Buchanan County, Missouri - Chapter 28: Reminiscences, 1904 (part 2 of 18)

The long journey was made overland to Pittshurg, and, as railroad facilities were still in their infancy in this section, Mr. Neely with his wife, daughter and servant, completed the trip by steamboat. At that time St. Joseph was a town of some 3,000 inhabitants, but with many awakening business enterprises, and Mr. ^laxwell soon entered commercial life. Mr. Neely took charge' of the town academy and upon the organization of the public school system, in i860, he consented to receive in his school those pupils who were found to be too far advanced in their studies for the public schools as they were constituted at that time. This admirable arrangement, however, continued but four months, for, on account of the prostration of business and the general upheaval of society on the border, occasioned by the Civil war, air the public schools at St. Joseph were suspended and remained closed until 1864.

\\'hen the war clouds had passed and the people were again taking up the ordinar}^ duties of life, the subject of education became one of paramount importance in this intelligent city and the School P.oard was reorganized and 11 members were elected, by whom Mr. Neely was unanimouslv chosen superintendent of the public schools of the city on August 12, 1864. He had continued all through the war to carry on his private school and had sought no official place on the School Board, but accepted the honor and ablv and wisely filled the position until his death. a period of over 40 years. At the date of his last election, he was named for a term of two years by a unanimous vote, and from the time of his first election as superintendent the history of the public schools of St. Joseph cannot be disassociated from that of i\Ir. Neely.

In 1866 he was honored by election to the presidency of the ^^lissouri State Teachers' Association and through his efforts this educational tody, meeting at St. Louis, formulated plans and endorsed methods which redounded to the welfare of the whole State.

Prior to taking charge of the city schools, Mr. Neely had served as county superintendent. having been first appointed, without any solicitation on his part, b}- the County Court. After six and a half years of service, on account of the city schools increasing and demanding all his attention, he declined renomination to this position. In the man}- honorable positions he held, his fitness had been so generally acknowledged that appointments came to him not only unsolicited, but unexpectedly. In 1870. Governor ]\IcClurg appointed ]\Ir. Neely a member of the board of regents of the State Normal Schools, and at the first meeting of that body, held in Jefferson City, he was elected president and was reelected as such each }-ear during the four years he served on that body. During his years of service, the Normal School for the Northern District was located at Kirksville and that of the Southern District, at Warrensburg. Handsome buildings were erected, superior teachers were secured and the schools thoroughly organized.

In 187 1 was erected the largest and most thoroughly equipped school building in St. Joseph and the honor was done our distinguished subject of naming this beautiful building the "Neelv School." In 1890 when the city established a Free Public Library, Mr. Neely was appointed by the mayor a member of the first board of directors and served in that capacity for six years. He was solicited to accept the presidency of the board but firmly declined on account of the pressing duties which he so faithfully continued to discharge as city superintendent of schools, but he consented to accept the vicepresidency and served as such for six years.

On ;May 5, 1852, Mr. Neely was married to Charlotte Slagle, a beautiful and accomplished woman, who is the youngest daughter of Hon. Jacob Slagle. of \\'ashington, Pennsylvania. Two of their four children still survive: Mrs. Charles I. Trowbridge, of Kansas City, Missouri; and Mary E. B., at home. Annie McConnell, the eldest, born in Virginia. November 7. 1853, died at St. Joseph. September 11, i860: and Louis Poulson, the only son, died at St. Joseph. September 29, i860, aged three years.

Mr. Neely sought recreation in books and travel. In 1887 he spent a delightful summer wandering through England. Ireland. Scotland and other countries, and in 1889 he again went abroad, accompanied by his wife and daughter ]\Iarv. Thev visited the Paris Exposition and extended their travels to many of the interesting portions of the continent of Europe. Mr. Neely taking the greatest interest in studying the schools and svstems of Germanv and other countries and visited some of the noted educational institutions of Ireland. He returned home alone, ]\Irs. and Miss Neely remaining in Europe for two years longer in order to give the latter educational advantages in Berlin and Paris.

The death of such a man as the late Edward B. Xeely can be considered in no other light than as an irreparable loss. One of the most scholarly men of his day, he was simple and unaffected in his manner, and possessed a charming personality. A large part of the joy he took in life came from his literary environments, but he encouraged hospitality and welcomed friends to his home and affections with a geniality which gave no suspicion of superiority. His portriat is shown on a foregoing page.

RX. yi. JEFF. THOMPSON. In recalling the prominent men of the early days of St. Joseph, those who wrought in their various ways for the city's great future. Gen. M. Jeff'. Thompson is found to have occupied a distinguished position. General- Thompson was born January 22, 1826. at Harper's Ferry, A'irginia, and was a son of Capt. Merriweather Thompson, who, for years was in tlie paymaster's department of the United States Army, at Harper's Ferry.

The real name of General Thompson was that of his father, the cognomen "Jeff" having been a nickname applied during his school days. It clung through after life and even after he had attained manhood and removed to St. Joseph. So persistent seemed the name, that finally Mr. Thompson applied to the Legislature and had it legalized.

In 1846, at the age of 20 years, the young man left his mountain-river home and started out for himself, removing to Clay County, Alissouri. There he clerked in a store for one year and then removed to St. Joseph, where he became a clerk for the firm of ^liddleton & Riley, in which connection he continued until 1852. In their interest he visited Salt Lake City, but came back to St. Joseph in the fall of 1852. .Shortly afterward, he started in partnership with Major Bogle a grocery store in this city, which he closecl out at^a later date and accepted the office of commissary for the surveyors of the Hannibal & -St. Joseph Railroad. This trip brought him into contact with new men, scenes and interests and he was not slow to take advantage of opportuniities thus oft'ered him, and when he returned from Hannibal he had acquired a good, practical knowledge of surveying. He came back to St. Joseph in charge of a surveying party and was entrusted with the task of constructing the western division of the Hannibal & St. Joseph Railroad, and remained in charge until its completion, in February, 1859.

During these years he had made many friends and had become something of a figure in politics, so that in 1858 he was made city engineer and in the following year was elected mayor of St. Joseph. Local history details the advancement of the city during his administration, during times more or less as trying as the city ever passed through.

General Thompson was very prominently identified with the great railroad interests of the time, was president of the Maryville. Palmetto & Roseport Railroad, now the St. Joseph & Grand Island. He also was secretary of the St. Joseph & Topeka Railroad Company, a corporation now out of existence, and was an enthusiastic worker for transportation facilities to the West, anticipating the great future development which has since taken place. Had not war and other conditions prevented, he would probably have given St. Joseph the first commercial position in this region. He was not neglectful of local interests in the enthusiasm of projecting great enterprises, but served as a member of the Elwood Town Company, promoted the growth of educational institutions and encouraged the founding here of industrial concerns of all kinds. He was interested in the real estate business for a considerable period, and at one time the firm of Harbine & Thompson handled much city and adjacent property.

General Thompson made a brilliant record as a military man and was known by the name of "Swamp Fox." At the opening of the Civil ' War and diunng i860 and 1861, he was colonel of a regiment of State guards. When the time came to make his decision between the North and South, he cast in his fortunes with his native section and gave all his wonderful energy and ' enthusiasm to the Confederate cause. His gallantry, valor and courage as a soldier gave him the rank of brigadier-general. Toward the close of 1864, realizing that the cause to which he had so devotedly attached liimself was lost, he surrendered his command to the Federal authorities. For a time he was detained as a prisoner near Sanduskv. Ohio, on lohnson Island, but as soon

After the close of the war, General Thompson settled in New Orleans, where he embarked for a time in a grocery and liquor business. His friends at St. Joseph had not, however, forgotten him and his previous services to the city, and through the influence of Gen. A. L. Lee, formerly a banker in St. Joseph, and president of the Elwood Town Company, he was appointed surveyor general of Louisiana. With his characteristic enthusiasm, he entered upon duties unusually arduous, continuing to fill this position for the succeeding eight years. Finally his health gave out completely and he was obliged to ask a leave of absence. After a period spent in travel, he came to St. Joseph, where he soon grew worse and after a time of most serious illness passed away, at the Pacific House. September 5. 1876. His remains rest in Mount Mora Cemetery.

In 1848, at Liberty, Missouri, our subject was married to Emma Hays, of Baltimore, Maryland. Their daughter, Mrs. W. A. Bailey, resides in St. Joseph. General Thompson had two brothers: Charles .M., formerly recorder of the city and many years deputy clerk of the Circuit Court ; and Broaddus, an attorney, who was noted for his polished manners. Both are dead.

OHX L. ZIMMER, a prominent, prosperous gardener of Washington township. Buchanan County, owning a highly cultivated tract of land in section ^2, township 58. range 35. just north of the city limits, on the Savannah and Amazonia road, was born in his present liome on August I, 1872, and is a son of John and INIaria (Kriner) Zimmer.

Mathew Zimmer. the grandfather of our subject, came with his family to the United States in 1849, landing from a sailing vessel at New Orleans, then going 1)y water to St. Louis. He lived for a short time at St. Louis and then went to Iowa and later to Kansas, farming in both States. In the latter State he entered a government claim near Wetmore and there both he and his wife died. About i860 the father of our subject came to Buchanan County and a few years later purchased a farm of 80 acres in Andrew County. Missouri, and continued to farm there until 1866. when he located on the farm now owned and occupied by his son. His death occurred at the age of 65 years. He was a prominent man in the township, deeply interested in educational matters and was one of the builders of the old New Elm School. He married Maria Kriner, who was born in Baden, Germany, and died in 1887. The four surviving children of the family are: John L., of this sketch; Mary E., Henry T. and Minnie J.

John L. Zimmer was educated in the public schools of Washington township and has followed truck gardening all his life. His devotion to that business has met with much success. He owns 13 acres in his home place and 9 more situated a quarter of a mile east, all of which is very valuable land on account of its nearness to St. Joseph. He devotes it all to gardening and raises the choicest and earliest vegetables and fruits which reach this market. His hot beds have 250 sash. Mr. Zimmer has always been very industrious and in addition to his industry possesses the good judgment which marks the difference between a successful and an unsuccessful farmer and gardener. The time has almost come when his fertile land will be covered with streets and buildings, but until then its cultivation as a garden will continue to bring in large financial returns. His work is too heavy for him to attend to it wholly by his own efforts and he employs several skilled men to assist him.

Mr. Zimmer was married to Bertha L. Miller, who was' born in Washington township. Buchanan County, and is a daughter of John Miller, of whom a sketch appears in this history. They I'lave one son, - John L. Mr. and Mrs. Zimmer are consistent members of the Lutheran Church.

Politically, our subject is a Democrat. He is actively interested in two fraternal orders, the ( )dd Fellows and the Woodmen of the World. He is a man who commands the respect of all who know him. His business methods are marked with honesty and his social and domestic relations are those of a good neighbor, kind father and affectionate hu.sband.

VMES HULL, who for many years has been a prominent man of affairs in St. Joseph, is senior member of the wellknown firm of Hull & Chittenden, with offices at No. 610 Edmond street, which represents a number of the most prominent fire insurance companies of this country. Mr. Hull was born in \\ heeling', \ irginia (now West Virginia), December 24, 1839. He is a son of David Hull, and a descendant of the Zane family, for whom Zanesville, Ohio, was named. History reminds us that Col. Silas Zane was commanding officer at Fort Henr\- at \Vheeling in the Revolutionary War.

James Hull attended the public schools of Wheeling and also completed a course in the commercial college of that city. In 1857, he came West to St. Joseph, Missouri, and entered the Farmers' & Mechanics' Bank, which was controlled by his uncle, Joseph C. FIull. He remained here until 1862, then returned to Wheeling for a short time, after which he served in the capacity of Ijookkeeper and paying teller in a bank at Zanesville, C)hio, for more than a year. In 1863. he returned to St. Joseph, entering' the bank of A. Beattie & Company, located on Third street, between Felix and Fdmond streets, with which he continued until the death of Mr. Beattie in T878. About 1893. Mr. Hull embarked in the insurance business and with great success, as the firm of Janies Hull & Company transacted the largest fire insurance business in the city for some years. Our subject has been a life-long Democrat, and has been honored by election to a number of county and city offices. In 1876. he was elected countv treasurer and was reelected in 1882. In 1888, he was chosen county collector and served as such during a period of four years. He served as cashier of the Commercial Bank of St. Joseph from 1892 until 1895, and in i8t)6 was elected sherifif of Buchanan County. He filled this office so satisfactorily that his reelection in 1898 was merely a matter of form. Since retiring' from office, he has engaged in the fire / insurance business with Mr. Chittenden.

May 23, 1877, Mr. Hull was united in marriage with Clara \'. Robinson of Burlington, Iowa, and thev are the parents of three children, namely : Elizabeth Zane. James Clark and Mabel C. He is a substantial citizen, and one who merits and possesses the highest e<5teem and goodwill of his fellowmcn.

formerly judge of the Circuit Court and for niany years a prominent practitioner at the St. Joseph bar. whose portrait accompanies this sketch, is at present general solicitor of the Burlington Railroad System in Missouri and is located at St. Joseph, where he has resided continuously since 1875. He was born on the old Spencer homestead in Crawford township, Buchanan County. Missouri, August 23, 1849, a"<^l '^ a .son of Obadiah Martin and Nancy (Williams) Spencer, the former a native of North Carolina and the latter of Kentucky.

The parents of our subject came to Missouri in 1837. Obadiah Martin Spencer was one of the leading citizens of the Platte Purchase and resided near the line of Platte County in the "hotbed" of Southern sympathizers, one day in the company of the Confederates and the next day with the L'nion troops. The father decided that his five sons should neither fight to destroy the Union, nor oppose those with whom he sympathized. Accordingly he sent the two older sons across the plains to Denver with a wagon train of freight, Oliver being too yotmg to accompany them. Consequently he remained at home and worked about the farm, assisting his parents in the preservation of their lives and property.

He entered the State University of Missouri at Columbia the following year, and in 1871 became a student at Christian University, Canton, Missouri, from which he graduated with honors in 1873. ^*^ subsequently read law at Leavenworth. Kansas, residing with his parents who had moved in 1871 to Kickapoo, Kansas, riding to and from the office, six miles, on horseback. In 1874, he entered the law school of Harvard University and subsequently established himself in practice in St. Joseph. Missouri.

He was elected to the office of prosecuting attorney in 1880, and served as such for two years, thereby gaining experience of incalculable value to him in his after practice. During this time, he was senior member of the well-known law firm, Spencer & Hall, of which Willard P. Llall was junior member. In t886, the Democrats nominated Mr. Spencer for judge of the Circuit Court, and his candidacy met with such favor with the bar, that the opposition party put no candidate in the field. His term on the bench was characterized by capability and impartiality and at the end of four years he resigned to accept his present position as general solicitor of the Burlington Railroad System in Missouri. He was at one time a member of the firm of Spencer, Burnes & Mosman, recognized as one of the strongest firms in the State.

riage with Lillian Tootle, a daughter of Joseph Tootle, and niece of the deceased millionaire, Milton Tootle. Airs. Spencer died in 1880, aged 24 years, leaving two "sons : Harry Heddens, born July 20, 1877; and Edwin M., born July 4, 1879. On March 5, 1895. the Judge married Katharine Turner of Columbia, ]\Iissouri. They have one son, Tom, and a daughter, Sarah.

When young Spencer left school he at once engaged in life's earnest duties. He was marked by neither the precocities nor the infirmities of genius. He was a level-headed youth and solid reasoner. He selected St. Joseph as his permanent home, and at once entered upon the practice of his ])rofession. He was fortunate in becoming intimately associated in the law office with Ex- Governor Willard P. Hall, one of the ablest lawyers in Missouri. He has always acknowledged the benefit received in his studies by such association.

The greatness of great characters was what mostly impressed young Spencer as he began life. Their exploits and sufferings, their potencies of intellect and will, the operation of their influence and example, were for him the essence of history.

As rapidly as the young attorney became acquainted, he acquired popularity with the people. He was soon elected prosecuting attorney, and in that position displayed remarkable efficiency and rare common sense. He was an able prosecutor, and not a senseless vindictive persecutor. He won the respect and confidence of all regardless of party affiliations. He was named ^or circuit judge and was recognized as eminently fit for a judicial career. He was elected without opposition. On the bench he proved himself a sound and just jurist. He was not a prejudiced, passionate and partisan judge, but his course and action rather exhibited the older and more respectable type - dignified and conservative. ( )fif the bench his manners were cordial and democratic with honest pride of perfect manhood.

After four years on the bench, Judge Spencer resigned the position to become general .solicitor for the P)urlington Railroad System in Missouri. He has continued in service and has proved of vast benefit to the corporation, especially by making friends for it instead of enemies, and in conducting litigation with such ability and fairness as to be successful in all important cases.

As a lawyer, no man practicing at the St. Joseph bar is his superior. He has found the form and mode of expression that best suits his genius and talent. In argument the strength, conciseness, and the harmony of style are at their height, and seldom fail to convince. He learned in early youth that "cunning is not wisdom ; prevarication is not policy." The essence of urbanity and. force of truth leads to success.

Judge Spencer has been engaged in many cases of great import - a number involving hundreds of thousands of dollars - and his success has been remarkable. He seldom takes a case into court wliich he concludes after examination he cannot win, and often succeeds for his client in making a settlement out of court to his advantage generally, and also to the satisfaction of the opponent. He does not admit much scenic or accessory ornament when conducting a case at the bar, but plainly addresses judge and jury, giving them a thorough understanding of all the facts and points at issue. He analyzes the evidence fairly, and never indulges in misrepresentation.

Judge Spencer's gifts, attainments, his originality, his force, his complete self-control, are all of the same conspicuous and imposing kind. All must acknowledge his tact and skill as a lawyer. It is his strength that he has been all his life a law unto himself, acting in conformity with the best standards, and pursuing no ideals but his own.

Outside of law practice, Judge Spencer is a pillar of Democratic opinion, and a friend of most of the chief men of that party ; but he never abuses a political opponent, and therefore has made a host of warm friends among Repu1)licans. He has an energetic and delicate way of doing things. The inevitable friction of practical jjolitics often generates hate and destroys friendship. Not so with him. He has a strong hold of both facts and princi})les, but never gives utterance to frantic vitu]K'ration at a man who dififers from him in ])olitical views.

All his aims and actions testify to a stanch and high devotion to the great principles of freedom and justice, as well as to a just observation of many of the broad facts of politics and society.

He has all the sober and retired graces of dignified style : all the confident case of manliness and strength, with an honest but not abrupt simplicity which appeals to the reason, but is also admitted to the heart. There is Httle about him that encourages cliaheng-e, partly due no doubt to his obvious intrepidity, and partly, we may infer, to his habitual exactness on the part of personal courtesy even in the midst of his most startling sallies.

He thinks about life as a whole, with all its infirmities and all its pomps. With none of the mental exclusiveness of the moralist by profession, his conversation is with reverence and meaning. With none of the ostentatious mechanical bustle of the common politician, he is everywhere conscious of the mastery of laws, institutions, and government over the character and happiness of men.

Judge Spencer's genial and social disposition is the admiration of all who know him. He has a heart infinitely kind and tender. He has been generous all his life. From his earliest days he has been the friend of people in trouble and distress. His generosity is liberal, delicate, never hesitating. In his pride there is no moroseness ; in his independence not a shadow of jealousy. He is loyal and devoted in friendship.

As an example of his ordinarv manner in conversation, he is part playful, part serious, and not altogether free from slips of speech, but always shows a kindly disposition to his friends. But all is perfectly natural ; there is no trick about him ; no preaching, no playing ofif. All who know him will testify to his impressiveness and to the integrity of his personality. All recognize "The genial voice and radiant eye of Judge Spencer, and besides all have many expressions of affection for his person and admiration for his character and his powers.

().\. WILLIAM K. JAMES, formerly judge of Circuit Court No. 2, of Buchanan County, is one of the miost eminent lawyers of the city of St. Joseph, where he has resided for many years.

Judge James was born August 20, 1852, in .Sussex County, Delaware, and is a son of Curias T. and Eliza J. (Knowles) James. When 14 years of age, our subject accompanied his parents to the vicinity of Barry, in Fike County. Illinois, where thc\- remained three years, and then moved to Fremont County, lowc'., locating in the vicinity of the town of Hamburg. He spent his early life upon the farm, and attended the country and village schools. At the age of 18 years he taught winter school and walked a distance of three miles to and from his home each day, and the following spring attended Central College, of Fayette, jMissouri. He then taught school one year in East Nebraska City, Iowa, in his home county of Fremont, and in 1872 again attended Central College. He next entered Yale College and completed the regular classical course, being graduated with the class of 1878. Since August of 1878 he has been located in St. Joseph, Missouri. Lender the preceptorship of Ex-Governor Willard P. Hall, he studied law and was admitted to the legal profession. By strict application to his work and with conscientious regard for the interests of his clients, he won his way to the front rank among the lawyers of this section of the State. In 1898, he was Democratic nominee for circuit judge, and in the election which followed not only gained the office but led the party ticket by over 800 votes. Since the expiration of his term in office he became associated with W. B. Norris under the rrm name of James & Norris, and has devoted his attention to the practice of his profession, the firm maintaining fine offices in the Tootle-Lemon National Bank Building, at Sixth and Francis streets.

In 1883, Judge James was united in marriage with Mary A. Tootle, a daughter of Thomas E. and Ellen (Bell) Tootle, and they have two children, namely: Nellie Tootle James, who was born in 1884; and Thomas Tootle James, born in 1888. At the age of 14 years. Judge James united with the church, and since coming to St. Joseph has been a member, and for years an elder, of the First Presbyterian Church. He has been one of the most influential members of this church, a consistent, earnest Christian, and at times his knowledge of ecclesiastical law and sound advice has been of the utmost value to the church and synod. He is a past grand of Invincible Lodge, I. O. O. F., and is also a member of Pocahontas Tribe, I. O. R. M.

In politics Judge James is a Democrat and has activelv participated in all campaigns, especially that of 1896, when he stumped the northwestern part of the State. He is an exceedingly popular man. and through great strength of character has made friends throughout this section of Missouri. He is an earnest and fluent speaker, and convincing in his arguments. He never fails to favorably impress his audiences and invariablv has the undivided attention of all who chance to hear him ; his persuasive power over a jury is quite exceptional. He is a man of strong personahty and possesses in a marked degree the cjuaHties of a leader. He is suave and self-contained in manner and in all his undertakings exhibits the sterling qualities that mark the indefatigable and successful worker. Clear headed

IVERDA H. JORDAN, B. A., principal of the St. Joseph, Missouri, High School and professor of ancient languages, is one of Missouri's scholarly men. Flis birth took place at St. Joseph, Missouri, April 12, 1873, and he is one of five children born to his parents, William A, and Clara (Harding) Jordan. His father was one of the best known citizens of St. Joseph, and through his long connection with the Commercial and other banks of the city was accounted one of the most efficient and substantial cashiers of the West. His mother was the daughter of Benjamin Harding, a pioneer settler of St. Joseph and of Kansas, member of the first Free State Legislature of Kansas, and a sturdy representative of the old New England Revolutionary stock.

Professor Jordan has spent the greater part of his life in this city. Here he completed the common and high school courses of instruction and was graduated from the latter in 1889. He then became a student at Yale University and w-as graduated there with the degree of Bachelor of Arts. .

After a considerable experience in banking, mercantile and railroad life, in 1895 """^ became a teacher in the St. Joseph High School as head of the department of mathematics, and in 190 1 he was appointed to the chair of Latin and Greek, a position for which he is eminently qualified. In September, 1904, he succeeded \V. F. Ellis as ])rincipal of the High School.

This institution numbers 930 pupils with 25 teachers. The residents of this city take great ])ride in their high school and are justified in doing so as the graduates of this institution are scattered all over the country, ably filling positions of the greatest responsibility. Professor Jordan, by education, experience and personal qualifications, is just the man to not only keep up the present high standard but to aim still higher and accom])lish still greater results.

He has been prominent in the educational life of the State, having served for three consecutive terms as treasurer of the Missouri State Teachers* Association. He was twice secretary of the Northwest Missouri Teachers" Association, in 1902 was president of the State department of mathematics, in 1900 organized the Missouri \'alley Inter-Scholastic Association, of which he was twice president and is now (1904) treasurer. He has read many papers on educational topics before the various organizations of the State, and is known as an efifective speaker on any of the phases of a teacher's work. He is also a ready writer, and has contributed much to the press of this citv and to the educational literature of the State.

He is an enthusiastic sportsman, a member of the Country Club, and an exponent of the modern doctrine of the outdoor life as a valuable aid to education.

USTON WYETH, president of the Wyeth Hardware & Manufacturing Company, the largest wholesale hardware, saddlery and tinware house west of St. Louis, is a very prominent citizen of St. Joseph. He is one of three children born to William Maxwell and Eliza (Renick) Wyeth.

William M. Wyeth was born in Pennsylvania, February 17, 1832, and came of distinguished colonial ancestry. The genealogical record of the family will be found in his sketch that appears elsewhere in this volume. William M. Wyeth left his native State at an early date and for a number of years was located at Chillicothe, Ohio, where he engaged in the mercan.tilc and later in the hardware business until i860. He then came West to St. Joseph, Missouri, and embarked in business in a small way on Market square. This was the foundation of the present mammoth business house, of which his son is now the head. Increase of business soon demanded more room, and from time to time additional space was secured and more capital was invested until at present this concern is one of the largest of its kind in the country. In 1864, the business was removed to Third and Felix streets, where it was conducted until the new building at Second and Antoine streets was ready for occupancy.

tlie capital stock was increased to $500,000. The present ofificers of the company are as follows : Hnston Wveth, president and general manager; Charles F. Steinacker, treasnrer ; G. M. Johnson, vice-president ; and J. A. Warner, secretary. The officers of the company are the only stockholders. In 1890 the wholesale hardware and saddlery establishments, on North Second street, were erected and three years later the other departments were removed there. The building' is a fine structure of five stories and basement, with ground dimensions of 140 and 200 feet. The general offices are in the same building. Employees to the number of 150 are required in the main building, while in the harness factorv at .Second and Jules streets more than 200. men are employed. They employ three cit\' salesmen and about 70 traveling salesmen, the latter of whom cover a large territory, extending from the Mississippi River to the Pacific slope, and from the Piritish possessions on the North to the Gulf of Mexico on the South.

. REV. MAURICE FRANCIS BCRKE. Bishop of the Diocese of St. Joseiih, and one of the most venerated of the ecclesiastics of the Catholic Church in Missouri, was born in Ireland, May 5, 1845, ^"<^1 is one of a family of eight children 1x)rn to his parents, Francis N. and Johanna (Casey) Burke, natives of Ireland. . The family came to America in 1849 and settled at Chicago, Illinois, which was then a city of small area, with 23,300 inhabitants. However, a parochial school had been established and this the youth attended, subsequently taking a commercial course at l>ryant & Stratton's Business College and later attended St. Mary's University. In 1866 he completed his literary course and education at the University of Notre Dame, Indiana, and the same year went to Rome to pursue his ])hilosophical and theological studies in the American College. He was ordained to the ])riesthood at Rome. May 22, 1875, by Cardinal Patrizi. P'pon his return to the United States, he was assigned as assistant pastor of St. Marv's Church, Wabash avenue and Eldredge court, Clu'- cago, Illinois. After three years of faithful service here, he was appointed pastor of St. Mary's Church, Joliet, Illinois, where he remained nine years. In 1887 he was made Bishop of Cheyenne, Wyoming, by His Holiness. Pope Leo XIII. In

During the whole of his useful ministry, this faithful pastor, elevated again and again to higher and more responsible positions, has preached the Gospel both by precept and example. He has exalted the important things of life, - character, truth, honor, justice, love, righteousness. - and taught his people that these are the things of real worth. Admired for his scholarly attainments and respected for his executive ability and his broad and enlightened views, he is also venerated and beloved bv his clergy for his personal tributes.

ARL JA^IES GRISW^OLD, one of St. Joseph's well-known professional men, the junior member of the law firm of Muir & Griswold, located in the German-American Bank Building, was born in Harwood township. Champaign County, Illinois, December 8, 1873, and is a son of Romilius Ruthven and Eliza (Gilford) Griswold and a grandson of John J. and Mary (Eldredge) Griswold.

The Griswold family is one of the oldest families in Connecticut and trace a direct ancestry to "Mayflower" progenitors. Our subject's greatgrandfather, Jacob Griswold, was born May 9, 1774, in Connecticut and died June 20, 1806; he probabl}' took part in the Revolutionary War. His wife Lucy, whom he married June 23, 1795, was born March 4, 1778. Their son, John J. Griswold, was born October 24, 1798, and died March 23, 1884. He was married in Sharon, Schoharie County, New York, December 11, 1822, to Mary Eldredge, and they had three children, the youngest being Romilius Ruthven, the father of our subject. John J. Griswold married as his second wife Rebecca Seely ; there was no issue to this union.

Romilius Ruthven Griswold was born March 31, 1829, in the town of Sharon, Schoharie County, New York, and in June. 1838. accompanied his parents to Kendall County, Illinois. He remained on the home farm there until after liis marriage and then moved to Champaign County, where he still resides, although retired from active life for some years. In earlier days he was an active worker for the Republican party, but always placed its success beyond personal aspirations and would never accept office. On October 31, 1855, h.e was married to

Eliza Gifford, who was born September 21. 1835, in Ocean County, New Jersey. Of their three children, but two reached maturity : Edith, who is the wife of William Bohrer, of Champaign County, Blinois ; and Carl James, of this sketch. Mary, born December 23, 1856, died November 20, 1872.

Our subject started out in life well equipped with a good education. In 1892 he was graduated at the Ludlow High School in Champaign County; on June 8, 1893, from the commercial department of the Grand Prairie Seminary of Onarga. Illinois, a branch of Northwestern University ; on July 31, 1896, from the Latin and scientific course, with the degree of B. S.. from Greer College, at Hoopeston, Illinois ; and on June 17, 1902, from the law department of \\'esleyan University, at Bloomington, Illinois, with the degree of LL. B. On June 4 1903. he was admitted to the Illinois State bar and engaged in practice for a short time at Bloomington. In August, 1903, Mr. Griswold became a resident of St. Joseph, Missouri, opening an ofifice here in partnership with John Wesley Muir, under the firm name of Muir & Griswold, both partners having been admitted to the bar in the same year and both being men of enterprise and ability. The firm is recognized as a strong one and it enjoys a generous share of the legal business of the city.

Mr. Griswold belongs to the leading fraternal organizations, having been made a ]\Iason in Fera Lodge, No. 574. A. F. & A. M., at Ludlow, Illinois, and a Knight of Pythias at Bloomington. He transferred his membership in the latter body to St. Joseph Lodge No. 22, and is also a member of St. Joseph Company, No. 17, LTniform Rank, K. of P. Politically he is a stanch Republican and is a valued worker for his party. He is a member of the McKinley-Roosevelt Club. He is one of the able members of the bar and a firstclass citizen who can be depended upon to labor for the best interests of St. Joseph, where he has already made a large number of personal friends.

AMES MADISON WILSON, who is practically retired from business life, is a director of the Merchants' Bank of St. Joseph, and has been engaged in the banking business here almost continuously since ^^^t,. Of the bankers now in business in this city, "he was the first to engage in the banking business here. A man of superior ability and attainments, he ranks among the foremost business men.

James M. Wilson was born in Howard County, Missouri, in 1831, and is a son of Robert Wilson, who was a distinguished member of the Missouri bar in the pioneer days.

Robert Wilson removed to Howard County, Missouri, about 1820. and later located in Randolph County, the lines of which he laid ofiP. He was a member of the Union Convention of i860, was appointed L^nited States Senator during the \\'ar by Governor Gamble, and served one term as a member of that honorable body. He came to St. Joseph and lived in retirement until his death in 1870. He was born in Abingdon, Virginia, and was a boy when he came to this State, where he was reared and educated for his profession. He married a daughter of Col. John W. Snoddy, who was a prominent citizen and extensive farmer of Howard County, Missouri, where he died. She was born in Madison Count\', Kentucky, and was young in years when she removed with her parents to Howard County, in 1819. This union resulted in the birth of five children, three sons and two daughters, of which number our subject and one sister, Mrs. R. L. McDonald, are now living. The eldest son, John Wilson, was a lawyer and was associated until his death, in 1857, with J. M. Bassett, of St. Joseph.

James M. Wilson was but a boy when he came to St. Joseph in 1852 and engaged as clerk in the general store of Donald, Saxton & McDonald. In 1853 Armstrong Beattie came to St. Joseph and started a private bank, the first bank in the city, and employed our subject to keep his books. The latter continued in this position until the outbreak of the Civil War in 1 86 1, then went West to Montana where he remained imtil the close of the war. He then returned and has since made his home in St. Joseph, having been identified with many banks as stockholder and director and having engaged in the loan business. It devolved upon him to close up Mr. Beattie's estate in the early "seventies." For 20 years past he has been treasurer of Mount Mora Cemetery, probably the most beautiful cemetery in the State. Although it is in the nature of a charity, as it depends largely on gifts, it has been self-sustaining for a number of years, all money received being expended toward beautifying the grounds and making substantial improvements.

Mr. Wilson is independent in politics, and although frequently importuned has steadfastly refused to accept of city or State offices. He is a man without family, never having married, and belongs to no secret orders. He is liberal in religious views, although greatly interested in church work.

AL\'IN C. COLT, United States commissioner and clerk of the United States courts for the Western District of Alissouri, is a veteran of the Civil War and a respected citizen of St. Joseph, where he has resided off and on for a period of more than 40 years.

Mr. Colt is the son of Judah and Sila E. (Brown) Colt, his father a native of Pittsfield, Massachusetts, and his mother of New Hampshire. The father engaged extensively in farming and stock-raising in Monroe County, New York, where he lived until his death at the age of 58 years. Mrs. Colt died in St. Joseph at the age of 65 years.

Calvin C. Colt was born in the town of Pittsford, Monroe County, New York, and was reared on a farm. He attended the public schools of that place and also of Rochester, New York. As early as 1863 he came West to St. Joseph, Missouri, to buy stock and remained for a short time. Returning to New York State, he was married in. February, 1864, and in 1865 moved to Easton, Missouri, where he bought a farm. In 1864 he served in the Missouri State Militia, as a private in Captain Karns' company, and after the close of the Civil War taught school during the winter months and farmed during the summer. He ran on the Liberal Republican ticket for clerk but was defeated. He was later appointed by Governor Woodson to fill the unexpired term of Mr. Ridenbaugh, deceased, as clerk of the Circuit Court. One vear later he entered Sheriff Gates' office as assistant, and when the latter became State Treasurer of Missouri was made his confidential assistant. He continued at Jefiferson for one year and then returned to his farm. The following year he was nominated by the Republican party for clerk of the Circuit Court, and was beaten by only a few votes. He then became assistant county collector, and when R. T. Davis resigned was appointed by Governor Crittenden to fill the unexpired term. In 1885 Colonel Gates was appointed United States marshal and Mr. Colt became his chief deputy with office at Kansas City. He continued as chief deputy successively under five United States marshals, namely : Elijah Gates, J. P. Tracey, G. Shelby, G. Y. Cranshaw, and E. R. Durham. June 3, 1901, he was appointed United States commissioner and clerk of the United States courts for the Western Division of Missouri, an office still filled by him in a most efficient manner.

In February, 1864, ^^r. Colt was united in marriage with Emily S. Sibley, who was born in West Henrietta, Monroe County, New York, and they became parents of two children, one of whom is now living, - Gertrude A., wife of C. M. Fitch of Kansas City. Missouri. Mr. Colt is widely known throughout this section of the State, where he has resided so many years and been identified with its progress.

LAYTON F. IMUS, M. D., one of the prominent practicing physicians of St. Joseph, was born in 1863 at Kalamazoo, Michigan, and is a son of Mortimer Dudley and Alba (Walker)

The Imus family was established in Vermont by William Imus, who crossed the Atlantic from Europe and followed an agricultural life. He was the great-grandfather of Dr. Imus. Alonzo Imus, son of William, was born in Vermont but spent his last years as a farmer in Michigan. Morton Dudley Imus. father of Dr. Imus, was born in 1833 at Bennington, Vermont. His education was of a commercial nature and he was employed early in his career as a bookkeeper in the mercantile business, first in Chicago, Illinois, and later in Muskegon, Michigan. He later became traveling representative for various agricultural implement houses, covering a large part of the country, but subsequently bought a farm near Plattsburg, Missouri, where he is now following agricultural pursuits. He married a daughter of Jacob Vv^alker, who was a pioneer of Clinton County, Missouri, one of its first settlers. Mr. Walker settled in Clay County in 1 83 1, entered a claim on land near Plattsburg, of one thousand four hundred acres and lived there until his death in 1900. She was born in Clinton County in 1839, and died in 1904, aged 64 years and seven months, the mother of four children, viz : William, who has recently engaged in a grocery business at St. Joseph ; Clayton F., of this sketch ; Avis, who resides with her brother ;

Dr. Imus received his early education at Kalamazoo, Michigan, where he was prepared to enter the Cincinnati Medical College, at Cincinnati, Ohio, where he was graduated in 1889. He located at Columbus and practiced there and in New Haven, Connecticut, until 1891. when he came to St. Joseph where he has met with very satisfactory recognition.

In 1889 Dr. Imus was united in marriage with Harriet Fauber. who had been his classmate at college. She graduated in 1890 and was associated with him in practice for some years but not latterly. She was born at Delaware, Ohio, and is a lady of unusual intelligence. They have two children : Louise A., born in 1894, and Irene, born in 1897, both living at home.

Dr. Imus is identified with the Democratic party. Fraternally, he is a Forester and an Odd Fellow, belonging to the lodges at St. Joseph. He is popular both as a citizen and as a physician.

FORGE W. MARLOW, one of the prominent and honored business citizens of St. Joseph, died at his home in this city on November 16, 1893, mourned by a devoted family and a large circle of personal and business friends. Mr. Marlow was born December 14, 1838, in Loudoun County, X^irginia, and was one of a family of 14 children born to his parents. George W. and Mary (Smith) IMarlow.

Before the Civil War. the father of the late Mr. Marlow was a typical \'irginia planter, ownine large estates and manv slaves. His home was one of lavish hospitality and the large family he reared was surrounded with all the comforts and advantages of ample means. The parents died in their old Virginia home.

George \\ . Marlow was well educated and bad many social advantages, but he was left, like many others after the Civil War, with the necessity of entering into a business life. He came to St. Joseph, Missouri, in 1869 and established himself here in the boot and shoe lousiness, becoming proprietor of the "Elephant Shoe Store," and continued to be interested in this line until his decease.

a daughter of the late Charles A. Perry, one of the most prominent of the pioneer citizens of St. Joseph. ^Ir. Perry was born December 6, 1818, in Montgomery County, Maryland, and died at St. Joseph, Missouri, October 11, 1896. In 1839 lie first came to Missouri, and in 1842 entered into business in the village of Blacksnake Hills, which developed, partly through his efforts, into the present bustling city of St. Joseph. In 1843 ^f^"- Perry erected the first brick building here and for years was prominently identified with various enterprises in this section of Missouri. He is still recalled with feelings of the highest esteem. Mrs. Marlow resides with her one sister, at No. 611 Bush street. St. jose])h, where the greater part of her life has l)cen spent and where she has a large circle of attached friends. She, like her late husband, is a devoted member of the Protestant Episcopal Church.

Tlie late Mr. Marlow was noted for his innate courtesy and for the gentlemanly instincts that marked his bearing on all occasions. He possessed attributes which called forth the respect of all who kriew him. He was an honorable, upright business man, one who took a deep interest in all that i)ertained to St. Joseph, was valued in his church relations and was beloved in his home where his memory willl long be kept green.

HILIP r,UDDY. The late Philip Buddy, one of the early business men of St. Joseph. jMissouri, and one of her most highly esteemed citizens, was born July 26, 1825, in Berks County, Pennsylvania, and died at his beautiful home on the corner of 20th and Edmond streets, St. Joseph, on September 8, 1897.

Mr. Buddy was well known for years in the building and contracting line in St. Joseph, being' at the time of his death the oldest contractor in the city. He learned the carpenter's trade in Adams County, 1 Pennsylvania, serving his apprenticeship from 1 84 1 to 1844, after which he removed to Frederick, Maryland, opened up a carpenter shi]) and soon became well known in that community. In t866 he removed to Cincinnati, ( )hio, and a }ear later came to St. Joseph, Missouri, rightly believing that here he would find a wider and better field of work. Quiet and unobtrusive, industrious and capable, Mr. Buddy soon made his work valued and much of it can be seen at the present time in the older buildings of

On September i. 1852, Mr. Ruddy was married at Frederick, Maryland, to Sophia M. Stein, daughter of Louis and Elizabeth (Fowel) Stein. They had 10 children, of whom the six survivors are as follows: Charles Allen, born November i, 1856, who carries on an extensive fruit and produce business at No. 108 North Second street and owns a handsome residence at No. 424 South Ninth street; Katherine Elizabeth, born in 1859, wife of A. H. Hunt, of St. Joseph ; Philip Perry, born in 1861, who carries on a very large contracting business at No. 501 Main street and resides at No. 1529 Buchanan avenue; Ellen Lee, born April 9, 1864, wife of J. A. Matney of St. Joseph ; Joseph Allen, born in 1872 ; and Pauline Agnes, born in March, 1875. The family home is a beautiful, double brick house at Nos. 1527-1529 P)Uchanan avenue.

Mr. Buddy belonged to that class of honest, reliable, upright men, whose character not only make them personally esteemed but who reflect honor upon a community. He was and his family are devoted Catholics, members of the Cathedral congregation, to which our subject gave liberally of his means.

Philip Perry Buddy, who succeeded to the contracting business of his father, was born in I'Vedericktown. Maryland, and was educated at the Christian Brothers' College at St. Joseph. He learned tlie trade under his father and then became a partner of the lattter. the firm name being P. rUiddy & Son, and this continued until our subject's death, since which time Philip P. Buddy has carried on the business under his own name. Under his management the business has grown to large proportions. He is a member of the Knights of Columbus and of St. Joseph Lodge, No. 40, B. P. O. E.

OX. BERNARD PATTON. ex-county judge, aufl a very prominent citizen of St. Joseph, who has been identified with the interests of this city since 1857. now lives in retirement in a comfortable home situated at No. 1022 Messanie street. Judge J'atton was born June 29, 1829, in .Stranorlar. County DoiK'gal. Jreland, and is a son of Daniel Patton, wilt. >pent his life in the old country. Although 75 years nf ago. the fudge is hale and

Judge Patton came to the United States, equipped with good health, a laudable ambition and a thorough knowledge of the trade of bricklaying. After working for some six years at his trade in Ogdensburg, New York, he took a trip through the South, went thence to Canada, where he continued until the fall of 1855, working at Toronto and at Collingwood, whence he went to Omaha, Nebraska, at that time the terminus of the Chicago & North-Western Railway. He engaged in contracting work at various points in Iowa. The panic and hard times of 1857 that brought about the suspension of many banks throughout the country brought disaster on the bank at Council Bluffs, which finally had to close its doors. The suspension of this bank forced Mr. Patton to find new employment, and in search of work he came by stage to St. Joseph in 1857.

Judge F'atton made a new start at St. Joseph and in a material way is one of the founders of the city. He began contracting and his work was so superior that he was given the erection of the Court House, on which he did the brick work. He erected also the Roman Catholic Cathedral and did a large part of the work on many of the brick blocks erected all over the city, employing a large force in his contracting operations ; he also entered into a partnership in a brick-yard. Judge Patton early invested in property, being able to foresee something of the city's certain growth, and all of this property has become very valuable. He was the pioneer in the making of vitrified brick for street payment, and made an ample fortune out of this product alone.

Judge Patton was married in May, 1859, at St. Joseph, to Sarah Brey, of Ogdensburg, New York, who, at death, left one daughter, - Mary. On .September 10, 1891, Judge Patton was married to Elizabeth (iunn who was born in Hartford, Connecticut, but was reared in St. Joseph and for seven years was a successful and admired teacher in the public schools. Judge and Mrs. Patton have one son, - Daniel James, - who was born September 13, 1892.

During the Civil War, Judge Patton served in the Missouri State Militia and has always been a good and consistent citizen. In 1886 he was elected a member of the City Council and in 1874 was elected a member of the County Court, and served as presiding officer. He served as ])o]icc commissioner for four years, having been appointed by Governor Marmacluke. After the war, he was elected a school director in St. Joseph. His public services have always rejected credit upon himself and have been of the greatest benefit to the city.

In politics Judge Patton is a Democrat. He is a 'member of the Catholic Church and the Cathedral congregation. His affection for St. Joseph is great, but no greater than is the esteem felt for liim bv his fellow citizens.

EN J AM IN PEEL, who is now living in retirement at DeKalb, Bloomington township, was engaged in agricultural pursuits for many years and has had a most active career. He was born in Lincolnshire, England, April 17, 1839, and is a son of John and Ann (Cook) Peel.

The parents of our subject came to America in 1850 on the sailing vessel "Iron," of Glasgow, making the passage in 28 days. Landing at New York City, they remained in New York State one and a half years, then moved to Lansing, Michigan, where Mr. Peel purchased a farm six miles west of town. This farm was covered with beech and maple timber. By hard labor he cleared one half the tract and broke it up with a 3oke of oxen.

At the age of 17 years, Benjamin Peel began working as a farm hand at different places in Michigan, and during the winter of 1859-60 came West. He walked a part of the way, following the railroad, and traveled by stage the remainder, locating in Weston, where he remained until the spring of 1861. He then moved to near the vicinity of Lawrence, Kansas, then went across the plains with an ox team to Colorado. What is now the city of Denxer was then known as the village of Gordon, and in the spring of 1862 Mr. Peel walked a distance of 21 miles to that place to see a man executed. In that spring he crossed the country by team to Montana, then a part of Idaho Territory, in company with J. W. Wilds. He went to the head of Salmon River with the intention of mining, but on arriving found the rumor concerning big mineral discoveries there was a humbug. He turned back and located at Deer Lodge \'alley, where he engaged in ranching, stock dealing and butchering. He returned as far East as Atchison, Kansas in 1866, thence proceeded down the Missouri River to Buchanan County, where he purchased the William Best farm of 320 acres. There was just one lonely house upon the place, and a small part of the land was in cultivation. Mr. Peel cleared of the stumps 100 acres, built fences and erected good substantial buildings, converting it into a model farm of the modern type. He set out an excellent orchard, which bears abundantly. He is a man of public spirit and exceptional foresight and has alwa}'s worked for the good of his community. At considerable expense to himself and the use of much of his time, he succeeded in establishing a road of two miles, running west from the main road to the Valley Chapel School along his farm. This is now the main thoroughfare to Atchison. From 1866 to 1899, he engaged actively in farming and stock-raising on this farm, in the latter year he retired from business activity and moved to DeKalb, where he bought what was known as the Head Grev property on Quality Hill.

In November, 1867, Mr. Peel was joined in marriage with Lucy J. Brown, a daughter of David and Margaret Brown, pioneers of this county. Five children were born to bless this union, namely : Margaret Ann, who married M. S. Lawrence of Bloomington township and has six children, - Florence, Mollie, J. Benjamin ; Edward, Walter Irwin and Margaret Helen ; John W.. who married Etta Conner, whose father, William S. Conner, is representative from this district ; Edward D., who married Fanny Spencer, a daughter of Charles Spencer, deceased ; and Charles E., who died at the age of 10 years, and Florence, who died at the age of eight years, their deaths from diphtheria resulting within three days of each other. Religiously, the family is of the Christian faith. ^Ir. Peel has a brother and sister living : Joseph Peel, who is retired and lives at Joplin, Missouri, and Mrs. J. P. Beebe, a widow who lives at Joplin, Missouri. Fraternally, he is a member of Wellington Lodge, No. 22, a' F. & A. M.

AVID ALEXANDER DICKEN,: wlto is now living a. retired life, resides in a comfortable home in the town of DeKalb, on the east side of the public square. He owns a valuable farm of 220 acres in sections 26 and 27. Bloomington township, Buchanan County. His career has been one of the greatest activity, and he has witnessed the wonderful transformation of this community from a wild and sparsely populated country to its present advanced state. He was born in Menard County, Illinois, January i, 1842, and is a son ^of Isaac and Elizabeth (Jones) Dicken, both of whom were natives of Kentucky.

Isaac Dicken removed to Illinois at an early day and died there in the spring of 1845, leaving his" widow and nine children. Mrs. Dicken -removed with her children to Buchanan County, Missouri, in 1846, and located on the land of her brother, Holland Jones. She died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. John Underwood, in Cloomington township. Mr. Underwood had preempted this claim and lived there until his death in 1900. Our subject and his brothers and sisters all grew to maturity ; and six are now living.

David A. Dicken received his early education in the primitive log school house in his district, and later attended better schools, cutting cord wood during the last year of his attendance in order to pay his tuition. In i860 he engaged as a teacher and continued one year, and at the outbreak of the Civil War became a teamster. He then went West and made several trips to Western states, engaging in freighting. In 1866, he returned to Buchanan County, Missouri, and rented a piece of land. Later he purchased an improved tract of 60 acres, to which he subsequently added until at the present time he owns 220 acres. In 1867 he again engaged in teaching in the district school and continued three consecutive years, following farming during the summer months. He served as school director of the Franklin School for a period of 20 years. In his boyhood days on the farm, farming was prosecuted in the primitive way, the reaping hook being later followed by the cradle in cutting grain. Corn was cudtivated with a single shovel, Oxen were used in place of horses in breaking the ground, and the roads were then called trails. IMr. Dicken engaged in general farming and stock-raising until 1904. when he retired and moved to the town of DeKalb, where he has since resided.

August 4, 1867, Dr. Dicken was joined in marital union with Bettie Brown, a daughter of Nelson and Naomi (Hufifman) Brown of Kentucky. Her parents removed to Platte County, Missouri, in 1854 and in 1856 they took up their residence in Buchanan County, where they lived during the remainder of their lives. Mr. Brown died February 16. 1903, at the age of 89 years and 1 1 months. They were the parents of 1 1 children, all of whom reached maturity except one who was killed by a mule at the age of 13 vears. Those now living are: Mrs. Dicken ; j\lrs. Jasper Martin. Mrs. John H. IMiller and Robert Brown, of Bloomington township ; and John Brown, who is in the insurance business at St. Joseph. Mr. and Mrs. Dicken became the parents of four children, three of whom died in infancy. One son is living, F. B. Dicken, who was born March 17, 1875. The latter married Ethel Lindville in March of 1904, and they reside on our subject's farm in section 26. Bloomington township. Religiously, Mrs. Dicken is a member of the Methodist Eipscopal Church. Mr. Dicken is a member of DeKalb Lodge, No. 191, I. O. O. F.

T. Rev. Christ. H. Linnencamp

T. REV. CHRIST. H. LINNENCAMP, pastor in charge of the Church of the Immaculate Conception, at St. Joseph, was born in Germany, November 27, 1839, and is one of a family of seven children born to his parents, John H. and Marguerite (Sigman) Linnencamp. t

The father of Father Linnencamp was born in Germany, was married there, and, with his family, came to the United States in 1853, and settled in Iowa. His occupation was farming and this he followed as long as he continued in active life. His death took place on his farm in Iowa, in 1889.

Father Linnencamp had attended school in his native land before coming to America, at the age of 14 years. His father soon placed him at school at Cape Girardeau, where he was graduated in the classics, in i860, and completed his theological studies at St. Francis Seminary, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in 1864. In March of that year he was ordained to the priesthood by Archbishop Peter R. Kenrick, of St. Louis, Missouri, and immediately thereafter he was appointed assistant pastor of SS. Peter and Paul Church, at St. Louis. One year later he was stationed at Weston, Missouri, where he remained in charge until March 10, 1869, when he came to St. Joseph, becoming pastor of the Church of the Immaculate Conception, a position he has filled ever since. His parish contains more than 200 families, and his parish school, which is taught by five Sisters, includes 250 pupils.

Father Linnencamp is the second oldest priest in St. Joseph and is held in the highest personal esteem by members of every religious bo"dy. He is noted for his scholarly attainments and he was selected to write the comprehensive history of the Catholic churches of St. Joseph, for the St. Louis Exposition, a work of great merit and of deep interest to the clergy. Father Linnencamp is not only noted for the gifts of his intellect and for his wonderful executive ability, but for the goodness of his life and the inspiration of his example.

Heodore J. A. Benkendorf

HEODORE J. A. BENKENDORF, president of the Benkendorf Brick Company of St. Joseph, and one of the large manufacturers of Buchanan Countv, was born at VVatertown, Wisconsin, June 20, 1866, and is a son of August G. and Johanna (Arndt) Benkendorf.

August Benkendorf, the paternal grandfather of our subject, was a man of prominence in Germany, where he owned a large estate which still remains in the possession of the family. Years ago the family belonged to the Cierman nobility and in the 15th century it migrated to Russia, where it became wealthy and influential. The grandfather was the first of the family to return to Germany, and there, in the province of Pomerania. his son, AugustG.. was born in 1840.

August G. Benkendorf came to America in 1856 and entered into partnership with his older brother, who had come to America in 1854, establishing a milling business at Watertown, Wisconsin. He remained there in business until the outbreak of the Civil War. He was one of the first to enlist, in Company E. Third Reg., Wisconsin Vol. Cav., of which he was made corporal, and he remained in the service with the Third Regiment until it was mustered out. He then reenlisted at Benton Barracks, at St. Louis, ^lissouri, in Company A, Third Reg., Wisconsin \'ol. Cav., and served until the close of the war, at all times displaying that courage and valor that makes the good soldier. He was present at the massacre by guerrillas of Federal soldiers at Baxter Springs, Kansas, and was one of the few members of Com])any E to come out of that conflict alive. At the battle of Prairie Grove his horse was shot from under him, after which he became ill and was sent to the hospital at Fort Gibson, Indian Territory. His service was one long continuation of exposure and hardship, but all was valiently borne, with ]v< thought but the final conquest of the enemy.

returned to Watertown and embarked in a general mercantile business, which he continued until 1878, when he removed to Western Minnesota, becoming one of the pioneer settlers of Nobles County, where he secured a homestead farm and operated it for three years. In 1881 he removed to St. Joseph, Missouri, and opened up a hotel on Messanie street, where he remained for some years, and then entered the employ of the M. K. Goetz Brewing Company, with which firm he continued until a few years since, when failing health, doubtless caused by his hard army experiences, compelled him to retire from active life. He is a valued member of Custer Post, Grand Army of the Republic ; a member of Sons of Herman and of the North German Federation. He has always been an active and influential member of the Republican party.

At Watertown, Wisconsin, Mr. Benkendorf married Johanna Arndt, a native of that city, and they had eight children, of whom the oldest was our subject. The others were as follows : William F., the superintendent of the plant of the Benkendorf Brick Company ; Leonora, wife of W. F. Franks, of St. Joseph ; Isabella, deceased ; Maximilian, of St. Joseph : August, Jr., of Chicago; Marie J., and LiUian, wife of William Rebcr, of St. Joseph. The family has been reared in the religious faith of the Lutheran Church.

Our subject, Theodore J. Benkendorf, was educated in the public schools of Watertown, and was 15 years old when his parents came to St. Joseph. He than took advantage of the commercial training aft'orded by the Rittner Business College, and, after completing the course, was employed in various mercantile establishments until 1 89 1, when he entered the employ of the M. K. Goetz Brewing Company and remained widi that firm as bookkeeper, for 12 years. In 1903 he went into business for himself, organizing the IJenkendorf Brick Company. He bought the old Joe Davis tract of land in the north end of the city, where the clay supply is almost inexhaustible, and here erected a first-class modern i)lant with the best of facilities for the manufacture of all kinds of brick, the specialty being a fancy pressed brick. This has grown already into one of the leading industries of the city and the promise for the future is all that the stockholders of the company could desire. In addition to his interests here, Mr. Benkendorf is one of the stockholders and directors in the M. K. Goetz Brewing Company and a director in the Goetz:

On September 6, 1893, Mr. Benkendorf was married to Emma Goetz, daughter of M. K. Goetz, of St. Joseph, and they have one son, Theodore, Jr. The family attend the Zion's Evangelical Church.

Politically, Mr. Benkendorf i> active in Republican circles. He belongs to the Turn-Verein, the Benton and Lotus clubs, and to Golden Cross Lodge. No. 143, K. of P.

OHN F. .MERRIAM, a large real estate owner and prominent citizen of St. Joseph, has been a resident of the city since December, 1866, and is well known to the citizens throughout the county. He is a man of recognized business ability and has been connected with many important interests of the city.

Mr. Merriam was born near Cleveland, Ohio, in 184 1, and is of English descent, five brothers bearing the name, Merriam, having established the family in this country, two locating in Massachusetts and the other three settling in the South. Of the latter branches nothing is known. ( )ur subject is one of two sons born to his parents, who died on their Ohio farm. His brother also lived on the home farm until his death, and John ]\ iNIerriam is the sole survivor of this branch of the family. His grandfather, Robert Merriam, of Litchfield, ^Massachusetts, built the first carding mill in the United States.

John F. Merriam worked on the home tarm until he reached the age of 22 years, and also worked at the carpentering trade three vears. Like many other young men, he was attracted to the West through current advertisements of its ])Ossibilities and ()])portunities. He located in Illinois for a period of 18 months, then came further West to St. Joseph, Missouri, in December, 1866. His arrival was at an inopportune season of the }ear, l>ut he soon secured work on the new street car line then completed, R. E. Turner being presiflent of the company. He was chosen as the first driver and on Christmas Day of 1866 took the first car from the barns, on which fares were collected. The line at that time extended from the Pacific House to Olive street. In 1868 he became proprietor of an extensive hop yard, which he conducted successfully until a total crop failure in 1873 made it necessary to seek other business. In 1887 the stockholders of the original street car company sold out and Mr. Merriam sold his stock when the line was consolidated with other lines. He then bought real estate, largely good residence properties, the accumulation and care of which has since occupied his time. He owns valuable property in various parts of the city, and is considered one of the city's most substantial business men. He was one of the founders of the Park Bank, located on loth and Penn streets, of which he 'was secretary six years and is now a director. It is a very prosperous institution, of which Charles L. Wiehl is president and Peter D. Stinson, cashier. Mr. Merriam was married at St. Joseph to Emma Gray, who was born in Pennsylvania and came to this city in 1866. They have'one daughter, Lucy, who married George A. Nelson, paying teller at The National Bank of St. Joseph, and has three children. Politicallv, our subject is independent and has always refused to become a candidate^ for city offices. He is a member of no secret orders, being distinctly a home man and spending all his spare time with his family. He has a commodious home at No. 11 10 South Ninth street.

AURICE HICKEY. The death of the late ]\Iaurice Hickey, which occurred April 26, 1902, removed one of the old pioneer citizens and useful, successful and honored business men of St. Joseph. \[r. Hickey was born in May, 1835, in County Tipperary, Ireland, a member of an old family of tenant farmers.

At the age of 16 years, the youth left home in search of the proverbial fortune, in which he was more successful than many, for he became, across the Atlantic, a prominent citizen of his adopted country and one of the capitalists of his chosen city of residence. After a short season spent at Litchfield, Connecticut, in 1858 he came to St. Joseph, Missouri, entering into business here in which he continued to be actively engaged until he retired in 1892. Mr. Hickey was a man of character and he became a leading factor in the city's aftairs. He long held a seat in the City Council and was a member of that honorable body at the time St. Joseph secured her admirable water-works system, one which he mainly originated and zealously promoted. It is a monument to his enterprise and public spirit. He

Mr. Hickey married Sarah Bloomer, and six children were born to them, viz. : T. M., deceased, who was a resident of St. Louis, Missouri; Maurice, who is in business at Kansas City, Missouri ; John J., cashier of the Nave & McCord Mercantile Company, who resides at No. 628 South 13th street, St. Joseph; Mrs. Michael Kelly, who resides at Bloomington, Illinois; Mrs. AI. F. Gill, whose husband is a prominent business man of St. Joseph ; and JMayme, who resides with her mother.

The late Mr. Hickey was a devout Catholic, being- one of the leading menibers of the Cathedral parish, and his remains were laid to rest in !\Iount Olivet Cemetery. He belonged to an old generation which is rapidly pasing away, but the records of their honorable and useful lives remain.

AMES A. GIBSON, public administrator of Buchanan County, a member of the bar and a well-known citizen of St. Joseph, was born in Buchanan County, Missouri, April 17, 1866. The family to which Mr. Gibson belongs was established in Buchanan County in 1837 by his grandfather, the late James A. Gibson, who was a native of Virginia, from which State he came to Missouri and settled three miles south of Easton, Buchanan County, securing a tract of land which he subsequently cleared. He was in the enjoyment of a comfortable home at the outbreak of the Civil War. The troubles incident to those times made him a victim of political feeling and on one occasion a marauding band took him from from his home and, before they could be prevented, had almost terminated -his life by hanging. His daughter reached him just in time to save him, but the remainder of his life was spent in an vmnerved state that prevented any engagement in business, resulting in his death in September, 1866, at the age of 76 years. The father of our subject was two years of age when he was brought to Missouri. Both he and his wife still survive.

Mr. Gibson has been a resident of St. Joseph 1874. His education was secured in the public schools and at business college here and then he spent five years connected with the St. Joseph Post Office, as clerk and carrier. Later he studied law and w^s admitted to the bar. In 1896 he was elected public administrator on the Democratic ticket, an office for which he is eminently qualified and which he has filled with marked success.

On November 2, t888, Mr. Gibson was married to Lucy Gabbert, and they have had three children, one of whom, James Edwin, died February 7, 1899. Mr. Gibson is prominent in a number of fraternal organizations, viz : the L^nited Workmen, Odd Fellows, Modern Woodmen and Red Men.

|ESSE T. ELDER, who resides in section 8, Center township, Buchanan County, has been a resident of this community since 1869 and is one of its most substantial citizens. He was born in Pulaski County, Kentucky, August 28. 1827, and is a son of Jesse and Polly (Davis) Elder.

Jesse Elder was born in North Carolina and in early }outh removed to Kentucky, where he practically spent the remainder of his life. He served in the war with England in 181 2, and participated in the battles fought about the Great Lakes. He died in Kentucky, aged 80 years. His wife, Polly Davis, was born in Kentucky, and always lived there with the exception of the last few years' of her life, which were spent at the home of a son in Missouri, where she died at the age of 80 years. They reared six sons and three daughters, of whom three are now living, namely : Jesse T. ; John, of Holt County, Missouri; and Polly J. (Jasper), of Kansas.

Jesse T. Elder was reared on a farm and lived at home until the outbreak of the Mexican War when he enlisted in Company H. 4th Reg., Kentucky Vol. Inf., under Colonel Williams. He was in the service 11 months but took part in no important engagements, being just a day or two behind the fighting all the way from Vera Cruz to the City of Mexico. While in the latter city he was taken down with the measles and remained there some seven months in all, a part of the time in the hospital. He now draws a pension. Returning home after the war, he farmed until the spring of 185 1, then journeyed West to Holt County. Missouri, by steamboat. There he farmed with his brother Davis one year, then entered the employ of a man who conducted a farm and operated a ferry. He remained with the latter one year, then bought a farm which he conducted until 1857. In that year he sold his place and went to Doniphan County, Kansas, where he purchased a farm of 160 acres, continuing there until 1861. He then returned to Holt County, Missouri, and bought a farm on which he lived until 1869. He organized one company of the "Pawpaw Militia" in Holt County and was to have been captain, but instead was made ist lieutenant as a lawyer doubted his loyalty to the Union cause. He sustained a big loss during the war, $1,000 worth of inmprovements being destroyed. In 1869, he came to Buchanan County, Missouri, and purchased three tracts of 40 acres each in Center township and here he - has since resided. He now owns 198 acres in the home place, and another tract of 50 acres. He has cleared all the land excepting about 20 acres, and engages in general farming and stock-raising. He is considered a man of responsibility in the community and has many friends who have known him for many years and respect him for his true worth.

In 1853, Mr. Elder was united in marriage with Nancy Chesney, who was born in Wayne County, Kentucky, in February, 1830, and is a daughter of Prather and Maria Chesney, both natives of Kentucky. The following children have blessed this union : James, of Andrew County, Missouri ; Prather C., of Center township : John, of Center township ; Robert, of Andrew County, Missouri ; Jesse T., who died at the age of 33 years : Mary, who died at the age of 20 years ; and Martha Hyde, who died at the age of 26 years. Mr. Elder is a Democrat in politics, and has steadfastly refused to accept political offices. He is a member of the Cumberland Presbvterian Church. Fraternally, he is a prominent Roval Arch Mason.

a well-cultivated farm of 60 acres in section 34, township 56, range 36, in Wayne townshi]:). He was born in Jackson County, Missouri, January 11, 1840, and is descended from an old and honorable family. He is a son of Aaron and Levitha W. (Clubb) Barnes.

Thomas Barnes, the great-grandfather of John F., was born in England and founded the family in North Carolina, where he lived and died. James, his son and successor, was born in

North Carolina in 1767, and lived there until 18 1 6, when he removed to Estill County, Kentucky, where he followed the business of blacksmith and wagon-maker. He also did some farming. In 1839 he came to Buchanan County, Missouri, locating in Bloomington township, where he farmed and worked at his trade until 1858, when he removed to Gentry County, Missouri, where he died in advanced age. He married Lucy Barnes, and they had these children : John, James, Thomas, Moses, Brinsley, Elisha, Aaron, Benjamin, Lydia, Rachel, Isabel and Ruth, Mrs. Barnes died in 1856 in Buchanan County.

Aaron Barnes was born in North Carolina, November 20, 1803, and at the age of 13 years moved with his parents to Kentucky, where he obtained his education. Later he taught school and engaged in farming and remained in Kentucky until the fall of 1839, when he came West with his father and located in Jackson County, Missouri. There he engaged in farming for two years and then came to Buchanan County. He continued to farm and he also taught in the subscription schools that were conducted in his neighborhood. His death took place in December, 1878. He married Levitha W. Clubb, a native of Kentucky, and they had issue as follows : Lucy A., Isabel, John F., Levitha J., Mary, Amos E., Sarah E., James H. and Nancy A.

Our subject's education was obtained in the subscription schools of his day and was considered complete when he reached the age of 18 years. He then folllowed farming until he attained his majority. About this time he enlisted in the Enrolled Militia of Missouri which was called out in 1863. On February 24, 1864, he enlisted in Company A, 51st Reg., Missouri Vol. Inf., and served until the close of the war. being honorably discharged August 31. 1865. Prior to entering the army, he had worked in grist and saw minis, and after his return home he engaged in milling and farming for several years, but for a considerable period during recent years has devoted himself exclusively to farming. His land is admirably situated, is well improved and would command a high price, if placed upon the market.

On August 23. i860, Mr. Barnes was married to Rebecca Zurelda Keith, who was a daughter of Jesse and Lydia Keith, farming people. Mrs. Barnes died ]\Iarch 28. 1875, survived by five children : James H., a farmer of Jackson County, Kansas ; Sarah E., wife of Compton McCoy, a farmer of Wayne township ; Lydia J., wife of Edward Hall, a farmer of Ottawa County, Kansas ; Aaron E., a farmer of Jackson County. Kansas; and r\Iary A., wife of Theodore Dittemore, a farmer of Wayne township. On January 14. 1877, Air. Barnes was married to Mrs. Elizabeth (Meers) Mark, a native of Kentucky. Mrs. Barnes has five children living by her first husband, namely : Eliza J., wife of James McClurg, of Buchanan County ; Alice, wife of Thomas Triggs, of Buchanan County ; John A. ; Thomas L. ; and Jeremiah Finch, Jr.

Mr. Barnes has been a lifelong member of the Democratic party. For the past 20 years he had held the office of justice of the peace, and has been a school director for 10 years. He is always prominent in township movements and is recognized as a representative citizen of his section of the county. He is a consistent member of the Christian Church.

D. Sx\nTH. one of the most highly respected wholesale merchants of St. Joseph, whose energy, enterprise and business faculty made him a very important factor in the city's commercial life for many years, passed away in St. Louis, Missouri, on May, 24, 1888. He was born at Waynesboro, Franklin Countv, Pennsylvania, in

Mr. Smith's parents removed to Emmittsburg, Maryland, in his boyhood, and there he attended school and grew to maturity. In search of congenial employment, he came as far West as Iowa City, Iowa, in 1857. and in 1859 located at St. Joseph. Although he possessed but a limited ca])ital, he soon became associated with other ambitious young men of the time, notably the late James IMcCord and the late Abram Nave. None of these, who later became ca]:)italists. had then much beside hope and energy, but combined they made a strong union. The field seemed a good one for the wholesale grocery business and Mr. Smith soon became the senior member of the wholesale grocery firm of C. D. Smith & Company. He continued in this same business until his establishment was destroyed by fire. After a few months of retirement from business, he reentered, on January T, 1887, opening up a wholesale drug house, with which he continued to be i\s.<;ociated until his death.

When ]\Ir. Smith settled at St. Joseph, he was firm in the faith that the city would ultimately become the great center that it has. When fortune favored him and he found himself possessed of large capital, he invested it in St. Joseph, both in land and in local enterprises, thus contributing to the development of the city while adding to his own resources. Mr. Smith was a self-made man and it was to his honor that, as he amassed fortune, he assisted others to do the same. In many of the institutions which give St. Joseph its good name as a commercial and intellectual center. Mr. Smith is very kindly remembered on account of his fostering care and liberal support.

Mr. Smith married a daughter of John Colhoun, and she is still living, residing at Seventh and Hall streets, St. Joseph. The three chilflren who survived Mr. Smith were one daughter and two sons: Elizabeth Bickley, wife of St. Clair Street, of Kansas City ; Edward C. ; and Louis M. Edward C. Smith is vice-president of the Hundley-Smith Dry Goods Company and also of the C. D. Smith Drug Compan\-, both of which are among the largest wholesale houses in St. Joseph. He has a beautiful home at No. 1 105 Henry street. Louis M. Smith is president of the C. D. Smith Drug Company. He also resides in St. Joseph, his residence being located at No. 503 North Fifth street. Both are very prominent in St. Joseph's business circles. *

FORGE A. KENNARD, deceased, was a i:)rominent citizen of St. Joseph, wliere he was en.gaged in the wholesale grocery business for many years. He was born at New Athens. Ohio, January TO, 1848, and was one of six children born to Levi J. and Sarah (.\tkinson) Kennard.

The Kennard family is of English origin and some of its members were among the early settlers of Pennsylvania. Our subject's father was a member of the Society of Friends, from which he was expelled for marrying out of the meeting. George A. Kennard was quite young when taken by his parents to ( )maha. Nebraska, where he grew to maturity. He attended the common schools and later com])letcd a full course in bookkee])ing. While a young man he located in Chicago with Marshall Field & Company, with whom he continued until 1874, when he came to St. Joseph, Missouri. Here he accepted a position as bookkeeper and served as such until 1877 when he embarked in the tea and spice business as senior member of the firm of Kennard, Wilson & Company. They transacted a large wholesale business and continued with success for a number of years. He then engaged in the wholesale grocery business, first in association with William G. Fairleigh, and later by himself. He established an extensive patronage and continued the business for some time, then sold out to good advantage to the Roberts-Parker Mercantile Company of St. Joseph. After disposing of this business, he lived in retirement until his death on May 28. 1903.

Mr. Kennard was married February 23, 1876, to Minnehaha Minturn, a daughter of Rev. Loren T. Minturn, a minister of prominence, whose native State was Virginia. In 1858 the Minturn family moved from Virginia to St. Joseph, Missouri, where Mr. IMinturn engaged in business a few years. Later he removed to Amazonia, where he was ordained to the ministry. During all his life he was a very active church worker. He died May 19, 1904, aged 84 years, and is survived l)y his wife who is 82 years of age. Our subject and wife became the parents of four children, as follows : Neely, wife of Charles M. Thompson, head bookkeeper of the Roberts-Parker Mercantile Company, residing at No. 1517 Edmond street, St. Joseph; Frank T., residing in Kansas City; David M., who is identified with the Roberts-Parker Mercantile Company ; and Agnes L., who lives at home with her mother. The family home is at No. 15 17 Edmond street. Mrs. Kennard is a member of the Protestant Episcopal Church, of which her father was a clergyman. She is a woman of highest character, and has many friends who appreciate her womanl}- virtues and attractive personalitv.

NSLOW JUDSON, one of the great lawyers and public spirited citizens of St. Joseph, whose portrait accompanies this sketch, was born at Ogdensburg. New York, February 21, 1845. and died at his home in St. Joseph, April 7, 1890. He was a son of Roscius W. and Sarah C. Judson.

Revolutionary ancestry is easily traced by the Judson family, and the sturdy stock has been ])reserved throughout the years that have passed since that early day. The parents of the late Mr. Judson were representatives of old and honored families of the Empire State, with ancestry leading back to the very flower of colonial days, when names and reputations were made on account of noble and valorous deeds.

Winslow Judson received his primary education in the public schools of the State of New York, in the various localities in which the family resided. Later he became a student at Hamilton College, at Clinton, New York, and was subsequently graduated there, and then entered the Albany Law School at Albany, New York, where he completed the prescribed course within a length of time that showed the possession of mental faculties far beyond the average. In 1867 he settled at St. Joseph, Missouri, and entered upon the practice of the law. and this city continued to be his place of residence during his whole subsequent career.

Perhaps it was as a promoter of great business enterprises that Mr. Judson was best known, and in this capacity he benefited both himself and the city for which he was so loyal and persistent a worker. He was at tlie head of a number of movements that resulted in the erection of large buildings, the construction of many miles of railroad, and the development of a pleasure resort that has since become one of the favorite snots for summer recreation seekers in the West. The Board of Trade Building at St. Joseph, one of the handsomest structures devoted to commerce in this city, is an enduring monument to the enterprise of Mr. Judson, and the immense shops of the St. Joseph Terminal Company, located here, were also erected in response to the unceasing efforts made by Mr. Judson to have this prized addition to St. Joseph's industries developed into an actual reality. The yards and freight houses of the St. Joseph Terminal Company were also built under his direction and management.

]\lr. Judson was the man who succeeded in convincing the officials of the Atchison, Tope'a & Santa ¥e Railwa\- Company, that they ought to own a line of railway into St. Joseph, and, as a beginning, he ])urchased what was then called the St. Joseph & St. Louis Railway, a piece of track running from St. Joseph to Lexington Junction, Missouri. In 1885 this track and right of way were sold to the Santa Fe company, and that dav marked the entrance of another great trunk line into St. Joseph and the consequent expansion of her importance and possibilities. The accomplishment of this was soon followed by a movement toward the development of the property surrounding Lake Contrarv, a beautiful bodv of water lying southwest of the city of St. Joseph.

With the Santa Fe in the city, Mr. Judson proposed to have the new road extended to that resort, and with that end in view he set about to erect the improvements and develop a place that has since become one of the charming inland resorts of the country.