Cooper County, Missouri - Biographical sketches, 1919 (part 18 of 24)

Sept. 23, 1896, George Bail was married to Mary Muller, who also was born in this county and who died Sept. 9, 1912. To that union were born six children, Edna, Erne, Lorine, Fred, Harry and Roy, all of whom are at home with their father. The late Mrs. Mary Bail was born in Clear Creek township Aug. 6, 1873, and was a daughter of Frederick and Margaret (Gardner) Muller, natives of Germany, who upon coming to Cooper County settled in Clear Creek township.

Rev. F. J. Kalvelage, pastor of St. John's Catholic Church in Clear Creek township, this county, and one of the best known young clergymen in this section of the state, was born in New York City, March 18, 1881, son of Henry and Susan (Enzweiler) Kalvelage, both of whom are still living and have been making their home with their son, Father Kalvelage, ever since the latter became established as a resident priest in Missouri.

Father Kalvelage, whose training and inclination early directed his ambition to be of service to the church, was but a lad when his parents moved from Chicago to Shannon, 111., and his early schooling was received in the schools of that place. This schooling was supplemented by a course in a private school at Freeport, 111., under the direction of his uncle, Rev. Clement Kalvelage, and it was there that he began to bend his studies toward preparation for the priesthood. Thus equipped by preliminary study he entered St. Bede's College at Peru, 111., and was graduated from that institution in 1901, having successfully completed the general and classical course. In that year he entered Kenrick Theological Seminary at St. Louis, where he was further grounded in theology and philosophy, and from that institution was graduated in 1906. Immediately following his graduation Father Kalvelage was ordained to the priesthood in June, 1906, and was assigned by the bishop to be the assistant priest in St. John's parish in Kansas City. Sept. 8, 1906, he was transferred to Mary's Home, Mo., in pastoral charge of the parish at that place, and there remained, doing an excellent and effectual work, for nearly 10 years, or until July 1, 1916, when he was assigned to the pastorate of St. John's parish in Clear Creek township, Cooper County, where he has since been stationed and where he has been granted the gratification of seeing the work of the parish much enlarged during his incumbency.

Thomas L. Fairfax, one of Cooper County's best known school teachers, for the past 10 years principal of the Clifton schools, and who also has for some years past been successfully engaged in the real estate and live stock business at Clifton City, is a native son of Cooper County. He was born on a farm in Lebanon township June 9, 1881, son of C. P. and Emma (Kemp) Fairfax, the former of whom is still living, very comfortably situated on his farm in Lebanon township.

C. P. Fairfax was born in Fairfax County, Va., in 1853, and was but a boy when he came to Missouri with his parents, who settled in this county, where he grew to manhood and engaged in farming, a vocation which he ever since has followed. His wife was killed in 1890 by being thrown from a horse which she was riding, the animal becoming frightened and throwing her in such a way that her foot caught in the stirrup. Before she was released from her dreadful position she had received injuries which terminated fatally. To C. P. Fairfax and wife were born seven children: Willard P., Versailles, Mo.; Leslie P., Kansas City; June, wife of T. G. Lavis, Kansas City; Thomas L. ; Foster H., Holcomb, Kan.; Elmer N., deceased, and Earl L., died in infancy.

he has followed during season ever since, his work in the school room covering five districts. During the past 10 years he has been engaged as principal of the Clifton schools and in that capacity has done much to elevate the standard of education in the schools over which he has had charge. Mr. Fairfax also has for years been actively engaged in the real estate business and in the buying and selling of live stock at Clifton City. He is one of the town's progressive and wideawake business men. Politically, he is a democrat, and is affiliated with the Otterville lodge of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons and the Modern Woodmen of America and Royal Neighbors.

April 24, 1917, Thomas L. Fairfax was united in marriage with Mary L. Sweeney, also of this county, and to this union one child has been born, a son, Thomas L., Jr., born Feb. 8, 1918. Mrs. Fairfax was bom at Clifton City, Mo., a daughter of Dennis and Lucy (Mullens) Sweeney, who are now living on a farm north of Clifton City, where they have lived the past 36 years.

Dryden L. Starke, one of Cooper County's prominent farmers and stockmen is a native son of this county. He was born on a farm in Lebanon township on Dec. 1, 1867, son of John D. and Mary A. (Stratton) Starke, both now deceased and a sketch of whom appears in this volume.

Dryden L. Starke was reared on the home farm in Lebanon township and received his schooling in the district schools and the Boonville High School from which he was graduated in 1887 under the preceptorship of Professor Haines. Upon leaving school he returned to the home farm and there remained until his marriage in 1891, in which year he took up his residence on the farm on which his wife was born, the old John Davis farm in Kelly township, a mile north of Bethlemen Church, and has since been very successfully engaged there in general farming and cattle raising, long having been recognized as one of the most extensive cattle feeders in Cooper County. Mr. Starke and his wife are the owners of a fine, farm of 500 acres. Since taking charge there Mr. Starke has made many substantial improvements on the place. He is a democrat, as was his father, and has ever taken an interested part in civic affairs. He served in the capacity of inspector of meats at the state prison at Jefferson City, during which time he and his wife made their home at the state capital. Mr. Starke is affiliated with the Masonic lodge at Bunceton, with the Boonville lodge of Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and with the

Oct. 23, 1891, Dryden L. Starke was married to Bertha May Davis, who was born on the place on which she is still living, May 19, 1871, daughter of John A. and Mary (Booth) Davis, the former of whom also was bom in this county, a member of one of Cooper County's pioneer families and the latter in Sardis, Miss. John A. Davis was reared in this county and in time became a substantial farmer in Kelly township, owner of the place on which the Starkes now reside, and was also for years extensively engaged as a dealer in the mule market, one of the best known dealers in that line in central Missouri. He married in Mississippi and thereafter made his home in this county, where he and his wife spent their last days. They were the parents of four children, of whom Mrs. Starke was the third in order of birth. To Dryden L. and Bertha M. (Davis) Starke four children have been born, namely: Mary, who is at home; Maurice P., also at home, a valued assistant to his father; Dick D., who is now (spring of 1919) with the American Expeditionary Forces in France, and Virginia, deceased. Dick D. Starke, the soldier son, was born Nov. 22, 1898, had finished his studies in a school of civil engineering at Kansas City and was a student at Washington University, St. Louis, when this country declared war against Germany. He at once enlisted and served in a machine gun company attached to the 138th Infantry of the United States army, with which command he sailed for overseas service in April, 1918, and served in the rank of corporal. He was discharged in June, 1919, and is now at home.

Oliver L. Cordry, who has a well-improved farm in Lebanon township, was born within a half mile of the site of his present home, a son of William F. Cordry, who is still living on the old home place, and has lived thereabout all his life. He is a grandson of James Cordry, the pioneer, who came here with his family in 1830 and settled on a tract of government land he had entered here, becoming a useful and influential residents of that community. The little log cabin set up there in the clearing by James Cordry back in pioneer days is still standing and » treasured by the family.

Reared on the home farm, within almost a stone's throw of where he is now living, Oliver L. Cordry, who was born on April 29, 1877, received his schooling in the local schools and remaining at home until his marriage, when he built a modern home on the farm where he is now living, having acquired the tract from his father in 1906. Mr. Cordry has improved his farm in admirable fashion and is doing well in his operations, which he is carrying on in accordance with modern methods.

Dec. 20, 1914, Oliver L. Cordry was united in marriage with Stella Sites, who also was born in this county. Mr. and Mrs. Cordry are members of the Presbyterian Church and take a proper part in the work of the church as well as in the general social activities of the community. Mrs. Cordry was born in East LaMine township, Dec. 5, 1880, a daughter of Capt. L. T. Sites and wife, prominent in the life of that community and of whom further mention is made in this work.

Charles Lester Thomas, a former teacher of this county and who for some years was engaged in the mercantile business at Lebanon, is now a successful farmer and stock man in Lebanon township, where he was born Feb. 10, 1874. His parents, A. G. T. and Eliza (Steele) Thomas, are prominent residents of that community.

A. G. T. Thomas also was born in Lebanon township, Oct. 11, 1848, son of Jonas and Izilla (Woolery) Thomas, the latter of whom was a member of one of the pioneer families in this section of Missouri. Jonas Thomas' father was born in Germany. Upon coming to this country he settled on a farm south of Boonville, where he spent the remainder of his life. On that farm A. G. T. Thomas grew to manhood. After his marriage in 1871 he settled on the farm where he is now living in Lebanon township. He is owner of a fine farm of 190 acres. He is a republican and about the year 1886 was the nominee of that party for the office of county collector, but was defeated. He and his wife are members of the Baptist Church and their children were reared in that faith. Dec. 7, 1871, A. G. T. Thomas was married to Eliza Steele, who also was born in this county, Aug. 26, 1851, and to this union seven children have been born as follows: Ximena, deceased ; Charles Lester ; Carrie, deceased ; Ina, who is at home with her parents; Arthur, deceased; Ira, who is farming in Lebanon township, and Robert, who is at home assisting his father.

Reared on the home farm in Lebanon township, Charles L. Thomas completed his schooling in the Clarksburg schools and for six years was engaged in teaching school in this county, meantime continuing his labors on the home farm during the summers. In the summer of 1903 he married and not long thereafter became engaged in the mercantile business at Lebanon in partnership with George Vaughn. In 1905 this store was destroyed by fire and for three years Mr. Thomas was again engaged in teaching. In 1908 he rented a farm in Lebanon township and two years later, in 1910, bought the farm where he has since made his home, he and his family being very pleasantly situated. Mr. Thomas has a well kept farm of 120 acres and is carrying on his operations in accordance with modern methods. In addition to his general farming he gives considerable attention to the raising of live stock and on March 3, 1919, one of his cows, a pure bred six-year-old Jersey, gave birth to four calves, two males and two females, all of which are still (spring of 1919) living and thriving. This successful quadruple birth of calves has attracted much attention among stockmen and is said to be the first case of the kind on record where quadruple calves have lived. Mr. Thomas is a republican and is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America. He and his family are members of the Baptist Church.

June 3, 1903, Charles L. Thomas was united in marriage with Elizabeth Kopp, also of this county, and to this union four children have been born, all of whom are living save the first born who died in infancy, the others being Farrel W., Charles B. and Marvin V. Mrs. Thomas was born and reared in Boonville. She was for a number of years one of the leading teachers of the county. She was a teacher in the Boonville schools when she was married, having held this position for a number of years. She is a daughter of William and Melissa (Mills) Kopp, both know deceased, the former of whom was born in Germany and the latter in Kentucky. William Kopp was for years one of the best known barbers in Boonville.

Richard Rothgeb, formerly and for years one of Cooper County's best known school teachers, a one time nominee of the republican party in this county for county clerk and for years one of the leading breeders of Duroc Jersey hogs in this section of Missouri, owner of a fine farm in Lebanon township, where he makes his home, was born in that township and has always regarded that as his home. He was born on Jan. 31, 1880, son of Samuel B. and Elizabeth (Carr) Rothgeb, the latter of whom is still living, making her home with her children in this county, being now in the 82d year of her age.

Samuel B. Rothgeb was born in Page County, Va., in 1830 and died at his home in Cooper County in 1890. He had been for many years a resident of this county and was long regarded as one of the influential farmers of Lebanon township. His wife was born in Cooper County, Mo. They were the parents of eight children, all of whom were given proper advantages in the way of securing an education and five of whom became school teachers. One of their sons, Daniel L. Rothgeb, was for some time superintendent of schools in Cooper county.

Richard Rothgeb received his education in the public schools of this county and the State Normal School at Warrensburg, after which, in 1901, he began teaching and was, with the exception of one year, thus engaged until 1912. In the meantime he had been continuing his labors on the home farm during the summers and in 1912 he began farming on his own account and at the same time paying special attention to the breeding of pure bred Duroc Jersey hogs and has since been thus engaged. He is now one of the most successful Duroc breeders in this section. When Mr. Rothgeb began his breeding operations the stock sold at his sales brought an average of around $28 a head. He holds two or three sales annually on his farm and the products of his pens, sold at from six to 11 months of age, bring an average of from $70 to $80 a head. At one of his recent sales one of his sows brought $300 and sold later for $800. Mr. Rothgeb has an excellent farm of 122 acres and now (spring of 1919) has in his pens more than 250 head of purebred Durocs, one of the finest droves in this section. For some seasons past he has been an exhibitor at the state fair and has created a growing market for his product throughout this part of the state. Mr. Rothgeb is a republican and has for years been regarded as one of the leaders of that party in this county. In 1907 he was the nominee of his party for the office of county clerk, but was defeated in the ensuing election by the narrow margin of 77 votes.

May 7, 1906, Richard Rothgeb was maried to Jessie Sites, who also was born in this county and who for three years prior to her marriage was engaged in teaching school here and to this union eight children have been born, namely: Mabel, bom on Oct. 30, 1907; Wilbur H., Dec. 18, 1908; Thomas B., June 17, 1910; Orville L. and Opal L. (twins), Oct. 30, 1911, the latter of whom died on Aug. 1, 1912; Alice M. and Alline M. (twins), Feb. 2, 1913, the former of whom died on March 22, 1913, and the latter July 8, 1914 ; and Eldon S., born on Sept. 29, 1915. Mrs. Rothgeb was born in Oct., 1880, in LaMine township, this county, and is a daughter of Capt. L. T. Sites, for many years one of the best known and influential residents of Cooper County.

Elmer James Brubaker, one of Kelly township's well known farmers, is a native son of Cooper County and has lived in this county all his life. He was born on a farm in Lebanon township March 25, 1878, son of

Daniel R. and Frances E. (Gander) Brubaker, both of whom were born in Page County, Va., who were married in that county in 1866 and who came to Missouri in 1873, locating on the farm on which they are still living in Lebanon township. Daniel R. Brubaker is a veteran of the Civil War, having served in the Confederate army and at the battle of Malvern Hill was several wounded. He and his wife celebrated their golden wedding anniversary three years ago. To them 10 children have been born, all of whom are living.

Elmer J. Brubaker received his education in the local schools and the State Normal School at Warrensburg. He assisted in the operations of the home farm until after his marriage when 21 years of age, after which, early in 1900, he located on an "eighty" which his wife owned in Kelly township, a part of his present farm there, and has since resided there. As Mr. Brubaker prospered he added to his acreage and now has an excellent farm of 177 Vs acres, which is well improved. Mr. Brubaker is independent in his political views, but has ever given his thoughtful attention to local affairs and for some time served as director of district. No. 67.

Dec. 25, 1899, Elmer J. Brubaker married Emma Gertrude Cordry, who also was born in this county, and to this union seven children have been born, namely: Wilbur N., born Aug. 25, 1902; Joseph W., Aug. 16, 1904; Cyrus Eldon, June 28, 1907; Louise F., Jan. 13, 1910; David R., Dec. 16, 1911 ; Vincil L., Sept. 18, 1913, and Kenneth H., Jan. 25, 1919, who died March 17, following. Mrs. Brubaker was born Feb. 5, 1880, daughter of James Newton and Amanda L. (Woolery) Cordry, of whom also were born in this county, members of pioneer families and both of whom are living in Kelly township. James Newton Cordry was born in Lebanon township, June 4, 1844. During the Civil War he served as a member of the Missouri State Militia. May 13, 1868, he married Amanda L. Woolery, who also was born in Lebanon township, Nov. 24, 1848, and to that union three children were born, all of whom are living, Mrs. Brubaker, the youngest, having two brothers, William H. and Joseph C. Cordry, both of Kelly township. Mrs. Brubaker received her early schooling in the schools of her home township and supplemented the same by a course in the Baptist College at Lexington, Mo.

Major Rea Alexander Johnston, assistant superintendent of the Missouri Training School, Boonville, Mo., is a worthy descendant of an old and prominent family in Cooper County. Major Johnston was born in

Boonville, Oct. 28, 1879 and is a son of Col. Thomas A. Johnston, superintendent of the famous Kemper Military School of Boonville. A genealogy of the Johnston family and a sketch of Colonel Johnston appears in this volume.

Major Johnston was educated in the Kemper Military School and in 1896 he entered the Virginia Military Institute of Lexington, Va., completing the course of study in that institution in 1899. Upon his return home he served as an instructor in the Kemper School from 1899 to 1909. In 1909 he went to Illinois and engaged in farming until Oct., 1911. In October of 1911 he was appointed military instructor at the Missouri Training School and served as company captain until July 1, 1917. He was then appointed to the responsible position of assistant superintendent of the training school and has given evidence throughout his service that he is thoroughly competent, efficient, diplomatic and well versed in the handling of the youth committed to the institution.

Major Johnston was married in Illinois Aug. 20, 1902 to Miss Grace E. Mosher, of Oneida, Knox County, 111., a daughter of William J. and Sarah E. (Wetmore) Mosher, both deceased. One child has blessed this union: William Alexander Johnston, born Jan. 3, 1905.

Major Johnston is a democrat. He is a member of Presbyterian church. He has decidedly made good in his present position and has demonstrated a capability which has commended his work to his immediate superior. Major Johnston is not only a first class military instructor and skilled in the handling of growing boys, but he is well informed, genial, and has a wide circle of friends and well wishers.

James Madison Sparkman. - Over 20 years devoted by Maj. J. M. Sparkman of the Missouri Training School have capably fitted him for the duties of his present position in charge of a company of small boys at the school. Major Sparkman's first position was that of director of the horticultural department of the Missouri Training School which he held from 1897 to 1907. He then spent nine years as an officer of the Iowa Industrial School and returned to the Missouri Training School in 1916.

J. M. Sparkman was born at Columbia, Tenn.. Dec. 7, 1862, and is a son of James M. and Minerva (Hill) Sparkman. Capt. James M. Sparkman, his father was a captain in the heavy artillery during the Civil War and was killed at the battle of Port Hudson in 1863 while serving with the Confederate forces. He was a son of William Andrews Sparkman of Tennessee, a member of an old southern family. Minerva (Hill) Sparkman, mother of J. M. Sparkman, of this review, was born in 1838 and died in 1908 in Calloway County, Ky. She was born in Tennessee and was a daughter of Andrew W. Hill of North Carolina. Mrs. Sparkman removed with her family to Kentucky in 1880. She had two sons: William Andrews Sparkman, of Calloway County, Ky., and James Madison, of this review.

Reared to maturity in Tennessee, J. M. Sparkman left home in 1881, and came to Cooper County in 1883 and engaged in farming near Choteau Springs. He followed farming until his appointment to a position in the Missouri Training School in 1897.

Major Sparkman was married in 1886 to Miss Mary S. Meredith, who was born in Cooper County, a daughter of Joseph R. and Rachel (Leith) Meredith, the former of whom was a native of Tennessee and died in Cooper County in about 1908 at the age of 68 years. Mr. Meredith killed the last deer that was killed in Cooper County near Choteau Springs. To Major and Mrs. Sparkman have been born two children : Lois, wife of John Stephens, Lansing, Mich. ; and Eunice Lee, stenographer in the office of Col. A. G. Blakey, superintendent of the Missouri Training School.

The democratic party has always had the allegiance of Major Sparkman. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church and is affiliated with the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, the Knights Templar, the Mystic Shrine of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and the Modern Woodmen of America.

Armour and Company. - One of the most important commercial institutions in Boonville and probably the largest and most extensive of its kind in central Missouri is the plant of Armour and Company, managed by Fred Renshaw. This concern was first established in 1908 by the Adams Produce Company and was purchased by Armour and Company in 1916. It was then enlarged and converted into the extensive packing and produce concern. All of the old buildings were razed and new structures erected. A brick building 90x40 feet was built and the packing plant proper was built, 90x110 feet. From 50 to 60 people are employed in season.

The concern handles poultry, eggs and butter. The Boonville branch of Armour and Company is the central depot for a number of smaller depots in Morgan, Pettis, Cooper, Howard Boone and Saline counties, and an immense volume of business is transacted through this office. Branch buying stations, tributary to the Boonville depot are conducted at Marshall, and Fayette. The payroll averages from $800 to $900 per week in the busy months, from April to January, each year.

the poultry handled at this plant is killed and packed for shipment. The concern has its own refrigerating plant and all poultry are given a feed of buttermilk for a period of 10 days before killing so as to whiten and render more tender and palatable the meat. The dressed poultry, eggs, and butter are loaded directly into refrigerator cars and every modern appliance for the quick handling of packing house products has been installed in the large plant.

Hon. John D. Starke, a veteran of the Civil War, former county judge, former state senator from this district, former warden of the Missouri state prison, president of the Otterville Bank and for many years one of the most prominent citizens of Cooper County, who died at his home in this county in 1917 and whose family is still substantially represented here, was a Virginian, but had been a resident of this county since the days of his boyhood, he having come here with his parents along in the latter '40s of the past century.

Judge Starke was bom in Virginia in 1844 and was but a lad when his parents came to Missouri, a part of that numerous band of Virginians which had so much to do with the orderly development of this section of Missouri in the old days. Here he grew to manhood and was living here when the Civil War broke out. He enlisted his services in behalf of the Union and went to the front as a member of Company H, 45th Regiment, Missouri Volunteer Infantry, and upon the completion of his term of enlistment re-enlisted and was attached to the 48th Regiment, with which he was mustered out at the close of the war with the rank of corporal. Upon the completion of his military service he returned to Cooper County, here married Mary A. Stratton and settled down as a farmer, a vocation in which he was quite successful, but from which the calls of public duty soon withdrew him, although during the long period of his public service he continued to retain his interest in his agricultural operations and became one of Cooper County's most extensive landholders, owner of 900 acres of land at the time of his death. He was an ardent democrat and always took an active interest in political affairs. The first public office of consequence to which he was called was that of judge for the eastern district of Cooper County and upon the completion of that judicial service he was elected county collector, and afterward was elected state senator from this senatorial district. In 1897 Judge Starke was appointed by Governor Stephens as warden of the Missouri state prison at Jefferson City and for four years thereafter served the state in that important capacity. Upon the completion of that service he returned to Cooper County, erected a fine new home on his farm in Lebanon township, as well as a house in Otterville, and thereafter divided his time between his farm and his business interests in the village. The Judge was president of the Otterville Bank and was otherwise actively identified with the commercial interests of the community in which he lived. He was a member of the Boonville lodge of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons and during the time he resided at Boonville when serving as county collector was master of the lodge. Judge Starke died at his home in Otterville in 1917 and his wife died in that same year. She also was a Virginian, born in 1844, as was her husband, and thus the lines of the lives of this couple ran parallel to an unusual degree. Judge Starke and his wife were members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church and their children were reared in that faith. There were nine of these children, of whom six are still living, namely : Dryden L. Starke, a well known farmer and stockman of Kelley township; Blanche, wife of James S. Funkhauser, of Lebanon township, of whom further mention also is made elsewhere; Mrs. Mary Reavis, of Kansas City ; Mrs. Nora Lee Tieman, now living at California, Mo. ; Mrs. Pauline Spillers, of Otterville, and H. Rodgers Starke, also of Otterville.

Henry Gibson Hurt, assistant Captain of Company D, Missouri Training School, Boonville, Mo., was born on a farm southeast of Boonville, Nov. 23, 1872. His father was Fleming Mitchell Hurt, who was born on a pioneer farm in Cooper County in 1826 and departed this life in 1908. Clayton Hurt, his grandfather, was a native of Virginia who settled in Cooper County in 1812 and assisted in the building of Fort Boone. He held the title of Colonel Hurt and had charge of the task of defending the pioneer settlement against the attacks of the Indians during the War of 1812. From 1812 to 1815 the settlers of this section of Missouri lived in the forts and stockades on the north side of the Missouri River and were kept constantly on the alert to ward off attacks by the Indians who had been incited by British agents to attack the Americans. Colonel Hurt married Nancy Dillard of Kentucky and after the frontier had been made safe for the settlers, he pre-empted a large tract of government land in Cooper County on which his descendants are still living.

Fleming Mitchell Hurt owned a fine farm of 240 acres and was a substantial citizen of Cooper County during his lifetime. He married Miss Flora Ann Davis of Macon County, a daughter of Jeremiah Davis who married a Miss Gilbreath and came from Virginia to Macon County and thence to Cooper County in pioneer days. Four children were born to Fleming Mitchell and Flora Ann Hurt, as follows: Mary Ann, deceased (49) wife of Albert Adair; Mrs. Leonora Byler, Clarks Fork township; Henry Gibson Hurt, of this review; Florence B., widow of Lee Davis, living east of Boonville.

H. G. Hurt was reared on the home farm and in addition to his district school studies he attended the Pilot Grove Seminary and the Otterville Seminary. He pursued a business course at Chillicothe, Mo., in 1892 and then engaged in farming. He improved a tract of 182 acres of land and was successfully engaged in agricultural pursuits for 20 yeai*s. In the spring of 1915 he disposed of his farm land and engaged in the automobile business in partnership with G. A. Brownfield. In the spring of 1918 he disposed of his interest in the business and took up the duties of his present position in the Missouri Training School for Boys.

Oct. 21, 1896, Mr. Hurt was married to Miss Myrtle Rankin who was born in Cooper County, and is a daughter of Robert S. and Louisa (Duncan) Rankin, pioneer settlers of Cooper County. William Rankin, grandfather of Mrs. Hurt erected the Rankin mill in the southeastern part of Cooper County. Mrs. Louisa Rankin is deceased and Robert S. Rankin makes his home with Mr. H. A. Jewett in Cooper county. Mr. and Mrs. H. G. Hurt are parents of four children: Ewing Rankin Hurt; Mabel Louise ; Holman G., a student in Boonville High School ; and William.

Ewing Rankin Hurt, the soldier of the family, was born Sept. 21, 1897, and is a volunteer in the National Army. He enlisted in the U. S. army, March 22, 1917, first as an infantryman and was then transferred to the aviation corps. He was trained at Ft. Sill, Okla. and holds the rank of first sergeant.

Mr. Hurt is a democrat of the pronounced type. Mrs. Hurt is a member of the Presbyterian Church. He is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America and the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons and is past master in the local lodge.

Dr. William Peyton Harriman, late prominent physician and stockman of Cooper County, was born in Louisiana, May 28, 1838, and died at his home in Boonville, Sept. 14. 1918. He was a son of Dr. William Harriman who was born in New York City and accompanied his parents to Kentucky when he was a child. He was reared in Kentucky, married a Miss Mayo and came to Cooper County in 1846. Dr. William Harriman located at Pilot Grove and there reared his family.

Dr. W. P. Harriman received his higher education in the University of Michigan and began the practice of medicine at Pilot Grove, Mo. He was successful as a physician but became more successful as a farmer and stockman. He accumulated a large acreage of land and built a flouring mill and hired a miller to operate the mill. Prior to this time he had lived on Lone Elm Prairie, and after establishing himself on the old Harriman place near Pilot Grove he made a trip to Kentucky and returned with some blooded horses. He then engaged in the breeding and raising of thoroughbred horses and became widely known throughout the country as a result. Dr. Harriman produced some splendid animals which sold for very high prices. As age came upon him he relinquished much of his interests and sold out his stock and farming interests to his son and went south in 1900, purchasing a home in San Antonio, Texas. He returned to Boonville in 1912 and died here six years later.

Dr. W. P. Harriman was married April 6, 1866 to Miss Elizabeth Russell, who was born on Lone Elm Prairie, Jan. 8, 1842. She was a daughter of Col. Thomas Russell of Virginia. Her mother was Elizabeth Eleanor Russell who was born in 1796 and died April 5, 1868. The Russells came to Cooper County in 1838. Colonel Russell brought along 30 slaves and purchased 1,300 acres of land. Col. Thomas Russell was born in 1796 and died in 1852. He was a scion of an old and prominent Virginia family, which formerly owned a beautiful country seat in Virginia, now known as "Rannemead Farm" and owned by Sen. Charles A. Faulkner.

Col. Thomas Russell was a son of Captain Russell, a soldier of the Revolution, who resided in Alexandria, Va. The history of the family begins with Lord John Russell, whose younger son, James Russell, emigrated from England in 1700 and settled in York County, Va. Captain Russell married a Miss Throckmorton of Louisville, Ky.

Out of seven children born to Col. Thomas and Elizabeth Eleanor Russell, only two are living: Mrs. Dr. W. P. Harriman of this review; and John N. Russell of Los Angeles, Cal., aged 84 years, who has a son, Dr. John N. Russell, president of the Pacific Mutual Life Insurance Co. of Los Angeles.

Four children were born to Dr. W. P. and Elizabeth (Russell) Harriman, as follows: William Mayo, died at the age of 16 years; Russell lives >n California; Albert C. Harriman, farmer and stockman at Pilot Grove, Mo. ; Bessie, deceased wife of Will Ross, left one child, Margaret E. Ross.

Feodor Stegner, living comfortably on his farm of 89 acres near Billingsville, the old home place of the Stegner family, is one of the best known of the pioneer citizens of Cooper County. Mr. Stegner has lived all of the 64 years of his existence on his farm and has reared a fine family. The Stegner place is a pretty farmstead, the residence, a neat cottage home sets far back from the roadway and the land is fertile and protective.

Feodor Stegner was born on the place which he now owns, Feb. 26, 1855. His birth took place in a log house which was the first home of the Stegner family in Cooper County. He is a son of John Peter and Margaret Barbara Stegner who emigrated from Germany and settled in Cooper County in 1853.

Mr. Stegner was married Nov. 24, 1887 to Miss Louise Back, who was born at Pleasant Green, Mo., July 3, 1866 and died June 6, 1905. She was a daughter of Daniel and Christina (Yost) Back, natives of Germany and old settlers of Cooper County. The children born of this union are: Daniel P., born in 1888, lives on a farm ; Bertha, born 1890, married Albert Gerhardt near Speed and is mother of four children, Louise, Ruth, Joseph and Frances ; Flora, born Nov. 9, 1893, wife of August Gerhardt, a farmer near Speed, is mother of two children, Elmer and Helen ; Edna, born March 1, 1896, is her father's housekeeper; Rudolph, born Dec. 26, 1899, makes his home with his father; Herman, born Aug. 9, 1902, is at home with his father; and Louis was born June 6, 1905.

While Mr. Stegner is generally a republican and supports republican party principles, he is an independent voter who refuses to wear a party yoke. He is a member of the Billingsville Evangelical Church.

Henry F. Torbeck, prosperous farmer and stockman of Boonville township is owner of 153 acres of productive land which he is creating into a splendid farm. Mr. Torbeck has just completed the erection of a handsome 10 room house, with bath, water, electric light and furnace, at a cost of $5,250. Mr. Torbeck is a breeder of Duroc Jersey hogs, not as a specialist but because he favors this breed as being the most remunerative to raise on the farm. He was born in Germany, Jan. 17, 1870. His father, William H. Torbeck, now living retired in Boonville, was born in Germany, April 29, 1841, and is a son of Rudolph and Sophia Torbeck. He was married Aug. 10, 1866 to Sophia Loss who was born Nov. 7, 1839. He brought his family to America in 1882, landing in Boonville in November of that year. He immediately went to the farming section and worked as farm laborers for the first six months in order to familiarize himself with American methods of tilling soil. He then rented land until 1892 when he bought an 80 acres in Boonville township upon which he lived for 25 years, prior to his retirement to a home in Boonville. Mr. Torbeck has recently sold his farm to his son, Ernest W. Torbeck. Six children were born to William H. and Sophia Torbeck, as follows: Henry, of this review ; Ernest W., a farmer south of Boonville ; Anna, widow of J. C. Neff ,_ Boonville township ; Mrs. Bertha Winkler, Saline County, Mo. ; Mary Torbeck died at the home of Senator Cockrell, Warrensburg, Mo., where she was serving as nurse ; Amelia died at the age of six years.

When he attained young manhood, Henry Torbeck purchased land in partnership with his brother Ernest W. Torbeck. This partnership continued amicably and profitably until his marriage. Then the brothers divided their holdings and Mr. Torbeck started to improve his property. He was married Feb. 23, 1910, to Annie C. Schwitzky, a daughter of Robert Schwitzky, a prosperous farmer of Palestine township. Three children have been born to Henry and Annie C. Torbeck, as follows: Sophia Wilhelmina, aged seven years ; Agnes Marie, aged six years ; Henrietta Alma, deceased.

Mr. Torbeck is a republican. He is a member of the Billingsville Evangelical Church. He is a progressive and enterprising citizen who takes an active and influential part in civic affairs and is highly respected in his neighborhood. He is a director of the Blackwater Telephone Company.

William L. Bryan. - For over fifty years, William L. Bryan has resided upon his pretty farm just south of Prairie Lick, Mo. He is owner of 134 acres which is nicely improved with a neat cottage home and attractive surroundings. Mr. Bryan was born in Kentucky, Jan. 1, 1850, and is a son of Benjamin B. and Mary (West) Bryan, the former of whom was a native of Virginia and the latter a native of England.

Benjamin B. Bryan came to Missouri in 1869 and settled upon the place which W. L. Bryan now owns. Mr. Bryan erected a double log cabin which served as the family home for a number of years. A big brick chimney was built in one end of the house and a flue was built in the other end. Oxen were used in breaking up the Bryan land and it took much labor to gradually clear away the woods and create a farm. B. B. Bryan died in Nov., 1880, at the age of 65 years. Mrs. Mary Bryan died in 1873 at the age of 55 years. The children in the Bryan family were: Jennie, dead; William L., of this sketch; Mrs. Sarah Case, Bellingham. Wash. ; B. F. Bryan, on a farm near Prairie Lick.

Prior to purchasing the Bryan home place, W. L. Bryan rented land. He erected his present home in 1895. He was married in January, 1872, to Miss Julia Burns, born April 4, 1857 in Atlanta, Ga., a daughter of Samuel and Jane (Faris) Burns, who were natives of Georgia. The

Burns family went to Kentucky in 1864 and from there came to Cooper County in 1872. They settled near Boonville, on what is now known as the Barnhart farm. Later, Mr. Burns returned to Georgia and died there. His wife died in Tana County, Mo. There were eight children in the Burns family : Robert, deceased ; Mrs. Julia Bryan, of this review ; Mrs. Ellen Trammel, Okla. ; John, Tana County, Mo. ; Mrs. Margaret Trammel, Okla. ; Mrs. Emma Aubury, Cedar Creek, Tana Co., Mo. ; Mrs. Ida Claussen, deceased; Mrs. Georgia Williams, Tana County, Mo.

Mr. and Mrs. Bryan have reared six children: Jennie, Robert, William, Josephine, Riley and Mary Ellen, and Lloyd. Mrs. Jennie Case lives at Bellingham, Wash.; Robert is deceased; William lives on the home farm ; Mrs. Josephine Dwyer, lives near Speed, Mo. ; Riley, lives in Kansas. ; Mary Ellen Bryan is a teacher in the Speed school ; Lloyd Bryan was born Aug. 31, 1896 and was inducted into the National Army July 26, 1918. He was trained at Camp Funston until he was honorably discharged from the service Jan. 22, 1919.

Riley Bryan was born Oct. 25, 1885. He enlisted in Hospital Unit No. 28 of the National Army in May, 1917. He was trained for service at Fort McPherson, Ga. He was honorably discharged after 14 months of service. He now is a traveling drug salesman and resides in Kansas.

Mr. Bryan is a democrat and all of his sons are stanch democrats. He is also a Baptist - a fine combination of good qualities. He is a member of the Woodmen of the World.

Fred Deuschle, prosperous farmer and stockman of Palestine township, has one of the finest farm homes in Cooper County, consisting of 208 acres and was purchased by the proprietor in 1898. The splendid appearing farm residence consists of six large rooms. Mr. Deuschle will harvest 45 acres of wheat this season, 1919. Fred Deuschle was born Jan. 3, 1869 on a farm three miles west of Pleasant Green, Cooper County, and is a son of Adam and Catherine (Schupp) Deuschle.

Adam Deuschle was born in Wuertenburg, Germany, in 1824 and died in Cooper County, Mo., in 1897. He left his native country and came to America in 1845. During the great gold rush of 1849, he made the trip across the plains and mountains to the Pacific coast and spent two years in that region. When he returned to Cooper County in 1851, he built a home upon his 200 acre farm near Pleasant Green, becoming owner of the land at the close of the Civil War. He spent the remainder of his days upon his farm and died there. During the Civil War, Mr. DeuscWe served in the Missouri State Guards. His wife, Catherine Schupp Deuschle, was born in Germany in 1838 and now resides with her daughter one mile east of Pleasant Green. The children born to Adam and Catherine Deuschle are: Mrs. J. Louis Staebler, Billingsville; Fred Deuschle, subject of this review; Mrs. Catherine Bergmann, living two and a half miles north of Pleasant Green; Mary, deceased wife of Daniel Schupp, left five children; Adam, J., living on the old homestead; Louisa resides with the Schupp family ; Bertha, wife of Frank Schupp lives near Pleasant Green.

The early education of Fred Deuschle was obtained in the district school at Pleasant Green. When a boy he began to assist his father on the farm and learned to become a good farmer. When 28 years old he began to make his own way. In 1898 he made his first purchase of land and has made a success of his life work.

April 17, 1901, Mr. Deuschle was married to Miss Anna Stegner, a daughter of August Stegner. The children born of this marriage are: Martin Oliver, born July 4, 1902 ; Clara Anna, born May 3, 1904 ; Rudolph Frederick, bora March 23, 1906; Frieda Catherine, born Jan. 3, 1910; Marie Augusta, born Aug. 30, 1916; Earl August, born Nov. 21, 1917.

Mr. Deuschle is a republican and is a member of the school board of his district. He takes a commendable interest in educational and civic affairs and is one of the leading and influential citizens of his vicinity. He is a member and a trustee of the Billingsville Evangelical Church.

Robert Snider, farmer and stockman, Boonville township, has resided on his fine farm of 110 acres just south of Boonville since 1886. His first home on this farm was a story and a half log house in which he and his wife lived for a few years. In 1906 he erected a pretty cottage which has an admirable setting with a sloping lawn and presents an attractive appearance. A large and substantial barn was built in 1901.

Robert Snider was born in Boonville, Feb. 10, 1853. He is a son of William (b. 1822, d. 1899) and Malinda (Houx) (b. 1830, d. 1898) Snider. His mother was a daughter of Uncle Fritz Houx who was a pioneer in Cooper County, from Kentucky and a member of the old pioneer Houx family of Missouri. William Snider was born in Pennsylvania and came to Cooper County in the early 40's. He went to the gold fields of California, crossing the plains and remained for 18 months on the Pacific coast. He was married in Cooper County and lived all of his days in this county. The children of William and Malinda Snider were: Margaret, widow of John Jamieson, Okla. ; William, living in Cass County, Mo. ; Robert ; Charles, Coffeyville, Kan. ; Mrs. Fannie Johnson, Bloomfield, 111. ; Sallie Snider resides with her sister Fannie; Edward Snider lives in Butler, Mo.

Robert Snider attended the district schools and also studied under Professor Smiley. With the exception of three and a half years spent in the Rocky Mountain country from 1878 to 1881, he has always resided in Cooper County.

March 2, 1882, Robert Snider and Mollie Scott were united in marriage. Mrs. Mollie (Scott) Snider was born in this county, March 30, 1860 and is a daughter of Adam Scott, a Cooper County pioneer. Three sons were born to Robert and Mollie (Scott) Snider as follows: Harry Snider married Gertrude Toler and has one son, Eugene ; Ross, Spokane, Wash. ; and Ralph, aged 21 years, resides with his parents, married Miss Maude Wyland, daughter of Louis Weyland.

Conrad M. Zollinger, mayor of Otterville and assistant cashier of the Bank of Otterville, was born at Otterville and is one of the most forceful factors in the general commercial life of the town. He was born on April 20, 1885, son of Capt. Augustus L. and Louisa (Mayfield) Zollinger, both members of old families in Cooper County and both now deceased, their last days having been spent at Otterville, of which place they had been residents even in the days before the railroad entered there.

The late Capt. Augustus L. Zollinger, an honored soldier of the Confederacy during the Civil War and for many years one of the most conspicuous figures in the commercial life of Otterville, an organizer of enterprises and a leader of affairs, was a native of the state of Maryland, born on Aug. 30, 1825, and was reared and educated in that state, remaining there until he was 21 years of age when, in 1847, he came to Missouri with his parents, George Zollinger and wife (the latter of whom was a Meyers), the family locating on a farm in Boonville township, this county. Six months later, immediately following the cession of California to the United States, Augustus L. Zollinger left Missouri and crossed the plains with a company of other hardy adventurers, bent on seeking fortune in the then promising land on the western coast, the promise of gold in California just then beginning to attract general attention in the East. For seven years he remained in California and then, in 1854, returned to Cooper County and became engaged in the general mercantile business at Otter- ville. That was in the days before the railroad and his goods were hauled from Boonville by ox-teams. Upon the outbreak of the Civil War he dropped his commercial affairs at Otterville, leaving his store in charge of Mr. Cannon, and helped in the organization of a troop of cavalry for the service of the Confederacy ; was elected captain of Company A, Second Missouri Cavalry, attached to the command of General Forrest, and with that gallant command served until the close of the war. Upon the completion of his military service Captain Zollinger resumed his mercantile business at Otterville and was thus engaged until his retirement from the store in 1892. Two years later, in 1894, he organized the present Bank of Otterville, was elected president of the same and thereafter gave his whole attention to his banking business, continuing thus engaged until his retirement from business in 1908. Following his retirement the Captain continued to make his home in Otterville and there spent his last days, his death occurring on March 30, 1914. In addition to his business interests he was the owner of a fine farm of 350 acres and had other sound investments. At the time of his death he was the oldest continuous member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows in the state of Missouri, having become a member of that order in Maryland when 18 years of age, affiliated with the lodge at Hagerstown, Md. He also was a member of the Pleasant Grove lodge, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, at Otterville. He was a democrat and was one of the leaders of that party in Cooper County. He and his wife were members of the Methodist Church and their children were reared in that faith. Captain Zollinger's wife died in 1901. She was born in Kentucky in 1845 and was but a girl when she came to Missouri with her parents, the Mayfields settling in the Pleasant Green neighborhood in this county. Captain Zollinger and his wife were the parents of six children, of whom the subject of this sketch was the last born, the others being as follows: George Zollinger, who is now engaged in general reporting work at St. Louis ; Stella, wife of H. M. Ames, a retired railroad man living at Otterville; Augustus L., a farmer and stockman of Warrensburg ; Elma L., wife of A. L. Ferguson, who is engaged in the drug business at Columbia, and John H., of Kansas City.

Conrad M. Zollinger grew up at Otterville, was graduated from the Otterville College in 1904 and then took a course in a commercial college at Sedalia. In the meantime he had become familiar with the details of his father's banking business at Otterville and upon his return from col- lege was made assistant cashier of the Bank of Otterville, a position he since has occupied and to the duties of which he has given his most thoughtful attention, long having been recognized as one of the most progressive young bankers in Cooper County. Mr. Zollinger owns a fine farm of 160 acres of LaMine River bottom land one mile east of Otterville and has other investments of a valuable character. He is a democrat and has ever given his thoughtful attention to local civic affairs. In 1918 he was elected mayor of Otterville and his administration has been marked by the erection of the admirable municipal electric light plant there as well as in the advancement of other movements looking to the promotion of the town's best interests.

July 9, 1916, Conrad M. Zollinger was united in marriage with Maud E. Varner, who also was born in this county, and he and his wife have a very pleasant home at Otterville. Mrs. Zollinger was born in Kelly township, a daughter of Hiram B. and Lottie (Wyles) Varner, both members of pioneer families in this section of Missouri, the former born in Cooper County and the latter in Howard County, who are now living retired at Otterville. Mr. and Mrs. Zollinger are members of the Methodist Church and take a proper interest in church work, as well as in the general social activities of their home town. Mr. Zollinger is a member of Pleasant Grove Lodge, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, at Otterville, to the affairs of which organization he has for years given his earnest attention, and is a past master of the lodge.

Antcn Henry Schler, owner of 200 acres of good farm land in Boonville township, is not only a good farmer, but he is rearing a fine family of children. The Schler farm is well improved with good buildings and a large, well built, farm residence which sets far back on the farm and is reached by a winding roadway which runs through the farm. For a number of years he and his brother, Peter Schler, farmed a large tract of land in partnership until this partnership was dissolved in Aug., 1916. The brothers then divided their accumulations which were the result of years of good, hard work, and excellent management, and each took his rightful share of the farm land. Anton Henry Schler was born May 30, 1865 in Clear Creek township. He is a son of Louis (b. 1817, d. 1871), a native of Germany who immigrated to America when a young man. He located in Clear Creek township. Cooper County, married Margaret Troester (b. July 3, 1827, d. Oct. 3, 1912), the latter of whom resided with her sons after the father's death. The children of the Schler family are as follows : Two children died in infancy ; Charles, a farmer in Clear Creek township; Mrs. Josephine Troester lives in Clayton county, Iowa; Peter, of

The Schler boys had little opportunity for schooling in their younger days; work was the rule in the Schler household because the head of the family had died early. The home farm of the family was in the timber and the hardest kind of work was necessary to clear the land of the trees, build fences and keep up the crops each season. The Schler brothers, Peter and Anton Henry purchased their large farm in 1892. At the time of purchase the farm was partly improved. The tract embraced a total of 430 acres of land after they added 30 acres to the original purchase. Peter Schler was actively engaged in tilling his land until an accident in 1907, when he was injured by the turning over of a wagon, incapacitated him for hard work. He then moved to Boonville, in 1909.

Peter Schler was married June 2, 1897 to Sophia Schierholz, who was born in Boonville, Cooper County, June 5, 1858, a daughter of Charles and Mary (Holtgreve) Schierholz. Charles Schierholz was born in Prussia, in 1823, and died July 27, 1891. Mrs. Mary Schierholz was born Jan. 24, 1838 and came to America with her parents in 1845. Mr. Schierholz operated a brick yard in Boonville until he settled on his farm south of Boonville in 1876. He was father of six children : Mrs. Ophia Schler of this review ; Henry, a farmer, Boonville township ; Charles, a farmer living with his mother; the three younger children died. Peter Schler is a republican. He is a member of the Evangelical Church.

Anton Henry Schler was born and reared in Cooper County. He was married March 29, 1910 to Catherine Barbara Gerhardt, who was born in North Dakota, Jan. 31, 1887, and is a daughter of Joseph Gerhardt, retired farmer of Speed, Mo. The children born of this union are: Henry Herman, born May 7, 1911; Margaret Paullina, born Aug. 24, 1912; Catherine Elizabeth, born March 7, 1914; Joseph, born Jan. 2, 1916; Lizzie Rosina, born July 16, 1917; George, born Feb. 22, 1919.

George K. Crawford, farmer, Bunceton, Mo., was born in Clarks Fork township about six miles northeast of Bunceton, Oct. 11, 1866. He is a son of John Crawford who was born March 5, 1816 and died Nov. 5, 1889.

John Crawford was a native of Cumberland County, Ky. and was a son of George Crawford, who was born in Kentucky and was one of the early pioneers of Cooper County who came to this county and settled at what is now Crawford Bridge. Herman P. Muntzell now owns the first home of the Crawfords in this county. Mr. Crawford improved a farm and resided there the rest of his days. John Crawford was reared to manhood on this farm and after his marriage he resided on what is now known as the Clarence Hops place. In 1848 he settled on the place nowowned by George K. Crawford and improved it, erecting a large residence, and eventually became owner of over 1,000 acres of land. At the time of his death he owned 500 acres. In 1862 John Crawford married Miss Maria Kepner, who was born in Pennsylvania in 1840 and died Aug. 29,

Two children born to this second marriage are living: Mrs. Clara Shackleford, residing on the home place ; and George K. Crawford, of this review. By a former marriage with Miss Eliza Greenhalge, John Crawford had one son, Henry, now deceased.

George K. Crawford resided for 50 years on the Crawford home place, engaged in farming and stock raising. He removed to Bunceton in 1917. In Feb., 1917, Mr. Crawford was married to Mrs. Frances (Hickman) Edwards widow of Dr. G. H. Edwards, and a daughter of Thomas Hickman, a pioneer settler near Lone Elm who is deceased. By her first marriage Mrs. Crawford is mother of two children: John C, and Thomas H. Edwards.

John C. Edwards died at Camp Mills, Mineola, L. I., May 3, 1918, at the age of 21 years. He was a corporal in the National Army, having volunteered for service in May, 1917, and became a member of Co. B, 140th Infantry, 35th Division.

1917. He spent one month at Jefferson Barracks, St. Louis, and then sailed for France, July 2, 1917. He was a member of the 12th Railway Engineers, organized at St. Louis, but he was later transferred to the Signal Corps of the A. E. F.

Mr. Crawford is a democrat. He is a member of the Baptist Church and the Woodmen of the World and of Wallace Lodge No. 456, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, of Bunceton.

George F. Fluke, an honored pioneer of Cooper County, was born May 27, 1850, at Connor's Mill, a son of John and Louisa (Fisher) Fluke, the former, a native of Pennsylvania and the latter of Illinois. Mr. Fluke is one of three children born to his parents: George F., the subject of this review;- John W., deceased; and Mary E., the wife of Z. R. Neal, of Saline township.

Nov. 13, 1879 and interment was made in Clayton cemetery. Mrs. Fluke joined him in death, Dec. 8, 1883, and she, too, was laid to rest in Clayton cemetery. At the time of his death, John Fluke owned more than 500 acres of some of the most valuable land in Saline township.

George F. Fluke attended the public schools of Cooper County and, since 1875, he has resided on the farm where he now lives. Mr. Fluke is owner of 130 acres of land located 10 miles from Boonville and onehalf mile from Overton. He is successfully engaged in general farming.

March 13, 1872, George F. Fluke and Eliza Givens, a daughter of Walter and Mary (Vivian) Givens, were united in marriage. Eliza A. Givens Fluke was born Jan. 7, 1852. To George F. and Eliza Fluke were born the following children : Andrew J., of Shawnee, Okla., who married Etta Rogers and they are the parents of two children, George F. and Vivian Mayo; and Mary Lou, the wife of Aubrey Buell and the mother of two children, Orvill Allison and Vernal Leeann. Mrs. Fluke died June 3, 1897.

Jan. 9, 1900, George F. Fluke and Lizzie Tucker, a daughter of Robert H. and Sarah Elizabeth (Parker) Tucker, were united in marriage. Robert H. Tucker was born in Virginia, Aug. 14, 1824 and died May 25, 1893, in Cooper County, Mo. Mrs. Tucker was born near Clarks Fork in Cooper County, March 7, 1840. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Tucker are as follows: Robert M., Silas E., Mrs. Kate Venable, Nathaniel and Mrs. Mattie Pollard, twins; Mrs. George F. Fluke, Mrs. Sophronia May Drennen, Charles W., James T., Mrs. Minnie E. Verts, Mrs. Sadie Ruth Smith, and Tyre T. Tucker. Mr. and Mrs. Fluke are valued members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.

Politically, George F. Fluke is affiliated with the democrat party. He is a member of Cooper Lodge No. 36, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons. Mr. and Mrs. Fluke are well known in Cooper County and they are held in the highest respect in Saline township. The Fluke family has long been numbered among the first and best families of this section of the state.

Harry J. Miller, a highly respected young citizen of Cooper County, is one of Boonville's boys of yesterday, men who have "made good," and of whom all are justly proud. Mr. Miller was born in Boonville, Aug. 31, 1894, a son of James R. and Carrie Miller, the former, a native of Cooper County, Mo., ami the latter of Pennsylvania. James R. Miller is a son of one of the county's honored pioneers. He has resided in the county all his life, and is at the present time filling the position of chief of police of Boonville, a position he has most capably filled for the past eight years. Mr. Miller was formerly for many years engaged in the mercantile business in Boonville. The children of James R. and Carrie Miller are, as follow: Beatrice, at home; Earl, the bookkeeper at the Phoenix American Pipe Works; Roy F., who died in 1918, at the age of 21 years; and Harry J., the subject of this review.

In the public schools of Boonville, Harry J. Miller obtained his elementary education, which he supplemented with a course at Brown's Business College at St. Louis and at Dunkle's Business College at Boonville. After leaving school, Mr. Miller was for three years employed at the Hirsch Wholesale Grocery Company store in Boonville. In 1917, he was appointed storekeeper for the Boonville Training School, a position he at the time of this writing occupies.

Fraternally, Harry J. Miller is affiliated with the Knights of Pythias fo Boonvlle. He is well known throughout the county and stands high in his own community, where he has a host of friends.

Henry B. Kramer, a prominent citizen of Cooper County, was born Oct. 14, 1862 in Cooper County on the Clayton farm, a son of Jacob Anton and Francisco Kramer, the former, a native of Copenhagen, Denmark, and the latter, of Baden, Germany. Jacob Anton Kramer served three years in the Danish army, in 1849, 1850, and 1851, and he had a scalp wound caused by a minnie ball. He immigrated to America in 1854 and was married at Staten Island.

Jacob Anton Kramer was born at Copenhagen in 1812. After coming to America, Mr. Kramer spent one year at St. Louis, Mo. From St. Louis, he came to Connor's Mill in Cooper County and for four years was engaged in gardening. In 1860, he purchased the farm now owned by Charles Clayton. This place was sold in 1910 to George Viertel. Jacob Anton Kramer died Oct. 9, 1874 and interment was made in Schmidt cemetery. Mrs. Kramer was born May 27, 1827 and died Dec. 6, 1907. She, too, was laid to rest in Schmidt cemetery.

Henry B. Kramer is one of the following children born to Jacob Anton and Francisco Kramer: Mary Ann, the wife of George A. Back, to whom she was married in 1883, deceased since Jan. 1, 1896 ; Henry B., the subject of this review; Herman, of Boonville; Jacob Anton, Jr., who resides in the state of Washington ; Fannie, the wife of Otto Schmidt and Charlie, who died in 1869 at the age of 10 years and is buried in Schmidt cemetery.

recent years he has been employed in paper-hanging, carpentering and writing life insurance policies. Mr. Kramer is a specialist in horticulture. He has never married. He promised his mother that he would remain single as long as she lived and he kept his word. Mr. Kramer's mother survived her husband 33 years.

Henry B. Kramer is an enthusiastic lodge worker. He is clerk of the Woodmen of the World and district deputy of the Woodmen of the World and of the B. O. W. The Woodmen of the World at Gooch's Mill has a membership of 160 and Mr. Kramer has been a member for 22 years, clerk for four years, counsel commander for 13 years, assistant clerk for 19 years, and advertising lieutenant for four years. In the first 10 years of his membership, Mr. Kramer missed but five meetings and he had a distance of four miles to walk. He has now a class of 68 boys and girls, ranging in ages from one to 16 years, for whom he looks after insurance. The first member of the B. 0. W., the juvenile department of the Woodmen of the World, in the state of Missouri, holding Policy No. 1, was Ben L. Givens and Mr. Kramer has the distinction of having written the policy.

On the democrat ticket, Mr. Kramer was elected constable of Saline township. He is highly respected in his community and throughout the county and he numbers his friends by the score.

Frederick H. Muntzel, a farmer and stockman, Boonville, Mo., was born in Cooper County and is owner of one of the best farms in Cooper County, consisting of 347 acres. Mr. Muntzel retired from active farming in the spring of 1919, his farm being managed by J. W. Woolery. After completing the district school he attended the Chillicothe Normal College. He is a member of the M. E. Church.

John George Hoflander, late well and favorably known resident of the Billingsville neighborhood, Cooper County, and veteran of the Civil W>', was a native of Saxony Coburg, Germany. Mr. Hoflander was born July 17, 1841 and died at his country home near Billingsville, March 6, 1915.

He was a son of John Ernst and Kunigunda (Stegner) Hoflander, natives of Germany, who immigrated to the United States and settled in Cooper County in 1853.

John George Hoflander was reared to young manhood on the Hoflander home place and was enrolled as a member of the Missouri State Guards during the Civil War. He was detailed for guard duty to protect traffic along the Missouri River.

Mr. Hoflander was married at Pleasant Green, Mo., Jan. 15, 1880, to Elizabeth L. Back, born at Pleasant Green, Cooper County, Jan. 30, 1856. She was a daughter of Philip and Doreathe Fredericka Back. Mrs. Elizabeth Hoflander is one of two children, as follows: Mrs. Elizabeth Hoflander; Mrs. Ernest Vbgelpohl, Pilot Grove.

When George and Elizabeth Hoflander were married they settled on the old Hoflander home place, near Billingsville which Mr. Hoflander farmed successfully during his entire life. This is a fine farm of 128 acres which is well improved and the soil of which is very productive.

The Hoflander children are: Henry, born Oct. 28, 1880, and died Nov. 1, 1880; Marie Christine, born Sept. 11, 1881, at home; Caroline Henrietta was born March 2, 1885, at home; Marie Pauline, born March 2, 1885, was wife of the late Frank Wallje, is now at Sedalia, Mo. ; Dorothea Elizabeth, born July 5, 1887, is wife of George Geiger, vicinity of Billingsville, Mo. ; George Thomas, born Oct. 1 1889, at home ; Laura Amelia, born Jan. 11, 1892, is wife of Oliver Koenig, near Prairie Lick, Cooper County, Mo. ; Marie Magdaline, born Jan. 25, 1897, at home ; and Carl John, born Oct. 25, 1901, at home.

The late George Hoflander was one of the sterling and energetic citizens of Cooper County and was highly regarded in the community where he was born and reared. He was one of the builders of the Billingsville St. John's Evangelical Church and was a devout Christian, a kind husband and father. He was a republican but took little part in political affairs. It is such as he that assisted materially in upbuilding the Cooper County of today.

George W. Harlan, fanner and stockman, proprietor of one of the best farms in Otterville township, his well improved place of 550 acres being situated a mile and a half northwest of the town of Otterville; a member of the board of directors of the Bank of Otterville and long regarded as one of the most substantial citizens of that part of Cooper County, was born on the farm on which he is now living and has resided there all his life with the exception of seven years during the period of his childrens' educational course at Otterville when he and his family resided in town. The Harlan family is one of the families in Cooper County entitled to a service flag carying a gold star, the only son of this family having died in the service of his country in the fall of 1918. The young husband of the only daughter of the family also is in service being now (summer of 1919) with the naval arm of the American Expeditionary Forces in Europe. The Harlans are an old American family, the pro- genitor of the family in this country having come to this side from England in early CoLonial days. George W. Harlan was born on Nov. 22, 1869, son 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 the days of their youth and whose last days were spent here.

The senior George W. Harlan was born in Shelby County, Ky., Sept. 28, 1823, and was but 15 or 16 years of age when he came to Missouri auuut the year 1840 with his parents, George T. and Johanna (Helm) Harlan, also natives of KentucKy, the family locating in Otterville township, this county, where George T. Harlan and his wife, the pioneers, spent the remainder of their days. On the pioneer farm settled there by his parents the senior George W. Harlan grew to manhood and in time became a successful farmer and cattle breeder, a man of substance and influence in his community and in that township spent the remainder of his life, his death occurring on Jan. 13, 1891. His widow died Aug. 6, 1916. She was born near Salem, Va., Sept. 29, 1829. They were the parents of three children, the subject of this sketch, the last born, having two sisters, Anna, widow of J. W. Harlan, of Danville, Ky., and Jennie H., wife of A. G. Hansberger, of Otterville township.

Reared on the home farm just northwest of Otterville, the junior George W. Harlan received his early schooling in the local schools and completed the same by a course in Central College at Fayette, after which, when 21 years age, he began farming on his own account on the home place. He married when 23 years of age, and after his marriage establishing his home on the home place, of which in time he became the owner, and where he and his family are now very comfortably situated. In 1911, Mr. Harlan erected a handsome new and up-to-date farm house, said to be one of the best such dwellings in Cooper County, and the other improvements on his model farm are in keeping with the same. In addition to his general farming he has for years given considerable attention to the raising of live stock. He also takes a proper interest in the general business affairs of the community, and is a member of the board of directors of the Bank of Otterville. He is a democrat, and a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and of the Knights of the Maccabees. He and his family are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church (South).

ers) Clark, natives of Kentucky, and both now deceased, and to this union two children have been born, namely: Ennell, who is now (summer of 1919) at home with her parents, pending the return of her husband, J. C. Miller, from service with the naval branch of the American Expeditionary Forces in Europe, and George C, who, as noted above, is represented by a gold star in the Harlan family's service flag. George C. Harlan was born on the home farm, Oct. 19, 1896, and was graduated from the Otterville High School. On July 18, 1918, he enlisted in the United States Navy for service in the World War, and was sent for training to the Great Lakes Naval Training Station at Chicago, where, not long afterward, he was taken ill, and Sept. 30, died, being then under 22 years of age. J. C. Miller, husband of Mr. and Mrs. Harlan's daughter, enlisted in the navy on July 7, 1918, and after a period of preliminary training was assigned to active service, and is now serving in European waters.

A. F. Nixon, the well-known cashier of the Bank of Wooldridge, was born Oct. 15, 1875, near Pilot Grove, Mo., a son of D. F. and Christina (Schlatzhauer) Nixon, the former, a native of Ross County, Ohio, and the latter, of Cooper County. D. F. Nixon was born near Chillicothe, Ohio. He prospered in farming and stockraising and he and his wife are now living in quiet retirement at Pilot Grove, Mo. The children of D. F. and Christina Nixon are: Charles, who is in the real estate business in Boonville; Catherine E., at home; A. F., the subject of this review; and Rudy, who died in West Virginia.

Mr. Nixon, the subject of this sketch, attended the public schools, Pilot Grove College, and the Warrensburg State Normal School. He erected an elevator at Wooldridge and for three years was in the grain business there. He sold his business to G. H. Dooley Milling Company, which company still operates the mill, and in 1904, Mr. Nixon purchased the interest of M. A. Smith in the Bank of Wooldridge and has since been the cashier of that institution.

May 22, 1904, A. F. Nixon and Elizabeth Wooldridge were united in marriage. Mrs. Nixon is a daughter of H. H. and Sallie E. (Eager) Wooldridge, of Saline township. H. H. Wooldridge died in 1917 and, on Dec. 31 he was laid to rest in the family cemetery. His widow now resides on the old home place. The town of Wooldridge is located on land formerly owned bv Mrs. Nixon's father. To A. F. Nixon and Mrs. Nixon have been born three children: Audrey, who is now a student in the Boonville High School ; Fletcher W. and Eager.

Recently, Mr. Nixon purchased 60 acres of land, on which was formerly located the old tanyard known as the "Fox Hunters' Home" and owned by A. A. Walker, Dr. S. M. Teel, Mr. Draften, Dr. Hurt and others, whose names cannot be recalled. Fox hunting meets have been held here since the early days and a meeting is held semi-annually by the lovers of this sport and to this present time fox chases are frequently held. Mr. Nixon is planning improving his tract of land. He will construct a concrete dam below the springs and make there one of the finest fishing ponds in the country.

Fraternally, Mr. Nixon is a member of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons and the Woodmen of the World. He is an upright, respected citizen and among the business men of Cooper County, no man is valued more highly.

Thomas R. Peyton & Sons, proprietors of "The Peyton Nurseries", at Boonville, Mo., are widely known and respected business men of Cooper County. "The Peyton Nurseries" was organized Jan. 1, 1913. Eight years previous to that date, Thomas R. Peyton and A. E. Barnes began operating the "Boonville Nurseries" and on the first of the year, 1913, the partnership was dissolved and "The Peyton Nurseries" established. A. E. Barnes has continued business under the old name of the firm.

Mr. Peyton, Sr., served an apprenticeship of eight years with Stark Brothers' Nurseries in Louisiana, Mo. He discontinued his services at Stark Brothers' to accept the management of a nursery at Mexico, Mo., in which place he was for 10 years prior to coming to Boonville. "The Peyton Nurseries" has from 20 to 25 agents in the field, covering the states of Missouri, Illinois, Oklahoma, Arkansas and Kansas. Frequently, shipments are made to other states.

"The Peyton Nurseries" specializes in fruit trees, in apple, peach, pear, apricot, quince and cherry trees. The first year the firm was in business the outlook was not encouraging. Since Jan. 1, 1913, with sales for the first year totaling but $6,000, the business has grown marvelously and the receipts for the year of 1918 amounted to $30,000. The firm plans putting out 200,000 trees annually, namely: 100,000 apple grafts; 50,000 cherry and pear; and 50,000 peach trees. "The Peyton Nurseries" does a large retail business through salesmen and in addition does a flattering mail-order business. The firm's slogan is "Growers of Reliable Trees Since 1887". All orders are packed under cover in the packing house, a building, 40x60 feet, located at the junction of the Missouri Pacific and

Missouri, Kansas & Texas railroads, where the office is also located. The firm is a growing one and the citizens of Boonville point with pride to "The Peyton Nurseries" as an example of what western enterprise and industry can in a short time accomplish.

Thomas R. Peyton was born in Rappahannock County, Va., Nov. 24, 1872, a son of John II. and Sarah Martha (Wince) Peyton, both of whom were natives of Virginia. The Peytons moved to Pike County, Mo., in 1885, and John H. Peyton was for several years with Stark Brothers' Nursery. He died while visiting his son, Thomas R., at Boonville, in February, 1917, and he is buried at Louisiana. Mrs. Peyton died in 1896 at Louisiana and is buried there. The children of John H. and Sarah Peyton are as follows: Henry A., of Los Angeles, Calif.; Thomas R., the subject of this review; Joseph W., of Lincoln, 111.; Mrs. Luella Downing, deceased; John A., who has been with the Stark Brothers' Nurseries for the past 30 years; Dora May, the wife of Joseph Russell, of Springfield, 111.

In the public schools of Virginia, Thomas R. Peyton received his elementary education, which was supplemented by a course at the academy at Louisiana, Mo. He was married in 1900 to Edith A. Barnes, a daughter of Noble and Mary (Bybee) Barnes, and a native of Audrain County, Mo. The mother is deceased, and the father resides in Audrain County.

The children of Noble and Mary Barnes are as follows: M. C. and Theodore, of Audrain County, Mo.; Mrs. Thomas R. Peyton, the wife of the subject of this review; A. E., a well-known nurseryman of Boonville; Claude, a farmer and fruit-grower of Idaho ; Roy and Ray, who are farming near Bradshaw, Neb. To Mr. and Mrs. Peyton have been born five children: Thomas B. and Genevieve, who are attending the Boonville High School ; James A., Edith J., and Charles W., at home with their parents. The Peytons reside at Shamrock Heights in Boonville.

Thomas R. Peyton and Mrs. Peyton are worthy and consistent members of the Christian Church. They are held in the highest respect and esteem by all who know them, and they number their friends by the score. Mr. Peyton is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Modem Woodmen of America.

Hermann Frederick Herfurth, assistant engineer of the Missouri Reformatory, Boonville, is one of Cooper County's most respected citizens. H. F. Herfurth was born in Germany in 1872, and came to this country in 1882 with his parents, John Frederick and Wilhelmina Herfurth, who located in Cooper County, where the father died in 1892. The widowed mother resides in Moniteau County, Mo., now making her home with a son and a daughter. The children of John Frederick and Wilhelmina Herfurth are, as follow: John Frederick, Jr., of Moniteau County; Martha, the wife of Charles Gropp, of Moniteau County; Herman Frederick, the subject of this sketch; and Selma, of Moniteau County.

H. F. Herfurth attended school in Cooper County. He has practically made his own way in the world since he was a child 13 years of age. He began his business career in Moniteau County, but prior to that he had been employed in farm work, laboring for $7 a month and chopping cordwood for 35 cents a cord. H. F. Herfurth was manager of a farm in Clark's Fork township for seven years, the owner of the farm being W. B. Windsor. H. F. Herfurth was in business in Moniteau County for seven years, and for three years was engaged in the manufacturing business in St. Louis, manufacturing raincoats and dealing in automobile accessories. He received the appointment as assistant to the chief engineer under J. W. Bozarth, at present chief engineer at the Missouri Reformatory, Boonville. The engineering department furnishes electric light and power for all the buildings of the Reformatory.

In September, 1917, Hermann Frederick Herfurth and Elizabeth Ott were united in marriage. Mrs. Herfurth is a daughter of L. C. Ott, of Franklin County, Mo. Mr. and Mrs. Ott now reside at Berger, Mo. To Mr. and Mrs. Herfurth has been born one child, a daughter, Frances Bessie. The Herfurths are valued members of the Evangelical Church and they are numbered among the best families of Boonville.

H. F. Herfurth has surmounted countless obstacles to make the success in life which he has thus far achieved. He taught himself to read the English language by translating at home the German Bible into English, and when he saw the value and necessity of reading English he tenaciously clung to his resolve to master the language, and he is now able to read well, and he is a constant reader. He is captain of the Honor Company, a squad of 75 boys of the Reformatory. It is the captain's duty to keep close watch upon the morals of the lads. Captain Herfurth takes much pride in his work, is a most efficient officer, and he is making good citizens of the boys under his charge.

William R. Scott, teacher and gardener, one of Cooper County's best known citizens, was born in Boonville, Oct. 18, 1876, a son of William C. and Lucy (Moore) Scott. William C. Scott was born in 1837 in Cooper County. He is a member of one of the first families of Missouri, a son of an honored and brave pioneer, who settled in Boonville in 1815. Mr. Scott was in the early days a freighter from Boonville to southwestern

Missouri in the days of the steamboat. He is at the present time a resident of Boonville. Mrs. Scott was a native of Cooper County. She died here about 1882. The children of William C. and Lucy Scott are; Mrs. J. P. Logan, of Boonville ; Dr. W. M., of Iberia, Mo. ; Dr. L. E., of Belleville, 111.; William R., the subject of this sketch; H. A., of Missoula, Mont.; and Mrs. L. Comstock, of Seattle, Wash., twins.

W. R. Scott is a graduate of the Boonville High School, a member of the class of 1894. After completing the high school course, he was for 12 years prospecting and mining in Washington, Montana and Oregon. In 1915, he returned to Boonville, and he has since then been employed in the capacity of teacher and gardener at the Boonville Training School, now the Missouri Refonnatory. He teaches during the winter seasons and is engaged in gardening in the summers. He is captain of Company F, about 65 boys being under his charge. Captain Scott enjoys his work and is giving his best efforts to advance the pupils of his classes.

Feb. 11, 1918, William R. Scott and Ruth Tuttle were united in marriage. Mrs. Scott is a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J. B. Tuttle, of Boonville. J. B. Tuttle is employed by the Missouri, Kansas & Texas Railway Company. Mrs. Scott was born, reared, and educated in Boonville. To Mr. and Mrs. Scott has been born one child, a son, William R., Jr., bom Jan. 20, 1919, the representative of the fourth generation of the Scott family in Cooper County. Mrs. Scott has one sister and two brothers living: Mrs. William Pieper, of St. Joseph, Mo.; Morton, of Boonville; and Chester, of Boonville.

Mr. and Mrs. Scott are widely and favorably known in Cooper County, and in Boonville they are numbered among the city's best citizens and most respected families.

Capt. C. S. Hanna, the competent blacksmith of the Boonville Training School, now the Missouri Reformatory, is a native of Howard County. Captain Hanna was born July 3. 1857, a son of Frank and Sarah (Hall) Hanna, the former a native of Virginia, and the latter of Indiana.

Frank Hanna, with his three brothers, William, James, and Harvey, came from Virginia in 1812, and located first in Grundy County, and later settled on a farm in Howard County, near the present site of Fayette, Mo. With his brothers, Frank Hanna was first engaged in farming, and later entered a cabinet shop in Fayette, the shop owned by Samuel Majors. He died in Howard County in 1872, and his remains were interred in the cemetery at Fayette. Mrs. Hanna died in 1876 and she was laid to rest in the cemetery at Fayette. The children of Frank and Sarah (Hall) Hanna are, as follow : James, William, and Robert, deceased ; Capt. C. S., the subject of this sketch; Virginia, deceased; Rebecca, who married George Thurman and is now deceased; and Bessie. The Hanna family were Hanna family were among the first settlers of Missouri, and at the time of the coming of the three brothers to Howard County, deer were very plentiful, and Frank Hanna frequently went on deer chases on and near the present townsite of Fayette.

Captain Hanna obtained his elementary education in the public schools of Howard County, Mo. Until he was about 30 years of age, he followed farming in Howard county, and he then learned the blacksmith's trade in Fayette, serving his apprenticeship under Mr. McClammer. Captain Hanna followed blacksmithing at Fayette until he moved to Boonville, six years ago, and he was thus employed in this city until he was appointed in March, 1918, blacksmith of the Training School. He instructs the boys of the school, who are under his charge, in the trade of blacksmithing, and there could be found no more efficient mechanic and thorough teacher. Two lads, Bernard Lloyd and John Jewer, who were under Captain Hanna's supervision, left the school recently to take good position in St. Louis, Mo., and they are both "making good." Captain Hanna frequently receives letters from the boys, telling him how much they appreciate all he did for them. It is his desire and ambition to do all within his power to assist the boys under his care to become good citizens.

In 1884, Capt. C. S. Hanna and Ida R. VVatkins were united in marriage. Mrs. Hanna is a daughter of John and Martha VVatkins, of New Franklin, honored pioneers of Howard County. Both father and mother are now deceased, and their remains rest in Walnut Ridge Cemetery in Howard County. The children of John and Martha Watkins are: Mrs. C. S. Hanna, the wife of the subject of this sketch ; John, of New Franklin ; Mrs. Emma Canole, of New Franklin ; Mrs. Claude Maupin, of Sedalia ; Mrs. Anna McGavoc, of New Franklin; Mrs. Eula Minor, of New Franklin; Mrs. Cliff Drake, of Fayette; Mrs. Martha Hams, of Moberly ; and James, a fanner, of New Franklin. Mr. and Mrs. Hanna are the parents of four children: Lela G., the wife of William Wells, of Boonville; C. W., clerk in H. T. Zugales' general merchandise stort of Boonville; Eula. a student in the Boonville High School; and Russell, grade school. Mr. and Mrs. William Wells are the parents of one child, a daughter, Louise.

Dr. Robert E. Howlett, a venerable retired physician, formerly surgeon at Confederate Home at Higginsville, and during the Civil War a surgeon in the Confederate Army, for many years a practicing physician at Otterville, one of the best known men in Cooper County, is a native of Virginia. Doctor Howlett was born near Richmond, Va., March 19, 1836, son of James M. and Harriet (Hatcher) Howlett, the former of whom became a resident of Cooper County in 1843 and here spent the remainder of his life.

The Howletts are one of the oldest families in America, the family having been founded on this side by three brothers of that name, who came over from Wales in the early days of the Jamestown settlement, and thus became established here among the first of the Virginia colonists. James M. Howlett was born at Chesterfield, Va., April 1, 1801, a son of John Howlett and wife, the latter of whom was a Goode, also natives of Virginia, who spent all their lives in that State. He married Harriet Hatcher, who was born in Chesterfield County, Va., in 1806, and who died in 1842. Of the children born to that union seven grew to maturity. Of these Doctor Howlett is now the only survivor. The others were Thomas T., James A., Anna B., who was the wife of Rev. William Eustace; John M., Daniel and Martha. In 1845, the mother of these children then having been dead about three years, James M. Howlett married Anna Maria Peyton, who also was born in Virginia, and who died in 1860 at the age of 48 years. That union was without issue. It was in 1843, the year following the death of his first wife, that James M. Howlett disposed of his interests in Virginia and with his family came to Cooper County and established himself on a farm in Lebanon township, where he spent the remainder of his life, his death occurring in 1873, he then being 72 years of age.

It was on that pioneer farm in Lebanon township that Doctor Howlett grew to manhood. He was educated in the public schools and by the special instruction given him at home by his stepmother, who had been a school teacher in Virginia. He early became attracted to the study of medicine, and after some preliminary reading along that line, in 1858 entered the St. Louis Medical College, from which institution he was graduated in 1861, the year of the breaking out of the Civil War. He straightway put aside his ambition for a medical career and at once enlisted as a private for service in the Confederate Army. Three months