Cooper County, Missouri - Biographical sketches, 1919 (part 16 of 24)

Mr. Schlotzhauer has been twice married. In 1869 he was married to Lottie Morrow, who was born in Scotland, and who died at her home in this county in 1880, at the age of 29 years. To that union were born four children, namely : George, a farmer, of Bellaire, Mo. ; Margaret, who makes her home with her brother, George; Lloyd, Morgan County, Ohio; and Arthur, deceased. On Feb. 11, 1883, Mr. Schlotzhauer married Margaret Ferguson, who was born in Pettis County, and to this union five children have been born. Of these the fourth in order of birth died in infancy. The others are as follows: Myrtle, married Fred Harris, Lamonte, Mo. ; Charles, Pilot Grove ; Horace, who is at home assisting his father; and Grace, wife of James Verts, farming near Boonville. Mrs. Schlotzhauer was reared in Pettis County, where she was born. She is a daughter of Samuel and Lucretia (Smith) Ferguson, who spent their last days in Pettis County. Samuel Ferguson was bom in that county, and his wife was born in Kentucky.

. Robert E. Downing, one of Cooper County's best known real "oldtimers," was bom in Palestine township March 28, 1847, son of Robert E. and Lucy (Boulware) Downing, and was the second in order of birth of the three children born to that parentage, he having had two sisters, Mrs. Lucy Harness, now deceased, and Agnes, who died in infancy. Robert E. Downing, Sr., was born in Northumberland County, Va., and came to Missouri in the early '40s and settled on a farm west of the site of Bunceton. In 1849 he joined that great band of fortune hunters which streamed across the plains seeking gold in California. Not finding conditions there as his fancy had painted them, he started home, taking vessel to return by way of Cape Horn, but was taken ill and died before many days out and was buried at sea. He was twice manned and by his first wife, Eliza Bell, who also was born in Virginia, had two sons, Everett S., and Samuel W., both now deceased. His second wife, Lucy Boulware, also was born in Virginia. She died at her home in this county in 1875, being then 55 years of age.

he has no recollection, for he was little more than an infant when that unfortunate man started on his ill-fated quest for gold. He grew up on the little farm which his mother retained, west of Bunceton, and his schooling was received in a little old log school house more than three miles from his home and to which he walked to and from during the winter periods of from three to four months in which school was "held." His boyhood was given over to farm work until he was 18 years of age, when, in 1865, he became employed by the government as a "bullwhacker" for the supply trains of ox-teams plodding across the plains to Ft. Union in New Mexico territory, and during this period of employment underwent some interesting experiences. Upon the completion of this service, Mr. Downing resumed his place on his mother's farm and continued in charge of the same until her death in 1875. In the meantime, a few years prior to that event, he had married ; moved to Cass County. After three years, he returned to Cooper County and formed a partnership with Green Walker in the live stock business and was for three years thus engaged. At the end of that time he moved back to the old home farm, then owned by T. J. Wallace, and formed a partnership with Mr. Wallace in the operation of the place which lasted for three years, when, in 1886, he bought 80 acres of the farm now owned by E. B. Windsor in Palestine township. Mr. Downing resided there for about 20 years, when he sold it and bought the quarter section on which he is now living. In addition to his general farming operations, Mr. Downing has been engaged ever since his return from Cass County in the buying and selling of mules and has long been recognized as an expert in mule values. Although Mr. Downing is widely known as one of the "safest" buyers in the country, he says the days of former profits in the mule market seem to have gone forever. Mr. Downing is a democrat and has since the days of his young manhood taken an interested part in local civic affairs. For the past 20 years he has been the clerk of the school board in his home district and during that time has done much to help elevate educational standards, it having been during his incumbency that District No. 49 became famous as the seat of the highest-priced school plant of any country school district in Missouri, a distinction it held from the time it achieved the same until six years ago, when the banner was won away by another district; however, District 49 still claims the best country school in Cooper County. The Downings are members of the Baptist Church.

of Thomas and Margaret (Orr) Paxton, both of whom were born in that state. Thomas Paxton died in Kentucky and his widow later came to Cooper County, where her daughters resided, and here spent the remainder of her life. To Robert E. and Martha (Paxton) Downing five children have been born: William B., superintendent of schools of Cooper County; Lutie May, who died in infancy; twins, who died in infancy, and Martha, wife of W. H. Streitt, of Lebanon township. Mr. and Mrs. Streitt have two children, Wade H., Jr., and Margaret.

Prof. William B. Downing, county superintendent of schools, began his educational career when, at the age of 16 years, following his graduation from the Otterville High School, he was granted a certificate to teach school, his examination papers receiving the highest grade accorded in the county in that year. Though but a boy, his initial effort was successful and he ever since has continued as a teacher, and is recognized as one of the leading educators in this part of the State, and in Jan., 1919, was elected superintendent of schools for Cooper County. Professor Downing makes his home with his children in the household of his parents, his wife having died in 1906, leaving three children, Lucy, Dorothy and Lewis. The mother of these children was Grace Parrish, who was born in this county, daughter of Robert Parrish and wife, the latter of whom was a Waller, and who died in 1906 at the age of 32 years.

John M. Putnam, manager of the Nelson farms in Kelly township, was born on a farm in Palestine township June 27, 1863, son of Darius and Mary (Jeffress) Putnam, both deceased. Darius Putnam was born in Worcester County, Mass., and was but a child when his father died. His mother married again and he left home and came West, arriving at Boonville when he was 12 years of age. There, under the instructions of George Sahm, he learned the shoemaker's trade, which he followed the rest of his life and in which he was successful, making considerable money, which he lost in unfortunate investments. He entered business in Boonville, that being a time when custom-made boots were generally worn, and after some years moved to Bunceton, where he set up in business and bought a farm on which his sons were reared and trained in the ways of farming, and there he spent the rest of his life, dying at the age of 56 years. His widow died in 1881, aged 71 years. She was bora in Tennessee and was married in this county. Darius Putnam was a stalwart democrat and ever took an active interest in political affairs, serving for some time as constable and later for years as justice of the peace in and for Palestine township. He and his wife were the parents of nine children, of whom but two are now living, the subject of this sketch having a sister older than himself, Mrs. Elizabeth Blackburn, Alhambra, Calif.

Reared on the home farm in Palestine township, John M. Putnam was from the days of his boyhood given an excellent training in the ways of practical farming. He received his schooling in the local schools and when 21 years of age began farming on his own account, renting a portion of the Nelson tract. Early in 1888 he married, thereafter continuing his farming as a renter until in 1891 he was made sole manager for the Dr. Arthur W. Nelson farms, a position he ever since has occupied, now having under his charge 3500 acres of land in Kelly township. Mr. Putnam is a stockholder in the Traders Bank of Tipton, Mo. He is a democrat, as was his father. Fraternally, he is affiliated with the Modern Woodmen of America. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Church.

Feb. 22, 1888, John M. Putnam was united in marriage to Elizabeth Ranz, of this county, and to this union five children have been born, namely: Florence, wife of C. E. Hutchinson, Lebanon township; George, Palestine township; Frank, Morgan County; Arthur W., Kelly township, and Thomas, who has but recently returned from service in the United States Army, having received his honorable discharge on Feb. 7, 1919. He was in training at Camp Funston, and was a corporal in the headquarters company of the Tenth Division, Infantry, when the armistice was signed. Mrs. Putnam was born in Tennessee and was but four years of age when she came to Missouri with her parents, Jacob and Elizabeth Ranz, the family locating in this county. Here Jacob Ranz spent the remainder of his life. His widow is now living in Moniteau County.

Joseph R. Koontz, one of Kelly township's successful fanners, was born in Page County, Va., Feb. 21, 1863, son of Lewis and Elizabeth (Hutchinson) Koontz, both of whom also were born in that state, the latter in Shenandoah County, and who died there. Lewis Koontz was born in 1821 and died in 1899. Many years ago he made several trips west and bought land both in Illinois and in Missouri as an investment, but never farmed the same. He made three trips into Cooper County, coming once by boat and twice by wagon, to look after his investments here, but could not make up his mind to make this his place of residence, as many other Virginians, who came here about the same time, did. He and his wife were the parents of 10 children, of whom the subject of this sketch was the seventh in order of birth.

since has resided here. He settled on the place where he is now living, 238 acres of which he bought in 1885, and which he has well improved. This farm is the site of the old John Roatcap flour mill, which stood there in pioneer days and the products of which were known for miles about, the early settlers driving from far distant points to get their "grist" done there. In those days there was a big spring near the mill and the waters of which had a wide celebrity among the pioneers.

Dec. 21, 1886, Joseph R. Koonte was married to Lida Funkhouser, an adopted daughter of Eli Funkhouser, and to this union four children have been bora, namely: Lewis, now a resident of St. Louis; Russell, farmer, Kelly township; Frank and Josephine, at home. Mr. Koontz is a democrat, and he is affiliated with the Modern Woodmen of America.

Charles S. Phillips, a veteran of the Civil War and one of the leading farmers of Kelly township, was born in Washington County, Ohio, Aug. 6, 1843, son of John and Czrina (Buchanan) Phillips, both of whom also were born in Ohio, the former in Athens County and the latter in Morgan County. John Phillips died in Washington County when about 45 years of age. His widow survived him many years and her last days were spent in Grundy County, 111. They were the parents of six children, of whom two are still living, the subject of this sketch having a brother, Walter Phillips, Morris, 111.

Charles S. Phillips was reared on a farm and educated in the public schools. When the Civil War broke out, he enlisted in the Union Army, and went to the front as a member of Company D, Fourth Virginia (afterward West Virginia) Cavalry, with which command he served for six months, when he re-enlisted as a member of Company A, 36th Ohio Volunteer Infantry, with which he served until mustered out at Wheeling, W. Va., in 1865, the war then being over. During this service, Mr. Phillips participated in the battle of Medaly Gap as a cavalryman and after joining the infantry took part in several of the important battles and engagements of the war, including Meadows Bluff, Lynchburg, Winchester and Cedar Creek. At the battle of Winchester, July 24, 1864, he was severely wounded by a minnie ball, which went through his right leg below the knee. After the war, Mr. Phillips returned to his home in Ohio and remained until 1867, when he came to Missouri and located in St. Louis County. In 1871 he returned to Ohio, but in 1875 came back to Missouri and located in Cooper County, beginning here by renting a farm in Pilot Grove township and was thus engaged there until 1880, when he moved to Kelly township, rented of James Nelson the farm. In 1893 he bought his present farm. Mr. Phillips has been successful in his farm- ing and stock raising and has added to the acreage until now he is the owner of 238 acres and has one of the best improved farms in the neighborhood. Mr. Phillips is a republican, but has not been a seeker after office. He is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic at Tipton. Formerly he was a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He and his family are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church (South).

March 4, 1880, Charles S. Phillips was married to Matilda Barnhart, who was born in Illinois in 1853, and to this union four children have been born: Charles S., Kansas City; Clarence E., Lebanon township; Orville H., at home, and Mary, wife of Harry Hegmire, Kelly township.

James N. Blythe, formerly and for many years a well-known blacksmith at Pleasant Green, was born on a farm in Otterville township March 20, 1858, son of William and Nancy (James) Blythe, natives of Kentucky, who had come here some years prior to that date and had settled on a farm in Otterville township. William Blythe also was a blacksmith and the forge he set up on his farm was a great accommodation to his neighbors. He continued to make his home on that place and there died in 1907, he then being 66 years of age. William Blythe was twice married. His first wife, Nancy James, whom he married in Kentucky, died in 1864. By that marriage he was the father of seven children, of whom James N. was the sixth in order of birth. Following the death of the mother of these children, William Blythe married Mary Fink, and to that union seven children also were born.

Reared on the home farm in Otterville township, James N. Blythe received his schooling in the district schools and was early trained by his father not only in the ways of farming but in blacksmithing, to which latter vocation he gave particular attention and about 40 years ago set up as a blacksmith on his own account. He married in 1881 and not long thereafter moved to Pleasant Green, where he bought a tract of 35 acres at the edge of the town, and set up his blacksmith shop, and for many years worked there at his trade, one of the best known smiths hereabout. In 1913, Mr. Blythe bought a tract of land adjoining his home and has since then been devoting the greater part of his time to the breeding of Poland China hogs and to the buying and selling of stock, and has met with success. He owns a well-kept farm of 151 acres. He also is a stockholder in the Pleasant Green Bank. Mr. Blythe is a democrat, and a member of the Modern Woodmen of America. He is a member of the Methodist Church, and his wife is a Baptist.

without issue in 1890, at the age of 41 years. Dec. 28, 1891, Mr. Blythe married Sarah W. Woolery, who was born in this county, daughter of Taylor and Eliza (Berry) Woolery, both members of pioneer families in Cooper County and both of whom are living on their farm, east of Pleasant Green.

William F. Cordry, one of the progressive farmers of Lebanon township, was born near the farm on which he is now living, Nov. 8, 1846, son of William L. and Polly Ann (Weir) Cordry. William L. Cordry was born in Todd County, Ky., Jan. 15, 1816, and was but 14 years of age when, in 1830, he came with his parents, James Cordry and wife, to Missouri, the family driving through with both oxen and horses and settling on land which James Cordry had entered from the Government, in Lebanon township. There a log cabin was erected. The nearest market at that time was at Boonville and conditions of living were somewhat rough and primitive. The little old log cabin which sheltered the family for years and in which children were born and reared, is still standing on the old home pdace, a most highly valued relic of pioneer days, and is being carefully preserved. It was on that pioneer farm that William L. Cordry grew to manhood and laid the foundations for his after success, for in time he became one of the most substantial farmers and landowners in that community. In the spring of 1838 he married Polly Ann Weir, who was born in Howard County, Sept. 28, 1819, and after his marriage established his home in Lebanon township, where he and his wife spent the remainder of their lives. Both lived to be past 80 years of age and at their passing left good memories as a legacy to their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. William L. Cordry died in 1902. His wife died Oct. 14, 1900. They were the parents of eight children, as follows: Samuel J., now deceased, was a soldier of the Union Army during the Civil War; James N., a farmer in Kelly township; William F. ; Thomas N., Pilot Grove; Charles W., Palestine township; Robert D., Lebanon township ; Mrs. Alice Eichelberger, Fulton, Mo. ; and Margaret Ida, wife of Peter F. Smith, Lebanon township.

Reared in Lebanon township, William F. Cordry attended school in the little old log school house which was serving the district in the days of his boyhood, but which before his school days were over was supplanted by a small frame structure with oak slabs for seats. He was but 15 years of age when the Civil War broke out, but he was enrolled for service, thought it never became necessary to call him out to active duty. In 1871, his father gave him the "80" on which he established his home and on which he is still living. As his affairs prospered Mr. Cordry bought more land adjoining and now has an excellent farm of 250 acres, besides which he has given land and money to his children. Mr. Cordry has lived to see many wonderful changes in the methods of agricultural operations since the days of his boyhood and has been progressive enough to adopt the new ways, and he has prospered thereby. Mr. Cordry is a republican, but has not been included in the office-seeking class. He and his family are members of the Presbyterian Church.

Jan. 12, 1871, William F. Cordry was married to Madora Hutchinson, who was born in that same township, Dec. 17, 1851, daughter of L. M. Hutchinson and wife, the latter of whom was a Cordry. L. M. Hutchinson was born in Page County, Va., and his wife was born in Kentucky. Mr. and Mrs. Cordry have four children, namely: Leslie L., a farmer of Palestine township ; Oliver L., a Lebanon township farmer ; Owen E., also of Lebanon township, and Bessie, wife of John Streit, in Otterville township.

Davin Brothers, Michael and Andrew Davin, extensive farmers and stock raisers in Pilot Grove township, and the latter of whom served for three terms as county judge for the western district of Cooper County, and is vice-president of the Pilot Grove Bank, and vice-president of the Elliott & Chapman Furniture Company of that place, have resided in this county since 1877, and have for years been among its most progressive and substantial citizens. Michael Davin was born in Cincinnati, Ohio. Dec, 2, 1854, and Andrew Davin was born across the Ohio River, in Covington, Ky., June 29, 1860, sons of Michael and Ellen (Ryan) Davin, natives of Ireland, who came to this county after their marriage, and after a some time residence in Cincinnati and Covington, came to Missouri with their family and settled on a farm in Pilot Grove township, where they spent the remainder of their lives.

Michael Davin, the father, was born Jan. 6, 1816, and grew to manhood in Ireland, where on Feb. 8, 1837, he married Ellen Ryan, who was bom in 1817. He and his wife remained in their native land until 1848, when they came to the United States. At that time they had several small children and others were born to them after they came to this country. They first went to Cincinnati, but later moved across the river to Covington and there remained until the spring of 1877 when they came to Cooper County, arriving here March 17 and settled on a farm in Pilot Grove township, which place is still in the family and there they spent the remainder of their lives. Michael Davin died on July 9, 1891, and his widow died July 27, 1899. They were members of the Catholic Church and their children were reared in that faith. There were twelve of these children, of whom two died in childhood, the others besides the subjects of this sketch being as follows: Thomas, born in Ireland, March 1, 1838, died July, 1898 ; Mary, married John Kirwin and is deceased ; Bridget, wife of Thomas Woods, St. Louis ; Jeremiah, deceased ; John, deceased ; Ellen, with her brothers on the old home place; Margaret, who also is at home, and James, deceased.

Of these children, Michael was the seventh in order of birth and Andrew the ninth. The former had passed his majority when the family came to Cooper County and the latter was about 17 years of age. Thus both were able assistants in the labors of developing and improving the farm on which the family settled. Following the death of their father, the brothers continued operations on the home place and now have an excellent farm of 480 acres, on which they are profitably carrying on general fanning and stock raising. They are republicans and in 1908 Andrew Davin was elected county judge for the western district of Cooper County and by successive re-elections served in that important judicial capacity for three terms. He is a member of the board of directors and vicepresident of the Pilot Grove Bank as well as vice-president of the Elliott & Chapman Furniture Company of Pilot Grove. The Davin brothers and their sisters are members of the Catholic Church and Michael and Andrew Davin are members of the Knights of Columbus.

William R. Phillips, one of Clear Creek township's well-known farmers, is a native son of Cooper County, member of one of the real pioneer families. He was born in Clear Creek township, Feb. 18, 1847, son of Martin G. and Susan (Huff) Phillips, both of whom were members of pioneer families in this county and who spent their last days here.

Martin G. Phillips was born in Alabama in 1814 and was but eight years of age when his parents, Jeremiah and Ann (Brown) Phillips, came to Missouri with their family and a few years later settled on Government land near Buffalo Prairie in Clear Creek township, where they spent the remainder of their lives. Jeremiah Phillips was of Irish stock and was a soldier of the War of 1812. On that pioneer farm in Clear Creek township, Martin G. Phillips grew to manhood and after his marriage to Susan Huff, who was born in Kentucky and who had come to Missouri with her parents, settled on a farm in that same neighborhood and there he and his wife spent the remainder of their lives. Martin G. Phillips died in 1894, at the age of 80 years. His widow died in 1896. She was born in 1818. They were the parents of 11 children, of whom five are still living, as follows : William R. ; James W., Yukon, Okla. ; George W., of Hughesville, Mo. ; Jennie, widow of J. Parrish ; and Addie, wife of C. F. Smith, Clear Creek township.

William R. Phillips, from the days of his boyhood, gave his attention to farming. He received his schooling in the local schools of his home neighborhood and remained at home until his marriage in the spring of 1873, when he rented a farm. He continued as a renter until 1888, when he bought the farm where he has since made his home. Since taking possession of that place, Mr. Phillips has improved it in substantial fashion. In his political views he is a democrat. He and his family are members of the Baptist Church.

April 8, 1873, William R. Phillips was married to Catherine Gentry, who also was born in this county, and to this union five children have been born, namely: George, deceased; Jennie, wife of John J. Potter, Clifton; Martin G., Palestine township; Margaret, deceased, and Riley, who is at home assisting his father on the farm. Mrs. Phillips was born in Pilot Grove township, daughter of William and Margaret (Roe) Gentry, who for years were among the well-known residents of that part of the county.

In May, 1919, Mr. Phillips retii-ed from the farm and moved to Pilot Grove, where he bought property. His son, William Riley, Jr., is conducting the farm.

Daniel R. Brubaker, a veteran of the Civil War and one of the wellknown and substantial farmers and stockmen of Lebanon township, was born in Page County, Va., Feb. 14, 1844, son of Gideon and Nancy (Rothgeb) Brubaker, both also natives of that state and who spent their lives there. Gideon Brubaker was born in Page county, Va., Aug. 28, 1806, and died in 1892. He was a son of Peter and Barbara Ann (Kaufman) Brubaker, both natives of Virginia. The Brubakers are of Swedish stock and have been established in this country since 1700, when the first of the name on this side of the water settled in Virginia. Gideon Brubaker was married four times and had children by three wives. By his union with Nancy Rothgeb, mother of the subject of this sketch, he had six children, of whom Daniel R. was the first born.

Reared on the farm on which he was born in Page county, Va., Daniel R. Brubaker was living there when the Civil War broke out, he then being 17 years of age. He enlisted in the Confederate Army at Luray, Va., and served until finally mustered out. At the battle of Malvern Hill - the seven days fight - he was wounded in the eye and sustained other wounds from bursting shells. In the spring of 1866 he married and settled down in his home county, where he remained until Feb. 22, 1873, when he left Virginia with his family and came to Missouri, settling in this county. Here he bought a tract of 90 acres, a part of the farm on which he is now living in Lebanon township. As his affairs prospered, he added to the same until he now owns 440 acres. Fifty years and more ago, back in his old home county, Mr. Brubaker taught a term of school and has ever retained the liveliest interest in school affairs. For some time he served as director of his local school district and also has served as clerk of the school board. He maintains an independent attitude on political questions.

March 29, 1866, in Page County, Va., Daniel R. Brubaker was united in marriage with Frances E. Gander, who was born in that county, and to this union 10 children have been born, namely: Edgar, Sedalia, Mo.; Lizzie, wife of V. L. Biedler, of Rockingham County, Va. ; Hubert L., Chicago, 111.; Henry M., who is at home with his father; Ashby W., Kansas City; Elmer J., Kelly township; Ella M., wife of J. C. Cordry, Kelly township; Homer V., of Lebanon township; Nettie L., wife of W. P. Coe, Sedalia, and Bessie P., wife of T. H. Coe, Sedalia. Mrs. Brubaker, mother of these children, was born on July 18, 1844, daughter of Henry and Mary Coffman Gander, who were born in what is now known as Page County, Va. Three years ago Mr. and Mrs. Brubaker celebrated their golden wedding anniversary.

William H. Glasgow, a successful young stock breeder of Kelly township, was born on Oct. 10, 1894, son of William H. and Belle J. (Gates) Glasgow, both now deceased. The senior William H. Glasgow, who died at Syracuse Oct. 30, 1901, was born in this county, Sept. 23, 1849, son of James H. and Harriet (Cranmer) Glasgow, who were among the pioneers of Cooper County. James H. Glasgow was born in Delaware, Jan. 5, 1807, and came to Missouri when Government land still was available for settlement in Cooper County. He was a slaveholder and bought from the Government for $1.25 an acre the land upon which he settled, later increasing his holdings until he became the owner of a plantation of 800 acres. He died at his home in this county Dec. 5, 1885. His widow died Oct. 5, 1902. She was born in Kentucky Nov. 10, 1816, and came to this county with her parents, the Cranmers having been among the early settlers here. Of the four children born to James H. Glasgow and wife, William H. was the second in order of birth. He grew to manhood in this county and became an extensive farmer and influential. He organized the Cooper County Anti-Horse Thief Association, and was the first president and until his death one of the leading spirits. William H. Glasgow, Sr., died in the fall of 1901 and his widow died March 14, 1917. She was born at Memphis, Tenn., June 25, 1860, and was past 57 years of age at the time of her death. She was a member of the Gates family, which came from England to this country in Colonial days and of which now widely scattered family there is a complete genealogy beginning in the 17th century and bringing the descent down to the year 1917. William H. Glasgow and Belle J. Gates were married at St. Louis, Oct. 5, 1892, and to that union three children were born. Of these the subject of this sketch was the second in order of birth. The first born, Versalis H., died in infancy. The third, Clayton S. Glasgow, lives on the farm adjoining that of his brother William, a part of the old home place, in Kelly township.

The junior William H. Glasgow was but seven years of age when his father died and the responsibility of carrying on the operations of the home place early fell upon his shoulders. He completed his schooling in Central College at Fayette and upon his return from college resumed his place on the farm, he and his brother carrying on the operations of the place jointly in behalf of their mother. After their mother's death, in the spring of 1917, the brothers divided the estate equitably, this division giving to each 210 acres. For some years past William H. Glasgow has been giving particular attention to the raising of Hampshire sheep and his breeding cotes have attained more than a local reputation. He has made exhibits at the Bunceton Fair and in addition to the private sales which he conducts on his farm, he has received orders for the increase of his flock from several states. Mr. Glasgow is a member of the American Hampshire Sheep Association of Detroit, and a member of the local Sheep Breeders' Association, which confines its field of activities to Cooper and Moniteau Counties. He is a democrat.

Oct. 18, 1916, William H. Glasgow was married to Dora B. Kite, who also was born in this county, and to this union one child has been born, William H. Glasgow, III. Mrs. Glasgow was born in Lebanon township, daughter of George W. and Emma J. (Buracker) Kite, the latter of whom is living in Lebanon township. She was born in Page County, Va., Jan. 1, 1867. George W. Kite also was born in Page County, Va., March 27, 1857. He and his wife came to Missouri about 1887 and located on a farm in Lebanon township, where he spent the remainder of his life. He died in 1905. To him and his wife were born five children, of whom three are still living, Mrs. Glasgow having a brother, Grover C. Kite, of Kelly township, and a sister, Ruth V., who is at home with her mother.

Clayton Stilhnan Glasgow, one of the progressive young farmers and stockmen of Kelly township was born on the place where he now resiues, Aug. 27, 1896, son of William H. and Belle J. (Gates) Glasgow, both now deceased. The former died in 1901 and the latter in 1917. James H. Glasgow, a native of Delaware and the grandfather of the subject of this sketch, bought at an early day a considerable tract of land here on which to establish his home. This pioneer's son, William H. Glasgow, anc? his wife had three children, the first born a daughter, who died in infancy, Clayton S. Glasgow having an elder brother, William H., who lives on the farm adjoining him.

Reared on the home farm, Clayton S. Glasgow was from the days of his boyhood trained in the ways of farming, the operations of the home place early devolving upon his elder brother and himself due to the tact of their father's death when they were but boys. He completed his schooling in Central College at Fayette and in the University of Missouri and upon leaving the university returned to the home farm and there resumed his operations, he and his bi'other managing the place jointly in behalf of their mother, and after the latter's death in 1917 the brothers divided the estate, each receiving 210 acres of excellent and well improved land. In the following spring Clayton S. Glasgow married and established his home on that portion of the estate which came to his share and has since been making extensive improvements on the same. In addition to his general farming he has for some time given special attention to the raising of Shorthorn cattle and Shropshire sheep and has met with much s-uccess in this line. Mr. Glasgow is a member of local association of Shropshire breeders which confines its activities to Cooper and Moniteau Counties, has been an exhibitor at the county fair and is going into the breeding business in a way to bespeak his continued success and influence in that line, coming to be recognized as one of the wideawake young stockmen of his county.

May 29, 1918, Clayton S. Glasgow was united in marriage with Velma G. Palmer, who was born on a farm near Greenville, 111., June 15, 1897, daughter of A. L. and Alice (Betteridge) Palmer. A. L. Palmer is n native of Illinois and his wife of Connecticut. Upon coming to Cooper County from Illinois they located on a farm in Lebanon township and are living there. Mr. and Mrs. Glasgow are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Glasgow is a democrat, as were his father and grandfather before him. To Mr. and Mrs. Glasgow have been born a son, Cecil Wayne, born April 27, 1919.

George Barnhart, one of Kelly township's substantial farmers and stockmen, was born on a pioneer farm forty miles north Oskaloosa, Iowa, Dec. 15, 1857. He is a son of John and Sarah (Ashmead) Barnhart, natives of Pennsylvania, who settled in Cooper County at the close of the Civil War and whose last days were spent here, both living to a ripe old age.

John Barnhart was reared in Pennsylvania, his native state, and there married Sarah Ashmead, who also was born in that state. Not long after their marriage they moved to central Iowa, where they remained until 1866, when they moved to Missouri and located in Cooper County. Not long after coming here John Barnhart bought a farm south of Boonville and he and his wife spent the remainder of their lives there. John Barnhart died in 1894, he then being past 76 years of age. His widow died in 1909, being 76 years of age. They were the parents of nine children, of whom the subject of this sketch was the fifth in order of birth and three of whom are still living, Mr. Barnhart having two sisters, Matildia, wife of C. S. Phillips and Mrs. Laura Rockwood, near Pilot Grove.

George Barnhart was nine years of age when he came to Cooper County with his parents from Iowa in 1866 and his schooling was completed in the district school. When 22 years of age he rented a farm in Boonville township and continued to make that township his residence until 1899, when he bought the quarter section in Kelly township on which he is now living. Mr. Barnhart has made numerous substantial improvements on his place. In addition to his general farming he has an excellent herd of Hereford cattle. He is a republican.

Feb. 12, 1884, that George Barnhart was married to Susan Wilson, who was born at Adair, Mo., daughter of James T. Wilson and wife, the latter of whom was a Jones, and who died Feb. 24, 1915, at the age of 53 years. To that union was born one child, a daughter, Laura, who married Earl Stahl and is now (spring of 1919) at home with her father during the continued absence of her husband in Europe as a member of the American Expeditionary Forces. Mr. and Mrs. Stahl have one child, a daughter, Ruth.

G. and Sallie (Downton) Hutchison, who many years ago became residents of Kelly township, and are buried in the cemetery at Syracuse, Mo. John G. Hutchison was born in Kentucky and there married and became a farmer and merchant. In 1856 he disposed of his interests and with his family came to Missouri, locating in Kelly township, where he became a quite extensive landowner and where he spent the remainder of his life, living to a ripe old age. His wife died at Sedalia, ten years before her husband's death. A couple of years after John G. Hutchison had settled in this county his parents, Elijah and Isabel (West) Hutchison, disposed of their interests in Kentucky and also came here. Elijah Hutchison was a Virginian as was his wife. Upon coming here in 1858 he bought several thousand acres of land in Cooper and Pettis Counties and with the 200 negroes which he brought with him from Kentucky started in to create a great plantation with particular reference to the raising of cattle and mules, but the breaking out of the Civil War, a few years later, and the permanent consequences necessitated a complete revision of his plans, though he still maintained a considerable estate. John G. Hutchison and his wife lived to ripe old ages. Of the children born to them but two are now living, the subject of this sketch having a younger brother, Elijah Hutchison, now living at Independence, Mo.

Reared on the farm on which his parents had settled when he was nine years of age, Thomas G. Hutchison has continued to make that place his home. He married when twenty years of age and established his home on the place, in time coming into the inherited possession of 300 acres of the same. Of this tract he later sold fifty acres and thus now has 250 acres, the same being well improved and profitably cultivated. In addition to his general farming Mr. Hutchison has for many years given considerable attention to stock raising. In recent years he has been ably assisted in the management of the place by his son, Richard E. For nine years during the educational period of their son,Mr. and Mrs. Hutchison maintained a city residence at Sedalia, where their son went to school, Mr. Hutchison meantime, however, continuing to look after the farm. He is a democrat and he and his family are members of the Methodist Church.

Mr. Hutchison has been twice married. In 1867 he was married to Lucy E. Thompson, who was born in this county and who died leaving two children, Mary E., wife of T. Bradley, of Boonville, and Segis Leslie, deceased. Oct. 17, 1883, Mr. Hutchison married Margaret Lenora Ellis, who also was born in this county, and to this union three children have been born, namely: Margaret, deceased; Richard Ellis, mentioned above, and Thomas G., Jr., deceased. Richard Ellis Hutchison married Julia Bridges and is making his home on the home farm in Kelly township, being able thus to relieve his father of much of the detail of management. Mrs. Margaret Lenora Hutchison was born in Lebanon township Sept. 28, 1849, one of the nine children born to Richard P. and Margaret V. (Ferguson) Ellis, the eldest of these children having been the late Mrs. Mary E. Harris, mother of Mrs. W. F. Johnson, whose name appears on the title page of this work. Richard P. Ellis was a native of Virginia, born in Orange County, in 1809. Nov. 25, 1830, he married Margaret V. Ferguson, who was born in Bath County, Ky. In 1836 he came to Missouri with his family and settled in Cooper County, where he was living when the Civil War broke out. During that struggle he was killed. His widow died at Pilot Grove many years afterward.

William A. Mayfield, one of the large landowners and best known farmers and stockmen in the county, now living retired at Pleasant Green, was born on a farm in Clear Creek township March 29, 1852. He is a son of James and Elizabeth V. (Linn) Mayfield, both of whom were bom in Barren County, Ky., and came to Cooper County nearly 70 years ago and settled in the Clear Creek section.

James Mayfield was born at Glasgow, Ky., March 4, 1815, a son of one of the pioneer families of that section. The Mayfields are an old Colonial family, the first of this name in this country, having come here from Glasgow, Scotland, about 300 years ago, settling on the North Carolina coast, whence members of the family drifted into Kentucky in the early days of the settlement of that state. Sept. 3, 1843, in Kentucky, James Mayfield married Elizabeth V. Linn and there continued to reside until 1850, when he came with his family to Missouri and settled on a farm in Clear Creek township, where he spent the remainder of his life. He died Oct. 19, 1892. His widow died Jan. 25, 1901. She was born Aug. 28, 1822. They were the parents of six children as follows: Louisa, married Captain Zollinger and is now deceased : Emma, who married W. A. Huyett and is deceased; William A.; Thomas^ Vernon County, Mo.; James, deceased, and David B. Mayfield. a stockman, Otterville.

William A. Mayfield was reared on the farm on which he was born in Clear Creek township and received his schooling in the district schools. As a young man he began farming on his own account on rented land owned by his father, but in 1878 he bought a farm on which he made his home until he later sold it. He has from time to time made some excellent investments and has owned a great deal of land. At present he -is the owner of 750 acres in this county and 480 acres near Amarillo, Texas. During the progress of the various Liberty Bond sales during the World War Mr. Mayfield bought $20,000 worth of bonds and was in other ways an active factor in promoting the sale of these securities in this county. In 1910 Mr. Mayfield retired from the active labors of the farm and moved to Pleasant Green, where he is now very comfortably situated, his house being surrounded by a four-acre tract. He is a democrat but has not been a seeker after office.

Feb. 20, 1878, William A. Mayfield was married to Laura J. Licklider, who was born in Ohio on Oct. 30, 1849, and who died at Pleasant Green Sept. 13, 1917. To that union were born eight children, namely: Maud E., deceased ; Elsie, wife of Doctor Hite, Greenridge, Mo. ; James W., farming in New Lebanon township; Cleveland, who is engaged in the hardware, grain and live-stock business at Pleasant Green; Laura, at home with her father; Luella, wife of James Algaier, a hardware and implement merchant at Lincoln, Mo.; Ruth, at home, and Anna B., wife of E. Hurt, of Pleasant Green. Ewing Hurt, a corporal in the 89th Division of the United States army, attached to the American Expeditionary Forces overseas, and who is now (spring of 1919) in France with his command, was inducted into the army in 1917, and in 1918 sailed with his division for overseas service. He participated in the great battle of the Argonne Forest and other engagements.

Joseph Clark Cordry, a progressive farmer of Kelly township, was bom Nov. 30, 1874, son of Newton and Amanda (Woolery) Cordry, both members of pioneer families in Cooper County. Reared on the home farm, Joseph C. Cordry received his schooling in the district school and from his boyhood was a valued assistant in the labors of the home farm. When he had attained his majority his father gave him 80 acres, a part of the home place, and he then began farming on his own account, a vocation he ever since has followed and with considerable success. That was in 1895 and seven vears later, he bought an adjoining 80 and has since been engaged in cultivating and improving his place of 160 acres until now he has an excellent farm, among these improvements being the erection of a new house and a new barn on the place. Mr. Cordry has long given proper attention to the raising of live stock and has found (47) that a profitable phase of his agricultural operations. Mr. Cordry does not acknowledge unshaken fealty to any political party, preferring rather to maintain an independent attitude, particularly with respect to local issues.

June 5, 1900, Joseph C. Cordry was married to Ella May Brumaker, who also was born in this county and to this union four children have been bom, Cletus Daniel, Jessie F., Agnes E. and Joseph C, Jr. Mrs. Cordry is a daughter of Daniel R. Brubaker and wife, members of pioneer families in this county. Mr. and Mrs. Cordry are members of the Baptist Church and have ever taken an interested part in church work.

William H. Cordry is one of the well fixed farmers of Kelly township and he has a pleasant home where he and his family are very comfortably situated. The youngest member of that household is Mr. Cordry's grandson, Arthur William Putman, a representative of the Cordry family in the fifth generation since that family came to Cooper County from Kentucky, the Cordrys being one of the real "old families" of this community. William H. Cordry was born on the old Cordry home place in Kelly township, on a part of which he still resides. He was born Sept. 27, 1870, his parents being James Newton and Amanda L. (Woolery) Cordry. James Newton Cordry gave his son, William H., 80 acres of the home place when the latter attained his majority and that property not only has been carefully conserved but added to, the present owner long having been looked upon as one of the substantial farmers of that neighborhood. He had grown up on the home farm, had received his schooling in the public school and had from the days of his boyhood been a valuable assistant on the home place. When he took possession of his farm there was no improvement save an old house which had been erected there many years before, thus all the present improvements, including the comfortable farm house, the ample barn and other buildings have been placed by the present owner. In 1904 Mr. Cordry bought an adjoining tract of 35 acres and now has an excellent farm of 115 acres, well improved and profitably cultivated.

Sept. 5, 1893, William H. Cordry was married to Nora May Davis, who also is a member of one of Cooper County's pioneer families, and to this union one child has been born, a daughter, Mary G., who married A. W. Putman, who is living on the Cordry place, assisting in the operations of the same, and has one child, Arthur William, representative in the fifth generation of the Cooper County Cordrys. Mrs. Cordry was born in this county in Aug., 1872, daughter of George W. and Matilda (McMahan)

Davis, both now deceased. George W. Davis in his younger days was a Santa Fe "trailer", an Indian fighter and a man thoroughly conversant with the hazard of Western frontier life, having often faced the most imminent peril and come through the same safely. But death came to him at last amid the calm pursuits of peaceful agricultural life at home. One day he was riding horseback across the fields when a prairie chicken whirred up from the grass directly in front of his horse. The frightened animal whirled and threw its rider. Mr. Davis' back was injured and he died from the effects. The Cordrys are members of the Baptist Church and Mr. Cordry is affiliated with the Masons and the Modern Woodmen of America.

James M. Corson, who died at his farm home in Kelly township in the spring of 1911 was born in Madison County, Ohio, Feb. 11, 1845. He was a son of John and Elizabeth (Blizzard) Corson, and was one of the eight children born to them.

Reared and schooled in his native county, James M. Corson learned the trade of blacksmith and upon finishing his trade came to Missouri and located in Henry County, where he had relatives. There he remained until 1876, when he came to Cooper County and took employment on the farm of the Mrs. Varner, a widow, in Kelly township. A few months later he married the youngest daughter of Mrs. Varner, established his home on the place and thereafter continued in proprietory management of the same, spending the rest of his life there. He died April 12, 1911, he then being past 66 years of age. During his many years of residence in Kelly township, Mr. Corson did well his part in the work of community betterment. He was a member of the Baptist Church and was a democrat.

Aug. 12, 1876, James M. Corson was united in marriage to Rose Vainer, who was born on the farm on which she is still living and which she owns, Jan. 17, 1856, daughter of Daniel A. and Eustatia (Cordry) Varner, both long since deceased. Daniel A. Varner was a Virginian who came to Missouri and entered government land in Kelly township, a part of his original tract being the farm which Mrs. Corson now owns. Here he married Eustatia Cordry, who was a member of the pioneer Cordry family from Kentucky, and was getting a good start along the lines of development on his home place when he died in 1861, he then being but 40 years of age. His widow maintained the home place and survived him for many years, her death occurring on May 4, 1898. Of the six children born to Daniel A. Varner and wife, Mrs. Corson was the youngest, the others being as follows : Charles N., Benton County, Mo. ; Asa, deceased ; Barbara, married William Smith and is now deceased ; John T., deceased, and Mary R., wife of Charles Hassett, Syracuse, Mo.

To James M. and Rose (Varner) Corson were born seven children, namely: Jesse B., who is now living in Canada; Elizabeth, of Kansas City; Levi, of Sedalia ; Etta, of Kansas City; Nettie, wife of Cyrus Decker, of Morgan County ; Marsh, deceased, and Bertie, at home with her mother. Mrs. Corson has a well improved farm of 80 acres and a very pleasant home. She is a member of the Baptist Church and has ever taken an interested part in church work.

James Henry Gunn, cashier of the Bank of Otterville, is one of Cooper County's well known and successful business men. He was born on a farm in Morgan County, Nov. 1, 1875, son of Judge Ephraim F. and Sallie A. (Madale) Gunn, both members of pioneer families.

Judge Ephraim E. Gunn was a native of Tennessee, born in Cumberland County, Nov. 7, 1838, and in 1840 his parents, Starling and Jemima (Marshall) Gunn, came to Missouri and settled near Versailles, Morgan County, where they spent the remainder of their lives. On that farm Ephraim F. Gunn grew to manhood and became a farmer and landowner, a man of influence. An earnest member of the primitive Baptist Church, he was licensed to preach and became widely known exhorter of the faith. He also took an active interest in political affairs, was one of the leaders of the Democratic party in his home county and for some time served as judge of the eastern district of Morgan County. He had a good farm and in addition to his general farming, for 21 years operated a threshing-rig. Judge Gunn died on Jan. 1, 1889, and his widow died Jan. 2, 1910. She was born in Kentucky May 5, 1837, and was but a child when her parents, Samuel and Sarah (Ross) Madale, also natives of Kentucky, came to Missouri and settled in Morgan County. Judge Gunn and wife were the parents of nine children, of whom the subject of this sketch was the eighth in order of birth and six of whom are still living.

James H. Gunn was reared on the home farm in Morgan County and received excellent schooling, completing his studies in Barnett Academy and in the high school at Versailles, after which for four years he was engaged during the winters as a teacher in the public schools of his home county. He early began to turn his attention to commercial pursuits and in 1899, in association with his brother, John R. Gunn, who then was cashier of the Bank of Otterville, became engaged in the agricultural implement business at Otterville. In 1902 he was elected assistant cashier of the Bank of Otterville and in 1909 was elected cashier of that institution, a position he since has occupied, one of the best known bankers in Cooper County. Mr. Gunn also is a stockholder in the Boonville National Bank and in the Boonville Trust Company. He owns a tract of 40 acres of land in this county and has other investments. He is a Democrat and is a member of the board of directors of the Otterville public schools. He is affiliated with the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, a Royal Arch Mason, a member of the chapter at Sedalia and of the council, Royal and Select Masters, at Centralia of the Order of the Eastern Star, of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and of the Knights of the Maccabees. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church (South) at Otterville and he is a member of the board of stewards of the same. Mr. Gunn also has long been interested in Sunday school work, is superintendent of the Sunday school of his church and is vice-president of the Cooper County Sunday School Association. He has for years given much earnest thought to local historical matters and is an active member of the Missouri State Historical Society, in the affairs of which society he takes a warm interest, a valued contributor to its archives.

Dec. 4, 1912, James H. Gunn was married to Ida May Potter, who was born at Otterville. Mrs. Gunn is a daughter of Samuel W. and Ida May (Amick) Potter, both now deceased. Samuel W. Potter was a graduate of the University of Missouri and was for years engaged in the drug business at Otterville, one of the most influential factors in the commercial life of that town. He also owned an excellent farm. Mr. and Mrs. Gunn have a pleasant home and take an active interest in the general social affairs of their home town.

Edwin Price Harned, manager of the Bunceton Telephone Company, a director of the Bunceton High School, owner of a fine farm of 230 acres in Palestine township and in other ways interested in the affairs of Cooper County, is a native son of this county. He was born on a farm in Kelly township Dec. 8, 1865, son of George and Marcia A. (Pash) Harned, natives of Kentucky, who became residents of Cooper County in Civil War times and whose last days were spent here.

George Harned was born in Nelson County, Ky., April 8. 1829. He was a son of Benjamin Harned and wife, the latter of whom was a Blanford, both of whom were born in Christian County, Ky., who spent most of their lives in Nelson County, where they died and are buried. Benjamin Harned and wife had a large family, but of their numerous children George was the only one who located in Cooper County. Two of the latter's brothers, Lee and Ack. L. Harned, served as soldiers of the Confederacy during the Civil War, the former losing his life at the battle of Shiloh and the latter being so seriously wounded that one of his arms had to be amputated. In 1859 George Harned and wife came to Missouri, locating in the southeastern part of the state, where they remained until Feb., 1865, when they came to Cooper County, where he bought 1,000 acres of land in Kelly township and establishing there in that same year a great herd of Shorthorn cattle, being the third person in this county to undertake the breeding of Shorthorns. For ten years he maintained this herd and became widely known among stockmen as an exhibitor at county fairs, his herd attracting much attention. He developed a fine farm and lived to be past 70 years of age. He died in 1900. His widow died March 24, 1912. She was born at Cox's Creek, Nelson County, Ky., April 11, 1832. George Harned and wife were the parents of four children: William P. Hamed, living on the old home place in Kelly township; Benjamin Harned, who lives five miles east of Bunceton ; Edwin P. and Huldah, who married Walter Williams and is now deceased.

Edwin P. Harned was reared on the farm on which he was born near Vermont and received his schooling in the Bunceton schools. As a young man he became engaged in mercantile business at Vermont and was thus engaged for nine years. In 1900 he began fanning two miles west of Bunceton on a farm which his father had given him and has thus occupied that place for nineteen years, making his home there during the summers and living at Bunceton during the winters. This is an excellent farm of 230 acres, well improved and profitably cultivated. In 1913 Mr. Harned became one of the leading stockholders in the Bunceton Telephone Company and in 1915 was made manager of that concern, a position he has since occupied, his administration of the affairs of the company having done much to extend the service of the telephone plant throughout the territory it covers. Mr. Harned is also a member of the board of directors of the Bunceton High School. He is a democrat and he and his family are members of the Christian Church.

Nov. 8, 1894, Edwin P. Harned was married to Harriet McDonald and to this union four children have been born: Virginia, Howard, Mc- Donald, Harriet H. and William S., all at home. Mrs. Harned was bom in Howard County, a daughter of Strother and Virginia (Turner) Mc- Donald, natives of Virginia, who came to Missouri many years ago. Strother McDonald died in 187R and his widow resides with her daughter, Mrs. Harned.

John Leonard Spillers, former county collector for Cooper County and a well known business man of Otterville, is a native of Cooper County. He was born on a farm in Lebanon township, May 23, 1876, son of Henry T. and Nancy E. (Thomas) Spillers. Henry T. Spillers was born in Randolph County, Ind., Aug. 6, 1850, and was but a boy when his parents, William and Mary (Harris) Spillers, came to Missouri with their family and settled on a farm in Lebanon township, where they spent the remainder of their active lives, moving to Otterville upon their retirement from the farm and there spending their last days. William Spillers was born in Ohio and his wife in Indiana. Henry T. Spillers grew to manhood in Lebanon township and followed farming until about 1906, when he moved to Otterville and there became engaged in the implements business. He died June 24, 1913. His wife died Jan. 18, 1901. She was born in Ken., March 27, 1848. To Henry T. Spillers and wife were born five children as follows: John L. ; William, Kansas City; Thomas 0., Otterville; Margaret, wife of Solomon Rothgeb, Lebanon township, and May, wife of Jesse Favorite, Blairstown.

John L. Spillers was reared on the home farm in Lebanon township and completed his schooling in Otterville College. He married when 21 years of age and thereafter continued farming until his election in 1903 to the office of county collector. He was re-elected to that office and thus served for two years. In 1909, he moved to Otterville and engaged in the hardware business, buying a store which had already been established for some time. In 1915 he sold that store and opened a furniture store and undertaking establishment and has since been engaged in this business. In order properly to prepare himself for the exacting profession of funeral director, Mr. Spillers entered the Williams School of Embalming at Kansas City and after a full course at that institution was graduated and was then licensed under the laws of the state. Mr. Spillers has for years taken an earnest interest in the cause of education in that state and is a member of the board of regents of the Missouri State Normal School at Warrensburg. He is a Republican and is one of the leaders of that party in Cooper County. He is a York Rite Mason, affiliated with the Chapter, Royal Arch Masons, at Boonville, and the Commandery, Knights Templar, at Boonville; is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows at Otterville and of the Knights of the Maccabees and the Woodmen of the World. He and his family are members of the Baptist Church and take a proper interest in church work.

was bom in this county, a daughter of Judge Starke. Mr. and Mrs. Spillers have two children, Guy E., who is now a student in the Missouri State Normal School, and Agnes E., who is a member of the junior class of the Otterville High School. During the last registration in 1918 under the selective service law Mr. Spillers and his son, both of whom were eligible for service, registered together, this being the only such instance of father and son registering in Otterville, and they properly regarded it as quite a momentous occasion in their lives. In the Spillers family there is carefully preserved a photograph of four living generations in the male line, the value of the picture being further enhanced by the fact that each of the persons thus pictured was the first born son in his respective generation. This picture was taken of course during the childhood of Mr. Spiller's son Guy, his father and his grandfather then both being alive, and represents William Spillers, the pioneer, Henry T. Spillers, John L. Spillers and Guy E. Spillers, a photograph certainly worthy of preservation as a most interesting memorial for future generations of the family.

Ernest L. Hite, president of the Farmers Club in his home district, is one of the best known and most progressive young farmers in that section of the county. He was born on a farm in Page County, Va., July 15, 1880, son of Isaac M. and Mary A. (Gander) Hite, both born in that county and the latter of whom is living with her son, Edward W. Hite, in Lebanon township.

Isaac M. Hite was born in 1835 and grew to manhood in Virginia, where he was living when the Civil War broke out. He at once enlisted in the Confederate army, serving four years, and for quite a period of this time serving as the personal body guard of Gen. Robert E. Lee. After the war he settled down in his home county, married and continued to reside there until in 1885, when he came with his family to Missouri and located on a farm in Lebanon township, this county, where he spent the remainder of his life. He died Sept., 1898. Mr. Hite was a substantial citizen and at the time of his death was the owner of 300 acres of land in this county. To Isaac M. Hite and wife five children were born. Of these the subject of this sketch was the last born; the first born died in infancy and the others are as follows: Edward W., a substantial farmer of Lebanon township ; Ella, wife of Charles C. Murray, Washington, D. C, and Dr. Henry Ashby Hite, a physician and surgeon now practicing at Greenridge, Mo.

Lebanon township, attending the schools of that district. During the winter of 1898-99 he attended the State Normal School at Warrensburg and the following winter attended the State University at Columbia, where he served as a private in the cadet corps for five months. In 1904, he established his home on the farm on which he is now living. Mr. Hite has 230 acres which he has improved. Early in the present year (1919) he helped to organize the Farmers Club in his home district and upon the organization of the same was elected president. Mr. Hite is a democrat and for the past two years has been president of school district No. 64. In addition to his farm he owns a good piece of business property in Pleasant Green.

Dec. 28, 1904, Ernest L. Hite was married to Frances Connell, who was born in Saline County, and to this union two children have been born, Cecil C. and Earl Lee. Mrs. Hite is a daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth (Smith) Connell, the latter of whom also was born in Howard County. The late Joseph Connell was born in Page County, Va., but had long been a resident of Missouri, a substantial cattle feeder in Saline County. He and his wife were the parents of 12 children.

Judge Joseph Minter, vice-president of the Bank of Otterville, former judge of Cooper County now living at Otterville, was born in Harrison County, Va., June 22, 1844. He is a son of Jacob and Clarecy (Neely) Minter, both members of Colonial families and Revolutionary stock. Jacob Minter was born in Fairfax County in 1800 and died in 1868. His grandfather, Jacob Minter, was a Hollander who had been in this country but two years when the Revolutionary War broke out. He organized a company to fight in defense of the cause of the colonists and served throughout the war as captain of that company. Clarecy (Neely) Minter, mother of Judge Minter, was born in 1803 and died in 1871. Her father, John Neely, also was a soldier of the Revolution, serving as a lieutenant. During the war he was captured by Indians in the service of the British and for four years was held as a prisoner of war. At his death he was buried with military honors. Jacob and Clarecy (Neely) Minter were the parents of six children, three sons and three daughters, of whom Judge Minter is now the sole survivor.

In 1870 Judge Minter came to Missouri. He had been engaged in the East in railway construction work and came here to help construct the dyke across the Missouri River at Boonville for the passage of the M. K. & T. railroad. Upon the completion of this job he continued his railway construction work and was for twelve years thus engaged, this service taking him into various states. In the meantime, however, he had become so much "taken" with Cooper County that in 1874, he bought a farm near Otterville and after his marriage here two years later established his home there. On that place, which he continued to improve and which contained 320 acres of fine land, Judge Minter continued farming and stock raising until 1909 when he sold the place, retired from farm life and moved to Otterville, where he since has made his home. For the past 17 years has served as vice-president of the Bank of Otterville. He is a republican and is one of the leaders of that party in Cooper County. In 1906 he was elected county judge from his district and served for four years.

Judge Minter has been twice married. In 1876 he was married to Fannie Ross, who was born in Otterville and who died in June, 1907, without issue. In Nov., 1909, the Judge married Belle Starke, who was bora in Otterville, daughter of Squire Thomas J. Starke, Judge and Mrs. Minter are members of the Presbyterian Church. He is affiliated with the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons.

H. Roger Starke, a well-known live stock buyer at Otterville, is a native son of Cooper County. He was born on a farm in Lebanon township, Oct. 24, 1881, son of the Hon. John D. and Mary A. (Stratton) Starke. The Hon. John D. Starke was for many years one of the leading men in this county. He was the first judge of the eastern district of Cooper County and in Nov., 1882, was elected county collector, an office to which he was re-elected, thus holding it for two terms. In 1886 he was elected to represent this district in the upper house of the Missouri General Assembly and rendered conspicuous service in the State Senate. From 1897 to 1901 he occupied the position of warden of the Missouri State Penitentiary at Jefferson City and upon the completion of that term of public service returned to his old home in this county and here spent the remainder of his life. He and his wife were the parents of nine children, of whom the subject of this sketch was the last born.

Reared on the home farm in Lebanon township, H. Roger Starke's early residence was divided between that place and Boonville and Jefferson City on account of his father's official residence in the cities during his public service, and his schooling was thus somewhat interrupted, being completed by one term in the high school at Jefferson City, a year in Missouri Valley College at Marshall and a year in the Missouri State Normal School. As a young man he continued giving attention to the affairs of the home farm and after his marriage in 1908 he formed a part- nership with his father in the live stock business, maintaining his base of operations on the home farm until 1916, when, after his father's death, he moved to Otterville and has since carried on his operations from that point, making his home there. Mr. Starke is a democrat, as was his father, and has long given his attention to local civic affairs, at present serving as a member of the town council and as a member of the school board at Otterville. He owns a good little farm of 80 acres, is a stockholder in the Bank of Otterville, and has other investments besides his extensive dealings in the live stock market.

Nov. 28, 1908, H. Roger Starke was married to Gladys Lee Huff, who was born at Syracuse, Mo., daughter of J. T. and Bettie Lee (Johnson) Huff, who also were bom in this state, and to this union one child has been born, Jennie Lee. Mr. and Mrs. Starke have a pleasant home at Otterville. They are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church (South) and take their part in church work. Mr. Starke is a member of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.

James S. Bane, a well-known and progressive business man of Otterville, was born in Lewis County, Mo., Feb. 4, 1864, son of Robert and Martha (Goodwin) Bane. Robert Bane was born in that part of Virginia now comprised in West Virginia and was there married to Martha Goodwin, who also was bom in that part of Virginia. In the days before the Civil War, he and his wife came to Missouri and settled in Lewis County, but in 1866 they disposed of their interests there and moved to Morgan County, settling on a farm, where Robert Bane died not many years later. His widow survived him until 1901. She was 75 years of age at the time of her death. They were the parents of five children, of whom the subject of this sketch was the fourth in order of birth and all of whom are living, save one who died in infancy.

Reared on the home farm in Morgan county, he having been but two years of age when his parents moved there, James S. Bane received his schooling in the district school and in a select school at Otterville. He remained on the home farm until after his marriage in 1886, when he began farming on his own account, renting land for two or three years, when he bought a farm in Morgan County. In 1893 he sold that farm and came to Cooper County and bought a farm of 155 acres in Otterville township, near Otterville. In 1918 he bought the garage at Otterville, which he is now conducting and at the same time engaged in the general sale of automobiles and accessories. Mr. Bane has a well-equipped and up- to-date place and is doing well in his new business. He still resides on his farm, although he rents the land. He is a stockholder in and a member of the board of directors of the Farmers and Merchants Bank of Otterville and gives his earnest attention to the general business conditions of his home town. He is a democrat, and is affiliated with the Knights and Ladies of Security and he and his family are members of the Presbyterian Church.

Dec. 1, 1886, James S. Bane was married to Rose L. Smith, a member of one of Cooper County's old families, and to this union three children have been born, namely: Loren Ardee, a soldier in the American Army ; Irma, wife of Thornton Ware, of Otterville, and Vivien Pearl, wife of Gus Ware, also of Otterville. Loren Ardee Bane, the soldier son, was born on Aug. 30, 1889, and completed his schooling in Otterville College. After his marriage he became engaged in farming in Arkansas and was living there when he was inducted into the National Army and after a period of training, sailed for Europe as a member of Company C, 156th Infantry, 89th Division, with which command he saw much active service and was engaged in some important battles before the armistice. In April, 1919, he was returned to this side with his command and was discharged at Louisville, Ky., April 21, 1919, at Camp Taylor. L. A. Bane married Nancy E. Monroe, of Otterville, who died, leaving a son, Loren Edwin, who is now being cared for by his paternal grandparents at Otterville.

Alfred G. Hansberger, one of the substantial farmers and stockmen of Otterville township, was born on a farm in Bowling Green township, Pettis County, June 5, 1864, son of Emanuel and Cordelia (Stephens) Hansberger. Emanuel Hansberger was born in Rockingham County, Va., about 1825, and in 1853 came to Missouri and located near Bunceton. Later he moved to Pettis County, where he settled on a farm and became a substantial farmer. He died in 1888 while in Texas. His widow died at Kansas City, Mo., at her daughter's home, Mrs. J. T. Crenshaw, in her 75th year. She was born on the old Stephens home place near Bunceton, a daughter of Judge Lawrence and Margaret (Moore) Stephens. Judge Stephens was a native of Tennessee and was a man of much influence in this community. His wife was a native of North Carolina. Emanuel lii'.nsberger and his wife were the parents of four children: The first born died in infancy; Margaret, widow of J. T. Crenshaw, Kansas City; Lawrence H. Hansberger, Philadelphia, Pa.; and Alfred G.

berger received his schooling in the district schools and at Bunceton Academy, and in 1887 left the farm and engaged in the mercantile business at Lone Elm, until he sold his store in 1893 and entered upon the life of a traveling salesman, a vocation he followed for nine years, representing the J. A. Lamy Company, of Sedalia, a part of that time and the remainder the Hammond Packing Company, of St. Joseph. In the meantime he married and in 1903 wisely left "the road" and settled down on the farm owned by his wife in Otterville township and has since made that place his residence. Since taking possession of that place Mr. Hansberger has made numerous improvements and is contemplating more. He carries on general farming and raises high grade live stock.

Nov. 6, 1901, Alfred G. Hansberger was married to Jennie L. Harlan, who was born in this county, and to this union one child has been born, the little one dying, in infancy. Mrs. Hansberger was born in Otterville township, a daughter of George W. and Susan (Streit) Harlan, the former a native of Kentucky and the latter of Virginia, who became residents of Cooper County in their youth, were married here and here spent their last days. Mrs. Hansberger's father died in 1891 and his widow died in the summer of 1916 at the home of Mrs. A. G. Hansberger, she then being nearly 87 years of age. Mr. and Mrs. Hansberger are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church (South). Mr. Hansberger is a democrat.

James William Walker, one of the well-known and substantial fanners and stockmen of Lebanon township, was born on that farm where he resides, Jan. 9, 1868. He is a son of William W. and Sarah (Boatman) Walker, the former of whom also was bom in Lebanon township, in 1829, a son of Samuel and Nancy (Cockrell) Walker, who had come here from Kentucky and established their home on a pioneer farm in Lebanon township, where they spent the remainder of their lives. William W. Walker grew to manhood in that community and after his marriage to Sarah Boatman, also a member of one of the pioneer families of that section, settled on the farm now owned by his son James and there developed an excellent piece of property. He spent his last days on that farm, where he died in 1898, at the age of 70 years. Of the six children born to him and his wife, three are still living, the subject of this sketch having a brother, Lee Walker, of Sedalia, and a sister, Lela W., widow of the late H. L. Tutt, of Pocatello, Idaho.

and in Central College at Fayette and upon returning from college, resumed his place on the farm, of which in time he became the owner, buying from the other heirs their respective interests. After his marriage in the fall of 1898, he established his home there and has continued to reside on the place. He is one of the progressive farmers of the community. He has long been a stockholder in the Pleasant Green Bank and is a member of the board of directors of the same. He is a democrat.

Oct. 26, 1898, James W. Walker was married to Bessie R. Rissler, who was born on a farm in Clear Creek township, three miles northwest of where she now resides, March 16, 1874, daughter of William and Elizabeth (Tavenner) Rissler, the latter of whom is living with her daughter, Mrs. Walker. She was born in Loudoun County, Va., Sept. 17, 1832, and is now in her 87th year. William Rissler also was a Virginian, born on June 22, 1820, in Jefferson County, now W. Va., and came to Cooper County in 1873, settling on a farm in Clear Creek township, where he became a large landowner and spent the remainder of his life, one of the substantial and influential members of that community. He died Sept. 13, 1914, being past 94 years of age. Mr. and Mrs. Walker are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church (South).

Anton Beck, a well-known and substantial farmer and stockman of Otterville township, was born March 3, 1860, in the grand duchy of Baden. His parents, Jacob and Theresa (Swintch) Beck, also were natives of Baden and were there married in 1851. March 4, 1882, with five children, they left their native land and came to the United States, and located on a farm in Clear Creek township. Here Mrs. Theresa Beck died on Christmas Day, 1896. She was born in 1828. Her husband died Aug. 28, 1918. He was bom on May 9, 1819, thus lacked about nine months of being 100 years of age. To Jacob Beck and wife were born ten children, as follows: Joseph, deceased; Edward, deceased; Renie, deceased; Anton; Emma, wife of H. Young Camp, Clifton City; Anna, deceased; Clara, wife of E. Altermott, Lebanon township; Eugene, deceased; Elizabeth, wife of Leo Knedgen, and Rosa, deceased.

Anton Beck came to America with his parents and upon his arrival in Cooper County, he worked as a farm hand, at five dollars a month, and for eight years thereafter, off and on, was engaged in farm labor. In his native land, he had been trained to the trade of stone cutter and he varied his work as a farm laborer by working at that trade, continuing thus engaged at varying periods of time for 12 years after coming here, his work as a stone cutter taking him into nearly all the principal cities of

Missouri. In 1892, Mr. Beck bought 80 acres in Clear Creek township and after his marriage, two years later, established his home there, improving the place and continuing to reside on that farm until 1904, when he bought the farm of 283 acres on which he is now living in Otterville township. He owns a well-improved and valuable farm. For the past nine years he has been serving as overseer of roads in his home district and in that capacity has rendered effective service in behalf of the growing demand for better roads. He and his family are members of the Catholic Church and he is a member of the Catholic Knights of America. Mi-. Becl\ a republican.

Jan. 26, 1894, Anton Beck was united in marriage with Mary Anna Williams, who was born in Moniteau County in 1874, a daughter of David and Josephine (Heater) Williams, natives of Moniteau county, and the latter of whom is still living, now a resident of Kansas, and to this union 13 children have been born, namely: Jacob, farming in Otterville township; Emma, wife of Joseph Gramlich, same township; Robert, who is at home assisting her father; Clara, also at home; Lawrence, deceased, and Katherine, Henry, Eugene, Frank, Rosa (deceased), Anton, Jr., Mary Ann and Susan.

Calvin Gehringer, a well-known and progressive farmer of Otterville township, was born in New York State, Nov. 23, 1856. He is a son of Christopher and Lena (Lindenholdt) Gehringer, natives of Germany, who were married in that country and who came to America in 1854 and located in New York State. Some years later they moved to Indiana, locating in Hamilton County, where they remained until 1865, when they came to Missouri and settled on a farm in Pettis County, where they spent the remainder of their lives, Mrs. Gehringer dying about 1905 and Mr. Gehringer eight or 10 years ago, he being 75 years of age.

Calvin Gehringer was but a boy when he came to Missouri with his parents and he grew up in Pettis County, becoming engaged there in his young manhood in saw mill work, which he followed until 1879, when he became engaged in farming in the Pleasant Green neighborhood, remaining here until 1884, when he bought a farm of 200 acres in Pettis County and returned to that county, where he prospered and from time to time bought other land. There he remained until 1911, when he disposed of his interests and returned to Cooper County, buying the farm on which he is now living in Otterville township, and has since resided here. Since taking possession of that farm, Mr. Gehringer has made numerous substantial improvements to the place and is contemplating more. In addition to his general farming, Mr. Gehringer gives considerable attention to the raising of live stock, with particular reference to pure-bred Duroc Jersey hogs and mules. Mr. Gehringer is a democrat, but has not been a seeker after office.

In 1877, Calvin Gehringer was married to Sarah M. DeWitt, who was born in Springfield, Mo., a daughter of Lafayette DeWitt, and to this union 11 children have been born, namely: Otto, deceased; Dudley, who is now farming in South Dakota ; Lafayette, South Dakota ; Zetta, wife of Jabe Potter, Clifton, Mo. ; Lulu, wife of Charles Knox, Pettis County ; Theodore, who is farming in this county; Blanche, wife of J. S. Phillips, of Pettis County; Gertrude, wife of Lewis J. Potter, Sedalia; James, who is at home, assisting in the management of the farm, and Dewey and Matilda, also at home. The Gehringers are members of the Lutheran Church. Mr. and Mrs. Gehringer have 16 grandchildren.

John M. Stephens, a former teacher and formerly a merchant and postmaster at Bellaire, who has charge of the big Burwood farm in Clear Creek township, is a native Missourian. He was born on a farm in Moniteau County Jan. 25, 1864, son of Kemp S. and Huldah (Renfrew) Stephens. Kemp S. Stephens was born in Moniteau County, June 7, 1837, son of Thomas Stephens and wife, the latter of whom was a daughter of Joseph Williams, the Missouri pioneer who was driven from this region by the Indians in 1815, but later returned, settled here and lived to be 101 years of age. He was a Tennessean. Thomas Stephens was born near Pemberton Court House, N. C, Sept. 18, 1800, and was not yet 18 years of age when in 1818 he came to Missouri. In 1827 he married and bought a claim in Moniteau County and spent the remainder of his life there. He died in Jan., 1892, aged 92 years. His wife had died many years before. Thomas Stephens got his start here as a young man by splitting rails. When he earned money enough to buy a horse he started out as a horse trader and it was not long until he was one of the best known horse dealers in central Missouri. For 21 years he made annual trips to New Orleans, going and returning horseback, with bunches of horses he had bought for the trade, this trade being chiefly confined to the cotton planters of the South. It was on that farm in Moniteau County that Kemp S. Stephens was reared and after his marriage he continued farming until his retirement from the farm and removal to Boonville, where he died in Oct., 1907. His wife had died many years before, in 1866. She was born in 1837. They were the parents of four children: One died in infancy; James T. Stephens, now living at Sedalia; Ruth J., married J. W. Kenny and is deceased, and John M.

John M. Stephens was but two years of age when his mother died and he was reared in the household of his paternal grandfather, Thomas Stephens. There he received all the advantages of schooling and rearing possible to the time and place, completing his schooling in the old Prairie Home College, and for some years, in connection with his farm labors as a young man taught school. He married before he was 21 years of age and after his marriage began farming on his own account and also for some years continued teaching during the winters. During the four years, 1902-1906, Mr. Stephens was engaged in the general merchandise business at Bellaire and during that period also was postmaster. He then resumed his farming operations and in 1916 moved from Boonville township and took over the great Burwood farm of 635 acres in Clear Creek township, owned by Henry R. Walker, of Columbia, taking the same under a ten-year lease, and has since made his home there. Mr. Stephens is a democrat and he and his family are members of the Methodist Church.

Dec. 18, 1884, John M. Stephens was married to Sophronia Stone, who was born in Livingston County, Mo., daughter of William and Ellen (Alexander) Stone, both natives of Tennessee who came to Missouri many years ago and both are now deceased, and to this union eight children have been bom, as follows : Eula, wife of Edward Solomon, of New Franklin; Ether, wife of Julius Stegner, of Palestine township; Inez, a Cooper County teacher, who resides with her parents ; James W., who was with the American Army of Occupation in Germany, is now at home; Ellen, wife of A. Hilden, of Boonville township; Willie B. (a daughter), at home, Cora L. and John H., both at home. James W. Stephens, the soldier son, was born in Boonville township, Feb. 23, 1892, and was engaged as a farmer and teacher in this county when he was inducted into the National Army for service in the World War. He sought service in the machine gun branch of the army and after a period of preliminary training in this country sailed with his command for France in June, 1918, attached to the 356th Machine Gun Corps, 89th Division. James W. Stephens married Mary Parrish, daughter of Doctor Parrish and wife, of Pleasant Green. Six of John M. Stephens children have been school teachers.

Peter J. Devine, vice-president of the Clifton City Bank and a wellknown and substantial farmer of Otterville township, was born on a farm in Otterville township, Oct. 4, 1870. He is a son of John and Ellen (Mc- Sheehy) Devine, both of whom were born in County Kerry Ireland, and the former is still living at the advanced age of 95 years. John Devine was born in 1824 and was 12 years of age when he came to this country with his parents, the family locating in Boston, where he grew to manhood and where he early learned the care of horses, becoming a teamster. He married in Boston and remained there until he came to Missouri about Civil War times to take part in the railway construction work. .Upon the completion of his contract here, he located in Cooper County and bought a farm in Otterville township, where he was for years actively engaged in farming and where he is now living. His wife died there in 1896, at the age of 68 years. Mr. Devine is a member of the Catholic Church, as was his wife, and their children were reared in that faith. There were seven of these children, as follows : John, Ft. Scott, Kan. ; Michael C, of Hammond, Ind. ; one who died in infancy ; Mrs. Catherine Shea, deceased ; Daniel, deceased; Peter J., and Ellen, deceased.

Reared on the home farm, Peter J. Devine attended the district schools and has ever stuck to the farm. In 1894 he bought 90 acres of land near Clifton City and has since made that his place of residence. As his affairs prospered, Mr. Devine bought adjoining land and now has a well-improved farm of 240 acres, on which he is engaged in general farming and stock raising and on which he has done well. He is a stockholder in the Clifton City Bank, a member of the board of directors and vice-president of the same. He is a republican and is a member of the local school board.

Mr. Devine has been twice married. In 1895 he was married to Mary Griffin, who died in 1905 at the age of 33 years. To that union three children were born, all of whom died in infancy. In 1907 Mr. Devine married Louisa Connor, who was born in Pettis County, daughter of Dennis Connor and wife, and to this union three children have been born, Peter J., Jr., and Llewellyn, both deceased ; one child, born May 2, 1919, Eleanor Mary, living. Mr. and Mrs. Devine are members of the Catholic Church. Mr. Devine is affiliated with the Knights of Columbus.

John Sweeney, a well-known farmer of Otterville township, was born in County Limerick, Munster, Ireland, Oct. 4, 1848. He was less than three years of age when his parents, John and Ellen (Donohue) Sweeney, came to the United States in 1851, arriving at New Orleans. For some little time after his arrival here, the elder John Sweeney remained in New Orleans and then came up the river to St. Louis, in the neighborhood of which city he began to work as a farm hand. Not long afterward, about the middle of the '50s, he came over into Cooper County with his family and settled in Otterville township, where he bought a farm and established his home. He gradually increased his land holdings there until he became the owner of 700 acres and was accounted one of the well-to-do farmers of that neighborhood. On that farm he spent the remainder of his life, his death occurring in 1899, being 80 years of age. His widow died in 1901. When they came to America, their son John was their only child, but six more children were born to them after their arrival here. Of these seven children, five are living. John Sweeney and his wife were devout members of the Catholic Church and their children were reared in that faith.