Dade County, Missouri - Biographical sketches, 1917 (part 7 of 10)

Monta Poindexter

Of the prominent business men of the younger generation there is none that ranks higher than Monta Pomdexter, the cashier of the Bank of Everton. He is a native son of Dade County, having been born in Pilgrim Township on August 31st, 1883, a son of James R. Poindexter, a prominent farmer of Dade County. James K. Poindexter was born in South Township, Dade County, in 1858, and is a son of Robert Poindexter, who was brought to Dade County by his father, William Poindexter, when he, Robert, was a small lad. William Poindexter was a pioneer in every sence of the word. He settled on ''Turnback," where he became one of the very largest land owners of the county. He owned several thousand acr^s of bottom land up and down the Turnback creek. lie was a veteran of the Mexican war, while his son, Robert, was a Union soldier in the Civil war. William Poindexter lies buried on Turnback, and Robert is buried at Antioch. They were both large slave owners. James R. Poindexter married Miss Vida Taylor, who was born in Polk Township in I860, and is a daughter of William and Sarah (Hoyle) Taylor. Mr. Taylor was killed during the Civil war at Lone Jack, Missouri. Mrs. Poindexter is a granddaughter of Uncle Peter Hoyle, pioneer of Dade County, and of whom more will be found in these volumes.

To James R. Poindexter and wife five children were born, as follows: Leslie and Effie died in infancy; Mamie, who married Coe Hudspeth, is deceased: Monta, of this review, and Hugh, who is on the home place.

Monta Poindexter received a fine education, bavins: attended the public schools in the country and graduated at the Everton High school. He completed a course in business college at Sedalia and also an elementary course at Springfield Normal. He taught in the district schools of Dade County for four years, and in 1908 entered the private banking house of George W. Wilson at Everton, taking the position of assistant cashier and bookkeeper. When Mr. Wilson and his associates reorganized the bank in 1914 Monta Poindexter was elected cashier of this large institution, which position he now holds. He is a fine, courteous young business man, and is well worthy of the high esteem in which he is held by all. We predict a great future for this rising young gentleman, as his name is known far and wide over the county, and he is a credit to our county and to the name of Poindexter, which is saying a great deal, for there is no name that ranks higher in this or any other county of Missouri.

Roy C. Poindexter

While not yet 30 years of age, Roy C. Poindexter has attained success which has been denied many other men of equal opportunity, after a lifetime struggle. He is a native of Dade County, having been born November 24th, 1891, a son of J. T. and Mary (Cates) Poindexter. His father was one of the early settlers of Pennsylvania Prairie, in South Township, and is well and favorably known all over Dade County.

Roy has lived in the county all his life, receiving his education in the common schools, and attended Greenfield High School. He has always been associated with his father in business. He commenced farming for himself when 17 years of age, and very early in life engaged in the business of buying and selling stock. On October 9th, 191.'], he was married to Pearl Bishop, a young lady of good family and rare attainments. She was a native of Dade County, a daughter of Thomas J. Bishop, and eligible to membership as a Daughter of the American Revolution.

Besides conducting general farming operations, Mr. Poindexter raises a large number of mules, and annually feeds and ships one carload of hogs to market.

He and his wife are each members of the Christian church, and identified with its enterprises. Mr. Poindexter is a Democrat, a member of the township board, interested in good roads and good schools, drives a Ford, and enjoys the distinction of being one of the most progressive and successful farmers in South Township.

Mrs. Poindexter is a graduate of the Greenfield High School and spent two years in Drury College at Spring-- field, where she gained considerable distinction in literary pursuits. Her Altrustic sentiment finds expression in the ''Ladies' Club of Pennsboro," of which she is a charter member and active worker. It has for its object and purpose the betterment of living conditions in rural communities, and extends its influence both into the church and into the home.

Wilford H. Pollard

At the time of his untimely demise, Wilford H. Pollard was one of the most prominent business men of the thriving city of Lockwood, Dade County. He had built up a furniture business second to none in the county, and it is to his credit that he was a self-made man, and he earned his success bv well-directed effort and wise and honest business methods. Mr. Pollard was born near Bloomfield, la., September 17th, 1874, the son of A. M. and Jane (Harris) Pollard, natives of Kentucky and Indiana, respectively. Mr. Pollard Sr. was a stock and dairy man during his active life, and in later life was a resident of Lockwood, where he died March 27th, 1914, and his wrife passed away on the same day in March the year following. Wilford H. Pollard received his education in Iowa and came to Dade County in 1894. He followed farming for a time, then opened a feed store, which he conducted for a few years, but in 1900 he purchased a grocery store, and two years later established a furniture store, and ran this business under the name of the Lockwood Furniture Company. This business he found to his liking, and he built up the largest store in the city, and, in fact, the largest of its kind in the county. Mr. Pollard received his best inspiration in life when he married Miss Eva A. Yoder, a native of Dade County. They were married June 1st, 1898. She is a daughter of J. D. and Melvina (Lyons) Yoder, early settlers of Dado County. Mr. Yoder is now engaged in the grocery business, and is considered one of our best citizens. Mr. Pollard was prominent in the I. 0. 0. F. at Lockwood; he was a Democrat in politics, and took active part in civic life. To Mr. and Mrs. Pollard were born three children, namely, Velma, Aria May and Leo Bell, all at home and attending school. Mrs. Pollard is a member of the Baptist church of Lockwood and enjoys the reputation of being a thorough business woman, for it is well known that at the time of Mr. Pollard's sudden death that she took complete charge of his large business interests, and has managed the business in a truly remarkable manner, and thereby earned for herself the reputation of one of the very few successful woman managers in the entire country. Her fine furniture store is a credit to Lockwood and Dade County, and of herself and family we are all justly proud.

William M. Preston

Pew men have a wider acquaintance and are better known in Dade County than William M. Preston. He is related by blood and marriage to many of the families who have made Dade County history. His father, Isaac Preston, was for many years an active, energetic business man of Lockwood, Mo., and possessed that pleasing personality which marked him as a man among men.

William M. Preston is a native of Dade County, born February 13th, 1856, a son of Isaac and Susan (Friar) Preston. His father died in 1903, but his mother is still living and active, although 85 years of age.

William remained at home until he attained the age of 33 years, engaged in stock raising and agricultural pursuits, in which he was very successful, and in 1888 he purchased 300 acres of land, where he now resides. Since that time he has wonderfully improved the same, building a splendid dwelling in 1901, which, together with barns, granaries arid other outbuildings, make it one of the best farms in Smith Township. Mr. Preston has added 220 acres to his original purchase, 200 acres of which lies near Kings Point. He is actively engaged in general farming-, feeding, stock raising and shipping, of both hogs and cattle. In live stock matters his judgment is par excellent.

On the 30th day of May, 1889, he married Minnie Pierce, who was born April 18th, 1865, a daughter of Howard and Mary (Mossman) Pierce, the former being a native of New York, while the latter was a native of Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Pierce were married in Indiana, and came to Dade County in 1871 and settled on a farm west of Lockwood, where they lived until 1894, when they moved to Chicago, in which city Mr. Pierce died in 1915, and where his widow still resides.

(2) Will C., born May 6th, 1892. Is a graduate of the State University at Columbia, class of 1917, and distinguished himself on the gridiron as well as in the classroom, making the football team and gaining an "M" on the athletic field.

Mr. Preston and his family are members of the Presbyterian church and are active workers in every department thereof. He is a Democrat in politics, and, while, not a politician, his face is familiar to all who attend the conventions of that party. For four years he was president of the Dade County Mutual Fire Insurance Company, one of the largest mutual companies in the state, and his activities have contributed much to its success. He was also an active member of the Dade County Agricultural Society.

He enjoys the luxury of a Ford car, and is an enthusiastic "good roads" booster, so that walking may not become a pleasure. His farm home is modern in every respect, being equipped with an acetylene lighting plant and other twentieth centurv conveniences.

Jasper N. Preston

One of our highly respected citizens who has passed to the great beyond was .Jasper N. Preston. He was a native of Dade County, born August 22, 1855, and was a son of Harrison and Louisa (Hembree) Preston. The father was a native of Kentucky and is now deceased, while the mother is still living, and resides in Gutherie, Okla.

Jasper Preston received the advantages of a good education, and was a merchant at Arcola, Dade County, Missouri, where he run a general store some ten years. lie was not a strong- man physically, and spent many years of his life in Colorado for the benefit of his health. At the time of his untimely demise, April 14, 1906, he owned a farm of 94 acres in Smith Township, and upon which he built a very fine residence, which is today occupied by his widow. Mr. Preston was married September 5, 1886, to Miss Josephine Kountree, who was born April 18, 1864, in Dade County, a daughter of Rufus Rountree and Lucretia Hopkins, his wife.

Mrs. Preston was fifth in order of birth of a large family of eleven children, nine of whom are living. To Mr. and Mrs. Preston were born four children, three of whom are living. A brief record of them is as follows: Zula L., born September 5th, 1889, married John F. Ragsdale, a farmer of Washington Township (a complete sketch of whom may be found elsewhere) ; Mary Pearl, born June 3, 1891, died October 28th, 1894; Ruby Harrison, born October 13th, 1892, is an accomplished young lady, and resides on the home place with her mother, Flosie Lucretia, born December 28th, 1895, married Marion Steinrod, and they are living at Dadeville, where he is a mail carrier. Mrs. Preston lives in her fine residence, which is certainly one of the very best country dwellings in the county. She rents out her land, as a rule, but takes the active management, and is more or less active, as she raises some stock. Mrs. Preston and her family are members of the Presbyterian church and are very highly respected.

The Rountree family, of which Mrs. Preston is a descendant, were among the very first pioneer settlers of southwest Missouri. As early as 1867 Joseph Rountree, at that time 85 years of age, wrote a reminiscent and traditional history of the Rountree family, and which is herewith produced verbatim:

Tradition

"A good many years ago there was a male child found in Yorkshire, England, by a rich landlord under a rowan tree, otherwise called mountain ash, but in England called ROWAN tree. The child was dressed in very rich clothing, which bespake for its wealthy parentage. The kind-hearted landlord took it home and raised it as if it was his own child. Not knowing its origin, he named it ROWAN-TREE, after the tree under which it had been found.

"When William II, King of England, dethroned his father-in-law, King James II, King James then went to Ireland and raised a large army of Irish, thinking to get himself reinstated on the throne of England, but William III raised a large army in England, and went to Ireland, and there were two brothers of the Rowantrees that went over with his army. After the battle of Boynewater, when William's army conquered James' army, William then disbanded a part of his army and the two Rowantrees were in that part of the force that was disbanded, and they concluded to remain in Ireland. One of them stopped in the south part of Ireland and married among the Celtic race of people or nation of that country, and but little is known of his generation.

"The other brother settled in the north of Ireland and married am»ng the Anglo-Saxons, who previous to that time had populated that part of Ireland. He raised his family there .and in time they became numerous.

"When there was a great immigration from Ireland to the Province of Virginia in North America, one old man named Ro^antree took passage for himself and family for --Virginia. Before the ship was ready to sail his younger son took smallpox and was not admitted aboard the ship, and, as passage had been paid, he and six of his sons went on the ship and settled in Nancemund County, Virginia, and from this family of Rowantrees

"The seventh son, that was left in the care of his mother, recovered from the smallpox, and from that son our family sprung, lie remained in Ireland and raised a family, and they multiplied and became numerous. When Uncle Joseph, my father, was 19 years old, he took passage in a ship for America and stopped in the Province of Pennsylvania, and worked at the ship carpenter's trade for two or three years. He then went back to Ireland, and after staying there a few years he married Eva Sturgis, and after his marriage they took passage for America. They stopped in Pennsylvania, remaining there until three of their children were born, then emigrated to North Carolina. There the balance of their children were born, and there they died, and their earthly remains lie buried in the graveyard at Little Run Meeting House.

"My father and mother raised six sons and two daughters to be grown, one son and daughter dying in infancy. The six sons were named William, John, Charles, Andrew, Thomas and (myself) Joseph. My sisters' names were Rachael and Lydia Rowantree, and my father's name was Thomas.

"By some means the family have been spelling their name Rountree instead of Rowantree, but that is not proper, for they took the name from the tree under which that boy baby was found.

"We all raised families except William and Thomas, and we are scattered in different states. William died a single man. Thomas married, but raised no children. I raised a family of eight children to be grown. Six sons and two daughters. My sons are James Mendreth, Zanner Marion, Lucious Alexander, Margavin Jerome, Almna Linnaeus and Allen Jones. My daughters' names are Louisa Amanda and Almanda Caroline. My children all have families except Allen Jones. Pie died a young man. I immigrated from North Carolina to Tennessee in 1819, and from Tennessee to Missouri in the winter of 1830, and in 1831 got my family to where Springfield now stands on the 16th day of January. It is now the 18th day of December, 1867. On the 14th day of last April I was 85 years of age, and am now in good health. (Signed) " JOSEPH EOUNTREEJ

One of the substantial farmers of South Township. Was born in Dade County, Missouri, October 14th, 1861, son of Benjamin A. and Nancy J. (Scott) Priddy. Benjamin A. Priddy was born June 5th, 1820, in Hanover County, Virginia, while his wife, Nancy Jane Scott, wras born about the year 1824. They were married about 1847. John H. Priddy, the grandfather of W. P. Priddy, was born in Virginia January 4th, 1787, of English parentage. His wife, Nancy Harris, also a native of Virginia, was born March 13th, 1794.

The Priddys were farmers in Virginia and emigrated to Dade County in an ox wagon in 1839, being a long time on the road. They brought a family of four children, Benjamin A. Priddy being the only boy. They settled on Limestone Creek on the farm now owned by Smith Pelts. Benjamin A. Priddy built the first house on this land. There were no saw mills in the country at that time, so that the lumber was sawed by him and his brother by hand for the floors, doors and gabel ends, the rest of the house being built out of logs. Nancy Jane (Scott) Priddy, the mother of W. P. Priddy, was a sister of D. W. Scott, familiarly known as Uncle Bud Scott. She was the mother of six children, five boys and one girl.

At the breaking out of the Civil war Benjamin A. Priddy enlisted in the Confederate army in Company A, Third Missouri Cavalry, and served throughout the war. He was paroled at Shreveport, La., and returned to his home in Dade County, intending to move to Texas. They started in the winter of 1865-66, but got only as far as Arkansas, where he stopped to raise a crop, and worked also at the carpenter trade. The principal reason for stopping in Arkansas was the fact that the yoke of oxen he was working to the wagon died, leaving him but one horse, so that going on was out of the question. The older boys of the family worked out at anything they could find to do, and after about one year the father died. Joseph J., the oldest boy, then came back to Dade County to make some arrangements about moving the family back. At this time Lewis Renfro and Sanford Bowles were starting for Texas, and on their return home they came back through Arkansas and hauled the Priddy family to their home in Dade County, thereby gaining their everlasting praise for this act of lasting friendship.

On their return to Dade County the family took up their residence on the old homestead, where the mother again married in September, 1871, to an old doctor by the name of B. M. Murwin. Shortly afterward they moved to the Indian Territory, taking the two youngest boys with them. In 1872 they moved back to Joplin, where the mother died, leaving the two little boys among strangers. Two kind-hearted women took these children and inquired of them concerning their relatives, and were informed that Aunt Mary Bird, who lived in Dade County, was a sister of their father. They wrote to her, and in a short time she came with her sister and a friend who stayed with them and brought the boys home with them. They lived on Sac river, northeast of Everton. They stayed there during the winter of 1873, and went with them to Taney County, where they remained till fall, when the family, in moving from there to Joplin, left the boys at Mt. Vernon. A friend brought them to Dade County, where they made their permanent home.

On coming to Dade County from Mt. Vernon, W. P. Priddy went to live with a cousin, Dan B. Scott, where he remained for five years, working on the farm in the summer and attending school in the winter. Afterwards he worked first in one place and then another, attending school only a small portion of the time. He spent two winters and one summer with William Slakel, attending school three months during the time. He worked at various places during the summer of 1881, and spent the winter with E. T. Chappel,»«attending school four months. This was his last school. The following spring and summer he worked out, receiving 50 cents per day as wages. In the spring of 1883 he arranged with Dan B. Scott to crop with him. He stayed with Mr. Scott three years, buying a team in the meantime. He was a tenant farmer until the spring of 1889, when he went to Oklahoma in the grand rush for claims. Failing to get a claim in Oklahoma, he returned to Bade County, where IPC farmed in the summer months and worked at the carpenter trade in the winter, till 1895, when he bought the place where he now resides.. He gave $2,090 for thte tract of land, paying $300 down. The place was only partly improved, but Mr. Priddy moved onto it, cleared out and put more in cultivation each year. At this time he had three horses and some hogs. The task was a hard one. Sometimes crops were poor, but interest and taxes always came due. It was a struggle, but industry and perseverence won. In a few years Mr. Priddy began to climb toward the top financially. On the 2nd day of May, 1906, he married Louisa E. Lollar, daughter of James T. Lollar, a prominent farmer of South Township.

Those entries in the family register are followed by a long list of the Bowles and Harris families, written in that peculiar flourishing style of the eighteenth century, which marks it as a rare specimen of antiquity.

Joseph J. (brother), now deceased. John Daniel (brother), a resident of Newton County. Benjamin F. (brother), lives in Kansas. Elizabeth F. (sister), now Mrs. George Hoover. W. P. Priddy (the subject of this sketch.) Thomas J. (brother), a resident of Dade County.

Mrs. Priddy's mother's maiden name was Lydia Smith, a native of Dade County. James T. Lollar and Lydia Smith were married in Dade County, Missouri, and were the parents of eleven children, seven of whom are still living. Mrs. Priddy is the eighth child in point of birth.

In politics Mr. Priddy is a staunch Democrat. He was elected justice of the peace in 1909, and has continued in that office to the present time. He has been township chairman of the Democratic committee for four years, and has served on the school board about eight years. He is a stockholder in the Bank of Pennsboro, and well fixed financially. His farm consists of 83 acres, all in cultivation, and improved with a comfortable dwelling house. Mr. Priddy is a self-made man, proud of his home and contented with his lot in life. He is engaged in general farming and stock raising. He is a carpenter by trade and a good workman. Few men stand higher in the estimation of their neighbors for honesty and integrity than Mr. Priddy. His life is a living example of what a poor boy under the most adverse circumstances may accomplish by honesty, industry and faithful perseverence.

William Jones Pyland

A native of Tennessee, was born November 21st, 1850, a son of Bennett Pyland and Elizabeth Pyland (cousins), both born in North Carolina, but married in Tennessee. They came to Dade County in 1851, when William J. was a baby. Settled near Dadeville on rented land, where they remained for one year, then moved to Greene County for two years, after which they purchased the land where William J. Pyland now lives. This tract consisted of 40 acres, little improved, with a one-room log cabin chinked with cobs and mud with a stick chimney. Here they lived for six years, and here they prospered. He built an addition to the house, entered 80 acres of land adjoining, and at the time of his death he was the owner of 200 acres in one body. Bennett Pyland was born June 25th, 1804, and died October 22nd, 1883, on the home place in Dade County. He was a Republican in politics, and a member of the M. E. church. Elizabeth Pyland, his wife, was born May 19th, 1812, and died on the home place in 1892.

(4) Melissa D., born March 18th, 1841, married William McDaniel, both now deceased. They left four children, who were taken and raised by William J. Pyland. They were: Ama W., now deceased; Joseph K., now living in Oregon at Freewater, a teacher and farmer; Bessie W., married C. R. McCalley, who is an accomplished musician and is prominent on the platform, and Laura P., who married W. J. Douglas, a Methodist preacher at Ashland, Ore. Mr. Pyland raised and edu-

(7) Emaline A., born December 10th, 1846, married J. C. Galbraith, now deceased. She resides in Portland, Ore. He was a veteran of the civil war.

William J. Pyland, being the youngest child, he remained upon the farm for 61 years, never deserting his father and mother. He received but a meager education in the common schools of the county, and has always been a farmer. After the death of his mother he bought out the other heirs, and now owns 120 acres of the old homestead. In 1903 he rebuilt the dwelling house, so that now it is a fine residence.

On the 13th day of December, 1893, he was married to Cora A. Kirby, born January 3rd, 1879, daughter of C. J. and Martha Speight Kirby, both now deceased. She was the youngest of a family of four children.

(1) Vernon E., born January 10th, 1895, received a good education, finished at Springfield State Normal, received a life certificate in 1915, and began teaching at Ashland, Ore., in the primary department, where she is now located.

(2) Velma J., born February 21st, 1897, has good education, spent some time at State Normal, but finally decided upon a musical education. Is now studying music at Springfield, Mo.

William J. Pyland is a Republican and has been a school director for many years. Both he and his family are members of the M. E. church, in which organization he has been an elder for many years.

Mr. Pyland is engaged in general farming, raises some good horses and mules, is a careful, painstaking farmer, and is a live wire on the question of good schools. Fraternally he is a member of the W. 0. W.

The Pyland family were of Welsh descent, coming across the water prior to the Revolutionary war. Robbin and Caroline (Bell) Pyland were the grandparents of both Bennett and Elizabeth Pyland, they being cousins. Bennett Pyland was a son of WTilliam and Abagail (Jones) Pyland. Abagail Jones was a daughter of Jesse and Winnifred (Speight) Jones. Elizabeth Pyland was a daughter of Benjamin and Anna (Coplin) Pyland, Anna Coplin being a daughter of James and Elizabeth (Johnson) Coplin. William J. Pyland 's grandfather, William Pyland, had four brothers and one sister, viz: James, John, Benjamin, Robbin and Nan Elizabeth, who married Alsie Smart and moved to Georgia. Elizabeth Pyland, the mother of William J. Pyland, had three brothers and two sisters: Cullen, James, Carney, Celia and Cloe. AVilliam Pyland was twice married, his second wife being Annie Haithcon. Bennett Pyland had four brothers and two sisters of the whole blood : Benjamin, Berton, Bluford, Billy, Winnifred and Rebecca, and five brothers and four sisters of the half-blood: Britton, Blakley, Buckston, Branson, Brandford, Elizabeth, Caparity, Nancy and Delitha.

William K. Pyle

Was a son of William Pyle Sr. and his wife, Hannah, born Standlee; the father of English and the mother of Scottish descent. The elder Pyle, whose original ancestors in America came over with Willian Penn, emigrated from the vicinity of Pinkneyville, 111., near which place William K. Pyle spent his childhood and youth, to

Dade County, Missouri, in the year 1850, bringing with him his entire family, which consisted of his wife and several sons and daughters, the sons being all of the tall pioneer type. These sons, as well as the daughters, are now all dead, Carter S. having died in Kansas in the early 70 's; David, the oldest son, in Tennessee in 1881, and Claudius L. (uncle Less), in January, 1913, in Dade County, Missouri.

William Pyle Sr. settled near the old Mt. Zion church in Sac Tow7nship, or, rather, not far from where that church was after located, he being one of the organizers of it. He preached there occasionally, or, maybe, regularly, for a while, being an early adherent of Alexander Campbell and member of the Christian, or Disciples', church. Besides preaching", he tilled the soil, ran the Seybert mill for a while, and, to diminish the monotony, read a great deal out of some ancient histories and other books, which he wras fortunate in possessing, and of whose contents he was thoroughly familiar. Died in the year 1875, not rich, but well esteemed.

William K. Pyle, while still a young man and in a few years after coming to this country, married a distant relative of his, a daughter of Benjamin Pyle, an early settler here. Of this marriage wore born Sheridan B., Siria 0. (Mrs. Brayshaw), and Rosalia, who died in December, 1876. His wife having died some time before 1860, and the war of the Rebellion coming on in 1861, he entered the Missouri Home Guards, as he wished to be near his family. He afterwards served as second lieutenant of Company I, Fifteenth Missouri Regiment, Cavalry Volunteers, to the conclusion of the war. Married again December 31st, 1868, this time Mary E. Finley, who is still living and who was born in Dade County (then Polk) December 29th, 1839. There were born of this marriage: Willie (now Mrs. Hamner), Elmer E. and Jessie (Mrs. Dawson.) He entered land not far from where Cane Hill now is, and began clearing up the same about the time of his first marriage, but afterward sold this to G. N. Alder; continued, however, to reside in that vicinity on a farm in Dade County, which he bought in 1867, or at Dadeville, alternating two or three times, till his removal to Greenfield February 9th, 1881.

In early manhood he began to study law, when procured Blackstone somewhere. His opportunities for education had been considerably less than of at least two of his brothers. The task of taking care of a family and of procuring books, or getting any kind of instruction in the backwoods of primitive Dade County, couldn't be overcome, so the notion of becoming a lawyer was given up.

At the close of the war he was elected Representative to the Missouri Legislature, re-elected in 1868, and again in 1872, after an interval of one term. Having had several years of experience in public life, and owing somewhat to rheumatic attacks, which interferred with other pursuits, he took up the study of law again, this time more seriously, and was admitted to the bar at Greenfield, Mo., in company with Mason Talbutt and George E. Bowling, in 1879. in 1880 he assisted in the defense of one Ernest, who was on trial for murder. Was elected prosecuting attorney in the fall of 1880, re-elected in 1882, and again in 1884; elected probate judge in 1886, making his seventh time to be elected to office in Dade County.

His six years as prosecuting attorney were coeval with Judge Burton's term as judge of this circuit, and the greatest amity and good will ever existed between them. This was rather an exciting period. The K. C. & Gulf Railroad had been built to Dade County and was advanced as far as South Greenfield in the winter of 1880-1881. There were everyday brawls, and ''knockouts" on the part of construction hands (Irish) for several months. In June, 1881, occurred the assassination of Marshal McElwrath by Taylor Underwood in the saloon at Greenfield. He and others pursued Underwood down the hill, eastward from the square, until they were brought to a sudden halt by Underwood's bullets, ho being at the time of small stature and unarmed. A few days afterward (the night of July 2nd or 3rd) a mob, supposed to have been formed principally in northern Dade County, came to Greenfield, and, going to the sheriff's home, which was somewhere west of the Ozark College building, overpowered the sheriff (George W. Whiteside), obtained the keys to the county jail from him, and, leaving Whiteside tied hand and foot and gagged under an apple tree near the east line of the college inclosure (whither they had brought him), proceeded to the jail, and, getting possession of three of the four prisoners confined there without opposition except on the part of one prisoner Craft, who fought desperately but in vain, hanged them to locust trees near the west door of the courthouse.

The prisoners had been brought to Greenfield from the Arcola neighborhood by Uel Murphy and B. A. Pyle on the day of McElwrath's murder, but were not gotten here till after the killing. A mob had followed them for several miles, threatening. These men were believed to have been engaged, along with Underwood, and under his leadership, in stealing horses and hurrying them out of the country into the Indian Territory; and one of the men, Box Mitchell by name, confessed that they were organized for such a business, and on account of this confession he was spared by the mob. He served several years at Jefferson City upon a plea of guilty, and died a few days after his release or pardon at or near his old abode of tuberculosis. Underwood was captured within a few weeks following his escape and was sentenced, after a mistrial or so, to a term of 99 years in the Missouri state prison. He was eventually pardoned by the governor, and is now living in the state of Oklahoma.

Many other things which cannot be told here for lack of room happened during those six years, which made them very stirring and busy years for a prosecuting attorney, and kept his office from being a sinecure by any means.

tion without his knowledge, he entered into the practice of law so far his increasing ill health would permit, but was compelled within a few years to retire from that and all other pursuits. From the time of his removal to Greenfield, and for years before, he was seldom ever free from bodily pain. Rheumatism, which he believed he contracted while following the "Price Raid," in a severe rainstorm, rendered the last years of his life years of suffering, and finally wore down his once vigorous constitution. He lived always temperate, forebore the use of medicines, practically, after due trial of them, and finding that they were useless in his case, and he steadfastly refused opiates to the last day of his life. He died December 17th, 1896, aged 66 years and some months.

Hon. Sheridan B. Pyle

Son of William K. and Artimisia Pyle, was born in Dade County September 21st, 1856, near the line of Cedar County. William K. Pyle was one of the early settlers of Dade County. He came as a young man in the early 40 's, and married here. His wife was a native of Kentucky, her people coming to Missouri in 1832, settling in Greene County, and later came to Dade County, where she met and married William K. Pyle. She departed this life in 1861, and he was later married to Mollie Finley, a native of Dade County. William K. Pyle was an active Republican, a veteran of the Civil war, serving about three years. After he returned from the war he was admitted to the bar and served as prosecuting attorney of Dade County for three terms, served as probate judge one term and served in the state legislature for two terms. He departed this life in 1892.

Sheridan B. Pyle was the second of a family of three children. His sister, now living, is Lysira Brayshaw of Lawrence County. He also has two half-sisters and one-half-brother:

Sheridan B. Pyle was raised by his grandparents and remained with them until he received his education, after w7hich he engaged in teaching school in Dade County. He was married on the 31st day of March, 1877, to Matie Underwood, a daughter of Lewis and Nancy (Barber) Underwood, botli of whom are still living. They are thoroughly imbued with the pioneer spirit and now reside in Oregon. He was a practical surveyor. Mrs. Pyle was a native of Minnesota, born March 5th, 1858, and came with her people to Dade County after the war.

Mr. Pyle lias been more or less of a miner, having been engaged in that occupation both before and after his marriage. He mined in Galena, Kas., for about one year. About the year 1880 he was employed in the general merchandise store of Captain E. J. Morris in Dadeville as clerk, but at the end of 18 months became the proprietor, and conducted the business on his own account until 1900, when he opened up a drug store in Dadeville, which he has since conducted.

Mr. Pyle is a staunch Republican in politics, a man of pleasing personality, a public speaker of considerable note and always on the firing line in campaign times. He also has the distinction of being a 32nd degree Mason. He was educated at the Morrsville Academy in Polk County.

(1) Roscoe G., born March 21st, 1881, married Crete Dunaway, and is an electrician by occupation, and resides at Carthage, Mo. They have two children, Gerald and Thelma.

(2) Leslie C., born October 23rd, 1884, married Nora Stradley, a native of Nebraska, and for a few years he lived upon a large ranch, which he owned, at Rogerson, Idaho. Three children wore born to this marriage: Byron, Eileen and Rahloigh.

Howard Ra6Sdale

Was born in Greenfield, Dade County, Missouri, August 16th, 1869, son of Benjamin F. and Nancy E. (Buckner) Eagsdale. His father was born in Greenfield in 3843, a son of Joshua and Sarah Ragsdale, early pioneers of the county, who came from Carolina in ox-teams away back in 1837, and settled five miles southwest of Greenfield on the prairie, entering 1,200 acres of government land. They hauled their timber from the Limestone neighborhood for fencing and houses. After improving the land he gave liberally of it to each of his children as they grew to maturity. There were eight children in this family, viz: Alexander, Harrison, Thomas, Andrew, Benjamin Franklin, Sarah (Mrs. McLemore), Harriet (Mrs. S. W. Cox) and Jane (Mrs. Alex Morris), all of whom lived and died in Dade County. They are all buried on the old home place.

Benjamin F. Ragsdale, the father of the subject of this sketch, was given 120 acres of land by his father, and from time to time he bought out the interest of the other heirs, until at the time of his death, November 30th, 1899, he owned some 700 acres of the old Joshua Ragsdale homestead. Nancy E. Ragsdale died in July, 1910.

Howard Ragsdale lived on a farm, attended the common schools of the country, and remained at home until 24 years of age, when he entered the law office of Mason Talbutt at Greenfield, and studied law until 1897, when he was admitted to the practice. In addition to his common school education, Mr. Ragsdale had also attended Ozark college in Greenfield. On being admitted to the bar he established a law office in Everton, where he remained for 12 years, and in 1909 moved to Ash Grove and continued the practice of law, and also engaged in the real estate business in the firm of Mortemyer & Ragsdale, where he is now enjoying a splendid business.

In politics Mr. Ragsdale is a "red-hot" Republican. In 1906 he was elected prosecuting attorney of Dade County and served one term. In 1899 he was elected a member of the Missouri legislature from Dade County

On the -17th day of May, 1898, he enlisted in Company H, Fifth Missouri Volunteer Infantry, in the Spanish-American war, and attained the rank of sergeant. He had been second lieutenant of the same company while in the state service. On being mustered into the Federal service it became necessary to recruit the company with members of another company, and in the new alignment the office of second lieutenant went to the other company. This company was mustered out November 6th, 1898, just as they were preparing to embark for Cuba.

Fraternally Mr. Ragsdale is a member of the Masonic lodge at Everton, the Royal Arch at Ash Grove and Zabud Commandery at Springfield. He holds his Odd Fellow membership at South Greenfield and K. of P. at Ash Grove.

He was married in September, 1899, to Ellen Finley, who was born at Greenfield, Mo., February 1st, 1879, daughter of Milton and Susan (Stephenson) Finley, one of the prominent families of the community. Mr. Ragsdale and wife have no children.

Among the many interesting and highly prized relics and souvenirs gathered by Mr. Ragsdale is a collection of small arms. They represent almost every stage of American warfare from the days of the Revolution to the present emergency, among them a pair of holsters captured at the battle of Wilson Creek by James Reese.

Few men enjoy the distinction of being any closer to the common people than Mr. Ragsdale. His greatest successes in the law business have resulted in his masterly appeals to the jury. As a public speaker, not only at the bar, but in political campaigns and at fraternal gatherings, Mr. Ragsdale has few peers and no superiors in southwest Missouri. He leads that quiet, unassuming, unostentatious life which becomes a man whose activities in life have given him a broad vision and complete poise. While he is nominally a citizen of Greene County, Dade County claims him as one of her boys, of whom she is justly proud.

John F. Ragsdale

Was born in Dade County February 8th, 1885, a son of Benjamin F. Ragsdale and Xancy E. (Buckner) Ragsdale. His father was born October 27th, 1840, and was married to Nancy E. Buckner on April 7th, 1867. She was born February 26th, 1850.

With the exception of two years spent in California when he was 19 years old, John F. Ragsdale has lived all his life on the old home farm in Dade County. At his father's death it comprised 574 acres, which he purchased from the other heirs, including the land upon which his father first settled. Since buying the old homestead he has sold 120 acres lying in Smith Township, and lias purchased 100 acres in Washington Township, making him now a farm of 654 acres, all in one body, a splendid tract of land lying two and one-half miles due west of South Greenfield. He has been a fanner all his life. He received his education in the district schools of Dade

County. On the 10th day of September, 1913, he was married to Zuiah Louisa Preston, a native of Dade County, born September 5th, 188(J, daughter of Jasper Newton and Josephine Rouritree Preston. Her father is now deceased, but her mother is still living.

While Mr. Ragsdale 's farm is well adapted to growing grain, it is in effect a stock farm, all the grain grown thereon being fed to cattle and hogs. There is shipped from this farm about three cars of cattle and one car of hogs each year. Mr. Ragsdale also keeps a small flock of sheep. In addition to erecting a splendid barn and other outbuildings, the owner of this farm has built a 200-ton silo.

This farm is supplied with a first-class watering system, having a number of good wells, springs and branches, the supply being handled with a windmill. About 40 acres of this farm is still in native forest, the remainder being in grass and under cultivation. All is fenced and cross-fenced.

Mr. Ragsdale is a quiet, unassuming man, but every fiber of his being is filled with energy and enthusiasm. He is an earnest advocate of good roads, more intensive cultivation of the soil, and more live stock for the number of acres cultivated. He deprecates the idea of raising and shipping grain, and insists that in order to maintain the original fertility of the soil more stock must be fed on the land. The brand of prosperity is stamped upon every enterprise of Mr. Ragsdale 's farm.

William Raubinger

Illinois, December 8th, 1863, a son of Anton and Katherine (Adler) Raubinger, both natives of Germany, therefore William Raubinger is a full-blooded German, although born in the great state of Illinois. Anton Raubinger was born October 7th, 1830, while his wife was born November 2nd, 1835. He died December 19th, 1908, and she February 7th, 1891. He was a cabinet maker by trade, and came to the United States in 1856, and resided in St. Louis, Mo., for two years, where he was married, and then moved to Madison County, Illinois, where he followed stationary engineering. To this couple were born five children, as follows: Emma, now the widow of Christ Zimmerman, and lives in Marine, 111., and she has three children, Christ, Alfred and Marie; William, of this review; Mary, married Emil Jentsch, and she has three children, Christ, Alfred and Marie; F., is engaged in the mining business at Aurora, Mo., and has three children, Flora, Lloyd and Melton; Emile L., is a resident of Higginsville, where he is employed as bookkeeper for the Higginsville Milling Company.

William Raubinger learned the milling business and worked first for the Valier & Spies Milling Company at Marine, 111., then for II. Prange & Sons as second miller at New Douglas, 111., then came to Ash Grove, Greene County, where he worked for the Likens Milling Company for three years, when he was transferred to Everton and took charge of the Likens Mill there, remaining two years, when he moved to Mt. Vernon, Lawrence County, Missouri, where he rented the mill and run the same for six years. In 1897 he came back to Everton and bought the large milling property which he now owns and runs from C. W. Likens. This is fine property and Mr. Raubinger has added large warerooms to the mill proper and also built a fine new residence adjoining. Here he has built up the largest milling plant in the county. The mill was originally built by Galbraith & Tan-ant. The present capacity is 125 barrels, with a 20,000-bushel elevator, and thoroughly equipped with modern machinery, and is run to full capacity practically all the time. Mr.

Somk Kkal Imoskkks

Raubinger lias two brands of flour for which ho enjoys a fine trade; they are named "Snow Kist," the loading brand, and "Magnolia," for his second grade. This is the only soft wheat mill in the county, and the product is the very best in this part of Missouri. He is a large buyer and shipper of corn, oats, rye and kaffir corn.

Mr. Raubinger married in Marine, 111., Miss Mary Nemnich, who was born October 16th, 1865, a daughter of Henry Nemnich and wife, both natives of Germany. The father is now deceased, and his widow passed away September 28th, 1916.

To Mr. and Mrs. Raubinger have been born six children, as follows: Columbia, born December 2nd, 1893; Pauline, born October 26th, 1895; Walter, born January 14th, 1898; Alma, born January 22nd, 1900; Lydia, born December 4th, 1902; Ellis, born December 1st, 1904. This fine family of children have had and are having the very best of educational advantages. They are all members of the Presbyterian church, of which Mr. Raubinger is a deacon. In politics Mr. Raubinger is a Republican, and takes an active interest in all affairs of the country. Truly, Mr. Raubinger is a desirable citizen. He is always ready to help with his time and money on any enterprise that is for the betterment of public conditions. He is a good booster for good roads and a staunch friend of our free public school system, and is at present serving on the school board. It is a pleasure to hold a conversation with him on any subject, for he is a broadminded, courteous gentleman and man of affairs.

Jerome Lee Rawhauser

Was born at Columbus City, la., February 9th, 1869. His father, David Rawhauser, was born at York, Pa., in 1832, and died in 1908. He was of German ancestry, his forefathers coming from the Fatherland to Pennsylvania in an early day. He had a common school education, was a carpenter by trade, and was both industrious and successful. He was a member of the United Brethren church, in politics a Whig, and later a Republican. He was a good citizen, progressive, liberal-minded, held local offices, and was charitably disposed, but of a retiring, reticent disposition. He was one of a family of nine children. He came to Muscatine, la., with his wife about the year 1851, and later moved to Louisa County, where he spent the remainder of his days. He married Anna Marie Blosser, a German girl, who was born in the Fatherland in 1836, but who came to Pennsylvania with her father, where she was married. She was one of a family of four children, and had a common school education in English and German. Was a member of the United Brethren church, and the mother of eight children :

J. L. Rawhauser attended the public schools in Columbus City, la., after which he entered a drug store and took up the study of pharmacy, after which he attended the Iowa State School of Pharmacy, from which he graduated.

After graduation he clerked for two years in a drug store in Tipton, la., and then entered the drug business on his own account at Columbus City. He then sold out and spent four years at the Keokuk College of Physicians and Surgeons, receiving his diploma in 1907. His first practice was in Saratoga, Wyo., after which he spent three years in the practice at Central Point, Ore.

In 1909 he located at Cassville, Mo., and after four years of practice at that place came to Greenfield. He has succeeded in building up a splendid practice in Uade County.

On the 8th day of March, 181)4, he was married to Kate Gambell of Winfield, la., a daughter of John and Margaret (Fulton) Gambell, who trace their ancestry back to the Pilgrims who came over in the Mayflower. Her father was a fanner and school teacher. Mrs. Rawhauser also taught school, is a member of the Presbyterian church and a member of the Colonial Dames.

Dr. Rawhauser is a member of the Presbyterian church, a member of the Odd Fellows and formerly was a Knights of Pythias, physician for and a member of the W. 0. W., and in politics a Republican. lie is progressive, public-spirited and wide-awake. He maintains a splendid office, equipped with the latest appliances of his profession, and is fast becoming one of the leading physicians of southwest Missouri. He lias received a commission from the United States government in the Officers' Medical Reserve Corps, with rank of first lieutenant.

Lewis Renfro

Was born on Pennsylvania Prairie, Dado County, Missouri, March 16th, 1843, where he grew to manhood. He was educated in the common schools of that part of the county, spending all his early life on a farm. At the breaking out of the Civil war he enlisted early in the summer of 1861 for six months' service in Captain John M. Stemmons' company, Coffer's Regiment, Raines Brigade, in the

Southern army. He participated in the battle of Wilson's Creek, Lexington, Lone Jack, Carthage, Cow Skin Prairie and several other minor engagements. At the expiration of his six months' service, in company with his brother, John F., and family, he went south to Texas, and in March, 1862, enlisted in the Confederate service for three years, or during the war, in Company C, Twenty-ninth Texas Cavalry, which regiment was being recruited at Paris, Tex. This regiment was assigned to the Indian service, and acted as a guard between the Indian nations and the state of Texas. During the first part of this service he was in the command of General Cooper, but later on General Gano commanded the Indian department. The fighting in this service was mostly skirmishes, although there were some hard-fought battles, namely, Greenleaf, Poison Springs and Cabin Creek. Mr. Renfro remained with this command till the fall of 1863, when he was transferred to Company A, Third Missouri Cavalry, Colonel's Coffey's old regiment, Shelby's Brigade, and which took active part in all the battles of the trans-Mississippi department, including the battles of Cow Skin Prairie, Marks' Mill, Jenkins' Ferry and the Price Raid in 1864, when there was fighting practically every day. Two of the largest battles in which he was engaged were Westport and Mine Creek, both near Kansas City, where the Confederates had two generals, John S. Marmaduke and General Cabbie, captured with part of their commands. Another hard battle was fought at Newtonia, where Colonel Smith was killed. This was the last hard battle he was in during the war.

Mr. Renfro held several non-commissioned appointments, but was commissioned as third lieutenant. When the war closed he was acting adjutant of the Third Missouri Cavalry, with the rank of captain. At the close of the war he went back to Texas, and remained there until the spring of 1867. In the spring of 1867 he came to Missouri for a short stay, returning to Texas, where he remained until the spring of 1868, when he again returned to Dade County, and where he has lived ever since.

On the 24th day of September, 1868, he was married to Mollie Moore Finley, and settled on a farm near Mt. Zion, in the Preston neighborhood, and lived there until the spring of 1876, when he bought a farm one mile south of Greenfield. He lived on this farm till the spring of 1880, when he moved to Greenfield and engaged in the mercantile business. He followed this business until 1893, when, on account of poor health, he quit the mercantile business and returned to the farm, dealing in stock. Mr. Renfro was very successful in every line of business in which he engaged, and at one time owned over 1,000 acres of land in Dade and Lawrence Counties. In addition to his real estate, he also owned considerable personal property.

Mr. Renfro 's first wife died June 10th, 1890, and on the 9th day of June, 1892, he was married a second time, to Miss Mary E. Leslie, and to this union were born two children, a boy and a girl :

Mr. Renfro has been an active Democrat in politics and has made three races for county offices on the Democratic ticket, once for sheriff, once for collector and once for county treasurer, and, although the county is overwhelmingly Republican, he ran far ahead of his ticket each time, being defeated for county treasurer by only 86 votes. In 1906 he was tendered the nomination for circuit clerk by an unanimous vote of his party convention, but declined. He was twice elected justice of the peace in Center Township, which is one of the Republican strongholds of the

He was elected and served as assessor and treasurer of Smith Township under Township Organization from 1875 to 1880. He also took the census of that township in 1880, and now has in his possession a copy of that work.

At the organization of the R. S. Jacobs Banking Company in 1892 he was elected one of the directors of that institution. He was also associated with R. S. Jacobs in the mercantile business, at the same time in the ''Boston Store," under the firm name and style of L. Renfro & Co., Mr. Jacobs being the "company." This firm had the highest commercial rating of any retail store in the state of Missouri at that time.

Mr. Renro is a modest, unassuming man, of quiet demeanor, but always eminently successful in all his business undertakings. Before he divided his property with his children he was reputed to be worth upwards of $25,000.

Mr. Renfro is now in his 75th year, but still hale and hearty, and bids fair to live to a ripe old age, being, as far as known, the oldest living person born in Dade County, and claiming it for a home since birth. Although well along in years, Mr. Renfro is still young in spirit, and takes great interest in current events.

lie was initiated into the mysteries of Free Masonry in Washington lodge No. 87, A. F. & A. M., in 1880, and has since filled all the offices in said lodge, both elective and appointive. He united with the Presbyterian church at Greenfield in the summer of 1893.

Captain Renfro, as he is familiarly known among the Confederate Veterans, has always taken great interest in the fraternal societies of the Southern Confederacy, and has attended practically all the reunions, both county, dis trict, state and national, for many years. At present he is adjutant general and chief of staff of the Missouri Division I'. V. C., and attended the National Reunion at Washington City in June, 1917, at which time lie had the pleasure of meeting the President personally, and of hearing him speak,

Mr. Renfro is yet active in the everyday affairs of life and is regarded as one of the substantial business men of the county. A man of honesty, integrity and good report.

Joseph H. Renfro

The subject of this interesting sketch was born in Bade County on Pennsylvania Prairie June 26th, 1848, a son of Absolom Renfro, a sketch of whose life is given in full in the history of Lewis Renfro at another place in this volume.

Joseph H. received his education in the common schools of Dade County, with the exception of one year in Texas and two years in Dallas County. At the age of 15 years he enlisted in the Confederate army, in the spring of 1864, and was in the service about one year. He was in Company A, Missouri Cavalry Troop, under the same command as his brother Lewis.

After the war the Renfro family returned to Dade County and engaged in farming. Joseph was married October 18th, 1868, to Mary J. Merrick, a native of Tennessee, born in 1850 and came to Dade County with her father, James Merrick, in 1851. To this union were born four children, one of whom is now living:

(1) Perry C., born in 1871, died in 1895 at the age of 24 years. He was married to Laura E. Miller, and they had one child, Perry C., who was married to Carrie Bird of Dade County in 1917, and now reside on the old Merrick homestead in Smith Township.

(3) T. Clyde, born in 1875, married Cora Elmore of South Greenfield. They moved to Springfield, where he died in 1917, leaving three children, Artie, Hazel and Lloyd.

Joseph H. Renfro was again married, on the 7th day of October, 1916, to Emma E. (Harper) Cochran, widow of Elder W. B. Cochran, a minister of the Christian church and widely known throughout southwest Missouri. He was born April 13th, 1846, in Clay County, Missouri, and died at his home in South Greenfield March 1st, 1913. He was pastor of the Christian church at Aurora for over 21 years, and as an evangelist he has established over 50 churches and baptized over 2,500 converts during his ministerial life. He was a Knight Templar and a member of the I. 0. 0. F., and had served in the General Assembly of Missouri from both Dade and Lawrence Counties. Emma E. (Harper) Cochran was his second wife, and to this union were born six children, all living:

Joseph H. Renfro and wife are each members of the Christian church, his membership extending over a period of more than 40 years, and being an organizer of the churches both at South Greenfield and Pennsboro, being a deacon at the latter place.

Mr. Renfro started in life for himself in 1869 by buying 40 acres of land from his brother Lewis. Since then he has bought and sold real estate, making improvements, and prospering, until he was the owner of a splendid farm of 120 acres on Honey Creek, which he has recently sold and taken up his abode in Greenfield.

Mr. Hen fro is a member of the Confederate Post, an active member in church, served for many years on the school board in his home district, was always in favor of good roads, good schools, and a progressive fanner.

Absalom Renfro

Was born at or near Crab Orchard, Ky., January 15th, 1806, where he grew to manhood. He was raised on a farm, but never received much education. Before he reached his majority he went to Madison County, Tennessee, and engaged in hauling goods from Nashville to inland towns. On the 16th day of June, 1825, he was united in marriage to Miss Mary Penn, a grandniece of the noted Quaker, William Penn. Her father was named after the original William Penn. Mr. Benfro continued to follow teaming until the fall of 1829, when, in company with several other families, they came to southwest Missouri and stopped for the winter where the city of Springfield is now located. In the spring of 1830 they scattered out, except Billie Fulbright, who was one of the parties coming from Tennessee. He remained in Greene County, and Fulbright Springs derived its name from him. Absalom Renfro located where Little Orleans now stands, on Sac river. From there he came to what is known as the Manis place in Dade County. He sold his claim there and located on what is known as the Willis Beard farm. After living there for a time he sold out and located where the Speer mill now stands, and just a short time before the first land sales at Springfield he sold that claim and located 320 acres, being the first land sale in southwest Missouri. This was in the spring of 1840, and this 320 acres remained his home till the date of his death, May 15th, 1875. He professed religion at the age of 40 years and united with the Southern Methodist church, and remained a faithful member until death.

He was a farmer and stock raiser and accumulated quite a fortune, and was one of the wealthy farmers ol Dade County at the breaking out of the Civil war. Being a southern man and a slave owner, he cast his lot with the Southern Confederacy. Five of his sons were soldiers in the Confederate army, four of them enlisting early, and one as soon as he was old enough. John F. was mustered out a lieutenant, Thomas F. was mustered out a major and Lewis, a third lieuterant, was mustered out as adjutant of the Third Missouri Cavalry, with the rank of captain, while Shelby and Joseph were mustered out as privates.

In the summer of 1863 it became so dangerous for a man to live in Bade County who had sons in the Confederate army, and having one negro boy who was eligible for service in the Union army, he went south, taking this negro boy with him. That fall the commanding general gave orders to burn the homes of all southern sympathizers and banish their families. It fell the lot of Major Morgan to carry out these orders in Bade County, which he did to a certain extent. The buildings on the Reni'ro farm wore burned, except a few negro cabins, and the women folks ordered to go south. Major Morgan acted the gentleman in this matter, preserving the original order till after the war, and offered to assist Mr. Kenfro in getting damages for the property destroyed, but on account of the strong prejudice existing at that time no claim for damage was ever presented. Mr. Renfro never harbored any ill feeling toward Mr. Morgan on this account. Friends of the family who posed as Union men assisted the family in the purchase of a yoke of oxen and a wagon, and they made their way to Lamar County, Texas, where they were joined by Mr. Renfro and where he made his home till the close of the war. The negro women and children lived on the farm during the Avar and cared for it the best they could.

Mr. and Mrs. Absalom Renfro were the parents of 15 children, ten boys and five girls. They were, however, not all living at one time, a girl dying in infancy, one boy died at the age of 6 years, and another at the age of 16 years. There were two doctors of note and two southern Methodist preachers in the family, to-wit: Thomas F. was a doctor-, James was a preacher and a doctor also, and Shelby H. is a preacher. There are but three children of this ftfniFly now living: Lewis and Joseph, both of Greenfield, and Shelby II. of Texas. Mary (Perm) Renfro died in 1*9(5 in her 88th year. Absalom Renfro belonged to Washington

Capt. T. F. Renfro

One of Downey's pioneers and prominent business men passed away on the nth. Was born in Missouri 83 years ago. When a young man he went from there to Greenville, Tex., engaging in the drug business, and there married Miss Lucy E. Ballard. After a few years' successful business he removed to California, locating in Downey on a ranch adjoining the town, 30 years ago.

Here he again engaged in the drug business successfully for 25 years. Five years ago, on account of failing health, he retired from business, which illness resulted in his death. As a business man, because of his genial and happy spirit and tactfulness, he was doubtless one of the most popular business men who has ever lived in DowTney. Socially, because of his unusual southern generosity and warm sympathy, few men were so universally liked. He was almost a life-long member of the M. E. church, South, having united with the church when quite young. Because of his love for music and children, he was an adept in the Sunday school work. As Sunday school superintendent and teacher he was very successful throughout his long church life. His Christian life was not especially demonstrative, but was manifest more in good works, loyalty to his God and to his church, yet without sectarianism, manifesting genuine brotherliness to his fellows, to every class, without prejudice, which perhaps is manifest in the fact that he was a captain in General Shellby's Cavalry Brigade of the Confederacy, yet by request, Rev. W. G. Cowan, of Long Beach, a member of the Blue, was called to officiate at his funeral, assisted by the Rev. Bond, of the First M. E. church, South, of Long Beach, Saturday, the 13th. Surviving him is the widow, three sons, one daughter, the eldest, E. A. Renfro, at the head of the Renfro Drug Company, Shreveport, La.; T. F. Renfro, of the Queen Drug Company, 22-40 East

Fourth street, Long Beach, and Mrs. R. P. Queen, 748 Daisy avenue, Long Beach. The youngest, L. B. Renfro, residing at the ranch near Downey, and Miss L. A. Ballard, a sister of Mrs. Renfro, who has always made her home in the family.

T. F. Renfro was born at what is now known as the old Ragedale farm, March 5th, 1834, died in Downey, Cal., January llth, 1917, being at the time of his death 82 years 10 months and six days old. He was the sixth child of a family of 15 children, born to Absalom and Mary Penn Renro. He professed faith in Christ at an early ago, and united with the M. E. church, South, and lived a consistent Christian life until he was called to his reward in Heaven. In his early life he chose school teaching and farming. He taught school all over Dade County. He was married to Francis Lack April 1st, 1856. To this union were born two sons and one daughter. The eldest, John Absalom, died in his infancy. The girl, Sarah Price, grew to womanhood and married Hugh Hampton. She died several years ago, leaving one child, Alva, who makes his home with his uncle, Lewis A., his only surviving son, lives two miles west of Greenfield. In 1872 or 187.'$ be was married again, to Miss Lucy E. Ballard in Shrovoport, La., and to this union were born four sons and one daughter. The eldest, Leon Sanders, died when a small child; the next oldest, Emmett, lives in Shreveport, La., and is engaged in the drug business.

Leona, daughter, married a Mr. Queen, and resides at Long Beach, Cal. Lucine and Vernon still make their hoine with their parents. When the Civil war broke out he cast his lot with the South, and enlisted in the early part of 1861. He was in the organization of Company A, Third Missouri Cavalry, Colonel Coffee's regiment, and was elected orderly sergeant, and when the war closed he was mustered out with a commission as major. He never came back to make his home in Missouri, but made his home in Texas until about 1880, when lie moved to Downey, Cal., where lie inado his home until death. His death, while it was not unexpected, for he had been in feeble health for several years, was a great shock to me. It makes me feel,

Oh, so lonely! Although I never expected to see him again, as we were so far apart, I knew he was living, and that was a great source of pleasure to me, and in his death it only leaves three living out of this large family; myself, Brother Shelby, who lives in Texas, and Brother Jo of South Greenfield. A loving brother. - L. R.

Dr. J. C. B. Refro was born on what is known as the old Ragsdale farm, near South Greenfield in Dade County, Missouri, October 26th, 1835, and died at his residenc in Houston, Tex., March 27th, 1898. He professed religion at the age of 16, and united with the M. E. church, South, and soon thereafter commenced to preach and teach school in Dade and adjoining counties. In 1856, together with two other brothers, John and Dave, he made an overland trip to California with a drove of cattle. He came back to Dade County in 1858 and resumed his profession of teaching school and preaching. He remained in southwest Missouri until after the war. In 1866 he moved to Texas, and continued his professions, but later on he had to give up his ministerial work on account of throat trouble, only preaching occasionally. He began the study of medicine and graduated with the highest honors of his class in 1872 at New Orleans, La. He finally located at Houston, Tex., where he died. He was married to Nancy I. D. Montgomery the llth day of March, 1852. To this union were born four children, one girl and three boys: Mary E., now Mrs. Owens of Springfield, Mo.; George A., now of Springfield, Mo., runs a feed and wagon yard; John N., who died at the Springfield hospital in the spring of 1917; Jimmie died when a small boy, his wife dying near Springfield January 7th, 1902.

Louis A. Renfro

his father being a native of Dade County, while his mother was born at Charleston, Va. Father born in 1835 and his mother in 1837. His mother died April 15th, 1915, and his father died January 12th, 1917. His father was a Dade County school teacher before the war, but enlisted in the Confederate army, was commissioned captain, and served with distinction during the war, after which he went to Texas and engaged in the drug business at Greeneville, Hunt County. He remained here until 1889, when he moved to California, where he died.

Louis A. Renfro is the second in point of birth of a family of three children. He received all of his schooling in Dade County at the Franklin school. He resided with his mother until her death, although at the age of 18 years he engaged in farming and stock raising on his own account upon her farm. In 1880 he bought the land where he now lives. It was then unimproved. He has since cleared it out, developed it, and constructed modern buildings, so that it is now an ideal stock farm. He has added to his original purchase, so that he now owns 377 acres in one body. He devotes his entire time to his farming and stock raising enterprises. He is a Republican in politics, although he never aspired to or held public office except as a member of the school board, which position he has held for 18 years.

He was married on July 7th, 1887, to Minnie Cartwright, a native of Dade County, daughter of Jesse and Lydia (Sweeney) Cartwright, both natives of Tennessee. Jesse Cartwright came to Dade County some time in the 50 's, and was one of the most noted men of the county. lie was a veteran of the Civil war, a brother-in-law of William Cunningham, owned a large farm near Lockwood, upon which he resided many years, and finally died in Lockwood December 16th, 1915. His widow is still living and makes her home part of the time with Mr. Renfro. Mrs. Renfro was one of the younger of a family of four children. She was educated in the schools of Dade County.

Dr. William R. Riley

Among those engaged in the medical profession in Dade County none stands higher in this line of work than Dr. Riley, the subject of this sketch. He was born in Monroe County, Indiana, May 9th, 1868, a son of John R. Riley, who was born in Ireland June 3rd, 1843, and brought to America by his mother. His father, Terrence P. Riley, had emigrated to the United States and settled in Monroe County, Indiana, and after getting a start here, sent for his family. During the voyage one of his three daughters was lost overboard from the sailing vessel. John R, was raised on the farm in Indiana and started working out when he was 11 years of age, receiving $6 per month for his labor. He had no school advantages, but in later years learned to read and write. He was married in Indiana, but his wife soon died, and he married again. Soon after this he emigrated to Greene County, Missouri, coming overland with wagon in 1880. He rented land for about three years near Walnut Grove, but then was able to buy land in Rock Prairie Township, Dade County, where he now lives, and where he owns a good 160-acre farm. John R. Riley married as his first wife Miss Sarah Farmer, who was born in Monroe County, Indiana, in 1846, and died May 24th, 1874, leaving three children, of whom Dr. William R. was the oldest, while Charles P. and Emily are both deceased. Miss Farmer was a daughter of John A. and Emily (Walker) Farmer. Mr. Farmer was a large farmer and stock man, owning some 1,200 acres of valuable land, and also was a merchant and interested in a woolen mill, a still and lumber yard. He was in the Union army during the Civil war. As his second wife, Mr. Eiley married Catherine Gentry, who bore him seven children, as follows: Rosie, now the widow of Charles Thomas; Maggie, at home; Terrence P., a farmer; Emily, now Mrs. Amon Wolfe of Idaho; Ida Bell, now Mrs. Leonard Ball of Greene County; John, who was killed by lightning August 13th, 1914; Frank, a farmer of Dade County.

Dr. William R. Riley was educated in the country schools and the high school at Hendersonville, and taught school for three years, after which he entered the drug business at Ash Grove, Greene County, with Dr. C. Moore, with whom he read medicine until he entered the College of Physicians and Surgeons at St. Louis in 1894, and graduated March 17th, 1897. After practicing at Ash Grove for one year he moved to Everton May 10th, 1898, where he now enjoys a large and lucrative practice. In 1915 he opened a drug store, and is now located in a fine, newly-fitted brick building which he bought, and now has one of the bestappointed drug stores of the county. Dr. Riley married for his first wife Mary L. Stephenson, who was born March 13th, 1870, a daughter of J. B. and Eliza (Long) Stephenson. Mrs. Riley died April 12th, 1906, leaving four children, as follows: Zora E., born September 27th, 1890, and married Harry Criswell, a teacher, residing in Wray, Colo., and they have one child, John Philip, born April llth, 1914 : Zepha, born February 17th, 1891, and who is now teaching in the Everton High School, where she has been engaged for the past four years; Charles W., born December 25th, 1893, is a graduate of Everton High School, and is now attending the State University at Columbia, Mo.; Lillie Frances, born March 31st, 1899, a graduate of Everton High School, class of 1917. Dr. Riley married, second, Miss Luella Shelton, a daughter of John Marshall and Louise A. (Fin ley) Shelton, a sketch of whom may be found elsewhere in this work.

Dr. Riley and wife are prominent members of the Christian church, and he is a member of the I. 0. 0. F., the A. F. & A. M. chapter at Ash Grove, the Royal Select at

Gkokgk Washington' .Moo Uk

Springfield, and the W. 0. W. He is a member of the Southwest Missouri Medical Association arid the Dade County Medical Society. In politics he is a Democrat. Dr. Riley takes an active interest in all affairs of the county and state, and can always be relied upon for his help in the advancement of any enterprise that is for the good of our county or its people. He is a broad-minded Christian gentleman and well deserves the high esteem in which he is universally held by hundreds of Dade County citizens. By his fair, honest dealing and courteous treatment he has built up for himself a practice and business that is second to none in this County. He is a booster for good roads and a staunch friend of free public schools. "We are proud to own Dr. Riley as a Dade County citizen, and it is perfectly safe to say that Dr. Riley will always make his home among us.

E. S. Ring

The subject of this sketch is one of the enterprising young men of Dade County. He was born at Lockwood on the 22nd day of October,' 1889, a son of C. S. Ring and Minnie (Lockard) Ring. His father is one of the substantial business men of Lockwood, and for many years has been engaged in the grain and elevator business at that place. Both his father and mother are natives of Indiana, and their respective families were among the pioneers of Missouri.

About the year 1908 E. S. Ring first entered the mercantile world, buying out the William Bowers restaurant in Lockwood. He followed this business about two years, when he sold out and accepted employment in the H. H. Steele elevator in Lockwood, remaining here until he and his father purchased the general merchandise store of H. H. Nierman at Ernest. The new firm was styled E. S. Ring & Co., and took possession July 1st, 1916. At the time of the purchase this store was in a run-down condition, but the new firm immediately cleared out the old stock, made extended purchases of new and up-to-date goods, added many improvements in the way of fixtures, scales, etc., until now it is one of the best country stores in the county. It is the intention of the firm to install a new Standard wagon scale and buy grain. At the present time the firm handles a large amount of country produce - chickens, eggs, hides and furs - always paying the highest market price.

In connection with the store there is a blacksmith shop, which is furnished free in order to better accommodate the farmers of the neighborhood. It is now occupied by Finley & Evans, formerly of Greenfield.

E. S. Ring was married to Clara Lawrence, a native of the far west. She was born on the 9th day of September, 1892. They have one child: Rosalie Jane, born August 4th, 1914.

E. S. Ring & Co. maintain a fine Ford truck in their business, since they handle ice as well as pop from Springfield. They carry a general line of dry goods, furnishings, notions, groceries, general supplies, hardware, oils, paints, flour and feed.

E. S. Ring, the manager, is a Democrat, a wide-awake business man, and a good roads booster. Under his progressive management Ernest is bound to be one of the commercial centers of the countv.

Lee Rountree

One of the enterprising young men of Dade County is Lee Rountree of South Sac Township. He was born May 3rd, 1882, in Cedar County, a son of John M. and Mary M. (Dale) Rountree, both natives of Tennessee. The Rountrees came to Polk County, Missouri, in the early 50 's, and the Dales to Dade County in the early 30 's. We would refer yon to the sketches of both these early families, which are printed elsewhere in these pages.

Loo Rountree remained at home with his parents until ho was 23 years of age. He was given good educational advantages, and first decided on a commercial career, and ontorod the mercantile business at Cane Hill, Cedar County, which he continued for one year, then clerked in a hard- ware store in Boliver for two years, at which time he entered the employ of the King-man St. Louis Implement Company of St. Louis as their representative on the road, which position he held for one year, after which he entered the stock and farming business, buying* an improved farm in Center Township, Dade County, consisting of 146 acres. This was in the year 11)07, and for three years he lived on this place, then bought 436 acres on the south line of Sac Township. Here, in 1913, he built a fine large residence, which is one of the best in the entire county, and, with its large outbuildings, is one of the show places. The house has all modern conveniences, hot and cold water, bath, etc. This is an ideal stock farm, and here Mr. Kountree breeds and feeds thoroughbred Whiteface and Shorthorn cattle, as well as many hogs, and is one of the few large handlers of sheep in the county. Mr. Kountree married June 14th, 1905, Miss Lucy Y. Young, a native of Dade County, born August 9th, 1883, and a daughter of William Marshall and Dialtba Young, more mention of whom will be found elsewhere. To Mr. and Mrs. Kountree have been born two children, Marion, born November 25th, 1908, and Virginia, born September 27th, 1911.

Lee Kountree is truly a public spirited citizen, and to him is due a large portion of the interest in good roads, and a nice stretch of well-built and well-kept road directly approaching his fine place is due to his individual efforts'. All told, Mr. Rountree owns 636 acres, and is considered one of the leading stock men of this county. He is a liberal, broad-minded man, and can always be counted upon to help with his time and means any cause that is for the advancement of the county or the people. We would refer the reader to views taken on the Rountree farm, which are among the finest obtainable in the county for this work.

Thomas Benton Rountree

Was born in Polk County, Missouri, on the 20th day of February, 1841, son of David and Victoria (McKee) Rountree, of Scotch-Irish descent. His parents were mar- ried in Tennessee, and came to Missouri first in 1830, but returned to Tennessee, and remained there till 1854, when thy came to Polk County and bought land for a permanent home. David Rountree died in 1867, and his wife, Victoria, died about 1880.

Thomes B. Rountree remained at home with his parents until the breaking out of the war, when he enlisted in the Confederate army, in 1862. He was a member of Company G, Sixteenth Missouri Infantry, and participated in the battles of Lone Jack, Clear Creek, Prairie Grove, Helena, Mansfield, and other conflicts in which the Sixteenth Missouri Infantry was engaged. He was paroled at Shreveport, La., in June, 1865, and spent one year in Colorado, teaming, after which he returned to Polk County and farmed for three years near the old homestead. He was married on the 27th day of December, 1866, to Jane Hailey, who was born in Cedar County, Missouri, March 24th, 1850, daughter of Merideth Hailey and Mary (Jackson) Hailey. They were married in Cedar County. About the year 1849. Mr. Rountree and wife bought 120 acres of unimproved Cedar County land, which they improved and lived upon for seven years, then bought 100 acres in Cedar County, Missouri, and lived there three years, after which they returned to their old place in Cedar County, having sold the Vernon County farm. After raising one crop they moved to Cane Hill and entered the mercantile business. This was about 1880. He erected a new building, put in a stock of general merchandise, and was actively engaged in selling goods for 30 years.

(5-(>) Clarence and Kzra, twins. Ezra died at the age of 6 months. Clarence married May Robertson, daughter of J. A. Robertson. They have four children:

T. B. Rountree and wife are members of the Christian church and very estimable people. After more than 50 years of active service in agricultural and mercantile pursuits Mr. Rountree has retired from life's strenuous activities, but has lost none of his interest therein. During life he has made many ardent and lasting friendships, and these are the trophies which he prizes most highly. They will be carried as priceless souvenirs into the sunset glow of his declining years. Although Mr. Rountree lives "just over the line," lie is nevertheless counted as one of Cedar County's most valuable citizens.

Joseph A. Robertson

"With a long and illustrious line of ancestors to his credit, many of whom won distinction on fields of battle, while others were towering lights in the moral and religious world, Joseph A. Robertson came as a ray of sunshine into the home of Milton and Mary (Hardy) Robertson in Mohaska County, Iowa, April 20th, 18S5. His father and mother were natives of the mountainous district of East Tennessee, and were married there. One child, Samuel F., was born in Tennessee August 6th, 1851. He is now living in Dade County. In 1852 Milton Robertson emigrated to Mohaska County, Iowa, purchased a farm prospered financially and raised a large family of children, viz:

(2) John AV., born January 30th, 1*5.'}, died March 29th, 1912. He practiced medicine in Dadevillo many years, and his widow is still living at that place.

(7) Harvey Newton, born March llth, 1862, died July 1st, 1905. He married Mattie Bailey, and was a teacher by profession, also a Presbyterian minister. He taught in Greenfield, and at one time was superintendent. His widow is now living in Tennessee.

(9) William Rufus, born April 3rd, 1866, in Randolph County, Missouri. The following is taken from the "Blue Book" of Missouri, 1916: "William R. Robertson, presiding judge of the Springfied Court of Appeals, was born in Randolph County, Missouri, April 3rd, 1866. His parents moved to Dade County when he was 2 years old, where he resided until 1891. He was educated in the common schools of this state and Ozark College of Greenfield, Mo., admitted to the bar in 1891, and moved to Delta, Colo., where he taught school for a term, and commenced the practice of law. He was appointed judge of the County Court of Delta County, Colorado, in 1893, which office he resigned to enter the practice with A. R. King, now judge of the Colorado Court of Appeals. He moved back to Missouri in 1898, locating at Webb City, where he has been engaged in the practice of his profession until his election as judge of the Springfield Court of Appeals in November, 1912, for a term of four years. Married Miss Einnia Van De Venter of Delta, Colo., March 15th, 1895. They are the parents of five children,"

The parents of Joseph A. Robertson moved to Randolph County, Missouri, about 18(55, and after two years came back to Polk County, Missouri, where they remained one year, and finally landed in Dade County in 1^67, where they bought 120 acres of land in Sac Township, where

Joseph A. now lives. It was only partly improved, and it was on this farm that Milton Robertson died July 28th, 1885, and his wife surviving him till January 31st, 1910, when she also died. They were life-long members of the Cumberland Presbyterian church, and he was a staunch Democrat.

Joseph A. Robertson attended the common schools of Dado County, principally at Mt. Zion, and was married December 25th, 1879, to Laura L. Cox, who was born July 4th, 1860. The marriage ceremony was performed by Rev W. R. Russell. She died May 31st, 1910, leaving throe children, viz:

(2) Herly Milton, born October 25th, 1*82, married October 30th, *1910, to Violet Marcuin, a native of Dade County. They have three children, Mary Louise, Margaret and Finis El wood.

(4) Mae, born July 4th, 1886, married February 6th, 1910, to Clarence Rountree of Cedar County, Mo. They have four children, Junior, Dorothy, Thomas Benton and Ralph Robertson.

Mrs. Laura (Cox) Robertson was born in Overtoil County, Tennessee, July 4th, 1860. Her father having died, her mother and six children (two boys and four girls) came to Dade County, Missouri, in 1866 and located near Cane Hill. The father having gone to Texas to secure a home, died there. Tin1 mother died in 18(59. Mrs. Robertson died May 31st, 1910, having been an invalid for 20 years. Her funeral was largely attended by neighbors and friends from all over the county, the funeral sermon being preached by Rev. AY. R. Russell, who 30 years before had performed her marriage ceremony.

John Robertson, the grandfather of Joseph A. Robertson, was born in North Carolina June 21st, 1781, while his father was serving in the army of the Revolution. When 12 years of age his father moved with his family to Tennessee, where John grew to manhood. Was married to

Margaret Register January 24th, 1805. In 1814 he enlisted in the army, and fought with great bravery against the British and border savages. He died October 1st, 1858. The most thrilling incident of his life occurred during the late days of the Revolutionary war. While his father was still in the army, the Tories burned their home, and his mother, with her family of small children, were obliged to flee to the swamps ,x>f South Carolina for safety, where she remained alone for several days.

With the exception of two years, Joseph A. Robertson has resided in Dade County since 1866. He purchased 80 acres of land near Bona, where he lived for two years. At the time of his father's death he bought out the heirs to the home place in Sac Township. Since then he has added 40 acres, so that now it comprises 160 acres. In 1903 he erected a fine six-room frame house, which is now lighted with a modern acetylene lighting plant. His farm is well watered with springs and spring branch. He is engaged in general farming, and has a splendid flock of sheep of 30 head.

Mr. Robertson and family are members of the Cumberland Presbyterian church, in which organization he has been an elder 25 years. In politics he is a Democrat, having served on the executive committee of that party for many vears.