Buchanan County, Missouri - Chapter 28: Reminiscences, 1904 (part 8 of 18)

Henry Lower, father of our subject, was born July 14. 1 8 18, in Roane County. Tennessee. He came with his parents to jMis.souri and assisted materially in clearing the land of the Jackson County farm and putting it in a tillable state. His educational advantages were exceedingly limited. He remained at home until he was 25 years of age, in the meantime working out for others. In 1837, he went as a teamster with freighters to vSanta Fe. New Mexico, a trip attended with great difficu.ltics and hardships, owing to numerous and troublesome Indians. Upon one occasion the party was completely surrounded by red men but fortunately had a cannon, with which they freightened the redskins away. He located a claim in section 36. Wayne township, Buchanan County, and lived in a cabin, 16 by 18 feet, which he built. As his family grew he increased the house, and made various improvements such as replacing a chimney of sticks and clay with one built of stone. At that time they cooked in the old open fire-place, and all of their clothing was homespun. They made their own tallow candles to provide them with light. The implements with which they farmed would indeed be crude at this day and age. The first plow w^as the old wooden mold-board plow and grain was cut with a reaping hook. In 1866, Henry Lower erected what was a handsome house in those days, a two-story frame of six rooms, which cost $2,500, as building material was very high at the close of the war. On February 4, 1844, he was united in marriage with Sarah A. Sandy, who was born March 14. 1822, in Owen County, Indiana, and was a daughter of Henry and Elizabeth (Carson) Sandy, her father a native of INIaryland and her modier of Ireland. Both died near Bethel Church in Wayne township. Mrs. Sandy was one of the first members of the Christian Church at the time it was or- ganized in Indiana. Henry Lower was a lifelong member of the Christian Church, and contributed $500 toward the erection of Bethel Church. He served as deacon and elder imtil his death. His wife died in June, 1890, and he survived until ^larch 24. 1895, when he died at the age of yy years. Socially, he was a member of the Grange in which he served as master. In politics he was always Democratic, and was a follower of Andrew Jackson for many years. During the Civil War he was a member of the militia. Of his brothers and sisters, one survives. John, of Lodi, California. To Henry Lower and his wife were born 10 children, as follows: Louisa J., wife of Calvin Jarratt. a farmer of Xodawa}- County, Missouri ; Sarah, A\ife of James Brady, a farmer of Buchanan County; Mary E., wife of Joseph Dittemore, a farmer of Colorado; John W., our subject; James C, a farmer and cattle-buyer of Et^ngham, Kansas ; IMartha Adeline, who was about 38 years old at the time of her decease ; Isaac N., deceased, who was a farmer of Wayne township ; Henry ]\I., a farmer of Wayne township, a record of whose life appears elsewhere in this v»-ork ; Anna, w-ho died at the age of 19 years ; and Lillie M., who died at the age of 19 years. John W. Lower, our subject, was educated in the district school and was reared on the farm. His early life was that of the ordinary farmer boy, attending school during the dull winter months and working hard throughout the summer season. He attended Warrensburg Normal School three months, and Kirksville Normal School four months. He then taught three months in Nodaway County, and two terms in Lewis district, - one of six months and one of four months. He then returned hpme where he lived until his marriage in 1883, when he moved to Doniphan County, Kansas, and settled on a quarter section of land four miles south of Troy. "He lived there three and a half years, cleared it of its brush and erected good buildings upon it, then sold it to good advantage and returned to Buchanan County. He purchased tlie northwest quarter of section 2, Bloomington township, only 45 acres of which were in cultivation, the remainder being heavily timbered. This was known as the John S. Pickett place. He cleared and broke the land, and at the present time has 90 acres under cultivation, the rest being in pasture and timber. The farm is well stocked with Hereford cattle, Giester White hogs, and draft horses. Success has attended every step of his business

On February 22. 1883. the anniversary of Washington's birth and also that of Mrs. Lower's mother, was the day on which John W. Lower was united in marriage with Bettie Roberts, a daughter of James and Margaret J. (Sampson) Roberts. Mrs. Roberts was a daughter of John Sampson. ]\Ir. Roberts was a son of Hon. Cornelius and Lucinda (Thompson) Roberts, both deceased. After the death of James Roberts, Mrs. Roberts formed a second matrimonial alliance with Henry Dittemore. of Wayne township. Mrs. Lower was four years old when she lost her father. Her educational training was such as could be procured in the schools in the vicinity of her home. Her union with T\lr. Lower has been productive of no issue, but they reared one child, Maude (\\'alters) Lower, giving her good schooling and training. She is now the wife of Louis Hector, of Maysville, INlis^uri, whom she married in 1902, and they have one child, - ^Merrill Edison Hector.

John W. Lower is a public-spirited man and takes an interest in the affairs of the community. He served as school director for six years. He is a member of Bethel Christian Church, of which he has been an elder to years, and was one of the charter members of the new organization. He has served as superintendent of the Sundayschool for a period of 24 years, and has a school of 65 members.

ON. WILLIAM RIDGE WAY PENICK, formerly mayor of St. Joseph, and for many years one of her most prominent citizens in business, political and social life, passed away on December 4. 1901. leaving behind him a record of opportunities grasped and noble deeds done. Mr. Penick was born near Columbia, Boone County, ^Tissouri, May 20, 1829, and was a son of JoeL J. and Sophia B. (Ridgeway) Penick.

Joel J. Penick, father of our subject, was a native of Prince Edward County. Virginia, but in childhood was taken b}' his parents to Kentucky and there grew up amidst pioneer surroundings. While still a youth he went to ]\lissouri, and soon after was married to Sophia B. Ridgeway. who was born near Kincaid's Fort, in Howard County. Missouri, and when their son William R. was born the father was but 21 and the mother but 16 years of age.

When eight years old the parents of Mr. Penick removed to Missouri to what was called the "Platte Purchase," which included, hesides Buchanan County, a number of other counties in the northwest corner of the vStatc. At that time the county was so sparsely settled and educational opportunities were so few, that only the care and exertions of his parents, combined with his own energy and determination, enabled him to secure enough book learning to fit him for the most ordinary transactions of business. His social advantages also were lamentably contracted, but he managed, through school attendance for a few months in the winter and by bu}ing and borrowing the few books in the locality, to instruct himself by the light of the hearth fire at night, to keep ahead of others of his age, and to make a few congenial friends. When, after many unsuccessful trials, a competent teacher had been secured, he was 17 years old, but under three months' instruction from this teacher, he made more progress than in all his previous years of plodding alone.

In the following summer, his parents removed to St. Joseph, and as no farm duties now required his attention, he was permitted to resume attendance at school. Some three weeks later, the teacher died and the directors entrusted the conduct of the school to him as the most advanced and reliable pupil. After teaching very successfully for three months, continuing his own studies in the evenings, he spent a few months at high school in St. Joseph and also served for a short time as bookkeeper for William Ray. The opportunity was again given him of teaching the district school and this he accepted. About this time he entered upon the study of medicine, a science for which he had botli taste and ability, and he applied himself closely to the study of pharmacy, chemistry and anatomy, and in the following spring he was engaged as a clerk in the drug store of Haycraft & Howard. This position he accepted more readily on account of the opportunity it promised of a more practical study of drugs in their relation to medical science, for his mind was still fixed on a medical career. Ere three months had passed, his employers found him so interested and conversant with the business and also so popular with the patrons, that they did not hesitate to' engage him permanently. On account of the small salary thev could pay. thcv permitted him to conduct, in addition to his duties to them, a small book business. His whole capital of $14 he invested in liooks and stationery, and, as his employers readily recommended him, as worthy of credit, to large dealers in St. Louis and Louisville, he was able to make a good beginning, buying partly on time and partly for cash. For three years he continued to carry on this business with increasing success, and at its close, through economy and business ability, had acquired a capital of $1,500, which he invested, as a partner with Dr. Robert I.. Wood, in a drug and book store at another location in St. Joseph. His personal popularity was shown when his old customers followed him to his new location; at the end of 13 months, he bought his partner's interest and became the head of the business.

During the Civil War, Mr. Penick was a consistent supporter of the government and devoted a large portion of his time to assisting in suppressing the Rebellion and strengthening the Union cause. It was Mr. Penick who organized that powerful secret organization called the "Unconditional L^nion Club of Missouri," which, was made up of about 100 different clubs and which contributed much in the direction of keeping L'nion men united in the northwestern part of the .State. While the war was in progress, Mr. Penick held five military commissions, first being appointed major on the stafif of Brig.-Gen. Ben F. Loan; then lieutenant-colonel (afterward colonel) of the Fifth Regiment Cavalry, Missouri State Militia, a regiment he raised for the service of the L^nited States : later colonel of a regiment in the service of the State and a brigadiergeneral of militia in Northwestern Missouri. This service was all more or less of a very dangerous character as it was mostly fighting guerrillas under Todd, Ouantrell and others, through Platte, Clay, Cass and Jackson counties. He possessed the air and appearance of a military man and inspired respect in every position he filled.

In the common acceptation of the word, he was never a politician, but his fellow citizens ])laced him in political offices on many occasions and in all of these he served the people well and impartially. For four years he was coroner of Buchanan County and served one year as a member of the City Comicil of St. Joseph. During his two years administration as mayor of St. Joseph, by his labor and influence there was organized a paid Fire Department, the nucleus of what is now one of the citv's sources of pride. This was but one of the public enterprises which were brought to success by his active energies, his influence extending over charitable, educational and benevolent enterprises. During a portion of the time that he was mayor, he was also president of the St. Joseph & Denver City Railroad Company, and it was through his influence and energy and that of his City Council, that the work was recommenced on the road in 1886 that resulted in its completion. The beginning of work on this road antedated the Civil War, on which account its construction had been suspended.

On January 11, 1852, Mr. Penick was married to Amanda D. Grigg, by whom he is survived, with two children : William R., Jr., and Eda, who is the wife of Lee Larison, of Golden, Colorado. Mrs. Penick and son reside at No. 1612 Francis street. Here INIr. Penick spent his declining years, retired from the active cares of business and public life.

Outside of his city and county Mr. Penick was probably best known on account of his Masonic connections. He entered the fraternity many years ago and had taken all the degrees conferred in the United States, up to and including the 32d degree of the Scottish Rite. He had been master of the lodge, high priest of the chapter, commander of the commandery. master of the lodge of Perfection and master of the council of Royal and Select blasters. He has been honored by nearly all the IMasonic Grand bodies of Missouri with the highest ofifices in their gift. He was grand master of the Grand Lodge, grand high priest of the Grand Chapter, deputy grand commander of the Grand Commandery of Knights Templar and grand master of the Grand Council of Royal and Select IMasters. Three of these grand ofifices he held at the same time, which was an honor rarely enjoyed by any individual. During his official connection with the Grand Lodge, he took an active interest in the afifairs of the Masonic College, which had been organized in Missouri, and all his influence was exerted to secure its prosperity and preserve it to the craft.

The late Mr. Penick is but briefly brought to mind by the foregoing. He was "a man among men" and his mcmorv will lone live in the hearts of his fellow citizens, wherever his iife touched theirs. Courteous and gentlemanly in address, hospitable, kind and charitable, he was admired,' respected and beloved. His portrait accompanies this sketch.

HEODORE B. HOAGLAND, president of the Hoagland Loan & Investment Company, is one of the substantial business men of St. Joseph, where he has resided nearly all his life. He was born in Boonville, Cooper County, ]\lissouri, in 1845, and is a son of George T. and Nannie (Gale) Hoagland, the family being of Dutch descent.

George T. Hoagland, father of our subject, was born in New Jersey, and about 1838 first came to Missouri. In 1852, he located in St. Joseph and started in the lumber business, having previously followed the carpenter's trade and contracting. He followed the lumber business in this city during the remainder of his active business life, established a similar business at Omaha, Nebraska, which is now conducted by his son, George A., one at Council Bluffs, and one at Hannibal, Missouri, also engaging in the manufacture and sale of lumber at Eau Claire, Wisconsin, and Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin. He was a stockholder in the Badger Lumber Company, which maintains its head office in Kansas City, and operates in Kansas, Nebraska, Oklahoma and Missouri. He retired from active business about 20 years prior to his death, which occurred, October 30, 1903. He was a Prohibitionist in politics during his last years, and the only office ever held by him was that of councilman, in which capacity he served a number of years. Religioush-. he was a member of the jMethodist Episcopal Church, South. He was a member of the "Silver Grays," an organization existing during the Civil War. He married Nannie Gale, by whom he had three children, namely : George A., who lives at Omaha ; Theodore B., our subject ; and Emaline B., wife of B. R. Vineyard, a successful lawyer of St. Joseph. Mrs. Hoagland is now in her 89th year and enjoys the best of health. She resides in the fine home built by her husband at the northwest corner of loth and Robidoux streets. Mr. Hoagland was a very temperate man and never indulged in the use of alcoholic drinks, tea. coffee or tobacco in any form.

Theodore B. Hoagland was reared and educated at St. Joseph, attending private schools. He became associated with his father in the lumber business at St. Joseph, but was soon obliged to give it up because of failing health. About 1880, his father inaugurated a real estate and loan business, of which our subject became manager. He displayed a high order of business ability ^nd continued in that position until the organization, in 1902, by the Hoagland family, of the Hoagland Loan & Investment Company, for the pnrpose of making realty loans in the vicinity of St. Joseph. The ofificers of this company are Theodore B., president; George A. Hoagland, vice-president ; and L. E. Thompson, secretary. The board of directors includes Theodore B. Hoagland. George A. Hoagland and Emaline B. Vinevard. This is one of the lare'est com- ])anies of the kind in Northwestern Missouri and has met with deserved success. Our subject is unmarried and lives at home with his mother. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, and in politics favors the Prohibition party.

OL. JOSEPH A. CORBY, a resident of St. Joseph for over 37 years, was born July 25, 1847, '" Cincinnati, Ohio. In 1865 he moved with his father to Memphis, Tennessee, and lived there until the spring of 1867 when he came to St. Joseph, Missouri, to visit his uncle, John Corby, and has lived here ever since. He was assistant city engineer in 1867-68, and was engaged in the abstract and real estate business from 1869 to 1873. He owned and published the St. Joseph Daily Gazette from 1873 to 1875. In 1879 he built the Bell Telephone Exchange, and in 1881 built the tclphone line from St. Joseph to Atchison, Kansas, which was the first telephone line connecting two cities to be built in the United States west of Buffalo, New York. He also built the first telephone exchange in Atchison. Kansas, and in ,1882 assisted in organizing the Missouri & Kansas Telephone Company.

In 1878 Colonel Corby built and operated the Frederick Avenue Street Railway, and in 1887 rebuilt this line as a double-track road and purchased the Citizens' Street Railway. In 1883 he built and managed the first electric light plant in St. Joseph and in 1889, sold the street railways and the electric light plant to the Harriman syndicate. In 1882 Colonel Corby built the Pacific Mutual telegraph lines into this city and two years later extended them to Omaha, Nebraska. These lines are now part of the Postal telegraph system.

In 1863 Colonel Corby joined the Union Army and served until 1865. In January, i88t, he was elected captain of the "Saxton Rifles" of this city, and in 1882 was elected lieutenantcolonel of the Fourth Regiment, Missouri National Guard, which position he resigned in 1885. He was elected colonel of the Fourth Regiment in April, 1896, and was mustered into the United States Army with his regiment in April, 1898, and served during the Spanish-American War until la^bruary, 1899, when the regiment was mustered out of the United States service. In March. 1900, the Fourth Regiment, Missouri National (iuard, was disbanded on request of Colonel Corby.

ENRY iM. LOWER, who comes of a prominent family of Buchanan County, resides on a quarter section of land in section 36, Wayne township, where he has a finely cultivated farm and a very comfortable home.

The Lower family was established in this country during colonial days'by several brothers, who came from England. Of one of these sturdy pioneers, Jacob Lower, grandfather of our subject, was a son. He was born in Tennessee in 1787, and served in several Indian wars under Gen. Andrew Jackson. He moved with his family to Jackson County, Missouri, in 1836, and in 1838 came to Buchanan County, where in the previous year his sons Henry and Jacob, had located a claim in section 36, Wayne township. Here our subject's grandparents resided until 1857. in wdiich year they died of Asiatic cholera, one on August 6th and the other two days later. Jacob Lower's v.ife was Sarah Cline, a native of Pennsylvania ; they had the following ofifspring: Henry, father of our subject; Jacob; John; Andrew; Isaac; ]\Iattie, wife of Anthony Graves ; Letitia, wife of Joseph Thompson, and Rosa, wife of Jesse Blevins.

Henry Lower was born in Roane County, Tennessee, July -14, 1818, and removed with his fatlier to Jackson County, INIissouri. He came on to Buchanan County the following year, and thereafter followed farming here almost contin^- uously. He made one trip with freighters to Santa Fe, New Mexico, which was extremely hazardous, as the Indians were very troublesome. The party was at one time stuTOundcd by a band of 500 Indians, but fortunately a cannon which had been brought along frightened them and put them to flight. On February 4, 1844, Henry Lower was united in marriage with Sarah A.

Sandy, who was born in Owen County, Indiana, March 14, 1822, and was a daughter of Henry and Elizabeth (Carson) Sandy, her father a native of Maryland and her mother, of Ireland. The follow'ing children were born to them : Louisa J., wiie of Calvin Jarratt, a farmer of Nodaway County, Missouri ; Sarah, wife of James Brady, a farmer of Buchanan County ; Mary E., \4.ife of Joseph Dittemore, of Colorado ; John W., a farmer of Bloomington township ; James C. a farmer of Effingham, Kansas; Martha Adeline, deceased ; Isaac N., deceased ; Henry M., our subject; and Anna and Lillie M., deceased. Mrs. Lower died in June, 1890, and ^Ir. "Lower, in Alarch, 1895.

Henry M. Lower completed his education in Wayne township at the age of 18 years, then began farming for himself. He was married October 15, 1885, to Mary J. Sampson, a daughter of James Sampson, by whom he has one child, Sula Mary, who is now at home. Mrs. Lower died October 2, 1900, and after her death Mr. Lower moved to DeKalb, where he engaged in the grain business for about three years. On October 14, 1903, 'Mv. Lower was married to Leone Dunlap. a daughter of R. C. Dunlap, an agriculturist of prominence in Bloomington township. Since this marriage, our subject and his wife have resided on his farm of 160 acres in Wa}ne township. He has a very valuable tract, which is devoted to general farming and stockraising. Religiously, he is a member of the Christian Church, in which he has been a deacon for a few years. Politically, he has always been an enthusiastic Democrat.

ON. JOHN H. DUNCAN, judge of the l-'irst District of the County Court of P>uchanan County, from Crawford ByS^I township, is a man of prominence in this section where he has lived for ' more than 55 years. He is a pioneer citizen and ] has performed his part in the wonderful trans- [ formation of this country from its wild state.

Judge Duncan was born in Cherokee County, Alabama, and is a son of Col. B. M. and Amanda (Lawrence) Duncan, his father being a colonel in the State Militia of Alabama, having held a commission under Governor Arthur P. Bagbv. B. M. Duncan erected the first cotton gin and compress in the Cherokee Purchase of Alabama. In 1845, with his familv, he came to Buchanan

County, Missouri, overland with ox teams and horses, a long hard journey. In this county he followed farming until his death in the early -'eighties" at the age of 80 years. His grandfather came to this country from Scotland, and was killed during the Revolutionary War. His. wife's uncle also served in the \\'ar of the Revolution. B. AI. Duncan was a candidate for the Legislature of Missouri in i860, but was defeated by a small plurality. l\Irs. Duncan is now living with our subject at the advanced age of 90 years and is enjoying very good health. John H. Duncan had a half brother, who followed farming and milling in Kansas until death. He has five sisters, all living: Mrs. John Lockwood, of Columbia, Missouri, mother of Dr. William Lockwood of South St. Joseph, and B. ]\I. Lockwood, an attorney of St.- Joseph ; Mrs. I. V. La- Tourett, of Cleveland. Oklahoma, whose husband formerly was a stockman near Maryville, Nodaway County, Missouri ; Mrs. J. H. Utz, w^ho lives near St. Joseph ; Tulia, wife of Richard Burch, of Bartlesville, Indian Territory, where he formerly was a teacher and school commissioner ; and Mrs. C. M. Davidson, whose husband is a farmer near Dearborn. Platte County. [Missouri.

John H. Duncan was five }-ears of age when brought to Buchanan County, and here was reared and educated. In September. 1861, he enlisted in the Confederate Army and saw four years of hard service up to the time of his surrender at Baton Rouge. He was a non-commissioned officer most of the time, and being a fine drill master was offered a commission. After the close of the war, he returned to St. Joseph, and subsequently went to Kansas for a time. He resumed work as an agriculturist and continued with a high degree of success on his farm in Crawford township until 1902. when he was elected on the Democratic ticket to the office of judge of the First District of the County Court of Buchanan County for a term of two years. Judge Duncan was re-elected in November, 1904, for another term of two years. Lentil his election to the bench, he always engaged in general farming and stock-raising: his hogs were of the Poland China breed. The farm is now under the management and care of his son-in-law. W. D. Simmons.

Judge Duncan was joined in marriage with Sarah S. Kirkman, a daughter of Squire William Kirkman. deceased, an early resident of Buchanan County. Mrs. Duncan was born in this county and died here in January. 1898. aged 44 years. Six children were born to them, as follows : Mrs. W. D. Simmons, of Crawford township ; Williani IVL, who is in business in St. Joseph ; M. L., who is in the insurance business in St. Joseph; Mrs. H. D. Maupin, of St. Joseph; Malcom, aged 14 years, who lives at home ; and Jennie, aged 1 1 years, who also Is at home. Judge Duncan is a Democrat and a strong party worker. His services as judge of the County Court have been of the highest order, and have merited the commendation of his fellow citizens. Religiously, he is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

RITZ AIAST. The great busmess mterests of St. Joseph were founded by men of enterprise and ability but many of the most important have been brought to their present success by the progressive methods of a younger generation. Prominent in this latter class was the late Fritz Mast, who was the junior member of the firm of Hofifman & Mast, of St. Joseph, where his birth took place JNIay 3, 1869, and his death July 8, 1898. He was a son of Christ and Augusta (Figge) Mast.

Christ Mast, father of the late Fritz Mast, was born in Altenstein, Wurtemberg, Germany, and was 16 years of age when he came to America. He soon found a home in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where he learned the printing trade. He was working in that city when the Civil War broke out, and early in 1861 he enlisted in a Pennsylvania regiment and served until the close of the war. Soon after its close, he came to St. Joseph, Missouri, and embarked in a liquor and ice business on Edmond street, later having his headquarters on Market square. He was a successful business man and soon built up a very large trade in ice, enough to warrant the forming of a corporation under the name of St. Joseph Ice Company, with himself as president and with a capital stock of $30,000. Later he became the sole proprietor of this business and ably managed it until his death, which occurred October 9, 1886, at the age of 50 years. In politics he was a Republican and he was a member of Custer Post, Grand Army of the Republic. In 1875 lis ^^'«is appointed United States deputy revenue collector and served in that capacity until September. 1885, when the new administration chose another for the place. He owned a large amount of real estate and was closely identified with the city's growth. He married in St. Joseph, Augusta Figge, who was also born in Germany. The family consisted of four children, viz : Fritz, Eda, Josephine and Oscar.

Our subject attended the common and high schools of St. Joseph until the death of his father threw business responsibilities upon his shoulders, and he was only 17 years of age when he took charge of the large ice business, which he managed very capably for some time. When he sold the business, in 1888, to J. O. Stevens, the company was doing the largest ice business in the city. In January, 1889, Mr. Mast purchased an interest with Mr. Hofifman and the firm became agents for the William J. Lemp Brewing Company, of St. Louis, and they successfully carried on a wholesale liquor business, Air. Mast being the traveling representative.

At St. Joseph, on July 16, 1890, Mr. Mast was united in marriage with Emma Engle, a member of one of the prominent families of St. Joseph, and they had two children : Irma Josephine and Elsie E. Mrs. Mast resides with her little daughters in a beautiful home at No. 503 South Ninth street.

Politically, Mr. Mast was a Republican, although he never took the active interest in politics that his father did, who for years was chairman of the City Council. Our subject was very popular with all classes and he was a valued member of the Sons of Veterans and the Improved Order of Red Men and the Knights of Pythias.

On. Thomas Jefferson Hill

ON. THOMAS JEFFERSON HILL, formerly a member of the County Court of Buchanan County, is a prominent farmer residing in section 4, Bloomington township. He w-as born in this township on May 23, 1858, and is a son of Thomas and Margaret (Norris) Hill.

Thomas Hill was born in White County, Tennessee, April 21, 1826, and came in 1840, to Buchanan County, Missouri, where he was permanently settled until 1865. He was then engaged in freighting and mining in the mountains until 1868, with the exception of which time he followed farming all his life. He cleared and improved a fine farm of 455 acres in Bloomington township, upon which he lived until his death. During the Civil War he served a short time in the "Paw-Paw Militia." Fraternally, he was a mem- ber of Wellington Lodge, No. 22, A. F. & A. M. He was married July 30, 1846, to Margaret Norris, who was born in Johnson County, Missouri, January 8, 1832, and accompanied her parents to Buchanan County in 1839. This union resulted in the following issue : William, born August 8, 1847, who married Rose Miller and lives at DeKalb ; Mrs. Mary E. Perkins, born September 18. 1848, a resident of St. Joseph; Mrs. Lucy J. Ort, born February 23, 1850, who lives at Grinnell, Kansas ; John, born August 23, 1852, who is deceased; James R., born March i, 1856; Thomas Jefferson; Mrs. Alice McNeil, born August 18, 1864; Florence Carson, born January i, 1869. who lives in Montana; and Robert E., born August 25. 1870.

Thomas J. Hill received his education in the district schools and the DeKalb School, and with the exception of the four years from 1898 to 1902, when he served as a member of the County Court, has always engaged in farming. He has a highly improved farm of 207 acres in section 4, Bloomington township, and follows general farming and stock-raising. He has materially aided in improving the roads of his district, serving most efficiently in the capacity of road overseer for a period of five' years.

In 1878, Judge Hill was united in marriage with Florence B. Carton, a daughter of Stephen Carton, and granddaughter of Zechariah Carton. The latter was bom iMarch 6, 1781, in Kentucky, and located in Indiana when it was still a Territory. In 1839, he came to Missouri, settling one and a half miles south of Bloomington, which is now known as DeKalb, where he preempted a claim in section 15, Bloomington township. He had a 160-acre tract which he and his sons cleared and cultivated. He died in 1852 and his wife in 1855. He married Polly ]\[iller, a native of Kentucky, and they reared the following children : Uriah, Nancy, Marie, John, Jennie, Sallie, William C, Polly, Stephen and Louis, three of whom are now living.

Stephen Carton, father of Mrs. Hill, was born in Decatur County, Indiana, May 15, 1826, and followed farming from the time he was 10 years old. In his boyhood days, very crude farming implements were in use. He first used the wooden mold-board plow, known as the Barshire, cut grain with a reaping hook, later with a cradle, and then with a cradle and dropper, the binding being done by hand. Tallow candles were molded at home and used for light, and flint and tinder used to ignite the candles. In 1846, in the Mexican W^ar, he was a teamster in the United States Army. In the spring of 1847 he returned home and worked in the hemp fields until 1850. In that year he removed to DeKalb and opened and conducted wdiat was known as the Kaughphey House. In 1886 he purchased 80 acres of land in section 16, Bloomington township, and thereafter farmed it. He helped to erect churches and schools and was a valued member of the community. On August 8, 1850, he married Sarah J. Percy, who was born in Putnam County, Indiana, and died June 12, 1855, leaving a son, Lawrence W. Mr. Carton was again married, November 28, 1855, to Jane Bretz of Marion County, Ohio, by whom he had five children, four of whom are living: James B., who is at home; Blanche (Pratter), whose husband is a farmer of this county; Florence B., wife of our subject; and May, who lives at home. Religiously, he and his wnie were members of the Missionary Baptist Church. Mrs. Carton died July 8, 1904, aged 67 years.

Judge Hill and his wife have had no issue. Religiously, they are members of the Missionary Baptist Church. They have a fine residence situated on a hill on their farm, commanding a fine view of the surrounding countrv. He is a stanch Democrat in politics, was a delegate to the State convention in 1896, and served as county central committeeman for four years. Fraternally, he is a member of DeKalb Lodge, No. 191, I. O. O. F. ; and Camp No. 1893, M. W. A., of St. Joseph.

ATE L. HICKOX, M. D., the leading physician and surgeon of the homeopathic school in St. Joseph, and a talented lady and successful practitioner, was born at Clayville, New York, and is a daughter of Cornelius J. and Mary L. (Luce) Knickerbocker.

Dr. Hickox belongs to one of the oldest and most aristocratic families of the Empire State. Her father died in New York in 1885, survived by his widow and three children. The mother of Dr. Hickox resides in Boston, Massachusetts.

The common schools of her native town gave Dr. Hickox her early education, which she supplemented by academic studies at Saquoit Academy and Whitestown Seminary, completing her literary course at the Clinton Liberal Institute, where she was graduated in 1872. Dr. Hickox read medicine under Dr. Wright, of Newton, Iowa, for two years, and under Dr. E. S. Bailey, of Chicago, and took a four-year course at Hahnemann Medical College at Chicago, from which she was graduated in 1887. In the same year she began practice at Chicago where she met with much success, but came to St. Joseph in 1889, finding here an appreciative public. Her skill was immediately recognized and she soon took a leading place with her professional brethren and is now recognized as one of the most able physicians of her school in the city. Not only is Dr. Hickox eminently qualified for the responsibilities resting upon her, but she possesses in marked degree all those necessary attributes of the real, true physician. She has a wide circle of personal frieirds who admire and love the woman as they esteem and respect the physician.

In 1874, Dr. Hickox, then Miss Knickerbocker, was united in marriage with James F. Hickox, and they have one daughter, - Augusta K. The latter is the wife of George F. Anderson, of St. Joseph, who is the trafiic manager for Swift & Company, packers of St. Joseph. The family belong to the Protestant Episcopal Church. They occupy a very pleasant and attractive home and Dr. Hickox makes use of three well-equipped rooms, for ofifice purposes, in the Commercial Block. She is medical examiner for the Ladies of the Maccabees, and was formerly examiner for the Knights and Ladies of Honor, Knights and Ladies of Security, Fraternal Aid, Iron Hall and others. She is a valued member of the American Institute of Homeopathy and the Missouri State and the Missouri A'alley Homeopathic Medical Associations. At the session of the Missouri Valley Homeopathic Medical Association, held in Kansas City, Missouri, in October. 1904. Dr. Hickox was elected a second vice- ]5rcsident for the ensin"ng year.

URD B. WRIGHT, librarian of the Free Public Library of St. Joseph, which he was largely instrumental in establishing, was for many years prominent in journalistic work in this section of the State. He was born September 4, i860, in Weston. Platte County. Missouri, and is a son of Allen and Frances (Sheley) Wright.

Allen Wright was born in Kentucky, whither his parents had moved from Virginia. He married Frances Shelev, who was born in Clav County, Missouri, and is a daughter of George Steptoe and Fannie (Moberly) Sheley, who migrated from Virginia to this State. Allen Wright died in 1866, and in 1868 the family moved from Weston to Cameron, Missouri, and later to Kearney, Missouri. Two years later they returned to Cameron, where Purd B. Wright received a commonschool education and at the age of 16 entered the printing office of the Vindicator, with which paper he learned the trade and subsequently served on the stafif as local editor. In 1883 he came to St. Joseph as field correspondent of the St. Joseph Herald, but returned to Cameron later in the year. Early in 1884, he was recalled to St. Joseph as city editor. In April, 1885, upon the reorganization of St. Joseph as a city of the second class, Mr. Wright became city clerk, an office he filled with credit for a period of 10 years. In 1890, in connection with Edward S. Douglas, he did the preliminary work in the organization of the Free Public Library, which has been of great benefit to the people. In 1895, he purchased the Journal of Coiniuerce and conducted it for one year, serving at the same time as secretary of the Commercial Club and secretary of the Retail Grocers' Association. In October, 1896, he was elected librarian of the Free Public Library, which position he still retains. He was prominent in the organization of the Missouri Library Association, and in 1903 was elected president of that society. In 1884, Mr. Wright was married to Lulu M. Floyd, of Sioux City, Iowa, by whom he has had one son, - Purd B., Jr., who was born in February, 1 90 1. Our subject is a man of high character and is held in high esteem by all who know him.

HARLES K. LESLIE, president and general manager of the DeKalb Hardware & Furniture Company, is one of the enterprising spirits of DeKalb, where he has resided many years and devoted his energies to the upbuilding of the town. He was born in Fulton County, Illinois, May 10, 1863, and is a son of Thomas H. and Jennie (Landis) Leslie.

Thomas H. Leslie was the oldest of six children born to Luther T. and Dorcas (Van Dorn) Leslie, and of these children one son and one daughter are now li\?ing. Thomas H. Leslie in early life was a farmer, fruit-grower and nurseryman, and in late years dealt extensively in real estate in Illinois and in Arkansas Countv, Arkanp sas. He was a veteran of the Civil War, enlisting from Illinois, and continued in the service for four years, participating in many of the principal engagements. He ranked as hospital steward. He and his wife are now deceased. They were parents of six children, as follows : E. T., of DeKalb : H. H. ; Anna, wife of E. V. Davis, of DeKalb ; Mrs. E. L. Chaney ; F. J., who died in early manhood ; and Charles K.

Charles K. Leslie was reared on his father's farm and like most farmer boys worked in summer and attended district school during the w'inter months. He attended school in Illinois and then in Arkansas County, Arkansas, after which he returned to Illinois, where he entered a private bank. He learned the banking business thoroughly, then returned to Arkansas where he engaged in banking with prominent business men. In connection with these gentlemen, he established the town of Stuttgart, which has acquired a population of about 4.000 inhabitants. In 1896, Mr. Leslie moved to DeKalb, Missouri, and engaged as cashier of the Derge-Campbell Banking Company, a State bank, with which he continued until August, 1903. He then took charge of the De- Kalb Hardware & Furniture Company, of which he has been president and manager since its incorporation. I. X. Lewns is vice-president of the company, E. T. Leslie, secretary, and \A'alter W. Head, treasurer. It was organized in 1897 and later incorporated with a capital stock of $20,000.' This company carries a complete line of general hardware, furniture, farm implements, wagons and buggies and does the principal undertaking Inisiness in its section. In addition, the companv conducts a lumber-yard, with a $6,000 stock. The lumber business is carried on by a duplicate system, each day's receipts being itemized and recorded through the DeKalb Hardware & Furniture Company's ofifice. It is^ the most complete busin.ess of the kind in the count}-, and the receipts of this com])an}- arc increasing rapidly each >ear, which fact pays a silent tribute to the abilitv of its president and manager. Mr. Leslie is one of the most ])rogressive men of the town, and has served as president of the School Board, has served three terms on the Town Board and as mayor two terms.

In 1890, Cliarles K. Leslie was married in Arkansas to Edna E. Sullards, who was born in \'ernon County, Missouri, and they are parents of three children : Charles K., Jr. ; Ciladys J. ; and Mildred. Fraternally, our subject is a member of Camp Xo. 5256, M. W. A.: Lodge Xo. 191,

I. O. O. F. ; and the Ancient Order of United Workmen. Religiously, he and his wife are members of the Alethodist Episcopal Church, South, of which he was one of the stewards a number of years. They reside in DeKalb in a comfortable and modern home south of the school.

T. JOSEPH HOSPITAL, a vit-w of which appears on the opposite page, is conducted by the Sisterhood of St. Vincent de Paul. It is without doubt the best equipped and most modern hospital m the Missouri \'alley. It represents the persistent, conscientious and well-directed efiforts of a sisterhood of noble, self-sacrificing women of the Catholic faith, who have dedicated their lives to the cause of charity and to the care of the sick and suffering.

The pretentious structure known as St. Joseph Hospital is beautifully situated in the center of extensive, w^ell-kept grounds, on the corner of 10th and Powell streets. This perfected institution has developed from a most unpromising beginning. In 1868 a colony of Sisters came to St. Joseph from Baltimore, for the purpose of establishing a hospital. As there was no encouragement in that line, at the time, the . good Sisters opened an academy for girls, on the south side of Felix street, in a building then owned by the late Dr. A. S. Long. The school was continued at this location until 1883, when the community moved to its present home. Here a magnificent btiilding had been erected by the late Mrs. Amanda Corby, upon a block of ground which had been donated for the purpose by her late husband, some years previously.

After the Sisters had taken charge of the newbuilding, they continued their school until the l)reparation and equipment for the opening of the hospital was completed and this great charity was inaugurated in 1891. Since then additions have been made to the original building, a notable one being completed in 1903. The hospital has a capacity for accommodating 200 patients. While it is under the immediate direction of the Catholic Church, the sick and sufi^ering of all or of no creed are welcomed, the abounding charity being broad and deep enough to ignore all creeds and to recognize only the pitiful need of human help. Presiding over this great institution with all the necessary executive ability and with the unworldlv devotion of a devout Sister of her order, is Sister ]\Iary Gabriel, who came to the institution in 1900, succeeding Sister Mary Rose. She has under her gentle sway a corps of 20 trained Sisters, whose kind ministrations and watchful, unselfish care have won the love and admiration of hundreds of patients who have had nothing else to give.

EREMIAH M. KARRIS, deceased, was for many years one of the leading business men of St. Joseph, whose large marble and granite industry ranked vvith the prosperous concerns of this city. Mr. Farris was born in Howard County, Missouri, on Christmas Day, 1837, and was one of a family of eight children born to his parents William and Eliza (Murphy) Farris. His death occurred lulv 25, 1901, at his home at No. 607 North I2th street in this city. The parents of the mother of our subject were prominent people of Virginia and large slave-holders.

The late Mr. Farris was educated in the schools of Boonville, Cooper County, Missoiiri, and was only a boy when he started out in life for himself, becoming a pilot on the river. He continued to follow this calling until he located at St. Joseph, in i860, when he became associated with E. K. Bedwell, who carried on a stone and granite business. Mr. Farris continued with him until he had completely mastered the trade and then bought the business, which he thereafter carried on here until his death. As a business man he was held in the highest esteem. He prospered but only in a legitimate way, his methods at all times being upright and honoraljle.

Mr. Farris married Sallie J. Nixon, who is a daughter of the late George W. Nixon, who was one of the pioneer business men and large capitalists of St. Joseph. At one time the late Mr. Nixon owned a vast amount of property right in the center of St. Joseph, a large tract being located at Sixth and Felix streets. Of the seven children born to this marriage, two are deceased, viz : Mabel and Effie L. The latter, who was the wife of C. W. Halstead, died in 1897, leaving a beautiful little daughter, Juanita, who is her grandmother's companion and darling. Miss .'Mable Farris' death occurred about four months after her father's death, being struck by a runaway team. The surviving members of the family are: Emma E., Minnie H., George W. and Jerre J. and Jesse J. (twins). Mr. Farris was a consistent and liberal member of the Christian Church, to which his widow and family belong. While never willing to hold political office, the late Mr. Farris was a strong supporter of the Democratic party. He was associated fraternally with the Odd Fellows and the Knights of Pythias. Through a long and upright life he won the esteem of his fellow citizens and the affection of his family and his memory will long be kept green through the good he did and the influence he exerted.

OHN H. SAMPSON, 11. D., one of the well-established and prominent physicians and surgeons of St. Joseph, was born January 29, 1857, in Buchanan County, Missouri, and is a son of Benjamin and Eliza (Ewell) Sampson.

The mother of Dr. Sampson was also a native of ]\Iissouri, born in Ray County, but the father came from across the Mississippi, a native of Illinois. His life was mainly spent in this State, engaged in farming and milling. The son grew to young manhood acquainted with both industries, but chose to lead a professional life. His primary study of medicine was conducted under a local practitioner, and when prepared he entered the Missouri Medical College at St. Louis, an institution which has been the alma mater of many a noted member of the profession of medicine. Here Dr. Sampson was graduated in 1881 and in 1 89 1 he returned for a post-graduate course.

Soon after receiving his diploma. Dr. Sampson located at New Market, Platte County, Missouri, where he remain.cd four years. There he met with a kind reception, built up a large practice and still retains many of his patrons from that section. He moved to DeKalb, Missouri, March 15, 1885, and remained there 11 years in the practice of the profession, in association with J. W. and C. H. Martin of that city, until his removal to St. Joseph. In order to extend his field of usefulness and also to gain the experience which falls only to the city physician. Dr. Sampson located in St. Joseph, February 19, 1896. Here he also met with gratifying success and has formed many pleasant business, professional and social ties. His well-appointed office, consisting of a suite of six rooms, with all the modern appliances called in requisition in these enlightened davs, is located conveniently at No. 118^ North Fifth street. He has lectured on various branches at the Ensworth Medical College, and is now a

On x*\ugust 7, 1878, Dr. Sampson was united in marriage with Mary J. Parnell, of Buchanan County, Missouri. They have an interesting family of one son and five daughters. His son, C. M. Sampson, is a graduate of the St. Joseph High School and at the present time is a member of the graduating class of the Ensworth Medical

LI\'ER C. STEELE, who comes of one of the oldest and most prominent pioneer families of Buchanan County, is located upon the old family homestead in section 8, Bloomington township. He was born in Nodaway County, Missouri, October 21, 1862, and is a son of William T. and Elizabeth (Dooley) Steele, and a grandson of Rev. Oliver C. and Sarah (Hill) Steele. The great-grandfather of our subject was a native of Scotland and established the Steele family in the United States. He was a member of the old Hard-Shell Baptist Church, but subsequently became identified with the Christian Church. Rev. Oliver C. Steele was born in Kentucky in 1803 and began preaching the Gospel in early manhood. He had limited educational advantages, and after his marriage his v\nfe taught him to read. He was naturally studious and intellectual, and at the time of his death had a library of more than 500 volumes. He was instrumental in many young men (among them IMoses E. Lard) attending Bethany College, who became laborers in the work of introducing Christianity into the comunity in those early times. He ably defended the scriptural teachings and held that all human creeds should be put aside and the Bible be made the sole guide.

William T. Steele was born in Madison County, Kentucky, July 18, 1823, and lived in Richmond until 1840, then moved to Platte County, Missouri, where he was located until 1856. He then resided in Nodaway County for six years, and from 1862 until the spring of 1866 lived in Andrew County. In the latter year he came to Buchanan County. His education was secured in the public schools, and in Bethany College and the Academy of Cincinnati, attending each of the latter institutions two years. He owned a large farm in Buchanan County, which he greatly improved, setting out an excellent orchard of several hundred of apple and other fruit trees.

He was married April 17, 1853, to Elizabeth Dooley, who was born in Park County, Indiana, December 11, 1835, ^^^'^ ^^'^^ ^ daughter of Elder John Dooley, M. D., who came to Buchanan County from Springfield. Missouri, March 16, 1867. They had the following issue: John; Sarah, Clara and Oliver C. Mrs. Steele died March 16, 1867, and he formed a second union with her sister, Julia Dooley, on December 18, 1867. The latter was born in Park County, Indiana, February 4, 1838, and as a result of her union with Mr. Steele had the following children : Silas, Elizabeth and William T. Mr. Steele died July 15, 1899, and his wife on November 16, 1903. He was a man of religious nature and for 40 years was a member of the Christian Church.

Oliver C. Steele was reared on a farm, and attended the district schools and the Platte City School. He has always engaged in general farming and stock-raising, and was associated with his brother, J. R. Steele, in that business, buying and shipping stock under the firm name of O. C. & J. R. Steele until 1904, when the partnership was dissolved. He was married in 1889 and continued on the old homestead with his parents a few months thereafter, then moved upon his present farm of 156 acres in section 8, Bloomington township. One half of his farm is under cultivation, and he has made many important improvements upon it, building fences and setting out a good orchard. He also erected a comfortable residence. His wife has been a true helpmeet, assisting to pay for the home farm. She inherited from her father a farm of 160 acres in Doniphan County, Kansas. She is a woman of the highest order of intelligence and refinement, and to her is due much credit for the success of her husband. The home farm is well stocked, Mr. Steele having standard cattle, 75 head of hogs and good horses.

On November 13, 1889, Oliver C. Steele was married to Mary E. Fenton, who was born in Kansas, September 5, 1863, and is a daughter of Samuel and Delila (Fenton) Fenton, being descended from old colonial stock on both sides of the house. Her father, Samuel Fenton, was born January 28, 1809, in Kentucky, and was a son of John and Sarah (Fields) Fenton, and grandson of Michael Fenton. John and Sarah (Fields) Fenton were parents of the following children, all now deceased: Samuel; Melinda ; William; Martha ; Madison ; Elizabeth and Amanda. When a young man, Samuel Fenton moved to near Win-

Chester, Ohio, and received a good educational training in Kentncky. being of a Hterary turn of mind. In Ohio, he engaged in farming and >tock-raising until 1858, then made a visit to Missouri in search of a location. July 4, i860, he removed to Doniphan County, Kansas, and purchased four quarter sections of land, the countrv being in a comparatively wild state at that time. \y\\i\ game abounded, and Indians were common in that locality. He and his family lived in the little preemption house, which the preemptor had built on this claim, and had 80 acres under cultivation, following general farming and stock-raising. Atchison, Kansas, w as the nearest trading point. He was a great home man and a lover of books, and lived on his farm there until his death, January 17, 1887. February 24, i860, he was married in Ohio, to Delila Fenton. who was born in Ohio, May 3, 1829.

Delila Fenton was a daughter of William and Mary (Kendall) Fenton, and a granddaughter of Jeremiah and Rosa (Lawrence) Fenton. Her earliest ancestors in this country came from England and first located in A'irginia, on what they call Apple Fie Ridge. They moved to Pennsylvania, thence to Kentucky and still later to Adams County, Ohio. Her mother, Mary Kendall, was of Welsh descent, paternally, and German descent maternally. Her father, James Kendall, moved from Pennsylvania to Ohio, where he purchased 1,000 acres of land to provide farms for his sons and after purchasing a farm for himself had $1,000 left. He was an immensely wealthy man for his times. They were strong Methodists. William Fenton and his wife were parents of the following children : Samuel, deceased ; Ruhama. deceased ; Rosanna, deceased ; Elizabeth, who lives in Greenfield, Missouri, at the age of 80 years ; Marv Ann, deceased ; Delila, mother of Mrs. Steele, who is 75 years of age ; Caroline, who is living at the age of 72 years ; Jeremiah, aged 67 years ; Rachel Brown ; James Brown ; and William Baker. Mrs. Fenton, mother of Mary Steele, recently visited the old homestead in Ohio, where she was born, and the conditions had changed .so she did not realize it was the same i)lace. Her grandfather's ])lace had been torn down, and the great advancement along all lines brought forcibly to her mind the great changes constantly wrought by the progress of civilization. Her cousin, John Cockrell, a son of Randolph Cockrell, who was a prominent attorney and a Member of Congress, was famed as an editor and commanded the enormous salary of $20,000 a year. Another cousin, Lucien Fenton, lives in Winchester, Ohio, and served in the United States Congress two terms. Governor Fenton of New York was also a connection of the family. Mrs. Fenton was educated in the district schools in Ohio, and later attended the school in the town of Winchester. She is a woman of literary attainments and is well read. Her father was a soldier in the War of 1812, and received a land warrant for fighting Indians, and two brothers served in the Union Army' during the Civil War. Samuel and Delila Fenton were parents of the following children : Alfred L., of Dentonville, Kansas, who married Anna Schulsky ; John Fenton, who died in infancy ; George Washington, deceased ; Mary E. ; and Elizabeth C, wife of Andrew O. Delaney, of Leona, Kansas.

Oliver C. and Mary E. (Fenton) Steele are parents of three sons : Samuel Fenton ; Thomas Christopher and Alfred C. They have a modern home on their farm in Bloomington township, where they welcome their many friends throughout the communitv.

ICHARD EDWARD TURNER, who was engaged in the wholesale grocery business in St. Joseph for a period of more than 37 years, is one of the foremost residents of the city, where he is now living in the peace and enjoyment of retired life at his fine residence at No. 515 North Fifth street. He has been identified with many quasipublic and private enterprises, and has contributed his full share toward making St. Joseph a city of the first class in every respect.

Mr. Turner was born at Culpeper Court House, Virginia, August 25, 1830, and is a son of Zephaniah and Susan (Tutt) Turner, who were married at Culpeper Court House, December 19, 1816. The father of Zephaniah was a colonel in the Revolutionary Armv, and he himself fought for his country in the \\'ar of 1812.

Richard Edward Turner attended the public schools in Ohio and Missouri until he was 14 years old, and such education as he has since received has been through contact with the world. .At the age of 14 he was clerk in the store of James A. Tutt, at Alillersburg, Missouri, and in 1848 he took charge of the mercantile house of T. P. Bell in Cooper County, which he conducted with success for some time. He next engaged with a whrtlc^alc and retail dr}- goods firm at

Boonville, Missouri, until the spring- of 1850. when he accepted a situation as bookkeeper for Abram Nave at Savannah, Missouri. In 185 1, &Ir. Turner went to Salt Lake City, Utah, witli a stock of goods owned by Mr. Nave and himself and spent the winter of 1851-52 at that place. He found it necessary to exchange the merchandise in his charge for horses, cattle and mules, which he took to California and- disposed of profitably, returning to Savannah in November, 1852, by way of the Isthmus of Panama and New Orleans. In 1854, Mr. Nave and ])artners sent Mr. Turner to California in charge of a second expedition. The party was made up of 30 men, with 16 wagons. 50 horses and mules and 700 steers in the train, which he safely conducted to the ranch on the Sacramento River, and in the fall of 1854 returned to Savannah b\ wa\' of Nicaragua and New York.

On January i, 1855, Mr. Turner formed a partnership with Abram Nave and James Mc- Cord to conduct, under his management, a retail store at Oregon, Missouri. The venture was successful. In 1858, they removed the stock to Eorest City, where the business was continued until i860. In that year Mr. Turner purchased the, interests of his partners and associated himself with H. L. Williams and John AI. Frazer, under the firm name of Turner, Frazer & Company. The new firm .conducted the business at the old stand until 1864, Vvdien they removed it to St. Joseph, and established a wholesale grocery house, the firm later becoming incorporated as the Turner-Frazer Mercantile Company. A large store was built at Third and Charles streets and was occupied by them some 20 years ; it is now occupied by the Sheridan-Clayton Paper Com]:)any. Mr. Turner retired on May i, 1901.

During these many years of activity, Mr. Turner had many and varied interests. He has been member of the board of trustees of William Jewell College, of Liberty, ]Missouri, for 25 vears and president of the board for six years ; is chairman of the board of trustees of the Hoagland Memorial Fund ; was president of the Merchants' P>ank of St. Joseph three years ; was instrumental in building the first street railway line and the first electric light plant in St. Joseph, and was president of the street railway company for 25 years and of the electric light company for a considerable period ; was a promoter of the St. loseph & St. Louis road, now the Santa Fe Railway, serving as vicc-presirlent when the road was built : was connected with the company that built the

St. Joseph & Grand Island road to Hastings, Nebraska ; was president of the first Board of Trade in St. Joseph ; and is a large stockholder in the Jones- Payne Hat Company, of St. Joseph. Mr. Turner is preeminently a business man, business being his life and pleasure. He made moderate gain annually, and that satisfied him : slowly but surely he earned his competency, wtih the pleasing retrospection that it has been fairly acquired.

Mr. Turner has been a Alason for 40 years, and is a member of the Missionary Baptist Church. Fie is a conservative Democrat, favoring tariff for revenue only and a gold standard. He is in good health and active, and his future promises much of good to himself and society.

EORGE TUNIS HOAGLAND, deceased, became identified with the lumber business at St. Joseph in the early davs of the city's history, when this was a field of unlimited opportunities. He availed himself of every opportunity for advancement and became one of the most prosperous business men of Northwestern ^Missouri.

Mr. Hoagland vvas born at Elizabethtown (now Elizabeth), New Jersey, February 7. 1814, and was a son of Cornelius and Catherine (Brown) Hoagland. He received but a meagre education in the common schools of his native town, laying aside his books when very young to learn the trade of a carpenter. He followed carpentering in and about Elizabethtown and afterward in'^New York City until 1838, when he removed to Boonville, Missouri, and engaged in selling lumber and contracting for the erection of public and private buildings. He continued there until 1852, when he removed to St. Joseph, which continued as his home until his death on October 30, 1903. He established the first lumber-yard in St. Joseph in 1852, and in 1861 opened a similar business in (Omaha, Nebraska, which is now being carried on by his eldest son, George A. Hoagland. who is owner and manager. In 1862 our subject opened a lumber-yard at Council Bluffs, Iowa, and some years later a wholesale lumber-yard at Hannibal. Missouri. Subsequently he became interested in the manufacture and sale of lumber at Eau Claire, Wisconsin, and at Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin. He was also a stockholder in the Badger Lumber Company, which has yards at various points in Missouri,

Nebraska, Kansas, and Oklahoma, the headquarters of the business being in Kansas City, Missouri. Mr. Hoagland, in politics, held to a strong independence, regarding it to be the duty of the citizen to act as his conscience might dictate, disregarding all blind allegiance to a party for the party's sake, or because he might have acted with it at one time or other. In early manhood he was a Whig. As old issues disappeared and new issues arose, he became a Democrat. Before his death he acted with the Prohibitionists. In a personal way he cared nothing for practical politics, and never held any public office except that of councilman, considering that such service is a duty that a good citizen owes to his neighbors and to his community.

Fully 70 years ago, George T. Hoagland became a member of the Presbyterian Church but subsequently united with the Alethodist Episcopal Church, South. He had always lived a consistent. Christian life, and his religion was much more than a mere profession. His benefactions were frequent and generous. Friends, who have reason to know whereof they speak, have stated that his contributions for religious, philanthropic and benevolent purposes during the last 15 years of his life were in excess of $100,000.

Mr. Hoagland was imited in marriage with Nannie A. Gale, of Elizabethtown, New Jersey, February 2, 1842. Three children were born to them, all of whom are now living, namely : George A., of Omaha, Nebraska ; Theodore B., in business in St. Joseph; and Emaline B., wife of B. R. Vineyard, who is a prominent attorney of St. Joseph. Mr. Hoagland retired from active business about 1880, and lived in the pleasant companionship of his wife and family. Upon his death he left a large estate. Mrs. Hoagland, although in the 89th year of her age, is hale and hearty and is spending her declining years in the peace and comfort of home life, surrounded by her children and grandchildren.

SAAC V. RILEY, county school commissioner of Buchanan County, was born in this county on August 10, 1869, and is one of a family of 1 1 children born to his parents, Isaac and Raghene (Long) Riley, old pioneer settlers, residents of Wayne township.

schools of the county. He has always been deeply interested in educational matters and his choice as county school commissioner in April. 1903, gave general satisfaction. The office is no sinecure, as he has under his charge some 80 teachers. The position requires many qualities, which Mr. Riley possesses in eminent degree, not the least of these being great executive ability. This position brings him into contact with citizens from all parts of the county and is in regular line for higher things. It is the opinion of his friends that he has the ability to effectively perform the duties of a State office.

Mr. Riley is fraternally connected with both the Masons and the Odd Fellows. He lives on the Riley homestead in Wayne township, not far distant from the pleasant town of DeKalb. He deservedly has a wide circle of warm personal friends. To these he continually adds through his able administration of the duties of his position as school commissioner. His predecessor in office was the late well-known educator, H. O. Nevell.

MOS LINCOLN JONES, a prominent business man and representative citizen of DeKalb, Buchanan County, who conducts a large coal, feed and flour business and owns a large elevator in the town, belongs to one of the old pioneer families of this section of the State. He was born December 23, 1862, in Bloomington township, Buchanan County, Missouri, and is a son of Peter Alexander Jones, an esteemed resident of Bloomington township.

Holland Jones, our subject's grandfather, was born in Virginia, June 27, 1801, and when seven years of age, accompanied his parents to Kentucky. Later he went to Illinois, and in 1846 came to ^lissouri, preempting a claim of 320 acres of fine land in Bloomington township, Buchanan County, the patent to which, signed by President James K. Polk in 1841. is in our subject's possession. This land he cultivated until 1881, when, he sold it to his son, Peter A. Jones, who still occupies it. The grandfather died November 6, 1886. He had been twice married and three of his eight children of his first union still survive, Peter A. Jones being one. Of the eight children of his second marriage, five are still surviving.

Amos L. Jones was reared on the home farm and was educated in the district schools of Bloomington tov>-nship, attending during the winter sessions and assisting in the farm work in the summer. Through close application he fitted himself for teaching by the time he had reached his majority, and spent about seven years as a teacher through Buchanan and Platte counties. After his marriage in 1884. he settled on the old homestead and lived there for 16 years and then removed to his own farm, also in Bloomington township, which he occupied for two years. In 1901 he purchased a farm within a quarter of a mile of DeKalb and lived there two years. In 1904 he bought a well-located lot and liandsome residence on the east side of the public square in DeKalb, and this has been the family home ever since. In the fall of 1902 he purchased an elevator which has a capacity of 4,000 bushels, and did a large business in 1903, shipping about 80,000 bushels of wheat. He also carries on a large business in coal, feed and flour and is one of the leading business citizens of the place.

On March 30, 1884, Mr. Jones was united in marriage with Naomi B. Miller, who is a daughter of John H. and Margaret (Brown) Miller, old and honored settlers of Buchanan County. Mr. and Mrs. Miller had three children and Mrs. Jones is the second' in order of birth. Mr. and Mrs. Jones have four children : Bessie B., Lena lA., Rollie E. and Virgil R. The family belong to the Christian Church.

Politically, Mr. Jones is identified with the Republican party, and is a member of the village and the school boards. Fraternally, he is connected with Lodge No. 191, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and Camp No. 5256, Modern Woodmen of America.

L. MARNEY, who was one of the most prominent business citizens of St. Joseph, for niore than 30 years having, dominated the mercantile line, died in Chicago, Illinois, on July 18, 1898.

in that locality. For a number of years he was associated with, the railroad business, but after locating in St. Joseph, in 1867, he confined his atr tention to merchandising. As a member of the retail mercantile firm of Chambers & Marney, he built up an immense business ; the death of Mr. Chambers some years previous to his own made no change in the firm name, although it added responsibilities to Mr. Marney. He was a man of fine business ability as was evidenced by the success of all his undertakings. He had long been considered one of the city's capitalists.

The death of Mr. Marney removed from St. Joseph a citizen, whose example was followed, counsel asked and friendship desired, and whose public spirit and whose superior qualities of mind and character made him a prominent factor , for so many years in the city's life. His place in the development of the commercial prestige of St. Joseph will long remain. The beautiful old family home of Mr. Marney continues to be that of his family, and is located at 12th and Francis streets, St. Joseph.

APT. JOHN BLOOMER. Few citizens of St. Joseph were better known than the late Capt. John Bloomer, whose death took place on November 3, 1900, and few indeed are recalled with more sincere respect. Captain Bloomer was born in County Tyrone, Ireland, near Omagh, May 15, 1835. and was a son of Michael and Ann (McSherry) Bloomer.

A sister of Captain Bloomer had found a home at Litchfield, Connecticut, and when he had reached the age of 18 years and had accumulated enough capital to carry him across the Atlantic, he joined this sister and very soon found remunerative work on the neighboring farms. Three years later he moved to Dodge County, Nebraska, where he entered and improved a farm for three years and then sold it in order to settle at St. Joseph, Missouri, which was then becoming a great freight depot.

Captain Bloomer came to this city in 1859 and being a man of courage and physical strength, both being necessities in those dangerous days, he was engaged very quickly for freighting across the plains to Denver, some 800 miles distant. He engaged in work for the government at first but later began freighting for. himself and h» continued in the business until the close of the Civil War.

In 1866, Captain Bloomer first became a member of the wSt. Joseph police force; in 1868 he was appointed street commissioner ; and in 1887, when the new cit}' charter was adopted and the metropolitan police system was inaugurated, he was made police sergeant. In March. 1888, he succeeded the late Captain Broyles to the captaincy, and this position he held until his death, with a fidelity to the interests of the public, which earned for him the esteem and gratitude of his fellow citizens. He was unswerving in the line of duty and made the police force under his administration a credit to his management and an lionor to the city.

In 1858, in Nebraska. Captain Bloomer married Abbie O'Reilly, who was formerly a resident of New York City, and they had nine children, of whom six are now deceased. The children living arc three daughters: Fannie (Mrs. B. O'Connor), of St. Joseph; and Abbie and Anna, who live at home. These children were all given superior educational advantages and pre- ])ared to take prominent positions in society. The family are members of the Catholic Church.

Captain Bloomer was a liberal contributor in support of the various benevolent enterprises of the Catholic Church, of which he was a devout member, and was always ready to give generously to advance the best interests of the city in any direction. A beautiful monument marks the spot in Mount Olivet Cemetery where his remains lie. and his memory will long be cherished by his family and many friends. His widow, one of the highly esteemed residents of St. Joseph, lives in a comfortable home at No. 1502 South 1 ith street.

HRIST OZENBERGER, a prominent farmer of Washington township, Buchanan County, owning a ])roductive farm of 100 acres, situated in section 32, township 58, range 34, is also an honored survivor of the great Civil War, through which he served with gallantry and loyalty. He was born in Holmes County, Ohio, January 19, 1837, and is a son of Nicholas and Magdalena (Scheidcgcr) Ozenberger.

The Ozenberger family originated in Switzerland. There our subject's father was born January 11. 1807. With his brother. Peter, and other members of the family, including" his father. Christian Ozenberger. he came to the United States in 183 1 as a member of a large party of Swiss, who chartered a boat for the passage. They landed in New York and settled as pioneers in Holmes County, Ohio. Nicholas Ozenberger was a carpenter by trade and also owned a farm in Ohio. In 183 1 he married, and in the fall of 1847, with his family, started by boat for St. Joseph, Missouri. He bought 200 acres of land in Buchanan County and farmed here until the close of his life, at the age of 87 years and five days. His widow survived until September, 1904, lier age at death being 92 years and 24 days. They had 13 children, the survivors being: Elizabeth (Mrs. Spellman) ; ]\Iarion (Mrs. Wildy) ; Christ, of this sketch; Magdalena (Mrs. Zessett) ; Abraham and Peter, farmers in Washington township ; Samuel; Sarah (Mrs. Stuber), Caroline (Mrs. l-"unkhouser) ; and George, who assists our subject on the home farm.

Mr. Ozeriberger of this sketch was reared to farm life and has been actively engaged in agricultural pursuits ever since he left school. His wide experience has enabled him to cope successfully with the various diversities of soil, with the climatic changes and with all those problems which meet the farmer on every side. His 100 acres are devoted largely to grains and to grapes. In 1874 he built the commodious family residence, but the old log cabin which was erected 43 years ago is still standing. It comfortably sheltered the family for many years.

In 1862 Mr. Ozenberger entered the I'nion Army for service in the Civil War, then in progress, enlisting at St. Joseph, in the 82d Missouri Regiment, Vol. Cav., uncler Colonel McDonald. Under this gallant leader the regiment performed many deeds of valor through Missouri and Kansas and proved of the greatest value to the government. Although Mr. Ozenberger was in danger on many occasions, he passed safely through all dangers and, after 30 months in the army, was honorably discharged. Since then he has resided o.n the old homestead in Washington townshi]:). The family is well known in this locality, its members being noted for excellence in farming and for their genuine, substantial characters and good citizenship. Politically, Mr. Ozenberger has always been a Republican, as was his father.

Kendall Brooks Randolph

ENDALL BROOKS RANDOLPH, a prominent and highly successful attorney of St. Joseph, whose portrait ap- ])ears on the opposite page, was born October 10. 1859, at Atlanta. Logan County, Illinois, and is a son of Rev. Moses M. and Josephine M. (Mounier) Randolph.

The Randolph family were early settlers of the State of Virginia. The grandfather of our subject, William Randolph, located as a pioneer in lUinoist where he became an extensive landowner. Moses M. Randolph was a student of Shurtleff College. Copper Alton, and later of Hamilton University, New York where he fitted himself for the ministry. After serving other Baptist churches, he was placed in charge of a Baptist Church at Tonica, LaSalle County, Illinois. This was during the first days of the Rebellion, and in 1862 a company was formed in the church of which he was pastor - Company B'., 104th Reg., Illinois \'ol. Inf. - and he was made 1st lieutenant. They marched to the front of battle and on December 10, 1862, at Hartsville, Tennessee, in the first engagement in which the company participated. Rev. Mr. Randolph was among those brave "boys in blue" who sacrificed their lives for their country's honor. He had been joined in marriage to Josephine M. Mounier, a native of Philadelphia. Mrs. Randolph's father, wi'.o had been a soldier in Napoleon's army, came to the United States soon after the famous battle of Waterloo, and settled in Pennsylvania. The children born to our subject's parents were as follows: Kendall Brooks; Ella R. (Mrs. Canary), whose husband is a contractor residing in Chicago : Francis W., who died February 12, 1894, in his 31st year at Kansas City where he was a prosperous young lawyer and at one time assistant counsel of the city ; and Grace, also deceased. After her widowhood, iNTrs. Randolph remained a few years at Tonica, then removed to Normal, Illinois, for a short time, from there moving to DeKalb County, Missouri, and later locating in Maysville where she departed this life April 14, 1904.

Kendall B. Randolph may well be called a self-made man, having worked his way with zeal and unflagging energy through many difficulties to his present promising position in life. He was educated at Normal, Illinois. Having decided upon the legal profession, he made use of every opportunity to become master of its manv knotty points and to this end engaged in teaching school in DcKalb and Daviess counties, Missouri, at the same time spending his leisure time in the study of Blackstone's "Commentaries" and other textbooks. He then entered the law office of T. W. Collins, under whose preceptorship he studied for six months at St. Josepli, and in October, 1882, two years after he first took up the study, he was admitted to the bar at ^Maysville. Two years later he was elected prosecuting attorney of DeKalb County and served two years. In 1888, he opened a law office in St. Joseph and for a number of }ears was junior member of the firm of Reed. James & Randolph, with offices on Francis street, but later he moved to his commodious quarters in the German-American Bank Building. He engages in general practice in the State and Federal Courts and is a member of the bar of the Fruited States Supreme Court. He has been quite successful, having a large and desirable clientage. In 1901 he was appointed city counselor of St. Joseph by Mayor John Combe and served with credit in that capacity for two years, retiring in April, 1903. In 1896 he was the Republican nominee for circuit judge against Thomas H. Parrish and ran largely ahead of his ticket, and again in 1898. against Judge A. .M. Woodsom, also running ahead of his ticket.

Mr. Randolph was married May 3, 1885, to Addie Weatherby, daughter of Dr. L. H. Weatherby, of Maysville, and five children have been born to them, viz: Cloie, born April 15. 1887; Lewis F., born September 28, 1889 ; John P., bom July 5, 1895 ; Helen P., born January 19, 1901 ; and Kendall B., Jr., born March 31, 1904. ^Mr. Randolph is a Mason, being a member of St. Joseph Commandery, K. T., and Moila Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S., and is also a Modern. Woodman of America. His wife is a Daughter of Isis, an auxiliarv organization to the Mvstic Shrine.

ETER F. OZENBERGER, one of the leading farmers of Washington township, Buchanan County, and a member of one of the earliest settled families of the county, was born December 24, 1858, on his present farm of 60 acres, situated in section 2, township 57, range 35. He is a son of Peter and Elizabeth (Steiner) Ozenberger.

Our subject comes of a pioneer family. His paternal grandfather. Christian Ozenberger, was a native of Switzerland, where he became a man of wealth and influence and held public office. At this distant dav, under dififerent conditions of life, we can not perhaps fully understand why this Swiss official consented to cross the sea and seek a new home for himself and a colony of his countrymen, but such was the case. When the father of our subject was about 20 years old, the worthy grandfather joined 120 of his fellow citizens and they chartered a vessel to take them to America, paying the goodly sum of $10,000. The trip from their native cantons was made on foot, througli Switzerland and France to the port of Havre, where the sailing vessel awaited them and safely landed them at the port of New York, after 43 days on the Atlantic Ocean. The little colony of emigrants started out again on foot, walked over the tow-path of the Erie Canal and finally reached their destination, - Holmes County, Ohio. They were the pioneers of that section, which is still noted for the dirift and energy of its people.

The sturdy old grandfather died in Ohio, at the age of 82 years, leaving his fellow countrymen and family well established and prosperous. The Ozenbergers remained in Ohio from 183 1 until 1849. Peter Ozenberger, father of our subject, was born in Switzerland, September it, 181 1, and married in Ohio. With his family, in the spring of 1849 he went to Wheeling, Virginia (now West Virginia), where they embarked for St. Louis, Missouri, bound for St. Joseph, which point was also reached by boat, z'ia the Ohio, Mississippi and IMissouri rivers. Mr. Ozenberger was a farmer and came to the State with the intention of following an agricultural life. He soon found land in Buchanan County to suit his fancy, and our subject's farm is a part of the original 160-acre tract his father bought. He increased his possession to 180 acres and continued to farm here until the close of his life, at the age of 74 years. His children were : Catherine, Daniel, Elizabeth, Rosa, William A., Caroline, John (deceased), Peter F. and Charles.

Peter F. Ozenberger was educated in the Woodbine District School. His life has been devoted to farming and dairying. The farm's location within a mile and a half of the citv limits of St. Joseph, adds to its value, but it has always been a valuable property on* account of the fertility of its soil. The excellent cultivation given it by Mr. Ozenberger has increased its value materially. He devotes eight acres to orchard and garden and reserves enough land to pasture 20 cows, utilizing the remainder in general farming.

formerly Bertha Jecklin, and they have two children : Henry and Ruth. Mr. and Mrs. Ozenberger are consistent members of the German Reformed Church. Politically, he is a Democrat. He belongs to two fraternal organizations, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Modern Woodmen of America. Mr. Ozenberger is a man who is thoroughly respected by all who know him, being honest and upright in his dealings with his fellow men and prominent in church and community.

ON. SIMEON KEMPER was, at the time of death, March 11, 1883, one of the oldest citizens of Buchanan County in point of residence and years, being 84 years of age. He was born in Montgomery County, Kentucky, February 5, 1799, and moved in 1837 with his family to Missouri, where he lived one year in Clay County and one year in Clinton County.

On February 20, 1840, Mr. Kemper located in Buchanan County, on the northwest quarter of section 9, township 57, range 35, building at that time a double log house which he occupied several years. This property he afterward platted, and placed it on the market as Kemper's Addition. It was annexed to the city and is now the most beautiful residence portion of St. Joseph. Early in May, 1843, ^^^- Kemper was employed by Joseph Robidoux to lay ofif the city of St. Joseph ; he staked oft" the city twice, the first time diagonally with the land, and the second time north and south. The city proper is located on the southwest quarter of section 8, township 57. range 35, and was then known as Blacksnake Llills, since which time many additions have been annexed.

One of the many interesting incidents connected with the life of Mr. Kemper was when Joseph Robidoux, deciding to plat his land into city lots, permitted two voung engineers, Simeon Kemper and Frederick W. Smith, rivals in business, to compete with plans. The Kemper city plat showed wide streets and Western expansivencss, while the Smith plan was after European models, with narrow streets, the idea being utility more than beauty. The latter plan pleased Robidoux, who regarded old St. Louis as a model city and he adopted the Smith i:)lan. The people of St. Joseph to-day, who find the streets too narrow for their busy traffic, have much cause to

In October, 1848, under the direction of Governor Robert M. Stewart, he made a preHminary survey through to Hannibal, of the Hannibal & St. Joseph Railroad, about two months being required for the work. Some two years afterward, under the superintendence of Major Bucklin, he located the permanent line about one-third of the way, working almost the whole of one winter, for all of which work it is said he never received remuneration of any kind.

' In 1835, Mr. Kemper married Jane A. Shortridge, a native of Baltimore, Maryland. Of their 10 children only one survives, Charles S. Kemper, who has long been connected with the wholesale dry goods business of St. Joseph and at present is a buyer for the Richardson-Roberts Dry Goods Company. He married Mary Robinson, of Danville, Missouri, and has a familv of six children : Jennie R., Charles S., Jr., Mary Lee, Eliza, Mildred and Louise. They reside at No. 1328 Francis street, St. Joseph.

For very many years, Simeon Kemper was an earnest and consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. During his long residence in this city of his choice and afifection, he championed every movement designed to advance her interests or to build up her commercial and social standing. He commanded the respect of old and young and was beloved by his kindred, honored by his contemporaries and esteemed by all who knew him. As one of the foundation builders of St. Joseph, his name deserves a lasting memorial.

OHN DeCLUE, a pioneer among the leading builders and contractors of St. Joseph, and proprietor of a large planing mill in this city, was born in the city of New York, in 1821, and died October 23, 1899.

Mr. DeClue enjoyed the educational advantages offered in a city like the great metropolis in which he was born. When he grew to manhood, he learned the trade of carpenter, and equipped with this he made a visit to Illinois, but not finding conditions to suit him there he returned to New York two years later, in 1852, and remained there until 1859, when he came to St. Joseph, Missouri. He had made great progress in his trade, and immediately began contracting and building here on a large scale. Many of the fine and substantial buildings, which are ornaments to the city, stand as monuments to his taste and skill, notably the Buchanan County Court House, St. Joseph High School and the elegant residence of the late Milton Tootle. He was president for a number of years of the Builders' & Trades' Exchange, as well as a director of the Free Public Library.

Mr. DeClue was married on August 7, 1885, to Maggie McElheney. At his death he was survived by his widow and by five children, as follows: Edward, who died in 1900; Ella M, (IMrs. H. J. Nelson), of St. Joseph; Frank, of Salt Lake City, Utah ; and Grace and Norman, who live with their mother in the family residence at No. 1020 Sylvanie street. Mr. DeClue was a Republican in politics. He w-as for many years a devoted member of the Presbyterian Church, to which he was a generous contributor. It is told in Holy Writ, that "the Lord loves a cheerful giver," and surely blessings must have been given this most cheerful, consistent Christian, whose hand was ever open to the wants of the church and was never closed to the call of the poor or afflicted.

OHN CORBY, whose death occurred on ]\Iay 9, 1870, was one of the best known of the pioneer citizens of St. Joseph, having located here when the town was but a trading post. With every confidence in the future of the place he invested in real estate here and wnth its development he grew to a position of wealth and influence in the community.

John Corby was born in Limerick, Ireland, June 24, 1808, and was the eldest son and second born of the 10 children of John and Bridget (Sheehan) Corby, who immigrated to America with their family, locating on a farm in Beaver County, Pennsylvania. There our subject remained for a few years, then started out to make his way in the world, although for the first few years his earnings went to his parents' assistance. His life was an industrious and frugal one, and in a few years he was able to engage in contracting. He became a contractor on the Baltimore & Washington Railway, one of the first to be built in this country, and afterward took large contracts in the construction of the Pittsburg & Eric Canal, on the Grand Slack Water Navigation project for Licking River, Kentucky, on the