Cooper County, Missouri - Biographical sketches, 1919 (part 10 of 24)

Reared on the home farm, John W. King received his schooling in the Washington district school and has ever maintained the heartiest possible interest in the affairs of that school district, for 19 years serving as director of the same, occupying that position in 1904 when the present admirable school building was erected there, a structure to which he gave his most thoughtful care. Mr. King has always advocated the employment of the best teachers available and during his long term of ser as director of the Washington district experienced the satisfaction of (40) seeing that school brought up to the highest standard of efficiency. Indeed, in 1916 this school was declared by the public school survey to be the highest type of country school in Cooper County, this approval being based both on architectural features and curriculum, and as Mr. King was one of the most consistent and unwearying advocates of the improvements on which this high approval was based he not unnaturally experienced a very proper feeling of gratification. After his marriage in 1898 Mr. King continued to make his home on the home place, to which he has given the name of "Valley View Farm", suggestive of the fine view up and down the beautiful valley of Clarks Creek, and he and his family are very pleasantly situated there. In addition to his general farming Mr. King has long given considerable attention to the raising of live stock at "Valley View" and is doing well in his operations. He also gives his earnest attention to the general business affairs of the community and is president of the Clarks Fork Fire, Lightning and Tornado Insurance Company, in the affairs of which he has for years been actively interested and the growth of which concern he has done much to promote. This company was organized Nov. 15, 1892, was incorporated on Feb. 15, 1915, and now has $1,500,000 of insurance covering Cooper County farm property, besides $50,000 of live-stock insurance and has a widely established reputation for prudence of management and promptness and fairness of settlements. Mr. King is a Republican and in 1914 was the nominee of his party for judge of the County Court, his candidacy being opposed to that of Judge Moore, who was elected to succeed himself on the bench in that year. Mr. and Mrs. King are members of the Clarks Fork Lutheran Church and have ever given proper attention to church affairs, as well as to the general social activities of the community in which both have spent all their lives and to the best interests of which both are earnestly devoted. Dec. 15, 1898, John W. King was united in marriage to Anna Hoerl, also of Clarks Fork township, and to this union two children have been born, sons both, Henry Morton King, born on Oct. 22, 1899, and John Ewing King, Oct. 26, 1901, both of whom are at home, valued aids to their father in the operations of "Valley View Farm". Mrs. King is a daughter of John and Margaret (Kaiser) Hoerl, who settled on a farm in Clarks Fork township, this county, upon coming to this country from Germany in the days not long after the close of the Civil War and who are still living in that township, now making their home with their eldest son, Adolph Hoerl, who is now owner of the old home farm. Besides this son and Mrs. King, Mr. and Mrs. Hoerl have three other children, Mrs. Margaret Jenry, of Saline township, and Leonard and Walter Hoerl, the former a farmer of Clarks Fork township, and the latter of Prairie Home township.

William Jacob McFarland, a well known and successful farmer and stockman of Clarks Fork township, is a native of this county. He was born in Clarks Fork township, Sept. 9, 1864, and is a son of A. W. and Mary Catherine (Hurt) McFarland, a sketch of whom appears in this volume.

William Jacob McFarland spent his boyhood days on the home farm and received his education in the public schools. He has been a farmer and stockman all his life. His farm in Clarks Fork township consists of 188 acres, and is one of the pretty and well improved farms of that section of the county. The residence is a 10-room, two-story structure, and was built in 1907. It is surrounded by a well-kept yard with several splendid maple trees, which Mr. McFarland planted himself. Mr. Mc- Farland has two good barns on his place, one of which was built in 1900 and the other two years later. He also has a silo 14x30 feet which he built in 1914, machine shed, garage and other buildings to facilitate modern farming methods, are to be found on the place. Mr. McFarland bought his first land, which consisted of 70 acres, in 1886; later he purchased 85 acres, to which he subsequently added 30 more. He carries on general farming and raises cattle and hogs. He feeds a number of cattle each year, although he does not pretend to make feeding a business.

Mr. McFarland was married Nov. 2, 1884, to Miss Mollie Eller, a daughter of David and Martha Eller, of Boonville township. Her parents are both deceased and their remains are buried in the Boonville Cemetery. Mrs. McFarland is one of the following children born to her parents: Nannie, Bunceton, Mo.; Mrs. Malvina Shirley, Palestine township; Mrs. Lucretia Moore, Palestine township; Mrs. Bettie Kepner, Henry County, Mo.; Mrs. Mattie Knaus, Henry Co.; Mollie, married to William Jacob McFarland, the subject of this sketch, and William, Fayette, Mo.

To Mr. and Mrs. McFarland have been born the following children: Percy Eller, died at the age of 19 years in 1908; Wilbur J., a farmer in Clarks Fork township, married Chloe Hobrecht, who died in Jan., 1919; Eula Marie, married William Mersey, who served with the 35th Division in France during the World War and participated in the battles of Argonne, Marne. Chateau Thierry, and was in the trenches 90 days or more;

Mr. McFarland is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America at Boonville, and the McFarland family are members of the Presbyterian Church at Bethel. Mr. McFarland is a public-spirited citizen and takes an active interest in all matters pei*taining to the public welfare and the advancement of the community.

David VVendleton, proprietor of a well-improved valley farm of 106 acres in the north part of Palestine township, has resided on his farm for the past 40 years. His present large residence was built to replace a house which had been built by former owners, and was 80 years standing. He placed the last addition to his home in 1893.

Mr. Wendleton was born June 6, 1850, on a farm near his present home place. His father, David Wendleton, was a native of Holland, who married a Miss Sieback, and emigrated from his native country in 1833. He first rented land from Hiram Corum, and later purchased a farm, most of which was covered with timber. He cut down trees, built a log cabin from the cut timber, and laboriously cleared the ground for his crops. When he first bought the place there was an old log cabin in the clearing. On the very night that Mr. Wendleton had made his preparations to move in with his belongings, some miscreant set fire to the house and it burned to the ground. This necessitated the building of a new cabin. David Wendleton, the elder, reared a family of five sons and two daughters: Cecilia, deceased wife of Fred Nunn, an extensive Cooper County farmer; John H., deceased; Archibald, living in Bates County, Mo. ; William, Fortuna, Morgan County, Mo. ; Mrs. Amelia Allison, living near Proctor, Me.; David, subject of this review; Henry, a large land owner in Palestine township.

After his marriage in 1877, David Wendleton rented land for three years and then purchased his farm. He was married on Nov. 14, 1877, to Miss Sarah J. Lowry, who was born in Athens County, Ohio, April 11, 1855, and is a daughter of Jehiel and Melissa Lowry, who came to Cooper County, Mo., in 1866. Ten children have blessed this marriage: Alice C, is the wife of T. C. Crosswhite, Boonville; Ada Melissa Clark lives in Boonville ; one child died in infancy ; William Henry died in November, 1918; Stella Lee is at home; Lon V., a farmer and land owner, living on the former Henry Wendleton home place; John Estill, a student in the State University, Columbia, was a member of the S. A. T. C. during the

Pavid Wendueton And Wife

Mr. Wendleton is a democrat; has reared one of the large families in Cooper County, and is one of the best known of the native born pioneer residents of Cooper County, who is highly respected in the county.

Erie S. Mills, proprietor of "Fair View Stock Farm," in Clarks Fork township, is one of Cooper County's prominent farmers and stockmen, and a descendant of an early pioneer family of this county. Mr. Mills was bom in Prairie Home township on the farm known as "Dunlora," April 7, 1864. His parents were Henry W. and Susan V. (Lewis) Mills, natives of Virginia. Henry W. Mills was born July 27, 1815, and died Feb. 12, 1898. He came to Cooper County in 1842, and after living about a year in Saline township, he went to Mississippi, and two years later returned to Cooper County. He acquired a great deal of land and at one time was the owner of 1640 acres. He was a very successful stockman and general farmer. He was married shortly after coming to Cooper County, Aug. 20, 1842, to Miss Susan V. Lewis. She was born in Virginia in 1825 and died Feb. 14, 1896. She was a daughter of Charles Q. Lewis, who was a very early settler in Cooper County in the thirties. To Henry W. and Susan V. (Lewis) Mills were born the following children: William H., died at the age of 70 years ; Charles T., died at the age of 40 ; James T., died at the age of 65; Hunter N., died at the age of 65; Augustus K., Boonville, Mo.; Judge J. Add, died at the age of 60; Walker M., died at the age of 24; Erie S., the subject of this sketch; Mary and Bettie, twins, the former dying at the age of 20, and the latter married R. E. Maxwell, who is now deceased; Florence M., married O. C. Byler, and is now deceased; Helena, married John E. Elliott, who is now deceased; and Carrie Lee, married Dr. J. D. Potts, St. Louis, Mo. All of these children were married and reared families, excepting Walker M.

Mr. and Mrs. Hemy W. Mills celebrated their golden wedding anniversary Aug. 20, 1892, and on this occasion there were present 65 grandchildren, and six great grandchildren. A few days after the wedding anniversary, United States Senator Roger Q. Mills, a cousin of Henry W. Mills, made him a visit, which was the occasion of another reunion of the Mills family.

Erie S. Mills was reared on a farm and educated in the public schools. He has made farming and stock raising his life occupation, and is one of the thorough and pi-actical stockmen and fanners of Cooper County.

He has lived on his present place since Jan. 19, 1887. Here he owns 290 acres of land which is well improved and under high state of cultivation. It is located just north of Clarks Fork store on the Jefferson City road. The place is well watered, having an inexhaustible well, 178 feet deep, and Clarks Fork Creek courses its way across the place. The farm residence is a large well built structure and Mr. Mills has erected two new stock barns within recent years. He keeps high grade Angus cattle, Shropshire sheep, and Big Bone Poland China hogs crossed with Duroc Jerseys. He is an extensive feeder, and has made this branch of animal husbandry profitable.

Erie S. Mills was united in marriage Sept. 3, 1884, to Miss Annie L. Tucker, a daughter of J. W. and Virginia A. Tucker. The Tucker family were pioneers of Saline township. The father died in 1885, and the mother now resides at Marshall, Mo. Mrs. Mills has one sister, Mrs. E. G. Utz, of Marshall, Mo. To Mr. and Mrs. Mills have been born the following children: Layton Tucker; Erie H. ; Roger Q., and Virginia, who died at the age of two years.

Mr. Mills has been a member of the Christian Church at Walnut Grove since he was 14 years old, and has been an elder for 20 years. The Mills family are all members of the Christian Church and the youngest son, Roger Q., is also a deacon. Since Mr. Mills has been a member of the Walnut Grove Church, he has seen three different church buildings erected on the same ground and dedicated. June 5, 1916, a cyclone destroyed the church, which had been built three years previously, and it was immediately reconstructed. Mr. Mills has some very interesting family heir-looms, and historical documents in his possession, one of which is a list of his grandfather's children, Dr. William Mills, dated March 8, 1774. It was written with a quill, and is a specimen of perfect penmanship. He also has an old deed made out to a member of the Mills family under date 1760.

The Mills family is one of the pioneer families in which Cooper County takes a just pride and Erie S. Mills is one of the leading citizens of this county.

Vivian Hunter Mills, a progressive farmer and stockman of Saline township, is a member of one of the early pioneer families of Cooper County. Mr. Mills was born in Saline township, Dec. 9, 1888. He is a son of Hunter N. and Mary Ella (Thomas) Mills, both natives of Cooper County. More extensive mention of the Mills family is made in connection with the sketch of Robert William Mills and Erie S. Mills, which appears in this volume.

Vivian H. Mills was reared in Saline township and educated in the Fairview district school and the Boonville High School. He was then employed in a wholesale dry goods store in Kansas City, Mo., for one year. He then returned to Cooper County and engaged in farming and stock raising. He moved to his present place, which is a part of his father's old homestead, in 1914. His farm consists of 250 acres. All the buildings are practically new, having been built since 1914. The residence is a modern cottage of eight rooms, with spacious porches, with a neatly kept and nicely fenced yard. The other farm buildings include a metal bam 45x50 feet, metal garage, grain barn, machine shed, ice house and a tile silo. All in splendid condition, which gives to the place an excellent appearance. In addition to general farming, Mr. Mills raises and feeds cattle and also pure bred Duroc Jersey hogs. He ships about two carloads of hogs annually, and about one and one-half carloads of cattle. Mrs. Mills is interested in the poultry industry and has about 250 Rhode Island Red chickens. She makes a specialty of furnishing eggs for hatching purposes, for which she receives from $1.00 to $3.00 per setting. The Mills farm is well equipped for the poultry business, having a modern metal poultry house.

Vivian H. Mills was married Sept. 17, 1914, to Miss Martha Shannon, a daughter of E. B. and Jennie (Johnston) Shannon, a sketch of whom appears elsewhei'e in this volume. Mrs. Mills is one of the following children bom to her parents: Martha, wife of Vivian H. Mills, subject of this sketch ; Lewis, Georgia, and Noye. By a former marriage of E. B. Shannon, the following children were bom : R. A., and E. M. Mrs. Mills was bom in Clarks Fork township in 1891, educated in the Washington school district, and the Boonville High School, where she was graduated in the class of 1909. Mr. and Mrs. Mills are well known in Cooper County and stand high among their many friends and acquaintances.

Lawrence C. Meyer, a progressive young farmer and stockman of Clarks Fork township, is a descendant of one of the pioneer families of this county. He was born in Cooper County, Aug. 25, 1883, and is a son of George H. and Elizabeth (Molan) Meyer, a more extensive sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this volume.

Lawrence C. Meyer was reared in Cooper County and spent his boyhood days on his father's farm. He received his education in the Fairview School in Clarks Fork township, and later attended the Kemper Military School at Boonville. He has made farming and stock raising his chief occupation, and has met with success in his undertaking, and is recognized as one of Cooper County's citizens of sterling worth.

Mr. Meyer was united in marriage, Aug. 30, 1904, with Miss Pauline Mills, a daughter of James T. and Bettie Mills, pioneer settlers of Saline township, Cooper County. To Mr. and Mrs. Meyer have been born four children, as follows: James Henry, born June 26, 1905; Randall W., bom Feb. 8, 1907 ; Lawrence, Jr., born Oct. 26, 1910 ; and Doris Elizabeth, born Aug. 27, 1917.

Mr. Meyer is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America, of Clarks Fork and is a member of the Lutheran Church, and Mrs. Meyer belongs to the Christian Church. Mr. and Mrs. Meyer are well and favorably known in the community, and rank high in Cooper County for their integrity and worth.

William John Cochran. - The individual success of a worthy citizen is deserving of attention and should be a matter of record in the history of his native county. W. J. Cochran, contractor and builder, Boonville, has won a place in the business world of Cooper County and central Missouri, second to no man in his vocation. Born in Cooper County, his father before him having been a builder and contractor, Mr. Cochran has forged to the front by the exercise of diligence, energy, good financial judgment and management, and the policy of giving to a patron the maximum service in a strictly honest and capable manner. W. J. Cochi'an was born in Boonville, Oct. 1, 1866, and is a son of John Cochran, a native of North Ireland, who came to America in 1851, at the age of 17 years, with his parents, John and Elizabeth Cochran. The Cochrans first settled at Patterson, N. J., and one year later came to Cooper County, where John Cochran (I) followed farming pursuits south of Boonville.

John Cochran (II), father of W. J. Cochran, was reared in this county, and learned the trade of carpenter under Marcus Williams. He engaged in business for himself as a contractor and builder in the fall of 1865. Prior to this he had served as a Union soldier, as corporal of his company, and for three years he fought to uphold the Union authority in this section of the country. At first, he had a small shop and began on a small scale. During the building era which followed the Civil War, he prospered, and remained in active business until his retirement in 1904. John Cochran was born June 16, 1834, and died Dec. 13, 1899. When a young man he married Mary E. Brown, who was born April 2, 1834, in Flemingsburg, Ky., and departed this life in Jan., 1911. John and Mary E. Cochran were parents of seven children, only four of whom were reared: Mrs. Fred J. Faris, of Kansas City; William John Cochran, of this review;

When W. J. Cochran was 12 years old he began work under his father, and the only schooling he obtained from that time on was by attending night schools. He learned the builders' trade under his father, and remained in his father's employ until he was 24 years old. From October, 1899, to May 13, 1900, he was in charge of the building department of the Missouri Training School as superintendent He then followed his vocation on his own account and established his first shop on Main Street. In 1902, he located in an old wholesale building in front of the courthouse and remained there until 1905, when he purchased the planing mill now owned and operated by him on High Street. Mr. Cochran's operations as a general contractor and builder have been extensive. He employs from 40 to 100 men, and his payroll runs into thousands of dollars. He has erected many large buildings in Cooper and Howard Counties and in this section of Missouri. For the past 13 years he has been doing special road work for Cooper County, and has done considerable railroad work in the vicinity of Boonville. Among the buildings which he has erected under contract are the Cooper County courthouse, $115,000; the Frederick Hotel, $40,000; the Victor building, $40,000; the County Home for Indigents, $25,000; the Citizens Trust Company building, $12,000; Kemper Military School building, $35,000; remodeling old Kemper building and gymnasium, $13,000; new barracks building at Kemper School, $35,000; Kemper power plant and armory, remodeled, $2,500 ; bam at Kemper, $2,300 ; sewer through the Kemper grounds, 540 feet, $3,000; grading for the school, $5,000; barracks building and barracks, $200,000; the Armour & Company's packing house, $22,000; the Hirsch Wholesale Grocery Company warehouse, No. 2, $7,000; the Harriman garage, $9,000; the Brownfield garage, $9,000; the E. M. Mueller residence, $12,000; the George Roeder residence, $7,000; the E. A. Windsor residence, $12,000 ; the Pigott residence, $8,000 ; and a splendid brick residence of his own on Morgan Street. Mr. Cochran also rebuilt the A. H. Sauter residence and the Captain Harris and Johnston homes and many others, too numerous to mention.

Nov. 11, 1890, W. J. Cochran and Miss Mattie Calloway Harrison were united in marriage. To this union have been born children as follows: Laura Mary, wife of W. B. Whitlow, a practicing attorney at Fulton, Mo.; Jessie Pauline Cochran is her father's office assistant; Augusta

Hazel Cochran is at home; William John Cochran, Jr., is assisting his father in his business ; Doris Aline, James Robert, and Charles Harrison are at home. The mother of these children was born in Boonville, and is a daughter of William H. and Laura Lundy Harrison, the former of whom was born in Old Franklin, Mo., and the latter was a native of Maysville, Ky. William H. Harrison was a son of Cosby Berryman Harrison, who married Mary Calloway, a daughter of William and Mildred Calloway. William Calloway was a son of James and Susanna (White) Calloway, the former of whom was a soldier of the Revolution. In the early days of the development of the West, William H. Harrison was a plains freighter. He made three trips across the Plains with Mr. Whitlow, and for several years he drove the mail coach to Lexington, Warsaw, and Springfield. He held various mail carrying contracts with the Government and made a business of operating mail routes and running stage coaches.

Mr. Cochran is an independent republican. He and his family worship at the Presbyterian Church. He is affiliated with the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, Blue Lodge, and Commandery, and the Mystic Shrine of Sedalia and is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Modern Woodmen of America. Mr. and Mrs. Cochran and daughters, Jessie Pauline, Mrs. Laura Whitlow and Hazel Cochran are members of the Order of Eastern Star, and Miss Jessie Pauline and Laura and Mrs. Cochran are members of the local chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution.

Mr. Cochran has also achieved a reputation as a farmer and breeder of live stock, and of late years he is credited with taking more interest in his farming operations than his contracting business, which he is shifting somewhat to younger shoulders. How he became a farmer can be explained from the standpoint of necessity, although he is descended from forebears who were tillers of the soil and agriculture comes naturally to him. His contracting operations require that he maintain a large stable of from 10 to 22 teams of draft animals. With the outbreak' of the World War and the rise in the price of feed for live stock, as well as everything else under the sun, the problem of providing provender for so many animals became a serious problem, and the cost of the feeding threatened to wipe out the profits of his business. He thereupon purchased a farm and engaged in farming on a considerable scale on a tract of 231 acres in Boonville township, besides renting additional land. For several years most of his land has been devoted to raising hay and corn.

and during 1918 he cut over 140 acres of hay. A misfortune befell his farm in 1918. A fire destroyed practically all of the buildings in June, and he suffered a loss of $10,000 in buildings and harness, etc. Mr. Cochranran is specializing, as all good farmers do, and is building up a fine herd of pure-bred Shorthorn cattle and a fine drove of big boned Poland China hogs.

One of the most important contracts which Mr. Cochran has only recently undertaken, and one which has a bearing on the industrial development of Boonville, is the erection of the new factory of the Hamilton- Brown Shoe Company. This contract calls for an initial cost of $73,000, exclusive of foundation, which Mr. Cochran has also undertaken, and outside fixing of the grounds, heating and lighting, etc. The factory when completed will have cost in the neighborhood of $115,000, all of which money will have been spent in Boonville for labor and materials.

Henry Lohse, a progressive farmer and stockman of Clarks Fork township, was born near Prairie Home, Oct. 12, 1877. He is a son of Fred and Anna (Smith) Lohse. The mother died about 25 years ago, and the father now resides in Clarks Fork township, at the age of 76 years.

Henry Lohse was reared in Cooper County, and received his education in the Washington School. He has made farming and stock raising his life's work, and has met with uniform success in his undertaking. He purchased his present place, which consists of 200 acres, in 1905. This property was formerly owned by Henry Fredmeyer. It is located about 12 miles south of Boonville and is one of the valuable farms of Cooper County. The place is well improved, with good, substantial barns, silo, and other farm buildings. Mr. Lohse has recently erected a splendid eight-room, modern residence, and, altogether, the Lohse place is one of the best improved in the county. While Mr. Lohse is engaged in general farming and stock raising, he specializes in Shorthorn cattle and Spotted Poland China hogs, and he is recognized as one of the successful breeders of the county.

Dec. 11, 1902, Henry Lohse was united in marriage with Miss Christine Kahle, daughter of William and Hanna (Conrad) Kahle, both natives of Germany. The father came here when he was eight years of age, and settled with his parents at Lone Elm, where he still resides. To William and Hannah Kahle were born the following children: Lizzie, married Herman Oldendorf, Boonville; Mrs. Clarence Hosp, Boonville; Mrs. Minnie Twillman, Bunceton ; Christine, the wife of Henry Lohse ; Stella, who resides at home with her parents ; Henry, Bunceton ; Albert and Herman, twins; Adolph; William and Anna Pauline, deceased. Herman Kahle is now serving with the American Expeditionary Force in France. He enlisted in Sept., 1917, and was trained at Camp Funston, Kans. He went to France in April, 1918, being a member of the 356th Infantry, 89th Division. He took part in much of the severe fighting during the latter months of the war, and was severely gassed at one time. He was in a hospital in France when the armistice was signed. He received his honorable discharge in June, 1919, and is now at home. To Mr. and Mrs. Lohse has been born one daughter, Lorene.

Mr. and Mrs. Lohse are well known in the community, and are recognized as being among the substantial citizens of Cooper County. They are both members of the Lutheran Church at Clarks Fork.

Charles Christian Cook. - Hard work and keeping everlastingly at the task at hand until it was accomplished has placed Charles C. Cook, of Clarks Fork township, in a position of independence as a successful farmer and stockman. Mr. Cook is owner of 115 acres of good land, and is one of the young men who have been befriended and assisted in getting a start in an agricultural career by Charles C. Bell, of Boonville. Mr. Cook's farm is improved with a handsome and imposing residence of 10 rooms, modern in every respect, and was erected in 1915 and 1916. The house is fitted with a basement of four rooms underneath the entire structure, and is built for comfort as well as appearance. Charles C. Cook was born in Boonville, June 1, 1869, and is a son of Adam and Catherine (Bell) Cook the latter of whom was a sister of Charles C. Bell, of Boonville, and was born in 1845 and died in 1897.

Adam Cook was born in Germany in 1846 and departed this life in 1876. He came to Boonville when a young man and plied his trade of blacksmith until the outbreak of the Civil War. He served in the Union Army, and was among the first volunteers to offer their services to the Union under General Siegel. He fought in the battle of Wilsons Creek during his first three months' service. He then i-e-enlisted for thi-ee years and served under General Grant. He participated in the siege and capture of Vicksburg, and fought at the battles of Fort Pillow and the Seven Days' Battle of the Wilderness. He was with Sherman's command on the famous march from Atlanta to the sea. He served, in all, three years and three months, and after receiving his honorable discharge he returned to St. Louis and hired himself out as a substitute for a rich merchant and served until the close of the war.

the West. He plied his trade of blacksmith at Boonville and Bunceton, then went to Kansas and homesteaded a tract of land, built a home for his family, and died there. His family was left in poor circumstances, and stayed with Henry Bell until Charles C. Bell came, found them, and took mother and children back to Boonville. For one and a half years, Charles C. Cook lived in the home of John E. Elliot. He was employed by Julius Hosp and H. Fredmeyer for about seven and a half years. In 1890, with the assistance of his uncle, Charles C. Bell, he purchased his farm.

In 1892, Mr. Cook was married to Sarah C. Stegner, who was born July 6, 1870, in Cooper County, and is a daughter of Nicholas Stegner, concerning whose biography the reader is referred to the sketch of Marion Stegner. Five children have been born to Charles C. and Sarah C. Cook, as follows: Louis C, Minnie Mabel, Mary Ellen, Nellie Frances, and Charles C. Jr. Mary Ellen Cook was married June 3, 1918, to Ernest Walters, a farmer and stock dealer, living west of Boonville.

Mr. Cook is a republican. He is a member and a deacon of the Mt. Hermon Baptist Church, and is affiliated with Modern Woodmen of America, Lodge No. 3701.

Henry Mersey, a leading farmer and stockman of Prairie Home township, is a Cooper County citizen of real worth. He was born in Germany, Aug. 21, 1854, a son of Henry Mersey, and was one of the following children born to his parents: Mrs. Maggie Middlecamp, deceased; Mrs. Mary Grapherhouse, deceased ; Mrs. Elizabeth Beckerman ; and Henry, the subject of this sketch.

Henry Mersey left his native land when he was about 18 years of age, in 1872, and immigrated to America. He first settled in St. Louis, where he remained about two years, and in 1874 came to Boonville, Cooper County, where for a few years he sought employment as a farm laborer. Here he worked for $14.00 per month. He was industrious and frugal and saved his earnings, and it was not long until he was able to invest in a farm and make the initial payment. He purchased the place where he now resides, 10 miles southeast of Boonville, on the Jefferson City road, in 1893. This was formerly the J. S. Johnston farm, and consists of 174 acres of well improved farm land.

Feb. 28, 1881, Henry Mersey was united in marriage with Miss Catherine Wehmeyer, daughter of Peter and Helena (Fiedler) Wehmeyt -r. The father was a Civil War veteran, having served in the Union Army for three years during that great conflict. He Avas a native of Germany, born at Westphalia, May 6, 1834, and came to America when he was about 20 years of age, in 1854. He located in Cooper County, and settler on the place in 1864 which is now owned by Robert Byler. Here he was engaged in farming and stock raising for many years, and attained a very satisfactory degree of success. He died Feb. 20, 1913, at the age of 78 years. His wife departed this life June 19, 1899, at the age of 65 years, and their remains are interred in Clarks Fork Cemetery. She was bom at Bayem, Germany, March 13, 1835, and was married May 15, 1859. They were the parents of the following children: Catherine, born Feb. 23, 1860, wife of Henry Mersey, the subject of this sketch; Sophia, wife of Henry Honerbrink, Saline township, born Feb. 21, 1862; Miss Maggie Wehmeyer, Clarks Fork township, born April 30, 1866; Minnie, bora Aug.

To Henry and Catherine (Wehmeyer) Mersey have been born the following children: George, farmer and stockman, Prairie Home township; Herman J., a carpenter, Pilot Grove; Fred L., Boonville; Elmer E., who served in the United States Army during the World War, having been a member of the 10th Infantry, 69th Division, and was at Camp Funston when the war closed; William H., who enlisted in the United States Army, Sept. 19, 1917, and became a member of Company I, 138th Infantry, 35th Division, went to France in May, 1918, and saw much active service with his division, having been on the firing line for seventytwo consecutive days, and was discharged from the service May 12, 1919, at Camp Funston; Julius J., enlisted in United States Navy during the World War in May, 1918, and served until Feb., 1919, when he received his honorable discharge on account of the close of the war, and is now residing at home with his parents ; Robert L., and Maggie, also residing at home with their parents.

Herman J. was born Sept. 15, 1883 ; married Grace Swanson. George Mersey was born Jan. 18, 1882; married Emma Ohlendorf, and has one child, Ruth Irene. Elmer E. was born Dec. 24, 1890; married Myrtle Ramsey. Fred L. was born Oct. 12, 1885. William H. was born April 12, 1893 ; married Eula McFarland. Henrietta was born July 28, and died Aug. 2, 1895. Julius was born July 31, 1896. Robert was born April 19, 1899. Margaret Elizabeth was born Jan. 6, 1888.

Mr. Mersey has been identified with Cooper County for over 47 years, and has proven himself to be a worthy citizen and has reared a family which is not only a credit to Cooper County, but to the State and Nation. Mr. and Mrs. Mersey and the children are members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Clarks Fork.

Amos B. Gentry. - The Gentry family has been prominently identified with the settlement of Missouri, and members of this family were among the pioneers of Howard County, which perhaps was the first settlement of the Gentrys in this State. Later members of this family settled in other counties in this section of the State, including Cooper.

Amos B. Gentry was born in Howard County, Jan. 29, 1844. He is a son of Claybourne S. and Nancy (Detherage) Gentry, both natives of Kentucky, and very early settlers in Howard County. However, after spending a few years in Howard County, they came to Cooper County in 1859, where both parents spent the remainder of their lives. They were natives of Madison County, Ky., and C. S. Gentry was prominent in the early day affairs of Cooper County. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge for 42 years. He died in 1899 at the age of 80 years, and his remains are interred in the Walnut Grove Cemetery. His wife preceded him in death many years, she having passed away in 1857 in Howard County, and her remains are buried in the Detherage family cemetery.

Amos B. Gentry received his education mostly in private schools, and was reared to manhood in Howard and Cooper Counties. In 1874 he purchased his present place, which is located nine miles southeast of Boonville, in Clarks Fork township. The farm is known as "Cedar Grove Farm," is of 116.44 acres, and is one of the well kept and valuable farms of this section of Cooper County. The place is well improved and the farm residence is a substantial and well preserved building, which was built over 60 years ago.

January 5, 1869, Amos B. Gentry was united in marriage at Bunceton, with Miss Susan M. Woodson, a daughter of George and Louisa (Shackelford) Woodson, both natives of Kentucky, and pioneer settlers in Cooper County. They are both now deceased, the mother having died Feb. 8, 1867, and the father survived her a number of years and died at Bunceton. To Mr. and Mrs. Gentry have been born five children, as follows: Louisa, resides at home with her parents; Capt. Herschel, a surgeon in United States Army, was stationed at Camp Grant, 111., having volunteered his services in Oct., 1918, and received a commission as captain, discharged in May, 1919, and is now practicing surgery at Carthage,

Mo.; Osie, married J. E. Moss and resides in Boone county; Archie L., resides on the home place; and Nannie L., also resides at home with her parents. Mr. and Mrs. Gentry have three grandchildren, Margaret G. Moss; Catherine May Moss; and Roy Woodson Moss.

The Gentrys originally came from Virginia to Kentucky, and for many years have been conspicuous in the affairs of Kentucky and Missouri. They are of English descent. Amos B. Gentry was a soldier in the Civil War, having enlisted in Madison County, Ky., and after serving three months, was taken prisoner and later paroled. He is a democrat, and a member of the Christian Church.

George E. Bowmer, a prosperous farmer and stockman of Clarks Fork township, is a native of Missouri, and is a descendent of some of the early pioneer families of this State. He was born in Howard County, Nov. 7, 1864, and is a son of James Mahan and Luranier Ruth (Wilcoxen) Bowmer. James M. Bowmer was born in Howard County, Feb. 29, 1832. He was a son of Peter Bowmer, a native of Fauquier County, Va., and came to Missouri in 1816. He lived in Missouri at a time when Indian uprisings were frequent, and on occasions was forced to take refuge with the other settlers in forts for defense against the attacks of hostile Indians. He was one of the very early settlers of Howard County. He married Catherine Mahan, whose father, Patrick Mahan, was one of the very early settlers of Cooper County, and lived in Lebanon township. He operated a sawmill near Pilot Grove in the early days. He built the first bridge across the Petit Saline Creek. This bridge was five miles south of Boonville.

James Mahan Bowmer enlisted for service in the Mexican War, and when he reached St. Louis peace was declared. When the Civil War broke out he enlisted in the Confederate Army and served under General Price, in Missouri, Kansas and Arkansas. He was taken prisoner in Arkansas and was held a prisoner of war by the Federals at St. Louis until the war closed. In 1869 he removed to California with his family, and after residing in that State for eight years, he returned to Howard County, where he was engaged in farming until 1884, when he removed to Cooper County. He died here July 24, 1906.

George E. Bowmer was educated in the public schools of Howard County, and in the public schools of the State of California. He came to Cooper County with his father in 1884, and they bought a farm together, which they later sold ; and in 1898, George E. bought his present f arm of

144 acres, in Clarks Fork township, where he has since been engaged in general farming and stock raising. This is one of the best grain and stock farms in this part of Cooper County. The place is well improved, with a good farm residence, barns and other buildings, which are kept in excellent condition and present a good appearance.

Mr. Bowmer was married March 26, 1891, to Miss Lizzie McArthur. She was born Feb. 3, 1867, and left an orphan at a very early age. She was reared by N. A. Gilbreath, of Prairie Home township. To Mr. and Mrs. Bowmer were born the following children: James R., born July 12, 1892; Newton W., born Nov. 26, 1894; William E., born Nov. 19, 1897; Helen Louisa, born Jan. 31, 1903; Susan Catherine and Mary Margaret, twins, born Aug. 19, 1909.

James R., the eldest son, served in the U. S. Navy during the World War. He volunteered Dec. 13, 1917, and was sent to Great Lakes Naval Training Station, and from there was sent to Camp Logan, 111., for rifle practice for two months. He was then returned to the Great Lakes Naval Training Station, and while there volunteered for overseas service. He was then sent to Newport, and embarked for France, May 26, 1918, landing at Brest, June 8 ; from there he was sent to Bordeaux, France, by rail, and was stationed at Pawillac, France. Durings his service in France he was a member of a motorcycle squad, which operated as dispatch bearers. He returned to New York, Dec. 13, 1918, and was stationed at Pelham Park until March 26, 1919, and from there was sent to the armed general barracks at Brooklyn, N. Y., and two days later transferred to Bay Ridge, N. Y., where he was discharged, April 7, 1919.

Newton W. Bowmer entered the army July 26, 1918, and was sent to Camp Funston, where he was trained. He was a member of the Medical Detachment of the 29th Field Artillery, 10th Division, and at this writing is stationed at Ft. D. A. Russell, Wy.

George E. Bowmer is one of Cooper County's substantial citizens, and the Bowmer family rank high in the community. Mr. Bowmer is a democrat. He and his family worship at the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. He is affiliated with the Modem Woodmen of America Lodge of Boonville.

pioneer families. Mr. Fricke was born Jan. 31, 1886, and is a son of William and Minnie (Keorp) Fricke. The father was born in Clarks Fork township, and spent his entire life in Cooper County. He died in December, 1900. The mother is a native of Missouri, having been born in Moniteau County in 1850. She now resides with her son William, the subject of this sketch. William and Minnie (Keorpe) Frick were the parents of the following children : Dora, married John Lohse ; Emma, married William Smith ; and William, the subject of this sketch.

William Fricke was reared and educated in Cooper County. He attended the Jefferson School in Clarks Fork township, and the German school at Clarks Fork. He has been engaged in farming and stock raising all his life on the place where he now resides, and is regarded as one of Cooper County's successful agriculturists. Mr. Fricke's father died, leaving the young man with practically all the responsibilies of conducting the home farm when he was only 15 years of age. Thus Mr. Fricke has been a practical farmer since early boyhood. His farm consists of 160 acres, located 13 miles south of Boonville, and the place bears testimony of the skill and efficiency of Mr. Fricke as a modem farmer. He has recently rebuilt the residence, and has constructed other ample farm buildings, including a metal barn 32x42 feet. He is extensively engaged in general farming and stock raising, making a specialty of Hereford cattle.

Oct. 4, 1911, William Fricke was united in marriage with Miss Sophia Lohse, a daughter of Fred and Anna Lohse, pioneer settlers of Cooper County. The mother is now deceased and the father resides in Clarks Fork township. To Mr. and Mrs. Fricke have been born two children, as follows: Norbert, born Nov. 3, 1913, and Lucille, born March 19, 1919.

Mr. and Mrs. Fricke are members of the Lutheran Evangelical Church at Clarks Fork. While Mr. Fricke does not take an active part in political affairs, he supports the policies and principles of the republican party. He is well known in Cooper County as one of its reliable and progressive citizens, and the Fricke family is highly esteemed.

Charles W. Schubert, proprietor of the "Cool Spring Farm," which is one of the interesting places of Clarks Fork township, is a native son of this county. He was born near Billingsville, Jan. 14, 1874, a son of C. A. and Wilhelmina (Langkop) Schubert. C. A. Schubert was born in Gelenau, Saxony, Germany, Dec, 1830, and died March 26, 1900, and emigrated to America when he was a boy. He was an early settler in Cooper

County. During the Civil War he served in the Union Army, and received a gunshot wound in the arm at the battle of Boonville. After the close of the war, he returned to the peaceful pursuits of agricultural life in Cooper County and here spent the remainder of his life. His remains now rest in the Clarks Fork Cemetery. His widow still survives him and resides in Prairie Home. She was born in Hanover, Germany, in 1840. They were the parents of the following children: Henry, Prairie Home township; Mrs. Minnie Langlotz, Boonville; Anna, died in infancy; and Charles W., the subject of this sketch.

Charles W. Schubert received his education in the public schools of Cooper County, having attended school at the Washington School district. He has made farming and stock raising the principal pursuit of his life, and has met with more than ordinary success. He owns 143 acres of some of Cooper County's best land, where his father settled in 1879. Mr. Schubert has made many improvements and keeps his place well up to the standard of modern farm homes. On June 5, 1917, he met with considerable loss in the way of the destruction of many of his farm buildings by a tornado. However, he soon rebuilt and repaired the damage, and to-day there remains no evidence of nature's great destruction on the Schubert place.

Mr. Schubert was united in marriage, June 22, 1902, with Miss Mary Muntzel, daughter of Daniel and Wilhelmina (Kaune) Muntzel, the former now i*esiding in Clarks Fork township, and the latter died Jan. 26, 1912, and her remains are buried in the Lutheran Cemetery at Clarks Fork. Mrs. Schubert is one of the following children bora to her parents: August, who resides on the home place; Herman P., Clarks Fork township; William, on the home place; John, Boonville; Mrs. Sophia Prigge, St. Louis, Mo. ; Mrs. Lavina Meyer, died at the age of 20 years in California, Mo.; and Mary, married Charles W. Schubert, the subject of this sketch. To Mr. and Mrs. Schubert have been bom two children, as follows: Lillian, died in 1915, at the age of 12 years, and Aurelius, born April 27, 1906.

The Schubert homestead is one of the historic places of Cooper County, and its story is interwoven with many interesting incidents of the early days in this section. A portion of what is now the Schubert residence was built prior to the Civil War, and Christ Fricke, who owned the place during the stirring days of that conflict, was taken from his home at night and hanged by bushwhackers in the vicinity of his home.

A man who worked for him was also murdered about the same time. Christ Fricke's widow married Charles Brandes, and now resides near Lone Elm, Mo.

The Schubert place is also noted for the great number of Indian relics found upon its soil. Arrow heads have been found in abundance, and two well-preserved tomahawks have been found here, one of which Mrs. Schubert has in her possession, and values very highly as a relic of the Red Men's handicraft.

Charles D. Shirley. - The progressive farmer of today is not content to till his land in a mediocre, hit-and-miss manner, and is not satisfied to keep any but the best of live stock on his place. Here and there over the county are men of intelligence and foresight who are making a specialty of producing pure-bred live stock and are engaging the business as a commercial venture. Charles D. Shirley, of Clarks Fork township, is one of this class. Mr. Shirley is specializing in Angus cattle, and intends to breed this fine variety of cattle. He also keeps pure-bred Shorthorns on the place, and pure-bred Poland China hogs. A flock of 100 head of Shropshire sheep are a paying venture on the farm. The Shirley farm consists of 336 acres, and has been the home of the present proprietor since 1902. During the past 17 years all of Mr. Shirley's time that he could spare from crop production, has been devoted to building improvements on the farm. The big barn has been remodeled, fences built, a concrete silo erected, an attractive driveway is in process of building, and the time is coming when the Shirley estate will be one of the finest in the land. Mr. Shirley was born March 2, 1872, on a farm in Clarks Fork township, Cooper County.

William A. J. Shirley, his father, was born on the Shirley homestead in the same township in 1835, and died in 1882. He was a son of Charles Shirley, a native of Virginia, who was an early pioneer in Cooper County, settling on Clarks Fork sometime in the twenties. William A. J. Shirley was married May 3, 1871, to Harriet Malvina Eller, who was born Dec. 24, 1850, on a farm near Boonville, and is a daughter of David and Martha (Oglesby) Eller. David Eller was born in Missouri in 1822, and died in 1864. He was killed by bushwhackers during the Civil War. He was a son of Jacob Eller, who was one of the first pioneers to settle in Cooper County, and was a native of North Carolina. The mother of Mrs. Shirley was born in Virginia in 1828, came to Cooper County with her parents in

1831. and died here in 1912. Mr. Shirley's mother, Malvina (Eller) Shirley, was one of the following children born to David and Martha Eller: Nancy Jane, Bunceton, Mo. ; Mrs. Harriet Shirley ; Henry, Susan Elizabeth Kepner, Lucretia Ann Moore, William, Mrs. Mattie Knaus, Mrs. Mollie McFarland.

Mr. and Mrs. Shirley lived on the Shirley home place for a few years, then sold it and moved to the Eller place, finally settling on the homestead of 120 acres in Palestine township. The children born to them are as follows: Charles D., of this review; Florence, wife of Bert Chamberlin; Harry L., living on an adjoining farm ; Susan, at home with her mothei , and William, managing the home farm.

Charles D. Shirley attended the Stony Point School and also the Concord School. After his district school days he studied at Hooper Institute in Clarks Fork township. He has always followed farming. He purchased his first tract of 116 acres in the fall of 1900, and placed all of the needed improvements on the place. He rented his present farm for two years prior to its purchase in 1905. The farm which Mr. Shirley owns is one of the oldest settled places in Cooper County, known as the Oglesby farm. This tract was entered as Government land by his grandfather Oglesby, who gave the farm to Thomas Oglesby, an uncle of Charles D. Shirley, and from whom the present owner purchased it. The original elm tree, from which "Lone Elm Prairie" takes name, stood on this farm.

Mr. Shirley was married in September, 1912, to Miss Grace M. Chamberlin, born in Cooper County, a daughter of the late Albert M. Chamberlin, a sketch of whom appears in this history. Mr. and Mrs. Shirley have two children: Harriet Elizabeth, born Sept. 7, 1913; and Charles David, born March 11, 1915.

Mr. Shirley is a democrat, as were his ancestors before him. He is a member of the Baptist Church, the faith of his fathers. He is a member of the Woodmen of the World, at Speed, Mo.

Luther Clinton Debo, a prominent farmer and stockman of Boonville township, belongs to a pioneer family of Cooper County. He was born in Bedford County. Va., Nov. 9, 1869, a son of Reed Perry and Mary (Hepstonstall) Debo, both natives of Virginia. Reed Perry Debo was bom June 19, 1832 and died April 21, 1911. He served in the Confederate Army during the Civil War, enlisting April 1, 1862 in Company G, 28th Virginia Infantry, which was attached to Pickett's Division. He became 1st Sergeant of his company and participated in many of the important battles which were fought by the army of Virginia under command of

Gen. Robert E. Lee. He was twice wounded, once by a gun shot through the thigh, and again on the wrist. After the close of the Civil War he came to Missouri and settled in Howard County, and in 1874 settled in Cooper County. Later he went to Livingston County where he remained about nine years, but returned to Cooper County and spent the latter years of his life.

Luther Clinton Debo was reared in Cooper County and educated in the public school and has made farming and stock raising his life occupation. He bought his present place in Boonville township in 1908. It is a well improved farm situated 4V'-> miles southeast of Boonville, and was formerly the MacFarland place. Mr. Debo has improved this place, and has built barns, silo and other necessary equipment for the successful carrying on of modern day agricultural method, and has one of the valuable places of the county, and it may be truly said that he is one of Cooper County's successful farmers and stockmen.

June 3, 1909, Luther C. Debo was united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth MacFarland, daughter of Warren and Amanda Malvina MacFarland. Warren MacFarland was born on the place where Mr. Debo now resides in Boonville township, Feb. 12, 1841. He spent his life in this county and died July 22, 1908. His wife was bom July 31, 1843, and died July 24, 1895. Their remains are buried in the cemetery at Boonville. Warren MacFarland was a son of Rueben and Eunice (Rice) MacFarland. Rueben MacFarland was born Oct. 17, 1804, and died Jan. 25, 1882. Eunice (Rice) MacFarland was born March 6, 1805, and died Dec. 24, 1874. Rueben MacFarland was the son of Jacob MacFarland, who was born Feb. 21, 1772, and died Oct. 13, 1846. Jacob MacFarland's remains are buried in Clarks Fork township on the Melkerson farm. Jacob MacFarland came to St. Genevieve, Mo. in 1816 and in 1818 came to Cooper County and settled on the farm, a part of which is now owned by Mr. Debo, the subject of this sketch. After coming here he spent the remainder of his life on this place, as did his son Rueben, also; and Warren MacFarland likewise spent his life on this farm. Archibald Rice, great grandfather of Mrs. Elizabeth Debo, was born Dec. 19. 1782. William MacFarland, a brother of Jacob MacFarland, was the first sheriff of Cooper County. He was born in Buncomb County, N. C, in 1778. He came to Cooper County, in 1816.

Mrs. Elizabeth (MacFarland) Debo has three sisters living as follows: Mrs. Eunice Miller, Millerton, Okla. ; Mrs. C. Borne Talliaferro, Ardmore, Okla. ; and Mrs. Grover Debo, Boonville township. To Mr. and Mrs. Luther C. Debo have been born the following children: Elizabeth Lee,

The Debos have some interesting historic relics of bygone days. Mr. Debo has the upper and lower buhr mill stones which were first used in a mill which was built by Jacob MacFarland in Boonville township about 100 years ago. This was the first mill to grind flour in Cooper County. Mrs. Debo has in her possession one of the old fashion clocks with wooden wheels, which was owned by her grandfather Oglesby. This venerable time piece is over a century old, and was manufactured by Henry Terry at Plymouth, Conn. There are many other interesting historic relices in the Debo home, which have been collected from generation to generation, during the long residence of this pioneer family in Cooper County. The Debo home is one of the pleasant and interesting places of Cooper County and Mr. and Mrs. Debo have an extensive acquaintance and are among Cooper County's most valued citizens.

Edwin K. Smith, proprietor of "Woodville Mill Farm" in Clarks Fork township, is a native of Cooper County. He was born in Boonville, Dec. 24, 1890, a son of Leslie and Fannie P. (Thompson) Smith. Leslie Smith was a native of Virginia and settled in Cooper County, prior to the Civil War. He spent the remainder of his life here and died in Boonville in 1894. His widow now resides in Kansas City, Mo. They were the parents of the following children: Major Richard Smith, who served with the American Expeditionary Force in France; Elizabeth, married Gerald Hughes, Kansas City, Mo.; and Edwin K., the subject of this sketch.

Major Richard Smith was educated in the public schools of Cooper County, and graduated from the Boonville High School. He first enlisted in the Missouri National Guards and served on the Mexican border, and was later mustered out of service. When the United States entered the World War he reenlisted and in Sept., 1917, went to France with the Rainbow Division. During the latter months of the war Major Smith commanded the 117th Field Battalion Signal Corps. During his service in France he was decorated with the distinguished service cross and also the French Croix de Guerre. He arrived in Amei'ica with his battalion in May, 1919 and remains with the army, stationed at Camp Funston. Major Smith was married in May, 1919, to Miss Bething Plank, of Kan City, a daughter of Cooper County pioneer parents.

Edwin K. Smith, whose name introduces this sketch, received his education in the public schools of Boonville and the Westport High School, of Kansas City, Mo. He has made farming and stock raising his principal occupation, and has been very successful in this field of endeavor. In the spring of 1917 he purchased 92 acres of the R. S. Rankin farm, five miles southeast of Boonville. The following year he added 71 acres and now owns 163 acres of valuable farm land, which is well improved and under a high state of cultivation. The Rankin mill is located on this place, which is one of the landmarks of Cooper County. Mr. Smith bought a half interest in this mill and operated it four years. This mill was built in 1840 and rebuilt in 1893. For the last two years it has not been operated very extensively.

Edwin K. Smith was united in marriage July 24, 1912, with Miss Robna Rankin, a daughter of R. S. Rankin, sketch of whom appears in this volume. To Mr. and Mrs. Smith has been born one child, Elizabeth Louise.

Mr. Smith carries on general farming and stock raising, making a specialty of high grade Jersey cows, and registered Hampshire hogs. He is one of Cooper County's progressive farmers and stockmen. He is a member of the Presbyterian Church.

Christian W. Fahrenbrink, one of the leading farmers and stockmen of Clarks Fork township, is a native of Cooper County, and was born in the township where he now resides, Jan. 13, 1874. He is a son of Henry and Magdalena (Schnack) Fahrenbrink, both natives of Germany. Henry Fahrenbrink was born June 8, 1842, and came to America about 1867, and settled in Cooper County. Here he first worked as a farm laborer, and at different times was employed by Henry Knaus, John King and Nick Smith. He later rented land from Robert Clawson. He then purchased a farm of 425 acres, part of the old Colonel Pope place, and was successfully engaged in farming the rest of his life. He died July 8, 1917, age 75 years and 1 month, and his remains are buried in the Lone Elm Cemetery. His widow now resides in Clarks Fork township. They were the parents of the following children: C. W., the subject of this sketch; H. H. lives in Clarks Fork township; John died in infancy; H. W., a mining man of Yuma, Ariz.; Emma married A. C. Brandes, and resides in Moniteau township; Lena, residing at home with her mother, and J. J., also on the home place.

C. W. Fahrenbrink was reared in Cooper County, and was educated in the Jefferson School in Clarks Fork township, and the parochial school at Clarks Fork. He was reared on a farm, and his early training well fitted him for the business of farming and stock raising, which has been his life's vocation. He owns a valuable farm of 173 acres, which is located 6!/> miles northeast of Bunceton. He purchased this place in 1901 from the Hall estate. There were no improvements on the place when Mr. Fahrenbrink bought it. He has built a good modem residence which is fitted with acetylene light and other modern conveniences. He has erected two large barns upon the place and other farm buildings, which classifies his place as one of the best improved farms of the county. He is engaged in general farming and stock raising, being extensively interested in breeding registered Poland China hogs and Shorthorn cattle.

Mr. Fahrenbrink was united in marriage in 1902 with Miss Dora Brandes, a daughter of Charles and Margaret Brandes, of North Moniteau township. Charles Brandes was a successful farmer and an early settler in Cooper County, coming here prior to the Civil War and serving four years as a Union soldier. He died in 1911, and his widow now resides on the old home place in North Moniteau township. To Mr. and Mrs. Fahrenbrink have been born the following children: Erna, died in infancy; Margaret; Carl and Paul, twins; and Gertrude.

To Charles and Margaret Brandes were born the following children: Christ J., who resides in Moniteau township; Maggie, married Henry King, Clarks Fork township; Josie, married John Pethan, Clarks Fork township ; Emma, married Henry Langkop, Boonville ; Lizzie, married William Brokamp, Clarks Fork township ; John A., North Moniteau township ; Theodore, North Moniteau township ; Dora, the wife of C. W. Fahrenbrink, the subject of this sketch, and Albert C, North Moniteau township. By a former marriage of the mother to Christ Fricke, who was killed by bushwhackers during the Civil War, two children were born, as follows: Sophie, the wife of Christ Rasmussen, of Clarks Fork township; and Caroline, who is now the wife of D. Alpers, Prairie Home township.

Mr. Fahrenbrink is a republican, and takes a good citizen's interest in local affairs. He has been a member of the School Board of Consolidated District No. 1 for six years. He is a member of the board of directors of the Farmers Elevator Company, of Bunceton, and he and Mrs. Fahrenbrink are members of the Evangelical Lutheran Zion Church at Lone Elm. Mr. Fahrenbrink is a stockholder in the Cooper County Bank at Bunceton, and is a stockholder in the newly organized Farmers Trust Company, of Boonville. He is a substantial and valued citizen.

J. H. Rethemeyer, a successful farmer and stockman of Saline township, who is well known in Cooper County, is a native of Missouri. He was born in Gasconade County, Feb. 11, 1881, a son of Henry and Mary

(Fleer) Rethemeyer. Henry Rethemeyer was born in Germany in 1842 and when he was two years of age was brought to America by his parents, who settled in Gasconade County, Mo. He now resides in Sedalia, at the age of 79 years, and his wife is 64 years old. They were the parents of the following children: Henry, St. Louis; Minnie, married Peter Adair and lives in Prairie Home township, Cooper County; J. H., the subject of this sketch; Annie, married Ed. Roseman, St. Louis; Alvina, deceased; Mary, married Neal Dancing, Portland, Ore. ; Amanda married Frank Less, Sedalia; and Huldah married Ernest Marshall, Sedalia.

J. H. Rethemeyer was reared in Gasconade County and received his education in the public schools. He remained on the home farm until he was 19 years of age, when he went to St. Louis and drove teams for a time, and did other general labor for about five years. He then came to Cooper County and conducted a general mercantile store for two years. He was engaged in the milling business at Pilot Grove for two years. In 1909 he bought his present place in Saline township. He first purchased 80 acres from W. J. Hurt, to which he has added from time to time, as opportunities offered and his means permitted, until he now owns 197 acres of valuable and well improved land on the Boonville and Jefferson City highway. He has made many improvements on his place until he has made of it one of the model farms of Cooper County. He raises cattle, hogs and sheep, as well as carrying on general grain farming, and is also interested in raising brown leghorn chickens, and altogether, Mr. Rethemeyer is one of Cooper County's successful citizens.

May 7, 1905, J. H. Rethemeyer was united in marriage with Miss Helena Wehmeyer, a daughter of Peter and Magdalena (Fiedler) Wehmeyer, both natives of Germany. Peter Wehmeyer was born March 13, 1835, and came to America when he was 16 years of age. He first worked by the month as a farm laborer for Fred Fricke, and a short time after coming here purchased 80 acres of land in Clarks Fork township, to which he later added 80 acres. He sold his farm later and conducted a store at Clarks Fork for nearly 20 years. Retiring from this business, he bought a 42 acre farm in Prairie Home township, which he sold in 1912. He died in Feb., 1912. His wife preceded him in death, having departed this life June 19, 1899. Their remains are both interred in the Evangelical Lutheran cemetery at Clarks Fork. Mrs. Rethemeyer is one of the following children born to her parents: Katie, married Henry Mersey, Prairie Home township; Sophia, married H. C. Honerbrink, Prairie Home township; Miss Margaret Wehmeyer, Saline township; Minnie, married J. P. Ruth, Prairie Home; Carrie, married Albert Adair, Saline township; Helena maried J. H. Rethemeyer, the subject of this sketch ; Emma and Martha both died in infancy.

Mr. Rethemeyer is a republican and one of Cooper County's most substantial and progressive citizens. The Rethmeyer family are well known and highly respected in this county.

Leonard Langkop, proprietor of "Jefferson Valley Farm" in Clarks Fork township, is one of Cooper County's successful and well known farmers and stockmen. He was born in this county Sept. 1, 1874, a son of Ferdinand and Margaret (Smith) Langkop, natives of Germany. Ferdinand Langkop was born in 1844, and was brought to America with his parents when he was three years old. The family located in Iowa. Ferdinand Langkop followed farming and stock raising all his life. During the Civil War he enlisted in the Union Army in 1862, and served until the close of the war. He died at Bunceton, March 3, 1919, age 75 years, and his remains are buried in the Lutheran Church cemetery at Clarks Fork. His wife died in 1888. They were the parents of the following children: W. H., a mail carrier, Bunceton; Lizze, married Frank Theiss, Clarks Fork township ; Leonard, the subject of this sketch ; Anna, married H. J. Kopp, Bunceton; Martin resides in Moniteau County; Maggie died at the age of 10 years; Tillie married Ben Hurt, Bunceton, and one son died in infancy. After the death of his first wife, Ferdinand Langkop married Mrs. Mary Henry, and one daughter was born to this union, Lydia, who now resides at Bunceton.

Leonard Langkop was reared in Cooper County and educated in the German school at Clarks Fork, and the public school at New Salem. He was reared on a farm and has made farming and stock raising his life's vocation. He purchased his first land in 1903, which consisted of a farm of 50 acres. He has added more land from time to time to his original farm and now owns 220 acres, which is considered one of Cooper County's best farms. The place is well improved, a good farm residence having been built in 1904, and a large barn was erected in 1906. Mr. Langkop is engaged in stock raising as well as general farming and raises large numbers of Poland China hogs, cattle and sheep.

July 12, 1903, Mr. Langkop was united in marriage with Miss Minnie Barron, a daughter of Walter and Virginia (Hurt) Barron. A review of the Barron family history appears in this volume. To Mr. and Mrs.

Langkop have been born two sons: Ralph, born May 10, 1904, now a student in the Boonville High School, and Waldo is at home with his parents. The Langkop family is well known in the community and Mr. Langkop is one of Cooper County's most progressive citizens.

George T. Taliaferro, who died at his home in Clarks Fork township in the spring of 1910, was born in that township June 16, 1860, son of Robert H. and Louise M. (Hickox) Taliaferro, both members of old families in this county. Robert H. Taliaferro was born on Feb. 3, 1822, and his wife was born on Dec. 28, 1832. They were the parents of eight children, as follows: Charles W., born on Jan. 8 1853, Kansas City; James B., Dec. 8, 1854, deceased; Johnson A., Sept. 10, 1856, New Mexico; George T. ; Anna M., Sept. 22, 1862, deceased; Hattie Louise, Aug. 26, 1869, deceased; Robert Burns, Nov. 21, 1870, Oklahoma; and Mary Virginia, Aug. 4, 1873, now living at Kansas City, Kan.

Reared on the home farm in Clarks Fork township, George T. Taliaferro received his schooling in the district schools, and from the days of his boyhood his life was devoted to farming. He married at the age of 30, and after his marriage established his home on the farm of 110 acres on which he died, a part of the Carpenter estate in Clarks Fork township, and the rest of his life was spent in the labor of developing the place. It was in 1900 when he established his home there, and in that same year he erected on the place a comfortable six-room house and made other improvements. A few years later he built a new barn, and before his death he had an admirable farm plant, and his affairs were prospering. Mr. Taliaferro died on April 3, 1910, leaving his widow with the care of seven children, the eldest of whom then was under 17 years of age. Mrs. Taliaferro maintained the place, superintended the operations of the same until her sons came of an age to be of material assitance in relieving her of the burden of management, and at the same time continued to make improvements on the farm, these including the erection of an addition to the house in 1916. In 1912, she bought an adjoining tract of 84 acres, and now has a well-improved farm of 194 acres, which her sons are operating. Mrs. Taliaferro has kept her children together, has a very pleasant home, and she and her family are comfortably situated.

Mrs. Taliaferro was born in Cooper County, Julia Ann Carpenter, daughter of Gabriel and Sarah (Harris) Carpenter, both members of pioneer families in this county. She was reared in Clarks Fork township, and was living there when married to George T. Taliaferro, Dec. 31, 1890. To that union were born eight children: Mary Mable, born Oct. 23, 1893, a Cooper County teacher; Virginia Myrtle, June 24, 1895, who is a student in the State Normal School at Warrensburg; Louis Gabriel, March 17, 1897, who has but recently returned from service with the United States Army; Robert Luther, May 17, 1898; Thomas Alfred and Albert Weight (twins), Feb. 10, 1900, who are giving special attention to the operations of the farm ; Clara Mildred, Feb. 4, 1904, and an infant son, April 28, 1905, who did not live to receive a name. Louis Gabriel Taliaferro, the soldier son, enlisted for service in the United States Army, Aug. 15, 1918. He was sent to Camp Jackson, S. C, and was there attached to Company A, First Regiment, Fifth Division, when the signing of the armistice ended hostilities, and his command was mustered out and he returned home to resume the pursuits of peace.

William Kahle, a leading farmer and stockman of Clarks Fork township, and a member of one of Cooper County's respected pioneer families, was born in Germany, Oct. 16, 1847. He is a son of Henry and Elizabeth Kahle, both natives of Germany. The mother died in her native land in 1852; three years later Henry Kahle came to America with his family and settled in St. Louis County, Mo. In 1857 he came to Cooper County and settled in Clarks Fork township, where he bought a farm of 40 acres from Joel Hurt, for which he paid $5.00 per acre. This land is now owned by Charles Schubert. Upon this place Henry Kahle built a log cabin and cleared about 10 acres of ground. He died in 1860 and his remains are buried in a private burial ground on the Muntzel farm in Clarks Fork township. The children born to Henry and Elizabeth Kahle were as follows : Sophia ; Henry ; Mrs. Mena Lohman, Reno, 111. ; Mrs. Bettie Obuch, who died in Texas, and William, the subject of this sketch.

William Kahle was the youngest of the family, and after his father's death he lived with Peter Muntzel for about seven years. He attended school in the Washington and Crabapple school district and in early life was employed as a farm laborer at wages ranging from $15.00 to $25.00 per month. He bought his first land in 1873 with Herman Toellner as a partner. This farm consisted of 150 acres for which they paid $35 per acre. Later Mr. Kahle sold his interest to Mr. Toellner. In 1881 he purchased 87 acres and later added to his acreage until he now owns 625 acres, located in Clarks Fork. North Moniteau and Kelly townships, comprising some of the most valuable land in Cooper County. There are two sets of farm improvements on Mr. Kahle's place all of which are of good substantial character, including residences, barns and other buildings.

a daughter of John and Anna (Schmalfeldt) Kunrath both natives of Germany, where they spent their lives and are now deceased. They were the parents of the following children: Johanna, the wife of William Kahle, whose name introduces this sketch ; Elizabeth who died at the age of 21 ; Catherine and John. Mrs. Kahle came to this country in company with her uncle, John King, when she was 17 years of age. To Mr. and Mrs. Kahle have been born children as follows: Mrs. Lizzie Ohlendorf; Anna, died at the age of 40 years ; Christine, married Henry Lohse ; Dora, married Clarence Hosp ; Minnie married He"nry Twillman; Henry J., who resides on the home place ; Herman F. ; Albert ; Adolph ; Stella and William J. Herman F. served in the World War. He was inducted into the National Army in Sept., 1917 and became a member of Company L. ssGth Infantry, 89th Division. He reached France with his command in June, 1918, and participated in much of the important fighting as a privatemechanic during the closing months of the war. He was at the battle of Argonne Forest, the St. Mihiel drive, and the Meuse River and was at the battle front when the armistice was signed. He was honorably discharged from the service at Camp Funston, June 11, 1919, and is now at home.

William Kahle has had an active and successful career and has seen much of the development of this section of the state. He has a distinct recollection, as a boy, of the stirring days of the Civil War. He remembers the killing of Christ Fricke and Henry Schulte by guerrillas during the war. Mr. Fricke owned the farm now owned by Charles Schubert and Henry Schulte was working for him when the tragedy took place.

Henry Fahrenbrink, now deceased, was a Cooper County citizen of sterling worth, who contributed his share to the upbuilding and development of this county. He was a native of Germany, born near Westphalia, July 8, 1842. He was reared to manhood in his native land and immigrated to America in 1866. He came directly to Cooper County, Mo., where for a time he worked as a farm laborer. Later he rented land, the first farm which he operated being the Clawson farm, which is now owned by George Brandes. He operated rented land extensively, at one time farming over 800 acres. In 1875 he purchased 425 acres of the Colonel Pope farm. He improved this place extensively, erecting farm buildings and setting out trees until he made of it one of the best improved farms in the county. In 1893 he erected a large modern residence, with all modern conveniences. He was a successful farmer and stockman. He fed cattle extensively and met with success in his undertakings. He was a substantial citizen and a member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Lone Elm. He died July 8, 1907, and his remains are buried in the Lone Elm cemetery.

March 28, 1873, Henry Fahrenbrink was united in marriage with Miss Magdalena Schnack, a native of Holstein, Germany. She was born Feb. 24. 1852, a daughter of Christian and Magdalena (Pengle) Schnack, both natives of Holstein. Mrs. Fahrenbrink came to America when she was 18 years of age, with the family of John King, who were neighbors of the Schnack family in their native land. Her transportation to this country cost $66.00 and she worked one year after coming here to pay it.

To Henry and Magdalena Fahrenbrink were born the following children: Christ W., a sketch of whom appears in this volume; H. H., a sketch of whom also appears in this volume ; H. W., a mining man of Yuma, Ariz. ; Mrs. A. C. Brandes ; Lena, resides at home with her mother, and Julius J., who operates the home place.

Julius J. Fahrenbrink was reared on the home farm and educated in the Jefferson school and parochial school of Lone Elm. Since he was 18 years of age he has had charge of the home place and has demonstrated his capability as a manager and successful farmer and stockman. He raises Shorthorn cattle, Spotted Poland China hogs, and brown leghorn chickens.

The Fahrenbrink farm was one of the first places settled in the vicinity of Lone Elm Prairie. At the time Colonel Pope located on this land it was generally believed by the settlers that prairie land was not productive, or, at least, that it was impractical to undertake to farm it. This theory was one of the many delusions of the early pioneers. When Mr. Fahrenbrink bought this land he paid $24.50 per acre for it. The place is well improved with a good residence, ample barns and other farm buildings, although one of the bams was destroyed by fire March 22, 1918.

The Fahrenbrinks are numbered among the leading citizens of Cooper County and Julius J. Fahrenbrink is one of the progressive young men of the community.

A. J. White, a prominent farmer and stockman of Kelly township, was born in Moniteau County, Dec. 25, 1865. He is a son of Stephen ancr Martha (Robertson) White.

A. J. White was educated in the public schools of Moniteau County, and since early manhood has been engaged in farming and stock raising. He purchased his present place in Kelly township, which is known as the Tipton Loop Farm, in 1899. This farm was formerly the property of

Charles Dunaway and since buying the place Mr. White has made many valuable improvements, including a good eight room residence, a barn 40x50 feet and a silo built of concrete block, with a capacity of 135 tons. Mr. White raises cattle, hogs and horses, and carries on general farming, and has met with success. He is one of the prosperous farmers of Kelly township.

March 8, 1898, A. J. White was married to Martha Bear, a daughter of J. H. and Mary D. (Morris) Bear. To Mr. and Mrs. White have been born two daughters, Blanche, married George Tutt, Bunceton, and Maude, resides at home with her parents. The W"hite family are members of the Baptist Church at Tipton, and rank among the representative families of this section.

William F. Schmalfeldt, proprietor of "Alfalfa Valley Farm," in Clark's Fork township, is one of the leading farmers of Cooper County. He was born on a farm near Lone Elm in 1871, son of Otto and Polly (Arnold) Schmalfeldt, the latter of whom is living at Lone Elm.

Otto Schmalfeldt, a Union veteran of the Civil War, was born at Honerkirchen, Germany, March 4, 1842, and was about 18 years of age when he came to this country accompanied by his sister and brother John, another brother dying while crossing the Atlantic. He settled in this county, where he was living when the Civil War broke out. He enlisted in the Union army, and served until the close of the war. The gun which he carried is still preserved in the family, now in the possession of his grandson. Otto Schmalfeldt. At the close of the war, Otto Schmalfeldt located on a farm at Lone' Elm and there spent the remainder of his life, his death occurring on Jan. 14, 1874, and his body lies in Clarks Fork Cemetery. His widow later married Peter Smith. She was born in Holmes County, Ohio, Dec. 18, 1850, and was about 16 years of age when she came to this county with her parents, Daniel Arnold and wife, after the close of the Civil War. By her marriage to Otto Schmalfeldt she was the mother of three children: J. H. Schmalfeldt, who died at the age of 32 years ; William F., and Mrs. Christina Freiling, of Speed, Mo. By her marriage to Peter Smith she was the mother of two children, Mrs. Margaret Friedmyer, now living at California, Mo., and M. D. Smith, who owns the old Schmalfeldt farm at Lone Elm.

William F. Schmalfeldt was reared on the home farm, and received his early schooling in the public school at Lone Grove and the parochial school at Clarks Fork and Prairie Home Institute. From boyhood, Mr. Schmalfeldt has followed farming, beginning on rented land. He con-

.tinued as a renter until 1900, when he purchased from Frank George the farm of 184 acres, in Clarks Fork township, on which he has since lived. This land was entered by Peter T. Bowler, who in 1840 sold 120 acres, the tract on which the farm house stands, for $600 to David Smith, who in 1882 sold the same tract to Frank George for $1,800. In 1912 he purchased a 60-acre tract of Levi Arnold, and later, in 1918, he bought 76 acres from J. T. Patterson. Mr. Schmalfeldt has given the very appropriate name of "Alfalfa Valley Farm" to his place, owing to the luxuriance of the growth of alfalfa there, his fields having given him as high as five cuttings a season, the first cutting coming in the middle of May. Mr. Schmalfeldt has remodeled the buildings, erected a new tenant house, built adequate fences, and made other improvements. He has his house piped for both hard and soft water, has an acetyline gas plant for lighting purposes, and his basement is fitted with furnace and laundry. In addition to his general farming he gives considerable attention to the raising of live stock. Mr. Schmalfeldt has 180 head of pure-bred Chester White hogs. He has been a breeder of O. I. C. hogs since 1902, and in 1918 began to sell registered hogs. He is making a specialty of registered stock, and has some of the best hogs in Missouri. An accurate record of the "Alfalfa Valley Drove" is kept by Mrs. Schmalfeldt.

Oct. 4, 1894, William F. Schmalfeldt was united in marriage to Anna Brandes, who was born in this county on April 23, 1873, daughter of Christian H. and Sarah (Willshire) Brandes, the latter of whom, born in New Zealand and reared in Melbourne, Australia, is still living, making her home at Lone Elm. She was born on Feb. 28, 1847. Christian H. Brandes, who died at his home in this county, Nov. 9, 1902, and is buried at Lone Elm, was a native of Germany, and in young manhood went to Australia, where he married Sarah Willshire, and later came to this country to join relatives who had located in this county. The trip from Australia occupied six months, and he made a careful record of the incidents of the long journey, that record now being carefully preserved by the family. Upon his arrival here, Christian H. Brandes became engaged in farming, and here spent the remainder of his life. He and his wife had 10 children, as follows: Mrs. Chris T. Smith, of Bunceton ; Mrs. Sophia Hall, of Cotton; E. N. Brandes, of Kansas City; Mrs. Schmalfeldt ; Mrs. Florence Martin, deceased; Mrs. Emily Mansager, of Jewell, Iowa; Esther, wife of Andrew C. Smith, of Lone Elm; Henry, of Macon, Mo.; Walter, of Lone Elm; and Speer, on the home place. To Mr. and Mrs. (41)

Schmalfelclt five children have been born, namely : Ethel G., born on June 21, 1896, married Henry Toellner, of Clarks Fork township; Emma C, March 25, 1898, wife of P. W. Loesing, of same township; Edward L., June 20, 1899, on the home farm ; Florence N., Jan. 17, 1904, also at home; and Helen E., Sept. 28, 1912, died Sept. 13, 1915. The Schmalfeldts are members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church at Clarks Fork, and Mr. Schmalfeldt is a member of the board of trustees.

John N. Whitlow, proprietor of a well improved farm of 265 acres in LaMine township, was born in Metcalf County, Ky., April 4, 1867, son of James A. and Martha L. (Pedigo) Whitlow. James A. Whitlow was born in Metcalf County, Ky., Jan. 24, 1830. He grew up a farmer in his native state and remained there until in 1874, when he came to Missouri and located in Cooper County, arriving here with his family February 14th of that same year, settling on the farm now owned by his son, John, who has thus been a resident of that place for 45 years. There James A. Whitlow was begining to develop his farm when death interrupted his labors in Jan., 1876. His widow kept the family together and is still living on the home place. She was born in Henry County, Va., Jan. 24, 1830, and was 11 years of age when her parents moved into Kentucky, where she grew to womanhood and married. To James A. Whitlow and wife were born 10 children, of whom the subject of this sketch was the eighth in order of birth.

John N. Whitlow was eight years of age when he came with his parents to Cooper County from Kentucky and here he has resided ever since. He was but 10 years of age when his father died and he thus early had to take his part in the labors of maintaining the home place. About 1889 he bought 100 acres of his present farm, a part of the place which his father had bought upon coming to Cooper County, and to this he has added until now he is the owner of a fine farm of 265 acres, which he has improved in excellent fashion, the improvements including a new and modern dwelling house, a silo and other improvements in keeping with the same. Mr. Whitlow is a Democrat.

Feb. 26, 1902, John N. Whitlow was united in marriage to Ada L. Gorrell, who was born in this county April 30, 1872, daughter of Amos Gorrell and wife, of whom further mention is made in this volume, and to this union seven children have been born, namely : Martha C, Jesse E., Wilbur R., Louise L., Ada S., Linnie Oma and Woodrow.

Andrew C. Smith, proprietor of an excellent farm in Clarks Fork township, is one of the progressive and wideawake farmers of Cooper County. He was born on a farm in the Lone Elm neighborhood, Oct. 10,

1878, son of Henry and Julia (Hosp) Smith, both of whom live in Boonville, where they have resided since their retirement from the farm. Henry Smith is a native of Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, and was a grown man when he came to this country with his father, Claus Schmidt, and located in this county. A few months after coming here, in 1877, he married Julia Hosp, twin sister of Julius Hosp and daughter of Andrew and Amelia (Sombart) Hosp, and after his marriage settled on a farm near Lone Elm, where he lived until his retirement some years ago and removal to Boonville. Mrs. Smith was born at Boonville, where her father had located upon coming to this country from his native Germany. Her mother also was born in Germany and was about three years of age when her parents came to America. To Henry Smith and wife were born four sons, the last born of whom, Charles, died when two years of age, the others, besides the subject of this sketch (the first born), being William, of Bunceton, and George, who continues to make his home on the Henry Smith farm, near Lone Elm.

Andrew C. Smith received his schooling in the local parochial school and in the Washington District School in Clarks Fork township. In 1901 he bought the farm on which he is now living and after his marriage, in the following year, established his home there. Mr. Smith has a well cultivated place of 120 acres, six miles east and north of Bunceton and since has made numerous substantial improvements on the place, including the rebuilding of the farm house, the erection of a barn, the drilling of a deep well, the erection of a garage and other buildings. In addition to his general farming, he gives considerable attention to the raising of live stock. He has served on the local school board. He and his family are members of the Lone Elm Lutheran Church.

In 1902 Andrew C. Smith was united in marriage to Esther Brandes, who was born in this county, daughter of Chris and Sarah Brandes, the latter of whom is still living near Lone Elm. Chris Brandes died in 1902. He and his wife had nine children, of whom Mrs. Smith is the youngest, the others being as follows: Edward, Kansas City; Henry, Macon; Walter, Bunceton; Speer, Bunceton; Augusta, wife of Chris T. Smith, of this county; Sophia, wife of John Hall; Emalina, married M. J. Mansager, resides in Iowa ; Anna, wife of William Schmalfeldt, Clarks Fork, and Mrs. Florence Martin, deceased. To Andrew C. and Esther (Brandes) Smith have been born two children, Raymond and Elvadene Ruth. Besides these, they are rearing two children of Mrs. Smith's deceased sister Florence, Edna and Spencer Martin. Edward Martin, father of these children, is now living in St. Louis.

William Meyer, one of Cooper County's most prosperous and prominent farmers and stockmen, was born in Moniteau County, April 9, 1858, a son of Henry and Anna (Bahlmann) Meyer, the former a native of Hanover, Germany, and the latter of Oldenberg, Germany.

Henry Meyer immigrated to America after his marriage to Anna Bahlmann, in 1842, and he and his wife located in New Orleans, La., moving thence to St. Louis, and from there to Moniteau County, where Mr. Meyer entered a tract of land comprising 200 acres, to which he later added 100 acres, acquired by purchase He sold the farm in Moniteau County after farming there for several years, and moved to Cooper County, where he settled on the farm now the country place of his son, William, the subject of this sketch. Henry Meyer resided in Cooper County from 1867 to the time of his death. During the Civil War, he served with the Home Guards in Moniteau County. He was a very successful farmer and stockman, and was highly regarded in Cooper County. The children of Henry and Anna Meyer are as follows: Mary, who died in childhood ; Catherine, the wife of John Schnuck, of Boonville ; Elizabeth, who died in infancy; Levina, the wife of Christian Muntzel, of Black water; Sophia, the wife of Henry Friedmeyer, and she is now deceased ; Louise, now deceased, the wife of Henry Molau ; George, deceased ; Henry, Jr., and Ana, twins, deceased; and William, the subject of this sketch.

William Meyer was educated in the public schools of Cooper County. Practically his entire life thus far has been spent in farming and stockraising in Clarks Fork township. He is the proprietor of "Buena Vista Stock Farm," located eight miles southeast of Boonville in Clarks Fork township, a place comprising 425 acres of valuable land, equipped with two sets of improvements, all of which have been placed on the farm by Mr. Meyer, the buildings including a handsome two -story residence, three bams, and a tenant house. The farm is very neatly kept, the land is well watered and stocked, an ideal stock farm. Mr. Meyer has, at the time of this writing in 1919, 400 head of sheep of good quality, Jersey cattle, and Poland China hogs. Mr. Meyer and his son, Elmer, in partnership, have conducted stock sales at the "Buena Vista Stock Farm," in connection with W. B. Windsor and C. N. Menefee, and in cataloguing the stock, the Meyer cattle and hogs invariably ranked as the best quality.