Cass County, Missouri - Biographical sketches, 1917 (part 3 of 15)

T. F. Pretty man, a prominent farmer and stockman of Grand River township, is a descendant of one of the early pioneer families of Cass County. Mr. Prettyman was born in Grand River township in the locality where he now resides in 1853, and is a son of Mathias and Mary A. (Majors) Prettyman. Mathias Prettyman was a native of Delaware and came to Cass County, Missouri, with his parents in 1846. They drove from Delaware to this county and took up government land in Grand River township just a little west of where T. F. Prettyman now lives, and he owns eighty acres of the original homestead. Mathias Prettyman and his wife spent their lives here after coming to Cass County, as did also his father. They were among the very earliest settlers in this section of Cass County and when they came here this was a wild unbroken country. Indians were still here and deer and wild turkeys were plentiful. There was only one cabin between Harrisonville and the Prettyman home, a distance of six miles, and Harrisonville at that time was a small fron¬ tier village and most of the houses there were constructed of logs.

T. F. Prettyman has spent practically all his life in Cass County, where his interests are. He was educated in the best schools which the pioneer times afforded. Some of the early school houses where he attended school were constructed of logs and were of the crude pioneer type, but Mr. Prettyman obtained the fundamentals of a very good education in the three R's and has been an extensive reader and a student of events and a close observer all his life. He has made farming his chief occupa¬ tion and is one of the successful farmers and stock raisers of Cass County. He owns and operates two hundred and forty acres of land, which is a very valuable farm. He specializes in Shorthorn cattle.

Mr. Prettyman was one of a family of five children born to his par¬ ents as follows: T. F., the subject of this sketch; John S., Kansas City, Missouri; and William J., Kansas City, Missouri. Two daughters are deceased, one died in infancy and the other at the age of eight years.

Cummings, a Cass County pioneer, who came here in the early fifties. Five children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Prettyman, as follows: Walter S., farmer and stock raiser, Grand River township; Arthur S., a farmer and stock raiser, Peculiar township ; Stella, married George Kane, Seattle, Washington; Opal, married Louis Greenlee, Grand River town¬ ship; and Sterling Price, resides with his parents.

Mr. Prettyman is a member of the Masonic lodge and has been a life long democrat, who takes a keen interest in local politics and has served as a member of the township board and held the office of justice of the peace. Re and Mrs. Prettyman are members of the Presbyterian church and are among Cass County's most representative families.

The Prettyman family are of English descent and at an early day lived in the vicinity of London and the title of one hundred and thirty acres of land within the city limits of London, is still in the Prettyman family, and their right of ownership to this property has been agitated for a number of years.

John J. Burke, one of the veteran merchants of Harrisonville, is a native of Cass County. He was born two miles south of Harrisonville on the place known as the Burke homestead. Here he was reared to manhood and received his education in the Bellplain school and the Har¬ risonville public school.

In the spring of 1874 Mr. Burke went to Texas. After remaining there one year he returned to Cass County and engaged in farming on the old home place. Mr. Burke remained there until the spring of 1877 when he became a clerk in the grocery department of the W. H. Barrett & Company store at Harrisonville. He soon became manager of that depart¬ ment, remaining in that capacity until January 1, 1890, when he resigned. He organized the firm of J. J. Burke & Company which consisted of him¬ self and his brother, George G. Burke. They engaged in the grocery business and continued with marked success until August 15, 1898, when J. J. bought his brother's interest in the business and took Bert P. Grose, his son-in-law as a partner. This firm enjoyed a good business until they sold out April 21, 1905. Mr. Burke then engaged in the real estate, loan and insurance business which he continued about three and one-half years, but during this time he had a longing to be behind the counter again and November 1, 1908, he again engaged in the grocery and feed business which he continued until December 1, 1916. At that time he again dis-

John J. Burke was united in marriage October 17, 1877, with Miss Nancy Eveline Pearson, a native of Cass County. Mr. and Mrs. Burke have one daughter, Beryl L., the wife of Bert P. Grose, a sketch of whom appears in this volume. Mr. and Mrs. Burke are members of the Baptist church.

Ernest B. Pearce, vice-president and secretary of the W. E. Pearce Hardware & Mercantile Company, of Pleasant Hill, is a descendant of one of the pioneer families of Cass County. The W. E. Pearce Hardware & Mercantile Company is the outgrowth of one of the oldest business estab¬ lishments of Pleasant Hill. Ernest B. Pearce is a son of William E. and Margaret (Burns) Pearce, the former a native of England, born in 1823, and died in 1908, and the latter a native of New York, who now resides at Pleasant Hill. William E. and Margaret (Burns) Pearce were mar¬ ried in Beardstown, Illinois, in 1858.

William E. Pearce came to America in 1844 and located at Cincinnati, Ohio. He had learned the tinsmith's trade in his native land and when he came to this country he engaged in that line of work. From Cincin¬ nati he went to St. Louis and from there to Illinois, where he was mar¬ ried. In 1867 he came to Missouri with his wife and family and located at Pleasant Hill. Here he engaged in the hardware business in partner¬ ship with Theodore Leland, who is now living at Cripple Creek, Colorado. Mr. Pearce bought Leland's interest in 1877 and since that time the busi¬ ness has been owmed and controlled by the Pearce family. The first store opened by Pearce & Leland was a frame structure, twenty by forty feet, located on Wyoming street. This building was burned when that entire block was destroyed by fire and after that Mr. Pearce established his business on First street and erected about 1885 the brick building, twenty by seventy-five feet and two stories high. In 1907 a two-story addition, twenty by seventy feet, was added and in 1912 the warehouse in the rear, thirty by forty feet, was built. In 1909 the company was incorporated under the name of the W. E. Pearce Hardware & 'Mercantile Company, with E. B. Pearce, vice-president and secretary, Margaret E. Pearce, presi¬ dent, and L. E. Pearce, treasurer. This company does an extensive busi¬ ness and carries a full line of hardware, stoves, tinware, buggies and fenc¬ ing. The value of their stock is seldom, if ever, less than ten thousand dollars. It may be truly said of this institution that it is much more

William E. and Margaret (Burns) Pearce were the parents of nine children, as follows: Mrs. Nellie Cheatham, Dallas, Texas; two died in infancy; Mrs. Lydia Jarrott, Los Angeles, California; Mrs. H. D. Williams, Little Rock, Arkansas; Mrs. J. D. King, Hutchinson, Kansas; Dr. G. D., Pleasant Hill, Missouri; Ernest B., the subject of this sketch, and Lester E., treasurer of the Pearce Hardware & Mercantile Company.

Ernest B. Pearce was educated in the public schools of Pleasant Hill. At an early age he was associated with his father in the hardware store, in fact was brought up in that line of business. Mr. Pearce's business education has been of the practical kind. He knows the hardware trade well enough to know that there is still much to learn about it and this can be said of but few, even of those who have long been engaged in the business.

Mr. Pearce was married in January, 1905 to Miss Minnie Whitsett, of Hereford, Texas, a daughter of J. F. Whitsett, formerly of Lees Sum¬ mit, Missouri. One child has been born to this union, Ernest W.

Mr. Pearce relates an amusing incident in connection with the Pearce hardware business which happened fifty years ago. Shortly after Pearce and Leland engaged in business in Pleasant Hill a capable traveling sales¬ man came along one day and sold Mr. Leland a carload of grindstones and also a carload of bird cages and when the two cars arrived and were unloaded the back end of the store was stacked to the ceiling with grind¬ stones and bird cages. The two young merchants saw that it was neces¬ sary to make leaders of this surplus stock and, increditable as it may seem, there was not a bird cage nor a grindstone left in the store within less than a year.

James Chandler, a pioneer resident of Peculiar township and Civil War veteran, is a native of Missouri. He was born in Clay County, March 24, 1832, and is a son of William and Elizabeth (Prather) Chandler, the former a native of Virginia and the latter of Kentucky. William Chand¬ ler was the son of James Chandler, both of whom settled in Clay County, Missouri, in 1831. They drove from Kentucky to Clay County, Missouri, with teams and covered wagons and brought a number of slaves with them. James Chandler's grandfather and three sons came to Missouri with this outfit and were well equipped for the task of beginning life in the then new country of western Missouri. They spent the remainder

Elizabeth Prather, mother of James Chandler, was a native of Ken¬ tucky, as was also her father, Thomas Prather. James Chandler was one of a family of seven children, six of whom are now living. He was reared to manhood and educated in Clay County. During the Civil War he served in Company F, Second Missouri Infantry, under General Sterling Price. During the course of his military career Mr. Chandler served with his command in Missouri, Arkansas, Mississippi and Texas. He was in the latter state when General Price surrendered. Mr. Chandler participated in many hard fought battles, skirmishes, and engagements of lesser importance without number. He was never wounded nor taken prisoner, but during the course of his career had many narrow escapes, common to the lot of the soldier in time of war.

Mr. Chandler followed blacksmithing for a number of years in Clay County in early life and 1867 he came to Cass County, locating in Peculiar township, where he was engaged in farming and stock raising for five years. From Peculiar township he went to Johnson County, Kansas, where he bought a farm near Westport, upon which he remained eight years. He then went to Chautauqua County, Kansas, where he remained until 1889, when he returned to Cass County. Three years later Mr. Chandler went back to Chautauqua County, where he remained until 1901 when he again returned to Cass County. Mr. Chandler owns a well improved farm of one hundred sixty acres in Peculiar and Pleasant Hill townships and he also is the owner of six hundred twenty acres of land in Kansas, sixty acres of which are in Johnson County and the rest in Chautauqua County. He is one of the prosperous farmers and stock raisers of Cass County. He moved to Pleasant Hill, Missouri, February 15, 1917, where he now lives.

August 3, 1866, Mr. Chandler was united in marriage with Miss Eliza¬ beth Cannon, a native of Jackson County, Missouri, and a member of a pioneer family of this state. She is a daughter of Alexander and Eliza (Fowler) Cannon. Alexander Cannon was born near Knoxville, Tennes¬ see. He was an early settler in Cass County and one of the county judges here when the Civil War broke out. For a time, during that period, he served with the home guards here. His wife, Eliza Fowler, was born in Clay County, Missouri, in 1825. When she was one year old her parents settled in Jackson County. Their farm occupied a portion of the present

To James Chandler and wife have been born two children, as follows: Eliza, who resides with her parents ; and Joseph B., who lives near Ottawa, Kansas. They were both born in Cass County. Mr. Chandler has always supported the Democratic party and he and his wife are members of the Christian church.

Young Fowler Gibson, a prominent farmer and stockman of Peculiar township, belongs to a pioneer family of western Missouri. He was bom near where the old workhouse stood, between Eighteenth and Twentieth streets on Woodland avenue, Kansas City, Missouri, in 1860, and is a son of Robert Washington and Constantia (Fowler) Gibson. Robert Wash¬ ington Gibson was a native of Alabama, born September 29, 1822, and came to Missouri with his parents, who settled on what was then known as the Platt Purchase, a part of which is now Platt County, Missouri. Later the family removed to Texas, settling on the present site of Austin, where the father spent the remainder of his life. Robert Washington Gibson, the father of the subject of this sketch, returned to Missouri, and settled in Jackson County where he died January 17, 1864. Constantia (Fowler) Gibson, the mother of the subject of this sketch, was born in Clay County, Missouri, November 16, 1822. She was a daughter of Rob¬ ert Young Fowler and Jane Boggs, pioneers of Missouri and very early settlers at Cooper's Ford. They settled in that section of the state while yet an Indian reservation was located in that vicinity. The Boggs family came from Kentucky and Jane Boggs' father was a cousin of Governor Boggs of Missouri. The Fowlers were Virginians.

Mr. Gibson's mother, Constantia Fowler, was reared on a farm where Kansas City now stands, and at that time there was not the slightest hint of the great western metropolis of today. That section was all farm land and Mrs. Gibson often related that it was one of her duties during her girlhood to bring the cows home from the commons where they were graz¬ ing on the present site of the Kansas City stockyards.

There were two children born to Robert Washington and Constantia (Fowler) Gibson: Young Fowler, the subject of this sketch, and Robert Lee, born September 30, 1863. In 1867, three years after the death of her husband, Mrs. Gibson sold her farm of forty acres in Jackson County for one hundred dollars per acre, and came to Cass County with her two children, then seven and four years old, and purchased the farm of two hundred and forty acres in Peculiar township which Young Fowler Gib¬ son now owns. The place is located on section 13, township 45, range 31. Mrs. Gibson paid twenty-one dollars per acre, which was the highest price paid for farm land in that vicinity up to that time. The place was fairly well improved for the times with some fencing and a long double log house, which is still standing and remains an interesting relic of pioneer days. Mr. Gibson still has many interesting relics of pioneer days, among which are his mother's spinning wheel, flax hackle, flax wheel, reel and a part of the old loom and many articles of furniture bearing the distinction of antiquity. He has real feather beds which his mother owned and counterpanes which she made and have been in use for over sixty years.

After coming to Cass County the mother conducted farming opera¬ tions on her place, and as the boys gradually grew up, they cooperated with their mother on the home place and after they had reached manhood the same spirit of cooperation prevailed, and the Gibson family always had one purse in common. The mother died November 13, 1895. After the death of the mother additional acreage was added to the Gibson farm which now consists of three hundred acres, of which the school house occupies one-half acre.

The Gibson brothers were educated in the public schools and oper¬ ated the home farm together, until 1907, when Robert Lee's health failed and he removed to Belton, where he died March 14, 1911, and Young Fowler nowr operates the home place, although he rents a large portion of it, but retains most of the pasture land and is successfully engaged in raising horses, Shorthorn cattle and hogs. He still has in his herd descendants of the cattle w7hich his grandfather brought from Kentucky nearly a hundred years ago. However, he regrets that within the last few7 years he has lost out on his strain of horses which his grandfather brought to Missouri at the same time.

Young Fowler Gibson and his brother, Robert Lee Gibson, were mar¬ ried on the same day to sisters by a double marriage ceremony, which took place November 30, 1893. Young Fowler was married to Mary Vir¬ ginia Bradley and Robert Lee to Kittie Bradley, daughters of Arch Brad¬ ley, of Cleveland, Missouri. Robert Lee's widow now resides in Harrisonville.

To Young Fowder Gibson and wife were born two children: Con¬ stants, born October 8, 1896, graduated from the Harrisonville high school, in the class of 1916, and is now a student in the State Normal School at Warrensburg and Archer B. born September 22, 1900, and is

Mr. Gibson is a Democrat and has served as township trustee for four years and has also been collector and justice of the peace of Peculiar township. He is a substantial representative of one of Cass County's pioneer families.

Sidney Johnson Hamilton, a former sheriff of Cass County and the present proprietor of the Harrisonville Hotel, is one of the best known men in the county. Mr. Hamilton was born in Grand River township, February 15, 1871, and is a son of Matt and Susan (Samuel) Hamilton, both members of representative Cass County pioneer families. The father was born near Sulphur Lake, Monroe County, Kentucky. He came to Cass County in 1867. He was married a year or so after coming here and for a number of years was engaged in farming and stock raising in the vicinity of Belton. In 1898 he went to Walla Walla, Washington, where he died in 1913. His wife, Susan Samuel, was a native of Cass County, daughter of Henry Samuel, a respected pioneer of this county, who spent his life here. Henry Samuel died in 1871. Sid Hamilton's mother died in Walla Walla, Washington, in February, 1911.

Sid J. Hamilton is one of a family of two sons born to his parents, the other one being Bryant, who now resides near Walla Walla, Washing¬ ton. Mr. Hamilton was educated in the public schools. He was engaged in farming and stock raising until 1906, when he was elected sheriff of Cass County for a term of two years, and at the expiration of his term of office, he was re-elected for a term of four years. Thus he served six years, which was the longest period that any man ever held the office of sheriff of Cass County. While serving his term as sheriff of Cass County, Mr. Hamilton won the reputation for being a capable and fearless officer. During the six years that he was sheriff he handled three hundred seven prisoners and took twenty-seven to the penitentiary. During his entire career he never lost a prisoner. February 1, 1917 Mr. Hamilton took charge of the Harrisonville Hotel and is giving Harrisonville a hotel in which its people feel just pride and which the traveling public surely appreciate.

Mr. Hamilton was united in marriage May 1, 1893 with Miss Nannie Brown Kerr, a native of Madison County, Kentucky, and a daughter of Caleb Kerr, a well known and highly respected Jackson County pioneer now residing in Cleveland, Missouri. To Mr. and Mrs. Hamilton have been born three sons as follows: S. Glenn, clerk in the House of Repre¬ sentatives, Washington, I). C. ; Paul A., a student in Missouri University, a member of the class of 1918; and Brutus K. Paul A. received the appointment to the United States Military Academy at West Point in the fall of 19 1G, but refused to accept it, preferring to continue his course at the university. He has won a national reputation as one of the leading football players of the country and is captain of the Missouri University team. The youngest son, Brutus K., is a student in the Harrisonville high school, and is also prominent in the world of athletics as was the older brother Glenn when he was in school. Mr. Hamilton is a member of the time honored Masonic lodge, Woodmen of the World, and the Knights of Pythias. His political afliliations have always been with the Democratic party.

Bert P. Grose, a progressive business man of Harrisonville, who has had an extensive mercantile experience, is a native of Cass County. He was born in Gunn City, December 7, 1879. When he was a small boy his parents moved to Harrisonville, where "Chuck", as he is familiarly called, attended the public schools during the winter months and in the summer time worked in the country until he was twelve years of age. He then entered the dry goods store of Scruggs & Clemments as clerk and worked in that capacity until August 15, 1898. He resigned his position to become a partner in the grocery and feed business with his father-inlaw, John J. Burke. This arrangement continued until April 21, 1905, when the firm of J. J. Burke & Company disposed of their mercantile interests and bought a farm one mile south of Harrisonville, which Mr. Grose operated until January 1, 1908. At that time the Globe Trading Company was incorporated and Mr. Grose became a stockholder in that organization, becoming an active member in the conduct of the business. He was thus engaged until January 1, 1911, when he disposed of his stock in that corporation and engaged in the general mercantile business for himself under the firm name and style of B. P. Grose & Company. This firm had a remarkably successful career. November 22, 1916, they began a closing out sale with a view of disposing of their stock and retiring from the mercantile business. This retail sale, which ran for several weeks, is acknowledged to have been the largest of its kind ever conducted in Cass County. In February, 1917, Mr. Grose disposed of his business in its entirety and on March 1, 1917, opened up a salesroom for automobiles on

Independence street, Harrisonville, associating with J. J. Burke under the firm name of Burke and Grose. They are doing an excellent business. Although a young man he ranks among the successful business men of Cass County and his genial and courteous manner not only makes for him a success in business, but has made many friends in the community.

Bert P. Grose and Beryl L. Burke, daughter of J. J. Burke, a sketch of whom appears in this volume, were united in marriage January 24, 1897, and they have one daughter, Eveline Burke Grose, who was born March 10, 1909. Mr. and Mrs. Grose are members of the first Baptist church.

H. B. Edelen, owner and proprietor of "Fair View Stock Farm", is one of the progressive and widely known stock men of Cass County. He was born near Harrodsburg, Mercer County, Kentucky, November 25, 1860, and is son of William B. and Evelyn (McAfee) Edelen, natives of Kentucky. William B. Edelen was born at Lebanon, Marion County, Kentucky, October 27, 1827. He was a son of Len Edelen, a native of Baltimore, Maryland, and a descendant of a member of the colony which founded Baltimore, who came to this country with Lord Baltimore. Len. Edelen and a brother went to Kentucky at an early day and settled in Lebanon, where he spent his life, engaged in the manufacture of hats. He died April 15, 1865.

Evelyn Breckenridge McAfee, mother of H. B. Edelen was born in Kentucky, November 27, 1832, and died in Cass County, October 27, 1914. She was a daughter of General Robert B. McAfee and was born on the family estate on Salt River in Mercer County. General McAfee was edu¬ cated for the law and at one time was ambassador to one of the South American countries. He was in the diplomatic service of the United States for a number of years and was prominent in his day and time. During his lifetime he wrote a history of Kentucky, which is considered one of the best early histories of that state.

William B. Edelen was engaged in the drug business in early life at Danville, Boyle County, Kentucky, and later removed to Jessamine County. This was about 1866 and he was engaged in farming and stock raising about nine miles from Nicholsville, until he came to Missouri with his family in 1872, reaching Cass County, January 22. They came by boat as far as Cairo, Illinois, making the trip on the "Robert Mitchell" and "Dove". From Cairo they made the trip to Pleasant Hill by rail. In 1874 the father bought a farm in ML Pleasant township where he was successfully engaged in farming and stock raising until his death, March 24, 1898. His wife and the mother of the subject of this sketch, departed this life October 27, 1914. The father was prominent in the affairs of Cass County during his life time and was an unusually well educated man, and was an especially fine penman. He was a staunch supporter of the policies and principles of the Democratic party and both he and his wife were consistent members of the Presbyterian church. They were the parents of eight children as follows: Laura, born November 20, 1853, married C. H. Moore, died October 12, 1895; James McAfee, born August 17. 1855, resides in Kansas City; William Hall, born November 9, 1858, and is now deceased; H. B., the subject of this sketch; Lubel, born Janu¬ ary 1, 1863, married J. H. Young, Belton, Missouri; William Hall, born March 21, 1865, resides at Cleveland, Missouri; Thomas Brown, born November 10, 1869, Oakland, California; and Robert Leonard, born June 15, 1871, and died July 1, 1871.

H. B. Edelen was twelve years old when he came to Cass County with his parents and thus received his education in the public schools of his native state and Cass County. He remained on the home farm with his father until he was twenty-five years of age, when he engaged in farming and stock raising on his own account and since that time has resided on "Fair View Stock Farm" which he now owns, with the exception of four years. This is one of the fine farms of Cass County and contains two hundred and four acres. Mr. Edelen carries on general farming and stock raising and specializes in registered Shorthorn cattle, saddle horses and registered jacks and jennetts, and is without a doubt the most success¬ ful breeder of high class registered jacks in Cass County. He has justly won the reputation of producing some of the best pedigreed horses in the state, for which he has generally found a ready market at profitable prices. He is also well known as a successful raiser of Duroc Jersey hogs, usually marketing about two carloads each year. For a number of years he was extensively engaged in feeding and shipping stock, but in recent years has not given that industry so much attention.

Mr. Edelen was united in marriage December 11, 1889, at Pleasant Hill, Missouri, with Miss Anna I. Brown, a native of Boyle County, born January 30, 1865. She is a daughter of Stephen E. and Margaret (Meyer) Brown, natives of Kentucky, the former of Washington County, and the latter of Boyle County. The father was born October 9, 1833, and died August 19, 1915, and the mother was born April 25, 1841, and died Febru¬ ary 10, 1910. Her maternal grandfather, David Ansel Meyer, was a native of North Carolina and came to Kentucky when nineteen years old, settling in Boyle County, where he spent the remainder of his life. Mrs. Edelen came to Cass County with her parents, reaching Pleasant Hill, December 24, 1879, and the parents spent the remainder of their lives in that locality. They had five children, as follows: Anna I., the wife of H. B. Edelen, the subject of this sketch; Mrs. Ardie Smith, Nespelum, Washington; Edward Ansel, banker, Crawford, Colorado; Mrs. Eleanor Schieser, Greenville, California; and William Cecil, Denver, Colorado.

To H. B. Edelen and wife have been born the following children: Brown Y., married Eugenia Youmans, and resides in Peculiar township; Margaret, married Burford Harris, Harrisonville, Missouri ; Ansel C., deceased, and Mary Evelyn, a student.

Mr. Edelen is a Democrat and has always taken a commendable interest in politics and has held local offices of trust and responsibility, and has been solicited to become a candidate for county office, but so far has declined. He is a stockholder and director of the Farmers National Bank of Pleasant Hill and was one of the organizers of that well known and substantial financial institution, and has served on the board of directors since its organization. He is a member of the time honored Masonic lodge and also holds membership in the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He and Mrs. Edelen are members of the Presbyterian church. The members of the Edelen family rank among the representa¬ tive people of Cass County, and Mr. Edelen is one of our most substantial citizens.

William Dolan, a veteran merchant of Freeman, and a member of one of Cass County's distinguished pioneer families, is a native of Mis¬ souri. He was born near Holden, Johnson County, September 16, 1836, a son of James and Harriet (Anderson) Dolan, the former a native of Virginia and the latter of Tennessee. The father followed boating on the Mississippi River in early life, and settled in Johnson County, Mis¬ souri, at an early day. In 1839 he removed to what was then Van Buren County, in the vicinity of wThat later became Dolan township, Cass County. Dolan township was named in his honor and that town¬ ship was later divided into Dolan and West Dolan. James Dolan located about a mile west of where Freeman now stands, and made his home there after coming here, except during the period when Order No. 11 was in force. During that time he went to Calloway County, Missouri, but just as soon as the Civil War was over, he returned to his Cass County home. He was a successful farmer and stock raiser, and a good citizen who commanded the respect of all who knew him. He died in 1873, and his widow survived him a number of years, and passed away in 1897. They were the parents of the following children: William, the subject of this sketch; Franklin, deceased; James Monroe, resides in Colorado; Thomas A., also resides in Colorado; John, lives in Oregon, and Mrs. Clara Rowden, deceased.

William Dolan remained at home with his parents until he was of age, and then clerked in the store of Rev. Oliver Guthrie, at old Morris¬ town, remaining there until the Civil War broke out. He then raised a company, which was mustered into the state service, Confederate, as Company C, Erwin's regiment. Mr. Dolan was captain of this company. Later it was mustered into the regular Confederate service as Company C, Eleventh Missouri infantry. Parsons' brigade, Price's division, and Mr. Dolan became first lieutenant. He served until the close of the war, except when in prison. He was captured at Helena, Arkansas, and was confined at Alton, Illinois for a time, and the remainder of the time at Johnson's Island, off the coast of Lake Erie, near Sandusky, Ohio. He took part in a great many engagements, his first fight being at old Mor¬ ristown. There were five of the Dolan brothers in the Confederate Army and served all through the war and not one of them ever received a wound. In 1873 he engaged in the mercantile business at Freeman. He first opened a grocery store and later added hardware to his stock, and finally put in a full line of general merchandise, and for a number of years conducted that business in Freeman. He was one of the first merchants to locate there when Freeman began to develop into a busi¬ ness center after the railroad was built. During the past few years Mr. Dolan has endeavored to gradually get out of the mercantile busi¬ ness, although he still maintains an interest in a drug store, which is operated by his son, Claude B., and a variety store, which is managed by his daughter Ivy.

Mr. Dolan was united in marriage October 10, 1865, with Miss Ann E. Gutherie, a native of Virginia, who came to Missouri with her parents in 1842, when she was two years of age, and located in Saline County. Her parents were Oliver and PTancis (Mead) Gutherie, both natives of Virginia. The father was a preacher of the Cumberland Presbyterian denomination, and he also was a pioneer school teacher. The family settled in Cass County at quite an early day, where they

To Mr. and Mrs. Dolan have been born the following children: Franklin, deceased; Walter, resides at Freeman; Eugene W., traveling salesman in Iowa; Clara, deceased; Maude resides at home with her parents; Claude B., druggist, Freeman; and Ivy, engaged in the mer¬ cantile business at Freeman.

Mr. Dolan has been a life-long Democrat, and has always taken a commendable interest in local affairs. He has held various local offices of trust and responsibility, having been township clerk, treasurer and collector at different times. He and his wife are members of the Pres¬ byterian church and consistent Christians.

The early pioneers, of whom Mr. Dolan is a notable example, are passing away, and a work of this character is performing its greatest function in recording the lives and the part that these pioneers played in the development of Cass County. When Mr. Dolan came to what is now Cass County, in 1839, the country was wild and unbroken. Indians still frequented this section and he remembers of having seen deer and other primitive game in abundance. Great has been the transformation since the Dolan family settled on the frontier in what was then known as Van Buren County.

George W. Famuliner, now deceased, was one of Cass County's most successful men of affairs. At the time of his death he was one of the largest land owners in the county, having accumulated over three thous¬ and acres. George W. Famuliner was born in Kingston, Ohio, November 8, 1843, a son of Charles and Sarah Francis (Piper) Famuliner. About 1861 the Famuliner family left their Ohio home and located at Monticello, Illinois, where the parents spent the remainder of their lives.

In 1875 George W. Famuliner came to Missouri, locating in Camp Branch township, Cass County. Here he engaged in farming and stock raising and soon became one of the successful stockmen of the county. From time to time he invested heavily in land. He was a broad-minded, intelligent business man and naturally inclined to think of business prop¬ ositions in car load lots rather than in small deals.

George W. Famuliner was one of a family of ten children, the following of whom are living: Elizabeth, now Mrs. Clarke, Marion, Cole County, Missouri; John, Monticello, Illinois; Jonathan and Charles, who reside in Garden City, Missouri.

Mr. Famuliner was married April 8, 1875, to Miss Rebecca Alexander, a native of Elm Grove, Adams County, Illinois. Her parents were early settlers of that section. George Famuliner and wife are the parents of the following children: Katherine, Harrisonville ; James B., a sketch of whom appears in this volume; Sada Frances, married Leonard Myers, Camp Branch township; Lora Etta, married Allan Bird, Harrisonville; Perle Alice, married L. O. Kunze, a sketch of whom appears in this volume; and Carra Blanche, Harrisonville.

The mother died May 16, 1898, and in 1900 the family removed to Harrisonville. Although Mr. Famuliner had been in poor health since the death of his wife, he continued to look after his business affairs, although he did not do business with his accustomed vigor. His health gradually failed, and October 2, 1910, he died in a hospital in Kansas City. Thus ended the career of one of Cass County's substantial citizens. He was a man of quick decision, whose judgment was invariably sound, and in his death Cass County lost one of its most valued citizens. He was a life-long Republican and a member of the Methodist Episcopal church.

Homer Judy Clark, editor and owner of the "Cass County Democrat", was born in East Lynne, this county, May 23, 1883. He was the fourth child born of the marriage of Frank H. Clark and Mrs. Terissa Judy Jones, the two children older and between him and the eldest child, Harlie F., dying in infancy. For further family history, see sketch of Harlie F. Clark in this volume. In May, 1892, following the death of his father, on Novem¬ ber 14, 1891, Homer J. Clark entered the home of his sister, Mrs. Richard S. Wooldridge, in Harrisonville and there resided up to the time of his marriage to Miss Frankie Mae Voile, January 27, 1909. She is a daugh¬ ter of John Voile, a pioneer business man of Harrisonville, now deceased.

Mr. Clark's Cass County nativity and his continuous residence in Harrisonville since babyhood essentially label him a genuine Cass County and Harrisonville product. Few men, many years his senior, have as earnestly and lavishly contributed their support and made their efforts as effective in the upbuilding of the town and county. Entering the graded schools of Harrisonville at the age of six years, he was graduated from the Harrisonville High School at the age of seventeen years, salutatorian of the class of 1900.

In 1902 Mr. Clark began his first newspaper work in the capacity of reporter and general business solicitor in the office of the "Cass County Democrat", then owned by Edgar R. Idol. He not only showed unusual capacity for the work, but the profession of journalism strongly appealed to him. It was a case of "love at sight", and only a few months' occupa¬ tion of his duties convinced him that country journalism was the career he would pursue. In the summer of 1904 he and Arthur L. Webber, then foreman of the composing room of the "Cass County Democrat", formed a partnership and purchased from Hal C. Daniel the "Cass County Leader", taking possession July 15, 1904. The following July Mr. Clark retired from the "Leader" and from his former employer, Mr. Idol, bought the "Cass County Democrat", taking possession of it September 1, 1905. From this date the "Democrat" has been under the ownership and active management of either Homer J. or Harlie F. Clark.

A strong believer in the principles and policies of the Democratic party, which he advocated before he reached his majority, Mr. Clark has been active in all the councils of the party. His interest has never flagged; his energy has never lagged. While an active and constant "party man", he has made the columns of his paper stand for clean and conscientious politics, and on public questions has struck telling blows for the moral side of the issue. In August, 1910, by a decisive majority, he was the choice of his party for the nomination for the office of clerk of the circuit court. At the November election following, he was elected by a majority that bespoke many complimentary votes from the opposing party. In January, following, he took office for a term of four years. This office he filled with all of the capability anticipated and predicted by his most enthusiastic supporters. By constant attention to duties and ceaseless, painstaking observation of routine, he established for the circuit clerk's office the reputation of one of the best managed offices in the county's history.

At the expiration of his term as circuit clerk, Mr. Clerk resumed his newspaper work, buying back the "Cass County Democrat" which he had sold to his brother four years before. By competent newspaper men the "Democrat" is accounted one of the best country newspapers in Missouri. It is a wide-awake weekly and has few, if any, equals and no superiors in the country. Whatever success it has attained has come from the indomitable efforts of Mr. Clark, whose insatiable ambition during all the years that he has owned the paper is to make each weekly edition come a bit nearer his conception of what the ideal country newspaper should be. The "Democrat" job printing department is the best printing plant in Cass County and is equipped to the minute. In attempting to satisfy this ambition Mr. Clark has spared no expense in acquiring mechanical equipment and even less sparing has he been in contributing his physical anil mental energies to the upbuilding of his business. Among those friends who are intimately acquainted with his business habits he is known as a man who devotes the maximum number of hours daily to his profession.

Mr. Clark is a member of Cass Lodge No. 147, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons and of Signet Royal Arch Chapter, No. 68, both Masonic bodies which are located in Harrisonville. He is also a Knights Templar and Shriner, holding membership in those bodies in Oriental Commandery No. 35, and Ararat Temple, Kansas City, Missouri. He has been a mem¬ ber of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks since shortly follow¬ ing his twenty-first birthday anniversary, still retaining his membership in Butler, Missouri, Lodge No. 958, where he received the initiation.

While not a member of any church organization, Mr. Clark is in harmony alike with the best intentions and the practices of all of them and all alike know that any appeal for assistance, either for publicity or for finance, will always receive a willing and substantial response. He is interested thoroughly all times in his town, his county and his state. Something of his public spiritedness and willingness to serve his town is evidenced in the fact that for the past ten years he has continued, in the unremunerative and thankless task, a member of the municipal board of aldermen, in which office he is now beginning his sixth consecutive term. It is through the efforts of citizens of Mr. Clark's ability and willingness in the various communities of the county, which make Cass one of the most prosperous, most progressive, and most honored counties in Missouri.

Harlie F. Clark, the present efficient postmaster of Harrisonville and a well-known newspaper man of Cass County, is a native son of this county. He was born twelve miles southeast of Harrisonville, February 12, 1878, son of Frank H. and Terissa Judy (Jones) Clark.

Frank H. Clark, the father, was born at Potsdam, St. Lawrence County, New York, of Vermont parents, January 5, 1834. He was reared to manhood in his native county and was educated at the St. Lawrence Academy, Potsdam, New York. In 1855 when he was twenty-one years of age he removed to Jersey County, Illinois, where he remained one year when he went to Sangamon county, that state. Here Mr. Clark was engaged in school teaching until the Civil war broke out when he enlisted in Company G, One Hundred Twenty-second Illinois Infantry and served in the army for one year. After his discharge he returned to Illinois and settled in Green County where he was engaged in farming. In 1869 Mr. Clark came to Cass County, Missouri, and for a number of years was suc¬ cessfully engaged in farming and stockraising in Camp Branch township where he owned a good farm. Later he became interested in banking, becoming a heavy stockholder in the Bank of East Lynne, and was cashier of that institution for a few years. He then came to Harrisonville and was one of the organizers of the Bank of Harrisonville. He served as its cashier until his death, November 14, 1891. His wife bore the maiden name Terissa Judy and was a native of Indiana. She died in 1885. Frank H. Clark and wife were the parents of two children: Harlie F., whose name introduces this sketch; and Homer, editor of the Cass County "Democrat."

Harlie F. Clark was educated in the public schools of Harrisonville and the Kansas City High School. He was graduated from the latter institution in the class of 1898. He began his newspaper career on the Cass County "Democrat" when that paper was owned by John Marens. He was out of newspaper work until 1904 when he became local editor of the Cass County "Leader". About a year later he returned to the "Democrat", his brother Homer having acquired the ownership of that paper in the meantime. Harlie F. Clark was editor of that paper from 1910 until June, 1913, when he was appointed postmaster of Harrisonville by President Wil¬ son, which position he still holds. He also retains an interest in the "Democrat".

Mr. Clark was united in marriage April 19, 1900, with Miss Emily May Byram, daughter of Judge Oscar Byram of Harrisonville. Mr. and Mrs. Clark have one child, Harold F., a student in the Harrisonville High School.

Mr. Clark is a Mason, being a member of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, Cass Lodge Number 147 ; Signet Chapter Number 68, Royal Arch Masons ; Oriental Commandery Number 35 ; Knights Templar, Kansas City, Missouri, and the Mystic Shrine, Ararat Temple, Kansas City, Missouri. He belongs to the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Butler Lodge No. 958. Politically, he is a Democrat.

W. H. Lundy, cashier of the Bank of Freeman, is a native son of Cass County and a descendant of one of the early pioneer families of this county. He was born two and a half miles southeast of Freeman in 1852 and is a son of Creed and Mytillar (Smith) Lundy, the former a native of Virginia and the latter of Tennessee. Creed Lundy, came to Missouri in the early thirties and settled in Johnson County, where he was married to Mytillar Smith who came to that county with her parents in 1831. Creed Lundy and his wife settled in Cass County (then Van Buren) in 1842, they located two and a half miles southeast of Freeman. In 1845 the father pre-empted eighty acres of land and also pre-empted another eighty in 184G, and in 1854 bought some school land. This property has never changed hands since that day, except W. H. Lundy inherited it from his father and he still has it in his possession, the original land warrant of the first eighty issued by President James K. Polk and signed by his secretary.

The Lundys resided on the Cass County place until Order No. 11 was issued, when they removed to Boone County, where the father died in 1864, and after the war, the mother and W. H. returned to their Cass County home and the mother spent the remainder of her life there. She died in 1912 at the advanced age of ninety-four years. There were two children born to Creed and Mytillar (Smith) Lundy; W. H., the subject of this sketch and Rosa J., who married J. F. Langston; she spent her life in Boone County w'here she died in 1875, leaving three children; J. W., who now resides in Boone County; Nannie married a Mr. Turner and is now deceased, and Rosa married E. W. Bright, president of the Farmers Bank at Stephens, Calloway County, Missouri.

At the close of the war when W. H. Lundy and his mother returned to Cass County, he engaged in farming and for a number of years and taught school in connection with his agricultural work. Later he engaged in the mercantile business with J. M. Rowden. During Cleveland's first administration he served as postmaster at Freeman. In 1901, Mr. Lundy entered the Bank of Freeman as bookkeeper and in 1905, became cashier of that institution and has held that position to the present time.

The Bank of Freeman is the only bank in that town and is one of the substantial institutions of Cass County. Its certificate of incorpora¬ tion is dated June 24, 1892, and its organizers were J. W. Colburn, 0. A. Carpenter and F. W. Coombs. The bank was organized with a capital of ten thousand dollars and the first officers were as follows: J. W. Colburn, president; Thomas Lynne, cashier; and 0. A. Carpenter, vice-president. The bank immediately began the construction of the building which it now occupies and while the building was in the course of construction the banking business was carried on in the drug store of F. L. Dolan. This bank has had a substantial development from the day that its doors were opened to the public and it has always been under capable and conserva- tive management. The official report of November 23, 1916, shows a sur¬ plus fund of $20,000.00; undivided profits, $18,995.81; and individual deposits of $108,474.73. The present officers are J. S. Johnson, president; W. H. Lundy, cashier and O. A. Carpenter, vice-president.

Mr. Lundy is a Democrat and has always taken a lively interest in local affairs. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias and the Meth¬ odist Episcopal church, south. He has taken an active interest in Sun¬ day school work for years and is treasurer of the County Sunday School Association.

Dr. R. G. Keller, a well-known and successful physician and surgeon of Freeman, is a native of Cass County. He was born at Pleasant Hill, in June, 1867, and is a son of Dr. Jacob and Hattie (Williamson) Keller. Dr. Jacob Keller was a distinguished physician and surgeon of his day. He was born in St. Louis, Missouri, and left an orphan at an early age. He practically made his own way in the world, preparing himself for the study of medicine. He graduated from the St. Louis Medical College. Dr. Jacob Keller was successfully engaged in the practice of his pro¬ fession when the Civil War broke out, and he entered the service as an army surgeon in the Union Army. He rapidly rose until he became a surgeon of General Sherman's staff. His surgical skill was not only recognized in the army, but in private practice as well. After the war, Dr. Keller was married and engaged in the practice of his profession in Kansas City, Missouri. Hattie Williamson, his wife, and the mother of the subject of this sketch, was a native of Danville, Boyle County, Kentucky. She was a daughter of Robert C. Williamson, who came to Cass County with his family in 1852. They settled in the vicinity of Pleasant Hill, where he spent the remainder of his life.

Dr. R. G. Keller's mother died when he was three and one-half years old, leaving one child besides the subject of this review, a daughter, then seven months old, Mamie, now Mrs. H. M. Stone, of St. Louis. After the death of the mother, Dr. and Mrs. W. H. H. Cundiff took the two Keller children to rear, Mrs. Cundiff being a sister of their mother. Dr. Keller, the father, practiced medicine for a short time, after the death of his wife, at Chester, Illinois, when he, too, passed to the Great Beyond.

course, ami then entered Westminster College at Fulton, Missouri, and was graduated from that institution in the class of 1890. He entered the Kansas City Medical College and was graduated , in 1894, with a degree of Doctor of Medicine. After graduation he engaged in the prac¬ tice of his profession at Freeman, where he has since met with well merited success. Dr. Keller is a successful physician and does consider¬ able minor surgery, and has built up quite a large practice.

Dr. R. G. Keller was married in 1897 to Miss Susan Talbott, a native of Danville, Kentucky, and a resident of Pleasant Hill at the time of her marriage. She is the daughter of Charles P. Talbott. To Dr. and Mrs. Keller have been born five children, as follows: Mrs. Leslie Laffoon, Kathrine, Harry, Mary, and Lucille.

Dr. Keller is a member of the Masonic lodge and he and Mrs. Keller are members of the Eastern Star. He also holds membership in the Knights of Pythias, Modern Woodmen of America, Knights and Ladies of Security, County, State, and American Medical Associations, and politically is a Republican.

Mrs. Ellen Nelson Van Meter, the capable and efficient postmaster of Freeman, Missouri, is a native of Cass County, and belongs to one of the very early pioneer families of Dolan township. She was born six miles southwest of Freeman, and is a daughter of Hector L. and Elizabeth (Peyton) Nelson, both natives of Hardin County, Kentucky, a more extensive history of the Nelson family and their settlement in Cass County, appears elsewhere in this volume.

Mrs. Van Meter was reared in Cass County and educated in the public schools. She was united in marriage with Lee Van Meter January 31, 1897. He wTas a native of Kentucky, and came to Cass County with his parents when he was six years old, in 1878. He was a son of William Van Meter.

For a number of years Lee Van Meter was engaged in the under¬ taking business at Freeman and prior to that time conducted a grocery business there. At the time of his death he was chief clerk for the Bank of Freeman. He was a staunch Democrat and an ardent supporter of the policies and principles of that party, and at one time was a candidate for county clerk of Cass County. He served as collector of Dolan township for a number of years. He was of the progressive type of business man and was of a generous nature and of a genial and courteous manner, and made many friends. He died October 23, 1914.

Mrs. Van Meter was appointed postmaster of Freeman by President Wilson, March 14, 1913, and has capably administered the affairs of that office to the present time. The Freeman post office is an important distributing point for mail. Besides the great amount delivered at the post office, there are two rural routes out of Freeman that handle con¬ siderable mail.

Mrs. Van Meter is a woman of more than ordinary executive ability and is not only mentally, but tempermentally well qualified to hold the important position which she does. Being reared, educated and spent her life thus far in the vicinity of Freeman, she has a broad acquaintance and a host of friends, and is popular in the community. She is a member of the Eastern Star and Temple Sisters, and belongs to the Methodist Episcopal Church, South.

A. J. Bennett, a prominent farmer and stockman of Dolan township, has been a resident of Cass County for fifty years. He was born in Upshur County, Virginia, now West Virginia, June 8, 1844, son of Stuart and Margaret M. (Swish) Bennett, both natives of Virginia, and descendents of old Virginia stock. The father was prominent in the affairs of his county, and when a young man served as deputy sheriff of Upshur County, under an uncle of his, and later he was elected commissioner of revenue, an office which under the laws of Virginia at that time practically included the present-day offices of county assessor, tax collector, and treasurer. He was a well educated man, considerably above the average of his time, and A. J. Bennett has in his possession one of his father's old account books covering a period of the early forties. The handwriting in this book and the artistic manner in which the entries are made, bear evi¬ dence to his systematic methods and capability. This writing was done with the old-fashioned quill pens, made by the writer's own hands.

When the Civil War broke out A. J. Bennett's sympathies were with the Union. When seventeen years old he enlisted in the Virginia State Militia, which was organized in the locality of his home for the purpose of guard duty. In October, 1862, he enlisted in Battery E, First West Virginia Light artillery. His service was in the Virginias, his battery operating with the army of West Virginia. During his term of service Mr. Bennett was seriously injured by a kick from a horse, as a result of which his skull was fractured and his jaw broken. He was thus inca¬ pacitated for further military service. After lingering between life and death for several weeks, he finally recovered, and in 1863 was honorably discharged on account of disability. Mr. Bennett has in his possession an interesting relic relative to his injury received while in the army, a letter written by his father to his mother concerning his condition and the uncertainty of his recovery. The young soldier was in Camp Hughes Hospital, near Clarksburg, West Virginia, and the letter referred to is dated November 12, 1862, and written from Clarksburg. The father had recently visited his son, and, among other things in the letter which he wrote concerning A. J., he makes the statement that "the boy is hav¬ ing the very best of treatment and that his comrades are very solicitous as to his recovery, for they say that he is a soldier, every inch."

After being discharged from the army, A. J. Bennett returned to his home in Upshur County, and in the fall of 1863 the family removed to McDonough County, Illinois, where the father died in 1864. The mother died several years later, at Skidmore, Missouri. They were the parents of eleven children, two of whom are now living.

In 1867 A. J. Bennett came to Cass County and settled in Peculiar township, where he was engaged in farming and stock raising until 1878, He then removed to Dolan township, where he purchased seventy-seven acres of land, to which he has added from time to time until he now owns four hundred forty-five acres. He has recently sold forty acres to one of his sons. Mr. Bennett has followed general farming and stock raising and is perhaps the best known breeder of Aberdeen Angus cattle in Cass County. He has made a splendid success of this line of endeavor, but within the last year, on account of poor health, has practically retired.

Mr. Bennett was married in 1865 to Miss Eliza J. Painter, a native of Illinois. They have three children, as follows: George R., who is now operating the home farm for his father; James H., a professional musician, wTho resides in Kansas City, Missouri; and Lewis J., who is engaged in the real estate business in Kansas City, Missouri. All the boys are accomplished musicians, a talent which they inherit from their mother. One son, Charles S., is deceased.

Mr. Bennett is a member of the Masonic lodge. He has been a life¬ long Republican, and has held the office of the justice of the peace of Dolan township for a number of years. Mr. Bennett has a particular fondness for fire arms and is regarded, even at his present age, as one of the best rifle shots in the county. He attributes his love of guns to the fact that he was reared in the mountains of Virginia and in his early days fire arms wTere his companions and playthings. His residence is a veritable arsenal, for defensive purposes only, as Mr. Bennett explains.

In his collection are found rifles, shotguns, muskets, and revolvers, gen¬ erally in pairs. Mr. Bennett is well known in Cass County and is one of its representative citizens.

James B. Famuliner, a prosperous and progressive young farmer and stockman of Grand River township, is a native of Cass County. He was born in 1880, and is a son of George W. Famuliner, a sketch of whom appears in this volume.

James B. Famuliner spent his boyhood days in Camp Branch town¬ ship and attended the district schools and the Harrisonville High School, later taking a business course at Chillicothe, Missouri. He was associated with his father in farming and stock raising until he was about twentyfour years old, when he engaged in business for himself. He is a practical stockman and keeps a valuable herd of pure-blood Shorthorns as well as a number of grade cattle. He has also met with success in raising Poland China hogs and frequently has had as many as five hundred on his place. While Mr. Famuliner is not a faddist, he is fully in accord with modern scientific methods of handling stock. He uses hog cholera serum with success, never having met with any loss from that malady since he introduced this method of treatment on his place. He has a splendid farm of two hundred eighty acres, especially well adapted to stock raising, well watered, and with an abundance of natural shade trees. His place is well improved. It is located about five miles south of Harrisonville.

Politically, he is a Republican. Mr. Famuliner has never aspired to hold political office. He and his wife are members of the Christian church.

George W. January, of Freeman, Missouri, belongs to a family of pioneer merchants of this state and is practically a Cass County product, having been brought here by his parents when he was about a year old. Mr. January was born in Boonville, Cooper County, August 5, 1843. He is a son of Joseph H. and Lavisa A. (Watson) January, the former a native of Ohio, and the latter was born in 1812, in Clark County Ken¬ tucky. The father was engaged in the mercantile business at Win¬ chester, Kentucky, when he was a young man and later kept a store in Boonville, Missouri. In 1844 or 1845, he located at Harrisonville, where he was engaged in the mercantile business until his death, about 1850. His wife resided there until the Civil War broke out, when she went to Illinois. At the close of that great conflict she returned to Ilarrisonville. However, Mrs. January remained there but a year or two, when she removed to Freeman and spent the remainder of her life in that vidllity. She died March 12, 1SS9.

George \Y. January is the only surviving member of a family of five children. He was reared in Harrisonville, and for a time in early life was engaged in the mercantile business there with a half-brother. When the Civil War occurred he entered the Confederate service and for a time was in Colonel Hurst's command. He saw service in Missis¬ sippi, Alabama, and Georgia, as well as in Missouri and other states. He was in a number of important engagements and many skirmishes. He was at the battle of Wilson Creek, First Corinth, and Big Black Bridge. He was taken prisoner at the latter place and for seventeen months was confined in the Federal Military prisons at Camp Moulten, Indiana, Fort Delaware, and Elmira, New* York. After being exchanged he returned to the front and was again captured at the fall of Mobile, Alabama. He was confined in a Federal prison camp for a few weeks. Mr. January was never seriously wounded, although he had many nar¬ row escapes, common to the lot of a good soldier in action. At one time he was struck by a spent ball and on another occasion his gun was shattered by a Federal bullet and knocked from his hand.

At the close of the war Mr. January remained in Kentucky for a year, and in the spring of 1866 returned to Harrisonville. Shortly after that he engaged in the mercantile business at Salem, Illinois. After re¬ maining there one year he went to Morristown, which was located about a mile north of where Freeman now stands, before the railroad was built through that section. In 1868 he located there, and in 1871, when the town of Freeman was started, he built a store building on the corner where the Bank of Freeman now stands. Here he engaged in the gen¬ eral mercantile business. His was one of the first stores to be started in Freeman, although John Rowden located there in the mercantile busi¬ ness about the same time. He continued business there until 1890, and during that time did a very extensive business. For a number of years, about the time that he was in business, Freeman was one of the best trading points in western Missouri, and people came from a distance of thirty miles south to do business at that point. In 1890 Mr. January disposed of his mercantile interests and engaged in farming in West

Dolan township, where he now owns four hundred acres of well-improved land under an excellent state of cultivation. This farm is said to be one of the best farms in Cass County. It is now operated by Mr. January's son and is devoted to general farming and stock raising.

Mr. January was united in marriage September 23, 1879, with Miss Belle Ryan, of Grandriver township, a daughter of William A. Ryan, a prominent pioneer of Cass County. To Mr. and Mrs. January have been born five children, as follows: Russell Price, who was born February 9, 1883, and now operates the home farm; Mary Angie, who was bom December 10, 1884, and resides at home; Leslie Lee, who was born November 23, 1886, Freeman ; Irvin Ryan, who was bom July 29, 1888, and died October 11, 1912; and Charles, who was born March 15, 1896, Free¬ man. Mr. January is a Democrat and has always supported the prin¬ ciples of that party. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. George W. January is one of Cass County's substantial pioneer citizens, whose career might well be emulated by future generations.

J. S. Thomas, the well-known blacksmith and coal dealer of Pleasant Hill, Missouri, was born in Kosciusko County, Indiana, in 1859. He is a son of George and Catherine (Baker) Thomas, the former a native of Pennsylvania, and the latter of Ohio. The father was born in 1818 and died in 1878, and the mother now resides in Kansas City, Missouri. They were the parents of five children, three of whom are living, as follows: J. S., the subject of this sketch; Dr. Ross, dentist, Kansas City, Missouri; and Tennyson, who lives in Kansas City, Missouri.

The Thomas family went to Kansas in 1865 and settled in Nemaha County, where they lived ten years. Their home was in the vicinity of Centralia. George Thomas, the father, was largely instrumental in get¬ ting the railroad built through that town by giving the company the right-of-way through his farm without cost. In 1875 George Thomas and family came to Missouri and settled at Pleasant Hill.

J. S. Thomas learned the blacksmith's trade at Ottawa, Kansas, and for a few years worked at his trade in Ottawa and Fort Scott, Kan¬ sas, and for seven years in Kansas City, Missouri. In 1893 he purchased a blacksmith shop from J. K. Anderson and at the same time engaged in the retail coal business. For twenty-four years Mr. Thomas has successfully conducted the blacksmith shop and carried on the coal busi¬ ness in connection with it.

Coleman, Missouri. Her father, J. R. Colville, is a Cass County pioneer and now lives at Pleasant Hill. To Mr. and Mrs. Thomas have been born five children, as follows: George R., star route mail carrier, Pleasant Hill; Harry E., blacksmith. Pleasant Hill; Frank A., a clerk in the Pleasant Hill post office; Elsie May, a teacher in the Pleasant Hill public schools; and Ross, a student in Baker University, Baldwin, Kansas.

Mr. Thomas is a member of the Masonic lodge, Modern Woodmen of America, and Royal Neighbors. Mr. Thomas has served on the Board of Education of Pleasant Hill for the past eighteen years. He is one of the substantial men of Cass County and is well and favorably known throughout a large section of the country.

Levi Smith, who conducts the only meat market at Harrisonville, Missouri, is perhaps one of the best posted men in the meat business in the country, and has had a vast and varied experience both in the wholesale and retail departments of this important business. Mr. Smith was born at Alden, Erie County, New York, July 6, 1865, and is a son of Levi and Sarah J. (Lovett) Smith, natives of New York. The father was a butcher and for years carried on what was known as a small wholesale business in Buffalo, New York. This was before the day of large packing houses, and he killed and sold meat to the retail butchers of that city. He and his wife both died in Buffalo, New York.

Levi Smith, the subject of this sketch, was practically brought up in the meat business, having worked with his father, and when he was sixteen years old he was a competent butcher. At about that age he went to Kansas City, Missouri, and entered the employ of the Jacob Dole Packing Company, where he worked at his trade about two years. He then accepted a position with the Junction City Packing & Provision Company, at Junction City, Kansas. His experience prior to this time had been in the killing and wholesaling business, but here he worked in the retail department and learned that part of the business. After remaining with that concern for two years he went to Enterprise, Kansas, where he was employed in a meat market for a time, when he returned to his old home in New York State on a visit. While there he accepted a position at his trade in Warsaw, New York. After remaining there for a time he went to Chicago and entered the employ of the Nelson Morris Packing Company, and a year later returned to Warsaw, New York, where he worked for two years, when he came back to Chicago and worked for the Nelson Morris Company another year. He then entered the employ of the Minneapolis Stock Yards and Packing Company at New Brighton, Minnesota. Shortly afterward this packing house was closed and Mr. Smith went to Kansas City and entered the employ of Swift and Company. About six months later he saw an advertisement in a newspaper stating that there was a butcher shop for sale at Harrisonville, Missouri, and having saved some money, he decided that he would investigate with a view of engaging in business for himself. Accordingly, he came to Harrisonville and the result was that he bought the market in December, 1892. At that time there were three other markets in the town. Mr. Smith was an absolute stranger in Harrison¬ ville, and the first year here was not encouraging, but business began to pick up and he had a good trade almost before he knew it, and did a good business until he sold out, about five years later, and went to Leon, Iowa, and after six months there returned to Harrisonville and bought his old stand back. A few years later he sold out again and went to Denver, Colorado, but the outlook there was not satisfactory to him and Mrs. Smith, and they returned to Missouri in a very short time and he engaged in the meat business at Butler, Missouri. About nine months later he bought back his old Harrisonville market, which he again sold after a few years and went to Roswell, New Mexico, and later to Hereford, Texas, and managed a meat market there about a year. In 1911 he returned to Harrisonville and for the last time to date, and bought his old market back again.

Mr. Smith is one of the best meat men in the country, and conducts his market under thoroughly modern sanitary methods and his place of business presents an appearance of neatness and artistic arrangement equalled by few meat markets in the larger cities. He does all his own slaughtering and has a large feed lot in the western part of town, where he frequently feeds fat cattle for a number of weeks. He employs six men continually and at times has additional help. His is now the only meat market in Harrisonville, and his square business methods and up-to-date market, with the best possible service for his customers, seems to have made it practically impossible for a competitor to endure here for any length of time.

Knight Templar Mason, and a member of the Mystic Shrine, belonging to Ararat Temple at Kansas City, Missouri. He holds membership in the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, and is a Republican.

Speaking of the time when he contemplated locating in Ilarrisonville, Mr. Smith says that he was talking with a friend who conducted a meat market in Kansas City about his contemplated business venture and his friend said, "For God's sake don't go down there, for those people will look at you as though you were some wild animal." Mr. Smith says the prophecy was fulfilled in the following manner: An old gentleman passed his place every day and did his trading at another market, and one day as he was passing Smith's market, he stopped and approaching the screen door, closely shaded his eyes with his hand, and was looking inside when Mr. Smith invited him to come in and the old gentleman said, "No; I can see in," and that was as far as he went. This was the ful¬ fillment of the prophecy of his Kansas City friend, thought Mr. Smith. However, later on business took a turn and since he first came to Harrisonville he has seen thirty-five competitors come and go and at the present writing has the field to himself.

M. F. Parker, manager of the George M. Kellogg Flower and Plant Company, of Pleasant Hill, Missouri, has charge of one of the leading institutions of Cass County. The conduct and management of such an institution requires a big man, and Mr. Parker has measured up to the standard. Several years of service in successfully conducting the affairs of this mammoth business has demonstrated beyond a doubt that Mr. Parker is the man for the place.

M. F. Parker was born at Pleasant Hill in 1857, and is a son of VV. H. Parker, a native of Kentucky, who settled in Cass County in the early thirties. In 1849 W. H. Parker crossed the plains with ox teams, going to the Pacific Coast. W. H. Parker's father was one of the very earliest settlers in Cass County. He came here shortly after 1830 and settled in Polk township. He died there about 1876.

M. F. Parker was educated in the public schools of Pleasant Hill, and in early life went to Colorado. He was engaged in mining at Silver Cliff, Canon City, and Leadville, about three years. He then went to New Mexico, and was engaged in firing a locomotive on the construction of the Santa Fe railroad there. He says that society in New Mexico was not of the elite in those days, inasmuch as the population consisted mostly of Mexicans and Indians. In 1880 Mr. Parker returned to Pleasant Hill and taught school for a year and then was engaged in the ice business with Mr. Kellogg for a time. He later conducted a garden and fruit farm for thirteen years in Warrensburg, Missouri. In 1903 he entered the employ of Mr. Kellogg in connection with his greenhouses. In 1908 he became manager and superintendent of that business and since that time has served in that capacity.

Mr. Parker was married in 1881 to Miss Zaidee K. Kellogg, a daugh¬ ter of George M. Kellogg, founder of the mammoth Kellogg greenhouse of Pleasant Hill. To Mr. and Mrs. Parker have been born three children, as follows: Ethel, who married Albert E. Shirling, head of the science department of Manual Training High School, Kansas City, Missouri; Glenn K., who has charge of the George M. Kellogg Flower and Plant Company's store in Kansas City, Missouri; Bessie, who married W. F. Hoffhaus, Pleasant Hill, Missouri.

Mr. Parker is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America and the Order of the Maccabees. He is one of the progressive business men of Cass County.

The George M. Kellogg Flower and Plant Company of Pleasant Hill, Missouri, is one of the largest institutions of its kind to be found any¬ where. This business was established by George M. Kellogg in a small way in 1884. The first plants were grown in a small structure, which was built adjoining the kitchen of Mr. Kellogg's home, and was heated by a small box stove. A year or so later the business had developed to quite large proportions, and to accommodate the demand for more room Mr. Kellogg built three rooms, 15x60 feet, which were heated by a brick flue and a furnace, and covered with the regular glass hothouse roofs. Additional greenhouses have been built to meet the demand of this rapidly growing industry, until these houses aggregate between nine and ten acres under glass. The company now carries insurance on four hundred thousand square feet of window frames and glass. This business has grown to tremendous proportions and the Kellogg Company have customers to whom they ship flowers in the principal cities throughout the United States.

Under the present arrangement of the Kellogg gardens there are thirty houses devoted to the culture of roses, which usually contain the following number and varieties : Twenty-seven thousand Killarneys, twenty thousand White Killarneys, eleven thousand American Beauties, seven tEousand Richmonds, four thousand five hundred My Marylands, two thousand five hundred Kaiserines, three thousand six hundred Shaw-

.vers, two thousand Mrs. Russells, twelve hundred Mrs. Wards, twelve hundred My Ladys, twelve hundred Sunbursts, twelve hundred Perles, twelve hundred President Carnots, and one thousand Minnehahas.

Fifteen houses are devoted to carnations, containing thirteen thous¬ and Enchantresses, four thousand live hundred Mrs. Wards, four thous¬ and five hundred Mrs. Washingtons, live thousand White Enchantresses, two thousand five hundred White Perfections, and the same number each of Victory, Beacon and Comfort, fifteen hundred C. P. Bassett, and the same number of Harlow Warden roses. Ten houses are devoted to ferns, Easter lilies, callas, azalias, hydrangeas, gloxnias, begonias, cyclameon, pot chrysanthemums, rambler roses, and all kinds of budding plants. Six houses are devoted to green asparagus plumosis, springerii, Smilax, and adiantum for cutting. Four houses are given to the Golden Spur Narcissus and several thousand tulips of leading varieties for forcing. Considerable space is given to sweet peas and violets. Peonies, gladiolas, gypsophila, shasta daisy and hardy phlox are grown in the fields for cutting through their seasons. Altogether the Kellogg gardens are num¬ bered among the most beautiful and interesting spots of Cass County.

Mrs. Edward McPherson, who bore the maiden name of Keeney, is a member of one of the prominent pioneer families of Cass County. She is a daughter of Thomas and Lou Ann (Wade) Keeney, the former a native of Tennessee, and the latter of Kentucky. Mrs. McPherson was the only child born to her parents.

Thomas Keeney, the father, came to Missouri from his native state with his parents who settled in Jackson County when he was four years old. In 1844, he homesteaded two hundred acres in Cass County and was a successful farmer and stock raiser. In 1855, his wife died and in 1864 he went to live with his daughter, Mrs. McPherson, in Belton. Here he spent the sunset of his life and passed to his reward in 1900. He was truly a Cass County pioneer. When he settled here there were but few houses between Kansas City and where Belton now stands. He was an industrious and thrifty man and possessed many other estimable qualities besides those that led to the accumulation of wealth. He was devoted to his home and his family as well as to his work.

Mrs. McPherson relates many incidents concerning the early history of this section. She lived in Kansas City, Missouri, or where Kansas City now stands, when there were only three houses there. She recalls when they used to go to Dallas & Watts' mill on Indian Creek, and the early set- tiers came from miles around with ox teams to have their grain ground there. The schools were all conducted on the "subscription" basis and Mrs. McPherson recalls her first teacher as being a Mr. McCall. She attended school at High Blue school house and three of her children attended that same school. She says the early settlers seemed to enjoy themselves at their parties and early day gatherings more than people do nowadays, which was probably due to the fact that the senseless effort to create an American social caste was not yet felt on the free and open plains of the frontier in those days. Preaching was generally held in the school houses and later the Christian denomination organized and built a church at High Blue which was followed by a similar move on the part of the Presbyterians. Both of these buildings were later moved to Belton when that settlement began to assume the dignity of a permanent village. As a memento of the recklessness during the strife of war times there is a bullet hole in the kitchen door of the old home place where Mrs. McPherson lived when a girl.

Mrs. McPherson was united in marriage to Edward McPherson in 1871. He was a son of Edward and Angeline McPherson of Santa Fe, Missouri. They were natives of Kentucky and settled in Cass County at an early date and were the parents of two children: Edward, and Mrs. Sadie Bartlett, who now resides in Kansas. Mr. and Mrs. McPherson were childhood friends and after their marriage they lived on the Keeney home¬ stead. Mr. McPherson was engaged in the coal and feed business at Belton for some years and in 1902 removed to Kansas City, Missouri, and was engaged in that line of business until his death in 1913, and Mrs. McPherson still resides in that city, having a home on Park Street.

To Mr. and Mrs. McPherson were born the following children : Thomas, a druggist, Kennett, Missouri; Lou Ann Louis, Kansas City, Mis¬ souri; J. E., grocer, Seattle, Washington; Dr. W. C., veterinary surgeon, New York; Mrs. G. T. Haynes, Omaha, Nebraska; and F. Earl, deceased.

Mrs. McPherson owns the old Keeney homestead in Mt. Pleasant town¬ ship, which she rents and frequently comes down from her Kansas City home and spends a few days on the old place. She is a woman of broad sympathy and has a host of friends among her old acquaintances and neighbors in Cass County.

Eddie L. Brannock, a prosperous farmer and stock raiser of Big Creek township, is a native of Cass County. He was born in the town¬ ship where he now resides, June 27, 1869, and is a son of W. A. and

Eddie L. Brannock was reared on a farm in Big Creek township and educated in the public schools of Big Creek township and Pleasant Hill. He also attended Brannock College, conducted by J. P. Brannock. After leaving school he began life as a farmer on his present place, which he bought of John W. Smith, who entered it from the government. Mr. Brannock has in his possession the patent signed by President Buchanan. He owns two hundred acres of some of the best land in Big Creek town¬ ship and carries on general farming and stock raising. He specializes in Duroc Jersey hogs, and has made an exceptional success of that branch of stock raising.

Mr. Brannock was married in 1893 to Miss Emma Mills of Big Creek township. She is a daughter of Charles E. Mills, a Confederate veteran and pioneer of Lafayette County, Missouri, who later came to Cass County and was one of the very earliest settlers of Big Creek township. To Mr. and Mi*s. Brannock have been born four children, all of whom reside at home, as follows: Mildred Frances, Virginia Alice, Lee Dunlap and Will¬ iam Ewing.

Mr. Brannock's farm is located six miles west of Pleasant Hill in a very desirable locality. He is well known in the locality where he resides and the Brannock family have a large acquaintance and many friends. Mr. Brannock is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America and Mrs. Brannock is a member of the Royal Neighbors. The Brannock family are members of Betheny Christian church.

Charles Kircher, a prosperous farmer and stockman of Big Creek township, was born in Germany in 1870. He came to America with his parents when he was eleven years old. He is a son of Karl and Katherine (Eckert) Kircher, both natives of Germany. They were the parents of the following children: Gottlieb, Lowry City, Missouri; Mrs. Rosa Mehrer, Polk township; Charles, the subject of this sketch; Fred, who died at the age of twenty-two; Mrs. Maggie Sulser, lives near Harrisonville, Missouri; Godfrey, lives on the home place in Pleasant Hill town¬ ship; Mrs. Lizzie Reed, Camp Branch township; and William, who lives on the home place with his brother, Godfrey.

Karl Kircher immigrated to America with his family in 1881 and settled in Pleasant Hill township, where he bought one hundred forty acres of land at twrenty-three dollars per acre. He engaged in farming and stock raising and was very successful from the start. He bought more land from time to time until he had accumulated five hundred acres. He divided his land among his children before his death. He passed away at Pleasant Hill, November 3, 1914, and his remains are buried in Staley Mound Cemetery. His wife died February 20, 1917, and is buried at Staley Mound Cemetery.

Charles Kircher attended school in his native land until he was about eleven years old and after coming to Cass County he attended the Plum Grove School, Pleasant Hill township. He began farming on his own account in early life. His father gave him forty acres of land for a start, and he has added to this from time to time until he now owns four hundred eighty acres. Mr. Kircher's farm is one of the well im¬ proved and valuable places of Cass County. The farm buildings are well arranged and the residence is modern in every particular, equipped with electric lights and water. The place is supplied with all the conveniences usually found in a city residence and the five miles between his place and Pleasant Hill, when measured by the speed of his big eight-cylinder auto¬ mobile, is only a matter of a few minutes.

Mr. Kircher was married March 14, 1894, to Miss Katie Schmoll, of Pleasant Hill, a daughter of Tobias Schmoll, who located at Gunn City, Missouri, in 1872, and later removed to Pleasant Hill township. Mr. Schmoll was a native of Germany, born in 1841, who came to America in 1866. He was a well-to-do farmer and stockman in Pleasant Hill township, where he died in 1915. His wife bore the maiden name of Johanna Brocker, and she was also a native of Germany. She died in 1896 and her remains are buried by the side of her husband in Staley Mound Cemetery.

Six children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Kircher, as follows: Otto, a teacher in the Wingate schools; Lawrence, who resides at home; Frederick, a student in the Pleasant Hill High School; Lolita, Marie, and Alice, all at home.

R. T. Hedrick, owner and proprietor of the "Plum Grove Stock Farm", is one of the leading farmers and stockmen of Big Creek town¬ ship. He was born in Fleming County, Kentucky, in 1861, and is a son of William and Nancy Wise (West) Hedrick, both natives of Kentucky. They were the parents of four children, as follows: Walter Bruce, Ama¬ rillo, Texas; Mrs. Laura Belle Jones, Excelsior Springs, Missouri; Michael

R. T. Hedrick was reared and educated in Flemingsburg, Kentucky. In 1879 he came to Missouri, locating at Pleasant Hill. He followed railroading for four years after coming here, when he bought a farm in Polk township, near Wingate, which he later sold and bought his present place. He makes a specialty of breeding Shorthorn cattle and registered French draft horses, and has some of the finest stock to be found in Cass County. "Plum Grove Stock Farm" is well adapted to stock raising, and is an ideal stock farm. A branch of Big Creek courses its way through the farm and thus an ample supply of water is at hand. There is a goodly number of elm and oak trees skirting the banks of the stream, which furnishes shade for the stock during the summer season. The place was well improved when Mr. Hedrick took possession, but he has added many other improvements and modern equipments. He has installed a gasoline power plant which he uses for various pur¬ poses, such as operating a wood saw, turning lathe, aand emery wheel, and which he also uses to generate electricity for lighting his residence and other buildings about the place. He also has a storage battery and thereby conserves the electricity which can be used for lighting purposes when the engine is not running. His engine is also used for pumping water and he has a complete water system installed in his house and barn. In fact, he has combined the conveniences of city life with the freedom of the country. But, after all, he is not so far from the city when one considers the speed of his big Buick machine.

Mr. Hedrick was married in 1884 to Miss Caroline Celeste Shultz, a daughter of Samuel Edward Shultz, of Pleasant Hid. To Mr. and Mrs. Hedrick have been born two children: John Clarence, a farmer of Pleasant Hill township, married Miss Lizzie Jackson ; and Roberta Celeste, living at home.

Lee Berry, one of the leading farmers of Big Creek township, was born in Kentucky in 1864, the son of William Wallace and Mary (Dwelly) Berry, both natives of Kentucky. By a former marriage of the father the following children were born: M. H. Berry, Glendale, California; Mrs. Lou Kemper, Montgomery City, Missouri; Felix G. Berry, Duarte, California; C. E. Berry, Chino, California; W. B. Berry, Los Angeles, California; and Dr. B. F. Berry, Nevada, Missouri.

William Wallace Berry came to Cass County in 1868 and located on the Hamilton farm, seven miles west of Pleasant Hill. He remained there about four years, when he removed to the John Belcher place. He died in 1885. His wife died two years previously.

Lee Berry has one of the fine farms of Big Creek township. He owns one hundred seventy acres, located about three miles west and one-half mile south of Pleasant Hill. His farm is under a good state of cultiva¬ tion and well improved, with a good farm residence, large barns and is well fenced. He has made quite a success of alfalfa growing in recent years, and now has twenty acres devoted to that crop.

Mr. Berry was married in 1892 to Miss Lucy E. Smith. She died in 1903. In 1905 Mr. Berry was united in marriage with Miss Bessie V. Smith, a native of Pleasant Hill township, Cass County. Three children have been born to this union, as follows: twins, who died in infancy; and Lee Berry, Jr.

W. H. Poindexter, a prominent farmer and stockman of Big Creek township, belongs to a very early pioneer family of Missouri. He was bom in Jackson County, near Lone Jack, in 1847. He is a son of Thomas M. and Mary (Musselman) Poindexter, both natives of Harri¬ son County, Kentucky. They were the parents of eight children, two of whom are now living: Mrs. Fannie Simons, Georgetown, Kentucky; and W. H., the subject of this sketch. Thomas M. Poindexter and his wife came to Missouri and settled in Jackson County in 1840. In 1855 he died there and his remains are buried near Grandview. His wife died in Kentucky in 1906.

The Poindexter family were among the early settlers of Cass County and lived at Pleasant Hill when the war broke out. In 1862 they returned to Kentucky, remaining there until the spring of 1867.

W. H. Poindexter was educated in the public schools of Pleasant Hill. After leaving school he followed farming for several years. In 1880 he went to Oak Grove, Jackson County, where he remained about fifteen years. He then went to Vernon County and was located near Walker, remaining about twelve years, when he returned to Cass County. He bought a farm near Harrisonville, where he remained two years, and in 1902 bought his present place of one hundred ninety acres in Big

Mr. Poindexter was married in 1870 to Miss Mary Isabelle Lightner, of Jackson County, a daughter of Hiram Lightner, a native of Pennsyl¬ vania, who was one of the very earliest settlers of LaFayette County, Missouri. He probably settled there some time between 1820 and 1830, and came to Jackson County about 1840. lie later removed to Vernon County, where he died in 1901. His wife died in 1858. They were the parents of the following children: Mrs. H. H. Corbin, Fontana, Kansas; Dr. John Lightner, Odessa, Missouri; S. R., Lightner, Kansas City, Mis¬ souri ; and Mrs. Poindexter. To Mr. and Mrs. Poindexter have been born nine children, as follows: Arthur Renick, died in 1900, at the age of twenty-nine years; Clarence, died at the age of thirty-nine; Mrs. Gertrude Miller. Humboldt, Kansas; Mrs. Ileuston Patterson, Pleasant Hill, Mis¬ souri; Mrs. Charles Schnebelin, Wheatland, Wyoming; T. H., Leona, Kansas; Whit, resides at home; Samuel, Big Creek township; and Dora Frances, at home.

Mr. Poindexter has seen much of the development of western Mis¬ souri and is truly entitled to classification as one of the pioneers of this section. He cannot recall a single living man in Big Creek township who was of age when he first came here. He says that in the early fifties he made a trip from Lone Jack to Little Blue. There were no houses at Lees Summit, and scarcely a settlement between there and Harrisonville. There would be the exception of a house now and then in the timber along the creeks. He has often seen deer roaming o'er the plains where the city of Pleasant Hill now stands.

George W. Ragsdale, a well known farmer and stockman of Pleasant Hill township, was born in Lawrence County, Indiana, in 1856. He is a son of Noah and Rebecca (Gregory) Ragsdale, natives of Indiana. They were the parents of five children as follows: Mrs. Sarah J. Fish, Holden, Missouri ; Lydia, deceased ; Mrs. Mary E. Clayton, Pleasant Hill, Missouri ; George the subject of this sketch; and William H., Kingsville, Missouri.