Audrain County, Missouri - Biographical sketches, 1884 (part 6 of 17)

Alva C. Stotler

farmer and stock-man. Mr. Stotler, the son of Dr. William Stotler and wife, whose maiden name was Matilda Philpott, came with his parents in 1866 from Noble county, Ohio, where he was born on the 17th of November, 1854, and was reared up to his twelfth year, to Missouri, since which he and his father's family have resided in this State. On coming to Missouri the family located in Montgomery county, near Middletown, where Alva grew to maturity on his father's farm, completing his education in the schools of that vicinity. About the age of twenty-one, on the 24th of December, 1875, he was mar¬ ried to Miss Phebe, a daughter of George Wagner, formerly of Vir¬ ginia, but for many years past a resident of Pike county, this State, where Mrs. Stotler was born and reared. Two years afterwards Mr. Stotler removed to Audrain county and located on the farm where he now resides. Mr. Stotler's father was an Ohio farmer and practicing physician, fully up to the mark in his callings of the citizens of that State - progressive, enterprising, business-like and successful; and to the ideas and methods the father practiced, the son was brought up, thus becoming a farmer of the better class, as his present place shows him to be. Young Mr. Stotler's farm contains 240 acres all under fence and either in cultivation or in hay or pasturage. He has about 80 acres of good timothy and clover meadow. His buildings are of an excellent class, including a commodious barn, good cribs, machine sheds, etc. Mr. Stotler makes a specialty of raising stock, and feeds for the markets annually from one to two car-loads of steers and about a car-load of hogs. He is regarded as one of the enterprising young farmers of the township. Mrs. Stotler is a member of the Presbyterian Church. They have four children: Arthur C., Orville B., John W. and George W.

Bernard C. Torbert

farmer and stock raiser. Mr. Torbert is a native of Norway, the land of Ole Bull, the famous violinist, so well known to all Americans. Norway, a country which has produced some of the great minds of the present century, and has been famous for ages as the home of the finest seamen on the globe, has given to America during the last half century many of her brave sons to unite their energies and intel¬ ligence with ours in building up on this continent the greatest nation the world has ever seen. Since 1820 over 300,000 immigrants have landed on our shore from Norwav and Sweden, and now the annual immigration from those countries averages over 60,000 people. Com¬ ing here, such is their industry, thrift and intelligence that they soon take rank among the better class of our citizens. Mr. Torbert furnishes an apt illustration of this fact. He came here in 1866, and has worked his way up through various employments, and all of honest industry, to the position of one of the substantial farmers and respected citizens of the community in which he lives. He was born in Norway Janu¬ ary 24, 1839, and was a son of Ole Torbert and wife, whose maiden name was Martha Mountz, both of old Norwegian families. His father, however, was, through a long line of ancestry, of Scotch descent. Bernard C. was reared at the city of Christiana in his native country, where he was also educated in his mother tongue. Coming to this country, he afterwards worked in a saw-mill in Clinton county, New York, and then at railroading in Burlington, Vermont. Mr. Torbert then came West and worked in Chicago for a short time, going thence to Michigan, where he was employed in handling lumber, and subse¬ quently came to Missouri, and was soon afterwards employed by the government as teamster across the plains. In 1871 he followed flat¬ boating on the river below Kansas City, and afterwards went to the State of Mississippi for a change of climate, his health having failed.

Returning from the South, he engaged in railroad work in Audrain county, this State, and while employed at this saved up money and bought himself the nucleus of his present farm, to which he has since added until he now has a good place of 220 acres adjoining the town of Rush Hill. He has improved his place in a thorough manner, in¬ cluding good fences, and will, during the coming spring, have neat and comfortable buildings. He also has an excellent orchard, good pastures, ponds, etc. He has been engaged in the stock business for several years, and has been very successful. Mr. Torbert is one of the leading stock men of the township. In the fall of 1879 Mr. Torbert was married to Miss Emma Gorman, a daughter of Charles Gorman, of this county, but formerly of New York. Mr. and Mrs. T. are members of the M. E. church, and Mr. T. is a member of the I. O. 0. F. at Mexico. He is one of the worthy citizens of this town¬ ship, and this country would be glad to welcome hundreds of thousands more like him.

Dr. Andrew P. Vance

physician and surgeon, Rush Hill. To any one at all familiar with the history of prominent families in this county, the name which the subject of the present sketch bears, Vance, is not a strange one. From the colonial days of the country, the Vances have been prominent in public, professional and business life. It is hardly necessary to mention the names of Hon. John Vance, Hon. John L. Vance and Hon. Joseph Vance, members of Congress, each for many years from Ohio ; or Hon. Robert B. Vance, Hon. R. Brank Vance, or Hon. Zebulon B. Vance, of North Carolina, for their names are familiar to every one conversant with public affairs. Hon. Zebulon B. Vance is the present able Senator from North Carolina. The Vances settled before the Revolution, in Virginia. From there, branches of the family have settled in other States, including North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Kentucky, Missouri, Illinois and per¬ haps most of the other States. Dr. Vance came originally of the Kentucky branch of the family and is related to Col. Robert Vance, a distinguished lawyer of Shelby county, Kentucky, who was a son of Dr. Vance, of Jefferson county, in that State. Judge E. M. Vance, formerly of Illinois, and who with Senator Douglass can¬ vassed the Prairie State against Lincoln in 1860, but now an emi¬ nent lawyer of Chilton, Missouri, is also related to Dr. Vance of Rush Hill. Dr. Vance's father was Samuel Vance, formerly of Kentucky, but who with his family settled in Adams county, Illinois, among the pioneers of that county. The Doctor's mother, previous to her mar¬ riage, was Miss Lucinda Pond, of the well known Pond family of the Blue Grass State. Dr. Vance was born in Adams county, Illinois, on the 10th of November, 1834. The following year the family removed to Fort Madison, in Lee county, Iowa, where they lived for nearly 20 years and where the Doctor was reared. In 1854, however, the fam¬ ily removed to Marion county, where they now reside and where on the 25th of September, 1883, they celebrated their golden wedding, thus doing honor to the fiftieth anniversary of an unusually long and happy married life. Their's is one of the most highly respected fam¬ ilies in Marion county. Dr. Vance, reared on the frontier of civiliza¬ tion in Iowa, had quite indifferent opportunities to acquire an educa¬ tion, but he made up for this disadvantage by self-culture, so that he succeeded in acquiring an excellent general education. In 1858', hav¬ ing decided to devote himself to the medical profession (for the Vances are almost invariably professional men), he began the study under Dr. E. C. Davis, of Shelby county, under whom he prosecuted his professional studies with energy until he was prepared to enter the medical college. He received his collegiate education in medicine at the Keokuk College of Physicians and Surgeons, which he entered in 1872. After his course at Keokuk he began the practice of medicine at Stoutsville, in Monroe county, Missouri, where he also carried on a drug store. Prior to entering the medical college Dr. Vance had been for a number of years engaged in the drug business, principally at Honeyville, in Shelby county. In 1877 Dr. Vance removed to Audrain county, where he engaged in the practice, and five years later he located at Rush Hill. Dr. Vance, besides having had ten years of active experience in his profession, has been an untiring student as a physician, and thus has risen to a point in his calling for skill and ability beyond which few practitioners have been able to go. Thor¬ oughly qualified, devoted to his profession, and ready at all times to answer the call of the sick and suffering, he is a physician whose suc¬ cess is unquestioned and in whom the public repose the most implicit confidence. He has a large and liberal practice. The Doctor was married in Marion county in 1855 to Miss Martha J. Randall, daugh¬ ter of John Randall, of that county. Dr. Vance's first wife died in 1865. There are three children living of that union : John S., Will¬ iam A. and Mary Ettie. In the fall of 1869 Dr. Vance was married to Miss Mary E., daughter of George E. Perkins, of Adams county, Illinois, but later of Marion county, Missouri, where Mrs. Vance was reared. There are two children of this marriage: Lela and Mattie.

The Doctor and wife are members of the M. E. Church ; the Doctor is also a member of the Odd Fellows, and both the Chapter and Blue lodges of Mexico, of the A. F. and A. M.

Joseph Able

a thriving farmer and progressive citizen of Audrain county, was born in Florida township, Monroe county, this State, on the 3d day of June, 1839, and was a son of William and Mahala (Percell) Able, who set¬ tled in that county from Kentucky, as early as 1821. The father be¬ came a leading farmer of Monroe county, and died there in 1881 at a venerable and honored old age. The mother preceded her husband to the grave by a number of years. Their family of children consisted of five sons and two daughters : Joseph, the first son, like his broth¬ ers, was reared a practical farmer, and he followed farming in that county after he grew up until 1875 and with abundant success. Sell¬ ing out in Monroe county, he then came to Audrain and settled in Prairie township, where he still resides. Here Mr. Able has a fine farm of 320 acres, well improved - one of the choice places in the town¬ ship. A public-spirited citizen and fully up to the times as an agri¬ culturist, he occupies an enviable position in the community where he lives. Mr. Able has been married for nearly twenty years, and has a worthy family of children. His wife's maiden name was Annie Doyle, and she is a lady of marked intelligence and refinement. Mr. and Mrs. A. have a family of seven children : Hattie, Johnny, Fannie, Oscar, Joseph, Cora and Maggie. Audrain county has been singu¬ larly fortunate in securing to its agricultural class a citizen of the high character, enterprise and public worth which Mr. Able is well known to possess. He is a valued addition to the citizenship of the com¬ munity in which lie lives.

Thomas Able

Blue Grass State of Kentucky, where he was born on the 8th of Sep¬ tember, 1843. His parents came to Missouri prior to the war, set¬ tling in Monroe county. Thomas Able grew up in Monroe county and was married there in 1865. His father, a successful Kentucky farmer, subsequently became a prominent farmer of Monroe county. Mr. Able, the son, was reared to an agricultural life, and has been en¬ gaged in farming and handling stock on his own account from early manhood. At the outbreak of the war he enlisted in the Southern army under Gen. Price and served in the State guard. On the 25th of May, 1865, he was married to Miss Martha Harrod, a daughter of William and Mary Harrod, formerly of Ohio. Mr. Able came to this county in 1871, and has since been a resident of Prairie township. He has a large farm here well improved and is an extensive feeder and shipper of cattle, a business which he has followed for a number of years with marked success. He is one of the thorough-going, enter¬ prising men of the township, and occupies a prominent position in the agricultural affairs of this part of the county. He and his wife have a family of five interesting children : William, Robert, Annie, Laura and Thomas. Mrs. Able was born in the State of Ohio, December 23, 1841, and was educated in her native county. She is a lady of marked intelligence and many amiable qualities.

James M. Atkinson

farmer. Prominent among the substantial farmers and influential citizens of Prairie township, is the subject of the present sketch. Mr. Atkinson was born in Callaway county, 'Missouri, on the 18th day of October, 1829, and was a son of James M. and Sarah Atkinson, who settled in that county from Kentucky in about 1827. His father be¬ came a leading man of Callaway count}'. He was a large farmer and a prominent member of the Whig party in the good old days of Whigs and Democrats. He served as assessor of the county for about six years, and held other positions of public trust. He died there on the 2d of September, 1851, leaving a comfortable estate. His widow still survives him and is now living on her homestead in Callaway county at the advanced age of eighty-four, a venerable, motherly-hearted old lady, beloved by all her neighbors and acquaintances. There were seven children in her family : Juliet, J. T., James M., Mary A., John A., Martha J. and Fannie. John A. is now deceased. James M. Atkinson was brought up on the farm in Callaway county, and re¬ ceived a fair education, having attended for several terms the Richland

Academy, ail institution of excellent repute at that time. As early as 1854 he bought land in Audrain county, and has resided in this county for many years. Mr. Atkinson has followed farming from boyhood. He has a comfortable place and is substantially fixed in life. He bought the place where he now resides in 1857. On the 5th of Octo¬ ber, 1871, Mr. Atkinson was married to Miss Lizzie Beagles, a daughter of James M. Beagles. They have three children : William F., Clara M. and Joseph. The eldest, James M., died in infancy. Mr. Atkinson has always taken a public-spirited interest in the affairs of this community, and is looked upon as a leader in movements of all kinds and in local politics. For many years he has advocated good roads, and in order to carry out his ideas in this regard, has served as road overseer, and succeeded in making for his section the reputation for having the best roads in the county. He has also served as deputy sheriff, and as assistant circuit clerk. He took the U. S. Census for 1880, and is said to have sent in one of the best set of books from this part of the State. Always a Democrat, or at least so since the war, he was a member from this county of the first State convention of the Democratic party that assembled after the declaration of peace in 1865. Personally he is popular as he is highly respected. Mrs. At¬ kinson is an active member of the Christian Church.

Andrew G. Azdell

a progressive farmer and worthy citizen of Prairie township, came to this county from Ohio, where he was born and reared, in the spring of 1868, and bought a tract of land on the line of the Hannibal Rail¬ road near Worcester post-office, where he settled and engaged in farming, and where he has since resided. Mr. Azdell is a man of in¬ dustry, good education, and high character, and occupies an enviable position in the esteem of the community where he lives. He was born in Columbiana county, Ohio, on the 18th of January, 1845, and was reared on his father's farm in his native county. He had the benefit of the excellent public schools of Ohio, and received a superior common school education. On the 12th of November, 1867, he was married to Miss Maggie J. Williams, who is two years his junior, and who was born and reared in the same county with her husband. She was a daughter of Arnold and Nancy Williams, of that county. Her father is now deceased, in fact, died while she was still in infancy. Mr. and Mrs. Azdell have three children : Nannie L. Jennie A. and Cordelia F. One daughter, Jessie Irena, who was born October 1,

1882, died February 13, 1883. He and wife are members of the M. E. Church. Mr. Azdell was a son of George and Sarah Azdell, both of old and respected Ohio families. He now owns 235 acres of land.

James M. Beagles

left an orphan in boyhood by the death of both parents, and without means or family influence to advance him in life, is now one of the foremost farmers and highly respected citizens of Audrain county, and to his present enviable position he has risen, as may be readily in¬ ferred from what has already been said, by the sheer strength of his own character - his indomitable energy, industry and perseverance, and his sterling integrity and strong convictions of right and fair dealing. Such a record cannot be valued too highly, and his children and those who come after him may well point to it with just pride. To rise to success in life and to an honorable reputation from the most favorable opportunities is worthy of all commendation, but what must be said of one who triumphs over every obstacle and makes for himself a name to be envied by the best of those among whom he lives? Yet such has been the career of the subject of the present sketch ; and his name well deserves the place it occupies in this work. Mr. Beagles was born in Washington county, Tennessee, on the 13th of February, 1830. His parents were William and Elizabeth (Elisor) Beagles, both of whom died while he was still a mere lad. He was then taken to live in a family of relatives in his native county, but dissatisfied with his new home, he went out in the world for himself, penniless and a stranger, still a mere boy. But the material was in him from which successful lives and useful citizens are made, and he proved equal, and, moreover, superior to the difficulties of his situation. He early apprenticed himself to the cabinet-maker's trade, and after¬ wards learned the carpenter's business. Becoming a good workman in both of these occupations, he found himself in a position even be¬ fore he was twenty-one years of age to assume the responsibility of caring for a family. Accordingly, on the 10th of April, 1850, he was married to Miss Maria L., daughter of A. Little. Soon after his marriage, Mr. Beagles came to Missouri and located at Fulton, in Callaway county, where he worked at his trade for five years. In 1855, having by this time accumulated considerable property in Cal¬ laway county, he exchanged it for Audrain county land. Coming to this county, he began one of the most successful farming careers to which the history of the county bears witness. He followed farming uninterruptedly up to the period of the war, and during that trouble made two very successful trips overland to California in the mule and stock business. Prior to this he had become largely interested in raising and dealing in stock, and even during the war he did not discontinue his farming and stock operations. He has since carried on his farm and stock interests with unabated vigor. Mr. Beagles is one of the prominent landholders of the county, and his home farm alone contains over 1,000 acres. Personally he is a man of many estimable qualities and is highly regarded by all who know him. His home is one of generous hospitality, and as a neighbor he is accommodating and kind. Mr. and Mrs. Beagles have a family of nine children, namely: Lizzie, James Monroe, John W., Jennie E., Florence, Ella, Frank, Minnie L. and Noah D. Beagles. His elder sons, Monroe and John, are also large farmers and stock dealers of the county. Mr. Beagles place is finely improved, and possesses every advantage and convenience for grain raising and handling stock.

William H. Beal

The branch of the Beal family to which the subject of the present sketch belongs, settled in an early day in Indiana, and Mr. Beal, himself, was born in that State on the 25th day of April, 1828. His parents, Lewis W. and Mary Beal, were residents of Switzerland county, and there he grew to manhood and learned the carpenter's trade. He subsequently went to Kentucky, and afterward, in 1855, came to Audrain countv, Missouri. Here he entered land under the Graduation Act, and improved a farm and also for many years afterward fol¬ lowed carpentry. The first houses he built in this county were for Abner Smith and James Allison. He succeeded both as a farmer and as a carpenter and accumulated a comfortable estate. Mr. Beal has a good farm and is well respected by his neighbors and acquaintances. He was married in 1855 to Miss Jane Stout, a daughter of John and Ann Stout, formerly of Switzerland county, Indiana. Mr. and Mrs. Beal have reared a family of four children : Charles, who is now in Michigan attending the Hillsdale College, and is in the third year of his course ; John, who was educated at the Kirksville Normal School at Hillsdale College, Michigan, now editing a weekly paper at Laddonia ; Elgin, who is a prominent farmer in Kansas ; and Grant still at home.

Caleb Berry. '

Mr. Berry has been a resident of this county since 1832, and is a Missourian by nativity and bringing up. He was born in Callaway county July 4, 1841, and was the son of Edward G. Berry, a well known and respected citizen of that county. His mother's maiden name was Sallie A. Galbreath. Both parents were originally from Kentucky, but came out to Missouri when young and were married in Callaway county. The Berrys and Galbreaths were both early settlers of Callaway county, and have long held enviable positions in the better class of people of that county. Caleb Berry was reared in his native county, and his father being a man of broad and liberal ideas, and with an intelligent appreciation of the advantages and importance of education, the son was suffered to grow up neither without mental culture nor in idleness. . In a word, Edward G. Berry was a man who believed that if children were to be fitted for worthy and useful citizen¬ ship, their characters should be formed while under the care and direction of the parents, and he sought not only to instill into the minds of his children the principles of integrity and virtue, but to prepare them for the future activities of life by improving their minds with culture and by habituating them to intelligent, energetic industry. Thus coming up under such a father, Caleb, the subject of this sketch, was kept busily employed, either at such work as was proper for a boy of his age to do, or in attending the excellent schools kept in the vicinity. In early manhood Caleb Berry started out in life for him¬ self, and being of an independent, self-reliant disposition, he chose rather to make his way in the world by his own exertions and merits, than to rely even in the least upon the assistance of friends. The result has been that his career as a man of industry and as a citizen has been one which his children and those who come after him will not wish to efface from their memory. He has been fairly successful in the activities of life, considering that he is still hardly yet a middleaged man, and has accumulated a comfortable start in the world. Mr. Berry has, of course, not climbed the ante-meridian way of man¬ hood Avithout the comfort and society, and indeed the help, of a worthy and devoted wife. It was on the 5th of November, 1863, now over twenty years ago, that he was married to Miss Bettie L. McCall, a daughter of James E. and Annie B. McCall, of Callaway county, but originally of Virginia. Mrs. Berry was born in that county September 21, 1844. She is a lady of singular strength of character and more than ordinary graces of mind and manners. Mrs. Berry is much esteemed for her neighborly and social qualities. She and husband are both members of the Christian church. Heaven has blessed them with six children : Sallie T., Hattie S., Ada A., Garther J., Minnie E. and Walter C. But " the Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away ; blessed be the name of the Lord ; " Sallie, the eldest, and a daughter of the greatest promise, has been called to her home in Heaven.

David C. Bridgford

restaurateur, Laddonia. Mr. Bridgford, a worthy citizen and busi¬ ness man of this place, is a native of Ohio, born February 16, 1849, in Oxford township, of Butler county. He was a son of Rev. Robert Bridgford, one of the pioneer settlers of Butler county, that State, and a noted Christian minister. Rev. Robert Bridgford was from Kentucky, but went to Ohio when a young man, and lived there to a venerable old age, dying in his 76th year. His wife's maiden name was Mary Smith. They had a family of six children : "William, now of Indianapolis ; David, subject of the present sketch ; James, now of Washington Territory; Mary A., Adeline and Robert, the latter of whom is now deceased. David Bridgford, after he grew up, was married to Miss Catherine Beck, of Quincy, Illinois, in 1876, and the following year he came to Monroe county, Missouri, and settled on a farm near Monroe City, where he lived until his removal to Audrain county. He now owns an excellent farm in section 21, range 7, town¬ ship 52. Mr. Bridgford is now engaged in the restaurant business at Laddonia, and keeps a good house, as well as commanding a good trade. He is well thought of here as a business man and citizen, and is one of the valuable men of the place.

James G. Bruton

one of the fathers of Laddonia, and for twelve years past the post¬ master of the place, and for eleven years agent for the Chicago and Alton Railroad, is a native of Kentucky, born on the 9th day of Jan¬ uary, 1838. His birthplace was near Mount Sterling, in Montgom¬ ery county, and he was a son of David and Rebecca (Jackson) Bruton, both of old and highly respected Kentucky families. The mother's father was Col. F. F. Jackson, a leading man of Clark county. James G. was reared in his native county, and received a good education in the local schools. Before he had yet reached his majority he came to Missouri and entered the railway service in this State. In the days of the old North Missouri Railroad he was em¬ ployed on the line of that road, and remained with it during all the changes through which it passed. In February, 1872, he was ap¬ pointed station agent at Laddonia, and has been a resident of this place ever since. When he came here there were but three families in the place, and he is the only one then here that still remains. During the same year he was appointed postmaster of Laddonia, and as an evidence of the growth of the place as well as of the efficiency with which he has discharged his duties as postmaster, it is worthy of mention that, whereas in 1872 his stamp sales amounted to but $28, in 1882 they aggregated over $1,000. 'Squire Bruton has been jus¬ tice of the peace and has been a notary public (holding now his third commission) at Laddonia for the past ten years, and is conceded to be one of the most capable and efficient magistrates in this part of the county. He is a man of sound judgment and upright character, and commands the respect and has the confidence of the entire com¬ munity. In 1861 'Squire Bruton was married to Miss Julia Jackson, a distant relative of his, a daughter of William G. Jackson, of Clark county, Kentucky. Her grandfather, on her mother's side, was the well known Andrew Lawell, of the prominent iron manufacturing firm of Jackson, Wheeler & Lawell, proprietors of the Red River Iron Works. The 'Squire and Mrs. Bruton have five children: An¬ drew L., William S., Elizabeth J., Mary Virginia, Rose C. and Julia E. 'Squire Bruton and wife are members of the Christian Church, and the 'Squire is an elder of that denomination. He is a publicspirited citizen, and by his enterprise and liberality has done as much as any man in the place to make it what it is.

Thomas J. Clendenin

farmer, stock raiser and mechanic, was the oldest son of William Clendenin, of Bourbon county, Kentucky, who was also a mechanic. The fact that he was born and raised in the " Blue Grass Regions" of Ken¬ tucky, is sufficient guaranty that he knew from earliest boyhood, something of the culture of fine stock, and of farming after the most advanced methods ; and though brought up at the carpenter's bench, his inclinations were strong toward the farm. Mr. Clendenin was born in Bourbon county, Kentucky, on the 28th of September, 1830. On his mother's side, he comes of the Pullen family, who emigrated from Virginia to Kentucky, in the early history of that State ; his mother was a Miss Sallie Pullen. William Clendenin, his father, was the oldest son of Thomas Clendenin, who removed from Virginia to the then territory of Kentucky, in 1790, and became one of the early settlers of Bourbon county. Thomas Clendenin, Jr., was married January 13, 1853, to Miss Nannie H. Gibson, daughter of French and Louisa Gibson, of Woodford county, Kentucky. Three children, Mattie, Sallie and Nannie, blessed this union. While yet living in Ken¬ tucky, learning of the advantages for farming in the youthful State of Missouri, Mr. Clendenin, with his little household, moved thither in April of 1859, and settled at once in Prairie township, Audrain county, where he has lived ever since. He heard his Nation's cry in the hour of need, and aided her in her time of peril. Since the war, Mr. Clendenin has been blessed with success, and now owns one of the neat, comfortable homeseads of Audrain county, and is ac¬ counted one of the staunch men of Prairie township. Five other children, Ida, Wallace, Mary, Charles and Thomas, Jr., now bless the home. If above anything else, Mr. Clendenin prides himself, it is in hog raising, always getting the best market price for his ship¬ ments. He furthermore excels in the neatness and extent of his gar¬ dens. Ever a friend to all that tends to promote the education of the masses, Mr. Clendenin has not been forgetful of his own house¬ hold, giving to all of his children who desired it, the advantages of a college course. He is a strong advocate of the public school system.

Capt. William Tompkins Cook, father of William R., and a vener¬ able octogenarian citizen of Audrain county, is a native of Rhode Island, born on the 2d of September, 1804. He was a son of Thomas and Martha (Tompkins) Cook, both of old and respected New En¬ gland families. His father was a master mariner and lost his life at sea in 1809. Capt. Cook, himself, went to sea in early youth and for many years " sailed the briny ocean o'er." Leaving the sea, he was in business several years before engaging in the manufacture of whale oil at New Bedford, Massachusetts, in which he lost his health, which was the cause of his coming West. As a citizen, his residence at New Bedford was characterized by great public spirit, and particu¬ larly by a marked zeal in the cause of education. He held numerous positions of public trust, and was for several years a leading member of the Legislature. To him is due the credit of having organized the first school system for adults ever carried into practical operation in the United States. He served for many years as magistrate of his county, and throughout his long residence at New Bedford was looked upon as one of its most prominent and useful citizens. Capt. Cook, al¬ though coming of a sea-faring family, as ancient, almost, as the navy of the English-speaking race, always had a marked taste for horticul¬ tural life ; and while at sea and a resident of New Bedford, he ever cherished a desire to identify himself with farming and stock raising, and to stand at the head of a large farm. Becoming comfortably sit¬ uated in life, in 1858 he felt that he was in a position to gratify this long cherished purpose. Accordingly, he decided to come West, where lands were cheap and where every natural advantage was to be found for carrying on farming and stock raising on a large scale. Capt. Cook, therefore, disposed of his interests in Massachusetts and came out to Missouri, locating in Audrain county, where he bought a large body of land. Here he improved an extensive stock farm and has continued to reside. As a farmer and stock raiser, Capt. Cook's career has been all that might have been expected from his anteced¬ ents - one of marked success. Though now, and for several years past, retired from the activities of life, he was formerly one of the leading agriculturalists of this county. During the war, Capt. Cook, though past the age for military service, was an ardent and outspoken Union man, and advocated boldly and without fear, when it was worth one's life almost to speak up for the Union in Missouri, the maintenance of the Government, the integrity of the Constitution, and the coercion of the seceding States back to their sworn allegiance. A hereditary, skilled seaman, if the war had occurred in his younger day, there can be little doubt that he would have made his name famous as a sailor in the service of his country. Capt. Cook was married away back in 1828. His wife's maiden name was Miss Eliza¬ beth Haffords. She was of a well known Massachusetts family. They have reared a worthy family of children : Their first child a daughter died in infancy ; the second girl lives in Missouri ; the third, a master mariner, died in China. William R. Cook, the fourth runs the farm ; the fifth and last, a daughter, lives in Missouri.

William R. Cook was born in New Bedford, Massachusetts on the 16th of May , 1 836, and was reared at the place of his nativity. His early education was well attended to, and he had the ad vantage of the best schools at New Bedford. William R. Cook inherited his father's taste for an agricultural life, and decided to devote himself to this calling. Going about it intelligently, he determined to make himself a skillful, educated, scientific agriculturalist. A glance at the vast store-house of important information to be found in any standard work on agricultural chemistry (Liebig's - for instance), will show what the advantages are of a regular education in agriculture. At the age of eighteen young Cook put himself under the instruction of Paola Lathrop, one of the most eminent and scientific agriculturalists this country has produced. Afterwards he came out West and was with Daniel Dunham, the celebrated importer and fine stock raiser of Illi¬ nois. Mr. Cook then came to Audrain countv and began his farming and stock career in this State. That was in 1859. To no well in¬ formed agriculturalists in North-east Missouri is it necessary to state what his career here has been, for he is well known as one of the foremost farmers and stock raisers in this section of the State. He makes a specialty of fine blooded stock, and in this line has some of the best representative herds and flocks in the country. His farm is a fine one, and is carried on Avith that intelligence, push and en¬ terprise characteristic of the NeAV England people. As a citizen his name is without reproach, and he is highly esteemed.

Arthur C. Corner

farmer and stock raiser. To the intelligent observer it is certainly not a matter of mystery that America has become almost in a tAvinkling, compared to the progress of older countries, the imperial granary of the world. Here are the soil and the climate, and here they Avere reserved in the providence of the all-Avise Creator through un¬ numbered centuries and chiliads, until a race of men should be de¬ veloped worthy to utilize them. And at last, Avhen this mighty Terra Incognita Avas opened to the conquest of civilization, the sturdy men of Europe swept over it almost Avith the flight of a comet, and transformed it as if by the magic poAver of genii into one of the most prosperous and powerful countries under the sun. Con¬ sidering the transcendent natural advantages of this country for agri¬ cultural pursuits, it is not to be wondered at that the best brain and blood of America are devoted to this line of industry. Evidently in the field of geoponics, all things considered, the most certain and substantial results are to be realized. And particularly is this true of the West, including Missouri. Hence, in this State and in Audrain county are to be found the best representatives of the people among the agricultural class. As is Avell known to every man of general information, there is no class of people in any country equal in gen¬ eral intelligence and in Avortli of character to the farmers of

America. Nor will the farmers of this county suffer by compari¬ son with those of any part of the Union. In every township of the county may be named men, whose number could not be computed on one's fingers, who would honor any community by their citizenship. The present work bears abundant evidence of this fact. Almost every page is rubricked with the name of some citi¬ zen whose character and intelligence justly entitle him to a promi¬ nent place in the industrial affairs of the county. Among the many of this class in Prairie township is the subject of the present sketch, Mr. Arthur C. Corner. Mr. Corner has long been recognized as one of the leading farmers and stock men of Prairie township, and is one of its best citizens. Like many of the prominent agriculturists of Audrain county, Mr. Corner is by nativity from the Empire State of the West, Ohio, and was reared in that great Commonwealth. He was born in Morgan county, of his native State, April 20, 1837, and was reared and educated in the county of his birth. His boyhood was spent on the farm in Morgan county, and he had the full advantage of the excellent district schools in the vicinity of his parents' home¬ stead. His father was William Corner, a thrifty, thorough-going Englishman by nativity, a worthy representative of that imperial race whose enterprise and valor have circled the earth with their dominion. Mr. Corner's mother was born in Pennsylvania and educated in Ohio. Her maiden name was Sarah Williams, and she was united in mar¬ riage to William Corner in the fall of 1825, Arthur C. Corner being her fourth son. Arthur C. Corner came to Audrain in the spring of I860. In the midst of so magnificent an agricultural country, it would have been strange if he had not become a farmer on beginning life for himself, or rather if he had not continued the calling to which be had been brought up, for his whole life up to that time had been spent principally on a farm. He early became identified on his own account with the agricultural affairs of the county, and devoting himself ex¬ clusively for a time to tilling the soil, by industry and economy he was soon able to engage in stock raising. Applying himself to the duties of his chosen calling with uninterrupted energy and with supe¬ rior good management, he steadily prospered as a farmer and stock raiser and soon accumulated a neat property. Mr. Corner is now, and for years has been, one of the prominent men in agricultural in¬ dustry in the county. Personally he is universally esteemed for his high character and neighborly, social qualities. Being the head of a worthy family of children, he has long taken an active interest in edu¬ cational affairs, and his zeal in this direction has been fully recognized by the community. He has always been for keeping up good public schools. On the 11th of April, 1864, Mr. Corner was married to Miss Martha Cook, an amiable and refined daughter of Capt. William T. Cook, of this county. Mr. and Mrs. Corner have had a family of eight children : Susie W., Bessie T., Willie A., Albert W., Annie E., Cornelia, Justin L. and Martha C. Willie, the first son, and Justin, the third, are now deceased.

physician and surgeon, Worcester. Dr. Crawford, a young physician of thorough qualifications, and one of the highly respected citizens of Prairie township, is a native Missourian, born at Elizabethtown, in Monroe county, on the 1st of April, 1855. His father, Dr. Joshua H. Crawford, is well known in this section of the State as one of the leading physicians and prominent men in Audrain county. Dr. Mark Crawford's mother, before her marriage, was a Miss Elizabeth Shultz. They were from Kentucky and the family settled in Ralls county in a very early day. His father practiced medicine there for a number of years, and then removed to Monroe county, where the Doctor was born, and afterwards to Audrain county. Dr. Crawford, Sr., is now a prominent physician of Mexico and has been engaged in the practice for nearly thirty-five years. Young Dr. Crawford was educated in the schools of Monroe county and in the State University at Columbia. He read medicine under his father and graduated from the Missouri Medical School at St. Louis in the spring of 1881. Immediately after his graduation, Dr. Crawford located at Worcester in this county, and en¬ gaged in the active practice of his profession. His experience as a physi¬ cian has been fully up to his expectations and he has established a wide and enviable reputation as a capable and skillful practitioner. He has a large and increasing practice, and has every promise of be¬ coming one of the foremost physicians of the county. Personally Dr. Crawford is a popular gentleman and is highly respected by all who know him. On the 18th of September, 1879, Dr. Crawford was mar¬ ried to Miss Calla De Haven Vaughan, a daughter of Dr. John Vaughan, now deceased, but formerly of Quincy, California. Mrs. Crawford was born in Plumas county, California, and has had the ben¬ efit of an advanced education. She is a lady of rare culture and re¬ finement. Dr. and Mrs. Crawford have one child, Vaughan, born April 12, 1881. The Doctor and his wife are members of the Mission-, ary Baptist Church.

John C. Delaporte

of DeLaporte, Ward & Co., hardware and implement merchants, Laddonia. Mr. DeLaporte, although only twenty-four years of age, and having commenced in life without a dollar, and as an apprentice at the tinner's trade, is now one of the leading business men of the north-eastern part of the county, and financially one of its solid citi¬ zens. His career affords a striking example of what industry, intelligence and perseverance, united with an upright character and a determination to succeed, may accomplish in a few years. He was born in Hannibal, Missouri, on the 4th of April, 1859, and on his father's side is of French parentage. His father, August Thomas DeLaporte, was a native of France, born in Caen, near Havre, where he was reared to manhood. When still a young man he came to America, and traveled extensively in the South, and during the gold excitement went to Santa Fe, New Mexico. Subsequently he lived in Mississippi, and afterwards in Kentucky and Indiana. Later along he located at St. Louis, where he remained for several years, and was married there to Miss Margaret Marsalough. He then removed to Hannibal, Missouri, where he engaged in the marble and tombstone business. John C. grew up at Hannibal, and while still a youth went to St. Louis, where he became an apprentice in a prominent tin house of that city. After learning his trade he returned to Hannibal, and obtained employment soon afterwards at Perry, Missouri, under T. F. Gill, a tinner and hardware merchant of that place. After working for Mr. Gill some time, he was offered employment at a good salary under the Hannibal Meat Company, which he accepted. But in a little while, Mr. Gill desiring his services, made him a favorable offer, and he returned to his employ. He worked for Mr. Gill as employe for about a year, and so much respect and confidence had he inspired in his employer by his industry, reliability and close attention to business, that Mr. Gill then offered him a partnership in the business, notwithstanding young DeLaporte had only about $100 to invest. He gave his notes, however, for the balance, on the 1st day of May, 1879, and this partnership was continued to the satisfaction of both members and to the increasing success of the house for several years. During this time a young lady, Miss Nannie J. Beare (daughter of Uncle Johna Beare), whom Mr. Gill had raised, consented to be his help-mate through life, and on the 4th day of April, 1880, his twentyfirst birthday, they Avere married. Finally, Mr. Gill desiring to retire, young DeLaporte bought out and paid for his interest in the firm and continued the business. He at once erected a fine business house at Perry, the finest in the place, and Mr. A. F. Ward, desiring an inter¬ est in the business, became Mr. DeLaporte's partner. They continued the business with success until the spring of 1883, when other parties became interested in the firm, and its business was greatly extended. A branch house was established at Laddonia, or rather DeLaporte, Ward & Co. bought out C. H. Hippy & Bro., Mr. J. C. DeLaporte taking charge of the house at this place. This is one of the leading stores of this section of the county, and does a large and increasing business. Mr. DeLaporte is one of the most popular, capable business men and enterprising citizens in Laddonia. He stands very high in business and social circles.

Capt. George W. Edmonston

Capt. Edmonston comes of that sterling stock of Scoteh-Irish which has given to this country and to the English-speaking world some of the first men in history in all departments of life. It were useless to attempt to call attention to the distinguished representatives of this race whom even our own country has produced, for their name is legion. At their head, perhaps, stands Andrew Jackson, the Iron President of the Union, and the indomitable hero of the War of 1812. Around his name cluster hundreds of others that stand out in history as bright as stars, obscured by no cloud and unpaled by the rays of the silver moon. Capt. Edmonston's grandfather, Archibald Edmons¬ ton, was a boy-lieutenant in the army of the Revolution, and made himself' conspicuous by his valor at the battle of Cowpens. He served in the gallant Maryland Line, under the immediate command of Gen. Howard. In an early day, Capt. Edmonston parents removed to Ohio and settled in Champaign county, where George W. grew to manhood. He was born, however, in Maryland, in Prince George's county, on the 24th day of February, 1824. He had good school advantages as he grew up, and received an excellent general education. During the California gold excitement he crossed the plains and spent five years on the Pacific coast, engaged mainly in merchandizing. In 1855 he returned to the States, and made his home in Audrain county until the outbreak of the war. Capt. Edmonston then enlisted in the State Guard (Southern service) under the call of Gov. Jackson, and was elected captain of his company. August 20, 1856, he was married to Miss Nancy Davis, of Monroe county, a daughter of Ben- jamin F. Davis, Esq., a prominent citizen of that county. Capt. and Mrs. Edmonston have seven children: Franklin W., Robert Lee, Sudie, a teacher in Hardin College ; Pinkie, Stonewall, Artemesia and George W. Capt. Edmonston is a member of the Christian Church. He is one of the substantial citizens and prominent men of Prairie township, and is highly esteemed by all who know him. His life,, which has been an active and useful one, has been entirely successful in a material point of view, as well as otherwise, and he has a com¬ fortable competency to rely upon in old age.

William H. Elliott

farmer, was born in Ralls county, Missouri, on the 1st day of Septem¬ ber, 1828, and was a son of John and Mary Elliott, old and respected citizens of that county. William H. was reared on the farm and educated in the common schools, and on reaching manhood engaged in farming for himself. On the 30th day of September, 1856, he was married to Miss Mary E. Botts, a daughter of James F. and Margaret Botts, of that county. The same year of his marriage Mr. Elliott settled on a farm, where he now resides. He has a good place of 220 acres, one of the comfortable homesteads and choice farms of the township. Mr. Elliott is a man of industry and energy, and of marked intelligence, and takes an active and commendable interest in the local affairs of the township. He has served as road overseer of his district and has held the office of township clerk. He is well thought of in the community and is popular among his neighbors and acquaintances. Mr. and Mrs, Elliott have a family of six worthy and interesting children : James, Minnie, Lillie, Payton, Hampton and Coleman. Mr. and Mrs. E. are both members of the church. He is one of the substantial men of the township, and takes a leading position in matters of public concern. He is a life¬ long Democrat, but by no means an illiberal, proscriptive partisan. Claiming for himself the right to think and act as he chooses, and to express his honest convictions wherever and whenever he desires, he willingly and freely concedes to others the same right.

Daniel Galbreath

farmer and stock raiser. For nearly half a century Mr. Galbreath has been intimately and usefully identified with the development of the agricultural and material resources of Audrain county, and at one time was one of its leading land-holders. He owned nearly 1,000 acres of tine land, and carried on farming and stock raising on a large scale. He has witnessed and has been an active participant in the progress of the county from a comparative wild to one of the best in a great and prosperous State. To the brawn and brain of such men as he is, is due the credit for the wonderful transformation wrought. Mr. Galbreath is a native of that proudest daughter of all the children States of the old Dominion - Kentucky, and was born in Christian county, on the 9th of December, 1808. While still a lad he was brought to Missouri by his parents, Tokle and Catherine (Graham ) Galbreath, who immigrated to this State and settled in Callaway county in 1830. Daniel Galbreath grew to manhood in Callaway county, and in 1835 was married to Miss Flora Blue. He at once settled in Audrain county, and has continued to reside here from that day to this. He has, indeed, been one of the fathers of the growth and development of the county. He has improved several farms, but has lived on the one where he now resides for many years. He has a fine place and has it well improved. During the war Mr. Galbreath was a Southern man, and served in the State Guard under Gen. Price. Personally he is a man of fine qualities of head and heart and is much esteemed. Having lived an upright and useful life, he has brought down with him to approaching old age the confidence and high regard of all who have known him. His wife is now deceased. Both parents were members of the Presbyterian church.

Jesse R. Gililland

justice of the peace of Prairie township and retired merchant, Laddonia. 'Squire Gililland, an old and respected citizen of Audrain county, and one of the first residents of Laddonia, is a native Missou¬ rian, and comes of one of the pioneer families of the north-eastern part of this State. He was a son of John and Agnes (Johnson) Gilil¬ land, who settled in Lincoln county, from Kentucky, as early as 1815, when Missouri was still a Territory. His father was a typical pioneer settler, a man of iron constitution, indomitable resolution and great courage, a worthy representative of that stalwart, fearless race of men whose enterprise and brawn and brain have opened the way for civili¬ zation across an unknown continent, and planted in the heart of vast wilds the foundations of great and prosperous States. When the smoke of the camp-fire of this sturdy old pioneer curled for the first time above the green wilderness of Lincoln county, the red man of the forest still made his home within its borders, and the slow-paced bear and sad-voiced wolf still drank at its brooks as they murmured on down to the bosom of the mighty Missouri.

But here on the banks of the Missouri a great Commonwealth was to be founded, forests were to be cleared away, homes established and civilized society organized. This was the work laid out for the bravehearted pioneer fathers of the State to do - a work grander in its conception and nobler in its results than the virgil-sung achievements of the storm-tossed heroes of Troy, but a work, nevertheless, which they nobly performed.

Shine, disembowered, and give to sun and breeze Their virgin waters; the full region leads New colonies forth, that toward the Western sea Spread, like a rapid flame among the autumnal trees."

In bringing about this mighty transformation, a transformation only less sudden than it was gigantic and splendid, John Gililland bore a brave and worthy part. For nearly half a century he wielded his ax with willing hand and turned up the soil of new-cleared lands to nour¬ ish and yield abundant harvests. With the growth and development of the country he, too, advanced in prosperity and became, many years before his death, one of the substantial farmers and influential citizens of the county. He left a large family of children, a number of whom still reside in Lincoln county, and are classed among its best citizens. 'Squire Gililland, his second son, was born on the old Gilil¬ land homestead in that county on the 17th of November, 1819. His early youth was spent on the farm, and his school advantages were limited to the elementary instruction given in the stick-chimney, log school-houses of the period. Among all the better races of men there is a wide diversity of natural aptitudes, one individual possessing a marked talent or inclination in a given direction, a second varying from the first, a third from the second, and so on through all the long gamut of human versatility and skill. From an early age 'Squire Gililland showed a distinguishing taste for mechanical pursuits and a wonderful skill in handling thetools of the mechanic arts. His talents as well as his manual deftness in this direction were of a high order, and with the advantages of an advanced education and competent instruc¬ tion in the mechanic arts he would doubtless have risen to distinction in this department of life. But in that early day the carpenter's bench, the anvil, and a few other trades of a primitive kind, were the only fields open for young men of mechanical genius and skill. Colleges of the mechanic arts were not then even heard of. But yielding, not¬ withstanding, to the natural bent of his inclinations, at the age of six¬ teen he apprenticed himself to the auger-maker's trade, then one of the most advanced of the mechanical occupations. This he learned thoroughly, but soon the manufacture of augers by ma¬ chinery was begun, and he was thus driven from his trade. Nearest allied to this was the blacksmith's trade, which the ken of the inventor has never been able to supplant ; and to this he naturally turned his attention on quitting the occupation of auger making. 'Squire Gilil¬ land worked at the blacksmith's trade a number of years, and in this accumulated a comfortable start in life. On the 1st day of May, 1838, he was married to Miss Annie Shaw, a daughter of James Shaw, one of the early settlers and respected citizens of Lincoln county. Con¬ tinuing to reside in Lincoln county for nearly twenty years after his marriage, Gililland then removed to Audrain county (1857), where he made his permanent home. At that time this county was still very sparsely settled, and he was among the first settlers in this part of the county. But the War coming on in 1861, in a short time affairs became so critical that it was not safe for even a non-combatant to remain at home, to say nothing of carrying on any useful industry with success. Accordingly, during the second yearof the war 'Squire Gililland went to Illinois, and from there in 1864, determined not to become mixed up with the strife in any way, he went to California, where he remained until after the restoration of peace. His position as to the war was one of great embarrassment. Sympathizing with the South, but patriotically attached to the Union, on the platform of the Constitution and the Union, he would have stood up sword in hand by his Southern kindred and friends ; but outside of the Union he could not go. Still holding the ties of natural affection more sacred than all other earthly interests, he could not strike down his own sons and kindred who fought under the three-barred banner of the Confed- eracy, and he therefore determined to take no part in the struggle. After the war 'Squire Gililland returned to Missouri, locating at first in Pike county, but soon afterwards coming back to Audrain, where he has since resided. He has been a resident of Laddonia for over ten years, and came here when there were but seven families in the place. 'Squire Gililland has had a long and successful experience in both farming and merchandising, and was engaged in the latter up to within a short time ago. A man of decided strength of mind, and of extensive general information, he has always wielded a marked influ¬ ence in the communities where he has lived. Upright in thought and deed, and of sound, sober judgment, in business and public affairs he is looked up to as a counselor and friend by not a few of his neigh¬ bors and acquaintances. In the good old days of the Whig party 'Squire Gililland was an ardent and active Henry Clay Whig, but since the demise of that party he has been prominently identified with its ancient antagonists - the Democracy. 'Squire Gililland has held various offices of local importance. For two years he was coroner of the county, and he has held the office of justice of the peace at Lad¬ donia for eight years. As a magistrate his administration is charac¬ terized by efficiency and even-handed justice, and by a worthy zeal for the public peace and for the majesty of the law. He commands the confidence and respect of the public both as an officer and citizen. In 1867 'Squire Gililland had the misfortune to lose the wife of his earlier manhood days, and to him this was a loss of exceptional severity, for she was a woman of exceptional worth and sweetness of disposition. The writer knew her well ; and although he has mixed in the world a great deal, and known many motherly-hearted, noble women, he can truthfully say that there is none in his memory, save his own loved ones, who ever held a higher place in his esteem. Similar sentiments, he feels safe to say, are held by all who ever knew her, for as near as there was ever woman without fault she was that one ; and such were the qualities of her mind and heart that she drew all to her in respect and esteem who came under the influence of her gentle, motherly presence. Of her the sweet lines of Halleck are doubly true : -

She was the mother of thirteen children : James A. and Mary Agnes (twins), William F., Edward N., Elizabeth, Margaret, Benjamin, Nancy A., Jesse R., Catherine N., Emily J., Sarah O. and Mildred F. Most of these lived to reach maturity, and a number of them are now themselves the heads of worthy families. 'Squire Gililland gave his children good school advantages, and his daughters especially became ladies of rare culture and refinement. To his present wife 'Squire Gililland was married on the 10th of May, 1868. She was formerly a Miss Eliza A. Ferrell, of Pike county, a daughter of Ezekiel and Annie Ferrell, of that county. She is a lady of great personal worth, and is much esteemed by her neighbors and acquaintances. The 'Squire and his wife are earnest and active members of the Baptist Church. They have two children: Annie B. and Ada J.

Charles H. Harrington

farmer and stock raiser. Mr. Harrington is a progressive, prosperous farmer who settled in this county since the war. He is from New York State, and reveals in his methods of farming and in the appearance of his place the more prominent characteristics of the educated, intelli¬ gent farmers of the East, of whom he is a worthy representative. He has one of the best arranged, neatest and most convenient farms for grain and stock raising in this part of the county, and by his example much has been done to improve the manner of farming in his vicinity as well as the condition in which places are kept. Mr. Harring¬ ton was born in Otsego county, New York, on the 30th of April, 1841. He was a son of Isaac and Sarah (Smith) Harrington, and was reared in his native county. Mr. Harrington was educated in the schools of Otsego county, and after completing his course of instruc¬ tions he engaged in teaching in that county, and followed it with suecess and increasing reputation for three years. Reared on a farm, he naturally acquired that taste for agricultural life, which finally decided him to make farming his permanent occupation. But about this time the war broke out, and being ardently for the Union in the hour of its peril, he vindicated the courage of his convictions by gallantly offering himself as a volunteer for the service of his country. He became a member of the 9th Army Corps, and did his full duty as a soldier un¬ til the last shot of the Rebellion had been fired. Discharged in 1865 at the close of the war, he returned to his old home, and on the 17th of December following, illustrating the truth of the old adage that " the brave win the fair," he was united in the silken bonds of matri¬ mony to one of the fairest of her sex, Miss Sarah M. Davis, a daughter of Jesse and Theodosia Davis, of Otsego county. Having shown the courage to become a soldier of his country, he now proved that he was not afraid to quit a home of ease and comfort in an old and prosper¬ ous country, and cast his fortunes with the new land far out toward the horizon of the setting sun. A couple of weeks after he was mar¬ ried, Mr. Harrington came West and settled in Audrain county, Mis¬ souri. He made his home here on the open prairie, and has since witnessed the improvement of the country until now, what was for¬ merly an almost broken waste of wild land, has been converted into handsome farms. Mr. Harrington has been very successful as a far¬ mer in this county, and has come to be one of the most highly respected citizens of the township. He has long taken an active interest in school matters, and is also a prominent member of the M. E. Church, in which he holds the position of trustee. Mr. and Mrs. Harrington have three children : Carlton, Arthur and Katie. In politics Mr. Har¬ rington is a Democrat.

blacksmith. Mr. Hendrix, a worthy and industrious citizen of Prai¬ rie township, is a native Missourian, born February 24, 1841. His father, William Hendrix, was from Oldham county, Kentucky, and like many of the better class of people of that State, he was a fine stock raiser. He came to Callaway county in an early day, and moved to Audrain in 1845, and was for many years one of the respected citizens of that county. Mr. Hendrix's mother, before her marriage, was a Miss Judith A. Bourne. She was also from the same county in Kentucky from which her husband came. Lawrence M. was reared on the farm and received his education principally at Mexico. Although brought up on a farm, he had a marked natural inclination for mechan¬ ical pursuits, and when a young man learned the blacksmith's trade, which he has since followed with little or no interruption. A man of more than ordinary intelligence and of superior mechanical skill, years of experience at the blacksmith's trade have made him one of the best blacksmiths in the county. He has a good shop and com¬ mands a large and steadily increasing custom. Mr. Hendrix has been road overseer in this county and has made an enviable reputation by the efficient and thorough manner in which he discharges the duties of his office. In 1862 Mr. Hendrix was married to Miss Lucy J. Smith, a daughter of M. M. and Susan Smith, of Pike county, but formerly of Kentucky. Mr. and Mrs. H. are members of the Chris¬ tian Church, and Mr. H. is a member of the Anti-Horse Thief Asso¬ ciation.

John A. Judy

that county in an early day and there Mr. Judy's father, John Judy, was born in 1787. After he grew up he was married in that county to Miss Susan Burroughs, of an old and respected Clark county family. John Judy, Sr., became a prominent farmer of Clark county, and was a somewhat extensive trader. He died there in January, 1866, at a ripe old age and amid the respect and esteem of those who had known him throughout his Ion <2: and active life. His wife had preceded him to the grave by many years. She was six years his junior. They had a family of eight children, four sons and four daughters. Of the former, John A., the subject of the present sketch, was born on the old Judy homestead in Clark county, on the 23d of January, 1820. Reared on the farm, he early showed a taste for mercantile pursuits, and on reaching his majority started out in the world for himself and began the activities of life as a merchant, establishing himself in business at Pleasant Bend. Two years of mercantile life, however, sufficed to satisfy him with the confinement and inactivitv incident to merchandising. He therefore sold out his store and returned to the free and open employment of farming. On the 19th of November, 1845, he was married to Miss Elizabeth J. Richart. She was a daughter of Duncan O. and Martha (Sharp) Richart, and was born on the 21st of June, 1825. Her father was originally from Pennsylvania. Mr. Judy has been a resident of Audrain county for many years, and has been fairly successful as a farmer. He is comfortably situated here and is much respected by his neighbors and acquaintances. He came to this county in 1864 and bought 1,000 acres of land of R. W. Sinclair. He was a large slave-holder prior to the war, but was, of course, stripped of this property by the emancipation of the negroes. Mr. Judy formerly dealt very largely in stock, and still handles about 100 head of cattle and nearly 1,000 sheep. In church interests he is worthily seconded by his good wife, who is a pious Christian lady. The}^ have only two children living, Clay Webster and Mrs. J. M. Davis. Two sons are buried at Mexico - John D. and Dick. Mrs. Judy's father was for many years sheriff of Bourbon county and was one of its most prom¬ inent citizens. Her grandfather was a prominent citizen of Bath county, and was the founder of Sharpsburg, in that county. Her uncles, the Sharps, are still residents of Sharpsburg.

Nathan F. Kilgore

of the substantial agriculturists and influential citizens of the county, was a son of John and Phoebe (Tartt) Kilgore, who settled in this county from Kentucky as early as 1828. They first located on land on Seven Mile branch, where, after improving a farm, Mr. Kilgore's father sold it to Judge Harrison and moved to a place a mile and a half north-west of the present site of Mexico. There, also, he im¬ proved another farm and on that place Nathan F., the subject of the present sketch, was born. That place is now known as the C.jT. Quisenbery farm. In about 1834 the father settled on a place a mile and a half south-east of Mexico, where he lived until his death, which oc¬ curred the following year. His widow survived him many years, dying in June, 1872. They reared a family of four children, the others being James B., who went to California in 1850, and died in the gold regions on the Pacific Coast ; Parmelia, now the widow of John Hampton Kilgore, a distant relative of hers. He came from Kentucky in 1830 and lived in Audrain county until 187S, when he removed to Vernon county, where he died on the 12th of August, 1883. The third of the family was Ainnasette, now the wife of Alfred Powell, of Vernon county. Mr. Kilgore, the subject of the present sketch, was reared on the farm near Mexico, and lived near that city up to five years ago, when he bought the old Canterbury farm in Prairie township, to which he then removed and where he has since resided. This farm, however, he has recently traded for the Arnold place near the Fairgrounds in the suburbs of Mexico, to which he will shortly remove. That is one of the finest and most highly improved farms in the county. The dwelling is an exceptionally handsome one, and all the buildings and other improvements are fully up to the mark of a handsome, convenient homestead, where good taste hardly less than utility^ is manifest. Mr. Kilgore has long been known as one of the most enterprising and progressive stock men of the county, and he occupies a prominent position in its agricultural affairs. In 1869 he was married to Miss Maggie J. Eller, a daughter of Elias Eller, one of the pioneer settlers and respected citizens of this county. Mr. and Mrs. Kilgore have a family of four children: Nora B., Nellie, Mark and Stella. He and wife are worthy members of the church.

John Maktin Kunkel

farmer and stock raiser. Mr. Kunkel's life, or rather his career in this county as a farmer, illustrates in a striking manner what industry, frugality and intelligent management can accomplish in farming pur- suits in Audrain county. A native of Germany, he came to this country before he attained his majority, and landing here a stranger and without means, he found himself among a people who could not understand even the language he spoke ; and certainly no one ever had greater obstacles to overcome in making his way up in life. Yet to-day he is one of the substantial property holders, well respected citizens and leading agriculturists of Audrain county. Such a record he may point to with pardonable pride ; such a record his children and those who come after him may well be glad to refer to in the days to come. John Martin Kunkel was born in Hesse Darmstadt, Ger¬ many, on the 1st day of September, 1836, and was a son of Martin and Margaret Kunkel, of his native province. John M. was reared in Hesse Darmstadt, and was educated in the schools of his neigh¬ borhood. Of an enterprising disposition and desirous of rising in the world and of establishing himself comfortably in life, he decided to come to America, where he had every reason to believe his, oppor¬ tunities would be more favorable than in his native country. Accord¬ ingly he sailed away from the ancient shores of his fatherland in 1854, and on reaching the United States came on into St. Louis, where he remained a year. He then came to Audrain county and be¬ gan his career as a citizen of this county. To make a long story short, he has risen from a youth of pennilessness to a middle age of material competency. His farm has expanded from a small tract to a broad domain of 360 acres and some timbered land. His herds and flocks have multiplied until they now punctuate his ample pastures like the stars at night that stud the circumambient sky. He also owns valuable property in Mexico and withal is one of the solid men of the county. Of course Mr. Kunkel is married. No well regulated farmer can get along without a worthy wife. Accordingly, on the 8th of October, 1863, Miss Amanda Graeffordt, a most excellent lady, became the companion of his joys and sorrows, and his fortunes and reverses. They have three children : Lizzie, Lena and Thomas Martin. Mr. Kunkel is a member of the Presbyterian Church, and Mrs. Kunkel of the Baptist denomination. Mr. Kunkel made a trip to Europe in 1880 and spent several months in his native country.

James Logan

farmer. This venerable old gentleman, who has been a resident of Audrain county from the pioneer days of the country, was a son of Hugh Logan, who was one of the first settlers in Missouri. Indeed, he comes of an ancestry of brave-hearted pioneers and fearless, gallant men who had the courage to hew their wav into the forest of new countries, and driving out the Indians with their rifles and making homes with their honest brawn and brain, to pave the way for the march of civilization on to the Western sea. Mr. Logan's grandfather. General Logan, as he was called, was a compatriot of the world-famed Daniel Boone, and came to Kentucky with him, where they lived in the same fort during the early part of their adventures in that then Indian-haunted and wild-beast infested region. Hugh Logan was in infancy when his father, Gen. Logan, first sent the smoke of his camp¬ fire curling above the green wilderness of Kentucky. He settled at Buffalo Springs, Logan Fort, Lincoln county, Ky., and grew up in that wild region, and afterwards, himself, struck out with rifle in one hand and axe in the other, leading the way for the people yet to come, into the distant and trackless wilds of Missouri. He had married in Kentucky to Miss Hannah Briggs, and his family remained in Ken¬ tucky. Coming to Lincoln county, Mo., he lived there for a few years - long enough to see the county which he entered before it had a name, one of the fairest and most prosperous in a great and noble State. James Logan, or "Uncle Jimmie," as he has been called for years, was born away back in 1810, on the 24th of March. In 1829 he came to Callaway county and located at Fulton, where he worked at the carpenter's trade for over 25 years. It was in 1838 that he was married, Miss Elizabeth Talbot, of that old and promi¬ nent Virginia-Kentucky family, becoming his wife. From Fulton Un¬ cle Jimmie Logan came over to Audrain county, where he improved a farm, and where he has spent the later years of an industrious and upright life. He is one of the old citizens of the county whose name is well worth remembering, and whose life should be revered for the good work he has done. The first male child born in Kentucky was named William Logan, a cousin of Mr. L.

William Hugh Logan

druggist, Laddonia. Mr. Logan was the youngest of a family of eight children of James Logan, the venerable and highly esteemed old gen¬ tleman of this county, whose sketch precedes this. Young Mr. Logan was born in Callaway county near Fulton, on the 27th day of June, 1855, and was reared in Audrain county. His primary education was acquired in the common schools, but later along he attended the State Normal School at Kirksville for two years, and afterwards had the benefit of one year's tuition in the State University. Mr. Logan then bewail school teaching and continued it with success and increasing reputation for six years. For three years during this time he taught in the common schools of Audrain county. During the remainder of the time he was principal of the New Florence High School, in Mont¬ gomery county. In the spring of 1882, desiring to engage in mer¬ cantile pursuits, he declined to continue longer at the head of the High School which he had previously so successfully conducted, and accordingly, believing that Laddonia offered better opportunities for the drug business in the retail line, than any other point where a heavy outlay of capital was not required, he came to this place and with the savings of his long service in the school-room, established his present store. Mr. Logan had previously devoted considerable time to the study of pharmacy, and already lie has come to be re¬ garded as an efficient pharmacist by the physicians of this place. He is a man of superior general education and of much native strength of mind, and characterized, as he is, by steady habits and close attention to business, he will doubtless prove a successful business man and one of the useful and influential citizens of Laddonia. Carrying none but a good class of goods which are selected with care, both with regard to quality and the demands of the trade, and being himself of agreea¬ ble, popular manners, and an accommodating disposition, he has built up a large custom, and now has one of the leading drug houses in this part of the county. His future seems more than ordinarily bright with promise.

Douglas Murray

farmer. The Murray family, or at least the branch of it of which the subject of the present sketch is a representative, has long been set¬ tled in this country, and for generations was resident of Georgia. Mr. Murray's father, Samuel Murray, was also a native of Georgia, but while he was still young his parents moved over into Virginia, where Samuel grew to manhood. He was afterwards married in Loudoun, of the Old Dominion, and in a few years removed to Tennessee, locating in Davidson county. But about twelve years subsequent to this he left Tennessee and came to Missouri. Here, after living five years in Monroe county, he settled permanently in Audrain. His wile's maiden name was Miss Mary A. Binns, of the well-known Binns family ot Virginia. Douglas Murray, the subject of this sketch, was the third in their family of children, and was born a few months before his parents left Virginia, in Loudoun county, on the 17th of February, 1825. His youth was therefore principally spent in Mis- souri. Of course everybody, practically, in this State at that time followed farming, and to this almost universal occupation young Murray was brought up. He had only the limited opportunities afforded by the occasional district and private schools in the vicinity of his father's home to acquire an education, but notwithstanding this, being of a rather studious turn of mind and of steady habits, he occupied his leisure time with study to the best advantage. He thus succeeded in acquiring a sufficient knowledge of books for all the practical purposes of farm and business life. He early began farming for himself, and has made that his permanent calling. As a farmer Mr. Murray has been satisfactorily successful, and owns a good place, one of the choice farms of the township. Mr*. Murray, having led a life of untarnished integrity, and being a man of many popular, social and neighborly qualities, has naturally won the esteem and confidence of those around him. He has been often solicited to stand for office, but has steadfastly refused, aside from little local positions where he could be of some positive service to his neighbors, as, for instance, school director and the like. The community have great respect for his judgment and sense of fairness, and when matters of controversy come up he is often called on to adjust differences between neighbors, etc. The people were very anxious for him to serve as magistrate of the township, and notwithstanding his expressed disinclination to accept the office, he was almost unanimously elected ; but having no taste for anything like public life, he peremptorily declined to serve. On the 18th of May, 1868, 'Squire Murray, for that is what they all call him, was married to Miss Annie Logan, a daughter of James and Elizabeth Logan, of this county. Mrs. Murray is a kind-hearted, hospitable lady, and is much beloved in her family and by her neigh¬ bors. They have three chiidren : Nora E., Lizzie and William A.

Joel L. Pierce

Among the better class of citizens of Prairie township is the subject of the present sketch. Mr. Pierce is a gentleman of high character and good education, and occupies an enviable position in the esteem of the community where he lives, and indeed, in the esteem of all who know him. He has been a resident of Audrain county for many years, and has long ranked as one of its most enterprising and pro¬ gressive farmers. Mr. Pierce was born in Bath county, Kentucky, on the 25th of December, 1829. His father was Peter Pierce, and he was a worthy representative of an old and highly respected Kentucky family. Mr. Pierce's mother, before her marriage, was a Miss Phila¬ delphia Ledford. She was a most amiable and excellent lady, and was a woman of strong character and singular refinement. While Mr. Pierce was still in infancy his parents removed to Ralls county, Missouri, and there his father became a successful farmer and highly respected citizen. Mr. Pierce was reared on his father's farm in Ralls county, and under his father learned the practical methods of successful farming, the advantages of which have shown themselves in his own experience in later years. There were good schools kept most of the time in the vicinity where he was brought up, and he had the full benefit of the instruction they afforded. Of a naturally stu¬ dious mind, he thus acquired a better education than the average young men of the county. On attaining his majority he started out as a farmer on his own account, and has since followed farming most of the time. As a farmer Mr. Pierce has been entirely successful. He owns an excellent place in Prairie township, and has it neatly and substantially improved. He is one of those clean, business-like farmers who keep everything in order on their places, a fact which the appearance of his farm conclusively proves. In April, 1853, Mr. Pierce was married to Miss Rebecca J. Ford, a daughter of George and Rebecca (Gamble) Ford. Mr. and Mrs. Pierce have had a fam¬ ily of seven children, but four of whom are now living: Lizzie, the wife of Christopher Clark ; Laura Lee, Minnie J. and Eva Birdie. Mr. Pierce, during the war, was a Southern man, and did gallant ser¬ vice in the Confederate army. Prior to coming to Prairie township, he lived nine years in Saline county, and was for two years a resident of Mexico. Personally he is a man of the highest gentlemanly in¬ stincts, and his bearing and conversation are in perfect accord with his high character.

Benjamin Proctor

Mr. Proctor, one of the old and respected citizens of Audrain coun¬ ty, traversed the broad prairies of this county when the fleet-footed deer were almost their only occupants, and when the smoke of a pio¬ neer-settler's cabin could be seen only now and then curling up into the heavens above the edges of the timber, and when neighbors were separated by miles of unoccupied lands, making their homes often a half-day's journey apart. He well remembers when Mexico, now the "Queen City of the Prairies of North-east Missouri," was marked by only a few log and board houses, and was a typical frontier post-office and local trading center for the coon-skin cap settlers who resided on the creeks in this county and on the borders of the prairie. He has been a personal witness to the steady progress of material develop¬ ment and the onward march of civilization in this section of the State for over half a century, and now the same lands that he was wont to see in days gone by a vast expanse of waste, on which the green grass of nature waved before the summer zephyrs, untouched save by the tooth of the wild deer or the foot of the sad-voiced wolf, he beholds covered with harvests of corn and wheat and tassel lated with myriad fences, above all which rise ever and anon the stately residences of an intelligent and prosperous people. The old gentleman is rich in re¬ miniscences of his early experiences, and of those of his pioneer neighbors in Callaway and Audrain counties, and no hour can be spent with greater entertainment to the hearer than to listen to him relate the stories which he has brought down from a l©ng gone past, now rapidly fading from the memory of men and even becoming dim in the legends of traditions. The recollections of these old men ought to be written down and preserved for the information of the generations yet to come, whose knowledge of the past will otherwise soon be curtailed by the veil which surrounds the grave. Mr. Proctor was born away back on the 9th of May, 1810, two years before the signal shot of the second war for independence was fired. By nativ¬ ity he is a worthy son of that proudest daughter of the Old Domin¬ ion - Kentucky. From Kentucky, while still young, he put out the fire on his native hearth and called the dogs and struck out for the new land beyond the turbid waters of the Mississippi. In this new country he first made his home in what, for a generation, has been known as the "Kingdom of Callaway," where he resided for many years. But during this time he was in Audrain county much of the time, and indeed he resided here a short time before settling in Calla¬ way. Leaving Callaway county about fourteen years ago, he came across to the prairie county of Audrain, and here he has since made his home from that day to this. His life has been one of restless ac¬ tivity, untiring industry, and, withal, of the strictest integrity and the most upright citizenship. So that while he has been abundantly suc¬ cessful in accumulating a competency for old age, he has brought down with him to the evening of life the confidence and esteem of all who have known him during the long years of a worthy and honora¬ ble past. At one time he was one of the leading farmers and most prominent stock men of the county. But several years ago he withdrew from all business and industrial affairs in order to spend the last years of his life in comfort and quiet, and to enjoy the recollections of a useful life and the love and veneration of his family and neighbors, undisturbed by the worry incident to material concerns. Mr. Proctor has been married many years, and his domestic relations have been those of singular happiness and contentment. His good wife, whose maiden name was Martha Jones, and who was a daughter of William Jones, a representative of that worthy and respected old Callaway county family, died in 1874.

On the 11th day of January, 1872, passed away quietly at his resi¬ dence in this county after a painful illness Alexander Scanland, who had been a resident of Audrain county for twenty jrnars, and whose name had stood from the beginning without reproach and as a syno¬ nym for personal worth and upright citizenship. He was a good man, an industrious farmer, a kind neighbor and an affectionate husband and father, and his loss was sorely felt both by his family and the com¬ munity in which he had lived for so many years. Alexander Scanland was born in Pike county, near Frankfort, on the 16th of July, 1826, and was a son of Charles Scanland and wife, whose maiden name was Margaret Kerr. Mr. Scanland' s father was a farmer and nursery¬ man and was one of the pioneer settlers of Pike county. He came there when the Indians were still in the country, and when the broad prairies of the county were pathless wilds and its giant forests were still untouched by the fatal axe of the white man. But the Indians are now gone, and another race has filled the borders of the county.

Alexander Scanland was reared on his father's farm in Pike county, and was married in 1852 to Miss Sarah Virginia Minter, of Shelby county, a daughter of Dr. Minter, formerly of Shelby county, this State. Immediately following his marriage, Mr. Scanland settled in this county and lived here until his death. He left a comfortable homestead. Mrs. Scanland's father was a prominent citizen of Shelby county, and was of French descent. She was educated at the Cath¬ olic Institute at Edina, in Knox county. She is a lady of culture and many estimable qualities, and is held in high esteem by her neighbors and acquaintances. Six children survive their father's death : Charly A., Florence V., Ida M., William H., Edward Everett, Alexander V., Fannie H., and Dallie N. Since her husband's death Mrs. S. has disposed of her farm and she now has an interest with her sons in a general store at Laddonia, where she now resides. Scanland & Bro. carry an excellent stock of goods, and have a large and increasing trade. They justly hold an enviable place in the business affairs of Laddonia.

Joseph P. Smith

This worthy and respected old citizen of Laddonia is a native of the Keystone State, born in Springfield township, Erie county, on the 16th of March, 1820. He was a son of Hezekiah and Rebecca (Par¬ ker) Smith, who emigrated from Connecticut in 1817. His father died in August, 1857, and his mother two years afterwards, both at about the age of 83 years. Joseph P. was the youngest of their fam¬ ily of 12 children, and was reared in his native county and educated in the district schools. In the fall of 1839 he started West, but navi¬ gation closed at Detroit and he wintered in Michigan. In the early spring he started on foot for Illinois, passed through Chicago, then a small town, and located in Aurora, Kane county. He worked at car¬ pentering and shop-work until the fall of 1842, when he went back to his old home, married and started West in a wagon, final Iv settling in Pike county, Illinois, where he engaged in farming. His nuptials occurred on the 7th of May, 1843. His wife's maiden name was Miss Mary A. Huntley, a daughter of Amos and Adah (Pardy ) Huntley, of Ashtabula county, Ohio, and she was born July 28, 1820. Following his marriage, Mr. Smith rented a farm in Pike county and went to work to get a start in life. He farmed there for over 25 years and became one of the successful, substantial farmers of the county. He was prominently identified with local affairs there, and held the offices of supervisor, treasurer, etc. But in 1869 Mr. Smith sold out in Pike county, Illinois, and removed to Audrain county, Missouri, settling on a farm in Prairie township. After following farming here for eight years, in 1879 he removed to Laddonia, where he has since resided. Mr. and Mrs. Smith have reared a family of six children : Pauline, Lillie F., Lestia, Lucius B., Effie and Benjamin O. Effie and Benny are deceased. Mrs. Smith's parents came to Ashtabula county, Ohio, from Alleghany county, New York, in an early day. Her father was a lineal descendant of a gallant soldier in the Revolutionary War. Her grand-father wras one of the first settlers of Ashtabula county, and became a prominent citizen of that county. This worthy old couple, Mr. Smith and his good wife, are much respected in Laddonia, and have many friends here who cherish their acquaintance as of much value. Mr. Smith is a free-thinker in religious matters, as well as other secular issues of the day.