Buchanan County, Missouri - Chapter 28: Reminiscences, 1904 (part 7 of 18)

Dr. Donelan served as city physician, also as county physician, and was appointed by Governor Brown as one of the managers of the Fulton Asylum. He was appointed by Governors Woodson, Phelps and Crittenden as manager of the State Insane Asylum, No. 2, at St. Joseph. He received an appointment from Governor Stone as fish commissioner and instituted more improvements than had been made during the 10 years previously. At different times he has served in the State Legislature, covering a period of 10 years in all. He was one of the founders of the College of Physicians and Surgeons, now the Ensworth Medical College, and filled the chairs of materia medica. gynecology and diseases of children for a period of 16 years. He was elected from the city at large as a member of the St. Joseph School Board for a term of six years, and was elected for a second term, serving la years as president of the iDoard. He served until 1904 when he refused to be a candidate again. He filled various offices in dift'erent medical societies and served as treasurer of the State Medical Society, president of the Northwest Missouri Medical Society, and president of the St. Joseph Medical Society. After the expiration of his term on the School Board, he was unanimously elected medical examiner of the public schools.

In the many positions of trust with which he has been honored. Dr. Donelan has always been found faithful to the interests assigned to him and the trust reposed in him. He represents' the highest type of citizenship and has man}- stanch friends throughout this section of the State.

HOMPSON E. POTTER, M. D., president of the Central Medical College of St. Joseph, was one of the founders of this institution in 1894. He is a man of wide experience both as a practitioner and an instructor, serving for some years as a professor in the Northwestern Medical College of St. Joseph.

Dr. Potter was born in Clinton County, Missouri, December 18, 1849, ^'^d is a son of Thomas and Hessa (Smith) Potter. His maternal grandfather was Thompson Smith, a prominent early settler of Missouri, who served continuously as a member of the Missouri Legislature for a period of 20 years.

Soon after the birth of Dr. Potter, he was taken by his parents to DeKalb County, Missouri, where he spent his boyhood days upon a farm.. He attended the common schools until he reached the age of 16 years, then entered McGee College, located near IMacon, Missouri. After completing a literary course, he began teaching school, at the same time studying niedicinc under a private preceptor. His mother encouraged and assisted him in the pursuit of his medical studies. In the fall of 1873. he entered Jefferson Medical College of Philadelphia, where he soon became distinguished as a brilliant and untiring student.. He completed three courses in this institution and v.as graduated in March, 1875. taking- a $50 prize for the best thesis. Returning to Missouri, he located at Cameron, where he remained nearly 12 years, building lip a large and well paying practice. In 1882, he was appointed local surgeon for the Hannibal & St. Joseph Railroad and served as such until he resigned in t886. In 1883. the pension examinboard for the Third Congressional District was created at Cameron, and although an uncompromising Democrat, he was appointed on this board by President Arthur and served as secretary three years. He resigned in 1886 because of his removal to St. Joseph to accept the chair of physiology and diseases of the nervous system in the Northwestern Medical College of St. Joseph. He was later given the chair of operative and clinical surg-ery in this institution, which he filled with great credit until 1894, when he resigned. In 1889, Dr. Potter founded and became editor of the Western Medical and Surgical Reporter, which was established in the interest of the college, and soon after he obtained entire control of the journal. He has always been a member of State and local medical societies, and has obtained wide prominence through the professional press, to which he has been a valued contributor. In the spring of 1894, Dr. Potter with five other medical gentlemen founded the Central Medical College of St. Joseph, an institution standing in the front rank among the Western medical colleges, and has served as its president and as professor of surgery. The Doctor maintains fine offices in the Carbry Block, corner of Seventh and Edmond streets, and has met with remarkable success in private practice, especially in surgerv. He is a man of strong personality, and is v»'ell liked by his professional brethren and the public in general. His portrait is shown on a foregoing page.

^.TER ALEXANDER JONES, a prominent resident of Bloomington township, Buchanan County, recently elected county surveyor, resides in section 21, where he has lived and farmed for many years. He was born on Sugar Creek in the old log' cabin in which his parents lived, on September 6, 1838, and is a son of Holland and Nancy W. (Mahan) Jones, and grandson of David Jones, who was a native of Holland and came to this country at an early date.

born in Virginia in 1801, and when seven years of age accompanied his parents across the mountains into Kentucky. He later moved to Illinois, thence to Buchanan County, Missouri, where he was one of the three first settlers in Bloomington township, the other two being Hiram Roberts and James Wilson. He secured a claim in section 27. where our subject was born, and secured a patent to the land sig-ned by President James K. Polk in 184 1. He embarked in the general store business in partnership with Joel Hedgpeth, under the firm name of Jones & Hedgpeth, which existed for several years. Farming formed his principal occupation and he continued at it successfully until his death on November 6, 1886. He was united in marriage with Nancy W. Mahan, whose father was a graduate of the schools of Dublin, Ireland. He came to the United States to teach and located at Shelbyville, Kentucky, where his first school was conducted in the Court House, where Nancy W. was born in 1805. He was also graduated from Yale and another big Eastern institution of learning. He was a Presbyterian minister. Mr. and Mrs. Jones were parents of eight children, three of whom grew to maturity : Elizabeth, now a resident of Kansas, who married James Greer, of North Carolina ; Peter A. ; and Amos K., who married Sarah J. Peabody, and is a resident of St. Joseph.

Peter A. Jones received his early education in the schools of Buchanan and Platte counties, supplemented by a course in Pleasant Ridge College, which was conducted by B. W. Vineyard in Platte County. Since 1855 he has taught school at different periods and with unqualified success, many of his pupils attaining prominence, 24 of them becoming teachers, five physicians, one lawyer, and three ministers. In his long experience as an instructor he has had but two schools without the county, and has tlie distinction of teaching some of the grandchildren of his early pupils.

On July 12, i86r, Mr. Jones enlisted in Company D, 13th Reg., Missouri Vol. Inf., under Colonel Peabody, and later in Company A, 51st Reg., Missouri Vol. Inf. He assisted in organizing both companies and was made captain of the latter one. He also was lieutenant in Compau}' I. under Captain Perry, and later captain of Company H. 87th Regiment, enrolled Militia of Missouri. He was appointed by William Fowler of St. Joseph as enrolling officer of the Seventh Congressional District, and in one draft enrolled five townships. He served the cause faithfully

After the close of the war, Mr. Jones resumed the occupation of teaching, and also followed farming. He owns a farm of 1543^ acres in sections 28 and 21, Bloomington township, and has his home in the latter section. Many important changes have occurred within his memory, and particularly in the manner of harvesting crops. He used to follow the old wooden moldboard plow, and cut grain with a reaping hook, later with a cradle, and finally with the dropper vuitil the binder came into use. He has especial reasons for remembering the reaping hook as he bears a sc"r which he received while following his father with a reaping hook. Hemp was raised extensively at that early day and was cut with a hemp hook. His place was heavily timbered and has been cleared of thousands of feet of good walnut and oak timber. The old log house of the ]:)rimitive age still stands on his place as a reminder of the daA'S which will never recur, and an old flint-lock gun adds to the familiarity of the scene to those who were pioneers. The timber in those days was transformed into boards by two men with a saw, one standing upon the log and the other beneath, and in this way the boards for the door of the old log house were made. Fireplaces were used for cooking, pots and kettles being hung on the old cranes, and stoves with their skillets and modern utensils, were a matter of great curiosity, when they first came into use. That was before the days when kerosene was used, light being almost entirely supplied by candles of tallow, and fires were kindled by the use of flint and tinder.

On February 23, 1862, Mr. Jones was united in marriage with Sarah E. Gafton, who had attended school under him. She is a daughter of William C. and Lavina (Bragg) Garton of Kentucky, the former dying in this county in 1897, and the latter on May 13, 1894. This union was productive of the following oiTspring: Abraham L., a grain merchant of DeKalb ; S. R., a physician of Rushville ; Mary L., wife of John Yocum, of Bloomington township ; Martha M., wife of James M. Moore, of Bloomington township ; one who died in infancy : William H., a barber of Rushville, who married Lillie Brown ; Lilly B., wife of J. R. Sampson, of St. Joseph ; Charles A., who married Eva Roach, of Sugar Creek; Zachariah G., who married Musie Brown, a sister of William H. Brown's wife ; Nancy A., wife of Byerley Pepper of Platte County ; and Byrdie A. Mr. Jones has served as director in his school district for 13 years. He is a man of educational attainments, a student by nature, and has done much to benefit the schools of the county. He is also a surveyor and his party elected him county surveyor on November 8, 1904. He has always been a Republican and cast his first vote for Abraham Lincoln in i860, and has always voted the national ticket straight since. He has frequently been called upon to serve as delegate to county conventions and works hard for partv success. Fraternallv, he is a member of Wellington Lodge, No. 22, a'. F. & A. M.

OHN N. KARNS. one of the prominent farmers of Washington township, Buchanan County, who owns a well-improved and fertile and productive farm of 312 acres, in section 33, township 57, range 34, belongs to one of the old and honorable families of this county. Mr. Karns was born February 11, 1864, on the old Karns homestead, of which his present farm is a portion, and is a son of George Sampson and Matilda (Watson) Karns.

Michael Karns, the paternal grandfather of our subject, was born in Bedford County, Virginia. The family records tell of his and two brothers' participation in the War of 1812. He married Mary Bales, who was born in Pennsylvania, and they came to ]\Tissouri in 1837, locating first at the old Indian agency which is now included in Center township, Buchanan County, but in 1839 they moved to Washington township. At that time all this smiling, cultivated, farming land was covered with heavy timber, Indians and wild animals still found homes here and the hardest pioneer conditions prevailed. That this must have been a time of dire trial to our subject's grandparents can scarcely be doubted, and especially to the grandmother. She had been tenderly reared and highly educated and was fitted by personal attractions and social advantages to shine in the highest circles of civilized communities. But she cheerfully accepted the life of hardship, which provision for the large family of nine children made necessary, and she was for years the center of not only a loving family, but of the neighborhood who ever found warm hospitality extended at the Karns homestead. With her husband she was active in the work of the early Methodist Episcopal Church in Washington township. The pioneer preacher knew that his

The late George Sampson Karns, the son of Michael and Mary (Bales) Karns, and the father of our subject, was born in Bedford County, Virginia, December 23, 182 1. and died in Buchanan County, Missouri, March 12, 1904, passing away honored and respected by all who had known him. He was four years of age when his parents made their first removal, to Lee County, \irginia, and was 16 years old when they came to Buchanan County, Missouri. Although he was not the eldest son of the family, he seemed to be the one endowed with the greatest amount of ability to plan and to execute the plans for the general good, and while still a youth he was looked up to by the rest of the household.

At the time the Karns first settled in this State, they were in very straitened circumstances. The money capital possessed by the family was represented by the sum of $5.05. At that time the schools were very indifferent and far apart, but even these poor advantages were denied George after coming to this section, and his real schooling was completed when he was not more than nine years of age. In his mother, however, he found an inspiration and a helper and although, while still a boy, he had to take almost a man's part in the developing of the home farm, he was nmbitious enough to take advantage of every educational opportunity that came in his way. He read every book to be obtained and doubtless listened closely to the conversations which took place by the side of the hospitable hearthstone, his parents always keeping to the old Southern custom of entertaining the visitors in the locality. Thus Mr. Karns became well informed, notably so. and was considered one of the best posted men of his locality, taking an interest in both public matters and local afifairs until the close of his long and useful life, at th.e age of 82 vears.

After the death of his father, George Sampson Karns remained at home and managed the home farm for his mother, wliile his brothers. John N. and James C, left the homestead and crossed the plains to seek their fortunes, with thousands of others, in the mines of California. Five \ears after the death of his father, Mr. Karns was married, in 1850, to IMatilda Watson, who was born in 1831. not far from Lafavette, Indiana, on the site of the battlefield of Tippecanoe, and died in Buchanan County, ^Missouri,

CX'tober 3r. 1872. She was a daughter of Dr. Paschal and Ella (Jenkins) Watson, who were early settlers at Grand River, Missouri. Dr. Watson was a very prominent man of his day, one of the leading medical practitioners and a stanch Whig, who took a very active part in the political campaigns of his time.

The children of George Sampson Karns and wife were : Mary E.. who married W. V. Grier, a farmer of Clinton County, Missouri, and has six children, - Clinton (residing in Buchanan County), Ralph W. (an attorney of St. Joseph), George S. (of Kansas City. Missouri), and Arthur. Nellie and Mary, who live at home ; Elizabeth A., who is the wife of Leroy F. Jeffries, a farmer of Washington township ; Sarah J., who resides at St. Joseph ; Paschal W.. who is a farmer in Agency township ; Belle, who married W. H. Gilpin, of Washington township : Carrie B.. who married Edward B. Gilpin, of Washington township, and has four children ; John N., who is the immediate subject of this sketch ; Margaret, who married C. A. Tull. and resides on the old homestead ; and Etta, who died tinmarried. at 24 years.

When George Sampson Karns started out for himself, it was with a heavy debt on his farm, but the same perseverance and industry which had made him a dependable youth continued with him in the management of his own affairs and he became, in the course of years, one of the county's substantial as he had long been one of its respected men. Prior to his death, he erected a beautiful home at a cost of $4,000. and his immediate surroundings were in keeping with it. While he never sought political office, he was always willing to perform a citizen's duty and was foremost in promoting enterprises which reflected benefits upon his locality. His political affiliation was with the Republican party and he consistently supported its principles through days of public storm and stress. He was a luember of the Methodist Episcopal Church. South.

John N. Karns, our subject, was educated in the schools of Washington township, enjoying advantages never afforded his father. He remained on the old homestead until his marriage and for several years after. In December, 1893, he located on his present farm, where he has 312 acres of some of the best land in the northern section of the county. It is a part of the old homestead farm and has been brought to a fine state of cultivation. He is a practical farmer and has discovered that his most profitable crops are corn and hay. He has given much attention to the raising of good cattle and horses of high grade, mainly intended for driving purposes. His stock is all first class. His Poland-China hogs and his cattle are well worth exhibiting at agricultural expositions. In 1903, Mr. Karns erected his present handsome residence, which is one of comfort and modern convenience.

In October, 1890, ]\Ir. Karns was married to Ida May Landis, who was born at Sigourney, Iowa, and is a daughter of Judge J. H. Landis. a sketch of whom will be found in this volume. Three children have been born to this union, namely: George Sampson, born August 21. 189 1 ; Fay Katherine, born January 18, 1893 : and Jason Landis. born March 25. 1895.

Politically, Mr. Karns, like his father, has always been identified with the Republican party. Both he and his wife belong to the IMethodist Episcopal Church, South.

40MAS W. EVANS, who has been almost exclusively engaged in the banking business since early manhood, is cashier of the Merchants' Bank of St. Joseph, Missouri, one of the oldest as well as one of the soundest financial institutions of the city.

The Merchants' Bank v. as organized in 1878 as the successor to the First National Bank of St. Joseph, which was organized in 1863 by Thomas E. Tootle, John B. Hundley, and Gen. B. F. Loan, and was the first national bank in existence in St. Joseph. The first president was Thomas E. Tootle, who still resides in this citv, Mr. Hundlev being vice-president and E. M. Yates, cashier. It was reorganized into the Merchants' Bank in 1878, and each succeeding year since has witnessed its growth in strength and influence. Its present officers are Louis Boder. president : J. H. Robison, vice-president ; Thomas W. Evans, cashier : and Max Andriano, assistant cashier. Its directorate includes: ^Ir. Boder, Mr. Robison, Tames M. Wilson, William H. Griffith and Thomas W. Evans. It has a capital stock of $200,000 and its condition in all its departments is most satisfactorv.

Thomas W. Evans was born in Guernsey County. Ohio, in 1843, and was there reared to manhood, receiving his educational training in the public schools. .'\t the aee of t8 years, in 1861, he enlisted in Company B. T5th Reg.. Ohio

Vol. Inf.. and served as a private four years and four months, being in the 4th Army Corps at the time of his discharge at San Antonio, Texas, at the close of the war. He returned to his home in Ohio and remained until 1867. when he went West to P'lattsmouth, Nebraska. There he engaged in the banking business with the firm of Tootle. Hanna & Clark, which organized the First National Bank of that city. Mr. Evans served as assistant cashier until the spring of 1874, when he came to St. Joseph and entered the First National Bank in the same capacity. In 1880 he succeeded Mr. Yates as cashier of the Merchants' Bank, and served efficiently as such until 1887. when the stock of this bank changed hands. In July. 1890, he was again called to the office of cashier of the Merchants' Bank of St. Joseph, the duties of which office he has faithfully and satisfactorily discharged since. He is a man of recognized business ability, widely acquainted throughout this section of the State, and enjoys the highest respect of everyone.

Mr. Evans was joined in marriage with Mary C. Venable, a daughter of Joseph Venable, who had resided in St. Joseph prior to 1861, but who was living at Memphis, Tennessee, at the time of his death by yellow fever in 1878. In politics, our subject has always been a Republican, and from 1882 to 1884 served as treasurer of the city of St. Joseph. He is a member of Custer Post. No. 7, G. A. R.. of which he is past commander, and is past senior vice-department commander of Missouri. Religiously, he is a member of the First Presbyterian Church, in which he is an elder. His portrait accompanies this sketch, being presented on a foregoing page.

ORGE MARKER, a prominent retired citizen of Easton. Buchanan County, was engaged in the mercantile business here for a number of years and is widely known among the citizens of this section. He was born in Stark County. Ohio, February 14. 1838, and is a son of Jacob and Catherine (Chaney) ^Marker.

Philip iMarker, grandfather of our subject, was born in Germany and after his marriage came to America, locating in Pennsylvania. He came West to Buchanan County, Missouri, in 1838. making most of the journey in a wagon, and took a claim in Marion township. He and his wife both died in this township and are buried in Bowen Cemetery. Jacob Marker, father of our subject, was born in Alsace, Germany, and came to this country with his parents. He moved from near Oil City, Pennsylvania, to Stark County, Ohio, where he lived until 1842, then started West for Missouri. He located in section 23, township 57, range 33, in Marion township, Buchanan County, on 80 acres of government land, and later acquired an additional tract of 40 acres. It was mostly timber land, but he cleared much of it and engaged in farming with success. He died at the age of 69 years and his wife at 89 years, both being buried in Blakeley Cemetery. He married Catherine Chaney, also a native of Alsace. Germany, who accompanied her parents to this country. As a result of this union, seven children were born : Catherine (widow of Ezra Birt), who lives at Stewartsville, Missouri ; Philip, who is a retired farmer living at Hemple, Missouri; George; Mary Ann, deceased wife of Larkin Blakeley ; Fred, a retired farmer of Clarksdale, Missouri ; Elizabeth, wife of Robert Lewis, who lives in Tremont township ; and Matilda, who married James Clark of Gentry County, Missouri.

George Marker attended school but little, as the opportunity was not present, and at the age of 19 years went to California by steamer, zna New York City. There he sold goods, drove a pack train and drove cattle to market, going to Washington, Idaho and Oregon. He continued there until 1864, when he went to San Francisco, and from there crossed the plains on horseback to Missouri. He located in St. Joseph and engaged in freighting between that city and Denver, driving seven yoke of oxen to a wagon and a trailer. He hauled groceries and provisions, and made one trip with army supplies for the government. He continued this work for one season, then purchased the original 80 acres bought by his father in Marion township, where he lived initil 1873. In that year he sold the farm and located in St. Joseph, where he engaged in teaming and later settled at Frazer. In 1874 he located at Easton and established a general store, which lie conducted with a high degree of success until 1897, since which time he has lived a retired life. He has been connected with various banks at dififerent places, and owns considerable property.

In tlie fall of 1866, Mr. Marker was joined in marriage with Rebecca Clark, a daughter of Jesse Clark of Kentucky, who came to Buchanan Count^- at an earlv date, settling in Marion township. Mrs. Marker died February 8, 1878, leaving one child, Leonora B., who married J. C. Frick, of Easton, and has two children, - Harry P. and Ragina. Our subject was again married,, in 1880, to Nancy J. Leftwich, who died in 1882. In October, 1882, he married Cynthia Graves, of Tremont township, this county, and they have four children : Cleveland H., assistant cashier of the Kidder Bank of Kidder, Missouri; HazeU born in January, 1887 '' Georgia, born November 4, 1888; and Clifford C, born January 15, 1890. In politics, he is a Democrat and has served as school director.

OBERT JEPTHA WHITE, one of the progressive business men of Rushville, Buchanan County, who carries on in the town a large blacksmithing, milling and feed grinding business, was born in Lorain County. Ohio, January 28, 1856, and is a son of Walter C. and Rosetta (Robinson) WHiite. Walter C. White was born at Niagara Falls, New York, where he was reared and educated, and for some years worked at ship carpentry. Later he moved to Oberlin, Ohio, where he engaged for a time in brick manufacturing, but spent the latter part of his life as a farmer, and died there in 1872. He married Rosetta Robinson and they reared a family of six children, namely : Charles W., deceased ; Alice, deceased, who was the wife of Stephen Kellogg, of Lorain County, Ohio; Robert Jeptha, of this sketch: Josei^hine. deceased, wlio was the wife of Samuel Hozier ; Nellie, who married Charles F. Conklin, of East Gilead, Michigan ; and Frederick, of Cleveland, Ohio. Walter C. White was a member of the First Congregational Church of Oberlin, a man who was highly respected by all who knew him. F'olitically, he was identified with the Republican party.

Our subject completed his common-school education in Lorain County at the age of 15 years, and then began to assist in caring for the family, working with his father until 18 years old in the brickmaking business. They manufactured the brick which was used in the construction of several of the leading churches of Oberlin. In that city he then learned the trade of blacksmith, in the shop of Penfield & Son, with whom he remained two years. In December, 1876, he came West in search of a good, permanent location for his business, settling first at Cromwell, Iowa, where he worked for two years. He then spent two years at Clermont, Missouri, and then returned to Iowa and entered the shops of the Chicago, Burlington & Ouincy Railroad Company, at Creston. In 1882 he removed to Lenox, Taylor County. Iowa, two years later going to McCook, Nebraska. After nine months there, he returned for a few days to Creston and then moved to St. Joseph, Missouri. After spending some time at San Antonio, Cosby and Helena, Missouri, Mr. White finally selected Rushville as offering the best business field and located here on August 28, 1900. He has a pleasant home and good business prospects and has been welcomed as a skilled workman and responsible business man.

On March 18, 1879, Mr. White was married to Clara Garreth, a daughter of Zacharias Garreth, of St. Joseph, and they have three children : Nellie, wife of Henry Garby, of Cosby, Missouri ; Earl, of St. Joseph ; and Mary, wife of Clifford Clark of St. Joseph. Each one of his children have been blessed with a son or daughter and Mr. White has thus thrice been made a grandfather. He is a consistent member of the Christian Church.

Ever since his majority, Mr. White has been identified with the Republican party. Fraternallv, he is connected with the Masons and the Odd Fellows. He is a man who is well informed on all questions, especially on matters concerning the State of Missouri, through which he has traveled so extensively. At all the different points where business connections held him. he left friends behind, and he has had no difficulty in making many friends at Rushville. He takes an active interest in educational matters and has shown himself ready to assist in civic reforms and improvements.

UGO GREBEL, one of the most prominent business men of St. Joseph, is manager of the Anheuser-Busch Brewing Association for this citv, doing an exclusively wholesale business. Mr. Grebel was born August 8, 1856, at Zittau, Saxony, Germany, and is a son of August and Agnes (Behrens) Grebel. August Grebel was a son of a Lutheran minister, and was born in Thuringia, Germany. A financier and capitalist, he was for many years a man of business and social importance at Zittau. He married the daughter of a manufacturer at Magdeburg,

Hugo Grebel had all the educational and social advantages given the children of wealthy parents. He attended the best schools, graduated at the local gymnasium and later took a classical course at a leading academy. His tastes led him to enter business life and in 1872 he became bookkeeper in a large industrial establishment, where he remained three years. He then entered the German Army, serving in the 66th Regiment Prussian Iirfantry, and later as ist lieutenant in the I02d Regiment, Saxon Infantry. After his army service and a visit to England, he returned home and entered into business with his father. In 1884 Jie went to Leipsic to manage a type foundry owned by his father and built up a very large business which gave employment to 150 men. As agent of this business, Mr. Grebel traveled a number of years over some of the most interesting portions of South America and in 1888 came to New York by way of San Francisco. A second visit in 1890 confirmed his former pleasant imj^ressions, resulting in the sale of his business in Germany and removal to the United States. Since December, 1891, IMr. Grebel has been connected with the Anheuser-Busch Brewing Association of St. Louis, whose reputation in the manufacture of beer extends to all foreign countries. This company established a branch at St. Joseph in 1885, purchasing groimd at the corner of Fifth street and ]\Iitchell avenue, where they erected a building. In 1892, Mr. Grebel was appointed agent of the company at St. Joseph, with full control, and his subsequent success has proved the selection a wise one. His traveling experience made his appointment to this responsible position desirable, and it has been justified by a large increase in business and an extended field of operation. It was found that the building erected was not large enough to accommodate the increased trade, and in 1903 the old building was replaced by a new one at a cost of $32,000, the dimensions of which are 75 bv 280 feet. It is a brick structure and the office and warehouse are imexcelled in equipment and the arrangements for expeditious handling of trade.

In 1892, Hugo Grebel was joined in marriage with Bertha Wezler. who came of a prominent St. Louis family, and they live in a fine home at No. no North 12th street. Our subject is a highly educated gentleman, of genial temperament and pleasant manner. He has

Ix-en president of the Landwehr-Verein, and belong-s to the Red Men and the Elks. His social circle is wide, both among Germans and Americans, and he is a very highly esteemed citizen of St. Joseph.

ILLIAM S. KINNISON, the leading druggist of St. Joseph, operating two large drug houses here, is one of the city's self-made, successful business men. He was born in Andrew County, Missouri, in 1866, and is a son of Cyrus J. and" Abigail (Jones) Kinnison.

The Kinnison family obtains its name and many of its leading characteristics from Scotland. Two brothers from the Highlands established themselves in Virginia, prior to the Revolutionary War. This pioneering spirit seemingly was inherited by the grandfather of our subject, William W. Kinnison, who, born in Virginia, went to Ohio, thence to Iowa and still later to Missouri, where he died aged 72 years.

Cyrus J. Kinnison was born in Ohio in 1834 and went to Illinois in young manhood. When President Lincoln issued his calls for troops, Mr. Kinnison enlisted as a private in the Union Army, entering an Iowa regiment, in which he served until the close of the war. He was wounded and was also taken prisoner, being confined for a time in Texas. After the close of hostilities he went to Andrew County, Missouri, and has since resided at Bolckow. He has been active in local affairs and has held office on numerous occasions. He married Abigail Jones, who was horn in Indiana, and thev had a family of seven children, tlie five survivors being: Allison W., born in Illinois, now engaged in a livery business at Maryville, Missouri, who married Cordelia Robinsnn, and has four children, - Goldie, Robert. Rollo and Clyde ; Charles A., born in Illinois, resides on a farm in Missouri ; William S. of this sketch : Cora B., born in Missouri, married Thomas O. Randall, of Andrew Countv ; and Hattie E., born in Missouri, who resides at home.

William S. Kinnison's education in the common schools of Andrew County and St. Joseph was obtained before he was 13 years old as at that age he entered the drug store of Dr. Riley of Bolckow, this being the beginning of a very successful business career. Later he was engaged for three years with A. Kienzle, of St. Joseph, and later, with the Van Natta-Lynds Drug Company of St. Jose|)h, remaining with the latter concern for 13 years. In 1889 he engaged in a retail drug business for himself, opening a store on the corner of Fourth and Edmond streets, St. Joseph. This he still continues and since September i, 1903, has been the owner and operator of the drug business on the corner of Seventh and Edmond streets, this combination representing two of the most successful retail drug stores in the city.

In 1890, Mr. Kinnison was married in St. Joseph to Bertha M. Max, who was born in St. Joseph, and is a daughter of Jacob J. Max, one of the old settlers here. Thev have two children, - Doris C. and Max W.

Mr. Kinnison has spent almost his whole life in the drug trade and few have a wider or more thorough knowledge of the business than he. His gratifying success must be attributed to his perseverance and industry. The qualities which made him, as a lad of 13 years, decide on a career and consistently shape his life in the same directiin ever since, have won him the confidence of the public and his consequent large and constantly increasing business prominence. In politics he is one of the city's stanch Republicans. His fraternal connection is limited to membership in the Knights of Pythias at St. Joseph.

IRAM L. BREWSTER, one of the leading farmers of Wayne township, Buchanan County, who resides on his wellcultivated farm of 240 acres, situated in section 29, is one of the representative men of his locality. Mr. Brewster was born in Wayne County, Ohio, February ^o, 1844, and is a son of William and Caroline (Mattice) Brewster.

Calvin Brewster, the grandfather of our subject, was born at Windsor, Connecticut, where he followed farming until the age of 50 years, when he removed to Stark County, Ohio, and there continued to follow in agricultural life. Later, he lived several years in Van Buren County, Iowa, removing from there to Nevada, where he died at over go years of age. He was the father of 16 children, all of whom reached mature years.

Vv^illiam Brewster, father of our subject, was bom in i8t6 in Stark County, Ohio, where he was reared and educated. He was accidentally killed in 1863, near Toledo, Ohio. He married Caroline Mattice, and thev had these children : Marilla, who died young ; George, who served through almost three years of the Civil War, a member of Company E, 230! Reg., Michigan Vol. Inf., and died shortly after being honorably discharged ; and Hiram L., of this sketch. The mother died in Buchanan County, Missouri, in April, 1904.

Hiram L. Brewster attended school in Medina County, Ohio, until the age of 14 years, and he then spent two years as a clerk in a bank at Three Rivers. Michigan, and an equal length of time as a clerk in the postofifice at the same place. In July, 1861, he enlisted for service in the Civil War, in Company E, nth Reg., Michigan Vol. Inf., and was honorably discharged after five months, on account of illness. In August, 1862, he reenlisted, entering Company G, 25th Reg., Michigan Vol. Inf., and continued in the army until his honorable discharge at Jackson, Michigan, in July, 1865, having seen much hard service, and having participated in all the engagements with his regiment in the campaign from Chattanooga to Atlanta.

After returning from the army. Mr. Brewster spent a year at the home of his uncle in Ohio. He then started overland to Fort Scott, Kansas, with a fine Canadian team, and, after some prospecting, settled on the farm on which he still resides, having lived in Buclianan County since 1866. For nine winters after locating in Wayne townsliip, Mr. Brewster taught school, spending his summers in the cultivation of his farm, and from 1877 to 1884 he was successfully engaged in a mercantile business at Halls Station., Since then he has devoted himself entirely to the operation of his large farm. With his intelligent knowledge of all the principles of farming, he has met with gratifying success and is counted with the township's substantial men.

From early manhood he has been identified with the Republican party and with true ideas of citizenship shirks no political duty, but has never sought office. From 1880 to 1900 he was employed as one of the census enumerators.

Mr. Brewster is a consistent member of the Baptist Church and for seven years held the office of clerk in the local body. Fraternalh-, he is connected with the Masons.

OX. AUGUSTUS SALTZMAN. One of the best known citizens of the city of St. Joseph is Judge Augustus Saltzman, who has been a resident of Buchanan County for 54 years. He was born in Prince George Cotmty. Maryland. April 2, 1842 : the same year his parents moved to St. Louis, Aiissouri, where they lived until the spring of 1850, in June of that year removing to St. Jose]:ih. Many of the old pioneers of the county will remember Judge Saltzman's father, who was a carpenter and contractor by trade and who assisted in erecting many of the old landmarks of the city. Main street being in those days the principal business district of the town. Judge Saltzman received but a common-school education, such as was obtainable in those early days. When but 16 years of age, he helped to grade the road-bed of the Hannibal & St. Joseph Railroad. His father taught him the carpenter's trade, after which he started in to learn the mercantile business. He worked for Maj. F. W. Smith, general merchandise, Fischer & Collins, boots and shoes, and was also in the employ of H. B. Ketcham, queensware and crockery, and was registering clerk in the Post Office under Hon. John L. Bittinger.

At the breaking out of the Civil War, at the age of 19, he enlisted in Company B, 1st Reg., Nebraska Vol. Inf.. as a private, and participated in most of the important battles of the West, being at Wilson Creek, Fort Donelson, Fort Henry, Shiloh and others. After his term of service expired, he returned home and assisted in organizing Company A, 43rd Reg., Missouri Vol. Inf., of which he was commissioned ist lieutenant, and during the greater part of the term of his last service was acting assistant adjutant-general.

At the close .of the war in 1865, he received an honorable discharge, returned to St. Joseph and engaged in the drug business, from which he retired on receiving from the County Court an appointment as justice of the peace to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Felix Robidoux. At this time he began the study of the law under and with the law firm of Hon. J. C. Parker, Col. James Strong and Jefif Chandler. He held the office "of justice of the peace for 16 consecutive years. In 1872 he was appointed chief of the St. Joseph fire department and in 1882 was elected city attorney. After this he built the steamboat '"Saltzman" here in the city on the bank of the river and ran it several years.

In 1896, Judge Saltzman was elected county judge of the Second District by a flattering majority, and proved himself a competent and conscientious official, inaugurating modern business principles in the management of county aflFairs and by his honorable administration of his office acquitting himself in a manner highly creditable and to the entire satisfaction of the people who chose him as their public servant. His practical application and fitness for the duties of the position won for him a re-election in 1898 by a handsomely increased majority.

Judge Saltzman is a man of sterling character and unsullied reputation, and an enterprising and public-spirited citizen ever seeking to promote the upbuilding of St. Joseph and Buchanan County. In the positions of trust that have been committed to his charge he has evej merited the confidence reposed in him and he may well pride himself that his sterling qualities of character have earned for him an enviable reputation. His portrait accompanies this sketch.

DWARD B. GILPIN. One of the fine farms of that part of Buchanan County, known as Washington township, is that highly cultivated tract of 205 acres situated in section 30. township 57, range 34, owned by Edward B. Gilpin, one of the township's substantial and representative citizens. Mr. Gilpin was born in Chester County, Pennsylvania. September 10, 1856, and is a son of Gideon and Eliza C. (Hey burn) Gilpin.

The Gilpin family is of English extraction. It was founded in America by emigrants of that name who accompanied William Penn, the great Quaker pioneer, when he came to Pennsylvania. The Gilpins separated from the immediate Penn colony, going north and establishing themselves in Delaware County. The land there was then owned by the Indians, and for safety the new settlers excavated a cave to which they could retire when danger threatened, and this cave is still shown in Birmingham township, Delaware County, and still bears the name of Gilpin's Cave. The family records tell that this ancestor, Joseph Gilpin, reared here a family of 14 children, cleared up a large body of land and firmly established the Quaker faith in that neighborhood. Like many other families that joined fortunes with William F'eiln, the Gilpin family belonged to the nobility in England. Their settlement in Pennsylvania was mainly the result of religious persecutions in their own land.

Isaac Gilpin, the great-grandfather of our subject, took part in the Revolutionary War. It is probable that he lived for a considerable period in the old brick house which still stands in Delaware County, the first one ever erected there, but this did not--remain his location continuously. We learn that he was a man of affairs, held official position along the Eastern Shore of Maryland and had a seat in the Colonial Congress. His marriage to a Miss Darlington united two old families of the days of Penn's settlement. They had four children: George F., who lived on his father's homestead ; Ruth C. who married Ziba Darlington ; John D., the gramifather of our subject ; and Hannah, who never married.

John D. Gilpin was reared on the old family homestead, where he was born in 1799 and died in 1893. He too was a man of prominence, one selected by his fellow citizens to hold offices and to represent their interests in legislative and judicial bodies. He farmed the homestead acres and there reared a family by two marriages. His first wife, Sarah Taylor, was born in 1800 and died in 1837. Her children were : Hannah, Rebecca, Ann, Gideon, Elizabeth and Sarah. Gideon and Sarah survive, the latter being a resident of Spokane, Washington. John D. Gilpin was an active member of the Whig party. His religious life was directed according to the simple, peaceful methods of the Quaker faith.

Gideon Gilpin, father of our subject, was born May 5, 1828, in Delaware County, Pennsylvania, in the old brick house mentioned above. An interesting fact connected with this residence is that it was made the headquarters of Lord Howe at one time in the Revolutionary War, and several romances dealing with the movements of the Patriot army refer to this old home, which has sheltered so many generations and has witnessed strange events under its roof, the facts, perhaps, not being more wonderful than the fanciful tales. A gun belonging to Lord Howe was preserved by the family until it, with many other valuable and interesting relics, was destroyed by fire, after Gideon Gilpin had moved to the West.

When Gideon Gilpin was old enough to attend school, the only ones available in his locality were the subscription schools, where only elemental instruction could be obtained. Later he was sent to a Friends' boarding school, in Chester County, Pennsylvania. After completing his education, he returned to the home farm where he continued to reside until about 1868. He then moved to the West and spent one year in Boone County, and three years in Cass County, Iowa, and then removed to Buchanan County, Missouri. In Cass County he had owned a hotel, but this he sold when he came to Buchanan County. He invested here in farming lands and at one time owned 1200 acres. For some 10 years he carried on an extensive stock business and was also interested in real estate. When he finally located at St. Joseph, he embarked in a grocery business, * establishing the store with which he was connected for two years, under the firm name of Gilpin & Company, on the corner of 17th and Francis streets. He had other business interests which took him over the greater part of the Southwest for a number of years. During his whole active life he was a strong supporter of the Republican party. Like his ancestors, Mr. Gilpin adhered to the faith of the Society of Friends.

In Delaware County, Pennsylvania, April i, 1850, Mr. Gilpin was married to Eliza C. Heyburn, who was born in that county. November 27, 1829. She was a daughter of George and Rachel D. (Brinton) Heyburn, both of whom were natives of Delaware County, but of English ancestry. 'Sir. Heyburn was a prominent member of the Society of Friends. He was also a strong Vx'hig in his political sympathies. George Heyburn and wife had 11 children, namely: Edith S., of Chester County, Pennsylvania ; Letitia, John B. and Phoebe, deceased ; Eliza C, the mother of our subject; William, Sarah L. and Edmund, deceased; Lydia Emma, of Chester County, Pennsylvania ; and Elizabeth and Edward, both deceased.

Gideon Gilpin and wife had 12 children, namely : Sarah, deceased ; William H., of Saxton ; John D., of the business firm of Gilpin Brothers ; George H. ; Edward B., of this sketch ; Charles Sumner, a cigar and tobacco dealer at St. Louis ; Joseph, who married Bertha Hagdorn and resides at St. Joseph ; Vincent, who married Sophia Van Hatten and is interested in coal mining but resides at St. Joseph ; Elwood. owner of a good mine in Idaho ; Mary, wife of Frank Haskell, who is in the cigar and tobacco business at St. Louis ; Harry, owner of mines at Central City, Alaska, a prominent citizen, owner of a store and an engineer on a local steamboat ; Rachel H., wife of Benjamin Robinson, of St. Joseph, Missouri; and Elizabeth H.. of \\'ashington township. Sir. Gilpin gave his children the best available educational opportunities and has the gratification of knowing that all are well established in life and are respected and esteemed members of their various communities.

Gilpins. He commenced his education in Delaware County, Pennsylvania, continued it in Boone County, Iowa, and completed it in Cass County, Iowa. He accompanied his parents to Buchanan County and remained at home until the age of 21 years. He was reared to agricultural pursuits and has spent the greater part of his life as a farmer, although for three years, during which he continued to also attend to his farming, he dealt in real estate at St. Joseph. He proved himself a good business man in this connection, but his choice of occupation has been agriculture.

In the fall of 1882, Sir. Gilpin bought a tract of good land, containing 125 acres, locally known as the Mosley farm, in section 30, township 57, range 34, in Washington township, and to tl^s he added, in 1901, the Thomas Hastings place, of 80 acres, also in A\'ashington township, making an aggregate of fine farming land of 205 acres. This is probably as productive land as can be found in Washington township and Mr. Gilpin has it all under cultivation. His crops consist of wheat, oats, corn, hay and potatoes and his stock includes first-class cattle, horses and hogs. In 1901 he had the misfortune of having his home destroyed by fire, but a new and more commodious one has taken its place.

In 1883 jNIr. Gilpin was married to Carrrie B. Karns, v.ho is a daughter of George Sampson Karns, a prominent citizen and wealthy fanier of Washington township. Four children have been born to them, viz : Grace C, Clara Myrtle, Bernard and Charles S.. all of whom are at home. Sir. Gilpin and family belong to the ]Methodist Episcopal Church.

Fraternally, our subject is connected with the Camp of the W'oodmen of the ^^'orld at Saxton, Politically, he is a Republican. He is one of the township's most worthy men and enjoys the esteem of all who know him. He is recognized as a liberal, broad-minded man, who keeps posted on all current events and works for the advancement of his immediate community and township. He has been particularly active in school matters.

HARLES M. STREET, senior member of the law firm of Street, Eastin & Corby, of St. Joseph, occupies a recognized position as a member of the bar of Buchanan County. He was born in St. Joseph, r^Iissoun" in 1871, and is a son of James M. and ^lary (Ewing) Street.

The Street family is of English extraction and Quaker ancestry. The founder of the family in America was Peter Street, who landed on the shore of Delaware Bay in 1707. His son Zadoc and his son, Aaron, with their patriarchial families, crossed the Alleghany Mountains to Ohio, meeting with all kinds of hardships on the journey. They founded Salem, the "city of peace." and there grew and prospered. Descendant's were among the founders of Salem, Illinois, and of Salem, Iowa, carrying into each locality not only the peacefully suggestive name, but also the peaceful, quiet virtues which particularly mark the members of the Society of Friends, as the religious body is now generally denominated.

James M. Street, father of our subject, was born at Toledo, Ohio, and died at St. Joseph, Missouri, in 1896, aged 61 years. The mother died in 1877, aged 42 years. The family consisted of four sons and one daughter, namely : Emery J., one of the most prominent citizens of Kansas City, Missouri, vice-president and financial manager of the R. H. Williams Grocery Company and president of the Kansas City Driving Association ; Ewing M., of Kansas City, Missouri, private secretary to the general manager of the Kansas City Southern Railway Company ; Annie M,, a resident of Kansas City, Missouri ; Charles ]\I.. of this sketch; and Eugene F., who is billing clerk for the Southern Pacific Company at Los Angeles, California. James "SI. Street moved from Ohio to Evans ville, Indiana, where he studied law under Hon. John W. Foster, and later practiced in that State. In 1867 he came to St. Joseph, Missouri, entering into the insurance business, which he continued with great success, representing many of the leading companies of the East. He was active in cit\- affairs and was a member of the City Council, and at one time officiated as mayor during the absence of Mayor Hosea.

After completing his common-school education at St. Joseph, and making necessary preparation, our subject spent a year in the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor. His study of the law was ])rosecuted under the direction of M. A. Reed, of St. Jose])h. and he was admitted to the bar in 1893, becciming in 1895 a partner in the firm of Reed, James & Street. Later Mr. Street practiced alone for a time. In May, 1903, the present firm came into existence. It is a combination of 30uth and talent and occupies a prominent place in the professional ranks of the city and county.

In 1898, at St. Joseph, Mr. Street was married to Viola A. Bailey, who is a daughter of N. C. Bailey, of Troy, Kansas. They have two children, both born in St. Joseph, - C. Milton, Jr. and Elva G. Mr. Street has a half-brother, Ralph W., who is the son of his father's second marriage with Susan Wood, a native of Dunkirk, New, York, who died in 1897, aged 56 years. This promising young man is a graduate of the St. ^Joseph High School and is a student at the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor, where he will graduate in the law department in the class of 1905.

ANASSA PATTON LAY, Sr., one of the prominent citizens of Buchanan County, and a well-known agriculturist of Rush township, where he resides on a highly cultivated farm of 30 acres, situated in section 12, was born in Scott County, Virginia, July 14, 1830, and is a son of Benjamin F. and Lucy ( Br}ant) Lay.

The early family home of the Lay family for many generations was in North Carolina, and there Isaac Lay, our subject's grandfather, was born and reared. His occupation was farming and this he carried on in his native State and later in Scott County, Virginia, to which county he had removed and where he subsequently died. He was the father of six children: Benjamin F., Buck, James, William, Lawrence and Rachel.

Benjamin F. Lay was born in North Carolina and resided there until after his marriage, when he removed to Scott County, Virginia, and later, to Claiborne County, Tennessee, where hefarmed four years. In 1842 he came to Missouri, settling in Daviess County, where he continued to farm until 1883, when he came to Buchanan County and spent his eight remaining years with his son, our subject. Benjamin F. Lay married Lucy Br}-ant, who was a daughter of Thomas Bryant, a young aide-de-camp to General Washington during the Revolutionary War, who was a witness to the surrender of Lord Cornwallis. The eight children of this union were: Ephraim, deceased ; Theresa, wife of Ewen Lake ; Miles and Calvin, deceased ; Manassa Patton, of this sketch ; Louisa, deceased, who was the wife of."

Charles W. Brown

Benjamin F. Lay was a prominent man of his day, active in both pubhc and local afifairs. In early life a Whig, he later became a Democrat and served in many responsible offices. He was constable and depnty collector of Harrison township, Daviess County, Missouri, and was a man whose judgment was consulted in all local matters. For years he was a deacon in the Baptist Church and his home was alwa}s open to ministers of that church. In every relation of life he proved himself worthy and he left to his family a name of unblemished integrity.

Our subject received his early education in the schools of Daviess County, Missouri, and grew to manhood assisting his father on the home farm. In 1870, after study and preparation, he entered the ministry of the ^Methodist Episco])al Church, South, and continued his pastoral duties until 1880. After severing his relations with that body, he united with the Christian Church and now occupies the position of elder.

In 185 1 ]\Ir. Lay moved to Buchanan County, Missouri, and settled down to farming and, although not yet ordained, preached in the local churches. In 1861 he enlisted in the Confederate Army, entering a company in Col. Elijah Gates' regiment, and served until the close of the war. He was taken prisoner at Grantico, Louisiana, and after two weeks was exchanged and rejoined his company.

Mr. Lay was married first, in 1850, to ^latilda Lynch, who died in 1878. They had a family of seven children, namely: Sarah, Ephraim, ^tanassa P., Jr., ]\Iary Low, Wesley, Fanny and Charit}'. Sarah married Joseph Reynolds and they had five children : Mamie, who married Henry Meyers and has four children, - William, Otis, Timothy and an unnamed infant ; Susan, who married Charles Foster and has one daughter, - Josie : Lawrence, who married Bertha Latchau, and has one son. - Timothy; Florence, who married Archie ?\ leans and has three children, - Ronald, Helen and Joseph ; and Timmie. Ephraim married Mattie Devorse. Manassa P., Jr.. married Rosa La Fave and has two children, - Roy and Earl. Mary Low married Charles Conard and has seven children, - Ruby, Ray, Henry, Veta, Lucy, Joseph Patton and Oakley. Wesley married Mary Frazier and has three children, - Bertha. Pearl and an unnamed son. Fanny married T. Y. Elliott and has three children. - Cecil. Willis and Ira. Charitv married

Our subject has always been one of the prominent, progressive and broadminded men of his locality, a leader in educational and moral movements and one whose sterling traits of character have always brought him respect and esteem. He is an outspoken supporter of the Prohibition party, to which he has devoted his energies for a long time. He was prominently mentioned on several occasions for responsible offices such as county judge and as State representative and there are few men in Rush township who are better equipped mentally or morally for such offices of trust. His fraternal connections include the Good Templars, the Masons and the Odd Fellows.

HARLES W. BROWX, deceased, whose portrait accompanies this sketch, was prominently identified witli the real estate interests of St. Joseph, Missouri, for a quarter of a century. Mr. Brown was born in 1857 in Washington County, Ohio, where his early life was passed and his education secured. He died January 13, 1901, at his home in St. Joseph.

When Mr. Brown came to this city about 1876, he selected the real estate line as the one most promising to his business point of view and he lived to realize his ambitions, the city having developed along the paths he foresaw, miles of streets having been added to her jurisdiction and more and more adjacent territory having been absorbed from }ear to year. In this prosperity he was a prominent factor and for 25 years gave his attention to enhancing the values of real estate in this locality and in promoting the establishment here of some of the city's greatest industries. For a time he was associated with the late J. M. Hall, but more recently with his brother, George Brown, under the firm name of Brown & Brown, with offices at Fourth and Francis streets.

Mr. Brown was married on June 16, 1880. to Sallie R. Rogers, a daughter of James W. Rogers and a member of a prominent Kentucky family. He is survived by Mrs. Brown and by three children. - Fay, Hazel and Roland : as well as by three brothers, viz: George, his late partner, John, an insurance agent, and William W.. who is in

Mr. Brown was fraternally connected with King Hill Lodge No. 19, Independent Order of Odd Fellows; Pocahontas Tribe, Improved Order of Red Men ; and Camp No. 3044, Modern Woodmen of America. The imposing funeral services Avere conducted from the Brown family residence, No. 608 North 24th street, St. Joseph, by the Odd Fellows, attended by the members of the other fraternities. His record is one which has only reflected credit upon his city and he left to his family a name and fame unblemished.

UELLER BROTHERS, well-known and thoroughly up-to-date gardeners of Washington township, Buchanan County, are successfully engaged in market gardening on their valuable tract of 34 acres, located in section 33, township 58, range 35, a short distance from the northern limits o'f the city of St. Joseph. Ernst and Frederick Mueller, constituting the business association known as Mueller Brothers, are both natives of Washington township, Buchanan County, the former born December 15, 1870, and the latter September 7, 1874. and are sons of George and Elizabeth (Walter) Mueller.

The parents of our subjects were born in Switzerland. They came to the United States in 1867 and located first in Buchanan County iiear the New Elm School, where Mr. Mueller was engaged in farming until 1875, in which year he bought the farm in Washington township, (now owned and operated by his sons Ernst and Frederick) and farmed it until 1898, when his sons purchased it. Since then he has lived a retired life in St. Joseph, having an ample competency to enjoy in his declining years. The four surviving children are : George, Ernst, Frederick and Carrie.

Mueller Brothers have made their little farm -a veritable garden spot. They devote the whole of it to market gardening, and make a specialty of growing vegetables out of season under glass. Their cold frames, hot houses, etc., require 10,- 000 square feet of glass to cover them. They liave every convenience for the growth and propagation of choice vegetables and are always able to compete with Southern markets. They -employ some six men. Those residents of St. Joseph who have never penetrated three miles north from Market square, near the Savannah road, have a pleasant experience before them in viewing the wonders accomplished by Mueller Brothers' skill and excellent methods.

Ernst Mueller married Freda Ruegsegger, who was born in Switzerland, and their three sons bear the names of Raymond, Harold and Rupert. Frederick Mueller married Sophia M. Hofifelmeyer, a native of Andrew County Missouri. Both families live together in a beautiful residence that was recently completed. Both of our subjects are Democrats in politics, German Lutherans in their church affiliations, and in their fraternal relations are members of Magnolia Camp, No. 5154, Modern Woodmen of America. They are honorable and upright business men and are held in great esteem by all who know them.

ON. BENJAMIN F. STUART, a wellknown resident of Bloomington township, Buchanan County, is engaged in agricultural pursuits, stock-raising and fruit-growing. He has an excellent farm of 161 acres in section 30, known as the "Highland Farm," and has attained a high degree of success. He is a native of this township, iDorn on the old Stuart homestead on July 3, i860. He is a son of Benjamin and Martha (Cox) Stuart and grandson of Samuel and Mary (Howard) Stuart.

The paternal great-grandfather of our subject came from his native country, Scotland, to America in the i8th century and located on the Eastern shore of Maryland, where he followed farming. His son, Samuel Stuart, was born in Scotland and came with his parents to Maryland, thence removed to Virginia where he farmed near where the battle of Bull Run was afterwards fou"-ht in the Civil War. He later moved to Kentucky and still later to Indiana, where he died. He married IMary Howard, and had three sons, - John, William and Benjamin, - and four daughters, - Sarah, Betsey, Jane and Nancy.

Benjamin Stuart was born in Green County, Kentucky, May 25, 1816, and at the age of 16 years moved to Washington County, Indiana, where he learned the carpenter's trade, which he followed there for nine years. In 184 1 he came West to Missouri, locating in Weston, Platte County, where he engaged in farming in addition to following his trade. In 1856 he came to Buchanan County, acquired a farm in Bloomington township, and here followed farming, stock-raising and fruit-growing with success until his death on November 24, 1891. On July 7, 1842, he was joined in matrimony with Martha Cox, daughter of William Cox, a pioneer farmer of Platte County. Mrs. Stuart died January 11, 1892. Our subject's parents were both members of the Christian Church. In politics, .he was originally a Whig and then became a Democrat. He and his wife were parents of the following children : Mary E. (wife of George Miles), deceased; Ida Virginia, deceased ; Benjamin F. ; Anna, deceased ; and three who died in infancy.

Benjamin F. Stuart received his educational training in the schools of the district in which he now resides, which he attended until 18 years of age. He later pursued a course of study in Bryant's Commercial College at St. Joseph, after which he returned to the farm and worked until 1890. In that year he began teaching and continued for five terms, also selling nursery stock for two years. Since then he has devoted his entire time and attention to the farm and has since engaged in farming in a general way, stockraising and fruit-growing. As a grower of fancy fruit, he has attained quite an extensive reputation, and he frequently has been called upon to contribute to journals on horticultural subjects. An article of particular merit was the one on "Spraying." which he read before the Platte Purchase Fruit-Growers' Association, and which afterward was reproduced in the Western Friiit- Grozcer. He is the patentee of a sickle-bar, the prominent features of which are its simplicity and the ease and rapidity with which the knives may be replaced when broken. He has a farm of i6t acres in Bloomington township. From this farm one can see into five counties and count 191 farm houses. He has also a farm of 75 acres jn Rush township. Both are under a high state of cultivation and well improved. He has an orchard of 50 acres, comprising about 3,000 trees, - mostly apples and peaches. He has also been successful in raising cattle, horses, mules and hogs. He is a man of highest character and enjoys the high esteem and respect of his neighbors and acquaintances throughout this section.

On April 24, 1884, ^Ir. Stuart was married to Clara Gray, a daughter of Madison Gray, a merchant of Rushville, Missouri, and they had one child, - Crystal, - now deceased. On April 4, 1892, Mr. Stuart was married to Mary Wellman, a daughter of Jeremiah Wellman, of Lewis County, Kentucky, by whom he has the following children : Clare E., Jessie, Ben W., Blanche, Leo and Julian. Mr. Stuart and family are members of the Christian Church. He is a Democrat in politics, and served six years, from 1887, ""^ the State Legislature, being elected Speaker pro tern of the House during the last session. The Australian Ballot law and grain inspection bills were passed during his term. He introduced and secured the passage of the first law on the Missouri statutes making fraud at a primary election an offense within the law.

RED BANKER, Jr., one of the most successful young farmers of Wayne township, Buchanan County, operating a well-improved and finely cultivated farm of 100 acres, in section 16, was born in this township, August 16, 1873, and is a son of Fred and Nancy L. (Starmer) Banker.

The father of our subject was born July 8, 1 83 1, in Dutchess County, New York, where he was afiforded an academical education. He left his native State on March 20, 185 1, for Leavenworth, Kansas, and shortly afterward came to Buchanan County, where he engaged in teaching school for a time and then settled down to farming. He still survives, active in mind and body, but practically retired from active pursuits. On May 14, 1868, he was united in marriage with Nancy L. Starmer, of Buchanan County, who was born in Tennessee, February 27, 1842, and died December 29, 1879, survived by four of her five children, viz: Mary H., born November 6, 1870, who is the wife of W. L. Brown, who is engaged in the transfer business in St. Joseph ; Fred, Jr.. of this sketch ; John K., born November 13, 1874, who is a farmer of Wayne township ; and Bettie A., born June 24, 1877, who is the wife of Earl L. Thrasher, a farmer of Wayne township. Mr. Banker is one of the township's most substantial and respected citizens. He owns some 400 acres of fine land, mostly under cultivation and well-improved, his residence being one of the handsomest rural homes in the township. Mr. Banker has served as justice of the peace and for years has been one of the prominent Democrats of his section.

Fred Banker, Jr., was educated in the common schools of Wayne township and began farming at the age of 16 years, an occupation he has continued ever since. His land ranks with any other in the township as to fertility, and its ex-

On July 7, 1895, our subject was married to Daisy Roundy, who is a daughter of C. B. Roundy. a well-known educator, residing at Geary City, Kansas. They have two children : Elsena, and Evangeline. Both ]\Ir. Banker and wife are consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

Like his father, ^Ir. Banker has always supported the Democratic party. He served one year as constable, but at the close of that period resigned the ofifice. He is a progressive, enterprising young man who has won the reputation of being both an excellent farmer and a reliable and useful citizen, and, as such, commands the respect of all who know him. The family is one held in the highest esteem in Wayne township.

AROLD C. WEDDLE, D. D. S., one of the leading dental practitioners of St. Joseph, was born in this city in 1875, and is a son of Frederick and ^lary Christina (Xelson) W'eddle. The ancestral history of Dr. W^eddle reaches back to the Royal Palace of the King of Denmark, where his father was born and where his grandfather filled a high official position under King Christian IX. The life of the late Frederick Weddle was one of unusual adventure. Exiled from his native land with his father, who was banished for political reasons, he came to America and to the West, where his name is identified with many facts of history, notably the Pony Express, which had its beginning in St. Joseph, and which was the forerunner of the lightning express that whirls the mail from one coast to the other. Frederick Weddle was born May 31, 1829, in the Royal Palace at Copenhagen, Denmark, and lived in courtly surroundings through his early boyhood, his fatlier being chief magistrate of the Royal Court and, as such, the royal counselor of King Christian IX. He was educated at court and was a playmate of the royal prince, who afterward ascended the throne as King Christian IX., and is still the ruler. When about 16 years of age, grave matters, involving the rights of the ]:)eople arose, and in the consequent controversy Counselor Frederick Clausen Weddle, our subject's distinguished grandfather, opposed the ruler in curtailing the freedom of his subjects. This brought to him disgrace and banishment and, with his only son, our subject's father, the faithful Danish official was obliged to leave his friends, his home and his immense estates and seek oblivion in a foreign land. His wife was left behind until such time as she could safely join her husband and son in their banishment, but this never came and she did not live to see them again.

It was in America that the aged counselor and his son sought the freedom denied them in their native land. A faithful servitor followed their fortunes. In difTerent places they resided for a time, finally locating at St. Joseph, Missouri, then but a border village. Subsequently the father died at Los Angeles, California. The unusual surroundings into which the youth, bred in the courtly life of the castle of the king, now found himself, exerted a wonderful fascination and he eagerly entered into the wild and adventurous life of the time and locality. He soon was employed by Ben Holliday, of Pony Express fame, and before he had reached the age of manhood he was appointed superintendent of the St. Joseph and Salt Lake City mail route. After some years in this service, he joined the United States Army, receiving a captain's commission and an appointment in the commissary department. He was stationed at Fort Leavenworth and was placed in charge of the government sui> plies and freighting trains. He was at Fort Leavenworth when the Civil War broke out and was called thence to St. Louis and later to Washington, where he served in the commissary department and continued in charge of the government teams until two years after the Civil War.

In the meantime his family continued to reside at St. Joseph, and he came back to this citv for a time, but in 1867 he went to the Black Hills to again engage in the business of freighting for the government, finding enjoyment in the dangers and hardships of that work. Those were perilous times, indeed. The Indians were maddened by the invasions of the whites, and, crazed bv their fire-water and armed by faithless agents, were ]ircpared for just such dreadful deeds as were enacted through those years of terror in the mountains and valleys of the great West. The freighters were in the greatest danger. They were men of steel, accustomed to face death in every dreadful form and to oppose the crafty enemy hidden on every side. ^Ir. Weddle had grown into an experienced man of this type and successfully escaped many dangers, his life being frequently saved by the smallest chance. This was the case at the bloody massacre of the Little Big Horn, when his friend General Custer and his gallant associates met their terrible fate.

In 1876, Mr. W'eddle returned to Buchanan County, to make his home permanently with his family, and remained quietly at home, engaged in peaceful pursuits until his death, which occurred, the result of an accident, on July 25, 1901. He owned an estate some six miles southeast of St. Joseph, where he engaged in farming and stock-raising. He was 72 years of age. but the hard life had left him hale and hearty and it was while combating with one of his steers that he was thrown to the ground and so seriously injured that his death resulted. In spite of his many experiences, both in. boyhood and manhood, he was very reticent concerning what he had endured and also what he had accomplished. Of his royal associations in youth, he seldom spoke and it was only in his last da^-'s that he revealed to his son, our subject, the interesting details we have been permitted to perpetuate in this very incomplete record of the life of a very remarkable man.

At St. Joseph, INIissouri, '\la.y 22, 1861, Frederick Weddle was united in marriage with Alary Christina Nelson, who was born in Norway. She still resides in the old homestead in Center township, Buchanan County, a lady most highly respected and a consistent member of the Lutheran Church. Her late husband was one of the charter members of the First English Lutheran Church of St. Joseph, and was made one of its elders upon its organization. He was interested in its prosperity until the close of his life. The seven children of this marriage were: Frederick A., Peter N., Charlotte, Alartha E., \'aldemar, Harold C. and Nellie.

Harold C. Weddle, to whose immediate biography we return, was educated in the public schools of St. Joseph. In selecting a future career, he decided upon dental surgery and entered the office of Dr. Cronkite, a well-known dentist of this city, who prepared him for entrance into the Kansas City Dental College, where he was graduated in 1900. He returned to St. Joseph, entered into practice here and has continued with much success. He is well located for business and employs all the modern methods known to the profession. He is also very highly considered personally and is justly regarded as one of the city's representative young professional men.

While not active politically, Dr. Weddle is a stanch Democrat and rejoices in his party's success, without any thought of personal advantage. His fraternal connection is with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.

AMES W. ATWILL. a coal operator of St. Joseph, was born in February, 1844, at Boston, Massachusetts. He served in the Civil War from 1861 to 1865, and from the latter year until 1870 was in the mercantile business at St. Louis, Missouri. From 1870 to 1872, he was engaged with coal companies as sales agent ; from 1872 to 1879, general freight and ticket agent of the old St. Joseph & Denver City Railroad, now called the St. Joseph & Grand Island Railway, since which time uiTtil 1904 he has been operating in the coal mines of ^Missouri and Iowa.

Mr. Atwill has been twice elected councilmaiT of the old Fourth Ward, serving from 1879 until 1881. Since 1901 he has been president of the St. Joseph Free Public Library,

On March 16. lina, Mr. Atwill was married to Miss Wiswall, who died in St. Louis, Missouri, April 17, 1867. As his second wife, he married Aliss Richards of West Roxbury. Massachusetts, on September 17, 1870, and has these children : Eliza M., born at St.. Louis; Frank R., born at St. Joseph; and Esther W., born at St. Joseph.

Mr. Atwill is a member of die following societies : Mayfiower Descendants, Colonial Wars, Sons of the Revolution, Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States, Grand Army of the Republic and Knights Templar.

OHN W. PAGE, president of the De- Kalb State Bank and a prominent citizen and capitalist of Buchanan County, was born in Fleiuing County, Kentucky, September 20, 1842, and is a son of three score and ten years. He died within two years of rounding out a century. The father of our subject was reared in Kentucky and came to Klissouri in 1845, settHng down in the wilderness which then enveloped the whole of Platte County. The tract of land selected by Jesse Page was a dense forest at that time, which was still the home of wild animals and the only roads were the paths made by the Indians. A little home of logs was soon constructed and the father courageously started in to clearing away the dense forest growth, with the woodman's ax as his only implement. Industry, determination and persistency brought about their certain reward, and the time came when this forest farm, cleared and cultivated, attracted a buyer and it was disposed of to great advantage. Mr. Page bought another farm on which he spent the remainder of his life. He engaged in extensive farming and stock-raising, accumulated a large capital and was one of the much respected and highly valued men of his locality.

Jesse Page married Emily Plummer, who was born in Kentucky in 1820 and still survives. This venerable and beloved lady has survived her husband and several of her 12 children, and still looks out on life with the cheerful spirit which enabled her to endure the hardships and privations of pioneer life in Missouri, after giving up the comforts of the old Kentucky home. The children born to Jesse and Emily (Plummer) Page were the following : Frank, of Platte County, Missouri ; John W., of DeKalb ; Elizabeth (Mrs. Osborne), of Buchanan County; William, deceased; Amanda (Mrs. Rees), deceased; Louisa (Mrs. Lawson), of Platte County; George, of Buchanan County ; Melissa ( Mrs. Holland), of Kansas; James, of Oakland, California; Alice (Airs. Hargrove) ; Charles, of Buchanan County ; and Amy, wife of Luther Brown, of Platte County.

Our subject was three years old when his parents moved to Platte County and he can still recall the time when there was not one piece of cleared land from the home farm to Bean Lake, a distance of four miles. He well remembers many of their Indian visitors and recalls tlie great and wonderful days of his boyhood when he was permitted to accompany his father to Weston, the nearest trading point, to secure supplies. His school opportunities were far indeed removed from those' of the present day, and his first school house was a log structure, with slabs for benches, long ])lanks for writing desks and very little artificial ventilation, the latter being not a necessity on account of the construction of the building. This school was supported by subscriptions and all its appliances Avere of the most primitive character. Later he attended the public schools for some years, during the fall and winter terms, working on the farm during the summer seasons. Thus Mr. Page grew into a sturdy, healthful, intelligent manhood and at the age of 22 was ready to start out to make his own way ; he selected an agricultural life, both from choice and because his practical education had been in this line. He remained in Platte County, operating farming land and handling a large amount of stock, until he had amassed a large capital and had become financially interested in the De- Kalb State Bank, of which he was elected president on October 21, 1902.

In 1904 Mr. Page removed to DeKalb, where he has a beautiful residence of modern style and architecture, located on an eminence and surrounded by large ornamental grounds. He owns several large farms in Buchanan and Platte counties, and finds much of his time occupied in looking after his landed interests. The banking institution, of which he is president, is one of the sound, conservative concerns of the county which does a large amount of safe business, has many depositors and meets every requirement of the section.

In 1865, Mr. Page was married to Caroline Grooms, who was born in Clark County, Kentucky, and they have had two children, Mary and Nannie, the latter of whom died at the age of two years. The former married Thomas Pyles, of DeKalb, and is the mother of six children, namely: Nannie, John, James, Frank, Caroline and Chester. Mr. Page and wife are members of the Sugar Creek Christian Church, of which he has been deacon for years.

LIVER G. COX, who fills the responsible position of day watchman of the great reservoir which supplies the citizens of St. Joseph with their water supply, was born in England, August 12, 1859, and is a son of George Cox.

Mr. Cox was reared on a farm until he came to the United States, in 1879. He took up farming in Jefferson County, Wisconsin, for a short time, and then went to South Dakota. There he raised wheat for eight years and tlien went to

Oregon, continuing his agricultural life. For the past 10 years, Mr. Cox has been a resident of Buchanan County, and for four years has held his present position.

Many duties are connected with the position which Mr. Cox so capably fills. The three great basins, which hold the water that is distributed over St. Joseph, cover some three acres and this place, under 'Sir. Cox's superintendence, resembles a great park. One of these reservoirs holds 5,000,000 gallons of water, the second holds 3,000,000 gallons, and the third holds 4,000,- 000. The supply all comes from the Missouri River, one mile northwest of the city, and the distributing tank holds 886,000 gallons. It would scarcely have been possible to find a more efficient man for the work of superintending this plant than Mr. Cox. He not only performs all the necessary duties, but takes a personal interest in ever}thiiig in connection with the grounds.

Mr. Cox has a pleasant home and an interesting family. He married Isabel Chambers, who was also born in England, and they have 10 children: Richard, Olive, Louise, William, Robert. Isabel, Alice, Charles, Florence and Harold.

Politically, Mr. Cox is a Republican. He is a man of discrimination and judgment, perfectly reliable in every way and his continuance in his present position, from year to year, indicates the confidence the citv feels in his trustworthiness.

Chandler, and after being admitted to the bar he engaged and continued in the practice of the law until 1893, since which time ill health has caused him to practically retire from any active duties along this line. During the late years of his practice a good deal of his time was devoted to looking after his large real estate holdings, that had been acquired through his own efforts, and since 1893 such interest has required his undivided time.

In 1867, Mr. Zimmerman was married to Ada Hawley, a daughter of James M. Hawley, once a prominent merchant of this section, and wlio was born in Avon, Michigan, in 1848. They have two children, Lura M., wife of Dr. J. C. Stor}^ of St. Joseph ; and Eugene H. Zimmerman, who is cashier of the Tootle-Lemon National Bank of St. Joseph.

UGENE C. ZnOIER^IAN, one of the highly esteemed retired business men of St. Joseph, was born in Frederick County, iMaryland, October 28, 1846. His father, who was engaged in the mercantile business at Baltimore, died in 1850, leaving a widow with two children, one of whom is the subject of this sketch, and who was at the time four years of age.

Mr. Zimmerman was early thrown upon his own resources, and is in every sense of the word a self-made man. He attended the preparatory class at Heidelberg College in Ohio, and after coming to St. Joseph, shortly before the Civil War, continued his studies in a private school in this city. In the early part of the Civil War Mr. Zimmerman enlisted as a private in the Fourth Regiment, Missouri Vol. Cav.. but after about six months of service was mustered out on account of sickness. He then began the study of the law in the office of Parker, Strong & lOHN RAILEY STEELE, one of the leading farmers and extensive stockraisers of Bloomington township, Buchanan County, residing in section 5, on his valuable farm of 128 acres, was born in Buchanan County, Alissouri. February 15^ 1854, and is a son of William T. and Elizabeth (Dooley) Steele. The grandparents of Mr. Steele were Rev. Oliver and Sarah (Hill) Steele.

William T. .Steele was twice married, and our subject is the oldest child of the first union. The father and grandfather were pioneers in Platte County, Missouri. The grandfather was very well known and popular over such a wide extent of country that he was called upon to perform more marriage ceremonies than any other clergyman of the State.

John Railey Steele is a man of education and business experience and has been a farmer all his life since resigning his position of pedagogue. He was educated in the Sleepy Hollow District School, in Buchanan County, and then taught school in the districts of Linn Grove, Hall's Station and Wilson, after three terms attendance at the Platte City and Independence schools. His record in the latter school was higher than any reached by the other pupils, registering 100 in all his studies and in deportment. He then began farming and formed a partnership in the stock business, with his brother, under the firm name of J. R. & O. C. Steele, which continued until 1904. They were buyers and shippers of stock.

most valuable in the township, being well located and well watered. He has given a great deal of attention to Shorthorn cattle and Poland-China hogs. When he first settled here, only 40 acres of the property were under cultivation. The log house, probably 60 years old, the home of the original settler of the farm, has been replaced by one of the finest modern homes in the township, at a cost of $3,000. Wide porches on every side afford pleasant resting places at all times of the day, while the beautiful trees give grateful shade. Mr. Steele has a beautiful home of which he may feel justly proud, as it will compare favorably with a city residence, both in comfort and appearance.

Mr. Steele was married first to Stella Brown, daughter of Thomas and Julia A. (Kenley) Brown, of Buchanan County, and they had two children : William, wdio resides at home ; and Alice, who married Cecil Curtis and has two children. Mr. Steele was married second to Ida M. Swartz, who was born in Doniphan County, Kansas, and is a daughter of John and Margaret (Blair) Swartz. They have two children: Oliver S. and Elizabeth Ruth' Both ]\Ir. and Mrs. Steele are consistent members of the DeKalb Christian Church, of which he is a deacon, and both are teachers in the Sunday-school. While not seeking office, he has frequently been called on to take a prominent part in the affairs of Bloomington township. He served as clerk of the Sleepy Hollow School District, and has always paid attention to public questions affecting the welfare of his coiiimunity. He is in favor of good roads legislation.

OHN \y. LOWER, who resides on a farm in section 2, Bloomington township, Buchanan County, comes of one of the pioneer families of Northwestern Missouri. He was born on a farm in Wayne township, Buchanan County, Missouri, July 1 1, 185 1, and is a son of Henry and Sarah A. (Sandy) Lower and grandson of Jacob and Sarah (Cline) Lower. His great-grandfather was one of several brothers who came from England to this country.

Jacob Lower was born in Tennessee in 1787, and in several Indian wars did service under Gen. Andrew Jackson, acting as orderly sergeant. After his marriage he continued to reside in Tennessee until 1836. then moved to Missouri, where he resided in Jackson County one and a half years. In the fall of 1837, his two sons, Henry and Jacob, located a claim in section t,6, Wayne township, on which they erected a log cabin. Jacob Lower, Sr., removed to the claim with his family and there lived until 1857, when he and his wife died of Asiatic cholera, one dying August 6th, and the other two days later. His wife, Sarah Cline, was a native of Pennsylvania. They were married in Tennessee and became parents of the following children : Mattie, wife of .Vnthony Graves : Andrew ; Rosa, wife of Jesse Blevins ; Henry ; Letitia, wife of Joseph Thompson ; Isaac ; John ; and Jacob. All of the children married and reared families.