Cass County, Missouri - Biographical sketches, 1917 (part 15 of 15)

After the death of his parents W. G. Ward continued to operate the home farm, and has made farming and stock raising his life's occu¬ pation and has met with a very satisfactory degree of success. He began in Cass County when this section of the country was in its primitive state, at that time being mostly one broad expanse of unbroken prairie. When Mr. Ward was a boy he broke prairie with ox teams and he recalls the time when Pleasant Hill was the nearest railroad station, and he has frequently hauled lumber and other supplies from that point. He has seen much of the hardships and inconveniences of pioneer life in Cass County, and while those early days had their hardships, they also had their recompense, and Mr. Ward has many pleasant recollections of the early days in Cass County. He has been successful as a farmer and a stock raiser and has accumulated a vast farm of three hundred eighty acres. In addition to his activities as a fanner and stock raiser he has also dealt quite extensively in stock in which he has also been successful, and today is one of the well-to-do men of Everett township.

Mr. Ward was united in marriage in 1877 with Miss Miranda Hor¬ ton and five children were born to this union, three of whom are living, as follows: Mrs. Gertrude McNallally, Glendine, Montana; James, Drexel, Missouri; and Mrs. Mary C. Dudley, Drexel, Missouri. The wife and mother of these children died in 1887, and in 1901 Mr. Ward was married to Mrs. E. Beckham, widow of the late James H. Beckham.

in Cass County, and recalls the memory of many of the old pioneers, nearly all of whom have passed to the Great Beyond. He recalls Luke P. Chambers, "Uncle Jimmie" Williams and Demsey Summers, as being among the pioneer preachers. Mr. Ward is of genial spirit and one who makes and keeps friends. He has a broad acquaintance over this sec¬ tion of the state and is held in the highest esteem.

F. B. Hey, a well-known insurance and loan man of Drexel, Missouri, who is also an extensive land owner, is a native of Missouri. He was born in Clay County, in 1864, and is a son of Christian and Mary (Chand¬ ler) Hey. The father was a native of Germany and immigrated to America when he was eighteen years old, settling at Westport, Missouri. Later he went to Clay County, where he spent the remainder of his life engaged in farming and stock raising. He died in 1885 and his widow now resides in Clay County. She is a daughter of William Chandler, a Kentuckian, who was an early settler in Clay County.

F. B. Hey was reared in Clay County and received his education in the public schools. He began life as a farmer, and in 1887 came to Cass County and bought two hundred acres of land north of Main City. Three years later he engaged in the mercantile business at Main City, which he conducted in connection with his farming operations. After being in the mercantile business nine years he traded his interest for a farm and in 1900 moved to Drexel. Here he engaged in the live stock business for three years, when he became interested in the Drexel Mer¬ cantile Company and devoted all his time to that business for nine years, the last three years serving as president of the company. When he sold his interest in that business he began dealing quite extensively in farm property and bought and sold land at considerable profit for four years. He then engaged in the loan and insurance business, which has since oc¬ cupied his time. Mr. Hey owns four hundred forty-five acres of land and is also actively engaged in farming and stock raising. He makes a specialty of raising pure blood Duroc Jersey hogs.

In 1888 Mr. Hey was united in marriage with Miss Ruth Broadhurst, a daughter of Judge John Broadhurst of Clay County, Missouri. Four chil¬ dren were born to this union: Claude, Eva, John, and Lynn. The wife and mother died in 1904, and in 1911 Mr. Hey was married to Miss Anna Hausen, a daughter of John C. Hausen, of Clay County, and one child has been born to this union, Charles Woodrow. Mr. Hey is one of DrexePs progressive and substantial citizens.

Philip H. Thornton, a successful farmer and stock raiser of Pleasant Hill township, is a Kentuckian. He was born in Montgomery County, that state, in 1846, a son of Charles T. and Kate (Hathaway) Thornton, both natives of Kentucky, the former born in Parish and the latter at Mount Sterling. The parents were married in Kentucky and all of their children, except Kate, the youngest, was bom in that state. They are as follows: W. T., deceased; C. T., Pleasant Hill, Missouri; Philip H., the subject of this sketch ; John A., Pleasant Hill, Missouri ; David A., deceased; James A., Pleasant Hill, Missouri; Mrs. Mary Bryam, Harrisonville, Missouri; and Mrs. Kate M. Alexander, Los Angeles, California. All of the boys were educated in the public school of Pleasant Hill, and the girls received their education in the Harrisburg Female College, Har¬ risburg, Kentucky, and are both graduates of that institution.

Charles T. Thornton came to Cass County, Missouri, with his fam¬ ily in 1857, and bought two hundred seventy acres of land from James Fleming, four miles northeast of the town of Pleasant Hill, in Pleasant Hill township, where he was a prosperous farmer and stock raiser to the time of his death. He added more land to his original holdings and left three hundred forty acres. He suffered considerable financial loss during the Civil War, which was the common lot of many. When Order No. 11 was issued the Thornton family moved to Chariton County, where they remained until the close of the war, and during that time much damage was done on their place. They lost all their personal property

Philip H. Thornton has always followed farming and stock raising and is one of the successful and substantial men of the community. He owns a part of the old Thornton homestead and his brothers own the balance. They are thrifty and well-to-do citizens.

Thomas Hale, a prosperous and well known farmer and stockman of Pleasant Hill township is a native son of Cass County. He was born in 1872 and is a son of James and Nannie (Dillow) Hale. The father is a native of Canada and came to Cass County and came to Cass County and settled in Big Creek township shortly after the close of the Civil War. He and his wife now reside in Cass County. They are the par¬ ents of three children, as follows: William, farmer, Big Creek town¬ ship; James, farmer, Pleasant Hill township; and Thomas, the subject

Thomas Hale was reared on his father's farm and educated in the public schools of Cass County. He has made farming and stock raising his life's occupation, and has given the science of agriculture and animal husbandry careful study. His well-kept place and splendid residence and other farm buildings bear all the earmarks of a progressive Twentieth Century farmer. He is an extensive cattle and hog feeder and for twenty years has been very successful in this field of endeavor. He has shipped annually from two to four carloads of cattle and hogs. In 1901, Mr. Hale bought two hundred acres of land at twenty-eight dollars an acre, and a few years later he added one hundred acres to his original purchase at a cost of sixty dollars an acre. His land is all well improved and in an excellent state of cultivation and his is one of the valuable farms of Cass County. It is well supplied with water, which makes of it an ideal place for stock raising.

Mr. Hale was married in 1894 to Miss Mollie Davidson, a daughter of William Davidson, a Cass County pioneer, who located at Pleasant Hill shortly after the Civil War. To Mr. and Mrs. Hale have been born two children, Carrie and Thomas, both residing at home.

A. J. Small, a prominent farmer and stockman of Big Creek town¬ ship, was born near Baxter Springs, Kansas, in 1866. He is a son of James and Varlendia (Ingrum) Small, the former a native of Kentucky, and the latter of Lafayette, Missouri. They were the parents of the fol¬ lowing children: Mrs. Betty Armstrong, died in Saline County, Mis¬ souri; Mrs. Eva Webster, resides in Wichita, Kansas; Johanna, died at the age of three years; and A. J., the subject of this sketch.

James Small located in Polk township when he first came to Cass County, and made his home in that township about five years. He lo¬ cated in Big Creek township in 1866. He purchased his first land here from Daniel Peck. He died in 1876, and his wife died at the home of A. J. in 1909.

A. J. Small still owns the original home of twenty acres in Big Creek township, which his father bought over fifty years ago, and he has added to it from time to time, until he now owns one hundred sixty acres of splendid land, which is worth at a conservative estimation, one hundred dollars an acre. He carries on general farming and stock raising and usually keeps on hand about fifteen or twenty milch cows. He also makes a specialty of Duroc Jersey hogs. Mr. Small is also a successful alfalfa

Mr. Small was united in marriage in 1892 with Miss Nannie Smith, daughter of John C. Smith, of Big Creek township. Mr. Smith is a Cass County pioneer who came to this section of the state prior to the Civil War, and when Order No. 11 was issued he went to Centralia, Missouri, where he remained until the close of the war. He is now eighty-three years of age. His wife died in 1889, and her remains now rest in the Pleasant Hill Cemetery. John C. and Nannie Smith were the parents of the following children: Telethia, married Irvin M. Payne, Big Creek township; Lucy, married Lee Berry, and died in 1913; George, resides at Pleasant Hill; Nannie, married A. J. Small, whose name introduces this sketch, and Cora, died at the age of three years. All of the above named were born at Pleasant Hill, Missouri.

To Mr. and Mrs. A. J. Small have been born ten children, as follows: Lola, married Jesse Hayes, Big Creek township; Alma, married Clarence Parrish, Big Creek township; and Claud, George, Pearl, Alexander, Nan¬ nie, Lillie, Lennie, and John, all reside at home with their parents.

Mr. Small is one of the substantial citizens of Cass County, and the Small family are well known and stand high in the community where they reside.

Arthur L. Feeback, a prosperous and enterprising young farmer and banker of Latour, Missouri, was born in Bates County, Missouri, in 1880. He is the son of Joseph L. and Mollie (Graves) Feeback, the former was born in Kentucky in 1847, and came to Missouri in 1866 with his father, Elyob Feeback. They located in Index township. Elyob Feeback was a native of Bourbon County, Kentucky. He was a soldier in the Civil War. The mother, Mollie (Graves) Feeback, wras born in North Carolina in 1850. Joseph L. Feeback died in 1911 and his wife departed this life in 1893, and they are buried in Index Cemetery. They were the parents of seven children, twro of w'hom died in infancy, and those living are: Mrs. Nora Corbin, Index township; Arthur L., the subject of this sketch; Odena B., resides with her brother, Arthur L. ; Mrs. Mattie Nease, widow of the late A. L. Nease; and Lena L., Latour, Missouri.

Arthur L. Feeback was educated in the public schools of Cass County, and his father moved to Mr. Feeback's present home, thirty-four years ago, and lived there until the time of his death,

Arthur L. Feeback has made farming and stock raising his principal occupation except ten years when he was assistant cashier of the Bank of Latour. He is now one of the directors of that institution and still assists in the work of the bank at times. His father was one of the organizers of this bank and was its president at the time of his death.

The Bank of Latour, Missouri, is a prosperous and well-managed bank. It was organized in 1895 with a capital stock of eleven thousand dollars. J. G. Farnsworth was its first cashier. He is now president of the Farmers and Commercial Bank of Holden, Missouri. The Bank of Latour now has a capital stock and surplus of twenty thousand dollars. C. A. Dovenspike is cashier and Arthur L. Feeback assistant cashier. It is the only bank at Latour, and owns its own building.

Mr. Feeback and his father have fed cattle on the farm every year with the exception of two, since they came here. At present, Mr. Feeback has sixty-two head on the one hundred and eighty acres of the original three hundred and sixty. Mr. Feeback has raised hogs exten¬ sively also and has been very successful in this line. His farm is well improved and one of the valuable places of Cass County.

Mr. Feeback is a member of the township board of Index township, having been elected in 1916. In Mr. Feeback's road district (number three) there is not a wooden culvert, all being of concrete construction. He is a member of the Masonic Lodge at East Lynne and the Central Protective Association and the Order of the Eastern Star at Garden City. He is unmarried.

W. S. Buckley, or "Scott" Buckley, as he is familiarly known, is a prominent Cass County farmer, located in Index township. He is a native of Kentucky, born in 1847, and is a son of the late William and Amanda (Mears) Buckley, both natives of Kentucky and of pioneer Kentucky stock. They were the parents of two children, but Scott Buckley is the only one living. By a former marriage, William Buckley has one daugh¬ ter living, Mrs. M. M. Wills.

William Buckley came to Cass County from his native state in 1867, and located in Index township on the place which Scott Buckley now occupies. He bought the farm from Ben Taylor, paying eleven dollars an acre for part of it. At the time of his death he owned six hundred forty acres, of which Scott Buckley has three hundred sixty-five acres, and Mrs. Wills two hundred eighty acres. William Buckley was a stock-

William Buckley had three brothers who settled in Cass County: Chambers and Charles Buckley came in 1868 and Edward Buckley came in 1867, shortly after William came. Chambers died in Benton County, Missouri: Edward died in Index township, and Charles died in Okla¬ homa. David Lawrence, a son of Charles Buckley, who came to Cass County with his father, now makes his home with "Scott" Buckley.

"Scott" Buckley received his education in the district schools of Kentucky and of Cass County. He remained at home with his father, of whom he was very fond, and worked with him as a partner until the father's death, which occurred in 1905.

W. S. Buckley married Miss Minnie Ladd of Index township. She is a daughter of Thomas Ladd, a Kentuckian who was an early settler in Cass County. He died about 1901. To Mr. and Mrs. Buckley has been born one child, William, aged fourteen.

When a boy, Mr. Buckley accidentally shot himself and for two years was a cripple, but the ball was finally located and removed and since that time he has felt no particular evil effect. He is a decidedly young appearing man for his age and of a quiet and retiring disposition. He is one of Cass County's progressive and substantial citizens and stands ever ready to support any worthy enterprise.

K. S. Johnson, a leading farmer and stockman of Index township, who is owner and proprietor of the "Four Leaf Clover Farm," although comparatively a new resident of Cass County, is one of the most promi¬ nent and influential stock raisers in this part of the state. Mr. Johnson was born in Kentucky in 1860, and went to Menard County, Illinois, in 1883. He worked by the month for three years, and then bought two hundred forty-seven and a half acres of land for seventy dollars an acre. In 1912, fourteen years later, he sold that land for two hundred dollars an acre, which was a very profitable transaction.

In March, 1912, Mr. Johnson came to Cass County, and purchased from Richard O'Brannon the fine stock farm of five hundred twenty acres, lying twro and a quarter miles northeast of Garden City in Index township, on which land was originally located the town and postoffice of Schuyler. Here Mr. Johnson has been successfully engaged in farming and stock raising to the present time.

The farm is well improved with a ten thousand dollar residence which was built in 1893. One barn, built in 1902, 40 x 100 feet, has a capacity of one hundred and sixty tons of hay; there is also a feed barn 46 x 100 feet, with a capacity of one hundred head of cattle, and it will also hold six thousand bushels of corn and one hundred tons of hay. There is also a good house and barn on the southwest part of the farm.

In the fall of 1913, Mr. Johnson drilled a well six hundred sixty-six feet deep, striking an abundance of good, wholesome soft water. This water stood within sixty feet of the surface when nearly all the other wells and streams in the neighborhood were dry. After ten hours of continuous pumping with a gas engine, which Mr. Johnson has installed, the water was not lowered an inch.

Mr. Johnson handled Percheon horses and mules until the fall of 1917, when he held a sale, selling fifty head, and is now directing his attention to raising Duroc Jersey hogs eligible for registry. He owns two hundred head of this breed of hogs, a valuable flock of sheep and intends giving attention to that kind of stock also. He has built five miles of wire fence since coming to the farm, all but eighty acres of which are now fenced hog-tight. Hedge wood posts are used, and the cor¬ ner posts are set in concrete.

K. S. Johnson was married January 14, 1885, to Miss Harriet Kin¬ caid of Athens, Menard County, Illinois. They are the parents of six children, as follows: Harry, who is in the United States Navy, at present on board the U. S. S. North Carolina, and was with that ship when money was taken to stranded tourists in Europe at the breaking out of the present European War. He enlisted at St. Louis, and has been in the service six years. Thomas K., resides on the home farm; Hugh F., married Gladys O'Bannon, also lives on the home farm; Kirby V. and Harriet Alice, both at home.

Dr. Waldo Pleasant Van Hoy, successful veterinary surgeon, of Index, was born in Sherman township in 1860. He is a son of Dr. James H. and Mary Ann (Bailey) Van Hoy. Both of his parents were of southern birth, his father being a native of North Carolina and his mother of Tennessee.

living resident of Cass County, having lived here for eighty years. She was born in Roan County, Tennessee, January 13, 1836. She came to Cass, then Van Buren County in 1857, with her parents Pleasant F. and Jeannette (Matheeny) Bailey, who located upon a farm in Big Creek township. Her father and mother both died on the farm southwest of Pleasant Ilill. The father died February 4, 1852, and the mother passed away several years later, and they are buried in the Old Union Cemetery, west of Pleasant Hill. They were both devout Christians and every night family worship was held in their home. Mary A. Bailey joined the Baptist Church when she was twelve years old. She began teaching school at the age of sixteen and taught several terms on the subscription plan. She was married to Dr. James Van Hoy February 5, 1854, at the old home, near Pleasant Hill. Rev. Henry Farmer performed the cere¬ mony.

Dr. and Mrs. Van Hoy moved to a location five miles south of Index and a short distance west of old Wodensburg, where the Doctor entered two hundred acres of land. The surrounding country was then all open prairie. They continued to do most of their trading at Pleasant Hill and went back and forth with an ox team. Mrs. Van Hoy relates that during one trip the oxen got very thirsty and, approaching a creek, became unmanagable and rushed madly down the bank into the water, oxen, wagon and all, before the doctor had the slightest chance to unhitch them. In 1865 the Van Hoys removed to Index, where Dr. Van Hoy died in 1888. He is buried in Index cemetery; so also are his two daugh¬ ters. While living at Index he conducted a drug store and also sold dry goods. Dr. James H. Van Hoy and his wife were the parents of three children: Gertrude, married Lysander Burdette; Ella, married S. 0. Goode and Dr. Waldo Pleasant, the subject of this sketch. Both Mrs. Burdette and Mrs. Goode are deceased.

Dr. Waldo Pleasant Van Hoy received his early education in the schools of Index township, and remained at home with his parents until he was twenty-seven years old. He then moved to the Captain Withers farm, but his father's death occurred one year later, and he returned to the home place at Index where he has since lived. While yet a boy he became interested in veterinary work, and his father, being a doctor, was able to give him much valuable assistance in his studies. He soon became so skillful in treating the ills of animals that his services were in constant demand in the neighborhood and he had acquired a large prac- tice long before he had taken any instruction from a regular veterinary school. When he was about twenty-five years old he purchased the best text books obtainable and after a rigid course of self-instruction he was able to pass examination given by the Veterinary Science Association of Ontario, Canada, and was granted a diploma by that institution on May 1, 1906. On April 3, 1909, he received a diploma and the degree of Doctor of Veterinary Dentistry from the Veterinary Dental College of Detroit, Michigan.

Dr. Van Hoy was married September 4, 1887, to Luty Dell, a daugh¬ ter of Major and Mrs. Lysander West. Mrs. Van Hoy's father is now 'deceased and her mother lives at the home of a son-in-law, B. E. Hol¬ comb, Liberty, Missouri. Dr. and Mrs. Van Hoy are the parents of four children, as follows: James Harold of Moberly, Missouri; Forestine, married Harry King, Moline, Illinois; Eugene Herbert, Douglas, Wyom¬ ing; and Mrs. George Lieber, also of Douglas, Wyoming. Dr. Van Hoy and his wife are prominent in the community and are of the representa¬ tive Cass County pioneer families.

George A. Talbot, a prosperous farmer of Dayton township, is a native son of Cass County, having been born in Dayton township in 1872. He is a son of William E. and Mary E. (Kennedy) Talbot, natives of Kentucky, sketch of whom appears in this volume. George A. Talbot was reared on a farm and educated in District Number 5, Dayton town¬ ship, and also attended school in Bourbon County, Kansas, and Butler, Missouri.

George Talbot's father died when George was about six years old and the boy began life for himself at a very early age. He began farm¬ ing for himself on the home place when he was sixteen years old, and general farming and stock raising has been his occupation since that time. He owns a well-improved farm with a good residence and other farm buildings. Mr. Talbot specializes in raising Durham cattle and Poland China hogs, in which he has met with a very satisfactory degree of success.

Mr. Talbot was united in marriage in 1892 with Miss Mattie Cole¬ man, of Index township, a daughter of D. C. and Sarah Gardner Coleman, natives of Virginia. The Coleman family came to Cass County in 1886, locating in Dayton township. D. C. Coleman is now deceased and his widow resides with her son, Joseph Coleman, in Sherman township. To

Mr. and Mrs. Talbot have been born two children, as follows: Thaddeus, who was educated in the Garden City public schools, the Central Business College, Sedalia, Missouri, and the State Normal School at Warrensburg, Missouri. He married Miss Florence Kelly. The younger son, Ralph, is a student in the Garden City High School and holds a certificate of honor from the County Superintendent for four years attendance at school without missing a single day or being tardy.

Mr. Talbot is a Republican and takes an active interest in local politics, and in 1907 was elected assessor of Index township and elected collector in 1909. He is one of the substantial citizens of Cass County, where the Talbot family is well and favorably known.

William E. Talbot, now deceased, was a Cass County pioneer. He was born in Kentucky in 1830, and when three years old was brought to Missouri by his parents. He was a son of Dr. Patrick Talbot, who began the practice of medicine at Pleasant Hill, Missouri, upon coming to this section of the state in 1833. He was also an attorney. He built the first house, which was a log structure, in the northern part of the present town of Pleasant Hill. He was also one of the founders of the town of Dayton and owned the townsite, and at one time owned a store there.

William E. Talbot was united in marriage with Miss Mary E. Ken¬ nedy December 31, 1856. She was a native of Kentucky, but at the time of her marriage resided at Pleasant Hill. She is a daughter of S. F. and Catherine Willis (Talbot), natives of Kentucky. Her mother died in her native state and the father afterward married Keturah Mullins, who accompanied him to Missouri. Mrs. Talbot was born in 1840 and came to Missouri with her father and stepmother, locating at Pleasant Hill in 1855. The family remained at Pleasant Hill until the Civil War broke out, when they removed to northern Missouri. Later they returned to Ray County where the father died at the age of seventy-six. Mrs. Talbot was one of the following children born to her parents: Sterling, Mary E., now is Mrs. William E. Talbot; Frances; David; and Samuel, of whom Mary E. is the only surviving member. William E. Talbot died at the age of forty-eight years, in 1878, and is buried in the Dayton Cemetery.

To William E. and Mary E. Talbot were born the following children: Anna M., married Otho Agee, Denver, Colorado; Leonard H., Hiattville; Izora, married George Blaincoe, Fort Scott, Kansas; Ethelbert, married Minnie Coles, and is now deceased; George, a farmer and stockman,

Dayton township; Ida, deceased; and a daughter who died in infancy. Mrs. Talbot is a member of the Christian Church and an exemplary Christian woman. She represents that type of pioneer women who did their part nobly and well toward transforming the west from an unin¬ habited plain to a land of progress and plenty.

George S. McCulloh, well known as a leading farmer and stockman of Dayton township, was born in Miami County, Kansas, October 11, 1861. His father, William G. McCulloh, was a native of Pennsylvania, born in 1828, and died September 8, 1915, and is buried at Dayton, Missouri. He was a pioneer of Miami County, Kansas, locating there in 1857. When Order No. 11 was issued he went to Johnson county, Kansas. Pie came to Cass County, Missouri, May 3, 1866, and settled in Dayton township, where he spent the remainder of his life. George S. McCullolTs mother was Matilda Souders before her marriage. She was born in Pennsyl¬ vania May 6, 1828, and died August 8, 1911. William G. McCulloh and wife were the parents of nine children, as follows: Archibald S., deceased; James Henry, Garden City, Missouri; Mary Ellen Gaylord, deceased; Sarah Emma Clements, decease; George S., the subject of this sketch; Clara Belle Talbot, deceased; Louisa Jane Morlan, Garden City; Ulysses Grant, Creighton, Missouri; and 0. B., engaged in the real estate busi¬ ness at Garden City.

George S. McCulloh received his schooling at the "Choctaw School House," Dayton township. At the age of twenty-two he began life for himself, buying one hundred twenty acres of the present home place of Mr. Kelly. The land was originally part of the Wilhite estate. It was unimproved, except for a small old house that stood thereon. That house still stands. It was built by Ben Rogers nearly fifty years ago. It was Mr. McCulloh's residence until his present home was built in 1901. The new house has eight rooms and is cozy and cheerful. Mr. McCulloh's present farm contains three hundred sixty acres and is a very valuable stock farm as well as an excellent grain farm. It is well improved, having on it, in all, eleven suitable buildings, and is well equipped for stock and grain raising. Mr. McCulloh has raised Shorthorn cattle until recently, but now handles grade stock in horses and cattle, shipping about two car loads of each every year. He has also until lately, handled Percheron horses, in partnership with his brother James. He raises pure bred Barred Plymouth Rock chickens and at present has one hundred fifty of these fowls on hand.

Mr. McCulloh was married November 22, 1884, to Miss Martha A. Dunham, of Dayton township. She is the daughter of A. R. and Julia M. (Beavin) Dunham, pioneers of Dayton township. They came here in the fifties, and remained until Order No. 11 was issued, when they went to Johnson County. Mr. Dunham was a native of North Carolina, born February 24, 1816, and died in Cass County in March, 1865, and is buried in Bayler cemetery. Mrs. Dunham was born in Fulton County, Missouri, April 7, 1832, and died in March, 1907, and is also buried in Baylor Cem¬ etery.

To Mr. and Mrs. George S. McCulloh have been born three children, as follows: Beverly M., married Beulah Cantrell of Bates County, resides on the home place; Bessie S., married Sherman V. Leslie, and they live on the old McCulloh homestead; and Harold McKinley, unmarried, re¬ sides with his parents. The McCullohs are among Cass County's most substantial citizens.

G. B. Weaver, a progressive farmer residing two miles east of Harrisonville, has probably done more than any other one man in Cass County to advance agricultural interests. He was bom in Wayne County, Ken¬ tucky, in 1853, son of John S. and Louisa Margaret Weaver. John S. Weaver was bom in 1819 and died in 1896. He is buried on the home place in Wayne County, Kentucky. Louisa Margaret Weaver died in Wayne County, Kentucky, in 1897. John S. and Louisa Margaret Weaver were the parents of the following children: J. H., Lincoln County, Ken¬ tucky; Simeon, who died at the age of two years; E. F., who died at the age of thirty years ; D. W., who died at the age of twenty-five years ; Mrs. Bellzora Tate, Wayne County, Kentucky; G. B., subject of this review; Mrs. Susan Morris, Harrisonville, Missouri; John W., Cameron, Missouri; B. C., who died in Liberty, Missouri; Mattie, who is married and resides in Independence, Missouri; and R. L., Broadway, New York. All the children were reared on the farm where the mother, Louisa Margaret, was born.

G. B. Weaver left his home in Kentucky at the age of nineteen years for Texas, where he became a cattle puncher. Riding bronchoes, Mr. Weaver herded cattle for six years at Waco. He purchased three hundred twenty acres of land near Corsicana and for many years operat¬ ed a cotton plantation in the sunny south.

In 1878 G. B. Weaver and Jennie A. Meader, of Corsicana, Texas, daughter of a schoolmate of Mr. Weaver's mother, were united in mar¬ riage. Mrs. Meader and Louisa Margaret Weaver were playmates and friends in the days of their girlhood in Wayne County, Kentucky. The parents of Mrs. G. B. Weaver are deceased and she has no living brothers or sisters.

Mr. Weaver sold his plantation in Texas and came to Cass County in 1899 where he bought eighty acres, two and a half miles north of Harrisonville, for fifty dollars. He improved this place and seven years later sold it for eighty-seven and a half dollars per acre, the highest price paid for land in that vicinity at that time. Mr. Weaver then pur¬ chased his present home place of eighty acres from E. F. Garrett. Part of the present residence and a hay barn were upon the place at the time of the purchase, but Mr. Weaver has rebuilt both, installing a light plant and piping water to both the residence and barn, making them strictly modern throughout. He has in addition erected a 12 x 26 silo and an excellent hog and cattle bran 32 x 32 feet in dimensions. He handles registered Shorthorn cattle and Duroc Jersey hogs and has been very successful raising jacks.

G. B. Weaver has spent most of his, life clearing, cultivating and improving the land. Five different farms he has improved. Two of these farms were prairie land and one a place in Texas which he grubbed out. His ideas of farm arrangement and improvement are splendid and those who know Mr. Weaver say that he is never satisfied with a farm until he has made it one of the very best, that he will have none but a good place. Cochleburs never thrive upon the Weaver place. Farming has drawn out the best efforts of some of the leading men in Cass County and developed their abilities, and through their efforts along agricultural lines they have become well-to-do and prominent in their communities. G. B. Weaver is one of these substantial farmer citizens of Cass County whose intelligent knowledge of soils and the most profitable uses to which particular lands may be devoted is advancing the agricultural im¬ portance of this community.

Samuel Wright Wade, of Sherman township, comes of noble pioneer lineage. He was born August 1, 1869, in Old Wadesburg, son of Woodson A. and Ellen F. (Wright) Wade. Woodson A. Wade, a Virginian, was born December 26, 1825. He came to Missouri in 1854 or 1855 and entered the land on which he later founded the town of Wadesburg. In his honor the town was named. Ellen F. (Wright) Wade was born in Kentucky, May 17, 1829. The Wade family left the county when Order No. 11 was issued and for some time resided in Sedalia, later in Warrensburg and Pleasant Hill. Woodson A. Wade enlisted in the federal service at Sedalia, Missouri, and served throughout the war. When he was serving as provost marshal at Sedalia his revolvers were stolen and some time later his son, James W., saw them in the possession of a big, husky fellow at Warrensburg. James stepped up to the thief and demanded of him what right he had to his father's revolvers. The thief tried to bluff the lad but friendly onlookers assisted, and the weapons were restored to him. Woodson A. Wade was a prominent and leading man of his day in Cass County. He was a member of the committee appointed to revise the constitution in the seventies. He was appointed collector of internal revenue for this district, and in 1888 assisted in organizing the Farmers and Merchants Bank and was its first president. He was very successful in life also in a material way and at the time of his death, May 24, 1908, was owner of nine hundred acres of good land. He was a worthy member of the Baptist Church and was affiliated with the Ancient Free and Ac¬ cepted Masons and the Grand Army of the Republic. Woodson A. Wade was a man of excellent parts, stern morality, generous impulses, and kindly heart. Honest and upright himself, he would not tolerate any¬ thing low or underhanded in others. His loss was a source of universal regret in the community. Mrs. Wade followed her husband in death in March, 1911, and both are interred in Wadesburg Cemetery.

Samuel Wright Wade received his elementary education in Wades¬ burg, Missouri. He graduated from Spalding's Commercial School in Kansas City, Missouri, in 1892, and for the ensuing six years was assist¬ ant cashier of the Farmers Deposit Bank of Creighton. The bank liqui¬ dated about six years after starting and paid one hundred six cents on the dollar, an unusual proceeding. Young Wade then went to Kansas City and for six years was engaged in railroading and street car work, after which he returned to Cass County to make his home on the farm, where he has since resided. Mr. Wade owns one hundred ninety-five acres of his father's old home place and upon which his parents are buried. April 7, 1915, the house on the home place burned and Mr. Wade moved to his present home.

City, Missouri, were united in marriage, and to this union were born two children; Mrs. Della M. Wilds, with whom Mr. Wade now makes his home ; and Minetta Belle, at home attending school. Mrs. Wade died March 13, 1913.

Mr. Wade has taken an active and interested part in the political affairs of his township and county. He was twice candidate for circuit clerk on the republican ticket, in 1892 and four years later. For two years he was mayor of Creighton at the time he was in the bank there, and for many years he has been justice of the peace. His has had an active and influential career.

Mr. Wade possesses a splendid mind of literary turn and he has found time from the manifold duties of his busy life to inform himself by wide reading upon countless subjects and is thoroughly posted upon current events. But better than being a well informed reader and an excellent conversationalist, Mr. Wade is a noble man, a truly valuable citizen of Cass County.

Adelbert Leadbetter, a prominent farmer of Index township, is a native of Cass County. He was born in Index township May 29, 1871, and is a son of E. G. and Frances Leadbetter, both natives of Maine. The father was born August 15, 1845, and the mother July 24, 1852. E. G. Leadbetter came to Cass County in 1869, and settled in Index town¬ ship, on the place now owned by Mrs. Alice Randall. He broke part of this farm and improved it. The place consisted of one hundred twenty acres. E. G. Leadbetter followed farming and stock raising in Index township for a number of years and was unusually successful in that line of industry. In addition to his farming and stock raising he was an extensive feeder and shipper of cattle for many years. He now owns twelve hundred acres of land, all of which are in Index township except ten acres. He now resides in Garden City.

Adelbert Leadbetter was one of a family of four children born to his parents, as follows: Adelbert, the subject of this sketch; Mrs. Ella Anderson, Garden City, Missouri; Jasper, Mangum, Oklahoma; and Everett, Index township. Adelbert Leadbetter was educated in the public schools, the State Normal School at Warrensburg, and the Central Busi¬ ness College, Sedalia, Missouri. When he was twenty-one years of age, he entered the employ of the Walter A. Wood Harvester Company at Sedalia, Missouri, as assistant general agent. He returned to Index township, Cass County, where he has since been successfully engaged in farming and stock raising. He has a well improved farm of three hun¬ dred acres with good farm buildings, including large barns. The farm residence, which consists of ten rooms, was built in 1907 and is modern throughout, Mr. Leadbetter having installed his own light plant and water system. He is a successful raiser of cattle and hogs, keeping his stock up to a high grade standard, and by his system of thorough farm¬ ing he usually gets good results and seldom has crop failures. For in¬ stance, in 1916 he raised very good crops of corn and potatoes which was unusual during that year.

Mr. Leadbetter was united in marriage in 1891 to Miss Frances Bennett. The following children were born to this union: Earl, died in infancy; Wilbur, Garden City, Missouri; Eugene, died at the age of seventeen ; Martha, a member of the Senior Class of the Garden City High School; Zola, Grover and Pansy, students in the Garden City schools. The mother of these children died in November, 1907. In August, 1909, Mr. Leadbetter was married to Miss Fern Headington, of Garden City, Missouri. She was born July 11, 1885, and is a daughter of Lemoyn and Naomi (Friend) Headington, of Harrisonville, Missouri. To Mr. and Mrs. Leadbetter have been born four children: Homer, died in infancy; Emerson, George and Isaac.

Mr. Leadbetter is a Republican and takes an active interest in local affairs. He has served as trustee of Index township for the past eight years and has been school director twelve years and clerk of the school board for thirteen years. The Leadbetter family are a representative Cass County pioneer family.

Eugene Anderson, a progressive farmer and stock raiser of Index township, is a native of Michigan. He was bom in that state December 20, 1870, and is a son of Marvin and Adelaide (Godfrey) Anderson, both natives of Michigan, who spent their lives in that state. Their remains are buried in Draper's Cemetery in Jackson County, Michigan. They were the parents of the following children: Guy, resides in Jackson County, Michigan; Mrs. Edith Shaw, Jackson County, Michigan; Mrs. Adelaide Chappell, Jackson County, Michigan; and Eugene, the subject of this sketch.

two years and later engaged in farming for himself. Recently Mr. Anderson purchased a farm of eighty acres from Gideon Yoder adjoining the townsite of Garden City. Mr. Anderson's place is well improved with a good residence and suitable farm buildings and everything about the place bespeaks the progress and industry of its owner. Mr. Anderson carries on general grain farming and stock raising and is meeting with well-merited success.

Mr. Anderson was united in marriage in 1892 with Miss Ella Leadbetter, of Garden City. She is a Cass County girl, born in Index town¬ ship in 1873, a daughter of E. G. and Frances (Brown) Leadbetter, of Garden City. Mrs. Anderson is one of a family of four children born to her parents, the others being as follows: Adelbert, Garden City, Mis¬ souri; Jasper, Mangum, Oklahoma; and Everett, a farmer in Index town¬ ship. To Mr. and Mrs. Anderson have been born three children, as fol¬ lows: Edmund Dewey, Frances Adelaide and Jasper Marvin.

Eugene Anderson came to Cass County with very little means and by industry and economy he succeeded in getting a start and has become one of the substantial men of the county and is recognized as one of Cass County's solid citizens.

Garland M. West is a native of Dayton township, Cass County, born September 11, 1880. He is a son of R. A. and Nannie (Byler) West. They were the parents of two children, Garland M., the subject of this sketch, and Etta, who resides in Garden City. When R. A. West came to Missouri he located in Bates County, where he remained for a few years, when he came to Cass County, settling in Dayton township. Here he was engaged in farming and stock raising and handled cattle extensively until 1904, when he removed to Garden City, where he and his wife now reside.

Garland M. West was educated in the public schools of Cass County, and at the age of twenty-four engaged in farming and stock raising on the place where he now resides, three miles south of Garden City. He is one of the well known pure blood stock breeders in Cass County, and has handled registered Shorthorn cattle since 1904 and has always found a ready demand for his cattle. He is also well known as a Percheron horse breeder, and his stallion "Homer M." is one of the finest Percheron horses to be found in western Missouri. Mr. West is also the owner of "Big Wonder," a valuable Kentucky jack which he has recently pur- chased. Mr. West also raises registered white faced cattle as well as Shorthorns. His place is well adapted to the stock business and equipped with modem improvements for conveniently and successfully handling stock. The West home is an attractive farm residence.

Mr. West was married Otcober 19, 1904, to Miss Josephine Mc- Culloh, a daughter of J. H. McCulloh, a well known pioneer of Dayton township, further mention of whom is made elsewhere in this volume.

Mr. West takes an active interest in local affairs and has served as collector of Dayton township for two years, and is well known as a pro¬ gressive and enterprising citizen of Cass County.

David H. Kirk, a prominent pioneer stockman of Cass County, is a native of Indiana. He was born near Martinsville, Morgan County, Indi¬ ana, July 17, 1857, and is a son of Beverly and Ann (Allen) Kirk. The father was born in Kentucky October 4, 1830, and is now living in Cass County. He is a son of David H. Kirk. The mother, Ann Allen, was a native of Edinburgh, Scotland, and came to America with her brothers when she was sixteen years of age, her parents remaining in their native land. She died near Harrisonville, Missouri, about 1882. Beverly and Ann (Allen) Kirk were the parents of the following children: J. W., Lamar, Missouri; David H., the subject of this sketch; J. A., Pueblo, Colorado; George B., Alva, Oklahoma; and Maggie, married Theodore Fletcher, Martinsville, Indiana.

David H. Kirk was reared and educated in Cass County, having located here with his parents in 18G8. He began life as a farmer and stockman and has since devoted himself to that industry. He first bought a farm four miles northeast of Harrisonville where he remained until 1893. He then bought property in the vicinity of Garden City, Missouri. In 1903 he located on his present place in Dayton township, where he has a splendid farm of four hundred acres, located one and one-fourth miles south of Garden City. This is a well improved and valuable farm and in addition to this Mr. Kirk owns five hundred seventy-two acres of land in Dayton township. Mr. Kirk is not only an extensive farmer and stock raiser, but buys and sells cattle on a large scale. He is one of the largest shippers of cattle and hogs in the southeastern part of Cass County and through his activity in this line the stock raisers of that section always have a ready market for their stock at the highest market prices.

Mr. Kirk was united in marriage May 3, 1893, with Miss Clara Bishop, daughter of Charles and Flora (Ensworth) Bishop. The Bishop family came to Cass County about 1869. The father died about twelve years ago and his remains are buried in Garden City. His widow now resides with Mrs. Kirk and is eighty-one years of age. To Mr. and Mrs. Kirk have been born three children, as follows: Ray, Perry and Rena Belle, all residing at home with their parents. Rena Belle is a student in the Female Seminary at Mexico, Missouri.

Mr. Kirk is a progressive and public spirited citizen and his political affiliations are with the Republican party. He takes an active interest in political affairs and was a delegate to the National Republican Con¬ vention at Chicago in 1916. He was also in attendance at the Republican Convention at that city in 1912. He is one of Cass County's progressive and substantial citizens.

D. C. Idol, owner and editor of the Belton "Herald," was born in North Carolina, in 1851, a son of John and Charity Ann (Huff) of North Carolina. The father was a minister of the Christian Church, and served as captain in the Confederate Army.

D. C. Idol came to Cass County, Missouri, in 1884, and located in Belton. For some years he was a contractor and builder. In 1890 he bought the "Cass County Leader," and later bought the "Belton Herald," which paper he still publishes. This is one of the live, well-edited weekly newspapers of the county and wields a strong influence for good in Belton.

Mr. Idol was married in Grayson County, Virginia, in 1874, to Miss Nancy C. Ross, a daughter of Welborn Ross. Mr. and Mrs. Idol have four children: Edgar Ross Idol, editor of the "Register," at Pleasant Hill ; S. C. Idol, of Idaho Falls, is a newspaper man ; Roy C. Idol, Spokane, Washington, is also a newspaper man; and Nancy R. Campbell, Belton, Missouri.

W. J. Laffoon, chief clerk of the Bank of Freeman and a former treasurer of Cass County, is a native Missourian. He was born at Graydon Springs, Missouri, November 29, 1860, a son of Sanford and Sarah (Adams) Laffoon. The father was a native of Tennessee and settled in Polk County, Missouri, in 1844. He was killed in 1862 at Pocahontas, Arkansas, while on his way to join General Price's army. Sarah Adams was born in Jackson County, Missouri, her parents having settled where

Mr. Laffoon came to Cass County with his mother in 1864, and the family located in the western part of the county. They went to Oregon in 1875. For a time W. J. Laffoon carried pony express in that state. In 1883 he returned to Cass County and worked at the carpenter trade and also followed farming. In 1893 he was appointed postmaster of Freeman, serving four years. In 1898, Mr. Laffoon was elected treasurer of Cass County and served two terms, being reelected. He was then cashier of the Bank of Freeman for two years, and since that time has held his present position.

Mr. Laffoon was first married to Miss Emma Clemens of Oregon, and one child was bom to this union, F. L., who resides at Freeman. Mrs. Laffoon died in 1895. In October, 1901, Mr. Laffoon was married to Miss Fannie Paige, a former teacher of Freeman.

Mr. Laffoon is a member of the Presbyterian Church. His fraternal affiliations are with the Masonic Lodge, Eastern Star, and the Knights of Pythias. He has always been a Democrat.

Winchester Payne is another of those early rugged pioneers who made a home in this county in 1842. He was bom near Frankfort, Kentucky, March 16, 1813. When nineteen years of age he learned the cabinet maker's trade at Frankfort. October 25, 1838, he was united in marriage to Sarah Katherine Headen, of Shelby County, Kentucky. They had two sons, William H. Payne and George W. Payne, and one daughter, Elizabeth P. Cummings. Both the sons and the wife are now deceased. The daughter, Mrs. Cummings married a prominent citizen and business man of Harrisonville, Mrs. Cummings died some thirty years ago, leaving a widow with four small girls, all of whom now reside in Harrisonville. Mr. Payne died at his homestead in Harrisonville February 26, 1881. His home from 1846 to his death was located just east of the northeast corner of the square at Harrisonville. After his death his widow re¬ mained at the old homestead with her daughter, Mrs. Cummings, and at the death of Mrs. Payne this property fell to Mrs. Cummings who has since made her home there.

mained until 1842. He then came here. On reaching this county he rented a farm three miles south of Harrisonville and erected an eighthorse water-power saw mill, this he ran in connection with his farming, cabinet shop and brick yard. This brick yard furnished brick for the few brick structures of the community. On this yard the bricks were burnt to build the old Cummings residence formerly located where the Mike Robbins home now stands.

Winchester Payne was converted to the religion of Christ at his old home in Kentucky, and united with the Baptist Church. When he settled in this county he put his membership with the Grand River Baptist Church where he continued to hold his membership until the old New Hope (now Harrisonville Baptist Church) was organized. On this organ¬ ization he removed his church relations to the then new church at Harri¬ sonville. His family, following his foot steps, became members of the Baptist Church. Mr. Payne lived a consistent Christian life, contributing of his means and energy to the sustaining of Chirst's cause. His widow remained a faithful adherent to the Baptist Church until her death. The children yet reside here and are active in the church of their parents.

Roy T. Cloud, editor of the Pleasant Hill "Times, " is one of the well known newspaper men of Cass County. He was born at Pleasant Hill, Missouri, October 3, 1878, a son of T. H. and Catherine Cloud, the former, a prominent Pleasant Hill attorney, was a native of Kentucky, and the latter was born in Missouri. They were the parents of eight children: Frank, died at the age of twenty-three; Pryor, Amy and Alfred died in infancy; Mrs. Catherine Pfou, Anaheim, California; Al¬ fred Bruce, St. Petersburg, Florida; Mrs. Mamie Carroll, Tampa, Florida, and Roy T., subject of this sketch.

Roy T. Cloud was reared and educated in Pleasant Hill and began his newspaper career at the age of seventeen, in the "Gazette" office. A year later he went with the Pleasant Hill "Local" which he and James Walden purchased a year later. They published this paper two years, when Mr. Cloud bought the Pleasant Hill "Post," successor to the "Gazette." In 1901 the "Post" was changed to the "Times," under which title it is still published by Mr. Cloud. It is a well-edited, live weekly newspaper and has a good circulation.

Savage, of Wellington, Kansas. She is a native of Kansas and a daughter of W. R. and Emma Savage. Three children have been born to this union: Tilghman; William Franklin, died in infancy; and Fred Bruce.

Charles L. Harris, a former postmaster of Harrisonville, is a native son of Cass County. He was born in Harrisonville February 21, 1869, a son of S. T. and Mary J. (Saeger) Harris, the former a native of Potter County, Pennsylvania, and the latter of Elmira, New York. The father was a salt water sailor in early life and later learned printing. During the Civil War he served in the Union Army. In 1866 he came to Mis¬ souri, settling in Henry County. The following year he came to Harri¬ sonville and published the "Cass County Republican" for a number of years. He also published the "Times-Courier." He was in Los Angeles, California from 1873 to 1880. He bought the "Cass News" in 1886 and published it until 1894, when he retired. He died in 1909 and his wife passed away in 1911.

Charles L. Harris is the eldest of five children born to his parents. He was reared in Harrisonville, educated in the public schools and began life in the newspaper business which has been his life's vocation. In 1896 he received an appointment in the United States Internal Revenue Serv¬ ice, and in 1902 was appointed postmaster of Harrisonville, serving in that office for eleven years.

Mr. Harris was married in 1893 to Miss Cora M., a daughter of E. E. Webber. He is a Republican and for a number of years has been promi¬ nent in the politics of Cass County and Missouri.

Charles William Allen, of Pleasant Hill, is a member of one of the very early pioneer families of Cass County. He was born in Pleasant Hill township in 1841, and is a son of Jacob and Betsey (Wheeler) Allen. Jacob Allen was a native of Virginia, and when a young man removed to Tennessee, and in 1839, came to Missouri, settling in Polk township, Cass County, about two and one-half miles east of Pleasant Hill. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Betsey Wheeler, was a daughter of John and Mary Wheeler, who came to Cass County from Tennessee about 1839. After coming here they spent the remainder of their lives on their farm in Camp Branch township.

deceased; Joseph, deceased; Mary, married James Porter, and is now deceased; Eliza, married William Hodge and is now deceased; Charles William, the subject of this sketch; John, address unknown; and Hugh, deceased.

Mr. Allen was reared amidst the pioneer surroundings of the early days in Cass County, and he did not have the opportunity for an education which later times afforded. He has made farming his chief occupation, having been engaged in tilling the soil in Polk and Pleasant Hill townships all his life. In 1903 he bought a small farm adjoining Pleasant Hill, where he has since been principally engaged in farming in a small way and raising chickens.

William H. Allen, of Pleasant Hill, is one of the large land owners of Cass County. He is a native son of this county, having been born at Pleasant Hill, in 1857. His parents were James and Amanda (Harrelson) Allen. The father was a native of Washington County, Virginia, born May 27, 1829. He came to Missouri with his father, Jacob Allen, in 1838. They located two miles east of Pleasant Hill, where James Allen spent the remainder of his life, and died in 1908, aged eighty-two years. Amanda Harrelson, mother of William H. Allen, was a daughter of Nathan Harrel¬ son, a prominent pioneer of Cass County, a sketch of whom appears in this volume. Amanda Harrelson was bom in Clay County, Missouri, Janu¬ ary 18, 1834, and died in Cass County, July 29, 1860. Her remains and those of her husband are buried in the Pleasant Hill cemetery. They were the parents of two children, Walter S., who is now living retired at Belton, Missouri, and William H., the subject of this sketch.

William H. Allen was reared in Pleasant Hill and educated in the public schools there and Central College at Fayette, Missouri. He began life as a farmer and stock raiser in Big Creek township when he was twenty-three years old. He first bought land five miles west of Pleasant Hill and has added to his original purchase until he now owns fourteen hundred sixty acres of well improved and valuable land. His place is located about two and one-half miles south of Greenwood and is one of the most valuable farms in that locality. He carries on stock raising and feeding extensively and is also one of the successful dairymen of Cass County. He keeps from forty to fifty head of milch cows and has his place well equipped for handling the dairy business on an extensive scale. He built a large modern dairy barn in 1912, which perhaps has not an equal in Cass County for the purpose for which it is intended. Mr. Allen has three lakes on his place, one of which is the finest body of water for fishing in the county. He has under course of construction another lake which will cover a surface of thirty acres when completed.

Mr. Allen was married in 1880 to Miss Mattie F. Dewar, of Pleasant Hill, Missouri. Mr. and Mrs. Allen have five children living as follows: Walter S., married Miss Vemie Schofield, and resides on the home farm; Annie, married George Dunn, Jr., Pleasant Hill; James, a Presbyterian minister engaged in foreign missionary work in Belgium, Congo, Africa; Martha, resides at home; and Nathan Allen resides at Pleasant Hill. A son, Frank, died at the age of twenty-two years. The Allen family is prominent in the community, and Mr. Allen is a progressive and public spirited man who has made good.