Cass County, Missouri - Biographical sketches, 1917 (part 6 of 15)

Henry Stewart was reared in Polk township and educated at the Judge Hooper School. From his earliest boyhood he earned his own liveli¬ hood as did his other brothers. He has made farming and stock raising his chief occupation and has met with well merited success. He bought hi> first eighty acres of land in 1887 which he sold later and bought the Nixon farm of one hundred twenty-eight acres, forty-eight acres of which are in Polk township and eighty in Jackson County. He still owns this place and his residence is on the Jackson County side where he has resided since 1908. In addition to this farm he also owns eighty acres, formerly the Reader farm in Van Buren township, Jackson County. Mr. Stewart has been president of the Farmers National Bank of Pleasant Hill since 1914. This is one of the substantial banks of Cass County. It has a paid up capital stock of thirty-five thousand dollars and a surplus of five thou¬ sand. Some of the most substantial men of that section are identified with this institution.

Mr. Stewart was united in marriage August 7, 1896 with Miss Mary L. Williams, a native of Polk township, daughter of Leonodus L. and Sarah Frances (Jones) Williams, both of whom are now deceased. Their remains are buried in the Lonejack cemetery. To Mr. and Mrs. Stewart have been born the following children: Henry McLee, who was drowmed June 4, 1916, aged nineteen; Claude S. ; Cammie K. ; and J. C. The Stew¬ art family are well known and prominent in their community.

Gilbert Dean, president of the Bank of Drexel, and an early pioneer of this section of Missouri, is a native of Ohio. He was born in 1840, and is a son of John and Rachel Dean. John Dean was a son of Richard Dean, a native of New York City, and of Scotch Irish descent. Two brothers of Richard Dean. John and Joseph, were soldiers in the Revolutionary War. Richard was a sea captain for thirty years. He began his seafar¬ ing life on the great lakes and later became a salt water sailor. John Dean, father of Gilbert, was born in 1813, and in 1816, removed to Ohio with his parents. He came to Cass County in 1868, and later removed to Jackson County where he died.

Gilbert Dean was reared in Ohio and educated in the public schools and was living the peaceful life of the average boy of his time, when the great Civil War broke out. He enlisted in the First Ohio Cavalry and served in the Union army for four years. His command was attached to the army of the Cumberland, and he participated in many important and hard fought battles as well as numerous skirmishes. At the close of the war, after being mustered out of the service and honorably discharged he returned to Ohio. Here he remained about a year and in 1866 came to

Gilbert Dean

Cass County and bought a farm near the Bates County line, where he has since resided. Here Mr. Dean owns one hundred and eighty acres of valu¬ able land, and for a number of years has been successfully engaged in farming and stockraising. However, in recent years, he has not been so actively engaged in farming operations, and much of his land is devoted to grass. He has invested in other commercial enterprises and is one of the largest stockholders in the Bank of Drexel, and has been president of that well known financial institution since 1913. This is one of the substantial and progressive banks of Cass County and was organized with a paid up capital of fifteen thousand dollars.

Mr. Dean was married in 1866 to Miss Ann Edmondson, daughter of James Edmondson, of Indiana, and the following children have been born to this union: Mrs. Camellia Scott, Aurora, Missouri; John, Drexel, Mis¬ souri ; Mrs. Lulu Porter, Tulsa, Oklahoma ; and Roscoe, Louisburg, Kansas.

Mr. Dean takes an active interest in local affairs and has served as justice of the peace for twelve months. He is active and vigorous and takes a keen interest in all progressive movements for the betterment of the community. He is public spirited and one of Cass County's foremost citizens. Mr. Dean has seen much of the pioneer life of western Missouri, and contributed his part towards the opening up and developing of the west. In the early days he broke the prairie with ox teams and for a number of years after coming here lived in a log house, until he hauled lumber from Pleasant Hill, with which to build a frame residence.

Although Mr. Dean makes no claims to literary distinction, he wrote the following lines while in a reminiscent mood at the age of seventyfour: unqualified support, and he has always aided with his time and money any worthy enterprise. He has seen this county develop from an unbroken plain to its present progressive state and he is one of the pioneers who has done his full share toward building up this county and its institutions.

S. E. Martin, of Polk township, is a member of a representative fam¬ ily of western Missouri. He was born in Jackson County, about one mile east of Lone jack, in 1850. He is a son of James C. and Sallie (Thomp¬ son) Martin, both natives of North Carolina. The father was born in 1812 and died in Polk township in 1866. The mother was born in 1830 and died in 1909. Their remains are buried at Lonejack. They were the parents of the following children: S. E., the subject of this sketch; Mrs. Jennie Cravens, Polk township; Mrs. Camelia Stockton, Warrensburg, Missouri; K. W., Lees Summit; Mrs. Blanche Dryden, Lees Sum¬ mit; Cora, a teacher in the Kansas City, Missouri public schools; and R. J., lives in Kansas City, Missouri. James C. Martin was the father of five children by a former marriage: Mrs. Diana Turpin, Mrs. Mary Blackwell, Carrollton, Missouri; Mrs. James Franklin, deceased; Mrs. Rufus Estes, deceased; and John H.

S. E. Martin was educated in the Polk township public schools, and the Lonejack High School. His father died when S. E. was about thir¬ teen years old. Mr. Martin thus had to make his own way in the world at an early age. When he was eighteen years old he left home. He bought his first land in 1872, which was an unimproved forty-acre farm in Polk township, for which he paid five hundred dollars. In 1886 he bought another forty for six hundred dollars. In 1893 he sold his land and removed to Warrensburg, where he remained for five years. He purchased his present place in Polk township in 1897 and has since been engaged in farming and stock raising in Polk township.

Mr. Martin was here when the Civil War broke out and has a vivid recollection of much of the devastation of that period in this section of the country. He was at Lonejack the next day after the battle, which was fought there. When Order No. 11 was issued the Martin family went to Carroll County and remained there nearly two years. During that time their home place was stripped of everything of value except the house, and an attempt was made to burn that. Uncle James Aldridge happened to be there and prevailed upon the parties not to burn the house, and induced them to extinguish the fire after it had been started. When the war closed Mr. Martin was living in Polk township.

In 1876 S. E. Martin was united in marriage to Miss Mary Estes. She died in 1891. In 1901 Mr. Martin was married to Miss Angeline Noland, a daughter of Collins Noland, a very early settler in this section of Missouri, a sketch of whom appears in this volume.

Howard C. Rowe, a well-known farmer and stockman of Pleasant Hill township, was born in Michigan in 1866. He came to Cass County with his parents when he was one year old. He is the son of Henry W. and Susan J. (Jacobs) Rowe. Henry W. Rowe was born near Utica, New York. He was married to Susan J. Jacobs in Michigan. He was one of a family of six children, all of whom are now deceased, as follows: Henry W., Gilbert, Rodney, David, Mattie, who married Eugene Carey, Chicago, Illinois; and Jennie, who married Dr. Allen, Adrian, Michigan.

Henry W. Rowe came to Cass County in 1867 and settled in Pleasant Hill township, where he bought two hundred fifty acres of land, located about one and one-half miles south of Pleasant Hill. He paid twentyfive dollars per acre for this land. Mr. Rowe was successfully engaged in farming and stock raising here until the time of his death. He died in 1881 and his wife died in 1879. Their remains are buried in the Pleasant Hill Cemetery.

Howard C. Rowe was educated in the public schools of Pleasant Hill. At an early age he was thrown upon his own resources and forced to make his own way. His father died when Howard C. was fifteen years old. For a time Howard lived with his brother, E. E. Rowe. In 1892 Howard C. Rowe was married to Miss Josie Hauk, daughter of J. H. R. and Charlotte Hauk, of Pleasant Hill township. The Hauk family came from Germany to Illinois, and from there to Pleasant Hill, in 1867.

To Howard C. Rowe and wife have been born four children, as fol¬ lows: F. H., who married Mable Campbell, and lives on a part of the Rowe farm in Pleasant Hill township ; a son died in infancy ; Ernest, who died at the age of seven years; and Allen R., who is at home with his parents.

Mr. Rowe has a fine farm of one hundred sixty acres in Pleasant Hill township, where he carries on general farming and stock raising. He is also extensively interested in the dairy business. His place is well watered and there is much excellent grass land. The Rowe farm is an ideal place for stock raising and dairying. Mr. Rowe, during the past season, has become greatly interested in the bee industry. He has demon¬ strated to his satisfaction in one season that bee-keeping, when prop¬ erly carried on, is a profitable enterprise. He started the season of 1916 with four stands of bees, which have increased to thirteen stands during the season, besides producing seven hundred pounds of honey. Here¬ tofore Mr. Howe has given bees very little attention, but this demonstra¬ tion of one season will probably induce him to enlarge and continue that department.

Although a young man, Mr. Rowe well remembers many of the old pioneer conditions and institutions of Cass County. He recalls the early stage-coach days. The stage coach passed through the Rowe farm with its four galloping steeds, the driver on the box, Mr. Rowe frequently hung on the trunk straps, on the rear of the stage, and rode to the Lone Star school house, about one and one-fourth miles from his home, where he attended school.

A. D. Harbison, who for a number of years has been one of the suc¬ cessful farmers and stock raisers of Big Creek township, was born in Kentucky in 1849. He is a son of David and Eliza (Craig) Harbison, natives of Kentucky. The Harbison family came to Ray County, Mis¬ souri, in 1858, when A. D. was nine years old. They later moved to Jackson County. David Harbison spent the latter part of his life in the vicinity of Pleasant Hill, where he died in 1891. His wife died there in 1899. They were the parents of ten children, five of whom are living, as follows: Dwight, Dallas, Texas; Mrs. Alice E. Moore, Independence, Missouri; A. D., whose name introduces this sketch; Sallie, who married George W. Evarts, a former county judge; and Ed., Elk City, Idaho.

A. D. Harbison was educated in the public schools of Richmond, Ray County, Missouri. He lived there during the Civil War. He conducted the home place during the period that his father went to California. The Harbison family lost considerable property, which was stolen and other¬ wise destroyed by the semi-military organizations which infested the country at that time. James A. Davis, who was an old neighbor of the Harbisons, now seventy-nine years old, also remained on his place, be¬ cause of his wife's ill health, during the Civil War. He was one of the few in that vicinity who were not molested during the days of marauders and free-booters.

four miles north of Pleasant Hill. In 1904 he sold out there and bought the Grimes place, one and one-half miles south of Greenwood, which he still owns. This place contains two hundred thirty acres and is one of the fine farms in this section of the state. Most of the improvements have been made by Mr. Harbison since he bought it. Mr. Harbison has carried on farming and stock raising. He raises cattle, hogs, and mules. His son, Frank, now occupies the place and operates it in conjunction with his father. He makes a specialty of registered Shorthorn cattle and Chester White hogs.

Mr. Harbison was first married in 1874 to Miss Susie Goldbar, of Carrollton, Missouri. Four children were born to this union, as follows: Myrtle, married Walter Waddell, died in 1905, leaving one child, Myrtle Elizabeth, who makes her home with her grandparents Harbison, who reared her; Edwin Perry, farmer near Raymore, Missouri; Frank, on the home place; and Nellie, married J. B. Jennings, who resides near Raymore. After the death of his first wife, Mr. Harbison was married, in 1892, to Miss Susie Goode, of Pleasant Hill, a daughter of Michael and Mary Ann Goode. Michael Goode was a native of Virginia, who came to Cass County when he was nineteen years old. He settled at Pleasant Hill, where he died in 1896. His wife died in 1895, and their remains rest in the Pleasant Hill Cemetery. They were the parents of the fol¬ lowing children: S. 0. Goode, Greenwood, Missouri; Walter Goode, Bunceton, Cooper County, Missouri; Mrs. Ida Chastain, Cleo, Oklahoma; and Susie, the wife of A. D. Harbison.

Mr. and Mrs. Harbison reside in Greenwood, Missouri. Their son, Frank, occupies the home place as above stated. A grandchild, Myrtle Waddell, makes her home with Mr. and Mrs. Harbison and attends school.

Dr. T. H. Gregg, a well-known veterinary surgeon of Pleasant Hill, is a native of Cass County. He was born in Pleasant Hill May 8, 1861, and is a son of James W. and Serilda (Thomas) Gregg. James W. Gregg was born in Bourbon County, Kentucky, May 10, 1829, and died at Pleasant Hill in 1879. His wife was born October 7, 1839, and died in March, 1910. Their remains are buried in the Pleasant Hill Cemetery. She was a daughter of Captain Thomas, well known in the early history of Cass County. They were the parents of the following children: Mary F., who was born May 31, 1863, and died March 9, 1864; Laura W., who was born September 9, 1866, married J. C. Butler, Sedalia, Missouri; Anna L., who was born October 7, 1868, married E. N. Davis, and now

Dr. Gregg received his education in the public schools' of Pleasant Hill. When seventeen years of age he began learning the blacksmiths' trade, with his father, which he followed until 1909, at Pleasant Hill. In early life he also took up the study of veterinary surgery and practiced that profession. At the same time he conducted a blacksmith shop until 1909. Since that time Dr. Gregg has devoted himself exclusively to the practice of his profession. He covers a large scope of territory in his professional work, including parts of Cass, Jackson, and Johnson Coun¬ ties. Dr. Gregg is well known as a leading veterinary of the state, and with the exception of one, has attended every veterinary surgeons' con¬ vention held at Kansas City for the past ten years.

In 1885 Dr. Gregg was united in marriage with Miss Minnie E. Lane, daughter of Archie and Sallie E. Lane. The father was a Christian minister. He died while attending college at Lexington, Kentucky, when he was twenty-nine years old. His widow married Rev. J. A. Lord, a minister who at one time was located at Pleasant Hill, and later at Holden and Warrensburg. For a time Rev. J. A. Lord was editor of the "Christian Standard'' at Cincinnati, Ohio. He is now an instructor in Spokane University, at Spokane, Washington. To Dr. and Mrs. Gregg have been born three children, as follows: Nina C., who was born June 14, 1886, married Felix Keller, a musician of Okmulgee, Oklahoma; Annie Laurie, who was born June 23, 1888, married E. W. Pearson, and they reside at Woodcliff on the Hudson, New York; and Rubie, who was born July 12, 1896, married R. L. Manicke, Pleasant Hill.

The Gregg family were early settlers in Cass County, and lived here during the turbulent days of the Civil War. Many incidences which demonstrated the insecurity of life and property happened in the im¬ mediate Gregg family. Dr. Gregg relates many circumstances that took place during those days in which his father figured conspicuously. James W. Gregg came here about 1857, and in 1862 returned to Kentucky, where he remained until the close of the war. When this conflict was closed as a national affair it still continued in a desultory way for a few years in Cass County and vicinity. When Mr. Gregg returned to Pleas¬ ant Hill, Judge Copeland was judge of the court here and registration was necessary in order to vote. Mr. Gregg registered a few days before vot¬ ing time and Copeland, being a strong Union man and having no love for a southern man, challenged Gregg's vote. This started an argument, in which Gregg knocked Copeland down, and when the latter got up he had his pistol in his hand. Gregg jumped behind Copeland's father and pushed him toward his irate son, and when near enough Gregg grabbed Copeland's revolver, reaching over the old, gentleman's shoulder, and struck Copeland on the head with the gun, knocking him down again. Later Copeland determined to get revenge and hired a negro, who was working for Gregg, to waylay or kill Gregg. A few nights afterward the negro came home late and concealed a club in the shop. While Mr. Gregg's attention was called to a noise in the barn the negro struck him on the head with the club, but Gregg recovered and ran into the house to get his revolver. Then it was the negro's move and he took to the woods with Gregg in pursuit. The negro, however, escaped. The third day after this transaction, while Mr. Gregg was still in bed suffering from his injury, Mrs. Gregg noticed some men congregating at Copeland's, who lived but a short distance away. She called her husband's atten¬ tion to it and he notified his friends, John Walker, Fleming, Jenkins, Stevens, and others, to come over to his place, as he was expecting a surprise party. After dark a number of the Copeland men advanced to the house just north of Gregg's, and Fleming went out to ascertain their purpose. He asked the leader of the gang what they proposed to do, and

Fleming invited them to get busy if that was what they came for.' Then the negro, who was with the Copeland gang, opened fire. Fleming took a shot at him, striking him on the knee. Gregg's friends, who were con¬ cealed behind the fences, and the Copeland party opened fire on each other. Quite a battle ensued, in which a Copeland negro was wounded, and in which the Copeland gang were worsted. They beat a hasty retreat.

On another occasion a gang of "Red Legs" came into town, killed two men and burned their houses. They came to Gregg's place about midnight. Gregg and his wife were asleep when they rapped at the door. Mrs. Gregg unbarred the door and admitted the "Red Legs" be¬ fore she realized who they were. They immediately covered Mr. Gregg with their guns and ordered him to dress and come with them. He tried several excuses in order to get an opportunity to get to his gun, but his captors anticipated his wish and were insistent. He said he wanted to get his shoes himself as his wife could not reach them for him, and one of the "Red Legs" answered: "You can go barefooted, as you will not need shoes very long in this world." The captain of the "Red Legs" asked the man who was guarding the door where they would street on the commons, away from his wife." While preparations were being made, Gregg whispered to his wife to open the back door leading out from the kitchen, which she did. Gregg made a dash for liberty, and the door being open he lost no time in getting outside. The "Red Legs" fired fully forty shots at the fleeing man, but none took effect. One bul¬ let, however, grazed the right side of his face just as he cleared the rock fence, about fifty yards away. He went to Fleming's place and tried to borrow a gun, but Fleming, fearing that it was the "Red Legs" trying to get in, refused him admittance. Gregg returned to his home an hour or so after, and thus armed went to Copeland's in search of "Red Legs". After searching around the town for some time, unable to find any of the party, he returned home. These are but two of the many instances of the dangers of life on the border at a time "that tried men's souls".

Sam Yankee, an enterprising and influential farmer and stockman, is a representative of one of the early families of this section of Missouri. He was born in Polk township, Cass County, Missouri, in 1846, a son of Wesley and Sarah (Underwood) Yankee. Wesley Yankee, a native of Kentucky, came to Missouri in 1836, with his father, Samuel Yankee, Sr. Samuel Yankee, Sr., remained in Pettis County one year, then came to Jackson County in 1837, locating two miles east of Lonejack. Here he died in 1883. His son, Wesley Yankee, moved to Cass County, locating two miles east of Pleasant Hill. He remained upon this place until 1868, when he sold out to Mr. Willis. Wesley Yankee then located in Jackson County, two miles south and one mile east of Lonejack. He died in Janu¬ ary, 1D12, and is buried in the Underwood cemetery. Sarah (Underwood) Yankee, the first wife of Wesley Yankee and mother of the subject of this review, died in 1853, and is buried in Underwood cemetery. Wesley and Sarah (Underwood) Yankee were the parents of five children, all of whom were born in Cass County, namely: J. A., deceased; Sam, subject of this sketch ; Joel K., who died in 1872 ; Permelia, who married S. C. McGlathery, now deceased, and resides in Odessa, Missouri; and Eliza D., who married W. H. Maxwell and resides in Lees Summit, Missouri. J. A., the older brother of Sam Yankee, died in 1910 in Polk township and is buried in Underwood cemetery. He was the father of twelve children, all of whom are still living.

Yankee have reared three orphan children, two of whom were relatives of Mrs. Yankee, a half-brother and a half-sister, J. A. Boswell and his sister, Maggie. The third was Georgie Cash. She married T. W. Yankee, a son of Frank Yankee and they live on the home place.

Sam Yankee received his education in the country schools of Cass County. The Civil War broke out when he was young and educational facilities were then very meager. Mr. Yankee has increased his knowl¬ edge wonderfully however in the school of experience. He learned the blacksmiths' trade after the war and for six years worked at his trade at Lone jack. He then followed farming in Cass County for two years. In 1872 he bought from Tom Bradley his present home place of one hun¬ dred twenty acres. Land was at that time worth thirty dollars per acre. Mr. Yankee bought this farm in partnership with his brother, J. A., and later bought him out.

Mr. Yankee has a fund of exceedingly interesting reminiscences. When Order No. 11 was issued in 1863, the Yankee family moved to Lafayette County. The father had already gone there. Mr. Yankee lived two miles east of Pleasant Hill, when the order to move was received. He and his brother were in the field stacking oats the day the order came and they saw fifteen houses burning. Mr. Yankee recalls an amusing pic¬ ture of haste under difficulties which was vividly impressed upon his memory at that time. A neighbor, Mr. Bradshaw, had for a team a twoyear-old bull and a cow with a blind mare in front, hitched to a two-horse wagon, having only running gears. All his household goods were piled upon the running gears and upon the household goods sat Mr. Bradshaw, glaring at the mare, who apparently was not well pleased with the com¬ pany forced upon her and was objecting strenuously.

Six men are buried three-fourths of a mile east of Mr. Yankee's present home on the John Phillips place, men who were killed when Order No. 11 was issued. They were: Uncle Bennie Potter, aged seventy-five years, John Cave, John Tate, David Hunter, John Hunter and Andrew Owsley. These men were all buried in one grave by their wives and children.

Sam Yankee has been very successful in his agricultural pursuits and now has two hundred twenty-one acres of fine land under a good state of cultivation and his improvements are among the best in the county. He has a beautiful home, comfortable and commodious and he and his family are surrounded with all the comforts of life. The house of ten rooms contains a large, cheery fire-place and is heated throughout by steam.

His barns are large and conveniently arranged for his stock and grain. The dimensions of the four barns are respectively: Thirty-six by fiftyone feet, fifty by fifty-two feet, forty by forty feet and forty by forty feet. Mr. Yankee raises some alfalfa and is a successful stockman, rais¬ ing cattle and mules. He is also engaged in general farming. In short, he is in every way an active and enterprising agriculturist.

The old settlers will too soon be gone. We feel particularly fortunate in finding such a gentleman as the subject of this sketch still among us to aid in commemorating the experiences of our forefathers who laid so well the foundations of the county's prosperity.

Mr. Yankee is a genial man, honorable and fair in all his dealings and is one of the highly esteemed citizens of the township where he has made his home for so many years. Mr. and Mrs. Yankee will long be remem¬ bered for their many excellencies.

Nettie Shuttleworth Preston, of Pleasant Hill, widow of the late Wm. B. Preston, is one of the pioneer women of Cass County. She was born at Campbellsville, Kentucky, in 1841 and is a daughter of James Allen and Mary Ann (Lewis) Shuttleworth, natives of Kentucky. They wrere the parents of five children, two of wrhom are living, as follows: Nettie, the subject of this sketch ; and James A., who resides in Louisville, Ken¬ tucky, and is well known in Pleasant Hill through his generous contri¬ bution toward the building of a new Baptist church there. When the building of the church at Pleasant Hill wras contemplated in 1895, Mr. Shuttleworth made the proposition that he w'ould contribute one thousand five hundred dollars toward the erection of the church edifice provided the congregation at Pleasant Hill would raise a like amount. The money was raised and Mr. Shuttleworth contributed his share. The result is that the Baptist congregation at Pleasant Hill has a new church.

Mrs. Preston w'as educated in the public schools of Campbellsville, Kentucky, and in the Marion County Catholic Seminary. January 10, 1871 she was united in marriage with William B. Preston in the Baptist church at Pleasant Hill, Missouri. Mr. Preston wTas a native of Maysville, Kentucky, where he w^as reared and educated. He wras a son of Benjamin and Ann Preston. William B. Preston came to Cass County with his father in 1869. The father settled in Pleasant Hill township where he followed farming. He and his wife are now deceased. His wife died in Kentucky before Mr. Preston came w^est. The remains of Benja-

Mrs. Preston united with the Baptist church in Lebanon, Kentucky, when she was a girl. She has always taken an active interest in further¬ ing the teachings of that denomination. She is a refined woman of unusual intellectual qualifications, well posted, and an interesting conver¬ sationalist. She is active in church work and takes a special pride in devoting her best energy to carrying out the various needs of the church. Mrs. Preston invariably attends the conferences and other important meetings of the church and although now seventy-six years of age she is still as active as the average person of fifty. She has a handsome home on Randolph street between Cedar and Oak streets in Pleasant Hill. Mrs. Preston has an extensive acquaintance and many loyal friends.

William L. Schmoll, a well-known young agriculturist of Pleasant Hill township, is one of Cass County's native sons. He was born in Polk township in 1887, son of Tobias and Johanna (Schilling) Schmoll. Tobias Schmoll, a native of Germany, born in 1841, immigrated to America in 1866. In 1872 he came to Cass County, settling near Gunn City, and in 1880 he moved to Pleasant Hill township, on the place now owned by William L. Schmoll. On March 28, 1915, Tobias Schmoll died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Conrad Heid, in Pleasant Hill township. His wife had preceded him nearly twenty years, her death occurring November 26, 1896. She was at that time aged fifty-three years, ten months and twenty-nine days. Both parents are interred at Staley Mound.

Tobias and Johanna (Bracher) Schmoll were the parents of eight children: One child died in infancy; Henry died at the age of sixteen; John, of Polk township; Katie, wife of Charles Kircher, of Pleasant Hill township; George, of Pleasant Hill township; Jacob, of Pleasant Hill township; Minnie, wife of Conrad Heid, of Pleasant Hill township, and William L., subject of this review.

William L. Schmoll was reared on the home place, where he laid the foundations for a robust manhood and learned many lessons which are helping to mould his career. He received his education in the German¬ town school in Camp Branch township.

In 1910 William L. Schmoll and Mildred Austin, daughter of R. W. and Hester (Peak) Austin, of Camp Branch township, were united in marriage. Mrs. Schmoll's grandfather, Preston Peak, came to Cass County in an early day from Ohio, and her grandfather Austin was killed

In 191 6 Mr. Schmoll purchased the home place of one hundred sixty acres, the place ujxm which his father had settled thirty-six years before. This place is an excellent stock farm, well supplied with water. Mr. Schmoll follows stock raising on an extensive scale, raising cattle, hogs and mules. The land slopes to the south and Willow branch runs through the center of the farm. The place is well improved. The comfortable residence was erected in 1887, and is one of the pleasant rural homes in Cass County. A commodious barn was built in 1903. Mr. Schmoll's farm, buildings and general improvements are among the best and show his energy and taste as an up-to-date farmer and stockman. His splendid business qualifications as well as sterling qualities of head and heart, qualities that win, he has inherited from good, sturdy German ancestors. In the years to come William L. Schmoll will unquestionably be one of the most conspicuous figures connected with the business interests of Cass County.

W. H. Peck, a leading man of Cass County, was born in Bath County, Kentucky, in 1856, a son of Daniel and Mary Jane (Ledford) Peck. Daniel Peck was a native of Kentucky, who came to Cass County in 1869 and located in Big Creek township on the old John Hon farm. For several years he lived near East Lynne. In 1902, at the time of his death, Daniel Peck was residing on the farm now owned by his son, W. H. Peck. He is buried in Reed cemetery. Mary Jane (Ledford) Peck has also passed into the Great Beyond, preceding her husband fourteen years. She died in 1888 and is buried in Reed cemetery. Daniel and Mary Jane (Led¬ ford) Peck were the parents of two children: D. A. Peck, Pleasant Hill, Missouri, and W. H., subject of this review.

As W. II. Peck grew to manhood, he assisted his father in the work of the farm, forming industrious habits which have proven such an asset in later life. He received his education in the schools of Cass County and began life for himself at the age of twenty-three years. W. H. Peck early manifested the remarkable business ability, foresight and judgment that has characterized his later career.

In 1880 W. H. Peck and Lucinda Foster, daughter of T. J. and Har¬ riet (Utz) Foster of Big Creek township, were united in marriage. The parents of Mrs. W. H. Peck owned one hundred sixty acres in Big Creek township. The mother departed this life in 1879, and the father died in 1901 at Pleasant Hill. To W. H. and Lucinda (Foster) Peck have been born five children: George L., Kansas City, Missouri, who has been with the Taylor Dry Goods Company for the past fifteen years; Ina Frances, married Charles Collins, Strasburg, Missouri; James, died at the age of two years; Harvey Clay, died at the age of two years; and Leonard, at home with his parents.

W. H. Peck began his career with a span of mules, six hundred fifty dollars in money and a genius for the successful promotion of his purpose. In 1882 he bought one hundred acres from Amanda Cease, who was the first owner, for which he paid one thousand two hundred fifty dollars. Later he purchased eighty acres at five dollars per acre, one hundred acres from Charles Carey at twenty dollars per acre, eighty acres from Alex Atkinson at twenty-three dollars per acre, ten acres from Moss and Benja¬ min Hume, paying Moss twenty dollars per acre and Benjamin twenty-five dollars. John Furnoy sold him twelve and a half acres at twenty-five dol¬ lars an acre, Eliza Cook and Mattie Crayton, fifteen acres at twenty dol¬ lars an acre and recently Mr. Peck purchased from Millard Hobbs twenty acres in 1912 for ninety-six dollars. Thus he has increased his holdings until at the present time he owns four hundred twenty-five acres of well improved and valuable land comprising the "Valley Stock Farm". Mr. Peck has two hundred acres in blue grass, which has never been plowed. From the beginning Mr. Peck has wisely bought mostly steers, bought at home and fed out. He has fed as many as two hundred eighty head of cattle at one time, feeding twenty-one thousand bushels of corn. It will be readily seen that Mr. Peck has been engaged in the stock business on no small scale.

All the splendid improvements upon his place W. H. Peck himself has added. His handsome residence is a house of ten rooms, modern in every respect, composed of two stories and a basement This was erected in 1914. The barns and other farm buildings alike bespeak the progressive¬ ness and thrift of the owner. He erected in 1900 a fine stock barn 48 x 60 feet and a horse barn in 1907, 48 x 60 feet. Both barns are supplied with water and are lighted by electricity. Concrete walks from barn to barn are an unusual feature of the barnyard.

W. H. Peck has made a success not only as a stockman and agricul¬ turist but as a business man as well. He was one of the organizers of the Farmers Bank at Strasburg and for fourteen years has been its presi¬ dent. The success of this bank has attracted the attention of many financiers over the state. Its prosperity and increasing business is the highest te timonial to the abilities and virtues of its president. In 1901 the bank was organized with Mr. Peck, president; T. J. McConnell, vicepresident; Harley Dallas, cashier; Sam Yankee and Collins Noland, directors; and with a capital stock of ten thousand dollars. The bank now has a surplus of thirty thousand dollars.

This brief review of a career packed to the brim with multiplied activities and interests gives but a hint of a most interesting life story. \Y. H. Peck has won an enviable reputation for ability, honesty, and a comprehensive grasp of afTairs. In this county of self-made men, where titles are unknown and where a man is judged solely upon his merits, we venture the opinion that the loftiest ideal is the man who surmounts all difficulties, who stands true and unshaken by the storms of life is able to lift up both himself and those about him. Such a man is W. II. Peck.

Thomas Roupe, a well-known and highly respected farmer of Polk township, is a representative of the pioneer element that is passing away. Mr. Pwoupe belongs to that class of men who naturally became pioneers. He was born in Blount County, Tennessee, in December, 1835, a son of John and Isabel! (Davis) Roupe. The father was a native of South Caro¬ lina. John and Isabell (Davis) Roupe were the parents of twelve children, ten of whom are now living: Thomas, subject of this review; Mrs. Sarah Page, Slater, Missouri; Martin, Polk township; Mrs. Mary Aldridge, Polk township; Mrs. Elizabeth Hastings; Mrs. Jane Landers, died in Kansas in 1910; Mrs. Emily Allen, Pleasant Hill, Missouri; Henry, lives near Raymore, Missouri; William, died in Bates County, about 1884; James, Polk township; Mrs. Julia Morgan, Bonner Springs, Kansas; Mrs. Anna Steele, Polk township.

Seventy-three years ago Thomas Roupe came with his parents to Cass County. This was in the fall of 1844, and at this time the country was in its natural state. Shortly after the family located here John Roupe pre-empted eighty acres in Polk township. He later bought one hundred twenty acres in Jackson County and there made the home. As a youth Thomas Roupe aided in the work of the farm. Upon reaching manhood he followed for a time the trade of blacksmithing, working for travelers. He moved to Little Rock, Arkansas, where he remained but a short time. When he moved again it was to Van Buren township, Jackson County. For four years Thomas Roupe served in the enrolled militia of Missouri. In 1863 he worked for the government as "bull whacker" on

In 1865 Thomas Roupe purchased his present home of one hundred sixty acres. He added to that twenty acres adjoining his place and eighty acres on Big Creek in Polk township.

At Pleasant Hill, Missouri, in 1879, the most important event in Thomas Roupe's life occurred. Here he and Mary Susan Martin, daugh¬ ter of John and Jemima Martin, were married. To this union were born three children: John G., who is living at home wTith his father; Mrs. Flora Shindorff, of Polk township ; and E. E. Roupe, married Julia Lunnam and they live at home with the father. Mr. and Mrs. Roupe have one daughter, Beatrice.

The greatest affliction that has ever befallen Mr. Roupe was the death of his faithful wife, who had shared with him the vicissitudes of life for nearly forty years. Mrs. Roupe died November 24, 1910, and is buried in Strasburg cemetery.

By industry and good management Thomas Roupe has been very suc¬ cessful in life and is now owner of two hundred sixty acres of good farm land, well improved. All the improvements upon his place he himself has put there. The first residence was destroyed by fire about 1889 and his present home was built soon after. This home is well located, four and one-half miles southeast of Lone jack. Mr. Roupe deals largely in stock and grain.

During Mr. Roupe's long residence in the county he has always borne a reputation for integrity and unimpeachable honor. A pioneer, he has by untiring, well-directed efforts risen, step by step, to his present pros¬ perous condition. He has lived a good life and will leave a name of which his descendants may well be proud.

John J. Warner, a well-known citizen of Strasburg, Missouri, was born in Bath County, Kentucky, February 29, 1836. Fie therefore has seen only one-fourth as many birthdays as the average person of his age. He is a son of William and Mary (Triplett) Warner, natives of Kentucky, who were the parents of twelve children, of whom John J. is the only survivor.

John J. Warner was reared and educated in his native county in Kentucky, and was engaged in farming and stock raising in that state until 1881, when he came to Cass County, Missouri. Here he bought one hundred thirty acres of land and has been successfully engaged in farming and stock raising. He increased his acreage from time to time as the opportunity presented itself, and now owns a valuable, well-im¬ proved farm of three hundred seventeen acres. In 1899 he rented his place and removed to Holden, where he remained two years. In May, 1901, he returned to Strasburg. when he purchased the Carbaugh prop¬ erty, where he has since resided.

Mr. Warner was united in marriage September 11, 1866, to Miss Alice G. Scott, a native of Harrison County, Kentucky, who was born December 14, 1847. She was a daughter of Robert and Hannah (Van Hook) Scott, both natives of the same place. The mother died when Mrs. Warner was eleven years old. October, 1866, the father came to Cass County, locating in Polk township, where he purchased three hun¬ dred twenty acres of land, two and one-half miles southwest of Stras¬ burg. Here he was successfully engaged in farming and stock raising for a number of years, but during the latter part of his life spent a part of his time in Pleasant Hill, with one of his daughters, Mrs. Irene Bailey. He was a successful man of affairs, a kind father, and a valuable citizen. He died in February, 1897, and his remains were buried in the Pleasant Hill Cemetery. Mrs. Warner departed this life February 8, 1917, at her home in Strasburg, and her remains are buried in the Strasburg Cemetery.

To Mr. and Mrs. Warner have been born three children, as follows: Robert, a successful farmer and stockman, residing near Wingate, Mis¬ souri, and he has eight children: Hazel Irene, John Paul, Minnie Lorene, William Eugene, Alice Frances, Hattie May, Lillian and Lolita; Hattie V., now the wife of Dr. H. A. Brierly, of Peculiar, Missouri, and one child has been born to this union, Lucie Ailine; Irene M., who married E. M. Southern, and resides near Kingsville, Missouri, and they have four chil¬ dren: Mary Alice, Elizabeth Scott, Ella Edwin, and Louise.

O. A. Carpenter, now residing at Freeman, has for a number of years been sucessfully engaged in farming and stockraising in Dolan township. Mr. Carpenter is a native Missourian, having been born in Independence, Jackson County, August 15, 1844. His parents were J. C. and Ann (Overton) Carpenter. The father was a native of Providence, Rhode Island, and came to Jackson County, Missouri, in 1839. He was a carpenter and contractor and for a number of years conducted business at Independence

Left to light, sitting: James W. Carpenter, Mrs. 0. A. Carpenter, O. A. Carpenter. Standing: Mrs. Elizabeth Kimsey, Mrs. Anna Gillispie, Mrs. Pearl Beaver.

and was the largest contractor in that locality. At that time Independence was a thriving business town and did an extensive business in supplying the wagon trains as they started out on their trip across the plains over the old Santa Fe trail. Ann Overton, mother of 0. A. Carpenter, was born in Independence, Missouri, in 1827. She was a daughter of Aaron and Rachel (Cameron) Overton, and of Scotch descent. Aaron Overton was a very early settler in the vicinity of where Sibley, Missouri, now stands. At an early day Fort Osage was located at that point and Mr. Overton settled within the six mile limits of the fort at a time when very few white settlers were in that section of the State. The Overton family later removed to Dallas, Texas, and Mr. Overton acquired a section of land on the present site of Oak Cliff, a suburb of Dallas, and here spent the remainder of his life.

0. A. Carpenter was reared in Jackson County and during the Civil War served in the Confederate army. When a young man he learned the brick layer's trade and worked at it for five years in the vicinity of Kansas City and Independence, Missouri. In 1872 he came to Dolan township, Cass County, and leased a farm from the estate of his uncle, E. H. Burke, who had entered this land from the government, in 1840. Mr. Carpenter later bought this farm and still owns it. He carried on general farming and stock raising and met with success and has built up a reputation of being one of the progressive agriculturists of Dolan township. In 1916, he rented his farm and moved to Freeman, where he has a comfortable home and is taking life easy.

Mr. Carpenter was united in marriage in 1872 with Miss Sarah Ellen Chiles. She was bom in Napa Valley, California, a daughter of James and Jane (Kinsley) Chiles, natives of Kentucky. Mrs. Carpenter's par¬ ents were married in Jackson County, Missouri, in the spring of 1853, and shortly afterwards went to California, driving the entire distance across the plains and over the mountains. After a residence of about seventeen years in California the mother died and shortly afterwards the father with the other members of the family returned to Missouri. Mrs. Carpenter was about sixteen years of age when she came to Missouri.

To Mr. and Mrs. Carpenter have been born four children as follows: Mrs. Mary Elizabeth Kimsey, Buckner, Missouri ; J. W., Pueblo, Colorado ; Mrs. Anna Gillispie, Dolan township ; and Mrs. Pearl Beaver, Colby, Kansas.

Mr. Carpenter was one of the first to recognize the necessity of a bank at Freeman and was active in the organization of the Bank of Free¬ man of which he was one of the incorporators. He became secretary of that institution at its organization and held that position for a number of years and at present is serving in the capacity of vice-president. He is a Democrat and both he and his wife are members of the Methodist Epis¬ copal Church, South.

J. A. Lyon, a successful and prominent agriculturist of Polk town¬ ship, is one of Cass County's most promising young men. He was born in Polk township in 1881, son of William T. and Mary (Paxton) Lyon. William T. Lyon was born in Virginia in 1843. He entered the Con¬ federate army in Virginia when very young, perhaps eighteen years of age and courageously fought for the principles upheld by his native state. Mr. Lyon was a man of firm purpose, strong in his convictions of right and wrong, fair and honorable in all his dealings, a true Southerner. He came west in 1866. He died in Bates County, December 28, 1906 and is buried in Ottawa, Kansas. Mary (Paxton) Lyon, mother of the subject of this review, is living in Saline County, Missouri, with her sister, Mrs. Davis. William T. and Mary (Paxton) Lyon were the parents of three children: William H., Ottawa, Kansas; J. A., subject of this review; and Charles M., farmer of Polk township.

William T. Lyon, father of the subject of this review, located near Pleasant Hill on the Duncan Branch, on a part of the L. C. Smith farm, when he came west in 1866. A few years later he purchased eighty acres two and one-fourth miles northeast of Strasburg. He constantly increased his holdings until, at the time of his death, he was owner of nine hundred forty acres, three hundred twenty acres of which were in Texas, eighty in Kansas and the balance in Bates and Cass Counties. Mr. Lyon fol¬ lowed the vocation of stock raising on an extensive scale, feeding all the grain and hay he raised to the cattle. Besides attending to the manifold duties of his large farm he took an active interest in the welfare of his township and county and for many years served faithfully and well as school director.

William H., brother of the subject of this review, resides in Ottawa, Kansas. He is the father of eight children: Ruby Brown, Jesse a son, Vera, Hazel, Acie a son, Letha, Ula and Edna. The younger brother of J. A. Lyon is following the vocation of farming in Polk township and is the father of three children: Grace A., Ralph E., and Gertrude Bess.

township and a legacy in Texas land, besides a good share of his father's stock of brains and force of character. Mr. Lyon, as his father before him, follows general stock farming, feeding the grain and hay he raises. He has seventy-five acres of rich bottom land. He usually keeps from six¬ teen to twenty cows and hogs.

In 1906 J. A. Lyon and Mildred Clawson, daughter of R. M. and Mary Lee (Hunt) Clawson of Polk township, were united in marriage. R. M. Clarwson, father of Mrs. J. A. Lyon, came to Cass County in 1902 and still lives on the home place. His wife, mother of Mrs. Lyon, departed this life October 18, 1906. To Mr. and Mrs. Lyon has been bom one son, Robert Rochelle, who was born April 29, 1908.

Mr. Lyon has added all the improvements on his place and his farm is now considered one of the best in the county. His home, a beautiful cottage of six rooms, was built in 1911. Since locating upon the place he has built two barns, one built in 1906, the other in 1914. These barns are 32 x 30 feet and 40 x 44 feet respectively, and are very substantial and up-to-date in character, among the best in the township. Everything about the farm bespeaks the care and thrift of the owner.

Mr. Lyon has always taken a deep and keen interest in everything which concerns the best interests of the community and all worthy enter¬ prises have his encouragement and support. He was one of the boosters for the consolidated school at Strasburg and was a member of the school board at the time election was won. This school is now one of the best small town schools in the county. He has the advantages of a good edu¬ cation, attending school in Strasburg, is among friends for he has always lived in Polk township and has back of him a good ancestry. His career, though brief, has been a successful and useful one and it is easy to predict that he will be one of the county's leading men of tomorrow.

Nicholas Amos, one of the best known farmers in the vicinity of Pleasant Hill, Missouri, is a native of Kentucky, that grand, old common¬ wealth, the home of so many noble pioneers. He was born in 1838 in Bourbon County, the son of Abram and Julia A. (Metheny) Amos, who were the parents of three children : Granville, who died in Boone County, Missouri, in 1855; Nicholas, the subject of this sketch; and Sarah, who married Washington Kennedy, of Polk township.

Nicholas Amos was in his seventeenth year when he came to this state with his father in 1855, and well remembers the condition of the county more than sixty years ago. He has witnessed the many changes which have occurred in that time, the wonderful transforming process of a half century.

The first house built in Van Buren township was built on the Amos farm. It was a double log cabin having a stone chimney between. One of the particularly interesting objects of historic significance is a noble, old apple tree, fourteen feet in circumference, which grows on the Amos place. This tree is undoubtedly the oldest apple tree in the state of Mis¬ souri and the largest perhaps in the United States. It is of the Vandiver species and was bearing apples in 1837. It has never yet failed to bear fruit. Another historic feature of this splendid farm is the old road bed of the Lexington Lake and Gulf Railroad which runs through the farm. It was graded shortly after the Civil War, but the rails were never laid on it.

With the exception of fourteen years, Nicholas Amos has lived in Jackson County since 1855, when he came to Missouri with his father. For fourteen years Mr. Amos was engaged in the grocery business at Pleasant Hill, Missouri. By his efficiency, honesty and square dealings, he won the entire confidence of all with whom he came in contact. In 1898 he moved from Pleasant Hill back to the old home place. His mer¬ cantile career had substantially ended.

In December, 1870, Nicholas Amos was united in marriage with Mollie Davis, a lady of intelligence and refinement, daughter of John and Sarah (Kersey) Davis, natives of North Carolina. Both parents have gone into the Great Beyond. The father died in Cass County in 1856, the mother in 1913, and both are at rest in Lonejack cemetery. A brother of Mrs. Amos, Drury Davis, lives in Van Buren township. Sarah (Kersey) Davis, the mother of Mrs. Amos, came to Missouri in 1837 with her father, Drury Kersey.

To Mr. and Mrs. Amos were born two children: Granville, born in 1878, who died in 1902, leaving a widow and one daughter, Granvillene; and Bessie, who married Hal Jerard of Pleasant Hill and is now residing in Manhattan, Kansas. Mr. and Mrs. Jerard have two daughters, Helen and June, who are receiving superior educational advantages, both being students in the college at Manhattan.

Nicholas Amos has been very successful in his agricultural pursuits. His fine farm is well improved and is considered one of the best in the township. Very valuable walnut timber grows on his place. In 1916 he sold one hundred walnut trees for $1,000. The trees grew on a few acres near the house and barn. Mr. Amos is one of the prominent citizens of Jackson County and no one is more deserving than he of notice in a work like this. His life story is a very interesting one and he comes of an ancestry which has helped make history in more than one section of the United States. Benjamin Amos, a great-uncle of Nicholas Amos was one of the brave, old pioneers of Cole County, Missouri. He came to Cole County in 1814. During his long residence in Jackson County, Nicholas Amos has borne an enviable reputation. He and Mrs. Amos are honored and respected members of the community in which they have so long made their home.

B. F. Keyton, a highly-respected farmer and stockman of Cass County, has been a resident of Polk township for forty years. He was born in Virginia in 1847, son of James and Betsey (Powell) Keyton, the former a native of Virginia, the latter of Ohio. James and Betsey (Powell) Keyton were the parents of three children, two of whom are living: James, of Seattle; and B. F., subject of this review.

In 1861 Mr. Keyton enlisted in a drum corps in the Confederate service at Charlottesville, Virginia. He was then but a mere lad of fourteen. In 1864 he re-enlisted. For some time he was a guard on Bell Island. At the time Richmond was vacated he was driving a sixmule team. Mr. Keyton was with General Lee when he surrendered at the McLean house in Appomattox village, April 9, 1865, but was ten miles in advance of the army. His wagon was loaded with bacon. When he received the word that General Lee had surrendered he mounted one of the mules and made for Charlottesville. He arrived home safely, and no one ever called for the mule.

After the war Mr. Keyton came to Missouri, in 1867. He was then but twenty years of age. He remained in Marshall, Saline County, until 1870, when he went to Kansas City, Missouri. From Kansas City he went to Kansas, thence to Westport, Missouri, where, in 1874, B. F. Keyton and Lottie Ann Singleton, daughter of Manoah and Nancy Singleton, were united in marriage. Mrs. Keyton was born in Linn County, Mis¬ souri. Her parents have passed on to the Great Beyond. To B. F. and

Lottie Ann (Singleton) Keyton have l>een bom six children, all of whom are living: Manoah, of Polk township, married May Henley; Lena, wife of Thomas Ketteman, Greenville, Texas; Amy, wife of Everett Dillon, Polk township; Cora, at home with her parents; Russell, Kansas City, Missouri; and Proctor, in charge of the home place.

J. H. Davis, a neighbor of Mr. Keyton, residing one-half mile west of the Keyton farm, is the only "old-timer" near him remaining of the noble clan of pioneers who were here when he, Mr. Keyton, came a halfcentury ago.

In 1876 B. F. Keyton purchased seventy acres in Polk township. In the early eighties he bought forty acres of land from James Francisco through Judge Allen Glenn, of Harrisonville, paying but two hundred dollars for all. This land is now worth one hundred dollars per acre and is owned by Mr. Shreve. It lies just east of the W. W. White farm. Mr. Keyton has at different times increased his holdings until he now owns one hundred seventy acres. He follows general farming and stock rais¬ ing. At first he raised hogs and corn, and made money. In 1876 this now splendidly improved farm was raw land. All the improvements on the place have been placed there by Mr. Keyton and he may well be proud of it. In 1898 the home, a fine country residence, was erected. In addition to the other improvements, Mr. Keyton planted the large orchard Of one hundred trees, an asset of inestimable value to his place. One of his well-built barns was erected in the eighties, and is 36x16 feet, with a twelve-foot shed. Another barn is 40x16 feet in dimensions with a 14-foot shed on two sides.

B. F. Keyton is numbered among those men whose untiring energy has made Cass County prosperous. Having lived in Missouri for half a century he is prominently identified with the growth of the country. Mr. and Mrs. Keyton have been long and favorably known and the Keyton family will long be remembered as a family of worth.

Mrs. Gabriella (Rowland) Collins, one of Cass County's noblest women, is a highly esteemed resident of Polk township, where she was born nearly seventy-three years ago. She belongs to one of the honored, old pioneer families of this section and was bora in 1844, daughter of Jesse and Rebecca (Blackburn) Rowland. Both parents of Mrs. Collins were natives of Simpson County, Kentucky. In early manhood Jesse Rowland came to Missouri from Kentucky. This was in the thirties. He and his family were in Carroll County Missouri at the time of his death in 1865. There they had removed when Order No. 11 was issued. Rebecca (Blackburn) Rowland, mother of Mrs. Collins, preceded her husband into the Unknown, her death occurring in 1857 in Polk township. She is buried in Pleasant Hill cemetery.

Jesse and Rebecca (Blackburn) Rowland were the parents of ten chil¬ dren, only two of whom are now living: Mrs. Melinda Underwood, wife of James Underwood, died about 1890 and is buried in Lonejack cemetery; Bluford, died at the age of eighty-four years in Lonejack, his widow sur¬ viving; Medford, died in Polk township and is buried in Pleasant Hill cemetery; Henry, died in California; William, died in Polk township and is buried in Reed cemetery ; Mrs. Lucinda Cave, who was accidentally shot during the battle of Lonejack, dying about three weeks later; Robert, died at the age of seventeen and is buried in Pleasant Hill cemetery; Mrs. Isabell Parker, who resides at Pleasant Hill; Mrs. Gabriella Collins, sub¬ ject of this sketch; and Luther, who died at the age of seventeen years, during the war.

January 28, 1866, Dr. Robert Willis Collins a promising young phy¬ sician of Pleasant Hill, and Gabriella Rowland were united in marriage. Dr. Collins was born in Bourbon County, Kentucky, in 1837. He gradu¬ ated from the St. Louis Medical College and began the practice of medi¬ cine in Cass County in 1860. He enlisted in the Confederate Army as surgeon with "Fighting Joe Shelby" and served throughout the war. Dr. Collins was a close student, a careful, steady-handed surgeon, and rendered valuable service on many battlefields, during which time he per¬ formed every operation known to military surgery. He proved himself to be one of the best in the army. Dr. Collins was present at the sur¬ render of Vicksburg. After the war he returned to Cass County to again resume his profession of medicine. For one year he was at Pleas¬ ant Hill. In 1868 he and Mrs. Collins moved to a farm in Polk town¬ ship, where they resided for four years. This farm is two miles east of Mrs. Collins'* present farm home. There is no man more highly es¬ teemed in a community than the family medical practitioner and in his day there was not among all the physicians one held higher in public favor than Dr. Collins. For forty years he followed his profession. At one time he was proprietor of the Dr. Buckner Drug Store in Strasburg. A number of years previous to his death, Dr. Collins lived in retirement. Throughout a long and useful life Dr. Collins retained the love and con¬ fidence of all, and when, July 26, 1914, he departed this life, great sor¬ row was felt throughout the entire community.

To I)r. and Mrs. Collins were born ten children, eight of whom are now living: Laura, deceased; Mrs. Lulu Belle Rowland, residing in Colo¬ rado; Jessie, at home; William, Wichita, Kansas; Robert, deceased; Mrs. May Brierly, of Jackson County, Missouri; Charlie, manager of the lum¬ ber yard at Strasburg, Missouri; Luther, at home; Mrs. Grace Glover, residing in Salina. Kansas; and Mary, at home.

Mrs. Collins is living in her new eight-room house at Strasburg, just completed, having removed from the farm February 28, 1917. She lived on the old home place forty-five years of her life. Although past the three¬ score years and ten, she enjoys the best of health, which in itself is suf¬ ficient evidence of a past well lived. Mrs. Collins unquestionably deserves the high esteem she enjoys, for her life has been one of continuous, un¬ selfish usefulness. That she has won an enviable standing was inevita¬ ble. When the Master calls and Mrs. Collins joins the doctor, whose noble helpmeet she was for forty-eight years, she will leave as a precious inheritance a good name, "which is rather to be chosen than great riches", a monument more enduring than marble.

John William Seaton, an enterprising and prosperous merchant of Strasburg, Missouri, was bom in Polk township, Cass County, in 1869, the son of Hiram and Sarah A. (Kinnison) Seaton. Hiram Seaton, a Virginian, was born in 1840. From Virginia he went to Pennsylvania, where he and Sarah A. Kinnison were united in marriage. Sarah A.

(Kinnison) Seaton was born near Uniontown, Pennsylvania, in 1845. Hiram and Sarah Seaton immigrated to Missouri shortly after their mar¬ riage. After a few months' stay in Jackson County they came to Cass County, in the spring of 1868. Both parents have passed on, the father departing this life in February, 1873, and the mother in January, 1902. To Hiram and Sarah (Kinnison) Seaton were born three children: Eliza¬ beth, who died in infancy; John William, subject of this sketch; and Absolom Ward, who was born in 1871 and was killed by lightning on the Long farm in 1901.

Sarah (Kinnison) Seaton, widow of Hiram Seaton, married a sec¬ ond time, becoming the wife of James F. Seaton, a brother of Hiram Seaton. To this union were bom six children, three of whom are living: Mrs. May Lancaster, of Polk township; Mrs. Mary L. Sechrest, of John¬ son County; Charles, deceased; and Pearl Bailey, deceased.

Warrensburg during the presidency of Professor Osborn, from 1888 until 1890. Mr. Seaton started in life as a teacher, which profession he has followed most of the time for three years. When he returned home from the State Normal he taught in the home schools. For sixteen months he worked in the Aldridge district and at the time of his appoint¬ ment as postmaster, Mr. Seaton was again teaching in the home schools. He was an earnest worker, seeking faithfully to stimulate honest en¬ deavor. It was a great loss to the teaching profession when he resigned in 1893 to become the efficient postmaster of Strasburg. He received this appointment during Cleveland's administration and served four years. In connection with the postoffice Mr. Seaton engaged in general mercan¬ tile business. For fourteen years he so ably conducted this business as to become one of the leading merchants of Cass County. In 1907, his eyes failing him, he sold out to E. M. Hurst, retaining only the implement and vehicle business. He then traveled in various states for the Emigration Department of the Rock Island Railroad. Having retained the implement and vehicle business, Mr. Seaton has been connected with the business world continuously for twenty-four years, thus making him the pioneer business man of Strasburg. His long experience has taught him the demands of the trade and he has among his customers some of the most critical and fastidious buyers in the county. The first merchant in Strasburg whom Mr. Seaton remembers, was Henry A. Stack. V. B. Cave and Charles Easly, partners, were other early pioneers in the mercantile field.

November 25, 1893, John William Seaton and Minnie Noland were married, and to this union was born one child, a daughter, Delila. Mrs. Minnie (Noland) Seaton departed this life in March, 1897. The daughter, Miss Delila, is following in the footsteps of her father, having been en¬ gaged in the teaching profession for the past three years in Cass County, and at present in Johnson County.

Mr. Seaton's second wife, Myrtle E. Williams, is a daughter of J. B. and Mollie J. Williams, of Polk township. To Mr. and Mrs. Seaton have been born three children: Crystal, who is attending high school; Milea, and John William, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Seaton have a beautiful home in Strasburg, which was erected in 1894.

In his political relations John William Seaton is a Democrat. He has long taken an active interest in the party's affairs, and has been an important factor in each campaign. To have held the office of township trustee for twenty years and to have served as township committeeman for twenty years, is conclusive evidence as to how substantial and gen- uine his life has been, and how well founded the universal confidence reposed in him. His early education was obtained in the common schools, and through life he has had a good citizen's interest in them and has worked for their advancement. Since 189G Mr. Seaton has served as a member of the school board almost continuously.

Mr. Seaton has been very closely allied with civic improvements in Strasburg. lie has erected five brick, and two frame business buildings, which he still owns, besides several residences. He is also a stockholder of the Farmers National Bank of Pleasant Hill, Missouri.

Mr. Seaton recalls much of the early history of Strasburg. The first postotlice was established on the old stage-coach line between Warrensburg and Pleasant Hill, with James Wilmott as postmaster. The postoflice was named for him, Wilmott. The stage horses were changed at a barn on the present Rouch farm. Later the name of the office was changed to Lucas, then to Strasburg.

Mr. Seaton relates that when the railroad came and the town of Strasburg was laid out by John Flournoy, the main street was named Gamble Avenue, because gambling was the principal occupation along the street.

As this record abundantly discloses John William Seaton is pre-emi¬ nently a self-made man. He has by the force of his character and ha¬ bitual practice of honesty, industry and economy attained business suc¬ cess. He is a man of action as well as of ability, and that he has dis¬ charged worthily the various important trusts with which he has been honored is fully demonstrated by his present position of influence.

J. H. Davis, an early settler and prominent farmer and stockman of Polk township, is a native of Ohio. He was bom in Hardin County in 1845, a son of Elijah and Mary (Hastings) Davis, the former a native of Pennsylvania, and the latter of Ireland, of Scotch-Irish parents. The mother came to this country with her parents when she was thirteen years old. The Davis family came to Missouri, settling in Cass County iw 1868, and in 1869 the father located on a farm, paid; of which was in Pleasant Hill and a part in Polk township. Here he was successfully engaged in farming and stock raising until his death, in 1892. Elijiah Davis and wife are the parents of the following children: William, Har¬ din County, Ohio; John, Phoenix, Arizona; Lydia, Hannah, Rosa, and Spear, all four of whom are deceased; and J. H., the subject of this sketch.

J. H. Davis received a good public school education and in early life taught school in Ohio. He came to Cass County in 1869, and in the winter of 1871-72 taught the Willow Branch school, now District Num¬ ber 44. He recalls among his pupils who attended his school, the children of T. J. Lynch, Robert Mahaffey, Mrs. Austin, Noah Warrenstaff, Dan Ingram, and a Mr. Weldon. This was considered a good school district at that time and considerably in advance of many other districts for the reason that it had a frame school house. Mr. Davis farmed rented land here for about two years, and in 1874 bought one hundred sixty acres of land from Henry Cordell at ten dollars per acre, and since that time has been negaged in farming and stock raising. His place is now well improved, with a good orchard and substantial farm buildings. He is also a successful bee-keeper, and now has on hand fifty-six stands, from which he took four thousand pounds of honey during the past season. Mr. Davis is an expert bee man and knows all about the various raw materials from which bees make honey. He is a recognized authority on the quality and flavor of honey.

In 1871 Mr. Davis was married to Cornelia Myers, of Pleasant Hill. She is a daughter of Josiah and Elizabeth Myers, who came to Cass County from Ohio in 1867. Both are now deceased. The mother die; in 1871 and the father passed away in 1883. Their remains are buried in the Staley Cemetery.

To Mr. and Mrs. Davis have been bom six children, as follows: Harry, a farmer, who is an extensive wheat grower at Kingman County Kansas; James Addison, who was educated for the law, and after bei admitted to the bar enlisted in the United States Army during the Spanish- American War, and died, after returning home, at the age of twentyfive years; Daisy, who married William Sloan, and resides in Polk town¬ ship; Charles S., real estate dealer, Kansas City, Missouri; Roy 0., as¬ sistant cashier of the Farmers Bank of Strasburg, Missouri; and Ora C., a farmer, Kingman County, Kansas. There are eight grandchildren ir. the Davis family.

Mr. Davis has always had a liking for the cattle business and ha met with unusual success in that field of endeavor. Although now seventyone years old, he takes care of fifty-five head of cattle. Mrs. Davis is also active for one of her years, and does her own household work un assisted.

the progress of the last century may be classified according to the stages of the development of the mode of transportation, and he divides that development into six epochs ranging from the old Lynch-pin wagon, of years ago, to the automobile of today. He is a level-headed business man ami one of the substantial citizens of this county.

Horace K. Templeton, a worthy member of a widely known southern family, and a representative of a fine, old clan of pioneers, was born in Johnson County in 1857, son of W. E. and Kitty E (Alexander) Temple¬ ton. natives of Alabama. W. E. Templeton wfas born in Alabama in 1832, and Kitty E. Alexander in 1835. They immigrated to Johnson County, Missouri, in 1853, and settled on the Alexander farm. W. E. and Kitty (Alexander) Templeton were the parents of three children: Silas A., of Polk township; Horace K., subject of this review; and Mary E., who died at the age of nineteen. W. E. Templeton and wife, parents of Horace K., resided in Johnson County throughout the war. They moved to the David Revis farm when Mr. Revis left Johnson County because of Order No. 11. Mr. and Mrs. Templeton lost at this time all the stock they had. In 1868 the Templetons moved to the farm now owned by the son, Horace K., which has ever since been the "old home place". W. E. Templeton purchased this place for eleven dollars per acre. Here he died, in 1881. His widow was later married to James Chinn. After Mr. Chinn's demise, Mrs. Chinn and M. L. McCaslin were united in marriage. Mrs. McCaslin is now eighty-one years of age. She recalls the battle of Lonejack, in 1862, the guns of which she plainly heard. She and her parents lived in a log cabin until 1862. They did their trading at Old Rose Hill, the one merchant of the place being a Mr. Baker. There was another store, just east of Hadsell, operated by Brakely Hornsby. Those were "times that tried men's souls".

Horace K. Templeton received his education in the Liberty School of Cass County. He was reared a farmer and since becoming of age has followed that occupation in Polk township, his present home. He owns the farm which his father bought in 1868.

In 1883 Horace K. Templeton and Sarah J. Atchison were united in marriage. Mrs. Templeton is the daughter of Thomas and Minerva Atch¬ ison, of Johnson County. Mr. and Mrs. Atchison came to Johnson County in 1881, and both have gone into the Great Hereafter. Both are at rest in Kingsville Cemetery, Johnson County. To Horace K. and Sarah (Atchi¬ son) Templeton have been born the following children: Harvey H., who

The Templeton place is well located on the county line, between Johnson and Cass Counties. Mr. Templeton is interested in general farming and stock raising, but at present particularly in the dairy busi¬ ness. His excellent dairy barn was built in 1913, 32x24 feet in dimen¬ sion, having a shed, concrete floor and room for eighteen dairy cows. He erected a concrete silo, 14x30 feet, in 1914, and in every way is well equipped to handle business on an extensive scale. Mr. Templeton keeps only Jersey cattle, which breed he considers by far the best for his pur¬ poses. The milk is separated in the Templeton dairy, which is a model for neatness and cleanliness, and the cream shipped.

Mr. and Mrs. Templeton are highly esteemed throughout the com¬ munity where they have lived for so many years. Mr. Templeton is a man of genial disposition, fair and honorable in all his dealings and is numbered among Cass County's best citizens.

James A. Roush, one of Cass County's best citizens and a progres¬ sive agriculturist, was born in Edgar County, Illinois, in 1867, son of Henry M. and Martha E. (Foutz) Roush. Henry M. Roush was a native of Ohio. From Ohio he migrated into Illinois, and in 1869 settled in Ver¬ non County. Here he remained until 1880, when he came to Strasburg, Cass County, locating upon a farm. In 1901 Henry M. Roush was called home. At the time of his death he was residing in Strasburg. Martha E. (Foutz) Roush is a native of Illinois, and at present a highly-respected resident of Strasburg. Henry M. and Martha E. (Foutz) Roush were the parents of four children: Calvin, who died in Vernon County; Mrs. Carrie M. Powell, of Strasburg, Missouri ; Charles W., Wingate, Missouri ; and James A., subject of this review.

James A. Roush received a good education in the common schools of Cass County, and upon attaining manhood, attended the State Normal at Warrensburg from 1883 until 1885. Mr. Roush was reared on a farm and has always followed the vocation of farming, becoming a thorough, practical agriculturist. Early in life he developed a fondness for study and has ever been a diligent student and almost constant reader.

December 5, 1888, James A. Roush and Rachel Ada West were united in marriage in Strasburg. This union has been blessed with five children: H. PI., motorman, with the Metropolitan Railway of Kansas City, Missouri; Mrs. Jessie Henley, a daughter, Nevada; H. M., conductor, with the Metropolitan Railway, Kansas City, Missouri; Ward, who is farming on the home place; and B. A., who is also farming the home place. All four sons are not only fine types of physical manhood, but capa¬ ble, alert, young men of great promise. All have received exceptional edu¬ cational advantages, each having attended the Warrensburg State Normal, of which institution Mrs. Jessie Henley is also a graduate. At college the boys took active parts in all student affairs and manifested a great interest in all forms of athletics. They were all members of football teams, of the orchestra, and of the college band. Warrensburg has never forgotten that Polk township, Cass County, has produced some real "live wires".

By industry and good management Mr. Roush has been very suc¬ cessful in life, and is now owner of one hundred sixty acres of good land in Cass County, the home farm, which he purchased from Dr. Buckner, in 1880. Mr. Roush has lived upon this place practically all his life. Mrs. Roush has kept abreast of the times in every way and has been unusually successful in the poultry business. About 1906 she began raising exclusively pure-bred poultry, starting with Brown Leghorns and changing gradually to Single Comb White Leghorns. At the time of this writing she has about five hundred cockerels and hens. For the past five years Mrs. Roush has been showing exhibits of her fine stock at the vari¬ ous county shows, showing at Warrensburg, 1912, 1913, 1914, and 1915; Lamar, 1914; Lees Summit, 1914; Columbia, 1915, 1916; Harrisonville, 1915, 1916; Windsor, 1916; Odessa, 1915; Concordia, 1916;

Nevada, Missouri, 1916; and Butler, 1916. Her fowls have taken many first prizes. In 1916, at Concordia, she received twenty-four out of the twenty-six ribbons offered, an unusual record, and she has yet to lose the blue ribbon on eggs. She has equipped herself with good, scientific train¬ ing, taking a course in poultry breeding. Mrs. Roush holds a diploma from the American School of Poultry Husbandry of Moutain Grove, Missouri. This school is now located in Leavenworth, Kansas. From this it will be observed that Mrs. Roush is not an iota behind her hus¬ band and sons in energy, ability and progressiveness, and Mr. Roush feels a just pride in his wife's attainments.

James Roush and sons have but recently commenced raising regis¬ tered, big bone, spotted Poland China hogs. They have just received the first two sows from E. J. Yoder. Although a new undertaking, there is no reason why, apparently, that it should not be a successful one. If it

Mrs. Roush has in her possession a most interesting heirloom, a work of art of more than a century ago. It is a nine-pound bedspread, handwoven in blue and white, with embroidered Masonic emblems. Mrs. Roush inherited this priceless relic of the long ago, the careful work of a grandmother in days long past, from her mother.

William H. West, father of Mrs. Roush, makes his home with his daughter. He was born in Steubenville, Jefferson County, Ohio, Sep¬ tember 24, 1839, son of Samuel and Rachel (Crawford) West. Samuel West, a native of Jefferson County, Ohio, was born in 1808. Rachel (Crawford) West was a native of Pennsylvania.

In the fall of '61 Mr. West enlisted in Ohio, Company G, Forty-third Infantry, and re-enlisted in the fall of '63. He was mustered out at Columbus, Ohio. Mr. West took an active part in the battles of Pitts¬ burg Landing, Shiloh, and Corinth, and was with General Sherman at Vicksburg and on his famous march to the sea. Three times he, Mr. West, was wounded in battle - in Tennessee, in a skirmish in South Car¬ olina, and at Corinth, Mississippi. Twice in battle was his canteen shot off. As a soldier, William West acted his part nobly and well, and aided mightily in upholding the cause of the government.

Mr. West first came to Missouri in the spring of 1862, but it was not until after the close of the war, in 1868, that he came to Cass County to make his home. Just after the war he had married Amanda Reynolds, in 1866. Mr. West purchased eighty acres of prairie land, two miles northeast of Strasburg, paying ten dollars per acre, later adding twenty acres more. This was the West home until 1894. In 1896 his faithful wife and the loving mother of all his children, was called away. To William H. and Amanda (Reynolds) West were born eleven children: one babe died in infancy ; Elizabeth, died at the age of two years ; Mollie, died in 1915; Ora, died in December, 1914; Mrs. Rachel R. Roush, wife of the subject of this review; Samuel, of Polk township; Mrs. Rose Croke, of Polk township; James, Los Angeles, California; Mrs. Ella Kennedy, Kansas City, Missouri; Ben, Pasadena, California; and Mrs. Jennie Croke, of Strasburg, Missouri. Amanda (Reynolds) West is at rest in Stras¬ burg Cemetery. In February, 1898, William H. West and Mrs. Eliza Cook, a widow, were united in marriage. Mrs. West departed this life in August, 1915.

observed the many changes connected with its growth. He recalls that for many years prior to the war a post office by the name of Crawford Forks was in the house now owned by James A. Roush, with Mr. Craw¬ ford as postmaster. This was prior to the establishment of the Lucas post office, now Strasburg. The Roush home was built in 1836, the frame work from trees which grew on the place. It originally had two fireplaces, but has recently been remodeled. During the Civil War a trench was made by the soldiers across one comer of the yard, traces of which can still be seen. The first building upon the place was erected in 1834, 16x16 feet in dimensions. It is still standing and is used as a corncrib. The frame and siding are of walnut and oak. Twenty years ago the clapboard roof was removed and shingles put on.

Mr. and Mrs. Roush have always taken an active interest in th advancement of Cass County, and any enterprise having that objec' in view has their heartiest support. They have reared their children to honorable and respectable stations in life, and their sons are worthy young men. Mrs. Roush is a lady of fine intellect and great energy, and never fails in anything she undertakes. Her splendid family is ample proof of her success as a homemaker. No family is held in higher esteem in Cass County than the Roush family.

A. J. Sharp, owner and proprietor of the A. J. Sharp & Company's foundry and machine shop, is one of the progressive and enterprising busi¬ ness men of Harrisonville. He conducts a well equipped general foundry and machine shop which is one of the important industrial institutions of the city. This business was established in 1883 under the firm name of A. J. Sharp & Bro., and various members of the Sharp family have been interested in the business since its organization and A. J. has been identified with it from the beginning and since 1911 has been the sole owner and proprietor.

A. J. Sharp was born in McLean County, Illinois, in 1853 and is a son of David and Susanna (Joder) Sharp, natives of Pennsylvania and of Ger¬ man descent. In 1867 the Sharp family came to Cass County, Missouri, and settled on a farm southwest of East Lynne. The father was engaged in farming most of his life. He died April 15, 1916, age ninety years and six months. His wife died in 1894. They were the parents of the follow¬ ing children: I. M. Sharp; A. J., the subject of this sketch; Emma Ger¬ trude; and Iddo.

A. J. Sharp And Family

Illinois at Champaign, Illinois, where he took the civil and mechanical engineering course and was graduated in the class of 1882. He then entered the employ of the Memphis Railroad Company at Kansas City as draftsman. One year later he resigned from that position to become a member of the firm of A. J. Sharp & Bro. at Harrisonville as above stated.

On October 4, 1888, Mr. Sharp was united in marriage with Miss Maggie Jane Wright, a native of Ohio, who came from that state to Cass County, Missouri, with her parents and located in Index township. She died in 1892. In 1905 Mr. Sharp was married to Miss Sarah Elizabeth Wright, a sister of his first wife, and three children were born to this union as follows: A. Morris graduated from the Harrisonville High School in the class of 1914, now resides in Kansas City, Missouri; Eliza¬ beth Josephine and Mary, students in the Harrisonville High School, the former a member of the junior and the latter of the sophomore class.

Mr. Sharp is a republican and since attaining his majority he has taken a keen interest in political affairs. He is a member of the Masonic Lodge and belongs to the Christian Church. He is an enterprising and public spirited citizen and also stands ready and willing to support any worthy enterprise which has for its object the betterment of the com¬ munity.

T. A. Washington, the well-known pharmacist of the Garden City Drug Company, comes of Revolutionary stock. He was born in 1856 in Virginia, the oldest state in the Union, the home of so many of our presi¬ dents, and has inherited all the patriotic pride of that splendid common¬ wealth. He is the son of Daniel B. and Lucy Anna Washington, both natives of Virginia. Daniel B. Washington was born in 1816 and died in January, 1887. Lucy Anna Washington was born in 1813 and died in 1883. Both parents were residents of Index, at the time of their death and are there buried. Daniel B. and Lucy Anna Washington were the parents of the following children, who are living: Thornton A., subject of this review; Kate T., Garden City, Missouri; Marian W., Garden City, Missouri; and Mrs. Betty W. Craig, of Buffalo, West Virginia.

T. A. Washington came to Missouri in 1858 with his father who set¬ tled in Johnson County. In 1874 Daniel B. Washington, father of the subject of this review, moved to Cass County, locating near Index. At this time T. A. Washington was eighteen years of age. Since 1874 he has made his home either near or in Garden City. For several years Mr. Washington operated a general store with a drug department at Index.

By strict integrity in all business transactions and kind, genial manners, the young druggist favorably impressed the community and his mercan¬ tile venture was a marked success. For five years Mr. Washington was the efficient postmaster of Index. In 1903 he left Index to take charge of a drug store in Garden City for Doctor Ellis. In 1914 he worked as clerk for J. F. SufTecool and Doctor Ellis. Mr. SufTecool later purchased Doctor Ellis' interest and was in turn bought out by Mr. Macrae. Since 1880, T. A. Washington has been engaged in the drug business and for thirty-four years has been a registered pharmacist. In 1883 he was first examined by the State Pharmacy Board, of Kansas City, Missouri. In 1914 Mr. Washington again went before the board, the examination being made necessary by a change in the law.

No one in the state of Missouri can boast of better antecedents than Thornton A. Washington. He is a direct descendant of Samuel Washing¬ ton, an own brother of the celebrated General George Washington. The genealogy of the family is as follows: Thornton was the first son of Samuel ; John T. A., the first son of Thornton ; Daniel B., the first son of John T. A.; and Thornton A., the first son of Daniel B. Had George Washington been crowned king, Thornton A. would have been in line for a crown. But George Washington wasn't crowned king - such is the irony of fate. However, we doubt very much if the noted general him¬ self could have made as splendid a pharmacist as Thornton A. Washing¬ ton. There is none better in the state.

George A. Dunn, of the firm of Dunn and Bailey, leading grocers of Harrisonville, is a former county clerk of Cass County. He belongs to a pioneer family of this section. Mr. Dunn was bora in Brown County, Illinois, where his parents were residing after having left Cass County when Order No. 11 was issued. He is a son of Absalom and Nannie (Powell) Dunn, both natives of Madison County, Kentucky. The father was born in 1828 and came to Cass County in 1856, settling near Pleasant Hill. In 1869 the family located in Index township. about a mile from Gunn City. He was a juror at the coroner's inquest when members of the county court were killed at that place. He died in 1904 in Index township at the home of his son, John A. Dunn.

George A. Dunn is one of a family of five children born to his par¬ ents as follows: Mrs. Mary Keys, deceased; James L., Higgins, Texas; John A., fanner, near Harrisonville; Mrs. Nannie B. McDonald, Liscomb, Texas; and George A., the subject of this sketch. George A. Dunn was reared in Cass County and educated in the public schools. He was engaged in farming in Index township until he was elected county clerk in 1893. January 1, 1899 he moved to Harrisonville and assumed the duties of that office. He was re-elected in 1902, serving eight years in all. At the expiration of his term of service he engaged in the grocery business in partnership with Perry Bailey, under the firm name of Dunn & Bailey. Since that time they have conducted a first class grocery store in Har¬ risonville.

Mr. Dunn was married September 2, 1889, to Miss Mattie V. Hunter, a daughter of H. A. Hunter, formerly of Gunn City and now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Dunn have no children. Mr. Dunn is a member of the Masonic Lodge, The Modern Woodmen of America and Woodmen of the World, and one of Cass County's representative business men. Mr. and Mrs. Dunn are members of the M. E. Church, South, of Harrisonville, Missouri.

George Wildeboor, who has been prominently identified with the development and upbuilding of Cass County for over half a century, is a native of the Netherlands. He was born in 1835, a son of Klaas and Rickelty Wildeboor, both natives of the Netherlands. They were the parents of the following children: Klaas, who resides at Pueblo, Colo¬ rado, where he has been prominent in a political way for several years, having served as mayor of that city and sheriff of the county, and has also been a member of the Colorado Legislature; George, the subject of this sketch; Marfnus, who died at Garden City; Jacob, who also died at Garden City; Ellen, who married Peter Vyn, and died at the age of twenty-four, two daughters, who died in Michigan; and Mary, who mar¬ ried Frederick Erdman, and is now deceased. The father died in his native land, and the mother came to America with her family of chil¬ dren when George, the subject of this sketch, was seven years old. They located in Michigan, where George Wildeboor received his education. When seventeen years old he began teaching school. From Michigan he went to Illinois, where he was when the Civil War broke out. In 1862 he enlisted in Company I, Seventieth Illinois Infantry, and was mustered into the United States service at Springfield, Illinois. He served as first - lieutenant of his company and frequently commanded the company dur¬ ing his military career. At the close of his term of service he was mus¬ tered out at Alton, Illinois.

Hill. In 1S67 he was admitted to the bar and is the oldest member of the Cass County bar. Mr. VVildeboor was engaged in contracting and building in Harrison ville for a number of years, when he went to East Lynne and engaged in the lumber business. Later he sold out his East Lynne business and returned to Harrisonville, where he again engaged in contracting and building. During the course of his career he erected some of the most important buildings of Harrisonville, among which are the Hotel Harrisonville, the Kunze building, Deacon Brothers' building, Schnell building. Bank of Harrisonville building, Wooldridge building, and a great many of the best residences in Harrisonville. He also super¬ intended the construction of the new County Home.

Mr. Wildeboor owns two valuable farms in Index township and con¬ siderable property in Garden City. He has done considerable building at that place. Mr. Wildeboor is one of Cass County's most substantial citizens. By his industry, honesty, and integrity he has won a place among the best citizens of Cass County, and for these virtues will long be remembered.

Charles S. Stevens, cashier of the Farmers Bank of Garden City, is a native of Ohio. He was born at Solon in 1867, son of Alfred and Amelia C. (Smith) Stevens, the former a native of New Hampshire, and the latter of New York.