on a farm in Polk county,
where they became successful in general agricultural pursuits, and there the
death of the father occurred in July. [892, and the. death of the mother oc-
curred on October 10. [899. Robert B. Cowden was a stanch Democrat and
was active in party affairs, however, during the Civil war he was in sym-
pathy with the Union, but look no part in the war. After the close of the
war he was registering officer for a number of years. He was one of the
successful and influential men ^>i his locality and of unquestioned integrity.
He was a member of the Masonic ( )rder, Ozark Lodge, Xo. 2\)j, at Fair
Grove, and was prominent in the affairs of this order, lie and his wife were
Presbyterians in their religious affiliations. The) were the parents of the
following children: Dr. William H., of this sketch; Christopher C, who
remained on the old home farm in Polk county, becoming a successful general
farmer and stock raiser, and previous to his death moved to Colorado, near
Lamar, his death occurring on June jo. 1913; Mary Caroline; who died un-
married, and Albert S., who studied law and became one of the leaders of
the Springfield bar.
Roberl Cowden, paternal grandfather of the subject of this sketch, was
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. I _} 1 1
born iii Alabama about the year 1793, where his father, also Robert Cowden,
who was a captain in the American army during the Revolutionary war,
had settled after the close of the war for independence. He removed to
Tennessee with his father, where he soon after married and began farming.
About the year 1838 or soon thereafter he emigrated by wagon to Polk
county, Missouri, located on the Upshaw Prairie, where he developed a good
farm and established a comfortable home, and there spent the remainder of
his days, dying about 1863. He was of Irish descent. Politically he was a
Democrat, and was a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian church. His
family consisted of the following children : James, who was a farmer in
Greene count)-, died prior to the Civil war; John A. engaged in farming
and mercantile pursuits at Pleasant Hope, Polk county; William was a farmer
and died at Pleasant Hope, leaving a family; Robert Blackburn, father of
the immediate subject of this sketch; Newton, who remained on the old
homestead near Pleasant Hope; Marshall became a farmer and miller at
Pleasant Hope; Samuel, who was a soldier in the Confederate army, operated
a part of the old home farm; Hannah, long since deceased, was the wife of
Newton Fawcett; Elizabeth married Lundy Crocker, who died in early life;
Jane became the wife of J. P. Fullerton anil they established their home in
Polk county, and Melissa married Rev. J. B. Landreth, a Polk county min-
ister of the Methodist Episcopal church. South; he died a few years ago at
Murrisville, Polk county, ami his widow is still living there.
Judge Elisha Headlee, the maternal grandfather of the subject of this
sketch, was one of the pioneer settlers of Greene county, where he was well
known among the early residents, was prominent in public affairs and was a
successful general farmer. His death occurred on his farm here about 1876.
His grandfather, John Headlee, was a soldier in the Revolutionary war,
and his father, E. Headlee, was born in the state of Xew Jersey in May, 1760,
and was married there to Mary Fairchild, and soon thereafter, in 1790,
removed to North Carolina. Judge Elisha Headlee was the seventh of
eleven children, and was born in Burke county. North Carolina, in October,
1802, where he received a limited education. He removed to Maury
county, Tennessee, with his parents in 1823, and there, in 1825, he married
Rachael Steele, who was also a native of North Carolina, born in 1803, and
removed from the old Tar state to Tennessee with her parents in 1810. Mr.
Headlee farmed in Tennessee after bis marriage until 1836, then migrated
overland with his family to Greene county, being thus among the pioneer
settlers here, and eventually one of its most prominent and useful citizens.
He was a justice of the peace for several years, and in 1846 was elected a
member of the County Court for four years, after which he received his
appointment from the governor of the state and served two terms more with
credit to himself and to the satisfaction of all concerned. In 185S he was
s
I41- GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
appointed public administrator and served in that capacity until 1872. He
was a stanch Democrat all his life, and voted for Gen. Andrew Jackson in
1824, and for every Democratic President until his death. However, during
the Civil war he was in sympathy with the Union. In 1813 he became a
member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and after the war followed
the Southern branch of that denomination. He and his wife enjoyed a happy
wedded life of over half a century and became the parents of the following
children : Dr. Samuel H., who established himself as a physician at St. James,
Missouri, once represented Phelps county in the state Legislature; Mary
Caroline, who died in childhood; Caleb C, who died in Louisiana in 1891
after a life devoted to farming; Martha J., mother of the subject of this
sketch; Hannah A. married J. D. VV. Kerr, who died many years ago; David
A. died shortly after the Civil war; he was a soldier in the Federal army;
Emma A., who became the wife of Robert Armor; Margaret M., who was
a twin of Evaline (deceased); Rachael E. and Harriet I. all remained un-
married and still live at the old homestead in this county.
Dr. William H. Cowden grew to manhood on the home farm where he
worked when a boy, and he received his early education in the public schools
at Ebeneezer and at McGhee College in Macon count}-, Missouri. During
this period he spent a portion of his time in teaching. He finished his literary
education in Drury College, Springfield, and in 1876 began the study of
medicine with his uncle, Dr. Samuel H. Headlee, of St. James. Missouri,
and in 1878 entered the Missouri Medical College at St. Louis, from which
institution he was graduated in 1880. He returned to his home in Polk
county and. staying but a short time, when he went to Fair Grove, and there
he practiced his profession until 1882, when be went back t<> Polk county,
staying until 1K87, then returned to Fair Grove and remained until 1911,
when, seeking a larger field for the exercise of his talents, he located on the
public square, Springfield, where he maintained bis office until the disastrous
fire of the spring of 1914, when he located at 200 East Commercial street,
where he has remained. He had built up quite an extensive practice in the
northern part of this county and in the southeastern part of Polk county,
his name being a household word in that locality for years, and upon locating
in Springfield he found that his reputation had preceded him, and he has
enjoyed a good practice since coming to this city. He has been very suc-
cessful as a general practitioner and has kept well abreast of the times in all
that pertains to his profession. Soon after locating in Fair Grove he pur-
chased a drug store, with which he was connected until he removed to Spring-
field. He owns a comfortable home at 1376 North Jefferson street.
Dr. Cowden was married in 1890 to Mcie Butts, a daughter of J. M.
and Fannie (McLaughlin) Butts, natives of Kentucky ami Barry countv,
Missouri, respectively, and are now residents of Fair Grove, where Mr. Butts
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. r4T3
has long been engaged in the drug business. Mrs. Cowden was burn in Barry
county, this state, but ever since early childhood has been a resident of Fair
Grove until removing to Springfield lour years ago, and was reared and
educated in tbe former place.
To our subject and wife one child has been burn, William B. Cowden,
whose birth occurred on June 5, 1894. in Eair Grove, Missouri. There he
grew to manhood ami received his education in the public schools and in
Drury College. He was making a splendid recurd for scholarship when he
was compelled to give up his studies on account of trouble with his eyes.
He is living at home.
Politically Dr. Cowden is a Democrat. He is prominent in Masonic
circles, being a member of Ozark Lodge. No. 297, at Fair Gruve; also of
Vincil Chapter, No. 110, and St. John's Cummandery, No. 20, both of Spring-
field. He is a member of the (Ireenc County Medical Society and the South-
west Missuuri Medical Society.
Dr. Cow-den's generous treatment of his patients has won for him nut
the respect alone, but the earnest regard of the large clientele which be has
gathered around him, and, like many other family physicians, he has become
in many cases the family adviser in matters of business and affairs other
than of a professional nature.
JUDGE JAMES K. VAUGHAN.
The life and recurd of the late Judge James R. Yaughan, for many
years a prominent attorney and business man of Springfield, are typical of
that class of men who in the earlier history of this country helped to lay
the foundations of its present greatness, the same being true of his hunured
father and grandfather before him. lie was austere in his relations with
his fellow-men, puritanical in his ideas of right and wrong and zealous to
live up to them. While on the bench he had a proper sense of dignity and
research which was due to his court, and was not slow' to insist on them.
Nevertheless he took a lively interest in the careers of young men starting
their work at the bar, and many of them have reasons to remember the
kindly aid and suggestions from him which saved them from the pitfalls and
traps of the law into which, in their ignorance, they might otherwise have
fallen. In his public career as w:ell as in his private life no word of suspicion
was ever breathed against him. His actions were the result of careful and
conscientious thought : and when once convinced that he was right, no sug-
gestion of policy or personal profit could swerve him from the course he had
decided upon. His career was complete and rounded in its beautiful sim-
1414 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
plicity ; he did his full duty as a pubic officer and as a private citizen ; and he
died, in the fullness of years, beloved of those near to him, and respected and
esteemed by his fellow citizens.
Judge Vaughan was born in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, January 6, 1845.
He was the eldest son of Thomas and Susan B. Vaughan, and he was four
years old, when, in 1849, ms parents moved to Christian county, Missouri,
locating on a farm, and there the elder Vaughan became a prominent citi-
zen; he took much interest in public affairs, and was one of the political lead-
ers of that county. He was a Whig until that party was succeeded by the Re-
publican party in the fifties, and he was a stanch Union man during the Civil
war, and after the war he was a Democrat. His death occurred on August
18, 1880, his widow surviving several years. She was a native of Tennessee,
and was a daughter of Robert Lawing, who was an early settler of that state.
James Vaughan, Sr.. paternal grandfather of our subject, was a native of
Virginia. Thomas H. Vaughan, father of our subject, was a soldier in the
Seminole Indian war in Florida. He and his wife were members of the
Presbyterian church, but late in life she joined the Methodist Episcopal church.
To these parents seven children were born, only three of whom grew to ma-
turity, namely: Samuel R. died in [889 at the age of twenty-two vears ;
a daughter who became the wife of James R. Bell: and James R., of this
memoir.
Judge Vaughan grew to manhood on the home farm near Ozark, .Mis-
souri, and attended the district schools near his home, and the schools in
Ozark, and in [860 entered the University of Murfreesboro, Tennessee,
where he remained until the commencement of the Civil war. when the in-
stitution was closed. Young Vaughan then returned to Missouri with an
uncle. Dr. David A. Vaughan, and remained with his parents until March
i(). [862, when lie took "French leave" of his home and joined the Sixth
Missouri Volunteer Calvary under Gen. Samuel R. Curtis, enlisting at Cass-
\ille. this state. Although lmt a boj of tender wars, he proved to he a
faithful and courageous soldier and participated in a number of engagements
in western Missouri, such as Sarcoxie and other places, later going south,
and was with the army that invested the renowned Confederate stronghold
at Vicksburg, later went up the Arkansas river to Arkansas Post, after whicrf
he was assigned to different transports on the Mississippi river. Besides the
siege of Vicksburg he was in the engagements at Jackson and a number of
cavalry raids in eastern Louisiana; was in the Red river expedition led by
General Brinks, and fought at Sabine Cross Roads and Pleasant Hill, and
was again in an expedition to southeastern Mississippi, along Mississippi
sound. Although in many campaigns and engagements he was never wound-
ed. hVir meritorious conduct he rose to the rank of sergeant-major, and as
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. I4I5
such was honorably discharged after the battle of Baton Rouge, March 22,
1865, and returned to his Missouri home. After teaching school a short
time he entered Illinois College, at Jacksonville, Illinois, where he spent
one term, and in 1866 entered the law department of the University of .Michi-
gan at Ann Arbor, from which he was graduated in March, 186S. Soon
thereafter he began practicing his profession at Ozark, Missouri, and built
up a good clientage, ranking among the leaders of the Christian county bar,
and became a public school commissioner. Remaining at Ozark until 1877,
he came to Springfield, where he spent the rest of his life, and was one of the
ablest and most successful lawyers in Creene county, and enjoyed a large
business. He was possessed of a logical and analytical mind, was resourceful,
tactful and tenacious, and as a pleader at the bar he had few equals. In 1886,
upon the death of Judge W. F. Geiger, Governor Marmaduke appointed
Mr. Vaughan to the position of circuit judge, to fill out the unexpired term
of several months, and he discharged the duties of this responsible position in
an able and most satisfactory manner. Although a very busy man profession-
ally he found time to look after extensive business interest'-, which accumulated
with advancing years under his able management and keen foresight. Dur-
ing several years he was vice-president of the First National Bank, of
Springfield, and he did much to further the prestige and success of the same
by his able counsel and management. Aside from that he owned considerable
valuable real estate, and was attorney for several corporations, ami was
widely known as one of the most successful corporation lawyers in the state.
Politically, he was a Democrat and was oik- of the local party leaders, how-
ever was not a seeker afer political preferment, preferring to devote his at-
tention exclusively to his extensive professional and business interests.
Judge Vaughan was married, May 10, 1S71, to Barbara \. Weaver, a
daughter of John R. Weaver, a native of Tennessee, from which state he
emigrated to Christian count)', Missouri, in an early daw and there became a
prominent citizen, and he seined that count)- twice in the office of county
treasurer. Mrs. Vaughan was born on December 17, [852, and was one of
seven children.
To Judge Vaughan and wife eight children were born, six of whom
are still living, namely: Lena V., who married John A. Taylor, president of
the Springfield Business College and a prominent business man of this city;
the\' have three children and live in a cozy home at 800 South National
boulevard; the other children are Anne (A, Charles and James: Susie died
when fourteen years of age, and Mary died at the age of two and one-half
years; Eleanor and Robert H. Mrs. Vaughan lives in a beautiful home on.
East Walnut street, and she has a host of warm friends.
Judge James R. Vaughan was summoned to his eternal rest on Februarv
I4J6 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
4, 1904. Of him the Greene county bar will ever cherish his many virtues-
in fondest memory, and his many friends will lay up in their hearts in high-
est esteem the pure worth of him whose exemplary life and character were
manifest in all his professional, judicial and business relations.
HARRISON MILTON SMITH.
Harrison Milton Smith, cashier of the Farmers and Merchants Bank,
of Springfield, is a native of the Buckeye state, having been born on June 28,
1857, in Licking county, Ohio. His parents were Harrison and Margaret
(Brown) Smith, who were natives of Culpeper county, Virginia. His
grandfather, Philip Smith, was a native of Warren county, Pennsylvania,
and came from that sturdy German stock. His grandfather on his mother's
side, Peter Brown, was of English descent. He was a minute man of the
War of 181 2, and lived to the ripe old age of ninety-one years. When,
H. M. was a small boy his parents emigrated from Ohio to Lagrange county,
Indiana, where he lived until he grew to manhood. He received his early
education in the district schools, and at the age of nineteen years he com-
menced teaching. He taught four terms and in the spring of 1880 he en-
tered the State Normal at Terre Haute and graduated with honors in June,
1883, receiving a state teacher's license for life in the state of Indiana.
After graduating he became general agent for the Union Publishing
Company of Chicago, in which position he served for eighteen months. In
March, 1885, he entered the employ of the Goodspeed Publishing Company
and for five years he was their biographical writer for state works. He
traveled in ten different states and was considered as one of the companv's
most efficient and competent men.
On May 9, 1889, he married Sarah Catharine Foltz, who is a native of
Indianapolis, Indiana. By this union three children were born; I1110 Ann,
died on October 31, \Xt>^'- Orpha Foltz and Wilma Bernice are at home with
their parents.
On June 3. 1889, Mr. Smith located at Richland, Missouri, where he
organized the Pulaski County Bank, it being the first bank in Pulaski county,
hence he is known as the pioneer banker of said county. He was elected its
cashier, which position he held for fourteen years. In June. 1903, he sold
out and moved his family to Springfield, Missouri, and at once organized
the Farmers and Merchants Hank, and it opened for business on September
21. 191.3. Here again he was elected as cashier of said banking institution,
which position he has since held. As a hanker he has been a success. His
principal lias always been "safety first" to his depositors and the banking
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. ' 41 ~
institution of which he has been cashier, carrying at all times a surplus equal
to the capital stuck. lie has always heen a very Litis)- man, looking carefully
after every detail of the work at hand and in doing this he has been able to
accumulate go.nl property. Mr. Smith has always taken an active part in
public affairs and in the welfare of the city in which he has lived. He is a
member of the Masonic fraternity, being a member of United Lodge, No. 5,
Gate of Temple Chapter, No. 15, St. John's Commandery, Abou Ben Adhem
Temple, Shrine. He is also a member of the Modern Woodmen of America
and Woodmen of the World. He has been a member of the Methodist
church for many years, and is one of the trustees of Grace Methodist Epis-
copal church and one of its active members.
Mr. Smith is a self-made man in the true sense of the word. He was
reared on the farm, working for twenty-five cents a day when a boy: worked
two years in a brick yard at a dollar a day and boarded himself. He is one
of the substantial business men of Springfield and one of the leading bankers
of southwestern Missouri. He was elected secretary of Group No. 7 at its
last meeting in the fall of 1914.
WILLIAM ALEXANDER HALL.
Human life is like the waves of the sea; they flash a few brief moments,
in the sunlight, marvels of power and beauty, and then are dashed upon the
remorseless shores of death and disappear forever. As the mighty deep has
rolled for ages past and chanted its sublime requiem, and will continue to roll
during the coming ages, until time shall be no more, so will the waves of
human life follow each other in countless succession until they mingle at
last with the billows of eternity's boundless sea. The passing of any human
life, however humble and unknown, is sure to give rise to a pang of anguish
to some heart, but when the "fell destroyer" knocks at the door of the useful.
and removes from earthly scenes the man of influence and the benefactor of
his kind, it not only means bereavement to kindred and friends, but a public
calamity as well. In the largest and best sense of the term, the late William
Alexander Hall was distinctively one of the noted men of his day and genera-
tion in Greene county, Missouri, and as such his life record is entitled to a
conspicuous life in the annals of Springfield and vicinity. As a citizen he was
public-spirited and enterprising to an unwonted degree; as a friend and neigh-
bor, he combined the qualities of head and heart that won confidence and
commanded respect: as a man of affairs, who had a comprehensive grasp
upon the philosophy of business, he ranked for years among our most progres-
sive commercial exponents. He was one of the prominent Masons of the
[418 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
state, and he brought honor and dignity to the public positions he filled with
such distinguished success.
Mr. Hall was born in Nashville, Tennessee, November 2j, 1834. He
was a son of John and Elizabeth Hall, both natives of Scotland, from which
country they emigrated to America when young and located in Pennsylvania,
and were married in the city of Philadelphia. They removed to Tennessee
in the vear 1828, where they lived ten years, thence moved to Missouri in
1838, settling in St. Louis, where the father established the first water-works
of that city, and where his death occurred in 186.2. In 1848 the mother of
our subject, together with her youngest child, perished in a steamboat dis-
aster on the Alabama river. William A. Hall was about fifteen years old
at the time of his mother's death, and he then went to live with his sister,
Mrs. Emily Jane Oliver, wife of Judge Mordecai Oliver, of Richmond, Mis-
souri. While living in Richmond he supplemented the public school educa-
tion acquired in St. Louis with an academic training under the tutelage of
Prof. A. Coke Redman, completing the course of study.
Mr. Hall began his business career by opening a drug store in Richmond,
Ray county, removing to Liberty, Clay county, this state, in 1856, where he
continued in the same line of business for fourteen years. He then accepted
the position of cashier in the Commercial Bank, of Liberty, but owing to
failing health he was compelled to resign. In 1872 he went to Mexico. Mis-
souri, and engaged in the drug business, and a year later left Audrain county
for Springfield, where be and John R. Ferguson opened a drug store, which,
under bis management, assumed so large a volume he was induced to discon-
tinue the retail and devote his energies to building up an exclusive wholesale
business. The business of this widely known house nourished and expanded
and an extensive trade was carried on all over the Southwest. It was for
some time known as the Hall-Pipkin Drug Company, later as the Hall Drug
Company, our subject having acquired the interests of his partner, John ! ).
Pipkin, and at the time >-i his death was president and general manager.
Mr. Hall was married in Liberty, Missouri, in [855, to Florence Ringo.
Rev. Moses E. Lord, a noted divine of the Christian church, performing the
ceremony. Mrs. Hall was a daughter of Samuel Ringo, a pioneer merchant
of Liberty. To this union six sons and two daughters were horn, five of
whom are still living, namely: J. William. Samuel A.. Mrs. J. 1). Pipkin,
Richard Lee and Mrs. Florence McLaughlin. The mother of these children
passed away on May 10. 1901. Roth parents were active members of the
Christian church during the major portion of their lives. Florence Hall mar-
ried Charles McLaughlin, a native of Portland. Maine, where he was reared
and partly educated, subsequently attending a military school, and he engaged
in newspaper work for some time in his native city, then removed to
Springfield. Missouri, where he became secretary of the water company. His
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. I-M9
death occurred a number of years ago. To Charles and Florence (Hall)
McLaughlin one child was born, Florence, who is now a student in Drury
College. Mr. McLaughlin's father, Charles McLaughlin, Sr., was a promi-
nent citizen of Portland, Maine, where he was a successful business man.
helped improve the city, and was elected representative to the Legislature of
Maine in 1878, and in 1884 was elected to the State Senate. At the time of
his death, many years ago, he was first vice-president of the Board of Trade
of his city, a director in a bank and president of the Society for the Preven-
tion of Cruelty to Animals.
Politically, Mr. Hall was a Democrat, having cast his first vote in the
interests of that party, to which lie adhered the rest of his life. Throughout
his career, despite the distractions of business, he took an active interest in
civic affairs. He was twice elected mayor of Springfield, his first term of
office beginning in 1875. He again was mayor in [897. He gave the city
his best service and his administrations were eminently satisfactory to all
concerned. He did much toward the general, upbuilding and welfare of the
city, whose interests be ever had very much at heart.
From the date of his association with Masonry, Mr. Hall was intensely
interested in the benevolent motives of the order and took great pride in the
honors conferred upon him. llis Masonic career commenced in Liberty
Lodge Xo. 31, where he was made a Master Mason in 1857. He served as
master of the same in the years [868 and [869. lie was exalted to the Royal
Arch degree on May 10, 1860, and in Liberty chapter Xo. 3 be served as
high priest in 1869, and again in 1871. He received the degree of Cryptic
Masonry in Zabud Council Xo. 25 at Springfield in 1004. lie was created a
Knight Templar in Liberty Commandery Xo. (>, Knights Templars. Xovember
17, 18(15. ( )n his removal to Mexico he affiliated with Hebron lodge, of that
place, and assisted m forming Crusade Commandery No. -'3. In 1873, after
bis removal to Springfield, be affiliated witb United Lodge No. 5. Spring-
field Chapter No. 15. and St. John's Commandery Xo. 20, Knights Templars.
He served United lodge as master in 1875. 1878. 1883 and 1884. He served
Springfield chapter as high priest in 1870. and again in (890. He received
the order of high priesthood in [900. He served St. John's commandery as
commander in 1877. 1878. [879, 1880, iS8i. [883, 1884, 1880. 1 8S7 and
1888. In 1896 he was appointed grand warder of the Grand Commander)-,
Knights Templars, of Missouri, and successively filled the several stations,
being elected grand commander in 10,04. In this latter eminent position the
order credits him with having shown good judgment, zeal and activity, round-
ing out an administration that will go into history as beneficial to the order
he loved.
Personally, Mr. Hall was a gentleman of commanding presence, and his
I420 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
genial, social qualities and strict business rectitude rendered him popular as
a man and citizen.
The death of Air. Hall, at the advanced age of seventy-five years, was
sudden and unexpected, occurring at the commodious Hall residence on North
Alain street, on Friday morning, September 25, 1909. The impressive funeral
services were in charge of St. John's commandery, Knights Templars, and
were held in St. Paul's Methodist Episcopal church, South. The eulogy was
delivered by Rev. F. L. Moffett, pastor of the South Street Christian church,
of which Air. Hall was a member. The remains were escorted to the church
and to the Maple Park cemetery by the Hobart Military band and by St.
John's commandery, Knights Templars, and the united lodges. John Nixon,
of St. Louis, eminent grand generalissimo; William H. Glancey, of St. Louis,
eminent grand standard bearer; John Gilles, past grand commander, of St.
Louis; W. Y. Beam, grand instructor, St. Louis; A. N. Martin, grand war-
der, Lebanon; John Wingsweimer, Will Diffenderffer, Senator J. \V. Farris,
past commanders, and John Diffenderffer, all of Lebanon, and other high
Masonic officials, attended the services. The pallbearers were Jobe Newton,
Col. H. W. Diggins, Dr. D. B. Farnsworth, Paul O'Day, M. V. Ausherman,
George Arnold, J. M. Heckenlively and W. T. Bigbee, all past commanders
of St. John's commandery, Knights Templars.
Among the many complimentary and eulogistic newspaper articles that
appeared in the press from time to time in regard to Mr. Hall, the biographer
will here reproduce but one, which he deems sufficient to show the high stand-
ing of our subject as a man of affairs and citizen, the article having appeared
editorially in the Springfield Leader, under the caption of "Springfield's Pop-
ular Mayor." It follows:
"In this day and time when money is regarded as the summium bonum,
that municipality whose affairs are looked after by clean, honest, conscien-
tious men is, indeed, fortunate. Of course, all men have weaknesses and
shortcomings, and your correspondent is not prepared to say that he has found
a man or bod) of men who are by any means faultless, but when we state
that the city of Springfield has one of the best mayors >he ever had, and that
her governmental affairs are being conducted in an honorable and straight-
forward manner, we expect to be taken with all seriousness.
"The linn. William A. Hall is certainly the right man in the right place,
tor none to whom we have spoken, and we have conversed with main- on the
subject, have had anything to say in regard to him and bis methods except
words of praise and commendation and approval.
"Mr. Hall is a representative man of affairs, having been identified with
the business interests of this section for a number of years. He is interested
in the drug business, of which business he is a master, and has done his share
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. I42I
in building up the city and making it one of the most substantial towns in
this section of the country.
"In view of these facts his nomination for mayor by the Democrats
and his election by the people were certainly manifestations of good judg-
ment. Since his inauguration there has not been a mistake made in conduct-
ing the affairs of the city : no, not even, as far as we can learn, an indiscre-
tion. The city has been well kept, lives and property have been adequately
protected, and prosperity has come — let it be hoped, to stay.
"We congratulate the people of Springfield upon their good judgment
in selecting such a mayor, and at Mr. Hall's request will say that he is not a
candidate for re-election, which is certainly a matter for regret."
JAMES T. WALSH,
When a man is called "foreman" it means more than the casual ob-
server might at first suppose, for it indicates that he has labored persistently
and conscientiously else he would not be in charge of the men in his de-
partment. It does not matter what he is foreman of, whether a machine
shop, factory, a crew of farm hands or on public works. The same con-
clusions may be drawn no matter what kind of a firm he represents, or
whether it is one of world-wide reputation or only of local importance. So
when we speak of James T. Walsh as foreman of the boiler shops in the
new shops of the Frisco railroad at Springfield, we confer upon him a well
deserved title of honor.
Mr. Walsh was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, on August 21, i860. He is a
son of James and Celia (Collins) Walsh, both natives of Ireland, where
they grew to maturity, attended school and were married. Upon emigrating
to America they located in the state of Ohio. After living for some time in
the city of Cincinnati they removed to St. Louis. Missouri, where they spent
the rest of their lives, both dying there. Mr. Walsh worked at various occu-
pations after coming to the United States. For vears he worked as river-
man on the Ohio. His family consisted of four children, the subject of this
sketch being the only survivor.
James T. Walsh was an infant when his parents removed with him to
St. Louis and there he grew to manhood and attended school, his education
being limited to the eighth grade. When a young man he began learning
the boilermaker's trade in the shops of Rohan Brothers, St. Louis, with whom
he remained for several years. He came to Springfield in 1881 and went to
work at his trade in the old north side Frisco shops, where he remained until
he was transferred to Memphis, Tennessee, in December, 1906, as foreman
1422 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
of the boiler shops for the Frisco there. He was retained by the company
in that citv until in December. 1909, when he was made foreman in the boiler
shops at the new shops on the north side, where he has since remained, giving
eminent satisfaction in ever}' respect and being regarded as one of the best
men in his line on the entire system, not only understanding every phase of
his department, but he is also a man of considerable executive ability and
handles his force of men in an able manner.
Mr. Walsh was married on April 18. 18S3, in St. Louis, to Nora Shea,
who was born in Ireland, and is a daughter of Dan and Nora (Lyons) Shea.
These parents lived and died in Ireland, spending their lives on a farm, where
Mrs. Walsh grew to womanhood and there she attended the common schools.
The following children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Walsh, namely:
James, born on February 26, 1884; Mary, born on March 24, 1885, lives at
home; Francis J., born on November 18, 1886: Daniel, born on July 6, 1888;
Robert, born on August 29, 1890, and Thomas, born on November 29, 1S92.
Politically Mr. Walsh is a Democrat. Fraternally he belongs to the
Royal Arcanum and the Knights of Columbus. He is a member of Sacred
Heart Catholic church.
SAMUEL MACK LLOYD.
One of the representative business men of Greene county of a past gen-
eration was the late Samuel Mack Lloyd, who devoted his earlier life to gen-
eral live stock pursuits, but for over a decade he was in the tin and stove
business in Springfield. He was essentially a man of affairs, sound of judg-
ment and far-seeing in what he undertook, and with scarcely an exception
everv enterprise to which he addressed himself resulted in gratifying financial
returns. He began life poor in this world's goods, but rich in what is of far
more value than material wealth — a sound mind and a sound body. He pos-
sessed concentration of purpose and energy that laughed at restraint: keen
foresight and the rare executive ability that made everything undertaken
accomplish the purpose for which intended. To these qualities were added
scrupulous integrity in all dealings with his fellow men and an honor in keep-
ing with the ethic- of business life, while behind all and controlling all were
the great principles embodied in the Golden Rule, without which no man,
however great his wealth, and however distinguished his name, can be truly
successful.
Mr. Lloyd was born in the state of Delaware, in the year 1833. When
he was a small child his parents moved to Canton. Lewis county. Missouri,
and established their home on a farm, the father devoting his active life to
agricultural pursuits, and there he and his wife died when our subject was
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. I423
but a boy. Their family consisted of four children, all now deceased, namely:
Jeremiah was the father of James T. Lloyd, who became a noted politician
and a congressman: John, Samuel Mack and Henry.
Samuel M. Lloyd grew to manhood on the farm where he worked hard
when a boy, and he received his education in the public schools of Canton,
Missouri, and when but a boy he manifested decided natural talent as a judge
of live stock, and. consequently, turned his attention to dealing in live stock,
which he followed principally up to 1883, in later years under the firm name
of S. M. Lloyd & Company, and he was very successful all along the line in
this field of endeavor.
In the fall of 1883, Mr. Lloyd located in Springfield, and continued to
make his home here the rest of his life, lie conducted a tin and stove estab-
lishment on Boonville street, his shop being one of the largest and best known
of its kind in southwest Missouri, and he did a large and successful business,
under the firm name of S. M. Lloyd, Tin and Stoves. He conducted this
business ten years, or until 1893. His health had begun to fail and he gave
up the business that kept him so closely confined, and, in order to have some-
thing to do, accepted the position of relief officer of Springfield, being ap-
pointed by Jerry Fenton, at that time mayor, and he continued to discharge
the duties of this office until his death.
Air. Lloyd was married, October 10, iSSj. in Canton. Missouri, to Eva
Bartlett, who was born on September 12, [859, in LaGrange, Missouri. She
is a daughter of Henry S. and Mary 1 Barker) Bartlett. The father was
born in Xew Hampshire, April 26, 1832. and his death occurred in Spring-
field, Missouri, in [906. The mother of Mrs. Lloyd was born in Kentucky on
November 13, 1846, and is still living, making her home with her daughter,
Mrs. Lloyd, in a handsome residence on East Elm street, Springfield. Mr.
Barker devoted his active life to mercantile pursuits, and was a man of busi-
ness ability ami exemplary character.
Two children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd, namely: Xelle, born
on January 5. 1884. married T. J. Means, who is in the railroad service: May
Elizabeth, born on November 17, 1S85, is the wife of Holland Keet, a well
known young business man of Springfield.
Politicallv, Mr. Lloyd was a Prohibitionist. Fraternally, he belonged to
the Masonic order and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He was a
consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal church. South. He was sum-
moned to his eternal rest on January 17, 1896. Interment was made in Ma-
ple Park cemetery. At a meeting of the Springfield Board of Charities the
following resolution was passed on Mr. Lloyd's death :
"Whereas, In the mysterious providence of God, S. M. Lloyd, relief
officer of the Board of Charities of Springfield, Missouri, has been removed
bv the hand of death,
J 4-4 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
"Resolved by the Board of Charities assembled in special session, first:
That, while bowing submissively to the will of God, we express our earnest
regret at this seemingly untimely death and our appreciation of his efficient
conscientious discharge of the arduous duties of his trying office during his
brief administration, we could sincerely say to him, 'Well done, thou good
and faithful servant.'
"Resolved, second: That we tender his bereaved family our sincere
sympathies in the loss of a true husband and devoted father, and commend
them to the care of Him who is pledged to be the husband of the widow and
father of the fatherless.
"Resolved, third : That a copy of these resolutions be furnished to the
family, the daily papers, and that they be spread upon the minutes of the
proceedings of the board."
JOHX j. HOBBS.
Illustrative of the evidence that the bitterness and malevolence resulting
from the war between the states is rapidly passing away, are the frequent
reunions between the veterans of the North and the South, when they clasp
hands across what was once a "bloody chasm." but is now filled and flower
grown: and the frequent return of battle flasks, torn from dying bands on
the fields of conflict arc a further evidence of a finer feeling and a more sin-
cere regard each tor the other. The children of the blue and the gray have
intermarried and their sires sit together amid the falling shadows of life's
evening, respecting each other yet the more because they have tried and
learned to honor the dauntless spirit, each of the other, on the field of deadly
strife.
One of the Civil war veterans of Greene county is John J. Hobbs, who.
after a successful career as general fanner, is living retired at Walnut Grove,
being now past his three-score ami ten. He has spent his long life in this
section of the Ozarks. which he has seen grow from a country of wild-woods
to a thriving farming community. He was born in Dade county. Missouri,
which adjoins this county, on March II, 1843. ^e 's a son 0I Silas and
Polly Ann (Fanning) Hobbs, each representing two of the early families
of Greene county. His parents were both natives of Tennessee, from which
state they came to tins county about 1837 and settled on Grand Prairie, north
•of Springfield, both having made the journey with their parents. The paternal
grandfather settled in Dade county, while the maternal grandfather located
in Greene county. After their marriage the parents of our subject engaged
in farming in Dade countv. The father died in [887, and the mother's death
MR. AND MRS. JOHN J. HOBRS.
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. I425
occurred in 1874. They were the parents of the following children : James
W., John J., of this sketch: Elizabeth, Jane. William, Louisa, Rebecca, Vinson
G., Oliver P., Mary Ann and Silas A.
John J. Hobbs was reared on the farm in Dade county and there attended
the common schools, and remained with his parents until July, 1861, when
he enlisted in Company 1). Sixth Missouri Cavalry Volunteers, sometimes
called the Dade ( ounty Home Guards. It was not long until he had a chance
to ascertain what war really meant, for on the toth of August of that year
he fought at Wilson's Creek, not very far from his home, but which proved
to be one of the two greatest and must important battles of the first year of
the war. Here he conducted himself like a veteran, despite his youth and
lack of military experience. He retreated with the Federal forces from that
field to Springfield and on to Rolla, Phelps county, and his next engagement
was at Wet (iiaixe. near Lebanon, Missouri. From there he was with the
troops that went to Linn Creek, Camden county, where they captured Capt.
Bill Roberts and his company. He was later in the battle at Prairie Grove,
also Xew Ionia, then went to southeastern Missouri and foughl an engage-
ment with Gen. John S. Marmaduke's forces, driving them from the state.
He and a comrade, E. Woodrow, were sent with a dispatch from Bloomfield
to Genera] Davidson's headquarters at Witsburg, Arkansas. While on the
way they were captured by the enemy and held as prisoners at Little Ruck
for over two weeks, when they were exchanged, and soon thereafter rejoined
their own company. Mr. I lobbs was on guard duty at the bridge of the Iron
Mountain railroad for awhile. He took part in numerous other engagements,
and was mustered out of the service on July i o, [864, and honorably dis-
charged, having been in the army three years. After returning home, where
he remained several months, he re-enlisted on March 15, [865, in the Four-
teenth Missouri Cavalry, in which he served eight months, and was mustered
out by general orders from the war department.
After the war Mr. Hobbs turned his attention to general farming in
Dade and Polk counties and this continued to claim his attention up to a few-
years ago. when he retired from active life. lie became owner of a good
farm and devoted much attention to stock raisin-. He located in Greene
county in iqij, and he is now living at Walnut Grove, where he has a
pleasant home.
Mr. Hobbs was married on February 15, 1866. to Martha E. Messick,
a daughter of Elihu and Sarah (Jeffries) Messick, each of whom came with
their families to Greene county in the early days and located near Springfield
when that place was a small frontier village.
Nine children have been born to our subject and wife, namely: Sarah L.
is the wife of I. C. Routh, who lives in Montrose, Colorado: Benjamin L.
(90)
I426 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
lives in Hiattville, Kansas ; John F. is farming in Polk county. Missouri ;
Thomas W. lives in Pompey Pillar, Montana; Mary M. became the wife of
O. E. Hargrave, who died in 1901, leaving three children; four of our sub-
ject's children died in infancy.
Politically Mr. Hobbs is an Independent Republican. He is a member
of the Grand Army of the Republic. He belongs to the Free Will Baptist
church, and his wife is a member of the Methodist church.
CYRUS T. McMASTER.
There are always valuable lessons to be gained in perusing the life his-
tories of such men as the late Cyrus J. McMaster, one of Greene county's
most progressive citizens of a past generation, whose life forcibly illustrated
what energy, integrity and fixed purpose can accomplish when animated by
noble aims and correct ideals. During the years of his residence in the
a Hintv he held the unequivocal esteem of those with whom he came in con-
tact, for he was a man whom to know was to trust and admire, owing to
his many commendable attributes of head and heart, and when the "reaper
whose name is death" gathered him in his sheaves he was greatly missed
by a wide acquaintance. For many years he was one of the leading business
men on the north side of Springfield, and was widely known as a hardware
and implement dealer over this section of the Ozarks.
Mr. McMaster was born in Dade county, Missouri, on May 18, 1847.
He was a son of Edward H. and Eliza J. 1 Bull) McMaster, both natives ot
North Carolina, where they grew to maturity, were educated exceptionally
well for their day and generation. The father studied medicine and received
his degree, after taking the prescribed course in a medical college, and he
became a successful general practitioner, most of his active life being devoted
to this vocation. The parents of our subject were married in their native
state, but while yet young removed to Missouri in an early day. located in
Dade county, where they became prominent among the pioneer settlers, and
they spent the rest of their lives in this state. Their family consisted of nine
children, four of whom are still living, named as follows: Rufus \\ '., Mrs.
Carrie Patterson, Mrs. Ester Denby and Mrs. Madge Denby.
Cyrus J. McMaster received his early education in the public schools
of Dade county, but he was for the most part a self-made man, having had
little assistance in anv way, working persistently and earnestly to advance
himself. He came to Walnut Grove, Greene county, when young, and there
remained until he was about twenty-six years of age, when he came to Spring-
field. He had for some time been engaged in the harness and saddlery busi-
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. 1 4-7
ness, which he continued after coming to this city for three or four years,
then went into the buggy and wagon business, which he conducted alone and
on an extensive scale for a period of thirty-four years, during which he car-
ried on a successful trade over a wide territory and was one of the best known
men in this line of business in southwestern Missouri, a large part of his
trade extending into adjoining counties. He was the county agent of a num-
ber of the best makes of wagons and buggies and had full charge of the busi-
ness of these firms in this section of the state. Eight years before his death
he went on the mad as traveling salesman for the Joel Turney Brothers
Wagon Company, of Illinois, and gave this firm eminent satisfaction in every
respect, doing much to extend the prestige of the same in the territory as-
signed him. He remained active in his chosen line of work until his death.
He was one of the best informed men in the implement trade in the state, and
his judgment and veracity could always lie relied upon, so that his thousands
of customers reposed implicit confidence in his integrity at all times during
his career. His large vehicle house on Commercial street was kept fully
stocked with various kinds of standard wagons, buggies, carriages and other
similar things used by farmers and in fact, all classes of citizens who bought
and used vehicles of any kind.
Mr. McMaster was married, December 16, 1869, at Walnut Grove, to
Belle Weir, who was born in Springfield, Illinois, April 23, 1852. She was
a daughter of James D. and Fidelia ( Meachel) Weir. They were natives of
Kentucky and Illinois, respectively. They grew up in their localities and
were educated in the common schools, and when a young man Mr. Weir left
the Blue Grass state and located in Illinois, where he married. They estab-
lished their home on a farm, devoting their lives to agricultural pursuits.
Their family consisted of nine children, three of whom are living at this
writing, namely: Andrew, Mrs. Agnes Dagan and Marion. Mrs. Belle
McMaster grew to womanhood in Illinois and received a good education in
the schools there. She proved to be a most faithful helpmeet and was a
woman of many commendable characteristics. Her death occurred on Sep-
tember 14, 1914.
To Mr. and Mrs. McMaster two children were born, namely: Yernie,
born April id, 1871, married John French, and they live in St. James, Mis-
souri; Walter W., born March 22, 1874, married Xettie Smith. He was in
the recorder's office of Greene county for a period of twelve years, eight
vears as deputy, and four years as recorder. His long retention in this office,
one of the most important in the county, would indicate that the people im-
posed implicit confidence in his ability and integrity. He is now engaged in
business on the north side.
Cvrus J. McMaster was a veteran of the Civil war, having been hut a
mere bov when he enlisted in 1861 in a regiment of Missouri volunteers, hav-
I428 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
ing enlisted from Walnut Grove. He was in the army four years, seeine
quite a good deal of active service, and serving in a most creditable manner
for one of his tender years. Politically, he was always a Republican, and, re-
ligiously, he belonged to the Presbyterian church, while his family affiliates
with the Methodist Episcopal church.
Mr. McMaster was called to his eternal rest on December 30. 1912, at
the age of sixty-five years, after a successful and honorable life.
CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS CLEMENTS, M. D.
The man who devotes his talents and energies to the noble work of con-
scientiously administering to the ills and alleviating the sufferings of hu-
manity pursues a calling which, in dignity, importance and beneficial results,
is second to no other. If true to his profession and earnest in his efforts
to enlarge his sphere of usefulness, he is indeed a benefactor of his kind,
for to him more than any other man are entrusted the safety, the comfort
and in many instances the lives of those who place themselves under his care
and profit by his services. Of this class of professional men was the late
Dr. Christopher Columbus Clements, who stood for many years with few
peers among the general practitioners of Springfield. He realized that to
attain determinate success in the medical profession there must be not only
given technical ability, but also a broad human sympathy which must pass
from mere sentiment to lie an actuating motive for helpfulness. So he dig-
nified and honored the profession by his able and self-abnegating services.
His long and useful life as one of the world's workers was one of devotion,
almost consecration, to his calling.
Doctor Clements was born at Clementsville, Jackson county, Tennessee,
April 8, [838. lie descended from an old Colonial American family, lie
was a son of Christopher Columbus Clements, who was horn in Virginia in
1701, ami whose family immigrated to the Old Dominion from England
prior to the Revolutionary war, in which conflict they participated. Our
subject's father spent his early life in Virginia, from which state he removed
to Tennessee in the early settlement of that state and devoted his life to
general fanning, lie was active in politics and held various elective offices.
He was a col. me] of militia and served in flic Seminole Indian War in Elor-
ida. The town of Clementsville, Tennessee, was named after him. and there
his death occurred, August n, 1858. at the age of sixty-four years, his wife
having died on the home farm there on September 11, 1840. lie was a mem-
ber of the Christian church, while she held membership in the Cumberland
Presbyterian church. Mrs. Clements was known in her maidenhood as
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. I-M9
Mary Frame, a native of Tennessee, and of Scotch-Irish descent. To these
parents eight children were born, six sons and two daughters, namely : Leroy
S., Henderson M., Dr. Christopher C, William M., Andrew J., George \\\,
Tabitha and Sallie.
Dr. C. C. Clements grew to manhood on his father's farm near Clements-
ville, Tennessee, and there he received his early education in the public schools
and when a young man began the study of medicine under the preceptorship
of his brother, Dr. William M. Clements, with whom he pursued his medi-
cal studies for several years, then attended the medical department of the
University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky, completing his education at
Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, from which noted in-
stitution he was graduated with the degree of doctor of medicine. Thus well
equipped for his chosen profession, he returned to Tennessee and began
practice in Macon county, where he was building up a good business during
the earlier years of the Civil war. and he was appointed assistant surgeon
of the Second Tennessee Mounted Infantry. Later he was major and sur-
geon of the Fourth Tennessee Mounted Infantry, serving in such capacity
until the close of the struggle. His record in the Union army is a most com-
mendable one. His military service was mostly in the states of Tennessee,
Kentucky and Mississippi. He participated in many important battles and
skirmishes and was one of the surgeons who cared for the wounded at the
battle of Nashville.
Following the close of the war between the states he went to Texas,
spending a year in Sherman and Paris; leaving northern Texas in the spring
of 1867, he located in Springfield, Missouri, where he resided and practiced
his profession continuously and with pronounced success until shortly before
his death, which occurred on December 20, 1905, or during a period of thirty-
eight years.
Doctor Clements was married in Springfield, in 1870, to Albina Carson
Parrish, a daughter of Dr. Horatio M. and Sarah J. Parrish, both natives of
Warren county, Kentucky, from which state they came to Springfield, Mis-
souri, in 1848. and here spent the rest of their lives, Doctor Parrish having
been a well known pioneer physician. Two children were born to Doctor
and Mrs. Clements, namely: Charles Edward, who died in infancy, and
Frank Parrish Clements, who was born in Springfield and educated in this
city and Chicago, and was engaged in the banking and manufacturing busi-
ness in Springfield until 1903, since which time he has been engaged in busi-
ness in the Southwest, although he has retained his legal residence in Spring-
field.
Mrs. Dr. Clements resides at the commodious family residence on East
Walnut street, Springfield.
Doctor Clements was a Republican in politics. He belonged to Solomon
I43O GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
Lodge, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, Springfield. He was a member
of the Grand Army of the Republic. He was a member of and one of the
organizers of the Springfield Medical Society, of which he was for many
years president. He was president of the Board of Health at various times,
and was president of the Springfield Board of Pension Examiners. He was
interested in various public enterprises. He was a patron of the leading
medical periodicals of his clay, and kept well abreast of the times in his
profession, and he stood high not only as a physician of rare skill, but as a
man of high integrity in the city of his adoption, where he passed so many
years of successful practice.
HARRY H. FINCH.
If industry, hard work and ceaseless activity, united with a strong and
determined perseverance can accomplish anything in this world, then Harry
H. Finch, engineer at the Springfield Gas & Power Company, is bound
to succeed, for in him are to be found all the characteristics mentioned;,
and indeed he is deserving of more than ordinary credit for his career
thus far in life, having yet scarcely begun his serious life work.
Mr. Finch was born in Springfield, Missouri, March 8, 1894. He is
a son of John S. and Lillie (Robinson) Finch, the latter residing at her
own home on West Poplar street, this city. The father was born at Straf-
ford, Greene county, Missouri, and grew to manhood in this county and
attended school here. Securing a position on the St. Louis & San Francisco
road here when a young man, he worked his way up to a locomotive engi-
neer, in which capacity he was long connected with this road and which
he was holding at the time of his death, on October 2, 1903, when about
forty-six years old. His death was by accident in a head-on collision at
Thayer, this state. He was reared on a farm, and when he first came to
Springfield he worked in the south side shops, then went on the road as
fireman, and was in due course of time promoted to engineer. He was a
member of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers, also belonged to
the First Baptist church. His family consisted of three children, namely:
Nellie is the wife of Charles Gardner, lives with her mother, and has one
child, Juinita ; Harry H., of this sketch; and Jesse, who is an apprentice
plumber.
The Finches were early settlers in Greene county, the grandfather hav-
ing located there in pioneer times, became a successful farmer, and served
in the Civil war.
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. I43I
Harry H. Finch received his education in the ward schools of his native
city, but left school when fourteen years of age and went to work in the
plant of the Steineger & Rountree Harness Company, as an apprentice
harness maker, but he found the work not altogether to his liking, having
had a natural bent toward machinery, so he gave up the idea of becoming
a harness maker and he secured a position as apprentice in the Frisco shops,
later, when the shops closed down temporarily, he accepted a position
with the Springfield Gas & Flectric Company as an oiler, on October 25,
1907. He held this position for two years, then began work as an engi-
neer, having successfully passed the required examination on October 15,
191 1, and received his license, having enjoyed the honor of being the
youngest licensed engineer in Springfield. But he had thoroughly prepared
himself, having not only been a close observer while acting as oiler, but also
mastered the prescribed course of the American Correspondence School
in steam engineering. He is still a student of everything that pertains to
his calling and is unquestionably one of the most up-to-date steam engi-
neers in Springfield.
Air. Finch was married on August 7. [913, to Pearl Stine, a daughter
of Cassius H. Stine. She received a common school education. This
union has been without issue.
Mr. Finch is a member of the National Association of Stationary
Engineers. He is a member of the Baptist church on Grant street, and,
politically, he votes the Democratic ticket.
LEONARD FAWCETT.
We may not always'realize it, but quite often little things rob a farmer
of the joy of farming and living in the free open country. It may be a
hroken-down gate, a half -destroyed string of fence, a leaky roof or a
dozen other similar things that ought never to be found on a farm. These
seemingly trivial things are responsible not only for keeping the owner in a
bad temper but also positively occasion loss in many ways. The wise hus-
bandman, during his spare moments from his crops and in the long winter
months looks after these defects one by one until everything is efficient
and in ship-shape, for he deems it a shame to let such little things rob him
of the pleasure of farm life. Leonard Fawcett, of Jackson township, Greene
county, is this kind of farmer. The stranger finds everything in good re-
pair and in its place when visiting his farm. Such a man sets a good ex-
ample for his neighbors.
143- GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
Air. Fawcett was born in Keokuk county, Iowa, September 8, 1868.
He is a son of Melville and Susan Jane (Shipmanj Fawcett. The father
was born in Ohio, November 9, 1838, but when a small boy his parents re-
moved to West Virginia and there he grew to manhood and attended school.
\\ hen nineteen years of age he came to Iowa, where he married and began
life for himself on a farm, became owner of eighty acres and remained in
that state twenty years, removing from there to Missouri in 1877, settling
south of Springfield in Greene county, where he purchased a farm of two
hundred acres. He was very successful as a general farmer and there he
spent the rest of his life, dying in 1909. During the Civil War he served
in the Union army, having been drafted into the service in 1863. After
serving a year he was discharged at Mobile, Alabama. He belonged to the
Methodist Fpiscopal church. The mother of the subject of this sketch was
born in Canada, July 28, 1836, and there she was reared on a farm and
educated. Remaining in her native country until twenty years of age she then
moved to Michigan, later went to Iowa, where she met and married Mr.
Fawcett. She is now advanced in years and is living on the farm adjoining
that of her son, our subject, making her home with her daughter. To
Melville D. Fawcett and wife ten children were born, namely: Herbert,
deceased; W'arren, Robert, Ira is deceased; Lucy, Leonard of this sketch;
Jesse H, Mrs. Lottie Rogers, Rolland, and William.
Leonard Fawcett lived in Iowa until he was nine years of age, when
he removed with the family to Greene county, .Missouri, and here he has
since resided. He received a common school education. He remained at
home working for his father until he was twenty-six years of age, in 1894,
then married Rosa Putnam, soon after which he began life for himself
as a farmer. He and his wife moved to their present farm nine years ago.
This place consists of one hundred and two acres, which is well located, well
improved and is kept well stocked. Our subject carries on general farming
and stock raising and he has for many years dealt extensively in live stock,
being one of the best known stockmen in this country. He has a good
home and substantial outbuildings. Mrs. Fawcett was born in this county,
August jo, 1876, on a farm, where she grew t<> womanhood, and she was
educated in the rural schools. She is a daughter of Elijah and Maranda
(Wood) Putman. Her mother i^ deceased, but her father is living in Fair
Grove, Greene count}-.
Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Fawcett, namely:
Harry, born August 1, 1895; and Johnie, born April 22, 1901.
Mr. Fawcett is a Democrat in his political relations ; fraternally he is
a member of the Masonic order, and religiously, he and his wife belong to
the Methodist Episcopal church.
GREENE i OUNTY, MISSOURI.
1433
JOHN GLENN NEWBILL.
Judge Tohn G. Newbill, the present judge of the police court of Spring-
field, is serving his second term in that now important office. When re-
elected in April, 1914, he was the only candidate on the Democratic ticket
who carried every ward in the city. He was appointed by President Cleve-
land to the position of register of the United States land office at Spring-
field in 1894, and discharged the duties of that office during a term of four
years, more than a year of which time was under the administration of
President McKinley. fudge Newbill is also editor of The Express, an earn-
JOHN G. NEWBILL.
est and strictly reliable Democratic weekly newspaper that he established on
April 1, 1881. For a period of fourteen years he was the efficient secretary
of the Democratic central committee of Greene county, and during all his
journalistic career he has been a well known correspondent of different met-
ropolitan daily newspapers, as well as agent of the Associated Press when
William Henry Smith was its able manager.
John Glenn Newbill is a native of southwest Missouri, his first recol-
lection beginning on his father's fine farm two and one-half miles west of
Springfield on the Mt. Vernon road. His father, Tyree Glenn Newbill, was
a native of Franklin county, Virginia, in which all his ancestors located
when they came to America during the days of the colonies, prior to the
Revolution, in which a number of them took an active part as soldiers in the
.1434 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
army of General Washington. Judge Newbill's parents came to Greene
county in the early fifties, and his father was one of the most enterprising
farmers and stock raisers in this section. He was the president of the local
fair association the two years preceding the War of the Rebellion, and, like
his son, was an earnest and devoted Free Mason, the names of both as mem-
bers being in the archives of United Lodge No. 5 and Springfield Chapter
No. 15, Royal Arch Masons. Judge Newbill is also a thirty-second degree
Mason of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite, his membership being in
Joplin Consistory No. 3, at Joplin, Missouri.
EMIEL SANDERS.
America has always held the gates of her entry ports ajar to the sons
of Sweden, and, having thus extended them a hearty hand of welcome and
given them every opportunity to advance themselves alter they got within
our borders, they have come in large numbers, from year to year, and their
substantial homes now dot the lulls and plains of nearly every agricultural
community of the Union, and there is hardly a city of any importance in
which we do not find their homes and places of business. Thus they have
aided us in developing this vast and comparatively new western hemisphere
and we have in turn unproved their condition. They were reared in a land
where Mother Nature is somewhat unkind, where the winters are long and
the country rugged and none too fertile and where business and professional
opportunities are not so extensive as in our own country, so that they have,
as a rule, hail to battle hard for the right to live, had to exert every energy
for the food and clothing necessary to keep aglow the little flame of life.
But this all has helped them to win success in America, where there are un-
limited opportunities, for they have inherited from their forebears those
sterling qualities of energy, persistence, fortitude and tact, and they do not
halt at any obstacle or permit any adversity to swerve them from their course.
One of this number was the late Emiel Sanders, as was also his father-in-
law, Peter Swanson, men who came to this country of ours with little to
start on, but forged to the front and became possessors of a competency and
comfortable homes in due course of time.
Mr. Sanders, who was for many years a well known furniture dealer in
Springfield, was born in Stockholm, Sweden, May 7. 1845. 1° an early dkj
he came to the United States, first locating in New York, and there he was
first married t<> a lady of English birth. They were the parents of three
children, two of whom died in infancy and John, who survived, is now in
Ponka City, Oklahoma. Subject's first wife died in 1870. and subject again
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. 1435
married, this time Marie Swanson, a daughter of Peter and Gustava (Law-
son) Swanson, both of Sweden. Mrs. Sanders was one of six children, three
boys and three girls, the youngest born in America and the rest in Sweden.
This last marriage occurred May 10, 1880.
Emiel Sanders grew to manhood in his native land and there received
his education and learned the cabinet maker's trade, and when a young man
went to Germany and spent three years, then emigrated to the United States,
first locating in New York, as before stated. He came on to Springfield,
Missouri in an early day and here remained the rest of his life. He had
continued working at his trade, at which he was quite skilful, and after he
had become well established in Springfield he started a furniture factory,
which he operated a short time, then owned and conducted a large furniture
store at 309 Boonville street, where he built up a large and satisfactory busi-
ness, carried an extensive and up-to-date stock of everything commonly found
in the best furniture stores of the large cities, and this line of business he
•continued until his death, at which time he was one of the oldest furniture
dealers in the city. He dealt in an honest and courteous manner and his
hundreds of patrons remained his friends.
Mr. Sanders was married May 10, 1881, at Marshfield, Missouri, to
Marie Swanson, who was born in the central part of Sweden, April 21,
1857. She is a daughter of Peter and Gustava (Lawson) Swanson, both
natives of Sweden also, and there they grew to maturity, received common
school educations and were married. Mr. Swanson was a farmer by occu-
pation, which he followed in his native land until 1869, when he emigrated
to the United States and located at Salem, Missouri, and after he got a good
foothold in the new country he sent for his wife and daughter, Marie, who
made the long trip from their native land to this state in 1872. The family
moved from Salem to Mountain Grove, Missouri, but the death of Mr. Swan-
son occurred at Salem. His family consisted of five children, all living at
this writing. Mrs. Sanders grew to womanhood in Sweden and received a
limited education in the common schools, but she has educated herself and
is a well informed and intelligent lady, with affable manners. She is a mem-
ber of the Congregational church, and has a pleasant home on East Grand
avenue.
Four children were born to Emiel Sanders and wife, one of whom is
deceased, namely: Emma C, born February 16, 1882, was educated in
the schools of Springfield, married Gorden Coil, and they live on a farm
near Fair Grove, Greene county: Mary Hattie, born June 25, 1884, died in
February, 1886; Nellie A., born June 29, 1886, was graduated from the
Springfield high school and the state normal here, and she is a successful
-teacher; Ada G. born July 29. 1888, was also graduated from the local high
I436 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
school and the state normal here and taught in Wyoming one year, where she
made a good record.
Emiel Sanders was called to his rest on July 8, 1892, at the age of forty-
seven years, when in the prime of life.
GEORGE W. BARNES, M. D.
It is a pleasure to the biographer to revert to the life of an individual
who surmounted the discouraging obstacles of an early environment that was
none too auspicious, and while achieving a large measure of individual suc-
cess has found time to be a good citizen in a general way, making his locality
better by his residence therein. Such a man is Dr. George W. Barnes, for
over a quarter of a century a leading physician of the north side in Springfield.
Frank, courageous, honest, aggressive, he, nor his position as a citizen can not
well be misunderstood. In professional, civic and social relations he thinks
and acts along well-regulated lines, and does not evade, does not dodge an is-
sue. He has energy, intellect, and will; has self -purpose, resolution and de-
termination, throwing his entire force of body and mind direct upon his work.
His self-reliance has not been wholly acquired — it was born in him. He be-
lieved at the start that if there were better days, and "good times coming"
that we are justified in hoping for, we must be capable of making them for
ourselves. The fable of the "Labors of Hercules" is indeed the type of
human doing and success.
Doctor Barnes was born in Greene county, .Missouri, April 7, 1855. He
is a son of Elisha K. and Alary J. (Small) Barnes. The father was born in
1830 in North Carolina, from which state he emigrated to Missouri in early
life, locating in Greene county, where he engaged in fanning. When the
Civil war came on he enlisted in the Confederate army during the early part
of the conflict and fought gallantly until taken prisoner. He was sent to
the Federal prison at Indianapolis. Indiana, where he died. He was of
English ancestry. His father, Nineveh Barnes, was a native of Xorth Caro-
lina. He married Phoebe Headlee. They spent their earlier years in Xorth
Carolina, from which state they removed to Greene county, Missouri, in pio-
neer days, located on a farm, and there spent the rest of their days, each
reaching advanced ages. The mother of Doctor Barnes was born on August
4. 1833, in Greene county, Missouri, where her people, the Smalls, were first
settlers, and the old homestead has remained in possession of the family to
the present time. The Small family is of Scotch ancestry.
Elisha K. Barnes and wife were married on March 25, 1851, and they
reared a family of four children, three sons and a daughter, namely: Dr.
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. 1 437
George \\\, of this review; Elisha E., born March 24, 1864, is married and
lives in Oklahoma City; Mrs. Mattie Dennis, who resides in Hutchinson,
Kansas, where Mr. Dennis is engaged in the real estate business, and Rob-
ert N-, who died in Wichita, Kansas. The mother of these children is still
living, having attained her eighty-first year.
Doctor Barnes is an excellent type of the successful self-made man. His
parents were poor and his father died when the future physician was but a
how so he was early thrown on his own resources, and, therefore, practically
his whole life has been one of self-support. He grew up on the farm and
worked hard as a tiller of the soil during the summer months and in the win-
ter time attended the^ district schools. Later he taught country schools in the
winter months and farmed summers, and laid by funds to complete his educa-
tion. He finished his literary studies at Morrisville College, in Polk county,
this state, and, in 1882, he entered the Missouri Medical College in St. Louis,
from which he was graduated with the class of 1884, and in that year he
commenced the practice of his profession at Brighton, Polk county, where he
remained in a good country practice until r888, when he removed to Spring-
field, opening an office at Boonville and Commercial streets, which office he
has since occupied, and his success as a general practitioner has steadily
grown all the while, and it is worth) of note that after a continuous practice
here of twenty-five years the past year was the besl of all, which fact should
he a sufficient recommendation, not only of his ability, but of the confidence
reposed in him by the people of this locality. He now confines himself as
much to city practice as possible. He is often called in consultation on serious
cases with other leading physicians of the city and county, lie does a yreat
deal of hospital work, and he has lectured at Burge Deacones; Hospital,
Springfield, since its organization, lie is a member of the hoard that lectures
the nurses in training at this hospital, and also at the Springfield Hospital.
Ills principal subject is nervous diseasi
Doctor Barnes is a member of the Greene County Medical Society, of
which he was president 111 1906, and vice-president in 11,-05, and is at this
writing a member of ihe board of censors of this society. He also belongs
to the Southwest Missouri Medical Society, the Missouri State Medical Asso-
ciation and the American Medical Association. He is a member of the
Commercial Club. Fraternally, he belongs to the Masonic Order, Tribe of
Ben Hur, Improved Order of Bed Men. the Woodmen and the Court of
Honor. Politically, he is a Democrat, and. religiously, belongs to the Meth-
odist Episcopal church.
Doctor Barnes was married. May 26, 1886, to Annie L. Fender, who
was born in 1864 in Greene county, where she was reared and educated in
the public schools. She is a daughter of Wilson and Louisa (Wallace) Fen-
der, she being the only child. Her father was a farmer, and when the Civil
I438 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
war came on he enlisted in the Union army and saw much hard service,
and as a result of the exposure, contracted pneumonia while in the service,
was sent home, and died soon afterwards. Airs. Barnes was but a child at
that time and too young to remember him. A few years later Mrs. Louisa
Fender married again, her last husband being Capt. J. W. Peltz, an ofhcer
in the Union army. Two children were born to the second marriage, namely :
Joseph E. Peltz, a member of the shoe firm of Peltz & Cogley, who conduct
one of the most extensive shoe businesses on Commercial street, Springfield;
and Mrs. Alice Meador, also of Springfield, and the wife of a passenger con-
ductor on the Frisco railroad.
To Doctor Barnes and wife one child has been born, Geneva Aline
Barnes, whose birth occurred in Springfield on December 13, 1896. She
was educated in the ward schools and is now in her fourth year in the high
school. She is a cultured and talented young lady, takes a fond interest in
elocution, has decided musical ability and tastes, and at present is taking
voice culture under Rev. Mrs. McClanahan. of this city.
In his private and social relations Doctor Barnes is enjoyable, animated,
jovial, and entertaining. There is no pretense or display about him, is kind
and generous-hearted, and with friends is firm and true.
OTIS EVERETT SXIDER.
Never before lias there been so much interest taken in the best methods
of farming and in the conditions of rural homes. The struggle to bring
rural life from the present to ideal conditions is not an easy one, nor will
it be speedily accomplished. Yet there are now farms and country homes
in every county which might be taken as models worth imitating. Among
those in Greene county which come pretty near the high-water mark of an
ideal twentieth-century farm is that owned and operated by Otis Everett
Snider and known as "Brookdale Farm." Such places are a credit to any
community, and they inspire others to put forth a like effort, as well as pub-
lishing to the outside world the fact that here is a community of citizens-
of thrift and good taste.
Mr. Snider was born in the above-named township and county on
February 23, 1874. He is a son of David and Eliza Jane (Robertson)
Snider. David Snider was born on February [9, 1844, in Monroe county,
eastern Tennessee, and was a son of John and Nellie (McKee) Snider.
John Snider was a native of Tennessee, where he spent his life, dying there
when his son, David, was seven years old. after devoting his life to farm-
ing. His wife, Nellie McKee. was a native of Pennsylvania. David Snider
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. [439
grew to manhood in Tennessee and received such educational advantages
as the old-time subscription schools afforded, and there he continued to
reside until he was twenty-seven years of age, when he removed to Gentry
count)-, Missouri, hut remained only three months, coming on then to Greene
county, arriving here on December 24, 1872. After renting a farm for
some time, he bought forty acres, and, prospering through close applica-
tion and good management, he added to his original purchase, until he
owned three hundred and thirty acres of valuable and productive land in
sections 21 and 28, Murray township, and there he still resides, engaged
successfully and extensively in general farming and stock raising, and ranks
among the leading agriculturists of the county, throughout which he is
widely known and highly esteemed as a man and citizen. He and Eliza Jane
Robertson were married on February 3, 1873. She was born in Greene
county, where she grew to womanhood and was educated. She is a daugh-
ter of Jefferson and Alary Ann 1 Ludspeech) Robertson, one of the pioneer
families of the northern part of Greene county. A history of this well-
known family appears in the sketch of Charles L. Robertson on another
page of this work.
To David Snider and wife five children were born, namely: Otis E.,
of this sketch; Mrs. Josie Lee Green, of Murray township; Mrs. Mary Jus-
tice, who lives near Ash Grove, this county; Mrs. Virgie Thomas, who lives
in Murray township; and Virgil, who died in infancy.
Politically, David Snider is a Democrat, but has never cared for pub-
lic office. Fraternally, he belongs to the Masonic order at Bois D'Arc,
Greene county. He was reared in the faith of the Methodist church, and
his wife is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, South, at Willard.
Otis E. Snider spent his boyhood days on his father's farm and re-
ceived his education in the local public schools. He remained on the home
place assisting with the general work there until his marriage, at the age
of twenty-four years, after which he began farming for himself in Mur-
ray township, and was successful from the first. He accumulated two hun-
dred acres of good land, which he sold in 1913, and removed to Nebraska;
but ranching in that state did not appeal to him in every respect, and,
after making a crop there he returned to his native township and located
on his present place. "Brookdale Farm," which consists of two hundred
acres, and is one of the desirable and well-improved farms of the township,
on which stands a good residence and substantial and convenient outbuild-
ings. He carries on general farming, and makes a specialty of raising hogs,
and has traded in them on a large scale until very recently, when he turned
his attention more to general crops. His place is well drained, well fenced
and well watered, there being an excellent running spring on his land, be-
sides good wells.
I44O GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
Mr. Snider was married, February 2, 1897, to Birdie Gilmore, a native
of this part of Greene county, where she was reared and educated. She is
a daughter of George and Miley (Phillips) Gilmore, a well known and
highly respected family of near Willard, this township.
To our subject and wife four children have been born, namely : Ralph,
George, Ellis, and the youngest died in infancy, unnamed.
Politically, Mr. Snider is a Democrat, but has never been active in
party affairs. He was reared in a Methodist family, and his wife belongs to
the Methodist Episcopal church at Willard. He is a quiet, hard-working
farmer of good habits and pleasing disposition.
GEORGE LAFAYETTE McELHANY.
Few residents of the western part of Greene county are so well and
favorably known as George Lafayette McElhany, the enterprising farmer
and representative citizen whose life history is briefly told in the following
lines, and none stand higher than he in the esteem and confidence of the
community in which he has spent his entire life and for the material, civic
and moral advancement of which he lias devoted both time and influence.
During his residence here of over three score years he has noted wonderful
changes and talks interestingly of them. He is of Scotch-Irish descent, and
the family of which he is an honorable representative has been known in
America for many generations, especially has the name been a familiar one
in various portions of the state of Tennessee, but wherever they have dis-
persed the McElhanys have been known a-- enterprising and public-spirited
citizens.
Mr. McElhany was born in Brookline township, Greene county. M
souri, .March 13, 1^52. He is a son of Warry and Jane (Robertson)
McElhany, both natives of Tennessee, the father horn in Granger county,
Augusl 3, [820, and the mother's birth occurred in Rome county. February
24, [826. Our subject's great grandfather was a Scotchman, and his wife
was a native of Ireland. The father died when Warry McElhany was
three years old and the latter spent his boyhood in Tennessee, being seven-
teen years of age when he made the overland journey to Missouri with his
mother and stepfather, the family stopping a mile and a half southwest of
Springfield, and cultivated the old Eperson farm, in October. [837, where
they remained a year, then moved on the north side of the James river in
Wilson township on the old Edwards farm, where they remained a year,
then moved to Brookline township and entered one hundred and sixty acres
H
v.
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. I44I
from the government, near where the town of Brookline is now located.
Warry McElhany assisted his stepfather, Joel Phillips, clear and develop
the land into a good farm, in [839 and 1840 he carried the mail between
Springfield and Neosho. In the fall of 1845 he went to Texas, where he
remained a few months, later returning to the home farm in Greene county.
Warry McElhany married, December 23, 1847, Jane Robertson, a
daughter of Linsey and Delilah Robertson, and to this union the following
children were born: Mary, who married Reuben Rose, is deceased, but he
is living in Brookline township; Delilah first married W. T. Adams, now
deceased, and later she married Charles Lloyd; George L., of this review;
the next child died in infancy.
The father of the above named children settled on the farm now owned
by George L. McElhany, in Section 15. in 1850, and here the subject of this
sketch was born and spent his life, working on the place during the summer
months when a boy and attending the neighboring schools in the winter time,
mostly subscription schools. He was nine years of age when the battle of
Wilson's Creek was fought, of which he has a very vivid recollection and
tells many interesting things, also tells of the days when the Indians still
occupied this part of the Ozarks, when his father was hired by the govern-
ment to assist in removing the red men from the vicinity of Springfield
to below Cassville. The death of Warry McElhany occurred July jo, 1889,
and his wife preceded him to the grave, December 8, 1885.
George L. McElhany was married twice, first to Alice Garton, August
9, 1874. She was a daughter of J. W. and Elizabeth (Rainey) Garton,
ind to this union eleven children were born, namely; Henry H. lives in
Brookline township; Myrtle is the wife of P. E. Shelton of Republic town-
ship; Jane is the wife of G. T. Norman of Brookline township; Lucy is the
wife of W. A. Wiley, of Kansas City; Maggie is the wife of G. W. Ward
and they live in Christian county; Charles and Warry both live in Brookline
township; Robert makes his home in California; Bessie and William Bryan
both live at home; Alice died in infancy. The mother of the above named
children passed away January 6, 1901, and Mr. McElhany was again mar-
ried July 1. 1907; his last wife, Mrs. Emma Manley, widow of C. B. Manley,
deceased, a native of Greene count}-, is a daughter of Hen and Barbara
(Fleming) McCormick, who were residents of Illinois, and in that state
Mrs. McElhany was born. She was one of ten children, all now deceased
but two — Mrs. McElhany and the oldest child, Mrs. Mary Ramsey, who is
now seventy-four years of age, and is living in Woodbine, Iowa.
Politically Mr. McElhany is a Democrat. He has served as school
director of his district for a period of twenty-five years. Fraternally he
(90
KKSIIiKM E OF U. I.. Ill KI.IIA.NV.
SI'RTXGDALK FAltM.
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. [443
belongs to the Masonic order and the Independent Order of < >dd Fellows.
He is a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian church at Brookline.
Mr. McElhany is one oi the best farmers oi Brookline township. His
well-tilled and well-kept place contains two hundred and eighty acres, all
under cultivation but about sixty acres. I lis holdings were formerly much
greater but he has given his children forty acres each as a start in life.
His place is known as "Springdale Farm," and is one of the most desirable
in the community. It is a rich red loam soil with a red clay sub-soil a fool
or more under the surface, lie lias made a pronounced success as a general
farmer and stock raiser, especially in hogs and mules.
DAVID EDWARD R< >SS.
Many people are of the opinion that the word farming means the same
the world over, and so it does in a sense, but yet, like many another word
in our complicated language, it has what one might call an elastic meaning.
\t least the methods of farming vary radically in different countries. So the
word means one thing to the tiller of the soil in the ( )zark region and quite
another to the husbandman in Mexico, Brazil, India or Ceylon. Such de-
cidedly different methods have to he employed m coaxing from Mother Earth
the grains, fruit and vegetables by which we live that the expert farmer of
one country would he a decided failure in another. And main years are
required to become properly acquainted with the methods of successful agri-
culture in any land and clime. This being the case the world over, that
man is wise who remains in his own country if he intends to devote his
attention to this vocation all his life.
David Edward Ross, a successful general farmer and stockman of
Murray township, Greene count)-, has been content to spend his life in his
native community, and. being a man of industry, sound judgment and a
close observer he has forged ahead until he now ranks among the leading
men of his calling in this locality. Mr. Ross was horn near Willard, Greene
county. Missouri, Jul)- n, [869. He is a son of Lafayette A. and Malinda
( Evans) Ross. The father of our subject was born in Robberson township,
this county. February. _»i, 1835, tne son OI David and Louisa (Robinson)
Ross. David Ross, who was horn in Kentucky in 1812, was one of the
prominent pioneer preachers of the Methodist church in southwestern Mis-
souri and one of the leading- farmers of Greene county of that period, having
come here when he was twelve years of age from Cooper county, Missouri
with his parents. William and Elizabeth Ross. William Ross was a sur-
veyor and he laid out the town of Boonville. this state, and was also emploved
1444 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
by the government of Mexico to help survey what is now the state of Texas.
He left Greene county and engaged in merchandising in bolivar, Polk county,
for a number of years, later moving to Versailles, Morgan county, where
his death occurred at an advanced age, he and his wife both passing their
four-score mile-post. David Ross engaged in farming in the northern por-
tion of Greene county, erecting a log cabin on wild land, and, working hard
and managing well, finally had a fine farm of about five hundred acres and
a large comfortable home took the place of his little primitive dwelling.
He handles large numbers of live stock of various kinds and is a good judge
of stock. For a period of over thirty-five years he preached the gospel all
over this country and was a powerful preacher of his type. His wife, Louisa
Robinson, was born in Tennessee about 1815 and her death occurred on the
homestead here, and he died on January 6, 1869, at the age of fifty-six
years, after a successful and useful career, although comparatively brief.
To these parents twelve children were born, namely: Lafayette A., father
of the immediate subject of this sketch; William, Dr. Francis E., Mrs.
Elizabeth J. Whitlock; Mrs. Mary L. Skeeu, David \\\. Mrs. Sarah M.
Watson, Mrs. Henrietta J. Robinson. Mrs. Cordelia Robinson, Bennett J.,
Mrs. Laura M. Appleby, and Dr. Leonidas C.
Lafayette A. Ross has spent his entire life in the vicinity of his birth
with the exception of three years in California during the early fifties, the
gold-fever days, having been but nineteen years of age when he made the
hazardous trip across the plains. Returning home in 185'!. he tc « >k up farm-
ing and >ti>ck raising here, which has since claimed his attention, and he
is owner of an excellent farm in Murray township of one hundred and
twenty acres, having lived on the same farm for a period of forty-six years.
He and Malinda A. Evans were married September 21, 1856. She is a
daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth (Leathers) Evans, all three of whom were
burn in North Carolina. Joseph Evans was a millwright by trade, which
he followed during the winter months and farmed in the summer time. He
moved his family to Greene county. Missouri, in 1840, locating on a farm at
tlie edge of Robberson Prairie. He built the first frame house, also the first
saw mill and grist-mill in this county, and became a prosperous and influen-
tial citizen here. His death occurred in 1888, when eighty-five years of age.
His familv consisted of ten children, all now deceased but four, namely:
Alexander, of Springfield; Daniel M.. of Willard ; Malinda A., who is the
mother of our subject; and Mrs. Emma McDaniel. of Springfield. To La-
fayette A. Ross and wife six children were born, named as follows: George
Emery lives in Texas; William T- is a resident of Morrisville. Polk county;
Mrs. Emma Ault lives in Tulsa. Oklahoma ; Mrs. Lula R. Appleby lives
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. 1 445
with her parents; David Edward, of this sketch; and Walter Evans, who
lives in Oklahoma.
David Edward Ross, always called "Ed Ross," grew to manhood on
his father's farm and there he worked when a boy, and he received his
education in the public schools of his community and at Morrisville College
in Polk enmity. He remained on the home farm until his marriage at the age
of twenty-four years, after which he rented a farm just north of his present
place which he operated one year, and in 1894 moved to W'illard and en-
gaged in mercantile pursuits, which he continued until in February, 1901,
enjoying a good business and an extensive trade with the town and com-
munity as a result of his straightforward and courteous dealings with his
customers and the fact that he always carried a well-selected stock of general
merchandise. He moved back to his father's farm in 1900, where he now
resides and has been very successful as a general farmer and stockman,
dealing extensively in buying and selling mules during the winter months.
He raises large numbers of mules for the market, also horses, and it is safe
to sav that there is no better judge of both mules and horses than he, and
no small portion of his comfortable competence has been secured through
the judicious handling of these animals. In 1911 he moved to Springfield,
where he was in the horse and mule business and engaged in trading until
1913, when he returned to the farm and is now active in general agricul-
tural pursuits. His counsel is often sought by his neighbors and friends in
regard to the horse and mule market and as to the value of certain animals
and his advice is usually followed with gratifying results. His farm is
well kept, well improved and indicates that a gentleman of thrift and good
taste has its management in hand.
Mr. Ross was married September 28, 1893, to Ida M. Watson, who
was born, reared and educated in the vicinity of Willard. She is a daughter
of John P. and Nancy (Bryant) Watson. Mr. Watson was born in Tennes-
see. October 22, 1840. where he spent his early boyhood, making the tedious
overland journey from his native state to Greene county, Missouri, when
he was ten years of age. with his parents. Barney and Jane Watson, who
settled on a farm in Murray township, and here John P. grew to manhood
and received his education in the early schools of this vicinity. His father
took up a claim in this township, which he developed into a good farm and
here devoted his remaining years to general farming and died here. John P.
Watson has devoted his active life to general agricultural pursuits, becoming
owner of a good farm in this locality but for several years has been living
retired, having bought a home at Morrisville. Polk county, about 1904. where
he still lives. He has been twice married. He is the father of four children
by his marriage to Nancy Bryant, who was born in 1839, being a native of
I446 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
Missouri, and her death occurred when her daughter, Ida M., was six
years of age. These children were named: Mollie, who is the wife of
William J. Ross, a merchant of Morrisville, Missouri; David is deceased;
Mrs. Lula Appleby lives near Willard, this county; and Ida M., wife of the
subject of this sketch. The second wife of John P. Watson was Sarah Ross,
and to this union one child was born, Ross Watson, who is engaged in busi-
ness at Willard.
Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Ed. Ross, of this sketch,
namely: Charles II., who is working in the oil fields of Oklahoma with his
uncle, Walter Ross; and John A., who is at home with his parents.
Mr. Ross is a Democrat hut has never been an aspirant for political
honors, although he is active in all movements looking to the general progress
of his township and county. Fraternally, he is a member of the Modern
Woodmen of America and of the Masonic Blue Lodge. He and his wife
are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. South, at Willard and are
active in the affairs of the same. Mrs. Ross is third vice-president of the
Foreign Missionary Society of the same.
WILLIAM ROY STEWART.
Greene county lias been especially fortunate in the character of her pio-
neers, who, save in rare instances, possessed the pluck, fortitude and sound
judgment of the true Anglo Saxon — that race which appears to delight in
difficulties, because thereby an opportunity is afforded to conquer them. The
founders of this country were brave, strong-armed, far-seeing, law-abiding
citizens, patriotic and true to their native land, and conscientious in the dis-
charge of their every duty toward their fellow men. Such was the Stewart
family, who emigrated from the old Blue Grass state to Greene county, Mis-
souri, fifty-four years ago, and have proven to be among <>ur substantial citi-
zens from that remote day, over a half century ago, t" the present time.
One "l" the best known of the present generation is William Roy Stewart,
wild, although a young man. holds the responsible position of yard-master
at Springfield fur the Frisco railroad.
Mr. Stewart was burn in this city on January 31. [883. lie is a son of
|uhn W. Stewart, who was born in Kentucky, near the "Id city of Lexington,
and from there he came to Greene county, Missouri, in [861, and has since
resided here, living now on College street. After attending the common
schools he began bis railroad career, in 1880. as brakeman for the Frisco,
becoming conductor in [881, and he continued in this capacity until [908, or
a period of twenty-seven years, during which time he was one of the best
15KKKNE COUNTY, MISSOURI. M47
known conductors on the system, and that his work was highly satisfactory
in every respect is indicated by his lung service, in igcii he emit the road
and entered the yard service ot the Frisco as switchman in bprmgneld, which
position he has held ever since, Politically, he is a Republican. He belongs
to the Ancient Tree and Accepted iviasons, Lhe Ancient Arabic Order of the
Nobles of the Mystic Shrine and the Knights Templars; also the Benevolent
.nid Protective Order of Elks, the Order of Railway Conductors, and to the
Methodist Episcopal church.
John W. Stewart married Emma Kite, whose death occurred in Decem-
ber, 1905, at tlie age ot forty-three years, and she was buried in Maple Park
cemetery. Three children were born to these parents, namely: VV. Roy, of
this sketch; Walter, who was in the employ of the read, and was killed in
10.13 by a loci motive; Gu) D. died in infancy.
A. Dudley btewart, paternal grandfather oi the subject of this sketch,
spent his earlier days in Kentucky., removing with his family to Springfield,
Missouri, about the commencement ol the Civil war. lie has devoted his
active life to railroad service, ana for many years worked as carpenter and
car repairer in the North Side Frisco shops, tie is still living at the advanced
age of eighty years, making his home on North Jefferson street, this city.
William Roy Stewart moved with his parents from Springfield to Deni-
son, Texas, when a child and there spent his boyhood and received his
education in the public schools, but left the school room when only fourteen
ears of age to begin his railroad career, his Inst work being that of
y
is^ lvj ,jvs
night baggage agent at Joplin, Missouri, in [899, lor the Frisco, in 1900
he began braking out 1 I Monett and 111 1902 was promoted to conductor,
his run being between Sapulpa, Oklahoma, and Sherman, Texas, also ran
out of Monett, Missouri, as conductor. He resigned this position in the
spring of 1905 and in the fall of that year went to work as switchman in
the Springfield yards, and in the same year was promoted t > > the position
of yardmaster, which position he has held to the present time, having
twenty-five hands under his direction. In all capacities in which he has
worked for the Frisco he has given eminent satisfaction. He has charge
of the work in the yards at the passenger station.
Mr. Stewart was married in 11,04 to Kate (row. a daughter of lames
P. Crow, a native of Louisiana. To this union one child has been born.
Belva Stewart, now ten years old and attending school.
Politically, Mr. Stewart is a Republican. He belongs to the Order
of Railway Conductors, holding the office of assistant chief conductor in
the local lodge. He is president of the local Switchmen's Union. He be-
longs to Solomon Lodge No. -'71. Ancient Free and Accepted Masons. He
is also a member of the Methodist Episcopal church.
I448 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
HARVEY W. HOWARD.
Although Americans do not take nearly so much interest in their family
trees as do the Europeans or better classes of Orientals, yet it should be a
matter of pride with us, who like the subject of this sketch, is able to refer to
a long line of honorable progenitors — men and women who have left be-
hind them records of which their descendants may not be ashamed but
proud. Records of this fine old family may be traced back to William the
Conqueror of England, to the year 1066, and their record in America goes
back to our first settlers, when the original of this name landed either
in Rhode Island or Massachusetts, it is believed in the year 1628. not so very
long after the memorable arrival of the Mayflower.
Harvey W. Howard, pit foreman in the new shops of the Frisco at
Springfield, a direct descendant of this old family, was born in Peabody,
Kansas, September 2j, 1877. ^e 's a s"n °f Albert S. and Charlotte E.
(Trimble) Howard, the mother now a resident of the state of Idaho, being
at this writing seventy-six years of age. The father was born in Wisconsin,
from which state he came to Kansas in an early day. In his earlier life he
followed the trade of millwright, later devoting his attention to carpen-
tering and contracting, and although he is now seventy-seven years of age
be is still active. He makes his home at Boise. Idaho. Politically, he is
a Republican, and he is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. His
family consisted of four children, namely: Clinton, who was killed some
years ago in a railroad accident: Samuel, who is a brass-maker, lives in
Denver, Colorado; Hattie married Rev. P. P>. Knepp, minister of the Metho-
dist Episcopal church, now stationed at Axtell, Kansas; and Harvey W. of
this sketch.
Mr. Howard of this review received his education in the common schools
at Council Grove, Kansas, but left school when sixteen years of age. and
began learning the machinist's trade in that town, working under his father
in a contract shop; after serving his apprenticeship he worked for ten years
at his trade in Osawatomic. Kansas, then worked there in the Missouri
Pacific shops at his trade, for two years he worked in Colorado Tin-
as machinist for the Hassell Iron Company. His next position was with
the Colorado .Midland railroad, continuing his trade, part of the time in
Colorado City, then went to La Junta. Colorado, for the Atchison. Topeka
& Santa Fe railroad, working in their shops there until in [903, when he
came to Springfield. .Missouri, and took a position in the south side Frisco
shops, working as machinist a year, then went to Leadville. Colorado, and
was division foreman for the Colorado Midland a year, after which he went
back to the Hassell Iron Works at Colorado City for five months, then
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. ' 449
came back to the south side shops in Springfield, and after working here
as machinist for three months he was promoted to the position of erecting
foreman, which he held over three years, then went to the new shops in
191 1, working as machinist for six months, then was promoted to the po-
sition which he now holds, that of pit foreman in the erecting department.
He has about twenty hands under his direction and is giving eminent satis-
faction in this important position. lie is regarded as one of the most
expert machinists the Frisco has ever employed from a Western road.
.Mr. Howard was married on March 15, 1899, to Hattie Stickney, a
daughter of John and Jane (Helm) Stickney, of Springfield, and to this
union one child has been born. Helen Charlotte Howard, born January
15, 1905. John Stickney, father of Mrs. Howard, served in the Union
Army. The maternal grandparents of our subject's wife were born in
Germany.
Politically, Mr. Howard is a Republican. He belongs to the Methodist
Episcopal church. He holds membership in Orient Lodge Xo. 86, Knights
of Pythias, of which he was elected chancellor commander for the rear 1 < ) r 5 .
and is also a member of the Machinist's Union Xo. 363.
CHARLES WALTER KERR.
In years gone by farmers were looked upon as a class of people who
were not educated, who could do nothing but farm. Now times have changed
— one can not make a pronounced success as a farmer unless one is educated,
not necessarily in the classics, it is true, but educated in the things that he has
to employ in his vocation — the care and management of his place. A fanner,
to be a successful farmer, must carefully manage his farm and know what
he is gaining or losing, and on what branch there is no profit, just the same
as the business man of the city manages his business, in a way, he should
be a good bookkeeper. Among the tillers of the soil in Brookline township,
Greene county, who not only knows bow to plow and hoc. hut also how to
properly manage the business end of bis farm, is Charles Walter Kerr.
Mr. Kerr was horn in Vermilion county, Illinois, August 9, 1874. He is
a son of James A. and Sarah (Irvin) Kerr. The father was a native of In-
diana, in which state he grew to manhood, and was educated in the common
schools, and he remained in his native state until about 1869, when he re-
moved to Illinois, and from that state he brought his family to Greene county,
Missouri, when the subject of this sketch was six years old, the family lo-
cating in Brookline township, in 1880, and here our subject has since resided.
To fames A. Kerr and wife seven children were born, three sons and four
145° GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
daughters, namely: J. Owen, born in [870, lives in Republic; Elmer E., born
in 1866, died in [894; Mary E., burn in 1868, married D. F. Leabo, and they
live in Carthage, Missouri; Emma V., born in 1872, married R. A. Bowland,
and they reside in Springfield; Charles \\\, of this sketch; Olive M., born in
[S76, married H. H. McElhaney, and they live in Brookline township; Edna
May, born in 1880, is unmarried and resides with her mother on the home
place in this township. The father died, October 23, 1903.
Charles W. Kerr grew to manhood on the home farm and assisted with
the work during the crop seasons, attending the public schools in the winter
time in his district, lie has always followed farming, on the home place,
managing the >;ime for hi;-, father until the latter's death, in 1903, since which
time he has operated the place on his own account. He has kept it under
an excellent state of improvement and cultivation. He recently completed
an attractive residence, on the bungalow order, near the old home. It is on
the main highway between Springfield and Republic, and is surrounded bv a
beautiful oak grove, and is appropriately named "The Oaks."
Mr. Kerr was married in [911 to Frances Short, a daughter of Frank
and Nancy Short, who live in Christian county, Missouri, where Mrs. Kerr
was born, reared and educated, the date of her birth being 1878.
Politically. Mr. Kerr is a Republican, but while he supports every move-
ment calculated to be of general public interest, he has never been a candi-
date for public office. He belongs to the Baptist church at Republic.
)R. GEI >RGE 1.. NOLAND.
Osteopathy lias an able exponent in Springfield and Greene county in the
person of Dr. George I.. Xoland, a man who has studied hard and left no
stone unturned whereby he might get to the top of his profession. Thorough-
ness, promptness and honest) have been watchwords with him and he is in
every way deserving of the large success and the popularity which lie lias at-
tained, fi r he began at the bottom of the ladder and lias mounted its ni gs
unaided, lie seems to havp inherited many of the traits that win in life from
his sterling ancestors of the old Buckeye state.
Doctor Xoland was horn at Big Plain, near Columbus, Ohio, in r868.
lie is a son of Beckworth and Martha 1 Biggert) Xoland. a highly respected
family ol that place, the elder Xoland spending his life on a farm and was
1 ne of the enterprising citizens ^\ his community. George 1.. Xoland was
reared in his native vicinity and when id' proper age he assisted his father
with the work on the farm during the crop season, and during the winter
attended the public schools, later entered the State Normal School at Dan-
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. I45I
ville, Indiana, completing the prescribed course there, after which he re-
turned to Ohio, and was married to Lou Tway. of London, that state, on
November 2. [891, and then he engaged in farming for three years on the
old home place, lie removed from the scenes of his childhood to Alt. Ayr,
Iowa, where he engaged successfully in the live stock business until the fall
of [899, when he sold out and moved to Kirksville, Missouri, and there he
and his wife entered the American School of Osteopathy, where they both
made splendid records, and were graduated in due course of time. Imme-
diately thereafter they came to Springfield, Missouri, and began the practice
of osteopathy here in July, [901, and they have continued the same to the
present time with ever-increasing success, and are among the most skillful
and best known osteopathic physicians in southern Missouri, and each of
the thirteen years they have been here has found them further advanced and
with more patients and with more friends than the preceding.
Mrs. I. on Tway Noland was horn on July 1'', 1X70, in Fayette count},
( )hio, and there spent her early girlhood. When twelve years of age she went
to London, where she resided until [895. She was graduated from the high
school there in 1888, and, subsequently, took a post-graduate teacher's course
in the State Normal at Ada, Ohio, after which she spent several years teach-
ing school in Madison county, that state, and was regarded as one of the
leading public f?cl ool instructors of that count)', and it was in London that
she and Mr. Noland were married. She spent six months studying in Europe,
in H)i),v, and took a course of lectures in osteopath)' in University of Vienna,
Austria. She is profoundly versed in this science, has met with pronounced
success during her professional career and has been of great assistance to her
husband. She is a daughter of Perry and Clara t Cartlich) Tway, the mother
a daughter of Abraham and Lucinda (Will) Cartlich. Lucinda Will was a
daughter of George Will, who was horn on May 3. 1749. and he died on
October 13, 1828. He was a soldier in the Revolutionary war. serving as
tirst lieutenant and adjutant of the Sixth Pennsylvania Regiment. He was
commissioned first lieutenant on February 5, 1N77. and his name is the last
line on a list of officers, dated August JJ. 1778. This regiment was in the
disaster at Fort Wellington on March 10, 1776.
Mrs. Noland has served three years as treasurer of the Missouri Os-
teopathic Association, which position she still holds. She is also secretary
of the Ozark Osteopathic Association, and lias discharged her duties in these
capacities in a faithful and commendable manner. She is one of the most
widely known Osteopaths in the state and is popular in the various associa-
tions. Religiously, she belongs to the Grace Methodist Episcopal cnurert.
She is an active member of the American Osteopathic Association, belongs
to the Royal Neighbors of America, the Sorosia Societv, and the Daughters
of the American Revolution.
145-' GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
To Doctor Noland and wife one child was born. Percy Ray Xoland,
wnose birth occurred in February, 1895, at Mt. Ayr. Iowa, and died on Feb-
ruary 27, 1906. in Springfield, Missouri.
Doctor and Mrs. Noland have an up-to-date suite of offices in the Landers
building, and they are pleasant people to meet, intelligent, experienced, and
courteous to all.
ALBERT SIDNEY McLINN.
Diversified farming is essential to profitable production and main-
tenance of soil fertility, but it is necessary to specialize on something to
secure a superior standard of excellence. A well-diversified farm will have
the customary crops that are grown in the locality, together with the usual
farm animals, and some one crop or some one kind of animals should be
singled out as a specialty, or the farmer should give his close attention
to some phase of endeavor more than others. Albert Sidney McLinn, one
of the most progressive general fanners of Murray township, Greene county,
has succeeded in a general way, but has made a specialty of dealing in
live stock, for some time feeding, buying and shipping, and is one of the
best known stock men in the northern part of the county.
.Mr. McLinn was born in Washington county, Tennessee, March 31,
1862. He is a son of Robert Alexander .McLinn and Margaret Caroline
(Seehorn) McLinn, and a grandson of William Richard McLinn, who was
a native of Tennessee, and whose father was a native of Ireland, from
which country he immigrated to the L'nited States in old Colonial days, and
from him descended the present numerous McLinn family. Robert A.
McLinn, father of our subject, was born in Washington county, Tennes-
see, in i8_>7. and he spent his life within one-fourth of a mile of the old
homestead there. He was a farmer and stock trader, bought and shipped
mules, cattle and hogs. He was a man of prominence in his community
and was a leader in Democratic politics. He served one term as judge of the
county court. He was a member of the Presbyterian church, in which he
was an elder for a number of years, and he took a very active part in church
work. His wife was also a native of Washington count}'. Tennessee, was
a member of the same church and was active in church and Sunday school
work. His death occurred on October 18. [895, she having preceded him
to the grave on August 16, 1880. They were the parents of nine children,
namely: William Richard, deceased; Mrs. Mary Ida Sellers lives on the
old homestead in Tennessee; Mrs. Anna Cordelia Robinson lives in Lock-
ney, Texas; Albert S., of this review; Luella McLinn died in Ft. Worth,
Texas; James Alexander also lives in Ft. Worth. Texas; (diaries Seehorn
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. I453
lives in Galveston. Texas, and was in the great flood there in September,
1 901 ; Mrs. Ada Jane Moore lives in Telford. Tennessee; and Benjamin
Franklin is deceased.
It is worthy of note that Washington College, in Washington county,
Tennessee, was founded by James McLinn and was long supported and
managed by the McLinns, who were near relatives of our subject's father.
Albert S. McLinn grew to manhood on the home farm in Tennessee,
and there assisted with the work when a boy, and received a good educa-
tion in the home schools. He remained in his native county until May
10, 1881, when he left his native state and crossed the Cumberland moun-
tains alone, carrying his clothes in a pillow-case. He was employed by a
man named Day at Jackson, Breathitt county, Kentucky, and helped sur-
vey a railroad in the Cumberland mountains under Captain Kelton, who
surveyed and built the Frisco railroad through Willard, Greene county,
the road being known as the Bolivar branch, terminating at the county-
seat of Polk county, until it was built on north many years later to con-
nect the Blair line at Osceola. He also attended school at Hazelgreen.
that state, for three years, the town being at that time about one hundred
miles from a railroad. Coming to Missouri, in' 1884, he worked under
Captain Kelton at St. Louis. Mr. .McLinn located in the vicinity of Cave
Spring, Greene county, on rented land, bought a team and began general
farming, and has lived in this locality ever since. In 1896 he purchased
eighty acres in Murray township, on which he resided until 1900, then
sold out and rented the Spencer Watson farm of forty acres and the Wes-
ley Wadlow farm of one hundred and fifty-three acres together and lived
there until 1903, when he moved to the old homestead residence of Wesley
Wadlow, whose widow still lived on the place, and after her death Mr.
McLinn purchased the interests of the other heirs, in 1909, and here he
still resides, now owning one hundred and ninety-seven acres of good land,
on which he has made many important improvements, and carries on gen-
eral farming and stock raising, handling large numbers of mules, cattle
and hogs annually. During the winter months he buys, trades and ships
live stock, and usually feeds a large herd of cattle and hogs. He has
erected on his place a modern barn and silo and other substantial buildings,
and his place, which is known as the "Side View Farm," is one of the best
appearing and valuable in the township. Twenty-five acres of his land
has been set to apples, principally the Ben Davis variety, and he devotes
considerable attention to the same, anil in favorable years this nets him a
neat income. The farm is well located; public roads run past three sides
of his farm and one passes through the place.
Mr. McLinn was married, first, on October 21. 1886, to Rachel Wilson,
a native of Greene county, who died in 1900, leaving three children, namely:
1454 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
John Herman, who married Barbara Lee Kime, of Willard, lives on a
farm in .Murray township; Jessie Leona, who married Clarence Gorsuch,
lives in Lamar, Missouri ; Gladys Lucile lives at home.
On May 2, £903, our subject married Lillie D. Wadlow, and two chil-
dren have been born to this union, namely: Robert Wesley and Mary
Margaret. Mrs. McLinn was born and reared near Willard, this count)-,
and was educated in the local schools. She is a daughter of John Wesley
Wadlow, who was born in Washington county, Virginia, now a part of
West Virginia, December 17, 1797, and there he spent his early boyhood,
immigrating from Tennessee to Greene county. Missouri, about 1S35, and
settling twelve miles northwest of Springfield. On July -'4. [837, he married
Mary Hastings, and to them seven children were born, namely: Alzirah Jane,
deceased: Mary Louisa, living : Sarah Ann, Margaret Elizabeth, Martha Agnes,
Matilda Caroline and John W. are all deceased. Mary Hastings was horn on
January 27, 1820, and her death occurred on December 12, 1854. On
November 29, 1858, John W. Wadlow married Mary Ann Lethco, a native
of Greene count}', and seven children were also born to this union, namely:
Joanna, Susan Arbell, Charles 1*'.. George W. and Dora Emma were twins;
I. aura May is deceased; and Lillie i )aCy. wife of our subject, is the young-
est of the family. The death of the mother of these children occurred on
March 13, 1909. Cyrus Cunningham, grandfather of the wife of our
Ject, was a soldier in the Revolutionary war.
John \\ . Wadlow was a devout member of the Methodist Episcopal
church. South, and be gave a tract of land on which was built the Wesley
chapel, of this township, and be also donated ground for a cemetery, and in
this be was finally laid to rest at the advanced age of ninety-two years,
after a long, useful and honest life, replete with kindness, g 1 deeds and
blessings to others. In his early days he taught school, and was justice
of the peace in Greene county for many years. He was a typical pioneer.
lie entered land from the government in Virginia, and from that state
moved to Tennessee with bis parent-, John Wesley Wadlow and .Mary
(Kenold) Wadlow. and received his education. He was a Democrat, was
a well read and influential man and was a hard-working, successful fanner,
and by his thrift and good management accumulated a comfortable com-
petence. He remained vigorous in his old age and was able to do a great
deal of work up to the last. His wife. Mary Ann Lethco. was born on
.March 28, 1829, in Richland county, North Carolina, and when twelve years
of age she made the long overland journey from that remote section of
Dixie land to Greene county, Missouri, the family locating near Ebenezer,
in Robberson township. Her death occurred at the age of seventy-nine
years. She was a member of the .Methodist Episcopal church, South, at
greene County, missoi ri. 1455
Wesley chapel and Willanl, holding membership in this denomination over
sixty year-.
Mr. McLinn, our subject, made a trip to Tennessee with his family
in [905 and attended a reunion of the McLinns, a large number of whom
still reside in Washington county, lie has many valuable heirlooms, such
as uld gold and silver pocket-pieces, 'bed-spreads, table-cloths of fine linen,
and many other things, all of which he highly prizes.
Politically, -Air. Mel. inn is a Democrat, hut lias never eared for an active
public lite, lie is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, South,
at Willard, to which his wife also belongs, and they both take an active
interest in church and Sunday school work, the missionary society and
the young people's meetings. They are advocates of all good things for
their community, and the general welfare oi the township ami county,
being 1. road-minded, well-read and neighborly.
JESSE J. F( >STER, JR.
A strict adherence to a fixed purpose and faithfulness to duty, hacked
by correct individual habits of life, have been dominating factors in the
career of Jesse J. Foster, Jr.. for a number of years one of the successful
educators of the locality of Strafford, where he later worked in the United
States mail service and where he is now postmaster.
Mr. foster was born on a farm in Webster county. .Missouri. Augus
26, 1875. lie is a son of Jesse J. and Elizabeth (Turner) foster. The
father was born in Webster county also, near the town of Seymour, in
1846, and was reared in Marshfield, county-seat of that county, and there
he received his education. lie began life for himself by teaching, which
he continued three years. When eighteen years old he enlisted for service
in the Union army under Colonel McMahan, in [863, and served creditably
for two vears, being honorably discharged at the close ot the war at Spring-
held, Missouri, after which he returned to Marshfield. then located on the
James river in Greene county, where he engaged in farming. He later moved
to the village of Henderson, where he operated a store, then moved to another
farm in Greene county, where he continued to reside until three years ago,
when he moved to Colorado, in which state he now resides. He is a member
of the Methodist Episcopal church. His wife was born in Missouri in
1848, was reared on a farm and educated in the district schools. She
taught school three years before her marriage. Two of her brothers were
soldiers in the Confederate army and were wounded. She is a member of
the Missionary Baptist church. Eight children have been born to these
I456 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
parents, namely : John D. is the oldest ; William F. was well educated and
taught school a number of years before his death ; Joseph F. was next
in order of birth; Jesse J., Jr., of this sketch; Mrs. Mary A. McKerall;
Mrs. Bessie Killian; Grace is teaching music in Colorado; Sarah is teaching
school in Colorado.
The subject of this sketch was reared on the home farm and he was
given the advantages of a good education. He began teaching school when
young, which he followed with marked success for eight years, after which
he began carrying the mail, remaining in this work for a period of nine
years, giving entire satisfaction to the people and the department at Wash-
ington. In February, 1914, he was appointed postmaster at Strafford,
having passed a successful civil service examination for the same, and he
is proving to be an alert, capable and popular postmaster.
Mr. Foster was married to Florence Hankins, who was born in Greene
county in 1875, and she grew to womanhood in Strafford, and received a
common school education here. She is a daughter of William T. and Mary
(Comstock) Hankins. The latter is deceased, but the father is still a resi-
dent of Strafford. Mrs. Foster is a member of the Baptist church.
Two children have been born to our subject and wife, namely: Joseph
\Y.. born May 1, 1904; and Helen, born August 30. 1906.
Politically, Mr. Foster is a Democrat. Fraternally, he is a member of
the Masonic order and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He belongs
to the Baptist church. He is active and influential in the affairs of his
locality, is a director in the Bank of Strafford and a member of the local
school board.
GEORGE W. O'BRYANT.
Although George W. O'Bryant, of Brookline township, Greene county,
does not farm on so large a scale as some of his neighbors, yet he does well
whatever he attempts and is making a good living. The time has arrived
when farms the size of Ins will be more numerous than those that are larger,
for it has been found that the methods of farming must change as climate
and general conditions change, and in order to carry on intensive farming
one does not need a vast acreage. Our subject has spent his life in this
locality which he has seen develop from primitive conditions to its present
high state of prosperity.
Mr. O'Bryant was born in the above named township and county, Octo-
ber 7, 1864. He is a son of George W. and Mary Caroline (Howard)
O'Bryant, natives of Tenneessee and North Carolina, respectively. The
father came to Missouri with his parents when he was quite young, the
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
14?7
family locating in Cedar county, near Cane Hill, on a farm, and there
G. \\ . O'Bryant was reared to manhood and received a meager education
in the early-day schools. When older he located in Greene county. His
wife. Alary Caroline Howard, emigrated from the far Southland with her
parents to Missouri in lN.^o. the family locating near what is now Battle-
field, on the James river, in Greene county, and there our subject's mother
was reared on a farm and received such educational advantages as the early-
day schools afforded, and she and Air. O'Bryant were married in 1851. To
their union nine children were horn, namely: Armitta died in infancy; Mary
Frances is the wife of Lewi Taylor, of Polk county, Missouri; Martha Ann
married J. T. Phillips, both now deceased, who was at one time judge of
RESIDENCE OF (i. W. O'BRYANT.
the county court of Greene county; William T. and Delilah E. are twins;
the former lives on a farm in Brookline township, and the latter is the wife
of Winfield Lawson, of Republic; Alice A., deceased, was the wife of a Dr.
Camp, of Springfield; Nancy C. is the wife of J. T. Crouch and lives in
Arizona; George W. of this sketch; Jus. Henry is in the United States
mail service in Springfield.
During the Civil war George AY. O'Bryant, Sr., was a member of the
Home Guards, seeing considerable service in this locality. He was one of
the guides of Gen. Lyon's army from Springfield to the Confederate camps
on Wilson's creek the night preceding the great battle there, August 10.
1861, and he was at Springfield during the various engagements that were
later fought there. His death occurred on his farm in Brookline township
in C866, his widow surviving until 190,}. outliving him thirtv-seven vears,
and reaching the age of seventy-three.
(92)
1458 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
George W. O'Bryant of this sketch grew to manhood on the home-
stead and here he still resides, in fact, has spent his life here. He received
his education in the district schools of his native township, the first school
he attended having been taught in an old log house, equipped with an open
fireplace and hewn slabs for seats with no backs. He was about twenty
years old before he went to school and eight years later he attended one
term in Republic, walking almost daily to the school house which was three
and one-half miles distant. He has spent his life engaged in general fann-
ing and owns sixty acres, a part of the original home place, and he has kepi
the land well tilled and it is very productive, and he has a comfortable home.
Mr. O'Bryant was married. November 7, 1904, to Maude Kirbv, a
daughter of James H .and Mary (Woods) Kirby, who are residents of Mt.
Vernon. Lawrence count}-, this state. Mrs. O'Bryant was born in 1873
in the village of Chesapeake, that count)", and in that vicinity sbe grew to
womanhood and received a common school education. To Mr. and Mrs.
Kirby the following children were born: Mattie is the wife of George Hill-
house, of Verona, Missouri; M. Filmore lives in California; Sallie is the
wife of William Howard, of Lawrence county; Dora is the wife of J. N.
McCacken, of Springfield; Ella is the wife of ( i. W. Moore and they live
in New Mexico; Isora, deceased, was the wife of Henderson Maberry,
deceased; Ollie lives in Chicago; Maude, who was the first wife of the
subject of this sketch, died in i < ,<>< 1 ; Myrtle, youngest of the Kirby children,
is now the wile oi our subject, they having married in km 1 ; one died at age
of eighteen years.
To Mr. O'Bryant's first marriage three children were born, all of whom
died in infancy, I lis second marriage has been without issue.
Politically .Mr. O'Bryant is a Democrat. Fraternallj he is a member
of the Court of Honor. lie was formerly a member of the Presbyterian
church but now belongs to the Methodist church at Republic, as dues his wife.
ABNER I). THOMPSON".
One ot the most enterprising fanners ,,f Clay township, Greene county,
is Abncr I >. ["hompson, who has considered himself fortunate, and indeed
lie might well do so, that he has been permitted to spend his life on the
homestead, tor, in the first place, as .me of our great writers said long
ago, '"There is no place like home," and also because his home happened to
be in a country greatly favored by nature. It is true that it took a great
deal of hard work to get Greene county in proper shape for agricultural
purposes, but once in condition there is no better.
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. [ 4 5 ( >
Mr. Thompson was born in Greene county, Missouri, July 28, 1855.
He is a son of James and Elizabeth (Dabbs) Thompson. The father was
born in Henry county, Tennessee, December 13, 1822, and in 1829. when
seven years old, he came to Missouri with his parents, the family having
made the trip in wagons, experiencing a number of hardships en route.
They settled in Greene count}- among the earliest pioneers, when this lo-
cality was indeed a wilderness, the vast forests having as yet heard the
ring of the axe but little and the wide rolling prairies were still unscarred
by the plowshare. It was amid such environment that the father of the
subject of this sketch grew to manhood. Tie found plenty of hard work to
do in assisting to develop a farm, and he received a meager education in
the old-time subscription schools. He remained under his parental roof-
tree until he was twenty years of age, then began life on the farm for
himself, entering land from the government and purchasing other tracts
until he became owner of valuable holdings aggregating eight hundred
acres. He had some of the finest farms in the county. He kept his land
in good shape and was a prosperous farmer and extensive raiser of live
stock and also a large dealer in stock, was very successful as a trader, lie
was one of the prominent men of the" count}- in the early days. In the
fall of [864, during the Civil war days, be drove a large herd of cattle to the
northern part of the state, where he sold them and upon his homeward
trip was waylaid and killed, October 5, 1864, about a mile from his home.
It was supposed that he had a large sum of money on bis person at the
time, and bushwhackers murdered him; however, the mystery has never
been cleared up. Politically, he was a Democrat. On May 21. 1854, he
married Elizabeth Dabbs, who was born in North Carolina. March 27 ■, 1831,
who came at an earl}- age to Missouri with her parents, the family locating
in Greene county. After her husband's death she reared her four children.
She, too, met a tragic end, having been killed by a cyclone April 18, 1880.
In all, five children were born to James Thompson and wife, namely: Abner
D., of this sketch being the eldest: William Edward, born February 3,
1858, died August 13, 1S61 ; James P., born May 16, i860, is living in
California; Mrs. Mary L. Fulbright. born May 15, 1863; Mrs. Elizabeth
C. McCracken, born January 2^. 1805, is living in California.
Abner D. Thompson was born and reared where he is now living, and
was educated in the district schools. Being the oldest child he took the
lead in making a livelihood for the family after his father's death, being only
nine years old at that time. He finally became owner of the homestead, and
at this time has one of the best farms in the township, consisting of three
hundred and ten acres. He has kept the place well improved and has a
good home. The land is all in cultivation with the exception of about
thirtv-five acres which is in timber. He has been verv successful as a general
1460 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
farmer. Mr. Thompson deals extensively in live stock, shipping on an aver-
age of twenty cars of hogs and cattle each year.
Air. Thompson was married, December 4, 1879, to Janie S. Galloway,
who was born in Barry county, Missouri, and is a daughter of Major Charles
and Susan (Carney) Galloway. She came to Greene county when a young
girl and was reared on a farm. She received a common school education.
She had a narrow escape from death in the cyclone of April 18, 1880, in
which her mother was killed.
Nine children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Thompson, namely:
Mrs. Jessie Anderson lives in California; Susie E., born November 15, 1883,
lives at home; Charles E., born March 15, 1885, is farming in Greene
county: Catherine Rena, born February 14, 1887, is working in Springfield
at the McDaniel National Bank; Mrs. Janie Dee Gibson, born June 1, 1889,
lives in Greene county: Airs. Ruth Gibson, born June 18, 1893. Janie and
Ruth married brothers. Bettie. born July 20, 1895, lives at home; Anna
Lee, born July 27, 1807, lives at home; Mary Eunice, born February 8.
1903, is at home.
Politically, Air. Thompson is a Democrat. Fraternally, he belongs to
the Modern Woodmen.
JAMES HOWARD E \UXFST.
This is an age of specialization. Nearly everybody has a hobby and is
doing or trying to do some one thing well — better than all the rest of the
things that he is engaged in. It is found among the fanners of Greene
count) thai many of them are specializing in corn. Some farm animal, as
a particular breed of cows, will make as good a specialty as corn. It does
not make much difference what it is so it is the one kind of stock in which
the owner has the greatest interest. The more one gives his attention to bis
Specialty the more it will take possession of him and while be gets a great
deal of pleasure and makes a financial success of his chosen line the danger
is that be wiil neglect bis other stock or crops in hi ^ desire to excel in bis
specialty. James Howard Farnest. well-known farmer of Murray township,
!•> one of the citizens of Greene county who is making a specialty of line full-
blooded Jersey cattle and at the same time is successful as a general farmer.
being careful to nol neglect any department o\ his well-regulated farm.
Mr. Earnest was born in the above named township and county, Sep-
tember 2. [850, and is a representative of an old and influential family of
this locality. He is a sun of John Ramsey Earnest and Sarah II. ( Met 'lure)
Earnest. The father was born in eastern Tennessee in [822, and was a si >u
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. I40I
of Wesley and Elizabeth (Blackburn-Ramsey) Earnest, both natives of
Tennessee, in which state they grew up, were married and made their home
there until 1851, when they immigrated to Greene county, .Missouri, and
lived the rest of their lives on a farm, his death occurrring in i860 and his
wife died in Cave Spring. John R. Earnest, father of our subject, grew
to manhood in Tennessee ami received his education there in the early-day
subscription schools. Me had passed his twenty-first birthday when he came
to Greene county, Missouri, and he worked a year on the old Appleby farm
in the northern part of the county, and here he married and settled on forty
acres south of Willard. lie sold out later and bought another farm in the
neighborhood consisting of one hundred and sixty acres. Selling this be
1 ought the o'd VVilley farm of about two hundred and forty acres and
operated it until [856, when he sold out to Henry Willey and moved to the
John .Murray farm, buying out the Murray heirs, and farmed there for
about ten years, then sold out and went to one of the western stales and
took up a claim, and was killed by a falling tree in [879. He was a very
successful farmer and was a man of influence in Murray township. lie was
justice of the peace for some time and was administrator in many estates,
in which capacity he discharged his duties in a manner satisfactory to all
concerned. He was elected county judge and filled this position one term
with honor and credit to himself and to the township and count}-. Fra-
ternally, he was an enthusiastic Mason, belonging to the lodge at Ebenezer,
Missouri. He was an active Democrat and a local leader in the party. He
was a worthy member of the Cumberland Presbyterian church, in which
he was an elder for years. He was highly esteemed by all who knew him.
His wife, Sarah H. Met lure, was born in Tennessee about [832 and her
death occurred in Greene count}'. Missouri, in 1864. lie married his second
wife in 1865, Bonde Arnn, a native of Tennessee, who died in Texas in 1904.
John R. Earnest was the father of seven children by his first marriage,
and three by his second; those by his first wife were named as follows:
James H.. of this sketch; the second died in infancy: Mary Virginia, Eliza-
beth and Nathan are all three deceased: John Charles lives in California:
Mrs. Sarah H. Halloway lives in Jefferson City, Missouri. The following
children were by his last wife: Mrs. Anna Love Saddler lives in Texas;
Luther and Walter, both make their homes in the Lone Star state also.
James H. Earnest spent his boyhood days on the farm in Murrav town-
ship and assisted his father with the general work during the crop seasons.
He received his education in the district schools at Cave Spring and in the
old Murray school. Early in life he began farming for himself and operated
land in different parts of Murray township, moving to his present farm in
1884. He had eighty acres at first, but prospering through close applica-
tion and good management he added to his holdings and now has a finely
I462 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
improved and productive farm of one hundred acres, on which he carries
on general farming and stock raising, making a specialty of full-blooded
Jersey cattle, which are greatly admired by all who see them, who know
how to appreciate live stock of a superior grade. In connection with his
general farming he operates a dairy under modern and sanitary methods,
and finds a very ready market for his products. He has a pleasant home
and a number of convenient, substantial outbuildings, and everything about
his place denotes good management and industry.
Mr. Earnest has been twice married, first, in 1872, to Mary Ann Par-
rish, a native of Greene county, Missouri. She died in 1875 without issue.
In 1877 ^r- Earnest married Sarah Frances Stakley, a native of Lawrence
county, Missouri, and to this union three children have been born, namely:
Ethel, who married William H. Grafton, of Willard, has five children,
Joseph, Newman, Homer, Rolla and Kermit ; Orville, second child of our
subject, married Bessie Lee; they live in Sarcoxie, Missouri, and have one
child, Ellen ; Bertha, third child of our subject, lives in Powersite, Missouri.
Politically, Mr. Earnest is an independent voter, and is a man who
takes a deep interest in the general welfare of his township and county.
JAMES M. WILKERSON, M. D.
Greene county owes a great debt of gratitude to the state of Ten-
nessee for the large number of sterling citizens which have located here
from that state, perhaps more than from any two other states. They have
proven themselves to be people of industry, honesty and public spirit, true
types of empire builders. Among this number is Dr. James M. Wilkerson,
who has lived in Springfield twenty-six years. Formerly he was a suc-
cessful general physician, but later turned his attention to the real estate
business in which he has reaped a satisfactory reward.
Doctor Wilkerson was born in Bedford count}-. Tennessee, November
2, 1844. lie is a son of James and Lydia 1 Messick) Wilkerson. a fine old
Southern family. The father was born in Ireland on a farm in County
Tyrone, in the year [808, and lie immigrated to the United States when
a young man and established his home on a farm in Bedford county,
Tennessee. During the Civil war lie removed his family to Arkansas, later
to Kansas, where they remained a short time, then came to Lawrence
county, Missouri, where the death of James Wilkerson occurred at the
age of seventy-three years. He had devoted his life to general farming
and stock raising. His wife was a native of Tennessee. Her death occurred
in the year 1892. To these parents twelve children were born, ten sons
and two daughters. Four of the sons are now deceased.
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. I463
Dr. James M. Wilkerson grew to manhood on the farm and he
received his early education in the common schools. He studied medicine
under his brother, W. C. Wilkerson, and Doctor Gray, of Lawrenceburg. Mis-
souri, the town at that time containing only a country store. Later he took the
regular course in the American Medical School in St. Louis, receiving his
diploma in 1878. Locating at Humansville, Polk county, in [871, where he
was married, and soon thereafter he began the practice of his profession which
he continued there tor a period of eighteen years with a large degree of
success, during which period he was regarded as one of the leading physi-
cians of the western part of Polk county. He removed to Springfield, in
1888, where he continued the practice of medicine for three years with his
usual success, but desiring to take up a business career, he abandoned his
profession and took up the real estate business, which he has continued to
the present time with ever-increasing success and is rated among the lead-
ing dealers in this part of the country and a judge of property values,
both city and rural.
Doctor Wilkerson was married. July 1, 1874, to Mary A. Avers, a
daughter of Alven Ayers, a native of Virginia, where he spent his earlier
life, finally removing to Missouri. He devoted his active life to farming
and stock raising. He and his wife are both deceased. They were the
parents of five children.
Six children have been born to Doctor Wilkerson and wife, namely:
Lydia, married Claude Washburn, who was killed in a railroad accident,
leaving one son. James, born, January 22, 1899; Mary H., married A. C.
Hay ward, an attorney, of Springfield, and they have one child. Edgar;
two sons and one daughter of our subject died in infancy; Edgar, the
youngest child, died when five years of age.
Politically Doctor Wilkerson is a Democrat, fraternally a member of
the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, and he and his wife belong to the
Christian church.
WALTER HAUN.
In different localities the spirit of better things manifests itself in differ-
ent ways. Sometimes it takes the form of increasing the fertility of the soil;
at other places there is a demand for good roads ; it is shown in the desire
to keep better live stock, to have more attractive farm-yard surroundings
or to grow larger crops. It is shown in rural improvement clubs, in home
economic organizations, in the consolidation of rural schools, in labor-saving
appliances in the home in making the home attractive, and in a general belief
that farmers are entitled to as pleasant surroundings as anyone else, and
I464 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI
that a richer, fuller life may he better developed in the country than in any
other place in the world. In .Murray township, Greene county, one sees
evidences of progressiveness on ever}- hand, well-kept farms, modernly ap-
pointed homes and prosperous contented people. One of these careful farm-
ers who owns a valuable place and a comfortable home is Walter Haun, a
representative of an old and well-known family in this locality.
Mr. Haun was born in the above named township and county, Novem-
ber 24, 1875. He is a son of Newton Wright and Nellie (Beal) Haun.
Newton W. Haun was born in Monroe county, eastern Tennessee, September
8, 1S22. He is a son of Abraham and Jane (Wright) Haun. Newton
W. Haun was twice married, first, in eastern Tennessee, May 2, 1854, to
Martha I. Heiskell, a native of Tennessee, who died April 21, 1861. He was
engaged in the general merchandise business at Sweetwater, Tennessee, for
a number of years, finally selling out and removing to Lawrence count)-,
Missouri, where he engaged in general farming until 18(17, when he sold
out and came to Murray township. Greene county, where he purchased
two hundred and thirty-six acres of good land, which he farmed success-
fully until his death, December 13, 1887. He was a man of great industry
and sound judgment and was rated among the most progressive farmers oi
the county. He was a good citizen in every respect and was well liked.
Politically, he was a Democrat and was active in party affairs, and before
leaving Monroe count)-. Tennessee, he held the office of surveyor one term,
but would never accept office in Missouri, preferring to give his sole atten-
tion to his large farming and stock-raising industries. He was a faithful
member of the Cumberland Presbyterian church, was a charter member of
the church of this denomination at Walnut Spring and a ruling elder in the
same from its organization until his death. His family consisted of nine
children by his second marriage, namely: Daniel 1\, Mrs. Martha R. Blan-
kenship. who lives in this township, just east of Willard; William E. lives
in Cass township, Greene count)-: Mrs. May Emmerson, of Springfield;
Walter, of this review : Mrs. Ella latum, of (enter township; George lives
in Wilson township; and two who died in infancy.
Newton Haun married Nellie Beal in Greene count)-, Missouri, for his
second wife. She was a daughter of Daniel and Nancy (Gibson) Beal.
Daniel Heal was born in North Carolina. May m, [799. He spent his boy-
hood in his native state and learned the cabinet maker's trade. When a young
man he went to (iiles county, Tennessee, where he and Nancy Gibson were
married. She was a daughter of George Gibson. Mr. Beal remained in
(iiles county, Tennessee, until three of his children were born, and, in [831,
he moved to Crawford county, Missouri, and settled near where Verona
now stands. Judge James White came the same time, and there Mr. Beal
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. 1 4' '5
made a clearing and began his home, he and Judge White being in partner-
ship in the land, and, deciding that the tract of land was not large enough
fur both of them to operate he sold out to the judge and removed to Greene
county, and in the latter part of 1833 Mr. Beal settled in Campbell town-
ship, on Wilson creek, tour miles west of Springfield. He owned two
hundred and eighty-eight acres which he cleared up and improved and on
which he spent the remainder of his days. When he first came to Missouri
the southwestern part of the state was still the home of different tribes
of Indians, among whom he did considerable trading, and, finding him
honest and kind-hearted, they were very friendly with bun. In politics,
he was a Democrat and both he and his wife were members of the Baptist
church, bight children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Beal, all now deceased
but one, Allen Ileal, who lives in Texas. The death of Daniel Ileal oc-
curred in the prime of life, December 7, 1847. Nancy Gibson, bis wife, was
a native of Tennessee, born near Madisonville, and she died in Greene
county, Missouri, on the home farm in the western part of the county.
The mother of the subject of this sketch, who died. January, [915,
was horn, April 7, 1839, near Springfield and here she grew to womanhood
and was educated in the old-time subscription schools. Although she at-
tained her seventy-fifth year she was active and bad a good memory up
until the time of her death. She was well known to the older citizens and
led a life fraught with good deeds.
Abraham and Jane (Wright) Maun, grandparents of our subject, were
natives of Tennessee, the former born in 171)0 and he died in [848. lie had
devoted his life to general farming in Tennessee, where be and his wife
both lived and died.
Walter Harm was reared on the home farm in Murray township, and
he received his education in the public schools. On October 20. 1904, he
married C lara Middlemas, a native of New Zealand. She is the daughter
of Thomas J. and Elizabeth (Dickey) Middlemas. The father is deceased,
but the mother is still living.
To Air. and Mrs. Haun one child has been born, Doris Virginia Haun.
After his marriage, Mr. Haun moved to his present farm of eighty
acres, which is one of the finest farms of its size in Murray township, is
productive and well-improved, and he built a modern home in 1904, also
an up-to-date barn and a large cement silo, all his buildings commanding
an ideal view from the roadside and for some distance around, and his
is one of the most desirable places in the township. He also owns seven
acres of timbered land. He carries on general farming and stock raising,
keeping a good grade of various kinds of livestock. He is one of the
hustling young farmers of Greene county and is rapidly coming to the
I466 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
front. He takes a just pride in his farm and set of buildings. Politically,
he is a Democrat, but no public man, and he and his wife are members of
the Presbyterian church at Willard, and are faithful in their attendance and
support of the same. The}- are popular with the best circles of this part
of the country, well liked by all who know them.
CHARLES E. WADLOW.
Human life is made up of two elements, power and form, and the pro-
portion must be invariably kept if we would have it sweet and sound. Each
of these elements in excess makes a mischief as hurtful as would
be its deficiency. Everything turns to excess; every good quality is noxious
if unmixed, and to carry the danger to the edge of ruin nature causes each
man's peculiarity to superabound. One speaking from the standpoint of a
farmer would adduce the learned professions as an example of this treach-
ery. The farmer has a much better chance to observe and enjoy art as it
is found in nature, and, therefore, ought to be a man of the highest ideals
and cleanest characteristics. One of the well-known citizens of the north-
ern part of Greene county who has been contented with life in the rural
districts and has been a close observer of the uplifting things about him
is Charles E. Wadlow, who is not only an excellent agriculturist, but a good
citizen in the fullest sense of the term.
Mr. Wadlow was born on the old home farm in Murray township,
Greene county, March 3, 1864. He is a son of John Wesley and Mary
\nn (Lethco) Wadlow. The father of our subject was born on Decem-
ber 17, 1797. in Washington county, Virginia, now a part of West Vir-
ginia, and there he spent his earlier years, removing first to Tennessee,
where he remained until about 1835, when he made the rough overland
journey to Greene county, Missouri, and settled about twelve miles north-
west of Springfield. On July -'4, 1837. he married Mary Hastings, and
to them seven children were born, namely: Alzirah Jane, deceased; Mary
Louisa is living; Sarah Ann, Margaret Elizabeth, Martha Agnes, Matilda
Caroline and John W. are all deceased. Mary Hastings was born on Jan-
uary J7. 1820, and her death occurred on December 12, 1854. John W.
Wadlow married, on November 29, 1858, Mary Ann Lethco. To this sec-
ond union were also born seven children, namely: Joanna, Susan Arbell,
Charles E., George W. and Dora Emma were twins: Laura May is deceased;
and Lillie D. The death of the mother of these children occurred on March
13, 1909. Cyrus Cunningham, grandfather of the subject of this sketch,
was a soldier in the Revolutionary war. lohn Wesley Wadlow was one of
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. I 4' '7
the early-day leaders in the Southern Methodist church in Greene county.
He gave a tract of land on which was built the Wesley chapel, of Murray
township, and close by he donated ground for a cemetery, in which he him-
self was finally laid to rest, when he had finished his useful, industrious
and honorable life at the ripe old age of ninety-two years. In his early days
he taught school, and was a justice of the peace in Greene county for many
years. He was a successful farmer and accumulated a comfortable fortune
by his thrift and honest dealings. He was a well-informed man, was a
loyal Democrat and an influential citizen. His wife, Mary Ann Lethco,
was born on March 28, 1829, in Richland county, North Carolina, and
when twelve years of age she emigrated from that state to Illinois, later
to Greene county, Missouri, the family locating near Ebenezer, in Robber-
son township. Her death occurred at the age of seventy-nine years; she
had been a member of the Southern Methodist church for over sixty years.
Charles E. Wadlow spent his boyhood days on the old homestead,
where he assisted with the general work, remaining there until he was
twenty-seven years of age. He received his education in the public schools.
mostly at the Waterloo school-house, later was a student in the preparatory
branches of Morrisville College, in Polk county. Later he attended a busi-
ness college in Springfield. After his marriage he located near where his
present farm is located. He has spent all his life in Murray township, his
native count}'. He has been very successful as a general farmer and stock-
raiser and is owner of a finely improved and productive farm of three hun-
dred and fifty acres, all in Murray township. They have a pleasant home
in the midst of attractive surroundings. Mr. Wadlow formerly handled
large numbers of cattle and hogs, and at present he feeds a great many
mules from year to year. He built his present commodious residence in
1898, but for seven years previous he had lived in a small house on bis farm.
Mr. Wadlow was married. November 26, 1890, to Jerena Boston, a
daughter of Thomas Y. and Nannie (Killingsworth) Boston. Mrs. Wad-
low was born in Greene county, here grew to womanhood and was edu-
cated. Her family is well known in the northern part of this countv, where
they have long been well established on farms.
To Mr. and Mrs. Wadlow five children have been born, namely : Ma-
bel L., Thomas Wesley, Jerena. Mar}- Charlotte and Josephine. Thev are
all at home.
Politically, Mr. Wadlow is a Democrat, and while he has never been
an office-holder, he has been more or less active in partv affairs. Frater-
nally, he belongs to the Royal Arch Masons, at Springfield, and the Blue
Lodge at Willard, being chaplain of the latter. He is also a member of the
Modern Woodmen of America at Willard. Religiously, he belongs to the
Southern Methodist church at Willard and is on the official board of the
14*58 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
same. His wife also holds membership with this congregation and they
are both active in church and Sunday school work. As a representative
of one of the leading families of Greene county Mr. Wadlow is widely and
favorably known, having the reputation of being a good neighbor, and
helpful, public-spirited citizen, always ready to assist in any laudable move-
ment having for its aim the betterment of his community in any way.
WILLIAM H. RATHBONE.
If the husbandman is fortunate enough to have the true vision of
farming, and starts out to make it a reality, he will certainlv find the busi-
ness of farming a most profitable one. Me will urge the backward acres of
his farm into activity that will make them produce an hundred-fold. The
highest grades of live stock will be found about his barns. He will ac-
quire labor-saving and pleasure-giving machinery and equipment of va-
rious kinds. He will make his surroundings attractive and he will ex-
perience the full joy of living. William H. Rathbone is one of Greene
county's farmers who seems to have the right idea about agricultural matters,
and although he does not farm on so large a scale as some, he does it
rightly and makes a comfortable living.
Mr. Rathbone was born. June 5, [857, in Rochester. Xew York. He
is a son of Thomas Henry and Sarah Ann (Warr) Rathbone. The father
of our subject was born in Warwickshire. England, July [9, [827, a son of
John and Sarah (Taylor) Rathbone. both natives of England, and who
have been long deceased. Thomas Henry Rathbone grew to manhood in
his native land and married there, finally emigrating, with his wife and
two children, to Xew York, where he spent seven years. Leaving that
state, he came to Greene county, Missouri. lie was a tinner by trade, which
he had learned in England, was quite expert, and he continued to follow
his trade in the United States, working at it for some time in Springfield,
Missouri, or from the year 1858 to i860, then bought a farm in North
Campbell township, consisting of eighty acres, mostly undeveloped, but by
dint of hard toil he made a good farm here and remained on the place
five years, then took up the tinning business again, leaving the farm in the
hands of his sons. Five vears later he sold his farm and entered the hard-
ware business in what was then known as North Springfield, maintaining
the business for a number of years, then sold out and retired from active
life. He built a comfortable home on North Jefferson street where he now
resides, having reached the advanced age of eighty-eight years. He is a
find old gentleman, greatly beloved bv bis main- friends, for he has lived
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. [469
an honorable life and his business career was fraught with much good to
those with whom he came in contact. He always tried to follow the
Golden Rule explicitly. He is a great lover of flowers and enjoys the sim-
ple life. He has been twice married. His second wife was a Mrs. Wright,
a widow, and a native of England. To this union five children were born,
all of whom died in infancy. By his first wife, Sarah Ann Warr, four
children were born, namely: John, deceased; Bernard F. is engaged in
the hardware business in Springfield, on the north side; Airs. Teresa Mas-
sey lives in Springfield; and William Henry, who also makes his home in
this city.
Mr. Rathbone often recalls the trying voyage to America, spending
three months on the ocean, the captain of the vessel being drunk most of
the time and incapable of handling bis ship. Drinking water gave out and
the passengers were almost starved and famished when they reached New
York. During the Civil war Mr. Rathbone was a member of the Home
Guards of Greene county and fought at the battle of Springfield, January
8. 1863. when General Marmaduke made his raid on the place, lie was
in the thickest of the fight and men were killed on each side of him. IK-
had narrow escapes from death. His first wife was a native of the same
locality in England where he was born and there she grew to womanhood.
She has been deceased many years.
Politically, Mr. Rathbone is a Republican. He is a member of the
Knights of Pythias, and belongs to the Second Presbyterian church in
Springfield. He is a man of strict Christian character and lias always
taken much interest in church affairs.
William H. Rathbone spent his boyhood days in Greene county, whither
he was brought by his parent-- when only a year old. lie grew to
manh 1 on bis father's farm in North Campbell township, and when
nineteen years of age started out in life for himself. He received a com-
mon-school education. lie has been living on his present farm of eighty-
three acres for a period of fifteen years, during which he has made many
improvements, and lie is very successful as a general farmer and truck
raiser. However, after spending seven years on this place, he went to
Springfield, where he became foreman of the casting department of the
Crescent Iron Works for awhile, but preferring the country, moved back-
to his farm.
Mr. Rathbone was married twice, first to Margaret Potter, a daugh-
ter of Henry Potter, a native of Kentucky, who came to Greene county,
Missouri, where he located and where Mrs. Rathbone was born and reared.
She has been deceased for some time. To this union one child was born,
Mrs. Lou Lamson, who lives near Strafford, Greene county. Mr. Rath-
bone's second wife was Emma Fielder, a daughter of Thomas Fielder, and
I47O GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
to this union one child also was born, Mrs. Rosa Potter, who lives at Ebe-
nezer, Greene county.
Politically, Mr. Rathbone is a Republican. He belongs to the Knights
of Pvthias, and his wife is a member of the Methodist church in
Springfield.
HOMER GLENN FRAME. M. D.
A farmer may take good care of all his crops and animals and conduct
his business at a profit, but he will find an added enjoyment and an increased
profit by giving especial attention to some one crop or animal. Suppose
a farmer's specialty is corn. If he does his duty by his pet crop he will
raise some of the best, if not the best, corn in the neighborhood. He will
not only have greater profits in the ordinary use of the crop, but the demand
for his seed-corn will enable him to dispose of a large amount of it at bet-
ter than the average price of seed-corn. The necessity of using only the
best seed is yearly becoming more appreciated, and the man who has the
reputation of growing the best corn is the one that seed buyers will seek.
The reputation is the reward for building up a specialty. It is well known
that the specialty of Dr. Homer Glenn Frame, of Lave Spring, Cass town-
ship, Greene county, is alfalfa. Many of the farmers of this locality have
doubted the practicability of attempting to grow alfalfa, but he is proving
that our land will produce good crops of it, and showing wherein it would
be to an advantage of many of his fellow tillers of the soil to let up awhile
on planting their land to corn, wheat and other grains until the soil is ex-
hausted and build it up with alfalfa, which is not only an excellent soil
restorer but is a very profitable crop from a financial standpoint. The re-
sults he has obtained have been plainly visible. He is one of our progres-
sive citizens who believe in scientific, intense farming, who is setting a splen-
did example, for his methods are advanced and in time will have to be
adopted by most husbandmen of this section of the state. Doctor Frame
is also one of the leading physicians of the county ami is widely known,
lie is active in the practice, fanning being only a hobby or avocation.
Doctor Frame was horn in (/enter township, near Bois D'Arc, Greene
county. Missouri, June 26, [877. He is a son of J. William ami Delilah
Edna (Jones) Frame, a highly respected family of this county, mention of
whom is made in a separate sketch in this volume, hence their life records
will not he repeated here.
Dr. Homer G. Frame spent his boyh 1 days on his father's farm,
where he worked hard, ami he received his education in the district schools
ot his township, also attended high school at Marionville, Lawrence county.
His father also owned a store in Bois D'Arc. in which our subject clerked
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. I47I
for some time. Deciding to enter the medical profession, he went to St.
Louis, when twenty years of age, and took the course at Washington Uni-
versity, where he made an excellent record and from which institution he
was graduated with the class of 1902, with the degree of Doctor of Medi-
cine. He further prepared himself for the successful practice of his chosen
calling by spending one year as interne in the City Hospital, of St. Louis,
and was also house surgeon for six months in the Missouri Pacific Railroad
Hospital, in St. Louis, and he was also connected with the Frisco system
for a year as surgeon in the company's hospital at Cape Girardeau, Mis-
souri, after which he came to Bois D'Arc, his boyhood home, where he
practiced successfully for three years, and on August 10. 1909, located at
Cave Spring, where he has remained to the present time, and has built
up a lucrative practice, which extends over a wide locality, and has been
very successful as a general practitioner. He also holds a pharmaceutical
degree, issued by Missouri state commissioners. He has remained a close
student of all that pertains to his profession, and has, therefore, kept fully
abreast of the times, and he ranks in the fore-front of medical men in a
county long noted for the high order of its medical talent. Although very
busy with his professional duties, he is deeply interested in farming, es-
pecially in the culture of alfalfa, as before stated, and be is experimenting
with twenty acres of alfalfa on his neat and tastily-kept little farm at Cave
Spring, where he has a comfortable home and attractive surroundings.
Doctor Frame is a public-spirited man. being an advocate of good
roads and general public improvements, and stands ready to aid any move-
ment having as its object the betterment of his community and county in
any way.
Doctor Frame was married, December 30, 1903, to Olive Baker, a
native of Hois D'Arc, Greene county, where she ^rew to womanhood and
was educated. She is a daughter of Thomas J. and Susan J. (Johnson)
Baker, the father a native of Tennessee and the mother was born in Greene
county, Missouri. The Bakers are well known and highly respected in
Center township, this county, and vicinity.
Four children have been born to Doctor Frame and wife, namely:
Mary, the youngest child, died in infancy; Evelyn, Edna and Dorothy.
Politically, Doctor Frame is a Republican. He is a member of the
Greene Count}- Medical Society ami the Southwest Missouri Medical
Society. Fraternally, he is a member of Masonic Lodge No. 624 at Wil-
lard, Missouri, and he and his wife are members of the Christian church at
Cave Spring, the doctor being a deacon in the same. Personally he is a
genial, kind, neighborly gentleman, who bears an excellent reputation for
integrity, honesty and kindness, and is very popular throughout his com-
munity.
14/-2 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
THOMAS TOLIVER BROWN.
When Thomas T. Brown, one of Greene county's honored citizens of a
past generation, passed away, there was added to the list of lamented dead
whose earthly records closed like the "good and faithful servant" spoken
of in Holy Writ, and as long as memory remains to those who knew him
the influence of his noble life will remain as a source of encouragement
and inspiration. "Our echoes roll from soul to soul and grow forever and
forever," according to the poet Tennyson, and the good we do lives after
us through all the ages, handed down from generation to generation. Who,
then, can measure the results of a life work? Not to condemn, hut to aid,
Air. Brown made the practice of his life, and many of his friends and
acquaintances are hetter and happier for his having lived, for though the
voice is stilled in death, the spirit of his work remains as the deep under-
current of a mighty stream, noiseless hut irresistihle. His influence was
as the delicate fragrance of a flower to those who had the pleasure of his
friendship. His sympathies were broad and ennobling, and his life was
beautiful in its purity and virtues.
Mr. Brown was born May 20. [856, in Newton county, Missouri. He
was a son of Smith \Y. and Mary (Goodman) Brown. The mother had
been previously married to a Mr. Brock. The father came from Tennessee
to Missouri in [856, and the mother of our subject also came from that
slate. Smith \Y. Brown was a man of fairly good education. He studied
law in his youth, was admitted to the bar, and practiced his profession in
Greene county for several years. During the Civil war he enlisted in Com-
pany F. Eighth Missouri Volunteer Infantry and served three years in the
Union army, taking part in several battles and a number of skirmishes. He
was also recruiting officer for a time. After the war he returned to Greene
county and took up masonry, also continued practicing law. He drew a
pension from the government in later years, having been wounded in one of
the battles of the war. He continued the practice of his profession until
his death in [C/IO, hut spent many years on the farm, and he was active in
the affairs of the Masonic ( )rder. Thomas T. Brown was one of two
children by his father's first marriage, he having been the eldest. The other
child, a girl, died in infancy, the mother dying about the same time. I lis
father married a second time but did not live long with this wife, separating
when the subject of this sketch was two and one-half years of age. The
elder I'.rown hired a family named Bailies in Bois D'Arc. this county, to
take care of Thomas T.. and the latter remained in that home three rears
then went to live with his grandfather, with whom he remained until he
was about seven years of age, when Smith W. I'.rown married a third time,
MR. AND MRS. THOMAS T. BROWN.
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. 14-3
moved to Greene count}- after the war and here spent the rest of his life.
Upon his last marriage he took our subject into his home and there he
remained until he was fourteen years of age when he left home. In the
meantime he had been attending school and obtained a meager education.
When he was nineteen years of age he was married to Nancy Owens, Sep-
tember 16, 1875. She is a daughter of Richard and Nancy (Garoutte)
Owens, natives of Tennessee and Indiana, respectively. To Mr. and Mrs.
Owens eleven children were born, namely : James was a soldier in the Civil
war and was killed in the battle of Pea Ridge, Arkansas; Isabelle married
And)- Chaisteen, of Greene county, is deceased; Andrew J. lives in Okla-
homa; Charlotte married Martin Marias and is now deceased; Richard W.,
deceased; Bernice is the wife of William Brakebill and they live in Greene
•county, Missouri; Mary married George Likens and they live in Greene
•county; Napoleon B. lives in Douglas county, Missouri; Nancy Elizabeth
is the widow of the subject of this sketch; Sampson B., and Jeremiah both
live in Lawrence county, this state. All the above named children lived to
be grown, and the youngest one living was fifty years old in April, 19 14.
To the union of Thomas T. Brown and wife the following children
were born: Effie is the wife of Robert Nelson and they live in Barry
•county, Missouri, and have ten children; May, deceased, was the wife of
Ferd Jackson, and left five children; Dollie F. is deceased; Lulu, deceased;
Sam R. lives in Pond Creek township, this county, and has four children;
Katherine is the wife of Roy Browning and they live in Greene county and
have five children; Richard, and Smith, both live in this county also; Martha
W. is the wife of Chris Bielier and they live in Greene county, and have
one child; Alary V. is the wife of Dal Davis of this county and have one
child; the two youngest children were twins and died in infancy. Mrs.
Nancy E. Brown has twenty-nine living grandchildren and one great grand-
child, all of this generation, and all but one live in Greene county. Mrs.
Brown owns an eighty-acre farm of rich bottom land, one of the desirable
small farms of this part of the county. It is operated by her youngest son
who has remained at home. He is married and has one child.
Thomas T. Brown devoted his active life principally to agricultural
pursuits ; however, he was for many years engaged in other occupations.
Soon after his marriage he went into the drug business which he followed
about two years, then sold out and started a nursery business on his farm,
which he managed in connection with farming for six years. Later he
took stock in the corporation known as Owen & Cahill, which manufactured
fence building machines, and was connected with this concern for four vears,
then secured employment with the L. E. Lines music house of Springfield,
(93)
14~4 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
with which he remained for a period of seven years, or until his health
failed, causing him to give up active business and retiring to his farm in
Ponk Creek township, where he remained until his death about six years
later, on September 4, 1909. He was very successful as a business man
and gave entire satisfaction to his employers. He was broad-minded, far-
sighted and was a good mixer, and, dealing honestly with the business world,
always had the confidence of those with whom he came in contact.
Fraternally he was a member of the Modern Woodmen. Politically
he was not a part}- man, voting for the man rather than the party. He was
a man of upright character and loyal in his friendships, and his death was
a loss to the community.
AMBROSE POTTER, M. D.
If we would stop trying to get the money that the other fellow earned,
without giving something in exchange, the biggest problem of life would
be solved. We quite often want more than our share. Dr. Ambrose Pot-
ter, a popular and efficient young physician of Ebenezer. Robberson town-
ship. Greene county, is one of those who take a delight in bringing succor
tn suffering humanity — who delights in giving mure in this world of • uirs
than he receives. Such a man is always admired in whatever community
he may cast his lot, and his record is must commendable and should be emu-
lated by others.
Doctor Potter was born in Christian county, Missouri, February 11,
t886. He is a son of Christopher Columbus and Mary Elizabeth (Fon-
dren) I 'utter. The father was born in ( Ireene county, near Strafford, on
November -'7, 1858, and there he grew to manhood, received a common
school education, and remained on his father's farm until his marriage, in
1878, later removing to Christian county, where he In night one hundred
and forty-four acres of land. Prospering by hard work and good manage-
ment he added to this until he is now owner of a fine farm of two hundred
and sixt) acres, where he carries on general farming and stock raising and
is une nf the leading farmers of that county. Politically, he is a Democrat,
but has never sought political leadership. Fraternally, he belongs to the
Modern Woodmen of America at Ozark; the Court of Honor at Kenton,
Missouri; and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows at Ozark, fie is a
member of the Christian church at Sparta. His family consists of five
children, namely: Laura, deceased; Ambrose, of this sketch; Mrs. Alta
Lawson; Agnes and Angie, twins. The mother of these children was born
in Greene county and here grew to womanhood and received a common-
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. I475
school education. She is a daughter of Ambrose and Nancy (Yeary)
Fondren.
Doctor Potter grew to manhood on the home farm in Christian county
and there worked in the summer months, attending the public schools dur-
ing the winter, later the high school at Ozark. He taught one term of
school in Christian county. Later he took the prescribed course in the
St. Louis College of Physicians and Surgeons, which he entered in Septem-
ber, 1007, and from which he was graduated with the class of May, igi i,
with an excellent record.
After leaving college Doctor Potter returned to Christian county, and
successfully passed the state board examination in June, 191 1, at Santa Fe.
New Mexico, and he practiced his profession at Las Vegas, that state, one
year, and although he was building up a good patronage, he preferred his
own state, and, returning to Missouri, took the state board examination
in St. Louis in June, 1912. Soon thereafter he located at Ebenezer, Greene
county, where he has since resided, enjoying a successful and growing
practice, and, judging from his past record, the future must find him one
of the leading general practitioners in a community long noted for the high
order of its medical talent.
Doctor Potter was married, October 5, 1912, tO Rosa Rathbone, a
daughter of William Henry and Emma (Fieldei | Rathbone, a sketch of
whom appears on another page of this volume. Mrs. Potter received good
educational advantages and is a young lady of commendable domestic and
social qualities. The union of our subject and wife has been without issue.
Doctor Potter is the official registrar of births and deaths of Robber-
son township. He and his wife are genial and neighborly and have made
many friends since locating at Ebenezer.
WILLIAM W. GRANT.
The people who constitute the bone and sinew of this country are
not those who are unstable and unsettled ; who are always moving from
one locality to another; who fly from this occupation to that; who do not
know how to exercise the proper duties of citizenship, and who take no
active and intelligent interest in affairs affecting schools, churches and public
institutions.- The backbone of this country is made up of the families that
have made their homes ; who are alive to the best interests of the community
in which thev reside ; who are so honest that it is no trouble for their neigh-
bors to know it ; who attend to their own business and are too busy to at-
tend to that of others; who work on steadily from day to day, taking
I476 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
the sunshine with the storm and who rear a fine family to a comfortable
home and an honest life. Such people are always esteemed in any com-
munity and any country. They are wealth producers, and Greene county
is blessed with many of them, among which is the Grant family, of Murray
township.
William \Y. Grant, one of the agriculturists and influential citizens of
.Murray township, Greene county, was born in the vicinity where he now lives
February 12, 1863, and here he has been content to spend his life, all his
active years being spent in one vocation. He is a son of Henry and Eliza
(Williams-East ) Grant. Henry Grant was born November 8, 1825, in
Tennessee, and was a son of John and Catherine Grant, both natives of
Tennessee, where they grew up, married and spent their lives, never leaving
the state. Henry Grant grew to manhood in Tennessee, received such
educational advantages as the early-day subscription schools afforded and
there he was married in 1848, and subsequently removed with his family
to Greene county, Missouri, settling in Murray township. Early in life
he learned the blacksmith's trade and followed this in connection with farming
here the rest of his days, being known as a very skilled mechanic and his
shop drew customers from all over this part of the county. Here his first
wife died in 1859 and he married, in i860, Mrs. Eliza East, a daughter of
Abner and .Mary ( Folden) Williams, and the widow of Sidney East, who
had died previously. Mention of her parents is made in the sketch of Howard
B. East on another page of this work. Henry Grant was a successful
farmer and at one time owned over eleven hundred acres of good land. He
is deserving of a great deal of credit fur what he accomplished, having
begun life here on a small capital, renting land at first, in Cass township,
then bought a farm which he later sold, and in 1870 bought two hundred
acres in Murray township. He carried on general farming and stock raising
on an extensive scale and ranked among the leading farmers of the count}-,
was an exceptionally good judge of live stock. In the fall of 1871 he went
south with twenty head of mules, which he sold to Southern planters.
He was a man of influence and did much for the permanent good of his
locality, throughout which he was highly respected. Here his death oc-
curred on February 12. 1882. His widow has survived him thirty-two years,
being now eighty-three years of age, and is still hale and hearty and capable
of doing a good day's work. Her mind is keen and she is in possession of all
her faculties, and she talks most interestingly of pioneer days in Greene
county. She is greatly beloved by all who know her, and is a woman of
fine Christian sentiment.
To Henry Grant and wife five children were born, namely: John
Abner, of Murray township; William W., of this sketch; Henry Folden, of
GREENE COUNTY, .MISSOURI. x477
Springfield; one died in infancy; and Mar)' Eliza, who also died young.
By her union with Sidney East our subject's mother had three children,
namely: Alvin Monroe is deceased; l Inward Bentley, president of the Bank
of Willard, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this work; and Tabitha
Clementine, who died in infancy.
William \\ . Grant spent his boyhood days on his father's farm in
Murray township, where he gained a thorough knowledge of the various
phases of husbandry. He was nineteen years of age when his father died.
He received a good practical education in the common schools of his dis-
trict, which has later been supplemented by wide home reading and by
contact with the world.
Mr. Grant was married February -'4, 1884, to Dora E. Wadlow, who
was born in Greene county, February 20, 1867, and here she grew to woman-
hood and was educated. She represents a prominent old family here, and
is a daughter of John Wesley Wadlow and Mary Ann (Lethco) Wadlow,
an extended mention of whom is made on another page of this volume in the
sketch of Albert Sidney McLjnn, to which the reader is respectfully di-
rected.
After his marriage Mr. Grant rented a farm near his mother's home
and there got a good start. He moved to his present farm in the fall of
1890, where he owns one hundred and sixty acres of finely improved, well-
cultivated and productive land on which he has made a pronounced success
as a general farmer and stock raiser. He has a commodious home in the
midst of attractive surroundings and large and substantial outbuildings.
Everything about the place denotes thrift, prosperity and good management.
An excellent grade of well-kept live stock is always to be found at his place.
To Mr. and Mrs. Grant eight children have been born, namely: George
Herman, who died in 1899 at the age of fourteen years; William Errick
married Edna Jones, a native of Greene county, and they have three chil-
dren. Manota, Irene and Lonzo; Clara married Ike Jennings, of Cave
Spring and they have one child, Dora Margaret; Ralph, Emma Jane, Floyd
died in 1912 at the age of eight years; the seventh child, a twin of Floyd,
died in infancy, unnamed; and Arthur, who is the youngest.
Politically, Mr. Grant is a Republican and while he has taken an
abiding interest in local public affairs, has never cared for public office,
preferring to devote his attention to his farm and home. He is a member
of the Masonic Order at Willard, also the Eastern Star and the Court of
Honor of that town. He was reared in the faith of the Baptist church.
Mrs. Grant belongs to the Methodist church. They are popular in Murray
township and are regarded as good neighbors and worthy of every con-
sideration.
14/8 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
JOHN POLK CAMPBELL.
Agriculture is the greatest among all the arts of man, as it is the
first in supplying his necessities. It favors and strengthens population ;
it creates and maintains manufactures; gives employment to navigation
and transportation, furnishing materials for commerce. It animates every
species of industry, and opens to nations the safest channels of wealth. It
is the strongest bond of well-regulated society, the surest basis of internal
peace, and the natural associate of correct morals. Among all the occu-
pations and professions of life, there is none more honorable, none more
independent, and none more conducive to health and happiness. One of the
successful farmers of the pioneer period of Greene county. Missouri, was
John P. Campbell, a native of this locality, having been among the early
white children born here, and, here, amid the wilderness scenes of the
early times, he spent his life, dying many years ago when still a young man.
Mr. Campbell was born in Springfield, Missouri. January 2, 1835. He
was a son of Junius T. and Mary (Blackwell) Campbell, who came to
Greene county, this state, from Tennessee in the earliest frontier days
and located their permanent home on a farm, and here our subject grew
to manhood, and assisted his father clear and develop the place. He
received his education in the early schools of Springfield ; later attended school
in Fayetteville, Missouri, for some time. Then young Campbell, after
leaving his paternal roof-tree, began farming for himself, and became owner
of a good farm five miles from Springfield, where he engaged successfully
in general farming and stock raising until his death, which occurred on
October 18, 1878.
Mr. Campbell was married on January 20, 1857, to Sue E. Gray, a
daughter of Elijah and Anna (Brooks) Gray. These parents were natives
of Virginia, where they grew to maturity, were educated in the early
schools, and there were married and began housekeeping, later removing
to the state of Tennessee, where they remained some time, then came to
Springfield, Missouri, when their daughter. Sue. was but two years of
age and here she grew to womanhood and attended the common schools.
Seven children were born to Mr. and Mrs. John P. Campbell, three
of whom are living at this writing, namely: Mary Frances, who married
Charles W. Doling, formerly a merchant of Springfield and a well-known
citizen here, now deceased, his death having occurred on May 27, 1892,
leaving four children. James Francis, Rafe Campbell, Charles Lee and
Lillian Elizabeth. Mrs. Doling is at this writing principal of Berry ward
school in Springfield and is one of the popular educators of the countv.
She and her daughter, Lillian Elizabeth Doling, are both members of the
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. 1479
Daughters of the American Revolution. The other children of J. P.
Campbell and wife were James Madison and Richard Huntly, both
deceased; John Polk is farming in Greene count)', this state; James is
deceased ; Robert Bruce is living on the old home place near Springfield,
which he operates; Russell Vinton is deceased.
Politically Air. Campbell was a Democrat, and he was a member of the
Christian church.
Mrs. Campbell, now advanced in years, is living on South Jefferson
street, Springfield.
NICHOLAS POTTER.
Everybody in L'rookline township, Greene county, knows Nicholas
Potter, now living in retirement, after a long career at the forge, during
which there was no more highly skilled blacksmith in the county. He is
a pioneer here, for it was fifty-four years ago that he first cast his lot with us,
at the time the ominous clouds of rebellion were gathering, and, although
born under an alien flag many thousand miles away from here, he enlisted
his services in behalf of his adopted country during that great struggle. He
has seen the locality develop from a comparatively wild state to one of the
foremost farming communities in the state, and he has always taken just
pride in the same.
Mr. Potter was born in Uerceg, Prussia, September 29, 1834. He
is a son of Nicholas and Katerine Potter, both natives of that country
also, where they grew up and were married, established their home and
spent their lives. Both the father and grandfather of our subject were
blacksmiths by trade. Neither of them ever came to America.
Nicholas Potter, of this sketch, who was one of seven sons, spent his
boyhood in his native land and there received his education in the common
schools. In 1853, when nineteen years of age, he emigrated to the United
States, as did so many of his countrymen at that period. His first four
years in the New World were spent in Xew York and New Jersey. In
1857 he came on to the interior, locating at Jefferson City, Missouri, where
he finished learning the blacksmith's trade, a rudimentary knowledge of which
he had gained under his father in the old country. After remaining there
some time he went to Glasgow, this state, for about a year and a half, and
in i860 came to Little York, near Springfield, Greene county, and began
working at his trade. When the war broke out he enlisted in the Home
Guards, June 11, 1861, and fought in the great battle of Wilson's Creek,
August 10th of that year, after which he was honorably discharged, but he
I480 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
continued with the Union army, following his trade of farrier, until July
1, 1865. After the war he returned to Greene county and worked at his
trade in Springfield a few years, locating in Little York in 1867, and in
1873 located in Brookline Station, upon the completion of the Frisco rail-
road to that point, and here he has since resided, maintaining a blacksmith
shop up to a few years ago, when the infirmities of old age made it neces-
sary for him to give up active life. He is now eighty years old, but is
comparatively hale and hearty. His shop was always a popular one, and
his patrons came from all over this section of the country. Mr. Potter also
owns eighty acres of good land in Brookline township.
Mr. Potter was married, March 26, i860, to Louisa Philips, a daughter
of William Philips, a prosperous fanner near Brookline, Greene county,
where she grew to womanhood and received a common school education.
She is one of eleven children.
A son was born to Mr. and Mrs. Potter. John, whose birth occurred
in 1867. He is now in the employ of the Frisco railroad, with which he
has been connected since 1891 ; he married Jane Stuldley, of Brookline,
and the}- have three children, two sons anil a daughter. A daughter was
also born to Xicholas Potter and wife, .Mary Ellen, whose death occurred
at the age of nineteen years.
Politicallv Mr. Potter is a Republican, and religiously he and his wife
belong to the Baptist church.
WILLIAM C. MURPHY.
There was a valuable acquisition to the Greene county bar when Will-
iam C. Murphy began the practice of his profession in Springfield.
Although young in years, he has had the proper preliminary training for
a lawyer and also possesses the required natural characteristics. He is
deserving of the highest degree of success in his chosen vocation, for his
ambition i-> a laudable one and he has fought hi ^ way upward from an
earl}- environment that was none too auspicious.
Mr. Murphy was born at Lestus. Jefferson count}'. Missouri. July
11. 1879. He is the son of John J. and Delia Iola (Bradfield) Murphy.
The father was born in Xew Albany, Indiana, of Irish parents. He grew
to manhood at Xew Albany and there received his education in the public
schools and learned the glass workers' trade. In 187(1. when twenty-one
years of age. he went to Crystal City, Missouri, where he met and married
the mother of the subject of this sketch. She is a daughter of Charles
R. Bradfield and wife, whose family consisted of five children. To John
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. I |.8 I
|. Murphy and wife ten children were born, namely: William C, of this
sketch, and John Patrick, twins; Elizabeth married Albert Welch, a mer-
chant, tanner and stockman of De Soto, Missouri, and they have one
child, Lynn; James C, who lives in Festus, this state, married a woman
from Tennessee and they have three children; Daniel L. is a stenographer
and lives at Festus; Nellie died in infancy; Thomas Lee was accidentally
killed at the age of seventeen; Francis H. is farming on the old home-
stead in Jefferson county; Dennis, born on February ->_>, 1899, nves at
Festus and is by nature an artist of ability; Edgar W. was born in 1905.
William C. .Murphy was reared on the home farm and there did his
share of the work when of proper age, and in the winter he attended the
public schools at Festus, Missouri, and was graduated from the high school
there, also was graduated from the high school at Crystal City, this state,,
after which he entered the State Normal at Kirksville, borrowing money
in order to do so, and graduated from that institution in 1905. Me sub-
sequently entered the law department of Vanderbilt University, Nashville,
Tennessee, also took other studies, such as political economy, and was grad-
uated from that institution in 1907 with the degree of Doctor of Laws.
Returning home he took the state bar examination in 1907, which he suc-
cessfully passed. But instead of beginning at once the practice of his pro-
fession he taught school two years with success. In 1909 he went to Mal-
vern, Arkansas, where he became superintendent of city schools, after which
he went to Stuttgart, that state, and taught a year. In 1910 he came to
Springfield, Missouri, opened an office in the Woodruff building in part-
nership with his twin brother, J. Patrick Murphy, and here they have been
engaged in the practice of their profession with ever-increasing success, and
are regarded as among our most promising young lawyers.
William C. Murphy was married on May 23, [908, to Elizabeth lled-
dell, a native of Festus. Missouri, where her family has long been well
known and highly respected, and there she grew to womanhood and
received a good education. To this union three children have been born,
namely: Ruth Elizabeth, born on March 1, 1909; Esther Heddell, born on
December 9, 1910, and Major Wilson, born on November 4. [913, was
named after the governor of Missouri and the President of the Lmited States.
Politically Mr. Murphy is an ardent Democrat and is active in political
affairs. He was appointed city tax attorney of Springfield in 1912 and he
made such a commendable record that he was re-appointed to the same office
in 191 4, and is now serving his second term in a manner that reflects much
credit upon himself and to the satisfaction of all concerned. Fraternally
he is a member of the Knights of Pythias and the Ancient Free and
Accepted Masons. Religiously he is a member of the Presbyterian church.
I482 GREEXE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
Air. Murphy and his twin brother have been very closely associated
with each other all their lives, and doubtless the friendly rivalry that has
always existed between them has been in no small manner instrumental in
their success. They are deserving of a great deal of credit for what they
have made of themselves, possessing the characteristic thrift, wit, keen
discernment, broad-mindedness and high sense of honor of the Celtic race,
from which they descended.
THOMAS YEAKLEY.
This biographical memoir has to do with a character of unusual force
and eminence, for the late Thomas Yeakley, whose life chapter has been
closed by the fate that awaits us all, was for a long lapse of years one
of the prominent citizens of Greene county, having come to this section
in pioneer times, and he assisted in every way possible in bringing about
the transformation of the country from the wild condition found by the
first settlers to its latter-day progress and improvement. While he carried
on a special line of work in such a manner as to gain a handsome compe-
tence for himself, ranking for decades among the most extensive and pro-
gressive agriculturists and stock men of this section of the state, he also
belonged to that class of representative citizens who promote the public
welfare while advancing individual success. There were in him sterling
traits which commanded uniform confidence and regard, and his memory
is today honored by all who knew him and is enshrined in the hearts of
his many friends.
Mr. Yeakley was born in Greene county. Tennessee. November 25,
1829. He was a son of John and Matilda ( Grills I Yeakley. John Yeakley
was also a native of Greene county. Tennessee, his birth occurring there
on November 15, 1809. He was a son of Henry Yeakley, of Pennsylvania
Dutch stock. The latter married Susanna McNeece, who was a daughter of
Isaac McNeece, a native of Scotland, and a weaver by trade. As early
as 1804 the Yeakley family located in Greene county. Tennessee, and there
to Henry Yeakley and wife the following children were born: Samuel,
who was a soldier in the War of 181 2. and was at the battle of Horse-
shoe, fought by Gen. Andrew Jackson; Mary. Henry, Isaiah, Elizabeth,
Lydia, Ann. George. John, Joseph. Malachi, Jacob and Betsey, all of whom
lived to reach manhood and womanhood. Henry Yeakley. father of the
above named children, owned and operated a farm, but he was by trade a
gunsmith, lie had obtained a practical education in the German language,
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. I4§3
but also spoke intelligent English and was a well-informed man in every
respect. He died at an advanced age and was buried in the old Quaker
church cemetery in Greene county, Tennessee. His wife was a little girl
when the battle of Brandywine was fought, in Revolutionary times, was
near the held and saw the battle, about which she frequently related stirring
incidents to her children in after years. She was a Quaker, while Air.
Yeakley was a Lutheran, and both were deeply religious.
John Yeakley, father of the subject of this memoir, was reared on the
old homestead in Tennessee and when a young man, learned the blacksmith's
trade, which he followed as his main vocation throughout the subsequent
years of his active life. He retained until his death an old anvil which
his father took with him from Pennsylvania to Tennessee, now one hundred
and ten years ago. John Yeakley was well acquainted with Azariah Doty,
who lived to be over one hundred and four years old and who was one
of General Marion's men during the war for independence. When twenty
years of age Mr. Yeakley married Matilda Grills, in i8_>y. She, too, was
a resident of Greene county, Tennessee. To this union six children were
born, namely: Thomas, Henry, Rhoda, Betsey A., Jane and Benjamin,
who died when a child. In the fall of 1839 he removed with his family
to Missouri and after passing the winter in Polk county, came to Greene
county in the spring and settled on eighty acres on which he spent the rest
of his life, in west Center township. The journey from Tennessee was
made in a small two-horse wagon. The Ozark region was at that time
a wild and sparsely settled country, a great portion of which was covered
with great forests in which there was an abundance of wild game. Henry
Yeakley's farm lay along Big Sac river. This he cleared and improved
into a valuable farm, through much industry, and prospered with advancing
years, becoming an extensive land owner, and he gave each of his sons a
good start in life. His first wife died and he subsequently married Eliza
Allen, who also died, and he took for his third wife Margaret L. Cochran,
to whom he was married on November 4, 1880.
For many years Mr. Yeakley voted the Whig ticket, having cast his
first vote for Andrew Jackson and his last on that ticket for Peter Cooper.
In later life he was a Republican. In his religious views he was always a
Methodist, and assisted to build the first Methodist church in west Center
township, called Yeakley Chapel, and when it burned he gave the land for
a new church which he assisted to build and which also took the name of
Yeakley Chapel, and he served as steward in this church for a number
of years. His last wife also attended this church and was one of the prin-
cipal teachers in the Sunday school, although she held membership in the
Presbyterian church in Lawrence county. During the Civil war Mr. Yeak-
I484 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
ley remained neutral, and, contrary to the usual custom, was left unmolested,
having only two stands of bees stolen, one by the Federal and one by the
Confederate soldiers. But both armies took heavy toll from his neighbors.
Thomas Yeakley, the immediate subject of this sketch, was ten years
of age when he accompanied the family from Tennessee to Missouri, and
he grew to manhood in Greene county and here spent the rest of his life.
A complete biographical sketch of this unusual man's life would be a his-
tory of the development and growth of the county. He often recalled the
incidents of the journey across the rough country from his native county
to this, the trip requiring several weeks. In the wagon were his father, mother,
and brothers, Henry and Benjamin, and sister, Rhoda, besides himself. In
the party were Henry, Nathan, Ann and Bettie Paulsell, also Daniel Delaney
and family, Jonathan Pickering and family. School opportunities in
Greene county three-quarters of a century ago were meager and not much
in the way of "book learning" could be had. but while young Yeakley did
not learn much from text-books he learned how to work in a pioneer environ-
ment, and was naturally intelligent and investigating and he not only pros-
pered with advancing years, but became a well-informed man on current
topics. On July 17. 1851, he married Elizabeth M. Young, a daughter of
George B. and Margaret (Leeper) Young. She was born on August 17,
1834. in Lafayette county, Missouri, and was brought to Greene county
when one year old, the family locating in Republic township, where her
father entered land from the government and he and his wife died here.
He was a prosperous farmer and when he died owned several hundred acres
of Greene count}' land.
Thomas Yeakley devoted his life to agricultural pursuits and was unusu-
ally successful, having been a man of great industry, sound judgment and
wise foresight. In [854 he settled on the land where his widow now resides.
The place then consisted of but forty acres on the edge of Grand Prairie,
and by industry and thrift he added to it until he became owner of about
twelve hundred acres of as fine land as the comity affords. Through it
runs Pond creek and Big Sac river. It is very productive and has been
brought up to a high state of cultivation in improvement, all of which
improvements our subject himself made and planned, and which do much
credit to his intelligence and progressiveness. He carried on general farm-
ingand stock raising on an extensive scale and was a leader in his line
of endeavor.
Politically, Mr. Yeakley was a Democrat, but never sought to become a
public man. He was always interested in the cause of education and assisted
to build up fully one-half of the first school houses in his district, in fact, no
man ever did more for the locality in which our subject spent the major
portion of his long, useful and honored life.
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. I485
To Thomas Yeakley and wife six children were born, namely : John,
who died in early life; James also died young; George, who is a successful
and widely known farmer and stock man of the vicinity of Republic, mar-
ried Celestia J. Redfern, and a full sketch of them is to be found on another
page of this work; Henry is deceased; Margaret M. (known to her friends
as Maggie,), was married on March 22, 1887, to Dr. Edwin B. Robinson,
of Bois D'Arc, this county, who died several months after their marriage;
he was a graduate of the Missouri Medical College of St. Louis, of the
. class of 1879, and in 1882 was graduated from Bellevue Hospital, New
York City, after which he practiced in that institution for three months and
then at Bois D'Arc, where he built up a good practice; Mrs. Robinson subse-
quently became the w:ife of \Y. E. Drum, for many years a successful mer-
chant of Bois D'Arc, where he died several years ago and his widow is
a resident of Springfield. Rebecca, youngest child of our subject, is
deceased.
The mother of these children is a devout member of the Methodist
church and is a broad-minded, neighborly and charitably inclined lady who
numbers her friends only by the limits of her acquaintance.
During the Civil war Thomas Yeakley had several narrow escapes
from death. He did not take active part in the strife, remaining at home
as a secret service agent in the employ of the government. He was on sev-
eral occasions attacked at night and in one encounter was slightly wounded
by a bullet which passed through the house in which he was living. Upon
being called to the door one night and commanded to light a match. Mr.
Yeakley responded by firing at his unwelcome visitors. They retreated,
bearing away a badly wounded companion, their trail being marked with
blood. That he had frustrated an attempt at murder was shown in sub-
sequent developments. On the day of the battle of Wilson's Creek, August
10, 1861, he visited the battlefield with some of his neighbors, mixed with
the soldiers and saw the dead and wounded the next daw
Mr. Yeakley, who was reputed to be one of southwest Missouri's
wealthiest and most influential men and who had lived on the same farm
for the unusual period of sixty years, was summoned to his eternal rest on
May 11, 1914, at the advanced age of eighty-four years. Rev. J. B. Ellis.
formerly president of Morrisville College, now living retired at his home
in the suburbs of Springfield and for many years a presiding elder in the
Methodist Episcopal church, South, in this state, conducted the funeral at
Yeakley Chapel, and he had the following to say concerning Mr. Yeakley's
religious life and church relations, in part:
"Thomas Yeakley united with the Methodist Episcopal church. South,
some vears after the Civil War, at a small church a few miles northwest
i486 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
of Republic. About 1875 he set about a parcel of ground four miles south
of Bois D'Arc for church and cemetery purposes. A substantial building
was erected and he became a charter member of this class. He was a
liberal supporter of his own church, and likewise of other churches, having
assisted in the erection of many churches in Greene and other counties.
He was interested in the general welfare and contributed to various enter-
prises and benevolences."
JOHN SJOBERG.
Wherever one is located or whatever his circumstances may be, there is
almost always some way out of difficulties, some way to rise above untoward
circumstances and environment if sufficient thought is given. Many people
complain that the}- cannot find a position suitable for their qualifications;
it is a good rule to do what you find at hand to do and do it well ; by and
by something better is very likely to present itself; do this also well, and
eventually still better things will be offered until one*s ambition is better
satisfied. John Sjoberg, proprietor of the Central Shoe & Leather Company,
of Springfield, is one of our best examples of a successful self-made man,
who, by honest, earnest effi >rt, has advanced from a modest beginning
through his individual efforts to a position of importance and influence in the
industrial circles of Greene county. He believed from the start that the goal
of his aims would be reached in due course of time if he made the most of
his immediate opportunities and planned wisely for the future. His example
might well be emulated by other young foreign-born citizens who come to
this country and to whom the outlook at the start is discouraging.
Mr. Sjoberg was born in Sweden, Xovember 22, 1866. He is a rep-
resentative of an industrious old Swedish family, his father having devoted
his active life to farming. He is one of a family of five children, two of
whom are now deceased.
Mr. Sjoberg was left an orphan in early life, his father dying when
he was nine years old and his mother passed away when he was twelve years
of age. His early education, obtained in the common schools of his native
land, was limited, but this lack has been made up in later life by contact
with the world and by persistent home reading along general lines, until
he is today a well-informed man and an intelligent conversationalist. He
remained with his family while learning the trade of shoemaker, for which
instruction he paid fifty crowns a year for two years. He applied himself
diligently and became an expert. He worked as a journeyman until he
was twenty years of age, then served his required time in the Swedish army.
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. I487
after which he started a shoe shop of his own. The future of such a busi-
ness at that time and in that place did not present a very rosy aspect to
him, so, obtaining permission from the government to leave his native land,
he set sail for the United States, and located in Springfield, Missouri, in
1888, where he has since resided. He not only had to start life here with-
out capital, but was in debt for about half of his fare from the old country.
But nothing daunted, he set to work with energy and ambition, soon adjusted
himself to new conditions, manners and language and for a year and a
half worked for wages in a local shop at his trade, then bought a small shop
of his own, having the meanwhile saved his earnings and also paid his
living expenses and his debts. He did general repairing for four years in
his own shop, then began to branch out into a larger business by carrying
in stock a few half-soles and other minor materials in his line, increasing
the same as his meager capital permitted. His little shop was only nine by
fifteen feet. After five years his business had increased to such an extent
that he was obliged to seek larger quarters, in which he spent five years
also; this was on Boonville street, near the Central hotel, and while there he
added a considerable stock of leather goods and shoes, his business rapidly
increasing and he employed a number of assistants. In 1910 he moved
into the retail district and has since occupied commodious quarters at
325-327 East Walnut street, where he maintains an attractive, well-arranged,
convenient and well-stocked store and manufacturing plant known as the
Central Shoe and Leather Company. lie does an extensive wholesale
leather and shoe findings business, keeping a capable salesman on the road
continuously. Aside from his wholesale department he operates a large
retail shoe store and shoe shop, employing a number of experienced assist-
ants and he does a large business in all departments. Four men are kept
at work in his shop in which modern machinery of all kinds has been
installed, and high-grade work is promptly done. He is at this writing
making plans to increase his wholesale department, the business of which
already extends over a wide territory in the Southwest. He has been very
successful in a business way during his career in Springfield of over a quar-
ter of a century, and he is owner of a good Greene county farm and a
fine home which he built in 1909.
Air. Sjoberg was married in 1892 to Hulda Ohrn, a native of Sweden,
in which country their romance began when young, and after prosperity
attended his efforts in the new world he induced her to come here and they
were joined for life's serious journey. Their union has been blessed by the
birth of three children, namely: Florence is a graduate of the Springfield
high school; Arthur will graduate from high school with the class of 101'),
and Dorothy, who is attending ward school.
I4S8 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
Politically Mr. Sjoberg is a Republican. Fraternally he belongs to the
Independent Order of Odd bellows, of which he is past grand; he also
holds membership in the Modern Woodmen of America. Personally he
is a sociable, companionable and obliging gentleman, whose word is regarded
as good as the bond of most men by those with whom he transacts busi-
ness and his personal habits have ever been above criticism.
JOHN T. McNABB.
We are told that civilization follows the Hag. Would it not be more
appropriate to say that it follows the ax? Civilization never found its
headquarters in the woods. The mighty ax must lirst clear the land and
hew out the logs for the pioneer's cabin. Without it our ancestors could
not have subdued the wilderness and made smooth the way for American
civilization. Therefore the little insignificant ax is civilization's fore-
runner. Its ring through the forest is the trumpet call, directing the onward
march of the army of progress. The Hying chips mark the fotosteps of
those who right in the army's van. Let us then not forget to render due
homage to the ax. Among those who blazed the way with this instrument
fur present-day progress ami prosperity is John T. McNabb, a farmer and
respected citizen of Republic township, Greene county, who came to the
I fzark region when it was still mostly undeveloped, so he did his full share
nf the work of clearing the wild land and bringing it up t<> its present state
of cultivation.
Mr. McNabb was born in Polk county, Tennessee, September 23, 1859.
lie is a »iii of Taylor and Margaret 1). ( W'lialey ) McNabb. Grandfather
McNabb was a native of Scotland, from which country he emigrated to
America before the Revolutionary war and he was a soldier in that war.
Taylor McNabb was a native of South Carolina and Margaret 1). Whaley
wa-. born in Georgia. They spent their early lives in Georgia and Tennessee,
received such meager educational advantages as the schools of those early
times afforded and were married in Dixie land. Taylor McNabb was twice
married, the mother of our subject having been his second wife, lie became
the father of ;i large family. Five of Ins children were born to his lirst union,
namely: Lucretia, deceased; Vovaline, deceased; \nn is the wife of Sam
Eiocksett and lues in Oklahoma; the fourth child is deceased; Virgil lives
in Georgia. The following children were by Taylor McNabb and his sec-
ond wife: Mrs. Louisa Nicholson, a widow, lives in Georgia; L. T.. deceased;
Mary, wife of Lon Bates, lives in Tennessee: Bettie, wife of Frank Jack.
IIo.MK OF JOHN T. McNABB.
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. I4§9
Jives in Tennessee; William T. and a twin brother are both deceased;
Rachael, deceased; Victoria, deceased; Clementine, deceased; John T. of
this sketch is the youngest.
John T. McNabb received his education in the common schools. He
was fifteen years old when his father died. He remained on the home farm
in Tennessee until he was twenty-one years of age, then emigrated to
Greene county, Missouri in December, 1881, landing here with but a wite,
a horse and eighteen dollars in money. He located in Republic township.
He is deserving of a great deal of credit for what he has accomplished.
Although starting out in life with nothing he has worked hard and managed
well, and today is owner of one of the choice farms of his township. He
first rented land here and raised a crop in partnership with Hugh Boyd,
then moved on a farm on the James river, near Nelson's mill, but the fol-
lowing fall moved across the line into Christian county, remaining there
twenty-three years. Having prospered, he purchased a farm of one hundred
and twenty acres, and twelve years ago he returned to Republic township,
buying one hundred and twenty acres more, place now known as the Oak
Grove Stock Farm. All of his land is under cultivation but fourteen acres.
He also owns sixty acres in Section 29, Republic township, having an aggre-
gate of three hundred acres on which he carries on general fanning and
stock raising on an extensive scale. Mis land is well improved and he has
an attractive home and large, convenient outbuildings, and an excellent
grade of live stock is always to be seen about his place.
Mr. McNabb was married on October 19, [879, to Sarah Adaline Land.
a daughter of Hester and Lucindy (Baker) Land, natives of Tennessee,
where they spent their earlier years, finally emigrating to Greene county,
Missouri. Airs. McNabb was born in 1X04 and was one of nine children,
namely: Mrs. Ann Couch lues in Republic township; Jane. .Maggie. William,
Thomas are all deceased; John lives in Ash Grove; Ellen, deceased; Yankey
is deceased; and Sarah A., wife of our subject, is the youngest. She grew
to womanhood on the home farm and received a common school education.
To Mr. and Mrs. McNabb eleven children were born, eight of whom
are still living, namely: Margaret is the wife of John Gray, of Stone coun-
ty ; Taylor lives in Republic engaged in automobile business ; Walter,
deceased; Mrs. Delilah Richardson lives in Republic township; Benjamin
lives in Christian county; Dave lives in Oklahoma; Earthy, wife of E. Clark,
lives in Greene county; Bertha, wife of E. M. Mullikin, lives in Springfield;
Virgil lives at home; the two youngest children died in infancy, unnamed.
Politically Mr. McNabb is a Progressive. Fraternally he belongs to
the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Mrs. McNabb is a member of the
Roval Neighbors, and thev both hold membership in the Baptist church.
(94)
I49O GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
Personally Mr. McNabb has inherited many of the winning character-
istics of his sterling Scotch ancestors, such as determination, courage, indus-
try, fortitude and unswerving honesty, and these together with other equally
admirable traits have combined to make him a successful man and a good
citizen.
H. A. LOWE, M. D.
There is no positive rule for achieving success, and yet in the life of
the successful man there are always lessons which might well be followed.
The man who gains prosperity in any vocation is he who can see and utilize
the opportunity that comes in his path. The essential conditions of human
life are ever the same, the surroundings of individuals differ but slightly,
and when one man passes another on the highway of life to reach the
goal of prosperity before others who perhaps started out in life before him,
it is because he has the power to use advantages which probably encompass
the whole human race. Although yet young in years. Dr. H. A. Lowe,
president of the board of directors of the Southwest hospital, of Spring-
field, stands among the progressive, prominent and successful physicians
and surgeons in a locality long noted for the high order of its medical
talent. The qualities of keen discernment, sound judgment and quick per-
ception have entered very largely into his makeup and have been contrib-
uting elments to the professional success which has come to him.
Doctor Lowe was born in Berwick. New ton county, Missouri. Sep-
tember 21, 1884. He is a son of F. M. ami Flora (Roberts) I. owe. The
father was horn in Tennessee and when a child his parents removed with
him from that state to Newton count}-. .Missouri, where the grandfather
of our subject established the future home of the family on a farm and
there spent the rest of his life, dying prior to the breaking out of the Civil
war; and there the father. F. M. Lowe, grew to manhood, received such
education as the old-time schools afforded and there married Flora Rob-
erts, a native of Newton county. Missouri, and whose parents were natives
of Tennessee.
To F. M. Lowe and wife eight children were born, four sons and
four daughters, namely: H. A. Lowe, our subject; Kirk C, who lives in
Butterrield, Missouri; Charles, deceased; Vida Belle married a Mr. Fennel
and they live near Butterrield. Missouri; Bessie, Bruce, Blanche and Britt
are all living at home. When a young man, the doctor's father began life
as a general farmer and stock raiser which he continues to follow with
gratifying results. Both parents are still living near Butterfield, Missouri.
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. I49I
Or. li. A. Lowe grew to manhood on tiie farm in Newton county and
mere maae himself generally useiui when oi proper age, ana in the winter
months lie attended the public schools oi his community, later spent two
years in the fierce City .baptist College, then studied three years at Drury
College, Springfield. In due course of lime he entered the medical depart-
ment of the bt. Louis University, where he made a splendid record, and
irom which institution he was graduated with the class of 1909, after four
years' study. He also had a year's hospital training at Alexian Brothers'
Hospital 111 St. Louis. He came to Springfield in 19 10 and began the prac-
tice of his profession, and for two years was associated with the late Doc-
tor Tern-, one of the leading surgeons of Greene county of a past genera-
tion. The association continued until the death of Doctor Terry, in 191 J.
Doctor Lowe is president of a board of directors, composed of live
leading Springfield physicians, that built the Southwest Hospital here,
which was designed for the general public and is open to the patients of
all reputable physicians. It has been a pronounced success from the first,
is modernly equipped in every respect and pleasantly and conveniently
located, and an efficient corps of trained nurses are constantly in attendance.
It is managed under a superb system and is rapidly growing in public favor.
The other members of the board of directors are Dr. T. O. Klingner, vice-
president; Dr. 1). U. Sherman, secretary and treasurer; Dr. M. C. Stone
and Dr. E. F. James.
Doctor Lowe confines his practice strictly to surgical work and has
become one of the leading men of his profession.
Politically Doctor Lowe is a Democrat, and fraternally he belongs to
the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, the Scottish Rite Masons, and has
attained the thirty-second degree and Mystic Shrine. He is also a member
of the Knights of Pythias.
GEORGE YEAKLEY.
Crop management is a scheme, not a lot of practices. An important
part of it is the rotating or alternating of crops on given areas. In other
words, pre-arranged, permanent plans must lie carried out in order to obtain
the best possible results. The properly managed farm not only becomes an
annual income producer, but leads on to what is tantamount of an endow-
ment policy or an annuity during the declining years of the farmer, and,
finally, resolves itself into a provision for the family of those the farmer
leaves behind at the close of life. One of the most successful general farm-
s'-
T492 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
ers of Republic township is George Yeakley, a representative of one of the
old and prominent families of the western part of Greene county.
Mr. Yeakley was born on the old homestead in Republic township, this
county, March 31, 1856. He is a son of Thomas and Elizabeth M. (Young)
Yeakley, whose family consisted of six children, four sons and two daugh-
ters, all now deceased except the subject of this sketch and a sister, Mrs.
Margaret Drum, widow of \Y. E. Drum. Those deceased are John, James,
Henry and Rebecca.
The Yeakley family emigrated from Tennessee to Missouri in 1840.
The father of our subject was ten years old when he removed from has
native locality, Greene county, Tennessee, to Polk county, this state. After
living there about a year the family moved to Greene o unity, settling in
what was then known as ('enter township, and not long thereafter the
father, Thomas Yeakley, entered and purchased from the government a
large tract of land. This he improved and carried on general farming and
stock raising here the rest of bis life, adding to bis holdings from time
to time until he finally owned fourteen hundred acres of valuable land and
was regarded as one of the most extensive and successful general agricul-
turists in the western part of the county, and was a progressive and public-
spirited citizen, a man of fine character, and he did much for the general
improvement of his neighborhood. His death occurred on May 11, 1914,
at the advanced age of eighty-four years, leaving behind him a host of
warm friends and a record of a well-spent and honorable life. The mother
of our subject was born in Lafayette county, Missouri, in the year 1834.
She was the daughter of George Young and wife. Mr. Young was a
native of Hawkins county. Tennessee, whose family consisted of foui
children, lie came ti > Missouri in pioneer days and located in Lafayette
county. Tbe mother of our subject is living at an advanced age.
George Yeakley grew to manhood on tbe home farm in Republic
township and there assisted with tbe general work when a boy. He re
his education in the local schools and when young in years took up farming
and stock raising for his life work and this has engaged his close attention
to the present time, and he has met with very gratifying results all along
the line, having inherited much of bis father's thrift and foresight. He
owns a well-improved and productive farm of eight hundred and -ixtv-five
acres in Republic township, which is adorned with a pleasant hom<
numerous substantial outbuildings. One may see about the place at all
seasons large numbers of sleek, well-bred live stock which form no -mall
portion of his annual income.
Mr. Yeakley was married on December 27. 1877. to Celestia J. Red-
fern. She is the daughter of Joseph Redfern. a native of Tennessee, from
GREENE COUNTY,, MISSOURI. 1493
which state the family came to Greene county, Missouri, in an early day
and established their future home. Ten children were born to Mr. and
Mrs. Redfern, an equal number of sons and daughters; three sons and
three daughters survive.
Six children have been born to George Yeakley and wife, namely:
Minnie, who married Ed. Shook, now engaged in the implement business
in Springfield, has one child, Edwin; Lucile is the wife of Robert E. Mans-
field, a railroad man, and they have one child, Robert Y. ; Bessie is the wife
of Jake Frame, a farmer; Hattie is at home with her parents; Thomas
Pauline is the youngest; the second oldest of the children died in infancy.
Politically Mr. Yeakley is a Democrat, but has never cared for public
office, preferring to devote his attention to his large farming and live stock
interests and to his home. He and his family are members of the Metho-
dist Episcopal church, and the family stands high in the community.
EGMONT RAUM.
To a great extent the prosperity of the argicultural sections of our
country is due to the honest industry, the sturdy perseverance and the
wise economy which so prominently characterizes the foreign element, both
those who have come direct from European nations and their American-
born children. All will agree, after so much as a mere cursory glance over
our forty-eight states, that they have entered very largely into our popu-
lation. By comparison with their "old country" surroundings these people
have readily recognized the fact that in the United States are to be found
the greatest opportunities for the man of ambition and energy. And be-
cause of this many have broken the ties of home and native land and
have entered earnestly upon the task of gaining in the new world a home
and a competence. Egmont Raum, one of Greene county's hard-working
farmers, is one of this class.
Mr. Raum was born on August 9, 184c). in Leutzen, Province of
Saxony, now a part of the German Empire. He is a son of John William
and Emelie (Grosse) Raum, the father having been born in Altenhof near
Dueben-on-the-Mulde. He grew up and was educated in his native locality
and became a minister in the Lutheran church. He was the father of two
sons, Egmont, our subject, being the eldest, and Fred, who is living in
Florida. The father served his required time in the German army when
a young man. His death occurred in 1890 at the age of seventy years, his
wife having died in 1880 at the age of fifty-three vears.
1494 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
Egmont Raum grew to manhood in Erfurt, in the Province of Saxony,
and there received his education and remained until 1865, when sixteen years
of age, when he left the Fatherland and set sail for America, and after a
tedious voyage of sixteen months, in which time he rounded Cape Horn,
landed on our shores on Christmas day, 1866, at New York City. He soon
became a sailor and followed the sea until 1875. His work was satisfac-
tory and he was gradually promoted and was first mate for years, when
he was given a master's certificate, but never served. In 1875 he came to
Greene county. Missouri, and purchased forty acres of land from the Atlantic
& Pacific Railroad Company, now the Frisco. On this small tract he went
to work earnestly and, managing well, prospered. From time to time he
added to his original purchase until he became one of our large land owners
and prosperous farmers, his place now containing two hundred and eighteen
acres of valuable and well-improved land, well located in Campbell township
on the Mt. Vernon street road, near Springfield. He carried on general
farming and stock raising on an extensive scale and also maintained a dairy.
Formerly he made a specialty of raising mules, but is now practically
retired, engaged principally in raising various grains, following a five-vear
system of crop rotation, and therefore he not only reaps abundant harvests,
but keeps his land in first-class fertility. He has a large and neatly fur-
nished home and substantial outbuildings, everything about his place indi-
cating that a master hand is at the helm.
Just before he quit bis seafaring life Mr. Raum made a visit to his
boyhood home in Erfurt, in the Province of Saxony, and married there
Eleonore Berndt, a native of Erfurt, and a daughter of Henry Berndt and
wife of that place, and there she grew to womanhood and was educated.
Her father was a wholesale and retail leather merchant. His wife was
known in her maidenhood as Mary Otto, and she was a daughter of a car-
penter and contractor. Mrs. Raum has one sister. Anna, who lives in
Europe and is the wife of a minister.
To Mr. and Mrs. Raum three children have been born, who survive
at this writing, namely: Egmont. Jr., born on July 6, 1888, who is engaged
in farming: 'William, born on July 20. 189 1. also a farmer, and Emelie D..
born on September [8, [882, who is at home with her parents. The sons
were given sixty-five acres each of good land by their father, and they live
on places adjoining that of our subject and are each good farmers. One
daughter, Anna, died at the age of five years.
Politically Mr. Raum is a Democrat, and he belongs to the Lutheran
church. He has long been prominent in the affairs of the Masonic order.
He is one of the directors of the Masonic building in Springfield. He
is past master of the Blue Royal Arch lodge, and was excellent high priest
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. 1495
fur two years of Springfield Royal Arch chapter, No. 15, and worthy patron
of the Order of Eastern Star for four years. Crescent chapter, No. 20. He
is well known and has made a host of warm friends during his residence
here of forty years. He is held in high esteem as a result of his upright
character and many good personal qualities.
STEPHEN HENRY COLE.
A well-known and successful north side groceryman is Stephen Henry
Cole, who belongs to that class of American citizens who are enterprising,
thorough-going and industrious, and who rise in a few years by their own
efforts from a condition of dependence to one of stability and independ-
ence. In fact, he is a self-made man in all which that much-abused term
implies, and the property he has accumulated is the result of his own honest
industry.
Mr. Cole was born in Pemiscott county, Missouri, July 29, 1856. He
is a son of Mexico Cole, who was born in Tennessee in 181 1, where he spent
his boyhood, removing from there to Pemiscott county, this ^tate. in 1832,
among the early settlers, and bought a farm at Cottonwood Point, which
he developed and on which he established his future home. This land
is still in the possession of the Coles. Although much of his attention was
given to his farm, he practiced medicine a great deal, having been a physi-
cian of the old school. In 183 1 he married Julia Chilcutt, in Henry county,
Tennessee, and to this union sixteen children were born, and in addition
they reared two orphan boys. Of this large family only two are living
at this writing. Stephen Henry, of this sketch, and Mrs. Nancy Patrick.
Several of the sons served in the Confederate army, one under Gen. Sterl-
ing Price. The death of Dr. Mexico Cole was a tragic one, he having been
killed in a cyclone in 1869, a tree having fallen on him while riding through
the woods on horseback.
Stephen H. Cole grew to manhood on the home farm where he worked
when a boy and in the winter he attended the rural schools in his com-
munity. On December 1 1. [88o, he left home and came to Seymour, Web-
ster county, and there ran a transfer line for a period of eight years, then
began his career as groceryman in that town, where he remained seven vears
and enjoyed a good business with the town and community, then removed
to Springfield, where he followed the grocery business at various stands
for a period of seventeen years, with the exception of eight months spent
in Oklahoma in a grocery store. He now operates a modern and neatly
149^ GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
kept grocery at 1000 East Commercial street, where he carries a large stock
of staple and fancy groceries and, dealing courteously and honestly with
his scores of customers, has built up an extensive trade.
Mr. Cole was married, August 6, 1876, to Nancy L. Cunningham, a
daughter of Green and Nancy (Martin) Cunningham, natives of Ten-
nessee and North Carolina, respectively. Mr. Cunningham has devoted his
active life to farming, having removed from his native state to Pemiscott
countv, Missouri, about the year 1803, in the winter. His family consisted
of nine children, only two living at this writing, our subject's wife and
Belle Randolph, who lives in Senatobia, Mississippi.
To Mr. and Mrs. Cole six children have been born, namely: Mrs.
Etta Gentry is the wife of a merchant at Canyon City. Colorado; Frank is
engaged in the transfer business at Shawnee, Oklahoma; Mrs. Carrie Moore
is the wife of a coach builder and thev live in Springfield : Mrs. Iva Carter
is the wife of Harry A. Carter, the storekeeper at Villa Grove, Illinois,
for the Chicago & Eastern Illinois railway; Earl is engaged in the transfer
business with his brother at Shawnee, Oklahoma ; Charlie died when twenty-
three years of age; he was next to the youngest in order of birth.
Politically Mr. Cole is a Democrat. He belongs to the First Con-
gregational church. Springfield. Fraternally he is a member of the Inde-
pendent Order of Odd Fellows, with which be united twenty-nine vears
ago, having joined at Seymour, Missouri, Lodge No. 363, and be has
never transferred bis membership. He has been given a twenty-five-year
badge by ibis order, lie w one of the best known grocerymen in Spring-
field and enjoys ;i wide friendship among his erstwhile patrons and bis pres-
ent customers as a result of bis excellent personal characteristics.
ANDREW JACKSON BODFXHAMFR.
The faculty witb which the American soldier laid down the implements
of war. at the close of the great conflict between the Northern and Southern
states, and adapted himself to the pursuits of civil life, has been the wonder
of all nations, and scarcely less surprising than gratifying to the American
people themselves. While not a few very profound citizens of the Republic
were speculating as to what was to become of the thousands of men mus-
tered out of the armies, the question was solved by the ex-soldiers them-
selves, who quietly stepped into the ordinary walks of life, bent the force
of circumstances to their will, and became the chief promoters of a national
progress which is without parallel in history. One of these honored veter-
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. 1497
ans is Andrew Jackson Bodenhamer, a venerable farmer of Campbell town-
ship, and one of the oldest native-born citizens of Greene county. He has
spent his life, which embraces three-quarters of a century, in this locality
and has seen man)' vast changes in that time. He has lived on the same
farm over half a century.
Air. Bodenhamer was born in Greene county, Missouri, September 13,
1839. He is a son of Jacob and Nettie vGoss) Bodenhamer, one of the
pioneer families of this county. The reader will find adequate mention of
them in the sketch of Louis F. Bodenhamer on another page of this volume.
Andrew J. Bodenhamer grew to manhood on his father's farm, wnere
he worked hard on the raw land and with the primitive agricultural imple-
ments of those frontier days. He received a limited education in the old-
time rural schools and when a young man took up farming for himself,
which he has made his life work, now owning a good farm of one hundred
acres in Campbell township, where he has resided since the war, his wife
having purchased the place in 18G3. He has paid a great deal of atten-
tion to the raising of live stock in connection with general farming.
On July 29, [862, Mr. Bodenhamer enlisted for service in the Federal
army, in Company A, Eighth Missouri Cavalry, and saw much hard service,
taking part in many battles and skirmishes, serving until the close of the
conflict under General Herron and General Davidson. Much of his time
as a soldier was spent in Arkansas and he fought at Fort Smith. Van Buren,
Little Rock and Prairie Grove, and was taken prisoner during the last named
engagement. At the close of the war he was honorably discharged and
returned home, resuming farming in Greene county.
On September 6, i860, Mr. Bodenhamer was united in marriage with
Elizabeth Charlotte Wharton, a daughter of Emsley and Sarah (Crow)
Wharton, who were among the old families of this locality. Mr. Wharton
served in the Civil war in the same company and regiment in which our
subject served, but it became necessary to discharge him before the close
of the war owing to disability, sickness having overtaken him while at the
front. He was born in North Carolina, September 22, 1821, and his death
occurred on September 28, 1898, in this county. His wife was born in
Tennessee. February 2, 1825, and her death occurred in this county, Feb-
ruary 8, 1899. They were both buried at Danforth cemetery. The}- were
the parents of eight children, namely: Elizabeth C, wife of our subject,
was born February 1, 1843; John William, born on October 20, 1844, lives
on a farm in Greene county; Martha J., born on January 6. 1849. lives in
Tulare, California; Mrs. Eliza Green, born on December 11, 1850, also
makes her home in Tulare. California; Sarah C, born on December 22,
1852, lives in Portland, Oregon; Emsley Lee. born on January 15, 1855, ruefl
1498 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
when nineteen years of age; Mary Lncinda, born on January 12, 1858, lives
in Rogersville, Missouri; Mandy Tissie, born on February 6, 1861, lives
in California. The father of these children devoted his life to general farm-
ins. Politically he was a Democrat, and he belonged to the Methodist
ls
Episcopal church, South.
To Mr. and Mrs. Bodenhamer the following children were born, namely:
Sarah Alice, born in 1861. is a graduate of the high school at Henderson,
Missouri, she married J. A. M. Lanier, and they live on a farm in Greene
county; Martha T.. married J. E. Dennis, and they live near Rogersville,
this state; Nettie J., who was educated at Mountain Home, Arkansas, is
the wife of G. F. Dennis, and they live on a farm near the home of our
subject; Emslev Lee, who is employed as salesman for the Diffenderffer
Implement company, of Springfield, has an individual sketch of himself and
family on another page of this work ; Ira G. is engaged in farming in
California.
Politically Mr. Bodenhamer is a Democrat, but he has never been active
in political affairs. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, in
winch he has been an active worker for manv years.
L( IUIS F. BODENHAMER.
Much worthy effort is expended in producing good crops, but often-
times a gain in the best of crops is lost by feeding to inefficient live stock.
There is no surer way of losing money than by feeding crops to animals,
the products i>r gain from which do 1 t >t pay the cost of feeding. Some
men attribute their success to the particular kind of crops they grow or the
particular way of feeding live stock-. Mure likely their success is due to a
good-sized farm business, good or average crops and a superior quality
of live stock. One of the young farmers ,,|" Greene county who. judging
from his success, understands the proper handling of his grains and live
stock si, as to get tin- best results is Louis F. Bodenhamer of Campbell town-
ship, wIki lives mi the old homestead just east of the outskirts of Springfield.
Mr. Bodenhamer was born on the place where lie now lives. June [6,
1878. He is a son .if Joseph J. and Laura (Farris) Bodenhamer, and a
grandson of Jacob and Nettie (Goss) Bodenhamer. The father .if Nettie
diss was a major in the Revolutionary war. Jacob Bodenhamer was born
in North Carolina, where he spent his boyhood, and in a very early day
immigrated to Greene county, Missouri, in [842, settling in what is now a
part of Webster county. He was a prosperous farmer and at one time owned
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. I.|()<)
seven hundred acres of land. After spending eight years on the first place
he settled here, he removed to the place now occupied hy our subject, which
he improved and on which he spent the rest of his life. He erected the
first frame house ever seen in this part of Greene county. He became promi-
nent in public affairs, and was for some time presiding judge of the county
court, serving for one dollar per day, riding daily from his home to the
court house when there was business to transact. He was a Thomas H.
Benton Democrat. His death occurred in i860 and he was buried in the
family cemetery near his home. His wife was a native of North Carolina
and they were married there. To them eighteen children were born, only
five of whom are living at this writing, namely: Joseph J. and Jacob E.,
twins, the latter living in California; Martin Van Buren lives at Mountain
Home, Arkansas; Andrew Jackson lives in Greene county, and Thomas H.
Benton lives at Rogersville, Missouri.
Joseph J. Bodenhamer was born on November 20, 1834, in North
Carolina and there he spent his early childhood, being' eight years of age
when his parents brought him to Missouri and here he grew up on the
farm, working hard in helping clear and improve the wild land and he
received a meager education in the early-day schools. He has devoted his
life to general farming and is still active, living on the homestead east of
Springfield. He has managed well and has made a success. During the
Civil war he enlisted in the state militia, and served in the Federal ranks
under General Holland, being in the same regiment with his twin brother,
but the rest of his living brothers were in the regular Union armv. After
the war he returned to his farm and has since lived a quiet uneventful life.
On January 6, 1859, he married Elizabeth W. Steele, of this count)-, and
to them three children were born, namely. John A., James E., of Eldorado,
Oklahoma, and Elizabeth E. The wife and mother died on December 10,
1870, and on November 13, 1871, he chose for his second wife Laura Farris.
This union resulted in the birth of only one child, Louis F., subject of this
sketch. The death of Mrs. Laura Bodenhamer occurred on January nj.
1898. Joseph J. Bodenhamer was in his earlier life a Democrat, but is
now a Socialist. He is a member of the Christian church.. He is a well-
read man and an intelligent conversationalist. He is widely known and
has friends all over the county, having lived here over three-score and
ten years, and during this long period saw many important changes in the
county and city.
Louis F. Bodenhamer was reared on the home farm and he received his
education in the country schools, later taking a two-year academy course.
On October 3. 1909, he was united in marriage with Iva Gerhardt, a daugh-
ter of Fred J. and Mattie (Holder) Gerhardt. She was born in Camden
I5OO GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
county, Missouri, and was educated in the common schools. Her father
is a prominent man in that county and holds the position of judge of the
first district there. His wife is a native of Tennessee.
Louis F. Bodenhamer has remained on the home farm and is success-
fully engaged in general farming and stock raising. He is a Democrat,
and fraternally he belongs to Mum ford lodge Xo. 738, Independent Order
of Odd Fellows, in which he is past grand knight. He also belongs to the
Modern Woodmen of America.
THOMAS FOGARTY.
Special adaptability to any particular calling in life is the one necessary
adjunct to permanent success. No matter what be the amount of vim and
determination which characterizes a man's start in business, unless he is
to the manor born he will ultimately find to his sorrow that his line has
been falsely cast, and the quicker he draws aside and takes up another call-
ing the better it will be for him, and perhaps for others as well. That
young man is indeed fortunate who knows what he is fitted for by nature
and starts out in his career along the line which he can successfully follow
to the end; lint few do this, as the records show. That Thomas Fogarty,
organizer and proprietor of the Sanitary Plumbing and Heating Companv,
of Springfield, is especially fitted for the calling that now occupies his at-
tention can not be doubted, for he has built up a large and rapidly grow-
ing business, and his scores of patrons are always well satisfied with his
work.
.Mr. Fogarty was born in County Clare, Ireland, January 20, 1872.
He is a son of Michael and Bridget (Keating) Fogarty, and a grandson of
James and Mary (Linnane) Fogarty. James Fogarty was a native of the
Emerald Isle, and there he devoted his life to farming and died in his native
land at the age of eighty-four years. His wife died suddenly of cholera
during the epidemic of [847. They were Catholics. To them seven chil-
dren were born, four sons and tliree daughters; three of the former and one
of the latter came to America. Michael Fogarty was reared in Ireland,'
where he was married, and spent his life as a farmer, dying there at the
age of sixty-two years. His widow is still living in Ireland, being now
seventy-two years of age. James, one of their sons, emigrated to the United
States a few years prior to the breaking out of the Civil war. and during
the latter part of that conflict he was drafted into the Union army and
served a short time. To Michael Fogarty and wife eleven children were
born, four sons and seven daughters, namely: Patrick came to Spring-
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. I5OI
field, Missouri, when nineteen years of age, about 1878, and was yardmas-
ter here for the Frisco Railroad for a period of twenty-five years, being
finally killed by accident while on duty; John S. has remained in Ireland;
Airs. L. G. Schab lives in Quincy, Illinois; Katie is teaching school in Ire-
land; Thomas, of this sketch; Mrs. James Bayner lives at Castle Bar, Ire-
land; Michael died when twenty-one years of age; Mrs. John Waters is
teaching school in Ireland; Mrs. Thomas Fogarty, who married a man of
her own name, but no relation, lives in Ireland; Nora is single and lives in
Springfield, Missouri; Nellie S. is teaching school in Ireland.
Thomas Fogarty, of this review, grew to manhood in Erin's Green
Isle and there he received a good education, attending college until he was
nineteen years of age, when, in the year [891, he emigrated to America and
came direct to Springfield, Missouri, where he has resided ever since, hav-
ing liked the town and country from the first. Soon after his arrival here
he secured a position as fireman with the Frisco and continued to work in
this capacity for a period of six years, then was promoted to engineer and
worked as such for two years. Finally tiring of the road, he turned his
attention to the plumbing business, associating himself with the Standard
Plumbing company here, which maintained offices on the smith side. He
seemed to have natural ability in this line of endeavor and soon mastered
its various details. In 1908 he organized the Sanitary Plumbing and Heat-
ing company, the present place of business of which is on East Commercial
street. Under his able management this concern has grown to large pro-
portions and is doing an ever-growing and lucrative business in general
plumbing and heating. The firm is well equipped in every respect for prompt
and high-grade service, keeping all modern apparatus and equipment and
a full stock of well-selected material of all kinds, and a number of skilled
artisans are constantly employed.
Mr. Fogarty was married on April 30, [902, in Springfield to Laura
O'Hara, a daughter of Jerome and Isabell (Mudd) O'Hara, a well-known
family here. Mr. O'Hara being president of the Citizens Bank of Spring-
field for years, but is now retired. He was a native of Illinois. His family
consists of seven children, namely: Frank J. is a traveling salesman and
lives in San Antonio. Texas; L. J. is in partnership with our subject in
the plumbing business: John is deceased: Airs. P. J. Turley lives in Spring-
field; Laura, wife of the subject of this sketch; Mrs. J. J. Lawler lives in
Springfield; Mrs. Mamie O'Hara lives in this city.
Jerome O'Hara. mentioned above, came to Springfield in 1895 and
for many years was proprietor of the firm of O'Hara & Son, who were
engaged in the dry goods business on East Commercial street, but later
he went into the banking business. He has been highly successful as a
business man and is a highly respected citizen.
1^02 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
Six children have been born to Mr. and Airs. Fogarty, namely: Harry
is deceased; Francis Thomas, Clarence J., John A., Isabell and Margaret.
Politically Air. Fogarty is a Democrat. He is a member of the Catholic
church. He is a prominent member of the Knights of Columbus, having
been financial secretary of the local lodge for a period of eight years. In
1913, at the state convention of this order which was held at joplin, he
was elected supreme delegate to the convention at Boston, Alassachusetts. He
went from there back to Ireland to visit his mother, brother and sisters.
He is also a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Mod-
ern Woodmen of America, the Improved Order of Red Alen and the Eagles.
He is a jovial, obliging and open-hearted gentleman whom it is a pleasure
to meet, and he has a host of friends in Springfield and over this part of
the state.
XELSOX GARRETT BUTLER.
The farmers of this generation are learning that with the change of
climate and general conditions in the Ozark region they must employ some-
what different methods in tilling the soil, learning, among other things, that
continued cropping exposes the land to various weaknesses of the particular
crop that is grown, and as no two crops extract the same proportion of
plant food, the continually grown crop is bound to lessen the available fer-
tility of one or mere of the principal soil constituents. Rotation has the
effect of making available all of the plant food element, and as the average
soil is generally well supplied with fertile material, depletion will come that
much sooner unless proper steps are taken to maintain the principal soil
ingredients. These and many other problems of modern farming are well
understood by Nelson Garrett Butler, a farmer of Republic township. Greene
county.
Mr. Butler was born near Ozark, Christian county, on a farm, October
_'4, [857. He is a son of Benjamin and Emily (Morland) Butler, both
nf whom came from Michigan to Christian county, Missouri, in an early
day or during the Civil war period, and shortly after locating here Mr.
Butler joined the Union army, and was in a number of battles, serving sev-
eral years, during which lie contracted a disease which disabled him, resulting
in his discharge from the service. He returned home, but soon contracted
smallpox, which caused his death in March. 1862, and about a month later his
widow al>o died. They were the parents of eight children, namely: Frank is
living but his whereabouts are unknown; Will is engaged in farming in Ore-
GREEXE COUNTY, MISSOURI. J 5°3
gon; Norman lives in Oklahoma; Fernando is deceased; Benjamin lives in
Republic township; Nelson G., subject of this sketch; Airs. Alary Myers lives
in Oklahoma; the youngest child died in infancy. lhe parents of the above
named children were living on our subject's grandfather's farm at the time
of their deaths, and Nelson G. Butler continued to live with his grandfather
for some time, then went to make his home with an uncle when about seven
years of age, with whom he remained until he was ten years of age, when
he went to live with an older brother, remaining with him about a year, after
which he went to live at the home of Matt Martin and there he remained about
six years, then came to Greene county and hired out to James Decker, but after
a short time hired to Thomas Rose, for whom he worked two years, also
worked for G. W. O'Neal two years, then went to California and lived in
that state four years, working on a farm. Returning to Missouri he located
in Cedar county, and a year later came back to Greene county and once more
took up his abode at the O'Neal home. Mr. O'Neal moved to Republic to
look after his lumber yard there, and left our subject in charge of his farm.
Later Mr. [hitler rented Mr. O'Neal's farm and operated it for five years,
and while there purchased eighty acres of land in section 13, Republic town-
ship, built a comfortable home thereon and moved into it. He has managed
his all airs in a successful manner and is now owner of a productive farm of
one hundred and seventy-six acres, on which he carries on general farming
and stock raising.
Mr. 1 hitler was married on September 12, [886, to Martha Britain, a
daughter of James and Eliza (Wade) Britain. The father was born in this
county, but the mother's birth occurred in the state of Georgia, and from
there she came tc Greene county, .Missouri, when she was a child. She is one
of nine children, named as follows: George, deceased: Nancy, deceased;
Thomas, deceased; James lives in Republic; Martha, wife of our subject;
Eliza is the wife of Albert White, of Republic; Harvey is deceased; Harrv
and Laura, twins, the former lives in Pond Creek township, this county, and
the latter is deceased. Airs. Butler received her education in the common
schools of Pond Creek township, where she grew to womanhood. Our sub-
ject received his education in Christian and Webster counties.
Four children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Butler, namely: Elsie is
the wife of Sam Brown, of Pond Creek township; Nadie is the wife of
George O'Neal, of Republic; Maude is the wife of Ed. Mooneyham, of Pond
Creek township; Frank lives with his parents and helps work the home farm.
Politically Mr. Butler is a Republican, and has always voted this ticket in
national affairs since reaching manhood. He and his wife and daughters are
members of the Missionary Baptist church at Hopewell.
I5O4 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
JOHN PARKER TROGDON.
Farming has been considered a game of chance too long and the uncer-
tainties of the elements have been overcome to such an extent by intelligent
study and use of fertilizers, irrigation and drainage, and intensive cultiva-
tion that day by day agriculture is becoming more and more an exact science
and the best and brightest minds of the country have not thought it beneath
their dignity or effort to give it the best of their genius. John Parker
Trogdon, of Brookline township, Greene county, is a type of our better class
of farmers, a man who uses more brain than brawn in operating his place.
He has been successful both as farmer and merchant and also as a dealer
in live stock. The reason that he has been able to succeed in whatever he
has turned his attention to is because he plans well, is energetic in their
execution, "preparedness" being his motto, in other words, he first decides
that he is right, then goes ahead.
Mr. Trogdon was born near Ash Grove, Missouri. March 26, 1872.
He is a son of Reuben and Phoebe (McDorman) Trogdon, the father of
English descent, a native of North Carolina, the mother a native of Tenn-
essee.
Seven children were born to Reuben Trogdon and wife, four sons and
three daughters, namely: W. ( 'linton, Henry F., Loran E., all three live near
Ash Grove, this county; John P.. of this sketch; Lottie married I". 11. Moo-
maw, of Brookline township, Greene county; Efne married D. G. Hendrix,
also of Brookline township; Laura married Jay Mason, of near Bois I )'Arc,
Missouri.
John P. Trogdon grew to manhood on the home farm where he worked
during the summer months, and in the winter attended the district schools,
remaining on the farm with his father until he was twenty-one years of
age, or until his marriage, then started farming for himself, renting a farm
near Ash Grove, where he remained nine years, then moved to that city and
engaged in general merchandising two years, after which lie boughl his
present farm of one hundred and thirty acres near Brookline. His place
is well improved in every respect and he keeps it under a high state of culti-
vation. In connection with general farming he devotes considerable time
tn the breeding of Jersey cattle, and he is very successful with his fine stuck,
lie has a modernh appointed, nine-room residence of the bungalow type,
<>nl\ a Fourth of a mile from Brookline on the main highway between that
place and the village of Battlefield. His spacious yard is sown with Ken-
tucky blue grass, which has given the place the appropriate name of "Green
Lawn," by which it is known throughout the neighborhood. Mr. Trogdon
has numerous substantial outbuildings, including two large barns, one of
o
--.
a
x
V.
\\
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. 15°5
hich is especially equipped for the care of his milk cows and is kept sani-
tary in all seasons. He has a concrete silo with a capacity of one hundred
and fifty tons, a wagon and buggy-shed, a water-tank with a capacity of
three hundred and fifty barrels, also a garage large enough for two cars.
Mr. Trogdon was married on March 6, 1894, to Dilla A. Johnson, a
daughter of George A. and Jane Johnson, of near Halltown, and a native
of Greene county, Missouri, where the family settled in the early thirties,
having emigrated from Tennessee. Mrs. Trogdon grew to womanhood and
was educated in her native community. The union of our subject and wife
has resulted in the birth of two children, namely: Alta, born July 2. 1895,
lives at home; Mabel, born December 24, 1901, is also with her parents.
Politically Mr. Trogdon is a Republican and is influential in the affairs
of his party. He has served several years as township committeeman and
has done much toward the success of the party in the county in years past.
Fraternally he belongs to Brookline Lodge, Xo. 328. Independent Order
of Odd Fellows; also the Modern Woodmen of America, of Springfield,
and the Anti Horse Thief Association, of Nichols.
Mr. Trogdon is one of the progressive and useful citizens of his town-
ship and is ever ready to lend his support and encourage any movement
having for its object the general good.
CECIL ALVIN BRIGGS.
By his close observance of fundamental rules of business, based upon
honesty, rectitude and fidelity to trusts and confidences reposed in him,
Cecil Alvin Briggs, secretary and general manager of the George-Briggs
Lumber Company, of Springfield, has achieved success while yet young
in vears, won the public esteem and fixed his star in the ascendant. In all
relations of life he is courteous and cordial in his friendships, cautious,
temperate, ambitious, zealous, consistent, moral and circumspect in his daily
existence, and punctuality is one of his maxims.
Mr. Briggs was born July 19, 1887, at Verona, Lawrence county, Mis-
souri. He is a son of Svlvester A. Briggs, who was born September 26,
1847, in Fountain county, Indiana, and was of French-Fnglish descent. He
grew to manhood in Illinois and received his education in the common
schools near the city of Danville. He began life for himself as a school
teacher and followed this profession for a period of upwards of fifteen
years, in Douglas county, Illinois, where his services were in large demand
and he became known as one of the leading educators of the county. Leav-
(95)
IS01 ■ GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
ing the Prairie Stale in 1885, he located at Verona, Missouri, where he
engaged in the lumber business until 1910, also maintained his home for
a time during that period at Siloam Springs, Benton count)-, Arkansas,
where he has retail lumber interests. About five years ago he retired from
active life, having accumulated a competency for his old age, and is now
living quietly with his son, our subject, in the Briggs residence on West
Commercial street, Springfield. 1 he firm of Briggs & Wilks, with which
he was connected in soutiiern Missouri so long, became well known. He
is now in his seventy-seventh year. Politically he is a Republican, always
took an active interest in public affairs, was justice of the peace for a period
of eight years, and was also secretary of the school board at Verona for a
period of eleven years, filling these offices in a manner that reflected credit
upon himself and to the satisfaction of the public, lie is a devout member
of the Christian church and for many years was an eider in the same at
\ ciona. The mother of the subject of this sketch was known in her
maidenhood as ITances Cannon, a daughter of G. X. and Elizabeth Can-
non. She was a woman of many praiseworthy characteristics. Her death
occurred October 2, 1909, at Siloam Springs, Arkansas. To these parents
seven children were born, only two of whom are living at this writing,
namely : Cecil A., of this sketch; and Floyd E., who lives at Pittsburg. Kan-
sas, is a brakeman on the Kansas City Southern Railroad, and is unmarried.
Our subject's paternal grandparents were Augustus and Ruth ( West) Briggs.
natives of New ^ < >rk and Kentucky, respectively.
Cecil A. Briggs was educated in the common schools, graduated from
the Verona high school, took a course in a St. Louis business colleee. and
he began bis business career in 1907. in the lumber linn of his father at
Verona, where he remained until 1010. as office manager for the firm of
Briggs & Wilks. lie then came to Springfield as bookkeeper for the D. J.
Landis Lumber Company, with which he remained until 1912, then went
to Lamar. Oklahoma, as assistant cashier of the Hank of Lamar, remaining
there until March 4. 1914. when he returned to Springfield and assumed
bis present connection with the George-Briggs Lumber Company, his pre-
vious experience having made him familiar with every phase of the lumber
business and rendering him entirely capable of assuming the responsible
1 11 isition he now occupies.
The George-Briggs Lumber Company is located at 425 West Com-
mercial street, it was incorporated under the laws of Missouri. February
4, 1914, with a capital stock of fifteen thousand dollars, and the business
was started on that date, with J. H. George, president; B. II. George,
treasurer; and Cecil A. Briggs, manager and secretary. Their yard is three
hundred by one hundred and seventv-five feet and they have a neat office.
GREENE nil'XTV, MISSOl/RI. 1 507
n iuii stock 01 well-selected lumber ol all kinds, such as is to be found in
an) up-to-date lumber yard m tins part ol the country, is carried, and tlie
uusnicss nas ueen a success ironi die start. 1 lieir business is coiilmed
niosti)- to Uieene county, i'our assistants are required in the yards. Be-
sides lumber they Handle sashes, doors, cement, plaster, sand, brick, etc.
roiiticaiiy ivir. nriggs is a KepuDlican. rle is a member of the chris-
tian churcn, and was tormeny a member of the Modern Woodmen of
America.
Mr. Briggs was married, first, in lyoy, to Elsie Browning, a daugh-
ter of George \\ . and Jane Browning. Her death occurred August _>8,
1913, leaving two children, Genevieve and Jane. Our subject was married
again in 1914 to blossie May Warden, a daughter of James L. and Dora
( Blackman ) \\ arden.
AUGUST F. PRUGGER.
It was the great philosopher Bacon who admonished us thus: "Read
not to contradict and confute, nor to believe and take for granted, nor to
find talk and discourse, but to weigh and consider." Whether August F.
t'rugger, foreman of the motor car room in the North Side Frisco shops,
Springfield, was made acquainted with the above advice when a boy or not,
he has always followed the proper course in his wide miscellaneous reading,
believing with our own Benjamin franklin that "reading makes a wise man,"
although our subject does not claim to be such. However, those who know
him well have observed that he is well informed and is a close observer
of everything that is going on about him. His honored father before him
was such a man and evidently transmitted to his son many of his com-
mendable characteristics.
Mr. Prugger was born August iS, 1803, at Whitewater, Wisconsin.
He is a son of Joseph Prugger, who was born in Bavaria, Germany, where
he grew to manhood, received a good education and there learned the trade
of cabinet maker under his father, becoming an expert in the same. He
remained in the Fatherland until he was twenty-nine years of age, then,
about 1859, came to America in an old-fashioned sailing vessel, which
required many weeks to make the long voyage. He landed in Xew York,
and from there made a tour of the Southern states, finally locating- in Wal-
worth county, Wisconsin, where he continued his trade of cabinet maker,
also worked at the Esterly Reaper Wrorks. and later removed to Indian-
apolis, Indiana, where he worked at cabinet making for sixteen vears. He
then went to Illinois and worked at his trade in Mattoon and Marshall. We
I5°8 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
next find him in West Superior, Wisconsin, where h_' lived retired, later
removing to Milwaukee and made his home with one of his sons, dying
there in 1910, at the age of eighty-six years, and was buried in that city.
The mother of our subject was known in her maidenhood as Mary
Anna Ostermeyer. She was born in Bavaria, Germany, where she spent
her girlhood and attended school, emigrating to America with her parents
when fifteen years of age. The family located first in Milwaukee, later
removing to Jefferson, Wisconsin, and there she resided until her marriage
at the age of eighteen. She is now living with her daughter, Theresa
Prugger, and is now about seventy-six years of age.
Four children were born to Joseph Prugger and wife, three sons and
one daughter, namely: Albert G. is employed by the Pawling & Harnish-
feger Electric Crane Works at Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Frank, a contractor
and builder of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, was for some time vice-president of
the Milwaukee Construction Company: August F., of this sketch; and
Theresa, who has remained single and lives in Milwaukee, was connected
with the knitting industries of Illinois, Wisconsin and Minnesota, and was
long head foreladv and very expert in her line; she is now connected with
a large wholesale fur house.
The paternal grandfather of our subject was a well-to-do factory owner
in Bavaria. Germany, making cabinets, furniture, etc. He spent his life in
his native land.
August F. Prugger grew to manhood in Wisconsin and received a
common school education, leaving school when sixteen vears of age and
began working at the Esterly Coffin Works, but not taking to this line of
business he turned his attention to the manufacture of furniture and then
to machine work for the Esterly Harvester Works as machinist apprentice,
at Whitewater, Wisconsin. After serving his apprenticeship he worked as
journeyman for six years, then went to Beloit, Wisconsin, with the Williams
Engine Works, building stationary engines, lie worked in the Berlin
Machine Works at Beloit, assembling sand paper machinery. On January
_'X. [891, he went to work for the St. Louis & Frisco Railroad Company
at Springfield, Missouri, and lias been in constant service with this com-
pany ever since. He first worked as machinist, keeping machinery in repair.
also worked in the pump department in the north side shops. He had
become familiar with millwright work while at Whitewater. Wisconsin. At
Beloit he helped install the machinery and worked there as millwright, and
he has been working at this line for the Frisco here many vears. He has
installed machinery in man)- places over the Frisco System, such as Ft.
Scott, Memphis. Birmingham and other points. He was appointed foreman
of the north side shops about 1904, under Michael Carney, and he is now
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. r509
foreman of the motor car shops there, having about fourteen hands under
his direction. Nearly all of the millwright work over the entire system is
under his direction. He is an expert in his line and faithful in the discharge
of his every duty.
Mr. Prugger was married in 1896 to Eva Sprohs, a daughter of John
Sprohs, a native of Germany, but now living in Springfield.
To our subject and wife four children have been born, namely: John
Joseph is a student in Conception College at Conception. Missouri; Clara,
Theresa, and Henry are all at home, the Prugger residence being on Sum-
mit avenue.
Mr. Prugger is independent in his political views. He is a member of
the Catholic church, and fraternally belongs to the Knights and Ladies of
Security and the Improved Order of Red Men.
EDWARD P. DINGELDE1X.
The German element in Springfield is not as large as in many American
cities of this size, but those who have cast their lot here have proved to lie
industrious and loyal citizens, become property owners and have not hesi-
tated to support such measures as have made for the general growth of the
city. Of this class is Edward P. Dingeldein, one of our enterprising young
Germans of the second generation in this country, but who seems to have
the characteristic thrift of the true Teutons.
Mr. Dingeldein was born in St. Louis, Missouri, December 25, 1873.
He is a son of Sebastian and Dorothea ( Studt) Dingeldein, both parents
natives of Germany, where they grew to maturity, received their educa-
tions, which were limited, and there made their home until the year 1867,
when they left the Fatherland and emigrated to the United States, each
locating in St. Louis, Missouri, where the}- were married in 1869 and there
established the family borne. There the father engaged in the malt busi-
ness for five years. The mother was one of eleven children, six sons and
five daughters, lour of whom are living at this writing, one remaining in
Germanw
To Sebastian Dingeldein and wife four children have been born, namely:
Julius W.. who is associated in business with our subject in Springfield
Edward P., of this review ; Emelie M. is single and is living in Springfield
William S. is deceased.
From St. Louis the Dingeldein family moved to Springfield in 1876
when our subject was two years of age. and here the father established him-
I5IO GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
self in business and became comfortably situated. Politically he was a
Democrat. His death occurred on March 24, 1894. His widow is still
living, making her home in Springfield.
Edward P. Dingeldein grew to manhood in Springfield and here received
his education, attending the common school up to 1889, then took a business
course in the Southwestern Business College, including bookkeeping and
business forms, and was graduated from that institution in 1891. He began
his career as a railroader, working for some time with the old Kansas City,
Fort Scott & Memphis Railroad Company, and later was in the employ of
the St. Louis & San Francisco Railroad Company, and in December, 1897,
he started in the retail liquor business with his brother, Julius W., which
thev have conducted to the present time.
Mr. Dingeldein was married in 1894 to Ida Stone, a daughter of C.
M. and Elizabeth Stone, she being one of four children. Her mother and
father are still living in Springfield. Three children have been born to
Mr. and Mrs. Dingeldein, namely: Edna L., William J. and Edward S. The
two oldest are attending school.
Politically our subject is a Democrat and has remained with the party
in both victory and defeat, as did his father before him. Religiously he is
a member of St. John's German Evangelical church, having been confirmed
at the age of fifteen years. lie attended the church primary school of this
denomination in [889. lie has always sought the companionship of per-
sons older than himself, and has tried to profit by their examples. Frater-
nally he is a member of the Ragles, the tmproved Order of Red Men and
the German Brotherhood. He has always been a law-abiding citizen, and
has kept within the bounds of good citizenship.
ANDREW THOMAS HART.
The attitude of the general public toward the farmer of today is some-
what different to that during the century preceding the present. All now
realize the fact that with the advanced methods of scientific farming it
requires more brains than brawn to make a success as an argiculturist and
stock man. The tiller of the soil can no longer follow the methods employed
by Ins grandfather when he worked the virgin soil, when the climate was
different, the land different, in fact, most everything different. Hue must
not only "be up and doing, and learn to labor and to wait." as the poet. Long-
fellow, admonished, but one must be a close student of literature bearing
on agricultural and horticultural and live stock subjects, but also a keen
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. I5II
observer and a logical thinker. Nature has given most men sufficient natural
ability to succeed in farming, but so many are indifferent, apathetic and
unwilling to put forth the proper amount of physical and mental exertion
to reap large rewards in this greatest of all callings.
.Andrew Thomas Hart, of \\ ilson township, Greene count}-, is a good
example of the thoughtful, energetic and successful twentieth century farmer.
He was born in this vicinity on April 4, 1867. He is a son of Maj. R.
K. and Alary Jane (Beal) Hart. The father was born in North Carolina
and when nineteen years old emigrated to Christian county, Missouri, set-
tling on a farm near the town of Clever, with his parents, with win mi
he remained until he was about twenty-eight years of age, ami assisted with
the general work on the farm. After his marriage he bought a farm near
the present village of Battlefield and there devuted himself to general farm-
ing. During the C ivil war he enlisted in the Union army and proved to
be such a gallant and efficient soldier that he was promoted to the rank
of major, and was honorably discharged at the close of his term of enlist-
ment. He devoted his active life to general farming and is now living
in retirement on South Market street, Springfield, Missouri. His family
consisted of seven children, namely: Alvoree, Samuel K., Mrs. Nannie C.
Hendrix. Mrs. Hollie A. Alexander, Andrew Thomas, of this review : Will-
iam H., and the youngest child died in infancy.
Andrew T. Hart grew to nianh 1 on the home farm and he received a
somewhat limited education in the district schools, later taking a course in
a business college, also attended the old Ash < rrove College, and finally secured
a very good text-book training. He has devoted bis life principally to
general farming, but (.luring the year 1913 and 1914 he was for some time
engaged in the real estate business with J. E. Walton on South street.
Springfield. However, farming appealed to him most and he returned to
rural life. He is owner of one hundred and sixty acres of well-kept and
well-tilled land in Wilson township, and in connection with general farm-
ing he carries on stock raising and buying and shipping live stock on a
large scale, and is one of the successful and well-known stockmen of the
western part of the county. He has made all the present improvements on
his place, fie has a good home and good buildings in general.
Mr. Hart was married on October 31. 1888, to Nannie C. I'utman. a
daughter of Joseph E. and Mary Jane (.Moore) Putman, both natives of
Greene count}-, this state, ami here Mrs. Hart was also born, grew to
womanhood and was educated in the public schools. She had no brothers
or sisters.
To Mr. and Mrs. Hart two children have been born, Herman E., and
Roy P. The latter is a civil engineer. He was graduated from the Colum-
1~,12 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
bia University, and is at present employed in the. engineering department of
the Missouri Paciiic Railroad, with headquarters at St. Louis. Herman E.,
who received a good high school education, is a traveling salesman for the
McDaniel Milling Company, his territory being in Arkansas, Oklahoma
and Texas.
Politically Mr. Hart is a Democrat. He is a member of the Masonic
Order and the Knights of Pythias, and religious!}' he belongs to the Bap-
tist church.
WILLIAM A. FRY.
To hear the average city man unburden himself, often in none too
graceful language, about high prices and the cost of living, one would
imagine that he alone is affected and that the farmer is rolling in the fat
of the land. As a matter of fact, the farmer is feeling the high cost of
living the same as everyone else. He is paying more for his labor (when
he can get it at all); more for his land; more for his implements, and
more for everything that enters into his daily life, while the prices he
receives for his products have not given him a fair return for bis time
and his labor. But notwithstanding these facts, many of the farmers of
Greene county have accumulated competencies and are making a comfort-
able living, among whom may be mentioned William A. Fry, owner of
"Shady Oak Farm," in Wilson township.
Air. Fry was born in the above named township and county. August
5, 1870. He is a son of Marion S. and Sarah Jane ( Payne") Fry. The
father removed from Kentucky in an early day to northern Missouri. The
mother was burn and reared in Greene county, this state, and here received
a common school education. Marion S. Fry was a boy when be came to
Missouri, and here he grew to manhood and attended the public schools,
after which be devoted his attention to general farming. He came to
Greene county when about twenty-four years of age, settling on a farm of
two hundred acres, anil a year later he and Sarali Jane Payne were mar-
ried, and to this union four children were born, namely: William A., of
this review; < >scar E. lives in Oregon; Walter F. resides in Wilson town-
ship, this county; and the youngest child died in infancy, unnamed. The
parents of these children spent the rest of their lives on the farm here.
the father dying October 3, [898, and the death of the mother occurred in
September, 1903.
William A. Fry grew to manhood on the home farm and there assisted
with the general work when a boy. He received his earlv education in the
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. I 5 1 3
district schools of Wilson township; he remained under his parental roof-
tree until he was twenty-five years of age, when he married and established
a home of his own, the date of his wedding being July 2&, 1895, an<J ne
selected for his life companion Pearl Ward, a daughter of Arch W. and
Allie (Edwards) Ward, who were residents of Greene county for many
years, and the mother still resides on the old homestead in Wilson town-
ship, the death of Arch W. Ward having occurred in September, 19 12.
Three children were born to Air. and Mrs. Fry, namely: Clorline is
the eldest; the second child died in infancy unnamed; and Marie, who is
the youngest.
Mr. Fry has devoted his active life to general farming and stock rais-
ing. He is at present operating one hundred and seventy-five acres, which
is a part of the old homestead, and which he has named very appropriately
"Shady Oak barm." lie recently built an attractive new home, surrounded
by a fine grove of oaks in a splendid location. The place is productive
and well kept in every respect. Until recently Mr. Fry dealt quite extensively
in live stock, raising, buying and selling, but in later years he has devoted his
attention to general farming.
Politically Mr. Fry has always been a Democrat. In September, 1901,
he was called upon to mourn the loss of his faithful helpmeet, and he has
never remarried.
WILLIAM FRY ROPER.
One expression of the discontent of the people of the twentieth cen-
tury is the back-to-the-farm movement. While the wages of workmen
have increased and the hours of labor have decreased, the desire for the
better things of life and the luxuries have grown proportionately. That
which satisfied the laboring man of forty years ago would be regarded with
disdain by the workers of today. The increased cost of living in the city
undoubtedlv has much to do with the discontent of the people, and the
imperfect marketing system which raises the cost to the consumer and mini-
mizes the profits of the producer, is another fertile source of discontent.
Whether conditions will adjust themselves under the present economic ar-
rangement and our imperfect system of distribution is a question. It will
require more than an ordinary prophet to rise in his place and foretell what
the answer will be to the rising tide of discontent of the people of the cities.
Having spent his life close to Nature, engaged in peaceful agricultural pur-
suits and dealing honestly with his fellow men, thereby keeping his con-
science clear, William Fry Roper, a well-known citizen of Republic town-
ship, Greene county, has never been seized with the spirit of discontent that
!.r,4
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
is so apparent over the land ; in other words, he has had the tact to live his
life along well-regulated and proper channels.
Air. Roper was horn in Greene count}', Missouri, February 17, 1853.
He is a son of Wylie B. and Minerva ( Fry ) Roper. The father of our
subject emigrated from middle Tennessee to Greene count}-, this state, in
1851, and rented land nine miles northeast of Springfield, but in a short
time settled north of Nichols, on a tract of about two hundred acres. He
was a native of Tennessee, as was also his wife, and there they grew to
maturity and received limited educations and were married. Our subject
was then about one year old, and it was on this place that he spent his
boyhood, and attended subscription school at old Antioch. His parents
rented their farm and moved to Springfield, where Wylie Roper was selling
goods when the Civil war began. Later the elder Roper moved with his
family to Texas and bought a large farm, of which he placed two hundred
acres under cultivation. To Wylie Roper and wife ten children were born,
namely: DeWitt C. is the eldest; Maggie L. is the wife of Frank White and
they live near Nichols, in Greene count}-; Russell, deceased; John W. lives
in California; William F.. subject of this sketch; George lives in Lawrence
count}-. Missouri; Wylie B. lives in Oregon; Airs. Lulu Martin lives in
Springfield; Mary and Myrtie, the two youngest, both died in infancy.
William F. Roper was married August 2, [877, to Minerva Sparkman,
a daughter of W. 1). and Jane (Rainey) Sparkman. both natives of Ten-
nessee, when- the) grew up. were educated and married, and from that
state immigrated to Greene count}-. Missouri, in 1854. Their family con-
sisted of eight children, named as follows: Dr. Allen ( i. ; Orren lives near
Bois D'Arc, Greene counts-; Jefferson lives in California; Lizzie is deceased;
Minerva, who married Air. Roper of this sketch; James lives in Seattle.
Washington: Ji hn lives in Republic township, this county; Alice, who mar-
ried J. M. Short, is deceased.
To Air. and .Mrs. Roper nine children have been born, namely: Ada
is the wife of Edward Roop, of Independence, Missouri; James lives in
Seattle. Washington; < >llie is engaged in the furniture and carpet business
in Republic, and. being an ardent lover of horses, owns and trades in then;:
Alice is the wife of Oscar Roop, of Republic; Janie is the wife of George
Burris, of Seattle. Washington; Charlie lives in Republic: Bruce lives in St.
Louis; I eon lives in Republic; Thomas also reside- in Republic.
Mr. Roper owns fifty-nine acres of valuable land on the outskirts of
the city of Republic, which land he keeps rented, and he lives quietly in his
attractive home here, having been retired from the active duties of life
during the past two years.
Politically he is a Democrat, lie is a member of the Christian church,
tn which his wife and children alsn belong.
GREENE COUNTY. MISSOURI. I 5 I;
HUGH McCLERNON.
The career of Hugh McClernon, a retired farmer of Springfield, is a
splendid example of what many of the thrifty sons of Erin's Green Isle
have accomplished in this great western republic, after landing within our
borders with little capital and being compelled to start out in a strange en-
vironment without sympathetic and helpful friends. There have been many
such during the past century or more, and we have always welcomed them.
knowing that most of them would turn out to lie good citizens and be bene-
ficial to us in a general way!
Mr. McClernon was horn in County Dary, Ireland. March 12, 1850.
lie is a son of Hugh and Margaret ( McElwee) McClernon, both natives of
Ireland, where they grew up, received meager educations and were married
and established their home. The father was a stone mason by trade, also
engaged in farming. His family consisted of nine children, two of whom
are still living, Hugh, of this sketch, and a sister who has remained in Ire-
land. A brother of our subject came to America in an early day. but the
rest of the family remained in the old country.
Hugh McClernon grew to manhood in his native land, and, when a
bow assisted his father with his work, lie received a common school edu-
cation, and there, when about twenty years of age, he was united in mar-
riage with Margaret McElhone, a daughter of James and Sarah ( McKen-
na) McElhone. Soon thereafter he brought his bride to the United State-.
about 1870. They landed in New York, but came on west to St. Louis,
where they lived three years, where our subject worked as a stone mason,
which trade he had learned under his father when a boy. lie then came
to Springfield and purchased a farm in Campbell township, then about two
miles northeast of Springfield, but now only about one mile northeast of
here. He went to work with a will, and front a small beginning forged
to the front as a general farmer, later being able to add to his original pur-
chase. It was his custom to buy land, improve it, and when the price raised
on land in his community, sell out at a profit. In this way he became a
man of comfortable financial circumstances. After living here several years
he engaged in the dairy business, selling his products in Springfield, and
became known as one of the successful dairymen of Greene county. Under
his able training his sons all took up this line of business and have done
well with it. He also became a successful dealer in live stock, trading ex-
tensively in horses and mules. He still owns his productive, well improved
and most desirable farm, but in the autumn of 1914 he retired from active
life, having accumulated a handsome competency through his good manage-
ment and close application to details, and purchased a fine residence on
15 16 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
Cherry street, Springfield, where he now resides, surrounded by all the com-
forts of life. He also owns considerable other real estate in this city.
To Mr. McClernon and wife nine children have been born, namely:
Hugh, Jr., the eldest, is deceased; Henry is a retired stockman; Mrs. Mag-
gie Boll is the wdfe of a brick manufacturer; Patrick J. is engaged in the
dairy business; Sarah married Con Shay, who died in 1913, she lives with
her father and has one child, Nora Marie, five years of age; Jane and Mary
are living at home ; John is engaged in the dairy business, living on his
father's farm; Annie is at home. These children were given excellent edu-
cational advantages; the girls have all been trained in music.
Politically, Mr. McClernon is a Democrat. He was a member of the
county school board for a period of nine years; he was road overseer for
four years in his district, and also served four years as road commissioner.
He proved to be a most faithful, able and conscientious public servant, al-
ways looking closely to the interests of his locality and county. He is a
member of the Catholic church and is a charter member of the local lodge
of the Knights of Columbus.
FLEMIN T. JARED.
Success is only achieved by the exercise of certain distinguishing quali-
ties and it cannot be retained without effort. Those by whom great epoch
changes have been made in the political and industrial world began early in
life t<> prepare themselves for their peculiar duties and responsibilities, and
it was only by the most persevering and continuous endeavor that they suc-
ceeded in rising superior to the obstacles in their way and reaching the goal
of their ambition. The life of any successful man, whether he be prominent in
the world's affairs or not is an inspiration to others who are less courageous
and more prone to give up the light lie fore their ideal is reached or definite
success in any chosen field has been attained. Flemin T. Jared, of the linn of
fared Brothers, well-known merchants of West Commercial street. Spring-
field, is a man whose example has made fur the good of his associates and
acquaintances, for his career has been an industrious and useful one.
Mr. Jared was horn in Buffalo Valley, Tennessee. March 17. 1S77. He
is a son of Moses V jared, also born in that vicinity, where he was reared,
attended school and engaged in fanning until in [896, when he removed to
Missouri, locating in Howell county, where he continued fanning until his
death, in September, [903, at the age of seventy-six years. In his younger
days he taught school for some time in his native state, and during the Civil
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. I 5 IJ
war he taught school in Ripley county, Missouri, from i860 to 1864, then
went to Illinois and taught school in the southern part of that state for a year.
He was prominent in the affairs of his locality in Tennessee and held a num-
ber of offices, including that of judge of the County Court, and he was a
justice of the peace for a period of twenty-seven years. He was a Demo-
crat, belonged to the Grange and the Wheelers ; also belonged to the Methodist
Episcopal church, South. His father, Alexander Jared, was one of the early
pioneers in Buffalo Valley, Tennessee, where he engaged in farming, and was
also a carpenter by trade. Moses A. Jared was twice married, first to Amanda
Price, who died many years ago. His second marriage was to Sarah A.
Thompson, who died Ma}' 1, 1906, at the age of sixty-seven years, and was
buried at Pottersville, Howell county, Missouri. To the first marriage thirteen
children were born, and seven children were born to the second union, the
subject of this sketch being the eldest of the children by the last marriage.
This large family of twenty children were named in order of birth as follows:
Yateman died when fifteen years of age; Wade W, born July 1, 1849, was
a minister in the Methodist Episcopal church, South, and one time was pastor
of a church in Springfield, and was pastor of the Methodist Episcopal church
at Malta Bend. Missouri, up to the time of his death, December 10, t8qi ;
Brice, who was engaged in the hotel business at Nashville, Tennessee, died in
H)i2, at the age of sixty-one years; John W. died in early life; Mary F. also
died when young; Martha J., deceased, was the wife of W. A. Holliday, a
farmer of Gentry. Putnam county. Tennesse: Samuel is connected with the
Dixie College in Putnam count)-, Tennessee: Tennie. deceased, was the wife
of E. Holliday, a minister in the Methodist Episcopal church. South, of Put-
nam county, Tennessee: James A. is pastor of a Southern Methodist church
at Warrensburg, Missouri ; Peter is circuit clerk of the court in Cookville,
Tennessee; Simon, deceased, was a school teacher and farmer of Putnam
county, Tennessee; Augusta is fanning in Grayson county, Texas: Robert
died when fifteen years of age; Flemin T. of this review; Mary is the wife of
H. L. Taylor, of Thayer, Missouri; Alice is the wife of J. W. Cox, of the
firm of Cox Brothers, of Commercial street, Springfield, Missouri ; Anthony,
born December 12, 1881, who is a member of the firm of Jared Brothers,
merchants of Springfield, married Elizabeth Heindrich. which union has been
blessed with one child; Bettie, familiarly known as Betsey, is the wife of C.
A. Cox, who is engaged in the furniture business with his brother in Spring-
field; Newton, born May 8, 1887, has remained single and is a member of the
firm of Jared Brothers of Springfield ; Taylor died when fifteen years of age.
Flemin T. Jared received his early education in the common schools, then
attended the Normal school at Gainesville, Ozark county, Missouri, after
which he taught for five years very successfully in the rural schools of Ozark.
Howell and Saline counties, Missouri. After his marriage, June 1. 1902, he
I5lB GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
began farming, which he followed one year in Howell county on rented land,
then taught another term of school in that county, after which he moved to
Springfield, November 17, 1903, and bought out C. W. Smith, who was
engaged in the second-hand furniture business at 212 West Commercial
street, where our subject has remained to the present time, and today he
does a good business and carries a large stock of furniture, carpets, stoves,
bicycles, rugs, linoleum, matting, portieres, lace curtains, granite ware, pic-
tures, lamps, watches, clocks, jewelry, bicycle repairs, etc. He first started
in business under the firm name of Sumner & Jared, then for one year the
name of the firm was Jared & Endecott. It was Jared Brothers from 1905
to 1906. During the latter year he bought out his brothers' interest, since
which time he has been sole proprietor, but has retained the firm name, but
two of his brothers work in the store with him.
Air. Jared married on June 1, 1902, R. Isabell Endecott, a daughter
of Gabriel C. and Lucinda (Grissom) Endecott, and to this union four
children have been born, namely: Eroebel T. died at the age of four years;
Emerson S., Mabel V. and Brice Ernest.
Politically Air. Jared is a Democrat, and fraternally he belongs to the
Gate of the Temple Lodge, Masonic Order; Springfield Lodge No. 218,
Independent Order of Odd Fellows; Lodge No. 768, Modern Brotherhood;
also the Modern Woodmen of America and Royal Neighbors. He is an
active member of the Methodist Episcopal church. South, Campbell Street
church, of which he has been a member of the board of stewards for the
past eight years and lie is assistant Sunday school superintendent, in fact.
is one of the pillars of this well-known church.
[AMES A. Mix >N.
It has been said that it is difficult for lawyers to be men of wholesome
character in view of the fact that they have to deal so much with criminals,
sec so much of crimes and immoralities of every grade, have their atten-
tion called to fraud and rascality 111 every form, perpetrated by all classes of
society, and which familiarity is said to in a measure induce vice and crime.
yel observation by a fair-minded person invariably leads to the conclusion
that lawyers stand, as a class of men. as high for right living, honesty and
fair dealing, as any other engaged in active business life. This is no doubt,
in some measure accounted for by their general iatelligen.ee, for ignorance
is said to be, and is. the mother of vice. James A. Moon and his son,
Fred A. Moon, who are engaged together in the practice of law in Spring-
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. 1 519
rieid, Greene county, are two attorneys whose lives have been above idle
cavil and who lend dignity to their profession.
James A. Moon was born in Iowa City, Iowa, December 22, 1859. He
is a son of William E. and Sarah (McCollisterj Moon, the father a native
of the state of New York, but when a young man he removed to Iowa,
where he established the permanent home of the family and became a suc-
cessful farmer and stock raiser and an influential man in his community,
and there his death occurred August 23, 1909, at the advanced age of eighty-
three years. These parents were married in 1854. The mother, a woman
of old-time Christian attributes and hospitality, is living with her son, the
subject of this sketch. This family is of Scotch-English ancestry.
James A. Moon grew to manhood mi the home farm in Iowa, and there
assisted his father with the general work during the crop seasons and in
the winter time attended the neighboring public schools, later entered the
University of Iowa, and was graduated from the literal')- and law depart-
ments. He commenced his professional practice at Miller, South Dakota,
in 1882, and remained there enjoying a good practice until c888, when he
came to Springfield, Missouri, where he has been constantlv engaged in the
practice to the present time, and during his residence here of a quarter of a
century his reputation as an able, conscientious and successful lawyer has
gradually increased. He formed a partnership about six years ago with
his son, Fred A. .Moon, under the firm name of James A. Moon & Son, and
they are doing a good business.
James A. Moon was married March _', [886, to Sarah E. Adderlv. a
daughter of William Adderlv, a well-known dealer in general merchandise
at Mt. Morris, Michigan, who died many years ago. Mrs. Moon's mother
was Mar_\- Hughes, whose father, Christopher Hughes, was one of the early
pioneers of Michigan. He lived to the unusual age of ninety-three years.
He came to this country from Ireland when a boy, located on a farm and
spent the rest of his life on the same place, dving there. His early life
record goes back to the Indian times, when his only neighbors were the red
men and wild beasts. Mrs. Sarah E. Moon's great-great-grandfather was
Lord Mayor nf Condon, England. Her mother died in u;ii, leaving two
daughters, Mrs. Moon and Mary Adderlv, who lives in Miller, South
Dakota.
Politically- James A. Moon is a Democrat and has always been loyal
in the support of the party. He belongs to the Episcopal church, and
fraternally he is a member of the Modern Woodmen and the Eagles.
Two children, a son and a daughter, have been born to our subject and
wife, namely: Edith, who is the younger of the two, was born April 7, 1889,
was educated in the Springfield ward and high schools, being graduated
I520 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
from the latter ; she lives at home and is a stenographer in her father's
law office. The son, Fred A. Moon, was born in South Dakota, January 4,
1887, and was about a year old when his parents removed to Springfield,
where he grew to manhood and received his early education in the ward and
high schools, being graduated from the latter, after which he entered the
Missouri State University at Columbia, where he took both the literary and
law courses, making a good record there. After his graduation he returned
nome and began the practice of his profession at the age of twenty-one, in
partnership with his father, and he has made a splendid record for one his
age at the local bar, ranking among the most promising of the younger
generation of lawyers in Greene county. He has held the office of assistant
city attorney since 1 «;r_\ the duties of which he has discharged in an able
and satisfactory manner, and in 19 14 he was a popular candidate for the
office of city attorney. He married Clara Parker, November 19, 1908, and
to this union four sons have been born, namely: Charles Arnold, born Feb-
ruary 4. 1910; Robert James, born February 14, 191 1; William Adderlv.
born April 8, 191 2; and Parker Fred, born November 12, 1913.
JAMES D. HOOD.
Although many believe to the contrary, luck plays a very unimportant
part in the average man's career. We generally like to excuse our own
shortcomings and account for the success of other men on the grounds of
luck. A fertilized soil, rotation of crops, well fenced land, intelligently
tilled fields, well kept machinery, painted houses and convenient outbuildings
and blooded live stock are not the result of luck, unless hard work persist-
ently and intelligently directed can be characterized as luck. One of the
farmers of western Greene county who evidently put greater stress on indus-
try and vigilance than on the vicissitudes of luck is James D. Hood, who has
been content to spend his life in his native locality which he has helped to
develop into what it is to today — a prosperous and desirable farming country.
Mr. Hood was born in Greene county. Missouri, December 31, 184S.
He is a son of Duncan and Nancy ( 1 'lades ) Flood. The father was a
native of Germany, where he spent his boyhood, finally emigrating to the
United States, and after spending some time in the state of Tennessee came
on to Missouri and located on a farm in Greene county, where he spent the
rest of his life, dying when a young man, at the age of twenty-eight years,
in 1849, when our subject was an infant.
James D. Hood grew to manhood on the farm in his native community
and he worked hard when a boy helping support the family. His education
a
o
o
o
>
o
1=1
g
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
i;_m
was limited to the rural schools, which he attended a few months each winter
for a few \ ears, lie had always followed general farming and slock raising
pursuits and he has met with very gratifying results all along the line. He
was twenty-nine years of age when he purchased his first farm in Pond
Creek township. He has bought, occupied and sold a number of farms
since, and is now the owner of a valuable and well improved place consisting
of three hundred and fifty-nine acres, known as "The Sunrise Stock Farm,"
on which he carries on general fanning and stock raising on a large scale,
and is deserving of ranking with our best farmers in every respect. He
keeps an excellent grade of live stock, has a pleasant home and numerous
J
&
Bar- HM WL
;d
RESIDENCE OF .1. 1 >. HOOD.
outbuildings for the proper housing of his stock, grains, grasses and
machinery.
Mr. Hood was married, October 24, [872, to Mary E. Clack. She
received a common school education. She is a daughter of Robert Clack, a
carpenter and builder, who. when the war between the states began, enlisted
in the Confederate army and fought in the great battle of Wilson'iS Creek.
He was a native of Tennessee and married Racheal Bonham, who was born
in Blount county, East Tennesssee. September 10. 1835. She grew up and
was married in her native state, and when twenty-one years of age, in 1857,
came to Missouri to make her future home. To Mr. anil Mrs. Clack two
daughters were born, namely: Mary E.. wife of our subject; and Tennessee,
now deceased.
(96)
1^22 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
Six children have been born to Mr. and Airs. Hood, named as follows :
Maggie, born July 31, 1873, married Henry O'Bryant, who is in postoffice
service, and they haxe six children; Edward, born May 29, 1876, died in
February, 1878; Eva, died in infancy; Clyde, born March 16, 1883, is farm-
ing near the home place, married May Hughes and they have two children ;
Nora, born September 25, 1885, died in infancy; Knox, born September
15, 1888, travels for the International Harvester Company. Mr. and Mrs.
Hood also reared Mary Elizabeth Hicklin, who is living with them now.
She was born in Lawrence county. May 7. 1882.
Politically, Mr. Hood is a Republican. Fraternally he is a member
of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, and he attends the Methodist
Episcopal church.
REV. JOHN t. BACON.
Examples that impress force of character on all who study them are
worthy of record, and the mission of a great soul in this world is one that
is calculated to inspire a multitude of others to better and grander things;
m> it- subsequent influence cannot be measured in metes and bounds, for it
affects the lives of those with whom it comes in contact, broadening and
enriching them tor all time to come. By a few general observations may
lie conveyed some idea of the useful, unselfish and unpretentious career of
Rev. John T. Bacon, for the past sixteen years pastor of the First Cum-
berland Presbyterian church of Springfield, united in whose composition
are SO many elements of a solid, practical and altruistic nature a- to bring
him into prominent notice, who. not content to hide his talents amid life's
sequestered ways. 1>\ the force of will and a laudable ambition forged to the
front, rising by hi- individual effort-, from an early environment none too
auspicious, and is therefore one of Greene county's best examples of a
successful self-made man.
Reverend Bacon was born in Craw ford county. Missouri. June 2. 1868.
lie is a scion of a sterling old Southern famil) of tin- Blue lira-- state,
and is a son of Thomas J. and Mary Ellen (Chapman) Bacon. The father
was born near Louisville. Kentucky, April (o, 1832. and when nine years
of age moved with the family to St. Louis, Missouri, when- he spent his
early youth, lie wa- compelled to work hard when a boy and hi- education
was limited to thirty-two days in a common school. When twenty-five
years of age he moved to Crawford county, this -tate. where In- spent the
rest of his lite engaged in general fanning, in which he was fairly suc-
cessful, \t tin- age of twenty-nine years he married and soon thereafter
greene county, Missouri. 1523
moved on a farm adjoining that of his father, who had also located in
that county. His death occurred in 1888. He was an honest, hard-working
and well-liked man, who was influential in the general welfare of his com-
munity. The mother of our subject, a woman of strong Christian char-
acter, was born April 20, 1839. in Crawford county, Missouri, and there
grew to womanhood and received a common schood education. Her death
occurred April 17, 1885.
Five children were born to Thomas J. Bacon and wife, namely: Mrs.
Mary Elizabeth Caldwell, who died December 5, [895; Emma died when
five years of age; John T., of this review; Charles Benjamin, a resident of
Marshall, Missouri, is at this writing postmaster at that place; and Reuben
M., who lives in San Antonio, Texas.
John T. Bacon grew to manhood on the home farm in his native
county and there he worked hard when he became of proper age during
the crop seasons, and in the winter time he attended the rural schools of his
home district; later was a student in the Salem Academy. Salem, Missouri,
for one term. When twenty-one years old he entered Missouri Valley Col-
lege. Marshall, this state, from which institution he was graduated with the
class of [896. Mis alma mater honored him with the degree of Doctor of
Divinity. In the autumn of [896, having fostered for some time the laud-
able ambition to become a minister of the gospel, he entered Cumberland
University, Lebanon, Tennesee, where he made an excellent record and was
graduated with the class of 1899. He came direct from there to Spring-
field, Missouri, accepting a call as pastor id' the First Cumberland Presby-
terian church, which is located at Jefferson and Olive streets, and here he
has remained to the present time, his long retention in this important
church being sufficient criterion of his popularity with the congregation and
of his ability, fidelity to duty and growth in power. lie has remained a
close student all the while and has developed with his church. During his
pastorate here the membership has increased several hundred, until it is
today one of the largest, most earnest and wealthiest congregations in
Springfield. Mr. Bacon is a forceful, logical, learned and not infrequently
and eloquent pulpit orator, instructing and entertaining his audience at the
same time, and he is also a man of no mean business ability, and has looked
well to the material affairs of the church, as well as to its spiritual welfare.
Although a man of plain address, avoiding the lime-light of publicity, he
is nevertheless one of the most widely known and popular ministers Spring-
field has ever had, and he has been active for years in movements having
for their aim the general moral upbuilding of the city.
Mr. Bacon was married October 6. 1898, to Mary F. Dysart, who was
born near Fayette. Howard count v. Missouri. October 3, 1874. There she
J 5-4 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
grew to womanhood and received a common school education, later was
a student in Howard Payne College at Fayette, from which she graduated
in 1894. She has proven to be a most faithful helpmeet and the success of
our subject as a minister has been due in no small measure to her sympathy,
encouragement and counsel. She is a very active church worker and a
leader in the societies of the church of which Mr. Bacon is pastor. She is
a daughter of William P. and Dora A. ( Brown) Dysart, a highly esteemed
and well-known family of Howard county. Mr. Dysart was born in Ran-
dolph county, Missouri, received a good education, graduating from old
McGee College in the fifties, and later in his early life taught school for
awhile, later took up farming, which he followed successfully until his
retirement from active life several years ago. He is now making his home
with the subject of this sketch. Mrs. Dysart was born in Howard county,
there grew to womanhood and received a common school education. She.
too. is still living, completing the happy circle of Mr. Bacon's household.
One child has blessed the union of our subject and wife, William
Dysart Bacon, whose birth occurred June 20, kku': he is at present a student
of the Stale Normal here and is making a line record for scholarship.
Politically, Reverend Bacon is a Democrat. Personally, he is a man
of line physique with a striking resemblance to William J. Bryan, of whom
he is a greal admirer. Fraternally he belongs to the Masonic Order and
the Knights of Pythias. He is a broad-minded, genial, obliging gentleman
of genteel and courteous address ami the number of his friends j- limited to
his acquaintance.
WALTER L. PURSSEL] FY. M. D.
It is a pleasure to write the biography of a man who has forced his
way from the common ranks up the ladder of professional success, having
overcome obstacles that would have downed, and does down, myriads of
men of less sterling liber. I'.ut this is just the thing that Dr. Walter L.
Pursselley, physician and surgeon fi Springfield, has done, and he is there-
tore entitled to his success and to the respect that is accorded him by a wide
acquaintance in Greene county. He infuses his personality, courage and
conscience into his work, is active at his books during ever) spare moment.
is determined and has the strength of will for achievement. Habits of
systematized thought, study and reflection have invigorated his mind, and
he has clear discernments of his profession, comprehensive of its principles,
ami. to points obscure to many of his professional brethren, the genius of
their application. lie is a good doctor, a safe and competent adviser in
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. I525
consultation and with a constantly growing practice, to which he applies
himself with faithful and conscientious zeal, no oracle, such as the ancient
Greeks applied to when in doubt of the future, is required to forecast his
professional success in years to come.
Doctor I'ursselley was born in Greene county, Missouri, August 30,
[866. He is a son of William and Sarah 1 Beasley) Pursselley. The father
devoted his life to general farming, retiring from active work a few years
prior to his death which occurred at the age of seventy-three years. During
the Civil war he was a soldier in the Union Army, having enlisted in the
Eighth Missouri Volunteer Infantry, under Colonel Lisenby, and was in
active service three and one-half years, serving his country faithfully.
Among the many engagements in which he participated was the battle of
Pea Ridge. Arkansas. The mother of our subject died at the age of sixty-
three years. The paternal grandfather, John Addison I'ursselley, belonged
n> the band of brave, sterling frontiersmen who pushed the borders of civili-
zation westward. He emigrated from Tennessee to Missouri in a very earlv
day, transporting his family and household effects by wagon over rough
roads and unbridged streams. Inheriting the same elements of the pioneer
adventurer, his son. William Pursselley, father of the Doctor, joined the
famous band of "forty-niners" and crossed the great western plains to the
gold fields of California. He had man}- thrilling escapes from the hostile
Indians of the West while en route, and he assisted in recovering a herd of
cattle which the red men had stolen from white emigrants. The Pursselleys
are of Scotch-Irish and German-American ancestry.
Dr. Pursselley grew to manhood on the home farm and he received his
early education in the district schools and the Henderson Academy, at Hen-
derson, Missouri, lacking two months of graduating when he quit to take
ii] 1 teaching. Ambitious to enter the medical profession when a young man.
he taught school six vears in order to obtain funds to defrav the expense of
a medical course. He entered the Missouri Medical College at St. Louis in
1894, and was graduated from that institution in 1897. Soon thereafter he
came to Springfield and began the practice of his profession, remaining here
ever since, and enjoying a constantly growing practice as a general practi-
tioner, however, he has of late years devoted special attention to surgery in
which he seems to be especiallv gifted. He is generallv known to his friends
as "the busy doctor," which may be interpreted to mean that he does a large
business.
Doctor Purssellev is one of seven children, five bovs and two girls, both
girls being deceased, and subject being the eldest of family; William T. W.,
John W., Clay W. and James W., all living in Polk county, farming, except
one, John W., who is in the milling business at Brighton, Missouri.
Doctor Pursselley is a member of the Greene Countv Medical Society,
I526 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
the Southwest Missouri Medical Society, the Missouri State Medical Asso-
ciation and the American Medical Association. Fraternally he belongs to
the Masonic Order, the Woodmen, Order of the Maccabees, Royal Neigh-
bors and many others. Politically, he is a Republican, and religiously, is a
member of Grace Methodist Episcopal church.
Doctor Pursselley was married, December 26. 1898. to Nora M. Potter,
of Palmetto. Greene county. Missouri. She was born there in November,
1876, was educated in the public schools and the Henderson Academy. She
is a daughter of Judge \Y. H. F. and Amanda (Pickle) Potter. The father
is a prominent citizen of Greene county, where he has long been active and
influential in political affairs, and is an earnest worker in the Masonic Order,
of which he is now chancellor. He held one term as county judge of Greene
county. He has devoted his life successfully to general farming, but is now
living in retirement. Mrs. Pursselley has the following brothers and sisters:
.Mrs. Monnie Burris, of Bolivar, Polk county. Missouri; Jefferson Potter.
of Pleasant Hope, Polk county; George Potter, who lives seven miles east
of Springfield; Ople Potter, unmarried, of Palmetto, Missouri, and Willie
Dennis Potter, also living at Palmetto.
To Doctor Pursselley and wife one child has been born. Mary Pursselley.
whose birth occurred in Springfield, April 6, 1900. She is making an ex-
cellent record in school, being in the eighth grade, and has nearly finished
the third grade in music in which she has decided talent.
DR. THOMAS MONTGOMERY KING.
The science of osteopathy is now well established throughout the
civilized world, and it has had a rapid growth during the past decade. Its
merits were recognized from the first by many people, who had become
skeptical in the use of drugs, but, like all sciences, whether good or bad,
it had to be thoroughly demonstrated in all communities and prove the test
of time. This it seems to have done, fur we find today advocates of
osteopathy everywhere, who claim beneficial results from it. and considering
the short time it has been known, comparatively short at least to that of
medical science, it has gained a wonderful foothold, one that is now assured
and that no doubt will never be eradicated no matter how much opposition
is met with. Any new science, creed, doctrine or philosophy meets with
various kinds of antagonism, and it is only the worthy that survive.
One of the leading, capable and best known exponents of osteopathy
in Springfield and Greene county is Dr. Thomas Montgomery King, who
was born at College Springs. Iowa. He is a son of George Adam King.
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. L527
a native of Pennsylvania, in which state the latter grew to manhood and
received his education. He devoted his active life to general farming and
stock raising, and finally removed to College Springs. Iowa, where he spent
the rest of his life, dying there on July 24, 1887, having dropped dead while
at work in his fields. He married Caroline Simpson, a daughter of James
McBride Simpson, a native of Pennsylvania. Her death occurred in 1897.
The paternal grandfather, Solomon King, was a native of Pennsylvania,
and devoted his life to farming. His wife was Esther Schotz prior to her
marriage.
Dr. King grew to manhood on the home farm in Iowa and there
worked when a hoy. He received his early education in the public schools
and at Amity College, College Springs, Iowa. He subsequently entered the
American School of Osteopath}- at kirksville. Missouri, where he made an
excellent record and from which he graduated in 1899. He also took a
post-graduate course in the Los Angeles College of Osteopathy, which he
completed in 1910. He located in Springfield, Missouri, in February, 1899.
opened an office for the practice of his profession and has been here to the
present time, his practice during the sixteen years having steadily grown
until it has now reached very large proportions and he is kept very busy.
He was 1 me of the first osteopaths to establish himself in the practice of
this profession in Springfield. He is one of the best known osteopaths in
southern Missouri. He is a member of the Ozark Osteopathic Association,
of which he was the first president, and is very active in the work of the
same. He is also a member of the Missouri State Osteopathic Associa-
tion, and was president of the same for one vear. He is also a member of
the American Osteopathic Association, of which he was assistant secretary
for two years. He has filled these responsible positions in a most faithful,
able and highly acceptable manner. Politically he votes independently, and
religiously he is a member of the Presbyterian church. His offices are in
the Landers building.
Dr. King married Fannie B. Clark. November 21. 1900. She is a
daughter of Robert A. Clark, formerly a prominent business man of
Springfield, who died many years ago. His widow, who was Julia A.
Withrow prior to her marriage, was horn in Virginia, and is making her
home with Dr. and Mrs. King in Springfield.
Two children have been born to Dr. King and wife, namely: Julia Mar-
garet King, born January 17, 1902, is now attending high school; and
Robert Montgomery King, born April 4. 1905, is in the fifth grade in the
ward schools.
Personally Dr. King is a pleasant, well-informed and courteous gen-
tleman, who has made a host of friends since coming to Springfield.
15-8 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
WILLIAM C. TROGDON.
When the farmer matures his plans and operates his farm on the basis
of a real purpose for the future, just as the business man, the railroad, or
the corporation, then will he have the ability to get the long-time mortgage
loans at the lower rates and with the many privileges that business organiza-
tions now enjoy. He must figure out a certain definite annual expense on
the basis of a certain gross income which must be sufficiently in excess of the
expense to provide funds for proper maintenance of the farm and its equip-
ment and its soil fertility, as well as an ample sum to take care of the an-
nual payments on principle; he must provide for the usual accidents and
failures and then an additional net sum or dividend of profit, at a proper
rate, based on the market and increasing value of the farm which he is
operating. In short, the successful fanner of this day and age must look
well to the financial side of his business. William C. Trogdon, of Boone
township, is one of our Creene county farmers who does this and conse-
quently he is living very comfortably and setting a good example before
his neighbors.
Mr. Trogdon was born in Lawrence county, Missouri, Jul)- 15, 1875.
lie is a son of Reuben F. Trogdon, who was horn in North Carolina, from
which state he removed to Indiana in an early day, settling near Moores-
ville, subsequently removing to Missouri, prior to the breaking out of the
Civil war. He settled at the head of Clear creek. Greene county, where he
resided ten years, then moved to Lawrence county. He finally returned
tn Greene county and bought a farm of two hundred and six acres in Boone
township, which he has brought up tn a good state of cultivation and gen-
eral development and on which he is still residing. As he prospered he later
added one hundred and thirty-five acres to his holdings, the latter excellent
tract lying at Brookline. lie is one of the best known citizens of this part
of the county, and has an attractive home. He married Phoebe Ann Mc-
Dorman, daughter of William McDorman, a farmer, who spent main- vears
on a farm in Greene county, Missouri, where he became well established.
William C. Trogdon grew to manhood on the home farm where he
assisted with the general work when a boy, ami he acquired his early educa-
tion in the common schools of Greene county. At the age of twentv-one
years he began farming for himself, which he continued with gratifying
results until 11)04, when he engaged in merchandising at the village of
Miller, Lawrence county, until 1910, having enjoyed a satisfactory trade
with the people of that locality. Deciding to return to farming, he pur-
chased one hundred ami twenty acres in 1 <> 1 1 . two and one-half miles south-
east ot Ash Grove, where he still resides, engaged in general farming and
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. x529
stock raising, experimenting with alfalfa. He is a man who gives his affairs
the closest attention, using his brain as well as his brawn. His land is well
tilled.
Mr. Trogdon was married in 1896 to Ollie Burney, a daughter of
James Burney, a farmer and miller of Greene county. He originally came
from Tennessee.
Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Trogdon, namely: R.
I.ail, born December 14, 1899, and Velta, born December 1, 1901, both at-
tending public school in their neighborhood.
Politically, our subject is a Republican. Fraternally, he belongs to the
Masonic Order, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Woodmen
of the World. Mrs. Trogdon is a member of the Rebekahs, Royal Neigh-
bors and the Order of Eastern Star.
WALTON EUGENE KDMONSON.
One of the best remembered and most highly respected citizens of
Walnut Grove ami vicinity in a past generation was the late Walton Eugene
Edmonson, who, after a successful and honorable career as farmer, educator
and merchant, took his journey to that mystic clime, Shakespeare's "undis-
covered bourne from whence no traveler e'er returns.'' when in the prime
of life and usefulness; but he left behind him a heritage of which his descen-
dants may well be proud — an untarnished name. He was the creditable de-
scendant of one of the earliest pioneer families of this section of Greene county,
the Edmonsons having assisted in redeeming the rich soil from the primor-
dial state, and here played well their roles in the drama of civilization and
no family has been better known here for several generations.
Mr. Edmonson was born on a farm near Walnut ( imve, August 12,
1866. He was a son of Fide and Martha ( Potter) Edmonson. The father
was born in this vicinity also, in November, 1840, and is therefore approach-
ing his seventy-fifth birthday. He is a son of Allen and Polly (Julian)
Edmonson, who were very early settlers in Walnut Grove township, clearing
and developing a farm here when the country was sparsely settled, and here
Fide Edmonson grew to manhood on the homestead and early in life began
farming for himself in this locality where he continued to reside until a
few years ago when he removed with his family to Polk county, and has
continued agricultural pursuits ; how ever, is now practically retired. His
wife was also born and reared in Greene county. To them the following
children have been born : Alonzo, who was formerly in the banking business
in Walnut Crrove ; Walton E., subject of this memoir; Dudley, who lives in
I53O GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
Colorado; Edward, who is farming in Polk county; Dollie and Bettie, who
are at home with their parents, and Rufus, also at home.
Walton E. Edmonson, commonly known as "Walter," grew to man-
hood on the farm and assisted his father with the general work when he
became of proper age. Being of a studious disposition he obtained a good
education in the local schools and by constant home study. For many years
he taught school in Walnut Grove township and did much to improve the
school system, raising the local schools from common to graded schools, and
in many ways advanced the cause of education in this locality, and he was
regarded as one of the most efficient teachers in the county, and was popular
with both pupils and patrons. In 1891 he gave up educational work and
turned his attention to merchandising in Aldrich, Polk county, and remained
there two years, then came to Walnut Grove and continued general merchan-
dising. He built up a good trade by his honest and courteous dealings with
his many customers and he continued in this line of endeavor the rest of his
life.
Mr. Edmonson was married on December 31, 1890, to Flora Y. Tar-
rant, who was born in Dade county, Missouri, June 17. 1870, and there
grew to womanhood and received a good education in the public schools.
She is a daughter of William M. and Josie (King) Tarrant. Air. Tarrant
was born in Bowling Green. Kentucky, August 20, 1843, am' nc was brought
to Dade county, Missouri, when a small boy by his parents, and there grew
to manhood, and when the Civil war began he enlisted in the Sixth Regi-
ment, Missouri Volunteer Cavalry, Union army, and he served gallantly and
faithfully until the close of the struggle, at the termination of which he re-
ceived an honorable discharge. He returned to Dade county, where he fol-
lowed general agricultural pursuits with success until his death, which oc-
curred in April. 11)04. Mis widow died July j 1 , 1 < > 1 _|_. being well advanced
in years. They were the parents of the following children: Flora V., who
married Mr. Edmonson of this review; Albert B., Fannie and Eva.
To Mr. and Mrs Edmonson the following children were born: Mamie
E., born in October, 1891, is the wife of J. A. Poindexter, a farmer of Dade
count)-; Lucy E., born in November, [893, is the wife of Chester A. Holder,
a fanner in Walnut Grove township: Cliff E., born December 12, 1895, 's
the wife of R. B. McDonald, of Walnut Grove, and Travis E., born October
_'4. 1896, lives in Walnut Grove.
'Hie death of Mr. Edmonson occurred on December 8. 1896, when only
a few months past his thirtieth birthday, his untimely death being lamented
by his wide circle of friends and acquaintances. Politically, he was a Demo-
crat. He was a worthy member of the Presbyterian church, and fraternally,
was a member of the Masonic Order and was very active in the work of
the same.
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. 1 53 1
After the death of our subject, Mrs. Edmonson opened a millinery
store in Walnut Grove, which she conducted with much success, enjoying
a large patronage and soon won a reputation for a skilled and tasty trimmer.
On May 12, 1913, she was appointed postmistress at Walnut Grove and is
now incumbent of the same. She has discharged her duties in this connec-
tion in a faithful and highly acceptable manner to both the department and
the people.
LOUIS P. ERNST.
in treating of men and characters, the biographer contemplates them
as he finds them, and not according to conceptions of his own. He is not
supposed to entertain any favoritism, to have any likes or dislikes, or
caprices of any kind to gratify, or to not have any special standards of ex-
cellence, "according to an exact scale" of Gunteror Aristotle, or fall out
with the life of a great subject, because "not one of the angles of the four
corners was a right one." He will not attempt to prove himself always in
the right. Where a long contact with the personage exists, the Labor of
arrangement, synopsis and production becomes more simple, and this is
quite equally true as applied to those who have been performers, whether in
front of the curtain or otherwise, through the shorter or longer years. And,
yet, in the business, financial and professional avenues, we discover "age
lagging superfluously on the state," side by side with the thrifty fruitage of
actors in their spring, or zenith-time of endeavor. While Louis P. Ernst,
well-known ex-mayor of the city of Springfield, has passed the nadir of his
professional life, yet has many years of profitable activity before him. He
is a man of thought and study and finds essential nutriment in feasting at
the boards of the legal masters of the past. Having depended, a great deal
upon these authorities he has ever kept well prepared for his daily tasks.
Under the teachings of an intelligent mother he early acquired those habits
of industry and self-reliance, which, linked with upright principles, have uni-
formly characterized his manhood-life. He commands the unqualified con-
fidence of the people of Greene county, and deserves it. Since locating in
our midst less than a decade ago he has shown himself to be an earnest man,
and in that sense applies himself to business, an honest man in dealings with
his clients and all others, a simple man in his tastes — simplicity emphasizing
every phase of his life.
Mr. Ernst was born, July 9, 1853, in Lorain county, Ohio. He is a son
of George Ernst, who was born in the year 1801, in Hanover, Germany,
where he grew to manhood, received an excellent education and spent his
earlier years. Learning the tailor's trade when young he spent seven years
153- GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
as military tailor in the German army, making officers' uniforms. He emi-
grated to American in 1831, locating in Lorain county, Ohio, when that sec-
tion was a part of what was still known as the Western Reserve, and there
he spent the rest of his life, dying in 1856. He married Elizabeth E. Ernst,
inn relation), in 1821. She was born in Hesse, German}-, in 1803. Her
father, Conrad Ernst, emigrated to the United States in an early day and
settled near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Philip, Casper and Jacob Ernst,
brothers of his father, are all now deceased.
Louis P. Ernst is a fine example of a self-educated and self-made man.
He spent his boyhood in Lorain county, Ohio, and there attended the com-
mon schools and worked hard on the farm during the summer months, later
taking a classic course in Oberlin College in that state, then entered the
University of Michigan, at Ann Arbor, where he took part of the law course.
When twenty-three years of age he began teaching school, also practicing
law in Ottawa count}-, Michigan, where he resided for a period of twenty-
five years, during which he became well known as an attorney and educator,
being superintendent of count}' schools for several years. In fact, his first
life work was teaching, having begun that work in Illinois prior to entering
Oberlin College, and although young in years, he won quite a reputation
for correct pronunciation of English words, and he was always selected to
lead the spelling bees for miles around. He has always been known as hav-
ing an exceptional memory for remembering names and faces, never for-
getting people he has met, no matter how long ago.
Mr. Ernst came to Springfield, Missouri, January 8, 1906. and at once
began the practice of law. It was not long until he took his place among
the leaders of the Greene count}' bar and was a familiar figure in the local
courts. He took an interest in public affairs and in 1908 was elected mayor
of Springfield, performing the duties of this important office for two years
in a manner that reflected much credit upon himself and to the entire satis-
faction of his constituents and all concerned, doing much during that period
for the general upbuilding of the city. After his term of office bad expired,
having become tired of official and professional life, Mr. Ernst purchased
a half section of good land two miles north of the village of Ebenezer, in
Robberson township, this county and engaged extensively in stock rasing,
although still making Springfield his home.
Mr. Ernst married on August 20, [881, .Minnie E. Treloar, who was
given a good education in the schools of Ottawa county, Michigan, where
she taught successful^ several years prior to her marriage, and later con-
tinued to teach private classes (Mr some time. She is the daughter of Samuel
J. and Martha J. (Kearney) Treloar. The father was born in Plymouth,
England, in 1839. and died in Springfield, March 22, [910. The mother
was born in New Brunswick, Ottawa, Canada, May u, 1842. and is making
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. I 533
her home with subject and wife. No children have been born to the union
of Mr. and Airs. Ernst.
Air. Ernst became alderman in Springfield one year after coming here.
Before his term as alderman had expired he was elected mayor, although he
had lived but a short time in our midst. He did much to encourage public
improvements while in office and looked well to the city's finances, using his
influence to secure very low contracts for work for the city. He also created
a widespread sentiment toward general public improvement.
Mr. Ernst was formerly a member of the Independent Order of Odd
Fellows. Politically, he is a stanch Republican and has long been active
in the affairs of his party. He and his wife are affiliated with the Second
Presbyterian chu'rch of Springfield.
PAUL E. ANDREW.
The life of the professional man seldom exhibits any of those striking in-
cidents that seize upon public feeling and attract attention to himself. His
character is generally made up of the aggregate qualities and qualifications
he may possess, as these may be elicited by the exercise of the duties of his
vocation or the particular profession to which he belongs. But when such
a man has so impressed his individuality upon his fellow men as to gain their
confidence and through that confidence rises to important public trust he at
once becomes a conspicuous figure in the body politic of the community.
Paul E. Andrew, superintendent of the schools of Walnut Grove, is one of
the deserving young men of Greene county, who, not content to hide his
talents in life's sequestered ways, has by the force of will and a laudable
ambition forged to the front in a responsible and exacting calling and earned
an honorable reputation in one of the most important branches of public
service. His life has been one of hard study and research, and the position
to which he has attained while so young a man is evidence that the qualities
he possesses afford the means of distinction under a system of government
in which places of usefulness and honor are open to all who may be found
worthy of them.
Mr. Andrew was born. September 28, 1 887, seven miles southwest of
Springfield, Missouri. He is a son of O. L. and Laura (Shinpaugh) An-"
drew, the latter a daughter of H. H. and Maggie Shinpaugh, her people
removing from Tennessee to this section of Missouri in an earlv day. O. L.
Andrew was born in Macoupin county. Illinois, and there he grew to man-
hood and received a common school education, including a business course
1534
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
at Carlinville, that state. He came to Missouri when a young man and be-
gan his career as farmer seven miles southwest of Springfield, where he con-
tinued to reside engaged in general farming until 19 13, when he removed to
Exeter, California, where he now resides. He owns forty acres there, four
acres of which include peaches and apricots, the rest of the farm being in
alfalfa, six and eight crops being harvested each year. Politically, he is a
Republican. He belongs to the Modern Woodmen of America there. He
is a member of the Presbyterian church.
Paul E. Andrew ,only child of his parents, grew to manhood on the
home farm in Greene county and assisted his father with the general farm
duties when he became of proper age. He received his early education in
the rural schools, then came to Springfield and entered the high school, from
which he was graduated with the class of 1907, then entered Drury College,
and received the degree of Bachelor of Science from that institution in 191 1.
He attended three summer sessions at the Springfield State Normal, from
which he received the degree of Bachelor of Philosophy in 1914. He made
a splendid record for scholarship in all three of these institutions and thus
became well equipped for his chosen life work — that of educator. He was
principal of the high school at Miller for two years, then was chosen superin-
tendent of the Walnut Grove schools, the important duties of which position
he has discharged during the past two years in a manner that has reflected
much credit upon himself and to the eminent satisfaction of the board and
patrons and he has been popular with his pupils. He has done much to give
Walnut Grove a better, stronger and mure modern school system, being a
man lit progressive methods and advanced ideas, quick to adopt the new
when he deems it best, but using due discretion in laving aside the old.
( >n December 27, 1909, Mr. Andrew was united in marriage with Edna
Suavely, a young lady of education ami refinement, ami a daughter of J.
Edward ami Ida Suavely, a well-known family of Springfield. After gradu-
ating from the Aurora high school, Mr-, \mlreu attended Drury College,
later the Normal in Springfield, from which she was graduated in 1910,
after which she taught one year in the Marshfield high school, at Marshfield,
Webster county. She is now teaching English and Latin in the Walnut
Grove high school, ami is regarded as an efficienl ami successful instructor.
rhe union of Mr. ami Mrs. Andrew has resulted in the birth of one
child. Jewel Cyrene, horn March 24, [912.
Politically, Mr. Andrew is a Republican. Fraternally, he belongs to the
Independent Order of Odd bellows at Miller, also to Lodge No. 569,
Masonic Order, at that town. He is a member of the First Presbyterian
church at Springfield, lie and Mrs. Andrew have made a host of friends
since coming to Walnut < rrove.
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. 1535
C. W. EARNEST.
Nature's remedies and methods for curing the ills of man, beast or soil
are always the best and most economical. So we must learn the simple
lesson that wherever the necessary mineral elements of plant food are de-
ficient, whether it is because they never were deposited in sufficient quantity
by nature or whether the)' have been exhausted by erosion or repeated crop-
ping, we must not only return them in their natural form, but we must make
them available for plant food by supplying organic matter in abundance. No
considerable increased crop yields will be realized until these facts are
thoroughly understood and methods involving their application adopted. C.
W. Earnest, a farmer of Cass township, Greene count}-, has long been aware
of these facts and has governed his methods of agriculture accordingly, and
that is the reason that he has prospered.
Mr. Earnest was born, December 3, 1839, in Blount county, eastern
Tennessee. He is a sun of Wesley Earnest, who was born in Greene county,
Tennessee, September 10, 1796. His parents located in that state among
the early settlers and there he grew to manhood, attended the early-day
schools, taught in log cabins, later studying at a college for awhile. His
active life was devoted to general farming. He remained in his native state
until 1851, when he removed to Missouri. He married, in his native state,
Nancy Ramsey, a daughter of John Ramsey. She was born in Tennessee,
August 20, 1800. To their union nine children were bora, two of whom
died when young, namely: John R., deceased, came to Greene county, Mis-
souri, where he became one of the judges of the County Court; William was
drowned when a boy; James C, born May 11, 1828, died in 1905; Malinda
died a few years ago; Susan died when young; Polly Ann died in girlhood;
Nancy Ann died many years ago; C. W. of this sketch; Elizabeth is the
widow of George Biggs, he being deceased. A half sister to these children
was Eliza Blackburn, who married Charles Hughes.
C. W. Earnest grew to manhood on his father's farm where he worked
when a boy. He was twelve years of age when he removed with his family
to Greene county, Missouri. He received his education in the common
schools. After spending nineteen years on his father's farm in this county,
he removed in 1871 to the farm which he now owns, thus he has lived on one
place forty-four years, during which he has developed one of the best farms
in Cass township, bringing it up to a high state of improvement and fertility.
His farm consists of two hundred and five acres. He carries on general
farming and stock raising, having formerly devoted much of his attention
to raising mules.
During the Civil War he served two years in the militia, on the Federal
side, however, he did not have occasion to do anv active fisrhting-.
l?o6 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
Mr. Earnest was married in 1891, to Elizabeth Murray, to which union
three children were born, two of whom died in infancy; Jessie is living at
home. The death of the wife and mother occurred June 28, 1903. On
November 18, 1906, our subject married Tennie Sneed. This union has
been without issue.
Politically, Mr. Earnest is a Democrat, and while he is in no sense a
politician, he has always been loyal in his support of all movements looking
to the betterment of his township and county in any way. He is a member
of the Presbyterian church at Cave Spring. Having lived so long in the
northern part of Greene county he is one of the best known men in this
locality, and his reputation for right living is all that could be desired.
fOHN H. GARTON.
It is a pleasure to any one, whether farmer or not, to look over a well
improved and finely kept landed estate like that of John H. Garton, of
Brookline township, who has lived on the same place for a period of over
a half century. He is a man who believes in keeping abreast of the times,
in adopting, so far a- practicable, the most approved twentieth-centur)
methods in general farming and stock raising. As a result of his long
years of husbandry he has about solved the question of scientific fanning as
the people of this section of the Ozark country know and understand it
today, lie ha- always si 1 for progress, not only in material things hut
in political, educational and moral matter-, an advocate of right living and
honesty among public officials, and while laboring tor his own welfare he
has never been neglectful of the g 1 of his neighbors and the general public
Mr. Garton was horn in Maury county. Tennessee, February 8, 1854.
Me is a -on of Philip and Christiana 1 Hoffman) Garton, who spent their
earlv lives in Tennessee, where the lather was born and where his father
settled in a wry early day. coming to that stale from the Carolinas. The
Garton faniiK 1- of Scotch descent. Philip Garton grew up on a farm and
lie began life for himself as a general farmer in Tennessee, where he resided
until t86i, when he emigrated with his family to Greene count}-. Missouri.
and located on a large tract of land in Brookline township, which place is
now occupied by his son. our subject. Mere the father developed a valuable
farm through his industry and g 1 management, and became a good citizen.
lie was one of a family of ten hoys, three of whom were triplets. Seven
of tile ten served during the war between the states in the Confederacy.
The other three, including Philip, went into the Northland, hut on account
of physical disabilities none of them served in the army. The mother of the
PHILIP GARTON.
CHRISTIANA GARTON.
HOME OF J. H. GARTON.
GREENE COUNTY. MISSOURI.
l5.37
subject of this sketch was burn in the Province of Saxony, Germany, and
w hen a young girl she was brought to the United States by her parents, the
family locating in Tennessee, and there she grew to womanhood and mar-
ried Air. Garton, and to them three children were born, a son and two daugh-
ters, namely: John H., of this review; Alice, who married G. Lemp, of St.
Louis, and they have three children; Florence married Joseph Adams, a
farmer of Brookline township, and they have four children, all daughters.
The death of Philip Garton occurred in the spring of 1895, and his
wife preceded him to the grave in 1894.
John H. Garton grew to manhood on the home farm, he having been
seven years of age when he removed here with his parents from Tennessee.
He assisted his father in the general work of the place and here he has lived
-continuously and now owns the farm which consists of three hundred acres
■of well improved and highly cultivated land, one of the choicest farms, in
fact, in the township. He carries on general farming and stock raising on
an extensive scale, handling an excellent grade of live stock. He has a
.good home and good outbuildings and up-to-date farming implements, the
Garton Place Stock Farm being equal to any in the community.
Air. Garton was married April 4, 1900, to Nora Rose, of Greene county,
where she grew to womanhood and was educated in the common schools, as
was Mr. Garton. She is a daughter of Reuben Rose, a successful farmer
of the western part of the county. To Mr. Rose and wife eleven children
were born.
To Mr. and Mrs. Garton three children were born, one of whom died
in infancy; Francis Marion, born in June, 1903; and Christiana, born in
August, 1906.
Politically Mr. Garton is a Democrat, and religiously he belongs to the
Presbyterian church. He has never been ambitious to be an office holder, but
he is deeply interested in public matters.
DR. AXSOX HARVEY GIFFORD.
The homeopathic science of the treatment of multiform ills of the flesh
;has an able representative in Greene county in the person of Dr. Anson
Harvey Gift'ord, of Springfield, formerly an instructor of music in Drury
College, a man with talents sufficient to become well known in more than
•one avenue of endeavor, in this respect being unlike most men, for few there
be who are able to rise above the mediocre even in one line of effort. Those
who know Doctor Gifford well say that he has been the architect of his own
(97.)
I53§ GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
character, is a distinct personality ; a man of independent mind and thought,
diffident, but self-reliant, reserved but self-assertive, self-disciplined and
highly intellectual. He has ever been a student, reader and thinker, and for
his opportunities, a scholarly, effective professional man. None is more
faithful than he in the performance of his every-day duties. Method, sys-
tem, order — "Heaven's first law" — are rigidly observed by him.
Doctor Gifford was born at Owego, New York, May 11, 1854. He is a
son of Harvey B. and Marietta (Corbin) Gifford. The father was born at
Owego, Xew York, and the mother at Salem, Massachusetts. The paternal
grandfather was one of the pioneer settlers of New York state, where he
devoted his life to farming. The maternal great-grandfather, Mr. Corbin,
was born in England, from which country he emigrated to America in
colonial times, and became an American officer in the Revolutionarv war in
which he fought gallantly until taken prisoner. He was returned to England
by the British and kept in irons for some time, the chains on his ankles wear-
ing the flesh to the bone. He was finally exchanged, but on his way back
to America he died as a result of the exposure and inhuman treatment to
which his captors had compelled him to submit so long. The father of
Doctor Gifford spent his early life as a farmer in his native state, later re-
moving to Chicago, Illinois, where he engaged in the music business, and
had a well-patronized store which was wiped out in the great conflagration
which destroyed that city in the autumn of 1871. Mr. Gifford being a heavv
loser. He then removed with his family to Sedalia, Missouri, and resumed
farming in that vicinity where he spent the rest of his life, dying in 1888.
The mother of Doctor Gifford was born, February .?-!. 1824, and her death
occurred in 191 1 at an advanced age. being ninety years old. She was buried
at Bois D'Arc, Missouri.
Dr. Anson H. Gifford was educated in the public schools, later attended
Wheaton College in Illinois, also took a course at Drury College, Springfield,
Missouri. Aside from a small start in life he has been self-supporting since
he was about eighteen years of age. and worked his way through college,
doing whatever he could get to do to make an honest dollar, but followed
teaching for the most part. In 1875-76 he taught music in Drury College.
He has a pronounced natural talent as a musician ami has made himself
proficient in the same. In [885 In- entered the Homeopathic Medical College
in Chicago, in which he made an excellent record and from which institution
he was graduated in the spring of [889. Soon thereafter he came to Spring-
field, Missouri, where he began the practice of his profession and has re-
mained here to the present time, all the while enjoying a large and growing
business and ranking among the leading men of his science in the southern
part of the state.
Doctor Gifford i^ a member of the Missouri Institute of Homeopathy,
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. 1 539
and the American Institute of Homeopathy. He is a member of the Wood-
men lodge, in politics he votes independently, and in religious matters he is
a member of the Presbyterian church.
Doctor Gifford was married in 1883 to Alice H. Tucker, of Sedalia,
Missouri. She was born in Lebanon, Kentucky, in 1862, and is a daughter
of C. H. Rosanna (Riffe) Tucker. The father, who was a liveryman in
Sedalia, died in 1903, and the mother is living in Boston, Massachusetts.
Mr. Tucker was left an orphan when he was quite young and was compelled
to carve out his own fortune unaided, but by his sturdy manhood, persever-
ance and indomitable courage became a man of importance and prominence.
Mrs. Gifford's maternal grandfather was Teter B. Riffe, who was a colonel
in the Confederate army during the Civil war. He lived to an advanced
age, dying about 1803. His father was a general in the Indian wars in the
early history of the state of Kentucky, where he commanded state troops,
and he was well acquainted with Daniel Boone, the renowned hunter, pioneer
and trapper.
To Doctor Gifford and wife one child has been born, Riffe Tucker
Gifford, whose birth occurred in Sedalia, Missouri, January 31, 1885; he
was educated in the schools of Springfield, and is unmarried. He is a
young man of much promise.
DANIEL E. CLOUD.
Much depends on the kind of start one gets in this world, just as it
does in a race. The horse that gets the best start, all other things being
equal, will almost invariably win the race. So in the race of life; if you
are properly started, with suitable grooming, such as good educational and
home training, you will lead in the race in after years and enjoy your exist-
ence, at the same time accomplish something worth while and be of service
to your associates. Such home influences were thrown around Daniel E
Cloud, one of the best known citizens in the northern part of Greene county.
Both father and mother were people of sound principles and exemplary
habits and at their deaths, many years ago, there was no word of reproach
spoken by any one, and they left a name revered by their many friends.
Mr. Cloud was born on December 8, 1857, in Pike county, Arkansas.
He is a son of John B. and Amanda ( Kelley) Cloud, the latter having been
a daughter of Elijah and Elizabeth Kelley. Mr. Kelley was for many years
a prominent citizen of Arkansas in the days of the early settlers. He was
a minister in the Christian church, and had the distinction of being a mem-
ber of the first Legislature of Arkansas. John B. Cloud was born in Logan
I540 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
county. Kentucky, in November, 1836. There he grew to manhood, was
educated in the common schools and there resided until 1854, when he re-
moved to Clark county. Arkansas. He became owner of a good farm of one
hundred and sixty acres which he operated and he also dealt extensively in
live stock. During the Civil war he served four years as a member of Com-
pany H, Sixth Arkansas Volunteer Infantry, of the Confederate army. He
enlisted early in the conflict, proved to be a gallant and efficient soldier, and
for meritorious conduct was promoted to captain of his companv in April,
1862, and continued as such until tbe close of the war. He saw much hard
service and participated in many battles and skirmishes, including Pea Ridge,
Corinth, Farmington, Iuka and Port Hudson. He was captured during the
last named engagement and was held prisoner nine months at Johnson
Island, Ohio, being exchanged in March. 1864. Soon thereafter he returned
home and joined the army of the Trans-Mississippi, his operations being
confined to Arkansas during the rest of tbe war. After tbe close of hostili-
ties be went to Okolona, Clark count}'. Arkansas, where he engaged in rais-
ing blooded stock. He and Amanda Kelley were married in 1856, in Ar-
kansas, and to them seven children were born, named as follows: Daniel
E., of this sketch; Elizabeth, of Chickasha, Oklahoma, is the widow of
Adolphus Cothan, he being deceased: John S. died when fourteen years of
age; Hettie, of El Centre, California, is the widow of Charles Kemp, he
being deceased; Nannie died in 181)5; William T., who is treasurer and col-
lector of Washita county. Oklahoma, lives at the town of Chickasha; Beulah
is the wife of Thomas Haves and they reside in Arkansas. Politically, J. B.
Cloud was a Democrat. He was a member of the Ancient Free and Accepted
Masons, also belonged to the Christian church, in. which he was an elder
for many years. His death occurred in [894, his wife having preceded him
to the grave on May 10, 1885.
Daniel E. Cloud grew to manhood in Arkansas and there attended the
common schools, and after working in a store for two vears be came to Mis-
souri and attended Morrisville College in I '"Ik county for two vears. then
returned to Arkansas and engaged in the live stock business for two vears.
Returning to Missouri be located in Greene county, where he has since re-
sided, engaged in general farming and Stock raising, also merchandising.
He operated his farm in Cass township until 1898, and still owns two hun-
dred and twenty-five acres there. Tn tbe last mentioned year he engaged in
the general merchandise business at Cave Spring, continuing for five years.
then came to Willard and continued in the same line of endeavor until 1914
when he traded his stock of goods for a farm in Murrav township, which he
is now superintending, keeping his Cass township farm rented. He owns
m all four hundred acres of valuable, well-improved and productive land
and is successfully carrying on general farming and stock raising on a large
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. 1 541
scale. While a merchant he enjoyed a large patronage, both at Lave Spring
and Willard, always carrying a large and well-selected stock of general
merchandise and dealing courteously and honestly with his many customers.
Mr. Cloud was married on July n, 1882, to Ida B. Appleby, a daughter
of Samuel G. and .Martha Appleby, one of the oldest and best-known fam-
ilies of northern Greene county. Mrs. Cloud grew to womanhood on the
farm here and was educated in the public schools and finished her schooling
in Morrisville, Missouri. Five children have been born to our subject and
wife, namely: Gertrude is the wife of A. F. Logan, a traveling salesman
for the firm of Keet & Rountree, of Springfield; Horace E. died February
_>_', 1904; Beulah is the wife of Guy Murray, a farmer of Greene county;
John S. lives at home anil is engaged in the general mercantile business at
Willard; William Clay is attending school, he completed the eighth grade
this term, while only twelve years of age.
Politically, Mr. Cloud is a Democrat. Lie belongs to the Masonic
Order, Blue Lodge, Royal Arch and Council: also the Independent Order of
Odd Fellows, the Modern Woodmen and the Court of Honor, all of Willaru,
Mrs. Cloud is also a member of the last named order. They belong to the
Christian church at Cave Spring, in which Air. ('loud was an elder during
the period of his resilience at that place.
CARVER O. MERCER.
To ambitious, struggling youths, with only the hroad, perhaps cheerless
highway of the future lie fore them, this narrative of a self-made man — a
successful life — presents an example worthy of consideration and earnest
emulation, and might even fill a faltering heart with strong zeal, or a youth-
ful mind with greater determination and a fuller recognition of those at-
tributes which constitute true manhood — nature's patent of nobility — indus-
try, integrity, temperance and right living along all lines Carver O. Mercei,
who has been an enterprising resident of Springfield for over thirty years,
is a well-known contractor and has long been identified with the affairs of
the city, consequently is well known here and over Greene county.
Mr. Mercer was born in Poughkeepsie, Dutchess count\r, New York,
November 22, 1852. He is a son of Thomas C. Mercer, a successful pioneer
physician, who was born in Louisville, Kentucky, in 181 7. He was the son
of a brick manufacturer who furnished the brick for many of the first houses
built of this material in Louisville. There Doctor Mercer grew to manhood
and, after receiving a common school education, entered the Louisville
Medical College from which he was graduated, and soon thereafter began
1542 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
the practice of his profession in that city. He seemed to specialize in surg-
ery for which he had much native ability. He served nine years in the
United States army, part of the time as regular physician and part of the
time as contract surgeon. After leaving the service of the government he
located in Utica, Indiana, where he engaged in the practice of his profession
for some time, later removing to Jeffersonville, that state, where he con-
tinued practice with his usual large success until his death in 1884. His
wife, who was Katherine Orvis before her marriage, was a native of the
state of New York. To Dr. Mercer's father and mother five sons and two
daughters were born, named as follows: Thomas C, father of the subject
of this sketch ; Henry, who was a printer in Louisville, Kentucky, is de-
ceased ; James met death in a hotel in Texas when it was destroyed by fire ;
I'ope met death by being accidentally shot; Levi, deceased, was among the
early settlers near St. Louis, Missouri; Julia, deceased, was the wife of
Claudius Devaull, a carpet merchant of Louisville, Kentucky; the name of
the youngest daughter could not be learned by the writer.
To Dr. Thomas C. Mercer and wife two sons and two daughters were
born, namely: Carver O., of this sketch; Elizabeth married Louis Girdler,
superintendent of the Fall City Cement Company, and they have four sons
and two daughter-: Henrietta is the wife of Philip Arnold, who is engaged
in educational work in Joplin, Missouri, and to them three 50ns, one of
whom is deceased, and two daughters, have been burn: Neville, who became
a deputy clerk to the probate judge of Jasper county, Missouri, and was well
known in public affairs in his vicinity, is deceased, having died in Greene
county.
Carver < >. .Mercer spent his earlier years in his native city and in Utica,
Indiana, being educated in the common school in the latter place. At an
early age he began life for himself by launching out in the teaming and
transfer business. lie remained in Indiana until 1S73, when he came to
Missouri and located in the city of Joplin, in which he spent ten years, then.
in 1883, came to Springfield. He has continued the business in which he
was first engaged since leaving Indiana, his business gradually increasing
until it reached large proportions many years ago, although it had a modest
beginning, lie has king been one of tin- best known transfer men in Spring-
held and is quite well equipped in every respect for this line of work, always
keeping .y I teams, wagons and general equipment, and keeps a number of
trustworthy hands employed all the while. He has had the contract for
sprinkling the streets ,,i Springheld since 10,04. and has also had the con-
tract for hauling coal fur the pumping station of this city since 1906. That
he has retained these contracts so long would indicate that he has given the
best oi service and highest satisfaction to all concerned. He has been very
successful in a financial way and owns considerable property here, including
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. I 543
a commodious residence. His office and barns are located at Chase and
Camp streets.
Mr. Mercer was married on February 29, 1880, in Newton county,
Missouri, to Amanda j. Wolf. She is a daughter of George Wolf, a farmer
of Fremont county, Iowa, who is now deceased. In that county the birth
of Mrs. Mercer occurred, March 1-9, 1854, and there she grew to woman-
hood and received her education in the common schools. She proved to be
a faithful and sympathetic helpmeet. She was called to her eternal rest on
December 16, 1913.
Our subject and wife had no children of their own, but they adopted
a son, Leo Mercer, who was born March 4, 1888. He was given a common
school education in Greene county, and in early life he enlisted in the United
States army in which he served seven years, during two of which he was
stationed at Alcatraz Island, near San Francisco, California, and later spent
several years in the Philippine Islands. His record as a soldier was an
honorable and excellent one. He worked a year tor the New York Con-
tinental Jewell Filteration Company, his work being in Springfield. After
this he secured employment with the Jarrett & Richardson Construction Corn-
pan)- of Springheld and is still connected with this firm, which, for two
years has been engaged on a large viaduct in St. Louis.
In 1911 Leo Mercer and Alary Owen were carried in Greene county.
She is a daughter of Bill Owen, a farmer living near Springfield. She was
educated in the schools of this city. To Leo Mercer and wife, two children
have been born, a son and a daughter, namely: Orvis Leo and Mary.
Politically, Carver (J. Mercer is a Democrat, but he has never been an
office seeker.
W'HLDON F. STALEY.
The country has many advantages over the city. Likewise, it has its
disadvantages, and one of the greatest of its disadvantages is the lack of
opportunity to gain a competence within a reasonable period of time. Many
farmers have grown rich through increased valuation of their land; others
have become well-to-do through carefully husbanding their resources, rigid
and economical living and good business ability, ofttimes combined with
favorable seasons for their principal product. It seems something of a pity
that the farmer is not responsible for considerable of the increase in the
high cost of living. He should be getting more of the high prices which the
city people are paying for their produce than he is, because he is justly en-
titled to it. It costs too much for the farmer to market his stuff. Transpor-
tation charges are too high. The middleman's profits are excessive and
1544
GREENE COUNTY. MISSOURI.
there is not sufficient security for the farmer to insure him a just and honest
return from all commission dealers. Nevertheless to the honest, pushing,
hard-working and enterprising farmer is due the prosperity, wealth and ad-
vancement of any community, and to their zeal, energy and integrity will its
future prosperity be indebted, as it has been in the past. Among the names
that have long been prominent in agricultural circles in the northern part
of Greene county is that of Weldon E. Staley, of Cass township.
Mr. Staley hails from below the Mason and Dixon line, being a repre-
sentative of a sterling old Southern family, and his birth occurred near
Raleigh, North Carolina, July 9, 1840. He is therefore nearly to the mile-
post marking three-quarters of a century. He is a son of Alfred Staley,
who was born in Xorth Carolina, June 2, 181 1, in which state he grew to
manhood and received a good education for those early days. He devoted
his active life to general farming in which he met with more than ordinary
success. In an early day he removed with his family to Clinton county, Mis-
souri, making the long, tedious overland journey in wagons, in typical
pioneer fashion. After spending two years in that county he came to Cave
Spring, Greene county, this state and established the future home of the
family, and there also established a general merchandise store. He built up
a large trade among the early settlers, notwithstanding the fact that the
country round about was sparsely settled, but many of his customers came
long distances from settlements in the northern part of this and the southern
part of Polk county. He remained a merchant there until his death, which
occurred on December 16, 1853. His wife, Lucina Brower, was born in
North Carolina, in which state she was reared, educated in the subscription
schools, and there they were married on February 12, 1835. To their union
nine children were born, three of whom died in infancy, the others being
named as follows: Caroline married James Van Bibber, of Greene count}-,
Missouri; William B. is a retired farmer, living in Texas; Weldon E. of this
sketch; John ( '. died at Cave Spring many years ago; Sanders, who was at
one tune a judge of the Greene County Court, lives in Springfield; Lula, who
married Doctor Coltrane, is living in Springfield.
Weldon E. Staley was young in years when his parents brought him
from North Carolina to Missouri. He received a common school education
in Greene county, and assisted his father in the store at Cave Spring until
he was about twenty-one years of age. He and his brother operated the
store for many years after which he removed to the farm, although he had
been very successful in the merchandise business. hi [860 he purchased
his present fine farm in Cass township, and in [861 removed to it, thus he
lias been a resilient on one farm for the unusual period of fifty-four years.
Doubtless very few farmers of this county have lived on their farms during
a period of such a length of time. His place consists of two hundred and
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. 1545
sixt) acres, which he has developed very largely from a wild state, bringing
it up to a high standard of improvement and cultivation through close ap-
plication and good management. He has carried on general farming and
Stock raising on an extensive scale and has a good home in the midst of
pleasant surroundings. During the Civil war he was a member of a militia
regiment, but did not see much active service.
Mr. Stalev married Angeline Evans, January j$, l86l. She is a
daughter of Joseph Evans, one of the old settlers in this part of Greene
county, the Evanses having been among the best known and most highly
respected families of this locality for several generations. Here Mrs. Staley
spent her girlhood and attended school. Mrs. Staley died, December 20,
1903.
Ten children were born to .Mr. and Mrs. Staley, one of whom died in
infancy; the others were named as follows: William Walter, Molly is the
wife of Tom Watkins. and they reside in Springfield; Mrs. Dolly Roberts
lhes in Greene county; Fannie is the wife of W. E. Thompson and they live
in Cass township; Horace lives in Carthage, Missouri; Joe lives on the farm
with his father; Kate is living at home; Bunch is engaged in farming a short
distance west of the homestead; Juanita is the wife of George Haun, and
they live on a farm south of Springfield.
Politically, Mr. Staley is a Democrat, and while he has ever been loyal
in his support of the party and a public-spirited man, he has never sought
public office or political leadership, being content to devote his attention ex-
clusively to his home and his farm. Like the rest of the Staleys. his reputa-
tion in all the relations of life has been that of a plain, honest and helpful
citizen, deserving of the high esteem in which he is held by wide acquaintance.
CALVIN POLLACK.
Of the second generation of those of foreign blood in Greene county,
the name of Calvin Pollack, a merchant of Cave Spring, Cass township,
should receive special setting in a biographical work of the nature of the one
in hand, for in him are outcroppings of many of the characteristic traits that
have made the French people successful and leading citizens wherever they
have dispersed. He has tried to keep before him the aphorism, expounded
by one of the greatest writers of the present age, "That the wise make oi
their failures a ladder, the foolish a grave," and he has refused to recall the
doings of the past except their lessons, which he has used as guides for
present-day actions, refusing to permit obstacles to thwart him in his race
for a given goal. In thus advocating sound and wholesome principles of
1 54° GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
life for himself, he has inadvertently had a palliative influence on the lives
of those with whom he has come in contact, the people of this locality know-
ing him as an honest, earnest, energetic and public-spirited citizen, worthy
of their confidence and respect.
Air. Pollack was born in Cass township, Greene county, Missouri,
September 6, 1874. lie is a son of Joseph Pollack, who was born in 184 2
in Alsace-Lorraine, which was a part of France up to 1871, but since the
Franco-Prussian War it has been a province of Germany. Reidseltz is the
name of the village in which he first saw the light of day and where he spent
his boyhood and attended school. Leaving there at the age of seventeen
years he immigrated to America, landing in New York City. He came on
west to Dayton, Ohio, where an elder brother had previously located. From
there he went to St. Louis, where he attended a commercial college. After
remaining there two years he came to Springfield, and engaged in the mer-
cantile business, working for the firm of Frieberg & Klotz, which established
a branch store at Walnut Grove, this county, of which Air. Pollack was
placed in charge. On March 1, 1866, he married Martha Elizabeth Skeen,
a daughter of Hope Skeen. She was born on October 11. 1845, at Fair
Grove, this county, and removed to Cass township when eight years old and
grew to womanhood and received her education. She is a member of one
of the prominent old families of this locality, and she has spent her life in
Greene county, living now at Cave Spring. After his marriage Joseph
Pollack purchased a farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Cass township
ami here spent the rest of his life as a general farmer. He developed his
place In mi the wilderness, establishing a g 1 home b) hard work and
perseverance, ami he became a useful citizen here ami was highly respected
b) all who knew him. I lis death occurred December [3, 1^05.
Twelve children were horn to Joseph 1'ollaek and wife, four of whom
died when young, namely: Guy died at the age of twenty years; Delinda is
the wile oi George Keek and they make their home in Colorado; Calvin, of
this sketch: Adele is the wife of C. Denby, ami the) reside at Pearl, tins
county; Marvin is living on the old home farm in Cass township; Harry is
married ami is clerking in the store of hi- brother, our subject; Mrs. Katie
Short lives in Tennessee where her husband is engaged in the real estate
business; Helen is at home with her mother.
Calvin Pollack grew to manhood on the homestead ami assisted with
the general work about the farm when a boy. lie received his education in
the common schools here ami he began life for himself as a farmer, continu-
ing in this Ime of endeavor successfully for a period of twenty-five years.
Leaving the farm he began clerking in the general merchandise store of D.
E. Cloud at Cave Spring, remaining in his employ four years, during which
time he learned the ins and outs of this line of business, but continued to
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. ! 547
work four years mure in the same store for \Y. S. Click, who purchased
the store from Mr. Cloud. After spending eight years as clerk and be-
coming well acquainted with the business and the people of this locality, he
bought out his employer and has since managed the store on his own accord,
enjoying a large and constantly growing business, and keeping at all seasons
an extensive and well-selected stock of general merchandise. Having always
dealt courteously and honestly with the scores of regular patrons of the
store, he has enjoyed the confidence and good will of the people of this
community.
Mr. Pollack married Nellie Darraugh, March 18, 1900. She is a
daughter of Whitfield Darraugh. and was reared and educated in Greene
count}-. Two children have been born to our subject and wife, namely:
Florence, now ten years old, is attending school at Cave Spring; and Jose-
phine, seven years old, is also in school.
Politically, Mr. Pollock is a Democrat, and is a supporter of every
measure, which makes for the general upbuilding of his community.
Fraternally he is a member of the Modern Woodmen lodge at Cave Spring
He is an active member of the Christian church of his home community,
being a deacon in the same.
WILLIAM E. THOMPSON.
It used to be if there was a bright boy in the farmer'> family he must
needs forsake the farm to become a lawyer, or a doctor, or some sort of a
professional man. but those whose wits were seen to be dull, would do very
well on the farm. On the surface it would seem that the farms lost and the
professions gained. But it was not always so and more often the farmer
lad who chose to remain on the farm outstripped his apparently brighter
brother. Yet because he dealt with things earthly his occupation and he
himself, likewise, were very frequently "looked down upon." As years
went by, however, it became more and more apparent that to succeed in crop
producing required knowdedge no less exacting in its requirements and
covering a vastlv wider range of subjects than the knowledge which brought
success in other walks of life. For many, many years, however, it was true
that our practice as applied to crop raising far outran our knowledge of the
principles involved. While it is true that the cultivation of the soil and the
handling of crops will never become an exact science, yet the knowdedge
which we now apply to the work in which we are interested and which any
tiller of the soil must have at his command, has increased manifold within
very recent years. And it is because of this gain in knowdedge, both theore-
I548 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
tical and practical, that the attitude of every one toward the farmer and his
occupation has changed. Today farming in its several more or less spec-
ialized branches of vegetable growing, fruit growing, berry raising, poultry
raising, and held crop production is regarded as a worthy calling for the
brightest and best minds in the land. One of the most progressive general
agriculturists of the northern part of Greene county is William E. Thomp-
son, of Cass township, who owns a large acreage of valuable land and who
applies twentieth century methods to his business.
Air. Thompson was born in the above named township and county on
January 14, 1867. He is a son of William E. Thompson, who was born on
April 28, 1827, in Tennessee, and there he grew to manhood on his father's
farm and received a common school education. Remaining in his native
state until 185 1, he emigrated to Greene county, Missouri, and established
the future home of the family in Cass township. During the Civil war he
served in the Federal army, in a home militia regiment, and was stationed
in Springfield during the latter part of the conflict, however, he saw little
actual fighting. After being discharged from the service he located on a
farm of his own in Cass township and developed a good place through his
good management and hard work. He married Malinda Earnest, .May 23,
1850. She was born, June II, 1830, and was a daughter of Wesley Earnest,
one of the early settlers in the vicinity of Cave Spring, this county. To
their marriage ten children were born, six of win mi died when young; those
who survived were named as follows: Sarah married Doctor Delzell, of
Rogersville, Webster county, Missouri, where they still reside; Alice is the
wife of W. S. Julian and they make their home near Gravel Springs, Okla-
homa; William E, of this -.ketch; Ethel is the wife of W. E. llaun. and
they live on a farm in Cass township.
The father of the above children was a Democrat. He was an active
member of tin- Presbyterian church, and gave liberally of his time and means
in building the church of this denomination at Cave Spring, which struc-
ture has been used as a high school for a number of years, lie was a mem-
ber of the Masonic Order and was active in the work of the same in this
county. The death of Mr. Thompson occurred on February 3, 1908. his
wife having preceded him to the grave on June 14, [906. Thev were held
in high esteem by their neighbors and friends, being noted for their honesty,
charity and hospitality.
William E. Thompson, of this sketch, grew to manhood on the home-
stead farm in Cass township and there worked hard when a boy during the
crop season. During the winter he attended the common schools and the
high school at Cave Spring, later spending one term in Morrisville College
and one term in Dairy College, after which he worked with his father on
the home farm for two years, then purchased a farm of his own. Ten years
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. L549
after leaving school he purchased his present excellent home farm of two
hundred and forty acres. He has managed well and applied himself closely
to his work as general farmer and stock raiser and, prospering with advanc-
ing years, has added to his original purchase other tracts until today he owns
in all four hundred and five acres of valuable and well-improved land. He
makes a specialty of raising large numbers of mules for the market. He is
an excellent judge of live stock, especially of mules. He has a commodious
home and substantial and convenient outbuildings where his stock, which he
tries to keep up to a good grade, is properly cared for at all seasons. Every-
thing about his place denotes thrift and that a man of modern ideas is at the
helm.
Mr. Thompson was married on February 12, 1890, to Fanny Staley,
who was born in Cass township, Greene count}-, and there reared and edu-
cated. She is a daughter of Weldon E. and Angeline (Evans) Staley, a
complete sketch of whom will be found on another page of this volume. To
our subject and wife one child was born, which died in infancy.
Politically, Mr. Thompson is a Democrat, and he has been more or
less active and influential in local party affairs for some time, having been
township committeeman for twelve years.
WILLIAM M. MORTON.
One of the famous lines of "The Old Homestead,"' a popular play a
generation ago, was "Young blood tells.'- This expression .'applies hot
alone to a man's social advancement, but in business life particularly, where
the old men are dropping out and the younger generation stepping into
their shoes. In Springfield it would seem that the young men are in the
lead in almost every calling or vocation, especially in the trades. In looking
over the list of engineers at the various industrial plants of the city one
finds many of them mere youths, in which list occurs the name of William
M. Morton, engineer at the Marblehead Lime Works. But although young
according to the calendar, they have studied and wrought faithfully to
become proficient in their line and are doing their work satisfactorily.
Mr. Morton was born August 20, 1880, in Knoxville, Tennesee. He
is a son of Frank and Tenie ( Shield ) Morton, natives of Tennesee. The
father received a common school education and when a young man learned
the blacksmith's trade, which he made his chief life work, and was regarded
as an expert. He and his wife grew up in their native state and were mar-
ried there, and established their home in that country. After following his
trade there many years Frank Morton removed with his family to Wright
I55O GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
county, Missouri, where he continued his trade. His family consists of
five children, names as follows : Minnie married G. H. Morton and they live
in Aurora, Missouri; William M. of this sketch; Fred lives in Springfield;
Walter has remained in Wright county, this state; Charles is deceased.
William M. Morton assisted his father with his work when a boy, and
during the winter months he attended the common schools in Wright
county, and when he began life for himself it was as a farmer, which
he followed with success for eight or ten years. However, he was more
or less a rover in his youth and did not stay in one place long at a time,
but this traveling around was beneficial to him in an educational way, for
he learned by coming in actual contact with the world, having been by
nature a close observer. He always had a liking for stationary engineer-
ing, and, upon coming to Springfield a number of years ago he secured em-
ployment as engineer at the Marblehead Lime Works, which position he has
filled ever since. This would indicate that he is not only a capable man
in his line of endeavor but that he is entirely trustworthy and reliable.
Mr. Morton was married in Springfield I Jecember 24. 1910, to Mary
Cheatham, who was born in the year 1892, in Greene county, Missouri,
and she received a common school education. She is a daughter of James
and Maggie (Reynolds) Cheatham, of Springfield. The father is dead and
the mother is still living here.
To Mr. and Mrs. Morton one child has been born, Harvev Morton,
whose birth occurred September 19. 1911.
Politically our subject is a Republican.
DR. J. LEROY ATHERTON.
\s we stand amidst the wonders of modern achievements and take a
cursory glance over the factors that make up the sum total of the highest
civilization the world has known since the age of Pericles, one factor looms
forth conspicuously— the art of healing. Some even in their enthusiasm
claim that it is above all the rest. This may not seem plausible to many in
view of the fact that such great progress lias been made in the mechanical
sciences, which is more closely allied with our every-dav life and is there-
fore more generally understood and appreciated. Whereas the study of the
ills of the flesh is restricted to a proportionately small number of students.
However, the progress in the art of healing has been somewhat remarkable
during the past half century. One of the younger generation of physicians
of Greene county is Dr. J. LeRoy Atherton, who has been unusually success-
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. 1 55 1
ful in the practice of his profession, and that he deserves the good fortune
that has attended his efforts is indisputable.
Doctor Atherton was born in Illinois, February 13, 1879. He is a son
of Aaron S. Atherton, a native of Ohio, a minister in the Methodist Episco-
pal church, who followed his profession until his health began to fail in
1883 when he located on a farm in Vernon county, Missouri, later removing
to Nevada, this state, where he resumed preaching and continued at this
work for about five years, practically doing charity work, filling various
pulpits without recompense. His death occurred in the city of Nevada about
1902 after a long and useful life. He was highly esteemed by all who knew
him for his many fine characteristics and be ranked high as a preacher.
His wife, mother of our subject, was known in her maidenhood as Mary
Sanders, and she traces her ancestry back to Holland. She is still living in
Nevada. Milton Atherton, paternal grandfather of the subject of this
sketch, was born in Ohio. In his later life be removed with his family to
Vernon county, Missouri, where his death occurred when about seventy-
eight years of age. His progenitors were very early settlers in New Eng-
land from which country they came to Ohio in pioneer days. From Ohio
the family removed to Illinois when that state was still a wild unimproved
prairie. Tlie older members of this sterling old family were typical pioneers
and liked the wild frontier life best of all.
To Rev. Aaron S. Atherton and wife the following children were born:
S. M. Atherton, Waldron Arkansas; Mary E. Atherton, deceased; Ruth E.
Pheils, Nevada, Missouri; Aaron E. Atherton, Dover, Oklahoma; Joseph
R. Atherton, Nevada, Missouri; Gilbert H. Atherton, Girard, Kansas; J.
LeRoy Atherton, Springfield, and Agnes S. Johnson, Nevada, Missouri.
Dr. J. LeRoy Atherton received his early education in the public schools
and later studied at Baker University in Kansas, after which he began the
study of medicine at the Bennett Medical College, Chicago, Illinois, where
he made a good record, and was graduated with the class of 1912. Soon
thereafter he began the practice of his profession in Chicago where he got
a good start and remained in that city until January 1, 1915, when he came
to Springfield, Missouri, opening an office with a view of remaining here
permanently. He has started out well in his new location, his patients
gradually increasing all the while. He is a member of the Greene County
Medical Society, the Missouri State Medical Association and the American
Medical Association. Fraternally he belongs to the Masonic order, includ-
ing the Chapter, Royal Arch Masons and Council.
On December 18, 1909, be was united in marriage with Dr. Mary Jean
McLaggan. who was born in Chesley, Ontario, Canada. She grew to wom-
anhood in her native province and received her early education at Toronto,
later taking the course at the Bennett Medical College in Chicago, from
155- GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
which she was graduated with the class of 1912, and a few months later
began practicing in that city with her husband, and since coming to Spring-
field she has continued the practice of her profession with gratifying results.
A separate and complete sketch will be found of her on another page of this
volume.
The union of our subject and wife has been without issue. Doctor
Atherton is deserving of a great deal of credit for what he has accomplished
in the face of obstacles. He is a self-educated and self-made man. He has
earned his own living since he was seventeen years of age. He worked hard
during vacations to get money to defray the expenses of a higher education.
Learning something of civil engineering he followed that for the most part
between terms of school, but was not above doing any kind of work to earn
an honest dollar.
MELVILLE !•:. DARK.
One of the enterprising young business men of Springfield is Melville
E. Dark. What he has achieved in life proves the force of his character
and illustrates its steadfastness of purpose, and his advancement to a posi-
ti'in of credit and honor in the business circles of Greene count} is the direct
outcome of his own persistent and worthy labors, and he is a congenial and
popular gentleman with bright prospects for the future.
.Mr. Dark, who is district manager of the Illinois Life Insurance Com-
pany, witli offices in the Holland building, was horn at Lewisburg, .Marshall
count). Tennessee, September 29, [879. lie is a son of Harris E. and
Martha E. (Dyer) Dark, the father horn in Lewisburg, Tennessee, Febru-
ary 5, 1S44. and the mother was horn in Franklin, that state, Movember 5,
1853. They grew to maturity in Tennessee, received their educations in
the public schools, and were married there and established their home at
Lewisburg, where the father engaged in farming.
Melville E. Dark spent his boyhood days 111 his native locality and there
he received a practical education. lie came to Springfield, Missouri, in
the year tool and has since made this his home, finally becoming district
manager for the Illinois Life Insurance Company, the duties of which re-
sponsible position he is discharging in a manner that reflects much credit
upon hinisell and to the entire satisfaction of the company, and is rapidly
extending the interests of the same in this territory where he has built up a
large business. He understands every phase of the life insurance field and
keeps well abreast of the times in the same.
Mr. Dark was married on November 14, 1 ■ , 1 1 . to [Catherine O'Dowd,
M. !•:. HAKK.
GREENE COUNTY. MISSOURI. 1553
a daughter of Mike and Amelia (Engleman) O'Dowd, a highly respected
family of Springfield, Missouri.
.Mrs. Dark was hum at Richmond. Missouri, October 5. 1887. She
moved with her parents from Kansas City, Missouri, to Springfield in 1906,
at which time her father accepted a position as chief tie and timber inspector
for the Frisco railroad.
To Mr. and Mrs. Dark one child has been born, Winifred Dark, whose
birth occurred on September 15, 191 2.
MOSES M. RENSHAW.
A man who has spent his life as a farmer can not move into town ami
make himself indispensable in an art studio, nor can the artist, the machinist,
the dry goods clerk, those from the professional offices, become prosperous
in any early time as hewers of wood and drawers of water, tillers of the
soil, or salesmen of its products. No greater disaster could come to the
masses in cities than to thrust them unprepared into the strange situations
they would encounter in attempted farm life. Their story would be one of'
tragedy. There are a great mans people in the cities now-a-days who desire
to heed the "back-to-the-land" slogan, who have very little conception of
what is to be done to success after they are located on a farm. All such
should have some capital to start with and go slow until they can learn what
they should know of the thousand and one things regarding life as an agri-
culturist. On the other hand, those who have spent their lives as farmers
should stay away from town unless they have laid by enough money to live
comfortably without an income. Moses M. Renshaw, a farmer of Cass
township, near Cave Spring, Greene county, has lived on a farm many years,
and being contented and successful, has no desire for city life.
Mr. Renshaw has spent practically all of his life of three score and ten
years in the vicinity where he now resides, having been born there December
15, 1844. He is a sou of Joseph A. and Sarah (Griffis) Renshaw. a pioneer
family of the northern part of this county. The father was born in Ten-
nessee, in 1813, and the mother was also a native of that state. There they
b. ith spent their childhood years, received limited educations in the old-time
subscription schools, and when young, removed with their parents to Greene
county, Missouri, the mother coming here in 1842. Here the parents of our
subject spent the rest of their lives, the father dying in the year 1863 and
the mother died May 9, 1914. They were the parents of eight children,
namelv: Robert, who is making his home on the farm with our subject;
(98)
1554 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
Moses M. of this review; the next child died in infancy; Sarah J. married
Gilbert Hughes and they live in Murray township, Greene county; Howard
A. died in 1900; William C. lives on a farm near the home of the subject
of this sketch; Mary is the wife of J. B. Easly, who is engaged in the real
estate business 111 Springfield; Francis A. is living with our subject.
Moses M. Renshaw grew to manhood on the farm in his native locality,
and he received his education in the common schools of Greene county, and
here he began life for himself as a farmer. In 1877 he removed to Ar-
kansas, where he engaged in the livery business in Tine Bluff. Jefferson
county, remaining there until 1900, enjoying a large and successful business
all the while, and became well known throughout the county. He then
went to Wyoming, where he remained only a short time, after which he
returned to his native vicinity in Cass township, Greene county, locating on
his present farm of two hundred acres of well-improved and productive
land, his well-kept place bearing the name of "Locust Lawn Farm." He
carries on general farming, keeping tenants on bis place to assist him. He
is also owner of valuable land on the prairie south of his home district, his
holdings in all amounting to nearly six hundred acres. He farms on an
extensive scale, is careful of details, always exercising proper system and
'adopting advanced methods. He handles large numbers of live stock
from year to year.
Politically. Mr. Renshaw is a Republican, but he has never been espe-
cially active in public affairs. He is a member of the Presbyterian church,
in which lie has been a director.
Our subject has remained unmarried.
WILLIAM A. DELZELL, M. D.
In a comprehensive work of this kind, dealing with industrial pursuits,
sciences, arts and professions, it is only tit and right that that profession on
which, in some period or other in our lives (the medical profession) we are
all more or less dependent, should be noticed. It is the prerogative of the
physician to relieve or alleviate the ailments to which suffering humanity is
heir, and as such he deserves the most grateful consideration of all. One of
the most promising of the younger physicians and surgeons of Greene
county, who, by his own ability, has attained a good foothold in his profes-
sion, is Dr. William A. Delzell, of Springfield.
Dr. Delzell was born at Henderson, Missouri. June 4, 1885. lie is a
son of Dr. William David Delzell, who was born near Rogersville, this .state.
July 4. 1844. his parents having locate.! there in pioneer days. There he
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. 1555
grew to maturity, assisted with the general work on the farm and received
his education in the public schools of Webster and Greene counties. After
finishing his primary education he entered the St. Louis Medical College
from which institution he was graduated with the class of 187 >. Soon
thereafter he returned to his native vicinity where he engaged successfully
in the practice of his profession until about 1896, when he retired from prac-
tice and removed to his large stock farm near Rogersville, Missouri, and
engaged in general farming and stock raising on an extensive scale. 1 le has
iong been a prominent man in that locality in public affairs, and in 1899 he
was elected representative to the state Legislature, serving his constituents
in such an able and satisfactory manner that he was elected for a second
term in [901 and again distinguished himself as a member oi the lower
house. He was given by nature many strong attributes, and he became a
splendid example of a successful and influential self-made man, having
forged his way to the front up from the station of a poor farmer boy. In-
habits were above all idle cavil and he has always been highly esteemed by all
who know him. On January 27, 1875, he was united in marriage with
Sarah E. Thompson, a daughter of William E. Thompson, a native of
Greene county, Missouri, and one of the earl)' settlers here. His death
occurred some twelve years ago. A. D. Delzell, the paternal grandfather
of the subject of this sketch, was a minister in the Presbyterian church, hav-
ing commenced preaching when eighteen years of age and followed the same
the rest of his life. His death occurred at the age of seventy-five years.
Dr. William A. Delzell grew up in his native localitv and he received
his early education in the public schools and Morrisville College, in Polk
county. Desiring to follow in the footsteps of his father in a professional
way he entered the university of St. Louis, where he completed his literary
course, then was a student in the medical department of that institution,
making an excellent record and was graduated therefrom in 191 2, taking
the full four years' course. He then served a year as interne in the St.
Francis Hospital in Colorado Springs, Colorado, and thereby gained much
valuable experience, especially in surgery. He then came to Springfield and
opened an office and he has succeeded in establishing an excellent general
practice and does a great deal of surgical work, in which he is specializing
and for which he seems to be well fitted by both nature and training.
Doctor Delzell was married, January 27. 19 14, to Myrtle Bearden, a
daughter of R. R. Rearden and wife, of Springfield, where she was reared
and educated.
Doctor Delzell is a member of the Greene County Medical Societv, the
Southwest Missouri Medical Society and the Missouri State Meidcal
Association. Fraternally, he belongs to Lodge No. 5, Free and Accepted
Masons. He is a Democrat and a member of the Methodist church. He is
1556 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
a man of industry, worked hard for his professional education and is still
working hard in order to further equip himself for life's duties. His per-
sonal habits are above criticism. His offices are on the sixth floor of the
Landers building:.
DR. .MARY JEAN McLAGGAN ATHERTON.
If one cares to take the time to examine works on the early races of
mankind he will be surprised to learn how profoundly ignorant those early
peoples were regarding the anatomy of the human organism and how very
little they knew of the art of healing, in fact, they believed that the sick were
possessed of evil spirits and that they could not be dispersed by any means
except incantations. .Many centuries elapsed before the thinking Greeks
established something of a science in the treatment of diseases and began
studying plants, advocating the theory that certain ones possessed medicinal
properties. This placed the study of the human organism upon a scientific
basis, and since that remote age many theories have been advanced, little
actual progress being made, however, up to a century or two ago. The last
two decades have witnessed remarkable strides and new discoveries are
daily being made. It seems that there remains yet a very great deal to be
discovered if humanit) is to cease suffering by reason of the "ills to which
flesh is heir.'* .Many women have of late years been studying and practicing
medicine in its various branches, with success equal to the men. One of
these is Mrs. Mary Jean McLaggan ^.therton, of Springfield, whose record
is that of a -killed, sympathetic practitioner, cheerful in the sick room, and
possessing the happy faculty of winning the confidence "I" her patients,
which has much to do with their restoration t<> health.
She was born on May 28, [882, in the Province of Ontario, Canada.
She is a daughter of John and Catherine (Munn) McLaggan, both natives
of Scotland, from which country they came to Ontario when young and
were married there and established, their home on a farm near the town of
Peterborough. It was in 1*5-' that he left his native land and settled in
Canada. When old aye came on he retired from active work on his farm.
He had accumulated a comfortable competency by his industry, and he and
hi- wife are living at this writing in Chesley, Ontario. To these parents the
following children were born: Florence Able. Chicago; Isabel "vshelford,
Toronto, Ontario; Alexander McLaggan, Saskatchewan. Canada; Catherine
Broughton, Toronto. Ontario; Peter McLaggan, Vancouver, British Colum-
bia; John McLaggan, Metiskow, Alberta; Mary Jean Atherton, Springfield,
Mo.; Elizabeth McLaggan. Chesley, < Mitario, and Martha Mclntyre, Chicago.
Peter McLaggan, the paternal grandfather of our subject, was born in
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. '557
Scotland where he grew up and married Isabella Fisher, also a native of
that country, and there they resided until 1852 when they emigrated to Can-
ada and established their home at Peterborough, Ontario, where they both
died a year later of Asiatic cholera.
Mrs. Dr. Atherton grew to womanhood in her native locality and
received her early education in the common schools and at Harbord Collegi-
ate Institute, at Toronto, Canada, from which she was graduated with the
class of 1899; she attended the Toronto Normal College for Teachers in
£900, and was a teacher in the Chicago Public School until 1908. In 1908
she entered the Bennett Medical College, at Chicago, Illinois, making an
excellent record and graduating therefrom in the spring of 1912.
On December iN, [909, our subjecl was united in marriage with Dr. J.
Lerov Atherton, who was a native of Illinois who attended the above men-
tioned medical college at the time our subject was a student there and they
were graduates of the same class. They both began practicing in Chicago,
she in the fall of 1913 and there continued with success until their removal
to Springfield, Missouri, January 1, 191 5, where she has continued the prac-
tice of her profession, building up a large practice which is rapidly growing.
A complete sketch of her husband will be found in another part of this
volume.
Mrs. Dr. Atherton is a member of the Chicago Medical Society and is
a member of the Calvary Presbyterian church of Springfield.
EDWARD F. KOHLER.
To the man in the habit of superficial thinking it would seem that the
place of one's birth could not matter very much; that it could have no special
bearing in shaping his earthly career, but proof to the contrary is over-
whelming. The principal reason for the difference in degree of industry,
intelligence and standards of civilization in the various nations of the world
is due veryr largely to latitude and topography. For an example it is not
hard to "figure out" why the people of Belgium are progressive, energetic,
courageous and in the main, intelligent, and why the inhabitants of the
islands of the South Seas are languid, lazy, ignorant and primitive in their
modes of living. The former have to hustle for a livelihood on account of
a somewhat resisting nature, while those of the latter live off of nature's
bounty without exerting themselves winter or summer. People, like the
Swiss, who live in a temperate, mountainous, inland country are hardy,
independent, liberty loving and seekers after knowledge, consequently they
make good citizens and are welcomed in all countries to which they may
1558 GREENE COUNTY. .MISSOURI.
immigrate. Among those who have cast their lot with the residents of
Greene county is Edward F. Kuhler, a merchant of Springfield.
Air. Kohler was born in Switzerland, January 16. 1866. He is a son of
Edward and .Margaret (Funk) Kohler, both natives of Switzerland, the
father born in 1835 and the mother in 1836. There they grew to maturity,
were educated, married and spent their lives, the father dying in 1882 and
the mother passing away in 1886. The elder Kohler was a banker, in busi-
ness in the city of Nidaw and was a successful and prominent man there
during the latter years of his life. His family consisted of eight children,
rive of whom are living, namely: Arthur lives in Springfield, Missouri;
Carl lives in Argentine Republic, South America, where he is engaged in
contracting; Edward F. of this sketch; Marie lives in Arbon, Switzerland;
Rosa also lives there.
Edward F. Kohler grew to manhood in Switzerland and after passing
through the public schools spent three years in college. After serving an
apprenticeship in the mercantile business he immigrated to the United States
in 1884, locating first in Monticello, Iowa, and worked on a farm near that
town, until he could master the English language, which he studied during
spare time. Later he secured employment in a store where he remained
until 1891, during which time he not only became proficient in our language
but learned our methods of commercial life. He then came to Springfield,
Missouri, and secured a position as mechanic in the north side Frisco shops.
His natural ability in this direction ami his faithfulness and energy won
him promotion and he became foreman, being in charge of a department in
these shops for several years, giving eminent satisfaction. In 1904 he began
the mercantile business for himself on a small scale, renting a little frame
building at 1054 Springfield avenue, and there he carried a line of general
merchandise, later purchasing a fifty-foot front frame building. His busi-
ness steadily increased and in time he was able to erect a handsome two-
story brick building on his fifty-foot l"t. In [914 he built t" In- Store
another brick building with a fifty-fool front, making now a substantial
block with a one hundred foot frontage, in which be maintains a modern,
well-stocked ami neat department store, of four departments — groceries,
hardware, shoes and clothing and has a large force of clerks ami assistants.
He has built up a large and lucrative business by his energy, honesty and
courteous dealings. He may well lie referred to as one of the leading busi-
ness nun "I the north side, lie has done much for this section of the city,
and was instrumental in securing the first paved streets in his locality as
well as electric lights and gas. and he is now advocating the necessity of a
better sewage system lure, lie is a man of excellent judgment and fore-
sight, has Ins store under a superb system and is by nature the possessor of
rare executive ability.
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. 1 559
Mr. Kohler was married in 1887 in Monticello, Iowa, to Rosa Mes-
serli, who was born in Switzerland. She is a daughter of Joseph and Mar-
garet (Glauser) Messerli. When a child her parents brought her to the
United States and located in Iowa where the father died some time ago
and where the mother still resides. Mrs. Kohler grew to womanhood in
that state and was educated in the common schools.
To our subject and wife one child has been born, Freda Kohler, whose
birth occurred on September 1, 1888, She received a good high school edu-
cation in Springfield, and married Clem P. Horat, an enterprising young
man who is engaged in business with Mr. Kohler.
Politically, Mr. Kohler is an independent voter. He belongs to the
Modern Woodmen and the Improved Order of Red Men, and religiously
he is a member of the German Congregational church. He is a pleasant
man to meet, impressing the stranger at once with his sincerity and genu-
ine worth.
JESSE MARION KELLEY.
In nearly every community have lived individuals who, by innate ability
and sheer force of character, have risen above the masses and won for
themselves conspicuous places in public esteem. Such a man was the late
[esse .Marion kelley, a pioneer of Greene county and who was intimately
identified with the civic and industrial history of the city of Springfield for
a long lapse of years, his career as a progressive man of affairs having been
synonymous with all that was upright and honorable in citizenship. He
contributed freely of his time and means to the maintenance of the early-
da}- schools of this locality and other institutions which he deemed would
make for the general good, using his influence in every way possible to
advance the general welfare of those with whom he associated in the various
walks of life. Mr. Kelley was not only a public-spirited citizen, but a whole-
souled gentleman, whom to know was to admire and respect, and he not
only delighted in public improvements in a material way, but liked to see
also the promotion of such interests as were conducive to the comfort and
happiness of his friends and fellow citizens. There was probably none of
his contemporaries in this locality who was held in higher esteem by the
population, during which might he termed the formative period of the
count}-, regardless of all sects, political or professional creeds. His life
most happily illustrated what one may accomplish by faithful and persistent
effort in carrying out noble purposes, even in the face of discouraging cir-
cumstances. It is the story of a life that has made the world better for his
I560 GREENE COUXTY, MISSOURI.
having lived, for his actions sprung from a heart hlled with love and altru-
ism for humanity, and was a blessing to all who were within range of his
influence. Personally, Mr. Kelley was a high-minded, right-thinking man,
according to those who knew him well, his private character having always
been unassailable. His life may be safely imitated by the young, and the
great amount of good which he did, while laboring for his own advance-
ment and that of his family, will never be fully known until the last great day
when the book of life shall be opened on high and every man receive due
credit for his works, his actions and his influence.
Mr. Kelley was born in Greene county, Tennessee, in 1830, and he was
seven years of age when he settled near Walnut Grove, Greene county,
Missouri, with his parents, George and Sally (Bouldon) Kelley. The
family made the overland trip from Tennessee by wagon, arriving in time
to erect the log house that was to be their home, before the rigors of winter
set in. It was merely a temporary shelter, and often during the terrible
winter that followed they awoke in the morning to find that their beds were
covered with snow which had sifted in through the cracks 111 the walls. But
despite the hardships and privations incident to the lot of early settlers, the
wife found time to give some instruction to her children. To the little
son. Jesse, fell the task of keeping the smaller children employed, and to
him many of the younger as well as the older ones owed their knowledge
of reading, spelling and the rudiments of arithmetic. Grammar was riot
taught until a later date, but as the mother and father were excellent gram-
marians the children used good language from hearing it constantly in
their home. When the youngest of the children was quite small the father.
after a lingering illness, was summoned from earthly scenes, leaving the
highly educated and strong-minded mother to provide for the large family.
She took up her task with rare courage and fortitude, and succeeded admi-
rably although surrounded by a most discouraging environment. lesse had
been engaged to teach the county school in that vicinity one season, and
although his pupils advanced as never before, the community felt that
because lie had not turned the class back to the word "baker" 1 which was
a sort of land-mark in the old spelling-books) he was doing them an injus-
tice, having taught them to read and write instead. However, before the
end of the following summer the patrons of the school came to the boy
("he was still very young) and importuned him to accept the school for
another season, "because it was so nice to listen to their children read after
their day's work was done."
George Kelley, the father, had served very creditably as a member of
the state Legislature, also as sheriff of Springfield before his untimely death.
Jesse being his deputy. In Springfield, then, seemed to exist the opportunity
for the son to further his fortunes, so he decided to locate here, and for
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. 1 56 1
many years was employed as a dry goods clerk. Here he met and married
Sarah (Taylor) VVoriey, a daughter of Hiram and Sarah Worley, a relative
of the Taylors of Tennessee and a direct descendant of the Monroes and
Henrys ol \ irginia, of whom the great orator, Patrick Henry, was one.
To the union of Jesse M. Kelley and wife three sons and one daughter were
born; Charles, the eldest, died during the Civil war; Richard, a promising-
young railroad man, died as a result of exposure while attending to his
regular duties for his company at Grand River, Indian Territory ; Alary
.Lizzie, who lived to the age of nineteen years, graduated from the Ward
Seminary of Nashville, Tennessee, being a brilliant musician and one ot a
strong, peaceful mind; after graduating she returned to her home and lived
tor a short time to enjoy the benefit of her education; Edwin H. Kelley,
who is later mentioned in this sketch, is the other son. Shortly after their
marriage the wife prevailed upon her husband to purchase a small house
and lot near the corner of Walnut and South streets. They pooled their
ready money and contracted to pay the balance in monthly payments. Long
before the expiration of the stipulated time they were given in which to
make the final payment settlement was made in full, and they improved
the place by adding several rooms and in making other important changes.
Before and during the first years of the war between the states a great many
strangers passed through this section of the state, many of them finding
true hospitality and pleasant surroundings at the Kelley home. From this
modest beginning sprang the name and fame of their hotel. About 1879
Jesse M. Keliey's name began to be mentioned with favor as a worthy public
official, and he became a candidate for recorder of deeds on the Republican
ticket, and he was duly elected, serving the county well, inaugurating many
improvements. At the close of his term of office he began work on one
of the first sets of abstracting books in this county, and he remained identi-
fied with this business in Springfield until his death, which occurred in Jan-
uary, 1914, at the advanced age of eighty-four years.
Air. Kelley was one of the founders of the present splendid public
school system of Greene county. He posted the announcements, calling
the citizens in mass meeting, which resulted in much heated discussion,
because some believed that the colored population would be sent to the same
schools established for the whites. One fanatic even threatened the life of
our subject, and rode many miles to shoot him, "for callin' his children
no better'n niggers."
At the opening of the Civil war Mr. Kelley joined the Home Guards
and helped build the forts and rifle pits south and west of the city. During
these distressing times, coal was hauled from Greenfield, each wagon train
having hairbreadth escapes from the enemy. Then came news of large
I562 GREENE COUNTY; MISSOURI.
armies marching on Springfield, and die citizens expected severe bombard-
ments, uater the town was attacked and while shells were falling around
their home the Keiteys took what they could of their household effects, jour-
neying by stage to Kolla, Phelps county, which was at that time the western
terminal of the railroad, 'there they took the train to St. Louis and on
into Illinois. Upon returning, after quiet had been restored in the Ozark
region, our subject and his wife found nothing but their house remaining,
and they again opened a small hotel, which up to the year 18S1 was the
favorite stopping place for many of Springfield's most influential citizens.
The hotel will be remembered by many as the Kelley House. The domestic
life of Air. and Airs. Kelley was ideal, and Airs. Kelley's death occurred
only a few hours after that of her husband, in January, 1914.
Their son. Prof. Edwin H. Kelley, has long been one of Springfield's
best known musicians. He was born in this city on October 16, 1865, and
here he grew to manhood and received his education in the local ward and
high schools. By nature he is both a musician and an artist, and during
his school days here he became well known for his fine drawings. In 1891
he went to Leipsic. Germany, and studied music under Hans Sitt. a famous
instructor of the Royal Conservatory of Music of that city, remaining there
several years, making an excellent record. While abroad. Prof. Kelley
studied art during the summer months in the studio of Martin Laemuel, a
distinguished artist of Germany, who has since remained a very warm friend
of Prof. Kelley. The latter made many paintings in water color while a
Student in Germany. They were all from life, and each one of them has a
history in themselves. They show unmistakable talent, and have been
admired by all who have bad the privilege of seeing them. Returning to
America in [895, be was appointed musical director at the did Normal
school in Springfield, which position he held two years. Since then he has
been one of the instructors in music at Drury College at two different peri-
ods. He now devotes his attention exclusively to his studio in the Masonic
Temple building in this city and has a large number of pupils constantly.
lie teacher the violin, on which instrument he is exceptionally proficient.
Prof. Kelley was married in Leipsic, Germany, February 14. [895,
shortly before his return to the United States, to Marguerite Kneip. a mem-
I er of a prominent old family of Leipsic, where she was reared ami edu-
cated. This union has been blessed by the birth of two children, namely:
Elizabeth, horn on December [3, [895, received a common school education
in the local waul and high schools, and is a member of Christ Episcopal
church, in which she was baptized when a child: Alice was born on Febru-
ary 5, [902, and is now in the eighth grade in the public schools and has
made excellent records in all her work.
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. I563
Prof. Kelley and wife are members of Christ Episcopal church, and
he belongs to the Springfield Musicians' Union, also the Springfield Musical
Club.
JAMES D. VAN BIBBER.
The late James D. \ an Bibber, was a well-known man throughout
Greene county during a past generation, having been clerk of the county
court for a period of twelve years, and long a successful merchant and agri-
culturist in the northern end of the county. He will long be remembered
in this locality as a man of public-spirit, comprehensive ideas and as a man
of honest impulses and genial and sociable personality.
Mr. Van Bibber was born on May 3, 1828, at Liberty, Clay county,
Missouri. He sprang from old Colonial stock of Holland Dutch ancestry —
three brothers, sea captains — coming to America from Holland in the early
part of the seventeenth century, and located in New York and Virginia, and
were among the early founders of the country. Joseph Van Bibber, grand-
father of our subject, was born in Virginia from which state he moved to
Missouri in 1800 with his family and settled in Callaway county, in the
wilderness. He married a Miss Irwin, of Irish stock. He owned a large
tract of land and passed the remainder of his days in Callaway county. He
was the father of seven children, namely: Lucinda, Minerva, Melissa,
Joseph, Irwin, Erank and Daniel. Joseph Van Bibber, son of above and
father of our subject, was born in Greenbriar county, Virginia, in 1797
and was but three years old when brought by his parents to Callaway county,
Missouri, and was, therefore, reared in this state, received a common edu-
cation and was a gunsmith by trade and employed by the United States
government at Libert)-, Missouri, when there was an Indian agency at that
point. He married in St. Charles county, Missouri, Susan Boone, a daugh-
ter of Nathan and Olive (Van Bibber ) Boone. Nathan Boone was the son
of the most famous of all pioneers — Daniel Boone, of Kentucky. It will
be remembered that this noted hunter and Indian fighter moved to Missouri
about 1795 and settled in St. Charles county, having been preceded by his
son. Daniel. Morgan Boone came a few years previously. Nathan, who
came in 1800, was born in Kentucky in 1781 and married there before he
was twenty-one years of age. and he and his wife became the parents of
thirteen children, twelve of whom lived to be married men and women,
namely: James, Jeremiah, Delinda, Susan, Olive, Nancy, Benjamin H.,
John C, Levica, Melcena, Mary, Sarah and Mahala. Mr. Boone resided
cfn his farm in St. Charles county until 1834. He was a captain in the
Dragoon service of the United States army and stationed at Fort Leaven-
I564 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
worth many years. He was engaged in the early Indian troubles, and
resigned when he became an aged man, being lieutenant-colonel at the time.
In 1834 he moved to Greene county and settled on land near Ash Grove
which he purchased from the government, several hundred acres, and here
he passed the remainder of his days, an honored citizen, and reached the
age of seventy-five years.
After his marriage Joseph Van Bibber lived at Liberty until 1832, when
he went to Arkansas and settled in Randolph county, in the wilderness, and
was one of the first settlers in that county, and was one of the surveyors
who laid out the town of Pocahontas, the county-seat of that county, and
there he died at the age of forty-two years, and his wife died a few years
previously. They were the parents of four children who lived to grow up,
namely: Letitia, James D., Sarah and Emulus C.
James D. Van Bibber, subject of this memoir, was left an orphan when
he was thirteen years of age. after which he lived with his grandfather,
Col. Nathan Boone, at Ash Grove, until between fifteen and sixteen years
of age, when he began to work out for himself. He worked and paid his
tuition at a subscription school, and attended school at Springfield two terms
and thus gained a common education and began life in an industrial way
as a clerk at Cave Spring, Greene county, later engaging in the mercantile
business there for himself in which he built up a good trade and continued
in this line of endeavor until the breaking out of the Civil war. He then
exchanged his stock of g 1- for land near Cave Spring, and continued
purchasing until he owned about seven hundred acres, and lived on this
land until 1862 when he came to Springfield and engaged in the mercantile
business until the close of the war. In 1874 he was elected clerk of the
county court, and held this office twelve years, being elected three times. He
discharged the duties of the same in a manner that reflected much credit
upon himself and to the satisfaction of all concerned. He owned a good
farm just north of the city limits of Springfield which he sold in 1887 and
bought two hundred and forty-three acres upon which he built a large
residence. He spent the rest of his life engaged successfully in general
agricultural pursuits.
Air. Wan Bibber was married in 1854 at the age of twenty-six years,
to Caroline Staley, daughter of Ufred and Lucinda (Brower) Staley.
Alfred Staley was born in North Carolina where he spent his earlier years
and from that state he emigrated to Missouri in 1846 and settled in Greene
count}'. In 1848 he went into the mercantile business at Cave Spring,
where he was a prominent merchant until his death in 1853.
To Mr. and Mrs. Van Bibber two children were born, namely: Alfred
H., a sketch of whom appears on another page of this volume; and Laura
GREENE COUNTY,- MISSOURI. 15(15
Belle, who has remained unmarried and is living on the old homestead with
her mother, the latter being now advanced in years.
Politically, Mr. Van Bibber was a Democrat, and fraternally he belonged
to the Masonic Order, being a member of O'Sullivan Lodge No. 7, of Walnut
Grove, and held the office of secretary for three years. He was a man of
high Christian character and when bis death occurred in 1909, sincere regret
was expressed in the community in which he lived.
JOHN LANGSFORD.
Perhaps two-thirds of the citizens of Springfield and Greene county
are of English descent, but the percentage born in the British Isles is com-
paratively small. There is no marked difference — a slight peculiarity in
accent and speech, maybe, is about all, and some words mean to an English-
man something a little different to what they may convey to the American,
but they are not very man)-; and thus being so closely related in so many
respects, so nearly resembling each other from a physical standpoint and
our aims being about the same, it is well that the peoples of these, the two
greatest nations on the face of the globe, should be friends and mix freely.
John Langsford, city sewer inspector of Springfield, is one of the
Britons who has cast bis lot with the people of Greene county. Pie was
born in the western part of England, June 24, 1862. He is a son of William
and Mary Ann (Oliver) Langsford, both natives of England, the father's
birth occurring in 1825. They both grew to maturity and received good
educations in their native land, were married there and there spent their
lives. The mother died when our subject was a small boy, about fifty years
ago, after which the father married again, and he and his last wife have both
been deceased some time. William Langsford was for many years con-
nected with a great mining company for which he had charge of sinking
shafts in northern England. His family consisted of three children, namely :
Jane Ann, deceased; Charles, deceased; and John, of this review.
John Langsford was but a boy when he immigrated to the United
States, and he received a meager schooling in the common schools of both
countries, but educated himself for the most part. He located in Calumet,
Houghton county, Michigan, where he worked for a copper mining com-
pany for a period of eighteen years, having had charge of the sinking of
shafts, in fact, he continued to reside in Calumet for a period of about thirty
years during which he was always engaged in the mining business, the
various phases of which he knew thoroughly and was enabled thereby to
make a good livelihood. In 1902 he left the Wolverine state and came to
1-66 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
Joplin. Missouri, in the lead and zinc mining district, and for some time
had charge of two mines there, however, the following year he came to
Springfield and took charge of the zinc mines near this city, remaining in
this line of work until three years ago. In 1912 he was appointed sewer
inspector of Springfield, which position he still holds, the duties of which
he has discharged in a manner highly creditable to himself and to the satis-
faction of all concerned.
Mr. Langsford was married on May 29, 1884, in Michigan, to Edith
Harry, a native of England, from which country she emigrated with her
parents to America when eight years of age. She is a daughter of Robert
and Margaret (Trewella) Harry. The father was a mine operator. His
death occurred some years ago, but Mrs. Harry is living in Calumet, Michi-
gan. The wife of our subject grew to womanhood in Michigan and there
received a common school education.
Five children, all living at this writing, have been born to Mr. and Mrs.
Langsford, named as follows: Joshua, burn October 19, 1886, lives in Iowa
City, Kansas, where he is superintendent of the United Iron Works, is mar-
ried to Nina Potter and they have one child, Robert; Clara, born on April
17, 1888, lives at home; Margaret, born on May 27. 1891, is teaching school
and lives at home; Lester R.. burn on June 2. [895, is a clerk in the Frisco
offices in Springfield, and lives at home: John M., born on December 22, 1910.
Politically, Mr. Langsford votes independently. Fraternally, he is a
member of the Masonic Order, Knights Templars, and the Ancient Arabic
Order id' Nobles "t the Mystic Shrine. He ami his family are members of
the Grace Methodist Episcopal church on South street.
JOHN I-:. HENSHAW.
The success that lias been attained by John E. Henshaw, general super-
intendent of the new Frisco shops in Springfield, in the mechanical world has
been well deserved and his example is \\orth\ of emulation by the ambitious
youth who would rise to the top of that vocation, for it indicates that merit
alone, after all. wins the prizes in this uncertain human existence, especially
is this true in our great republic of the West, where positions of responsi-
bility and adequate financial reward are open to all who are worthy to
fill them, regardless of birth, rank, station or caste.
Mr. Henshaw is of English descent and has inherited many of the ster-
ling traits of that noble race. He was born in Port Huron. Michigan, Janu-
ary 2j, 1867. He is a son of John and Ann 1 Hilton ) Henshaw. both natives
of Manchester, England, the birth of the father having occurred in 1837.
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. [5U7
and the mother was born in 1839. There they grew to maturity, were edu-
cated in the common schools and were married in i860. When only a little
over nine wars of age the father of our subject began working in the mines
in his native land, helped to shoe horses, and finally became an expert black-
smith which trade he followed until he left England for America in 1861.
lie and bis wife located first in New York, and he secured employment in
the Brooklyn navy yard, and worked on the old Alabama, which warship
was brought there for repairs during the Civil war. In [866 he left New
^i ork for Michigan, and went to work in a marine shop, but later worked
for George F. Pullman in the first Pullman car shops built in that state. In
1X70 he secured employment with the Chicago & Grand Trunk Railway in
Port Huron, that state, as hammer man and blacksmith. In 1881 he removed
with his family to Detroit where he again secured employment with the
Pullman company, with which he remained there for about ten years, then
worked for the Detroit. Grand Haven & Milwaukee Railroad in its shops
at Detroit until 1891. In 1897 he moved to Topeka, Kansas, where be went
to work for the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad Company as black-
smith. In December, 1900, he came to Springfield and worked as spring
maker in the Frisco shops, and remained in charge of that department in
the north side shops until he retired from active life July 1. 1904, and is now
living in quiet in his cozy home in this city. He gave eminent satisfaction
in all the positions he held, for he was regarded by his employers as an
expert in his trade and a man that could always lie relied upon implicitly,
who was faithful and conscientious in all his work. He became a well-read
man and still keeps well up with the times on current topics. He is one of
the oldest members of the Independent ( )rder of Odd Fellows in Missouri,
if not in the United States, having joined that order when twenty years old,
in 1857. in Manchester, England, the lodge being known as the Manchester
Unity. Politically be is a Democrat, and has long been active in political
matters. His wife was called to her eternal rest on August 3, 190J. To
these parents three children were born, namely: Jane is deceased; Tilly is
also deceased, and John E. of this review.
John E. Henshaw received a common school education in Port Huron
and Detroit. Michigan, also attended a business school in Detroit, known
as the Goldsmith, Bryant & Stratton University, later attended a school for
drawing in that city. Following in the footsteps of his father he became a
machinist by trade, and has worked in many different shops, and, being a
keen observer, has gained many new ideas in each place he has worked until
today he is one of the most highly skilled men in his line in the country and
is a man of progressive and advanced ideas. He has worked his way up
from the bottom rung of the ladder until today he stands at the top. He
came to Springfield, Missouri, in 1900 as pit foreman in the north side
I 568 GREEXE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
Frisco shops, later was gang foreman, also erecting foreman, and on June
25, 1909, was made general foreman of the Springfield shops. On October
7, 1910, he became superintendent of the new shops which position he still
holds, and is discharging his duties in a manner that is reflecting much
credit upon himself and to the eminent satisfaction of all concerned.
Our subject studied music a number of years and is a talented musician.
Mr. Henshaw was married on January 11, 1894, in Detroit, Michigan,
to Florence Breitemeyer, who was born in that city in June, 1877, and there
reared and educated. She is a daughter of Charles and Alary 1 Aames)
Breitemeyer. Her grandfather was the oldest German ilorist in Detroit
at that time.
Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Henshaw, namely: Etta
L., born on July 1. 1905; and John H., born on January 3. 1909.
Politically, he is a Democrat, and fraternally belongs to the Masonic
Order, including the Chapter.
JOHN AARON McCONNELL.
Many elements contribute to the development of a country, but no one
thing plays SO large a part as sterling worth and character, ft is to the
rugged, steadfast men and women who come into its domain that any coun-
try must look for its progress, and it is most often the plain, blunt men of
business and every-day affairs who most affect a country's history. One
of the most extensive farmers in the southwestern part of Greene county
is John Aar onnell, who grew up just after the (nil war. Through
the years that have pasesd since then, his life has been a busy and fruitful
one. ami he has played an important part in the affairs of the community
during the nmst important period of its development, lie is one of our b
examples of a successful self-made man.
.Mr. McConnell was born on South street, Springfield, .Missouri, April
17. [865. lie is a m 'ii of Thomas C. and Hannah B. I Bledsoe) McConnell,
who emigrated to Springfield from Tennessee during the Civil war. and
in this city the father maintained a grocery store until r868, when he removed
to Granby, Missouri, where, shortly afterward he was accidentally killed.
Our subject was at that time less than two years old, and his mother removed
with him to Christian county to make their future home, with Mrs. McCon-
nell's parents, who resided on a farm in that county, and there our subject
spent his early boyhood. When eight years of age his mother married again,
her last husband being James Holderby. a Baptist minister at Wilson (reek,
where our subject lived until he was fifteen years old. leaving home at that
JOHX A. McCOXXELL.
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. 1 569
time to work out as a farm hand. He had little opportunity to obtain an
education, but this lack in his early life has been subsequently made up for
by wide home reading until he has become a well informed man on current
topics and important movements in the world's affairs. Saving his money
when a lad he was enabled to purchase his first land, forty acres, in Brook-
line township, Greene county, when twenty-four years of age. He was not
onlv a hard worker, but a good manager as well, and, prospering with advance-
ing years, he added to his original purchase until he owned a fraction less
than nine hundred acres of valuable land. He has given each of his three
children forty acres, and the use of eighty each out of his ranch, the rest
he keeps well improved and well cultivated and engages in general farming
and stock raising on a large scale, being regarded by his neighbors as one of
the progressive agriculturists of the county. He has a large and well fur-
nished home and numerous good barns and outbuildings in general, and an
excellent grade of live stock of all kinds may be seen on his place. All
this is the result of close application and honest dealings with his fellow
men as well as the exercise of sound judgment. About three hundred
acres of his land embraces the Wilson Creek battlefield, a part of historic
"Bloody Ridge" where the greatest slaughter took place being on his land,
and the home that he occupies at the present time is the one where the body
of Gen. Nathaniel Lyon, commander-in-chief of the Union army, was laid out
soon after he was killed about noon on the day of the battle. Mr. McCon-
nell has a number of relics picked up on the battlefield which he takes a
pride in exhibiting. Mr. McConnell handles a number of car loads each
season of cattle, hogs and grain.
He raised two hundred and fifty acres of wheat in 1914 that averaged
over twenty-three bushels to the acre. In 1915 he had about the same acre-
age, with about sixty acres of corn. His farm is second to none in the
county.
Mr. McConnell was married in December, 1885, to Mollie Keltner, a
daughter of George and Martha Keltner, of Republic, this county. She
was born in Greene county and here grew to womanhood and was edu-
cated in the common schools. She proved to be an excellent helpmeet and
when her death occurred in 1902 she was greatly missed by her neighbors
who knew her for a woman of the finest character and noble impulses.
To our subject and wife the following children were born: Josephus
married Minnie Hagwood, lives in Brookline township and they have three
children. Earl, Virgil and Elsie; Bessie married William McElhanv. of
Brookline township, and they have two children, Gladys and Glen; Myrtle
married Robert McClure, of Republic towmship, and they have one child,
Eva ; a son died in infancy, unnamed.
Mr. McConnell is a stanch Democrat.
C99)
157° GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
BENJAMIN BOWMAN.
It requires men of peculiar temperament to be successful railroad con-
ductors. There are many who have spent several decades, perhaps, in rail-
road service who are still utterly unfit to take charge of a passenger train,
although they may he quite capable in some other specific line of railroading.
Among other attributes essential to a successful conductor are fortitude,
patience, quickness of perception and coolness of temper, also a steady
nerve; for one is often called upon without an instant's warning to meet
trying and exacting situations. One of the trusted and popular conductors
on the Frisco lines is Benjamin Bowman, who has been with this company
for over fifteen years and in the railroad service for a period of thirty-three
years; having had varied experience in different parts of the country.
Mr. Bowman was born on February 27, 1865, in Shelby county. Illi-
nois. He is a son of Harrison and Sarah ( Yarbroughj Bowman, the father
born in the old Keystone state of Pennsylvania Dutch stock, and the mother
was a native of Kentucky. The former, whose birth occurred in 1839, is
still living in Shelby county, Illinois. He was a successful farmer during
his active life, but is now living in retirement in the town of Cowden. The
mother of our subject died when he was about six years of age. To these
parents five children were born, namely: Mary. John \\\. Benjamin, Joe
is deceased ; and James.
Benjamin Bowman grew to manhood on the home farm in Illinois
where he worked hard when a b<>v, and there he received a limited education
in the public schools. In 1881 he began his career as a railroader in the
Burlington shops at Beardstown, Illinois, hut a little later he began as
brakeman tor the same road and continued in this capacity until 1885, when
he was promoted to freight conductor. In 1887 he went to Temple, Texas,
and went to work as freight conductor for the Santa Fe road, about two
years later he was promoted to passenger conductor, his run being from
Temple to Galveston. Leaving the Santa Fe road in 1895 he went to work
tor the Missouri, Kansas & Texas out of Houston, Texas. About ten
months later he went to Mexico, and ran a train for the Mexican Central
railroad out of San Luis Potosi. Later he went to Vera Cruz, where he
remained nine or ten months, in charge of a mixed train on the Inter
Oceanic Railroad, then went to Salatio, Mexico, and worked on the Mexi-
can National railroad, having a mixed run. After remaining in the land
of the ancient Montezumas until 1898 he save up his position there and
came to Springfield, Missouri and secured employment with the Frisco as
freight conductor in which capacity he worked a few years then was given
a passenger run between Springfield and St. Louis which he has retained
tor 1 be past eleven years.
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. 1 571
Mr. Bowman was married on January 30, 1889. in Sealy, Texas, to
Lillie Harvey, who was born on a plantation in the Lone Star state, and
there she was reared and educated. Her death occurred on December 27,
1909.
To Air. and Mrs. Bowman four children were born, namely : Bennie,
the eldest daughter, was born on May 3, 1894; Gordon, born on September
I3> J895; Chester, born September 1, 1904; Virginia, born on October 30,
1908.
In May, 191 1, Mr. Bowman was married a second time, his last wife
being known in her girlhood as Sarah Willia. She was born in Mobile,
Alabama, February 27, [882, and is the daughter of a physician. She grew
up under the environments of a Southern home and she had excellent edu-
cational advantages. To this union of our subject and wife one child has
been born, Lois, whose birth occurred on January 3, 1912.
Politically, Mr. Bowman is a Democrat. He is an Episcopalian in his
religious affiliations, and fraternally is a member of the Benevolent and
Protective Order of Elks, and also holds membership in Division No. 321
brotherhood of Railway Conductors. He lives in Denning Place, on the
north side of the citv.
JAMES W. FITCH.
James W. Fitch was born on the J2t\ of March, 1865, in St. Clair
county, Illinois. His father was John L. Fitch and his mother Mary J.
(Owen) Fitch. Mr. Fitch, Sr., was burn in Wyoming county, New York
in 1831. He was a graduate of Rochester College of Rochester, New York,
and began his life as a school teacher, following that profession for about
five years. Later he became a farmer, locating in Wisconsin for some years.
Afterward he moved to Illinois, where he met and married his wife. Here
he was a flour miller for some time, and then returned to his native state
of New York in 1870.
The family afterward immigrated to Christian county, Missouri, and
so settled near Billings. To this pair were born five children : James W.,
Clarence E., who lives in Chicago; Henry L., of Joplin, Missouri; Jennie
(Davis); and Etta M. (Norman). John L. Fitch, the father, died at
Eureka Springs, Arkansas, in 1882. His wife died in Billings in 1909.
James W. Fitch got his schooling in Wyoming county, New \rork, and
there learned and followed the trade of a plasterer for a time. But in 1887
he found employment with the Frisco as a fireman, and began the life that
he has followed ever since. His first run was on a freight train between
Springfield and Pierce City. That year he moved to Springfield, and has
I572 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
resided here ever since. His present residence being at 508 Nichols street.
In 1892 he became a freight engineer, running from Springfield to New-
burg. He stuck to his business and in 1906 was promoted to a regular
passenger run, between Springfield and Fort Smith, Arkansas. On this
responsible run he is one of the best known and most trusted engineers.
Air. Fitch married on October 18, 1888. Margaret A. Popp, who was
born in Bavaria, Germany, November 9, 186S. She immigrated with her
parents to Monee, Will county, Illinois, and afterward came to Billings,
Christian county, Missouri. Here Mr. Popp spent the remainder of his life
on a farm where his wife still survives him.
.Mrs. Fitch passed away on April 19, 1912, leaving one daughter. Edna
M., born on August 25. 1891, and who is her father's housekeeper. The
mother was a member of the Episcopal church and an active church worker.
Politically, Mr. Fitch is a Republican and fraternally, he belongs to the
Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. He is also a member of the
Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers.
ALFRED H. VAN BIBBER.
Even though every other condition ma}- be exactly right, even to the
weather, farmers are beginning to learn that the success of any crop, what-
ever the kind, depends upon the seed. An increasing proportion of farmers
do not think of planting their corn without first testing the seed thoroughly;
but how about the clover, the garden seeds, and so on through the list? The
tiller of the soil is learning that he ran not afford to run the risk of poor
seed with them any more than with the corn. It is not hard nor does it take
much time to sprout one hundred or less seeds of most kinds. Then you
know instead of guessing. This and many other phases of advanced agri-
culture has been learned by Alfred H. Van Bibber, a farmer of Campbell
township, Greene county.
Mr. Van Bibber was born on May 17. 1858, at Cave Spring, in the
northern part of Greene county, Missouri, and when a small boy moved to
Springfield and a few years later moved to the old home place where he
now lives. He received a practical education in the district schools, start-
ing farming when twenty-one years old. He is a son of James D. and Caro-
line (Staley) Van Bibber. The father was born in Clay county, Missouri,
in 1828, and the mother was born in North Carolina, in 1837. She immi-
grated with her parents to Greene county, Missouri, in an early day and
here she has since made her home, and is still living on the homestead, now
advanced in years. James D. Van Bibber grew up on the farm and received
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. 1 573
a limited education in the old subscription schools in which his wife was also
educated. His father, Joseph Van Bibber, was one of the earliest settlers
of Clay county, Missouri, he and his wife having removed there from Vir-
ginia. James D. Van Bibber received sufficient education to enable him
to teach school for some time when a young man. lie moved from Clay
county to Arkansas and later to Creene county, being about sixteen years
old when coming here, and for some time engaged in mercantile pursuits
in Springfield. In 1874 he was elected to the office of county clerk of
Greene county, and the fact that lie was re-elected several times, serving
in all twelve years, would indicate that he was a man of ability and dis-
charged his duties faithfully ami satisfactorily. He was a merchant for
several years, and later purchased a farm near Cave Spring, Iowa, in 1887,
established the family home of two hundred and forty acres in North Camp-
bell township. His death occurred in 1909. Politically, he was a Democrat
and was influential in the affairs of his party. Fraternally, he was a member
of the .Masonic Order. He was a man well informed on current topics and
led a useful and upright life, leaving behind him a host of friends.
Only two children were born to James D. Van Bibber and wife, namely:
Alfred H., of this sketch; and Laura Belle, who has remained single and
is living at home with her mother.
Alfred H. Van Bibber has devoted his attention to general farming,
for the most part, and is now owner of a good farm on sixty-six acres, a
part of the homestead, which consisted of one hundred and forty acres.
The land is all tillable and has been kept well cultivated and the improve-
ments are fairly good in every respect, the father of our subject making
most of the improvements now seen on the place. In connection with gen-
eral farming Mr. Van Bibber makes a specialty of raising Jersey cows and
Chester White hogs.
Politically, he is a Democrat, but he has never been as active in public
affairs as his worthy father before him, and has never cared for office.
JOHN W. HOOVER.
Many young men nowadays make a mistake by looking for positions
that do not require much physical exertion, seemingly forgetting that there
is much work to be done in the world which requires brawn as well as brain.
Hard work has never hurt very many people. It is wrong living anil wrong
thinking that play the mischief, but some labor under the old illusion that
the}- can't "stand" certain kinds of work. John W. Hoover, now living in
honorable retirement in Springfield after a busv life, is not of that type.
1574 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
He preferred to earn his living by the "sweat of his brow," which Holy
Writ indicates is the most commendable way to earn it. and having been a
man of good habits, he has lived already past the Psalmist's three score
and ten.
Mr. Hoover was burn on July 4, 1843, at Reading,, Pennsylvania. He
is a son of David and Lydia (Trump) Hoover, both natives of Pennsyl-
vania, where they grew to maturity, received a limited education and were
married and spent their lives, both dying in that state, both dying mam-
years ago. The father was a stone contractor by profession and put in
locks in canals, which were numerous in his day. His family consisted of
four children, namely: Caroline, Laura and Henry, all deceased; John \\\,
of this sketch.
John W. Hoover grew to manhood in the old Keystone state, and he
received a limited education in the schools of Reading, Pennsylvania. After
leaving school he learned the boilermaker's trade, beginning as an apprentice
in Philadelphia, in 1861, and served four years. Leaving the City of
Brotherly Luxe on October 15, 1866, he started west, and stopped at Indian-
apolis, Indiana, and worked at the Eagle Machine works there, as boiler-
maker, and later for the Big Four railroad in their shops there, the road
then being known as the Bellefontaine railroad. After working there three
wars he went to Peru, Indiana, where he secured a better position with
the Chicago, Indianapolis & Peru railroad, and worked there in their shops
twelve wars. He was then offered a still better position at Moberly, Mis-
souri, to take charge of the boiler shops there of the Wabash railroad, and
he spent ten years there, then came to Springfield, Missouri, where he had
charge of the south side shops, the old Gulf shops, later owned by the
Frisco, from [890 until 101 1. then was transferred to Memphis, Tennessee,
to the Frisco's shops there, of which he remained in charge until July. 1913,
when he reached the age limit of employees of this system, and was given
a pension, and. although yet able to work, did not seek further employ-
ment, returning to Springfield and retiring, and is living quietly at his home
at 1004 West Walnut street.
Mr. Hoover was married in Reading, Pennsylvania, September 22.
[862, to Nancy Mast, who was born near that city on February _'_'. 1844.
She is a daughter of George and Mary (Smith) Mast. Mr. Mast was a
native of Germany, from which country he came to the United States when
ten years of age. The mother of our subject was born in Pennsylvania,
1 if Quaker parents.
Seven children haw been born to Mr. and Mrs. Hoover, named as
follows: Henry J., born on May 2, [864, died in [866; J. VV., born on Au-
gust 3, t866, received Ins education in Indiana and Columbia Universities,
and is now making his home in Fort Worth. Texas: David, born on March
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. 1575
16, 1869, died when three months old; Caroline, born on July n, 1872, was
educated in Indiana and in Moberly, Missouri, married Victor Winnburg,
who is division foreman of the Missouri Pacific shops in Sedalia, and they
are the parents of one child, a daughter, Selma, born on June 18, 1899;
Nellie, born on August 4, 1877. died on May 25, 1891 ; Harry, born on
August 26, 1882, married Martha Bohana, who is with the Griffen H.
Deeves Lumber Company, Railway Exchange, Chicago; Walter, horn on
May 5. 1891, married Opal Smith, of Kansas City; they live in Chicago;
he is a traveling salesman.
Politically, Mr. Hoover is a Republican. He cast his second vote for
Abraham Lincoln for his second term as president. Religiously, he belongs
to the Presbyterian church. Fraternally, he is a member of the Masonic
Order, including the Blue Lodge, the Royal Arch Masons, the Commandery
and the Ancient Arabic Order of Nobles of the Mystic Shrine.
ROBERT B. KITE.
It is a well-authenticated fact that success comes as a result of legiti-
mate and well-applied energy, unflagging determination and perseverance
in a course of action when once decided upon. She is never known to
bestow her largesses upon the indolent and ambitionless, and only those who
seek her untiringly are recipients o! her blessings. In tracing the history
of Robert B. Kite, now living in retirement in Springfield after a long-
career as a railroader and in more recent years a farmer, it is plainly seen
that the prosperity which he enjoys has been won by commendable quali-
ties, and it is also his personal worth that has gained for him the high esteem
of those who know him.
Mr. Kite was born in Cleveland, Ohio, May 8, 1857. He is a son of
Hiram ami Rosanna (Warren) Kite, the father a native of Pennsylvania
and of Quaker stock, while the mother was a native of England, from
which country she emigrated to America in girlhood and located in Pennsyl-
vania, where the parents of our subject were married, but not long there-
after removed to Ohio, and there they lived until 1850, when they removed
to Marshtield, Webster county, Missouri, and Hiram Kite built one of the
first houses in that town. Pie was a leather worker by trade and was in
business there when the Civil war broke out and joined the Home Guards,
hut did not become a soldier in the regular Union army. He finally removed
to a farm near Strafford. Missouri, where he spent the rest of his life, but
his wife died in Springfield. They were the parents of eight children, five
of whom are still living, namely: Madora E., Mary, Lottie, Nettie; Frances
15/6 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
is deceased; Robert B., of this review; Emma and Ida are both deceased.
Robert B. Kite received a limited education in the public school at
Marshfield, but he is principally a self-educated man. He began his rail-
road career in 1873 as brakeman on the old Atlantic & Pacific railroad,
now the Frisco system, and he remained a brakeman until 1S80, when he
was promoted to freight conductor, in which capacity he worked until he was
promoted to passenger conductor, and ran as such for a period of fifteen
years, or until iyoi, living at Monett, Missouri, during that period. He
was regarded as one of the most capable and most trusted conductors on
the Frisco, and his continuous service of twenty-eight years would indicate
he was a first-class railroader. Finally, tiring of the exacting work as con-
ductor, he moved to his farm in 1901, just south of Springfield. His fine
place there consisted of one hundred acres of the old Crenshaw homestead.
This he brought up to a high state of improvement and a high state of
cultivation, all but about ten acres. He made it a model farm in even-
respect. He installed the first water system in that part of the county,
running hot and cold water to both his house and barn. He carried on gen-
eral farming until 1907, when he sold out and moved to the corner of South
and Madison streets, Springfield, where he owns two sets of four-apartment
flats and two fine residence properties, all modern and desirable in even-
way, and he now spends his time looking after his personal property here.
Mr. Kite was married on September 17, 1883, in Rogers. Arkansas,
to Vitae A. Powers, who was born in Newton county. Missouri, May 21,
1867. She is a daughter of Kli and Angeline (Wormington) Powers. The
father was a native of North < arolina and the mother of Tennessee. They
came from the South to Newton county, Missouri, in pioneer days, and
there Mr. Powers engaged in farming and the milling business. His death
occurred in 1N75. his widow surviving thirty-five years, dying in 1910.
They were the parents of five children, namely: Andrew B., deceased;
Mrs. Belle Carnes died in 1907; Mrs. Addie Tudor died in [880; Douglass
lives in Carbonado, Washington; and Mrs. Yitae Kite, wife of our subject.
She grew to womanhood in Newton county and received her education in
the commi >n schools.
I our children have been bom to Mr. and Mrs. Kite, named as follow:
Olive, horn on October 2, 1884, was educated in .Monett. married Andrew
Edmondson, and they lice in Fort Smith, Arkansas; Rolland, horn on Sep-
tember 10. 1NN0. was educated in the Springfield high school and later
attended Drury College, married May King, and they are living in Hollis-
ter, this state: Jessie May, horn on August 11. isss. was graduated from
the Normal school in Springfield, then attended Columbia University. New
Noils City, and is now a successful teacher in Stephens College, Columbia,
Missouri; Warren P., horn on February it. [896, was graduated from the
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. I577
high school in Springfield with the class of 1914. He is a natural mechanic,
is a skilled taxidermist, and he has a splendid collection of Indian relics.
He has mounted a valuable collection of birds. He has built various kinds
ol boats, canoes, power boats, etc., which have been regarded by those who
have seen them as equal to any on the market. The future evidently holds
much of promise for this fine young lad, as indeed it must for all Mr. Kite's
children, who are all intellectual and highly cultured, and well liked by
their associates everywhere.
Politically, Mr. Kite is a Republican, and he at one time was candidate
for sheriff of Greene county, but failed to get the nomination. He was a
charter member of North Side Division No. 30, Order of Railway Con-
ductors. Fraternally, he belongs to the Masonic Order, in which he is
active and prominent, being a past eminent commander; he is a Knight
Templar, and a member of the Ancient Arabic Order of Nobles of the
Mystic Shrine, lie also belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.
Religiously, he is a member of the Presbyterian church, and is a liberal
supporter of the same. Mrs. Kite is a member of the Order of Eastern
Star and the Rebekahs. The family stands high in all circles in which it
moves.
CHARLES W. RULE.
A man of naturally sound judgment and shrewd perception, character-
istics of the Teutonic race, of which Charles W. Rule, of Springfield, is a
descendant, are dominating factors in his career, and he has so ordered
his course in the world's affairs as to be eligible to representation in a work
of this kind. 11a has risen through close attention to business and his desire
to deal promptly and courteously with his fellow men. and his name stands
high in all business circles with which he has come into relationship. His
domestic and social connections have ever been of a pleasant character, and
the fact that his surroundings are such as to make life enjoyable is due
solely to his individual merits.
Mr. Rule was born in Springfield, Missouri. May --. 1871, He is a
son of John Christopher Rule, who was born in Baltimore, Maryland,
April id. 1844, and he was a son of Mundus Rule, who was a native of
German}-, from which country he emigrated to America and located in
Maryland, and engaged extensively in railroad contracting and building
in and around the city of Baltimore, and there his death occurred in 1891 at
the advanced age of eighty-seven years. The father of the subject of this
sketch grew to manhood in the Monument city and was educated there,
and he spent his early life as a sailor. During the Civil war he entered
1 5/S GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
the- service of the Confederacy, most of the time of his enlistment being
spent in the navy service. He was captured by the Federal navy and spent
nine months in the old Washington prison, then exchanged and released.
After the close of the war, about the latter part of 1866, he came to Spring-
field, Missouri, where he spent the rest of his life, first engaging in business
on South street, later on Commercial street, and during this period of nearly
a half century he was one of the best known business men of the city. He
lived to see and take part in the substantial and steady growth of the city
from a mere village to the metropolis of southern Missouri, and always had
its interests at heart. He married Celeste Heffernan, a native of Wabasha,
Minnesota, a daughter of Steven and Margaret (O'Day) Heffernan, both
natives of Ireland, from which country they emigrated to Minnesota in an
early day. The mother died when comparative!)- a young woman. Mrs.
Celeste Rule was a well-educated woman, and of an excellent family, but
was unable to definitely trace her ancestry in the Emerald Isle. Her death
occurred in Springfield on October 16, 1909. The father of our subject
survived until 191 1.
Charles W. Rule grew to manhood in Springfield and was educated in
the public schools here, and when but a boy commenced his business life
as a grocery merchant on Commercial street, in which business he met with
encouraging success and remained four years, then took a position with the
Frisco railroad with the superintendent of motive power, the duties of
which responsible place he discharged for a period of nine years in a man-
ner that was entirely satisfactory to the company, then went on the road
for the Springfield Brewing Company, doing much to increase the prestige
of the same until it closed down in 1906, when Mr. Rule became manager
of the Springfield depot of the William J. Lemp Brewing Company of St.
Louis, in which position he is still employed and is handling the same in
his usual acceptable manner. He has been very successful as a man of
affairs and is a stockholder in the Citizens Rank- of Springfield.
Politically, Mr. Rule is a Democrat. lie was reared in the Roman
Catholic faith and has proved faithful to his allegiance to the mother church.
Fraternally, he belongs to the Benevolent and Protective Order of Flks. and
is president of the local aerie of Eagles. Me is also a member of the United
( "ommercial Tra\ elers.
Mr. Rule was married in [89] to Lula M. Teague, a daughter of Flihu
and Sarah 1 Brock) Teague. Mr. Teague lived in western Colorado, where
he was interested in mining. His wife died main years ago, and bis death
occurred in [911. The family formerly lived in Springfield, where Mrs.
Rule was educated in the high school from which she was graduated
Five sons have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Rule, namely: Francis G.,
born November _>_>. 1N03. was educated in the Springfield high school, and
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. lS79
is now employed with the Lee steamboat line as electrician; Raymond T.,
horn on April 22, 1896, is attending St. Mary's school; Carl W., born on
January 13, 1903, is in school; John Christopher, born on October 16, 1905;
Richard L., born on May 2, 1909
MASON CLAUDE WASHBURN.
Although Springfield is a city of considerable size, where the inhabit-
ants are engaged in a great variety of pursuits, yet a large number of her
citizens are engaged in railroading or dependent upon the railroads, one
way and another, for their livelihood; and where there are so many actively
engaged in as hazardous a calling as railroading there necessarily occur
many fatal accidents. One of the most regrettable was the loss of Mason
Claude Washburn, a Frisco employee, who met his untimely death while a
member of a train crew over thirteen years ago. He was a young man of
much promise, only a quarter of a century having passed over his head,
and he was summoned before his Judge in the Great Beyond when it
seemed that he was most needed here. He was both a railroader and a
minister of the gospel, and no doubt would have eventually become a lead-
ing preacher in the Christian church in southern Missouri had he been
spared.
Mr. Washburn, who was familiarly known as "Claude" Washburn,
was born on Jul) [9, [875, in the state of Illinois. He was a son of Henry
Harrison Washburn and Molly E. (Wilson) Washburn. The father was
born on September 25, 1841). and the mother's birth occurred June 14th of the
same year, both being natives of Kentucky, where they grew to maturity,
were educated in the common schools and were married, and from that
state they immigrated to Illinois, where they resided until about 1886, in
which year they came to Springfield, Missouri, and established the future
home of the family. A few years ago the parents of the subject of this
memoir removed to Cape Girardeau, this state. Henry H. Washburn has
followed railroading ever since he was a boy, has been in the employ of
several roads, and has been with the Frisco system about thirty-five years,
all told. He is now a passenger conductor; in fact, has been for many
years. His family consisted of four children, namely: Lutie lives in St.
Louis; Mason C, subject of this sketch; Pearl lives in Cape Girardeau,
Missouri; and Harry H. lives in Chaffee, Missouri. The father of these
children is a prominent Mason, having attained the thirtv-second degree in
this order.
Mason C. Washburn was young in years when his parents brought him
I580 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
to Springfield, Missouri, and here he grew to manhood and received a good
education, including the public and high schools, a business college and the
old Normal school. He prepared himself for the ministry in the Christian
church, in which he was engaged for five or six years, during which time
he had a church on the north side and supplied a number of pulpits in his
denomination. He was a successful minister, well versed in the Bible, and
was an earnest, forceful and convincing speaker and a man whose influence
in all the relations of life made for better living.
Mr. Washburn secured a position as brakeman on the Frisco railroad
in November, 1896, and was assigned to a freight crew to run between
Monett, Missouri, and Fort Smith. Arkansas.
Mr. Washburn was married on June 28, 1898, to Lydia M. Wilkerson,
who was born on April 16, 1875, in Polk county. .Missouri. She is a daugh-
ter of Dr. J. M. and Mary (Ayers) Wilkerson. Doctor Wilkerson was
born in Tennessee on November 2, 1844, and his wife was born in Mis-
souri on September 8, 1849. He received his medical education in the St.
Louis Medical College and practiced for many years in Humansville, Polk
county, this state, finally removing to Springfield, where he and his wife
still reside. A complete sketch of them appears on another page of this
work. Mrs. Washburn grew to womanhood in the town of Humansville,
and she received a good education in the public schools.
To Air. ami Mr-. Washburn one child was born, James Harrison Wash-
burn, whose birth occurred on June 22. 1890; he is being educated in the
Springfield schools. Mrs. Washburn and sou live on North Jefferson street.
Politically. Mr. Washburn was a Republican.
Tin- tragic death of Mr. Washburn occurred on November 13. 1900.
We quote the following account of the accident from the Springfield Leader
of that date:
"Claude Washburn, one of tin- ni<>st popular trainmen in Springfield,
met a horrible death at Aurora this morning. IK- lefl Springfield this
morning as a brakeman on an extra run out in charge of Conductor Garvin.
\t Aurora the train was heading in and while taking the side track Claude
Washburn was riding the pilot of the engine. By a sudden jerk of the loco-
motive tlie unfortunate man was thrown from the pilot directly in front
"t the track and then the engine wheels crushed hi- life out. He was
dragged a shorl distance, there- being scarcely mom for a body to pass
beneath the pilot, but the wheels of the engine passed over both legs and
he was horribly mangled. The engine was stopped as quickly as possible,
kui the brakeman lived but a few minutes after being taken from beneath
tlie engine. The remains were brought to this city on a passenger train.
"Claude Washburn grew to manhood in Springfield. lie came here
when only a small boy with his parents. He was about twenty-five vears
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. 1581
of age and leaves a wife and one child. He was an extra conductor and
had been running trains a great deal this fall. He would soon have had a
regular run as a conductor if he had lived, as he was considered a nx>st
efficient man. His father, H. H. Washburn, an old Frisco conductor,
resigned his position yesterday and left last night for Little Rock, Arkan-
sas. His mother and aged grandfather are now at the home on Benton ave-
nue and are heartbroken, as Claude was the pride of the family. Out on
Summit avenue and Pacific street there is also his heartbroken widow,
almost prostrated by the untimely death of her husband. She is the daugh-
ter of Dr. J. M. Wilkerson.
"( lawk- Washburn was a religious man and a member of the Christian
church on Washington avenue. Before he began to work on the railroad
he had a strong liking for the ministry, and had in fact been a local
preacher. He was a member of the Young People's Society of Christian
Endeavor, and attended the national convention in Boston as a delegate in
1895. He was a member of the Brotherhood of Railway Trainmen. He is
spoken of in the highest terms by all who know him, and there is probably
not a railroad man of Springfield whose death would cause more general
sorrow."
JAMES CALEB SQUIBB.
"1 didn't begin with asking, I took the job and stuck;
And I took the chance they wouldn't and now they're calling it luck."
Thus wrote Rudyard Kipling of a man who pronounced success in
life by his own efforts, advancing himself from an humble environment,
refusing to permit discouraging circumstances to down him, until he won
the goal sought. The great poet might just as well have had in mind James
Caleb Squibb, for many years a successful druggist of Springfield. He
came up from the soil, won a large measure of success unaided and also
made a good citizen.
Mr. Squibb was born in Greene county, Missouri, July -9, 1861. He
is a son of Caleb and Elizabeth ( Wallace) Squibb, both natives of Ten-
nessee, where they grew to maturity, received such educational advantages
as the old-time schools offered, and were married in their native state, and
from there emigrated to Missouri, locating in Greene county, where they
spent the rest of their lives in farming. They came here in the days before
the great Civil war and experienced the stirring times here during the
struggle. They worked hard and had a good farm and comfortable home
and were well and favorably known. The death of Mr. Squibb occurred
in August, 1861 ; his widow is still living in this county, having thus sur-
I582 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
vived her husband fifty-four years, and has reached an advanced age. They
were the parents of two children — James Caleb, of this review ; and Prior
Lee, who is living on a farm in Greene county.
The subject of this sketch spent his boyhood days on the farm with his
parents, where he worked hard and remained until he was nineteen years
of age, when he came to Springfield and attended the common schools,
later entered the Marionville Collegiate Institute, at Marionville, Missouri,
where he took a general course. Leaving college at the age of twenty-two
years, he went to St. Louis and took a course in a business college and
afterwards studied pharmacy and went into the drug business in Springfield,
and continued the same, owning his own store until 1913. when be sold
out and has since been living practically retired, merely looking after his
private property. He made a pronounced success as a druggist and always
enjoyed a good trade and carried a large stock of drugs and drug sundries.
and dealt fairly and courteously with bis many regular customers and tran-
sients alike. He has a fine home on North Jefferson street.
Mr. Squibb was married on November 19, 1883, to Nora Massey, who
was born, reared and educated in Greene county. She is a daughter of
Nathaniel J. and Mary Catherine ( Bass) Massey. both natives of Missouri,
who located in Greene county in an early day and established the permanent
home of the family. Mr. Massey was a successful farmer and stock trader
and a public-spirited, self-made man. During the Civil war he was a gov-
ernment contractor, furnishing stock and general supplies to the army. In
politics be was a Democrat and a Union man. His father, James Massey,
was probably born in the green isle of Erin, but crossed the Atlantic when
young ami settled in Tennessee. Later be moved to Greene count}'. Mis-
souri, and located a few miles east of Springfield, where he became the
owner of a good farm. There bis death occurred during the Civil war.
He was twice married and was the father of twenty-two children. His
last wife, who died on February 15, [894, married Allen Gentry, of Stone
county. Theophalus Ikiss, Mrs. Squibb's grandfather, was the first repre-
sentative to the Legislature from Taney county, and died during his incum-
bency and was buried in refferson ('it v. Nathaniel J. Bass was born in
Tennessee, about 1815, and died in [868. Mis second wife, mother of Mrs.
Squibb, was born in Taney county, Missouri, and died about forty years
ago in Springfield. She was born during the later forties, was reared and
educated in Boone county. Missouri, having attended Howard Female Col-
lege. Our subject's wife was one of two children, she being the eldest:
her sister, Lfiie. was born in February, [868, married Oscar Headley, and
they live in Los Angeles, California. Mrs. Squibb's great-grandfather,
John D. Shannon, came from Tennessee and settled in Greene count}'. Mis-
souri, in the forties. He was the first representative from Greene county to
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. 1 583
the Legislature, and he was the first sheriff that ever held office in south-
western Missouri. Airs. Squibb, when young, went to live with an aunt
in Truy, Doniphan county, Kansas, and there she received her education,
in part, finishing in the Marionville Collegiate Institute. She taught school
in Stone county for a while before her marriage.
To Mr. and Mrs. Squibb ten children were born, named as follows:
Lillard, born on December i, 1885, died on January 16, 1889; Harry \\\,
born on January 10, 1887; James Lee, born on July 28, 1889; Mildred E.,
born on August 27, 1892; Effie H., born on January 22, 1895; Ernest R.,
born on March 18, 1897; John W., born on March 4, igoo; Lenora Glenn,
born on June 3, 1903; Sylvia L., born on October 25, 1905; Sanford S.,
born on June 22, 1908.
Politically, Mr. Squibb is a Democrat. He is a member of the Trav-
elers' Protective Association of America, and of the Independent Order of
Odd Eellows. He and his family belong to St. Paul's Methodist Episcopal
church. South.
OSCAR FRANKLIN FARMER.
Although Oscar Franklin Farmer has long been sleeping the "sleep
that knows no waking," like the great huntsman and Scottish chieftain, of
whom we read in Walter Scott's "Lady of the Lake," he is still remembered
by many of the older residents of the northern part of Greene county as an
excellent business man and helpful citizen — one of the sturdy pioneers who
did much for the early development of his locality, and his name is therefore
entitled to special mention in the present volume.
Mr. Farmer was born on August 15, 1835, in Tennessee, but was a
mere child when he emigrated with his parents, Moses Farmer and wife, to
Missouri, the family locating in Cass county on a farm, where Oscar F.
grew to manhood and received a common school education, and he was
married near Pleasant Hill, Missouri, to Jane Wann, to which union two
children were born, namely : Mrs. Elizabeth Ross, who lives in Washing-
ton state, and Charles O., deceased.
Oscar F. Farmer remained in Cass county until 1865 when he removed
with his family to Greene county and located in Cass township, purchasing
the old Evans grist-mill which he operated for four years, supplying the
early settlers with the material of which they made their bread, many of
his customers coming from very remote distances, for grist-mills were few
in those days. In connection with his mill he also operated a farm success-
fully. Later he traded his mill to Samuel Appleby for a farm of one hun-
dred and twenty acres where his widow now resides. In the early develop-
I584 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
merit of Willard, Mr. Farmer was active, establishing a general store when
he first came here, and operated the same until his death, which occurred
on October 8, 1887, at the age of fifty-two years. His widow subsequently
sold the store to David Appleby. Mr. Farmer's second wife was Anna
Appleby, whom he married in 1870. She is a daughter of William and
Emily (Hurt) Appleby, both natives of Tennessee. To the last marriage
of Oscar F. Farmer was born five children, namely: Fred, who lives in
Springfield; Samuel, a farmer of this township; Claude, who lives in Wil-
lard; Carl, whose death occurred in 1913; and John, who is living in
Willard.
John and Claude Farmer now operate a general store in Willard, under
the firm name of Farmer Brothers, and are doing a large and thriving busi-
ness, both being active and energetic and good respectable citizens who have
the confidence of their many customers.
Mrs. Anna (Appleby) Farmer was born on August 6, 1848, in Cass
township, Greene count}', and here she grew to womanhood and was edu-
cated in the early-day schools. She is making her home with her son,
John Farmer. She is a quiet home woman of noble character. Her father,
William Appleby, was born in 1806, and his death occurred in Greene
count)' in 1879, at the age of seventy-three years. His wife, Emily Hurt,
was born in 1808, and died in 1861 at the age of fifty-three years. To these
parents eight children were born, namely : Mrs. Eveline Williams is deceased;
Samuel, deceased; Elizabeth, deceased; Mrs. Cassander Looney lives in
Boone township, Greene county; Anna, widow of the subject of this sketch;
John lives in Cass township, this county; two children died in infancy.
The Farmers have been one of the best known and most influential
families of Willard and Murray township from the pioneer days to the pres-
ent and have all borne good reputations.
JOSIAH JEFFERS* >\ GRAY.
The permanent prosperity of a nation must rest upon its agriculture.
Where agriculture has been decadent, nations have declined. The history of
the past decade proves that the agriculture of the United States, if not
actually on the decline has not made the strides forward that it should have.
and the result of this affects the producer and consumer alike in one respect
— a rapid increase in the cost of living. This is a fact recognized by far-
seeing men to such an extent that at the present time we find some of the
Strongest minds of the country grappling with the problem of putting our
agriculture on a permanent and sound basis. This has become a near
national issue.
n
J. J. GRAY AND FAMILY.
RESIDENCE OF J. J. GRAY.
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. 1 585
An enterprising farmer of Brookline township, Greene county, is
Josiah Jefferson Gray, who was born in the vicinity where he now lives on
January iO, 185 1. He is a son of George Washington and Sarah Jane
(Edgar J Gray. Samuel Gray, our subject's grandfather, was a native of
Ireland, from which country he immigrated with his father to xVmerica
shortly after the close of the Revolutionary war. The father of our sub-
ject was born in Tennessee, from which state he emigrated to Greene county,
Missouri, in 1833, and settled in Brookline township among the first of the
pioneers, and here he cleared and developed a good farm and spent the rest
of his life, dying about 1906. The mother of our subject was born near
.Mammoth Cave in Green count), Kentucky. Her death occurred on the
homestead here in 1901. They were the parents of four children, two sons
and two daughters, namely: Josiah J. of this sketch; Andrew Jackson, born
in 1854, died in 1865; Elizabeth A., born in 1848, married Jefferson Money-
ham, of Chariton county, Missouri, and they have five children; Sarah Jane
married William Robertson, who is deceased, and she is living in Oklahoma
and has five children.
Josiah J. Gray was reared on the home farm where he worked when
a boy and in the winter attended the district schools. He has followed farm-
ing all his life, having remained at work on the home place until 1869,
when he started out in life for himself. In 1882 he purchased the place
where he now resides, and since then has acquired eighty acres more, now-
owning a good farm of one hundred and twenty acres known as "The Oak
Hill Stock Farm," on which he carries on general farming and stock raising.
His farm is a part of the Wilson Creek battleground. Mr. Gray was but
ten years of age when that great struggle took place, however he has a very
vivid recollection of what transpired that memorable day.
Mr. Gray was married. August 22, 1878, to Arena Jane Russell, a
daughter of J. N. and Nancy Elizabeth (Grimmer) Russell, both of whom
came to Greene county from Tennessee in the early forties, and in this
county Mrs. Gray grew to womanhood and attended the public schools.
To Mr. ami Mrs. Gray the following children have been born: Johnnie
T., born in 1880. was educated in the district schools, and he worked on the
home farm until his marriage in 1901 to Margaret L. McNabb, daughter of
J. P. and Sarah McNabb, of Republic, after which he moved to Stone
county, Missouri, where he is now operating a farm which he owns; he has
three children, Earl V. who is ten years old, Archie, aged seven, and Theo-
dore. Joe Emmett, second son of our subject, was born June 15, 1887. was
educated in the district schools, and remained on the home farm until his
marriage. November 24. 1913. to Hollie Davis, daughter of Barney and
Harriett (O'Dell) Davis, of Christian county, Missouri; he then took up
(iool
I586 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
farming for himself on a farm adjoining that owned by our subject. Willie
J., third son of our subject, born June 12, 1893, was educated in the district
schools, and is assisting his father operate the home farm; Ada, born August
18, 1883, was educated in the neighborhood schools, is single and lives at
home; Emma E., born June 21, 1885, was educated in the home school, is
unmarried and living at home; Hubert C, born July 12, 1889, died in
infancy; a daughter, Ida Maudie, died in 1882; one daughter born in 1879,
unnamed.
Politically, Mr. Gray is a Democrat. He belongs to Xo. 471 Independent
Order of Odd Fellows. Mr. Gray raises hogs and cattle of standard grade
in large numbers.
ENOCH KNABB, M. D.
It is claimed by some authors that a man's life, or words of disparage-
ment or praise of it, should not be written until after his death. Perhaps
not until he has been dead some years. For, though, in one sense, none can
know a man so well as he knows himself, and of the exterior knowledge
gained concerning him, the simplest facts are liable to continual misrepre-
sentation, still a certain amount of distance is essential to the breadth, com-
prehension and truthfulness of the view — especially of that tuneful harp,
that mysterious picture, a human existence. When an individual has
attained the eminence in a community thai Dr. Enoch Knabb has. it is
fitting that a suitable biography be prepared of him for reference by his
friends, hence the following tribute.
Doctor Knabb, for many years one of the well-known general physi-
cians of Springfield, Missouri, was horn in Wright county, this state. .March
1, 1867. He is a son of Henry M. Knabb, who was born near Indianapolis,
Indiana, August 4, 1836, and there he -pent his earlier years, finally immi-
grating in an early da\ to Missouri and establishing the family home in
Wright county, where he devoted his life to general fanning and sleek rais-
ing. During the ('nil war he was a member of the Eighth Missouri Volun-
teer Cavalry. While in the service he contracted rheumatism and was con-
fined in the government hospital for some time. He saw considerable hard
service and was in a number of engagements. I lis death occurred in Mis-
souri at the home place in i St > 1 . The doctor's mother was born in [830
and died in [905 at the advanced age of seventy-five years. These parents
were both members of the Christian church. The mother was known in
her maidenhood as Minerva Cass. Dr. Knabb has a sister, Mrs. Mary A.
1'riester. who resides mar Lorey, Wright county. Missouri. Her husband
is engaged in lutying and shipping live stock there. Jacob Knabb, our sub-
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. 1 587
ject's paternal grandfather, was a German-American, born in Pennsylvania,
and his death occurred at the age of seventy-five years. His wife was a
native of the United States.
Doctor Knabb is an excellent example of a self-made man, having
worked hard in his youth to obtain money to defray his expenses in school,
but such ambition and determination as he displayed could not fail of defi-
nite results. He grew to manhood in Wright count}- and received his early
education in the rural schools of his native community, later attended the
high school at Hartville, and, having decided upon a career as physician, he
entered the Keokuk .Medical College, at Keokuk, Iowa, in the autumn of
[892, from which he was graduated with the class of 1895. Soon there-
after he commenced the practice of his profession at Stoutland, Missouri,
near Lebanon, remaining there six years, during which he had a good coun-
try practice. Seeking a larger field for the exercise of his talents, he
removed to Springfield in 1901, where he has been engaged in a large and
satisfactory practice ever since, which is constantly growing. He now con-
lines his practice mostly to within the city limits. He took a post-graduate
course in the Chicago Polyclinic in 1900 and 1905, and also took a post-
graduate course in Kansas City in 1912.
Doctor Knabb is a member of the Greene Count}' Medical Society,
the Southwest Missouri Medical Society, the Missouri State Medical
Association and the American Medical Association. Fraternally, he belongs
to the Modern Woodmen of America, the Woodmen of the World, the Inde-
pendent Order of Odd Fellows and many other lodges. Religiously, he is
a member of the Central Christian church, and politically is a Republican.
Dr. Knabb was married on October it, 1885, to Matilda F. Davis, a
daughter of James and Mary C. ( Foster) Davis. Mrs. Knabb is a native
of Wright county, Missouri, and she received her education in the rural
schools there.
Three children have been born to Doctor Knabb and wife, named as
follow: Henry F., born in Wright count}-, Missouri, May 5, 1887, was
educated in the Springfield public schools, graduating from the high school
here, and in 1907 he entered the medical department of the St. Louis Uni-
versity, and was graduated with the class of [91 1. and is successfully engaged
in the practice of his profession at Foyill, Oklahoma; he married Ora K.
Harris, in September, 1910. who is a graduate of the Springfield high
school, also attended the State Normal here at different times, and she
taught school four years; she is a daughter of Doctor and Dolly Harris.
Arthur D. Knabb, second of our subject's children, was born in Wright
count}-, this state. January 28, 1889, was graduated from the Springfield
high school in 1909, and the same year entered the medical department of
the St. Louis University, from which he was graduated with the class of
I588 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
1913; he served one year as interne at Lexin Brothers Hospital, St. Louis,
and was elected professor of bacteriology and pathology; and later he
resigned and took up the practice of his profession with his father in Spring-
field, Missouri, and is making a pronounced success in his profession. He
was married on June 26, 1914, to Beulah Harlow, a resident of Springfield.
She is the daughter of Rev. W. E. Harlow, of 1359 Washington avenue,
and a woman of education and refinement. She was graduated from
Springfield high school in 1909. She was one of five children, four of
whom are still living at home, the oldest having died about eleven years ago.
Vernie E. Knabb was born in Wright county, Missouri, October 19. 1891 ;
was graduated from the Springfield high school, later took a course in the
Springfield Business College, from which she graduated in 1904. She is
single and lives with her parents. These children have all received every
advantage in the way of preparation for serious life work, and they all give
promise of exceptional success in their chosen spheres of endeavor.
FRANK E. BROWN.
Successful farming calls for the best of judgment It means good
crops, good live stock well fed and handled, and a thoroughly balanced busi-
ness in every way. No business needs better management all around than
fanning. So many chances for failure are present that it is the exceptional
farm that is strong in every particular. Most farms succeed in spite of
certain weaknesses. Some of these weaknesses can be corrected ; others are
due to conditions that cannot be improved, such as naturally poor soil, short
growing seasons, steep hills and various things. No better example of a
good general farmer, stock man and horticulturist than Frank E. Brown, of
Campbell township, near the Springfield city limits, could be found in Greene
county. He has applied business principles to his farming and has used
his mind as well as his brawn. He hails from the far-away rugged state of
Maine, but before casting his lot with the people of the Ozarks, engaged in
mercantile pursuits in Minnesota a number of years.
Mr. Brown was born August 6, i860, at Sangerville, Maine. He is a
son of Francis and Tamar (Brown) Brown, and a grandson of Oliver
Brown, who was a native of Maine his parents being among the pioneers of
that state, lie grew up and married in his native locality and later removed
to Sangerville. having been among the first settlers at that place, and there
he spent the rest of his life engaged in farming and died there, and there
occurred the birth of his son Francis Brown, our subject's father. The latter
grew up on the homestead on which he worked when a boy and in spare
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. ^So.
times learned the carpenter's trade. After the Civil war he removed to
Minnesota, and engaged in contracting at Minneapolis, later moving to the
southern part of that state and farmed a few years in the vicinity of Leroy.
His death occurred in Minneapolis in August, 1896. at the age of seventy-
three years. His family consisted of eleven children, four of whom are liv-
ing at this writing, namely : Anna, who lives in Everett, Washington, is the
wife of Clinton Stephans, a relative of the noted civil engineer, Frank Ste-
phans; Mrs. Ada Jones, whose husband is deceased, lives in Minneapolis;
Mrs. Fannie Hartley lives in Minneapolis ; Minnie Stephens lives at Red
Wing, Minnesota, and Frank E. of this sketch.
The subject of this review was educated in the common schools of
Minnesota, where he removed with his parents when a child; however, he
left school when thirteen years of age and began learning the carpenter's
trade, later managed his father's farm, and during his father's last illness he
was appointed by the governor of the Gopher state as a delegate to the
Farmers' Congress which met in St. Paul. He continued general farming
there, also maintained a store for some time.
.Mr. Brown was married at Leroy, Minnesota, March 7, 1888, to Anna
Palmer, a daughter of Cady and Sarah (Palmer) Palmer. Her father was
a farmer and one of the first settlers in the vicinity of the town of Leroy.
There Mrs. Brown grew to womanhood and attended the public schools.
The union of our subject and wife resulted in the birth of four children,
named as follows: Mrs. Grace May Holder is the wife of a civil engineer,
and she lives with her father; Charlie L., a graduate of the Agricultural
department of the University of Missouri at Columbia, also lives at home;
Ida and Ruth are both at home and are students in the Springfield high
school. The eldest daughter of our subject is a talented musician; she has
the distinction of being the first and only pupil to graduate in all branches
also in vocal music at Drury College. Mrs. Brown died in the fall of 1914.
Mr. Brown remained in Minnesota until in the spring of 1903, when
he removed to Greene county, Missouri, arriving here on March 5th. He
bad purchased four hundred acres in Campbell township the year previous.
He began improving this valuable tract and soon had it under modern im-
provements and also built an attractive two-story eleven-roomed bouse with
all modern conveniences, finished in original genuine black cherry, seven-
teen hundred feet of which fine lumber he cut from his own land, doing the
work himself, as he is a skilled carpenter and experienced builder. He has
carried on general farming and stock raising on an extensive scale, making a
specialty of a good grade of cattle, among his herd being a splendid Holstein
bull for which he paid four hundred dollars when a calf. Mr. Brown leased
his farm some time ago and merely oversees it in a general way, having
retired from active farming, a lease of ten vears being made to his son and
I59O GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
Mr. Holder, his son-in-law, who has given up his work as civil engineer, in
which he is quite accomplished, in order to devote his entire attention to
the farm. An indication that this is not only a rich farm but is well oper-
ated is seen from the fact that a field of one hundred acres of wheat in 1914,
averaged over nineteen bushels per acre.
Politically, Mr. Brown is a Democrat, but while a careful voter and
loyal to his party he has never sought political leadership, although he has
held numerous minor offices, such as road commissioner and was a member
of the school board in Minnesota for a period of twenty-five years during
which he did much for the general improvement of the schools in his dis-
trict. Fraternally, he belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows,
and was a past grand knight in Minnesota. He is a man whom it is a pleas-
ure to meet, being well informed, hospitable and companionable.
GEORGE LEEPER.
The honored subject of this sketch is a representative of one of the pio-
neer families of Greene county and is personally identified with the indus-
trial interests of this section of the state where he has spent his life, being
the owner of a fine farming property in Walnut Grove township. Mr.
Leeper believes in adopting new and modern methods of agriculture in so far
as they are applicable to local conditions and because of his progressive-
ness, industry and close application he is regarded as one of the substantial
farmers and stock men in this locality, the interests of which he has ever
had at heart and where he has been contented to spend his life.
George Leeper was born on January 6, 1866, in Walnut Grove town-
ship, Greene county, and he is a son of Francis and Elmina (Burney)
Leeper. The father was born in Hawkins county, Tennessee, March 20,
1820, and there he spent his boyhood days, being fourteen years of age
when, in 1834, he removed with his father, Hugh Leeper (also a native of
east Tennessee) to Greene county, Missouri. They made the long overland
journey direct to Walnut Grove township, and settled about two miles south
of our subject's present farm, and were thus among the early pioneers here.
They cleared and developed a farm from the wilderness and became well
established and well known. The parents of our subject were married here
in 1S43 and soon thereafter moved to Dade county where they lived on a
farm until [847, in which year they returned to Green county and purchased a
farm of two hundred and eighty-five acres, near which our subject's farm
is now located, and here Francis Leeper engaged in general farming in a
most highly satisfactory manner until his death, which occurred on Decern-
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. I59I
ber 28, 1909, when nearly ninety years of age. Politically, he was a Demo-
crat, and religiously was a member of the Christian church at Walnut Grove.
He was a man of fine character, neighborly, hospitable, public-spirited and
was highl) esteemed by all with whom he came in contact. His wife,
Elmina Burney, was a native of North Carolina, where her birth occurred
on December 21, 1824, and she spent her early girlhood in her native state,
removing with her parents to Greene county, Missouri, in the spring of
1835, the family locating on a farm near Ash Grove and her father was one
of the prominent pioneers of this locality. She is still living, being now
nearly ninety years of age, and makes her home with her son, the subject of
this sketch. She is a grand old lady of the true Southern type — gentle, kind
and of fine Christian character. She is afflicted with blindness in her old
age, but bears her lot patiently. She is a daughter of Joshua and Jane
(Stafford) Burney. She often recalls that long, rough journey overland
from the old Tar state mure than three-quarters of a century ago.
To Francis Leeper and wife seven children were born, three of whom
died in infancy, those who grew up being Mrs. Elizabeth Gilliland, who died
in November, 1909; Hugh, who is a resident of the town of Mary, North
Dakota; Mrs. Ebanida Martin, who lives in Walnut Grove; and George, of
this sketch.
George Leeper spent his boyhood days on the home farm, in fact, has
remained on the same nearly all his life, and has always followed general
farming and raising live stock. He received his education in the district
schools of his township. He now owns one hundred and twenty-nine acres
which he farms efficiently, and on which is to be seen an excellent group
of buildings.
Mr. Leeper was married on September 10, 1891, to Flora Edmonson,
who was born near Walnut Grove, Greene county, where she was reared
to womanhood and was educated. She is a daughter of Fide and Martha
(1 'otter) Edmonson. The father was born in this vicinity also, in 1840.
He is a son of Allen and Polly Edmonson, who were very early settlers of
Walnut Grove township, clearing and developing a farm here when the
country was sparsely settled, and here Fide Edmonson grew to manhoood
and early in life began farming which has been his life work. He continued
to reside in his native locality until several years ago when he removed
to Polk county in different parts of which he has lived, being now practi-
callv retired owing to his advanced age and is residing near Red Top, Mis-
souri. His wife was born and reared in Kentucky. They became the par-
ents of the following children: Flora, Alonzo, Walton E. (deceased) ; Dud-
ley, Edward, Dollie, Bettie and Rufus.
The union of Mr. and Mrs. Leeper has been without issue.
Politically, Mr. Leeper is a Democrat. Fraternally, he belongs to the
[592 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
Masonic Order at Walnut Grove, the old Sullivan Lodge No. 7. He and
his wife are members of the Baptist church at Walnut Grove, in which she
takes an active part, especially in Sunday school work.
Mr. Leeper is a home man, a hard worker and a good citizen.
JOSEPH LEWIS OWEN.
Scientific methods of farming disseminated through the medium of
the agricultural schools throughout the country have come as a great blessing
to those pursuing agricultural callings. Vet the farmers in the early days
of this country had no such advantages. They Had to depend upon their
own judgment, their own foresight, their own intuition, as it were, to over-
come man}- a perplexing problem in farming. And yet their success was
more often than not almost phenomenal ; and we can pardon the veteran
tillers of the soil who yet remain among us if they look askance upon our
newer methods. Joseph Lewis Owen, a creditable representative of the well-
known old Owen family of Greene county, who owns a fine modern farm
of large acreage in V* ilson township, is making a pronounced success as a
general farmer, employing such of the progressive methods as are consistent
with this locality and climate, and his well-cultivated land and comfortable
home would indicate to the observer that his efforts have been well rewarded.
.Mr. Owen was born near what is now Battlefield, in the above named
township and county. May 7, 1880. He is a son of Capt. C. Baker Owen
and Nancy Caroline (McCroskey) Owen. Captain Owen was a native of
Tennessee, born in .Marshall county, February 28, 1827. He was a son of
Solomon H. Owen, a native of eastern Tennessee, and of Welsh descent.
Baker Owen was nine years old when he was brought by his parents to
Greene county. .Missouri, in 1836, his father entering four hundred acres
of land from the government, four miles northwest of Springfield. He
continued entering land until he owned about two thousand acres. He
owned large numbers of slaves. He became one of the most extensive farm-
ers and stock men in this section of the state, and remained on his farm
until 1N74. when he was seventy-seven years of age, when he removed to
Springfield. His family consisted of six children, named as follows: Sus-
anna A.. George II.. Pleasanl I'... Charles Baker, Jesse W., and William S.
Captain Owens, father of our subject, L;rew to manhood in Greene
county and here devoted his life to farming and stock raising on a large
scale. On September r8, [856, he married Sarah E. Yarbrough, and two
children were born to this union. John S.. and Stephen A. D. After his
marriage Captain Owen settled on a farm on the James river, however, he
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. 1 593
had previously spent a number of years engaged in buying and selling live-
stock, and, like his father before him, he became one of the most progressive
agriculturists in Greene county, owning a vast estate on either side of the
James river, aggregating over nineteen hundred acres. He cleared and im-
proved about one-half of the entire tract, leaving a large portion of his
land in timber and he kept large herds of various kinds of livestock on his
large pastures. The first wife of Captain Owen died in the spring of 1862,
and on January 31, 1865, he married Nancy Caroline McCroskey, to which
union eight children were born, named as follows: Charles J., Rachael M.,
Margaret S. E., Alwilda M. J., George I).. Francis \Y., W. E., and Joseph
L. (subject of this sketch).
Captain Owen was a Democrat and was influential in local public
affairs. lie was elected sheriff of Greene county in iSjo. and was re-
elected in 1N74, serving two terms of two years each. He took a con-
spicuous part in the local military affairs during the Civil war. In May,
1861, he organized a militia company of Home Guards in Wilson town-
ship and was elected captain, but when his company was consolidated with
another, he being the junior of the two captains, resigned and became a first
lieutenant. When General Lyon's arm}- marched out from Springfield on
the night of August 9, 1861, to attack General Price and McCulloch on
Wilson's creek, Captain Owen was appointed one of the guides; and he
led the division under Col. Franz Sigel to the Confederate camp, he took
part in the battle on the following day. The Union forces having retreated
to Rolla, Phelps county. Captain Owen and his company were enrolled in
United States service there, and was commissioned by the governor of Mis-
souri as first lieutenant in the regular army. He saw considerable active
service, was in a number of skirmishes in the southern part of the state
and later fought against General Marmaduke in that part of the state and
was also in minor engagements in Tennessee and different parts of his
own state. At Columbus, Kentucky, his company did guard duty on the
ordnance boat "General Grant." and later was with General Sherman
on his march through Mississippi; was with General Banks on the Red
river expedition, also at the occupation of the city of Alexandria, and the
battle of Pleasant Hill, Louisiana, where his regiment lost all of its offi-
cers except the major, one captain and one lieutenant, in killed and wounded.
and lost one-third of the men. His own company lost one-half of its num-
ber in killed and wounded. This company was in severe skirmishes, fighting
from April 9th to May 16th, when the battle of Yellow Brow was fought.
Later Captain Owen was in battle near Mineral Point, Missouri. He was
sick in the Federal Hospital at Memphis, Tennessee, nine weeks. He was
mustered out of the service in St. Louis, October 14, 1864. Soon thereafter
he returned home and engaged in farming until his death.
1594 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
Joseph L. Owen grew to manhood on the home farm and there he
worked during the summer months and attended the district schools in
the winter time. He has always lived on the old homestead, he having
taken the old home place proper in the settlement of his father's estate, and
he is owner of one of the choice farms of this part of Greene county, con-
sisting of three hundred and twenty acres, two hundred acres of which
is under cultivation and he is carrying on general farming and stock raising
in a highly successful manner. He has carefully rotated his crops and
otherwise skilfully managed the old farm so that it has not only retained
its original fertility but the strength of soil has been increased.
Air. Owen was married November 10, 1901, to Kate McConnell, a
daughter of John and Nannie ( Aven ) McConnell, both born, reared and
educated in Christian county, Missouri, and in that county Mrs. Owen was
born January 25, 1883, and there grew to womanhood and received a com-
mon school education. Her father's death occurred June 3, 1909, but her
mother is still living in Christian county. Ten children were born to Mr.
and Mrs. McConnell, namely : Lindsay is the eldest ; Mrs. Maggie Avery,
wife of Ed Avery, of Christian county; Lucy is the wife of James Stewart,
of Greene county; Gracey is the wife of Herbert Avar) and they live in
Christian county; Ross also lives in that county; Bertha, wife of Will
Gooch, resides in the same count}-; Kate, wife of Mr. Owen, of this
sketch; the other three children died in infancy.
To Mr. and Mrs. Owen three children have been born, namely: Rosco
died in infancy; Clarence, born Februarv 7, 1903, and Homer, born Oc-
tober 12, 1909 ,are at home.
Politically, Mr. Owen has voted the Democratic ticket since attaining
his majority. Mrs. Owen is a member of the Christian church. They are
among the popular young people of this part of the county.
SAMUEL A. FARMER.
Reform movements travel slowly. The wearing-out process of the vir-
gin fields of the United States has extended over a long period of years of
agitation on the part of experiment stations, county experts and farm week-
lies, but each year the farmers of the Middle West are showing improve-
ment in their method of handling the soil. Judicious crop rotation, in which
one of the legumes is often included, is having much to do in bringing about
an increased yield per acre. There has not been, and will not be, a spon-
taneous movement to restore the soil's fertility. Farmers are no exception
to the average of mankind. Some will take the initiative, others will doubt,
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. T 595
still others will learn by example, and yet another class will wait until forced
by a depleted soil and a decreased yield to take up the great work of rebuild-
ing the soil. One of the farmers of Murray township, Greene county who
has been a careful student of modern farming conditions and has kept his
farm in a high productive state through judicious and timely management
is Samuel A. Farmer, one of the most progressive farmers and one of the
most widely known stockmen in the northern part of the county.
Mr. Farmer was born in the above named township and county on May
5, 1875. He is a son of Oscar and Anna (Appleby) Farmer, both promi-
nent old families of this locality. The father was born in eastern Tennessee
in 1835, and his death occurred in 1887.
A sketch of the father will be found on another page of this volume.
Samuel A . Farmer was reared on the home farm near Willard which
village was built near his father's farm of one hundred and twenty acres
of excellent level land. He received his education in the local public schools.
On October 7, 1897, he married Stella Alsup, a native of Greene county
where she grew to womanhood and was educated. She is the only daughter
of Andrew Jackson Alsup and Pernecia (East) Alsup. The father was
born on February 15, 1852, in Greene county, Missouri, and was a son of
James and Mary (Slaughter) Alsup. James Alsup was a native of Ten-
nessee from which state he came to Greene county, Missouri, with his par-
ents when a young man and settled in Franklin township, having made the
long overland trip in wagons. Later the father took up a claim from the
government, consisting of one hundred and sixty acres or more, and this he
cleared and improved and lived here until his death.
After his marriage, Mr. Farmer left the home farm and rented what
was known as the Polly Watson farm for one year, then moved to his
present farm of one hundred and seventy acres where he has been actively
engaged in general farming and raising cattle and hogs. His place is called
"Farmer's Stock Farm" and is an ideal location and a most excellent place
for the breeding and raising of live stock. He has raised and shipped from
year to year cattle and hogs, and is now making a specialty of breeding
Hereford cattle. During the past few years he has been quite an extensive
shipper of cattle and hogs, but recently he has been disposing of his stock
in his own community. He has a well-improved farm in every respect, a
good home and up-to-date barn, large silo and is a man of decided advanced
ideas both as to fanning methods and implements and success has been the
result of his industry and good judgment.
The union of Mr. and Mrs. Farmer has resulted in the birth of one
child, Clifford Farmer, born on December 21, 1898, who is at home with
his parents.
Politically, Mr. Farmer is a Democrat, but often votes independently
1596
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
in local elections. Fraternally he belongs to the Modern Woodmen of
America at Cave Spring, this county. And he is a member of the Presby-
terian church at that place, and he has been superintendent of the Sunday
school there for the past ten years, and has helped build up a large and inter-
esting Sunday school. His wife has been a teacher of a class in the Sunday
school there for the past ten years, and both are active in the general work of
the church, giving liberally of their time and means to the support of the
church.
STEPHEN A. D. OWEN.
Xo industry is so vital to the well-being of the nation as agriculture
and nothing is so vital to agriculture as the soil. Prom its treasury it has
been estimated that we draw annually about eight billion and three hundred
million dollars, and its possibilities are as yet only partially realized
There are still in this country millions of acres which have never felt the
plow, while those which are now under cultivation can, by the application
of sc.ent.hc principles, be made to produce many times the present value
of their products. How to use and not abuse this great resource is the
most important problem which faces the farmer of today— one worthy of
the best efforts of our profound and learned scientists; for upon its solution
depends the tuture prosperity of the nation. One of the alert and wide-
awake agriculturists of Greene county of a past generation was the late
.Stephen A. 1). Owen, of Wilson township, a scion of the prominent old
* >wen family of this locality.
Mr. Owen was born in Greene county. Missouri, [anuarv 6 1861 He
is a son of C. B. and Ellen (Yarbrough) Owen, the former a native of
rennessee and the latter of Christian county, Missouri, the parents of the
mother of our subject having emigrated from middle Tennes.ee to Mis-
souri m an early day. < . B. ( >wen was also one of the early settlers in the
southern part of Greene county, becoming an extensive land owner along the
James river and one of the most Substantial and influential citizens here
He was twice married, and had two children by his first union namely ■
J. Solomon, and Stephen A. I). During the Civil war C. B Owen was a
I niomst, and became captain of the Twenty-fourth Missouri Infamrv
servmg three years with distinction and credit. At the battle of Wilson's
creek he acted as guide to Col. Franz Sigel's column winch marched from
Sprmgfield .0 the camp of the Confederates the night preceding the bat-
tle. Mr. Owen took part m numerous engagements, including the battles
of Pleasant Hill and Ft. Derussy and several of minor importance He
was never wounded but was once struck with a spent ball. A f„H,r history
of Captain Owen will be found on other pages of this work.
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. 1597
Stephen A. I). Owen grew to manhood on the- home farm, where he
assisted with the general work and in the winter months he attended the
old subscription schools, obtaining a meager education, which has since
been properly supplemented by wide miscellaneous reading. When he was
forty-six years of age his father died and our subject became possessed of
a finely improved and valuable farm of two hundred acres from the old
homestead, a part of which lies across the line in Christian county. Here
he carried on general farming and stock raising in a manner that indicated
he was fully abreast of the times of modern husbandry.
Air. Owen was twice married, first, on April 28, [883, to Lula L.
White, a daughter of Hardy and Tampey White, formerly of the state of
Tennessee, from which they emigrated to Greene county, Missouri, in an early
day. She was one of three children, being the youngest, and her death occurred
March 18, 1888, leaving three children, namely: Alfred Wilson, Charles
Baker, and Horace Preston, all living in Greene county. Our subject was
married on February 17, [894, his last wife being Rachael Ann Payne,
horn April 6, 1858. a daughter of Lewis and Margaret Payne, natives of
Tennessee and Virginia, respectively. The father came to Greene county,
Missouri, when live years of age. His father was the second white man
to settle in Greene county. He found only Indians and a few Spaniards
in these parts. Our subject's second marriage was without issue.
Politically. Mr. Owen adhered to the principles of the Democratic party
since reaching maturity, but never sought public office, being content to
devote his attention exclusively to his pleasant home and his extensive
farming operations. However he served as constable four years. His death
occurred at his home. January 28, 191 5-
HARRY CO< >P1 I'
The gentleman whose name heads this paragraph is widely known as
line of the enterprising men of affairs of Greene county whose methods are
those of the progressive twentieth century business man, who, despite ob-
stacles and opposition, is forging to the front along conservative and legiti-
mate lines. He is sole proprietor of the large supply company of Spring-
field which bears his name, and he has long been prominently identified with
the commercial interests of the capital city of the Ozarks. His well-directed
efforts in the practical affairs of life, his capable management of his business
interests and his sound judgment have brought him large financial rewards
for the labor he has expended, and his life forcefully demonstrates what
may be accomplished in this free land of ours by the gentleman of foreign
1598
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
birth who comes here with a willingness to work honestly and persistently
in any legitimate line of established endeavor.
Mr. Cooper was born near Leicester, England, September 12 1861
He is a son ot Henry Cooper, who was born in England, where he grew to
manhood, received his education and married, and from that country he
emigrated to the United States with his family in 1872. landing in New York
City, but came direct to the state of Missouri, secured a good farm in
W ilson township, Greene county, and there became a successful farmer and
stock raiser tor many years and the latter part of his life was spent in
retirement on his small farm of forty-five acres. He was seventy-seven
years of age when his death occurred. Politically, he was a Democrat and
served his township as a member of the school board. He belonged to the
Episcopal church and led a quiet, honorable and industrious life .Mr
Cooper was twice married, his first wife, mother of our subject whose
maiden name was Mary Richardson, died in 1874, leaving two sons Harry
ot this sketch, and George, who was associated in business with his 'brother
in Sprmgheld, trom 18S8 to 1908; he was for many years one of the well-
known citxzens of tins city and while he and our subject were on a visit to
England m [910, he was stricken with illness and died in that country
Henry Cooper's second marriage was to Elizabeth Jackson, and to this union
one son was born. Frederick Cooper, who is now engaged in the plumbing
business on College street, Springfield.
William Cooper, the paternal grandfather of our subject, was born
and reared m England and resided there all his life. He was a successful
business man and became one of the wealthiest citizens of the city of
Leicester, lie retained the coat-of-arms of his ancestors, the Coopers being
a prominent old English family, and he was verj active in church work
and wa> a heavy contributor, building a handsome church unaided for his
denomination near Leicester.
Harry Cooper, our subject, spent his bovhood in England where he
feiTd Sch0°] and was eleven years of age when, in 1872, his parents
brought lnm to America, lie continued bis education in the public schools
of Springfield, attending aboul .me year w-hen he went to Wilson township
to Ins lathers tarn, and then- assisted with the general work during the
rUn;mcr ™,ths' However- his educational advantages were limited and
he left school when thirteen years of age. He remained under Ins paternal
roof-tree untal be was twenty-two years of age, then came to Springfield
'""I went to work for the Springfield Gas Company, under | S Ambrose
and began learning the plumbing trade, \fu,- remaining with tins concern
'' y?ar: he wmt to Ft Smith, Arkansas, where he worked a, the plumbing
trade in ,88., and t884. He worked as journeyman plumber ,,,,,,1 ,8,x-
then opened a plumbing business of his own at 412 South street Springfield'
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. 1 599
and later moved his shop to the southeast corner of South and Walnut
streets. He was successful from the start and his business grew to large
proportions with advancing years. For twenty years his brother, George
Cooper, was in partnership with him, the business being conducted under
the firm name of Cooper Brothers. In 1908 Mr. Cooper purchased his
brother's interest, since which time he has been sole proprietor of his estab-
lishment, which is now known as the Marry Cooper Supply Company. On
June 1, 1908, he moved to 30 East Water street, where he rented a one-
story brick building, twenty by one hundred and forty-five feet, and opened
a strictly wholesale supply house. The following year he was obliged to
seek larger quarters and he rented the adjoining property, doubling his
space on the ground floor and adding another story also of equal capacity,
and here he remained until again forced to seek more commodious quarters,
when he purchased a lot, sixty by one hundred and thirty-five feet, at 22y22"j
hast Water street, earl)' in 1914, and here he constructed a substantial mod-
ern three-story and basement reinforced concrete brick front building, pur-
chasing his own cement, iron and all supplies and had the building erected
according to his own ideas and plans made by George F. Reed, architect,
it is one of the models of its kind in the Southwest. The building con-
tains thirty thousand feet of floor space, and he has one of the best display
rooms in the state, which room with his office occupies the entire front of
the building. He does a large wholesale business over a vast territory con-
tiguous to Springfield, handling plumbing, heating and engine supplies, well
casings, pumps and wind mills. Everything in these lines may be found at
his large plant and it requires fifteen experienced assistants to help manage
the daily volume of business which is constantly and rapidly growing. The
business was incorporated under the laws of Missouri early in 1915. While
doing plumbing work. Mr. Cooper was employed in several adjoining states
as well as throughout Missouri and he is widely known to the plumbing
trade of the Southwest. He did the plumbing work in the Missouri building
at the Louisiana Purchase Exposition in St. Louis, in [903. lie gives his
business his personal attention and promptness and honesty are his watch-
words.
Mr. Cooper was married in [890 to Catherine Elizabeth Coombs. • a
daughter of David Coombs, who was a native of New Jersey. Both the
parents of Mrs. Cooper died when she was quite young and she made her
home with her uncle, ohn Coombs, a native of New jersey. He came to
Springfield when Mrs. Cooper was but twelve years of age and it was
here that she received her education in the public schools.
To our subject and wife two children have been born, namely: Catherine
R., who ^as graduated from the Springfield high school and later from
W heaton College in Massachusetts. She was married on February 3, 1 9 1 5 ,
l60O GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
to Allen F. Mack, of this city, who is in the dry goods business. John
Henry George Cooper, second child of Mr. and Mrs. Cooper, is attending
local high school.
Politically, Mr. Cooper is a Democrat and fraternally is a thirty-second
degree Mason.
JAMES QUINX.
Farmers as a class are intelligent, industrious and economical, and
many of them are men of good business judgment. Further, those who
have made a thorough study of the business side of farming know that it
is not an easy matter to make money on the farm. Only the most practical
and experienced farmers are making any considerable profit out of their
business. Most of the money that has been made on the farm in recent
years has been made, not by farming, but by the rise of prices on farm lands.
In the nature of things this rise can not continue indefinitely, and some one
will own this land when the price becomes practically stationary or perhaps
starts to decline. Those who purchased their farms years ago should con-
sider themselves fortunate; that is, if they like farming and are doing well,
but the outlook is none too encouraging for the man who is looking for a
good farm at a price which he can afford in pay and carry on general farm-
ing successfully, especially if that man has but little or no experience in
country life. James Ouinn, of Campbell township, is one of Greene county's
prosperous and contented farmers. He came here from a foreign strand and
got good land when the price was low, and, using sound judgment, has made
a success.
Mr. Ouinn was born in County Down, Ireland, June 5. [848. He is a
son lit" John and Susanna (McClune) Quinn, and a grandson of John and
Charlotte 1 Hill) Ouinn, all natives of Ireland and representatives of the
farming class. John Quinn, Jr., died at the age of ninety-eight years, and
his wife almost reached the century mark. Their son. John Quinn, father
of our subject, was born in County Down in [806, and, like his father before
him. devoted his life to fanning in the north of Ireland, dying there in 1892
at the age oi eighty-six years, his wife having preceded him to the grave
in nXSa. They were the parents of eight children, all boys but one. namely:
William has remained in Ireland and is a hammersman l>v trade: fohn is a
brick mason and lives in Ireland: James of this -ketch; Samuel is deceased;
Hugh, who is now employed at Wolf's shipyards in Ireland, was formerly
a school teacher; Robert is a bridge builder in Ireland; David is fanning in
Ireland; Susanna is deceased. A daughter of Hugh Quinn won first pre-
JAMES QUINN.
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. l6oi
mium, a gold medal, for penmanship, in a contest about 1880, embracing
the United Kingdom.
James Quinn grew to manhood in his native land, and there received
his education. When a young man he learned the blacksmith's trade, at
which he became quite proficient. When twenty-one years of age, in 1869,
he crossed the Atlantic to our shores, first locating in Luzerne county, Penn-
sylvania, later coming on west to Chicago, thence to Burlington, Iowa; from
there to Cedar Rapids, that state; next to St. Joseph, Missouri. In the
fall of 1873 he came to Springheld and worked at his trade for thirteen and
one-half years for the St. Louis & San Francisco Railroad Company. He
Had been following his trade ever since coming to America. About 1880
he purchased his present farm of one hundred and twenty acres, and several
years later moved onto the same, and here he has since resided and has
engaged successfully in general farming and stock raising. He has an excel-
lent set of buildings on his place, including a tine two-story dwelling and
large outbuildings.
Mr. Quinn was married on June 25, 1874, in Springfield, to Adelia
McGaughey, a daughter of James W. and Isabell (Cinnamond) McGaughey,
both natives of Kentucky, from which state they removed to this county in
an early day. Mr. McGaughey was a farmer during his active life, and he
served in the Mexican war. His death occurred at Sprague, Missouri, about
1895, and he was buried near that place. His family consisted of five chil-
dren, namely: Angeline is deceased; Keelan is deceased; Rufus lives in
Nevada; Adelia, wife of our subject; and Marcus, deceased. James \V.
McGaughey was a Democrat, a member of the Masonic Blue Lodge, and the
Baptist church.
Seven children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Quinn, named as fol-
lows : John, who was graduated from the Springfield high school and the
old Normal here, is a locomotive engineer on the Frisco, and lives at Okla-
homa City; Mrs. Susanna Rountree, whose husband is engaged in farming
in this county, was also graduated from the local high school ; William James
died when six months old; Mrs. Alma Waunette Gott is the wife of a
Greene county farmer; Hugh is deceased: Herschel, a high school grad-
uate, lives at home; George is a student in the State Normal school here.
Mr. Quinn made a visit to his old home in Ireland in 1900, and. after
his American training, claims that he saw more things of interest during
his short trip there than he saw during the twenty-one years that he lived
there in his childhood and young manhood. Politically, he is a Democrat.
He belongs to the Masonic Blue Lodge, and holds membership with the
Congregational church. He has been a keen observer, is well read, and, jolly
by nature, is a good talker and a pleasant man to meet.
(101)
l602 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
WILLIAM J. JONES.
We have stronger evidence with each succeeding day that the bitter-
ness and animosity resulting from the great Civil war and preceding influ-
ences is passing away and that the solidarity of the nation is becoming more
and more a fact. To this many things have contributed, among which
may be mentioned the natural kindly spirit of the South, which has invited
the people of the crowded North to share its vast unoccupied land spaces
and invest in its promising possibilities, while enjoying its delightful climate.
And in the long lapse of half a century the war trenches have been filled,
the temporary forts demolished, and the plow passes peacefully over their
ruins. Many of the actors in the bloody drama are dead and their graves
with those of their comrades who fell in battle are green and fragrant with
grass and flowers, while the wounds, physical and moral, of the survivors
have long since healed and only scars remain.
One of the Confederate veterans of Greene county is William J. Jones,
better known as "Hickory" Jones, a merchant of Walnut Grove, formerly
engaged in general farming near that place. He is one of the soldiers of the
sixties who is willing to "forget." Mr. Jones was born in this county on
May 22, 1840, and is therefore one of the oldest native suns of this com-
munitv, having passed his sixty-ninth birthday, and during that long period
of residence here he has noted and taken part in many great changes, seeing
the country develop in a general way. He is a son of Richard M. and Mary
Ann ( Hartin 1 Jones, the father a native of Virgina, and the mother was a
native of Tennessee. The father died in this county in 1898. The mother
died here in 1896. Our subject's father was a cabinet maker by trade. He
was in the land office here for eight years in the fifties. In his latter life he
did some farming but lived retired until his death. Our subject was one of
eleven children, only two living at this writing: Mrs Mary J. McDowell,
who lives in Springfield, and our subject.
William J. Jones grew to manhood in his native county and he received
a good education in the common schools, attending school eight years in
Springfield. His early life was spent on the farm. He was quite young
when the Civil war began and did not enlist until in the tall of 1863, when
he entered the Confederate service from Arkansas, in Company F, Third
Missouri Cavalry, under I ol. < oltori Green, who was subsequently promoted
to brigadier general, being succeeded in his former command by Col. Lenten
Campbell, who was promoted to that rank. Our subject saw considerable
hard service and participated in a number oi important engagements, prov-
ing a very courageous soldier despite bis youth. He was paroled at Little
Rock in the spring of [865 at the close of the war. After coming home
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. I603
from the army he resumed farming, which he followed for four years, then
located in Springfield, where he worked in a hardware store for D. J. B.
Skinner and \Y. H. Mansfield for some time, then returned to the farm for
several years. In 1882 he moved to Walnut Grove and farmed in this town-
ship with his usual success until 1896, when he went into the grocery busi-
ness in Walnut Grove, which he continued for seven years, then sold out
and lived retired for two years, then went into the furniture business in
1907 here and is still thus engaged. He keeps a good stock of general
furniture and has a very satisfactory business.
Air. Jones was married in 1872, to Josie B. Carter, of Greene county.
She is a daughter of Tillman Carter and wife, who were well-known early
settlers here. He was in the tobacco business for several years.
Four children have been born to our subject and wife, namely: George
E., deceased; William H., Richard T. and Hattie B.. all live in Walnut
Grove. Here they grew to maturity and received good educational advan-
tages.
Politically, Mr. Jones votes independently. He is a member of the
Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He is a member of the Cumberland
Presbyterian church, and his wife belongs to the Methodist church. The
Jones family is well known and held in highest regard in Walnut Grove
rmd vicinity.
MARION D. WRIGHT.
The record of the successful self-made man is always interesting and
instructive. It encourages those who have been held back by an unfavorable
early environment. There are a great many people abroad in the land who
would make a great deal more of their opportunities and make themselves
useful citizens if they had the proper encouragement at the right time. The
life record of Marion D. Wright is one that should be read with interest
and profit by many who have become discouraged on life's rugged highway,
for we find that Mr. Wright has forged his way to the front in th<t face of
adversity and with no outside assistance. He was for some time one of the
successful merchants of Walnut Grove and is now classed among the most
progressive general farmers and stock men of the northwestern part of
Greene county.
Mr. Wright was born in Polk county, Missouri. November 28, 1861.
He is a son of John and Mary ( Wood ) Wright, both natives of that county
also, the father's birth occurring in 1835, and the mother's in 1842. They
grew to maturity in their native community, were educated in the old-time
subscription schools and were married there and established their home on
1604 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
a farm. John Wright spent must of his life in Polk county, but lived in
the West several vears. He owned a good-sized farm in Polk county where
he carried on general farming until the breaking out of the Civil war when
he enlisted in the Union army and died while in the sendee, at Arlington
Hospital, Pilot Knob, Missouri, in October. 1862. Politically, he was a
strong Republican and pronounced in his views on public affairs. He was
a member of the Turkey Creek Baptist church, and was a highly respected
citizen and well known among the early settlers. He had but the one child,
Marion D. Wright, of this sketch. The mother of our subject was a daugh-
ter of Isaac and Susanna 1 Vaughn) Wood, both natives of east Tennessee,
from which country they emigrated to Polk county, Missouri, in an early
day and established the family home on a farm. Mrs. Mary Wright re-
married and is now living in Walnut Grove.
John Wright enlisted in Company L, Sixth Missouri Volunteer Infan-
try, for three years, but died from exposure soon afterwards.
Marion D. Wright spent his boyhood days on the home farm in Polk
county, and he worked hard when growing to manhood during crop seasons,
attending the district schools during the winter months. When eighteen
years of age he entered the Southwest Baptist College at Bolivar, Missouri,
and took a four-years' course, making an excellent record. After leaving
college he returned home and resumed work on the farm, but soon there-
after he went to Walnut Grove and began in the general merchandise busi-
ness and flour milling, which lines of endeavor he conducted with ever-
increasing success and satisfaction until 1902, in which year he sold out
and bought the farm of one hundred and eighty-three acres where he now
resides. He has mack- many improvements, such as erecting a silo and out-
buildings, fences, etc., until he now has one of the valuable, productive and
desirable farms of the county, which is well located near the thriving town
of Walnut Grove. In connection with general farming he raises a good
grade of live stock of which he is an excellent judge, and he is regarded as
one of the most progressive general farmers in this section of Greene county
as well as one of the most substantial and successful citizens, a man who has
done much for the general good of the community.
Mr. Wright was married on December 23, 1886, to Maggie McLemore,
a daughter of Andrew Jackson McLemore, and Dialtha (Alexander) McLe-
more, long one of the prominent families of this section of the Ozarks.
Mrs. Wright was born in Christian county, Missouri, and she received her
education in the common schools.
Six children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Wright, namely: Dean
lives in Walnut Grove ; Reu, Thomas. Dialtha, Marian and Laura Mae, all
at home with their parents, but the eldest.
Politically. Mr. Wright is a Republican, and while he has never been an
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. 1(105
office holder he has been influential in public affairs of his locality, and his
support may always be depended upon in furthering any movements in the
community calculated to be of general good, in material, civic or moral mat-
ters. Fraternally he belongs to the Masonic order at Walnut Grove. He
and his wife are members of the Baptist church at Walnut Grove, he having
been clerk of the local congregation since its organization in 1903, and is
a pillar in his church. He is a broad-minded, well-informed gentleman of
positive ideas and correct principles and is highly esteemed by all who
know him.
CHARLES J. OWEN.
It does not necessarily require a farm expert to look over some of the
older farms of the locality of which this history treats and see that the
soil has become thin very largely from the fact that proper attention has
not been paid to rotation of crops. The land has been "grained" too much,
the same fields sometimes for years having been successively sown to wheat
or planted to corn, with never a seed of grass or other good "cover crops."
Hie same methods were followed in a number of older states of the Easl
with the results that one now finds thousands of abandoned farms there,
the owners being compelled to remove to the newer agricultural sections
of the West where the soil has not been ruined by improper tillage. But
man)- of our farmers are awakening to the true situation, some of them after
it is practically too late. It used to be the desire of most farmers to own
large tracts of land. Their chief desire seemed to be to buy "the land adjoin-
ing." This many of them have done and spent the rest of their lives trying to
keep the interest paid on borrowed capital and a little paid on the principal.
The same men are now understanding how they can live easier and happier
on fewer acres and by more intensive farming methods.
One of the successful farmers and stockmen of Wilson township.
Greene county, is Charles J. Owen, who is a student of all that pertains
to his vocation and is thus avoiding some of the mistakes that others are
making in handling their farms. He is a member of one of the well-known
old families of Greene county, and his birth occurred here on April 15,
[866. lie is a son of Charles B. and Nancy C. (McCroskey) Owen.
Capt. Charles B. Owen, who was for many years one of the most
extensive farmers of Greene county, was born in Marshall county, Ten-
nessee, February 28, 1827. He was a son of Solomon H. Owen, who was
born in eastern Tennessee, December 12, 1707. in Sullivan county, near the
\ irginia line. He was a son of Joseph Owen, who was reared in Penh-
1606 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
sylvama, was of Welsh stock, and married a Pennsylvania Dutch woman,
and moved to Sullivan county. Tennessee, in an early day. He was a farmer
and died when only thirty-five years of age, and was the father of Charles
Jesse, Solomon H.. Hannah. Alary and Elizabeth. Solomon H„ grand-
father of the subject of this sketch, was married in Sullivan county, Ten-
nessee, to Mary E. Bushong, of Pennsylvania and German stock." After
their marriage they moved to the middle part of Tennessee and Mr. Owen
purchased a farm of one hundred and seventy acres in Marshall county. In
1836 he moved with his wife and five children to Greene county, Missouri,
and settled on four hundred acres which he entered four miles northwest
oi Springfield. He entered in all about two thousand acres in southwest
Missouri. He gave all his children land. Like most of the early settlers
from Tennessee, he was the owner of slaves. During the Civil war much
of his personal property was destroyed. He removed to Springfield in
1874 at seventy-seven years of age. His family consisted of six children
namely: Susanna A., George H, who died at the age of twenty-one years'
Pleasant B.. Charles B.. father of our subject; Tesse \y., and William S
Solomon H. Owen was a Democrat but was a Union sympathizer; he and
his wife were members of the Presbyterian church.
Captain Charles V, Owen was nine years old when he accompanied his
parents from Tennessee to Greene county and here he grew to manhood
and received a common school education. On September 18. 1856, he mar-
ried Sarah E. Yarbrough, and to them were born two children John S
and Stephen A. Douglas Owen. After his marriage, Mr. Owen settled on
a farm on the James river, after having spent several years engaged in
buying and selling live stock. He became one of the most prosperous and
best-known general farmers and stockmen in Greene county. He finally
became owner of thirteen hundred and ten acre, in one body and three
hundred and ninety-five acres besides, two hundred acres of which were
entered from the government by Ins lather. The land lav on either side
of the James river, was well watered not only by the river but by six
springs on various parts of the place. He cleared and improved about half
of the entire tract, using much of it for pasturage, and a large portion of
the place was kept in timber. His place was always stocked with large
numbers of horses, mules, cattle, hogs and sheep.
The first wife of Captain Owen died March .8. [862 and on |m-
uary 31. t865, he married Nancy C. McCroskey, and .0 tins union eight
children were born, namely: Charles J„ subject of this sketch; Mary Eliza-
beth is deceased; Mrs. Margaret S. Martin; Mrs, Alwilda Madora lane
Carton; George D.. Francis W., Wm. E„ and Joseph L. are all living in
\\ ilson township.
Politically. Captain Owen was a Democrat and was active and inrluen-
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. 1607
tial in the affairs of his county. He was elected sheriff in 1870 and served
two years, and was re-elected in 1874, serving two years more. He was
one of the most efficient sheriffs Greene county ever had. In those days,
during the reconstruction period after the Civil war, it took a man of cour-
age and stability to fill that office. In May, [861, he organized a militia
company of Home Guards in his township and was elected captain, and
then he consolidated his company with another, and being younger than the
other captain, accepted the position of first lieutenant. When the Union
troops occupied Springfield, General Lyon appointed him as guide to the
troops under Col. Franz Sigel, and he led the army at night, August 9,
1861, to the Confederate camp on Wilson's creek, where the great battle
was fought the following day, and he took part rn that engagement. The
Union troops having retreated to Rolla; Lieutenant Owen was enrolled at
that place with his company in the United States service and was com-
missioned by the governor of Missouri as first lieutenant in the United
States army. He was mustered into the service at Benton Harracks. He
was in a series of skirmishes with the bushwhackers in southeastern Mis-
souri and was afterward in service against Marmaduke in that part of the
state, and in skirmishes in different parts of Missouri and western Ten-
nessee. At Columbus, Kentucky, his company did guard duty on the ord-
nance boat General Grant, and later was on the march with General Sherman
through Mississippi; was with Banks on the ill-fated Red river expedition,
and at the occupation of Alexandria, also at the battle of Pleasant Hill,
Louisiana, where his regiment lost all of its officers except the major, cap-
lain and one lieutenant, in killed and wounded, and lost one-third of trie
men. His own company lost one-half of its number in killed and wounded,
and was then in severe skirmish fighting from April 9th to May 16th, where
the battle of Yellow Brow w^as fought. Later he was in a battle near
Mineral Point. Missouri. He was sick in a hospital in Memphis nine weeks,
and was mustered out and honorably discharged in St. Louis, October 14,
1S64. and returned home and took up farming again, which he continued
until his death, March 15, 1907. His wife, mother of our subject, died
on September 22, 1887.
Charles J. Owen, of this sketch, grew to manhood on the home farm
and there he assisted with the general work when a boy. He received his
education in the local schools in Wilson township. He remained on the
farm with his father until he was thirty-five years old, then, having prev-
iously purchased one hundred acres in this township, he removed thereto
and has since resided here, engaged in general farming and stock raising.
He also owns one hundred acres south of his original farm which he rents
out. He pays considerable attention to raising a good grade of live stock,
does an extensive horse and mule business, and maintains a popular breeding
l6o8 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
barn. He has three jacks — one a fine jack named Chief Benton, register
number 3522, 14^ hands; weight, nine hundred and fifty pounds; large-
boned and one of the best in Greene count}-. One extra large and fine jack
named "Bill Wilson," Xo. 20415; black, 1 5 ' j hands: extra large; weight,
one thousand pounds; a fine animal. Also Mr. Owen has one young jack
named "Woodrow Wilson," which has great promise. Besides the above,
Mr. Owen keeps two stallions, Percheron and one saddle horse. Mr. ( hven's
breeding barns are in the front rank in the entire count)'.
He was married. August 18, 1889. to Margaret C. Payne, a daughter of
Lewis and Margaret Payne, of Greene county. The death of Mrs. Owen
occurred January 16, 1904, and on April 29th of the same year he married
Annie Beierle, a native of Newton county. The second union has been
without issue, but the following children were born to Mr. Owen by his
first wife: Roy Edward, born May 29. 1890, is deceased; Lewis Baker,
born November 6, 1891, is assisting his father on the home farm, married
Ester < ampbell, a native of Greene county, have one child, Ralph Eugene,
born September 26, 1914; Grace, horn March 31, 1893, died in infancy;
Earl Stephen, born December 1. 1896, deceased; and Bennie Sterling, born
May 16, 1898, are all three deceased; and (harks Arthur, horn February
14, 1903, who is living at home.
Politically, Mr. Owen is a Democrat, and he is a member of the Anti-
Horse Thief Association. He is regarded as a man of good judgment,
especially in referem 1 to live -lock, and is a good citizen in every respect.
JAMES A. RAMSEY.
The constant stream of humanity — capable boys and girls from the
country — that has flowed toward the cities of the world, especially during
the past few decades, has made a new economical problem in our civiliza-
tion. The truth is, if the children of farmers are given the right sort of
education at home the) will not desert us and go to the city. They will
stay on the farm if they are so instructed as to feel that on the farm they
may find just as much pleasure in life and be just as successful. In an
Iowa count} the rural pupils were examined as to what they wanted to do
with their lives. Most of the boys and almost all the girls answered that
the} meant to leave the farm when they grew up. Two years afterward
the boys and girls in the same neighborhood were asked the same question.
Most of them answered that they meant to stay on the farm. The change
had been brought aboul because the teachers had been given more practical
work to do in the schools. They had been giving the leaching a farm slant.
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. [609
They had been working in the schools on farm matters, and the girls had
been studying domestic science, and they had forgotten about leaving the
farm. They had been doing pleasant, interesting, practical work, and they
were happy. They had come to see that there is just as fascinating work,
just as intellectual work, just as big work in the country as any of them
could expect to get in the city — in fact, much higher work than most oi
them could expect.
James A. Ramsey, a success fid and contented farmer of Clay town-
ship, Greene county, has been wise enough to remain in the country, lie
was born on March 23, [866, near Effingham, Illinois, lie is a son of
Robert and Mary Anna ( Jew his ) Ramsey. The father was born in Illi-
nois in 1838 and was reared on a farm in that state, receiving his education
in the common schools. About a year atfer the Civil war broke out he
enlisted for service in the Union army, in a cavalry regiment, and was
sent into Tennessee, where he took part in the battle of Lookout Mountain,
and was in a number of other engagements. He was honorably discharged
at the close of the war and returned to Illinois, lie came to Greene countv
in 1869, where he has since lived on a farm, but retired from active life
five years ago. He is a member of the Baptist church. The mother id" the
subject of this sketch was horn in Virginia and her early life was spent in
that state. Indiana and Illinois, and she was married in the last named
state. She is a member of the Baptist church. She received a common
school education. To Robert Ramsey and wife eight children were born,
namely: William F., John ( deceased 1 ; James A. (subject); Mrs. |ennie
Barnes, Albert, Frank (deceased); Mrs. Belle Vess, .Mrs. Mollie McCurty
t deceased ).
James A. Ramsey came to Missouri with his parents when two years
old and grew up on a farm in Greene count}', and here he received a com-
mon school education. He worked on the home farm until lie was twenty-
two years of age, then rented a farm, later buymg the place where he now
resides, which consists of one hundred and twenty-nine acres, and on which
is four good springs. It is well improved and one of the desirable farms
of the township.
Mr. Ramsey was married in 1887 to Martha Trentham, to which union
two children were born, Fee F., and ( 'harle. Mr. Ramsey married for a
second wife Sallie Latham, who was horn in Greene county. November 2,
1888. She is a daughter of James and Mary Jane (Cox) Latham. The
father was born in Tennessee, September 24, 1853, am' >s now living on a farm
near Strafford, this county, having emigrated from his native state to Mis-
souri in an early day. His wife, who was a native of Greene countv, died
some time ago. Mrs. Ramsey was reared on the home farm here and was
educated in the district schools. To our subject's second union live children
l6lO GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
have been born, all living at home, namely: Mamie, October 16, 1904; Ivy,
July 25, 1906; Ina, May 30, 1908; Ethel, December 11, 1910; and Ona,
born May 26, 191 3.
Politically. Mr. Ramsey is a Republican, and fraternally he is a mem-
ber of the Modern Woodmen.
RICHARD EDWARD EVERETT.
Statistics show that most of our men of business were born on the
farm, and data also shows that comparatively few of those now engaged
in industrial pursuits, the trades or professions are following the lines of
endeavor in which their fathers before them engaged, and we also find that
very few men continue in the vocation in which they first started. It is
not best for the young man to continue at anything for which he is not
properly equipped by nature. If a boy feels dissatisfied with farm life,
continually thirsting for something different, it is well to allow him to follow
his natural tendencies. We are not all adapted by nature for one line of
work, which is a wise provision, otherwise farming would be more largely
overdone than at present. Some of us were intended for lawyers, others
for physicians, ministers, mechanics, tradesmen, inventors. It has always
been found to lie folly to try to make something out of a man whose natural
bent lay in another direction. This is the cause of so many failures in the
various walks of life. One is indeed fortunate if he determines when a
boy at the outset of his career just what work he can do best in this
tread-mill world of ours. It seems that Richard Edward Everett, president
of the Springfield Planing Mill & Lumber Company, has been well forti-
fied by nature for his life work and has therefore succeeded.
Mr. Everett was bom November 20, [856, in Darien, Fairfield county,
Connecticut. He is a son of William Everett, who devoted his active life
tn railroad work, having for years been engaged in construction work for
the Xew York & Xew Haven Railroad Company. He was an expert com-
plicated-track builder. He lived in and around Xew York City, Brooklyn
and Long Island, lie was a native of Ireland, where he spent his boy-
hood, and from there immigrated to America when eighteen years of age
Mr worked as teamster mi the great Jacob Bell estate, which furnished
Fulton .Market. New York City, with most of its produce in those earlv
days before railroads. Later he moved to Darien, Connecticut, and took
up railroad construction work which he followed the rest of his life, having
been with that road more than forty-seven consecutive years, his death
occurring in Connecticut in January. 1893. He was a member of the Catho-
lic church and a standi member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians. He
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. I 6 I ]
married Hanora de Guidra, native of Ireland, of French descent. She lived
to the advanced age of eighty-nine years, dying at Darien, Connecticut in
1908. To these parents the following children were burn: William H., de-
ceased, patented the first electric block system ever used in a railroad; John
B., Thomas \Y., Richard E., Katherine E., Mary A., and James H. Everett.
Richard E. Everett grew to boyhood in Connecticut, and received his
education in the schools of Darien. He entered business life fur himself
in 1881. He immigrated to Missouri in 1877 and for one year thereafter
was a builder at Ash Grove, Greene county, erecting the high school
building at that place, and a number of the most important business houses.
For three years thereafter he was pattern maker for the Springfield Foundry
& Machine Company, at the end of which time he embarked in his present
business and has since been a builder of prominence. Some of the first
structures of prominence in Springfield he erected were the "Gulf shops,"
public school buildings, the Hoard of Trade Building, the electric power
house, the water works and man)- of the best residences of the city. He
had served a thorough apprenticeship at his trade in his youth before he
left the East, then for one year was in the United States navy, having
been joiner on the ship Colorado.
The business of the Springfield Planing Mill & Lumber Company,
which has for many years been regarded as one of the largest of its
kind in this section of the Middle West as well as one of the most widely
known, was first established in 18A8, Mr. Everett being the successor to the
Chicago Lumber Company. The business is conducted on quite an extensive
scale, and the buildings and yards covers about a half a block, the main
building being a substantial two-story brick. It is well equipped With
modern machinery and a large number of skilled mechanics and helpers
are constantly employed. The business has gradually increased with ad-
vancing years, for the rapid growth of Springfield and nearby cities and
towns of the Southwest has called lor exceptional activity on the part of
the lumber and mill work anil bank and store fixtures, and Mr. Everett
has responded nobly to the demands made upon him since locating here,
his company having all the while been one of the most prominent in its line
of work and as its machinery has been kept up to the high standard of the
costliest type, the mill has been found equal to the demands made upon it.
From this mill has come a very large part of the material which has entered
into the construction of the leading private residences and prominent and
extensive business blocks which have been erected during the past three de-
cades or more in the Queen City of the Ozarks, as well as other towns in
this section of the state. From this plant also has come most of the
hardwood fittings for the Springfield banks, stores and other well-known
buildings. Mr. Everett besides building the old Gulf south side shops at
l6l2 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
Springfield, furnished the material and did all the building for the Kansas
Lity, Ft. Scott & Memphis Railroad Company, from Memphis, Tennessee,
to Birmingham, Alabama, from Amory to Aberdeen, Mississippi, and from
Ensly to Coal Camp, Alabama, and from Willow Springs to Crandon, on
the Current River Branch, and from Ash Crove to Clinton, high line.
In rotation he furnished the work for the Anheuser-Busch people,
building the ice and refrigerating plant, cold storage building; Crighton's
Provision Company; the building occupied by Armour & Company; John
F. Meyers Milling Company's model mill; St. John's Hospital; St. Paul's
Methodist Episcopal church; Classical Hall for Drury College; and others.
For the last six or eight years, the company has turned its attention
more to mill-work and fixtures, having installed in this city some of the
most complete outfits, such as those in the Dalrymple Drug Store, the Model
and Rep's Dry Coods stores, Browne Bros. Book Store, Queen City Bank,
the mill work for the new Landers building, the mahogany fixtures for the
Mezzanine and second floors of the new Heer building, the fixtures for
Fred Harvey in the new Union Station in Kansas City, and various other
Fred Harvey restaurants.
In his yards Mr. Everett keeps a full line of lumber of all kinds, and his
extensive modernly equipped mill is prepared to furnish anything usually
manufactured in a planing mill, prompt and high-grade work being his aim
at all times. The plant was originally established by Knott & See, which
firm later sold out to S. \Y. McLaughlin, who sold it to the Chicago Lumber
Company. Mr. Everett has been connected with the concern since 1S81,
and has been sole proprietor since 1892. it has been incorporated under
the laws of Missouri with a capital stock of eighty thousand dollars.
The present officers are: Richard E. Everett, president; Karl \\ ■'.
Everett, vice-president and general manager; \Y. \Y. Johnson, acting secre-
tary; I. X. Johnson, treasurer. At this writing thirty-eight mechanics are
employed. The yards extend from Phelps avenue to the tracks of the old
Gulf railroad, thus giving the company excellent shipping facilities.
Air. Everetl was married in Springfield, in [882, to Lizzie M. Titus, a
daughter of Joseph Titus ami wife, an old family of this city. Here sue
grew to womanhood and received a good education in the Springfield schools,
having been one of the youngest pupils that was ever graduated from the
high school.
Politically, Mr. Everett is a Democrat and be has long been influential
in political and public affairs here.
Beginning with [879 be has been connected with the city lire depart-
ment, twenty-one consecutive years. He served in the capacity of chief
for twelve years and during that time the department was greatly improved
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. 1613
under his able supervision, it finally ranking third in perfection in Missouri.
For thirteen years he was a member of the city council from the Third ward,
serving under Mayor Ralph Walker and others. At one time he was city
marshal, and years ago he made the race for mayor but was defeated for
the nomination. He has done much for the general upbuilding of Spring-
field. He is a member of the Catholic church, and fraternal!}- belongs to
Springfield Council No. 698, Knights of Columbus, Ozark Council No. 418,
Royal Arcanum, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.
That Air. Everett is a progressive and energetic business man is seen
from the large measure of success which he has achieved in his special line
of endeavor, having started in a modest way. His reputation in all walks
of life has been unassailable and he is widely and favorably known through-
out the Ozark region.
CHARLES W. CARTER.
In examining the life records of self-made men, it will invariably be
found that indefatigable industry has constituted the basis of their success.
True, there are other elements which enter in and conserve the advancement
of personal interests, — such as perseverance, discrimination and mastering
of expedients; but the foundation of all achievement is earnest, persistent
labor. It seems that Charles W. Carter realized this fact when but a boy
and it has had much to do in shaping his substantial career, for he learned
to rely upon himself, observe closely those things which could be of service
to him and therefore he has advanced from an humble environment by his
own efforts to the responsible position of foreman of the paint department
of the new Frisco shops at Springfield.
Mr. Carter was born in Laclede county, near Lebanon, Missouri, Janu-
ary 21, 1874. He is a son of Berry Frank Carter, who was born near
Knoxville, Tennessee, July 9, 1842. He was eleven years old when he
moved with the family to Greene county, Missouri, locating on a farm near
Springfield, where he grew up, attended school and lived many years, then
moved to Laclede county, this state, and spent the last years of his life in
retirement. He devoted his life to farming. He died at the age of sixty-
nine years. During the Civil war he served in the Federal army. He was a
member of the Grand Army of the Republic, and he belonged to the Presby-
terian church. He enlisted in Company A, Twenty-fourth Missouri Volun-
teer Infantry, early in the war and served three years, seeing considerable
hard service and participating in a number of engagements. He was
wounded once while in camp. He married Mary- E. Headlee, a native of
this county, and a daughter of James and Mary A. (Dysart) Headlee. Her
I 6 1 4 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
death occurred on February 11, 1914. at the age of seventy-five years, her
birth having occurred October 27, 1838. She and her husband are both
buried in Maple Park cemetery. Springfield. These parents were married,
August 29, 1865, and to them the following children were born: Eliza has
remained single and is living in Springfield; Emery Frank is employed in
the store room of the Frisco shops, Springfield; Cora is unmarried; Edward
is deceased ; Charles W. of this sketch ; William H. is an engineer on the
Frisco, running out of Springfield.
"Jack" Carter, grandfather of our subject, was a native of Tennessee,
from which state he removed to Greene county, Missouri, in pioneer days,
locating on a farm near Fair Grove, in Jackson township, and died here.
Charles W. Carter grew to manhood on the home farm and was edu-
cated in the common and high schools of Greene county, where he was
brought by his parents when young in years. He left school when sixteen
years of age and began working on a farm. When a young man he served
an apprenticeship as house carpenter. He began work for the Frisco rail-
road. April 6, 1893, as laborer, later serving an apprenticeship as painter in
the locomotive and coach department. He soon became proficient and was
sent out on the road as sign and depot painter, and was thus employed for a
period of seventeen months during which time he was sent all over the sys-
tem, after which returning to the old North Side shop where he remained till
July 8, 1909. when he was placed in the new Frisco shops at Springfield,
being promoted to foreman locomotive painter, which position he held until
April 16, 1914, when he was appointed coach painter foreman at the new
•>linps in connection with his duties as foreman of the locomotive paint shops,
and he still holds this position, having about one hundred men on an average,
under his direction. He is not only an expert in his line, but being a man of
more than ordinary executive ability, knows how to handle his men so as to
get the best results and at the same time retain their good will and friendship.
Mr. Carter was married, January 2$, 1895, to Ida Wright, of Fayette-
ville. Washington county, Arkansas. She is a daughter of William T.
and Mary E ( Burrow ) Wright. The father was born September 2, 1844, in
Illinois, his death occurred in Greene county. Missouri, September 28, 1908.
Airs. Wright was born January 17, 1848, her death occurred June 22, 1888.
She was horn in Washington county, Arkansas, near Fayetteville. Mr.
Wright devoted his life to fanning. His family consisted of ten children.
To Mr. and Mrs. Carter three children have been bron, namely: Herschel,
horn Max 25, [896, a sheet metal apprentice at the new shops. Springfield;
Pearl, horn January 3, [901, died when two years of age; Edgar, born
December 24, 1002. is attending school.
Politically, Mr. Carter is a Republican. His family belongs to the
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. 1615
Presbyterian church. Fraternally, he is a member of the Masonic Order,
including the Blue Lodge, the Chapter and the Council, Temple and Shrine;
also belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows No. 218, the Wood-
men of the World, the Improved Order of Red Men and the Eagles.
RUDOLPH STEURY.
It does not take one of a contemplative turn of mind long to determine
why those who come from the fine little Republic of Switzerland and settle
011 American soil always prosper. It is due to many causes, but largely to
the fact that they have inherited qualities of grit, determination, industry
and economy and partly because the)' have been reared under laws similar
to our own. Thus we find them to lie. almost without exception, excellent
and law-abiding citizens, loyal to our flag and institutions, and home build-
ers and willing to help better the general public conditions of their locality.
One such is Rudolph Steury, a farmer of Wilson township, Greene county.
Mr. Steury was born in Switzerland, November 23, 185 1. He is a son
of Peter and Barbara Steury, also natives of that country, where they grew
to maturity, were educated in the common schools, married and settled
on a farm near Interlacken, and there they continued husbandry until 1X72,
when the family immigrated to the United States. To these parents seven
children were born, all surviving but one and living in the United States,
namely: Peter resides at Ozark, Christian county, Missouri; John lives
in Greene county; Barbara is deceased; Rudolph, of this sketch: .Mrs. Mag-
gie Koenig lives in Nebraska; Mrs Elizabeth Decker, of Springfield ; Airs.
Anna Knelle is a resident of Kansas City. These children grew up on the
farm and received common school advantages.
Rudolph Steury spent his boyhood days on the farm in Switzerland,
where it was necessarv for him to work hard most of the vear, assisting in
supporting the family. During the winter months he attended the com-
mon schools of his community and got a limited education. When seven-
teen years of age he went to the French locality in his native land, known
as Canton Wadt, and remained there until lie was about twenty years of
age, then returned home, but in March, 1871. went to Thun, Switzerland,
where he worked until the summer of 1872, when he accompanied the rest
of the family to America. They came straight to Greene county, Missouri,
and settled on a farm, which is now occupied by our subject. Here the
father purchased eighty acres of which he made a good farm and lived
comfortably until his death, which occurred in 1904. The mother pre-
ceded him to the grave in 1900. Our subject had purchased land adjoining
l6l6 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
the home place prior to the death of the father, and after that occurred he
took over the homestead. He has kept the place well improved and well
cultivated, the residence and other buildings properly remodeled and he
has a valuable and desirable farm, carrying on general farming and stock
raising.
Mr. Steury was married March 12, 1878, to Emma Fassnacht, a daugh-
ter of Conrad and Christina (Haas) Fassnacht, both now deceased. She
was born in Michigan, in the year i860, and spent the early part of her
girlhood in that state. She received her education in the public schools
here, having been about eight years old when her parents brought her to
Greene county, Missouri, the family locating on a farm, on which the
parents spent the rest of their lives. Three children were born to them,
namely: Edward, who lives in Campbell township, this county; Emma, wife
of our subject : and John, who is a resident of Campbell township.
Eight children have been born to our subject and wife, named as
follows: Will R.. John E.. Anna L. is deceased; Mrs. Emma McComis,
Minnie M. is at home. Frank is at home. Christina is deceased, and Edward
is with his parents.
Mr. Steury is a member of the Lutheran Protestant church, and his
wife is a Catholic.
JOHX M. SISK.
The soil is the limiting factor in crop production. Persistent and thor-
ough cultivation depletes the soil more and more in proportion to the size
of the crop removed. Feeding some plant food back into it is necessary to
sustain next year's production. The best cultivation is advisable for each
year's immediate return. A farmer might as well expect to continually
check against his account at the bank and expect to always have a balance
there, as to continually crop his land without returning any plant food to
the soil and expect to have continually fertile fields. One of the progressive
farmers of Greene county who well understands this fact and is making a
success as a general farmer because of well-applied principles is John M.
Sisk, of Boone township.
Mr. Sisk was born in Arkansas, October 19, 1856. He is a son of
Aimer Sisk, who was born in Alabama, in 1829. He devoted his life to
farming. During the Civil war he served three years in the Union army.
After the close of hostilities he removed to Greene county, Missouri, locating
eight miles north of Springfield, where he raised one crop, then moved to
within a mile and a half of Ash Grove. He spent the remainder of his life
JOHN M. SISK.
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. l6lj
on various farms in Boone township, dying in 1909. He married Eliza-
beth Sparks, a daughter of Solomon Sparks, a native of eastern Tennessee,
from which country he removed to Arkansas in an early day.
John M. Sisk grew to manhood on his father's farm, where he worked
hard when a boy, and he received a common school education in the schools
of Greene county, having been young when his parents removed with him
from Arkansas to this locality. At the age of twenty years he began farm-
ing for himself, later engaging in the grocery and bakery business in Ash
Grove. Selling out, he then engaged in the livery and transfer business
there; then, after a few years, he sold the latter business and operated a
dry goods store. About this period he erected three substantial brick store
buildings in Ash Grove. He was successful in whatever he turned his atten-
tion to, and became one of the leading business men of that city. He pur-
chased eighty acres at one time, and later one hundred and thirty-seven acres
south of Ash Grove. In October, 1896, he traded two of the brick buildings
in 011 three hundred and twenty-eight acres, about two miles west of that
city. He is still living on this excellent, well-kept and highly improved farm,
one of the best in this part of the county. He is engaged in general farming
on an extensive scale: also handles large numbers of live stock from year to
year. He is making a specialty of an excellent grade of cattle and also of
Ohio Improved Chester hogs. He has a valuable peach orchard of forty
„cres, also a few acres of pears. He markets bis products principally at
Fort Scott. Kansas. He has an attractive home in the midst of beautiful
surroundings, and there are to be seen on his farm many substantial and
convenient outbuildings. Everything denotes thrift and that a man of energy,
intelligence and good taste is at the helm.
Mr. .Sisk was married on October 12, 188'1, to Amanda H. Likins, a
daughter of Charles H. Likins, who located in southwestern Missouri before
the Civil war. During the Civil war he served in the Union army in the
three-year service.
To Mr. and Mrs. Sisk five children have been born, three sons and two
daughters, namely: (hie child died in infancy: Charles, now sixteen years
of age: John, who is thirteen years old: Pauline, who has passed her elev-
enth birthday; and Wayne, who is seven years old. Mr. Sisk is giving his
children ever)' advantage. In order to give them the advantages of good
schools he lives in Ash Grove during the winter months, removing back to
the farm for the crop season.
Politically, he is a Republican, and while he has always been active
and influential in the affairs of his city and county, he has never been a
seeker after the emoluments of office. Fraternally, he belongs to the Inde-
(102)
l6l8 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
pendent Order of Odd Fellows and Modern Woodmen. He is a man who
has always enjoyed a good reputation, like his honored father before him,
and he is an agreeable man to meet, either in his own pleasant home or in
public. The family are members of the Methodist Episcopal church.
T. H. HINERMAN.
The success which J. H. Hinerman, well known contractor of Spring-
field, has achieved in a varied career, has been well deserved. Faithfulness
to duty and a strict adherence to a fixed purpose, which always do more to
advance a man's interests than wealth or advantageous circumstances, have
been dominating factors in his life, which has been replete with honor and
success worthily attained, and he has become an important factor in the
business world of his adopted city and stands in the foremost rank of those
in his vocation in this section of the state.
Mr. Hinerman was born in Greene county, Pennsylvania, July 27, 1869.
He is a son of Lindsey and Elizabeth (Sloniker) Hinerman, both natives
of Pennsylvania, the father born in 1822 and the mother in 1825. They
grew to maturity in the old Keystone state and there attended the schools
of the early days, receiving limited educations. There they established their
Ik nne and were well known in their vicinity. The father and mother are
still living at the advanced age of ninety-three and ninety years, respectively.
Lindsey Hinerman devoted his active life to general farming pursuits. His
family consisted of eight children, all still living but one, namely: M. S.,
Martha, David. Mary. Sarah, Emma is deceased, J. H., of this sketch, and
Elsworth.
J. li. Hinerman grew to manhood in his native state and there attended
the public schools, later tuck a business course in Delaware, Ohio. lie be-
gan bis career by engaging in the furniture and undertaking business in
Cameron, West Virginia, and in 1891 he came to Springfield, Missouri, and
went to work in the construction department of the [ron Mountain railroad,
remaining in this service twelve years, during which he not only gave the
road eminent satisfaction in every respect, but also mastered the various
phases of this line of endeavor. Upon severing his connection with the road
he went into the general contracting business for himself in Springfield, and
has continued the same to the present time, having been successful Irom the
start. Me does general contracting and construction work promptly and in
an honest and modern manner that never fails to give general satisfaction.
lie had the contract for erecting the Southwest Hospital in this city and
has built many beautiful residences and substantial buildings of various
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. 1619
kinds, all of which will lung remain a credit to him, — monuments to his
skill as a builder. Of recent years he has made a specialty of good residences
and modern bungalows, and at this writing he is completing a handsome
and modernly appointed home for himself on Pickwick Place, which would
be known to the building trades as a "Swiss shelay" type of architecture.
Mr. Hinerman was married on April 6, 1889, in Bigtree, Pennsylvania,
to Cassie L. Howard, who was born in Virginia. She is a daughter of
Thomas and Elizabeth (Darr) Howard, natives of Virginia, where they
grew up, were educated and married and established the permanent home of
the family, but eventually removed to Pennsylvania, locating at Bigtree.
During the Civil war Air. Howard served in the Union army in an Ohio
regiment, a full term of enlistment, and participated in many engagements
of importance. He was mustered out of service in 1864. His death oc-
curred in Springfield in 1908, having reached the advanced age of eighty-
four years.
Airs. Hinerman was born in Cameron. West Virginia, on October 8,
1S73. and grew to womanhood at Cameron and was educated in the public
schools there and was married. The union of our subject and wife has been
without issue.
Politically, Air. Hinerman is a Republican. Fraternally, he is a mem-
ber of the Masonic Order, the Knights of Pythias, and the Improved Order
of Red Men. He belongs to the Springfield Club and to the South Street
Christian church. He is also a member of the Young Men's Christian
Association.
EDGAR E. EXXIS.
The splendid success which comes to Edgar E. Ennis, president of the
Ennis-Culler Lumber Company, of Springfield, is directly traceable to the
salient points in his character, for he started in life practically at the bottom
of the industrial ladder which be has mounted with little aid from any
source, although meeting with the usual obstacles that confront most men of
affairs who have ambition. With a mind capable of planning he combines
a will strong enough to execute his well-formulated purposes, anil his great
energy, sound judgment, keen discrimination and perseverance have re-
suited in the accumulation of a handsome property.
Air. Ennis was born in Georgetown, Delaware, .August 21, 1873. He
is a son of Aaron I!. AI. and Alaggie A. (Jefferson) Ennis. They grew
to maturity in Delaware, received good common school educations, the father
also attending college, and were married there, and established their home
in Georgetown, where Aaron B. AI. Ennis engaged in the mercantile business
l620 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
about ten years. Believing that the Western frontier held better advantages
for him, he removed his family in 1878 to Nebraska and settled ten miles
from Columbus, on a farm, where he remained about five years, and in the
fall of 1883 came to Springfield, Missouri, and here established the family
home, and here he engaged in the grocery business for a number of years
and enjoyed an extensive trade. About six years ago he went to Sheridan,
Wyoming, and has since been engaged in the live stock business and ranch-
ing near there. He has been a successful man of affairs in whatever he has
undertaken, being a man of energy, good judgment and honest impulses.
They are the parents of three children, namely: Argus 11., who lives at
Sheridan. Wyoming; Royal W. is a resident of Hillsboro. Illinois; and
Edgar E., of this review. The death of the mother of the above named
children occurred in 1894.
Edgar E. Ennis was ten years old when he came with his parents to
Springfield and here he entered the ward schools, later attending high
school and received a good practical education, although he had to quit school
on account of trouble with his eyes. After school days he started in as most
boys of his class to earn his own way in the world. His father had pur-
chased a grocerv st< ire on Commercial street, and he clerked in the same
for about two years, then took a position as city salesman for the Gulf
Roller Mills, continuing in this line for about a year, then took a position
with the Bunker Bros., lumber dealers, and here gained his first knowledge
of the lumber business. He liked it and studied every phase of it, mastering
the various ins and outs of the business until, feeling capable of managing
a yard of his own, he engaged in this line of endeavor for himself, starting,
in July, 1913, the Ennis-Culler Lumber Company at 504 College street.
Springfield, and this he is still conducting, being president ami manager
of the firm and by his industry, foresight, prompt and honest dealings
has built up a large and growing business. The firm is incorporated under
the law- of the state of Missouri. \ large, complete and well-selected stock
of various grades of lumber is carried at all times, and the slogan of the
firm is "Everything to build your home."
Mr. Ennis was married on June 11. [896, to Laura R. Culler, a daugh-
ter of John \\'. and Anna M. (Clatfeler) Culler. The father's death oc-
curred in Springfield in 1904. hut the mother is still living in this city.
The Cullers have long been a well-known family here. Mrs. Ennis re-
ceived a good education in the local schools. Our subject and wife have
three children, all at home, namely: Florence Lorene, Ellen Lucile, and
Anna Rebecca.
Politically. Mr. Ennis is a Republican. However, he votes indepen-
dently in local election-, casting his ballot for the men whom lie deems bes!
suited for the office- -ought. Fraternally, he is a member of the Masonic
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. l62I
order. Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Modern Woodmen of
America, also the Travelers Protective Association, United Commercial
Travelers, and the Iowa State Traveling Men's Association. He and his
wife are members of Grace Methodist Episcopal church. She is a member
of the Sorosis Club, of which she has been president two years. This is
one of the leading social clubs of Springfield. She has made a most popular
and efficient president. She is a lady of culture and affable personality, and
she and Mr. Ennis stand well in the circle in which thev move.
FRANK L. FINNEY.
The dignity of labor is a theme much discussed. In the old world
it has always meant a different thing to the construction put upon the phrase
in America, for in lands where caste prevails between classes, the aristocracy
is inclined to look down on the laboring classes, but of this, happily, we
know practically nothing in the United States, in fact, here if one does not
labor or at least is employed at something one is not likely to be as highly
regarded by one's associates as if he were energetic and not afraid of honest
work. Frank L. Finney, now deceased, was a believer in the dignity of
labor and he was possessed with much energy and industry and succeeded
in earning an honest ami comfortable living and winning and retaining the
respect and admiration of those with whom he was associated.
Mr. Finney was born, November 22, 1851. in Fairfield, Iowa. He was
a son of Samuel G. and Eunice ( Neil 1 Finney, one of the early families
of Jefferson county, Iowa, noted for their industry and qualities as good
neighbors. Their family consisted of ten children, seven sons and three
daughters, namely: Lewis H. is deceased: Albert lives in Nevada: George
S. lives in Maryville, Missouri; Frank L., subject of this memoir: Edwin
lives in Seattle, Washington; Mrs. Annie C. Denny lives in Lincoln, Ne-
braska: Mrs. Emma L. LaFollette resides in Seattle; Samuel is deceased;
Mrs. Ella S. Webb lives in Colorado, and Earnest P. lives in Oklahoma City.
Samuel G. Finney, father of the subject of this sketch, was born in
Baltimore, Maryland, and there grew to manhood and received a good edu-
cation. He studied law, was admitted to the bar and was very successful
in the practice of his profession. He took an active part in public matters,
became influential in politics and was for some time a member of the Legis-
lature, while living in Maryland. Finally abandoning the practice of law he
engaged in merchandising with success and later in life turned his attenttion
to general farming. He removed from Maryland to Jefferson county, Iowa,
in the early historv of the latter country and located at the town of Fairfield,
l622 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
where he became well established and well known. His wife, Eunice Neil,
was born in Maine, and was of Scotch-Irish descent.
Frank L. Finney grew to manhood at Fairfield, Iowa, assisting his
father about the homestead when a boy, and he received his education in
the public schools there. When a young man he went west and followed
mining in different states for a number of years with satisfactory results.
He located in Springfield, Missouri, in 1905, and here lived in retirement
the rest of his life. He had spent thirteen years engaged in farming and
Stock raising in Iowa very successfully.
Mr. Finney was married on August 4, 1885, to Mary Graham, who was
born in Maryville. Missouri, and is a daughter of Arch D. and Sarah (Wise-
man) Graham. Mr. Graham was a native of Kentucky and his wife a native
of West Virginia; after their marriage they lived in Ohio for a short time,
then came to Missouri, where Mrs. Finney died July 3, 1914, at the age of
forty-seven.
Mrs. Finney received a good common school education, and lived on
South Jefferson street, Springfield, where she had a comfortable home. She
bore her husband eight children, seven of whom survive, namely: Dora,
Lola, Marjorie, Harold Neil, Samuel Graham, Fern. Winifred, and Earnest
Dean is deceased. These children have been given good educational ad-
vantages in Iowa and in Springfield. Missouri.
Politically, Frank L. Finney was a Democrat, but was never an aspir-
ant for political honors.
The death of Mr. Finney occurred at his late home in Springfield on
June 9, [906, when fifty-five vears of age.
JOHXSOX SANITARIUM.
Dr. Samuel A. Johnson, who is superintendent of the Johnson Sanitar-
ium (for the treatment of mental and nervous diseases), was horn Septem-
ber 15. 1863. in Daviess county, Kentucky. He is a son of John Hunt
Johnson, deceased, and Anna M. (Singleton) Johnson. The father was
born in Daviess county, Kentucky. July 1. 1824, and the doctor's mother
was born in Hardinsburg, that state, June 5, [832, ami is still fixing, being
now eighty-three years of age; she makes her home in Springfield. In 1872
John H. Johnson moved to Louisville in order to give his children better
educational advantages, remaining in that city eight years. During this
period he engaged in the tobacco business. He removed with his family to
Missouri in T878, locating on a farm near Lebanon. Laclede county, where
he engaged in general farming and stock raising until 181)4 when he retired
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. 1623
from active life and located in Springfield where he spent the rest of his
days.
Dr. Samuel A. Johnson received his education in the schools of his
native state, later studied medicine in the Kentucky Medical College at
Louisville, Kentucky, from which institution he was graduated. Not long
thereafter he came to Springfield, Missouri, where he engaged in the gen-
eral practice of medicine for a period of six years, then was employed in
the state hospital for the insane at Nevada, Missouri, where he remained six
years. Fie came to Springfield in 191 1, and founded the Johnson Sani-
tarium for the treatment of mental and nervous diseases, this being the
pioneer institution of its kind in this part of the state. It has been success-
ful, from the first, largely hecause of the co-operation of the physicians of
the southern part of the state, and most gratifying results have been ob-
tained; the prestige of the institution is enhanced by courteous treatment to
all and satisfied patients. The institution is pleasantly and conveniently
located at 807 Jefferson street. It is modernly appointed and completely
equipped in every respect for the work which Dr. Johnson has outlined to
do here, and its future is assured.
The institution conducts a training school for nurses where earnest de-
voted girls are in attendance and constantly study to promote the welfare
and comfort of patients.
Dr. Johnson was married to Isadore W. Allen, of Harrisonville, .Mis-
souri, October 8, 1901. She is a daughter of James T. and Isadore ( Young)
Allen. She was one of two children and was born in Woodford county.
Kentucky. Her paternal grandfather, Capt. James Trimble, served in the
Revolutionary war, as captain of a company of riflemen under General
Lewis. He remained in the service of his country all through the struggle
for independence. He was born in Augusta county, Virginia, in 1756.
Previously he had served at the memorable battle of Point Pleasant during
the Colonial war. He married Jane Allen about 1780. She was born,
March 15, 1S55, in Augusta count}-. Virginia. Her father, Hugh Allen,
was killed at the battle of Point Pleasant. After the close of the' Revolu-
tionary war, Captain Trimble and wife moved to Woodford county, Ken-
tuck)-, and were prominent in the early history of that state. Mrs. Johnson's
.great-grandfather Trimble was opposed to slavery and he made application
in the courts at Lexington. Kentucky, to manumit them. His recjuest was
refused several times, but was finally granted through the efforts of Henry
Clay, then a young lawyer from Virginia. Mr. Trimble's sons became dis-
tinguished men. Three of them held commissions in the war of 1812. Allen
Trimble, one of the sons, became governor of Ohio; William Trimble was
a colonel in the regular army and was also a United States senator, his death
occurring while a member of the senate. James M. Trimble was a promi-
1624 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
nent preacher. Dr. Cary Trimble was a member of Congress. James
Trimble died in Kentucky in 1804. Mrs. Johnson's maternal great-grand-
father, Capt. John Peck, was on Governor Hancock's staff at the time he
was chairman of the committee that signed the Declaration of Independence.
Hancock, it will be remembered, was one of the early governors of Massa-
chusetts. James T. .Mien, father of our subject's wife, was a widely known
stock dealer of Kentucky. He is at this writing making his home at Har-
risonville, Missouri. His wife died in Woodford county, Kentucky, many
years ago.
Politically, Dr. Johnson is a Democrat, and he and his wife belong to
the Methodist Episcopal church, South.
WILLIAM M. MAXWELL.
In writing a work of the nature ni the one in hand, the biographer
is surprised at the preponderance of Greene county citizens who were born
in Tennessee or are sons of Tennessee parents. This locality has been lucky
in securing such a good class of citizens, and it is safe to say that it would
not now be nearly so prosperous had not these courageous, industrious and
law-abiding people cast their lots here. William M. Maxwell is among the
number. His earlier years were spent in agricultural pursuits, later he en-
gaged in the grocery business in Springfield in various places for a period
nt many years, and he is now serving as justice of the peace.
Mr. Maxwell was born in Warren county, Tennessee, October 12, 1867.
lie is a son of Rufus and Jane (Vickers) Maxwell. The father was born
in Jackson county, Alabama, and there be was reared t< > manhood, and was
educated in the early day schools there; he was married in Scottsboro, that
state, and be spent his life engaged in general farming and stock raising in
his native state and in Tennessee, dying at Valley Head. Alabama, in 1911.
Politically, be was a Democrat. The mother of our subject attended the
common schools and she is still living in Warren county, Tennessee, being
now advanced in years.
William M. Maxwell, who was the only child of bis parents, grew to
manhood mi the homestead in Warren county. Tennessee, where he assisted
bi-. father with the general farm work when he became of proper age, and
there he received a limited education in the public schools, lie began life as
a farmer, which he continued successfully until [898, when he left his native
--late and came to Springfield, Missouri, lie first engaged in the grocery
business, in which he was uniformly successful, and operated a store at
several different places, in later years his location being on West Cummer-
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. 1625
cial street. Four years ago he moved his business to the corner of Broad
and Chase streets. He always carried a full line of staple and fancy groc-
eries and, dealing honestly and courteously with his many customers, re-
tained their good will, and he continued in this business until in February,
1914, when he was appointed justice of the peace by the county court for
North Campbell township, and he has since been faithfully discharging the
duties of the same in a manner that reflects much credit upon himself and to
the satisfaction of all concerned. He has a very suitable office at 212J/2
East Commercial street. His decisions are marked by firmness and ability
as to law and justice. He owns a good home on West Chase street.
Air. Maxwell was married on December 28, 1897, m Lafayette, Georgia,
to Bessie Derbery, who was born at Coal City, Georgia, and was a daughter
of John and Martha Derbery, natives of that locality in Georgia, also where
they were all reared, educated in the common schools and were married.
The death of Mrs. Maxwell occurred on August 1, 1907. She was a woman
of many of the winning characteristics of the Southern lady and was a
favorite with her many friends.
To Mr. and Mrs. Maxwell one child was born, William Rufus, whose
birth occurred in Spring-field, Missouri, October 28, 1898. He is now at-
tending high school.
Politically, Mr. Maxwell is a Democrat and loyal in his affiliations to
the party. Fraternally, he belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fel-
lows, the Knights of Maccabees and the Modern Woodmen. Religiously,
he is a member of the Central Christian church.
JOSEPH S. EAGLEBURGER.
It is no very rare thing for a poor boy in our country to become a
prosperous man and occupy a commanding position in the business world,
but many who have fought their way from poverty to wealth, from ob-
scurity to prominence, retain some marks and scars of the conflict. They
are apt to be narrow and grasping, even if not sordid and unscrupulous.
Joseph S. Eagleburger, who for many years was one of the enterprising
farmers of Greene count}- but now engaged in the grocery business in
Springfield, although he did not come up from the ranks of the poverty
stricken and has not reached the affluence of the rich, yet he has worked
his way from a modest beginning to a comfortable station in the world of
affairs, being an instance of a man who has achieved success without paying
the price at which it is so often bought. His success has not removed him
further from his fellow men, but has brought him into nearer and more
1626 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
intimate relations with them, and although he has led a busy life, he has
yet found time to devote to those interests which develop the intellectual
and moral nature of man, living not to himself alone, but laboring, when
necessary, to aid his fellow men.
Air. Eagleburger was born March 1, 1853, in Noble county, Indiana.
He is a son of John and Frances (Spencer) Eagleburger. The father was
a native of Switzerland and the mother was born in Connecticut. The
former grew' to manhood in his native land and there attended school and
learned the trade of shoemaker, which he followed until he emigrated to
.the United States, after which he followed general farming. He was mar-
ried in Ohio. He finally removed about 1856 with his family to Story
county. Iowa, where his death occurred about 1888. His widow survived
some two years, dying in Greene county, Missouri, in 1890. They were
the parents of the following children: William and Samuel are deceased;
James lives in Story county. Iowa: Margaret lives in Story count}-, Iowa;
Isaac lives in Greene count}-. Missouri : Lucy lives in Moniteau county, Mis-
souri ; Joseph S., of this sketch; Susan lives in Washington ; John is deceased.
Joseph S. Eagleburger received a common school education in Iowa, and
he grew to manhood on the farm, and began life for himself as a farmer,
which he followed with success up to six years ago. He remained in Iowa
until the fall of 1873, then moved to northwestern Kansas and took up
government land which he operated about twelve years, then moved back
tn Iowa, and in 1885 came to Greene county, Missouri, locating ten miles
north of Springfield, buying fifty acres. As he prospered with advancing
years lie added to tins until he became owner of two hundred and forty
acres, all in Franklin township. He carried on general farming and stock
raising there until [908, when he sold out and moved to Springfield and on
Jul}' 20th of that year began in the grocery business at his present location,
2304 Springfield avenue, where he owns a substantial brick block and is
conducting a thriving business under the firm name of Eagleburger & Son.
carrying a large stock of staple and fancy groceries, feed ami flour.
Mr. Eagleburger was married June 3, 1S82. in Kansas, to Mary Xoel,
who was born in Lee county, Illinois. April 23, 1859. She is a daughter
of Mathias and Anna ( Fredericks) Xoel. who were natives of Prussia, emi-
grating to this country in their early years and locating in Lee county,
Illinois, where they established the family home. Mrs. Eagleburger, wife
of the subject of this sketch, was one of sixteen children, thirteen of whom
still live in various sections of the United States.
Mrs. Eagleburger moved to Kansas shortly before her marriage. Her
parents died in Illinois. She received a good education.
Ten children have been born to our subject and wife, seven of whom
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. 1 627
are still living, namely: Barbara, John (deceased), Frank, Charles, George,
Ella, Maud, Bert, Lillian (deceased), and Blanche.
Politically, Mr. Eagleburger is a Democrat. He is a member of the
Independent Order of Odd bellows, including the Encampment. He be-
longs to the Baptist church, in which he is a deacon and is active.
J. W. FOWLER.
It seems there is no start in life which so well prepares a man for bis
future career, no matter what he may choose to follow as the boyhood years
spent on the farm; this is not strange to the contemplative mind, for, in the
first place, the boy reared next to nature, to the fresh soil, surrounded by
the clear air and amidst the growing, blooming vegetation will be stronger
physically and mentally than his city-bred brother, and will agree that
health is the first prerequisite in the chase for success in this world ; many
a man has been handicapped, submerged and defeated because of lack of it.
J. W. Fowler, chief stationary engineer of the south side Frisco shops.
Springfield, was fortunate enough to be born and reared on a farm, and
thus has a hertiage of physical strength which has stood him well in hand.
Mr. Fowler was born on the farm of his parents near Tipton, Missouri,
November 24, 18(14. He is a son of G. W. and Parmelia (Hodges) Fowler.
The father was born in Pennsylvania, in 1842, and is still living on his
farm near Tipton, Missouri, having engaged in farming all his life. Ik
came from the Keystone state to Missouri more than half a century ago
and has lived here ever since. During the ( ivil war he enlisted at Tipton
and made a splendid record as a soldier.
G. W. Fowler was a young man when he came to tins state and he
married near there, his wife Inning been born on a farm there in 18 \~ .
Fourteen children were born to this union, nine of whom are still living,
namely: J. W., of this sketch; Mrs. Nancy Sehklin, wife of a merchant:
Mrs. Sarah D. Mock, wife of a farmer; William M. is a blacksmith; Edwin
is a boilermaker; Mrs. Dosia Williams married a farmer; Mrs. Edna Hat-
field; Mrs. Millie B. Moon married a farmer; Harrison is engaged in farm-
ing; the others are deceased.
J. W. Fowler grew up on the home farm and spent his earlier years
engaged in tilling the soil. He received a common school education. He
came to Springfield in 1889 and has since made his home in this city. He
began working for the Eversol & Son Milling Company as stationary engi-
neer. He liked the work, studied it and became an expert in his line. After
a few years he went to work for the Frisco Lines in their south side shops
T628 GREKNE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
as extra stationary engineer, where he became chief engineer and he still
holds this position. His long service with the Frisco would indicate that
he has given entire satisfaction and that he is a capable and trustworthy
employee. He has not had a shutdown in more than twenty-four years,
during working hours, or since he has been with the Frisco.
Mr. Fowler was married twice, first, to Augusta Breckinridge, at
Tipton, Missouri. She was born November 25, 1864, at Galloway, Mis-
souri. Her death occurred February g, 1901. To this union four children
were born, namely: Ira, born September 23. 1887, married Kate Campbell,
he is a boilermaker and lives in Springfield; Roy, born February 15, 1890,
married Grace Edwards, and he is employed as blacksmith in the south side
Frisco shops; Earl, born April 3, 1S98. lives at home; Clara A., born May
31, 1901, is at home. On November 10, 1914, Mr. Fowler married the
second time in St. Louis, Priscilla Givan. a widow of Wm. Givan. She was
born January 17, 1866. She is a daughter of Albert and Nancy (Butterball)
Daugherty. Mrs. Fowler was born in Pennsylvania and she received a
common school education. She came to Missouri when young. The second
union of our subject and wife has been without issue.
Politically. Mr. Fowler is a Republican. He belongs to the Knights
of Pythias and the Modern Woodmen. He is a member of the First
Baptist church.
EDGAR T. EM FRY.
A large percent, of the men in railroad service have come from the
farms. There has ever been a certain fascination in this life for the farmer
boy and while yet scarcely old enough to hold steadily the plow handles
they began dreaming and planning of a career "on the road." This class
is peculiarly fitted for railroad work, which requires men of strong physique,
steady nerve and grit. One of this number is Edgar T. Emery, of Spring-
field, a [''risen engineer, who has had a successful career from the start
as railroader. Mr. Emery was born on a farm in Clark county, Iowa, Octo-
ber 31, 1855, lie is a son of James H. and Sarah Elizabeth (Dufur)
Emery. The father was born in Ohio, October 2~. 1830, and his death
occurred in Whitewater. Wisconsin, May 7, 1904. The mother of our
subject was born in Washington county, Ohio. May 4. 1834, and although
past her eightieth birthday, is hale and hearty and makes her home with
the subject of this sketch. These parents grew to maturity in their native
state and there received limited educations, and were married in Henry
county, Illinois. From there they removed to Iowa in pioneer times, making
the overland journey with an ox team, entering land from the government
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. 1 629
in Clark county, where they established the family home by hard work
and perseverance. James II. Emery was a carpenter by trade, which lie
followed in his earlier years, but later devoted his attention to farming
and stock raising. He moved back to Illinois when our subject was a
small child but did not remain there long, and in 1887 the family moved
to Whitewater, Wisconsin, where the elder Emery followed contracting and
building and where his death occurred. Politically, he was a Republican,
and fraternally was a member of the Independent Order of ( hid Fellows.
His family consisted of three children, namely: Edgar T., of this sketch;
Eva L., born October 1, [858, married a Mr. Storm and they make their
home in California; William, born March 28, 1863, died April i, 1866.
Edgar T. Emery grew to manhood on the farm in Iowa and there at-
tended the common schools. \tter leaving school he began working for the
Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad Company. April 15, 1874, at Creston,
Iowa, as an oil boy." his duties being to look after the "oil house." On
September 1, 1875 he was put to firing a switch engine, on which he worked
for six months, then worked as fireman from Creston to Ottumwa. He
continued in the employ of that road as fireman until October 17, 1880,
when he was promoted to locomotive engineer on the same run which he
retained until the big strike on that road. February jj, 1888, In June. [889,
he came to Kansas City, Missouri, and secured a position on the old Kansas
City. Ft. Scott & Memphis road, as engineer, out of that city on the Ozark
division. On June 15, 1893, he was injured in a wreck, breaking a leg, which
necessitated his giving up the road for some time. Later he took a position
running a stationary engine in the Springfield south side shops, which posi-
tion he has continued to hold since May, 1894, giving his usual satisfactory
service.
Mr. Emery ivas married .May 4, 1880, in Creston, Iowa, to Ada Mice
Reynolds, who was born in Macon county, West Virginia, March _•(;, 1X62,
where she grew to womanhood and attended school. She is a daughter of
Edward and Laura I Turner) Reynolds, the father dying when Mrs.
Reynolds was quite small and when she was eleven years old her mother
<\u.<\. They both were natives of West Virginia. Mr. Reynolds served four
years in the Confederate army, having enlisted at Mason City, West Vir-
ginia, at about the beginning of the war.
Three children have been born to Mr. and ?drs. Emery, namely: Ray
W.. born Jul_\- 2, 1881, is a jeweler by trade and lives in Texas; the other
two children died in infancy unnamed.
Mr. Emery belongs to the Masonic Order, including the Chapter and
Commandery. He is a member of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engi-
neers. He also belongs to the Modern Woodmen and the Knights of
Pythias, is a member of the Grand Lodge of the state of Missouri. Po-
163O GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
litically, he is a Republican. His wife is a member of Xo. 1, White Shrine,
and the Eastern Star.
Air. Emery has a good home on Broad street, Springfield. He often
recalls the fact that he fired engine No. 308, with Engineer John Francis,
in 1879, that pulled the train on which rode General Grant when he made
his trip around the world.
ROSWELL K. HART.
To the pioneer more than to any other is civilization indebted for the
brightest jewel in its diadem, for it was he that biazed the trail and acted
as van-guard for the mighty arm}- of progress that within the last cen-
tury has conquered Greene county's wilderness and wild prairies and trans-
formed this section of the Ozark region into one of the fairest and most
enlightened of the commonwealth of Missouri's domains. One of this
number is Roswell K. Hart, a veteran of the Civil war. who is one of the
earliest settlers of Wilson township, this county, and who, after a successful
life as farmer and stock man is living in retirement in Springfield.
Air. Hart was born June 7, 1820. in North Carolina, and when four
years old emigrated with his parents to Bedford county, Tennessee, and
there grew to manhood and was educated. He is a son of Henry and
Barbara (Lambeth) Hart, natives of North Carolina. The father of our
subject was a soldier in the war of 181 _'. He moved from Tennessee to
Greene county, Missouri, with his family, where his death occurred, De-
cember 21, 1855, and there his wife died about 1877. They had spent their
lives on a farm. Mr. Hart was a soldier of courage and ability, and be
not only served five years in our second war with Great Britain, but also
served two years in Indian wars prior to that period. His famih consisted
of eight children, only two of whom are living, Mrs. Sally Davis, and
Roswell K., of this sketch.
Our subject received but a limited education, however he has become
a well-informed man through wide reading, lie was twenty-three years
old when be made the overland trip in wagons with his parents to Greene
county. Missouri, from Tennessee, experiencing numerous hardships en
route, and here he has resided ever since, the family having reached here
on December 2, [852, sixty-two years ago. His active life has been spent
in farming and dealing in live Stock. However, he dealt somewhat in the
teaming business, hauling, prior to the Civil war. selling fruit, flour, gro-
ceries and trading with the Indians. At the outbreak of the ("nil war he en-
listed in Springfield, in the Home Guards, and in August, [862, he en-
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. 163I
listed in Company B, Seventy-second Missouri Slate Militia, Federal army,
and at one time he was in charge of a company of men, ranking as major,
and covered the retreat of the Union army from Springfield to Rolla. He
made an excellent record as a soldier, was respected as an officer by his
men and superiors, all acknowledging his courage and ability, and he was
discharged at the close of the war as a lieutenant-colonel. Returning home,
he resumed farming and stock raising in Wilson township, which he helped
put on the map. Selling his farm, he retired from active life about twenty
years ago and moved to Springfield, where he has since resided, now living
in his pleasant home on South Market street. lie also owns other prop-
erties here which he rents.
Mr. Hart was married February 2, 1859, in Springfield to Mary J.
Beal, who was horn near Wilson's creek, this county. She was a daughter
of Daniel and Nancy Real. She was reared in this county, and educated
in the common schools here. Daniel Beal was born in North Carolina,
May 19, 1799- He was a cabinet maker by trade and when a young man
went to Giles county, Tennessee, where he married Nancy Gibson, a daugh-
ter of George Gibson and wife, and they were the parents of seven children,
namely: George T., Allen H., James N., Martha A., Damaris, Mary J. and
Penelope. Mr. Beal remained in Giles county. Tennessee until three of his
children were born, and in 183 1 moved to Lawrence county, Missouri, and
settled near where Verona now stands. Judge James White came the same
time, and here Mr. Beal made a clearing and began his home. He was
in company with Judge White in the ownership of land and as they thought
the tract of land not large enough for loth. Mr. Beal sold out and came to
whit is now known as Greene county, the latter part of 1833 and settled
on Wilson's creek, in Campbell township, four miles west of Springfield.
Here he cleared up a farm and passed the remainder of his days, owning
two hundred and eighty-eight acres. In politics, he was a Democrat, and
both he and his wife were members of the Baptist church. Mr. Beal lived
to the age of about forty-seven years and died, December 7. 1S47. He was
one of the old pioneers of southwest Missouri and highly respected by the
older settlers, by whom he was well known as a man of integrity and char-
acter and honest worth.
Seven children were born to Col. Roswell K. Mart and wife, namely:
Nancy A., who married Louis Hendricks, of Christian count}', Missouri;
Mrs. Halley A. Alexander lives in Brownwood, Texas; the third child died
in infancy, unnamed; Alveria, of Springfield; Samuel K., of Houston,
Texas; Andy T., of Greene county; and William H., who is a resident of
Austin, Texas.
The death of Mrs. Mar)- J. Hart occurred February 26, 1914, at the
age of sixty-five years.
Iu32 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
Politically, Colonel Hart is a Democrat. He is a member of the Chris-
tian church, as was his wife. He belongs to the John Matthews Post. Grand
Army of the Republic, at Springfield
JOHX MALONEY CHRISMAN.
Greene county and other parts of southwestern .Missouri are greatly
-indebted to the grand old state, "the Mother of Presidents,- for the Old
Dominion has sent to us a large number of her enterprising and high-minded
citizens who have done much toward a general upbuilding of this locality.
They have, almost without exception, proven to be most desirable and
valuable citizens, being ever willing to assist in the material, moral and
civic upbuilding of the localities in which they have settled, and they have
brought to us not only a commendable industrial and public spirit but a re-
finement of manners which has made for the good of this mountain coun-
try, originally somewhat uncouth and rough. One of these citizens from
beyond the Blue Ridge mountains who is deserving of special notice in
these paragraphs was the late John Maloney Chrisman.
Mr. John Maloney Chrisman was born in Lee county, Virginia, Octo-
ber 23, 1 84 1. He was a son of Gabriel S. and Margaret '( Maloney) Chris-
man. Gabriel S. Chrisman was bom November 14, 1814. in the same county
and state, and was a son of Isaac and Sarah (Yearv) Chrisman. Isaac
Chrisman was also a native of Lee county. Virginia, as was his father Ga-
briel Chrisman. Gabriel Chrisman in the early fort.es removed to Jackson
county. Missouri, where he farmed until the early fifties, when he moved
to Andrew county. Missouri, where he spent the remainder of his life
Isaac Chrisman devoted his life to farming and preaching, being an old
school Baptist preacher. He moved to Greene county, Missouri', in the
spring of 1851. He purchased a farm near Ozark, Christian county this
state, m 1852. and moved his family thereto. He entered eighty acre, of
land which belongs to the estate of the subject of this sketch The elder
Chrisman fanned this land until his death in ,873. Gabriel Chrisman hi.
son, then purchased the farm which he fanned for some time, finally selling
it to his .on. John M. Crisman, of this sketch. Gabriel S. Chrisman's death
occurred m 1901. Margaret Maloney, mother of John M Chrisman, was
born ,n Addington county, Virginia, in t8io, and was a daughter of fohn
Maloney. She and Gabriel S. Chrisman grew to maturity in their native
locality and were married there in 1833. Her death occurred in 1800 on
the old honu-Mead in Christian county, Missouri.
John M. Chrisman grew to manhood on the farm, where he worked
JOHN* M. CHRISMAX.
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. 1 633
during the summer months, and in the winter time he attended the district
schools. On March 28, 1862, he enlisted in the Missouri State Militia,
Company B, Fourteenth Regiment, which was afterwards mounted and
known as the Fourth Cavalry, Mr. Chrisman being transferred to Company
M of the same. He saw some exciting service, mostly in fighting guerillas.
He was in Springfield as a member of the Home Guards in August, 1861,
when the battle of Wilson's Creek was fought; he was at Jefferson City in the
fight against Gen. Sterling Price's army in 1864, and on October 9th of
that year he was wounded in the left shoulder and side at the battle of
California, this state. He was later brought back to Jefferson City and from
there fought bushwhackers. He caught the smallpox in Sedalia, because of
which he lost his eyesight in January, 1865, in Jefferson City. He was
mustered out of service March 28, 1865, as first sargeant of his company
and honorably discbarged.
After the war he returned to the farm and, in 1869, went to St. Louis,
where he spent two years in an institution for the blind learning the trade
of a broom maker. He resumed general farming, broom making and stock
raising, which he carried on successfully until 1881, when he moved to
the city of Springfield, where he lived a retired life. His family now own
a finely improved and valuable farm of three hundred and twenty acres
in Christian county, also several pieces of valuable city property.
Mr. Chrisman was married May 1, 1881, to Mary Day, who was born
in Walworth county, Wisconsin, February 20, 1845. She is a daughter of
Isham and Emily (Bigelow) Day, a highly respected family of that county.
where she grew to womanhood and was educated. Her father was 1>< ira
in Tennesee in 1810, and died April 7, 1862, in Christian county, Missouri.
being killed by guerrillas. The mother was born in Nova Scotia, April 27,
1810, and she died about fifteen years ago. Mrs. John M. Chrisman's
father was a farmer and preacher of the Christian church.
To Mr. and Mrs. Chrisman three children were born, one dying in
infancy: Oscar D., born on July 1, 1884, lives in Springfield; he married
Katherine E. Ramsey on June 1, 191 1 ; she is a daughter of J. W. Ramsey.
Oscar D. Chrisman was appointed assistant city engineer about three years
ago. Pearl L., bom on May 2, 1887, died on March 22, 191 1.
Politically Mr. Chrisman was a Republican. He was -a member of the
Grand Army of the Republic, and religiously was a member of the Christian
church. He led a quiet, honorable life and had a host of friends wherever
he was known.
The death of John M. Chrisman occurred August 24. 19 14 in his
seventy-third year.
( 103")
1634 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
JAMES B. JOHNSTON.
One of the well-known citizens of the north side in Springfield is James
B. Johnston, the popular justice of the peace, who has been a citizen of
Greene county for nearly thirty years. Over three decades of his life has
been devoted to railroading on various roads and in various capacities, and
for some time with the Frisco system, his last position being passenger
conductor. He is a veteran of the Union army, having fought gallantly
for his adopted country during its greatest crisis, although he was born
under another flag. Since casting his lot among us he has been regarded
as a good citizen in every respect.
Air. Johnston was born in Toronto, Canada, September 4, 1841. He is
a son of Benjamin and Ann ( Davison ) Johnston. The father was born
in the same city and province. March 14, 1809, and the mother was born in
Nova Scotia, May 30, 181 3. They grew to maturity in their native Domin-
ion and were educated in the common schools and married there, establishing
their home in Toronto, where they lived until 1846, when they removed
to Carroll county, Illinois, making the overland journey by team, after cross-
ing the lake, and located on the wild prairie, where the father of our sub-
ject secured land, which he developed into a good farm, and there spent the
rest of his life engaged in general farming. He learned to be a mechanic
when young and worked at his trade for a number of years. His death
occurred at Sterling. Blinois, February 3, 1873, and there the death of his
wife occurred in July, 1890, having survived him seventeen years. They
were the parents of nine children, three of whom are still living; they are,
James B., of this review: Mary E., and Eugenia.
James B. Johnston was five years of age when his parents removed with
him from his native province to Carroll county. Illinois, and there he grew
to manhood on his father's farm, which he helped develop, and he received
his education in the district schools in that neighborhood, later attending
the Rock River Seminary in Ogle county, that state, and he was still a stu-
dent in that institution when the Civil war broke out, and on November 5,
1861, he enlisted from Carroll county, in Company B. Seventh Illinois Cav-
alry, under Col. William I'itt Kellogg. Henry C. Forbes was the captain and
Gen. Benjamin Grierson and he did a great deal of scouting and raiding,
including the well known Grierson raid. He was discharged at Nashville,
Tennessee, December 17. [864, receiving an honorable discharge. He re-
turned home al once, and later entered a commercial college in Chicago,
where he spent one summer and remained in that city during the summer of
[865, ami in September went home, remaining on the farm, and in February
of 1867 went to Omaha. Nebraska, where he took a position as brakeman
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. 1635
with the Union Pacific railroad, at which he worked until 1868, when he
quit and went to Iowa, where he engaged in business for himself until 1874,
when he took up railroading again and worked as brakeman, freight and
passenger conductor on several different roads, and in 1886 he came to
Springfield, Missouri, and went to work on the Ozark division of the old
Kansas City, Ft. Scott & Memphis road, later worked for the Frisco. He
continued railroading until the fall of 1898, when he was elected justice of
the peace, and he has been re-elected three times, and is now serving his
fourth term. His office is located at 2i2}4 East Commercial street, Spring-
field. That he has given the utmost satisfaction as a public servant is evi-
dent from the fact that he has been retained so long in office. His decisions
have ever been noted for a clear conception of the law and for their uniform
fairness to all parties concerned, and they have seldom met with reversal at
the hands of higher tribunals.
Mr. Johnston was married twice, first on October 15, 186S, at Boone,
Iowa, to Amelia L. Mastin, a native of Illinois, and to this union four chil-
dren were bom, all surviving at this writing, namely: Benjamin R., John
D., Ida M. and Verde D. On January 15, 1889, our subject married Re-
becca McRae, which union has been without issue.
Politically. Mr. Johnston is a Republican. He is a member of the
McCroskey Post No. 210, Grand Army of the Republic, the Order of Rail-
way Conductors and the Knights of Pythias.
LEON MORICE.
The close friendship which has existed between the United States and
France since the infancy of the former has been mutually helpful and pleas-
ant to both nations and it has been especially fortunate for America, the
younger nation having received many valuable lessons in statesmanship, art,
science and other things from the older republic across the sea. And these
two peoples, though speaking a different language and having, in a large
measure, different aims in life, have ever harmonized and fraternized. It
has been principally our idle rich and our students who have taken up their
abodes in France, but all classes have come to our country from there, and
here the peasant, tradesman, in fact, most everyone of the middle, working
classes have found good homes and remunerative businesses, by the thou-
sands, in our different states. We have welcomed them, not alone on ac-
count of the friendship existing between our governments, but because her
people are invariably industrious, courteous, agreeable to associate with, and,
for the most part, honorable and trustworthy. One of the vast army of
1636 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
emigrants from that sunny clime to this country was the late Leon Morice,
who. for a period of twenty-nine years was a well known business man in
Springfield and a good and useful citizen who deserved the high respect
which was accorded him by all.
Mr. Morice was born in France, April 16, 1845. His parents were na-
tives of that country where they spent their lives, and there our subject
grew to manhood and received his education, and when a young man learned
the lithographer's trade, also worked for some time as bookkeeper. When
eighteen years of age he emigrated to the United States, first locating in
Fort Wayne. Indiana, and from there came to St. Louis, where he engaged
in his trade of lithographer, at which he was exceptionally skilled, conse-
quently found ready employment wherever he desired to work. Remaining
in St. Louis until in May, 1876, he came to Springfield and here established
his permanent home. He engaged in the candy manufacturing business with
his wife's brother, E. J. Bourquenot. They were successful from the first,
their trade increasing with advancing years, and they became the best known
and most extensive candy manufacturers in the city and continued in this
business until the death of our subject. Everyone knows their neat, inviting
and pleasant store on South street, and it is still maintained by Edmond L.,
son of our subject, who has added a bakery and does a large retail business.
Leon Morice was married while living in St. Louis, January 6, 1876. to
Aurelia Bourquenot, who was born in Richmond, Virginia, January 1, 1851,
and is a daughter of Xavier and Anna ( Weinman) Bourquenot, both natives
of France, the father burn on June 17, 1815, died on September 13, 1885;
the mother was born on February 28. 1819, and died in 1908. These par-
ents grew up in their native land, were educated and married there, and
emigrated to the United States in 1850, landing in Xew York City on Sep-
tember 13th of that year, but they went direct to Richmond, Virginia, where
they established their home. The father of .Mrs. Morice was a machinist
by trade, was highly skilled, and he was also a locomotive engineer. His
family consisted of four children, three of whom are living at this writing,
namely: Eugene, Melanie, Aurelia, who became the wife of Mr. Morice of
this memoir, and Victoria, who is deceased. Mrs. Morice received a good
common school education, spending her girlhood in Richmond and St. Louis.
She lives in her pleasant cottage on Dollison street, Springfield.
To Mr. and Mrs. .Morice four children were born, all of whom survive,
namely: Edmond 1... born on January 21, 1870. married on January 8,
190-', Ann J. O'Byrne, a daughter of James and Margaret 1 Hayse) O'Byrne,
and he is managing the candy store formerly owned by his father, which
place he now owns and is running same successfully and up to his former
high standard of excellence: he has two daughters, Josephine, born on
Kovcmber 1. 1908, and Margaret Aurelia. born on July 19, 1908; Eugenia,
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. 1637
born April 4, 1881, married H. T. Ford, and they live in Springfield; Leonie,
born on October 8, 1884. is single and living at home; Adele, born on
December 4, 1886, married William O'Byrne, and they also live in this city.
Politically, Mr. Morice was a Democrat. He and his family were
reared in the Catholic faith and have ever been faithful to the same.
The death of Leon .Morice occurred on July ji, 1905, when nearly
sixty years of age.
JAMES S. WADDELL.
The fair Sunflower state has developed into one of the greatest in the
sisterhood of forty-eight commonwealths in our beloved Union, and she has
produced men and women of a rare strength of mind and chraracter, who
have taken their places in the nation along with the best. Her native chil-
dren find so fine opportunities within her own border that they seldom
leave, especially to come east, and so there are few Kansasans to be found
in Greene county, Missouri. James S. Waddell, a contractor of Spring-
field, is one of these.
Air. Waddell was horn in Saline count}-, Kansas, September 28, 1873.
He is a son of James and Elcena I Selmon ) Waddell. The father was born
in Des Moines county, Iowa, in 1813. the mother was born near Ouincy,
Illinois, in 1836. She was a second cousin of Abraham Lincoln. These
parents grew up in their respective communities, received limited educa-
tions and when young each removed to the state of Kansas, in pioneer days,
and there met and married. James Waddell was a merchant in his earlier
days, but the latter part of his life was devoted to agricultural pursuits. He
maintained the first store that was ever established in what is now the
thriving city of Salina, Kansas. His death occurred at Lawrence, that state,
in the year 1880. His widow survived thirty years, dying July 6, 1910, near
Nashville, Missouri. The only child born to these parents was the subject
of this sketch.
James S. Waddell grew to manhood in Kansas and received a some-
what limited education in the schools of Ft. Scott, that state. He followed
farming and mining until he came to Springfield. Missouri in 1900, when
he went to work in the repair department of the north side Frisco shops,
remaining with this company about fne years. Upon leaving the shops in
1905 he began cement contracting, building curbs, sidewalks, etc., which
business he has since conducted alone anil in an eminently satisfactory and
successful manner, enjoying a wide patronage, and promptness and honesty
have been his watchwords.
Mr. Waddell was married February 23, 1897, in Taney county, vMis-
1638 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
souri, to Grace Wicks, who was born in Kansas, May 29, 1879. She is
a daughter of John K. and Maggie ( Waterbury) Wicks, both natives of
the state of New York, where they were reared, attended school and were
married and where they spent their earlier lives, finally moving west and
establishing their home in Taney county, Missouri.
Four children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Waddell, namely: Elsie,
born November 22, 1897; Stella, born April 9. 1901 ; John, born April 8,
1904; Frank, born October 12, 191 1.
Politically, Mr. Waddell is an independent voter, preferring to cast
his ballot for the men whom he deems the most capable and honorable for
public positions, rather than for any special party, and is a member of
the American Brotherhood of Cement Workers No. 1S1.
WILLIAM RULLKOETTER.
On June 26, 1864, William Rullkoetter was bom in Oberbauerschaft,
Westfalen, Germany. Before the boy was five years of age the mother had
died and because the father had been drafted and served through two cam-
paigns, the Austrian and Franco-German war, he grew up in the home of
his mother's people. From six to fourteen he attended the village school
and stood for three years at the head of the school. Because of this record,
he was urged to complete his education at the expense of the community.
Preferring to depend on his two strong arms, this offer was refused and
plans were made to enter the army as a volunteer and there to continue his
education. However, in 1881, the immigration fever impelled him to come
to America, "the land of promise," instead of joining the army. After
working in Ohio and Nebraska for five years, at from twelve to eighteen
dollars per month and saving nine hundred dollars, he decided to enter the
Academy of Hastings College, Nebraska. Of this he says: "Since I had
not been inside of a school house for eight years and never inside of an
English school, it was a struggle in the dark, but gradually there came
intermittent rays of light and finally daybreak." Of the class of forty who
entered the Academy with him, he alone entered the college and in the
junior college year took the prize for English. Entering the University of
Chicago in the fall of [892, he was graduated with the first class in 1893.
Having received a fellowship in history for two consecutive years, he did
post-graduate work until the fall of 1:896, when he was called to the chair
of history in Drury College, which position he has held continuously until
the failure of his health in 1912.
By work during the summer quarters, Mr. Rullkoetter received the
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. [639
reward of his ambition, the degree of Doctor of Philosophy, in 1899, an(l
in the next year his thesis on "The Position of Woman Among the Early
Germans" was published and has become an authoritative work on this in-
teresting phase of German history.
The influence of Doctor Rullkoetter as a teacher is best told in the
words of a former pupil, when he said, "Doctor Rullkoetter, or Doctor Billy,
as he is affectionately called, in a remarkable way took hold upon those
whom he instructed, and influenced their lives mightily. His great motives
were contagious and his fine philosophy of life became the dominant note in
the lives of his students." A prominent business man said a short time ago,
"I had the good fortune to have some great teachers in college and univer-
sity, but somehow, what Doctor Billy said stays with me. He gave me a
method of thinking. He enabled me to see myself in vital and significant
relationships which, while they seem to remove the emphasis from the indi-
vidual, they nevertheless, by the very fact of socializing him, make him
vastly more important. I find myself thinking his thoughts and gauging
my theories and my conduct by his philosophy."
While at the University of Chicago, Doctor Rullkoetter was an earnest
student and an ardent admirer of the great historian, Von Hoist, hollow-
ing his own inclinations and under this inspiration, his mind naturally
turned to the great social, political and moral problems of the day the light
which an exhaustive knowledge of history and economics throws upon them.
In his capacity as one of the leaders of thought in municipal affairs, he was
persistent and unyielding in his opposition to petty politics and corporate
greed.
Quoting again from the writing of Mr. S. J. Vaughn : "Many years
ago," I heard him say repeatedly, 'The next quarter of a century must face
and solve the problem of industrialism. The forces of education and society
must take cognizance of the conditions, problems and hideous wrongs which
the growth of monopolized industry has forced upon the helpless and depen-
dent. It will probably be settled by those forces bringing about an orderly,
readjusting evolution; if not in this manner, then by a blood-letting
revolution." "
Continuing, Mr. Vaughn states, "Doctor Rullkoetter was the first man
I ever heard use the term 'social consciousness." His was the first influence
on me personally, looking toward education for efficiency, freedom and hap-
piness of those who must toil with their hands. His words rang in our
ears, 'It must come, and it is the business of the men and women of the
next quarter of a century to bring it about." In the light of what has taken
place along these lines in recent years, these words seem almost prophetic.
In the matter of social consciousness, he has lived and still lives far in
advance of his day."
164O GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
His literary work has been continued in an outline of history, especially
a medieval and in an interpretation of some of the German masterpieces.
Commenting on these interpretations, one of his former colleagues on the
Drury faculty writes:, "I shall be most happy to tell others of these fresh
and keen sighted 'interpretations/ I want all my friends to know Doctor
Rullkoetter and in this way they may." A prominent alumnae says:
"Doctor Rullkoetter's own honesty and breadth of view and bravery have
enabled him to give a rarely sympathetic interpretation of Faust. The gen-
eral favorite of the three interpretations, however, has been the 'New Inter-
pretation (if Wilhelm Tell.' All of us feel very strongly the originality and
truth of such an interpretation."
Any sketch of the life of Professor Rullkoetter would be incomplete
without mention of his ten years of service in the summer school, both at
Drurv and for five years at the Normal. That the memory and influence
of his chapel talks during the three years he was director of the Drury Sum-
mer School still linger in the minds and hearts of the teachers of. the
Southwest.
Schiller asserts: " A good man thinks of himself only at last." Doc-
tor Rullkoetter thought of his home, his children, his students and if he
thought of himself at all, it was only at last.
WILLIAM CLINTON FARMER.
( >ne of the successful business men of Springfield, who has mounted
the industrial ladder unaided is William Clinton Farmer, organizer and
manager of the Electric Bottling Company, lie has been a close observer
of modern methods and is a student at all times of life as we of the twenti-
eth century live it. and is therefore a broad-minded man oi affairs, who is
no doubt destined to still greater accomplishments in the future.
Mr. Farmer was born in Milford, Illinois. January 11, 1866. He is a
son of William Wallace Farmer and Melissa 1 Willis 1 Farmer. The father
was born on a farm near Attica, Indiana, in 1843, a,1(' was a son 0I pioneer
parents of that place, and there he grew to manhood and worked on the
home farm, and received a country school education. Leaving the home-
stead when he became of age he went to Milford, Illinois, where he engaged
in the grocer) business, married and remained there until 1870 when he
removed with his family to Emporia, Kansas, and engaged in the live stock
business, handling imported horses, for the most part, the first ever sold in
Lyon countv. He remained there until [886 when he located in Osceola,
St. Clair county, Missouri, where he engaged in the livery and transfer busi-
GREENE COUNTY, .MISSOURI. I ( 14 I
ness until his death in November, [908. Politically he was a Democrat,
and fraternally was a Mason. Melissa Willis, mother of our subject, was a
native of < >hio, married Mr. Farmer in 1865. and her death occurred in 1909.
William C. Farmer received a good education in the schools of Mil-
turd, Illinois, and Emporia, Kansas. He studied pharmacy and went in
the drug business in Collins, St. Clair county, Missouri, in 1887, continu-
ing the same successfully for a period of twelve years, then went to Osceola
as agent for the Pabst Brewing Company, of Milwaukee, where he remained
until 1905 when he came to Springfield as distributor for that company,
continuing with the same until 1907, giving the firm eminent satisfaction
in every respect. Desiring to go into business for himself he organized the
Electric Bottling Company in 1907, which has proven to be one of the
leading concerns of its kind in southern Missouri, and he is now owner and
manager of the same. It is located at 545 West Phelps avenue, but was
first started at the same number on South Campbell street. It was success-
ful from the first, under Mr. Farmer's able management and has rapidly
grown in volume and importance with increasing years until its products are
now finding a ready market over a wide territory, and are regarded as of
a superior quality. A variety of popular carbonated beverages is manufac-
tured here. About four hundred cases a week were manufactured at first,
but this output has increased to three thousand bottles daily, the present
output. The plant was retained at its first location for four years, then
moved to its present convenient location, a substantial one-story brick
building with nine thousand feet of floor space, with a capacity of two car
loads per day. The plant is equipped with every modern device for the
rapid manufacture of high-grade stuff, and fifteen competent assistants are
constantly employed. A sterilizing and washing machine has just been
installed at a cost of over six thousand dollars. Everything about the place
is kept in ship shape, is thoroughly sanitary and managed under a superb
system. The principal products of this well-known plant are coco-cola,
farmer's root beer, ginger ale and sodas of such flavors as orange, lemon,
cherry, cream, grape, strawberry, lemon and lemon sour. A specialty is
made of Polar distilled water, one hundred per cent pure, having a capacity
on this product of seven hundred gallons daily, and a verv large sale is made
from this department alone. Pabst "Blue Ribbon" beer is also handled.
Mr. Farmer was married in July, 1S88, to Myrtle Pritchard, of Wau-
bleau, Missouri. She was born in 1868. and she received her education at
the Christian College of that place. She is a daughter of J. E. and Eliza-
beth (Orr) Pritchard. Her father devoted his active life as millwright.
To Mr. and Mrs. Farmer four children have been born, namely : Wal-
lace E., born on April 23, 1889, is assisting his father in the bottling works;
William C, Jr., born in 1891, is engaged in business with his father; Pau-
1642 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
line (Mrs. Hykraft, Jr., of Nevada, Missouri) was born in 1893; and Vesta,
born in 1895.
Politically, Mr. Farmer is a Democrat. Fraternally, he belongs to the
Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and the Loval Order of Moose.
HIRAM W. DIGGINS.
Hiram W. Diggins was a resident of Springfield for nearly thirty-five
years and one of the best known railroad men in the West. He was born
at La Porte, Indiana, April 30, 1837, a son of Nelson and Katie M. Dig-
gins. His father's people were from the state of New York and his mother's
people from the state of Pennsylvania. When he was two years old his
people moved to a farm near Woodstock. Illinois, and Mr. Diggins grew
to manhood in that section and was educated in the public schools of Wood-
stock, Illinois. He first began clerking in a general merchandise store, but
in 1857 commenced railroad work as freight brakeman on the Chicago &
Northwestern railroad. He was promoted successively to freight conductor
and passenger conductor and in 1867 he quit railroading and for one year
was joint proprietor of the Beaumont hotel at Green Bay, Wisconsin. In
1869 he disposed of his hotel interest in Green Bay and came to Kansas
City and was made a freight conductor on the Missouri River, Fort Scott
& Gulf Railroad ( later, Kansas City, Fort Scott & Memphis railroad and
now a part of the Frisco system). In 1871 he went to Ottawa, Kansas, as
trainmaster of the Leavenworth, Lawrence & Galveston railroad (now
Southern Kansas branch of the Santa Fe). In the latter part of 1873 he
accompanied Octave Chanute to the Erie system and was made superin-
tendent of second track work. He returned to Kansas City in the latter
part of 1 -^74 and shortly afterward took charge of construction train on
Kansas-Midland railroad, building from Topeka to Kansas City. After
completion of this system it was absorbed by the Santa Fe and Air. Dig-
gins was a passenger conductor on Santa Fe system from Kansas City
west for a number of years. In 1879 he came to Springfield as superin-
tendent of the Springfield & Western Missouri railroad, a short line which
had just been purchased by the Kansas City, Fort Scott & Gulf. Mr. Dig-
gins was the superintendent in charge of construction of the Kansas City,
Fort Scott & Gulf railroad and Kansas City, Springfield & Memphis rail-
road, joint systems in their extensions toward Kansas City and toward
Memphis and he remained with the Kansas City. Ft. Scott and Memphis
railroad as superintendent at Springfield from 1879 until 1895, at
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. 1643
which time he retired from railroading and engaged in the fire insurance
business with his son, A. B. Diggins.
Mr. Diggins was married on November 12, 1861, to Emily Keeler, who
was born in Salisbury, Vermont, July 28, 1836, a daughter of Leavens C.
and Emily Norton Keeler. Mrs. Diggins' girlhood days were spent in Ver-
mont, but she had reached young womanhood when her parents moved to
Palatine, Illinois.
Two children were born to Hiram \Y. and Emily K. Diggins, namely,
Charles K., September 30, 1862, who died in March, 1865, and Archibald
B., born on November 19, 1865. Archibald B. married Delle Bosworth, of
Brunswick, Missouri, in 1886. Two children were born to this union,
namely, Doris D. and Emily D.
Hiram W. Diggins was a loyal Mason, a Knight Templar, being a
Past Eminent Commander, and was a loyal member of the Mystic Shrine.
Although a life-long Democrat, he was liberal in politics and was a man
loved and respected by all who knew him and a man who never spoke ill
of any one, and was stanch and loyal to his friends.
The death of Hiram W. Diggins occurred on December 10, 19 10.
WILLIAM B. CLOUD.
It was Oliver Wendell Holmes who said that the human race is divided
into two classes — those that go ahead and do something and those who
sit and inquire, "Why wasn't it done the other way." A review of the
history of the Cloud family of Greene county shows clearly that they have
ever been of the former class, and therefore have not only attained a large
measure of material success, but have contributed in no uncertain degree
to the general development of the community which has been honored by
their residence for three-quarters of a century. When they cast their lot
in Clay township they found a wild, sparsely settled community, and they
endured the usual privations of pioneers, hut being possessed of those quali-
ties which turn adversity into success, they bore with brave hearts the vicissi-
tudes of the early days and in due course of time became well established
and at the same time did much toward the progress of that section of the
county, which owes much to them. A creditable representative of this old
family is William B. Cloud, who for the past eight years has filled the
responsible position of clerk of the Greene County Court, being still incum-
bent of the office. Up to that time he had devoted himself to general agri-
cultural pursuits with ever increasing success, ranking among the best farm-
ers of his native vicinity.
]< )44 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
Air. Cloud was born in section 25, Clay township, this county, October
it), 1862. He is a son of Calvin M. and Elizabeth (Kirshner) Cloud. The
father was a native of Granger county, Tennessee, and the mother was
born in Hawkins county, that state. There they spent their childhood, were
educated in the old-time subscription schools, and were married in Greene
county, Missouri. Leaving their native state in 1838, they traversed the
rough roads westward to Greene county, Missouri, and iocated in Clay
township, entered land from the government, which they improved through
close application and hard toil, and here spent the rest of their lives, the
death of the father occurring in 1887 at the age of sixty-live years, the
mother surviving until January 10, 1895, attaining about the same age as
did her husband. Calvin M. Cloud was a prominent man in his township.
For many years he served the people as justice of the peace, and was also
clerk of the school district for some time. Politically he was a Republican.
His father also entered a farm from the government in Clay township, but
joined the great caravan of gold seekers across the great plains of the West
to California in 1849, anc^ there he spent the rest of his life. Our subject's
maternal grandparents also immigrated to Greene count)- in the early period
of her history, locating in the east part of Campbell township, on the James
river and Pierson creek, and there spent the rest of their lives.
Cabin M. Cloud and wife were the parents of ten children, seven of
whom are still living, namely: .Mrs. L. F. Wills of Norwich, Kansas; John
lames died at Winrield, Kansas, in November. 101^; Mrs. Mary E. Wills,
of Milton, Kansas; Mrs. Martha M. Gault is deceased; Mrs. Lucy A.
Wrightsman, of Springfield, Missouri; Thomas H. lives in Winlield, Kan-
sas; Mrs. Sarah R. Kinser is deceased; William B., subject of this sketch;
Mrs. Harriet E. t hapman, of Ozark, Missouri; Edward C. lives near Grand-
field, ( (klahoma.
William B. Cloud grew to manhood on the home farm and he received
his education in the rural schools of Clay township, and later took a busi-
ness course, lie remained on the home farm, oi which he owns eighty
acres, which he has kept well improved and under a high state of cultiva-
tion, and the buildings well repaired. He remained on tin- farm until he
was elected clerk of the county court eight years ago, taking office on
January t. [907. lie now resides in Springfield, lie lias tilled the office
of clerk in an able and satisfactory manner, being painstaking, obliging and
courteous to the public, and is popular with all who have occasion t" visit
the office or having dealings with the court.
Mr. (loud married, in [886, Mary V. Patterson, who was born, reared
and educated in Clay township, Greene count)'. She is a daughter of Will-
iam Patterson, a well-known contractor and farmer who came here from
Tennessee and established the family home in Clay township main- vears
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. 1 645
aero. Two children have heen born to Mr. and Mrs. Cloud, namely: James
R., now deputy clerk under his father, married Mida Ewing, of Ozark,
Missouri, and thev have two children, Velma Gene and Bernice Burton;
Roxie Inez, the second child of our subject, is also one of his deputies in
the county clerk's office. She married Harry T. Brundidge, Jr., of Kansas
City, where he was a prominent newspaper reporter.
Politically, Mr. Cloud is a Republican. He is prominent in fraternal
circles, holding membership with the Knights and Ladies of Honor, Inde-
pendent Order of Odd Fellows, Modern Woodmen of America, Improved
Order of Red Men, Benevolent and Protective Order of Klks and the Loyal
Order of Moose. He attends the Methodist church, but Mrs. Cloud affili-
ates with the Baptists.
CHARLES CROWDUS.
That the dairy cow can be the means through which agriculture can
be put on a permanent and profitable basis is clearly shown by the history
of Denmark. Forty years ago that country was on the verge of bankruptcy.
The land had been run down through years of continuous grain farming.
The people were poor and dissatisfied and were leaving the country for
America as fast as they could get the money for their passage. A few of
the far-sighted men of the country saw a possible solution of their national
problem in the dairy cow. Dairying was introduced into Denmark, and
now the little nation once poverty-stricken is pointed out as an example of
what can be done when the proper system of farming is followed. The
country is prosperous. The production of the soil has been increased to
more than double what it was forty years ago. People no longer have a
desire to leave, and, as a whole, they arc considered among the best edu-
cated and intelligent of the world. The country exports annually over seven
million dollars' worth of dairy products, to say nothing of the enormous
amount consumed within its borders, and all from an area much less than
one-fourth of Missouri. No country in the world is better adapted for
dairying than the Ozark region, and yet it is surprising how few have
become aware of this fact. Here is a fine rolling country, a good black
limestone soil, an abundance of pure spring water, a long growing season
and the center of an unlimited market. Among the Greene county men
who have had the sagacity to see this opportunity and take advantage of
the same is Charles Crowdus, proprietor of the Crowdus Sanitary Dairy
and Poultry Ranch in Campbell township, in the outskirts of Springfield,
in which city he has long been well known, having for years been connected
with the Heer Dry Goods store prior to taking up his present line of
endeavor.
1646 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
Mr. Crowdus was born at Weatherford, Texas, April 5, 1878. He is
a son of William B. and Mary (Heer) Crowdus, the latter a daughter of
C. H. Heer, of Illinois. He was a native of Hanover, Germany. William
B. Crowdus was born in Kentucky, from which state he came to Spring-
field, Missouri, when a young man, and for a number of years engaged in
the grocery business on the public square and South street. This was in
1873, forty-two years ago. In 1877 ne went to Weatherford, Texas, and
there his death occurred in 1879, when his son, Charles Crowdus was only a
year old; his only other child, a daughter, died in infancy unnamed. Will-
iam B. was a brother of J. C, J. B. and R. L. Crowdus of the Crowdus
Hide & Wool Company, a widely known concern, engaging in business at
Fort Worth, Texas, Oklahoma City, and St. Louis.
Charles Crowdus was brought back to Springfield by his mother soon
after his father's death, and here he grew to manhood and was educated in
the parish schools, later attending Christian Brothers College at St. Joseph,
and Jesuits College at St. Mary's, Kansas, also studied at Notre Dame
University, South Bend, Indiana. Applying himself assiduously he took
advantage of this excellent opportunity for education and became well
equipped for life's serious duties. After leaving school he was with the
Heer Dry Goods store in Springfield for a period of about ten years, where
he did much to make the business a success during that period. Finally
tiring of the exactions of this line of endeavor he moved just south of the
city limits and turned his attention to dairying and poultry raising and has
made a pronounced success in both. He runs a retail route and has built
up a good business in this city, finding ready sales for all his products. He
is well equipped in every respect for the dairy business, having a modernly
appointed dairy barn, convenient, up-to-date and sanitary in even* respect,
and he keeps a superior grade of cows. He makes a specialty of raising
White Wyandotte poultry and has built up a good demand for his fowls and
eggs. He keeps well posted on all phases of the dairy and poultry business
and gives his close attention to each line. He has a cosy home on South
Jefferson street.
Mr. Crowdus was married on October 2, 1009, to Mary Ethelyn Law-
ing, a daughter of R. J. Lawing and wife, an influential family of Ozark,
Christian county, this state. Mr. Lawing is a fanner in that vicinity and
was for a number of years postmaster at Ozark. His wife was known in
her maidenhood as Mary Clark, and to their marriage eight children were
born, all of whom survive at this writing. Mrs. Crowdus grew to woman-
hood in the vicinity of Ozark and received a good education in the local
schools.
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. 1647
To Mr. and Mrs. Crowdus two children have been born, namely:
William Robert, born on June 10, 1912, and John Paul, born on June I, 1914.
Politically, our subject is a Democrat, and he is a member of St.
Agnes Catholic church of Springfield.
ANDREW \Y. MacELVENY.
Inheriting many of the commendable attributes of his sterling Scotch
ancestors, Andrew W. MacElveny has forged to the front in the railroad
service by his individual efforts, alone and unaided, while yet a young man.
1 [e has had a vast experience in remote sections of the United States, where
he has preferred to reside, although born and reared under the British flag,
beyond our northern border in the land of the "mother of snows." We
have always welcomed such men as he, no matter from what clime they
may hail, for he combines the essential elements that make a good citizen.
.Mr. MacElveny, who at present is chief clerk in the general manager's
office of the Frisco lines in Springfield, was born May 5, 1882, at Fred-
ericton, New Brunswick, Canada. lie is a son of Robert MacElveny, who
was born in Scotland, from which country he immigrated to America with
his parents when a young man, the family locating in the Province of New
Brunswick. Early in life he began railroading, eventually becoming master
mechanic for the Inter-Colonial Railway Company in New Brunswick,
remaining there until in the eighties, when he removed with his family to
Winnipeg, Province of Manitoba, where be established his permanent home
and where he still resides.
Andrew W. MacElveny attended St. John's College, after passing
through the common schools and graduating from high school. Eater he
went to St. Paul, Minnesota, as office boy in the general offices of the North-
ern Pacific Railroad Company, where he remained several years, having
been first promoted to clerk, then stenographer. The company transferred
him to Tacoma, Washington, where he spent a year and a half, then returned
to St. Paul for the same road and worked in the engineer's office. From
there he went to Galveston, Texas, and worked fur the Topeka, Atchison
& Santa Fe Railroad, under E. D. Lev)', who was chief clerk there for
a period of four years. He became chief clerk under Mr. Levy, represent-
ing him in Texas, and was for a time traveling agent. He was station
agent for the Santa Fe at Rogers, Texas, for a while. He was traveling
agent for the Frisco hnes for six months, and he came to Springfield in
1908 as stenographer for Mr. Levy, and later he was promoted to chief
clerk of several different departments in the Frisco offices. In 191 1 our
U'4'v GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
subject was promoted to assistant superintendent of freight loss and dam-
age claims; in March, 1914. he was appointed chief clerk for Air. Levy, who
is general manager of the Frisco lines, and this position he still holds.
Mr. MacElveny was married on December 28. 1908, to Lillian Wilcox,
of Temple, Texas, a daughter of Capt. George E. and Annie Wilcox. This
union has resulted in the birth of two children, namely : Walter E. and Kath-
eryn Elizabeth.
Politically. Mr. MacElveny is a Democrat. Fraternally, he belongs to
the Masonic Order, including St. Vincent Chapter and Solomon Lodge.
THE FREEMAN FAMILY.
One of the oldest, best known and honored families of Greene county
is the Freemans, the first member of which, a Revolutionary soldier, braved
the wilds of this locality nearly a century ago and from that day to the present
time his descendants have played well their parts in the local drama of
•civilization and the family history is well worth perpetuation on the pages
of a volume of the nature of the one in hand. This family has not only
been noted for their unflagging industry and success in material things, but
also good citizens, always ready to support such measures as had for their
bbject the general good of the community and county, and too, they have
looked well to their personal reputations.
( )ne ot tlu- best known member- of this family of the present genera-
lion is Rederick Flavius Freeman, who was born in Greene county, Mis-
souri, October 3, [852. lie is a son of William B. and Eliza F. (Snow)
Freeman. The former was born in North Carolina. August 7. 1825. He
came \<> Missouri in early life and spent the re>t of bis days in Greene
county, engaged in farming and slock raising, lie was married on August
11, 185 1. He was engaged in buying cattle tor the government during the
Civil war. at the time of his death. September 11, [862. I lis wife was horn
•on April 13, 1834; she survived him nearly forty-seven years, dying on
March 17, IQ09.
To William I!. Freeman and wife the following children were born:
Rederick F., mentioned in the preceding paragraph, being the eldest: Sam-
uel S.. born on \ugus1 i<>. [854; Mrs. Mollie I.. Edmondson, born on Decem-
ber 4. 1850: Gabriel B., born on September 23. [858; William W.. born on
November 6, [861, died July 3, [899; Ona A., born on May 9, [859, died
on July 6. iNdn.
The father of William 11. Freeman was John Freeman, who was a son
oi William Freeman. The latter was a soldier in the Revolutionary war.
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. 1 649
having enlisted as a private in 1776, from North Carolina, under Capt.
Andrew Oliver and Colonel Hogan. After hi-- first term of enlistment of
three months had expired he re-enlisted on July 20, 1878, for nine months,
as a private under Captain Childs and Colonel Hart in the Tenth North
Carolina Regiment. In 1781 he enlisted a third time, for three months, as
a private under Captain Taylor and Colonel Eaton. He saw considerable
hard service and fought gallantly for his country in such engagements as
Guilford and Camden? At the time of his enlistment he resided in Bertie
county, North Carolina. He applied for a pension on July 23. 1832. and
his claim was allowed. At that time he lived in Burke county. North Caro-
lina. His birth occurred in the former county, October 26, 1759. He spent
the major portion of his life in the old Tar state, engaged in farming, but
in his old age he sought a newer country and made the long overland
journey with his family to Greene county. Missouri, where he spent the
rest of his days, dying here on January 2j, 1838, at the age of seventy-nine
years, lie was buried in the National Cemetery at Springfield and the gov-
ernment placed an appropriate monument at his grave where lies the only
Revolutionary soldier in that cemetery.
William Freeman, mentioned above, married Mary Bryan in 1786.
She was a daughter of Robert Bryan. Her death occurred, on November 5,
1N45. The record shows that their children were, in [850, Rederick, rifty-
six years "Id; Larry was fifty-two years old; Lemuel II. was forty-nine
wars old: Elizabeth and James, twins, were forty-seven years old. the
former being the wife of Israel Smith.
Returning to the career of Rederick Flavins Freeman: lie grew to
manhood on the home farm and assisted with the general work there when
a boy. His educational advantages were somewhat limited. His business
experience in life has been his best teacher, and has given him a broad com-
prehension of men and things and self-reliance. He is a well-read man.
posted on current matters, and he has succeeded in his life work. He is a
general farmer and an extensive buyer and shipper of live stock. He has
always lived in Greene count)- and has kept actively engaged at his chosen
vocations. He is a stanch Democrat of the old school; he thoroughly believes
in the principles of his party, is an ardent worker for the cause of Democracy,
but has had no time for political favors himself, yet he is always on deck
at the needed time to assist his friends and his party.
Rederick Flavins Freeman was married on Januarv 20, 1876, to Mar-
tha Ann Cooper. Mrs. Freeman was born on May 9, 1856, in Greene
county, Missouri. She is a daughter of George W. and Zerelda F. ( Goodin)
C( r.per. the father born on February 20, 18 14, and died on November 12,
1 88 1 ; the mother was born on December 29. 1820. and died on December
(104)
165O GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
29, 1884. These parents were among the early settlers of Greene county.
To them the following children were born: Joseph G., born on October 15,
1839, died on October 14, 1S64; Airs. M. Jane Hardy, born on June 12,
1841 ; John D., born on January 3, 1843; ^rs- Nancy E. Howard, born on
April 24, 1845; Airs. Margaret E. Moore, bom on March 2, 1848; A. D.,
born on March 10, 1850, died April 20th of that year; Robert M. E., born
on May 21, 1851, died in 1905; A. A. W., born on January 26, 1854, is
deceased; Martha Ann. wife of Rederick F. Freeman, and Z. A. C. New-
bill, born on January 21, 1S61. Rederick Flavius Freeman and wife are
members of the Presbyterian church.
To Rederick Flavius Freeman and wife the following children have
been born: Walter Edmond, born on April 12, 1877. was educated in the
common schools of Greene county, and at an early age commenced working
in the machine shops of the St. Louis & San Francisco Railroad Company
at Springfield, and continued there for five years, then engaged in the gen-
eral merchandise business in Springfield, which he successful}' conducted
for nine years. In 1908 he was elected sheriff of Greene county with the
largest majority any Democrat ever received for that office. He overcame
a Republican majority of eight hundred and had eleven hundred and ninety-
nine majority to his credit, which is sufficient evidence of his high standing
in the county as a man and citizen; his term of office expired on December
31, 19 1 2, having enjoyed the distinction of being the youngest sheriff the
county ever had, and he was also the first to hold a four-years' term, and
was the last to serve while the county offices remained in the old court house,
was also the first sheriff after the new court house was occupied. He was a
member of the city council during the years [905-06. He has been a prom-
inent member of the Democratic County Committee for several years, and
he held the office of state committeeman in mm and 1911. He was presi-
dent during the existence of the Drovers Bank of Springfield, which went
out of business in the fall of 1013. He was a director of the Peoples Bank
from its organization until 191 2, assisted in its organization and was one
of its stockholders. At this writing be is extensively engaged in the real
estate business, handling bis own property principally. He is an active
Democrat, belongs to the Baptist church, and fraternally is a member of
the Masonic order, the Modern Woodmen, the Benevolent and Protective
Order of F.Iks, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, ami also belongs to
the Sons of the American Revolution. He married Lucy Gertrude Noblitt,
November 22, 1899. She is a daughter of William Allen Noblitt, who was
a mechanic in the Frisco shops, and bis death occurred on March 23, [888.
Mr. Noblitt was a veteran of the Civil war. having enlisted for service in
the Union army at Springfield in [863, and left for the front in February,
[864, as a member of Battery 1, Second Light Artillery, under Stephen II.
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. I05I
Julian, and lie saw considerable service, including the great battle of Nash-
ville, Tennessee, December 15 and id. 1864. lie was honorably discharged
and mustered out at the close of the war. after which he returned to Greene
county and resided here until his death, llis health was si> seriously
impaired while in the army that he never recovered and he died while still
a young man. His wife was Nancy Tennessee Gooch, a native of the state
of Tennessee from which state she came to Missouri when a child and is
still living at the age of sixty-five years. She is of English and Scotch
extraction. Her daughter, Mrs. Walter Edmond Freeman is a graduate of
the Springfield high school. She and her husband have one child, Mildred
Lucille Freeman, born on February iN. [905, who is now attending school,
assisted three of her cousins in unveiling the monument erected by the gov-
ernment in the National Cemetery at Springfield over the grave of her ances-
tor, William Freeman, who was a veteran of the American Revolution.
There was a large gathering and appropriate speeches were made during
the ceremony of the unveiling. Mrs. Walter E. Freeman has one sister,
Mrs. Josie Chapman, who resides in Springfield; also one brother, Ernes)
Allen Noblitt, also of Springfield.
John Guy Freeman, second son of Rederick Flavius Freeman and wife,
was born on November 17, 1879. He now resides about ten miles north
of Springfield, where he owns a large farm ami is extensively engaged in
raising live stock. Politically, he is a Democrat. He was married to Mar-
garet Shelledy, May 3, 1901. She is a daughter of Leander Nelson Shell-
edy, who was born on April 27, 1840, in Edgar county. Illinois, but left
there at an early age for Kansas, where he was living at the outbreak of the
Civil war and there he enlisted in the Union army on July 21, 1862, and
participated in numerous important engagements, remaining in the service
until the close of the war, having been mustered out on July 17, 1N05. Nol
long thereafter he came to Greene county, Missouri, where he lived until
his death, April 7, 1906. He married Mrs. Sarah A. Pitt, November 5,
1877. Her maiden name was Calkin. Mrs. Margaret Freeman's father
was previously married, by which one son was born, Allen A. Shelledy,
who saw service as a private during the entire Spanish-American war, being
mustered out on August 16, 1899. He then went to the Philippine Islands
where he has continued to reside and has been successful in his work there.
The mother of Mrs. Margaret Freeman had four children by her first mar-
riage, namely: Marvin A. Pitt, who lives north of Springfield, Missouri;
Sidney Pitt, who is now living in Roswell, New Mexico; Mrs. Elizabeth
Freeman lives in Kansas; and Mrs. Nellie Givins lives in Oklahoma. Mrs.
Margaret Freeman has the following brothers and sisters: James E. Shell-
edy is living in Dalhart, Texas; Charles C. lives in Greene county, Missouri;
Mrs. Charles M. Trankham lives in Greene countv, Missouri ; Henry A.
1652 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
Shelledy is at this writing a student in the University of Missouri at Colum-
bia; Mrs. Ruth McCroskey lives in Greene county, this state.
John Guy Freeman and wife have one child, Hal, born on August 23,
1907; Charles Emmett. born on May 10, 1881, married Gertrude Johnston,
April 12, 1903, and they have one child, Edna May, born on May 23, 1906;
Harry Frank, born on June 26, 1882, married Ruby Stovall, September 25,
1904, and to them two children have been born; Grace Marie, whose birth
occurred on September 2^, 1905; and Harry Bryan, whose birth occurred
on October 15, 1909; Harry Frank Freeman has resided in Springfield for
several years and been a member of the police department and is now deputy
sheriff of Greene county. Dr. Samuel Flavins, fifth child of Rederick F.
Freeman and wife, was born in the old Freeman neighborhood, near Heady,
September jj, 1884, was educated in the common schools of his district,
later spending one year in Morrisville College, in I'olk county, also spent
one term at the Missouri State Normal and four years in the American
Medical College at St. Funis, from which he was graduated in 1909. He
took a post-graduate course at St. Louis University in 1912. His special
work has been diseases of children in which he has met with great success.
He commenced practicing his profession in Flwood, Greene county, remain-
ing there three years, then moved to Springfield in 1912 where he is now-
located and is building up a satisfactory business as a general practitioner
and a specialist on the diseases of children. He is a member of the South-
west Missouri. State and National Eclectic Medical Societies. Ik- has held
the office of county physician for Greene county since [909, which he still
retains, the duties of which he is discharging in a highly acceptable man-
ner. Fraternally, he is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fel-
lows, the Royal Neighbors and the Mystic Workers, American Yeomen, and
Knights of Pythias. Politically, he is a Democrat, and religiously a mem-
ber of of the Baptist church, of which he is a deacon. Doctor Freeman mar-
ried Fiela Jessie Bennett, November 25, [909; -he is a daughter of William
I', and Alice (Mooney) Bennett, a well-known ami substantial family who
live on a farm near Flwood where Mrs. Freeman was reared and educated
in the public schools, later attending Morrisville College. She has the fol-
lowing brothers and sisters: Dr. Floyd W*. Bennett, a practicing physician
of St. Louis, Missouri; Gerl M. Bennett lives in Denver, Colorado: John F.
Bennett, who lives at Englewood, Colorado, is a deputy sheriff of Arapahoe
county: Gola May Bennett is the wife of William Jones, of Flu 1, this
county, also llerschel David at home. Doctor Freeman and wife have one
child, Flavius Bennett Freeman, who was born at Elwood on May 30, 1911.
The three younger children of Rederick F. Freeman and wife were named
as follows: Delia Maud, born on February 28, [886, married Harvey
Tiller. April 29, i<)o6, and they have two children. Dwight Freeman, born
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. 1 653
in July, 1907; and Helen Blanche, born in January, 191 1; Harley Gabriel,
burn on November 23, 1889, married Madge Gately on October 10, 1909,
and they have one child, Frances Muriel, born on October 5, 191 1; George
Porter, eighth and youngest of the children, was born on February 22,
1892, married Stella Keech. April 20, 1912, and they have one child, Jessie
Wanetta, born on February 19, 1914.
Thus from the foregoing paragraphs it will be seen that the various
members of the Freeman family are well situated in life, are good citizens
and deserving of the high respect in which they are held.
HERBERT W. PIGG.
A man's life work is the measure of his success, and he is truly the
most successful man who, turning his powers into the channel of an honor-
able purpose, accomplishes the object of his endeavor. In the study of
every man's life we find some main-spring of action, something that he lives
for, and in Herbert W. Pigg, of Springfield, it seems to have been an ambi-
tion to make the best use of his native and accpiired powers and develop
in himself a true manhood. For many years he was engaged in railroad
service holding responsible office positions with the great Frisco system, but
at this writing he is incumbent of the office of deputy internal revenue col-
lector in which he is making a commendable record.
Mr. Pigg was born on December 11, 1872, in Madison county, Ken-
tucky, being the scion of a sterling old Southern family, the son of Louis
P. and Susie (Ballard) Pigg, both natives of Kentucky. Louis P. Pigg
moved from the Blue Grass state to Clay county, Missouri, when our sub-
ject was three years old and later located in Kansas City where he became
a successful business man, engaging in the wholesale and retail grocery
business in Kansas City for a number of years, building up a large trade
and accumulating a competency. He retired from active life a few years
ago. He is now about seventy-eight years of age and his wife is about
seventy-six years old. During the Civil war he cast his lot with the South-
ern Confederacy, serving three vears in a gallant manner, taking part in
many of the important engagements and campaigns in the South. Six
children were born to Louis P. Pigg and wife, named as follows: Nora
is deceased; Herbert W. of this sketch; Minnie lives in Kansas City; B. J.
is deceased; Odie W. lives in Kansas City; and D. George who lives in
Kansas City.
Herbert W. Pigg attended the ward and high schools of Kansas City,
later spent two terms at Center College, Danville, Kentucky and also took
1654 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
a commercial course in Kansas City at Spaulding's Business College.
After his graduation from the business college, he accepted a position with
the Kansas City. Ft. Scott & Memphis Railroad Company in Kansas City,
continuing in the work there, being promoted from time to time, until Octo-
ber 1, 1901, when he came to Springfield, Missouri, after the consolidation
of the above named road with the St. Louis & San Francisco Railroad
Company. He had been in office work for the former road all the while
and upon coming here he became assistant chief clerk in the mechanical
department, which he held until he resigned to take his present position,
having been appointed deputy internal revenue collector, April 1, 191 5. He
is discharging the duties of this important position of trust in a manner
that reflects much credit upon himself and to the entire satisfaction of the
department. While in the employ of the Kansas City, Ft. Scott & Mem-
phis Railroad Company in Kansas City, Mr. Pigg studied medicine under
Dr. Charles F. Wainwright, dean of University Medical College, Kansas
City; our subject never completed his course in medicine due to the fact
that Doctor Wainwright left Kansas City, going to Xew York where he
later died.
Mr. Pigg was married on May 22. 1895, m Kansas City, Missouri, to
Hazel L. Lesueur.
Politically he is a Democrat, and has long been active and influential
m the affairs of his party. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias, and
he affiliates with the Christian church. Personally he is a well informed,
broad-minded, companionable and genteel gentleman in every respect, and
he and his talented wife are in every way deserving of the high esteem in
which they are universally held. Mr. Pit;x's death occurred very suddenly
on June 22, 1915, due to an attack of heart trouble.
HENRY WEBB PORTER.
The final causes which shape the fortunes of individual men and the
destinies of states are often the same. They are usually remote and obscure;
their influence wholly unexpected until declared by results. When they
inspire men to the exercise of courage, self-denial, enterprise, industry and
call into play the higher moral elements; lead men to risk all upon convic-
tion, faith — such causes lead to the planting of great states, great nations,
great peoples. That country is the greatest which produces the greatest
and most manly men, and the intrinsic safety depends not so much upon
methods and measures as upon that true manhood from whose deep sources
all that is precious and permanent in life must at last proceed. Such a
result may not be consciously contemplated by the individuals instrumental
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. 1655
in the production of a country; pursuing each his personal good by exalted
means, they work out this as a logical result; they have wrought on the
lines of the greatest good. When the life of one such individual ends, we
look back over the pathway he had trod and note its usefulness, its points
worthy of emulation and perpetuation. What the late Henry Webb Porter,
successful attorney-at-law and self-made man of Springfield, did for his
fellowmen and the communities honored by his citizenship, in general might,
in a manner, be told in words, but its far-reaching influences cannot be
measured. He was in touch with the people, and from a sincere and deep-
felt interest in their welfare labored for all that would prove of public
benefit until the busy and useful life was ended.
Mr. Porter was born in Shelbyville, Tennessee, November 27, 1835.
He was a son of William and Judith (Reeves) Porter, the father a native
of New Jersey and the mother a native of Tennessee. They grew up in
their respective localities and received limited educations in the schools of
the early days. William Porter came to Tennessee when young in years
and there married, and he devoted his active life to agricultural pursuits,
at one time operating an extensive tobacco plantation. He removed with
his family from Tennessee to Greene county, .Missouri, in 1855, and bought
a farm north of Springfield, securing same from the government, and this
land he developed by hard work and lived on the place until 1864, then
moved on a farm in Arkansas, where he spent the rest of his life, lie
became a prosperous farmer and influential man in his community. His
death occurred on December 16, 1878. His family consisted of eleven sons,
ten of whom grew to manhood, but only two of them are living at this
writing; they were named as follows: Granville and Benjamin, twins, are
deceased; Peter, deceased; Abner is living; William, deceased; Robert,
deceased; Jesse is living; Henry W., our subject, and John, deceased, were
twins; Felix, deceased; the youngest child died in infancy.
Henry W. Porter grew to manhood in Tennessee and he received a
limited education in the public schools there and in Greene county, Missouri,
having been twenty years of age when he removed here with the rest of the
family. He spent his boyhood on his father's farm and assisted with the
general work on the same. He studied at home, became a well-read man
and. studying law, was admitted to the bar and practiced man}' years with
much success. He was well versed in all phases of the law, and was a
forceful and earnest pleader at the bar. He also took a great interest in
political affairs, and was active and influential in the Democratic party.
He held a number of public offices, always with credit to himself and satis-
faction to all concerned. He was an able and strong worker for the cause
of temperance.
Mr. Porter removed with the family to Arkansas in 1864 and resided
1656 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
in that state until 1902, when he returned to Greene county, and lived in
Springfield about four years, being then retired. His death occurred in
Arkansas on March 5, 19 14.
Air. Porter was married in Greene county on March 17, 1865, to
Matilda J. Bedell, who was born at Ebenezer, in the northeastern part of
Greene county, February 2, 1837, and she grew to womanhood on the old
Bedell farm near that village and received her education in the public
schools there. This old homestead was entered from the government in
1830 by Mrs. Porter's mother, and the farm has never gone to owners out-
side the Bedell family. The Bedells are among the pioneer and well-known
families of Greene county. Mrs. Porter is a daughter of David H. and
Marina ( Wallace) Bedell, both being born in North Carolina, where they
grew up, attended the old-time schools and were married. They made the
long overland journey from that state to Greene count}', Missouri, in early
pioneer days, and here endured the hardships and privations incident to all
frontier people of those times. By hard work and close application, good
management and economy, they became well established in due course of
time, and spent the rest of their lives on their farm here, his death occur-
ring shortly before the breaking out of the Civil war, and she died during
the war. Thev were noted for their honesty and hospitality, and were
well known to the pioneers here. The family of Henry W. Porter consisted
of twelve children, five of whom are living at this writing, namely: Mahlon,
Judith. Edward, John, are all deceased; Melissa lives at Springfield; Charles
lives in Arkansas; Mira and Alary, twins, are deceased; Laura, deceased;
Walter lives in Arkansas; Sadie lives in Virginia; Fannie lives in Little
Rock, Arkansas.
Airs. Melissa Hulett, fifth child of our subject, was born on October
10, 1S70, in Eveningshade, Arkansas, and there she grew to womanhood
and received her education in the public and high schools. On I lecember
27- ^93, she was married in .Arkansas to Ezra Hulett. Soon thereafter
they removed to ['oonville, Missouri, where thev continued to reside until
[902, when they located in Springfield, where they have since resided. Mr.
Hulett was a cabinetmaker by trade, a highly skilled workman, and later
lie became a successful contractor. Tie was horn on May I, 1866. in Roche-
port, Atchison county, Missouri. He was a son of Andrew and Anne
1 < 'lark 1 Hulett. Mr. ('lark, father of Anne Clark, was a pioneer of Boon-
ville. this stale. The death of Ezra Hulett occurred on October 31, 11)13.
1 lis family consisted of four children, namely: Lucile. horn on October 24,
[894, is single and lives at home; Matilda, horn on November 26, [895,
died January iS. 1808; Blanche, horn on January i. [898; Mary, horn on
November 6, 1902.
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. 1657
Politically, Mr. Hulett was a Democrat. Fraternally, he belonged to
the Modern Woodmen of America.
.Mrs. Hulett and daughters are members of St. Paul's Methodist Epis-
copal church, South, and she belongs to the auxiliary of the Young Wom-
en's Christian Association. She is active in church work and has a wide
circle of friends. She owns a beautiful home on South Campbell street.
WILLIAM LAFAYETTE TURNER, M. D.
Belonging to Greene county's enterprising class of professional men,
Dr. William Lafayette Turner, of Galloway, Clay township, is deserving
of specific mention in these pages. To the active practice of medicine he has
given, not only the gravity of his thought and the truest exercise of his
abilities, but the strength of his personality and the momentum of his char-
acter. He is a physician of discriminating mind, keen and acute in reason-
ing, a patient and persistent investigator, sinking his inquiring lead down
to the bottom of principles, and thereby, being enabled to better and more
fully understand the case or cases to be treated, and consequently he meets
with a high degree of success.
Doctor Turner was born near Marshfield, Webster county, Missouri,
July 17, 1871. He is a son of Robert N. and Sarah F. (Cox) Turner.
The father was born in Webster county, this state, in 1843, was reared on
the farm and received a meager education in the early-day schools. He
worked for his father on the homestead until he was married, then began
working at the carpenter's trade, at which he became quite expert and which
he has made his principal life work. Has also done considerable contract-
ing. Naturally talented as a musician he made himself proficient in that
art and for some time taught music during the winter months when there
was no carpenter work. About 1899 he moved to Texas where he remained
some three years, then went to Ft. Smith. Arkansas, and established his
home, and in that city his death occurred on March 12, 1914. Politically,
he was a Democrat, and he belonged to the Methodist Episcopal church,
South. His wife was also a native of Webster county, Missouri, where
she grew to womanhood and was educated, her birth having occurred in
February, 1841. She is still living in Springfield. She is a member of the
Methodist Episcopal church. South. To these parents ten children were
born, namely: Doctor William L., of this sketch; Mrs. Hepsabeth
Straughan. Robert J., John B., who lives in Ft. Smith, is the inventor of
the automatic street car switch which is in use all over the country; Lucy,
Jessie P., Mrs. Nellie Guthrie. Delia, Oma and Lee.
1658 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
Doctor Turner grew to manhood on the home farm in Webster county
and there he assisted with the general work during the summer months. He
received his education in the public schools of his native county, later attended
high school at Marshfield, and when nineteen years of age he began life for
himself as a teacher. He kept up home study and in 1895 was enabled to
enter the Springfield Normal where he spent a year, then studied two years
at Drury College, after which he resumed teaching, which vocation he fol-
lowed for some time in Greene and Webster counties. He gave a high
degree of success as an educator ami his services were in large demand, but
believing that his true bent lie in another direction, he abandoned the school
room in 1901 and began the study of medicine, entering Barnes Medical Col-
lege, St. Louis, be remained in that institution until his graduation in 1906,
making an excellent record. Returning to Marshfield he remained there a
short time, then located for the practice of his profession at Galloway,
Greene county, where he has since remained, and has built up a large and
growing practice and is regarded among the leading general practitioners
in this section of the country. He owns a pleasant home on the Springfield
and Ozark road.
Doctor Turner was married on July 18, 1901, to Joel P. Haden, who
was born in Greene county. Missouri, April 22, 1883. She is a daughter
of Joel H. and Nancy A. ( Beshears) Haden. The father was born in this
count}-. December 4, 1847. ail(' ^ere grew up on a farm and received a
common school education. During the Civil war he served in the Home
Guards, seeing considerable service in his native county. After the war
he returned to the farm, and has followed general agricultural pursuits,
being now owner of a valuable and well-improved farm of three hundred
acres. He has long made a specialty of raising fine live stock, and is an
excellent business man, well known and influential in his vicinity. Politi-
cally he is a Democrat. His wife was born in this county, December 2,
1858, and here she grew to womanhood and was educated in the public
schools.
Mrs. Turner was reared on the home farm and was given good educa-
tional advantages.
To Doctor Turner and wife six children have been born namely:
Edith, deceased; Retha, deceased; Jod. Fred, Mary and Pinkney are all at
home.
Politically, Doctor Turner is a Democrat. He is a member of the
Greene County Medical Society, and the .Missouri State Medical Association.
Religiously, lie belongs to the Methodist Episcopal church. South. He is a
man of exemplary habits and is popular with all classes.
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. I(J59
L. W. PRESTON.
L. W. Preston was born in Boyle count). Kentucky. July 13, i860.
He is a son of Francis A. and Mary (Sedore) Preston, both natives of
Kentucky, the father born in 1832, and his death occurred in Springfield,
Missouri, February n, 1908. The mother was born in 1834, and her death
■ occurred in this city on March 16. 1908. They thus ran a pretty even race
on the highway of life, and were regarded by all who knew them as a fine
• old couple, hospitable, neighborly and likeable in every respect. They grew
.to maturity in Kentucky and received common school educations there.
They were married near Nicholasville, that state. Mr. Preston learned the
blacksmith's trade in his youth, at which he became quite expert and which
.he followed all his life. He removed with his family from Boyle county,
Kentucky, to Springfield, Missouri, in 1880, and here he followed his trade
until his death. Politically, he was a Democrat. He belonged to the Inde-
pendent Order of Odd Fellows. His family consisted of eight children,
three of whom are still living, namely : Nettie, Belle, Katherine and Bettie
are all deceased; L. W., of this review; William, deceased; James L. lives
in Springfield ; and Edward N. also lives in this city.
L. W. Preston was twenty years of age when he left Kentucky. There
.he had grown up and received a common school education. When he first
came here he worked for Jess & Sturdy in their carriage works for a while,
and in 1884 he and his father opened a carriage and blacksmith shop at the
present location, corner of Pickwick street and Patton alley, and it is thus
the oldest established business of its kind in Springfield, is also one of the
best and most favorably known. The firm's large, substantial, two-story
brick building is modernly equipped with every appliance for turning out
high-grade work, and a specialty is made of manufacturing wagons, but
auto and carriage painting and general carriage repairing are done, and rub-
ber tires are handled. Our subject learned the business under his father
starting in with him when our subject was twenty-one years of age, and
they worked together until the father's death. Only the best grade of
material is handled by the firm, and only skilled workmen are employed.
Prompt and first-class work is Mr. Preston's aim.
We quote the following from the Springfield Leader, under date of
December 18, 191 1: "One of the best known and most reliable establish-
ments of its character in the city of Springfield is the L. W. Preston Car-
riage Company. L. W. Preston is the proprietor and manager of this con-
cern, and he has been in the carriage manufacturing business since 1884 at
his present stand. He is thoroughly conversant with all the details of the
business, and has built up a large and flourishing trade. Mr. Preston is
l660 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
prepared to do all kinds of carriage repairing. He has four departments,
the woodshop and the smithing departments being located on the ground
floor, the painting and trimming departments on the second floor of his
large establishment. He makes a specialty of manufacturing high-class
delivery wagons, and has had quite a run on these in this vicinity. All
work is under the immediate supervision of L. W. Preston, and is looked
after by him in the most thorough and conscientious manner. Nothing but
A No. I material is used in all work. Besides the work mentioned. Mr.
Preston has built up an extensive trade on rubber tires; he also does all
kinds of auto painting. His telephone number is 954."
Mr. Preston was married on March 20. 1890, in Springfield, to Eva E.
Follett. She was born on March 17, 1869. in Michigan, and she is a daugh-
ter of and Sarah A. (Orcutt) Follett. The mother was
twice married. Mrs. Preston was brought to Springfield, Missouri, when
young, and here she received her education in the high school. Her step-
father died soon after the family located in Springfield.
The union of our subject and wife has been without issue. The pleas-
ant Preston residence is on Cherry street.
Politically, Mr. Preston is a Democrat. Fraternally, he belongs to the
Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.
LEWIS E. CHAPPELL.
The influence of a good dairy in any locality can hardly be measured
in money value. A good example of how the dairy will pulverize the farm
mortgages and establish bank accounts may be seen in the transformations
which have taken place in some of the localities of the < )zarks during the
past few years. The value of well-managed dairies has been manifest in
the growth of bank accounts. The real value of dairying to the farmers
in any community is not in the fact alone that the keeping of cows will
increase the fertility of the soil and make the farm more productive, but
the big thing is the fact that every time a farmer takes a can of milk to
the market he has increased his credit with every man he has dealings with
in the community. One of the leading dairymen of Greene county is Lewis
E. Chappell, whose sanitary and modernly equipped dairy and well-kept
farm is located just southeast of Springfield.
Mr. Chappell was born on March 7. [854, in the state of New York.
He is a son of S. E. and Cordelia M. 1 Baker) Chappell. The father died
in 1902: the mother's death occurred in i860. They were both natives of
New York state, and there they grew up and were married. They received
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. l66l
good educationSj the father being a graduate of Hamilton College in his
native state, and the mother was a graduate of Bosser College in Pough-
keepsie, that state. They spent their active lives in agricultural pursuits.
When our subject was three years of age he removed with his parents to
I ass county, Michigan, where they lived until our subject was twelve years
of age, and where the death of his mother occurred, and while there the
Civil war came on and the father enlisted, in 1 86 1 . in Edwinsburg, in a
Michigan regiment, and he was made hospital steward, in which capacity
he served for two years, then spent two years more as a regular soldier
and saw considerable hard service. After being honorably discharged from
the service he returned to Michigan, where he made his home most of the
time during the rest of his life.
Lewis E, Chappell spent his boyhood on the farm in Michigan and
he received a common school education. In 1866 he went with an uncle
to Henry county, Missouri, and settled on a farm, where our subject
remained seven years, or until lie was nineteen years old, when he went to
-Mi'inaiia with Doctor Hayden, a government surveyor, and with him cov-
ered a large portion of the upper Rocky Mountain country, remaining in
the West eight years, spending the latter part of the time in Mexico. Then
returning to Henry county, Missouri, he remained there three years, carry-
ing the mail on a star route, during which time he traveled in every state
in the Union. In 1895 'K' came to Greene county, rented a farm on which
he soon had a good start, and in 1906 he bought eighty acres southeast of
Springfield, about two miles from town, and this lie has improved, erect-
ing most of his buildings, which are modern and substantial, conveniently
arranged for a dairy, including a large milk house, silo, etc. He started out
with six cows and on rented land, and by industry, good management and
honest dealings with his customers, he has gradually built tip one of the most
extensive, up-to-date and most desirable dairies in the Southwest, and his
products are finding a ready market at all seasons owing to their superior qual-
ity. He milks his evening milk separately, puts the cream on ice, 'and it is taken
out in the morning, and he puts it on the market without any "doctoring" —
selling four per cent, milk from Holstein, Durham and Jersey cows, all a good
grade and kept in the best of health, his herd now consisting of forty cows.
He uses a gasoline engine to run his separator, all his mixed grade being four
per cent. He runs two wagons to the city to haul his milk to market. His
dairy is under the name of L. E. Chappell & Sons.
Mr. Chappell was married on March 1, 1882, to Nancy Jane Norris,
who was born in Ohio, where her family had long resided. To our subject
and wife six children have been born, namely: Blanche, born in 1879,
married Doctor McCandless, of Kansas City; Ruth, born in 1892, married
Henry LeCompte, and they live in Springfield; Fred, born in 1884, is assist-
l662 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
ing his father in the dairy business; Nettie, born in 1S91, married H. B.
McCammon, and they live in Colorado; Charles J., born in 1893, is also
with his father in the dairy business; Esther, born in 1896, married Lem.
Fisher, and they live in Springfield.
Politically, Mr. Chappell is a Republican, and fraternally he belongs
to the Modern Woodmen of America.
DAVID ULYSSES SHERMAN, M. D.
Why any man is made, who knows? Why any life is, from snails to*
gods, who is to tell? Why you are what you are. why some men are what
they are; the influences and causes which made them so, and how far the-
causes and influences were voluntary, or accidental — in short, whether we
make our own destiny, or have it made for us — who shall solve the eternal
riddle? These are things which none of us can fathom, but all of us can
make the most of the little life which is ours, as has been the case with
Dr. David Ulysses Sherman, one of the well-known physicians of Spring-
held, and, by doing our best "between these walls of time," as he is evi-
dently striving to do, we may be a blessing to ourselves, our families and
the human race.
Doctor Sherman was burn at Henderson, Webster county, Missouri,
September 29, 1871. He is a sen of Henry Sherman, born near Idlebury,
Germany, March 10. 1836, and he spent his young manhood in his native
land, where he was educated, and in 1854, with two brothers, he immi-
grated to the United Stales, also a sister accompanied him, and they settled
in Butler county, Pennsylvania. Four years later Henry Sherman and his
sister came to Missouri, locating on a farm near Henderson, Webster county,
lie had learned the blacksmith's trade in Germany, at which he continued
to work in connection with farming after taking up bis residence in the
new world. He proved his loyalty to his adopted country in 1861 by enlist-
ing in the Union army, in which he served six months as a private, then
was assigned to the government horseshoeing shops in Springfield, Missouri,
these shops occupying the present site of the Colonial hotel, lie was later
transferred to the government shops in St. Louis, where he was retained
until the close of the war. lie was an expert in his trade and gave every
satisfaction. After his discharge he returned to Webster county and built
a shop mi his farm, where he did the custom work for miles around, and
succeeded in due course of time in hammering out on the anvil five hun-
dred acres of choice farming land in that county. He was one of the best
known blacksmiths in that part of the state, and many of his patrons came
OREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. LI 13
from remote sections of the country. He married Rhoda N. Hardy in
1855. His death occurred in 1907. She was a native of Virginia, from
which state she made die long overland journey, when a child, with her
parents; the family made the trip in an old-fashioned wagon, drawn by an
ox team. They settled at Henderson, Missouri. Airs. Sherman's mother
was of Irish ancestry, and both she and Mr. Hardy were members of the
Presbyterian church, devout Christians, doing much church work, being
always ready with their time and money to do anything to further the
interest of the church, and they assisted in building many new churches;
their home was always open to ministers and church workers. The death
of the mother of Doctor Sherman occurred in 1904. Seven sons and one
daughter were born to Henry Sherman -and wife, namely: William E., who
lives on a farm near Henderson, Missouri; Henry O. lives on a farm near
Fordland, this state; (_ harles C. is engaged in the hardware business in
I ordland; James D. and Obit I), are both farmers near Fordland; Lucian
L. makes his home at Elmonte, California, and is a bookkeeper by profes-
sion; Dr. David U., of this sketch; and Mrs. Matt'ie Cobb, who lives at
Boulder, Colorado.
Doctor Sherman grew to manhood on the home farm in Webster
countw where he worked hard when a boy during the summer months and
in the winter time he attended the old district schools there, the old school
house located on his father's farm, later entering the Henderson
Academy, from which he was graduated in 1891. In September, 1895, he
entered the Beaumont Hospital, at St. Louis, where he took the prescribed
medical course, and was graduated with the clas> of 1S07-98. Soon there-
after he came to Greene county and began practicing his profession at
Elwood, where he remained ten years, enjoying an excellent country prac-
tice; in fact, it is safe to say that no country physician in this part of the
state had a more extensive practice (hiring that period than he. In order
to further lit himself for his chosen vocation, he took the post-graduate
work in the Chicago Post-Graduate Medical School in 1896, and at once
removed to Springfield, where he has remained to the present time and has
built up a very satisfactory practice.
Doctor Sherman is a member of the Greene County Medical Society,
of which he is ex-president; also a member of the Southwest Missouri Med-
ical Society, the Missouri State Medical Association and the American
Medical Association. Fraternally, he belongs to the Royal Arch Masons,
the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Modern Woodmen of America
and the Royal Neighbors of America. Politically, he is a Republican, and
religiously he belongs to the Methodist church.
Doctor Sherman married Julia Belle Gault on September 12, [895.
She was born in September. 1N70, six miles east of Springfield on the James
l604 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
river, in Greene countv, Missouri. She is a daughter of Walter B. Gault.
of Irish ancestry, one of the early pioneers of Greene count}-, and he was
one of the successful and well-known farmers of the eastern part of the
county, and he did much to promote the general good of the county, having
been ambitious to place it in the front rank of the counties of the state,
which position it now occupies. During the Civil war Mr. Gault was a
soldier in the Union army, and was commissioned lieutenant for meritorious
service.
Mrs. Sherman grew to womanhood in her native vicinity and received
her education in the district schools and the Henderson Academy, at Hen-
derson. Missouri, from which institution she was graduated, after which
slu- began teaching, which she followed successfully for a period of nine
years. On account of the death of her parents when she was young, she
was left to depend upon her own resources, and she succeeded in becoming
one of the must popular teachers in her section of the state.
To Doctor Sherman and wife two children have been born, David
Orlando Sherman, whose birth occurred at Elwood, Missouri, January 16.
1896; he is at this writing a student in the Springfield high school, where
he is making an excellent record.
S. \. BAKER.
It will always be a mark of distinction to have served the Union during
the great (nil war between the states. The old soldier will receive attention
no matter where he goes if he will but make himself known. And when he
passes away, as so man) of them are now doing, friends will pay him a
suitable eulogy for the sacrifices he made a half century ago on the san-
guinary fields of battle in the Southland or in the no less dreaded prison,
fever ramp or hospital. And ever afterward his descendants will revere
his memory and take pride in recounting his services for his country in its
hour of peril. One of the eligible citizens for special mention in the present
volume is S. A. Baker, formerly a successful bricklayer and plasterer, but
now engaged in the grocery business in Springfield, partly because he is one
ot the old soldiers who went forth in that great crisis in the sixties to assist
in saving the union of states, and partly because he has led an honorable
life. He is a plain, unassuming gentleman who has sought to do his duty
in all the relations of life as he has seen and understood the right.
Mr. Baker was born in Washington county. Arkansas. June 10. 1S44.
He is a son of S. A. and Terice (Looper) Baker. The father was born
S. A. BAKER
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. 1 665
in Massachusetts, in 1806, and was reared on historic Bunker Hill, Boston.
His death occurred in Springfield, Missouri, December 24, 1863. The
mother was burn in North Carolina, December 9, 1823, and her death
occurred on January 19, 1904. These parents received a limited education,
Cdiiie West when young and were married in Arkansas in 1843. S. A.
Baker, grandfather of our subject, was born in Massachusetts, being of an
old family of Xew England. His father was also S. A. Baker, and he was
a soidier in the Revolutionary war, which fact made our subject eligible
for membership in the organization of Sons of the American Revolution.
The father of our subject was a bricklayer by trade, also a plasterer.
For some time he owned a farm in Arkansas, having been an early settler
in Washington county. From there he removed with his family to Spring-
held, Missouri, during war times, 1863, and his death occurred soon there-
after. His son, our subject, had come here the year previous. He was the
only child.
The gentleman whose name introduces this sketch grew to manhood in
Arkansas and there attended the common schools, receiving a fairly good
education, for those times. He was compelled to leave school when the war
broke out. In vacations he worked at surveying and in learning the brick-
layer's and plasterer's trades under his father. He came to Springfield and
enlisted, on September 4, 1862, in the First Arkansas Cavalry, Company L,
under Capt. John Bonine, and he saw considerable hard service. He' was in
the battle of Fayetteville, in April, 1863, and three other engagements, also
the battle of Prairie Grove and numerous skirmishes, being in eight reg-
ular engagements in all. He proved to be a faithful soldier and was hon-
orably discharged in Fayetteville on August 23, 1865. Remaining in Ar-
kansas until the following January, he came to Springfield and worked
at the bricklayer's trade, which he continued until nearly twelve years
ago, having become quite proficient. He spent a number of years in the
employ of the Ash Grove Lime Kiln works, building and repairing lime
kilns. Owing to an accident which injured his eye, he was compelled
to give up his trade, so he engaged in the grocery business at 635
West Chestnut street, and has remained in this stand since February
2^,, 1903. He has built up a very satisfactory trade, and carries an excel-
lent line of staple and fancy groceries. He owns his place of business, as
well as a fine brick home adjoining.
Mr. Baker was married on February 26, 1900, in Greenfield, Missouri,
to Myrtle Henry. She is the daughter of David and Martha Jane (Morris)
Henry. She was born in Danville, Blinois, December 25, 1875. When she
was a small child her parents moved with her to Kansas, where she received
( 105)
l666 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
lier education. They later moved to Greenfield, Missouri. Mrs. Baker is a
member of the First Christian church here, and is also a member of the
Ladies' Circle.
Politically, Mr. Baker is a Republican. He is a member of the Grand
Army of the Republic, also the Sons of the American Revolution as before
indicated. He belongs to the First Christian church.
BERT S. LEE.
One of the most conspicuous figures in the commercial circles of
Springfield and Greene county of the present generation is Bert S. Lee, a
man actively identified with the business and industrial interests of this
section of the Ozarks and for a number of years widely known as one of
the leading members of the Masonic Order in Missouri. Equally noted as
a citizen whose useful career has conferred credit upon the community and
whose marked abilities and stirring qualities have won for him much more
than local repute, he holds today distinctive precedence as one of the most
progressive and successful men that ever inaugurated and carried to satis-
factory termination large and important undertakings in this locality.
Strong mental powers, invincible courage and a determined purpose that
hesitate at no opposition have so entered into his composition as to render
him a dominant factor in the business world and a leader of men in notable
enterprises. 1 le is essentially a man of affairs — sound of judgment and
far-seeing in what he undertakes, and every enterprise to which he has
addressed himself lias resulted in a large measure of material success.
Air. Lee was born in Marshfield, Webster county, .Missouri, October
30, 1871. He is a son of Joshua L. and Cynthia (Perry) Lee.
Bert S. Lee removed to Springfield during his youthful period, and
there attained man's estate and made it his permanent residence. Educa-
tional advantages were obtained in the public schools and Drury College in
that city, lie grew and expanded with the environment, becoming identi-
fied strongly with the business, social and moral interests of the community
to which be contributes energy, fellowship and exemplification of those
influences which tend toward the elevation of erring humanity. Endowed
with executive ability in managing business affairs, lie was entrusted by
the llobart-I.ee 'fie Company with the handling of its finances in the pnsi-
ti'Hi of secretary and treasurer, which position he has held continuously
since its organization in 1891, having been one of the potent factors in
building up this linn, which ranks with the leading firms of its kind in the
Southwest, handling Large quantities of railroad supplies, especially tics.
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. 1667
for the Frisco system. For several years he has been a director of the
Springfield Grocery Company, one of the largest and best known wholesale
grocery houses of southwest Missouri, and is now president of the corpo-
ration and is managing its affairs in an able and eminently satisfactory man-
ner. Interested with the Branson Town Company and the Arkansas Min-
ing and Mercantile Company, he is the secretary and treasurer of each.
Mr. Lee was married on December 2~, 1893, to Mabelle Lingsweiler,
a daughter of John G. and Emma R. ( Ostrander) Lingsweiler, a prominent
family of Lebanon, Missouri. The union of Mr. and Mrs. Lee has been
graced by the birth of five children, named as follow: John Lawrence,
Francis Theodore, Raymond Fitshugh, Mabelle Lucille and Richard Albert.
Thev are receiving excellent educational advantages and are all youngsters
of much promise.
Politically, Mr. Lee is a Democrat and is loyal in the support and
work of that party, and yet not with ambition to become a political leader.
While not the sport of common parlance, he has sporting procilivities grow-
ing out of his social nature, and holds membership in the James River Hunt-
ing and fishing Club, the Country Club, the Springfield Club, and the Young
Men's Business Club. He is president of the Springfield Chapter of the
Sons of the American Revolution. Identified with the Young Men's Chris-
tioit Association of Springfield, he is one of the directors, president of the
board and a mistee of the association. When the energetic and enthusiastic
members of the Masonic Fraternity of his city determined to provide a sub-
stantial meeting place in and by the erection of a splendid temple building,
he was designated on the first committee of arrangement and plans, and
became one of the board of directors of the association and its treasurer.
In religious matters he is equally active, being a member of St. Paul's Meth-
odist Episcopal church. South; he has for over fifteen years conducted its
Sunday school as superintendent; he is one of the trustees of the church
and chairman of the finance committee of the board of stewards.
Before this municipality of affairs all had inception Mr. Lee became
interested in Freemasonry and in Sparta Lodge No. 296, located at Sparta,
in Christian county, on March 31, 1893. he was made a Master Mason.
Transferring membership to Gate of the Temple Lodge No. 422 of Spring-
field, he served as worshipful master in 1899, 1900 and 1907. Since 1901
he has been district lecturer of his Masonic district, and from IQ04. presi-
dent of the Masonic Board of Relief of Springfield. In Vincil Chapter No.
no, Royal Arch Masons, on September 24, 1897, he was exalted to the
Royal Arch degree, and served it as high priest in 1901 and 1908. On
April 24, 1901, he was anointed, consecrated and set apart to the Holy
Order of High Priesthood at the grand convention held in the city of St.
Louis. He serves the Grand Chapter as chairman of important committees
1 668
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
and is the representative of Tennessee near the Grand Chapter of Missouri.
At the resuscitation of Zabud Council No. 25 of the city of Springfield,
he was one of the few who were ready to extend a helping hand, petitioned
for its instruction, and on May 17, 1904, received the degrees of Royal and
Select Master. Devoting himself to its interests, he was elected thrice illus-
trious master in the years 1905, 1906 and 1907, and his fidelity, energy and
enthusiasm contributed largely toward the enviable condition which Zabud
has attained among the councils of the state. In April, 1905, he was
appointed grand marshal, and was regularly advanced, becoming grand
master in April. 1910. His record in that important position shows that he
accomplished much for the propagation of the Cryptic system. At the tri-
ennial assembly of the General Grand Council of Royal and Select Masters
of the United States of America, held in Indianapolis, Indiana. September
9, 19 1 2. he was honored by his companions by being elected to the position
of general grand steward of the United States.
The Grand Jurisdiction of Rhode Island honored him with a com-
mission as its representative near the Grand Council of Missouri. The
orders of Christian Knighthood were conferred upon him on November 4,
1897. in St. John's Commandery No. 20, Knights Templars, stationed at
Springfield, and in 1902 he was elected its commander. In the Grand Com-
mandery of Knights Templars of the State of Missouri, in April. 1904. he
was appointed grand warder, subsequently elected by the suffrage of his
fraters. he served in every station in the line except one and became grand
commander in May. i<jii. closing the year of service at Cape Girardeau,
May 29, 1012. That it was strenuous the record shows, and if no other
tablet ever appears distinctively many will be found reproduced by memory
to consciousness for courteous treatment under his command. A commis-
sion from Virginia authorizes him to respond for that Templar jurisdiction
in the Grand Commandery of Missouri. In 1907. St. Andrew Conclave
No. 11 of Joplin, created him a Knight of the Red Cross of Constantine
and appendant orders. He attained the thirty-second degree of the Ancient
and Accepted Scottish Rite in 1906 by Joplin Consistorv No. 3. He is a
Noble of the Mystic Shrine, postulated in 1903 to Abou-Ben-Adhem Temple
of Springfield.
Thus is portrayed, in part at least, the accomplishment of a busy man.
It was attained through the solving of an economic problem: The art by
which human needs and comforts are applied. The systematic use of time,
free to everybody, but frequently wasted by injudicious application and the
further fact that the average possessor is not stimulated to an economv of
time by necessity arising through desire to make it count in weight and
[lower as it passes to the wheel. Prompt, reliable and responsible, he main-
tains dignity, being genial, affable and courteous, none have difficulty in
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. 1669
approach; careful of his antagonisms, he preserves friendships. Of strong
religious inclination, he has faith in things not perceived, and is affected
morally somewhat after the philosophy of Kant, "Act so that the maxim
of thy will can likewise be valid as a principle of universal legislation."
Air. Lee is yet young, has barely passed the inception of usefulness to his
fellows. His methods demonstrated contain the elements which point to
a successful culmination of the divine purpose in the bestowal of life, and
the future years will evidently find his advancement further in paths of
honor and righteousness as well as usefulness. These and more are due
his conscientious course and one is justified in employing the lines of Ten-
nyson :
"We will do him
No customary honor; since the knight
Came not to us, of us to claim the prize
Ourselves will send it after."
WALDO CORNWELL BOOTH.
It would be to most of us a source of genuine gratification to be able
to trace our ancestry back through the centuries, and to know how they
lived, what they looked like, what the}- followed for a livelihood, what they
did in the world and what their ambitions were; but, unfortunately, here in
America, few of us are able to do this; in fact, the majority of us know practi-
cally nothing of our progenitors beyond our grandparents. The Booth family,
formerly, spelled Bothe, Bouthe and Boothe, seems to have had a greater
pride in their family tree and made a careful record of each generation, so
that the history of the family is today accurately traceable back through
some six centuries. We find that it is an ancient English family, and promi-
nent and influential both in that country and in America, whither some of
the family immigrated among the first in the earliest Colonial period, their
descendants now numbering thousands and are to be found all over the
Union.
The family name first occurs in the county palatine of Lancaster, Eng-
land, where a son of Adam de Boothe was living in 1275. All the other
families of this name in various parts of England and America are believed
to be descended from this parent stock, through its younger branches. From
his son William the family comes down through Thomas, Robert and Sir
Thomas, who was knighted during the reign of Edward III in the thir-
teenth century; his son John lived during the reign of Richard II. We
come on down to Sir Robert Booth, the first of the family to settle at Dun-
l6jO GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
ham Massey, in Cheshire, who died there in 1450. Several members of the
family about this period became bishops and great lawyers and statesmen,
and many of them married into families of the nobility, Sir George Booth,
who died in 1483, marrying a relative of the King of Scotland. The
Booths were also people of wealth, owning vast estates. We find that,
coming on down the line, Sir George Bouthe was knighted by Queen Eliza-
beth during the latter part of the fifteenth century, and died in 1652. Sir
George Bouthe, who died in 1684, was a member of parliament and com-
mander-in-chief of the English army in Wales and western England, and
was for eminent services created a baron by ( harles II. and from him
descended a line of barons to Earl George H. Grey of Stamford, who was
living in 1825.
Richard Boothe of Stamford, ancestor of the name in Connecticut,
and for whom the city of Stamford was named, was born in 1607, but it
is not known from what part of England nor in what year he emigrated
to America. He held various offices of trust in his new home, and seems
to have been an influential man in Colonial affairs. His large landed prop-
erty was divided among his children. During that early period of our his-
tory we also know that Robert Boothe lived at Exeter. Xew Hampshire.
in 1645, removing to Saco, where he died in 1672; and John Boothe. who
lived at Scituate, .Massachusetts, in 1656; Humphrey Boothe was a mer-
chant at Charlestown. Massachusetts. Richard Boothe. mentioned ■ above,
married Elizabeth Hawley. and to them eight children were born, namely:
Elizabeth, Anne. Ephraim, Ebenezer, John. Joseph, Bethiah and Johanna.
From these children descended the numerous Booths of the present gen-
eration throughout America.
Waldo Cdrnwell Booth, subject of this memoir, was born in Ports-
mouth. Xew Hampshire. May 21. 1836, and was a son of George and Abby
(Cornwell) Booth. Both his grandparents were soldiers in the Revolu-
tionary war. George Booth was engaged in the foundry business in New
Brittan, Connecticut, for a number of years, finally removing to Cincinnati,
Ohio, where he lived with his son, our subject.
Waldo C. I'.ooih received an exceptionally good education for the
period in which he lived. He grew to manhood in his native state, and
remained in Xew England until 1853, when he came to Cincinnati with
an uncle and there engaged in the hardware business, first securing employ-
ment in a store and finally working his way up until he became a member
of the firm of R. \\". Booth & Company, which for years was rated as the
largest wholesale hardware company in that city, and there our subject
became a prominent man in both business and social circles, and he made a
great success as a merchant through his close application, honest dealings
and the exercise of sound judgment, lie came to Springfield, Missouri, in
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. 167I
1870, on account of failing health, which, being restored by the change, he
again engaged in the hardware business, operating here one of the largest
and best patronized stores of its kind in the city, and enjoying an excellent
trade, and later he also engaged in the tobacco manufacturing business
here, one of his most famous brands being ''Old Coon," well remembered
by the older smokers of the country.
Mr. Booth was married on September 6, 1865, to Martha Thomas,
who was born in Buffalo, New York, December 11, 1839. She is a daugh-
ter of Calvin F. S. and Eliza (Shields) Thomas, the former a native of
New York City, where his birth occurred in 1808, the family later remov-
ing to Norfolk, Virginia. After the death of his father he, with his mother
and sister, went to Boston, where he established a printing office. Later he
settled in Buffalo. New York, where he engaged for some time in the pub-
lication of a newspaper and in the wholesale paper business, owning a large
paper warehouse there. Meanwhile he had married and reared a family.
After the death of his wife he gave up his business and made his home with
his daughter, who had married Waldo C. Booth, our subject, in Cincinnati,
the family coming to Springfield in 1869. Mr. Thomas did not engage in
business here of any kind, his failing health compelling him to lead a quiet,
retired life. The Springfield people who yet remember him recall him as
a silent but cultured, kindly gentleman. He died in [876 while in Buffalo,
New York, where he had gone on a visit. Mr. Thomas knew America's
greatest author, Edgar Allen Poe, whom he befriended when he was engaged
in the printing business in Boston, in 1 S J 7 , Mr. Thomas then being about
eighteen years old. He was a poor boy. ami with the assistance of a
widowed mother and what he could earn by his printing business, was try-
ing to get an education. In that year he met Poe, who was about the same
age, and who was then in the United States army, where he was known as
Edgar A. Berry. He prevailed on Thomas to publish a volume of his
poems, and when the thin, forty-page volume was issued the title page was
as follows: "Tamerlane and Other Poems. By a Bostonian. Boston:
Calvin F. S. Thomas. Printer. 1827." It was of cheap paper, poorly exe-
cuted mechanically, and rudely bound. It contained ten poems, some of
them without any title. But four of them, "Tamerlane," "The Lake,"
"To ," and "Visit of the Dead." always appeared in later editions.
and these four were subjected to so much revision that they bear but small
resemblance to their original form.
To Waldo C. Booth and wife four children were born, namely: Stanley
C, who is head bookkeeper for the McGregor-Noe Hardware Company of
Springfield, married Lydia Wood; Fred is deceased: Ralph \Y. is also
deceased; George H., who is now connected with the Springfield Wagon
Company, married Grace Hyner of St. Louis.
l6/2 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
Waldo C. Booth was a soldier in the Union army during the Civil war,
having enlisted at Cincinnati in 1861 in the Fifth Ohio Volunteer Infantry.
He was soon commissioned first lieutenant, later became a captain. He
was subsequently given command of a company in the One Hundred and
Thirty-seventh Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He proved to be an efficient offi-
cer, and took part in numerous important engagements. Politically, he was a
Democrat. He was a member of the school board for a number of terms,
and he was often solicited to make the race for mayor of Springfield, but
always declined. Fraternally, he was a member of the Ancient Order of
United Workmen, and religiously he was a Unitarian. He belonged to the
Shakespeare Club of Cincinnati. In his earlier life he was an enthusiastic
sportsman. Personally he was admired by all who knew him for his integ-
rity, business ability and exemplary character.
JOHN E. DENNIS.
The mind of the farmer must be as well balanced as the farm affairs.
With a good mental grasp on the situation a farmer should be enabled to
get great enjoyment and must profit out of his specialties without inter-
ferring with the known necessity for diversified farming. One of the farm-
ers of Washington township, Greene county who understands this is John
E. Dennis, and he is therefore making a success as a general farmer.
Air. Dennis was born in Greene county, Missouri. May 17, 1865. He
is a son of Benjamin Franklin Dennis and Margaret (Smith) Dennis. The
father was horn in Jackson county. Tennessee, in 1830, and was eleven years
old when he accompanied his parents, William K. and Sarah (Chaffin)
Dennis, to Missouri, locating in Greene county. When a young man he
made two overland trips to California, but finally took up his permanent
abode on a farm of two hundred acres in this count}', and in due course of
time became one of our most progressive farmers and extensive landowners,
and was a heavy dealer in live stock, especially mules, lie continued active in
his work until njii. when he retired from active life and moved to a fine
residence in Rogersville, Missouri, where he is now living. He is president
of the Bank of Kogersville and is one of the prominent men of the eastern
part of Greene county. Margaret A. Smith, whom he married in 1864,
was his first wife, and by her four children were horn, all of whom sur-
vive, namely: John E., Clara B., William A., and George F. The mother
of these children was born in this comity in 1843 and her death occurred
in 1870, after which Mr. Dennis married, in 1877, \lrinha G. Ferrell. who
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. [673
was burn in Tennessee in 1861. To this second union five children were
born, namely : Henry C, Cora A., Grover C, Shirley Y., and Ben Elmer.
John E. Dennis grew to manhood on the home farm and there assisted
with the general work, and he now owns and occupies one hundred and
sixty acres of the place on which he was reared. He received his education
in the public schools of hi ^ community, and he has always followed general
farming and stock raising. His farm is well improved and is one of the
productive, well located farms of the county, and on it stands a good group
of buildings.
Mr. Dennis was married on December 23, 1886, to Martha T. Boden-
hamer, who was born east of Springfield, May 3. iSfi/. and was reared
there on a farm and educated in the district schools. She is a daughter of
A. J. and Elizabeth (Whorten) Bodenhamer. Both these parents were
born in Greene county, were reared, educated and married here and are
still living on a farm in this county and are high respectable people.
Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Dennis, namely: Mrs.
Yolie Hedgepath, born on October 12, 1887; Benjamin A., born on March
15, 1889, and Charles Lee, born on July 23, 1893.
Politically, Air. Dennis is a Democrat, and fraternally he belongs to
the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Modern Woodmen, at Rog-
ersville, Webster county.
WILLIAM V. SMITH.
A great essayist once said that "when one has given the besl that is
in him to a work, he experiences a feeling of satisfaction." While this
statement may seem rather broad, yet a greater truth than this was never
spoken. Whether one is successful or not in what one undertakes, if he
realizes that nothing on his part has been left undone he should have no
regrets. This does not mean that the unsuccessful person feels just as
elated over defeat as the successful over victory. When one does his best and
is successful he has a double reason to be bappy. To this class belongs Will-
iam Y. Smith, who has had a varied career as farmer, implement dealer,
traveling salesman and life insurance agent, and whose record shows that by
his individual efforts persistently applied he has succeeded in lines that have
claimed his attention.
Mr. Smith was born in Greene county. Missouri, June 5, 185 1. He
is a son of William and Sarah (Julian) Smith, natives of Virginia and
Tennessee, respectively. They grew to maturity in the East and were edu-
cated there and married in Kentucky. The father was a physician by pro-
1674 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
fession. He went to California in 185 1, during the gold fever period, and
his death occurred in Eugene, Oregon. His widow survived until 1875,
dying in Greene county, Missouri. To these parents six children were born,
three of whom are deceased, namely: Julian D., deceased; Robert O.,
deceased; Cyrenia lives in Paris, Texas; Saphronia lives in Fair Play, Mis-
souri; Aglentine, deceased; and William Y., of this review.
William V. Smith had little opportunity to receive an education. He
attended night school for a time, but later in life this early lack has been
made up for by wide miscellaneous reading, and he is today a well-informed
man on general topics. He was married near Willard. his native count}-,
October 15, 1871, to Anna B. Campbell, who was born in Greene count}',
Missouri, in 1855. and here she grew to womanhood and received a com-
mon school education. She is a daughter of Andrew and Louise ( White )
Campbell, natives of Tennessee and Kentucky, respectively, but were mar-
ried in Greene county, Missouri, after they immigrated here among the
early pioneers, locating on a farm. During the Civil war Mr. Campbell
joined the Confederate army and died in the service. His widow survives
and is living in Tennessee. Mrs. Smith is a granddaughter of George
White, one of the pioneer preachers of ( ireene county, who located here
in the year 1853 and was known as a circuit rider, preaching at Friendship
Baptist church near Ebenezer. Ash Grove, Slagle Creek church and Cedar
Bluff, holding services one Sunday each month in the churches in his reg-
ular circuit.
Eight children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Smith, rive of whom
are living at this writing, namely: Lydia Eugenia lives in Kansas: Fred,
deceased; Ethel is married and lives in Springfield, Missouri; Mattie is als« >
with her parents; Nellie lives in Joplin, Missouri; Walter died in infancy;
Campbell lives in Springfield, and Lee is deceased.
William Y. Smith is an example of a self-made man. I lis father died
when he was a small boy, leaving our subject's mother with a number of
children in rear, which made it necessary for William \. in face life alone
and unaided; but tins lie did courageously, and the hard knocks be received
at that tender age proved valuable to his makeup, lie engaged in general
farming on the farm where he was reared, continuing in this vocation until
he was twenty-five years of age, then moved to Springfield and engaged in
the implement business, later went on the road for a harvester company.
selling machines, remaining in that line of work a number id" years, or
until the various harvesting machine companies were consolidated into the
trust, whereupon be turned bis attention ti> the life insurance business.
During the past five years he has been on the road as a commercial traveler,
selling different lines. bu1 principally lighting systems and silos. He is
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. 1 6
/0
one of the most successful and best known traveling men in this section of
the country. He has a pleasant home on Monroe street, Springfield.
Mr. Smith is a Democrat, and has long been more or less active in the
affairs of his party. He is a member of the Anti-Horse Thief Association.
THOMAS ELLIS DABBS.
Thomas Ellis Dabbs was born in Champaign county, Ohio, August 8,
1878, and when three years of age he came to Greene county, Missouri.
with his parents and here has since resided. His father, William P. Dabbs,
was born in Virginia, May 28, 1821), and was the son of Abner and Mary
Dabbs, who located in North Carolina in 1838, after spending their earlier
years in the Old Dominion. In 1844 they left the old Tar state and made
the long overland journey to Greene county, Missouri, where William P.
Dabbs grew to manhood. On October 3, 1858, he married Hannah M.
Johnston, a daughter of John B. Johnston, formerly a citizen of Spring-
field. To this union ten children were born, six of whom are living at this
writing, namely: Mary C, Hannah E., Clara L., Ellen V., Thomas E., and
Robert Lee. The last named is a girl.
William P. Dabbs was a Southern sympathizer during the war between
the states, and in the fall of 1861 he enlisted in the State Guards, and in
February, 1862, joined Capt. "Dick" Campbell's company, and served in
the regular Confederate army under Gen. Sterling Price. He took part in
a number of engagements and was taken prisoner at the hotly contested
battle of Champion's Hill, Mississippi, May 17, 1863, and was held at Camp
Morton, Fort Donelson and Point Lookout until March, 1864. when he was
released. He made his way to Clark county, Ohio, where he joined his fam-
ily who had been ordered out of Greene county, Missouri, in the spring of
1864. He remained in Ohio until 188 1 when he returned with his family
to Greene county and bought a farm of one hundred and seventy-five acres.
Thomas E. Dabbs grew to manhood on his father's farm where he
assisted with the general work. He received his education in the district
schools and the old Springfield Normal, which he attended two years. On
December 25, 1901, he married Eleanor Miller, a daughter of James Todd
Miller and Christina (Stephenson) Miller. The father was born in Phila-
delphia, Pennsylvania, and the mother in Henrv county, Illinois. James
Miller, grandfather of Mrs. Dabbs, was a native of Ireland, from which
country he immigrated to the United States when a young man and settled
in New York, later locating in Philadelphia. He was a weaver by trade
which he followed until about 1865 when he came to Bureau county, Illi-
\hji, GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
nois, where he purchased three hundred and sixty acres of land and there
his death occurred seventeen years ago, at the age of seventy-seven years,
and he was bund at Kewanee, Henry county, that state. His wife, Jane
(Legette) Miller, was a granddaughter of Joseph Robert and Eleanor
(Sloan) Legette. natives of Ireland, from which country they immigrated
to the United States and died at Kewanee, Illinois, he at the age of ninety-
two years, and she at the age of eighty-eight years.
To James T. Miller and wife six children were born, namely: Elea-
nor, wife of Mr. Dabbs of this sketch; Christina lives at Meta, Missouri;
Jean married Fred Krone and they live in St. Louis; James S. lives in
LaCrosse, Wisconsin; Will T. lives in Lafayette, Indiana; Joe Marshall
is at home.
James T. Miller was but a child when his parents took him from Phila-
delphia to Bureau county, Illinois, where he remained until 1899, when he
came to Greene county, Missouri. He engaged in merchandising in Spring-
field, where he remained until 1904. then went to Meta, Missouri, and
retired.
Four children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Dabbs, namely: Will-
iam James, born in 1903; Margarite Christina, born in 1907; Helen Miller,
born in 1909; and Mary E., born in 1912.
Mr. Dabbs has devoted his life to general agricultural pursuits. He
owns a productive and well-tilled farm of eighty acres in Campbell town-
ship, near Springfield, only a mile from the city limits. Here for four vears
be conducted a successful dairy, but has abandoned this part of his opera-
tions. He has also devoted considerable attention to the live stock business.
Politically, he is a Democrat. He i^ a member of the Anti-Horse
Thief Association. He has served his community as road commissioner.
Our subject's wife is a member of the Calvary Presbyterian church,
Springfield.
MAJOR JOHN \Y. I-'. BEATIE.
Effective management of one's affairs has ceased to lie a one-man
game. A generation ago farmers and business men could and did carry on
tlu-ir enterprises quite independent of each other. If they could not make a
satisfactory deal with one man. there was another at hand with which they
could open negotiations. But there has been a gradual breaking down of
independent individual action ami a growing up of gigantic systems of com-
bination. Small business establishments have been absorbed by the larger
ones which have united their interests by working agreements. Planners
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. 1 6/7
now see the necessity of co-operation for cheaper production and less expen-
sive marketing.
One of the farmers of Washington township, Greene county, who is
alive to new conditions is John \Y. F. Beatie, who was born near St. Louis,
Missouri, April 9, 1837. He is a son of Robert and Mary Anne (Smith)
Beatie. The father was born in Lincoln county, Tennessee, July 29, 181 1,
and was reared on a farm in that state, and when a young man he learned
the blacksmith's trade. He remained in his native state until 1837 when he
made the overland trip in a wagon to Missouri, Greene county being his
destination, and our subject was born en route. The family settled about
ten miles southeast of Springfield at a place now called Palmetto. Here the
elder Beatie secured a tract of land which he cleared and worked in connec-
tion with blacksmithing, keeping a shop on his farm, and was one of the
best-known blacksmiths among the pioneer settlers in that part of the county.
There he spent the rest of his life, dying on March 22, 1884. His wife was
born in Lincoln county, Tennessee, and there grew up and received a limited
education. She did not live long after coming to Missouri. To these parents
ten children were born, namely: Martha Jane, deceased; Lucinda, deceased;
John W. F., of this sketch; Sarah Elizabeth lives in Webster county. Mis-
souri ; David M. is living in Rogersville, Webster county ; Mrs. Frances
Gault lives in Rogersville also; William R. makes his home at Rogersville;
Anna Eliza, deceased; Lucretia G., deceased; the youngest child died in
infancy.
Major Beatie grew to manhood on the home farm where he worked
when a boy, and in the winter time he attended the district schools of his
community. He has lived in Missouri all his life, and being now past his
seventy-seventh birthday he is one of the oldest citizens of this township,
which he has seen develop from a wild state to a fine farming community,
and he has taken an interested part in the many improvements. When the
Civil war began he soon took a stand for the Union and at first joined the
Home Guards under Captain Waterson. After the battle of Wilson's Creek
he entered the United States service, serving six months in Company D,
Phelp's regiment, under Capt. J. W. Lisenby, then joined the Missouri
State Militia, and later was a member of the Sixteenth Missouri Cavalry.
He saw considerable service, but principally in his home district, and at the
close of the war he was honorably discharged at Springfield.
Major Beatie was married in 1872 to Matilda Pickel. who was born in
Tennessee, and from that state she removed with her parents at a very early
age to Greene county, Missouri, the family locating just across the road
from the Beattie family and there she grew to womanhood and received her
education in the district schools. She is a daughter of Jacob B. and Malicia
1678 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
(Holt) Pickel, who came to Greene county, Missouri, from Tennessee, and
located on a farm in Washington township.
To Mr. and Airs. Beatie five children have been born, namely: Mrs.
Mary Alice Davis lives in Greene county; Robert M. is at home; Mrs. Emma
Holland lives in Greene county; Mrs. Jennie Isabel Webb lives in Greene
county, and Mrs. Bessie F. Painter resides in Springfield.
Major Beatie has always followed general farming, and soon after his
marriage he moved to the farm where he is now residing, purchasing one
hundred acres, to which he later added twenty-six and one-half acres, one
hundred acres being under cultivation, the balance in timber. He has a good
farm and a comfortable home and has made an easy living here. He has
owned farms in different parts of the state.
Politically, Mr. Beatie is a Republican, and while loyal to his party has
never sought leadership or public office.
COLUMBUS BERRY RUSSELL.
When Columbus Berry Russell, one of the substantia] farmers of Brook-
line township, Greene county, lost an arm in his boyhood it was regarded
as a calamity, but this very circumstance ma)- have led to the arousing of
dormant energies, courage, self-reliance, determination and ambition that
could not be thwarted and thus the accomplishment of greater things in
future years than otherwise would have been the case. Anyway he is cer-
tainly deserving of a great deal of credit for forging ahead from discourag-
ing and humble environment to the commendable position he has attained in
his locality.
Mr. Russell was born in Dade county, Missouri, December 20, 1852.
He is a son of Jefferson X. and Elizabeth Russell, who came to Dade county
from Virginia in the late forties. The paternal grandfather was a native of
Germany. His wife was a native of Ireland. They immigrated to America
early in the nineteenth century. Jefferson X. Russell owned a good farm
in this county where he and his wife both died. They were the parents of
the following children: Columbus 11. of this sketch; Granson, of Hico,
Hamilton county, Texas; B. V. lives in Buena Vista, Texas; Calvin lives
in Plainview, Texas: Ann is the widow of J. D. Robinson and lives in Little
( >ak. California; Arrena Jane is the wife of J. J. Gray, a tanner of Brook-
line township, this county; Sarah E. is the widow of J. Hale, of Kansas
City.
Columbus B. Russell was a boy when his parents brought him to Greene
county and lie was reared on a farm which formed a portion of the battle-
field of Wilson's ("reek, and during this memorable engagement the Russell
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. 1^79
home was converted into a hospital. Our subject has a vivid recollection of
the battle and tells many interesting- stories regarding it. Soon after the
battle he passed over the field in search of some live stock that had been
frightened away by the firing, and he saw many dead and wounded. Our
subject's father was a member of the Home Guards and at the time of the
battle was at home; however, he was careful to conceal himself from the
Confederates and he was not disturbed. But during the war he lost all of
his live stock — several hundred head, including sixty brood mares, which
practically ruined him financially.
Columbus I!. Russell received his education in the district schools. He
lias always followed farming. When fourteen years old he met with the
accident that caused the loss of his right arm, by the accidental discharge
of a gun, but nevertheless he began life for himself when fifteen years old
by engaging in farming and has made his way unaided in the world ever
since, and, managing well has been quite successful. He moved to his
present location in Section 36, Brookline township, in 1874, where he bought
a government claim of forty acres, since then acquiring eighty acres more,
the entire one hundred and twenty costing an average of about nine dollars
per acre. It is now well worth seventy-five dollars per acre, partly because
of the general increase in land and partly because he has made many sub-
stantial improvements and has his land under excellent cultivation. He also
owns one hundred and sixty acres in Section 23, of this township. He oper-
ates a part of his land, renting the balance.
Mr. Russell was married in 1873 to Visa Jane Crow, a daughter of
Bryant and Bindy Crow, whose home was on Wilson creek in Wilson town-
ship. Here Mrs. Russell was born in 1853, grew to womanhood on the farm
and was educated in the district schools. The following children were born
to our subject and wife: Hubert, born in April. 1888, died when sixteen
months old; Lula, born February 10, 1875, married John Baumbarger and
lives in Oklahoma; Minnie A., born March 2, 1877. married John Ray, of
Springfield; Alberta, born December 22, 1879, lives at home; Etta, born
February 6, 1882, married William Robinson, of Greene county; Roy and
Effie, twins, were born on February 11, 1885, the former is unmarried and
lives at home, and the latter married James Robinson and they live in Barry
county, Missouri; Homer \7., born on March 13, 1889, died in June, 1910,
in Oklahoma; Phelix J., born on May 2, 1892, is single and lives at home;
Leona, born on August 21, 1896, is also at home. These children were edu-
cated in the district schools.
Mr. Russell is a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian church. Politi-
cally, he is a stanch Democrat but is not active in public affairs, but is an
advocate of all measures looking to the general upbuilding of his community
and county.
l68o GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
LOUIS LAZZARO REBORI.
It was Robert Louis Stevenson, the great Scottish author, who said that
a man who follows his own virtuous heart will be always found in the end
to have been fighting for the best ; that one thing leads naturally to another
in an awakened mind, and that with an upward progress from effect to cause.
The late Louis Lazzaro Rebori, for many years one of the best-known busi-
ness men of Springfield, was a man who had evidently "an awakened mind,"
and whose career was marked by "an upward progress." And since it is true
that individual success is determined, in true measure, by what one has
accomplished, his name is deserving of a high rank in the list of Greene
county citizens of a past generation who rose, of their own efforts, from
an humble beginning to the top rungs of the ladder of material success.
Mr. Rebori was born near Genoa, Italy, August 31, 1867, a scion of an
excellent old Italian family. He was a son of Jiacomo and Catherine (Gan-
dolfo) Rebori, both also natives of the same locality in which our subject
was born. There they grew to maturity, attended school and were married.
The death of the father occurred in 1889 at the age of fifty-three years, being
-killed by falling from a cherry tree. The mother is still living in Italy, at
the age of seventy-three years. The father was in the fruit business all his
life and was highly successful. In the early eighties he immigrated to the
United States with his parents when our subject was eleven years old, the
family locating in Indianapolis, Indiana, where the father engaged in the
wholesale and retail fruit business for about fifteen years. He prospered
and. branching out, established a retail fruit business in Knoxville, Ten-
nessee, for his sMiis. he laying there the foundation for a large fortune, and
was a very rich man at the time of his death. After retiring from active
life he returned to Italy with his wife, and there they erected a beautiful
home, along the American line of architecture, and there spent the rest of
his life. He was not only a man of superior ability along business lines but
was also of superior mental ability, and he was a scrupulously honest man,
in fact, a devout Christian. His family consisted of three children, namely:
Louis L., of this sketch; Andrew, who is engaged in the wholesale fruit
business in Springfield; and Stella, who is living in Genoa, Italy.
Louis L. Rebori received a limited education in the public schools of
Indianapolis. However, he became a well-in tunned man. by coming in con-
tact with the business world, by close observation and by wide miscellaneous
reading. He was a fine example of a successful self-made man. and was
certainly deserving of a great ileal of credit for what he accomplished in a
business way. lie assisted his father in the fruit business until he was
twenty-three years oi age. lie went back to Italy with his parents where he
LOUIS L. UEBORI.
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. l68l
remained two years, but, tiring of life there, he desired to come back to
America to make his fortune where he deemed business conditions better and
existence pleasanter in onr "land of the free." After spending four years
in the fruit business in Knoxville. Tennessee, he came to Springfield in the
year 1895, at the solicitation of his brother, who had previously located here,
Andrew Rebori, being now president of the well-known Rebori bruit Com-
pany, which operates a large wholesale house between Mill street and Phelps
avenue, near the Frisco depot. Andrew Rebori had opened a fruit store
at South street and the public square. Louis L. Rebori entering the firm with
a capital stock of less than six hundred dollars, provided by his father.
Later he was in different locations, one stand being on Walnut street, another
on St. Louis street, and still another on Commercial street, and other places.
The loan was repaid within a year and after remaining in partnership with
his brother nine years, he opened his first business on East Walnut street.
The last stand he owned was on South Jefferson street, now the property
of his widow.. He was apparently a genius at selecting good business loca-
tions, for he placed fruit stands at points where none had ever been estab-
lished before, and usually selling them in a short time at material profits.
A striking illustration of the success of this enterprising man of affairs is
seen from the fact that he left an estate of over twenty-seven thousand dol-
lars, amassed during twenty years of business in Springfield. During his
two decades of business here on a small scale, he became one of the wealthi-
est merchants of his kind that the city has ever known. A large portion of
his earnings were invested in Italy, the remainder being invested in Springfield.
Mr. Rebori was married on September 2, 1891, in New York City, to
Laura Crover, who was born in Springfield, Ohio, September 16, 1876. She
is a daughter of Andrew and Columbia (Mousante) Crover, both born near
Genoa, Italy, where they spent their earlier years, emigrating to America
from their native land, and establishing their home in Springfield, Ohio.
The death of Mr. Crover occurred in New York City, May 1, 1903, where
he had located a number of years previously. The mother of Mrs. Rebori
is now making her home in Springfield, Missouri, being now sixty-three
years of age. Mr. and Airs. Crover were young when they came to America,
and they were married in .Yew York City, from which place they removed
to Indianapolis, Indiana, and later to Springfield, Ohio, and finally moved
back to Xew York City. Mr. Crover spent his life engaged successfully in
the fruit business, being engaged for many years as a wholesale and retail
merchant. His family consisted of four children, namely: Emma lives in
Springfield; Laura, who became the wife of Mr. Rebori; Delia lives in
Springfield; and Ralph, who is also a resident of this city. Mrs. Rebori
( 106)
l682 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
had the advantage of an excellent education, and is a woman of fine business-
tact and excellent personal characteristics.
The union of Mr. and Mrs. Rebori resulted in the birth of one child,
Ralph A. Rebori, whose birth occurred on April 2. 1899. He is receiving
a good education, and he gives promise of a successful business career.
Politically. Mr. Rebori was a Democrat, and while he was a strong
man in his party, taking an abiding interest in public affairs, especially such
as pertained to the general upbuilding and welfare of the city of Spring-
field, he was never an office seeker. He was a member of St. Agnes Catho-
lic church, and was noted for his fair dealings with his fellow men, his
upright character and his kindness. He was held in high favor by all who
knew him, both in the circles of his countrymen and Americans. He was a
man who had a prodigious working capacity, his average working day being
seventeen hours or more, the common comment of his customers being that
"be was the last one to go home at night and the first one to be out in the
morning." He frequently returned to Italy for short periods, crossing the
ocean twenty-three times, being accompanied on twelve of them by his wife
and son. lie was always ready to help in any good cause, always gave a
helping hand to those in need who appealed to him. and he did many a kind
and generous act that the public never knew about, for he never gave from
an impulse to gain the praise of men. but from a sense of duty and
brotherhood.
Tbe death of Louis L. Rebori occurred after a brief illness, on March
23, 1915, in his forty-eighth year, when just in the prime of life and useful-
ness and when tbe future promised most to him.
THOMAS II. DORAX.
Wise farmers of Greene county are now planning their crops with
safety first in mind. Dry years have impressed upon all of us the fact that
the certain and regular production of ieed. every year, must be the founda-
tion ot" a safe system of farming. Very tew are staking their all on one
feed crop, and still fewer are placing their entire dependence on some "cash
crop," expecting to buy their i^L-A. Thomas II. Doran, of Clay township,
is one of our farmers who plans well and can see ahead, one to whom the
previous successive dry years have taught valuable lessons. He is a man
who is ever on the alert to learn something more than what he was taught
by the early-day farmers, whose methods were all right then, but since con-
ditions have changed very materially, a new system of farming has had to
be adopted.
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. I683
Mr. Doran was born in Greene county on March 9, 1871. He is a
son of Alec. H. and Catherine ( Grubaugh ) Doran. The father was born in
Tennessee, May 9, 1825, and was reared in that state, receiving the usual
schooling of the times. When a young man he went to Illinois, but later
moved to Greene county, Missouri, then located in Christian county. He
sold patent medicine for awhile but farming was his main business. His
death occurred in Greene county, April 14, 1898. His wife was born near
Springfield, Illinois, in 1826, and was reared on a farm there. She was a
member of the Methodist church. Her death occurred on the old home
place in this county. November 24, 1889. to these parents nine children
were born, namely: William is deceased: Jennie, Edward, James, Meaford,
Sherman, Mrs. Emma Mutchler, Thomas H, of this sketch, and Mollie,
deceased.
Thomas H. Doran was reared on the farm in Greene county and he
received a common school education. He lived on the farm which his
father owned in Christian county. He has devoted his life to agricultural
pursuits and has owned farms in different parts of Greene county. His
present place consists of two hundred and sixty-six acres. He carries on
general farming and stock raising, and deals in live stock on an extensive
scale. He has a well-improved and productive place and a good home on
the Rogersville and Galloway road.
Mr. Doran was married in November, 1895, to Annie Stephens, who
was born cm June 22, 1866, and it is a singular coincidence- that she first
saw the light of day in the same house in which our subject was ushered
into the world. She was reared on a farm in Greene county, and received
a common school education. She is a daughter of John and Cynthia B.
(Owen) Stephens, both natives of Tennessee. Her father spent his active
life on a farm. He was a soldier in the Union army during the Civil war,
under Captain Kirby and saw much hard service, remaining in the army
until the close of the war. He came home from the front sick and did not
recover, his death occurring on April 3, 1866. The mother of Mrs. Doran
was born on July 4, 1837, and died on December 8, 1006. To these parents
three children were born, namely: Mrs. Mary Smith. Mrs. Smathey Chaf-
fin, and Anna, wife of Mr. Doran. The last named is a member of the
.Methodist Episcopal church.
To Mr. and Mrs. Doran two children have been born, namely: Ralph,
born April 11, 1899, is living at home; Mabel L., born on November 26,
1907, is with her parents.
Politically, Mr. Doran is a Republican, and fraternally, he belongs to
the Modern Woodmen.
r684 GREEXE COUNTY. MISSOURI.
REUBEN R. ROSE.
Probably many of us never stopped to consider some of the factors
which have contributed to the gradual depletion of our soil fertility. When
we see a farmer hauling fifty bushels of corn to town, worth in an average
year about twenty-five dollars, we hardly think of him as hauling away
fifteen dollars' worth of soil fertility with that corn. Yet if he brought
back home in the form of commercial fertilizer the same amount of fer-
tility he hauled off that is what it would cost. Likewise when fifty bushels
of wheat is sold sixteen dollars' worth of soil fertility goes with it. A ton
of clover hay may bring seventeen dollars, but the seller is giving awav
eleven dollars' worth of the soil fertility in the hay. One of the farmers
of Brookline township, Greene county, who believes in putting something
back in the soil and endeavoring to maintain its richness while he is gather-
ing life-sustaining harvests from it is Reuben R. Rose.
Mr. Rose was born October 14, 1N74. in Brookline township, near the
village of Brookline. He is a son of Reuben R. and Lucy A. (McElhany)
Rose. The paternal grandfather of our subject came from Tennessee to
this locality in the pioneer days and established the permanent home of the
family here. He and our subject's lather devoted their lives to general
farming and were well known in this part of the county. Our subject is
one of a large family of children, namely: Sallie is the wife of Sol Owens
and lives near Springfield; Jane is the wife of Amos Cooper and lives in
Oklahoma; Kennard lives at Galloway. .Missouri; John lives in Brookline
township, Greene county; Reuben R.. Jr., of this sketch; Martha is the
wife of Charles Grothy and they live at Webb City. Missouri; Lucy is the
wife of Wilson White and they live near Springfield; Homer lives in Brook-
line township; Frank also lives in Brookline township; two sons and one
daughter are deceased.
Mr. Rose of this review grew to manhood on the home farm and there
he worked during the crop seasons, and in the winter time attended the
district schools, lie has always followed farming, starting out in life for
himself when eighteen years of age. lie purchased forty acres in Brookline
township in 1 Mi>. and he now Owns two hundred acres in section 36 and
also two hundred acres in section 1. lie resides on the former, in a com-
modious residence, surrounded by substantial outbuildings and an excellent
grade id' live stock. His land is also productive and well-improved, and he
manages it in a skillful and successful manner, being rated as one of the
best general farmers in the township. He is a noted mule breeder, and has
been very successful. He owns "Greased Lightning." a very tine jack.
Mr. Rose was married in 1896 to Opie McElhany, who did not live
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. 1685
long thereafter, and in 1900 our subject married Mamie Van Wagon, a
daughter of Fred Van Wagon and wife of Brookline township, where she
grew to womanhood and was educated. To this union four children have
o
been born, namely: Philip, age thirteen; Glen R.. age eleven; Elmer, age
nine; and EfHe Marie, age seven.
Politically, Mr. Rose is a Democrat. He was elected school director
in his district, and has been incumbent of this office six years, and is a
strong advocate for good educational work.
s
LEVY-WOLF DRY GOODS COMPANY.
One of the best known progressive mercantile establishments in Spring-
field is the Levy-Wolf Dry Goods Company, located in the southeast corner
of the Public Square.
This business was founded here by Mr. M. Levy twenty-seven years
ago, under the firm name of the Model Dry Goods Company, and was oper-
ated under that name until January, 1914, when the incorporation of the
Levy-Wolf Dry Goods Company was effected, with increased capital stock,
to take over the business, which had steadily grown during the man)- years
of its existence to be one of the largest distributors of exclusive dr}- goods,
millinery and women's ready-to-wear apparel in southwestern Missouri, and
now has a force of sixty employees and counts among its patrons the best
families of Springfield and surrounding counties. This store, which is still
known as "The Model," has made a specialty of goods of quality and has
won for itself an enviable reputation for dependability of its merchandise
and for fairness and integrity in its dealings.
Mr. M. Levy before coming to Springfield was engaged in the mer-
cantile business in Arrow Rock and Marshall in Saline county, this state,
for twenty-one years, from 1866 to 1887, where he met with a verv reason-
able degree of success, and is further said to have had more personal friends
than any man who had ever been engaged in business in that section, and
even to this day none of the old-timers of Saline county visit Springfield
without looking him up.
Mr. Le\ y has always been identified with every enterprise for the
advancement and good of Springfield, and has likewise taken an active inter-
est in all charitable and philanthropic affairs.
The Levy-Wolf Dry Goods Company is capitalized for fifty thousand
dollars, fully paid up, and the destinies of the company are successfully
directed by the following officers: M. Levy, president; Ignace Glaser, vice-
president ; Sol R. Wrolf , secretary and manager, I. R. Levy, treasurer.
1686 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
The building which for the past fourteen years has housed this pro-
gressive firm was entirely remodeled a few years ago, into an attractive
convenient and modernly appointed store, which with its late style recess
show windows would be a credit to any city. The first floor is devoted to
staple and fancy dry goods, notions and toilet requisites; the second floor
is given over entirely to the women's ready-to-wear department, and the
third floor is very handsomely furnished for the departments of millinery
and dressmaking. The latter department, being one of the principal fea-
tures of the store, has a clientele while not large in numbers practically
extends from Maine to California, and gives the store the distinction of
almost a national reputation. It is such institutions that have contributed
to the making of a greater Springfield.
GEORGE W. O'NEAL.
One of the men who has stamped his strong individuality upon the
minds of the people of western Greene count}' in a manner as to render
him one of the conspicuous characters of this locality is George W. O'Neal,
who has had a somewhat varied career as a man of affairs, farmer, miller.
banker and lumberman. Faithfulness to duty and a strict adherence to a
fixed purpose, which always do more to advance a man's' interest than wealth
or advantageous circumstances, have been dominating factors in his life,
which has been replete with honor and success worthily attained. He is a
scion of one of the sterling old families of the Ozark region, and many of
the strong characteristics of his progenitors seem to have outcropped in
him, and he has been most vigilant in keeping the record of the family untar-
nished, for the O'Neals have always been noted for their sterling honestv.
their rare industry and their readiness to assist in the general upbuilding of
the communities in which they selected as their homes.
Mr. O'Neal was horn on April 8, 1841, in Carroll county, Arkansas.
He is a son of Charles G. and Martha (Hillhouse) O'Neal, natives of Ten-
nessee, where they spent their earlier years eventually moving to Carroll
county. Arkansas, where they located on a farm and were well and favor-
ably known. They were parents of thirteen children, twelve of whom lived
to maturity and eight of whom survive at this writing.
George \V. O'Neal grew to manhood on the homestead in Arkansas
and there he made himself useful when crop seasons came around, and in
the winter time he attended the district schools in his community, obtaining
a practical education which later in life has been greatly supplemented by
wide reading ami contact with the world until today he is an exceptionallv
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. 1687
well-informed man on current events. He remained on his father's farm
until he was twenty-one years of age, leaving home in 1862 to go to Spring-
field, Missouri, where he enlisted in the First Arkansas Cavalry, and served
three years and three months in the Federal army during the Civil war in a
gallant manner, seeing considerable hard service in the Southwest, and was
honorably discharged. About the time the war closed his father moved
from Arkansas to what was known as the old Tom Dodd farm, three miles
northwest of Republic, and here spent the rest of his life, and to this place
came our subject when he returned from the army and engaged in farming
with success until 1885, when he bought out the lumber yards in Republic
owned by W. W. Coover, Keys, King & Company. When the Bank of
Republic was organized he took considerable stock in the company, and
was for a time its president, finally resigning from this office after he had
placed the bank on a safe and sound footing and made it a pronounced
success. He also took a large block of stock in the Republic Canning Com-
pany, which was organized in 1888 and when the other stockholders of that
•company became discouraged after a year's run, Mr. O'Neal got four other
men interested and managed the canning company himself, clearing ten thou-
sand dollars the next four years and paying off the old indebtedness. When
the R. C. Stone mill burned in 1894 it was Mr. O'Neal who took the contract
to rebuild the mill, while the balance of the citizens of Republic only contrib-
uted the necessary bonus to get the mill to remain. In this transaction he
lost considerable money, but he considers himself fully repaid every time
he looks at the big mill, knowing that it gives life and support to a town that
otherwise w'ould be dead. Mr. O'Neal has had other reverses, including
the loss on the contractor's bond of the new school building in Republic, but
despite that fact he is a successful man and justly deserves the wealth he has
attained. He has acquired a one-third interest in a flouring mill at Mt.
Vernon, Lawrence county, in which mill his son is the prime factor. Our
■subject was for some time a stockholder, director and vice-president of
the Monitor Printing plant in Republic, which publishes the Weekly Monitor,
but has recently retired from this firm. He is a thorough business man, ready
at all times to help in any cause that will benefit Republic and vicinity, and
he has d«me as much as any other one man toward the material upbuilding
of this town and toward the general welfare of the people in this section of
Greene county. Fie has one of the most extensive lumber businesses in the
county, having recently rebuilt his sheds, making them ninety by one hun-
dred and sixteen feet and all covered with felt roofing and iron. He is a
progressive man of high ideas and has long enjoyed the good will and con-
fidence of all who know him. Religiously he is a worthy member of the
Christian church, and while he is deeply interested in public affairs, he has
never sought office.
l688 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
Mr. O'Neal married Ellen Wallace, who died after a married life of
eighteen years, leaving six children, who still survive. Mr. O'Neal married
again in 1892, Zetta Bingman, of Greene county, and a daughter of James
and Elizabeth (Lamb,) Bingman, whose family consisted of ten children.
Personally, Mr. O'Neal is a genial, obliging and courteous gentleman
whom it is a pleasure to meet.
JOHN P. GRIFFIN.
The business of farming comprises among many other points the con-
sideration of what crops to grow, how to grow them to the best advantage,
whether for sale or for use on the farm. It brings out more than anything
else the business acumen of the farmer, and is more or less the very key-
note to success or failure. A man may be the best of farmer so far as
raising crops and harvesting them is concerned, but it would avail him
nothing if he had no market for what he had raised, or, in other words, if
he had raised the wrong crop. John P. Griffin is one of the farmers of
Republic township, Greene county, who seems to be very successful in rais-
ing the right crop, in the right manner, at the right time.
Mr. Griffin was born on August 7, 1863, in Iowa. He is a son of John
and Ann ( Gilmore ) Griffin, the former born in 1840, in Ireland, and the
latter born in 1842, in New York. The father of our subject was brought
to the United States by his parents when three years of age, the family
locating in Illinois, where he grew to manhood and was educated and where
he remained until his marriage when he removed to Iowa, but after spend-
ing a few years there came to Greene county, Missouri, where he resided
until bis death, having lived on his farm from about 1870 until 1910.
Thirteen children, seven sons and six daughters, have been born to
John Griffin and wife, named as follows: John P. of this sketch; Joseph
M., born in 1865, lives in Ashland, Oregon, married Alary Starr, of that
state: James I'.. born in [879, is single and lives in Baker, Oregon; Frank
[■\, born in c88l, lives in Springfield, married Anna Norfleet, there in 1901,
and they had four children — Paul, born in 1902; Elizabeth, born in 1904;
ami Mildred, born in [911; one child died in infancy. Thomas T., who
lives in Carterville, Missouri, married Mary Daniels of that place, and they
have two children, Emmel and Audrey; Mark, born in [877, is single, lives
on the home place which he operates; M. P.. horn in 1880, is single and
also works on the home farm: Mary A. horn in Redwing, Minnesota in 1862,
died in [893; Sarah Katherine. a twin sister of John 1'.. married J. W.
Robinson, a brother of our subject's wife, in 1801 : they live in Xew Mexico
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. 1689
and have three children — Elizabeth, Paul and Barnard. Margaret Eliza-
beth, burn October 13, 1867, is single and lives on the homestead; Cora
Alice, born on May 9, 1870, married C. C. Humphreys in 1891, and they
have had four children — Erma, Maude, Mary, who died in 1905, and Cora
Alice whose death occurred in 1898. Rose, born in 1874, died in 1896;
Bertha Ellen, born in 1871, died in 1899. These children were given good
common school educations. Joseph M. was of musical talent. Mary had a
great local reputation as a nurse and her death was the result of service to
others, she having contracted typhoid fever while nursing a neighbor af-
flicted with that disease. The entire family has always borne excellent
reputations and are well thought of throughout this part of the county or
wherever they are known.
John P. Griffin grew to manhood on the home farm and was a good
student in the schools of his neighborhood. He has devoted his life to
general agricultural pursuits and paid considerable attention to stock raising.
His well cultivated and well improved farm in Republic township contains
one hundred and twenty acres and he has a comfortable home. He was
married in 1895 to Mary Robinson, who was born in 1863, in Greene county.
She received a good education in the public schools. She is a daughter of
Anthony and Hettie Robinson, of Republic township, Greene county.
Two children have been born to our subject and wife — Leo, born on
July 25, 1897; and Bertha Frances, born on June 22, 1899, died when seven
years of age.
Politically, Mr. Griffin is a Democrat. He is a member of the Catho-
lic church.
GEORGE W. THURMAN.
In any rich and progressive agricultural country, like that contiguous
to the town of Republic, Greene county. Missouri, the flour milling business
is usually found to be one of the most important industries. Here a vast
acreage is put to wheat annually and the total number of bushels produced
after the results of the threshing season are known is enormous, so a great
and modern mill in the center of this nature- favored locality has sprung
up, known as the Republic Custom and Merchant Mill Company, of which
George W. Thurman is manager. To conduct such a business successfully
requires ability of a high order and characteristics that have been known to
make for success whenever and to whatever they are properlv and persis-
tently applied.
Mr. Thurman was born in this county, February 22, 1870. and is the
son of Caleb and Mary S. (Jenkins) Thurman. The father was born in
J69O GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
Sevier county. Tennessee, in 1834, where he spent his boyhood and during
the Civil war he removed to Arkansas, and after the close of the conflict
came to Greene county, Missouri, and soon thereafter purchased a farm
and devoted the rest of his life to general farming and stock raising here,
making grain raising a specialty. He was a man of rare business ability
and industry, and although he came here with little of this world's goods,
only fifty cents in money and a pair of mules, he worked hard, managed
well and prospered with advancing years, became owner of one of the finest
farms in the western part of the county, which contained three hundred
acres, and at the time of his death was worth twenty-five thousand dollars.
He was a well-known man and influential citizen. His first wife was also
a native of Tennessee and there spent her girlhood and they were educated
in the common schools of their native state and were married upon leaving
there for Arkansas. She proved to be a faithful helpmeet and is still
living on the home place near Republic, at the age of eighty years. The
death of Mr. Thurman occurred in January, 1909. at the age of seventy-
five years. To these parents ten children were born, seven sons and three
daughters, six of whom survive, namely: William II., I. J., Samuel G.,
Robert E., and Martha C, twins; James G, our subject; John died in
infancy; Cyphronia A., and Mary Jane.
George W. Thurman was reared on the homestead in Greene county
and there he did his full share of the work during crop seasons when he
became of proper age. and he received a good practical education in the
local schools. In August. [898, he was married to Hattie A. Orr, a native
-of Greene countv. where she was reared and educated. She is a daughter
of Klias R. and Martha Jane (Norman) Orr. Mr. Orr was of German
-descent, and he came to Greene county, Missouri, early in the nineteenth
century, from Ohio, and here became well established on a farm and spent
the rest of his life, dying in Republic in October, 1007. His wife died
in iNSij. Thev were the parents of seven children, one son and six daugh-
ters, namely: Mary Elizabeth, Gracy Alta, Libby Emma, Hettie A., wife
of our subject-; Lula Mehelia, Homer Noah, and Edith Audry.
Five children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Thurman. named as
follows: Gaynell II., born in October. 1899; Jewell Ivan, born March 7,
[891;; Noel, born March 7. 1003; Geneva died in infancy: Ruth, born in
.March. 10 14.
Mr. Thurman remained on the home farm until he was twenty-three
years of age. then began working as a stationary engineer, which he fol-
lowed for a number of years. In March. 1904, he and five others formed
a stock company and built the Republic Custom and Merchant Mill and
have operated the same ever since. 1 hiring the ten years of its existence
it has been a marked success and iis volume of business has gradually
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. 1 69 1
increased with the years. Mr. Thurman is active manager of the mill, and
its pronounced success has been largely due to his able management. He
is a close student of everything that pertains to the flour-milling business
and has mastered every phase of the same, keeping full}- abreast of the
times in modern methods. This is one of the largest and best equipped
mills in southwest Missouri. The building is a three-story substantial,
well arranged and well located structure, and the equipment is up-to-date
in every respect. In February, 191 1, an electric light plant was added to
the equipment. The capacity of the mill is fifty barrels per day of flour
and same of cornmeal, and the products of the same find a very ready
market over the Southwest, owing to their superior quality. The following
are the principal brands of flour produced here: "White Lily," "Satis-
faction," and "Premium."
Politically, Mr. Thurman is a Republican and he has long been active
and influential in local public affairs. He is now incumbent of the office
of police judge of Republic and is discharging his duties in this connec-
tion in a highly commendable manner. He has also served as alderman,
and has done much for the material and moral upbuilding of Republic.
Fraternally, he is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the
Modern Woodmen of America, and the Free and Accepted Masons. He
and his family are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. and
Mrs. Thurman belong to the Knights and Ladies of Security, and the East-
ern Star.
GEORGE W. fACKSON.
Endowed with a liberal share of good common sense and possessing
sound judgment, backed by a well-founded purpose to succeed, George W.
Jackson, well-known farmer and amateur botanist of Republic township,
Greene county, has labored with the object primarily in view of making
a good home for himself and family and acquiring a competency for his
declining years. This laudable desire has been realized, and he is in what
we sometimes call "easy circumstances," with a sufficient surplus for the
proverbial "rainy day," which sooner or later comes to every individual, and
which, when not provided for, results in at least much inconvenience and
unhappiness if not downright suffering. After farming successfully in this
vicinity for over forty years he is now living in retirement, spending quietly
the mellow Indian summer of his years, and, having an eye for the beautiful
in nature, is happy with her wonders spread about him, which he seeks to
interpret.
Mr. Jackson was born near Knoxville, Tennessee, November 2j, 1S43.
1692 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
He is a son of John and Christiana (Chenabury) Jackson, both parents
natives of Tennessee, where they grew to maturity, were educated in a lim-
ited way in the old-time subscription schools and there were married. The
father was of Scotch-Irish descent and the mother was of German descent.
The paternal grandfather of our subject was a Virginian and he spent his
early life in the Old Dominion, removing from there to Knox county, Ten-
nessee, and establishing his future home on a farm. After their marriage the
parents of our subject took up their residence on a farm in Knox county
and resided there until 1870, when they removed to Greene county, Mis-
souri, where three of their sons had preceded them, and here they spent
the rest of their lives, the father dying in 1872 and the mother in 1879.
Their family consisted of five children, four sons and one daughter, namely :
James is deceased; George \V., of this sketch; John S. C, a sketch of whom
will be found on another page of this volume; Edward L. and Mary Jane
were twins.
George W. Jackson grew to manhood on the farm and worked there
during the crop seasons, and in the winter time attended the district schools.
He remained in Tennessee until 1867, when he and two brothers came to
Greene county, Missouri, and purchased railroad land, and here they have
since resided and prospered by their industry. His brother, John S. C, has
accumulated four hundred acres, and our subject's finely improved and pro-
ductive farm consists of one hundred and sixty acres, on which stands a
good home in the midst of attractive surroundings, and he has numerous
substantial outbuildings. Some time ago he retired from the active work
of the farm and is now renting his farm, which is one of the best in Pond
Creek township.
Mr. Jackson was married on September 14, 1871. to Charlotta O'Neal,
who was born in [851 in Carroll county, Arkansas, and she received a
common school education. She is a daughter of Charles and Martha (Hill-
house) O'Neal, natives of Kentucky, where they grew up and were married
and resided until 1850, when they came to Carroll county, Arkansas, living
there a while, then came to Greene county in aboul 1865. The O'Neals are
a well-known family, and Mrs. Jackson is a sister of Judge A. J. O'Xeal
and George O'Xeal. To Mr. and Mrs. O'Neal eleven children were born.
Four children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Jackson, namely: Mat-
tie married Luther Wade, a fanner of Pond Creek township, this county,
and they have three children; Jason G., also farming in Pond (reek town-
ship, married Delia Batson, and they have four children; Minnie married
Benjamin Squibb, a farmer of Pond Creek township, and they have four
children; Nellie, who married Lawrence Coggins, died November [3, 1006,
leaving 1 me child. Gladys.
Mr. Jackson has long made a Study of botany and has spent much time
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. 1 693
with plants of all kinds common to this locality, raising almost all the herbs
and plants used in materia medics, and has had a very satisfactory income
from this source. He has won a wide reputation in this field of endeavor,
and is regarded as an authority in this line. Politically he is a Republican.
and religiously belongs to the Baptist church. He is a man of fine mind
and exemplary character and is popular.
CHARLES E. PIERCE, M. D.
Among the best-known of the younger generation of professional men
in the western part of Greene county is Dr. Charles E. Pierce, of Brookline
Station. He has always been a close student and having availed himself of
every opportunity to widen the area of his professional knowledge and
make him efficient in the practice, it is not at all surprising that his advance-
ment has been rapid and satisfactory and that he now holds such a high
and honorable place among the general practitioners of medicine in a field
long noted for the high order of its talent.
Doctor Pierce was born at Lebanon, Missouri, May 23, 1875. He is
a son of E. W. and Margery Ann (Webb) Pierce. The father was born
near Terre Haute, Indiana. The paternal grandfather of our subject was
a millwright by trade. He moved from Indiana with his family to Chris-
tian county, Missouri, when his son, E. W. Pierce, was a boy and he taught
the lad his trade, at which he became quite proficient. E. W. Pierce enlisted
in the Sixth Missouri Cavalry at the outbreak of the Civil war, and served
in the Union army until 1865. He saw much hard service and was twice
wounded. After the war he returned home and resumed his trade of
millwright, which he followed until his death in September, 1913, at the
age of seventy-six years. He and his brother, Enos Pierce, built the first
flour mill of any importance in the city of Springfield, and they were well
known in their trade over several counties of southwest Missouri. The
mother of the subject of this sketch was born, reared and educated at
Fair Grove, Greene county. Her parents died before the war of the states
began, when she was a child. She is making her home now in Ozark.
Christian county, and is seventy-four years of age.
To E. W. Pierce and wife four children were born, three sons and
one daughter, namely: William, a traveling salesman, lives at Marionville,
Missouri, is married and has two daughters; Dr. Charles E., of this sketch;
Tela is the wife of L. B. Williams, a hardware merchant of Ozark; Frank
is in the wholesale drug business in Kansas City, Missouri.
Doctor Pierce was a child when his parents removed from Laclede
1694 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
county to Christian county, and he received his education in the public and
high schools of Ozark, graduating from the same. He studied hard at home,
and might be said to have been self-taught. He practiced at the Frisco
Hospital in Springfield three years, and during two years of that time
studied pharmacy. He began studying medicine when but a boy. and he
took the prescribed course in the University of Louisville, Louisville, Ken-
tucky, from which institution he was graduated with the class of 191 1. Soon
thereafter he began the practice of his profession at Ozark with Doctor
Bruton, with whom he remained two years, during which he got a good
start, then came to Brookline Station, Greene county, where he has since
been engaged in the general practice and has enjoyed a large business all
the while and has met with excellent success.
Doctor Pierce was married on February 19. 1913, to Jennie Glenn,
of Christian county, where she was born, reared and educated. She is a
daughter of John Glenn, a prosperous farmer of that county and a well-
known citizen. His family consists of eight children, one of whom, John
Glenn, is at this writing treasurer of Christian county.
Politically, Doctor Pierce is a Jefferson Democrat, believing in the
old-time principles of the party. Fraternally, he is a member of the Free
and Accepted Masons lodge at Forsyth, Taney count}-. He attends the
Presbyterian church. Fie is a member of the Greene county Medical So-
ciety, the Missouri State Medical Association and the American Medical
\-sociation.
ANDREW J. O'NEAL.
One of Greene county's most progressive farmers and stock raisers
is Andrew J. O'Neal, of the vicinity of Republic, where he has resided
lor over a half century, during which lie has seen wonderful changes "come
over the face of the land." and in these changes from the old to the new
order of things he has been by no means an idle spectator, being a public-
spirited man and never withholding his aid from any worthy movement
having for its object the general good of his township and county. He
has ever had an honest determination of purpose and an obliging nature
which impel him to assisl others on the highway of life while making
the path of prosperity for himself and family.
Mr. O'Neal is a scion of one of the earliest settlers of Missouri, his
grandfather invading the wilds of this domain of the red men one hundred
and ten years ago. and from that remote day to the present, members
of this family have been well known in southwestern Missouri and north-
ern Arkansas. Mr. O'Neal, of this review, was born in Carroll county,
GREENE COUNTY. MISSOURI. l(^95
Arkansas, February i8, [848. He is a son of Charles and Martha (Hill-
house) O'Neal. The father was born in Kentucky, and when seven years.
of age removed with his parents from that state to Missouri, hut after
a short residence here moved on to Arkansas and estabished their home.
The father of Charles O'Neal first came to Missouri in 1805, and later
went to Kentucky. He was a soldier in the War of 1812. The subject
of this sketch was fourteen years old when his parents left their old home
in Carroll county, Arkansas, and moved to the western part of Greene
county, Missouri, where they located, in iSoj, during the Civil war period,
and here Charles O'Neal, the father, owned and operated a good farm
during the rest of his active life, dying here at the advanced age of ninety-
four years, in the year 1904. He was a good man and good citizen, neigh-
borly and hospitable, everybody knew him and respected him in this part
of the county. His wife, who came from near Lebanon, Laclede county,
Missouri, preceded him to the grave in 1897.
Andrew J. O'Neal grew to manhood on the home farm and there as-
sisted with the general work when he became of proper age and lie received
his education in the rural schools. When a young man he began fanning
for himself and this has always been his occupation. He prospered with
advancing years through good management and is now owner of one of
the choice farms of this county, consisting of two hundred and thirty acres,
which he has brought up to a fine state of improvement and on which he
carries on general farming and stock raising on an extensive scale. He
has a pleasant home and large, convenient outbuildings, and a good grade
of live stock is always to.be seen about his place. His farm includes a
portion of the old homestead.
Mr. O'Neal was married. January r6, 1868, to Nancy Jane Wallace, a
daughter of Thomas J. Wallace, who was boras in middle Tennessee,
v, here he spent his earlier years, and from there immigrated in an early
day to Greene count)', Missouri, and here became a successful farmer and
spent the rest of his life. His family consisted of eleven children, four
sons and seven daughters.
Andrew J. O'Neal is also one of a family of eleven children, four
sons and seven daughters, four of the children being now deceased: some
are living in Arkansas and some in Greene county.
Four children have been born to our subject and wife, namely: Charles
Thomas, born July 13, 1870, died at the age of sixteen years; Wilson S.,
who is farming in Republic township, this county, married Ruby Franklin,
and they have three children, two sons and one daughter; Nora, who was
the wife of Albert Franklin, died at the age of twenty-six vears, leaving
two children, Albert Loyd and Lola Ruth ; Nellie Alice married Ross Chris-
well, and thev have one child, Irmyn.
l6q6 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
Mr. O'Neal's father and four uncles were soldiers in the Civil
war. Politically, our subject is a stanch Republican. In 1898 he was
elected judge of the Greene County Court and served in that office two
years, discharging his even" duty most faithfully and winning the hearty
approval of his constituents.
JESSE E. GALLOWAY.
It is interesting to consider the pleasure and profit of farm life as com-
pared with other vocations. We are told that business is nothing more
than being industriously engaged in the affairs of some occupation from
which we derive our support. Farming is the world's biggest business. It
furnishes the nations with food and is the basis of all prosperity and happi-
ness, in a material sense, and therefore should receive our closest and most
enthusiastic consideration, and be safeguarded by our best brains and legis-
lation. One of the large agriculturists of Greene county is Jesse E. Gallo-
way, of Clay township, who takes a delight in his vocation, and, being at
the same time a keen observer and a hard worker, has succeeded.
Mr. Galloway was born in Stone county, Missouri, March 9, 1854. He
is a son of Charles and Susan (Carney) Galloway. The father was born
near Knoxville, Tennessee, but he came to Missouri when a young man and
settled in Stone county, and, prospering, became owner of five farms there,
owning about five hundred acres at the time the Civil war began. He was
an extensive dealer in live stock. He was a soldier in two wars, the Mexican
and Civil, joining the Union army in 186] ; he became first a captain, then
a major, and served for some time as scout for General Lyon. He made a
fine record as a soldier, saw much hard service and was honorably discharged
at the close of the war. He returned to his farm, but his death occurred sev-
eral years afterward in Springfield. He was a member of the Baptist church.
llis wife was also a native of Tennessee and was a small girl when her
parents brought her to Missouri. She was killed in the tornado that destroyed
die Galloway home on April iN. 1880. She was a member of the Baptist
church. To these parents nine children were born, namely: Mrs. Catherine
King. Thomas. Jesse (subject), Charles, Mrs. Susan Thompson, Nathaniel,
Alec. Abner. and Andrew Jackson.
Jesse E. Galloway was reared on the home farm, where he worked until
he was twenty-three years of age. He had been educated in the meanwhile
in the public schools. In starting out in life for himself he went to Kansas
and purchased one hundred and sixtv acres, remaining on it seven vears.
V,
o
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. 1697
n hen he sold out and came back to Greene county. He has been very suc-
cessful as a general farmer and stock raiser, and is now owner of four hun-
dred acres of well-improved and valuable land in Clay township, where he is
carrying on general farming on an extensive scale. He deals heavily in
live stock.
Mr. Galloway was married in 1888 to Elizabeth Meese, by whom three
children were born, Charles, Jesse and Richard. After the death of his
first wife, Air. Galloway married Lula Willoby, a native of this state. She
was reared in Christian county and educated in the common schools. To this
second union nine children have been born, namely: Mrs. Catherine Gibson
lives in Colorado; Nathaniel, Finis, Ellis, Joe, Norma, Julia, Luella and Jake.
They are all at home with their parents but the eldest daughter.
Politically, Air. Galloway is a Democrat, but preferring to devote his
time to his home and his large farming and live stock interests, he has never
been active in public affairs.
WILLIAM C. CARTER, M. D.
The medical profession in Greene county has two able and honorable
exponents in the persons of Drs. William C. Carter and Oscar X. Carter,
located at the town of Republic, and for many years their names have
been household words in the western part of the county. Like many of
our best citizens, they are Southern gentlemen, hailing from the grand old
state bearing the proud sobriquet, ''the mother of Presidents,'- in which
the Carter family has for a number of generations been influential, and
we necessarily compliment the family when we say that the Carters have
ever been regarded as true representatives of the Old Dominion, the cradle
of the real and onlv commendable aristocracy of America. The two gentle-
men of whom the biographer writes in these paragraphs are the possessors
of many of the winning characteristics of the people of that commonwealth.
Dr. William C. Carter was born in Amherst county, Virginia, Septem-
ber 27. 1859. He is a son of Robert X. and Amanda M. ( Turpin ) Carter.
The father was born in Rockbridge county, Virginia, and there he grew
to manhood, received a common school education and devoted his life
to general farming, the latter portion of it in Amherst county. His father
before him also owned and operated a plantation in the former county.
The Carters had a large grant of land in Colonial Virginia from King
Charles of England. Col. Robert Carter, who finally became governor
of that state, was among the first to form a colony in Virginia, where a
(107)
1698 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
large number of this family located about that time, and now their numer-
ous descendants are scattered all over the Union, but perhaps more are to
be found in Virginia than anywhere. The father of the subject of this
sketch and eleven uncles of the doctor were soldiers in the Confederate
army, and four of them lost their lives in the service.
Seven children, four sons and three daughters, five of whom survive,
were born to Robert N. Carter and wife, namely: Molly B. married Joseph
H. Smith, a railroad man of Roanoke, Virginia, and they have seven
children; George P. is farming near Staunton, Virginia, is married and
has four children; Dr. Oscar N., mentioned later in this article; Emma is
the wife of Thomas L. Worsham, a railroad man of Roanoke, Virginia;
Dr. William C, of this review; two children are deceased. The parents
of these children died a number of years ago.
Dr. William C. Carter grew to manhood on the home farm in Am-
herst county, Virginia, and he received his education in Hill Academy,
Allwood, his native county, later attending medical college in Richmond,
Virginia, also spent one term at the College of Physicians and Surgeons,
Baltimore, Maryland, and was graduated in 1888. Soon thereafter he began
the practice of his profession at Burdett, West Virginia, where he remained
eight years, then came to Lebanon, Missouri, where he practiced for six
years, then located at Dixon, this state, and continued his profession there
six years, after which he came to Republic. Greene county, and joined his
brother, Dr. Oscar N. Carter, who had been practicing medicine here several
years. He has been very successful as a general practitioner, and has en-
joyed a good practice in the several fields that he has practiced in and now
has a large business.
Dr. William C. Carter was married on August 6, 1S93, to Annie
Elizabeth Carpenter, of Putnam county, West Virginia. She is a daughter
of John T. Carpenter and wife, and was one of ten children. She grew
to womanhood in her native locality and received a common school edu-
cation. To our subject and wife five children have been born, two of
whom died in infancy. Those living are: William ('.. Jr., born May jo,
'003; Carl, born May 14. 1904; and Erma, born May 23, 1906.
Politically, the doctor is a Democrat. He attends the Baptist church,
and fraternally is a member of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, the
Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Order of Eastern Star, and the
Woodmen of the World.
Dr. Oscar X. Carter was born. April <), 1S74. in Amherst county.
Virginia, and reared on the home farm in that county. He was educated in
Mill Academy, in the town of Allwood, his native county, later attending
medical college in Richmond, and he was graduated from the University
of the South at Sewanee, Tennessee, in the class of 180/). He took one
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. 1^99
year of hospital training at Richmond, Virginia. He began the practice
of his profession at Lebanon, Missouri, where he remained two years,
then came to Greene county and located at Republic, in 1902, and here he
has been engaged in the general practice to the present time, and has met
with continued success, enjoying a rapidly growing patronage all the while.
He and his brother practice together.
Dr. Oscar N. Carter married Anna Hovey, a daughter of Judge Hovey,
a prominent man, a successful lawyer and jurist. Mrs. Carter was edu-
cated in the common schools. She has borne her husband four children,
namely: Oscar. Mary E., Virginia and Helen.
HENRY S. ANDERSON.
The western part of Greene county can boast of few more progressive-
farmers and stock raisers than the well-known gentleman whose name
furnishes the caption of this article. His progenitors were among the pio-
neers who reclaimed the land in the vicinity of Elwood from the wild state,
and Mr. Anderson has spent his life in this vicinity, and the last three
decades on the fine farm he now occupies and owns, and while laboring
for material success he has not neglected his duties as a public-spirited
citizen, always being willing to aid in such movements as made for the
betterment of his township and county, and it has been fortunate that
such men as he have been contented to remain in their native locality
instead of locating in other countries.
Henry S. Anderson was born in Greene county, Missouri, November
7, 1856. He is a son of Peter L. and Sarah (Hazelton) Anderson, and
he has a brother and sister living, namely: George W., of San Antonio,
Texas, and Martha J. Short, of Greene county, Missouri. The father of
our subject was three times married. He was a native of Tennessee, from
which state he came to Missouri when young and located in Greene county,
where he followed general farming. His death occurred in the year 1903.
The mother of our subject was born in the state of New York, and she
accompanied her family to southwest Missouri when young. Her death
occurred in 1883.
Henry S. Anderson grew to manhood on the home farm and worked
hard when a boy and under his father gained a knowledge of agriculture
that stood him well in hand in later life. He received his education m
the rural schools of his district, and when a young man took up farming
for himself. He was born and reared within a mile of the old homestead
of his maternal grandfather, Mr. Hazelton having entered the place from
I/OO GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
the government and developed it. Our subject has lived on his present
farm twenty-nine years. It consists of one hundred and sixty acres of
productive and valuable land, on which he has made such improvements
as were needed to make it the equal of any in the vicinity, and here he
has made a success as a general farmer and has always kept a good grade
of live stock. lie has a good set of buildings and keeps everything in
ship-shape about the place.
Air .Anderson has been twice married, first, to Jessie Wile}-, by whom
four children were born, namely: George E.. who is farming in this county,
married Elsie Henshaw, and they have one child, Alary; Bertha married
II. B. Morton, a merchant of Brookline, this county; Ardo D.. who is
engaged in farming in Greene county, married Leota Pickering; Maud
married Frank Blanton, a farmer of Brookline township, and they have
two children. The death of our subject's first wife occurred in 1890, and
he subsequently married on October 28, 1894, Mary C. McCullough. of
Christian county. Missouri, and a daughter of William F. McCullough, a
farmer. To this second union three children have been born, namely :
Earl R.. born in 1895. lives at home; Lynn T.. born in 1903. is also with
his parents; Claude died in infancy.
Politically. Mr. Anderson is a Republican. Fraternally, he belongs
to the Modern Woodmen of America.
JOHN S. C. JACKSON.
Horticulture 1- one of the mosl profitable as well as pleasant vocations,
and Greene county has won a high place among her one hundred and thir-
teen sister counties a-- a favored section of Missouri for the successful carry-
ing on of this calling. But it requires brains as well as industry to succeed
.1 horticulturist; one must study, observe closely, experiment, investigate
and know a little about many things; must exercise patience and caution;
must know how to select the proper soil and right kind of nursery stock,
when and how t< > fertilize, must watch for frosts, freezes, insect pests and
diseases of plants, and know what they are when they appear and how to
properly combat them. But the results are worth the cost in money and
pains, and it is a healthful, independent and interesting business. One of
tlie successful horticulturists of Greene county is John S. C. Jackson, of
Republic township, a man who ;s well up in the various phases of his work.
.Mr. fackson was born in Knox county. Tennessee. August 1, [845.
He is a son of John II. and Christiana (Chanabary) Jackson, both natives
of Tennessee, where they were reared and married. I lis father moved from
Virginia to that state in a very early day. The mother's parents were of
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. I/O I
German and Irish descent. The parents of our subject devoted their active
lives to farming in Tennessee and Greene county, Missouri, and died in
the latter place. They were the parents of five children, four sons and one
daughter, namely: James is deceased; George W.. a sketch of whom
appears elsewhere in this volume; John S. C., of this sketch; Edward L.
and Mar)- Jane, twins.
John S. C. Jackson was reared on the farm and he received his educa-
tion in the district schools. He left his native state in 1867, and he and two
brothers came to Greene county, Missouri, locating in Republic township
on a prairie farm, purchasing railroad land, where they still live, the place
consisting of one hundred and sixty acres, which they have kept well tilled
and well improved during their residence here of nearly a half century.
But our subject has prospered and now owns four hundred acres. Their
parents came to this place after the sons had settled it, taking up their resi-
dence here in 1870, and here they spent the rest of their lives, the father
dving in 1872 and the mother in 1879, and were buried here. Our subject
makes a specialty of horticulture, in which he is regarded as an authority.
He is growing no less than nine varieties of blackberries, and is now mak-
ing a feature of a berrv new to Missouri — the "Himalaya," also the "Star
of the World."
Mr. Jackson was married on March 5, 1 87 1 , to Nancy J. Liles, a
native of Kentucky and a daughter of Green and Nancy (Collins) Liles,
who spent their active lives engaged in farming. To Mr. and Mrs. Jackson
nine children have been born, namely: Marshall, a fanner of Republic town-
ship, married Ira Guiott and they have three children; Glapha married Will-
iam Robertson, a farmer in Republic township, has been twice married, first
to May Brown, and after her death he married Gertie Finley, and he had
five children by his first wife; Quinn Kelly, who is farming near Piano,
Missouri, married Miss Claude Taylor, and they have one child; Alfred,
who is engaged in merchandising at Piano, married Pearl Batson, and they
have one child; Molly, who received a business college education in Spring-
field, is at home; William, who is farming in Republic township, married
Kate Crum. and they have one child; Carlos lives at home; Hattie is also
with her parents.
Politically. Mr. Jackson is a Republican, fie was .school director of
his district for a period of twelve years. Religiously, he is a member of
the Christian church. He is well and favorably known throughout the
western part of Greene count}', wdiere he is regarded as one of our most
extensive, substantial and progressive farmers, stockmen and horticulturists,
ik has gained and retained the undivided respect of all who knew him.
He is always to be found on the right side of all questions looking to the
betterment of his community.
I702 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
HUGH B. INGLER.
There is something admirable in the German character, something of
wondrous gentleness and keen appreciation in the beauty which life holds,
something fine and high. In music the Germans have given the world a
magic gamut of sound, from the soft lullaby of the young mother crooning
to her pink-cheeked babe to the mighty thunders of dynamic masterpieces.
In art, the German school is easily first, at least so considered by many of
the world's competent critics, with the wonderful galaxy of painters and
sculptors whose frame is as broad as the earth, while in science and in litera-
ture, in poetry and in the sweet pastoral beauty of their folk lore the sons
and daughters of the Fatherland stand almost without an equal. And what
fathers and mothers they make ! What homes they build ! What garden-
like farms they till ! "This is a German settlement," we say, and behold ! on
every hand are clean, fertile fields, neat hedge-rows, great barns bursting
with plenty, grunting droves of fat swine, great herds of sleek cattle, and
everywhere a scene of bounty and fruition, to say nothing of homes re-
splendent with good will, good health and honest contentment.
A large number of Germans live in Greene count}-, a number in the
vicinity of Republic, and of this nationality the Ingler family is deserving
of mention, one of the best-known members of which is Hugh B. Ingler,
the present efficient postmaster at that place. He was born in Jo Daviess
county, Illinois, July 7. 1870. He is a son of John and Lucinda (Saxon)
Ingler. He has a sister. Addie, who married A. A. Pierce, a farmer of
Christian county, Missouri, and they have one child, Leo.
John Ingler. father of our subject, was born in Germany, ami when
five years of age he immigrated with his father's family to the United
States, the family locating in Baltimore, Maryland, where the grandfather
of our subject followed his trade of tailor, however, he purchased a farm
near that city, on which he located his family. John Ingler grew to man-
hood there and received a common school education. When a young man
he went to Carroll county, Illinois where he followed general fanning for
many years, then removed to Greene county. Missouri, purchasing a good
farm near Republic, which he sold later and is now living retired from
active work. lie has a well-improved place and has made a success as
an agriculturist. He was married in Carroll county, Illinois, and he and
his wife are now advanced in years, but are comparatively hale and hearty.
Hugh B. [ngler spenl hi- boyhood days on the home farm in Illinois
and there he remained with his parents until about eight years of age. when
they moved to near Republic, and at the latter place he received his edu-
cation in the public schools. He worked on the farm 'intil he was twenty
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. 1 703
years of age. Learning the trade of decorating and painting, he became
quite expert and followed the same for a period of twenty years. He
worked as an expert in a canning factory for a number of years, also
worked in Louisiana for the Chicago Building and Manufacturing Company.
Finally returning to Republic he served as deputy sheriff of Greene county
for two years, 191 1 and Kji2. He was appointed postmaster at Republic
May 6, 1913, and is still incumbent of this office, the duties of which he
has discharged in a manner entirely satisfactory to the department and
the people.
Politically, Mr. Ingler is a Democrat. Fraternally, he belongs to the
Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, the Woodmen of the World, and
Knights of the Maccabees, and he and his family are members of the Chris-
tian church.
Mr. Ingler was married in Lawrence county, Missouri, November 14,
1894, to Alice Ragsdale. She is a daughter of Branson Ragsdale, who
died when she was four years of age. His family consisted of four chil-
dren, two sons and two daughters. He devoted his active life to farming.
Mrs. Ingler grew to womanhood in her native community and was edu-
cated in the common schools.
Nine children, six of whom are deceased, have been born to Mr. and
Airs. Ingler. Those living are named as follows: Charles W.. born Sep-
tember 14, 1896; Ayo Recktor, born October 4, 1903; Louese, born June
1, 1909.
JOSHUA L. JONES.
Farmers come nearer being their own business masters than any other
class of workers. It takes considerable capital these days to go into farming
properlv, but a farmer nowadavs does not need so much land as he has
been taught to believe he should have. Where one hundred and sixty
acres has been considered a necessity for a good farm, forty acres will
soon he regarded as plenty; and for some kinds of crops ten acres is all
a man can properly care for. Intensive cultivation with modern methods
makes a successful farm out of few acres of land. Ownership and proper
development of even a few acres will amply provide for the unproductive
period in the lives of farmers.
One of the capable farmers of Republic township, Greene county, is
Joshua L. Jones, who was born in this township and county, on the old
Jones homestead, March 23, 1872. He is a son of Isaac N. and Martna
(McClure) Jones, both natives of Monroe county, Tennessee, where they
spent their earlier years. Isaac N. Jones was twenty-three years of age
I~°4 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
when he left his native state and immigrated to Greene county, Missouri.
He received a fairly good education for a country boy in those days, and
he taught school after coming to the Ozarks, continuing as a teacher until
the commencement of the Civil war, during which period of strife between
his fellow citizens, he acted as deputy sheriff under Elisha White. He was.
also county suveyor at one time. He devoted the latter part of his life to-
general farming in Republic township, where his death occurred in 1883.
His widow survived until 1902. outliving him nineteen years. They were
the parents of ten children, an equal number of sons and daughters, four
of whom are living at this writing, one son and five daughters being de-
ceased.
Joshua L. Jones grew to manhood on the home farm and there he
worked hard when a boy. He received his education in the district schools
of his neighborhood, and he also studied at Marionville Collegiate Insti-
tute, Marionville, Missouri. His brother, Ben G. W. Jones, who is in
partnership with him farming, and who is three vears vounger, was edu-
cated in the local public schools and later was graduated from the Marion-
ville Collegiate Institute.
Joshua L. Jones began life for himself as a farmer when a young
man and this has continued to claim his constant attention. He and his
brother, Hen (i. \Y. Jones, own a g 1 farm of forty acres in Republic
township and here they are obtaining very gratifying results as general
farmers and stock raisers, being very close students of modern methods of
agriculture and not afraid to experiment and adopt advanced ideas in hus-
bandry. Both he and his brother have remained unmarried.
Politicall) our subject is a Democrat and active in local party affairs.
WILLARD MAJOR B \kkn.\.
In placing the name of Willard .Major Barron, of Republic, in the
front rank of Greene county's business men. simple justice is done to a
biographical fact, recognized throughout this section of the Ozark region
by those at all familiar with his history, for lie was the founder of the ex-
tensive manufacturing industry which bears his name. A man of wise dis-
cretion and business ability of a high order, he manages with tactful sue.
an important enterprise ami lias"s<i impressed his individuality upon the
community as to gain recognition among its leading citizens and public-
spirited men of affairs. What of the man and what of his work? This is
the dual query which represents the interrogation at least nominally enter-
tained whenever that discriminating factor, the public, would pronounce
on the true worth of the individual. The career of Mr. Barron indicates
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. l7°5
the clear-cut. sane and distinct character, and in reviewing the same from
an unbiased and unprejudiced standpoint, interpretation follows fact in a
straight line of derivation. In this publication it is consistent that such
a review lie entered, and that without the adulation of ornate praise.
Air. Barron was horn in Northhampton county, Pennsylvania, March
24, 1854. He is a son of Samuel C. and Sallie (.Major) Barron. Samuel
C. Barron was reared in Pennsylvania and received a good practical educa-
tion, partly in the schools of Easton, that state, and later in life started in
the retail cigar business for himself, which he continued until his death,
in 1906. He and his wife were both natives of Northampton county,
Pennsylvania, and were reared and married there. The Major family were
in the cooperage business in that locality and were well known and highly
respected, as were also the Barrons. During the war between the states
Samuel C. Barron served three years as a soldier in the Union army, as a
member of a regiment from his native state. For some time after the close
of the war he followed blacksmithing. but later took up the cigar business.
Toward the latter part of his life his eyesight failed and he finally went
blind.
Willard M. Barron was the only child of his parents. He grew to
manhood in Pennsylvania, remaining there until he was nineteen years of
age, and there he was educated in the common schools. Leaving His native
state he went to Michigan, locating twelve miles south of Kalamazoo,
w here he engaged in the grocer}' business for himself, later took in partners,
the firm, name becoming Barron, Frank Boner ec Company, continuing for
two years. During those early years in Michigan our subject learned the
cooperage business, for which he seemed to have a natural bent. His-
grandfather had operated a cooper shop many years at Martin's ("reek,
Pennsylvania, near the city of Easton, and there young Barron often
visited and watched the workman at their tasks, however he did not attempt
the work himself at that time. He worked under John 1!. Major, an uncle,
wbi' was engaged in this line of endeavor in Michigan. Mr. Major is now
deceased, fie was foreman of the cooperage plant owned by Jacob Johnson,
win 1 had married the mother of our subject and was therefore at that
time our subject's step-father. When twenty-two years old Willard M.
Barron went to Winona, Minnesota, where he worked at the cooper's trade
three years, then returned to Michigan and worked two years for his step-
father, then located in Schoolcraft, that state, and started a grocery store,
which he conducted two years, then sold out and came to Missouri, buying
a. farm in Jasper county, in 1880. In 1887 he came to Springfield and
worked for the Springfield Lumber and Cooperage Company about six years,
then went to Mammoth Spring, Arkansas, where he had charge of the
Mammoth Spring Roller Mills cooper shop, which position he held sewn
I706 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
years, then went to Nashville, Tennessee, and took charge of the H. C
Mocker cooperage plant, which employed on an average of forty-five men.
After spending two years there he returned to Springfield, Missouri, and
took charge of the Wunderlich cooperage shop here, which he operated a
year, which ended his work for other people. In all the above responsible
positions he gave eminent satisfaction in every respect, being an exceptionally
highly skilled workman, energetic, reliable and handled the men under him
in a manner to get the best results possible and retain their good will at
the same time. He continued learning the various ins and outs of the
business until he felt eminently qualified to manage a plant of his own,
and thus he went to Republic and began in the cooperage business for
himself. He was successful from the first and his business grew by leaps
and bounds under his able management and wise foresight until it has
now reached enormous proportions and he has thriving factories in a num-
ber of other cities besides his main plant at Republic. Upon establishing
his plant in the last named place he contracted to make the barrels for the
Becker, Langerberger Milling Company of Republic, which, however, was
even at that time owned by the R. C. Stone Milling Company. He has
three other plants, one at Joplin, one at Carthage, one at Aurora and, form-
erly, he operated similar plants at Mt. Vernon and Marionville. His main
plant and head office are at Republic, and the combined output of all his
plants averages one hundred and fifty thousand barrels per year, all hand-
made and of a superior quality and workmanship. The Barron Cooperage
Company has a splendid financial rating and has from the first stood high in
the industrial circles of the Southwest. Each factory is modern in every
detail, equipped with up-to-date machinery and only the most highly skilled
artisans are employed and the best material used. The various plants give
employment to a large number of men.
Mr. Barron was married, first, to Mary Tweedy, a daughter of Thomas
and Sarah Tweedy. Mr. Tweedy was a native of Ireland from which
country he emigrated to New York, where he married a native of that state.
IK- was a tailor by trade. Mrs. Barron was born in Constantine, Michigan,
and was one of live children. She died three years after her marriage,
without issue. Mr. Barron was married on January 5, 1879, to Sarah Jane
Baldy, who was a daughter of Paul R. and Jane (Finley) Baldy, natives
of Pennsylvania and Michigan, respectively. They were the parents of two
children — Frank Baldy, who lives 111 Mint. Michigan; and Sarah Jane,
wife of Mr. Barron. The latter was quite small when her mother died.
and when her father married again he took her into his new home, she
having spent about four years after her mother's death with an aunt in
Pennsylvania. The mother of Mrs Barron is living near Carthage, Jasper
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. l7°7
county, Missouri, where she owns about three-quarters section of very
valuable land.
Four children have been born to Mr. Barron and his last wife, named
as follows: Sallie Annette is the wife of Edward Huckins and they live
in Republic; Willard B. lives in Aurora, Missouri; Flora J. is the wife of
J. C. McCleary, of Seattle, Washington; Lewis Whitfield lives in Joplin,
Missouri.
These children all received good educational advantages and are well
situated in life.
We quote the following paragraph from the leading newspaper of
Aurora, this state, which article recently appeared, and we deem it in
keeping with the rest of this chronicle :
"There may be some persons in Aurora and this section of the state
who do not know that Willard M. Barron has one of his largest cooperage
plants in this city, but everyone who is in the market for these goods has
long since learned that Aurora supports one of the largest plants of this
kind in southwest Missouri. The branch of the W. M. Barron Cooperage
Company, which is established in Aurora is under the personal direction
of Willard B. Barron, who is a stockholder in the concern. He is the son
of Willard M. Barron, who is known throughout this country as being the
pioneer in cooperage works. The Barrons are a family of coopers. The
father came to this country fourteen years ago and located in Springfield.
After remaining there for one year he saw an opening at Republic and
moved there. He has been established in that town for thirteen years,
now. As he remained there he saw the development of the wonderful
orchards throughout Missouri. It was at this time that Aurora became
the center of large orchards and, knowing that great opportunities awaited
him, he established his plant here. Willard B. Barron, who has been in
charge of the plant for a number of years, has long since demonstrated that
he is one of the true, live ones of Aurora. He is for everything that will
develop the city, and progress is the motto of the plant which he manages.
With a number of young men of Mr. Barron's type in this city, Aurora
would soon forge to the front ranks of the cities of Missouri.
"Lewis W. Barron, youngest son of Willard M. Barron, is soon to
take charge of the cooperage plants in Joplin and Carthage. These plants
were established in July, 191.3. The Barrons have been spreading out
until they are now the 'barons' of the cooperage business in southwest
Missouri. From twelve to fifteen men are employed at the plant here whose
salaries run from eighteen to thirty dollars a week. The coopers work-
mostly by piece. As in the other Barron cooperage plants, the workmen
in this city are highly skilled and are ranked among the high-class laborers
of the city. Despite the adverse conditions of last year, the plant here has
I708 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
done a very nice business the present season. Thirteen cars of material
have been shipped into Aurora and fifteen cars of barrels and other prod-
utcs of the cooperage plants have been shipped to points throughout the
country. The products are not confined to this territory, but are sent to
many of the neighboring states. Only recently a carload of the products
was sent to Oswego, Kansas. Aurora is fortunate in having a large branch
of such a concern. It means much to the city. Men are employed and
money is brought here. It is such establishments as W. M. Barron Cooper-
age Company that have put Aurora on the map as a commercial centei."
Politically, Willard M. Barron is a Republican and is well-informed
on current public matters. Fraternally, he belongs to the Masonic order,
the Knights of Pythias, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Knights
of the Maccabees, Woodmen of the World and Woodmen's Circle. Mrs.
Barron is a member of the Ladies of Maccabees and the Woodmen's Circle.
Both belong to the Methodist Episcopal church, in which they are active
workers, he being president of the board of stewards and is also a trustee
of the church. He was formerly leader in the Sunday school.
We close this article by quoting the last lines in an account of our
subject and his large business interests, which appeared some time ago in
a newspaper at Republic:
"Air. Barron is a fervent Christian, being a member of the Hood
Methodist Episcopal church. He has been Sunday school superintendent
for four years. He is a member of nearly all the lodges in Republic. No
better neighbor or honest man lives today than Willard Barron, of the
city of Republic."
I \( ( >B W \UKKX CARTON.
Among the things which the modern farmer has to become familiar
with is the nature of the soil with which he is working, if he would reap
the maximum results for his toil anil pains. Since the soil varies so much
in regard both to it > organic and inorganic constituents, marked differences
in character must necessarily result from the almost indefinite number of
combinations which may he found. All these differences, however, may be
traced to two sets of factor-: First, the character of the rock or material
from which the soil has been derived: and. second, the processes or agencies
by means of which this material has been changed from mere rock or rock
debris into a medium suitable for the growth of plants. The former has
to do with soil-forming material, the latter with soil-forming agencies. To
these two groups of factors ajc to he attributed the numerous varieties in
soil conditions found over v&riou6 parts of the earth. One of the farmers
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. ! 7°9
of Greene county who makes a study of soils and advanced methods of
agriculture is Jacob Warren Garton of Wilson township.
Mr. Garton was born in Greene county, Missouri, February 18, 1862.
He is a son of Jacob W. and Elizabeth (Rainey) Garton, both natives of
middle Tennessee, where they grew up, received common school educations
and were married. Shortly thereafter they immigrated to Greene county,
Missouri, locating in Wilson township, on a farm now owned by R. Steury.
They remained on this place three years, then the elder Garton homesteaded
a place in this township, of one hundred and sixty acres, which he cleared,
improved and farmed until his death, which occurred in 1902. His family,
by our subject's mother, consisted of five children, namely: Alice, who
married George McElhany, is deceased; John is deceased; George lives in
Springfield ; J. Warren, of this review, and James, deceased. The mother
of the above named children died in 1865, and in 1874 Jacob W. Garton
married for his second wife Missouri A. Wallace, a daughter of Wash
Wallace, who was one of the first settlers of Greene county, ami to this
second union seven children were born, four of whom are still living, and
are named, Artie, who is the wife of Alfred Garden; Cordy. Ruby is the
wife of Lee Blanton, and Ella.
J. Warren Garton, of this sketch, grew to manhood on the home farm
and worked hard when a boy. During the winter months he attended the
district schools of his township, first the old-fashioned subscription schools,
then went as far as the eighth grade in the public schools, and when about
seventeen years old entered high school in Springfield, which he attended a
little over two years, then he took a course in the Marionville Collegiate
Institute, which he attended a little over two years, and later took a business
course in Springfield, embracing bookkeeping and business forms. Thus he
received an exceptionally good general and practical education which well
prepared him for life's serious work. After leaving school he returned to
the old homestead, where he remained until he was twentv-five years of r'ge,
then launched out on his own account, buying ten acres of the old ho:n 'Stcnd,
later purchasing twenty-six acres adjoining, and for many years lived in a
small home he had built on his land, keeping bachelor apartments with his
brother George. They worked their land during the crop seasons and there-
by earned money with which to defray their expenses in school. Our sub-
ject is now owner of an excellent farm of one hundred and eighty-five acres
on which he carries on general farming and stock raising success full v. his
place being known as "Rainbow Farm," a name which his oldest daughter
gave it. He handles a great deal of live stock and when he and his brother
farmed together they bought and shipped stock quite extensivelv to the St.
Louis and Kansas City markets. Mr. Garton built a new dwelling on his
farm in 1914. It is modernly appointed and appropriately furnished. It has
I7IO GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
as nearly up-to-date conveniences as can be installed in a house in the
country.
Mr. Garton was married, September 4, 1893, to Alwilda Medora Owen,
a daughter of Charles B. and Nancy C. Owen, her father being a native
of Tennessee, from which state he came to Greene county when a young
man. He was a son of Solomon H. Owen, one of the first settlers of Greene
county, and who became one of the most extensive land owners and prom-
inent citizens here. A complete chronicle of this worthy old family will be
found under the caption of Charles J. Owen, appearing on another page
of this volume. Our subject's wife was one of eight children, namely:
Charles J., Bettie, deceased; George, Frank, Edward, Susie is the wife of
Gary Martin, Alwilda, who married the subject of this sketch, and Joseph,
who is the youngest.
Nine children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Garton, namely : Lee,
Urith, Owen, Howard, Cleo, Rollie, Lester, Sterling and Thelma. They
are all at home with their parents at this writing.
Politically, Mr. Garton is a Democrat, and he and his wife are mem-
bers of the Christian church.
WALTER B. YOUNG.
The farmer who succeeds must plan his planting well ahead. He must
sub-divide his crop area into sections of a size to suit his requirements, and
in such manner as to keep his ground fully occupied by a continued succes-
sion of crops, throughout the growing season, and thus obtain the maximum
of produce from his soil with no loss of fertility and with the minimum risk
of loss from insect attacks, drought, flood or from disease. One of the
successful young farmers of Wilson township, Greene county, who seems
to have a comprehensive grasp of the above phases of agriculture and a
myriad of others of importance, is Walter B. Young.
Mr. Young was born near Greenville, in eastern Tennessee, Decem-
ber 8, 1882. He is a son of J. H. and Mary J. (Walker) Young, both
natives of Tennessee also, where they grew to maturity and were married.
The father was a shoemaker in his earlier life, but later devoted his atten-
tion to fanning, purchasing a farm in Greene county, Tennessee, when our
subject was about six years old. and lived on the place three years, when he
sold out and removed to Greene county, Missouri, settling on the Walter
Bray farm near Bois D'Arc, where he resided six years, then purchased
twenty acres near that town. He is now making his home in Bois D'Arc.
His wife died in [909. They wen.- the parents of six children, namely:
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. I7II
John lives on a farm in A lurry township; Mrs. Mollie Bean, Mrs. Lee Lock-
wood, Charles is deceased, Walter B. of this sketch, and Mrs. Bertha Peck
lives near Kansas City, Missouri.
Walter B. Young grew to manhood on the farm and assisted his
father with the general farm work. He received his education in the dis-
trict schools of Tennessee and at Bois D'Arc, Missouri. He remained with
his parents until he was eighteen years of age. He began farming for him-
self when but a boy and has continued in this vocation with gratifying
success. He has for the past five years been operating two hundred acres in
Wilson township and has been well repaid for his labor and careful atten-
tion to it.
Mr. Young married on March 17, 1901, Eva Robinson, a daughter of
Marion and Cornelia (Carter) Robinson, both natives of Greene county,
this state, where our subject's wife grew to womanhood and was educated
in the common schools. She is the oldest of six children, the others being
named as follows: the second child died in infancy; William and Walter,
twins; Mrs. Bertha Arbuckle, who was next in order, and Gertie, who is
at home with her parents, who live on a farm near Elwood, this county.
Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Young, namely: Virgil
Ray, Lorena Essie and Velma.
Politically. Mr. Young is a Republican. Mrs. Young is a member of
the Baptist church.
THOMAS T. CRENSHAW.
Success is only achieved by the exercise of certain distinguishing quali-
ties and it can not be retained without effort. Those by whom great epoch
changes have been made in the political and industrial world began early in
life to prepare themselves for their peculiar duties and responsibilities, and
it was only by the most persevering and continuous endeavor that they suc-
ceeded in rising superior to the obstacles in their way and reaching the
goal of their ambition. Judging from the record Thomas T. Crenshaw,
president of the Greene County Lumber Company, is making, while still a
young man, he has carefully laid the foundation for large future success,
some of which he has already achieved.
Mr. Crenshaw was born in Springfield, Missouri, February 15, 1881.
He is a son of L. A. D. and Fannie (Smith) Crenshaw. The father was
born in Tennessee, from which state he came to Missouri in 1845 an(l lo-
cated on a farm four miles south of Springfield, where he carried on general
farming and stock raising successfully, making a specialty of raising mules
and horses, being thus engaged until his death in 1884, comparatively early
iyi2 GREENE C0UXTY, MISSOURI.
in life. His widow has survived him thirty years and is now living on
Market street, Springfield, being advanced in age. To these parents seven
children were born, named as follows: Sue E. is the wife of Dr. Joseph
Love; Anne W. is the wife of C. C. Sheppard; D. \V. lives on a farm;
Smith S. was next in order; Aileen S. is the wife of J. H. Hoffman;
Thomas T., of this review; Clara C. is the wife of Allen Earley.
Thomas T. Crenshaw spent his childhood on the farm, and he received
a good education in the common schools which he attended until 1895, tnen
went to Culver, Indiana, and entered the Culver .Military Academy, where
he remained three years. When the war with Spain broke out he enlisted in
Company K, Second Missouri Infantry, and was sent with other troops to
the large military camps at Chickamauga Park and Albany, both in Georgia,
and Lexington, Kentucky. He remained in the service one year, and was
mustered out at Albany, Georgia. He then returned to Springfield, where
he remained a year, then went to the Pacific coast, where he began his
career as a lumberman and there gained his first knowledge of the business.
After remaining in the far West three years he went to Columbus, Ohio,
and became sales manager in an eastern territory for a large lumber concern,
the Missouri Lumber and Land Exchange Company, of Kansas City, and
remained in the East about nine years, doing much to increase the prestige
of his firm in that territory, and was regarded as one of the firm's most
capable and trustworthy employees. In the meantime he had mastered the
various phases of the lumber business, and in 1912. returned to Springfield,
Missouri, and helped organize the Greene County Lumber Company, being
incorporated under the state laws of Missouri. Mr. Crenshaw is president
and general manager and bis close application, able management and wise
foresight has made this one of the must successful firms of its kind in
Greene county, its business and prestige rapidly increasing with the years.
All grades nf lumber are handled, all kinds of building materials — every-
thing tn be found in an up-to-date twentieth century lumber establishment.
Their extensive yards are located at 447 South Campbell street.
Mr. Crenshaw was married. May 12, [906, to Mabel C. Xoggle, a
daughter of Ira and Allie E. (Erickson) NToggle, both natives of Qnion-
ville, Missouri. The father died about twenty-five years ago, but the mother
survives. .Mrs. Crenshaw has a brother, John 1\. Noggle, who makes his
home in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Mrs. Crenshaw received a good edu-
cation. She is a member of various clubs, in all of which she is popular.
She is also a member of the Presbyterian church.
lo Mr. and Mrs. Crenshaw one child has been born. Thomas T., Jr.,
who is now live years of age.
Politically, our subject is a Democrat, lie belongs to the Christian
church. lie belongs to the Springfield Club, the Country (lull and the
Young Men's Rusine.ss Club.
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. 1713
MILTON C. McCONNELL.
The life of Milton C. McConnell, for many years a prominent farmer
and grain dealer in Campbell township, Greene county, who is now a deputy
sheriff of this county and living in Springfield, has been such as to bear
aloft the high standard which has been maintained by his father, who was
one of the early residents of this section of the Ozarks, and whose life was
signally noble and upright, one over which falls no shadow of wrong in
word, thought or deed. Such was the type of men who laid the foundation
and aided in the development of this locality, and to their memories will
ever be paid a tribute of reverence and gratitude by those who have profited
by their well-directed endeavors and appreciated the lesson of their lives.
Mr. McConnell was horn in (iiles county, Tennessee, November 24,
1856. He is a son of James A. and Nancy C. (Knox) McConnell, both
natives of Tennessee, the date of the father's birth being October 10, 1825.
These parents grew to maturity in their native state and were married there
and spent their earlier years. The mother of our subject died when he was
quite young and he has little recollection of her. James A. McConnell re-
ceived a good education of his day and he devoted his life to teaching and
farming. He came to Greene county, Missouri, with his family in 1857
and located in the western part of the county on a farm and there spent the
rest of his life, dying in 1899. His family consisted of seven children, all
sons, namely: John K. lives in Greene county; George H. makes his home
in Prairie county, Arkansas: James C. of Springfield; Milton C, of this
sketch; Henry D., of St. Louis; Albert A. lives in Oklahoma, and Josephus
is a resident of Fayetteville, Arkansas.
Milton C. McConnell grew up on the farm and he received a common
school education, which was limited for lack of opportunities, as the war
between the states was in progress during his boyhood days. He remained
with his father until he was about twenty- four years of age and then went
to farming for himself. In 1880 he purchased one hundred and forty-five
acres in Brookline township, which he improved until it ranked with the
best farms of the township, and here he carried on a general farming busi-
ness successfully, and also did a large and lucrative grain business for years,
maintaining an elevator at Brookline. He also devoted considerable atten-
tion to handling live stock. He removed to Springfield a few years ago and
now lives in a good home on West Walnut street. In January, 1913, he was
appointed deputy sheriff of Greene county and is discharging the duties of
that office at this writing. Politically, he is a Democrat, and has long been
more or less active in the ranks of his party. He and his wife are members
of the Presbyterian church.
(108)'
1 7 14 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
Mr. McConnell was married in 1884 to Mattie E. Firestone, a daugh-
ter of James H. and Mary J. Firestone, natives of Tennessee, where they
grew up and from which state they came to Greene county, Missouri, in an
early day. They were the parents of twelve children, Mrs. McConnell being
next to the oldest.
To Mr. and Mrs. McConnell five children have been born, named as
follows: Mrs. Gertrude Crowe lives in Lebanon, this state; Thomas T. is
a graduate of Purdue University, Lafayette, Indiana, and is now director
of athletics and teaches agriculture in the University of Arkansas, at Fay-
etteville; Milton Lee lives in San Francisco, California; Lucile died in in-
fancy, and Ethel, who is at home. Mrs. Mary J. Firestone is still living
and is making her home with our subject and wife. Mr. Firestone has been
deceased a number of years.
DAVID MICHAEL DIFFEXDERFFER.
The man who gains success in this age of materialism is he who can
see and utilize the opportunities that come in his path — seize them at the
right time and use them properly. To do so requires innate tact, keen
discrimination and sound judgment; but after all the basic conditions of
human life are ever the same, the surroundings of individuals differing but
slightly, and whether we achieve positions of wealth and influence or
whether we are underlings throughout our earthly span of years depend,
according to Shakespeare, "Not in our stars but in ourselves." Realizing
this at the outset of his career, David Michael Diffenderffer, one of Spring-
field's successful business men, has sought to advance himself along legiti-
mate lines by hard work and persistent effort.
Mr. Diffenderffer was born, August 30, 1870, in Ft. Bliss, Texas. He
is a scion of a Pennsylvania family of German ancestry, and is a son of
David R. and Margaret ( Dunham ) Diffenderffer. The father was born
in New Holland, Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, and there grew to man-
hood and was educated in Franklin-Marshall College in the city of Lan-
caster. Shortly after his graduation he went to Mexico and was appointed
United States consul to that country by President James Buchanan. After
serving his term in this responsible office in a manner that reflected credit
upon himself and to the satisfaction of the government, he returned to Lan-
caster. Pennsylvania, and there engaged in the banking business with grati-
fying success until 1874, when he came to Lebanon, Missouri, and there
continued in the banking business until his death, which occurred in the
Spring of 1000. lie enjoyed the good will and esteem of all with whom he
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. I7J5
was associated. Margaret Dunham, also a representative of an old family
of the Keystone state, was reared and educated in Lancaster and there they
were married. She is still living- in Lebanon, this state. To these parents
seven children were born, namely: William, who lives in Lebanon; Mary
has remained at the old home in Lebanon; Harry W. is associated in the
carriage and implement business with our subject in Springfield; Jennie is
the wife of Carl Morris, and they live in Springfield; John is cashier of the
bank in Lebanon; Grace is the wife of William Owen and they live in
Lebanon; David M., of this sketch.
Harry W. Diffenderffer was but two years old when his parents estab-
lished the family home in Lebanon, Missouri, and there he grew to manhood
and attended the public schools, later was a student in the University of
Missouri. Leaving school in 1891 he went to St. Louis and engaged with
the Kansas & Texas Coal Company as assistant superintendent, remaining
in the employ of this firm three years, then went to Galveston, Texas, and
took a position as a reporter on the News, later went to Phoenix, Arizona,
and after working there two years went to Alaska in newspaper work and
a general prospecting expedition. He spent five years in that country, one
year of which was spent in carrying the United States mail from Dawson
to Circle City, over the ice, down the Yukon river, a distance of three hun-
dred miles. He walked this six hundred miles each month, driving six dogs
to a sled. He was also a member of the famous mounted Canadian police
force, and assisted in running down many criminals, including a gang that
had murdered three prospectors. He captured one, who was subsequently
hanged.
Returning to the United States in 1902, Mr. Diffenderffer located at
Caddo, Oklahoma, where he engaged in mercantile pursuits. He also en-
tered politics there and in 1908 he was assistant secretary at the national
Democratic convention in St. Louis, when William J. Bryan was nominated
for a third time for President. Mr. Diffenderffer was subsequently national
committeeman of the Independent political part of Oklahoma. In 1910 he
went to New York City and was employed by William R. Hurst on the
New York American and the Xew York Journal, handling principally poli-
tical assignments, being sent all over the United States. He was regarded
as one of the ablest and most versatile writers on the Hurst papers and most
conversant with the political situation of the country. Finally tiring of
newspaper work and and desiring to re-enter business, he came to Spring-
field, Missouri, in the fall of 1911 and engaged in the buggy and implement
business with his brother, Dave Diffenderffer. under the firm name of D. M.
Diffenderffer, the name being later changed to the Diffenderffer Buggy &
Implement Company. On April 24, 1902, he married Edith Kirk, and their
union has been without issue.
I / I 6 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
David M. Diffenderffer was about four years old when his parents
removed with him to Pennsylvania, and in 1876 the family came to Mis-
souri. He received his early education in the public schools of Laclede
county, this state, finishing his education at Drury College, Springfield. He
was with W. H. Owens Mercantile establishment in Lebanon while re-
ceiving his early schooling. After leaving Drury College he went to Port-
land, Oregon, where he was employed by a produce concern one year, after
which he returned to Greene county and went to work for the McGregor-
Noe Hardware Company in Springfield, and after working about a year
for this firm he took a position as traveling salesman for a hardware firm
in Chicago and remained with it one year, then, in 1897, he began in the
implement business in Springfield, under the firm name of D. M. Diffen-
derffer, located at the corner of Walnut and Campbell streets, where he
remained about three years, during which he got well established, then re-
moved to the corner of Pearl and Walnut streets on what is known as the
Stewart and Cowan building, which was erected especially for Mr. Diffen-
derffer. After remaining here about six years it became necessary to seek
larger quarters, and our subject purchased property at the corner of Walnut
and Market streets, where he erected a two-story, modern and convenient
brick building, with twenty-one thousand feet of floor space, where the
business has since been located.
This is the oldest implement company in this section of the state. A
large and well-selected stock of buggies, carriages and implements is car-
ried at all times. The business has been established over eighteen years and
is one of the most widely and favorably known of its kind in southwestern
Missouri. The volume of business has constantly increased with advancing
years until it has assummed vast proportions, an extensive jobbing business
being carried on over the Southwest, including a large portion of this state,
eastern Oklahoma, and northern Arkansas.
David M. Diffenderffer was married, June 14. 1000. to Mabel Dunning,
who is a daughter of A. ( '. and Laura (Crothers) Dunning, the mother
being a daughter of Colonel Crothers, formerly of Indiana. Both the
colonel and bis wife arc deceased. They were the parents of two children,
Mrs. Mabel Diffenderffer being the oldest; the other. Mrs. Edith Sheppard,
is also living in Springfield. Four children have been horn to our subject
and wife, namely: Mar-ant Jane, horn July 17. kioj : [Catherine Louise,
born February 21, [904; Mabel, horn February 1. 1906, and David kitten-
house, horn May 24, 1909.
Politically, Mr. Diffenderffer is a Republican. Both he and his wife
are members of Calvar) Presbyterian church, lie is a member of the
Masonic ( >rder and the Royal Arcanum lodge; he belongs to Solomon lodge,
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. l7l7
Ancient Free and Accepted Masons. He is one of the charter members-
of the Springfield Club.
Mr. Diffenderffer has recently organized the Overland Motor Car Com-
pany, of Joplin, Missouri, which has been incorporated by D. M. and J. L.
Diffenderffer. The object of the firm is to distribute the Overland auto-
mobile in a territory of about fifty counties tributary to the city of Joplin.
Harry W. Diffenderffer will be in charge of this new enterprise, with head-
quarters in Joplin.
JAMES H. MASON.
One of the old and honored families of Greene count)' is the Masons,
and no history of this locality would be complete without mention of the
same, one of the best known members of the present generation being
James II. Mason, who, in the practice of law, in Springfield, has attained
to a laudable position in his profession, while yet a young man; and his
reputation for integrity, stability of character, and fidelity to his clients,
and trusts committed to him, whether professional or otherwise, is firmly
established. His pathways are along the moral levels of the world, and he
preserves the symmetry of a true moral life by emphasizing his attachment
to it; by defending the truth, the right, and by right acting and living, and
especially, by aiming to preserve the perfect proportions of truth.
Mr. Mason was born, February 19, T874, near Ash Grove, Greene
county, Missouri, on a farm. He is a son of Robert T. and Lavina
(Thomas) Mason. The father was a native of Loudon county, Tennessee,
and was a son of Daniel Mason, a native of Massachusetts, who emigrated
to Loudon county, Tennessee, in 1800, and there established his home on a
farm, and he enlisted in a Tennessee regiment during the War of 1812
and saw considerable service. His family consisted of nine children. His
death occurred in Loudon county in the thirties, and in 1841, when Robert
T. Mason was ten years old. the widow of Daniel Mason removed with her
family to Greene county, Missouri, and took up a farm from the govern-
ment, and this they improved and established their home on it, Robert T.
Mason continuing to work the home place until he was twenty-two years
of age, when he came to Springfield and began learning the saddlery busi-
ness, which he continued until the breaking out of the Civil war, when he
and three of his brothers enlisted in the Union army. The father of our
subject was a private in the Eighth Missouri Volunteer Infantry, one of the
most efficient, bravest and most feared of the regiments from this state, and
he served four years in a faithful and gallant manner, seeing much hard
service and taking part in many engagements, being mustered out a lieuten-
I718 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
ant. He was in the battles of Pea Ridge and all the important ones of the
West. He was honorably discharged, and after returning home he taught
school in Greene county and in Arkansas for a number of years, and was a
successful teacher for those days. He had received his education in the dis-
trict schools and by home study. The latter part of his life was devoted '
to general farming near Ash Grove, where he was esteemed as a good
citizen in every respect, and there his death occurred, August 4, 1893.
Lavina Thomas, mother of our subject, was born in Roane county, Tennes-
see. She is the oldest daughter of George and Sarah Thomas, who emi-
grated from Tennessee to Greene county in 1854 and located on a large
farm near Cave Spring. George Thomas and two of his sons, James and
Caswell, were soldiers in the Union army during the Civil w-ar. Caswell
was wounded and died during the service. The mother of our subject is
still living at the age of seventy-three years, and she is beloved by her
friends for her kindness and Christian sentiment. Of her brothers and
sisters, of whom there were ten. all still survive, except two, Caswell, men-
tioned above, and a sister, who died in 1913.
Six children, three sons and three daughters, wrere born to Robert T.
Mason and wife, namely: George, a farmer of near Claremore, Oklahoma,
married .Margaret Christian, and they have nine children; Daniel C. died in
1905; James H., of this review; Lillie married Thomas Toombs, a farmer
and stock dealer of Dallas county, Missouri, and her death occurred in
1897, leaving two children; Martha, wife of John Christian, a farmer of
Dallas county, has eight children; Mary, who married Lon YVheelis, who
is in the employ of the United States Express Company, of St. Louis, has
three daughters.
lames II. Mason grew to manhood on the home farm there and did his
full share of the work when a boy. He received his early education in the
public schools of Greene and Dallas counties and at the Marionville Colle-
giate Institute, then took the course in the law department of the University
of Missouri at Columbia, where he made a splendid record. Soon there-
after he came to Springfield and opened an office for the practice of his
profession and has been very successful, having built up a large and con-
stantly growing clinetage and is regarded as one of the most promising of
our younger members of the Greene county liar.
Mr. Mason was married. August 31. [899, to Susie O. Alexander, a
daughter of Dr. William O. and Mary E. Crumlev ) Alexander, of Pulaski,
county, Missouri, a highly respected family there. She received a good
education in the common schools. She has four brothers and two sisters.
To Mr. and Mrs. Mason three sons have been born, named as follows:
Robert Oliver, born August 29, 1900; James Floyd, born January 7, 1903,
ami William Chauncey, born March 26, 1905.
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. 1719
Politically, Mr. Mason is a Republican. Fraternally, he is a member
of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, the Independent Order of Odd
Fellows, the Knights of Pythias, and the Benevolent and Protective Order
of Elks. Religiously, he is a member of the Christian church. He has
been active in public affairs for a number of years. He was postmaster at
Phillipsburg, Missouri, from 1898 to 1903. In 1908 he was elected city
attorney of Springfield, and in 1910 he was elected prosecuting attorney
of Greene county. As a public servant he has ever discharged his duties
in an able, conscientious and commendable manner, and to the satisfaction
of all concerned. It can not be denied that his abilities are equal to the
attainment of still greater ends than he has accomplished. Such talents as
he has shown lie upon the borders of many provinces of thought, but in the
exclusive province of the law, there would be no border-land, but an entire
realm, without limit to the ecstacies and activities of the intellect.
GEORGE N. HAUN.
There are man}- things which the modern husbandman is learning that
his ancestors also, mayhap, tillers of the soil, did not know, or think they
needed to know. We of today, in order to get the greatest results from our
labor, must know, among other things, what kind of soil we are working,
must know the difference between soil-forming material and soil-forming
agencies. The importance of distinguishing between these two groups of
factors is apparent to the close observer. The tendency in the past has
been to attach great importance to the former to the neglect of the latter,
and this has resulted in classifying together soils of very dissimilar char-
acter, simply because they were derived from the same rocks or from rocks
which have been formed in the same manner. One of the younger farmers
of Greene county who is making an effort to properly understand advanced
problems of agriculture in all its phases is George N. Haun, of Wilson
township, and as a result lie is making a pronounced success as a general
farmer.
Mr. Haun was born at Willard, Murray township, Greene county,
Missouri, November 2, 1881. He is a son of Newton W. and Nellie (Beal)
Haun. The father of our subject was a native of Tennessee from which
state he emigrated to Missouri in an early day and began farming in Law-
rence county, but remained there only a short time, when he sold out and
purchased a farm in Greene county, near Willard. The mother of our sub-
ject was born, reared and educated near Springfield, and the parents of our
subject were married in Greene county. To this union nine children were
1/20 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
born, namely: Andrew, deceased; Daniel lives in Willard; Mattie is de-
ceased; William lives near Willard; May is the wife of H. F. Emerson;
Walter lives at Willard; Ella is the wife of William Tatum; George N., of
this review; Laura is deceased. Newton W. Haun, father of the above
named children, grew to manhood in Tennessee, where he attended school
and where he engaged in mercantile pursuits for a while and there he was
first married, but his wife survived only a short time, and it was not long
thereafter until he came to Missouri.
George X. Haun grew to manhood on the home farm and received
his early education in the schools of Murray township, and when nineteen
years of age he entered the State Normal school, taking a two years' course
in the common branches, after which he went to Kansas and spent a sum-
mer on a farm, returning to his home at Willard the following year and
began his career as farmer in Murray township on the estate left by his
father who died in 1890. This place consisted of one hundred and sixteen
acres, being a part of the old homestead. He got a good start here and in
February, 1910, sold out and purchased one hundred acres in Wilson town-
ship, where he now resides and is making a success as a general farmer and
stock raiser, having a productive and well-kept farm and a good set of
buildings.
Mr. Maun was married, December 22, 1907, to Juanita Stalev, a daugh-
ter of Weldon E. and Angie (Evans) Staley. Her father was a son of
Alfred and Lucinda 1 Brower) Staley, and was born in Randolph county,
North Carolina, July 9. 1840. His father represented his county in tne
Legislature of North Carolina, and was a very prominent member of that
body. In 1N47 his parents moved westward, making the long overland jour-
ney to Clinton county, Missouri, and in 1849 settled in Greene county, this
stati\ where Weldon E. grew to manhood and has since resided. His
father died in [852. Weldon E. Staley spent his boyhood days on the farm
and he began life fur himself as a merchant at Cave Spring, which business
he followed successfully there until [878, ami since that time has devoted
himself exclusively to farming and stuck raising, starting in Cass township
with nne hundred and ninety acres, and. prospering by good management
and close application, he has added t.> his holdings until he now owns about
three hundred acres of valuable land, constituting one of the most desirable
farms in the northern part of Greene county, where he is regarded as a
substantial and worthy citizen and is a man of influence for the general
good of his community. He and Angie C. Evans were married. January
21, [861. She is a daughter of Joseph and Klizabcth F.vans, a honored old
family of Greene county. Her parents were also natives of North Carolina,
and were among the early immigrants to Greene county. To Weldon E.
Staley and wife ten children have been born, named as follows: William
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. 1721
\\\. commonly known as ".Major;" Mollie, Dollie. Fannie, J. Horace, Joseph
A., Katherine, Bunch E., Effie, and Jannita, the latter the youngest and the
wife of the subject of this sketch.
To Mr. and Mrs. Haunt two children have been born, namely:
Edward Staley, and George Robert.
Politically, Mr. Haun is a Democrat, and he and his wife are members
of the Presbyterian church at Walnut Springs.
JOHN A. STEINERT.
A farmer when he has raised his crop has performed only half his
duty; the other half is selling, which determines his profit for the year's
work. It is just as important for the agricultural producer to know what
the markets are as it is for the lumberman, the coal and ore producers, or
the manufacturer to know what his goods are worth in the market ami
what competition he must meet in his selling. In some places it has been
found possible to organize farming territories into zones of distribution and
to control the output in such a way as to prevent congestion and wasteful
prices by overcrowding the markets and in other ways. It stands to reason
that such associations have unlimited power compared to the individual.
One of the farmers of Wilson township, Greene county, who is not only a
man who knows how to make his land produce well, but how to find ready
markets for his varied products, is John A. Steinert.
Air. Steinert was horn in Stone county. Missouri, January 28, 1876.
He is a son of Charles A. and Mattie ( CantrelD Steinert, the father a
native of Germany and the mother was born in Dade county, Missouri.
Charles A. Steinert spent his boyhood in his native land, immigrating to
America when sixteen years of age. After spending a short time in New
York he came on to Dade county, Missouri, where he was married and later
located in Stone county, where he engaged in general farming, owning one
hundred and sixty acres. His family consisted of four children, namely:
Thomas lives in Greene county: Tinie is the wife of Silas Price and they
live in Stone county; William L. lives in Greene county, and John A., of
this sketch. The parents of these children are both deceased.
John A. Steinert grew to manhood on the home farm in Stone county,
and received a limited education in the district schools. When fifteen years
of age he went to work for Lewis Hendrix, a farmer, with whom he re-
mained four years, then hired to a Mr. Cox for a year, then worked for
John Inman on his farm for a period of twelve years. He saved his money
and finally purchased the old Yarbrough farm in Wilson township. It con-
1/22 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
sists of one hundred and twenty acres, and he has placed it under excellent
improvements and a fine state of cultivation. On it may be seen a good
home and numerous outbuildings. The place is free from all indebtedness.
The prosperity that has attended Mr. Steinert's efforts has been well de-
served. He is a hard worker and takes a delight in general farming and
stock raising.
On March 24, 1897, Mr. Steinert was married to Rosie Yarbrough, a
native of Greene county, where she grew to womanhood and was educated.
She is a daughter of Jerome B. Yarbrough, who was a well-known citizen
of this county. He was a veteran of the Civil war. He served four years
as a member of Company B, Twenty-fourth Missouri Volunteer Infantry,
was a brave and faithful soldier and rose to the rank of first lieutenant.
He served two terms as deputy sheriff of Greene county. Mr. Yarbrough
has been deceased for several years.
To Mr. and Mrs. Steinert four children were born, named as follows :
Mamie is attending the State Normal school at Springfield ; Edreal, Sylvia
.and Paul are all at home and are studying agriculture.
Politically, Mr. Steinert is a Democrat in national affairs, but often
votes independently in local elections. His wife is a member of the Christ-
ian church.
FRANKLIN T. T.ISHOP.
There are few more inspiring aphorisms in our tongue than Emerson's
famous "Hitch your wagon to a star." Posterity is indebted to the Sage
of Concord for the crisp and noble counsel so universally needed. The
privilege belongs to us ail of gearing our lives up to lofty motives, of glorify-
ing our commonplace and prosaic days with ideal sentiments and aspirations.
There is happy suggestion likewise in reversing the good advice, to sense its
truth from a slightly different angle. It is just as good philosophy, and in
many ways even more helpful, to read the words "Hitch your stars to your
wagon." In other terms let the infinite forces help you, join with you in
tugging your particular load up the hill, harness the mightiest power in the
world to your human necessities. The life of Franklin T. Bishop, proprie-
tor of beautiful "< lover Dale barm" in Wilson township, Greene county,
would indicate that he has ever striven to live up to high ideals and direct
his efforts along well regulated lines, and therefore material success has at-
tended his efforts and at the same time he has established a reputation for
right thinking and wholesome living, and what necessarily follows — good
•citizenship.
Mr. Bishop was horn in Cumberland county. Xew Jersey, March 7,
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. l72?)
1862. He is a son of Horace and Phoebe (Housted) Bishop. The father
was for many years engaged extensively in oyster raising on the Atlantic
coast, and owned an interest in a large oyster vessel, with a crew of six men.
He also owned a farm in that state.
Mr. Bishop, of this sketch, grew to manhood in his native state and
received his education in Cedarville, New Jersey, attending school during
the winter months and during the crop season worked on the home farm
until he was eighteen years of age, when he left home to seek his fortune
in the great West. He selected the state of Nebraska, where he took up
a claim of three hundred and twenty acres, which he homesteaded and on
which he spent twenty-three years, developing it into a fine farm and there
he prospered with advancing years, and added to his original holdings
until he owned one thousand acres. He traded the entire amount for an
excellent farm of four hundred and eighty acres in Kansas, and removed
to the Sunflower state, continuing general farming with his former success
for two years, then traded his farm there for Missouri land, in Mercer
county, which he subsequently sold, and moved to Greene county, this state,
where he now resides, and is now owner of a finely improved and produc-
tive farm of two hundred acres in Wilson township, on which he has an
attractive residence and numerous substantial, convenient and modernly
appointed outbuildings. He raises a diversity of crops common lo this
latitude, but in connection with general farming he specializes in dairying, in
poultry raising and handling blooded horses, and in one of the best-known
and most successful stockmen in the western part of the county. His place
is known as "Clover Dale Farm." He has a large herd of cows of an ex-
cellent quality, and he keeps his barn in a sanitary condition, and looks to
the well-being and comfort of his stock at all seasons. His dairy products
are all taken by a Springfield concern. Mr. Bishop also specializes in poul-
try raising, and does an extensive business in this line, keeping a large number
of best breed of chickens, in the proper care of which he is well versed and
is properly equipped for this work, and he also finds a very ready market for
all his products in this department in Springfield. He is an admirer of
good live stock of all kinds, especially horses, and he keeps a very fine herd
of registered Percherons, including at this writing a stallion and four mares.
His fine stock is greatly admired by all who sees it.
Mr. Bishop has been twice married, first, in Mediapolis, Iowa, to Man-
Bridges, and to this union eight children were born, seven of whom are
living in Greene county, Missouri. The wife and mother passed away on
May 7, 1910, and October n, 191 1, he married Etta Huffman, a daughter
of Frank and Mary Huffman, formerly of Kentucky.
The following are our subject's children, all bv his first wife: Phoebe
I 7-4 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
A., Gladys M., Ora M., Floy, Frank T., Laura K., Chester and Casper ( de-
ceased).
Politically, Mr. Bishop is a friend of prohibition, and religiously he
and Mrs. Bishop are Christian Scientists.
MARVIN H. SOUTHWORTH.
Industry, uprightness and intelligence are characteristics which will
advance the interests of any man, and will tend to the prosperity to which
all aspire. Such are some of the traits of Marvin H. Southworth, for forty
years a well known contractor of Springfield and one of the most successful
in southwest Missouri in his vocation. He has lived to see and take part in
the latter day development of the Queen City in which he has ever mani-
fested a just pride, and although he is now past his allotted three score and
ten he is still active and in full possession of his faculties, as everyone should
be in old age, if they have been fortunate enough to escape the untoward
accidents which fate sometimes sends. He hails from the old Fmpire state
and has evidently inherited many of the sterling characteristics of his
Yankee ancestors.
Mr. Southworth was born. May 10. 184J. in Gowanda. Cattaraugus
county. Xew York. He is a son of Aaron and Deborah ( Barnes) South-
worth. The father was a native of Steuben county, Xew York, where he
grew to manhood, was educated in the public schools and there began life
as a farmer which vocation he followed through life. Leaving New York
state he came west in 1848 and located in Springfield, Missouri, and here
continued farming with his usual success until his death in 1850. The
mother of our subject was born in the state of Vermont, from which state
she removed with her parents when a child to Gowanda, Xew York, where
she and Aaron Southworth were married. Her death occurred in 185 1.
To these parents the following children were born: Mary Louisa, widow
of Isaac Davis, she died in Springfield, Vpril 16, 1912; Helen, who married
Byron Van Vleit of western Xew York, died in rS&J, leaving one chiid,
Roy; Finette, who lives in Silver Creek, Xew York, married, first Edwin
Brooks, li\ whom she had one child. Burk. and later married Byron Van
\ leit, who bail firs! married her sister. Helen, and two children were born
to her second marriage, Lovie and Bessie; Marion H., id' this review.
Mr. Southworth, of this sketch, grew to manhood on the home farm in
the old Empire state and there assisted with the general work in the summer,
and during the winter months he attended the common schools of his
vicinity, lie was first married in 1863 to Maria Welch, of western Xew7
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. 1725
York, and one of his school mates; her death occurred in 1909. To this
union one child was born, Nellie, whose death occurred on August 1, 1895,
at the age of eighteen years. On March 29, 191 1, our subject married
Mrs. Carrie L. Hevern, of Plymouth, Indiana, widow of Charles Hevern.
She is a daughter of William R. Haskett, a farmer of that community, but
he and his wife are both deceased; their family consisted of ten children.
Mr. Southworth was twenty-five years of age when lie came to Spring-
field, Missouri, about the close of the Civil war, and this has been his home
ever since, consequently he has seen and taken part in the development of
the city from a small town to the capital of the Ozarks. He here took up
the trade of stone mason, and has been a city contractor for a period of
forty years, being associated in this business with John Cowell, a well-
known citizen here for twenty years. He is one of the most widely known
contractors in southwest Missouri and he has laid the foundations of most
of the important buildings in Springfield. Besides the court house there was
but one brick building in the city when he came here. After the building
season was over and during his first winter in Springfield, he sawed wood
for Prof. J. Fairbanks, the supervising editor of this history. He was for
a time engaged in the dry goods business in later years, a member of the
firm of Hirsch, Southworth & Mack. He has been very successful as a
business man and now in his old age he finds himself in possession of a
comfortable competency and also enjoying the esteem of all who know him
as a result of his industrious, public-spirited and honorable life.
Politically, Mr. Southworth is a Republican. He is a charter member
of the local lodge of Knights of Pythias. He has been a member of Grace
Methodist Episcopal church for a period of fort}- years, and has been active
in its affairs. He was for some time chairman of its building committee,
and has been honored with most all the offices of this church.
ERNST KEMMLING.
Greene countv has furnished comfortable homes for main- of the
enterprising citizens hailing from the great German empire, who have been
settling within her borders since early pioneer days when the land was still
the home of various tribes of Indians, the Osages. Delawares and Kicka-
poos. and also the haunts of many specie of wild denizens of the far-
stretching forests. We have always welcomed the Germans or any of the
people from her provinces, and this has been as it should be, for they have
been courageous and not afraid of hard work and have been of untold
assistance to us in clearing the fertile soil of its heavy timber of oak, hickory,
I726 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
walnut, ash and other hardwoods ; and they, too, have helped build our
substantial dwellings, convenient business blocks and imposing public build-
ings. One of this sturdy class is Ernst Kemmling, who has resided on the
outskirts of Springfield for a period of thirty-seven years, where he started
in a modest way and in due course of time became owner of a vast tract of
valuable land.
.Mr. Kemmling was born in Germany, November 6, 1846. He is a son
of Henry and Caroline (Hinkle) Kemmling, both natives of Germany also.
where they grew up, were married and established their home, and there
the father engaged in sheep raising for wool, principally.
To Air. and Mrs. Henry Kemmling seven children were born, namely :
Henry and Augusta are both deceased; Carroll lives in Germany; Minnie
is deceased ; Ernest, subject of this sketch ; Lena lives in Germain- ; and
the youngest died in infancy.
Our subject remained with his father until he was twenty-one years
of age, at which time he was drafted into the Prussian army, and he served
three years in the regular army, and was a soldier for a year in the great
Franco-Prussian war, seeing a great deal of hard service, including the
sanguinary battle of Cravalett, which lasted two days in the middle of a
hot August, and in which engagement the Prussians lost thirty thousand
men and the French thirty-two thousand men. Our subject was also before
.Metz for six weeks, where the French surrendered to the Prussians. The
war was concluded July 4. 1N71 ; .Mr. Kemmling was honorably discharged
from the service. He remained in his native land until December 27, 1871,
when he sailed from the Fatherland for the Xew World, coming straight
to Steubenville, Ohio, where he remained five years, during which he was
employed by the Jefferson Iron Company. Leaving there he came to
Springfield, Missouri, in March. 1877. a,1(J bought eighty acres of railroad
land on which he settled and went to work. By close application, economy
and good management he prospered with advancing years and added to his
original purchase from time to time until he became owner of five hundred
acres of good land, and ranked among the u\<^i enterprising and successful
agriculturists of Greene county, lie has been living on his present place
many years, near the north end of Campbell street, but of late years he has
not been so active as formerly, merely overseeing his estate and engaging
in trucking and gardening on a small scale and is now practically retired.
He has accumulated considerable other property which he looks after, in-
cluding a splendid home. He is certainly deserving of a great deal of credit
tor what be has accomplished since coming here, alone and unaided and with
but little capital with which to start.
Mr. Kemmling was married in his native province on September 4.
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. 1J27
1867, to Minnie Meke, a native of Germany and a daughter of Louis and
Charlotte (Henze) Meke, both natives of Germany, where they grew up,
married and settled, and to them seven children were born, all of whom
are now deceased except the wife of our subject.
To Mr. and Mrs. Ernst Kemmling four sons were born, named as
follows : Ernest L., Henry and August, all prosperous farmers of Greene
county; and John, who lives in Oregon on a farm, where he is doing well
also.
Mr. Kemmling was for many years a member of the German Veterans.
He has been a Democrat for the past thirty-seven years, and he and his wife
belong to the German Evangelical church. They are well liked in their
neighborhood, being hospitable, neighborly and honest in all their intercouse
with the world.
HENDRY BAXTER.
Diversified farming in its truest sense calls for a methodical practice
of a thorough rotation of crops, and three main points are to be kept in mind.
First, the raising of paying crops; that is, crops that will of themselves return
good revenues to the farmer. Secondly, good crops must be raised with
which to feed the live stock of whatever nature it may be. Thirdly, it is
necessary to keep up a rotation of crops to meet these needs during the whole
war, and consideration must be given also in this rotation to the improve-
ment and maintenance of the fertility of the soil of the farm. All this is
clearly understood and successfully carried out by Hendry Baxter, of Wilson
township, Greene county, who. with thrift and foresight characteristic of
the Scotch wherever they cast their lot, has by his own efforts become one
of our best tillers of the soil and leading dairymen.
Mr. Baxter was born in Glasgow, Scotland, December 1'/, 1867. He
is a son of David and Love ( Cuthbertson ) Baxter, both also natives of
that city and country, where they grew .to maturity, were educated, married
and established their home. To them eleven children were horn, six sons
and five daughters.
Hendry Baxter was reared in his native city and there received fairly
good educational training. He first came to America and a year later the
entire family finally set sail for our shores, when our subject was nineteen
years of age. The parents came to Greene county. Missouri, and settled
on the farm of J. Peachers, which place consisted of eighty acres and here
became well established through their industry and economy. Our subject
first went to Eureka Springs, Arkansas, where he spent a year, then joined
the rest of the family in Greene county, where he worked at farming, and
1/28 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
when twenty-six years old he made the long trip back to Scotland for the
sweetheart of his boyhood and in the city of Edinburg was married to Ellen
Russell Gibson, a daughter of James and Elizabeth Gibson, both natives of
Scotland, and there Airs. Baxter grew to womanhood and received her edu-
cation. Our subject stayed seven and one-half years in the United States
before going back to Scotland. After his return from Scotland, he rented
for nine years and then purchased the place where he now resides. He
has worked hard, managed well and has made a good living and brought
his farm up to a fine state of productivity and has a comfortable home. He
is making a specialty of dairy farming and is now milking twenty-eight cows
of a good grade of Jerseys. All his products are of a high quality and are
sold direct to one concern in Springfield. He understands thoroughly the
various phases of dairying and keeps his cows healthy and well cared for,
everything about his place is sanitary and he believes in a "place for every-
thing and everything in its place." He has made all his own improvements.
To Mr. Baxter and wife five children have been born, .namely : Eliza-
beth, David, James, William, all living at home; and one who died in
infancy. Our subject's father and mother are both deceased ; the mother of
his wife is living, but the father died when our subject's wife was quite
young. Our subject and family are members of the United Presbyterian
church, and they stand high in the community throughout which they are
well known.
I I \UDIUS ELSBERRY TREYITT.
In presenting the biographical memoir of this well-remembered gentle-
man, whose life was that of a high-grade man, of noble ideals and laudable
ambitions, it is believed that the youthful reader, whose destinies are yet
matters for future years to determine, will be much benefited and encour-
aged, for his was a life that made fur success because of the honorable
principles he employed in dealing with his fellow men and because of the
many admirable qualities he possessed which made his dailv walk one worthy
to be emulated. It is no easy matter to achieve a high degree of success
in any calling in this age of strenuous endeavor and sharp competition, and
when an individual succeeds in several vocations, as did the late C. E.
Trevitt, for many years one of the leading citizens of \sh Grove, Greene
count)', he wins the admiration of all.
Mr. Trevitt was born in Greene county. Tennessee, November 3, 1857,
and was a son of James F. and Locaddie t Ripley | Trevitt. The father was
a man of influence in public affairs. He spent his earlier life in Tennessee,
CLAUDIUS E. THEVITT, Deceased.
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. l729
but removed to Georgia in the latter sixties and represented his count}- in
the state Legislature.
Claudius E. Trevitt grew to manhood in the South and received a very
good education in the public schools and Tecumseh College in Tennessee.
He went to Georgia when about sixteen years of age, and remained in that
state three years. In 1878 he came to Greene county, Missouri, locating on
a farm just east of Ash Grove and worked on various farms for about three
years, then engaged in the furniture business in Ash Grove for about ten
years, after which he devoted his attention to the grocery and hardware
business, also dealt in real estate. He was very successful in all these lines
■of endeavor and built up a large business in each, having the confidence of
the community by reason of his honest and straightforward dealings. He
continued a very busy man until 19 12 when he was compelled to retire from
active life on account of failing health, and he continued to decline until
he was summoned to close his eyes on earthly scenes on April 21, 1914.
Mr. Trevitt was married on January 25. 1880, to Nora McCrory, who
was born in Louisiana, July 12, 1861, a daughter of James and Mary E.
(Moss) McCrory. The father of Mrs. Trevitt was bom in Wilkinson
■county, Mississippi, in 1829, and was a son of William and Mary (Hub-
bard) McCrory. His father was born in Ireland, December 2^, 1792,
and from that country emigrated to America in an early day, finally
establishing his home in Wilkinson county, Mississippi, where his death
occurred in 1843. His mother was a native of Tennessee and died in 1829
when he was an infant. James McCrory grew to manhood in his native
state and was educated in the common schools there, and was engaged in
farming until he removed to Louisiana. He remained there until 1867,
most of the time farming in Catahoula parish. He then came to Illinois but
soon thereafter came on to Missouri and stayed a year in Saline county,
and then removed to Greene and located on a farm where he spent the
balance of his life, three miles east of Ash Grove. His fine farm consisted
■of one hundred and seventy acres. He was one of the successful general
farmers and stock raisers of this section of the county. He was one of the
first in his section of the county to help organize a grange in 1874. Mr.
McCrory was married in 1855 to Mary E. Moss, daughter of George Moss,
Esq., of Wilkinson county. Mississippi. Mrs. McCrory died February 14,
1868. They reared a family of three children all of whom grew to maturity,
married and located in Greene county. Mr. McCrory's death occurred in
1902. Mrs. Trevitt grew to womanhood on the home farm in Greene county
and received her education in the public schools.
To Mr. and Mrs. Trevitt nine children were born, seven of whom are
living, namely: Ada, deceased; Claude McCrory is an assayer for a gold
( 109)
I73O GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
mining company in the state of Washington; Cle F. died when six years of
age; Fannie L. is the wife of L. L. Dyer, of Springfield; Carl L. is farming
in Alberta, Canada; Clyde V. lives in Washington; James F., Helen and
Roger P. are all at home.
Politically, Mr. Trevitt was a Republican, and was a worker for the
general improvement of his community in which he was influential and held
in the highest esteem.
JOHN F. UNDERHILL.
The subject of this sketch belongs to that class of men who win in
life's battles by sheer force of personality and determination, and in what-
ever he has undertaken he has shown himself to be a man of ability and
honor. Mr. Underhill hails from "ye merrie isle of old England," and has
the commendable characteristics of the people of that great kingdom, and
since coming in our midst in Greene county fifteen years ago he has won a
host of friends as a result of his even tenored life, and he ranks among the
enterprising husbandmen of Wilson township.
John F. Underhill was born in the southern part of England, February
27, 1864. He is a son of John and Susan Underhill, both born and reared
in England, where they married and established their home and always
resided. The death of the mother occurred on January 31, 1901, but the
father survives at the advanced age of seventy-eight years. I lis active life
was spent as a carpenter, and he was a wry highly skilled and honest work-
man. His family consists of eight children, all surviving and all residing
in England except the subject of this review. They were named. John F.,
our subject; Henry. James. Mary, Willie. Richard, Sarah, and Thersa.
John F. Underhill spent his boyhood in England and there received a
common school education. He lived mi a farm where fine blooded live stock
was raised, and. having a natural bent toward this industry, learned a great
deal about it. When seventeen years of age he immigrated to America,
making a trip through Canada and the great Northwest, and finally settled
in Chicago, where he worked at laboring for six months, but not taking very
kindly to this kind of work, lie longed for rural scenes instead and accord-
ingly went to Butler county, towa, and took a position with K. S. Green
on his large stock farm and remained there about eighteen year-, this being
the kind of work in which he delighted. He saved his earnings and on
Febrnarv 21. 1899, came t< > Greene county, Missouri, and purchased a farm
in Wils -bin. consisting of one hundred and twenty acres, on which
li ■ still : which lie has carefully tilled and kept well improved and
\ Iris a ■ ttractive place. In connection with general farming be bad
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. I 73 1
carried on stock raising in a successful manner, and has dealt extensively
in horses and mules, his registered Percheron horses being admired by all
who have seen them, and are among the best in this section of the state. He
has prospered by his judicious methods of farming and handling live stock
and is deserving of a great deal of credit for his large material success in
view of the fact that he began life single handed and alone and has never
had assistance from any source. He has never married and in connection
with carrying on the work of his farm, he attends to his own household
duties .
Politically, Mr. Underhill is a Republican in national affairs, but he
votes independently in local elections, preferring to cast his ballot for the
candidates win mi he deems best suited for the offices sought. He takes an
interest in all movements having for their object the general improvement
of his vicinity, such as good roads, etc., and is regarded as a good neighbor
and good citizen in every respect.
JOSEPH A. M. TILLMAN.
During the sixty-four years of his residence in Greene county, Joseph
A. M. Tillman, a retired farmer of Clay township, has noted many im-
portant changes in this locality in which he is well and favorably known
and in which nearly all his life has been spent, and here he has made a suc-
cess as a general agriculturist because he has been both industrious and a
close observer. He is a descendant o fa prominent old Southern family,
and is a second cousin of Benjamin Tillman, the noted United States senator
from South Carolina. Many of the commendable qualities of his ancestors
are noticeable in our subject.
Mr. Tillman was born in McNeary county, Tennessee, July 7, 1848.
He is a son of Samuel Taylor Tillman and Mary (Perry) Tillman. The
father was born in Chatham county, North Carolina, in November, 1800,
and the mother was born in the same county, in May, 1810, and there they
grew to maturity. The father moved to Tennessee when a young man,
locating in Bedford county, where he married and bought a farm, also
owned a mill on Duck river. After living in Bedford county for some time
he located in McNeary county, and remained there until 1850, when he
brought his family to Greene county, Missouri, purchasing a farm a mile
east of where his son. our subject, now resides, the place having contained
one hundred and forty-six acres. Later the elder Tillman entered forty
acres from the government here, and had a good farm. He cleared most
of his land and kept it in good condition. He was an extensive stock raiser
1732 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
and trader and was a very successful general farmer. He took much inter-
est in public affairs and before leaving Tennessee was justice of the peace
for a period of fourteen years and also served in this capacity after coming
to Greene county for a period of sixteen years. After buying a place in
Greene county he went back to Tennessee where he remained fifteen years
before returning to Greene county, .Missouri. He died on his farm here in
1864. His wife was reared in North Carolina on a farm and moved with
her parents to Tennessee. She was a member of the Christian church. The
father of our subject was twice married, his second wife being a sister of
his first wife, and to his first union five children were born, namely: Louisa,
I.idia. Calvin, Wesley, Newton, all deceased, the two latter having been
killed while soldiers during the Civil war. The mother of these children
was Clara Perry. His children by his second wife, Mary Perry, were ten
in number and were named as follows: Margaret, Oram, both deceased:
Newton was killed while serving in the Civil war; Stanley, Martha W.,
Caroline and Pearlee, all deceased; Joseph A. M. of this sketch, is the only
survivor of the fourteen children; Lucy, deceased; Samuel, deceased.
The immediate subject of this sketch was two years old when his par-
ents brought him over the rough roads from Tennessee to Missouri. He
was reared on the farm and received a common school education in the
schools of Greene county. He remained on the homestead until his father's
death, and he then operated the farm for his mother until he was married,
on March _>_>, 1868, to Rebecca J. (Cunningham). He remained on the
home farm about seven years, then rented land for five years, which he
cultivated, and in March, 1881, bought one hundred acres, later adding
twenty acres. He cleared and improved must of his land and built a cozy
home on it and here be has since resided and has been successful as a general
farmer, although he has been taking life easy for some four years, renting his
land and merely overseeing it in a general way.
Mr. Tillman was born in Obion count}'. Tennessee. September [2, 1N50.
She is a daughter of Charles M. and .Mary P. (Hubbard) Cunningham.
The father was a native of middle Tennessee, where he was reared on a
farm and received a common school education, and he became owner of
a two hundred acre farm in bis native state. He removed to Fulton count)-,
Kentucky, in [859, where he remained about two years, then went to Car-
roll county, Arkansas. When the Civil war broke out he came to Missouri
and joined the Federal army in 1S61, but died of measles soon after his
career as a soldier began.
Eleven children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Tillman, namely:
John W. lives in Greene county and during the campaign of 1914 was a
candidate from two districts for associate judge; Samuel is deceased; Mrs.
Mary J. Climer lives at Mentor, this count}'; Joseph's home is in Spring-
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. 1/33
field; Fred is engaged in the mercantile business at Rogersville ; Bertha is
deceased; Airs. Viola Wills lives in Springfield; Airs. Minnie Hunt was a
teacher in the Greene county schools for six years; Airs. Pearl Chaffin lives
in Ozark, Missouri; Mattie is deceased; Ross E. lives in Springfield. The
wife of our subject was thirteen years old when she came to Greene count}-.
She received a common school education. She often recalls the trip from
Tennessee, which the family made in an ox wagon. She is a member of the
Christian church.
Politically, Air. Tillman is a Democrat and has long been an active
worker in the party. He has served as justice of the peace for four terms,
also as notary public four terms, discharging his duties in an eminently
satisf actor)- manner. He was appointed by the governor. While incum-
bent of the first office he married forty-eight couples. Fraternally, he be-
longs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He has been a consistent
member of the Christian church since he was eighteen years of age. He is
one of the leading citizens in Clay township.
RICHARD H. BENSON.
It is not the weaklings that accomplish worthy ends in the face of oppo-
sition but those with nerve and initiative whose motto is, "He never fads
who never gives up." and with this terse aphorism ever in view, emblazoned
on the pillar of clouds, as it were, before them, they forge ahead until the
sunny summits of life are reached" and they can breathe a breath of the
purer air that inspires the souls of men with respite. Such has been the
history of Richard H. Benson, of Springfield, whose career has been a varied
one, and the earlier part of which was as a deep sea sailor, but the latter years
of his life has been more prosaic.
Mr. Benson was born in 1 telle Haven, Accomac county, Virginia, July
iJ. 1850. He is a son of James S. and Catherine (Mears) Benson, both
natives of Virginia, where they grew up, were married and established their
home. The father was one of four children. John S., Edward, lame- S.,
and Keeley, all now deceased. The mother of our subject was one of five
children, Margaret, Richard, Thomas, Sally, and Catherine. Richard
Alears was a sea captain and in his service rescued many crews, among them
was a Canadian crew, for which act he was rewarded by the Canadian gov-
ernment, Secretary of State Everetts presenting him with a fine watch, set
with diamonds. James S. Benson and wife spent the latter years of their
lives in North Hampton, Virginia, where the father's death occurred De-
cember 8, 1876.
1734 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
Richard H. Benson spent his boyhood days in Belle Haven, Virginia,
where he received a public school education. When but a lad his inclina-
tion was to the sea, and, leaving home when about seventeen years of age,
he made a sea voyage on the ship Edwin Rowe to the west coast of Africa,
under Captain Miller, of Portland, Maine, and was gone seven months,
during which he visited Siereleone, in the western part of the Dark Conti-
nent, and passed in sight of Monrovia, stopped at Bassa, Grand Bassa, Cape
Palmas, Dixcove, the River Gaboon, then returned to America, the voyage
to New York requiring fifty-one days, and he was required to lay aboard
the vessel in Brooklyn two months. On February 26, 1868, he landed in
Lacon, Marshall county, Illinois, stopping with his uncle, John Benson,
who owned a farm there, and in the fall of 1869 the uncle came to Spring-
field, Missouri, and our subject joined him here in the summer of 1872;
leaving here the last of September of that year, Mr. Benson went to Chicago
and remained there until Christmas, then went back to Belle Haven, Vir-
ginia, and remained with his father until in June, 1873, when he went to
Baltimore, Maryland and shipped as a seaman in the government survey,
remaining in the service until the spring of 1875, when he came to St.
Louis, Missouri, and took a position as solicitor for the printing house of
John McKitrick & Company, but after a short time he went to Chicagu
and entered the hotel business, which he followed until he came to Spring-
field to make his permanent home in 1886, and thus he has been a resident
of this city twenty-eight years, during which time he has been engaged in
the sewing machine business as an agent for the Singer Manufacturing
Company, remaining in their service for about eighteen years, and then
took up life insurance business, staying in this line for one year, then took
up the sewing machine business again.
.Mr. Benson was married. July 3, 1888, to Ella V. Berry, a daughter
of P. Jesse and Eliza (Cowling) Berry. The father was a minister in
the Christian church, and had charge of churches in different states, and
was an able and popular preacher. His family consisted of four children,
namely: Ella \\. wife of Mr. Benson; Maggie, who married W. J. Hills;
Gertrude, who married Dr. M. Xev Smith ; the youngest child, died in
infancy.
Mrs. Ella V. Benson was bum in Pennsylvania, from which state she
later moved to New York state, then to Maryland, Iowa, Ohio, Missouri,
and Illinois, and she received part of her education in the college at Eureka,
the latter state. She came with her parents to Springfield. Missouri, first in
[879, and the second time they came to this state was in 1881.
Three children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Benson, namely: James
Berry, John E., and Richard K.. all living in Springfield.
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. 1735
Politically, Mr. Benson is a Democrat, and he and his whole family
are members of the South Street Christian church. They have a pleasant
home on the Bolivar road, near Talmage street.
GABRIEL McCKAW.
When Greene county was covered with primeval forests and tall prairie
grass and when wild animals of many species roamed the then little de-
veloped lands, over which wound Indian trails, the McCraw family came
here and began carving a home from the far-stretching woods, and assisted
in building schools and churches and assisting in the general introduction
of the customs of civilization in the wilderness, giving vent to that mys-
terious quality in the blood of primitive people to push on to the edge of
things. They were genuine pioneers, willing to take the hardships that they
might acquire the soil and the home that was sure to rise. Gabriel McCraw,
well known citizen of Taylor township, who has lived beyond the allotted
barrier of three score and ten years, all of which have been spent in this
locality, can relate many interesting things that have transpired here since
the country was first settled. He has witnessed with his own eyes the many
changes that have taken place and in which he has taken no inconspicuous
part himself.
Mr. McCraw was born on the farm which he now occupies, April 3,
1843. He is a son of John L. and Elizabeth (Kenner) McCraw. The
father was born in Hawkins county, Tennessee, December 8. 1808, and
there he grew up on a farm. The mother was also born in that county
and state, in 1806 and was reared on a farm. They both attended the dis-
trict schools, and were married there in 1835. They immigrated to Greene
county, Missouri, in 1836. Here John L. McCraw prospered and became
owner of a fine farm of three hundred and thirty acres, and here he and
his wife spent the rest of their lives, his death occurred April 2, [882. She
preceded him to the grave many years, dying in 1854. Politically, he was
a Republican, and for a number of years he was county surveyor. He
was well known and was influential in public affairs. His wife was a mem-
ber of the Methodist church. They were the parents of eight children,
namely: Susan is deceased, Josephine, Elizabeth is deceased, John L., Ga-
briel William, deceased; Joseph P., deceased; and James E.
Gabriel McCraw was reared on the homestead here, where he worked
when he became of proper age, and in the winter time he attended the
district schools. In 1862, when only eighteen years of age, he enlisted in
Company L., Eighth Missouri Cavalry, under Captain Keller, and served
IJo6 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
faithfully for the Union until the close of the war, when he was honorably
discharged at Little Rock, Arkansas,. He saw considerable hard service,
and participated in the battle of Prairie Grove, where he was taken prisoner
and held for three weeks, when he was exchanged, in April, 1863, re-
joining his regiment at Rolla, Missouri. He participated in the battle and
capture of Little Rock in that year. He was in a number of skirmishes.
After his discharge he returned home and has since been actively engaged in
general farming and stock raising on the home place, which consists of
four hundred and ten acres, in which his brother, James E., has one-half
interest. They have kept the" place well tilled and well improved and the
buildings in good repair.
Mr. McCraw was married on April 2j, 1877. to Columbia E. Watter-
son, who was born in Tennessee, near the town of Rogersville, but her
parents brought her to Greene county, Missouri, when she was a child and
here she was reared and educated in the common schools. They were mar-
ried in this county. She was a daughter of Francis E. and Martha ( Ga-
braith ) Watterson, both long since deceased. Mrs. Mc< raw's death oc-
curred in California, August 26. 1882.
To our subject and wife two children were born, namely: Mrs. Susan
E. Potter, and James G.
Politically, Mr. McCraw is a Republican. He is a member of the Grand
Army of the Republic.
WILLIAM H. A. McGINTY.
With the higher prices for land and increase 111 labor cost we must
produce more per acre and get a larger proportion of the cost to the con-
sumer. The young men who an- using scientific methods today will hasten
the solution of many agricultural problems and it will pay those interested
to keep up with the methods of the young men. One of the successful
tanners of Jackson township, Greene county who is an advocate of modern
methods of farming is William II. A. McGinty.
Mr. McGinty was born at Marshfield, Webster county, Missouri, De-
cember [2, 1856. Ik- is a Min of \bner < '. and Mary S. (Haden) McGinty.
The father was born in Tennessee, June 28, [833. lie came to Greene
county. .Missouri, when a small boy, and began his career working in the
general store of John Debruin on the west side of the Public Square in
Springfield, later entering the mercantile field for himself, and finally went
to West Plains, lb. well county, this state, where he was in business for
a while. During the war he had a general merchandise store in Rolla,
Missouri, and was postmaster there for a short time. The last twenty
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. 1/37
years of his life was devoted to the ministry of the Methodist church, in
which he ranked high and did a great deal of good. He became owner of a
valuable farm in Greene county and was a very successful and influential
man, highly esteemed by all who knew him. Politically, he was a Re-
publican. His death occurred in Springfield, June 26, 1893. The mother
of the subject of this sketch was reared in Greene county, where her birth
occurred May 10, 1837, and here she received a common school education.
She was a member of the Christian church. Her death occurred in Spring-
field, February 16, 1882. To these parents eleven children were born,
namely: Mary V., born August 14, 1854, married John B. Foster, of
Marshfield, Missouri; William H. A., of this review; Elizabeth, burn Jan-
uary 10. 1859, married M. G. Vinton, of Strafford, Missouri; Sarah G., born
September 13, 1861, married George E. Dillard, of Springfield; Abner J.,
born .March 7, [864; Freddie, born November 14, 1866; Clara, burn No-
vember 7, 1868. married L)r. W. L. Smith, of Springfield, Missouri, he is
deceased; Abner C, Jr., a merchant of Neosho, Missouri, burn February
17. 1872; James, a merchant in Neosho, Missouri, burn March 13, 1874;
Ralph, born November 2T,, 1876, a farmer of Neosho, Missouri; and Susan,
burn February 12. i!S82. died in childhood.
The subject of this sketch grew to manhood in Webster county, re-
ceiving his education in the schools of Marshfield. He was in the mer-
chandise business in Marshfield with bis father for four years. When
about thirty-five years of age he inherited the homestead consisting of
eightv acres, and he soon took up general agricultural pursuits, which be
has since followed with success. He now owns a well-kept farm of eighty
acres in Jackson township.
Mr. McGinty was married on April 28, 1S79. to Catherine Pritchard,
who was born in Stone county. Missouri, March 28, i860. She is a daughter
<>f John and Mary 1 Sallee ) Pritchard. The father was a soldier in the
Union army and died in Arkansas while in the service. The mother died
in Greene county on May 14, i<;o6. Mrs. McGinty was reared in this
county and educated in the public schools. She is a member of the Metho-
dist Episcopal church.
Five children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. McGinty, named as
follows: Mrs. Myrtle May Gillespie, born January 4, 1880, lives in this
county; Mrs. Catherine F. Galloway, born July 22, 1882, lives in Spring-
field; Charles W., born February 16. 1884. lives in this count)-; Susan E.,
born March 2T,, 1888, died December 23, 1891 ; Abner P.. born January 2j.
[892, lives at home.
Politically, Mr. McGinty is a Democrat. He is a member of the
Methodist Episcopal church.
I738 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
WILLIAM P. CAMP.
The subject of this sketch is one of the Greene county inhabitants
who has had the good judgment to remain in his native locality and devote
his energies to the things with which he is the must familiar, hence he
has had a better chance of ultimately attaining the ever-sought-for guerdon
— success, in the quest for which a very large percentage of men leave their
native localities and go out into strange countries among people of different
habits and costumes, consequently many of them fail who would have suc-
ceeded if they had remained at home.
Mr. Camp, who owns and operates a good farm in Taylor township,
near the village of Strafford, was born in this county, January 17, 1857.
He is a son of John H. and Susan H. (Anderson) Camp. The father
was born near Petersburg, Virginia, which place was destined to become
world-famous for the memorable siege there during the Civil war. The
date of his birth was December 25, 1826. He grew up on farms in his
native state and in Tennessee, and received a common school education.
He immigrated to Greene county, Missouri, in 1851, entering a farm from
the government which he unproved and on which he prospered, and later
became owner of a valuable farm of two hundred and twenty acres and
was one of the successful general farmers of this county a generation ago.
During the Civil war he joined the Home Guards, under Captain Coleman,
but was in the service only a short time. Before leaving Tennessee, he
was married in Rogersville. that state in 1850, to Susan H. Anderson, who
was born near that town, reared and educated there. These parents died
on the home farm in Greene county, the father in the year 1898, and the
mother a few years prior to that time. He was a member of the Methodist
Episcopal church, and she belonged to the Cumberland Presbyterian church.
To John H. Camp and wife ten children were born, namely: Mrs. Martha
Vaughn, Charles A. is deceased; William 1'., of this sketch; Mrs. Mary
Danforth is deceased; Mrs. Lucy Cunningham, Mrs. Francis Barnett, Mrs.
Laura Barnett, Eliza Saddler. Mrs. Lennie Cunningham and one who died
in infancy, unnamed.
William I'. Camp \\a> reared on the home farm near where he now
resides and there he assisted with the work in the summer months and in
the winter time attended the district schools. He remained at home until he
was twenty-one years ,,f age, then began life tor himself by hiring out on
different farms for several years, lie saved his earnings until he was able
to purchase the place where he now lives, in 1894. He has a productive
and well-kept farm of eighty-five acres and is making a good living and
laying by something each year for the proverbial "rainy day" which is sup-
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. 1/39
posed to be ahead for everyone, which, however, is not necessarily true, as
observation would teach.
Mr. Camp was married in 1880 to Martha Bristow, who was born in
Greene county, December 21, 1863, and was reared on a farm here and at-
tended the rural schools. She is a daughter of William H. and Lavina D.
Bristow. The mother died some tige ago, but the father is living in Greene
county and is still active.
Twelve children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Camp, namely : Mrs.
Columbus Dykes, Mrs. Maggie Potter, John H., Mrs. Bessie Mann is de-
ceased ; Mary, Cora is teaching school ; Mattie, Ruth, Mark, Edith, Ruby
is deceased, and Lois, who is also deceased.
Politically, Mr. Camp is a Republican. He belongs to the Masonic
Order and to the Anti-Horse Thief Association. He is a member of the
Cumberland Presbyterian church.
JOHN KINSER.
One of Clay township's enterprising farmers is John Kinser. He has
made a success in his calling very largely because he has been willing to
give up many of the old and antiquated ideas of farming and adopted such
new ones as were practicable here. He is one of those farmers who never
loses sight of the fact that the soil must be well supplied with organic mat-
ter; that humus is absolutely necessary to the soil to make plant food avail-
able; that if one practices crop rotation, one must not fail to include one
or more of the legumes. These and many other similar ideas of successful
farming have long been known to him and it is a pleasure to look over his
well tilled place.
Mr. Kinser was born in Greene county, Missouri, about two miles from
his present residence, October 11, 1852, and here he has been content to
spend his life. He is a son of Jefferson and Sarah (Lee) Kinser. The
father was born in Virginia and grew to manhood and received his educa-
tion in that state, being a young man when he immigrated overland to Mis-
souri with his parents, making the trip in wagons drawn by oxen. The
family settled in Greene county, the father entering a large amount of land
from the government which he cleared and improved, and carried on gen-
eral farming and stock raising successfully here in the pioneer days. Dur-
ing the Civil war he joined the Federal army, under Col. John S. Phelps,
and most of his service was confined to Greene county. He was a partici-
pant in the battle of Springfield, when General Brown's forces were at-
tacked by General Marmaduke, January 8, 1863. He was honorably dis-
!74° GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI
charged at Rolla, Missouri, at the close of the war. After the war he re-
turned home and resumed farming, which he followed until his death, which
occurred at the age of seventy-seven years. Politically, he was a Republi-
can. He belonged to the Christian church. He was a well known and in-
fluential man in his locality, and had a great many friends wherever he was.
known. The mother of the subject of this sketch was born in Virginia,
and she received a common school education. She was young in years
when she came to Missouri with her parents, the family locating on a farm
in Greene count)-. She was a great help to her husband on the farm, was
industrious, spun and wove most of her cloth in the early days, and raised
cotton for this purpose. She was a member of the Christian church. Her
death occurred prior to that of her husband.
To Jefferson Kinser and wife eight children were born, namely:
Joseph, deceased; Ephraim lives in Greene county on an adjoining farm to
our subject; John, of this review; Mrs. Sarah Davis, deceased; Mrs. Mary
Fulton, deceased; Mrs. Anna Dykes lives in Webster county; Nancy, de-
ceased; William is engaged in the livery business in Oklahoma.
John Kinser was reared to manhood on the home farm where he re-
ceived his education in the district schools of his community. He worked
for Ins father at home until he was twenty-five years of age, when he was
married to Sarah Cloud and began farming for himself. His father gave
him a good farm of one hundred and twenty acres, to which our subject has
added eighty acres. He chared part of his land, making many improve-
ments of a substantial and permanent nature, built a comfortable home,
several convenient barns and his excellent place of two hundred acres is
entitled to rank among the best in this part of the county in every respect.
\bout thirty acres is in timber. He carries on general farming and stock
raising, lie has lately moved to Menter, where he now resides, going to
and from his farm as necessity requires.
Mrs. kinser was reared to womanh 1 in Greene county, and here she
received her education in the common schools. She proved to be a most
faithful helpmeet and was a woman who was a favorite with her many
friends, and her untimely death at the early age of thirty-eighl wears was
deeply deplored. She was a daughter of Calvin and Elizabeth Cloud. Her
father was one of the earliest settlers in Greene county and he owned an
excellent farm here and spent the rest of his life on the home place, and
there his wife died also.
Io Air. and Mrs. Kinser four children were born, namely: .Mrs.
Laura Estes lues in Greene county; Mrs. Lula Patterson is living at home
with her father; Mrs. Lennie White lives in Greene county; James E. is
living on the home farm.
Politically, Mr. Kinser is a Republican, and is loyal in his support of
the party, although is no office seeker or public man.
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. 1 74 1
JOHN C. CHAFFIN.
Conditions are so widely varied in the vast area in the Middle West
that is devoted to agricultural pursuits on a more or less extensive scale;
the results desirable by both individuals and communities are so widely
divergent, and the fact that most profitable results to one would mean
positive loss to another, make any general rules, laid down to cover the
entire country, unsuited to many farmers; so, it is necessary for each
to use his brains as well as his brawn and decide for himself the problems
that are most vital to .him personally. Such methods have been adhered
to by John C. Chaffin, a farmer of Washington township, Greene county,
and he has, therefore, been successful in his chosen vocation.
Mr. Chaffin was born in this county on September 2j, 1859, and he
has been contented to spend his life in his native community. He is a son
of Joseph and Eliza (Day) Chaffin. The father was born in Hawkins
county, Tennessee, September 21, 1824, was a boy when he was brought
to Missouri by his parents, was reared on a farm and educated in the early-
day schools of Greene county, where the family settled upon arriving here,
after a journey of hardships in wagons from the state of Tennessee. Joseph
Chaffin worked for his father on the home farm until he was twenty-one
years of age, then entered one hundred and twenty acres of land from the
government, to which he later added two hundred acres, cleared most of
his land and developed a good farm, which he kept in first-class condition
in every way. He was a very industrious man and made a great success as
a general farmer and stock raiser. In 1869 he went to Montana for his
health and remained there four months, and died at Corvallis, that state,
January 27, 1870. He was a man noted for his liberality and kind deeds,
helping the poor and needy whenever occasion demanded, and he was in-
influential and highly esteemed in his community. He was a member of
the Christian church, and, politically, was a Republican. In the early days
he hauled goods from Rolla to Springfield with an ox team. He worked
for Governor Phelps for some time as overseer on the governor's farm.
His wife, Eliza Day, was born in Greene county, Missouri, May 4, 1837,
was reared on a farm and educated in the earlv-dav schools. She was a
fine type of the industrious, self-sacrificing women of her day (different
from the majority of women of this generation). She was willing to as-
sist her husband get a start in life, raised cotton, from which she spun and
wove cloth for her family and did much hard work that the average woman
■of today would not do. But there were few in her day who did not do the
same things. She was a worthy member of the Christian church and set
a good example among her neighbors and acquaintances. Her death oc-
I742 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
curred in Christian county, Missouri, March i, 191 3, when nearly seventy-
six years of age.
To Joseph Chaffin and wife six children were born, namely: James
E., who lives in Greene county; Mrs. Nancy S. Samuels lives in Greene
county; John C., of this review; Mrs. Emma J. Everly lives in Montana;
Mrs. Mary Frances Summers lives in Montana; Mrs. Orlena A. Stow lives
in Christian county.
John C. Chaffin grew to manhood on the farm where he is now living.
He received a common school education in this vicinity. He was eleven
years old when his father died, and our subject and his elder brothers
operated the farm after that until the mother married again. When twen-
ty-three years old our subject bought forty acres of the homestead, to which
he later added one hundred and forty acres. He went in debt for the place,
but paid for it in due time by hard work, good management and economy,
often depriving himself of many things in order to do so. He sold eighty
acres of his land some time ago, and now operates one hundred acres. He
cleared about thirty-five acres of his land. He has a well-improved and pro-
ductive farm and has made a success as a general farmer and stock raiser.
Twelve acres of his land is timbered. This farm was known to the old
settlers at the "Bill Jessup" farm.
Mr. Chaffin was married, August 13, 1879, to Winnie Stephens, who
was born in Wright county, Missouri, February 19, 1861. She is a daugh-
ter of John G. and Cynthia ( Beattie) Stephens. The father was born in
middle Tennessee, and there grew up on a farm and received a meager
education in the early-day schools. He immigrated to Missouri prior to
the breaking out of the Civil war, and settled in Wright county on a rented
farm. During the war he was a member of the Sixth Missouri Cavalry
and saw service in the Union army, was honorably discharged at the close
of the war, but came home sick, and died a few days later. He was a mem-
ber of the same company in which "Uncle Jeff Watts." of Rogersville,
served. His wife, Cynthia Beattie, was born in middle Tennessee, July
4, 1837. was reared on a farm and received limited educational advantages
in her native community. When young she came to Missouri with her
father, the trip being made in ox wagons. She was a member of the
Methodist church. Her death occurred on December 8, 1906.
Mrs. Chaffin was reared on a farm in Greene county and was edu-
cated in the common schools, walking three miles to attend school in an
old log house. Site is a member of the Methodist church.
Four children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Chaffin, namely: Ar-
manda D., born September 1. 1880, died October 9th of the same year;
John II.. born July it, 1889, died on March 5, 1890; Eunice J., born on
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. I 743
May 12, 1893. is living at home; Stewart C, born June 30, 1895, nves
at home.
Politically. Mr. Chaffin is a Republican, and while he has never sought
political honors, is always ready to do his part in furthering any good move-
ment for the general welfare of the community in which he lives and in
which he is well and favorably known.
LEE CASPER KENNEDY.
This is often called the age of young men, and it is no doubt true that
more men of tender years are filling responsible positions than ever in the
history of the world. One has only to look about a little in any commercial
center to find that this is true. In these rushing, "iron clanging days" young
and vigorous blood is required, although, of course, were it not for the
sagacious counsel of the gray-haired element in the business arena, there
would be many more financial catastrophes than there are, great though the
number already is, owing to a degree of feverish recklessness that has crept
into the twentieth century way of doing things.
Among the young men of Springfield who hold positions of trust is Lee
Casper Kennedy, a descendant of an Irish ancestry. He was born in Stock-
bridge, Michigan, February 11, 1885, and is a son of William S. and Eliza-
beth (Doyle) Kennedy. The father was born at St. Thomas, Ontario, Can-
ada, in 1858, of Irish extraction, and there he grew7 to manhood and was
educated, and in his earlier years he followed lumbering and race horse
raising, being successful in both lines, and at present he is making his home
in Detroit, Michigan, where he is engaged in the real estate business. Politi-
cally he is a Democrat, and in religion a Catholic. He and Elizabeth Doyle
were married in Dexter, Michigan, in 1878. She was born in Pinckney,
that state, about 1861 and there reared and educated. The Doyle family
were also originally of Ireland.
Lee C. Kenned)r spent his boyhood days at Stockbridge, Michigan, and
there received a good education in the common and high schools, being
graduated from the latter in 1903. He began life for himself as a teacher
which he followed two years in Ingham county, Michigan, and although he
gave promise of becoming a highly successful educator, he did not see an
encouraging future to this line of endeavor and so turned his attention to
the world of industry. After working a year as foreman of a basket fac-
tory, he accepted a position as bookkeeper and cashier of a poultry house
where he worked one year, then, in 190S, came to Springfield, Missouri, and
clerked in the Frisco offices for three vears, after which he became book-
IJ44 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
keeper and cashier with the Ouinn-Barry Tea & Coffee Company, where he
remained two and one-half years. In all these positions he gave eminent
satisfaction, being faithful, alert and painstaking in all his work and at the
same time he was broadening his general knowledge of business forms and
customs, and in the year 1912 he went with the Tegarden Packing Company,
now known as the Welsh Packing Company, as treasurer, which responsible
post he still occupies in his usual able manner.
Politically, -Mr. Kennedy votes independently, however he supports the
Democratic ticket in national elections. He was reared in the faith of the
Catholic church and from this he has not departed. Fraternally, he belongs
to the Knights of Columbus, and to the Loyal Order of Moose.
Air. Kennedy has remained unmarried.
GENERAL COLLEY B. HOLLAND.
Xo name in the annals of Springfield and of Greene county, occupies
a more enviable position than that of Colley B. Holland; and no history of
either city or county would be complete without a sketch of his life and
work.
Mr. Holland, like a large majority of the pioneers of this region, was
a native of Tennessee, being born in Robertson county in that state on the
24th of August. [816. While yet a mere lad he was left fatherless, and,
boy as he was. being the eldest of four children, found himself with the
responsibility of the support of his widowed mother, and the younger chil-
dren. Evidently the industry and business acumen that were to prove his
strong characteristics all through life, were even at that early age strongly
developed, lor we find that not only was the family kept in comfort, but
that before he left home to seek his own fortune, he had bought for his
mother a home for her old age. and when he started in life for himself she
was left well provided for.
'I he educational advantages in Tennessee in those early times were of
the scantiest, and the young man owed hut little to their aid. However, he
was gifted with an active and retentive mind, and few indeed of those who
have had a regular collegiate training could compete in their store of practi-
cal information with this self-taught, and self-made man.
Early in life he had determined to learn some good trade, and having
chosen that of tailoring he applied himself to it with earnestness until he
had mastered it in all its details. With his occupation as his only capital,
he felt himself justified in establishing a home for himself, and he was
married to his boyhood's sweetheart. .Miss Emeline II. Bigbee, daughter of
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. 1 745
a neighbor in his Tennessee home, and with whom he had been acquainted
from their mutual childhood. At the age of twenty-live, in the year 1841,
with his mother provided for, and seeking a wider field for his own efforts,
Mr. Holland emigrated from Tennessee to southwest Missouri.
With his young wife, and his brother, John L. Holland, he reached
Springfield, and at once, with his brother as a partner, opened a tailor shop.
It is interesting to look hack for a moment to the little frontier town to
which the young man had come, and in the future of which he was to have
so important a part. It was then but little over ten years since the Indians
had been sent out of the region, and it was less than three years since the
town had been incorporated. The record says that when thus made into an
incorporation Springfield had "About two hundred and fifty people." The
place was then, as it has always been, the commercial center of a vast region,
but in 1841 that region was but thinly populated, and it is probable that the
entire trade of the little town did not exceed fifty thousand dollars per
annum. In the census of 1840 Greene county is credited with a population
of five thousand three hundred and seventy-two, and this small number, it
must be remembered, was scattered over an area out of which more than
a score of counties were afterward carved.
There is little to tell of Mr. Holland's life for the next few years. Cer-
tain it is that he was busy and successful, for the records in the office of
the recorder of deeds for Greene county, show that from time to time he
was putting his earnings into Springfield realty, a habit which was laying
strong, wide and deep the foundations of the success the future was to
bring him. General Holland was indeed gifted with that faculty, possessed
by few men, and not to be acquired, but is born in its possessor, of knowing
at a glance the right piece of real estate in which to invest. , It would be
wholly safe to wager that Colley I!. Holland never bought a piece of realty
on which he lost money.
With all his other interests we find that he found time for doing his
part in public matters. In 1845 the Springfield branch of the Missouri
State Bank was established, and Mr. Holland was one of the directors.
Here he soon showed those qualifications of business integrity and sagacity
that were to lead him in later years, to such a high place in the banking
business. In 1852 he was appointed postmaster at Springfield, but resigned
at the end of a year. Having felt the deprivation of a school training him-
self, he was always glad to lend a hand to the promotion of educational ad-
vantages for others. Thus we find that he was one of the incorporators, in
1859, of the Springfield Male Academy, and was a liberal contributor
toward its establishment, and a member of the building committee. This
(no)
I746 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
school at once took a front rank in the Southwest, but was destined to but
a short life, for it died never to be resurrected, when the Civil war broke out.
In the spring of 1861 the storm of war between the states struck the
land, and Springfield, holding a position that was strategic in war as it
was in commerce, became at once a center of strife. During the four bloody
years that were to follow Colley B. Holland was to show a new and sur-
prising side of his strong character. Looking over his previous life one
would hardly consider it as the training school for a soldier. Those who
had known the man all his life would hardly have selected him as the suc-
cessful leader in desperate battle ; but this man proved himself both.
Quiet, unobstrusive, attending strictly to his own affairs, there was
nevertheless a strain of iron in his blood; a stalwart determination to stand
for those things which he believed to be right, a calm personal courage that
never failed him, even when men were falling on every side, and when the
battle seemed lost to all but himself. He had as a young man, served as
a non-commissioned officer in the Seminole war in the swamps of Florida,
in 1836-7, and the experience then gained proved invaluable to him in the
great conflict now pending. From the first whisper of secession Air. Hol-
land had openly declared himself an uncompromising Union man; and when
Sumter was fired upon, and Lincoln issued his call for seventy-five thou-
sand men, he was one of the first to volunteer.
In gathering data for this sketch the writer naturally turned to a for-
mer history of Greene county published in 1883, and which contains much
valuable information compiled from count}- and other records. To his
surprise he found that the name of Colley IS. Holland is not to be found in
the book! Such an omission can only have been intentional on the part of
those responsible for the publication, and tends to lessen the confidence of
future writers, in the correctness of the whole work.
In this connection it is recalled that the late Dr. E. T. Robberson, him-
self a residenl of Springfield before, during, and after the war, once said
to me: "General Holland has never received half the credit due him for his
war record. Especially for the part he played in the defense of Springfield
at the time of the Marmaduke raid." Doctor Robberson was the very soul
of probity and honor and such words from him carry weight with all who
knew him in life.
In this short sketch the only desire of the writer 1- to "Give honor to
whom honor is due." and that the story of the part General Holland acted
in those stormy years may receive truthful and permanent record. In that
sterling and authoritative work. "The Encyclopedia of .Missouri History."
printed in [901, is an outline sketch of General Holland's life, and from it
and local sources have been drawn the statements herein made, of his part in
the < 'ivil war.
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. I 747
The work above named states that Air. Holland was made captain of
Company D, in the famous Phelps Regiment, organized in the summer of
1861. Whether General Holland took part in the battle of Wilson's Creek
or not, we are unable to state, but he was in the great engagement at Pea
Ridge, Arkansas, the heaviest battle west of the Mississippi during the
entire war.
General Holland was promoted to the position of lieutenant colonel of
the reorganized Phelps Regiment, and in the fall of 1862 he aided in recruit-
ing the Seventy-second Regiment, of Missouri State Militia, and was com-
missioned colonel of that organization, his commission bearing date of
September 9, [862. In about six weeks from that date he received a com-
mission from Governor Gamble, as brigadier general of Missouri Militia,
bearing date of October 29, 1862.
After this he made his headquarters at Springfield, and held the respon-
sible office until the end of the war. His district included all of southwest
Missouri, and all the militia in that region were under his command.
It was while acting in this capacity that General Holland was called
upon to take part in the defense of Springfield against the attack of a Con-
federate force under Gen. John S. Marmaduke, on the- 8th day of January,
[863. The forces defending the town were officially stated to number one
thousand five hundred and sixty-six men, while the Confederates were said to
number "about two thousand."
It is not the province of this sketch to describe the battle of Springfield,
except so far as to give the part taken by General Holland in that fight. In
the Missouri history mentioned above, we are told: "lie acquitted him-
self as a true soldier, and at critical times restored confidence when the
fight was well nigh hopeless." Surely no higher tribute need be asked than
those wrords. The same authority continues: "Particularly was this the
case when about three o'clock in the afternoon Gen. E. B. Brown (ranking
officer, and in chief command) was wounded, and he (Holland) became
the commander."
So the battle was fought and won, and Springfield with its vast stores
for the Federal army was saved to the Union. And to no one man was
the result more attributable than to Colley B. Holland. He was never the
man to sound his own praises, and he had no publicity bureau, then or since,
to publish abroad his fame, thus it is only simple fairness that at this late
day. more than half a century after the event justice be done the quiet, effi-
cient man who commanded the Missouri Militia on that fateful day.
At last the war was ended, and to General Holland it ended at once
and forever. He was not the man to exult over a defeated and despairing
foe. Rather was it now bis part to help in building up the waste places,
to bind up the wounds left by the conflict, and to give his potent aid to
I74|S GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
rehabilitate the little city that was his home, and which he had so well
defended.
He entered actively into the financial and manufacturing interests of
this place. He was one of the men who organized the Springfield Cotton
Mills, and he served as president of that enterprise for several years. In
1875 ne' with his two sons, T. B. and W. C. Holland, established the Hol-
land Banking Company, an institution which was to prove the greatest of
all his successful ventures. In the panic of 1893 s'x out OI f'le ten banks
of Springfield failed, and meanwhile the deposits of the Holland Banking
Company more than doubled. Comment is needless.
And so, known and honored of all men, Colley B. Holland drew near
the end of his long and useful life. He had helped to organize the First
'Cumberland Presbyterian church of Springfield, and had served as its stated
•clerk for nearly forty years ; he had reached a helping hand to struggling
■educational institutions; he had served his country at the risk of his own
life upon the battlefield. He had "acted well his part,*' and on the fifth day
of May. 1 90 1, when nearly eighty-five years of age, "an old man and full
of years," he closed his eyes upon earthly scenes, to open them upon a
fairer world.
JAMES C. DEEDS.
If there is any man who needs to be neat in his work it is the dairy
farmer. Remember that the dairyman is producing human food every
day and it should be produced under the best of conditions if he is going
to make a first-class product. Interest in dairying is greater than it has
ever been before and it will continue to grow as long as the present prices
for dairv products continue. The chances are that there will be no reduc-
tion in these for years to come. A successful dairyman and general farmer
of Greene county is James C. Deeds, whose well-kept place is to be found
in Franklin township,
Mr. Deeds was lorn on July _'_'. [862, in the above named township
and county. He is a son of James M. and Drusella M. 1 Davis) Deeds. The
father was horn in Tennessee in 1829, and he was but a child when his
parents brought him to Greene county. Missouri, in early pioneer days, and
here he grew to manhood on the home farm which was located near where
our subject now resides, ami was educated in the local district school-,. He
devoted his life to general farming, and died in [862 at the early age of
thirty-three years. lie was ;i member of the Baptist church at Liberty.
Ilis wife was born in Tennessee, in [834, and died in February, 1906, at the
age of seventy-two years. To these parents five children were horn, one of
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. 1749
whom died in infancy: Mrs. Alice J. Gaston is deceased; Joseph R. lives
in Oklahoma; Airs. Mary A. Jones is deceased; James C. of this sketch.
James C. Deeds grew to manhood on the home farm and was educated
in the common schools. On January 28, 1886, he married Martha A. Latta,
a daughter of John and Emeline ( Ross ) Latta. The father was born in
Tennessee and his death occurred in 1866. Leaving his native state when
young he located in Illinois where he farmed the rest of his life. His wife
was born in Tennessee and she is now living in Springfield, Missouri. The
wife of the subject of this sketch was born in Illinois on December 13, 1865.
She received a common school education.
To Mr. and Mrs. Deeds seven children have been born, one of whom
died in infancy; the others are Mrs. Grace Ward, who lives in Springfield;
Elzie, Lizzie, Ora, Fleta and Marks, all live at home.
James C. Deeds still lives on the farm on which he was reared, owning
sixty-five acres of the homestead, twenty acres adjoining, and forty acres
north of where he lives. It is nearly all under cultivation and is well
improved and has been well cultivated so that it has retained its original
fertility. In connection with general farming he is now engaged in the
dairy business, owning a large number of excellent cows. He keeps his dairy
barn in a thorough sanitary condition and is making a success.
Politically, he is a Republican ; however, is an advocate of Roosevelt's
policies. He and his wife are members of the Methodist church at Pleas-
ant Valley.
JAMES B. BRAZILL.
One of the best known citizens of the southern part of Greene county
is James Buchanan Brazill, a general farmer and fine stock grower living
near Galloway Station, southeast of Springfield.
Mr. Brazill is a native of Sharon, Pennsylvania, having been born
there, December 14, 1850. His father, H. L. Brazill, was a farmer and
small store keeper in Sharon and Meadville for a number of years. He was
a stanch Democrat and great admirer of President Buchanan and for that
reason named the subject of our sketch after the man who had just been
elected President.
Young Brazill was given a good education in the local schools and
graduated from what was then known as the Harrisburg Academy in June,
1875. For three vears he worked in his father's store and then, having
married Lorrie Steele, he moved to the Western Reserve in Ohio, where his
wife's father was farming and remained there until October, 1884. when he
1/5° GREENE COUNTY. MISSOURI.
moved to Greene county, [Missouri. He at once went to farming and has
succeeded to a remarkable degree.
Mr. and Mrs. Brazill have three daughters, Hester, Lorrie and Martha',
all married except Martha. The Brazill farm is known throughout the
county for its high state of cultivation and for the fine cattle and hogs raised
there, it being the motto of the owner, "If it is worth doing, it is worth
doing right." Mr. Brazill and all his family are members of the Baptist
church of which communion he is a deacon. He has served nine years as
school trustee and was some twenty years ago justice of the peace for one
term. He takes great interest in Democratic politics and is a great admirer
of Champ Clark, speaker of the House of Representatives. Mr. Brazill was
elected several times to state Democratic conventions as a delegate.
.MARTIN VAN BUREN WOLF.
Although, doubtless, most people would like to remain on the old
homestead where they "played away the happy hours of innocent child-
hood," but few are permitted to do so, from one cause or another; but
there is always a sentiment about the hearthstone where the family gath-
ered when we were children that cannot be replaced. So one who, like
Martin Van Buren Wolf, one of the venerable farmers of Washington
township, Greene county, and one of the oldest native-born citizens of this
localitv, is fortunate enough to spend his life at his birthplace, is to be
envied, and. no doubt, being a fair-minded man, he fully appreciates the
privilege. He has labored hard to keep the old farm well tilled and im-
proved, so that it has retained rather than lost its original strength of soil,
and the dwelling has been carefully looked after and guarded.
Mr. Wolf was born in the above-named township and county, on the
spot where he now lives. December 21, 1840. nearly seventy- four years
ago. He is a son of David and Nancy (McCoj 1 Wolf. The father was
a native of Hawkins county, Tennessee, and was reared on a farm in that
state, and there received a common school education and married there,
and in an early day he made the overland journey in a wagon to Greene
county, Missouri, ex|>eriencing a number of hardships en route. Here he
entered forty acres from the government, which he cleared and farmed,
and, prospering with the years, he added to his original holdings until he
owned a fine farm of two hundred and forty acres, having cleared most
of his land and improved it himself. Here he became an influential citizen.
For some time he served the people of his community as justice of the
peace. Early in the war between the states he joined Company E. Third
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. I 75 I
Missouri Cavalry, under Captain Thorson and Colonel Green, and served
gallantly as a soldier in the Confederate army, but unfortunately took sick
about the close of the war, and died in Arkansas, after having seen con-
siderable hard service, including a number of engagements and a few of
the important battles. Politically, he was a strong Democrat, and relig-
iously he belonged to the Baptist church. The mother of the subject of
this sketch was born, reared and educated in eastern Tennessee. She was
a member of the Baptist church. Her death occurred at the home of our
subject some thirty years ago.
To David Wolf and wife seven children were born, named as follows:
Marv M., who is living in Webster county, Missouri; Martin V., of this
sketch ; fames Huston, who was a soldier in the Civil war, was taken pris-
oner and killed: Mrs. Louisa Jane Goskill is deceased; Robert Marion, who
was a soldier in the Civil war, was captured and killed; Mrs. Margaret E.
Bateman lives in Webster county, this state; Lafayette Jefferson is mak-
ing his home in Christian county, Missouri.
Martin V. Wolf grew to manhood on the farm and he received his
education in the district schools. He joined the Confederate army in the
fall of 1861, in the same regiment and company as his father — Company
E, Third Missouri Cavalry, in which he served most faithfully and effi-
ciently until the close of the war, taking part in a number of important
campaigns and battles, including that of Jenkin's Ferry, and the battle of
Independence, Missouri, in which he was wounded. He was with the
troops that surrendered at Jackson Fort, Arkansas, where he was dis-
charged, and about a year later he returned to the old home place, and he
and his brothers ran the same for their mother until her death. Our sub-
ject then bought the farm, which consisted of one hundred and sixty acres,
but later sold eighty acres. He has made a success as a general farmer
and stock raiser.
Mr. Wolf was married on September 8, 1867, in Arkansas to Lydia
E. Suttle. She was born in Virginia on October 20, 1845, a daughter of
Edward J. and Minty ( Whitsel ) Suttle, both of whom were born in Vir-
ginia and died in Arkansas. The father was a farmer. He served a few
months in the Civil war but died of measles while in the service.
To Mr. and Mrs. Wolf six children have been born, namely : Nancy
M. is deceased; Mrs. Alice Jane Johnson lives in California; Mrs. Mary
Susan Hooper is living in Montana: Minty M. is deceased; David E. is
deceased ; William Martin is living in Greene count}'.
Politically, Mr. Wolf is a Democrat, and he is a member of the Baptist
church. He has lived to see his community develop from the wilds to a
fine farming section, and he is one of the most widely known men in the
township.
1 752 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
HARRY D. DURST.
It is not an easy task to adequately describe the character of a man
who has led an eminently active and busy life in connection with the great
legal profession and who has stamped his individuality on the plane of defi-
nite accomplishment in one of the most exacting fields of human endeavor.
Vet there is always full measure of satisfaction in adverting, even in a
casual way, to the career of an able and conscientious worker in any line
of human endeavor. Among the truly self-made and representative men
of Greene county, none ranks higher than Harry D. Durst, who stands in
the front rank of the bar in Springfield, and he has become a conspicuous
figure in the civic life of this locality. A man of tireless energy and indom-
itable courage, he has won and held the unqualified esteem of his fellow-
citizens. With the law as his profession from young manhood, he has
won a brilliant reputation and the future gives promise of still much greater
things for him.
Mr. Durst was born in Springfield, Missouri, August 2~j, 1869. He
is the only child of David H. and Annie E. (Julian) Durst. He grew to
manhood in his native city and received his education in the local schools,
which, however, has been greatly supplemented in later years by wide read-
ing, home study and contact with the world, until he is today an exception-
ally well informed man on current affairs, as well as all phases of jurispru-
dence and the world's best literature. In his youth he took an apprentice-
ship as an iron moulder and mastered that trade before reaching his major-
it}'. He was too ambitious to accomplish something worth while in the
world to be contented to spend his life in the routine work of a foundry,
and began studying law while working at his trade and. making rapid prog-
ress, was admitted to the bar on January 10. [892. He has since that
time practiced this profession successfully, and is one of the best known
lawyers in southwest Missouri. For years bis name lias been prominently
connected with the important cases in all the Springfield courts, and in cases
in other parts of the Ozark country. He has kept well abreast of the time-
in all that pertains t<> hi- profession, is not only a thorough and indefatiga-
ble student of the law. but a strong, vigorous, logical and effective advocate,
earnest and eager, combining in a singular manner general equanimity and
a certain nervous energy, lie always carefully studies his cases, and is
therefore well prepared to try them when be enters court. He is a force-
ful debater, clear in his logic, convincing in his argument, courteous to bis
associates and opponents, and always dignified in his deportment to the
court as will as witnesses, avoiding, ris far as possible, wounding the feel-
ings "I" anyone. He is regarded as able, reliable, honest and safe. In earlier
years. Mr. Durst went to the Indian Territory when immigration was seeth-
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. J753
ing in strongly to that portion of the Southwest, and was a resident there
tor three years.
In 1898, when the Spanish-American war broke out, Mr. Durst
answered the first call for volunteers by President McKinlcy, and served
as a lieutenant in Company K, Second Missouri Infantry, United States
Volunteers. He is a very active member of the Spanish War Veterans,
and has been twice elected judge advocate of the department of Missouri
in that organization and is at present the state commander of that organ-
ization. Mr. Durst was married on January 10, 1900, to Eva Dickerson,
only daughter of Jerome and Susan (Geary) Dickerson, a prominent family
of Springfield, formerly of Grand Rapids, Michigan, where Mrs. Durst
was born, reared and given the advantages of an excellent education. She
is a lady of culture and genial address. The union of Mr. and Mrs. Durst
has been blessed by the birth of three children, namely: Robert D. was
graduated from the ward schools with the class of 1914; Dorothy D. and
Harry D„ Jr.
Politically, Mr. Durst is an uncompromising Democrat and has long
been a worker in the interest of the party, one of the leaders of the same
in southwest Missouri. He was for many years a member of the city coun-
cil of Springfield, during which time he did much for the general good of the
municipality. He was a candidate for Democratic nomination for G in-
gress in 11)14. He made a splendid campaign, but was defeated. He is a
man of steadfast purpose, studious habits, gentlemanly manners and an ora-
tor of no mean ability. He has contributed of his time and means to help
the cause of Democracy, and is a tireless worker for clean government,
advocating honesty in politics as well as wholesome living in social and pri-
vate life. He has filled numerous positions of trust with marked fidelity and
with credit to his party. His broad experience, obliging disposition, his ready
wit, keen intellectual discernment and unassuming personality pre-eminently
qualify him for high office. His unfailing good judgment, correct sense of
fairness and courage in his stand for the right in all relations of life has
been proven. His frankness, his tenacity in clinging to high ideals and his
indomitable fighting qualities have won the confidence and respect of a host
of stanch friends who will continue to stand by him regardless of party
alignment.
He is now in the prime of life, with a will and constitution that enable
him to make possible his strongest professional achievements. He is pos-
sessed of the warmest sympathies and charities, is held in the highest esteem
by members of the bar throughout southern Missouri, and by friends and
neighbors, who entertain the profoundest regard for his character and vir-
tues. Mr. Durst and his family are members of the St. Paul Methodist
Episcopal church. South.
1754 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
ROBERT H. WALKER.
A worthy example of the progressive twentieth century business man
is Robert H. Walker, president of the Globe Clothing Company of Spring-
field, Missouri. He is one of the potent factors in the upbuilding of the
greater Queen of the Ozarks. which has been forging ahead at such notice-
able strides during the past decade. As in the performance of his industrial
duties, he leaves the impression of his individuality on his work, in like
manner and degree he impresses his associates. He delights in good com-
panionship, and his greetings are uniform and friendly. In his ordinary
relations and contacts with his fellow men he is quiet and modest ; with
his intimate friends he is frank, genial and confiding. Mr. Walker's char-
acter is strong, deliberate, candid, truthful and he is punctilious in his adher-
ence to obligations. He is a kind and generous hearted man, an inheritance
■of his sterling father, who never turns the unhearing ear to those who should
be heard, whose acts of benevolence are not performed in an ostentatious
manner, but with quiet and kindness, following the Divine injunction not
to let the left band know what the right hand doeth. Of Celtic blood, he
has inherited many of the winning traits of that noble people.
Mr. Walker was born in Liverpool, England, December 18, 1864. He
is a son of Ralph and Fanny J. (Wilson) Walker, the father born in the
northern part of Ireland and the mother in the Isle of Man. It was in the
historic Cloncanon House. November 2/. 1831, that the late Judge Ralph
Walker first saw the light of day. lie was a member of one of the oldest
families of that section of the Emerald Isle. There he grew to manhood
and received excellent educational advantages, attending the preparatory
schools, later Ranella College and afterwards studied in the city of London-
derry, lie immigrated to the United States in [859, locating in Philadel-
phia, but subsequently came on west to St. Louis to join his brother, and
in the latter city he accepted a position in the office of the Adams Express
Company. In 1854 he became clerk on a river steamer which plied between
St. Louis and St. Paul, Minnesota, later he served in similar capacity on a
steamer which plied between Louisville, Kentucky, and New Orleans, Lou-
isiana. From [852 to [862 he was general freight and passenger agent of
the Wabash Railroad Company in St. Louis. In 1862 he took over the
first cargo of petroleum that was ever sent across the Atlantic ocean, return-
ing to St. Louis in 1865 about the close of the Civil war. He came to
Greene county soon thereafter, and in 1866 laid out the town of Ash Grove.
lie was elected count}' judge in 1 S70. In the early seventies he performed
one of his greatest services to the locality in assisting in the reorganization
of the Kansas City, Fort Scott & .Memphis railroad, thus securing a new
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. 1755
railroad for Springfield. He became one of the leaders of the count)- in
public affairs, and one of the most influential and popular men of this sec-
tion of the Ozark region. He served as mayor of Springfield three different
times, and gave the city splendid administrations, doing much for the gen-
eral welfare of the same and winning the hearty commendation of all
parties. He was a leader in a number of important enterprises here for
years, and his memory will long be revered by a very wide circle of friends
and acquaintances. In 1859 he was married in Dublin, Ireland, to Fanny
J. Wilson, a daughter of Major Henry Wilson. She is a lady of culture and
strong mentality, and is now making her home in New York City. To
these parents eight children were born, seven sons and one daughter, four
of whom are deceased ; those living are Harry Wilson, who is a prominent
newspaper man and author of New York City; Rev. Ralph J., Albert E.,
and Robert H., of this sketch. The death of Judge Ralph Walker occurred
at Paris Springs, Lawrence county, Missouri, in July, 1907, at the age of
seventy-six years, thus closing a long, useful and successful life.
Robert H. Walker was brought to America by his parents when but a
child. He received a good education in the common schools and Drurv
College. He began his business career by starting in the clothing business
in 1880 with Jake Rothschilds, where the Holland Bank now stands, corner
St. Louis street and the Public Square. Later he was in the same busi-
ness with Jake Marx, then was associated with the Nathan Clothing Com-
pany on the north side of the Public Square for a period of twenty years.
Three years ago he began business for himself and at the present time is
president of the Clobe Clothing Company, one of the largest clothing stores
in the Southwest, occupying a large and conveniently located building at the
corner of South street and the Public Square, and he is enjoying a rapidlv
growing business, carrying a complete and carefully selected stock of goods,
standard brands of manufacture and is up to date at all seasons. He employs
a large number of assistants, and courteous, prompt and honest treatment is
his aim.
Mr. Walker was married in March. 1891, in Springfield, to Lottie A.
Levitt, a native of Iowa, a daughter of the late Col. C. F. Levitt, for many
years one of the best known and most influential Masons in the state of
Missouri. Mrs. Walker was educated in the Springfield schools, having
removed to this city with her parents when a child.
To Mr. and Mrs. Walker one child was born, Helen Marie Walker,
whose birth occurred on December 20, 1891. She received an excellent edu-
cation in the schools of Springfield and Belmont College. Nashville, Ten-
nessee.
Politically, Mr. Walker has followed in the footsteps of his honored
1756 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
father and is a stanch Democrat, although he has never been active in polit-
ical affairs. Fraternally, he belongs to the Benevolent and Protective Order
of Elks and the Royal Arcanum lodge. Pie holds membership in the Epis-
copal church.
GUSTAVUS F. BERRY,
Gustavus F. Berry is the president of the Berry Land and Investment
Gompany at Springfield, in which connection he has a wide acquaintance
throughout the Southwest. Greene county, Missouri, numbers him among
her native sons, his birth having occurred on July 23, 1876, upon the farm
of his father, James A. Berry, who is a native of North Carolina, born in
1843. The latter was, however, but nine years of age when, in 1852, he
was brought to Greene county, Missouri, where he has since made his home,
and where he has been identified with agricultural pursuits throughout the
period of his manhood. On the 18th of December, 1861, he married Miss
Elizabeth E. McCurdy and they became the parents of nine sons and five
daughters, of whom five sons and two daughters are still living, while the
parents also survive and are well known and highly respected residents of
their locality.
In the country schools Gustavus F. Berry began his education, which
he continued in the Southwest Baptist College at Bolivar, Missouri. He
started out in the business world as a salesman for the Champion Harvester
Company and subsequently represented the International Harvester Com-
pany, being thus employed for four years. He then turned his attention
to the real estate business and for two years he was in the employ of the
Ozark Land Company before he purchased the Berry Land and Investment
Company. He now stands at the head of that concern, and as such is
thoroughly informed in regard to realty values and the market conditions
of real estate. What he undertakes he accomplishes, for bis energy is un-
faltering and his persistency oi purpose has enabled him to overcome many
difficulties and obstacles in his path. As he advances step by step there
opens before him broader opportunities, and bis ready recognition of possi-
bilities points "tit tn him the ways of success.
On the 22d of April. [902, in Springfield, Mr. Berry was united in
marriage to Miss Clara Lloyd, and unto them lias been born a daughter,
Hazel T. The family attends the Presbyterian church and in social circles
they are well known, the hospitality of many of the best homes of the city
being freely accorded them. Mr. Berry belongs to several fraternal organ-
izations and clubs, holding membership with the Masons and Elks, with the
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. 1 757
Springfield Club, the Country Club, anil the Young Men's Business Club.
He has had military experience and training through three years' service
as a member of Company K, Second Regiment of the Missouri State Guard.
His political indorsement is given to the Democratic party, but, while he
votes for its men and measures at the polls, he does not seek office. His
primary interest is in his business, with the opportunity it gives him of
providing well for his family and doing his part in the world's work.
S. R. STAFFORD.
It is a pleasure to write the biography of a man of unusual personal
merit — the possessor of a combination of gifts so comprehensive that hap-
piness and success in any enterprise is bound to follow the application of
his qualities to the solution of almost any reasonable problem in life. The
career of S. R. Stafford, veteran of the Civil war, a pioneer and for a long
period a farmer, stock man, miller and merchant of this section of the
Ozarks, would indicate that he is the possessor of those characteristics that
make for success in almost any walk of life, and it also shows that he has
not used these traits entirely for self aggrandizement, but that he has been
a public-spirited and helpful citizen, doing what he could all along the line to
promote the general welfare of the various communities in which he has
resided.
Air. Stafford was born in Dallas county, Missouri, November 6, 1843,
the son of a pioneer family. He grew to manhood in Dallas county, and
when a boy assisted his father with the general work about the farm and
blacksmith shop, attending the rural schools in the winter time. When a
young man he began life for himself by trading and handling cattle and other
live stock. He made several trips to California and back in the early days,
taking cattle to the Western markets. When the Civil war came on he
enlisted in the Federal army, serving very creditably for three years as a
member of the Twenty-fourth Volunteer Infantry. He participated in numer-
ous battles and skirmishes, including Wilson's Creek. Pea Ridge, Lone Jack
and Springfield, He was honorably discharged, and soon thereafter began
farming in Webster county, later working in a flouring mill, finally becom-
ing owner of a good mill there; later he engaged in general merchandising
at Hurley, Stone count)-, Missouri. Having accumulated a competency for
his old age he retired from active life some time ago and is now making his
home at Eureka Springs, .Arkansas.
On March 8, 1865, he was married in Webster county to Anna Eliza-
beth Turner, the daughter of an old. Webster county family. To our subject
I758 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
and wife the following children were born, namely: John C. is engaged in
farming near Green Forest, Arkansas; William D., deceased; Viola is the
wife of L. A. Logan and they live in Hurley, Missouri ; Bertha is teaching
in the Pickwick school in Springfield; Adella is the wife of R. W. Swart
and they live at Crane, Missouri ; Bessie is the wife of E. M. Fite and they
reside at Marionville, this state; Arch lives at Hurley, Missouri.
Bertha Stafford, mentioned above, and to whom we are indebted for
this biographical data, was given good educational advantages, which she
made the most of, being ambitious to do something worth while in the world.
After completing the work in the common schools at Marionville, Lawrence
county, she specialized in kindergarten work, after which she taught in the
Marionville schools for a period of twelve years, then engaged in general
merchandising for one year, but finding teaching more to her liking she
came to Springfield and began teaching in the primary department of the
McDaniel school, later being transferred to the Pickwick school as principal
of the primary department, where she has since remained ; she is giving
eminent satisfaction. As a teacher she has kept well abreast of the times
in her line and is alert, painstaking, energetic and sets a commendable exam-
ple before her pupils. She is an active member of the First Baptist church
of Springfield and is superintendent of the junior department in the Sunday
school. She is a lady of pleasing personality and has made many friends
since coming to Springfield.
GEORGE W. FERGUSON.
The art of photography has shown wonderful development during the
past decade or two, more perhaps than during all previous times since it
first became known as an art. It would seem that it has attained the zenith
of perfection and that the "last word'* has been said regarding photography,
tint the future is not within the horoscope of mortals, and who knows hut
that the coming years will reveal still greater wonders in this branch of
science, (inly a cursor) glance at the modern and tastily kept studios of
George W. Ferguson on South street, Springfield, Missouri, is required to
show that he has kept fully abreast of the times in his vocation and that
he deserves to rank in the forefront of his profession.
.Mr. Ferguson was born in Indianapolis, Indiana. April 4, 1856, lie
is a sop, of Uaac and Alary E. (Harrison) Ferguson, natives of Kentucky
and Indiana, respectively. After spending several years in Indianapolis
the) removed to Louisville, Kentucky, and finally, in [882, the) came to
Greene county, Missouri, located on a farm three miles east of Springfield,
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. 1 759
and there became well established through their industry. The mother is
still living and making her home with subject. The father died about twelve
years ago. They were popular with their neighbors as a result of their
honesty and hospitality. They were the parents of the following children:
Subject being the eldest: Sarah, who married Charles E. Lodge, of Greene
county, both now deceased; Jennie, who married David Repass of Den-
ver, Colorado; James H., deceased; John, of Fayette, Missouri, who is in the
photography business; Charles, deceased; Ella (Mrs. Ross Askins), in
Springfield; Dora, now Mrs. Louis Funk, of Grand Junction, Colorado.
George W. Ferguson was a small boy when he removed with bis par-
ents from Indianapolis to Louisville, and he received his education in the
schools of the latter city, including a course in the Spencerian Business
College, from which he was graduated in 1876. After leaving school he
engaged in the grocery business for three years, and although be was making
a success as a merchant, this field seemed somewhat prosaic to one of his
imagination and esthetic tastes, and he abandoned it and took up the study
of photography in one of the best known photograph galleries of Louis-
ville, where he made rapid progress and soon gave evidence of becoming
exceptionally skilled in the work. Leaving the Blue Grass state in 1882, he
came to Springfield and opened a gallery here. For many years his studio
was on Boonville street, but later he moved in the arcade southeast of the
Public Square, and finally to his present location on South street. He has
thus been in the business in Springfield over thirty years, his success grow-
ing with advancing years until be has long since become known over the
Ozark region, his splendid work being pronounced by those well capable to
judge the same to lie inferior to none in the country, and many of his cus-
tomers come from remote cities for sittings, for he has become celebrated
throughout southwest Missouri for securing to sitters before the camera a
natural, life-like and graceful pose, and the master hand ami thoroughly
expert artist is readily seen in all his work.
Mr. Ferguson was married in [884 at Rising Sun, Indiana, to Mary
Bedgood. Her death occurred in 1885 in Springfield, Missouri, leaving one
son, Clarence, who is now in St. Louis, with the Frisco railroad, in the
engineering department. Mr. Ferguson's second marriage was celebrated
in 1888 to Louise Leetsch, of Helena, Arkansas, and to this union a son
was born, Gussie, who is now at home in Springfield.
Politically, Mr. Ferguson is a Democrat and has been more or less
active in party affairs. Soon after coming to Springfield he became a mem-
ber of the city fire department, and his work was so well done that he was
elected to every position in the company. In 1892 he was elected chief
of department No. 1, and held the same for some time, taking an abiding
interest in the affairs of the department and not infrequently manifesting
I760 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
unusual courage and presence of mind in emergencies. He was recognized
as an expert fireman and had complete control of his men, whom he kept
well trained ; in fact, he did as much as any one ever did to give Spring-
field an up-to-date and efficient fire department.
Fraternally, Mr. Ferguson is a member of Royal Arcanum Lodge No.
418, the Knights of Pythias Lodge No. 213, and the Uniform Rank No. 21,
and Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. He and his family are
members of the Christian church.
BENJAMIN FRANKLIN DENNIS.
The office of biography is not to give voice to a man's modest estimate
of himself and his accomplishments, but rather to leave upon the record
the verdict establishing his character by the consensus of opinion on the part
of his neighbors and fellow citizens. The life of Benjamin Franklin Dennis,
president of the Bank of Rogers ville, for many years a leading agriculturist
and business man of the eastern part of Greene county, has been such as to
elicit just praise from those who know him best, owing to the- fact that he
has always been loyal to the trusts reposed in him and has been upright
in his dealings with his fellow men, at the same time lending his support
to the advancement of any cause looking to the welfare of the community
at large. No man has been better known or more influential in this section
of the county during the past quarter of a century or more, and yet he is a
plain, easily approached and unassuming gentleman, contented to lead a
quiet life and be regarded only as a good citizen.
Mr. Dennis was born near Gainesboro, Jackson count)-, Tennessee, on
July 22, [839, and is therefore nearly seventy-six years of age, but is still
hale and hearty and as capable a business man as ever in his career. This
is all due very largely to the fact, no doubt, that he has led a well-regulated
life, free from bad habits and worry. Me is a son of William R. and Sarah
(Chafrm) Dennis. The father was born in North Carolina in 1813, but
removed to Tennessee at an early age. where he grew to manhood and
received a limited education in the pioneer schools. He was reared on a
farm, but when young learned the shoemaker's and carpenter's trades, at
both of which he was quite skilled, lie remained in Tennessee until 1850,
when he removed with his family to Greene county. Missouri, making a
tedious trip by boat and wagon and encountered considerable hardships and
exciting experiences on the way. Upon reaching his destination. William
R. Dennis rented a farm for three years. He did not live long to enjoy the
.mi:. axi> mus. ]:. f. dionms.
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. 1761
new country, dying in January, 1853. He was twice married, his first wife
dying in Tennessee. In that state he married the mother of our subject, who
was born in that state in 1818, near the town of Gainesboro, Jackson county,
and there she grew to womanhood and attended the old-time subscription
schools, taught near her father's farm. Her death occurred in Texas
in 1876.
William R. Dennis' family consisted of six children, namely : Nancy,
deceased; Benjamin F., of this review; James William, deceased; Martha
Jane, deceased; Narvell A., deceased; Mrs. Elizabeth Brickey lives in New-
ton county, Missouri.
Benjamin F. Dennis spent his early boyhood in Tennessee, being eleven
years old when he removed with his family to Greene county, Missouri, and
here he grew to manhood and has continued to reside for a period of nearly
sixty-five years, during which he has been not only a most interested spec-
tator to the wonderful development that has taken place here, but has played
well his part in the same. He received a limited education in the early-day
schools of Tennessee and Missouri, but he had by nature an inquiring and
plastic mind, and eventually became a well-informed man by wide miscella-
neous reading and contact with the business world, and today no one is
better informed on current events in this community as well as questions of
business and civic affairs. He is a fine type of the successful self-made man.
He worked on the farm as a hired hand until he was eighteen years of age.
In 1856 he made the long and hazardous trip across the great western plains to
California and engaged in farming near Sacramento for awhile, then returned
home, but went back to California a little later. However, he did not remain
long, returning to Missouri in 1864, twenty-nine days of the trip being made
by stage. He had numerous unusual experiences in the West and talks most
interestingly of them. Mr. Dennis was successful as a man of business from
the first, and he was only a young man when he purchased a farm, of two
hundred acres in the eastern part of Greene county. This he managed judi-
ciously and added to his possessions until he owned eight hundred acres of
valuable, productive and desirable land. Being a man of progressive ideas.
he has always kept his land well improved and under a high state of culti-
vation, and farmed on a general plan and raised large herds of all kinds of
live stock, making a specialty of handling mules, and no small portion of
his income for years was derived from this source. He has long been
regarded as one of the best judges of mules, if not all kinds of live stock,
in the county. On his farm is to be seen a commodious residence in the
midst of attractive surroundings, and numerous substantial outbuildings —
everything about the place denoting good management, thrift and prosperity,
(in)
1/62 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
Mr. Dennis continued agricultural pursuits until three years ago, when he
retired from his farm, renting his lands since then, and making his home
in Rogersville, Webster county, where he has a modernly appointed and
pleasant residence. He has also built several new buildings in Rogersville,
and has done much toward the general material and civic improvement of
the town. He has for some time been the principal factor in the Bank of
Rogersville, of which he is president, and its pronounced success has been
due in no small measure to his efforts. It is one of the safe and popular
banks of southern Missouri. A general banking business is carried on. It
is well equipped with a modern safe and other necessary furnishings, and is
managed under a conservative and sound policy. It was organized in 1892,
and its capital stock is $10,000.00 and $10,000.00 surplus. The other officers
of the hank besides Mr. Dennis are George M. McHafne, vice-president;
L. H. McHafne, cashier, and H. E. Dennis, assistant cashier. It is the sec-
ond oldest bank in Webster count).
Mr. Dennis has been twice married, first, in April, 18O4, to Margaret
Anne Smith, who was born in Greene county, Missouri, in 1843. and here
grew tn womanhood and was educated. Her death occurred in 1876, leav-
ing four children, all of whom survive at this writing, namely; John E..
a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this work; Clara B., William A.,
and George F. Mr. Dennis was married a second time, in 1877, to Martha
G. Ferrell, who was horn in Tennessee in 1861 and there spent her early
girlhood, removing with her parents when thirteen years of age to Greene
county, Missouri, and here she received a common school education and
lived on the home farm until her marriage, which occurred when she was
seventeen years of age. She has proven to he a faithful helpmate, is indus-
trious, kind-hearted ami genial and. like her husband, has a host of warm
friends throughout this locality.
Mr.. Dennis is the father of five children by his second wife, named as
follow-,: Henry E. is assistanl cashier in the Bank of Rogersville ; Cora A.
is deceased; Grover C. is engaged in the hardware business in Rogersville;
Shirley V. died at the age of eighteen years; lien Elmer is at present a sol-
dier in the regular United States army, and is stationed in California.
Mr. Dennis has traveled extensively and. being a keen observer, has
profited much by what he has seen. In 1808 he was a member of the adven-
turous and hardy hand of prospectors that invaded the Alaska gold fields
and experienced the usual hardships and privations of such an expedition,
and from a financial standpoint the venture was not successful. He was
absent in the rugged and picturesque Northland made famous by London,
Beach. Curwood and other noted authors, about a year, returning to his
farm in Greene county. But. unlike many who returned from that precari-
ous country of the mighty Yukon, having lost their all in practically a game
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. 1 763
of chance, Mr. Dennis had plenty to return to, and despite the fact that he
brought back no sacks of gold dust, is rated among the well-to-do men of
Greene county, and, having honestly earned every dollar in his possession
through his individual efforts, he is eminently entitled to his fortune and
also to the high esteem in which he is universally held.
Politically, Mr. Dennis is an ardent Democrat and has long been influ-
ential in party affairs, although not seeking to become a political leader him-
self, preferring to devote his attention exclusively to his extensive business
affairs and his home. Religiously he is a worthy member of the Methodist
Episcopal church, and fraternally is a member of the Masonic Order, includ-
ing the Knights Templars and the Ancient Orabic Order of Nobles of the
Mystic Shrine. He stands high in all circles in which he moves, being an
honest, obliging, courteous and hospitable gentleman at all times.
RANSOM S. LAFOLLETTE.
Some farmers seem to forget that a worn soil is a hungry soil whose
breathing is difficult because its organic matter is exhausted, and whose nat-
ural mineral elements of plant food have been depleted by constant cropping
— a soil that does not furnish a suitable home for the manufacturing bac-
teria— a soil that constantly pleads through its stunted, scrawny, half-nour-
ished plant growth, for material with which to satisfy its hunger, and from
which its bacteria may manufacture food for the support of its vegetation.
One hundred bushels per acre crops are never grown on such soil, and a
resort to stimulants in the form of so-called "complete fertilizers" only
hastens land ruin. These things are well understood by Ranson S. LaFol-
lette, a farmer of Pond (.'reek township, Greene county, and he has been
careful to prevent his soil from becoming thin by proper rotation and fertili-
zation and therefore his productive and well-kept place yields abundant
harvest annually.
Mr. LaFollette was born on June 28. 1861, in Christian county, Mis-
souri. He is a son of Amos M. Lafollette, who was born on March 22,
1833, in Tennessee, from which state he emigrated with his parents to
Greene county, Missouri, in an early day. He grew up on the farm and
received a limited education in the rural schools. After spending his boy-
hood days on his father's farm he began life for himself by entering forty
acres of land from the government in Christian county, which he cleared
and improved in a general way. When the Civil war came on he cast his lot
with the Federal army, soon after the outbreak of hostilities, being a private
in the Eighth Missouri Cavalry. He proved to be a gallant soldier and was
I764 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
promoted to the rank of corporal. He was attacked by the measles and a
fever from which he had not fully recovered when he joined his regiment
in a march in Arkansas, during which he took cold which resulted in his
death at Devall Bluff, that state, September 1, 1863. On September 9, i860,
he had married Nancy E. Blades, a daughter of R. D. Blades, Sr. She was
born on August 2, 1843, in Greene county, Missouri, and her death occurred
on February 25, 1863. Thus these parents died in early life within a few
months of each other, thereby leaving two small children orphans, namely :
Ransom S., of this sketch; and Samuel M., who lives in Greene county
on a farm. The father was a Republican, and belonged to the Methodist
Episcopal church.
When eighteen months old Ransom S. LaFollette was taken into the
home of his Grandfather Blades where he grew to manhood and remained
until reaching his majority. He received his education in the common
schools of Greene county. He began life for himself by renting one of his
grandfather's farms, which he operated two years, then rented another place
for a year. His grandfather gave him and his brother fifty-five acres, which
they operated in partnership until our subject bought the interest of his
brother, and he lived on this place for seventeen years, when he sold out
and moved to his present farm of one hundred and twenty acres, which he
has placed under excellent improvements and he has a good home. He car-
ries on general farming and stock raising.
Mr. Lafollette was married on October 1, 1882, to Sophronia Foun-
tain, who was born in 1858 at Granby, Xewton county. Missouri. She grew
up on a farm and received a common school education. When a young man
Mr. Fountain learned the blacksmith's trade which he followed a number
of years, but devoted his later life to farming. Politically, he was a Repub-
lican, and he belonged to the Missionary Baptist church. His death occurred
on March 1. 1883. His wife, who was Sarah Crickrrmr before her marriage,
died on July 1, 1902, having survived him nearly twenty years.
Seven children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. LaFollette, namely:
One died in infancy: Ella married C. T. Dean and they live on a farm in
northwestern Kansas: Mattie is the wife of R. R. Brown and they live on
a farm in Greene county; Florence is the wife of Joe Bell, a farmer of
northwestern Kansas; Marion H. is at home; Pearl is teaching school in
Pond Creek township, this county: Grace is attending high school in Billings.
• Politically, Mr. LaFollette is a Republican and has long been more or
less active in the work of the party in his community. For a period of six
years he tilled very ably and successfully the office of justice of the peace in
Pond Creek township. Fraternally, he is a member of the Woodmen lodge
at Billings. He belongs to the Methodist Protestant church, in which he has
been a director at different times.
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. l7^>5
JAMES EDWIN DEWEY, M. D.
The desire to be remembered is inherent in the human race, hence the
necessity for biographical and memorial works of the nature of the one in
hand. Dr. James Edwin Dewey, who is a distant relative of Admiral
George Dewey, one of America's greatest naval heroes, is a descendant of a
long line of French ancestry, many of his progenitors having been men of
prominence. History shows that the ancient Deweys were compelled to
flee from France, owing principally to ecclesiastical and political reasons.
The}- accordingly established homes in England, and subsequently one of
the number, William Dewey, immigrated to America, landing at Dorchester.
Massachusetts, in the year 1650. He was one of the older members of the
English colony of that name, and from him descended the numerous fami-
lies of Deweys in the United States at present. He had five sons, who dis-
persed to various localities, establishing homes. From one of them our
subject is descended. They remained in the Atlantic states for some three
centuries, finally penetrating to the Middle West and the plains beyond the
Father of Waters, our subject's immediate family locating in the state of
Kansas.
Dr. James E. Dewey was born near Stockton, Kansas, November 1,
1879. He is a son of Charles Holt Dewey and Mary E. (Lyon) Dewey.
The latter was a native of western New York. The father was one of the
early pioneers of Stockton, Kansas, and there has become well to do through
farming and other business operations, and is a well known and influential
man in that locality, and although he is now sixty years of age is still an
active man of affairs. The mother is also still living. Dr. Samuel C.
Dewey, our subject's paternal grandfather, spent his life in the practice of
medicine in Iowa and Wisconsin, principally in the town of Fairbanks, Iowa.
To Charles H. Dewey and wife a son and two daughters were born,
namely: Dr. James Edwin, of this sketch; Marion, who is single and is still
with her parents at Stockton, Kansas; and Mrs. Gertrude Welch, who resides
at Coffeyville, that state.
Dr. James E. Dewey grew to manhood on the home farm in the Sun-
flower state and there he assisted his father with the general work when he
became of proper age, and in the winter time he attended the public schools
in his vicinity, later took the course of study at the Stockton Academy, after
which he entered the Rush Medical College in Chicago in 1899, and was gradu-
ated from that institution with the class of 1903. Soon thereafter he came
to Springfield, Missouri, where he began the practice of his profession and
has remained to the present time with ever-increasing success. He was
house surgeon at the Frisco Hospital here for a period of three years, filling
I766 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
this responsible position in a manner that reflected much credit upon his
ability as a surgeon and to the entire satisfaction of all concerned. He is
now making a specialty of genito-urinary diseases. He has spent consider-
able time in post-graduate work in Chicago and Philadelphia, and is now
well prepared for his special line of practice.
Doctor Dewey is a member of the Greene County Medical Society, the
Missouri State Medical Association, the American Medical Association, is
an honorary member of the Lawrence-Stone Medical Society, and the South-
west Missouri Medical Society. Fraternally he belongs to the Modern
Woodmen and the Knights of Columbus. Politically he is a Democrat, and
in religious matters a Roman Catholic.
Doctor Dewey was married to Estella Whaley, of a well family of
Springfield where she was long popular with the best social circles. She
was a native of Mt. Vernon, Missouri. She was summoned to an untimely
grave on November 17, 191J. The union of Doctor Dewey and wife was
without issue.
Our subject is a young man of genial address and is well liked by all
who know him, having made a host of friends since coming to the Queen
City of the Ozarks.
SAMUEL L. ESLINGER.
It is in such countries as the United States that full swing can be given
t<> the energies of the individual. A man may choose any business or pro-
fession lie desires, and be is limited only by competition. lie must meet
the skill of others and give as good service as they or he will not get the
positions, will not attain a place in the front ranks of the men of affairs.
Such adaptation to any work or business is will shown in the career of
Samuel L. Eslinger. vice-president of the Springfield Bakery Company.
He has turned his hand to various tilings and proved that there were more
than one occupation which he could make successful.
Mr. Eslinger was born on June 18, [866, al Sullivan, Sullivan county,
Indiana. He is a son of James E. Eslinger, who was born in Tennessee,
from which state he removed to Indiana when a young man, learned the
carpenter's trade and he ha-- devoted his active life to carpentering, con-
tracting and building houses, bridges, etc. lie is now living in retirement
in Sullivan county, Indiana, having attained the advanced age of eighty-
three years. Politically he is a Republican. He is a member of the Chris-
tian church, lie has always been a <|uiet, unassuming home man, one who
attends strictly to his own affairs. lie married Elizabeth Allen, who was
born and reared in Kentucky. Her death occurred thirty-nine years ago,
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. I7°7
in 1876 when she was a comparatively young woman. To these parents
three children were born, namely : Gus and Thomas are farming in Sul-
livan county, Indiana; and Samuel L. of this sketch.
William Eslinger, paternal grandfather of our subject, was a resident
of Tennessee in the early days of that state, finally removed to Sullivan
county, Indiana, where he spent the rest of his life, reaching the unusual
age of ninety-eight years. For main- years he was a large planter in Ten-
nessee and owned many slaves. He was also interested in river commerce.
Samuel L. Eslinger grew to manhood in his native county and there he
received a common school education, also attended school in Shelby county,
Indiana. He was ten years old at the death of his mother, and soon there-
after he went to live with his uncle, Capt. T. M. Allen, with whom he
remained until he was thirteen years old. He then came to Springfield,
Missouri, with his uncle, and here, in 1885 he entered the retail grocery
business for himself in the five hundred block on Boonville street, renting
a room there the second day he was in Springfield. Although he started out
on a very small scale, he managed well and soon had an increasing trade
and finally his quarters were outgrown and he moved a block farther north
on the same street in more commodious quarters, occupying a store fifty
by one hundred feet, and here he remained for some twenty years, enjoy-
ing a large and lucrative business, ranking among the leading grocers of the
city. Some idea of the gain in his sales may be had when we learn that his
first day's sales in the grocery business in Springfield amounted to only two
dollars, and when he sold out in 1907 his last day's sales totalled nearly
two hundred dollars. He first entered the bakery business in 1905, in the
Springfield Bakery Company, of which lie is now vice-president and with
which he has been connected for ten years during which period he has been
the principal motive force and has assisted in making it one of the largest
and most successsful enterprises of its kind in the state. He has been a
large stockholder in the same all the while. An article regarding this con-
cern will be found on another page of this work. Our subject is actively
engaged at the company's large plant, taking care of the shipping end of
the business. He has been very successful in a business way and owns con-
siderable property, including a valuable residence on North Jefferson street.
Politically, Mr. Eslinger is a Republican, and has been active in party
affairs for some time. For two years he was a member of the city council.
Fraternally he belongs to the Modern Woodmen of America and the Benevo-
lent and Protective Order of Elks. He is a member of the Springfield
Club, and belongs to Grace Methodist Episcopal church.
Mr. Eslinger was married first to Belle Lippman, a daughter of Jacob
Lippman. This union was without issue. He subsequently married Clara
Dan forth, a daughter of Joseph Danforth, of Greene county, Missouri.
Ij6& GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
Leonard D. Eslinger is now twelve years of age. Our subject's present
wife was known in her maidenhood as Lula Knotts, daughter of Col. Rob-
ert Knotts. This union has been without issue.
DUDLEY CASS.
Cass was formerly spelled Casse. It is said to have been derived from
the name of a Celtic tribe or class located in what is now central France,
bordered by ancient Germany and ancient Britain. These people lived in the
latter country at the time of the invasion of Julius Caesar, when he led his
Roman legions to the far north. The tribe located on the banks of the
Thames river, and fruitlessly resisted the Roman invaders. The tribe con-
tinued to reside in England for centuries until some of those bearing the
name immigrated to America in the early Colonial period and from them
the present numerous family of Cass in the United States descended. We
first have definite record of John Cass, who was an English Puritan by
birth, born at St. Alban, England, date not known, but he emigrated from
that country to America in 1640, locating at Hampton, Xew Hampshire.
The lineage of the subject of this sketch may be traced directly to him,
back nearly four centuries. Records show that he married Martha Philbrick
in July, 1647, that he died April 7. 1675, al11' tllat his family consisted of
the following children: Joseph, born in 1656; Samuel, horn in 1659; Mary,
born about [66] : Jonathan, born in 1663, and who died in 1745. was the
next in line of our subject's progenitors; Elizabeth, horn in 1666; Marcy,
born in 1668; Martha, born in 1669; Abigail, horn in 1674; and Ebenezer,
born in 1676. The great-grandfather of our subject was Mason Cass, and
the grandfather was ('apt. Mason (ass, Jr., who was born at Spring, New
Hampshire, May 24, 1751. and died at Alexandria, Xew Hampshire. Octo-
ber 15, 1777.
Mas,, n (ass. father of our subject, was born at Alexandria, Grafton
county. Xew Hampshire, in 1 788, but he moved to Xew York state when
young, located near Syracuse where he spent the rest of his life. He was
a carpenter by trade, also engaged in farming, and for some time was a
manufacturer of coffins. At the time of the breaking out of the war of
i8;2 he lived in Canada and, being an American, was forced to leave that
country. In 1810 he married Mary Merrell, who was born in Kndfield,
Vermont, in 1793. She was ,,f Scotch-Irish descent. Her death occurred
at Sheboygan, Wisconsin, in [884, at an advanced age, and there she was
buried. I lis death occurred at Chenango, Xew York, in 1837, forty-seven
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. I 769
years prior to the death of his wife, who was much younger than he. To
these parents seven children were born.
Dudley Cass was born on March 21, 1811, in Xew Hampshire. He
grew to manhood in the East and received a common school education. He
worked with his father until the hitter's death, and thus learned to be both
a carpenter and farmer. He then moved to the state of Wisconsin, making
the long journey, through wilderness a large part of the way, on horseback,
in 1840, when Wisconsin was still in the wilds and little improved. He
located at what is now the town of Salem, where he purchased a farm which
he conducted until 1873, successfully engaged in general farming and stock
raising. He was one of the early pioneers of the state, and was a man of
much courage and force of character, a man whom hardship could not con-
quer. He cleared and developed his land by hard and persistent work, in
due time establishing a comfortable home. He was a stanch Democrat, and,
taking a leading part in political affairs, was for some time a member of
the general assembly of Wisconsin. He was for four years president of
the fair association in his county. He held many county offices in Wiscon-
sin, in fact, was active in public affairs all his mature life, was known
throughout the Badger state, and did much for its early development. He
remained in that state until 1873 when he removed to Springfield, Missouri,
and here engaged in the grocery business with his son, Lewis Cass. They
started in with a capital of only live hundred dollars, locating their store on
Campbell and College streets. They managed well, dealt honestly and cour-
teously with their customers and, increasing their stock from time to time as
they prospered, became one of the largest grocery merchants in this city,
and at the time of his death our subject was considered one of the wealthy
men of Springfield. A part of his competency was gained through judi-
cious and extensive speculation in real estate.
Dudley Cass was married in 1835 to Martha L. Robbins, who was born
on March 4, 1816, at Deerfield. Massachusetts. She was reared in the East
and received her education in the common schools. She came of a sterling
old Xew England family, and she was a woman of many praiseworthy
attributes, and she proved to he a most suitable helpmeet for her husband,
her sympathy and counsel contributing much to his success in life. Her
death occurred on October 13. 1894. The death of Dudley Cass occurred
ten years previously, on October 28, 1884.
Politically Dudley Cass was an ardent Democrat all his life. Frater-
nally he belonged to the Masonic order. He was a member of the Baptist
church and a large contributor to its support. While living in Wisconsin
he and three other men alone supported the church of this denomination in
his community.
To Dudley Cass and wife the following children were born: Louis S.,
177° GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
born on November 3, 1837. in the state of New York, died June 12, 1906;
in early life he was a school teacher, later engaged in the grocery business
in Springfield, as noted above, with his father; he married Charlotte Collier,
who was burn in the state of New York, June 14, 1839, and died in March,
1897; sne was a daughter of John and Ann Collier, natives of Buckingham,
England. To Louis S. Cass and wife, who were married on September 17,
1862, seven children were born. Thressa A., second child of Dudley Cass
and wife, was born on September zj, 1844, at Syracuse, New York, and she
was nine months old when her parents took her to Sheboygan, Wisconsin ;
there she grew to womanhood and received her education in the common
and high schools, later took a course in the Seminary at Evanston, Illinois.
She is a well-educated, cultured and affable lady, who preferred to remain
unmarried in order that she might devote her active life to the care of her
parents in their declining years. She is a devout member of the Baptist
church, in which she was a Sunday school teacher for many years. She
resides in Springfield in a comfortable and neatly kept home, and it is to
her that we are indebted for the data in this sketch of this interesting fam-
ily. Kimball K., the youngest of the three children born to Dudley Cass
and wife, first saw the light of day on April 20. 1846, in Sheboygan, Wis-
consin, where he grew up, and he has devoted his life to agricultural pur-
suits, living now in retirement at Bristol, Wisconsin.
Members of the Cass family have been known as law-abiding, intelli-
gent and good citizens wherever they have dispersed.
ROBERT A. KIRKPATRICK.
It is an unwritten law that the secret of success in life in all individual
cases is the common property or heritage of all unfortunates of the human
race. It is therefore eminently proper for the historian or delineator of
characer to review the lives of those individuals who have not only been
successful in the various enterprises in which they have engaged, but as
citizens and neighbors have won the lasting regard oi all. Robert A. ECirk-
patrick, an expert machinist, who is now timekeeper at the north side Frisco
slij >ps, Springfield, is deserving of the admiration ol his friends in view oi
the fact that he has made a success in life through his individual efforts
and despite obstacles, having come to our shore- from a foreign strand with-
out influential friends or capital, ami began his career in a land where every-
thing was quite different to what he had been used to in bis earlier years.
Mr. Kirkpatrick was born in Londonderry. Ireland, and grew to man-
hood in his native land, lie was given excellent educational advantages in
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. I77I
a school under the auspices of the Presbyterian church. When twenty years
of age he set sail for America, landing in due time in New York City.
Penetrating into the interior, he located at Columbus, Ohio, where he
worked at the machinist's trade for rive years, then went to Keokuk, Iowa,
where he followed his trade two years. From there he went to Mount
Vernon, Illinois, where he worked as machinist six or seven years, then
came to Springfield, Missouri, and secured employment at once in the
Frisco's north side shops, where he has remained to the present time. He
had a natural taste and talent for his trade, and has given eminent satisfac-
tion to the various companies for which he has worked. After following
his trade a number of years here he was promoted to the position of time-
keeper, which he still holds. He is regarded as one of the trustworthy and
faithful employees of this plant.
Mr. Kirkpatrick was united in marriage in Keokuk, Iowa, with Julia
E. Mills, who was a native of Southampton, England, from which country
she immigrated to the United States with her parents when five or six
years old, and here she grew to womanhood and received her education.
The Mills family lived for a number of years in Keokuk.
To Mr. and Mrs. Kirkpatrick seven children were born, three of whom
died in infancy; those who grew to maturity are: Harry, who resides at
Thayer, Missouri ; Nellie, to whom we are indebted for the data for this
biography, is one of Springfield's popular teachers; she grew to maturity
in this city and received an excellent education in the ward and high schools,
graduating from the latter with the class of 1897. and in 1910 she was
graduated from the local State Normal. She began teaching two years after
graduating from high school, and tor a period of nine years taught in the
Waddill school, doing extension and summer work at the normal school
during vacations. After teaching in the second, fifth and sixth grades she
was made principal of the Bowerman school in 1908, which responsible posi-
tion she still holds. She has always been a close student and has kept
fully abreast of the times in all that pertains to her work; that she has given
the highest satisfaction is indicated by the fact that she has been retained
so long in Waddill and Bowerman schools. She is a lady of pleasing per-
sonality and is popular with her pupils. Dimple Kirkpatrick, sixth of our
subject's children, was the wife of James Sawyer, and her death occurred
in [Qio; Virginia, youngest of the children, is the wife of W. S. Nelson,
and they reside at Cleburne. Texas.
Politically, Mr. Kirkpatrick is a Republican, and fraternally he is a
member of the Knights of Pythias, having passed the chairs in the local
lodge of the same, and he is also a member of the Masonic order. He and
his wife are active members of the First Congregational church, in which
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
he has been trustee and in which she is deaconness. They have both long
been influential in the affairs of this church and are highly regarded by all
who know them.
JOHN ROSBACK.
John Rosback, veteran harness maker, and for thirty years a resident
of Springfield, was born on January 15, 1844, in the River Rhine country,
Germany. He was a son of Peter and Magdalene Rosback, both natives
of Germany, where they grew to maturity, attended school and were mar-
ried. They continued to reside in their native land until 1S52, when they
immigrated to the United States, and for many years lived at Springfield,
Illinois, where the mother of our subject died, after which the father remar-
ried and in January, 1879, came to Springfield, Missouri, where he spent
the rest of his life, dying some thirty-four years ago. While living in
Springfield, Illinois, he was employed by the Wabash Railroad Company.
His family consisted of three children, namely: Margaret, who died in
Memphis, Tennessee; John, of this sketch; and Fred, who makes his home
in Benton Harbor, Michigan.
John Rosback was eight years old when his parents brought him to
America. He grew to manhood in Springfield, Illinois, and there received
a common school education, and when a boy learned the saddle maker's
trade, which he made his life work and in which he became an exceptionally
skilled workman. He worked at this trade fifty-six years. When he first
came to Springfield, Missouri, he worked as foreman at the old Moore
Saddlery concern, then worked for the Steineger Saddlery Company as
foreman for fifteen years. He was next employed by the Herman Sanford
Saddlery Company, continuing as foreman for this firm until his death.
He gave eminent satisfaction in the three linns mentioned above and did
much toward making each successful. He was not only thoroughly familiar
with every phase of the business, but was a man of good executive ability.
sound judgment and foresight, and knew how to handle hi- men so as to
get the best results possible and at the same time retain their good will and
friendship. He was an artist at stamping leather and made many beautiful
designs in leather work.
Mr. Rosback was married on October 9, [865, in Springfield, tllinois,
to Louise Pletz, who was born near Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, February
3, 1S44. She is a daughter of Samuel and Elizabeth (Witce) Pletz, both
natives of Pennsylvania, where they grew up. attended school and were
married. Later in life they removed to Springfield, Illinois, where they
spent the rest of their lives and died there. Mr. Pletz was a shoemaker
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. 1 773
by trade and an accomplished workman. Mrs. Rosback was a small child
when her parents removed with her from Pennsylvania to Springfield, Illi-
nois, and there she grew to womanhood and received her education.
Four children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Rosback, namely: Ira, born
on August 23, 1866, is a candy maker and lives in Chicago; Oscar, born
on August 12, 1870, is engaged in the harness business on West Walnut
street, Springfield, Missouri, and resides on South Market street ; he mar-
ried Flora McClure, a representative of an old family of Greene county.
Frank E., born on November 9, 1875, lives in this city and is engaged in
the clothing business; John, born on April 2, 1879, died when a small boy.
Politically, Mr. Rosback was a Republican. He belonged to the
Masonic order and the Order of the Eastern Star. In his earlier life he
took an active interest in Masonry and always tried to live by its high and
noble precepts, which constituted his daily religion, and for this reason he
was known as a man of exemplary character.
The death of Mr. Rosback occurred after a brief illness on November
6, 1914, at the cozy family residence on South Jefferson street, where he
had resided sixteen years. He was seventy-one years of age. Mrs. Ros-
back is a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian church, and is known
as a neighborly, kind and hospitable woman who has a very wide circle
of friends.
WILLIAM RILEY SELF.
Among the professional and public men of Springfield and Greene
county the name of William Riley Self occupies a conspicuous position.
In his earlier years he was a successful banker, later popular politician and
servant of the people, and for many years he has ranked among the leading
lawyers of this section of the state. When in court he is prepared; if he
fails and must go higher, or if he wins and is forced up, he leaves no weak
or broken links in the chain that begins where he starts and ends where
he must go. As an advocate he may not have the fascinations and gifts
that "universities can bestow," or the poet's blooming fancy, or the "fine
phrensy" of passionate declamation. We know that the dangerous bril-
liancy of genius may attract, and the melody of eloquent words may charm
for the moment, but the voice of reason, the sturdy legal sense, the plain
language, the stern, unerring logic of the law, which are a strong part in
the contentious force of Mr. Self, are powerful weapons in the hands skilled
in the use of them.
Mr. Self was born at Buffalo, Dallas county, Missouri, January 15,
1863. He is a son of William J. and Cynthia (Cowden) Self. The father
IJ/4 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI
was born in Dallas county on January 26, 1839. His father, one of the
first settlers of that county, emigrated from Tennessee in pioneer days; in
fact, was among the very first settlers. The mother of our subject was born
in Georgia in 1844. her parents having been natives of that state. She was
young in years when she came to Dallas count}-, Missouri, and there she
married William J. Self, and died on the home farm near Buffalo, in July,
[863, and there the father of our subject is still living. He has devoted his
life to general farming and stock raising, is one of the well known and
esteemed citizens of that county. During the Civil war he enlisted in 1S61,
in the Fifteenth Missouri Cavalry, and served three years in the Union
army in a gallant and faithful manner, being honorably discharged during
the latter part of the war. His family by his second marriage consists of
three children, namely: James H.. who is engaged in the hardware busi-
ness at Crowell, Texas; Francis M. is a banker at Buffalo, Missouri; and
William K.. of this sketch.
Mr. Self, of this review, grew to manhood on the home farm in his
native county and there he worked hard when a bow and received a com-
mon school education in the district schools, later attended the Buffalo high
school, then took a scientific course at the Valparaiso University at Val-
paraiso, Indiana, from which institution he was graduated in 1887, having
made an exceptionally good record and was president of his class. Return-
ing to Buffalo. Missouri, he began reading law in the office of Thomas .M.
Brown, with whom he remained until he was admitted to the bar in 1X88,
but be did not begin the practice of bis profession at once, entering the
banking business in Buffalo instead, becoming cashier of the Dallas County
Hank, holding that position from 1890 until 1897 to tin- satisfaction of the
stockholders and patrons of the bank. Taking an active interest in politics,
be was elected on the Republican ticket to the lower house of the Legisla-
ture from Dallas county in iNo_>, serving one term. On June 30, 1X07.
he located in Springfield, where he lias since made his home, practicing
law without a partner all the while. He was elected city attorney in April,
1902, and served in this office until April, 1904, then was elected representa-
tive from Greene county to the Legislature, serving one term of two years.
He was elected prosecuting attorney of Greene count}- in [906 and served
one term of two years. As a public servant he gave in all these offices the
highest grade of service, his ability, fidelity and honesty and unquestioned
public spirit, winning not only the hearty commendation of his constitu-
ents, but of all concerned. He is now engaged in the active practice of
the law. maintaining an office at 304^ College street. He is vice-president
of the Bank of Greene County, located in Springfield.
Mr. Self was married on November 8, 1889, in Valparaiso. Indiana.
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. 1 775
to Frances E. Bost, who was born in central Illinois, November 17, 1862.
She received a common school education, later attended high school and
the University of Valparaiso. The union of our subject and wife has been
without issue.
Air. Self has been loyal to the Republican party since attaining his
majority, lie is a member of the South Street Christian church, of which
he is an elder, and is also Sunday school superintendent, and takes an abid-
ing interest in church and Sunday school work. His record from boyhood
up has been that of a scrupulously honest, conservative and safe man in
business, professional and public affairs and he has ever enjoved the implicit
confidence and the good will of all with whom he has come in contact.
ROBERT MINTO.
One of the best-known railroad men of Springfield during the past
generation was the late Robert Minto, who maintained his residence in
Greene county for a period of nearly three decades, during which time he
formed a very wide acquaintance and was rated among our best citizens,
and his unfortunate death occasioned wide-spread regret. Like all men of
positive character and independence of mind, he was outspoken in what he
considered right, and his convictions were such that his neighbors and fel-
low citiztn> knew well his position on all questions of a political, social or
religious nature. His private life was exemplary and his amiable disposi-
tion and many virtues made him widely popular.
Air. Minto hailed from England and he was the possessor of the many
admirable traits of the great Anglo-Saxon people. His birth occurred in
Durham, England, June 22, 1853, but he spent practically all of his life in
America, having been but six months old when he was brought to the
United States by his parents, Thomas and Sarah Minto, both of whom
were born, reared, educated and married in Durham, England, the birth of
the father having occurred in 1830 and the mother was born in 1831.
Thomas Minto was educated for a bookkeeper in which he became quite
expert. After immigrating to America the latter part of the year 1853 he
became a mine owner in Illinois, but while he remained in his native land
he followed mercantile pursuits. He is now living in retirement on a fine
farm near Shelbyville, Illinois, having accumulated a comfortable compe-
tency through his good management. He has reached his eighty-fifth
year. His wife also attained a ripe old age, and was called to her eternal
rest at the homestead at Shelbyville in 191 3. Politically he is a Republican,
and belongs to the Masonic order. He is a grand old man and is highly
respected in his community.
lyjb GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
Twelve children were born to Thomas and Sarah Minto, but only two
survive at this writing, namely: Elizabeth, Thomas, Robert (subject);
Clement, are all deceased ; Henry lives in Cleveland, Ohio, and Mrs. Bertha
Cook still makes her home in Shelbyville, Illinois; the other six children
died in infancy or early life.
Robert Minto spent his earl}- childhood in Alton, Illinois, where his
parents resided until he was about ten years old. He received his edu-
cation in the schools of Shelbvville, that state, and by wide home reading
in later life. He was married in Shelbvville on December 24, 1874, to Annie
Lane, who was born in Ohio. February 27, 1857. She is a daughter of
Marcus D. and Colista (Benadum) Lane, both natives of Baltimore, Ohio,
the birth of the father having occurred in 1833, and that of the mother
in 1834. There thev grew to maturity and received good educations. Mr.
Lane followed teaching and became a well-known educator in Shelbyville,
Illinois, and there his death occurred in 1880, and there his widow, now
advanced in years, is still living, having survived him thirty-four years.
To Mr. and Mrs. Lane thirteen children were born, nine of whom are still
living. Mrs. Minto grew to womanhood in Shelbyville, Illinois, and there
received a good education.
To Mr. and Mrs. Minto one child was born, Robert Minto, Jr., whose
birth occurred in Shelbyville. Illinois, October 11, 1880. There he spent his
early childhood, being six years of age when he removed with his parents
to Springfield, Missouri, where he grew up and was educated. He married
Belle Keet in Springfield. They now reside in Kansas City, Missouri, and
to their union two children have been born, namely: Virginia Lane, and
Robert Keet.
Robert Minto, of this memoir, first began his railroad career in Beards-
town, Illinois, soon after his marriage, as brakeman on the Baltimore &
Ohio, later was promoted to freight conductor on this road. He removed
with his family t< > Springfield. Missouri, in 1886, and went to work as
freight conductor on the Kansas City, Fort Scott & Memphis Railroad,
which is now operated under lease by the Frisco System. His run was from
Springfield to Thayer and that continued to be his run until his death. He
could have become passenger conductor but preferred to remain on a freight
train. He performed his duties most faithfully and stood high in the esti-
mation of the company and his fellow employees.
'fhe death of Mr. Minto at St. Joseph's Hospital, Springfield, on June
13, 1914, was the result of an unfortunate accident at Cabool, Missouri,
while un his regular run. He was injured while assisting in unloading
freight, receiving a severe blow on the head: however, he lingered for seven
weeks before death came to his relief. He was sixty-one years of age, and
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. l777
had been a resident of Springfield twenty-eight years, during which time
he had been a freight conductor on the Ozark division continuously.
The pleasant Minto home, where Mrs. Minto still resides, is on Guy
street, Springfield.
Politically, Air. Minto was a Republican. He belonged to the Masonic
order and to the Order of Railway Conductors. Religiously he held mem-
bership with the Methodist Episcopal church, in which he was an active
worker, and was a trustee of one of the local churches for a period of
twenty years, and was one of the most active and influential members of
the congregation that built the Daly Methodist church in this city. When
such men are removed from any community their loss can not but be keenly
felt for a longf time to come.
ISAAC NEWTON SMITH.
In many respects the career of the late Isaac Newton Smith, for a
period of thirty years one of the progressive business men of Springfield,
is peculiarly instructive in that it shows what a well defined purpose, sup-
plemented by correct principles and high ideals, can accomplish when rightly
and intelligently applied, even in the face of obstacles. A native of the
Hoosier state, he spent the major portion of his life in Missouri, where he
devoted over thirty years to the insurance business and became one of the
most efficient and widely known insurance men in the southern part of the
state. The last days of his busy career were devoted, in a large measure,
to the promoting of the electric railway between Springfield and Toplin and
he was president of this company. But he was a man who was not only noted
for his large success in material affairs, having found time to take an active
interest in church work and was one of the most potent members of the
Presbyterian denomination in this section of the state. In short, he was
a successful, useful and honorable man and his record might be studied with
profit l>v many.
Mr. Smith was born, February 27, 1847, in Miami count}', Indiana.
He was a son of George and Rosa (Dilsaver) Smith, the father a native of
Virginia and the mother was born in Ohio, and there she grew to woman-
hood. George Smith was brought to Ohio by his parents when he was a
child and grew up in that state and he and his wife were educated in the
rural subscription schools and were married and established their home, but
later removed to Miami county, Indiana, on a farm and devoted their lives
to agricultural pursuits. Their family consisted of twelve children, three
of whom are still living.
(112)
I778 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
Isaac N. Smith grew up on the farm and he had little chance to obtain
an education, but improved such as he had and in later life became a well
informed man through contact with the world and much home reading; in
fact, he was a fine sample of the self-made man for which America is noted.
He left home when about seventeen years old. being compelled to make
his own way. He was ambitious to go through school and obtain a high
education, but the opportunity never presented itself. At the age of nine-
teen he came to St. Louis where he worked at different employments in order
to get a start, later became a bridge builder. Then he came to Webster
county, this state, purchasing a farm near Marshfield, and while operating
this he studied architecture and made some advancement, drawing plans for
buildings and in the general preliminary work of an architect. About thirty-
two years ago he went into the insurance business and this proved to be his
chief life work. He started at Marshfield and remained there until 1S84,
when he removed to Springfield, continuing the same business. He was with
the Mutual Life all the while, and he was district manager of this company
the rest of his life. He was very successful from the first and the com-
pany regarded him as one of their most faithful, industrious and trust-
worthy employees. About twenty years ago he received a handsome cup,
given by the company, for writing the must insurance in a given period.
This was won over hundreds of competitors and it allows his ability in this
field of endeavor. At the time of his death he was president of the new
traction line between Springfield and Joplin and was doing much to make
the project a success; in fact, his close application in this enterprise hastened
the closing of his earthly career.
Mr. Smith was married. November 25, 1S75. to Margaret P.. Butcher,
a native of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, her birth occurring February 9. 1852.
She is a daughter of Stephen and Maria (LeKeux) Butcher. The father
was horn in England, near London, in the year [802, and there he grew to
manhood and married Maria Fclxcux in 1S47, and they subsequently immi-
grated to America, locating in Pittsburgh. Pennsylvania. His wife was
also a native of England. Mr. Butcher received a good education in his
native land, traveled extensively and followed the sea for six years. Mr.
Butcher enlisted in the Civil war, in [861, serving the full time enlisted in
a Missouri calvary regiment, lie was in several battles, including the battle
of Wilson's (reek, was a very faithful soldier and a strong Union man. His
family consisted of five children, three of whom are —rill living, namely:
Margaret P.. who became the wile of Mr. Smith of this memoir: Mrs. Mary
P. King, and Stephen II. Mrs. Smith grew to womanhood in Pittsburgh,
where she was given excellent educational advantage-, and she engaged in
teaching for a while after leaving school.
Three children were horn to Mr. and Mrs. Smith, named a- follows:
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. ! 779
Lucian L., who married Lallah Smith, is claim agent for the Frisco railroad;
Mable married Charles F. Bishop, and they live in Ouincy, Illinois; Ada
married John J. Tooker, and they live in Boonville, Missouri.
Politically, Mr. Smith was a Republican and a great worker for his
party. Fraternally he belonged to the Masonic Order. He was one of the
leading members of Calvary Presbyterian church for many years and was
active in church work. He was chairman of its board of trustees and was
most efficient in this capacity. He was a devoted Christian, with marked
administrative ability and was enthusiastically devoted to the service of the
church.
The substantial Smith residence is on Benton avenue, and there the
summons came for Mr. Smith to close his earthly account and take up his
work on a higher plane of being, March 10, 1914.
GEORGE E. DILLARD.
One of the well-known railroad men of Springfield is George E. Dillard,
assistant superintendent of locomotive performance for the Frisco lines.
He is a scion of one of the old and respected families of Greene county,
and for reasons which are too apparent to enumerate here should be given
a place in this volume.
Air. Dillard was born in Taylor township, Greene county, Missouri,
September 12, i860. He is a son of George A. and Eliza J. (Gibson) Dil-
lard. The father was born in Tennessee, in 1827, and his death occurred
on the old homestead in this county in 1903. The mother was horn in
Tennessee in 1835 ancl died on the home place here in 1911. They grew
up mi farms and received limited educational advantages. They came to
Greene county. Missouri, when young and were married here, each emi-
grating here with their parents about the year 1837. William Dillard, our
subject's paternal grandfather, was a native of North Carolina, where he
was born on May 1. 1782, removing from that state to Tennessee, where
he lived for some time before coming on to Greene county, Missouri, where
he spent his last years, dying here on April 13, 1877. His wife was known
in her maidenhood as Sarah Gregory. The maternal grandfather was John
H. Gibson, who was a native of Tennessee. He died in this county in the
early eighties. His wife was Isabelle Buchanan before her marriage. She
was a native of Tennessee, and her death occurred in this county in 1863.
George A. Dillard enlisted for service in the Civil war in the spring of
1861, becoming captain of Company E. Twenty-second Enrolled Missouri
Militia, and his father was a member of the Home Guards. The former
I780 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
saw little service outside of Greene county, taking an active part in the
defense of Springfield during General Marmaduke's raid. He spent his
life engaged in farming and stock raising. His family consisted of nine
children, five of whom are still living, namely: William C., who lives in
Springfield, is clerk in the office of the circuit court clerk's office; Mrs.
Margaret Turner; Mrs. Isabelle Demar; James L. lives on the farm; and
George E., of this sketch.
Our subject grew to manhood on the home farm and he received his
education in the district schools, remaining on the homestead until he was
twenty-one years old, then came to Springfield and began working for
McGregor-Xoe Hardware Company as clerk for a short time, then began
railroading, which he has continued ever since, first as fireman on the Frisco
between Springfield and Dixon. He was firing a freight locomotive when
the road extended no farther than Pacific. Missouri. Later he fired a pas-
senger engine, and in icS86 was promoted to freight engineer. In 1910 he
was promoted to the position of road foreman of equipment, and he is
now assistant superintendent of locomotive performance for the Ozark
division, from Springfield to Memphis, Tennessee. The fact that he has
been with the same company so long and that his rise has been steady would
indicate that he has given entire satisfaction and that he is capable and
trustworthy as well as thoroughly understanding his work and diversified
duties.
Mr. Dillard was married on November 29, 1883, to Sarah G. McGinty,
who was born in Howell county, Missouri, September 13, 1861. She is a
daughter of A. C. and Susan (Hayden) McGinty.
Politically, Mr. Dillard is a Republican. Fraternally, he belongs to the
Masonic order, including the Blue Lodge, also the Royal Arcanum and
Knights and Ladies of Security. He and his family are members of the
Methodist Episcopal church.
ELISHA B. MADDOX.
Jt is a noticeable thing, to people who have Formed habits of compari-
son, that the people of the various >tates are somewhat individualistic, each
having peculiar traits of their own. and notwithstanding the fact that the
same language is spoken in all our forty-eight state-, each state has local-
isms of its own. Thus it is easy to single out the true Kentuckian, princi-
pally because of his gallantry and unfailing courtesy, his thought fulness
of the welfare of his friends and those with whom he comes in contact.
The late Elisha I'.. Maddox, for main- years a faithful employee of the
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. 1781
Frisco system, was a typical son of the Blue Grass state, and he was a man
of praiseworthy traits of character and he was always well liked by those
who knew him.
Air. Maddox was born in Campbell county, Kentucky, May 16, 1803.
He was a son of Charles and Barbara ( Vaughn ) Maddox, both natives or
Kentucky also, the father being born in 1833 and died there in 1891. The
mother was born in 1840 and died in 1882 in that state. They had spent
their lives there on a farm, and were the parents of the following named
children: William, Elisha B. (our subject), Ida, Lucy, Hettie H. and
Hubbard.
Elisha B. Maddox grew to manhood on the farm in his native state,
where he did his share of the general work when growing up, and he
received his education in the rural schools of his community. He farmed
in Campbell count}-, Kentucky, until he was about twenty-six vears old,
then went to Covington, that state, and began working on the Louisville
& Nashville railroad, in the coach department of the company's shops,
and there learned his trade — coach carpenter — at which he became quite
expert. He remained there eleven years, and removed from Covington to
Springfield, Missouri, in the fall of 1901 and at once secured employment
in the coach department of the Frisco road, in the north side shops, where
he worked until the new shops were opened, when he was transferred to
them and worked there the rest of his life.
Mr. Maddox was married on April 16, 1890, in Covington, Kentucky,
to Jennie Culvertson, who was born in Kenton county, that state, April 16,
1863. She is a daughter of George A. and Melissa ( Rusk ) Culvertson,
both natives of Kentucky, the father born in 1822, and the mother in 1820.
They grew to maturity in Kentucky, attended the common schools and were
married there. The father died in Ohio on August 8, 18(54, after spending
his active life in farming, and the death of the mother occurred in Cov-
ington, Kentucky, in 1892. They spent most of their lives in their native
state, but moved to Ohio eventually. They became the parents of twelve
children, named as follows: Lafayette, Isabelle, Joanna and Thomas are
all living: Jennie, widow of the subject of this sketch; Michael and Cath-
erine are both living; the other five are deceased. Mrs. Maddox grew to
womanhood in Kentucky and received a common school education.
Three children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Maddox, namely: Stella.
born on August 7, 1891, is a successful school teacher, and she lives with
her mother in the Maddox home, just outside the limits of Springfield on
the Fremont road ; Byron, born on May 27, 1893, lives at home ; and Joan,
born on December 19, 1897, is with her mother also. These children have
received good educations in the local schools.
Politically, Mr. Maddox was a Democrat and was a member of the
I782 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
Robberson Avenue Baptist church, of which he was a deacon, and an active
worker. His family are also members of this church.
The tragic death of Mr. Maddox occurred on July 16, 19 14, at the
age of fifty-one years. He died at the Frisco hospital from injuries he
received a few minutes after going to his work that morning, having been
knocked from the top of a coach by a crane, falling twelve feet to the floor,
which injured him internally, never having regained consciousness. He was
warned by his fellow workers, but the din in the shops prevented him hear-
ing the shouts of the onlookers.
WALTER H. HENDERSON.
Books keep us from yielding to the commonplace. They equip us not
only for more serious tasks in the daily tread-mill of existence, but also for
an appreciation of the things about us, nature in her varied forms, for
hearing the music of the spheres and for seeing the beautiful in life. Every-
one, from the poorest to the richest, may find in literature a rich and large
life. Walter H. Henderson, city treasurer of Springfield, is a man who
regards his books as among his best friends and spends much of his spare
time among them, therefore is a well rounded man mentally.
Mr. Henderson was born on September 16, 1877, in Laclede county,
.Missouri. He is a son of C. C. and Mary A. (McFarland) Henderson,
natives of Kentucky and Tennessee, respectively, but when young in years
they removed with their parents to Missouri and were married in this state,
after receiving limited educations in the common schools. C. C. Henderson
has si>ent his active life in general farming pursuits, making a specialty of
cattle raising, also owned a general merchandise store at Phillipsburg for
several years. Me and his wife are now living on a farm near that town
and are well known throughout that locality. Politically, he is a Democrat,
and has long been active in party affairs. Fraternally, he belongs to the
Masonic Order. His family consisted of nine children, namely: Maude,
the eldest, is deceased; Walter H.. of this sketch; Ethel is married and living
in Laclede county: Ona is married and lives in Laclede county; Glynn is
living at home; Rosa i> married and lives at Phillipsburg, Missouri; Freda
lives at home; Byrle is also a member of the family circle, and Mabel is
with her parents.
Walter il. Henderson spent his boyhood years in Laclede county and
he received his education in the rural schools and the high school at Lebanon,
this state. He worked in his father's store at Phillipsburg for some time
when a boy. In 1004 he came to Springfield and engaged in the grocery
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. l7&3
business, but not long thereafter he went to work for Edward V. Williams
in his clothing store on Commercial street, remaining with him until 1909,
proving to be an excellent clerk, being alert, polite and trustworthy. Upon
leaving the employ of Air. Williams he was made manager of the Springfield
Security Company, with which he remained until August 1, 1914, giving
satisfaction to all concerned. He is at this writing vice-president of the
.\ lurry Farm Loan and Title Company. He is also filling the position of city
treasurer of Springfield, to which he was elected in the spring of 1914 and
is discharging his duties in a faithful and capable manner.
Mr. Henderson was married on January 11, 1903, in Phillipsburg, Mis-
souri, to Dora Barnes, who was born in Laclede county, this state, and
reared and educated there. She is a daughter of Samuel C. Barnes, for
years a well known resident of that county.
Politically, Mr. Henderson is a Democrat and is active in the party.
Fraternally, he belongs to the Knights of Pythias, the Woodmen of the
World and the Modern Woodmen of America. He belongs to the Young
.Men's Business Club, and is a member of the Central Christian church.
WILLIAM M. HANSELL.
A history of the Hansell family shows that they are peopie who have
ever been characterized by industry, thrift, foresight and honesty in deal-
ing with their fellow-men, and when, with these qualities are coupled the
attributes of sound sense, tact and fortitude, which people of their blood
universally possess, there are afforded such qualities as will enrich any land
and place it at the top of the countries of the world in the scale of elevated
humanity. The career of William M. Hansell, who is now living practi-
cally retired in his beautiful home in Springfield, is an interesting and varied
one, the major portion of which has been devoted to railroad service. He
has been a resident of Springfield for over a quarter of a centurv and is
well known in railroad and business circles here.
Mr. Hansell was born in Clinton county, Ohio, March 24, 185 1. He
is a son of Joseph A. and Hannah (Leeka) Hansell, the father having been
the oldest child of Michael and Rachael (Adams) Hansell, and he was
born in Clinton county, Ohio, also, and there occurred the birth of the
mother of our subject. These parents grew to maturity, were educated in
the common schools and were married there. The Hansell family originally
lived in Virginia, from which state they removed to Ohio in a very early
day. Joseph A. Hansell was a carpenter by trade and a very highly skilled
workman. He moved from Ohio with his family in 1853 to Linn county.
I784 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
Iowa. His family consisted of four children, all still living, namely: Frank
M. lives in Marion, Iowa; Mary E. lives in Marion, Iowa; William M. of
this sketch; and J. E., whose sketch appears in another part of this work.
The father of these children was born in 1823, and the mother was born in
1824; they spent the last years of their lives in Linn count}-, Iowa, where
the father died in 1895 anil the mother passed away in 1897.
William M. Hansell received a common school education and when a
boy he learned the printer's trade in the office of the Marion Register, in
Iowa, remaining- there two or three years, then went back to Ohio, where
his mother's people lived and went to school for a year at Hillsboro, High-
land county. Not caring to follow the printer's trade he learned the sad-
dlery trade, and was working in Chicago at the time of the great fire in
the autumn of 1871. He then returned to Marion, Iowa, where his par-
ents resided, and soon thereafter began his railroad career on the Burling-
ton, Cedar Rapids & Northern road as brakeman, working there about a
year, then went to Clinton, Iowa, and began work for the Chicago North-
western railroad as brakeman. and eight months later was promoted to
freight conductor and worked at the same with that road for a period of
four years, then as passenger conductor for ten years. He then went to
Chadron, Nebraska, and ran a passenger train from that city to Ft. Casper,
Wyoming, this being a branch road of the Chicago Northwestern. Leaving
the West in 1889 he came to Springfield, Missouri, and began working for
the Kansas City, Ft. Scott & Memphis railroad as freight conductor. A
year and a half later he quit railroading and since then has been engaged
in the real estate business, handling principally his own property and has
been very successful in a business way. He owns considerable valuable
property here, including a handsome and modernly appointed residence on
East Elm street, one of the most desirable homes in the city
Mr. Hansell was married in September. (877, in Clinton, Iowa, to
Emma Dickson, to which union two children were born, one of whom died
in early life; Harry Howard, born. October 20, 1878, was graduated from
the high school at Clinton, Iowa, and is now living in Chicago, where he
is engaged in the drug business. The wife and mother passed to her
rest in January. [885. In 1888 Mr. Hansell married Lucy Torrence, at
Chadron, Nebraska. She is a daughter of John and Sophia ( Wilson ) Tor-
rence.
To our subject .and his second wife one child has been born. Charles
('.. whose birth occurred December 10. [890. He received a good educa-
tion in the Springfield schools, being a graduate of the high school, and is-
now living in Kansas City, where he is in the employ of the Swift Packing
Company.
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. 1 785
Politically, Mr. Hansell is a Republican and has long been active and
influential in political affairs. He is chairman of the state legislative com-
mittee, and is chief of Division No. 321, Order of Railway Conductors.
Fraternally, he belongs to the Masonic Order, being a Knight Templar,
lie is an Episcopalian in bis church affiliations. He is broad-minded, and
a gentleman of pleasing personality.
W. ROBERT KELLER.
The name of W. Robert Keller is a well-known and highly respected
one in railroad circles in Springfield, he having been connected with the
local lines for a quarter of a century, principally as conductor, having had
a passenger run on the Ozark division of the Frisco since 1900. Early in
life he manifested a natural inclination to this important field of human
endeavor and, being alert, a keen observer and trustworthy, bis rise was
rapid and he is one of the most efficient conductors that has ever run out
of the Queen City.
Mr. Keller was born near Marshfield, Webster county, .Missouri. De-
cember 25, 1865. He is a son of Joseph and Martha (Burks) Keller, both
natives of Tennessee, from which state they came to Webster county in an
early day, locating on a farm and there the death of the father occurred in
rQi3> when past seventy years of age. his birth having occurred in 1842.
He was well known in Webster county, was a successful farmer and a good
citizen. The mother of our subject, wbo was also born in 1842, is still
living on the old home place near Marshheld. Joseph Keller took a great
ileal of interest in the public affairs of his count}- and for a period of
twenty years was a judge of the County Court, retaining the office until his
health failed and compelled him to retire. During that period be did a
great deal for the permanent good of bis county, always alive to its best
interests. He was a Republican in politics and a leader in his party in
Webster county. During the Civil war he enlisted at the beginning of the
struggle in the Home Guards and was stationed in Springfield with a regi-
ment of over one thousand men during the time of the Wilson's Creek
battle and was wounded at that time. His family consisted of six children,
all still living, namely: James; W. Robert, of this sketch: John, Jennie,
Sophia and Catherine.
W. Robert Keller grew to manhood on the home farm in Webster
county and there did his full share of the work when a boy. He received
a common school education there and while yet a mere lad he began his
railroad career. He came to Springfield in the fall of 1890 and secured
1^86 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
a position as brakeman on a freight train for the Kansas City, Ft. Scott &
Memphis road, now a part of the Frisco System. His run was between
Springfield and Thayer. He proved to be a hard and faithful worker and
in 1893 was promoted to freight conductor, at which he worked until 1900,
when he was promoted to passenger conductor and has remained thus en-
gaged to the present time, his run being from Springfield to Memphis.
Tennessee.
Mr. Keller was married in Springfield, in October, 1890, to Millie
Pipkin, a native of Greene county, where she was reared and educated.
She is a daughter of James Pipkin, who was a soldier in the Civil war.
Politically, Mr. Keller is a Republican. He is a member of Division
No. 321, Order of Railway Conductors. He belongs to the Masonic order,
including the Ancient Arabic Order of Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, and
religiously he is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church.
JOB XFWTON.
It is proper to judge of a man's life by the estimatiton in which he is
held by his fellow citizens. They see him at his work, in his family circle,
in church, hear his views on public questions, observe the operations of his
code of morals, witness how he conducts himself in all the relations of so-
cietv and civilization and are therefore competent to judge of his merits
and demerits. After a long course of years of daily observations, it would
be out of the question for his neighbors not to know of his worth, for, as
has been often said, "Actions speak louder than words." In this connection
it is not too much to say that Job Xewton, well-known business man of
Springfield, has ever stood high in the estimation of his acquaintances here,
during his residence of forty-five years, for his conduct has been honorable
in all the relations of life and bis duty well performed whether in private or
public life, and that be has ever been industrious, never waiting for some
one else to perform his ta>ks. He is one of the surviving band of the famous
"forty-niners" in Greene county, and his reminiscences of his various ex-
periences in the pioneer days when he was a young man are indeed inter-
esting.
Mr. Newton was born live miles from Georgetown, Delaware, July 28,
[826. He is a son of and Mary Ann (.Mariner) Xewton, each
parent of English descent. Mr. Xewton's father died when be was an in-
fant, and he has no recollection of him. His mother brought him overland
through a long stretch of wilderness from Delaware to St. Louis, Missouri,
in the year 1838; her other two children were Ann and Benjamin. Soon
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. 1 787
thereafter a brother of our subject's mother came to St. Louis and removed
her and her children to Wabash, Indiana, in 1839, and there she spent the
rest of her life, dying in 1848.
Job Newton grew to manhood in St. Louis, was educated there in the
public schools and married there, remaining in that city until 1869, when
he removed his family to Springfield, where he has since made his home.
He first engaged in the woolen mill and fur business in St. Louis, but upon
reaching Springfield he went into the dry goods business in which he re-
mained about eight years, enjoying a good trade, then he started a produce
business which gradually grew with advancing years until it reached exten-
sive proportions and he is still thus engaged, with the exception of one year
spent in Kansas City. He now handles not only produce but grain, hay and
seed under the firm name of the Newton Grain Company, of which he is
president, Dwight E. Newton being secretary and treasurer. They have a
large substantial building and their operations extend over a vast territory.
Although our subject is now advanced in years, being nearly eighty-nine
years old, he is hale and hearty and is still actively engaged in business.
Mr. Newton was married in the fall of 1856 to Minerva C. Ault, a
native of Ohio, from which state she removed with her parents to Missouri
when she was a child. Five children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. New-
ton, three of whom are still living, namely: Harry C. is the eldest; Joseph
and Jefferson are both deceased ; Emmitt and Dwight E. are the two young-
est, the latter being associated with his father in business, and the former
is manager of the Lander theater of this city.
Mr. Newton is a member of the Masonic Order, Lhiited Lodge No. 5,
Royal Arch Chapter No. 15, is past commander of St. John's Commandery,
No. 20, and is also a member of the Chapter, also the Ancient Arabic Order
of Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, and is past grand patron of the Eastern
Star of Missouri ; he has long been prominent in Masonic circles. Politic-
ally, he is a Democrat and has been more or less active in public affairs, and
has been a member of the city council twice, and in the earlier years of his
residence here he was chairman of the Democratic committee.
One of the most interesting chapters in Mr. Newton's life is that relat-
ing to his trip to the far West, when be crossed the plains with the gold-
seekers in 1849, and had the distinction of taking the first goods into Salt
Lake City, Utah, after the Mormons had settled there. He started on his
long journey from St. Louis on March 17, of that year, and arrived in Cali-
fornia the following October, going the Truckee route, and he built the
second house in the city of Grass Valley, California. He returned to St.
Louis in 1851 by the Nicaragua route, on a Yanderbilt vessel,, the first line
run in opposition to the Pacific Mail route, Mr. Newton being one of the
first passengers to come over this route. He crossed the Isthmus of Panama
I788 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
in 1855 en route to San Francisco, California, and in the spring of 1856 he
returned to St. Louis, coming hack via the Nicaragua route. In the spring
of 1868 he came to Springfield, having sold his business interests in St.
Louis. He immediately took up activities in the dry goods business, and
in the spring of 1869 he moved his family here, where they have since
remained with the exception of one year, which was spent in Kansas City.
Iii the spring of 1854 he again crossed the arid and wild lands of the
western territories, freighting to Salt Lake City, having charge of about
twentv-five wagons, and he took a large herd of cattle on into California.
EDWJX L. FAY.
Among the best known railroad men of Springfield is Edwin L. Fay,
v. ho has been railroading for nearly a half century, and for over forty years
connected with the Frisco system, at one time being superintendent of a
division, and for the past quarter of a century has been a passenger con-
ductor. His long and honorable record is one of which he may be justly
proud. He has been regarded all the while as one of the most trustworthy
and able of the employees of the Frisco, and his services have shown him
to be a man of ability, fidelity and sobriety, thus meriting the confidence
reposed in him and the high esteem in which he is universally field among
rjiilroad men.
Air. Fay is a descendant of an old Xew England family, of which
country he himself is a native, having been born in Orange county. Ver-
mont, August 5, [849. lie is a son of Lorenzo L). and Levina (Chamber-
Hn) Fay. The father was born in the state of Xew York in 1809, and died
in [893 in Illinois; the mother was born in Vermont in 1822 and died in
1902. They both received good common school educations, and for a
number of vears the mother engaged in teaching. Lorenzo D. Fay was a
mason, plasterer and building contractor and was very successful in his
vocation. He was twice married, our subject being the eldest of four
children by his second marriage.
Edwin L. Fay spent his early boyhood in Vermont and received most
o] his education in the public schools there. When he was twelve years of
age the family removed to the state of Iowa, where they lived three years,
then located in Illinois, where they established their permanent home. Our
subject began his railroad career in [867, when fie took a position with
the Chicago Northwestern railroad as brakeman, between Chicago and
Janesville, Wisconsin; continuing as brakeman until 1870. he went with the
Chicago, Burlington & Quincy railroad, his return being between Rock Island
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. [789
and Bridgeport, Illinois. In March, 187 1, he came to Springfield, Missouri,
where he has since resided. He went to work soon thereafter as brakeman
on the Frisco and four months later was given a train, and, showing that
he was a man of ability in this line of endeavor, he was rapidly promoted
and was made superintendent in 1889 of the eastern division, with head-
quarters at Newburg, Missouri, this being one of the most important divi-
sions on the system; although he was an efficient superintendent, he preferred
active service on the road and was given a position as passenger conductor
in 1890. A part of the time his run was between Springfield and St. Louis.
During the past fourteen years he has been running between Monett, Mis-
souri, and Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. He has been very fortunate in
handling his trains and is one of the most reliable conductors on the system.
Mr. Fay has a good home on Robberson avenue, Springfield, the pre-
siding spirit of which is a lady of pleasant manners, known in her maiden-
hood as Lydia F. Kern, whom he married in St. James, Missouri, August
-/• 1^'73- She was born in Pennsylvania, and is a daughter of Joseph and
Hannah Kern. When she was a young girl her parents removed with her
from Pennsylvania to Missouri.
To Mr. and Mrs. Fay two children have been born, namely: Gracie
E. and Ethelyn I.
Politically, Mr. Fay is a Republican. He is a member of No. 415
Division, United Railway Conductors. Fraternally, be is a prominent
Mason, having attained the thirty-second degree in that order, and is a
member of the Ancient Arabic Order of Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. He
also belongs to the Benevolent and Protective Order of Flks.
JAMES O. ATTEBERRY.
Cultivation of the soil began with the desire on the part of the culti-
vator to destroy weeds or plants not desired that were likely to crowd out
and injure the ones in which he was interested. But we now know that
the destruction of weeds is a matter of very secondarv importance. We
now cultivate to conserve moisture and to promote chemical and biological
activity. Our viewpoint has changed greatly with increased knowledge, yet
it is a fact that we do not do all we might in this direction. We do not
stir the soil during rainless periods as frequently as we should, or we do
not do it at the time we should and allow valuable moisture to escape. It
must be borne in mind that it is often quite as important to do a thing at
the right time as it is to do it at all. One of the successful farmers of Clay
township, Greene county, is James O. Atteberry. who not only seems to
I79O GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
know how to carry on the various departments of modern agriculture, but
when to do a thing and when not to do it.
Mr. Atteberry was born in Cassville, Barry county, Missouri, January
30, 1861. He is a son of John B. and Mary E. (Bills) Atteberry. The
father was born in Tennessee, January 30, 1830, on the banks of the famous
Cumberland river, and there he spent the first nine years of his life, then
his parents brought him to Dallas count}-, Missouri, where he grew to man-
hood on a farm and there received a common school education. He worked
f 1 >r his father until he was twenty-one years of age, then bought a farm
of eighty acres. He learned the blacksmith's trade, which he followed in
connection with farming. Then went to Barry county, where he owned a
blacksmith shop for some time. Later he went to Springfield where he
followed his trade and at which he was engaged at the outbreak of the Civil
war, when he enlisted in the Federal army and was kept busy as a black-
smith for some time by his general and later drove a team for his regiment.
After the close of the war he returned to Dallas county, where he lived until
his son James O. was fourteen years old, then came back to Springfield and
resumed blacksmithing, at which he was quite expert. About five years later
he moved back to Dallas count}- and bought a farm of eighty acres, which
he operated about seven years, then moved back to Springfield, where he
has resided to the present time, and is still active. Politically, he is a Demo-
crat. He is a member of the Christian church. Tie had natural talent as a
musician and when a young man taught vocal music, conducting singing
schools. His wife. Mary E. Bills, was born in Tennessee, October 8, 1836,
and was reared in that state and in Missouri, having been seven years of age
when her parents brought her to Dallas count}-, making the overland jour-
ney in wagons, experiencing numerous hardships. The family located on a
farm and there Mrs. Atteberry was reared. She has known what hard
work meant, wove and spun in her earlier years and made clothes, the last
suit she made having been for the sheriff of Greene count}-. She is a mem-
ber of the Christian church and has long been a great church worker. To
these parents thirteen children have been born, namely: Mrs. Eliza Jane
W lie is deceased; Mrs. Ruth Davidson lives in Springfield; James O.
of this sketch, and George, who lives in Christian county. Missouri, are twins;
F.lsie is living in the West; Daniel lives in Springfield; Mrs. Francis Welch
lives in Christian county; Mrs. Laura Fishel lives in Springfield: Mrs.
Etta Lawing lives in St. Joseph, Missouri; Mrs. Blanche Pritchard lues in
Oklahoma City; the three youngest children died in infancy.
James ( ). Atteberry spent his early boyhood on the home farm in Dallas
count}', where he worked during the crop seasons and in the winter time
attended the common schools. When fourteen years of age he hired out
on farms in Greene county, working thus until he was twenty-two vears of
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. 179I
age, when he married Mary E. McCorkle, and rented a farm for several
years, then moved to Christian county, where lie rented land for fourteen
years, also bought a farm of one hundred and ten acres which joined the
farm he rented. In connection with general farming he raised cattle and
hogs in large numbers, also sheep. Finally selling out, he bought the farm
where he is now living in Clay township, Greene county, which consists of
one hundred and forty-five acres and is well improved and productive, one
of the best in this part of the county. In connection with general farming
he is successfully operating a dairy.
Mr. Atteberry's wife was born in Greene county, October 8, 1859.
When three years old her parents brought her to the place where she is
now living. She received a good common school education, and when
eighteen years old began teaching and taught two years in the rural schools.
She is a daughter of Neely and Catherine (Rainey) McCorkle. She is a
member of the Christian church.
To Mr. and Mrs. Atteberry eight children have been born, namely :
George A. is living in Greene county; Elmer is deceased; Neely J. lives in
Springfield ; ; Mrs. Mary Snyder lives in Greene count}- ; Stanley lives at
home; Lemuel lives in Greene county; Airs. Birdie Jones lives at home with
her parents ; Nellie is married and lives in Clay township, Greene county,
.Missouri.
Politically, Mr. Atteberry is a Republican. Fraternally, he belongs to
the Woodmen of the World, the Modern Woodmen, the Independent Order
of Odd Fellows and the Maccabees. He belongs to the Christian church.
SILAS M. JOHNSON.
Silas M. Johnson was born in Tennessee, August 30, 1855. He is a
son of John A. and Nancy (Ferguson) Johnson. The father was a son of
Benjamin and Betsy Johnson, the former a native of Scotland, from which
country he immigrated to North Carolina in an early day. and in that state
his son John was born, and was four years of age when the family removed
to Tennessee where he grew up and married. Nancy Ferguson was a native
of Tennessee, in which state she spent her earl}- life. Benjamin Johnson
spent the rest of his life in Tennessee, dying there after an active life on
the farm. John A. Johnson spent his boyhood on the farm, and received
his education in the common schools at Pulaski, Giles count}-, Tennessee,
and began his career as a farmer in that vicinity. He married in Macon
county, that state. During the Seminole Indian war in Florida he enlisted
in a Tennessee regiment and served with credit. Politically, he was a Re-
1792 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
publican, and he belonged to the Christian church. His family consisted
of twelve children, namely: Benjamin, deceased; William, who was a
soldier in the Union army, was killed in battle; James was also a soldier in
the Federal ranks during the Civil war; Mrs. Clarissa E. Powell was next
in order; Louis lives on the Carthage road in this county; Agnes is de-
ceased; John is railroading in California; Neil owns and operates a ranch
in Colorado; Mary makes her home with our subject; Silas M. of this re-
view; Nannie is deceased; one child died in infancy.
John A. Johnson, the father, left Tennessee in 1854 and lived in Texas
a year; then moved to Arkansas, where he lived until 1863, in which year he
located in Greene county, Missouri, purchasing a farm of one hundred and
sixty-eight acres, and on this spent the rest of his life.
Silas M. Johnson grew to manhood on his father's farm and he re-
ceived his early education in the district schools, and he has devoted his life
to general farming and stock raising. He owns sixty-six acres in Campbell
township, where he has a substantial home, with many modern conveniences,
large barns and well-kept surroundings.
Air. Johnson has remained unmarried. Politically, he is a Democrat.
He belongs to the old brick Christian church in his vicinity. He is a mem-
ber of the Anti-Horse Thief Associatiton. He leads a quiet life, and per-
sonally, is a very accommodating gentleman and is therefore well liked by
all who know him.
WILLIAM R. WATSON.
One of the most enterprising of Greene county agriculturists is William
R. Watson, now living practically retired in Springfield. He believed from
the outset of his career that the "wisdom of yesterday is sometimes the
folly of today," and that while the methods of our ancestors in tilling the
soil were all right in their day, yet in the twentieth century we have been
compelled to adopt new methods and farm along different lines, in view of
the fact that conditions of climate, soil, grains, etc., have changed since the
days of the pioneers. Mr. Watson has been a close observer of modern
methods and is a student at all times of whatever pertains to his chosen life
work and he has therefore met with encouraging success all along the line.
and while comparatively young took his place among the leading farmers
and stock raisers of a locality noted for its line farms and adroit hus-
bandmen.
.Mr. Watson was born in Robberson township, Greene county, Missouri,
July 11, [854. lie is a son of Spencer and Margaret (Holloway) Wat-
son, both natives of Tennessee. The mother was a daughter of Minter Hoi-
\VM. R. WATSON.
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. 1/93
loway, an old settler in Tennessee. The parents of our subject grew to
maturity in their native state and there received the usual limited educations
in the country schools of those earl)- days and they were married in their
home locality, continuing to reside there until the spring of 1852, when they
made the overland journey to Greene county. Missouri, arriving here on
May 10th. They bought and entered land in Robberson township, which
they developed into a good farm by hard persistent work and there they
resided until December 5, 1866, when they removed to Cass township, this
county, and there the death of the father occurred on June 20, 1887, being
born on December 9, 1823. He was a Southern sympathizer during the
war between the states but he was not in the service. Politically he was a
Democrat, and he held membership in Wesley Chapel Methodist Episcopal
church, South.
William R. Watson, of this sketch, grew to manhood on the home farm
where he worked hard when a boy, and during the winter months he attended
the district schools, entered Drury College in 1877 and in 1878 took up his
studies at Morrisville College in Polk county. After leaving school he began
his life work as a teacher and for ten consecutive years followed this profes-
sion with much success in the schools of Greene county, then began his
career as farmer on his own land in Cass township. Working hard, look-
ing well to details and being on the alert for new and better methods of doing
things he prospered with advancing years and he is now owner of a well-
improved and productive farm of six hundred and ninety acres in Cass town-
ship, on which is to be seen a large residence and a group of substantial
■outbuildings. Here he has long carried on general farming and stock rais-
ing on an extensive scale, making a specialty of the mule business. He is at
present making his home on Benton avenue. Springfield, owning a cozy
residence there. He left the farm on August 26, 191 1, his object being that
his children might have better school facilities.
Mr. Watson was married on October 12, 1884, to Laura Boston, a
daughter of Thomas Y. Boston, an old settler of Cass township, and a pros-
perous farmer and well-known citizen in the northern part of the county.
Our subject began housekeeping on a sixty-two-acre farm near Harold,
November 6, 1884. Our subject's first wife died on March 3, 1889; she
was the mother of two children, the second of whom died in infancy; it was
named Olga; the other. Nannie, was born December 26. 1885, who married
Ray Chumm, lives in Carthage. On September 25, 1S90, Air. Watson took
for his second wife Clara Boston, a sister of his first wife. To this second
union six children have been born, namely : Agatha, born on August 9,
1891, who lives at home, was graduated from Drury College in June, 1915,
with the degree of Bachelor of Arts; Minnie, born on February 10, 1893.
(i 13 1
1/04 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
Willie, born on December 16, 1895; Pauline, born October 7, 1897, an<i
Florence, born on February 19. 1899. are all attending the Springfield high
school; Helen E., born on July 12, 1906, died when four years old.
Politically, Air. Watson is a Democrat but has never been especially
active in public affairs. He is a Royal Arch Mason, a member of Ash Grove
Chapter, Blue Lodge membership, O' Sullivan Lodge No. 7, Free and Ac-
cepted Masons, at Walnut Grove ; he also belongs to the Modern Woodmen
lodge at Cave Spring. The family are members of the Methodist Episco-
pal church. South, at Pearl. Cass township. Personally, he is a well-educated,
well-read gentleman, with correct views in all the relations of life.
Mr. Watson is especially proud of the time spent in the interest of the
public schools of Greene county. He enjoys the distinction of being the
oldest member, in point of service, of any school board in Greene count)-.
He has always been a man to whom any deserving teacher could come for
advice and sympathy, for, being an old teacher he has always known the
needs and ambitions of those in this profession. As chairman of the school
hoard he put his energy and zeal into the work and placed the Pearl dis-
trict school at the head of the list of schools of Greene county, which posi-
tion it held until he left the district and ceased giving his attention to the
rural schools.
Although Mr. Watson paid more taxes than any other citizen of his
school district he always advocated and voted for the constitutional limit
for school purposes.
HENRY C. YOUXG.
Henry C. Young, descended from a family of pioneers, was born near
Louisville. Kentucky, in 1835, being brought to southwest Missouri as an
infant in the early settlement of this country. His father, Gabriel Richard-
son Young, born a generation before in the same place, inherited a change
of name from his father whose family, in Wales, had borne the name of
Yong. The emigrant ancestor, cherishing the memory of wrongs resulting
from the iniquity of the entail system, sought forgetfulness in the border-
land, taking part with the follower- of Daniel Boone in the conquest of
"The Dark and Bloody Ground," since known as Kentucky, lie married
a Miss Stillwell. Their children went in different directions on leaving the
Kentucky home. Gabriel Richardson Young, who had married Nancy Me-
Kenzie, of Charleston, South Carolina, followed the immigration of his
kinsman, Alexander McKenzie, to this country. McKenzie sojourned two
years on a place three and a half miles south of where the town of Spring-
field was afterward laid out. being one of the first settlers in this vicinity,
GREENE COUNTY, .MISSOURI. 1795
removing, when neighbors became numerous, to the Spring' river country,
west of the present site of Mount Vernon. Mrs. Nancy McKenzie- Young,
who was the only daughter of her family, had ten brothers who came to
southwest Missouri with the early settlers, all of them eventually moving
on, with the continuous emigration of pioneers seeking larger freedom, to
locations in Texas, where the MeKenzies are well known. Gabriel Rich-
ardson Young was well along in years when he arrived in the Spring river
country and began preparations for the establishment of his new home and
he did not long survive the event, leaving his family to meet the difficulties
which beset pioneers, in somewhat straitened circumstances. Henry C. was
the oldest of three boys, his brothers being J. Mansil Bonaparte and Rich-
ardson. The sisters were, Gabrella, afterward Mrs. Bennett Wellman;
Amanda, Mrs. Stone-Hardin; and Mary Ellen, Mrs. T. A. Sherwood. Two
other sisters, Sarah and Pauline, died in their youth. Henry worked and
studied by turns, as a farmer boy, and this he continued by turns while en-
gaged in different occupations in which he contributed to the support of the
family. He was about half grown when Mr. Wellman, who had opened a
store at Cape Fair, in Stone county, took the boy in as a clerk, which was
his initiation in commercial pursuits, which he followed successfully while
completing his education.
He attended the Arkansas College at Fayetteville, making great prog-
ress in a short time and altogether utilizing his advantages in a manner which
qualified him for important undertakings and won him favor with Robert
Graham, president of the institution, and other men of note whom he met at
that time. His energy and perseverance in the face of difficulties attracted
general attention and he was known throughout his life for the pertinacity
with which he adhered to his purposes and carried out his work. While in
St. Louis on his first trip to the city he was introduced in the house of
Hargadine & Company and was by them intrusted with some important col-
lections. He attended to this business with such promptness and diligence
that he became their permanent representative in this section.
He married, at Mount Vernon, in 1858, Isabella Robinson, daughter
of William and Nancy ( Kelsy ) Robinson, related to the Robinson family
of Troupe county, Georgia, and the Kelseys. of Napa. California. After
living in Mount Vernon a short time the couple moved to St. Louis and
made their home in Cote Brilliante, a suburb of that city. Four sons were
born to them, namely: Charles Graham and Henry C. Jr., in Mount Vernon;
Robert E. Lee and Gabriel Richardson, in Cote Brilliante.
In the meantime, Henrv C. Young read law, and, after being admitted
to the bar, formed a partnership with T. A. Sherwood. Beginning- practice
at Mount Vernon, the firm of Sherwood & Young soon became widely
known, afterward moving their office to Springfield. Mr. Young took a
Ijg6 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
prominent part in what has been called "The Missouri Movement," one of
the initial steps in the beginning of the reaction against the ascendancy of
radicalism in the North which followed the close of the Civil war. B.
Gratz Brown was elected governor, a new constitution was written for Mis-
souri, the Democrats came into power in this state and soon afterward
throughout the entire South. Judge Sherwood was elected as one of the
justices of the Supreme Court. Mr. Young was named as one of the first
board of railroad commissioners by Governor Charles H. Hardin, whose
cause of reform he had championed early, but declined in favor of General
Marmaduke, for whom he had solicited the position. President Peirce, of
the Atlantic & Pacific railroad, then building into the Southwest under diffi-
culties, had heard of the indefatigable Henry Young and he was employed
at the munificent salary of three thousand dollars to do as much work as is
now ordinarily allotted to several railroad attorneys. Among the conces-
sions which he secured at that time was a grant of ten thousand acres for
every mile of a branch line to be built from Red river through eastern Texas
to Sabine Pass, a distance of four hundred miles, and another grant to a
subsidiary company of the Atlantic & Pacific for a branch from Central
Texas to Laredo on the Rio Grande. In the selection of these routes the
building of important lines which have since materialized was anticipated,
but the promoters of the pioneer projects were robbed of all benefits by the
hard fate which precipitated the panic of Black Friday in 1873, just as their
projects were getting under way, Mr. Young then being in Xew York on
his way to London to negotiate the sale of the bonds. He was interested in
a number of important enterprises in Springfield and the Southwest in
those days. Later he formed a partnership with Col. C. W. Thrasher and
the firm of Thrasher & Young held a leading place in the practice here for
a number of years. Notable among the matters which they bad in band in
the course of an extensive practice was the litigation in connection with the
issuance of bunds in aid of the Hannibal & Saint Joe railroad in which they
won for taxpayers contesting the legality of tbe bonds in a series of suits
extending through about twenty years until a decision was finally rendered
in a Federal court in favor of the bondholders as innocent purchasers.
.Mr. Young was a member of tbe Christian church and a Master Mason.
He died at bis home here in 1886. Among those who hold him in kindly
remembrance is Professor Jonathan Fairbanks, who says: "He was a gen-
tleman in every sense of that word, urbane and full of cheerfulness, courte-
ous to everyone, dignified and well poised, big hearted and generous, even
to his enemies, of whom he had but few. He was a man of large calibre.
capable of grasping any situation, making the most of everv opportunitv.
As his opponents learned 1m know him they became his friends, llis person-
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. 1/97
ality won the hearts of all. It was my pleasure to know him intimately. If
I needed a friend in any matter I knew that i could find one in him. He was
a man to be remembered for his rare qualities, one of those whose life is a
blessing' to any community. I loved him as a brother."
WILLIAM S. MILLER.
One of the best methods to keep the soil from becoming depleted of its
natural strength is by proper rotation of crops. Some of our farmers grow
too much grain and not enough grass on their land, especially if it is old
land. With a little study and experience it is always possible to determine
exactly what particular crop should succeed another. This problem seems
to be well understood by William S. Miller, who is engaged in general
farming in the western part of Greene county. He has spent his life in this
vicinity and has watched closely the best methods of farming.
Mr. Miller was born in Pond Creek township, Greene county, Missouri,
March 27, 1851. He is a son of James and Ellen (McDaniel) Miller, and
is the youngest of two children; his sister, Sarah T. Miller, married Edward
Potts, of Republic, and they have live children. James .Miller, the father,
was born in Tennessee where he spent bis early life on a farm and was
educated in the rural schools. He remained in his native state until the
breaking out of the Civil war when he removed to Greene county. Missouri.
He enlisted in the Confederate army and served faithfully, lie engaged in
farming here until his death, which occurred when our subject was a child,
and the mother of our subject also died when be was young. So he was
reared by his grandparents on the mother's side, William and Sarah Ann
(Glades) McDaniel, who were also natives of Tennessee, from which
state they came to Greene county, .Missouri, in 1830, among the earliest set-
tlers, and here spent the rest of their lives on a farm.
Mr. Miller spent bis boyhood on his grandfather's farm and there
worked hard during the crop season, and in the winter time he attended the
district schools. When twenty years of age he left the home of bis grand-
parents and purchased eighty acres nearby and here he has since resided. He
is making a specialty of raising shorthorn cattle and keeps a fine herd.
Mr. Miller was married in April, 1880, to Nancy E. Jackson, a daugh-
ter of William Jackson, a farmer and school teacher, who came from Georgia
to Greene county, Missouri, in 1854, making the long overland journey
with wagon and team, and began life here in typical pioneer fashion as did
the parents of our subject, and his grandparents. Mr. Jackson's death oc-
1/98 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
eurred a number of years ago, but Mrs. Jackson is still living at the ad-
vanced age of. seventy-eight years.
The following children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Miller : Ritta
Ethel, born November 17. 1888, is at home; Bertha Alma, born September
8, 1891, is at home; Emmet Clarence, born on July 11, 1893, has a taste for
mechanics; Alpha Ellen, born July 7, 1895. married William Carter, a
farmer living in Center township, Greene county ; Tressie Marie, born De-
cember 1, 1898, died June 13, 1899; Ernest Lester, born October 29, 1901.
Politically, .Mr. Miller is a Republican, and he is liberal in his religious
views, attending no particular church, being a friend of all denominations.
JAMES S. COWDEN.
James S. Cowden was born in Greene county, Missouri, September 11,
1851. He is a son of James A. and Margaret A. (Steele) Cowden, both
natives of Tennessee, where they grew to maturity and were married and
there made their home until 1842, when they emigrated to Greene county,
Missouri, locating on a farm. Here the father found a country little de-
veloped and he endured the hardships incident to life in a new country,
but was a man of courage and a hard worker and in due course of time
established a home for his family, but died in early life, in 1851, when his
son, James S., was an infant. He also left two other small children, Mary
married Robert Pace, a ranchman of Calexico, California, and they have
two sons and two daughters; John F., who is connected with the Heer Dry
Goods Company, of Springfield, Missouri, married Malissa J. Walsh and
they have one child, Cora Lee. The mother of these children was a woman
of rare fortitude and industry and she accepted the discouraging situation
with good grace, after the death of her husband, and reared her children in
comfort and respectability, giving them such educational advantages as those
early days in the rural districts afforded, and kept them together. In 1861,
she married again, her second husband being W. R. Patterson, and she lived
to an advanced age, her death occurring in 1897, and her remains repose in
the cemetery at Pleasant Hope, Polk county, this state.
James S. Cowden grew to manhood on the old homestead, where he
was born in a log cabin. Being ambitious to own the farm left by his father,
he began buying out the other heirs when eighteen years of age, and he
remained there, successfully operating the farm until in the early seventies.
He continued fanning in bis native community until 1893, also ran a saw-
mill for some time during this period and at the same time raised and
handled live stock, buying and shipping to the markets. He made his home
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. ! 799
in Springfield from 1890 until 1893, then purchased the Bennett Robinson
farm, ten miles north of Springfield, to which he removed and on which he
lived three years, then located in Morrisville, Polk county, for the purpose
of educating his children in the college there. Several years later he pur-
chased a larg-e farm near Brookline, Greene county, and moved thereto, where
he has since maintained his home, and he still owns three hundred and
twenty acres of this place, which is one of the best improved and most pro-
ductive farms in the township. In 1908 he purchased a residence in Spring-
field, at the corner of Walnut and Main streets, which was subsequently
destroyed by fire. A few years ago he purchased a tract of valuable land
in Arizona, where he spends a part of his time, engaged in raising alfalfa
and cattle. He has been a general farmer and stock man all his life, and
is regarded as one of the best judges of live stock in the western part of
Greene county, where the major portion of his life has been spent. He often
feeds large herds of cattle for the market. He has also engaged to some
extent in road contracting work, in fact, has built more good roads than
any one man in this part of the county.
Mr. Cowden was married in July, 1877, to Sarah E. Wallace, who is a
daughter of Allen and Mira Wallace, an old and highly respected family of
Greene county. Mrs. Cowden is one of seven children.
Four children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Cowden, named as
follow : Christy is living in Phoenix, Arizona ; Maude married William C.
McClure, a farmer of Republic, this county, and they have three children,
Dwight, Mary and Marjorie; Claude W., a ranchman and stock man of
Arizona and is manager of the large Glendale Cattle Company ; Efton Ray
is associated with his brother in the cattle business in Arizona. The two
sons and the eldest daughter are unmarried.
Politically Mr. Cowden is a Democrat. He is an advocate of good
roads, and has given both time and money in this worthy cause in his vicinity.
JOHN BECKERLEG.
Enjoying the distinction of being the oldest engineer on the Frisco
system, John Beckerleg is deserving of special mention in the present volume.
Forty years is a long time to work for one company, and in one line of
work, but that is his record. It indicates many things to the contemplative
mind, among them being the fact that he has been not only faithful but
efficient, trustworthy and reliable, for a railroad company is not going to
trust its costly rolling stock, to saying nothing of the lives of its patrons —
the passengers — to men who are not true and tried. It also indicates stabilitv.
l800 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
Some men fly from one occupation to another, go from one place to another,
are never settled, never satisfied ; they may be railroaders by profession,
but if they stick to the work forty years they have perhaps worked for a
score of roads.
Mr. Beckerleg was born in the extreme southern part of the Dominion
of Canada, just across the river from Detroit, Michigan, November n,
1852. He is a son of John and Margaret (Glendenning) Beckerleg, both
natives of England, the father born April 1, 1825. He received a good
education, learned the trade of stone cutter when young, and followed the
same the rest of his life. When young he emigrated to Canada, where he
established his future home. He was twice married, our subject being by his
second wife. Our subject's father died on October 4, 1869, an<i tne mother's
death occurred in November, 1885, both dying in Canada. Our subject is
one of five children, three of whom are still living, namely : John, of this
review; James lives in Paris, Texas; William and George are deceased;
Joseph lives in British Columbia.
John Beckerleg grew to manhood in Canada, where he received his
education, and there he resided until 1870, when he came to Pacific. Mis-
souri, which was on the east end of the Frisco railroad, and there he went
to work, on March 17th, of that year, in the machine shops, and later became
a blacksmith, and before the end of that year he was given a run as fireman
on the east end of the division, later he ran on the middle division, from
Dixon to Springfield, then worked as extra out of Springfield and in various
capacities, until 1875, when he had a regular run as engineer on a freight
train. In 1880 lie was promoted to extra passenger engineer, and in 1882,
was given a regular passenger run from Pierce City. Missouri, to Van
Buren, Arkansas: continuing as engineer of a passenger be was given a
run in 1886 out of Ft. Smith. Arkansas, ami for a number of years he has
been running between that city and Springfield, and is still active and as
good an engine driver as at any time in his career. As stated, he is the
olde-t engineer on the Frisco, in point of years of service, and is deserving
of a great deal of credit for his faithful work.
Mr. Beckerleg was married July 23. 1874. near Sullivan, Missouri, to
Retta Waits, who was horn in August, 1054, twelve miles from Rolla, this
state. She is a daughter of John 1*'. and Mary (Botoff) Waits, the father
a native of Columbus, Ohio, and the mother was born in Pittsburgh, Penn-
sylvania. Mr. Waits was an iron molder by trade. His death occurred in
Springfield, Missouri, in March, t888, and his wife preceded him to the
grave in 1883. They had made their home in Springfield many years. They
were both of German blood.
Three children were horn to Mr. and Mrs. Beckerleg, namely: John
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. l8oi'
Waits, born on September 8, 1875, in Franklin county, Missouri, received a
common school education, and early in life gave evidences of a mechanical
turn of mind. He began working in the round-house in Springfield, for the
Frisco, and later was given a position as fireman, and has been in the road
service ever since 1898; twelve years ago he was given charge of a switch
engine and is still thus employed; he married Vedie May White, a native
of Greene county, this state ; they have no children ; he is a member of the
Brotherhood of Firemen No. 51. The second child of our subject was
Charles Wesley, who was born in 1877, and died when three months old.
Walter Blanchard, the third child, was born April 20, 1886. He received a
public school education, and he began railroading as a fireman before he was
twenty-one years of age, and he is now an engineer. On November 2, 1908,
he married Edna Morris, which union has been without issue.
Politically, John Beckerleg is a Republican. He belongs to the Masonic
Order, is a member of Division No. 83, Brotherhood of Engineers, and
religiously he is an Episcopalian.
CLAYTON R. PICKERING.
That the career of such a man as the late Clayton R. Pickering, for
many years a popular justice of the peace in Greene county, besides being
treasured in the hearts of relatives and friends, should have its public record
also, is peculiarly proper because a knowledge of men whose substantial
reputation rests upon their attainments and character must exert a whole-
some influence upon the rising generation. While transmitting to future
generations the chronicle of such a life, it is with the hope of instilling into-
the minds of those who come after the important lesson that honor and
station are sure rewards of individual exertion.
Mr. Pickering was born near Greenville, Tennesee, May jj, 1841-. Me
was a son of Samuel Pickering and wife, both natives of Tennesee, where
they were reared and married. Our subject's mother died when he was
quite small and he was reared by his step-mother, who was Margaret John-
son before her marriage. Samuel Pickering devoted his active life to farm-
ing. A few years after the Civil war he removed with his family, including
our subject, to Missouri, locating in Green county. He was the father of
eight children, four by each of his wives, our subject being one of the
first union, and was a first cousin of David Crockett, the famous scout and
adventurer.
Clayton R. Pickering grew to manhood in Tennesee and worked on
the farm when a boy. He received a limited education in the common
l802 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
schools there, and later in life became a well informed man by home study.
He left school when the Civil war began and enlisted in the First Tennessee
Cavalry, serving in the Union army under Gen. Sherman, and was in the
Atlanta campaign and on the march to the sea, and was in many important
engagements and saw considerable hard service during the three years of
his enlistment. He narrowly escaped death many times, once in particular
when his horse was shot from under him, wounding him by the fall. When
a young man he learned the carpenter's trade, which he followed after
locating in Greene county, Missouri, and was regarded as an exceptionally
skilled workman. He finally located in the town of Republic, this county,
where he served as postmaster for some time, then was elected justice of
the peace for two terms. In 1902 he located in Springfield, where he spent
the last years of his life, and served as justice of the peace, in which capacity
he proved to be an efficient, unbiased and popular public servant, his decisions
always being fair to all parties and showing a sound knowledge of the basic
principles of jurisprudence, and they seldom met with reversal at the hands
of higher tribunals.
Mr. Pickering was married July 3, 1902, in Springfield, to Mrs. Vassie
(Douglass) Morris, who was born in Greene county. Missouri, on April 1,
1863, and here grew to womanhood and was educated in the common schools.
She is a daughter of Rufus and Caroline (Bottom) Douglass, both natives
of Tennessee, where the}- grew up and were married, and from there moved
to Springfield, Missouri, in an earl}- day and they spent the rest of their lives
on a farm in Greene county. Mr. Douglass was also a trader in live stock,
etc., and was a highly respected man. His political relations were with the
Republican party. His family consisted of these children: Jonathan, Eliza-
beth, Jane Vassie. our subject's wife, and Amanda. Mr. Douglass came to
Greene count}-. Missouri, on horseback in an early day, but died soon there-
after. The death of Mrs. Pickering's father occurred on December 31,
189 1, and her mother died on August 13, 1902.
Airs. Pickering was first married to Elvis Morris, by whom she had
one child, Opal Morris, who was born October 18, [889, and she was reared
in Springfield, where she received a good education. She is living with her
mother in their home <>n West Mount Vernon street. The union of .Mr. and
Mrs. Pickering was without issue.
Politically Mr. Pickering was a Republican, and religiously he belonged
to the Congregational church. His death occurred on November 1, 191 1.
when past his three score and ten.
Mrs. Pickering's uncle. James Douglass, had a good many slaves before
the Civil war, but finally freed them, however, but not until one of them
murdered his wife. The guilt}' negro was hanged. This uncle raised an
orphan child. Seley Johnson, who was well known here.
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. 1803
REUBEN J. HIATT.
While such men as the late Reuben J. Hiatt are not lauded in the public
press as the leaders of world's workers, yet they perform their roles in life's
drama quite as successfully and are just as necessary in the general scheme
of things as their more famous compeers, for it was Longfellow who wrote
that "each thing in its place is best," and might as well have said that each
person in his place is best, for mother Nature designed each of us for a
specific niche in the world and it is our fault if we do not fill it properly and
faithfully. Mr. Hiatt was a man of many strong natural characteristics
and he tried to do his best in whatever capacity he was placed, and his life,
which has been closed by the common fate awaiting all that is mortal, was
a useful and successful one.
Mr. Hiatt was born, March 2j, i860, in Crab Orchard, Kentucky,
where the Hiatts had long been well established. He was a son of Ormstrom
and Elizabeth (Roberts) Hiatt, both natives of Kentucky also, where they
grew to maturity, were educated in the old-time schools and were married
and established their home. Ormstrom Hiatt has been engaged in active
farming from his boyhood until the present time, and is still living near the
town of Crab Orchard, Kentucky. His family consisted of twelve children,
four of whom are still living. He is now advanced in years.
Reuben J. Hiatt grew to manhood on the home farm in Lincoln county,
Kentucky, near Crab Orchard, and there assisted his father with the general
work during the summer months, when he became of proper age, and in
the winter time he attended the district schools, receiving the usual educa-
tion of farmer boys of that period. He remained in his native community
engaged in farming and stock raising until he was about twenty-six years
of age, then came to Missouri, first locating at Liberty, Clay county, where
he remained until his removal to Springfield, this being his home until 1901,
when he went to Dallas, Texas, where he spent five or six years, then re-
turned to Springfield, where he spent the rest of his life.
In his earlier career he was engaged in the sewing machine business,
and was very successful in the same; later he traveled for a well-known
piano house. He gave his employers eminent satisfaction in everv respect
and was regarded as one of their most faithful, efficient and trustworthy
employees, and he remained a traveling salesman the rest of his life. He
was widely known over the territory which he made and was popular with
the trade, being a genial, obliging and friendly gentleman who made friends
easily.
Mr. Hiatt was married to Minnie Cravens, who was born in Daviess
county, Missouri, October 6, 1857. She is a daughter of 'William and Re-
1804 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
becca (Bryan) Cravens. The father was born in 1835, died in 1883, and
the mother was born in 1838 and died in 1888. These parents spent their
active lives on a farm. They removed with their only child, Minnie Cravens,
who became the wife of our subject, to Springfield, Missouri, about forty-
six years ago, when the town was small. Here Mrs. Hiatt grew to woman-
hood and received her education in the common schools.
Four children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Hiatt, named as follows:
Emma, born December 31, 1886, married Jerry Cravens, and they live in
Chicago; Homer, born December 17, 1890; Thelma, born September 11,
1894, and Wilbur, born September 4, 1895; the last three children live with
their mother at the family home on St. Louis street.
Politically, Mr. Hiatt was a Democrat. He was a member of the
Woodmen of the World and the Christian church.
The death of Mr. Hiatt occurred in 1906, at the early age of forty-six
years.
HUGH P. COLVIN.
There was something essentially American in the life and character of
the late Hugh P. Colvin. The United States has given rare opportunties
from the first to men of courage, honesty of purpose, integrity and industry,
to achieve success. ' The bulk of our public men and those who have legiti-
mately achieved fortune, have been men of the above characteristics, and
Mr. Colvin was essentially one of that stamp, although never a man of
wealth or a holder of important public trusts, but his record shows that he
was the possessor of the traits of character that men must have if they
achieve much success in any field of human endeavor. He was a man of
the people, and his success in life came as a result of his devotion to right
and his tenacity to purpose.
Mr. Colvin, who devoted his active life principally to railroading in
one form or another, was born February 4, [861, in Clinton county. New
Jersey. He was a son of Bernard and Rose ( .Mulligan) Colvin, both parents
natives of Ireland, from which country they came to America when children
with their parents, each family Nettling in New Jersey in which state the
parents of our subject were married. Bernard Colvin was a quarryman by
trade, and while he was an authority on political questions be was not an
office seeker. I lis family consisted of ten children, eight of whom are still
living, namely: Mary. Elizabeth, John is deceased, Bernard, Hugh P. of
this sketch: Alice. Mike, Catherine. James and Ella.
I high P. Colvin grew to manhood in New Jersey and there received a
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. 1805
common school education. He remained there until he was about twenty-
one years old, when he came to southeastern Missouri, and he and his brother
went into the railroad construction work, and became successful contractors.
They built part of the Cotton Belt railroad in Arkansas, also part of the
Canadian Pacific railroad. Later the subject of this sketch became an employe
of the former road and worked his way up to a responsible position in the
same. In 1886 he began with the Memphis railroad, first as fireman, and
five years later lie went to West Memphis, Tennesee, where he handled the
trains across the Mississippi river on transfer boats, was yard master and
in charge of a switch engine. In the summer of 1890, he went on the road as
engineer in the freight service, was twice in the same service, and while
still in the service went to Thayer, Missouri, where he remained in the same
line of work until 1893. In 1893 he moved with his family to Springfield,
and continued railroading as engineer in the passenger service between
Springfield and Thayer, pulling the "Memphis Flyer," the Frisco fast train.
In 1908 he was injured in a wreck, his fireman being killed at that time,
and our subject was incapacitated for service for three months as a result
of his injuries. He resumed his work as engineer which he followed until
December 19, 191 1, when he and his fireman were both instantly killed in a
wreck two miles south of Mountain Grove, Missouri. He was well known
to railroad men and was one of the Frisco's most trusted and efficient
engineers.
Mr. Calvin was married, January 28, 1892, to Margaret Irby, who was
born in Memphis, Tennessee, May 23, 1875, and there reared to womanhood
and educated. She is a daughter of Charles and Drusilla (Grant) Irby,
natives of Kentucky and Tennesee, respectively. Mr. Irby was born on
October 15, 1845, ancl n's death occurred on December 31, 1913; his wife
was born on January II, 1852, and she died in September, 1878. Mr. Irby
was a railroad man and for many years was an engineer on the Memphis
& Little Rock railroad, maintaining his home at Hopeville, Arkansas, and
later he was master of mechanics for that road at Memphis, while the great
bridge across the Mississippi river was being built. Politically he was a
Democrat. He was twice married, and had two children by his first wife,
Mrs. Marie Smith, and Mrs. Margaret Colvin, widow of our subject.
Eight children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Colvin, all still living, namely :
Harry, born on November 1, 1892; Bonnie, born on August 6. 1894; Edith,
born on August 15, 1896; Frank, born on September 13, 10.02; Hugh, born
on March 3, 1905; Margaret, born on March 2, 1907; John, born on August
28, 1910; and James, born on July 24, 1912.
Politically Mr. Colvin was a Democrat. He was a member of the
Brotherhood of Engineers. Fraternally he belonged to the Knights of
1806 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
Columbus. He was a Catholic in religious matters. His widow has a pleas-
ant home on College street. He was a man whom his officials could always
rely upon and whom his acquaintances and friends all liked for his friendly
manner and high character.
JAMES GARFIELD CHILDRESS.
It is a great privilege to be able to spend our lives on the old home
place. "The roof that heard our earliest cry" has a charm and fascination
for us which we cannot find elsewhere, and no matter where on earth our
restless footsteps may wander we ever long to be back under the old roof-
tree of our parents. However, this is by no means practicable to many
people. For various reasons, often through necessity, we leave our child-
hood home and seek our fortunes in other countries, and seldom revisit the
hearth-stone around which we played as a child. James Garfield Childress
has been favored by fate in this respect and has always lived on the home-
stead in Wilson township, Greene county, with the exception of a short
period spent in the city.
Here Mr. Childress was born May i, 1880. He is a son of William and
Ellen (Tensley) Childress, the former a native of Kentucky and the latter
of Illinois. The father of our subject came to Greene county, Missouri, in
1863, and settled on two hundred acres in Wilson township, a part of which
excellent farm our subject now owns, and the elder Childress continued to
reside here until his death, which occurred in 1883, his widow surviving un-
til 1912, outliving him twenty-nine years. To these parents twelve children
were born, six of whom survive at this writing, namely: Mrs. Mary Jones,
wife of John Jones, a farmer of this township, and who is represented in this
work by a separate sketch : Will lived in Clever, Missouri, until his death,
which occurred about one year ago by accident; Charles lives south of
Manonville ; Dave lives in Clever, Missouri; .Mrs. Minnie Campbell lives in
Springfield. Missouri; Mrs. Fannie Brayfield lives in Carthage, Missouri;
and James G, of this sketch, who is the youngest of the family.
James G. Childress was reared on the home farm and here he has
always lived, with the exception of two years spent in Springfield. He
received a limited education in the district schools of Wilson township.
While his mother lived he was to be found at home, being very attentive to
her every want, and since her death he has remained on the home farm,
and is doing his own housework, since he has never entered the marriage
state, lie possesses seventy acres of the estate, and on this he carries m
general farming, renting twenty acres from his sister, which he also operates
and thus has a good acreage out each year in various crops. He has kept
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. 1 8oj
the old farm well cultivated and well improved, so that its value has increased
in every respect, rather than deteriorated as some negligent farmers allow
their land to do.
Mr. Childress has never affiliated himself with either church or fraternal
organization, but in politics his views are pronounced, and he adheres to
the Republican party in both victory and defeat, and he is desirous of seeing
his locality improve in material and civic ways.
JOHN JONES.
As every one knows, methods of farming are changing and we are
learning many things that the husbandmen of half century ago did not know
or at least did not attach much importance to. Among other things the
farmer of today has learned that the soil is a mixture of ground rock frag-
ments ami mineral mixed with more or less organic material. Some one
has rightly said, "The soil is Nature's dumping-ground." All animal and
plant refuse not burned or carried away by streams, eventually reaches the
soil. Were it not for the fact that this vast amount of material is constantly
decaying and becoming soluable we would eventually become polluted in Na-
ture's waste products.
One of the farmers of Wilson township, Greene county, who has not
been slow in adopting advanced methods of tilling the soil is John Jones,
owner of "Shady Grove Farm." Mr. Jones was born in Taney county,
Missouri, September 4, 1847. He is a son of Jabis and Elizabeth Jones,
natives of Missouri. The father owned eighty acres and rented the same
amount of land in Greene county. He at one time lived near Lebanon,
Laclede county. His death occurred when the subject of this sketch was
seven years of age, and a year later the mother passed away.
John Jones received a very limited education. After his father's death
the mother sold the home farm, and after her death our subject lived with
his uncle, James Cook, and later with an aunt. When eighteen years of age
he was married to Mary Graham, a daughter of James Graham and wife,
both of Christian county, this state, where they lived on a farm. After
four years of married life, the wife of our subject died. To this union two
children were born, one dying at the age of three years and the other in
infancy. Three years after the death of his first wife, Mrs. Jones married
again, choosing as a helpmate Mary Childress, a daughter of William and
Ellen Childress, formerly of Illinois, from which state they came to Greene
county, Missouri, after the Civil war and settled in Wilson township on
one hundred and sixty acres. Mr. Childress was born in Kentucky. Our
l8o8 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
subject's second union has resulted in the birth of seven children, named
as follows : Johnnie, Ira, Robert, Madeen, Bessie (deceased), Mrs. Myrtle
Barber, and Vida, the last named being at home with her parents.
Mr. Jones owns sixty acres of good land in Wilson township, which
he operates together with twenty-two acres which he rents from his brother-
in-law, Mr. Childress. He is making a comfortable living as a general
farmer and stock raiser, and, considering his early environment and the fact
that he grew up without the protection, advice and guidance of parents and
lias had to "hoe his own row" from the first, he is deserving of a great deal
of credit for what he has acomplished. On his farm is one of the most
splendid wells in the township, which is a favorite among his neighbors.
In connection with raising general crops. Mr. Jones is doing a very good
business raising horses and mules, also handles other live stock.
Politically, he has voted the Democratic ticket since attaining his ma-
jority. His joyial nature makes him many friends wherever he goes.
A. J. JOHN'S T< >N.
A forward-looking, dynamic-energied citizen of Springfield, a man of
vision and purpose, who has in many ways aided in Missouri's betterment, is
A. J. Johnston.
Mr. Johnston was born in Washington county, this state, near Potosi,
on June 14th, in the year 1869, of English and German parentage. His
father was a minister of the Christian church, later joining the Baptist
communion. While still a mere child he was brought to Houston. Texas
county, and was reared on a farm near the county-seat. His equipment for
the affairs of life in the way of an education came from the common schools
and the training of a model Christian home. Reaching manhood's estate,
in [890, he and Miss Verta Cross were married and for twenty-five years
now have faced sunshine and storm together. Mrs. Johnston is the daugh-
ter of T. A. Gross, of Marion, Ohio.
The four children who have blessed this union are. Ray Augustus.
Floyd Albert. Glen Paul and Beulah, but the little girl crossed over the riyer
many years ago.
Some six years ago, Mr. Johnston moved to Springfield and for the
last five years has been in the real estate business. He has made a number
of deals and always ha- 1 >n his l» oks a list of good properties. When he
came to Springfield he determined to give of his talent, time and money in
aiding the upbuilding of Greene county and its capital, and has never failed
b ' do bis part.
GREENE COUNTY, MlSSOl/RI.
1809
In his chosen business, Mr. Johnston has always stood high, for he is
honest and careful in all his dealings. Recently he has leased a suite of
rooms in the Landers building, which are perfectly adapted to the business,
fitted up with every modern convenience.
Mr. Johnston has been prominently identified with the development of
southern Missouri, in which he has extensive interests. No one has given
more time, thought and effort to bringing before the people of the United
A. J. JOHNSON.
States the great resources of the Ozark region and the opportunities which
are presented here for men of moderate means to get a start and secure
a competence in a few years.
Prominent among the propositions which he has on hand at the present
time is the disposition of the Springdale ranch, the only body of land of its
kind remaining in this section. Eight thousand acres of virgin soil under-
laid with mineral wealth and covered with a forest in which valuable timber
abounds, here await development. The position of this great tract of land
is in the midst of a portion of the country in which important projects are
(114)
l8lO GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
on hand and rapid progress is being made. Springdale ranch is inter-
esting, not only in connection with prospective developments there, but in
the fact that it is a great reservation in which the natural resources of the
Ozark region are shown in a remarkable manner, exhibiting to the people
of this day and generation a view of the land as it appeared to the pioneers
who made their way into this country in the first quarter of the nineteenth
century, a reminder of the vision which excited the enthusiasm of the French
explorers of an earlier period, causing them to write charming descriptions
of this portion of the domains of the king of France, then known as Louis-
iana. Samples of ore- taken from the Springdale ranch have been sent to a
prominent assayer at Denver, Colorado, who reports a value of $78.90 of
gold, silver, lead and zinc per ton.
JAMES E. LUP'ER.
All who have studied the present-day problems of supply and demand,
will agree that there is always a market for what the farmer raises, but
that it is costing" him too much to "get by the middle men" and get his
products in the hands of the consumers. When this problem is satisfactorily
solved such careful and industrious fanners as James E. Luper, of Wilson
township, Greene county, will be more justly rewarded for their labors.
Mr. Luper was born in Washington county. Arkansas, January 5. 1867.
He is a son of John and Eliza (Ingram) Luper, both nativ.es of Tennessee,
born on farms and there spent their early lives, but removed to Arkansas
when young and established their future home, and there the death of the
father occurred in 1807, a few months before the subject of this sketch was
born. The mother survived until in January, 191 1, reaching an advanced
age, having survived her husband about forty-seven years. To these parents
six children were born, named as Eollow: Mrs. Amanda Luttrell. Mrs. Jane
M,i\ie. Simion A., John A., William S.. all live in Arkansas; and James
E., of this sketch.
James E Luper grew to manhood on the farm in Washington county,
Arkansas, and there he received his education in the rural schools. When
eighteen years of age he left home and came to Greene county. Missouri,
June 27, [885, and went to work for Jonathan Moore, with whom he re-
mained two years and Four months. He saved his earnings and finally began
fanning for himself, which he has continued to the present time, and is
now owner of eighty acres of good land in Wilson township on which he is
making a comfortable living by general farming and stock raising. He has
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. lNl I
worked hard for what lie has and has led a quiet life, progressing slowly
with advancing years.
Mr. Luper was married on September 4, 1887, to Ella Moore, a daugh-
ter of S. B. and Ann (Payne) Moore, who were old residents of Greene
county, where they spent their active lives in farming, and they are now
living retired in Springfield. The following children were born to them :
Ella, wife of our subject ; J. R., win > lives in Greene county; Mrs. Ollie Burk-
head, of Springfield; Anderson lives in Kansas; Flossie V., who lives in
Springfield, is the widow of Dr. Knowles, deceased ; Charles lives in Spring-
field; Bessie has remained unmarried; Fred and Harvey both live in Kansas
City. Mrs. Luper grew to womanhood in Wilson township, this county,
and received her education in the district schools, and, having spent her life
in her native vicinity has many friends throughout same.
Air. and Mrs. Luper have but one child. Lulu May Luper, who is at
home with her parents.
Politically Mr. Luper is a Republican in national affairs, but often votes
independently in local elections. He and his wife are members of the
Christian church.
WARREN NELSOX CAMP.
Longfellow said, "The talent of success is nothing more than doing what
you can do well and doing well whatever you do, without any thought of
fame." Illustrative of this sentiment has been the life of the late Warren
Nelson Camp, one of the well-known railroaders of Springfield, of a past
generation. Those familiar with his life work readily corroborate the state-
ment that he did well whatever he turned his attention to and therefore suc-
cess attended his efforts.
Mr. Camp was born at Adrian, Michigan, August 5, 1843. He was a
son of Robert Camp and wife, and grew to manhood and spent his early life
near his native city, and there received a good practical education, however,
his schooling was not as extensive as he desired, for his father was a farmer
and on the homestead our subject found plenty of work to keep him busy
most of the year when he was a boy. He began life for himself as a rail-
roader in his native state, and he followed this line of endeavor the rest of
his days, his promotion being rapid owing to his faithfulness to duty, his
sober habits and intelligence. He engaged in the creamery business in Michi-
gan for about seven years. After leaving his native state, he went to Ft.
Wayne, Indiana, where he continued railroading for some time. On March
17, 1898, he came to Springfield, Missouri, and took a position with the
Frisco System as conductor and continued in the service until his death,
l8l2 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
which occurred here on May 6. 1901. He accumulated considerable property,
which was left to his widow and children, Mrs. Camp being well provided
for.
Mr. Camp's marriage was celebrated in Dertoit, Michigan, to Mrs.
Marie O. Holmes, widow of John B. Holmes, a railroad man who was killed
while on duty for the Michigan Central railway. By her marriage with Mr.
Holmes three children were born to the widow of our subject, namely:
Walter B., Charles R., and Howard D. Her union with our subject was
without issue. Mr. Camp became the father of three children by his first
marriage, namely: Maude, who is the wife of William Shotwell ; Major and
Mamie, twins, both deceased.
Mrs. Camp is one of four children, she being the oldest : her three sisters
are Mrs. Margaret Louise Carnley, Mrs. Josephine Odell is a widow, living
in Detroit ; and Mrs. Sarah Lanniere lives in Ottawa. Canada. The parents
of these children were George and Oberline (Paquette) DeGras, both natives
of St. Johns, New Brunswick, and all their ancestors were of French origin.
In his earlier career George De Gras was a deep-sea sailor, and later went
into the ship-building business, and with his father he also engaged ex-
tensively in fishing, which is a great industry, for some time before coming to
this country. Mrs. Camp was twelve years of age when her father died. He
was a "forty-niner," making the long journey to California across the great
plains. He never returned; in fact, was never again heard from, and it is
the supposition that he was murdered. Mrs. Camp received a good com-
mon school education. She is a member of the Sorosis club.
Mr. Camp joined the Presbyterian church early in life. He belonged
to the Ancient Order of United Workmen, the Masonic Order and the
Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.
EMIL O. DAVIS.
Though no land is richer in opportunities or offers greater advantages
to its citizens than America, success is not to be attained through desire
alone, but must be persistently sought. In this country "labor is king," and
the man who resolutely sets to work to accomplish a given purpose is cer-
tain of success if he has but the qualities of perseverance, untiring energy and
practical common sense. Emil (). Davis, well known Frisco passenger con-
ductor, of Springfield, through his diligence and perseverance has attained
definite success in his calling and has won the respect of all who know him
through his unfailing courtesy and trustworthiness.
Mr. Davis was born at Springfield. Greene county, Missouri, February
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. 1813
i, 1870. He is a son of Robert Henry and Victoria (Caynor) Davis. The
father was born in Nashville, Tennesee, and the mother is a native of Greene
county, Missouri. Robert H. Davis left his native state and located in this
county in an early day and here established his permanent home. He was a
soldier in the Civil war, in Company H, Eighth Missouri Volunteer In-
fantry, under Capt. "Bob" Mathias, serving over four years in a most faith-
ful manner, taking part in several engagements, including the battle of Wil-
son's Creek. He was mustered out and honorably discharged at St. Louis.
After the war he returned to Springfield and spent the rest of his life en-
gaged as traveling salesman for many years for the J. Baum Shoe Company,
of St. Louis.
Emil O. Davis, only child of his parents, grew to manhood in his native
community, and he received his education in the common schools of Spring-
held. He spent his boyhood days at home, but in early life took up rail-
roading for a career, which he has followed ever since. In his early boyhood,
however, he was employed as a grocery clerk, and once when delivering
goods a patrol wagon overtook him and two policemen climbed into his de-
livery wagon and were rapidly driven by young Davis to a place where they
desired to make an arrest, and in their haste most of the groceries were lost
along the street. This resulted in his employer discharging him upon his
return to the store. This seemingly insignificant incident resulted in chang-
ing the lad's subsequent career, for soon thereafter he took up railroading.
In 1885, he accepted a position with the Frisco as caller and later worked
as switchman until 1899, when he began his road service as brakeman, con-
tinuing thus for three years, then was promoted to freight conductor and,
in 1896, to passenger conductor. Leaving the road service he was appointed
yard master of the terminal in 1900, which position he held until 1904, when
he went back to a passenger run and has continued to the present time. Dur-
ing his entire service with the Frisco, covering a period of nearly thirty
years, he has never been discharged. He has done his work faithfully and
conscientiously and is one of the company's most trusted employees.
Mr. Davis was married in this county, November 23, 1890, to Axie
Burford, a daughter of Phillip L. and Martha (Nichols) Burford, both na-
tives of Tennessee, where they spent their earlier years, but came to Missouri
in pioneer days and settled in Webster county on a farm, and became prom-
inent citizens in that section. In 1888 the family located in Springfield, and
here made their permanent home, in which the parents spent the rest of
their lives, the father dying in January, 1908, and the mother in March,
1904. They were the parents of twelve children, namely: William L., de-
ceased; Jonathan D. ; Daniel; F. ; Ferdinand L., deceased; Albert N. ; Mrs.
Elizabeth Callaway; Benjamin T. ; Morris B. ; Mrs. Lucy Pipkin; Phillip I.;
1 8 14 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
Mrs. Mattie H. Edwards, deceased; and Axie, wife of our subject. Mrs.
Davis had the advantage of an excellent education, in the public schools of
Marshfield, Morrisville College and Drury College.
Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Davis, namely : Robert
O. and Alma, twins ; they have been given excellent educational advantages ;
the son is married, and the daughter is living at home.
Mr. Davis is a member of the Order of Railway Conductors, Knights
and Ladies of Security; his wife and children also belong to the latter order,
and he and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, South.
JOHN J. UNDERWOOD.
Those who belong to the respectable middle classes of society, being
early taught the necessity of relying upon their own exertions, will be more
apt to acquire that information and those business habits which alone can
fit them for the discharge of life's duties, and indeed it has long been a
noticeable fact that our great men in nearly all walks of life in America
spring from this class. The subject of this sketch, whose life history we
herewith delineate, is a worthy representative of this class, from which the
true noblemen of the republic spring ; but he has made no effort to be
a leader of men, contented to lead an honest, industrious and conservative
life, desiring no other title than that of a good citizen.
John J. Underwood, president of the Springfield Stone & Fuel Com-
pany, was born near Bolivar, Polk county, Missouri, August 25, 1872. He
is a son of Abraham Alexander Underwood and Martha Ellen (Nenninger)
Underwood. The father was a native of Pennsylvania, and the mother of
Ohio. They grew up, were educated and married in the East, and resided
there until 1S70, when they removed to Bolivar, Missouri. A. A. Under-
wood was one of five children. When the Civil war came cm he enlisted for
service in the One Hundred and First Ohio Volunteer Infantry, from Bucy-
rus county, Ohio, and saw considerable hard service, including the greatest
battle of modern times, Gettysburg, and he was also in a number of other
important engagements. After a gallant service of two and a half years
he was mustered out and honorably discharged. He studied law. and after
coming to Bolivar, built up one of the largest practices in southwest Mis-
souri and was one of the leaders of the Democratic party in this section of
the state and prominent in public affairs. He was a candidate for Congress
in 1876. His family consisted of eight children, namely: Mrs. Jennie Far-
rer, of Springfield; Gertrude died in infancy: Mrs. Mary West lives in Ok-
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. 1815
lahoma City; Sherwood is deceased; Alex is in South America; John J.,
of this review; Thomas lives in Springfield; and Charles, deceased.
John J. Underwood was reared in his native community and received his
education in the schools of Bolivar; his sisters were graduates of the South-
west Baptist College there. Our subject attended school until he was eighteen
years of age, then moved to a farm with his parents, near Bolivar, where he
worked for a number of years, then went to Oklahoma City, and took up a
claim near there, where he remained a year in the city and a year on the
claim, then returned to the home farm and lived there until 1907, when he
located in Springfield and started in the feed and fuel business on Com-
mercial street, and a year later took up the commission business, and later
helped organize the Merchants Baking Company, and operated one of the
best bakeries, although not so extensive as some, in the state, and was
highly complimented by the state inspector, who stated that our subject's
bakery was the cleanest and most sanitary on his record or that he had in-
spected in his territory. Mr. Underwood made this venture a paying one
and operated the bakery until 191 1, when he was one of the incorporators of
the Springfield Stone & Fuel Company, which was capitalized at ten thousand
dollars, and which has been a pronounced success under his able manage-
ment, he being president and manager of the same, and he now owns all
the stock of the company. The other two incorporators were M. H. South-
worth and A. L. Farrer.
Mr. Underwood carries on a general stone contracting business and also
deals in cement, stone and fuel, but makes contracting bis principal business
and handles large jobs, and in recent years he has furnished the materials
for a number of the most important new buildings in Springfield, such as the
addition to the government building, State Normal School building, all the
material for the state home of the Knights of Pythias, such as sand and
cement, and he did all the stone work on the State Normal School, also
many other of the best modern buildings here. His work has been eminently
satisfactory in every respect, and prompt and high-grade work is his aim,
as well as scrupulous honesty. He understands thoroughly even- phase of
his business, which is rapidly growing, and he is one of the best known con-
tractors in his line in this section of the state. He also enjovs a large trade
in fuel.
Mr. Underwood was married September 9, 1895, to Carrie Farrer, a
daughter of Bucher and Elizabeth (Rafferty) Farrer. Her father was a
native of Iowa and her mother of Ohio. They located in Dallas county,
Missouri, in an early day and lived there until the father's death. His family
consisted of three children, namely: A. L., Carrie, who married Mr. Under-
wood ; and Charles. Mrs. Underwood grew to womanhood in Dallas county
and was educated in the common schools there.
l8l6 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
Three children have been born to our subject and wife, namely: Edna,
Earl and Mary.
Politically Mr. Underwood is a Democrat. He is a member of the
Christian church, and fraternally he belongs to the Benevolent and Pro-
tective Order of Elks, the Knights of Pythias and the Modern Woodmen of
America. His wife belongs to the Mothers' Club of the Boys' School, and
she is an active member of Campbell Street Methodist Episcopal church,
South.
THE JOHN F. MEYER & SONS MILLING COMPANY.
This corporation, which conducts the largest flour milling business in
Springfield, is composed of a father and his four sons. John F. Meyer, the
father, and the founder of the business, began making flour in St. Louis in
1864, half a century ago, and continued in that line in that city steadily
until 1894, a period of thirty years.
In the last mentioned year Mr. Meyer took into partnership with him-
self, his four sons, Ferdinand P., H. J., H. A., and Louis S. Meyer, and
established the firm under the name of John F. Meyer & Sons. As soon as
this partnership was formed the large three-story brick milling plant, known
at the time as the "Queen City Mills," and located on the northwest corner
of Booneville street and Phelps avenue, Springfield, was purchased. This
corner had been the site of a mill for many years prior to the date of
the Meyer purchase. John Schmook. one of the most prominent builders
of the early day Springfield during and immediately after the Civil war,
had here for years a grist mill, and a planing mill adjoining. That was
afterward succeeded by the Queen City Mills, the first of the large flouring
plants (if the city, and this was the building that in [849 was purchased
by the new milling partnership of John F. Meyer & S'His.
They at once remodelled the whole interior of the building, refitted it
with the latest and most effective machinery, and increased its capacity to
seven hundred barrels of flmir per day. A large elevator was also added at
the east of the mill building, and smaller elevators were built at different
points in the region, where the soft Missouri wheat for use in the mill was
bought direct from the farmers who raised it.
The business grew and prospered. Every sack of Meyer flour that
went to a consumer was an advertisement more effective than columns in the
papers. The best wheat obtainable, the best machinery with which to reduce
it to flour, and the most skillful men in the trade to operate that machinery;
these, and strict business management, and and fair treatment, built up. ex-
tended, and established the business, and sent its products not only in all
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. 1817
directions into neighboring states, but in no small quantities entered the
foreign market and established a demand for it beyond the sea.
Meanwhile the partnership had been made into a corporation under the
name which still exists of the John F. Meyer & Sons Milling Company. In
1 901, after seven successful years at the original Springfield location, the
demands of the trade justified large expansion, and a fine site was purchased
at the corner of the National Boulevard and Pine street, in the manufactur-
ing district in the eastern part of the city. Here a thoroughly modern mill
was erected, furnished throughout with the latest machinery, and of a ca-
pacity of eight hundred barrels per day of hard wheat flour and four hundred
barrels of soft wheat flour. A fine elevator was also added to the equipment
of the new mill, the combined capacity of the elevators at the two mills
and country stations aggregating five hundred thousand bushels. The smaller
elevators for purchasing wheat direct from the growers, are scattered through
Greene, Dade, Lawrence and Barry counties.
The business is stocked for one hundred thousand dollars capitaliza-
tion, and has a surplus of two hundred and fifty thousand dollars. The
company has some sixty employees, and a weekly pay-roll of a thousand
dollars. The two most popular brands of flour turned out by the concern,
are the Albatross, "Best on earth" soft wheat flour, and the Meyer's Model,
"Always reliable," hard wheat flour. The reputation established by these
brands is such that the copyright of the names is no small asset in such a
business.
The general offices of the company are in suites 722, 723 and 724 Mer-
chants-Laclede Building, St. Louis. The president, John F. .Meyer, and the
secretary, Ferdinand P. Meyer, have charge of the St. Louis office, while
the vice-president, Herman J. Meyer, the treasurer, Henry A. Meyer, and the
general manager, Louis S. Meyer, are residents of Springfield and attend
to the manufacturing end of the business.
In giving the story of such a successful business enterprise, it should
not close without some slight sketch of the men behind the concern, who
made the success possible, and we will close this story with a few words of
personal history.
John F. Meyer, the head of this company, was born in Westphalia,
Germany, on the 16th day of July, 1830. He spent his boyhood upon his
father's large farm in Westphalia, and after the good old German fashion,
he was given a thorough education. When a young man he learned the
milling business, and followed it in Germany until he was thirty years of
age. In i860 he joined that great company of his fellow countrymen, who
saw a better outlook for themselves and their children in the great republic of
the west than in their native land, and he emigrated to the United States.
He located in St. Louis, Missouri. For four years he was in the grocery
l8l8 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
business, but in 1864, he formed a partnership with J. F. Imbs, under the
name of Imbs, Meyer & Company, and entered into the trade which he had
learned in Germany, and which he was to follow for life.
He married in St. Louis, in 1862, Miss Katherine Fechtel, who was also
a native of Westphalia, Germany. The St. Louis milling business prospered,
through the same means that have later made the Springfield concern one
of the institutions of the Southwest. As Mr. Meyer's sons grew up they
were most of them taught their father's trade of milling, and thus when the
proper time came, were prepared to assume the responsibilities of the new
company in Springfield. For just half a century John F. Meyer has followed
his chosen business of milling. No man is better posted in all the intricacies
of the trade: no man is better known as an expert on all questions con-
nected with it, and at eighty-four years of age, he is still a clear headed,
and must highly respected business man.
Of the four sons who with the father form the company, it need only
be said that their twenty years in Springfield have demonstrated their entire
ability to meet any competition, and all the demands of trade. Steadily and
without any parade or sounding of trumpets, the John F. Meyer & Sons Mill-
ing Company has pursued the even tenor of its way. Starting with the
highest ideals of furnishing as perfect a product as was humanly possible,
they have held strictly to that plan, and the years have proved the correct-
ness of the theory by crowning the work with the greatest success.
JAMES WILLIAM CLARK, M. D.
i oncentration of purpose and persistently applied energy rarely fail
of success in the accomplishment of any task however great, and in tracing
the career of Dr. James William Clark, a well known and successful physi-
cian of Bois D'Arc, Greene county, it is plainly seen that these things have
been among the main secrets of his rise to a position of prominence and
respectability. Moreover, he possesses genuine love for his work and re-
gards it as a privilege to carry comfort and aid to the sick and suffering.
Dr. Clark is a scion of an old Southern family, and himself was born
under Dixie's skies, having first seen the light of day at Bowling Green,
Kentucky, .March 15, 1K74. He is a son of Joseph M. and Harriet H.
('Shannon) Clark. The father was bom, July 25, [833, and died March S,
[909. He was a son of Bowling McKagy Clark, who was horn. December
8, 1777. The latter married on June 6, 1831, Jane Hagerman, who was
born November 30, [808, Joseph M. (lark grew to manhood in the old
I '.lue ( irass state and received a common school educatiton, and there he
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. lSl<)
followed general farming and stock raising until 1882, when he moved to
near Halltown, Lawrence county, Missouri, where he purchased about four
hundred acres of land, where he carried on general agricultural pursuits on
an extensive scale until his death, making a specialty of handling live stock,
and while living there he shipped on the market over five hundred head of
cattle and over three thousand hogs. He and Harriet H. Shannon were
married, December 4, 1862. She was bom, March 30, 1842, in Bowling
Green, Kentucky, and is a daughter of Samuel and Elizabeth (King) Shan-
non. Samuel Shannon was born in Warren county, Kentucky, August 1,
1798, and was killed by falling off a horse in 1882. He followed farming
in Warren county, Kentucky, all his active life. He and Elizabeth King
were married, February 5, 1822. She was born in Warren county, Ken-
tuckv, May 21, 1803, and her death occurred in young womanhood, June 2,
1832. Politically, foseph M. Clark, mentioned above, was a Democrat.
Fraternally, he belonged to the Masonic Order, and he was an active worker
in the Baptist church, was responsible for the Antioch church, and was a
deacon in his congregation for a number of years. His wife, mother of our
subject, is still living, making her home in Halltown, Missouri.
Five children were born to Joseph M. Clark and wife, namely: Arthur
V. is farming near Perry Springs, Missouri; Miles J. is cashier of a bank
at Halltown, Missouri; Readie J. is the wife of C. H. Johnson, and they
live near Halltown; Dr. James W. of this review, and Dr. Samuel M., who
is a practicing physician at Halltown.
Dr. James W. Clark grew to manhood on his father's farm. He was
eight years old when the family left Kentucky and settled in Lawrence
county, Missouri. He received his early education in the public schools, and
he was graduated from the high school at Halltown in 1892. When but a
boy he decided to enter the medical profession, and with this end in view he
began reading medicine with Dr. C. A. Wilkerson as preceptor, and also
read with Dr. R. W. Paris while at home and during vacations. In 1896
he entered the St. Louis College of Physicians and Surgeons, where he made
an excellent record, and from which institution he was graduated with the
class of 1899. Soon thereafter he established himself for the practice of
his profession at Miller, Lawrence count}-, where he remained two years,
then located in Ash Grove, Greene county, where he remained two years.
After practicing in Springfield three and one-half years he came to Bois
D'Arc, where he has since remained, and here he has built up a large and
satisfactory practice and is one of the busiest of the younger general prac-
titioners in the county. He has remained a close student of all that pertains
to his science and has met with a high degree of success.
Dr. Clark was married. May 17, 1899, to Pearl M. Misemer, of Perry
Springs, Missouri. She was born, October 1. 1876, and was a daughter of
l820 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
William and Mary E. (Berry) Mesimer, a highly respected family of that
locality. Mrs. Clark was killed in Springfield, September 26, 1914, by a
runaway team that ran into the automobile driven by our subject.
Politically, Doctor Clark is a Democrat. He is a member of the Meth-
odist Episcopal church, South, and fraternally, belongs to the Independent
Order of Odd Fellows, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and
the Modern Woodmen of America. He has made a host of friends since
locating at Bois D'Arc and enjoys the confidence and good will of the people
throughout this section of the county.
ALBERT MARTIN GLASS.
This gentleman is another of the old soldiers whom it is a delight to
honor. They are getting fewer and fewer in number and their steps are
not as quick and full of meaning as they were fifty years ago when they
were fighting for the supremacy of the Union. But it thrills one to see
them in their old uniforms, with their tattered flags flying and their forms
bent as they hobble along on their canes at reunions, Memorial Day or the
Fourth of July. And how interesting it is to listen to them recount the
stirring scenes of that momentous period in our country's history. Mr.
Glass, who hails from the old Buckeye state, is now living in retirement
on his fine farm near Bois D'Arc, Greene county, having in his early years
accumulated a sufficient competence to insure the possession of all the com-
forts nf life in his old age.
Albert Martin Glass was born near Mapleton, Stark county, Ohio, June
18, 1843. He is a son °f John and Sarah (Baker) Glass. John Glass was
born in Virginia, October 24. 1815, and was a son of William and Priscilla
(Wiley) Glass, both Virginians. William Glass was born, February 2,
1790, and immigrated to Stark county, Ohio, in a very early day and there
followed farming, later removing to near White Pigeon, Michigan, where
he continued farming until his death, at an advanced age. His wife also
lived to a ripe age. John ( ilas-> spent his life on a farm in Stark county,
Ohio, and died there, March 3, 1845. He and Sarah Baker were marred
on January 2, 1840. She was born in Stark county, Ohio, September 30,
[823, ami her death occurred in February, 1901. The death of John Glass
occurred March 3, 1X45. Politically, he was a Whig, and he belonged to
the Presbyterian church, as did his wife.
To John Glass and wife the following children were born: Priscilla;
Uberl Martin, our subject, and John I'... deceased, a sketch of whom appears
elsew here in this work.
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. 1S2I
Albert M. Glass grew to manhood on the home farm in Stark county,
Ohio, and he received the usual common school education of that period.
On August 8, 1862, he enlisted in Company B, One Hundred and Fifteenth
Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and spent several years in the service in the South.
He was taken prisoner in February, 1864, by bushwhackers, near Murfrees-
boro, Tennessee. The only great battle he was in was at Stone's River, or
Murfreesboro. Mr. Glass was mustered out and honorably discharged,
July 6, 1865, at Cleveland, Ohio, thereafter returned to the farm in Stark
county, Ohio, and continued general farming there until 1871, when he came
to Greene county, Missouri, locating in Center township, purchasing land
and he now owns two hundred acres of productive and well located land,
which he has brought up to a high state of improvement and cultivation and
which ranks among the best and most desirable farms of the county. He
has a large pleasant home and a substantial group of convenient outbuild-
ings. He still lives on his farm, but merely oversees it in a general way,
having lived practically retired from active life during the past twenty
years.
Mr. Glass was married, December 13, 1870, to Susan Van Voorhis,
who was born in Stark county, Ohio, on November 16, 1844, and there she
grew to womanhood and received such educational advantages as those days
afforded. Mrs. Glass was a daughter of Peter and Margaret (Sickman)
Van Voorhis. The father was born in Duchess county, New York, Febru-
ary 8, 1795, and the mother was born in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, Feb-
ruary 19, 1805. There they were married, and were the parents of four-
teen children, our subject's wife being the eleventh in order of birth.
Three children have been born to Albert M. Glass and wife, namely:
James I., who is operating the home farm, was born September 6, 1871, and
was married, January 28. 1897, to Olive Tressler, a native of Stark county,
Ohio; they have one boy living, Henry E., born July 14, 1898; Dwight P.,
born April 22, 1901, died September 18, 1903. Earl C, second son of our
subject, is practicing dentistry in Independence, Kansas; he married Edwena
Chandler, a native of Illinois, on March 2^, 1909; he graduated from the
Western Dental College at Kansas City. Iva R., third child of our subject,
was born December 20, 1878, and died February 11, 1914; she married
Marvin J. Ross in November,' 1903, and to their union two children were
born, Florence and Edna.
Politically, Mr. Glass is a Republican and has been school director for
many years. He belongs to the Grand Army of the Republic, and he and
his wife are members of the Christian church. During his residence here,
of over forty years, he has been known as an excellent citizen in every re-
spect.
1 822 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
EDWARD GARNER TUCKER.
There is an inherent something in every successful man that singles him
out and sets him apart. He has ideas of his own, and in those ideas he has
faith that nothing can shake. He defies precedent, ignores rules and falters
not to do what others have failed to do before him. Edward Garner
Tucker, president of the Tucker-Ferguson Company, of Springfield, has
proven that he is a man of individual ideas and the possessor of those
qualities which make for success, such attributes as ginger, candor, honesty
of purpose coupled with a naturally optimistic temperament, which has
been stimulated by actual observation.
Mr. Tucker is a scion of an old Southern family, and his birth occurred
May ii, 1872, in Lebanon, Kentucky. He is a son of Creed H. and Row-
anne (Riffe) Tucker. The father was born in Virginia, July 13, 1832, and
when young in years moved to Kentucky with his parents, where he spent
much of his life, successfully engaged in the hotel business until 1869, when,
owing to failing health, he retired from active affairs. His death occurred
in 1897. Politically, he was a Democrat, and in religious matters a Baptist.
He and Rowanne Riffe were married in Lebanon, Kentucky, about 1859.
She was born in the Blue Grass state in 1842 and there grew to womanhood,
and, like her husband, received her education in the old-time common schools.
She is still living, although past her alloted three score and ten years.
She makes her home among her children, of whom there are: Mrs. Verne
Powell, Boston, Massachusetts; Airs. Florence Tucker, Doling City: and
Mr-. A. II. Gifford.
Edward G. Tucker spent his boyhood in Kentucky and moved with his
parents u> Sedalia, Missouri, when young. lie received a common school
education and attended high school at Sedalia. later studied ai Garfield Uni-
versity, Wichita, Kansas. After leaving school, he worked for the Adams
Express Company in Springfield, Missouri, for a period of fourteen years,
having come to this city in 188S. lie gave the company eminent satisfac-
tion in every respect and was regarded as one of their most faithful and
eflficienl employes, lie was alert, prompt, reliable and courteous, lie went
to Pittsburg, -Kansas, in to<>4. and engaged in coal mining t'<>r three years,
and his ventures there as an operator were quite successful. In 1907 he re-
turned to Springfield and engaged in the warehouse business, enjoying a
good patronage for two years, and in 1909 he and ( '. A. Ferguson incor-
porated the company of which he is now president and manager, and which,
by his able management and close application, has grown to large propor-
tions. They conduct one of the best known and most successful storage and
transfer businesses in tin- part of the state.
GREENE COUNTY, .MISSOURI. 1823
A detailed description of the Tucker-Ferguson Company will be found
on another page of this volume, to which the reader is respectfully directed.
Politically, Air. Tucker is a Democrat; however, he votes independently
in local matters. Religiously, he is a member of the Christian church.
Mr. Tucker was married, August 15, 1S97, to Elizabeth Ferguson,
who was horn. October 5, 1876, in Springfield. She received a good educa-
ttion, and is a daughter of John R., Sr., and Virginia Ferguson.
Five children have been horn to Mr. and Mrs. Tucker, namely:.
Edward G., Jr., horn February 14, 1899, died when seventeen months old;
Florence R., horn in 1902; Edna M., born in 1905; Anna E., horn in 1907;
Alice B., born in 191 1. The daughters are all in school.
BRIGHT AND SALTS.
Bright and Salts are today among the enterprising and well known
business men of Bois D'Arc, where they are engaged in the livery business,
their barn being one of the best patronized in the west part of Greene
county. They have a modernly equipped barn, which they keep in as neat a
manner as possible and their horses are always well groomed and give good
service. Their vehicles are also well kept and the firm tries to give prompt
and honest service at all times, consequently it is popular with the traveling
public.
John C. Bright was born in Benton county, Arkansas, February 10,
1881. He is a son of Alfred W. and Kate (Maberry) Bright, both long
since deceased.
|ohn C. Bright grew to manhood in his native state and worked on
a farm when a boy, and he received his education in the common schools.
He continued farming in Arkansas, Oklahoma and Missouri, until [913,
having removed to the last named state in 1905. He is at this writing suc-
cessfully engaged in the livery business at Bois D'Arc with Robert A. Salts.
Mr. Bright was married February 22, 190S, to Maud Salts, who was
horn in Center township, Greene count)', Missouri, in December, 1885, and
here she grew to womanhood and received her education in the public schools.
Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Bright, namely; Harley A.,
born June 19, 1909: James A., born July 28, 1912.
Robert Allen Salts was horn in' Center township, Greene county, Mis-
souri, February 19, 1893. He is a son of Joseph and Elizabeth ( Walker)
Salts, for years popular and well known farmers of Center township.
Robert A. Salts grew to manhood on the home farm, where he worked
when a boy, and he received his education in the district schools of his com-
1824 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
munity. He engaged in general farming until 1914, when he went in busi-
ness with his brother-in-law, John C. Bright, at Bois D'Arc, a member of
the livery firm of Bright & Salts.
Mr. Salts married on January 13, 1912, Zula Shumate, who was born,
September 3, 1895.
Politically Mr. Salts is a Progressive, and religiously he is a Baptist.
He is a young man of much energy and is straight-forward in his dealings
with the public.
AMMOX KXIGHTEX.
It is now becoming generally understood that the life of the man who
lives closest to nature is the best life, and no class of men are in better
position to receive the benefits which are thus to be derived than farmers.
You study the merchant, the professional man. the artist, the preacher,
statesmen and inventor to find their lives no more excellent than the lives
of mechanics or farmers. While the farmer stands at the head of art as
found in nature, the others get but glimpses of the delights of nature in its
various elements and moods. Amnion Knighten, one of the most progres-
sive general farmers and stockmen of Franklin township, Greene county,
is one of our worthy citizens who has ever taken a delight in nature and exist-
ence, because he has been in touch with the springs of life, having spent
his years on the farm.
Mr. Knighten was born on November 26, 1854, in Lawrence county,
Arkansas. He is a son of William York Knighten and Sarah (Archey)
Knighten, both natives of that state also, the father's birth occurring in
Lawrence county, December 28, 1826, and there he grew to manhood and
.married. He was a life-lung farmer. He remained in his native state until
1873 when he came with his family to Dade county, Missouri, where he
fanned a year, then moved t<> Webster county, and a year later took up his
residence in Dallas county, where he bought a farm of eighty acres on which
he spent the rest of his life, dying there at the advanced age of eighty-two
years. He was a successful general farmer and handled a great deal of live
stock. He owned nearly four hundred acres of good land in Arkansas. He
was three times married, first to a Miss Phillips, and to this union one child
was born, Mrs. Sarah Thome. The second wife of William Y. Knighten
was known in her maidenhood as Sarah Archer, and to them eight children
were born, namely: John Amonet is a practicing physician of Springfield;
Amnion, subject of this sketch; William Thomas lives in Dade county, Mis-
souri; Alice is deceased; William York, Jr., died in Greene county in 1901 ;
Laura died in infano ; Mrs. Radie West lives in Lebanon, Laclede county.
>
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. l°2$
this state; Airs. Effie Le Hew lives in Wisconsin. The mother of the above
named children died on the home farm in Dallas county, Missouri, in Feb-
ruary, 1877. The third marriage of William Y. Knighten was to Sally
Stever, a native of Webster county, Missouri, and to this union four children
were born, namely; Bogie, deceased; Mrs. Minnie Williams lives in Dallas
countv. this state: Winfrey also lives in that county; and Bertram, who lived
on the farm with the subject of this sketch, died in 1894. Politically, Will-
iam Y. Knighten was a Democrat, and he belonged to the Christian church.
Amnion Knighten grew to manhood on the home farm where he worked
when a boy, and he received a common school education. He came to Greene
count}- in January, 1891, locating at Hickory Barrens, Franklin township,
ten miles northeast of Springheld. He learned the blacksmith's trade at
Marshtield, Webster county, and there he maintained a shop for some time,
and also had a shop at Hickory Barrens, where he spent eight years, lie was
regarded at both places as an exceptionally highly skilled workman. He
also operated a store at the latter place, which he finally traded for a farm,
and has since followed farming. He located on his present fine farm (The
Mansel Putman homestead) in 1900. It is known as "The Prairie View
Stock Farm." In connection with general farming he raises live stock in
large numbers, specializing in Aberdeen and Galloway cattle, mostly the
latter breed. His registered pedigree bull "Laddie," an Aberdeen, known
as "Prairie View Laddie Xo. 4," was bred by J. M. Jones, of Everton,
Missouri. It is the sire of "Laddie Blanchard," and its register number is
177435. Mr. Knighten's fine stock is greatly admired by all, being superior
quality. His farm contains over four hundred acres of excellent land. It
is nearly all under cultivation, a small portion being in timber. It is well
improved in every way. and he has a substantial and convenient group of
buildings. Everything about his place denotes thrift and good management.
He also raises good horses, and the many cattle that he raises are sold to
local buyers. He is one of the best judges of live stuck in the county. He
built his present handsome residence in 1906, and has made most of the
other improvements on his farm.
Mr. Knighten was twice married, first, to Mary E. Dotson, Julv 10.
1873. She was born in Polk count}', Missouri, but was reared in Arkansas.
Her death occurred in 1891. To this union five children were born, namely:
Samuel Arthur, who lives in Franklin township, near Fair Grove: Ida died
when six years of age; Lona, wife of Claude L. Headlee, lives in Franklin
township ( a sketch of Mr. Headlee and family appears on another page
of this work ) ; John Albert is deceased: Pearl is also deceased.
On May 6. 1900, Mr. Knighten married for his second wife, Marv Jane
Putman. a daughter of Mansel and Minerva (Tames) Putman. This sec-
(115)
1826 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
oncl union has been without issue. A sketch of the Putman family will be
found in another part of this volume.
Politically, Mr. Knighten is a Democrat, and fraternally he belongs to
the Independent Order of Odd Fellows at Fair Grove. He was reared in
the faith of the Missionary Baptist church. He is a congenial, quiet, plain
gentleman and it is a pleasure to talk to him and visit his hospitable home.
He is a man of strong intellectual endowment, and is deserving of much
credit for his large success in life.
ANDREW B. DUNCAN.
It requires not only close application and studious habits to succeed in
this day and age as a photographer, but also a natural esthetic taste. These
characteristics are undoubtedly possessed by Andrew B. Duncan, one of the
leading photographers of Springfield and southwestern Missouri, a man
whose work has kept well abreast of the times and whose studio it is a
pleasure to inspect by those who delight in and appreciate art of a high
order.
Mr. Duncan was born, April 20, 1850, in Ontario, Canada. He is a
son of Donald McDonald Duncan and Dorothy (Gennett) Duncan. The
father was born near Grennock, Scotland. January 15. 1X12, ami the mother
was a native of Ireland, burn in 181 5. They grew up in the British Isles
and received limited educations, were married there and remained in that
country until they emigrated to Canada, and there they kept an inn until
the father's death in the year [864. The mother died in Ottawa, Canada,
in [873. The maternal grandfather of our subject was captain of the ('oast
Guards in Cork, Ireland, llis name was Andrew Bennett. Nine children
were born In Donald .M. Duncan and wife, only three of whom survive at
this writing, namely: [sabelle, Andrew 11.. and Frederick T.
Andrew B. Duncan grew to manhood in Canada and he received his
education in the common and high schools of Ottawa. When a young man
he took a position with the Singer .Manufacturing Company in .Montreal,
which he held for some time, and was in the sewing machine business for a
period of twenty years, during which time he became thoroughly conversant
with every phase of the business and made a success, lie came to Kansas
City, Missouri, in r886, where he was connected with the White Sewing
Machine Company for a period of five years. In [891 he began bis career
as photographer for which he had not only a natural liking but a decided
innate ability and consequently was successful from the start. For ten years
be was official photographer for the Frisco railroad, using his own private
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. 1827
car, which was a model in every respect of its kind. He traveled extensively
and did high grade work for which he was commended by the officials of
the road. He came to Springfield in 1903 and located at the old Sittler place
on St. Louis street. He was burned out there and he then moved to his
present location. Since coming to this city he has enjoyed a large and con-
stantly-growing business and his neat and modernly appointed studio is
visited by people from all over the Southwest. I lis work is high-grade in
every respect. He is an expert at posing as well as in finshing and he is
never behind in the changing styles in his art.
Mr. Duncan was married on December 22, 1873, m Arnprior, Canada,
to Mary Lyon, a native of that place, where she was reared and educated.
The union of our subject and wife has been without issue.
Air. Duncan is a member of the Masonic ( )rder. including the Knights
Templar and Ancient Arabic Order of Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. He
holds membership in the Calvary Presbyterian church.
HOLLAND DAIRY FARM.
During the past few years it has been demonstrated beyond a question
of a doubt that the best paying dairy is the one that is most sanitary and
managed under scientific methods, although the expense of proper equip-
ment and maintenance may be large, in the end the outlay is not regretted.
Those who own dairies nowadays pay more attention to the comfort of their
stock than in former years. Barns are kept clean and filled with light and
air. are built with cement floors, windows for ventilation, much attention
paid to an adequate supply of fresh water and high-grade food; in fact, there
lias been as much progress made in dairying as in most other lines of in-
dustry during the past decade.
One of the most up-to-date, sanitary and successful dairies in ( Ireene
and surrounding counties is the Holland Dairy, owned and operated by
Charles Holland, on his fine farm of four hundred and forty acres just
west of Springfield, and the fame of this model dairy is far-reaching. It
is often visited by people from other parts of Missouri and other states
for the purpose of getting ideas for the establishment of dairies or improv-
ing those already established.
Here is to be seen a one-story concrete housing barn, thirty-six by one
hundred and ten feet, complete with "Star" equipment; three silos with a
capacity of five hundred tons. He keeps an average of fifty head of high-
grade Holstein cows, the best that the market affords, and his herd is given
the tuberculosis test twice a year. The cows are milked by Sharpies milkers.
18^8 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
The milk is never exposed to the air, going direct from the machine to the
cooler, where the temperature is reduced from one hundred and one degrees
to forty-four degrees, and from there to the bottling machine. All this
machinery is thoroughly cleaned by steam and hand. One hundred and fifty
gallons of milk are produced daily in this dairy. The tubular coolers are
made of one and one-half inch copper tubes, which are tinned on the inside as
well as on the outside. The tubes are made of sufficient gauge to with-
stand high pressure. Heavy tinned brass strips fill up the spaces between
the tubes. The cooler represents a continuous surface on both sides, which
facilitates the cleaning. Brass plugs are provided so as to be able to clean
the inside of the tubes and free them from any sediment. All coolers are
made with double waterway connections. They are figured on a basis of
twenty square feet of cooling surface to each one thousand pounds of milk
or cream cooled. A double end milk bottle filler is used, quarts at one end ;
pints, half pints or quarter pints at the other. It is installed in a regular bot-
tling house, where four hundred and fifty bottles are prepared daily for the
trade and sent to the Springfield market in attractive deliver}- wagons,
especially designed for the purpose. The most approved stanchions are to
be seen in the milking barn.
The Holland Dairy has been frequently praised by leading dairymen
of the country and much written of in dairy publications.
Charles Holland, owner and manager of this dairy and surrounding
farm, was born on November g, [879, in Springfield. Missouri. He is a son
of T. B. and Bertonia (Hamilton) Holland, for a long lapse of years one
of the prominent families of this locality, and of whom extended mention
is made on other pages of this work.
Charles Holland grew to manhood in his native city, and after attending
the common schools, entered Drury College, where he spent three years,
later was a student for four years in the Webb School at Bellbuckle, Ten-
nesee, and was graduated from that institution in [902. He then spent a
vear in Yanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennesee, after which he entered
the employ of the Holland Banking Company in his native city, and con-
tinued in the same until 1907, when he went into the live stock business,
importing Coach and Percheron horses from France. He continued suc-
cessful v in this business until January 1, 191 4, when he sold out and has dis-
continued this line of endeavor. In 1912, he began operating the Holland
Dairv Farms, and this is now claiming his chief attention and it has been a
most successful venture in every respect.
Mr. Holland was married April 18, 1900, to Louise Massey, a daughter
of Frank R. and Sallie (Jones) Massey, one of the best known and in-
fluential families of Springfield, in which city Mrs. Holland was born on
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. 1829
April 25, 1879, and here she grew to womanhood and was educated. She
has long been popular with the best clubs and social circles and is a lady of
many pleasing attributes.
The union of Mr. and Mrs. Holland has resulted in the birth of four
children, named as follows: Colley B., born on July 7, 1901 ; Charles, Jr.,
born in March, 1903; R. Massey, born on May 7, 1905; Richard H., born
on May 9, 1907. They are all attending school, and are lads of much
promise.
Politically, Mr. Holland is a Democrat. He is a member of the Spring-
field Club, and fraternally belongs to the Masonic order, in which he has
attained the thirty-second degree, and he also belongs to the Benevolent
and Protective Order of Elks.
ELMER D. SQUIBB.
The people of Bois D'Arc and vicinity point to Elmer D. Squibb, well-
known jeweler and optician, as one of their most valued citizens, admiring
him for his high moral character; for his life among them since his birth,
some four decades ago, ma}- well be likened unto an open book. That
they place implicit confidence in him is evidenced by the fact that he is re-
garded as one of the leaders in public affairs and is now serving them as
postmaster. The duties of the various positions of trust which he has been
called upon to fill have been discharged with credit.
Mr. Squibb was born in Bois D'Arc, Greene county, Missouri, May 11,
1875. He is a son of Joseph D. and Sarah (Leeper) Squibb. The name
began from the Spanish Esquivel, and passed through France as Esquib,
thence to Reading, Gerkshire, England, as Squibb, thence to Nova Scotia,
and from there to Brooklyn. Xew York, where Dr. Edward R. Squibb
established what is known today as the oldest chemical laboratory in the
world. William P. Squibb and descendants are at Lawrenceburg, Indiana.
John YV. Squihl 1 and descendants are known in Greene county, Tennessee,
while James Squibb, the paternal grandfather of our subject, came and set-
tled in Greene county, Missouri, in the early forties, where eight sons and
one daughter, forty grandchildren and seventy great-grandchildren survived
him in 1914. Joseph D. Squibb, father of our subject, is today living in
Center township, carrying on general farming, operating about five hundred
acres, practically all of which is under cultivation. He has reached the age
of sixty-four years and is well preserved and can do as much work as ever.
Mrs. Sarah Squibb, mother of our subject, died in November, 1877.
She was a daughter of Andrew- Leeper and wife,, who were natives of Greene
1830 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
county, Tennessee, and came into Greene county, Missouri, in the early
forties and were among the first settlers. Here they first established the
Leeper home. They have long since passed over the River of Time.
Elmer D. Squibb grew to manhood in Bois D'Arc and received his edu-
cation in the public schools here, later attending for one year the Marion-
ville Collegiate Institute at Marionville, Lawrence county, then studied in
the Scarrett College at Neosho, Missouri, one year. From 1892 to 1899 he
ran a drug store and studied pharmacy, passing the state board's examina-
tion in 1906. In 1899 he engaged in the grocery business. In 1900 he at-
tended the Horological school at Omaha, Nebraska, from which he was duly
graduated as a jeweler and optician, and in 1901 established his present store
in Bois D'Arc. which he has since conducted with much success, enjoying
a large business with the surrounding country. He carries a carefully
selected line of jewelry, diamonds, watches, clocks, fobs, chains, bracelets,
lockets, rings, charms, eye glasses, etc., and he has met with pronounced
success as an optician. His repair work is regarded as high-grade.
On December 26, 1902, Mr. Squibb was appointed postmaster at
Bois D'Arc and has since served in this capacity in a manner highly accept-
able to the people and the department. Politically, he is a Republican, and
has keen very active in political affairs for some time. He served one term
as constable of his township and in 1912 made the race for treasurer, but
went down in the general defeat of his party. He was township committee-
man from 1902 to 1908. Fraternally, he belongs to Lodge Xo. 449. Ancient
Free and Accepted Masons, and has been worshipful master for about eight
year.-,; he belongs ti 1 Ash Grove Chapter of Royal Arch Masons, and Zebud
Council of Royal ami Select Masters, of Springfield; he is also a member
of Ash Grove Lodge X". 422, independent ( )rder of Odd Fellows, the
Woodmen of the World, of which he has been secretary for four years, and
is also a member of the Woodmen of the World Circle, lie and his wife
are members "i the Methodist Episcopal church.
Mr. Squibb was married. .May 11. [898, to Maude M. Frame, who
was born, April iS. [879. She is a daughter of J. W. and Delilah (Jones)
Frame. Her father was born September 28, 1855, and her mother was
born, Febmarj 12. [852; the latter's death occurred March 1. [883. Mrs.
Squibb is a member of tin- Order of Eastern Star, Ash Grove Chapter, Xo.
[09, She is deputy postmaster at Bois D'Arc. She is one of three children
by her father's first marriage: Homer <■. who is a practicing physician at
Cave Spring; Mrs. Squibb was next in order of birth, ami Rosalee, who mar-
ried Walter E, Baker, a merchant of Hois D'Arc. Mrs. Squibb received her
education in the public schools in Bois D'Arc and is a graduate of Omaha
Optical Institute. Omaha, Nebraska.
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. [83]
JOHN FRANKLIN MASON.
While splendid success has come to John Franklin Mason, he has ever
been actuated by the spirit of Lincoln in his sentiment : "There is some-
thing better than making a living — making a life." He was formerly one
of the enterprising business men of Ash Grove, and is now the efficient
recorder of Greene county and makes his home in Springfield. Beginning
in a comparatively humble position in life he has made his way to a place of
substance and honor entirely through his own efforts and yet he has not con-
sidered his private interests onlv, but rather has given greater consideration
to the public welfare, for which he has ever been ready to make sacrifices.
Mr. Mason was born, November 26, 1868, on a farm near Halltown,
Lawrence county, Missouri. He is a son of Reuben B. and Mary E. (Rich-
ardson) Mason. The father was born in Lawrence county, this state, on
January 13, 1843. and was a son of Abraham and llulda (Bodenhamer)
Mason. Abraham Mason was a native of North Carolina, where he spent
his earlier years, and removed to Indiana in 1838. In 1841 he came West
and settled in Lawrence county, Missouri, where he entered a large tract
of land, which he cleared and on which he carried on general farming until
his death, which occurred in 1861. lie was one of the influential citizens in
that county in pioneer times. Politically, he was a Whig. His wife, who
was also a native of North Carolina, died on the home place in Lawrence
county, July 25, 1880. Reuben M. Mason grew to manhood on the home
farm and be received a common school education; he followed farming all
his life, with the exception of the time he spent in the Union army during
the Civil war as a member of the Seventy-fourth Missouri Militia, and later
as a member of Company A, Sixteenth Missouri Cavalry, lie saw con-
siderable active service and made a good record as a soldier, and was hon-
orably discharged and mustered out of the service, June 30, 1865. On
January 18, 1866, he married Mary E. Richardson, who was born in Law-
rence county, Missouri, October 26. 1846. She was a daughter of John \Y.
and Maria L. (Ferris) Richardson. Politically, Reuben B. Mason was a
Republican. His death occurred on March 27, 1902, but his widow is still
living on the homestead near Halltown.
John F. Mason grew to manhood on the home farm in Lawrence county
where he worked when a boy, and be received bis education in the common
schools. He worked on the farm until 1898, when he went to Spencer,
Missouri, where he spent four years in the mercantile business, and in 1002
moved to Halltown, engaging in the same line of endeavor, enjoying an
excellent trade in both places. In 1907 he went to Ash Grove, where he
conducted a drug store with success until he was elected to the office of
1832 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
county recorder, November 3, 1914. He carried his township by the largest
number of votes that any candidate for county recorder ever received. He
was elected by a majority of six hundred and ninety-three votes. He is
rilling the office in a highly creditable manner, being industrious, prompt
and courteous in his dealings with the public.
Mr. Mason studied pharmacy and passed the examination required by
the state board of pharmacy, November 25, 191 1. He had a neat and well
stocked store and carried a full line of drugs and drug sundries and he built
up a large trade.
Mr. Mason was married, January 23, 1898, to Mina Nickel, a daughter
of James A. and Jane (Breeden) Nickel, and to this union one child was
born, James B. Mason, whose birth occurred on August 10, 1899. The death
of the wife and mother occurred September 8, 1903. Mr. Mason was again
married on April 10, 1906, to Daisy Smith, a daughter of Gaither and
Melvina (Oldham) Smith. To this last union one child has been born,
John M. Mason, whose birth occurred July 24. 1908.
Politically, Mr. Mason is a Republican, and fraternally, he is a member
of the Masonic Order, including the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons,
the Chapter and the Royal Arch Masons, all of Ash Grove; he also belongs
to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Woodmen of the World.
DAVID MILLER RITTER.
We are always glad to talk to the aged veterans of America's great Civil
war, in which nearly five million men took part, but of this vast number only
a comparatively few remain with us to tell the interesting story of the dread-
ful hardships they endured in their winter camps, in the hospitals, the harass-
ing marches, in the battles and skirmishes, or in the prison hells. But their
time is short now. so all persons should join in honoring them for sacri-
fices they made when the) were young and full of the love of life, but
which was ottered free on tin- altar of their country. David Miller Kilter
oi Center township, Greene county, is one of this number. He has made
his home 111 our midst nearly a half century during which he has pn pressed
from a modest beginning as a fanner to one of the largest agriculturists in
the tow nship.
Mr. Ritter was horn near South Bend, St. Joseph county, Indiana.
February 10, 1842. He is a son of Jacob and Elizabeth 1. Miller 1 Ritter.
Mie lather was one of the pioneer settlers of that county, having moved
there from Wayne county, Ohio. Our subject traces his ancestry hack-
to the historical Boston "Tea Party," when Aaron Miller, his maternal
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. 1 833
great-grandfather, assisted in throwing the tea overboard. To Jacob Rit-
ter and wife twelve children were born, seven of whom are living, namely:
Aaron is a retired farmer of Greene county; William H. H. is a retired1
farmer of St. Joseph county, Indiana; Franklin is farming in the last-
named county; Emeline is the wife of I. N. Miller, a retired farmer of New
Carlisle, Indiana; Clarinda B. is the widow of John T. Buchtel, of South
Bend, Indiana; Lorinda is the wife of Ouinn Bulla, a fruit grower of
Pomona, California, and David M. of this sketch.
Our subject was reared in his native county and received a good edu-
cation in the common schools and the Northern Indiana College at South
Bend. In 1862 he enlisted in the Twenty-first Indiana Battery of Light
Artillery and served gallantly in the Union army until the close of the war,
reaching the rank of corporal. After he was honorably discharged he
returned to Indiana, and after a term in college came to Springfield, Mis-
souri, in the spring of 1866, accompanied by H. E. Hardman, a former
army comrade. They came overland, driving a herd of one thousand sheep.
They were three months on the road. They first settled on Leeper Prairie,
Greene county, buying forty acres there, selling out two years later and
moving near Springfield on the Campbell farm, where they broke seventy
acres of prairie for June Campbell, using ox teams for this purpose, having
traded their sheep for cattle. They remained with Mr. Campbell three
years, then our subject and Mr. Hardman dissolved partnership and Mr.
Ritter and his brother Aaron formed a partnership and bought forty acres
in the eastern part of Center township, adjoining our subject's present farm.
Mr. Ritter of this sketch then homesteaded eighty acres adjoining on the
south where he now resides, later purchasing one hundred and sixty acres
from the Frisco railroad in Campbell township, but adjoining his home
place, the property lying on the eastern boundary of Center and western
boundary of Campbell township. Later he purchased forty acres more,
making a total of three hundred acres, one hundred and twenty acres of
which has been set to an apple orchard, which is one of the largest producers
in this section of the ( )zarks. His land is all well improved and he has an
attractive home and numerous outbuildings. He has been successful as a
stock raiser also, giving preference to horses and mules. He is regarded
as being exceptionally well informed in general farming subjects as well as
horticulture and stock raising.
Mr. Ritter was married on May ^o, 1872, to Josephine Martin, a
daughter of Joseph and Lucinda (Beets) Martin, who came from Anna,
Union county, Illinois, to Greene county, Missouri, many years ago and here
established their permanent home.
Three children have been born to our subject and wife, namely: How-
ard [., born on July- 4, 1873, was educated in the Springfield high school
1834 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
and Drurv College, married, in 1907, Ollie Piper, a daughter of Wesley
Piper, of Ash Grove, Missouri; he is engaged in farming, his place lying
beside that of his father, our subject; Clara L., born on January 31, 1876,
was educated in the Springfield high school, married in September, 1895,
Robert L. Toombs, a traveling salesman of Springfield, and they have two
children, Robert, Jr., age eighteen; and Ethel .May. age sixteen. Ethel E..
our subject's youngest child, was born on April 21, 1878, was educated in
the Springfield high school, married, in 1900, Alfred O. Smith, a travel-
ing salesman of Springfield, and they have three children. Alfred Ritter,
who is now thirteen years old; Richard Ritter. who is now ten years old;
and Helen Josephine, who is eight years old.
Politicallv, Air. Ritter is a Republican.
BEX'JAMIX B. COUNTS.
"Whatever is, is best" wrote the poet Longfellow. Evidently he did not
believe in destiny or good fortune; rather, any man who blames destiny
should blame himself. Good fortune simply means good opportunities that
come to every man if he has the sagacity to see and accept that which is
offered. Providence rules, but not to the advantage of the lazy and inef-
ficient. Every man must be the architect of his success. If he has the right
mettle in him he cannot be kept down. If he is made of inferior material
he cannot be kept up, though all the world try to elevate him. Benjamin
B. Counts knew at the beginning of his career that if he succeeded he would
have to be industrious, capable and conscientious, and so he has forged
ahead because of these qualities,
.Mr. ( omits was horn mi March 22, 1874, at Indianapolis, Mahaska county.
towa. He is a son of James Alexander Counts, a native of West Virginia,
where he spent his boyhood and attended school, coming West before the
breaking "lit of the Civil War. but was in Ohio when I. inc. In called for
troops to suppress the Southern rebellion, s, > he at once cast In- lot with
the Union and enlisted in the Forty-fifth <»lii<. Volunteer Infantry, in which
he served as a private [or three years, taking part in many of the mosl
important battles of the war. In early life he learned the blacksmith's
trade, at'which he became an expert and owned ami operated a large shop
of his own until three years before his death, when he retired from active
life, lie died at \ft<m. Oklahoma, in [910 at the age of sixty-nine years.
Politicallv lie was a Democrat. He belonged to the Masonic order and to
the P.aptist church. He married Margaret L. Houghton, who is living at
the homestead in Afton, Oklahoma, being now sixty-seven years of age.
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. 1835
To these parents five children were born, namely : John Vester, formerly
a section foreman on the Santa Fe road, is now farming in Oklahoma;
Benjamin B., of this sketch; Claudius is a printer by trade and lives at
Alhambra, Colorado; Erma is the wife of Oscar Byers and they live at
Afton, Oklahoma; J oat is an electrician and lives at Bartlesville, Oklahoma.
Benjamin B. Counts received his education in the public schools, leaving
school when seventeen years of age and went to work for his father at
blacksmithing. remaining with him until he was twenty years of age. then
married and began working for himself, following his trade, at Senecca,
Missouri, where he ran a shop two years, then worked in the lead and zinc
mines at Webb City for eight years. He came to Springfield on October
5, 1908, and began working in the Frisco's south side shops as fireman,
later being promoted to assistant engineer, which position he held until
the spring of 191 5. when he resigned and moved to his farm of fortv acres
near Republic.
Air. Counts was married on February 25, 1893. to Sarah S. Westfall,
a daughter of William and Sarah F. (Linger) Westfall, of Afton, Okla-
homa. The father was a native of West \ irginia. To our subject and wife
six children have been born, namely: Bertha is the wife of William F.
Hartney. a machinist in the north side Frisco shops, Springfield; the sec-
ond child died in infancy unnamed; Mildred lives in St. Louis; Ralph,
Cecil and Harold are deceased.
Politically Mr. Counts is a Democrat, fraternally he belongs to the
Knights of Pythias and the Modern Woodmen of America; he is a mem-
ber of the National Order of Stationary Engineers and religiously he holds
membership in the Methodist Episcopal church.
RANSOM BENTON WOODWARD.
Life primarily is designed for what joy one can get from it. Happi-
ness is the thing we all crave, the thing that we all need, for it best builds
character; it comes from several causes, one a fine state of health. Happily
the country affords the ideal place for bodily health and vigor. Happiness
comes from the use of the body in vigorous and successful endeavor. Here
is where life on the farm comes in strong; there is chance to develop the
body perfectly in all manner of healthy work. And there is no need of
overworking in the country. Happiness comes, too, from having an appre-
ciative mind able to take in the beauty of the world and the delights of one's
own environment. This application comes from training, largelv. There
are men who cannot see with any joy the most serene landscape and even
1836 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
view with utter indifference the splendor of the autumn woods. Ransom
Benton Woodward is a farmer who fully appreciates the advantages for
happiness in a rural life and beauty of the outdoors.
Mr. Woodward was born two miles north of Bois D'Arc, Greene
county, Missouri, April 3, 1850. He is a son of Jacob and Susan Caroline
(Robinson J Woodward. The father was born on September 13, 18 19, in
Calloway county, Kentucky, and was a son of Edward Woodward, who was
born in Virginia about 1795. The latter's fatber immigrated to America
from Scotland prior to the Revolutionary war, he and his four brothers
working their way across the Atlantic on board an old-fashioned sailing
vessel, tbe trip requiring several months, and they fought under Washing-
ton in the Revolutionary war. The father of our subject came to Greene
county. Missouri, in 1837 and bought a distillery three miles northeast of
Ash Grove, which he operated until about 1850. The first farm on which
he lived after locating in this county was rented from Governor Polk.
Early in the fifties Jacob Woodward entered one hundred and sixty acres
from the government on the Leeper Prairie, now known as the Thorn place,
and be remained there until 1857. In 1859 he bought the farm now occu-
pied by his son, Ransom B. of this sketch. It lies in section 2, and consists
of one hundred and sixty acres. He erected the family home here, which
was at that time the only dwelling for miles around. Tbe building is still
standing and is used by our subject for storage purposes. During the Civil
war Jacob Woodward enlisted in tbe state militia shortly after hostilities
began, under Capt. F. S. Jones, and he remained in the service until the
close of the war, and, being an excellent soldier, rose to the rank of orderly
sergeant under Gen. C. B. Holland, with whom he fought at the battle of
Springfield, January 8, 1863, when General Marmaduke and General Shelby
attacked the place. After the war he continued general farming and stock
raising. He devoted especial attention to mule raising, up to the time of
the war.
Ransom 1!. Woodward was reared on the home farm and his schooling
was limited to about fifteen months in the Kelley school, the only graded
school in Greene county at that time. It was under the management of Major
L. P. Downing and Professor Crane. Our subject lived at home and
assisted with the general work there until he was twenty-seven years old,
at which time he married, on October 3, [877, Margaret Elizabeth McQuigg,
a daughter of John W. and Elizabeth Jane (Robberson) McQuigg. The
former died on August t6, 1883, but the latter is still living, having survived
her husband thirty years. She was born on August 28, 1835. She makes
her home with our subject, keeping house for him, bis wife having died
on September jj. 1911. She was a woman of many praiseworthy charac-
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. 1837
teristics and was greatly beloved by all who knew her. She was a good
wife and helpmate, and no small part of our subject's success was due to
her counsel, encouragement and sympathy.
Two children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Woodward, namely: Freddy
Elbert, born in 1881, died in infancy; Edwin Deams, born on October 1,
1882, was educated at Drury College, Springfield, and he returned to the
farm in 1902; on September 16, 190-!, he married Jessie C. Brower, a
daughter of Jesse D. and Mary E. Brower of Center township, this county.
He lives on a farm adjoining that of his father and follows general farming.
Our subject has devoted a large portion of his time during the past
thirty-five years to cattle and mule raising and has been very successful.
He now owns two hundred acres in one farm in sections 2 and 3, East
Center township, and eight)- acres in section 1, this township. The former
place is one of the best in the township, has good drainage into Clear creek
and is well improved in every way. On it is to be found a substantial resi-
dence and good outbuildings; in fact, two comfortable residences, one of
which is occupied by his son.
In 1909 Mr. Woodward and wife made an extended trip through the
West and Northwest, including visits at Denver, Salt Lake City, Portland.
Seattle, Spokane and Billings. After Mrs. Woodward's death our subject
took another trip west as far as Los Angeles, where he spent two weeks,
and then visited San Francisco, Oakland, Sacramento, on up the coast to
Seattle and Vancouver. British Columbia, remaining six weeks in Seattle.
Politically he is a Democrat, and his support has never been withheld
from any movement having for its object the general public good. He is
a member of the Anti-Horse Thief Association.
JAMES L. HECKENLTYELY.
In reviewing the various professional interests of Greene county, the
name of James L. Heckenlively cannot be ignored, for he has long been one
of the most successful and best known architects in the Southwest. Although
fc>
it is a known fact that, given the ordinary average education and good
judgment, any man may make a success in the avenues of trade, yet in
what are known as the fine arts, of which architecture is one, he must lie
endowed with superior natural attributes and have gone through years of
careful study and training to be able to cope with the brilliant minds which
do honor to this vocation.
Mr. Heckenlively was born on August 18, 1863. in Gentry county.
Missouri. He is a son of Jacob and Martha J. (Shisler) Heckenlively.
l8}8 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
The father was born in Crawford county, Ohio, May 9, 1838, and the
mother was born in Meigs county, Ohio, in April, 1S42. They grew to
maturity in their native state; they were educated in the early-day schools.
The death of Mrs. Heckenlively occurred on March 28, 1914. Mr. Heck-
enlively lias devoted his active life to agricultural pursuits, and is now living
in St. Joseph, Missouri. His father, John Heckenlively, was born in April,
1799, in Germany, where he grew up, was educated and he became a Luth-
eran minister. He married Margaret Terrier, who was born in 1803 in
Germany. They immigrated to America in an early day, located in Ohio,
where they spent the rest of their lives, his death occurring on May 10,
1856. She died on March 24. 1852. Their children are all now deceased
except Jacob, father of our subject, he being the youngest child. The family
name was originally spelled in Germany as Heckenlaible. Jacob Hecken-
lively" remained in Ohio until about he was about twenty years of age, when
he removed to Iowa, where he resided until lie came to Gentry county,
Missouri, where he was married, in 1862. Barnabas Shisler, our subject's
maternal grandfather, was born in Ohio. He was an earl}- settler in
Gentry county, Missouri. His wife, Susan Consolver, died near Warsaw,
this state, as a result of a fall, when nearly one hundred years of age.
Politically, Jacob Heckenlively is a Republican. During the Civil war
he enlisted from Gentry county in an infantry regiment, and served in the
Federal army six months. His family consisted of eight children, seven
of whom are still living, namely: James I... of this sketch; John B., born
.111 November 8, [865, lives in St. Joseph, Missouri; Delila J., horn on Feb-
ruary 2. [868, live-- in Colorado; Susan E., born on January 4. 1870, lives
m Colorado City, Colorado; Delia ('., horn on March 4, [872, died at
Lakin, Kansas, September 28, 1 <i 1 i : Lafayette II.. horn on October 11.
1874, lives in Columbus, .Montana: Jefferson II.. horn on March 14. [878,
lives in Harrison county. Missouri: Orville, horn on March 14. [884, lives
in I'd Paso, Texas.
lames I.. Heckenlively received part of his education in Gentry county,
Missouri, and there he taught school for some tune, later attending the
Normal College at Stanberry, this state, lie had a decided natural bent
toward architecture, which manifested itself when he was a small boy, and
when he left school he began the study of this profession with diligence and
devotion, making rapid progress, serving an apprenticeship in an architect's
office. lie also learned the practical end of the business in Stanberry.
Later he went to St. |oseph, Missouri, where he continued draughting,
Studying and carpenter work as well. lie got his training by persistent
hard work, close application, observation and practical experience. He
began life for himself in [893 at St. Joseph and Stanberry. and in [894
came to Springfield and he has remained here ever since, and during this
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. 1839
period of over twenty years his career has been marked by a steady growth,
each year finding him further advanced than the preceding. He began on
a small scale, but worked up to a large and lucrative business in a reasonably
short time in general architecture, including not only all lines of the busi-
ness, but also included civil engineering work. lie lias become widely
known throughout this section of tbe state and his services have long been
in good demand in other cities and towns besides Springfield. Among his
more important jobs in Springfield may be mentioned the Carnegie Public
Library, the high school. Masonic Temple, Grace Methodist Episcopal
church, St. Paul's Methodist Episcopal church. South, St. John's Hospital,
nearly all the ward school buildings and mam- others; also three buildings
of the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville, and Indian schools and dor-
mitories at Wagoner, Oklahoma. He has attractive offices on the fifth floor
of the Landers Building.
Mr. Heckenlively was married on June 5, [889, in Albany, Gentry
ci unty, Missouri, to Leanora E. Campbell, who was born in Kentucky. She
is a daughter of John P. and Amanda L. (Pelley) Campbell. This was a
prominent old Kentucky family, members of which were noted in various
walks of life. They emigrated here from the Blue Grass state in an earl)-
day and became well established in Missouri by their thrift and industry.
Mrs. 1 leckenlively's father devoted his active life to general agricultural
pursuits. She was given the advantages of an excellent education and is a
lady of many admirable characteristics.
Two children have been born to our subject and wife, namely:
Mepha May died in infancy; Lura I\, who is at home with her parents, was
educated in the public schools, the high school and Drury College, ah uf
Springfield, and she made a fine record in all of them.
Politically, Mr. Heckenlively is a Republican, but he has never been an
office-seeker, although taking much interest in general public affairs, espe-
cially as they affect the welfare of his county and state. His family attends
the South Street Christian church. He has long been prominent in the
Masonic order, his record in the same being as follows : He was made a
Mason in Springfield in 1901. Since then he has been worshipful master
of the lodge, high priest of the chapter for two terms, commander one term,
thrice illustrious master two terms, grand master of the grand council.
Royal and Select Masters, in 1914 and 1915; received the Shrine in Spring-
field in 1903 and served in all the offices but potentate; was deputy inspector
of the Grand Commandery of the Second District in 1909; received the
honorary Red Cross of Constantine in Joplin in 1910; was consecrated and
anointed into the Order of High Priesthood in Springfield in 1908; is
grand representative of the Grand Council of Arkansas and the Grand Chap-
ter of Arizona.
184O GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
JOHX BARRETT.
There are farmers who might be known as one idea men, for they give
too much attention to some particular phase of their work to the neglect
of the general system required to make farming a success. Such men may
have a bad influence. The man who has a reputation for big crops should
study his farming to see if it will bear close critical inspection in its various
details. John Barrett, one of the foremost farmers of East Center town-
ship, Greene county, does this. He gives such attention as is necessary to
produce large yields of all his crops and at the same time keeps his place
attractive in every way, thus setting a good example.
Mr. Barrett is a scion of one of the earliest pioneer families in this
section of the state, and for a period of eighty-six years the Barretts have
been well and favorably known in Greene county — good farmers and good
citizens. Our subject was born in ("enter township, this county, December
22, 1873. He is a son of Thomas Lafayette Barrett and Margaret A.
(Binns) Barrett, the mother a daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth Binns.
The father of our subject was born on November 10. 1843. in this county,
here grew to manhood, attended the early-day subscription schools, and
spent his life engaged successfully in general farming and stock raising, and
became one of the best known men in the county. His father came from
Hawkins county, Tennessee, early in the nineteenth century, and located in
Greene county when this country was wild and settlers were few, but he
was a man of courage and soon had a home established and land under
cultivation. The death of Thomas L. Barrett occurred in 1910, after a life
of usefulness and honor. lie was married on September 28, 1871, and
reared a family of six sens and one daughter, namely: Eldorado married
W, II. Yeakley, a farmer of Stockton, Missouri; Walter, who is farming
in (enter township, Greene county, married Bertha Redfearn of Center
township; Arthur, who was graduated from the Missouri State University,
who is farming in (inter township, married Mattie Sparkman ; Elbert Lee,
who is also farming in (enter township, married Minnie Sparkman, a sister
of his brother's wife; Thomas V. died on October 3. K113, at the age of
twenty-three years, after securing a good education in the Missouri State
University; John, of this sketch; Weldon 1... who is in the state university
at this writing.
Mr. Barrett, of this review, grew to manhood on the homestead, where
he assisted with the work during crop seasons when growing to manhood
and in the winter time he attended the local schools, obtaining a good educa-
tion, lie has always followed general farming and lives on the homestead
with his mother, the place consisting of four hundred acres of valuable
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. [84I
and productive land, constituting one of the choice farms of this part of the
county. It lies along the Carthage road, eight miles west of Springfield.
Mr. Barrett was married on June 4, 191 1, to Mary Harris, a daughter
of William and Margaret Harris of Republic township, Greene county.
where Mrs. Barrett was reared to womanhood and educated. To our sub-
ject and wife one child has been born, Esther Margaret Barrett, whose birth
occurred on October 1, 1912.
Fraternally, Mr. Barrett is a member of Bois D'Arc Lodge No. 449,
Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, also the modern Woodmen of America
and the Anti-Horse Thief Association. Politically he is a Democrat, and
he and his family attend the Methodist church. Like his father and grand-
father before him, he takes keen interest in all movements looking to the
general improvement of his township and count)'.
RAY C. BOYFR.
Kay C. Boyer was born at Meadville, Crawford county, Pennsvlvania,
October 2j, 1880. He is a son of Lukes Boyer, who was born in Allentown,
Lehigh county, Pennsylvania. He was a carpenter and contractor by trade,
and spent many years of his life at the city of Meadville, where his death
occurred in 1888, and he was buried at Sackerton, Pennsylvania. He was
about lift\- years of age. He was a member of the Independent Order of
Odd Fellows and also belonged to the Lutheran church. His widow, who
was known in her maidenhood as Nancy Beige, is now living in Spring-
field and is the wife of August Drishaver, a carpenter and contractor. Our
subject is the only child by her first marriage, and there are no children by
her last marriage.
Stephen Boyer, paternal grandfather of the subject of this sketch, was
born in Lehigh count}-, Pennsylvania, later moving to Crawford county,
that state. He was a tanner by trade, but followed farming in his later life,
owning a small farm.
The Boyer family is of German extraction, and upon immigrating to
America, settled first at Trenton, New Jersey, later locating in Pennsyl-
vania. Boyertown, that state, was named after members of this old family,
which has lived in the United States since before the Revolutionary war, in
which conflict several of the Boyer men fought under George Washington.
Ray C. Boyer spent his boyhood in Pennsylvania, and was educated
in the Meadville public schools. Leaving school when seventeen years of
age, he began learning the painter's trade, which he followed three years.
(116)
1842 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
In 1898 he came to Springfield, Missouri, with his mother and stepfather,
and secured a position as hostler in the shops of the Kansas City, Ft. Scott
& Memphis Railroad. On June 27, 1909, he was promoted by the Frisco,
which company leased the former railroad in 1900, to engineer, after he
had been working as fireman for some time, and he is at this writing night
engineer in the south side shops.
Mr. Bover was married twice, first, in 1904 to Nellie Massey, a daugh-
ter of Bud and Thressa ( Rathbone) Massey. Her death occurred in Decem-
ber, 1905. His second marriage was celebrated in 1908, when he married
Eva Massey, a sister of his first wife. Both marriages were without issue.
Mr. Boyer is a Democrat. He is a member of the National Associa-
tion of Steam Engineers, the Modern Brotherhood of American Engineers
and is also a member of the Modern Woodmen of America. He lives on
Wassola street, where he built a cosy home a few years ago.
MERTON CLEANTHUS HOUSE.
Although Merton Cleanthus House is a young man, at the age when
most boys are just getting started in life, he is holding a responsible posi-
tion, that of foreman of the O. ,K. Weld plant in the north side Frisco
shops. Springfield. This position was secured not through any streak of
luck or by the aid oi influential friends but through his own merit, because
he was prepared and had the right ideas of what an employe should do,
namely: that he should -true to do high-grade, honest, conscientious work
promptly. Such a course, where there is g 1 judgment and average abil-
ity to begin with, always leads to gratifying results.
Mr. House hails from a section of the Union that has not sent many
citizens to Greene county, having been bom on a farm in Steele county,
Minnesota, December 24, 18N7. lie is a son of Lorenzo Jackson House,
a native of the stale of New York where his earlier years were spent, finally
removing to St. Paul, Minnesota, later to a farm near Meriden, that state.
Finally selling his farm there lie came to Conway, Missouri, where he con-
tinued farming five years, then engaged in the butcher business for awhile.
As a result of an accident while thus engaged which incapacitated him for
further physical work, he removed to Springfield in moi and worked for
the Van N03 News Company until 101 1 in which year his health failed com-
pletely and he was bedfast until bis death in December, [913, at the age of
fifty-eight years. Politicall) he was a Republican, lie belonged to the
W linen of the World and the Methodist Episcopal church.
The mother of our subject was known in her maidenhood as Lizzie
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. I&43
Ross. She is now sixty-tour years of age, and is living with her daughter
Sadie at Caney, Kansas.
To Lorenzo J. House and wife four children were horn, namely: Mer-
ton C. of this sketch ; Sadie married S. A. Badgley, a painter by trade, of
Caney. Kansas; Annie B., married O. M. Martin, died in November, 1913;
Raymond is a barber in Springfield.
Merton C. House was reared on the farm where he worked when
a boy, and he received his education in the public schools of Conway, Mis-
souri, but left school when only fourteen years of age to begin life for him-
self. He came to Springfield and went to work in the Eagle Pencil Factory,
where he remained two years, then learned the tailor's trade, working at
the same with a number of Springfield tailors for a period of eight years,
and became quite expert in this line, especially as presser and bushelman,
hut owing to failing health was finally compelled to give up the work. His
next employment was in the tin department of the Frisco's north side shops,
under G. A. Holder; where he spent one year, then, on November 4, 1913,
he was placed in charge of the O. K. Weld plant there, which position he has
since held to the satisfaction of his employers, being regarded as one of the
most efficient foremen this department has ever had.
Mr. House was married on Easter Sunday, 191 1, to Mamie A. Molen,
a daughter of John Molen. a farmer in Arkansas. Mrs. House grew up on
the farm and received a common school education. The union- of our sub-
ject and wife has been without issue.
Mr. House is a member of the Knights and Ladies of Security, and he
belongs to the Methodist Episcopal church, South.
EDWARD J. DeWITT.
It has not been so very long ago that a number of immigrants from our
older Eastern states coming to Missouri could procure good new land and
thereby get a start with small capital. Now the new lands of our country
that can lie profitably farmed are practically all occupied. The only course
left for the American farmer to pursue is to adopt a system of farming
that will not only build up and maintain, hut will increase the production
of the land. The dairy cow seems to be the means through which a part of
our farmers are destined to do this. One of the citizens of Center town-
ship, Greene county, who secured new land upon casting his lot with us is
Edward J. DeWitt, and this he developed intelligently and now has a good
farm and has been making a comfortable living all the while.
Like many of our worthy population he hails from grand old Vir-
1844 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
ginia, his birth having occurred in Bedford county, that state, January 17,
1840. He is a son of Elisha D. and Susan (Coleman) DeWitt, both of
whom were natives of Virginia, where they grew up, were educated and
married and established their home. Their parents came from Scotland,
so our subject is of Scotch descent from both sides of the house and he
manifests many traits of that excellent race. These two families immi-
grated to the United States prior to the war of 1812. Ten children were
born to Elisha D. DeWitt and wife, five of whom are living, namely:
Lafayette is a tobacco manufacturer of Lynchburg, Virginia: Marion is
farming in Bedford county. Virginia: Mary is the wife of John Thomas-
son, a sales agent for a carriage manufacturing concern of Lynchburg, Vir-
ginia; Eliza is the wife of William Owens, a farmer of Bedford county,
Virginia; and Edward J. of this sketch. All three of these sons served
through the Civil war in the same company.
Edward J. DeWitt grew to manhood on the home farm in his native
county in the Old Dominion and there he worked during vacations, attend-
ing the common schools in the winter time. He remained at home until
he was twenty-one vears of age when he enlisted in the Tenth Virginia
Artillery, Lee's arm)-, at the commencement of the Civil war and remained
in the service until Lee's surrender, April 16, 1865. He proved to be a
faithful soldier and rose to the rank of sergeant. He took part in many of
the important battles and campaigns of the war. After being mustered
out he returned home where he remained until October 20. 1866, when he
married Mollie Coleman, a daughter of William and Amelia 1 W'ooley)
Coleman of Bedford county. Virginia. Upon his marriage he moved to
near Riser, West Virginia, where he rented a farm and resided until 1873
in which year he came to Greene count)', Missouri, locating in Campbell
township where he lived four years, then bought his present farm of eighty
acres in Section 1 _>. Township 29, Range 23, Center township, the same
having been formerly the property of the St. Louis & San Francisco Kail-
road Company, and Mr. DeWitt was the first person to secure a deed to the
property. He cleared it up and placed it under good improvements and
cultivatii m.
To .Mr. and Mr--. DeWitt two children have been horn, namely: Willit
J., born on August 13, 1X74. received a public school education and lived at
home until In-- death, January 13, 1007: Monnie I'.. born on December 14,
i88_\ married on November _'_'. [905, to Elmer Reynolds of Springfield,
he being in the service of the Frisco lines at that place; they have three chil-
dren, May who is eighl years old, Clarence who is five years old, and Ernest
who is one year old.
Mrs. DeWitt's family has a commendable war record. Two of her
brothers were killed in battle during the Civil war, another was wounded,
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. 1845
and one served out his enlistment without accident. They were all in the
Southern army.
Our subject and wife have been lifelong- members of the Methodist
Episcopal church, South. Politically he is a Democrat.
MADISON ANDREW BROWER.
The man who produces double the customary crop assumes a leadership
that brings responsibilities. His farm is an object of interest. When his
work becomes known and his methods discussed he is called a model farmer.
Others want to see and learn, and then do likewise. One of the farmers of
Center township, Greene county, who not only raises big crops, but who
keeps his farm in an attractive condition, everything well cared for, thus
presenting to the visitor a pleasing appearance', is Madison Andrew Brower.
Mr. Brower was born in the above named township and county on
December 2, 1869. He is a son of John Robinson Brower and Sarah Ann
(Spoon) Brower. The father came from North Carolina before the Civil
war and located in Center township, this county; the mother also came here
from North Carolina about the same time, and here they were married and
spent the rest of their lives on a farm, the father dying in 1899 and the
mother passing away in 1908. They were the parents of nine children,
seven of whom are living at this writing, namely: Louise married Daniel
Henler, a farmer of Oklahoma; James is farming in Center township.
Greene county; Calvin H. is teaching school in Center township; Etta mar-
ried L. G. Reynolds, who is employed by the International Harvester Com-
pany and stationed at Springfield; Ella married John Cook, a farmer of
Oklahoma; Lizzie married Edward Miner, a fanner of (."enter township;
and Madison A., of this sketch.
Mr. Brower of this review grew to manhood on the home farm, where
he worked when a boy during vacations, and he received his education in
the public schools id" his community. He has always followed farming.
He remained with his parents until he was married when twenty-six years
old. He moved to his present excellent farm of one hundred and sixtv
acres in section 13, East Center township, in 1904, which he purchased at
that time. He also owns one hundred and sixty acres in section 23 of the
same township. His farm is one of the best improved and best kept in the
township and it lies on the Carthage road, five miles west of Springfield,
occupying one of the highest points in this part of the Ozarks. It is well
drained and very productive, having produced a number of record crops.
In connection with general farming he pays considerable attention to hog
1846 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
raising, making a specialty of pure bred Poland-China hogs, and has been
more than ordinarily successful in this line. His dwelling and other build-
ings are substantial and neat in appearance, and everything denotes good
management about his place.
Mr. Brower was married on .May 10, 1895, to Airs. Mary Ann (John-
son) Wilson, widow of J. H. Wilson and a daughter of Ellis and Rachel
Johnson, early settlers of West Center township, where she grew to woman-
hood and received her education.
Two children have been born to our subject and wife, namely: Lillian.
born on July 13, 1897, and Claude, born on June 19, 1900. They are both
at home with their parents.
Fraternally, Mr. Brower is a member of Elwood Lodge No. 278,
Independent Order of Odd Fellows, also the Elwood Lodge of Modern
Woodmen of America. Politically he is a Democrat, and he has always
manifested a good citizen's interest in local public affairs. He attends the
Methodist Episcopal church, South.
GREEN IRWIN BLANCHARD.
There is a recess in every man's brain that answers to the call of the
wilderness, a heritage of pre-historic origin which will be with us always.
If given the opportunity, it will respond at once to nature's beauty and
depth. What is more natural than man's love for the conditions and envi-
ronment that gave him food and shelter, enabling him to live during the
dawn of his existence? Thus it is easy to understand why many of us
prefer the country and life on the farm to that of the city. One such
family is the Blanchards of whom Green Irwin Blanchard, of Center town-
ship, Greene county, is a creditable representative. For generations they
have tilled the soil, made a good living and been happy. The older members
knew what it was to fight the wilderness in order to live, but this they did
courageouslj and successfully, ami never complained that their lot was hard.
Mr. Blanchard was born on December 17. [838, at Russelville, Logan
county, Kentucky. lie is a son of Henry Hudson Blanchard and Mary
I 1'atton 1 Blanchard, both of whom were born, reared and educated in that
county ami state ami there they were married and established their home.
Their parents were from North Carolina, immigrating to the Blue Grass
state in an early day. The family is of English origin but for the last four
generations they have lived in the United States. When our subject was
one year old he was broughl by his parents in 1830 to Greene count)'. Mis-
souri, the family locating in ('enter township on what is known as Leeper's
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. 1847
Prairie and theirs was the first house built in that neighborhood, their near-
est neighbor being over three miles away. When Henry H. Blanchard
landed in the wilds of this locality his worldly possessions consisted of a
broken down wagon, a team of ponies in the same condition and five dollars
in money; but, being a man of enterprise, he forged ahead and at the time
of his death in 1862 he had acquired over three hundred acres of good land,
several hundred head of live stock and a competency, besides a comfortable
home. This was considered quite an achievement for those days and proves
the sterling mettle from which the Blanchards are made. His family con-
sisted of but two sons, Green I. of this sketch and John A., who was born
in 1836. The latter received his education in the district schools of Greene
county and here worked on the home farm when a boy, and he devoted his
active life to general farming. He took a deep interest in public affairs and
in 1872 was elected recorder of deeds of Greene county, the duties of which
office he ably discharged for four years, then moved back to the farm, and
later he served fourteen years as justice of the peace and was a member of
the school board for several years, giving satisfaction as a public servant
in every respect ; in fact, he was a strong personality and influential in his
locality. His death occurred in 1895.
Green I. Blanchard grew to manhood on the home farm in Center
township where he worked when a boy and he received his education in the
schools of his community, attending subscription schools until he was fifteen
years old, after which the public schools being established he attended them
until he was twenty-one years old. He was twelve years old when the
family moved to within a mile of Elwood and there our subject lived until
his marriage in i860 to Mary Eaton, who died in 1884. For his second
wife he married Mrs. Mary E. Lawdermilk, nee Craven, a daughter of
Thomas G. and Mary Craven, of Center township, in September. 1886.
The first marriage resulted in the birth of seven children, six of whom are
still living, namely: Dora A., born on September 26, 1865, married in
1883 A. A. Vaughan, a cabinet maker in the Frisco shops at Springfield,
and they have one child, Earl, born on July 24, 1895; he was graduated
from the Springfield public schools, and is now a teacher in a manual train-
ing school there. Delia A., born April 2, 1867, married in 1884, B. L.
Chastain, a contractor of Springfield; Henry W., born on December 2T,,
1868, is a conductor on the Rock Island railroad, lives in Kansas City, mar-
ried Cora O'Neil in 1890 and they have one child. Irwin, who was born in
191 1. Fannie, born on November 9, 1870, married on May 30, 1893, Mid-
lard Brady, a railroad man of Parsons. Kansas; they have one child, Grace,
who is now eleven years old; Robert Lee, born on August 12, 1874, who
is a conductor on the Missouri Pacific railroad ; he lives in Kansas City, and
he married Bernice Gilty of that place. Virginia, born on September 3,
J848 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
1877, married F. E. Blockman, a farmer living near Elwood, Center town-
ship, and they have two sons, Robert and June, fifteen and thirteen years
old, respectively. John M., horn on June 25, 1880, was a railroad man and
died in Nevada, April 8. 191 4 ; he married Delia Kindrix, of Center town-
ship, this county, who, with one child, Geraldine, eleven years old, sur-
vives him.
Our subject's second wife was born on May 2f, 1855, in Randolph
county, North Carolina; she was first married to Dr. A. A. Lowdermilk,
who died in 1884. She spent her girlhood in North Carolina and there
she was educated. When nineteen years of age she removed with her par-
ents to Greene county, Missouri, the family locating near Springfield where
she lived until her marriage. ■
Our subject has made a success as a general farmer. He moved to
his present farm of fifty-five acres in Section 11. Center township, in 1892
and here he has a neat home.
Mr. Blanchard was a soldier in the Civil war, having enlisted in May,
1863. in the Sixth Missouri Provisional Militia and served faithfully until
August, 1864, with the rank of corporal.
Fraternally, he is a member of United Lodge No. 5. Ancient Free and
Accepted Masons. He belongs to the Baptist church. Politically, he is a
Democrat.
SAMUEL HERRICK.
Not too often can be cited to the discouraged young man starting out
in life's serious battle, the lessons to he found in the records of such self-
made men as Samuel Derrick, well known transfer and storage man of
Springfield. For the life histories of such men are not only interesting but
instructive, showing what may be done in this free land of ours despite
unfavorable early environment if one has the courage, the will and the grit
to do and dare.
Mr. llerrick was horn in Cole county, Missouri, June 10, 1862. He
is a son of Ebenezer and Annie (Truble) Merrick. The father was a
farmer, and his death occurred when our subject was twelve vears of age.
The death of the mother occurred in 1899.
Samuel Uerrick grew to manhood on the home farm in Cole county,
where he worked hard when a hoy and there he received his education in
the public schools. Although hut a hoy when his father died, he found it
necessary to shoulder heavy responsibilities, and this early necessity for
doing his own thinking and earning his way in the world, while hard at the
time, has doubtless been responsible for his success in later life, such train-
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. 184Q
ine often being of more value to the youth than where they are protected in
every respect and have some one to plan and work for them, taking all
responsibility off their shoulders. He began supporting himself when six-
teen years old and has "hoed his own row'* ever since. He has adapted
himself to every new condition that he has found necessary to meet and
has made a success of his business career.
Coming to Springfield when but a hoy, Mr. Herrick here worked at a
number of different things, including nearly two years in the employ of the
G. D. Milligan wholesale grocery house, then worked for eighteen months
with the Hadley Wholesale Grocery Company as order clerk, which was
also his position with the former linn. He then went with the Keet-Roun-
tree Dry Goods Company, where he worked as packing and shipping clerk
for a period of eight and one-half years. He was an alert, capable, wide-
awake and trustworthy employe, and gave all these firms eminent satisfac-
tion. While working for the last named he purchased a span of three-year-
old horses and gave a man half what the horses earned by hauling on the
Streets. He saved his earnings from both sources until 1904, when he
began a transfer and storage business in a very small way. He managed
his affairs judiciously and his business grew steadily until it has now reached
very large proportions, and in addition he sells automobiles, being agent
for the well-known Hudson, the Regal and Grant pleasure cars and in
trucks he is agent for the General Motor Truck and Dart Trucks. In con-
nection with being agent for above named cars he has a general repair
shop and sells tires and sundries. He now owns an attractive and modernly
appointed home, also three good storage buildings and other properties and
is in independent circumstances. One of his rules is to pay cash for every-
thing he buys and for all labor performed for him.
.Mr. Herrick was married on March 4, 1888, to Mary E. Philpott. a
daughter of David A. Philpott, a resident of Servis Point, Webster county,
Missouri. He is a veteran of the Civil war. The union of Mr. and Mrs.
Herrick has resulted in the birth of the following children : Ira Manley,
born in Webster county, April 26, 1880, was educated in the Springfield
ward and high schools, also a business college here; he married a Miss
Wood. Maude, born in Springfield, March n, 1891, died in 1899; Nona,
born in Springfield, March. 4, 1895, was educated in the Springfield ward
and high schools, and business college ; she is single and living at home.
Samuel, Jr., born in Springfield, January 21, 1807, was educated in the
ward, high schools, and the State Normal of this city. Neoma, born in
Springfield, December 5, 1898, was educated in the ward schools and is
now attending business college; Otto, born on August 15, 1900; Everett,
born May 7, 1907.
While Mr. Herrick realizes the fact that he has made splendid advance-
185O GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
ment in life's affairs, he does not take all the credit to himself, admitting
that the counsel and sympathy of his good wife has been of great assist-
ance to him, and his children have also aided him in many ways ; in fact,
here is a mutually helpful anil happy family. He has built a nice home
for his eldest son, costing three thousand rive hundred dollars and gave it
to him. He has never neglected to do all possible for the welfare of his
children and he is a great lover of his home.
Politically, Mr. Herrick is a Democrat. He belongs to the Benevolent
and Protective Order of Elks and the Modern Woodmen, and religiously
the family are members of the Baptist church.
HOWARD STRUNK GLASSMOYER.
There is something in the wilderness of nature that seems to appeal to
one in a subconscious way, something in the forests, the streams and all
the natural nakedness of the lakes, winding waters, trees ami grasses that is
irresistible. The solitude is attractive. We go to the forest to glory in the
silence of its intricacies, yet we care not for silence and solitude, although
it is pleasant all around us. We do not feel alone. There are living things
here that speak through their very silence, a medium which makes us feel.
There are families who are not satisfied away from nature, away from the
farm and these nut only enjoy existence but also make a comfortable living,
being satisfied without the huge earnings that so many city dwellers crave.
Such is the Glassmoyer family, who have from generation to generation
been, for the most part, tillers of the soil.
Howard Strunk Glassmoyer, a farmer of Center township, Greene
county, was born near Reading, Pennsylvania, December _'_>, 1867. He is
a son of Peter M. and Caroline (Strunk) Glassmoyer. both of whom were
born and reared in the neighborhood of Reading, our subject being born in
the same house in which his mother first saw the light of day. Mis grand-
parents were also born in the neighborhood of Reading. The family, for
generations, were "Pennsylvania Dutch" and were characterized with the
usual thrift ami steady habits of that type of our citizens. There the par-
ents of our subject grew up, attended the district schools and were married
and spent their active lives engaged in farming, the father dying in his
native locality in [887, but the mother. n<>w advanced in years, is still living
at Reading. They became the parents of four children, two sons and two
daughters, a son and a daughter being now deceased, a daughter is living
at Reading.
Howard S. Glassmoyer grew to manhood in his native community in
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. IO5I
the old Keystone state and there he worked on the farm and attended the
common schools. He has followed farming ever since he was fourteen
years of age. He came to Greene county, Missouri, in 1887, and went to
work for his uncle, Samuel Strunk, now of Kansas City, Kansas, and his
old farm is now owned by the subject of this sketch, he having purchased
it in 1007. It consists of four forties and was at one time owned by the
St. Louis & San Francisco Railroad Company, and it lies partly in Section
12 and partly in Section 13. He is carrying on general farming and stock
raising and has a comfortable home.
Our subject was married in 1892 to Anna Johnson, a daughter of
Samuel C. and Lucy Johnson, and to this union six children have been born,
namely: Margaret E., born in 1894 lives at home and is at this writing
teaching in Center township; Earl, born on March 5, 1896, died on March
5, 1901, on his fifth birthday; Otto, born in November, 1897, lives at home
and assists his father with the work on the place ; Ira S., born in January,
1900; Oren, born in May, 1902; and John, born in April, 1904, are all three
attending school.
Politically, Mr. Glassmoyer is a Democrat, but has never been active
in political affairs.
JESSE O. REDFEARN.
One farmer may develop particular skill in feeding cattle; another has
great success in raising horses; another has a special knack for planning
crops, still another farmer can make fruits and vegetables do exceptionally
well. Such farmers are experts in these lines of work. They ought to be
made the experts for the community so their skill can be brought on to all
the farms in the locality. If this could be carried out the production of the
farms in any section would be greatly increased. While Jesse O. Redfearn,
of Center township, Greene county, does not seem to have specialized on any
one phase of agriculture he has studied all carefully and has made a success
as a general farmer. His neighbors might do well to observe his methods
in many lines.
Mr. Redfearn was born in Greene county, Missouri, April 10, 1856.
He is a son of Josiah F. and Lucy K. (Bennett) Redfearn, the mother being
a daughter of Perminter Bennett, of Tennessee. However, she was born in
South Carolina. The father of our subject was born in Tennesese and was
a son of Townley Redfearn. The latter was a farmer and stock man and
he migrated to Greene county, Missouri, in the early thirties among the
first settlers, worked hard developing a farm from the wilderness and spent
the rest of his life here as did his wife, both being buried in the Yeaklev
1852 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
cemetery. Their six children were named as follows: Josiah, Jesse, Henry,
Louisa. Polly and Susan. They are all deceased.
Josiah Redfearn grew up on the home farm, assisting his father clear
up the land, and he received a meager education in the old-time subscription
schools. His family consisted of five sons and four daughters, namely:
Mrs. Harriet E. Hoyal lives at Bois D'Arc, this county: Mary is deceased;
Sarah died in infancy; Leonidas died in infancy; Jesse O., of this sketch;
George H. is teaching school at Republic ; William E. is engaged in mer-
chandising at Bois D'Arc; John Perminter is deceased; Redella A. lives
in Bois D'Arc. Politically Josiah Redfearn was a Democrat and during
the Civil war he was a member of the State Militia. His death occurred
on August 13, 1902, at an advanced age. His wife preceded him to the
grave on July 17, 1896. They were buried in the Yeakley cemetery.
Jesse O. Redfearn grew to manhood on the home farm where he
assisted with the work when a boy and he received a limited education in
ih. country schools. On December 21, 1876, he was united in marriage
with Catherine H. Johnson, a daughter of Richard and Cecilia (Morris)
Johnson. The father was a farmer and a native of Greene county, Ten-
nessee, from which state he came to this county in an earl}- day and here our
subject's wife grew t < > womanhood and attended the public schools. Twelve
children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Johnson, namely: Mary P., deceased;
Barton F., deceased; James William, deceased; Mrs. Susan Jane Baker is
the wife of a farmer in this county: Mrs. Martha C. Harrelson is also the
wife of a Greene county farmer; George C. is deceased; Catherine H, wife
of our subject; Benjamin I!, lives on a farm in this county; Alexander S.
lives in Greene county; Julia Ann is deceased; Joseph Ross lives on a farm
in this county; Mrs. Emma I). Dyer lives in California.
The following children have been born to Jesse < >. Redfearn and wife:
Mrs. Bertha C. Barrett is the wife of a Greene county fanner; Mrs. Carrie
Jane Sweeney lives at Willard. this county; William Ross died when thirty-
two years of age; Melvin Floyd has remained unmarried and lives in Los
Angeles, California; James H. lives at In. me; John Carlos married Xeva
Maxes. November 25, 1914; she is a daughter of J. A. Mayes; J. Clives
lives mi a farm near the home place; Mrs. Lucy M. Elson is the wife of a
Greene county farmer.
Mr. Redfearn has devoted his life to general farming. He located on
his present place in [878, which at that time consisted of sixtv-three acres.
hut he prospered with advancing years by hard work and good management
and iv now owner of a good farm of one hundred and sixty acres. This
land was formerly owned by his father. Our subject has made practically
all the present improvements on the place. In connection with general farm-
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. 1853
ing he makes a specialty of raising blooded live stock, in which he is very
successful.
Mr. Redfearn is a Republican. He is a member of the Methodist
Episcopal church, South. In 1882 he joined Masonic Blue Lodge No. 449
at Bois D'Arc. He is active in church work, being at this writing a trustee
in the church where he holds membership, and he has been superintendent of
the Sunday school for a period of twenty years. He has also been clerk
of the school board in his district for some time. He has assisted in fur-
thering any movement calculated to be of general benefit to his community.
LEWIS F. PIPKIN.
The gentleman of whom the biographer now writes is known as one
of the progressive men of affairs of the city of Springfield, having been
actively identified with the industrial world in this Ideality for many years.
Mr. Pipkin's well directed efforts in the practical affairs of life, his capable
management of his own business interests and his sound judgment have
brought to him prosperity, and his life demonstrates what may be accom-
plished by the man of energy who is not afraid of work and has the ambi-
tion to continue his labors, even in the face of seemingly discouraging
circumstances. Our subject has been content to spend his active and useful
life in his native county, and he is a product of one of our honored pioneer
families, having been born here over a half century ago, he has lived through
the wonderful changes that have taken place in this vicinity, his boyhood
having been spent in an epoch when practically everything was different
from what it is today — when Springfield was little more than a village.
Lewis L. Pipkin, secretary and treasurer of the Springfield Grocery
Company, was born at Fair drove, Greene county, Missouri, September 14.
1861. He is a son of William H. and Christina (Hoover) Pipkin. The
father was a native of Tennessee and the mother was born in North Caro-
lina, the birth of the former occurring in the year 1833. These parents
spent their earlier lives in the South, attended the early-day schools and
migrated to Greene count}', Missouri, in frontier days and spent the rest
of their lives in this locality, Mr. Pipkin dying here in 1893. He became a
successful and well-known business man and was postmaster of Springfield
during President Cleveland's administration, during his first term. At one
time he was a candidate for count\- collector, and was defeated by only
eight votes. His friends believed that he had been elected and endeavored
to induce him to contest the election, but he refusd to do so. While he took
much interest in public affairs he was not an office-seeking politician, how-
1854 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
ever, was always willing to do his duty as a good citizen, having at heart
the welfare of his city and county. He was known as a man of excellent
business ability, broad-minded, well-informed, scrupulously honest and a
true friend and genteel gentleman. He was an active church worker and
was a delegate to the general conference of the Methodist Episcopal church.
South, in Boston, Massachusetts, in 1890, also in 1892. He served for years
as a member of the hoard of stewards of the local church of this denomina-
tion and was very prominent in church affairs. The death of his wife
occurred in the year 1899. They were the parents of one son and five
daughters, all of whom survive at this writing, namely: Lewis F.. of this
sketch ; Cyntha Jane, Margaret Alice, Rosina Ida, Carrie Bell and Mary
Etta.
Lewis F. Pipkin spent his boyhood at Fair Grove where he attended
school until he was seventeen years of age, when he began working in his
father's general store at that place. He had a natural bent for mercantile
pursuits, and. having ambition to forge to the front in this line, he soon gave
evidence of unusual ability. He remained in the store with his father, until
the latter removed his family to Springfield in 1879, and here founded the
firm of Doling & Pipkin, general merchants, which venture was successful
from the first and grew to large proportions with advancing years. The
firm retained the services of our subject until 1882, when he accepted a posi-
tion in a book store in this city, which business he bought out in 1884, and
continued to conduct it with very gratifying results for a period of nearly
twenty years or until 1903, when he sold out. During the following year
he was connected with the Springfield Traction Company, and in 1904
became associated with the Springfield Wholesale Grocery Company as book-
keeper, and in [909 was elected secretary and treasurer of the company,
which responsible position lie is still holding in a manner that reflects much
credit upon his business ability and to the eminent satisfaction of all concerned.
Mr. Pipkin is thoroughly informed upon all details in connection with
the grocery business and is one of the prime factors in this great institu-
tion, which does an enormous annual business, covering a vast territory in
the Southwest, lie has a capacity for detail and has introduced new systems
which have greatly increased the volume of the business to a large degree.
In all his transactions he has proven himself worth) of the trust reposed
in him and is faithful to all obligations in every relation of life.
Mr. Pipkin was married in Springfield, May 6 f886, to Lillie Y. Mur-
ray, a daughter of Lilburn II. and W'nath I.. (Anderson) Murray, one of
Springfield's most prominent families, Mr. Murray having been one of the
leading business men here during a past generation. Here Mrs. Pipkin
grew to womanhood and received an excellent education, and lure -lie has
long been a favorite with the circle- in which she moves.
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. I055
The union of Mr. and Mrs. Pipkin has been blessed by the birth of the
following children: Eula Lillian, Louise M., Marguerite, William 11., and
Lilburn Murray Pipkin.
The family are members of St. Paul's Methodist Episcopal church,
South, and are regular attendants. Politically Mr. Pipkin is a Democrat,
and he has always taken an active interest in the welfare of his party, par-
ticularly as regards its local affairs, and his influence has been most potent
for the general good. For three terms he has served as city collector, dis-
charging his duties faithfully and with circumspection. He is a member
of the Springfield Club, the James River Club, and the Young Men's Busi-
ness Club, and is thoroughly in sympathy with the aims of the last named
organization, collaborating with the members in order to increase the com-
mercial importance of the Queen City of the Ozarks. Fraternally, he is a
member of the Knights of Pythias and the Royal Arcanum.
Mr. Pipkin has risen to his present commanding position in the busi-
ness world solelv through his individual efforts, his industry, fidelity, hon-
esty and because he has from the first been an adherent of correct principles
and lofty ideals, and his career is most creditable in every respect.
JOHN P. WILLIAMSON.
ft is a pleasure to see a farm like that of John P. Williamson, of Jack-
son township, Greene county, in which vicinity he has lived for over sixty-
one years and where he is well known. He has seen this community develop
from its pioneer environment to its present thriving condition and he has
taken a lively interest in this development.
Mr. Williamson was born in Bedford county, Tennessee, April 14,
1848. He is a son of Robert H. and Sophia A. (Stevens) Williamson.
The father was also born in Bedford county, Tennessee, in October, 1818,
and there he was reared on a farm and attended the early-day subscription
schools, and there he began life as a farmer, remaining in his native locality
until in 1853 when he brought his family overland to Greene county, Mis-
souri. He located on one hundred and twenty acres. Lie was a hard worker
ami good manager and he later became owner of a valuable farm of two
hundred and forty acres. During the Civil war he served in the Missouri
State Militia and was in a number of engagements — skirmishes, but no real
battles. He was married in his native state in 1847. He was a member of
the Cumberland Presbyterian church. His death occurred on his farm here
in 1902, honored and respected by the entire community. His wife was a
native of Bedford county, Tennessee, and there she was reared on a farm
18^6 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
and attended the local schools. Her death occurred on the farm here sev-
eral years ago. She was a member of the Baptist church.
John P. Williamson was five years old when, in 1853, he accompanied
his parents from Tennessee to Greene county, Missouri, and here he grew
to manhood on the old homestead where he worked when a boy, and he
received his education in the district schools. He remained with his parents
until he was twenty-one years of age, then started out in life for himself,
buying forty acres on which he worked hard and got a good start. Being
industrious and prospering he added to his original purchase until he became
owner of an excellent place of one hundred and ninety-three acres — the
farm he now occupies. He has a well-kept and neat appearing place, which
produces well and on which he carries on general farming and stock raising.
He has dealt extensively in live stock in the past and no small portion of his
competence has been thus obtained.
Mr. Williamson was married on November 27, 1874, to Malinda Davis,
who was born in Dallas county, Missouri, April 15, 1853, and there she grew
to womanhood on a farm and received her education in the rural schools.
She is a daughter of Woodford 1. and Netty ( Highfield ) Davis, both par-
ents being now deceased.
To our subject and wife five children have been born, namely: Robert
I.. Charles, Mrs. Flora Cole, Floy H., and John I.
Politically, Mr. Williamson is a Republican. He belongs to the Inde-
pendent ( )rder of Odd Fellows, and to the Center Christian church.
liLISHA DeP.OARD.
The true western spirit of progress and enterprise is strikingly exem-
plified in the lives of Mich men as Elisha DeBoard, one of Greene county's
most progressive citizens, whose energetic nature and laudable ambition
have enabled him to conquer many adverse circumstances and advance stead-
ily. He ha> met and overcome obstacles that would have discouraged many
men of less determination ami won for himself not only a comfortable com-
petency, together with one of the very choice farms of this favored locality,
but also a prominent place among the enterprising men of this section of
our great commonwealth, and no man is worthier of conspicuous mention
in a volume of the province of the one in hand.
Mr. DeBoard, one of the leading citizens of Republic, and president of
the State Bank of that city. 1- of Huguenot descent, his more immediate
forebears being of the Blue Grass state. His birth occurred at Mt. Ver-
non, Kentucky. January 5, [860. I Ic is a son of Aimer C. and Susan (Souel )
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. I&57
DeBoard, and is one of twelve children, five sons and seven daughters. The
father was a native of Kentucky where he spent his life, he and his wife
dying in that state a number of years ago.
Elisha DeBoard grew to manhood in his native state and there received
his education in the common schools, adding to this foundation in later
years by contact with the business world and by wide home reading. Leav-
ing Kentucky when twenty-one years of age he came to Greene county, Mis-
souri, and took up farming for his life work. Saving his earnings he pur-
chased a farm of his own when twenty-five years old, and by close appli-
cation and good management prospered with advancing years. He pur-
chased the fine farm on which he now lives near Republic in 1896, and this
he has brought up to a high state of cultivation and improvement. It con-
sists of three hundred and twenty acres, and on it stands a commodious
home in the midst of pleasant surroundings and numerous substantial barns
and other buildings. He has been a general farmer and has paid special
attention to raising good grades of live stock and preparing them for the
markets. In the year 19 12 he became interested in the Republic State Bank
and is a heavy stockholder in the same, and since 1912 has been president
of this popular, sound and safe institution, one of the best banks in this
section of the state and one of the most ably and conservatively managed.
Its rapid growth and increased prestige of recent years has been due for
the most part to the wise management and popularity of its president, who
has ever been a man in whom the people of this locality have reposed the
utmost confidence. It was organized in 1912, with a capital stock of ten
thousand dollars. A general banking business is carried on under the state
laws of Missouri. The other officers of the bank, besides our subject are,
Jim Decker, vice-president; Lon Edmondson, cashier; Ray Grove, assistant
cashier; directors, William Pierce, Ed Gammon, Jack Davis, William Beard.
The bank has a modern equipment in every respect, safety vault and all
conveniences and has a substantial building.
Mr. DeBoard was married in July, 1884, to Mary Harlason, who was
born, reared and educated in Greene county. She is a daughter of James
Harlason and wife, and is one of five children, three sons and two daughters.
Mr. Harlason was one of the earliest pioneers of Greene county, having
come here in the year 1825 and developed a good farm and became well
known. His death occurred in 1901 at an advanced age.
Eight children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. DeBoard, namely:
Ralph is married and farming in Republic township, this county; Roxie
married Milton Paulson, a farmer, and they have two children; Susie is still
with her parents ; Ruby married Lawrence Britton, a farmer, and they have
one child, Don ; Glvnn is married, lives in Aurora, Missouri, where he
("7)
1858 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
worked for the Shendon-Robinson hardware firm-; Lucy, William and Fay
are all three at home.
Politically, Mr. DeBoard is a Republican, but he has never sought to
be a leader in public affairs. He and his family attend the Christian church.
HARRIS K. DALE.
The soil is a great conservator of health, not a menace; its life and
death processes are among the most wonderful in nature. "Back to the
soil" needs to be a health slogan as well as an economic one. But what
kind of soil? The best answer is that of modern scientific fanning, which
conserves the soil as well as man. Science was long a very artificial thing;
but it is now being naturalized, and the encouraging thing is that science
pays in efficiency and dollars and cents. Scientific farming is not only the
most profitable, but it is one of the greatest conservators of public health.
Harris K. Dale is a scientific farmer of Center township, and by reason of
his long career as tiller of the soil he has enjoyed the best of health. He
has spent nearly a half century in Greene county, where he has worked his
own way up from a modest beginning to a position of independence and
comfort.
He is of German and Welsh descent and up to some seventy-five years
ago the name was spelled Dahle, it being simplified at that time to conform
to the Anglo-Saxon way of spelling. Our subject was born in Clarion
county, Pennsylvania, March 29, 1854. He is a son of Solomon and Kath-
erine B. (Zink) Dale. The father was born in Westmoreland county, Penn-
sylvania, in October, 1819. His mother was of Welsh descent and the fath-
er's parents were both natives of Germany, from which country they emi-
grated to America in an early day and established their home in the old
Keystone state. The mother of our subject was born in Clarion ci mnty,
Pennsylvania, January 6, 1820. The Zink family was of Welsh extraction.
These parents grew up in Pennsylvania and there attended the early-day
schools and were married there. Solonum Dale, however, received more
than the ordinary amount of education for his day. and he became a suc-
cessful teacher. He was well informed on a great diversity of subjects and
could speak seven different languages. He devoted many years to educa-
tional work in his native state, but finally took up fanning, which he fol-
lowed during the latter part of his life. He removed with his family from
Pennsylvania to Greene county. Missouri, in 1867, reaching here on Octo-
ber 16. They lived a year on a farm a few miles west of the place now
owned by the subject of this sketch in Center township. In 1808 Solomon
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. 1 859
Dale bought the farm now owned by his son Harris K. from the Atlantic
& Pacific Railroad Company (now the Frisco). It consisted of one hun-
dred and sixty acres and now lies on the Carthage road just west of Spring-
field. He improved the land by hard work and persistent application and
here spent the rest of his life. When the above named railroad was built
through Greene county he was employed by the company as interpreter, as
many of the gangs of workmen could not speak English and they repre-
sented many different nationalities. Politically he was first a Whig, and
later a Republican after this party was launched back in the fifties. He took
an active interest in public affairs and was influential in politics in his lo-
cality. Before leaving Pennsylvania he served as tax collector and as school
director, also filling the latter office after coming to Greene county. He was
a member of the German Lutheran church in his native state, but joined
the Methodist Episcopal church when he came to this county. His death
occurred on August 3, 1874. His widow survived him over thirty years,
dying March 3, 1906, at the advanced age of eighty-six years. They were
both buried in the Brookline cemetery.
To Solomon Dale and wife ten children were born, named as follows:
Margaret E., Isaiah K., Mary M. and Sarah Ann are all deceased; Mrs.
Edith Best lives in Kansas City, Kansas; Harris K., of this sketch; Mrs.
Emma A. Parker lives in Springfield ; Katie, Ceora and Walter Monroe are
all three deceased.
Harris K. Dale was thirteen years of age when he came with his par-
ents to Greene county, Missouri, from Pennsylvania. He received his edu-
cation in the public schools of his native state and this county. His brothers
and sisters received good educations, mostly in Pennsylvania, and some of
them made teachers and taught school in Greene county many years. Our
subject worked on the farm when a boy and he has followed general farm-
ing all his life, and for some time he has made a specialty of raising fruit
and livestock. He began operating a threshing machine of bis own in 1878,
and followed this work continuously, with the exception of about two years,
during the threshing season to the present time, and is one of the best known
men in this line of endeavor in this part of the state. He has also operated
a clover huller and corn shredder for some time. He holds the record for
threshing the greatest number of bushels of wheat of any man in Greene
county. He has worked hard, managed well, been economical and is now a
man of easy circumstances financially, all due to his own efforts along hon-
est lines.
Mr. Dale was married in Greene county on October 17, 1877, to Sarah
J. Robertson, a daughter of William R. and Mary (Saline) Robertson. She
was born, reared and educated in this county, where her father was long
igfo GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
widely known as a prosperous farmer and stock man, having handled for
many years more Shorthorn cattle than any man in the county.
The following children have been born to William R. Robertson and
wife: Isabell is the wife of E. R. Shipley, a Greene county farmer; Wil-
liam Wesley married Rody World and he is engaged in the grocery busi-
ness in Springfield; Sarah J., wife of our subject; Cordelia is the wife of
F. G. Cowen, who is connected with a dry goods firm in Kansas City, Kan-
sas; John Green is engaged in the grocery business in Springfield; James
L. is a wholesale groceryman in Springfield; Florence married Charles Bax-
ter, for many years a baker of Kansas City, Kansas, but is now deceased;
Nanny died in infancy; Leonidas E. is engaged in business with his brother
under the firm name of the Robinson Grocery Company, of Springfield.
To Harris K. Dale and wife one child has been born, Mawdy Irene
Dale, who has received an excellent education in the Springfield high school
and the old Normal in that city.
Politically, Mr. Dale is a Republican and has always been a loyal sup-
porter of his party. He has served his community as road commissioner
and also as school director. Fraternally, he is a member of the Independ-
ent Order of Odd Fellows, having joined the Elwood lodge eighteen years
ago; he also belongs to the Modern Woodmen of America and to the Re-
bekahs. He has done much to promote general public and material inter-
ests and, like his father before him, his character has always been unassail-
able.
JA.MF.S G. MAGILL.
Some people seem to forget that a fertile soil is a fixing, breathing
thing, well fed by nature or by the hand of man. with the natural mineral
elements and the organic matter necessary for the use of the soil bacteria
in the manufacture of plant food, and for a delightful environment in
which they can live and work. James G. Magill, a farmer of Center town-
ship, Greene county, has not overlooked this fact, and consequently he is
making his farm produce good crops annually and is living comfortably as
a result of his able management.
Mr. Magill was born in Carroll county, Arkansas, March 31, 1853.
He is a son of Hugh and Rebecca (Scott) Magill, and as the name would
indicate, the family is of Irish descent. Hugh Magill was born in Greene
county, Tennessee, where he spent his boyhood and attended school, re-
moving to Arkansas when a young man, and lived in Carroll county a num-
ber of years, and there he died. The family came to Greene county dur-
ing the latter part of the Civil War. Hugh Magill served in a militia regi-
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. l86l
ment in the early part of the war, but was discharged on account of dis-
ability, and died as a result of the sickness he contracted while in the serv-
ice, his death occurring on White river in 1862, and he was buried there.
His widow is still living, having thus survived him over a half century, be-
ing now ninety-two years of age; she is one of the oldest citizens of Greene
county, and makes her home with her son, our subject. Politically, Hugh
Magill was a Republican and he was a member of the Methodist Episcopal
church. His family consisted of seven children, namely: John, who was
a member of Company I, First Missouri Volunteer Infantry, served three
years in the Union army and died before the close of the war; Mrs. Ema-
line Redfearn is deceased; Mrs. Rachel Wade lives in Christian county, her
husband being now deceased; Frances died in early life; James G., subject
of this sketch; Mrs. Nancy Carter lives on a farm in Greene county; Hes-
ter is the wife of George West and they reside a mile west of the village
of Piano, this county.
John Scott, maternal grandfather of our subject, was born in Tennessee,
where he spent his early life, and from there removed to Arkansas, thence
to Missouri. He was living in Springfield at the time of the Civil war.
He devoted his active life to general farming. He enlisted in the Union
army and died while in the service. His family consisted of eight children,
four of whom are still living, namely : Mrs. Rebecca Magill, mother of the
subject of this sketch; Mrs. Susan Laslay lives in Christian county; Samuel
is a carpenter and resides in Springfield ; Mrs. Polly Mondy lives in Monett.
James G. Magill grew to manhood on the home farm, where he worked
hard when a boy, and he received his education in the public schools. He
was married in Greene county, in January, 1882, to Sarah West, a daughter
of Josiah J. West, a native of Tennessee. His wife was known in her maid-
enhood as Angeline M. Mason. Mr. West devoted his life to farming. He
emigrated to Missouri in the early forties, being among the first settlers in
Greene county, and here he spent the rest of his life on a farm, his death
occurring on March 18, 1905, at an advanced age. He was buried in the
cemetery at Prospect church. He was a member of the Methodist Episco-
pal church. His wife's father, Josiah Mason, was born in Tennessee, where
he resided until about 1837, when he immigrated to Greene county, Mis-
souri, among the pioneers. He was a blacksmith by trade, also following
farming. He spent the rest of his long life in this county, dying in 1900,
and was buried in the Squibb cemetery.
The following children were born to Josiah J. West and wife : Mrs.
Ellen Mills is living five miles north of Republic, this county ; James lives at
Milton, Oregon, where he holds the office of deputy sheriff; William is
farming in Greene county; Sarah, wife of the subject of this sketch; Rosa-
lia, who married a Mr. Hendrix, is now deceased; John is engaged in farm-
l862 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
ing in Greene county; Mrs. Lou Redfearn lives in Greene county; three
other children died in infancy.
James G. Magill was twelve years of age when he removed with the
rest of the family to Greene county. He has devoted his active life to
farming. His father dying when he was young, he had to assume part of
the responsibilities of supporting the family, and he knew what hard work
meant from the time he was large enough to wield a hoe or axe or hold the
plow handles. He located on his present farm in 1910, and has made many
good improvements since buying it. He is carrying on general farming
and stock raising successfully- He has charge of the Magil Central Tele-
phone switchboard. He has no children. Politically, he is a Republican,
and he is a member of the Baptist church.
PETER KLINGENSMITH.
A properly managed farmers' organization can be used to secure the
farmers the benefits that "big business" secures from doing things on a big
scale. Many have the idea that nothing can be done in this line unless
there is a powerful organization, but this is a mistake — the successful co-
operative enterprises have come from small beginnings. One of the pro-
gressive farmers of Center township, Greene county, who is always ready
to adopt the advanced methods of farming, is Peter Klingensmith.
He was born in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, February 15,
1844. He is a son of Gasper and Barbara (Bush) Klingensmith, and a
grandson of Andrew and Susanna Klingensmith. Ancestors on both sides
of the house originated in Bavaria, Germany. Andrew Klingensmith's
father emigrated from that country to America in an early day and here
spent the rest of his life, dying in Pennsylvania on a farm. Several gen-
erations of the family have been farmers. Andrew Klingensmith was a
member of the old Lutheran church. His family consisted of eleven chil-
dren, eight boys and three girls, all now deceased. Gaspar Klingensmith
was born in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, December 24, 1820. He
was a shoemaker by trade. Upon leaving Pennsylvania he located in Trum-
bull county, Ohio, where he followed his trade for a short time. Leaving
that locality in 1865, he located in Daviess county. Indiana, where he en-
gaged in farming, and there his death occurred November 5, 1885. His
wife had preceded him to the grave January 19, 1865. Before moving to
Ohio they were members of the old Lutheran church, but at that time they
joined the United Brethren church. Politically, he was a Republican.
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. 1863
Peter Bush, father of Mrs. Klingensmith, devoted his life to farming.
He was twice married; twelve children were born by his first wife and four
by his second marriage. He was a Democrat and a member of the Lutheran
church.
Peter Klingensmith, our subject, was five years old when his parents
removed with him to Ohio. There he grew up and attended the public
schools, and when a young man learned the carpenter's trade. From Ohio
he moved to Daviess county, Indiana, and there, on June 17, 1868, he mar-
ried Sarah Rodarmel, a daughter of Friend Rodarmel, a native of Indiana,
and a son of Joseph Rodarmel, a native of Pennsylvania, but whose father
was a native of Germany, from which country he emigrated to the United
States in an early day and settled in the old Keystone state. Friend Ro-
darmel was the father of twelve children, four of whom died in infancy,
three of them still living, namely : William lives in Knox county, Indiana,
where he is engaged in farming; Sarah, wife of our subject, and Marcellus,
a farmer of Knox county, Indiana. Politically, Friend Rodarmel was a
Republican, and he was road commissioner for some time in his commun-
ity. He belonged to the Cumberland Presbyterian church. His death oc-
curred April 29, 1870. His wife survived him twenty-five years, dying De-
cember 23, 1905, at an advanced age.
Seven children have been born to our subject and wife, namely: Charles,
a carpenter at Bristow, Oklahoma, is married and has seven children. He
is a Modern Woodman. Gasper, the second son, who lives at Washington,
Indiana, is a carpenter and contractor. He is noble grand of the
Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and also belongs to the Improved Or-
der of Red Men. He is married and has five children. Jesse is a carpenter
by trade, lives in Greene county, and has a wife and five children. Mrs.
Lucy Ginn is the wife of a Greene county farmer and they have three chil-
dren. Anna Augusta died when three years of age. Edwin Ray is farming
in Greene county, is married and has two children. Amanda is the wife of
Clarence Kindrick, of Elwood, this county, and they have one child.
Peter Klingensmith left Indiana in 1888 and came to Cowley county,
Kansas, where he resided until 1891, when he moved to Greene county, Mis-
souri, locating on his present farm, buying fifty acres, which he has placed
under excellent improvements and one on which he has made a comfortable
living. He has done a great deal of the work in building and keeping re-
paired the famous Carthage road.
Politically, he is a Republican, religiously a member of the Methodist
Episcopal church, and fraternally a member of the Masonic blue lodge No.
449, of Bois D'Arc, but he first became a Mason in Indiana ; he also belongs
to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows at Elwood, to Encampment No.
1864 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
42 in Springfield, and to Lodge No. 512 Rebekahs, in which he has held
several offices. His wife is a member of the Ladies' Aid Society of the Cen-
ter Grove Methodist church, there being thirty-two members in the society,
and she is one of the most active.
AARON M. RITTER.
Few men live to the advanced age of Aaron M. Ritter, a venerable
citizen of Campbell township, who has passed his eightieth birthday, with-
out having changed his life work several times, but it seems that he has
been wise in sticking to agricultural pursuits. For it takes a farmer to suc-
ceed at farming, just as it takes a clerical man to make a success of office
work, an engineer with a locomotive, an architect in architecture, or a mu-
sician in music. That man is indeed fortunate who, when young and start-
ing out in life, chooses his work wisely, selects the thing for which nature
has best adapted him and in which he can make the greatest success in his
immediate environment, for both innate ability and one's surroundings must
be taken into consideration. No matter how strong a natural bent one
might have for agricultural pursuits, he could not display that faculty to
advantage on the banks of the Red Sea. Our subject has made a success
of his chosen life work because he was fitted for it and because he located
in a country propitious for general farming. He has been a resident of
Greene county forty-five years.
Mr. Ritter was born May 25, 1834, in St. Joseph county, Indiana, near
the city of South Bend. He is a son of Jacob and Elizabeth ( Miller) Rit-
ter, and a grandson of John and Mary (Gauver) Ritter. John Ritter was
born in Ohio, but his -father was a native of Germany, from which country
he came to the United States when young, in the old Colonial period, and
he was living in Massachusetts at the time of the famous Boston "tea
party," in which he participated. He lived to be eighty-seven years of age.
John Ritter grew up in Ohio and married there, later establishing his home
in Wayne county, subsequently removing to Portish Prairie, thence to Iowa,
in which state he died. He was one of the pioneers in the last named state.
He devoted his life to farming. His family consisted of ten children. Po-
litically, he was a Whig, and religiously a Dunkard. His oldest son, Jacob
Ritter. father of our subject, was probably born in Ohio. He went to
Wayne county when a young man, being one of the first settlers in that part
of the state of Indiana. He resided there about twenty years, or until his
death. His wife, Elizabeth Miller, was a daughter of Daniel and Sarah
(Hardman) Miller. Her father was a minister in the Dunkard church.
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. 1865
To Jacob Ritter and wife twelve children were born, seven of whom are
still living. Aaron M., of this sketch, was the fourth child in order of birth.
The father was a Whig in politics in his earlier life, but finally became a
Democrat. He was a member of the Universalist church. He belonged to
the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He devoted his active life to farm-
ing in St. Joseph county, Indiana, and for a number of years was justice
of the peace there.
Aaron M. Ritter grew to manhood on his father's farm in Indiana, and
there he worked when a boy. He received a district school education, also
spent one term in Mercantile College, Cincinnati, Ohio. He has been mar-
ried three times. First, in the spring of 1869, in Lawrence county, Mis-
souri, he was united with Martha A. Johns, who died in early life. One
child born to this union is also deceased. Our subject's second marriage
took place in 1872, to a Mrs. Isabelle Gray, nee Landreth, and to this union
three children were born, all of whom are deceased, and the mother passed
away in 1898. Mr. Ritter was subsequently married to Emma J. Perry-
man, a daughter of John J. and Cassey (Griffen) Perryman. This last
union resulted in the birth of two sons, Miller and Howard Ritter.
Mr. Ritter came to Missouri in the sixties. He served a short time
as a volunteer soldier in the West for the government in assisting to protect
mining towns. In 1870 he located on a farm in Greene county, and has since
resided here, engaged successfully in general farming and stock raising.
He owns a productive and well improved farm of one hundred and sev-
enty-six acres in Campbell township.
Politically, he is a Socialist, is well read and a man of progressive ideas.
Fraternally, he is a Master Mason. He has been regarded as one of the
leading citizens in his part of the county for nearly a half century.
EDWARD FORREST RACE.
Some farmers who have cropped their soils from year to year, taking
everything off and returning nothing, when their crops fall off until there
are no profits, sometimes conceive the idea that they can have their soils
analyzed and have a fertilizer mixed for them that will furnish all the
needed elements of plant food, so that by applying that fertilizer to their
lands they should grow bumper crops. They are doomed to disappointment.
The chemist can tell the amount of plant food in a sample of soil, but he
cannot tell how much of it is in available form for plant food, and another
sample a few yards away would in all probability show a very different
amount of plant food. Knowing this, Edward Forrest Race, a successful;
l866 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
fanner of Campbell township, has always tried to keep his land up to the
standard of fertility by employing the best modern methods, therefore ren-
dering an analysis of his soil unnecessary.
Mr. Race is a native of Greene county, Missouri, born on November 6,
1869. He is a son of Alfred P. and Sarah C. (Greenwade) Race, the latter
a daughter of Moses Greenwade and wife, whose family consisted of ten
children, six sons and four daughters. Alfred P. Race was born in Hamp-
shire county, Virginia, and was of Scotch descent. He was probably the
eldest in a family of ten children. He received his early education in the
district schools and devoted his life to general farming. He was married
in Maryland, in which state his wife, mother of our subject, was born and
reared. To this union ten children were born, five of whom are deceased.
Those living are : Mrs. Laura Moore, who resides at Willard, this county ;
Edward F., of this sketch; Sarah M. lives in Nebraska; William T. makes
his home in Polk county, Missouri ; Albert lives in Kansas. The parents of
these children left Maryland not long after their marriage and located in
Illinois, subsequently coming to Greene count)-, Missouri, purchasing a farm,
which, however, they later sold and moved back to Illinois, and after a
year's residence returned to this county and bought back the farm near the
village of Willard which they had previously owned, and here they con-
tinued to reside, engaged successfully in general farming until Mr. Race's
death, in the fall of 1909, and there Mrs. Race still makes her home. Po-
litically, Alfred P. Race was a Democrat, but was never active in public life.
He stood high in his community and was well liked by all who knew him.
Edward F. Race grew to manhood on his father's farm, and he re-
ceived his education in the district schools of Greene county. He has farmed
all his life, and has been very successful in general agricultural pursuits and
stock raising. He located on his present well improved farm of one hun-
dred and forty-two acres in 1004. His residence and outbuildings are sub-
stantial and convenient, and he has made the excellent improvements now to
he seen On his place, lie take- much pride in his home and farm, and every-
thing denotes close attention to details.
Mr. Race was married on March 1, [899, to Lular Gillespie, a daugh-
ter of William S. and Martha M. (Horn) Gillespie, natives of North Caro-
lina, in which state they grew to maturity, were educated and married, and
soon after the latter event they moved to Tennessee, and from there to Mis-
souri about thirty-live years ago. and bought a farm in Greene county, near
the town of Stratford. After living there five years they moved to a good
farm near Willard. where the family still resides. There are seven children
of this family, named as follows: C. Plato, of Willard; S. Ciscero. of Wil-
lard; O. Sular, the wife of D. C. Knox, of Willard; Lular C, wife of our
subject; O. Dexter lives at Willard; Willie T., of Springfield: R. Eddie, of
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. 1867
Willard. William S. Gillespie, father of these children, served all through
the Civil war in the Confederate army, taking part in many important en-
gagements, including the battle of Richmond and those in the vicinity of
that city. He was only sixteen years of age when he enlisted.
To Edward F. Race and wife four children have been born, namely:
Pearl Madalene is attending the Willard high school; Ester Naomi, Lloyd
Franklin and Orville Edward.
Politically, Mr. Race is a Democrat, but he has never been an aspirant
for political office. He is a member of the Grand Prairie Presbyterian
church at Willard and is an elder in the same and an active church worker.
THOMAS W. PRICE.
One would find it necessary to search long and far to find a farm kept
t'n better condition or managed under more up-to-date methods than that
of Thomas W. Price of Taylor township, Greene county — the place on
which he has spent his life. He has not only worked hard and persistently
in keeping everything in its proper place, but has been a student of local
conditions and has read such literature as pertains to twentieth century
methods of husbandry, so that he has been enabled to reap just reward
for his pains and labors from year to year.
Mr. Price was born here on July 14. 1871. He is a son of John If.
and Mary (Calwell) Price. The father was born in Russell county, Vir-
ginia, July 19, 1822, and was reared there on a farm and received a com-
mon school education. The mother of our subject was born in Tazewell
county. Virginia, December 17, 1830. She was brought to Missouri when.
a young girl by her parents, the family locating in Greene county, where
she attended school, and here she married Mr. Price in 1868 Her death
occurred on the home farm in Taylor township, July 13, 1899. John H.
Price was fourteen years of age when, in 1836, he immigrated with his
parents from the Old Dominion to Greene county, Missouri. His father
entered a farm from the government which he developed. Here John 11.
Price worked amid pioneer environments, and in 1853. during the gold
fever days, he and his brother drove five hundred and twenty-five head of
cattle overland to California, reaching their destination with four hundred
and ninety head. A loss of only thirty-five head from this large herd over
the wild plains of the vast west and during a trip of some six months was
indeed a remarkable feat. He was successful in his venture to the far
West, and returned home in due time and turned his attention to general
farming. When the Civil war came on he joined the Home Guards in
1 868 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
1 86 1, and was made assistant inspector general of General McBride's bri-
gade of the Federal army, and in September, 1861, he was commissioned
lieutenant-colonel for meritorious services. He had command of the post
at Lebanon until October of that year. He was in command of the State
Guards at Springfield when Gen. John C. Fremont marched his great army
to that place, and it was against Colonel Price's men that Major Zagonyi
made his famous charge in October, 1861, just west of the city. Colonel
Price was captured in Taney county and for a brief period was held a pris-
oner at the government arsenal in St. Louis, finally being exchanged and
rejoining the army under Gen. Sterling Price at Osceola, St. Clair county.
He saw considerable hard service and was an efficient and brave officer.
He fought at the battle of Pea Ridge and was captured again and sent to
the Union prison at Alton, Illinois, where he was held for six months. In
June, 1863, he rejoined the Confederate army and was made adjutant of
Colonel Cornell's Missouri regiment. In August, 1863, he was appointed
inspector general of Freeman's brigade of Marmaduke's division, which
position he held with honor and success until the close of the war. Return-
ing home after his brilliant military career he resumed farming and was
owner of two hundred and fifteen acres, on which he carried on general
farming and stock raising in an able manner. He was well known and
influential in his locality, and was a man of fine personal character. His
death occurred on April 7, 1889, in Henderson, Missouri. He had but
two children, namely : Mrs. Lydia Foster, who lives in Springfield, and
Thomas W., of this sketch.
Thomas W. Price was reared on the home farm, where he worked hard
when growing up, and he received his education in the common schools.
He worked the farm for his father until the hitter's death. He has remained
on the In >iik- place, which consists of one hundred and thirty-eight acres
at the present time, this being his part of the original. He has kept it
well improved and carefully cultivated and the buildings in good repair.
Air. Trice was married on October 15, 1902, to May Wells, who
was born in Webster county. Missouri, December 4, 1880, and was reared
on a farm there and received her education in the common schools. She is
a daughter of John D. and Elizabeth (Compton) Wells, both of whom still
live in Webster county and are actively engaged in farming. Four chil-
dren have been born to our subject and wife, namely: Mary. John H,
Marion and Mildred.
Politically, Mr. Price is a Democrat. He has been justice of the
peace in Taylor township for four years, giving eminent satisfaction. He
belongs to the Modern Woodmen and the Independent Order of Odd
Fellows.
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. 1 869
ISAAC T. TRACY.
It is a pleasure to farm if one manages like Isaac T. Tracy, of Jackson
township, Greene county. On his farm of large acreage it is doubtful if you
could find anything materially out of its place. The owner has even been
his own manager and carefully looks after details. Nothing is done in a
haphazard manner, everything being carefully planned and methodically
carried out.
Mr. Tracy was born in Webster county, Missouri, April 15, 1858, and
the fact that he has spent his life in this section of the Ozark Mountains
indicates that he has been contented with local conditions. He is a son of
Evans and Sarah (Kinselo) Tracy, the father bom near Glasgow, Barren
county, Kentucky, in 1814, was reared on a farm there and received the
usual limited education in the subscription schools of those frontier days.
He remained in the Blue Grass state until 1840 when he emigrated to Mis-
souri and settled in Greene county in 1841, entered a farm from the gov-
ernment, owning a good place of one hundred and twenty acres, which he
cleared and developed. His wife was also born in Kentucky in 181 7, and
her death occurred on the homestead in Webster county, Missouri, Decem-
ber 16, 1888. She was reared on a farm in her native vicinity and attended
the early-day schools. These parents were married in their native state.
The father died on his farm in Webster county, where he removed from
Greene in an early day, the date of his death being May 17, 1891.
To Evans Tracy and wife nine children were born, namely : Mrs.
Nellie Hill is the eldest; Erasmus lives in Fair Grove, Greene county; Mrs.
Mary Debbis, Mrs. Amanda Burgone ; James is deceased ; Mrs. Mealy Brit-
ton, Mrs. Sarah Wommack, Isaac T. of this sketch; Samantha is the
youngest.
Isaac T. Tracy grew to manhood on the farm in Webster county,
where he did his full share of the work about the place when not in school.
He attended the public schools of his home district, and assisted his father
with the work on the place until he was twenty-one years of age, then
started in life for himself, buying a farm of eighty acres in Webster county
on which he got a good start. Finding this too small for the proper exer-
cise of his talents as a husbandman, he sold it and purchased an excellent
place in Jackson township, Greene county, consisting of two hundred and
forty acres, which he still owns. He has made many substantial improve-
ments with the advancing years until he now has one of the most up-to-date
farms in this part of the county as well as one of the most productive, and
he has been very successful as a general farmer and stock raiser. He has
a commodious home and numerous substantial outbuildings. A good grade
187O GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
of live stock is always to be seen in his fields and about his barns and no
small portion of his annual income has been derived from this source. His
boys now operate the place for the most part, he merely planning and over-
seeing the work.
Air. Tracy was married in 1888 to Lucretia Wommack, who was born
in Greene county, October, 1861, and here she was reared on a farm and
attended the rural schools in her neighborhood.
Six children have been born to our subject and wife, namely : Mrs.
Lodena Bass, Everett, Henry, Emmitt, Avery and Casper.
Politicallv, Mr. Tracy is a Republican and while he has remained loyal
td his party through both defeat and victory he has never sought to be a
leader in public affairs. Fraternally he is a member of the Independent
Order of Odd Fellows and the Modern Woodmen. Religiously, he is a
member of the Baptist church.
JOHN A. WALLIS.
Although the twentieth century farmer is of necessity a very busy man
lie can nevertheless keep on equipping himself with such information as
advancing times make necessary. John A. Wallis, a farmer of Jackson
township, Greene county, is a man who has kept abreast of the times in a
fairly commendable manner, being both a wide reader and a close observer
and he is therefor succeeding.
Mr. Wallis was born near Ebenezer, Greene county. Missouri, May 16.
1867. He is a sun of Allen and Mary E. ( Bedell) Wallis, both natives of
North Carolina, the father born on October 1, 1823, and the mother on
November 18, 1832. They were young in years when they emigrated with
their parents to Greene county, .Missouri, each family being early settlers
here. These parents of our subject grew to maturity on farms in this
locality and were educated in the district schools, which they attended a few
months each winter for a few years, and here they were married on Janu-
ary 21, 1849. Allen Wallis became a very successful farmer, owning a
farm of four hundred acres. Me lived in different parts of this county.
Ilis death occurred on December 23, 1898, and two years later, on June 10,
1 000. his wife followed him to the grave. They were worthy members of
the Methodist Episcopal church, were great charity workers ami kind to
their neighbors, especially in sickness, and were greatly beloved by all who
knew them. They were the parents of seven children, namely: Mrs.
Malissa J. Cowden, Mrs. Sara E. Cowden — these gentlemen being brothers;
I.uther E. is engaged in fanning in this count)-; Mrs. Xettie O. Brackett is
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. 1 87 1
deceased; Charles L. is farming; John A. of this sketch; and Allen M.,
a farmer.
John A. Wallis was reared on the home farm where he worked until
his marriage, having meanwhile received a good common school education.
On September 23, 1888, he married Ella Huff, who was born in Greene
county, April 23, 1869, on the farm where she now lives, and here she was
reared and she was educated in the public schools. She is a daughter of
Charles \V. and Missouri ( Whitlock ) Huff, both natives of Greene county,
the father born on July 16, 1830 and the mother was born on June 21, 1834.
Mr. Huff was one of the successful farmers of this county, owning seven
hundred acres at the time of his death. June 15, 1886. His wife died on
October 7, 191 1. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church
and she belonged to the Presbyterian church. They were well known and
highly respected. To these parents eight children were born, namely :
Thomas A., Charles C, Mrs. Sarah E. Gridges, a widow; Samuel, de-
ceased; Annie E., deceased; Mrs. Lulu X. Brown; Etta A., wife of our
subject, and Marvin, deceased.
The union of Mr. and Mrs. Wallis has been without issue.
After his marriage Mr. Wallis bought a farm of one hundred and
sixty-five acres. He at present lives on his father-in-law's farm, owning
two hundred and fifteen acres of the same, and in all he owns three hundred
and five acres. He is engaged in general farming and stock raising in a
successful manner and keeps his land well cultivated and well improved and
has a pleasant home.
Politically, Mr. Wallis is a Democrat, and he is a member of the
Methodist Episcopal church.
WILLIAM ELIJAH ALBRIGHT, M. D.
Dr. William E. Albright was born in Polk county, Missouri, May 20,.
1805. He is a son of William Franklin Albright, who was born in Georgia
in 1822. He spent his youth in his native state and there received his edu-
cation, in part, but was still a lad when, in 1843, he removed to Missouri, in
which state he spent the rest of his life, engaged in farming and in the min-
istry of the Cumberland Presbyterian church, and did an incalculable amount
of good in the work of the same in various ways. He was of the hospitable,
kind and courteous type of Southerner, and was greatly beloved by all who
knew him. He did not live for self alone, but was constantly on the lookout
for some way whereby he might benefit others. He married Millie Jane
Fullerton, who was born in Tennessee, from which state she came to Mis-
16/2 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
souri in her girlhood; she, too, was a fine Christian character; she died at
the age of sixty-two years, but the doctor's father, truly a "grand old man of
Israel," was not summoned to his reward until he had reached the ripe old
age of eighty-nine years. Of their children two sons and one daughter are
living at this writing, namely: Dr. William E., of this sketch; Sterling Price
(named after the great Confederate general ) lives at Purdy, Missouri, where
he owns and operates a drug store; Anna Elizabeth is the wife of William D.
Laney, also engaged in the drug business, and lives at Thayer, this state. The
maternal grandfather, James Fullerton, died many years ago in Polk county,
Missouri, whither he had moved from Tennessee in an early day, and spent
the rest of his life in farming. His wife, Anna Elizabeth, has also been
deceased a number of years. One sister of the doctor's mother survives,
Mrs. Hannah Kerr, of Polk county, where her husband, James Kerr, a
farmer, died more than thirty years ago.
Doctor Albright grew to manhood on the home farm in Polk county
and there found plenty of hard work to do when a boy. In the winter time
he attended the public schools. He is a fine sample of the self-made man.
After entering his teens he earned his own way by engaging in various
kinds of business, principally farming, and he has seen life on its hardest
side, but with indomitable energy and perseverance he has forged ahead
and may be justly proud of the large success which has attended his efforts.
After attending the public schools he entered the Pleasant Hope Academy,
near his boyhood home, completed the course and was graduated. Then he
entered the Kansas * it v Medical College in 1900, from which institution
he was graduated with the class of 1904. Soon thereafter he began the
practice of his profession at Carterville. Kansas, where he remained tw<>
years, then came to Springfield. He was successful from the first, and is
now enjoying a large and constantly growing practice.
Doctor Albright is a member of the Greene County Medical Society
and the Woods County Medical Society (Oklahoma). Fraternally, he
belongs to the Masonic order, and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows,
also the Loyal Order of Moose. Politically he is a Democrat, and in relig-
ions matters is a Methodist.
Doctor Albright married Rosa Ellen Sullivant, a daughter of Jackson
Sullivant, a native of Pleasant Hope, Missouri. He formerly engaged in
farming in Polk county, but is now retired and makes his home with our
subject and wife. His wife, who was Sarah Elizabeth Edmondson, died
in 1903. Mrs. Albright is the only child and is very fond of her father,
who is a fine old gentleman, highly respected by all who know him.
One child has been horn to Doctor and Mrs. Albright, Claud Welling-
ton Albright, whose birth occurred in Polk county, this state, in March,
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. 1873
1891 ; he received his earlier education in the ward schools of Springfield,
was later graduated from Drury Academy, and expects to complete the
regular course in Drury College, then take up the study of medicine; he is
making an excellent record as a student and is a lad of much promise. He
is a natural musician, and is also educating himself on the violin as a side
issue of his more serious life work.
DR. THOMAS V. B. CRANE.
It must be true that an honest, faithful, capable life, considered even
in its temporal relations, is not lived in vain ; that its influence is not as
transient and evanescent as mere physical vitality, but that the progress of
mankind, in all that is virtuous and ennobling, is accelerated by it; that
although the life of one man may be a small factor in the aggregate lives of
the race, yet if well spent, its after influence is perceptible and continues to
endure for the good of mankind. One such life in Greene county is that
of Dr. Thomas V. B. Crane, one of the best known general physicians of
the city of Springfield, a man who has always guarded well his conduct in
all the relations which he has sustained to the world, and while advancing
his individual interests has not neglected his general duties as a neighbor
and citizen, and "while living in a house by the side of the road, has been
a friend to man."
Doctor Crane was born on June i, 1869, in Phelps county, Missouri,
in the midst of the beautiful verdure of the Gasconade river. He is a son
•of A. W. and Roda A. (McDaniel) Crane. The former devoted his active
life to farming and he died in July. 19 14. The mother, who is now seventy-
eight years old, is living with the subject of this sketch, he taking a delight
in ministering to her every want in her declining years. Josiah Crane, the
paternal grandfather of our subject, was born on the Hudson river in the
state of New York, in the year 1800. During young manhood he moved
to Pennsylvania, where he met and married Prudence Bates, and finally
moved to Cannon county, Tennessee. To Josiah Crane and wife six sons
and one daughter were born, Allison Woodville Crane, the youngest, being
the father of the subject of this sketch. He was born in the year 1841.
His family consisted of six children, named as follow: Mattie, deceased;
Thomas V. B., our subject; George A. is a Presbyterian minister in Texas;
Melissa is deceased; Mrs. Maggie E. Belcher is living in Florida; Henry D.
lives in Little Rock, Arkansas.
The Crane family is of Scotch-Irish ancestry.
(118)
l874 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
Soon after Doctor Crane's birth his father moved with him to Salem,,
Dent county, Missouri, where he lived two years, the family then moving
to Kentucky. In the fall of 1874 his father moved back to the old Josiah
Crane home in Tennessee. Meeting with reverses, the most notable being
the destruction of his home by fire in the winter of 1874-75, A. W. Crane
moved with his family to Kentucky again, thence to Illinois, and in the
fall of 1880, moved to near Mountain Home, Arkansas, where, although
then eleven years of age, our subject entered school for the first time. The
terms averaged from three weeks to three months that he spent in school
each winter during the four years that he lived in Arkansas. In the fall
of 1884 his father moved to Missouri, locating in Ripley county, where
about three months of schooling out of each of the next two years were all
he could embrace on account of assisting with the farm work. In the fall
of 1886 his father moved to Bushton, Cole county, Illinois, where young
Crane worked on the farm in summer and attended public school in winter
during the succeeding five years. In June. 1891, our subject came back
to Ripley county, Missouri, where he began teaching and farming. He took
the literary course in Abbott College, at Maynard, Randolph county,
Arkansas; then, in the year 1899, he entered the St. Louis College of Phy-
sicians and Surgeons, where he spent two years, then transferred to Barnes'
Medical College, St. Louis, from which institution he was graduated with
the class of 1903. Soon thereafter he began the practice of his profession
in ^\'ashington, where he remained one year ; then came to Springfield,
where he opened an office on July 19, 1904, and here he has remained to
the present time, enjoying all the while a growing and satisfactory patron-
age. He is deserving of a great deal of credit for what he has accomplished
in view of the fact that he is purely a self-made man, having educated
himself.
Doctor Crane was married on September 18, 1892, to Amanda A.
Marlin, of Osceola. Mississippi county. Arkansas, where she was born on
February 26, 1871. She is a daughter of David M. and Elmira (Casey)
Marlin. Mr. Marlin. who devoted his life to farming, died in Maw 1909,
his wife having preceded him to the grave several decades, dying when
Mrs. Crane was a small child.
Three children have been burn to Doctor Crane and wife, namely:
Marvin Elsie, born in Ripley county, Missouri, in 1893, was educated in
the public schools of that count} and the ward schools of Springfield; she
was graduated from the high school here, after which she spent two years
in Drury College. Bryan D., the second child, was born on October 30,
iN<A was graduated from the ward schools in Springfield, after which he
spent two years in high school here, then entered Scarritt-Morrisville Col-
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. 1 875
lege at Morrisville, Missouri, where he was making an excellent record
when he met an untimely death. Adolphus H., the youngest child, was
born in Ripley county, this state, October 24, 1898; he was graduated from
the ward schools in Springfield and at this writing is in his third year in the
local high school.
It must not be forgotten that, although our subject was deprived of
the privilege of attending the common schools in early life, his education
was not neglected altogether, for both his father and mother, especially
the latter, were painstaking in the tutoring of their children ; and many
were the nights, although tired and weary from the cares and toils of the
day, by the light of the tallow candle, grease lamp or pine knot fires, and
other means for artificial light, the parents and the children might have been
seen as tutors and pupils, searching for those things which go to build
character and fit boys and girls for future usefulness. This is a tribute
which will not be paid to the average father and mother of today.
Doctor Crane is a stanch Democrat. He is a member of the Blue
Lodge, Council and Chapter, of the Masonic Order; also the Modern
Woodmen of America and the Royal Neighbors. He is also a member of
the Greene County Medical Society, the State Medical Society, the Ameri-
can Medical Association and the Southwest Medical Society. The family
are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, South.
ADDISON BROWN.
Addison Brown has achieved marked success as a lawyer while yet a
young man, for the vocation he selected is one of the most exacting of all
professions and, too, he has had to win his way in the face of opposition
in various ways and in a community long noted for the high order of its
legal talent. He throws his whole soul into his work. As a citizen, he
stands for the highest ideals in all the relations of life.
Mr. Brown was born on January 19, 1874, in Ozark, Christian county,
Missouri. He is a son of E. B. and Sarah A. (Clapp) Brown; the father
was born on December 5, 1845; the mother was born on July 15, 1856.
These parents received good educations, and the father attended the Keokuk
Medical College, at Keokuk, Iowa, from which institution he was grad-
uated in April, 1872. He first began the practice of his profession in Ozark,
Missouri, where he remained until 1889, when he removed to Billings, this
state, and there he is still actively engaged in the practice of medicine, hav-
ing built up a large patronage. Politically he is a Democrat. He belongs
1876 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
to the Masonic order, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and other
fraternal organizations.
To E. B. Brown and wife nine children were born, all of whom are
still living, named as follow : Mollie L., born on August 28, 1872, is single
and she has been teaching in the public schools of Dallas, Texas, for the
past seven years; Addison, of this sketch; Fred H., born on November 16,
1876, is single, and he is engaged in the practice of medicine at Billings,
Missouri; Ross B., born on June 20, 1879, married Elizabeth Berry, and
they live in Branson, Missouri, where he is engaged in the real estate busi-
ness; Frank H., born on July 15, 1883, married Lucy Garroutte, and the)'
are living in Billings, where he is engaged in the mercantile business; Min-
nie V., born in 1886, is single, and is teaching in the public schools of
Dallas, Texas; Ned R., born on November 3, 1888, married in 1909; he is
a traveling salesman and resides in Colorado Springs; Joseph D., born on
January 11, 1893, is a pharmacist and lives in Billings, Missouri; Alta L.,
born on December 8, 1896, lives in Billings; she is a student in the State
Normal school at Springfield, Missouri.
John D. Brown, the paternal grandfather of our subject, married Jean
Bray, and to them five sons and three daughters were born, all of the boys
being made physicians. Joseph Addison Brown was the father of Dr.
William McFarland Brown, a physician and surgeon of Springfield, Mis-
souri, a complete sketch of whom appears on another page of this work,
in which will be found a complete genealogy of the Brown family. Dr.
G. P. S. Brown, of Nixa, Missouri, is also a physician; he is an uncle of
the subject of this sketch.
Addison Brown received a common school education, being graduated
from the high school at Billings. Missouri, in 1893. He became a regis-
tered pharmacist in Texas on July 15. [893, and for a number of years
engaged in the drug business in the city of Dallas with much success. He
was manager of a number of drug stores there. Finally he decided to enter
the legal profession and began studying law during spare moments. Pro-
gressing rapidly, he entered the law department of Washington University,
at St. Louis, Missouri, from which institution he was graduated on June
20, 1 901, having made an excellent record. From 1901 to 1905 he was
engaged as manager of drug stores in Dallas, Texas.
On September 1, 1905. Mr. Brown located in Springfield for the prac-
tice of his profession. He has been very successful from the first and his
clientage has constantly increased since coming to this city. During the
past seven years he has been attorney for a number of wholesale merchants
here. He has long ranked among the leaders of the Greene county bar.
Mr. Brown was married on December 22. 1910. to Lydian D. Berry,
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. I&77
of Nevada, Missouri. She is a daughter of J. H. Berry. She received a
good education.
Politically, Mr.- Brown is a Democrat. He belongs to the Masonic
order, the Young Men's Business Club, and the Christian church.
GAYLARD DOUGLASS.
Among the enterprising business men of Springfield and Greene county
of the present day is Gaylard Douglass, widely known dealer in farm loans,
with offices in the Landers Building, suite No. 934-36, a man who has suc-
ceeded in life partly because he has inherited commendable traits from his
sterling Buckeye ancestors, and partly because he has dealt honorably with
his fellow men, thereby winning and retaining their good will and confi-
dence, and his reputation in the several localities where he has lived has
ever been above idle cavil.
Mr. Douglass was born near Ft. Wayne, Indiana, February 16, 1851.
He is a son of Samuel and Diana (Edgington) Douglass, both natives of
the state of Ohio, the father's birth occurring near Mansfield. These par-
ents grew up and were married in their native locality and established their
home on a farm in Allen county, Indiana, where they were known as honest,
industrious and neighborly people, and they spent their lives on a farm
and both died there, the mother passing away when the subject of this
sketch was but a child. They were the parents of twelve /children, our sub-
ject being the only survivor.
Gaylard Douglass grew to manhood on the home farm and he did his
full share of the work there when a boy. He received a limited education
in the public schools, but this lack of learning has later been supplied by
wide miscellaneous reading and by contact with the world, until he may
well be called a successful self-made man. In 1876 he left his native state
and came to Bates county, Missouri, where he spent ten years engaged in
general farming and, working hard and managing well, he got a good start.
He took much interest in live stock and handled a good grade. Although
liking the farm and live stock business, he finally decided that the city held
greater attractions and opportunities for him and removed to Clinton,
Henry county, this state, where he engaged in the real estate business for
some time, then went to California and remained in that state two years,
after which he returned to Clinton, Missouri, and went into the loan busi-
ness, and made his first loan at Schell City, Vernon county, this state. He
was successful in this line of endeavor and, seeking a larger field for his
operations, he came to Springfield in 1904, where he continued to the pres-
l8/8 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
ent time, building up a large business in farm loans and real estate. He
maintains an up-to-date office in the Landers Building, and is regarded as
one of the best posted men in the value of Missouri farm property or in
the city. He is assisted by his son, J. M. Douglass, and enjoys a constantly
growing business.
Mr. Douglass was married on December 21, 1872, to Catherine Lovinia
Dolley, who was born and reared near Ft. Wayne, Indiana. She died in
Red Bluff, California, February 12, 1898, leaving two sons, namely: James
M., who married Nellie N. Danley, lives in Springfield; Clark, who married
Mary Lee, of Mountain Grove, Missouri; later they moved to Seymour,
Webster county, where they now live. Mr. Douglass was married a second
time to Alice Davis, a native of Missouri and a daughter of Wilbur Davis
and wife. This second union has been without issue.
Mr. Douglass has been very successful in a business way, and he has
a beautiful home at 724 East Walnut street, Springfield. Politically, he
is a Republican, and religiously he belongs to the Presbyterian church.
JOHN S. OWEN.
The name of the late John S. (Sol) Owen needs no introduction to the
readers of this history, for he was widely known in Greene county for many
years, being a worthy representative of one of our best pioneer families, and
he was highly regarded by all who knew him.
Mr. Owen was born September 22, 1857, near Wilson's Creek, this
county. He was a son of Capt. C. Baker and Ellen (Yarbrough) Owen.
He was a grandson of Col. Sol Owen, who settled the old Owen farm in
1837, on which place our subject's death occurred. The parents of our sub-
ject were both born in Tennessee, from which state they came to Greene
county, Missouri, in an early day, when they were children, the father being
twelve years of age when he came here. Here he grew up and helped de-
velop the farm. When the Civil war came on he enlisted in the Federal
army and became captain of Company D, Twenty-fourth Missouri Volunteer
Infantry, which he commanded in a praiseworthy manner for three years.
Later he served four years as sheriff of Greene county. He was a farmer
and stock raiser. He was a strong Democrat and a leader in his party.
Captain Owen was twice married, first to Ellen Yarbrough, mother of
our subject. The only other child by this union was Stephen A. Douglas
Owen, who died in January, 191 5, on his farm on the James river, this
county. The mother of our subject died when he was a small boy. Later
Captain Owen married Caroline McCroskey, an aunt of C. W. McCroskey,
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. 1 879
the present superintendent of schools of Greene county. A sketch of Pro-
fessor McCroskey appears in this volume. Eight children were born to
Captain Owen and his second wife, all of whom are living but one.
John S. Owen of this sketch grew up on the home farm and he was
educated in the rural schools, however, educating himself for the most part,
and was an excellent example of a self-made man. When twenty-four years
of age he started in life for himself on a farm of one hundred acres, which
was a part of the old Owen homestead. He prospered and at the time of
his death owned two hundred eighty-seven and one-half acres, which val-
uable place is now in possession of our subject's widow and children. Mr.
Owen carried on general farming in a very successful manner. He was
never much of a trader, for being a great home man, did not like to be
absent from his family. However, he handled many mules, of which he
was an excellent judge. This farm is known as the "Old Judge 'Sol' Owen
place."
Mr. Owen of this sketch married, on April 28, 1881, Sarah M. Rose.
She was born in Greene county, Missouri, near the Wilson's Creek battle-
ground, on October 16, 1859. She is a daughter of Reuben O. and Lucy
A. (McElhaney) Rose. Mr. Rose was born in Tennessee, from which state
he came to Greene county, Missouri, devoted his active life to general farm-
ing and died on his farm near Wilson's creek in March, 1880. His wife
was also born in Tennessee, and she is still living on the old homestead here,
and, although now advanced in years, is well preserved — in fact, looks many
years younger. She has always looked for the silver lining in life's clouds
and is the possessor of many admirable characteristics. Mr. Rose was owner
of the old Rose flouring mill, well known in the former generation in this
part of the country. To Reuben O. Rose and wife fourteen children were
born, ten of whom are still living. Mrs. Owen received her education in
the public schools of her community.
Eleven children were born to our subject and wife, namely: Charles
B., born April 5, 1882, married Evelena Murray, a farmer and stock man
of Polk county, Missouri; Jerome B., born November 22, 1883, married
Olive Murray, and they live on a farm in Greene county; Abbie E., born
April 13, 1885, died September 10, 1886; Rose H., born December 3, 1886,
married Charles Reichle, a machinist in the Frisco shops, and they live in
Springfield; Joseph C, born March 1, 1889, married Amelia Helbig, and
they reside on the home farm; Robert F., born October 1, 1890, died July
24, 1891 ; Wilda (Nora) A., born April 8, 1892, lives at home; Sarah E.,
born January 10, 1894, married Clarence Robertson, who is engaged in the
banking business, and who resides at 468 South Grant street, Springfield ;
Savanna F., born February 3, 1896, is living at home; John Sol, Jr., born
l88o GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
August I, 1897, is living at home; Hollie M., born February 5, 1899, is liv-
ing at home.
Mr. Owen was a public-spirited man, always ready to give his support
to any good movement in his community. He was a deputy sheriff of this
county, serving under Sheriff John Day, serving the full two years very
creditably. In 1896 he was elected sheriff of Greene county on the Demo-
cratic ticket, and served two years in a very creditable manner. Like his
father before him, he was loyal to the Democratic party. Fraternally, our
subject was an active member of the Knights of Pythias and was buried by
that order. He also belonged to the Modern Woodmen, the Woodmen of
the World and the Royal Arcanum. He was a member of the Methodist
Episcopal church, South. His wife and children also belong to this church.
The death of Mr. Owen of this review occurred October 24, 1899.
GEORGE E. RAYMOND.
Perhaps as much suffering has been caused in this world of ours from
inadequate heating facilities as from any other cause. This was especially
true in the earlier ages before mankind had evolved modern methods. Even
what we now call old-fashioned fireplaces were not thought of until com-
paratively recent epochs in history. For centuries they were very crude
affairs; even the chimneys of the log cabins built by the first settlers of our
country less than a century ago were made of poles and clay or mud, and
later, when houses contained several rooms, all but one of them were without
any method of heating, for but one fireplace, as a rule, was to be found in
a home, some of the wealthier classes having two, perhaps. Then stoves
became generally used, but many rooms were still left without heat, few
caring to go to the expense and trouble of keeping the entire house properlv
warmed during the winter months. So mankind has undergone a great deal
of physical discomfort and downright suffering, especially among the poor
of nearly all countries for lack of heat in their dwelling places. But with
modern methods, such as are installed by the Raymond Heating Company,
of Springfield, people are now making themselves more comfortable dur-
ing the cold months, entire buildings, no matter how large, being kept warm
continuously from one central source, so that the rigors of the long north-
ern winters are now without their terrors, even farmers throughout th.~
country enjoying their furnace heat, which is distributed over their mod-
crnlv appointed houses in the form of hot air, steam or warm water.
George E. Raymond, head of the above named company, has long been
engaged in this line of endeavor and understands thoroughly every phase
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. 1 88 1
of modem heating, and he is one of the well known and successful business
men of Springfield, where he has resided nearly a half century. He was
born in Pekin, New York, July 8, 1861, and is a son of Joseph P. and
Elizabeth (Bromley) Raymond, both natives of New York state, the father
born in 1820 and the mother in 1818. They grew to maturity in their na-
tive state, received limited educations in the common schools and were mar-
ried there. When a young man Joseph P. Raymond learned the shoemak-
er's trade, which he always followed for a livelihood. He removed from
New York with his family to Springfield, Missouri, in the fall of 1868, and
here spent the rest of his life, dying in 1887, and here his wife died in 1889.
They were parents of five children, namely : Emmett B. lives in Los An-
odes. California; Bedten S., deceased; Mary T-, deceased; William B. lives
in Springfield, Mo., and George E., subject of this sketch.
Mr. Raymond of this review was seven years of age when he came with
the family to Springfield, Missouri, and here he grew to manhood and was
educated in the common schools. When a young man he went to Ohio and
served an apprenticeship in a tinshop at Dayton, returning to Springfield
a few years later, where he finished learning his trade, and here he worked
at the same until 1887. when he went into business for himself on South
street, establishing a heating and sheet metal works, continuing to the pres-
ent time with ever increasing success until he enjoys a very extensive and lu-
crative business as a result of his close application and good judgment and
his fair dealings with the public. In 1900 his son, Clyde, formed a partner-
ship with him and the firm name became the Raymond Heating Company,
and their plant at 219-221 West Walnut street is one of the best of its kind
in the Southwest, equipped with up-to-date appliances of all kinds, and
skilled work is promptly done, a specialty being made of warm air heating
and ventilating and sheet metal work.
Mr. Raymond was married July 12, 1881, in Springfield to Milicient
Ewers, who was born in Knox county, Ohio, October -4, 1861. She is a
daughter of Orrilla and William G. Ewers, both natives of Ohio, where
they grew up, were married and educated and established their home. They
are both now deceased. Mrs. Raymond was nine years old when, in 1870.
her parents removed with her to Springfield, Missouri, and here she grew
to womanhood and received a common school education. The Ewers home
was established on the north side.
To Mr. and Mrs. Raymond only one child was born, G. Clyde Raymond,
whose birth occurred April 11, 1883, in this city, and here he grew up and
was educated. He married Georgia Davis. He is in business with his
father, as before stated, and is a young man of enterprise and ability.
Politically, Mr. Raymond is a Democrat. Fraternally, he belongs to
l882 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the Knights of Pythias and
the Royal Arch Masons. He is an associate member of the Springfield
Club. He has always borne an excellent reputation in local business circles.
FREDERICK W. ARMSTRONG.
Mr. Armstrong was born in Hillsboro, Illinois, January 13, 1868. He
is a son of William F. and Minerva P. (Simmons) Armstrong, the former
born in Ireland, April 11, 1830, and the latter in Hillsboro, Illinois, January
7, 1837. In that state she grew to womanhood, was educated in the com-
mon schools, and she and Mr. Armstrong were married in the town of
Hillsboro. Her death occurred December 17, 1901. William F. Arm-
strong spent his early years in his native land and there attended school,
and when a young man he set sail across the broad Atlantic for American
shores and located in Hillsboro, Illinois. He was a carpenter and con-
tractor, which line of endeavor he followed during his active life, except
when in military service. Upon the first call for troops by President Lin-
coln to put down the Southern Confederacy in April, 1861, Mr. Armstrong
enlisted in Company E, Ninth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and he proved to
be such a brave and excellent soldier that he was promoted from private
through the various subordinate ranks to that of major, and was a success-
ful and dashing officer, taking part in many important campaigns, battles
and skirmishes. He was many times wounded, receiving a severe wound
at the battle of Shiloh, and he carried five bullets to the grave in his body.
He served not only in the Civil war, but in some of the campaigns against
the hostile Indians of the West, and was in the United States army in all
nearly five years. After leaving the army he returned to Hillsboro, where
his death occurred April 17, 1868. Politically, he was a strong Republican.
He belonged to the Masonic Order and the Independent Order of Odd Fel-
lows. His family consisted of four children, namely: Tom W., a Spring-
field plumber, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in tins volume; Eliza-
beth is deceased; Samuel, the eldest, lives in Hillsboro, Illinois, and Fred-
erick W., of this sketch.
Mr. Armstrong of this sketch grew to manhood in Hillsboro, Illinois,
and there he received his education in the common schools, working at odd
times in a grocery store before leaving school, and when fourteen years old
he began working at the carpenter's trade, but after following it for one
summer he turned his attention to the plumbing business, serving an ap-
prenticeship and became an efficient workman in due course of time. He
remained in his native town in this work until 1890. when he came to
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. 1883
Springfield, Missouri, where he has since resided. He was in partnership
with his brother, Tom W. Armstrong. He has done a great deal of work
of this nature throughout the city, often turning out large contracts. He
has kept well up in his line in every respect and employed capable assist-
ants so that his jobs have always been satisfactory. He has been the of-
ficial plumbing inspector of the city of Springfield during the past four
years and discharged the duties of this important post in a manner highly
satisfactory to all concerned. He retired from this office April 15, 1915, and
at the present time is engaged in the grocery business for himself at the
corner of National boulevard and Kearney street, where he is enjoying a
good trade.
Mr. Armstrong was married in Hillsboro, Illinois, December 29, 1895,
to Minnie B. Follis, who was born in that city January 24, 1872. She is a
daughter of Joseph and Rachael (Roach) Follis, the father a native of Ken-
tucky and the mother of Illinois. Mrs. Armstrong is one of three children.
Two children have been born to our subject and wife, namely: Tom,
Jr., born October 18, 1897, and Minnie M., born May 5, 1906.
Politically our subject is a Republican. He is a member of the Knights
of Pythias, Knights and Ladies of Security, the Woodmen, and the Tribe
of Ben-Hur. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church.
BENJAMIN F. TEGARDEN.
In studying the life record of Benjamin F. Tegarden it will be seen that
he is the possessor of those attributes which never fail to win success if
persistently and properly directed, as has evidently been done in his case,
for he has accomplished definite results in many lines of human endeavor,
including extensive mining operations, a large meat packing business and at
present he ranks among the most progressive agriculturalists and stockmen
of Greene county, being proprietor of beautiful "Clover Leaf Hereford
Farm" in Murray township, where he is carrying on farming under the
most approved and advanced twentieth century methods and is making a
specialty of handling a high-grade of live stock.
Mr. Tegarden was born December 15, 1857, in Orange county, Indiana.
He is a son of Andrew and Sarah (Fisher) Tegarden. The father was
born in Kentucky in 1802, where he spent his boyhood, and located in
Indiana in 1818, when sixteen years of age, with his parents. Basil Te-
garden and wife, and he spent the remainder of his life in Orange county,
that state, on the farm where he first located. He made many visits to Mis-
souri but never established his home in this state. He devoted his active
1884 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
life to general farming and made live stuck raising a specialty. He pros-
pered through his able management and judicious dealings with his fellow
men, and became one of the leading farmers of Orange county, owning
seven hundred and sixty acres of valuable land at the time of his death. He
was well informed on general topics and an influential man in the affairs
of his community. He was very successful in a business way and accumu-
lated considerable wealth all through his individual efforts, for he started
out in life without a dollar. His death occurred November 8, 1872, at the
age of seventy years. He was known as a man of public-spirits, charitably
inclined and a true friend to those worthy of his friendship, and he was
widely known and highly esteemed for his many fine qualities. Andrew
Teerarden was three times married, first to a Miss Lee, by which union four
children were born, namely : William Henry, Abraham. John and Jane, all
now deceased. His second wife, Mrs. Finley, bore him five chil-
dren, namely: Joseph, Polly Ann, Sally, Amanda, all four deceased; and
Preston, who lives in Fort Scott, Kansas. His third wife, Sarah Fisher,
was born in Orange county, Indiana, in 182 2, and her death occurred Jan-
uarv 16, 1877. at the age of fifty-five years Ten children were born to
this last union, named as follows: Benjamin F, of this sketch; David An-
drew lives in Kansas ; Winfield Scott lives in Arkansas ; Elijah Elsworth
lives in Kansas : Ulysses Grant lives in Springfield, Missouri ; Robert Basil
makes his home in Arkansas: .Mrs. Cora Dell Carr, of Indiana, and John
Reed, of California, were twins; Elmer J. is a resident of Louisiana; the
youngest child died in infancy.
Benjamin F. Tegarden spent his boyhood days on his father's farm in
Orange count}-. Indiana, and there he learned the various phases of agri-
cultural pursuits which stood him so well in hand in later life, and he received
his early education in the public schools of his native community, but left
school at the age of thirteen years, when his father died, continuing to
assist with the work on the home place until he was eighteen years of age,
when he struck out in life for himself, and he is today a fine example of a
successful self-made man. He began his career by working in a brick yard,
keeping his eyes open the meanwhile and learning thoroughly the brick
making business, spending three years in the same yard. He also learned
the carpenter's trade, which he followed two years. For some time he
devoted his attention to well drilling in western Kansas. lie has traveled
extensively, having been in twenty-seven states. Farming has formed no
small portion of his life work, lie is entitled to rank with the progressive,
scientific, well-informed husbandmen who is doing much to place this coun-
try on an equal hasis with the best as an agricultural country. For ten
years he engaged in the mining business at Joplin, Missouri, Arkansas, and
what was then the Indian Territory. He also followed the show business
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. 1885
for three years and the meat packing business for eight years, in partner-
ship with his brother, Ulysses Grant Tegarden, they having founded the Te-
garden Packing Company of Springfield, Missouri, which has long been a
successful and well-known concern throughout this section of the country.
Our subject is no longer connected with this splendid and well-equipped
plant, but it is still operated by the Welsh Packing Company. Our subject
also followed the meat packing business in Fort Scott, Kansas, for some
time. He at present has interests in mines in California. It was in 1904
that he came to Springfield and he resided there until 1913, when he bought
his present fine farm of three hundred and sixty acres in Murray township,
which is one of the best and most desirable farms in Greene county, none be-
ing more highly improved or more productive, however, it was badly "run
down" when he took possession of it, but by hard work, the expenditure of
ample funds and the application of modern ideas of farming he has trans-
formed it into an estate of which he should be justly proud and which
is one of the show places of the township. He has remodeled the barns
and painted them an attractive red and made such other improvements as
were necessary.- He has a feed mill, and his residence is commodious and
nicely furnished. The general surroundings are beautiful, and everything
about the place indicates thrift, good management and excellent taste. In
connection with general farming he is making a specialty of handling
Percheron horses and Hereford cattle, being a breeder of the latter. At
this writing he has seventy head of cattle and nine head of horses, and is
also an extensive raiser of a good grade of hogs. He has worked hard
to make his place a model farm in every respect and is realizing the ac-
complishment of his ambition.
Mr. Tegarden was married on December 18, 1890, to Margaret Craw-
ford, who was born in Iowa, a daughter of Harvey and Mary (Riley)
Crawford, both natives of Indiana and both now deceased. They spent
their early days in their native state, finally establishing their home in Iowa,
where they became comfortably located and were well known and highly
respected and there Mrs. Tegarden grew to womanhood and was educated.
She has proved to be a fit helpmeet to her energetic husband in every way
and no little amount of his success has been due to her encouragement and
counsel.
The union of Mr. and Mrs. Teagarden has been blessed by the birth
of three children, namely: Hazel Dorothy, who married George Bolds, who
is now connected with the Kansas City Star, and he is also a vaudeville
sketch and song writer of some note and has placed two benefit shows on
in Kansas City which were a success; this marriage has been without issue.
Harvey married Nellie Harrison, a native of Greene county; he lives with
his father, whom he is assisting on the home farm; he and his wife have
l886 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
one child, Benjamin F., Jr., Bernice, the youngest of our subject's children,
is at home with her parents.
Politically, Mr. Teagarden is a Progressive, is a man of liberal views
on civic, religious and other questions, and while he takes much interest in
public matters has never sought or held office and has no fraternal affilia-
tions. He is essentially a business man and a home man, never better
contented than when by his own cheerful fireside with his mutually happy
family. Mrs. Tegarden is a member of the Methodist church. They are
both known to their neighbors as hospitable, helpful and kindly disposed.
WILLIAM DELANGE.
Although William DeLange, now engaged in farming in Wilson town-
ship, Greene county, has lived but thirty-two years, he has crowded into that
brief span more than the average man experiences in the full Biblical allot-
ment of three score and ten, and it would require a good-sized volume to
set forth his life record in detail. Mr. DeLange was born in Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania, October 14, 1882. He is a son of Eugene and Rose DeLange.
The father was a native of Germany, from which country he emigrated to
America when young, but he had previously traveled all over Europe as
valet to a wealthy Frenchman, with whom he also visited the Far East and
the Mediterranean countries, and while in Russia had difficulty with a party
of Nihilists, one of whom fired a shot that wounded Mr. DeLange, the bul-
let entering his leg, and our subject is now the possessor of this leaden pel-
let, which was successfully extracted from the wound. Upon reaching the
New World the elder DeLange settled in Philadelphia, and was in the em-
ploy of the immigration bureau in that city for the government for a num-
ber of years. He was a highly educated man, was able to speak, read and
write several languages, and could speak seven different tongues and read
and write four of them, and at the time of his death in 1908 he was man-
ager of the Continental Hotel in New York City. He was married after
coming to Philadelphia, and to this union nine children were born, eight of
whom survive at this writing, namely: Charles; Joseph; Mrs. Laura Freed-
man, who lives in Pennsylvania; Archibald is deceased; Anthony, Theresa,
William, Harry and John, who lives in New York City.
William DeLange spent his early days in the City of Brotherly Love,
up to his eighth year, and he attended the public schools there two years.
When but a small boy he was left an orphan, and was taken care of by his
maternal grandmother, who found a home for him in Kent county, Dela-
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. 1887
ware, on a farm, where he remained until he was fifteen years of age, and
while there he attended the district schools two months out of each year.
At the age of fifteen he ran away, returning to Philadelphia, but remained
there only a few months, then went to New York City and began working
as a messenger boy and at other similar work, such as a boy his age could
find in a great city, remaining there about two years. He then went to work
on a truck farm at ten dollars per month and board and spent two years in
this manner. Later he enlisted in the Eleventh United States Cavalry, in
Troop M, for three years' service, during which time his regiment sailed
from New York for the Philippine Islands, by way of the Suez canal, and
was on the water sixty-eight days, and the regiment, after its service in the
antipodes had expired, returned to the United States by way of Nakisaki,
Japan, and the Sandwich Islands, stopping at Hawaii, landing at San Fran-
cisco after a long voyage across the Pacific Ocean. From the city by the
Golden Gate the regiment was sent to Jefferson Barracks, Missouri, and
after the expiration of his term of service in the army Mr. DeLange went
to New York City, thus completing the circuit of the globe. In 1905 he
came to St. Louis and took a business course in the Jones & Henderson
Business College, completing the course as stenographer, and he worked at
that vocation in various positions in St. Louis, Kansas City and Chicago.
In June, 1910, he was appointed to a position in the civil service under the
Isthmian Canal Commission, and was accordingly sent to the Panama
canal, where he spent two and one-half years, resigning his position there
in January, 1913, and returning to Missouri. Desiring to lead a quieter
and simpler life, he purchased a farm in Wilson township, Greene county,
ten miles southwest of Springfield, near the historic battlegrounds, and
now owns the old Thomas Phillips homestead, located on the old "wire
road," and which place consists of fifty-nine acres, and here he is engaged
in general farming and has a well located and productive place.
Mr. DeLange was married January 20, 191 3, to Bertha E. Moody, a
daughter of Nathan E. and Martha Jane (Cooke) Moody, who formerly
lived at Viroqua, Wisconsin, later coming to Missouri and locating at Jerico
Springs, Cedar county, Mr. Moody coming to the Ozark Mountains for his
health. He was a successful farmer in the North and accumulated consid-
erable wealth.
To Mr. and Mrs. Moody were born four children, namely: Bertha E.,
wife of Mr. DeLange, of this sketch; Mrs. Jessie Whitsitt; Mrs. Helen
Graff, and Mrs. Ethel McKenney.
Politically, Mr. DeLange has leaned toward the Republican party in
national affairs. His wife, who is an exceptionally well educated woman,
is a member of the Methodist church.
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
LUTHER M. CLAYPOOL.
The old-fashioned notion that hard work, patient industry and far-
sightedness make for success in the various avenues of life, seems yet to
huld good, although not perhaps so universally accepted in our day, the
spread of pessimism engendered by many phases of our complex life being
in a great measure responsible for some lack of faith in the old ideas.
However, if we observe conditions closely we will find that the intelligent
individual who leads a practical and industrious life, will reach a point
of success commensurate with his efforts. The career of Luther M. Clay-
pool, well known insurance man of Springfield, will afford us an instance
of this, for he is an advocate of persistency, honesty and the adoption of
new ideas and in having system in his work, and these elements have re-
sulted in success.
Air. Claypool was born in Bell county, Texas, August 16, 1884. He is
a son of C. W. and Sarah (Hall) Claypool. both reared in Alissouri, the
former of Scotch-Irish and the latter of Irish extraction. C. W. Claypool
^rew up a farmer boy and was educated in the rural schools of his com-
munity. His wife was born in Tennessee, from which state she came to
Alissouri in her girlhood and received her education in the common schools.
These parents were married in 1876 and two years later removed to Bell
ci tunty, Texas, where Mr. Claypool engaged in farming. His family con-
sisted of five children, namely : Nettie, Charles O., Luther M., Elza V., and
Lonnie B. C. \Y. Claypool remained in the Lone Star state with his
family until 1902, when he returned to Missouri, locating on a farm in
(ireene count}-, which has been his chief life work and which he has
been successful in. Ik- was justice of the peace for several years at Phoenix.
During the past two years he has been engaged in the mercantile business
there, handling boots and shoes, and has built up a good trade. He has been
a loyal Republican since reaching his majority, and he and his wife have
been members of the Baptist church for many years.
Luther M. Claypool grew to manhood on the home farm. After at-
tending the public schools he spent two years in Central Texas Institute,
from which he was graduated in June, 1902. with honors, having made an
excellent record for scholarship.
He began life for himself as a farmer for one year, then followed
stationary engineering for five years at rhoenix. Missouri, during which
time he took a course in stationary engineering and steam fitting. He
became an expert in this field of endeavor and followed it successfullv
until 1909, when he accepted a position in the Heer Department Store in
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. 1 889
Springfield, remaining there until the fall of 1910, when he touk up the
insurance business which he has continued ever since with increasing suc-
cess. In January, 191 5, he accepted an agency for the Central Life In-
surance Company, having agencies covering twenty counties. Eleven men
are working under his direction. He is not only a good judge of men but
is a splendid salesman and is one of the most successful insurance men in
Springfield.
Mr. Claypool was married March 7, 1909, to Maud V. Brady, a daughter
of John and Maryland (Keer) Brady. The father was born in Ireland,
from which country he immigrated to the United States in early life and for
a number of years followed farming. The mother of Mrs. Claypool was
born in Greene county, Missouri. Both these parents are of Scotch-Irish
extraction.
To Mr. and Mrs. Claypool one son has been born, Denziel Leon Clay-
pool.
Mr. Claypool is a Republican, and he belongs to the Independent Order
of Odd Fellows. His wife is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church.
Thev have made many warm friends since taking up their residence in
Springfield.
HENRY B. TONES.
A gentleman who has been considered one of the best farmers and
stock raisers in the vicinity of Elwood, Greene count)', is Henry B. Jones,
who, as a citizen is intelligent and enterprising, combining with himself
those sterling qualities of manhood that make not only a useful member of
society, but a leader in whatever he undertakes. He has been contented to
spend his life in his native county, rightly concluding that for the tiller of
the soil and the live stock grower no better place could be found.
Mr. Jones was born in Greene county, Missouri, March 21, i860. He
is a son of Isaac and Martha (McClure) Jones, both natives of Monroe
county, Tennessee, where they spent their childhood and received a common
school training, which, according to the times, was meager. Isaac Jones
was twenty-three years old when he came to Greene county. Missouri, and
by home study he had added to his education sufficiently to teach school,
which he followed for some time in this county or until the commencement
of the Civil war. The latter part of his life was devoted to general farming
here. During the Civil war he was deputy sheriff under Elisha White. His
death occurred in 1883. His widow survived nineteen years, dying in 1902.
They were the parents of eight children, four sons and four daughters.
(119)
189O GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
named as follows: Sarah E., Jas. L., Henry B., the subject; Efne K., Alice,
Dora, J. Lyman, and Geo. B. W.
Henry B. Jones grew to manhood on the home place and there worked
during the crop seasons when a boy, and attended the district schools during
the winter. When a young man he began farming for himself, which he
has continued to the present time, and is now owner of a well-improved
and productive place of two hundred acres near Elwood. He has always
been a very careful general farmer, rotating his crops at the right time, and
he has made livestock raising and feeding a specialty, always keeping good
grades and sparing no pains in their care. He has a good set of buildings
and modern farming implements.
Air. Jones was married on August 12, 1885, to Florence Pickering, a
daughter of Samuel and Margaret (Gray) Pickering. She was born on
her father's farm in Greene count}-, Tennessee, and here grew to woman-
hood and received her education in the country schools. .Mrs. Jones had
two brothers, both deceased, namely: Charles B. and James B; also one
sister, Mrs. Mary E. Graham.
Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Jones, namely: Fred,
born July 17, 1886, owns a ranch in Xew Mexico and intends devoting his
life to farming; Bert L, born November [8, [888, owns a farm in Republic
township, Greene county, where he carries on general farming; he married
Ora E. Coggin, a native of this county, and they have one child, Ruth Mil-
dred.
Politically, Mr. Jones is a Republican, and be and his family attend
the Methodist Episcopal church.
ERNEST X. FERGUSON.
Step by step along the path of orderly progression Ernest X. Ferguson
proceeded until he reached a prominent position as a representative of the
industrial interest- of Springfield, becoming cashier of the Holland Banking
Company and president of the State Savings Trust Company. The initial
step toward these ends was made when he was but a boy when he began
careful preparation for a business career, and he has left no stone unturned
anywhere along the highway of life whereby he might legitimately advance
himself. 11 is influence has always been mi the side of progress, improve-
ment and advancement He is a dependable man under any condition and
in any emergency. His quietude of deportment, his easy dignity, his frank-
ness and cordiality of address, with the total absence of anything sinister or
anything to conceal, foretoken a man who is ready to meet any obligation
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. 189I
of life with the confidence and courage that come of conscious personal abil-
ity, right conception of things and an habitual regard for what is best in
the exercise of human activities.
Springfield is his native city, his birth having occurred June 23, 1870.
His parents are John R. and Virginia C. (Smith) Ferguson. The former,
a native of Missouri, was born in February, 1842. and soon after the Civil
war settled in Springfield, where he still makes his home. He engaged in
the drug business for a number of years, afterward filled the office of circuit
clerk for eight years and was recorder of deeds for four years, during which
period his son, Ernest, acted as his deputy. He made an excellent record
in official circles, his course being characterized by the utmost fidelity to duty
and capability in meeting the demands of the business connected with the
office. For three years he served his country as a soldier in the Union
army and has at all times been actuated by a public-spirited devotion to
the general good. He enlisted at Louisiana, Pike count)-, Missouri, March
29. 1862. and was mustered into service as a private of Company E, Third
Regiment of Cavalry, Missouri State Militia, for three years, on the 8th
of April, 1862. The following year he was promoted to the rank of cor-
poral and in 1864 became sergeant. He continued with his command until
mustered out, April [4, 1865, at Macon City, Missouri, on the expiration
of his term of enlistment. While the Third Regiment was not sent to the
front, it did arduous and dangerous duty in Missouri and northern Arkansas.
Mr. Ferguson was almost constantly in a saddle from the spring of 1862
until the winter of 1864-5, pursuing and fighting the bushwhackers, guer-
rillas and outlaws who infested the territory in large numbers, especially
in the central, southwestern and southeastern portion of this state, using
every opportunity to ambush and bushwhack the Third Regiment, ignoring
all rules of civilized warfare. In the summer and autumn of 1864 no
prisoners were taken by either side. Mr. Ferguson participated in the en-
gagements at Kirksville, Missouri, in August, 1862, and in the fight near
Patterson, Missouri, in the spring of 1863. He was also in the severe en-
gagement in September. 1864, at Goslings Lane, Boone county, Missouri,
where he was in command of the advanced guard, which was formed of a
detachment from his regiment for protecting a wagon train of army sup-
plies. The attack was made on the wagon train and guard by the notorious
guerrilla band of three hundred of the most desperate and cruel guerrillas,
commanded by the equally desperate Bill Anderson, a noted guerrilla chief,
who burned the wagon train and killed without mercy the teamsters and
soldiers who were unable to escape. As Mr. Ferguson savs, service at the
front under the rules of civilized warfare was a much less dangerous and
arduous service than that which he experienced. He has been equally true
and loyal to his country in times of peace and is regarded as one of the
1892 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
most public-spirited men of Greene county. His wife is a daughter of
Captain Jared E. Smith, a native of Tennessee.
In the public schools of Springfield Ernest N. Ferguson pursued his
early education and afterward attended a business college there. On leaving
school he entered the office of the circuit clerk and subsequenlty was in the
recorder's office, being so employed for about five years. His identification
with financial interests dates from the 19th of May, 1890, when he entered
upon a position in the Springfield Savings Bank, becoming bookkeeper.
There he remained until February, 1906, when he became secretary and
treasurer of the Springfield Trust Company, with which he was thus asso-
ciated for eighteen months. He next became vice-president of the National
Exchange Bank and after ten months went to the State Savings Bank as
cashier. Eventually he was elected its president and continued as such
until September, 1913, when the bank was consolidated with the Holland
Banking Company, of which Mr. Ferguson is now cashier. During his ad-
ministration of the affairs of the State Savings Bank the deposits were in-
creased from sixty thousand dollars to more than a million and a quarter
and when, with his assistance, the consolidation with the Holland Banking
Company took place, the new institution became the strongest in this part
of the state. His long and varied experience in different clerical and offi-
cial positions has given him intimate and comprehensive knowledge of the
banking business in all of its phases and enables him to speak with authority
upon many of the complex problems of banking. The spirit of enterprise
actuates him in all that he undertakes and he has the ability to unify seem-
ingly diverse elements and coordinate forces into a harmonious and re-
sultant whole. One of the older bankers of Springfield, who years ago em-
ployed .Mr. Ferguson in a humble position said of him: "He always had the
faculty of making and holding friends and still never allowed friendship to
affect his judgment in business transactions. He is looked upon as one of
the county's leading men. but has not nearly reached his place he eventually
will take in financial circles." He is very forceful, displays keen sagacity
and almosl immediately makes up his mind when any proposition is brought
before him.
On the 24th of April. 1894, at Springfield, Mr. Ferguson was united
in marriage to .Miss Margaret B. Pinkerton, a .laughter of Rev. T. P. Pink-
erton, and their children are James P., Katherine, Ernest X. and Margaret B.
Mr. Ferguson has been a member of Company F, Second Regiment
Missouri National Guard, with which he served for two years, holding the
rank of second lieutenant. His political allegiance is given to the Republican
party and be is identified with several fraternal and social organizations.
He is a Royal Arch Mason, a Knight of Pythias, a Red Man, Royal Ar-
canum and Modern Woodmen. He also belongs to the Benevolent and Pro-
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. J893
tective Order of Elks, is identified with the Springfield Club, the Young
Men's Business Club, the Country Club and the James River Club — asso-
ciations which indicate much of the nature of his interests and of his recrea-
tion. In manner he is modest and unassuming, but he has friends among all
classes of people. He is a member of the South Street Christian church and
has been its treasurer since 1894. Through his energy and personal as-
sistance the affairs of the church have been put on a sound financial basis
and he deserves great credit for his efforts in that direction. He is also a
trustee of Drury College and is the local treasurer of the Pythian Home.
His activities outside of business are perhaps most pronounced in the church
and in its teachings are found the motive springs of his life in all of his
relations with his fellowmen. His ideals are high and he grasps eagerly
every opportunity for raising himself to their level.
CHARLES B. PICKERING.
The late Charles B. Pickering was a worthy representative of that type
of American character and of that progressive spirit which promotes pub-
lic good in advancing individual prosperity and conserving popular inter-
ests. Members of the Pickering family have long been identified with the
affairs of Greene county.
Mr. Pickering was born at Greeneville, Greene county, Tennessee, Sep-
tember 28, 1854. He was a son of Samuel and Margaret (Gray) Pickering,
the father born March 22, 1820, and the mother on June 9, 1819, both in
Tennessee, and there they grew to maturity and were married, and they
were young when they came to Greene county, Missouri, located on a farm
and here spent the rest of their lives, the father dying in 1908 and the
mother's death occurred May 17, 1907. They were the parents of nine
children.
Charles B. Pickering grew to manhood on the home farm and he
worked hard when a boy, and in the winter he received his education by at-
tending the district schools. Early in life he began fanning for himself,
which he continued along general lines the rest of his life and was one of
the successful tillers of the soil in Republic township, owning over two hun-
dred acres of well improved and productive land. He had a good home and
numerous convenient buildings for his live stock, which he alwavs managed
to keep a good grade of and carefully prepare for the market.
Mr. Pickering was married October 29, 1884, to Sarah M. Summer, a
native of Greene county, Tennessee, born July 16, 1861, and she was a
daughter of Joseph and Julia (Harris) Summer, both natives of Virginia,
1894 GREENE COL'NTY, MISSOURI.
in which state they spent their earlier years, finally removing to Missouri,
and locating on a farm in Greene county. Mr. Summer was also a carpenter.
To Mr. and Mrs. Pickering two children were born, namely : Leota,
now about twenty-four years of age, married Ardo D. Anderson, a fanner
of this county, and Samuel Bruce, who is now about twenty-two years of
age, lives on the home farm with his widowed mother and is successfully
operating the place.
Politically, Mr. Pickering was a Republican, and in his church affilia-
tions was a Protestant Methodist, although he was raised a Quaker. Fra-
ternally, he belonged to the Woodmen of the World.
The death of Mr. Pickering occurred on October 22, 1908, at the aqe
of fifty-four years. He was industrious, strictly honest and reliable and was
highly respected by his neighbors and acquaintances.
FRANCIS MARION DONNELL.
Francis Marion Donnell, born in Polk county, just over the line of
Greene, December 22, 1846, has lived the greater part of his life in south-
west Missouri, and is one of the best known men in Greene county. His
father, John M. Donnell, came to Missouri in 1832, stopping first at a place
near the old Hodge, later known as the Union grave yard, on the road be-
tween Springfield and Buffalo, two years later removing to Upshaw Prairie
in Greene count}'. He was of Irish descent, his grandfather being an Irish
emigrant named O'Donnell, who changed his name after coming to Tennes-
see. His father, James M. Donnell, accompanied him to Missouri. He mar-
ried, near Nashville, Tennessee, in 181 1, Miss Jane McClain, who was of
Scotch lineage. He was a fanner and stock raiser, dealing extensively in
mules after he came to Missouri, making many drives through to New Or-
leans, which was customary in those days. He had eleven children by his
first wife, the youngest of whom was Francis Marion. After her death he
married Mi>s Jam- Wills, one child being born to them. The children by
the first marriage were: Sons, James M., G. \V.. William M., Robert.
C. W.. Francis Marion; (laughters, Mary Ann, Margaret, Jane, Caroline
and Sarah. He had one child by his second marriage. Winfield S. Don-
nell. Most of their lives were spent in this county. C. \\". Donnell is still
living near Grand. Oklahoma. Sarah, who married James M. Armstrong.
a farmer, is also living in Polk county. The father died in [860, at the
age of fifty-two years.
Francis Marion grew up on the Donnell farm near Fair Grove, work-
ing during the busy season and attending the district school in winter until
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. I&95
he reached the age of sixteen, when he enlisted, in 18(13, in Company E,
Sixteenth Missouri Cavalry, under Capt. S. W. Headley and Lieut. A. J.
Potter. He was in the battle of the Big Blue, in which the enemy were
under command of General Marmaduke, and a number of minor engage-
ments. After the war he returned to Greene county and fanned a number
of years near Fair Grove and also in Saline and Taney counties, in this
state, and in California. Returning to Springfield in 1880, he became a
member of the police force under Marshal Nat Turner, and afterward a
deputy under Sheriff Jack Potter. He then served as a policeman under
Marshall Hollet Snow, after which he was elected constable of Campbell
township in 1882. He was elected sheriff of Greene county in 1883, serv-
ing two vears, after which he spent six years more in farming, on a place
two miles east of Springfield, after which he removed to the city and engaged
in the liverv business until he was again elected sheriff, to fill the unexpired
term of Dan Stewart, who had died after serving a few months. Since then
he has engaged by turns in different kinds of commercial business. He is
now living comfortably at the corner of Main and Atlantic streets in this
city in the elegantlv finished mansion built by G. A. Ramsey, a number of
years ago. The interior wood work is of walnut and poplar. There are
four fine stone mantels, one of them being of marble inlaid with onyx. It
is one of the most substantial frame structures in the city and may shelter
generations of Dcnnells for many years to come.
One of the tragedies of Greene county history occurred during Sheriff
Donnell's first term of office. This was the lynching of George Graham, for
the alleged murder of his wife at the Molloy farm. .Much time was spent
in preliminary examinations and various motions until rumors of intended
mob violence were heard. Sheriff Donnell kept close watch until, worn out
with long vigils, he was surprised by vigilantes who gained admittance to
the jail on the night of April 22, 1886, by telling an assistant that they had
a prisoner to deliver to him, pretending to be a posse from some out-lying
district. The man opened the door to find himself surrounded by the night
riders, who shoved revolvers into his face and made him keep silence while
they crowded into the bedroom of the sheriff, who was sound asleep. When
be arose half awake and started to dress there were weapons jabbing him
from all sides and loud demands for the keys of the jail. These he had
deposited in a drawer, the key of which he had managed to throw unobserved
behind a log in the fireplace. But his wife bad another bunch, which she
was compelled to drop. They were picked up by a member of the mob, the
drawer opened, the jail keys procured, and then the jail door was opened
and the prisoner taken out while the sheriff and his assistant and everybody
else in sight were guarded. Strangers were halted and made to hold up
their hands as the wagon conveying the prisoner moved away from the jail
l8g6 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
and out Boonville street to the place of execution in the northwest part of
the city. Sheriff Donnell went out and cut the body down as soon as he
got a chance.
Mr. Donnell married Miss Mary Ann Hall at Fair Grove in 1865. They
have four children, all born in Missouri : George Sylvester, near Fair Grove
on December 10, 1866; Charles C, near Forsyth, June 6, 1869; Rose Isabel
and James Milton, at Marshall, Saline county, the former, February 26,
1871, the latter February 5, 1873. Of these three there are two living,
Rosa, now Mrs. De Camp, at Long Angeles, California: and James Milton,
at Stockton, California.
After the death of his first wife, Mr. Donnell married Miss Mattie J.
Williams in Springfield, September 7, 1882. The}- have six children: Fran-
cis M., Jr., born in Springfield, July II, 1883: Cordy, in Springfield, Oc-
tober 1, 1884; Carrie I., in Springfield, October 13, 1887; Lee A., in Spring-
field, April 12, 1890; Roy E., in Springfield. August 2. 1892; Helen L,
Springfield, August 30, 1899. Frank is a druggist in this city; Cordy is
the wife of Lee F. Johnson, Carrie the wife of William Wallace, both of
Springfield; Lee is in the water service of the Frisco; Roy is working for
the Heer Dry Goods Company; Helen, the youngest, is living at home.
Mr. Donnell is a member of the Woodland Heights Presbyterian church.
He was chairman of the Democratic city and county committees twenty-
five years, having always been a zealous worker in the interest of the party.
His son, Frank, is chairman of the Democratic city committee.
IAKE ALBERT
The career of Jake Albert of Springfield has been a varied one, as
will be seen by a perusal of the following paragraphs. But he has been a
man who has made stepping-stones of his adversities, and has succeeded
in his life work. He has for many years devoted a great deal of attention
to fruit growing, and is one of the best informed men on horticultural
subjects in Greene county. He is also engaged in the real estate business.
Mr. Albert was born in St. Clair county. Illinois, October id, 1863. He
is a son of Jake and Maggie (Coffenberger) Albert, both natives of Ger-
many, and there they spent their early childhood, emigrating to the United
States about the same time, the father being about thirteen years of age
when he accompanied his parents to our shores, lie had received a com-
mon school education in his native land. The family located in Illinois,
coming direct to that state, and there Jake Albert. Sr., grew to manhood
and married. His wife died when our subject was fourteen years old, in
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. \ St )J
Illinois, but the father of our subject survived many years and died in
Springfield, Missouri. He was a farmer and gardener. His family con-
sisted of eight children, namely: Maggie, deceased; Jake, of this review;
1'eter, deceased; Daniel is living; Henry, deceased; Annie, deceased; the
next two died in infancy unnamed.
Jake Albert, of this sketch, grew to manhood in Illinois and he received
a common school education ; however, may be classed with the self-educated
men of our country, for he has been a great reader along varied lines. He
followed farming until he was twenty-one years old, then went to Welling-
ton, Kansas, and worked at the stone mason's trade. He came to Spring-
field in 1887, and has made his home here ever since. From time to time
he worked for the Frisco system for man)- years, also followed farming and
fruit grow ins;', the latter being his principal vocation, and he is still active
in the same, in connection with which he deals in real estate. Fie had an
addition of twelve acres in the edge of Springfield, and still owns a part of
it. He built his own pleasant home on West Atlantic street three years ago,
which is one of the most attractive and desirable in that part of the city. He
has long been enthusiastic on the subject of fruit growing and is well
informed on the various phases of the same. He has been a man of energy,
never afraid of hard work, and, possessing sound judgment, has acquired
a very comfortable competence.
Air. Albert was married in September, 1886, to Dolly R. Davis, who
was born in Illinois in 1872, where she grew to womanhood and was edu-
cated, and they were married in that state. She was a daughter of John
and Emma (Kimmel) Davis, natives of Pennsylvania and Illinois, respec-
tively. Mr. Davis has devoted his active life to farming, and he and his
wife are still living, having for some time resided in Greene county.
Mr. Albert was called upon to mourn the loss of his faithful life com-
panion, who was summoned to her reward on August 2, iqoo, at the farm
of our subject, about two and one-half miles west of Springfield. She
was a worthy member of the Christian church and was a fine type of the
refined home-loving Christian woman.
Four children were bom to Mr. and Mrs. Albert, named as follow :
Otis, born on October 15. 18X7, died October 15, 1905; Nettie, born in
1889, died in 1904; Emma, horn in April, 1895, died in 11)13; William,
born on July 18, 1897, lives at home.
Politically, Mr. Albert is a Democrat and has long been more or less
active in public affairs. He was at one time road overseer and commis-
sioner here, and was for three years a school director in his district. Fra-
ternally he belongs to the Eagles, the Loyal Order of Moose, also the Ger-
man Brotherhood, and religiously he is a member of the Christian church.
1898 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
CLYDE L. HAMMOND.
It is a matter of doubt which is the greater heritage, a distinguished
name or a goodly estate. Some persons would choose one and some the
other, depending wholly on their feelings and judgment combined : but when
the two are handed down to descendants together, the permanent standing
of such descendants in the community will never be questioned, so far as
the heritage is concerned. The average citizen of the United States can
hand no greater heritage to his children than an unblemished reputation,
as was done in the case of Clyde L. Hammond, manager and chief engi-
neer of the Hammond Brothers Ice and Cold Storage Company of Spring-
field.
Mr. Hammond was born on June 14, 1888, at Parkerville, Morris
county, Kansas. He is a son of Lycurgas L. Hammond, also a native of
that place, the son of John Hammond, one of the early pioneers of the
Sunflower state, whither he removed from Kentucky. There the father
of our subject grew to manhood, received his education and spent his earlier
years as a fanner, later engaging in the contracting business, and he did
a great deal of contract work for the state at Harrington, also had the
contract there for furnishing ice and fuel for the Rock Island Railroad
Company. He is at present located in Kansas City, where he handles coal
and ice and furnishes these materials to the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul
Railroad Company, also to the Rock Island and the Northwestern roads.
For some time he was in partnership with his brother. John R. Hammond.
His record is that of an honorable and successful business man. His wife,
who was known in her maidenhood as Maggie Rider, died in USS4, and was
buried at Parkerville, Kansas. To these parents two children were born,
namely: Clyde L., of this sketch: and Helen, who is the wife of Dr. Glen
( lark, of Kansas City.
Clyde L. Hammond grew to manhood in Kansas and there he received
a common school education, but left school when sixteen years of age. and
began clerking in a grocery store, later learned the butcher business, which
be followed three years. In his early life he also worked as a farm hand
for some time, also ran on the road for his father between Colorado, Kan-
sas City, Chicago ami Milwaukee. He came to Springfield, Missouri, in
1908 and became superintendent of construction of buildings and installed
ice machines, etc. He became something of a mechanic and took the elec-
tric course of one of the Eastern correspondence schools and became well
qualified for his present position. The plant of the Hammond Brothers
was built in the spring of [908, and is three hundred and fifty by one
hundred feet. The property was leased from the Frisco. It is modern in
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. 1899
every detail and well equipped for prompt, high-grade and sanitary service.
It has a capacity of seventy tons of ice daily and employs twelve hands.
The Frisco and a number of small dealers are constantly supplied, the road
icing its cars from this plant, not only passenger coaches but meat and
vegetable cars are supplied, the road having tracks on each side of the plant.
The Hammonds have their own electric plant, three ice machines, two trans-
script machines, each machine having a capacity of one hundred and five
tons. The plant is operated from April until November. L. L. Hammond
is president and J. R. Hammond is treasurer.
Mr. Hammond was married in 1910 to Hazel Phiffer, a daughter of
Charles Phiffer, of Kankakee, Illinois.
Politically, he is a Democrat. He belongs to the Eagles and is a mem-
ber of the Catholic church.
WALTER P. GUSTIN.
To the average mortal success in material things in this world comes
as a result of persistant striving and grim determination. Walter P. Gustin,
general yard master for the Frisco at Springfield, has succeeded in his life
work as a result of applying right principles.
Air. Gustin was born at Piqua, Ohio, October 31, 1871. He is a son
of Joseph E. Gustin, who was born in Warren county, Ohio, and there he
grew to manhood and attended the common schools. Early in life he took
up the butcher business, which he continued to follow until his death, which
occurred in 191 1 at the age of seventy-eight years. He first engaged in
business in Dayton, Ohio, finally coming to Springfield, Missouri, where he
operated a large butcher shop on Alain street for a number of years. Dur-
ing the Civil war he enlisted in an Ohio infantry regiment and for gallantry
was promoted to lieutenant. He saw much hard service and fought in a
number of important engagements, including Hull Run. He was a member
of the Independent Order of Odd bellows. His wife was known in her
maidenhood as Harriet Holt, a daughter of Phillamon Holt, of Dayton,
Ohio. She makes her home on North Jefferson street, Springfield, being
now seventy-one years of age.
Walter P. Gustin spent his early boyhood in Ohio, where he attended
school, finishing his education in the public schools of Springfield. How-
ever, he left school when sixteen years of age and went to work for his
father in the butcher business. Returning to Ohio, he began working, in
1890, in the shops of the Little Miami Railroad Company, later did vard
work at Dayton until 1892, then returned to Springfield and went to work
for the Kansas City, Ft. Scott and Memphis Railroad Company, in the yards,
I90O GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
where he worked until 1894, then went back to Ohio, and entered the train
service of the Pennsylvania and Columbus Railroad Company, as brakeman,
later being promoted to conductor, which position he held until March, 1902,
when he came to Springfield and took a position as foreman in the engine
yards, then became night yard master and finally general yard master. He
was train master of terminals at Xewberg, Missouri, for eighteen months
or until July 4. 1910, then was yard master at Monett, this state, until
September, 1912, then came back to Springfield as general yard master of
terminals, which position he now holds. He has under him seventy-five
hands. He has given eminent satisfaction in all the various positions he
has held since entering railroad service.
Mr. (Justin was married in 1903 to Elsie Fisher, a daughter of David
Fisher, of Xenia, Ohio. To this union four children have been born,
namely: Charles, Francis, Walter P., Jr., and Rachael. Our subject owns
his own home on North Jefferson street.
Politically, Mr. Gustin is a Republican. He has been a member of the
Order of Railway Conductors for the past fifteen years. He belongs to
the Benton Avenue Methodist Episcopal church.
STANLEY K. KAUFFMAN.
One of the broad-minded farmers of Wilson township, Greene county,
who is a believer in not only keeping his soil properly built up but also pre-
venting it from becoming thin, and who pays close attention to what the
agricultural experts say, is Stanley K. Kauffman, and he is therefore suc-
ceeding admirably as a general farmer.
Mr. Kauffman was born near Reading, Berks county, Pennsylvania,
May 20, 1864. He is a son of William W. and Emma (Halm) Kauffman,
both natives of Pennsylvania, also, and there they grew to maturity, were
educated in the old-time common schools, were married and established their
home on a farm. To them six children were born, namely: Mrs. Martha
Montfort lives in Texas; Stanley K.. of this sketch; Mrs. Katherine Tharp
lives in Greene county, Missouri; Mrs. Caroline Payne lives in Springfield;
William H. and Grover C. both reside in Wilson township, this count v. The
parents of these children left their native state in 1872 and removed to
Greene county, Missouri, and the first three months were spent in Spring-
field, during which time the father looked over the country with a view of
locating permanently in the Ozarks. He selected Taney county and there
purchased two hundred and ten acres, to which he removed his family, and
there conducted a farm along general lines and became a prominent citizen
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. IQOI
in his community. He was elected justice of the peace, the duties of which
office he discharged in an able and satisfactory manner for a period of ten
years. Late in life he removed to Greene county, where he bought a farm
and here he and his wife spent their last days, his death occurring April 3.
1902, having been preceded to the grave by his wife and mother of our sub-
ject on June 7, 1901.
Stanley K. Kauffman was seven years of age when he removed with
his parents from his native state to Springfield. He grew to manhood on
the home farm in Taney county, and there assisted his father with the gen-
eral work, and he received his education in the schools of that vicinity, when
the slab benches and other rustic furnishings were in vogue and school lasted
only three months in midwinter. His teacher was Judge Thomas Compton,
who is now living in Lawrence county. Early in life our subject turned his
attention to general farming, and this has remained his vocation to the pres-
ent day. He owns a well-kept and well cultivated farm in Wilson township,
Greene county, where he carries on general farming and stock raising ac-
cording to twentieth century methods.
Mr. Kauffman was married, November 26, 1893, to Emma Moore, a
daughter of Rev. W. B. and Drucilla (Payne) Moore, formerly of Arkan-
sas. The father, who is a minister, is living in Republic, this county, where
he is actively engaged in his calling. The death of the mother of Mrs.
Kauffman occurred in 191 1.
Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Kauffman, Howard K.
and Herman L.
Politically, our subject is a Republican, and religiously he and his wife
are members of the Christian church.
CHARLES C. CHAVOSE.
It should be impressed upon the minds of youth that at an early age
they should practice introspection and should seriously study the famous
Delphic oracle, "Know thyself." At an early age Charles C. Chavose, yard
and lumber foreman at the Springfield Wagon Works, began to determine,
if possible, what he was "cut out for," to use a common expression, and
he thus became acquainted with his abilities and weaknesses and began to
form his plans for the future accordingly, with the result that he has been
successful in his chosen life work.
Mr. Chavose was born on July 31, 1873, at Lexington. Kentucky. He
is a son of John Franklin Chavose, whose birth occurred on a farm near
Lexington, representing an old Southern family of that section of the Blue
1902 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
Grass state. There our subject's father grew up on the homestead, at-
tended the rural schools and later was a student in the schools of Lexing-
ton, including a course in the law college there. He was accordingly ad-
mitted to the bar and subsequently came to southeastern Missouri, and prac-
ticed his profession at Caruthersville, Pemiscot county, ranking among the
foremost members of the liar of that county for many years. He con-
tinued the practice of his profession until his death at the early age of forty
years, in 1882, and was buried at Memphis, Tennessee. During the Civil
war he served as bugler and staff officer under Gen. John Morgan, serving
throughout the conflict in the Southern army. He was taken prisoner and
after being held for some time was sent to the Federal prison at Alton, Illi-
nois, and there was exchanged, after which he returned home. Politically,
he was a Democrat, and he was a member of the Masonic Order, also a
member of the Methodist Episcopal church. He married Marv R. Colley,
a daughter of Charles and Annie (Allman) Colley, of Mecklenburg county,
Virginia, the Allmans having been among the first families of the Old
Dominion. Mrs. Chavose now resides with her son. our subject, and is
seventy-two years of age. She is a type of the old-time Southern aristoc-
racy, hospitable and with pleasing personal address.
Five children were born to John F. Chavose and wife, namely: Annie
is the wife of O. Peterson, a stockman, who is engaged in furnishing
live stock to feed the smelter people at Omaha, Nebraska, where he makes
his home; Charles C. of this sketch; Lillie is the wife of W. II. Day, who
is connected with the Springfield Furniture Company; Louis F., who was
a painter by trade, died in [911 at the age of thirty-four years; Tex L. is
foreman at the Moore Manufacturing Company's plant in Springfield.
Louis Edward Chavose. paternal grandfather of our subject, was born
in France, from which country he was brought to America by his parents
when about six years of age. the family locating in North Carolina. He
grew up in the South and devoted his active life to farming.
Charles C. Chavose was a child when his parents brought him to Caru-
thersville, Missouri, where he grew to manhood and received his early edu-
cation; however, he left school when thirteen years of age and went to work
in a general mercantile establishment at Uartfield. this state, being employed
as clerk for some time by Gorman-Mansfield & Company. Later he en-
gaged in fanning, also worked in the coal mines, then, in [898, he came
to Springfield and found employment in the Springfield Wagon Works as
laborer in the lumber yard. His ability and faithfulness was at once noted
by the management and he was rapidly promoted, going through all de-
partments of both the yard and factory proper, and now holds the position
of foreman and inspector of the lumber department, having twenty men
under his direction. lie has been continually in the employ of this plant for
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. [903
over sixteen years. He also owns and operates a roller skating rink on
South street. He has remained unmarried, preferring to devote his atten-
tion to the care of his mother during her old age, which, indeed, is a most
commendable act.
Politically, Mr. Chavose is a Democrat, and he is a member of the
First Baptist church. Fraternally he is a member of the Knights of Pythias,
in which he was for some time vice chancellor; he is also a member of
the Knights and Ladies of Honor, and the Woodmen Circle. Loyal Order
of Moose and the Woodmen of the World.
JOSEPH STUDLEY.
A few vears ago it was predicted by a learned man who should have
a good knowledge of conditions as they exist, that under the present system
of fanning the time was not far distant when the wheat lands would become
exhausted of their fertility and the population of the world would want for
bread, and this through the thriftless farming of what was once the richest
of soils. If everyone farmed with as much caution and pains as Joseph
Studley, of Brookline township, Greene county, such conditions as referred
to above would not exist; for Mr. Studley has tilled the same farm over
three decades and it is just as productive today as it was the first crop he
raised on it.
Mr. Studley was born near Chard, England, December 22, 183O, and
there he grew to manhood, and attended school, and there, in 1859, he mar-
ried Ann Vincent, whose father was a native of France. She was born
in England, reared and educated there. She proved to be an excellent help-
meet, and when she was called to her eternal rest on March 7, 1912, her
loss was distinctly felt in her neighborhood, for she was a woman of lofty
character, a sympathetic and helpful neighbor, always ready to wait on the
sick and the suffering and to extend a helping hand to the needy. She was
a devout Christian, and her piety is reflected in the lives of her children, of
whom she was justly proud.
Mr. Studley remained in his native land until 1870, when he emigrated
with his family to the United States and located near Pittsburg, Pennsyl-
vania. Before leaving the old country he had followed the trade of Hurdle
maker, and after coming to the New World he engaged in the carpenter's
trade for a short time, then took up the occupation of mining, working in
the anthracite mines around Pittsburgh and Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, con-
tinuing in this work until about 1882, when, longing for the freedom of a
western farmer, he moved to Greene county, Missouri and rented a farm
I9O4 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
the first year, then bought one hundred acres, lying a half mile south of the
village of Brookline, in section 3, Brookline township, on which he has since
resided and where he has made a comfortable living and has a cozy home.
He is now seventy-eight years old but still looks after his farm in a general
way.
.Mr. Studlev is the father of eleven children; the following living:
Lydia married H. B. McDonald, of Plainsville, Luzerne county, Pennsyl-
vania; Elizabeth married Dan Jones and they live in Columbus, Kansas;
Jane married John Potter, agent for the Frisco railroad at Brookline ;
Hester married John McCarty, of Junction City. Ohio ; Thomas lives in
Springfield ; Leah married Jess Keller, of Dallas county, Missouri ; Joseph
lives in Brookline. He also has about twenty grandchildren and about ten
great-grandchildren living.
CHARLES W. McCROSKEY.
"Earn thy reward; the gods give naught to sloth," said the old Greek
sage, Epicharmus, and the truth of the admonition has been verified in
human affairs in all the ages which have rolled their course since his day-
Charles W. McCroskey, county superintendent of public schools of Greene
county, and a scion of an old family of the Ozarks, has, by ceaseless toil
and endeavor, attained a large degree of success, while yet young in years,
in his chosen calling and has gained the confidence and respect of those who
know him.
Professor McCroskey is a native of Christian county. Missouri, where
his birth occurred on the 12th day of July, 1878. He is a son of Matthew
Duff McCroskey and Sarah E. Barnett McCroskey and is one of ten chil-
dren, an equal number of sons and daughters, all still surviving but two.
The father, M. D. McCroskey, was born, reared and has always lived on
the old homestead in Christian county, Missouri, which the paternal grand-
father of our subject entered from the government in 1846 and which he
developed from the wilderness by hard work and persistent efforts, and
there spent the rest of his life, through many trying scenes of the earlv
days in that county. His death occurred in 1869. The farm consists of
three hundred acres, and there the father of our subject is carrving on gen-
eral farming and stock raising on an extensive scale, raising and shipping
to the markets probably as much live stock as any other farmer of his
county. He has long been known as one of the leading citizens of that
county, where his influence has been exerted all his life for the general
good. His wife came from Tennessee in her youth, her family locating
C. W. McCROSKBY.
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. I<)<»5
in Christian county. She received a good education and taught school tor
a while. She is not only a woman of strong mind but a devoted worker in
the interest of her family.
Professor McCroskey spent his childhood and youth on his father's
farm amid the stimulating influences of nature, which are conducive to a
well-rounded physical development. Here he learned the habits of industry
and matured plans for the future with the object in view of becoming some-
thing more than a mere passive agent in the world which calls for men of
strong will and well-defined purposes to direct and control its affairs. Pos-
sessing a keen and naturally inquisitive mind and a liking almost akin to
passion for books and study, he made rapid progress in the country schools
he first attended. His rural school work was supplemented with high school
work at Ozark. Mr. McCroskey then decided to teach, so he entered the old
Springfield Normal and finished the teachers' course there. Desiring further
training he entered the Warrensburg State Normal fur two years, at the
close of which the Springfield State Normal was established, so he entered
this, his home institution, and received the degree of Bachelor oi Pedagogy
in 1907. He then attended the Wisconsin University for a short time, and
spent two summers in Chicago University, and one year in Drury College,
Springfield, Missouri, where he received the degree of Bachelor of Arts in
I9I3-
During all these years he continued teaching at intervals. Professor
McCroskey taught in a number of rural schools, and in 1907 became prin-
cipal of the schools at Willard, Missouri, where he stayed only one year,
being promoted to the head ol the schools at Walnut Grove, Greene county.
His work in these two towns caused the board at Republic, Missouri, to
call him to head its schools, and he served as superintendent for four years,
during which time he inaugurated a modern system of education, which
was admirable and effective. From Republic he was called to the superin-
tendency of the Ash Grove, Missouri, schools, where he labored with the
same zeal and courage, boosting the schools to the front rank in this part
of the country. At the close of his first year of wi>rk in Ash drove, in
1915, he was elected to head the schools of Greene county as superintend-
ent, in which position he is now serving. Professor McCroskey's work as a
student and as a teacher has largely been in Greene county, and here he is
doing a work that will long he remembered and felt. Although a well-
rounded man and scholar, history and science are his favorite lines.
Professor McCroskey owns and operates a valuable, well-improved and
productive farm, ten miles south of Springfield, paying particular attention
to the raising of live stock and grain. He believes in scientific farming, as
( 120)
1906 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
was indicated most forcefully in 191 2, when he took the first premium in
the corn exhibit at Columbia, for southern Missouri.
Politically, Professor McCroskey is a Democrat. Fraternally, he be-
longs to the Modern Woodmen of America, the Independent Order of Odd
Fellows and the Masons. Religiously, he affiliates with the Methodist Epis-
copal church.
WILLIAM M. STEPHENS.
Among the old and honored families of Springfield was the Stephenses,
who cast their lot here nearly seventy years ago when this was a mere vil-
lage on the frontier and the country round about practically a wilderness,
only an improved place here and there, and from that remote day to the
present, members of this family have played no inconspicuous role in the
local drama of civilization, having led upright and helpful lives, assisting
in the general development of the community in every way practicable.
One of the best known of the family is William H. Stephens, who has been
content to spend his life in his native locality, forty years of which have
been spent in the piano business, during which time he has become widely
known in his special vocation.
.Mr. Stephens was born in Springfield, .Missouri, September 22, 1848.
He is a son of John A. and Pamelia C. Stephens, and is one of a family of
six children, four of whom survive at this writing. John A .Stephens was
born in Ohio. He received a good education and was graduated from
Princeton College in Kentucky. He removed to Springfield, Missouri, in
JN45. He taught school for some time, was a civil engineer of ability, hut
he devoted most of his active life to mercantile pursuits, operating a drug
store, hardware store and dry goods store. He was a good business man
and had rare mental gifts; was an honest and industrious man. and did much
toward the early development of this city. During the Civil war lie joined
the home guards, and met death by accident, in [862, being killed by his
own men, who mistook him for one of the enemy, llis wife was a native
of Henderson, Kentucky, and they were married in that state.
William M. Stephens, oldest of the children, was reared in his native
city and educated here. During the Civil war he was in the emplo} of the
government, then worked in the local postoffice four years, then worked in
the office of the circuit clerk, then turned his attention to the piano busi-
ness, which he has continued to the present time, a period of forty years,
during which he sold pianos and employed a piano salesman for several
years, and he has also been regarded as an expert piano tuner: in fact, being
musically inclined, mastered the various phases of this business in a few
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. 1 907
years, and has long been one of the best known piano men in southwest
Missouri.
Mr. Stephens was married on September 22, 1870, to Eva C. Sawyer,
a daughter of Thomas L. Sawyer, a school teacher, whose family consisted
of five children.
To Mr. and Mrs. Stephens seven children have born, namely: George
A. died at the age of thirty-eight years; Maud married Dr. A. P. Evans;
they reside in Concord, New Hampshire, and have one child; William A.
died at the age of twenty-eight years, leaving a widow; Margaret married
H. A. Thompson, a merchant of Beatrice, Nebraska, and they have one
daughter and one son; Laura is married and lives in Beatrice. Nebraska,
and has one child; two children died in infancy.
Politically, Mr. Stephens is a Democrat, and, while never active in
politics, has always been loyal in his support of the party. He attends the
Christian Science church.
ST. DE CHANTAL ACADEMY oh' THE VISITATION.
Greene county has long stood among the foremost of the one hundred
and fourteen divisions of the Missouri commonwealth in point of education,
her many and high-grade schools being known throughout the .Middle West.
Indeed, the city of Springfield has been frequently alluded to as the "'Athens
of the Ozarks" and the "Athens id" the Southwest." the latter term embrac-
ing a vast section id" the American Union. Of our praisworthy institutions
of learning, that of St. de Chantal Academy, although among the newest
of the county, occupies a prominent position in the list.
There is no doubt but that the location of an institution of learning
has a great influence in its success. The immediate environment has much
to do with its prestige and general results. Young minds are plastic, and
if students are placed in pleasant surroundings their progress will unques-
tionably be more rapid, and they will take more interest in their work. It
would be difficult to find an institution of learning throughout the nation
more ' fortunately situated in respect to its topographical environment than
that of St. cle Chantal Academy at "Elfindale," which is beautifully situated
on the highest plateau of the Ozark Mountains, and lies just outside of
the city limits of Springfield. An inspiring panorama of hill, valley, forest
and field may be had over a vast stretch of interesting country from these
heights. Its pure air and clear spring-water supply, its unrivaled climate
and beauty of scenery at all seasons, make it an ideal site for an educational
home. The naturally magnificent grounds of one hundred acres, softened
and beautified by the aid of man's art into blending land and waterscapes,
M.'iiN GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
give a refining harmonious environment and invite to outdoor exercise and
nature stud}-.
Both the academy proper and chapel buildings are models of elegant
modern architecture, substantial, imposing, serviceable, and in every way
suitable for school purposes. The former is four stories in height, of fine
gray Carthage stone, and the latter is three stories high and built of glazed
brick, with numerous artistic windows. Near by is a spacious and well-
kept greenhouse, where flowers and shrubs of many varieties are grown.
The elegant manor-house abounds in spacious halls and cheerful rooms,
all of which are furnished with the latest conveniences of light, heat and
ventilation to insure health and comfort.
"Elfindale" has been well named, for one does not need much poetic
fancy, when wandering over its delightful grounds, with its arched stone
gateway and its graceful and stately forest trees, to picture elfs of the in-
fant world gamboling among these fairy-like bowers surrounding the little
crystal lake a short distance from the academy, a bit of water which the
Indians would doubtless have named "the smile of the Creat Spirit" had
they seen it, for it was their custom to give fitting names to Nature's beauty
spots. This lake, with its banks embowered with overhanging trees ami
vines of many varieties common to this latitude, with its little island, stone
bridges, pavilion, boat-house and canoes, to say nothing of the gay water-
lillies that rest on its bosom in summer, must be seen to be fully appreciated.
The Order of Visitation was founded at Annecy, Haute-Savoie, by
St. Francis de Sales and St. Jane Frances cle Chantel, in if>io, and was in-
troduced into this country in 1700, at Georgetown, District of Columbia.
St. de Chantal Academy, opened in 1887 by the Sisters of the Visitation
Order in one of the fine residence parts of St. Louis, was, in 1906, enabled,
through the muni licence of Mrs. Mice O'Day, to remove to "Elfindale,"
Springfield, Missouri.
The life and work at "Elfindale' have for their single purpose the full
and thorough training of its children for the mission that awaits them.
To this end, the school seeks by a judicious combination of physical, mental
and moral training, to develop harmoniously their entire nature, and by
the refining influences of a happy Christian home to mould their character,
in order thus to make them not only accomplished and edifying members
of society, but also sensible and practical women.
The government of tin- school assumes self-respect and self-restraint
in the part of the pupils; consequently the discipline is mild though firm,
and the pupils are expected to conform cheerfully to the established rules
and regulations. The scholastic year is divided into two session., beginning
respectively the second Monday of September and the first day of February,
but pupils are received any time and charged from date <>f entrance. Dif-
GREENE COUNTY. MISSOURI. I9O9
ference of religion is no obstacle to the reception of pupils, provided they
conform to the discipline of the school, but they must come with proper
references.
The curriculum comprises primary, preparatory and academic depart-
ments. An elective course of studies may be arranged for pupils whose
health or time advises against the full curriculum. French, history, litera-
ture, art and music are the branches ordinarily preferred. A post-graduate
course enables the pupils to continue the study of philosophy, literature, his-
tory and other branches. The school's diploma and gold medal are awarded
to the pupils who satisfactorily complete the full'course. The school di-
ploma is given to those who successfully complete an elective course. The
school's certificate of honor will be given to those who successfully pursue
the post-graduate course. In the preparatory department the pupils are
thoroughly grounded in English, geography, grammar and the elements
of English composition and other studies, preparatory to the academic course.
In the academic course the languages, sciences, philosophies and ancient his-
tories are taught, and running through each department Bible history and
Christian doctrine.
The school of music at Eltindale, while it enjoys the great advantage
of being incorporated with an academy eminent for its instruction in all
branches of a liberal education, offers at the same time a complete and inde-
pendent course for those who wish to devote their time especially to music.
Girls of tender years, with exceptional talent for music, will find at Elfin-
dale the best conservatory methods, combined with careful guardianship
and a regular English curriculum. Conducted by Sisters whose studies un-
der the best professors have been supplemented by man}- years id' experience,
this school is prepared to carry its students through a graded course to
thorough musicianship. The course of musical instruction embraces in ad-
dition to the chief departments of voice and piano, classes in theory, harmony.
history of music, chorus and sight singing, also ensemble playing. There
are two departments — the academic course and the general music school.
The latter is intended for those who. not having time or talent for the
academic course, yet wish to add the accomplishment of music to their
studies in the regular curriculum. A diploma and gold medal are awarded
for the completion of the academic course for voice, piano or violin.
The art course is founded upon the methods employed in the National
Leagues. It comprises perspective, modeling, drawing and painting from
casts and life and history of art. The studio is furnished with all the ap-
pliances of modern art, and the pupils are regularly informed of the cur-
rent events of the art world.
Before leaving St. Louis, in June, 1906, the Alumnae Association was
established. The first meeting was held on October 21, 1905, when the
I9IO GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
graduates of eighteen years assembled at the academy and organized into
an association, with Mrs. Alonzo C. Church, its first graduate, as presi-
dent. The association was organized for the purpose of maintaining and
of promoting the interests of their alma mater in every manner that may
contribute to her prosperity and reputation as a leading institution of learn-
ing. Besides Mrs. Church the other officers of the alumnae are vice-presi-
dents. Mrs. J. F. McDermott and Mrs. H. F. Woods; recording secretary,
Mrs. Gerald B. O'Reilly; treasurer, Mrs. J. Dillon.
WILLIAM H. SCHREIBER.
Each man who strives to fulfill his part in connection with human
life and human activities is deserving of recognition, no matter what may
be the field of his endeavor, for it is interesting to note the varying con-
ditions that have compassed those whose careers are brought to the atten-
tion of the readers of history.
William H. Schreiber, a well known civil engineer of Springfield, has
had a career worthy of attention by the biographer. He was born on May
16, 1874, in Milwaukee. Wisconsin, and is a son of Rudolph and Augusta
( Manegold) Schreiber, both natives of Germany, from which country they
emigrated to America when young. The death of the father occurred in
Denver. Colorado, about six years ago, and the mother is living in that city
at this writing. These parents were married in Wisconsin, in which state
they resided until 1905. when the}- removed to Denver. Rudolph Schreiber
was in the wholesale wine and whiskey business during his active life. His
family consisted of six children, two of whom are deceased. Those living
are, Mrs. Charles J. Starke, of Denver, Colorado: William H.. of this sketch:
Rudolph, Jr., of Denver; and Mrs. Augusta Hartnian, also of Denver.
Politically, the father was a Democrat, and belonged to the Lutheran church.
William II. Schreiber received his education partly in the schools of
Milwaukee, attending Markham Academy there, later the School of Tech-
nology in Massachusetts. In 1893 he was assistant superintendent of the
Columbian Exposition in Chicago, under A. T. Atwood, with offices in the
Manufacturers' building. lie went with the surveying crew of the North-
ern Pacific Railroad through the West, then came to St. Louis, and there
had charge of the Missouri Valley Trust Company's maps and plats. Later
he went with the Iron Mountain Railroad Company as assistant engineer
for the elimination of grades, then was promoted to assistant chief engineer
of the Little Rock & Northern Railroad Company, and during the con-
struction of its White river line he was appointed chief topographer, and
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. IQII
remained in this capacity until the work was completed. He came to Spring-
field, Missouri, and was city engineer here under the administration of
.Mayor B. E. Meyer, and part of the administration of Mayor James
Blaine. Since then he has heen doing supervision work for the Anheuser-
Busch Brewing Company at Springfield, Neosho and other cities, supervis-
ing the construction of this firm's reinforced concrete buildings.
On Aprl 14, 1901, Mr. Schreiber was united in marriage with Miss
Lee Sullenger at Taneyville, Missouri. She is a daughter of J. M. and
Louise Sullenger. To our subject and wife the following children have been
born: Augusta; Bernice, Delores and William, Jr.
Mr. Schreiber is a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of
Elks. His family are members of the German Evangelical Lutheran church.
JOSEPH G. ANDERSON.
Death is always regarded by the masses as a visitor to our homes to
be dreaded, but before whose merciless power we are helpless, and his
crossing our thresholds seems doubly deplorable when he summons the
young and promising from the family circle, as he did in the case of the
late Joseph G. Anderson, a young business man of Springfield who was
apparently starting on a successful and brilliant career.
Mr. Anderson was born in Wichita, Kansas, on December 8, 1885.
He was a son of William John and Rachel (Gilbert) Anderson. The
father was born in New York and he came west to Kansas when a young
man and learned the trade of designing and decorating, which he followed
most of his life. He had been educated in the common schools of New
York. His death occurred in November, 1906, in Springfield, Missouri,
at the age of sixty-six years. The mother of our subject was a native of
Kansas, and she is living in Springfield at this writing. Three children
were born to these parents, namely: Joseph G., our subject: Christ, who
lives in Springfield; and Maude, who makes her home in St. Louis.
Joseph G. Anderson came to Springfield with his parents at the age of
eight years, and here he attended the ward and high schools, also the South-
west Business College, taking advantage of his spare hours at night to ad-
vance his business education. He worked a year for Otto Holmes,
the decorator, and learned this trade in the meanwhile, and he
devoted the rest of his life to decorating and sign painting, building up
a lucrative and successful business. He first started a shop on Boonville
street, paying only five dollars a month rent, but he gradually worked up
a large business, handling most of the extensive sign work and bill-poster
igi2 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
work, also pictorial sign work, under the firm name of the Anderson Sign
Company, and was thus actively engaged at the time of his death, in 19 14,
at his home on North Campbell street. Politically, he was a Republican.
He belonged to the Improved Order of Red Men and to the Master Paint-
ers' organization.
Mr. Anderson was married. April 10, 1910, to Edna McCartney, a
daughter of John William and Alice ( Crail ) McCartney. The father was
born on April 24, 1844, m Cumberland count)'. Illinois, from which state
he came to Springfield. Missouri, in 1893. where he still resides. He is a
son of John and Susanna ( Powell) McCartney. John McCartney, Sr., was
born and reared in Virginia, and he came to Ohio with his parents, Daniel
and Polly Ann McCartney, at the age of twenty years; the family locating
in Lawrenceville county. He operated a rlatboat on the Ohio to Xew Or-
Orleans and back. He moved to Illinois in 1836, where he followed farm-
ing until his death. lie entered one hundred and sixty acres at twelve and
one-half cents per acre, and later added another one hundred and sixty
acres of government land, for which he paid one dollar and twenty-five
cents per acre. Later he bought forty acres from the Illinois Central Rail-
road Company, tor which he paid twelve dollars and fifty cents per acre,
making him a total of three hundred and sixty acres. He carried on gen-
eral farming in a successful manner until his death. August 5. i8<S8, at the
advanced age of eighty-four years, on the farm which he cleared and de-
veloped. He took an interest in public affairs and served his community
as justice of the peace for many years. He was a stanch Democrat and
was a member of the Missionary Baptist church, llis family consisted of
nine children, only three of whom are now living, namely: George and
Nancy, both of Cumberland count}", [llinois; and John W., who lives in
Springfield, Missouri. The last named was educated in the common schools
in Illinois, studied medicine and practiced his profession in Cumberland
county, that state, also at Toledo and Newton, Illinois, lie came to Spring-
field, Missouri, in [893, where, owing to failing health, he has lived prac-
tically retired. He was mayor of Toledo, Illinois, for one term, and was
chairman of the Democratic Central Committee of Cumberland county, that
state, for four years, and was a member of the city council of Toledo for a
period of fifteen years. lie was a prominent man in public life there. He
has belonged to the Independent ( )rder id' Odd Fellows since [873. He
was manager of a sanitarium for two years in Springfield, Missouri. After
discontinuing the practice of medicine he entered the secret service depart-
ment of the government under E. ( T Rathburn, chief of the service. He
remained in this work seven years, resigning before coming to Missouri.
He is a member of the ('.rant Street Baptist church. Mrs. Alice (Crail)
McCartney was born in Shelby county, Indiana, is still living at the family
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. H ) I 3
home on North Campbell street. She is an active member of the Baptist
church. Ten children have been born to Mr. and Mrs John McCartney,
three of whom died in infancy. The others are Frank, who lives in Kan-
sas; Mrs. Mattie Dodds, of Springfield ; Walter, of Springfield; Clarence,
of Springfield; Mrs. Fthel Emmons lives in Arkansas; Edna, widow of
Mr. Anderson, the immediate subject of this sketch; and Mrs. Pauline
Lodge, of Springfield. Mrs. Anderson received a good common school
education. She is a member of the Grant Street Baptist church.
THOMAS E. WILLIER.
One of the best known and most efficient railway builders of the West
during the past generation was the late Thomas E. Willier, a most success-
ful man in his line, and a man whose career indicates how perseverance,
self-reliance, tact, honesty and genuine worth will win in the battle of life.
Mr. Willier was born on the 6th day of August, [864, in Peoria, Illi-
nois, and was the eldest of three sons of Joseph W. and Hanora Willier.
His father was one of the pioneers of railway construction, and at an early
age the son. too, took up the same business, and was identified with his
father in the building of a number of roads in the eastern states. Mr.
Willier came to Springfield in the year 1887 and was connected with many
of the most important railroad projects in the West and Southwest from
that time until his death. His labors also extended to Jamaica and Costa
Rico and about twelve years before his death he completed several
important contracts in that section of the country. The last im-
portant work in which he was engaged was the building of the Iron
Mountain railroad from Crane to Springfield, a part of which was through
some of the most rugged sections of the Ozarks. For a number of years
Air. Willier was at the head of the Willier Construction Company, but dur-
ing the last three wars of his life he was not actively engaged in business,
lie was, however, preparing to again take an active part in railroad con-
struction when he was suddenly summoned from the scene of his earthly
labors.
On September 9, 1902, Mr. Willier was married to Anna E. Arnold,
daughter of George W. and Louisa (Buissart) Arnold. Five children were
born to Mr. and Mrs. Willier, namely: Catherine E.. Thomas E., George
J. Margaret Louise and Robert A., all of whom, except the eldest, are
living. Two brothers and three sisters also survive Mr. Willier — Joseph,
Dr. A. F., Nellie, Mrs. Frank O'Hara and Sister Marie Theresa, of the
Benedictine Convent.
I914 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
Mr. Willier's death occurred on the 19th day of April, 19 10, as the
result of an operation for appendicitis, performed at the St. John's Hos-
pital in Springfield. Mr. Willier was widely known to the railroad world,
and everyone familiar with his methods pronounced him a most efficient
and progressive builder of transportation lines. He was a persistent student
of all that pertained to his work, and was, consequently, a master in his
line, and one whose services were in great demand. He left behind him the
record of a life well spent in every particular, and will long be sadly missed
from the circles in which he moved.
FRANK R. MASSEY.
The prosperity and substantial welfare of a town or community are
in a large measure due to the enterprise and wise foresight of its business
men. It is progressive, wide-awake men of affairs that make the real his-
tory of a community, and their influence in shaping and directing its varied
interests is difficult to estimate. Frank R. Massey, a representative of one
of the most prominent families of southwestern Missouri during the past
quarter of a century or more, and for a number of years one of Spring-
field's most progressive merchants and business men, who is now engaged
in mining, is one of the enterprising gentlemen of the Queen City of the
Ozarks.
Mr. Massey was born in Jasper count}'. Missouri, April 12, 1850. He
is a son of Benjamin 1". and Mirah (Withers) Massey, the former being
one of the sterling early pioneers of Missouri. He was born at Massey's
Cross Roads, Kent county, Maryland, near Chestertown, in 181 1. and was
a son of Benjamin Massey. He grew to manhood in his native state and
received a common school education at Baltimore, where his boyhood days
were spent. Having a desire to investigate the then little known country
west of the Mississippi river, in 1 83 1 , when about twenty-one years of age,
he made the prolix and somewhat hazardous overland journey from the
Monument City to Mound City (St. Louis), and embarked in business, but
subsequently went to Fayette, Howard county, .Missouri, where he engaged
in mercantile pursuits from 1837 to 1839, but in the last mentioned year he
moved to what is now the city of Sarcoxie, Jasper county, this state, and
there laid out the town, and continued to reside there until 1856, being the
principal guardian of Sarcoxie's interests during that period, and doing
more than any other man for her general development. He engaged suc-
cessfully in business there until he entered politics, being elected secretary
of state in [856, becoming one of the efficient and popular officers of the
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. I915
state of Missouri in that troublous period. Trior to that time he had served
his district as state senator. He was occupying the office of secretary- A
state when the Civil war broke out, when he went South with Governor
Claiborne Jackson and the other officers of the state government, and served
four years in a gallant and faithful manner in the Confederate army. After
the war he returned to Missouri and published a newspaper, The Jcffcr-
sonian at Pierce City, which became one of the most influential and widely
known newspapers in southern Missouri. He was not only a good business
man and made this a successful venture from a financial standpoint, but
was a trenchant and versatile writer and most capable editor in every way.
He continued in the newspaper business until his retirement from the active
affairs of life, whereupon he came to Springfield to spend his last years with
his son, Frank R., of this sketch, at whose home he passed from earthly
scenes a few vears later, in 1887, after a useful, industrious and honorable
career. His name will go down in the history of the state as one of the
most prominent, able and enterprising citizens of southwestern Missouri
a half century ago.
Benjamin F. Massey and Mirah Withers were married in Boonville,
Cooper county, Missouri, in 1838. She was born in Fauquier county, Vir-
ginia, in which state she grew to womanhood and was educated, and from
that state emigrated with her parents to Missouri during the latter thirties,
the family locating in Boonville. She was a woman of fine mind and charm-
ing personalitv, a true type of that fine Southern womanhood of ante-bellum
davs. Her death occurred in 1864. Benjamin F. Massey and wife were
the parents of ten children.
Frank R. Massey is a fine type of the successful self-made American,
and this title is the proudest that anyone can bear in our great Republic of
the west. He never went to school a day in his life, but be-
ing a man of natural strong endowments and ambitions he has
become a well-informed man through actual contact with the world,
and by wide home reading. When a child he went to Virginia, where he
was reared to manhood, leaving there in 1S66, he came back to Missouri
and began his splendid business career as a merchant, in which line of en-
deavor he was successful from the first. He organized what is now known
as the Springfield Grocery Company, one of the most successful concerns of
its kind in the great Southwest. It paid one hundred per cent, the first six
years of its existence under the able management of Mr. Massey, who man-
aged it for seven years, then he retired two years, and then organized the
Massey-Herndon Shoe Company in Springfield, which partnership continued
fairly successful for five years, when Mr. Massey purchased Mr. Herndon's
interests and merged the concern with the Keet-Rountree Shoe Company,
of which large establishment our subject was general manager for five years,
igi6 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
during which time the company did a very extensive wholesale business all
over this section of the country ; but on account of failing health Mr. Massey
was forced to retire from the firm, and he later went into the mining busi-
ness at Granby, Missouri, and is still actively engaged there, being general
manager of extensive mining interests at that place, and, as usual, this
venture has been a highly successful one from a business standpoint.
Politically, Mr. Massey is a loyal Democrat and influential in the
party. Fraternally he belongs to the Masonic Order.
ANDERSON T. MOORE.
One of Springfield's representative business men of a past generation
was the late Anderson T. Moore, for many years a well known traveling
salesman, later a successful mercant on Commercial street. He was a busy
and enterprising man, one of the kind that can be relied upon as a helpful
citizen. His was a kind of life that does not attract especial attention for
any picturesque quality or daring deeds, having been led along prosaic lines
of useful endeavor, but was of the kind that goes to make up the continuous
achievements of humanity, and his example was no doubt imitated by others.
for many admire a life like his in preference to a quiet, unobtrusive, vet
withal, useful and successful one, and when he passed away regret was
freely expressed on every hand by the many who knew and admired him
as a man of affairs, a neighbor and citizen.
Mr. Moore was born in Waterloo. Monroe county, Illinois. June 5,
1857, where he was reared and received a good practical education in the
public schools. He came to Springfield, Missouri, in the early eighties, and
for twenty-eight years he was a commercial traveler, giving the firms which
he represented every degree of satisfaction and becoming popular with the
trade in his territory; in tact, few traveling men were better known in
southwestern Missouri, tor nearly three decades is a long time lor one to
travel, and during such a long period one would necessarily meet a great
number of people, and. being a good mixer and genial, our subject neces-
sarily made many acquaintances and friends everywhere lie went, lie finally
retired from the road, in iqii. and went into the dry goods business on
Commercial street, Springfield, but shortly thereafter he was disabled and
was not in his usual health for some three years. lie understood thor-
ough" every phase of his business and had he not been somewhat handi-
capped by ill health would have made a great success as a dry goods mer-
chant.
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. I'M 7
Mr. Moore was married on October S, 1894, to Aetna Risser, who was
horn in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, in 1875. She is a daughter of Daniel and Mar-
tha Risser. The father was born in Germany, from which country he emi-
grated to America when a child, with his parents, and the family settled
in Ohio, but soon came on to Iowa, establishing their future home at Mt.
Pleasant, where Airs. Moore grew to womanhood and received her educa-
tion. She is the youngest of a family of eleven children.
Three children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Moore, named as follows:
Martha, born on July 10, iqoo; Helen E., born on August 2$, 1907; and
Thomas, horn on February 12, 191 1. They are all at home and attending
school.
Mr. Moore was a member of the First Baptist church of Springfield
for many years. His widow belongs to the Episcopal church here. He was
a member of the Travelers' Protective Association and a director of the
same for a number of years. Politically he was a Republican all his mature
years.
Mr. Moore was summoned to his eternal rest on Decemher 22, 1913,
at the age of fifty-six years, and after a protracted illness.
JEREMIAH KENTON.
Among the men of sterling attrihutes of character who have impressed
their personality upon the community of their residence and have borne their
full share in the upbuilding and development of the Queen City of the
Ozarks during its recent period id' phenomenal growth, mention must not
be omitted of Jeremiah Fenton, prominent citizen of Springfield during the
past quarter of a century, for he has exerted a strong influence for the good
of the city, being a man of upright principles, industrious in husiness affairs
and public matters, always desirous of seeing the advancement of the city
and county along moral, civic and material lines. He is too well known
to need extended notice here, his career as business man, postmaster, mayor
and citizen being familiar to the readers of this work. And now as the
twilight of his years gather about him he can look back over a life of hard
toil, some parts somewhat thrilling, especially that relating to his splendid
career in the Union armv and his life in the wild Southwest; but this Irish
lad had in him the qualities that make for success and when he began his
career in the New World he was in a way, exceptionally well equipped, ami
he has well deserved the success he has attained.
I918 GREKNE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
CHARLES F. LaBOUNTY.
Charles F. LaBounty, assistant machine foreman and assistant brass
foreman in the north side shops, Springfield, was born on January 14, 1871,
at Murphysboro, Jackson county, Illinois. He is a son of Alfred F. La-
Bounty, a native of the city of Paris, France, from which place he was
brought to Canada as a child, and he was reared to manhood at Rochester,
New York. His parents died when he was a small boy, but he managed
to secure a practical education and get a start in life, engaging in the dairy
and cheese business in New York state, also engaged in mercantile pursuits,
operating for a number of years a large store near Rochester. He subse-
quently removed to Murphysboro, Illinois, where he continued in mercantile
pursuits, then came to Willow Springs, Missouri, and engaged in the brick
manufacturing business for himself until his death in 1893, at the age of
sixty years. He was a successful business man, doing well in whatever
line he engaged in. Politically, he was a Democrat. Fraternally, he be-
longed to the Masonic Order, and he was a member of the Methodist Epis-
copal church.
The mother of the subject of this sketch was known in her maidenhood
as Melissa Bower, a representative of an old Knickerbocker family of Xew
York. She was a daughter of Plarvey Bower. Her death occurred Novem-
ber 3. 1914, at Los Angeles, California, at the age of seventy-three years.
Three children were born to Alfred F. LaBounty and wife, namely:
Cora married Henry Balfour, a lawyer of Jonesboro, Arkansas; Hattie,
who took care of her mother in her declining years, married H A. Esmond,
formerly a locomotive engineer on the Mobile and Ohio railroad, but is
now living in retirement in Los Angeles; and Charles F., of this sketch.
The subject id" this sketch received his education in the common schools,
but left school when sixteen years old, and he began his railroad career when
a small buy. lie tirst went to work for the Missouri Pacific at St. Louis
as machinist apprentice, and after serving out his time in this capacity he
left that city as journeyman in 1890, and went t<> Pine Bluff, Arkansas, as
machinist with the Cotton Belt road, remaining there nine or ten months,
then returned to St. Louis and resumed his old position with the .Missouri
Pacific, later was promoted from machinist t<> foreman, which position he
held two years, lie has worked for the Missouri Pacific at various times
for a period of fifteen or sixteen years. Some time he worked for the
Pneumatic House (leaning Company in St. Louis: this linn manufactured
chairs, and Mr. LaBounty was the first man that ever assembled one of the
lirm*s famous chairs. In [902 our subject went 1<> I'd Paso. Texas, where
he worked as machinist for the Southern Pacific Railroad Company for two
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. IQI9
years. In October, 1904, he began working in the north side Frisco shops,
Springfield, Missouri, as machinist, later being promoted to assistant ma-
chinist foreman, which position he now holds, having fifteen men under
his direction; he is also assistant foreman of the brass department in the
same shops, and his two-fold duties keep him busy but, being a man of
industry and good executive ability he discharges the duties devolved upon
him in a manner that is highly pleasing to his employers. He is an expert
in his line and has kept well up-to-date in the same.
Mr. LaBounty was married in 1893 to Emma Grassman, a daughter of
John and Elsie ( Grundum ) Grassman, of St. Louis. To this union one child
has been born — Elise LaBounty, who was educated in the ward and high
schools, and is now teaching in the Robberson school, Springfield; she is
also musically inclined and is organist at St. John's Episcopal church.
Politically, Mr. LaBounty is a Republican. Fraternally, he belongs to
the Order of Eagles, Knights and Ladies of Security, Loyal Order of
Aldose, and was formerly a member of the Knights of Pythias. He is a
member of St. John's Episcopal church, and sang in the choir there many
years. He owns a comfortable home on Clay street.
Mr. LaBounty has found time during his work-a-day life to develop a
natural esthetic nature. He has become a well-informed man along general
lines by wide home reading. He has always been a great lover of floricul-
ture and has a practical knowledge of botany. He has a small hothouse
on the rear of his lot at 1320 Clay street, thirty-two by twelve feet, and he
devotes his spare time to the culture of flowers, now making a specialty
of asters and dahlias. Courteous and genial, he is a pleasant gentleman
to meet.
fERRY W. OWENS.
Although we are prone to rail at our environments and lack of early
opportunities, blaming these for our failures along the road toward the
"heights." yet the contemplative mind must conclude that life is, after all,
about what we make it. When hut a boy Jerry W. Owens, of Springfield,
Missouri, general agent of the Penn Mutual Life Insurance Company, of
Philadelphia,, realized that man is master of his fate; that he is the captain
of his own soul, and he set about in a laudable manner to shape his destiny
on "these banks and shoals of time."
Mr. Owens was born on September 6, 1875, on a farm eight miles
northwest of Carthage, Missouri, in one of the best farming sections of
Jasper county, and resided on this farm until he- was twenty-one years of
age. He is a son of David D. and Frances M. (Stout) Owens. The father
I92O GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
was born in Wales, July 15, 1834. and moved to Newark, Licking county,
Ohio, with his parents when a mere boy, and the mother's birth occurred
near Newark, Licking county, Ohio, September 9, 1842. Her death oc-
curred at Santa Cruz, California, July 17, 1913, and in that city the father
is still making his home. David D. Owens received a fairly good education
in the rural schools. His wife was well educated and she spent her earlier
vears in educational work, teaching about twenty terms in Ohio and Illi-
nois. Mr. Owens has devoted his active life to farming and stock raising,
but is now living in retirement, but still owns his fine farm of two hundred
acres in Jasper county. Missouri. During the Civil war he enlisted in an
Ohio regiment and served in the Union army, participating in several en-
gagements in Maryland and Virginia. He is a member of the Grand Army
of the Republic, and politically he is a Republican. His family consists of
four children, namely: Edwin J. lives in Canon City, Colorado, where he
is engaged in the mercantile business; David A. lives in Santa Cruz, Cali-
fornia, where he is engaged in the transfer and storage business; James B.
also lives in Santa Cruz, being in partnership with his brother in business.
Jerry \Y. Owens spent his boyhood on the farm in Jasper county and
received his education in the common schools, later attending college in
Carthage, then came to Springfield and took a course in the Springfield
business College. He began life fur himself by doing clerical work for a
number of different firms in Springfield. He subsequently became official
court reporter fur the Circuit Court and the Criminal Court, discharging
the duties of this important trust for a period of eight years in a manner
that was highly satisfactory to all concerned. He reported all civil cases in
Division No. 2 and reported all criminal cases. While incumbent of this
office he found time to engage to some extent in the insurance business, and
about ten years ago he was made general agent fur the I'enn Mutual Life
Insurance Company, of Philadelphia, his territory comprising about twenty-
five counties in southwestern Missouri. lie has offices at 826 Landers
Building. lie is one of the best known insurance men in this section of the
state.
.Mr. Owens was married on March 10. 1909, in Springfield, to Minnie
Clyde Umbarger, who was born in Saline county. Missouri, June 21. [877.
She is a daughter of Thomas A. and Mary Jane (Spates) Umbarger. The
father was born on July 5, [846, near Bloomington, Indiana, and died on
( (ctober 8, [910, bis death being the result of an accident. The mother of
Mrs. Owens was born on February K>. [837, near Louisville, Kentucky,
and Iter death occurred on March 5, [903. To these parents six children
were born, five of whom are still living, namely: William W. is engaged
in farming near Marshall. Saline county, Missouri; Walter A., who lives in
Springfield, is a member of the firm of Boehn & Umbarger. fire insurance
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. I92I
agents; Dr. Thomas T. is practicing dentistry in Springfield; Maggie, who
married William W. Naylor. He was killed in a train wreck near Lebanon,
Missouri, September 15, 1914; Minnie C, who became the wife of Mr.
Owens, of this sketch. She attended the country schools, and the Missouri
Valley College at Marshall, Missouri.
Two children have been born to Jerry W. Owens and wife, namely:
Mary Frances, born January 10, 191 1; David Allen, born January 1, 1913.
Politically, Mr. Owens is a Republican and is active in party affairs.
He is at this writing chairman of the county committee of his party and
has done much for the success of the candidates of his party. He belongs
to the Knights of Pythias and the Illinois Commercial Men's Association,
of Chicago. The family belongs to the Cumberland Presbyterian church.
CHARLES WESLEY MORCKEL.
We are told by the ancient philosophers that all in this world is in
ordained form, some maintaining that in nature nothing develops with the
help of man's hands. The charm that is charm is that which has become
an existing object by an unhampered, ungoverned process in a natural man-
ner. While many who love to spend their lives close to the soil, with the
sustaining touch of nature on every hand, may not understand her workings,
but they feel a kinship nevertheless which renders the life of the outdoor
person better in every way than that of his city brother. Some, of course,
not feeling that sense of harmony, do not think so. The Morckel family, of
whom Charles Wesley Morckel, a farmer of east Center township. Greene
county, is a creditable representative, have preferred to spend their lives in
agricultural pursuits, getting both pleasure and profit from the close contact
with Mother Nature.
Mr. Morckel was born March 11, 1869, in Cooper county, Missouri,
near Boonville. He is a son of John Christian and Rosanna (Bandy) Mor-
ckel. The father was born in Bavaria, Germany. The mother was of
French parentage, but was born in Switzerland. These parents emigrated to
the United States about 1834, before their marriage; the father first located
in Stark county, Ohio, and the mother in Columbiana county, that state, and
they were married in the latter county about 1858. and some two years
later they moved to Marshall county, Indiana, remaining there six years,
then went to Illinois for two years, and from that state went to Cooper
county, Missouri, locating on a farm near Boonville, where they made their
home for a period of eighteen years. After spending a few years each in
Vernon and Jasper counties, this state, they established their home in Greene
(121)
1922 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
county on the farm where our subject now lives, in section 1 and 2, east
Center township, in 1892, and here they spent the rest of their lives, the
father dying on August 9, 1908, and the mother's death occurred on April
2, 1908. They were the parents of five children, four of whom are still
living, namely : John Wesley is farming in New Mexico ; William Edward is
farming in Idaho; Mary Louise is the wife of Paton Gallagher and they
live in Tipton, Missouri ; and Charles W. of this sketch.
The subject of this review was reared on the farm and worked thereon
when he became of proper age, and he received a common school education
in Cooper and Jasper counties. He remained on the farm with his parents
until his marriage on December 25, 1895, to Belle Young, a daughter of
Charley and Kittie Young, of Murray township, this county. After his mar-
riage he bought eighty acres adjoining his father's farm and lived on this
place one and a half years, when, upon the death of his wife on July 23,
1899, ne returned to the home of his parents and has since remained on the
homestead. He again married in 1901, his last wife being Francisca Mel-
kesswan. To the first union two children were born : Almeda, born on
November 14, 1896; and Harry, born on May 7, 1899.
In addition to carrying on general farming Mr. Morckel devotes con-
siderable attention to raising and handling live stock, and no small portion
of his success has been derived from this source. His farm is one of the
best in the township. It consists of two hundred acres, all under a high
state of cultivation and improvements, including good drainage into a
spring branch. The bottom land is of a soil known as black loam, the higher
portions, red limestone land. In addition to the homestead he owns thirty
acres of timber, not far away.
Politically he is a Republican, but is not a seeker after political honors,
but is a booster for the general good of his community.
ULYSSES F. KERR, M. D.
Prominent among the successful medical men of Springfield and Greene
county is Dr. Ulysses F. Kerr, formerly a well-known general practitioner
of Christian county. During his fourteen years of practice, his punctuality
in keeping appointments with his patients has been religiously adhered to,
never having disappointed anyone except in cases of the most urgent neces-
sity. Privately, as well as professionally, his life has been an exemplary
one, and no proper help to worthy enterprises, public, charitable or other-
wise, has he withheld, and he is honored and respected by all as a true type
of the sympathetic, broad-minded Christian physician.
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. 1 923
HUBERT H. HAYWARD.
Many appellations have been applied to the present epoch or cycle of
the world's history, such as the electric or steam age, none of the terms, it
seems being broad enough, but if we sin mid christen it the age of invention,
we would evidently not go far amiss, as any contemplative mind will
readily agree. If we look at the far-reaching effects of the inventions of
only a few such wizards as Edison, Tesla, Bell and Maxim, we would see the
appropriateness of the last named phrase to this the greatest age since the
dawn of the world's history. But as in other walks of life, not all the
inventions that have blessed the race have been made by men bearing names
which have become household words the world over. Here and there, in
every civilized nation, may be found some one outside of "fame's eternal
camping ground" who has by his genius or talent or, perchance, by merely
commonplace hard work produced some device that has lightened or facili-
tated man's work, and therefore added his little quota to the great aggregate
force that is lifting from humanity's shoulders "the burden of the world,"
of which the poet, Markham, wrote in "The Man with the Hoe." Belonging
to this class of minor inventors who have accomplished definite results is
Hubert H. Hayward, president of the Hayward Wrench Company, of Spring-
field, and skilled machinist and talented inventor.
Mr. Hayward was born on June 22, 1882, in Sac township, Dade
county, .Missouri. He is a son of Albert Clinton and Harriet A. (Rector)
Hayward. The father was born in Sac township, Dade county, on July
27, 1841, his parents being among the pioneer settlers there. The paternal
grandfather was Edwin Clinton Hayward. He was born in New York
and served as apprentice in the shipyard for several years ; also worked in the
United States navy yard. He was born in 181 1, and died at the age of
seventy-eight years. Grandmother Hayward's maiden name was Caroline
Smith. She was born in Roane county, east Tennessee in 1824, and died
at the age of sixty years. The maternal grandmother was Angeline Butler,
who was born on May 14, 1829, in Anderson county, east Tennesee, and is
still living, and enjoying good health for one of her age.
Albert C. Hayward, father of our subject, grew to manhood in Dade
county, and in early life learned the carpenter's trade, which he followed
in his vicinity in connection with farming. He prospered with advancing
years and became owner of a fine farm of about five hundred acres there.
He has spent the major part of his life in his native county, where he now
lives retired and is one of the most widely and favorably known men in
that county. He was for three terms assessor of Dade county, which
position he filled with credit and efficiency. He has always been a loyal
Republican, and is a stanch member of the Christian church at Bona, Mis-
I924 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
souri. His wife, Harriet A. Rector, was born on May 21, 1848, in eastern
Tennessee, but when only six years of age she made the long overland
journey in wagon from that country to Missouri, the family locating in
Dade county. She was fairly well educated for that period and she taught
school several years in Dade county before her marriage. She is a mem-
ber of the Church of Christ at Bona, near which village the parents of
our subject are spending their declining years in their pleasant home. To
them six children were born, namely: Mrs. Ina Perkins lives in Cedar
county, Missouri ; Albert C. is an attorney and lives in Springfield, Missouri ;
Ada is teaching school in Dade county: Hubert H.. subject of this sketch;
Henry is operating the old home farm; Homer lives in Springfield and is
treasurer of the Hayward Wrench Company.
Hubert H. Hayward spent his boyhood days in Dade county with his
parents on the farm, and he received his education in the township schools
and the high school at Everton, Missouri. Having natural inclination to
the machinist's trade he learned the same in the school of practical experi-
ence and hard knocks, and he followed his trade in Dade county and in
Springfield for a number of years. He also learned the carpenter's trade, at
which he worked for some time in his native count}- and other places with
the highest honors of his trade in Dade count}-. He moved to Springfield
in 1914, where he has since resided. His practical knowledge of the ma-
chinist's trade enabled him, by careful and well laid plans and thoughtful
diagrams to invent a new wrench on which he secured a United States
patent on November 4. 1 9 1 3 , and for the manufacture of which he organized
a $100,000 stock company, which has been incorporated as the Hayward
Wrench Company, of which he is president, and his brother Homer, Nice-
president. The}- have offices at 505 Woodruff Building. Springfield, Mis-
souri, and the\- are making the wrench in large numbers in Chicago, Illinois.
and placing it on the market, which is finding a very read}' sale, as its
merits are made known over the United States and Canada. It is an auto-
matic combination wrench of which the mechanism and advantages over
all other wrenches speak for themselves, and is the only combination nut
and pipe wrench made that is self-adjustable. It will fit any bolt, nut or
pipe without having to be adjusted. It is invaluable as a ratchet wrench.
It works on the same principle as rachet, and many places where there is
little room to work it is indispensable. It will not crush pipe, hut the tighter
one pulls, the tighter the jaws clamp the nut or pipe with equal force on
each side. It is also most desirable as a pipe wrench, being so constructed
that it will not mash or crush the pipe, although holding it very tightly.
Most pipe wrenches slip after hold breaks, but this wrench will not slip, for
the tighter one pulls the better the wrench holds. The jaws come together
with equal force and the teeth in each one go straight in when the operator
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. I925
pulls on it, so that it is impossible for it to slip. It is a handy, automatic
combination, all-purpose wrench for the machinist, engineer, plumber, chauf-
feur and farmer. It is simple, hand}' and always ready. It is made of
80 to 90 carbon drop forged tool steel and constructed with links like the chain
of a bicycle, and withal, is strong, durable and inexpensive, and is one of the
most wonderful inventions of its kind in the history of the world. The
construction and mechanism of its different parts are so perfectly arranged
and fitted together that each function has part of the work to do. There
is no mechanical science or mathematical rule discovered by which to figure
out how to get the strength, length and size in the double-compound, balance
leverage connection, in the different sized wrenches.
Hubert H. Hay ward was married on February 17, 1902, to Ora Frieze,
daughter of Richard Denton Frieze and Emily ( Perkins) Frieze, both na-
tives of Dade county, Missouri, where they grew to maturity, were edu-
cated, married and established their home. Air. Frieze becoming a prominent
farmer there, owning a fine farm of over two hundred acres, in fact he
spent his life on the farm on which he was reared, dying in April, 1908.
Politically he was a Democrat, and he belonged to the Church of Christ, to
which his widow also belongs, she having remained on the home place.
To these parents seven children were born, namely: Ora. wife of Mr. Hay-
ward of this sketch; Claude lives in Dade county; Maude is the wife of
Flavin Davis; Macy L. is the wife of A. R. Pee, who lives in Dade county;
Jessie is the wife of C. E. Martin, who lives in Jasper county, Missouri;
Ernest, who at this time is a young man of eighteen years of age, lives
with his mother on the homestead in Dade county; Norma, wife of J. C.
Tygart, lives in Dade count)-. Missouri.
To Mr. and Mrs. Hayward eight children have been born, named as
follow; Pa Vernice, Cleo, Theta, Clinton and Denton, twins; Wilbur, Ray-
mond and Maude.
Politically Mr. Hayward is a hard-working Republican. He belongs to
Podge No. 9160, Modern Woodmen of America, at Dadeville. Missouri.
He and his wife are members of the Church of Christ at Bona, Dade county.
CAPT. JOHN HAPSTEAD.
Everybody in the western part of Greene countyr knows Capt. John
Halstead, real estate agent and general manager of the Brookline Inn and
feed barn. He has long been a resident of this locality, whose interests he
has had at heart and sought to promote, and as a booster for his town and
township he has done as much as any other man and is deserving of the
high esteem in which he is universally held.
I926 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
TUCKER-FERGUSON WAREHOUSE & TRANSFER COMPANY.
One of the thriving business firms of Springfield which is worthy of
specific mention in this volume is the Tucker-Ferguson Warehouse and
Transfer Company. They maintain three large warehouses, located as fol-
low : Office building, a one-story concrete building with 30,000 square feet of
floor space, at 666 East Chestnut street; a three-story brick building, corner
Summit and Chestnut streets. It is equipped with electric elevator, con-
taining 400,000 square feet; a three-story brick building, corner Phelps
avenue and Grant street, containing 300,000 square feet of floor space, with,
electric elevator. There is five hundred feet of private trackage, and there
is also a large barn for live stock, accommodating twenty-five head of
draft horses. The company operates three solid, enclosed, padded moving
vans, and all household goods is guaranteed not to be soiled by bad weather,
dust or scratched in transit. Three stake wagons are also kept for freight-
ing and ordinary moving; also two curtain vans for household goods, other
equipment, such as floats, trunk and delivery wagons and a special wagon
for safes and heavy hauling. Eighteen experienced, skilled and reliable
men and drivers are constantly employed, and prompt and first-class service
is the aim of the firm at all times. Special carload consignments are given
prompt attention, and they handle about four hundred carloads annually.
Household goods are packed for shipment by experts. Their slogan, "The
quality service merchants of Springfield."
The firm was incorporated in 1909, for twenty-thousand dollars, fully
paid up. E. G. Tucker, a complete sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this
work, is president and manager, and E. A. McKay is secretary and treas-
urer. Some estimate of the reliablity and efficient management of the firm
may be obtained by the mention of the fact that one sugar company alone
entrusts them with $500,000 of sugar for storage and distribution.
Elmer Alexander McKay was born in Knox county, Missouri. July 25,
1881. He is a son of James G. and Clara J. (Bryson) McKay. The father
was born in Lafayette county, Indiana, May 13. 1845. ar>d when fourteen
years of age came with his parents to Knox county, Missouri, where he
followed farming for nearly forty years, and at this writing he is presi-
dent of the Home Bank in Knox, Missouri, and is one of the prominent
citizens of Knox county. Politically he is a Republican. He belongs to the
Presbyterian church and is a member of the Knights of Pythias. Clara J.
Bryson, mother of E. A. McKay, was born in Knox county, this state,
October 28, 1858, and there grew tn womanhood, received her education,
and. in fact, has lived there all her life.
Elmer A. McKav was reared in his native community and obtained
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. 1 927
a good education; he was graduated from the Knox high school in 1895,
from the Kirksville State Normal in 1901, and from the University of
Missouri at Columbia in 1906. After leaving the university he took a posi-
tion in the Home Bank at Knox, where he remained until in June, 191 1,
when he came to Springfield and bought an interest in the Tucker-Fer-
guson Company, of which he is secretary and treasurer, and the large suc-
cess of the same has been due in no small measure to his industry and fore-
sight.
Mr. McKay was married on June 20, 1907, to Mary Asbury, who was
born in Farmington, Missouri, February 12, 1883, and there grew to
womanhod and received her education at Elmwood Seminary and Uni-
versity of Missouri. Mrs. McKay is a member of the Saturday Club, the
Daughters of the American Revolution, and state treasurer of the Missouri
Parent-Teachers' Association.
To Mr. and Mrs. McKay one child has been born, James Asbury Mc-
Kay, whose birth occurred September 14, 191 2.
Politically Mr. McKay is a Republican. He belongs to the Presby-
terian church, and fraternally is well known in Masonic circles, being a
member of Edina Lodge No. 219, Free and Accepted Masons, at Edina,
Missouri; Edina Chapter No. 61, Royal Arch Masons, also at Edina; and
Zabud Council, Royal and Select Masters. He is a member of the Young
Men's Business Club, and is secretary of the same.
RICHARD MASSEY.
The Massey family is one of those who cast their fortunes in the
locality of which this history treats when it was little better than a wilder-
ness, but being courageous and resourceful people, they forged to the front
ranks and have been well and favorably known in Greene county since the
pioneer epoch. One of the best known of the family is Richard Massey,
a contractor of Springfield, who has spent his life of over fifty-seven years
here and is therefore a connecting link between the first period of develop-
ment of this vicinity and the present.
Mr. Massey was born September 15, 1857, just east of Springfield, on
the old homstead. He is a son of Capt. James and Martha (Anderson)
Massey. The father was born in Ireland, where he spent his boyhood and
attended school, and when eighteen years of age he ran away from home
and sailed on the broad Atlantic toward the United States to seek his
fortune. He first settled in Knox county, Tennessee, at the foot of the
Cumberland Mountains, regarding whose picturesque inhabitants so much
1928 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
has been written, and in that locality he was married and made his home
until the year 1832, when he made the tedious and somewhat hazardous
overland trip to Greene county, Missouri, bringing his family in a primitive
wagon, and thus the Masseys were among the earliest pioneers of this
locality. He secured a tract of land just east of what is now the thriving
city of Springfield, but which was at that time an encampment of the
Kickapoo Indians. He set to work with a will, cleared, broke and fenced
his land, erected a log cabin and by perseverance and hard work became
very comfortably fixed in due course of time, and was a man of influence
among the early frontiersmen, his neighbors being, however, very few and
most of them some miles distant, until more Tennesseeans followed him,
the Fulbrights, the Freemans and others. Although he devoted the major
portion of his life to farming, he was a mechanic by trade and a skilled
workman. He made the first separator, or "ground-hog" thresher, ever
seen in this part of the country. During the War of 1812, he enlisted in
defense of his adopted country, gladly fighting against the flag under which
he was born, and for meritorious conduct on the field of battle he was
promoted from a private to a captain, and served with distinction through-
out the war. Politically he was first a Whig, then a Republican after that
part)' was organized in the fifties. His death occurred on his farm here in
[863. His wife was a native of Tennessee, where she grew up and received
a limited education. She lived to an advanced age, dying in Stone county,
Missouri, in February, [899. To these parents nine children were borri;
only four of whom are living at this writing: Robert, Richard of this sketch,
Sally and Emma.
Richard Massey grew to manhood on the old homestead, where he
helped with the general work when a boy, and he received his education
mostly by home study. When his father died he was a small boy, and
as soon as he could, he was compelled to work and assist in supporting the
family, lie followed farming for some time, then took up carpenter work,
then railroad grade contracting and at the present time he is engaged in
general contracting. He has been very successful in his line and has handled
some large jobs, among which was the Valley water falls, the Grant street
subway, did the work for the filtering plant at the pump station for the
Springfield water works, and he built the first piece of special road that was
ever seen in Greene county. He has been very successful in a business way,
and owns a commodious home on South Campbell street, surrounded by a
lot containing five acres.
Mr. Massey was married, first on April 14. 1874. in Stone county,
Missouri, to Hannah Price, who was born in Henry county, Iowa. Her
death occurred in Stone county. She was a daughter of Allen and Mary
(Brown) Price, who were pioneer settlers in Henry county, Iowa. Bv this
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. I929
first union of our subject seven children were born, namely: Clara, Guy,
James Allen, Robert E., Ernest, Laura and Sally. Mr. Massey was mar-
ried a second time in Stone county, to Mary J. Price, a sister of his first
wife, and to this union five children have been born, namev : Floyd Glenn,
Zella, Percy, Carrol and Kenneth.
Politically Mr. Massey is a Democrat. He belongs to the Knights and
Ladies of Security, and is a charter member of the Supreme Court of
Honor. The Massey family are members of the Christian church.
CHARLES LEE LLOYD.
One of Greene county's farmers who evidently saw long ago that mind
is superior to matter is Charles Lee Lloyd, of Brookline township, for he
has made and is making a pronounced success as a general farmer, not only
producing good general crops but specializing also in fruits and breeding
and raising a superior grade of live stock. He was born September 22,
1864, near Weston, Platte county, Missouri. He is a son of Manlius B.
and Martha (Pence) Lloyd, who emigrated from near Georgetown, Scott
county, Kentucky, about i860, to Platte county. The paternal grandfather,
Littleton Lloyd, was born near Roanoke, Virginia, and his wife, Naomi
Burton, was born in Virginia. Their parents were from Scotland, having
emigrated to America shortly after the Revolutionary war.
Our subject has two brothers living and two who died in infancy;
four sisters are living and three died in infancy. The brothers are: Will-
iam Ernest, a farmer of Brookline township, this county: Edgar B., a well
known veterinary surgeon, lives at Brookline. The sisters are : Ollie, who
married E. B. Boland and they live at Dallas, Texas ; Fannie married F. M.
Parson and they are now living in Brookline ; Zadie married W. H. Pen-
nington, of Springfield; Alta is single and lives in Dallas, Texas; Minnie
married A. M. Crabb, of Stone county, Missouri, and she died in 1888;
Eddie married W. T. Parsons, of Paragould, Arkansas, and she died in
1898. Her son, Clifford, now sixteen years old, is making his home with
the subject of this sketch.
Charles L. Lloyd was reared on the home farm in Platte county, and
there he received his education in the common schools. He has always fol-
lowed farming and dealing in live stock, starting out on his own account
before he became of age. His present farm of one hundred and twenty
acres in Brookline township is situated on the main highway between
Springfield and Republic on one of the highest points in this section of the
Ozarks, from which a commanding panorama may be had of the surround-
I93O GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
ing country for many miles, and the place is appropriately named "High-
land Farm." His residence is an attractive eight-room house, surrounded
by a fine grove of walnuts and elms, and his convenient and substantial out-
buildings include two large barns, machine shop, garage and a concrete
chicken house. No better farm buildings are to be found in the county, and
everything about the place is well kept. Mr. Lloyd has become interested
in fruit culture, showing decided preference for cherries, and has over one
hundred trees just coming into bearing. He is a well known Shorthorn
cattle breeder and is also a breeder of a big type of Poland-China hogs, and
is very successful with both, his fine stock being greatly admired by all in-
terested in such, owing to their superior quality. He has frequently ex-
hibited at various fairs, and has never failed to carry away the blue ribbons,
although contending with the best exhibits the county affords.
Mr. Lloyd was married in February, 1893, to Delilah McElhany, a
daughter of Warham and Stella Jane (Robertson) McElhany.
Fraternally, Mr. Lloyd is a member of Republic Lodge No. 570, An-
cient Free and Accepted Masons, and Zabud Council, Royal Arch Chapter
No. 25, of Springfield. He also belongs to the Independent Order of Odd
Fellows, of Brookline. Religiously, he is a member of the Cumberland
Presbyterian church. Politically, he is a stanch Democrat and is influential
in the affairs of his party. He has been elected to serve in several township
offices, including school director and road commissioner, holding the latter
office at present. He has given satisfaction in all positions of trust.
SAM M. WEAR.
It is not so much the different things which men do as the way and
spirit in which they do them, that makes the greatest difference between men.
The man whose daily work is simple drudgery, is, in spirit, a serf. He
regards himself as only a means to the end of accomplishing certain fixed
tasks. It is the very bitterness of serf's condition that he is a mere instru-
ment, a tool, and that he cannot rise above that relation to his work. Hence,
there can be for him but small delight in his employment. His labor can
possess no dignity for him. because he possesses none in himself. Labor
and service are invested with dignity only when the individuals who per-
form them are brought into a true and responsible relation to them. It
is the person who dignifies the work. If he exists, or supposes himself to
exist, only for his drudging tasks, they share in his degradation. Only as
the individual is lifted into something of the dignity of true, responsible,
personal life, can his duties and work assume new and higher meanings.
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. 1 93 1
This is true just because it is not the simple performing of the duties which
impart to them their meaning, but the purpose, spirit, and way of doing
them. In the instance of this word-setting to Sam M. Wear, the present
popular and able prosecuting attorney of Greene county, it may be recorded
of him that during his career he has given dignity to his profession, the
law, although he is a plain, unassuming gentleman, but he communicates
dignity to every duty he performs. He infuses the new and higher mean-
ings into all his work, and his purpose, spirit and way of doing it, is what
addresses our attention. In his relations with his fellowmen there has
ever beeen the evident purpose and spirit of an honest personality. This
spirit and purpose are illustrated along his private path-ways as well as in
his career at the bar, his uniform integrity and fairness impressing all
with whom he has come in contact.
Mr. Wear was born at Cassville, Barry county, Missouri, January 14,
1880. He is a son of A. H. and Ona (McConnell) Wear, both born,
reared, educated and married in Missouri. For a number of years they
made their home in Barry county, from which county they removed in
1886 to Greene county, locating in Springfield. The elder Wear was at
that time appointed receiver of the United States land office here, filling
this responsible position with credit and satisfaction to all concerned for a
period of four years. He was a lawyer by profession, and practiced with
success in Barry and Greene counties for many years. In 1894 he was
elected prosecuting attorney of the latter county, the duties of which office
he discharged faithfully and well until 1898. His death occurred in Novem-
ber, 1910, at the age of fifty-six years, his wife having preceded him to the
silent land in 1896. They were both members of the Cumberland Presby-
terian church, and were highly respected by all who knew them, and polit-
ically he was a Democrat and was long influential in local public affairs.
To these parents one other child besides our subject was born, Madeline
Wear, an accomplished young lady who makes her home in Springfield.
Sam M. Wear was six years old when the family moved to Springfield,
and here he grew to manhood and received his education, attending the
public schools when he became of proper age until 1895, when he entered
Drury Academy here, from which he was graduated in 1898, then entered
Drury College proper, made a good record for scholarship and was
graduated with the class of 1902. When a mere boy he determined to
follow in the footsteps of his father in a professional way and began the
study of law, which he continued at spare moments until completing his
college course, whereupon he entered the Cumberland View Law School at
Lebanon, Tennesee, from which he was graduated in 1904, and was at once
admitted to the bar and began practice in Springfield with his father, with
whom he remained for two years, then entered, as a partner, the well-
I932 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
established firm of Farrington & Pepperdine, the firm then becoming Far-
rington, Pepperdine & Wear, which continued thus success fully for two
vears, then Mr. Wear and Mr. Farrington formed a partnership, which
continued until both were elected to office, our subject being elected prose-
cuting attorney of Greene county in the fall of 1912, and he is filling the
same in a manner that reflects much credit upon his ability, fidelity and
courage and to the eminent satisfaction of all concerned, irrespective of
party alignment. He is fearless and energetic in the performance of his
duties and has proven himself to be thoroughly grounded not only in the
basic principles of jurisprudence, but also with the statutes of Missouri.
He always goes into court well prepared and he has great weight with juries
and the bench by his earnestness, clarity of his statements of facts and
interpretation of the law. In view of his eminent success at the bar so
early in life, the future must needs be replete with greater honors and suc-
cesses for him.
Politically Mr. Wear is a Democrat and loyal in his support of the
party. Fraternally he belongs to the Knights of Pythias, the Improved
Order of Red Men and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. Re-
ligiously be is a member of the Presbyterian church.
Mr. Wear married Susan McClellan, a lady of many commendable
characteristics. She is a native of Claremore, Oklahoma, where she was
reared to womanhood and educated and where her family has long been
prominent. The union of our subject and wife has been blessed by the birth
of two children.
SAMUEL A. HOOPER.
Nearly eighty-nine years have dissolved in the mists of the irrevocable
past since Samuel A. Hooper, one of the oldest citizens in Greene county, a
well-known and venerable farmer of Clay township, first saw the light of
day. He has lived through one of the most remarkable, and in many respects
the most wonderful, epochs in the world's history. There will never be an-
other like it, for it embraced the period when the strong-armed homeseekers
from the Eastern states invaded the great West ( he being among the number)
and redeemed it from the wilds, bringing it up through various stages to
the present high state of civilization. It was nearly sixty-four years ago
that our subject took up his abode in this locality, which he has helped de-
velop and where he has seen wonderful changes take place, of which he
talks interestingly, for the pioneer days were altogether different from those
of the present ; and, we agree with him, that they were in some respect bet-
ter than these advanced times. It seems at least that people were then hap-
GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI. J933
pier; they neither wanted nor needed so much; they were more helpful,
neighborly and less selfish.
Mr. Hooper was born in Caswell county, North Carolina, February
28, 1826. He is a son of Samuel and Susan (Alford) Hooper. The father
was born in Virginia in i/6y, ami was reared and educated about eight miles
from the city of Richmond, and he spent most of his life in that locality.
Finally he moved to North Carolina, where our subject was born, and from
there to Tennessee, in 1833. After remaining in that state until 1851, he
moved to Missouri, and settled in Greene county, where our subject rented
a farm on which he and his father lived until the latter's death, in 1862.
The mother of our subject was born in Caswell county, North Carolina.
where she was reared and educated. She spent her declining years at the
home of our subject, dying at the advanced age of eighty-eight.
Samuel A. Hooper grew to manhood in Robertson county, Tennessee,
and he received such educational advantages as those early times afforded.
He made the overland trip from that state, with his parents, in 1851, in
ox wagons, locating in Greene county, Missouri, on one hundred and twenty
acres, most of which he cleared and put under culitvation, in Washington
township, and there engaged successfully in general farming until fourteen
years ago, when he sold out. For some time he has been living in Clay
township in retirement.
Mr. Hooper was married November iS, [852, to Martha Jane Smith.
She was born in Washington township. Greene county, Missouri, August
29, 1837, a,u' was 'iere reared on a farm and educated in the country schools
She was a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian church. Her death
occurred in 1877. After this event our subject went to live with one of his
children, and at this writing makes his home with one of his sons. Before
coming to Missouri, he made a trip to Texas in 1847, returning to Tennesee
the following year. Since coming to Greene county he has made a trip to
California. He is one of five children, namely: Henry, who is far advanced
in years, lives in Texas; Pleasant, Allen and Dabner are all deceased; Samuel
A., our subject, is the youngest.
Thirteen children were born to Mr. Hooper and wife, namely: William
lives in Greene county; Milton lives on a farm in Clay township, and our
subject is living with him; Mrs. Mary Jane Kinser lives in this county;
Thomas makes his home in Springfield; Mrs. Deniza McDaniel, Robert,
John and David all live in Greene county ; Donald is living with his father,
our subject; Albert lives on the adjoining farm; Mrs. Margaret Ann Snyder
lives in Kansas City; Abner Morris is deceased.
Politically Mr. Hooper is a Republican, and has always been loyal in
the support of the party. He is a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian
church.