Cooper County, Missouri - Biographical sketches, 1919 (part 14 of 24)

Willard A. Worts was reared on the farm and received his schooling in the district schools and the Boonville High School. He has followed farming on his own account since he reached manhood ; for some years he has given special attention to the breeding of Duroc Jersey hogs and is said to have the largest herd of Durocs in Cooper County and has calls for his breeding stock from Oklahoma, Texas, Illinois, Arizona, Kansas, Tennessee, Arkansas and from all parts of Missouri, selling as many as 150 breeders a year. In 1902, Mr. Worts bought "Grand View" farm, his present well-improved place of 85 acres in LaMine township, and in 1913 he began to pay particular attention to the breeding of Durocs. He now (1919) has a fine herd of 225 registered hogs and his pens are said to be the best in the county. Mr. Worts is a member of the National Duroc Jersey Record Association, of Peoria, 111. He is a democrat.

On Sept. 14, 1902, Willard A. Worts was united in marriage to Anna Elizabeth Sims, who was born in Howard County. Mrs. Worts is a daughter of John J. and Mary (Overstreet) Sims, both members of old families in Howard County and the latter of whom is now living in LaMine township.

Armstead Lee Kincaid, one of LaMine township's well known and progressive farmers and the proprietor of a well kept place of 320 acres in that township, is a native of Kentucky, but has been a resident of Missouri and of Cooper County since 1860. He was born in Montgomery County, Ky., April 14, 1849, son of George W. and Frances M. (Collins) Kincaid, both of whom spent their last days in Cooper County.

George W. Kincaid was born in Kentucky, Sept., 1813, and there married Frances M. Collins, who was bom in that state in 1818. They made their home in Kentucky until 1860. when they came to Missouri and located on the farm now owned and occupied by Armstead L. Kincaid, where they spent the remainder of their lives, Mr. Kincaid dying in 1893 and his widow in 1905. They were the parents of seven children, of whom but two grew to maturity, the subject of this sketch and his brother, the late Richard Franklin Kincaid.

Armstead L. Kincaid was 11 years of age when he came into Cooper County with his parents and he was reared on the home farm in LaMine township, completing his schooling in the district schools. Upon attain- ing manhood he remained on the farm and in time came into possession of the same by inheritance. He has made excellent improvements on the place and has done well in his farming operations. Mr. Kincaid is a democrat and is a member of the Church of Christ.

Dec. 23, 1891, Armstead L. Kincaid was united in marriage with Mattie Sanders Lawless, whose first husband was Doctor Hutchinson, of Boonville. Mrs. Kincaid was born in this county in 1860 and died in 1905. By her union with Mr. Kincaid three children were born: Frances, wife of Elmer Schuster, LaMine township ; Nellie L., wife of Speed Mellor, LaMine township and Georgia May, who is at home with her father.

William P. Harris, who died at his home in LaMine township in the late fall of 1901 and whose widow is still making her home on the place was born in that township and there spent all his life, becoming a wellto-do farmer and the owner of a fine farm of 173 acres, which his widow is continuing to manage with success. William P. Harris was born Sept. 2, 1857, son of William J. and Sallie (McMahan) Harris, and was the second in order of birth of the five children, the others being Samantha, wife of John B. Harris, of Fulton; Sterling P., Sedalia; Thomas A., of LaMine township, and Leona, who died in infancy. William J. Harris was twice married and by his second wife, Lizzie Lake, was the father of two daughters, Stella and Ada, both deceased.

William P. Harris grew up in LaMine township and received his schooling in the district schools. As a young man he began fai-ming on his own account. In 1895 he bought the farm of 173 acres on which he spent his last days and had made extensive improvements. He died Nov. 25, 1901, at 44 years of age. Mr. Hams was a democrat and had always taken an active interest in the general civic affairs of his home county. He was a member of the Woodmen of the World and of the Modern Brotherhood of America. Since her husband's death Mrs. Harris has been in management of the home farm and has made numerous improvements on the place, including the remodeling of the house and the erection of a silo, she and her children now having an excellent farm.

Mrs. Harris was born in Saline County, Feb. 13, 1862, fourth in order of birth of the nine children, four sons and five daughters, born to Thomas L. and Bettie (Gregory) Kincheloe. Thomas L. Kincheloe was born" in Howard County, April 16, 1822, and came to Cooper County with his parents when a boy. He became a successful farmer and died April 19, 1910. His wife died Dec. 23, 1884, the day on which their daughter Anna was united in marriage to William P. Harris. She was born in Saline county April 1, 1831, the Kincheloes and the Gregorys were early pioneers of this section.

To William P. and Anna (Kincheloe) Harris were born five children: Edna, wife of William J. Harris, of LaCrosse, Wis. ; Amy, who is at home assisting her mother; Elmer and Elwood, twins, the former of whom is farming in LaMine township and the latter remaining on the home farm superintending the management of the same, and Nellie, wife of H. Brockway, of LaMine township.

Thomas B. Gibson, a retired merchant of Blackwater, veteran of the Mexican War and of the Civil War, and the oldest living settler of LaMine township, is a native of Virginia, but has been a resident of this region since his boyhood. He was born at the headquarters of the James River in Louisa County, Va., Jan. 21, 1830, son of William B. and Susan J. (Turner) Gibson, who came to Howard County with their family in the year of 1839.

William B. Gibson was born in Virginia, as was his wife. He was a son of William B. Gibson, a soldier of the Revolutionary War, and grew up in his native state, becoming a brick mason and plasterer by trade. About 1839 he settled in what is now Howard County, where he spent the rest of his life. He died in Howard County and his widow later died in California. They were the parents of seven children, of whom Thomas B. is the only survivor.

Thomas B. Gibson was about nine or 10 years old when his parents came to Missouri and he grew up familiar with pioneer conditions. He was 18 years old when the Mexican War broke out and he enlisted and was attached to a supply train, as a herdsman for the government. While in that service he participated in an Indian fight on the Kansas plains. Attached to his supply train, made up of live yoke of oxen, hauling provisions for the soldiers, were 25 men. One morning about sunrise the night's camp was disturbed by a maurading band of Indians and a brisk fight ensued, the redskins presently being driven off without casualties to the freighters. Upon his discharge from the service at the close of the war young Gibson returned home. He married in 1859 and continued farming, being thus engaged when the Civil War broke out. Toward the close of the war he enlisted on the side of the Confederacy, being first attached to the cavalry and later to the infantry, and was with the army in Louisiana when the surrender came. Upon his return he bought his present farm in LaMine township. The next year he and his brotherin-law, John T. Redd, opened a store on the Santa Fe trail at a point above the LaMine River - the place now owned by Sims Brothers - and there he and Mr. Redd were engaged in business for 17 years, when they moved their stock to Blackwater, where for ten years they were engaged in selling goods. Mr. Gibson then sold his interest and retired from business. He always lived on his farm in LaMine township, where he has since been making his home.

Mr. Gibson has a well improved place of 320 acres. As one of the oldest surviving pioneers of this region he has many interesting stories to tell of the old days of the plains and of the Santa Fe Trail and is a veritable storehouse of reminiscence. In 1849 he crossed the plains, driving a six mule team from Arrow Rock, Mo., to California and returned to Missouri via Panama, in 1853.

In Dec, 1859, Thomas B. Gibson was married to Lucy A. Redd, who was bom in this county, and died in Feb., 1903, at the age of 65 years. To that union were born two children : William B. and Mollie T., the latter of whom married W. R. Scott and is now deceased. Mrs. Scott left one child, a son, Gibson Scott, of Marshall.

William B. Gibson, who was named for his grandfather and for his Revolutionary great-grandfather, was born on the farm on which he is now living in LaMine township, Dec. 18, 1860, and has lived there all his life, since the days of his young manhood managing the place for his father. He married Mary C. McPherson, who was born at Boonville, and has five sons. William McPherson, Robert, LeRoy, Henry Thomas, Arthur Chandler and John Elliot.

William H. Haun, a veteran of the Civil War, who died at his home in Pilot Grove township in the spring of 1890, and whose widow is still living on the home place, which is now managed by her elder son, Albert L. Haun, former clerk of Circuit Court of Cooper County, was an influential and useful citizens of this county. He was bom on a farm in Holmes County, Ohio, Aug. 15, 1841, son of John Haun and wife, the latter of whom was a Shank, who were the parents of 12 children, of whom six grew to maturity. John Haun was bom in Pennsylvania, and was early left an orphan. About 1830 he went to Ohio, was married and engaged in farming in Holmes County, and there he and his wife spent their last days.

interest in the cause of education, his labors in that behalf, after becoming a resident of Cooper County, having contributed largely to the elevation of the standards of the schools of Pilot Grove township in an earlier day. He was not 20 years of age when the Civil War broke out, and shortly after passing his 20th birthday he enlisted Sept. 7, 1861, and went to the front as a private in Company F, 19th Ohio Volunteer Infantry, with which command he served until mustered out at Columbus, Ohio, Jan. 27, 1865. During this long military service Mr. Haun's regiment participated in many of the most important engagements of the Civil War, including Shiloh, Tenn., April 6-7, 1862; the occupation of Corinth, Miss., May 30, 1862; Stone River, Dec. 31, 1862; Liberty Gap, June 25, 1863; Chickamauga, Sept. 19-20, 1863; Mission Ridge, Rocky Face, Cassville, Pickett's Mill, Kenesaw Mountain, Hood's first sortie toward Atlanta, Lovejoy Station, Franklin. On Dec. 26, 1864, he was permitted to return home on a furlough, and was mustered out a month later. During the battle of Chickamauga, Sept. 20, 1863, Mr. Haun was captured by the enemy and for 15 months was confined in Libby Prison and later at Andersonville. Upon the completion of his military service, William H. Haun returned to his home in Holmes County, Ohio, and resumed his place on the farm. During the following winter he taught a term of school in his home neighborhood, and in the spring of 1866 came to Missouri and bought a tract of timber land in section 24 of Pilot Grove township, with a view to clearing off a farm there and establishing his home. He built a log cabin on the place, and with his plans for a home thus well started returned to Ohio, married the girl of his choice, and with his bride returned to his timber tract in Pilot Grove township, and there he and his wife started their home-making in true pioneer fashion. It was no small job to clear the place of its heavy growth of timber, but Mr. Haun was dilligent, and it was not long until he had a tillable farm. He presently erected a better and more commodious house, as the needs of his growing family demanded, and later erected a third and modern house on the place, the other improvements of which also were in keeping with his progressive notions of farming. During the earlier years of his residence in this county, Mr. Haun devoted much of his leisure to an extension of the cultural development of the community in which he had settled, and as a pioneer teacher of music did much toward the bringing about of wholesome social conditions. He was an ardent Methodist, as is his widow, and was ever an active and earnest participant in church work, doing what he could to advance all good causes in the community. He was a republican and ever took a good citizen's part in local civic affairs. On the farm which he carved out of the woods there in Pilot Grove township, this good man spent the remainder of his life, his death occurring there on March 30, 1890, and at his passing there was sincere mourning in the community.

Aug. 30, 1866, William H. Haun was united in marriage, in Holmes County, Ohio, with Salome M. Shutt, who was born in that county. To that union were bom seven children, two of whom died in infancy, the other being as follows: Albert L., is now managing the home place; Adella F., married W. E. Geary, St. Louis ; Hattie Belle, and Eula Martha, at home with their mother; and William H., Grand Junction, Colo. Mrs. Haun, who is now in the 76th year of her age, and who has witnessed the development of this region since the days of her coming here, shortly after the close of the Civil War, was born Oct. 1, 1843, a daughter of John and Susan (Bell) Shutt, natives of Maryland, who located in Holmes County, Ohio, after their marriage, and there spent the remainder of their lives.

Albert L. Haun, elder son of William H. and Salome M. (Shutt) Haun, was born on the home farm in Pilot Grove township, this county, Dec. 5, 1867, and there grew to manhood. His early schooling was received in the Prairie View District School, and was supplemented by a course in the Pilot Grove Academy, followed by a course in the Gem City Business College, Quincy, 111. Following the death of his father, he assumed the responsibility of carrying on the operations of the home farm, and was also engaged for four or five winters as a teacher of district schools in his home neighborhood. Mr. Haun is an active worker in the ranks of the republican party in Cooper County, and in February, 1903, was appointed deputy clerk of the Circuit Court, a position he occupied for eight years, or until his election in 1910 as clerk of the Circuit Court and recorder of deeds. By successive re-elections Mr. Haun continued to serve in this important public capacity until Jan. 5, 1919, when his last term of office expired, and he returned to the home farm, to the management of which he is now giving his attention. Mr. Haun is a member of the local lodges of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and of the Modern Woodmen of America at Boonville.

Fountain Durrett Smith, a substantial farmer and stockman of La- Mine township, was born in that township and has lived there all his life. He was born on July 1, 1867, son of Nicholas and Lucy (Higgerson)

Smith, who were the parents of six children as follows : Travis, deceased ; DeWitt, of Kansas City, Mo.; Edward D., of LaMine township; Laura, wife of L. T. Sites, LaMine township; Fountan D.; and Ada, wife of P. Davidson, of Kansas City, Mo.

Reared on the home farm in LaMine township, Fountain D. Smith received his schooling in the Oakwood district school and as a young man began farming on his own account, renting land until he bought his present farm. He now has a well-improved place of 260 acres and in addition to his general farming has given considerable attention to the breeding of Poland China hogs, his operations along both lines having been carried on successfully. Mr. Smith is a democrat and has ever given a good citizen's attention to local civic affairs. He is a member of the Woodmen o fthe World.

Oct. 26, 1892, Fountain D. Smith was united in marriage to Margaret Kincheloe, who was born in this county, daughter of Thomas and Bettie (Gregory) Kincheloe and twin sister of Jesse Kincheloe, of LaMine township, further reference to which family is made elsewhere in this work. To this union have been born two children, daughters, Marie and Rowena, both of whom are at home.

Edward D. Smith, a substantial farmer and landowner of LaMine township and constable for that township, and for many years a railroad surveyor, was born in LaMine township and has always regarded that as his home, though during the time of his connection with railroad work he was required to be away a great deal of his time. He was born on March 4, 1862, a son of Nicholas Smith, for many years one of LaMine township's best known citizens.

Reared on the home farm in LaMine township, Edward D. Smith received his schooling in the local schools and early became interested in civil engineering, becoming a competent surveyor. In addition to local work performed by him along that line, about twenty years ago Mr. Smith became employed as a railroad surveyor and for four or five years was thus engaged. During this time he helped to locate and build the railroad from Boonville to Lexington, as well as the road from Boonville to Jefferson City, and also helped to lay the bridge across the Arkansas River at Ft. Smith. Upon the completion of this service Mr. Smith returned to the home farm and has since devoted his attention to agricultural pursuits, in which he has been quite successful, being now the owner of a fine farm of 120 acres. For 14 years Mr. Smith had charge of the highways of district 14 in LaMine township. He is a democrat and in

1912 was elected constable, a position which he still holds, having been re-elected at successive elections. He is affiliated with the Boonville lodge, Woodmen of the World.

Mr. Smith's wife died in 1910. She also was born in LaMine township, this county, Ida Higgsorn, daughter of C. C. and Mary (Herndon) Higgsorn, Virginians, who became residents of this county many years ago. To Mr. and Mrs. Smth four children were born : Jessie, deceased ; Mary, who is at home presiding over the affairs of her father's household, and Ray and Edward Lee, also at home.

Jesse Lee Kincheloe, a well-known farmer and stockman of LaMine township, was born in that township Aug. 18, 1869, son of Thomas L. and Bettie (Gregory) Kincheloe,

Thomas L. Kincheloe was a veteran of the Civil War, in the service of the Confederacy, a private in E Company of Wood's Regiment of Missouri Cavalry, in the Trans-Mississippi Army, and served until his command was surrendered at Shreveport, La., June 9, 1865. Mr. Kincheloe then came up the river to St. Louis and thence returned to his home in LaMine township, where he spent the rest of his life, successfully engaged in farming. He died April 19, 1910. He and his wife were the parents of nine children, namely: William J., deceased; Victoria, who married Capt. L. J. Sites and is now deceased; Tasso, deceased; Anna, widow of the late William P. Harris, of LaMine township; Thomas Ludwell, Jr., deceased; Mrs. Catherine Lucas, of Colorado; Jesse L., the subject of this sketch, and his twin sister, Mrs. Margaret Smith, and Mrs. Bettie Diggs, of LaMine township.

Jesse L. Kincheloe received his schooling in the district schools and as a young man became engaged as a farm hand for the first three years, working for W. B. Collins and losing but 18 days during that period. Following his marriage in 1894, Mr. Kincheloe rented a farm and began farming on his own account and in 1901 bought a farm. Since then he has bought and improved five or six different farms, in each instance selling to advantage, and now has a well-improved farm of 80 acres on which in addition to his general farming he gives considerable attention to the raising of pure-bred Aberdeen-Angus cattle and Duroc Jersey hogs. Mr. Kincheloe is a democrat. He and his family are members of the Baptist Church and belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Modern Woodmen of America.

Jan. 18, 1894, Jesse L. Kincheloe was married to Lottie Lee Eades, who was born in this county, Dec. 24, 1873, and to this union four children have been bom : Thomas Collins, deceased ; Margaret May, Eugene Fields and Jessie Lee. Mrs. Kincheloe is a daughter of Horace and Eugenia (Brisco) Eades, who came to this county from Kentucky years ago and who are now living retired at Blackwater.

Henry Green Fray, a well-known and substantial farmer and stockman of LaMine township, was born within a stone's throw of the house in which he is now living, July 3, 1861, son of John A. and Martha (Herndon) Fray, both members of Missouri pioneer families. John A. Fray was born at Huntsville, Mo., in 1835 and in 1850 came to Cooper County, where he spent the remainder of his life. When a young man he bought 160 acres of "Congress" land, the place now owned by Mrs. Susan M. Woodruff, in LaMine township. Later he bought other land adjoining and became well-to-do. He died on that place in 1905. His widow died in 1907, aged 68 years. She was a member of one of the first families of Cooper County, the Herndons having been among the very first of the Virginia contingent to settle in LaMine township. John A. Fray and his wife were the parents of nine children: Susan F., wife of F. W. Vawter, Parkville; Katherine, wife of John P. Cully, Kansas City, Mo.; Benjamin A., Marshall; John W., Fayette; DeWitt C, Kansas City; and Harry G.

Henry G. Fray was reared in LaMine township and educated in the district schools. He remained on the home place until 1885, when he bought 240 acres of the home place from his father. In 1890, he sold that farm and bought another portion of the home place, just across the road south, and in 1911 bought the quarter section on which he is now living. In addition to his general farming, Mr. Fray has for years been dealing in live stock and has been successful. He is a stockholder in the Bank of Blackwater and takes a keen interest in the general business affairs of the community. He is a democrat.

Feb. 9, 1885, Henry G. Fray was united in marriage with Dora Pierce, who was born near Fayette, in June, 1859, and to this union one child was born, Martha, wife of Henry M. Wing.

Gustav F. Boiler, treasurer of the Hirsch Wholesale Grocery Company, Inc., of Boonville, is one of the progressive young business men of Cooper County. He was born on a farm in Boonville township Nov. 4, 1887, son of Fred J. and Dora (Wehling) Roller. Fred J. Boiler is of European birth, born in Nassau on April 10, 1844, but has been a resident of this country since he was four years of age, his parents, Henry J. and Johnetta Boiler, having left their native land and come to America with their family in 1849, after the unsuccessful revolution of 1848, and sought conditions more to their liking in this land of free men. Upon their arrival in this country the Boilers located in Cooper County. Fred J. Boiler grew up in this county and developed his interests here. He was a farmer for 50 years, in Boonville township, until his retirement anc removal to Boonville, where he and his wife are now living. March 18, 1872, Fred J. Boiler married Dora Wehling, who was bora in St. Louis, Aug. 23, 1855, daughter of Christian and Christine Wehling, both natives of Germany, and to this union were born eight children: August, deceased; Sophia, widow of the late F. S. Brommer, resides in Boonville; Fred, deceased ; William, deceased ; Laura L., wife of Lewis Moehle, Boonville; Nettie, wife of Frank Hirlinger, Boonville; Gustav F. ; and Matilda, living with her parents.

Gustav F. Boiler received his schooling in the district schools of Boonville, graduating from the high school in 1905. In the meantime, he had been giving his attention to commercial pursuits and upon leaving school became engaged as a clerk in the Hirlinger bakery at Boonville, also working as a bookkeeper at the Boonville elevator. In 1907, he became employed as shipping clerk for the Hirsch Wholesale Grocer Company and was advanced to the position of bookkeeper and general office assistant. In 1914, Mr. Boiler became a stockholder in the Hirsch Company and was elected treasurer, a position he since has occupied, in addition to which duty he also, for the past two or three years, has acted as general city salesman for the big wholesale house and traveling representative for the same. Mr. Boiler is a republican. He and his wife are members of the Evangelical Church, and he is one of the trustees of that church. He belongs to the Knights of Pythias and the Ancient Order of United Workmen.

Nov. 4, 1908, Gustav F. Boiler was united in marriage to Clara M. Goodman, of Boonville, and to this union one child was born, Goodman F. Boiler, born on Oct. 5, 1910. Mrs. Boiler was born in Boonville and was graduated from the high school there. Her parents, Thomas W. and Amelia (Thoma) Goodman, are living in Boonville; both were born in Cooper County.

Frank Schuster, one of LaMine township's most progressive farmers and proprietors of "Good Hope" farm was born in LaMine township. His father, Moritz Schuster, to whom reference is made in this volume, died in the spring of 1915, was a veteran of the Civil War and a son of one of the pioneers of the LaMine township, he having been but five years of age when his parents came to this country in 1849 and located in this county and spent the remainder of their lives. Moritz Schuster and his wife, Rachel Hildebrant, a native of Virginia, were the parents of nine children, seven of whom are still living.

Frank Schuster received his schooling in the Hickerson district school and from boyhood gave his attention to farm life. He married in the spring of 1898 and the following year bought from his father the tract of land of 178 acres he now owns, 231 acres, a part of which was formerly known as the Washington Harris place, but which Mr. Schuster has named "Good Hope" farm. On the place is a tract of twenty acres of natural woodland and Mr. Schuster has made improvements which gives him a farm equal to any in the neighborhood. He raises a good grade of live stock. Mr. Schuster is a republican, as was his father, and he and his family are members of the Church of Christ.

March 2, 1898, Frank Schuster was married to Mary Sophia Ruf, and to this union have been born five children, as follows: Clarence R., born Aug. 29, 1899, died Sept. 28, 1899 ; Aubrey Lee, born Aug. 16, 1900 ; Wilbur E., Nov. 10. 1902; Mary L., Feb. 9, 1905, and Nettie L., Sept. 29, 1906. Mrs. Schuster was born at Council Grove, Kan., Nov. 22, 1872, daughter of Joseph and Johanna (Schuster) Ruf, natives of Germany, who were married at Jioonville, Aug. 8, 1858. Joseph Ruf was a tailor. He learned his trade in his native land and came to this country, locating in Missouri, but during the course of his life lived in several states in the West. He died at the age of 49 years on Jan. 16, 1877, and his widow died Aug. 16, 1897, 67 years of age. Joseph Ruf and his wife were the parents of nine children, of whom Mrs. Schuster was the youngest and four of whom are still living.

William O. Burge, one of the progressive farmers and stockmen of LaMine township was born on a farm southeast of Boonville Jan. 29, 1861, son of Oscar F. and Elizabeth (Miller) Burge, the latter of whom also was born in this county and both of whom spent their last days here. Oscar F. Burge was born in Kentucky in 1820. In 1850 he went to California in the great gold rush of that year, but returned to Kentucky in 1853. In 1856 he came to Missouri and located in Bates County, where he remained until 1861, when he moved to Cooper County and began farming in Clarks Fork township,, where his wife owned a farm. He died there on Nov. 5, 1900. Oscar F. Burge was twice married. By his first wife, Elizabeth Miller, he was the father of six children, of whom four are still living, those besides the subject of this sketch being John Burge, living east of Boonville; Robert Burge, who is engaged in the mercantile business at Boonville, and Dora, who is living in Kentucky. The mother of these children died in 1872 and Oscar F. Burge married a widow, Mrs. Williams. To this latter union were born two children, but one of whom, Eldridge Burge, of Boonville, survives.

Reared on the home farm southeast of Boonville in Clarks Fork township, William 0. Burge received his schooling in the schools of that township and early began working at farm labor, his wages being 50 cents a day. Later he operated a threshing rig and in 1894 bought his first farm of 90 acres in Clarks Fork township. He improved that place and three years later sold it and bought 160 acres in Clinton County. In 1899 he married and established his home on his Clinton County place, remaining there until 1905 when he bought his present farm in Cooper County and has since made his home on this place. In addition to his farm of 338 acres in LaMine township, Mr. Burge owns a half interest in the old Burge home place in Clarks Fork township. On his home farm he has erected a handsome six-room modern residence and his extensive cattle barns and other improvements are in keeping with the same. Mr. Burge raises cattle for the market. He also is a stockholder in the Boonville National Bank. He is a democrat and he and his family are members of the Baptist Church.

Nov. 8, 1899, William O. Burge was married to Jennie Tillett and to this union three children have been born : Oscar L., a student in Kemper Military School; one who died in infancy, and Paul C, at home. Mrs. Burge was bom in Tennessee, but has been a resident of Missouri since her girlhood, her parents having come to this state many years ago, locating in Clinton County, where they spent the remainder of their lives.

Edward H. Harris, banker, retired farmer, and merchant of Pilot Grove, and for many years recognized as one of the most potent factors in the commercial life of this community, is a native of Kentucky. He was born in Bourbon County, Ky., Dec. 20, 1830, son of Richard and Frances (Wilson) Harris, the latter of whom spent her last days in Cooper County.

Richard Harris was born in Kentucky, a son of Nathaniel Harris, a Virginia of Irish stock, and all his life was spent there, his death occurring in 1831. He and his wife were the parents of five children, two of whom are living, the subject of this sketch having a sister, Mrs. Sarah Grayson, a widow, who makes her home with him at Pilot Grove. Some time after the death of Richard Harris, his widow married W. T. Redmond, a Kentuckian, and to that union a daughter was born. The Red- monds came to Missouri from Kentucky in 1840, and settled on a farm near Boonville, W. T. Redmond and his wife spending the rest of their lives there.

Edward H. Harris was but 10 months of age when his father died. When he was a lad of eight, he was brought to Missouri by his much elder brother, Dr. M. W. Harris, who became a successful physician in this county, as well as an extensive land-owner, and here grew to manhood. It was in 1838 when he came to Cooper County, and he remained on his brother's farm south of Boonville until he was 17 years of age, in 1847, when he entered the Kemper School at Boonville. There he continued his schooling, taking Greek and Latin in addition to the extensive curriculum provided in English for four years. While carrying on his studies at Kemper, Mr. Harris did not neglect his interest in agricultural affairs, and upon leaving school, in 1851, he bought, for $6.25 an acre, a tract of land two miles west of where Pilot Grove village later sprang up, and which tract is now regai'ded as one of the best farms in Cooper County. Not long after buying this tract, Mr. Harris married and established his home in a log cabin he erected on his farm. He remained there about 10 years, developing the place, and then sold it and bought what was known as the old Doctor Phillips farm, a mile south of the grove. On this latter place he had a better home, and there he and his wife reared their family. Twenty years or more after taking up his residence on the Phillips place, Mr. Harris bought 13 acres, now within the city limits of Pilot Grove, the land being owned by J. W. Roe, who laid out a townsite, erected the first store building of Pilot Grove, and engaged in the general mercantile business. For 18 years he continued in the mercantile business. Mr. Harris then sold his store and engaged in the banking business, organizing the Pilot Grove Bank, of which he was elected president, a position which he held for 25 years during which time he built up one of the most substantial financial instiutions in this section. At the time Mr. Harris organized his bank at Pilot Grove, there were but two other banks in Cooper County and both of these were situated at Boonville. From the very beginning of his banking operations Mr. Harris was successful, and as his affairs prospered he extended his banking interests, at the same time being much gratified to see two of his sons engage successfully in the same line, until now he is a stockholder in the Pilot Grove Bank, the Southwest National Bank, the Bank of Commerce of Kansas City, the Merchants Bank of Eldorado Springs, and the Bank of Harwood at Harwood, Mo., and is widely known in commercial circles over the State as one of Missouri's veteran bankers and successful capitalists. Mr. Harris is a democrat on national issues, but for years past has held pronounced independent leanings in the campaigns in which local issues were dominant. For 20 years or more he has been a member of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons at Pilot Grove.

About 1852, Edward H. Harris was married to Mary Ellis, who died about 20 years ago, and whose memory is enshrined in the heart of her husband. Mrs. Harris was born in Orange County, Virginia, about the year 1832, and, like her husband, was but a child when she came to Missouri, her parents becoming prominent among the Virginia colonists who became pioneers of this region. To Edward H. and Mary (Ellis) Harris seven children were born, namely: Richard, now engaged in business at Detroit, Mich. ; William E., who is engaged in business in New York City ; Sarah, widow of the late R. M. Fink, who makes her home with her father at Pilot Grove; Margaret, wife of W. F. Johnson, editor of this History of Cooper County ; Mary, at home ; Edward H., Jr., cashier Third National Bank of Sedalia, this State, and Frederick Kemper Harris, president of the bank at Eldorado Springs. Mrs. Fink, who is now making her home with her father, has two children, a son, Frederick, who is now (1919 serving the United States Navy, and daughter, Madge, living at Kansas City, Mo.

Mr. Harris was the means of the depot being built at Pilot Grove ; he gave the largest part of the $1,650.00 to the railroad company for establishing a depot here.

John R. Higginbotham, former marshal of Blackwater, was bom on a farm in Montgomery County, Aug. 6, 1881, son of William H. H. and Johanna (Davis) Higginbotham, the former of whom spent his last days in Saline County. William Henry Harrison Higginbotham was born near Parma, Mo., Dec. 8, 1838, son of Moses and Susan Ewing (Sproul) Higginbotham, the latter born in Crab Orchard, Ky., of a family connected with the William Henry Harrison's of Virginia stock. Moses Higginbotham was born in Tazewell County, Va., member of an old Colonial family, and came to Missouri by way of Kentucky, he and his wife rearing their family in this State. William H. H. Higginbotham grew to manhood in this State. June 17, 1861, at Paris, Mo., he enlisted in the Confederate Army as a member of Company A, with which command he saw much active service under Generals Price and Joe Shelby, participated in several important battles and received more than one wound. On March 9, 1863, he married Johanna Davis, of Quincy, 111., and settled in Mont- gomery County, Mo. He later moved to Saline County, where he died in Aug., 1914. He and his wife were the parents of 12 children, of whom two died in infancy, the others being: William F., an agricultural expert, assistant farmer at the Missouri Training School, Boonville; Susan, deceased; Sidney J., of Oklahoma City; Samuel T., of Kansas City, Mo.; Wade H., of Slater, Mo. ; Thomas B., of Hannibal ; Frances, of Boonville ; Grover C, of Bluffton, 111. ; John R. ; and Julia, wife of George Mackler, Boonville township. The mother of these children was born in Quincy, 111., Oct., 1844, and is now living at Boonville.

John R. Higginbotham received his schooling in the public schools. In 1906, he came to Cooper County and located at Blackwater." It was not long until he became recognized as one of the personal factors of that town and he presently was elected town marshal, a position he held by successive re-elections for six years, or until in 1912, when he bought a farm of 170 acres in LaMine township and entered upon the task of improving the same. He erected a new house and barn, fenced the place and made other substantial improvements. When he bought the place there were but 50 acres of it under cultivation. Now there are 130 acres under cultivation. In addition to his general farming, Mr. Higginbotham gave considerable attention to the raising of live stock. In Feb., 1919, he sold the farm to advantage and bought a farm of 245 acres near Blackwater, LaMine township. Mr. Higginbotham is a democrat. He is a member of Cooper Lodge No. 36, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, at Boonville.

William H. Deck, druggist at Pilot Grove and a leading commercial factor of that town, was bom at Kansas City, Mo., Aug. 1, 1887, son of Jacob and Anna (Fessler) Deck, who have for years been residents of Boonville. Jacob Deck was born in the province of Alsace, France, and was but eight or nine years of age when he came to America with his parents, the family locating in Missouri, where he grew to manhood and after his marriage established his home, after a time locating at Boonville, where he is now engaged in the retail meat business. To him and his wife eight children have been born. Of these all are living save two.

William H. Deck received his schooling in the schools of Boonville and was graduated from the high school there in 1905, after which he entered Kemper Military School, from which he was graduated in 1906. In the meantime he had been giving his attention to the study of pharmacy and upon leaving school he entered the Mittelbach drug store at Boonville as a clerk, continuing for four years, or until 1910, during which time he completed his pharmacy course. Thus equipped, he went to Steelville, Mo., where he remained for two years, clerking in a drug store, until 1912. During this latter year he acquired further experience in the drug business as a clerk at Salem and at Columbia and in 1913 returned to Cooper County and bought the drug store of Meyer Brothers at Pilot Grove. Since taking possession of that store Mr. Deck has made numerous improvements and has considerably enlarged the stock, as well as increased the facilities for the carrying on of the business, now having a full line of drugs and druggists' sundries, and is doing a good business, being recognized as one of the "live" young business men of the town. Mr. Deck is an independent republican. He is affiliated with the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons and the Woodmen of the World and is the present secretary of the former lodge. He is a member of the Evangelical Church, and his wife of the Christian Church.

July 17, 1910, William H. Deck was united in marriage to Marie L. Roe, who was born in Pilot Grove, Aug. 17, 1891, daughter of Prof. D. Lee and Lillie (Fray) Roe. Professor Roe is now residing at Canadian, Okla. His wife is deceased. Prof. D. Lee Roe was born at Pilot Grove, a member of a pioneer family, who were owners of the land on which the town is situated. Professor Roe formerly and for a number of years was a teacher in the Pilot Grove schools and is now superintendent of schools at Canadian, Okla.

Dr. George C. Jones, Jr., well-known doctor of dental surgery at Pilot Grove, this county, and long recognized as one of the progressive citizens of that community, is a native son of Cooper County and has resided here all his life with the exception of that period of his life when he was away completing his schooling. He was born on a farm in Blackwater township on March 9, 1876, son of George C. and Anna (Trent) Jones, further mention of whom is made elsewhere in this volume.

Reared on the home farm in Blackwater township, the junior George C. Jones received his early schooling in. the schools of that neighborhood and the Johnson Military School at Pilot Grove. Upon leaving the latter institution, he entered Central College at Fayette and later took a course at Washington University, where he received his first year in the study of dental surgery, finishing in the Dental College at St. Louis in 1900. Thus admirably equipped for the practice of his chosen profession, Doctor Jones in the following year, 1901, opened an office at Pilot Grove, where he ever since has been successfully engaged in practice. He has shown his faith in Cooper County land by investing in a farm of 160 acres in Blackwater township and is vitally interested in the general development of the region in which his life has been spent. By political preference the Doctor is a democrat and gives close attention to local civic affairs, but he has not been a seeker after public office.

William A. Scott, mayor of the city of Pilot Grove and for many years one of the best known business men there, was born in McLean County, 111., Aug. 13, 1859, son of John and Harriet (Diffenbaugh) Scott, the latter of whom was born in that same county, who came to Cooper County many years ago. John Scott was born in Ohio, but early became a resident of Illinois, where he married and where he resided until after the close of the Civil War, when he came to Missouri with his family and located on a farm in the vicinity of Prairie Home, where he spent the rest of his life. He died in 1887, aged 60 years. His widow died in 1890, aged 55 years. John Scott and his wife were the parents of five children: William A. ; one died in infancy ; Andrew, Moniteau County ; Bettie ; and Hester, who are now living in California.

William A. Scott received his schooling in the district schools and grew up a farmer, becoming the owner of land, both in Moniteau and Cooper Counties. In 1895, Mr. Scott sold his land and located at Pilot Grove, where he became engaged in the retail meat business, which he ever since has followed wth success. He has long given considerable attention to raising pure-bred Poland China hogs for breeding purposes and has created a wide market for the output of his pens, shipping breeding stock to far-distant points. As an example of the demand that has been created for his pigs, it may be said that a recent bunch of 25 head of spring pigs netted him $1,000. Mr. Scott is a democrat and has for years been an active factor in party affairs. In 1916, he was elected mayor of Pilot Grove to fill a vacancy and in the ensuing election was reelected and is now serving his second term. Mr. Scott is a member of the Masons and he and his family are members of the Presbyterian Church.

Jan. 5, 1882, William A. Scott was married to Birdie Lee Smith and to this union three children have been born: Artie Belle, wife of Guy Long, a hardware merchant, Pilot Grove; Nellie, wife of Boyd Lusk, St. Louis, and Catherine, at home with her parents. Mrs. Scott was bom in Cooper County and is a member of a pioneer family. Her parents, John I. Smith and wife, the latter of whom was a Guyer, were born in Kentucky and many years ago became residents of Cooper County, where their last days were spent.

Hamilton Lusk, one of the most substantial retired fanners and stock breeders of Cooper County, living at Pilot Grove, was born in Polk County, March 1, 1858, son of James and Joanna (Bond) Lusk, Tennesseeans, whose last days were spent in Cooper County. James Lusk was born in 1818 and grew to manhood in Tennessee, coming into Missouri after his marriage and locating in Polk County, where he remained until after the close of the Civil War, when, in 1865, he moved to Cooper County and bought a farm four miles south of Pilot Grove, where he spent the remainder of his life. He died in 1884. His widow died in 1892. She was born in 1818. James Lusk and his wife were the parents of eight children, of whom the subject of this sketch is the only survivor. The eldest son, John Lusk, a soldier of the Confederacy, was killed in battle at Helena, Ark. Another son, Benjamin Lusk, also was a soldier of the Confederacy. He died in Kansas City, Mo., a few years ago.

Hamilton Lusk was about seven years of age when his parents came to this county and he grew to manhood on the home place, south of Pilot Grove, receiving his schooling at Mt. Vernon and at Pleasant Green. He remained on the home farm and after the death of his father, bought the interests of the other heirs in the place and gradually adding to the same until he became the owner of 557 acres, which he developed into one of the best improved farms in the county, among these improvements being a modern farm house, which was looked on as one of the finest in Cooper County. In addition to his general farming, Mr. Lusk for years gave particular attention to the breeding of pure bred Poland China hogs and Hampshires and the pure bred Shorthorn cattle. In 1914 he sold his land and closed out his live stock and retired, and is now living in Pilot Grove in a house which was erected by his son, Boyd S., and which is the finest house in the town. Mr. Lusk has been connected with the Pilot Grove Bank for 25 years, and has for years been a member of the board of directors of that financial institution. He is a democrat, but has not been a seeker after public office. He is a Mason.

Stella V., married Prof. Roy Wharton and is now living at Columbia, where Professor Wharton is engaged in teaching civil engineering in the university; Edgar Hamilton, deceased; Boyd S., who is now living in St. Louis, where he is engaged in the grain commission business, and Marshall B. Lusk, who was with the American Army of Occupation in Europe. Marshall B. Lusk was born on June 16, 1896. In June, 1917, two months after this country entered the World War, he was inducted into the National Army and went into training at Camp Dodge, where he became attached to the Signal Corps, with which command he sailed in the following August for France, attached to the 351st Regiment, Infantry, 88th Division, and with that command participated in some of the mo«t difficult campaigning of the war, in one battle about 30 of the members of his company having been killed. He was discharged at Camp Taylor, June 6, 1919, now living at St. Louis, engaging in business with his brother, Boyd S. Mrs. Lusk was born in Cooper County of German parentage, her parents, John W. Schlotzhaur and wife, the latter of whom was a Weaver, both having been born in Germany. John W. Schlotzhaur settled in Cooper County many years ago and is still living in the Harris neighborhood.

Dr. Thomas 0. Pendleton, one of the best known members of the medical profession in Cooper County, is a Kentuckian. He was born at Goshen, Ky., Jan. 26, 1852, son of Dr. George T. and Catherine (Magruder) Pendleton, both also natives of Kentucky, who came to Missouri many years ago and whose last days were spent in this county.

Dr. George T. Pendleton received his professional education in the Kentucky School of Medicine, Louisville, and in his native state began the practice of his profession, remaining there until 1852, when he came to Missouri with his family and located in Cooper County, opening an office at Pilot Grove, where he continued in practice the rest of his life, becoming widely known over the county as one of the leaders of his profession. During the latter years of his life the burden of his practice was lifted from his shoulders by his son, the subject of this review, who became associated with his father in practice six or seven years before the latter's death, which occurred about 1883. The senior Doctor Pendleton and his wife were the parents of eight children, all of whom are still living, and of whom the subject of this sketch was the first born, the others being as follows: William Pendleton, an attorney-at-Iaw, of

Boonville; Mrs. Elizabeth A. Foster, Macon, Ga. ; Mrs. Catherine Stites, of Pilot Gi'ove; Stapleton Pendleton, Denver, Colo.; Susan R., of Pilot Grove; Mrs. Nellie Embry, living in California, and George T., lawyer, Boonville.

Reared at Pilot Grove, Thomas 0. Pendleton received his early schooling in that then village and in Cully's School at Bunceton. From the days of his boyhood, he was attracted to his father's profession and under the kindly and skillful preceptorship of his father, was prepared for medical school. In 1875 he entered the Missouri Medical School at St. Louis and so well equipped was he by preparatory study that he was enabled to graduate in the spring of 1876. Upon receiving his diploma, Doctor Pendleton returned to Pilot Grove prepared to relieve his father of the growing burden of the latter's practice, which, owing to his advancing years, was growing too much for the elder doctor, and he ever since has continued in practice there; so long a time, in fact, that for some time he has expressed a desire to be permitted to retire from practice, but every expression of this character has met with such stout opposition on the part of those in the community who have so long depended upon his ministrations that he has again and again put off the day of the announcement of his definite intention to retire. The Doctor is a stockholder in the Citizens Bank. He is a democrat and he and his family are members of the Methodist Church.

July 31, 1876, Dr. Thomas 0. Pendleton was united in marriage to Ida Cunningham, who was born at St. Charles, Mo., and to this union one child has been born, Gertrude, who is living at Boonville.

John W. Schlotzhauer, one of Pilot Grove township's successful farmers and stockmen, is a native son of Cooper County. He was born on a farm in Clear Creek township, March 30, 1879, son of John and Rickay (Masel) Schlotzhauer, both of whom also were born in this county, and the former is still living in Clear Creek township.

John Schlotzhauer was born on a pioneer farm in what is now Palestine township, June 1, 1839, a son of Henry Schlotzhauer and wife, who were among the early settlers in that community. Henry Schlotzhauer was a native of Germany, and his wife was born in France. They were married in Germany and immediately afterward came to the United States. They came to St. Louis, and from there up the Missouri River and located in Cooper County, settling in Palestine township, reared their family and spent the remainder of their lives. It was on that pioneer farm that John Schlotzhauer grew to manhood, early taking his part in the development of the place. During the progress of the Civil War he was a member of the Home Guard. After his marriage he settled in Clear Creek township and became one of the substantial farmers of that neighborhood, and is still living there, the place now being operated by his son, Ernest. His wife, who was born in Palestine township in 1845, died April 17, 1901. She was a member of the Methodist Church, as is her husband, and their children were reared in that faith. There are seven children: James H., Pleasant Green; Mrs. Hamilton Luck, of whom further mention is made in this volume ; Mrs. P. G. Marshall, Marshall, Mo. ; John W. ; Ernest, on the home farm in Clear Creek township ; Mrs. Charles B. Sly, and Fred W., Clear Creek township.

John W. Schlotzhauer was educated in the district schools and Pilot Grove College. When 21 years of age he began farming on his own account, renting land from his father, and has ever since been engaged in farming. At the age of 23 he bought from his father 120 acres in Pilot Grove township. Later, he bought 100 acres more, a part of the old homestead of his grandfather, Henry Schlotzhauer, this giving him 220 acres, in addition to which he is farming another 100 acres, thus having control of 320 acres. In addition to general farming, he is extensively engaged in the raising of live stock, both cattle and hogs, and gives particular attention to his Aberdeen-Angus cattle. Mr. Schlotzhauer has made extensive improvements on his place, including two capacious silos, and is one of the most progressive farmers that section. He is a republican. He and his family are members of the Methodist Church.

Nov. 28, 1893, John W. Schlotzhauer was married to Bettie Hampy, who was born in Palestine township on the farm of Nelson Leonard. She is a daughter of John and Mary (Yost) Hampy, both of whom were bom in Morgan County, Mo., who later came to Cooper County, moving 12 years ago to Saline County. They live at Colorado Springs, Colo. Mr. and Mrs. Schlotzhauer have five children: Laura, married R. Eichelberger, Columbia, Mo. ; Roy ; Herbert ; Ruby and Alice.

Charles M. Shepherd, cashier of the Pilot Grove Bank at Pilot Grove, was born in McDonough County, 111., April 12, 1866, son of Levi and Joanna (Campbell) Shepherd, both natives of Missouri, the latter born in this county. Levi Shepherd, who died a few years ago, one of the substantial landowners of Cooper County, was born at the then mere trading post of Independence, Jackson County, in January, 1833, a son of Elijah Shepherd and wife, Virginains, who were among the early settlers of that (45) place. When he was 18 years of age, Levi Shepherd came to Cooper County, where he afterward was married, and his interests thereafter were ever closely connected with this county, though for a time during and after the Civil War he resided in Illinois. During the latter part of the war, he was drafted into service and among the engagements in which he participated was the battle at Lexington, Mo. He settled in Saline township, this county, and at the time of his death was the owner of a fine farm of 270 acres, which is still owned by the heirs of the estate. For more than 60 years, Levi Shepherd was an earnest member of the Baptist Church, as was his wife, and they were useful and helpful factors in the social and moral life of the community. Levi Shepherd died in 1915, and his widow died in 1917, aged 82 years. She was born in Saline township, daughter of Bradley and Meekie (Hall) Campbell, Tennesseeans, who were among the earliest residents of that township, they having come up the river on flat boats and settled here on what is still known as the Campbell homestead place, 100 years ago. Levi Shepherd was of Scottish stock and his wife was of English descent, both families being of Colonial stock. Of the seven children bom to Levi and Joanna (Campbell) Shepherd, four are still living, those besides the subject of this sketch, the youngest, being : James B. Shepherd, of Wooldridge, Mo. ; Mrs. Rebecca Eager, Overton, and Mrs. Alice Clayton, of Wooldridge.

Reared on the home farm in Saline township, Charles M. Shepherd grew to manhood there, receiving his elementary schooling in the district schools. This he supplemented by a course at Hooper Institute at Clarksburg, where he was graduated in 1889, and in that year, after a brief course in normal work, passed the state examination under State Superintendent W. E. Coleman and was granted a teacher's certificate for life. Thus admirably equipped for the teaching profession, Mr. Shepherd entered the ranks of Cooper County's teaching corps and for nine years was engaged in teaching in this county. In 1899, he was appointed by W. B. Rissler, county clerk, to serve as deputy clerk, and for four years, or until 1903, he served in that capacity. Mr. Shepherd then engaged in the real estate business at Boonville until 1907, when he assisted in the organization of the Bank of Blackwater at Blackwater, and as cashier of that institution, opened the same and started it on its successful career, continuing thus engaged until June 9, 1913, when he entered upon his present position as cashier of the Pilot Grove Bank at Pilot Grove, to the duties of which position he since has been giving his undivided and earn- est attention. Mr. Shepherd is a democrat. He and his family are members of the Baptist Church, of which he is a deacon, and he is a York Rite Mason, affiliated with the Blue Lodge at Pilot Grove and the Commandery at Boonville.

June 1, 1898, Charles M. Shepherd was united in marriage to Hattie M. Simms, of this county, and to this union three children have been born : Mable L., attending Hardin College at Mexico, Mo. ; William L., a student in the Pilot Grove High School, and Josephine. Mrs. Shepherd is a member of one of Cooper County's pioneer families. She was born in Saline township, daughter of H. Clay and Mary L. V. (Eager) Simms, Virginians, the latter of whom was a daughter of Lewis Eager, whose wife was a daughter of the pioneer Gooch, who came into this region in an early day and erected a mill in the southern part of what is now Saline township. He operated this mill for fifty years and the present village of Gooch's Mill gradually grew as the settlement expanded.

Clemens A. Lammers, proprietor of "Shady Brook" farm in Pilot Grove township, this county, and a member of the board of directors of the Citizens Bank of Pilot Grove, was born in St. Louis, Mo., Dec. 27, 1870, son of Henry and Wilhelmina (Vonderhaar) Lammers, natives of Germany, who were married in St. Louis, where they had located upon coming to this country about 1868, and who remained there until in 1877, when they came to Cooper County and settled on a farm in Pilot Grove township, where they spent the remainder of their lives. Of the children bom to Henry Lammers and his wife, six grew to maturity and five are still living, all residents of Cooper County.

Clemens A. Lammers was but six years of age when his parents located in this county and he grew to manhood on the home farm in Pilot Grove township, receiving his schooling in the district schools. In 1895, he bought the farm on which he has since resided. "Shady Brook" is a well improved place of 305 acres on which Mr. Lammers has carried on his general farming and stock raising successfully. Among the improvements on the place are the commodious dwelling house and the corrugated iron barn, other improvements being in keeping with the same. Mr. Lammers is a member of the board of directors of the Citizens Bank of Pilot Grove and is one of the successful men of the community. He is a republican and he and his family are members of the Catholic Church and he is affiliated with the Knights of Columbus and the M. B. A.

Pauline Bahm, who was born in Pilot Grove township, daughter of Peter D. Bahm and wife, and to this union 10 children have been bora, two of whom died in infancy, the others being Herman, William, Augustine, Lorene, Isabel, Alice, Walter and Gilbert.

Archibald McGuire, proprietor of "Mountcalm" farm in Blackwater township and one of the substantial farmers and stockmen of Cooper County. He was born on a farm in Pilot Grove township Dec. 18, 1876, son of John and Hannah McGuire, who were the parents of nine children, of whom six sui-vive as follows : George, a retired farmer, Nelson, ; Uncas, also living near Nelson ; Mrs. William Taylor, also of Nelson ; Mrs. Frances Younger, of Nelson ; Mrs. M. R. Bromer, Boonville, and Archibald.

Archibald McGuire received his schooling in the district schools and from his boyhood has devoted his attention to agricultural pursuits. When 21 years of age he rented a farm near Boonville and began to farm on his own account for six years, when he took a farm in Blackwater township and in the fall of 1904 established his home at "Mountcalm", where he now lives, a farm of 180 acres owned by his wife in section 13 of that township. In addition to his interest in this place Mr. McGuire is the owner of 375 acres. He has given considerable attention to the raising of live stock. His place is well improved. Mr. McGuire takes an interest in local civic affairs, but is independent in his political views. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church South.

Sept. 4, 1904, Archibald McGuire was married to Nancy Trent Jones, a member of one of the real pioneer families of Cooper County, and to this union two children have been born: Archibald Jones McGuire and Woodrow Wilson McGuire. Mrs. McGuire was bora near the place on which she is now living in Blackwater township (the old Jones homestead) Jan. 1, 1881, daughter of George C. and Nannie (Trent) Jones, both members of pioneer families in this county, the founder of which family here was Caleb Jones, grandfather of Mrs. McGuire, who came here from Kentucky penniless in 1826 and who at the time of his death in 1883 was said to be the wealthiest man in Cooper County.

John Schlotzhauer, one of Cooper County's most highly respected citizens, is now living retired in Clear Creek township. He was born on a pioneer farm in Clear Creek township, his birthplace having been a log cabin with a dirt floor, June 1, 1839, son of Henry and Catherine (Lingen) Schlotzhauer, who were among the early settlers of Cooper County.

John Schlotzhauer

young manhood, when he came to the United States, arriving at New Orleans, and for a time remained in the South, where he married Catherine Lingen, who was born in Alsace, France, and who had come to this country with her parents. Not long after their marriage, Henry Schlotzhauer and his wife came by boat up the Mississippi and thence up the Missouri to Cooper County and settled in Clear Creek township, where they established their home in a log cabin. In that log cabin the first of their children were born, but they soon had a better house, and as time passed had a well improved farm. On that place they spent the remainder of their lives, useful and influential pioneers of Cooper County. Henry Schlotzhauer and his wife were the parents of six children, as follows: John ; Henry, Pilot Grove township ; Christina, wife of D. F. Nixon, Pilot Grove; Christian C, Pilot Grove township; Rudolph H., a resident of California, and Fredericka, deceased.

John Schlotzhauer was reared on the farm on which he was born in Clear Creek township, and has always been a farmer. He became the owner of 500 acres of land, which in later years he sold to his sons, and is thus relieved of the responsibility of management, being now in a position to take things easy. During the Civil War, Mr. Schlotzhauer served as a member of the Home Guard. He has been twice married, his first wife, America Masel, was born in this county, a member of one of the pioneer families, and to whom he was married in 1866 ; she died many years ago. She was a daughter of Sylvester Masel, who also was born in this county, a son of one of the very early early settlers in this part of Missouri. To John and America (Masel) Schlotzhauer were born seven children, of whom further mention is made in this volume. Following the death of his first wife, Mr. Schlotzhauer married Mrs. Sarah V. (Long) Holman, widow of M. F. Holman, who died without issue. Mr. Schlotzhauer is one of the stockholders in the Boonville National Bank of Boonville. Politically, he is an independent republican, and is a Methodist.

Theodore Koonse, an extensive farmer and stockman of Cooper County, was born in Northumberland County, Pa., Aug. 30, 1870, son of George R. and Emma (Gerhardt) Koonse, both natives of that same state. George R. Koonse grew up in Pennsylvania, familiar with the building trades and in his later life became a successful carpenter and building contractor. During the Civil War he served as a soldier of the Union, serving first as a private in one of the Pennsylvania infantry regiments and later with the cavalry and in one of the battles in which he was engaged was seriously wounded and was taken prisoner and confined in Libby prison, from which he was exchanged on account of his wound. In 1877 he came with his wife and family west and located at Ellsworth, Kan., where he became engaged as a building contractor and also worked for some time as a railroad carpenter. About 1895 he moved to Hugo, Okla., where he and his wife are now living retired, he being 77 years of age and his wife, 76. Two children were born to them: Mrs. Anna Spofford, now deceased, and Theodore.

Theodore Koonse was seven years of age when his parents moved from Pennsylvania to Kansas and in the latter state he grew to manhood. In 1893 he came to Missouri and located at Boonville, where he worked for a while and then became engaged as a farm hand, working for 40 cents a day, and continued thus employed until 1901, since which time he has made his home on the farm on which he and his family are now living, a well improved place of 220 acres which is owned by his wife. Mr. Koonse is carrying on his farming operations on quite an extensive scale, using gas tractors and cultivating in all 400 acres of land, besides feeding much live stock. In the fall of 1918 he put in 130 acres of wheat and in the following spring put in an additional acreage of twenty-five acres in spring wheat, he having found that, contrary to the results of similar experiments on the part of some of his neighbors, spring wheat can be successfully raised in Boonville township. In his political views Mr. Koonse reserves the right to be independent, declining to be confined in his opinions of men and policies by party ties.

July 10, 1901, Theodore Koonse was united in marriage to Lucy Prewitt and to this union two children have been born, George P. and Van Wesley. Mrs. Koonse was born on the place on which she is now living, March 3, 1876, and has lived there all her life. She is the daughter of William and Nannie (Redd) Prewitt, the latter of whom, a native of Cooper County, is still living, making her home with her daughter on the old Prewitt homestead, which is regarded as one of the historic spots in west Boonville township, one of the first school houses in Cooper County having been erected just as the rear of the old original log cabin which stood on the place in pioneer days. A quarter of a mile south of the place is Magee Grove, a favorite camping ground for the freighters in the days of the old overland trail which passed through this farm. In the old days the Prewitt farm, which is in sections 13 and 14 of Boonville township, was owned by a Mr. Wilson, who hauled lumber by ox teams from Arkansas to erect a house on the place, exchanging merchandise for the lumber. For some years after coming to this county, Mr. Koonse was engaged in operating a threshing rig and saw-mill and in Sept., 1903, suffered the misfortune of losing his left arm while trying to manipulate the belting which controlled the big saw. He is now running a threshing rig and has two large tractors.

Dr. Enslie Irvin Schilb, a well known young dentist of Pilot Grove, who served during the greater part of the period in which the United States participated in the World War as a private and later as first lieutenant in the dental detachment of the National Army and holds a commission in reserve corp for period of five years, was born at Otterville, April 1, 1893, a son of Francis and Sophia (Spiler) Schilb.

Francis Schilb also was a native of Cooper County, born at Gooch's Mill in 1861, a son of Adam Schilb and wife, the former of whom was born in Germany and as a young man came to the United States, first locating in Kentucky, later coming to Missouri, where he settled on a farm in Cooper County and here spent the remainder of his life, a substantial resident of the Gooch's Mill neighborhood. Francis Schilb grew up as a farmer and for some time followed that vocation near Otterville, but in 1899 he moved to Pilot Grove, where he was engaged in the hardware business until his death in 1911. His widow is making her home with her son, Doctor Schilb, at Pilot Grove. She was born on a farm six miles east of Boonville in 1866, daughter of Ernest Spiler and wife, the latter of whom was a Graff and both of whom were born in Germany, having come here with their respective parents in the latter '40s or early '50s. To Francis and Sophia (Spiler) Schilb were born three children, those besides the subject of this review being Emily, wife of Ray Lotspeich, of Nelson, Mo., and Ernest A., deceased.

Dr. Enslie I. Schilb received excellent training for the practice of the exacting profession to which he early directed his studies and he has a well equipped office at Pilot Grove. He was but five years of age when his parents moved from the farm to Pilot Grove and his early schooling was received in the schools of that town, including the course in the academy there. In 1912 he entered the dental department of the University at St. Louis and was graduated in June, 1915. Doctor Schilb then returned to Pilot Grove and opened an office for the practice of his profession. In Jan., 1918, at Jefferson Barracks he enlisted in the National Army as a private in the dental detachment. In the following June he was called to service and was assigned to Camp Pike (Arkansas), where he was thus serving when the demobilization of his detachment was ordered some time following the signing of the armistice in the World War in November. Dec. 21, 1918, he received his honorable discharge and returned home and resumed his practice, to which he has since given his undivided attention.

Doctor Schilb is a republican. He is a member of the Methodist Church and is affiliated with the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons and the Knights of the Maccabees. The Doctor is a member of the Greek letter college fraternity Psi Omega (dental) and also takes a warm interest in the affairs of that organization.

Judge Peter G. Meisenheimer, county judge for the western district of Cooper County, and one of the substantial land-owners and farmers in Clear Creek township, was born on the farm on which he now lives, April 27, 1868. He is a son of Philip and Elizabeth (Stabeline) Meisenheimer, both natives of Germany, many years residents of this country. Philip Meisenheimer was born in Hesse-Darmstadt, Dec. 18, 1822, and remained in his native land until he had reached his majority, when, in 1855, he came to the United States and located in Illinois, where he was living when the Civil War broke out. Aug. 8, 1861, he enlisted in Company E, Second Illinois Artillery, and he served until mustered out, Sept. 29, 1864. In St. Louis, he married, and in 1866 came to Cooper County and located on the farm now owned and occupied by Judge Meisenheimer. There he opened a general store, which he conducted in addition to his farming, and was appointed postmaster of Clear Creek. He developed an excellent farm, and there spent the remainder of his life. He died March 19, 1912, he then being in his 79th year. His wife died Aug. 12, 1910. She was born in Baden, Jan. 25, 1832, and had been married twice prior to her marriage to Philip Meisenheimer. By her first marriage she was the mother of two children, William J. Reuter, who is still living in Clear Creek township, and Minnie Reuter, who has for years been a nun in the convent at Conception, Mo. By her second marriage she also was the mother of one child, Jacob F. Meussig, a farmer of Pilot Grove township. To Philip and Elizabeth (Stabeline) Meisenheimer were bom two children, Judge Meisenheimer having a sister, Mrs. Mary A. Bonen of Pettis County. Philip Meisenheimer was a member of the Evangelical Church and his wife was a Catholic.

Peter G. Meisenheimer grew to manhood on the farm on which he born, receiving his schooling in the district school and Pilot Grove Academy. In 1891, he began farming on his own account, renting the home farm from his father. Following his father's death he inherited 225 acres, and is now the owner of 420 acres, 165 acres of which lies in Pilot Grove township. Judge Meisenheimer has made substantial improvements on the place. In addition to his general farming, he has long given considerable attention to the raising of live stock. He is interested in the Citizens Bank of Pilot Grove, and the Pilot Grove Bank. Since 1909, Judge Meisenheimer has been a director of the Clarks Fork Farmers Mutual Fire, Lightning and Tornado Insurance Company of Cooper County, and he has been vice-president of that company since 1915. The judge is a republican, and has for years been recognized as among the leaders of his party in this county. Nov. 7, 1916, he was elected judge for the western district of Cooper County, and in 1918 was re-elected, thus now serving his second term in that capacity. Judge Meisenheimer and his family are members of the Evangelical Church.

Judge Meisenheimer has been twice married. Dec. 28, 1892, he was married to Jennie Back, who was born in this county, Nov. 4, 1868, daughter of Daniel and Christina (Schupp) Back, and to that union three children were born: The Rev. Philip W., a minister of the Evangelical Church, Lewisville, Ohio; Daniel R., who was inducted into the National Army, a member of the Medical Corps, in 1917, and was stationed at Ft. Benjamin Harrison, Indianapolis, and is now at home; and Otto P., assisting his father in the management of the farm. The mother of these sons died April 21, 1903, and Dec. 27, 1907, Judge Meisenheimer married Katherine Eve Friess, who also was born in this county, and to this union four children have been born: Carl A., John Reinhardt, Paul E., and Oscar William. The mother of these latter children was born in Clear Creek township, Sept. 24, 1877, daughter of Philip and Elizabeth (Schupp) Friess, natives of Germany, and early settlers in Clear Creek township, both now deceased.

John B. Immele, a prominent farmer and stockman and former member of the board of county commissioners of Cooper County, was born at Boonville on July 7, 1866, son of Louis and Teresa (Meisburger) Immele, natives of Alsace-Lorraine and members of pioneer families in Cooper County, whose last days were spent here. The Immele and Meisburger families were two of the pioneer families of Boonville. The passport of F. J. Immele and family, issued at Havre, France, in 1851, is still preserved in the family. One son, F. J. Immele, Jr., accompanied the parents. The elder son, Louis Immele, father of the subject of this review was a cannoneer in the French army in Africa at the time. After six years of service with honors he rejoined the family in this country and located at Boonville. In 1856 the junior F. J. Immele married Catherine Meisburger and in 1859 Louis Immele married Catherine's sister, Teresa Meisburger. These young women were daughters of Max Meisburger, who with his family of eight children arrived in Boonville from Alsace, France, in 1848. Max Meisburger had served for six years as a soldier in the army of the great Napoleon and was very proud of the medals he had received for bravery. During the progress of the Franco-Prussian War (1870-73) he kept posted through the French papers which he received and when the Prussian victory was announced he, with clenched fists and tear-dimmed eyes, declared: "If our great Napoleon had lived he and I would never have tolerated the Prussians to lord it over our beloved France", and expressed the hope and belief that his grandchildren would live to see the happy day when Alsace-Lorraine would be liberated from the Prussian domination. During the time of America's participation in the World War which resulted in the return to France of the "lost" provinces nine of his great-grandsons answered the call to the front and when the armistice was declared in the fall of 1918 six more were waiting for the next call, all eager to serve America first and France next. During the progress of the Civil War both F. J. and Louis Immele served faithfully for three years as soldiers in behalf of the cause of the union, and their previous military experience as soldiers of France gave a special value to their services, both being qualified as sharpshooters.

Mrs. Immele, wife of the senior F. J. Immele and grandmother of Professor Immele, the subject of this sketch, was a daughter of Major General Boshea, who offered his life in a ten-years service in the French army. As the river boat on which she arrived at Boonville neared the landing amid the Boonville hills she exclaimed, "Oh, where are our beautiful church spires of France?" When she realized there were none here she begged to be permitted to return to France, but amid the many, though often trying, novelties of the new situated she presenlly became reconciled to the pioneer conditions which faced the family and performed ably her part in helping to bring about stable social conditions. Boonville then consisted of a few log houses used as trading centers and a few dwelling houses of a very humble sort. The house which the Immeles occupied until they could build a new one was located at what is now the corner of High and Sixth streets. Church services, which meant much to the Immeles, who were devout Catholics, were held in a room of a log cabin by Father Meister, a missionary, who once or twice a year would ride over from Illinois on his faithful donkey to administer for the comfort of the few families of the Catholic faith who by this time had assembled at the settlement around Boonville landing. These faithful families formed the nucleus for the present strong Catholic congregation and the church and school which they established there. In those days deer roamed the woods which then covered the site of the present opera house at Boonville and F. J. Immele enjoyed deer hunting in the hills now known as Kemper Grounds. He was a skilled musician and was often called on to furnish the music for the dances which were held at Franklin, he and Doctor Roeschell and Doctor Kuekelhan crossing the river in a canoe and on their way combine duck-hunting with their prospective service in behalf of the merrymakers.

The surviving members of the Immele family in Cooper County are mainly farmers. Prof. John Immele of Pilot Grove has combined teaching school for nearly 30 years with farming and has reared a family of 10 children. Others also are farming successfully, while some have chosen city life for the exercise of their endeavors. The only surviving members in Boonville of the F. J. Immele family are Miss Mary Immele and Anna Immele Lester, who, with the aid of their aged father in 1894 purchased the square known as Hendricks Addition on Third street. The abstract of title to this square carries the data back to 1800. The abstract to the present Immele location on Chestnut street also dates back to 1800.

John B. Immele was reared on a farm and his elementary schooling was received in the parochial school at Boonville, this being supplemented by attendance at the public school and at Pilot Grove Collegiate Institute. In 1892 he began teaching school, continuing farming during the summers and for 27 years continued teaching, during this time becoming one of the best known educators in Cooper County. After his marriage in 1898 Professor Immele established his home on his present farm of 80 acres a mile north of Pilot Grove and has since resided there. The Professor is a democrat. In 1905 he was elected a member of the board of county commissioners from his district and in this important public capacity served for two years. He and his family are members of the Catholic Church and he is affiliated with the Catholic Knights of America.

Sept. 5, 1898, Prof. John B. Immele was united in marriage with Anna Martin and to this union 10 children have been born: John, Raymond, deceased; Isabelle, Cecelia, Sophia, Mary A., Joseph, deceased; Martha, Leonard and Anastacia. Mrs. Immele was born on a farm in

Pilot Grove township on Nov. 9, 1873. Her parents were natives of Prussia, Daniel and Elizabeth (Esser) Martin, and were members of pioneer families in the Pilot Grove neighborhood.

Judge James P. Talley, a veteran of the Civil War and former judge of the County Court of Cooper County, was born on a farm east of Boonville, April 17, 1842, son of Henderson and Mary (Taylor) Talley, the former a native of Tennessee and the latter of Kentucky, who came to this county with their respective parents in pioneer days and here spent the remainder of their lives. Henderson Talley and his wife were the parents of six children as follows: Mrs. Louisa Hopkins, deceased; William, Boonville; James P.; Mrs. Mary Woods, deceased; Marion C, deceased, and Mrs. Catherine Nuland, a widow, Boonville.

Reared on the home farm east of Boonville, James P. Talley received his schooling in the district schools and was living there when the Civil War broke out. When twenty years of age, in April, 1862, at Boonville, he enlisted as a member of the Missouri State Militia. Not long afterward he enlisted in the Federal army as a member of Company I, Missouri Volunteer Cavalry and served in Missouri and the West until his discharge at Ft. Collins, Colo., in July, 1866, and was shortly afterward mustered out with his command at Ft. Leavenworth, Kan. He returned to Cooper County and resumed farming, renting a place near Boonville, where he continued farming until 1868 when he bought a farm of 265 acres in Pilot Grove township. When Judge Talley bought that place it was almost wholly timber land, but he went to work vigorously to get the place cleared and under cultivation and it was not long until he had a well improved farm. There he continued to make his home until his retirement in 1911, when he sold the farm and moved to Pilot Grove, where he has since resided. Judge Talley is a republican. Many years ago he was elected constable in his home township and in 1892 was elected county judge, a position he filled for two terms. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Church and he is affiliated with the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons and with the local post of the Grand Army of the Republic.

Judge Talley has been thrice married. His first wife, Zilda Morton, who was born in Tennessee, died six years after her marriage, leaving one child, Mrs. Annette Malott, of Pilot Grove township. The second wife, Isabel Kirkpatrick who was born in western Missouri, died '20 years ago. To that union were born six children, namely: Waldo, Pilot Grove township; James B., of that same township; Effie M., wife of Curry Brown- field, of East Pilot Grove; Mrs. Nellie Cramer, of Blackwater township, and John, deceased. Nov. 9, 1894, Judge Talley married Fannie Mc- Gibony, who was born in Tennessee in 1853 and who was 18 months of age when, her parents came to Missouri and settled in the southern part of the state, where she grew to womanhood and was a school teacher, a vocation in which she was engaged for 29 years, teaching in and around Denton, Texas, and in Phelps and Howell Counties.

Lester O. Zeigle, one of Cooper County's substantial farmers and stockmen, was born Sept. 18, 1873, son of Henry and Malinda (McGuire) Zeigle, influential residents of Boonville township in their generation and the latter of whom is still living in Pilot Grove township. Henry Zeigle was born in New York State about 1846, and was 12 or 14 years of age when he came to Missouri with his parents, the family settling on a farm in Boonville township, where he grew to manhood. During the Civil War he enlisted at Boonville as a soldier of the Union and served until the close of the war, even after he had been severely wounded by a minnie ball through the body in a battle in this State, rejoining his command before his wound had healed and fighting to the end. On one occasion he became separated from his command and found himself surrounded by a detachment of 50 or more of the enemy who demanded his surrender. In reply, he put the spurs to his horse and dashed through the line that surrounded him and thus made his way safely back to his own lines. At the close of his military service, Henry Zeigle engaged in farming, starting with $50. He prospered, and in time became the owner of over 500 acres of land in Boonville township. Though his own schooling had been limited in the days of his youth, Henry Zeigle was an instinctive student and a great reader, and ever took an earnest interest in the cause of education, a constant encouragement to his children and to the whole neighborhood to make the most of the growing advantages along that line. He was a republican. He was an active member of the local post of the Grand Army of the Republic, and he and his wife were members of the Presbyterian Church, in the faith of which denomination their children were reared. Henry Zeigle died in 1913, and at his passing left a good memory. His widow is now living in Pilot Grove township, in which township she was born, a daughter of Timothy McGuire and wife, well known residents of that community in their generation. To Henry and Malinda (McGuire) Zeigle were born eight children, as follows: Lester 0. ; Prof. William H. Zeigle, who for years has been active in the work of the State Normal School at Kirksville, a lecturer in the school and a wide traveler in its behalf; Rev. Anthony F. Zeigle, also of Kirksville, and one of the best known Presbyterian clergyment in Missouri, a sound pulpit orator whose services are much in demand over the State as a preacher of baccalaureate sermons and for services of a general public character; John, deceased; one who died in infancy; Claud, deceased; Lee, deceased, and Grace M., wife of Daniel Rothgeb, of New Lebanon township.

Lester 0. Zeigle received his schooling in the local schools, supplementing the same by the extensive home reading to which his father constantly encouraged him. In 1909 he bought his first farm, a tract of 157 acres, and in 1913 bought a tract of 235 acres, the place on which he is now living. In the spring of 1919 he sold his first tract and is now giving his whole attention to his home farm, which he has improved in admirable fashion and on which, in addition to his general farming, he raises live stock, with special reference to high grade Jersey cattle and 0. I. C. and Poland China hogs. Mr. Zeigle is a republican, as was his father. His wife and children are members of the Catholic Church.

April 20, 1896, Lester O. Zeigle was married to Catherine Immele, who also was born in this county, daughter of Louis and Teresa (Meisburger) Immele, who had come to this country with their respective parents in the early '50s. To Mr. and Mrs. Zeigle six children have been bora, namely: Lorena, who is completing her schooling at Pilot Grove; Viola, deceased; and Francis, Christina, Henry and Robert.

George Gross, proprietor of a well-kept farm in Pilot Grove township and one of the best-known men in that township, was born in St. Clair County, 111., April 15, 1858, son of Jacob and Josephine (Wachter) Gross, both natives of Bavaria, but whose last days were spent in this county, residents of the Chauteau Springs, Pilot Grove township and whose remains are resting in St. Martin's Cemetery in that township. Jacob Gross was born in 1819, and in 1840 he came to the United States, locating at Belleville, 111., where he operated a stone quarry, a vocation which he had followed in his home land. There he married and continued to reside until 1869, when he came with his family to Missouri, and settled on a farm near Chauteau Springs in Pilot Grove township, where he and his wife spent the remainder of their lives, his death occurring in 1893. She was born Sept. 13, 1818, and died Nov. 22, 1912. Jacob Gross and wife were the parents of three children, one of whom died in infancy, and the others are George and Jacob, a resident of Pilot Grove township. George Gross was 10 years of age when he came to Cooper County with his parents in 1869, and he grew to manhood on the home farm in Pilot Grove township, completing his schooling in the local schools. After his marriage in 1886 he continued making his home on the home place of 120 acres, and in time became the owner of the same. In 1893 he bought his present farm of 220 acres in that same township, and in 1895 sold the old home place and moved on to his present farm, which he has improved in excellent fashion. Mr. Gross is a democrat. He and his family are members of St. Martin's Catholic Church and he is a member of the Knights of Columbus.