Clay County, Missouri - Biographical sketches, 1920 (part 3 of 10)

^October 1 1887, C>aais D. Wilson was married to Miss Mary Johnson a daughter of William and Hannah (Bamhart) Johnson, both of whom are now deceased. William Johnson was born in Piqua County. Ohio, September 27, 1822, and died February 21, 1900; his .af e was born June 1, 1832, and died June 15, 1897, and their remains are buned in the cemetery at ParkviUe, Missouri. They came from Colorado m 1896 and settled at Parkville. Mrs. Wison was bom in Tippecanoe County, Indiana, October 1 1858. She is one of the following children bom to her parents: J B lives in Colorado; C. E., deceased; Mrs. Anna E. Allen, deceased; Mrs' Cyrus D. Wilson, of this review; Mrs. Martha H. Reed, lives in Nebraska; John H., Hiattville, Kansas; Frank L., Denver, Colorado; W. C Topeka, Kansas; Lucius O., Parkville, Missouri; Mrs. Fannie Anders. Fi^esno, California; and Mrs. Etna Sayres, Seattle, Washington.

To Mr and Mrs. Wilson have been born the follo^ving children: Mabel, married J. M. Anders, Parkville, Missouri; William H., Nashua, Missouri, married Miss Beryl Clardy, of Nashua; Frank 0., married Pearl Pratt. Nashua, Missouri; and Ethel, resides at home with her parents. There are five grandchildren in the Wilson family, as follows: Inez, William Frank, and Wilbur Wilson Anders; and Virginia Kathryn and DeForest Leon Wilson.

William Newton Winn, now deceased, was an early settler in Clay County and a member of one of the early pioneer families of this part ot the state He was bom in Mercer County, Kentucky, in 1832 and died December 2. 1902. He was a son of Willis H. and Elizabeth Shipp (Brasfield) Winn. ^ ^ ,^. _.

Willis H Winn was bom in Kentucky in 1796. He .came to Missoui. and entered government land in Howard County, in 1827, and the government land patent, signed by President J. Q. Adams, is still in the posses- sion of the Winn family. In 1850, Willis H. Winn came to Clay County with his family and settled in Gallatin township, where he bought a section of land which had been formerly owned by the Young-ers. Cole Younger's wife, Eleanor Younger, and her child are buried on°this place. Willis H. Winn was engaged in farming here until the time of his death in 1869. His wife died here March 1, 1875.

Willis H. Winn and his first wife were the parents of one child, Waller, born January 18, 1818, and died at the age of eighty-six years.' The following children were bom to the second union: William Newton, the subject of this sketch; George W., married Annie E. Nail; James B.,'died at the age of twenty-seven years ; Willis W. ; Bettie Roy, who married W. D. Oldham, died in 1871 ; and Mildred Alice, married James D. Wason and died in 1890.

William Newton Winn came to Clay County, Missouri, from California, in 1856, and at his father's death inherited a part of the Winn homestead In 1850, he crossed the plains and went to California, where he remained until 1856. In 1874, he went to Carroll County, but returned to the old homestead eleven years later and remained here, engaged in farming and stock raising until his death.

On October 9, 1872, ^^llliam Newton Winn was married to Geraldine Compton. She was the fourth of nine children born to James H. and Mar>' A. Compton. The Compton family is of English descent and Mrs. Winn's mother was of Scotch ancestry.

The Winns have been interested in stock raising for twenty-five years. In 1896, William Newton Winn and his son. Frank D., began breeding registered Poland China hogs and this partnership continued until the father's death. In 1901, Frank D. Winn formed a partnership with Thomas H. Mastin, of Mastin. Kansas. Mr. Mastin died in 1905 and smce that time, Mr. Winn has been in business alone, although at intervals of a few years at a time he has not been engaged in the breeding business.

Winnwood Beach, the well known outing resort which is located between Kansas City and Liberty, is on the Winn farm and is one of the favonte bathing, boating and fishing resorts within close proximity to Kansas City. This is an ideal place for bathing, fishing and general recreation. There are several lakes on the place which aggregate about

Henry Kimbrell, a Civil War veteran, now residing at Belleview Station, Clay County, has been a resident of Mussoun smce 1874^ He was born in Estill County, Kentucky. March 18. 1844. and .s^a ^o.. o W -md Lavinia (Bragg) Kimbrell, the former a native of North Carolma :fd theTtte/of Kentucky, lliey both spent their lives in Kentucky and

Zry Kimbrell was still a youth when the ^-11 War broke out. and in August 1861, he enlisted in the Union ai-my m Powell County Kenucky H; became a member of Company E, Fourth Kentucky Infantxx vhfch was attached to the Second Brigade, Third D---'^^^^-'^;^^ Army Corps, Department of Cumberland, under command of Gen. Geoige H Thomas. Mr- Kimbrell was first sent to Camp Robmson, Kentucky. He took part in a number of important engagements and many sku-nushes. fnclulg Lookout Mountain and Missionary Ridge which were fought on November 24-25, 1863. He was in the battle of Mill- Sprmgs Kentucky. Stone Rver. Temiessee. Chickamauga, Georgia, and Shiloh. He was captured at East Point Georgia, in 1864. and sent to AndersonvUle pnson Ire he was kept from July 21st until September 16th^ f ^'^^ ^ '^^ transferred to Camp Lowden prison, and from there to ^har estc^., Sou^^^^ Carolina; then to Florence, South Carolina, and from there to Gold.bug North Carolina, where he was paroled. He was mustered out of -seiv ce at Macon. Georgia. August 17. 1865 and received his discharge at Loui.-

""\fte"rTlfe'close of the war. Mr. Kimbrell -turned to Kentucky, and was engaged in farming in Montgomery County until 1874. He then Tme to Missouri, and first located in Macon County. Eighteen moiiths later, he went to Audrain County and afterwards lived in Chariton, tar-

I'oll, and Platte Counties. In 1887, he came to Clay County where he lived until 1913, making his home near Smithville. He then removed to Liberty township and since thai time has lived with his son, Otis Kimbrell.

Henry Kimbrell was married September 18, 1868 in Powell County, Kentucky, to Miss Elizabetii Anderson, a daughter of iVIeredith and Delilah (Johnson) Anderson. She was born in Clark County, Kentucky. To Mr. and Mrs. Kimbrell have been t>orn the following children: Anna, married Ed. Smith, Linden, Missouri; Ella, married Frank McClary, Smithville, Missouri ; Came, died in Chariton County at the age of three years; Otis, further mention of whom is made in this sketch; and Dollie.

Otis Kimbrell, the only son of Henry Kimbrell, was educated in the public schools of Smithville, Missouri, and was engaged in farming and .stock raising until 1913. Since that time he has followed carpenter work and building. He owns a pleasant home at Belleview Station where he has a small, although valuable, fruit farm, where he raises apples, peaches and ben-ies. He is also successfully engaged in laising standard bred White Leghorn chickens.

Thoma.s Benton Rogers, Jr., a successful farmer and stfjckman of Gallatin township, is a native of Clay County. He was born on the place where he now resides, November 20, 1890, and is a son of Thomas Benton, Sr., and Nannie (Asher) Rogers.

Thomas Benton Rogers, Sr., was born in Tennessee in 1834, and was brought to Clay County, Missouri, by his parents when he was three years old. He was a son of David S. Rogers who settled in Gallatin township, on the place near where the Rogers family now reside. David S. Rogers spent the remainder of his life here, after settling in Clay County and is buried in Crowley cemetei'y.

Thomas Benton Rogers, Sr., was county surveyor of Clay County for over twenty years. He died in 1908, and his widow now resides on the home place with her son, Thomas B., Jr. Thomas Benton Rogers, Jr., was the only child bom to his parents. One child was bom to a fomier marriage of Thomas Benton Rogers, Sr., Florinda, who maiTied W. M. Leitch, of Kansas City, Missouri.

Thomas Benton Rogers, Jr., was reared and educated in Clay County and has made farming and stock rai.sing his occupation. He i-aises sheep extensively, giving special attention to this branch of animal husbandrj' and usually keeps about 500 head or more. The Rodgers home place consists of 212 acres which Mr. Rogers operates himself, and he owns another farm of 160 acres which he rents.

Rogers Climax Spring, which is located on the Rogers place, is becoming widely known as a mineral water of merit and is becommg very popular A chemical analysis of this water shows that it is a moderately alkaline chalybeate water of value; the amount of iron it contains is large enough to give it its special characteristic, while each one ot the other constituents increases its therapeutic vhtues. The sihca, though - reported as such, is probably in combination v^^th one of the alkalies and the amount of carbonic acid is large.

Thomas B Rogers, Jr., was married August 31, 1910 to Miss Pear! Griffing, a daughter of John and Sallie (Hines) Griffing, of Liberty Missouri former residents of Caldwell County, Missouri. To Mr. and Mrs. Rogers have been bom two children: Flora Belle and Merie Bermce.

Thomas C. Gordon, deceased, was a pioneer settler of Clay County, and during the course of his career was prominently identified with the early development and progress of this county. He was a native of Kentucky and was reared and educated in that state. He was married there July 25 1830, to Miss Charlotte Grigsby, and in 1834. with his wile and two children, came to Clay County, Missouri, and settled in the then unbroken wilderness, eight miles northwest of Liberty, and here spent the remainder of his life. He became an extensive farmer and stock raiser and also bought and sold cattle. He became a large land ov^mer and was well-to-do at the time of his death, leaving each of his children a fann He took an active part in and was prominent in public affairs, and represented Clay County in the State Legislature several tei-ms, and was a member of that body at the time of his death. , , ,^

Thomas C. and Chariotte (Grigsby) Gordon were Hie parents of the following children: William F., born in Kentucky, June 24, 1831 ; Mary C bom in Kentucky, May 9, 1833, married James M. Clay; John Lewis, bora in Clay County, Missouri, March 30, 1835; Sarah F., born in Clay County. Missouri, April 2, 1837; Catherine M., bora m Clay County. Missouri, July 28, 1839, married A. B. Jones, and died J^""^ ^4 1920 , ^rzelia, bora in Clay County, Missouri, April 6, 1841, married William M.

Thomas C. Gordon

All of the above members of the Gordon family are deceased except Sarah F., who was married to Dr. Isaac Newton Greene, in 1869. He was a native of Bourbon County, Kentucky, and came to Missouri shortly after the Civil War and was engaged in the practice of medicine here about ten years, and is now deceased. Mrs. Greene resides on East Kansas street, where she has a comfortable home, and she has resided there for the past thirty-one years. She was educated in the schools of Liberty, and practically all of her life has been spent here. She still owns the farm which was left to her by her father at his death. She is a member of the Christian Church, as were her parents before her. She is one of the interesting pioneer women of Clay County.

Charlotte (Grigsby) Gordon died in Clay County September 8, 1848, and in 1850 Thomas C. Gordon was married to Mrs. Emily J. Adams, a widow. She had one son by her foimer marriage, Eugene B. Adams, who married Miss Mattie Drake, and they had three .sons, all of whom are now living on the old Gordon. home farm in Platte township.

George Thomas Compton, of Gallatin township, is a representative of one of the prominent old pioneer families of Clay County. He is a son of James Howard and Mary Ann (Wirt) Compton.

James Howard Compton was a native of Virginia, born in Prince William County in 1815. He came to Platte County, Missouri, in 1834, and for a number of years was engaged in the mercantile business at Platte City. He crossed the plains, following the Santa Fe Trail to Santa Fe, New Mexico, in 1846, or 1847, hauling govenmient supplies for the United States army during the Mexican War. He removed from Platte County to Clay County and for a number of years lived on a farm near Liberty. Later he removed to "Oak Ridge Farm", a name which he gave the place and which has since been the family home.

Mary Ann (Wirt) Compton was born in Shelby County, Kentucky, in 1820, and died in Clay County in 1895; she and her husband who died in 1878, are buried in the William Jewell College Hill cemetery. She was a daughter of George Wirt who came from Kentucky to Missouri in 1833. His wife bore the maiden name of Sallie Redrick, and they were both natives of Virginia and at an early day went from A'irpinia to Kentucky and fi-om there came to Missouri. On their way fi-om Virginia to Kentucky thoy stopped to cai'e for the sick wife of one of their cousins, named Reddish. They remained with and cai-ed for tlie woman until she died. They then took her five motherless boys with them on their journey to Kentucky. They reared and oducitod tho.-e live lx)ys. all of whom becamt^ prominent professional men in Kentucky.

To James Howard and IMary Ann (Wirt) Compton were born the following children: George Thomas Compton, Emma L. Compton, Anna Compton, who married D. J. Coon ; and Kosji Compton, who married S. I.. Fugitt all of whom reside at "Oak Ridge Farm", and Helen, the widow of W. D. Oldham of Kansjxs City, ^lissouri : and Geraldino, widow of William Newton Winn. Those deceased are Sarah A. Compton. Evelyn Compton, and Rettie, who married James M. ^^'eems.

The Compton children were all educated in a private sclu>ol which was kno\\^l as Sugar Tree Grove Academy, which was an advanced institution, having two very competent teachers.

The residence of "Oak Ridge Fami" is one of the interesting historic old buildings of the county. The original structure was built in 1829 or 1830. It was constructed of oak and walnut logs, on the plan of the one and one-half story pioneer home of those early days. It was remodeled in the fifties and slieeted. or sided with walnut siding, which were sawed on the place. The original building was a four room structure, but six rooms have been added. There were originally three tire places and in the course of remodeling and enlarging the old home, another fireplace has been added.

The Compton family has been identified with the development of Clay County since the pioneer days and many memories of pioneer times and early day methods cluster around tlie fireside of this honored pioneer family.

.\lbert Vest, a successful merchant of East Kansas City. Mis^ouri. is a native of Illinois. He was born at Colchester, Illinois, December 11, I860, a son of Daniel W. and Lucy Ann (Rich) \'est. both natives of Kentucky.

Daniel \\'. Vest was born in Kentucky, JIarch 1, 183^.. and now lives at Cuba, Illinois. His wife was also bom in Kentucky, May 5, 1840. and died at Colchester. Illinois in 1884. They were the parents of the fol- lowing- children: Um Anna, marrUid A. B. Mcintosh, Ottumwa, Iowa; Emma J., n'larried William Dickason, Cuba, Illinois; Mary J., married William Marten, Kenosha, Wisconsin ; and Albert, the subject of this sketch.

Albeii. Vest was reared at Colchester, Illinois, and attended the public schools there as did his sisters. In early life, he followed the vocation of coal mining and later he was engaged in farming. In 1890, he came to Missouii and .settled at Randolph, Clay County. Here he bought some property and for twelve years was rural mail carrier out of Randolph. October 22, 1919, Mr. Vest purchased his present mercantile business and since that time he has conducted a general store at East Kiinsas City. He carries a very complete line of general merchandise and has an extensive patronage.

November 1, 1892, Albert Vest was married to Fannie Daw.son of Randolph, Missouri. She is the daughter of W. H. and Anna J. (Robinson) Dawson. W. H. Dawson was a native of Virginia and an early settler in Clay County ; he spent the latter part of his life here. He died in 1904, at the age of seventy-five years. His wife was a native of Kentucky and they were married in that state. She died in 1914, and their remains are buried in the Crowley cemetery. Mrs. Vest is one of the following children bom to her parents: Addie, married W. N. Lyles, of Kan.sa3 City, Mis.souri ; Anna, married Benjamin Cazzell, of Kansas City, Kansas; Luther, lives at Winnwood, Missouri; Beauregard. Kansas City, Missouri ; and Mrs. Vest.

To Mr. and Mrs. Albert Vest have been bom the follov/ing chUdren: Bernard, married Elizabeth Smith, Lathrop, Missouri; Irene, married M. L. McFanen and died in 1918, at the age of twenty-one years, being a victim of the "flu" epidemic of that year ; Dewey and Eloise at home with their parents. Mr. and Mrs. Vest have two grandchildren. Jack Vest and Vol G. McFairen.

Colonel Doniphan Wymore, of Liberty U^Avnship, is a successful farmer and stockman and one of the v.'ell known breeders of Clay County. He is a native of this county and war, bom about one and one-half miles south of Liberty, on what is now the Bell farm, November 26, 1874. He is a .son of George W. and Sallie (Turner) Wymore.

George W. Wymore was born near Lexington, Kentucky, in 1829, and came to Clay County, Missouri, with his parents in 1843. He was a son of Samuel Wymore, who, upon coming to Clay County in the above mentioned year, settled south of Liberty on the place that is now owned by John Conley. Samuel Wymore and wife spent the remainder of their lives in Clay County after coming here and their remains are buried in a private burial ground on the Conley place.

George W. Wymore was well known as the most successful horse and mule breeder of his time in Clay County. He raised and sold more high class horses than any other man during his active career. He died in Liberty township, March 12, 1909, at the age of eighty-four years, and his wife departed this life July 17, 1917, in her eighty-fourth year.

George W. Wymore and wife were the parents of the following children: John, Craig, Colorado; Walter, San Francisco, California; Thomas, Grandview, Missouri ; Andrew P., Randolph, Missouri ; Lila, married John Donaldson, Liberty, Missouri ; Bessie, Chicago, Illinois ; Mattie, Kansas City, Missouri ; Colonel Doniphan, the subject of this sketch ; Nannie, married Ade Arnold and died at Liberty in 1907; Oscar was killed by a bull in 1899; Charles died in 1911, at the age of fifty-six years.

Colonel D. Wymore was reared in Liberty township and since early life, like his father before him, he has given special attention to breeding high class mules, in connection with general farming and other stock raising. He usually keeps on hand between ten and twenty head of mules and is recognized as one of the breeders of high class mules of the state. Some of his animals are usually exhibited at the Missouri State Fair and other fairs with satisfactory results. The Wymore farm contains 160 acres of well improved land and is located five miles south of Liberty on the Birmingham road. It is a well improved place and is conveniently arranged for stock raising and general farming. The place is supplied by water pumped to a tank by a hydraulic ram and distributed from there by gravity to various points of convenience.

Colonel D. Wymore was man-ied June 22, 1898, to Miss Fannie Ligon, a daughter of Benjamin Ligon and wife, who were early settlers in Clay County and now deceased. Further history concerning the Ligon family will be found in connection with the sketch of Charles L. Ligon in this volume. To Mr. and Mrs. Wymore have been bom four children, as follows: Harold, Frances, Doniphan and George W., all residing at home with their parents.

James Hughes, now deceased, was an early settler in Clay County and for many years, during his active career, was prominently identified with the development of southera Clay County; three generations of the Hughes family have been worthy citizens of this county. James Hughes was bom in Providence, Rhode Island, in 1837, and died at his home in Clay County, July 27, 1912. He was a son of Patrick and Sarah (McGarr) Hughes.

Patrick Hughes and his wife were both natives of County Tyrone, Ireland. They were married in Providence, Rhode Island. In 1837, when James Hughes, the subject of this sketch, was an infant, his parents came west and located in Clay County. They settled on the place which is now owned by the Hughes family, near Birmingham, Patrick Hughes buying this fann from Larkin Broyles who entered the land from the government. Patrick Hughes spent the remainder of his life here and died in 1873. His wife preceded him in death a number of years, having died in 1846, leaving her husband with the care of three small children: James, the subject of this sketch; Mary, who married Thomas Ward, of Clinton County; and Sarah, who died in August, 1882, unmarried. Patrick Hughes and his wife are buried in a private cemetery on the home fann.

James Hughes was reaied on the home place, in Clay County, and educated in the pioneer schools in that vicinity. At the death of his father, he and his sister inherited the home place which consisted of eighty acres. Later he added about 300 acres to the old home place, which now constitutes the family home. He bought and sold a number of farms during the course of his career, and was a successful man of affairs. He was interested in fanning and stock raising all his life and also did some real estate business. He was a successful man in his undertakings and a dependable citizen who had a wide acquaintance and many friends.

James Hughes was married in Kansas City, Missouri, September 6, 1885, to Miss Alice Hope, a daughter of Luke and Alice (Gormley) Hope, both natives of Westmeath County, Ireland. Mr. and Mrs. Hope were married in their native land, the ceremony being performed at Mullengar, November 4, 1841, by the Reverend Bernard Masterson. Luke Hope and his wife came to America in 1842, and after a short stay in New York, settled in Clark County, Ohio, where they were living when the Civil War broke out. He enlisted in the Union army and served throughout the war and about the time the war ended, in 1865, he died in a military hospital at David's Island, in New York harbor. Some time after her husband's death, Mrs. Hope came west with her family of children and settled on a farm four miles north of Liberty, where she died February 27, 1883. Mrs. Hughes has one brother, John T. Hope, who lives in Kansas City, Missouri.

To James Hughes and wife were born four children: Joseph P., on the home farm with his mother; James L., married Miss Frances Clara Smith, of Kansas City; Charles I. and Mary A.

Joseph P. Hughes, the oldest son of James Hughes and wife, is a veteran of the World War. He enlisted in the United States army, December 7, 1917, at Kansas City, Missouri, and was sent to Jacksonville, Florida, for training. He was in the Remount Department of the army for about seven months when he was commissioned a second lieutenant. Shortly afterwards, he was sent to France with a detachment of 300 men. He was sent to the advance zone for duty with the First Army of the American Expeditionary forces and assigned to duty in the Third Corps in the Argonne. After the armistice was signed, he w-ent with the Third Army of Occupation in Gennany. He returned to Amei'ica, August 25, 1919, and received his honorable discharge after twenty-one months of service.

Mrs. Hughes and her sons have a valuable fann of about 300 acres where they are successfully engaged in cari-ying on general farming and stock raising. The Hughes place is well miproved, having a good modern residence which was built in 1912 and the other buildings about the place are of a substantial character and kept in good condition. The Hughes family is well known and highly respected in Clay County.

David Thomas Bronaugh, now deceased, was a native of Clay County and during his life time was prominently identified with the agricultural interests of this county. He was bom near Antioch church in Gallatin towiiship, April 25, 1843, and died May 15, 1914. He was a son of John and Hannah (Morton) Bronaugh, early pioneer settlers of Clay County.

tucky. In 1842 he settled in Clay County, Missouri, and at that time bought a place in Gallatin township which is now a part of the David T. Bronaugh estate. He was engaged in farming after coming to Missouri and died on his place in Gallatin township in December, 1883. His wife died June 30, 1890, and they are buried at Barry, Missouri. The children born to John and Hannah (Morton) Bronaugh were: David Thomas, the subject of this sketch; Anna, married John Park; Mary Mildred, died at the age of three years; Virginia Morton, died at the age of one year; and Fannie M., died at the age of twenty-three years. There ai-e no surviving members of the John Bronaugh family.

David Thomas Bronaugh was reared in Clay County and educated in the public schools and'William Jewell College. When the Civil War broke out he enlisted in the Confederate army in a Missouri company, under Captain McCarty. Later, he was transferred to the 16th Arkan.sas Infantry. He took part in a number of impoi*tant engagements of the Civil War and suffered many hardships and privations, common to the lot of a soldier. He was severely wounded at the battle of Corinth, Mississippi, and was left on the battle field and reported as having been killed. Federal soldieivs found him and after recovering from his wounds, he escaped but was taken prisoner again by the Federals at Port Hudson and sent to Johnson's Island as a prisoner of war. He was transferred from there and afterwards confined in other Federal prison camps, including Morris Island and Ft. Pulaski. He suffered unusual hardships while a prisoner, owing to the fact tliat he was one of si.x hundred Confederate prisoners who refused to take the oath of allegiance. While in the ai'uiy, he was commissioned a lieutenant and served as adjutant. At the close of the war, he returned to Clay County and was engaged in farming and stock raising here during the remainder of his life.

On May 18, 1871, Da\id Thomas Bronaugh was married to Miss Mary Waller, a daughter of Esme M. and -Jane (Moffett) Waller, early settlei-s of Clay County. Esme Waller was born iii eastern Maiyland and his wife was a native of Kentucky. The Waller family came from Kentucky to Missouri and after spending one winter in the vicinity of St. Louis, they settled in Saline County and after remaining there a year came to Clay County in 1855. Esme Waller died January 18, 1892 and his wife died May 26, 1893. They were the parents of the following children: Alexander H., who sei-ved as circuit judge for thirteen years and is now a prominent attorney at Moberly, Missouri ; Mrs. Mary Bro- iiaugh of this sketch; and George Cotinau Wallei-, who was bom November 30. 1850 and died June 15, 1909, sensed as county collector of Clay County for two terms and was one of the widely and fa\-orably known men of this county.

The Waller family is of Englisl'. origin and the first records we have of the family in this country appears in the church records in eastern Maryland during the sixteenth century. Esme M. Waller, Mi-s. Bronaugh's father, was a son of Eben Cotnian Waller, who was born at Somerset, Maryland, in 1771 ; his wife. Anne Waller, was Ixun in eastern Maiyland. April 12. 1782, and they moved to Kentucky in 1804.

John Esme Bronaugh attended the public schools and afterwards entered William Jewell College at Liberty where he was graduated in the class of 1894. Since that time he has been en8"aged in fanning on the home place and has won a wide reputation as a successful breeder of Shorthorn cattle. He i-aises pure bred cattle and is recognized as one of the successful breeders of the state.

David Waller Bronaugh is engaged in larming on ihe home place and is one of the successful fanners and stockmen of Clay County. He married Miss Stella Scott, a daughter of J. R. and Rosanna (Aker) Scott.

John M. Blevins. a well known and highly respected citizen of Gallatin townsliip, who is engaged in farming and stock raising on his farm, one and one-half miles northeast of Linden, is a native of Kansas. He wa.s bom in Jefferson County. Kansas. October 20, 1866. and is a son of Wilhajii and Martha (Chandler) Blevins.

William Blevins was a native of County Armagh, Ireland. He came to America in 1850 and for a time remained in Ohio, where he was employed as a locomotive fireman. He then went to Ft. Leavenworth and was engaged in freighting across the plains, and made three trips from Leavenworth to Ft. Laramie, in the capacity of wagon master with the overland wagon trains of the early days. He then took up a claim of Government land in Jefferson County. Kansas, pj-oved up on it and made his home there for the remainder of his life. He was a successful farmer and stockman and met with a reasonable degree of success. He died in

John M. Ui.Kvixs

Martha (Chandler) Blevins was born in Clay County, near what is now North Kansas City. She is a daughter of William Chandler who was one of the very early settlers of Clay County, and entered Government land in Gallatin township. He died in this township and was burled on his old home place. Mrs. Blevins now resides at Oskaloosa, Kansas.

The following children were bom to William and Martha (Chandler) Blevins: James C, Kansas City, Missouri; John M., the subject of this sketch; William, was born at Oskaloosa, Kansas, in 1861 and died there in 1918; Elizabeth, widow of E. B. Slade, of Oskaloosa, Kansas, has been engaged in teaching there for the past fifteen years; and Sarah E., married J. F Hanssen, of Gallatin township.

John M. Blevins was reared in Jefferson County, Kansas, and educated in the public schools at Oskaloosa. the Oskaloosa College and Spaldings Commercial School of Kansas City, Missouri. He was engaged in farming in Jefferson County for five j-ears and came to Clay County, locating at Linden. He bought his present place in 1896. It is a part of the old Hiram Fugitt farm and contains 120 acres. Mr. Blevins has made extensive improvements and has erected good farm buildings and made other improvements of a substantial character, and has one of the attractive places of Clay County. There are a number of natural shade trees on the place which add greatly to its comfort and general beauty, and the place slopes gently which affords natural drainage.

John M. Blevins was married January 10, 1893,. to Miss Anna Beeler, of Louisville, Kentucky, the youngest of fourteen children of Presly Beeler. Mrs. Blevins died in 1907 and is buried in Fairview cemetery at Liberty, Missouri. To John M. Blevins and wife were bom four children, as follows : Beeler, Esther M., William Edwards and Fred.

Beeler Blevins served in the Aviation Department of the United States Army during the World War. He enlisted in January, 1918, and was first sent to Ft. Wayne, near Detroit, Michigan, then to Ithaca, New York, and later to Arcadia, Florida. After the close of the war he Avas discharged, July 10, 1919, with the rank of second lieutenant. He was married May 24, 1917, to Viva Gray, of Olathe, Kansas, and they have one daughter, Helen E.

' William Edwards Blevins was one of the American boys who won a gold star with his life in the World War. He was bom July 28, 1898, and at the age of twenty he enlisted in Company B, Third Eegmient, Kansas Infantry April 4, 1917, and received his honorable discharge from the Kansas National Guard, upon entering the Federal Service, August 5 1917 He left Oskaloosa with his company September 24, 1917, for Ft Sill" Oklahoma, and went overseas with his command in April, 1918. He was killed in the battle of Argonne Forest September 28, 1918. He was a member of the Christian Church at Barry, Missouri

Fred Blevins enlisted in the United States Army in July, 1918, and was sent to Maine as a member of the Fifth Anti-Air Craft Battalion He was sent overseas in September, 1918, and remained in Fi-ance until after the armistice was signed, when he returned to the United States and received his honorable discharge. He is now in Kansas City.

John M Blevins takes an active interest in local affairs. He has served as justice of the peace of Gallatin to^^'nship since 1918. He was one of the organizers of the Bank of Linden and has been a member of the board of directors since the bank was organized. He is a member, of the Masonic Lodge, Rising Sun Lodge No. 13, Barry, Missouri; Consistory, Kansas City, Missouri; Ararat Temple, Mystic Shnne, also of Kansas City, Missouri. Mr. Blevins belongs to several lodges.

Walter Carpenter, who is successfully engaged in small fruit farming near Randolph. Missouri, is a native of Indiana. He was born near La Grange, Indiana, and was reared in Wills County of that state. His parents were Lyman and Elizabeth (Cothrell) Carpenter, both natives ot New York They were married in Michigan and aftenvards removed to Indiana and both spent their lives in that state. The father died in 1905 and the mother in 1912.

Walter Carpenter was one of ths following children born to his parents- Albert, lives in Ft. Wayne. Indiana; Charles. Ft. Wayne, Indiana; Mrs Emma Cline. Ossian, Indiana; William, died while serving in the Union army in the Civil War; Walter, the subject of this sketch; Newton. died about fifty years of age at Ossian. Indiana; Orlando, died at Oss.an. Indiana; and Frank, died in southern Missouri.

Walter Cai-penter was reared in Indiana and attended the public schools there. When he was eighteen years old. he started in life for himself and shortly aftenvards came to Clay County, Missouri, arming here in 1869. For several years, he followed saw mill work, for which he received thirty dollars a month. In 1898, he bought his present place on the river bottoms near Randolph. He met with considerable loss during the flood of 1903, much of his land being washed by the river. However, he has been successfully engaged in truck faraiing and raising small fruits, vegetables and alfalfa.

Mr. Cai-penter was married January 5, 1871, to Miss Frances Curry, a daughter of Leroy Curry, a pioneer of Clay County, further mention of whom is made in this volume in connection with the sketch of Alonzo Macken. To Mr. and Mrs. Carj^enter have been born three children as follows: Mabel, mamed Thomas Williams and they live in Los Angeles, California; William Jewell, who is employed by the Standard Oil Company at Sheffield, Missouri; Letta, married Robert Morgan, of Moscow, Missouri. One son and a daughter died in infancy. Mr. and Mrs. Carpenter have the following grandchildren: Carl, Ralph and Helen Carpenter; Lynn, Lucile, Frances, Wargaruite. and Thomas Williams; and Robert Jewell and Geneva Morgan.

, Mr and Mrs. Carpenter celebrated their golden wedding anniversary on .January 5, 1921. They are highly respected citizens and stand high in Clay County. Mr. Carpenter is a member of the Anti-Horse Thief Protective Association.

E. B. Land, a successful fanner and stockman of Liberty township, is a native of Virginia. He was bom in Hanover County, July 25, 1853, a son of William and Helen (Snead) Land. The father died in Virginia in 1858, when E. B. Land of this review was about five years old. Later E. B. Land, his mother and sister, Helen, and a cousin, Pole Binford, came to Clay County, Mis.'^ouri. This was in 1869. Helen (Snead) Land was a native of Hanover County, Virginia, and died in Burlington, Kansas, in 1884, while there visiting his daughter.

A. E. Higginson, a half brother of E. B. Land, graduated from Bethany College and when the Civil War broke out he enlisted in the Confederate army in 1861, serving throughout the war. After the war closed, he came to Missouri and settled in Platte County and taught school in Platte and Clay counties for a number of years. He died in 1916.

Liberty. E. B. Land has lived in Clay County for the past foi-ty years, with the exception of about five years when he lived near Barry in Platte County. He began fanning and stock raising in early life and has devoted himself to that vocation. For the past twenty-six years he has operated the Captain Dougherty farm in Liberty towniship as lessee. Mr. Land, with his son, Fi-ed W., also ovn\ a valuable fami of eighty aci-es in Liberty township and that place is operated by his son. He also owns residence propei-ty in Kansas City, Missouri.

September 16, 1875, E. B. Land was married to Miss Ida L. Wilson, a daughter of John and Martha (Arnold) Wilson. John Wilson was born near Barry, Clay County, in 1824. He was a son of John Wilson who was one of the first settlei-s in Clay County and entered go\ernment land here. John Wilson, Mi-s. Land's father, spent his entire life in Clay County on the place where he was born. He died in December, 1900. IMartha (Arnold) Wilson was bom in Woodford County, Kentucky, in 1830, and came to Clay County with her brother-in-law and sister. She was educated in the old college in Liberty and spent the remainder of her life in this county after coming here. She died in 1911 and she and her husband are buried in the Barry cenieterj'. They were the parents of the following children: Mrs. Elizabeth Waller, William A. Wilson, John V. Wilson, IMrs. Je.-^sie Givens, deceased ; Mrs. John Harns, deceased : and Mrs. E. B. Land, of this review.

To Mr. and Mrs. E. B. Land have been bom three children: Helen Maude, mamed C. M. Kilgore, Nashua, Missouri; Fred W., a fanner and stockman of Liberty township ; and Albert W. who is engaged in the cloth-, ing businesg at Liberty, Missouri. The following are the grandchildren of Mr. and Mrs. E. B. Land: Edwin Allen, Charles Anthony, John Barker, Helen and Mary Frances Kilgore: and Maiy Helen, Albert, Jr. and Charlotte Land.

Mr. Land is a Democrat and has been a candidate for the nomination of county assessor. He takes a commendable interest in local affairs and is public spirited and progressive.

Claude F. Knighton, an enterprising and successful merehant who has been engaged in the mercantile business at Gashland, Missouri, for the past twenty years, is a native of Clay County and a descendant of one of the pioneer families of this section of Missouri. He was bom a half mile north of Gashland, Februarj- 8, 1869, and is a son of Ezra F. and Margaret (Johnson) Knighton.

Ezra Knighton was bom in Morristown, New Jersey, May 'i, 1823, and died in Clay County in 1908, at the advanced age of eighty-five years. He came to Missouri in 1842, and settled at Parkville. He was a carpenter and worked at his trade in Platte County and was employed in the construction of the first court house in that county. His father was a native of England and settled in New Jersey at an early date.

Margaret (Johnson) Knighton was bom in Kentucky and came to Clay County with her parents at a vei-y early date in the settlement of this county. The Johnson family entered government land in Gallatin township about one-half mile north of Gashland and this land is now owned by the Knighton brothers, whose grandfather entered it from the government. Mr. Johnson spent the remainder of his life on this farm and he and his wife are buried in a private cemeteiy. Margaret (Johnson) Knighton died in 1880.

The following children were born to Ezra F. and Margaret (Johnson) Knighton: Benia, on the home place; Alice, married F. M. Williams of Barry, Missouri ; John R., a farmer and stockman, Linden, Missouri ; Charles, lives at Hampton, Missouri; Daniel C, Platte City, Missouri; Claude F., the subject of this sketch ; and William S., resides on the home place.

Claude F. Knighton was reared in Gallatin township and attended the Fair\'iew school. His brother, William S., was educated at the same school, but the older children attended school in a log school house which stood across the street from where Mr. Knighton's store i.s now located. Claude F. Knighton lx)ught a new stock of goods and engaged in the mercantile business at Gashland on April 7, 1901. His business is located in the Carpenter Building and he carries a very complete stock of general merchandise and does an extensive business. His patronage comes from a large scope of territory surrounding Gashland. During the many years he has been engaged in business here he has built a wide reputation for honesty and square dealing which has been an important factor in the development of his business. Mr. Knighton is a member of the Masonic Lodge at Barry, ha\ang been made a Mason in 1898.

P'rancis Marion William.s, is a native of Missouri and a descendant of a pioneer family of Clay and Platte counties. He was bom in Platte County, May 14, 1844, and is a son of Edward and Frances (Turner) Williams, both natives of Kentucky.

died in 1891. His ^v-ife was a native of Woodford County, Kentucky, and died in 85 and their remains are buried m Barry cemetery. They were married in Scott County, Kentucky, and came to Missoun, -ttlmg near GasTland in 1839. Shortly after coming to Missouri, Edward W.lham Id a brother chopped wood for forty cents a cord for a man who operated a di tme y Ifter they had completed their work they had to take a bar e of whisky for pay. They took the whisky home expectmg to s 11 later but they had so many visitors that winter that m the spnng the .

^'^iL^SloXg children were born to Edward and Frances (^..er, Williams: William Hemy, bom in Sco^^^^-f ' ^^'^^"^^^^^^ there- Oscar F., born in Kentucky and died m Jackson County, Kansas G^^'e Thomas, died in Salida, Colorado; Francis Marion, the subject of STs Setch; Amanda, the widow of John W. Belt, of Norbome, Missoun Adela vklow of Richard Elliott, Parkville, Missouri; Jenme, mamed Henry Wheeler, Columbia, Missouri; Edward, died in Carroll County^Misfoun; Benjamin, lives at Barry. Missouri; and Kate, married Henry Brown. Randolph, Missouri. . .

Fi'ancis Marion Williams was reared and educated m the xacimty o Barry, Missouri, and at the age of seventeen years he enlisted m the Confederate army in Captain WoodsmalVs company and sei-ved in Gen^ Joe Shelby's brigade. He was taken prisoner m the fall of 1862 while in TexL County Missouri. He was taken to Rolla, Missouri, and from here to St. Louis where he was paroled. While a prisonei- of war he suffered greatly for want of proper food and clothing and h,s hea^h became very much impaired. He attributes his recovery to the caie ZT^^Z the Sisters of Charity who found hini while he was at the point of death and cared for him and nursed him back to health. Dui- L the war, he recalls that on one occasion he paid in Confederate money, ten dollars for a postage stamp and envelope with which to write home. He retui-ned home in March. 1863. and in 1864, he made the tnp to Denver Colorado, with a herd of cattle. He was in the employ of the government as teamster with the United States troops in the west, and m that capacity had much experience with hostile Indians who were on the waiath at Ihat time. He was with the Second Colorado Battery under command of Lieutenant Ayers when they had a hot engagement ^Mth Sans on Smoky Hill about forty miles northeast of Ft^ Lamed ^ in 1864. Twenty-six men were killed in that engagement. He was al* in an engagement with the Indians at Sand Creek, where 300 Indians were killed, but none of the troops were lost. In the spring of 1865, he went to Denver where he was employed in a government blacksmith shop until October of that year. He then returned home and since that time has resided in Clay and Platte counties, with the exception of three years when he lived in Jefferson County, Kansas.

April 9, 1876, Francis Marion Williams was married to Miss Alice Knighton, a daughter of E. F. and Matilda M. (Johnson) Knighton, both of whom are now deceased and their remains are buried in the cemetery at Barry, Missouri. Mrs. Williams was bom in Barry and reared and educated there. To Mr. and Mrs. Williams have been born two sons: Edward K., married Bertie Spencer, a daughter of R. W. Spencer, of Barry, Missouri, and they have one son, Rollin Williams ; and Frank May Williams, resides at home with his parents. He is employed in the railway mail service as postal clerk, between Kansas City, Missouri, and Siloam Springs, Arkansas. During the World War he wanted to enlist in the heavy artillery but was rejected and later was inducted into service and when the armistice was signed he was at Liberty, Missouri, ready to start to Kelly Field, San Antonio, Texas, but was never ordered there. He received his discharge and a government vouchei' for one day's service. He never got his voucher cashed, but keeps it as a souvenir.

Francis Marion Williams was a candidate for representative on the Populist ticket about thirty years ago, but later refused to accept the nomination on the same ticket. He has had an unusual experience during the course of his active career and is one of the interesting and substantial citizens of Clay County.

P. D. Hodge, cashier of the Security Bank of Avondale, is one of the progressive and enterprising bankers of Clay County. He was bom near Mexico, Missouri, May 8, 1888, and is a son of J. R. and Dora B. (Younger) Hodge, who now reside at Laddonia, Missouri.

P. D. Hodge was educated in the States Teachei's College at Kirksville, Missouri, Central College at Fayette, Missouri, and the Dakota Business College at Fargo, North Dakota. In 1912, he accepted a position with the Farmers Bank of Laddonia, Missouri, and remained with that institution until 1914. He then went with the Lewiston State Bank at Lewiston, Montana, where he became assistant cashier and remained until daulter of G W. and Laura Ti-iplett of Triplett, Missoviri. Mrs. Hodge was educated in Howard Payne College at Fayette. Missouri. To Mi. Ind M^r Hodge have been born^one^ter, Mav,or,e Dons.

rh«rl« L Ligon, a well known farmer and stockman of Gallatin Jht" a''de?cLdLnt o, an ear, pioneer ^^.^^ «-- ^ ^ bom in Gallatin township August 18, 1863, a son what was known as the Booneshck Country m K16, wh.ch the earliest f«em-ts that far jes ;' * j'^, ^ totship. and here rpe^^heZld-er :tr«?:,"He'and hi, wife are buried on the fa,.

Charles L. Ligon is one of the following children born to his parents : William B., of Kearney, Missouri; John, who was accidently killed by a kick from- a horse; Susie, married Alex Davis, died in September, 1886; Alvin, died at the age of thirty-two years : Charles L., the subject of this sketch; Eddie, died at the age of two years; Emmet A., a farmer and stockman, three miles south of Liberty ; Leonard W., died at the age of thirty years ; Allie, married Frank Dobbins, ElCampo, Texas ; and Walter, Excelsior Springs, Missouri.

Charles L. Ligon was reared in Gallatin township and attended school in the Bell school district. He lived in Clinton County for nine years, and in 1900 he and his brother, Emmet A. Ligon, purchased a farm of 240 acres in Gallatin township, known as the Carr Dougherty farm. The brothers improved the place and brought it under a high state of cultivation, and in 1909 Charles L. Ligon bought his brother's interest in the farm, which he still owns and operates. It is a valuable farm and well improved. He carries on general farming and stock raising and has been successful. In former years he fed cattle for the market extensively, but in recent years he has given more attention to raising hogs.

Mr. Ligon was married in September, 1889, to Miss Elizabeth Leach of Plattsburg, Missouri. She is a daughter of Iiloyd and Mary (Haynes) Leach, the father, a native of Kentucky, and the mother, of Claj^ County. Lloyd B. Leach lived to the advanced age of ninety-eight years, and he and his wife are buried at Plattsl)urg, Missouri. To Mr. and Mrs. Chai'les L. Ligon have been bom one son. John Henry Ligon, who was lx)rn August 16, 1890.

Emmet A. Ligon, brother of Cliarles L., mentioned above as having been associated with his brother in the ownership and management of the fai-m, is now engaged in farming and stock raising in Clay County, south of Liberty. He was married, September 24, 1903, to Miss Mattie Pryor, a daughter of Captain B. B. Pryor, of Smithville, Missouri. He died at the age of ninety-six years, and Mrs. Ligon's mother died when Mrs. Ligon was a child. To Emmet A. Ligon and wife have been bom the following children: Joseph Leonard. Allen Pryor, and Charles P., who died at the age of two years.

Oswald E. Claidy, a well known farmer and stockman of Gallatin township, is a native of Missouri and a descendant of a pioneer family. He was born in Platte County, August 7, 1864, a son of Garland C. and Margaret V. (Waller) Clardy.

Garland C Clardv came to Missouri with his parents, Giles C. and Minta Clardv from Kentucky in 1837. He was born in 1836. Upon coming to Missouri the Clardy family settled near Mt. Olivett church and later settled east of Gashland on a place which is now oxraed by the Clardy brothers. Garland C. Clardy grew to manhood in this %acmity and in early life taught school for a number of years and later devoted his attention to fai-ming and stock raising. He died in 1905. Margaret V (Waller) Clardy was bom in Platte County in 1844. She was a member of a prominent pioneer family of this section further mention of whom is made in this volume. She died in April 15, 1920.

Garland C. Clardy was a man of strong influence who took a commendable interest in the affairs of Clay County. He was one of the organizers of the Mt. Olivett Christian church and for many years was an elder in that church. He was a stanch Democrat and a member of the Masonic and Independent Order of Odd Fellows lodges. The Eastern Star lodge of Smithville was named in his honor.

To Gariand C. and Margaret V. (Waller) Clardy were born the following children: Madeline, married Willis L. Vance and is deceased; Oswald E , the subiect of this sketch; Vivian, maiTied Willis Vance and is deceased; Eliza, mamed Frank Walker of Colorado Springs, Colorado; George T lives on the home place; Dora, married William Adams; Mattie, married Bland Adams, St. Joseph, Missouri; Walter, Gashland. Missouri; Guy, Gashland, Missouri; and Beryl, married William Wilson. Nashua,

Oswald E. Clardy attended sciiool at the Gordon school district and since eariy life has been engaged in farming and stock raising with the exception of four years when he conducted a hardware store at Nashua, Missouri. He now operates some rented land and also his own farm near^Gashland. He carrie.s on general fanning and stock raising and raises pure bred Duroc Jersey hogs.

December 31, 1902, Oswald E. Clardy was married in Platte township, Ciav County, to Miss Mary E. Hart, a daughter of T. B. and Elva (Smith) Hart. T. B. Hart was bom in Lafayette County. Kentucky, in 1849 Ir 1851, he came to Dekalb County, Missouri, wlh his parents. Edwin N. and Elizabeth (Bryan) Hart. Later the Hart family came to this section of the state and Edwin N. Hart died near Smithville in 1872. His ^rife died at Liberty in 1867 and their remains are buried m the old cemeten- at Libertv. Thev were the parents of the following children:

Mrs. Clardy, of this sketch; Saniantha, married Clay Kimsey, of Smithville, Missouri; Edwin Claude, died at Pueblo, Colorado, at the age of thirty-four years ; Lydia May, married Walter R. Scott and lives near Smithville, Missouri. Three of T. B. Hart's brothers served in the Confederate aiTOj^ during the Civil War. John Hart was an officer in the Confederate army and was killed at Independence, Missouri, and the other two brothers were Edwin D. and Bryan C.

Mr. Clardy is a member of the Masonic Lodge at Smithville and is a progressive Clay County citizen. He was the organizer of the Linden Bank and is now the heaviest stockholder in that institution. He was elected an officer at the start but declined to accept any position.

Frank V/. Steenstry, general merchant and postmaster at Avondale, Missouri, is a progressive and entei^prising citizen, and although not a native of Clay County, is a descendant of a pioneer family of Missouri. He was bom in Chariton County, Missouri, a son of J. W. and Lena (Partenheimer) Steenstry. J. W. Steenstry, the father, was serving in the Union aiTny during the Civil War and was killed in Chariton County while home on a furlough.

Lena (Partenheimer) Steenstiy, mother of Frank W. Steensti-y, came to this country with her parents when she was a young girl. She was a daughter of Frederick Partenheimer who settled in Chariton County, Missouri, and entered land there in 1842. He spent the remainder of his life in Chariton County, where he died in 1883. F. W. Steenstry was the only child born to his parents but some time after the death of his father, his mother married Henry Gabb and to that union were born the following children: Martin G. of Slater, Missouri; Fred H., Gilliam, Missouri; Mrs. Lena Sleyster, Gilliam, Missoui-i ; and Robert, deceased.

Shortly after the death of his father, Frank W. Steenstry went to Saline County, Missouri, with his mother. He grew to manhood there and was engaged in farming for some time. He then went to McPherson County, Kansas, remaining there about twelve years. In 1912, he came to Clay County and for the past three years has been engaged in the general mercantile business at Avondale. The postoffice is located in his store and he has served as postmaster here since 1914. The Avondale postoffice was established in 1913 and Robert Patterson was the first postmaster. He was succeeded the following year by Mr. Steenstry.

Marshall, Missouri, and six children have been born to them : Anna May. died in infancy; Viola, married Gus Weber of Avondale, Missouri; Frances, married D. S. Skinner, who is in business with Mr. Steenstry in his store; John, married Vesie Jackson, of Slater, Missouri, and they reside at Avondale: William and Emory at home with their father.

John J. Kii'schner, cashier of the National Bank of North Kansas City, is a native of Missouri. He was born at St. Joseph, December 28,- 1891, and is a son of Dr. P. J. and Martha M. Kirschner. Dr. P. J. Kirschner was bom in St. Joseph, Missouri, and was successfully engaged in the practice of medicine for many years. He died in September, 1904, and his widow now resides in California.

John J. Kirschner was reared in St. Joseph and attended the public school and later he attended the Missouri Military Academy at Mexico, Missouri, and the Lake Forest Academy at Lake Forest, Illinois. He then entered the general freight offices of the St. Joseph and Grand Island Railroad Company at St. Joseph. He served in that capacity for three years w-hen he entered the Bank of Buchanan County at St. Joseph as teller. He was associated with that bank in the capacity of teller for four years and in 1916 he became cashier of the National Bank of North Kansas City and has since sensed in that capacity.

Mr. Kirschner was mamed October 16, 1912 to Miss Margaret Chapman of St. Joseph, Missouri. She is a daughter of H. A. and Martha Chapman, of St. Joseph.

Ml". Kirschner is a Capable and experienced banker and is a close student of the intricate pi-oblems of finance. He is conservative enough to be safe, and progressive enough to recognize the investor's opportunities. He has an extensive acquaintance among financiers and is a prominent factor in the development of North Kansas City as an industrial center.

William E. Macken, an entei-prising merchant of North Kansas City, who is sen'ing his fourth tenn as mayor of this progressive town, is a native of Clay County. He was bom at Randolph Heights in Gallatin township, August 30. 1871, and is a son of Albert and Elizabeth J. (Curry) Macken. Albert Macken was the pioneer merchant of Randolph Heights, conducting a store there as earl.v as 1864.

William E. Macken was reared in Clay County and educated in the public schools. He engaged in farming in early life and followed that vocation until 1906. He then bought a store at Harlem, Missouri, which he has since conducted. In 1913, he and his brother, A. E. Macken, engaged in the mercantile business at North Kansas City. Their business is located in the Pioneer Building and occupies a store room with a frontage of twenty-six feet and lifty feet deep. They have built up an extensive business and have a large pati'onage.

William E. Macken was elected mayor of North Kansas City, in 1916, and has been re-elected to that office three times and is now serving his fourth consecutive term. He is a capable executive officer and has contributed in no small way to the progress and development of North Kansas City since he has been mayor. He is president of the North Kansas City Loan and Investment Company which is one of the thriving business entei-prises of the town. John Davis is secretary of this company.

Mr. Macken was married in 1910 to Miss Nora E. Dagg, a daughter of Dr. H. M. Dagg, of North Kansas City and to this union have been bom two children: Romaine and Virginia.

Mr. Macken is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons. He is progressive and enterprising and a live factor in the development of North Kansas City.

Frank Prewitt, of the firm of Prewitt and Mace, North Kansas City, Missouri, is a native Missourian. He was bom in Linn County, September 10, 1881, a son of Joseph and Julia Ann (Clemmons) Prewitt.

Joseph Prewitt was born in Danville, Kentucky, November 8, 1887 and died at Harlem, March 25, 1911, and his remains are buried at Orrick, Missouri. He spent the early part of his life in Linn County, Missouri, and during the Civil War, served as a member of the home guards in Linn County. Julia Ann (Clemmons) Prewitt was bom in Linn County, Missouri, September 15, 1848, and now resides with her sons in North Kansas City, Missouri.

To Joseph and Julia Ann (Clemmons) Prewitt were born the following children : Mrs. Ona Olson, died at Pueblo, Colorado, January 23, 1893 ; James, North Kansas City, Missouri ; John J., Centralia, Missouri ; Mrs. Ida Windsor, Orrick, Missouri ; Frank, the subject of this sketch ; Clem C, Olathe, Kansas ; Mrs. Amy Elliott, Quenemo, Kansas ; Mrs. Fred

Roberts Bonita, Kansas ; Peter, who volunteered for service in the United States navy during the World War and served on the destroyer "Connors" which was engaged in convoying troop transports through the submarine danger zone; and Joseph A., died at the age of forty-three

' Frank Prewitt was reared in Clay County and educated in the public schools of Liberty including a high school course. For the past ten years he has been employed as bookkeeper until Januaiy. 1920, when he entered into partnership with John Mace in conducting a tobacco and cigar store and billiard parlor in North Kansas City.

The National Bank of North Kansas City is one of the substantial institutions of Clay County. This bank was organized in April, 1913, with a paid up capital of $25,000.00. The present capital stock is the same with a surplus of $20,000.00 and deposit of $300,000.00 and undivided profits.

- The first officers of the National Bank of North Kansas City were: F W Fratt, president; C. H. Hodge, vice-president; S. J. Ashby, cashier; and the board of directors were F. W. Fratt. C. H. Hodge, L H. Rich, J. W. Murray and C. M. Carter.

The present officers of this bank are: W. Clay Woods, president; A M Thompson, vice-president; J. J. Kirschner, cashier; and the directors are as follows: W. Clay Woods, A. M. Thompson, W. S. Woods, J. S. Simrall and J. C. Frazier.

This bank has had a substantial growth and extension of business since its organization and the men who constitute its officers and board of directors are recognized as all being dependable and enterprising citizens.

Herbert M. Cooley, a widely knoviTi and highly respected citizen of Gallatin township, who lives in the vicinity of Avondale, has been a resident of Clay County for fifty years. He was bom in Athens County. Ohio, in 1848, and is a son of Milton and Martha (Vinal) Cooley.

his wife died wiiile accompanying- him on a trip on the Ohio River. He died in Athens County, Ohio. Milton Cooley was a son of Caleb and Matilda (Buckingham) Cooley of Cooperstown, New York. The Buckinghams are of English descent and descendants from an old English family of Buckinghamshire, England. Thomas Buckingham was the founder of the Buckingham family of America. He was a member of the firm of Eaton and Hopkins, London merchants, who came to Boston June 26, 1637. He was a minister and settled in the tov/n of Milford, Connecticut.

Herbert M. Cooley was one of the following children born to Milton and Martha (Vinal) Cooley: Edwin. Santiago, California; Harvey V., Athens County, Ohio ; Kate F. Cooley, Independence, Missouri ; Herbert M., the subject of this sketch ; and Charles Roland, who was killed while serving in the United States army. He was a member of the Second Colorado Cavaliy and was killed by Indians.

Herbert M. Cooley was educated in the public schools of Ohio and gi-ew to manhood in that state. In 1870, he came to Missouri and after a short stay in Boone County, he came to Clay County in August of that year. He has lived on his present place in Gallatin township since 1874. At first he owned 132 acres but owing to ihe development of this section and the demand of residence property within the last few years, he has sold a number of lots and now oAvns about eighty acres. He has been quite extensively engaged in the dairy business and has also been successful in fruit raising, as well as general farming and stock raising.

Mr. Cooley was married December 31, 1874, to Miss Ella F. Ragan, a daughter of Elias and Louisa Ellen (Thomas) Ragan. Elias Ragan died in 1887, at the age of seventy-one years and his wife departed this life in 1876, and their remains are buried in the Crowley cemetery. Tliey were the parents of the following children: W. 0., Randolph, Missouri; Mary, manied Ernest Weideman, Santiago, California; Albert, deceased; Elizabeth, widow of Robert Searcj', Seattle, Washington; John, Seattle, Washington; Dora, married George Whitehouse, Portland, Oregon; Mrs. Cooley of this sketch ; and Evan, of Kansas City, Missouri.

To Mr. and Mrs. Herbert M. Cooley have been bom the following children: Frederick Earl, a sketch of whom appears in this volume; Wilburt J., married Maude Dickson and lives in Gallatin township; Kate F., married Frank Gorsuch, Kansas City, Missouri ; and Martha E., married Charles Bigham and they live in Gallatin township. The following are the

John Hudelmever, a well kno^vn and successful farmer and stockman of Liberty township, is a native of this county and a son of pioneer parents. He was born on the farm which he now owns, in Liberty to^^^lshlp, January 30 1846 a son of John and Rosann (Glassley) Hudelmeyer, natives of Germany They came to America in early life and were afterwards married in Ohio. They were early settlers in Clay County and upon commg here John Hudelmeyer entered 160 acres of Government land which is now owned by John Hudelmeyer, the subject of this sketch, the title having remained in the family since the land was entered from the Government. ,

John Hudelmeyer was one of those venturesome men who joined the great rush to California during the days of the gold excitement, m 1849, and never returned. Shortly after reaching the coast he died there and his widow remained on the old place in Clay County where she died about 1900 They were the parents of the following children: George, Mrs. Lucy Warren, Mrs. Betty Leach, John, the subject of this sketch; Mrs. Rosann Stevenson; and William, deceased. John Hudelmeyer is the only member of the family now living.

John Hudelmeyer, whose name introduces this sketch, was reared on the home place in Liberty township and was educated at Little Shoal School He has followed fanning and stock raising all his life. Early owned and operated the old home farm and still owns the original IfeO in life he bought the interests of the other heirs and since that time has

John Hudelmeyer was married January 22, 1871, to Mary E. Rippy^ daughter of J. E. and Elizabeth (Searcey) Rippy, the former a native of North Carolina and the latter of Ray County. Missouri. Mrs. Hudelmeyer's mother died when Mrs. Hudelmeyer was a child. Her father was mamed four times and the following children were born to him: Ben.iamm. St. Joseph, Missouri; John, Atchinson. Kan.sas: William, Colorado; Thomas. Colorado; Jerry, deceased; Ed, St. Jo.senh. Missouri; J^^^^^' ft. Joseph. Missouri; Mrs. Daisy Bell Lewis. Atckinson, Kansas; Mrs. Martha Mix, deceased; Pearl. St. Joseph, Missouri; Laura Lucas, St. Joseph. Missouri.

To John Hudelmeyer and wife have been bora the following children Maggie, married Peter Stevenson, Liberty township; James Thomas^ Nashua, Missouri; John H., Liberty township; Mary Frances, died in infancy; George William, Liberty township; Rosana, married William Greer Liberty township; Ella, married Frank Gabbert, Liberty township; Lucy! married Nevil Fowler, Liberty township; Stella, married Oscar Hash, Liberty township ; and Laura Silvy, married Thomas Liggett, Liberty township.

Mr. and Mrs. Hudelmeyer have the following grandchildren: Asa, Jesse, John, Bessie, Mary, Pearl Stevenson; Willie, Edith, J. T., John Henry, Mary, Mary Alice, Robert D., Rothwell, William Fra^nklin, Logan, Grace Agnes, Roxie Esther, Mable Louise Hudelmeyer; John J., and William Henry Greer; Ruth, Frances and Aleta May Hash; Everett, Charles Wilson, and Nevil Goodson Fowler; John Fielding; Susie Emarine, Mattie Elsie and Essie Gladys Gabbert; Ella May, Anna Frances, Casey Everett, Irvin Roy, and John Lee Hudelmeyer. The great-grandchildren are as follows: Claud Arthur, Bonnie Leola Stevenson; W. T. and Dora Lee Dally, and Mattie Lucille Dally. The Hudelmeyer family consists of ten children, thirty-six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren, all of whom reside in the vicinity of the old Hudelmeyer homestead.

Mr. Hudelmeyer has always taken a commendable interest in local affairs, especially in education, and has served on the school board for a number of tenns. He is a substantial citizen and the Hudelmeyer family are highly respected in Clay County.

John H. Mace, of the firm of Prewitt and Mace of North Kansas City. -Missouri, is a veteran of the World War and bears the distinction of being the only Clay County soldier who was honored by being awarded the Distinguished Service Cross. John H. Mace was born at Liberty Missouri, November 18, 1890, and- is a son of James and Nancy (g[iwaters) Mace, the former a native of Illinois and the latter of Virginia, both now deceased and their remains are buried in Fairview cemetery at Liberty.

James and Nancy (Gilwaters) Mace were the parents of the following cliildren: Bertie, married Theodore Asbury, of Liberty, Missouri; William, Liberty, Missouri; John H. and Jesse, twins, the former the subject of this sketch and the latter resides at Liberty, Missouri; Irvin, Liberty, Missouri; and Mrs. Maude DeLong, deceased.

John H Mace spent his boyhood days in Liberty and attended the public schools. Before the United States entered the World War he was in the employ of the James Costello Lumber Company of Liberty. On May 29 1915 Mr. Mace enlisted in the Missouri National Guard and was sent to 'the Mexican border during the trouble there. When the United States entered the World War, he went to Ft. Sill. Oklahoma, with the Missouri troops and from there to France in May, 1918. He was a member of Company H, 140th Infantry, 35th Division, and participated in the many hard fought battles of the war in which the famous 35th Division - was engaged, including the battles of Somme, St. Mihiel and the Argonne Forest During the battle of the Argonne Forest, he captured a German machine gun nest which necessitated the killing of the entire machine gun crew This he accomplished single handed and alone and for this act of gallantry he was awarded the Distinguished Sei-vice Cross. During the course of his military career he was wounded at different times and was in a hospital for three months. He was honorably discharged from the service May 13, 1919, with a military record to his credit equalled by few and excelled by none in the annals of American wars.

Mr Mace was married September 29, 1916, to Miss Callie Fiene, a daughter of Mrs. Beatrice Fiene. To Mr. and Mrs. Mace have been born one daughter, Margaruite.

Frederick Eari Cooley, a well known fanner and stockman of Gallatin towiship, is a native of Clay County. He was born near Avondale, February 6, 1876, a son of Herbert M. and Ella F. (Ragan) Cooley, a sketch of whom appears in this volume.

Frederick E. Cooley was reared on the home farm in Gallatin to^vnship and attended school at Pleasant -Hill school district and later took a course in Spalding's Commercial College at Kansas City, Missouri. Since early life, he has been engaged in farming and stock raising and for a number of years was quite extensively engaged in the daiiy business. At the present time, however, he has on hand only about six cows and gives more attention to general farming. He built his present residence, which is a six-room modem bungalow, in 1912. His place is well kept and presents a neat and prosperous appearance.

daughter of John and Sallie E. (Jacobs) Park. Mrs. Cooley was born in Clay County, about two miles north of Liberty. John Park enhsted in the Confederate army from Platte County, during the Civil War and sei-ved under Gen. Sterling Price. He was captured by the Federals and confined in a military prison at St. Louis for a time. He died in 1901 and is buried at Liberty, Missouri. Sallie E. (Jacobs) Park was born in Irvington, Kentucky and now resides at Liberty, Missouri.

A. B. Glasscock, a well known and leading citizen of Gallatin township, is a native of Missouri and a member of one of the early pioneer families of this state. He was bom in Lafayette County, Missouri, in 1860, and is a son of C. B. and Rose E. (Smith) Glasscock.

C. B. Glasscock was born in Virginia in 1830. He is a son of A. A. Glasscock, who died in Pettis County, Missouri, in 1878, and is buried near Sedalia. C. B. Glasscock was brought from Virginia to Missouri by his parents, who located in Pettis County in 1832, when he was about two years old. He was reared in Pettis County and when the Civil War broke out he enlisted in the Confederate army and served for four years until the war closed. He served under General Price and was at the battle of Lone Jack and a number of other engagements in which General Price's army participated. He has lived in Kansas City, Missouri, for the past thirty-two years. Although now in his ninetieth year, he is still as active in body and mind as the average man many years his junior. His wife is eighty-four years old and also remarkably active for one of her years.

C. B. and Rose E. (Smith) Glasscock were the parents of the following children: L. V., lives in California; C. L., Lexington, Missouri; Ema A., married J. W. McClure, Pettis County, Missouri; F. D., California ; A. B., the subject of this sketch ; W. L., Lafayette County, Missouri; R. L., Kansas City, Missouri; Emma, man-ied C. A. Welch, Kansas City, Missouri ; Rose, married Charles Decker, Kansas City, Missouri ; and Shirley, Kansas City, Missouri.

County and for a few years farmed rented land. He operated the John Rickets farm near Avondale, for six years. In 1900, he bought a place to which he since added additional land and is now the owner of a very valuable, although not a large farm. His place is well improved. In 1914, he built a modem residence and the same year he built a good substantial barn and has since erected a silo. He carries on a daiiying business, keeping from twelve to fourteen cows and his milk is shipped to Kansas City, Missouri. He also raises fruit, including plums, cherries and other small fniits in profitable quantities.

Mr. Glasscock was married to Miss Annie Sissom, a daughter of Isaiah Sissom, a prominent early settler of Gallatin township, further mention of whom is made in connection with the sketch of Alonzo Sissom. To Mr. and Mrs. Glasscock have been bom two children: Pansy Belle, married Homer Devling, of Avondale; and Cecil, married Mida Musgrove. The following are the grandchildren of the Glasscock family: Robert B., Nadine, Lucile, Marjorie and Edna Devling; and Lorine Glasscock.

Mr. Glasscock is a Democrat and takes a commendable interest in general events and local affairs. He has been a member of the local school board in District No. 71 for the past fifteen years.

George T. Hall, of the George T. Hall Livestock Commission Company, of Kansas City, Missouri, whose residence is "White Hall" on the "Clover Hill Fann", is the owner of one of the most attractive places in Clay County. Mr. Hall has been engagefl in business in Kansas City for a number of years and for the last few years has made his home in this county. He was bom in Henry County, Kentucky, December 22, 1850, and is a son of Thomas and Edna (Fallis) Hall, both natives of Kentucky.

The Hall family came to Missouri in 1857, and settled in Buchanan County and the father was engaged in farming and stock raising there for twenty years, when he removed to Gower, Clinton County, Missouri, and he and his wife spent the remainder of their lives there. They were the parents of the following children: John, deceased; D. S., deceased; George T., the subject of this sketch ; Erasmus C, a prominent attorney, of Kansas City, Missouri.

George T. Hall was reared and educated in Buchanan County and in early life engaged in the mercantile business at Gower, Missouri. He was the pioneer merchant of that towTi and was engaged in business there for fourteen years. He then went to St. Joseph, Missouri, where he was engaged in the livestock commission business. He tiien became a member of the firm of Scruggs, Hall and Company, and engaged in the livestock commission business at Kansas City, Missouri, and later organized The George T. Hall Livestock Commission Company, of Kansas City, Missouri. This is one of the extensive livestock commission concerns of Kansas City and Mr. Hall is regarded as one of the most successful men in his line. He has had years of experience in the livestock business and has availed himself of every opportunity to study the details of the business from its various angles.

May 30, 1881, George T. Hall was united in marriage with Miss Inez C. Shields, a daughter of Zadok and Penelope (Asbuiy) Shields, both of whom died in Virginia. To Mr. and Mrs. Hall have been born the following children: Thomas, of the Hall-Leeper Hardware Company of t)ennison. Texas; Howard Shields, married Hannah A. Jobes, of Kansas City, Missouri; and Helen, married Henry A. Bundschu,''of Independence, Missouri.

Mr. Hall is the owner of 800 acres in Liberty township, which is known as the "Clover Hill Farm" and his home, "White Hall", is best described by the architect, Mr. Edgar P. Madorie, who designed it, as follows: "On a tract of seventy acres on the Excelsior. Springs electric line, one-half mile south of Liberty, Missouri, George T. Hall, of the George T. Hall Live Stock Commission Company, of Kansas City, Missouri, erected a large country home of colonial architecture.

Tlie house has many features of the old New England style, such as was built in the colonial days. The structure consists of two floors with basement and attic and has a frontage of 110 feet by thirty-one feet in depth. It is built entirely of lumber, the exterior walls faced with wide boards and painted white; and is roofed with wood shingles of natural weathered color. The first story floor is but one step above the yai'd grade, as was the old Abbott farm house, built in Massachusetts during the year of 1685. The shed roofed porches are typical of the Webb house erected in Long Island in 1790.

The front and rear entrance with their two story cov'ered porticoes, long spindle columns, and Dutch doors with side lights and iron balconies suspended from above, form a very interesting picture of those old colonial days.

It has been said that this type of architecture has been almost forgotten, as it is not in keeping with modem times; but the owner was desirous of caiTying out in detail this beautiful period.

Upln the completion of this edifice, the architectural character was deoartrd from by adding a humorous feature, that of bronze d klkl upon three of the chamber doors_a symbol of "Robmson Crusoe", the old "Liberty Bell" and the "Devil with a fire pot .

Sidney Slr«.t, an enterprising merchant of Linden »'«' - ^f° P"^'" master at that place, is a native of Virginia. He was bon, at Umon Hill V rSa April 7. 1875. and is a son of John A. and Fannie A. Jeffersoi Strfet. both natives of Virginia. Fannie A. Street died April 26. 189.

John A Street spent his early life in his native state, where he was ,.ar/ied and in 1886 can.e to Clay County with his family Shortly after clTg to Clay County, he was engaged in business at Lmden, m partnerhrwith DocL AdKins. in 1903. he and his son, Sidney Stvee . engaged In the mercantile business at Linden under the firm name of John A^ Street Tnd Son. When the father died in 1907. Wilham. Sidney and ZZl Street continued the business until Januai-y 1, 1920, when Suney St^^ b rl the sole owner and proprietor. Mr. Street conducts a general store and carries a very complete stock of dry goods, groceries, shoes, hardware and farming implements. He buys and sells all kinds of marketable country produce and does an extensive business; his customers extend over a large scope of territory surrounding Linden. His store is a large structure, 30 x 60 feet, and was built jointly by Mr. Street and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows of Linden, in 1914.

Sidney Street is one of the following children born to his parents: Nannie, married George Williams of Salem, Virginia ; Ina, mamed John Bennett of Glade Hill, Virginia; William A. of Linden; Miss Mamie Street of Linden; Sidney, the subject of this sketch; and Victoi-ia, died at the age of twenty-three years.

On October 18, 1910, Sidney Street was married to Miss Zepha A. Bandy, of Liberty, Missouri, and a daughter of C. G. and Harriett A. (Estes) Bandy. C. G. Bandy was a native of Virginia and his wife was bom in Clay County and now lives in Kansas City, Missouri. Her father, Abraham Estes, was a bugler in the United States army in the Mexican War and was killed west of Liberty in Clay County, during the Civil War. To Mr. and Mi's. Street have been bom thi-ee children: Louise, Sidney, Jr., and Vernon.

Mrs. Street is one of the following children bom to her parents : Lizzie, married A. C. Spear, Kansas City, Missouri; Ernest, a traveling salesman; Jesse, whose address is unknown; Charlotte, married Frank Rogers, of Warrensburg, Missouri; Floyd, Liberty, Missouri; John, Liberty, Missouri ; Mrs. Street of this sketch ; and Edna, who resides in Kansas City.

E. L. Pigg, cashier of Missouri City Banking Company, Missouri City, Missouri, is one of the well known and successful bankers of Clay County. He was bom at Orrick, Ray County, Missouri, October 9, 1885, a son of W. L. and Margaret (Kirkpatrick) Pigg.

W. L. Pigg was one of the organizers of the Citizens Exchange Bank, which was founded in 1890, and he has been president of that institution since that time and is well known as one of the substantial men of affairs of Ray County.

student in the University of Missouri at Columbia for one year and on May 2, 1906, he came to Missouri City as assistant cashier of the Missouri City Banking Company and the following year he became cashier and has served in that capacity to the present time.

Mr. Pigg was first married February 2, 1910, to Miss Anna Hamacher, of Richmond, Missouri. She died April 24, 1914, leaving one son, E. L., Jr. On September 2, 1915, Mr. Pigg was maiTied to Miss Angle Cleaiy, of Noble County, Ohio. She is a daughter of John W. and Mary Cleary. Her mother died in September, 1919, and the father now resides in Noble County, Ohio. To Mr. and Mrs. Pigg have been bom two children, Margaret Cleary Pigg and William Boyd Pigg.

In 1909, Mr. Pigg was elected secretary of Group Four of the Missouri Bankers Association and in 1910, he was elected chairman. He is a member of the Masonic Lodge, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, at Liberty, Missouri ; is a Royal Arch Mason and a Knights Templar and a member of the Mystic Shrine, Ararat Temple, Kansas City. He also holds membership in the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.

David Y. StoUings, of Liberty township, is a native of Clay County and a descendant of one of the early pioneer families of this county. He was bom on the place where he now resides October 10, 1842, and with the exception of the time he was in the Confederate Army and a few years spent in the West, Clay County has been his home. His parents were Jesse Stollings and Sarah (Benton) Stollings.

Jesse Stollings was a native of Virginia and came to Missouri and settled in Clay County. Here he bought 240 acres of land at fourteen dollars an acre from Uncle Joseph Bright, a Clay County pioneer. Later Jesse Stollings sold 120 acx-es to James McCarty. Further history of the Stollings family appears in this volume in the sketch of John S. Stollings.

David Y. Stollings now owns 160 acres of the old home place where he was bom and 103 acres three miles west of the home place. When Jesse Stollings settled here he built a three-room log cabin and here his nine children, four girls and five boys, were bom. This pioneer log cabin stood on the place until 1889. Jesse Stollings died on this place September 24, 1865, and his wife departed this life April 1, 1904, and her remains and those of her husband and four of their children are laid to rest in the family cemetery on the home place.

and was a daughter of Hiram Benton who came from Kentucky with his family and settled in Clay County about 1842, or perhaps a little earlier. Of the nine children born to Jesse and Sarah (Benton) Stollings, three are now liviing as follows: John S., Sarah Margaret, Gray, Oklahoma, and David Y., the subject of this sketch.

David Y. Stollings was reared on. the home farm in Liberty township and educated in the early day schools, such as the pioneer times afforded, his first teacher being Professor Johnson. During the Civil War he enlisted in the Confederate Army under Gen. Joe Shelby in Piece's Army. He was in several battles and skirmishes and was at Shreveport, Louisiana, when the war closed. He saw service in Missouri, Arkansas, Texas and Louisiana and was in the army about one year.

After the close of the war Mr. Stollings returned to Clay County and shortly afterwards went to Colorado, where he remained about six years. He then returned to Clay County and bought the interests of the other heirs in the home place, and cared for his mother as long as she lived. He has been successfully engaged in fanning and stock raising and is one of the substantial and well-to-do citizens of Clay County. He is now seventy-eight years old and is assisted in the operation of his broad acres by his nephew.

Mr. Stollings is one of the few men now living who has had an opportunity to witness the great development that has taken place in this country during the last half century and more. He vdtnessed the passing of the pioneers who built the first cabins in Clay County. He saw the West as it was and had the experience of driving an ox team across the unbroken and unsettled plains to the then mountain village of Denver, and on the trip saw thousands of buffalo which were practically the sole inhabitants of the then desert waste.

The Linden Bank, Linden, Missouri, was organized by 0. E. Clardy and J. M. Brandenburg, June 10, 1919. The capital stock is $10,000.00 and a surplus of $2,000.00. The first officers were James M. Brandenburg, president; J. E. Thomas, vice-president; Sidney Street, cashier; and R. E. Dudley, assistant cashier. The board of directors consisted of the above mentioned gentlemen and J. M. Blevins and Harry Nave.

The present officers of the bank are J. E. Thomas, president; Harry Nave, \ace-president ; R. E. Dudley, cashier; and besides these gentlemen the directors are J. M. Blevins, Sidney Street, and J. T, Masterson.

The Linden Bank has had a good substantial business from the start and numbers among its patrons the leading business men and farm^vs m and around Linden. It is under the management of good substantial and conservative men who have been successful in then- respective bus. ness operations.

The Missouri Qty Banking Company.-In 1885, William F. and Charles W. Norton organized the fii-m of Norton Brothers, Bankers, and be.an business at Missouri City in the room which had been occupied by the old Missouri City Savings Bank which was orgamzeo m 18<8 and did business until 1883. Charles W. Norton was cashier of Norton Bro hers^ Bankers In 1896. the Norton Banking Company was incoi-porated and W F. Norton became president, Claud M. Donovan, cashier and C N\_ Norton was a member of the board of directors. The capital stock of the bank was $10,000.00. In 1903, the capital stock was increased to

^" ' In 1906 C M. Donovan resigned to accept a position with the Citizens Exchan<^e Bank at Orrick, Missouri. The same year, E L. Pigg, son of W L Piog. president of the Citizens Exchange Bank of Orrick. became cashier of the Norton Banking Co., .succeeding Mr. Donovan.

November 1. 1909, Norton Brothers sold their interest in the bank to E L. Pigg and C. G. Shaw, the present owners, and in October, 1910. L name of the bank was change.l to The Missouri City Bank.ng Com-

This is one of the substantial and well managed banking institutions in Clay County. The officers are all men of extensive banking experience and conservative business men.

Isaac Ellis Thomas, deceased, was for many years identified with Clay County and was a member of one of the pioneer fan.ibes of this sec^ tion He was born in Gallatin township, on the farm where his Mdow now resides, June 20, 1835. a son of Napoleon B. and Sarah (Faubion) Thomas.

Napoleon B. Thomas was a native of Tennessee, born February 23, 1810 and died in Clay County, January 24, 1875. He was a very early pioneer settler of Clay County. He made the trip from Tennessee to this county on horseback in 1832. Sarah (Faubion) Thomas was born October 24, 1812, and died August 30, 187i). She was a daughter of Rev. Jacob Faubion.

To Napoleon B. and Sarah (Faubion) Thomas were born the following children: Isaac Ellis, the subject of this sketch; James S., born June 15, 1837; William M. K., born October 5, 1839; Lafayette W., born January 3, 1842 ; Mary Adelia, who married Thomas Boydston, was born June 6, 1844; American J., born November 3, 1846, married William Nelson Johnson; Sarah Frances, born August 21, 1850, died at the age of thirteen years; Eliza Alice, married William Bowles of Barton County, Missouri, was born March 17, 1853 ; and Margaret E., bom Decembei- 17, 1856, married Joseph M. Tarwater.

Isaac Ellis Thomas was reared and educated in Clay County, served in the Confederate army under Gen. Sterling Price during the Civil War and participated in the battle of Wilson Creek and a number of other engagements. He followed farming and stock raising throughout his career. He remained on the home place and cared for his father and mother in their declining years and spent his life on the old Thomas place in Gallatin township, where he was born. He died in May, 1914, age seventy-eight years, eleven months and seven days, and his remains are buried at Chapel cemetery.

Isaac Ellis Thomas was married September 16, 1896, to Miss Burlie Owen Smith. She was born at Liberty, Missouri, March 17, 1871, and is a daughter of Mack and Irene (Turpin) Smith. Mack Smith was born in Sacramento. California, in 1840. He was captured and carried away by the Indians when a child and was not heard from for fifteen years. The Smith family came to Illinois from California and the mother of Mack Smith died six weeks after reaching that state. Mack Smith later came to Clay County and was killed at Liberty.

To Mack and Irene (Turpin) Smith were born the following children: Josephine, married Albert Schwartz, Quenemo, Kansas; Alonzo H. Smith, Los Angeles, California; and Mrs. Thomas of this sketch. After the death of Mack Smith his widow married Thomas Francis Weldon and to that union was bom one son. Clarence A. Weldon, of Kansas City, Missouri. Mrs. Thomas' mother now resides in Kansas City, Missouri.

Anderson Isaac Turpin, grandfather of Mrs. Thoiiiiis, was the pioneer tailor of Liberty, Missouri. He came from Sterling, Kentucky, and settled in Olathe, Kansas, before the Civil War and was at Westport for a time and then came to Liberty. He died here in 1882.

To Isaac Ellis Thomas and wife was bom one daughter, Irene Fay, bom May 13, 1898, married John B. Sevage and they live on the home place. Mr. Sevage was born in Gallatin township and is a son of Oscar and Mary (Allen) Sevage.

Mrs. Thomas has in her possession some interesting historic documents, among which is a patent, or land warrant, issued to William Brov.-n for 160 acres of land of which her home place is a part. It was signed by President Andrew Jackson and dated November 1, 1830. She also has a receipt given by Mr. Starks to Napoleon Thomas for a negro woman named Catherine, the price paid for the slave being $1,100.00.

Luke E. Donovan, a successful and entei-prising merchant of Missouri City, who has been engaged in the mercantile business there for the past eighteen years, is a native of Clay County. He was bom at Missouri City, September 18. 1881, a son of A. K. and Elizabeth (Marsh) Donovan, a more extensive history of whom appears in connection with the biography of C. M. Donovan in this volume.

Luke E. Donovan was reared and educated in Missouri City and was graduated from the public schools there in the class of 1900. Two years later, with C. G. Shaw, he opened a store for the Missouri City Coal Company at that place and in 1903, Mr. Donovan and C. G. Shaw pui-chased the store and he has been engaged in business here since that time. They caiTy a complete stock of general merchandise and have an extensive business in Missouri City and vicinity. The firm owns its own building, which is a brick stioicture, 24 x 36 feet, and was built in 1901 by the Missouri City Coal Company.

Luke E. Donovan was manued October 18, 1906, to Miss Cecil Bell, a daughter of W. S. and Ella Bell. She is a gi'and daughter of G. W. Bell, a Clay County pioneer, who served under Colonel Doniphan in the Mexican War and died here about 1908 and his remains are buried in the cemetery at Missouri City. Mrs. Donovan was reared and educated in Missouri City and graduated in the same class with her husband.

Shrine of Kansas City, Missouri. He also holds membership in the Independent Order of Odd Fellows at Missouri City and Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks at Excelsior Springs. He is an enteriirising citizen and one of the substantial men of Clay County.