Greene County, Missouri - Biographical sketches, 1915 (part 15 of 29)

Emiel Sanders grew to manhood in his native land and there received his education and learned the cabinet maker's trade, and when a young man went to Germany and spent three years, then emigrated to the United States, first locating in New York, as before stated. He came on to Springfield, Missouri in an early day and here remained the rest of his life. He had continued working at his trade, at which he was quite skilful, and after he had become well established in Springfield he started a furniture factory, which he operated a short time, then owned and conducted a large furniture store at 309 Boonville street, where he built up a large and satisfactory business, carried an extensive and up-to-date stock of everything commonly found in the best furniture stores of the large cities, and this line of business he -continued until his death, at which time he was one of the oldest furniture dealers in the city. He dealt in an honest and courteous manner and his hundreds of patrons remained his friends.

Mr. Sanders was married May 10, 1881, at Marshfield, Missouri, to Marie Swanson, who was born in the central part of Sweden, April 21, 1857. She is a daughter of Peter and Gustava (Lawson) Swanson, both natives of Sweden also, and there they grew to maturity, received common school educations and were married. Mr. Swanson was a farmer by occupation, which he followed in his native land until 1869, when he emigrated to the United States and located at Salem, Missouri, and after he got a good foothold in the new country he sent for his wife and daughter, Marie, who made the long trip from their native land to this state in 1872. The family moved from Salem to Mountain Grove, Missouri, but the death of Mr. Swanson occurred at Salem. His family consisted of five children, all living at this writing. Mrs. Sanders grew to womanhood in Sweden and received a limited education in the common schools, but she has educated herself and is a well informed and intelligent lady, with affable manners. She is a member of the Congregational church, and has a pleasant home on East Grand avenue.

Four children were born to Emiel Sanders and wife, one of whom is deceased, namely: Emma C, born February 16, 1882, was educated in the schools of Springfield, married Gorden Coil, and they live on a farm near Fair Grove, Greene county: Mary Hattie, born June 25, 1884, died in February, 1886; Nellie A., born June 29, 1886, was graduated from the Springfield high school and the state normal here, and she is a successful -teacher; Ada G. born July 29. 1888, was also graduated from the local high

It is a pleasure to the biographer to revert to the life of an individual who surmounted the discouraging obstacles of an early environment that was none too auspicious, and while achieving a large measure of individual success has found time to be a good citizen in a general way, making his locality better by his residence therein. Such a man is Dr. George W. Barnes, for over a quarter of a century a leading physician of the north side in Springfield. Frank, courageous, honest, aggressive, he, nor his position as a citizen can not well be misunderstood. In professional, civic and social relations he thinks and acts along well-regulated lines, and does not evade, does not dodge an issue. He has energy, intellect, and will; has self -purpose, resolution and determination, throwing his entire force of body and mind direct upon his work. His self-reliance has not been wholly acquired - it was born in him. He believed at the start that if there were better days, and "good times coming" that we are justified in hoping for, we must be capable of making them for ourselves. The fable of the "Labors of Hercules" is indeed the type of human doing and success.

Doctor Barnes was born in Greene county, .Missouri, April 7, 1855. He is a son of Elisha K. and Alary J. (Small) Barnes. The father was born in 1830 in North Carolina, from which state he emigrated to Missouri in early life, locating in Greene county, where he engaged in fanning. When the Civil war came on he enlisted in the Confederate army during the early part of the conflict and fought gallantly until taken prisoner. He was sent to the Federal prison at Indianapolis. Indiana, where he died. He was of English ancestry. His father, Nineveh Barnes, was a native of Xorth Carolina. He married Phoebe Headlee. They spent their earlier years in Xorth Carolina, from which state they removed to Greene county, Missouri, in pioneer days, located on a farm, and there spent the rest of their days, each reaching advanced ages. The mother of Doctor Barnes was born on August 4. 1833, in Greene county, Missouri, where her people, the Smalls, were first settlers, and the old homestead has remained in possession of the family to the present time. The Small family is of Scotch ancestry.

George \\\, of this review; Elisha E., born March 24, 1864, is married and lives in Oklahoma City; Mrs. Mattie Dennis, who resides in Hutchinson, Kansas, where Mr. Dennis is engaged in the real estate business, and Robert N-, who died in Wichita, Kansas. The mother of these children is still living, having attained her eighty-first year.

Doctor Barnes is an excellent type of the successful self-made man. His parents were poor and his father died when the future physician was but a how so he was early thrown on his own resources, and, therefore, practically his whole life has been one of self-support. He grew up on the farm and worked hard as a tiller of the soil during the summer months and in the winter time attended the^ district schools. Later he taught country schools in the winter months and farmed summers, and laid by funds to complete his education. He finished his literary studies at Morrisville College, in Polk county, this state, and, in 1882, he entered the Missouri Medical College in St. Louis, from which he was graduated with the class of 1884, and in that year he commenced the practice of his profession at Brighton, Polk county, where he remained in a good country practice until r888, when he removed to Springfield, opening an office at Boonville and Commercial streets, which office he has since occupied, and his success as a general practitioner has steadily grown all the while, and it is worth) of note that after a continuous practice here of twenty-five years the past year was the besl of all, which fact should he a sufficient recommendation, not only of his ability, but of the confidence reposed in him by the people of this locality. He now confines himself as much to city practice as possible. He is often called in consultation on serious cases with other leading physicians of the city and county, lie does a yreat deal of hospital work, and he has lectured at Burge Deacones; Hospital, Springfield, since its organization, lie is a member of the hoard that lectures the nurses in training at this hospital, and also at the Springfield Hospital. Ills principal subject is nervous diseasi

Doctor Barnes is a member of the Greene County Medical Society, of which he was president 111 1906, and vice-president in 11,-05, and is at this writing a member of ihe board of censors of this society. He also belongs to the Southwest Missouri Medical Society, the Missouri State Medical Association and the American Medical Association. He is a member of the Commercial Club. Fraternally, he belongs to the Masonic Order, Tribe of Ben Hur, Improved Order of Bed Men. the Woodmen and the Court of Honor. Politically, he is a Democrat, and. religiously, belongs to the Methodist Episcopal church.

Doctor Barnes was married. May 26, 1886, to Annie L. Fender, who was born in 1864 in Greene county, where she was reared and educated in the public schools. She is a daughter of Wilson and Louisa (Wallace) Fender, she being the only child. Her father was a farmer, and when the Civil war came on he enlisted in the Union army and saw much hard service, and as a result of the exposure, contracted pneumonia while in the service, was sent home, and died soon afterwards. Airs. Barnes was but a child at that time and too young to remember him. A few years later Mrs. Louisa Fender married again, her last husband being Capt. J. W. Peltz, an ofhcer in the Union army. Two children were born to the second marriage, namely : Joseph E. Peltz, a member of the shoe firm of Peltz & Cogley, who conduct one of the most extensive shoe businesses on Commercial street, Springfield; and Mrs. Alice Meador, also of Springfield, and the wife of a passenger conductor on the Frisco railroad.

To Doctor Barnes and wife one child has been born, Geneva Aline Barnes, whose birth occurred in Springfield on December 13, 1896. She was educated in the ward schools and is now in her fourth year in the high school. She is a cultured and talented young lady, takes a fond interest in elocution, has decided musical ability and tastes, and at present is taking voice culture under Rev. Mrs. McClanahan. of this city.

In his private and social relations Doctor Barnes is enjoyable, animated, jovial, and entertaining. There is no pretense or display about him, is kind and generous-hearted, and with friends is firm and true.

Otis Everett Sxider

Never before lias there been so much interest taken in the best methods of farming and in the conditions of rural homes. The struggle to bring rural life from the present to ideal conditions is not an easy one, nor will it be speedily accomplished. Yet there are now farms and country homes in every county which might be taken as models worth imitating. Among those in Greene county which come pretty near the high-water mark of an ideal twentieth-century farm is that owned and operated by Otis Everett Snider and known as "Brookdale Farm." Such places are a credit to any community, and they inspire others to put forth a like effort, as well as publishing to the outside world the fact that here is a community of citizensof thrift and good taste.

Mr. Snider was born in the above-named township and county on February 23, 1874. He is a son of David and Eliza Jane (Robertson) Snider. David Snider was born on February [9, 1844, in Monroe county, eastern Tennessee, and was a son of John and Nellie (McKee) Snider. John Snider was a native of Tennessee, where he spent his life, dying there when his son, David, was seven years old. after devoting his life to farming. His wife, Nellie McKee. was a native of Pennsylvania. David Snider grew to manhood in Tennessee and received such educational advantages as the old-time subscription schools afforded, and there he continued to reside until he was twenty-seven years of age, when he removed to Gentry count)-, Missouri, hut remained only three months, coming on then to Greene county, arriving here on December 24, 1872. After renting a farm for some time, he bought forty acres, and, prospering through close application and good management, he added to his original purchase, until he owned three hundred and thirty acres of valuable and productive land in sections 21 and 28, Murray township, and there he still resides, engaged successfully and extensively in general farming and stock raising, and ranks among the leading agriculturists of the county, throughout which he is widely known and highly esteemed as a man and citizen. He and Eliza Jane Robertson were married on February 3, 1873. She was born in Greene county, where she grew to womanhood and was educated. She is a daughter of Jefferson and Alary Ann 1 Ludspeech) Robertson, one of the pioneer families of the northern part of Greene county. A history of this wellknown family appears in the sketch of Charles L. Robertson on another page of this work.

To David Snider and wife five children were born, namely: Otis E., of this sketch; Mrs. Josie Lee Green, of Murray township; Mrs. Mary Justice, who lives near Ash Grove, this county; Mrs. Virgie Thomas, who lives in Murray township; and Virgil, who died in infancy.

Politically, David Snider is a Democrat, but has never cared for public office. Fraternally, he belongs to the Masonic order at Bois D'Arc, Greene county. He was reared in the faith of the Methodist church, and his wife is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, South, at Willard.

Otis E. Snider spent his boyhood days on his father's farm and received his education in the local public schools. He remained on the home place assisting with the general work there until his marriage, at the age of twenty-four years, after which he began farming for himself in Murray township, and was successful from the first. He accumulated two hundred acres of good land, which he sold in 1913, and removed to Nebraska; but ranching in that state did not appeal to him in every respect, and, after making a crop there he returned to his native township and located on his present place. "Brookdale Farm," which consists of two hundred acres, and is one of the desirable and well-improved farms of the township, on which stands a good residence and substantial and convenient outbuildings. He carries on general farming, and makes a specialty of raising hogs, and has traded in them on a large scale until very recently, when he turned his attention more to general crops. His place is well drained, well fenced and well watered, there being an excellent running spring on his land, besides good wells.

Mr. Snider was married, February 2, 1897, to Birdie Gilmore, a native of this part of Greene county, where she was reared and educated. She is a daughter of George and Miley (Phillips) Gilmore, a well known and highly respected family of near Willard, this township.

Politically, Mr. Snider is a Democrat, but has never been active in party affairs. He was reared in a Methodist family, and his wife belongs to the Methodist Episcopal church at Willard. He is a quiet, hard-working farmer of good habits and pleasing disposition.

Few residents of the western part of Greene county are so well and favorably known as George Lafayette McElhany, the enterprising farmer and representative citizen whose life history is briefly told in the following lines, and none stand higher than he in the esteem and confidence of the community in which he has spent his entire life and for the material, civic and moral advancement of which he lias devoted both time and influence. During his residence here of over three score years he has noted wonderful changes and talks interestingly of them. He is of Scotch-Irish descent, and the family of which he is an honorable representative has been known in America for many generations, especially has the name been a familiar one in various portions of the state of Tennessee, but wherever they have dispersed the McElhanys have been known a-- enterprising and public-spirited citizens.

Mr. McElhany was born in Brookline township, Greene county. M souri, .March 13, 1^52. He is a son of Warry and Jane (Robertson) McElhany, both natives of Tennessee, the father horn in Granger county, Augusl 3, [820, and the mother's birth occurred in Rome county. February 24, [826. Our subject's great grandfather was a Scotchman, and his wife was a native of Ireland. The father died when Warry McElhany was three years old and the latter spent his boyhood in Tennessee, being seventeen years of age when he made the overland journey to Missouri with his mother and stepfather, the family stopping a mile and a half southwest of Springfield, and cultivated the old Eperson farm, in October. [837, where they remained a year, then moved on the north side of the James river in Wilson township on the old Edwards farm, where they remained a year, then moved to Brookline township and entered one hundred and sixty acres from the government, near where the town of Brookline is now located. Warry McElhany assisted his stepfather, Joel Phillips, clear and develop the land into a good farm, in [839 and 1840 he carried the mail between Springfield and Neosho. In the fall of 1845 he went to Texas, where he remained a few months, later returning to the home farm in Greene county.

Warry McElhany married, December 23, 1847, Jane Robertson, a daughter of Linsey and Delilah Robertson, and to this union the following children were born: Mary, who married Reuben Rose, is deceased, but he is living in Brookline township; Delilah first married W. T. Adams, now deceased, and later she married Charles Lloyd; George L., of this review; the next child died in infancy.

The father of the above named children settled on the farm now owned by George L. McElhany, in Section 15. in 1850, and here the subject of this sketch was born and spent his life, working on the place during the summer months when a boy and attending the neighboring schools in the winter time, mostly subscription schools. He was nine years of age when the battle of Wilson's Creek was fought, of which he has a very vivid recollection and tells many interesting things, also tells of the days when the Indians still occupied this part of the Ozarks, when his father was hired by the government to assist in removing the red men from the vicinity of Springfield to below Cassville. The death of Warry McElhany occurred July jo, 1889, and his wife preceded him to the grave, December 8, 1885.

George L. McElhany was married twice, first to Alice Garton, August 9, 1874. She was a daughter of J. W. and Elizabeth (Rainey) Garton, ind to this union eleven children were born, namely; Henry H. lives in Brookline township; Myrtle is the wife of P. E. Shelton of Republic township; Jane is the wife of G. T. Norman of Brookline township; Lucy is the wife of W. A. Wiley, of Kansas City; Maggie is the wife of G. W. Ward and they live in Christian county; Charles and Warry both live in Brookline township; Robert makes his home in California; Bessie and William Bryan both live at home; Alice died in infancy. The mother of the above named children passed away January 6, 1901, and Mr. McElhany was again married July 1. 1907; his last wife, Mrs. Emma Manley, widow of C. B. Manley, deceased, a native of Greene count}-, is a daughter of Hen and Barbara (Fleming) McCormick, who were residents of Illinois, and in that state Mrs. McElhany was born. She was one of ten children, all now deceased but two - Mrs. McElhany and the oldest child, Mrs. Mary Ramsey, who is now seventy-four years of age, and is living in Woodbine, Iowa.

Politically Mr. McElhany is a Democrat. He has served as school director of his district for a period of twenty-five years. Fraternally he (90

Mr. McElhany is one oi the best farmers oi Brookline township. His well-tilled and well-kept place contains two hundred and eighty acres, all under cultivation but about sixty acres. I lis holdings were formerly much greater but he has given his children forty acres each as a start in life. His place is known as "Springdale Farm," and is one of the most desirable in the community. It is a rich red loam soil with a red clay sub-soil a fool or more under the surface, lie lias made a pronounced success as a general farmer and stock raiser, especially in hogs and mules.

Many people are of the opinion that the word farming means the same the world over, and so it does in a sense, but yet, like many another word in our complicated language, it has what one might call an elastic meaning. \t least the methods of farming vary radically in different countries. So the word means one thing to the tiller of the soil in the ( )zark region and quite another to the husbandman in Mexico, Brazil, India or Ceylon. Such decidedly different methods have to he employed m coaxing from Mother Earth the grains, fruit and vegetables by which we live that the expert farmer of one country would he a decided failure in another. And main years are required to become properly acquainted with the methods of successful agriculture in any land and clime. This being the case the world over, that man is wise who remains in his own country if he intends to devote his attention to this vocation all his life.

David Edward Ross, a successful general farmer and stockman of Murray township, Greene count)-, has been content to spend his life in his native community, and. being a man of industry, sound judgment and a close observer he has forged ahead until he now ranks among the leading men of his calling in this locality. Mr. Ross was horn near Willard, Greene county. Missouri, Jul)- n, [869. He is a son of Lafayette A. and Malinda ( Evans) Ross. The father of our subject was born in Robberson township, this county. February. _»i, 1835, tne son OI David and Louisa (Robinson) Ross. David Ross, who was horn in Kentucky in 1812, was one of the prominent pioneer preachers of the Methodist church in southwestern Missouri and one of the leading- farmers of Greene county of that period, having come here when he was twelve years of age from Cooper county, Missouri with his parents. William and Elizabeth Ross. William Ross was a surveyor and he laid out the town of Boonville. this state, and was also emploved by the government of Mexico to help survey what is now the state of Texas. He left Greene county and engaged in merchandising in bolivar, Polk county, for a number of years, later moving to Versailles, Morgan county, where his death occurred at an advanced age, he and his wife both passing their four-score mile-post. David Ross engaged in farming in the northern portion of Greene county, erecting a log cabin on wild land, and, working hard and managing well, finally had a fine farm of about five hundred acres and a large comfortable home took the place of his little primitive dwelling. He handles large numbers of live stock of various kinds and is a good judge of stock. For a period of over thirty-five years he preached the gospel all over this country and was a powerful preacher of his type. His wife, Louisa Robinson, was born in Tennessee about 1815 and her death occurred on the homestead here, and he died on January 6, 1869, at the age of fifty-six years, after a successful and useful career, although comparatively brief. To these parents twelve children were born, namely: Lafayette A., father of the immediate subject of this sketch; William, Dr. Francis E., Mrs. Elizabeth J. Whitlock; Mrs. Mary L. Skeeu, David \\\. Mrs. Sarah M. Watson, Mrs. Henrietta J. Robinson. Mrs. Cordelia Robinson, Bennett J., Mrs. Laura M. Appleby, and Dr. Leonidas C.

Lafayette A. Ross has spent his entire life in the vicinity of his birth with the exception of three years in California during the early fifties, the gold-fever days, having been but nineteen years of age when he made the hazardous trip across the plains. Returning home in 185'!. he tc « >k up farming and >ti>ck raising here, which has since claimed his attention, and he is owner of an excellent farm in Murray township of one hundred and twenty acres, having lived on the same farm for a period of forty-six years. He and Malinda A. Evans were married September 21, 1856. She is a daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth (Leathers) Evans, all three of whom were burn in North Carolina. Joseph Evans was a millwright by trade, which he followed during the winter months and farmed in the summer time. He moved his family to Greene county. Missouri, in 1840, locating on a farm at tlie edge of Robberson Prairie. He built the first frame house, also the first saw mill and grist-mill in this county, and became a prosperous and influential citizen here. His death occurred in 1888, when eighty-five years of age. His familv consisted of ten children, all now deceased but four, namely: Alexander, of Springfield; Daniel M.. of Willard ; Malinda A., who is the mother of our subject; and Mrs. Emma McDaniel. of Springfield. To Lafayette A. Ross and wife six children were born, named as follows: George Emery lives in Texas; William T- is a resident of Morrisville. Polk county; Mrs. Emma Ault lives in Tulsa. Oklahoma ; Mrs. Lula R. Appleby lives

David Edward Ross, always called "Ed Ross," grew to manhood on his father's farm and there he worked when a boy, and he received his education in the public schools of his community and at Morrisville College in Polk enmity. He remained on the home farm until his marriage at the age of twenty-four years, after which he rented a farm just north of his present place which he operated one year, and in 1894 moved to W'illard and engaged in mercantile pursuits, which he continued until in February, 1901, enjoying a good business and an extensive trade with the town and community as a result of his straightforward and courteous dealings with his customers and the fact that he always carried a well-selected stock of general merchandise. He moved back to his father's farm in 1900, where he now resides and has been very successful as a general farmer and stockman, dealing extensively in buying and selling mules during the winter months. He raises large numbers of mules for the market, also horses, and it is safe to sav that there is no better judge of both mules and horses than he, and no small portion of his comfortable competence has been secured through the judicious handling of these animals. In 1911 he moved to Springfield, where he was in the horse and mule business and engaged in trading until 1913, when he returned to the farm and is now active in general agricultural pursuits. His counsel is often sought by his neighbors and friends in regard to the horse and mule market and as to the value of certain animals and his advice is usually followed with gratifying results. His farm is well kept, well improved and indicates that a gentleman of thrift and good taste has its management in hand.

Mr. Ross was married September 28, 1893, to Ida M. Watson, who was born, reared and educated in the vicinity of Willard. She is a daughter of John P. and Nancy (Bryant) Watson. Mr. Watson was born in Tennessee. October 22, 1840. where he spent his early boyhood, making the tedious overland journey from his native state to Greene county, Missouri, when he was ten years of age. with his parents. Barney and Jane Watson, who settled on a farm in Murray township, and here John P. grew to manhood and received his education in the early schools of this vicinity. His father took up a claim in this township, which he developed into a good farm and here devoted his remaining years to general farming and died here. John P. Watson has devoted his active life to general agricultural pursuits, becoming owner of a good farm in this locality but for several years has been living retired, having bought a home at Morrisville. Polk county, about 1904. where he still lives. He has been twice married. He is the father of four children by his marriage to Nancy Bryant, who was born in 1839, being a native of

Missouri, and her death occurred when her daughter, Ida M., was six years of age. These children were named: Mollie, who is the wife of William J. Ross, a merchant of Morrisville, Missouri; David is deceased; Mrs. Lula Appleby lives near Willard, this county; and Ida M., wife of the subject of this sketch. The second wife of John P. Watson was Sarah Ross, and to this union one child was born, Ross Watson, who is engaged in business at Willard.

Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Ed. Ross, of this sketch, namely: Charles II., who is working in the oil fields of Oklahoma with his uncle, Walter Ross; and John A., who is at home with his parents.

Mr. Ross is a Democrat hut has never been an aspirant for political honors, although he is active in all movements looking to the general progress of his township and county. Fraternally, he is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America and of the Masonic Blue Lodge. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. South, at Willard and are active in the affairs of the same. Mrs. Ross is third vice-president of the Foreign Missionary Society of the same.

William Roy Stewart

Greene county lias been especially fortunate in the character of her pioneers, who, save in rare instances, possessed the pluck, fortitude and sound judgment of the true Anglo Saxon - that race which appears to delight in difficulties, because thereby an opportunity is afforded to conquer them. The founders of this country were brave, strong-armed, far-seeing, law-abiding citizens, patriotic and true to their native land, and conscientious in the discharge of their every duty toward their fellow men. Such was the Stewart family, who emigrated from the old Blue Grass state to Greene county, Missouri, fifty-four years ago, and have proven to be among <>ur substantial citizens from that remote day, over a half century ago, t" the present time. One "l" the best known of the present generation is William Roy Stewart, wild, although a young man. holds the responsible position of yard-master at Springfield fur the Frisco railroad.

Mr. Stewart was burn in this city on January 31. [883. lie is a son of |uhn W. Stewart, who was born in Kentucky, near the "Id city of Lexington, and from there he came to Greene county, Missouri, in [861, and has since resided here, living now on College street. After attending the common schools he began bis railroad career, in 1880. as brakeman for the Frisco, becoming conductor in [881, and he continued in this capacity until [908, or a period of twenty-seven years, during which time he was one of the best known conductors on the system, and that his work was highly satisfactory in every respect is indicated by his lung service, in igcii he emit the road and entered the yard service ot the Frisco as switchman in bprmgneld, which position he has held ever since, Politically, he is a Republican. He belongs to the Ancient Tree and Accepted iviasons, Lhe Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine and the Knights Templars; also the Benevolent .nid Protective Order of Elks, the Order of Railway Conductors, and to the Methodist Episcopal church.

John W. Stewart married Emma Kite, whose death occurred in December, 1905, at tlie age ot forty-three years, and she was buried in Maple Park cemetery. Three children were born to these parents, namely: VV. Roy, of this sketch; Walter, who was in the employ of the read, and was killed in 10.13 by a loci motive; Gu) D. died in infancy.

A. Dudley btewart, paternal grandfather oi the subject of this sketch, spent his earlier days in Kentucky., removing with his family to Springfield, Missouri, about the commencement ol the Civil war. lie has devoted his active life to railroad service, ana for many years worked as carpenter and car repairer in the North Side Frisco shops, tie is still living at the advanced age of eighty years, making his home on North Jefferson street, this city.

William Roy Stewart moved with his parents from Springfield to Denison, Texas, when a child and there spent his boyhood and received his education in the public schools, but left the school room when only fourteen ears of age to begin his railroad career, his Inst work being that of night baggage agent at Joplin, Missouri, in [899, lor the Frisco, in 1900 he began braking out 1 I Monett and 111 1902 was promoted to conductor, his run being between Sapulpa, Oklahoma, and Sherman, Texas, also ran out of Monett, Missouri, as conductor. He resigned this position in the spring of 1905 and in the fall of that year went to work as switchman in the Springfield yards, and in the same year was promoted t > > the position of yardmaster, which position he has held to the present time, having twenty-five hands under his direction. In all capacities in which he has worked for the Frisco he has given eminent satisfaction. He has charge of the work in the yards at the passenger station.

Mr. Stewart was married in 11,04 to Kate (row. a daughter of lames P. Crow, a native of Louisiana. To this union one child has been born. Belva Stewart, now ten years old and attending school.

Politically, Mr. Stewart is a Republican. He belongs to the Order of Railway Conductors, holding the office of assistant chief conductor in the local lodge. He is president of the local Switchmen's Union. He belongs to Solomon Lodge No. -'71. Ancient Free and Accepted Masons. He is also a member of the Methodist Episcopal church.

I448 Greene County, Missouri Harvey W. Howard

Although Americans do not take nearly so much interest in their family trees as do the Europeans or better classes of Orientals, yet it should be a matter of pride with us, who like the subject of this sketch, is able to refer to a long line of honorable progenitors - men and women who have left behind them records of which their descendants may not be ashamed but proud. Records of this fine old family may be traced back to William the Conqueror of England, to the year 1066, and their record in America goes back to our first settlers, when the original of this name landed either in Rhode Island or Massachusetts, it is believed in the year 1628. not so very long after the memorable arrival of the Mayflower.

Harvey W. Howard, pit foreman in the new shops of the Frisco at Springfield, a direct descendant of this old family, was born in Peabody, Kansas, September 2j, 1877. ^e 's a s"n °f Albert S. and Charlotte E. (Trimble) Howard, the mother now a resident of the state of Idaho, being at this writing seventy-six years of age. The father was born in Wisconsin, from which state he came to Kansas in an early day. In his earlier life he followed the trade of millwright, later devoting his attention to carpentering and contracting, and although he is now seventy-seven years of age be is still active. He makes his home at Boise. Idaho. Politically, he is a Republican, and he is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. His family consisted of four children, namely: Clinton, who was killed some years ago in a railroad accident: Samuel, who is a brass-maker, lives in Denver, Colorado; Hattie married Rev. P. P>. Knepp, minister of the Methodist Episcopal church, now stationed at Axtell, Kansas; and Harvey W. of this sketch.

Mr. Howard of this review received his education in the common schools at Council Grove, Kansas, but left school when sixteen years of age. and began learning the machinist's trade in that town, working under his father in a contract shop; after serving his apprenticeship he worked for ten years at his trade in Osawatomic. Kansas, then worked there in the Missouri Pacific shops at his trade, for two years he worked in Colorado Tinas machinist for the Hassell Iron Company. His next position was with the Colorado .Midland railroad, continuing his trade, part of the time in Colorado City, then went to La Junta. Colorado, for the Atchison. Topeka & Santa Fe railroad, working in their shops there until in [903, when he came to Springfield. .Missouri, and took a position in the south side Frisco shops, working as machinist a year, then went to Leadville. Colorado, and was division foreman for the Colorado Midland a year, after which he went back to the Hassell Iron Works at Colorado City for five months, then came back to the south side shops in Springfield, and after working here as machinist for three months he was promoted to the position of erecting foreman, which he held over three years, then went to the new shops in 191 1, working as machinist for six months, then was promoted to the position which he now holds, that of pit foreman in the erecting department. He has about twenty hands under his direction and is giving eminent satisfaction in this important position. lie is regarded as one of the most expert machinists the Frisco has ever employed from a Western road.

.Mr. Howard was married on March 15, 1899, to Hattie Stickney, a daughter of John and Jane (Helm) Stickney, of Springfield, and to this union one child has been born. Helen Charlotte Howard, born January 15, 1905. John Stickney, father of Mrs. Howard, served in the Union Army. The maternal grandparents of our subject's wife were born in Germany.

Politically, Mr. Howard is a Republican. He belongs to the Methodist Episcopal church. He holds membership in Orient Lodge Xo. 86, Knights of Pythias, of which he was elected chancellor commander for the rear 1 < ) r 5 . and is also a member of the Machinist's Union Xo. 363.

Charles Walter Kerr

In years gone by farmers were looked upon as a class of people who were not educated, who could do nothing but farm. Now times have changed - one can not make a pronounced success as a farmer unless one is educated, not necessarily in the classics, it is true, but educated in the things that he has to employ in his vocation - the care and management of his place. A fanner, to be a successful farmer, must carefully manage his farm and know what he is gaining or losing, and on what branch there is no profit, just the same as the business man of the city manages his business, in a way, he should be a good bookkeeper. Among the tillers of the soil in Brookline township, Greene county, who not only knows bow to plow and hoc. hut also how to properly manage the business end of bis farm, is Charles Walter Kerr.

Mr. Kerr was horn in Vermilion county, Illinois, August 9, 1874. He is a son of James A. and Sarah (Irvin) Kerr. The father was a native of Indiana, in which state he grew to manhood, and was educated in the common schools, and he remained in his native state until about 1869, when he removed to Illinois, and from that state he brought his family to Greene county, Missouri, when the subject of this sketch was six years old, the family locating in Brookline township, in 1880, and here our subject has since resided. To fames A. Kerr and wife seven children were born, three sons and four daughters, namely: J. Owen, born in [870, lives in Republic; Elmer E., born in 1866, died in [894; Mary E., burn in 1868, married D. F. Leabo, and they live in Carthage, Missouri; Emma V., born in 1872, married R. A. Bowland, and they reside in Springfield; Charles \\\, of this sketch; Olive M., born in [S76, married H. H. McElhaney, and they live in Brookline township; Edna May, born in 1880, is unmarried and resides with her mother on the home place in this township. The father died, October 23, 1903.

Charles W. Kerr grew to manhood on the home farm and assisted with the work during the crop seasons, attending the public schools in the winter time in his district, lie has always followed farming, on the home place, managing the >;ime for hi;-, father until the latter's death, in 1903, since which time he has operated the place on his own account. He has kept it under an excellent state of improvement and cultivation. He recently completed an attractive residence, on the bungalow order, near the old home. It is on the main highway between Springfield and Republic, and is surrounded bv a beautiful oak grove, and is appropriately named "The Oaks."

Mr. Kerr was married in [911 to Frances Short, a daughter of Frank and Nancy Short, who live in Christian county, Missouri, where Mrs. Kerr was born, reared and educated, the date of her birth being 1878.

Politically. Mr. Kerr is a Republican, but while he supports every movement calculated to be of general public interest, he has never been a candidate for public office. He belongs to the Baptist church at Republic.

Osteopathy lias an able exponent in Springfield and Greene county in the person of Dr. George I.. Xoland, a man who has studied hard and left no stone unturned whereby he might get to the top of his profession. Thoroughness, promptness and honest) have been watchwords with him and he is in every way deserving of the large success and the popularity which lie lias attained, fi r he began at the bottom of the ladder and lias mounted its ni gs unaided, lie seems to havp inherited many of the traits that win in life from his sterling ancestors of the old Buckeye state.

Doctor Xoland was horn at Big Plain, near Columbus, Ohio, in r868. lie is a son of Beckworth and Martha 1 Biggert) Xoland. a highly respected family ol that place, the elder Xoland spending his life on a farm and was 1 ne of the enterprising citizens ^\ his community. George 1.. Xoland was reared in his native vicinity and when id' proper age he assisted his father with the work on the farm during the crop season, and during the winter attended the public schools, later entered the State Normal School at Dan- ville, Indiana, completing the prescribed course there, after which he returned to Ohio, and was married to Lou Tway. of London, that state, on November 2. [891, and then he engaged in farming for three years on the old home place, lie removed from the scenes of his childhood to Alt. Ayr, Iowa, where he engaged successfully in the live stock business until the fall of [899, when he sold out and moved to Kirksville, Missouri, and there he and his wife entered the American School of Osteopathy, where they both made splendid records, and were graduated in due course of time. Immediately thereafter they came to Springfield, Missouri, and began the practice of osteopathy here in July, [901, and they have continued the same to the present time with ever-increasing success, and are among the most skillful and best known osteopathic physicians in southern Missouri, and each of the thirteen years they have been here has found them further advanced and with more patients and with more friends than the preceding.

Mrs. I. on Tway Noland was horn on July 1'', 1X70, in Fayette count}, ( )hio, and there spent her early girlhood. When twelve years of age she went to London, where she resided until [895. She was graduated from the high school there in 1888, and, subsequently, took a post-graduate teacher's course in the State Normal at Ada, Ohio, after which she spent several years teaching school in Madison county, that state, and was regarded as one of the leading public f?cl ool instructors of that count)', and it was in London that she and Mr. Noland were married. She spent six months studying in Europe, in H)i),v, and took a course of lectures in osteopath)' in University of Vienna, Austria. She is profoundly versed in this science, has met with pronounced success during her professional career and has been of great assistance to her husband. She is a daughter of Perry and Clara t Cartlich) Tway, the mother a daughter of Abraham and Lucinda (Will) Cartlich. Lucinda Will was a daughter of George Will, who was horn on May 3. 1749. and he died on October 13, 1828. He was a soldier in the Revolutionary war. serving as tirst lieutenant and adjutant of the Sixth Pennsylvania Regiment. He was commissioned first lieutenant on February 5, 1N77. and his name is the last line on a list of officers, dated August JJ. 1778. This regiment was in the disaster at Fort Wellington on March 10, 1776.

Mrs. Noland has served three years as treasurer of the Missouri Osteopathic Association, which position she still holds. She is also secretary of the Ozark Osteopathic Association, and lias discharged her duties in these capacities in a faithful and commendable manner. She is one of the most widely known Osteopaths in the state and is popular in the various associations. Religiously, she belongs to the Grace Methodist Episcopal cnurert. She is an active member of the American Osteopathic Association, belongs to the Royal Neighbors of America, the Sorosia Societv, and the Daughters of the American Revolution.

To Doctor Noland and wife one child was born. Percy Ray Xoland, wnose birth occurred in February, 1895, at Mt. Ayr. Iowa, and died on February 27, 1906. in Springfield, Missouri.

Doctor and Mrs. Noland have an up-to-date suite of offices in the Landers building, and they are pleasant people to meet, intelligent, experienced, and courteous to all.

Diversified farming is essential to profitable production and maintenance of soil fertility, but it is necessary to specialize on something to secure a superior standard of excellence. A well-diversified farm will have the customary crops that are grown in the locality, together with the usual farm animals, and some one crop or some one kind of animals should be singled out as a specialty, or the farmer should give his close attention to some phase of endeavor more than others. Albert Sidney McLinn, one of the most progressive general fanners of Murray township, Greene county, has succeeded in a general way, but has made a specialty of dealing in live stock, for some time feeding, buying and shipping, and is one of the best known stock men in the northern part of the county.

.Mr. McLinn was born in Washington county, Tennessee, March 31, 1862. He is a son of Robert Alexander .McLinn and Margaret Caroline (Seehorn) McLinn, and a grandson of William Richard McLinn, who was a native of Tennessee, and whose father was a native of Ireland, from which country he immigrated to the L'nited States in old Colonial days, and from him descended the present numerous McLinn family. Robert A. McLinn, father of our subject, was born in Washington county, Tennessee, in i8_>7. and he spent his life within one-fourth of a mile of the old homestead there. He was a farmer and stock trader, bought and shipped mules, cattle and hogs. He was a man of prominence in his community and was a leader in Democratic politics. He served one term as judge of the county court. He was a member of the Presbyterian church, in which he was an elder for a number of years, and he took a very active part in church work. His wife was also a native of Washington count}'. Tennessee, was a member of the same church and was active in church and Sunday school work. His death occurred on October 18. [895, she having preceded him to the grave on August 16, 1880. They were the parents of nine children, namely: William Richard, deceased; Mrs. Mary Ida Sellers lives on the old homestead in Tennessee; Mrs. Anna Cordelia Robinson lives in Lockney, Texas; Albert S., of this review; Luella McLinn died in Ft. Worth, Texas; James Alexander also lives in Ft. Worth. Texas; (diaries Seehorn lives in Galveston. Texas, and was in the great flood there in September, 1 901 ; Mrs. Ada Jane Moore lives in Telford. Tennessee; and Benjamin Franklin is deceased.

It is worthy of note that Washington College, in Washington county, Tennessee, was founded by James McLinn and was long supported and managed by the McLinns, who were near relatives of our subject's father.

Albert S. McLinn grew to manhood on the home farm in Tennessee, and there assisted with the work when a boy, and received a good education in the home schools. He remained in his native county until May 10, 1881, when he left his native state and crossed the Cumberland mountains alone, carrying his clothes in a pillow-case. He was employed by a man named Day at Jackson, Breathitt county, Kentucky, and helped survey a railroad in the Cumberland mountains under Captain Kelton, who surveyed and built the Frisco railroad through Willard, Greene county, the road being known as the Bolivar branch, terminating at the countyseat of Polk county, until it was built on north many years later to connect the Blair line at Osceola. He also attended school at Hazelgreen. that state, for three years, the town being at that time about one hundred miles from a railroad. Coming to Missouri, in' 1884, he worked under Captain Kelton at St. Louis. Mr. .McLinn located in the vicinity of Cave Spring, Greene county, on rented land, bought a team and began general farming, and has lived in this locality ever since. In 1896 he purchased eighty acres in Murray township, on which he resided until 1900, then sold out and rented the Spencer Watson farm of forty acres and the Wesley Wadlow farm of one hundred and fifty-three acres together and lived there until 1903, when he moved to the old homestead residence of Wesley Wadlow, whose widow still lived on the place, and after her death Mr. McLinn purchased the interests of the other heirs, in 1909, and here he still resides, now owning one hundred and ninety-seven acres of good land, on which he has made many important improvements, and carries on general farming and stock raising, handling large numbers of mules, cattle and hogs annually. During the winter months he buys, trades and ships live stock, and usually feeds a large herd of cattle and hogs. He has erected on his place a modern barn and silo and other substantial buildings, and his place, which is known as the "Side View Farm," is one of the best appearing and valuable in the township. Twenty-five acres of his land has been set to apples, principally the Ben Davis variety, and he devotes considerable attention to the same, anil in favorable years this nets him a neat income. The farm is well located; public roads run past three sides of his farm and one passes through the place.

Mr. McLinn was married, first, on October 21. 1886, to Rachel Wilson, a native of Greene county, who died in 1900, leaving three children, namely:

John Herman, who married Barbara Lee Kime, of Willard, lives on a farm in .Murray township; Jessie Leona, who married Clarence Gorsuch, lives in Lamar, Missouri ; Gladys Lucile lives at home.

On May 2, £903, our subject married Lillie D. Wadlow, and two children have been born to this union, namely: Robert Wesley and Mary Margaret. Mrs. McLinn was born and reared near Willard, this count)-, and was educated in the local schools. She is a daughter of John Wesley Wadlow, who was born in Washington county, Virginia, now a part of West Virginia, December 17, 1797, and there he spent his early boyhood, immigrating from Tennessee to Greene county. Missouri, about 1S35, and settling twelve miles northwest of Springfield. On July -'4. [837, he married Mary Hastings, and to them seven children were born, namely: Alzirah Jane, deceased: Mary Louisa, living : Sarah Ann, Margaret Elizabeth, Martha Agnes, Matilda Caroline and John W. are all deceased. Mary Hastings was horn on January 27, 1820, and her death occurred on December 12, 1854. On November 29, 1858, John W. Wadlow married Mary Ann Lethco, a native of Greene count}', and seven children were also born to this union, namely: Joanna, Susan Arbell, Charles 1*'.. George W. and Dora Emma were twins; I. aura May is deceased; and Lillie i )aCy. wife of our subject, is the youngest of the family. The death of the mother of these children occurred on March 13, 1909. Cyrus Cunningham, grandfather of the wife of our Ject, was a soldier in the Revolutionary war. John \\ . Wadlow was a devout member of the Methodist Episcopal church. South, and be gave a tract of land on which was built the Wesley chapel, of this township, and be also donated ground for a cemetery, and in this be was finally laid to rest at the advanced age of ninety-two years, blessings to others. In his early days he taught school, and was justice of the peace in Greene county for many years. He was a typical pioneer. lie entered land from the government in Virginia, and from that state moved to Tennessee with bis parent-, John Wesley Wadlow and .Mary (Kenold) Wadlow. and received his education. He was a Democrat, was a well read and influential man and was a hard-working, successful fanner, and by his thrift and good management accumulated a comfortable competence. He remained vigorous in his old age and was able to do a great deal of work up to the last. His wife. Mary Ann Lethco. was born on .March 28, 1829, in Richland county, North Carolina, and when twelve years of age she made the long overland journey from that remote section of Dixie land to Greene county, Missouri, the family locating near Ebenezer, in Robberson township. Her death occurred at the age of seventy-nine years. She was a member of the .Methodist Episcopal church, South, at

Mr. McLinn, our subject, made a trip to Tennessee with his family in [905 and attended a reunion of the McLinns, a large number of whom still reside in Washington county, lie has many valuable heirlooms, such as uld gold and silver pocket-pieces, 'bed-spreads, table-cloths of fine linen, and many other things, all of which he highly prizes.

Politically, -Air. Mel. inn is a Democrat, hut lias never eared for an active public lite, lie is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, South, at Willard, to which his wife also belongs, and they both take an active interest in church and Sunday school work, the missionary society and the young people's meetings. They are advocates of all good things for their community, and the general welfare oi the township ami county, being 1. road-minded, well-read and neighborly.

A strict adherence to a fixed purpose and faithfulness to duty, hacked by correct individual habits of life, have been dominating factors in the career of Jesse J. Foster, Jr.. for a number of years one of the successful educators of the locality of Strafford, where he later worked in the United States mail service and where he is now postmaster.

Mr. foster was born on a farm in Webster county. .Missouri. Augus 26, 1875. lie is a son of Jesse J. and Elizabeth (Turner) foster. The father was born in Webster county also, near the town of Seymour, in 1846, and was reared in Marshfield, county-seat of that county, and there he received his education. lie began life for himself by teaching, which he continued three years. When eighteen years old he enlisted for service in the Union army under Colonel McMahan, in [863, and served creditably for two vears, being honorably discharged at the close ot the war at Springheld, Missouri, after which he returned to Marshfield. then located on the James river in Greene county, where he engaged in farming. He later moved to the village of Henderson, where he operated a store, then moved to another farm in Greene county, where he continued to reside until three years ago, when he moved to Colorado, in which state he now resides. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. His wife was born in Missouri in 1848, was reared on a farm and educated in the district schools. She taught school three years before her marriage. Two of her brothers were soldiers in the Confederate army and were wounded. She is a member of the Missionary Baptist church. Eight children have been born to these parents, namely : John D. is the oldest ; William F. was well educated and taught school a number of years before his death ; Joseph F. was next in order of birth; Jesse J., Jr., of this sketch; Mrs. Mary A. McKerall; Mrs. Bessie Killian; Grace is teaching music in Colorado; Sarah is teaching school in Colorado.

The subject of this sketch was reared on the home farm and he was given the advantages of a good education. He began teaching school when young, which he followed with marked success for eight years, after which he began carrying the mail, remaining in this work for a period of nine years, giving entire satisfaction to the people and the department at Washington. In February, 1914, he was appointed postmaster at Strafford, having passed a successful civil service examination for the same, and he is proving to be an alert, capable and popular postmaster.

Mr. Foster was married to Florence Hankins, who was born in Greene county in 1875, and she grew to womanhood in Strafford, and received a common school education here. She is a daughter of William T. and Mary (Comstock) Hankins. The latter is deceased, but the father is still a resident of Strafford. Mrs. Foster is a member of the Baptist church.

Politically, Mr. Foster is a Democrat. Fraternally, he is a member of the Masonic order and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He belongs to the Baptist church. He is active and influential in the affairs of his locality, is a director in the Bank of Strafford and a member of the local school board.

George W. O'Bryant

Although George W. O'Bryant, of Brookline township, Greene county, does not farm on so large a scale as some of his neighbors, yet he does well whatever he attempts and is making a good living. The time has arrived when farms the size of Ins will be more numerous than those that are larger, for it has been found that the methods of farming must change as climate and general conditions change, and in order to carry on intensive farming one does not need a vast acreage. Our subject has spent his life in this locality which he has seen develop from primitive conditions to its present high state of prosperity.

Mr. O'Bryant was born in the above named township and county, October 7, 1864. He is a son of George W. and Mary Caroline (Howard) O'Bryant, natives of Tenneessee and North Carolina, respectively. The father came to Missouri with his parents when he was quite young, the family locating in Cedar county, near Cane Hill, on a farm, and there G. \\ . O'Bryant was reared to manhood and received a meager education in the early-day schools. When older he located in Greene county. His wife. Alary Caroline Howard, emigrated from the far Southland with her parents to Missouri in lN.^o. the family locating near what is now Battlefield, on the James river, in Greene county, and there our subject's mother was reared on a farm and received such educational advantages as the earlyday schools afforded, and she and Air. O'Bryant were married in 1851. To their union nine children were horn, namely: Armitta died in infancy; Mary Frances is the wife of Lewi Taylor, of Polk county, Missouri; Martha Ann married J. T. Phillips, both now deceased, who was at one time judge of the county court of Greene county; William T. and Delilah E. are twins; the former lives on a farm in Brookline township, and the latter is the wife of Winfield Lawson, of Republic; Alice A., deceased, was the wife of a Dr. Camp, of Springfield; Nancy C. is the wife of J. T. Crouch and lives in Arizona; George W. of this sketch; Jus. Henry is in the United States mail service in Springfield.

During the Civil war George AY. O'Bryant, Sr., was a member of the Home Guards, seeing considerable service in this locality. He was one of the guides of Gen. Lyon's army from Springfield to the Confederate camps on Wilson's creek the night preceding the great battle there, August 10. 1861, and he was at Springfield during the various engagements that were later fought there. His death occurred on his farm in Brookline township in C866, his widow surviving until 190,}. outliving him thirtv-seven vears, and reaching the age of seventy-three. (92)

George W. O'Bryant of this sketch grew to manhood on the homestead and here he still resides, in fact, has spent his life here. He received his education in the district schools of his native township, the first school he attended having been taught in an old log house, equipped with an open fireplace and hewn slabs for seats with no backs. He was about twenty years old before he went to school and eight years later he attended one term in Republic, walking almost daily to the school house which was three and one-half miles distant. He has spent his life engaged in general fanning and owns sixty acres, a part of the original home place, and he has kepi the land well tilled and it is very productive, and he has a comfortable home.

Mr. O'Bryant was married. November 7, 1904, to Maude Kirbv, a daughter of James H .and Mary (Woods) Kirby, who are residents of Mt. Vernon. Lawrence count}-, this state. Mrs. O'Bryant was born in 1873 in the village of Chesapeake, that count)", and in that vicinity sbe grew to womanhood and received a common school education. To Mr. and Mrs. Kirby the following children were born: Mattie is the wife of George Hillhouse, of Verona, Missouri; M. Filmore lives in California; Sallie is the wife of William Howard, of Lawrence county; Dora is the wife of J. N. McCacken, of Springfield; Ella is the wife of ( i. W. Moore and they live in New Mexico; Isora, deceased, was the wife of Henderson Maberry, deceased; Ollie lives in Chicago; Maude, who was the first wife of the subject of this sketch, died in i < ,<>< 1 ; Myrtle, youngest of the Kirby children, is now the wile oi our subject, they having married in km 1 ; one died at age of eighteen years.

Politically .Mr. O'Bryant is a Democrat. Fraternallj he is a member of the Court of Honor. lie was formerly a member of the Presbyterian church but now belongs to the Methodist church at Republic, as dues his wife.

is Abncr I >. ["hompson, who has considered himself fortunate, and indeed lie might well do so, that he has been permitted to spend his life on the homestead, tor, in the first place, as .me of our great writers said long ago, '"There is no place like home," and also because his home happened to be in a country greatly favored by nature. It is true that it took a great deal of hard work to get Greene county in proper shape for agricultural purposes, but once in condition there is no better.

Mr. Thompson was born in Greene county, Missouri, July 28, 1855. He is a son of James and Elizabeth (Dabbs) Thompson. The father was born in Henry county, Tennessee, December 13, 1822, and in 1829. when seven years old, he came to Missouri with his parents, the family having made the trip in wagons, experiencing a number of hardships en route. They settled in Greene count}- among the earliest pioneers, when this locality was indeed a wilderness, the vast forests having as yet heard the ring of the axe but little and the wide rolling prairies were still unscarred by the plowshare. It was amid such environment that the father of the subject of this sketch grew to manhood. Tie found plenty of hard work to do in assisting to develop a farm, and he received a meager education in the old-time subscription schools. He remained under his parental rooftree until he was twenty years of age, then began life on the farm for himself, entering land from the government and purchasing other tracts until he became owner of valuable holdings aggregating eight hundred acres. He had some of the finest farms in the county. He kept his land in good shape and was a prosperous farmer and extensive raiser of live stock and also a large dealer in stock, was very successful as a trader, lie was one of the prominent men of the" count}- in the early days. In the fall of [864, during the Civil war days, be drove a large herd of cattle to the northern part of the state, where he sold them and upon his homeward trip was waylaid and killed, October 5, 1864, about a mile from his home. It was supposed that he had a large sum of money on bis person at the time, and bushwhackers murdered him; however, the mystery has never been cleared up. Politically, he was a Democrat. On May 21. 1854, he married Elizabeth Dabbs, who was born in North Carolina. March 27 1831, who came at an earl}- age to Missouri with her parents, the family locating in Greene county. After her husband's death she reared her four children. She, too, met a tragic end, having been killed by a cyclone April 18, 1880. In all, five children were born to James Thompson and wife, namely: Abner D., of this sketch being the eldest: William Edward, born February 3, 1858, died August 13, 1S61 ; James P., born May 16, i860, is living in California; Mrs. Mary L. Fulbright. born May 15, 1863; Mrs. Elizabeth C. McCracken, born January 2^. 1805, is living in California.

Abner D. Thompson was born and reared where he is now living, and was educated in the district schools. Being the oldest child he took the lead in making a livelihood for the family after his father's death, being only nine years old at that time. He finally became owner of the homestead, and at this time has one of the best farms in the township, consisting of three hundred and ten acres. He has kept the place well improved and has a good home. The land is all in cultivation with the exception of about thirtv-five acres which is in timber. He has been verv successful as a general

Air. Thompson was married, December 4, 1879, to Janie S. Galloway, who was born in Barry county, Missouri, and is a daughter of Major Charles and Susan (Carney) Galloway. She came to Greene county when a young girl and was reared on a farm. She received a common school education. She had a narrow escape from death in the cyclone of April 18, 1880, in which her mother was killed.

Nine children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Thompson, namely: Mrs. Jessie Anderson lives in California; Susie E., born November 15, 1883, lives at home; Charles E., born March 15, 1885, is farming in Greene county: Catherine Rena, born February 14, 1887, is working in Springfield at the McDaniel National Bank; Mrs. Janie Dee Gibson, born June 1, 1889, lives in Greene county: Airs. Ruth Gibson, born June 18, 1893. Janie and Ruth married brothers. Bettie. born July 20, 1895, lives at home; Anna Lee, born July 27, 1807, lives at home; Mary Eunice, born February 8. 1903, is at home.

This is an age of specialization. Nearly everybody has a hobby and is doing or trying to do some one thing well - better than all the rest of the things that he is engaged in. It is found among the fanners of Greene count) thai many of them are specializing in corn. Some farm animal, as a particular breed of cows, will make as good a specialty as corn. It does not make much difference what it is so it is the one kind of stock in which the owner has the greatest interest. The more one gives his attention to bis Specialty the more it will take possession of him and while be gets a great deal of pleasure and makes a financial success of his chosen line the danger is that be wiil neglect bis other stock or crops in hi ^ desire to excel in bis specialty. James Howard Farnest. well-known farmer of Murray township, !-> one of the citizens of Greene county who is making a specialty of line fullblooded Jersey cattle and at the same time is successful as a general farmer. being careful to nol neglect any department o\ his well-regulated farm.

Mr. Earnest was born in the above named township and county, September 2. [850, and is a representative of an old and influential family of this locality. He is a sun of John Ramsey Earnest and Sarah II. ( Met 'lure) Earnest. The father was born in eastern Tennessee in [822, and was a si >u of Wesley and Elizabeth (Blackburn-Ramsey) Earnest, both natives of Tennessee, in which state they grew up, were married and made their home there until 1851, when they immigrated to Greene county, .Missouri, and lived the rest of their lives on a farm, his death occurrring in i860 and his wife died in Cave Spring. John R. Earnest, father of our subject, grew to manhood in Tennessee ami received his education there in the early-day subscription schools. Me had passed his twenty-first birthday when he came to Greene county, Missouri, and he worked a year on the old Appleby farm in the northern part of the county, and here he married and settled on forty acres south of Willard. lie sold out later and bought another farm in the neighborhood consisting of one hundred and sixty acres. Selling this be 1 ought the o'd VVilley farm of about two hundred and forty acres and operated it until [856, when he sold out to Henry Willey and moved to the John .Murray farm, buying out the Murray heirs, and farmed there for about ten years, then sold out and went to one of the western stales and took up a claim, and was killed by a falling tree in [879. He was a very successful farmer and was a man of influence in Murray township. lie was justice of the peace for some time and was administrator in many estates, in which capacity he discharged his duties in a manner satisfactory to all concerned. He was elected county judge and filled this position one term with honor and credit to himself and to the township and count}-. Fraternally, he was an enthusiastic Mason, belonging to the lodge at Ebenezer, Missouri. He was an active Democrat and a local leader in the party. He was a worthy member of the Cumberland Presbyterian church, in which he was an elder for years. He was highly esteemed by all who knew him. His wife, Sarah H. Met lure, was born in Tennessee about [832 and her death occurred in Greene count}'. Missouri, in 1864. lie married his second wife in 1865, Bonde Arnn, a native of Tennessee, who died in Texas in 1904.

John R. Earnest was the father of seven children by his first marriage, and three by his second; those by his first wife were named as follows: James H.. of this sketch; the second died in infancy: Mary Virginia, Elizabeth and Nathan are all three deceased: John Charles lives in California: Mrs. Sarah H. Halloway lives in Jefferson City, Missouri. The following children were by his last wife: Mrs. Anna Love Saddler lives in Texas; Luther and Walter, both make their homes in the Lone Star state also.

James H. Earnest spent his boyhood days on the farm in Murrav township and assisted his father with the general work during the crop seasons. He received his education in the district schools at Cave Spring and in the old Murray school. Early in life he began farming for himself and operated land in different parts of Murray township, moving to his present farm in 1884. He had eighty acres at first, but prospering through close application and good management he added to his holdings and now has a finely improved and productive farm of one hundred acres, on which he carries on general farming and stock raising, making a specialty of full-blooded Jersey cattle, which are greatly admired by all who see them, who know how to appreciate live stock of a superior grade. In connection with his general farming he operates a dairy under modern and sanitary methods, and finds a very ready market for his products. He has a pleasant home and a number of convenient, substantial outbuildings, and everything about his place denotes good management and industry.

Mr. Earnest has been twice married, first, in 1872, to Mary Ann Parrish, a native of Greene county, Missouri. She died in 1875 without issue. In 1877 ^r- Earnest married Sarah Frances Stakley, a native of Lawrence county, Missouri, and to this union three children have been born, namely: Ethel, who married William H. Grafton, of Willard, has five children, Joseph, Newman, Homer, Rolla and Kermit ; Orville, second child of our subject, married Bessie Lee; they live in Sarcoxie, Missouri, and have one child, Ellen ; Bertha, third child of our subject, lives in Powersite, Missouri.

Greene county owes a great debt of gratitude to the state of Tennessee for the large number of sterling citizens which have located here from that state, perhaps more than from any two other states. They have proven themselves to be people of industry, honesty and public spirit, true types of empire builders. Among this number is Dr. James M. Wilkerson, who has lived in Springfield twenty-six years. Formerly he was a successful general physician, but later turned his attention to the real estate business in which he has reaped a satisfactory reward.

Doctor Wilkerson was born in Bedford count}-. Tennessee, November 2, 1844. lie is a son of James and Lydia 1 Messick) Wilkerson. a fine old Southern family. The father was born in Ireland on a farm in County Tyrone, in the year [808, and lie immigrated to the United States when a young man and established his home on a farm in Bedford county, Tennessee. During the Civil war lie removed his family to Arkansas, later to Kansas, where they remained a short time, then came to Lawrence county, Missouri, where the death of James Wilkerson occurred at the age of seventy-three years. He had devoted his life to general farming and stock raising. His wife was a native of Tennessee. Her death occurred in the year 1892. To these parents twelve children were born, ten sons and two daughters. Four of the sons are now deceased.

Dr. James M. Wilkerson grew to manhood on the farm and he received his early education in the common schools. He studied medicine under his brother, W. C. Wilkerson, and Doctor Gray, of Lawrenceburg. Missouri, the town at that time containing only a country store. Later he took the regular course in the American Medical School in St. Louis, receiving his diploma in 1878. Locating at Humansville, Polk county, in [871, where he was married, and soon thereafter he began the practice of his profession which he continued there tor a period of eighteen years with a large degree of success, during which period he was regarded as one of the leading physicians of the western part of Polk county. He removed to Springfield, in 1888, where he continued the practice of medicine for three years with his usual success, but desiring to take up a business career, he abandoned his profession and took up the real estate business, which he has continued to the present time with ever-increasing success and is rated among the leading dealers in this part of the country and a judge of property values, both city and rural.

Doctor Wilkerson was married. July 1, 1874, to Mary A. Avers, a daughter of Alven Ayers, a native of Virginia, where he spent his earlier life, finally removing to Missouri. He devoted his active life to farming and stock raising. He and his wife are both deceased. They were the parents of five children.

Six children have been born to Doctor Wilkerson and wife, namely: Lydia, married Claude Washburn, who was killed in a railroad accident, leaving one son. James, born, January 22, 1899; Mary H., married A. C. Hay ward, an attorney, of Springfield, and they have one child. Edgar; two sons and one daughter of our subject died in infancy; Edgar, the youngest child, died when five years of age.

Politically Doctor Wilkerson is a Democrat, fraternally a member of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, and he and his wife belong to the Christian church.

Walter Haun

In different localities the spirit of better things manifests itself in different ways. Sometimes it takes the form of increasing the fertility of the soil; at other places there is a demand for good roads ; it is shown in the desire to keep better live stock, to have more attractive farm-yard surroundings or to grow larger crops. It is shown in rural improvement clubs, in home economic organizations, in the consolidation of rural schools, in labor-saving appliances in the home in making the home attractive, and in a general belief that farmers are entitled to as pleasant surroundings as anyone else, and that a richer, fuller life may he better developed in the country than in any other place in the world. In .Murray township, Greene county, one sees evidences of progressiveness on ever}- hand, well-kept farms, modernly appointed homes and prosperous contented people. One of these careful farmers who owns a valuable place and a comfortable home is Walter Haun, a representative of an old and well-known family in this locality.

Mr. Haun was born in the above named township and county, November 24, 1875. He is a son of Newton Wright and Nellie (Beal) Haun. Newton W. Haun was born in Monroe county, eastern Tennessee, September 8, 1S22. He is a son of Abraham and Jane (Wright) Haun. Newton W. Haun was twice married, first, in eastern Tennessee, May 2, 1854, to Martha I. Heiskell, a native of Tennessee, who died April 21, 1861. He was engaged in the general merchandise business at Sweetwater, Tennessee, for a number of years, finally selling out and removing to Lawrence count)-, Missouri, where he engaged in general farming until 18(17, when he sold out and came to Murray township. Greene county, where he purchased two hundred and thirty-six acres of good land, which he farmed successfully until his death, December 13, 1887. He was a man of great industry and sound judgment and was rated among the most progressive farmers oi the county. He was a good citizen in every respect and was well liked. Politically, he was a Democrat and was active in party affairs, and before leaving Monroe count)-. Tennessee, he held the office of surveyor one term, but would never accept office in Missouri, preferring to give his sole attention to his large farming and stock-raising industries. He was a faithful member of the Cumberland Presbyterian church, was a charter member of the church of this denomination at Walnut Spring and a ruling elder in the same from its organization until his death. His family consisted of nine children by his second marriage, namely: Daniel 1\, Mrs. Martha R. Blankenship. who lives in this township, just east of Willard; William E. lives in Cass township, Greene count)-: Mrs. May Emmerson, of Springfield; Walter, of this review : Mrs. Ella latum, of (enter township; George lives in Wilson township; and two who died in infancy.

Newton Haun married Nellie Beal in Greene count)-, Missouri, for his second wife. She was a daughter of Daniel and Nancy (Gibson) Beal. Daniel Heal was born in North Carolina. May m, [799. He spent his boyhood in his native state and learned the cabinet maker's trade. When a young man he went to (iiles county, Tennessee, where he and Nancy Gibson were married. She was a daughter of George Gibson. Mr. Beal remained in (iiles county, Tennessee, until three of his children were born, and, in [831, he moved to Crawford county, Missouri, and settled near where Verona now stands. Judge James White came the same time, and there Mr. Beal made a clearing and began his home, he and Judge White being in partnership in the land, and, deciding that the tract of land was not large enough fur both of them to operate he sold out to the judge and removed to Greene county, and in the latter part of 1833 Mr. Beal settled in Campbell township, on Wilson creek, tour miles west of Springfield. He owned two hundred and eighty-eight acres which he cleared up and improved and on which he spent the remainder of his days. When he first came to Missouri the southwestern part of the state was still the home of different tribes of Indians, among whom he did considerable trading, and, finding him honest and kind-hearted, they were very friendly with bun. In politics, he was a Democrat and both he and his wife were members of the Baptist church, bight children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Beal, all now deceased but one, Allen Ileal, who lives in Texas. The death of Daniel Ileal occurred in the prime of life, December 7, 1847. Nancy Gibson, bis wife, was a native of Tennessee, born near Madisonville, and she died in Greene county, Missouri, on the home farm in the western part of the county.

The mother of the subject of this sketch, who died. January, [915, was horn, April 7, 1839, near Springfield and here she grew to womanhood and was educated in the old-time subscription schools. Although she attained her seventy-fifth year she was active and bad a good memory up until the time of her death. She was well known to the older citizens and led a life fraught with good deeds.

Abraham and Jane (Wright) Maun, grandparents of our subject, were natives of Tennessee, the former born in 171)0 and he died in [848. lie had devoted his life to general farming in Tennessee, where be and his wife both lived and died.

Walter Harm was reared on the home farm in Murray township, and he received his education in the public schools. On October 20. 1904, he married C lara Middlemas, a native of New Zealand. She is the daughter of Thomas J. and Elizabeth (Dickey) Middlemas. The father is deceased, but the mother is still living.

After his marriage, Mr. Haun moved to his present farm of eighty acres, which is one of the finest farms of its size in Murray township, is productive and well-improved, and he built a modern home in 1904, also an up-to-date barn and a large cement silo, all his buildings commanding an ideal view from the roadside and for some distance around, and his is one of the most desirable places in the township. He also owns seven acres of timbered land. He carries on general farming and stock raising, keeping a good grade of various kinds of livestock. He is one of the hustling young farmers of Greene county and is rapidly coming to the front. He takes a just pride in his farm and set of buildings. Politically, he is a Democrat, but no public man, and he and his wife are members of the Presbyterian church at Willard, and are faithful in their attendance and support of the same. The}- are popular with the best circles of this part of the country, well liked by all who know them.

Charles E. Wadlow

Human life is made up of two elements, power and form, and the proportion must be invariably kept if we would have it sweet and sound. Each of these elements in excess makes a mischief as hurtful as would be its deficiency. Everything turns to excess; every good quality is noxious if unmixed, and to carry the danger to the edge of ruin nature causes each man's peculiarity to superabound. One speaking from the standpoint of a farmer would adduce the learned professions as an example of this treachery. The farmer has a much better chance to observe and enjoy art as it is found in nature, and, therefore, ought to be a man of the highest ideals and cleanest characteristics. One of the well-known citizens of the northern part of Greene county who has been contented with life in the rural districts and has been a close observer of the uplifting things about him is Charles E. Wadlow, who is not only an excellent agriculturist, but a good citizen in the fullest sense of the term.

\nn (Lethco) Wadlow. The father of our subject was born on December 17, 1797. in Washington county, Virginia, now a part of West Virginia, and there he spent his earlier years, removing first to Tennessee, where he remained until about 1835, when he made the rough overland journey to Greene county, Missouri, and settled about twelve miles northwest of Springfield. On July -'4, 1837. he married Mary Hastings, and to them seven children were born, namely: Alzirah Jane, deceased; Mary Louisa is living; Sarah Ann, Margaret Elizabeth, Martha Agnes, Matilda Caroline and John W. are all deceased. Mary Hastings was born on January J7. 1820, and her death occurred on December 12, 1854. John W. Wadlow married, on November 29, 1858, Mary Ann Lethco. To this second union were also born seven children, namely: Joanna, Susan Arbell, Charles E., George W. and Dora Emma were twins: Laura May is deceased; and Lillie D. The death of the mother of these children occurred on March

13, 1909. Cyrus Cunningham, grandfather of the subject of this sketch, was a soldier in the Revolutionary war. lohn Wesley Wadlow was one of the early-day leaders in the Southern Methodist church in Greene county. He gave a tract of land on which was built the Wesley chapel, of Murray township, and close by he donated ground for a cemetery, in which he himself was finally laid to rest, when he had finished his useful, industrious and honorable life at the ripe old age of ninety-two years. In his early days he taught school, and was a justice of the peace in Greene county for many years. He was a successful farmer and accumulated a comfortable fortune by his thrift and honest dealings. He was a well-informed man, was a loyal Democrat and an influential citizen. His wife, Mary Ann Lethco, was born on March 28, 1829, in Richland county, North Carolina, and when twelve years of age she emigrated from that state to Illinois, later to Greene county, Missouri, the family locating near Ebenezer, in Robberson township. Her death occurred at the age of seventy-nine years; she had been a member of the Southern Methodist church for over sixty years.

Charles E. Wadlow spent his boyhood days on the old homestead, where he assisted with the general work, remaining there until he was twenty-seven years of age. He received his education in the public schools. mostly at the Waterloo school-house, later was a student in the preparatory branches of Morrisville College, in Polk county. Later he attended a business college in Springfield. After his marriage he located near where his present farm is located. He has spent all his life in Murray township, his native count}'. He has been very successful as a general farmer and stockraiser and is owner of a finely improved and productive farm of three hundred and fifty acres, all in Murray township. They have a pleasant home in the midst of attractive surroundings. Mr. Wadlow formerly handled large numbers of cattle and hogs, and at present he feeds a great many mules from year to year. He built his present commodious residence in 1898, but for seven years previous he had lived in a small house on bis farm.

Mr. Wadlow was married. November 26, 1890, to Jerena Boston, a daughter of Thomas Y. and Nannie (Killingsworth) Boston. Mrs. Wadlow was born in Greene county, here grew to womanhood and was educated. Her family is well known in the northern part of this countv, where they have long been well established on farms.

To Mr. and Mrs. Wadlow five children have been born, namely : Mabel L., Thomas Wesley, Jerena. Mar}- Charlotte and Josephine. Thev are all at home.

Politically, Mr. Wadlow is a Democrat, and while he has never been an office-holder, he has been more or less active in partv affairs. Fraternally, he belongs to the Royal Arch Masons, at Springfield, and the Blue Lodge at Willard, being chaplain of the latter. He is also a member of the Modern Woodmen of America at Willard. Religiously, he belongs to the Southern Methodist church at Willard and is on the official board of the same. His wife also holds membership with this congregation and they are both active in church and Sunday school work. As a representative of one of the leading families of Greene county Mr. Wadlow is widely and favorably known, having the reputation of being a good neighbor, and helpful, public-spirited citizen, always ready to assist in any laudable movement having for its aim the betterment of his community in any way.

William H. Rathbone

If the husbandman is fortunate enough to have the true vision of farming, and starts out to make it a reality, he will certainlv find the business of farming a most profitable one. Me will urge the backward acres of his farm into activity that will make them produce an hundred-fold. The highest grades of live stock will be found about his barns. He will acquire labor-saving and pleasure-giving machinery and equipment of various kinds. He will make his surroundings attractive and he will experience the full joy of living. William H. Rathbone is one of Greene county's farmers who seems to have the right idea about agricultural matters, and although he does not farm on so large a scale as some, he does it rightly and makes a comfortable living.

Mr. Rathbone was born. June 5, [857, in Rochester. Xew York. He is a son of Thomas Henry and Sarah Ann (Warr) Rathbone. The father of our subject was born in Warwickshire. England, July [9, [827, a son of John and Sarah (Taylor) Rathbone. both natives of England, and who have been long deceased. Thomas Henry Rathbone grew to manhood in his native land and married there, finally emigrating, with his wife and two children, to Xew York, where he spent seven years. Leaving that state, he came to Greene county, Missouri. lie was a tinner by trade, which he had learned in England, was quite expert, and he continued to follow his trade in the United States, working at it for some time in Springfield, Missouri, or from the year 1858 to i860, then bought a farm in North Campbell township, consisting of eighty acres, mostly undeveloped, but by dint of hard toil he made a good farm here and remained on the place five years, then took up the tinning business again, leaving the farm in the hands of his sons. Five vears later he sold his farm and entered the hardware business in what was then known as North Springfield, maintaining the business for a number of years, then sold out and retired from active life. He built a comfortable home on North Jefferson street where he now resides, having reached the advanced age of eighty-eight years. He is a find old gentleman, greatly beloved bv bis main- friends, for he has lived an honorable life and his business career was fraught with much good to those with whom he came in contact. He always tried to follow the Golden Rule explicitly. He is a great lover of flowers and enjoys the simple life. He has been twice married. His second wife was a Mrs. Wright, a widow, and a native of England. To this union five children were born, all of whom died in infancy. By his first wife, Sarah Ann Warr, four children were born, namely: John, deceased; Bernard F. is engaged in the hardware business in Springfield, on the north side; Airs. Teresa Massey lives in Springfield; and William Henry, who also makes his home in this city.

Mr. Rathbone often recalls the trying voyage to America, spending three months on the ocean, the captain of the vessel being drunk most of the time and incapable of handling bis ship. Drinking water gave out and the passengers were almost starved and famished when they reached New York. During the Civil war Mr. Rathbone was a member of the Home Guards of Greene county and fought at the battle of Springfield, January 8. 1863. when General Marmaduke made his raid on the place, lie was in the thickest of the fight and men were killed on each side of him. IKhad narrow escapes from death. His first wife was a native of the same locality in England where he was born and there she grew to womanhood. She has been deceased many years.

Politically, Mr. Rathbone is a Republican. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias, and belongs to the Second Presbyterian church in Springfield. He is a man of strict Christian character and lias always taken much interest in church affairs.

nineteen years of age started out in life for himself. He received a common-school education. lie has been living on his present farm of eightythree acres for a period of fifteen years, during which he has made many improvements, and lie is very successful as a general farmer and truck raiser. However, after spending seven years on this place, he went to Springfield, where he became foreman of the casting department of the Crescent Iron Works for awhile, but preferring the country, moved backto his farm.

Mr. Rathbone was married twice, first to Margaret Potter, a daughter of Henry Potter, a native of Kentucky, who came to Greene county, Missouri, where he located and where Mrs. Rathbone was born and reared. She has been deceased for some time. To this union one child was born, Mrs. Lou Lamson, who lives near Strafford, Greene county. Mr. Rathbone's second wife was Emma Fielder, a daughter of Thomas Fielder, and

Politically, Mr. Rathbone is a Republican. He belongs to the Knights of Pvthias, and his wife is a member of the Methodist church in Springfield.