Buchanan County, Missouri - Chapter 28: Reminiscences, 1904 (part 1 of 18)

Chapter 28: Reminiscences

Steamboats in the Early Days - .Vegro Slavery in Buchanan County - The Town of Elwood - The Grasshopper Scourge - Old-Time Doctors and Their Schedule of Charges - "Voting on a String" - Theatres.

In early days a great fleet of steamboats "plowed the turbid current" of the Missouri, bringing settlers and supplies for this vast virgin of territory. During the "forties," "fifties" and half of the "sixties" the river was dotted with many boats. Beyond Main street were numerous large warehouses required for the immense river traffic. They \\ere all washed away later by encroachment. Hemp, hemp rope, hides, tallow, furs, whiskey and tobacco were the principal products shipped down the ri\er. St. Joseph was the business center for the wliole river district, and from here supplies were sent all over the \\'estern mountains and ])lains. Here, too. most of the California pioneers of 1849, 1850, and i(S5i were supplied witli outfits fur the long journey to the Pacific.

At times there would be as many as 20 steamboats at the wharves in one day. The city charged a wharfage of $5 for each boat, and the wharf master was an imi)ortant ]iersonage in our early city government.

Many Mackinaw boats would arri\e about June of each year, loaded down with furs. mostly belonging to Joseph Robidoux. The cargoes would be reshipped here on steamboats if the terms were favorable, but if "Uncle

Joe" thought the steamboat men were trying to "work" him. he would continue the trip tc St. Louis with his Mackinaws. Frequently these boats would be lost in passage. St. Joseph was practically the head of navigation, but in the early days a few boats would go up to the mountains each year, loaded with supplies and trinkets for the traders, consuming a whole season on the trip.

When the railroads were built there was little business left for steamboats, and they dropped out one by one, seeking other fields, until now they are a curiosity on this river.

Pilots and engineers, in the early times, were paid $200 to $350 per month. One season many boats came from the Ohio River to compete for the trade. In order to "head them off," the Missouri River men hired all the licensed pilots, paying them, for a time, $1,000 a month, work or play.

As was stated in a previous chapter, there were over 2,000 negro slaves in Buchanan County when the war jjroke out. These were owned principally in the country. The condition of the slave here, as else- where, depended upon the master. It was to the slave-holder's interest, of course, to keep this class of property in good condition that it might yield the best possible returns. The slaves, in the main, were well cared for, and their lot was not so bad. They were expected to work 10 hours per day for the master and were allowed half holidays on Saturdays, where the conditions permitted, and also on Sundays. They \\ere given no education, as a rule, though there were instances where the master taught his slaves to read and write. This practice was frowned upon, however, by the majority of owners. The negroes had many social privileges, but were restricted to some extent b}- a pass system, which wa? enforced b}- a patrol. No negro could lea\'e his master's place after night without a pass. This he had to show to the patrol, who were mounted and who guarded certain prescribed districts. The negroes called them "patterolers," and it was tlie delight of the more venturesome youngsters to elude the vigilance of these much-hated officers. The patrolmen were paid by private subscription. There were licensed preachers of x'arious Protestant denominations, and these held religious services in different places about the country, at stated times, and there was generally a white man present to see that seditious utterances did not creep into the sermons. Marriages were solemnized, and where the man and woman belonged to different estates the husband was generally permitted to visit his wife on Saturdays and Sundays. The children always belonged to the owner of the mother.

Slaves were paid for the work they did o\er time, or as in hemp breaking, for such work as was done o\er and al)ove a stated task. They were also gi\-en patches of ground to cultivate and could sell the i')ro(lucts. Men

Where a slaveholder had more slaves than he could use, he let them out for hire. The general price for a man was $150 per year, his maintenance, medical attendance and clothing. It was prescribed how many hours he should work and that he should be paid individually for the work he did beyond the contract day. Women brought about $100 per year hire. In some instances negroes saved enough money to purchase their freedom. One case is recalled, however, where the slave fruitlessly paid over $1,000. The master kept no account, neither did the slave. The master died, and when the estate was sold the slave was sold also. He had nothing to show for his payments. The slave was Alf. Foutz, who wa.^; pressman on the Gazette before the war, and who, after the war, held a similar place on the Atchison CJiaiii/^ioii for many years.

Slaves ^^-ere hired out during Christmasi. week for the ensuing year, and this was generally done on Market square. The masteri' brought them into town and sold their services to the highest bidders.

Slaves were sold at public auction also, but this practice was almost confined to cases where an estate was sold ; though several slaA'e buyers, who shipped their wares South, were located in St. Joseph, and constantly bought up such negroes as were offered. When sla\-ery was abolished, there were few males in bondage, most of them having been either shipped to Texas before the war or been surrenderee'^ by masters who took "advantage of a bount) of $350 for every slave that was enlisted b} them into the Federal army. A great many,

A word about Elwood will not be amiss ir' these reminiscences. Fotheringham's Directory for i860 shows 166 male residents of the place. At the present estimate of population based upon city directories - five to the name - this would show that Elwood had a population of 830 at that time. The business directory shows that there were three attorneys : one of them, D. W. Wilder, later prominently identified with the political history of Kansas and with the press of St. Joseph ; another, Thomas A. Osborn, later Governor of Kansas ; the third, A. L. Lee, who was secretary of the town company and also interested in a bank in St. Joseph, and who subsequently gained distinction as a brigadier-general in the Union Army. There were two bakeries, two blacksmiths, a brewery, a brickmaker, two butchers, six carpenters, a coffee house, a dentist, a druggist, seven general merchants, two hotels, a hvery stable, two painters, three physicians, a plasterer, a restaurant, several real estate agents, five saloons, a sawmill, a tailor, three wagon-makers, a jeweler and one dealer in stoves and tinware. There was also a newspaper, the Elwood Free Press, published by H. D. Hunt.

There was a city government. George W. Barr, now a resident of St. Joseph, was mayor ; Dr. J. W. Robinson, clerk and recorder; William H. Hugh, assessor; Thomas A. Osborn., attorney; R. S. Sayward, treasurer; Charles O. Smith, collector and city marshal. William' H. Hugh, D. B. Jones, J. H. Hatcher, Andrew^ Disque, W. L. Lewis, L. C. Booth, William Luke, W. C. Groff and A. W. Tice composed the City Council. There was also a police force, consisting of three men.

There was a Protestant Episcopal Church, and the Congregationalists held services occasionally in a hall. There was a board of public schools ; also a library association and a building association.

The Nezv York Daily Times of December 18, 1858, says of Elwood. that it "is one of the most promising places in Kansas, and, from> the eligibility of its position and great local advantages, bids fair to become the chief commercial metropolis of the future State. Situated directly opposite St. Joseph, it is placed by the Hannibal & St. Joseph Railroad in direct communication with the most populous and wealthy cities of the East^ and by the first of April will be within fifty hours travel of New Ylork. It is the starting point of the railroad chartered to Palmetto, on the South Pass route to Salt Lake and California, and of the St. Joseph & Topeka Railroad, which will command a great portion of the trade of New Mexico. It lies on the west bank of the Missouri River, on the verge of an extensive and thickly wooded bottom, which requires no gradings; its streets are broad and rectangular, and its levee can be approached with safety by the largest boats, and is sufficiently spacious for an immense commerce."

The war stagnated business, scattered the population and killed the prospects of this ambitious and thriving point. In the rapid settlement and development of Kansas, when peace was restored, Elwood was overlooked and forgotten and went into rapid decline. The ravages of the river finished the work, and there is little left of the ground upon which the ambitious young town stood.

custs. Kansas was stricken first each time and the locusts crossed the river, in September of 1866, in July of 1867, and in September of 1874. The first two visits were not so costly to the farmer as the last one. The city was deluged with the insects, however, and they Mere a great annoyance. The wells were polluted with their carcasses, they ate the lace curtains in the dwellings, and devoured the vegetation.

In 1874 and 1875 ^^^ ^^^^ country west and north of Missouri was plagued with the locusts The people usually referred to them as grasshoppers. Indeed, the insects greatly resembled the ordinary grasshopper. They came down from the Rocky Mountains, quickly overran Colorado, then came on through Kansas, devouring every green thing, taking every live blade of grass, every leaf on tree and bush, every flower and vegetable. In September of 1874 they struck Buchanan County. The crops having matured, they did little material damage that year. But they deposited their eggs in the ground and the warm spring weather hatched them out in great numbers. As they developed, the verdure disappeared. First the young clover, then the tender blue grass of the pasture, next the vegetables in the gardens, and finally the shrubbery and small trees ; in fact, almost everything that grew fell before the greed of the insect. As they grew, so did their voracity, and their depredations increased. Farmers were powerless. Some tried digging pits and driving the locusts thereinto, where they were either scalded or covere up. Others drove them into piles, where they were cremated. In fact, numerous plans for ridding the country of the pest were tried, and while untold millions of locusts were undoubtedly destroyed, others seemed to take their places immediately. It mattered not what was done, no diminuition in the number of the hopping, creeping things was discernible. Live stock suffered greatly from the lack of food, and the farmers lost heavily by the death of cattle and hogs. When half-grown and able to fly, the locusts began to disappear, and by July they were nearly all gone. The farmers at once set to work with energy. The seasons were favorable and the frost late. There was a grand harvest. In fact, all over the State there was a prodigious yield, and this fact served largely to alleviate the business depression of the two previous years.

St. Joseph has been well supplied with physicians since the earliest days, and the professional standard has always been high. As early as 1845, n of the local physicians agreed upon a card of rates, which will be of interest now, not only because it shows the cost of medical attendance in those days, but also because it shows the range of practice. The charges were as follows :

It was also agreed that no families would be ene-aeed h\ the vear, and that settlement in all cases was to be required either by note or cash as soon as the service was rendered. This agreement was signed by Josiah H. Crane, D. G. Keedy, J. L. Page, Thomas J. Todd. William B. Wood, J. N. Hays. B. V Teel. Robert Martin, R. A. H. Gray, ^^'illiam P. Flint and Delford Benton.

''Voting- on a string-" is a term that will be remembered by those who were in politics during the reconstruction period and particularly when the odious registration law was first put into operation. Only those who registered could vote. And only those who took the iron-clad oath were registered. There were those who were rejected by the registering officers, either for \alid or political reasons, who announced that they would vote in spite of the proscription, and there were many indications of trouble. The election judges, like the registering officers, were all Republicans in those days. A council of the party leaders was called to decide upon the easiest and best way out of the impending difficulty. It was finally decided to receive all votes that were offered and to place the ballots of those who were registered in the regular box and to file the ballots of those not registered upon a string. The election was held without trouble. WHien an um-egistered voter appeared he wat greeted with courtesy ; he voted his ticket and departed \\ell satisfied. But his ballot went on the string and was not counted. This trick was practiced and kept secret until the political condition had changed and the presence of Democratic judges made it unsafe for the Republicans to continue the practice.

In the early days Corby's Hall, in the third' story of the building west of the Chamber of Commerce was the theatre, and traveling companies as well as amateur talent presented plays there. Later Odd Fellows' Hall, which stood on Fifth street, south of Felix, facing west. was the principal gathering place for theatrical as well as social entertainments. An amateur stock company had its home at this hall. In 1872 the late Milton Tootle built what was then the best appointed theatre ni the West. In 1893 this house was leased for 10 years to the Orpheum Company, to he used for vaudeville.

DGAR B. FORSEE, M. D. The death of the late Dr. Edgar B. Forsee, on November 2, 1894, at St. Josc])h. Missouri, brought to a close a life that was filled with good deetls. Dr. I'orsee was born in Scott County, Kentucky, Jul\- 5. 1823. and was a son of Stephen and Mildred (Blackburn) Forsee.

Dr. Forsee came of some of the best blood in Kentucky, on the paternal side being connected with men of wealth and social prominence and on the maternal, with the Blackburn family, of which the late Gov. Luke B. Blackburn, of Kentucky, and United States Senator Joseph C. S. Blackburn, have been distinguished representatives.

Reared in a home of wealth and refinement. Dr. Forsee was also aft'orded educational advantages of a high order and completed his classical course in the best schools of his native State. He then matriculated in the medical department of the University of Louisville, Kentucky, and at the close of a full course was graduated at that institution. His first experience in practice was gained in his native coimty, where he met with encouraging success, but. as he had an ambition to become eminent in his chosen profession, he took advantage of every opportunity to increase his knowledge and spent soiue time in a noted Southern hospital where he could make a stud\- of diseases which would scarcely come under his medical care in a country practice. When he left this hospital, lie came to Missouri, and in 1850 established himself at St. Louis. At that date the sanitary conditions there were of such a nature that sickness prevailed to such an extent as to inii)air the health of even the medical men, and this caused Dr. Forsee to remove to Florisant, a noted old French town in St. Louis County. At present this is one of the most delightful suburbs of St. Louis.

After four years of successful practice there and with health fully restored, he sought a more prominent field of professional labor and thus became a resident of St. Joseph, Missouri, in 1856. In this city he immediately met with recognition. His superior attainments, his kind and sympathetic manner, his courteous manner and high regard for duty, soon placed him in the front rank of medical practitioners in Buchanan County. He continued actively engaged in professional labor until failing health admonished him that he must seek a measure of rest and recreation. He had always been a close student of ever\- thing pertaining to the science of medicine, was a careful reader and a deep thinker, one who, while never in his zeal and enthusiasm led to experiment unduly, was always ready to accept the proved results of modern discoveries. He was never known to shirk a duty, and regarding the ])ractitioner of medicine as a servant of the iniblic, he considered himself accountable to both ( iod and man for his best efforts. Conscientious in every act, he held himself ready at all times to respond to calls made upon him, regardless of the al)ility of his patients to recompense him for his services.

In his intercourse with his brother practitioners. Dr. Forsee was kind, helpful, encouraging and courteous, and the esteem in which he was held by the public did not exceed the regard entertained for him by the members of his own profession. Thev recall his geniality, kindness of heart, cheerful disposition, helpful assistance as well as his scholarly attainments and professional atttainments. In personal appearance and professional bearing. Dr. Forsee filled every ideal in the sick room. He had the happy faculty of being able not only to diagnose the physical ailment but also to e(|ually well minister to a "mind diseased" and by his mere presence give help where medicaments would have utterlv failed. Flis graciousness did not overcome his candor, but his tenderness and evident soUcitude for the wellbeing of those who sought his services, often made the bitter truth lose half its effect. His practice being of a general character, he was brought into the most intimate relationship with his patrons, and" for years in many cases he was not only physician but most trusted friend and advisor.

Born in Kentucky, he retained through life the charming manners of the old-school Southern gentleman, possessing a certain courtesy which gave distinction to both his professional and private life. He was a charming host and loved to surround himself with congenial spirits and this hospitality was also enjoyed by his wife.

After withdrawing from the practice of his profession. Dr. Forsee gave himself up mainly to the pleasures of home and the consolations afforded by religious reading and both social and spiritual communion. His death, after 42 years of happy married life, left his widow with only the tenderest memories of one of the noblest men and most congenial spirits. On January 11, 1852, Dr. Forsee was united in marriage with Zeilda Musick, the eldest daughter of Joel L. and Marguerite (Presse) Musick.

Mrs. Zeilda Forsee, widow of the late Dr. Forsee, was born in St. Louis County, near Florisant, Missouri, and is a member of a family of distinction in the State. Her mother was a devout Catholic and she was reared in the faith of that church and was carefully educated at the Sacred Heart Convent in St. Louis. Her marriage to the late Dr. Forsee was a union which resulted in a happy companionship of many years. She was admirably fitted in every way to become the wife of such a man as Dr. Forsee, and, while her domestic virtues adorned his home, her wise counsel and loving co-operation in the advancement of his interests contributed materially to his success. Regarding home as the woman's kingdom, she succeeded in making her own an ideal one, and during the life of her husband devoti'd herself mainly to clnirch affairs and to household matters, presiding at her husband's board with a charming hospitality but never seeking social leadership. Naturally of a retiring disposition, she found within the restricted sphere to which she confined herself the sweetest joys of life, and only those who have been admitted to intimacy have been aware of her artistic talents. In the realm of art, her attention has been given mainly to needlework, embroidery and china painting. Some very fine Spanish embroideries, the work of her fingers, have received the first prize at the St. Joseph and St. Louis expositions, while her collection of hand-painted china is of almost priceless value and has delighted not only her family and friends, but has received praise from connoisseurs.

During the earlier years of her life, Mrs. Forsee had comparatively little to do with business cares, but when circumstances made it necessary for her to shoulder these responsibilities, she demonstrated her natural fitness for all that pertains thereto. The death of her step-father, Sidney Harris, of her mother, her husband, a brother and of her sister, the late Mrs. Amanda Corby, left her the sole survivor of a family which had large business interests, and the heiress to a large estate. The affairs of this estate she has ably managed. Her kind and sympathetic nature has made her, from early life, the helpful friend of numerous charitable enterprises, and she has always been active in advancing the interests of her beloved church. Warmly interested in that noble band of Christian workers, the Sisters of Charity, she has aided them in many ways. She built and gave to the St. Joseph Hospital, of which the Sisters have charge, in memory of her late husband. Dr. E. B. Forsee, a memorial altar, which is of solid marble, and which occupies a place in the hospital chapel, an object of exquisite beauty and richness of design. She is noted for her many ]:)enevolences and has carried forward the enterprises originated by Mrs. Corby and has broadened and extended their scope. Wherever she has seen an opportunity to accomplish a lasting good in aid of the church or its charities, she has embraced such opportunities and her good deeds in this connection cannot be numbered. Many calls are constantly being made upon her for assistance, to all of which she responds cheerfully and her counsel and advice are a source of strength and constant aid to many useful institutions and bring help into many waste places.

Thus Mrs. Forsee grows old gracefully, living alone in her beautiful home, the last representative of her family. She is sustained and soothed by an unfaltering trust in the Christian religion, looking confidently to the future and an eternity beyond the grave. While missing the sweet companionships with which she was more than usually blessed, she finds consolation in the blessed thought that a sweet reunion awaits her and with cheerfulness bears the burdens of the present life.

The remains of the late Dr. Forsee rest in the family vault at Corby Chapel, an interesting memorial church. His portrait is presented on a foregoing page.

OSEPH ROBIDOUX, the founder of St. Joseph, Missouri, ha§ long since passed away and his dust has mingled with its native elements. The spot where it once rested is unmarked, but what citizen is there, in all Northwesfern Missouri, who does not know the name or take pride in preserving the records of his remarkable life? Other pioneers there were in Buchanan County, whose solid services deserve to be preserved with honor in the annals of the county, but he was the first to establish a home here and to bring a breath of civilization to the wilderness that then prevailed. Joseph Robidoux was born in St. Louis, Missouri, August 10, 1783, the eldest son of Joseph and Catherine Robidoux. He had five brothers, - ^Antoine, Isidore, Francis, Michel and Louis, - and one sister. The elder Joseph was a Canadian Frenchman, who emigrated from Montreal to St. Louis, locating there soon after the French had established themselves at this point on the great river. There he accumulated a fortune, occupied one of the old white-walled mansions, educated his children beyond the common lot and became so prominent that the first General Assembly of the Territory of Missouri in December, 18 1 2. did him the honor of holding its first session in his house.

Joseph Robidoux, the younger, the subject of this article, inherited many of his father's admirable traits. After the death of his first wife, the old home in St. Louis lost its attraction. He married Eugenia Delslille, at St. Louis, when but 18 years old. who survived but four years, leaving a son, Joseph E., who spent his whole life among the Indians, and died at White Cloud, Kansas. After visiting many points along the Mississippi, as far south as New Orleans, our subject came north and prospected around the Great Lakes, finally stopping on the present site of Chicago, as an Indian trader. Upon being robbed bv the crafty savages, he returned to St. Louis. Soon after he made a trip up 'the Missouri River, accompanying one of the Chouteaus, in the interest of the American Fur Company. Upon his return to St. Louis from this expedition, he purchased a stock of goods and in the fall of 1809 returned to Council Blufifs, the termination of his previous trip, and traded with the Indians there for 13 years, shipping his pelts and furs to St. Louis, in keel-boats.

In 1813, at Council Bluffs, he married Angelique Vaudry, a native of St. Louis, and they had six sons and one daughter. Mrs. Robidoux died at St. Joseph, January 17, 1857, and none of the descendants are now alive.

Mr. Robidoux had to enter into competition at the "Bluffs" with the American Fur Company, which was already established there, and he soon became so potent a rival, that the older concern was willing to buy him out, wnth the stipulation, however, that he should remain away from this fruitful field for three years. Robidoux kept the compact to the letter and during this enforced period of absence operated a bakery in St. Louis. When the three years had expired, he announced his intention of again establishing a trading post and the fur company was ready with a new proposition. They ofi:ered to place him in the neighborhood, at a salary of $1,800 per year provided he would not interfere with their trade at the "Blufifs." This proposition he accepted and he landed at the mouth of a creek which is now known as Roy's Branch, north of the present city of St. Joseph, in the fall of 1826. A short time after, he removed to the mouth of Blacksnake Creek, where he erected a small log house. In 1830 he had become sole proprietor of a valuable trading post and he then built a large house located; about where the Occidental Hotel in St. Joseph now stands, on the northeast corner of Alain and Jules streets.

During his lonely life and early struggles in this section, Robidoux kept his family safe at St. Louis. He owned a negro named Hippolite, who spoke French and attended to his master's comfort. Robidoux was the master of all the dififerent Indian dialects and understood the native character so thoroughly, that his life was one of comparative safety among them. He was shrewd anl tactful in dealing with them or with the white traders, with whom he spoke French, or English with a strong French accent. He has been the hero cf many historical romances, and many adventures have been connected with his personality. He is described as a heavily built man, about five feet. 10 inches in height, of swarthy complexion and with piercing eyes. His portrait reveals great force of character and he doubtless possessed in an eminent degree the virtues of truth and honestv or he could not have so successfully kept the confidence of those with whom he dealt so long. His manners were mild and suave, and he was polite and hospitable. In the early building of the city, he aimed to have it a second St. Louis.

Joseph Robidoux died at St. Joseph on May 27, 1868, when almost 85 years of age. He was a sincere Catholic and was interred in Calvary Cemetery, where the interested stranger looks in vain for a fitting shaft to mark the spot. His funeral was made the occasion of suspended business and a general participation in the last tributes of respect shown the city's founder. Unfortunate speculations had dissipated his property and he passed away a poor man, in the midst of acres which were once his own. .S"/V transit gloria mundi.

( )N. JOSEPH J. WYATT, deceased, for many years a well kn(nvn citizen of St. Joseph, attained distinction as a jurist and as a minister of the Gospel and was one of the pioneers of Northwestern Missouri. In his death, which occurred April 9, 1881, the citizens of St. Joseph felt they had sustained a severe loss in more than one way. They mourned the departure of a man who exemplified in his earthly career the mental powers of a successful business man, the high moral qualities of a spotless private life and an exalted sense of public duty. The elements which make up the good man and the good citizen shone out so brightly that his departure was lamented both as a private and as a public bereavement. His life liistory and work were closely connected with the history and progress of this city, and few have taken such great interest in this Western metropolis as he. Our sketch can only give a fragmentary account of a life that was exceedingly rich in noble deeds and instructive lessons.

Joseph J. Wyatt was born in St. Clair County, Illinois, July 13, 1819, and was a son of Micajah and Mary (McCorkle) Wyatt. His mother died in 1 82 1, and soon after his father moved to Flemingsburg, Fleming Count}-, Kentucky, and in that county Joseph was reared, receiving good rudimentary educational training and making a careful preparation for a useful life. He was an apt student and early formed a taste for the law. He studied law inider John Cavan, a prominent attorney of Flemingsburg, and was admitted to the bar. In 1845 'le decided to start out for himself in his i)rofession and removed in June of that year to St. Joseph, Missouri, where he began at once the active practice of the law. He was St. Joseph's fourth postmaster, appointed September 21, 1848, and served in that capacity one year. He was also the 16th postmaster, holding the ofifice from April 11, 1867, to July 7, 1869. About 1850, he was elected probate judge of Buchanan County and held that office of responsibility for several years. During a term of about four years he was judge of the Court of Common Fleas, and in that service established a reputation as a profound thinker, as a logical reasoner on the points involved in cases submitted to him, and as a jurist eminently fair and capable. He retired from the bench in 1861. In whatever capacity he served the public he was always found conscientious and faithful to the trusts devolving on him to an eminent degree.

In November, 1850, Judge Wyatt became identified with the Christian Church and at once began the preaching of the Word of God. During the }ears that he served on the bench he devoted some time to the expounding of the Gospel and came to be familiarly known as "Elder" Wyatt. He was the founder of the First Christian Church of St. Joseph, and after relinquishing his duties on the bench he devoted his entire time and talents to the ministry, serving several years as pastor of this church. The first meetings were held in the little log church on the hill where the present stately Court House now stands. I'or a number of years he was she])herd of the little flock and saw the congregation increase from a mere handful to a large number, rich in material wealth and infiuence and exercising a power for good in this city. During the last 22 years of his life he had charge of the church near Taos, in Huchanan County, known as "Old Union," and once a month during this period preached to its congregation. J-"or 15 years he also preached steadily at IJethel. At the time of his death, he also had charge of congregations at Camden Point and Antipch. The best part of his life was ])asscd as a Christian worker and he took earnest and great delight in his task. He was one of the founders of the college at Camden Point, of which he was a trustee. His public and private life were above rei:)roach and all who knew him were warmlv attached to him. The pastors of .St. Joseph, after his demise, passed most complimentary and touching resolutions in regard to the sad event. While the death summons came to him suddenly, he was entirely prepared for the silent messenger. He was a Democrat always

Judge W'yatt was married March 28. 1844, to Emily M. Gooding, of Fleming County. Kentucky, who belonged to one of the best families of the "Blue Grass" State. Twelve children were born to them, of whom three are now living, namely : John Cavan, secretary and treasurer and manager of the Townsend & Wvatt Drv Goods Company, of St. Joseph. Missouri ; William, of Omaha, Nebraska ; and George, a resident of St. Joseph, [Missouri.

OHX SUBLETT LOGAN. M. D.. a retired physician of St. Joseph, who has many just claims to eminence in his profession, is one of the State of Missouri's prominent and universally esteemed citizens. He was born at Shelbyville, Kentucky, June 25, 1836. and is a son of Thomas and Frances (Sublett) Logan.

Thomas Logan was born in County Donegal. Ireland. August 7, 1801. of Scotch-Irish parentage, being a son of John and Jane (Shannon) Logan and a grandson of John Logan, of County Donegal. Ireland. He was a lineal descendant of Sir Robert Logan, of Restalig. Scotland. L'pon coming to America. Thomas Logan settled in Kentucky, where he became a successful merchant, reared his family and passed out of life honored and respected, dying April 18, 1840. His wife. Frances Sublett. was born in Woodford County, Kentucky, February 7, 18 18. and Avas a daughter of Lewis Sublett and a granddaughter of Lewis Sublett and Thomas Coleman, two soldiers of the Revolutionary War. who served in A'irginia regiments and subsequently removed to Kentucky and fought under Daniel j Boone for the possession of that beautiful por- ' tion of our countrv. Her genealogv is interestinar ; on every side. Her father was a representative of one of the Huguenot families that fled from France to Hollanfl immediately after the revoca- - tion of the Edict of Nantes. Their services to King \\'illiam. when he successfully contended j ,for the English throne, won the gratitude of that : monarch, who made them a large land grant in Mrginia, upon which they settled. Her father was a soldier in the War of 1812, and his son, Joel DuPuy Sublett, served as a surgeon in the Mexican War, while Dr. Logan's services in the Civil War. were of too distinguished a character to ever be forgotten. The mother of Dr. Logan descended from four Lewis Subletts and from the well known Strother family, which has also been conspicuous in the military life of the country. One member of this family. William Dabney Strother, who was captain in the Second Georgia Regiment, was killed in the battle of Guilford Court House, North Carolina, during the Revolutionary War, while his father, \\'illiam Strother, served through that entire struggle without hurt and subsequently settled in Kentucky upon land granted him by the State of A'irginia. for his services : ^^'illiam Sirother's daughter. Sarah Dabney Strother. through her marriage with Lieut. -Col. I^chard Taylor, became the mother of Gen. Zachary Taylor, the 12th President of the United States. The Pannill, Jennings and Dabney families of \'irginia. of this same connection, were prominent in the affairs of those times. The DuPuy, Le Mllain. Martain. Trabue. Flournoy, McGruder. Coleman. Bailey. Thornton and Savage families of \'irginia were kindred of Lewis Sublett. Mrs. Logan's father.

It is not difficult to trace in the present subject of this biography inherited virtues of a noble ancestry. It was liis good fortune to be born into a family where education was prized and the means possessed to give the children every opportunit}- the times afforded. In literary and classical courses. Dr. Logan had as preceptors such able and scholarly men as Samuel Womack, of the Boys' Academy, at Shelbyville. Kentucky : R. T. P. Allen, of the Kentucky Military Institute ; and Dr. Waller, of Shelby College. After completing the course at the last named institution. Dr. Logan went to Madison, Wisconsin, where he studied medicine and chemistryunder Drs. Schue and Faville. He then entered the Kentucky School of Medicine, at Louisville, Kentucky, wlicre he was graduated ; he then com- ])leted his studies with a post-graduate course at Jefferson College, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

After this preparation, equipped at ever}^ point, th.e young physician came to St. Joseph, Missouri, and here entered upon the practice of his profession. In 1862 he was appointed surgeon in the United States Hospital No. 13, located at Louisville, Kentucky, one of the largest established during the Civil \\'ar for the care of the wounded and sick of the Federal Army. During his service here he had charge of several large wards, also a hospital at Jeffersonville. Indiana, and an invalid corps of 1,200 men at Camp Holt, near New Albany, Indiana. Later, Surgeon Logan was directed to establish a regimental hospital for the nth Regiment, Missouri Vol. Cav., at Camp Gamble, near St. Louis, and subsequently he was assigned to the charge of a ward in General Hospital, No. 5, in that city.

It was in 1863, during his hospital service at Louisville, Kentucky, that Dr. Logan performed professional services that were of great and permanent value to the country and to the science of medicine. While he was not the discoverer of bromine. Dr. Logan undoubtedly was the first to use this agent in the treatment of a gangrenous sore with perfect success, and the case is on record in the "United States Medical and Surgical History of the War of the Rebellion." The case was 'that of Corporal Jesse Havens, of Company F, 69th Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf., whose wound, received December 31. 1862, at Murfreesboro, developed hosjjital gangrene. This wound was from a conical ball and was situated in the anterior tibial region, lower third of the leg. The wound was treated by Surgeon Logan with a solution of bromine and with such immediate success that the scientific practitioner was ordered to take charge of the 13 patienfs in Hospital No. 2, all of whom were successfully treated. As a result, this treatment was adopted by the medical department of the army and came to be practiced in all the national hospitals.

Dr. Logan's service as a surgeon in the United States Army terminated April 14, 1864, and soon after he returned to St. Joseph, making his home upon a farm which he had previously purchased. In 1866 he returned to Louisville, Kentucky, where he resided until 1870, when he again returned to Missouri, settled on a farm which he purchased in Andrew County, five miles north of St. Josepli. and lived there several years. In 1879 lie became a resident of the city, which has been his permanent home ever since. In the same year he became interested in cattle ranching in Texas and in Wyoming, and also in buying and selling lands in Texas and Missouri. On January 23, 1887. he was appointed administrator of the large estate left by the late Milton Tootle. The property was valued at $4,000,000, and the work of settling the estate required the Doctor's attention for some years. He has also been a large dealer in real estate in St. Joseph, Missouri : in Louisville, Kentucky ; and in the smaller cities of Fort Worth. Corpus Christi, Llano and Houston, Texas. In 1894, at Houston, Texas, he erected the Brazos Hotel, a four-story brick building, opposite the Central Depot. In 1904 he completed a very attractive office and store building in St. Joseph at the corner of Eighth and Edmond streets ; every room of this handsome building was engaged before the structure was completed.

On many occasions Dr. Logan has been appointed to office of honor, trust and responsibility. In 1865 he served as surgeon of the Buchanan County militia, under a commission from Governor Thomas C. Fletcher. During the administration of Governor Thomas J. Crittenden, he served as fish commissipner of the State of Missouri, succeeding ex-Governor Silas Woodson, May 13, 1882, and on June 20. 1885. he was reappointed to the position for the full term of four years by Governor John S. Marmaduke. On May 2, 1897, he was appointed by Governor Lon C. Stephens as a member of the board of managers of the Bureau of Geology and Mines, for the State of Missouri, for a term of four years. While a member of the board, he secured the passage of a bill by the Legislature, authorizing the expenditure of $10,000 for core drilling, to find the economic deposits of the State for the land-owners and tax-payers. He put down a four-inch core drill five miles east of St. Joseph and at a depth of 747 found a workable vein of coal 22 inches in thickness, which will be worked in the near future.

Dr. Logan was married on N^ovember 20, 1862, to Emma P. Cotton, who is a daughter of Charles and Sarah (Puryear) Cotton, of ^^'oodfrd County, Kentucky, of mingled Huguenot and English descent. Dr. and Mrs. Logan are the parents of six sons, namely : Charles C, Thomas T., John S., Jr., Lewis S., Milton T. and Frank P. Charles C. Logan, who is a physician, was first married February 6. looo. to Edith Pearl Campbell, and the issue of this union was one son. - Samuel James : his second marriage, occurring June 22, 1904, was to Marie Luy, of Los Angeles. California. John S. Logan, Jr., was born November i, 1869, and was married November 20, 1899, to Caroline Ashton Sheridan; thev h.ave two sons,^ - Sheridan, l)orn December 9, 1900, and Thomas Ashton, born July i, 1903. Frank P. Logan married Margaret Croysdale of Kansas City, Missouri, and has three sons, - John S.. David C. and Frank P., Jr.

In politics. Dr. Logan was originally a Whig and cast his first presidential vote for Bell and Everett ; since then he has voted with the Democratic ])arty. He was a delegate in the State convention of 1872, which nominated Silas Woodson for Governor, and in that of 1880. when

Thomas J. Crittenden was named for the same position. In his rehgious hfe, Dr. Logan has been a member of the First Presbyterian Church of St. Joseph since 1864.

Dr. Logan is a deeply studious man, possessed of a large fund of knowledge, and is a recognized authorit\- on geology and kindred subjects. He is in the full vigor of his powers, both mentall}- and physically, and his wealth of scientific knowledge continues,, through his writings, to be of value to his fellow men. Through hereditary qualifications, he holds membership in the Missouri Chapter, Sons of the Revolution. The evening of life is being passed in a beautiful home at No. 408 nth street, St. Joseph, one delightfully located and commandmg a view which in itself is an inspiration - a picture painted by no mortal hand.

EORGE W. BUELL. Prominent among the energetic and successful business men of St. Joseph, was the late George W. Buell, for many years president of the Euell Manufacturing Company of this city and who, during all his life, was identified with the milling industry. Mr. Buell was born in Rodman, Jefferson County, New York, and (lied at St. Joseph, Missouri, July 4, 1900.

His father, Norman Buell, was born in Rodman. New York, April 25, 1806, and was descended through a long line of ancestors from \\'illiam Buell who came to America in the early ])art of the 17th century from Chesterton, Huntingdonshire. England, and settled in Dorchester, Massachusetts, from which place he removed to Windsor, Connecticut. His oldest child was Samuel Buell, who was born at Windsor and lived subsequently at Killingworth, Connecticut. Samuel Buell's oldest child was Samuel of Killingworth, whose nth child was Joseph of Killingworth and Somers. Connecticut, and later of Newport, New Hampshire, and, Orwell, Vermont. Joseph Buell's oldest child was Matthew Buell, whose places of residence are given as being the same as his father's. When the new's reached Somers, Connecticut, that there had been fighting at Lexington, Matthew Buell hastened to the scene of action. He is said to have been the last man to leave the field after the battle of Ihmker Hill. He held a commission as lieutenanc and served three years in the war. Lieutenant Buell's eldest child was Matthew Buell, who was born in Newport, New Hampshire, and later lived in Somers, Connecticut, where his eldest son, John, the grandfather of our subject, was born, and from which town he removed to Rodman, New York.

Our subject's father was a manufacturer of woolens in Illinois, and in his father's mill George learned the business, becoming a master of the details of woolen manufacturing at an early age.

In 1848 the family removed to St. Joseph, Missouri, and here our subject soon started a small sawmill, which he located on Blacksnake Creek. Later he removed to Weston, Missouri, where he engaged in flour milling. This, however, did not agree with his health and he returned to St. Joseph where he started a woolen mill on the site of his old sawmill. From the beginning this business prospered and as a natural consequence rapidly developed, his operations showing a profit of from $ri.ooo to $29,000 per annum.

In 1877 at the solicitation of John S. Lemon (who had come into possession of a small v.'oolen mill at Blue Rapids, Kansas) and oti.ers, our subject joined with them in the incorporation of the Buell Manufacturing Company, of which he became presitlent, holding the office until the time of his death. Though Mr. Buell was handicapped in many ways by the other directors, under his skillful management the plant became the largest of the kind in the West. It now has a capital stock of $200,000. Its product of blankets, robes and flannels is sold in every State and Territory of the L'nion, even to Alaska where prior to Mr. Buell's death a large trade had been established. The wool used in this mill is nearly all grown in Missouri, of which 1,000.000 pounds are used annually. They keep 175 hands employed, their pay-roll amounting to about $5,500 a month, much of which goes to swell the prosperity of .St. Joseph. Their annual production has reached more than $250,000 per annum. In 1882 Mr. Buell authorized the erection of the present fine plant, which including the improved machinery which was introduced reached a cost of $250,000. It covers 17 acres of land, and is one of the great industries to which St. Joseph points with pride, as having grown up within her own borders through the energy of home endeavor. F'rom i860 until his death 40 years later, Mr. Buell was the head and front of this great enterprise, its main directing spirit, and to him its wonderful development was due.

Juliet Bancroft, who was born in Clay County, Missouri, and who was a niece. of George Bancroft, the historian. She died in 187 1, leaving a family of six children : Adelaide, wife of N. W. Sherman of Chicago ; William Norman, of Gilman, Colorado ; John Oliver, of St. Joseph ; Florence N.. wife of E. Y. Riley of Chicago; Benjamin Bancroft, of San Francisco ; and Mattie May, wife of Charles Miller of Chicago. On September 8. 1875, ^^^- Buell was married to the lady who still survives him with two children : Juliet, wife of Francis McCord of St. Joseph ; and George W., Jr.. of San Francisco. Mrs. Buell was formerly Clara Ellen Mapstone, the second daughter of Richard Mapstone, a native of Bristol, England, and for a long period a prominent real estate dealer in St. Joseph. Mrs. Buell was born in Michigan. Her pleasant home in St. Joseph is situated at No. 730 North 22d street.

In addition to his large manufacturing interests, the late Mr. Buell was interested in other business enterprises in association with such prominent men as J. W. Bailey, John S. Lemon and W, N. Buell. He was not only a man of great business ability, but was also a broadminded, public-spirited citizen, one who was universally esteemed in St, Joseph. For more than 30 years, the old Buell home at loth and Charles streets was noted for its lavish hospitality and was the scene of many delightful entertainments. He was a 32d degree Mason, being a member of all the ]\Iasonic bodies in St. Joseph. He was a man of charitable impulses and gave largely to the First Baptist Church, of which he Avas a consistent member and of which he has been an official for 24 years.

HOMAS H. DOYLE, M. D.. of St. Jose])h, Missouri, was born November 5, 1840, at Doylesburg, Franklin County, Pennsylvania. He received his literary education in the public schools of his native place, and at St. Francis College, Loretto, Cambria County, Pennsylvania, in charge of the Franciscan Brothers. Commencing the study of medicine in the year 1861. he graduated from the Medical Department of the University of the City of New York in March, 1865. He practiced his profession in Chest Springs, Cambria County. Pennsylvania, until Sentembcr, 1868, when he returned to New York City, and

In the spring of 1869 he arrived in St. Joseph, and formed a partnership with Dr. E. A. Done- Ian, for the practice of his profession, which ct.nitinued for four years. He was a member of the faculty of the first medical college ever established in St. Joseph, known as "The St. Joseph Hospital Medical College," being assigned to the professorship of the principles and practice of medicine and clinical medicine. This institution in after years became the Ensworth Medical College, in whi'ch institution he still holds the position of professor of the principles and practice of medicine and clinical medicine, and is also president of the board of trustees. He is a member of the American Medical Association, the Missouri State Medical Association, the Missouri Valley Medical Association, the St. Joseph Medical Society and the Buchanan County Medical Society, of which organization he was the first president. He was president of the Board of U. S. Pension Examining Surgeons of St. Joseph for eight years, served as health officer of the city for two years, and was mayor of the city from 1886 to 1888. He was major and surgeon of the "Saxton Rifles." a State military organization of St. Joseph in existence several years ago.

On October 12, 1871, Dr. Doyle was married to Margaret G. Sheehan of St. Joseph. They have two surviving children : Agnes and John M. The latter is also a physician, and is serving his second term as coroner of Buchanan County ; he also holds the professorship of the practice of medicine and physical diagnosis in the Ensworth Medical College. The family belong to the Catholic Church, being leading members of the Cathedral parish.

Dr. Doyle has also been a prominent man of affairs in this city, identified with much of its improvement and good government. In politics he is a Democrat, one of the leaders and counsellors of his party.

FORGE W. COLLINS, secretary of the cutlery and sporting goods department of the Wyeth Hardware & Manufacturing Company, one of the large and important industries of St. Joseph, was born at Grafton, Virginia (now West Virginia), lune 26, 1858, and is a son of George C. and Martha A. (Purdy) Collins.

The parents of Mr. Collins belong to old Baltimore families, which have had many prominent representatives in railroad circles. The -greater part of the life of George C. Collins has been spent in railroad work, holding important positions with the Baltimore & Ohio and Illinois Central railroads and The Pullman Company in Baltimore, Grafton, Chicago and St. Louis. He now lives retired in the last named city. He married Martha A. Purdy, who died at Chicago, when our subject was but three years old. One of her brothers. Warren A. Purdy, formerly president of the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railway Company, now lives retired, as does also a second brother who was formerl}- one of the division superintendents of the Illinois Central Railroad. Air. and Mrs. Collins had five children, the two survivors being: A. L.. who is in the employ of The Pullman Company at St. Louis ; and George W., of this sketch.

Our subject was two years old when his parents moved to Chicago, where they remained eight years and then removed to St. Louis, where the youth completed his education and entered into business in 1879. He became connected -with the largest exclusive sporting goods house in the United States (The E. C. Meacham Arms Company) and remained with that firm for six years. He then went to Kansas City, and engaged in the same line with E. E. Menges, but 18 months later returned to the former house, with which he remained for seven years. He then was associated for seven more years with the Fletcher Hardware Company, at Detroit, Michigan, and continued with that firm Imtil he came to St. Joseph.

In ]\Iarch, 1899. Mr. Collins became manager of the cutlery and sporting goods department of the Wyeth Hardware & Manufacturing Company, and in 190T he was elected one of the company's secretaries. Mr. Collins' acquaintance with the cutlery and sporting goods business is complete, covering a period of 25 years, as buver and department manager : he is said to have had the greatest experience of anyone of his age in this line.

In 1879 Mr. Collins married Fannie M. Hailc. a member of a prominent family of St. Louis. She has but recently passed away, leaving a large circle of sorrowing friends. She was an active and beloved member of the First Presbyterian Church of St. Josei)h, df which Mr. Collins is also a member. He is a member of the

HRISTIAN LUD\\TG RUTT, compiler and editor of the foregoing history, was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, October 8, 1859, the son of Christian and Eva Kathcrina (Gaiss) Rutt. His parents were both German, from the neighborhood of Stromberg, in Rhenish Prussia, a short distance from Bingen. on the opposite shore of the river Rhine. In September of 1865. the family removed to Kansas, locating in Atchison. The boy was sent to school at St. Benedict's, then a primitive academy, but which has since become famous in the \\'est as a college. After having acquired the rudiments of English. German and Latin, he left school, early in his 13th year, and went to work in a brick-yard. Subsequently he labored in a boiler-shop, was helper to a plumber, tried bookbinding and the drug trade, and finally found congenial employment as "devil" in the composing room of the Atchison Champion, then a prosperous morning newspaper, edited and published by the late Col. John A. Martin, afterward Governor of Kansas. As a journeyman printer, he traveled about the country, after the manner of journeymen printers of those days, until November of 1881. when he forsook the "case'' for the editorial room, having been made telegraph editor of the Lco'c'cnicorth Sfaiidard, then a morning paper, edited by Ex-United States Senator Edgar G. Ross of Kansas. Subsequently he served in a similar capacity on the Leavenworth Times, under the late D. R. Anthony. In the summer of 1882 he published a weekly paper at Atchison. - the Sunday Monun_<^ Call, - in partnership with Luther L. Higby. It was a losing venture and he returned to Leavenworth and was city editor of the Standard until January of 1883, when he canie to St. Joseph. Missouri, and served as telegra]-)h editor of the Gazette until the following June, when he accepted an offer from the Fort Worth (Texas) Ga.zette. He remained in Texas until the following December, holding positions oti the San .Intonio Express, the Galveston Xezi'S, the Austin Statesman and the IVaeo Examiner. Malaria sent him North and he found a welcome at the Ca.::efte. where he served as telegra]:)h editor and city editor until INIay i, 1887, when he was appointed secretary of th.e Board of Police Commissioners, which position he held for 13 years, during which period, however, he maintained a connection with the Gazette as editorial writer. In jMarch, lyoo, he was made editor-in-chief of the Gazette and in June of that year was made manager of that paper. Two months afterward when the Gazette and Herald were consolidated, he was made manager of the Gazette-Herald, and when the pajxT was sold he was retained as managing editor, which place he held until August of 1902, when he resigned to take charge of a political department in the Daily Nexijs. In October, 1902, he was appointed managing editor of the Daily News, which place he retained at the consolidation of the Nezvs and Press, and which he holds at this time.

Mr. Rutt was married May 11, 1887, to Annie Herbst, daughter of George and Theresa Herbst. Mrs. Rutt is a native of St. Joseph. Like her husband, she is of German descent. Five children were born to this union : Helen Katherine, March 2, 1888; Marie Theresa, October 13, 1890; Francesca Maria, November 14, 1894: Anna Katherine, June 16, 1898; and Christian L., October 6, T903. The first two named are dead.

Our subject's parents are dead, the father having died in St. Louis, Missouri, December 29, 1895, ^"fl the mother, in Boon vi He, Missouri, December 21, 1900. There were three children in the parental family, all of whom are alive, our subject's two sisters, - Mrs. William H. Wachtel and Mrs. John Tenner, - being residents of St. Louis.

Our sul)iect is a Roman Catholic, and is a member of the Knights of Columbus, the Catholic Order of Foresters, St. Joseph's Benevolent Society, organizations of that faith. He is also an active member of the Monroe Club (Democratic) and an honorary member of the Typographical Union. IMr. Rutt's portrait appears on a preceding page.

APT. P. V. WISE, the oldest member of the bar of Buchanan Cotmty, has been engaged in practice at St. Joseph since 1869 and has attained wide prominence in his profession. Captain Wise was born in 1829 near Frankfort. Kentucky, his parents having removed to that State from Virginia.

Jackson, and also served in a number of engagements with the Indians. He removed to Pike County, Missouri, in 1832, remained there for a short time, and then went to Galena, Illinois, where he engaged in lead niining until 1836. In that year he purchased a farm in Grant County, Wisconsin, where he lived the remainder of his life.

Captain Wise and his elder brother, Urbino, enlisted in the army for service in the Mexican War, the former belonging to the Third Mounted Riflemen and serving under Gen. Zachary Ta_\- lor, and the latter serving under Gen. Winfield Scott. In 1849 ^""tir subject's company went to Oregon with Colonel Loring's regiment. At the expiration of his three years' term of enlistment, he went to California and worked in the gold mines of Shasta County until the summer of 1850, when he journeyed through Mexico, Venezuela and Cuba on a ])rospecting trip. Returning to the United States, he went up the Mississippi River from New Orleans to Galena, Illinois, from which place many of the citizens had run away because of the cholera epidemic. Removing then to Grant County, Wisconsin, he located at Beetown, where he studied l^hv and was admitted to the bar in April, 1853. He began practice there and success marked his efiforts from the start, his first case being one against the two attorneys with whom he had studied. After an extended stay in California, he returned to Grant Coimty, and later located in Prescott, Pierce County, Wisconsin, where he practiced his profession until the outbreak of the Civil War. At the first call to arms, he enlisted, in April, 1861, in Company B, 6th Reg., Wisconsin Vol. Inf., for the three months' service. On the 21st of July, 1861. he reenlisted as a private in Company V, 1st Reg., Wisconsin \'ol. Inf. He was soon after made a ist sergeant, then became a 2d lieutenant, and in December. t86i. was commissioned a 1st lieutenant. At the battle of Perryville, Kentucky, on October 8, 1862, Lieutenant Wise was in command of his regiment, and in this action received a wound from which he has never recovered. He was discharged on account of said wound on February 8. 1864. Thirty days later he enlisted in Company 1', 37th Reg.. Wisconsin Vol. Inf. In May of that year he was in charge as captain of a com])any of Menominee Indians, serving in the Army of the Potomac. They joined the army in its march to Richmond and arrived before Petersburg. Virginia, June 18, 1864, ^"(1 there took part in the siege. Cap- tain \\'ise was later appointed captain of Company G, 31st Reg.. U. S. Volunteers, and thereafter was in all the engagements participated in by that regiment until April 2, 1865, when the regiment entered the city of Petersburg and then followed in pursuit of Lee's Army, which surrendered on April Qth of that year. After receiving his honorable discharge from the army, Captain Wise returned to Pierce County, Wisconsin, and there practiced law until 1869, when he came to St. Joseph. Missouri, and here straightway gained prominence by winning a difficult case of State-wide importance. AMth the exception of two or three years when he was associated with partners, he has always practiced alone.

On April 10. 1853. Captain Wise was joined in marriage with Elizabeth Hammonds, daughter of Slade Hammonds, of Virginia. ]Mrs. Wise died January 19. 1899, aged 62 years, leaving a son. \'irgil. who is assistant treasurer of the Lyceum Theatre of St. Joseph. In 1899. our subject married Mrs. Rebecca Bean. Politically, he is a Jeffersonian Democrat, and was elected district attorney and mayor at Prescott, Wisconsin, and also served as police judge.

Captain Wise is in enthusiastic G. A. R. man. He is full of the military spirit and would undoubtedly have followed a military career but for the injury he received. In 1866 he organized at Prescott the first G. A. R. post in Northwestern \\ isconsin. He was a member and senior vicecommander of Custer Post. G. A. R., of St. Joseph, until 1883, and from that year until 1886 he was a member of Sumner Post at Sacramento, California. He was for two years commander of Chester Harding Post. No. 182, of St. Joseph. In 1894 he became a member of John Miller Post, G. A. R., at Seattle, Washington. He is a member of the Union \>teran Legion, of which he is a past colonel, and is also a member of the INIiHtary Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States. He has been a ]\Iason since 1858, and also belongs to the Knights of Pythias and Independent Order of Odd Fellows : he has passed through all the chairs of the two last named societies. At one time he was a member of 16 benevolent and fraternal orders.

Captain Wise has traveled very extensively and has been in every State or Territory of the L'nion, except Alaska, and has made a tour of Europe, visiting all the important battle-fields. In all. he has made 25 trijjs from the Middle West to the Pacific Coast. He has visited the West Indies and also made an investigation of the route of the Panama Canal. During the months of Augtist and September, 1903, he made a trip of over 7.500 miles through the \A'estern part of this country. Accustomed to making keen observations by reason of his extensive travels, his fund of knowledge is extremely large and diversified. He keeps thoroughly posted on what is going on in the world and puts his observations to practical use.

( )L. JOHN F. TYLER, one of the leading business men of St. Joseph, the senior member of the well-known real estate and loan firm of John F. Tyler & Company, has other claims to prominence, being one Of the city's capitalists and an honored survivor of the Civil \\"ar. in which he took a distinguished part. Colonel Tyler was born en September 12. 1838. in Jonesville. Lee Cotinty, \ irginia, and is a son of Henry C. and Jane E. (Fulkerson) Tyler.

Colonel Tvler is of Pilgrim ancestrv, his forebears having come to America in the "Mayflower.'' His paternal grandfather participated in the Revolutionary War in a ^lassachusetts company. His father, Henry C. Tyler, was born on his father's farm near Lenox, Massachusetts. Removing to \'irginia soon after reaching his majority, he there embarked in a mercantile business. In connection with his mercantile business, he engaged in large stock dealings, buying all stock offered for sale in that section of the country, the farmers taking their pay largelv in merchandise. Drovers were employed to drive the stock thus purchased to the planters in Virginia and the Carolinas. where they were sold. He owned thousands of acres in the neighborhood of Cumberland Gap, Tennessee. Part of this property was afterward purchased by a British svndicate and built up and improved as a health resort. He was a man of great business capacity and successfully engineered many large enterprises. He built and conducted stores in three States. - \'irginia. Kentucky, and Tennessee. - and was conducting eight in all at the time of his death. He took a large interest in the material development of the surrounding country, especially in the building of good roads. Although he died in 185 1 at the early age of 45 years, he had accomplishetl more in his lifetime than many whose lives have been much longer extended. His wife was a daughter of the old aristocratic Fulkerson familv of Virginia and our subject was the only child of this union. The death of Colonel Tyler's parents occurred within nine davs of each other, that of his mother preceding that of his father by that time.

Colonel Tyler was only 13 years of age when his parents died and was doubly bereft on account of their decease occurring so nearly at the same time. He then became a member of the family of his uncle, Archelaus H. Fulkerson, a large farmer and stock-raiser, with whom he remained until the age of 17 years, when he entered the Virginia Military Institute, at Lexington, Virginia. He was graduated from that institution in 1859 and in the fall of that year removed to Lexington, Missouri, where he engaged in teaching for two year^. The outbreak of the Civil War gave a new trend to his life, the first .call to arms finding him ready to leave the quiet of the schoolroom for the bustle of the camp. In 1861 he volunteered as a private in Company B, 14th Reg., Missouri Vol. Inf., U. S. A., but was elected major from the ranks and at Lexington was appointed ordnance officer by Colonel Mulligan, who was quick to note his military bearing and ability.

Colonel Tyler had charge of the ordnance department during the time Mulligan was stationed at Lexington. In the interval between the first and second battles of Lexington, he superintended the making of all the ammunition that was used in the second battle, including cartridges, canister, round and grape shot. History tels how this gallant little band was finally compelled to surrender on account of the sup])lies of Avater and ammunition giving out. and much praise is due the young officer of ordnance who accomplished such remarkable results in this military exigency. He secured a parole and went to St. Louis, where he was exchanged. Shortly afterward, he was appointed by Governor Gamble, major and aide-de-camp to General Scofield, who was then in charge of the forces in Missouri. Colonel Tyler was very active in organizing the troops at St. Louis and throughout the State and was later appointed lieutenant-colonel of the First Regiment, Missouri A^ol. Inf.. and was assigned to duty on the Iron Mountain Railroad, w^here he remained more than two years. He was commissioned, at a lat^r date, colonel of his regiment, his former superior officer, Col. John B. Gray, having been made adjutant general of the State. Colonel Tyler was l^laced in charge of the southeastern district of Missouri, under Gen. E. M. Davidson, until near

In the spring of 1865. Colonel Tyler engaged in merchandising at St. Joseph, Missouri, being associated for some time with J. A. Finer. Prior to the \var, while engaged in teaching, he had commenced studying law, reading under the direction of Judge John F. Ryland of Lexington, Missouri. After his return from the army, he resumed his studies and soon w-as admitted to the bar. He then turned his attention for a time to agricultural pursuits and operated a large farm in Buchanan County, near St. Joseph, where he made many improvements and built a comfortable farm residence. In 1872, however, he gave up farming and returned to St. Joseph and entered upon the practice of his profession and later became interested in the real estate and insurance business. This later became of so much im])ortance that he decided to devote all his energies to its expansion and in 1890 he admitted his nephew, Hon. William E. Spratt, now mayor of St. Joseph, into partnership. A sketch of the latter will be found in this w'ork. In the same year the firm moved into the Commercial Block, at No. 415 Francis street. Their offices were fitted up in modern style, sparing no expense. They afterward bought the building at No. 415 Francis street and now have offices which are not excelled by any in the city. The company's business covers real estate and loans and it is among the largest concerns operating in Buchanan County in these lines. The prominence of both members of the firm adds to its reliability and its operations aggregate many thousands of dollars annually.

On November 9, 1862, Colonel Tyler was united in marriage with Jane E. Spratt, who was a daughter of the late Maj. William Spratt, one of the pioneer settlers and prominent citizens of Lafayette County, Missouri. During the Civil War, Major Spratt served as quartermaster in the Union Army, and later for many years was circuit clerk of Lafayette County. ]\Irs. Tyler was born at Lexington, Missouri, where she was reared and carefully educated and was a favorite in the city's social life. She made many friends in St. Joseph. Her death occurred in 1887, having survived her four children.

In politics (^f>lonel Tyler is a Democrat of the old type, upholding the early principles of that great party, but holding no political office nor seeking any. He has been a Free Mason for very many years and belongs to St. Joseph Lodge, No.

78, A. F. & A. M. Religiously he is a Presbyterian and has been a liberal supporter of the work of the First Presbyterian Church of St, Joseph. The family residence at No. 215 North Seventh street is one of the palatial homes of this city.

Colonel Tyler must be classed with the builders of St. Joseph's prosperity. His fidelity to the city's interests has been marked on manj occasions and he is regarded with feelings of the highest esteem by his fellow citizens. Personally he is a man to win friends, frank in his manner, hospitable as a host and reliable as a business man.

OHN CA\'AN \\'YATT. who for many years bas been a prominent merchant of St. Joseph, is secretary and treasurer and general manager of the Townsend& W'yatt Dry Goods Company, the largest and finest retail house in St. Joseph, an establishment that needs no introduction to the people of }^Iissouri. Mr. W'vatt was born in St. Joseph, Missouri. August ti. 1845. ^"<^^ '^ ^ ^on of Hon, Joseph J. and Emily M. (Gooding) W'yatt, and a grandson of Micajah and Mary (McCorkle) W'yatt.

Hon. Joseph J. \\ yatt, known to thousands as W'yatt, was born in St. Clair County. Illinois. July 13. 1819. and was two years old when his mother died, his father soon after moving to Fleming County, Kentucky. There he was reared and passed his youth. After a thorough preparation for the legal profession in the oflRce of John Cavan. he was admitted to the bar. In June. 1845, the year following his marriage to Emily y\. Gooding, of Fleming County, Kentucky, he came to St. Joseph and practiced law. also serving two terms as postmaster, being appointed September 21. 1848. and remaining in oflfice one year, and later fillnig the position for two years. - from April 11. 1867. to July 7. 1869. He was probate judge one term and also judge of the Court of Common Pleas, for a term of about four years, and in this service established an enviable reputation as a jurist. During the later years of his life he engaged in preaching, acting as pastor for some time of the First Christian Church of thi> city, of which he was the founder. During the last 22 years of his life he preached once a month to the coijgregaticn of the church near Taos knf)wn ,1^ 'Old Union," and for 15 years preached steadily at Bethel. At the time of his death, which came to him suddenly April 9. 1 88 1, he was in charge of the congregations at Camden Point and Antioch. He was one of the founders of the college at the former place, and long held a position on the board of trustees of the institution. Of the 12 children born to him and his wife, three are now living : John Cavan, the subject of this narrative ; William, of Omaha, Nebraska : and George, of St. Joseph. Missouri.

John C. W'yatt received his educational trainiijo^ in the public schools of St. Joseph and in i860 embarked in btisiness. In 1875 he became a member of the firm of Townsend & Wyatt, which in 1890 was reorganized as the Townsend & W'yatt Dry Goods Companw Their establishment is classed with the great department stores of ^lissouri. It is under the active management of Mr. W'yatt. and to him is due much of the great pr-estige the company enjoys. His ability as a business man is recognized, and honest business methods have gained for him the highest respect of the people. He is a member of the Board of Education, a trustee of the Y. 'SI. C. A., president of the Robidoux Building & Loan Association, and president of ^ilount Mora Cemeterv, of St. Joseph. Religiously, he is a member of the First Christian Church, and has served faithfully as a member of its board of trustees.

I ALX G. WOODSON, cashier of the Farmers' State Bank, at Agency, Buchanan Count}-, was born at Agency, _ November 18, 1873, andis a son of Dr. C. R. and Julia P. (Tabor) W^oodson. Dr. Woodson moved to St. Joseph in 1886, where he has practiced medicine for many vears. He is superintendent of the State Hospital for Insane, No. 2, and is known as one of the leading alienists of the State. In 1903 he built a brick block, including bank and hotel, at Agencv and. with his son, our subject, owns the controlling shares of stock in the Farmers' State Bank at Agency. He owns also one of the largest orchards in the State, comprising 276 acres. His two children are Paul G. and Julia.

cation in the public schools, spent two years in the law department of Washington and Lee University, at Lexington, Virginia, and was admitted to the bar. He practiced his profession for two years. When the late trouble with Spain arose, he was one of those to offer his services, enlisting in Company C, 4th Reg., Missouri Infantry, U. S. Volunteers, under Colonel Corby and Captain Manheim, and was in the service from ]\Iay until February. He then returned to St. Joseph and was occupied with affairs concerning the asylum where he conducted the store room for four years, and in looking after his own and liis father's financial affairs, until October, 1903, when he became cashier of the Farmers' State Bank at Agency.

Paul G. Woodson is identified with the Democratic party, but takes no very active interest in political matters beyond performing the duties expected of a good citizen. He belongs to the Masons, Odd Fellows and Red Men. The family is one of prominence in Buchanan County.

RANK C. BARRINGTON, president and manager of the Columbian Electrical Company, at St. Joseph, is one of the enterprising and progressive men, who in the last few years have contributed much to the business impetus which is shown in every branch of the city's commercial life. Mr. Barrington is still a young man, born July 11. 1873, ^t St. Joseph, Missouri, and is a son of -Charles Connor and Almedia (Timerson) Barrington.

Edmund Barrington, our subject's greatgrandfather, who was born in Dublin, Ireland, came to America before the adoption of the Constitution, being then five years old. His father died while making the trip over the ocean, but his mother and the remainder of the family landed .safely at Philadelphia, which became the family home for several generations. ( )n June 14, 1804, Edmtmd Barrington, our subject's great-grandfather, was married to Eleanor Connor, whose father was a sea-faring man and died on his ship from a wound received during the Revolutionary War.

Edmund Barrington, our subject's grandfather, was born in Philadelphia, where he was associated with the press of that time, understanding the art of printing and making a comfortable living through translations from foreign languages. He belonged to the literary coterie of old Philadelphia, of which memories are still kept among the old papers and family archives of the day. He was born February 18, 1808, and died in his native city on November 14, 1889. On October 4, 1834, he married Eliza Rogers, who was born at Philadelphia, October 10, 1810, and was a daughter of John Leonard and Mary (Andrews) Rogers. Mr. Rogers was born in New York, but after his marriage always resided at Philadelphia : his father was killed during the Revolutionary War. The children of Edmund and Eliza (Rogers) Barrington were: Mary Eliza, Michael Connor, Eleanor Anne and Charles Connor. Of this family all are deceased, except our subject's aunt, Eleanor Anne, who still resides in Philadelphia.

The late Charles Connor Barrington, father of our subject, was educated in the Philadelphia ])ublic schools and was graduated from the High School. His business experience prior to removing to the West in 1864, was as a clerk in John Wyeth's laboratory, in Philadelphia, this pharmacist having taken the large contract to supply drugs to the army during the Civil War. When the chemist had completed his contract, his young assistant found himself without a situation. Just at this time, William M. Wyeth. well known in St. Joseph, Missouri, was visiting his brother in Philadelphia, and induced the young man to visit the West. This visit resulted in Mr. Barrington finding conditions so congenial in the Western city that, doubtless to the surprise of his Eastern relatives, he never returned to live in Philadelphia.

Mr. Barrington served as a member of the Home Guard during his first year in Missouri, He then entered the employ of William M. Wveth as credit man for this important house, and this association, brought about by chance, continued until Mr. Barrington's death on September 13. 1884. He was a charter member of the first Knights of Pythias lodge organized here

On the maternal side our subject can claim distinguished ancestry and gentle blood. On INIay 2"], 1865, Charles Connor Barrington was married at St. Joseph, Missouri, to Almedia Timerson, who was at that time residing with her sister Mrs. Caroline Benham. She was a daughter of Charles and Margery (Blanchard) Timerson. Her great-grandfather. Charles Timerson, was a native of France, one of the emigre Huguenots who fled from their native country and found homes in America. He settled in Canajoharie, JMontgomery County, New York, and took part in the War of the Revolution. Mrs. Barrington's paternal grandparents were Charles and Mary (Holcomb) Timerson, the latter being also of French extraction and a native of Whitehall, New York. The maternal grandfather of our subject, Charles Timerson, was born December 10. 1806, at Auburn, New York and he was in charge of the State Prison there as warden for many years, this connection being broken upon liis retirement from active life, in 1850. His death took place in 1884. He married Margery Blanchard, also of Auburn, New York, and they had a family of 10 children born to them, the two survivors being: Mrs. Barrington and Mrs. Eliza Campbell, of Marshall, Michigan. Tracing in another line, we find that our subject's great-uncle, Michael Connor, was a commander in the British Navy. This interesting study of family records might be extended, if space permitted, but enough has been recalled to show the quality of the stock from which sprung the progressive and enterprising citizen of whom it is our privilege to write.

After completing his common-school education in the schools of St. Joseph, Frank C. Barrington started out to engage in the battle of life for himself. He found his first opportunity where many another successful man has found his, - in railroad work, - and he was connected with the Burlington system for several years. From there he went into the sales department of the Buell Manufacturing Company, where a few years of business experience prepared him for his next advancement, when he became secretary to W. T. Van Bnmt, general manager of the St. Joseph Railway, Light, Heat & Power Company. During his railroad connection he had learned stenography and it was also during these years that he first became interested in electricity, having

In 1893. in partnership with George C. Rough, who was auditor of the railroad company, and Charles E. Roehle, then the electrical engineer for the railroad company, he organized the Columbian Electrical Company, which was incorporated with these officers : George C. Rough, president and manager ; and Frank C. Barrington, secretary and treasurer. In 1896 Mr. Barrington became president of the company, having purchased Mr. Rough's interest. At its beginning, the business was retail in its scope, the work being electrical construction of all kinds, but the business seemed to be so firmly founded that by 1898 contracts were taken for wholesale work and now the Columbian Electrical Company is one of the largest electrical jobbing houses west of the Mississippi River. Business extends all over the Middle West and is constantly reaching into new territory. This company has installed many large electrical plants in this section. It equipped the Willis Theatre at Kansas City, and has had equally large contracts at other points. The success of this company must be directly attributed to the energy, enterprise and business ability of its young president. He is interested in other business combinations and is on the directing board of the Missouri & Kansas Oil & Gas Company.

Mr. Barrington has a beautiful home in St. Joseph and a pleasant family circle, having married Vinnie Shultz, a member of one of the old families of St. Joseph. The familv belong to Christ Protestant Episcopal Church.'

In politics Mr. Barrington is one of the citv's active and influential Republicans, a member of the Republican County Committee and during the mayoralty' of Mayor Combs was a member of the City Council. His fraternal membership is with the Elks and he is one of the charter members of the organization in this citv.

LFRED LEE FEUQUAY, a prominent business man of St. Joseph, senior member of the firm of Feuquay & Randall, dealers in wood, coal and feed, was born at St. Joseph. February 14, 1849, ^''-'^^ i^ ^ son of Abery and Mary (Robertson) Feuquay.

Buchanan County and was identified with much of the early history of St. Joseph. He was born in Tennessee but left his native State before he was 17 years old, going first to Terre Haute, Indiana, where he remained a few years and then coming to St. Joseph. Missouri. He followed farming until the spring of 185 1, when he crossed the plains to California. He worked in the gold mines there for three years with profit and came home by way of the Isthmus of Panama. Although he sufifereTl shipwreck on the Pacific Ocean, he finally reached St. Joseph in safety. From 1862 to 1865 he was actively engaged in freighting between St. Joseph and Denver, and made one trip as far West as Virginia City, Idaho. Those were days of great danger and hardship, but Mr. Feuquay survived them and spent the remainder of his life in farming and stock-raising. Prior to the Civil War he was a slave-owner, but he was never a dealer, his efforts at all times being to better their condition. Like many other conscientious men, he felt, when his slaves were freed, that they would miss his care and forrthought for their well being. He was a man of excellent parts, honest, brave and worthy in every way of the high esteem in which he was held. He died February 20, 1900, aged 62 vears. having been a Democrat all his life.

He married Mary Robertson, who was born in Buchanan County, Missouri, and they had three children, namely : Alfred Lee ; Sarah, deceased, wife of A. V. Thomas, of St. Joseph ; and Nancy E., deceased. The family was reared in the faith of the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which the mother was a member.

Alfred Lee Feuquay was educated in the common schools of St. Joseph and attended the first city High School, which was located on North 10th street, and was under the supervision of the late Prof. Edward B. Neely. He remained at home cultivating the farm for many years, but in 1877 he removed to Holt County, Missouri, where he engaged in farming and stock-raising on a large scale, in which business he continued for 12 years. In 1889 he retired to St. Joseph and entered into the live stock business, forming a partnership in the following year with Loarn Randall, under the i^resent firm style. The business is expanding, a branch being conducted in South St. Joseph by \\^ R. b\'U(|uay, a son of the senior member of the firm.

of S. R. Young, formerly of Kentucky. Mrs. Feuquay died February 13, 1904. One son - Walter Roy - was born to this union. Mr. Feuquay is a member of the First Christian Church, in which he is one of the deacons.

Mr. Feuquay is very prominent in business circles and is one of the directors of the St. Joseph Board of Trade. His fraternal connection is with Logan Tribe, No. 27, Improved Order of Red Men, in which he has passed all the chairs and now fills the office of grand keeper of wampum of the State of Missouri.

ON. WTLLARD P. HALL, deceased. Governor of the State of Missouri from January 31, 1864, until January 2, 1865, belongs to Missouri's long list of distinguished men. He was born at Harper's Ferry. Virginia, May 9, 1820, and died at St. Joseph, Missouri, November 3, 1882, attaining eminence as one of the State's greatest lawyers.

Almost immediately after graduating at Vale College he came, in 1842, to Sparta. Buchanan County, entering upon his long and honorable career in the law. Soon after he was appointed circuit attorney by Governor Reynolds, and in [844 he was chosen by his party as one of the Democratic electors and had the felicity of carrying the vote of the State electors to Washington, in favor of James K. Polk. In 1846 he entered enthusiastically into the campaign as a Congressional candidate, against Judge Birch, of Clinton County, but when the call came for troops to fight Mexico all personal considerations were forgotten, and he enlisted as a private in the First Missouri Cavalry and went with (k^neral Kearny's expedition, under Col. Alexander W. Doniphan, as far as Santa Fe.

Being detailed to assist Colonel Doniphan in pre])aring a code of laws for the government of the Territory of New Mexico, home affairs were almost obscured, until, to his surprise, he was notified of his election to Congress. He served ably in that body for six years. In 1861 he was elected one of the representatives from Buchanan County to the noted convention of that year, and was so zealous and outs]:)oken in his opposition to the act of secession, that when the conventicin assumed control of the State, he was made Lieutenant Governor. During the progress of the Civil War, he was continually active in di- , recting military affairs, and, upon the death of Governor Gamble, January 31, 1864, General Hall was made Governor. This office he ably filled through one of the most diff.cult periods of this great Commonwealth's life, and turned over to his successor. Governor Fletcher, an easier seat than the one he had occupied. He resumed his law practice at St. Joseph, where his brilliant intellect, his sound and instructed judgment, his quickness of perception and his thorough knowledge of subjects outside the domain of law, made him eminent both as a debater and as a private counselor. He was a man not only of intellectual vigor, but of calm and discriminating judgment. Governor Hall was twice married, first, in 1847. to Annie E. Richardson, and second, in 1864, to Ollie L. Oliver. He is survived by a son, Willard P. Hall, now a resident of Kansas Cit}-. who has also achieved distinction at the bar, and for some years was judge of the Court of Appeals, at Kansas City.

DWARD L5. XEELV. The death of the late Edward B. Neely, at his home in St. Joseph, Missouri, on March 29, IQ04, removed from this city a noted educator an.d an esteemed citizen of spotless private character. His birth took place on Christmas Day. 1828, in Accomac Countv, on the eastern shore of Virginia, at "The Hermitage," the old family scat, and he was a son of John and Amelia (Bayly) Neely.

The Neely family is of Scotch-Irish extraction. His grandparents were both born in the North of Ireland, and his grandmother belonged to the Rutherford family, once famous for a long line of eminent and honored Presbyterian clergymen. The grandfather settled first in Lancaster Count}-, Pennsylvania, but later removed to Washington Ccnmty. where the family was reared. Here John Xcely. father of the late IVofessor Neely. was born and after completing his collegiate course at Washington College. Pennsylvania, removed to Accomac County. Virginia, where he married Amelia Bayly, a talented and accomi)lished lady of worth and beauty, a member of one of the old aristocratic families of ]".nglish ancestry in Eastern Virginia. She was born at "The Hermitage." the old family homestead, and resided there until after the birth of our subject, who was the oldest of the family of eight children. Two of his sisters, Mrs. Mary

E. Bradley, now deceased, and ]\Irs. Kate J. Festitits, developed literary talent at an early age and both became known to the literary world through books of great merit. One of his brothers, a young man of unusual ability, died shortly after being admitted to the Accomac bar. and another brother, the late John Neely. of Norfolk, Virginia, w^as oi« of the most distinguished lawyers in that State.

The late Edward B. Neely was a child when his parents removed from" Accomac County, first to Easton, Maryland, afterward to Warrenton. N'irginia. later to Rockville, ?\Iontgomery County, Maryland, and still later, to Washington. D. C. This gave the youth the advantage of excellent educational opportunities, and he was carefully prepared for college by his scholarly father. In his 17th year he entered the junior class of Washington College, Pennsylvania, which now takes a leading position with the foremost educational institutions of the country as Washington and Jeft"erson College. Here he was graduated with high rank, September 29, 1847, when in his T9th vear. Many of his classmates have become famous in different walks of life, one of these being the great statesman, the late James G. Blaine. Both Mr. Blaine and Mr. Neely were selected as orators at that commencement ; the latter selected as his subject "The American Boy" and received much praise both for its subject matter and for his manner of delivery.

One month after graduation, Mr. Neely accepted the position of assistant teacher in Warfield Academy, in H(^ward County, Maryland, an educational institution located some 25 miles from the citv of Baltimore. In 1848 he opened a private school at Onancock, Accomac County, Mrginia, which he conducted for two years and in that time established his reputation as a successful teacher so thoroughly, that in 1850 he was elected by the unanimous vote of the trustees to succeed his father as principal of Margaret Academy, situated also in Accomac County, one of the oldest and most aristocratic schools in the State. This academy prospered under his management, and, in addition to the old patrons, students were attracted from all parts of the eastern shore and from the exclusive families on the opposite side of Chesapeake Bay. This position was a pleasing and lucrative one and the school continued to ])rosper. but its scope was too narrow to satisfy the voung man's growing ambitions. In his search for a wider field, Mr. Ncelv selected St.

Joseph, ^lissouri, as a point offering many opportunities. Hence, in 1855, he resigned his position at Margaret Academy, much to the regret of all concerned, and, in company with a former fellow student. R. F. ]\Iaxwell, also a graduate of liis alma mater, and his successor in the school at Onancock. came to the West and settled in this city.