Clay County, Missouri - Platte Township, 1885 (part 1 of 2)

Platte Township

Position and Description - Early Settlements - Organization - First Justices - First Post-office - Tragedies of tlie Civil War - Cliurches in the County - Town ol Smithville - "Yanljee" Smith and his Eccentric Characteristics - His Death and the Epitaph on his Tombstone - Incorporation - Churches at Smithville - Odd Fellows' Lodge - Gosneyville - Churches - Biographical.

Position And Desckiption

Platte township comprises the northwestern portion of Clay, its present boundaries being as follows : Beginning at the northwestern corner of the county ; thence south along the county line between Clay and Platte to the southwest corner of section 22, in township 52, range 33, thence due east to the southeast corner of section 21, township 52, range 32 ; thence north to the southeast corner of section 33, township 53, range 32 ; thence east to the half section line north and south through section 35, township 53, range 32 ; thence due north to the county line between Clay and Clinton ; thence west along the county line to the initial point.

The greater portion of the township is well timbered and watered, and the principal farms have been hewed and dug out of the timber. Generally the face of the country is broken, and the land rolling and elevated. The numerous branches of the Platte - Smith's fork, Camp branch, Owen's branch. Second creek, Wilkinson's creek - afford plenty of water and render the country hilly in their vicinity. The eastern part of the northern portion of the country was originally - at least many sections - prairie.

Some of the best farms in the county are in Platte township. Considerable labor was expended in making them, and those who performed this labor in most instances did not live to enjoy the full fruits thereof. It has been left for their successors to realize the good fortune. Many large farms and wealthy farmers - albeit the latter are plain and simple in their lives - are to be found in Platte township.

Early Settlement

afterwards became Smithville, was the nucleus or head of subsequent settlements. Smith came in the summer of 1822. His son, Calvin, says his nearest neighbors were eight miles off, and were Ezekiel Huffman, Turlton Whitlock, David Magill, Abraham Creek and James Wills.

Prior to 1824 there were in what is now Platte township Rice B. Davenport, five miles east of Smithville ; Capt. James Duncan, at Elm Grove, one mile south of Davenport ; Capt. Wm. Duncan, three miles south of Smithville, and in the fall of 1824 came Eleven Thatcher, to his claim, two miles south, or about one mile north of Duncan. One account given fixes the date of the settlements of the Duncans as in the spring of 1824. In the eastern part of the township (west half of section 14-53-32) a squatter named Castle White lived in 1826. The dates and locations of other settlers iu the township, prior to the creation of the township, in 1827, can not now be obtained, but it is known that there were at least thirty families in what is now the township before 1828.

Organization

Upon the organization of the county what is now Platte township was included in Gallatin. But in time it became necessary to have a third township, this portion being then thickly settled, and needing separate organization. Accordingly at the special term of the county court, in June, 1827, Platte township was created, with the following boundaries : -

Beginning on the boundary line of the State where the sectional line dividing sections 22 and 27 strikes said boundary line, in range 33, from thence due east along said sectional line dividing 22 and 27, to the sectional line dividing sections 21 and 22, in range 32, and from thence due north along said sectional line between 21 and 22 in range 32, to the township line dividing 52 and 53, and from thence due east to the western Ijoundary line of Fishing River township, in section 36, townshi)) 53, and from thence due north to the northern boundary line of the county.

The first justices of the peace of the township were Wm. Duncan and James Duncan. The first constalile was Jesse Yocum. Elections were held at James Duncan's, and the judges were James Winn, Wm. Yocum and John Loyd.

The first post-ofiice in the township was at Elm Grove, the residence of Cai)t. James Duncan, six miles southeast of Smithville. It was established some time prior to 1835. This was the first post-

Tragedies Of The Civil War

During the Civil War a number of the citizens of Platte township were killed at or near their homes. The bushwhackers killed Bishop Bailey and Columbus Whitlock, and the Clay county militia killed Thos. D. Ashurst while on the way with him to Liberty, as narrated elsewhere.

John Ecton, Jr., had been in the Southern army, but had returned and was living quietly at home. A Federal detachment took him from his work of breakiug hemp, carried him away aud killed him.

In the first week of June, 1863, a squad of Federal State militia took prisoner Rev. A. H. F. Payne, a prominent member of the Christian Church, residing in the southern part of Clinton county, but well known and universally respected in Clay. They carried the prisoner with them on a raid through this township and halted one night at Smithville, where Mr. Payne passed his last night on earth at the residence of Col. Lewis Wood. The next day he was taken out, near his residence, and shot to death.

Near the time when llev. Payne was killed Capt. John Reid was shot by a detachment of Federals at a point about three miles northeast of Smithville. Capt. Reid was a prisoner and was mounted on a fine swift horse. He sought to escape by the superior speed of his horse, and dashed away, but the Federal bullets were swifter than the horse, and he was shot out of his saddle. Many a prisoner was shot during the war in an alleged attempt to escape, but it is said by good Southern friends of the Captain, that he really was attempting to obtain his freedom when he was killed.

Country Churches

First Baptist Church of Platte. - This is prol)ably the oldest church located in the limits of Clay county, and certainly the first one of Platte township, having been organized at Duncan's school-house, on Saturday, June 23, 1827. It is located on the northeast quarter of section 36, in township 53 north, range 38 west. Here the church liuilding, originalh' constructed of logs, stood, but in 1876 a frame building was erected, costing $1,000. The first members were William Vance, Barliara Vance, Richard Jesse, Frances Jesse, Juliet C. Je«so, John Thatcher, Woodford F. Jesse, William Corum, Bersheba

Corum, Abijah Brooks, John Lloyd, Nancy Lloyd, Eleanor Coruiu and Polly Nance. Abijah Brooks was the first church clerk, being succeeded by Woodford Jesse. The church now has 15 members, and its clerk is Edward P. Moore. Revs. D. W. Riley, William Thorp, Eppa Tillery, Thomas Turner, Darius Bainbridge, William Warren, T. \V. Todd and John E. Goodson have been the pastors in -charge.

Mount Olive Christian Church. - This church is located on the northwest quarter and southwest quarter of section 8, township 52, range 32, where stands an e.Kcellent frame building, ereoted in 1875, and costing about $2,000. In connection with it is a handsomely laid out cemetery. Twenty-six persons comprised the original membership, as follows : Louis Grimes and Jacob R. Wilson, who were made elders ; Samuel Hunt, William Christa, B. T. Gordon, G. C. Clardy, cliosen as deacons; Bennett Smith, who was made clerk; Ellen Christa, Ruth Grimes, Mattie Wilson, Isaac P. Wilson, Isabella Wilson, Joel E. Grimes, Sallie Grimes, Sallie Hunt, Ellen Hunt, Nancy E. Smith, Sarah M. Crow, Mattie H. Crow, Lavena Blackstone, Elizabeth Dickerson, Giles C. Clark, Mattie Adams, Jeff T. Thompson, Lizzie Grimes, Ruth B. Grimes. The pastors who have filled the pulpit here are W. C. Rogers, Bayard Waller, A. B. Jones, H. B. Clay, S. R. Hand and Rev. Mr. Watson. The present membership is about 100. There are 25 scholars in the Sabbath-school, the superintendent being Mr. Gusten.

The town of Smithville stands on section 23, township 53, range 33, or one mile from the Platte county line and about five miles from Clinton county. It is a small village, but a trading point of already great advantage to the people of the surrounding country, and it promises now, with a railroad in quite reasonable prospect, to become at no very distant date a town of no small importance and conse- (pience.

The first settler on the present site of Smithville was Humphrey Smith, who came in the spring of 1822, and two years later, or in 1824, built a mill on the fork of Platte river, which still bears his name. He was born in New Jersey in 1774, lived in Pennsylvania from 1784 to 1800, in Erie county, N. Y., from 1800 to 181(i, and then removed to Howard county. Mo., where he resided three years and a half; then he removed to what is now Carroll county - then Chariton -

With something of Yankee enterprise and shrewdness Smith located where he did and built his mill in order to catch the patronage of the government Indian agencies in the Platte country, and also the custom of the settlers who, he rightly conjectured, would push out in considerable numbers to the extreme frontier. The mill at first was but a " corn-cracker," but in a few years, when wheat was first raised in the country, Smith added a bolting ai)paratus, and it is said that this was the first flouring mill in Clay county. It stood near the site of the present mill, and Smith's dwelling-house, a log cabin, was built on the south side of Main street where the Libei-ty road turns south, and east of the road. The mill was operated by Smith and his sons for thirty consecutive years, and then purchased by Col. Lewis Wood. It was washed away by a flood in 1853.'

" Yankee" Smith was all his life an avowed Abolitionist. He declaimed against what he considered the sin of human slavery at all times and under all circumstances. For his principles he was mobbed in Howard county and driven away. His family fled to what is now Carroll, and he joined them as soon as it was safe to do so. But no sort of persecution, blows, mobbings, threats, denunciation, or raillery moved him or deterred him from speaking his mind. Frequently some bully would approach him and call out : " Smith, are you an Abolitionist?" "lam," was always the reply. The next instant he would be knocked down ; but he would rise and calmly say : " O, that's no argument. You are stronger than I, but that don't prove you are right." Finally his soft answers turned away the wrath of those opposed to him, and he was allowed to hold and express his opinions in peace.

Smith always declared that slavery would be abolished in the United States, but he did not live until his eyes had seen " the glory." In June, 1857, he died of small-pox. It has always been supposed that he caught the disease from an infected Abolition paper, called the Herald of Freedom, published at Lawrence, Kas., and to which his son, Calvin, was a subscriber. The postmaster, James Brasfield, who handed Smith the paper, took varioloid, and Smith himself had smallpox in a violent and fatal form. At first his disease was not known.

' The first mention of Smith's mill in the county records appears in the proceedings of the county court in the summer of 1826, in connection with the reviewing of a road from Liberty thereto.

and persons who called to see him were infected, and spread the contagion through the neighborhood. Many died therefrom, and the incident was one long and sadly remembered.^

Humphrey Smith had a store at his mill before 1828, and soon after a little village sprang up. Calvin Smith, a son of Humphrey, managed the store at first. Next to him were Henry Owens and John Lerty, both of whom were small merchants here before 1840. James Walker was another early merchant. Dr. Alex. M. Robinson, afterward a prominent Democratic politician of Platte, Dr. J. B. Snaile and Dr. S. S. Ligon were the first physicians in the community.

Old settlers assert that as early as 1845 Smithville was a place of as much importance as at present, with nearly the same number of houses, and a greal deal more whisky ! The failure of the Parkville Eailroad prevented the full development of the place, and entailed considerable loss on many of the citizens who were subscribers to the stock. Although always without railroad facilities the town has ever had a good trade. At present - April, 1885 - there is good prospect for securing to the town the St. Joseph and Southeastern Railroad within a year.

Smithville has been several times incorporated. The first incorporation was by the county court, August 7, 1867 ; this was amended April 8, 1868, but the trustees appointed never qualified, and July 6,

1 As stated, Humphrey Smith died in June, 1857. He was buried in a small graveyard in Platte county, four miles northwest of Smithville. The following inscription appears upon his tombstone : -

" Like leaves on trees the race of man is found, Now green in youth, now withering on the ground; So generations in their course decay. So perish these when those have passed away.

"This patriot came to Missouri in 1816, from the State of New York; labored to make the territory into a Free State, for which he was mobbed by armed slaveholders, scourged, bruised and dragged at midnight from his house. His ever faithful wife, coming to his assistance, received injuries at the hands of the mob which caused her years of affliction. He was compelled to leave the State. His wife and family fled from Howard county to Carroll county; there joining his family, he moved to Clay county, where for many years he kept up the struggle against the ' negro thieves or man stealers.' They denounced him as an Abolitionist, because he was in favor of human liberty for all men. His request was, ' Never let the men stealers know where I am buried until my State is free, then write my epitaph.'

" Here lies Humphrey Smith, who was in favor of human rights, universal liberty, equal and exact justice, no union with slaveholders, free States, free people, union of States and one and universal republic."

followinjT, the count}^ court appointed Erastiis Smith, Jacob Kraus, Otis Guernsey, Theodoric Fitzgerald and Matthew McGregory iu their stead. February 4, 1878, there was another incorporation, the territory incorporated being described as " all that portion of the southwest quarter of section 23, township 53, range 33, lying south of Smith's fork of Platte river." October 8, following, there was a reincorporation as "a town," with J. D. DeBerry, J. C. Brasfield, William Clardy, W. H. Rhoads and John Swartz as trustees. The town is now running under this incorporation. The population of Smitiiville is at present about 250.

Church of Christ at Smithville. - There are but few facts mentioned in connection with the histroy of this church which have been preserved, and some of the most important items of interest can not now be given. The organization of the church was etfected October 13, 1843, and though the present membership comprises 151 communicants, the membership in that early day was composed only of Alexander B. Duncan, Preston Akers, Henry Owens, L. J. Wood, Christopher C. Bail}', James G. Williams, Sr., Jonathan Owens, James H. Thorp, John Grimes, James Krauss, Margaret Krauss, Helen M. Duncan, Rachel C. Buchanan, Lucinda G. Grimes, Eleanor Breckinridge, Elizabeth Ecton, Juda Strode, Missouri A. Owens and Joseph Shafer. Some of the pastors have been Moses E. Lard, Preston Aker, A. H. F. Payne, William H. Robison, G. B. Waller and John W. Tate, the present pastor. In 1848, at a cost of $1,000, a plain, unostentatious brick church edifice was built. In 1883 a new building was erected at an expenditure of $4,500. This is one of the handsomest brick churches in the county. G. W. Clardy superintends the Sabbath-school, which numbers 80 pupils. Mr. J. F. Justus is church clerk.

Smithville Baptist Church. - J. D. DeBerry and wife. Mar}' A. DeBerry, J. B. Colley and wife, S. P. Herndon, Eliza and Emeline Herndon, Mary J. Parker and Clarissa H. Basley were the constituent members of this church, which was organized in the spring of 1873, and which now includes in its membership 108 persons. Rev. Mr. Livingston was instrumental in its formation. The first pastor was L. D. Lampkin, and he was succeeded by R. H. Jones, W. W. Wilkerson and A. Barton, after whom again came Mr. Jones. In 1882 the frame church building in which they now worship was constructed at a cost of about $1,700.

Odd Fellows Lodge

Vigilimt Lodge No. 289, I. O. O. F., at Smithville, was organized November 28, 1872. The original members were John H. Marr, S. S. Johnson, F. O. Estes, G. H. Hays and John Swartz. A. B. Crawford, L. J. Wood, Erastus Smith and Samuel Venrick were initiated the first night. The present ofEcers of tlie lodge are R. P. Wood, noble grand ; L. P. Moore, vice grand ; J. R. Shafer, secretary ; John Swartz, treasurer; A. K. Elliott, chaplain; John R. Swartz, conductor. The present membership is 27. John Swartz, who was the first treasurer, is the only one of the charter members now remaining.

Gosneyville, a small hamlet in the northern part of Platte township (on the southeast quarter of section 5, townshij) 53, range 32), has half a dozen houses, two churches, stores, etc. It was never regularly laid out, and has no official history. Many years ago John Gosney established a blacksmith shop here, and for him the village was named. The post-office is called Paradise.

Gosneyville M.E. Church Sonth. - This church was organized at the old Coram school-house, near Smithville, in 1843, by Rev. E. M. Marvin and Rev. Amos Tutt, and was the first M. E. Church organized in Platte township. The original members were: Geo. W. Douglas, Jane Dfeuglas, Mahala McGee, James O. McGee, Julia Mc- Gec, Thomas McGee, Samuel J. McGee, Jane McGee, Polly Hulse, Mary Hulse, Moses McCall, Abner Loyd, William Slayton and John K. Rollins. The first pastor was Rev. Amos Tutt. The church is a frame building, and was built in 1808. The present membership is 127. Rev. Winston is the present pastor of the church. Connected with the church is a Sunday-school, with B. F. Rollins as superintendent.

Gosneyville Christian Church - This church was instituted July 18, 1868, by Rev. Preston Akcr and Josiah Waller. The constituent members were John Gosney, Thomas D. Sparks, F. M. Graham, A. J. Lawrence, Samuel Moore, N. W. Litton, Bird Benton, Wm. H. Shannon, Rufus Patcher, Peter L. Holtzclaw, Henry Anderson, W. M. Endicott, Archibald Holtzclaw, Franklin Holtzclaw, Amos Anderson, James L. Vaughn, John Anderson, Francis McCracken, John W. Youtsey, Peter Youtsey, James C. Youtsey, David Summers, A.

E. Mackabell, Geo. E. T. Parker, Alex. C. Scott, Jasper Perrin, John Bernard, Robert A. Hamilton, Peter C. Callaway, Henry Snow, T. K. Ross, Sainl. Fleming and William Grooms. The church now has about 65 members. In 1870 a plain frame editice was built, costing $1,500. Revs. Thos. Williamson, Bayard Waller, A. J. Pickrell, Beiij. Hyder, - Blake and R. C. Watson have all ministered to this church as pastors.

James F. Adams

Near the historic hermitage of Gen. Jackson, in Wilson county, Tenn., Mr. Adams was born on the 19th of August, 1819. His parents were James and Sarah ( Bernard) Adams, and were originally from Virginia. They had removed, however, from that State to Kentucky and thence to Tennessee. In 1842 they came to Missouri and settled near Ridgeley, in Platte county, where the father followed farming and stock-raising. He died in 1860 at St. Joe, while on a trip to that place. The mother had preceded him in 1852. They had a family of nine children, six of whom are living. James F. Adams, the subject of this sketch, was reared in Tennessee and came out to Platte county the year previous to the removal of his father's family to the county. In Tennessee he had learned and worked at the saddle and harnessmaker's trade and this he resumed at Ridgeley, in Platte county. In 1857, however, having previously bought a farm, he engaged in farming and continued that for nearly 20 years, or until 1876 when he came to Smithville and once more went to work at his trade. Mr. Adams was married in 1843 to Miss Mary Owen, a daughter of Nicholas Owen, an early settler of Clay county from Kentucky. Mr. and Mrs. Adams have six children : Mary E., who has the misfortune to have been blind from infancy, resulting from a fever ; Sarah M., wife of Rol)ert Reed, of St. Joe ; Lou M., wife of W. L. DeBerry ; Maggie, wife of Dr. J. L. Mczner ; Julia M., wife of Ernest Nelkerson, and James E. During President Polk's administration Mr. Adams was postmaster at Ridgeley.

Gideon C. Blackwood

Oak Grove stock farm is situated six miles northwest from Liberty on the road leading from that place to Smithville. It contains 400 acres and is handsomely improved. The buildings, including the residence, hariis and outhouses, are of a superior class, and the place is not onh' well fenced, but divided up into convenient fields, pastures, meadows, etc., for farming and stock purposes. The land is principally run in blue grass, though enough is cultivated to produce a sufficiency of grain and other products for home use. It is also well watered, and in every sense is one of the choice stock farms of the county. The land is very fertile, and has never been impoverished by misuse either from over tillage or injudicious pasturing. Mr. Blackwood keeps his place in excellent condition and order, and takes hardly less pride in the appeai'ance of the farm than in its utility. He makes a specialty of breeding and ruising fine stock. It has been a rule of his for years always to breed the best stock to be had in the country, and never suffer a scrub of any sort to come on the place. He has a handsome herd of fine short horns, from which he annually sells a number of young bulls and heifers. His short horns are all of registered breeds, and are either registered themselves in the American Short Horn Herd Book, or are entitled to register upon proper application. He also has fine breeds of horses, hogs, sheep and other stock. Besides his tine stock interests, he makes a business of dealing in stock generally. Mr. Blackwood is a native Missourian, born in Clay county, April 7, 1858. His father was William Blackwood, originally from Gaston county, N. C, and late a substantial farmer of this county, but who died April 14, 1878. Mr. B.'s mother, who is still living, was a Miss Mary J. Stapp before her marriage, a daughter of Abijah Stapp, of Howard county. Gideon C. Blackwood is a young man unmaiTied.

James W. Boggess

Among the prominent farmers of Platte township is the subject of the present sketch. Mr. Boggess' father, Dennis H. Boggess, was an early settler here from Kentucky. He was married in this county to Miss Nancy Corum, also originally from Kentucky. She died in 1863, leaving four children, four of whom are living. The father was an enterprising farmer of the county and a man well thought of by all who knew him. James W., the subject of this sketch, was born in this county, July 3, 1844. He attended the common schools in his youth and learned the occupation of farming as he grew up, together with raising and handling stock. He thus acquired a decided taste for the calling of farmer and stock-raiser and adopted it as his permanent pursuit. He has been quite successful and is one of the substantial agriculturalists of the tov/nship. He was married in Platte county, Mo., February 18, 1869, to Miss Elizabeth Srite, a daughter of John and America Srite, formerly of Kentucky. Mr. and Mrs. B. have had seven children, four of whom are living : William A., Carrie, Emma and Owen. Mr. and Mrs. B. are members of the Christian Church.

Capt. Alpheus Boregard

From his father, John Boregard, the subject of this sketch inherited that patriotic love of country and desire for military activities which prompted him, when the call for troops was made to defend the Stars and Stripes, to enlist as a plighted soldier for the Union. At the breaking out of the war he entered the Third regiment. West Virginia calvary, U. S. A., and served until the close of the war. We can not take the space to follow him through his four years of campaigning in the various parts of the country or to give any idea of the dangers and hardships through which he passed. Suffice it to say, that as a soldier he was distinguished for bravery among as brave a body of men as ever kept step to martial music, or faced death without fear on the field of battle. He participated in all the campaigns and battles in which his command took part and was ever found in the front rank fearlessly and relentlessly fighting. For service in the battle of Five Forks he was made captain of a company, an honor conferred upon him for his courage and intrepidity. Capt. Boregard was born in Jackson county, Va., now West Virginia, September 10, 1834, and was a son of John and Sarah J. ( Postlethwaite) Boregard, both Virginians by birth. The former was l)orn October 12, 1789, and the latter in February, 1787. After their marriage in Virginia, they went to Meigs county, O., in 1842, where they both died, the father, January L5, 1863, and the mother May 15, 1872. The father was a potter by trade, and also followed farming. Mrs. B. was a member of the Baptist Church. Alpheus was reared in Meigs county, and was educated in the district schools of the neighborhood. He first learned the trade of ship building and afterwards that of carpenter and joiner, at which he worked until the outbreak of the war. After his return from that conflict he returned to Ohio, where he was engaged in the grocery business at Pomero3\ In May, 1868, he removed to Kansas City, Mo., following carpentering and building that year and in the fall removed to Clay county, where he is now occupied in tilling the soil and working in the occupation of a farmer. His landed estate embraces 120 acres in cultivation, upon which is a neat residence. In February, 1865, Capt. Boregard was married in Ohio to Miss Eliza Hall, who died in 1860, leaving three children : Alice, John A. and Maxie Belle. His second wife was Mrs. Melissa Boone, to whom he was married in Spencer county, Va., Februar}' 12, 1863. She was the widow of Dr. D. G. Boone, who was killed at Spencer Court House, August 6, 1861, by Confederate troops. Nine children have been born to them : William H. C, Otto D., Ferdinand DeSoto, Ada G. and Maud are living, and four are deceased. Capt. B. is connected with the I. O. O. F.

John C. Brasfield

Mf. Bnisfiekl began mercantile lite at the age of 18 as clerk, in 1859, in a general store at Smithville. There he continued as such until the breaking out of the late Civil War. Going to Pike's Peak in the spring of 1861, he remained there a short time and then returned the same year and entered the Confederate army, under iNIaj. Savory, in Price's army, serving about one year. During that time he was corporal of a company. He returned home in the spring of '63, and in the fall of that year went to Leavenworth, Kas., where he resumed the occupation of clerking in a wholesale dr}' goods establishment. Upon coming back to Missouri, in 1864, he embarked in business for himself, buying a small general stock of goods at Smithville, where he continued up to the spring of '66. He now disposed of his store at this place and removed to Platte county, locating at Linkville, where, for about 18 months, he conducted a store, or until was he burned out. Retracing his steps then to Smithville, in partnership with his father and father-in-law, he bought and fed 110 head of cattle, but in 1869 again went to. Platte county, where he was occupied in farming until the year 1871. He now established himself once more in the mercantile business at Smithville, and, with one exception, has remained here since in his present calling. The firm of Brasfield, Spratt & Thatcher is one of the oldest established business houses in the county, and one of the best known and most reliable. Mr. Brasfield is himself also interested in real estate and has laid off an addition to the town of Smithville, knowm as Brasfield's Addition, which contains about 15 good dwellings and in the neighborhood of 40 excellent lots. Mr. Bra'sfield was l)orn in Platte county, Mo., in 1841. His parents, Thomas W. R. and Elizabeth Brasfield, came to this State from Clay county, Ky., in 1832 or 1833. The parents of the former settled in Clinton county, while his mother's parents (Lynn and Eleanor Breckenridge) located in Clay county. After the marriage of Mr. B.'s parents they removed to what is known as the Platte Purchase, where they were among the earliest settlers. The father was a merchant by occupation, and was fairly successful in Inisiness. He died in Platte county in 1874, his widow departing this life at Smithville in 1882. Mr. Brasfield was married in December, 18('>4, to Miss Minerva, a daughter of Daniel and Sarah Thatcher, of Platte county. They have four children: James AV., Eleanor, John S. and Morton. Three are deceased, all dying in childhood. Mr. and Mrs. B. are members of the Christian Church. Mr. B. is connected with the A. F. and A. M., is a Chapter member, and also a Knight Templar. He also belongs to the L O. O. F.

Wiley R. Brasfield

Mr. Brasfield is a younger brother to John C. Brasfield, whose sketch precedes this, and was born in Liberty township, this county, in 1848. As he grew up he had the advantage of a course in the Kansas City High School in addition to the usual course in the coraiuou, schools. After concluding his high school course, in 1869, he engaged in farming in Platte county, the occupation to which he had been brought up, and he continued fanning in that county with success for about ten years. In 1879, however, he came to Smithville and engaged in thejdrug business, which he has followed ever since. His store, now in the sixth year of its career, has long since passed the doubtful or experimental period of its career and has become established as one of the solid and fixed business houses of the place. He has a trade that he can always safely rely upon, it matters not what other houses come and go, a trade that is almost as secure for an income of a certain sum per annum as a Government pension. Besides this he has new customers coming to him all the time, so that his trade has a steady and sul)stantial growth and increase. He understands his business thoroughly, treats everybody fairly and sells at reasonable prices. Hence it is nonsense to suspect that he is not bound to succeed. In 1872 he was married to Miss Alwilda, a daughter of John L. DeBei-ry, of Platte county. However, Mr. Brasfield's first wife died about four years ago, leaving him two children : James E. and Lula K., besides losing two in infancy. The mother was an earnest member of the Baptist Church. To his present wife Mr. Brasfield was married in 1882. She was a Miss Florence Hord, a daughter of Elias Hord, a farmer and stock-raiser of this county. She is a member of the Christian Church, as is also Mr. Brasfield. Ho is furthermore a member of the A. F. and A. M.

Mr. Byrd was born in the valley of the Shenandoah, in Shenandoah county, Va., in 1828, and was the second child in a family of nine children of William and Mary S. (Shafer) Byrd, both of old Virginia families. The father was a millwright by trade, and removed to Missouri with his family in 1832. He first located in Clay county, but six years afterwards settled in Platte county, where he followed farming in connection with his trade for many years. He finally gave his entire attention to farming. He was also justice of the peace for a number of years. Mr. Byrd, senior, survived to the advanced age of 89, dying in 1882. His wife lived to be 7(j years of age, preceding him to the grave by one year. He left a good farm in Platte county, which has fallen to his children. Young Bird, the subject of this sketch, was reared in that county, and at the age of 17 went to work at the carpenter's trade, which he followed for over ten years, in connection, however, most of the time, with farming. In 1856 he engaged in the drug business at Smithville, and aljout three years later in the dry goods and grocery line. In 1862 he quit merchandising and bought a mill, which he ran for about three years, and then went to Idaho. Returning from the West in 1879, where he had been engaged in raising stock and carpentering to some extent, as well as in hotel keeping at Boyce City, he shortly afterwards resumed merchandising at Smithville in a general store line, which he has ever since followed. In 1852 he was married to Miss Phoebe Silvey, a daughter of James H. and Lucy Silvey, formerly of Kentucky. Mr. and Mrs B. have reared but one child, a son, Alfred O., who is his father's partner in business. He was married in 1882 to Miss Alma, a daughter of Dr. J. L. Hezner, of Smithville. They have a little daughter, Sallie G.

Giles C. Clardy

Mr. Clardy is an uncle to Hon. Martin Linn Clardy, member of Congress from the Farmingtou district, in this State, and was born at Bowling Green, in Warren county, Ky., June 10, 1813. The family was originally from Virginia, and his father, Norman S. Clardy, came from that State to Kentucky in about 1800. Mr. C.'s mother was also from Virginia, a Miss Rachel Johnson before her marriage. They came to Missouri in about 1836, and, after a short residence in Carroll county, settled in Platte county, where they made their permanent home. The father lived to reach the age of nearly 100 years, having been born in 1778 and dying in 1876. The mother lived to be 85 years of age. Both died in Ste. Genevieve county, where the father's brother, J. B. Clardy, the father of Hon. M. L. Clardy, settled in a very early day. Giles C. Clardy, the subject of this sketch, was reared in Kentucky, and became a successful and popular school teacher. He came to Missouri in 1837, and afterwards taught some years in Clinton and Platte counties. In 1840, however, he engaged in farming in Platte county and followed it for nearly 30 years. But selling out in that county in 1868, he subsequently resided for awhile in Clay and then Bates counties, and in 1874 came back to Clay county and engaged in his present line of business at Smithville. His son, Giles W. Clardy, is one of his partners in business. Mr. Clardy, the subject of this sketch, was married in 1835 to Miss Araminta Adams, a daughter of James and Sarah A. (Bernard) Adams, formerly of Tennessee. Mr. and Mrs. Clardy have three living children: Garland C, Martha A., wife of E. B. Thatcher, and Giles W. Four others are deceased, two in infancy and two in later years. Mr. C. is a member of the Primitive Baptist Church, and also of the A. F. and A. M. His father, referred to above, Norman S. Clardy, was, in his day, one of the leading farmers and slaveholders of Platte county. In his lifetime he amassed a comfortable fortune.

Alexander B. Crawford

Mr. Crawford, like many of the staunch citizens of Clay county is a native of Kentucky, having been born in March, 1824, in Nicholas county. He was reared on a farm there, receiving instruction in the common schools, being trained also in that school of hardships au(J adventures which gave its pupils great strength of character and greater fortitude, and made them more courageous and better fitted for the hard struggles of life than does tiie atmosphere in our college walls. His parents, Alexander B. and Charlotte (Riggs) Crawford, were originally from ^laryland, but were reared and married in Kentucky, which continued to be their home until their death. The ^ father, a brave and patriotic citizen of that State (then territory), upon the call for volunteers to defend the young colonies in their efforts for independence, bravely enlisted as a soldier and served during the War of 1812. The sterling characteristics which prompted him to enlist in that struggle remained with him during life, and ever afterwards characterized his years of lal)or. He died in April, 1876, his wife having preceded him in September, 1866. They had both been members of the M. E. Church. Alexander B. Crawford, the subject of this sketch, adhered to the calling which he had followed in early life, and for a time was also occupied in driving stock, continuing it until he came to Clay county, Mo., in 1859. Having a desire to enter into mercantile life, he embarked in the drug business in Smithville in 1861, following it for three years. In 1864 he took up his location at Bainbridge, Clinton county, and for two years operated quite successfulh' a saw and grist mill at that place. On April 1, 1867, returning to Smithville, he opened a store of genei'al merchandise. This he carried on until 1870. At that time his desire to re-engage in farming caused him to dispose of his mercantile interests, and he has since been occupied with agricultural pursuits. He has a large farm, embracing nearly 400 acres of improved and cultivated land, admirably adapted for farming purposes. Mr. Crawford was married on April 4, 1871, to Miss Mary E. Barnard, in Clay county. She was a daughter of Landa Barnard, of this county, but died in 1872. She was a member of the M. E. Church South. Mr. Crawford is a member of the I. O. O. F. Ho takes a deep interest in all questions of public welfare and advancement, whether local. State or National.

Stephen C. Duncan

Mr. Duncan has a large stock farm of 1,263 acres, nearl3'all in blue grass, and one of the finest stock farms in Platte township. He makes a specialty of raising and handling thoroughbred short horn cattle, producing no grain whatever except for feeding purposes on the farm.

A clear-headed, practical business man, he docs everything of a pecuniary nature from a common sense, business point, believing that it pays best to feed what grain and grass he may raise to stock, putting them on the market in the shape of cattle, hogs, sheep and other farm animals. Mr. Duncan has led a very active life, and one not devoid of substantial results. He was seven years of age when his parents came to this county in 1840, having been born in Henry county, Ky., December 15, 1833. He was the son of Stephen and Lucy (Browning) Duncan, both natives of Bourbon county, Ky., the former of whom was born October 17, 1797. After their marriage, in the county of their birth, they removed to Saline county. Mo., in 1838, and to Clay county in 1840, thence settling in Clinton county. Mo. There the father died April 6, 1877, but his wife had departed this life in Saline county in 1838. He was a farmer by occupation, and he belonged to the A. F. and A. M. Both were members of the Christian Church. Stephen C. Duncan, the sixth of seven children, was reared in this county, and here received an ordinary common-school education. He accompanied his father on his various moves above mentioned, and in April, 1855, in partnership with him, engaged in the purchase of short horn cattle in Clinton count}', being one of the pioneers in that branch of industry. He continued to be thus occu- ])icd with his father until 18(i3, and has followed it alone since that time, buying, feeding and shipping cattle during that period. After leaving Clinton county he returned to this county, locating on the farm which he now occupies, mentioned above. His herd of short horns number 170 head - as fine animals as are to be found within the limits of this or any other county. These facts show that Mv. Duncan has been quite successful as a farmer and stock-raiser. He has been twice married. March 5, 18(53, Miss Mary E. Davenport became his wife. She died September 10. 1869, having been a member of the Christian Church. He was married a second time November 10, 1870, in Clinton county, Mo., to Miss Maria Winn, a daughter of James and Malinda Winn, nee Hntsell, originally of Bourbon county, Ky., who came to Clay county in 1825. Mrs. Duncan was born and reared in Clinton county, and was educated at Camden Point High School in Platte county. They have three children : Lucy, the eldest, a most attractive young lady just blooming into young womanhood ; Mattie and Mabel. Mr. Duncan has Ijeen a member of the Christian Church since 1854, and is one of its present elders. His wife is connected with the same church, and he is a member in high standing of the A. F. and A. M. Politicall}' he is a Democrat. He is popularly known, but none the less respected, as " Dull'" Duncan.

Jonathan A. Funk

Mr. Funk is well known as one of the prominent farmers of Platte township. His farm contains 690 acres and it is largely devoted to stock-raising, being well improved for that purpose. Much of it is devoted to pasturage, though enough is reserved for grain for all necessary purposes. Mr. Funk came to Clay county in 1857 from Cass county, this State, but was originally from Kentucky. He was horn in Jessamine county, Ky., February 12, 1830, and was a son of John and Nancy (Rice) Funk, his father originally from Mai-yland, but his mother born and reai-ed in Jessamine county, Ky. The father died in that county March 3, 1861, at the age of 65. She died in 1866 at tlie age of 66. They had a family of nine children, six of whom are living. Jonathan A. Funk was reared in Jessamine county< Ky., and early learned the carpenter's trade, which he followed there for about six years. He then turned his attention to farming and stock-raising, and in 1852 came to Missouri, locating in Howard county. Three years later he removed to Cass county, and finally to this county in 1858. August 31, 1858, he was married to Miss Sallie Jartin, a daughter of Andrew and Jane Jai-tin, formerly of Kentucky. Mr. and Mrs. Funk have had seven children, five of them now living: Mattie M., Harry C, Pinkie R., Lutie M. and John A. Two are deceased, Arthur and an infant. Mr. and Mrs. Funk are members of the Presbyterian Church.

Samuel G. T. Greenfield

Mr. Greenfield has a comfortable homestead near Smithville, and is one of the energetic farmers of Platte township. He was iiorn in Todd county, Ky., October 4, 1822, and came to Clay county. Mo., at the age of 20, in 1842. He was married the first time to Miss Mary Brooks, daughter of Abijah and Harriet Brooks, of Clay counts. Mo., on the 5th day of April, 1845. Subsequently he married here February 15, 1851, Miss Nancy Motherhead, a daughter of Nathaniel and Lucinda Motherhead, formerly of Kentucky. Mr. Greenfield has followed farming as his permanent calling, and is a thorough, practical farmer. He was a son of Samuel and Mary (Thompson) Greenfield, his father a native of Kentucky, but his mother originally from North Carolina. His father, a blacksmith by trade, died in Kentucky, October 4, 1823. He had served in the War of 1812. The mother survived until 1867, and was a life long member of the Methodist Church. Thei'e were five children in the family, three of whom are living.

Moses King

When the war broke out in 1861 Mr. King was a youth in his eighteenth year. He was reared in this State and came of Southern parentage. Very naturally, therefore, in the enthusiasm of youth, he entered the Southern army. For three years he served in the ranks with unfaltering courage and fidelity. A part of the time he was under Gen. Marmaduke, and was under the command of the present Governor of the State at the battle of Helena, Ark., in 1863. The rest of the time he was under Gen. Joe Shelby, the irrepressible cavalry leader of Missouri, the gallant cavalier of the war, who made it a rule to ride rough shod over everything in his front with his command, infantry, artillery, or what not. After the war Mr. King came home and engaged in farming. He has a good place of about 140 (rented) acres, eight miles northwest of Liberty, and is also engaged in raising and trading in stock. In 1873 he was married to Miss E. A. Divine, a daughter of Matthew Divine, originally of Ireland. She, however, was born in New York, where her parents resided a number of years. Mr. and Mrs. King have two children : Edna M. and Edward L. Mrs. King is a member of the Catholic Church. He was born in Chariton county, Mo., October 20, 1843, and was a son of Morgan King, of Missouri.

Al Worthy F. Leach

Among the most prominent men in Platte township, one of its worthy, well informed and highly respected citizens and a man well and favorably known, is Mr. A. F. Leach, the subject of this sketch. On his parental side he is of Irish descent, his father. Cotton M. Leach, having been born in New Hampshire September 14, 1780, of Irish parentage. He married Miss Fannie Hayes, a native of Concord, Mass., who was born October 27, 1785. She was related to Cotton Mather, the renowned American metaphysician, and was a niece of Judge Joseph Story, ajusth^ celebrated writer on the United States Constitution ; her ancestors came over in the Maj'flower and she was related distantly to Hon. Wilbur F. Story, late edit.<n- of the Chicago Times. Cotton M. Leach having grown up in New Hampshire, received an academic education there ; his wife was reared in New York where she had the benefit of a college course. After their marriage in New York they removed to Ohio and settled in Twinsburg, in Portage county, in 1817, from which place they removed to Ft. Madison, la., where the mother died October 9, 1846. The father, who was a trader and speculator in lands, stock, etc., then went to Illinois to live with his son, the subject of this sketch. He died there (in Adams county) January 15, 1852. Until his removal to Iowa he had been a meml>er of the M. E. Church, but there l)eing no organization of that denonination there he became aCongregationaUst, as his wife had also been. He was also a member of the A. F. and A. M. Alworthy F. Leach, the sixth in the family of nine childi-en, six sons and three daughters, was born in Twinsburg, Portage county, O., June 23, 1818. He was reared there, the limited education which he received at the common schools being supplemented l)y instruction from his mother. At the age of 15 years he commenced to learn the carpentci-'s and joiner's trade, which he followed until liis marriage. After that event he took up the study of medicine in Adams county. 111., but never engaged in the practice. He also studied law, and in 1850 was admitted to the Quincy bar, several years thereafter being passed in the practice of his profession. On the 13th of July, 1840, Mr. Leach was married in Adams county. 111., whither he had removed in 1838, to Miss Rebecca Enlow, a daughter of Thomas and Sarah (McCrorey) Enlow, originally from Penns>dvania, but of Irish ancestry. Mrs. Leach was t)orn, brought up and received her education in Washington county, Pa. They have five children: Frances has been twice married, first to Joel James, who died, and then to James Brooks, a farmer in Pike county ; Albert married Miss , Belle McAtee, and is a prominent agriculturist in Adams county. 111. ; Walter married Miss Alice Hamlin; Byron married Miss Lina Fields, and both he and his brother Walter are occupied in farming in this county ; Almira is the wife of Dr. William H. Leach of Knappy City, Cal. He is a prominent ph3'sician there and is a graduate of both the Cincinnati and Philadelphia Medical Schools. In 1874, Mr. Leach became a citizen of Clay county. Mo. He and sons now have a farm here of 450 acres, all under fence and in a high state of cultivation, upon which he is engaged in the stock business quite extensively, principally in the raising and breeding of Clydesdale horses. His farm is one of the finest for stock purposes in this township and he is one of the most progressive farmers in the vicinity.

J. A. Mitchell

Mr. Mitchell was a youth of about 16 years of age when his parents came to this county and settled on a farm, which his father bought near Smithville. He remained on the farm with them until he was about 24 years old, when, in 1879, he came to town and opened a restuarant and also ran a butcher shop. In addition to these he, in a short time, carried on teaming between Smithville and Kansas City. Disposing of his other interests, in 1881 he bought a furniture and undertaker's establishment at Smithville, and has been conducting these lines of business ever since. In the spring of 1884 he added a stock of shelf and heavy hardware, and altogether is doing a good business. In 1878 he was married to Miss Annie, a daughter of Stephen and Amelia Duncan, of Clay county. They have one child, Edmond, and have lost one, who died in infancy. Mr. Mitchell's parents are Merrimon B. and Annie M. Mitchell, from Woodford county, Ky. His father has a good farm of 250 acres near Smithville.

Mr. Patterson is not only a thorough miller, but one of the best millwrights in the western [lart of the State, if experience and employment in construction of first-class mills counts for anything. The ground and mill site upon which the Eagle mills now stand, he bought from Capt. Kemp M. Woods, in 18(57, going in debt for the same. Building the mills soon afterwards, he took special pains to use iiothitii; i)ut the very best of material and leaving no part ot'hi.-i work half finished. Mr. Patterson has recently added to his mills all the latest and most improved machinery, includinir every modern improvement - recommended by the millinp: fraternity. The I'esult is that his mills are unsurpassed either in Clay or Platte county. They have a capacity of 60 bids, of flour and 10,000 feet lumber per diem. His flour Royal Eagle and Silver Drop has an enviable reputation, and is generall}^ preferred to all other brands wherever introduced. It may not be generally known, but it is a fact nevertheless, that there is a vast difference in the quality of sawing done by different mills, even among those where the saw runs true, making lumi)er of accurate angles, dimensions and surfaces. Lumber from the same class of timber, or from same stock for that matter, sawed at different mills differs widely in market value. From (me the surface may be rough, so that it costs twice as much to have it planned as it would the same class of lumber with a smoother surface from another saw. All good saw-mill men uiulerstand this, and those who take a pride in their business or care for their reputation see to it that this saw is kept perfectly sharp and in good order, and that it runs at the proper speed - and is regularly fed by the stock carriage so that a smooth surface is left on the board. Mr. Patterson takes a special pride in this feature of the lumber produced at his mills, and hence among lumbermen and carpenters it has obtained a wide and enviable reputation. Mr. Patterson was born on Barnhart's Island, St. Lawrence count}'. New York, in 1838, and was the second of six children of W. H. and Minerva Patterson {nee Barnhart) who were both born and reared in the State of New York. W. H. Patterson, Sr., who was of French descent, moved to Canada, and was an extensive grain and lumber dealer there at the time of his death. At the age of 18 years the subject of the present sketch came West to grow up with the country, first stopping at Chicago and working there for a little over one year, and then coming on to AYestern Missouri to the home of his uncle, Robert Barnhart, then a merchant ot Weston, Platte county. Mo. Afterwards he procured employment with Wilson & Estes, engine builders, at Leavenworth City, now known as the Great Western Manufacturing Company, and remained in their employ some three or four years, learning the millwright trade. In 181)2 he went to St. Louis, Mo., and worked at his trade building mills and putting up machinery in the employ of A. K. Halteman & Co. About two years after he returned to his former home in Platte county. Mo., and in 1864 at Weston, Mo., he enlisted in Capt. Wash Wood's Company, Eighty-seventh regiment M. S. M., and served until ai)out the close of the war, receiving an honorable discharge. He then took up his occupation of millwrighting, following thesame until 1867, when he came to Smithville, Mo., and has ever since, for the last eighteen years, been engaged in the milling business. Mr. Patterson was married in 1872 to Johana Martin, a daughter of Wesley Martin, an ex-soldier of the Mexican War and a resident of this county, now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Patterson have two children, Robert Lee and

Minerva. Two are deceased, Charlie and Mattie. He and wife are l)oth memVjers of the Christian Church. Mr. Patterson is indeed one of the relial)le and substantial men of the county. He is highly respected among his numerous friends, and we may safely say hasn't a known enemy.

Dr. Riley has been a resident of Smitiiville less than a 3'ear, but' being a young physician of thoi-ough education and a gentleman of good address and irreproachable character, he has made a very favorable impression on tiie community, and has every prospect of a successful and highly creditable career here Ijoth in his profession and as a citizen in business aud private life. He is a native Missourian, born in DeKalb county, May 2, 18(50. When he was a lad, about four years of age, his parents removed to Jackson county, where 3'oung Riley was reared on his father's farm near Independence. After taking a course in the primary and preparatory schools he entered Woodland College at Independence, and from there, in due time, matriculated at the State University. After concluding his university course he began the study of medicine under Dr. J. C. Rodgers, of Kansas City, and in the fall of 1880 entered the St. Louis Medical College. Di-. Riley took a regular course of two terms at St. Louis, and graduated in medicine with marked credit in the class of '83. He then at once located in Cass count}^ and engaged in the practice of his profession, but not liking the location and having friends at Smithville, he was induced to remove to this place. Already he is receiving much encouragement in his practice, not only by the number, but particularly by the class of patrons who call upon him for medical attention. It is believed that he will shortly be in possession of a very satisfactory and increasing practice. He is also a partner with Mr. Gentry in the drug business. Mr. Gentry is a young man of good business qualifications, full of energy and thoroughly reliable, and has every requisite for a popular and successful druggist. These young gentlemen are both full of life aud vim, and have started out in the world to accomplish something worthy of themselves as citizens of intelligence and character. Their drug house commands a good custom, and has already been placed upon aprofital)le footing. They keep good and pure drugs which they dispense at roasonal)le and fair prices, so that they could hardly fail of being a popular house in the drug line. Dr. Riley's father, J. G. Riley, is one of the substantial citizens of Jackson county. He also has a stock ranch in Colorado, and is a man of high standing and much business enterprise. The Doctor's mother, who was a Miss Elizal)eth Buckingham, died September 14, 1884.

in their profession, and solely by their own indiistrj' and perseverance as students and practitioners ; and taking the secret of their success as a criterion by wiiich to judge the future of tiie younger members of the profession, it is not difficult to i)oint out those who are to occupy the places of these old and prominent physicians when they have passed off the stage of action. Prominent among this class of young men in Clay county is, without question, the sulyect of the l)resent sketch. Dr. John J. Rice is a son of Richard C. Rice, a nativ.e of Woodford county, Ky., and now a leading agriculturist and stock man, residing in Lil)erty. His mother was formerl}' Lucinda Ferguson, of Marion county, Ky., where the}' were married. John J. Rice was the second of eight children, and passed his early life in attending to farm duties. His educational opportunities wore above the average, he having received a classical course at Harmonia College, Perryville, Ky. After leaving this institution he engaged in the occupation of school teaching, which he continued for two years at Sorghotown, Daviess county, Ky. Having decided to make the practice of medicine his calling for life, he pursued a regular preparatory course of study for that purpose, under Dr. T. E. Lamping, of Owcnboro, Ky. He took several courses of lectures in the Cincinnati College of Medicine and Surgery, and graduated from that institution on the 4th of March, 1881. The same 3'ear he came to Gosncyville, Clay county. Mo., and began the ()ractice of hjs chosen calling at this place, where he has nuide gratifying progress in his profession as a practitioner. Studious and progressive in his ideas, and faithful and attentive to his practice, he is rapidly winning the confidence of the community in his skill and ability as a physician. He is a memiier of the Clay County Medical Society, also of the County Board of Health. On the 24th of May, 1882, Dr. Rice was married to Miss Emma Rollins, a daughter of John K. and Ella Rollins, of this county. She was born and reared here, her education being received at the Stewartsville Female Seminary, Stewartsville, Mo. They have one child, DeWitt T., born Fei>ruary 4, 1884. Dr. Rice's church [)reference is the Missionary Baptist. He is a member of the A. F. and A. M. His wife belongs to the M. E. Church South. His father, as should have been mentioned before, was a soldier in the Mexican War. He came to Clay county in 1872. He and his wife are now members of the Missionary Baptist Church, and Mr. Rice is also connected with the A. F. and A. M.

Andrew B. Ross

Every old citizen in this section of the county very well remembers Mr. Ross' father, William Ross, for he lived in the county for nearly 35 years, and was one of its worthy, good citizens. His wife, Nancy Ross, was a Miss Hawkins before her marriage, and a native of Tennessee. They came to Clay county. Mo., in 1841. William Ross for a time was a substantial farmer, but in al)out two years after his settlement here built a water-mill on the site of the present structure which was subsequently burned. In 1856 he built a saw and grist mill, which he continued to operate until his death, October 22, 1875. This mill is the one now conducted hy his son, the subject of this sketch. It is a two-story building, fitted with two runs of buhrs, and has a capacity of 15 barrels of flour per day, sawing also 3,000 feet of lumber. Andrew B. Ross, like many of the better citizens of this county, is aKentuckian by birth, having l)ecn liorn in Madison county, April 28, 1839, being the fourth in a family of nine children. He accompanied his parents to Clay county. Mo., while in infancy, and has here continued to make his home. While growing up he very naturally followed his father's example and early became interested in the milling business, devoting much time to that occupation. He has always followed it, and having had such excellent opportunities to learn the trade in Missouri, in subsequent years he has risen to considerable prominence in the milling circles, where he is esteemed not less as a business man than as a private citizen. During the war Mr. Ross served in the army of the Potomac for four years, enlisting first under Gen. Bee, who was killed at the battle of Bull Run, and afterward under Gens. Whiting and Archer, respectively. About two years after the close of the war, on August 11, 1867, he was united in marriage with Miss Martha A. Gentry, a daughter of David and Louisa Gentry. She was born, reared and educated in this county, but died March 24, 1883, leaving five children : Nannie L., Mary E., John W., Andrew B., and Laura B., the second daughter, who died November 14, 1873. ]\Irs. Ross was a member of the M. E. Church South, as her husband now is. He is also connected with the I. O. O. F. Mr. Ross, in connection with his milling interest, carries on farming to some extent, having 40 acres of land under fence and in cultivation. His mother died here November 29, 1871.

William H. Shannon

The father of Lewis S. Shannon, who was also the grandfather of the subject of the present sketch, was one of the pioneer settlers in the State of Kentucky, having lived there in a period when settlers were very few, the country being populated nuiinly by the original and perhaps rightful owners of the then wilderness - the aborigines. Game was [)lenty, and, in fact, the early days in that country were only examples of the pioneer days in this vicinity in sul)sequent years. Lewis S. Shannon was a native of Woodford county, Ky., and married Elizabeth Ellison, of Henderson county, this State. To them were born ten children, the eldest of whom was William H. Shannon, who was. born in Frankfort, Ky., July 28, 1821. After the marriage of his parents, they came to Missouri in 1857, locating in Clinton county, where they lived until their death, the father having been occupied with agricultural pursuits. He died in 1859 and his wife in 1866. Both were consistent and prominent members of the Mission-

:iry Baptist Church. William H. was reared in the State of his birth, but his educational opportunities were necessarily limited, the primitive schools being much inferior to those of the present day. However, by self-application, he secured a sufficient knowledge of business for the ordinary affairs of life, and also learned the carpenter's trade. In 1840 he took up his residence at Richmond, in Ray county. Two years afterwards, Octol)er 11, 1842, he was married, Miss Amanda White becoming his wife. One child was born to them, which died in infancy. Mrs. Shannon also died in Se[)tember, 1847. She had been a member of the Christian Church. After this Mr. S. returned to Kentucky, where he remained 10 years, and while there he was justice of the peace in his township. He was also married, January 22, 1852, in Anderson county, to Miss Mary C. Thompson, a daughter of Antiiony Tiiompson, of Woodford count}', Ky. Her birthplace was in Ohio county, Ky., but she was reared and educated in Franklin <;ounty, Ky. They have had five cjiildren : Thompson J. married Miss Bettie Willis, and is a carpenter in Smithville, Mo. ; William E. married Miss Mary J. Youtsey, and is engaged in farming in this county ; Laura May and Oliver E. are still at home. James H. died at the age of eight years. In 1857 Mr. Shannon returned to Missouri and settled in Clay county on the farm where he is now living. This embraces 110 acres either in cultivation or blue grass pasture. He and his wife are members of the Christian Church, in which he has been an elder for 20 years. He is also connected with the A. F. and A. M. They are among the most highly esteemed residents of the township.

John Swartz

Mr. Swartz is a Teuto-Frenchman by descent and nativity and was born in Abberbach, France, January 9, 1838. His father was Casper Swartz, also a native of France and mayor of Aliberbach, in the parish of Seltz. The mother was a Miss Mary Mustar of Alsace. In their family were ten children, seven of whom are living. John Swartz, the sul>ject of this sketch, was the second in their family and was reared at Al)berbach up to the age of 18 years, when became to America, landing at New Orleans. He had previously served two years of an apprenticeship at the blacksmith's trade. In the summer of 1855 he went to Keokuk, Iowa, and began at the shoe maker's trade. Thence he went to Hannibal, and later along to Palmyra, where he worked a time, then at Macon City, then Glasgow, then Kansas City and finally to Clay county, stoj^ping a while at Barry, and locating permanently at Smithville in 1859. Early in the war he enlisted in the State Guard under Gov. Jackson's first call and was .out about si.K months. At the fight of Lexington the captain of his company was killed and after that the men were scattered, some entering other com])anies and others returning home. After Mr. Swartz's return he remained at Smithville for a short time and then went to Leavenworth where he resumed his occupiition. In ;iljout three weeks, however, he returned home again and was shortly taken prisoner. After this he enlisted in the regular United States service, becoming a member of the Oiiio infantry, in which he served until the close of the war. After the war he came back to Smithville and resumed his trade, that of making boots and shoes, and also soon brought on a stock of goods in that line. He has been in the business at this place ever since. He has an excellent reputation as a workman and commands a liberal patron-; age. He also has a good trade for his business as a boot and shoe dealer. In 1861 Mr. Swartz was married to Miss Susan Reeves, formerly of Kentucky. They have one child, John R. During the war, on account of some differences which it is not necessary to discuss here, a separation took place between Mr. Swartz and his first wife and a divorce was the result. Each have remarried, ]\Ir. Swartz' s present wife having been a Miss Mary Johnson, with whom his married life has been one of great satisfaction and [ileasnre. She was a daughter of William Johnson, from Tennessee to this county, in about 1857. There are three children by this union : Lewis, Pauline and French. John R., his eldest son by his first wife, is now engaged in the grocery and confectionery business at Smithville. He is also an Odd Fellow and conductor of his lodge. His mother is now the wife of A. D. Simpson, of Buchanan county. Mr. Swartz and his present wife are members of the Christian Church. Mr. Swartz is also treasurer of the Odd Fellows Order at this place. Mr. Swartz has a good German education, and in 1884 established a German school at this place which he still carries on. His school has proved a success and is liberally patronized by the people of the community, particularlj'^ by those of German nativity or descent.

Eleven L. Thatcher

Eleven Thatcher, Sr., was one of the early settlers of Clay county. He came here from Kentucky and became a well-to-do farmer and highly resi)ected citizen. His death occurred some 10 or 12 years ago. By all old residents of the count}' he is well rememliercd as a man of large heart, strong intelligence, courage anchindustry, and as one of the best of neighbors and friends. His good wife preceded him to the grave some five or six years. She was a Miss Sabina Hornback, of Kentucky, before her marriage. They reared a family of five children, most of whom are living, and are among tiie better class of citizens of their respective communities. Eleven L. Thatcher, their fifth son, was born on the family homestead in this county, Noveml)er 24, 1840. He was reared to the occupation of farming and stock-raising, and acquired a good common school education as he grew up. At the age of 27, on the Kith of December, 18(57, he was married to Miss Rosa D. Wood, a daughter of Col. Lewis J. Wood, formerly of Kentucky. Already Mr. Thatcher, Jr., had engaged in farming on his own account, and in this he afterwards con- tinned. He is now eomfortahly situated. His fai'm contains 480 acres, and lie is quite extensively engaged in dealing in stock. He is also largely interested in breeding and raising fine stock. His thoroughbred short horns are all of registered stock, and he also has a herd of high grade cattle. His hogs are of fine breeds, and the Clydesdale horses are his favorite stock in the equine line. He has several representatives of the pure Clydesdale breed. Mr. Thatcher is one of the most enterprising and progressive fanners and stockraisers of the county. Mr. and Mrs. Thatcher have two children : Lewis J. and James W. He and wife are members of the Christian Church, and he is a member of the A. F. and A. M.

William P. Thatcher

Mr. Thatcher is a worthy representative of that old and highly respected family of Clay county whose name he bears. Reference to his father has already been made in the sketch of E. L. Thatcher. William P. was born in this county in 1834. On reaching young manhood he started out for himself with little or nothing to begin on. But he had been reared to hard work and to regular, economical habits, and being a young man of good intelligence, fair common-school education, and with an honest purpose to rise in the world only by industry, he went to work without hesitation or discouragement, and in a short time had the satisfaction of seeing the legitimate fruits of honest toil accumulating around him. But in a few years the war came on. That was a great backset to him, as it was to most honest men in this ])art of the country. He went into the Southern army and took part in numerous engagements, including those at Lexington, Pea Ridge and Blue Ridge. At the latter fight he was fired on by a whole platoon of Federal soldiers, Init either he was protected by the shield of the Lord, or the soldiers did bad shooting ; anyhow, he came out unharmed. Resuming farming, he did the best he could under the circumstances, and after affairs became settled went at it again in dead earnest. Since then he has had a very successful e.xperience. He now owns a fine farm of 440 acres, well improved, including an excellent class of buildings, and he is quite largely engaged in breeding and raising fine stock, and in fattening and <lealing in marketable stock. His short horns are thoroughbreds and of registered stock, and he is breeding and raising fine calves for sale. In 1857 he was married to Miss Louisa Lampton. They have two children: William B. and Addie L. Mrs. Thatcher is a member of the Christian Church, and he is a member of the A. F. and A. M. and the Sniithville Temperance Lodge No. 423,964.

Edward C. Tillman

his mother's maiden name, Susan Fields. The Tillman family has been quite prominent in politics in North Carolina and Tennessee for generations. Mr. Tillman was reared in Chatham county, and was one of a family of 12 children, eleven of whom lived to reach mature years. They and their descendants are now distributed in several States. After growing up Mr. T. traveled quite extensively for about ten years and then located in 1833 in Todd county, Ky., He came to Clay county in 1842, and entered the land on which he now resides. , He has ever since l)een engaged in farming. He was married in Todd county, Ky., December 6, 1838, to Miss Keziah Thompson. They have three children living: Susan, the wife of M. H. Masterson, of this county ; Mary A., the wife of Henry Humes, a stock trader of the count}', and John W., who mai-ried Margaret Wilkerson and is farming on the home place. His wife died August 9, 1874.

James Williams

Bourbon count_v, Ky., and the 3d of March, 1826, were the place and date of Mr. Williams' birth, and his parents were James and Elizabeth (Wright) Williams, both of old and respected Kentucky families. Mr. W.'s father, a house carpenter by trade and who had served with credit in the War of 1812, died in i8()3. The mother is still living, at the age of 86, having been born in 1798. There were eight children in tlie family, all yet living. James, the subject of this sketch, was leared to the occupation of farming and house carpentering and came to Missouri in 1851, settling in Clay county after a residence of two years in Platte county. He has resided in this county ever since, and for many years followed his trade, during the latter part of his life in connection with farming. In 1851 he was married in Montgomery county, Ky., to Miss Docia C. Judson, who survived her marriage 12 vears, leaving five children living of the six born to them, namely: John T., of Oregon ; Daniel, of this county; Susan E., wife of Perr\' Bazoo, of this county ; Mary, wife of Samuel J. Bradley, of Clay county; James N. and Julia, deceased. Mrs. W. was a meml)erof the church. Mr. Williams has a comfortable homestead near Smithville.

Mr. Woods, though still this side of the fourth decade of life, has already had an active business career, and one that has placed him in a position of some prominence in affairs. He was born and reared in Clay county, and received an advanced general and classical education as he grew uj), (!ompleting a regular collegiate course. From his grandfather, Phineas Skinner, he inherited a Iar<re landed estate, some 900 acres, located in different counties, but principally in Jackson, Mercer and Grundy counties. Since then he has dealt to a con- siderable extent in real estate, buying, selling, exchanging, etc., and has also had much to do with lands as agent for other parties. He now owns in his own right about 1,000 acres, which, however, includes little or none of the original tracts received by inheritance. His interests, besides real estate, have been identified with farming mainly, and railway contracting. He has also been somewhat interested in the State business, and still is to some extent. Like most young men of life and energy, he lias not neglected to avail himself of the information which only traveling affords, but has taken the time and means to see something of the world, particularly the Western part of the country. Mr. Woods was one of the organizers of the St. Joseph and Southeastern Railway Company and one of its charter members, being now also a member of the board of directors of the company. This company contemplate building a line of railway from St. Joseph in a southeastern direction through Buclianan, Platte, and into Chiy county to Smithville. The road, as has been intimated, is already chartered, and work has been commenced. In 1876 Mr. Woods was married to Miss LillieM. Wiglesworth, a daughter of "Wm. T. and Mary F. Wiglesworth, of Woodford county, Ky. Mr. Woods has l)een located at Smithville since the fall of 1881, and is now president of the town board at Smithville, and also a member of the school board. He is doing an excellent real estate business, and is one of the leading, progressive citizens of the place. He was born in this county in 1847, and is the youngest of the family of Kemp M., Sr., and Sarah (Skinner) Woods, early settlers here from Kentucky. His father, Kemp M. Woods, Sr., has given to his four sons, including Kemp M., Jr., 400 acres of land each, located in Platte and Clay counties.

Chaptek Xvi

Boundaries, General Surface, etc. - Early Settlemeuts - Tragedies of ttie Civil War - County Churches - Town of Kearney - Centreville - Location of Kearney and for Whom Named - Incorporation - Kearney's Churches - Holt - Location of this Village - Church and Lodge Records - Biographical.

Boundaries, General Surface, Etc

Kearney township was organized June 4, 1872, with the following boundaries : Beginning on the line between Clinton and Clay counties, at the northeast corner of section 36, township 54, range 31, thence along the county line to the half section line running north and south through section 35, township 54, range 32 ; thence due south to the township line dividing townships 52 and 53 ; theuce east one mile and a half to the southeast corner of section 36, township 53, range 32 ; thence south one mile, thence east one mile, thence south one mile, thence east to the range line between ranges 30 and 31 ; thence north along the range line to the beginning.

The general surface of the township partakes of the character of that of the county, and is rolling and broken, but some of the most valual)le farms of the county are situated herein. The northern poi'- tion of the township - at least the nortiieastern - is heavily timbered, and much of it is unimproved. This is true of much of the eastern portion, along Clear creek, and new farms are being opened, clearings made, and laud reclaimed from the wilderness in pretty much the same fashion as 50 years ago.

Settlements were made in this township at a verj' early day. In the northwestern part of the township, two miles south of Camp branch (east half section 23, township 53, range 32), Anthony Harsell settled in the fall of 1827, and here he is yet living. A mile and a half northeast of Harsell, William Livingston had come in 1825 ; James McCown settled one mile north of Harsell in 1826 ; Hczekiali Riley and James Marsh settled east of Harsell in 1827, the latter in the spring and the (448)

For some years after the township was first settled bears and panthers were unpleasantly numerous. As late as the winter of 1836 a large bear was killed on Camp branch, two miles north of Harsell's spring.

Over on Camp creek, on one occasion, John MoCowu, Jr., killed a large panther which his dog had attacked and was being worsted in the encounter.

Among the tragedies of the Civil War, not especially mentioned elsewhere, may be mentioned the murder of two citizens of this township, Esq. David L. Ferrill and Dr. John Norris. They were Confederate sympathizers, and their murder was accomplished by some of Col. Catherwood's regiment, the Sixth Missouri State militia. Esq. Ferrill was an old and well respected citizen of the township. His sons were in the Confederate army, and his grandson. Rod. Munkers, was a bushwhacker, but Esq. Ferrill himself was an old man about 70 years of age, and had never been guilty of overt acts against the Federal authority. One day in September, 1864, a squad of militia, led by Lieut. James N. Stoffel, of Co. A, Catherwood's regiment, took out the old man and hung him to a tree near his residence.

John Norris had served six months under Price, but for some time he had been living peaceably at home. One night, a short time after Esq. Ferrill was hung, a squad of Catherwood's men took him from his home and shot him.

Richard Sloan was a member of the party that hung Ferrill. He was a citizen of this township, and in September, 1866, he was waylaid and shot and his body left lying in the road.

Moicnt Gileacl (Jhristian Church. - This church is an outgrowth of what was originally a Calvinistic Baptist Church, as it was first organized. In March, 1844, there was a division in the congregation, some of the members still adhering to the Baptist denomination, while others, among whom were some of the old and most prominent Baptists, constituted themselves into a body of Christians. The church building first put up was erected in 1844, but becoming defective and unsafe from the ravages of time, it was torn down and in its place a handsome brick edifice was built in 1873, costing $2,569.95. It stands on section 29, northwest quarter, township 53, range 31. The first members were Elders Mason Summers, Timothy R. Dale and wife, Alfred M. Riley and wife, Hezekiah Riley, Robert Officer and wife. Weekly Dale and wife, James Riley and wife, George Dallis,

Alexander Moonej' and wife, A. H. F. Pa3'ne and wife, and John Dykes and wife. Tlie deacons were Hezekiah Riley, Robert Officer and Weekly Dale. Following Angnstus H. F. Payne, who was the organizer, the pastors have been Revs. Williamson, A. B. Jones, J. T. Tate, J. W. Perkins, and the present pastor, J. W. Trader, who has in his membership 130 persons. As now constituted, the elders of the church are A. J. Porter, P. T. Soper and George Smith; the deacons, T. M. Gosney, Albert Lincoln, Benjamin Soper, A. J. Phelps and Samuel Smith ; clerk, Locke Riley. The first Sundayschool connected with this church was organized on the last Lord's day of May, 1868. The superintendent was O. G. Harris, assisted by E. G. Gill ; the secretary was P. T. Soper. The school now has an attendance of 70 scholars. The superintendent is Abner Porter.

Clear (Jreek Old School Baptist Church - Located in section 14, Kearney township, was organized August 6, 1840. Its original members were Benjamin and Nancy Soper, Joel and Rachel Estes, Annie Palmer, Charles Waller, Margaret Waller, Henry and Lucinda Estes, Robert and Sarah Thompson, Alvira Arnold, Araliella Arnold, Harriet Arnold, William and Nancy Yates, and Elizabeth Groomer. The present membership is about 31. The names of the pastors who have served this church are Revs. John Edwards and Wolverton Warren, who has been the pastor for about 20 years. The present frame church building was built in 1853 at a cost of about $1,000. The constitution was formed by the following body, of whom John Edwards was moderator: William Clark, Henry Hill, John Atkins and E. Fillery, none of wliom survive.

Bethel German M. E. Chtirch - In this township, now includes in its meml)ership 47 persons. As originally constituted, in 1845, by the efforts of Heinrich Nuelson, the constituent members were Fred Hartel, Peter Hartel, John Suter, Conrad Hessel, Jacob Hessel, Louis Feigat, Charles Fowler, Nicholas Frick, and perhaps others. After Heinrich Nculson, the first pastor, the pulpit was filled by Heinricli Hogrefe, Rev. Neidermeier, John Raus, Joseph Zimmerman, William Shreck, Andreas Holz Bcierlein, Henry Muehlenbrock, H. Dryer, Peter Hehner, Carl Steinmeier, P. Mayer, Rev. Priegal, Henry Bruene, H. Brinkmeier, J. J. Jung, H. Deincr, C. Bauer, H. M. Menger, H. Eorphage, J. J. Eichenberger, J. W. Biichholtz, George Koenig, F. Kaltenbach. Until the building of the present frame church in 1875 (costing $1,000), services were held at private houses. It is now in good condition both spirituall}' and financially, and is having steady growth. An important adjunct to the church is the

The Town Of Kearney

What is now the southeastern portion of the town of Kearney was originally called Centerville, and was laid out by David T. Duncan and W. R. Cave in the spring of 185(3. Duncan lived on and owned the north half of the site of Centerville. Cave purchased the south half from his father, Uriel Cave, the original owner. The first houses were built by Adam Pence and W. R. Cave, and theirs were the first families in the village.

Barney Spencer, a Kentuckian, owned the tirst store in Centerville, which was conducted for some time in the beginning l>y his brotherin-law, Sam Trabue. The second store was owned and run by John AVade, of Ohio. These stores were established in the spring of 1857. John Gilboe had the third store. A school-house was built in about 1858 by W. R. Cave.

Upon the outbreak of the Civil War Centerville contained about 20 families, but when it closed there were only two or three. During the war onh' two houses were destroyed, however, and these were l)urned by the Federals - Ford's and Jennison's men. They were owned by John Corum and John Gilboe, but at the time they were burned Dr. Cravens lived in Corum's house, and W. R. Cave had a small grocery in Gilboe's building. The Federals claim that they did the burning in retalliation for the killing of Mr. Bond by the bushwhackers.

The murder of John Julius, an old man and a reputable citizen, by Lysander Talbott, shortly after the war, was the only tragedy of note that ever occurred in Centerville. The killing was wholly unprovoked. Talbott was on the *' war path " and "wanted to kill somebody." He was arrested, indicted, took a change of veime to Clinton county, escaped from jail, went to Texas, and was himself killed in a row.

April 12, 1869, Alfred Pyle shot and killed Charles Smith, in a difficulty in Kearney, but Esquire Corbin acquitted Pyle on the ground that he had acted in self-defense, and he was never afterwards indicted.

The town of Kearney was laid out upon the building of the Hannibal and St. Joe Railroad in the spring of 1867, by John Lawrence. The first house was built by George H. Plitt, and is still standing on the southwest corner of Washington Avenue and Railroad street, fronting the depot on the east. It is now used as a hotel - the Oklahoma House. Plitt occupied it as a store room, but afterwards conducted a hotel. The building was erected before the railroad depot. Piitt was proprietor of a lumber yard, and the leading spirit of the place for some time. Perhaps James Hightower had the second store.

The town was named by John Lawrence for Fort Kearney, Neb., and not for a certain worthy citizen of the community. It is understood that Lawrence was at one time a resident of Fort Kearney before he came to Clay county. Soon after its establishment the village began to be peopled very rapidly. Stores and shops of all kinds were built, and in a little time Kearney and Centerville were practicali}' united.

Kearney was incorporated "as a town or village " by the county court, April 5, 1869. The first board of trustees was composed of George H. Plitt, Peter Rhinehart, R. B. Elliott, D. T. Dunkiu and George Harris. As the location of the town is very attractive, and as the buildings are all comparatively new, the town itself presents a handsome appearance. Washington avenue, the principal street, is well lined with stores and shops, and the business done is considerable.

The present school-house was built a dozen years ago, and the Clipper newspaper, a five-column sheet, was established by Thos. H. Frame, in July, 1883. The first church was the Missionary Baptist, which was at first called Mount Olive. It is worthy of note that John S. Majors, Esq., took an active and prominent part in tiie building of this church, contributing to it from first to last $1,000. It is a fine brick structure and still standing.

Churches At Kearney

Kearney Christian Church. - On the 25th of August, 1868, Lucy E. Coryell, Elizabeth Petterfield, Eliza Netherton, Hannah Pollock, Al)raham Netherton, Shelton Brown and wife, William H. Hawkins, D. T. Duncan, John S. Groom, James Reed and wife, Alfred Arnold and wife, George S. Harris, William Hall, G. D. Hall, Mrs. A. Rodgers, R. H. Burden and wife, Emily Ci'aven, Nancy E. Pile, J. S. Sirpan, Elizabeth Rodgers, Aiida Harris and Robert Morris formed tliemselves into an organization now known as the above church. This original membership has been added to from time to time until it now numbers 100. Among those who have filled the pulpit here are Preston Akers, J. D. Wilmot, Joseph Davis, T. J. Williamson, Rev. Martz, Preston Akers a second time, James W. Waller, J. W. Perkins, B. C. Stephens and William S. Trader. The church building, which they occupy is a frame structure, built for about $2,000, in 1869. M. W. Sullivan is superintendent of the Sabbatli-school of 40 jjupils.

BajUisl Church. - No report bus been received, tbougb promised, from this or<(aiiiz!ition, originally called Mt. Olive, and briefly mentioned elsewhere.

The Town Of Holt

The village of Holt, situated on the Clinton county line, on the northeastern half of section 35, townsiiip 54, range 31, has been in existence only since the completion of the Cameron branch of the H. and St. Joe Railroad. It was formerly the site of a heavy body of timber in a little bottom on a branch of Clear creek. The land was owned by Jerry A. Holt, an old North Carolinian, whose residence is just across in Clinton county, and who came to Missouri in about 1835. There are many other families of North Carolinians in this region.

Holt was laid out in the fall of 1867, and named for Uncle Jerry Holt, the owner of the land. Timothy R. Dale was the surveyor. The first house was built on lot 5, in East Holt, by J. C. Dever, and the building was occupied by Mr. Dever first as a store. It was burned down in 1873. Soon after Mr. Dever built a hotel called the Dever House which still stands on lot 10 in West Holt. The second store was built by Samuel Garrison on lot 11 in East Holt. In the spring of 1869 Capt. Joab Laml) built the third store on lot 8 in Holt East. The second house in Holt West was built by Richard Fitzgerald, in the spring of 1869.

The railroad depot was built in the spring of 1868; but previous to its construction the section house was used as a freight depot. The first station agent was Hiram Towne, and his brother, D. W. C. Towne, succeeded him. The public school building was erected in the summer of 1873. The mill was completed in the spring of 1883, by A. P. Cutler, S. L. Cutler, J. K. Morgan and J. F. Lampson, who composed the firm of Cutler, Morgan & Co. The first church, the M. E. South, was completed in the spring of 1883.

In 1868 the post-office was established. Capt. Joab Lamb secured the office, and was the first postmaster, but in a short time he was superseded by D. W. C. Towne. Prior to its establishment Haynesville, Clinton county, was the nearest post-oflice. The first practicing physician in the place was Dr. J. M. Brown, of whose abilities many of the old citizens speak disparagingly, but yet it is admitted that he had fair success.

Holt was incorporated February 4, 1878. Tiie first board of trustees was composed of Boston L. McGee, A. P. Cutler, Adam Eby, J. C. Dever, Wm. H. Mclntyre. Upon the organization of the board A.

The Baptist Church was completed in Fel)ruary, 1885, and is an imposing, capacious structure, neatly furnished and equipped. The present population of the village is about 250. In 1880 it was 162. The average attendance at the public school is 54.

Churches At Holt

M. E. Church South - Located at Holt, in Kearney township, was' organized in 1837 at Pleasant Grove, but was afterwards moved to Haynesville, and from there to the present place. The membership now is about 91. The pastors who have served this church are Revs. B. C. Owens, T. H. Swearingen and J. T. Winstead. This is a fx'ame church and was built in 1883 at a cost of about $1,650. There are 50 scholars in the Sabbath-school and its superintendent is Wm. Laken.

Christian Union Church - Located at Holt, in Kearney township, was organized in November, 1879. Its constituent members were B. L. McGee, Adam Ebly and wife, W. O. Greason, Jerry Holt and wife, G. M. Isley and wife, William Holt and wife, William Albright and wife, M. M. Albright and wife, and many others. The present membership numbers about 85. G. W. Mitchell is the present pastor and he was the organizer of the church. There are 50 scholars in the Sunday-school, which is superintended by B. L. McGee.

Holt Baptist Church. - Among the more recent acquisitions to the ecclesiastical element of Clay county is the Baptist Church at Holt, which was organized in 1884. The same year a frame house of worship was erected which cost $1,700. Among the first members were W. P. Garrett and daughter Bettie, John L. Clark and wife, B3'ron Allnut, L. P. Garrett, Joseph Downing, Mrs. Emsley Whitsell, A. S. Garrett and wife. The membership now numbers 60 persons. Prof. A. J. Emerson organized the churcii and Rev. M. P. Hunt is the present pastor.