Greene County, Missouri - Biographical sketches, 1915 (part 11 of 29)

Mr. Carroll was born May 2, 1863, near Frankfort, Clinton county, Indiana. He is a son of Moses Carroll, who was born at Troy, New York. He grew up in his native state, attended school and learned the carpenter's trade there, later removing to Clinton county, Indiana, where he established his home. He is now deceased. He married Hannah Clark, a daughter of A. B. Clark, of Clinton county, Indiana, and a native of Kentucky, from which state the family removed to Indiana in 1840. Ten children were born to Moses Carroll and wife, four of whom died in infancy; the others were named as follows: Louisa J. is a widow and resides at Zion City, Illinois; Wilson B., who was a carpenter and engineer, is deceased; Mattie, also a widow, is engaged in dressmaking at Phillipsburg, Montana; Relda is the wife of Ellis Kiser, a draftsman by trade, and they reside in Springfield, Missouri; Mary, commonly known as Mollie, is the wife of Gus Widmeyer, a farmer of Greene county, this state, and Frank P. of this sketch.

The subject of this review spent his boyhood in Clinton county, Indiana, and received his education in the common schools. When seventeen years of age he went to work as a farm hand, later worked as fireman in a flouring mill in Boone county, Indiana, for two years, then came to Springfield, Missouri, in 1884, and went into the dairy business with his brother-in-law, J. X. Kern, remaining in this line of endeavor two years. The next two years we find him employed at an electric light plant and in various other positions. He also worked at the old Coon Tobacco Works, under George H. McCann, who was president of the concern. Our subject worked here as engineer from 1888 to 1900, in which year he was made chief engineer, and continued in this capacity with the plant until it was absorbed by the American Tobacco Company, whereupon he went to the South Side or old Gulf shops, and was assistant engineer here for two years. He then went to California, where he remained a year as chief engineer for the Italian-Swiss Wine Company at Kingsburg, that state. Returning to Springfield. Missouri, he took a position as gas and steam fitter with the Springfield Gas Company and worked at this two years, then farmed a year, having previously purchased a farm near the Valley Water Mill. He then came back to Springfield and worked as chief engineer at the Frisco Hospital for two months, then was chief engineer at the Metropolitan Hotel for some time, after which he worked as night engineer in the North Side Frisco shops, remaining there from September, T905, to May 12. 1910. when he was promoted to chief engineer there, which position he still holds. He has thirty hands under his direction and as in all his former positions i- giving entire satisfaction.

Mr. Carroll was married in 1890 to Dura Gardner, who was horn on the old Phelps farm in Greene county. Missouri. She is a daughter of Allen V Gardner, of Springfield. She grew up in this county and was educated in the common schools.

To our subject and wife four children have been born, namely: Myrtle is single and lives at home; Leonard married Mattie Leamon, and he is employed a- typewriter repairer at the Gardner Office Supply Company in Springfield; Frank is employed as typewriter repairman at the office of the Underwood Typewriter Company in Springfield; Paul is attending school.

Politically Mr. Carroll is a Republican. He belongs to the Christian church. He is a member of the National Order of Stationary Engineers No. Q. the Springfield division.

John P. Malley

The general foreman of the Frisco System boiler shops, John P. Malley, is evidently as well qualified for his position as anyone whom the company could have selected, for his record shows that he has been constantly employed about boiler shops for a period of nearly thirty-rive years, or ever since he was a boy, and during this time he has had vast experience in many different places. He has been a close observer and has learned many new things about his chosen calling in each shop he has been employed, in fact, has left no stone unturned whereby he might improve himself.

Air. Malley is of Irish parentage and has inherited many of the praiseworthy traits of that industrious people. He was born in Laporte, Indiana, September 25, 1862. He is a son of John and Mary (Consendine) Malley, both born in Ireland, where they grew to maturity, received good educations in the common schools, but were married in Indiana. They were yet young when the immigrated to the United States. They established the family home in Laporte, Indiana, where they spent the rest of their lives, both dying there, our subject being a small boy when his father died. The father followed railroading and for years was roadmaster for the Lake Shore railroad, also the Michigan Southern railroad, being employed in that capacity by the latter road at the time of his death. To John and Mary Malley three children were born, all living at this writing, namely: John P. of this sketch; William is a tinner by trade and lives in Chicago; Charles is an engineer and also lives in Chicago.

John P. Malley had little opportunity to receive an education, however, he attended the common schools in Indiana, but he is for the must part selftaught. He was married May 24. 1900. in Kansas City. Missouri, to Alary Glennon, a native of Independence, this state, and a daughter of Patrick Glennon and wife, both natives of Ireland, from which country they immigrated to America when young. Mr. Glennon was a stone mason by trade. His death occurred in Kansas City, as did also that of his wife. Mrs. Malley grew to womanhood in Jackson county and was educated in the common schools.

In 1870 John P. Malley left Laporte, Indiana., and worked as check clerk in the mammoth mercantile establishment of Marshall Field's, but not desiring to continue this line of endeavor, he began his apprenticeship to the boiler maker's trade about a year later, when seventeen years of age, in the plant of McFarland & Company, of Chicago. He remained in the employ of that company for about eight years, during which time he thoroughly mastered his trade, then went to Dubuque, Iowa, and worked about a year, then went to St. Paul, Minnesota, where he worked for the Great Northern Railroad in their shops there about two years, then returned to Iowa, and worked in Dubuque for the Milwaukee and St. Paul Railroad Company, then went to firing on a locomotive and continued in this work a year and a half, after which he went to Texas, and was foreman at Galveston in the boiler shops of the Gulf, Colorado & Santa Fe Railroad from 1891 until 1900, in which year he came to Springfield. Missouri, as general foreman of the boiler shops of the St. Louis & San Francisco Railroad Company, and has since been connected with this shop, having been general foreman of the same since 1.9 10, and is still incumbent of that position, in which he is giving eminent satisfaction in every respect.

John R. Dritt

The responsible position which John R. Dritt, freight agent of the Frisco Lines at Springfield, fills while yet a young man, would indicate that places of merit and responsibility are open to those who are capable of filling them no matter what their age or early environment may be. However, our subject had careful preparation, taking sure but definite steps in his chosen field of endeavor from the time he was a hoy, having all the while been honest both with himself and his employers. This is, no doubt, the secret of his success.

Mr. Dritt was born in Pierce City. Missouri, November 13. [880. He is a son of A. M. and Nancy Jane ( Roark) Dritt. The father was born at Tipton, Missouri. He was engaged in the harness and saddlery business at Pierce City, where his death occurred in [892, at the early age of thirtyfour years. Politically he was a Republican, and religiously he belonged to the Baptist church. The mother of our subject is a daughter of \Y. I'.. Roark and wife. The father is engaged in the mercantile business at Aurora, Missouri, and in that city Mrs. Dritt is making her home. Three children were born to the parents of our subject, namely: John R., of this sketch: Russie, who married E. \Y. Cave lives in Chicago, where Mr. Cave is engaged in the automobile business. Wiley M.. the third child, who was engaged in mercantile pursuits at .Aurora, this state, died at the age of twenty-six years. Joseph Dritt, paternal grandfather of these children, was a prominent citizen of Tipton, Missouri, and was mayor of that town for a number of years.

family located when he was young, and there he attended the common and high schools. When sixteen years of age he went to work in that town for the Frisco System. He was messenger boy and did station work. Later he came to Springfield and engaged in the hotel business, clerking for some time in the Central hotel, then went back to Aurora and continued station work for the Frisco, remaining there until 1904, at which time he went to Monroe, Louisiana, and worked for the National Packing Company, remaining there until in December, 1905, as cashier and auditor. He then came to Springfield as cashier for the Frisco in its freight department. In May, 1907, he was promoted to assistant general agent of the general freight department, and in December, 191 1. he was appointed agent of the freight department, which position he now7 holds, and the duties of which he is discharging with his usual fidelity and general satisfaction, and with much credit to himself. He has under his direction seventy-five clerks.

Mr. Dritt was married on December 15, 1912, to Edith Smith, a daughter of Earl N. and Lola (Doss) Smith, a well known family of Ash Grove, this county, where Mrs. Dritt grew to womanhood and was educated. To our subject and wife one child has been born, Nancy Jane Dritt, who was born April 27, 1914.

Politically Mr. Dritt is a Democrat. He belongs to the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and religiously he attends the Baptist church.

Stephen E. Butler

It is no reflection when we say a man is a Hoosier; on the contrary it is a compliment, if the word is properly understood. All natives of the great state of Indiana are known as Hoosiers, and everyone knows that some of the greatest men of the nation have been born and reared on her soil, including presidents, vice-presidents, great statesmen, renowned army and navy officers and famous literary men and women. Stephen E. Butler, foreman of the tin shop of the reclamation plant in the South Side Frisco shops, Springfield, is a Hoosier, although not yet belonging in the class of the mighty just enumerated, however, being yet a young man and possessing those traits that win success, one must necessarily predict for him a future of usefulness and more than average success.

Mr. Butler was born April 23, 1882, in Stark county, Indiana. He is a son of Austin D. Butler, a native of Ohio, and a carpenter by trade. He left his native state when a young man and located in Stark count)-, Indiana, where he remained until 1888, when he went to Helena, Montana, whither he removed his family the following vear, and there his death occurred in

1897 at the early age of forty-six years. He was a soldier in the Spanish- American war; however, contracting malaria typhoid in the Philippines not long after his enlistment, he was sent back home, having spent about a year in service. He was a member of Company L, First Montana Volunteer Infantry. Upon his recovery from the malaria typhoid he resumed his trade of journeyman carpenter, in which he was exceptionally skilled. As a soldier his comrades say he was brave, faithful and intelligent. His untimely death was by accident, having been drowned in the Missouri river near Stubbs Ferry, where he was working on a dredge. Politically he was a Democrat He belonged to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He belonged to the Methodist Episcopal church. His widow, who was known in her maidenhood as Alice Miller, is now the wife of A. J. Lemkie, and they reside in Helena, Montana. Three children were born to her union with Mr. Butler, namely: Stephen E. of this sketch ; Ethel married Earl B. Richardson, who is engaged in the retail drug business at Helena; Hazel married Charles H. Coar, superintendent of the telephone company at Minot, North Dakota.

Stephen E. Butler was seven years of age when his parents removed to Helena, Montana, and there he grew to early manhood and received a common school education; however, he left school when only fourteen years of age and began learning the trade of sheet metal worker there, serving a four years' apprenticeship. He worked with Jacob Rummell about six years in that city, then went to the Pacific coast and the Northwest, where he spent a year working as a tinsmith, after which he came to Kansas City, Missouri, and worked six months, then returned West and worked in Helena and Virginia City three and one-half years, one year of which time he was in business for himself as tinsmith. \n March. [910, he came to Springfield, Missouri, and worked a year for the Anslinger Sheet Metal Works, then took a position in the- North Side Frisco shops in March, 1911, as journeyman tinsmith. On November 1. 1913, he was promoted to foreman tinsmith of the reclamation plant at the South Side shops, which position he still holds, and in this, as in all previous positions he is giving entire satisfaction, for he is nol only an exceptionally highly skilled man in his line, but is energetic and understands handling those under him to good advantage.

Mr. Butler was married in July, 1907, to Dora Etta Burrell, a daughter of Charles and Mary (Codrey) Burrell, who reside on a farm near Conway.

Percy J. Bates

we cannot be properly fulfilling our earthy mission if we are not happy ourselves. A part of our service to the world is unquestionably cheerfulness, and unless we are happy in our work and in the life we lead among men we are withholding something that is essential to true serviceableness. Percy 1. Bates, rip track foreman at the North Side Frisco shops, Springfield, is a young man who is cheerful in his daily tasks, thus making them much lighter to perform.

Mr. Bates was born September 28, 1886, at Essex Junction, Chittenden county, Vermont. He is a son of Job Bates, who was born in Westford, Vermont. He grew up in his native state and attended school there and in his younger days followed farming, later owned and operated a general store at Essex Junction. He was very successful as a business man and became owner of three or four fine farms, which he kept well stocked and highly improved, but keeping them rented, merely looking after them in a general way. He owned a large town house in Essex Junction, where he spent about twenty-five years of his life. He was very fond of good horses and made a specialty of raising them, always owning some fine ones. Politically he was a Republican, and was a road master and selectman, influential and prominent. in his town and county. He was a member of the Congregational church. His death occurred on May 12, [904, at the age of seventy-five years. His widow, who was known in her maidenhood as Mary Ella Brackett. a daughter of Hiram Brackett, of Amboy, Illinois, is living at Burlington, Vermont; she was born in 1851.

kleven children were born to Job Bates and wife, named as follows: Kizzie married Allen Martin, an attorney of Essex Junction, Vermont; Julia I. has remained single and lives at home; Charles M. is manager of a hotel at Cambridge Springs. Pennsylvania; Marion E., single, is teaching school in Los Angeles. California; Willis S. is physical director at Southwestern College, Winfield, Kansas; James S. lives at Amarillo, Texas; Jessie E., single, is teaching in Burlington, Vermont: Percy J., of this sketch; Mary E. is the wife of Dr. John Hunter, of the L'niversity of Vermont; Alice B. is a missionary in Labrador, teaching in the Dr. Grenville Mission there; Dorothy S. is single and lives at home.

Percy L Bates grew to manhood in Vermont and there received his education in the common schools, two years in high school, then studied at Kimball Union Academy at Meriden, New Hampshire, fj-om which he was graduated in 1904, then in 1905 he came- We"st and entered Fairmount College at Wichita, Kansas, from which institution he was graduated in 1909. Taking an interest in athletics he played professional base ball in 1909 and 1910 for the Wichita Western League, being right fielder for that team, then played center field for the Arkansas City (Kansas) State League. He entered railroad service at Arkansas City with the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Road, in the transportation department, and later worked in the mechanical department until May 5, 1912, when he went to Amarillo, Texas, where he worked as time keeper and in the car department of the same road. On January 26, 1914, he entered the service of the Frisco System at Chaffee as piece work checker. On June 1. 1914, he was transferred to Springfield, Missouri, as rip track foreman in the North Side shops, which position he is holding at this writing. He has thirty hands under his direction and is giving his usual satisfaction.

Mr. Bates has remained unmarried. Politically he is a Republican, and he belongs to the Congregational church. He is a member of the Masonic Order.

William I'. Smith

A native of Missouri, but with the blue blood of Kentuckians in his veins, William F. Smith, chief engineer of the Springfield Gas & Power Company, is a young man who has attained a very creditable standing in life as a result of his straightforward and conscientious course.

Mr. Smith was born in St. Joseph. Missouri, November 8, 1882. He is a son of Prank and Bernedina ( Vanderstay ) Smith. The father was a native of Kentucky, where he spent his earlier years, and from there emigrated to Missouri. He devoted his active life to the plasterer's trade, and died in 1892, when only about thirty-six years of age. His wife was a daughter of Prank Vanderstay, a western Missouri citizen. Mrs. Smith is now making her home in Springfield, living with her son, our subject.

To Prank Smith and wife five children were born, namely: William F. of this sketch; Walter is deceased: Benjamin is engaged in the grocery business in Kansas City; Joseph is attending school in Pennsylvania; Vincent is an electrical operator in the employ of the Springfield Gas & Plectiic Company.

Levi Smith, the paternal grandfather of the subject of this sketch, was a bricklayer by trade, lie spent his life in Kentucky and western Missouri, having married in the former state. In later life he removed to Kansas, where he continued to follow his trade.

work for a grocery store, delivering goods and clerking, then worked in the power house at Leavenworth as fireman helper, was also oiler in the engine room, then became night engineer in the Leavenworth Light, Heat & Power Company, remaining in the employ of the traction company there for eight years. He then worked a few months for the St. Joseph Light, Heat & Power plant at repair work, then went hack to Leavenworth and worked in the machine shops, later becoming day chief engineer for the traction company of that city. In September, 1908, he came to Springfield, Missouri, and took a position with the Springfield Gas & Electric Company, working as night engineer from 1908 to 1912. when he was transferred to day engineer, and on August 12th of that year, he was placed in charge of the company's power house, located at Main street and Phelps avenue, and has since been chief engineer of the power house, and is discharging his duties with his usual success and satisfaction. He has had as many as twenty-five men under his direction since taking this important position, and at present he is assisted by ten men. He is an expert in his line and is well read on every detail.

Mr. Smith was married in November, 1913, to Florence Pile, a daughter of Jonah Pile and wife, of Springfield. The untimely death of Mrs. Smith occurred on December 23, 1914, leaving one child. Arthur Smith, who was born on November 9, 191 4.

Politically Mr. Smith is a Republican. He is a member of the Catholic church, and he belongs to the Improved Order of Red Men and the National Association of Steam Engineers.

George Cooper

Memoirs dealing with enterprising men. especially good men, are very often of inestimable benefit to others, having a tendency to point the way to the goal of worthy things. The examples they furnish of steadfast endeavi >r and patient integrity forcibly illustrate what is in the power of each individual to accomplish when they have courage and right principles to control their course of action. Some men belong to no exclusive class in life; apparently insurmountable obstacles have in many instances awakened their dormant faculties and served as a stimulus to carry them to ultimate renown. The instances in the face of adverse fate would seem almost to justify the conclusion that self-reliance, with a half chance, can accomplish any reasonable object. The late George Cooper, a well-known business man and enterprising citizen of Springfield during the past generation, was a man who lived to good purpose and achieved greater success than that which falls to the lot -of the average individual. By a straightforward and commendable course, he madc-his way from a none too favorable early environment to a respectable position in the industrial world, winning the hearty admiration of the people of his adopted city and earning a reputation as an enterprising, progressive man of affairs and a broad-minded, upright citizen which the public was not slow to recognize and appreciate, and there is much in his life record which could be studied with profit by the young man starting out into what we are prone to allude to as the battle of life.

Mr. Cooper was a representative of a sterling old English family, whose genealogy traced back to ancient days ; he first saw the light of day under England's skies on December 5, 1863, at Leicester. He was a son of Henry and Mary (Richardson) Cooper, both natives of England also, where they grew to maturity, were educated, .married and established their home, residing there until in 1872, when they immigrated with their children to the United States, landing in New York City. From there they came direct to Missouri and established the future home of the family in Wilson township, Greene county, where the father secured a farm and became one of the enterprising general agriculturists of his locality, and is now living in retirement on a small farm in that township, where he bears an excellent reputation. Upon taking up his residence in the Republic of the West he made a careful study of the political situation in this country, and cast his lot with the Democrats. He has served as a member of the school board in his district. He is a member of the Episcopal church. His lather, William Cooper, was born and reared in England, and there spent his life. He was a man of rare business ability and was for man}- years regarded as one of the foremost and wealthiest citizens of the city of Leicester, in the upbuilding of which he cook much interest; one of his principal benefactions was the building of a handsome Episcopal church there, he being the principal contributor, and he was lung an active member of that denomination, lie retained the coat-ofarms of his ancestors, tin- older Coopers having been a prominent family in that part of England.

Henry Cooper was twice married, his first wile, mother of the subject of this biographical memoir, passing away in 1 N74. leaving two sons, namely: Harry, a well-known business man of Springfield, a complete sketch of whom will be found on another page of this work, and George of this review. Elizabeth Jackson became Henry Cooper's second wife, and to this last union one son was born, Frederick Cooper, who is now engaged in the plumbing business in Springfield.

George Cooper spent his early boyhood in England, being nine years of age when his parents sailed with him to America in 1872. lie grew to manhood on his father's farm in this county and assisted with the general work during the crop seasons, attending the public schools during the winter, continuing to farm on the homestead until he was about twenty years of age.

then decided on a business career and went to Springfield, where he was employed as clerk in Sutter & Bryan's grocery store for a short tune, then began learning the plumber's trade, in which he became an expert, and followed this until 1887, when he formed a partnership with his brother, Harry Cooper, establishing a plumbing business of their own at 412 South street, later moved to 414 that street, then to 402 the same street, the last location being now the site of the Bank of Commerce. They were successful from the start and their gradually increasing business compelled them to seek larger quarters from time to time. They did not only have an excellent practical knowledge of the plumbing business, but they each proved to be men of exceptional executive ability. They continued in this line of endeavor with success until 1908. During that period of twenty-one years the Coopers became widely known throughout the Southwest in their line of endeavor, and turned out some of the finest work and some of the largest contracts in the state of Missouri, including the plumbing for the Missouri state building at the Louisiana Purchase Exposition in 1903, at St. Louis. They maintained a large, up-to-date and well equipped establishment ami kept a large number of skilled artisans constantly employed.

Harry sailed for England, February 9, 1910. After spending some time at the old home they made extensive tours about the British Isles and were preparing for their return trip to America when our subject was suddenly stricken with illness and a few days later was summoned to his eternal rest. on April 9, 1910. His body was brought back to Springfield for burial.

Mr. Cooper was married in [891 to Grace Keet Smith, who was born in Keetsville, Barry county, Missouri. November 3, 1866, and she received a iwiod education in the high schools of Springfield. She is a daughter of Dr. John R. and F>ances R. (Keet) Smith, a prominent family of Springfield. a complete sketch of whom will be found on another page of this volume. Mrs. Cooper has long been a favorite with a wide circle of friends, and she and her children belong to the Episcopal church.

Mrs. Cooper is living- quietly in her beautiful home on Cherrv street, with her two winsome daughters. Mary Ruth, born October 30, 1892, and Elizabeth Fearn, born May 31, 1804, who are receiving excellent educational advantages.

Politically Mr. Cooper was a Democrat, but being a quiet, unassumingbusiness and home man, he never sought public office. Fraternallv he belonged to the Royal Arcanum lodge, and was an active member of the Episcopal church, in which he was a vestryman for twenty-six vears. He was held in the hiqiiest esteem by all who knew him.

J3Io Greene County, Missouri Ira Carl Box

It has been by. close application and persistent, honest work that Ira Carl Bon, general foreman of the reclamation department of the South Side Frisco shops, has risen from a machinist's apprentice to his present responsible position, and not by the influence of friends or the inscrutable working of fate. He is a man of personal worth and popularity and enjoys the confidence of all with whom he comes in contact. He is enterprising and progressive by both word and example and seeks to infuse that spirit into those with whom he is associated.

Mr. Bon was born May 3, 1876, at Centerville, Iowa. He is a son of George Bon, who was a native of New York, from which state he came to the Middle West when a young man and entered railroad service, and is at this writing coach inspector at Centerville, Iowa, for the Chicago, Burlington & Ouincy Railroad Company, having been employed by this road for a period of thirty-three years. He helped build the shops of this company at Centerville and has remained there ever since. He is sixty-seven years old. He has charge of the superintendent's office and the depot. He is a member of the Christian church and is a thirty-second degree Mason, and belongs to the Ancient Arabic Order of Nobles of the Mystic Shrine; also belongs to the Woodmen of America and the Ancient Order of United Workmen. His wife was known in her maidenhood as Eva Swearengin; she is fifty-five years old. Their only child is the subject of this sketch.

I. Carl Bon's grandfather was Henry Bon, a native of Germany, from which country he immigrated to America when a young man. He was a cigarmaker by trade, and later in life became a railroad contractor, and was for years a builder and contractor in the state of New York and in Iowa, maintaining his home for some time at Centerville.

The subject of this sketch grew to manhood at Centerville, Iowa, and dure attended the common schools until he was sixteen years old. when he began serving his apprenticeship as machinist in the shops of the Chicago, Burlington & Ouincy railroad at that place, remaining there from 1898 to 1905, then worked for the Wheeling & Lake Erie railroad at Canton, Ohio, as storekeeper in the supply department, from 1906 to 1910. In 1910 he went in business for himself, as agent for several standard makes of automobiles. He continued in this held with success until 1914, in March of which year he secured employment with the Frisco Lines at Springfield as general foreman in the reclamation department, and he is discharging the duties of this responsible position in a manner that reflects much credit upon himself and to the eminent satisfaction of all concerned. He has under his direction three hundred and fiftv men.

Politically, Mr. Bon is an independent .voter. Fraternally, he belongs to the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, and is a member of the Christian church.

He was married in iqo8 to Alice Harvey, a daughter of William E. and Mary M. ( Streepy) Harvey, of Centerville, Iowa, in which city she grew to womanhood and was educated. She is a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, her grandfather having been a soldier in that war.

William P. Powell

A gentleman of warm, sympathetic impulses, liberal and generous, William P. Powell, assistant foreman of the reclamation department of the South Side Frisco shops, Springfield, is a young man whom everyone, who has ever known him personally, likes and speaks well of. His manners are easy in social intercourse, with high conceptions <>\ morality and honest, fraternal living. All these commendable traits, together with the fact that he has achieved such notable success in his field of endeavor at such an early age would augur for him a bright future in railroad service.

Mr. Powell was born at Saint Mary's, Sainte Genevieve county, Missouri, October 10, 1884. He is a son of Elisha T. Powell and a grandson of William Powell, a large tobacco grower of Kentucky in the early days. The father of our subject was born at Henderson. Kentucky, where he grew' up, attended school and spent his life, engaged in raising tobacco of a high grade and on an extensive scale. Later in life he removed to Sainte Genevieve county, Missouri, and established the family home. For some time he operated a cooperage business at Jackson, this state. The latter years of his life were spent in retirement at De Soto, this state, where he died at the age of fifty-seven years, and was buried there. Politically, he was a Democrat and he belonged to the Methodist Episcopal church. The mother of the subject of this sketch was known in her maidenhood as Delia Van Winkle, and she was born at Jefferson City, Missouri, where she grew up and was educated, and she is now making her home in Springfield and is fifty years old. To these parents only two children were born, a daughter dying in infancy, and William P., of this sketch.

Our subject received his education in the common and high schools at De Soto, Missouri. After leaving school he went to Texas and became a clerk in the postoffice at the town of Brownwood. having taken the civil service examination for the same. Later he was for one year in the United States mail service in that state. He then came to Springfield, Missouri, in 1902, and took a position as helper in the blacksmith shops of the Frisco railroad, in the North Side shops, under John French, who was foreman there for eighteen months. Our subject then went with the United Iron Works in this city as blacksmith helper, where he remained nine months, then took a position in the Schmook Machine Foundry Company here as blacksmith, later taking a position in the South Side Frisco shops as blacksmith helper, but returned to the Schmook foundry as blacksmith, then came to the South Side Frisco shops as blacksmith, in 191 3. and for some time he has been assistant foreman of the blacksmith shop in the reclamation department of these shops, and has given his usual high-grade service and satisfaction.

Mr. Powell has remained single. Politically, he is a Democrat. He belongs to the Modern Woodmen of America, the Knights of Pythias and the International Brotherhood of Blacksmith Helpers. Religiously, he is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church.

William Wesley Skelley

The time has arrived when intensive and diversified farming is necessary for conditions have changed since the former generation. We must now look more to soil fertility, grow better and mure livestock, each farmer must do more work himself and hire less. The farmers and editors and statesmen who at one time insisted that American intelligence. Yankee thrift and ingenuity needed no protection have come to discover something different. In the language of the late Grover Cleveland, "It is a condition which confronts us - not a theory." One of the intelligent young farmers of Franklin township, Greene county, who realizes that he must emploj different methods in his vocation to those employed a quarter or a half century ago is William Wesley Skelley. and he is therefore making a success in his chosen work.

Mr. Skelley was born September 17, [876, in Cumberland county. Pennsylvania. Me is a son of Theodore A. and Mary Elizabeth (Smith) Skelley. The father was born in the same count}- and state as our subject, April 30, [840, and there also occurred the birth of the mother of our subject. They grew to maturity in their native locality, were educated in the schools of the early days and married there and established the family It 'me. Theodore A. Skelley devoted his active life to farming and was also a wagon maker by trade which he followed in his native state, working for some time in the railroad shops at Altoona, Pennsylvania, in fact, followed his trade for a period of eighteen years. He was highly skilled and always found ready employment. He removed with his family to Greene county, Missouri, in 1884, when our subject was eight years old, and here he purchased a farm of one hundred and seventy acres in Franklin township, known as the "Cedar Bluff Farm." It was well improved and had a good group of buildings on it. Here he carried on general farming successfully, being a hard worker and a good manager, and was highly respected by his neighbors, being a good man in every sense of the word. He was a member of the Methodist church at New Salem in which, he was steward for several years. During the Civil war he enlisted in Company G. Two Hundred and Second Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, at Harrisburg, that state, August 20, 1864, and served in a faithful manner until the close of the war, being mustered out as corporal, August 3, 1865, at Harrisburg, and was honorably discharged. He was in the army of the Potomac, hut did mostly guard duty and was not in any of the great battles, but was in several skirmishes, his principal work was in guarding railroads in Virginia. Previous to his enlistment he had heen in the employ of the government as mechanic, teamster, etc.

The death of Theodore A. Skelley occurred on his farm in Greene county, October 3, 1912, at the age of seventy years. Hi- widow survives and remains on the homestead. To these parents five children were born, named as follows: Fdward lives in Atchison, Kansas; Etta is deceased; Mrs. Ada Stokes, wile of George J. Stokes, lives at Ebenezer, Greene county; William W. of this review; Mr-. Mollie Hall, wife of Jesse R. Hall, lives near Gladville, Greene county.

The early boyhood of William W. Skelley was spent in Pennsylvania, but he grew to manhood on the home farm in Greene county where he worked during the summer months and in the winter time attended the common schools. He has remained on the home farm, which he is still operating in a highly successful manner, raising much grain and large numbers of livestock annually.

Mr. Skelley was married December 24. 1902, to Lenora Stokes, who was born December 2j. iXN_>, a daughter of Thomas Layson Stokes and Martha Ann (Vaughn) Stokes, the former a native of Greene county and the latter of Tennessee. He was born February 2, 1836, and died in 1898, and she was born March 22, 1838, and died March 1, 1889. Mrs. Stokes came to Greene county when a child with her parents and here she spent the rest of her life. Mr. Stokes spent his life engaged in blacksmithing and general farming on the homestead in Franklin township, just west of the Skelley farm ; however, he removed to Willard ten years prior to his death, where he maintained a blacksmith shop, having learned the trade when young. He also followed his trade in connection with farming in Franklin township. He was regarded as one of the best blacksmiths in the county (83) and many of his customers came from long distances. Fraternally, he belonged to the Masonic order at Ebenezer. Politically, he was a Republican.

To Thomas Stokes and wife thirteen children were born, namely: Marxis deceased; Mrs. Sarah Frances Roan; Gatley is deceased; Cordelia is deceased ; Jasen H. is deceased ; John R. lives at Pearl, Greene county ; George lives at Ebenezer; Mrs. Dona Dysert lives at Hickory Barrens, this county; Charles lives in California: Mrs. Lotty Skelley lives in Atchison. Kansas; Lucy is deceased; Mrs. Lorettie Chisler is deceased; Otterson is deceased, and Lenora, wife of our subject, who was six years old when her mother died.

Airs. Skelley grew to womanhood in Greene county and was educated in the public schools. She has borne her husband four children, Lee, born November 1, 1903: Helen, born May 24, 1905: Loyd. born November jo, 1909, and Anna, born April 11, 1908. died August 6, 1909.

Politically, Mr. Skelley is a Democrat, and he and his wife are members of the Methodist church at Xew Salem, and they are both well liked throughout the community.

Charles R. Busch

From the life record of Charles R. Busch many useful lessons may be gleaned by the youth starting out on the road to success in railroad service, for he has been a man who believed in the wise saying of an old philosopher, "Lose no time in getting off the wrong road as soon as you discover that you are traveling it." He has been an advocate of progress in all phases of life, progress at any sacrifice, and. this being a fact, he has achieved a somewhat unusual degree of success lor so young a man. Inn he began early to advance himself in hi- chosen arena of endeavor and has left no stone unturned whereby he might do so, ami the future for him is redolent with promise.

Mr. Busch, who is chief clerk of the reclamation plant of the South Side Frisco -hops. Springfield, was born in this city January jo. 1892. He is a -on of Charles J. Busch, who was born near the River Rhine, in Germany, ami who was brought to America b) hi- parents when he was four years of age, and was educated at Litchfield, Illinois, in both German and English, receiving a tine education, although he left school when seventeen years of age. lie soon became foreman for his father in the Litchfield Car and Foundry Company, holding tin- position for four years, when he went to Quincy, [llinois, as machinist for the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy railroad and worked there a year. He located in Springfield in 1877 and began working as machinist in the Frisco North Side shops, being promoted to machinist foreman there in 1880, which position he filled until

1899, and in that year was promoted to general foreman, which position he held until his death, on February 7, 1913, at the age of fifty-five years. Politically, he was a Democrat and was prominent in the affairs of his party. He was county committeeman of Greene county for a period of twenty years and was a member of the city council. He did much for the general welfare of Springfield and was one of the city's most valuable and influential citizens for some two decades. Fraternally, he was a member of the Knights and Ladies of Security, the Modern Woodmen of America, a charter member of the Improved Order of Red Men, and also belonged to the Knights of Columbus. He was a member of the Catholic church. He belonged to the Germania Hall German Society, and was one of the most influential Teutons of Springfield. In 1876 Charles J. Busch married Catherine Holland, a daughter of Charles M. and Annie M. Holland. She was reared and educated in Cincinnati. Ohio. Her father was at one time a tobacco planter and lived at Cincinnati many years. She was educated in a convent. She is now living with her son, our subject, and is now fifty-one years of age.

Five children were horn to Charles J. Busch and wife, namely: Lena died in infancy; Edna married J. J. O'Dowd, chief clerk to the president of the Southern Pacific railroad, and he lives at Tucson, Arizona; Charles R. of this review; Julions is deceased-; and Leo, who is attending school at this writing.

The paternal grandfather of our subject was also named Charles J. Busch, and he was a native of Germany, and a coffin maker by trade. He grew up in the Fatherland and there received his education and learned his trade, remaining there until he was about twenty-three years of age when he immigrated to America and located in Buffalo. Xew York, where he remained two years working as a cabinet maker, then went to Litchfield, Illinois, where he opened up the Litchfield Car and Foundry Company, which concern made all the equipment for all railroads west of Chicago for some time. He remained thus successfully engaged until 1895. at which time the foundry was sold to the American Car and Foundry Company, when he resigned and retired from active life. Fie was general manager of the concern which he founded, and through his exceptional business acumen and industry it grew to very large proportions and made him wealthy. He was the largest stockholder in the company. He is still living, being eighty-five years of age, and makes his home in Litchfield, Illinois. He started in business in this country on a small scale, manufacturing wheelbarrows and other small conveyances, and gradually, but surely, he became one of the leading and well known manufacturers of the Middle West, and solely by his own efforts forged ahead from an humble beginning to a man of wealth and influence in the manufacturing world. He is a Scottish Rite Mason.

Charles R. Busch was educated in the public and high schools and St. Joseph's Catholic school. Thus well equipped for his life work, he began his railroad career in 1909 as stock clerk in the stock room of the Frisco's North Side shops, Springfield, where he remained until October 13, 1910, when he took a trip to Tucson, Arizona, with his brother-in-law, J. J. O'Dowd, the latter having lost his health and believing that the climate of the Southwest would benefit him. Our subject accepted a position with the general manager of the Mountain States Telegraph Company as private secretary, but three months later the company sold out to the Bell Telephone Company. He then entered the service of the Arizona & Eastern railroad and the Southern Pacific Railroad of Mexico as accountant, with offices at Tucson. He remained there until January, 1912, when he was promoted to the position of traveling accountant, covering all the western lines of these companies. While at Tucson he studied at the University of Arizona, taking up law and economics, studying at night. On September 1, 1913, he came to Springfield, Missouri, on account of the illness of his father, and here secured a position as foreman at the North Side Frisco shops in the general store department : then was promoted to accountant at the general stores; then became assistant chief clerk to A. H. Young. September 24, 1913 resigning and accepting a position as foreman of the reclamation plant, and on October 24, 1913, was promoted to chief clerk of this department in the South Side simps, under R. F. W'halen, which position he is holding at this writing, the duties of which he is discharging in his usual high grade and faithful manner.

In H)i- Mr. Busch was detailed by certain American interests to collect various data and information concerning varied enterprises in the states of Sonora, Cinaloa and the territory of Tepic, Mexico, he made a trip in a motor car over a vast part of the southern republic, and, being a man of keen observation and quick perceptive faculties, secured the information desired in a short time, and while there saw something of the great revolution, and upon his return to Arizona wrote a graphic, interesting and valuable article on his trip, telling of his varied experiences, the manners and customs of the natives, the resources of the countries be visited, and touched upon such other points in a manner that would have been a credit to a trained and experienced man of letters.

Mr. Busch has remained unmarried. Politically, he is a Democrat. He is a member of the Delta Omikron Omikron. Fraternally, he belongs to the Knights and Ladies of Security and the Loyal Order of Moose. He is a member of the Catholic church. Personally, he is popular with all who know him owing to In- genial and obliging manners and genuine worth which the stranger at once perceives upon meeting him.

James M. Brown

- lues the bearer of this plain old cognomen possess many of the outward characteristics of the Celtic people, but it is evident that he has inherited many of the praiseworthy traits of his ancestors, which have resulted in his success in his chosen field of endeavor and in his popularity among his associates. For we all know that there is no better blood in this country than Irish blood. Our subject is filling the responsible position of master mechanic at the Springfield ( .las and Power Company. Such positions are not attained without careful preparation.

Mr. Brown was born in fCnoxville, Tennessee. May 28, 18O4. lie is a son of John and Mary (Perry) Brown, the latter dying in [910 at the age of seventy years. The father was born in County Cork, Ireland, where he spent his boyhood, immigrating to the United States when he was about nineteen years of age, and located in Tennessee, where he became a railroad contractor, making his home at Greenville, Greene county, that state, where his death occurred at the early age of forty-eight years, in 1894, and he was buried at Quaker Knob, Greene county. As a contractor he built railroads in eastern Tennessee. Virginia and Georgia. His family consisted of six children, namely: William M. is an engineer for a railroad company, operating coal mines in Xorth Carolina; Thomas, formerly a stationary engineer, lives at Little Rock, Arkansas; Daniel is engaged in farming in Texas; James Al., subject of this sketch; Alary, a trained nurse, resides at Morristown, Tennessee; Sallie is married and also resides at Alorristown, Tennessee.

James M. Brown received his education in the public schools, but left his text-books when only twelve years of age to go to work in a saw mill at Bull's Gap, Tennessee, where his duties were to keep the sawdust thrown back out of the way and to pull the whistle three times a day, considering the latter privilege an honor. He was later fireman at the mill, receiving a dollar and fifty cents per day. after he had been working only six months at the plant. He held this position for two years, and. being a close observer and a willing worker, became a full-fledged engineer before he was he worked on a farm two years; then worked in a water mill on Clear fifteen years of age. lie then went to McDonald county, Missouri, where creek, hauling flour from the mill for one year ; then came to Ash Grove, Greene county, about 1880, securing a position with the Likins Milling Company, and helped erect a plant there, of which, when it was finished, he was engaged as engineer, which position he filled until 1895, then came to Springfield and was employed by the Springfield Electric Light Company, later the Springfield Traction Company, as engineer, and three months later was appointed chief engineer, continuing in this position until 1913. The work became too heavy and he then took a position as repair man, and is now master mechanic at the Springfield Gas and Power Company, in whose service he has been employed for a period of twenty years. He has given eminent satisfaction in every respect, being not only an expert engineer and mechanic, but is faithful, reliable and trustworthy.

Mr. Brown was married on October 28, 1890, to Annie E. Sanford, of Walnut Grove, Missouri. She is a daughter of Robert C. and Mary (Holder) Sanford, To this union two children have been born, namely: Millard F., who was educated in the Springfield ward and high schools, is single, and he has been employed in the main office of the Frisco railroad for five years; Sanford, who was educated in the high school, Drury College and a local business college, is connected with the Heer Dry Goods Company, of Springfield.

Mr. Brown owns a pleasant home on North Main street. Politically, he is a Republican, and, religiously, a Presbyterian. He is a member of the National Association of Steam Engineers, of which he was formerly secretary. Fraternally, he belongs to the Modern Woodmen of America and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.

Edward Farmer

To the person who closely applies himself to any occupation which he has chosen as his calling in life, there can only come one result, that of success and a high place in the esteem of those among whom his lot has been cast. Edward Farmer, chief engineer of the state Pythian home at Springfield, is no exception to this rule, and he has also during his residence here of nearly forty years manifested much interest in the city and county where he located his permanent home, taking a just pride in their general development.

Mr. Farmer was born at Belsfield, Prince Georges county, Maryland, January 26, [861. He is a son of Alfred and Susanna (Dugan) Farmer, the mother a native of the same county and state as our subject, where she grew to womanhood, attended school and was married. She lived in a number of states until she removed with her family to Springfield, Missouri, where she spent the rest of her life, dying here in 1898. at the age of seventy-two years, and was buried in Maple Park cemetery. The father of our subject was born in England, where he spent his earlier years and attended school, immigrating to the United States in 1840. landing in New York City. He had learned the bricklayer's trade in the old country, which he followed as his chief life work. However, he was a deep sea sailor for ten years. After leaving the seafaring life he located in Maryland, where he married, after which he resumed his trade of bricklayer, which he continued to follow the rest of his life, eventually developing into a contractor and builder, his work taking him practically all over the state of Maryland, and he became well known and successful in his vocation. Upon the breaking out of the Civil war he went to the state of New York, locating in Onondaga. county, continuing his occupation until he joined a large colony of New Yorkers in 1871 and went to the state of Kansas, where he remained three years. They were on their way to Florida when his death occurred in Carrollton, Arkansas, in 1875, at tne aSe °f forty-six years. He was a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows before the Civil war, and he belonged to the Methodist church.

To Alfred Farmer and wife six children were born, namely: Albert met an accidental death in Oklahoma a number of years ago; Edward of this sketch; George, who was engaged in business in Kansas City, is deceased; Frank is a landscape gardener and lives in California; Ellen, who lives in Baltimore, Maryland, is the wife of Frank Chappell, a railroad man; John died in infancy.

Edward Farmer received a limited education in the common schools, and when only twelve years of age he went to work helping his father as mortar mixer, which he continued two years. In 1876 he removed with his mother and the rest of the family to Springfield, Missouri, and went to work running a picking machine in a cotton mill, in which he remained three years, where he was also employed as fireman and engineer. Then he went to the Queen City mills as engineer in 1882, and later became chief engineer of the Meyer Milling Company, with which he remained over thirtytwo years, having charge of both Model and Queen City flouring mills. He became an expert in his line and was a very faithful and trustworthy engineer, as may be surmised from his long employment here. He had four men under his direction most of the time, and during his long service there he saw many changes made in employees and also in the methods of operating the mills, many of these changes having been made at his suggestion. He left this concern in September, 1914, the work having become too heavy for his advanced years, and accepted the position he now holds, that of chief engineer at the Pythian Home, where he is residing, although owning two good residences in Springfield.

Mr. Farmer was married in 1887 to Pauline Dyer, a member of an old Springfield family and a sister of Fillman Dyer, a retired veteran of the Civil war. Here Mrs. Farmer grew to womanhood and spent her life, dying in October, 1907, and is buried in Maple Park cemetery. To our subject and wife two children were born, namely : Eva has remained sin-

Mr. Farmer is an independent voter. He belonged to the National Association of Stationary Engineers, and for seventeen years he has been a member of the Knights of Pythias.

Albert L. Schofield

The Hoosier state has produced a very large percentage of the nation's capable men. many of whom have distinguished themselves as statesmen, generals, authors and scientists. This state has furnished to the West and Middle West a myriad horde of capable men who have been of material assistance in furthering our civilization. They have established schools, churches and various kinds of industries and have proven to be valuable citizens wherever they have dispersed. Albert L. Schoneld, foreman of the coach department in the South Side Frisco shops, Springfield, is one of this number, and he seems to have many of the commendable characteristics of tne native Hoosier.

.Mr. Schofield was born at Cochran, Dearborn county, Indiana, May 22, 1872. He is a son of Thomas Schoneld, who was born in England, in which country he grew to manhood and received his education. When twenty-one years of age he immigrated to the Limed States, where he has since made his home, settling in Cochran. Indiana, where he began working for the Ohio & Mississippi Railroad lompanv, in 1863. He came to Springfield, Missouri, in [889, and secured employment with the St. Louis & San Francisco Railroad Company, remaining in the coach department as carpenter from that time until in [912, when he was retired on a pension by the company. Me was a skilled mechanic and one of the most faithful employees ot the local shops, lie is living at 10(15 Commercial street, being now in his seventy-second year, lie is a member of the Knights of Pythias, and belongs to the Second Presbyterian church, lie was the father of three daughters and two sons, namely: Lillie married Harry Kenton, a cabinet maker in the new Frisco shops, Springfield; Emma married Clarence Warner, a fireman on the "high line" division of the Frisco, between Springfield and Kansas City; Albert L. of this sketch; Agnes is deceased; Earl is a clerk in the Frisco offices, Springfield, in the master car builder's department.

Albert L Schofield attended the common schools in his native town until he was fifteen years old, when he gave up educational pursuits to begin his career as railroader, for which he had a natural bent. He began working in the coach department of the Ohio & Mississippi railroad, wherein- remained a year, then came to Springfield, Missouri, and continued his apprenticeship in the coach department of the Frisco shops, also learned body work, beginning his apprenticeship in 1889, remaining in the North Side shops until 1909, a period of twenty years, then was sent to the new shops here, where he worked as journeyman until 1912, being appointed foreman in November of that year. He remained there until July 10, 1914. when he went on the road as traveling passenger car inspector. On October ], [1)14, he was placed in the South Side shops as foreman of the coach department, which position he now holds, having charge of about sixty men on an average. In all the various positions he has been placed he has never been found wanting, always capable and trustworthy, he has given entire satisfaction.

Politically, Mr. Schofield is an independent voter. Fraternally, he belongs to the Knights of Pythias and the Modern Woodmen of America. Mrs. Schofield is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church.

One of the oldest employees of the St. Louis i\ San Francisco Railroad Company is Isaac Price, foreman of the paint department in the South Side shops, Springfield. It is a significant fact that he has been continuously on the pavroll of this company for a period of forty-live years. That would indicate that he is a man of unusual skill, industry and faithfulness. Although but a small boy during the great war between the states, he desired to do what he could for his country, and, not hardy enough to carry a heavv musket and other accoutrements of a regular field soldier, be served as bugler for the artillery.

Mr. Price was born at Pelham, Grundy county, Tennessee, September 17, 1846. He is a son of William and Matilda (Meeks) Price, both natives of Tennessee, where they grew to maturity, attended the old-time schools and were married, establishing their home at Pelham. The father was a blacksmith by trade. Taking a part in public affairs, he was elected sheriff of Grundy county, his native state, and served in that office for many years. Later he removed to Rockport, Arkansas, where he followed blacksmithing for a short time, and there his death occurred in 1X61, when only thirty years of age. and he was buried at that place. His widow subsequently came to Missouri, and died at Pacific in July. 1914, at the advanced age of eighty-seven years, having survived her husband over a half century. To William Price and wife six children were born, three sons and three daughters, namely: George, now deceased, was a locomotive engineer on the Frisco ; William, who resides in Springfield, is a Frisco engineer; Alary married Charles Hacker, deceased, who was a car repairer in St. Louis; Bettie. deceased, was the wife of John McGoan, also deceased; Isaac of this sketch, and one who died in infancy. John Price, paternal grandfather of these children, was a millwright by trade and lived at Pelham, Tennessee.

Isaac Price spent his boyhood in his native community and there received a limited education in the common schools, also attended school at Rockport. Arkansas, for a while, but left school at a tender age, went to St. Louis and enlisted in the Federal service, in 1863, as bugler, in Company M, Second Missouri Light Artillery, with which he remained until the close of the war in 1865, seeing considerable active service, and after the war he also served in the army of the West against the hostile Indians. He was honorably discharged and mustered out in St. Louis. December 29, 1865. After his career in the army he followed the carpenter's trade about a year, then, in 1867, began learning the painter's trade in the Missouri Pacific railroad shops at St. Louis, under a Mr. Langley. Remaining with that mad until 1870 he began work at Pacific, Missouri, for the Frisco mad. as car painter. Remaining there until this road opened shops in Springfield, now known as the North Side shops, he was sent here and worked as a painter foreman until July, 1909, in which year he was transferred to the new shops as foreman painter. He worked there until April 15, 11)14. when he was sent to the South Side shops as painter foreman, which position he occupies at this writing.

.Mr. Price owns a small farm of thirty-five acres in Greene county and a good residence on the National Boulevard, Springfield. He was married in 1872 to Margaret Maugan, a daughter of Thomas and Mary Maugan, and to their union the following children were born, namely: Thomas, a sign painter in Springfield, is in business for himself; William is chief of the Springfield fire department; Annie married Connie Jones, who has long been in the employ of the Springfield Traction Company; Laura is single and lives at home; Nellie married William Burks, a conductor on the New- Orleans, Texas & Mexico railroad, and they live in Kingsville, Texas. John died in infancy.

Politically, Mr. Price is a Democrat. He belongs to the North Side post of the Grand Army of the Republic. He holds membership in the Improved Order of Red Men. and his family belongs to the Catholic church.

Walter Constance

Railroad service in some form has a fascination for a very large number of men, and when they once enter it, whether it be on the road or in the shops, they seldom give it up unless compelled by various circumstances to do so. It is well that this is so, for when we come to think of it a vast army is needed to keep necessary transportation lines of the world in successful operation, and it has been said that one of the chief differences between civilization and barbarism is in modes of transportation. To the contemplative mind this statement is not so far fetched as it might at first appear. Walter Constance, foreman of the blacksmith department of the reclamation plant in the South Side Frisco shops, is one who, although well qualified by both nature and education to follow other lines of human endeavor, selected railroad service.

Mr. Constance was born on December 7, 1877, at High Hill, Montgomery county, Missouri. He is a son of William and Josephine (Florence) Constance, the father a native of England and the mother of Highland county, Ohio. William Constance grew to manhood in his native land and there received his education, immigrating to the United States when twenty-two years of age, finally located his permanent home on a farm in Montgomery county, Missouri, where he is still living and is actively engaged in his vocation, although sixty-seven years old. He served his county four years as county assessor. He is a Republican in politics. His wife grew up in Ohio and received a common school education, and she came West when young. She is now seventy-seven years of age. To these parents five children have been born, namely : Edward, who is a civil engineer, now in the employ of the United States government, lives in St. Louis; Walter, subject of this sketch; the next two children died in infancy unnamed; Florence married Owen Palmer, a farmer at High Hill, Missouri.

Walter Constance grew up in his, native county on the home farm, where he assisted with the general work during crop seasons, and during the winter he attended the local schools there. First deciding to enter the educational arena as teacher, he entered the state normal school at Kirksville. Upon leaving that institution, he taught two years in Warren county and one year in Montgomery county, this state, with success, but, not liking the work as he had anticipated, he went to Topeka, Kansas in 1898, and entered upon his railroad career, securing employment with the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe railroad. He worked there three years as helper and blacksmith, then came to Springfield, Missouri, and continued his trade in the North Side Frisco shops for a period of eight years, then was transferred to the same department in the new shops when they were opened in 1909, remaining in the blacksmith department at his old trade until [913, when he was changed to the reclamation department of the South Side shops. October 20, 1913, as foreman of the blacksmith department, which responsible position he still holds, having a number of men under his direction. He has long been regarded as an expert in his line and has been in the .service of the Frisco for fourteen years.

.Mr. Constance was married in 1897 to Viola McClure, a daughter of John and Sarah (Gosney) McClure, of Clark county. Missouri; to this union four children were born, namely : Grace, a junior, and Rae. a freshman, in the Springfield high school at this writing; Mary is deceased, and Margaret is attending ward school.

Politically, Mr. Constance votes independently. The family attends tli- 1 ongregational church. He belongs to the Modern Woodmen of America, and for a period of eleven years was a member of the Blacksmiths' Union.

Jerome A. Houston

It was fifty years ago that Jerome A. Houston, foreman of the air department at the reclamation plant of the Frisco's South Side shops, in Springfield, began his career as machinist, and he has been active in railroad service ever since, having held many pi ^it i< m - of responsibility with a number of different companies. Ills long and close devotion to one line of endeavor has made him an expert to be envied by the young machinist apprentice, but his advice to all such would doubtless be that there is no royal road t< the goal of those with ambitions to become an expert in his line. It can only be won by earnest, hard, conscientious and long continued work.

Mr. Houston was born in Loudonville, Ashland county, Ohio, January 20, 1845. He is a son of James E. and \nn 1 Prutzman) Houston, the latter having died in 1865 at the age of forty-eight years. The father was lorn near Lancaster. Pennsylvania, and there grew to manhood and attended school. When a young man be started out as a cabinet maker in ' icas'.er, later took- up the railroad business at Lancaster, Ohio, with the Cincinnati, Wellington & ZanesVille railroad as foreman of the paint shop, which position be held ten or twelve years, then went to Logan, Ohio, and formed a stock company known as the Logan Cabinet Manufacturing Company, for the manufacture of cabinets, and his death occurred in that city at the age of sixty-six year-. As a Republican, be took a lively interest in political affair- and was elected mayor of Lancaster, Ohio, two terms. He belonged to the Masonic order, including the Royal Arch and all chapter-, lie was a member of the Lutheran church. His family consisted of the fol- lowing named children: Jerome A., of this sketch, is the eldest; Sarah is deceased; Margaret, widow oi Alonzo Belt, deceased, now lives at Winnipeg, Canada; George, deceased, was a locomotive engineer on the Frisco Lines, and met an accidental death; Ellen, who is married and lives at Galesburg, Illinois; Lelia married Homer Wright, who is an ex-judge and is now representative from Logan county in the Ohio legislature; Mrs. Mary Johnson lives in Danville, Illinois, where her husband is engaged in the coal business; Hattie, who has remained unmarried, lives at Columbus, Ohio; Ida and Frank are both deceased.

Jerome A. Houston attended the public schools in his native state until he was fifteen years of age, when he left school and began learning the machinist's trade in the shops of the Cincinnati, Wilmington & Zanesville railroad at Lancaster, Ohio, and there completed his apprenticeship. From there he went to Vincennes, Indiana, as machinist for the old Ohio & Mississippi railroad (now the Baltimore & Ohio). Remaining there eighteen months, he went to Lancaster, Ohio, and worked six months for his former employers at his trade, then went to Columbus, Ohio, with the Piqua railroad, known as the Columbus, Cleveland & Indiana Central railroad, and worked there as machinist for three years; then came to St. Charles. Missouri, as machinist for the North Missouri railroad, with which he remained for eighteen months; then returned to Columbus and continued his trade with his former employers there, but in time returned to Missouri and worked at the town of Pacific for the South Pacific Railroad Company from 1869 until 1871, in which year he came to Springfield as machinist for the old Atlantic-Pacific railroad, now the Frisco, and after working at his usual trade for six months, he was transferred to St. James, Missouri, as roundhouse foreman, which position he held two years; then worked at Dixon, this state, as roundhouse foreman; then held the same position at Xewburg two years, alter which he came back to Springfield and began working as machinist in the North Side shops. A few months later he was promoted to -erecting foreman in this department, which position he held twelve or fifteen years, then was transferred to Sapulpa, Indian Territory, as master mechanic the Frisco's Red River & Western division, and was there four or five years, when he was sent to Hugo, Oklahoma, as general foreman, then was ordered back to Springfield as foreman of the air department of the reclamation plant, South Side shops, which position he has held since 1912. He has twenty-two men under his direction. He has given honest and high grade service in all the above named positions and has been regarded very highly by all the roads for which he has worked, both as to his skill as a machinist and a man of executive ability and as a trustworthy gentleman.

Pacific, Missouri, and to this union one child was bom, Archie. Mrs. Houston died in 1876, and our subject later married Martha Harris, a native of Dixon, Missouri, and a daughter of William Harris and wife. To this union six children were born, named as following: Mary married George Bailey, superintendent of the Western division of the Frisco; George is with the Long Belt Lumber Company at Cleveland, Ohio; Frank died when twenty years of age; Earl is with the Long Belt Lumber Company in Louisiana; Homer lives in St. Louis; Helen also lives in that city; the last two children are twins.

Mr. Houston resides on Washington avenue, Springfield, but his family is making their home at Newburg, Missouri. Politically, he is a Republican. He is a member of the Lutheran church. Fraternally, he belongs to the Masonic Order, the Knights of Pythias, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the Woodmen of the World, and the Ancient Order of United Workmen.

Richard F. Whalex. Jr

An undeceiving, earnest man, self-assertive and self-controlling, is Richard F. Whalen, Jr., superintendent of the reclamation department of the South Side Frisco shops. Springfield. He has, owing to his Celtic blood, a number of the characteristics of his people, and thus he has "certain things to say" when occasion demands, which is no fault. Good nature beams through his features; a kind heart sits at the windows of his imagination, and his soul is pervaded with sympathy and good will. Me is appreciative and sensitive to the opinions of others, though strong to himself in the trial hour.

Mr. Whalen was born March 21, 1N75, at Hannibal, Marion county, Missouri. He is a son of Richard E. and Johanna (Cronican) Whalen, and a grandson of John Whalen, the latter born in Ireland, where he spent the first half of his life, finally immigrating to America, and spent the rest of his days on a farm near Quincy, Illinois. The father of our subject was also born in Ireland, in County Waterford, and he was brought to America by his parents when six years of age. lie grew to manhood at Quincy, Illinois, and was educated there, and in that city lie served his apprenticeship as machinist in the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy railroad shops, then worked there as a journeyman for many years. He later removed to Hannibal, .Missouri, where lie worked as machinist and later as gang foreman for the Hannibal & St. Joseph Railroad Company for many vears. For some time he held the position of master mechanic, tie was subsequently employed by the St. Louis & Hannibal Railroad Company, and then the Texas Railroad Company. At this writing he is gang foreman at Hannibal for the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy road, although he is in his seventythird year. He has been very faithful in each of the positions with the several roads for which he has worked and is a highly skilled machinist. He is a Democrat and is a member of the Catholic church. His wife is now seventy years of age. To them nine children have been born, live of whom are deceased; those living are: Mary, who has remained single and lives with her parents; John is traveling out of St. Louis for the fuel department of the Frisco railroad; Richard F. of this sketch; Michael, of St. Louis, is manager of the Pay ton Lumber Company.

Richard F. Whalen, Jr., attended the common schools until he was sixteen years of age, when he began learning the machinist's trade with the St. Louis & Hannibal Railroad Company in their shops at Hannibal, Missouri. Later he went to the shops of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy railroad as journeyman machinist, then became gang foreman and finally general foreman of the machine shop of this road at Hannibal, remaining there until 1905, when he became general foreman for the Lehigh Valley Railroad Company at the locomotive shops at Sayre, Pennsylvania. Remaining there until 1907, he went to Topeka, Kansas, for the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad Company, as assistant superintendent of the road's shops there. He then took a position with the Frisco system at Springfield as superintendent of the reclamation department in the South Side shops, which position he still fills, having two hundred men under his direction, whom he handles in such a tactful and diplomatic manner as to get the best results possible and at the same time retain their friendship and good will. During his career of twenty-four years in railroad service he has filled his many positions with the several roads mentioned above in a manner that has reflected much credit upon himself and to the satisfaction of his employers.

Mr. Whalen was married in September, 1S97, to Margaret Burke, who was born in Schomokin, Pennsylvania, December 23, 1874, and was a daughter of John and Ellen (Whalen) Burke, of Hannibal, Missouri, in which city she grew to womanhood and was educated. Mrs. Whalen died at her residence in Springfield December 2$, 1914-

To our subject and wife eight children were born, namely: Anna and Francis are both attending the Springfield high school; Mary. Richard, Monica and Regina are all attending the ward schools; Ellen and Margaret died in infancy.

Samuel S. Grier

in farming communities it is the rule and not the exception to find ordinary educations, but occasionally you meet a family who takes more interest in the development of the mind, not necessarily attending school longer or going away to college, but who lose no opportunity to keep up with advancing civilization, who remain home students and close observers, and as a result they in time rise above some of their countrymen in the scale of mentality and the capacity to grasp the larger questions of mental improvement. Such families are numerous in Greene county, and it is a sign that this locality is equal to any in the state in point of citizenship. One of these is the Grier family, of which Samuel S. Grier, a well-known business man of Strafford is a creditable representative.

Mr. Grier was born just across the line in Webster county. Missouri, on December 16, 1870. He is a son of X. F. and Sarah (Smith) Grier. The father was born in North Carolina in 1845. and he was brought to Missouri by his parents when a small boy, and was reared on a farm. He received a limited education in the common schools, and when eighteen years old he joined the Union army, in 1861, and fought in one of the Greene county volunteer regiments at Wilson's Creek on August 10th of that year, and was wounded in that sanguinary engagement, which wound disabled him to such an extent that he was later discharged from the service. Returning home, lie followed farming for some time. Prospering, he became owner of a two hundred and four-acre farm, lie is now making his home in Springheld, lie i- a member of the Baptist church. I lis wife was born in Tennessee, and when a young girl she was brought to Greene county, this state, by her parents and here grew up on a farm and attended school. Her death occurred in Webster county on the old < irier homestead. She was a member of the Baptist church.

Samuel S. Grier was reared on the home farm, where he worked when a boy and he received his education in the local schools, lie remained mi the farm until he was seventeen year- of age. then carried the mail for three years, after which he went to work as clerk in Strafford in the store of Hanson & Thorson. Later he began in the livery business, and built the first livery barn in Strafford, remaining in the business for five years, then engaged in the milling business, and was president and secretary of the local mill for two years, after which he launched out in the real estate business, in which be has since been engaged and in which he has built up a large and satisfactory business. He is one of the besl informed men on the values of real estate in the eastern part of the county, and he has the confidence of tin isc with whom he has had dealings. In 1912 his total business amounted to a profit of nearly two thousand dollars.

Mr. Grier was married on October 11, 1897, to Louie Jane Bryant, who was born in Kansas on August 26, 1881, but she was an infant when her parents brought her to Greene county, where she was reared on a farm and was educated. She is a daughter of J. C. and Sarah (Urby) Bryant: the former is engaged in the grocery business in Strafford, lint the mother is deceased. Mrs. Grier is a member of the Baptist church.

Three children have been born to our subject and wife, namely: Harry I*., born on August 30, 1897: Hazel W., born on July 26, 1899, and Arnold S., born mi March 30, 1904.

Politically, Mr. drier is a Democrat. He is now justice of the peace at Strafford, being elected in November, 1914. He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and be belongs to the Baptist church.

The Swiss have ever been known as a liberty-loving and independent people. As a rule the peoples of the world in mountainous countries are. This little republic has furnished an admirable example to many of the larger nations of the earth and her government and institutions might be emulated with profit by the kingdoms and monarchies whose subjects do not seem to be as fortunate as the Swiss. A large number of them have immigrated to America, where they have broader opportunities, and they have been welcomed everywhere for reasons too obvious to detail here. Greene county. .Missouri, has not been so fortunate as some localities in securing these aliens, for not a large number have cast their lots with us: but among those who have is John A. Moser, foreman of the frog department of the reclamation plant of the South Side Frisco shops. Springfield.

Mr. Moser was born in Canton Bern. Switzerland. May 5, [875. He is a son of August and Lizette (Lowrie) Moser, both natives of Switzerland. also, where they grew to maturity, attended school and were married. They remained in their native land uuntil 1880, when they immigrated to the United States, landing in New York City. From there they came direct to Springfield. Ohio. In Switzerland, August Moser learned the miller's trade, which he followed until he left there. Upon locating in Springfield, Ohio, he secured a position as grinder for the Ohio Knife and Bar Works, and remained there six or seven vears, then moved to Arkansas, and. six months later, came (84) to Springfield, Missouri. He located on a farm three miles from here and carried on farming, gardening and trucking until his death, in November, 1900, at the age of fifty-five years. His widow survives, is now sixty-five years of age and makes her home in Springfield. He was a Democrat, and belonged to St. John's Lutheran church. His family consisted of nine children, named as follows: John A., of this sketch, is the eldest; Minnie married a Mr. Whittaker, who conducts a restaurant at the new Frisco shops, Springfield; Rosa is the wife of John Fridley. a farmer at Symerton, Illinois; Ada married Rudolph Messerli, who is employed in the coach department at the new Frisco shops here, and with this daughter the mother makes her home; Mrs. Lucy Knowles is the wife of the master mechanic of the American Creosoting Company; Charles is a machinist in the new Frisco shops; Fred is farming near Svmerton, Illinois: Ernest is a clerk in the bridge and building department of the North Side Frisco shops: Lillian is deceased.

John A. Moser was five years of age when his parents brought him to America, and he grew to manhood in Ohio and Missouri and received a common school education, but his schooling was limited, for when only eleven years of age he began working in the knife and bar shops at Springfield, Ohio, as a rivet hand. He remained there until 1890, when he came to Springfield. Missouri, and here worked in a cooper shop for a short time, then learned the trade of stonemason, and worked here as a journeyman stonemason until April, 1S96. He worked in Chicago for some time, where lie was fire inspector for Marshall Field & Company, and had charge of the fire apparatus there a little over a year. In tgoo he went to work for the Frisco Lines in Springfield, in the car repairing department in the old North Side shops, later worked in the coach department in the South Side shops. Later he was sent out on the road as frog and switch repairer as foreman on all the lines of the Frisco system. This position he held until November 15. 1913, when he began work in the reclamation department of the South Side shops, as foreman of the frog department, and this position he still holds. He has shown himself to be capable and trustworthy in all positions which have been assigned to him. He also owns and looks after a grocery store at Park and Atlantic streets. Springfield, and has built up a good trade here. He owns five houses and lots in this city and owns considerable lands, and is a speculator of ability, lie has been successful above the average in a business way.

Politically, Mr. Moser is a Republican. He belongs to the Lutheran church, and is a member of the Masonic order and was formerly a member of the Eagles.

John French

Among the comparatively small element of foreign-born citizens who have cast their lot with the people of Greene county and have won success through their industry and close application is John French, blacksmith foreman in the Frisco shops, lie comes of a sturdy family, one that has always been strong for right living and industrious habits, for education and morality, and for all that which contributes to the betterment of the communities in which thev have resided. Many years ago, in fact, nearly a half century ago, our subject, unaccompanied, although scarcely more than a boy, crossed the great Atlantic, having bid a permanent farewell to his native isle, and cast his lot among the Americans who have treated him so kindly and well that he has been pleased to remain with us.

Mr. French was born in Durham county, England, April 16, 1846. He is a son of John and Elizabeth ( Robertson) French, both natives of England, also, where they grew up, were educated and married and spent their lives. The father learned the blacksmith's trade when young, in which he became very skillful and at which he spent his life. The grandfather of our subject was also a blacksmith by trade. The parents of our subject have both been dead many years, the mother dying in 1888. To them ten children were born, namely: Allen; Elizabeth is deceased; Annie is deceased; Polly; James is deceased; John, of this sketch; William is deceased; Robert; and the two youngest died in infancy.

John French spent his boyhood in England, and there received a common school education, and when a boy learned the blacksmith's trade under his father, who owned his own shop. Our subject worked in different parts of England at his trade, and in a few years became an expert in his line. He immigrated to America in the spring of T865, reaching our shores about the unsettled time that marked the closing of our momentous conflict, he being at that time nineteen vears of age. The great armies of citizen soldiery had not had time to return to the pursuits of peace and he found it hard to get a start, and for a time worked as a laborer in Cincinnati, Ohio, later worked at his trade there. He came to Greene county, Missouri, in 1900, having previously worked at his trade for different railroads, and since coming here he has been employed by the Frisco, and has been promoted for his skill and faithfulness to the position of foreman of the blacksmith shop, the duties of which responsible place he is worthily discharging, having a large force of men under his direction.

Mr. French was married, in November, r868, to Mrs. Jane Wright, who was born in the state of New York. June 18, 1840. and there she grew to womanhood and was educated. To our subject and wife five children have been born, namely: Alice is deceased; Mrs. Susan Tingell, Mrs. Martha Player, Mrs. Jessie Weaver, John C. is a soldier in the United States army, being with the troops in Vera Cruz, Mexico in 1914.

William L. Kirkey

It is not a very frequent occurrence that in a historical work of this kind the biographer finds a man who was born in the fair Sunflower state living east of that state: they either prefer to remain within the limits of their own boundary or go farther west, but in the person of William L. Kirkey. foreman of the mechanical department of the reclamation plant of the Frisco's South Side shops, Springfield, we have an exception, and, if all natives of Kansas are as capable in their vocations and as good citizens in general as he. we would welcome many more to Greene county

Mr. Kirkey was born. August 24. 1872, in Highland Station. Doniphan county. Kansas. He is a son of Louis and Nana (Jones) Kirkey. The father was born in America of French parents, and the mother was a native of Nevada, Missouri. His death occurred in 1 S74 and he was buried in Kansas. Her death occurred in [886 at the am' of forty-eight years. To the union of these parents only one child, William I... of this review, was born. After the death of her first husband the mother remarried. X. X. Fields being her last husband. To them three children were born, namely: Nathan was a carpenter in Springfield, Missouri; Charles is deceased, and Burton E. is tin- youngest.

William L. Kirkey worked some on a farm when a boy and lie received a limited education in the public schools, lie hired out at farm work when only thirteen years of age, later learned the marble-cutter'- trade, having had natural ability a- a sculptor. He served hi- apprenticeship at Rich Hill. Missouri, for P. II. Scott, and continued in this work for twelve or fourteen years, then turned his attention to machinery and learned the machinist's trade at St. Louis, meanwhile studying at home all bocks available pertaining to his trade, and in due course of time be became an expert, working for the Parker-Russell Mining and Manufacturing Company as a full-fledged machinist, at their St. Louis plant for six or eight years, the last four or live years "i that period a- foreman, lie then secured employment with the PTisco Railroad Company at Springfield in die North Side shops as carpenter in the each department, in [907, then was inspector until in November, 1013. when he was transferred to the reclamation plan! of the company in the South Side shops as foreman of the mechanical department, which position he still holds to the satisfaction of his employers. Here repairing of all descriptions is done, as well as new work turned out. He has a large number of men under his direction, about forty on an average. He still devotes some time to sculpture, maintaining a shop at home, this being his hobby, and he lias achieved quite a reputation as a sculptor, turning out some beautiful work from time to time, lie owns a pleasant home cm Vernon avenue.

Mr. Kirkey was married, in October, 1892. to Clara F. Phillips. She is a daughter of George and .Mary Phillips, of Springfield, where she grew up and was educated. To our subject and wife two children were born, namely: Mabel, who married Frank Thomas, a farmer at Cabool, Missouri; and Clarence, a carpenter in the South Side Frisco shops.

Politically, Mr. Kirkey is an independent voter. Fraternally, he belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Modern Woodmen of America and the Free and Accepted Masons. He is a member of the Christian church.

James Blaine Berry

Of the vounger business men of Springfield, few seem to have better prospects of large success in future years than James Blaine Perry, who has a diversity of natural gifts, and. although it is a far cry from an iron moulder to the music business, he did both with gratifying results, and was for many vears a well known traveling man over the Southwest, and now we find him a member of the Ozark Land Company, which his enterprise and keen discrimination is making one of the most successful and important real estate firms in southern Missouri.

Mr. Rerrv was horn on a farm in Franklin township, Greene county. Missouri. April 30, 1882. Pie is a son of James A. and Elizabeth ( McCurdy ) Berry, a highly esteemed old family of this county, and as the reader will find a complete sketch of these parents on another page of this colume, the record of their lives will not be repeated here.

lames B. Berry grew to manhood on the home farm, and there assisted with the general work during the summer months when he became of proper age, and during the winter attended the district schools; also took an academiccourse in the State Normal School at Warrensburg, Missouri, after which he came to Springfield and learned the iron-moulder's trade. Although he became a good moulder, he did not altogether fancy the work, and abandoned the same, and in 1903 went on the road as a salesman for the A. Beste Music Company, of Pittsburg, Kansas, and was assigned to southwestern Missouri and eastern Kansas, in which territory he did much, during his two years of service with this company, to increase the prestige of the same. He then returned to Springfield and took a position as city salesman for the Martin Music Company, which position he held for a year, then went on the road as advertising and demonstrating representative for the Baldwin Piano Company, of Cincinnati, Ohio, covering Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, a part of Arkansas and Illinois, with headquarters at St. Louis. In all these responsible positions he gave his employers eminent satisfaction in every respect and was regarded as one of their most faithful, efficient and trustworthy employees. In 1909 he resigned his position with the Baldwin people and returned to Springfield, Missouri, purchasing an interest in the Ozark Land Company here, and has since been connected with the same and has been a potent factor in making it a large and successful business.