Cooper County, Missouri - Biographical sketches, 1919 (part 22 of 24)

Arthur Bodamer, a successful farmer and stockman, who is well known as a breeder of registered Aberdeen Angus cattle, was born in Prairie Home township, April 6, 1896. He is a son of Charles H. and Elizabeth (Kuhn) Bodamer, a sketch of whom appears in this volume. Arthur Bodamer was reared and educated in Prairie Home township, attending school at Hazel Dell district. He has recently purchased 223 acres of land, which was formerly a part of the Gilbreath place. He is also the owner of 40 acres in another tract, which makes his entire holding 263 acres, and this is one of the valuable farms of Prairie Home township. Mr. Bodamer carries on general farming and stock raising, and for the past two years has given considerable attention to breeding registered Aberdeen Angus cattle, and now has a herd numbering 35 head, headed by "Black Dale," which is considered one of the most valuable Aberdeen Angus animals in the State.

Nov. 7, 1917, Arthur Bodamer was united in marriage with Miss Lucile Gilbreath, a daughter of Newton A. and Myra E. (Boswell) Gilbreath. Newton A. Gilbreath was a native of Cooper County, born in Prairie Home township, and spent his entire life in this township. He died in October, 1910, at the age of 75 years, and at the time of his death owned 435 acres of land. He was a son of Hugh Gilbreath, a native of Kentucky, who was a very early Cooper County pioneer. Myra E. (Bos- (53)

Hugh Gilbreath, brother of Mrs. Bodamer, was born Aug. 10, 1890. He was educated at the Bunceton schools and the Missouri Valley College at Marshall, Mo. In October, 1917, he enlisted in U. S. Army and was first sent to Camp Funston, and later to Fort. Sill, Okla., where he was trained, and in May, 1918, he went to France, a member of 130th Field Artillery, 35th Division. He participated in much of the severe fighting during the summer and fall of 1918. He was at the battle of Argonne Forest and other engagements. At the close of the war he was discharged and returned to his Cooper County farm. He owns 285 acres known as "Glenwood Farm."

T. J. Burrus & Sons, proprietors of the "Champion Oxford Down Sheep Farm," rank among the leading sheep breeders of the country. They have lived up to the standard of the business motto, "The best is none too good." Purebred sheep from this farm have been among the leading prize winners of stock shows and State fairs throughout the country since 1907. They have won prizes at the Missouri State Fair, the Chicago International Stock Show, the Fort Worth (Texas) Fat Stock Show, and the Denver (Colorado) Fat Stock Show. The winnings of the stock from the Champion Oxford Sheep Farm include 21 champion ribbons, 96 first premium ribbons, and 60 second premium ribbons.

T. J. Burrus began breeding purebred Oxford sheep in 1899, and made his first exhibit in 1907 at the Missouri State Fair, and has exhibited there every year to the present time. He exhibited at the Chicago International Stock Show in 1918 ; at Ft. Worth, Texas, in 1918 ; and Denver, Colo., in 1918. Among some of his most valuable animals is "Burrus Lady," No. 388, ewe which has won champion ribbons at the Missouri State Fair, and "McKerrow's Bumpton X, 69148," one of the most valuable rams in the country, has been exhibited at 12 different State fairs and won first and champion premiums each time. The Burrus flock of sheep are rich in the strains of J. T. Hobbs, Horlick, Stilgoe, White and Trewerkee, all famous English breeders. Mr. Burrus is also interested in breeding purebred Buff Orpington chickens and Mammoth Bronze turkeys, all of which rank high in the poultry world. Mr. Burrus purchased his present farm in 1907, and has added most of the improvements himself. It is one of the

J. T. Burrus is a native son of Cooper County, born on the Lovell farm in Prairie Home township, April 15, 1870. He is a son of John M. and Amanda F. (Lovell) Burrus. J. T. Burrus was educated in the public schools of Prairie Home township and at Pilot Grove. He has been interested in farming and stock raising since boyhood, specializing in sheep raising as above stated, of which he has made a decided success.

Mr. Burrus was married Sept. 4, 189t5, in California, Mo., to Miss Alpha McDow, a daughter of J. M. and Kiziar (Kirkpatrick) McDow. both of whom are now deceased. The mother died in 1879, and the father departed this life Feb. 24, 1897. They were the parents of the following children: Joe E. Versailles, Mo. ; T. J., Barnett, Mo. ; C. E., Deming, N. M. ; Tolby Alpha, the wife of T. J. Burrus, the subject of this sketch, and Bird, who is now a sergeant in the U. S. Army, stationed at Camp Lewis, Wash. He is a veteran of the Spanish-American War, having served in Cuba and the Philippine Island. He also served in the army in Alaska, and has been in the U. S. Army for the past 25 years.

To T. J. Burrus and wife have been born the following children : Bernice, married L. B. Morris; John M. ; Porter; Emile; Charles; Mary Margaret ; and Joe Mack, all of whom reside at home with their parents.

Nicholas John Blank, a well known farmer and stockman of North Moniteau township, was born on the place where he now resides, March 28, 1862. He is a son of John Jacob and Margaret (Lanbolt) Blank, both natives of Bavaria, Germany. The father first came to Cooper County in the '40s, and later returned to his native land, where he was married, and after remaining there a few years came to Cooper County again in 1852. He purchased 130 acres of land from Dr. Alexander Apperson, located in North Moniteau and Prairie Home townships. This farm is the present home of Nicholas John Blank. The deed of this farm was recorded Feb. 19, 1852. John Jacob Blank spent the remainder of his life on this place, and died at the age of 76 years. His wife died at the age of 80, and their remains are buried in the Moniteau Evangelical Church Cemetery. When John J. Blank purchased this place there was a log house on it which was built by Dr. Apperson. It has been remodeled and is still standing in a fair state of preservation. It is probably 100 years old.

Nicholas J. Blank was reared on the home farm and attended such schools as the neighborhood afforded. His school district is Felder district, but when he attended school it was known as the "Dirt Dauber School," owing to the fact that it was a log cabin and the cracks between the logs were daubed with mud. The seats were made of split logs, and the building was about 10x20 feet in dimension. Mr. Blank says that the old building was usually pretty well filled with children from the neighborhood. He recalls among the early teachers at this school, Squire Elliot, Mrs. Chilton, and a Mr. Bruzan. The old school building stood on the farm now known as the Nelson place.

Mr. Blank has followed general farming all his life, and has met with a very satisfactory degree of success. He owns 170 acres of land, which is a fertile and productive farm. The place has a good supply of water, which is procured from a well, and, besides, Pisgah Creek courses its way across the place. Mr. Blank has rented his place for the past year; however, he still makes his home here.

Mr. Blank has some interesting relics of bygone days, among which is a walnut log 12 feet long and 2 1/2 feet in diameter, which his father hewed and hollowed out in 1855, and used it for a receptacle, in place of a barrel, in which to pack and cure pork. Mr. Blank still uses this odd and unusual pork barrel for its original purpose. He is one of the substantial citizens of Moniteau township.

John William Jeffress, proprietor of a well-improved farm in LaMine township, one of the successful farmers of Cooper County, was born in this county. He was born April 11, 1857, son of John Richard and Elizabeth (Lourie) Jeffress, of who further mention is made in this volume.

Reared on the farm, John W. Jeffress received his schooling in the district schools, and from boyhood has given attention to farming. When a young man he engaged in fanning on his own account. In 1881, he bought a farm in Saline County, and looked after the same until 1887, when he sold the place and for four years operated the home farm on a rental basis. In 1891, he bought the farm on which he is now living, and has here since made his residence. Mr. Jeffress has 300 acres in his home farm, and since coming into possession of the same has made extensive improvements, which are in keeping with his progressive methods of farming. Mr. Jeffries has been successful, and is a stockholder in the

John W Jeffress, Wife And Family

Nov. 19, 1887, John W. Jeffress was united in marriage to Rhoda E. Hazell, and to this union were born three children, Pearl, John and Berny. Mrs. Jeffress also was born in Cooper County, of pioneer parentage, and all her life was spent here. She was born on May 21, 1855, and died on Dec. 19, 1918. Her parents, Edward and Sallie (Yamell) Hazell, were both of pioneer stock in Missouri, the Yarnells having been the fourth settlers in Cooper County.

Col. N. D. Patrick, a well known and successful auctioneer of Prairie Home, is a native son of Cooper County. He was born in South Moniteau township, April 12, 1891, and is a son of Benjamin and Emma (Wingate) Patrick, both natives of Missouri, the former born in Howard County, and the latter in Moniteau County. Benjamin Patrick was reared in Howard County, where his father was a large land owner in the early days. He came to Cooper County in 1869, and spent the remainder of his life here. He died in 1899, and his widow now resides at California, Mo. They were were the parents of the following children: Mona, married Rev. T. J. Deakins, Osceola, Mo. ; Martha, married L. F. Overboy, and died Nov. 20, 1918 ; Amanda, married Len Ritchey ; Col. N. D., the subject of this sketch. By a former marriage Benjamin Patrick had one child, C. B. Patrick, who now lives at Elliot Station, Cooper County.

Col. N. D. Patrick was reared in Cooper County and educated in public schools at Clarksburg. He began life as a farmer and stock raiser, and at an early age began auctioneering in a local way. In 1917, he took a course in the Kansas City School of Auctioneering and was graduated from that institution, and since that time has devoted practically his entire attention to that work. His field of activity is by no means confined to Cooper County, as he cries sales not only in this county, but in adjoining counties as well, and has won a reputation of being one of the most capable auctioneers in this section of the State.

Colonel Patrick was married Feb. 22, 1911, to Miss Beulah Edwards, a daughter of Ryley T. and Margaret Edwards of Prairie Home township. To Mr. and Mrs. Patrick have been born two childen, Ryley Dennis and Emma Marguerite.

Colonel Patrick has recently moved to Prairie Home, where he purchased the place of Dr. H. A. McDonald, and has a pleasant home. He is a progressive young man and one of Cooper County's valued citizens.

Findlay A. Collins, proprietor of a fine farm adjoining the townsite of Prairie Home, and recognized as one of the most progressive young farmers of that section of Cooper County, was born at Warrensburg, Mo., in 1891, son of Noah Thomas and Mary. Ellen (Miller) Collins, both of whom are living in Lafayette County. Noah Thomas Collins was born in Lafayette County in 1838, a son of Thomas Collins, who had settled there upon coming to Missouri from Kentucky in the early days, and was an extensive land-owner and slave-holder at the time of the breaking out of the Civil War, being the owner of 1,800 acres of land and 100 slaves, a part of his land being the townsite of Higginsville. During the Civil War, Noah Thomas Collins served the cause of the Confederacy under Gen. Sterling Price, and the day before the battle of Lexington was encamped with that command on the Collins farm. This veteran of the Confederacy is still living one mile west of the old home of his father in Lafayette County, he now being 81 years of age. His wife is 62 years of age. Noah Thomas Collins has been twice married, and by his first marriage was the father of three children, Gertrude, wife of Samuel Boone, of Lafayette County ; Robert, deceased ; and Virginia Lee, wife of James E. Weaver, of Coburg, Mont. To his union with Mary Ellen (Miller) Lilleston one child was born, the subject of this sketch. By her prior marriage to William B. Lilleston, Mrs. Collins is the mother of four children, namely : Florence, wife of B. F. Warden, of Higginsville; Lottie M., wife of Edward Blakesley, of Lincoln ; Norma, wife of J. R. Brand, of Oil Hill, Kan. ; and William B. Lilleston, of Odessa, Mo. Mrs. Collins also is of pioneer stock, her grandfather Miller having been one of the early settlers of Lafayette County, coming here from Virginia and locating two and one-half miles north of Odessa, where he spent his last days. He was an extensive landowner and slave-holder and proprietor of a hemp-breaker in the days before the war. Hemp bales taken from his mills and soaked in the waters of the Missouri were used for the construction of breastworks at the time of the battle of Lexington. Mrs. Collins's mother was a daughter of Judge John A. Ryland, one of the foremost figures in the early civic life of Lafayette County.

Though born at Warrensburg, Johnson county, Findlay A. Collins was reared in Lafayette County, and grew up familiar with the details of farm life. Upon completing the course in the public schools of his home district he spent three and one-half years as a student at the Missouri State Normal School at Warrensburg. He then resumed farming in Lafayette

County, and was thus engaged for two years, when he engaged in the grocery business at Warrensburg. In the spring of 1916 he married, and in September following came to Cooper County, and has since been engaged in farming on his present farm. Besides the 118 acres of his home farm, Mr. Collins is farming 122 acres adjoining, belonging to his father-in-law, C. H. Muri. He feeds two or three carloads of cattle a year. On the Collins farm, about 200 yards south of the residence, was the site of the historic old Prairie Home College, which had much fame as an educational institution in its day. The Collins residence, an attractive seven-room bungalow, was erected in 1917. The barn, built in 1916, is 36x50 feet, with metal roof and sides, and with a Gothic roof, the first of this type erected in Cooper County, and one of the finest barns in the county. Other buildings and the general equipment of Mr. Collins's farm plant are in keeping.

April 22, 1916, Findlay A. Collins was married to Alice Muri, who had been graduated in that same year from the State Normal School at Warrensburg. She was born in Moniteau County, and was graduated from the California High School in 1913, winning second honors of her class. Thus equipped she entered the State Normal School, took the four-years course in three years, and was graduated from that institution with the degree of Bachelor of Science in 1916. Mrs. Collins is a daughter of C. H. and Amanda J. (Gentzsch) Muri, both of whom were born in Moniteau County, the former in 1857, and the latter in 1872, and who are now living at Sandy Hook. C. H. Muri is the owner of 380 acres of land in Moniteau County, where he lives, and 120 acres in Prairie Home township, this county. He and his wife have two children, Mrs. Collins having a brother, Homer T. Muri, who is at home assisting in the management of his father's place.

Albert Brengarth, of Saline township, is a progressive and successful farmer and stockman, and one of the most extensive land-owners in Cooper County. At 17 he was making his own way, at 19 he was the owner of a team of horses and possessed a stout heart, willing hands, a clear head, and a realizing sence of farm values. At 21, in association with his brother, Frank, he made his first investment in farm lands, he and his brother buying 80 acres in Saline township. That was in 1898. Two years later they sold that place, and in partnership bought 253 acres a mile north of Gooch's Mill. That place Frank Brengarth now owns, having bought his brother's interest in it in 1914. The brothers in the mean- time had bought and sold other farms and in the rising market had done well. In 1914 Albert Brengarth bought from T. L. Jones the latter's farm of 125 acres, which he sold in 1916, and then bought 225 acres of the place he now owns at the edge of Overton. The next year he bought the balance of the place, 305 acres, and thus has in that tract 530 acres. Not long ago he bought from W. H. Swanstone 465 acres, also in Saline township, the place being better known as the George Conner farm, and is cultivating and improving them along modern lines, and also carrying on extensive live stock operation. Since taking possession of his place, just at the east side of Overton in 1916, Mr. Brengarth has improved it greatly, and is developing there one of th emost up-to-date farms in Cooper County. He is a member of the Woodmen of the World and the Woodmen's Circle at Gooch's Mill.

Mr. Brengarth is a native son of Cooper County. He was born on a farm in Prairie Home township, May 2, 1877, son of Frank I. and Catherine (Schneider) Brengarth, the latter of whom is living at Boonville. Mrs. Brengarth was born in Germany, and was but a child when she came to this county with her parents, the family locating in this part of Missouri, and it was here that she married Frank I. Brengarth, who had come to America when a young man, and also had settled in this county. Frank I. Brengarth was born in Alsace-Lorraine, then a province of France, in 1831. There he remained until he had attained his majority, when, about 1852, he came to this country. For several years after coming to Cooper County, he worked by the month on the Edmond Elliott farm near Boonville, later buying a farm in Prairie Home township. On that place he lived until his retirement from the farm in 1904, when he sold the place and moved to Boonville, where he spent the remainder of his life. He died Oct. 25, 1917. His widow is still living. Mr. Brengarth was buried in the Catholic Cemetery at Boonville.

To Frank I. and Catherine (Schneider) Brengarth were born 12 children, all of whom are still living, namely : Catherine, wife of J. B. Felton, of Boonville; Frank, is a well-to-do farmer and stockman in Saline township ; Anna, wife of Charles Tritzell, of Jefferson City ; Taritha, wife of William Walterscheid, of Boonville township; Albert, the subject of this sketch ; Mary, wife of David Diehl, of Boonville ; Philip, now living in Kansas City ; Margaret, who is living with her brother Frank in Saline township ; Rose, wife of E. A. Bacon, of St. Louis ; Henry, who is now with the American Expeditionary Forces in Europe ; Augusta, who is living at Boon- ville ; and John, who is with the American Expeditionary Forces in Europe. Henry Brengarth, the elder of the two soldier sons, has been in the service of the United' States Army since May, 1918; was at the front at the time the armistice was signed, and is now (spring of 1919) with the Army of Occupation at Coblenz, attached to the 89th Pioneer Infantry Regiment. John Brengarth, the other soldier son, enlisted for service in the World War in November, 1917, and has now (spring of 1919) been in France for more than 18 months, attached to the Aviation Corps, a member of the 222nd Aero Squadron, and during this long period of service has been a participant in some exceedingly spectacular and thrilling actions. The Brengarth children received their schooling in the New Salem School in Prairie Home township, and though the members of the family are now widely scattered, as is the way of families, that community ever will be regarded by them as "back home."

Ernest H. Ambrose, proprietor of the "Ambrose Missouri River Valley Farm," at the north edge of the town of Overton in Saline township, and recognized as one of the most progressive and energetic young farmers of that section of Cooper County, is a native of this county. He was born Oct. 15, 1881, son of J. T. and Elizabeth (Bell) Ambrose. J. T. Ambrose was born in Howard County in 1845, and though but 16 years of age when the Civil War broke out, he enlisted at Boonville in the cause of the Confederacy as a member of Company B, 14th Infantry, and served for three years, or until the close of the war, and was at Shreveport, La., with the army when the war ended. Mr. Ambrose then engaged in farming, and so continued the rest of his active life. He died in March, 1916, he then being 71 years of age, and is buried in the Sulphur Springs Churchyard in Howard County. His widow is still living, a resident of Lloyd Station. She and her husband were the parents of five children, all of whom are still living: Margaret, wife of Daniel Stewart, of Columbia, Mo.; Thomas, near Rochef ort, Boone County ; Ernest H. ; Fannie, wife of Edgar McVee, near Pierson Spur in Howard County; and Grover M., who is living with his mother at Lloyd Station.

Ernest H. Ambrose has always followed fanning pursuits. He received his schooling in the public schools, and early began farming on his own account. In the spring of 1913 he bought 100 acres of the farm on which he is now living, just north of Overton, and since then has added to this by purchase from Mont Cooper of an adjoining strip of eight acres, having now 108 acres, as rich a tract of land as lies in the whole Missouri

Valley. During the past few years, Mr. Ambrose has made some very substantial improvements on his place. Included in these improvements is a modern ne wseven-room house, a barn 30x48 feet, a machine shed 20x50, a garage, an up-to-date poultry house in which Mrs. Ambrose has 300 Plymouth Rock chickens. The farm has an excellent orchard of 50 or more trees. During the current year (1919) Mr. Ambrose had raised 15 acres of alfalfa, 35 acres of wheat, one acre of potatoes and the balance in corn.

Nov. 20, 1907, Ei-nest H. Ambrose was married to Bessie Groom, who was born in this county, and to this union two children have been born, Hazel and George. Mrs. Ambrose is a daughter of Colby C. and Emma (Kickashear) Groom, the latter of whom, born in Cooper County in 1864, is still living on the Groom home farm a mile and a half east of Overton. Colby C. Groom was born in Virginia and came to Cooper County when 23 years of age. Here he married and became engaged in farming, a vocation which he followed the rest of his life. He died in 1913, and is buried in the Clayton Cemetery. To him and his wife were born four children, Mrs. Ambrose having three brothers, Hurt, Clay and Colby Groom, all residing at Overton. Mr. and Mrs. Ambrose are members of the Highland Cumberland Presbyterian Church, and both are teachers in the Sunday School of that church. Mr. Ambrose also gives his thoughtful attention to local educational matters, and has served as director of the Overton School District.

John Emil Derendinger, a substantial farmer of Prairie Home township, was born in Switzerland, March 2, 1864, son of Rudolph and Louisa (Bucher) Derendinger, both natives of that same country, who came to America in 1887 and spent their their last days in Cooper County. Rudolph Derendinger and his wife first located in Moniteau County, but about five years later moved to Prairie Home township, this county, with their son Fred, and here spent the remainder of their lives. Mr. Derendinger died in 1913, and his wife in 1915. They were members of the Evangelical Church at Pleasant Grove, and are buried in the cemetery there. Of the seven children born to them, John Emil was the eldest, the others being: E. F. Derendinger, deceased ; Mrs. Louisa Hosman, also deceased ; Rudolph, of Sandy Hook ; Eliza, wife of Louis Hersick, Hamburg, Germany ; and J. F., Gooch's Mill.

in Missouri, and in the summer of that same year he married. In 1888 he bought 200 acres of the farm on which he is now living in Prairie Home township,, established his home there and has ever since resided there. In 1916 Mr. Derendinger added to his acreage there by the purchase of 120 acres, and now has an excellent farm of 320 acres, in the management of which he is ably assisted by his second son, Louis Derendinger, who is married and makes his home in a house nearby the family residence. Since taking possession of that farm Mr. Derendinger has made numerous substantial improvements on the place.

August 12, 1887, John E. Derendinger was married to Wilhelmina Schilb, who was born in this county, and to this union five children have been bom: Margaret, wife of Waller Neiderwimmer, of Sedalia; E. F. married Laura Friederich, now living at Kansas City ; Louis, married Nannie Friederich, and is living on the home farm, assisting his father; J. C, engaged in the mercantile business at Gooch's Mill, and Meta Bertha, at home with her parents. J. C. Derendinger married Bertha Reglin, who died leaving two children, Cecil R. and Marjorie Elene, who are being reared by their grandparents. Mr. and Mrs. Derendinger have three other grandchildren, Herbert and Harold Neiderwimmer and William Derendinger. Mrs. Derendinger was born in Saline township, Oct. 15, 1864, daughter of Jacob and Barbara (Kesseling) Schilb, who had settled there in 1847 and there spent the remainder of their lives. Mrs. Shilb died in 1894, and her husband died in 1908. They were charter members of the Pleasant Grove Evangelical Church, and are buried in the churchyard there. Mr. and Mrs. Derendinger are members of this church and have reared their children in the faith of the church.

St. Peter's Evangelical Church at Pleasant Grove was the first church organized by the German-speaking people of Cooper County, and was organized in 1849 under the ministry of the Reverend Kewing, who for some time remainded as pastor, being succeeded in turn by the following pastors: The Reverends Rauschenbusch, Hoffmeister, Lange, Streit, Von Teobel, Dellwo, Kraft, Woelfle, Moore, Leutwein, Klingebei'ger, Alber, Egger, Rasche, Jennerich, Lehman, Bredehoeft, Leibner and Beisenherc, the latter of whom was installed as pastor in the fall of 1917, and is now serving the congregation. The first meeting house erected by the congregation of St. Peter's was a little log church building. The present building was erected in 1877. The charter members of St. Peter's Evangelical Church were the following: Adam and Jacob Schilb, Nicholas Blank, George

Knorp, Fred Stock, J. A. Spieler, J. G. Spieler, William Baker, F. Schenck, T. Miller, E. Kirschman, Jacob Schilb, Jr., Henry Meier, H. J. Meier, A. Kaempfer and William Hobrecht.

Henry Knosp, proprietor of "Hazel Grove Farm," in Saline township, one of the most substantial farmers of that section of Cooper Count, is a native son of this county. He was born on a farm two and one-half miles east of Prairie Home, Feb. 12, 1853, son of George and Minnie (Schenck) Knosp, both of whom spent their last days on that place.

George Knosp, who lived to be nearly 84 years of age, was born in Germany, and was but a child when he came to this country with his parents, the family settling in Cole Count, Mo., in the '30s. He came to Cooper County some time in the '40s, was here married, established his home, and spent the rest of his life here. He was one of the organizers of the Evangelical Church at Pleasant Grove, and is buried in the cemetery there, as is his wife, who lived to be 75 years of age. They were the parents of eight children, those besides the subject of this sketch being as follows Louise, wife of J. H. Stock, of Sedalia; Charles, of Jamestown, Mo. ; Minnie, Clarks Fork township, widow of William Fricke ; Mary, wife of Theodore Brandes, also of Clarks Fork township ; Caroline, wife of John Kaiser, of North Moniteau township; John, living on the old home place; and Fred, of Calfomia, Mo.

Henry Knosp received his schooling in the Splice Creek School, his first teacher having been Bartlett Metcalf , who taught in the little log school house. Mr. Knosp has devoted his attention to farming. In 1883, he bought from the Haxel heirs the quarter section, and has since resided on that place, bringing the place up to a state of improvement second to none in the neighborhood. For that tract of 160 acres he paid about $24 an acre. As his affairs prospered, Mr. Knosp bought from William Oerly an adjoining 120 acres, but this he recently has sold to his son, who lives on the place. All the improvements on the farm have been made by Mr. Knosp. For years he was engaged in the raising of Whiteface cattle, but of late years has not done so much in that line, though he still maintains a excellent drove of Duroc Jersey hogs, all eligible to register. He and his family are members of the Lutheran Church at Pleasant Grove.

Feb. 16, 1882, Henry Knosp was united in marriage to Sophia Fredericka Lonjers, at Lone Elm, by the Rev. J. H. Thiess, and to this union 10 children have been born, namely : Albert, born April 5, 1883, died in the fall of 1902 ; Anna B., Sept. 17. 1885, wife of Charles Langer, of Moniteau County; Minnie, Jan. 15, 1886, wife of Louis Dahler, of California,

Mo. : Henry, April 2, 1887, of Prairie Home township ; Fred, Jan. 12, 1859, died Nov. 3/ 1907; Cora, August, 1891, who died at the age of 13 months; Oliver, July 28, 1893, died Dec. 4, 1918; Lydia, Nov. 25, 1896, at home; George, Feb. 26, 1898, also at home, and Herbert, May 24, 1900, at home. Mrs. Knosp was born on a farm near Lone Elm, in Clarks Fork township, daughter of Maurine and Johanna (Brandes) Lonjers, both of whom spent their last days in this county. Maurine Lonjers was born in Holland, and many years ago settled in the Lone Elm neighborhood, where he died Sept. 28, 1914. She was bom in 1838. After the death of her first husband she married Louis Lebbing and had two children, Theodore Lebbing, now a merchant at Clarks Fork, and a daughter who died in infancy. By her marriage to Maurine Lonjers she was the mother of 10 children, of whom Mrs. Knosp was the fourth in order of birth, the others being as follows: Henry Lonjers, Stockton, Calif.; Louise, wife of Daniel Langkop, Bunceton ; Christian, Colorado ; Herman, who married Lizzie Kluss and died in 1911 in Clarks Fork, leaving a widow and two sons, Emil and William ; Charles, who died in California at the age of 28 years ; Bettie, whs died at the age of 19 years; Caroline, wife of William Hein, of Appleton City, Mo. ; Margaret, who died at the age of 14 years, and William, who died in youth.

Henry H. Knosp, proprietor of a fine farm of 120 acres three and onehalf miles from Wooldridge in Saline township, was born at "Hazel Grove Farm," April 2, 1887, son of Henry and Sophia Fredericka (Lonjers) Knosp, both members of pioneer families in this section, and both of whom are still living at "Hazel Grove Farm."

Reared at "Hazel Grove Farm," Henry H. Knosp received his early schooling in the church school at Pleasant Grove, and in the Liberty district school. He has applied himself to farming, remaining at home until his marriage when 23 years of age, when he began farming on his own account in Moniteau County. Three years later, in 1914, he bought from his father, 120 acres, and has since resided there. Mr. Knosp has made substantial improvements and is contemplating more. Among the improvements is a modern poultry house, 14x36, Mrs. Knosp being much interested in her fine flock of more than 200 Rhode Island Reds. Mr. Knosp raises Duroc Jersey hogs and is meeting with success. He and his family are members of the Pleasant Grove Lutheran Church.

March 12, 1911, Henry H. Knosp was married to Mollie Lenger, whom he had known from childhood, and to this union three children have been born, Florence, Harry and Pauline. Mrs. Knosp was bora over in Moni- teau County, April 18, 1884, daughters of Charles and Minnie (Hampster) Lenger, natives of Germany, both of whom are living on the farm in Moniteau County, where they have resided for more than 40 years, Mr. Lenger now being 88 years of age and his wife 77. Charles Lenger and his wife have five children, those besides Mrs. Knosp being: Sophia, wife of William Gross, a woodworker living at California, Mo. ; Matilda, wife of William Kieslig, also of California; Charles, Jr., who married Anna Knosp, operating his father's farm, and Fred, who married Nettie Graff, and is also on the home farm.

D. D. Hurt, a well known and successful farmer of Clarks Fork township, was born in this township March 25, 1879. He is a son of A. C. and Celesta A. (Holestein) Hurt, natives of Cooper County and descendents of early pioneers in this section. A. C. Hurt and his wife spent their lives in Clarks Fork township. He was a Confederate veteran of the Civil War, and was with the army at Shreveport, La., when the war closed. A. C. and Celesta A. (Holestein) Hurt were the parents of the following children: B. F., Bunceton; J. A., North Moniteau township; William A., Clarks Fork township; D. D. the subject of this sketch, and 0. F., Blackwater.

D. D. Hurt was reared on the home farm in Clarks Fork township, and received his education in the Ellis School District. He has been a fanner and stockman all his life. He purchased 80 acres of his present farm in 1905, and since that time has added 40 acres. He has a well improved place with good residence and other buildings. The farm is located on the Bunceton-Pisgah road in the southern part of Clarks Fork township, and is valuable property. Mr. Hurt carries on general farming and stock raising, and has been very successful.

May 20, 1900, D. D, Hurt was united in marriage with Miss Myrtle Jones, a daughter of B. L. Jones, of Pisgah. Her mother is deceased. Mrs. Hurt is one of the following children born to her parents: J. T., Pisgah ; Myrtle, wife of D. D. Hurt; L. T., Prairie Home; Mrs. R. W. Lacy, Prairie Home ; Mrs. A. L. Lewis, Kansas City, Mo., and Mrs. Ben Harned, who resides on the home place at Pisgah.

To D. D. Hurt and wife has been born three children, as follows: Opal, died when 14 years of age ; David, born Sept. 30, 1903 ; and Louis, born Sept. 26, 1908.

Mr. Hurt is a member of the school board of Consolidate District No. 1, and takes a commendable interest in local affairs. He is a member of the Mystic Workers at Pisgah, and he and Mrs. Hurt belong to the Baptist

George Truman Cole, a progressive farmer and stockman of Prairie Home township, was born in this township, Oct. 2, 1875, and is a descendent of one of the first families that settled in Cooper County. He is a son of Andrew B. and Mary J. (Hickox) Cole. Andrew B. Cole was born at Bell Air, Cooper County, in 1827. He was a son of Samuel, who was a son of Hannah Cole, who, with the Stephens family, were the first settlers in Cooper County. Samuel Cole lived to the advanced age of 92 years, and died near Bell Air, and his remains are buried at the Nebo Church Cemetery. Andrew B. Cole made three trips across the Plains to California in the early days. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge and an influential citizen. He died in 1913, and his wife departed this life in 1917, and their remains are buried in the Pisgah Cemetery. They were the parents of three children as follows: Edward, Prairie Home township; George Truman, the subject of this sketch; and Warren, who died at the age of two years. By a former marriage to Rebecca Ann Boughman there were three children born: W. H., North Moniteau township; Mollie, married J. 0. Morris, North Moniteau township; and Clara, who died at the age of 20 years.

George Truman Cole traces his ancestry in this country back for 300 years, to the landing of the Mayflower at Plymouth Rock in 1620. Thomas Clark, who was a passenger on the Mayflower, was a direct ancestor of George Truman Cole, on his mother's side. Mary J. Hickox, mother of George Truman Cole, was a daughter of Charles and Mara (Hill) Hickox, the latter being a native of Kentucky, born Feb. 4, 1804. Hon. H. L. Meyers, U. S. senator from Montana, a sketch of whom appears in this volume, is a second cousin of Mary J. (Hickox) Cole.

George Truman Cole was reared and educated in Cooper County, and has spent his life here, engaged in farming and stock raising. He owns a well improved farm of 200 acres in Prairie Home township, where he is successfully carrying on farming and stock raising. Mr. Cole was married Nov. 25, 1897, to Miss Ida Tumy, a daughter of James and Bettie (Hall) Tumy, the former a native of Boone County, born in 1857, and the latter a native of Cooper County, born in 1862. They now reside at Bunceton. To James and Sallie (Hall) Tumy have been born the following children: Ida, wife of George Truman Cole, the subject of this sketch; Robert, Bunceton; Gracia, married Leonard Holliday, Bunceton; William, Bunceton, who served with the 42d Infantry, Rainbow Division, in France during the World War ; Mary, married Edgar Byler, Dinuba, Calif. ; Porter, a bookkeeper in the Bank of Bunceton. To George Truman Cole and wife have been born the following children: Lena Leota, a graduate of the Pisgah High School, who has also attended the State Normal School at Warrensburg, is a teacher in the Jefferson district ; Claude ; James ; Mary Arostine and Martha Pauline, twins ; Warren Gregory, and Clara Booksie.

Henry H. Tumy, grand father of Mrs. Cole was a native of Kentucky, and came to Missouri when a young man, locating at Rocheport. He was a saddler, and for 50 years conducted business in that town, but for the last few years of his life he lived retired. He died at the age of 78 years, and is buried in the Rocheport Cemetery. He was the father of the following children: John. Fayette, Mo.; James, Bunceton; Frank, Columbia, Mo.; Henry, Fayette, Mo.; Mrs. Laura Meyers, Fayette; Mrs. Debroh Robertson; Mrs. M. T. Lyell, Crawfordsville, Ind., and Mrs. Hiriam Burrous, Crawfordsville, Ind.

Mr. Cole is one of Cooper County's representative and progressive citizens and stands ever ready to contribute his part to any worthy public enterprise.

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 Prolma (Stark) Spahr, the former also a native of Cooper Count, where he spent his life, and 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 Prolma (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 corresponding high type. He feeds cattle quite extensively, and has met with success in this line of endeavor.

ship. To James and Ella (Collins) Palmer have been born the following children besides Mrs. Spahr: Clarence, Sedalia; Henry, Bunceton; Russell, Bunceton ; Mrs. Kate Schlotzhauer ; Mrs. Mattie Cole, Otterville ; and Frank Lillian, Louise, Pauline, Stanley and Jack, residing at home with their parents.

Lawrence Spahr, owner of the "Cedar Lawn Farm" in Kelly township, is one of the progressive young farmers and stockmen of Cooper County, and belongs to a prominent pioneer family of this section. He was born July 22, 1888, and is a son of William L. and Sarah Prolma (Stark) Spahr, both natives of Cooper County. The father was engaged in the undertaking business at Boonville most of his life, and is now deceased. The mother, Sarah Prolma (Stark) Spahr, was a daughter of J. D. Stark, who for many years was prominently identified with Cooper County and Missouri in a political way. He served as county collector of Cooper County, and was also county judge. He represented Cooper County in the Legislature for a time, and was warden of the State Penitentiary during the administration of Gov. Stephens. About that time he bought a farm in Kelly township, which is now owned by Lawrence Spahr. While her father was warden of the State Penitentiary, Sarah Prolma (Stark) Spain was matron of that institution. At the expiration of her term she returned to Cooper County and lived on the farm in Kelly township, which her father had purchased. At that time she was a widow, her husband having died in 1896. She successfully managed the operation of the farm in Kelly township, and reared her family. She was a capable business woman, and successfully carried out her undertakings. She died Aug. 22, 1914. Lawrence Spahr now owns the place in Kelly township which was owned by his grandfather Stark. It is one of the valuable farms of the county, and' is one of the old historic places of that neighborhood. It was originally entered from the Government by W. T. Reavis at a cost of $1.25 per acre in 1850, and was later owned by Dick Reavis, who made many improvements out of the ordinary for the early times. He planted an orchard of 40 acres and later doubled the acreage of his orchard. He manufactured apple brandy here for a time. He also set out two rows of cedar trees along the driveway, between the main highway and the residence, which greatly add to the beauty of the place. The farm now con- sists of 185 acres, and here Mr. Spahr successfully carries on general farming and stock raising. He feeds cattle extensively, a branch of animal husbandry which has proven very profitable to him.

Mr. Spahr was married June 5, 1912, to Miss Grace Gander, a daughter of John and Annie (Presgraves) Gander, of Lebanon township. Mrs. Spahr is one of the following children bom to her parents : Grace, wife of Lawrence Spahr, the subject of this sketch; Virgil, leaves near Vermont Station; Ollie, resides at home; Aubrey, lives near Vermont Station; and Elon, lives near Vermont Station. To Mr. and Mi's. Spahr have been born two children : Jack Stark and Annie Olive.

Mr. and Mrs. Spahr are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and are representatives of Cooper County's most progressive and enterprising citizens.

H. C. Biltz, a successful farmer of Kelly township, is a native of Illinois. He was born in Summerfield, St. Clair County, 111., Aug. 1, 1867, a son of Jacob and Dora Biltz, both now deceased. Jacob Biltz was a native of Germany, and took part in the German Revolution in 1848, and on account of his participation in that uprising against the Government fled from that country in company with Frederick Hecker, who was also implicated in the revolution against the German Government, and during the Civil War became a colonel in the Union Army.

H. C. Biltz first came to Boonville in the capacity of an apple buyer. He and his brother, Philip, were in the commission business at St. Louis, and his brother is still engaged in the same business there. For a number of years, H. C. Biltz has been successfully engaged in farming and stock raising in Kelly township, where he owns one of the valuable, well improved farms of Cooper County. He carries on general farming and stock raising, and has met with well merited success in his undertakings.

March 9, 1892, H. C. Biltz was united in marriage with Miss Guita A. Levens, at St. Louis, Mo. After their marriage they lived in Omaha, Neb., for a short time, and in 1893 came to Cooper County, where Mr. Biltz has since been engaged in farming. Mrs. Biltz is a daughter of B. W. Levens, a native of Cooper County, who was born on the site of the present town of Bunceton, Feb. 25, 1841. He was a son of Basil W. Levens, a native of Washington County. Pa., bom in 1791. Basil W. Levens came to Randolph County, 111., with his parents at a very early date. His father was a slave-owner, and owing to the sentiment against slavery in Illinois, he came to Missouri by boat, taking his slaves with him, and settled at Overton, Mo. He operated the ferry across the river for a number of years, and was later engaged in farming. He married Rhoda Stephens here in 1818. He spent his latter years on a farm about two miles east of Bunceton, where he died in 1844, and his wife died in 1876.

B. W. Levens, father of Mrs. H. C. Biltz, was a Confederate veteran. He was married Feb. 25, 1864, to Mary E. Reavis, who died Jan. 8, 1911. Two children were born to this union : Dr. W. B. Levens, Creighton, Mo., and Guita, the wife of H. C. Biltz, the subject of this sketch.

To H. C. Biltz and wife have been born two children: Rolla L. and Hilda Marie, the latter a student in the Bunceton High School. Rolla L. Biltz served in the World War, and is now residing at home with his parents. He enlisted in March, 1917, and after being trained at Ft. Sill, Okla., was sent to France in April, 1918, with the 144th Infantry, 35th Division. He participated in the severe fighting of the summer and fall of 1918. He was at the battle of Argone Forest, and St. Mihiel. He was wounded three times, twice in the arm, and once in the side, and he was also severely gassed, and was returned to the United States as a member of a casualty company.

Mrs. Biltz has won a reputation as a successful poultry raiser which has extended far beyond the limits of Cooper County. She won the first premium at the Missouri State Poultry Show in 1912, and also at the Springfield Poultry Show for the largest turkey in the world, which weighed 60 pounds. This was a mammoth Bronze turkey, and at that time Mrs. Biltz was raising that breed of turkeys. This turkey was afterwards sold for $150.00.

Samuel Holbert Groves, proprietor of the "Locust Grove Farm, Home of the Cotswold," is recognized as one of the leading breeders in the country. Mr. Groves is a native of Cooper County. He was born near Bell Air, June 13, 1864, and is a son of W. T. and Margaret (Cole) Groves. The mother was a daughter of Samuel and Sallie (Bristoe) Cole. Samuel Cole was a son of Stephen Cole, who was one of the first settlers of Cooper County, who lived at Cole's Fort, the first settlement of this county. W. T. Groves was a native of Fauquier County, Va., born Aug. 2, 1828, and came to Cooper County, Mo., in 1850, when he was 22 years old. He died here July 2, 1911, and his wife died in 1867. They were the parents of the following children: J. O., who resides in Kelly township; Samuel H, the subject of this sketch ; Thomas, Moniteau County. After the death of his first wife, W. T. Groves married Anna Morton. She died in 1917.

The following children were born to the second marriage: John, Tipton, Mo. ; Clara, married Robert McCulloch, Jefferson City, Mo. ; Cora, married M. A. Worley, Tipton, Mo.; Addie, married 0. P. Worley, Tipton, Mo.; Oscar, enlisted when the United States entered the World War, and was sent to France in the spring of 1918, and is still serving with the American Expeditionary Force there.

Samuel H. Groves was educated in the public schools and in Prof. Donnelly's school at Bunceton. He has always been engaged in farming and stock raising, and for a number of years has made a specialty in breeding Cotswold sheep. He brought the first imported sheep of this breed that was ever brought to Cooper County, and has bred several hundred sheep of this breed all eligible to registration. His sheep have been exhibited at numerous fairs and stock shows throughout the country, and he perhaps has won over 300 premiums. His imported ram, Games 37, which heads his flock, is one of the most valuable sheep in this country. He now has a herd of 42 pure-bred Cotswold sheep on his place. Mr. Groves has been superintendent of the sheep department of the Missouri State Fair for several years, and holds that position for the year 1919. For five years he was president of the Missouri State Sheep Breeders' Association, and takes an active interest in this line of work. He was one of the organizers of the Bunceton Fair, 23 years ago. This is one of the successful fairs of the State. Mr. Groves is not only a successful farmer and breeder, but is known throughout a broad scope of territory as a successful auctioneer. He makes a specialty of conducting sheep sales, in which he is regarded as an expert. The sheep growers of the State have found in Mr. Groves an exceptional auctioneer in handling their particular line of sales, and the demand upon his time for this work is very great. He has conducted sheep sales for eight years.

Mr. Groves was married Dec. 22, 1887, to Miss Anna Bear, a daughter of J. H. and Mary (Morris) Bear. J. H. Bear is a native of Kentucky, and came to Cooper County when a young man. He was born Dec. 22, 1835, and makes his home with his children. His wife was born in St. Clair County. Mo., and died Feb. 12, 1914, at the age of G8 years. They were the parents of the following children: Mrs. J. O. Groves, Tipton, Mo. ; Anna, the wife of Samuel H. Groves, the subject of this sketch ; Mrs. Mary Davis, Otterville, Mo.: Mrs. A. J. White, Tipton, Mo.; Mrs. F. M. Shrout, Bunceton, Mo. ; Mrs. R. H. Franks, Thomasville, Mo. ; Alfred S., Oknee, Okla. ; Hugh M., Colorado ; George, a teacher, who is now taking a special course at the State Normal School at Warrensburg, Mo. He enlisted at the beginning of the World War and attended an officers' training school, where he was commissioned a lieutenant and was sent to France in the spring of 1918, and returned to the United States, March 5, 1919. To Mr. and Mrs. Groves have been born the following children: Edgar E., a locomotive engineer on the Rock Island Railroad, married Bessie Monks, of Cooper County, and they have two children, Gladys and Anna Marguerite; and Morris C, of Bayfield, Colo., married Lydia Doll, of Cooper County, and they have one daughter, Edna Frances.

George Reynolds, a highly respected pioneer of Cooper County, residing in Kelly township, is a native of West Virginia. He was born in Brooks County, May 8, 1847, a son of Josephus and Margaret (Umphrey) Reynolds, both natives of Ohio, born near Steubenville. The mother died in 1897, the father having died in 1870, in Johnson County, Mo. He came to Cooper County in 1867, and settled near Nebo, Cooper County. Josephus and Margaret (Umphrey) Reynolds were the parents of the following children: Samuel, who resides at Boonville, and George, the subject of this sketch, were twins ; Frank, lives in Boonville ; William F., died in 1898, near Blackwater ; Robert Scott, died in infancy ; Joshua, the eldest of the family, was killed at Hatches Run, Va., while serving in the Union Army during the Civil War.

George Reynolds has lived in Cooper County for 52 years with the exception of 1881 and 1882, when he resided in Vernon County. He bought his present home in Kelly township in 1887. His farm consists of 120 acres, which is nicely located and makes a pleasant home. His residence is located on an eminence which gives a commanding view of the surrounding country, and under proper atmospheric condition a splendid view of 20 miles to the northwest can be had from this place.

George Reynolds was married in 1872 to Miss Sarah Gallagher, a daughter of Charles and Susan Gallagher, who were early settlers in Moniteau County, coming from Virginia. To this union were born the following children: Dr. William H., who resides in Pettis County, married Minnie Kahrs, and they have two children, Delia May and William K. ; Cora May, married J. J. Baxter, Rockyford, Colo., and they have four children, Gussie, Arthur N., Walter H., and Willa S. Mrs. Reynolds died Feb. 6, 1901, and her remains are buried in Hopewell Cemetery. Mr. Reynolds is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Bell Air. He is an intelligent and well posted gentleman and one of Cooper County's best citizens.

Joseph O. Nelson, a progressive citizen and well known farmer of Kelly township, was born in Texas, Aug. 6, 1867. He is a son of Decatur and Isabella (Stephens) Nelson. Decatur Nelson was born in Virginia, Dec. 12, 1831, and died in Cooper County, Nov. 10, 1903. He came to Cooper County with his parents when he was nine years of age. When the Civil War broke out he went to Texas and entered the Confederate Army there, and served nearly four years until the war closed. Isabella (Stephens) Nelson was a member of a Cooper County pioneer family. She was born on the site of the present town of Bunceton long before Bunceton was thought of. She was a daughter of Joseph Stephens, Sr., a native of Wythe County, Va., who settled in the locality where Bunceton now stands in November, 1817. Isabella (Stephens) Nelson died in 1886. She was one of 24 children born of two unions who all lived to man and womanhood, except three, who died in infancy. Her mother being Miss Catherine Dickenson ; nine children belong to that union. To Decatur and Isabella (Stephens) Nelson were bom two children: Mrs. Mollie C. Francis, who now resides in Texas and Joseph O., the subject of this sketch.

Joseph 0. Nelson was educated in the public schools at Glen Dale, Clarksburg College, and Otterville College, and since leaving school has been engaged in farming. He has lived on the place which he now owns in Kelly township for 30 years. He first purchased 42 J4 acres and later added 90 acres more. His farm is located five miles south of Bunceton. It is well improved, with a good residence, new barn and other improvements of a high order. The water supply for the place is obtained from a well 110 feet deep, and is pumped by a gas engine.

Mr. Nelson was first married in April, 1887, to Miss Ida May Tilton, a daughter of Samuel Tilton, of Tipton, Mo. One son was born to this union, Newton, who lives at Tipton. Mrs. Nelson died in 1888. April 22, 1890, Mr. Nelson was married to Alice C. Kelly, a daughter of John and Nancy Kelly. John Kelly who was a native of Ireland was a railroad man and worked on the construction of the Missouri Pacific railroad through Tipton and also M. K. & T. through Clifton City. He died in Kansas City. July 9, 1906. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Nancy Jones, died in 1872, when Mrs. Nelson was about two years of age. Mrs. Nelson was reared by her grandparents, Samuel and Susan Jones, who resided near Otterville. Samuel Jones was a native of Kentucky, born Nov. 3, 1826, and came to Missouri about 1835, settling near Otterville where he kept the postoffice which was Elkton in the forties before Otterville was founded. His wife was born in Page County, Va., in 1832, and died in July, 1893. Mrs. Nelson was educated in the public schools of Cooper County, Otterville College and the Pilot Grove College. She was a student at the latter institution in 1883 when W. F. Johnson, the editor of this work, was a teacher there.

To Joseph 0. Nelson and wife have been born five children as follows: Isabella, born March 1, 1891, was educated in Bunceton High School, Missouri State University, The Gem City Business College, Quincy, 111., and is now a teacher at the Laura Speed Elliot High School, Boonville; Richard Truman, born Nov. 27, 1897, resides at home; Ernest Decatur, born March 3, 1900; Edgar Eurico, born Feb. 6, 1902; Armstead Mason, born Aug. 26, 1910.

The Nelsons are one of the well known and representative families of Cooper County and Mr. Nelson is a progressive and public spirited citizen. He is a cousin of Hon. W. L. Nelson, United States Congressman from the Eighth Missouri District and of Lady Maxwell of England.

Emil Hagemeier, a well known farmer and stockman of Kelly township, is a native of Cooper County. He was born near Lone Elm, May 9, 1885, and is a son of Fred and Lizzie (Loesing) Hagemeier, both natives of St. Louis County, and now residents of Kelly township. They came to Cooper County about 1871, and settled near Lone Elm, where they now reside. Fred and Lizzie (Loesing) Hagemeier, are the parents of the following children : Lizzie, married John Day and resides in Kansas City, Mo.; Minnie, married Frank Neimeyer, Kelly township; Emma, married George Stegner and they reside near Mt. Herman Church ; Mary, married George Bushhorn and is now deceased; Emil, the subject of this sketch; Harry resides in Kelly township, and Amanda married Clyde C. Waller and they reside at Wright City, Mo.

Emil Hagemeier was educated in the public schools of Baxter, Mo., and the Bunceton schools. He also attended the German school at Lone Elm. Mr. Hagemeier has always been engaged in farming and stock raising. He bought 60 acres of his present farm in 1912, to which he added 60 acres more later and now owns a valuable farm of 120 acres. It is located 5i/> mlies southwest of Bunceton, and is one of the well improved and well kept farms of that vicinity. He carries on general farming and stock raising and is meeting with well merited success. Mrs. Hagemeier is successfully engaged in the poultry business. She keeps about 300

Rhode Island Red and Brown Leghorn chickens, all of which are pure bred. Mrs. Hagemeier has been very successful in the production of eggs, which she sells both for hatching and on the general market. During the month of March, 1919 she sold SI 18.00 worth of eggs.

Emil Hagemeier was united in marriage Jan. 4. 1910, to Miss Gertrude Varner, a daughter of William and Eliza (Cook) Varner. William Vainer was born in Virginia, June 30, 1833, and his wife was born in Cooper County, near Otterville, March 16, 1835. During the Civil War he served in the Union State Militia. He has always followed fanning and stock raising. This aged and highly respected couple now reside in Kelly township. They were the parents of the following children: Poleata, married H. H. Yarnell, who is now deceased and she lives in Kelly township ; Joseph, Beloit, Kan. ; Mary, married J. A. Stevenson, St. Louis ; James, born May 6, 1871, and died at the age of two years ; Richard, resides in Kansas City, Mo.; Ida died in infancy, and Gertrude, the wife of Emil Hagemeier, the subject of this sketch. To Mr. and Mrs. Hagemeier have been bom one son, Paul Emil. bom March 17, 1915. Mr. and Mrs. Hagemeier are members of the Presbyterian Church and rank among Cooper County's representative and highly respected citizens.

Joshua Berry Scott of Bunceton is a descendant of Cooper County pioneer stock, who has spent his life, with the exception of two years, in this county. Mr. Scott was born in Cooper County, Feb. 7, 1857. He is a son of William Wilson and Carolina (Berry) Scott. William Wilson Scott was a native of Kentucky, and came to Missouri with his father, Leonard Scott, who settled in Cole County, where he spent the remainder of his life. William Wilson Scott settled in Cooper County in the thirties. Here he married Carolina Berry, and settled on a farm in Clarks Fork township, which is now owned by Christ Ohlandorf, and spent the remainder of his life on this place. Carolina Berry was the daughter of Joshua Berry, who was one of the very first settlers of Clarks Fork township, where he entered government land. He was a native of North Carolina, and drove from that state with ox teams and wagons, bringing his slaves with him. After coming here he became an extensive land owner. He built a large brick residence on his place in Clarks Fork township. This house is still standing and in a good state of preservation. He died at his home in Cooper County, shortly after the close of the Civil War. His wife preceded him in death many years.

William Wilson and Carolina (Berry) Scott were the parents of the following children: Martha J., born Dec. 27, 1844. married Charles S. Shirley, April 6, 1870, who died July 27, 1874, three children having been born to them: Thomas Edward, lives in Boonville; Searles L., deceased; and William Augustus, lives in Chicago ; George Walter, born Feb. 7, 1847, deceased ; William Bryon, born June 12, 1849, lives at Clinton, Mo. ; Mrs. Mary Evaline Baslee, born Dec. 7, 1851, lives in Clear Fork township; James Monroe, born May 18, 1854 ; Joshua Berry, the subject of this sketch ; Robert Ellis, bora July 19, 1859, deceased, and Mrs. Eleanora Bottoms, bom April 29, 1862, lives in Prairie Home.

Joshua Berry Scott lived in Kelly township for many years where he was engaged in farming and stock raising. In 1900 he sold his farm in that township and bought his present splendid home in Bunceton. He has been an extensive dealer in real estate for many years, and has bought and sold a great deal of land. Mr. Scott was first married Feb. 19, 1879, to Miss Susan Russell, a native of Kentucky. Two children were born to this union, Tallia and Beulah, both of whom are deceased. The mother died Feb. 7, 1890. Mr. Scott's second wife bore the name of Maude Mc- Curdy. She died about a year after their marriage, leaving an infant son, John, who is also deceased. After the death of his second wife, Mr. Scott was married to Addie Carpenter, a native of Cooper County. She is a daughter of Robert and Priscilla Carpenter, pioneers of Clarks Fork township. To Mr. and Mrs. Scott have been born one son, Joe Dewey, born Nov. 16, 1898 and resides at home with his parents.

L. A. Bestgen, a progressive and enterprising citizen of Kelly township, was born in this township on the place where he now resides, June 25, 1891. He is a son of A. J. and Ella (Class) Bestgen. A. J. Bestgen was also a native of Cooper County, born near Pisgah, Jan. 16, 1864, a son of Andrew and Catherine (Alter) Bestgen, natives of Germany. The former was born in 1818, and the latter in 1829. They were married Feb. 16, 1848, at Cedron, Moniteau County, and the following children were born to this union: Catherine, born Sept. 21, 1849; Anna Mary, born Nov. 7, 1852 ; John P. born Nov. 18, 1854 ; Barbera, born Jan. 7, 1857 ; Gertrude, born Feb. 8, 1859; Margaret, bora May 19, 1861; Andrew J., bora Jan. 16, 1864; Teresa H., born Sept. 24, 1866, and Cornelius, bom July 26, 1870.

Andrew Bestgen, grandfather of Louis A., was a pioneer of Cooper County, and for many years was a notary public and did a great deal of work of this kind in the early days. He died April 25, 1894, and his remains are buried at Tipton, Mo.

Louis A. Bestgen was one of six children bora to his parents, the others being as follows: George J.; Urban J., both residing in Kelly town- ship, and Alverta, Leonard P. and Coletta, residing at home. Louis A. Bestgen was educated in the public schools, and has made farming and stock raising his principle occupation, and has met with well merited success.- The home place which he operates consists of 120 acres. The place is well improved with a good six room residence and a conveniently planned barn 28x32 feet, with metal roof. Mr. Bestgen raises wheat, com and other grains, and also carries on stock raising. Being naturally a mechanical turn, Mr. Bestgen has built and fully equipped a blacksmith shop, where he has installed a high speed drill, emery wheel, and other mechanical devices. He is the inventor of the Farmers Barn Door Latch, which he manufactures here in his shop. This is regarded as one of the most cleverly designed and practical barn door latches on the market. It is used extensively by farmers in Missouri, Kansas and Iowa. The latch is made in a variety of sizes and styles, and is designed for bam doors, hay doors, double doors and garage doors. It is cheap, durable, simple in construction, easy to put on a door, and saves time, temper and money. The Farmers Barn Door Latch is sold by dealers throughout the country, although Mr. Bestgen also sells to the trade direct.

Mr. Bestgen is also an excellent woodworker and has done some fine cabinet work. Mechanical work of this character is as easy and natural for him as iron work, and his mechanical genius is evinced by many laboring saving devices around the Bestgen home. He has installed an irrigation system for his garden which has proved of great value in extreme dry seasons.

Louis A. Bestgen was married Oct. 6, 1914 to Miss Clara Dueber, of Moniteau County, where she was bom March 27, 1891. She is a daughter of Martin and Mary (Leffler) Dueber, the former a native of Pettis County, and the latter of Ohio and now residents of Moniteau County. They are the parents of the following children : Joseph, Moniteau County ; Tillie, married Aquin Simpson ; Clara, wife of Louis A. Bestgen, the subject of this sketch ; Adelia, married George Bestgen ; Nora, resides at home ; Leo, was in training during the World War at Camp Bowie, Texas, from Sept., 1918, until Feb., 1919, when he was discharged, and is now residing at home in Kelly township ; John, George and Mamie, all residing at home. By a former marriage of Martin Dueber to Johana Brill, the following children were bom: Augusta, married Henry Klein; Loma, El Reno, Okla., and Ida, married Andy Kuttenkueler, Tipton, Mo. To Mr. and Mrs. Bestgen have been born two children, Virginia and Eleanor.

Daniel Langkop, a prominent farmer and stockman of Kelly township, bears the distinction of belonging to a family, three generations of which have been well represented in the wars of this country since the beginning of the Civil War. Daniel Langkop was born in Iowa in 1851, a son of William Henry and Anna (Klaus) Langkop, both natives of Germany. William Henry Langkop migrated to America in 1849 or 1850 and first settled in Iowa. He came to Cooper County, Mo., sometime in the 50's. When the Civil War broke out he enlisted in the Union Army at Boonville, and served three years. His two sons, Henry and Frank, also served throughout the Civil War and remained in the army for some years afterwards. They were in the cavalry and after the Civil War served under General Custer in his campaigns against the Indians in the west. They then returned to Cooper County, Mo., where they were engaged in farming during the remainder of their lives._ Henry died, July 23, 1897, and is buried at Lone Elm. Frank died March 3, 1919, and is buried in Clarks Fork cemetery. William Henry Langkop died in 1880 and his remains are buried in Clarks Fork cemetery. His wife died in 1854 and her remains are buried at Dubuque, Iowa. They were the parents of the following children: Henry, mention of whom is made above; Mrs. Minnie Schubert; Frank, who is also previously mentioned in this sketch; and Daniel, the subject of this sketch.

Daniel Langkop attended such schools as the times afforded during his boyhood, and in early life was employed as a government teamster during the war, mostly in the vicinity of St. Louis. After the war he returned to Cooper County and has since been engaged in farming and stock raising. In 1917, he located on his present farm, which is two miles southeast of Bunceton. Here he owns 40 acres of well improved land, which is under a good state of cultivation. The farm residence is a well built modern cottage of six rooms and the other buildings are nicely arranged and well kept.

Daniel Langkop was married April 8, 1880 to Miss Louisa Longers, a daughter of Morine and Anna (Brandes) Longers. The former a native of Holland and the latter of Germany. They ai-e both now deceased. To Mr. and Mrs. Langkop have been born the following children: Frank, resides on the old home place in Cooper County; Charles was in South America when last heard of and is probably a soldier in the British army ; Herman, Bunceton ; Albert, died at the age of 18 months ; Oscar, Bunce- ton; Walter entered the United States Army in Sept., 1917, was sent to France in June, 1918, a member of Company A, 125th Infantry, and was taken sick while in the battle of Argonne Forest and died Oct. 23, 1918 ; Ed, who entered the United States Army Oct. 21, 1918, and was sent to Camp Bowie, Texas, for training and was transferred from there to Camp Pike, Ark., where he was discharged March 28, 1919; and Anna, resides at home with her parents.

Mrs. Langkop has spent her life in Cooper County and while she was a young girl during the Civil War, she has a distinct recollection of many of the events which transpired in the neighborhood where she lived, during the stirring days of that great conflict. She recalls an incident when the bushwhackers were about to take their last horse when the Captain of the company appeared on the scene and ordered the soldier who was taking the horse to turn it loose.

Mr. and Mrs. Langkop are members of Clarks Fork Lutheran Church and the Langkop family are. well and favorably known in Cooper County and highly respected.

John W. Richey, a prominent citizen of Kelly township, is a native Missourian. He was born in St. Clair County, Dec. 22, 1851, and is a son of John R. and Margaret (Keeton) Richey. In 1861, when the Civil War broke out, the Richey family resided in St. Clair County. The father entered the Confederate Army and served throughout the war. Shortly after he enlisted, the mother and children left St. Clair County and drove to Cooper County, with an ox team and wagon, bringing all their possessions with them. John W. was then a boy about 10 years old and he drove the oxen, riding one most of the way. The mother maintained the family and kept them together in their new home in Cooper County until the war ended, when the father returned. He rented land in Cooper County for a number of years, and spent the remainder of his life here. He died in March, 1917, at the age of 82 years, and his wife departed this life in 1910, aged 77 years, and their remains are both buried in Baxter cemetery, Kelly township. They were the parents of the following children: John W., the subject of this sketch ; Andrew J. lives in Kelly township ; Mrs. Nancy Majors, deceased; Wesley, Bunceton; James, Bunceton; Joshua, lives on the home farm in Kelly township; Mrs. Rhoda Potts, lives in the state of California and Robert died in California.

he engaged in farming and stock raising for himself. He bought his present place in 1890. This is one of the old historic places of Cooper County, and was formerly owned by John J. Chilton. Chilton was an early settler ;n this section and owned a number of slaves, and the old building in which the slaves lived is still standing on the place. It was built of hewed logs, weatherboarded with walnut boards, and is still in a fairly good state of preservation. It is probably 100 years old. Mr. Richey has a well improved farm with a nice seven room, two story, modern residence, which he built in 1917. The place is surrounded by locust and elm shade trees, and has altogether a well kept and neat appearance. The farm buildings, fences and general appearance of the place bears testimony to the industry of its owner. The place is known as the "Willow Spring Stock Farm" which name is officially recorded.

Mr. Richey was married Sept. 2, 1875 to Miss Jennie Morton, a daughter of John C. and Isabel (Miller) Morton. The former a native of Virginia and the latter of Tennessee. They were married in Tennessee and came to Missouri, first settling in Cedar County. When the Civil War broke out John C. Morton enlisted in the Confederate Army and served throughout the war under General Price. After the war the family came to Cooper County and settled near Bunceton, where the father was engaged in farming for a number of years, when he removed to Texas where he died in 1894. His wife died in Oklahoma in 1901. They were the parents of the following children: Jennie, wife of John W. Richey, the subject of this sketch ; John P., died Aug. 6, 1915, aged 55 years ; Sarah Elizabeth was born April 24, 1862 and died Jan. 6, 1916; Martha Lee, born June 5, 1866, married William J. Luker and they reside in Oklahoma; David Emmet, born Dec. 13, 1867 and died in Jan., 1890; Benjamin N., born March 22, 1879 and lives in Oklahoma. To Mr. and Mrs. Richey have been born the following children: Margaret Isabel, bora Nov. 22, 1876, married Riley Marcum, Hughesville, Mo. ; Lon, bora Jan. 30, 1879, Jefferson City, Mo.; Henry, born June 26, 1881, died Sept. 7, 1909; Andrew Jackson, born Dec. 24, 1883, Sedalia, Mo.; Wallace, born March 15, 1886, lives in Kelly township, Missouri. Mr. and Mrs. Richey have 12 grandchildren: Willie, Mary, Henry and Herbert, Norman Francis, Virginia, Ben Henry, Dortha Henrietta, Lucile, Louise and Lon, Jr., Richey.

Willie Marcum, a grandson of Mr. and Mrs. Richey enlisted in the United States army in July, 1917, and went to France in April, 1918, a member of Company D, 140th Infantry, 35th Division. He participated in the battles of Argonne Forest and St. Mihiel. For five days he was under fire without intermission. He was discharged and returned home in May, 1919.

John W. Morris, a prominent pioneer and successful farmer and stockman of Kelly township, is a native of Missouri. He was born near Roscoe, St. Clair County, March 30, 1858, a son of Snodent and Nancy (Dallas) Morris. Snodent T. Morris was born in Howard County, and came with his father, Shadrach Morris, and family to Cooper County, when he was six years old. Snodent T. Moms was reared to manhood in Cooper County, when he went to St. Clair County, and was there when the Civil War broke out. He enlisted in the Confederate army, and served three yeai-s and six months. During the war his wife and children came to Cooper County, where he and his wife spent the remainder of their lives.

The Moms family is an old American family, which dates back in this country to Colonial times. They are of English descent and first settled in Virginia. Shadrach Morris, grandfather of John W. of this review was bom in Kentucky. He was a son of Hammond Moms, Jr., who was a native of North Carolina, and was one of the very first settlers of Howard County, Mo. Hammond Morris, Jr., was a son of Hammond Morris, Sr., who was a son of Edward Morris.

John W. Morris has in his possession some interesting family documents, one of which is the will of Edward Morris, which was filed by his widow, Elizabeth Morris, in Richmond County, Va., in 1752. Another interesting old document which he has is a will executed by Jesse Morris and wife, conveying land in Madison County, Ky., to Hammond Morris, dated Sept. 5, 1816. He has a letter dated Nov. 6, 1839, written by Hammond Morris, who at that time lived in Kelly township, to John Morris and family, and Jene Fry and family. This letter states that the parties to whom it is written would do well to come to Cooper County. That land there is selling for $1.25 per acre; corn is worth from 20 to 25c per bushel; wheat, 75c: oats, 20c; bacon, 7c per pound and pork from 3 to 3%c per pound. That there is no money current here in the land office, except Missouri paper, and gold and silver.

John W. Morris has lived in Kelly township since 1862 since he was four years old. He bought his present home farm, which consists of 150 acres in 1886. He also owns 80 acres in another tract, making 230 acres in all. His place is well improved with a good farm residence and

Mr. Morris was married Oct. 8, 1878 to Miss Mattie J. Cline, a daughter of John Cline of Kelly township, and the following children were born to this union: Arthur, born Nov. 29, 1879, resides near Turney, Mo.; Grace Ann, born Sept. 15, 1889, married Fred Ratchey and they reside on the home place; Edith Kline, born June 8, 1897 and died July 5, 1916, was the wife of Arthur Holliday. There are two grandchildren in the family, Herbert J. C. Morris and Laura Ritchey.

The Morris family is one of the representative pioneer families of this section of Missouri, and John W. Morris is one of Cooper County's most substantial citizens.

Harry Williams, a progressive and enterprising farmer and stockman of Kelly township, was born April 9, 1873. He is a son of Isaac and Anna (Yontz) Williams. Isaac Williams was born in Richland County, Ohio, in 1840, a son of Joseph Williams, who was also a native of Ohio. Isaac Williams was a Union veteran of the Civil War, having served in Company G, 163d Ohio Infantry until the close of the war. He then returned to Ohio where he remained until 1873, when he came to Cooper County. A few years after coming here, he bought a farm in Kelly township, which he later sold, and in 1882 purchased the place where Harry Williams now resides. He was a member of the Grand Army of the Republic and was a prominent and public spirited citizen. He died May 11, 1916, and his remains are buried in the I. 0. 0. F. cemetery at Tipton, Mo.

Isaac Williams was married in 1872 to Anna Yontz, a native of Virginia. She was a daughter of John and Harriet (Windall) Yontz, the former a native of Pennsylvania and the latter of Virginia, the former died in 1865 and is buried in Mifflin County, Pa., and the latter died in 1892 and is buried in Tipton, Mo. Three children were born to this union : Lewis, who resides in Kelly township; Harry, Tipton, Mo., and Anne (Yontz) Williams, who resides on the old home place with her son, Harry Williams. Three children were born to Isaac and Anna (Yontz) Williams, as follows: Harry, the subject of this sketch; Lavern, who died in 1908, at the age of 33 years, married Anna Tumell, to whom was born a daughter, Lillian, and they now live in Arizona; and Lillian, married Harry Shrout and they reside in Kelly township.

Harry Williams was reared and educated in Kelly township and has spent all his life in Cooper County. He has made farming and stock raising his life occupation and is meeting with well merited success. He is the owner of 100 acres of valuable and well improved land in Kelly town- ship, and carries on general farming and stock raising. His place is located three miles north of Tipton. Mr. Williams was married Nov. 20, 1900, to Miss Laura Snorgrass, of Moniteau County. She is a daughter of Baiiy and Ella (Robinson) Snorgrass. The father is now deceased and the mother resides at Tipton, Mo. To Mr. and Mrs. Williams have been born one son, Virgil, who is now a student in the Tipton High School.

Mr. Williams is a member of the local school board and takes a commendable interest in local public affairs. He holds membership in the Modern Woodmen of America at Tipton, and is one of Cooper County"s substantial citizens.

Frank B. White, a well known and prosperous farmer of Kelly township, is a tiative Missourian. He was born July 2, 1865 in Moniteau County, a son of Stephen and Martha (Robertson) White. Stephen White was a native of Louisiana, and spent most of his life in Moniteau County, where he was engaged in farming. He at one time decided to go to Nebraska and chartered a car to ship his household goods, and started to drive overland to Nebraska. However, he returned to Moniteau County within 30 days, and for the rest of his life was well satisfied with Missouri. He died in 1883 and his wife died in 1907. They were the parents of the following children: Frank B., the subject of this sketch; A. J., mention of whom is made in this vohime; Edna, married Robert M. Hudson, and they live in Moniteau County, and Vesta who married Henry Swarner, of Moniteau County.

Frank B. White was reared in Moniteau County and educated in Pleasant View school district. He and his brother bought the farm where Frank now lives in partnership in 1887, later Frank B. bought his brother's interest and since that time has owned and operated the place. The place is well improved with a good residence and other farm buildings. Mr. White carries on general farming and stock raising and raises and feeds cattle and hogs, although he has given special attention to breeding and raising pure bred Shropshire sheep. He has made an unusual success of this department of animal husbandry, and is recognized as one of the successful pure blood sheep breeders of Cooper County.

Mr. White was married, March 28, 1895, to Miss Nannie Masters, a daughter of Charles and Elizabeth (Price) Masters, the former a native of Morgan County and the latter of Kentucky. The father died in 1907 and the mother departed this life in 1866. Mrs. White was one of eight children born to her parents, the others being as follows: Mrs. Farnne Askew, deceased : Mrs. Mary Gilliam, Blairstown, Mo. ; William, Blue- jacket, Okla. ; Richard, Berryville, Ark. ; Wade, Kansas City, Mo. ; Walter, Calhoun, Mo., and Charles Woodland, Calhoun. To Mr. and Mrs. White have been born one daughter, Daisy Lee, who resides at home with her parents. She is a graduate of the Tipton High School and attended Howard Payne College and is also a graduate of the State Normal School at Warrensburg, Mo.

Mr. White is a progressive and public spirited citizen, and has always been a strong supporter of good schools and in recent years has been an enthusiastic advocate of better roads. He has served as overseer of his local road district for 14 years. He is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America at Tipton.

Dr. M. R. Huffman, who formerly was engaged in the practice of medicine in this state, but who for the past six or seven years has been engaged in the general merchandise business at Blackwater, is a native of West Virginia. Doctor Huffman was born on a farm in the vicinity of Alderson, W. Va., Sept. 1, 1867, son of Washington and Mary Ellen (Bibb) Huffman.

Washington Huffman was a native of Virginia and was a tanner by trade. He died in 1869, at the age of about 47 years, and his widow, who also was born in Virginia, afterwards married Lewis Alderson, who in 1880 came to Missouri and located in Montgomery County, where he is still living. Mrs. Alderson died in 1909 at the age of 65. To the second union no children were born.

, M. R. Huffman was about 13 years of age when he came to Missouri in 1880 with his mother and stepfather and he grew to manhood in Montgomery County. Upon completing the course in the high school at New Florence, he attended the Normal School at Warrensburg and for six years thereafter was engaged in teaching school, three terms at Americus and three at Big Springs. Meantime, he had been giving his attention to the study of medicine under private preceptorship and in 1889, he entered the Kentucky School of Medicine at Louisville, where he was graduated with the degree of Doctor of Medicine in June, 1892. Doctor Huffman then returned to Missouri and began the practice of his profession at Minneola. A year later he moved to Big Springs, where he formerly had been successfully engaged in teaching school, and at that place continued in practice for four years, when he moved to Americus, where he also had been engaged in teaching and here remained in practice for 13 years, or until 1913, when he moved to Blackwater. where he bought the Joseph Fisher (54) stock of general merchandise and engaged in business. In 1916 Doctor Huffman found that his growing trade required more extensive quarters and in November of that year he moved his store to its present admirable location, carrying a full line of general merchandise, including groceries, dry goods and shoes. Doctor Huffman is a Democrat and his family are members of the Baptist Church.

Jan. 23, 1892, Dr. M. R. Huffman was married to Zula Mosley and to this union two children have been born, Paul B., who marr/ed Elsie G. Cramer and is an able assistant to his father in the store at Blackwater, and Vera B., who married George Huber, Boonville. Mrs. Huffman is a member of 'one of the pioneer families of Missouri, her parents, John T. and Virginia (Bush) Mosley, both having been born in Montgomery County, their respective parents having been among the early settlers of that part of the state, and it was in Montgomery County that Mrs. Huffman was born and reared.

Sims Brothers, farmers and stockmen, who are operating a wellordered and progressively conducted place of 390 acres in section 31 of LaMine township, this county, have long been recognized as among the substantial factors in the agricultural development of that section of the county in which they live and it is regarded as but fitting to the purposes of such a chronicle of the times and place as is this work that mention should here be made of the work they are carrying on.

The three brothers, James W., Joseph E., and Claibourne J. Sims, are farming the old Sims home place of 390 acres in LaMine township and in addition to their general farming are giving proper attention to the raising of live stock, their operations being carried on in accordance with modern methods and with gratifying results. The brothers are bachelors and their home five miles east of Blackwater is presided over by their widowed mother and their sister. The Sims family came into Cooper County from Howard County more than 40 years ago and has long been recognized as one of the established families of LaMine township. Further reference to this family will be found in a biographical sketch relating to John N. Sims, another brother, presented elsewhere in this work, where fitting reference also is made to the late John C. Sims, father of these sons, who died on the place which he had established nearly a half century ago and where his widow and the four unmarried children still reside.

Rev. Benjamin F. Reed, a minister of the Baptist Church and a farmer and landowner in the vicinity of Blackwater, is a native Missourian. He

John Reed was born in Can-oil County, Mo., in 1822, his parents having been pioneers of that section. He was reared a farmer and in the days of his young manhood went to Livingston County, where he married, established his home and he spent the remainder of his life, his death occurring in 1905. His widow died in 1907. She was born in Frankfort, Ky., in July, 1822. Her parents died when she was a child and when 14 years of age she came to Missouri and grew to womanhood in the home of her aunt, Mrs. Betsy McCroskey.

Reared on a farm, the Rev. Benjamin F. Reed grew up familiar with the details of farm life. His early schooling was received in the schools of Livingston County and from boyhood he has been a close student, early giving his attention to the study of theology and philosophy. In 1870 he married and continued farming, meanwhile pursuing his theological studies and in 1889 was licensed a minister of the Baptist Church and has ever since been engaged in the ministry of the gospel, during that time serving in a pastoral relation many congregations and driving or riding many miles horseback throughout this region. For the past 14 years he has been the settled pastor of Heaths Creek Baptist Church in Saline County. In 1897 Mr. Reed came to the Blackwater neighborhood and bought the 40 acres of land two miles south of town in Blackwater township, where he has since made his home, giving his active attention to the operation of the farm in addition to attending to his ministerial duties. Mr. Reed is a Democrat and a Mason and also belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.

Dec. 11, 1870, the Rev. Benjamin F. Reed was married to Martha Branstter, who was born in Pike County, Mo., in 1856, and to this union 13 children have been born, 10 of whom are living, namely: Howard, of Fayette, Mo. ; Augustus, of Blackwater ; Nora, wife of H. Branstter, of LaMine township ; Cora, wife of F. Miller, of East Boonville ; Ada, wife of N. Renison, of LaMine township; Artie, of Blackwater township; Arlie, of that same township; May, wife of E. Figgans, of Blackwater township, and George and Charlie, of Blackwater township. Among the children thus enumerated are two sets of twins, Mrs. Nora Branstter and Mrs. Cora Miller and Artie and Arlie.

Having been but a lad when he came to Cooper County with his parents, Jacob Gross here grew to manhood, completing his schooling in the local schools, and remained on the home farm until his marriage in 1877, when he rented a farm. He continued as a renter until about 1892, when he bought his present farm in Pilot Grove township, and has since made his home there. Mr. Gross has a well improved place of 1121/2 acres and in addition to his general farming he raises live stock. When he bought the place the only "improvement" on it was a log cabin. This primitive structure, Mr. Gross soon supplanted by a new and modern house and the other improvements he has made on the place are in keeping with the same. Mr. Gross is a republican and has for years given close attention to local political affairs. He served for some time as a member of the school board. He and his family are members of the Catholic Church.