Cooper County, Missouri - Biographical sketches, 1919 (part 19 of 24)

Dr, Robert 10. Howlett

:er he was raised from the ranks and commissioned assistant surgeon the army. In this important capacity, Doctor Howlett continued to rve the army until the close of the war. He then returned to his home this county and opened an office for the practice of his profession at terville. In 1867 he went to New York City for a post-graduate course the medical college there, returning to his office at Otterville in April, 68. A year later he married, and two years after his marriage (in 71) became attracted to the possibilities which seemed to offer in conction with a point for practice in Mississippi, and moved to that State, t 18 months later returned to Otterville and resumed his practice there, ntinuing thus actively engaged until his appointment in December, 01, to the post of physician to the Confederate Soldiers Home at Hignsville, Mo. While thus officially stationed at the home the Doctor und his health beginning to break, and in 1903 he resigned his post and turned to Otterville, where he is now living retired from active practice, ing now in the 84th year of his age. Doctor Howlett has for many ars been recognized as one of the leading physicians in this part of the ate, and during his many years of practice in this county ever took an rnest interest in the deliberations of the local and State medical socie- !S, as well as the American Medical Association, of which societies he is an active member. The Doctor is a democrat, and formerly took an tive part in local and State political affairs, but was never a seeker after blis office. Fraternally, he is affiliated with the local lodges of the icient Free and Accepted Masons and the Independent Order of Odd illows, and is the oldest Mason as well as the oldest Odd Fellow in Otterle.

April 6, 1869, in Mississippi, Dr. Robert E. Howlett was united in irriage to Eliza Marian Howell, who was born in Alabama on Aug. 12, 43, daughter of A. Y. and Phoebe D. (Ingram) Howell, natives of North irolina, whose last days were spent in Mississippi, and to this union ree children have been born, namely: Dr. Robert E. Howlett, Jr., a acticing physician at Richland, Mo.; Helen H., widow of the late Prof. A. Edwards, of Kansas City, and Addie Nolton, who has ever remained home, and whose comfortable home at the eastern edge of C terville now shared by his parents. A. N. Howlett is a well-to-do farmer and ackman, the owner of a fine farm of 170 acres just at the edge of town, lere he and his wife and his aged parents are pleasantly situated. His fe, before her marriage, was Clarice Weyand. Her parents were early ttlers in Vernon County, Mo.

William A. Hoefer, a prominent citizen of Cooper County, is a native of Boonville. He was born July 17, 1874, a son of Henry L. and Mary A. (Krust) Hoefer, the former a native of Nassau, Germany.

Henry L. Hoefer was born Aug. 22, 1823. He came to America in 1846 and settled in Cooper County in 1847. He entered the mercantile business at Boonville, and followed his vocation of painter and interior decorator. He enlisted in the Civil War, Aug. 18, 1862, and served in the State Militia. He was promoted to first lieutenant, Company G, 52nd Regiment, and he served in the army until the war closed. Mary A. (Krust) Hoefer was born in 1838 at Hesse, Daunstadt. She immigrated to America in 1853 with the Hoffmeister family. They were located at Mendota, 111., for two years. She came to Cooper County in 1858, and is at the present time a resident of Boonville.

Capt. Archie Burr Bates, of Kemper Military School, was born Jan. 6, 1883, at Churdan, Iowa, a son of E. W. and Hattie (Easter) Bates, the former a native of Illinois, and the latter of Iowa, now residents of Persia, Iowa. Mr. and Mrs. E. W. Bates are the parents of the following children: Orin E., a prosperous merchant of Pittsburg, Kan.; Capt. Archie Burr, the subject of this sketch; Mrs. Blanche Ferguson, of Nevada, Iowa; L. E. of Des Moines, Iowa; Forest E., of Corsicana, Texas; Miss Edith, and Mrs. Ethel Cox, twins, the former of Boonville, and the latter of Indianola, Iowa.

Captain Bates attended Churdan High School three years and Ogden High School one year. He pursued the business course at Simpson College, Indianola, Iowa, and he is a graduate of this institution, a member of the class of 1904. After completing his college work, Captain Bates entered the teaching proftssion and taught school at Pendleton, Ore., one* year, and at Mount Vernon, Wash., one term. Thence he returned to Iowa, and at Des Moines entered Iowa Business College and studied shorthand and typewriting. Upon completing the course, he was engaged in teaching in the school for six months. Captain Bates came to Boonville as principal of the commercial department of Kemper Military School. When this school became a corporation in 1909, he was elected secretary, a position which he still retains at the time of this writing in 1919. Captain Bates has been post adjutant for the past ten years.

July 31, 1907, Capt. Archie Burr Bates and Martha Frances Breiner, a daughter of Mrs. Ida M. Breiner Harlow, of Churdan, Iowa, were married. The father of Mrs. Bates died when she was an infant, and her mother afterward married William F. Harlow, and they now reside at hurdan, Iowa. Mrs. Bates has three brothers, all residents of Churdan, )\va: Verle, Wilmer, and Elmore. Captain and Mrs. Bates are the arents of two daughters: Ida Frances and Martha Burr. They are alued members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. Captain ates is a member of the Knights of Pythias of Boonville.

Captain Bates is well known and respected in Cooper County as a entleman and a scholar. He and Mrs. Bates have innumerable friends 1 this section of the State, and they have the highest regard of all who now them.

Oscar F. Case, the widely-known and competent blacksmith, prorietor of the machine shop at Gooch's Mill in Cooper County, is a native f Illinois. Mr. Case was born in Kane County in 1849, a son of A. J. tid Julia A. (Morris) Case, the former a native of New York, and the iter of Long Island. Mr. and Mrs. Case moved from New York to linois, and from Illinois to Bremer County, Iowa, where they both died. scar F. Case is the only living member of his father's family, and he the eldest of four sons born to A. J. and Julia A. Case, the others being ; follow: Prentice, Ernest, and Wirt, all deceased.

Mr. Case, the subject of this sketch, attended school at Waverly, >wa. In May, 1864, he enlisted in Iowa with Company E. 44th Iowa lfantry, and served until October, 1864. He was active in service in ennessee and in Mississippi under the command of Gen. A. J. Smith, l 1867, Mr. Case came to Missouri and located at Connor's Mill, one of le pioneer mills of Cooper County. This was a steam and water mill, -ected by James F. Connor in the days long prior to the Civil war. The itlers from 40 and 50 miles distant came to the mill to have their grain round. Kiln-dried flour was made there, and this fact was widely Ivertised in 1849, at the time of the wild exodus from the East to the jld field newly discovered in California, and the fortune hunters, readig the advertisement in the St. Louis papers, crossed the Missouri River t Rocheport, on the ferry to obtain the flour, which was guaranteed to ?ep for a long time. Wagon trains, three-fourths of a mile in length, isited the mill to be served with the far-famed flour. James F. Connor nployed 23 assistants at his mill, and, in addition, he operated a large irm, and had 13 yoke of cattle, besides horses and mules.

chinery. He operates two forges and his work in his shop and the business of his store keeps him constantly "on the job." He is the owner of a trip hammer and power blower, there being but one other such blower in the county.

In 1872, Mr. Case was united in marriage with Nancy R. Durnil, of Connor's Mill. To Mr. and Mrs. Oscar F. Case were born the following children : Mrs. Julia Shaf er, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa ; Wirt and Bert, twins, the former, now deceased, and the latter a machinist, who has been in the service of the United States for the past year ; and Andrew, at home. Mr. Case is very proud of his six grandchildren: Mamie Shafer; Oscar F., Jr., Catherine, Julia, Audra, and Elizabeth. Mrs. Case died in November, 1918, and her remains were laid to rest in the cemetery at Gooch's Mill.

Oscar F. Case is affiliated with the Ancient Order of United Workmen and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He is highly respected in Cooper County.

Louis Gantner, a prominent manufacturer of Boonville, is a native of Cooper County. Mr. Gantner was born in Boonville, Nov. 21, 1861, a son of Andy and Rosa Gantner.

Andy Gantner was born in 1835 in Baden, Germany. He immigrated to America in 1854 and settled in Boonville. Mr. Gantner was, by trade, a brick and stone contractor. He erected many building in Boonville's business district, more than any other one builder in the county. He built the wings of the old public school on Sixth Street in Boonville ; a part of the Kemper Military School buildings; the Nelson residence; the Mc- Pherson residence; and the Triggs residence. During the Civil War, he enlisted with the Unon Army and served under Colonel Eppstein. Rosa (Diringer) Gantner was born in Alsace in 1836, and she came to America in 1849 with her parents, who settled in Boonville. Andy and Rosa Gantner were the parents of ten children. The father died Oct. 5, 1890, and the mother died Dec. 9, 1912.

Andy and Rosa Gantner were married in Boonville in 1856, and Mr. Gantner built a sandstone house on Triggs' Hill in Boonville, where all the Gantner children were born. There the father died and Mrs. Gantner sold the residence to Ewing Roberts. The old homestead of the Gantners still stands in Boonville. Andy and Louis Gantner were partners for eight years, and father and son built the Catholic Church in Boonville.

this city, and he has thus far spent his life here. He has, since attaining maturity, been engaged in manufacturing and contracting, and is now a member and manager of the firm owning the Boonville Brick Company. This company, of which J. H. Stretz and Louis Gantner are the sole members, succeeded Claus Stammerjohn about 1905. The plant is located in west Boonville, near the Missouri, Kansas & Texas Railroad. It has a daily capacity of 20,000 bricks. The firm is engaged in general contracting, and it has erected many hundred buildings in Cooper County, among them the County Home, the pipe factory in Boonville, and the St. Joseph Hospital. Mr. Gantner and Mr. Stretz are capable, energetic business men, and the marked success they have achieved reflects great credit upon themselves and brings much renown to Boonville.

In 1889, Louis Gantner was united in marriage with Sophia Garthoffner, of Boonville, a daughter of George and Victoria Garthoffner. To Mr. and Mrs. Gantner have been born the following children: Helen, a graduate of the Boonville High School, and graduate of the Warrensburg State Normal School, now a teacher in the Boonville schools ; Lenore, a graduate of the Boonville High School, now a stenographer in St. Louis, Mo. ; Ernest, who died in infancy ; Walter, who enlisted in the service of the United States in August, 1917, at Washington University, and is now, at the time of this writing, in France with Unit 21, Hospital Corp/; George, a law student at St. Louis University, of St. Louis, Mo. ; Bertram!, a student pharmacist in St. Louis, Mo. Mr. and Mrs. Gantner and their children are worthy members of the Catholic Church. Mr. Gantner is affiliated with the Knights of Columbus and the Modern Woodmen of America. The Gantners reside at 726 Spring street in Boonville. Mr. Gantner has served one term as member of the City Council. For more than 40 years, the Gantner name has been an honored and highly regarded name in Cooper County, the synonym of honest industry, efficiency, and integrity.

W. E. Hooper, the present efficient postmaster of Wooldridge, Mo., and the well known engrossing clerk of the State Senate, is a native Missourian. He was born at Clarksburg, Moniteau County, in 1876, the son of Prof. J. N. and Georgia (Amos) Hooper. Prof. J. N. Hooper established Hooper Institute and conducted that institution for many years. He died in 1894, and his widow now resides at Jefferson City, Mo. They were the parents of three children: W. E., the subject of this sketch; Mrs. W. J. Wooldridge, and Dr. D. E. Hooper, of Warsaw, Mo.

married in 1904 to Miss Ida Anderson, a daughter of Benjamin Frank and Emma S. Anderson, who now reside in Saline township, Cooper County. Mr. Anderson is a native of Cooper County, as is also his wife, who bore the maiden name of Emma Hopkins. They were the parents of two children, F. L. and Ida, the latter now the wife of W. E. Hooper, the subject of this sketch. To Mr. and Mrs. Hooper have been born two children: Marjorie E. and Hazel L.

Mrs. Hooper was educated in the public schools and Howard Payne College, Fayette, Mo. H. B. Hopkins, the maternal grandfather of Mrs. Hoopgr, was a native of Mississippi, and a pioneer of Wooldridge, Mo. He married Rebecca Burcham, of Kentucky, and they came to Cooper County in 1858. They once owned the original townsite of Wooldridge. A more extensive history of the Hopkins family is given elsewhere in this volume, in connection with the sketch of Farris B. Hopkins.

W. E. Hooper is a member of the Woodmen of the World and the W. C, and is one of the substantial and representative citizens of Cooper County. He and Mrs. Hooper are members of the Baptist Church at Wooldridge.

Willis Hurt, a prominent citizen of Clarks Fork township, is a native of- Page County, Va., born Aug. 2, 1850. He is a son of Acrey and Matilda (Rickard) Hurt, both natives of Virginia, and early settlers in Cooper County. Acrey Hurt was born in Virginia in 1820, and his wife was born in that State Dec. 20, 1827. They were married Sept. 23, 1847, and in 1855 came to Missouri, settling in Clarks Fork township, Cooper County. They located near Washington school house, which was then an old log building. Acrey Hurt was an industrious man and a good citizen. During the Civil War he was a member of the Home Guards. He died on his place in Clarks Fork township in February, 1883, and his wife died April 9, 1898. Their remains are interred in Green Ridge Cemetery. Acrey and Matilda were the parents of the following children: Mrs. Jeannette Arnold, Boonville; Willis, the subject of this sketch; Benjamin, resides in Henry County; Mrs. Arabella Albin, resides near Clarksburg, Mo.; Mrs. Eliza Copas, Jefferson City; Newton, died in Henry County; Acrey, a sketch of whom appears in this volume; Silas, Boonville; and William, Pilot Grove.

Willis Hurt was reared to the age of manhood in Cooper County, his parents having settled here when he was about five years old. He received his education in the Washington School district, and recalled among the early teachers of that district, Dock Freyer, who lived near

Lone Elm Prairie. Mr. Hurt remained on the home farm with his parents until he was about 27 years of age. In 1877, he moved to his present farm, having purchased it two years previously. This place was formerly owned by the Berry heirs, their father having entered it from the Government. Mr. Hurt bought the place from Sylvanius Young. He has made many improvements, and while Mr. Hurt is not the owner of a large farm, it is one of the well improved and valuable places of the county, and here Mr. Hurt has successfully carried on farming and stock raising for over 40 years.

March 4, 1877, A. W. Hurt was married to Miss Emma Bear, a daughter of Samuel K. and Susanna (Woods) Bear, both natives of Virginia. Samuel Bear was born May 26, 1825, and died Dec. 30, 1882. Susanna (Woods) Bear was born in January, 1828, and died Dec. 9, 1887. The Bear family consisted of the following children: Mrs. Barbara J. Clawson, Barnard, Mo.; Charles, of Alva, Wy. ; Mrs. Mary C. Cox, Denver, Colo. ; Emma S., the wife of Willis Hurt ; Mrs. Sarah Moffitt, Barnard, Mo. ; Cornelia M., Morphew, N. M. ; Mrs. Martha Smith, Santa Ana, Calif. ; and Mrs. Laura Robinson, Spearfish, S. D. ; William Henry, died at the age of 16 years, and Benjamin Alfred, died in infancy.

To Mr. and Mrs. A. W. Hurt have been born the following children: Minnie Bell, was born Aug. 3, 1879, married Harry Kirchner, Clarks Fork township, Nov. 28, 1900 ; Alva Willis, an attorney and counselor at law in St. Louis, Mo., was born March 30, 1882; Alvina, born Feb. 8, 1884, and was married to Frank Kalb, April 26, 1905; Clarence Lee, bora May 8, 1888, married Luda Anna Blanck, May 22, 1912, now resides in Boonville. Mr. and Mrs. Hurt have six grandchildren : Richard Kirchner, born Nov. 16, 1905 ; Mary Josephine Kircher, bora Nov. 23, 1909 ; Emma Louise Kircher, born July 16, 1912; Wilbur Hurt Kalb, born Jan. 19, 1907; Charles Marvin Kalb, born Feb. 2, 1908, and Hazel Emma Kalb, bora Dec. 30, 1912.

A historic landmark in the way of a hackberry tree adorns the front yard of the Hurt place. This tree is 42 years old, and came up from its own accord the year that the Hurt family settled on the place, 42 years ago. Mr. and Mrs. Hurt are members of the M. E. Church South, and the members of the Hurt family are well known and prominent in the community.

Lewis B. Nelson, a well known and successful citizen of North Moniteau township ,was bora in Page County, Iowa, Oct. 2, 1878. He is a son of John E. and Julia H. Nelson, natives of Sweden. John E. Nelson came to America when he was about 23 years of age. He is now deceased. His widow now resides in Coin, Page County, Iowa. They were the parents of the following children: Ellen A., married August S. Lind, and resides at College Springs, Iowa; Sophia J., married J. F. Johnson, Coin, Iowa ; Oscar, lives near Canton, Mo. ; and Lewis B. the subject of this sketch.

Lewis B. Nelson was reared in his native State, and educated in the public schools and Amity College, College Springs, Iowa, and graduated from this institution in the class of 1896. He then engaged in farming in Iowa, until 1906 when he located in Nodaway County, Mo. He bought a farm there, and was engaged in general farming and stock raising until 1918, when he came to Cooper County and purchased his present place in North Moniteau township, 41/2 miles south of Prairie Home. His farm consists of 120 acres of well improved land, located on the Prairie Home- California highway.

Peter P. McNeil, a former railroad foreman of construction, and now a substantial farmer and land-owner, who died at his farm home near Otterville in the spring of 1914, had been a resident of that neighborhood for 30 years, and during that period had done much for the general advancement of the community. He was born at New Boston, N. H., Sept. 13, 1833, a son of Peter and Mary McNeil, both of whom were of Scottish stock. He was reared in the East, and when the Missouri Pacific Railroad was being constructed in Missouri, he became connected with that work as a foreman, his first work being in Cole County, where, in 1858, he married and established his home. He later lived in Bates County, and in 1884 came to Cooper County with his family and bought a farm near Otterville, being attracted to that location by the educational advantages thus offered his children at the Otterville Academy, which then was presided over by Professor Curlin. On that farm he spent the remainder of his life, one of the substantial factors in the community life. He died there, April 15, 1914, and his widow and two of her daughters are still living there. Mr. McNeil was particularly attentive to the work of the Baptist Church at Otterville, of which he was a devout member, and for 20 years was superintendent of the Sunday School of the same, in that capacity rendering an effective service for good in the community to which he had become greatly attached, and his memory will long be cherished in that connection.

was married to Sarah Jane Elston, who was born there Oct. 13, 1841, and to this union 12 children were born. Of these the following are still living: Mrs. Hattie M. Leach, of Otterville township; Arthur L. McNeil, of Sedalia ; Mrs. Jennie S. Evans, also of Sedalia ; Mrs. Lydia S. Kelby, of Cole County ; Margaret, who is at home with her mother ; Lulu J., also at home, and Dr. Charles A. McNeil, a practicing physician at Sedalia. As noted above, Mrs. McNeil has continued to make her home on the farm at the edge of Otterville, where she and her daughters are very comfortably and pleasantly situated. She owns 146 acres of well improved and profitably cultivated land, and takes a personal interest in directing the management of the same. Mrs. McNeil and her daughters are members of the Baptist Church, to the affairs of which the husband and father was so long and so earnestly devoted, and have ever taken a warm interest in church work, as well as in the general social affairs of the community in which they live, doing well their part in the promotion of all movements having to do with the advancement of the common weal thereabout, and are held in high esteem in the community.

Henry Jenry, a prosperous farmer and stockman of Prairie Home township, is a native of Cooper County. He was born in the township where he now lives, March 27, 1861, a son of John P. Jenry, who was a native of Germany, born in Darmstadt, and came to America, 1842. Hk parents came later and located in Buffalo, N. Y., where they spent the remainder of their lives. John P. Jenry came from New York State to Boonville about 1850. He was a bricklayer and worked at his trade here for a number of years. He built the Lohse building in Boonville, as well as many other structures in that locality. He spent the latter part of his life in Clarks Fork township, where he died June 14, 1905, and his widow, who is now 85 years of age, still survives him. She has been an invalid for 56 years. They were the parents of the following children : John, died in New York State; Mrs. Caroline Defress, Kansas City, Mo.; Mrs. Louise Smith, deceased ; Daniel, deceased ; Charles, resides near Gooch Mill, Mo. ; Henry, the subject of this sketch ; George, lives in Wyoming; Mrs. Kate Hundley, lives on the old home place in Cooper County; and Mrs. Mary Smith, Blue Springs, Mo.

Hemy Jenry received his education in the public schools of Cooper County, attending the New Salem District School. Cooper County has always been his home, and he has made farming and stock raising his life occupation. He owns a valuable farm of 91 acres in Prairie Home township, which he purchased in 1892. His place is located on the Jef- (50)

Feb. 21, 1901, Henry Jenry was united in marriage with Miss Mary Allen Chappell, a daughter of Anderson and Sarah Morland, of La- Clede County, Mo. The father was a Civil War veteran, having served in the Union Army for four years. He settled in Cooper County, near Gooch Mill, and spent the remainder of his life in this vicinity. He died Feb. 21, 1897, aged 52 years, and his wife died at Raleigh, Mo., Sept. 23, 1918, aged 71 years. Mrs. Jenry is one of the following children born to her parents : Maiy Ellen, wife of Henry Jenry, born July 20, 1869 ; Harriett, born April 25, 1871, married Louis Rhodes, and resides at Vida, Mo.; and Joseph, born Aug. 20, 1875, resides at Raleigh, Mo.

Frank H. Deuel, a well known farmer and stockman of Prairie Home township, was born in Pottawatomie, Kan., Aug. 11, 1868. He is a son of L. W. and Nancy J. (Davis) Deuel. L. W. Deuel was born in New York State in 1836, and in 1849 started to the gold fields of California with his father, who died at Salisbury, Mo., and was buried there. L. W. then went on west to Kansas, remaining in that State until 1882 ; he then returned to Macon County, Mo., and five years later settled in Cooper County. Here he bought a farm in Saline township, where he resided until 1909, when he went to Sedalia, where he now lives. L. W. Deuel had an extensive experience as an early day plainsman. During and after the Civil War he crossed the plains 12 times, being employed in driving cattle. During some of these drives in the wild and unsettled West, hostile Indians were frequently encountered. Nancy J. (Davis) Deuel, wife of L. W. Deuel, was born in Macon County, Mo., in 1850. They were married at Manhattan, Kan., in 1867, and the following children were born of this union : Frank H., the subject of this sketch ; Mrs. Maggie Gupton, Sedalia; Charles, Sedalia; Deam, Sedalia; George, Sedalia; Mrs. Mattie Hoerl, Boonville; Oscar, now serving in U. S. Army in France; and Mrs. May Heckerdt, Sedalia.

Frank H. Deuel was educated in the public schools of Kansas. After coming to Missouri with his parents, he was rural mail carrier on the first route that was established out of Prairie Home, for 16 years. He resigned this position in 1917, and bought his present farm of 61 acres in Prairie Home township. This place is located about l1/' miles south of Prairie Home, and is a well improved, productive and valuable place.

Mr. Deuel was married Feb. 20, 1889, to Miss Laura Dishion a daughter of James F. and Nancy J. (Adair) Dishion, the marriage ceremony being performed by Rev. 0. P. Davis. James F. Dishion was a farmer and died in 1911 ; the widow now resides on the home place in Prairie Home township. To Mr. and Mrs. Deuel have been born the following children: Nellie, married Earl Ford, Bunceton; Mollie, married Charles Friday, Bunceton ; Ola, married Louis L. Blank, Prairie Home ; Icie, resides at home; Ira P., who served in U. S. Navy from May, 1918, to March, 1919, being connected with the medical department ; and Stella, who resides at home with her parents. Mr. and Mrs. Deuel have 10 grandchildren: Margaret, Agnes, Nannie Laura, and Harold Ford; Sarah Frances, Charles Robert, and Harry Lee Friday ; Louis Hilton ; Kenneth and Randall Blank.

Mr. Deuel is a well posted citizen, and takes a commendable interest in public affairs. While a resident of Prairie Home he served as mayor of that town for two terms, and was a member of the City Council for a number of terms. Mr. and Mrs. Deuel are members of the Christian Church at Walnut Grove, of which he is a deacon.

G. C. Odneal, a Civil War veteran and a member of one of the pioneer families of Missouri, was born in Moniteau County, Sept. 22, 1846. He is a son of Valentine and Dicy (Gilbreath) Odneal, both natives of Tennessee, the former born in 1812, and the latter in 1816. Valentine Odneal came to Missouri with his father about 100 years ago; he died in 1852. Dicy Gilbreath was a daughter of Hugh Gilbreath, who was born in Tennessee in 1782, and came to Missouri about the same time that the Odneals came. He died in 1852. To Valentine Odneal and wife were born the following children: William, who was killed at Tipton, Mo., during the Civil War; Hugh G., died in 1912; Thomas B., died in 1873; John W., died in 1912; James M., died in 1916; G. C, the subject of this sketch; Mrs. Nancy Foster, deceased ; and Mrs. Dora Hannah, resides in North Moniteau township.

G. C. Odneal was educated in the public schools and Prairie Home College. He spent all his life in North Moniteau township, where he has been engaged in farming and stock raising, except two and one-half years when he was in Texas. During the Civil War Mr. Orneal served in the Confederate Army under Fighting Gen. Joe Shelby. He was with his command in Missouri, Arkansas and Texas, and when the war closed he was at Shreveport, La. Mr. Odneal had some narrow escapes during the course of his military career, and at one time was severely wounded by

Mr. Odneal was married Sept. 30, 1875, to Martha J. Harris, a daughter of William and Nancy (Martin) Harris, both of whom are now deceased. The mother died in 1895, and the father died in 1896. Mrs. Odneal was born in North Moniteau township Feb. 27, 1854. To Mr. and Mrs. Odneal have been born three children, as follows: Nora A., married Louis Nelson, North Moniteau township; Flora N., married William Schaaf, and lives in Moniteau County; and Thomas A., married Augusta Stuckfoden, and they have one child, Edna May. Mr. and Mrs. Odneal have the following grandchildren: Dorsey, Harold and Estella George; Floyd Nelson; Lucile, Floyd, George, and Curtis Schaaf; and Edna May Odneal.

Peter J. Strickfaden, who departed this life July 19, 1919, was a well known and successful farmer and stockman of North Moniteau township, a native son of Cooper County, and a descendent of pioneer parents. He was born on the plac»j where he now resides, April 16, 1854, a son of Ambrose and Gertrude (Henhover) Strickfaden. Ambrose Strickfaden was a native of Germany, and when a young man settled on the place where Peter J. now resides, in the early forties. At the time of his death, in 1888, he owned over 525 acres of land. His wife preceded him in death several years. They were the parents of the following children: Vinse, deceased; Sebastian, deceased; Mrs. Mary Stembach, deceased; Frank, resides in California, Mo. ; John, deceased ; Mrs. Catherine Sheidt, deceased ; Peter J., the subject of this sketch; Ambrose, resides in North Moniteau township; Leap, Pilot Grove; and Josie, deceased.

Peter J. Strickfaden was reared in Cooper County, and received his education in the public schools. He followed farming and stock raising all his life. He owned a valuable farm of 155 acres, six miles south of Prairie Home, where successfully carried on general farming and stock raising for many years.

May 7, 1889, Peter J. Strickfaden was married to Miss Anne Schaber, a daughter of Andrew and Mary Schaber, both natives of Indiana. The father was born Oct. 18, 1846, and died in 1912, and the mother now resides at Pilot Grove. They were the parents of the following children: Annie, the wife of Peter J. Strickfaden ; Tony, deceased ; George, Beaman, Mo. ; John, resides in Florida ; Mrs. Kate Mullet, Pilot Grove ; Tena,

To Mr. and Mrs. Peter J. Strickfaden were born the following children : Mary, who resides at home ; Andy and George. Andy Strickfaden was born Jan. 3, 1893, and is now serving as road overseer of District No. 2, North Moniteau township. George W. Strickfaden was born March 31, 1894. He was married Nov. 30, 1917, to Miss Wilhelmina Keil, a daughter of William and Louisa (Heernleben) Keil, the former now deceased, and the latter resides at Cedron, Mo.

George W. Strickfaden enlisted in the U. S. Army, April 29, 1918, and for a time was trained at Camp Funston, Kan. Later, he was sent to Camp Mills, N. Y., and from there to Liverpool, England, where he arrived June 16, 1918. He was then taken sick with measles and sent to a hospital, where he remained until July 23, after which he was detailecl on special duty at an American rest camp at Liverpool, until March 20, 1919. He was then returned to New York by way of Brest, arriving March 30, 1919. He was then sent to Camp Taylor, Ky., where he was discharged, April 21, 1919. While in the army he was a member of Company L, 356th Infantry, under Captain Wear, who was killed in France.

Dr. A. L. Meredith, a well known physician and surgeon of Prairie Home, is not only a leader in his profession, but is one of Cooper County's most progressive and enterprising citizens. Dr. Meredith was born at Lupus, Moniteau County, March 30, 1879, and is a son of J. F. and Malvina (Clay) Meredith, natives of Kentucky. Malvina Clay is a daughter of Green Clay, who was a second cousin of Henry Clay. J. F. Meredith and his wife now reside at Lupus.

Dr. A. L. Meredith was reared in Moniteau County, and educated in Hooper Institute and Washington and Lee University at Lexington, Va. He then entered Beaumont Medical College at St. Louis, where he was graduated with a degree of Doctor of Medicine in 1901. He then engaged in the practice of his profession at Lupus, Mo., where he remained but a short time, when he located at Wooldridge, where he practiced for nine years. In the meantime, he took a post graduate course at the Post Graduate Medical College at New York City. He practiced at Jamestown, Mo., for 18 months, and in 1912 located at Prairie Home, where he has since been successfully engaged in the practice of his profession, except during the period of service in the medical department of U. S.

Army. On Sept. 30, 1918, he entered the medical department of the army with the rank of first lieutenant, and immediately proceeded to Camp Zachary Taylor, Ky., where he served until Dec. 28, 1918, when he received his discharge.

Dr. Meredith was united in marriage June 10, 1908, with Miss Agnes Teel, a daughter of Dr. S. M. and Nettie P. (Williams) Teel. Dr. S. M. Teel was a native of Virginia. He was a graduate of the University of Virginia, and after completing his medical course located at Prairie Home, Mo., and for 30 years was successfully engaged in the practice of his profession there. He died Feb. 28, 1912, and his remains are buried in the New Salem Cemetery. His wife is a native of Cooper County, and a daughter of John R. Williams, a pioneer of Saline township. She now resides at Prairie Home. Dr. Teel and wife were the parents of the following children: Garth, resides in Prairie Home; Burke, now serving in the U. S. Navy on the transport Huron, having entered the service in August, 1917; Samuel, died at the age of 3 years; Pearl, bookkeeper in the Bank of Prairie Home ; Newell, a teacher in the Cooper County School ; Eva, married Homer Wear, Prairie Home; Polly, married L. A. George, Prairie Home ; Willie married Dr. Dorsey Hooper, Warsaw, Mo. ; Kelly, married Roy Hadley; and Logan, married C. Reid Spahr, Oakland, Cal. To Dr. and Mrs. Meredith have been born two children: A. L., Jr., and Virginia Teel.

Dr. Meredith is an able physician and a constant student of the developments in the great science of medicine and surgery, and, notwithstanding the requirements of a large practice, he has found time to devote to public improvements and local progressive enterprises. He has served as president of Consolidated School District No. 3 for five years. He was one of the organizers of the Prairie Home Fair, one of the successful institutions of its kind in the country, and for four years he has been president of this organization. He is also the present mayor of Prairie Home, which is one of the most progressive little towns of its size in the State.

Louis M. Meredith, the capable and efficient superintendent of the State Reformatory Farm of Boonville, is a native of Missouri, and belongs to one of the early pioneer families of this State. Mr. Meredith was born in Polk County, Oct. 25, 1860, a son of Joseph R, and Rachel (Leith)

Meredith. Joseph R. Meredith was born in Cooper County in 1832, and died at the age of 70 years. He was a son of Thomas Meredith, who settled near Pilot .Grove in the early twenties, and entered 200 acres of land from the Government, and spent the remainder of his life in that vicinity. Rachel (Leith) Meredith died in 1892, aged 70 years. Louis M. Meredith was one of the following children born to his parents: Fannie, married S. M. Whitlow; Louis M., the subject of this sketch; R. A., lives at Pilot Grove; Susan, married J. M. Sparkman, and William Henry, Vermilion, Kan.

Louis M. Meredith was reared on a farm and educated in the public schools. He was engaged in farming and stock raising in the vicinity of Pilot Grove for a number of years. In 1897, he accepted a position as night-watchman at the Reform School, and for four years served in that capacity. He then became captain of Company H, and held that position for two years, after which he was superintendent of the brickyard of the institution for a time. In 1915 he was appointed superintendent of the institutional farm and has held that position to the present time. While Mr. Meredith is a modest and unassuming man, it is a fact that he holds one of the important positions in the State. The work that he is able to accomplish in training the boys under his charge in the proper channel means much to the future citizenship of Missouri. Mr. Meredith realizes this, and has given much thought and study to plans and methods of building up the characters and making good citizens of those boys who are legally delegated to his charge. The State Farm under Mr. Meredith's charge consists of 485 acres, besides another farm of 400 acres, which the State rents. There are a number of departments of the institution, including a blacksmith shop, brickyard, stone quarry, carpenter shop, greenhouse, etc. The 600 boys in the institution are kept busily engaged in beneficial and helpful work in connection with these various departments, in addition to their mental and moral training.

Aug. 1, 1885, Louis M. Meredith was united in marriage with Miss Addie Kirkman, of Cooper County, a daughter of Samuel and Susan (Shoemaker) Kirkman, both natives of Cooper County, and now deceased. To Mr. and Mrs. Meredith have been born seven children, as follows : Oscar L., Waterman, Calif., married Katherine Williams, of Versailles, Mo. ; Joseph Ross, married Jennie Oslander, served in the World War with 144th Field Artillery in France, from August, 1918, to February, 1919, having enlisted in June 24, 1918, at San Francisco, Calif.: Mary Susan, a stenographer, resides at home ; James Madison, now serving in U. S. Navy, and is stationed at Anapolis, Md. ; William Ralph, a student in the Boonville High School ; Louis M., Jr., and Alice Virginia, at home.

Abraham Potter, a well-to-do land-owner of Cooper County, now living retired, is one of the oldest native-born sons of Cooper County now living, he now being in his 94th year. He was born on a pioneer farm near Boonville, Nov. 12, 1825, a son of John and Martha (Edgar) Potter, who were among the pioneers of that vicinity. John Potter was a native of Virginia, born in Rockinghham County, in 1774, and came to Missouri in territorial days, and located at the landing at Boonville. In the early days he was widely known as a hunter, and he and his old flint-lock gun were inseparable companions This was frontier country when he came here, and there were no limits to the boundaries of the territory over which he the could range in quest of game. As the country settled he became a substantial farmer, a well-to-do land-owner in this county, and here spent his last days, his death occurring about 1860. His wife also spent her last days here. She was born in Kentucky, and also was of the real pioneer stock. John Potter and his wife were the parents of 12 children, six sons and six daughters, all of whom are now dead, save the venerable subject of this sketch.

Reared on the old Potter farm in this county, Abraham Potter received his schooling in the somewhat primitive schools of the time and place, and as a young man devoted himself to farming, a vocation at which he was working, when in 1849 the discovery of gold in California started the stampede of hardy and adventurous souls in that direction. He then was 23 years of age, and of the temperament eager to seize upon the prospect of so promising an adventure, and in 1849 he joined a band of "Argonauts" and started across the plains for the gold fields, arriving there without serious mishap in 1850. For four years he remained in the gold country, and then came back to Cooper County, returning by way of Panama and the East, and in the spring of 1855 became engaged again in farming in this county. Upon his return here he bought 222 acres, and in the years since has added to his holdings until now he has 720 acres of fine land, a part of which has been under cultivation more than 90 years. During the time of the Civil War, Mr. Potter served as a member of the Home Guards, but was not called into active service. In the fall of 1865 he married and established his home in a log cabin on his farm, but it was not long until he had a better home, and as the years passed he brought his farm up to a high standard, which is being maintained by his son, John J. Potter, who, since his father's retirement, has been directing the affairs of the home farm. Abraham Potter is a stanch democrat,, and has ever stoutly maintained the principles of that party. He is a stockholder in the Bank of Clifton City, and has other good investments besides his broad acres. He attends the Presbyterian Church, but is not a professed member of the same.

In October, 1865, Abraham Potter was married to Sarah Erwin, who was bom in Pettis County in 1845, member of one of the pioneer families of that county, and who died in 1914, she then being 69 years of age. To that union were born 10 children, namely: Lura, wife of J. W. Neal, of Sedaila; Ella, who is living with her father; Granville, of Sedalia; John J., who is farming the old home place ; Clayton, deceased ; Flora, wife of A. M. Harlan, of Sedalia ; Eva, wife of F. B. Richards, now living in Florida; Hettie, at home; Ethel, wife of F. Griffin, of Pettis County, and Brookie, wife of T. A. Huffine, of Napton. Mr. Potter has 14 grandchildren, and in his old age takes much pride and interest in watching their growth and development. John J. Potter, who has charge of the old home farm, is carrying on operations there in progressive fashion and in accordance with up-to-date methods, which offer an amazing contrast to the methods which his father perforce had to employ in the days when he entered upon the development of that fine farm, and is doing well. He married Jennie Phillips, of Pleasant Green, and has a very pleasant home. Mrs. Potter also is a member of one of Coopeer County's pioneer families.

Hon. Henry Lee Myers, United States senator from the state of Montana, is a native son of Cooper County, in whose preferment her citizens take a just measure of pride, and it is but proper that, though he long has been an honored citizen of another State, there should here be set out in this record of his old home county some brief record of his life and achievements. Cooper County has been singularly favored in the character of her citizenship and in the number of her sons who have achieved distinction in the various fields of lofty human endeavor.

Senator Myers is a representative of one of Cooper County's real "old families," his mother's family having settled here in territorial days, and in his parental inheritance he partakes of the pioneer qualities of sturdy and self-reliant Virginia and Kentucky stock. The senator's father, Henry M. Myers, was a Virginian, born of Colonial stock in 1814. He grew to manhood in Virginia, receiving his schooling there and becoming a substantial citizen, remaining there until the year 1840, when he disposed of his interests there and came to Missouri, settling on a farm on the Jefferson City road, one mile east of Boonville, where he spent the rest of his active life, becoming a useful and influential citizen of the community. In his old age, and upon his retirement he joined his son, Henry L., at Hamilton, Mont., where he spent his last days. He died there in 1899, being 85 years of age, and his body lies in the cemetery at that place. Henry M. Myers was twice married, his first wife, who was a Hickox, and whom he married in Missouri, having died after about 14 years of married life. To that union were born four children, namely: Helen, widow of F. P. Bronaugh, of St. Louis ; Martha, who married the Rev. G. W. Horn, and is now deceased ; Kate, who died in the days of her girlhood, and Laura, wife of C. A. Patton, of Fulton, Mo. The second wife, mother of Senator Myers, was Maria Moss Adams, who was born on a pioneer farm, four miles east of Boonville, in 1831, a daughter of David and Margaret Adams, pioneers who had come here from Kentucky in the territorial days. To Henry M. and Maria (Adams) Myers were born two sons, Senator Myers having a younger brother, Dr. Ernest Adams Myers, a dental surgeon, now practicing at Portland, Ore. The mother of these sons died at Hamilton, Mont., in 1897, and is buried there beside the body of her husband.

It was on the Myers farm, a mile east of Boonville, that Henry Lee Myers was born, Oct. 9, 1862, and his boyhood was spent there. His schooling was received in private schools at Boonville under the preceptorship of Anthony Haynes and M. M. Singleton, who directed his studies, and under whose instructions he cultivated an inclination to adopt the law as his profession. Thus equipped by preparatory study he entered the law office of Draffen & Williams at Boonville, and under the preceptorship of this firm, teaching school at intervals, he made such advancement that in 1884 he passed the examination and was admitted to the bar. After admission, he continued to teach for a time, and also engaged in newspaper work. Later, he went to West Plains, Howell County, and opened an office for the practice of law, but conditions there not proving satisfactory, he yielded to an inclination to do a bit of pioneering, to go West and "grow up with the country," and in 1893 he went to Hamilton, in Ravalli County, on the very western border of Montana, and in the new county seat engaged in the practice of law. He arrived at singularly opportune moment, and it was not long until he was becoming widely recognized as one of the coming factors of Western Montana. Reared a democrat of the true Jeffersonian type, and with a lawyer's aptitude for such activities, it was but natural that he should early take his place in the rapidly expanding political arena of the community, and it was not long until he found himself elected to office, his first public service being rendered as county attorney of Ravalli county. He served two terms in this office, and in 1898 was elected to represent his senatorial district in the State Senate, the term being for four years. It was while thus serving that Senator Myers acquired the initial legislative experience that later was to prove so valuable an acquisition in the greatest deliberative body in the world, the United States Senate. During his service in the Montana General Assembly the Senator extended his acquaintance pretty widely throughout the State, and became recognized by leaders generally as a State figure in politics. In the meantime he was not neglecting his practice, the modest law office which he had opened at Hamilton upon his arrival having early acquired a profitable clientele, and he also became recognized as one of the leading lawyers of his judicial district, a fit candidate for judicial honors. A vacancy occurring, he was appointed district judge by the governor. At the next election his party presented him as its nominee for district judge of the Fourth Judicial District. He was elected, and was on the bench when elected by the General Assembly of his State to serve as a United States senator from Montana for the six-year term, beginning March 4, 1911. So satisfactory was Senator Myers' service in the United States Senate prove during his first term that in 1916 he was, without opposition, made the nominee of his party in Montana for re-election (the law relating to the selection of United States senators meanwhile having been revised), and in the following election was chosen by the vote of the people to succeed himself, and is now thus serving his second term in the United States Senate.

Senator Myers is married. In July, 1896, at Hamilton, Mont., he was united in marriage with Nora S. Dora, of that place, whose parents, T. M. Doran and wife, still live there, and to this union one child has been born, Mary Annetta. The senator and his wife are Presbyterians, and he is affiliated with the Masons, the Knights of Pythias and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.

William A. Smith, a well-to-do retired farmer of Prairie Home township, is a native son of Cooper County. He was born on a farm in Prairie Home township, April 24, 1860, son of Jeremiah and Letitia (George) Smith. Thomas Smith, father of Jeremiah Smith, entered from the Gov- ernment a tract of land in Prairie Home township upon coming here, and the west half of the plat of the town of Prairie Home covers a part of that land.

William A. Smith received his schooling in the local public schools, his attendance at school, as he recalls it, being pretty largely confined to rainy days. He stuck to the home farm when he grew up, and after his marriage at the age of 23, his father gave him 80 acres on which he established his home. As his affairs prospered he bought adjoining land until he became the owner of a fine farm of 210 acres a mile west of town, where he continued his operations until his retirement from the farm and removal to Prairie Home in 1914, since which time his farm has been under the management of his son, Elmer Smith. Prior to moving to Prairie Home in September, 1914, Mr. Smith had bought a four-acre tract within the corporate limits, erected a five-room house, and he and his wife have since resided there, their chief domestic concern being the care of their poultry yard, where they have a fine flock of White Wyandot chickens. Mr. and Mi\s. Smith are members of the Baptist Chui-ch at Prairie Home, and Mr. Smith is clerk of the congregation. He also gives close attention to local civic affairs, and is a member of the Town Council, serving as clerk of the same, and is secretary-treasurer of the local light plant. He is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America.

Nov. 29, 1883, William A. Smith was married to Bettie Muir, who was born in this county, and to this union two children have been born, namely: Mamie Levens, born on Oct. 7, 1884, married Harold Mills, Dec. 27, 1905, of Clarks Fork township, and has two children, Jerome and Virginia; and Elmer K. Smith, born June 15, 1888, who, on Feb. 11, 1914, married Melvina Milner, who was born at Medill, Okla., and has two children, Harry Milner and Mildred Elizabeth. Elmer K. Smith is now farming the home place, where he and his familv live. Mrs. Bettie Smith was born at Bunceton, daughter of Thomas J. and Rhoda (Levens) Muir, both members of old families in this part of Missouri. Dr. B. W. Levens, maternal grandfather of Mrs. Smith, was one of the pioneer physicians of Cooper County, he having practiced in what is now the Bunceton neighborhood long before the town of Bunceton was laid out. He married Rhoda Stevens in 1818. Henry Levens, an uncle of Mrs. Smith, wrote in collaboration with his partner, N. M. Drake, an attorney of Boonville, a history of Cooper County in 1876. William Basil Muir. paternal grandfather of Mrs. Smith, was a pioneer of Howard County, locating there unon coming from Tennessee in the early days. His son, Thomas J. Muir, father of Mrs. Smith, was born in Howard County, Sept. 21, 1828, and died at his home in Cass County on Feb. 18, 1875. His remains rest in the family cemetery in Howard County. His widow, who was born on April 29, 1834, died Jan. 18, 1889, and she was buried at Bunceton. Thomas J. and Rhoda (Levens) Muir were the parents of seven children, namely : Thomas H., born Nov. 1, 1854, Gridley, Kan. ; William B., Jan. 20, 1857, Hammond Ind. ; Bettie, wife of William A. Smith, Feb. 4, 1861 ; Margaret L., June 17, 1863, married Charles Stemmons, and died July 6, 1902, and is buried at Bunceton; Cora, March 15, 1870, wife of J. A. Geary, deceased, of Kansas City ; Minnie, July 6, 1872, married George A. Barker, and was killed in a street railway accident at St. Louis, Sept. 22, 1900, and was buried in the family plot at Bunceton, and George Washington, the first born, died an infant in 1854.

Herman F. Kuhn, member of the firm of Kuhn Bros. & Co., general merchandise, at Prairie Home, was born on the farm now owned by Nicholas Meyer in Prairie Home township, July 19, 1893, son of H. G. and Margaret A. (Schilb) Kuhn, who are now living on their farm near Prairie Home.

H. G. Kuhn was born in Moniteau County, May 15, 1869, son of Christian Kuhn, who came to the United States from Germany when a boy, grew up in Missouri and in time became a substantial land-owned in Moniteau County, where he is still living, being now 86 years of age. Christian Kuhn's wife. Laura, died in 1917, and is buried in the Evangelical Churchyard in her home county. Margaret wife of H. G. Kuhn, was born in Clarks Fork township, this county, Aug. 31, 1869, a daughter of Frederick Schilb, who also is now a resident of Prairie Home township. To H. G. Kuhn and wife have been born seven children, as follows: Viola May, deceased; Herman F.; William McKinley, born on Nov. 3, 1896, married Blanche Griesbach, of Moniteau County, and is farming near Jacksonville ; Leslie Christian, is now serving in the United States navy ; Emil Wilbur, is at home assisting his father; Henry Howard, Jacksonville, and Theodore R., at home. Leslie Christian Kuhn, the sailor son, enlisted in the U. S. Navy in August, 1918, and was sent to the Great Lakes Naval Training Station at Chicago for preliminary training, and from there to the Naval Station at Norfolk, and was assigned to service on a United States submarine chaser, and is still (spring of 1919) in service.

ness career, and upon completing the course in the home schools entered Central Business College at Kansas City, from which institution he was graduated in 1913. For three years thereafter he was engaged as bookkeeper and stenographer in the office of the Hadley Milling Company, at Olathe, Kan., and then returned to Prairie Home, and bought the interest held by E. M. Kirschman in the mercantile firm of Kuhn Bros. & Co., at that place, of which firm he since has been a member, devoting his earnest attention to the growing business of that firm, the other members of which are H. G. Kuhn and W. H. Kuhn. The building in which Kuhn Bros. & Co. are doing business is a sightly brick building erected in 1912, and the mezxantile firm occupies the first and second floors and basement of the same, carrying a complete line of general merchandise. This firm also has a similar stock of goods at Lupus, and is known as an enterprising and energetic firm of merchants, enjoying a constantly growing trade. In connection with its mercantile enterprise the firm publishes a neat little monthly paper, the title of which is "Over the Top," and which carries prominently displayed the firm's motto: "Good service means good will ; good will means good business." The paper properly enough is devoted to the company's trade announcements, but carries in addition a lot of entertaining reading matter, which makes it a welcome visitor in the homes of the community.

Nov. 17, 1915, Herman F. Kuhn was married to Olive G. Meek, daughter of M. B. and Frances Meek, of Ochiltree, Kan., and to this union two children have been born, Edgar Milton, born on Nov. 29, 1916, and Loyal Margaret, Nov. 10, 1918. Mr. and Mrs. Kuhn are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church (South) and take a proper interest in church work.

Joseph Hurt Groom, proprietor of "Sunny Crest Stock Farm," near Overton, in Saline township, is one of the leading young stock breeders in Cooper County. He was born on a farm in Saline township, Aug. 18, 1884, son of Colby C. and Emma Davis (Kickashear) Groom, the latter of whom is living at her fine home on the outskirts of Overton.

Joseph H. Groom received his schooling in the Highland School, and from his boyhood has devoted his attention to farming and stock raising. He remained on the home farm until his marriage, when he moved to LaMine township, and was there engaged in farming near Blackwater until 1913, when he bought 70 acres of his present farm southeast of Overton, and has since made his home there. Not long afterward he bought 87 acres adjoining, and now has a well improved place of 157 acres, which he has developed with special reference to his stock breeding, "Sunny Crest Stock Farm" being widely known for its high grade of stock. The original patent for "Sunny Crest" was made out to one James M. Farris, who filed on this land over 100 years ago, he having come here from the section of Missouri that was devastated by an earthquake. During the past century there have been numerous transfers made of this tract, and by a somewhat singular coincidence of names it was owned by James W. Farris at the time Mr. Groom bought it, this latter Farris being of no known kinship to the original owner. But speaking of "original" owners, there are evidences on the farm of a much prior ownership, these mute testimonials of prehistoric proprietorship being five mounds, typical of the work of the Mound Builders. "Sunny Crest" is branch bottom and upland, and about half of it is now in pasture, it being Mr. Groom's intention eventually to devote the whole place to pasture in extension of his stock-breeding operations. He is a breeder of Percheron horses, Shorthorn cattle, jacks and jennets, Duroc-Jersey hogs and Shropshire sheep, all eligible to registry, and is doing a constantly increasing business in that line. "Black Coco," the Percheron stallion he has owned for the past three or four years, has won 16 blue ribbons in this State. He also has two registered Kentucky bred jacks, "Governor Glenn 7250" and "Tom Mace," the former of which won a second premium at the Missouri State Fair and sweepstakes at the Moniteau and Cooper County fair. In his stable are also 16 good brood mares, and his flock of Shropshires now numbers about 40.

Joseph H. Groom has been twice married. In 1909 he was united in marriage to Edith May Hill, of LaMine township, who died on May 4, 1916, and on June 3, 1918, he married Mrs. Arminda (Bell) Hyatt, widow of Paul Z. Hyatt, and the mother of two sons, Paul Z. and Manlies Chapman Hyatt. Paul Z. Hyatt, first husband of Mrs. Groom, died Oct. 29, 1915. To Mr. and Mrs. Groom has been born a son, Joseph Hurt Groom, born June 24, 1919. Mr. and Mrs. Groom are members of the Highland Cumberland Presbyterian Church, and Mr. Groom has been ordained both a deacon and an elder in the church, in which the Groom family for many years have been among the most active workers.

Samuel T. Fulton, a well known citizen of Kelly township and owner and proprietor of the "Green Ridge" farm, is a native of Kentucky. He was born at Carlisle, Oct. 5, 1848. the son of James and Sallie (Alexander) Fulton, both natives of Kentucky. They were the parents of two children: Samuel T.. the subject of this sketch, and Mary Jane Berry, who died at Pilot Grove. The father died in 1850 in Kentucky and the mother afterwards married Singleton Paxton and to this union two daughters were born: Hattie, who resides at Bunceton and Mrs. James Hall, Butler, Mo. In 1864, shortly after her second marriage, the mother and her second husband and other members of the family came to Cooper County, Mo., and settled at Pilot Grove, where she died March 6, 1898.

Samuel T. Fulton was educated in the schools of Kentucky and Illinois, and after coming to Cooper County attended Simpson's private school, which was located near Nebo. He lived for a few years in Illinois and for a time in Cass County, Mo., and has resided on his present place since 1892. He owns 160 acres, which he bought from T. J. Wallace for $30.00 per acre. At that time it was unimproved land. Mr. Fulton has added valuable improvements and has a very good farm. He raises Scotch Top cattle, eligible to registration and he also raises Poland China hogs, and formerly was an extensive cattle feeder.

Mr. Fulton is unmarried and spends a part of his time on his farm, but practically makes his home with his sister in Bunceton. Mr. Fulton is a member of the Masonic Lodge at Bunceton and one of Cooper County's substantial and highly respected citizens.

Hiram D. Case, president of the Farmers and Mercants Bank of Otterville, was born on a farm in Lafayette County, Wis., Jan. 18, 1867, son of Samuel S. and Elizabeth (Miller) Case, natives of Ohio, whose last days were spent in Missouri.

Samuel S. Case was born in Ohio, Aug. 4, 1815, and some time after his marriage in that State became a resident of Lafayette County, Wis., remaining there until 1868, when he moved with his family to Missouri, driving through in a covered wagon, and became engaged in farming near Boonville, later establishing his home on a farm in Blackwater township. During the '70s he moved to Bates County, but after four years of residence there returned to Cooper County. Upon his retirement from the farm he went to Marshall, and there spent his last days. He died Dec. 15, 1895. His wife died Nov. 8, 1883. She was born in Ohio in 1820. During the Civil War, Samuel S. Case served for nine months as a soldier of the Union, and his eldest son, Jacob M. Case, served throughout the war as a soldier of the Union. Samuel S. Case and wife were the parents of eight children, of whom six are still living. Of these, three are residents of Cooper County, the subject of this sketch having two brothers here, E. A. Case, of Blackwater township, and J. T. Case, of Clarks Fork township.

Ii Earl Cas

parents came to Cooper County in 1868, and he was reared in this county, receiving his schooling- in this county and in Bates County. When 17 years of age, in association with his brother, J. T. Case, Mr. Case began farming on his own account, and in 1892 he rented a farm in Clarks Fork township. Two years later he married and then continued to make his home on that farm until in 1900, when he bought a place of 90 acres in Lebanon township, where he remained until 1905, when he sold that place and bought his present excellent farm of 271 acres near Otterville, where he and his family have since resided. Mr. Case has made numerous substantial improvements on the place, and is contemplating more. He gives considerable attention to the raising of cattle and hogs, and his operations have been profitable. In 1914, he was elected president of the Farms and Merchants Bank of Otterville, a position which he still occupies. Mr. Case also has ever taken a close interest in educational affairs, and for the past 14 years has been serving very effectively as president of the Otterville School Board.

Oct. 24, 1894, Hiram D. Case was married to Ida Rennison, who was born in this county, and to this union seven children have been born, namely: H. Earl, who died in 1918 while serving as principal of the high school at Smithton, Missouri ; Florence Beatrice, who was graduated from the Otterville High School, and is at home; James Eugene now a student in the high school; Alma Annabel and Amy Frances (twins), and Roy E. and Mabel B. H. Earl Case the eldest child of Mr. and Mrs. Case aforementioned, was born Nov. 1, 1897, in Clarks Fork township, Cooper County. He was reared on the farm and attended the public schools, and was graduated from the Otterville High School in the class of 1915. He then taught in LaMine School, near Clifton City, one term. He then attended the State Normal School at Warrensburg. In 1917, he accepted a position as teacher in the public schools at Smithton, Mo. That same fall he took charge of the Smithton Schools, being elected principal, to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of the former principal. He was serving in this capacity when he died, April 17, 1918. He was a capable young man, whose untimely death was a severe loss.

Mrs. Case was born on a farm in Clarks Fork township, daughter of J. H. and Sarah (Cartner) Rennison, both of whom also were born in this county, members of pioneer families, and the former of whom is still living now making his home with his daughter, Mrs. Lewis, of Lebanon township. Mr. and Mrs. Case and their elder children are members of the Presbyterian Church at Otterville, and take a proper part in church work, as well as in the general social activities of their home community. Mr. Case is a republican, and is one of the leaders of that party in the Otterville neighborhood. Fraternally, he is affiliated with the local lodges of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Modern Woodmen of America.

Fred L. Schilb, who for nearly 20 years past has served as postmaster at Prairie Home, is a native son of Cooper County, born in Clarks Fork township, Aug. 3, 1874, son of Fred and Mary (Meyer) Schilb. Reared on the home farm in Clarks Fork township, Fred L. Schilb received his early schooling in the public schools and completed the same by a course in the old Prairie Home Institute. He remained on the home farm until he was 21 years of age, or until his appointment on Sept. 1, 1897, to the position of deputy postmaster at Prairie Home. May 11, 1900, having then served for more than two years as deputy postmaster, Mr. Schilb received his commission as postmaster at Prairie Home and has ever since occupied that position. Upon taking charge of the postoffice at Prairie Home, Mr. Schilb bought from Robert Hornbeck the latter's stock of confectioneries and has since conducted a confectionery store. Since taking over the store he has added a stock of groceries and is doing a nice business, one of the leading merchants of the town. During the Government's War Savings Stamp "drive" in the summer of 1918, Mr. Schilb sold about $12,000 worth of savings stamps, and was also otherwise active in promoting the various war-work activities of the community. He owns his home and business property, and is one of the active factors in the business and social life of the community. He is affiliated with the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons and the Modern Woodmen of America. He and his family are connected with the Methodist Episcopal Church at Prairie Home, and for the past 20 years Mr. Schilb has served as superintendent of the Sunday School, during the past five years not having missed attendance a single Sunday. This Sunday School is a standard Sunday School, meeting all the requirements of the Sunday School Association, and during Mr. Schilb's incumbency as superintendent he has had the gratification of seeing it grow from an average attendance of about 25 to its present average attendance of 125, a record in which all connected with the school take pride.

Oct. 5, 1898, Fred L. Schilb was united in marriage to Leta Kickashear, who was born in Saline township, a daughter of Joseph Patesta (Chicazolla) and Margaret (Rymer) Kickashear, the latter of whom is living. Mr. and Mrs. Schilb have seven children, Patesta J., now in the service of the United States navy and Lewis F., Lorena E., Opal, Mary Margaret, Huston B. and Myra V., at home. Patesta J. Schilb, the sailor son, was born- at Prairie Home Aug. 29, 1899, and was named in honor of his maternal grandfather. Feb., 1918, he enlisted in the United States navv in connection with this country's participation in the World War and was sent to the Great Lakes Naval Training Station at Chicago for preliminary training. In August he was assigned for service and was sent to England, the vessel to which he was assigned being attached to the base station at Eastleigh, and he was serving on that station when the armistice was signed. In December he was returned to New York and was assigned to the U. S. S. "Nasemond", with which vessel he still (spring of 1919) is connected and on which he has taken several trips across the Atlantic.

W. A. Farris, representative of the Gates Halfsoie Tires at Boonville, Mo., is a native son of Cooper County and a descendant of one of the pioneer families of this section of Missouri. He is a son of William P. and Almeda (Grubbs) Farris. William P. Farris was born near Elliott, Cooper County, in 1842. He was a successful farmer and stockman and became well-to-do. During the course of his career he accumulated about 300 acres of land. He was one of the early members of the Baptist church at Big Lick. He died in 1914. His wife departed this life in 1901, and their remains are buried in the Clayton cemetery. They were the parents of the following children : Emmett, deceased ; Lydia, deceased; James Eri, deceased; A. L. resides in Saline township; W. A. the subject of this sketch ; Nellie married A. W. Finley ; Edna E., married L. T. Mills, Clarks Fork township ; Anna M. married George Bruckner, Jr., Boonville, and two died in infancy.

W. A. Farris was educated in the public schools of Cooper County, and the high school at Jefferson City, Mo. He followed farming for a number of years and for the past eight years was engaged in the insurance business. In Jan., 1919, he became the representative of the Gates Rubber Co., of Denver, Col., and opened a branch for this company at Boonville. They manufacture what is known as the Gates Halfsoie for automobile tire casings, which is recognized as the only successful tire saver on the market. Mr. Farris has taken a special course of training in applying these halfsoles to automobile tires, and since engaging in this business at Boonville, he has met with marked success.

Henry S. Stephens, a successful farmer and stockman of North Moniteau township, was born in Cooper County, March 7, 1876. He is a son of J. D. and Melinda (Arnold) Stephens. J. D. Stephens was also a native of Cooper County, born in South Moniteau township in 1843, and when he was an infant his parents moved to St. Clair County, Mo., where he was reared. When the Civil War broke out he entered the Confederate service and served under Gen. Sterling Price in the 16th Missouri Infantry, General Parson's Brigade and was with the army which surrendered at Shreveport, La. At the close of the war he returned to Missouri, coming up the river to St. Louis by steamboat, and from there to Tipton by rail. After living at Tipton for a few years he moved to North Moniteau township, where he was engaged in farming. He died suddenly at Bunceton, Mo., from heart failure while attending a show there, and his remains are buried at Pisgah, Mo. Melinda (Arnold) Stephens, mother of Henry S. Stephens, was born in Kelly township, this county in 1844, and died June 20, 1906, and her remains are buried in Pisgah, Mo. She was a daughter of Lee Arnold, a native of Kentucky, born in 1813. He came to Missouri when a small boy making the trip on horseback. He was reared by Hartley White, who brought him from Kentucky to Cooper County and who settled about four miles north of Tipton. Lee Arnold married Nancy Morris, a daughter of Shadrach Morris of Kelly township, and they were the parents of the following children : Martha ; John ; Hugh ; Ann ; Hammond ; Jael ; Melinda, who married J. D. Stephens ; Peter and Ira, all of whom are now deceased except Jael who now resides in South Moniteau township. Lee Arnold died in South Moniteau township about 1885 and is buried in the Shadrach, Morris private cemetery. His wife preceded him in death about three years.

To J. D. and Melinda (Arnold) Stephens were born the following children: Dora, who died when about four years of age; Henry S., the subject of this sketch, and Eme Lee, who married C. E. Scott and now resides in South Moniteau township. To C. E. and Effie Lee (Stephens) Scott have been born the following children: Lola Lee; Louis Leslie; Edgar D. ; Willie ; John Henry and Edith Myrtle.

trict. He has spent his life since he reached the age of li in North Moniteau township where he has been engaged in farming. Mr. Stephens is unmarried.

William Lynn Spahr, a well known and successful farmer and stockman of Kelly township, was born in Boonville, Nov. 3, 1890. He is a son of William Lynn and Sarah Paulina (Stark) Spahr, the former also a native of Cooper County, where he spent his life and where he died April 17, 1896. The mother was born near Otterville, Mo., and died Aug. 22, 1914. William Lynn Spahr, the father, was engaged in the undertaking business at Boonville, the greater part of his life. To William Lynn and Sarah Paulina (Stark) Spahr were born the following children : Lawrence, a farmer in Kelly township; William L., the subject of this sketch, and David, Tulsa, Okla.

William L. Spahr was educated in the district schools of Cooper County and the Bunceton High School. He has been engaged in farming and stock raising since boyhood. He purchased his present place in Kelly township from Frank Smith in 1912. His farm consists of 80 acres of well improved land, located three miles southwest of Bunceton. He has a pretty home and the other improvements on the place are of a correspondingly high type. He feeds cattle quite extensively and has met with success in this line of endeavor.

Mr. Spahr was married in 1910 to Miss Anna Lee Palmer, a daughter of James and Ella (Collins) Palmer, both now residing in Lebanon township. To James and Ella (Collins) Palmer have been born the following children: Clarence, Sedalia, Mo.; Henry, Bunceton; Russell, Bunceton; Mrs. Kate Schlotzhauer, Bunceton; Mrs. Mattie Cole, Otterville, Mo. and Frank Lillian ; Louise ; Pauline ; Stanley and Jack, residing at home with their parents.

M. J. Fassler, proprietor of "Fassler Prairie View Farm", is one of the successful farmers and progressive citizens of Kelly township. He was born in Switzerland, July 21, 1876, a son of Louis and Catherine (Holdenner) Fassler, both natives of Switzerland. Louis Fassler immigrated to America in 1880, leaving his family in Switzerland until he became established sufficiently in this country to send for them, which he did two years later. They first located in Elk County, Pa., and in 1885 the family came to Missouri and settled in Lamine township, Cooper County. About 1890 they removed to Kelly township, where the father bought 160 acres of land. Later he sold 40 acres, and in 1917 the father sold the remainder of the home farm, which consisted of 120 acres, to M. J. Fassler the subject of this sketch, when he and his wife removed to Tipton, Mo., where they now reside. They were the parents of the following children: Dora, resides at home with her parents in Tipton; Joseph J. lives in Henry County; Mary, married W. H. Woolfolk, Altamont, Kan.; M. J., the subject of this sketch; and Lizzie who died at the age of 30 years.

M. J. Fassler was educated in the public schools at Speed, Mo., and when a young man learned the blacksmith trade. He followed this vocation for seven years at Bellingsville, Mo., and one year at Speed. He then engaged in farming, buying a farm in Kelly township, which he operated from 1904 until 1917, when he sold it and bought the old homestead from his father, as above stated. This place is located on the Southern State Highway, northwest of Tipton and about seven miles south of Bunceton. It is a pretty place and kept in fine condition. The water for the place is supplied from a well 305 feet deep, which is pumped by a gas engine.

M. J. Fassler was married in 1904 to Miss Fannie Erhardt, a daughter of H. L. and Sophia (Hobrecht) Erhardt, both of whom are now living. Mrs. Fassler is one of the following children born to her parents: Mrs. J. J. Fassler, Henry County, Mo. ; Mrs. Oscar Lauer, Boonville, Mo. ; Mrs. Wm. Simmons, Boonville, Mo. ; Mrs. Emmet Reynolds, Boonville, Mo. ; Henry of Meadsville. Mo. ; Frank, Memphis, Tenn. ; and Mrs. M. J. Fassler, Tipton, of this review. To M. J. Fassler and wife have been born the following children : Catherine, Frances, Margaret, John, Charles, Mary and William, all residing at home with their parents.

John G. Wolfrum, proprietor of "Prairie Lawn Farm", is one of the progressive and public spirited farmers and breeders of Kelly township. He was horn at Jamestown, Mo., Sept. 20, 1858, a son of John and Louisa Wolfrum the former a native of Germany and the latter of Cole County, Mo., born Oct. 23, 1837, and died Nov. 10, 1897. John Wolfrum came to America with his parents, who settled in Cole County, when he was eight years old. He was born Oct. 22, 1834 and died Jan. 24, 1913. The Wolfrum family came to Moniteau County, Mo., after residing in Cole County for a few years. During the Civil War John Wolfrum served in the Missouri State militia.

others being as follows: Nicholas, Knob Noster, Mo.; Earhardt, died in infancy; Margaret, married Henry Schubert, Cole County; Henry J., Rosoling, Canada; Christ G., died at the age of 27 years; William L., Concordia, Mo.

John G. Wolfrum was educated in the public schools of Moniteau County, and from early life has been interested in stock breeding as well as general farming and stockraising. He breeds registered Chester White hogs, and has some of the finest animals, both male and female, in the country, and is recognized as a successful breeder. He also is an extensive breeder of registered Shorthorn cattle, of which he has made a recognized success. Mrs. Wolfrum gives special attention to the poultry business, specializing in the Orpington and Rhode Island Reds. "Prairie Lawn Farm" consists of 96 acres and is well located about one mile east of Bunceton. The place is well improved with a good residence and other farm buildings and improvements.

John G. Wolfrum was married May 12, 1881 to Miss Elizabeth Herruleben, a daughter of Frederick and Caroline (Moser) Herruleben, both natives of Germany. The father came here when he was 17 years of age and the mother when she was nine. They were married at Sandy Hook. Mo. The mother died March 24, 1873, and the father died in 1901. They were the parents of the following children: Mrs. William Kile, who resides in Moniteau County ; Charles E., California, Mo. ; Mrs. Dan Wallenmeier, Prairie Home ; Elizabeth, the wife of John G. Wolfrum, the subject of this sketch ; Mary died at the age of 28 ; Mrs. William Sperber, Jamestown, Mo.; Benjamin Franklin, Jamestown, Mo.; Henry, died at the age of 40 years ; Laura died at the age of 23 years ; Mrs. J. J. Sherer, Bocen, Mo. To Mr. and Mrs. Wolfrum have been born four children as follows: William F., married Eliza Miller, of Moniteau County, and resides in Kelly township; Nicholas D., reside in Clarks Fork township; Emma E., married William Gerhardt and lives in Kelly township; Ella L. is a graduate of the Bunceton High School, and resides at home.

Dr. Irvin J. Kehr, a leading and progressive dental surgeon of Bunceton, Mo., is a native of Missouri. Dr. Kehr was born in .Kansas City, April 24, 1889, a son of Charles G. and Louisa (Kamper) Kehr, the former a native of Gasconade County, Mo., and the latter of Macoupin County, 111. They now reside at Bunker Hill, 111. Dr. Kehr is one of four children born to his parents, the others being as follows: Arthur, a practicing

Dr. Kher received his education in the public schools of St. Louis, Mo., and the high school at Bunker Hill, 111., graduating from that institution. He then entered the Washington University at St. Louis, where he was graduated with a degree of Doctor of Dental Surgery. When the United States entered the WTorld War, he enlisted in 1917 in the dental corps U. S. army, and for a time was stationed at Camp Greenlief, Ga. From there he was transferred to Camp Shelby, Miss., where he was discharged Jan. 9, 1919. Feb. 10, 1919, Dr. Kehr opened an office in the Berger Building at Bunceton, where he is rapidly building up a very satisfactory practice. He has had valuable experience in dental work in his army practice, which, together with his thorough preparation, and complete training, well qualify him for the exacting duties of modern dentistry. Dr. Kehr is public spirited and enterprising and has made extensive acquaintances and many friends in Bunceton and vicinity.

Edgar C. Nelson, editor and publisher of the Bunceton Eagle, Mo., is a native son of Cooper County. He was born Aug. 17, 1883, on a farm a few miles east of Bunceton, in Cooper County, a son of T. A. and Sarah A. Nelson, a sketch of whom appears in this volume. Mr. Nelson was educated in William Jewell College. After leaving college he spent one year in Texas, and upon his return to Missouri he held a position in the University of Missouri for one year. He then purchased a farm near Bunceton and was engaged in agricultural pursuits for two years.

In 1907, he became associated with his brother, L. 0. Nelson, in the management of the Bunceton Eagle. In 1915, Mr. Nelson leased the Eagle plant and business from his brother, and has achieved one of the splendid successes in the newspaper field which has placed the Eagle in the front rank of Missouri weekly newspapers. The Eagle has the largest circulation of any newspaper in Cooper County, and is the most prosperous and popular of the newspapers in this section of Missouri. The circulation exceeds 2,500 - and it is the home paper of Cooper County.

Jan. 16, 1912, Mr. Nelson was married to Mrs Celeste (Allison) Chamberlain, a widow, and to this union one child. Nell Edwina, aged five years, has been born. By a former marriage, Mrs. Nelson has a son, Robert Chamberlain.

Mr. Nelson is a democrat, and is a member of the Baptist Church. He is a past master of Lodge No. 456, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, is a member of the Knights of Pythias, the Woodmen of the World, and the Phi Gamma Delta Fraternity of William Jewell College.

David Lawrence Edson, one of Boonville township's progressive young citizens, is a native of Cooper County. Mr. Edson was born June 8, 1889, in Boonville township. He is a son of Lewis and Anna (Brookshire) Edwards" Edson, the former, a native of Cooper County, and the latter of St. Clair County.

Lewis Edson was born in 1857 in Boonville township, a son of Sydney and Margaret (Nixon) Edson. Sydney Edson was a native of Ohio. He came to Cooper County in 1856 and settled on a farm, the place purchased by David Lawrence Edson in 1918, and now owned by him. Mai-garet Edson, at the age of 11 years, came from Ireland to America. Sydney Edson died in 1897, and his remains rest in Walnut Grove Cemetery.

When a young man, Lewis Edson went west to Idaho, Oregon and California, was successful there, and returned to Missouri with money. He purchased a farm then known as the "Ed Jewett farm," which he later sold and purchased the farm where his son, David L., now resides. The senior Edson followed general farming, and specialized in hog-raising, in which vocations he was unusually successful. He is now a resident of Boonville. Lewis and Anna Edson are the parents of two children: Grace, the wife of J. L. Dow, of Boonville; and David L., the subject of this review. By a former marriage of Anna Edson to David Edwards, she is the mother of two children: H. L. Edwards, who is engaged in farming in Prairie Home township; and A. D. Edwards, a merchant of Moberly, Mo.

David L. Edson obtained his elementary education in the public schools of the county. He is a graduate of Boonville High School. Mr. Edson daily made the trip from his home to the high school, a distance of three and a half miles, and was never absent, and was late but twice, which is a record difficult to surpass. He is a graduate of the Missouri State University, a member of the class of 1914, receiving the degrees of Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science, and also a teacher's life certificate. After completing the university course, Mr. Edson taught school one year. He was connected with the State Board of Charities and Corrections for 18 months, and was the first agent of the Department of Child Welfare. He returned to the farm in 1917, and has since been been very successfully engaged in the pursuits of agriculture. Mr. Edson raises three varieties of corn : Yellow Dent, Iowa Silver Mine and Pride of the North, the last a 91 corn. In 1918, the corn produced on the Edson farm was of excellent quality.

place, which comprises 350 acres of the best farm land, and in addition manages his own farm, which comprises 160 acres, formerly the Alex Bear farm. Mr. Edson has had a grade herd of cattle, but, at the time of this writing, he is starting a registered Polled Angus herd, having at the present time 25 head of cattle. He raises hogs extensively and last year, 1918, fed three car-loads of hogs, additional to one car-load of sheep and one of cattle. The Edson farm is very productive and is well watered.

In 1909, David Lawrence Edson and Mary Grace O'Neal were united in marriage. Mrs. Edson is a daughter of Amos and Lucy O'Neal, the former, now a resident of LaMine township. Mrs. O'Neal died in 1913. The O'Neal children are: Alonzo 0., of LaMine township; Lee, of Blackwater; Silas, of Blackwater; Aubrey, a well-known cattle salesman of Kansas City; Freeman, who is at the present time serving under the colors in France; and Mrs. Edson, the wife of the subject of this review. Two children are deceased. To Mr. and Mrs. Edson has been born one child, a daughter, Mary Ethel.

In the fall of 1918, Mr. Edson was a candidate for election as representative on the democratic ticket. Although keenly interested in agricultural pursuits, Mr. Edson takes a good citizen's part in all matters of vital import. He is especially interested in all child-welfare movements. The Edson family stands high in the community and in the county there is none more highly valued and respected.

"The Boonville Nurseries", located opposite the Missouri, Kansas & Topeka depot, was established in 1904 by A. E. Barnes and T. R. Peyton, both of whom came to Cooper County from Audrain County, Mo., and located at Boonville because of the pure loess soil at this place. The firm began business on a very small scale, but increased the business yearly. In 1913, A. E. Barnes purchased the interest of T. R. Peyton and to the plant of the "Boonville Nurseries", as it was at that time, added the nursery of H. W. Jenkins and now the "Boonville Nurseries" is one of the largest and best equipped nurseries in the state and in the west central states. Trees are grown here by the hundreds of thousands. The "Boonville Nurseries" also has the largest cherry orchard in Missouri, an orchard of nearly 2,500 trees, which will begin bearing next year, 1920. The orchard is located in the western part of Boonville on the cross state highway. The company employs a large number of agents, who sell stock in Missouri and adjoining states, selling a complete line of nursery stock, including all kinds of berries, shrubs and roses.

mental Grounds at Lawrence, Kan. for three years prior to coming to Boonville. Prior to that time, Mr. Barnes was employed at the Ortez Fruit Farm & Nursery in Audrain County, Mo. He obtained his general education in the public schools of Mexico, Mo. and at Sproul's Academy, at the latter studying the business course. He spent a year in the state of Colorado, where he was studying irrigation, and thence came to Lawrence, Kan. and to Boonville.

Mr. Barnes was born in Audrain County, Mo., near Mexico, Dec. 29, 1880, a son of Noble and Mary (Bybee) Barnes, natives of Kentucky. Noble Barnes has just completed two terms of service in the office of county treasurer, eight years, and now resides at Mexico. Mrs. Barnes died in 1917 and her remains are interred in Sunrise Church cemetery in Audrain County. The children of Noble and Mary Barnes are: M. C. and Theodore, farmers, Mexico, Mo. ; Mrs. T. R. Peyton, of Boonville ; A. E., the subject of this sketch; Claud L., who is on a fruit farm in Idaho; and Roy and Ray, who are farming in Nebraska.

In 1909, A. E. Barnes and Grace E. Stammerjohn, a daughter of Claus and Emma Stammerjohn, of Boonville, were united in marriage. Mr. and Mrs. Stammerjohn are the parents of nine children, all of whom are living and residents of Boonville; Meta, the wife of Ed Holtman; Henry; Rebecca, the wife of J. J. Heiberger; Julia, the wife of Charles Durr; John, Dora, Edward, and Benjamin ; and Grace, the wife of A. E. Barnes. To Mr. and Mrs. Barnes have been born three children, who are now living, one child now deceased: Noel, Meta and Leah. Noble, Jr., the second son and child, died in nfancy. Mr. and Mrs. Barnes are members of the Boonville Christian Church, on which Mr. Barnes is a deacon. He is a past-grand officer of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows of Boonville.

Recently, Mr. Barnes has completed an eleven-room bungalow, modern throughout, equipped with a private water system, in the city of Boonville. He has on his farm an underground silo, which is attracting much attention in the county. The silo is cemented and built on the plan of a cistern and the silage as cut is dropped into the silo. It was filled m 1918 and has proven a success. Mr. Barnes converts an old wine cellar on the farm into a cold storage room, when the season opens. He handles in the nursery business, three kinds of cherries, the Early Richmond, the Montmorency, the Morillo, and he has about 100 each of apples, pears and plums, and these are growing on his farm, the entire tract of 40 acres being set out in fruit.

Capt. Edgar L. Barnert, captain of Company H, of the Boonville Training School, is one of the county's most valued and respected citizens. He was born Sept. 22, 1891 in Boonville, a son of Dominic and Mary A. (Back) Barnert, the former, a native of Germany and the latter, of Boonville. Dominic Barnert is a retired carpenter and contractor and one of Boonville's well-known citizens. Mr. and Mrs. Barnert are the parents of the following children: Minnie, who is married and now resides in Chicago, 111. ; Carl, a traveling salesman of St. Louis, Mo. ; Edgar L., the subject of this sketch; Merle, a lieutenant of the 35th Division, 140th Infantry, Company I, who enlisted at Boonville in the National Guards, was transferred to the army and served in Mexico and then re-enlisted for overseas service; Anna E., at home; and Jerome D., a student in the Boonville high school.