Clay County, Missouri - Biographical sketches, 1920 (part 9 of 10)

A. D. Barnes and his wife were both natives of Fleming County, Kentucky. They were married in that state and in 1851 came to Missouri and settled near Barry where they spent the remainder of their lives. He died in 1910 at the age of eighty-one years and his wife died when she was fifty-six years old, in 1890, and their remains are buried at Barr>' Missouri.

A. D. and Margaret (Matthews) Barnes were the parents of the following children: Mrs. Laura N. Martin, deceased; J. M., Leavenworth, Kansas; Basil, was a soldier in the Missouri Militia during the Civil War and died at the close of the war from the effect of a wound received at Parkville while in the service; J. L., died in November, 1919. at the age of seventy-two years; L. P., died at Barry, Missouri, in 1900, at the age of fifty years; Mary, died about 1890; W. P., the subject of this sketch; Margaret, mairied George Houston and died about 1880; Bep L., Seattle, Washington.

W. P. Barnes was reared in the vicinity of Bari-y and educated in the public schools. He has been a resident of Clay County since he was twenty years old and for the past twenty-six years has lived on his present place in Gallatin township. He owns 210 acres of productive land which was formerly ovvned by Thomas Maitin. The place is well improved with good buildings and it is located on the Jefferson Highway. Mr. Barnes carries on general farming and stock raising and during tiie course of his career he has met with uniform success.

March 20, 1896, F. P. Barnes was married to Miss Emma Martin, a daughter of Thomas Martin and Jane (Sutton) Martin, the former bom in Kentucky in 1815, and the latter in 1817 They came to Missouri and settled on the farm where Mr. Barnes now resides in 1844. Thomas Martin died on this place in 1890 and his wife died here in 1897 and their remains are buried at Barry. They were the parents of the following children: John, who died in California in 1885; Anna, married Vv. L. Juuson and died in Chicago, Illinois ; J. T., lives in Liberty, Missouri ; Maggie, man-ied James Moreland, Dennison, Texas; Mrs. Emma Barnes of this sketch ; and W. P. Martin who died in Kansas City in 1918.

Mrs. Emma Barnes was bom on the farm where she dow resides. She was reared here and attended school in the Frazier school district and recalls that Thomas B. Ricketts was her first teacher. He died in Liberty in 1918.

Mr. and Mrs. Barnes have no children but by a former maniage Mr. Martin had one daughter, Dora Blanche, who married M. E. Berry. She died leaving one son, William E. Bei-ry, who was born February 16, 1903. He has been reared and educated by M)-. and Mi-s. Barnes and makes hi.s home with them.

Willis Simmons and Sons, a well known mercantile institution of Missouri City, Missouri, is perhaps the oldest business house in Clay County. They carry a general line of merchandise and are widely known in southei-n Clay County. This business was established by Willis Simmons in 1870, over fifty years ago.

Willis Simmons was bom in Richmond, Madison County, Kentucky, September 13, 1835, and when he was twenty-one years old he came to Missouri and located near Kearney where he was in the employ of the Claybrook Flour Mill until 1865. He then settled at Missouri City, Missouri, and was with the Deatherage Milling Company for five years. In the spring of 1870 he engaged in the dry goods and groceiy business and has followed that business to the present time in Missouri City. He is now past eighty-five years old and the active business of the store is being earned on by his two sons, W. L. and S. J. Simmons.

Willis Simmons was man-ied March 22, 1860, to Miss Eliza N. Brasfield, a daughter of Leonard Brasfield, a pioneer of Fishing River township. She died December 8, 1914. To Willis Simmons and wi'e were born the following children: George W., born in 1861 and died m 1906; W. L. and S. J., both members of the firm of Willis Simmons and Sons.

W. L. Simmons was bom October 14, 1863 He married Miss Flora Samples May 24, 1887, and two children have been born to them, as follows: Ray Simmons and James W. Simmons.

James W. Simmons, son of W. L. Simmons, served in the World War. He was born in Missouri City, Missouri, and was educated in the public schools of that place and William Jewell College at Liberty, Missouri. He enlisted in the United States Army June 14, 1918, and was sent to Columbia, Missouri, for training. FVom there he was sent to Jacksonville, Florida, and then to Camp Merritt, New York. He was then sent to France where he sei*ved a year. He returned to the United States, August 30, 1919, ando was honorably discharged from the service September 10, 1919. He was promoted to corporal at Jacksonville, Florida, and made a sergeant at Longi-es, France, and was sei'ving with that rank at the time of his discharge. He died January 18, 1920, and his remains are buried at Missouri City.

S. J. Simmons is married and has two children, as follows: Bonnie May, who is the wife of Carl Robb of San Antonio. Texas ; and Stella S., who is the wife of Jacob F. Storz of Toledo, Ohio.

The Simmons family is one of the pioneer families of Claj"^ County and are recognized as substantial citizens and progressive and enterprising business men.

John H. Wubbenhorst, a well known and successful contractor of Liberty, Missouri, is a native of Clay County. He was boi-n in Liberty township about one mile north of Liberty January 16, 1886, and is a son of John G. and Teena (Lienemann) Wubbenhorst.

years in 1883 and settled in Liberty township. He was a brick layer and also was engaged in horticulture and is now living in Liberty, Missoui-i. His wife died in 1901 and her remains are buried in Fairview cemetex-y. The following children were bom to John G. and Teena (Lienemann) Wubbenhorst; John B., the subject of this sketch; Mrs. Ada Black of St. Joseph, Missouri ; Hii'am L., a sketch of whom appears in this volume; Fred, a machinist.

John H. Wubbenhorst was educated in the public schools of Liberty, as were also his brothers and sisters. When he was eighteen years old he began to work at brick laying and concrete work and has followed these branches of industry to the present time. For the past four years he has been engaged in contracting and makes a specialty of concrete work, employing about seven men, generally. Prior to engaging in business for himself he served in the capacity of foreman and directed paving work in Liberty, Cameron, Richmond and Stanben-y. As a contractor he does all kinds of foundation work and brick and tile work.

September 23, 1912, John H. Wubbenhorst was married to Miss Pauline Ferguson, a daughter of N. H. and Rebecca E. (Norzley) Ferguson, who reside at Orrick, Missouri. Mrs. Wubbenhorst is one of the following children born to her parents: Mrs. Alice Clark, Liberty William J., Baltimore, Maryland; Pauline, Mrs. John H. Wubbenhorst; Clarence, Orrick, Missouri ; and Edward Glenn, Orrick, Missouri. To Mr. and Mrs. Wubbenhorst have been bom three children: John F., Loretta and Evelyn.

John A. Montgomery, a well known contractor and a member of the fiiTO of Balkey and Montgomery, of Avondale, Missouri, is a native of this state. He was bom at St. Louis, Mai-ch 17, 1875, and is a son of John E. and Emily M. (Mull) Montgomery.

John E Montgomery was accidentally killed on the Walash railroad at the age of forty-five years while returning from Clay County to St. Louis, where he lived at the time. For many years he was an employee of the Prellis Foundry of St. Louis. After his death his widow and her four sons came to Clay County and settled at Moscow. Frank Gardner, an uncle of John E. Montgomery, operated the old Capital Mills at Moscow at that time. This was a widely known flour mill of its time and flour from hei'e was shipped to various parts of the country. Later a distillery occupied the site of the old mill and the walls are still standing.

John A. Montgomery was one of the following children born to his parents: Raymond, has been an employee of the Metropolitan Railway Company for the past twenty-five years, Kansas City, Missouri; Harry W., Randolph, Missouri; John A., the subject of this sketch; Frank, who owns a farm at Moscow but is now in the employ of Balkey & Montgomery. Mrs. Montgomery, the mother, died at Moscow, Misbouri, about 1905.

John A. Montgomery was educated in the Pleasant Hill school and was engaged in farming and stock raising until 1910. He was quite extensively engaged in the live stock business. He bought and sold cattle as well as raised cattle. He had a large bam at Moscow and kept a number of horses through the winter seasons for residents of Kansas City. In 1910 Mr. Montgomery began to do contract work. He has done a great deal of concrete, bridge and other work, as well as grading and dyke work. He constructed the dams at Winnwood, Missouri, and has also done building wrecking, as well as construction. He built the foundation for the Hoover and Allison Twine Factory at North Kansas City, Missouri, and built the railroad loop at North Kansas City. He constructed one of the main ditches which is designed to take care of the overflow of the river at North Kansas City. The firm of Balkey and Montgomery has the contract at present for grading some of the streets of North Kansas City. They do a general contracting business and this firm is recognized as one of the leading concerns of its kind in this section.

John A. Montgomeiy was manied in 1901 to Miss Minnie May Macken of Northern Heights, Clay County. To Mr. and Mrs. Montgomery has been born one daughter, Alberta Jane, who is now a student in the Liberty High School.

George H. Mereness, a successful farmer who owns a productive faiTn of 110 acres on the Missouri river bottoms in Fishino; River township, was bom in the township in which he now resides on a farm two miles east of Missouri City, January 17, 1881. He is a son of James H. and Anna (Pigg) Mereness.

James H. Mereness was born at Marion, Ohio, and came to Missouri with his parents who settled at Missouri City, when he was six years old. James H. Mereness was bom January 1, 1852, and now resides at Excelsior Springs. His wife died in July, 1884, and her remains are buried at Missouri City. They were the parents of the following children: L. G., married Miss Ethel Grubbs, he died at the age of thirty-seven years and his widow now lives at Liberty, Missouri; W. R., Los Animos, Colorado; and George H., the subject of this sketch.

George H. Mereness was reared at Missouri City and attended the public schools there. He then entered William Jewell College and was graduated in the class of 1902. Later he took the agi'icultural short course in the University of Missouri at Columbia, MissouV'. He then bought the home place, northwest of Missouri City, which he operated until 1918, when he sold it and bought his present place. He owns 110 acres which is well improved with a good modern residence and a number of good substantial buildings about the place. He raises potatoes extensively, his land being particularly productive of an excellent quality of potatoes. During the season of 1920 he raised sixty-five acre of potatoes which produced 9,-500 bushels for which he received $25,000.00. He also raised twenty acres of wheat which produced 400 bushels, and also fifteen acres of com.

Mr. Mereness was married JVIarch 11, 1903, to Miss Bessie L. Owens, a daughter of Thomas J. and Ollie J. (Aker) Owens, both of whom were bom and reared in Clay County. Thomas J. Owens died Febmary 22, 1909, and is buried at Missouri City and his widow now resides at Liberty, Missouri. Mrs. Mereness has a brother, Fred Owens, and a sister, Helen Owens, both residing at Liberty. Mr. and Mrs. Mereness have two children: Mildred, a student in the Liberty High School, and Martha, at home with her parents.

Mr. Mereness is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Masonic Lodge at Missouri City. He is a progressive and industrious citizen and is meeting with well merited success.

Moses E. Boyer, who is engaged in farming in Fishing River township, was bom near Excelsior Springs Junction in Clay County, December 24, 1875, and is a son of N. R. Boyer, an early settler in Clay County who now resides in Fishing River township.

1833. His parents were Isaac and Elizabeth (Simes) Boyer. Isaac Boyer was born in Virginia, in 1796, and died in Cocke County, Tennessee, in 1854, and his wife died there, May 12, 1883. Isaac Boyer was a son of Jacob Boyer and Mary (Hines) Boyer, natives of Pennsylvania, who died near Newport, Cocke County, Tennessee.

N. R. Boyer was one of the following children bom to his parents: C. F. Boyer, Cocke County, Tennessee ; Josiah, lived in the state of Oregon ; and the following children are deceased: Charles, William. Peter, James, David Jackson, Mrs. Polly Isenhour, Mrs. Sarah Ettinger, Mrs. Catherine Tally, Mrs. Han-is Greenlee, Mrs. Martha Ellison.

N. R. Boyer came to Missouri in 1854 and first settled in Ray County where he remained six years. He then came to Clay County and settled below Missouri City, remaining there until 1904 when he located on his present place, three miles east of Liberty where he is the owT'er of eighty acres of land, where he is now living, retired, and the place is being operated by his son, Grover Boyer.

N. R. Boyer was first mai-ried in Tennessee in 1854 to Miss Mary Ann Nees. She died in 1883. The following children were bora to that union: William, Missouri City; James, deceased; Creed, Missouri City; Jeanette, married Daniel Conley of Liberty, Missouri; Mai-' ha, married Riley Woods of Ray County ; Lee, Ray County ; John, Missouri City ; Moses E., the subject of this sketch; George, lives in Arkansas; and one died in infancy. Mr. Boyer was married the second tmie to Janette Bogart of Ray County, Missouri, and to that union the following children were boin : Frona, married Dick Parsons; Jane, married Gerald Lovi; Ruth, at home with her parents ; and Grover, at home with his parents.

Moses E. Boyer was educated in the public schools and remained on the home farm with his father until 1904. He then engaged in farming for himself on his present place which he rented and six years later he bought the place. He owns eighty acres of productive Missouri river bottom land and raises corn, wheat, and alfalfa, as well as various other crops. His place is well improved with a good residence and other buildings.

Mr. Boyer was married in 1902 to Miss Maggie O'Dell of Elkhorn, Ray County, Missouri. She was born in Ray County, a daughter of Riley and Mary O'Dell, both deceased. To Mr. and Mi-s. Boyer have been born two children: Cecil and Aileene.

Mr. Boyer is a member of the Modem Woodmen of America and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, holding membership in both lodges at Missouri City.

Elijah Portwood, a Civil War veteran and a highly respected citizen of Liberty township, is a native of Kentucky. He was born in Madison County, in March 8, 1844, and is a son of William H. and Maria (Brandenburg) Portwood.

William H. Portwood wasalso a native of Madison County, Kentucky, and his wife was a native of Estill County. They both spent their lives in their native state and died in Woodford County. He died at the age of eighty-four years and his wife departed this life at the age of seventysix.

Elijah Portwood was reared in Kentucky and attended pucli schools as the times afforded. He was about sixteen years old when the Civil War broke out and he enlisted in the Confederate Army with his father, William H. Portwood. He took part in a number of important battles, as well as a number of engagements of lesser importance. He and his father sei-ved in the artillery and during an engagement at Irvin, Kentucky, one of their horses was killed, and after cutting the harness from the other horse, he and his father mounted it and succeeded in escaping. He was in the sei-vice about eighteen months.

In 1881, Elijah Portwood came to Clay County and for five years farmed rented land. He then removed to Ray County where he bought a forty-acre farm which he operated about six years. He then returned to Clay County and in 1893 bought sixty acres in Liberty township which is a part of his present place. He has added 120 acres more, and now has in his home place 180 acres. He has made a number of improvements on the place, including a good farm residence, barns and other buildings. The place is located two and one-half miles east of Liberty. The place is well adapted to general farming and stock raising and has upon it one of the best natural springs in Clay County, besides two good wells. Mr. Portwood carries on general farming and stock raising and has met v/ith uniform success.

Elijah Portwood was married in 1871 to Amanda Portwood, a native of Owsley County, Kentucky, and a daughter of Thomas and Louisa Portwood, the former of whom died in Kentucky and the latter in Clay County, Missouri. To Elijah Portwood and wife have been born the following children: Frank, Liberty, Missouri; J. C, May, and Minnie, residing at home with her parents. Florence, the second cnild born to Mr. and Mrs. Portwood, married Charles Stone and died in 1919, leaving two children, Christina and Lela.

Elijah Portwood is one of the men of Clay County who, by his industry, has succeeded to a very satisfactory degi'ee and ha.s acquired a competence. He is a substantial citizen and has a wide acquaintance.

Arch A. Campbell, a well known employee of the Kansas City and Clay County Electric Railway who for the past two years has sei-ved in the capacity of section foreman, is a native of Platte County, Missouri. He was bom June 21, 1859, a son of George W. and Mary Ann (Fox) Campbell.

George W. Campbell was bom in Tennessee and his father was a native of Scotland. George Campbell died in Wyandotte County, Kansas, in 1885. Mary Ann (Fox) Campbell was a native of Missouri, born in Lafayette County. She was a daughter of William Fox, a very early pioneer of Lafayette County, Missouri. Mrs. Campbell died in Wyandotte County, Kansas, in 1890 and her remains are buried in that county by the side of her husband.

To George W. and Mary Ann (Fox) Campbell were born the following children: Robert, who served in the Confederate army under General Price, now resides in Kansas City, Missouri, and is p.eventy-eight years old; James, lives in Kansas City, Missouri; Samuel, Kansas City, Kansas; John, Deadwood, South Dakota; Arch A., the subject of this sketch ; Kate, widow of Samuel Brown, Platte County, Missouri ; and CaiTie, married Joe Heady, North Kansas City, Missouri.

Arch A. Campbell was reared and educated in Platte County and in early life engaged in farming which he followed until 1890. He then entered the employ of the Burlington Railroad Company and for twentyeight years he worked for that company and for the past two years he has held his present position. Mr. Campbell is a capable railroad man of wide experience and thoroughly understands every detail of his department.

Mr. Campbell was first married in 1885 to Miss Florence Hart who died in 1888, leaving one child, Maude, who is now the wife of Isaac Clark. In 1892 Mr. Campbell was married to Lily Owens, a daughter of

Herbert and Nancy Owens, formerly of Platte County, M'ssouri, and now residents of Liberty. To Mr. and Mrs. Campbell havr been born three children : George, a soldier in the United States army who has be«n in the service for the past five years; Frank, also a soldier in the United States army and for the past six months has been stationed at Camp Pike, Arkansas; and Nora, man-ied Rev. Carl Aberdeen, a Baptist minister, and they reside at Mon-ill, Kansas.

Mr. Campbell is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and he and Mrs. Campbell are members of the Rebecca lodge. He is a dependable citizen and has been a resident of Clay County for the past eighteen years.

Thomas William McConnell, county assessor of Clay County, is a native of Missouri and is a descendant of an honored pioneer family of Clay County. He was bom in Platte County about two and one-half miles north of Parkville, September 18, 1886, a son of George Washington McConnell and Margaret J. (Stevenson) McConnell.

George Washington McConnell was a Confederate veteran of the Civil war. He enlisted at Parkville, Missouri, and served throughout the war in General Joe Shelby's Brigade, Price's army. He took the oath of allegiance June 22, 1865. He was a son of William McConnell who was a pioneer settler of Liberty township. Clay County, and died at Parkville, Missouri.

Margaret (Stevenson) McConnell is a daughter of R. T. and Elizabeth (Wills) Stevenson. R. T. Stevenson was a veiy early pioneer settler in western Missouri and when the Mexican war broke out he enlisted under Colonel Doniphan at Ft. Leavnworth, Kansas, and served until the close of the war. He then returned to Clay County and settled on a farm, six miles northwest of Liberty, in Liberty township. Here he was engaged in farming and in 1861 when the Civil war broke out he enlisted in the Confederate army and served under General Sterling Price until ]864. He then returned to his Clay County home and spent the remainder of his life here. He died March 8, 1910.

To George W. and Margaret J. (Stevenson) McConnell were bora the following children: Malissa F., married A. D. Gobbert and they live at Palisade, Colorado; Dora A., married W. E. Gobbort, Nashua, Missouri ; Louisa J., married George D. Warren who is now deceased ; Ollie May, married J. A. Hymore, Liberty, Missouri; and Thomas W., the subject of this sketch. George Washington McConnell died in 1888 at the age of forty-seven years and his widow who is now seventy years old resides in Clay County.

Thomas W. McConnell was educated in the Providence district school and the public schools of Kansas City, Missouri. He engaged in fanning and stock raising in early life and has been successful in that line of endeavor. He owns a fann four miles northwest of Liberty. In 1920, Mr. McConnell received the Democratic nomination for the office of county assessor, winning in the August primaries by a plurality of 233 votes and was elected on November 2nd without opposition.

Mr. McConnell has always taken an active interest in politics although he never held office before. He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows of Liberty and is one of the enterprising citizens of Clay County and a capable and conscientious public officer.

Gilbert Pence, a successful farmer and stockman of Gallatin township, is a native son of Clay County and a descendant of the veiy early pioneer families of this county. He was born in Liberty township July 17, 1882, and is a son of William B. and Sallie (Wills) Pence, both now deceased.

William B. Pence was bom in Liberty township in 1837. He followed farming and stock raising in Liberty township throughout his active career and died May 6, 1904, and his remains are buried in the Pence family cemetery. His father was one of the early settlers of Liberty township and entered government land here. W. B Pence was first married to Miss Kate Thompson who was bom in 1837 and died September 19, 1879. One child of that mamage survives, Ida E., who is now the wife of Calhoun Jones of Liberty township. After the death of his first wife, W. B. Pence married Sallie Wills, who died lea\ing two sons: Arthur, bom March 1, 1880. and died Januarj' 3, 1900, and Gilbert Pence, the subject of this sketch. Sallie Wills was born in Gallatin to%vnship and was one of a family of thirteen children of Wyatt W ills who was one of the early settlers here. After the death of his second wfe, W. B. Pence was married to Miss Kate Holt and one child was bom to that union, Mrs. Curtis Hall.

Gilbert Pence was reared and educated in Clay County and since early life has devoted himself to fanning and stock raising. He now owns and operates 216 acres of land, a part of which was o^vTied by his father. This place is located five and one-half miles southwest of Libei*ty and is a well improved and productive farm and has an ample supply of water from natural streams. There are about 160 acres under blue grass.

May 14, 1913, Gilbert Pence was married to Miss Effie Brink, a (laughter of J. T. and Jerusha (Griffith) Brink of Lansing, Kansas. To Mr. and Mrs. Pence have been born one son, William Brink Pence, born February 16, 1916.

WiUiam D. Brigham, the capable manager of the Adams farm near Gashland in Gallatin township, is a native of Iowa. He was born at Lohrville, Calhoun County, a son of O. G. and Kittie M. (Pierce) Brigham, who now reside with their son, W. D. Brigham, of this sketch. They are the parents of four children, as follows: William D.. the subject of this sketch; Daisy A., and Hazel, who reside with their parents; and Bessie, a trained nurse who lives in Iowa.

When W. D. Brigham was six years old the Bi-igham family removed to Nebraska and from there to Kansas, settling in Coffey County. He was educated in the public schools of Kansas and attended the State Agricultural College at Manhattan, Kansas, where he was graduated with the degree of Bachelor of Science of Dairying. In Januaiy, 1915, he took charge of the Adams farm which he has since conducted.

The Adams farm is owned by E. P. Adams of Kansas City, Missouri, and is one of the valuable farms of Clay County. Here Mr. Brigham caiTies on dairying, stock raising, and general farming. He raises Duroc Jersey hogs and has on hand at this writing a herd of ahout seventy pure bred Duroc Jerseys. He also raises pure bred Shropshire sheep and a valuable herd of Guernsey cattle, consisting of about twenty head, ten of which are milk cows. Mr. Brigham sells stock by m?i' in various parts of the country.

The Adams farm is one of the well improved places to be seen in the country. The residence is a twcHstory structure, built mi 1911-12 of native stone, and the main barn is built of the same material. The place is admirably arranged with all conveniences for feeding and cai-ing for stock on a large scale. The place has a very complete water system, the

Mr. Brigham is a thorough, practical and experienced stock and dairyman, as well as having the advantages of a scientific training in this important branch of endeavor.

Judge James W. Sullivan, police judge and justice of the peace at Excelsior Springs, is a Kentuckian. He was born at Williamsburg, Kentucky, May, 1, 1857, a son of Isaac W. and Susan (McMahan) Sullivan, who were the parents, of four childi'en of whom Judge Sullivan was the third in order of birth.

Isaac W. Sullivan and his wife were natives of Ireland and came to America and settled in Kentucky with their respective parents when children. Isaac Sullivan was a machinist and gunsmith. He died in Kentucky in 1862 when he was about forty-two years old. His wife died in Tennessee about 1900, at the advanced age of eighty years.

Judge Sullivan was reared in Williamsburg, Kentucky, and early in life served an apprenticeship at the blacksmith trade in Milledge\ille, Kentucky. About 1875, he went to Liberty, Kentucky, and worked as a joumejnnan blacksmith for a time and later conducted a shop himself. In 1881, he came to Missouri and settled at Wakenda. Can'oll County, where he worked at the blacksmith trade about a year when he bought a shop at Hardin, Ray County, Missouri. He gave up blacksmithing about that time on account of poor health and later engaged in carpenter contracting; he erected a number of buildings in Ray County. In 1888, he went on the road as a traveling salesman and in 1901, he removed to Excelsior Springs. In 1911, he resigned his position on the road. In 1916, he was elected police judge of Excelsior Springs and has been justice of the peace of Fishing River township for the past two years.

December 1, 1890, James W. Sullivan was manied to Ida A. Shannon, a native of Saline County, Missouri. She is a daughter of William and Mary E. (Petty) Shannon, natives of Missouri. William Shannon was a farmer and is now deceased and his widow resides at Excelsior Springs with her son, E. A. Shannon. One child has been born to Mr. and Mrs. Sullivan, Nola N., who married Max Bussell of Kansas City, Missouri.

William Thomas Pixlee, a prominent farmer and stockman of Liberty, Missouri, who is an extensive land owner, is a native of Clay County and a member of one of the prominent pioneer families of this county. He is a son of Peter C. and Achsia Ann (Waller) Pixlee, the former now deceased and the latter residing in Clay County at the advanced age of ninety-three years. An extensive sketch of Peter C. Pixlee and a history of the Pixlee family appear in this volume.

William Thomas Pixlee was born in Fishing River township, Clay County, September 11, 1855, and received his education in the public schools of Clay County. When he was about twenty years of age he engaged in farming and stock raising on his own account and has had a successful career. He raises cattle and hogs on a large scale and since 1917 has been an extensive cattle feeder. Mr. Pixlee owns 1,200 acres of land in Clay County and 4,000 acres in Greenwood County. Kansas.

Mr. Pixlee was united in marriage in December, 1879, with Miss Eva M. Mosby, a native of Clay County, bom October 8, 1855. She is a daughter of A. G. and Amanda (Hodges) Mosby and was educated in the University of Missouri at Columbia, Missouri. To Mr. and Mrs. Pixlee have been born two children, as follows: Maude who resides at home with her parents and A. G., who died in October, 1918, in the prime of young manhood. At the time of his death he was managing his father's business and was a young man of unusual business ability.

Mr. and Mrs. Pixlee are members of the Baptist Church and Mr. Pixlee is recognized as one of the leading men of affairs of Liberty and Clay County. He is progi-essive and public spirited and stand? ever ready to co-operate with any movement which has for its object the betterment and upbuilding of the community and county.

Edgar Laffoon, a widely known and successful farmer and stockman of Washington township, is a native of Clay County and a descendant of a family of early pioneers in this part of the state. He was bom in Washington township November 7, 1871, a son of R. J. M. and Lucy .J. (Woods) Laffoon.

R. J. M. Laffoon was bom April 25, 1840, in Clay County and was the only son in a family of nine children bom to his parents. He followed farming and stock raising all his life in Washington township and for a number of years held the office of justice of the peace. When the Civil War broke out he enlisted in the Confederate Army and served under

General Price. He was in the Army four years and while in the service was in eighteen different states. He ser\-ed twenty-one months in the Federal military prison at Ft. Delaware. During his entire military career he never was wounded nor spent a day in the hospital.

R. J. M, Laflfoon was a son of William Burks and Elizabeth (Brawner) Laffoon, natives of Kentucky, who came to Clay County and settled in Washington township in 1834. William Burks Laffoon was bom in Kentucky, December 3, 1801, and died February 3, 1880. He was a fanner all his life. He was a son of James Laffoon, whose wife bore the maiden name of Burks. James Laffoon was born in 1759 and served in General Washington's army during the Revolution. He died in Kentucky in 1851.

Lucy Jane (Woods) Laffoon was bora in Ralls County, Missouri, October 14, 1844, and died May 27, 1918. She was a daughter of Samuel C. and Sarah E. (Rodes) Woods, natives of Virginia, who came to Missouri and settled in Ralls County, in 1838. They settled in Clay County in 1866. The father died in 1869 at Glasgow, Missouri, and the mother died August. 1882, in Clay County.

Edgar Laffoon was reared on the home farm in Washington towTiship and attended the district school. He bought his first farm October 29, 1903, which consisted of eighty acres. He has added to his original purchase until he is the owner of a valuable farm of 300 acres, where he carries on general farming and stock raising. Mr. Laffoon was married August 28, 1905, to Miss Callie F. Gow, a native of Washington to\vnship, Clay County, and a daughter of Marcus D. and Fannie E. (Wilson) Gow, both also natives of Washington township. Marcus D. Gow was born in 1831 and is the only living veteran of the Mexican War in Clay County. His wife was bora February 26, 1841, and died September 14, 1920.

A. W. Gross, a substantial fanner and stockman and a large landowner of Washington township, is a member of a pioneer family of Clay C!k)unty. He was bom in the township where he now resides September 11, 1849, a son of John O. and Mary (Huffaker) Gross, the former, a native of Tennessee, and the latter, of Kentucky. They settled on a part of the farm which A. W. Gross now owns and both spent the remainder of their lives here and died in 1855 and 1856. They were the parents of eleven children and A. W. of this review was the tenth in order of birth. One other brother, John 0. Gross, is now living in Andrew County, Missouri.

A. W. Gross was only about six years old when his parents died. He was reared by his sister, Martha, and assisted her on the home farm which she managed for several years. She died on the home place, unmarried. Early in life A. W. Gross bought the interests of the other heirs in the home place and bought more land from time to time until he now owns 400 acres. He has improved his place and now has a valuable farm where he carries on fanning and stock raising extensively and has met with success. The old house in which he was bom still stands on the place and he keeps it intact as a relic of bygone days, around which cluster many memories of his boyhood.

Mr. Gross was manned November 7, 1872, to Miss Lucy Laffoon of Washington township. She was born in 1849 and died in 1906. To Mr. and Mrs. Gross were born four children: Dr. Samuel Gross, Denton, Kansas; Martha, resides on the home place with her father; and Jessie and Katie, twins, both deceased.

Mr. Gross is a Democrat and has always taken a commendable interest in local public affairs. He served as presiding judge of the county court of Clay County for eight years, having been first elected in 1898. He was elected a member of the Legislature from Clay County in 1913, and served in the Forty-seventh General Assembly. He has served on the school board, held the office of justice of the peace and been road overseer, and it may be said of him that, as a public officer, he has always given the public business the same careful consideration that he has his omti private affairs. He was one of the chief organizers of the Grange in Clay County and served as Worthy Master of the local lodge for a number of years. He is a member of the Christian Church and has been an elder in the Lawson congregation for a number of years and has taken an active part in the work of that church. He has been superintendent of the Sunday School for twenty years and has been church chorister since he was nineteen years old.

Commercial Bank of Lawson, Missouri. During his time he has seen much progress and development in this country. He drove oxen when he was a boy and on his seventieth birthday in September, 1918, he rode in an airplane, which is quite a forward step in transportation. He is public spirited and pi'ogressive and a substantial citizen.

John Crowley, now deceased, was a native of Clay County and a member of one of the very early pioneer families of this county. The Crowley family is an old American family and its members have been identified with this country since Colonial times.

John Crowley was born in Clay County, August 10, 1828. He was a son of John and Sarah (Mayo) Crowlej^ the fomier, a native of Alabama, born February 2, 1792, and the latter, of Tennessee, born October 10, 1797, and died September 10, 1851. John Crowley, the father of the subject of this sketch, died September 29, 1877. He was a son of James Crowley, who was a soldier in the American Army during the Revolutionary War and was at Yorktown when Lord Comwallis surrendered.

James Crowley was a son of Berry Crowley, a native of England, who came to this country in Colonial times and was killed in a battle with the Indians along the Ohio River in Kentucky.

The Crowleys were very early settlers in Clay County and John Crowley, the subject of this sketch, remained in Clay County with his parents until he was twenty-six years old. On May 4, 1853, he started from St. Joseph, Missouri, with his bi'other, Thomas, and four hired men, to California. They drove across the plains with ox teams, reaching their destination September 16, 1853. After remaining in California two years they returned by boat, leaving San Francisco, February 14, 1855. They crossed the Isthmus of Panama and sailed from Aspinwall to Cuba and thence to New Orleans and returned to Clay County. In 1856, John Crowley settled in Ray County and remained there until his death, which occuiTed in August, 1907. He followed farming and stock raising, becoming well-to-do, and at the time of his death was the owner of 900 acres of land south of Lawson. This was one of the finest farms in the State of Missouri.

John Crowley was married February 2, 1858, to Ann Fuller, who was bom in Clinton County, Missouri, April 3, 1833, and to this union nine children were bom. After the death of his first wife, John Crowley

John Crowley was a member of the Methodist Church, South, and was an active member of the Masonic Lodge, Beehive I^odg-e, A. F. and A. M. No. 393, at Lawson, Missouri. He was a strong character and a successful man of affairs who left his imprint on the community where he lived.

Frank T. Crowley, president of the Commercial Bank at Lawson, Missouri, has been prominently identified with the interests of Lawson for a number of years and is a member of one of the pioneer families of this section of the state. He was born at Lawson, Octobei' 9, 1869, a son of John Crowley and Ann (Fuller) Crowley, a biographical sketch of whom appears in this volume.

Frank T. Crowley was educated in the public schools and was graduated from the Lawson High School in 1892. He remained on the homo farm until 1895, when he moved to Lawson and engaged in the real estate, loan and insurance business, and was the first to establish a business of that kind in Lawson. He has been notary public and city clerk since 1896. He became president of the Commercial Bank of Lawson, August 19, 1914, and has served in that capacity until the present time.

Mr. Crowley has been twice man'ied. He was man-ied February 6, 1896, to Miss Nellie Arnold, a native of Indianapohs, Indiana. She died January 18, 1903, at the age of twenty-six years, leaving one daughter, Mildred F., who resides at Lawson. On December 6, 1905, Mr. Crowley was married to Cora A. Hunter, who was born near Lawson, December 27, 1871. She is a daughter of Robert A. and Mary C. (Rippey) Hunter, the former a native of Kentucky, and the latter of Ray County, Missouri. No children have been born to this union.

Mr. Crowley is a Democrat and is at present State Committeeman from the Third District. He is a prominent Mason and a member of the Mystic Shrine and holds membership in the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Modem Woodmen of America. He is public spirited and progressive and has always the best interests of the community at heart.

E. W. Holloway, a progressive farmer of Washington township, is one of the substantial citizens of Clay County. He was born in Washington township, December 23, 1878, a son of Clea and Martha (Dockings) Holloway, and was the youngest of ten children bom to them.

Clem Holloway was born in Kentucky in 1828 and settled in Clay County before the Civil War. He was a farmer and spent the remainder of his life in Washington township after coming here. He was married in Kentucky to Miss Martha Dockings. She died in Washington to"wnship in 1888 and Mr. Holloway died here in 1896.

E. W. Koiloway was reared on a fami and attended the district school. He began life for himself when he was seventeen years old and bought his first fann when he was twenty-one years old. That place was situated about two and one-half miles south of Lawson. In 1911, he bought his present place of 131 acres where he has made substantial improvements and has a good productive farm and is meeting with success.

Mr. Holloway was man'ied December 25, 1904, to Miss Elsia Roadus. a native of Clay County, Missouri. She is a daughter of James and Maiy garet (Ketron) Roadus, natives of Kentucky and early pioneer settlers in Clay County, Missouri. To Mr. and Mrs. Holloway have been bom three children, as follows: Kathleen. Irma Louise, and William Howard, all of whom reside at home with their parents.

John H. Watkins, of Washington township, is an extensive landowner and a member of one of the prominent families of Clay County. He was born on the place where he now resides in Washington township, and is a son of Waltus and Mary A. (Holloway) Watkins.

Waltus L. Watkins was a native of Kentucky, bom in Woodford County, October 30, 1806. He was a son of Benjamin W. and Jane (Minter) Watkins, natives of Virginia, who I'emoved from that state to Kentucky shortly after their mairiage and reared a family of thirteen children.

Jane (Minter) Watkins was a descendant of General Bartholomew Dupuy who at one time was an officer of high rank in the French Amiy, but who, on account of his Protestant faith and his refusal to foreswear it, was expelled from the army and driven from France. He came to this country about 1700 where he became the owner of a large tract of land and was considered a wealthy man for that time.

VValtus L. Watkins was reared in Kentucky and in early life went East and learned the m-achinist trade and also worked in the cotton and woolen industries. He worked as a machinist on the first locomotive that was built in the United States. In 1832, he came to Clay County and first located at Liberty Here he was engaged in the cotton and woolen industry until 1840. He then acquired over 5,000 acres of land in Washington township and afterwards made his home there. He erected on this place a three-story brick structure, 48x84 feet, which for a number of years he successfully conducted as a woolen factory and flour mill. The woolen factory department was equipped with three sets of carding machines, twenty-five looms, and 900 spindles, and the grist mill department was equipped with two sets of buhrs. The cost of the mill and equipment was about $30,000.00 and it was the largest institution of its kind in the state.

Mr. Watkins also built a large imposing brick residence about onehalf mile back from the main road which is now the family home and is one of the substantial residences of the county today. Mr. Watkins encountered many difficulties in the manufacture of brick, and obtaining other materials for building, for at that time transportation was difficult. He was unable to get brickmakers and he was told that the clay in that section was not the proper kind from which brick could be manufactured. However, he proceeded to manufacture brick from the clay and was suo cessful. He molded and burned the brick in 1850 for the residence, and in 1860 built the factory and later made brick and built a church and school house. He conducted the mill until 1868 and after that time it was operated by Watkins and Son and was operated by John Watkins and Brothers from 1882 until about twenty-five years ago. Although this mill has not been operated now for a quarter of a century, it is still standing and in a good state of preservation - a mute witness of the industrial past.

Waltus L. Watkins was a man of action and affairs. He carried on farming extensively and was one of the early breeders of Shorthorn cattle in the county. He also bred fine horses. He was a member of the Board of Trustees of William Jewell College for sixteen years and gave liberally to that institution. He was a member of the Mount Vernon Missionary Baptist Church for many years and erected a church on his place in Washington township. He was a strong advocate of temperance and at a time when home-made whiskey was more common than wild honey. He was a Democrat and sei"\'ed as justice of the peace for many years.

Waltus L. Watkins was married March 4, 1834, to Mary A. Holloway, a native of Jessamine County, Kentucky. She was bom January 5, 1817, and was a daughter of Spencer and Catherine (Reed) Holloway. She died in 1896 and Waltus L. Watkins died January 24, 1884.

To Waltus L. and Mary A. (Holloway) Watkins were bom eleven children, as follows: John, died in childhood; George S., a ranchman at Jeffries, Madison County, Montana; Alfred, died in infancy; John H., whose name introduces this review; Catherine, married Hugh Atchison, and died soon after her marriage; Martha A., married M. D. Scruggs, who is now deceased and she lives in Kansas City, Missouri; Elizabeth, married Atchison and is now deceased; W. J., a dentist, Craig, Colorado; Carrie, lives on the home place in Washington township; A. J., a sketch of whom appears in this volume; Joe B., lives on the home place in Washington township.

John H. Watkins was reared on the home farm in Washington township, which has always been his home. For many years, he assisted in operating the Watkins Woolen Mill and at the same time was interested in operating the large Watkins fami which he now conducts. He is the owner of 1,600 acres of land and the old Watkins homestead. Here he carries on general farming and stock raising and is engaged in breeding Shorthorn cattle and Berkshire hogs and is recognized as one of the successful fanners and stockmen of Clay County. He is a substantial and progressive citizen and the Watkins family rank among the first citizens of Clay County.

A distinctive feature about the Watkins place which is given wide publicity throughout the country is the Annual Fox Hunt which is held here by the Missouri Valley Fox Hunters' Association. For the past ten years lovers of the chase have held their annual meet here during September of each year with the exception of 1918. Mr. Watkins is not given to this particular kind of sport, although he generously permits the use of his place to those who do enjoy it. These fox hunts are largely attended and hunters and spectators assemble from all parts of the country. It has become almost a recognized legal holiday to the enthusiastic huntsmen to whom the Watkins place is well kno\vn and greatly appreciated.

Rev. Allen Bailey Jones, who departed this life at his home in Liberty, Missouri, on December 26, 1920, was one of the widely known ministers, educators and authors of the state. He was born on a farm near Middletown, Montgomery County, Missouri, January 5, 1832.

In the early history of America, John Jones, great great grandfather of Rev. Allen Bailey Jones, came from Wales and settled in Virginia. The eldest son, John Jones, married Elizabeth Elrod in North Carolina. Of this union four children were bom. The family moved from Virginia to Kentucky and settled at a fort called Bryants Station, near Lexington. Two years later they moved to Lincoln County. The eldest son of this family was John Jones. He was married in Lincoln County, Kentucky, to Annie E. Coleman. They were the grandparents of Allen Bailey Jones and were the parents of eleven children, the eldest of whom was Sandy Elrod Jones.

Sandy Elrod Jones married Sophia Cruther of Lincoln County, Kentucky, in August, 1824. To this union were born four children of whom Rev. Allen Bailey Jones was the third in order of birth, and all of whom are now deceased. In 1831 Sandy Elrod Jones came to Missouri with his family and settled in Montgomery County. These were primitive times in Missouri. Surrounded by the unbroken forest which abounded with the native animals, in a hewn log house which for warmth there was the open fire-place, for light the tallow dip and for travel horseback, Allen Bailey Jones first saw the light of day in January, 1832.

Allen Bailey Jones' father and grandfather were both ministers of the gospel in the Christian Church and were active pioneer preachers among the Disciples. Allen Bailey Jones was reared in Missouri and attended the common schools and later was a student at Franklin College, Tennessee, where he was graduated in 1852 with the honors of his class. For the following two years he was engaged in teaching and in the meantime he was reading and studying for his chosen profession, the ministry. In 1854 he was ordained a minister of the gospel by Rev. Logan Williams of Houstonville, Kentucky. After spending about a year in evangelistic work in Tennessee and Kentucky, he was called to the pastorate of the old Main Street Church at Lexington, Kentucky, that being the only church of the Disciples in Lexington at the time. After one year with this church he received a call from the church at Fulton, Missouri, which he accepted, being desirous of returning to his native state.

In 1858, he accepted a call to the church at Liberty, Missouri, beginning his ministry here on the first Sunday in May. He ^vas called three times to the Liberty church and served about twelve years as its pastor. He was by formal action made pastor emeritus of the church of Liberty.

In early years he held meetings for all the churches in the county, except one which came into existence after his retirement from active ministry. He preached in the school houses and in the open air. He established the church at Excelsior Springs and Mt. Olivet and preached for them several years. He did a large amount of preaching for the Liberty church gratuitously when they were without a regular pastor.

For many years he served in the double capacity of preacher and teacher. Fifteen years of his life was spent in conducting a young ladies' seminarj', four years in Platte City, Missouri, six years in Richmond, Kentucky, and five years in Liberty, Missouri. Some of the foremost women of Kentucky and Missouri received their education and training under his supervision. In 1869 he was one of the chief founders of the Female Orphan School at Camden Point, Missouri, and also one of the founders of William Woods College at Fulton, Missouri. In 1912 William Jewell College conferred upon him the degee of Doctor of Divinity. This compliment came as a great surprise and was always appreciated, coming as it did from an institution under whose shadow he had spent so large a part of his life.

For six years, at two different periods, he acted as corresponding secretary of the Missouri State Board of Missions, traveling extensively over the state, enlisting the churches in missionary work. He also served as president of the State Board of Missions for several years, and during this term of service he formulated a constitution for the State Convention which contemplated a more efficient co-operation of the churches in the state for organized missionary effort. This constitution was presented to and adopted by the convention held at Lexington, Missouri, in 1882.

In 1870, in connection with Alexander Proctor, George W. Lorgan and Thomas P. Haley, he assisted in establishing and editing a church paper called "The Christian" which was first published in Kansas City. Missouri. It was aftenvards moved to St. Louis, where it was combined with other journals and became "The Christian Evangelist," with J. H. Garrison, editor.

religious journals of the church. He published a book entitled "The Spiritual Side of Our Plea." The object of thi.s work was to give to the Disciples a clearer conception and a broader view of Christianity. At the time of its publication, this book received many favorable notices from the press of his own denomination as well as others.

In 1887, he removed with his family to Lathrop, Missouri, to establish his sons in the banking business. During his two years of residence there he served the church as pastor gratuitously for one year. The result was that this church which never before had a resident pastor, has not been without one since. In 1889, he returned to Liberty and resided here continuously to the time of his death. Excepting twelve years away, he resided in Liberty sixty-two years. Though he lived away from Liberty for twelve years at different intervals, yet he always felt after his first pastorate here that this was his only home. His deep affection for the place and its people never left him, and he could never forget the many kindnesses to him and his during the time of his first great sorrow. His life was a strenuous one, filled with mental activity. He enjoyed the quiet of his home in his latter years in a community he loved most dearly, among people whose joys and son-ows had always been his own.

Allen Bailey Jones was first mamed during his pastorate at Fulton, Missouri, in 1857, to Miss Sarah B. Stewart of Winchester, Tennessee. She was a sister of Gen. Alexander P. Stewart, who distinguished himself as a general in the Confederate army during the Civil War. Sarah B. (Stewart) Jones died at Liberty, Missouri, August .30, 1858, leaving an infant daughter, Mattie B., who now resides at Libei'ty, Missouri. She was educated under the careful supervision of her father, attending schools conducted by him. On May 8, 1878, Mattie B. Jones was married to William Monroe Burris. He was bora at Potosi, Washington County, Missouri, September 21, 1850, a son of Luke and Catherine Elizabeth (Mitchell) Burris. Luke Burris seved as county clerk of Clay County for twenty-four years and before coming here he was sheriff of Washington County, being elected to that office when he was twenty-one years old. He was also a member of the State Legislature from Clay County and was a member of the State Constitutional Convention. William Monroe Burris was educated in the schools of St. Louis, William Jewell College and Washington and Lee University of Virginia. He was admitted to the bar at Liberty about 1875 and practiced for a number of years. He died November 21, 1905, and is buried near Chicago, Illinois.

To William Monroe and Mattie B. (Jones) Bums was bom one son, Allen Luke Burris, a mining man who lived at Cripple Creek. Colorado, for sevei-al years and now resides in New York City.

Rev. Allen Bailey Jones was married the second time on Februarj' 28. 1860, to Katherine M.. daughter of Hon. Thomas C. Gordon of Clay County, Missouri, and the following children were bom to that union: Doniphan, died in infancy; Charles P., was a prominent banker at Lathrop, Missouri, died June 19, 1892: Gordon, was president of the United States Bank of Denver, Colorado, at the time of his death in 1917; Kate AUene, was a music teacher and resided with her parents at the time of her death, Januaiy 7. 1906; Mary- D., married Clifton George and they live at San Antonio. Texas; and George Whorton. who was teacher of Speech Arts at Lexington and also taught in William Jewell College, is now a moving picture actor at Hollywood, California.

Mrs. Mattie B. (Jones) BuitIs resided at Liberty with her father at the time of his death. She is widely kno\\Ti in Liberty and is one of the highly cultured women of this section. She was instiiimental in organizing the Fortnightly Club here and has been a leading spirit in the work of the organization which now has a membership of 147.

Robert J. Clark, deceased, was for many years prominently identified with the banking interests of Lawson and he also had a long and successful career in the mercantile busmess. The Clarks belong to a prominent old pioneer American family which dates back to Colonial times.

Robert J. Clark was bora in Giles County. Tennessee, August 17. 1841. and died June 19, 1918. He was a son of John B. and Rachel P. (Re\-nolds) Clark. John B. Clark was born in Tennessee. April 26, 1818. and spent his life in that state, where he died October 4. 1S42. John B. Clark was a son of Robert Clark, whose father was a native of Ireland and settled in North Carolina prior to the Revolutionaiy War and served in the American Amiy during that conflict.

Robert Clark, son of the Revolutionarj- soldier, was bom in North Carolina. Februaiy 20. 1778. He married Lucy Farmer, about 1804, and about 1806 moved to central Tennessee and settled on what was known as Richland Oeek, in Giles Countj-. He was a pioneer of that section and fought Indians under the command of General .Jackson. He was a member of the Methodist Church, as was also his wife, and the earlv day circuit riders always stopi;ecl at the Clark home. Robert Clark and his wife lived together for fifty years and reared a large family. He died October 20, 1855, and his wife died March 9, 1861.

Rachel P. (Reynolds) Clark, mother of Robert J. Clark, was born at Georgetown, Kentucky, February 1, 1807, and died at Lawson, Missouri, in 1875, and is buried in the Salem Cemetery. She was a daughter of Aaron Reynolds, a native of Virginia, born about 1750. He sei-ved in the Revolutionary War under General Lafayette and received a large tract of land from the Government, near Georgetown, Kentucky. He improved this place and lived there for seventeen years and in 1809, removed to Maury County, Tennessee. His children, however, were all born in Kentucky, as follows: Colonel Benjamin Reynolds, studied law with Richard M. Johnson, who was vice-president of the United States, and Benjamin became prominent in public affairs, was Indian Agent, and had charge of the removal of the Indians from Tennessee, Alabama, and Mississippi, to designated reservations. The other children bom to Aaron Reynolds and wife were Thomas, James, Sallie, and Rachel P. When Aaron Reynolds settled in Maury County, Tennessee, he located in the vicinity where James K. Polk lived, and his children were brought up*vith the future president.

Rachel P. Reynolds was first married to George Farrar and to that union was born one daughter, Nancy Jane, who died at Corinth, Mississippi. After the death of George Fan-ar, Rachel (Raynolds) Farrar married John B. Clark, January 14. 1836, and the following children were bom to them: Jerome B., deceased; Martha, married Henry Turner, and they are both deceased; and Robert J. Clark, the subject of this sketch.

In 1854, Robert J. Clark came to Missouri and settled near the Clay- Ray county line. He lived in Claysville until 1859 when he crossed the plains to California with ox teams. He remained in Califomia and Oregon until 1867, and during that time served three years with the Oregon Volunteers fighting hostile Indians. In 1867, he returned to Missouri and engaged in general mercantile business at Claysville. In 1870, he removed to Law'son, Missouri, where he was in the mercantile business and also served as postmaster until 1880. After spending one year at Eureka Springs, Arkansas, he went to Polo, Missouri, where he was engaged in the mercantile business and served as postmaster until February, 1886. He then returned to Lawson and engaged in the banking business, serving as cashier of the Lawson Bank for twenty-five years. He retired five or six years before his death on account of failing health.

Robert J. Clark was a successful business man and also took a deep interest in the welfare and development of the community. He was a Democrat and served as public administrator of Ray County. He was a member of the local school board for a number of years. He belonged to the Methodist Church and was a Mason, being a member of Beehive Lodge No. 393, A. F. and A. M., at Lawson. He served as secretary of that lodge for a number of years. He was well-known throughout Clay and Ray counties and had many friends.

October 2, 1870, Robert J. Clark was mairied to Miss Sallie A. Moore, a native of Clay County, bora October 31, 1847. She was a daughter of David H. and Mary (Tillery) Moore. David H. Moore served in the Confederate Army with the Texas troops and after the war retunied to Missouri where the Moore family had settled in Clay County at an early day. The Tillery family were pioneer settlers of Clinton County, Missouri. To Robert J. Clark and wife were bom the following children: Mattie, died in infancy; Orson, a merchant, Mobridge, South Dakota; Frank, who has been cashier of the Commercial Bank at Lawson, Missouri, for twenty-seven years; Robert J., in the Government service at Washington, D. C. ; Albert M., a prominent attorney at Richmond, Missouri, and has been prosecuting attorney of Ray County for two terms and represented Ray County in the State Legislature two terms; and James K., government land receiver at Lemmon, South Dakota.

Frank J. Clark, cashier of the Commercial Bank of Lawson, was educated in the Lawson High School and began his career in the banking business as bookkeeper in the Lawson Bank when he was fifteen years old and when he was eighteen years old he became cashier of the Commercial Bank of Lawson, and has held that position to the present time. He was man-ied November 14, 1899, to Anna V. (Young) Griffith. He is a Knights Templar Mason, a member of the Shrine and holds membership in the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He is a Democrat and a member of the Methodist Church.

G. G. Cooper, cashier of the Mosby State Bank, at Mosby, Missouri, although a young man, has had an extensive experience in the important field of banking and is one of the capable men in this line in Clay County. He was bora in Fishing River township, August 8, 1891, a son of J. C. and Paulina (Holmes) Cooper.

J. C. Cooper was a native of Missouri, bom at Harrisonville, and was engaged in farming and stock raising in Fishing River township all his life. He died on his farm at the age of sixty years. Paulina (Holmes) Cooper was born in Kansas City, Missouri, and now resides near Excelsior Springs.

G. G. Cooper was educated in the public school of Excelsior Springs and Kansas City, Missouri. He then took a course in Spalding's Commercial College, after which he entered the employ of the First National Bank of Kansas City. He was connected with that institution for eight years. When the Mosby State Bank was organized and opened for business on June 5, 1920, he became cashier of that institution and is now serving in that capacity.

Mr. Cooper was married December 20, 1913, to Miss Virginia M. Green of Kansas City, Missouri, and to this union has been bom one son, Ralph Allen Cooper.

The Mosby State Bank, of Mosby, Missouri, is the latest banking institution organized in Clay County and this new bank has immediately taken a position of financial importance among the older established banks in the county. The Mosby State Bank was organized March 8, 1920, with a capital stock of $10,000.00, and began business on June 5, 1920.

The bank owns its own building, which is a substantial structure 22x.30 feet. The deposits at the opening of the institution were $32,000.00. This bank is under capable management and the gentlemen who are identified with it are all dependable men of afl'airs and of high standing in the community.

Washington E. Munkirs, a prosperous faitner and stockman of Fishing River township, is a native of Clay County and is a member of an early pioneer family of this section of Clay County. He was born in Kearney township, August 1, 1860, and is a son of R. B. and Nannie (Wade) Munkirs.

R. B. Munkirs is also a native of Clay County and is onf^ of the venerable pioneer residents of this county. He was born in a pioneer cabin which stood on the place where he now resides, March 4, 1839. This old cabin stood on the place until about two years ago. Nannie (Wade) Munkirs was a native of Ohio and died in 1867 and her remains are buried on the home place. The following children were born to R. B. and Nannie (Wade) Munkirs: Washington E., the subject of this sketch; John, deceased; Charles, who lives on the home place; Mrs. Hettie L. Bradley; and Byron, who lives in Fishing River tovvTiship.

Washington E. Munkirs was reared on the home farm and attended school in the Estes school district. He was reared to the life of the farm ajid early began an independent career as a farmer and stockman. In 1892, he bought 120 acres of land seven miles northeast of Liberty in Fishing River township. This was formerly the Joseph Crockett farm. Mr. Munkirs has made extensive improvements on this place, including a good residence and other farm buildings. He raises registered Big Bone Type Poland China hogs and also grade Percheron horses.

March 19, 1913, Washington E. Munkirs was man-ied to Miss Jessie May Reynolds. She is a daughter of John S. and Ruth (Harrell) Reynolds, both of whom are now deceased. Mrs. Munkirs was born in Liberty township and her parents were bom and reared in Clay County. Mrs. Munkirs has three sisters living: Mrs. Fannie Rexroad, Liberty, Missouri; Mrs. Vertie Ferril, Kansas City, Missouri; and Mrs. Carrie Hendrix, Kansas City, Kansas.

By a former marriage of Mrs. Munkirs to James Robert Benson, a daughter was bom, Anna Frances, bom January 1, 1907. She now resides at home.

James R. Minter, a well known farmer and stockman, who owns and operates a valuable fai-m in Fishing River township, is a native of Missouri and belongs to a family of pioneers of this state. He was born in Andrew County, Missouri, November 24, 1860, a son of Frank M. and Sarah (Bohart) Minter.

Frank M. Minter was born at Louisville, Kentucky. He came to Missouri with his parents at an early day. His father, John Minter, was employed on the erection of the first building of William .Jewell College, and died at the age of eighty-nine years Frank M. Minter and two of his brothers, Robert and John Minter, crossed the plains to California during the gold rush of 1849. In-ank M. Minter remained in California about a year, when he returned to Missouri by way of the Isthmus of Panama. During the Civil War. he sei'ved in the home guards under command of Captain Garth. He died in 1906 at the age of seventy-five years. His widow was bom December 14, 1839, and now resides with her daughter, Mrs. Axie Rhodus, of Fishing River township.

Robert Minter crossed the plains twice and died at Liberty, Missouri. He served in the state home guards. John Minter, after going to Califomia in 1849, established his home there and died in Lower California.

To Frank M. and Sarah (Bohart) Minter were born the following children: Mrs. Emma Graham, deceased; James R., the subject of this sketch; VV. B., Kansas City, Missouri; F. M., Mosby, Misouri; Jacob B., who is now a member of the county court of Clay County; Mrs. Catherine Long, Liberty, Missouri; Mrs. Axie Rhodus. Mosby, Missouri; Willard H., died in Jackson County, Missouri.

James R. Minter received his education in the district school and was reared on a farm. Early in life he began his independent career as a farmer and stockman, and is now the owner of a valuable farm of ninety acres, situated one mile south of Mosby. He has owned and operated this fai-m for the past twenty years. His place is well improved and is adapted to both stock and grain raising. He has a good residence on the place and other substantial farm buildings. There are two everflowing springs which supply the place with a superior quality of water. Mr. Minter raises pure bred Poland China hogs as well a a good grade of other livestock.

August 31, 1892, Mr. Minter was married to Miss Lizzie B. Smith, a daughter of F. M. and Mary Ann (White) Smith, both natives of Clay County, and now deceased. The White family came from near Louisville, Kentucky, and settled in Fishing River township at a very early day and were among the pioneer settlers of that locality. To Mr. and Mrs. Minter have been born the following children : Mary Ella, married Lynn Shouse of Fishing River township ; Nellie Frances, resides at home with her parents ; and Carrie, died at the age of eighteen years. Mr. and Mrs. Minter have two grandchildren : T. J. and Ella May Shouse.

Leslie Lancaster, who is one of the progressive farmers and stockmen of Fishing River township, is a native of Clay County and has been engaged in his present occupation since early manhood. He was born four miles west of Liberty, June 14, 1869, and is a son of John S. Lancaster, a biographical sketch of whom appears in this volume.

Leslie Lancaster was reared to manhood on his father's farm and attended the district school. He has lived on his present farm, five miles northeast of Liberty, for the past twenty-seven years. This is a valuable and productive fann containing eighty acres. It was formerly the property of Ethan Allen Crockett and the Foster heirs and Mr. Lancaster bought the place in 1893. He has made extensive improvements. The commodious and comfortable residence is surrounded by a number of shade trees and presents an attractive appearance. For a number of years Mr. Lancaster has given considerable attention to raising pure bred stock. He raises pure bred Shropshire sheep and Poland China hogs and also carried on general farming extensively.

Mr. Lancaster was mairied February 28, 1893, to Miss Lillie M. Brawner, a daughter of James G. and Martha M. Brawner. Her parents are both deceased and their remains are buried in New Hope Church cemetery, southeast of Holt, Missouri. To Mr. and Mrs. Lancaster have been bom the following children: Arthur M., further mention of whom is made below; Lewis Ralph, married Ruth Hart and they live on a farm in Fishing River township; George, deceased; and James Gilbert, resides at home with his parents.

Arthur M. Lancaster is a veteran of the World War. He entered the United States Army, February 25, 1918, and was sent to Camp Funston. He was assigned to the Motor Transport Department and was honorably discharged from the service May 12, 1919, when he returned home and is assisting in the operation of the home place. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias and the American Legion at Liberty.

Leslie Lancaster is a member of the Modem Woodmen of America and is one of the well known and successful farmers of Clay County and the Lancaster family stands high in the community.

Lewis R. Lancaster, a progressive and enterprising young farmer and stockman of Fishing River township, is a native son of Clay County. He was born in Fishing River township, April 3, 1896, a son of Leslie and Lillie M. (Brawner) Lancaster, a sketch of whom appears in this volume and also of John S. Lancaster, grandfather of Lewis R. Lancaster.

Lewis R. Lancaster was reared on the home place and attended the Mosby district school. He began farming and stock raising in early life and is now operating a farm owned by Allen Pixlee and one which is owned by Thomas Pixlee in Fishing River . township. He carries on general farming and raises wheat and corn extensively and gives special attention to raising Poland China hogs and also raises sheep.

Mr. Lancaster was married September 29, 1917, to Miss May Ruth Hart, a daughter of James and Sarah Hart of Fishing Rover township, Mrs. Lancaster having been bom in this township. She is one of the following children bom to her parents: Mrs. Hugh Pixlee, Liberty, Missouri; Mrs. Roy Adkins, who lives in Fishing River township; Noah, Liberty, Missouri; Thomas, Excelsior Springs; Lawrence, resides at home; Frances, at home; and May Ruth, mamed Lewis R. Lancaster, the subject of this sketch.

William P. Shannon, a well known and extensive farmer and stockman of Fishing River township, is a native of Dakota County, Minnesota. He was bom October 8, 1866, a son of William and Ann (Gibbons) Shannon.

William Shannon was born in County Galway, Ireland, in 1828. He came to America a few years prior to the Civil War and when that conflict came on he was living in Boston, Massachusetts, and enlisted in the United States Navy and served throughout the war. He then went to Minnesota which was his home for many years. He then went to California where he died in 1914 and his remains are buried near San Francisco. His wife was also a native of County Galway, Ireland, and died at Topeka, Kansas, at the age of eighty-seven years and her remains are buried there.

William and Ann (Gibbons) Shannon were the parents of the following children: William P.. the subject of this sketch; John, Topeka, Kansas ; Daniel, Topeka, Kansas ; Mrs. Mary Fuller, Kansas City, Missouri ; Mrs. Anna Jones, Naravisa, New Mexico.

William P. Shannon was engaged in railroading in early life and followed electrical work. He was employed for five years in Kansas City before he engaged in farming and stock raising in Clay County in 1891.

He owns and operates a well improved fainn of 253 acres which is located three miles southwest of Mosby in Fishing River to^vnship. He carries on general farming and stock raising and has been successful in his undertakings. His place is well watered with iive natural running springs and three wells and is an ideal stock farm as well as for the production of grain.

Mr. Shannon was married in 1891 to Miss Martha Means, a daughter of Alvin and Martha A. (McCormick) Means, of a pioneer family of Fishing River township. Alvin Means was a son of Andrew Means, who was one of the very early pioneer settlers of Missouri. He was a native of North Carolina and drove from that state to Missouri and settled in Howard County in what was known as the Boonslick country, in 1812. A few years later he came to Clay County and settled in Fishing River township where he took up government land under a land patent dated in 1824. This is the fami which is now owned by William P. Shannon. Alvin Means, Mrs. Shannon's father, died in 1916, and his remains are buried near Stockdale, Missouri, and his wife died in 1890 and is buried in Dekalb County, Missouri.

To Mr. and Mrs. Shannon has been bom one sone, J. E. Shannon, bom in October, 1892, who is now engaged in farming on the home place with his father. He is a veteran of the World War, having enlisted at Kansas City, Missouri, December 13, 1917. He was first sent to Jefferson Barracks, St. Louis, and transfeiTed from there to Camp Shelby, Mississippi. From there he was sent to Camp Johnson, Florida, and then to Newport News, Virginia, embarking for France October 5, 1918. He was with the American Expeditionary Forces in France until July 13, 1919, when he was returned to the United States and honorably discharged at Camp Pike, Arkansas, July 24, 1919. He served with the rank of sergeant with Field Remount Squadron 333. He was manned July 12, 1918, to Miss Ruth Robison, a daughter of H. W. and Florence Robison of Liberty, Missouri.

William Elisha Moberly, a substantial and well known fanner and stockman of Fishing River towship, is a native of Clay County. He was bom on the farm which he now owns two miles west of Mosby, January 8, 1884, a son of Simeon and Sarah J. (Brasfield) Moberly.

eral farming and stock raising. He died in 1909. His wife, Sarah J. (Brasfield) Moberly was bom in Daviess County, Missouri, and was brought to Clay County by her parents, LeRoy and Elizabeth (Estes) Brasfield, when she was about one year old. They settled three and onehalf miles southwest of Kearney in Fishing River township and here spent the remainder of their lives.

The following children were born to Simeon and Sarah J. (Brasfield) Moberly: John C, died at the age of six years; Eugene, died in infancy; Oben, died in infancy; Mrs. Gertrude Lancaster, Liberty township; Efiie, died March 16, 1920; and William E., the subject of this sketch.

William E. Moberly was reared on the home farm and attended school in the Estes school district. In 1911, he bought the home place which consisted of 102 acres and in 1914, he bought eighty acres more and is now the owner of an excellent farm of 182 acres. He carries on general fanning and is one of the successful and well-to-do farmers of Fishing River township.

Mr. Moberly was mamed December 30, 1908, to Miss Allie Riley, a daughter of Lewis and Isabel E. Riley. Her father died in 1913 at the age of seventy-two years and is buried in the cemetery at Kearney, and her mother now resides at Kearney. Mrs. Moberly is one of ten children bom to her parents. Those living are as follows: Mrs. Charles Lewis, of Garden City, Kansas; and Arthur, Allen, William, Charlie, and Ralph, all residing at Kearney, Missouri.

Mr. Moberly is one of the original stockholders of the Mosby State Bank, which is the latest addition to the banking institutions of Clay County. He is a public spirited and progressive citizen and one of the substantial men of Clay County.

Springs, Missouri, and a former judge of the county court of Clay County, is a native of Missouri. He was born near Lone Jack, Jackson County, January- 15, 1862, a son of John W. Karr, Sr.

John W. Kan", Sr., was a native of Kentucky and when a young man came to Missouri and settled near Lone Jack. He was a son of James Karr, who was a large slave owner and brought a number of slaves with him from Kentuckv to Missouri. He owned several hundred acres of land in Jackson County and spent the remainder of his life there after coming to Missouri. He died at the age of ninety-eight years. John W. Karr, Sr., left Jackson County when a young man and spent most of his time in Clay and Caldwell counties and died in 1916. His wife died in 1912 and their remains ai-e buried in Radical cemetery, Caldwell County.

Judge John W. KaiT was one of the following children born to his parents : Osino, of Kansas City, Missouri ; James, a farmer in Cass County, Missouri; John W., the subject of this sketch; Sarah, married H. C. Duncan, of Clay County; Martha, married Samuel Curtis, Jamesport, Missouri; Lila, married Samuel Few, Breckenridge, Missouri; Nora, married Doss Dolan, Nettleton, Missouri ; Elizabeth, married Elliott Dolan, and she is now deceased; Price, Clinton, Missouri; Ed, lives in Montgomery County, Missouri; Anna, died at the age of eighteen years; Joseph, died at the age of forty years. This large family held a reunion, or home coming, at which they were all present, shortly before the death of the sister, Anna.

Judge Karr was educated in the public schools of Clay County, and early in life engaged in the groceiy business at Excelsior Springs and later he was in the hardware business there. In the fall of 1906, Mr. Karr was elected judge of the county court for the eastern district of Clay County and at the expiration of his tei-m of office he was re-elected, sei^ving four years. During his administration in that office the building of wooden culverts was discontinued and he and Judges Hodges, Connell, and later Judge Robb, inaugurated the building of concrete culverts, a poUcy which has since been adhered to.

For several years Judge Karr has been engaged in contracting and building and is now constructing a half mile of road out of Excelsior Springs, known as the rock I'oad. He operates a stone crusher and employs quite a number of men. He does general conti-acting and building and has won a wide reputation for the high standard of his work and his integrity in carrying out contracts.

October 9, 1884, John W. Kan- was married to Miss Lizzie Williams, a daughter of John and Fannie (Nichols) Williams, and granddaughter of Henry Nichols, an old settler of Clay County. Mrs. Kan- was bom near Excelsior Springs and her father is now deceased. To Mr. and Mrs. Karr have been bom two children: Mamie Etta, married Homer Ander- .«on, of Excelsior Springs, and they have two children, Bernice and La-

Judge Karr is a member of the Woodmen of the World and the Mystic Workers. He is widely known in Clay County, and is a dependable citizen of high standing.

Robert H. Wallis, a well-to-do farmer and stockman of Fishing River township, was bom in this county and is a member of one of the honored pioneer families of this section of Missouri. He was bom in Fishing River township. May 13, 1866, a son of George H., and Mary H. (Mosby) Wallis.

George H. Wallis was also a native of Clay County and his father was one of the very early settlers in this county. His name was also George Wallis and he lived south of Liberty. At the age of eighteen years George H. Wallis enlisted for service in the Mexican War. He served throughout that conflict in Captain Moss' company and Colonel Doniphan's regiment and took part in the famous Doniphan expedition to Mexico. He was mustered out of service at the close of the Mexican War and returned to Clay County. He engaged in farming in Fishing River township and became the o^vner of 240 acres of land which is now owned by E. E. Petty and A. C. Pixlee. He was prominent in the early day affairs of this county and was elected justice of the peace in 1854 and served four years. His picture appears in this volume.

George H. Wallis, was married in August, 1848, to Miss Maiy Mosby, a daughter of Nicholas and Mary (Shouse) Mosby, and the following children were bom to them: George N., deceased; Mary H., married Walter Tapp, Alamargarta, New Mexico; John H., Oklahoma; Margaret J., married B. F. Matthews, Oklahoma; Sarah M., wife of Arch Soper, deceased ; William D., Liberty, Missouri : Katie L., died in infancy ; Robert H., the subject of this sketch; Artimesia, married S. G. Major, Kearney, Missouri.

Robert H. Wallis, whose name introduces this review, was reared In Clay County and attended the district schools. He was reared on a farm and in early life began an independent career as a farmer and stockman and has been successful. He is the owner of 194 acres in Fishing River towTiship, where he carries on general farming and stock raising and feeds cattle and hogs. His place is well improved, the residence being modem and lighted by acetylene gas.

Mr. Wallis was max-ried Februaiy 14, 1894, to Mattie M. (Archer) Mosby, widow of Dewilton Mosby, a Mexican War veteran, whose picture appears in this volume. He served in Colonel Doniphan's regiment. He was bom April 23, 1825, and died July 8, 1889, and was buried on his old home farm in Fishing River township, and the remains were later removed to Liberty Cemetery. Dewilton Mosby and wife were the parents of the following children: Jesse D., Fishing River township; Rosalee, married Alonzo Squires, a sketch of whom appears in this volume; Emmett A., Liberty, Missouri; Nicholas Mosby. recorder of deeds of Clay County; Bonnie Musette, married W. E. Brawner, of Liberty, Missouri. To Mr. and Mrs. Wallis has been born one son who died in infancy.

Charles McKee, an extensive land owner and successful breeder of pure bred registered Hereford cattle, of Fishing River towTiship, was born in Washington township, Clay County, October 16, 1858. He is a son of Melvin and Phoebe A. (Grimes) McKee.

Melvin McKee was bom in Kentucky in 1827, and when he was six years old, was brought to Missouri by his parents, David and Elizabeth McKee, who settled in Clay County and were very early settlers here. That was in 1833. They both spent the remainder of their lives here and ai-e buried in the Salem cemetery. Melvin McKee was a farmer all of his life and was regarded as one of the successful men of his time in Clay County. He died August 10, 1887, and Phoebe A. (Grimes) McKee, his wife, died in 1910. She was a daughter of George and Jane Grimes.

To Melvin and Phoebe A. (Grimes) McKee were bom the following children: Charles, the subject of this sketch: Ella J., died at the age of nineteen years ; William, lives on the old McKee home place in Fishing River township; Samuel D., died in 1889; Juha, married L W. Wingo, Fair Grove, Missouri; Mattie, died at the age of three yeai-s; Bettie. died July 13. 1892 ; and Curtis, died August 7, 1880.

Charles McKee was reared in Clay County and attended the district school in Fishing River towTiship. He has always been engaged in fanning and stock raising and located on his present place in 1906. He is the owner of 660 acres which is one of the valuable farms of Clay County. This land was entered from the government by Joel Moore, father of Mrs. Charles McKee. Mr. McKee carries on general farming and stock raising and feeds a large number of cattle for the market annually. He is known as a successful breeder of registered Hereford cattle. His herd is headed by "Beau Blanc Visiag-e 17th," a half-brother of "Beau Best" of the Wallace and Good herd of Grandview, Missouri.

Mr. McKee was first married to Miss Belle Story, a daughter of John R. and Artelia (Crossett) Story, both deceased. Mrs. McKee died in August, 1887. In 1890, Charles McKee was married to Miss Alice Moore, a daughter of S. S. and Ann E. (Davis) Moore, early pioneer settlers of Clay County, who came here from Kentucky at an early date. To Mr. and Mrs. Charles McKee have been bom two sons : Charles Hugo, who married Ellen Maurer of Excelsior Springs, and James Edwin, married Adlin Fan-is. The two sons are associated with their father in the operation of the home farm and are energetic and progressive young men. James Edwin is a graduate of the Missouri State University at Columbia, having taken the agricultural course in that institution. He was in the training school at the Stat« University when he war closed.

Samuel H. Mitchell, who resides at Pratherville, is a native of Clay County and a member of an interesting pioneer family. He was bom at Missouri City, July 27, 1852, a son of Mabry and Evaline (Lakey) Mitchell.

Mabi\v Mitchell was also bo)n in Clay County, near Liberty, and later settled at Pratherville, where he conducted a general store for thirtyfive years. He was a veteran of the Civil War, having sei-ved in Captain McCarty's company in the Confederate Army. He made the trip across the plains during the rush to the gold fields in 1849, driving overland with mule teams. On the trip he and his party nearly stai-ved. Their mules all died from starvation and when the party airived they were nearly exhausted. He returned from California via South America.

Mabry Mitchell, father of Samuel H. Mitchell, was a son of Mabry Mitchell, Sr., a native of North Carolina. He made the tiip up the Mississippi River in a towboat as far as Council Bluffs in the early days, and later returned to Missouri and was living in Bates County during the Civil War when Order No. 11 was issued. He afterwards settled in Clay County. He was the father of fourteen children.

and one-half miles southeast of Liberty, upon settling here. His father was a nativ'e of Germany and came to this country with his parents and settled in Kentucky, when he was a boy. Jonathan Lakey married Miss Alsey Hiatt, a native of Virginia, of English descent. They reared a family of two daughters.

Samuel H. Mitchell has two sisters living: Mary E., who married John Hiatt of Los Animos, Colorado; and Sarah Frances, who is now the widow of Berry Brown of Plattsburg, Missouri. After the death of the mother of these children, Mabry Mitchell married Mrs. Martha Davidson, widow of Steel Davidson. Her maiden name was Adkins.

Samuel H. Mitchell was reared in Clay County and attended the early day subscription schools and later was a student at William Jewell College at Liberty. He spent a number of years in the West in early life, but for the past thirty years his home has been at Prathenille.

Mr. Mitchell was married February 11, 1880, to Miss Ida B. Atkins, a daughter of Jonathan Hugh and Mary S. (Stone) Atkins, natives of Kentucky. Mrs. Mitchell is one of the following children bom to her parents: Robert, deceased; W'illiam, was a judge of the county court in Clay County for many years and is now deceased ; Jacob, Missouri City ; John, Liberty; Fountain, deceased; Rueben, deceased; Martha E., deceased; Anna, deceased; and Ida Belle, the wife of Samuel Mitchell of this sketch.

Mr. Mitchell has some interesting family heirlooms, among which is a hammer that was made by one of his direct ancestors in Germany over two hundred years ago.

John Dan Rhodus, a successful fanner and stockman of Fishing River township, although a native of Kentucky, has been a resident of Clay County since early childhood. He was bom in Madison County, Kentucky, September 7, 1853, a son of Henry Bascom and Ann Elizabeth (Comeliason) Rhodus, both natives of Kentucky.

The Rhodus family came to Clay County when John Dan Rhodus was about one year old and located in Washington to\\Tiship. Five years later they moved to Fishing River tov,'nship and settled on a place which is now part of John Dan Rhodus' farm. Here the father spent the remainder of his days and died in 1880 at the age of fifty-eight years. His wife died here at the age of seventy-one years and their remains are buried at Shady Grove cemetery. Henry B. Rhodus was a hard work-

To Henry B. Rhodus and wife were born the following children : Edward Houston, deceased; Thomas Jefferson, deceased; Mrs. Emma Jane Stewart, deceased; John Dan, the subject of this sketch; and Granville Mitchell, Perry, Oklahoma; Mrs. Rebecca Ferril, Fishing River township; Mrs. Mary Ellen Smith, deceased; and Dock of Mosby, Missouri.

John Dan Rhodus attended the subscription schools of the early days and since early manhood has always been engaged in farming and stock raising. He has added 120 acres to the old Rhodus home farm and now has a splendid farm of 270 acres. It is deep rich soil and one of the productive faiTns of Clay County.

Mr. Rhodus was married in 1895 to Miss Malzena Hawkins, a daughter of William and Mary J. (Grooms) Hawkins, both now deceased. John S. Grooms, a Mexican War veteran, who served under Colonel Doniphan, was a relative of Mrs. Rhodus. To Mr. and Mrs. Rhodus have been bom two sons: Henry Bascom, who married Lulu Peery, and they have two children, Raymond E. and Frances Vernice; and Edwin Francis Rhodus. John Dan Rhodus is a dependable citizen and the Rhodus family is well and favorably known in Clay County.

Noiinan G. McCrorey, a veteran of the World War, who is a member of one of the substantial families of Clay County, was bom in Fishing River township, November 11, 1893. He is a son of Joseph and Catherine (King) McCrorey. The father died February 4, 1899. He was bom April 1, 1847, in Clay County, and Catherine (King) McCrorey was bom in Pendelton County, Kentucky. After their marriage they settled on a farm in Fishing River township, four miles southwest of Excelsior Springs, where Mrs. McCrorey now resides, and owns 106 acres of land.

To Joseph and Catherine (King) McCrorey were born the following children: Lena, man-ied Lee Ferril, who resides near Liberty; Frances, at home; Richard Leslie, Lyndon, Kansas; Hugh Robison, a ranchman in Wyoming; and Norman G., the subject of this sketch.