Clay County, Missouri - Biographical sketches, 1920 (part 10 of 10)

Nomian G. McCrorey was reared on the home fann in Fishing River tovioiship and attended the public schools at Prathor^-ille. He remained on the home farm until October 3, 1917, when he entered the United States Army and was sent to Camp Funston, Kansas, for training. On January 18, 1918, he was sent to France, arriving at Brest, February 15, 1918.

In April of that year he became a member of (Company F, 102nd Infantry, 26th Division and went to the Toul front with his command April 1st, remaining there until June 28th. They were then sent to Chateau Thierrywhere they remained until July 26, 1918. They were then withdrawn from the front, and about a month later started on the St. Mihiel drive and two days later were sent to Troyon. They were kept in that locality from September 15th until October 6th. From there they were sent on the Meuse-Argonne drive until October 25th. During this engagement Mr. McCrorey was wounded by being struck in the back by shrapnel and after spending forty days at Base Hospital No. 42 at Blois he returned to service. He served in different casual companies in France until he sailed from Brest, March 31, 1919, arriving at Boston, Massachusetts, April 7, and was mustered out of service and honorably discharged at Camp Taylor, Kentucky, April 25, 1919. Mr. McCrorey, although young in years, has had a vast amount of experience and has a miltary record to his credit of which any man may be justly proud. He is a member of Clyde Gustine Post, American Legion, at Excelsior Springs.

John N. Hart, now deceased, was identified with the interests of Clay County for many years. He was a native of this county and the Hart family is one of the early prominent pioneer families of eastern Clay County. John N. Hart was boi-n in Fishing River township. May 15. 1844. He was a son of John and Margaret (Nelson) Hart, further mention of whom is made in connection with the sketch of James M. Hart in this volume.

John N. Hart was reared to manhood in Fishing River township and received such schooling as the times and conditions afforded. He enlisted in the Confedei'ate army when he was sixteen years old and served until the close of the war. He then returned to the home place where he remained until 1872, when he bought the place in Fishing River township where his widow now resides. When he came to this place it was rough and unimproved and had a heavy growth of timber. He proceeded to clear his place and operated a saw mill for a time and also a blacksmith and wagon shop and made plows. He built the residence where the family now resides, in 1872. In connection with his other work he carried on general farming. He was industrious, worked hard and prospered. He was known as an honest, dependable citizen who succeeded by his own honest efforts. He was a member of the Independent Order

John N. Hart was married to Nancy E. Vaughn, November 14, 1872. She is a daughter of Joseph and Mary P. (Stewart) Vaughn. Joseph Vaughn enlisted in the Confederate army in 1861, shortly after the Civil War broke out, and was wounded at the battle of Pea Ridge, Arkansas. He died a few years later from the effect of his wound and was buried in Arkansas. His widow survived him a number of years and died in 1918 at the age of eighty-six years. Mrs. John N. Hart was one of the following children bom to her parents: Francis J. Vaughn, Mosby, Missouri; Patterson S., Ray County, Missouri; Mrs. John N. Hart, of this review; Mrs. Sheetz Howdeshell, of Fishing River township ; and Mrs. Ella Woods, of Holden, Missouri.

To John N. Hart and wife were bom the following children: Marietta, mari'ied C. W. Smith, Gallatin, Missouri ; Margaret B., a stenographer in Kansas City, Missouri ; Flora Catherine, married D. B. Jesse, of Excelsior Springs, Missouri; Stella J., mamed Bertram Neidig, of Liberty, Missouri; Mary, married Curtis Miller, Newcastle, Wyoming; Pet, married Roy Summers, Pratherville; John E., married Margaret Colville, Pratherville ; Maude and William P., at home and Irene Lucile, married Walter Summers, Lawson, Missouri.

William P. Hart entered the United States army July 6, 1918, and was sent to Camp McArthur, Texas, and from there transferred to Camp Merritt, New Jersey, November 9, 1918, and had embarked on a transport, preparatory to sailing to France, when the armistice was signed. He was honorably discharged at Camp Grant, Illinois, December 22, 1918.

G. T. Baldwin, the capable superintendent of the County Home of Clay County, who has had charge of the management of that institution for the past eight years, is a native of Clay County. He was born in Fishing River township. May 25, 1869 and is a son of George A. and Sarah H. (Moberly) Baldwin, both now deceased.

George A. Baldwin was bora in Clay County of pioneer parents, and his wife was a native of Indiana. They were married in Fishing River township and spent their lives on a farm in that township. He died at the age of sixty-four years and his wife was sixty yeai's old at the time of her death. They were the parents of the following children: G. T., the subject of this sketch; Charles R., deceased; N. B., Liberty, Missouri;

G. T. Baldwin was educated in the public schools of Liberty and was graduated from the Liberty High School. He then engaged in farming and stock raising in Kearney township and in 1912 was appointed superintendent of the County Home and has held that position until the present time.

The Clay County Home has the distinction of being the best managed institution of its kind in the state of Missouri, according to the official report of the State Board of Charities, which is, without doubt, due to the capability and well directed efforts of the supeiintendent. The Home is a modern, substantial stone structure of two stories and was built in 1914 at a cost of $25,000.00. There has been as many as twentysix inmates in the institution at one time, but at present, 1920, there are only thirteen. The county farm consists of 104 acres and Mr. Baldwin carries on general farming and stock raising here and conducts the business in a profitable manner.

G. T. Baldwin was married, December 25, 1890, to Miss Anna M. Ellis, a daughter of W. C. and Anna M. (McCarty) Ellis. W. C. Ellis is deceased and his widow lives at Liberty, Missouri. Anna M. McCarty is a granddaughter of Major Menefee who served in the Confederate ai-my during the Civil War. To Mr. and Mrs. Baldwin have been born two sons : George Lewis, born Januaiy 7, 1893, married Mabel Best, and they have one daughter, Lucile, and reside in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; and Guy Browning, born September 25, 1895, maiTied Mary Lucinda Williams and they live at Liberty, Missouri.

Mr. Baldwin is a member of the Masonic Lodge, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons No. 311, Kearney, Missouri, and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Lodge No. 49, Liberty, Missouri.

Roy G. Atkins, an enterprising farmer and stockman of Fishing River township, is a native of Missouri. He was born in Platte County, April 17, 1886, and received his education in the public schools.

Mr. Atkins has always followed farming and stock raising and is now operating the James Moore Hart farm of Fishing River township. He was married December 6, 1917, to Miss Bertha Hart, a daughter of James Moore Hart, a sketch of whom appears in this volume and they have one son, Roy Hart Atkins, bom December 13, 1919.

Thomas J. Holt, of Fishing River township, is a worthy representative of a fine old pioneer family of Clay County. He was bom in this county, October 26, 1851, a son of John and Minerva (Pritchett) Holt.

John Holt and his wife were natives of Rockingham County, North Carolina and in 1851 drove through from that state with a one horse wagon, arriving at Haynesville, Clay County, Missouri, October 25, 1851. They spent the remainder of their lives in this county, the father dying in 1859 and the other survived him for a number of years. She died in 1905 and their remains are buried at Shady Grove Church cemetery. Hezekiah Holt, grandfather of Thomas J. Holt of this sketch, settled in Clay County a number of years before his son, John Holt, came here. He entered government land near Haynesville and he and his wife spent the remainder of their lives there.

Thomas J. Holt was one of a family of four children bom to his parents as follows: Isaac, lives in Washington township, Clay County; Mrs. Rebecca Gaines, Washington towTiship; James, Washington township; and Thomas J., the subject of this sketch.

Thomas J. Holt attended the public schools and at the early age of fifteen years began to do for himself. He went to work by the month, receiving only thirteen dollars a month for the first year and was thus employed for six years, or until he was about twenty-one years old. During the last few years he received eighteen dollars a month. He saved his earnings and began farming for himself. In 1882, he bought a farm of 133 acres in Fishing River township which he later sold and bought his present place of 112 acres which has since been his home. He carries on general farming, cattle raising and feeding. He feeds cattle and hogs for the market and has found this business to be very profitable. He is the owner of a good farm and has met with uniform success.

Mr. Holt was married in 1874, to Miss Hari'iet King, a daughter of Richard and Ann King, both deceased. Richard King sensed in the Confederate army under Gen. Sterling Price and was in the sendee until the close of the war. Mrs. Holt died in 1906.

To Thomas J. Holt and wife were born the following children : Gertrude, maiTied Judge J. B. Minter, of Fishing River township; Ernest, married Maud Gow, a daughter of James Gow, of Washington township; Berae, maiTied Dr. J. F. Grace, of Excelsior Springs; Harry, married Leta Means, of Paradise, Missouri; King, married Margaruite Morse, of Excelsior Springs; and Violet, resides at home. Mr. Holt has the follow- ing grandchildren: Virgie Minter, who is now the wife of Edwin Pixlee; Raymond Minter, and Loraine Holt. He has two great grandchildren, Virginia Ann Pixlee and Raymond Minter.

James Moore Hart, a substantial citizen of Fishing River township, who is a successful fanner and stockman, is a native of Clay County and a descendant of Colonial ancestors. He was born in Fishing River township, June 13, 1846, and is a son of John and Margaret (Nelson) Hart.

John Hart was bom in Orange County, North Carolina, in 1797 and came to Clay County in 1837 and settled on the fai-m which is now owned by James Moore Hart. He died here January 5, 1880. His wife was born in Guilford County, North Carolina, June 28, 1812, and died June 18, 1880 and she and her husband are buried on the home place.

John Hart was a son of Stephen and Catherine (Moore) Hart, who were the parents of four daughters and two sons. Stephen Hart was a son of James and Nellie Hart, who settled in Orange County, North Carolina, before the Revolutionary War.

James Moore Hart was reared on the home place in Fishing River township and has made farming and stock raising his principal occupation since boyhood. He cames on general farming and raises sheep, hogs and cattle extensively. His fami consists of 303 V2 acres. The residence is located on an elevation from which the view is unobstructed for miles and it is one of the attractive places of the county. The soil is productive and fertile and the drainage is good and the place possesses all the advantageous features of a splendid farm.

James Moore Hart was married to Sarah F. Summers whose parents came from North Carolina in the pioneer days and settled on the place which Mr. Hart now owns. To Mr. and Mrs. Hart were bom the following children: Norma, married Hugh Pixlee, of Liberty; James Moore, Jr., married Delia Binder, Excelsior Springs; Bertha, married Roy Atkins; Thomas Benton; Ruth, married Lewis Lancaster; Noah, married Jeanie Calville ; Lawrence, on the home place ; Frances Catherine, Thelma. Mrs. Hart died in 1915.

Mr. Hart is a progressive citizen and takes a commendable interest in public affairs. The Hart family is well kno\\Ti and stands high in Clay County.

Adoniran Judson Watkins, a large land owner in Washington township, who has been successfully engaged in farming and stock-raising in this township for a number of years, is a native of Clay County. He was born in Washington township, December 24, 1856, a son of Waltus L. and Mary Ann (Hollaway) Watkins. A more extensive history of the Watkins family appears in this volume in connection with the sketch of John H. Watkins.

Adoniran Judson Watkins was one of a family of eleven children born to his parents of whom the following are living: George Spencer, who is now eighty-three years old, resides at Jeffries, Montana; John H., a sketch of whom appears in this volume, lives on the old home place in Washington township; Martha Ann, married M. D. Scruggs, and is a widow living in Kansas City, Missouri; W. J., Craig, Colorado; Caroline E., resides on the old home place with her brother, John; Adoniran Judson, the subject of this sketch; and Joe B. lives on the home place in Washington township.

Adoniran J. Watkins was reared on the home place in Washington towTiship and attended William Jewell College, and later took a course in Bryant and Stratton's Business College at St. Louis. He began working in his father's woolen mill between his school terms, when he was thirteen years old and continued to assist in the mill at times until 1892. In 1888, he moved to his farm in Washington township, where he has since carried on farming and stock raising. He owns a well improved farm of 440 acres. He continues to operate his farm, although he has resided in Lawson since 1908, where he is the owner of a nice residence.

Mr. Watkins was married December 10, 1884, to Miss Margaret Jane Smith, of Ray County, Missouri. She is a daughter of W. W. and Sallie (Miles) Smith, natives of North Carolina and Kentucky, respectively. Mr. Smith was one of the wealthiest men of Ray County. To Mr. and Mrs. Watkins have been bom the following children: Mary M., married D. S. Boyd, of New York City; Caroline Miles, married R. E. Ham, of Denver, Colorado ; Virginia J., a student in Rockford College, at Rockford, Illinois, and Augusta Joan, at home.

Mr. Watkins is a Democrat and a member of the Baptist Church, and Mrs. Watkins and all the children belong to the Presbyterian Church. Mr. Watkins is a Knight Templar Mason and a member of the Mystic Shrine, Ararat Temple. Kansas City, Missouri, and is one of the oldest members of that Shrine. He is a well-to-do and substantial citizen.

Dr. Enoch Hutchinson Miller, a prominent physician and surgeon of Liberty, Missouri, is a native of Clay County and a member of one of the pioneer families of this section of the state. He was bom at Liberty, August 8. 1851, a son of Madison and Ann (Arthur) Miller.

Madison Miller was bom in Berkley County, Virginia, and when a young man came to Clay County and engaged in the mercantile business at Liberty. He carried on an extensive business in the early days and furnished a great many supplies for the govemment at Ft. Leavenworth. His store was located where the Commercial Bank of Liberty now stands and he had one of the first safety vaults in the county in this building. This vault was used as a common depositoiy by the settlers for miles around. They brought their money here, for safety, in shot sacks and other bags of various kinds. Madison Miller was the first mayor of the town of Liberty. He was a director in the old Liberty Savings Association and also one of the first trustees of William Jewell College. He died at the age of sixty-eight years.

Ann (Arthur) Miller, mother of Doctor Miller, was a native of Kentucky and a daughter of Michael Arthur, who came from Kentucky to Clay County and was one of the pioneer settlers here. He was prominent in the affairs of his time and was one of the directors of the Liberty Savings Association. He had the contract for building a railroad from Cameron to Kansas City, Missouri, but on account of the Civil war coming on at that time the railroad was not built then.

To Madison and Ann (Arthur) Miller were bom the following children: Mary, married William Anderson, and they are both deceased; Arthur, was associated with his father in business and died when a young man; James Madison, was an officer in the United States Navy, was captain of the Merrimac which was sunk by Hobson to obstruct Santiago Harbor, and later Captain Miller was promoted to the rank of admiral and is now deceased; William, died at about the age of eight years; Dr. Enoch H., the subject of this sketch; Mattie. married Rev. Washington Peace, a Baptist minister of Kansas City, Missouri, who is now deceased ; and Dora B.. married John M. Newelee. a sketch of whom appears in this volume.

Dr. Enoch H. Miller received his preliminary education in the public schools of Liberty and then entered William Jewell College, where he was graduated in the class of 1872 with the degree of Bachelor of Art. He then entered the Washington Medical University, at St. Louis, Missouri, and was graduated with the degi-ee of Doctor of Medicine, in 1874. Later he took post graduate work in New York, Philadelphia and Chicago. Doctor Miller engaged in the practice of his profession immediately upon graduating from medical college in 1874, and for the past forty-six years has been thus engaged in Liberty and Clay County. He is an able physician and during the course of his professional career he has lead a busy life and had a large practice. He has never ceased to be a student and has ever been active in medical associations and other movements for the advancement of the science of medicine and surgeiy. He is a member of the State and American Medical Association and has served as president of the State Medical Association. He was a delegate from Missouri to the National Convention of the American Medical Association at Atlantic City and also at San FYancisco.

Doctor Miller was united in marriage in 1876 with Miss Belle Wymore and two children have been born to this union, as follows: James Allen Miller, who was a graduate of William Jewell College, and was with the Union National Bank at Kansas City, Missouri, for several years, was burned to death in the Mark Twain Hotel fire at Hannibal, Missouri, when he was twenty-six years of age, and Cathryne, married Mr. Julian, a consulting engineer for a mining corporation at Piedmont, California. To Mr. and Mrs. Julian have been born one son, John Gordon Julian, age seven years.

Doctor Miller takes a keen interest in the welfare of the public schools and the advancement of education. He has been a member of the Liberty School Board for the past fifteen years and is now president of that organization. He has served on the State School Board Association for four years, and has recently been appointed by President Wilson a member of a committee to invite closer co-operation between the State Teachers' Association and the medical profession for the promotion of better health conditions in the public schools.

Doctor Miller is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Phi Gamma Delta College Fraternity, being a charter member of the latter organization. He is a director of the Citizens Bank of Liberty and ranks as one of the first citizens of Clay County.

Ernest L. Capps, one of the foremost breeders not only of Clay County, but of the State, has within a few years, won a wide reputation for the excellence of his stock, and is knowTi as a leading breeder of pure bred Big Bone Poland China hogs. Mr. Capps is a native of Clay County,

Ellis Capps was also bom in Gallatin township, a son of John Q. Capps, a very early pioneer settler of Clay County. Ellis Capps was a farmer and stock raiser in Clay County all his life. He died in 1896, and his i-emains are buried in Little Shoal cemetery. Gertrude (Holt) Capps was also born in Gallatin township, a daughter of William H. and Madeline (Pence) Holt, early pioneer settlers of Clay County, who came from Tennessee. Mrs. Capps now resides in Liberty and is seventy-seven years old.

Ernest L. Capps was the only child bom to his parents. He attended the public schools of Clay County and was graduated from the Liberty High School in the clas.'s of 1907. He lived with his grandparents for fifteen years and since early boyhood has had a natural tendency to the live stock and breeding industry. In 1910 he began breeding pure bred Big Bone Tj^pe Poland China Hogs and pure bred cattle, but since 1918 he has devoted his attention, exclusively, to breeding hogs and he has met with unusual success in this field of endeavor and the product of his breeding pens find a ready market over a broad scope of the country, and some of the most discriminating stockmen of the country are numbered among his customers.

Mr. Capps has one of the most valuable herds of pure bred registered Big Bone Poland China Hogs to be found in the country. He usually' keeps on hand from 150 to 200 and holds two sales each year and has buyers from practically every state in the Union. He is a regular exhibitor at the local and State fairs where the excellence of his stock meets with well merited recognition. "Liberty Big Jones" and "Liberty Buster," two of the most valuable male hogs of the countiy, head his herd.

Mr. Capps' breeding farm adjoins the city limits of Liberty on the south and consists of thirty-seven acres, and this plant with its equipment is easily worth $50,000.00. The place is well improved and the buildings are of a substantial character and conveniently arranged for the care of these valuable animals, all buildings are electric lighted and supplied wth city water. The farm residence is a neat modem bungalow and everything about the place presents an attractive appearance.

Mr. Capps is one of the best posted breeders in the country and an authority on this subject. He is a special representative of the "American Breeder" as a feature writer. He has an extensive acquaintance throughout the country and is a substantial and enterprising citizen.

Joseph M. Elgin, the present sheriff of Clay County, has many years to his credit as a capable and efficient peace officer. He was born in Putman County, Indiana, although he has spent practically all his life in this section of Missouri, coming to Clay County with his parents when he was two years old. He was bom January 27, 1851, a son of G. S. and Mary (Tatman) Elgin, both natives of Kentucky, the former of George and the latter of Montgomery County. They were married at Sharpsburg, Kentucky, and shortly afterwards removed to Indiana, and in 1853 came to Missouri and settled on a farm in Fishing River township, Clay County. Later they removed to Platte County, where the father died in 1865. The mother sui-vived him many years. She died February 4. 1904. The following cliildren were born to G. S. and Mary (Tatman) Elgin: Joseph M., the subject of this sketch; Maiy, married Ed Miller, Platte County; William A., Platte County; James W., Maysville, Kentucky; Samuel G., Douglass County, Missouri; John, died in infancy; Robert C, Platte County, Missouri.

Sheriff Elgin was reared on a farm and educated in the public schools. He engaged in farming in early life and continued that occupation until 1900, when he was elected sheriff of Platte County. He took this office Januai-y 1, 1901, serving four years. Prior to that time, he had served as deputy sheriff of Platte County for twelve years and he had also served as constable of Fair township, Platte County, for seven years. While sheriff of Platte County he was also engaged in the hardware and implement business for three years, and for a time dealt in horses and was engaged in that business in Excelsior Springs from 1906 until 1911, when he was elected chief of police of Excelsior Springs. He sei-ved in that capacity until January 1, 1921. On August 3, 1920, he received the Democratic nomination for sheriff of Clay County over six opponents and was elected to that office without opposition. He is a capable and conscientious officer and has won a well-merited reputation for doing his duty without fear or favor.

Sheriff Elgin was married at Sharpsburg, Kentucky, November 22, 1881, to Miss Fannie W. DeJarnette, of Bourbon County, Kentucky. Her parents died when she was two years old. Mrs. Elgin passed to the better life, November 14, 1917, at Excelsior Springs, Missouri. To Mr. and Mrs. Elgin were born four children : first died in infancy ; William T., manager for a telephone company at Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; Joseph W., in the transfer business at Kansas City, Missouri; and Leila, now deputy sheriff under her father, the first lady deputy sheriff ever to serve in Clay County, resides at home.

William Dallas Creason, proprietor of the "White Lily Daiiy Farm," is an extensive land owner in Fishing River township and one of the leading dairjTnen of Clay County. He was born in Clinton County, Missouri, March 16, 1891, a son of E. W. and Anna B. (Rhodus) Creason.

E. W. Creason was also born in Clinton County, Missouri, and his father, Anderson Creason, was a native of Missouri. E. W. Creason now makes his home with his children in Maysville, Missouri. His mother bore the maiden name of Rosanna Robinson and she, too, was a native of this State. Anna B. (Rhodus) Creason was born in Clinton County, Missouri, a daughter of Overton Rhodus.

To E. W. and Anna B. (Rhodus) Creason were born the following children: William Dallas, the subject of this sketch; Reed, whose present address is unknown; Dorsey, mamed James Redding, Union Star, Missouri ; Dean, Kearney, Missouri ; Nena, mairied Wiley Smith, Kearney, Missouri. Dean and Nena are twins.

William Dallas Creason was educated at Lawson and in the Liberty High School. After his marriage he engaged in farming on rented land and two years later bought seventy-six acres. This was in 1914, and in 1917, he bought forty acres more, thirty-seven acres in 1918, and in 1919 he bought 167 acres, making a total of 320 acres in his home place, and ninety acres near Mosby. He has four sets of fann buildings on his land and devotes special attention to dairying. He keeps about forty cows and employs three men the year round. He has made numerous and substantial improvements and has under way the carrying out of further plans which, when completed, will make of "White Lily Dairy Farm," one of the ideal dairy farms of the countiy.

Mr. Creason was married January, 1913, to Miss Martha B. Hall, a daughter of Lee P. and Ida (Burton) Hall, of Kearney, Missouri. Mrs. Creason is one of five children born to her parents, the others being as follows: Mary, married Ballard Candler; Lonedia married Reed Creason, and Hazel, at home with her parents; and Clarence, Keai-ney, Missouri.

Aubrey H. Coston, a well known and enterprising farmer of Fi.shing River township, was born in Jackson County, Missouri, February 8, 188B, and is a son of William and Lucinda (Canady) Coston. The mother died in 1889, and the father in 1886, leaving Aubrey H. Coston and his brother, Tony Coston, orphans at an early age. Tony Coston is now a captain in the United States Amiy in the Signal Corps service and at present is stationed at Camp Lewis, Washington. He has been in the United States Army for twenty-two years, since the Spanish-American War. He served with distinction in the World War and for eighteen months was in France and with the Army of Occupation in Germany.

After the death of his parents, Aubrey H. Coston, who was only three years old when his father died, and six when his mother died, went to live with Joseph Pettigrew and wife, whose home was in Fishing River township, and was cared for and reared and educated by them. Joseph T. Pettigrew died at Excelsior Springs at the age of sixty-five years and his widow now resides in Excelsior Springs. They were the parents of one daughter, Mrs. B. B. Petty.

Aubrey H. Coston was educated in the public schools in Fishing River township and the Kearney High School. He was reared on a farm and after he grew to manhood he engaged in farming on his own account. He is the owner of eighty-five acres of valuable land in Fishing River township, which is one of the productive farms of that section of the county. He can-ies on general farming and has been successful in his undertaking. His place is well improved. In 1918, he built a six-room bungalow which is one of the pretty homes in that vicinity. His place is located six miles west of Excelsior Springs.

Mr. Coston was married September 26. 1906, to Miss Mabel Riley, a daughter of William Matt and Mollio (Shouse) Riley. Mrs. Coston is a granddaughter of Captain John Shouse, a Clay County pioneer and a Mexican War veteran. She is a native of Clay County and was reared

Archibald Logan Darby was one of the early pioneer settlers of this section of Missouri. He came to Clay County in 1830. and about 1835 he sett,ed near Antioch Church and spent the remainder of his life in that locality He died October 14, 1881. He was prominent in the pioneer life of Clay County and was a man who was ^videiv known for his mtegrity and sterling worth.

Archibald Logan Darby married Melinda Moore. She was a grand daughter of Andrew Robertson. Sr.. who was a soldier in the Revolutionary War. and came to Clay County, Missouri, in 1820. He was well-to do and brought with him his negi-oes and herds when he settled in Clav County on what was later known as the John . Lightbunie fam He served m the Continental Army under General Greene, and was at the battle of Gudford Court House and was ^.ith General Washington at the Siege of Yorktown. He was a native of North Carolina and removed from hat State to Wilson County. Tenne.ssee, in 1798, and came from there to Clay County, in 1820. He died here Mav 23. 1837 J J Moore and Eli Murry, Mexican War veterans whose portraits appear 'in this volume, were cousins of Melinda (Moore) Darby

(McIrJl n"T'"^ If^"""' ^'''' ^^"^ *" ""''^'^^^^ Logan and Melinda (Moore) Darby: Mary Ann, married Zattu Todd and died in 1872- Eleanor C., married William Kelsey. was the mother of A. L. Kelsey of Gallatin to.mship, and died in 1886; Robertson Warwick, further mention of whom .. made below; James William, who served in the Confederate Ai-my under Colonel Dougherty and died in 1867; Lon. was bom in 1844, was first married in 1878 to Callie Collins, who died leaving no children, and he was again married November 20. 1890. to Bettie Dale

Robertson Warwick Darby, son of Archibald Logan and Melinda (Moore) Darby, was born in Clay County, one-half mile west of Antioch Church in August, 1839. He was reared in Clay County and was engaged in fanning and stock raising throughout his active career. He served in the Home Guards during the Civil War. He was a Democi-at, a member of the Masonic Lodge and the Christian Church.

Robertson Warwick Darby was united in marriage in 1865 with Martha Ellen Todd, a daughter of Zattu Todd and a granddaughter of Judge Benjamin Ricketts, a Kentuckian who settled in Gallatin to\vnship in 1831. To Robertson Warwick and Martha Ellen (Todd) Darby was born one daughter, Anna Ellen, who was married to Thomas S. Harrison, July 7, 1915.