Greene County, Missouri - Biographical sketches, 1915 (part 10 of 29)

Alter his recovery he resumed work on the homestead and for some time engaged in buying and selling cattle. He was still a young man when he took rank among the well-known stockmen of his community, and prior to the breaking out of the Civil war he frequently drove mules overland to Illinois and sold them. Finally he purchased a farm of his own in Campbell township, Greene county, on which he raised much stock, including blooded horses. About thirty years ago, Hiram H. Westmoreland, with several other Springfield men, went to Kentucky and purchased a thoroughbred horse known as General Duke. This horse proved a wonderful sire and from him sprang some of the best horse stock known in this part of the state. While there he also purchased Denmark King. This horse was a grand breeder and noted show horse. Most of our readers residing here remember a coal black saddle stallion, greatly admired by every one. He also purchased on the same trip a highly bred trotting stallion ( Star Wilkes). That was the sire of some of the best road horses ever raised in Greene county, Missouri. Another stallion brought to this county by the subject was Diamond Denmark, who was high bred and had many admirers among our stockmen. These are names of but a few of noted horses Mr. Westmoreland owned and at that time his reputation as a breeder of fine horses was well established over all this part of the state. In later life he removed to Mountain Home, Arkansas, where he operated a stage line between that town and West Plains, Missouri, maintaining a station at Bakersfield where his drivers met and teams were changed. The stage line covered a little over fifty miles. Our subject also owned and operated a two hundred acre farm in Arkansas. Mrs. Westmoreland owns a fine farm, which now comprises three hundred and eighteen acres of productive and well improved land, the place being known as the "Model Dairy Farm," an extensive dairy business being carried on, for which the place is well equipped and adapted. This department is kept very sanitary and a high grade of cows are kept. A very ready market is found for the products in Springfield. A general farming business is carried on by our subject's widow, who is a woman of rare business ability. The old residence here was burned in September, 1896, but was immediately rebuilt, and a fine, modernly appointed and attractive home is now to be seen on the old site, about four miles northeast of Springfield. The dwelling is surrounded by a spacious and well shaded lawn and a generally attractive environment.

Mr. Westmoreland was married on November 13, 1873, to Susie E. Morton. She was born in Greene county, August S, 185T, and is a daughter of the late Hon. John and Margaret (Logan) Morton, a well known and highlv respected old family of this locality, Mr. Morton being now deceased, but his widow resides at the home of H. B. McDaniel in Springfield. (80)

Five children were born to Air. and Airs. Westmoreland, named as follows: Joseph H., born November i, 1876, resides on a part of the old home place in Campbell township, engaged in general farming, raising and feeding live stuck ; he married Eva Litton and they have four children, Austin, Belle, Pauline and Robert; Lucinda W., born February 21, 1879, married Lee Hopper, a farmer in Campbell township, and they have five children, Fay, Donnie, Rolland, Louise and Ralph: Susie, born November 14, 1884, married Edward Baker, deceased, formerly of Mountain Home, Arkansas, and she makes her home with her mother; Ida. born November 24, 1889, married Blond Gurley. a well known dairyman of Campbell township ; Hiram H., born September 19, 1894. is single and is living at home, assisting his mother operate the farm.

Airs. Westmoreland is a woman of hospitality, kind and neighborly, well read and she is an active worker in the Alethodist Episcopal church. South, of which her late husband was also a member, in fact, the entire family are loyal in their support of this church. Fraternally, our subject was a member of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, also the Knights Templar. Politically, he was a Democrat and active in public affairs. He was a school director for some time, both in Arkansas and Greene count}'. He was a man of fine character and was honored by all who knew him. He was called to his eternal rest on March 1, 1903. his loss being deeply deplored by the entire communitv in which he was so well and favorably known.

Godfrey C. Stancill

It matters little what vocation a man may select as his life occupation as long as it is an honorable one. If he is an honest, upright man, courteous in his intercourse with his fellow-men, and possessed of the average amount of energy and business sagacity, he is bound to make his business a financial success. The late Godfrey C. Stancill possessed all the above mentioned requirements, and was for many years a prosperous merchant of Springfield. In his earlier career he operated a plantation in the South with equal success. He was one of the gallant veterans of the Confederacy, and was always loyal to his native Dixie land.

Mr. Stancill was born in North Carolina, one of the strongest of the Confederate states, having first opened his eyes on the light of day on April -7- l&37- He was a son of Caswell and Rebecca A. ( Anderson) Stancill, both parents also natives of North Carolina, the mother having been a daughter of Col. Rule Anderson of that state, and there these parents grew to maturity and married and established their home, but in 1839. when the subject of this memoir was two years old, they removed from the old Tar state to Mississippi, locating on a plantation where the parents spent the remainder of their lives. Caswell Stancill entered land from the government there, and developed it, finally owning a valuable plantation of several thousand acres, and was a prominent citizen in his community. His family consisted of five children, three of whom survive at this writing.

Godfrey C. Stancill grew to manhood on his father's plantation and he assisted with the general work on the same when a boy. He was given excellent educational advantages for that time and was a well informed man, naturally keen intellectually and of sound judgment. He was still in school when the war between the states began and he unhesitatingly enlisted in 1861 in Company 1. Mississippi Volunteer Infantry, under Captain Humphries, and this regiment was finally a part of General Longstreet's division, Confederate army and saw much hard service, participating in many important engagements. Mr. Stancill was seriously wounded in the great battle of the Wilderness, and was not in the service after that. He returned to the home plantation after the close of the war and carried on general farming, which he enjoyed, for a number of years, or until he removed to Springfield, Missouri. Here he went into the grocery business on Boonville street, later on Cherry street, and enjoyed a good business, always carrying a well selected stock of staple and fancy groceries and dealing honestly and courteously with his many customers. He spent the latter part of his life in retirement, having given up the store about nine years before his death.

Mr. Stancill was married twice, first, to Mrs. Amanda Cox, who died without issue. On September 26, 1899, he married, in Springfield, Ellen V. I'otterfield, who was born in St. Louis county, Missouri, December 13, 1839. She grew to womanhood in her native community and received a good education in the city schools of St. Louis, and she followed teaching in that city for a period of fifteen years. She is a daughter of Daniel and Eliza (Garrett) Potterfield, both natives of Virginia in which state they spent their earlier years, finally removing to St. Louis county, Missouri, where they spent their last years, Mr. Potterfield engaging in mercantile pursuits during his active life.

Politically, Mr. Stancill was a Democrat, but was never a public man, giving his time exclusively to his business and to his home. He was a worthy member of the Christian church. He always took a great deal of interest in the affairs of the United Confederate Veterans.

The death of Mr. Stancill occurred at the family home on Cherry street, Springfield, where his widow still resides, January 6, 1912, when past seventy-five years of age. He was a man of polished Southern manners, neighborly, kind-hearted - in every way a true gentleman.

Sidney Edwin Wilhoit

None of the one hundred and fourteen counties that are embraced by the boundary lines of the state of Missouri can boast of a more heroic band of pioneers than Greene county. In their intelligence, capacity for civilization and loyalty to the right they have no superiors. In their daring and courageous enterprise they have been equal to the California argonauts, a vast number of whom were Missouri pioneers, not a few from Greene count}'. Their privations, hardships and earnest labors have resulted in establishing one of the foremost counties in this or any other state, and one which still has a great possibility before it. The Wilhoits and Rountrees were members of this worthy class of our earliest settlers. They have been among our thriftiest agriculturists and worthiest citizens. A well-known member of the present generation of one of these old families is Sidney Edwin YVilhoit, manager of the Jefferson Theater of Springfield.

Mr. Wilhoit was born in Greene county, Missouri. March 3. 1869. He is a son of James M. and Nancy ( Rountree ) Wilhoit. The father was born in Clay county, Missouri, in 1833, and the mother was born in Greene count}-, this state, in 1848. The father of our subject grew to manhood in his native county on the farm and he received exceptionally good educational advantages for those early times, having graduated from William Jewell College at Liberty. Missouri. He was a school teacher by profession and was prominent in educational work in Clay and Greene counties for some time, however, his later life was devoted to farming for the most part. He was also one of the founders of the Springfield Wagon Works. He was a leader in public affairs here, and was at one time city marshal of Springfield, and was for two years superintendent of the county farm. He was widely known and highly respected by all classes. He was a man of ability, industry and public spirit, as well as known for his integrity and hospitality. He was active in Masonic affairs, having been a member of that order for many years. The mother of our subject grew to womanhood in this county ami was educated in the local schools. Her death occurred in 1906, while the father of our subject reached an advanced age. passing his four-score years and more, dying in October, [914. To these parents seven children were born, all still living, namely: Sidney E., of this sketch; Guy, Andrew. Ralph R., Ray, Bessie, and Roy.

The immediate subject of this sketch grew to manhood in bis native county and he received his education in the public schools. When young in vears he began his career as machinist in the Frisco shops in Springfield, the South Side plant, known as the old Gulf shops. Here he remained two vears. when he gave up this line of work, which was not congenial to his tastes, and went to Memphis, Tennessee, where he engaged in contracting. Later returning to Springfield, he bought the old Hargrove Bottling Works. Subsequently he returned to Memphis and worked in the Frisco shops, where he became general foreman, in which responsible position he gave eminent satisfaction. Finally he began dealing in apples, and was very successful as a horticulturist. In 1905 he went into the theater business in Memphis and has been very successful in this field of endeavor ever since. Since then he has owned and operated thirteen shows. In September, 1913, he opened the Springfield Hippodrome, in which he owned a half interest, and on January 25, 19 14, he took full charge of the Jefferson Theater at 216 South Jefferson street, an up-to-date and popular vaudeville house, with two changes per week. In connection with a bill of several good acts of vaudeville he features at each performance a pleasing moving picture. He has been very successful with both the Jefferson and the Hippodrome.

Our subject was married on May 1, [908, in Pine Bluff. Arkansas, to Priscilla (Cagle), of Pine Bluff. They have one child, Thelrna Vermel, who is five years old.

Politically, Mr. Wilhoit is a Democrat. He belongs to the Springfield Club, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Improved Order of Red Men.

Mike Sheedy

No people that go to make up our cosmopolitan civilization have better habits of life than those wdio have come from "Erin's green isle." These people, as well as their descendants, are distinguished for their thrift and honesty, and these two qualities in the inhabitants of any country will in the end alone make that country great. When with these two qualities is coupled the other quality of sound sense, which all the Celtic race possesses, there are afforded such qualities as will enrich any land and place it at the top of the countries of the world in the scale of elevated humanity. One of this number is Alike Sheedy, of Campbell township, Greene county.

Mr. Sheedy was born in Ireland, in August, 1885. He is a son of Matt and Katy (Sexton) Sheedy, both natives of Ireland also, where they grew up, were educated and married and there they spent their lives on a farm. They were members of the Catholic church. They were the parents of three children, namely: Alike, of this sketch; Katie, wdio lives in Ohio; and Mrs. Mary Lathem who makes her home in Ireland.

Mike Sheedy grew to manhood on the home farm in his native land where he was taught to work diligently and intelligently. What education he has received has been through his own efforts. When he was fifteen years of age he emigrated to America with his sister Katie and settled in Cleveland, Ohio, later went to New Orleans, thence to St. Louis in 1868, and has lived in Missouri ever since. For some time he was in the service of the St. Louis & San Francisco Railroad Company. In 1873 he purchased the farm of eighty acres where he now lives in North Campbell township, Greene county. He has prospered through close application, good judgment and honest dealings and he is now owner of nearly eight hundred acres in Greene county, comprising one of the most valuable and desirable farms of the county, and he carries on general farming and stock raising on an extensive scale. He raises blooded short-horn cattle, keeping about one hundred head the year round, and feeds some two to three car-loads of hogs yearly - also is an extensive wheat grower. In 19 14 he had two hundred acres in wheat and raised five thousand bushels - an average of twenty-five bushels per acre. He has a substantial home and large outbuildings and is regarded as one of the successful self-made men of the county.

Mr. Sheedy was married on July 5, 1873, to Mary Gorman, a native of Iowa, but she was reared in Missouri. She is a daughter of Simon and Mary (Russell) Gorman, both her parents being now deceased. She is a member of the Catholic church.

To Mr. and Mrs. Sheedy nine children have been born, namely: John lives in Kansas City, where he is state grain inspector; Simon. Mike, James, Emmett, Mrs. Katie Gorman lives in this county and has five children as follows: Kate, Allen, Hal, Agnes and Margarite; Agnes, Maggie and Nellie. All these children but the one married daughter live at home:

Mr. Sheedy was on the school board for twenty years and was road commissioner for some twenty years. Politically, he is a Democrat, and he and his family are members of the Catholic church.

George F. Olendorf

The (heater has long been recognized as one of the world's indispensable institutions, and the management of theaters, if done judiciously, is a remunerative and pleasant one. Humanity needs amusement amid its exacting ami trying daily occupations, truly "the show's the thing," as one of the wisest of men remarked. The human mind must relax, must find relief at times, "must lose itself in other men's minds," as the great essayist. Lamb, wrote. This can be done in no better way than in spending an hour or so at a good play-house. The theater has been popular with the masses - men and women of all creeds and convictions, of all parties and denominations from remote ancient history to the present time, from the days of Grecian one-act, outdoor tragedies to the latest twentieth century complex grand opera, and it will ever be so. George F. Olendorf, of Springfield, has long given his attention to the theater business, and is widely known throughout southwestern Missouri in this particular field. He has met with gratifying success because he has been industrious, has had the tact of knowing what the people want and because he has always been desirous of giving his thousands of patrons adequate returns for their money and time. He has made it a study and has therefore kept well abreast of the times in this line of endeavor.

Mr. Olendorf was born in Middleport, New York, July 20, 1S75. He is a son of George H. and Caroline (Forrest) Olendorf, both parents also natives of the state of Xew York, where they grew to maturity, attended school and were married. George H. Olendorf devoted his earlier life to the drug business in his native locality in central New York. Back in the seventies he removed with his family to St. Joseph, Missouri, where he engaged in the furniture business fifteen or twenty years and where he resided until twelve years ago, when he moved to Springfield, in which city he and his wife still reside, living in retirement. The father has been a successful business man and laid by a competency for his old age.

George F. Olendorf, the only child of his parents, was a small child when the family moved from the state of New York to St. Joseph, Missouri, and there he grew to manhood and received a common school education. In September, 1893, he began his career in the theater business, which he has continued to the present time with ever-increasing success. He began in St. Joseph, and was also cashier of the large Tootle estate and had charge of the Tootle Theater, the leading playhouse there, remaining with this estate for about eight years, giving eminent satisfaction in every respect. Then he and three other men leased a circuit of thirty-two theaters in the state of Missouri, which proved to be a paying venture. Mr. Olendorf came to Springfield in 1903 and leased the old Baldwin Theater on St. Louis street, one of the finest theaters south of the Missouri river in this state, with the exception of St. Louis, for many years, if not the finest. He managed this with his usual success until it was destroyed by fire in 1909. Afterward he was instrumental in promoting the new Landers Theater on Walnut street, which he leased and managed until 19 12, when he re-leased it and promoted the Bell-Olendorf-Ballard Amusement Company, of which he is president and which operates sixteen summer theaters, including the Skydome in Springfield. He is also manager of the Springfield Poster Advertising Company, and maintains offices in the Landers Theater building. Each of these new ventures has proven successful and he is kept busy in their management.

To our subject and wife three children have been born, namely: Marie Caroline, born on May 3, 1905; George Meyer, born on November 17, 1910, died August 3, 191 1 ; and Forrest George, born on October 7, 1912.

Mr. Olendorf is a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and the Springfield Club; also is a thirty-second degree Mason, belonging to the Knights Templars. He is active in Masonic affairs, and his daily life is led along the lines laid down by this time-honored order.

Frank P. Stutzman

"The Song of the Forge" has ever been pleasant to the ears of Frank P. Stutzman, one of the most skilful and popular blacksmiths of Greene count}-, whose well-equipped shop in the city of Springfield draws patrons from remote parts of this locality, for here they know that they will receive prompt and careful attention. A criterion of his high-grade work is shown from the fact that man}- of his customers have patronized him for a score of years, refusing to have any other do their blacksmithing. It is as much an art to shoe a horse properly as it is to do anything else in a mechanical way, and our subject has become quite proficient in this art, being excelled. in fact, by none of his contemporaries, lie has lived in Springfield nearly a half century.

Mr. Stutzman was burn in Goshen, Elkhart county, Indiana. April 25, 1856. Fie is a sun of John M. and Catherine (Baughman) Stutzman, both natives of Ohio, where they grew up, received Mich educational advantages as the early-day schools afforded and there were married and established their home. In his earlier years John M. Stutzman was a carpenter, contractor and builder and in later life a fanner. He is living in Springfield, Missouri, at this writing. He has been twice married, first to Catherine Baughman, by which union eight children were born, six of whom a"re still living, namely: Elizabeth. Frank P., Mahalia. Emma, Adeline is deceased; Mary, Jerome; the youngest child died in infancy, unnamed. The father's second marriage was to Mrs. Shaw.

Frank P. Stutzman spent his boyhood in northern Indiana. He had little opportunity to attend school, and most of his education has been obtained b\ studying at home of evenings after the day's work. When eleven years of age, in [867, he accompanied his parents to Springfield, Missouri, where the family established their permanent home, on a farm, just south of the city, and there they resided about five years, then our subject went to

Illinois where lie remained two years, after which he returned to Springfield and took up blacksmithing, first working with Sam Begle, and when only nineteen years of age Mr. Stutzman went into the business for himself, having learned rapidly and shown much natural ability in this direction. He started up in the alley in the rear of the Metropolitan Hotel, on a small scale, and since then he has carried on general blacksmithing and horseshoeing, his business increasing constantly with advancing years until he soon found it necessary to secure larger quarters and employ assistance. He has built up a large and lucrative business, and is now located in a modern and commodious shop on Convention avenue. He has an excellent location, and while he is specializing in high-grade horseshoeing, he is doing a great deal of general blacksmithing. Prompt and honest work has ever been his motto.

Mr. Stutzman was married on May 5, 1878, in Springfield, to Louise Crostwait. who was born in Canada in 1859, and she removed from her native land to Missouri with her parents when she was a child, and here grew to womanhood and received a common school education, and here Mr. and Mrs. Crostwait spent the rest of their lives, both having been deceased a number of years.

Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Stutzman, namely : Alta, born in [881, was reared and educated in Springfield, and she is living at home; Virginia, horn in 1883, was also reared and educated in Springheld, and is still with her parents.

Politically, Mr. Stutzman is a Democrat. Fraternally, he belongs to the Knights of Pythias, the Modern Woodmen, and the Royal Arcanum. He is a member of the Christian church.

Alfred S. Abbott

The eminent position attained by Alfred S. Abbott, master mechanic at the Springfield Frisco shops, has been the result of long years of patient. painstaking, honest and conscientious effort, and he is therefore deserving of his success. His record might well be studied with profit by the young men who are striving for recognition in the mechanical world, for it indicates, among other things, how merit wins, despite obstacles, and that success is dependent on ability and integrity more than anything else. But Mr. Abbott had good parents who taught him from the start the duties of life - not ordinary instructions, but the higher duties which all owe t" each other and to society. The result has been to give broad ideas of life and its responsibilities and to fit him for honorable citizenship.

Mr. Abbott was born, May 2$, 1868, in Pentwater, Michigan. He is a son of Jacob B. and Elizabeth E. (Snowden) Abbott. The father was born in Hamburg, New York, in 1842, and his death occurred in Joplin, Missouri, in 1886. The mother was born in- Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, in 1844, and she died in Joplin, Missouri, in 1901. These parents grew to maturity in the East and were given the advantage of a public school education. Jacob B. Abbott studied medicine when a boy and became a successful physician and surgeon, which profession he followed the remainder of his active life. In 1873 he removed with his family from Pentwater, Michigan, to Kansas. In 1875 he located in Joplin, this state, but the rest of the family did not locate in that city until 1877. Doctor Abbott was enjoying an excellent practice in the mining town at the time of his death. Politically, he was a Republican. During the Civil war he served in the Union army, having enlisted in Company I, Forty-sixth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, in 1861, at Oregon. Illinois, and he saw considerable hard service in the South and took part in many of the great battles of the war, Wilson's Creek, Missouri, being among them. He was honorably discharged in 1865. His family consisted of three children, two of whom are still living, namely: Alfred S., of this review; Fred J., deceased; and Harry C, who lives in Birmingham, Alabama.

Alfred S. Abbott was nine years old when he came to Joplin, tliis state and there he attended the common schools. In February, 1888 he began his railroad career by going to work in the round-house of the Frisco railroad at Joplin, and there and in Springfield lie served his apprenticeship of four years. In 1898 he was made division foreman at Sapulpa. Oklahoma, where he remained until 1902, in September of which year he came to Springfield as machinist in the North Side shops, and worked as such until in December, [902, then was made division foreman at Newburg, Missouri, which position he held from December 13th, of that year until March 1, 1907. when he was sent to Birmingham, Alabama, as general foreman, where he remained until July 1. 1909. when he was appointed master of mechanics at Ft. Smith, Arkansas, winch position lie held until March 1, 191 1. when he was transferred to Sapulpa, Oklahoma, with the same duties, which he discharged until August 15, 1911, when he was made mechanical superintendent at Springfield, remaining in that position until September 1, 1913, since which time he has been master mechanic for the Eastern division of the Frisco, and is at tliis writing discharging the duties of this responsible and important post in a manner that reflects great credit upon his ability, fidelity and integrity and to the eminent satisfaction of the company, which has ever reposed in him the utmost confidence and lias regarded him as one of its mosl efficient, trustworthy and reliable employees. He is not only a close observer but is a diligent student of all

Mr. Abbott was married, June 26, 1894, in Toplin, Missouri, to Kate Seanor, who was born in Iowa, January 1, 1871. She is a daughter of John and Clara B. (Wilder) Seanor, the father a native of England and the mother of Sandy Creek, New York. Mrs. Abbott received a good education, including a college course at Boulder, Colorado.

To Mr. and Mrs. Abbott, three children have been born, namely: Katie P., born July 17, 1895; John Seanor, born January 31, 1899; and Alfred S. Jr., born February 1, 1907.

Mr. Abbott is a Republican. He is a member of the Episcopal church, and fraternally belongs to the Masonic order, including the Knights Templars and the Ancient Arabic Order of Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. He also belongs to the Modern Woodmen.

Clarence J. Rhodes

The life of the average man of affairs today is spent amidst so much bustle and hurry and worry that he often imagines he can find but little time to devote to books, recreation, retrospection ; and there are many who hardlv ever open a book, seldom spend a day in the woods communing with nature, who content themselves with the dull routine of the daily drudge, and who never lose themselves in prose or poetry or fiction, in science, art or history. Perhaps one of the most busy men who lived in the past century was William E. Gladstone; yet he was one of the best informed and most deeply read men in Europe. The same may be said in America of Theodore Roosevelt. Such men do their work better because they come to it with minds refreshed and strengthened, and the}- move under the heavy load of the world's affairs with ease and grace and dignity because they hear things that other ears are deaf to and see upon all things a light to which untaught eyes are blind. Clarence J. Rhodes, of Springfield, is one of our citizens who takes a delight in keeping up with current events and investigating the various realms of learning, having never permitted himself to become wholly absorbed with his daily tasks, therefore he is not only happier but does his work better than if he ignored his tastes for culture.

Mr. Rhodes was born at Zinc, Arkansas, February 1, 1887. He is a son of Eugene J. Rhodes, Sr., a well-known man of affairs, formerly of northern Arkansas, now of Springfield, a complete sketch of whom will be found on other pages of this work.

school and Springfield Normal, having come to this city with his parents when he was a child. After leaving school he went to St. Louis with a bonding company, where he remained until in February, 1907, when he returned to Springfield and went to work for the Kansas City, Clinton & Springfield Railroad Company as assistant ticket accountant or statistician, then became revising clerk, joint freight accountant and voucher clerk, and at present he is bookkeeper, with offices in the Woodruff building. He has given eminent satisfaction in all the above named positions, being alert, painstaking, energetic and trustworthy.

Mr. Rhodes was married on July 30, 1908, in Springfield, to Stella I. Sanders, who was born in Billings, Missouri. She is a daughter of J. \V. and Elizabeth T. (Tipper) Sanders, both natives of England, from which country they came to the United States in early life. The father is now deceased, but the mother is making her home in Springfield. Mrs. Rhodes was given good educational advantages.

Johx Kelly

The vast majority of men are not their own employers. They are working for some one else and must continue to do so. The tendency of modern business is toward more economical production and this means larger establishments and fewer employers. Out of the ranks will come some captains of industry who will have large business enterprises of their own; but their number will be insignificant compared with the army of toilers who work for some one else. There are few men who are not compelled to sell their services in their youth in order to get a start in life, but lucky is he who does not remain a hired man too long, thereby losing confidence in himselt and incapacitating himself in a way to be able to go it alone. One of the business men of Springfield who had the tact to quit hiring out and start in business for himself when the proper time came is John Kelly, who first came to Springfield forty-four years ago, and for nearly four decades has been identified with the business of the city, thus literally growing up w itli the t< >wn.

.Mr. Kelly was born in Ireland. June [3, [849. lie is a son of Patrick and Mary (Heckey) Kelly . both natives of Ireland, where they grew up, were educated in the common schools, and there were married and devoted

John Kelly spent his early boyhood in the Emerald Isle, and there received a limited education by attending night school. He was sixteen years of age when he emigrated to America. He penetrated to the interior, first locating at Fulton City, Illinois, where he remained about a year, then went to Montana, Utah and Colorado, remaining some time in the West, then came to Springfield, Missouri, in 1870, arriving here in February, but soon thereafter he went to Neosho and started in the liquor business for E. F. Kinney. After remaining there a year he came back to Springfield where he remained until 1876, when he went to Fort Worth, Texas, and spent two years there, then lived at Parlor Point, Texas, two years. From there he went to Colorado, where he remained six months, then returned to Springfield in the fall of 1880 and continued working at his profession until 1883, when he started in business for himself in partnership with E. F. Kinney, in the liquor business, on Commercial street, but two years later the partnership was dissolved and he struck out for himself near the corner of Boonville and Commercial streets, where he conducted his business for fifteen years, then moved to Mill street where he has remained to the present time. He has prospered in a financial way, and has always been regarded as a law-abiding citizen.

Mr. Kelly has remained unmarried. He has been a Democrat ever since he was old enough to vote, but has never aspired to office. He was confirmed in the Catholic church in infancy, and has always adhered to the same.

John W. Rose

Among the enterprising, progressive and widely known merchants of Springfield is John W. Rose, one of Greene county "s worthy native sons, and a worthy scion of an old and honored family of this locality, a man who is deserving of a great deal of credit for what he has accomplished, which has been in the face of obstacles that would have crushed men of less grit and ambition, for his early environment was decidedly unpromising, but, the modern Don Ouixot that he was, he did not sit by idly pining for something to turn up, but went forth to conquer, and, by persevering, succeeded. His life, though comparatively uneventful, has not been unfruitful of good results and kind deeds in behalf of his fellow-men. He thoroughly understands the business to which so many years have been devoted, and the confidence and respect of the hundreds of customers who pass in and out of his doors continuously are his in a satisfactory degree.

state. The father was a soldier in the Confederate army and was killed in a skirmish with Union troops in 1864. The death of the mother occurred in 1906. The paternal grandfather, W. R. Rose, was a native of Tennessee, and from that state he came to Greene county, Missouri, in early pioneer times, locating on a farm here in 1834. The maternal grandfather, J. H. Laney, was also a native of Tennessee, from which state he emigrated to Lawrence county, Missouri, in 1835, and was one of the earliest settlers of that county. Both the Rose and Laney families were represented in the Revolutionary war. The Laneys are of French and English ancestry. Grandfather Laney and wife are buried in Garroutte cemetery, and Grandfather Rose and wife are buried in Prospect cemetery.

John W. Rose was left fatherless when two years of age, and he has always depended upon himself, which fact has doubtless been largely responsible for his success in life. When thirteen years of age he hired out as a farm hand at ten dollars a month, and continued farming until he was eighteen years of age. Meanwhile he had little chance to obtain an education, but this lack has later been made up by wide home reading and study and hy contact with the world until today he is regarded as one of the best informed men on general topics in Springfield. When a boy he learned telegraphy, and at the age of nineteen was in the employ of the Frisco railroad and in charge of a station. He continued in that capacity for a period of six years, giving the company excellent service and was commended for his accuracy and fidelity. Not seeing much future to such employment and believing he had qualifications for the mercantile world, he left the road's employ and entered the mercantile business, and has since been engaged in the same in Springfield, with the exception of fifteen years spent as a traveling salesman, during which he gave excellent satisfaction to the firms employing him, and became widely known to the trade over a vast territory. He has operated a general book store on East Commercial street since 1906 and has enjoyed a large and ever-growing trade, and he carries at all seasons an extensive and up-to-date stock of everything found in a modern book store, and his obliging and courteous nature has won and retained a host of friends among his patrons.

.Mr. Rose was married in 1883 to Mattie Wade, a native of Greene count v, where she grew to womanhood and was educated. She is a daughter of T. W. and Ellen ( Skelton | Wade. Mr. Wade has devoted his active life to farming, and he is a resident of Springfield.

Four children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Rose, namely: Ethel, married R. R. Matthews, a mechanic, and they reside in Dallas. Texas ; Leon M. died on July 4. 1912: Jerry H. is associated with his father in business; Ina D. is at home. Ethel and Jerry H. are both graduates of the Springfield high school.

Politically Mr. Rose is a Democrat. Religiously he belongs to the Methodist Episcopal church, and fraternally is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He is deeply interested in the general welfare of his city and county in every way.

Alvin B. Trenary

Although Springfield is a noted railroad town, thousands of trainmen and shopmen making their home here, it is impossible for each to know the other, but in some instances, like that of Alvin B. Trenary, an individual becomes well known in his own circle. This is partly because our subject has been a resident of this city for a period of thirty years, during which he has followed railroading, and partly because he is a good mixer, a jovial, companionable gentleman and is therefore popular among his fellow workers, and is a widely known passenger engineer.

Mr. Trenary was born in Franklin, Indiana, February 20, 1862. He is a son of Thomas L. and Mary A. (Stairs) Trenary, the father a native of Indiana and the mother was born in Ohio. They grew to maturity in their respective localities and received good educations for that period, the father becoming a successful teacher, which he followed for some time. He was also a carpenter by trade. During the Civil war he enlisted from Johnson county, Indiana, in 1862, and met death in the service of his country, being wounded in battle, and died from the effects of the same in a St. Louis hospital. His widow survived to old age, and died in Greene county, Missouri. Our subject's paternal grandfather and mother had the distinction of being the first couple to be married in Tippecanoe county, Indiana. To Thomas L. Trenary four children were born.

Alvin B. Trenary was a small child when he lost his father and he was thrown upon his own resources early in life, consequently his education was limited, but he has made up for this lack in later life by general reading and contact with the world. What schooling he obtained was in Urbana, Illinois, and when but a boy he began working in a grocery store in that town, and when eighteen or twenty years of age he went to Indianapolis. Indiana, and began his railroad career by firing extra on the Big Four road, and there he remained until in the autumn of 1884, when he came to Springfield, Missouri, where he has since resided. He went to work here for the old Kansas City, Ft. Scott & Memphis Railroad as fireman of a freight train on the Ozark division, and eighteen months later as fireman on a passenger train and about the same run. Later he ran a switch engine about three years, then was promoted to a regular freight engineer, and ran in this capacity on the Ozark division about six years, then was promoted to passenger engineer on this division, and at this writing still has the same run. This road has been a part of the Frisco System since 1900. Our subject is regarded as one of the safest and most efficient engineers out of Springfield, always sober, -cool, alert and careful.

Mr. Trenary was married in Springfield on November 14, 1889, to Lutie Seaman, a native of Iowa, who was a small child when' her parents brought her to Springfield, and here she grew to womanhood and was educated. She is a daughter of Levi and Mary (Fisher) Seaman. Mr. Seaman is a carpenter by trade.

To our subject and wife two children have been born, namely: Helen V., born on August 13, 1890, received her education in the local high school and normal, and is living at home; Elsie Louise, born on April 12, 1896, is a junior in the Springfield high school at this writing.

Mr. Trenary has a splendid and well furnished home on West Walnut street. Politically he is a Democrat. He belongs to No. 378, Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers. Fraternally he belongs to the Masonic Order, in which he has attained the master's degree. He and his family are all members of St. Paul's Methodist F.piscopal church. South.

John R.W'Dolph Smith. M. D.

That life is tin- most useful and desirable that results in the greatest g( od to the greatest number and. though all do not reach the heights to which they aspire, yet in some measure each can win success and make life a blessing to his fellowmen; and it is not necessary for one to occupv eminent public positions to do so, For in the humbler walks ,,f life there remains much good to be accomplished and many opportunities for one to exercise one's talents and influence which in some way will touch the lives of those with whom we come in contact, making them better and brighter. In tinlist of Greene county's honored citizens is Dr. John Randolph Smith, now living in honorable retirement after a long, useful and eminently successful career as a physician, having for many wars ranked among the leading professional men of southwestern Missouri. In his career there is much that is commendable and his life forcibly illustrates what one can accomplish even in the face of obstacles, if one's plans are wisely laid and bis actions erned by right principles, noble aims and high ideals. Doctor Smith was bom on January 2~ , [836, al Monticello, Kentucky, a scion of an excellent old southern family, lie is a son of David and Charlotte 1 Havens') Smith, born in 1777 and 1800 respectively, who re- moved to Newton county, Missouri, in 1836, and were thus pioneer settlers in this state. David Smith died January 24, 1845, when Doctor Smith was nine years of age, and his wife died in May, 1884. Our subject was an infant in arms at that time and he grew to manhood in Newton county, received a limited education in the old-time subscription schools and worked on a farm during his boyhood. But he was an ambitious youth and studied hard at home, taking an interest in medicine when only sixteen years of age, and about that time began studying medicine under Dr. J. W. Walker in Jasper county, Missouri. He made rapid progress and was equipped for his chosen career at an early age, being a fine example of a self-made man. He first began practice at Diamond Grove, this state. Seeing the need of a college training he went to Cincinnati, Ohio, and took the course in the medical college there. He owes much of his success in life to his mother who was a well educated woman and taught him much at home. In his youth he taught school for a time in Xewton county, Missouri. Finally turning bis attention to the newspaper field he started, owned and operated the Weekly Record at Stella. Missouri, which he retained until in February. 19 14, when he retired from active life. From 1871 to 1873, inclusive, he owned and operated a wholesale and retail drug store in Springfield, under the firm name of W. G. Porter & Company, at the southwest corner of the public square. Upon the death of Mr. Porter, Doctor Smith continued the drug business at 223 South street, under the firm name of J. R. Smith & Company. He enjoyed a large trade, maintained one of the leading drug stores of Springfield and was very successful as a business man. In connection with his business interests he followed his profession and had an extensive practice. Being of a literary turn of mind he has written and published a number of books on varied themes, principally of a religious tone. His writings show a depth of thought, broad culture, a splendid general knowledge and a fine literary finish.

Doctor Smith was never named by bis parents, being known only by a "nickname" until he was eight years of age when he selected his own name. He comes from an excellent old .American family. Robert Smith, his grandfather, was born in England, and he served in the Revolutionary war. becoming captain of a company in the Fourth North Carolina regiment. He was a gallant officer and took part in many engagements, including the battle of King's .Mountain. After the war he was a merchant and ship builder of note, owning several vessels which operated between North Carolina ports and the West Indies. Nathaniel Geist. the doctor's great-grandfather, first married Mary Howard, of Baltimore, Maryland, and later Dinah Yolkeer, of Holland. His daughter, Mary Geist. by his first wife, married Robert Smith, our subject's grandfather. Nathaniel Geist served with George (81)

Washington in the war with England against France, and he was captured in 1773 at Braddock's famous defeat by the Cherokee Indians, who held him four years. During his captivity he married an Indian maiden and they reared a family. One of their sons, George Geist, was a man of exceptional prowess and ability and the Indians called him Chief Sequoyah, and he was for some time chief of the Cherokee tribe. He has been held in great reverence by the succeeding generation of Cherokees in view of the fact that he originated the Cherokee alphabet.

1 )avid Smith, father of our subject, was born in North Carolina. He lived in Tennessee, Alabama and Kentucky before coming to Missouri in 1836. He was a great cattleman, raising large numbers in the above mentioned states, and in the early days before there were any railroads in the South, he practiced driving immense herds of cattle to Baltimore, Maryland, where he marketed them. Many claim that he originated the familiar term "cowboy." He was left an orphan in infancy, his father and mother both thing at that period of his life. All his life he was a dealer in live stock and was one of the most widely known cattle and horse dealers in his day and generation in the localities where he resided. He was one of the first to import blooded horses, and he raised thoroughbreds for a number of years. He lived to a ripe old age, spending his last years on his large stock farm in Newton county, this state. His family consisted of the following children: Benjamin F. died in infancy: Sarah A. married Thomas Walker; Mary |.. who is now eighty-two years of age and has never married, is living at the old homestead. "Kent Park," Newton county, Missouri: Dr. John R.. of this sketch; Charlotte E. married James W. Roseberry, now deceased; their son Chalmer II. Roseberry. owns and conducts a large deer farm at "Kent Park," Newton county, ami is a member of the Society for the Preservation of Wild Animals of the United States Government. Thomas H. Benton Smith died in 1 So- while in the service of the Confederacy, having been with ( ieneral Rains' brigade at Ft. Smith. Arkansas, at the time of his death.

Dr. fohn R. Smith owns a gun which was made to order for his father in 1829, by l"hn Pull, a gunsmith of Warrior Mountain, Alabama. It is a fine specimen of guncraft of those days, is mounted with silver and has a gold powder pan and bushings. The stock is of curly maple and the barrel of a very soft iron. It is a remarkably accurate shouting piece and it was designed as a "target" gun for the pioneers. The mounting has several inscriptions on the silver plating. The doctor values this heirloom very highly.

To Doctor Smith and wife the following children were born: Kenyon Ida died in infancy: Ernest V. is a lieutenant-colonel in the regular army of the United States, now stationed at Honolulu, Sandwich Islands; lie is a graduate of West Point Military Academy, which he entered when seventeen years old; he married Cora Young, of Troy, New York. Grace K. Smith became the wife of the late George Cooper, a sketch of whom will be found in another part of this work; Charlotte married Willard P. Paddock, who was for many years a professor in the Pratt Institute, Brooklyn, New York; he is now a well known artist, and has made a fine bronze statue of Noah Webster, that was unveiled in Sep'tember, 1014. in Massachusetts. Mr. and Mrs. Paddock reside in New York City. Clara, youngest of the doctor's children, married Edward Steichen, a well known artist of New York City., where they reside. The mother of these children, to whom they owe so much for their general culture and success in life, is now seventy-one years of age.

Doctor Smith has been living retired for some time, making his home with his daughter, Mrs. Grace Cooper, at her beautiful home on Cherry street, Springfield. He is now in his seventy-ninth year, but is still comparatively hale and hearty and possesses all his faculties and has a fine memory. For a number of years he w:as medical examiner of the pension bureau of the United States government. Politically, he is a Democrat. He is a member of the Sons of the .American Revolution and Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, and belongs to the Christian church. He and his good wife are indeed a grand old couple, greatly beloved by a very wide circle of close friends. They have led useful and helpful lives, being hospitable and charitable by nature, but never from a desire for display - rather from an innate love for suffering humanity and to meekly follow in the footsteps of the lowly Nazarene.

Charles E. Dando

History is made rapidly in these latter days, representing ceaseless toil and endeavor, the proudest achievements and the most potent progress in all lines, and thus it is gratifying to mark the records of those wdiose influence has impressed itself along the various channels through which the swelling tide of accomplishment makes its way. If the present volumes are to contain the names of the men who have "done things" in Springfield and Greene count}-, the name of Charles E. Dando will necessarily have to be included within their pages. For many years he was a widely known railroad man, an engineer and passenger conductor, after the usual preliminary positions, and was also a skilled machinist and worked in many different railroad shops. Later we find him owmer and manager of a number of noted horses, then he was in the moving picture business, and now is living in retirement. He enjoys the distinction of having driven the engine that pulled the first passenger train from Kansas City to Springfield, which was over the old "Gulf road."

Mr. Dando was born in Cleveland, Ohio, on September 8, 1850. He is a son of Joseph M. and Alary (Ball) Dando, both long since deceased; and he is the youngest of four children, two of whom are deceased ; Mrs. Harriet Prichard, the eldest, and Joseph and William were the brothers.

Charles E. Dando received a limited education, but in later life became a well informed man by contact with the world and wide reading. When only fourteen years of age he began his railroad career, securing employment with the old Atlantic & Great Western railroad, now owned by the Erie railroad. He started in the shops at Meadville, Pennsylvania, where he remained two years, and from there went to Galion, Ohio, where he began firing a switch engine in the yards: six months later he entered the railroad shops of the Atlantic & Great Western, learning the machinist's trade, which he worked at for three and one-half years, then left Galion and went to New Orleans, Louisiana, where he went to work in the Shakespeare & Gettys foundry, remaining there about a year, then went to Litchfield, Illinois, and worked for the Illinois & St. Louis Railroad Company as a machinist in their shops there, remaining a year and a half. He then went to Kansas City, in the spring of 1872, and worked in the machine shops of the Missouri River. Ft. Scott & Gulf railroad for about four months, when he began firing, which he continued about a year when he was promoted to engineer and assigned to a locomotive which ran as both freight and passenger. When the Kansas City, Ft. Scott & Memphis road was built between Kansas City and Springfield, Mr. Dando ran the engine that pulled the first passenger train from Kansas City to Springfield. Judge John G. Xewbill rode in the cab with him from Ft. Scott to Springfield. .Mr. Dando was later made a conductor and worked in this capacity a few years, then went back to running a locomotive. He finally retired from railroading and purchased some fine race horses, including the famous "Black Dick." He took his horses all over the Eastern states, engaging in a large number of races, and was very successful. ( )f late years he has been engaged in the moving picture business in Springfield, but has lived in retirement during the past four years, owning a good home on South Main street.

Mr. Dando was married, March 23. 1884. to Lizzell Davis, of Fort Scott. Kansas, a daughter of Dr. and Sarah F. 1 Hulse) Davis, whose family consisted of four children, namely: James. Faustien. Lizzell. and Josephine: the last named is deceased. Doctor Davis was horn in France. Mr-. Dando grew to womanhood in Ft. Scott and received her education there, making excellent grades in all branches. Our subject and wife had two children.

one living: James Edward was born April 19, 1886, and died October 24, 1904; Charles Joseph was born February 19, i8y6, and is in a militaryschool at Ashville, North Carolina.

Politically, Mr. Dando is a Democrat. He is a member of the Eastern Division of the Order of Railway Conductors, No. 321, and the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers. Fraternally, he belongs to the Knights of Pythias and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. He was also made an honorary member of the Grand International Division of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers, Xo. 378.

Michael J. Murphy

It is indeed hard to find among our cosmopolitan civilization, people of better habits of life, taking it all in all, than those who originally came from the fair Emerald Isle or their immediate descendants. They are distinguished for their thrift, wit, consecutive industry, patriotism and loyalty, and these qualities in the inhabitants of any country will in the end alone make that country great. One of the well-known engineers of the Frisco is Michael J. Murphy, who has long resided in Springfield, a man of Celtic blood and of the second generation of Irish in America. He hails originally from the Crescent City of the far South.

Mr. Murphj was born on January 1, 1861, in New Orleans, Louisiana. He is a son of Michael 1). and Dorothy Ann (O'Dwyre) Murphy, both born, reared and married in Ireland and there resided until 1854, when they emigrated to the United States, first locating' in New York state, then, in 1859, went to New Orleans, and in 1861, when the Civil war began, they came north to Rolla. Missouri, when our subject was an infant. In 1847 Michael D. Murphy took part in the Smith-O'Brien rebellion. He escaped and went to Australia, and after a separation of seven years rejoined his wife, and they came to America. He was a railroad levee contractor. His death occurred in September, 1872, at Rolla, this state. His widow subsequently removed to Springfield, where her death occurred in 1892. To these parents four children were born, namely: Jeremiah, Charles E., Mary, are all deceased, and Michael J., of this sketch.

Mr. Murphy, our subject, had little chance to receive an extensive education. However, he is a self-made man. On April 1. 1879. he went to work for the St. Louis & San Francisco Railroad Company in a stone quarry at Rolla, later coming with an extra gang to Springfield and helped put in the foundation for a turntable and roundhouse at the North Side shops. In 1880 he was given a position as fireman out of Springfield and was promoted to freight engineer in 1889, and to regular passenger engineer in 1901. and has retained this responsible position ever since, being regarded by the company as one of its most efficient and trustworthy engineers. His present run is between Springfield and Xewburg.

For three years he traveled as special representative of the Frisco in fourteen different states, and did his work most acceptably. Since August 15, 1914, Mr. Murphy has been devoting his time on the "Safety First" movement in accident prevention for the conservation of human life and limb of the employees and patrons of the Frisco system, and because of the increased cost of materials used and consumed by the railroads and the increased cost in taxes, interest and wages and the decrease of 33 1-3 per cent, in passenger revenue and decrease of 21 per cent, in freight revenue, due to the two-cent passenger fare and the maximum freight rate in Missouri, resulting in placing the Frisco and other Missouri railroads in a position where their earnings are not sufficient to meet cost of operation and maintenance, interest and taxes, the roads are forced to retrench and cut down expenses. This could only be done by the laying off of men in shops, in the office and in the bridge and building departments and the purchase of less material, such as ties, ballast, steel rails, bridges, and building materials. This retrenchment on the part of the railroads placed over forty thousand wage-earners, skilled and unskilled, idle, leaving them unable to purchase the necessaries of life, which in turn affected the retail and wholesale merchants and producing classes of the state. To overcome those conditions and to start the wheels of progress moving, to find employment for the idle men. Air. .Murphy on February 3, 1915, organized the Railway Employees' Protective Association, and by and through this organization in the state of Missouri secured the signatures of bankers, farmers, merchants, manufacturers, and members of organized labor to petitions aggregating in the whole the signatures of over 750,000 of the above citizens of Missouri and mailed those petitions and signatures to the members of the Forty-eighth General Assembly of Missouri asking for a repeal of the maximum 2-cent passenger fare, restoration of the 3-cent passenger rate, and that the public service commission of Missouri to adjust and grant a fair equitable equalization of rate- in Missouri, and for the future Mr. Murphy will be engaged making this movement nation-wide in its scope, so that capital will be encourage to invest in railroad securities, so that the credit of the railroads will be restored, so that capital and labor will be in a position under wise and just laws, state and national, to furnish the transportation facilities so essential to the future development of the internal resources of Missouri and of the nation as a whole.

Winifred C. (Condron) Powers, both natives of Ireland. They spent their early days in their native land and finally emigrated to the United States. Mr. Powers was in the employ of the Frisco Railroad for a number of years. His death occurred on July 10, 1878, in Rolla. Mrs. Murphy's mother died in Springfield on May 19, 1900. The wife of our subject was reared and educated in Rolla, attending the public and Catholic schools.

To Mr. and Mrs. Murphy two children have been born, namely: Charles Edward, born on August jo, 1888, in Springfield, was educated in the public and high schools here ; he is a machinist by trade and is living at home. Blanche May, born on January 11, 1890, in Springfield, attended the local public and high schools and later business college; she married C. N. King, who is with the International Harvester Company, and lives in Little Rock, Arkansas. Mr. and Mrs. King were married on May 10, 19 10, and one child has been born to them, Jack Weldon, whose birth occurred on January 19, 191 1.

Politically Mr. Murphy is a Democrat. He is a member of Ozark Division, No. 83, Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers. The Murphy family are members of the Roman Catholic church. They own a fine and neatly furnished home on North Main street, Springfield.

Andrew Duryea Mills

Andrew Duryea Mills, chief clerk to J. R. Dritt, freight agent of the Frisco System at Springfield, was born in Brooklyn Borough, New York City, March 7, 1881. He is a son of Simeon Drake Mills, who was for many years engaged in business for himself in Brooklyn as a manufacturer of jewelry. In 1883 he removed with his family to Kansas City, Missouri, soon thereafter opening the S. D. Mills Jewelry Company's place of business, which he conducted until his death in 1890 at the age of thirty-two years. Politically, he was a Republican. He belonged to the Knights of Pythias, and was a member of the Baptist church. He was twice married, first, to Ella B. Duryea, a daughter of Andrew Duryea, who was a merchant in Brooklyn, New York. Her death occurred in 1883, leaving two children, namely : Ralph, who is agent for the Union Pacific railroad at Tonganoxie, Kansas, and Andrew D.. of this sketch. His second marriage was with .Mice Dewey, a daughter of Dr. John Dewey, of Kansas City, Missouri. This union was without issue.

Andrew D. Mills was a small child when his parents brought him to Kansas City, and there he grew to manhood and received his education, in- -cluding the public schools and a business college. He began his railroad career when nineteen years of age, and has worked for the following roads : Kansas City, Ft. Scott & Memphis, now operated by the Frisco; the Missouri, Kansas & Texas; Kansas City Southern; Missouri Pacific & Iron Mountain; the Kansas City, Clinton & Springfield; the Texas & Pacific; Union Pacific; Denver & Rio Grande; Missouri Pacific; Chicago, Burlington & Ouincy; later to the Missouri Pacific, then the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe. after which he went with the St. Louis & San Francisco road, with which he has since been connected. He was telegraph operator and station agent for the above named roads. In January, 1913, he was promoted to the position of chief clerk to the Frisco's freight agent at Springfield, which position he still holds.

Mr. Mills was married in 1902 to Nellie Wilson, a daughter of Joel Y. and Josephine (George) Wilson, of Osceola, Missouri. Mr. Wilson has for many years been a druggist at that point. There Mrs. Mills grew to womanhood and was educated in the common schools.

Politically, Mr. Mills is a Republican in principle, but votes independently, more for the man than for the party, as many other sensible people are doing today. Fraternally, he belongs to the Masons, the Royal Arcanum, Royal Neighbors and the Modern Woodmen of America.

From an excellent old Kentucky family comes J. W. Gann, the obliging and popular city passenger and ticket agent for the Frisco Lines at Springfield, and he seems to have inherited many of the commendable traits of his worthy progenitors. He has devoted the major portion of his active career to railroad service and has given eminent satisfaction in every position he has held in this field of endeavor.

Mr. Gann was born in Wayne county, Kentucky, December 11, 1871. He is a son of William K. and Mary (Daugherty) Gann. The father was born in Kentucky in 1838, and there the birth of the mother occurred in 1848, each scions of old Southern families. They grew to maturity in the Blue Grass state and were educated there, the father receiving an exceptionally good education for that period. After passing through the common schools he attended the Louisville Medical College, where he made a fine record and from which institution he was graduated with the degree of doctor of medicine, also completing a course in pharmacy. He engaged successfully in the practice of his profession until his death in 1885. His wife preceded him to the grave in 1883. They were the parents of five children, four of whom are still living, namely: Charles M. is deceased; 1. VV. of this sketch; Hattie, Mattie and Edward Everett.

I. W. Gann was reared at the parental homestead in Wayne county, Kentucky, and there he received a practical common school education, but he started out in life when young, being but seventeen years of age when he began his career as railroader, in which he has been engaged ever since. He began as telegraph operator lor the Queen & Crescent railroad in Tateville, Kentucky. He was sent to various places to work by this road, with which he remained until 1900, then went to work for the Frisco Lines as ticket seller in the office at Birmingham, Alabama. In 1905 he was made city passenger agent in that city. Remaining there until in March, 1907, he was transferred to Springfield, Missouri, as chief ticket clerk, and in December, 1910, he was promoted to city passenger and ticket agent, which position he still holds.

Mr. Gann was married on November 7, 1906, in Birmingham, Alabama, to Mrs. Sarah Elizabeth Prewitt. She was born near Springville, Alabama, February 5, 1874, and there grew to womanhood and received her education.

Politically, our subject is a Democrat. He is prominent in Masonic circles, having attained the thirty-second degree. Religiously, he is a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian church.

Like many another boy reared on the farm, E. B. McNeill, agent of the Missouri Pacific railroad at Springfield, turned his attention to railroading and has continued to the present time, showing a peculiar adaptability for the same, so that he has won and retained the confidence of his employers, for he is not only capable of quickly grasping the various details of his work, but is faithful and energetic in the performance of the same.

Mr. McNeill was born in White county, Arkansas, May 16, 1881. He is a son of John T. and Amanda ( Lessenbury ) McNeill. The father was born in Tennessee, from which state he came to Arkansas in an early day, where he established the family home on the farm where he still lives in White county. The mother of our subject was also born in Tennessee. Her death occurred in White county, Arkansas, July 10. 1914. These parents were young when they left their native state and they were married in Arkansas. John T. McNeill served as a Confederate soldier during the

Tohn T. McNeill has been a successful farmer and stock raiser. His family consisted of eleven children, six of whom are still living, namely: Florence married C. M. Welbon, and they live in Colorado; E. B. of this sketch: William E. lives in Kensett, Arkansas: Elmer is engaged in railmad service in Arkansas: Mrs. Anna Davidson lives in Kensett, Arkansas; Mrs. Grace Taylor lives in White county, Arkansas.

E. B. McNeill grew up on his father's farm in his native county and there assisted with the general work when a boy, and in the winter months he attended the common and high schools in Arkansas. He left the farm when nineteen years of age and began his career as railroader for the Iron Mountain as clerk and later as telegraph operator in his native state, working at many points on the system. He came to Springfield in June, 191 J, since which time he has been filling his present position, most of his work being on the White river division.

Mr. McNeill was married on June 12, 1907. at Calico Rock. Arkansas, to Allie M. Crew-, who was born at Walker. Missouri. She is a daughter of Cassie Crews and wife. She received a good common school education. One child has been born to our subject and wife. Dorothy May McNeill, whose birth occurred May 12, 1911.

Politically, Mr. McNeill is a Democrat. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias, is associate member of the Springfield Club, and his wife belongs to the Methodist Episcopal church. Our subject has never affiliated himself with any religions body.

R. I.. Arnett was born in Fredericktown, in southeastern Missouri, on February 2. [881. He is a son of R. ('. and Fanny (Layman) Arnett. The father was also born at Fredericktown. February 5, 1849, his parents having been pioneer settlers there. The mother of our subject was born in Piqua, Ohio. December 21, 1853. She came to Fredericktown, Missouri, when young and there met and married the elder Arnett. who devoted his life to general farming, although lie never lived on a farm. Politically, R. C. Arnett was a Democrat and was an influential man in public affairs in his native locality, having represented his county several times in the state legislature. His family consisted of five children, all sons, and all still living, namely: Smith D. lives in Pine Bluff, Arkansas; Sam R. lives in Minneapolis. Minnesota; R. E. of this sketch: Eugene F. is in the train

R. L. Arnett grew up at Fredericktown, where he obtained a good common and high school education. When only thirteen years of age he was enabled to begin the career he had long aspired to, that of railroading, and he has kept it up to the present time, his rise being gradual, and he evidently has greater things to yet accomplish in this field of endeavor. He began work for the Missouri Pacific before leaving school and continued at intervals with this road until he finished school, then went in the office as clerk in his native town. With the exception of a few months spent in the employ of other lines, he has remained continuously with the Missouri Pacific, having in the meanwhile been nearly all over the system, in various departments of this road. In September, 1908, he was promoted to commercial freight agent, in Ft. Scott, Kansas, and in November, 1909, he was sent to Springfield, where he is now occupying the same position. He is a young man of energy, tact, versatility and honesty of purpose and his superiors place great confidence in his ability and integrity.

Mr. Arnett was married, April .23, 1903, in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, to Anna Lee Green, a native of that city, where she was reared and educated, later attending Ouachita College at Arkadelphia, Arkansas. She is a daughter of Thomas and Disda Green.

Politically, Mr. Arnett is a Democrat. He is a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, also the Hoo Hoo or Black Cat fraternity. He is a member of the Springfield Club and the Country Club.

Newton V. Allebach

The beginning of the career of Newton V. Allebach was characterized by hard work and conscientious endeavor, and he owes his rise to no train oi fortunate incidents or fortuitous circumstances. His rise has not been of the -meteoric type, but has been steady and slow. The major portion of bis life has been devoted to railroad service, having been on the Frisco system for a number of years, and he is the present popular general chairman of the Order of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers, in which he has long been active and influential.

Mr. Allebach was born in Clarion county, Pennsylvania, August 6, i860. He is a son of Abraham H. and Catherine (Kramer) Allebach. The father was born in Montgomery county, Pennsylvania, September 2j, 1810.

and the mother was also born in the old Keystone state in the year 1833. There they grew to maturity, received limited educations in the early-day schools and they were married in Clarion county and established the family home there, Mr. Allebach engaging in the mercantile business. He was twice married, our subject being a child by his second wife, and is one of six sons, four of whom are still living, namely : Ansen M. lives in New Bethlehem, Pennsylvania; Rufus D. is deceased; Newton V., subject of this sketch; Arlington H. is deceased; Melvin C. lives in New Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, and Victor L. lives in East Brady. The death of Abraham H. Allebach occurred June 14, 1881, his wife, mother of our subject, surviving until in January, 1912, both dying in Pennsylvania, where they spent their lives. Politically he was a Lincoln Republican, and fraternally was a member of the Masonic Order, while his Wife belonged to the Eastern Star.

Newton V. Allebach grew to manhood in his native community in Clarion county and he received a common school education. When he was seventeen years of age he went to Minnesota and worked in various parts of that state. For some time he engaged in lumbering at the head of Lake Superior. In 1881 he went to North Dakota, and in 1884 he began his career as railroader at Fargo, that state, on the Northern Pacific as fireman, and was later promoted to engineer on switch engines and freight trains. He remained in the North until 1889, when he had a run into Montana and Wyoming, then was in the employ of the Southern Pacific until in September, 1895, when he came to Monett, Missouri, and went to work for the Frisco system as freight engineer, his run being from that city to Ft. Smith, .Arkansas, and in 1906 he was given a passenger train and was in that service about seven years. His career in the train service on all the above named roads has been eminently commendable and satisfactory, and is a record of duty ably and faithfully performed.

Mr. Allebach has been actively engaged in the work of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers since 1895. He moved to Springfield in 1910, where he has since resided. Since his election to general chairman in above order he has devoted his time exclusively to the interests of the order. His position is one of importance and considerable rsponsibility. and lie is kept very busy looking after adjustments and the many things constantly coming up to be attended to, which requires a man of tact, diplomacy and forceful personality, as well as energy and fidelity. The splendid record Mr. Allebach has made in this important office with which he has been honored would indicate the wisdom of his selection and his services are entirely satisfactory to all concerned. He is one of the best known and most universally liked railroad men in the Southwest, being a good mixer, friendly, genial, honest and conscientious.

Nora Blakeslee, who was born in northern Pennsylvania in 1870, where she spent her early girlhood, being eight years old when her parents, Lafayette and Delia (Cook) Blakeslee removed with her to Barry county, Missouri. These parents were natives of Pennsylvania, where they grew to maturityreceived limited educations in the common schools and were married. The death of the father occurred in Barry county, Missouri, where Mrs. Allebach was reared to womanhood and educated in the common schools. The mother is still living. Mr. Blakeslee devoted his active life to farming and contracting. His family consisted of eight children.

To Mr. and Mrs. Allebach four children have been born, namely: Franz, born October 3, 1898; Vernon A"., born September 13, 1901 ; Karl A., born November 3, 1904: Catherine, born May 22, 1907. died December 4, 1908.

Politically Mr. Allebach is a Democrat. Fraternally he is a member of the Masonic Order, is a Knights Templar, and a member of the Ancient Arabic Order of Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. Religiously the family belongs to the Presbvterian church.

George Green

Americans have always had great admiration for Englishmen, notwithstanding that these nations have twice been at war. Each has enjoyed a century of peace and good feeling toward the other, and we have ever welcomed the British to our newer land of opportunity. Greene county has not been fortunate enough to secure many of her immigrants, but what few we have we are glad to note are good citizens in every respect. One of these is George Green, blacksmith foreman in the shops of the Frisco system at Springfield.

Mr. Green was born in Kent Waldwick, England, September 15, 1863. He is a son of Robert and Susanna Green, both born in England, where they grew- up and received fairly good educations and spent the earlier years of their lives, eventually emigrating to the United States, where they both died, the father in South Dakota and the mother in Kansas. Robert Green was a carpenter by trade, which he followed for a livelihood most of his life. In his earlier life he was in the British arm}- as a wheelwright and was in the memorable East India mutiny. After coming to America he followed railroading for a while and later was a ranchman in Texas for about four years. His family consisted of four children, namely: Robert is a locomotive engineer on the Frisco, running out of Kansas City, where he lives; George of this sketch; Mrs. Clara Bowen lives in Kansas City, Missouri, and Mrs. George Wallace, also of Kansas City.

and here he received his education. He attended school in different places, including a year in Dallas. Texas, and some time in Rochester, New York. In 1880 he drove overland from Texas to Springfield, Missouri, and began work for the Frisco System in the North Side roundhouse. After remaining there about three years he went to Kansas City and went to work for the Kansas City, Ft. Scott & Memphis Railroad Company, which was leased by the Frisco System in 1900. and when the shops of the former road were opened in Springfield, now known as the South Side Frisco shops, Air. Green was sent here as blacksmith helper. He continued at his trade until in 1896, when he was elected constable of Campbell township, in which office he served two years with satisfaction to all concerned and credit to himself. In 1901 he was appointed foreman of the blacksmith shop and is still one of the foremen in this shop. He is quite expert in his line and handles men well.

Mr. Green was married in 1882. to Sarah E. Twigger, who was born in Connecticut, in December, 1862. She is a daughter of George and Ann Twigger. She was educated in the common schools. She came west when young in years, with her parents, locating in North Springfield, Missouri, and here grew to womanhood, receiving her education in the public schools of Springfield. She was one of eleven children, ten still living.

To Mr. and Mrs. Green seven children have been born, namely: Frank. born December 25, 1883; Maude, born in [885, married George Brougher; Ruby, born in tSXj; Mrs. Georgia Woodfill, born in 1899; William J., born in 1897; Charles, born in 1900. and Clara, born in 1902.

Politically, Mr. Green is a Democrat. Fraternally, he is a member of the Masonic blue lodge, the Modern Woodmen and the Loyal Order of Moose. The family are members of the Episcopal church.

Matthias Christmax

It is not the kind of work, but the kind of Spirit with which it is done that dignifies and exalts human service. This is a thought that should pu1 heart into every worker, put glow and cheer into his service and fill him with a large degree of satisfaction in doing the work that nature seems to. have, in a way, appointed for him. .Matthias Christman, general machine foreman in the North Side Frisco shops, Springfield, is a man who gets satisfaction out of his daily tasks and therefore his work is not only well done, but life is worth living to him.

is a son of Michael and Caroline (Duffner) Christman, both natives of Germany, in which country they spent their childhood years, and from there immigrated to America when young, both locating in Springfield, Illinois, where they were married, and there established their permanent home, the father of our subject, who is now eighty-four years old, and who has devoted his active life to the machinist trade, is still a resident of that city, but the mother passed away on May 17. [914, at the age of seventy-hve years. To them seven children were born, three of whom are living at this writing, namelv : X. B. is engaged in the hardware business in Springfield, Illinois; Matthias, of this sketch; John D., who was a machinist by trade, is deceased; Mary is the wife of Joseph Phillipp, who is engaged in the furniture and dry goods business in Springfield, Illinois. The other children died in early life.

Matthias Christman spent his boyhood days in his native city and there he went to school until he was fourteen years old, when he left his textbooks and went to work as an apprentice in the Wabash railroad shops in that town, remaining there from August, 1877, until 1882, completing his trade as machinist, then went as journeyman to the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe shops at Raton, New Mexico, working there from September, 1882, until April, 1883, in April of which year he went to Decatur, Illinois and worked at his trade in the shops of the Wabash Railroad. From April, 1883, until July, 1883, he worked for the Wabash & Decatur Railroad, and in August he worked as machinist in Kansas City for the Kansas City, Ft. Scott & Memphis Railroad Company, which transferred him in 1890 to its shops in Springfield, Missouri, as erecting foreman, which position he held there until August. 191 1, having continued in the employ of the Frisco System, which leased the former road in njoc. In August, 191 1, he was transferred to the North Side shops as assistant general machine shop foreman, and in 1912 was promoted to general machine shop foreman, which position he now holds. there being about one hundred and fifty men under his direction. He is giving his usual general satisfactory service, being a man highly skilled in his trade and possessing marked executive ability. He has an interest in the Christman Adjustable Hub Plate Company, being a director and stockholder in the same. He has been the dominating factor in the success of this concern, indicating that he is a man of fine business acumen. He is also of an inventive turn of mind, and has invented piston valves and bushing for air pumps and holds patents on each. These devices have been highly praised by manufacturers.

Mr. Christman was married in 1884 to Elizabeth Hurley, of Mt. Pleasant. Iowa, and to this union two children have been born, namely : John M., who was educated in the ward and high schools of Springfield, is now a machinist in the North Side Frisco shops ; Carrie, who was also well educated in the Springfield schools, lives at home with her parents.

William Taylor Hankins

Great changes "have come over the face of the land" since William Taylor Hankins first saw the light of day nearly sixty-seven years ago, and, having spent these long years in the same locality, he has been a most interested and by no means a passive spectator to the transformations of the eastern part of Greene county, having sought to do his full share in the work of progress here. For many years he was postmaster at Strafford, but is now living quietly on his farm. Xo one is better or more favorably known in this community, for his life has been an exemplary and inoffensive one.

Mr. Hankins was born on a farm near Strafford, Missouri, on April 2, 1848. He is a son of Abraham and Sarah R. 1 Miller) Hankins. The father was born in Tennessee on March 23, 1808, and was reared there on a farm and attended the common schools. In youth he learned the tanner's trade. Remaining in his native state until 1835, he then emigrated to Greene county, Missouri, making the trip by wagon, drawn by an ox and a horse. He farmed and followed his trade here, and he owned many slaves and was a successful farmer. His death occurred in November, 1861. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and was a prominent man in his community. The mother of our subject was born near Winchester, Kentucky, on June 3, 1809, was reared on a farm there and attended the public schools. She came to Greene county. Missouri with her parents about the year 1835, and here met and married Mr. Hankins. She was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. Her death occurred on June 30, 1878, on the home farm. To these parents live children were born, namely : Andrew Jackson, deceased; Benton T., deceased: William T., of this sketch; Letitia, deceased, and Mrs. Susan Potter, of Strafford, who is the youngest.

William T, Hankins grew to manhood on the old homestead near Strafford and he received his education in the district schools. He worked on the home farm until after his father's death, and his principal life work has been general fanning. In [896 he was appointed postmaster at Strafford, the duties of which office he continued to discharge acceptably and satisfactorily for a period of seventeen years, resigning in [913. He moved to his farm of one hundred and twenty acres, which joined Strafford, where he has a cozy home and is now living practically retired.

Mr. Hankins was married on March 7, 1S71, to Mary Jane Comstock, who was born on November 4, i85_J. while her parents were emigrating from Tennessee to Greene county, Missouri. She is a daughter of L. B. and Nancy Comstock. She grew up on a farm in this state and attended the common schools, removing with her parents to Greene county during the Civil war. She was a member of the Baptist church. Her death occurred on April 5, 1889.

To our subject and wife three children were born, namely: Nathaniel Brown lives in Greene county ; he married Sarah McCabe Fitch and they have two children, Hershel and Zenobia ; Mrs. Florence Foster lives in Strafford and has two children, Joe and Helen, and Mrs. Manta Delzell, who married George G. Delzell. They have two children, Gregory and Sarah Marie. She makes her home with her father.

Jesse D. Jaquith

The respect which should always be accorded the brave sons of the North who left their homes and the peaceful pursuits of civil life to give their services, and their lives if need be, to preserve the integrity of the American Union is due Jesse D. Jaquith. He proved his love and loyalty to the government on the long and tiresome marches in all kinds of situations, exposed to summer's withering heat and winter's freezing cold, on the lonely picket line a target for the unseen foe, on the tented field and amid the flame and smoke of battle, where the rattle of the musketry mingled with the terrible concussion of bursting shells and the diapason of the cannons' roar made up the sublime but awful chorus of death.

Mr. Jaquith was born January 8, 1845, near Paris, Edgar count)-, Illinois. He is a son of Jesse VV. Jaquith, a native of New Hampshire, where he spent his earlier years. He studied pharmacy, and, having cast his lot with the people of the Middle West, became owner and operator of a drug store at Urbana, Illinois, and he was the first postmaster of that town. Active and influential in public affairs, he was elected a judge of the county court of Champaign county, Illinois. He received a good education in his native state, there learned the shoemaker's trade, which he followed for a number of years, also engaged in farming in New Hampshire. It was in 1839 that he removed to Edgar county, Illinois, among the early pioneers, and there he continued his trade for some time before locating in Champaign county and turning his attention to the drug' business. Finally leaving (82)

Urbana he came to Holden, Missouri, where he engaged in the shoe business. There he spent the rest of his life, dying in 1881 at the age of seventy years, and was buried at Holden. Politically he was a Democrat. He belonged to the Masonic Order and to the Methodist Episcopal church. His wife, Catherine A. Wilson, was a native of Kentucky and a daughter of John and Maggie (Buckner) Wilson. To this union the following children were born: Lottie, now deceased, was the wife of John Allen, a farmer; Jesse D., of this sketch; John located in San Francisco and engaged in the machine business ; Richard, now deceased, was a shoemaker by trade ; Mate ( Matilda) married John Cass, a commercial traveler, and they live at Holden. .Missouri. Willard Jaquith, grandfather of these children, was born in New Hampshire, from which state he emigrated to Detroit, Michigan, in an early day. He was a farmer in his earlier life.

Jesse D. Jaquith grew to manhood in Illinois and received his education in the public schools of Urbana, leaving his text-books at the age of seventeen to enlist in the Federal army, in 1862, in Company G, Seventy-sixth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, at Kankakee. He saw much hard service and took part in numerous battles and skirmishes, including the great siege of Vicksburg and the many engagements incident thereto, also the battles of Jackson and Mobile, and although he was in many close places he was never wounded, neither had he occasion to answer to sick call. For meritorious conduct be was promoted from time to time until he became quartermaster sergeant, and was mustered out as such in July, 1865. at Chicago. He was in the armies of Grant and Sherman. After the war he returned to Urbana. Illinois, and learned the trade of tinsmith, first working for J. M. Davies. Later he came to Warrensburg, Missouri, and worked witli J. L. Bettis, finishing his apprenticeship there, then be worked as journeyman tinsmith at Warrensburg until 1870. in which year he returned to l'rbana and continued at his trade until 1877, then went to Kansas City and secured employment with the Union Pacific Railroad, working in the company's shops at Armstrong. Kansas, just across the river from Kansas City, Missouri. He was a journeyman tinsmith. He resided at Wyandotte, Kansas, and remained with that road three years. When the towns of Kansas City, Kansas. Wyandotte and Armourdale were consolidated into Kansas City, Kansas, lie was the first clerk of the board of education.

Mr. Jaquith came to Springfield on February 18, 1887, and took a position with the Kansas City. Ft. Scott & Memphis railroad as tinsmith foreman in their local shops, which are now known as the South Side Frisco shops, having come under the control of the Frisco System in iqoo. and this position our subject held till 191 5, his long retention in the same being evidence of his faithfulness and skill and his ability to handle men so as to obtain the best results. However, he was foreman tinsmith at the new

Mr. Jaquith was a member of the city council of Springfield for four years. Before leaving Urbana, Illinois, he was a member of the board of education for two years and was also city clerk there for two years. As a public servant his record has been a most satisfactory and commendable one. Politically he has always been a stanch Democrat. He is a member of the Baptist church. Back in the seventies he was a member of the Knights of Pythias.

Mr. Jaquith was married in 1865, at Warrensburg, Missouri, to Killa E. Dulin, who was born, reared and educated in Illinois. To this union two children have been born, namely: Ira, who is a machinist by trade and employed at the new shops in Springfield, married Carrie Burton, and they have two sons and two daughters ; Charles was for some time a soldier in the Seventeenth United States Infantry, regular army, saw service in the Philippines, where he was mustered out.

Frank P. Carroll

If there is one thing which distinguishes the American tradesman or business man from those of any other country it is the faculty with which any and all occupations are readily taken up by him and made successful. In the older countries it was customary for the son to follow the father's pursuit. "Follow your father, my son, and do as your father has done," was a maxim which most of sons were expected to adopt. In this country we find few men of the present generation engaged in the same pursuits as were their fathers, except among the farming element. Frank P. Carroll, chief engineer in the Frisco's North Side shops, Springfield, has turned his hands to various things and proved that farming was not the only occupation which he could make successful.