Dade County, Missouri - Biographical sketches, 1917 (part 2 of 10)

Ex-Judge Frank Chatham

One of the most prominent men of all northern Dade County is Frank Chatham of north Sac Township. He was born in Shelby county, Illinois, April 15, 1867, a son of Thomas D. and Mary (Wakefield) Chatham, both natives of Illinois, where they married and passed their lives, liis father dying there about 1875 and the mother about 1H95. Thomas D. Chatham was a Union soldier in the rebellion serving as Sergeant in Co. C 3rd Illinois Vol. Cavalry for over three years. He was a republican. In the Chatham family there were five children in which Frank Chatham, the subject of this sketch was second in order of birth. Of this family three are now living, besides Frank; Robert is a resident of Roundstown, Illinois and Anna, now Mrs. Calvin Kirkpatrick of Christian County, 111. Frank Chatham was only eight years of age when his father died and continued to live with his mother until she again married, when he struck out for himself working at farm labor from place to place and in 1887, he visited his uncle James A. Wakefield, who was a farmer of Dado County, Missouri. He liked it so well here that he stayed working out and farming on the share the first year, the second year he worked for Daniel Blakemore. On November 28, 1889, he married Cora A. Kirby, who was born in Dade County June 19, 1867, a daughter of James M. Kirby and Mary Grisham, his wife. For two years after their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Chatham farmed on her father's farm and it was not long before Mr. Kirby gave his daughter 120 acres of land in North Morgan Township. This was partly improved, had a small one-room house and here they settled and went to work in dead earnest. In two years they bought a good 40 adjoining remaining on this place for four years, when they moved back to the Kirby homestead and Mr. Chatham wTent into the stock business with his father-in-law, James Kirby. The Kirby homestead was sold out in some two or three years and Mr. Chatham rented 225 acres in north Sac. Township of Dee White. This was for the year 1904 and 1905, and when his lease was up, he bought the entire tract of 255 acres. This was a well improved farm and well adapted to stock raising, has a good residence and here Mr. Chatham has since resided and carried on stock raising and farming to a large extent. He has, however, sold 40 acres of his original purchase and now owns 215 acres in north Sac. Township, also 160 acres in north Morgan Township and two and one-half acres located in the town of Dadeville.

To Mr. and Mrs. Chatham have been born four children as follows: The two eldest died in infancy; Those living are James Leslie, born January 28, 1898, is a finely educated young man having had the advantages of Dade County schools and attended one year at Marionville College and one year at Bolivar, Polk County. He is at present farming in North Morgan township - he married Mabel Willett of Cedar County; Thomas Roy, born November 4, 1902 is at home attending school. On his fine farm Mr. Chatham will average handling a car-load each of hogs and cattle and also raising some fine mules for the market and he has a fine flock of some 80 head of sheep and goats. On this place are two large silos and the farm is finely watered with good springs and spring branch, in fact, it is an ideal stock farm. Mr. and Mrs. Chatham are fine Christian people belonging to the Baptist Church at Cave Springs. Mr. Chatham is a red hot republican and has been very active in the council of his party. He has served on the school board for a number of years and is now road over-seer in his district. He was elected on the republican ticket as judge of the county court, served two years and was one of our most popular judges. Mr. Chatham is a wide-awake progressive business man and can always be counted upon for his assistance in any enterprise that is for the good of the county or its people. He is a booster for good roads and a firm friend of free public schools. Too much cannot be said of what Mr. Chatham has accomplished and all in Dade County too. He had little chance for education, but today he is a well read, finely posted man. He is certainly a self-made man in every respect. He has lived a clean life in every respect and deserves the high esteem in which he is held by his multitude of friends. Dade county could well stand a few more men of the calibre of Frank Chatham.

Berniece M. Coiner

An ideal, womanly woman, with all the grace and characteristics of feminity, and yet withal, possessing a spirit of indomitable courage and filled with the "neversay-die" temperament of the Hibernian race, she has won for herself that position which easily proclaims her the "first woman" in Dade County from a business and literary standpoint.

Her father, George W. Coiner, was born in Virginia March 5th, ]H57, and died in the west in the year 1910. He was of the Scotch-Irish ancestry, who settled in Vir- ginia (now West Virginia) in an early day. They were farmers by occupation. George came to Dade County with his wife, young son and parents in 1883. In early manhood he learned the painter's trade, which he followed during life.

George's mother was born in Virginia of Irish parentage, who were farmers by occupation. She was a member of the Christian church. George had one sister, Mary, who married Mahlon Eller, a ranchman, residing at Rock Lake, N. D. Thqy have three children.

George W. Coiner and Jessie Sullivan were married in Peru, Ind., March 11, 1881, she being a native of Peru, born July 3rd, 1862, a daughter of Henry and Priscilla (Parnell) Sullivan, of Irish parentage, he being a shoemaker and came from Indiana to Greenfield, and both are buried in the Greenfield cemetery.

Henry and Priscilla Sullivan were the parents of two children, viz: Jessie, intermarried with George W. Coiner, and mother of Berniece, and Fannie, now the wife of Harry Carlock, residing at Dadeville, Mo. She was educated in the schools of Peru, Ind. She was a member of the Christian church and Eastern Star fraternity of Lockwood. She was Worthy Matron of the chapter at Lockwood at various times for thirteen years, and for some time was District Deputy of this district, organizing a number of chapters. She died August 26, 1916, while undergoing a surgical operation in the Excelsior Springs Sanatorium, she having been at Excelsior Springs five weeks, visiting a son. Five children survive. They are:

(3) Stella, married Harry G. Dee, formerly freight agent of the Frisco railroad at Ft. Scott, Kas., now with the same railroad at Wichita, Kas. They have one child, Robert L.

Berniece M. Coiner has lived in Lockwood all her life. When a girl she attended the grade schools of that place and later spent two years in the High School. She entered the office of the "Missourian," a local paper, owned by A. J. Young, and learned the "art preservative," and by reason of her industry, sagacity and special fitness for the work, she was made manager of that publication, which position she occupied for three years. In March, 1912, in company with John H. Harris, they purchased the " Lockwood Luminary," which she has since managed and edited, and in March, 1916, became the sole owner.

Berniece is a member of the Christian church, a Rebekah and an Eastern Star, and, while a lady is supposed to have no politics, the "Luminary" is a power in Republican circles.

In recounting the struggles and successes of this Dade County girl, it might not be out of order to state that she has supported herself and earned every dollar's worth of property which she now possesses. At present she is the owner of a well-furnished, comfortable home in Lockwood, and the "Luminary" Office is known far and wide as one of the best-equipped offices in the state for a town the size of Lockwood. Its interior appointments are new and up-to-date, while an atmosphere of neatness, good taste and prosperity pervades every inch of the room.

The "Luminary" job office has long since gained a well-merited reputation for artistic work, but the real success of the enterprise has come from the brilliant, sparkling bits of philosophy which has eminated from the editorial chair.

John M. Cotter

subject of this sketch. He was born February 22nd, 1858, in Jefferson County, Tennessee, a son of William and Nancy Jane (White) Cotter, both natives of Tennessee, where they were married and came to Greene County, Missouri, in 1882, and carried on farming until their demise. John was the oldest of five children, the second dying in infancy, while James, the third in order of birth, is also deceased; George H. is a resident of Everton, and Thula married John Baxter, and they live at Bois d'Arc, Greene County.

For many years Mr. Cotter was a business man of Greene County. When about 21 years of age he entered into the drug business at Bois d'Arc, which he sold out in one year, and then spent two years in Colorado and Texas. He returned and put in a new stock of drugs at Bois d'Arc, but after two years he moved to Ash Grove, where he was employed by Swinney Brothers, Druggists, for some five years, at which time he bought out the C. H. Van Pelt Drug Store, which he successfully run for 17 years, finally selling out to A. R. Mason, and moved to a fine 300-acre farm that he had bought while in business. This place is located two miles west of Everton, and was only partly improved. Mr. Cotter has greatly improved this farm with good fences and outbuildings, and now has one of the very best stock farms in the county. Here he raises and feeds some 200 head of hogs a year, besides cattle. In 1881 Mr. Cotter married Miss Alice Wilson, a daughter of Nathaniel and Jane (Baker) Wilson. Mr. Wilson is deceased and was a brother of Solomon H. Wilson, and a sketch of the Wilson family may be found elsewhere in these volumes. Mr. Cotter lost his wife September 30th, 1889, and by her he had two children, as follows: Harry Arthur, who married Josie B. Meyers, who died leaving three children, John M. William B. and Elms B. Clyde Everett died February 6, 1910, age 27 years.

Mr. Cotter is certainly a public-spirited citizen. He ?s a red-hot Republican, but does not desire office of any kind. Fraternally, he is a Mason, belonging to the Blue

Lodge at Everton, the Chapter at Ash Grove, the Commandery at Greenfield and the Shrine at Springfield. He is a good booster for good roads and a staunch friend of our free public school system. Truly, Mr. Cotter is a wide-awake business man, and such men as he are the making of any community.

Samuel William Cox

Born in Dade County, Missouri, April 28th, 1848, died at his home, near South Greenfield, January 3rd, 11)17, son of Jacob and Louisa (Johnson) Cox, both natives of Filn. )re County, Tennessee, where they were married. Came to Dade County by ox team, overland, 1837, being six weeks on the road, coming via St. Louis. They had two children at the time, bringing both with them, Nancy, afterward Mrs. William Moore of Kansas, died September 28th, 1910, aged 74 years; Mary, afterward Mrs. James II. Morgan, died January 18th, 1906, aged 86 years 11 months and 28 days.

Jacob Cox and wife settled on land a half mile south of South Greenfield, and lived there one year in a rail pen, three sides inclosed, the fourth being a quilt. Later on he took up land adjoining where South Greenfield now stands, which became his permanent abode until the time of his death. First he erected a little log cabin 12x14 feet, and in this they lived for a few years, when a second cabin 16 feet square was built, and in these cabins the last of their six children were born. One died in infancy, one in adult age, and two still survive. Sarah A Myers, widow of Charles B. Myers, now lives in Everton; Charles M. Cox, a fanner, living near Golden City. Those deceased are Samuel \V. Cox, Mrs. Elmira English, Leah M. ( 'ox and Oranville (J. Cox.

.Jacob Cox and wife are buried on the home farm, .shout !.")() yards southeast of the frame house which he huilt in 1S-V5. .Jacob Cox was a Republican, and both him- >elf and wife were members of the M. E. Church (South;.

for the South Methodist Camp Meeting Association, 10 acres of which is still retained by the Cumberland Presbyterians and used by them for camp meeting purposes.

Samuel W. Cox stayed at home until he was 21 years of age, at which time he went to work for himself on rented land two miles west of the old Ragsdale homestead. He remained here for two years, and then purchased his present homestead, then consisting of 75 acres, where he has lived and farmed ever since, building houses, barns, fences, etc., and adding land thereto, until he acquired 235 acres, and at the death of his father he received 200 acres more, making him a fine farm of 435 acres, all in one body.

(1) Harriet Adaline, born March loth, 1872, died February 9th, 1894. She married John A. Adams, now deceased, and left two children, Christopher C., now of San Francisco, and Harriet Ida., now of Kansas City. Both are married.

(2) Thomas Albert, of South Greenfield, lives on part of the original land grant to his grandfather. Married Lizzie Bird, and they now have five children, May Elizabeth, Grace, Thomas Albert, William Walter and Walter Jacob. William Walter died May 20th, 1893.

The second wife of Samuel W. Cox was Fannie L. Mitchell, born July 19th, 1862, on a farm near Chicago, 111. The were married June 10th, 1883. She was a daughter of Gohra.ii Smith and Louisa J. (Babb) Mitchell, both natives of the State of Maine, the father being born about 1832, while the mother is still living on a farm with two daughters.

Samuel W. Cox was a life-long Republican and active in the counsels of his party. He was also an Odd Fellow, a Mason, belonging to all the lodges, a Shriner at Springfield, and to the Commandery at Greenfield. The entire family are members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.

Samuel W. Cox was one of the original organizers of the Farmers' State Bank at South Greenfield, and in 1915 was elected its President, succeeding B. J. J. Marsh (deceased). Mr. Cox was also a stockholder in the Dadc Count Bank at Greenfield.

Being an admirer of blooded stock, Mr. Cox was among the first to introduce Shorthorn cattle and Poland- China hogs into Bade County. His herd of Shorthorns was established in 1875, and became famous all over the State of Missouri. He exhibited both hogs and cattle at the various fairs and was richly rewarded in the granting of premiums.

Besides being a heavy feeder and shipper of both cattle and hogs, Mr. Cox engaged in another enterprise, which was largely in the nature of an experiment, but one which proved to be a glowing success. On the 18th day of August, 1914, he began the construction of a fish pond on his farm, which would cover about two acres. It required a concrete retaining wall 170 feet long, 18 inches wide at the base, 8 inches at the top and 18 feet high above bedrock. This created a pond which was supplied with an everlasting spring of clear, cool, sparkling water, having a flow of 50 gallons per minute in the dryest time. This pond he stocked with both large and small-mouthed bass and crappie, obtaining some from the state and the remainder from the government fish hatch- ery. At the greatest depth this pond is 9 feet 11 inches deep. It answers two purposes - first, it is an ornament to the farm, adding much to its intrinsic beauty, and second, it furnishes fish and fishing to the occupants, thereby becoming a source of profit as well as of pleasure.

Charles M. Cox

Was born in Dade County, Missouri, December 8th, 1854, son of Jacob and Louisa (Johnson) Cox, pioneers of Dade County, who resided in the vicinity of South Greenfield.

Charles M. Cox received all his education in the common schools of Dade County and remained at home on the farm till 23 years of age, at which time, March 6th, 1878, he was married to Emma B. Teagarden, who was born in Henry County, Illinois, October 9th, 1854, a daughter of John M. and Mary (Brown) Teagarden, who came to Dade County in 1871. They were farmers and settled in Grant Township. Both are now deceased. After his marriage, Mr. Cox went onto a farm of 160 acres of partly improved land in Grant Township, which he had bought in 1874 at $12.50 per acre. The improvements at the time of his purchase consisted of a small house and some fencing. They went to work and improved it from time to time until now it is one of the finest farms in western Dade County. In 1892 he built a large sevenroom dwelling, surrounded by a fine lawn, elegant shade trees, large barn and substantial outbuildings.

To Mr. and Mrs. Cox were born six children, four of whom are living. Hattie A., died at the age of 4y2 years, and Clarence A., died at the age of 10 years, both dying the same year. Those living are:

(1) Howard V., married for his first wife Etta Deweese, who died leaving one child, Esther, and for his second wife he married Susan Porter. They are now living on the old homestead with Mr. Cox.

In politics Mr. Cox is what is termed an Independent voter, not bound to any particular political party. He has been a member of the Christian church for many years.

During his li.Vrinie Mr. Cox has witnessed many changes. His eai'iy recollection goes back to the days when his father would tai\o tiie entire- tamily in an ox wagon to Greenfield, starting rariy in the morning and spending the entire day in trading and on the road, although the distance was little more than three miles. His father's original farm comprised what is now a part of the city of South Greenfield, and laid mostly in the productive Limestone Valley. Mr. Cox grew to manhood in this locality, and was well ac^naint'-d witli all the pioneer settlers of Pennsylvania Prairie country.

Mrs. Cox departed this life February Vlth, 1914. Since purchasing the original 160 acres, Mr. Cox has added 80 acres, so that the farm now comprises i!40 acres, situated in the very heart of the best fanning and stock raising part of Dade County. In addition to his general farming enterprises, Mr. Cox ha< been largely interested in raising blooded stock, especially hogs and cattle. His herds were known far and wide throughout Southwest Missouri. He was one of the first men in his locality to appreciate the value of a silo in cattle feeding, and erected one with a 100-ton capacity. His farm is well fenced and cross-fenced and admirably adapted to both grain and stock raising. He has prospered in his business affairs and is now ready to retire, having the confidence and esteem of his neighbors, as well as a goodly portion of this world's goods, which will enable him to spend his declining years in comparative ease and comfort.

Dr. Robert Madison Crutcher

farmers and wholesale merchants of Nashville, Tenn., and also in the iron furnace business a few years. Both were natives of Tenn., and are buried there.

Robert Madison Crutcher is one of a large family of children, but only two brothers are living, one in Kentucky and one in Texas. His father was married a second time and he has four half-brothers living, two in Montana and one in Oregon and one in Arkansas.

Mr. Crutcher remained at home working with his father until he was 24 years of age, obtained but little schooling in his boyhood days, for at the age of 13 the school buildings of his neighborhood were turned into hospitals. At the age of 22 years he entered the medical department of the University of Tennessee, at Nashville, and graduated from that institution in 1874 and came to Cane Hill, Mo., where he practiced for two years, and then moved to Arcola in August, 1876, where lie still resides. In those early days he enjoyed an extensive practice, covering a large territory. There were no buggies then, so that he was obliged to keep three saddle horses in constant use in his ever-increasing business.

On the 1st day of November, 1874, at Cane Hill, Mo., he was married to Mary Victoria Rountree, daughter of Rufus M. Rountree, an early settler of Cedar county. To this union were born five boys, all living:

(2) James Ernest, born September 8, 1879, married Cora Parks, a native of Missouri. They live in Portland, Oregon. He is now the Corresponding Secretary of the Bell Telephone Company of that city.

Mr. Crutcher had four brothers in the Confederate army. He was not an enlisted soldier himself, being too young, but performed valuable scout duty.

In politics, Mr. Crutcher is a democrat, and for years has taken an active part in both state and county politics. He has served many years as a member of the school board, was the first collector after the organization of North Township, and is one of the stockholders in the Arcola bank.

Fraternally, Dr. Crutcher is a Mason, belonging to the Blue Lodge at Arcola and the Commandery at Greenfield. He is also an Odd Fellow. In religious life Mr. Crutcher is a member of the Christian church, has been an elder for 25 years, was one of the prime movers in the church at Arcola, and has been superintendent of the Sunday School for more than 25 years, most of the time.

When Dr. Crutcher first came to Arcola it consisted of one store and one saloon. The only church was an uncompleted Methodist Episcopal building, and for a number of years he contributed to the support of this organization. He bought a home consisting of two small rooms, one 14 by 14 and the other 8 by 14. In this humble cottage he raised his family. In that day the land surrounding Arcola was uncultivated prairie land, but as the years went by Mr. Crutcher invested his savings in real estate until he now owns a farm of 280 acres North and West of Arcola, 30 acres adjoining the town on the Southeast, and has added to his original dwelling by remodeling and rebuilding, until he now has a comfortable 6-room residence.

In the practice of medicine, Dr. Crutcher has been eminently successful. In early days when money was scarce and the settlements widely scattered, Dr. Crutcher has ridden many miles over rough roads, through rain and storm, no matter how dark the night, to alleviate the suffering of some poor family with absolutely no hope or prospect of remuneration. His life work has been one of service and sacrifice, and as a reward he has gained the confidence, respect and admiration of the community in which he lives. Few men have contributed more in sincere devotion to duty for the benefit of the community than Dr. Robert Madison Crutcher.

Henry Albert Cunningham

Among the many boys in Dade County who were born upon the farm, received their education in the common schools and then made good in the business world, none stand out more prominent than the subject of this sketch. William Cunningham was a pioneer farmer who settled on a farm two miles East of where the city of Lockwood now stands. His oldest son, Albert, was born and raised on this farm. He received his education in the common schools of the neighborhood and early in life became attached to the cattle industry. In the year 1882, when twenty-five years of age, he came to Lockwood and engaged in the mercantile business in partnership with A. F. Finley, and shortly thereafter was married to Miss Hattie Matthews of Lockwood. He established his permanent home in Lockwood. To this union *\rere born three children, Mabel, nowr Mrs. Emery Clements ; Iva, a single daughter, and Laclede, a son.

He remained in the general merchandise business about twenty years, during which time he was also extensively engaged in buying, feeding, pasturing and shipping live stock. Careful and conservative in his business ventures and always exercising splendid judgment, he made a success in all his undertakings.

About the year 1895, when the Bank of Lockwood was organized, he was one of its principal stockholders, acted as cashier for about one year and was its vice president up to the time of his death. In business circles, Mr. Cunningham was always regarded as one of Lockwood 's best citizens. His death came at a most unexpected moment. He was in the very midst of his business activities and in seeming good health.

of a minor difficulty, which on examination proved to be of a cancerous nature, alTect-nii' 'he jaw. A minor operation was performed, which upon closer examination proved far more serious than the doctors at first concluded, and a second operation was decided upon. His wife was notified by telegram and she went immediately to his side, but the operation proved fatal. His death was a sad shock to the entire community.

His funeral was conducted at the Christian church in Lockwood, by Rev. (Jeor.u'e Yarbrough of that church, and was one of the largest and most impressive ever conducted in the city. The business of the city was suspended during the day and almost the entire population attended the funeral. Amoiiii1 the deeply afflicted ones were his aired parents who have since passed away. Five brothers, Lafayette. Alex, Levi, James and William, and three sisters. Mrs. 11. A. Peterson of Sprin.u'field, Mrs. Hn.irh Hampton of (Jreenfield and Mrs. Ida Smith of Lockwood, were all present.

Mr. Cunnin.u'ham was called from a life of business activity while yet in the very prime and viiror of his manhood. His influence had been felt in every important step in the development of the city and community, but he left for himself a monument of respect in the hearts and lives of his neighbors and friends which will stand as lon.u1 as the historv of Dade Countv is read or remembered.

Albert W. Daigh

Of irood old fiuhtinu' stuck, with ancestors tracinir their parentage hack to the land of the Shamrock. Albert W. I'aiu'li riiteivd ilium the scene of life'- activitie> in (Miri-- tian ('onnty, 111.. .June L'lst, 1S(»(5, a son of Thomas Jefferson and Mary (Willis) Hai^li. the forme]1 lieinir a native of Saniramou ('onnly, 111., while the latter was born in Dade County, Mo. Charles ( '. Dai.di. father of Thomas .1. Daiirh, was a nat ive of \Vest Vi ruinia, as also was his father. James aiLih. Tin1 father of James L. I)aiirh came from to \\est Virginia prior to the Revolutionary war ook an active part therein. His son, James Lewis

Daigh, was a soldier in the war of 1812, while Charles C. Daigh, his son, fought in the Black Hawk war. From the above record it is quite evident that the great-great-greatgrandfather of Albert was the founder of the Daigh family in America, and its christening seems to have been with a baptism of blood.

John Lewis Daigh, Albert's great-grandfather, emigrated to Illinois from West Virginia in a very early day, when Springfield, the capital of the state, was yet a very small hamlet. His family, which were for the most part grown, came with him. Charles C. Daigh at that time was a young man, and about the year 1832 married Elizabeth Patton, a native of Ohio but a girl he had known in West Virginia. The Patton family came to Sangamon county at the same time the Daigh family came. Charles C. Daigh came to Missouri in 1837 and settled in Lawrence county, where lie remained until the Civil war, when he returned to Illinois, and died there in 1884.

Thomas Jefferson Daigh came to Missouri in 1868, at the close of the war, and settled in Dade County. He remained in Dade County till 1873, when he bought land in Lawrence County, where he farmed until 1884. After spending one year in Kansas, he returned to Dade County and bought 80 acres of land where Albert now lives.

Thomas Jefferson Daigh was married to Mary Willis, a native of Dade County, but who was residing in Sangamon County, Illinois, on account of the war, in 18G4. To this union were born four children, Albert W., Georgie, Emory and Anna, now Mrs. James 0. Clark of Craik, Saskatchewan, Canada.

Albert W. Daigh remained with his father until the year 1885, when he went to the state of Washington and for three years engaged in farming and fruit shipping. Having a desire for a higher education, he entered Cumberland University at Lebanon, Tenn., where he remained a student until 1890, when he returned to Dade County and engaged in teaching school for seven years. In 1896 he was a candidate of the democratic party for Clerk of the Circuit Court, but was defeated. He has always been active in politics, a consistent democrat and a candidate at one time for collector. At present he is assessor and clerk of the Township Board.

Mr. Daigh is actively engaged in fanning and stock raising and resides upon a splendid farm of 136 acres, which he owns in South Township, and is raising some alfalfa.

In the year 1901 he erected a fine two-story, eight-room residence on his farm. The place is well watered by springs and wells, the supply being handled by a windmill and gasoline engine. Convenient outbuildings of commodious dimensions add to the value and beauty of the farm.

Mr. Daigh is a wide-awake, public-spirited man, with lofty moral and religious ideals and a power for righteousness and right living in his home community.

William D. Davidson

Was born in Grayson County, Texas, September 25th, 1870, son of George W. and Missouri (Menice) Davidson. His father was born in Dade County upon the. farm where Mr. Davidson now lives, March 4th, 1843, while his mother was born in Tennessee, September 14th, 1843. George W. Davidson was always a farmer, as also was his father, Joseph Davidson, who was a Dade County pioneer, and homesteaded the Davidson farm. George W. Davidson moved to Texas about 1869, where he engaged in farming and then returned to Dade County, where he ended his days. George W. Davidson served for three years in the Confederate army, as a private, was wounded in battle, and died February 13th, 1911. His mother, Missouri Davidson, still resides on the old homestead.

Mr. Davidson is the third in point of birth of a family of eight children, four of whom are living. He attended school in the Limestone district, and also in Fairview district, this county.

William D. Davidson was married on the 27th day of February, 1901, to Laura Russell, a native of Sac Township, Dade County, daughter of C. C. and Mary (Stanley) Russell, both natives of Missouri. Her father was for a number of years engaged in buying stock, but is now living a retired life in Greenfield. Her mother is also living. C. C. Russell is a veteran of the Civil war, having served in the Union army. Was neither wounded nor disabled. Mrs. Davidson is the second of a family of nine children. She was educated in the schools of Dade County.

Mr. Davidson remained at home till about 20 years of age, when he engaged in farming upon his own account, and has farmed continuously since that date. He devotes his entire time to the management of a farm of 200 acres, raising grain and live stock. He is a democrat in politics and has been a member of the school board for a number of years, but never held any other office.

Mr. and Mrs. Davidson have one child, William Orville, born January 1st, 1902. He is still at home. Mr. Davidson is a member of the W. (). W. and is an industrious, energetic farmer and stock raiser.

George W. Daigh

One of the most highly respected and beloved citizens of Dade County is Uncle George Daigh of South Greenfield. He was born in Lawrence County, Missouri, March 21st, 1839, a son of Charles and Elizabeth (Patton) Daigh, the father a native of Virginia and the mother of Ohio. They were married in the state of Illinois and came to Lawrence County in 1837, and were among the very early settlers of that county. George Daigh was the fourth in order of birth of a large family, and the first child to be born to his parents in this state. He received his education in Lawrence County and remained at home up to the start of the Civil war, although he worked out for two years previous. At the time of the great Civil war he helped his father move the family back to Illinois, going by way of Kansas, and this accomplished, George Daigh was not to be found wanting in patriotism for his country, and therefore enlisted in Company E, 114th Volunteers, Illinois Infantry, on August llth, 1862, under Colonel Judy, and his captain was Captain Shoup. For three years Mr. Daigh remained in the army and was destined to see very hard service and to see the worst side of the war. He was in the thick of the fights at Jackson, Miss., seige of Yicksburg, and the Seige of Jackson, and at the battle of Guntown, Miss., an on the retreat from this battlefield was taken prisoner of war and sent to the notorious Andersonville prison at Andersonville, Ga., where he was kept for three months, and experienced all the horrors of that frightful place. Vividly does Uncle George remember the conditions at this prison and the hardships he wont through are almost indescribable. He says that on 36 acres of bare ground 34,000 Union men were held, and their rations were a scant spoonful of molasses, meal and dry beans daily, and they suffered terribly for tobacco, and would trade a day's rations for a scrap or two. There were seven prisoners from his company, and they used to select one of the seven each day who would trad:-- his full ration for tobacco, and then the other six would divide their rations with him, and all use the tobacco so obtained. The water was filthy, and little of that until the famous ''Providence .Spring" broke out, and Uncle Geor'jo well remembers the day that this happened. This spring broke through solid, hard-packed earth, just across the "Dead Line," which was a line established by th<" Confederates, beyond which any man who stopped w;;- instantly shot, and ho says that many and many a poor IV!!o\v, cnwd by hardship and starving, would dolibonitc'y stop across this line, and thus end his misery.

This spring referred to is still running today, and it truly scorned that it was sent by Providence for the relief of those thousands of brave and suffering men.

At this time, Uncle George says, the men were dying at the rate of 150 a day and were buried in long trenches, dug by a detail of prisoners, lie remembers well the day that he saw the six raiders hung at Andersonville prison. All these terrible sights and through all this almost unbelievable hardships, Mr. Daigh endured for three months, when he was transferred to Charleston, S. C., where he was kept one month, then he was taken to Florence, S. C., for two months, then was exchanged and came home to Illinois, via Savannah, Ga. At this time he was nothing but skin and bones, and when his friends came for him he was unable to tell his name. After a stay at home, in which time he regained his strength, he returned to Alabama to rejoin his regiment, but when he arrived peace had been declared, so his company was discharged at Vicksburg August 5th, 1865, and the glorious day had arrived when he could return to his home and begin life in peace. This he did, and in December of 1865, on the 26th day, he was married to Miss Amanda Willis, who was born May 15th, 1846, a daughter of Rev. R. T. Willis, and of whom extended mention will be found elsewhere. For two years after they were married they rented land in Illinois and farmed, then came to Dade County, where they remained five years, also renting land, then moved to Lawrence County, where they bought 40 acres of land near Bowers' Mill. Here they built a little home and set out an orchard and lived until 1884, when they decided to come back to good old Dade County, aiid consequently sold out and bought 68 acres on Turnback Creek, in South Township, which they improved, and lived there 17 happy years, but in 1901 sold this nice farm and bought 10 acres adjoining South Greenfield, which they have greatly improved, and now have one of the prettiest places in all Dade County. Here they are spending their decliningyears in peace and happiness. A finer, more devoted couple cannot be found in our county, and it is a great pleasure to visit Uncle George and Aunt Amanda, for it makes one feel that life is surely worth living, and that love is sweet indeed. Mr. Daigh is a Republican in poli- tics and is a prominent member of the G. A. R. at Greenfield. Truly, this grand old couple is well worthy of the high regard in which they are held by all, and the example of their well-rounded life is an inspiration to our younger generation. It is the earnest wish of a multitude of friends that this worthy and greatly-loved couple may live for many years yet to come, and that those years may be filled with happiness and the joy of living and loving.

Rolvin H. Darst

Was born on the 19th day of July, 1866 in Delaware county, Ohio, son of William D., and Louisa (Holt) Darst, both of whom were natives of Ohio, were married there. Later they came to Greene County, Mo., in the year 1872 and bought 300 acres of land where the mother died. His father then sold out and went to Texas and in company with his brother-in-law bought 320 acres of land in Hale County which he farmed for two years then sold out and came to Dade County, and lived with his son, Rolvin, until he died, August 27, 1912.

Rolvin H. Darst was the 3rd in order of birth of a family of seven children. He remained at home until 19 years of age, worked out for wages. In 1886 he was married to Margaret Hurst who was born March 3rd, 1869, died June 3rd, 1896, leaving one child, Lloyd, born February 12, 1887, married Laura Wheeler, a daughter of James Wheeler. They have two boys, Lawrence, born October 31, 1906 and Lewell, born November 27th, 1910.

R. H. Darst was again married to Mary Olive Wheeler, who was born February 3rd, 1872, a daughter of Allen Wheeler. They were married on the 10th day of February, 1898.

In the year 1892 he bought 160 acres of land in partnership with his brother in Polk Township upon which he lived for about 10 years. This land was unimproved. They cleared out 120 acres and built a frame house, then sold out and bought 240 acres all in one body. This tract of land was in fair condition. Mr. Darst has done some clearing, lots of fencing, so that now it is all fenced and cross fenced and all in cultivation except 20 acres. He has rebuilt the dwelling consisting of five rooms with water in the house. Has a 130-ton silo and a herd of full blood short-horn cattle. .

He feeds from five to six car loads of cattle and hogs each year, has fifteen acres of alfalfa which does fine. Mr. Darst was one of the first men in Polk Township to introduce alfalfa. In addition to being a splendid stock and grain farm, Mr. Darst is of the opinion that much valuable mineral underlies his land, since it is right in the mineral belt of Dade County and surrounded by producing mines. He expects to do some prospecting the coming year. The ranch is r-amed Riverside Stock Farm.

Mr. Darst and wife are members of the Baptist church. He is a Republican in politics and belongs to the Odd Fellow and Woodman lodges. He is also a stockholder in the Home Telephone Company. Much of the good-roads spirit which has been developed in the community is due to the untiring labors of Mr. Darst in that direction. He is a good roads enthusiast and strong for the Community Spirit.

William J. Davis

Public spirited, picturesque, eccentric, whole-souled, wide-awake and active, William J. Davis is easily Lockwood's most distinguished citizen. He was born in Saratoga County, New York, March 27th, 1834. He was a son of Richard C. arid Susan (Pawling) Davis, the former being a native of Saratoga county, New York of Scotch parentage as also was his wife. Her father, William Pawling, was a soldier in the Revolutionary war. Her uncle, Colonel Henry Pawling served in the Continental army with distinction under General Washington. The Pawling family was related to General Alexander Hamil-

(4) Levi II, married Alexander's widow, (twins) Albert enlisted in the 105 Ills, infantry at DeKalb, Ills., and served during the war. He is now at a Soldiers' Home in California.

William J. Davis grew to manhood upon the farm, first in New York and later in the state of Illinois. He has a vivid recollection of the days when he cradled grain at 50 cents per day and threshed at 25 cents per day. He mowed with scythe and raked hay at 50 cents, too. He was a natural mechanic, handy with tools, and could construct almost any kind of a farm utensil, including wagons, hay-rakes and cradles and his own plow and corn planter. His father came from New York to DeKalb County, Illinois, in 1846, where he died in 1877. He was c Democrat, but he and his four sons voted for "Abe" Lincoln in 1860. He was a successful farmer and stockman, and a member of the Baptist church. His wife died in 1870.

William J. Davis came to Dade County in 1869 and purchased land for a farm in the then wild prairie, contrary to the advice of all the early pioneers. The city of Lockwood now stands on a part of his original purchase. He named his home the "Evergreen Stock Farm," which soon became noted all over Southwest Missouri. Mr. Davis imported the first Norman stallion and the first Shorthorn bull into Dade County. He also, in 1884, imported five Scotch Clyde stallions and four mares, and has a certificate from the United States authorities stating that they were superior stock and would improve the stock of the United States. He made his own cuts to print on the bills for his stallions. He was also a breeder of fine jacks and a propagator of fruits, flowers and tame grasses. He exhibited live stock, fruits, grasses and vegetables at the county, district, state and even national fairs for a number of years, having now in his possession a string of premium cards and ribbons over 200 feet long. He was awarded a gold medal at the Louisiana Purchase Exposition at St. Louis in 1904 for the best display of tame grasses and clover grown by an exhibitor, competing against the world.

Mr. Davis was the only man in Dade County to give the right-of-way to the K. C., Ft. & G. railroad when it was constructed. It crossed 80 acres of his land. As soon as the railroad was built, in 1881, Mr. Davis platted a town and named it Lockwood, in honor of the General Passenger agent of that road. In order to encourage building, he gave lots to all who would erect buildings thereon, and he gave lots and money to every church erected in the city except the German, and they never solicited it. He gave a whole block to the public school and another block to the city for a park. Another act of philanthropy which might be mentioned occurred during the very early days of Lockwood, when there had been a failure of crops and flour was very high. Mr. Davis purchased 40,860 pounds of flour and sold it at cost in order to prevent suffering. Mr. Davis also gave the lot, the water privilege and $50 in cash to the first flouring mill erected in Lockwood.

Mr. Davis built the first house on the present site of Lockwood and was the town's first postmaster. As a breeder he had wonderful mastery and control over his animals. At one time he exhibited on the streets a pair of Norman stallions hitched and driven to a wagon without a halter, lines or bridle. At another time he exhibited a 4-year-old stalion on the streets of another town right in breeding season, with lots of horses on the streets, threw the rein over his back and asked the horse to kiss him, which he did, and followed him with his tongue against his face whenever he stopped, paying no attention to other horses. His exhibitions of live stock, fruit and farm products on the streets of Lockwood was the real beginning of the Dade County fair. As a veterinary surgeon, Mr. Davis exhibited great natural skill, and performed many remarkable feats along that line.

(1) Susan, intermarried with Charles Polston, a farmer, for many years a resident in the vicinity of Lockwood, but now in New Mexico. They have eight children.

(2) Minnie B., first married to Samuel Hunt. To this marriage was born one son, Lola, who is now a teacher in a government school in Oklahoma. Her second husband, William Rollman, now resides in Iowa. They have one child.

Besides being a farmer, gardener, stockman and horticulturist, William J. Davis is also a great hunter and fisherman. It has been his custom for several years to spend his winters on the gulf coast of Florida, where fishing for game fish is a rare sport. Mr. Davis has many rare specimens of forest, field and stream, which he exhibits with delight. He is a man of remarkable physique, being able now, at the age of 82 years, to sit on a chair and place his leg over his shoulders and around his neck, a feat which very few men at any age in life can accomplish.

Some years ago, when Mr. Davis concluded to sell the "Evergreen Stock Farm" and lead a more retired life, he erected a modern home in Lockwood on an eightacre tract within the city limits. To his lawn he moved from his farm a large number of evergreen trees, many of them eight inches in diameter and 30 feet high. So successful was he in this enterprise that in less than two years' time his home had the appearance of having been settled 20 years or more. On this lawn and eight-acre tract Mr. Davis has grown many rare plants, shrubs and curious trees.

Industry and tenacity of purpose has been the watchword of Mr. Davis' life. While he has accumulated a large amount of property, mostly the fruit of his own industry, he has also been generous, giving to his children abundantly. He is still active and able to do as much or more work than many men 25 years his junior.

His wife is a member of the M. E. church, Mr. Davis being a Baptist, but not an attendant. He is the oldest living member of the local Odd Fellow lodge, has filled all the chairs in the subordinate lodge, and also the encampment. He votes the Republican ticket and takes a great Interest in current events. He has traveled extensively, attended many national conventions and expositions, is well posted on many topics, is peculiar in this, that there never was another man just like him, and as long as Dade County history is read, written or talked about, the name of William J. Davis will always find a place upon its pages.

Lewis C. Dunaway

Lewis C. Dunaway, better known as ''Whig" Dunaway, all-around farmer, and good citizen of Dadeville, Dade County, Missouri, is known to almost every man, woman and child in the county. He is a native son, having been born in Sac Township December 19th, 1846, a son of Lewis T. and Jane (English) Dunaway, both natives of Tennessee, where they were married in Ray County arid emigrated to Dade County, Missouri, in 1835. They settled on Sac river and farmed there until 1850, when he sold out and moved to Crisp Prairie, east of Dadeville, and he died near Rolla in 18G1, his wife living for many years after. Lewis T. Dunaway was an outspoken and fearless Whig in politics, and it was his reputation along this line that gave Lewis C., his son, and subject of this sketch, the nickname of "Whig," and while everyone knows Whig, very few would know who you meant if you should speak of him as Lewis C.

Whig Dunaway remained at home, working at farming, until the Civil war broke out, and during the war, up to 1865, when he enlisted in Company E, Fourteenth Missouri Volunteer Cavalry, but only served for seven months, although it wasn't his fault, for the war closed, and friend Whig had to go back to farming, which he did, opening up his operations on 180 acres of good prairie land east of Dadeville. This land was unimproved, and Whig went to work with a will, for it is safe to say that he had visions of a coming of an important event in his life, for he worked as never before nor since. He broke up 40 acres of that raw land with steers, fenced it, built a small house, and, you bet, got married. He married Miss Sarah Jane Eector December 20th, 1868, who was a native of Tennessee, born there May 31, 1850, and a daughter of Grigsby Eector and Angeline Butler, his wife, both natives of Tennessee, where they were married and came to Bade County in the year 1852, settling west of Dadeville on 160 acres of government land. Mr. Rector was a Confederate soldier and was killed during the war at Lone Jack, Mo. Whig Dunaway made no mistake in his choice of a wife, for she wras made of the same high-grade material as he, so they did not surprise anyone when they began to get to the front at once. They stuck to farming, and made a business of it, stayed at the same good old place for twenty-five years, prospered, and kept buying land until at one time they had 480 acres of as good soil as Dade County affords. In 1889 they decided to move to Dadeville, having sold some of their land and given some to their children. In 1901 they bought 36 acres practically in the town of Dadeville, and remodeled the residence which now is one of the very best in the town. Besides this town property, they also own 120 acres. Mr. and Mrs. Dunaway have raised a fine family. Of their ten children, eight are living and are a credit to the county and the name of Dunaway. In order of their birth, they are: Amos, born October 25th, 1869, died in infancy; Charlie, May 12, 1871; Anna M., born August 21, 1872, now Mrs. Thad Kirby of North Morgan; Nora JM born May 29, 1875, now Mrs. Charles McNeal of Cedar County; Theron, born April 29, 1878; Lucretia, born January 13th, 1881, now Mrs. Roscoe Pyle of Carthage, Mo.; Lucy E., born September 16th, 1883, now Mrs. Orris Landers, and lives east of Dadeville^ Margaret, born February 25th, 1886, and now a teacher of Roswell, N. M.; Zola P., born December llth, 1889, now Mrs. Roy Davis of South Morgan; Wilford C., born August 22nd, 1892, of Dadeville. Mr. and Mrs. Dunaway have 18 grandchildren.

Mr. and Mrs. Dunaway are consistent members of the Church of Christ. Mr. Dunaway is a staunch Republican, and can always be found ready to do his duty to his county and state. A broad-minded man, ever ready with Ms means to further any cause for the betterment of the county, and a man of strict honor, he numbers his friends by the hundreds, and you would have to look a long, long time to find any person who would or could say aught but good of our friend and fellow-citizen, Lewis C. (Whig) Dunawav.

William R. Dye

Ex-Judge William R. Dye, a resident of Everton, is one of Dade County's most prominent men. He was born in Monroe County, Missouri, April 23rd, 1854, the son of Edward Dye and Celia Ann Fletcher, his wife. The father was also a native of Monroe County, where his parents were early settlers and where Edward grew to manhood and became a farmer and married, but died in early life; in fact, when William R., his only child, was only three weeks old. Mrs. Dye was a native of Monroe County, where her father, also, was an early settler. Mrs. Dye again married and raised a large family by her second husband, who was B. F. Fugate. The record of this second family is as follows: James is a farmer of Polk County; John is a large ranchman of California; Solomon E. is a farmer of Hickory County; Charles of Oklahoma; Richard is a real estate dealer in Arkansas; Henry lives in Polk Township, Dade County; Albert of Hickory County; Joseph is a farmer living near Elktown, Mo., and Elizabeth, who is now Mrs. T. Martin of Dallas Coimty, Missouri.

William R. Dye had the usual experiences of the farmer boy. He came to Dade County in 1874 and attended school at Dadeville, after which he taught school in this county for fifteen years, and during this time he did some farming. In 1891 he entered the mercantile business at Everton, opening up a general store in a small frame building. He prospered, and later he bought his present two-story brick building and put in a large stock of general merchandise. In 1879 Mr. Dye married Dorothy A. Cowan, who was born near Dadeville September 25th, 1860, a daughter of Robert and Margaret Cowan. Robert Cowan was a farmer near Dadeville, and was in the Civil wTar under Captain Morris as his lieutenant.

To Mr. and Mrs. Dye have been born six children, as follows: Margaret, born March 8th, 1881, died November 8th, 1884; Ella, born January 9th, 1884, is now Mrs. L. C. Snoddy of Ash Grove, and she has one daughter, Anneta; Albert, born March 6th, 1887, is in the store with his father1 Pearl, born August 10th, 1889, married Charles Moody, a banker of Wentworth, Mo.; Clarence Cowan, born March 8th, 1892, is a telegraph operator; Rosa Gail, born June 12th, 1897, is now attending Drury College at Springfield.

William R. Dye has been and is very prominent in county affairs. He is a staunch Republican and has served with great credit to himself as judge of the county court. He and his wife are prominent members of the Presbyterian church, in which he is an elder. Rev. W. R. Russell is now pastor of their church, and it is a pleasant fact to record that he has been their pastor ever since he performed their marriage ceremony in 1879, and it was Rev.

Russell who officiated at the marriage of three of their children. Mr. Dye is a remarkable man, and to say that he has made good in every respect would be stating a strict fact. He has prospered greatly and is today one of our most substantial citizens. Besides mercantile interests, he is a large land owner, and is the best and most sought after auctioneer in the county, for at almost every large sale taking place in the county you will see his smiling face and hear his voice. Truly, Mr. Dye is one of our best-known men. He has lived a clean life in every way, and his honest business methods have built up for him a name second to none in this county. A largehearted man, he is withal a kindly, courteous gentleman, the exact kind of which we need many more within our boundaries. He is now serving as acting mayor of Everton.

William Robinson Eaton

It would be impossible to write a history of the business development of Dade County, and especially our thriving city of Lockwood, and not pay high tribute to the memory of the late William R. Eaton. Although coming to us late, considering the very early organization of the county, he brought with him an energy and fine business training much needed in our commercial life. He was, at once, a decided success, known far and wide for his honest business methods, and made us feel and know that a man in the truest sense of the word had come to be one of us. His stay was altogether too short, and this feeble sketch is as little as we can do to perpetuate the memory of this good man, our lamented brother and fine citizen.

Mr. Eaton was born in Wisconsin August 16th, 1861, the son of William Tracy and Loverna (Robinson) Eaton. Mr. Eaton Sr. was a merchant of Grand Rapids, Mich., and his son, William R., was reared in that city, having been taken there by his father at the age of 4 years, and received the advantage of a good education, having graduated from the Grand Rapids High School and later from one of the leading business colleges of that city.

Very soon after graduation he entered the employ of a large Chicago business house, for whom he kept books for sometime, and eventually became connected with the Williams Lumber Company of Springfield, Mo. By them he was sent to Lebanon, Mo., to take charge of their large lumber interests there, and it was greatly to his credit that in a serious lumber fight he won out, and was sent to Humansville and later to Golden City making good to a marked degree in both places. Then, in 1888, he cast his Jot in our midst, coming to Lock wood, where, after working for about one year, he bought a one-half interest in a lumber yard. He was not long in acquiring the entire business, and did business under the name of the W. R. Eaton Lumber Co., incorporated, and for over 25 years Mr. Eaton was its sole manager.

It is to be noted that Mr. Eaton had little capital when he first launched for himself in Lockwood, but by thoroughly honorable business methods and an untiring energy he built up a business that, at the time of his sudden death, May 4th, 1914, he had an investment of $25,000, and had added a large stock of farming implements to his lumber interests.

Mr. Eaton was twice married, first at the early age of 20 years, and has a daughter, Helen, who is now Mrs. Glenarven Behymer, the wife of one of the leading attorneys of Los Angeles, Cal., and they have one child, Mary Louise.

On January 1st, 1900; Mr. Eaton married Grace (Hull) Holland, who was born in Clinton, 111., the daughter of Ansel and Elizabeth (Bates) Hull. By her first marriage Mrs. Eaton had one son, Harold Hull Holland, who is now one of our rising young business men, being associated with his mother in the lumber business. Mr. Holland is married to Miss Kittie Lee, formerly of Miller, Mo., and they have one daughter, Dorothy Lee Holland. Mr. and Mrs. William R. Eaton have four children, as follows, all of whom are at home with Mrs. Eaton: Ruth Elizabeth, William Robert, Grace Loverna and Elsie Rebecca. Air. Eaton was an independent voter and took great interest in civic affairs, lie was a valuable member of the Presbyterian church and very active in Sunday school work, having served as superintendent for a number of years and was elder in the church for some 12 years. He was an Odd Fellow, K. of P. and Aiodern Woodman. Peace to his memory.

Mrs. W. R. Eaton Lumber Company Of Lockwood, Mo

The large lumber interests of the above-named company are the legitimate outcome of the efforts of the late William R. Eaton, extended mention of whom is made in another part of this volume. The business was established by Air. Eaton about 1889. At the time of his untimely and unexpected demise, Airs. W. R. Eaton, his wife, took active and immediate charge of the large business, and to this day, be it said, to her wonderful business ability, she has successfully managed its affairs and greatly added thereto.

This is the day of business women, it is said, but we of Dade County have few instances, in fact, none, where a business of such magnitude and complications is managed entirely by one of the fair sex.

Airs. Eaton was born in Clinton, 111., had the advantage of a good education, has improved her opportunities, and taken life seriously, and the result is that instead of having to dispose of a large, lucrative business on account of the death of its founder, she was well equipped to take the reins and not only keep it alive but to cope with the competition incident and accomplish greater business success. This company is known far and wide for its fair treatment of its customers and the pleasing personality of the manager, Airs. Eaton, is making itself felt everywhere.

Mrs. Eaton can furnish you with anything in the building line, can make your estimates in the most approved and up to date fashion, and sell you a bill of goods that you can rely upon, and do it so pleasantly that you are glad to part with the money. All honor to our one and only business woman of the first rank. Mrs. Eaton is something of a farmer, too, owning and managing considerable acreage. In addition to her large business, this finely-educated and courteous lady finds time to devote to her church. She and her family are a credit to our county and city. May she live long and never leave us. We need more like her.

William N. Edge

Is a native of Dade County and was born where he now lives, in South Morgan Township, on the 26th day of December, 1865, a son of Jonathan and Barbara Ann (Cook) Edge. Henry Edge, his grandfather, and wife were natives of Tennessee, were married there, and Jonathan Edge was also born in Tennessee. His grandparents came to Dade County overland, in an ox wagon, bringing a family of children with them. Jonathan Edge was twice married. His first wife was Beckie McClure. She died, leaving seven children, three of whom are still living. They are Mrs. Clate Hargrave of Walnut Grove, Mrs. Steve Gray of Polk County and Mrs. Maggie Baty of Polk County. Of the second family of children, William N. Edge is the oldest. Mary, who is now Mrs. George Clemmons, lives in the state of Washington. Koxana died at the age of 20 years. Luella, his youngest sister, is now Mrs. L. E. Brown, and also resides in the state of Washington.

Jonathan Edge took up 160 acres of land in South Morgan Township, which was unimproved, lie broke it up with an ox team, farmed it in a primitive manner, and prospered. He built a frame house out of native walnut, dash-sawing the weather-boarding and shingles. It was built at a very early date, and was so substantial that William N. Edge still occupies it as his home. Jonathan Edge was a good farmer, a substantial citizen, a Republican in politics, and an active member of the M. E. church, as also was his wife.

William N. Edge has always lived on the old homestead. His father in his lifetime divided the land among his children, but by purchase from the other heirs William has acquired title to 100 acres, upon which he lives, farms and prospers. The entire 100 acres is in cultivation and well watered.

Mr, Edge has made considerable improvement in the way of wire fencing and outbuildings, so that now he has a fine farm, well improved. He raises full-blood Hereford cattle. Hi^ herd is headed by a registered bull, "Beau Sentinel." He has six registered cows. He also raises Poland-China hogs and has a fine flock of Shropshire sheep.

William N. Edge was married on the 3rd day of October, 1886, to Florilla Walker, a native of Ohio, born April 14th, 1866, daughter of James W. Walker. He was an old soldier and lived retired for years.

William N. Edge is a Republican, a member of the Township Board, has served on the school board, drives an Overland car, is a booster for good roads, good schools, and is in every way a most desirable citizen of the comrnunitv.

Jacob Eirsman

Was born in the state of Pennsylvania August 25th, 1833, son of Christian and Katie (Harsy) Eirsman, of Swiss and German parentage. They settled in Montgomery County, Ohio, in 1836, where they farmed until 1870, when they came to Audrain County, Missouri. Christian Eirsman died in Missouri at the age of 73 years, and his widow went back to Ohio, where she died at the advanced age of 94 years.

Jacob Eirsman remained at home until 18 years of age, working on the farm and working out. At the age of 23 he learned the milling trade, and followed that occupation until 1882. He followed this occupation in Greene County, Illinois, and in 1882 came to Audrain County, Missouri, where he purchased land and farmed there until coming to Dade County in 1893. His first purchase in Dade County was 37 acres adjoining Greenfield on the southwest. He lived on this place ten years, then moved to Greenfield. He has owned several farms in the county and is now the owner of a fine home in the city of Greenfield, also a farm of 189 acres a few miles northwest of the city, well improved, which he gives his personal attention. He also owns an improved farm of 130 acres in Greene County, Illinois, and 80 acres in Texas.

Jacob Eirsman was married on the 27th day of October, 1859, to Rachel Crummell, born July 4th, 1839, in Ohio. She died in Illinois February 16th, 1906, leaving two living children, one of whom has since died.

(1) Katie, born August 20th, 1860, married M. E. McMahan of Illinois, where they now live. Mr. McMahan is a prominent citizen of Greene County, Illinois, a Justice of the Peace and a successful business man.

(3) Victor Lee, born August 9th, 1879, died May 6th, 1908. He married Bessie Finley, daughter of Albert Finley, and left three children, Katharine Marie, Tom

Crummell and Alberta Lee. Mr. Eirsman makes his home with Bessie Eirsman and family in Greenfield. He is a member of the Baptist church and was made an Odd Fellow in 1857.

Although 84 years of age, Mr. Eirsman is as active as many men 20 years his junior. He personally conducts his farming and stock raising operations on his farm, is able to do a good day's work1 at manual labor and his memory is as sound as his physical body. His garden, the product of his own labor, has for many years been the pride and envy of all his neighbors. During the summer months the rising sun finds Mr. Eirsman busy with the hoe or other implement of industry, and in the winter months he is not idle.

David F. Edmonson

Born in Greene County, Missouri, in Walnut Grove, April 2nd, 1859, son of Stephen A and Louisa (Looney) Edmonson. Stephen A. Edmonson was born in 1833 and died December 23rd, 1906. Louisa Edmonson was born in 1834 and now resides at Walnut Grove, in comparatively good health.

David F. Edmonson received his education in the common schools of the community and entered the teachers' profession at the age of 21 years. He taught one term of school before his marriage, and six terms afterwards in Polk and Dade counties. He was married November 16th, 1881 to Miss Ophelia G. Cantrel], who was born February 20th, 1863, daughter of Elcanah and Prudilla (Speight) Cantrell. The Cantrells and the Speights were pioneer families of Dade County. To this union were born six children :

On the 25th day of December, 1912, David F. Edmonson was married to Mrs. Hattie M. (Matthews) Cunningham, widow of H. Albert Cunningham, a native of Dade County. She was the mother of three children prior to her marriage to Mr. Edmonson:

(1) Mabel L., born July 3rd, 1887, married Emery Clements, a merchant, who is now employed as general manager of the Kresge 5-and-10-cent store in Milwaukee, Wis. They have one child, Emery Richard Jr.

(3) Laclede, born March 5th, 1893, married Imogene Brown, a Kansas City girl, and they live in Colorado and have one son, Henry Albert Cunningham.

Mr. Edmonson farmed on rented land for a number of years, teaching school in the meantime, saved his money, and in 1891 he bought the old Bill Crawford farm of 200 acres, mostly on time. In a few years he paid off the mortgage cleared out the timber, fenced and crossfenced, and improved the dwelling, so that now it is a fine seven-room house, with two halls, toilet and bath. The house is modern in every respect, including a sewage system. He has a splendid well, drilled 200 feet, and water raises within four feet of top of ground. This is practically an artesian well, with cold, soft water. He utilizes a gasoline engine for pumping purposes, has pressure tank in cellar with connections for irrigating lawn and garden. He also uses a windmill in connection with the farm watering system. The farm improvements include two large, modern barns.

Mr. Edmonson makes a specialty of raising highclass cattle, horses and mules, and he is an enthusiastic exhibitor of prize-winning stock at the various county and district fairs. Some of his mules, especially, have brought record-breaking prices. He usually feeds many hogs for the market. Mr. Edmonson has a 40-acre field of alfalfa, which has flourished beyond his most ardent expectations. In short, Mr. Edmonson has a model stock and grain farm, highly improved, rich soil, well watered, conveniently located, and one of which he is justly proud.

Mr. Edmonson is a Baptist, while Mrs. Edmonson is a member of the Christian church. He is a Democrat in politics and a stickler for good roads. He has always taken a prominent part in school matters and has served on the school board for many years.

Perhaps, if one should search for the key to Mr. Edmonson 's success in life, he would finde it in this: That he puts his whole life and soul into his work, declaring that whatever is worth doing at all is worth doing well. He is not satisfied with anything short of the very best. When he works it is for the purpose of accomplishing a welldefined purpose, and there is no let-up until the object of his labor is accomplished.

Before Dade County was known, at the time when this district was known as Barry County, John and Sarah (Hasten) Lack moved from Virginia to Dade County and bought a claim. This was in the year 1839, 77 years ago. At this time there were but few settlers in all this region of country. They came to Boonville by water and from there to Dade County overland, the primitive way.

"Aunt Tilly" was 7 years old at the time her parents moved to this county, she being the third in birth of a family of 11 children, having been born in Virginia April 23rd, 1832. The elder Lacks began to farm soon after they purchased a claim in Lockwood-Greenfield district, and by careful management and sagacious living, there were added to that Lack homestead 800 acres of land, known to this day as the Lack Settlement, and much of it is still owned by his heirs. "Aunt Tilly" was born in Virginia, the mother of presidents. From her parents she inherited an ambitious spirit and a strong determination to win in every life attempt. Soon after her Dade County citizenship began she determined to gain the best education possible, therefore her parents provided for her the best opportunity possible. Her early girl life is closely linked with the school history of the county, so much so that it is difficult to mention the early school history of Greenfield without mentioning her name. All the oldest settlers delight to talk about the school interests in those days, and none of them fail to mention "Aunt Tilly." According to the memory of the oldest inhabitants, it was a very difficult matter for members of her class to keep pace with her in her studies. She has always possessed a splendid memory. While other students were fretting over hard problems, she would solve them and have plenty of time for recreation and amusement. Her bright, witty brain always afforded pleasure for her companions and her knowledge of matters and various problems gave her a wide circle of friends.

When true character clothes the life there is nothing that can foil its purpose. Determination to win is a great asset. After a time, when, becoming a young woman, school days became more interesting to "Aunt Tilly," because of the fact that her life dream was about to come true - she should become a master of a school room and lead others in the paths of education. In 1866 she began teaching, and she kept on teaching a few years after she and Mr. Evans were married. She taught at the famous Honey Creek school house over in Pennsylvania Prairie., the school that has one of the richest histories it is possible to find, and which is treated in another chapter. She also taught near Arcola, as well as in Center Township. Many of the tow-headed boys and girls of age remember her well as their teacher and friend. At this time Green- field was in her swaddling garments, and the old log school house served the purpose of church functions, as well as school. Helm Wetzel, Samuel Weir and other wellknown citizens were her schoolmates. One school house then stood in the vicinity of the Edward Shaw garage, and another stood in the neighborhood of the Dr. Bailey home, now the property of Mrs. Dr. Martin. Another chapter will give full account of the early school houses.

The lilies of the valley give no sweeter charm than a white-headed old couple on their march to the eternal sea. Both fitness and worth surely mark the characters of "Uncle George" and "Aunt Tilly." They bear a charm in age that wins the admiration of the student, the common day man, the man in business, or the man of leisure. Their heads are white-capped with the snows of many winters, yet their hearts are warmed by the returning of spring time and early summer sunrays of hope, confidence and trust. When they depart an entire county will mourn.

Mrs. Virginia Pearson and Alexander Lack of Lockwood are sister and brother to "Aunt Tilly," and John Lack of Center Township is also a brother. The history of the Lack family is too important to omit from the history of our county and people.

Samuel Farmer

Was born in Dade County, Missouri, near Seybert, November 4th, 1867, son of Solomon and Elizabeth (Cox) Farmer, both natives of Tennessee, and married there. They came to Dade County in the early 50 's and settled near Seybert Here they farmed for many years, raising a family of 9 children, Samuel being next to the youngest. Four of these children are still living. One brother, William, lives in Oklahoma; one sister, Sarah, is now Mrs. John Ilarlow of Louisiana, and one sister, Evaline, is now Mrs. James Morris, and lives in Aurora.

world. He worked out at anything and everything he could find to do for seven years, then entered the milling business at Seybert. At this time the Seybert mill was owned by J. F. Johnson, and he remained in this employment for 27 years, working with Mr. Johnson, Mr. C. W. Montgomery, and later with Arkley Frieze. He became an expert miller, and in 1914 purchased the Hulston mill from the Nixon estate. On acquiring this property, he refitted and remodeled the same, giving it a capacity of 25 barrels per day, with a saw mill in connection. It is now in first class condition, equipped with a 24-horsepower engine, driven by a 30-horsepower boiler, and it is only possible to estimate the extent of the waterpower which, with a fail1 head of water, his turbine wheels would easily develop 100-horsepower or more. He has made a specialty of manufacturing Red Seal firstgrade and Purity, a second-grade, flour, brands which are known all over the country for their excellence. He also buys all kinds of grain and produce.

In addition to his mercantile business, Mr. Farmer also does custom grinding, which is a great accommodation to the surrounding community. There are 11 acres of land belonging to this mill site, and the entire plant represents an investment of $5,000. Mr. Farmers' dwelling is located on this 11-acre tract.

Mr. Farmer was married on the 2nd day of September, 1888, to Miss Lake Pyle, a daughter of Carter and Sarah (Grant) Pyle, whose history will appear in a more extended form in another part of this volume.

To this union were born 11 children: Howard M., Sarah E., Mary, Mabel, Blossom, Nona, Eula, Frieda, Archie, Carter and Hazel. Three are married. Howard married Anna Woody. They have one child. Sarah E. married Dennis Jennings, and lives near Seybert. They have two children. Mary married Ira H. Hall, Sheriff of Dade County. They have one child.

Mr. Farmer is a Republican. He and his wife are each members of the Christian church, and he has been an Elder for some years. Mr. Farmer is a type of those industrious men who are self-made. Notwithstanding the handicap of poverty in his early days and the burden of raising a large family, he has faced the struggle cheerfully, and has succeeded.

William Lee Ferguson

One of the prominent financiers and business men of Bade County \vas born September 18th, 1870, in Lafayette County, Missouri, son of Richard and Mary J. (McLay) Ferguson. His father was born in Kentucky February 17th, 1839, while his mother was born in Indiana August 27th, 1840. His father died during the year 1906, while his mother had departed this life in 1876.

Richard Ferguson was of Scotch-Irish parentage, being a son of John Henry Ferguson, who was born in England. He was a farmer by occupation and came to Missouri in 1860 and located in Lafayette County, where for a number of years he enjoyed a fair measure of success. He afterward purchased a farm and moved to Johnson County, where he spent the remainder of his days. During the Civil war he aligned himself with the Confederate cause, and part of his military service was as a private in a division commanded by General Price. He was a Democrat in politics and early in life united with the Christian church.

Mary J. Ferguson was also of Scotch-Irish parentage, and came to Lafayette County in a very early day. Both Mr. and Mrs Ferguson are buried in Lafayette County, at the Mt. Tabor cemetery. She was a member of the Christian church. Five children were born of this marriage:

A very interesting relic, now in the possession of William L. Ferguson, is a very ancient book, considerably more than 100 years old. It is a small account book, originally intended for " Tides men to keep their accounts of delivery of goods from on shipboard." It was evidently owned awd used by Ralph Gorrell during the 18th century as a Tidesman's record, but was afterwards transformed into a family record. The original cash entries were in pounds, shillings and pence, and seemed to be for "indigo." The first entry of a birth record reads: "Ralph G. Maxwell, born October 23rd, 1803." Then follows the names and dates of births and deaths, with the notation that they were born in Ireland. Adison C. DeLay was born July 24th, 1809, in France. These were great-grandparents of William L. Ferguson on his mother's side. The book has every appearance of extreme old age, being bound in sheepskin, the pages being yellow with age. The entry on the last page in the book is of special interest: "February 1st, 1801, Robert Gorrell, Dr. to David Gorrell, to cash lent you, 6 pounds, 10 shillings. North Carolina currency."

William L. Ferguson was raised on a farm, attended the country schools, after which he took a course at the State Normal at Warrensburg. He then taught for two years in the country schools, and afterwards was principal of the schools in Holden, Mo., for three years, and was also principal of the schools at Hallsville, in Boone County, for three years. He came from Holden to South Greenfield in May, 1904, and engaged in the general merchandise business with J. L. Gilliland. After one and a half years he became interested in, and, with others, organized the Farmers' State Bank at South Greenfield, and later became its cashier, which position he still holds.

Mr. Ferguson was married in Greenfield, Mo., December 22nd, 1901, to May Boisseau, daughter of C. D. and Sythia Jane (Gilliland) Boisseau, her father being one of the influential citizens of Dade County, having been a

Mr. and Mrs. Ferguson are the parents of one child, Lucy Lee, born August 6th, 1906. Mr. Ferguson is a member of the Christian church, while Mrs. Ferguson holds membership in the Presbyterian church at Greenfield. He is an Odd Fellow, a M. W. A., a Democrat in politics, and, while not an office-seeker, he has held many positions of honor and trust in his community. He has been Trustee and Treasurer of Washington Township since its organization, was one of the prime movers in the establishment of the village school at South Greenfield, was active in the erection of the school building, has served many years on the school board, both as director and treasurer, which position he now holds, and is treasurer of the city of South Greenfield and of the I. 0. 0. F. lodge of that place.

Mr. Ferguson has been one of the leading spirits in the good-roads movement in Dade County, and as a member of the Washington Township organization, and also as president of the Good-Roads Committee of that township he worked incessantly for the best interests of the township in the matter of voting bonds for the construction of 17 miles of rock road in his township, and it was largely due to his executive ability in the matter of expenditures that the township was able to build such good roads..

Thomas Randolph Finley

Was born in the Territory of Arkansas in 1819 upon a farm, and received only a common school education. He emigrated with his family to Kentucky, where he remained two or three years, and then came to Dade County in 1849 and located on what is now Pilgrim Township, where he bought and entered land. Here he raised his family and accumulated property until his real estate holdings amounted to 180 acres. He was a member of the Home Guards during the Civil war, and a member of the Baptist church, but later became a member of the

Christian church. In politics he was a Democrat. He was a great reader and very conversant with the bible, and engaged in many biblical discussions.

He was married to Mary E. Bandy in Arkansas. She was a member of the Christian church. To this union were born four children, three of whom are living:

Louisa A. Finley was married to John M. Shelton November 10th, 1871. He was a son of John D. and Adaline (Brown) Shelton. He was born in Tennessee August 1st, 1847. The family lived in Lawrence County, Missouri, in an early day, and John M. came to Dade County in the 70 's, and located near Pilgrim and taught school seven years. He farmed the Finley homestead and died there Marh 14th, 1891. He was a successful farmer, a member of the Baptist church, belonged to the I. 0. 0. F. and was a Democrat in politics.

He enlisted in Company E, Forty-sixth Regiment, Missouri Infantry Volunteers, and served six months, until the close of the war. He was but 18 years of age when he enlisted.

(1) Stella, born on the Finley homestead February 17th, 1873, was educated in the home schools and at Ozark College in Greenfield. Married Albert Daigh October 24th, 1893, son of Thomas J. and Mary J. (Willis) Daigh, one of the pioneer families of Dade County, Richard Willis having settled early in South Township. Albert and Stella Daigh are the parents of one child, Offner V., born June 24th, 1894. His parents reside on a farm in South Township, while Offner is engaged in farming, and also in automobiles.

(3) Douglas Jones, born on the Finley homestead December 1st, 1883, and is now farming the Finley homestead. He married Myrtle Dickinson, and they have three children, Thomas Randolph, Miriam Lecelia and James Dickinson.

Andrew Jackson Friar

It would be impossible to write a complete history of Dade County without the name, "Friar," standing out prominently upon almost every page. The subject of this sketch is a man who is properly styled as being "indigenous to the soil," having spent his entire life upon the old homestead which his grandfather settled in the 30 's.

Andrew Jackson Friar was born in Dade County, Missouri, on the 25th day of February, 1863, a son of William and Lucy (Hudspeth) Friar, who were natives of Gilford County, North Carolina. William came to Dade County at the age of 18 years with his father, also named William Friar, in the 30 's. They came overland with ox teams, and settled upon the farm where Mr. Friar now lives, his grandfather taking up about 400 acres of choice land along Turnback creek, much of which was splendid bottom land. On this farm his grandfather and grandmother lived, served, sacrificed and died. They raised a family of eight children, all of whom are dead except Susan Preston, widow of Isaac Preston (deceased), who is still active even at the extreme age of 84 years.

William Friar, the father of Andrew J. Friar, was married in Dade County, Missouri, to Lucy Hudspeth, daughter of Andrew Hudspeth, once sheriff of the county. William stayed with the old home place, and after the death of his father bought out the other heirs and made the place of his choice his permanent home.

In the exciting days of 1849 William contracted the "gold fever," and, like the Argonauts of old, he set sail in a Prairie Schooner to the golden fields of California, and after a period of some years returned home with a goodly supply of the yellow metal. William Friar was the father of seven children, Andrew J. being the third son. Thad and Robert died in Dade County years ago. William lives in Dade County. Nannie, now Mrs. Judson Adamson lives in Lawrence County. Susan died when 2 years of age, and Lula died at the age of 5 years.

William Friar was a Democrat, served during the Civel war in the Home Guards under Colonel Bailey, and is buried at the Shiloh cemetery. He owned 240 acres of land at the time of his death, was a good man, a successful farmer, took great delight in live stock, was an upright Christian gentleman, a member of the M. E. church (South), and died as he lived, honored and respected by the people who knew him best.

Andrew J. Friar has always lived upon the original Friar homestead. At his mother's death, in connection with his brother, he purchased the interest of the remaining heirs, and divided the farm so that he acquired 160 acres, including the dwelling house built by his father in 1876. His entire life has been spent upon the farm, and contentment is his priceless heritage. Since purchasing the farm he has erected a large barn, added to the comfort and convenience of the dwelling, and made other valuable improvements in order to more successfully carry on his farming and live stock enterprises.

On the 7th day of May, 1893, he married Mollie Ruark, a native of Lawrence County, who was born July 10th, 1873, a daughter of Joshua Wheeler Ruark and Selina (Sutton) Ruark, the former being a native of Indiana and the latter of Newton County, Missouri. Mr. and Mrs. Ruark were married in Newton County, Missouri. Joshua Wheeler Ruark died in Lawrence county June 6th, 1902, at his farm, where he had resided 36 years, and his funeral was attended by practically

Joshua \V. Ruark was 6 years old when he first came to Dade County. At the breaking out of the Civil war he enlisted in the Federal army and served over three years in Company L, Eighth Missouri State Militia. He was captured twice and barely escaped being shot while in the hands of "Bushwhackers." At one time he and a companion were in swimming, when his companion was shot, and Mr. Ruark barely escaped a like fate.

(1) Wana, born March 25th, 1894, married McKinley Terrell, a farmer of Lawrence County, Missouri. They have one child, Loreva, born September 17th, 1915.

(2) Freddie, born September 13th, 1895, married Earl Meek of Dade County, a farmer living near Emmett. They have one child, Willard, born February 29th, 1916.

Mr. Friar's farm is well adapted to stock raising, being well watered by Turnback creek, and produces bluegrass in abundance. He makes a specialty of Shorthorn cattle and Shropshire sheep, and annually raises a large number of hogs. A gasoline engine is utilized in pumping water, washing and operating other farm machinery.

Mr. Friar and wife are members of the M. E. church (South), in which organization he is a Trustee, and both are much interested in the various enterprises of the church. He is a Democrat in politics, a member of the Township Board and for two years served as Justice of the Peace. Fraternally Mr. Friar holds membership in the A. F. & A. M. and the W. 0. W. at Everton.

Tireless industry, unflinching honesty and sterling integrity are the characteristics which have marked the life of Mr. Friar, and contributed to its unmeasured success. He is one of the landmarks socially, morally and financially in the community in which he lives.

William Friar

In recounting the early history of the Friar family, their geneology, early settlement and achievements, the attention of the reader is called to the extended statement given in the history of Andrew Jackson Friar, found under the proper caption in this volume.

William Friar, the subject of this sketch, was born on the Friar homestead in South Township on the waters of Turnback May 20th, 1865. His early life was spent on the farm, working for and with his father. He was educated in the public schools of the county, and on May 26th, 1889, lie was married to Tlieodosia Ruark, a Lawranee County girl, who was born on the 25th day of July, 1866. Her father, Joshua Wheeler Rurak, was one of the most prominent citizens of Lawrence County. There were six children born of this union, viz:

(1) Joshua Floyd, born May flth, 1890. Married to Alice Terrel November 9th, 1913. Alice was born in Lawrence County. Two children were born of this marriage, Orris, born October 23rd, 1914, and Harland Theodore, born October 8th, 1916.

In the year of 1890 William Frair bought 80 acres of land from George Lieuallen, which was little improved, and upon which was a small house. In 1910 he erected a nice frame dwelling and other outbuildings.

At his mother's death he purchased an additional 80 acres of No. 1 land in Turnback bottom, which he has since highly improved. In company with his brother, he is the owner of a registered jack named "Thunder," imported from Tennessee, and is engaged in breeding and raising mules for the market. His farm is well stocked with cattle, hogs and sheep, having a splendid flock of Shropshires, headed by a registered buck. Turnback creek furnishes a never-failing supply of stock water, which is materially augmented with wells and a windmill.

In politics he is a Democrat, and his official life has been confined to serving two years upon the district school board. Air. Friar's ambition in life has been directed toward the establishment of a comfortable farm home, surrounding himself with the comforts and conveniences suitable to his station in life, cultivating the spirit of contentment and enjoying the benefits which come to one who is willing to devote his time and talents to the accomplishment of a well-defined purpose. "By their fruits ye shall know them," and by this standard Mr. Friar is willing to be judged.

Robert Lee Friar

Born in Dado County, Missouri, July llth, .1860, a son of William and Lucy (Hudspeth) Friar, While in the very prime of life, the Death Angel called, and he answered the summons. His demise occurred on the 25th day of February, 1S<K>, lie being a little less than 33 years of age. He was a farmer by occupation, a Democrat in politics, but neither an office-holder nor an office-seeker, devoting his entire time and energy to his chosen calling, hi addition to fanning, he handled considerable live stock. He was a man of integrity and high ideals, being a member of the M. E. church (South) at the time of his death.

He was married on the 20th day of October, 1881, to Arthusa Ann Burton, who was born in Lawrence County August 21st, 1861, a daughter of Milo Burton and Mary (Hood) Burton, whose biographies are given at length under proper caption in this volume. To this union were born five children :

At the time of his death Mr. Friar was the owner of 292Xo acres of land in Dade County. Just at the time when his family needed him the most Mr. Friar was called home, but his faithful wife, with a heroism born of necessity, took upon herself the burden of managing their large farm, the care of the children and the maintenance of the home.