Clay County, Missouri - Biographical sketches, 1920 (part 8 of 10)

Ernest William Snyder was born in Dresden, GeiTnany. and came to the United States, settling in Pennsylvania when he was about tweWe years old. Later he went to Ohio and from there to Kentucky. He then came to Henry County, Missouri, where he was engaged in the real estate and loan business. While a resident of Clinton he took a prominent part in local affairs and was a member of the school board for a number of years and also served as justice of the peace. He died in 1898 at the age of sixty years. Mary G. (DeLaVergne) Snyder was a native of Ohio and a descendant of New England ancestors. She died in 1877, when Walter Snyder of this review was about five years old.

Walter Snyder was reared in Clinton, Missouri, and was graduated from the Clinton High School. In 1902, he went to Kansas City and worked at plumbing and steam fitting with the Kii'tley Brothers for four years. He then went to Cripple Creek, Colorado, where he worked at his trade for a time, when he returned to Kansas City the same year. He then came to Excelsior Springs and engaged in plumbing and steam fitting here, opening a shop of his own. His business has developed until he has become the most extensive contractor in his line in this section. He installs steam and hot water heating, gas stoves, Arco Vacuum Cleaners, and does all kinds of sanitary plumbing and gas fitting. He did the plumbing work in the Hotel Snapp, the Ideal Hotel, and the Clay County State building, as well as many other important jobs in Excelsior Springs.

Mr. Snyder was man-ied May 6, 1912, to Miss Gei-trude Mary MeiTill, of Hartshorn, Oklahoma, and to this union three children have been born : William M., Walter, Jr., and Louis Edward.

Mr. Snyder is independent in politics and belongs to the Presbyterian Church. He is a member of the Masonic Lodge, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. He is one of the progressive and substantial business men of Excelsior Springs.

Zack M. Best, a well kno\vn and successful farmer and stockman of Liberty township, is a native Missourian and a descendant of a pioneer family. He was born in Jackson County, Missouri, November 8, 1858, and is a son of John and Ann (Hutchins) Best, natives of Kentucky, and early settlers in Jackson County, Missouri.

John Best resided in the southwestern part of Jackson County, in the vicinity of where the Long View Farm is now located. He settled there prior to the Civil War and when Order No. 11 was issued, the Best family drove to Clinton County with an ox team, crossing the river on the ice at Blue Mills. This was in the winter of 18r)2-63. John Best se)ved in the Confederate army for a time during the Civil War and during the latter part of the war made the trip across the plains.

In the spring of 1866, John Best came to Clay County with his family and settled in the northwest comer of Liberty toMTiship. Four years later he moved to the place which is now owned by Zack M. Best and here he and his wife spent the remainder of their lives. He died at the age of eighty-two years and his wife was nearly eighty-four at the time of her death. Their remains are buried in Providence cemetery. They were the parents of the following children: Mrs. Elizabeth Adkins, deceased; George W., of Liberty, Missouii; Mrs. America Jane Flannery, deceasr-d; M. D., Liberty, Missouri ; Gamett, deceased ; Mrs. Mary Peters, deceased ; and Zack, the subject of this sketch.

Zack M. Best was reared in Clay County and educated in the district schools and has lived on the place where he now resides for over fifty years. He began farming and stock raising in early life and has been successfully engaged in this pursuit to the present time. He owns the old homestead of 160 acres which is one of the productive and valuable farms of Clay County. The place is well improved and kept in excellent condition. Unfortunately, the farm residence was destroyed by fire June 1, 1920, and since that time Mr. Best and his family have made their abode in his tenant house.

Mr. Best was married, January 1, 1882, to Miss Eliza Jane Wills, a daughter of Kemp Scott and Margaret Jane Wills, of Clay County. Mrs. Best's parents were both bom and reared in Clay County and are now deceased and are buried in Old Pro\ndence cemetery. To Mr. and Mrs. Best have been born the following children: Bessie, who died at the age of seven years; Anna Jane, married Thom.as F. Arnold, of Liberty township; John, a fanner in Liberty township, married Georgia Cotes; Mabel M., married George Lewis Baldwin, of Liberty township; Grace B., resides at home with her parents ; and Lorenzo Hugh, at home. The following are the grandchildren: Everett Rothv,-el] and Bessie Mildred Best, Lucille Estell Baldwin and Marion Foster Arnold.

Mr. Best is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Modem Woodmen of America, at Liberty. He takes a keen interest in local affairs and in 1914 and again in 1916, he made the race at the primaries for the office of presiding judge of the county court. He is an enterprising citizen and stands high in Clay County where the Best family is well kiiown and highly respected.

Baylis Thornton Gordon, state senator from this district who is extensively interested in farming and the li\e stock industry, is a native of Clay County, and is a descendant of one of the honored pioneer families of this section of Missouri. He is a son of Baylis Thornton Gordon, Sr.. and Mary Eilen (Nelson) Gordon.

Baylis Thornton Gordon, Sr., was bora in Clay County and spent his entire life in this county. He was engaged in farming and stock raising and met with success and at the time of his death was the owner of considerable land. He was maiTied to Maiy Ellen Nelson in Clay County, Missouri. She is a daughter of Doctor Henry and Catherine Nelson.

Dr. Heni-y Nelson was bom in Ireland and educated at Glasgow, Scotland. He was a physician and surgeon and when a young man came to America and settled in West Virginia. Later, he removed to St. Louis and in a short time came to Kansas City. Missouri. He bought land in Platte township. Clay County, where he resided for a time, but died in St. Louis. His wife died at Maryville, Missouri.

Mary Ellen Nelson was bom in \A^est Virginia and came to Missouri with her parents and was one of three children born to them, the others being Lolia C, married Fielding Dunlap, now deceased, and she lives in Brooklyn. New York, and Dr. W. F. Nelson, who was a physician and surgeon and died in Clay County. Mrs. Baylis Thornton Gordon, Sr., now resides on the old home place in Clay County.

Baylis Thornton Gordon, the subject of this sketch, is one of the following children born to his parents: Charlie, deceased; Harry, manager of the Liberty Electric Light Company, and also operates the electric light plant at Smithville, Missouri ; Edna, deceased ; Grace, deceased ; and Baylis Thornton.

Baylis Thornton Goidon was reared in Clay County and educated in the public schools of Liberty and the Kansas City School of Law. After completing the law course, he was admitted to the bar, although he has never practiced, but has devoted his attention to stock raising and fanning on an extensive scale. He owns and operates 780 acres of land in Clay County and owii.s a valuable farm of 320 acres in Jackson County, Kansas. Senator Gordon has always taken an active part in public affairs and served as a member of the Legislature from Clay County in the sessions of the 48th and 49th General Assembly. In November, 1920, he was elected to the state senate from the Third Senatorial Distinct, comprising the counties of Clay, Platte, Clinton, DeKalb, Andrew and Holt. Mr. Gordon has been instrumental in furthering important agriculture legislation as a member of the lower house, the passage of the pure seed bill being largely due to his efforts as well as many other good measures in the interests of the farming industry. He is a progi-essive and public spirited citizen and as state senator, he is a man who can be depended upon to ably and honestly represent the best interests of his constituents.

Hiram L. Wubbenhorst, of Liberty, Missouri, is a native son of Clay County, and was bom in Liberty township, a son of John G. and Teena (Lienemann) Wubbenhorst, the fonner of whom now resides at Liberty and the mother died in 1901, further mention of whom is made in connection with a sketch of John H. Wubbenhorst which appears in this volume.

Hiram L. Wubbenhorst is a veteran of the World War and his military record in that great conflict is one of more than ordinary merit. He enlisted at Mason City, Iowa, April 11, 1917, in the 168th Iowa Infantry and was sent to Des Moines, Iowa, for a period of training and from there to Camp Mills, Long Island, where he was attached to the 42nd Division, and in August. 1917, started across on board the United Statfs transport. President Grant. When the President Grant was about half way across the Atlantic, she returned to port on account of defective boilers. About two weeks later, Mr. Wubbenhorst's command sailed again landing at Liverpool, England. From there Ihey went to Winchester, then to Manchester, England, and to LeHavre, France. Mr. Wubbenhorst took part in much of the severe fighting in which the American troops were engaged during the war. He was in the Champagne, Manie, Aisne, St. Mihiel, Meuse, Argonne Forest. The first time that his regiment was ordered to the front line they remained for 110 days without relief. This was in the Luneville, St. Clement. Baccarat sector (not mentioned above). After the armistice was signed, he served with the American Army of Occupation on the Rhine in Germany. He endured many hardships, privations and dan- gers and was one of the fortunate of four men of his company of 250 to escape without a wound. \Mien he returned to the United States he was a member of the 42nd Division. He was discharged in May, 1919, after having been in the ser\"ice over two years.

Mr. Wubbenhorst is one of the substantial young men of Clay County. He is a carpenter and had four years of experience in that line in Iowa, North Dakota and Missouri. He also has been foreman in the building of concrete silos for the Minnesota Keystone Silo Company, in Minnesota, having traveled extensively through the northern states.

Charles R. Bigham, president of the Security Bank of Avondale, and who is closely identified with the development of southern Clay County, is a native of Missouri and a descendant of one of the early pioneer faimlies of this state. He was bom in St. Joseph, Missouri, Januaiy 5. 1880. and is a son of James C. and Martha (Da\idson) Bigham, who now reside in Los Angeles, California.

James C. Bigham was born in Platte County, in 1843. He is a Civil War veteran. ha\ing served in the Confederate army under Gen. Sterling Price. James C. Bigham is a son of John Bigham. who was a native of Virginia, bom in 1815. He came to Jlissouri in 1835 and settled at Weston. Platte County. Here he entered government land and became the owner of 640 acres. He vs-as a large slave owner prior to the Ci\Tl War, and was very well-to-do. He spent his life in the vicinity of Weston and died on his farm there.

To James C. and Martha (Davidson) Bigham were bom the following childi-en : B. B.. a real estate man of St. .Joseph, iiissouri ; Ira D., who is engaged in the oil business in Kansas City. Missouri ; Charles R.. the subject of this sketch ; Buelah M.. a teacher in the high school at Los Angeles, California; Mae. married Lou L. West, Los Angeles. California.

Charles R. Bigham was reared in St. Joseph and educated in the public schools and the E. E. Card Business College, of St. Joseph. In 1902, he came to Clay County and located at what is now North Kansas City, and operated 3,000 acres of land for the Armour. Swift and Burlington interests, in that vicinity. Later he traveled for the American Tobacco Company, in Ohio, for five years. He then engaged in the real estate business in Kansas City, and is now handling North Kansas City property. Mr. Bigham was one of the organizers of the Security Bank of Avondale and is now president of that institution.

On December 7, 1907, Charles K. Bigham was united in marriage with Miss Martha Ellen Cooley/a daughter of H. M. Coolev, of Avomlale a sketch of whom appears in this volume. Mrs. Bigham was born at Avondale and was educated in the public schools and is a oraduate of the Kansas City Hio-h School. Mr. Bigham is a member of the Masonic Lodge at Barry, Missouri, and is a Scottish Rite Mason and Shriner. He is a pro gressive and enterprising citizen.

William E. Balkey, vice-president of the Security Bank of Avondale IS a substantial and enterprising citizen of Clay County, and is interested in various entai-prises. He was born in Livingston County, Missouri De-

BaTke'y ^^' ^^^'' ^"'^ '' ^ '"" "^ ^^"'''" ^'-'"" ^"^ ^'''''^^ <^««t) William Nelson Balkey is a native of Indiana. When the Civil War broke out he enlisted in the Thirteenth Indiana Infantry and served until the close of the war. He came to Missouri about 1880, and he and his wife now reside at Ludlow, Missouri. She is a native of Wisconsin and was a teacher prior to her marriage.

To William Nelson and Jerusha (Root) Balkey were bom the followmg children: Elmer, who is engaged in the grocery business at Braymer Missouri; Mrs. Rosa Maack, Ludlow, Missouri; Mrs. Myrtle Demerall, Ludlow Missouri; Mrs. Emma Jamison, Grandview, Missouri; Mrs. Mary Busby, Ludlow, Missouri; Mrs. Ada Foreman, Mooresville, Missouri; Wilham E., the subject of this sketch; Mrs. Daisy Brink, Hoxie, Kansas; and Mrs. Gera-ude SnodgTass, Des Moines, Iowa.

William Balkey was educated in the public schools and the Missouri ^^esleyan College at Cameron, Missouri. He was a telegraph operator in eariy life and for twenty years was in the employ of the Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul Railroad, as telegraph operator and agent. For nineteen years he was stationed at Northern Junction and has been a resident of Clay County since 1901.

Mn Balkey is the owner of a valuable farm of sixty-five acres at Avondale, which IS devoted to small fruit and alfalfa. He has recently engaged m contract work in partnership with John Montgomery, of Moscow Missouri. They have under way, at the present time, a contract for grading the streets of North Kansas City. They also constructed the Hillside Jevee. They do an extensive business and at the present time are using twenty-SLx teams in their work. Mr. Balkey was one of the organizer.

of the Security Bank of Avandale and has been vice-president of that substantial institution since its organization. He has been Sunday school superintendent, school director and highway commissioner for many years. On November 4, 1905, Mr. Balkey was united in marriage with Miss Fannie Beam, of Ray County, Missouri, and one daughter has been born to this union, Mary Dorothy. The Balkey residence is located at Avondale. Mr. and Mrs. Balkey have a wide acquaintance and stand high in the community.

William Hoy, a well known farmer and stockman of Gallatin township, is a member of a very oariy pioneer family of Clay County. He was bom in Platte County, March 6, 18G2, a son of William and Adeline (Mc- Quitty) Hoy.

William Hoy was a veiy early settler in Platte County and homesteaded land there. He was a sun-eyor and sun'eyed much of Platte County. He died in 1871. He was a son of Jones Hoy, a Kentuckian, who was can-ied away by Indians when he was eight years old. This happened in Kentucky and he remained with the Indians until he was sixteen years old. He settled in Platte County at very early date and there spent his life.

Adeline (McQuitty) Hoy. mother of William Hoy, was born in Clay County, about three miles west of Liberty, in 1826. Her father, Benjamin McQuitty, entered land there from the government which is now ouTied by Gus Davidson. Benjamin McQuitty and his wife spent their lives on that place and were buried there. Mrs. Hoy now lives in Platte County and is now ninety-four years old.

The following children were born to William and Adeline (McQuitty) Hoy: Benjamin, lives in Platte County; Rufus, Clay County; John, Platte County; Mrs. Leota Strang, lives in Idaho; Mrs. Mattie Mitchell, lives in Montana; William, the subject of this sketch; Mrs. Kate Morrow, Parkville, Missouri; Strother, Platte County; and Samuel, died at the age of sixteen years.

William Hoy was reared and educated in Platte County. For twelve years, he lived in Johnson County, Kansas. In 1907, he bought his present farm in Gallatin tc>wnship where he has since been successfully engaged in farming and stock raising. His farm consists of 170 acres of productive land and is located one-half mile north of Winnetonka Station. The place is well improved with a good comfortable residence and other .substantial faim buildings.

Mr. Hoy was married in 1887, to Abbie Hiorgins, of Platte County, Missouri. She is a daughter of B. F. and Ellen (Brink) Higgins, both now living in Platte County. To Mr. and Mrs. Hoy have been born the foUov/- ing children: Benjamin, married Ruth Weagley and is engaged in farming in Gallatin township, where he owns 120 acres of land; Stella, married George Crust, of Johnson County, Kansas- Addle, married William Gabbert, of Nashua, Missouri ; Ellen, married John E. Bender on October 26, 1920;Myrtle and Rufus Bryan, who resides at home with their parents.

F. M. Davis, a well known and highly respected citizen of Fishing River township, where he is engaged in farming and stock i-aising. is a native of Clay County. He was born on a farm adjoining Excelsior Springs, September 21. 1867, and is a son of William T. and Elizabeth (Moore) Davis.

William Davis was born in Jessamine County, Kentucky, in 1825, and came to Clay County with his mother and step-father, J. J. Vaughn. J. J. Vaughn died at Liberty and his \vife died on a farm near Excelsior Springs, in 1872. William Davis was first lieutenant under Captain Garth of the Home Guards, of Liberty, during the Civil War. He died in 1888.

To William T. and Elizabeth (Moore) Davis were born the following children: Nancy J., married Willis Tillery; William H. T., resides near Mosby, Missouri; Henrietta C, married J. J. Wysong, and they are both deceased; Emmagene. mai'ried William Williams, of Howell County, Mis- .souri; J. L.. lied at Excelsior Springs, May 1, 1917; George W., died in 1878, at the age of fifteen years ; and F. M., the subject of this sketch.

F. M. Davis was reared in Clay County and attended j; -liool in the Washington and Moore school districts. He began farming, on rented land, in early life and rented a farm from T. C. Rainey of Kansas City, for fourteen years. He bought his present farm in 1913 and took possession of it the following year. His place contains fifty acres of valuable land upon v/hich he has made improvements since locating here. It is all river bottom land and very productive. He raises corn, alfalfa and hogs, extensively, although he rai.ses a diversity of crops.

Mr. Davis was married December 25. 1892. to Miss Anna Foley of Fishing River tov/nship and a daughter of George B. and Elizabeth Foley. They were both natives of Kentucky and early settlers in Fishing River township, and are now deceased. Mrs. Davis is one of the following children born to her parents: Nannie, married Jefferson Parr, of Jackson County; Leila, married A. C. Kidd, Missouri City; Sallie, married W. E. Fowler, Fishing River township; N. B. Foley, Fishing River township; Mattie, married J. D. Keller, Fishing River township: Richie, married Nellie Pettyjohn, of Clay County, and they live in Des Moines; and Ella, married Elmer Robert, of Missouri City.

To Mr. and Mrs. Davis have been boin five children as follows: Bettie, married W. E. Corn, Jackson County; Evelena, married Everett Conley, Liberty, Missouri; Fleeta, married C. E. Lynch, a native of Clay County, Missouri, who has been in the employ of the Wabash Railroad as telegraph operator since 1912, and is now serving in that capacity at Moberly, Missouri ; Lexie May, at home with her parents : and Willie Frances, married Martin Crouse, of Liberty, Missouri.

The following are the grandchildren of Mr. and Mrs. Davis: Frances Daniel, John Nelson, Ralph Conley; Frank Robert and Gladys Marie Com; and Melvin LeRoy and Mary Edith Lynch.

James W. Snapp, proprietor of the Hotel Snapp at Excelsior Springs, which is one of the leading first class hotels of the country, has been a prominent factor in the progress and development of Excelsior Springs and by his foresight and enterprise has contributed in no small way to the prominent place which Excelsior Springs occupies among the leading resorts of the country.

Mr. Snapp was bom in Polk County, Missouri, February 4, 1852. He was reared on a farm and received his education in the public schools. When he was twenty years old he engaged in the hardware business at Missouri City, continuing there until 1891. He then came to Excelsior Springs and engaged in the hardware business which he continued until about six years ago. In the meantime, he engaged in the hotel business in 1898, and conducted the Snapp's tavern until 1907. He then built the Hotel Snapp which was a seventy-five room structure and operated that until 1911, when it was destroyed by fire. He then erected the present magnificent Hotel Snapp on the same location.

The Hotel Snapp is beautifully located in the very hear; of the picturesque hills of Missouri, surrounded on every side by the very touches of nature itself, supplies every comfort, refinement and luxury.

The building is five stories high, constructed entirely tf steel and reenforced concrete, with an exterior trim of terra cotta and cut stone, and is of the free style Spanish architecture.

The tasty furnishings are of a style that will satisfy the most fastidious, nothing having been omitted that would add to the comfort of the guests. One of the mo.st appealing features of the exterior of the hotel, is a veranda 78x25 feet, built in pergola fashion with porch swings, .settees, easy chairs, and reading tables. On the first floor, -connecting with the lobby, is the large, handsomely decorated ballroom which sei'ves as a lounging and reading room. Here dances are given for the enjoyment and entertainment of the guests and their friends.

The dining room, also on the first floor, furthers the impression that the crowning attraction of this beautiful hotel is in itself a subtle artistic apartment. The floor is covei'ed with a heavy, rich Wilton cai"pet with draperies to match. It has a seating capacity of 200. The hotel is conducted exclusively on the American plan. The cuisine is the best that money can supply. To the lover of fresh farm dairy products one may well state that the milk, cream, butter and eggs, as well as poultry and all vegetables and fruits in season, for the Hotel Snapp are supplied from the Snapp farm which is one mile distant. The service in every department is the standard of excellence.

Since coming to Excelsior Springs, Mr. Snapp has taken an active part in the political and civic life of the town. He is a Republican and has served as mayor of Excelsior Springs two terms. He has also served on the city council and on the school board, being a member of that body when the first school house was built in Excelsior Springs. He is now president of the Snapp Hotel and Realty Company.

Mr. Snapp was married January 24, 1884, to Miss Sarah E. Crowley, a native of Ray County, Mis.souri. Mrs. Snapp died April 13, 1919, at the age of fifty-eight yeai's. She was a woman of unusual ability and was active in all progressive movements for the betterment and upbuilding of the community. She was president of the Civic Improvement Association and was one of the most active workers in securing the Public Library for Excelsior Springs and the success of that project was due, in no small measure, to her efforts. She was widely knovm and had many friends and the community deeply felt the great loss of her death.

Mr. Snapp is a member of the Knights of Pythias, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Modem Woodmen of America, and the Christian Church.

Clay County State Bank, Excelsior Springs, Missouri, was established in 1894, Dr. S. D. Henry being one of the organizers. It was sold to Dr. W. S. Woods in 1902 and the Woods estate is still in control of the institution.

This bank started out with a small capital of only $10,000.00. It now has a certified surplus of $90,000.00, earned, and earned undivided profits of $40,000, which gives it the largest sui-plus and undivided profits in proportion to the capital of any bank in the United States, save two. It is the third from the top in the roll of honor banks, as listed in New York City. Hugh Wilhite, the president, and T. E. Crawford, the cashier, have been connected with this bank since 1903.

Merriman Shelton, who conducts a general blacksmith shop at Excelsior Springs, has had a varied experience and witnessed much of the development that has taken place in Clay County during the last half century. He was bom in Ray County, Missouri, March 8, 1853, a son of Reuben and Ann (Weatherington) Shelton and is the second in order of birth of a family of eleven children born to his parents.

Reuben Shelton was also born in Ray County, Missouri, in 1833 and died in 1898. He was a fanner and followed that vocation all his life. His parents were Merriman and Lizzie (Holman) Shelton, natives of Virginia, who came to Missouri at a very early day and entered Government land in Ray County. Ann (Weatherington) Shelton was bom in North Carolina, a daughter of Frank Weatherington and came to Missouri with her parents when she was thirteen years old. She died about 1891, aged sixty years.

he carried mail on the star route from Liberty to Smithville. This was before the raih-oads were built. Later he became night marshal at Liberty and while in the performance of his duty, shot a man ;md shortly afterwards resigned from office. He then engaged in blacksmithing and for fourteen years conducted a general blacksmith business at Liberty in partnership with a Mr. Sparks. In August, 1907, he came to Excelsior Springs and for the past thirteen years has conducted a blacksmith shop here.

Mr. Shlton was first married June 9, 1875, to Miss Alice Hickman, a native of Illinois and to that union were bom four children. The eldest died in infancy and the others are as follows: Laura, married William Rush, Kansas City, Missouri; Oscar, deceased; Price, deceased. Mr. Shelton's second marriage was on May 10, 1909, to Mary J. (Emory) Lilly, widow of Thomas Lilly. One child born to this union, died in infancy.

Mr. Shelton was a member of the Anti-Horse Thief Association while a resident of Liberty and as a member of that organization and as an officer, he had much to do with appi'ehending criminals on various occaions and has witnessed many stirring events.

The picture entitled "Pioneer Motor Power" on another page of this volume, was taken in front of the blacksmith shop of Sparks and Shelton, at Liberty. The man on the wagon, wearing the cap, is Mr. Shelton. The oxen belong to John Davidson of Gallatin township.

Mr. Shelton is a Democrat and a member of the Baptist Church. His Lodge affiliations are with the Modem Woodmen of America and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.

McDavid Brothers. - This firm is composed of J. E. anil S. W. Mc- David who conduct a garage and automobile livery business at Excelsior Springs and are also interested in a number of other business enterprises and various interests They started in the livery business in 1905 and since that time they have been breeders of registered saddle horses. They have sold saddle horses in various parts of the country and have frequently exhibited their horses at fairs and horse shows and won a number of premiums.

When the horse lively business began to wane and the automobile became practical and popular, the McDavid Brothers directed their attention to the possibilities of this new field of entei-prise. They began to handle automobiles and also put automobiles in their liverj' sei-vice. They now operate from six to eight cars and employ from twenty to twentyfive men in connection with their garage and taxicab service. They have the agency for the Dodge, Chandler, and Cleveland cars and the Bethlehem trucks. In 1920, they erected one of the finest and most complete garages in the state.

McDavid Brothers are extensive land owners. In 1919. they bought the Cooley Lake property which was formerly the proiJerty of the Kansas City Gun Club, for thirty-five years. This property consists of 900 acres and here they caiTy on farming and stock raising, employing from two to eight men on the place. They also own 320 acres of productive wheat land in Gove County, Kansas. In addition to their other intei-ests, Mc- David Brothers are the owners of Saline Springs, including a whole block on either side of the street. They ship the water from the springs to various parts of the United States.

The parents of J. E. and S. W. McDavid were John Fleming and Amerilla (Condiff) McDavid, the former, a native of Virginia and the latter, of Missouri. John Fleming McDavid was bom in Virginia in 1838 and was of Scotch descent. He left home to make his own way in the world when he was twelve years old and drove a stage coach over the Allegheny Mountains for a time. The old trail over which he drove in the early days is now one of the highly improved roads of the country and is a part of the Ocean-to-Ocean Highway. S. W. McDavid recently made a trip over that section of it where his father fonnerly drove stage. Later in life, John Fleming McDavid became a railroad contractor in the East and operated as such on the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad. He died in 1893 and his wife died in November, 1919, at the age of seventy-five years.

John Fleming and Amerilla (Condiff) McDavid were the parents of the following children: Eliza, married L. C. Rose, Beggs, Oklahoma; Belle, lives in Carroll County, Missouri; Julia, maiTied C. L. Benson. Carroll County, Missouri; Jennie: John E., a member of the firm, Mc- David Brothers, was bom in Carroll County in 1875. married Flora Ellis, and they have one son. Earl; S. Walter, of McDavid Brothers, was born in Carroll County. October 30, 1877, married Flora Henry; Nettie, married William Gaston of Bosworth, Missouri : Mal-^'in and Arch, both now live at Brookfield, Missouri.

Sylvanus B. Waller, a well known and successful merchant of Smithville, Missouri, who is engaged in the hardware and implement business in partnership with John C. Williams, was born in Carroll township Platte County, November 25, 1855. He is a son of Absalom H. juid Mariam (Nash) Waller. /

Absalom Waller was an early pioneer settler of Platte County He was bom in Virginia in 1821 and in early life came to Missouri alone and settled in Platte County, where he bought 136 acres of land. He was engaged in fanning and stock raising all his life and met with success At the time of his death in 1884, he was the owner of 256 acres of land in Platte County. His wife was born in Woodford County, Kentucky in 1822. They were married in Platte County, Missouri. She died in 1890 on the Waller home place in Platte County. They were the parents of eight children, three of whom died in infancy and the others were as follows: Virginia, deceased; Solon C, died in December, 1888- Mattie married Rowlight Rice, and they live in Platte County; Sylvanus B the subject of this sketch; and Catherine S.. married Jeff Silvy Chanute Kansas.

Sylvanus B. Waller was reared to manhood in Platte County and received his education in the district school. He remained on the home farm with his parents until he was twenty-one years old. He then learned the harness maker's trade at SmithviUe, Missouri, with James F Adams and followed that business for years. He then engaged in the hardware and implement business at SmithviUe and has devoted his attention to that line of business to the present time. He and his partner have built up an extensive trade and are recognized to be one of the leading firms m western Clay County. They have a large patronage covering a large scope of teiTitory in both Clay and Platte Counties.

Mr. Waller was married January 26, 1886, to Miss Mollie B Yates a daughter of William and Getia (Miller) Yates, both natives of Missouri' Wiiham Yates is now deceased and his widow lives at SmithviUe They were the parents of sixteen children of whom Mrs. Waller was the second m order of birth. To Mr. and Mrs. Waller have been born four children as follows: Eva D., was born in SmithviUe. Missouri, in 1889 and died in 1905; Naomi, was bom in Clay County in 1892 and died in infancy Jame. B., was bom m Clay County in 1897 and is now conected with his father's business at Smithville and Mary B.. born at SmithviUe in 1904 resides at home with her parents.

Ml'. Waller is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows Lodge and is a Democrat. He and Mrs. Waller are members of the Christian Church and she belongs to the Eastern Star. Mr. Waller is a well known business man of Clay County and is widely and favorably known.

Ella Jean Flanders conducts one of the leading department stoi-es of Excelsior Springs and is also the proprietor of the Clay Hotel. She was born in Caldwell County, Missouri, a daughter of Solomon and Miriam (Pettit) Musser, the former, a native of Ohio and the latter, of Kentucky. Solomon Musser was engaged in fanning and stock raising in early life but later devoted himself to looking after his investments. He was a pioneer settler of Caldwell County but spent the latter part of his life in Clinton County.

Mrs. Flanders was educated in the St. Joseph Female College which was conducted by Dr. Elijah Dulin, one of the foremost educators of the State. Mi's. Flanders is also a Chautauqua \\liite Seal graduate. She was married in 1887, to Clyde Eastman Flanders, a native of BrowTi County, Illinois. He was a train dispatcher in early life and later conducted a shoe store in Cameron, Missouri. He came to Excelsior Spi^ings in 1903 and the following year engaged in the general mercantile business. Mrs. Flanders practically conducted the business from the beginning and Mr. Planders continued on the i-oad, representing a wholesale <;hoe house. He died in October, 1918, at the age of fifty-one years. He was a capable business man. He was vice-president of the Bank of Excelsior Springs, having been one of the organizers of that institution. He was a Mason and a Democrat.

To Mr. and Mrs. Flanders were bom two children: Clyde Elaine, married Judge Harris Roinson of Kansas City, Missouri; and Jean Lorraine, who resides at home with her mother.

Mrs. Flanders is one of the successful business women of Clay County, and in addition to the management of her extensive business, she finds time to devote to many matters and movements of public interest. She is a member of the Eastern Star and Past Grand Matron of the order of the Eastern Star in the State of Missouri and is president of the advisoiy board of the Masonic Home at St. Louis. She i? a member of the State Federation of Women's Clubs and chairman of Consen-ation for this District. She is also chairman of the Third Congressional District of the Good Roads Association of Missouri.

Mrs. Flanders is a Democrat and takes an active part m political affairs. She is an able public speaker and her services are in great demand during important political campaigns.

E. F. Camron, now living retired at Excelsior Springs, has been identified with this part of Missouri for many years. He is a member of one of the pioneer families of the State. The name, Camron, was spelled Cameron by Mr. Camron's parents and the other members of the Cameron family; however, the subject of this sketch drops the "e" from his name. He was born in Andrew County, Missouri, April 12, 1841, a son of Calvin S. and Ann (Writsman) Cameron.

Calvin S. Cameron was born in Tennessee, April 8, 1815. and when he was three years old he was brought to Missouri by his parents, Elisha and Sarah (VanWrinkle) Cameron, who settled in Fishing River township. Elisha Cameron entered Government land in Fishing River township and at the time of his death was the owner of 500 acres in Fishing River township. Elisha Cameron was bom in 1783 and was a soldier in the War of 1812. He was the first county judge of Clay County. The town of Cameron, Missouri, was named after him. His second oldest (laughter, Melinda, married a Mr. McCorkle who owned a thousand acres of land where the town of Cameron now stands.

Calvin S. Cameron entered Government land in Andrew County, Missouri, and was the owner of 200 acres of fine land there before the Civil War, but bushwhackers became so numerous in that vicinity during the war that he sold his place and bought a farm in Fishing River township. Clay County, where he died in 1893. Ann (Writsman) Cameron was born in Tennessee in 1816 and died in 1883.

E. F. Camron was the oldest of six children born to liis parents, two of whom are living besides E. F., as follows: Perry, who lives in Liberty, Missouri; and Frances, widow of J. B. Goodwin, of Liberty, Missouri. E. F. Camron has followed farming all his life. In 1870, ho moved to Vernon County, Missouri, whore he improved a farm and remained until 1903, when he disposed of his property there and returned to Clay County.

Mr. Camron has been twice married. In 1867, he was married to Elizabeth Sullards, a native of Buchanan County, Missouri, born in 1839. She died in 1879, leaving five children: Cora, married W. A. Cann, who is now deceased and she is Matron of a College at Port Arthur, Texas, and has three children, Gamett, Frank, and Kathiyn; Olive, man-ied R. E. Davis, who is now deceased and she has one son, Wendell Lee; Bruce C, St. Louis, Missouri; Elma, married Frank McGulkin, of New York; and E, F., Jr., of El Paso, Texas. In 1884, E. F. Camron was married to Maria E. Howell of West Virginia.

Mr. Camron has seen much of the development of this section of the country. In the early days he was engaged in freighting across the plains.

William Duncan, a successful farmer and stockman of Platte township and a veteran of the Civil War, is a native of Clay County. He was bom in Platte township, November 2, 1841, a son of Jehohida and Eliza (Crow) Duncan.

Jehohida Duncan was bora in Bourbon County, Kentucky, and came to Missouri with his parents at a very early day. He was a son of James Duncan who settled in Clay County and entered three thousand acres of government land here. Jehohida Duncan remained in this county until the discovery of gold in California, and in 1849 he crossed the plains to the Pacific coast. He died in California in 1857. Eliza (Crow) Duncan was bom in Jasamine County, Kentucky, and was married to Mr. Duncan in Missouri. She died in 1910.

William Duncan was one of five childien born to his parents, as follows: James, died in infancy; William, the subject of tliis sketch; Thomas J., deceased; Mary S., married John Screwberry, of Clinton County; and Elizabeth, deceased.

William Duncan was reai-ed on the home farm in Platte township and received his education in the early day subscription schools. He assisted his mother on the home place and at the early age of twelve years began working out by the month to help support his mother and sisters. In 1858 he engaged in farming the home place where he remained until 1861, when the Civil War broke out. He then enlisted at Smithville in Colonel Duncan's company, which was attached to General Price's command. It was known as Company G, First Missouri Regiment, under command of Colonel Cockrell. Mr. Duncan was with his command in a number of the important engagements of the Civil War. He was at the battles of Lexington, Pea Ridge, Wilson Creek, Shiloh, Siege of Vicksburg and the battle of Chickamauga, and a number of other battles and skirmishes. For ninety-seven days he was \vith the Confederate army which opposed General Sherman on his raid thi'ough Georgia. He was severely wounded at the battle oi Franklin, Tennessee, which was one of the hard fought battles of the Civil War. Here he was taken prisoner, after being wounded and sent to the Federal military prison at Camp Chase, Ohio. Three months later he was taken to Virginia and exchanged, being placed on a boat on the James River and sent to Richmond. After the close of the Civil War he was discharged in April, 1865, at Jackson, Mississippi. He was wounded three times during the course of his military service.

After the war, Mr. Duncan returned to Missouri and while at St. Joseph he hired out to make the trip across the plains with a wagon train to Idaho. After making that trip he returned to Nebraska City and made another trip across the plans to Denver Junction and back to Nebraska City. He then returned to St. Joseph and shortly aftei wards came back home to Clay County. In the fall of 1865 he settled on the old home place where his mother lived in Platte township and later he bought this place which he still owns. This property was entered from the government by his grandfather. Mr. Duncan has made many improvements on the place and has a good set of farm buildings, including a good comfortable residence and two bams. He has a wod orchard and carries on general fanning and stock raising and is recognized as one of the successful citizens of Platte township.

Mr. Duncan was married in Clay County, October 4, 1866, to Miss Sarah E. Morris, a daughter of Gilbert and Sussie E. (Commins) Morris. Gilbert Moriis was a native of Illinois, boni in 1818. He was a farmer all his life and died in Hamilton County, Tennessee, in 1861. Sussie E. (Commins) Morris was boni in Hamilton County, Tennessee, in 1820, and was married to Gilbert Morris in 1836. She died in 1863. To Mr. and Mrs. Gilbert Morris were bora the following children : Calvis, died in infancy ; Monroe, lives in New Mexico; Albert, died in infancy: Mary E., deceased; Thomas, Canyon. Texas ; Sarah E., manied Williairi Duncan of this sketch ; William, Douglass, Arizona ; John C, deceased ; Christine, a widow, who lives at Gainesville, Texas.

Mr. Dunciin is a Democi-Ht and he and Mrs. Duncan are members of the Methodist Church, South. Mr. Duncan is one of the dependable citizens of Clay County, whoi-se career and experiences have been unusual. He has lived in a generation which has been the connecting link between what seems to be the remote pioneer past and the present. During the course of his obsen'ations he has seen many changes and developments and has played his part through it all.

James H. Mereness, now living retired at Excelsior Springs, was for many years extensively engasred in farming and stock raising and met with success. He was born at Springfield, Ohio, January 1, 1852, a son of A. M. and Ann M. (Rouse) Mereness.

A. M. Mereness was a native of Ohio and in early manhood went to Louisiana where after remaining about five years, he returned to Ohio. Three years later, in 1854, he came to Missouri and after fai-ming a short time in Clay County he engaged in the mercantile business at Missouri City. Before the Civil War he was in partnership ^^^th Darius Sessions. They carried on a general mercantile business and bought and shipped hides and wool and did an extensive business. When the Civil War broke out Mr. Sessions was captain of the Home Guards and was killed at Missouri City. During that time Colonel Renick ordered all firearms in the county to be brought to Liberty, and in compliance with that order, A. M. Mereness sent his gun to Liberty by a negi'o woman. The Colonel construed this action as an insult and sent a detail of soldiers to raid Mr. Mereness' store. They destroyed nearly everything he had, after which he abandoned the store and engaged in farming, a pui-suit which he followed the remainder of his life. He died in 1869. His wife was a native of Louisiana and they were married in that state. She died at the home of one of her sons, five miles east of Liberty. The following children were bom to A. M. and Ann M. (Rouse) Mereness: Mortha J., deceased; Milton David, deceased; Margaret Ann, deceased; James H.. subject of thiis sketch; and Stephen Douglas, Excelsior Springs.

James H. Mereness received his education in the early day subscription school and the district school. He remained on the home place until after the death of his father, when he engaged in farming for himself. He and one of his brothers bought 280 acres of river bottom land where they engaged in farming for some years, when the cuiTmt of the river changed and swept their farm away. He then bought 270 acres five miles east of Liberty, at a safe distance from the river. This was in 1880, and here he was successfully engaged in farming and stock raising until 1910. In 1916. he came to Excelsior Springs, where he has since resided.

Mr. Mereness was first married in 1878 to Miss Olive Ann Pigg. After her death he married Mattie King, who died in 1914. June 10, 1915, he was man-ied to Alice Stoner. widow of W. J. Stoner. She is a daughter of Edward and Elizabeth (Reed) Smith, who wei-e early settlers in De- ka!b County, Missouri. The following children were born to Mr. Mereness' first marriage: L. G., died in 1916; W. R., lives in Colorado; and George H., lives near Missouri City.

Mr. Mereness is a member of the Baptist Church and is a Democrat. Mrs. Mereness is a member of the Methodist Church and is a very active worker in this church, being a teacher of the Gamma Bata Bata,, consisting of twenty-five young ladies. To her marriage to \V. J. Stoner, one child was born. Pauline Elizabeth, born July 11, 1904, now living with her mother. At the time of Mrs. Mereness' last marriage, she was superintendent at the Odd Fellows' Home at Liberty, Missouri, and has the distinction of being past president of the Rebekahs State Assembly of Missouri.

Marcellus S. Thomason, a progressive citizen of Kearney townshin who is well known as a successful farmer and breeder, is a native son of Clay County. He was born three miles south of his present place, January' 1, 1872, a son of Maicellus and Belvidere (Estes) Thomason.

Marcellus Thomason, the father, was bom in Kentucky, in 1832, and came to Missouri with his parents in 1840. The family settled in Clay County. Marcellus Thomason was engaged in farming and was the owner of 230 acres of land. He was also engaged in stock raising and kept a good grade of cattle. In 1849, when goid was discovered in California, he made the trip there overland with his father. They drove ox teams and took with them a herd of cattle. They returned to Missouri in 1851. Marcellus Thomason died in 1909 and at the time of his death he was the owner of the Berry Estes place. Belvidere (Estes) Thomason was bom in Clay County in 1836 and died in 1876.

To Marcellus and Belvidere (Estes) Thomason were bom the following children : George, lives in Clay County ; Louis, died in infancy ; Belvidere, deceased; Manlius, lives in Califomia; William, lives in Texas; Eugenia, mai-ried Sam Wilson, Clay County, Missouri ; Ella, married John D. Mathew, Clay County; Pearl, married Benjamin Kelley, California; Marcellus S., the subject of this sketch ; and Asa, lives on the old home place in Clay County.

Marcellus S. Thomason was reared on the farm and attended school in the Stony Point district and the Keamry High School. Later he took a course in the Chillicothe Business College. He remained at home until he was tv/enty-one years old and after that operated land which he rented from his father until he was thirty-five years old. He then bought his present place which consists of a valuable farm of 200 acres. He carries on general farming and raises tc/oacco quite extensively. He began breeding pure bred Poland China hogs in 1912 and has one of the best strains of Poland Chinas to be found anywhere in the county. He disposes of his pure bred Poland China hogs at public sales and has always received good prices for his hogs. He raises and feeds cattle on an extensive scale also.

Mr. Thomason was man-ied at Kansas City, December 23, 1908, to Miss Louie Newby. She is a daughter of George S. and Elizabeth (Moore) Newby. George S. Newby was born in Clinton County, Missouri, July 9, 1849, and died August 16, 1902. He was married to Elizabeth Moore, October 24. 1872. She died October 3, 1879. They were the parents of five children.

Landie R. Hulse, a successful farmer and stockman of Platte township, is a native of Missouri. He was bom at Grayson, Clinton County, July 8, 1881 and is a son of Jefferson and Sally (Barnard) Hulse. Jefferson Hulse was bom in Clay County, near Paradise, May 1, 1854. He was reared in this county and received a good education. Early in life he became an ordained minister in the Methodist church and has been a minister of the gospel all his life. He now resides on his farm near Paradise. His wife was bom near Lexington, Kentucky, June 30, 1854, and they were married near Smithville, Missouri, in 1876. She died in 1920 and her remains are buried in the Independent Order of Odd Fellows cemetery at Smithville. To Reverend Jeff"erson and Sally (Barnard) Hulse were bom the following children: Auror, maiTied Andy Collins, Platte township, Clay County; Landie, the subject of this sketch; Georgia, mamed Walter Brooks, Smithville, Missouri; Mabel, married Floyd Rule, Clay County, Missouri ; and Leta, who resides at home with her father.

Landie Hulse was reared in Platte township and attended the Paradise public schools and later was a student at Prof. Aell's Academy at Smithville. Missouri. He remained at home vrith his parents until he was eighteen years old. He then went West and was employed in the mining camp at Cripple Creek, Colorado. He worked at the Elkton Mine for one and one-half years and at the El Paso for one year. He was working

Golden Cycle Mine when labor trouble arose and he went to Oregon. He was employed in a woolen mill at Pendleton for six months and then was employed o)i a ranch near Pendleton. He returned to Clay County in 1904 and after remaining with his parents about eighteen months he rented a farm near Hoover in Platte County. In 1909 he returned to Clay County and bought IIU acres of land in Platte township which he still owns and which is his present home. His place is well improved with a good residence and bam. He carries on general farming and stock raising and has achieved mo)-e than ordinary success as a breeder of Yellow Dent seed corn.

Mr. Hulse was married near Hoover, in Platte County, October 24, 1906, to Miss Carrie J. Cleniments and to this union have been born five children as follows: Elizabeth, Lena M., Luella, Addie, and Landie, all residing at home with their paients.

Lewis E. Dresslaer, now living at Excelsior Springs, has had a successful career as a farmer and stockman. He was bora five miles west of Liberty on the old Dresslaer homestead. November 18, 1860, and is a son of Anderson and Matilda (Holt) Dresslaer.

Anderson Dresslaer was a native of Virginia, bom August 28, 1836, and came to Missouri with his parents when he was sixteen years old. He was a son ol Michael Dresslaer who entered 160 acres of government land upon coming to this county. Anderson Dresslaer entered government land in Clay County and was the 0A\Tier of 240 acres which was heavily timbered when he bought it. He followed farming and stock raising all his life. During the Civil War, he served in the Confedei-ate army. He died May 10, 1914, and his remains are buried in Big Shoal Church cemetery.

Matilda (Holt) Dresslaer was born in Tennessee, January 14, 1837, and was married to Anderson Dresslaer in Clay County, November 4, 1858. She died on the home place in this county, July 10, 1902. Jo Anderson and Matilda (Holt) Dresslaer were born four children, as follows: Liev/elyn A., born August 26, 1859, owns the home place near Liberty; Lewis E., the subject of this sketch; William N., bom in 1871, and died in 1877 ; Edgar E., bom June 8, 1876, a traveling salesman, St. Joseph, Missouri.

Lewis E. Dresslaer was reared on the home farm and attended the district school in the Faubian school district. When he was eighteen years old he began his independent career as a farmer and stock raiser on rented land. In 1880, he bought a farm of forty acres. He operated that place until 1890 when he bought 160 acres which he now owns. He made substantial improvements on this place, including a good farm residence and two stock bams. He has carried on general farming and stock raising, having been especially successful in raising mules.

Mr. Dresslaer was married November 5, 1884, to Miss Sallie G. Hymer, a daughter of William S. and Elizabeth (Searcey) Hymer. William S. Hymer was born in Kentucky, October 11, 1821. He was a son of Jacob P. Hymer, a Kentuckian who was prominent in the early day affairs of Clay County. The Hymer family settled in Clay County in 1831 and entered 220 acres of land and here William S. Hymer spent his life. He was a successful farmer and stockman and was an old school Baptist. He was afflicted with blindness for twenty-two years prior to his death, October 30, 1897. Elizabeth (Searcey) Hymer was bom March 23, 1827, and married in 1848. She died July 7, 1873.

To William S. and Elizabeth (Searcey) Hymer were born the following children: Jacob H., bom December 24, 1849, lives in Kansas City, Missouri ; Dettie, bom June 21, 1852, married Andrew J. Pence, Raytown, Missouri; Dulcina N., born June 20, 1853, and died September 19, 1896; Irvin W., born June 16, 1855, deceased ; Eugene, bom September 8, 1860, died July 1, 1916; Sallie G., married Lewis E. Dresslaer, was born December 16, 1862 ; and Howell L., bom May 20, 1865, lives at Excelsior Springs. Mr. and Mrs. Dresslaer have no children.

Mr. Dresslaer is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and has been a member of the Knights of Pythias for twenty-five years and is a Democrat. He and Mrs. Dresslaer are members of the Rebekahs and she holds membership in the Baptist Church.

Beverly B. Petty, of Liberty, Missouri, is one of the large land owners of Clay County and a descendant of a prominent pioneer family of this section of Missouri. He was born in Clay County and is a son of Bevei*ly and Martha Ann (Estes) Petty. A more extensive history of the Petty family appears in this volume in connection with a sketch of George W. Petty, a brother of Beverly B. Petty whose name introduces this review.

Beverly B. Petty was reared in the vicinity of Kearney and attended school in the Estes district and later the Kearney High School. Re then attended William Jewell Colleg-e at Liberty. In early life he engaged in farming and stock raising and carried on business on an extensive scale and today is one of the well-to-do and successful men of affairs in Clay County. His farm is located in Fishing River township, four and onehalf miles west of Excelsior Springs. Here he owns and operates 800 acres of well improved and valuable land, a part of which is known as the Yankee Brown Fai-m. In 1909 Mr. Petty purchased the A. B. Cranford home at 804 South Leonard Street, Liberty, Missouri, where he has since resided. This is one of the fine homes of Liberty.

On February 11, 1900, Beverly B. Petty was united in marriage with Miss Fannie Pettigrew, a daughter of Joseph T. and Fannie (Rust) Petti- Rrew. Joseph T. Pettigrew was a native of North Carolina and a son of William and Margaret Pettigrew who settled in Clay County when Joseph T. Pettigrew was three years old. They located on a farm, four and one-half miles west of Excelsior Springs, in Fishing River township, and spent the remainder of their lives in Clay County and their remains are buried at Kearney. Joseph T. Pettigi-ew died at Excelsior Springs at the age of fifty-six years and his wife died in 1876. Joseph T. Pettigrew was a prominent stockman of Clay County and widely known as a successful man. He was a Democrat and took an active part in political aflfairs. He was one of the original stockholders of the Kearney Commercial Bank and served as a member of the board of directors of that institution for a number of years. Mrs. Petty was the only child born to her parents. She was educated in the Cameron district school, the Kearney High School and the Ladies College at Liberty, Missouri.

Robert D. Vest, the veteran thresher of Clay County, who has operated threishing machines for the past forty years, is a native of Missouri and a member of one of the prominent pioneer families r-f this state. He is a nephew of the late Senator Vest who representeed Missouri in the United States Senate for a number of years and was one of the ablest lawyers of his time.

Robert U. Vest was the only son born to his parents, his '; other dyingwhen he was nine days old, July 15, 1859. Her remains ?re buried at Ft. Sibley. The father afterguards married Amanda Rainey and three children were born to that union, only one of whom is now living, Charles Vest, of Los Angeles, California.

Robert D. Vest was reared in Jackson County and educated In me public schools. In early life he began operating threshing "lachines and saw mills and for forty years he has been engaged in that business, with the exception of the year of 1886. His operations have extended pretty much over western Missouri and parts of Kansas. When be began the threshing business the old type of primitive machines were used and he has operated all kinds, from the ox tread power to his present sixteenhorse power Reeves engine and Aultman-Taylor separator with its automatic banding, cutting and weighing devices and all other modem tlu'eshing machine equipment.

Mr. Vest was first married in 1883 to Miss MoUie Licklider, of Pleasant Green, Missouri. She died in 1901, leaving the following children: William, Stockton, California ; Edgar, employed by the Nichols-Sheperd Threshing Machine Company, Kansas City, Missouxi ; Grover, ii the garage business at Marshall, Missouri; Robert, was in the employ of the J. I. Case Threshing Machine Company of Kansas City, Missouri, and died in November, 1918; Mary, married C. W. Hunting, of Stockton, Cahfoniia ; and Delia, married Laure Allawag, Stockton. California. Mr. Vest's second marriage took place in March, 1903. to Mrs. Rachel A. Kimmerman, of Malta Bend, Missouri.

J. W. Harlin, who is engaged in the hardware busine-s at Liberty, Missouri, is one of the veteran merchants at Clay County *nd for the past forty-seven years has been engaged in business at Liberty. He was born at Indianapolis, Indiana, August 12. 1840, a son of George W. and Susana (Miller) Harlin. George W. Harlin was a native of Bargetown, Kentucky, and his wife was bom in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. They were married in Indianapolis and both spent their lives there.

J. W. Harlin is the only survivor of eight children born to his parents. He was reared and educated in the city of Indianapolis, attending the public schools and also a local seminary. When the Civil War broke out he enlisted in the Union Aniiy in the First Indiana Cavalry, under Captain Brackens. During the course of his military career, Mr. Harlin served with the Union Army in Virginia, West Virginia, Tennessee, Alabama and Louisiana, and was at Mobile, Alabama, when the war closed. He participated in a number of important engagements and at the battle of Gettysburg he was struck by a piece of shell on the right leg which nearly disabled him, and at the time he thought his leg was shot off. However, when he recovered from the shock he found that his injuiy was not of a permanent nature. A piece from the same shell also knocked his horse down which also recovered. At that time Mr. Hardin was orderly for the Second Brigade, Second Division, Eighteenth Corps. He was honorably discharged and mustered out of service in November, 1865, and returned to Indianapolis.

In 1866 Mr. Harlin came to Missouri and located at Independence, where he was engaged in the work of tinsmith. He remained there lor seven years, and in 1873 came to Liberty and engaged in the hardware business to which he has since devoted his attention. His hardware store is located on South Main Street, where he enjoys a good trade which has. been built up by squai'e dealing and honest methods through all these years.

Mr. Harlin was married at Independence, Missouri, September 27, 1871, to Miss Britti Dunn, who was bom in Independence March 3, 1853. To Mr. and Mrs. Harlin have been bom the following children : George W., who is associated with his father in the hardware business at Liberty ; Sarah Josephine, married Robert Willis, of Kansas City, Missouri; and John Joseph, a cattle buyer at the stock yards in Kansas City.

During his long career in Liberty and Clay County Mr, Harlin has made many friends. He has taken an active interest in the welfare and progress of the town and county and has sei-ved on the council of Liberty for six years. Although he is now passed his eightieth year he is still active in business.

J. J. Cockrell, proprietor of the Day and Night Garage which is located just outside the city limits of Liberty, Missouri, is a native son of Clay County and a member of one of the most prominent pioneei* families of Missouri. He was bom in Liberty township February 11, 1893, and is a son of James F. and Kathleene (Cunningham) Cockrell who reside in Liberty township on their fami adjoining the city limits.

to the late Senator Cockrell who represented Missouri in the United States Senate for tliirty years. James F. Cockrell has been engaged in farming throughout his career and is the owner of a valuable farm of fifty-one and one-half acres. Kathleene (Cunningham) Cockrell is a native of Vermont, bom at East Dorsett. To James F. and Kathleene (Cunningham) Cockrell have been born the following children: G. F., Kansas City, Missouri; T. L., Kansas City, Missouri; Miss Hattie Cockrell, Roxbury, Vermont; F. M., Kansas City, Missouri; Kathleene, at home with her parents; John J., the subject of this sketch; Grace, married Ellie House, of Akron, Ohio; and Charlie, at home with his parents.

John J. Cockrell was educated in the public schools of Liberty and after leaving school worked in a garage at Kansas City, where he was employed for two years and became familiar with that line of work. He then returned home and after working on the fann for a time he entered the employ of the Central Paper Box Factory at Kansas City for three years. On July 20, 1918. he entered the United States army and was assigned to Company Division Headquarters at Camp Funston. and after serving in the army until February 14, 1919, he received his honorable discharge. He then returned to Kansas City and entered the employ of the Central Paper Box Factory again where he remained until July, 1919. in November, 1919, he engaged in his present business and is meeting with marked success. He is a capable automobile mechanic and has two assistants in his garage where he does all kinds of automobile repair work.

Mr. Cockrell is a member of the Independent Oi'der of Odd Fellows and is one of the progressive and enterprising young men of Clay County who is making good.

Joseph M. Patterson, Jr., owner and proprietor of "Pattersondale Farm," has won a well merited reputation as a leading breeder of pure bred Shorthorn cattle, and stands in the front rank in that industry in Clay County.

Mr. Patterson was bom at Augusta, Bracken County, Kentucky, September 2, 1888, and is a son of J. M. and Blanche (Bovvman) Patterson. The parents are both natives of Kentucky, the former of Harrison County and the latter of Bracken County, and they now reside in Kansas City, Missouri.

Joseph M. Patterson, Jr., was the only child born to his parents. He was educated in the pubhc schools, Blees Military Academy at Macon, Missouri, and the University of Kansas at Lawrence, Kansas. In 1907 he entered the employ of the Bank of Commerce of Kansas City, Missouri, and was thus engaged for four yeax's. He then came to Clay Counly and purchased 140 acres of land, two miles south of Liberty, which is now known as "The Pattersondale Faim". It was formerly the Joseph Pryor place.

Mr. Patterson has made extensive improvements, including a two story modern residence, equipped with a hghting and water system. He has also erected a neat and substantial barn, 48x52 feet and other farm buildings with a special view of their adaptability for the care of stock. He specializes in breeding pure bred Shorthorn cattle and at this writing has twenty-five head of pure bred cows and the herd is headed by "Premier Victor", one of the valuable herd leaders of Clay County. Mr. Patterson has a constand demand for his stock which is a very fine strain of pure breed Whiteface cattle.

"Pattersondale Farni" was one of the early settled places of Clay County and until Mr. Patterson purchased and improved it, it bore some of the historic earmarks of primitive pioneer days. An old log house which was probably built prior to 1840 occupied the site of the present splendid farm residence, and other changes about the place are no less noticeable than the contrast between the former and present residence.

Mr. Patterson was maxTied August 5, 1908, to Mi.ss Mabel Coyne, a daughter of Harry and Sarah (Culver) Coyne of Kansas City, Missouri, and one daughter has been born to this union, Barbara Blanche Patterson.

Marcus Lee Lightbume, a well known and successful farmer and stockman of Liberty township, is a descendant of a prominent Clay County family. He was born on a farm three miles south of Liberty, in Liberty township, June 30, 1863, and is a son of John S. and Ann (Todd) Lightbume.

John S. Lightbume was bom in Scott County, Kentucky, April 11, 1811, and died in Clay County, June 22, 1890. His wife was bom near Barry in Clay County, February 16, 1834, and died April .5, 1908, and their remains are buried at Liberty, Missouri. John S. Lightbume came to Missouri by stojuuboju in ISoLl ;uui sottlod in Pbtto County. In lSt>l ho ron\o\tHl to l.ihorty and worked at his trado of oarpontor. Howovor. at about tho dose of tho Civil \\ ar ho boujjlu a farm and onjyji.nod in farminir uiid stock raisins". Tho old homo placo is now owned by his son A. \\ . Liirlitburne. Ho impn>vod this phuo and spent tlio romaindor of Ijis life thoiv. Ho built a lojr house upon the place which is still stjiulin)); and is one of the oldest houses in Clay County, It is built of walnat and white Oiik logs.

Mjyor Alvau l.ijihtburne, an uncle of Marcus l.oe yghtburno. was pivmincnt in the early day atVairs of Liberty and Clay Coutity. He \v;»s a prominent factor in jiotting William Jewell Collogv located here. Wi' secunni subscriptions amountiiur to $24.7t>7.00 and when ho turiunl this over to tho connnittoe it raised tho subscription amount to about ?10.- IHHVOO. WhoJi the committee on location left Liberty, after Major Lijjhtburno handinl the members the subscription jviipei-s. he Siiid: "Contlomen, go and get the college. If you tind upon your arrival at Booneville that this amount is not suthciont. add ?;?.00li.00 or :fo.000.00 nmro but g-et tho collogv." The additional pledge, however, was not iiecessjiry

The following childuMi wert^ Ixmh to John S. and Ann (Todd) Light burne: Dora, married Uobert ThompsoJi, de«."eased; Fannie, married Eiigar Thomasoji. diH'oased : Temperance E.. married Eugene Thomiison. Liberty. Missouri: Maivus Lee. the subject of this sketch: Minnie \'.. married Samuel K. Walker, who is now divoased. and she lives at Liberty. Missouri : and .\lvin W.. who lives on the old homo place in Liberty township.

Marcus Lee LightbuiTie was roareti in Liberty township and attended sch(.x>l in tho Ruth Evving school district. He has been engjigod in fanning and stock raising in Liberty township since earlj- nianho'Hl. He owns 2U? acres of land one and thrtn^fourths miles south of Liberty. He Iwught his honie place from the Artman Bivthers in 18i>8 and later lHnig"!\t a jvirt of the Cathwart fann His place is well in\vMwed with a gc>od farm rt^sidonce and other buildings. This is one of t!u^ ideal stivk farms of Clay County. The place is abundantly supplitnl by water fwm about a doren flowing springs. In addition to his general farmir.g and stock raising. Mr. l.ightburne is also engaged in dairying. He loops sixteen good grade dairy cows and ships his civam to market a; St. Joseph. Missouri.

worth, KansaH. Mrs. Lightburne's mother waK born in Clay County and her father waH an early Kettller in thi.n part of MiH.souri. Th-.-y were married at Platte City about 1845 and are both now deceaHcd and are buried in Platte County. Mrs. Lightburne is one of nine children bom to her parents an follows: Mary, manied Richard Mullen.s, of Simonton, Texas; Henrietta, married Robert Southard, of Tonganoxie, Kan.sas; Jennie, married George Broadshaw, DeSoto, Kansas; Julia, married Ed Rahe, Loring, Kan.sas; William, Bonner Springs; George, Loring, Kansas; Anna, married I. R. Paul, Clements, Kansas; John, Pendleton, Oregon; and Mrs. Lights bume, of this sketch. To Marcus Lee Lightburne and wife have been boiTi the following children: Frances, married Harry Donaldson, liberty, Mis.souri, and they have two children, Virginia Lee and John Lightburne Donaldson ; and John Albert Lightburne.

John Albert Lightburne was l>orn May 21, IH',)'.',, and is associated with his father in operating the home farm. He was married July 19, 1919, to Miss Gwendolyn L. Hendricks, a daughter of Archibald and Inez Hendricks. Her father is deceased and her mother resides at Excelsior Springs, Missouri.

John Albert Lightbume enli.stcd in the Aviation Department of the United States Army at Kansas City December 15, 1917. He was .sent to the training camp at Urbana, Illinois, and was discharged there April 18, 1918. He immediately re-enlisted and on May 25, 1918, was .sent to Camp Carter at Battle Creek, Michigan. He served there as Regimental Instrument and Scout Sergeant. He was retained at Camp Carter in connection with the officers School of Fire and was engaged in training recruits until the armistice was signed. He was honorably discharged from the service February 7, 1919.

Robert Lee Minter, a well known citizen of Liberty, Mis.souri, is a native of Clay County and a de.scendant of Clay County pioneers. He was bom near Kearney, Mis.souri, on the old Yankee Brown fann and i.s. a .son of Captain Robert and Martha (Bright) Minter.

Captain Robert Minter served in the Confederate Army throughout the Civil War under Gen. Sterling Price, and shortly after the war he was engaged in the mercantile business at Liberty with Fox Stone and they were succeeded in business by the Hughes Dry Goods Company. From Liberty Captain Minter moved to Kearney and from there to Cass County, Missouri. In 1868 he returned U> Clay County and settled in Gal- latin township and bought a place near Randolph. He sold that place in 1874 and went to Texas where he remained eighteen months. He laen retuiTied to Clay County again and settled at Excelsior Springs. He died at Gallatin towTiship in 1877 and he and his first wife are buried in Fairview cemetery. His second wife bore the maiden name of Sallie Young and she is now living at the Independent Order of Odd Fellows' Home, near Liberty.

The following children were bora to Robert and Martha (Bright) Minter: Maiy Jane, married Loten Merritt and is deceased: Kate, married K. P. Withers, of Excelsior Springs, and died in 1920; Albert, died at Santa Ana, Calif oniia; George, lives in Los Angeles. California; Jennie, married Cass Peake. Sulphur, Oklahoma; J. S., Los Angeles. California; Robert L., the subject of this sketch; S. P., Sheffield, Missouri; Hattie, manied H. P. Lindamen, Sheffield, Missouri.

Robert Lee Minter was educated in the public schools, attending scnooi at the Woodland school house near Mosby, and also the Cass County schools. He has been engaged in farming and stock raising practically all his life and bought his present farm which is located near Bii-mingham in 1893. It was fonnerly the A. J. Stephens fann and was first settled by a colony of Mormons. There are twelve acres in the home place and forty acres just a little way west, and Mr. Minter operates in addition to his own land several acres on the river bottoms, which he rents.

Robert Lee Minter was married December 1, 1886, to Miss Mary King. She is a daughter of M. A. and Margaret (Sutton) King, both of whom are deceased and their remains are buried in the Prowlee cemetery. Mrs. Minter was bom in Claj"- County. To Mr. and Mrs. Minter have been born the following children: Lauren King, married Lillian Chism of Kansas City, Missouri, and they have one daughter, Elfa Lela ; Grace Ellen, a student in the Liberty High School ; Blanche May, also a student in the Liberty High School ; and Robert, Jr.

James M. Stepp, who is successfully engaged in farming near Birmingham, Gallatin to^vnship, is a native of Clay County. He was born at Minneville, January 4, 1881, a son of James M. and Sarah (Bums) Stepp.

James M. Stepp, Sr., the father of James M. Stepp of this review, was a native of Virginia and a son of James M. Stepp, who was a millwright in the early days in Virginia. His wife was descendant of Captain John Smith and Pocahontas. James M. Stepp, Sr., was reared in Virginia and when the Civil Vv'ar broke out he enlisted in the Confederate Army and served under Major Fitzhugh of Virginia. He enlisted at the age of sixteen years and participated in a number of important battles of the war, including Lookout Mountain, the Siege of Vicksburg, Five Forks, and was at Appomattox at t!ie Onish. He was sliglitly wounded three times. After the war he came to Clay County, Missouri, with a brother, Dock Stepp. He was engaged in farming here for a number of years and was accidentally killed by a train at Randolph, Missouri, in 1906. His brother. Dock Stepp, was also killed by a train at Minneville, Missouri. One other brother, Robert Stepp, now lives in New Mexico. Sarah (Bums) Stepp was a native of Clay County and her parents were eight years and her remains are buried at Minneville.

To James M. and Sarah (Burns) Stepp were born the following children: William R., Chillicothe, Missouri; John H., Norfolk, Virginia; Cordelia, niiu-ried Thomas C. Dudley of Kansas City, Kansas; James M., the subject of this sketch; Joseph N., a farmer in Gallatin township; and Bessie E., married Lester Capps of Minneville.

James M. Stepp was reared and educated in Minneville and in early life engaged in truck gardening, a line in which he has been engaged to the present time and in which he has met with success.

Mr. Stepp was rriarried September 11, 1911, to Miss Jessie Blankenship, a daughter of Thomas and Minnie (Swearingen) Blankenship of Birmingham, Missouri. Mrs. Stepp is one of three children born to her parents, the others being as follows: Lawrence, MinneviUe, Missouri, and Thomas, Birmingham, Missouri. To Mr. and Mrs. Stepp have been born three children: Sarah Vivan, Thomas Glenn, and Vera Elizabeth

(ieorge Raymond Porter, a substantial and well known farmer and stockman of Gallatin township who has been identified with Clay County and its interests for the past thii-ty years, is a native of Georgia. He was born in Hall County, Georgia, July 21, 1860, a son of John and Nancy (Johnson) Porter, both natives of Georgia, and of Hall County.

John Porter was bom in Hall County, Georgia, in 1831. When the Civil War broke out he enlisted in the Confederate Army and served throughout the four long years of that conflict under General Longstreet. After the war he returned to his Georgia home and was engaged in farming throughout the remainder of his active career. He died m 1918 at the advanced age of eighty-seven years. His wife died in 189(.- at the age of fifty-seven years and their remains are buried in Sardis cemetery in Hall County, Georgia. Six of their children are living, as follows: George Raymond, the subject of this sketch ; C. C. Porter, a farmer and collector in Lumpkin County, Georgia; Lucinda, married Joe Martin; Bunie, manned J. W. Martin; Avy, married Lloyd Martin; and Florid, married James F. Jay. All of the daughters reside in Hall County. Georgia.

George Raymond Porter was reared to manhood and educated in Hall County, Georgia. He was engaged in farming there until 1S90 when he came to Missouri and settled in Platte County, near Bany. He bought his present farm in Gallatin township. Clay County, from Charles Ligon in 1910. This was formerly the old Leonard Ligon homestead. The fami consists of 289 acres and since locating here Mr. Porter has made many substantial improvements. He has remodeled the residence and other buildings and has one of the well improved and valuable faiTtis of Gallatin township. The place has an ample supply of water and is well adapted to general farming and stock raising.

December 10, 1881, George Raymond Porter was married to Miss Tyrene Robinson, a daughter of Bose and Eliza (Elrod) Robinson, both members of an old Southeni pioneer family of Hall County, Georgia. Mrs Porter is one of six children bom to her parents, the others being as follows: Minnie married W^ R. Robert.son; Jolly Robinson; William Robinson ; Thomas Robinson ; and Emma, who married Brown Smith.

To Mr. and Mrs. George Raymond Porter have been born the following children : Guy, a farmer, Liberty, Missouri ; Jay, Big Sandy, Montana ; Chester, married Owen Moore, Liberty, Missouri ; George F., on the home farm; Lizzie, married Kelly Wagner; Frederick at home with his parents; and Sidney, at home.

Mr. Porter is a member of the Masonic Lodge, having been made a Mason in Hall County, Georgia, and is now a member of the Masonic Lodge at Liberty, Missouri.

Hugh R. Loughrey, of Gallatin township, who is engaged in farming and stock raising, is a native son of Clay County and a descendant of very early pioneer settlers of Clay County and Missouri. He was born on the place where he now resides, about three and one-half miles northeast of North Kansas City, May 2, 1867, a son of Andy and Mary (Hardwick) Loughrey.

Andy Loughrey was born in Indiana and in 1859 went to Kansas where he remained about a year, when he came to Clay County He worked by the month near Liberty for a time and later worked for the Hardwiek family. He later engaged in farming and stock raising in Gallatin tovi'nship and spent the remainder of his life here. He improved the place where Hugh R. Loughrey now lives, having built the residence in 1886. A number of fine maple ti'ees which now shade the Loughrey home were set out by him.

Mary (Hardwiek) Loughrey was a daughter of Philip and Margaret Hardwiek. Philip Hardwiek was one of the very early pioneer settlers of Clay County, settling on the place which is now owned by Hugh R. Loughrey, in 1826. Hugh R. Loughrey now owns ninety ncres of the original Hardwiek place, which consisted of about 300 acres. Philip Hardwiek went to California during the gold excitement of 1849, making the westward trip overland. He was returning by way of the Isthmus of Panama when he died on board ship and was buried at sea. His widow conducted the home place for a number of years and died about 1893 and is buried at Liberty, Missouri. Andy Loughrey died in October, 1916, and his wife departed this life in March, 1919, and their i-emains are buried at Mt. Memorial, the old cemetery at Liberty, Missouri.

Hugh R. Loughrey was reared on the home place and educated at Pleasant Hill district school and later took a course at Spalding's Commercial College in Kansas City, Missouri. He was then employed as foreman for the Annour Packing Company for twenty-three years. In 1915 he returned to the home farm where he has since been engaged in farming and stock raising.

Mr. Loughrey was married December 10, 1896, to Miss Mineaola Fugitt, a daughter of Matt and Minerva (Lee) Fugitt, both now deceased. The Fugitts were very early settlers in Clay County. Matt Fugitt was bom in Gallatin township in 1836. He was a son of Hiram Fugitt who entered Government land near Linden, Missouri. Early members of the Fugitt family came to Missouri with Daniel Boone in the eai-ly part of the last century and were among the earlies*: settlerii of the State One of the Fugitt brothers disappeared in the eai-ly days and was supposed to have been killed by Indians but he was located in Illinois about twenty-seven years ago. Minerva (Lee) Fugitt was a daughter of Stephen Elgiva Lee, who were also pioneer settlerr^ of Clay County. Elgiva Lee was a daughter of Rev. Knight, a Baptist minister. Matt Fugitt died at the home of his daughter in ICansas City in 1918, and his wife died in 1890.

To Hugh R. Loughrey and wife have been bom the following children: Andrew C, was married August 3, 1920, to Colina Wade of Kansas City, Missouri; Layton, at home; and Hugh, at home with his parents.

James Oscar Davidson of Gallatin township is a native of Clay County, and a descendant of early pioneers of this county. He was born five miles west of Liberty, January 18, 1845. He is a son of John K. and Lucy (Tillery) Davidson.

John K. Davidson was bom in Woodford County, Kentucky, in 1815. Lucy Tilleiy Davidson, daughter of Wm. and Nancy Tillery. was born in the same county in 1820. They came to Clay County with their respective parents and were married here. John K. Davidson died in 1847 at the age of thirty-two years, and his wife died in 1876 at the age of fifty-six years, and their remains are buried on tlie A. C. Davidson farm, three and one-half miles southwest of Liberty.

To John and Lucy Davidson were bom the following children : Samuel Alexander, L. A., James Oscar, and Mary Ann. Samuel Alexander was a soldier in the Confederate army and died from pneumonia shortly after the battle of Pea Ridge. Florendia died January 8, 5 858, at the age of fourteen years. Mary Ann, married Henry Haynes, and died two years after her marriage, December 30, 1869.

James Oscar Davidson was reared in Clay County artd attended school in the Faubion school district. In early life he and his brother L. A. Davidson, bought the home farm which they operated in partnership for several years. Later they bought the Tillery Farm, and L. A. Davidson took that and James Oscar retained the home place. He afterwards bought the Stephen Lee place which he improved, and lived on it for eight years. He sold the home place in 1910, and the Lee Fann

James Oscar Davidson was married in 1878, to Miss Ella Campbell, daughter of William C. and Amanda Evans Campbell, one of the early Clay County families. She died in January, 1882, leaving two sons, William Campbell, born December 2, 1879, and Ernest E., bom February 27, 1881.

W. C. and Ernest E. Davidson wei'e educated in the public schools of Clay County and the Kansas City High School, gi'aduating from high school in 1899. Ernest E. graduated from the Law Department of Missouri University in 1901. He practiced law in Kansas City for a time. He and his brother, W. C, now live in Gallatin township where they are doing general farming and stock raising. They are breeding pui'ebred Shorthorn cattle and Hampshire hogs. Both are Thirty-second Degree Scottish Rite Masons and members of Ararat Temple A. A. 0. N. M. S.

William Campbell Davidson was married to Miss Nell Tabb of Kansas City, April .30, 1910. They have one son, William Campbell, Jr., born October 17, 1914.

Ernest E. Davidson was married September 6, 1911, lo Miss Etta Beeman of Kansas City, Missouri. They have two children, James, born September 2, 1913; Ella, bom June 23, 1915.

J. McGee Evans, a well known and substantial citizen of Gallatin township, is a native of Clay County and was bom on the place where he now resides, March 31, 1882, and is a descendant of one of the veiy early pioneer families of Missouri. He is a son of James C. and Elizabetii (Campbell) Evans.

James C. Evans was the first male white child bom in what is now Kansas City. He was born April 25, 1833, and was a son of William B. Evans and Amelia (McGee) Evans.

William B. Evans was born in Kentucky and was twelve years old when his parents came from Kentucky to Howard County, Missouri. From there he went to Clay County and in 1829 to Clinton County. In 1830 he went to Jackson County and was there married to Amelia McGee, a daughter of James H. and Elinor McGee. That was in 1830. James H. McGee gave his daughter eighty acres of land at the time of her marriage to William B. Evans and as late as 1885 that place was known as the Dundee place. William B. Evans and his wife lived on the place for a number of years.

William B. Evans, above mentioned, was a son of John Evans who was one of the first five householders to settle in Clay County. He was from Madison County, Kentucky, and came to Missouri and settled in Howard County in 1818. In 1820 he came to Clay County with his family and settled here. He remained in this county until 1829 when he went to Clinton County and was one of the first permanent settlers in that county. He died in 1840.

James C. Evans, father of J. McGee Evans, was reared in Jackson County and was given the advantages of a good common school education. He was engaged in farming throughout his active career and also gave much attention to horticulture. He was successful in hi? undertakings and became the owner of 250 acres of land which has been divided among his children. He had a well improved place and in 1882 erected a large three-story residence, one of the finest homes in the county, which is now the residence of James McGee Evans.

James C. Evans was prominent in the affairs of Clay County and took an active part in the Grange organization. He was president of the State Horticulture Association for eighteen years.

James C. Evans was united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth Campbell in Clay County, November 15, 1860. She was a daughter of Samuel W. and Mary (Todd) Campbell, the latter a sister of Zatchen Todd, one of the very early pioneer settlers of Gallatin township. James C. Evans died July 10, 1909, and his wife departed this life April 11, 1882.

To James C. and Elizabeth (Campbell) Evans were bom the following children: Mrs. Mary Stowers, who lives on a part of the old Evans homestead in Gallatin township; Paul, was director of the State Fruit Experiment Station at Mountain Grove, Missouri, until April, 1919, and is now engaged in the fruit business at West Plains, Missouri, where he is conducting a 10,000-acre ranch ; Amelia, deceased ; Mrs. Amanda Garth, Kansas City, Missouri; John Campbell Evans, who is engaged in the oil business at West Plains, Missouri; Mrs. Ivy Soper, Gainesville, Florida; Mrs. Emma McGee, Kansas City, Missouri; and J. McGee Evans, the subject of this sketch.

J. McGee Evans was reared on the home fami in Clay County and attended the disti-ict schools and afterwards the public schools of Kansas City, Missouri, including a course in Central High School. He then returned to the home farm in Clay County where he has since been engaged in farming and stock raising. He has recently specialized in raising pure bred Duroc Jersey hogs.

August 14, 1896, J. McGee Evans was married to Miss Alay Luther, a daughter of E. F. and Mary (Pryor) Luther, and to this union has been born one son, Julian McGee Evans.

Mrs. J. McGee Evans is one of the following children born to her parents: Mrs. Annie Rickets, Holden, Missouri; Mrs. Grace Stone, Kansas City, Missouri; Mrs. Birdie Park, Kansas City, Missouri, Mrs. J. Mc- Gee Evans, of this review; Emmett F. Luther, Harlem, Missouri; Victor B. Luther, Chicago, Illinois, Samuel R. Luther, Kansas City. Missouri; and Clarence, Paul, and Ford D., deceased.

The Evans family is one of the substantial pioneer families of Clay County and J. McGee Evans is a worthy representative of this prominent pioneer family.

Harry Nave, a progressive farmer and stockman of Linden, Missouri, and also one of the leading horticulturists of Clay County who is making substantial progress in the fruit industry, was bom in Hanover, Germany, April 5, 1872. He is a son of Henry and Caroline Nave, both of whom are now deceased, having spent their lives in their native land.

Harry Nave came to America when he was about twenty years old and settled at Linden where his sister, Mrs. Ernest Koenneker, had resided for a number of years. Mr. Nave engaged in farming shortly after coming here and rented land for a time, at first renting a farm from Charles Dunlap. He then rented a farm which he now owns, and purchased it in 1901. His place contains eighty acres and is one of the well improved and productive farms in Gallatin township. Mr. Nave has made practically all the improvements on the place, much of which was covered with a growth of timber when he bought it about twenty years ago.

While Mr. Nave caiTies on general farming and stock raising in which he has been very successful, he also gives considerable attention to fruit raising with equal success. He has two and one-ha!f acres devoted to berries which is very pi'ofitable and an orchard of three and one-half acres devoted to cherries, peaches, pears and apples. The Champion and Elberta peaches are favorites with Mr. Nave and he says that his peach orchard is the most profitable part of his farm. He is keenly interested in the production of fruit and a close student of horticulture, and believes that fruit production properly carried on will be one of the profitable fields of the future.

Mr. Nave raises Shropshire sheep and Shorthorn and Brown Swiss cattle. Much of his farm is devoted to alfalfa and blue grass. Mr. Nave has recently built a garage on his place which he rents to Vern Williams who is building up an excellent trade. The garage is located on the Jefferson Highway, which is one of the popular cross country highways and Mr. Nave has done much to arouse interest in the betterment, improvement, and popularizing the Jefferson Highway in this part of the state.

Mr. Nave was one of the organizers of the Bank of Linc'en and has been a member of the board of directors since the bank was organized. He also organized the Linden Threshing Company which has been successfully operating for the past three years. There are four members of this organization, besides Mr. Nave, as follows: Jeri-y Ryan, William Smith, Lee Williams, and John M. Blevins.

Mr. Nave makes his home with his sister, Mrs. Ernest Koenneker and her husband who have been residents of Linden for the past thirty years. Mr. Nave is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows at Linden and is a public spirited and enterprising citizen.

W. P. Barnes, a well-to-do farmer and stockman and a member of an old pioneer family of this section of the state, was born about one mile west of Barry, in Platte County, March 13, 1853. He is a son of A. D. and Margaret (Matthews) Barnes.