Clay County, Missouri - Biographical sketches (2 of 4 so headed), 1885

Biographical sketches

Mr. Allcorn is a son of James M. Allcorn, well known to all, and was born in this county, August 1, 1850. He was principally reared at Missouri City, and received a good common school education. In youth lie learned the carpenter's trade under his father, and afterwards followed it for about eight years. While engaged in that he worked for a time in the southern part of this State. Returning to Missouri City in the summer of 1870, he remained during the fall and then went to Colorado, spending about two years and a half after that in that Territory and in Arizona and Wyoming. In 1873 he came back to Missouri City and has been a resident of this city ever since, except during two years spent in business at Lawson, in Ray county. In December, 1878, he engaged in the drug business at Missouri City on his own account, having previously had nearly five years' experience as clerk or proprietor iu this line of business. His experience as a druggist has been one of substantial success, and he has one of the prominent drug stores of the southern part of the county. During the last six or seven years, being a man of enterprise and always disposed to turn an honest dollar by trade, he has made several changes in stores, stock, etc., but has continued in the business all the time. He has also handled some real estate and dealt in live stock, in both of which he has had good success. March 16, 1880, Mr. Allcorn was married to Miss Fannie E. Mitchell, daughter of W. B. Mitchell, of this county. They have one child, Nellie.

Thomas R. Ballard

Dr. J. B. Ballard, the father of Thomas R., removed to Missouri with his family from Albemarle county, Va., and settled in Carroll county, where he followed the practice of his profession for a number of years. In 1869 he removed to Clay county, and was engaged inthe practice at Missouri City until 1878, when he located at Marshall, in Saline county. He died there in the fall of 1884. He was a very capable and skillful physician, and had a good practice at Missouri City, as he always had wherever he resided. During the war, on account of the war troubles, he went to Nebraska with his family, in 1864, but returned to Carroll county five years afterwards and removed thence to Missouri City, as stated above. His wife's maiden name was Annie M. Johnson. She died in 1872. The subject of this sketch was the third child in the family. He was born in Carroll' county, December 17, 1847, and was principally reared there, being educated in the common schools. He accompanied his parents to Nebraska and afterwards to Missouri City. He Ijegan as a clerk in a store at the age of 20, under N. C. Manpiu. In 1871 he engaged in the dry goods business with Mr. Maupin, which they continued together at Missouri City for about three years. Mr. B. then sold out and weut West, to the mountains, returning, however, late in the fall of 1874. He then engaged in the grocery business at this place, and has continued in that line of business ever since. He commenced with a small capital, but now does a business of about $12,000 a year. He carries a full line of groceries, provisions, glassware, queensware, etc. April 29, 1875, he was married to Miss Alwilda George, daughter of the late William M. George, of this county. She was born in 1855. They have one child, Mattie Augusta Ballard, born in 1879.

William Buxton

Mr. Buxton was a young man in his twenty-seventh year when he came to Clay county with his parents in 1837. That was the time when the Mormon troubles were at their height, and he became a member of the militia for the expulsion of the polygamists from the State. He also engaged in farming about the same time, and in a short time in raising stock. Ho has ever since followed farming and stock-raising without material interruption. He has a good stock farm, and feeds annually about 50 head of cattle for the markets. Mr. Buxton was a son of William Buxton, Sr., and wife, JieeRachaol Trail, l)oth of Kentucky, and he was born there in Mason county, May 1, 1810. In 1836 the family removed to Missouri, and stopped the succeedingyear at Lexington. The next spring they came up into Clay county. The father subsequentlj' died here, but the mother survived until 1881. She was a woman greatly beloved in her own family and by all who knew her. As a mother she was one of the most devoted of women. Such were her motherly affection and solicitude that her children thought and felt that there was no one else on earth so good and kind as she. Especially was this so with the subject of the present sketch. He thought and still thinks that there never was another woman equal in all the better qualities of the heart to her, and such was his affection for her that even when he was a youth he made a vow that he would never marry as long as she was spared to make home bright and hajjpy. He ke|)t his vow, and as his good mother survived until only a few years ago he has never married. Hence he has remained a bachelor until now, far unto the evening of life. On his farm Mr. Buxton has a quiet, tastily ke{)t family burying ground, where sleep under the shadows of the tomb the remains of his sainted mother and venerated father. Handsome marble slal)s mark the last resting place of each, and also of others of the family. Mr. Buxton has wisely anticipated his own final dissolution and has made pro[)er provision for his interment in the family burying ground among those of his loved ones who have gone before. Where he is to be buried he has had a handsome marble monument erected to mark the place where his remains shall slumber until the radiant dawn of the resurrection morn.

Dr. Carter, who is now in his seventy-sixth year, has been eno^an^ed in the active practice of medicine for more than half a centui'y. In the treatment of cases he has been remarkal)ly successful, and in the accumulation of a comf(jrtal)le property he has been fairly so, though he has never been considered, or desired to be, a money making man. His whole life rather has been centered in his profession - it lias been the object of all his thoughts and labors. Dr. Carter came to Clay county in 1832, and since that time has passed through three epidemics of cholera, in all three of which his success was little less than astonishing. In but one case of this kind among all that he was called on to attend did the patient die, and in that instance she was in a dying condition when he reach her bedside. His specialty from the first has been that of chronic diseases. These he treats largely with non-mineral remedies, though he does not hesitate to resort to minerals when they will best answer tiie purpose. For a generation iiis reputation has been recognized far and wide in this part of the State as a specialist in chronic diseases. In the general practice also he has long held a place among the leading physicians of the county. Dr. Carter comes of a long line of physicians, both in this country and in England. His ancestors, as far back as he can trace them on his father's side, have i)een men of reputation in the medical profession. His grandfather. Dr. Richard Carter, was a graduate of the British Academy of Medicine and Surgery in England, and came to tliis country prior to the Revolutionary War, settling in Virginia.

He became a leading physician in Central Virginia and quite wealthy. His university knowledge of medicine he united with a vast fund of knowledge obtained by a special study of Indian medicines in Virginia, and of the l)otany and geology of this country. Indeed, he became one of the most reputable physicians in the State. His son, Richard Carter, the father of the subject of this sketch, followed his father's example and studied medicine. He, too, made a specialty of Indian remedies, and visited among them for months at a time, |)racticing with Indian doctors in order to ol)tain a thorough knowledge of their practice. The science of medicine and surgery he studied under his father. In an early day Dr. Richard Carter (the second) removed to Kentucky, in about 1810, and settled in what afterwards became Shelby county. He practiced medicine there for a number of years, and had an immense practice. For the treatment of chronic diseases he was often called a distance of 50 and 100 miles. Hundreds and hundreds of people lived to testify to his remarkable skill and ability as a physician. He died in Shelby county, Ky., in 1825. His wife was a Miss Catherine Bell before her marriage, originally from Virginia. Dr. Richard Carter (the third), the subject of this sketch, was born ou the south branch of the Potomac river July 4, 180y, the day that James Madison was the first time inaugurated President of the United States. He was reared, however, in Kentucky, and educated at Georgetown College. Even when a youth he began the study of medicine under his father. He continued to study under iiis father for about five 3'ears, when he and a brother went to Southern Kentucky, and began to practice as partners. They practiced there together until 1829, when Dr. Richard Carter, the subject of this sketch, came to Missouri. He settled in Clay county, near Missouri City, where he practiced medicine until 1832, when he located at Liberty. There he practiced for a number of years and then removed to the vicinity of Missouri City, where he has ever since continued to practice. Dr. Carter is still quite active, considering his age, and his powers as a physician and man of thought are unimpaired. In a property point of view, iXs otherwise, he is comfortably situated. February 18, 1830, he was married to Miss Dorotha A. Norvell, a daughter of Robert Norvell, formerly of Sumner count}', Tenn. Mrs. Carter died in 1882. She had i)orne him three children, all of whom grew to mature years: George, now deceased; Christopher C, of Missouri City, and Sarah J., widow of James Henshaw. Dr. Carter's grandmother, in the agnate line, or the wife of the original Dr. Carter of Virginia, was partly of Indian descent, being in fact one-fourth Indian.- Tiiis fact entitles the doctor and his descendants to as much land in the Indian Territory as they choose to i'ence in, and then all the land around the fence for half a mile away.

Elza P. Donovan

maiden name, Mary West. They were from Virginia. In 1855 they removed to Missouri and settled in Clay county. Elza P. was then in his tweny-first year and had been reared on a farm, although he had also learned the carpenter's trade. After coming to this county he followed his trade exclusively and became a prominent contractor and builder, his business extending across into Ray and Jackson counties. Mr. Donovan continued in that line of l)usiness for over 20 years, or until 1876, when he bought the lumber yard and stock of which he is now proprietor. He has ever since done a good business, though not a large one, but his customers are generally substantial, r&liable men and he lias few losses to bear for that reason. His business amounts to about $10,000 a year. Octol)er 15, 1857, ho was married to Miss Saran E. AUcorn, a daughter of James M. AUcorn, an early settler of this county, originally from North Carolina. Mr. and Mrs. Donovan have seven children : Minnie, now teaching in the public schools of Missouri City; Lena, a young lady just completing her education; James, Charles, Edwin, Fannie and Edna. Mr. and Mr>. D. and their two daughters are members of the M. E. Church South. Mr. D. is a member of the I. O. O. F.

Joseph E. Field

(Farmer, Post-office, Liberty). Joseph E. is a nephew to Thomas Field, whose sketch appears in this volume and a son of Joseph T. Field, who came to this county from Virginia in 1838. Joseph Field, Sr., became a prominent farmer of the county and served two terms as a judge of the county court. He was also quite successful in stock-raising. Judge Field's wife was a Miss Amanda Braslield liefore her marriage. Her parents were natives of Virginia. Judge Field died here in 1881. His wife, Joseph E.'s mother, is still living. Joseph E., the fourth of their family of five children, was born in this county May, 6, 1855. His education when he was a youtii was concluded at William Jewell College. Having been reared on a farm he very naturally chose an agricultural life as his favorite and permanent calling. Mr. Field has continued at the occupation of farming and also been engaged in raising and dealing in stock for some years. Although still quite a young man, he is rapidly coming to the front as one of the successful farmers of Fishing River township. He has a handsome farm, more than ordinarily well improved. His residence alone was erected at a cost of $6,000. His other improvements correspond with his dwelling. June 30, 1881, he was married to Miss Annie M. Griffith, a daughter of James A. and Mary Griffitli. Mrs. F. is a meml)er of the Presbyterian Church. Mr. and Mrs. F. have two children. May L. and Amanda J.

H. C. Fish

(General Manager of the Relief Springs and Land Company, and of tlie firm of Fish & Henry, Owners and Proprietors of the Excelsior House, Excelsior Springs).

New York, of which Hon. Hainiltou Fish is a distinguished member. The Fish family came originally from Kent, England, and one of its early and prominent representatives there was Simon Fish, Esq., a distinguished lawyer, who died in about 1531. He is remembered in history not only as a great lawyer, but for having written a satirical play on Cardinal Wolsey, on account of which he was banished from the country for a time. While absent he wrote another satirical work known as the Supplication of the Beggars on the Catholic clergy. Mr. Fish, the subject of this sketch, was a son of Capt. Sam- ' uel C. Fish, of New York, a somewhat noted sea captain in his day, and who died in 1840, then only at the middle age of life. Capt. Fish was married at Baltimore to Miss Mary A. Williams, who survived him nearly 40 years. She died in Ohio at the age of 75, in 1882. H. C. Fish, the subject of this sketch, was born in Beverly, Ohio, and was the youngest of eight children in the family, four of whom are living. He was reared at Beverly and educated at the college in that place. At the age of 20 he began to learn the plasterer's trade which he acquired and followed for four years. The next four years he was in the milling business, in connection with steamboating, which latter he followed altogether for a period of about seven years. In 1868 Mr. Fish came to Kansas City and was appointed to the position of general western freight agent for the North Missouri Railroad. In 1872 he engaged in the omnibus transfer business at Kansas City, carrying on that business in connection with the Coates' House, of which he was proprietor for some two years. At about the expiration of this time Mr. Fish was appointed general eastern traveling freight agent for the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railroad, and went East in the discharge of the duties of that position. Finally, he became largely interested at Excelsior Springs, buying, in connection with others, the Springs and large amounts of contiguous lands. Thereupon the Relief Springs and Land Company was organized, of which he became the general manager. He and Mr. John W. Henry, formerly of Cincinnati, Ohio, took charge of the Excelsior House, which the}' have ever since been conducting. Mr. Fish has very naturall}' taken an active and public-spirited interest in the growth and prosi)erity of the Springs, and has been a very useful and lil)eral-minded citizen in promoting all movements beneficial to the phuie. The Relief S|)rings and Laud Company own about (500 acres of fine land contiguous to the Springs and have made an addition to the place of 250 handsome lots, properly intersected with streets, alleys, etc. In 1856 Mr. Fish was married to Miss Annie E. Sales, a daughter of Joel Sales, formerly of Rhode Island. Mr. and Mrs. Fish have two children, Frank C. and Charles W. Frank is a cashier in the office of a large cattle commission house at Kansas City, and Charles W. is assistant ticket agent there at the Union depot. An only daughter, Cora Etta, is deceased. She died at the age of 16. She was a gentle and queenly-hearted girl, a favorite among all her associates, and hardly less than idolized in her own family. Life to her seemed fraught with a future of much haj)piness, for her dis- position was one to make kind and true friends wherever she went, and her presence was always a pleasure to those around her. Though still quite young, she was possessed of rare graces of forna and features, and, above all, was favored with a bright and cheerful mind, one in which the light of cheerfulness seemed never to fade. A dutiful daughter, devotedly attached to her parents and brothers, she was at the same time a pleasant and true friend as a playmate, and as a student at school was ever faithful in her studies, bright and quick to learu and obedient to her teachers. Cora Fish is remembered by all who knew her as a rare good girl, one who seemed too dear to her acquaintances to lose. Her death has left a void in the hearts of her loved ones that can never be filled on this side the grave.

Rev. Dr. Flack- was born and reared in the State of Ohio. His father's name was John V. Flack, and lived to a ripe old age. His mother's maiden name was Mary Maddox, and died in early life, leaving the son to be cared for by an uncle and aunt. J. V. B. Flack was educated at Holmes University, and at the age of 21 began his life-work - that of preaching the Gospel. He was very successful and soon took front rank as a pulpit orator and a revivalist. He traveled and labored extensively, and over 8,000 persons were converted under his ministrations in 1884. He was made a Doctor of Divinity by Rutherford College, of North Carolina, one of the best colleges in the South. He has been the editor of a religious paper for many years, being elected by his church people at General Conference. He was for eight years the presiding ofBcer of the General Confei-ence. He also edits an independent paper called The /Sentinel of Truth, at Excelsior Springs, Mo. Dr. Flack married at 26 years of age, on the 28th of July, 1867, Miss Marrieta Smith, the daughter of Judge Samuel Smith, of Illinois, then becoming his wife. As the fruits of their marriage seven children, five boys and two girls, have been born to them, five of whom are living. Dr. F. is the original founder of Excelsior Springs, and brought that very popular watering place and health resort before the public until now it is a young and growing city of the fourth class. Through his efforts the Christian Union Chapel was built at Excelsior Springs, and a free pulpit provided for all Christians. He has been a very active and energetic business man for many years, and a pronounced advocate of the temperance work in the different States. He is in continual demand as a preacher and lecturer. He has dedicated 2.3 church houses and united some 200 in matrimony. Has preached 300 burials. He is the author of several works on the Unity of the Church, and a compiler of a Union Hymn Book. Politically, he has always been a Democrat. He is known largely throughout the States, and evangelizes throughout several States from year to year. In short. Dr. Flack has been one of the most active men of his times, and is now, at the age of forty-five, in the prime of his life and usefulness.

Henry C. Foley

Elijah Foley, the graiidFather of Henry C, was an early settler of Kentucky from Virginia, and Richard Foley, Henry C.'s father, and the son of Elijah Foley, was born in the Blue Grass State, and reared there. When in young manhood he was married to Miss Mary Funk, , fornierl\' of Maryland, and afterwards continued to reside in Kentucky until 1852. While a resident of Fayette county, that State, Henry C. Foley, the subject of this sketch, was born October 25, 1833. When he was al)out 19 years of age the family removed to Missouri, and he accompanied them. They settled on a farm in Clay county, where the father died in 1856. The same year of his father's death, Henry C. returned to Kentucky, and in a few years was married there, in 1859, to Miss Rebecca Brock, a daughter of Winlieid Brock, deceased. After his marriage he resided in that county until 1865, and then returned to Missouri, and bought a farm three miles north of Liberty, where he has ever since made his home. February 22, 1878, he had the misfortune to lose his wife. She left him six children at her deatii : Foster R., Florence, Mary, Dandy J., Keller and Eliza. Mr. F. is a member of the Christian Ciiurch. His farm contains 286 acres, and he has other valuable laud in the county. His place is well improved.

William E. Fowler

Mr. Fowler, a young man now in his twenty-fourth year, located at Excelsior Springs, from Ohio, iu the spring of 1883. Like many of the better citizens of this place, he was drawn here by tiie reputation of the waters of the S[)riugs. For some years previous to coming to E.Kcelsior Springs he had been hard at work in the acquisition of his general and professional education. Amliitious to fit himself thoroughly for an active and useful life and to begin his career at the earliest day possible, he had unquestionably overworked himself and drawn too heavily on his physical strength and energies. The result was that although he succeeded in pre|)aring himself for his profession at an earlier age than is common with young attorneys, at the very time he expected and wished to begin active work at the bar he found himself physically exhausted and his health shattered. This illustrates one of the most striking dift'erences between the systems and policies of Euro()eaii and American institutions of learning. In Europe phys.ical health and development are as studiously considered and provided for as the culture of the mind. But in this country, particularly iu the West, such is the hurry and push of life and the anxiety of students to get into atlairs, that little or no attention is paid to the physical man, and his general health is sacrificed to the exigencies of rai)id advancement through his college course. Mr. Fowler went to school at Beverly, Ohio, the place of his nativity, and then from school he entered a law school at Baltimore, Md., one of the best institutions of the kind in the country, reading law in the office of Hon. F. P. Stevens, a well known Baltimore attorney. He prraduated at Baltimore in the year 1882. From there he at once returned to Ohio and entered n[)on the practice of his profession at Beverly. But soon finding that his physical energies were exhausted, he was compelled to make a change of residence for his health. Excelsior Springs was highly recommended to him and he accordingly came to this {)lace. Here he received marked henetit from the use of the waters of the Springs and by auxiliary treatment, and soon decided to make this place his permanent home. He therefore entered upon the practice of his profession here, and thus far he has been greatly encouraged by the favor with which he has been received, both personally and as an attorney. In the agency business he and Mr. Thomson are doing well, and have reason to be greatly pleased with their success. Mr. Fowler was born at Beverly, Washington county, Ohio, May 19, 18<51, and was the fiith of seven children of Joseph and Mary Fowler, his father, !i grandson of Capt. John Fowler, of Revolntiontiry fame. Capt. Fowler participated in the liattle of Lexington, where he was severely wounded, and was with Washington on that eventful night when the American army crossed the Delaware. Mr. Fowler's father, Joseph Fowler, referred to above, is one of the old and highly respected citizens of Washington county, a merchant of long experience, and he is one of the best insurance agents in the Eastern States.

Charles Funk

Mr. Funk was Iiorn in Clay county, July 14, 18.54. His father was Richard Funk, now deceased, formerly of Jessamine county, Kv., and his mother was a Miss Sarah J. Bell before her marriage, a daughter of Fielding Bell, from Mason county, Ky., who came to this county in 1836. Charles Funk grew up on his father's farm in this county, and received a common school education. January 13, 187(5, he was married to Miss Mary Richardson, a daughter of Samuel H. Richardson, deceased, formerly of Madison county, Ky. Mr. and Mrs. Funk have three children : Pattie, Richard H. and Charles Ralph. Mr. Funk has a good farm and is comfortably situated. Neither he nor his father ever held an official position, nor sought or desired one. Both are domestic home men, industrious, energetic farmers, and well respected citizens, or rather the father was in his lifetime, and Mr. Funk, Jr., still is.

George Washington George

in his eighty-ninth year. But Mr. George, the subject of this sketch, though many years " Grandfather " Groom's junior, has been a resident of the county longer than Mr. Groom. " Grandfather " Groom came here in 1824, then a young man 28 years of age. Mr. George was brought here by his parents when he was in childhood, in 1819. He has, therefore, been a resident of the county for 66 years. When Mr. G.'s parents settled in this county there were not half a dozen white families in the present limits of the county, and not as many in all the territory west of the Chariton, on this side of the Missouri, asnow reside in Liberty township. His parents, Baley O. and Jemima (Withers) George, came from Kentucliy, though his father was originally from Virginia. On settling in this county they located about six miles east of the present site of Liberty, where the father entered land and improved a farm. He became a prominent man of the county, and served in different positions of public trust. He was a judge of the first election ever held in the county. At the age of 70 years he died here, in 18(55. His wife died in 1863. Eight sons and live daughtei's of their family were reared to years of maturity, and four of them, including two of the daughters, are still living. George W^. was the second of their children, and was born in Madison county, Ky., April 15, 1815. He was principally reared, however, in Clay county, this State, and his educational advantages were limited to those of the schools of that period. As is well known, there are different periods of advancement in the progress of civilization. In this Western country the first was the period of the hunters and fur traders ; then came the pioneer settlers with their families, known as the log-cabin, stock-chimney period; after that was the period of the hewed log-house and stone chimney, with now and then a plank floor, instead of broad-ax dressed puncheons ; later along sawmills and brickyards were established, and neat frame and comfortal)le brick residences were l)uilt ; and then came railroads, agricultural machinery, handsome architecture and all the comforts and graces of advanced social, business and industrial life. So, in the matter of education, different epochs are as distinctly marked : First, was the round log school-room without a floor, with a fireplace occupying one entire end of the building, and with no light exce|)t such as came through the unclosed entrance of a wooden-hinged, clapboard door. Those were the days of goose-quill pens, the "Testament" and the " Life of Marion" for readers, and teachers who invariably pronounced fatigue " fatigcw," and bigamy " bigmary ; " afterward came puncheon floors, a log sawed out of one end of the l)uilding to admit light, a long sycamore plank to write on, teachers who taught tliattlie world was not flat, and other comforts and conveniences of a rather advanced civilization. But finally came frame and brick school-houses, and at last patent cast-mounted seats and desks, and the inevitable, ubiquitous and thoroughly intolerable, spectacled, gingery, effervescing "professor." Alas! the infliction he puts upon the public more than offsets all the benefits of modern educational facilities. Mr. George was reared and educated before the era of puncheon floor school- houses ; but, nevertheless, by close appliciitiou ;uid a good deal of study at home he succeeded in obtaining a sufficient knowledge of books for all practical purposes in that early day. After he grew up he was married in this county to Miss Elizabeth F. Neeley, a sister to Eichard A. and William L. Neeley, whose sketches appear in this volume. Mr. George continued farming after his marriage, to which he had been brought up, and in 1847 settled on the place where he now resides. For three years before he resided in Buchanan county. Returning then to Clay, this has ever since been his permanent home. He has been fairly successful and is comfortably situated. He owns about 350 acres of land, and his farm is well improved. He and his good wife reared five children : William (now of Rich Hill), Fannie, Richard W., Thomas N. and Clement B. One, Susan, died in early maidenhood.

Judson M. Grubbs

Mr. Grubbs was about ten years of age when his parents, Hardin and Elizabeth (Lively) Grubbs, removed from Spottsylvania county, Va., to Clay county,' Mo., in 1856. The father was a mechanic by trade and worked at carpentering, cabinetmaking and wagonmaking as occasion rendered most available or profitable. He died here August 5, 18(55. He was twice married and it should have been remarked that his second wife, the mother of (he subject of this sketch, died before the family left Virginia. The father was also a farmer by occupation and had a comfortable homestead in Virginia. Judson M., born in Spottsylvania county, Va., January 1, 1846, was principally reared, however, in Clay county. Mo. Brought up on the farm, he remained at home until he was 20 years of age and then engaged as clerk in a general store, which he followed for some eight years. After this he began the grocery business on his own account at Noi'- borne, in Carroll county. He sold goods there for about two years and then returned to Jdissouri City, whereupon he and his Ijrother, E. M. Grubbs, formed their present partnership, and engaged in the grocery business at this place. Their experience here has been satisfactory and they have built up a large trade and established one of the leading grocery houses of the southern part of the county. They have an annual business of about $20,000. November 9, 1876, Mr. Grubbs was married to Miss Bettie L. Aker, daughter of Preston Aker, of Ray county. They have three children: Roy E., Ralph H. and Ethel M. Mr. and Mrs. G. are members of the Christian Church, and Mr. G. holds the office of deacon.

Moses C. Hutchings

being one of the thoroughgoing farmers of Fishing River township. He is a worthy son of the county by nativity, born on his father's homestead in Fishing River township December 17, 1841. His father being a farmer by occupation, Moses was brought up to that calling, and during the war he served faithfully in the Home Guards under Capt. D. P. Whitmer for a term of nine months. He then enlisted in the State militia and served under Capt. Colley six months. Through the remainder of the war he served under Capt. M. T. Real. On the 22d of October, 1874, Mr. Hutchings was married to Miss Maggie A.- Koehler. Four children are the fruits of their happy married life : Mury J., Elijah, Benjamin and Ange E. Mr. Hutchings has a good farm of 78V2 acres. His parents were Moses and Matilda Hutchings, his father a native of Tennessee, but his mother originally of Indiana. They came to this county in an early daj'.

Charles W. Jacobs. M. D.

Dr. Jacobs, who is the city physican of Excelsior Springs and the regular attending physician to the Excelsior Bath House and at the two leading hotels at the place, is a physician of thorough training and superior attainments. After a thorough course of general reading he took a course of four terms at the Eclectic Medical College of Cincinnati and graduated with high honor in the class of 1880. He then located at Richmond, in Ra}' county, where he was born and reared, for the general practice of medicine in connection with his brother. Dr. Jacobs (Charles W.) was having a more than ordinarily successful experience at Richmond when his health failed, the following year after he located there, caused primarily by hard study while prejjaring for his profession and directlv by severe cold contracted from the exposures of an active country practice. His lungs became critically affected, and in the hope of receiving benefit from travel and the purity of mountain air he went to Colorado. Dr. Jacobs received marked benefit by his visit to Colorado and returned much imjjroved. Resuming his practice at Richmond, the hard work and exposures incident to a large practice soon brouglit back his lung trouble, and he was compelled to quit the regular country practice again. He then came to Excelsior Springs, and has obtained much good from the use of the water and baths at this place in connection with his own treatment. He has become thoroughly convinced from his own experience that many who believe themselves to be seriously if not hopelessly afflicted with lung trouble could be materially bonefitted, if not entirely cured, by the use of the waters of Excelsior Springs, under proper medical directions and treatment. Having made a special study of the medicinal properties of the water here and of the classes of affections it is best adapted to remedy, he is peculiarly well qualified for the responsible position he holds, that of consulting physician for the Springs. His success here in the treatment of lung diseases and other afflictions of a persistent, diflicult charac- ter has in many cases been remarkable. A ntimbei- of cures have been eflected which were hardly even hoped for by the patients themselves, so long had they hoped against hope without a ray of realization. Dr. Jacobs is a man of culture and a gentleman of dignified, refined manners. A man of fine feeling and of the warmest sympathy for the suffering, he brings to bear in his practice not only professional skill and ability, but, what is often more valuable, that manifest solicitude or welfare of his patients, which is always a balm to the sick. He is justly very popular as a physician and citizen. Dr. Jacobs is a worthy representative of one of tiie old and highly respected fauiilies of Claj' county. His father, Maj. Cia^yton Jacolis, was for years one of the leading merchants of Richmond, and was abundantly successful. He is now retired on an ample competence. Maj. Jacobs held various official positions in Clay county, including those of collector of the revenue, sheriff, assessor, etc. He was from Liucoln county, Ky., and served in the M<nmon War in this State, assisting to drive the polygamists out of the country. For 20 years he has been an elder in the Christian Church, and is a cliurch meml)er of half a century's standing. His good wife, a motlierly and noble-hearted old lady, is still spared to make the evening of his life as happy as their earlier years have been. Dr. Jacobs was born at Riulimond, and was given good advantages and received au excellent general education. Of his parents' family of children all have become useful and prominent members of society.

James L. Jennett

Capt. Jennett is a native of Virginia, born in Halifax county, on the 5th day of September, 1838. He was a son of James H. and Susan T. Jennett, and was brought to Missouri at the age of seven years by his parents, who settled in Franklin county, this State, in 1845. Capt. Jennett was partly reared in Franklin county and received a common school education. During the war he served in the Southern army, Fifty-ninth Virginia Regiment, under Gen. Wise, of Virginia, and participated in the battles of Cheat Mountain, Seven Pines, Malvern Hill, in the sieges of Charleston, S. C, and Petersburg, Va., and numerous other engagements. He was publicly complimented by his general for gallantry and bravery while iu South Carolina. Early in 1865 he was captured at Burkville, Va., and was a prisoner at Washington when President Lincoln was assassinated. He was then transferred to Johnson's Island, where he was held a prisoner until after the close of the war. On being released at the close of the war he returned home to Franklin county. Capt. Jennett came to Clay county in 1869, where he has ever since resided. He has held several local offices in this county and served as special deputy sherifi* and city marshal of Kearney for several years. The Captain is a member of the mercantile firm of Dykes, Chrisman & Co. They are engaged in gen- eral merchandising, both at Prathersville and Keai'ney, and are doing a good business at each phice. In 18fi6 Capt. Jennett was married to Miss Hattie Patton, of Franklin county, Mo. They have four children : Nellie, Edna, Harry and Lula. A son, James F., died in infancy. Mrs. Jennett is a member of the Baptist Church at Kearney. The Captain is a member of the A. F. and A. M.

Tilford Jenkins

Mr. Jenkins has a farm of 80 acres in Fishing River township, and was born in Fayette county, Ky., in 1827. He was a son of Willis Jenkins, and has his place tairly improved. His father was originally from Virginia, and Mr. Jenkins, himself, is an energetic farmer and also carried on a blacksmith shop on his farm. In 1858 Mr. Jenkins, the subject of this sketch, was married to Miss Elizabeth Weaver, which happy union has resulted in nine children, namely : Mary A., Willis, Catherine, Edward L., Laura, Leona , Louisa and William S. The other one died in infancy. Mrs. Jenkins is a member of the Christian Church. Mr. Jenkins was educated in the common schools. He went for some time to Capt. Lawrence Dailey, who was a gallant old soldier boy in the War of 1812.

David and Elizabeth McKee, the parents of the subject of the present sketch, came to Missouri in 1833 and settled in Platte county, where they made their permanent home, and reared a family of children. The father was a farmer by occupation and young Melvin was reared to that calling in this county. In 1857 he was married to Miss Pheol)a A. Gromes, a union that has proved one of singular contentment and happiness and has been blessed with eight children : Charles, William, Samuel, Julia, Bettie, Ella, Mattie, Curtis, the last, being deceased. Mrs. McKee is a worthy and exemplary member of the Christian Church. Mr. McKee has always made farming and, in late years, raising fine stock, his regular pursuit. He has a good farm of 200 acres, well improved. His residence building was erected at a cost of $2,500, and his barn was put up at a cost of $1,000. Mr. McKee is a director of the school district and has been for a number of years. He has a good herd of thoroughbred, short horn and high grade cattle, some of which are as handsome animals as are to be seen in the county.

of whom are now living, of William and Nancy (Carroll) McCray, who came to Missouri at an early day, and settled in Caldwell county. William McCray became a large farmer and stock-raiser of that county and still resides there, having an extensive stock farm of 1,100 acres. When he first removed to Caldwell county the nearest government land office was at Plattsburg and he went to that place on foot and entered 500 acres of land at the then price of 12 1-2 cents an acre. Daring the war he was a strong Union man and two of his sons were in the Union army, the eldest, Frank, losing a leg at Lone Jack. David O. was reared on the farm in Caldwell county, and received a high school education. He then liegau an apprenticeship at the printer's trade, which he acquired, and afterwards he became the editor of the Lucas county Republican, at Chariton, Iowa. Since then he has had editorial charge of eight papers at different points in Kansas, Iowa and Missouri, the last one being the Herald at this place. In January, 1883, he was appointed postmaster at Excelsior Springs and still holds the office. He also has a news stand in connection with the post-office and a circulating library. Mr. McCray was married to Miss Carrie Stevens, a daughter of Dr. E. W. Stevens, a prominent citizen of Cameron, Mo., May 1, 1878. Mr. and Mrs. McC. have one child, Lena M.

Foster Means

'Squire Means is now in his sixty-second year, and until two years ago was never sick an hour in his life ; even then he was only indisposed for a few days. The fact that he has always lived an active, temperate life, directed from the beginning by good judgment, is mainly the reason that he has been so fortunate in the matter of good health. He has always avoided going to extremes in everything or unnecessarily exposing himself, although he never stood back when anything proper was to be done, whatever the risk or hardship might l)e. He has been, and is yet, an active, energetic workingman, and although now closely approaching old age he bears his years so well that one would be far from taking him to be as old a man as he really is. 'Squire Means was born in this county in 1823. From infancy he has lived on a farm, and, since he became old enough to do for himself, has been a farmer on his own account. He has been fairly successful, and has a good homestead. Like most of the farmers of this vicinity, he raises some stock, and is interested in short horn cattle. In 1844 he was married to Miss Jemima Munkers, of one of the early families of Clay county. The 'Squire and wife have reared but one son, All)ert E., who is still on the farm with his parents. In 1858 'Squire M. was elected a justice of the peace of Fishing River township and continued to hold that office until toward the latter part of the war, when he was ousted by the superlatively loval faction of thrifty patriots of that day, because he was adjudged not to be as hn'al as he might bo. Since 18(52 he has taken a prominent part in politics, having been a memher of the Democratic Central Committee, etc. The 'Squire was a son of Andrew and Sarah W. Means, who came to Missouri in 1817, first locating in Howard county. Five years afterwards they settled in Clay, where they lived until their deaths. The father was from North Carolina, originally, but the mother was a native of Virginia.

Mabry Mitchell

Mr. Mitchell has been engaged in business at Prathersville for about four years. Previous to that he was engaged in the produce trade at Denver, Col., for some time, or rather in shipping produce from this part of the country to that market. He is a native of Clay county and has spent most of his life within its borders. He was born in Liberty, November 18, 1826, and was a son of Maliry and Martha A. Mitchell, pioneer settlers of the county. His father was a native of South Carolina, and came West in 1819. Reared in the county, for a number of years young Mitchell was engaged in farming and raising stock and to some extent in dealing in stock. In 1845, April 15, he was married to Miss Evaline Leakey. She died September 10, 1875. Mr. Mitchell was married to his present wife November 15, 1877. She was a Mrs. Martha E. Davidson, daughter of Jonathan Atkins, a pioneer. By his first wife he has three children : Mary E., now Hiatt ; Sarah F. (now Brown), and Samuel H. Mrs. Mitchell is a member of the Primitive Baptist Church, and Mr. Mitchell is a member of the Missionary Baptists. He is also a member of the A. F. and A. M., and forever a "supporter of the temperance cause.

Mr. Moore died at his homestead in this county in July, 1882. He had been a resident of this county for nearlj' 30 j'^ears and was one of its well respected citizens, and industrious, energetic farmers. He was a worthy member of the Masonic Order and his loss was greatly deplored by the fellow-members of his lodge and all who knew him. During the late war he was a gallant soldier in the Union army under Gen. Leslie Combs. He came of a family that had previously proved its devotion to the cause of liberty and free government, in the War for Independence. His father, Peter Moore, served in the army of the Revolution and i)articipatod in the battle of Brandy wine, where he was severely wounded. He subsequently died of his wound. Mr. Moore, deceased, the subject of this sketch, came to Clay county in 1853 and resided here until his death. His widow still resides on the homestead in this county. She was a Miss Amelia R. Nichols before her marriage. They were married in 1853 in Kentucky. Three children are living of their family : Margaret, Flora and George T. George T. superintends affairs and carries on the farm. He is now

Mr. Moshy parents, Watle and Rebecca Mosby, came to Clay county from Kentucky in 1822. They made this their permanent home, the father being a farmer by occupation. John H. was i)orn after the family settled here, in 1824. Reared in this county, he was married in 1855 to Miss Sarah Hall. Meanwhile he had been to California and returned. He went overland to the Pacific coast in 1850, and was absent about two years. While there he was principally engaged in mining. Most of the time he was on the Yuba, in the vicinity of Nevada City, ijut for a time was on the Poor Man's creek, which was then thought to be of little or no value as a mining district, but which afterwards was found to have some of the richest deposits in the country, and became a wealthy mining region. Returning in 1852, Mr. Mosby engaged in farming and stock-raising in this county. His whole time, for the past 30 years, has been busily occupied with his farming and stock interests. He has a lai'ge farm of 600 acres, one of the best farms in Fishing River township, and he is extensively engaged in raising and dealing in stock. He has a handsome herd of short horn cattle, and feeds annually about 100 head of beef cattle, besides a large number of marketal^le hogs. Mr. Mosby is one of the leading farmers and stock-raisers of this part of the county, and is in comfortable circumstances. His place is well improved, including a handsome residence, erected in 1871, at a cost of $5,000. He also has large and comfortable barns and other outbuildings, and his lands are mainly devoted to blue grass for stock pasturage, but enough is reserved for grain for the ordinarj' [lurposes of stock raising. Mr. and Mrs. Mosi)y have a family of five children : Addie, the wife of Charles Dye; Ettie, Ida, Gertie and William. They have lost three : Edgar, Mamie and Ernest. Mr. and Mrs. M. are members of the Christian Church.

Dewilton Mosby

Mr. Mosby's farm contains 560 acres, and, like his cousin John H., he makes a specialty of the stock itusiness. He fattens for the markets annually from 50 to 75 head of cattle and a large number of hogs. August 2'd, 1873, he was married to Miss Martha M. Archer, of this county. They have five children: Jesse D., Rosa L., Emmet A., Nicholas and Bonnie M. Nicholas was named for his grandfather, Nicholas JNlosby, who came to this county from Kentucky in 1837. Nicholas Mosbj', the elder, was born in Woodford county, that State, and was reared in Kentucky, where he married Miss Mary Shouse. Some years afterwards he came to Missouri and settled in Clay county. He was an energetic farmer, and soon became comfortably situatc<l.

men who sold the goods then generally owned them, but now the seller is usually traveling clerk, but gives himself the altitudinous title of "commercial traveler." Mr. Neeley's line of goods consisted of clocks, and he had a number of young men on the road under him. He also did an extensive collecting business for wholesale merchants as he passed through the country. Mr. and Mrs. Neeley have reared two children, Clement and Maggie E. Mrs. N. is a mcml)er of the Christian Church, and he is a prominent member of the Odd Fellows' Order. Before the war Mr. Neeley was elected sheriff of Clay county-, and was afterwards re-elected, serving until hostilities began. One other fact remains to be mentioned. In 1853 he engaged in the livery business at Liberty, and continued in the business about four years, in partnership with Judge A. Moore, whose sketch appears in this work. Mr. Neeley is now unfortunately afflicted with paralysis, but retains much of his mental vigor, and physically is still able to get about his own house. His life has been one of uprightness and integrity, and he has the good wishes of all who know him.

Capt. Samuel D. Nowlin

For many years Capt. Nowlin's father, Bryan W. Nowlin, was au enterprising merchant in this section of Missouri, in Clay and Ray counties. He was from Kentucky and came here when a young man. He first followed teaching school and taught in Cooper and Saline counties. Then turning his attention to merchandising, he followed that business for a time at Liberty and afterwards at Fredericksburg, in Ray county. Returning to Clay county in about 1852, he established a store at Missouri City, which he carried on until 1865, but was nearly l)roken up liy the war, having lost a great deal by depredators from both sides. Mr. Nowlin, Sr., now resides at Prathersville. He was twice married. His first wife, who became the mother of the subject of this sketch, was a Miss Lucy N. Davis, a sister of W. H. H. and Albert G. Davis of this county. She died August 9, 18(59. His second wife was a Mrs. Bowls, widow of the late S. D. Bowls. Capt. Nowlin was born in Ray county, August 18, 1838. He was principally reared in that county. Under his father his opportunities for learning the mercantile business were good and he learned all the pi'actical details of running a country store. June 30, 18(51, he was married to Miss Sarah M. Peerv, daughter of Thomas Peery, of Howard county. The following September, Capt. Nowlin enlisted in the State Guard, Southern service, under Col. Thompson, and served for about seven months. He was elected first lieutenant of Co. C, and took part in the battles of Lexington, Pea Ridge and Springfield. At Springfield he was promoted to the position of adjutant of Thompson's regiment, with the rank of captain, and served in that position until the close of his term of service. At Van Buren, in Arkansas, March 1(5, 18()2, he was honorably discharged. After that he was at home during the remainder of the war. For two years after the war he was engaged in the grocery business at Missouri City, and then turned his attention to farming, which he followed with success in the county until February, 1883, when he became a member of the present firm. Capt. Nowlin's first wife died December 27, 1864. She left two children, Thomas B., now a clerk in a dry goods house at Kansas City, and Sarah M., a young lady at home. April 28, 18(58, Capt. Nowiiu was married to Miss Martlia C. Skinner, a daughter of Robert J. Skinner, of Montgomery county. Her father was an attorney and died at St. Joe wiiile attending court there. By ids last marriage Capt. Nowlin has five children : Zadie W., Cleou L., Tracy C, William N. and Harrison D. Mrs. Nowlin is a member of the Christian Church.

John H. Piburn

Among the energetic agriculturists and thorongh-going men of Fishing River township, the subject of the present sketch is justly accorded an enviable position. By his own work, enterprise and business qualities he has accumulated a comfortal)le start in life and is already one of the substantial farmers of the township. He was born in Clay county, October 10, 1841, and was a son of David Piburn, a native of Tennessee. Edward Piburn, the grandfather of John H., was one of the pioneers of Missouri. He came here with his family in 1818 and settled in Howard county. From that county he removed to Chu' county in 1820 and here made his permanent home. David Piburn was in infancy when the tamily came to this county. He grew up on the farm and suljsequently married Miss Matilda Shouse, a daughter of John Shouse, who settled here from Kentucky in 1824. Mr. Piburn (David, the father of John) still resides in this county. He served in the Mormon War and helped to drive the followers of Joe Smith out of the State. John H. Piburn was brought up to the life of a farmer and was still at home when the war broke out in 1861. He then enlisted in Col. Thompson's cavalry regiment for the Southern service and served out the full time of his enlistment. During that time he took part in the fights at Rock Creek, Pea Ridge and a number of skirmishes. In the spring of 1862 he went west to Denver to void the war troubles, and afterwards followed freighting across the plains for a time. Finally, however, he located at Nebraska City, where he remained until after the restoration of peace. In the spring of 1866 he returned home and resumed farming to which he had been brought up. He also engaged in trading in stock, which he continued to 1873. Februai-y 18, of that year, he was married to Miss Cordies Rice, a daughter of William and Laura (Brasfield) Rice, early settlers in this county. After his marriage Mr. Piburn located the following year on the farm where he has ever since resided. He first bought a tract of 60 acres, but to that he has since added from time to time until he now has about 300 acres. For some years past he lias also been engaged in the threshing machine business, and for the last 1 wo years has run a steam thresher. His cash receipts from threshing has been about $20,000. During the winter of 1884-85 he bought and established a new steam saw mill, which is located near Missouri City and is doing a good business. In 1880 and 1882, Mr. Piburn made two trips to Arkansas and the Indian Territory to buy stock, and was satisfactorily successful in the sale of the stock bought. Mr. and Mrs. Piburn have three children : Charles Ross, Gertie May and James Lester.

Among the physicians and with the public generally. Dr. Posey is recognized as one of the leading members of his profession in Middle-Western Missouri. He took a thorough course at the St. Louis Medical College, and afterwards had the benelit of a year's practice as assistant physician to the St. Louis City Hospital. Since then he has been in the active general practice for about 16 years, and has had a large and varied practice. He is a prominent member of the State and District Medical Societies, and has been president of the latter, which meets quarterly at Kansas City. He has also for many years been an active member of the Clay County Medical Society. Dr. Posey was born on his father's farm, in Fishing River township, this county, December 19, 1838. His father was James F. Posey and his mother's maiden name was Julia A. Singleton. Both were from Kentucky, and his grandfather Posey was one of the old pioneers of that State from Virginia. Dr. Posey was reared in this county and concluded his general educational course with two years at William Jewell College. In 18i)3 he began the study of medicine under Dr. B. M. Beckham of Ciayvillage, in Shelby county, a leading physician of that county, and the following fall entered the St. Louis Medical College. He continued through two terms at the latter institution and graduated with honor in the classs of '67. In the meantime, however, between his first and second terms, he was engaged in the practice of medicine at Barnsville, in Clinton count3\ After graduating he was elected assistant physician of the St. Louis City Hospital, and after serving in that position a year he located at Missouri City, where he has ever since been engaged in the general practice. Dr. Posey is a man who keeps fully abreast of the times in his profession, and is a liberal subscriber for different medical journals, periodicals, etc., and for the latest and best works on medical and surgical subjects with which he occupies his leisure time in order to give his i)ationts the benefit of the most thorough information attainable and all the new and improved remedies. November 16, 1870, he was married to Miss Amanda Wysong, daughter of L. B. Wysong, of Prathcrsville. Mrs. Posey's family was originally from Virginia, but she was born and <'ducated in Ohio. The Doctor and wife have three children : Mary E., Harvey B. and John Lester. Mrs. P. is a member of the M. E.

John S. Prather

For some years prior to engaging in business, Mr. Prather was farming in this county. He came here from Kentucky, where he was born and reared. Tlie county of his nativity was Fayette, and the time of his birth in 1848. His father, John M. Prather, was siieriff of Estill county for some years and a prominent citizen of that county. He died there in 1862. He had also been a farmer for many years and was quite successful in his chosen occupation. Mr. Prather, Jr., was reared in Estill county, and in 1872 was married to Miss Louella Roberts, a daughter of Dennis Roberts, a farmer of Clay county. Mo. In the meantime, however, Mr. Prather had come to this State and located in Clay county. He came here in about 1868, and followed school teaching for a number of years, and then turned his attention to forming. In 1879 he began merchandising at Moscow, and two years later came to Excelsior. Prather & Crockett carry a large stock of goods in their line and are doing an excellent business. Both are business men of good qualifications and thorough reliability, and are justly popular in the community not only as merchants, but as citizens in all the walks of private life. Mr. and Mrs. Prather are members of the Christian Church. They have six children : Clay, Reba, Benjamin, Thomas, John and Roy.

William R. Price

Maj. W. E. Price, the father of the subject of this sketch, came to Missouri from Jessamine county, Ky., in 1824, and entered land in Fishing River township, in Clay county, where he improved a farm and resided until his death. He was a major of a regiment during the Mormon war, and afterwards served as sheriff of the county. He died here January 4, 1880, at the age of 84. His wife is still living, now in her eighty-seventh year. She is remarkably bright and active, considering her advanced years, and is seemingly in as good health and spirits as she was in the morning of life. William R. Price was born on his father's farm in this county October 4, 1829, and remained at home until he was 19 years of age. He then, in 1850, went overland to California, and was absent in the West, barring several visits home, until 1865. He was principally in California, but parts of the time was also in Nevada and New Mexico. His regular occupation out there was handling stock and ranching, in which he had good success. Being at home about the time that the war broke out he enlisted in the Southern service under Col. Thompson, and was out about a year. During that time he took part in the fights at Lexington, Independence, Pea Ridge, and several others. Returning home in the spring of 1862, the next year he went back to California. In 1865 he made another visit home, and on his return trip to the West was robbed by a baud of predatory Indians, resulting in a loss to him of about $6,000. This almost completely broke Iiim up, and on that account he returned to Clay county and rented a farm, going to work again with resolution to get another start. He has been in this county ever since, and now owns the farm which he rented to begin with. He first bought a part of the place in 1867, and has subsequently made two other purchases, bj^ which he has be-, come owner of all of it, a fine farm of 300 acres, and one of the best places in the county. February 24, 1881, Mr. Price was married to Miss Katie W. Dudley, a daughter of Elder James W. Dudley, of Audrain county. Mr. and Mrs. Price have two children : Virginia Kussell and James Dudley, Mr. and Mrs. Price are members of the Old School Baptist Church.

Walter C. Price

During the war Mr. Price served about seven months in the Southern army under Gen. Sterling Price. While in the army he took part in the battle of Pea Ridge, and one or two engagements of less importance. W. C. Price was reared in this county, and has long been accounted one of the sul)stantial farmers ami respected citizens of the county. His father was early chosen justice of the peace of Fishing River township, and afterwards he held that office for a number of years. Besides farming, being a man of energy and enterprise, he was from time to time identified with other interests, among others that of bridge building, and he built a number of bridges in the county. In agricultural affairs he always showed marked public spirit. He was largel_v instrumental in organizing the first agricultural society ever formed in this county, and in recognition of his prominence and services in the matter he was elected the first president of the society. Walter C. Price was born in this county in 1832, and was a son of Ebenezer and Sarah Price, who came here from Kentucky in 1826. His father, as has been said, was a farmer b^' occupation, and Walter was brought up to farming and handling stock. In 1860 he was married to Miss Mattie Young, of this county. They have five children: William Y., Winfrey E., Sallie E., Mary and Kittie. Mrs. Price is a member of the Baptist Church, and the 'Squire is a worthy member of the Masonic Order.

Albert B. Reed

Mr. Reed is superintendent and has control of what is known as the H. D. Brown farm, owned I)y Samuel Archer, and which contains nearly 500 acres. There is a good orchard on the place, numl)ering about 600 trees. Mr. R. is an experienced and practical farmer and makes a jjood farm manager and during the war he was in the State militia for a time under Capt. John Younger. He was asonof Jame.s and Emerine Reed, of iSliell)y county, Ky., who settled in Indiana in 1838, and after living witli his parents tliere, Albert accompanied them to Monroe county, Mo., in 1858, and remained with them for one year when, in 18(50, he commenced working for John Vaughn. In 1861 he became overseer or took charge of the farm of Mrs. Jane Kipper, four miles north of Paris, Monroe county, where he remained and had full control until December, 1864, then coming to Clay county. His parents had removed here in 1862. Since 1878, Mr. Reed has been located on his present farm. He was born in Shelby county, Ky., on the 13th of January, 1834, and came to Clay county in 1864. He was married here in January, 1867, to Miss Ellen Dagley. The have three children : James W., Josepli A. and Marshall A. Mr. R. and wife are membei's of the Christian Church.

Hugh J. Robertson

The above named banking institution was founded shortly after the war witii R. J. Golmer, president, and H. J. Rol)ertson, cashier Its capital was $50,000. Through all the years that have intervened since that time the bank has maintained a high reputation for solidity, business integrity and accommodating, obliging management. It is one of the most popular institutions of the kind, as it is one of the oldest, in the county. Much of the credit for its good management and popularity is due to the efficiency with which the subject of the present sketch has discharged his duties as cashier and to the high personal esteem in which he is held. Mr. Robertson is a native of this county, a son of Hon. Andrew Robertson, deceased, and was born on bis father's homestead in the vicinity of Missouri City, November 16, 1830. His father came here in a very early day, in 1820, and represented the county in the Legislature during the years 1831 and 1832. He was from Tennessee to this State. His wife was a Miss Ruth Robertson, a cousin of his. He died on his homestead in this county, at a ripe old age, in 1870. In theii- family were three sons and four daughters, only three of whom are living. Hugh J. Robertson was reared on the farm and educated at Chapel Hill College. September 3, 1850, he was married to Miss Elizabeth Chancellor, a daughter of James Chancellor, of this county After his marriage Mr. Robertson engaged in the mercantile business at Missouri City, which he followed until after the outbreak of the war. On account of the unsettled condition of affairs during the war he suspended business, and after the restoration of peace engaged in his present banking business. Mr. and Mrs. Robertson have eight children : Andrew, now of New Mexico ; Oscar, assistant cashier of the bank; Mary R., Elizabeth, Rebecca, Dixy, Caroline and Hugh J., Jr. Mr. Robertson is one of the highly respected and popular citizens of Missouri City. He served two terms as mayor of the place and in other local positions of public trust. Under President Johnson's administration he was postmaster at this place.

Dr. Robertson's family, or I'ather his father's family, came to this State from Kentucky, and located in Platte county in 1847, where they still reside. The Doctor was born there on the 9th of May, 1847. Reared in that county, he had good school advantages in youth and acquired a good general English education. In 18(57 he begaiv the study of medicine under Drs. Wilson & Bonifant, at Weston, and in the fall of the next year matriculated at the St. Louis Medical College, where he took a full course of two terms, graduating with credit in 1871. Dr. Robertson located at Prathersville immediately after his graduation, in 1871. He has been actively engaged in the practice of his profession at this place ever since that time. He has had excellent success as a physician in the treatment of cases and has not failed to reap some of the substantial rewards of a large practice. However, he is by no means an avaricious man and studies far more the science of his profession than the means of accumulating property. He is a thoroughly capable and skillful [jhj'sician, and is so regarded bj' all that know him who are qualitied to judge of his professional attainments. February 3, 1873, he was married to Miss Lillian Pixley, of this county. They have three children : Fred, Edna and Curtis. The Doctor and wife are members of the Baptist Church.

Willis M. Simmons

Mr. Simmons has occupied his time since he began to do for himself with two occupations, principally, namely, milling and merchandising. He was l)orn in Madison county, Ky., Se})tember 18, 1835, and was reared in his native county. In 1857 he came to Clay county. Mo., and went to work in a mill. Three years later he bought an interest in the Claybrook flouring mills, and was engaged in running that for about live years. He then came to Missouri City and ran the mills at this place for the proprietors for some five years. In 1870 he quit the milling business and became a member of the firm of Long & Simmons, general merchants, at Missouri City. He has been engaged in merchandising ever since. During this time he has had several partners at different times, and the present partnership of Simmons & Nowlin was formed in 1882. They carry a large stock in the lines mentioned above and have an excellent trade. On the 22d of March, 1860, Mr. Simmons was married to Miss Eliza Brasfield, a daughter of Leonard Brasfield, who came to this State from Virginia by way of Kentucky. Mr. and Mrs. Simmons have four children : George, express agent at Missouri City; William L.. clerk in the store of Simmons & Nowlin ; Stonewall Jackson and Robert E. Lee. Mr. and Mrs. S. are members of the M. E. Church South. He is a member of the Masonic Order. For four years following 1870 he was justice of the peace for Missouri City township. Mr. Simmons' parents wero William H. and Mourning (Waklen) Simmons, the father of an old Maryland family, but the mother of a Virginia family. They came to Clay county and settled in Washington township in 1858. The father, a farmer by occupation, died here in 1867. The mother died here also.

William B. Smith

Mr. Smith is now in the third year of his e.xperience here in his present line of business, and has thoroughly established his business on a firm footing. He has a good establishment in this line, an excellent building for the purpose, which is well stocked with riding and driving horses and with carriages, buggies, etc. By close attention to business and fair dealing he has won the good opinions of the community and the traveling pulilic as a liveryman, and receives a liberal share of their patronage. Mr. Smith came to Missouri from Illinois in 1878. He at once located at Missouri City, and has been a resident of this place ever since, except for one year, which he spent at Excelsior Springs. Prior to engaging in the livery business he clerked in a dry goods store for about three years, but at Excelsior Springs he was engaged in the drug and grocery business on his own account. He was born in Menard county. 111., November 4, 1844. His father, Judge Samuel Smith, was originally from Dutchess county, N. Y.,and in his younger daj's was a school teacher by profession. In 1836 he came West and located in Cass county. 111. Subsequently he lived in Menard county for a while, but returned to Cass and made that his permanent home. He was judge of the Cass county court for a number of years. William B. was reared in Cass county and remained there until he came to Missouri in 1878. He has been married twice. His first wife was a Miss Mary A. Whitsell, daughter of Hiram Whitsell, of Clinton county, Mo. She survived her marriage but five years, dying in 1879 and leaving one child, Artelia M. His second wife was a Miss Eoberta A. Winfrey, daughter of W. H. Winfrey, deceased, formerly of Carroll county, Mo. Mr. Smith and his present wife have no children. She is a member of the Christian Church.

Hon. Charles M. Swetnam

In 1882 Mr. Swetnam was nominated by the Democrats of this county at a primary election to represent the county in the State Legislature, and was elected by a very large majority. At the primary election he received more votes than the total number cast for both of the other two candidates. He made a useful representative in the Legislature, and his record was warmly approved by the people of the county. Mr. Swetnam is a man of large popularity, and very justly so, for the reason that he possesses to a marked degree many of the qualities which command the respect and appreciation of the public. A man of thoroughly upright character, superior general intelligence and agreeable manners, he wins the good opinion of all with whom he comes in contact. Mr. Swetnam's father, Hon. Thomas T. Swetuam, was also a representative from Clay county in the Legislature. He was elected for two terms, at the election of 1848 and the one of 1850. Previously he had served eight years as assessor of the county. He was a substantial farmer and stock-raiser, and highly respected by the people of the county. He was from Kentucky to this county in 1835, and died in 1859. His wife, who was a Miss Caroline Young befoi-e her marriage, also of Kentucky, survived until 1878. Hon. Charles M. Swetuam was born on his father's homestead in this conuty«July 1, 1848. He was reared on the farm, and as he grew up acquired a good education in the pulilic and high schools of the county. After attaining his majority he and an older brother, Thomas B., engaged as farmers, partners, in farming on the old family homestead, which they have ever since continued. They have a good farm and are quite successful. They also raise considerable stock, which they find a profitable branch of industry. Mr. Swetnam is a member of the Masonic Order.

John H. Teimble

Mr. Trimble, a prominent merchant of the southern part of the county, is a native of Kentucky, born in Clark county. May 1, 1829. He is one in a family of children of William and Margaret (Fry) Trimble," both of early Kentucky families. The parents removed to Missouri in 1865, and located at Plattsburg, where the father died in 1872. John H. was reared in Clark county, Ky., and received a good common school education. Februar}' 4, 1850, he was married to Miss Margaret Rane}^ a daughter of William Raney, of Hai-risou county, Ky. Six yeai's later Mr. Trimble removed to Missouri, and settled on a farm six miles north of Missouri City. He farmed there, and he also engaged in stock raising, including fine short horn cattle, and dealing in stock, until the spring of 1883, when he bought and established a store at Missouri City, and moved to this place. He caui"ies a large stock of goods in his line, is a careful, judicious buyer, a good business man and accommodating to his customers, and has, therefore, had a successful career as a mercliant. He has an excellent trade and is doing a good business. Mr. Trimi)le is prominently identified with the Democratic party in this county and takes an active interest in political matters, though he has never been himself an aspirant for office. Mr. ;ind Mrs. Triinl)le have eight children : John T., now in Colorado; James L. and Benjamin F., both also in Colorado ; Annie L., wife of Jasper Clevinger, of Ray county; Sarah C, Dora E., and Maggie. Mrs. T. is a member of the Baptist Church, as is also Mr. Trimble. He is furthermore a member of the

Mr. Vaughn lost his life in the Southern army in 1862. He was an orderly sergeant in Reeves' regiment, and was severely wounded at the battle of Pea Ridge, and died of his wound at a hospital in Arkansas. Mr. Vaughn had been a resident of Clay county for some 10 year.s prior to the war. He came to this county from Kentucky with his family and engaged in farming. He was a man of marked intelligence, good general education, and a thoroughly energetic farmer. He made many friends here, and was highly esteemed by all who knew him. Mr. Vaughn was a prominent member of the Masonic Order, and took an active interest in the welfare of the Order. He assisted to organize several lodges in this vicinity of country. His widow is still living, and resides on the homestead with her two unmarried children. She was a Miss Mary T. Stewart, from Kentucky. They had tive children: Francis J., Peterson S., Nancy E., Justin E. and Mary E. Mr. Vaughn and his wife were both born in Kentucky. P^rancis J., their eldest son, at whose instance this sketch is inserted, was born in the native county of his parents in Kentucky, and accompanied them to this State, and in IStil joined the Southern army, but shortly afterward he was taken prisoner and confined at St. Louis for a time. He was then exchanged, and re-entered the Southern service. After the war he returned home and engaged in farming. He has a neat farm of 80 acres, and is comfortably situated.

George H. Wallis

When the Mexican War broke out, Mr. Wailis was a young man about 19 years of age, and had been reared in Clay county. Animated by the ardor of youth and the patriotic impulses which are inherent in every true sou of Missouri, he promptly and gallantly offered himself as a volunteer to assist at the risk of his life in carrying the flag of his country down in triumph to the capital of the Montezuuias. He became a member of Capt. Moss' company, under Col. Doniphan, and accompanied the old Missouri hero, Doniphan, throughout all his campaigns in New Mexico and beyond the Rio Grande in the land of the Cactus Republic. Mr. Wailis received an honorable discharge with the balance of his company after the war, at New Orleans, and came thence to his home in Henry county. From the hardships and dangers of military life he now took upou himself the labors and responsibilities of farm life. He at once went to work with energy and resolution, and soon had the satisfaction of seeing the substantial evidences of prosperous industry accumulate around him. In a word,

Mr. Wallis made gratifying progress iu the direction of becoming a well-to-do and prominent farmer and stock-raiser. In August, 1848, he was married to Miss Mary H. Mosby, a daughter of Wade aud Rebecca Mosby, referred to in the sketch of their son, John H. Mosby. Seven children have blessed the married life of Mr. and Mrs. Wallis, but two of these, alas, have been taken away by the merciless hand of death. The children living are Mary H., Sarah M., Margaret J., Artimesia, John H., William D. and Robert H. The two deceased are George N. and Katie. Mrs. W. is a member of the Christian - Church. Mr. W.'s farm contains 240 acres, which is well improved. His residence was erected at a cost of $5,000, and he also has comfortable and commodious outbuildings. Mr. Wallis makes a specialty of raising and feeding hogs for the market, and is quite successful. In 1854 he was elected justice of the peace of Fishing River township, and he served in that office for four years.

Jeremiah White

The well known Baptist minister, Henry Hill, was the clergyman who officiated at the marriage of Mr. White, the subject of the present sketch, to Miss Elizabeth McQuiddy, in 1836. The ceremony took place in Clay county. Mo., in which Mr. White had located, direct from Kentucky, some two years before. He had been baptized by "Raccoon" John Smith. Since the time of first locating here he has been a continuous resident of the county (except while temporarily absent in California) for a period of half a century. In personal appearance Mr. White is a man of medium l)uild. Indeed he can not be said to be more than an ordinarily fleshy man, weighing in the vicinity (something past the mark) of 160 pounds : and although now well advanced in years, like most men in good health, he is quite good humored, and jocularly remarks that he has managed to pick up only five, pounds in Clay county in 50 years. In 1850 he went to California seeking his fortune in thePactolian sands of the Pacific Coast. Locating at Sonoma, he was there employed as chain carrier under the afterwards famous Mr. Peabody, then an humble surveyor in the land beyond the Cordilleras kissed by the last rays of the setting sun. He received $5 a day under Mr. Peabody and afterwards ran a livery stable for Spriggs & Cooper at Sonoma. Subsequently, he set sail on the billowy waters of the Pacific, bound for his home in the heart of the Continent, by way of the Palm-leaf Isthmus of Panama and the Crescent City of New Orleans. Finally reaching home, he resumed farming and stock-raising, which he has contiimed ever since. He and his good wife have been blessed with nine children, namely : Benjamin, Martha, Mary N., Harriet S., John, Daniel T., Franklin, Jeremiah and Emma. Sarah M. , the eldest, died at the age of nine years. Mr. White was born in Fayette county, Ky., September 15, 1812. He came to Clay county. Mo., in 1834.

Thomas M. Wilson

Thirty years ago Mr. Wilson came to this county from Kentucky. He was a son of William Wilson, who settled in Kentucky from Virginia in an early day. Thomas Wilson was reared in the Blue Grass State, and was there married to Miss Martha Faucett. On coming to Missouri they settled in Clay county, where they made their permanent home. Mrs. Wilson died here in February, 1882. Mr. Wilson has a good farm which is fairly improved and is a comfortable homestead. His wife left him one child, Mary, who is now married. During the late war Mr. Wilson served in the State militia for a short time under Capt. William Garth.