Clay County, Missouri - Biographical sketches, 1920 (part 1 of 10)

Biographical sketches

Dr. David Jones Evans, president of William Jewell College, of Liberty, Missouri, is one of the widely known ministers and educators of the Middle West. He is a native of South Wales, born May 10, 1875, and is a son of William J. and Ann (Jones) Evans, both natives of Wales.

William J. Evans came to America with his family in 1881 when David Jones Evans, of this review, was about six years old. They settled in Carroll County, Missouri, where they remained until 1884, when they returned to Wales. However, they came to America again in 1887, and the mother died in this country the following year. In 1893 the father returned to Wales again, remaining that time until 1906, when he came to America and after a short time returned to his native land where he died in 1907. During his active career he was engaged in dairy farming.

To William J. and Ann (Jones) Evans were bom the following children: Sarah, married Joseph Hughes; Dr. David Jones Evans, the subject of this sketch; and William T. Evans, a hardware merchant at Calcutta Indian. He served as lieutenant in the British army during the World War and was a member of the famous Cold Stream Guards. He was severely wounded in France in 1918, but recovered sufficiently to train troops, although he was unable to return to the front.

Doctor Evans was educated in the National Schools of Wales and the public schools of Carroll County, Missouri, and later attended a private normal school at Chillicothe, Missouri. In 1895 he entered William Jewell College where he was graduated in the class of 1900, with the degree of Bachelor of Arts, and in 1901 took his Masters degree at that institution. He then took the course at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary where he was given his degree of Doctor of Theology in 1905. He served as pastor of the West Park Baptist Church, St. Louis, Missouri, until the fall of 1906, when he came to William Jewell College as professor of Biblical Literature. In 1908 Doctor Evans was made Dean of the

Bible School. In 1909 he made the trip to Egypt, Palestine, Syria and Southern Europe with the Travel Study Class of Chicago University. In 1919 he became vice president of William Jewell College and succeeded to the presidency of that institution January 1, 1920.

In addition to his labors in the field of higher education Doctor Evans is ever active in the ministry. He has served as pastor of churches at Polo, Caldwell County, Missouri, and the Baptist Church at Kearney for seven years, and has served as supply pastor for a number of Baptist Churches in Kansas City, including the Bales Avenue Church, Westport, First Baptist Church and Calvary Baptist Church and for the Second and Third Baptist Churches of St. Louis, Missouri. He served as president of the Baptist Young People's Union of America during the years 1919 and 1920.

Dr. David Jones Evans was united in man'iage, December 21, 1897, with Miss Eva Anne Lewis, of Dawn, Livingston County, Missouri. She is a daughter of D. W. and Anne (Jones) Lewis, the former of whom is deceased and the mother resides with Doctor and Mrs. Evans at Liberty. To Doctor and Mrs. Evans have been born one son, David Price Evans, bom in 1907.

John Sleet Major, president of the First National Bank of Liberty, is one of the well-known and successful bankers and men of affairs in Clay County. He is a member of one of the honored pioneer families of this county and was born near the present site of Kearney, February 22, 1852. He is a son of Dr. Hermon S. Major and Mary L. (Swearingen) Major, a biography of whom appears in this volume.

John Sleet Major attended the primary school at Mt. Gilead, near his home, and later he was a student in the Kentucky Military Institute and William Jewell College. Mr. Major engaged in farming and stock raising in early life, in which he was successful and in 1882 he assisted in the organization of the Kearney Bank, an institution which had a prosperous career from the beginning. In 1887, Mr. Major sold his Clay County farm and banking interest here and removed to Arkansas, where he was engaged in the lumber business until 1896. He then returned to Clay County and settled at Liberty. In 1897, he bought an interest in the First National Bank here and was elected president of this bank and has served in that capacity to the present time. This is one of the substantial institutions of Clay County, further mention of which is made elsewhere in this volume.

October 3, 1876, John Sleet Major was married to Miss Virginia Anderson, a daughter of Joseph D. and Mai-y A. Anderson, both members of early pioneer families of this county. To Mr. and Mrs. Major have been born four sons, three of whom died in childhood, the surviving son being Dr. Ralph Hermon Major, further mention of whom is made in this volume.

Mr. and Mrs. Major have lived in Clay County all of their lives, except eight years, and during the last twenty-three years Liberty has been their home and they are widely known and highly respected in Liberty and Clay County. Mr. Major is a deacon in the Second Baptist Church of Liberty and president of the board of trustees of William Jewell College. He is progressive and public spirited and one of the substantial citizens of Clay County.

John M. Newlee, vice-president of the Citizens Bank of Liberty, Missouri, is one of the widely known and successful men in the practical field of finance of western Missouri. He is a native of Clay County and was bom at Liberty, Februaiy 24, 1861, a son of C. A. and Mary (Huff) Newlee.

C. A. Newlee was a native of Virginia, born at Christainsburg and his wife was bom at Cmnberland Gap, Tennessee. They were married in Tennessee and in 1856 came to Clay County, Missouri, and settled at Liberty. C. A. Newlee was a merchant tailor and was engaged in that business at Liberty for over forty years. He took a prominent part in local affairs and was a man of high standing in the community. He was city councilman for several terms and also served as mayor of Liberty. He died in 1903. His wife died in 1895 and their remains are buried in Fairview cemetery.

To C. A. and Mary (Huff) Newlee were bom the following childi-en: W. H. Newlee was engaged in the drug business in Liberty for many years and also served as councilman and mayor of Liberty, is deceased; R. G. Newlee was engaged in the grocery business hei-e for twenty-five years or more, is deceased ; C. A. Newlee, Jr., sei-ved as county treasurer of Clay County two temis and clerk of the circuit court, is deceased; John M. Newlee, the subject of this sketch; and 0. D. Newlee, who is engaged in the wholesale di-y goods business in Kansas City, Missouri.

cantile career and for twenty-five years conducted a drug business at Liberty. He sold his business to M. J. Kelly, who was later succeeded by Perkins and McGennins.

In 1906, Mr. Newlee assisted in the organization of the Citizens Bank of Liberty of which he is now vice-president, and since that time he has devoted his attention to the banking business, having been identified with the Citizens Bank for the fourteen years of its successful banking history. During that period this bank has developed into one of the strongest financial institutions of the state. A history of the Citizens Bank appears elsewhere in this volume.

During the course of his career as a successful business man and banker, Mr. Newlee has always found time to devote to the betterment and upbuilding of Liberty and Clay County, to the interests of which he has at all times shown unselfish devotion. He has served as a member of the city council for two terms and was mayor of Liberty one term, lie was president of the Boai'd of Public Works when that body established the present water works and sewerage system of Liberty. At that time, this progressive movement was unpopular and Mi\ Newlee paid for the first survey for the water work system, out of his own pocket. He has been a staunch supporter of every practical movement, the object of which has been for the good and advancement of Liberty.

Mr. Newlee was married in 1891 to Miss Dora B. Miller of Liberty. She is a daughter of Madison and Anna (Arthur) Miller, both of whom are deceased. Madison Miller was a pioneer drygoods merchant of Liberty and was engaged in business here for many years. He was the pioneer banker of Clay County.

To Mr. and Mrs. Newlee have been born one daughter, Ann Marj', who married Minetry L. Jones, a wholesale hat dealer of St. Joseph, Missouri.

, Dr. Hermon S. Major, a prominent physician, who was engaged in the practice of medicine in Clay County over half a century ago, was a native of Kentucky. He was a son of Rev. John Sleet Major, a biography of whom appears in this volume. Dr. Hermon S. Major was bom in Franklin County, Kentucky, August 4, 1827, and was reai-ed to young manhood in his native state. Early in life, he prepared himself for the medical profession and entered the Louisville Medical College where he was graduated with the degree of Doctor of Medicine,

On March 21, 1850, Dr. Hermon S. Major was united in marriage with Miss Mary L. Swearingen, of Kentucky, and they immediately came to Clay County, where he engaged in the practice of medicine. He was an able physician and surgeon and had a large practice in this section

To Dr Hermon S. Major and Maiy L. (Swearingen) Major were born ten children, the eldest of whom died in infancy and the others were as follows- John Sleet Major, Charles Swearingen Major, William Weeden Major, Mary R. Major, Slaughter G. Major, Susan Y. Major, Sarah Belle Major, Rueben H. Major, and Hermonetta Major.

Dr. Hermon S. Major died at his home near Kearney, Missouri, December 26, 1859. His widow, Maiy L. Major, survived him for a number of years and died at Kearney, December 4, 1909.

Rev. John Sleet Major, a prominent pioneer minister who was actively identified with organizing of Baptist churches in Clay County, was a native of Virginia. He was bom in Culpeper County, Virginia, March 26 1789 His father was a Revolutionary soldier and moved from Virginia to Franklin County, Kentucky, in 1799. Here, John Sleet Major was given the advantages of such schools as the times and locality afforded. He served as major under General William Henry Harrison in his campaign in the Northwest Territory against the Indians.

In 1819, John Sleet Major was converted and united with the South Benson Baptist Church in Franklin County, Kentucky. He was afterwards pastor of that church. He came to Missouri in 1850 and settled in Clay County. Here he bought and entered a large tract of government land, near the present site of Kearney. For twenty-two years, he followed farming and preached the gospel and assisted in the organization of a number of churches in Clay and adjoining counties.

In 1817, John Sleet Major was united in marriage with Miss Lucinda Smith Slaughter of Kentucky and to this union were born five sons and five daughters, all of whom made their homes in Missouri. The five sons came to Missouri about 1850 and settled on farms here, which their father had bought for them. The sons bom to Rev. John Sleet Major and wife were as follows: John A. S. Major, Hennon S. Major, Stephen S. Major. William Weeden Major, and Slaughter G. Major. They are all now deceased, except William Weeden Major, who resides at Artesia. New Mexico, at a ripe old age. The daughters born to Rev. John Sleet

Major and wife were: Ann Eliza, married Joseph Flood; Susan Frances, maiTied Dr. J. C. Bernard; Rosannah M., married Johnson Yates; Euphrates, married Albert G. Davis; and Sarah Belle, married Wilson H. Smith. They are all now deceased.

Rev. John Sleet Major was a Christian gentleman and was held in the highest regard. He was the kind of man who made the world better for having lived. His career was above reproach, or even criticism. He died September 16, 1872, honored and loved by every one who knew him.

The First National Bank, Liberty, Missouri, is one of the substantial financial institutions, not only of Clay County, but, of the state and has to its credit thirty-three years of successful banking which, alone, is a testimonial to the soundness of its policy and methods.

The First National Bank of Liberty was organized May 1, 1887, with a paid-up capital stock of $50,000.00. Daniel Hughes was its first president and James T. Riley was the first cashier. Mr. Hughes disposed of his interest in 1897, John S. Major becoming the purchaser. At that time Mr. Major succeeded Mr. Hughes to the presidency of the bank and has served in that capacity to the present time.

The present ofRcei's of The First National Bank are: John S. Major, president; James Costello, vice-president; Claude M. Donovan, vice-president ; and George S. Ritchey, cashier. Mr. Costello and Mr. Ritchey have served in their respective capacities in the bank for twenty-three years, as has also Mr. Major. Mr. Donovan became connected with the institution in 1919, having been a successful banker at Orriclc, Missouri, for a number of years previous.

The present capital stock of the bank is $50,000.00; surplus, 850,000.00 ; and undivided profits, $90,000.00. The record of this bank as a successful financial institution has rarely been equaled in the history of banking. The last statement to the comptroller of currency shows the assets of this institution to be more than $1,000,000.00.

The policy of this bank has always been to extend its aid to the weak and deserving, the officers feeling that to be their obligation, and the phenomenal growth and development has given evidence of the correctness of this policy. The gentlemen who have directed the aff"airs of this bank and who are still shaping its policy are all high class financiers of long experience and vridely known for their ability and integrity.

The present boai-d of directors consists of the following gentlemen: J. H. Barnes, James Costello, M. E. Lawson, B. F. Pixlee, J. D. Wason. John J. Stogdale. Ed. Withers, L. S. Watkins, C. M. Donovan. John S. Major. George S. Ritchey.

Dr. John Hughes Rothwell, a widely known and successful physician and surgeon of Liberty, Missouri, is a descendant of a distinguished pioneer family of Missouri. He was born at Huntsville, Missouri, July 9, 1858, and is a son of Dr. William Renfrew Rothw-ell and Louisa M. (Hughes) Rothwell.

Dr. William Renfrew Rothwell was a man of unusual ability and attainments, and during his time was one of the most prominent educators of the state. For a number of years immediately preceding his death he was president of William Jewell College, at Liberty. He was a son of Dr. John Rothwell. a pi-ominent pioneer doctor who practiced in Callaway and Boone Counties, coming from Kentucky to that section of the state in 1830. He practiced his pi"ofessioii until his death in 1868, and his remains are buried in Cedar Church cemetery, near what is known as Stephen's store, in Boone County.

Dr. William Renfrew Rothwell, after receiving a good preparatory education, took a aiurse in the Missouri University at Columbia, Missouri. He then became president of the Elm Ridge Academy, in Howard County. Missouri. This was a pioneer educational 'institution, conducted in a tworoom log building of the primitive type. There were no glass windows. Ught being admitted by opening wooden shutters. After conducting that academy for some time, Doctor Rothwell became president of the Mt. Pleasant College at Huntsville. Missouri, which was a prominent educational institution during its time. He held that position until 1860 and corresponding secretary of the Missouri Baptist Association which sponsored and promoted Mt. Pleasant College until 1871. Doctor Rothwell then came to Liberty as president of William Jewell College, and also professor of moral philosophy and was identified with that well known institution until the time of his death in 1808. He was a man widely knowii in educational work to which he devoted his life and left his imprint in the field of higher education in which he wielded such a strong influence during the many years of his active and successful career.

was a daughter of Allen and Melvina Hughes, early pioneer settlers of Howard County, Missouri, and natives of Kentucky. To Dr. William Renfrew and Louise M. (Hughes), Rothwell were born one child, Dr. John H., the subject of this sketch. Prof. Younger P. Rothwell, superintendent of public schools of Pomona, California, was a child of his father's second marriage, to Fannie A. Pitts, a native of Kentucky, now living with her son in California, and is eighty years old.

Dr. William Renfrew, great grandfather of Dr. John Hughes Rothwell, was a pioneer doctor in Callaway County, Missouri. He and Doctor Carter, a full blooded Indian, practiced medicine in partnership in Kentucky during the early twenties. They also manufactured herb medicines and were known as herb doctors, and their remedies were used extensively among the pioneers. Doctor Renfrew came to Callav/ay County in 1831. Doctor Carter, a son of the Indian Doctor Carter, later came to Missouri City, Clay County, where he practiced medicine and manufactured herb remedies and had a large practice.

Dr. John Hughes Rothwell v.as educated at Mt. Pleasant College. Huntsville, Missouri, and afterwards attended William Jewell College where he was graduated in the class of 1880. After reading medicine for a time under the preceptorship of Doctor Allen, of Liberty, he took the medical course at the Missouri Medical College and later attended Bellevue Hospital Medical College of New York City. In 1883 he engaged in the practice of his profession at Kearney, Missouri, and one year later located at Liberty where he has since been engaged in practice for a period of thirty-six years. He is an able physician and has ever commanded a large practice.

Doctor Rothwell has always taken an active and commendable interest in public affairs. He was elected coroner of Clay County m 1886 and reelected to that office in 1888, and has served as county physician fo)" several years. In 1887 he was appointed surgeon for the Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul Railroad, a position which he has since held, and since the death of Doctor Allen he has also served as surgeon for the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad.

Dr. John H. Rothwell was united in marriage September 15, 1886, with Miss Leta Maude Hardwicke, a native of Clay County, and a daughter of Samuel and Ada (Hall) Hardwicke, both also natives of Clay County and descendants of Missoun pioneers, from Kentucky. Samuel Hardwicke was one of the organizers of the Anti-Horse Thief Association. He and

Andrew Loughrey, Sidney Summers and Kit Russell who lived near Antioch Church were the organizers of this association. The building in which they met and organized is still standing. This small organization, by these men, was the beginning of what is now the powerful Anti-Horse Thief Association whose members may be found in all parts of the country. Samuel Hardwicke died about 1896 and his widow lives on the old home place, two miles south of Liberty. Doctor and Mrs. Rothwell have an adopted son, Willard S., aged ten years.

Doctor Rothwell is a member of the County, State and American Medical Association, Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons.

L. T. Dorsett, a well known merchant of Liberty Missouri, who has been in business here for over forty years, is a native of Indiana. He was born in Putnam County, Indiana, March 25, 1854, and is a son of James and Lydia (Bray) Dorsett, both of whom are now deceased. The mother died in Indiana in 1864, and the father died at Everett, Missouri, in 1889. and his remains are buried there.

James and Lydia (Bray) Dorsett were the parents of the followingchildren: A. H., who became a Baptist minister and is now deceased; Mrs. Susan Patrick, deceased; J. H., deceased; John C, deceased; James, deceased ; Lydia C, deceased ; H. B., who is engaged in the livestock business in Kansas City, Missouri; L. T., the subject of this sketch; Mr.s. Nancy Stevens, Archie, Missouri; Ruth, died in Portland, Oregon; Jane, deceased ; Ira, deceased ; and Mrs. Mary C. BaiTett. After the death of his first wife James Dorsett was again married, and to that union were bom the following children: Mrs. Laura Ehler, who lives in Kansas; Mrs. Belle McCoy, Portland, Oregon; and Mrs. Ola McClelland, Seattle, Washington. Her husband is Judge Robert McClelland of Seattle.

When L. T. Dorsett came to Missouri, he located in Cass County and taught school in the vicinity of Everett for five years. At one time during his teaching career he had eighty-seven pupils which he taught in one room. After teaching he engaged in the mercantile business, conducting a general store at Everett for several years. In 1879. he engaged in business at Liberty, Missouri, where he has since conducted a grocei7 store and he also handles Queensware and glassware.

County with his family in 1867. They came from Ohio. Anderson Liggett and his wife are both now deceased and their remains are buried at Freeman, Missouri. Mr. and Mrs. Dorsett have no children, but they reared a brother and sister of Mrs. Dorsett, Sallie and Earl Liggett, both of whom are deceased.

Mr. Dorsett is a member of the Masonic Lodge, having been made a Mason in the lodge at Everett, Missouri, in 1875. He is also a member of the Modern Woodmen of America and the Baptist Church, and has been a deacon since 1880. For twenty-one years he was superintendent of the Sunday school at Liberty and during that time the enrollment reached 700. He resigned as superintendent about five years ago.

The Citizens Bank of Liberty, Missouri, was organized in 1906 with a paid up capital of $25,000.00, and the following were the first officers of the bank: L. A. Davidson, president; J. M. Robinson, vice-president; John M. Newlee, cashier. The board of directors was as follows: L. A. Davidson, A. B. Crawford, J. M. Robinson, P. B. Bums, F. H. Matthews, D. E. Bell, John M. Newlee, Walter P. Downing, John Lindan, Theodore Emerson and James S. Robb.

The first location of the bank was on the northeast corner of the public square in what is now known as the Crawford building. The Citizens Bank opened its doors for business August 15, 1906, and since that time the business has had a rapid and substantial growth.

In February, 1910, to keep pace with the increased business of the bank, the capital stock was increased from $25,000.00 to $50,000.00. At that time the following officers were elected: William F. Norton, president; L. A. Davison, vice-president; John M. Newlee, cashier; and E. H. Norton, assistant cashier. In 1913, the capital stock was again increased, this time to $75,000.00.

In June, 1913, ground was broken for the present magnificent bank building which was completed and ready for occupancy in February, 1914, and on March 18, 1914, the new building was open for business. In planning this structure the ofllicers of the bank had in view the purpose of meeting the needs of the institution for generations to come, in the plan and scope of the new building. As a result, this banking build- ing is, without doubt, the finest, the most convenient and complete in every detail of any bank building in the state outside of the largest cities* The sen'ices of the best architects were procured and they were given these specific instructions, "to design a building embodying the latest ideas in bank arrangement and convenience, to build it fire proof and to build it strong".

The Citizens Bank building, manifestly, was built according to the above instructions. The entire building is of brick, stone and reenforced concrete and is rated and accepted by insurance companies as fire proof. The bank occupies the main floor and the basement and the second floor are given over to offices . The entrance to the building is through a large vestibule. At the right of the vestibule is the entrance to the president's private office and to the left are the marble stairways leading to the second floor and basement offices. The main banking room is 35 x 40 feet and is divided into a lobby, work space, women's parlor and rest room, and cashier's office. In the rear of this room are the large double vaults, coupon booths, the directoi's' room, men's rest room and laboratories. The banking room is finished in mahogany and marble with bronze fixtures and a marble wainscotting extends around the room. The floor is of white tile. The ceiling is beamed with ornamental plaster from which large chandeliers are suspended which are supplemented by smaller fixtures artistically arranged at convenient places.

The oflTicers and directors of this bank are all substantial business men of practical experience with wide banking experience. It is their desire to give the public real sei-vice which is the outgrowth of years of experience, and it is their aim to give every possible aid to the growth and development of the community.

The present oflficers of the Citizens Bank are as follows : William F. Norton, president; John M. Newlee, active vice-president; E. S. Hunt, vice-president; E. H. Norton, cashier; John R. Smiley, assistant cashier; Jessie Norton, in charge of the savings department. The follo^\^ng are the board of directors: E. E. Bell, J. S. Robb, E. H. Miller, W. P. Downing, E. S. Hunt, S. P. Boggess, F. H. Matthews, Theodore Emerson, W. F. Norton, John M. Newlee, and E. H. Norton. The assets of this bank at the present time are nearly $1,000,000.00.

vDr. Ralph Hermon Major, the only surviving son born to John Sleet Major and Virginia (Anderson) Major, a sketch of whom appears in this volume, was bom near Kearney, Missoui-i, August 29, 1884. He received his preliminary education in the kindergarten and the public schools of Little Rock, Arkansas. When the family settled at Liberty, he entered William Jewell College in September, 1896, and was graduated from that institution in the class of 1902, being less than eighteen years old at the time and one of the youngest graduates of that institution. In 1903, he went abroad and studied for two years and a half in the universities of Germany and France. Upon his return to America he decided upon medicine as his profession and 1906 entered Johns Hopkins Medical School at Baltimore, Maryland, where he was graduated in 1910 with the degree of Doctor of Medicine.

After receiving his degree, Doctor Major sei'ved two years as interne and assistant. He then went to Europe to continue his medical studies and studied under Dr. Von Pisquet of Vienna and Dr. Muller of Munich. He w^as then called to the Pathological Department of Leland Standford University and from there to the Kansas University as Professor of Pathology'. At present he is a member of the medical staff of the Henry Ford Hospital, at Detroit, Michigan.

Captain Lewis B. Dougherty, vice-president of the Commercial Bank of Liberty, has been a conspicuous figure in the banking affairs of westem Missouri for many years and has been connected with the Commercial Bank since its organization. He is the only living member of that group of men who met in Liberty, September 24, 1866, for the purpose of organizing what is now the Commercial Bank. A souvenir booklet which was published by the bank in 1910, on the occasion of its fiftieth anniversary, was very appropriately dedicated to Captain Dougherty.

Captain Dougherty is a remarkable man in many ways. At the age of ninety-two years, he is still active in mind and body and is a conspicuous character in the annals of Clay County banking and business enterprise. He was born at Ft. Leavenworth, December 6, 1828, and was the second white child bom in the territory which is now the state of Kansas, and is the oldest person living who was born in what is now Kansas.

Missouri regiment and served in Gen. Sterling Price's Division and under Gen. Francis M. Cockrell, who later represented Missouri in the United States Senate for many years. Captain Dougherty was twice wounded while in the service and was captured at Island No. 10. He is the pioneer banker of Clay County and one of the best known men in this part of the state.

The Commercial Bank of Liberty, Missouri, is one of the substantial banking institutions, not only of Clay County, but, of the state and for fifty-four years has had a successful banking career. The Commercial Bank was incorporated September 24, 1866. The first meeting held for the purpose of eft'ecting the organization of the bank was held in Temperance Hall and the founders and original stockholders of the bank were: L. B. Dougherty, D. J. Adkins, C. J. White, H. L. Routt, Solomon Levy, David Roberts, A. C. Davidson, R. S. Adkins, James M. Watkins, John Ecton, Joseph T. Field, Elisha Higbee, Samuel Hardwicke, A. J. Calhoun, Moss and Armstrong, Eph Sandusky, R. G. Gilmer, D. S. Miller, Mrs. Kate Routt, Thomas M. Gosney, Edward D. Miller, H. J. Robertson, Joseph "V. Clark, William H. Witthoff, John J. Moore, William A. Hall, A. M. Robertson, Augustus Bishop, A. J. Wilson, William S. Gai-vey, R. G. Robertson, George Hughes, James Chanslor, L. T. Petty, D. D. Miller, 0. F. Dougherty. A. J. Calhoun was the first president and David Roberts the first cashier. The paid up capital stock was $5,000.00.

Cooper Davidson was chosen president to succeed D. J. Adkins, deceased, September 16, 1885 and on September 25, 1885, George Hughes was elected president and served until December 22, 1893, M'hen James N. Sandusky became president.

again increased to $75,000.00. January 1, 1898, John L. Dougherty became assistant cashier and on September 15, 1899, the name of the bank was changed to the Commercial Bank of Liberty. April 25, 1902, the absorption of the Liberty Savings Association by the bank was effected.

January 16, 1905, J. L. Dougherty became cashier, succeeding L. B. Dougherty who was elected vice-president. November 16, 1907, the capital stock was again increased, this time to $100,000.00. January 1, 1912, F. D. Hamilton became associated with the bank as assistant cashier and on January 1, 1916, B. B. Corbin resigned as assistant cashier, having held that position since June 4, 1908.

In the spring of 1915, the board of directors, feeling that their banking home should be in keeping with the necessities and stability of their business, decided to make everything new except the kind of treatment which for years had been accorded their valued patrons. As a result, the substantial brick building, on the southeast comer of the square, which had fonnerly housed the Liberty Savings Association for years and had been the home of the Commercial Bank since 1902, was transformed into a metropolitan banking house, the entire first floor being converted into offices for the bank. The building was completely remodeled, including a substantial stone front which presents a magnificent appearance.

The main banking room is so arranged that customers find easy access to the four windows of the circular counter. A flood of light from the numerous windows, prompted one of the patrons of the bank to suggest, and, not inappropriately, that the bank easily dispenses sunshine in connection with its banking service. "Rich, but not expressed in fancy", might well be the description of the bank's complete equipment. The fixtures are of genuine South African mahogany with accompaniment of a twelve-inch base of Verde Antique and a forty-foot wainscoting of Colorado Yule, naturally veined which creates a beautiful design. This harmony suiTounds the interior walls of the banking room. The president's office opens from the directors' room and the cashier's desk is on the left, as one enters the bank. Two large vaults of modem proof construction with all-steel shelving offer a secure depository for filing items and valuable papers. This bank is as complete in all its appointments and convenience for both the customers and employes as any other bank to be found in the country.

cashier; and F. D. Hamilton, assistant cashier. The assistants in the bank are : Roland A. Main, Anna J. Hall, and Miss Doris Robinson. The Board ol" Directors are: J. L. Dougherty. F. D. Hamilton, Frank Hughes, James N. Sandusky, James S. Siiiiral!, S. M. Woodson, T. J. Wornell, and C. E. Yancey.

E. E. Kirkland, the present mayor of Liberty, Missouri, and a widely known and successful real estate and insui^ance man, is a native of Missouri. He was bom in Scotland County, November 29, 1878, and is a son of Thomas and Bell (Greene) Kirkland. Thomas Kirkland was a native of Kentucky and came to Missouri with his parents at a very early day and settled in Scotland County. He grew to manhood in Scotland County and was engaged in farming and stock raising there for a number of years and now lives in Montana. Bell (Greene) Kirkland was a native of Virginia and came to Scotland County with her parents when she was a child. Her father. Judge Thomas Greene, was a pioneer of Scotland County and prominent in the early day affairs there. He was a country merchant and also a farmer. He served as county judge of Scotland County. Mrs. Kirkland died in Scotland County in 1913.

E. E. Kirkland was educated in the public schools and the high School at Memphis, Missouri. He then entered William Jewell College at Liberty, Missouri, where he was graduated in the class of 1904. After completing his college course, Mr. Kirkland engaged in the gent's furnishing business in partnership with M. A. Burch. This business association continued for six years, and in 1910 Mr. Kirkland sold his interest in the business to his partner and engaged in the real estate and insurance business at Liberty, Missouri. He has built up an extensive business and is a leader in his respective lines in Clay C!ounty.

Since locating at Liberty, Mr. Kirkland has taken an active interest in the welfare and development of Liberty and Clay County. He was elected a member of the city council in 1910, serving two years. In 1917 he was elected mayor of Liberty and at the expiration of his term of office he was reelected, in April, 1919, and is now serving in that capacity. He has given the city a capable and efficient administration, and his efforts in the direction of a clean city government is appreciated by the people, as was evinced by his reelection to the office of mayor. Mr. Kirkland is also the present public administrator of Clay County, having been elected to that office in 1916 and was reelected in 1920.

In February, 1906, Mr. Kirkland was united in marriage with Miss Hazel Moore Adkins, a daughter of D. J. M. and Anna (Moore) Adkins. Mr. Adkins now resides in Kansas City, Missouri, and his wife is deceased. To Mr. and Mrs. Kirkland have been bom two children: Robert Greene and Earl Vance.

Mr. ffirkland is a member of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons. He has an extensive acquaintance in Liberty and Clay County and is a substantial citizen.

William Canby Willmotl, .secretary and treasurer of the 0. H. Corbin Milling Company of Liberty, Missouri, has been prominently identified with the business interests of Liberty and Clay County for many years^ and is one of the successful men of affair.s of this county. Mr. Willmott was born at Huntsville, Illinois^ February 17, 1862, and is a son of W. W. and Mary (Breckenridge) Willmott. Mary J. Breckenridge was a member of the Breckenridge family of Kentucky and a second cousin of John C. Breckenridge, the well known statesman of a few years back.

W. W. Willmott removed from Kentucky to St. Louis in 1869, and was engaged in the wholesale cracker business there for three years. He then removed to Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where he purchased a sugar l)lantation which he operated until 1879. He then came to Clay County and engaged in farming near Liberty, and he and his wife both spent the remainder of their lives in this vicinity.

William C. Willmott was educated in the public schools of St. Louis, Hocker's College at Lexington, Kentucky, Louisiana Agricultural and Mechanical College at Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and William Jewell Collego at Liberty, Missouri. He came to Clay County with his parents and shortly afterwards his father purchased the McDonald Lumber Yard which they operated about eight years. In 1890 he became interested in the O. H. Corbin Milling Company and since that time he has served in the capacity of secretary, treasurer and manager of that institution.

Mr. Willmott was united in marrage, December 2, 1885, with Miss Emma Wymore, of Liberty, Missouri. She was a daughter of William H. Wymore, Jr. To Mr. and Mrs. Willmott have been born one son. Miller Edward, who was educated at William Jewell College and the Rolla School of Mines, and is now a mining engineer at Tonopah, Nevada.

Mr. Willmott has always taken an active interest in local affairs and has served two terms as mayor of Liberty, having been elected the first time when he was only twenty-one years old. He also sen'ed as a member of the city council for many years.

The Willmott family is of old American stock and dates back to colonial times. Colonel Robert F. Willmott, great grandfather of William C. Willmott, was an officer in the Revolutionary army and was a member of General Washington's staff. He spent his latter life in Kentucky and his remains were buried on the old Willmott homestead near Paris, Kentucky.

John Claude Coppinger, junior member of the law fii"m of Coppinger and Coppinger, of Liberty, Missouri, and the present prosecuting attorney of Clay County, is a native of this county. He was bom at Excelsior Springs, Missouri, February 10, 1892, and is a son of Charles H. and Reba J. (Prather) Coppinger. Reba J. Prather was a daughter of John S. and Luella (Roberts) Prather, natives of Kentucky. John S. Prather was a pioneer of Moscow, Missouri, and established the first grist mill there and later he removed to Excelsior Springs and was one of the early settlers there. He was the first mayor of that town and spent the remainder of his life there. He died in 1914, and his wife departed this life in 1894 and their remains were buried in Crown Hill cemetery at {Excelsior Springs.

John Claude Coppinger received his preliminary education in the public schools of Excelsior Springs, and later attended the University of Missouri at Columbia. He then entered the University of Texas and was graduated from that institution in the class of 1914 with the degree of Bachelor of Laws. He. then returned to Clay County and since that time he has been engaged in the practice of his profession.

In 1917, Mr. Coppinger organized the Liberty Abstract and Title Company of which he is president. This company was incorporated with a capital stock of $10,000.00, and they have a complete set of new abstract books, embracing the complete records of Clay County titles.

Mr. Coppinger was elected prosecuting attorney of Clay County in 1918 and after capably filling that office for one term he was reelected in 1920.

Mr. Coppinger is a Knights Templar Mason and a member of the Mystic Shrine and also holds membership in the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He is a successful attorney and the fii'm of Coppinger and Coppinger has an extensive practice in this section of the state.

B. B. Corbin, president of the 0. H. Corbin Milling Company, of Liberty, Missouri, is a native of Virginia. He was born April 8, 1847 and is a son of 0. H. and Sarah A. (Petty) Corbin, who settled in Clay County in 1849 and spent the remainder of their lives here.

O. H. Corbin engaged in the milling business at Liberty in 1850, which was the beginning of the present milling business in this city which bears his name. The original mill was located on the south side of the St. Joseph and Hannibal railroad track. That building was destroyed by fire and later a new building was erected on the present site on Water and Mill streets. The 0. H. Corbin Milling Company was incorporated in 1898 with a capital stock of $20,000.00. This mill has a capacity of 100 barrels of flour daily and is equipped with all modern milling machinery. A very high grade of flour is manufactured here which has won a wide reputation for its excellent quality. The company also manufactures feed and general mill products and also conducts a retail coal business. O. H. Corbin, the founder of the business, was born September 10, 1820, and died September 2, 1892. His wife was born July 15, 1820, and died August 15, 1885.

To 0. H. Corbin and wife were bom the following children: Mary F. is a stockholder in the O. H. Corbin Milling Company and lives at Liberty, Missouri; W. H., who was also interested in the business and is now deceased; James M., was also interested in the business and died in 1820; B. B., the subject of this sketch; Benjamin F., Liberty, Missouri; George W., Liberty, Missouri; Laura E., Liberty, Missouri; Mrs. Adelaide Duncan, deceased; Herbert T., Berkley, California; and Mrs. Hattie B. Yancey, Chicago, Illinois.

B. B. Corbin was about two years old when he was brought to Clay County by his parents. He was reared and educated in Liberty and began his business career as a clerk in a grocery store, and later worked in a woolen factory. He then served as deputy county clerk, and later entered the employ of the Liberty Savings Bank as bookkeeper. He then entered the employ of the Commercial Bank, remaining with that institution for thirty-two years, when lie took an active position with the 0. H. Corbin Milling Company of which he had been a stockholder for several years.

Mr. Corbin was married December 21, 1886, to Miss Margaret Beauchamp, a daughter of John A. and Sydney (Owen) Beauchamp, both now deceased. John A. Beauchamp's father was one of the early white men to locate in this section of the counti-j' and for a number of years in the early history of Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, he was the government Indian agent there. Mrs. Corbin died in 1889. Two children were bom to Mr. and Mrs. Corbin, one of whom died in infancy and the other at the age of sixteen months.

Mr. Corbin is a substantial business man and has an extensive acquaintance in Clay County. He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.

James S. Simrall, a well known and successful lawyer of Liberty, is a native of Clay County. He was born at Liberty, November 7, 1884, and is a son of Horatio F. and Martha J. (Denny) Simi-all, further mention of whom is made in connection with the sketch of Ernest G. Simrall in this volume.

James S. Simrall was educated in the public schools of Liberty and attended the high school here. Later he entered William Jewell College and was graduated from that institution in the class of 1805. He then entered the Kansas City School of Law where he received the degree of Bachelor of Laws in 1908 After being admitted to the bar, he engaged in the practice of his profession at Liberty, to which he has since devoted himself with success. He was elected city attorney of Liberty in 1909 and served two years. In 1910, he was elected prosecuting attorney of Clay County and reelected for that office in 1912, serving four years. He sei-ved two years as clerk of the school board and was later elected a member of that body.

Mr. Simrall was married July 25, 1911, to Mis.s Ruby Bell, a daughter of David E. and Alice R. (Cravens) Bell, the former of whom is now deceased and the mother resides at Liberty. David E. Bell was a successful farmer and stock raiser, although he was engaged in the hardware business for a time. He died in 1920. He was a son of Edwin Bell who was a very early pioneer settler in Clay County who settled near Missouri City, where he was engaged in farming. To James S. Simrall and wife have been bom two children: Martha Jane and James S., Jr.

Mr. Simrall is vice-president and treasurer of the Clay County Abstract Company and he is a director of the Commercial Bank of Liberty, and also a member of the board of directors of the National Bank of North Kansas City. He is an able lawyer and ranks high in the legal piofession of western Missouri.

Ernest G. Simrall, of Liberty, Missouri, is one of the able and successful lawyers of this section of the state. He is a son of Horatio and Mattie J. (Denny) Simrall.

Horatio H. Simrall was bom in Shelby County, Kentucky, in 1845. After graduating from the University of Louisville, Kentucky, he came to Clay County, Missouri when a young man, and after teaching school about a year he engaged in the practice of law at Liberty, and for forty years was one of the successful lawyers of Clay County. He was a prominent Democrat and took an active part in political matters. He served as district committeeman and served as prosecuting attorney of Clay County. He served in the State Senate and was chairman of the judiciary committee of the Senate for two terms. During the time he was a member of the senate he succeeded in getting through some important legislation some of which had to do with the reclamation of swamp lands. During the course of his practice at Liberty, he was in partnership for a time with Judge J. M. Sandusky, and later he was associated with Judge H. Trimble who is now judge in Kansas City. He died January .31, 1911, and his remains are buried at Liberty. His widow now resides at Liberty. Her father, John A. Denny, was a native of North Carolina and came to Liberty at a very early day. He was a dry goods merchant here for a number of years and was a highly respected citizen. He was a member of the Presbyterian church.

Denny, an attorney in Kansas City, Missouri; Horatio G., a dry goods merchant; James S., an attorney of Liberty, Missouri; Eniest G., the subject of this sketch; Riley, a mining engineer, Bartlesville, Oklahoma.

Ernest G. Simrall received his preparatory education in the public schools of Liberty and then entered William Jewell College where he was graduated with the degree of Bachelor of Arts in the class of 1908, and two years later received his Masters degree from that institution. He attended the Kansas City Law School where he was graduated in 1911 witli the degree of Bachelor of Laws. He then engaged in the practice of law at Liberty to which he has since devoted his attention with marked success. He has held the office of city attorney of Liberty, and also served as prosecuting attorney of Clay County for four years.

Mr. Simrall is secretary of the Clay County Abstract Company, a position which he has held for the past nine years. He is a member of the Masonic Lodge at Liberty and also holds membership in the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.

L. A. Davidson, now living retired at Liberty, Missouri, after a successful career, is a native of Clay County. He was born in Gallatin township, November 1, 1842, and is a son of John K. and Lucy (Tillery) Davidson, both natives of Kentucky. John K. Davidson was bom in Madison County, Kentucky, and his wife in Woodson County. He came to Clay County, Missouri, when a young man and died and was buried here. He died at the age of thirty-two years and his wife departed this life at the age of fifty-five years. At the time of his death, John K. Davidson was the owner of two hundred and ten acres of land in Gallatin township.

To John K. and Lucy (Tilleiy) Davidson wei-e boni the following children: Samuel A., served as a lieutenant in the Confederate army under General Sterling Price and died at Little Rock, Arkansas, while in the service ; L. A., the subject of this sketch ; Oscar, who owns a farm in Gallatin township and is now living retired at Kansas City, Missouri; and Mary Ann, who married Henry Haynes and is now deceased.

L. A. Davidson was reared on a fann and educated in the district schools ; he recalls as his first teacher, George Hughes, the father of Ralph Hughes, the present circuit judge of this district. In early life, Mr. Davidson engaged in farming and stock i-aising and fed stock extensively for the market. He met with success and continued his active career until he met with an accident which resulted in a broken leg and since that time he has been unable to actively engage in business and maizes his home at the Major Hotel at Liberty.

Mr. Davidson was married about 1877 to Miss Fannie Reynolds, a daughter of John and Rebecca Reynolds of Liberty, Missouri. They are both now deceased and Mrs. Davidson died about 1882 and her remains are buried in the Davidson private cemetery. Two sons were born to L. A. Davidson and wife: O'Fallan, who resides on the home place, and Ralph A., a farmer and stockman of Liberty township ; he maiTied Gladys Cook, of Liberty, Missouri.

George E. Swan, proprietor of the Liberty Steam Laundry at Liberty, Missouri, is one of the progressive and entei-prising business men of Clay County. He has had over twenty years' experience in the laudry business, during which time he has developed a business and built up an industry of which few towns of the size of Liberty can boast.

The Liberty Steam Laundry employs from fifteen to eighteen people and is equipped with all modern laundry machinery, with a view of turning out high class work with the greatest possible speed. This laundi-y, not only serves the people of Liberty and the immediate vicinity, but also work is sent here from various suiTounding towns over a broad scope of territory. The building which houses the Liberty Steam Laundry is a three story brick structure 31 x 96 feet in dimensions and is located at the corner of Missouri and Kansas streets.

George E. Swan was bom in New York, March 31, 1877, and is a son of B. F. and Emma A. (Sheppard) Swan. B. F. Swan was also a native of New York and during the Civil War he served in the Union army and now resides at Urban, Missouri. His wife died in 1917. They were the parents of the following children: Ben, lives in Califamia; Ed, Liberty, Missouri ; George E., the subject of this sketch ; Mrs. Mary Ewing, Kansas City, Missouri; Mrs. Winner Allen, Urban, Missouri; and Frank, Haskill, Oklahoma.

George E. Swan was educated in the public schools of Liberty, Missouri, and entered the employ of Bnrnham, Hanna and Munger Drygoods Company of Kansas City, Missouri, and was with that concern for seven years. He then engaged in the laundry business at Liberty and

Ml*. Swan was married in 1902 to Miss Genevieve Marshall, of Kansas City, Missouri. Three children have been born to this union: Imogene, Ernest and Marshall.

B. F. Hayes, of B. F. Hayes and Son, who conducts one of the leading restaurants of Liberty, where they are also engaged in the mercantile business, is a native of Clay County. B. F. Hayes was bom in a log house at the corner of Main and Mill streets, Liberty, July 2, 1864, and is a son of Samuel and Susan Virginia (Estes) Hayes.

Samuel Hayes was a native of Virginia. He came to Clay County from Greenbrier County, Virginia, in 1858, and for a number of years was engaged in contracting and building at Liberty. He helped erect the present court house and also the old building of William Jewell College and many business buildings and residences at Liberty. He died at Liberty in June, 1917, and his wife died in May, 1920. She was a daughter of Fountain Estes, a Kentuckian, and an early settler at Liberty. He came here several years prior to the Civil War. Of the children bom to Samuel and Susan Virginia (Estes) Hayes, the following are living: B. F., the subject of this sketch; L. L., a contractor of Liberty; M. S., retired. Liberty, Missouri; R. W., is engaged in the restaurant business at Slater, Missouri ; Mrs. U. V. Samples, Oakland, California ; Mrs. Dora Hutchinson, Liberty, Mi.^souri.

B. F. Hayes was reared at Liberty, Missouri, and attended the public schools. In early life he learned the trade of plasterer and brick layer and soon engaged in an independent career as a contractor and builder. He did a great deal of concrete work, including the building of side-walks, and today there is hardly a block in Liberty that does not bear his name on the walk. He was successfully engaged in the contracting business for thirty-six years, and on June 23, 1920, he engaged in his present business in partnership with his son, C. M. Hayes. Their restaurant and store is located on East Kansas street, and they have a large patronage.

B. F. Hayes was married to Miss Delila Dever, a native of Clay County, bom near Missouri City. She is a daughter of George W. and Margaret De\er, natives of Ohio. To Mr. and Mrs. Hayes have been born sixteen children, seven of whom are living, as follows: G. B., a contractor in Kansas City, Kansas ; F. H., Bellevue, Missouri ; C. M., who is engaged in business in partnership with his father at Liberty; Ora D., a student in William Jewell College; Agnes Dorothy, a graduate of the Liberty High School, and now engaged in teaching; Roxie, a student of the Liberty High School ; and May, a student in the grade school. Mr. and Mrs. Hayes have six grandchildren : Marion, G. B., William B., Joellen, Philip, and David Hayes.

Lonzo P. Sissom, the present capable and efficient sherift' of Clay County, is a native son of this county and a descendant of one of the early pioneer families of this section of Missouri. Mr. Sissom was bom in Gallatin township, Clay County, within three miles of his present place in that township. He is a son of Isaiah and Dorkey Ann (Shanks) Sissom,

Isaiah Sissom was a native of Tennessee and his wife was bom in Ross County, Ohio. He died in 1887, and his wife departed this life in 1912. Isaiah Sissom cade to Clay County at a very early day and for a number of years, during the days of extensive steamboating on the Missouri River, he conducted a woodyard at what was known as Sissom's Landing, and supplied various steamboats then plying the river with wood. Among the early steamboats which Sheriff Sissom recalls were the "Fannie Lewis", "Kate Kinney", "Joe Kinney", "Gold Dust", "David R. Powell", "E. H. Durfee", "The Dakota", "The Montana", "Jim Watson", and many others, most of which were owTied by the Missouri River Packet Company.

To Isaiah and Dorkey Ann (Shanks) Sissoni were born the following children: Lonzo P., the subject of this sketch; Frank and Catherine, the latter of whom died in infancy, and Frank is a farmer and now resides at Birmingham, Mi.s.souri; Mrs. Siman J. Wentworth, Kansas City, Mis.souri; Mrs. Dulcina Ricketts, lives in the state of California; Mark, resides near Randolph, Missouri; Mrs. Anna B. Glasscock, Moscow, Missouri, and George M., Kansas City, Missouri.

Lonzo P. Sissom attended the early day subscription schools and later the public schools. He engaged in farming in early life and was engaged in fanning and stock raising in 1916, when he was elected sheriff of Clay County and has served in that capacity to the present time. Durp,j^^ HISTORY OF CLAY COUNTY ing the course of his ofucitvl career, Sheriff Siss<fm lias faitlifully carried out the mandates of his office without fear or favor and has made a recoi-d of which he may be justly proud. He had a number of years experience as an officer before being eleclol sheriff, having sened as constable of Gallatin township for eighteen years.

Mr. Sissom owis a valuable farm In Gallatin township which is located about three-fourths of a mile from the place where he was born. His father owned about three hundred acres of Missouri River bottom land which was practically all wasiied away by the current of the river - during the tiood of 1003.

Lonzo P. Sissom was married April 8. 1880. to Miss Lucy V. Arnold, a daughter of Merritts and Lucy (Holbert) Arnold, pioneer settlers of Gallatin towiship, and both now deceasetl. To Mr. and Mrs. Sissom have been born the following children: Myrta M.. married Clarence Reeke, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; Merritt Ray, Bimiingham, Missouri, married Anna E. Dickison and they have the following children : Muriel Mildi-ed. Thelma JLixine. Merritt Ray. Jr., and Margery.

Merritt Ray Sissom is a prominent farmer and stockman of Gallatin township and also ownis a farm of 29G acres of valuable river bottom land in Lafayette County, near Camden, Missouri.

John Hummel, a well knowi and highly respected business man of Liberty, Missouri, is a member of the old reliable and well established firm of Laipple and Hummel, leading groceries of Liberty.

John Hununel was born in Gemiany, January 25, 1852, a son of Fert and Margaret (Schmidt) Hummel, both natives of Gemiany and who spent their lives there. John Hummel was about twenty-eight years old when he can^.e to America and settled at Florence, Morgan County, Missouri. He worked at the potter's trade there for ten years when he came to Liberty and engaged in the grocery business in partnership with John Laipple. Since that time this firm has continued to do business in Liberty where they are well known and have an extensi\e trade which covers a large scope of surrounding territory, as well as Liberty.

John Hummel was mai-ried to Pauline Laipple of Florence, Missouri, in 1884. and to this union have been bom the following children: Oscar, who was accidentally killed while playing baseball while attending scbool, when eleven years old ; Waiter died when two months old; Robert, enlisted in the United States army during the World War in Montana and served in a laundry unit as first sergeant and is now engaged in the laundry business in San F'rancisco, California; and Emma resides at home with her parents.

Mr. Huminel is a member of the Masonic Lodge at IJbeily and he also holds membership in the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He is a substantial business man and is widely and favorably known in Literty and Clay County.

Charles Henry Coppingtr, a well known lawyer of Liberty, Missouri, and senior member of the law firm of Coppinger and Coppinger, was bom in Jefferson County, Kansas, December 24, 1868. He is a son of Claude and Mary Lilies (Bixindridge) Coppinger.

Claude Coppinger was a native of Kentucky, bom July 1, 1843. He was a son of William H. Coppinger who was bom in Tennesse, January 1, 1808. Hf: went from Tennessee t^j Kentucky, and in 1857 came to Missouri and settled in Platte County near what is now the town of Weston. Later, he bought four thousand acres of land in Jeffer-son County, Kansas, and gave each of his eight children 160 acres. He died at Winchester, Kansas.

Claude Coppinger, the father of Charles H. Coppinger, sei^ved in the Confederate army under General Price, during the last two years of the Civil War. He followed farming throughout his life and died at Winchester, Kansas, January 18, 1880. Mary Lilies (Brundridge) Coppinger was bora in Sangamon County, Illinois, and died at Excelsior Springs, Missouri. She was a daughter of Elder J. A. Brundridge, a primitive Baptist minister, who was one of the pioneer preachers of Jefferson County, Kansas. He began the ministry in 1859 and came to Clay County in 1880, settling at Excelsior Springs.

Charles H. Coppinger has a brother, James C, who is engaged in the automobile business at Cleveland, Ohio. Charles H. Coppinger was educated in the public schools at Winchester, Kansas, and was graduated from the high school there. He then took a course in the business college at Lawrence, Kansas, and afterward entered the Kansas City School of Law where he was graduated in 1898, when he engaged in the practice of lav/ at Liberty, to which he has since devoted himself and has built up a large clientage and is recognized as one of the able lawyers of Clay

County Mr. Coppinger has had a varied experienc;) in industrial aflfairs, in addition to his practice of law. Before being admitted to the bar he ^vas auditor for the Excelsior Springs and Northern Railroad Company from 1894 to 1898, resigning to engage in the practice of law. He built the first telephone system of which the present system there is the outgrowth and in 1901, he built the Maples Hotel at Excelsior Springs.

On April 21, 1891, Charles H. Coppinger was united in marriage with Miss Reba J. Prather, of Excelsior Springs. She was born at Mos- , cow Clay County, Missouri, and is a daughter of John S. and Lulu (Roberts) Prather, the former a native of Kentucky and the latter of Clay County, and both now deceased. John S. Prather was an early settler in Clay County and a pioneer school teacher in the vicmity of Moscow To Mr. and Mrs. Coppinger have been born one son, John Claude, prosecuting attorney of Clay County, and the junior member of the fii-m of Coppinger and Coppinger.

Mr. Coppinger is secretary and treasurer of the Liberty Abstract and Title Company which was organized by Coppinger and Coppinger m 1917 and incorporated with a capital stock of $10,000.00 and is one of the prosperous institutions of Clay County.

John Laipple, of the old established and well kno^vn retail grocery company of Laipple and Hummel, who are located on the north side of the public square at Liberty, Missouri, is a native of Ohio.

Mr Laipple was bora in Hancock County, Ohio, February 24, 1867. a son of Paul and Catherine (Staley) Laipple. The Laipple family came to Missouri and settled in Morgan County in 1870, where Paul Laipple, the father, died in 1876. The motlier survived her husband for a number of years and also died in Morgan County.

In 1887, John Laipple came to Liberty, where he was engaged as clerk for about three years, in the employ of an uncle, Fred Fischer, and E. B. Maltby. In 1890, he engaged in the retail grocery business in partnership with John Hummel, and for thirty years this firm has continued in business at Liberty. They have an extensive business and by their reliable methods and high quality of goods have won a large patronage. John Laipple has been twice married. His first wife was Miss Vina M. Schondelmier, of Houston, Missouri. After they were married about seventeen years, Mrs. Laipple died and in March, 1915, Mr. Laipple was married to Mai-y Ramsey Rife, of Clay County. Missouri.

Mr. Laipple is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Knights of Pythias and for the past eight years he has been superintendent of Sunday School at the Independent Order of Odd Fellows Home' at Liberty. He i.s public .spirited and progressive and a business man of high standing.

Walter Manley, the present county assessor of Clay County, is one of the widely known and popular county officials of this county. He was born near Seymour, Indiana, September 2, 1873, a son of James and Martha Manley, the former a native of North Carolina, and the latter of Tennessee.

James Manley was reared in North Carolina, and when the Civil War broke out he enlisted in the Confederate army, becoming a member of Company H, 13th North Carolina Infantry. He served in General Robert E. Lee's army under General Rhodes, until he lost an arm at the battle of Antietam which disqualified him for further military service. Shortly after the Civil War was over he came to Clay County and remained here about a year. He then lived for a time in Indiana and Tennessee, but later returned to North Carolina.

To James and Martha Manley were bom the following children: .John, Sawtell, California; William, died at the age of twelve years; Maggie, died at the age of ten years ; Walter, the subject of this sketch ; Harvey, who is engaged in railroad work at Columbus, Ohio ; Archie, a superintendent for a hide and leather company at Indianapolis, Indiana.

Walter Manley was educated in the public schools of Indiana, and was graduated from the high school at Columbus, Indiana. In 1892, he came to Missouri and followed farming in Ray County about a year when he came to Clay County and engaged in farming and for six years he was rural mail carrier on Route No. 5. In 1912 he was elected county assessor and was reelected for that office in 1916 and is still serving in that capacity. His present term expires June 21, 1921.

Mr. Manley was mamed January 31, 1895 to Mrs. Clara Mitchell, a daughter of William and Sarah Simms of Clay County, Missouri, who are both now deceased. William Simms was a very early pioneer settler of Missouri. He was a Kentuckian and came to this state in 1834 when he was twelve years of age. He came by boat from Kentucky and first settled in Boone County. He drove the first two-horse wagon into Boone County, making the trip from Hannibal. This vehicle was used as a

Tt the same time that George Vest, who later became Umted States Senator rMissouri, was city atto.^ of Columbia Mr. S.mms d.ed A cl 1^ 1908 at the age of eighty-six years and his remams were August 13, 1908. at the a » September, 1913, at the age

XllalTi a m^^^^^^^ of the Knights of Pythias and tl.e Modern woodman ofLerica. He is also a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows of which he is Past Grand.

Tim-g L Nutter, proprietor of the Liberty Cafe, which is located at the s^^uthw; t corner of the Public Square. Liberty, Missouri is a native of C lav Countv and is a descendant of pioneers of this county. He wa born five mile northwest of Liberty, September 5, 1872. and is a son of Lunimd and Nannie (Williams) Nutter, both natives of I-"t.icky.

Lunsford Nutter was born near Georgeto^^'n, Kentucky, and his ^^fe was to f t Maysville, Nicholas County, Kentucky. They came « fy Countv with their respective parents who were very early settkrs m ?hTs - cinitv Lunsford Nutter was a son of James Nutter and Nannie V li rl a daughter of Jarrott Williams. Lunsford N.jtter derked in a drug store in early life and later o.-ned a fann ^^^^^^iL^T^n^ which he operated until he retired, when he returned to Libert, and spent the remainder of his life. .

Lunsford Nutter lived here during the Civil War and one night dui ing that time, he and W. H. Woodson, the editor of this work, were th only occupant, of the old Arthur Hotel at ^^^^^ ^^^ ^J^^ ^ Federal troops was expected. The previous night Piatt City had been LkeTbv the Federals and, as a precaution against an expected attack Se Quests of the hotel were ordered to the Public Square and Nutter and

''''Z:'r^t%.. only living child bom to his pareiits; one daugMei'died in infancy. Trigg L. Nutter was educated - the puhhc schils and William Jewell College. He was engaged in the furniture and undertaking business for a few years and then was in tiie real estate business at Liberty. On September 13, 1919, he engaged in the restaurant business and became proprietor of the Liberty Cafe. He conducts a first class restaurant and has a soda fountain in connection and carries a complete line of cigars. The Liberty Cafe is a leading restaurant and refreshment place in town and has won a well merited populanty.

Mr. Nutter was married October 18, 1893, to Miss Clara M. Barnes, a native of Gallatin township. Clay County, and a daughter of Francis and Henrietta (Noll) Barnes, who were early settlers in Clay County and are both now deceased. To Mr. and Mrs. Nutter have been born six children as follows: Lunsford B., in the employ of the Wichita Horse and Mule Company, at Wichita, Kansas; Frank L., a druggist in the Barnes drug store at Liberty, Missouri; Kathleen, a teacher in the Ruth Ev.'ing School ; O'Fallen D., who is assisting his father in the cafe ; Paul and Pauline, twins, are attending school.

Mr. Nutter is a member of the Knights of Pythias and belongs to the Liberty Commercial Club. He is a progi-essive and enterprising citizen and the Nutter family stand high in Liberty and Clay County.

Edward D. Moore, of the E. D. Moore Agency of Liberty, Missouri, has been identified with the interests of Liberty and Clay County for a number of years and is recognized as one of the substantial and enterprising business men of this section of the state.

The E. D. Moore Agency is an extensive real estate, general insurance, loan and investment company and was established in 1898 by ?]. D. Moore. This company repi-exents twenty-two fire insurance companies, three accident and casualty companies, the S. W. Straus and Company, investment bonds, the New England Mutual Life Insux'ance Company and also does a general brokerage business. They represent the Federal Land Bank Bonds, making loans through the Liberty National Farm Loan Association, of which E. D. Moore is secretary and treasurer.

Edward D. Mooie was born at Concord, Kentucky, April 24, 1866 and is a son of P. L. and Anna Eliza (Vance) Moore. P. L. Moore was a native of Lewis County. Kentucky. ; nd caine to Missouri in 1875 and for a time lived east of Warrensburg in .Johnson County. However, he came to Liberty the same year and was engaged in farming and stock raising in Liberty township during his entire active career. He was the pioneer good roads booster of Clay County and built two and one-half miles of the

Miss Laura A. Campbell, the popular and ^^^f^J^X^ZVl Clav County, was born at Liberty, Missouri October 8. 1892, dauehter of Brack and Lura (Frame) Campbell.

Laura A. Camvbkia

1913. She then completed the course at Huff's Business School at Kansas City, Missouri. During- the World War she was appointed chief clerk of the local draft board, and in 1918 she was appointed deputy county clerk of Clay County under the administration of Edgar Archer and served in that capacity until January 1, 1920. She was then appointed deputy county treasurer under Mrs. Fannie Roberts. In 1920 she was elected county treasurer, being the first woman elected to that office in Clay County and is now serving in that capacity.

Miss Campbell is an efficient public official who stands the test of responsibility and measures up to a high standard. She is a Democrat and is a member of the Presbyterian Church.

Claude N. Donovan, vice-president of the First National Bank of Liberty, has had a vast experience in the important field of banking and is well known in banking circles of western Missouri. He is a native of Clay County and a descendant of an honored pioneer family of this section of Missouri. Mr. Donovan was bom at Missouri City, July 30, 1875, and is a son of Asbury K. and Ann Elizabeth (Marsh) Donovan.

Asbury K. Donovan was bora at Maysville, Mason County, Kentucky and was a son of James M. Donovan. James M. Donovan came to Missouri and settled in Clay County at Missouri City in 1854, when Asbury K. Donovan was twelve years old. He was a cari^enter and worked at his trade after locating at Missouri City where he and his wife spent the remainder of their lives. Asbury K. Donovan was a live stock dealer and was one of the pioneers of that business in Clay County. He bought and shipped stock in the days before there were any railroads in this part of the-country, shipping by the boats which were then plying on the river. He also conducted a general store at Missouri City and was one of the pioneer merchants there.

Ann Elizabeth (Marsh) Donovan, mother of Claude M. Donovan, now lives at Missouri City and is sixty-five years of age. She is a daughter of Charles Marsh and is a native of Missouri. Her father was a native of Kentucky and one of the earliest settlers of Missouri, having lived at different places in the state. He died at the age of eighty-nine years and his remains are buried at Drexfe], Missouri.

To Asbury K. and Ann Elizabeth (Marsh) Donovan were bom the follovdng children: Elmer A., a druggist, at Bronson, Missouri; Claude M., the subject of this sketch; Park 0., was agent for the Wabash railo,7Q HISTORY OF CLAY COUNTY road at Carrolton. Missouri, and died at the age ^^ ^-^"t.^-^^"'" f ^^^ Maggie, died at the age of fourteen years; Luke E., a merchant, ^h - souH City. Missouri; and Frances, a music teacher at Missouri City,

""'"cilude M. Donovan was educated in the public schools at Missovm Citv and in earlv life became a clerk in a gi'oceiy store of Owens and Now^in at Missouri City. ISvo years later he became bookkeeper for The Norton Brothers Banking Company of Missouri City^ This company . was liter incoi-porated into a state bank, and Mr. Donovan became cashier. He resigned that position in 1907 to accept the -^^lership of the Citizens Exchange Bank at On-ick, Missouri, and remained NMth that institution until April. 1919, when he resigned and became -ce-Presiden of the First National Bank of Liberty. Missouri, and smce that time he has been actively associated with that institution.

June 3 1902. Claude M. Donovan was married to Mi^s Edna b. Ralph, a daughter of Dr. A. D. Ralph and Ella (Hardwick) Ralph oiU^ souri Citv. The Ralph family were early settlers at Missouri City, locating there prior to the Civil War. Mrs. Donovan's parents are deceased and she has one sister. Lois, who is now the wife of E. L. Hunt, of Liberty. Missouri To Mr. and Mi-s. Donovan have been born two children: Ellen who is a student in the Liberty High School; and Margaret.

Mr Donovan is a member of the Methodist Church South and is a Democrat. He is a close student of the intricate problems of finance and is well informed on the important subject of banking.

Peter C Pixlee, now deceased, was one of the pioneer settlers of Clay Countv and came here with his father. Peter Pixlee, from Kentucky, who brouoht his family to Clay County and entered government land in Fishino- River township. Peter C. Pixlee was bom in Kentucky, April 26 1824 and died in Clay County. June 15, 1872. He was a soldier m the Mexican War and when the Civil War broke out, he entered the Confederate service and serA-ed as captain. After the war he returned to Clav Countv where he spent the remainder of his life and was successful'ln his affairs, and was one'of the prominent and well-to-do men of when she was a girl and they settled in Clay County. She now resides with her daughter, Mrs. Elisha E. Petty. She is ninety-three years old and still retains her mental and physical vigor to a remarkable degree. To Peter C. and Achsah Ann (Waller) Pixlee were born the following children: Margaret E., married William H. Bohart; Lillian, married Walter Robinson; Edwin C, married Flora Harrington; William T., married Eva M. Mosby; John W., married Elizabeth Levy; Peter C, married Frances J. Johnston; Benjamin F., married Flora Pixlee; Allen C, married Gorilla H. Johnston; Carrie M., married John T. Petty; Annie, marlied Elisha E. Petty.

The Pixlee family is of English origin and is one of the old American Colonial families. The founder of the family in this country came from Herefordshire, England, prior to 1665. He had three sons, the eldest of whom was married and reared a family of daughters and having no sons, the family name of his descendants became extinct. The second son settled at Great Barrington, Massachusetts, and still has descendants in that vicinity. The third son, David, is the direct lineal ancestor of Peter C. Pixlee, whose name introduces this sketch. David settle^] at Old Mill, near Bridgeport, Connecticut, about 1665. David Pixlee had two sons, William, who was killed at Rocky Hill, in a battle with the Indians in 1712, and Peter, who was bom in 1702 and died August 2, 1788. He married Mary Nicholas, a daughter of John Nicholas, of Booth Hill, Connecticut. Peter Pixlee was a large landholder and a prominent Whig during the Revolutionary War. The Nicholas family were Tories. Peter's oldest son, William, mamed Betty Judson and she died September 27, 1776 ; he then married a Miss Lewis. He built and operated the Berkshire Mills and kept a public house during the Revolution. He died May 8. 1800. He had two sisters, Eunice, who married a Mr. Willis, of Putney, Connecticut, and Hulda.

The children bom to William Pixlee and Betty Judson were Phoebe, born June 29, 1757 and married a Mr. Summers and their children were David, who lived in Bridgeport, Connecticut, and Eunice, who moved to Troy, New York; Mary, who was bom in March, 1760, married a Mr. Wells and their children were Agur Elisha, Hezekiah, Cornelia, Betsy, Catherine and Mary; David, bom March 5, 1762, married Miss Whiting and removed to Oneida County, New York and their children were William, Eliza, Isaac, Aresteen, David and Charles; and Peter, the youngest son of William Pixlee and Betty Judson, who was the direct ancestor of the subject of this sketch, was bom May 29, 1764, and died May 6, 1836. He man-ied Elizabeth Curtiss, May 18, 1785 and the following children were bom to that union; Hulda, bom August 7, 1787, married David Lewis Februai-y 1, 1881, and lived at Utica, New York, where she died May 31 1855, leaving the following children: William P., Elizabeth Ann who married Philemon Lyon and after his death married Nathan Thompson; Betsy, bom July 23, 1788, married David Curtiss, of Putney, Connecticut, and their children were Mary Elizabeth. Shelton, Margaret, Owen Charles, Peter and Elizabeth; William, born in January, 1790, married Margaret Owen in Henry County, Kentucky, and came to Liberty Clay County and reared the following children, Betsy, Catherine, William, Julia, Margaret, Peter, Caroline and Benjamin; Peter of this family being the father of Peter C. the subject of this sketch. The other children born to Peter Pixlee and Elizabeth Curtiss were Mary Julia born November 20, 1793, married Fredric Olmstead, of Stratford, Connecticut, and livedo at Bridgeport, Connecticut and reared the following children, Francis, Fredric, Caroline, John, Susan and James, Fredric being the head of the California branch of the family; Peter C, bora September 7, 1793, married Mary Lewis of Startford, Connecticut; Agnes, bom July 12, 1801, married Helen Whitney, of Stratford, Connecticut, and their children were Charles, William and Eliza; and Elizabeth Jane, born September 8, 1808, mamed George Ray of Utica, New York, m 1833 and their children were George P., bom at Binghampton, New York, in 1835 and Francis Burrows, born in 1838, at Black River, Ohio, and now living in Kansas City, Missouri.

To Peter Pixlee, son of William Pixlee and Margaret (Owens) Pixlee and wife, Mary Lewis, were bom the following children: Elizabeth Curtiss (Pixlee) Watts, bom June 5, 1815, and died in 1878; Catherine Jessie (Pixlee) Bird, bom February 8, 1817; Mary Julia (PLxlee) Gill, bom September 17, 1818 ; William Franklin Pixlee, bom March 17, 1822, and died August 24, 1887 ; Peter Chilton Pixlee, the subject of this sketch, bom April 26, 1824, and died June 15, 1872; Margaret Owens (Pixlee) Huo-hes, born December 12, 1826; Hulda Lucinda Pixlee, bom August ll,"l828, and died in infancy; Caroline Judson (Pixlee) Watson, bom December 18, 1830; and Benjamin Thomas Pixlee, born August 13, 1834, and died July 14, 1863.

nobility, and members of the family still reside on the Pixlee baronial estate in England. The family coat of arms may be described as a cross standing between the points of two extended wings, mounted on a pedestal with the motto "per vias rectas" inscribed across the base of the pedestal. This motto freely translated means "by the right road".

Benjamin F. Pixlee, an extensive land owner and prominent farmer and stockman, now residing at Liberty, Missouri, is a native of Clay County and a member of one of the prominent pioneer families of this section. He was born in Fishing River township, September 23, 1863, a son of Peter C. and Achsia Ann (Waller) Pixlee, the former now deceased, and the latter resides in Clay County with her daughter, Mrs. Elisha Petty, at the age of ninety-three years. An extensive history of Peter C. Pixlee and the Pixlee family appear elsewhere in this volume.

Benjamin F. Pixlee was reared on his father's farm in Clay County and attended the Woodland district school, and recalls that James M. Bohart was his first teacher. He later attended school at Kingstown, Caldwell County, Missouri. Mr. Pixlee engaged in farming and stock raising in early life and* has met with success from the start, and today is one of the extensive stockmen and men of affairs of Clay County. He raises and feeds for the market a great many cattle, and at this writing he is feeding about 300 head on his farm in Fishing River township. He and his two sons own over 2,000 acres of land all in one body with the exception of forty acres. This farm is located on the Liberty-Excelsior Springs Rock Road and most of it is located south of the electric railway line. Mr. Pixlee is also extensively engaged in raising and feeding hogs for the market. He cairies on general farming, utilizing for that purpose as many as 400 acres some seasons ; however, the greater portion of his land is devoted to pasture.

Mr. Pixlee was first married January 1, 1885, to Mrs. Flora (Harrington) Pixlee, widow of Edwin P. Pixlee and to that union was bom one son, Edwin C. Pixlee. By her former marriage Mrs. Pixlee had one son, Hugh Pixlee. Mrs. Pixlee died September 5, 1890. Benjamin F. Pixlee was married, the second time, to Rachael Petty, a daughter of Beverly and Martha Ann (Estes) Petty. She died September 26, 1917, leaving the following children: Franklin B. Pixlee and Ethel E. Pixlee. Ethel

E Pixlee was educated at Stephens College at Columbia. Missouri, and the Colonial School at Washington, D. C. Franklin B. Pixlee was edu-, cated in the Liberty High School and University of Missouri. During the World War, he enlisted in the United States navy and was sent to the Great Lakes Training Camp and from there to Ne^^Tort, Rhode Island, and was just ready to begin his career as a torpedo gunner when the armistice was signed. He was released from active duty m February, 1919, and is now a member of the Naval Reserve Corps. He is a Knights Templar Mason and a member of the Shrine

Benjamin F. Pixlee was one of the organizers of the First National Bank of Liberty and has served as a member of the board of directors since the organization of that bank. The Pixlee home is one of the splendid modern residences of Liberty. It was built in 1905-6 and is a two story structure with a large circular stone porch, adorning the front of the house, which adds greatly to its artistic beauty as well as to comfort.

W. P. Ligon, the capable and efficient city marshal and collector of Liberty, is a native of Clay County. He was bom in Gallatin township May 30, 1863, and is a son of D. S. and Betty (Wilkerson) Ligon, the former a native of Virginia and the latter of Kentucky. They were early settlers in Clay County and both died at Liberty, the former at the age of seventy-six years and the mother at the age of sixty-eight. Their remains are buried in Fairview cemetery.

To D. S. and Betty (Wilkerson) Ligon were bom the following children: W. P., the subject of this sketch; Joseph L., lives in California; Carrie, married D. G. Capps. who is now deceased, and she lives at Wellsville. Kansas; James D.. Waverly, Kansas; H. E.. who is engaged in fanning in Gallatin township, Clay County.

W. P. Ligon was reared in Gallatin township and educated in the public schools. He was engaged in fanning and stock raising in Gallatin township until April, 1919, when he removed to Liberty which has since been his home. He was elected city marshal of Liberty in April, 1916. and at the expiration of his temi he was reelected in April, 1920, and is now serving his second tenn.

Mr. Ligon was married in 1901 to Miss Gertie DeMoss, of LaCygne, Kansas. She is a daughter of James and Jane DeMoss, both of whom are now deceased.

Mr. Ligon is a fair and fearless officer and has always done his duty as he sees it, without fear or favor. He stands high in the community.

J. W. Thomason, a member of the well known real estate and insurance firm of Holt and Thomason, of Liberty, Missouri, is a native of Clay County. The firm of Holt and Thomason began business October 1, 1919. and the partnership consists of A. C. Holt and J. W. Thomason. They deal in both city property and farm lands and do an extensive business in Clay County and also adjoining counties.

J. W. Thomason was born near Smithville, Missouri, April 11, 1862, a son of William Anderson and Fannie E. (Moore) Thomason. William Anderson Thomason was a native of Kentucky and settled in Clay County Missouri, at a veiy early date. He located on a farm ten miles northwest of Liberty, near Smithville. Here he bought a farm of 160 acres, twelve acres of which were cleared, at ten dollars an acre. He cleared the balance of his fai'm and made improvements and spent the remainder of his life there, engaged in fanning and stock raising. He died June 1. 1898 and his remains are buried in Mt. Olivet cemetery. He was a son of Nelson Thomason, a Kentuckian, wlio was born near Georgetown, in Scott County, Kentucky, in 1812, and died there in 1849.

Fannie E. (Moore) Thomason is a native of Kentucky and a daughter of J. M. Moore and her mother bore the maiden name of Wills. J. M. Moore and family came to Missouri from Kentucky about 1854, and settled on a farm northwest of Liberty. Here the parents spent the remainder of their lives and are buried in the family cemetery in the locality of their old home. Mrs. Thomason is now eighty-five years old and lives on the old home place with her son, S. N. Thomason, the present owner.

To William Anderson and Fannie E. (Moore) Thomason were born the following children: Mrs. Sallie Moore, who died in Montana, about 1915; Lucy, died at about nineteen years of age; Kate, man-ied Merritt Connell, of Sp6kane, Washington ; J. W., the subject of this sketch ; Robert E., deceased; S. N., who resides on the old homestead in Clay County; Mrs. Evelena McDowell, deceased; and Mrs. Matilda Crow, deceased.

J. W. Thomason was reared on the home farm in Clay County and attended the Gordon disti-ict school. In early life he engaged in general farming and stock raising and also stock buying. About 1907. Mr.

Thomason .ent to Jackson County and for twelve y-- liv^'^ f ^^^^ Summit where he still owns a valuable larm. September 1. 1919 he LnTto Liberty and engaged in the real estate business as above stated. M^. Thomason was married in 1884 to Miss Bell Thomason of Kearney, Missouri. She died in 1895, leaving two children: Kate E., who man-ied Charles Wiegley; and Earl Ray, who resides at Kearney Mi.- Turi In 1887, Mr. Thomason was married to Emma Goodnch of Mosby Missouri. She was bom and reared in Wisconsm and .s a TXr of A. D. and Josephine (VanWie) Goodrich. The moth- now resides in Dubuque, Iowa, and the father is deceased. To Mr. and Mis^ Thomlson haveleen bon. two children: Vivian and Clarence H., both of whom are students in William Jewell College.

Oliver P Gentry, the capable postmaster of Liberty, Missouri, is not only well known in Clay County but is widely and favorably kno^vn over the state. He was born near Centralia May 2. 1862, a son of Richard H Gentry, and is a member of one of the prominent early pioneer families of Missouri, many members of which have attained distinction in the vai-ious walks of life in this state.

Richrd H Gentrv moved to Columbia, Missouri, when Olivei P. GentiN of this review was about two years of age. He engaged in the mercantile business there, continuing in that line until his death m 18 a^

Oliver P or "Oil." as he is familiarly known to his friends, was one of a family of two brothers and five sisters, all of whom w-ere educated at the Universitv of Missouri. The sisters all became teachers of note, and the brother. Richard Gentry, vas a pronnnent business man and financierin Kansas Citv, Missouri, up to the time of his death.

After leaving the State University at Columbia. 0. P. Genti-y entered the drug store of Ford and Arnold in K-^-^j^ty, Missouri where he learned the drug business. He was examined by the State Board of Ph^macy and received his diploma in July, 1894. That same month he located at Smithville. Missouri, and became associated '^vlth Dr. b^ A^ Riley in the drug business under the firm name of Gentry and Riley Soon Sler^^rds Mr. Gentry bought his partner's interest and ^^^^^^^ o^^^led and conducted the business in his own name. Mr. Gentry ^^as also a partner of W. H. Patterson in the milling, grain and l^^;;/^;;;;,' Smithville for several years. This business was ^;"^"f ^^/"^ fJJ^^ firm name of Patterson and Gentry, and the products of their mill ^^eTe well known all over Missouri.

While living at Smithville Mr. Gentry took an active part in securing a railroad for the town. He helped secure the right of w^ay and assisted in raising bonuses, in order that the road should be completed to the town of Smithville. I'his proved to be a good move for when the road was completed to Smithville the company went into the hands of a receiver, and Smithville became the terminus of the railroad for several years. Mr. Gentry spent two winters in Washington, D. C., in the interest of legislation which was necessary before the new railroad could be of much benefit to the farming and commercial interests of Smithville and vicinity.

When the Bell Telephone Company was running the first telephone line from Kp.nsas City to Saint Joseph they required a guarantee of fifteen dollars per month before they would install an instrument at Smithville. and Mr. Gentiy was one of three who gave the company a written guarantee to that effect. Smithville got a telephone instrument, and the business from Sm.ithville never fell below the minimum from the beginning and the guarantee was never called upon. In contrast to that time Smithville nov,- has an extensive telephone system with hundreds of instruments and a force of employees.

Mr. Gentry' has always taken an active interest in politics. In 1888 he espoused the cause of David R. Francis v.'ho was then a young man from St. Louis and a candidate for governor. Mr. Gentry was elected a Francis delegate from Clay County to the State convention, and since that time he has been active and influential in the political affairs of the County, State and Nation. He was al\yays a strong supporter of A. M. Dockery while he was Congressman from the Third District of Missouri, and when Mr. Dockery was candidate for governor of the State he had no truer friend than Mr. Gentry. When Mr. Dockerj' was elected governor Mr. Gentry was offered the position of his private secretary. He accepted and moved to Jefferson City and served as piivate secretary to the governor for four years.

At the expiration of his service at the State Capitol, January 15, 1905, Mr. Gentry returned to Clay County and located at Liberty when he again entered the drug business.

In 1912 Mr. Gentry was elected a delegate froir. the Third District of Missouri to the Democratic National Convention at Baltimore, Maryland, when Woodrow Wilson was nominated for president of the United States. When a vacancy in the postmastership of Liberty occurred Mr. Gentry was recommended for the position by Congi-essman J. W. Alex-

Claude Hardwire, a well known ^^;^^::;Zfo^ County who is engaged in the practice ^^^'J^^Zurl He was of the prominent pioneer families ot ^ '«>'^^«"^f/ ^ ,^' H,,,,vicke. the .cm at Liberty and is a son ^^^^^^^ Zt... place in Libformer now deceased and the lattei re. i(iet« ^i or IPH.?^ ^r?' '"."""' "' ^"'""'' Hardwicke, was a prominent man ?r . '' ''"*"'^' ""' ^^'"^''"^ '' '"^"y- He wrote the "Comjnerce of the Prairies", which i. considered one of the best histories of Ihe Santa Fe trail and other pioneer highways and trade on the plains ever written His diaiy. is now in the possession of Claude Hardwicke'