Greene County, Missouri - Biographical sketches, 1915 (part 17 of 29)

Seven children were born to Reuben Trogdon and wife, four sons and three daughters, namely: W. ( 'linton, Henry F., Loran E., all three live near Ash Grove, this county; John P.. of this sketch; Lottie married I". 11. Moomaw, of Brookline township, Greene county; Efne married D. G. Hendrix, also of Brookline township; Laura married Jay Mason, of near Bois I )'Arc, Missouri.

John P. Trogdon grew to manhood on the home farm where he worked during the summer months, and in the winter attended the district schools, remaining on the farm with his father until he was twenty-one years of age, or until his marriage, then started farming for himself, renting a farm near Ash Grove, where he remained nine years, then moved to that city and engaged in general merchandising two years, after which lie boughl his present farm of one hundred and thirty acres near Brookline. His place is well improved in every respect and he keeps it under a high state of cultivation. In connection with general farming he devotes considerable time tn the breeding of Jersey cattle, and he is very successful with his fine stuck, lie has a modernh appointed, nine-room residence of the bungalow type, <>nl\ a Fourth of a mile from Brookline on the main highway between that place and the village of Battlefield. His spacious yard is sown with Kentucky blue grass, which has given the place the appropriate name of "Green Lawn," by which it is known throughout the neighborhood. Mr. Trogdon has numerous substantial outbuildings, including two large barns, one of hich is especially equipped for the care of his milk cows and is kept sanitary in all seasons. He has a concrete silo with a capacity of one hundred and fifty tons, a wagon and buggy-shed, a water-tank with a capacity of three hundred and fifty barrels, also a garage large enough for two cars.

Mr. Trogdon was married on March 6, 1894, to Dilla A. Johnson, a daughter of George A. and Jane Johnson, of near Halltown, and a native of Greene county, Missouri, where the family settled in the early thirties, having emigrated from Tennessee. Mrs. Trogdon grew to womanhood and was educated in her native community. The union of our subject and wife has resulted in the birth of two children, namely: Alta, born July 2. 1895, lives at home; Mabel, born December 24, 1901, is also with her parents.

Politically Mr. Trogdon is a Republican and is influential in the affairs of his party. He has served several years as township committeeman and has done much toward the success of the party in the county in years past. Fraternally he belongs to Brookline Lodge, Xo. 328. Independent Order of Odd Fellows; also the Modern Woodmen of America, of Springfield, and the Anti Horse Thief Association, of Nichols.

Mr. Trogdon is one of the progressive and useful citizens of his township and is ever ready to lend his support and encourage any movement having for its object the general good.

Cecil Alvin Briggs

By his close observance of fundamental rules of business, based upon honesty, rectitude and fidelity to trusts and confidences reposed in him, Cecil Alvin Briggs, secretary and general manager of the George-Briggs Lumber Company, of Springfield, has achieved success while yet young in vears, won the public esteem and fixed his star in the ascendant. In all relations of life he is courteous and cordial in his friendships, cautious, temperate, ambitious, zealous, consistent, moral and circumspect in his daily existence, and punctuality is one of his maxims.

Mr. Briggs was born July 19, 1887, at Verona, Lawrence county, Missouri. He is a son of Svlvester A. Briggs, who was born September 26, 1847, in Fountain county, Indiana, and was of French-Fnglish descent. He grew to manhood in Illinois and received his education in the common schools near the city of Danville. He began life for himself as a school teacher and followed this profession for a period of upwards of fifteen years, in Douglas county, Illinois, where his services were in large demand and he became known as one of the leading educators of the county. Leav- ing the Prairie Stale in 1885, he located at Verona, Missouri, where he engaged in the lumber business until 1910, also maintained his home for a time during that period at Siloam Springs, Benton count)-, Arkansas, where he has retail lumber interests. About five years ago he retired from active life, having accumulated a competency for his old age, and is now living quietly with his son, our subject, in the Briggs residence on West Commercial street, Springfield. 1 he firm of Briggs & Wilks, with which he was connected in soutiiern Missouri so long, became well known. He is now in his seventy-seventh year. Politically he is a Republican, always took an active interest in public affairs, was justice of the peace for a period of eight years, and was also secretary of the school board at Verona for a period of eleven years, filling these offices in a manner that reflected credit upon himself and to the satisfaction of the public, lie is a devout member of the Christian church and for many years was an eider in the same at \ ciona. The mother of the subject of this sketch was known in her maidenhood as ITances Cannon, a daughter of G. X. and Elizabeth Cannon. She was a woman of many praiseworthy characteristics. Her death occurred October 2, 1909, at Siloam Springs, Arkansas. To these parents seven children were born, only two of whom are living at this writing, namely : Cecil A., of this sketch; and Floyd E., who lives at Pittsburg. Kansas, is a brakeman on the Kansas City Southern Railroad, and is unmarried. Our subject's paternal grandparents were Augustus and Ruth ( West) Briggs. natives of New ^ < >rk and Kentucky, respectively.

Cecil A. Briggs was educated in the common schools, graduated from the Verona high school, took a course in a St. Louis business colleee. and he began bis business career in 1907. in the lumber linn of his father at Verona, where he remained until 1010. as office manager for the firm of Briggs & Wilks. lie then came to Springfield as bookkeeper for the D. J. Landis Lumber Company, with which he remained until 1912, then went to Lamar. Oklahoma, as assistant cashier of the Hank of Lamar, remaining there until March 4. 1914. when he returned to Springfield and assumed bis present connection with the George-Briggs Lumber Company, his previous experience having made him familiar with every phase of the lumber business and rendering him entirely capable of assuming the responsible 1 11 isition he now occupies.

The George-Briggs Lumber Company is located at 425 West Commercial street, it was incorporated under the laws of Missouri. February 4, 1914, with a capital stock of fifteen thousand dollars, and the business was started on that date, with J. H. George, president; B. II. George, treasurer; and Cecil A. Briggs, manager and secretary. Their yard is three hundred by one hundred and seventv-five feet and they have a neat office.

n iuii stock 01 well-selected lumber ol all kinds, such as is to be found in an) up-to-date lumber yard m tins part ol the country, is carried, and tlie uusnicss nas ueen a success ironi die start. 1 lieir business is coiilmed niosti)- to Uieene county, i'our assistants are required in the yards. Besides lumber they Handle sashes, doors, cement, plaster, sand, brick, etc.

roiiticaiiy ivir. nriggs is a KepuDlican. rle is a member of the christian churcn, and was tormeny a member of the Modern Woodmen of America.

Mr. Briggs was married, first, in lyoy, to Elsie Browning, a daughter of George \\ . and Jane Browning. Her death occurred August _>8, 1913, leaving two children, Genevieve and Jane. Our subject was married again in 1914 to blossie May Warden, a daughter of James L. and Dora ( Blackman ) \\ arden.

August F. Prugger

It was the great philosopher Bacon who admonished us thus: "Read not to contradict and confute, nor to believe and take for granted, nor to find talk and discourse, but to weigh and consider." Whether August F. t'rugger, foreman of the motor car room in the North Side Frisco shops, Springfield, was made acquainted with the above advice when a boy or not, he has always followed the proper course in his wide miscellaneous reading, believing with our own Benjamin franklin that "reading makes a wise man," although our subject does not claim to be such. However, those who know him well have observed that he is well informed and is a close observer of everything that is going on about him. His honored father before him was such a man and evidently transmitted to his son many of his commendable characteristics.

Mr. Prugger was born August iS, 1803, at Whitewater, Wisconsin. He is a son of Joseph Prugger, who was born in Bavaria, Germany, where he grew to manhood, received a good education and there learned the trade of cabinet maker under his father, becoming an expert in the same. He remained in the Fatherland until he was twenty-nine years of age, then, about 1859, came to America in an old-fashioned sailing vessel, which required many weeks to make the long voyage. He landed in Xew York, and from there made a tour of the Southern states, finally locating- in Walworth county, Wisconsin, where he continued his trade of cabinet maker, also worked at the Esterly Reaper Wrorks. and later removed to Indianapolis, Indiana, where he worked at cabinet making for sixteen vears. He then went to Illinois and worked at his trade in Mattoon and Marshall. We next find him in West Superior, Wisconsin, where h_' lived retired, later removing to Milwaukee and made his home with one of his sons, dying there in 1910, at the age of eighty-six years, and was buried in that city.

The mother of our subject was known in her maidenhood as Mary Anna Ostermeyer. She was born in Bavaria, Germany, where she spent her girlhood and attended school, emigrating to America with her parents when fifteen years of age. The family located first in Milwaukee, later removing to Jefferson, Wisconsin, and there she resided until her marriage at the age of eighteen. She is now living with her daughter, Theresa Prugger, and is now about seventy-six years of age.

Four children were born to Joseph Prugger and wife, three sons and one daughter, namely: Albert G. is employed by the Pawling & Harnishfeger Electric Crane Works at Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Frank, a contractor and builder of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, was for some time vice-president of the Milwaukee Construction Company: August F., of this sketch; and Theresa, who has remained single and lives in Milwaukee, was connected with the knitting industries of Illinois, Wisconsin and Minnesota, and was long head foreladv and very expert in her line; she is now connected with a large wholesale fur house.

The paternal grandfather of our subject was a well-to-do factory owner in Bavaria. Germany, making cabinets, furniture, etc. He spent his life in his native land.

August F. Prugger grew to manhood in Wisconsin and received a common school education, leaving school when sixteen vears of age and began working at the Esterly Coffin Works, but not taking to this line of business he turned his attention to the manufacture of furniture and then to machine work for the Esterly Harvester Works as machinist apprentice, at Whitewater, Wisconsin. After serving his apprenticeship he worked as journeyman for six years, then went to Beloit, Wisconsin, with the Williams Engine Works, building stationary engines, lie worked in the Berlin Machine Works at Beloit, assembling sand paper machinery. On January _'X. [891, he went to work for the St. Louis & Frisco Railroad Company at Springfield, Missouri, and lias been in constant service with this company ever since. He first worked as machinist, keeping machinery in repair. also worked in the pump department in the north side shops. He had become familiar with millwright work while at Whitewater. Wisconsin. At Beloit he helped install the machinery and worked there as millwright, and he has been working at this line for the Frisco here many vears. He has installed machinery in man)- places over the Frisco System, such as Ft. Scott, Memphis. Birmingham and other points. He was appointed foreman of the north side shops about 1904, under Michael Carney, and he is now foreman of the motor car shops there, having about fourteen hands under his direction. Nearly all of the millwright work over the entire system is under his direction. He is an expert in his line and faithful in the discharge of his every duty.

To our subject and wife four children have been born, namely: John Joseph is a student in Conception College at Conception. Missouri; Clara, Theresa, and Henry are all at home, the Prugger residence being on Summit avenue.

Mr. Prugger is independent in his political views. He is a member of the Catholic church, and fraternally belongs to the Knights and Ladies of Security and the Improved Order of Red Men.

Edward P. Dingelde1X

The German element in Springfield is not as large as in many American cities of this size, but those who have cast their lot here have proved to lie industrious and loyal citizens, become property owners and have not hesitated to support such measures as have made for the general growth of the city. Of this class is Edward P. Dingeldein, one of our enterprising young Germans of the second generation in this country, but who seems to have the characteristic thrift of the true Teutons.

Mr. Dingeldein was born in St. Louis, Missouri, December 25, 1873. He is a son of Sebastian and Dorothea ( Studt) Dingeldein, both parents natives of Germany, where they grew to maturity, received their educations, which were limited, and there made their home until the year 1867, when they left the Fatherland and emigrated to the United States, each locating in St. Louis, Missouri, where the}- were married in 1869 and there established the family borne. There the father engaged in the malt business for five years. The mother was one of eleven children, six sons and five daughters, lour of whom are living at this writing, one remaining in Germanw

To Sebastian Dingeldein and wife four children have been born, namely: Julius W.. who is associated in business with our subject in Springfield Edward P., of this review ; Emelie M. is single and is living in Springfield William S. is deceased.

From St. Louis the Dingeldein family moved to Springfield in 1876 when our subject was two years of age. and here the father established him- self in business and became comfortably situated. Politically he was a Democrat. His death occurred on March 24, 1894. His widow is still living, making her home in Springfield.

Edward P. Dingeldein grew to manhood in Springfield and here received his education, attending the common school up to 1889, then took a business course in the Southwestern Business College, including bookkeeping and business forms, and was graduated from that institution in 1891. He began his career as a railroader, working for some time with the old Kansas City, Fort Scott & Memphis Railroad Company, and later was in the employ of the St. Louis & San Francisco Railroad Company, and in December, 1897, he started in the retail liquor business with his brother, Julius W., which thev have conducted to the present time.

Mr. Dingeldein was married in 1894 to Ida Stone, a daughter of C. M. and Elizabeth Stone, she being one of four children. Her mother and father are still living in Springfield. Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Dingeldein, namely: Edna L., William J. and Edward S. The two oldest are attending school.

Politically our subject is a Democrat and has remained with the party in both victory and defeat, as did his father before him. Religiously he is a member of St. John's German Evangelical church, having been confirmed at the age of fifteen years. lie attended the church primary school of this denomination in [889. lie has always sought the companionship of persons older than himself, and has tried to profit by their examples. Fraternally he is a member of the Ragles, the tmproved Order of Red Men and the German Brotherhood. He has always been a law-abiding citizen, and has kept within the bounds of good citizenship.

Andrew Thomas Hart

The attitude of the general public toward the farmer of today is somewhat different to that during the century preceding the present. All now realize the fact that with the advanced methods of scientific farming it requires more brains than brawn to make a success as an argiculturist and stock man. The tiller of the soil can no longer follow the methods employed by Ins grandfather when he worked the virgin soil, when the climate was different, the land different, in fact, most everything different. Hue must not only "be up and doing, and learn to labor and to wait." as the poet. Longfellow, admonished, but one must be a close student of literature bearing on agricultural and horticultural and live stock subjects, but also a keen observer and a logical thinker. Nature has given most men sufficient natural ability to succeed in farming, but so many are indifferent, apathetic and unwilling to put forth the proper amount of physical and mental exertion to reap large rewards in this greatest of all callings.

.Andrew Thomas Hart, of \\ ilson township, Greene count}-, is a good example of the thoughtful, energetic and successful twentieth century farmer. He was born in this vicinity on April 4, 1867. He is a son of Maj. R. K. and Alary Jane (Beal) Hart. The father was born in North Carolina and when nineteen years old emigrated to Christian county, Missouri, settling on a farm near the town of Clever, with his parents, with win mi he remained until he was about twenty-eight years of age, ami assisted with the general work on the farm. After his marriage he bought a farm near the present village of Battlefield and there devuted himself to general farming. During the C ivil war he enlisted in the Union army and proved to be such a gallant and efficient soldier that he was promoted to the rank of major, and was honorably discharged at the close of his term of enlistment. He devoted his active life to general farming and is now living in retirement on South Market street, Springfield, Missouri. His family consisted of seven children, namely: Alvoree, Samuel K., Mrs. Nannie C. Hendrix. Mrs. Hollie A. Alexander, Andrew Thomas, of this review : William H., and the youngest child died in infancy.

somewhat limited education in the district schools, later taking a course in a business college, also attended the old Ash < rrove College, and finally secured a very good text-book training. He has devoted bis life principally to general farming, but (.luring the year 1913 and 1914 he was for some time engaged in the real estate business with J. E. Walton on South street. Springfield. However, farming appealed to him most and he returned to rural life. He is owner of one hundred and sixty acres of well-kept and well-tilled land in Wilson township, and in connection with general farming he carries on stock raising and buying and shipping live stock on a large scale, and is one of the successful and well-known stockmen of the western part of the county. He has made all the present improvements on his place, fie has a good home and good buildings in general.

Mr. Hart was married on October 31. 1888, to Nannie C. I'utman. a daughter of Joseph E. and Mary Jane (.Moore) Putman, both natives of Greene count}-, this state, ami here Mrs. Hart was also born, grew to womanhood and was educated in the public schools. She had no brothers or sisters.

bia University, and is at present employed in the. engineering department of the Missouri Paciiic Railroad, with headquarters at St. Louis. Herman E., who received a good high school education, is a traveling salesman for the McDaniel Milling Company, his territory being in Arkansas, Oklahoma and Texas.

Politically Mr. Hart is a Democrat. He is a member of the Masonic Order and the Knights of Pythias, and religious!}' he belongs to the Baptist church.

William A. Fry

To hear the average city man unburden himself, often in none too graceful language, about high prices and the cost of living, one would imagine that he alone is affected and that the farmer is rolling in the fat of the land. As a matter of fact, the farmer is feeling the high cost of living the same as everyone else. He is paying more for his labor (when he can get it at all); more for his land; more for his implements, and more for everything that enters into his daily life, while the prices he receives for his products have not given him a fair return for bis time and his labor. But notwithstanding these facts, many of the farmers of Greene county have accumulated competencies and are making a comfortable living, among whom may be mentioned William A. Fry, owner of "Shady Oak Farm," in Wilson township.

Air. Fry was born in the above named township and county. August 5, 1870. He is a son of Marion S. and Sarah Jane ( Payne") Fry. The father removed from Kentucky in an early day to northern Missouri. The mother was burn and reared in Greene county, this state, and here received a common school education. Marion S. Fry was a boy when be came to Missouri, and here he grew to manhood and attended the public schools, after which be devoted his attention to general farming. He came to Greene county when about twenty-four years of age, settling on a farm of two hundred acres, anil a year later he and Sarali Jane Payne were married, and to this union four children were born, namely: William A., of this review; < >scar E. lives in Oregon; Walter F. resides in Wilson township, this county; and the youngest child died in infancy, unnamed. The parents of these children spent the rest of their lives on the farm here. the father dying October 3, [898, and the death of the mother occurred in September, 1903.

district schools of Wilson township; he remained under his parental rooftree until he was twenty-five years of age, when he married and established a home of his own, the date of his wedding being July 2&, 1895, an<J ne selected for his life companion Pearl Ward, a daughter of Arch W. and Allie (Edwards) Ward, who were residents of Greene county for many years, and the mother still resides on the old homestead in Wilson township, the death of Arch W. Ward having occurred in September, 19 12.

Three children were born to Air. and Mrs. Fry, namely: Clorline is the eldest; the second child died in infancy unnamed; and Marie, who is the youngest.

Mr. Fry has devoted his active life to general farming and stock raising. He is at present operating one hundred and seventy-five acres, which is a part of the old homestead, and which he has named very appropriately "Shady Oak barm." lie recently built an attractive new home, surrounded by a fine grove of oaks in a splendid location. The place is productive and well kept in every respect. Until recently Mr. Fry dealt quite extensively in live stock, raising, buying and selling, but in later years he has devoted his attention to general farming.

Politically Mr. Fry has always been a Democrat. In September, 1901, he was called upon to mourn the loss of his faithful helpmeet, and he has never remarried.

William Fry Roper

One expression of the discontent of the people of the twentieth century is the back-to-the-farm movement. While the wages of workmen have increased and the hours of labor have decreased, the desire for the better things of life and the luxuries have grown proportionately. That which satisfied the laboring man of forty years ago would be regarded with disdain by the workers of today. The increased cost of living in the city undoubtedlv has much to do with the discontent of the people, and the imperfect marketing system which raises the cost to the consumer and minimizes the profits of the producer, is another fertile source of discontent. Whether conditions will adjust themselves under the present economic arrangement and our imperfect system of distribution is a question. It will require more than an ordinary prophet to rise in his place and foretell what the answer will be to the rising tide of discontent of the people of the cities. Having spent his life close to Nature, engaged in peaceful agricultural pursuits and dealing honestly with his fellow men, thereby keeping his conscience clear, William Fry Roper, a well-known citizen of Republic township, Greene county, has never been seized with the spirit of discontent that

Air. Roper was horn in Greene count}', Missouri, February 17, 1853. He is a son of Wylie B. and Minerva ( Fry ) Roper. The father of our subject emigrated from middle Tennessee to Greene count}-, this state, in 1851, and rented land nine miles northeast of Springfield, but in a short time settled north of Nichols, on a tract of about two hundred acres. He was a native of Tennessee, as was also his wife, and there they grew to maturity and received limited educations and were married. Our subject was then about one year old, and it was on this place that he spent his boyhood, and attended subscription school at old Antioch. His parents rented their farm and moved to Springfield, where Wylie Roper was selling goods when the Civil war began. Later the elder Roper moved with his family to Texas and bought a large farm, of which he placed two hundred acres under cultivation. To Wylie Roper and wife ten children were born, namely: DeWitt C. is the eldest; Maggie L. is the wife of Frank White and they live near Nichols, in Greene count}-; Russell, deceased; John W. lives in California; William F.. subject of this sketch; George lives in Lawrence count}-. Missouri; Wylie B. lives in Oregon; Airs. Lulu Martin lives in Springfield; Mary and Myrtie, the two youngest, both died in infancy.

William F. Roper was married August 2, [877, to Minerva Sparkman, a daughter of W. 1). and Jane (Rainey) Sparkman. both natives of Tennessee, when- the) grew up. were educated and married, and from that state immigrated to Greene count}-. Missouri, in 1854. Their family consisted of eight children, named as follows: Dr. Allen ( i. ; Orren lives near Bois D'Arc, Greene counts-; Jefferson lives in California; Lizzie is deceased; Minerva, who married Air. Roper of this sketch; James lives in Seattle. Washington: Ji hn lives in Republic township, this county; Alice, who married J. M. Short, is deceased.

To Air. and .Mrs. Roper nine children have been born, namely: Ada is the wife of Edward Roop, of Independence, Missouri; James lives in Seattle. Washington; < >llie is engaged in the furniture and carpet business in Republic, and. being an ardent lover of horses, owns and trades in then;: Alice is the wife of Oscar Roop, of Republic; Janie is the wife of George Burris, of Seattle. Washington; Charlie lives in Republic: Bruce lives in St. Louis; I eon lives in Republic; Thomas also reside- in Republic.

Mr. Roper owns fifty-nine acres of valuable land on the outskirts of the city of Republic, which land he keeps rented, and he lives quietly in his attractive home here, having been retired from the active duties of life during the past two years.

The career of Hugh McClernon, a retired farmer of Springfield, is a splendid example of what many of the thrifty sons of Erin's Green Isle have accomplished in this great western republic, after landing within our borders with little capital and being compelled to start out in a strange environment without sympathetic and helpful friends. There have been many such during the past century or more, and we have always welcomed them. knowing that most of them would turn out to lie good citizens and be beneficial to us in a general way!

Mr. McClernon was horn in County Dary, Ireland. March 12, 1850. lie is a son of Hugh and Margaret ( McElwee) McClernon, both natives of Ireland, where they grew up, received meager educations and were married and established their home. The father was a stone mason by trade, also engaged in farming. His family consisted of nine children, two of whom are still living, Hugh, of this sketch, and a sister who has remained in Ireland. A brother of our subject came to America in an early day. but the rest of the family remained in the old country.

Hugh McClernon grew to manhood in his native land, and, when a bow assisted his father with his work, lie received a common school education, and there, when about twenty years of age, he was united in marriage with Margaret McElhone, a daughter of James and Sarah ( McKenna) McElhone. Soon thereafter he brought his bride to the United State-. about 1870. They landed in New York, but came on west to St. Louis, where they lived three years, where our subject worked as a stone mason, which trade he had learned under his father when a boy. lie then came to Springfield and purchased a farm in Campbell township, then about two miles northeast of Springfield, but now only about one mile northeast of here. He went to work with a will, and front a small beginning forged to the front as a general farmer, later being able to add to his original purchase. It was his custom to buy land, improve it, and when the price raised on land in his community, sell out at a profit. In this way he became a man of comfortable financial circumstances. After living here several years he engaged in the dairy business, selling his products in Springfield, and became known as one of the successful dairymen of Greene county. Under his able training his sons all took up this line of business and have done well with it. He also became a successful dealer in live stock, trading extensively in horses and mules. He still owns his productive, well improved and most desirable farm, but in the autumn of 1914 he retired from active life, having accumulated a handsome competency through his good management and close application to details, and purchased a fine residence on

Cherry street, Springfield, where he now resides, surrounded by all the comforts of life. He also owns considerable other real estate in this city.

To Mr. McClernon and wife nine children have been born, namely: Hugh, Jr., the eldest, is deceased; Henry is a retired stockman; Mrs. Maggie Boll is the wdfe of a brick manufacturer; Patrick J. is engaged in the dairy business; Sarah married Con Shay, who died in 1913, she lives with her father and has one child, Nora Marie, five years of age; Jane and Mary are living at home ; John is engaged in the dairy business, living on his father's farm; Annie is at home. These children were given excellent educational advantages; the girls have all been trained in music.

Politically, Mr. McClernon is a Democrat. He was a member of the county school board for a period of nine years; he was road overseer for four years in his district, and also served four years as road commissioner. He proved to be a most faithful, able and conscientious public servant, always looking closely to the interests of his locality and county. He is a member of the Catholic church and is a charter member of the local lodge of the Knights of Columbus.

Flemin T. Jared

Success is only achieved by the exercise of certain distinguishing qualities and it cannot be retained without effort. Those by whom great epoch changes have been made in the political and industrial world began early in life t<> prepare themselves for their peculiar duties and responsibilities, and it was only by the most persevering and continuous endeavor that they succeeded in rising superior to the obstacles in their way and reaching the goal of their ambition. The life of any successful man, whether he be prominent in the world's affairs or not is an inspiration to others who are less courageous and more prone to give up the light lie fore their ideal is reached or definite success in any chosen field has been attained. Flemin T. Jared, of the linn of fared Brothers, well-known merchants of West Commercial street. Springfield, is a man whose example has made fur the good of his associates and acquaintances, for his career has been an industrious and useful one.

Mr. Jared was horn in Buffalo Valley, Tennessee. March 17. 1S77. He is a son of Moses V jared, also born in that vicinity, where he was reared, attended school and engaged in fanning until in [896, when he removed to Missouri, locating in Howell county, where he continued fanning until his death, in September, [903, at the age of seventy-six years. In his younger days he taught school for some time in his native state, and during the Civil war he taught school in Ripley county, Missouri, from i860 to 1864, then went to Illinois and taught school in the southern part of that state for a year. He was prominent in the affairs of his locality in Tennessee and held a number of offices, including that of judge of the County Court, and he was a justice of the peace for a period of twenty-seven years. He was a Democrat, belonged to the Grange and the Wheelers ; also belonged to the Methodist Episcopal church, South. His father, Alexander Jared, was one of the early pioneers in Buffalo Valley, Tennessee, where he engaged in farming, and was also a carpenter by trade. Moses A. Jared was twice married, first to Amanda Price, who died many years ago. His second marriage was to Sarah A. Thompson, who died Ma}' 1, 1906, at the age of sixty-seven years, and was buried at Pottersville, Howell county, Missouri. To the first marriage thirteen children were born, and seven children were born to the second union, the subject of this sketch being the eldest of the children by the last marriage. This large family of twenty children were named in order of birth as follows: Yateman died when fifteen years of age; Wade W, born July 1, 1849, was a minister in the Methodist Episcopal church, South, and one time was pastor of a church in Springfield, and was pastor of the Methodist Episcopal church at Malta Bend. Missouri, up to the time of his death, December 10, t8qi ; Brice, who was engaged in the hotel business at Nashville, Tennessee, died in H)i2, at the age of sixty-one years; John W. died in early life; Mary F. also died when young; Martha J., deceased, was the wife of W. A. Holliday, a farmer of Gentry. Putnam county. Tennesse: Samuel is connected with the Dixie College in Putnam count)-, Tennessee: Tennie. deceased, was the wife of E. Holliday, a minister in the Methodist Episcopal church. South, of Putnam county, Tennessee: James A. is pastor of a Southern Methodist church at Warrensburg, Missouri ; Peter is circuit clerk of the court in Cookville, Tennessee; Simon, deceased, was a school teacher and farmer of Putnam county, Tennessee; Augusta is fanning in Grayson county, Texas: Robert died when fifteen years of age; Flemin T. of this review; Mary is the wife of H. L. Taylor, of Thayer, Missouri; Alice is the wife of J. W. Cox, of the firm of Cox Brothers, of Commercial street, Springfield, Missouri ; Anthony, born December 12, 1881, who is a member of the firm of Jared Brothers, merchants of Springfield, married Elizabeth Heindrich. which union has been blessed with one child; Bettie, familiarly known as Betsey, is the wife of C. A. Cox, who is engaged in the furniture business with his brother in Springfield; Newton, born May 8, 1887, has remained single and is a member of the firm of Jared Brothers of Springfield ; Taylor died when fifteen years of age. Flemin T. Jared received his early education in the common schools, then attended the Normal school at Gainesville, Ozark county, Missouri, after which he taught for five years very successfully in the rural schools of Ozark. Howell and Saline counties, Missouri. After his marriage, June 1. 1902, he began farming, which he followed one year in Howell county on rented land, then taught another term of school in that county, after which he moved to Springfield, November 17, 1903, and bought out C. W. Smith, who was engaged in the second-hand furniture business at 212 West Commercial street, where our subject has remained to the present time, and today he does a good business and carries a large stock of furniture, carpets, stoves, bicycles, rugs, linoleum, matting, portieres, lace curtains, granite ware, pictures, lamps, watches, clocks, jewelry, bicycle repairs, etc. He first started in business under the firm name of Sumner & Jared, then for one year the name of the firm was Jared & Endecott. It was Jared Brothers from 1905 to 1906. During the latter year he bought out his brothers' interest, since which time he has been sole proprietor, but has retained the firm name, but two of his brothers work in the store with him.

Air. Jared married on June 1, 1902, R. Isabell Endecott, a daughter of Gabriel C. and Lucinda (Grissom) Endecott, and to this union four children have been born, namely: Eroebel T. died at the age of four years; Emerson S., Mabel V. and Brice Ernest.

Politically Air. Jared is a Democrat, and fraternally he belongs to the Gate of the Temple Lodge, Masonic Order; Springfield Lodge No. 218, Independent Order of Odd Fellows; Lodge No. 768, Modern Brotherhood; also the Modern Woodmen of America and Royal Neighbors. He is an active member of the Methodist Episcopal church. South, Campbell Street church, of which he has been a member of the board of stewards for the past eight years and lie is assistant Sunday school superintendent, in fact. is one of the pillars of this well-known church.

It has been said that it is difficult for lawyers to be men of wholesome character in view of the fact that they have to deal so much with criminals, sec so much of crimes and immoralities of every grade, have their attention called to fraud and rascality 111 every form, perpetrated by all classes of society, and which familiarity is said to in a measure induce vice and crime. yel observation by a fair-minded person invariably leads to the conclusion that lawyers stand, as a class of men. as high for right living, honesty and fair dealing, as any other engaged in active business life. This is no doubt, in some measure accounted for by their general iatelligen.ee, for ignorance is said to be, and is. the mother of vice. James A. Moon and his son, Fred A. Moon, who are engaged together in the practice of law in Spring-

James A. Moon was born in Iowa City, Iowa, December 22, 1859. He is a son of William E. and Sarah (McCollisterj Moon, the father a native of the state of New York, but when a young man he removed to Iowa, where he established the permanent home of the family and became a successful farmer and stock raiser and an influential man in his community, and there his death occurred August 23, 1909, at the advanced age of eightythree years. These parents were married in 1854. The mother, a woman of old-time Christian attributes and hospitality, is living with her son, the subject of this sketch. This family is of Scotch-English ancestry.

James A. Moon grew to manhood mi the home farm in Iowa, and there assisted his father with the general work during the crop seasons and in the winter time attended the neighboring public schools, later entered the University of Iowa, and was graduated from the literal')- and law departments. He commenced his professional practice at Miller, South Dakota, in 1882, and remained there enjoying a good practice until c888, when he came to Springfield, Missouri, where he has been constantlv engaged in the practice to the present time, and during his residence here of a quarter of a century his reputation as an able, conscientious and successful lawyer has gradually increased. He formed a partnership about six years ago with his son, Fred A. .Moon, under the firm name of James A. Moon & Son, and they are doing a good business.

James A. Moon was married March _', [886, to Sarah E. Adderlv. a daughter of William Adderlv, a well-known dealer in general merchandise at Mt. Morris, Michigan, who died many years ago. Mrs. Moon's mother was Mar_\- Hughes, whose father, Christopher Hughes, was one of the early pioneers of Michigan. He lived to the unusual age of ninety-three years. He came to this country from Ireland when a boy, located on a farm and spent the rest of his life on the same place, dving there. His early life record goes back to the Indian times, when his only neighbors were the red men and wild beasts. Mrs. Sarah E. Moon's great-great-grandfather was Lord Mayor nf Condon, England. Her mother died in u;ii, leaving two daughters, Mrs. Moon and Mary Adderlv, who lives in Miller, South Dakota.

Politically- James A. Moon is a Democrat and has always been loyal in the support of the party. He belongs to the Episcopal church, and fraternally he is a member of the Modern Woodmen and the Eagles.

Two children, a son and a daughter, have been born to our subject and wife, namely: Edith, who is the younger of the two, was born April 7, 1889, was educated in the Springfield ward and high schools, being graduated from the latter ; she lives at home and is a stenographer in her father's law office. The son, Fred A. Moon, was born in South Dakota, January 4, 1887, and was about a year old when his parents removed to Springfield, where he grew to manhood and received his early education in the ward and high schools, being graduated from the latter, after which he entered the Missouri State University at Columbia, where he took both the literary and law courses, making a good record there. After his graduation he returned nome and began the practice of his profession at the age of twenty-one, in partnership with his father, and he has made a splendid record for one his age at the local bar, ranking among the most promising of the younger generation of lawyers in Greene county. He has held the office of assistant city attorney since 1 «;r_\ the duties of which he has discharged in an able and satisfactory manner, and in 19 14 he was a popular candidate for the office of city attorney. He married Clara Parker, November 19, 1908, and to this union four sons have been born, namely: Charles Arnold, born February 4. 1910; Robert James, born February 14, 191 1; William Adderlv. born April 8, 191 2; and Parker Fred, born November 12, 1913.

James D. Hood

Although many believe to the contrary, luck plays a very unimportant part in the average man's career. We generally like to excuse our own shortcomings and account for the success of other men on the grounds of luck. A fertilized soil, rotation of crops, well fenced land, intelligently tilled fields, well kept machinery, painted houses and convenient outbuildings and blooded live stock are not the result of luck, unless hard work persistently and intelligently directed can be characterized as luck. One of the farmers of western Greene county who evidently put greater stress on industry and vigilance than on the vicissitudes of luck is James D. Hood, who has been content to spend his life in his native locality which he has helped to develop into what it is to today - a prosperous and desirable farming country.

Mr. Hood was born in Greene county. Missouri, December 31, 184S. He is a son of Duncan and Nancy ( 1 'lades ) Flood. The father was a native of Germany, where he spent his boyhood, finally emigrating to the United States, and after spending some time in the state of Tennessee came on to Missouri and located on a farm in Greene county, where he spent the rest of his life, dying when a young man, at the age of twenty-eight years, in 1849, when our subject was an infant.

was limited to the rural schools, which he attended a few months each winter for a few \ ears, lie had always followed general farming and slock raising pursuits and he has met with very gratifying results all along the line. He was twenty-nine years of age when he purchased his first farm in Pond Creek township. He has bought, occupied and sold a number of farms since, and is now the owner of a valuable and well improved place consisting of three hundred and fifty-nine acres, known as "The Sunrise Stock Farm," on which he carries on general fanning and stock raising on a large scale, and is deserving of ranking with our best farmers in every respect. He keeps an excellent grade of live stock, has a pleasant home and numerous

Mr. Hood was married, October 24, [872, to Mary E. Clack. She received a common school education. She is a daughter of Robert Clack, a carpenter and builder, who. when the war between the states began, enlisted in the Confederate army and fought in the great battle of Wilson'iS Creek. He was a native of Tennessee and married Racheal Bonham, who was born in Blount county, East Tennesssee. September 10. 1835. She grew up and was married in her native state, and when twenty-one years of age, in 1857, came to Missouri to make her future home. To Mr. anil Mrs. Clack two daughters were born, namely: Mary E.. wife of our subject; and Tennessee, now deceased. (96)

Six children have been born to Mr. and Airs. Hood, named as follows : Maggie, born July 31, 1873, married Henry O'Bryant, who is in postoffice service, and they haxe six children; Edward, born May 29, 1876, died in February, 1878; Eva, died in infancy; Clyde, born March 16, 1883, is farming near the home place, married May Hughes and they have two children ; Nora, born September 25, 1885, died in infancy; Knox, born September 15, 1888, travels for the International Harvester Company. Mr. and Mrs. Hood also reared Mary Elizabeth Hicklin, who is living with them now. She was born in Lawrence county. May 7. 1882.

Politically, Mr. Hood is a Republican. Fraternally he is a member of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, and he attends the Methodist Episcopal church.

Examples that impress force of character on all who study them are worthy of record, and the mission of a great soul in this world is one that is calculated to inspire a multitude of others to better and grander things; m> it- subsequent influence cannot be measured in metes and bounds, for it affects the lives of those with whom it comes in contact, broadening and enriching them tor all time to come. By a few general observations may lie conveyed some idea of the useful, unselfish and unpretentious career of Rev. John T. Bacon, for the past sixteen years pastor of the First Cumberland Presbyterian church of Springfield, united in whose composition are SO many elements of a solid, practical and altruistic nature a- to bring him into prominent notice, who. not content to hide his talents amid life's sequestered ways. 1>\ the force of will and a laudable ambition forged to the front, rising by hi- individual effort-, from an early environment none too auspicious, and is therefore one of Greene county's best examples of a successful self-made man.

Reverend Bacon was born in Craw ford county. Missouri. June 2. 1868. lie is a scion of a sterling old Southern famil) of tin- Blue lira-- state, and is a son of Thomas J. and Mary Ellen (Chapman) Bacon. The father was born near Louisville. Kentucky, April (o, 1832. and when nine years of age moved with the family to St. Louis, Missouri, when- he spent his early youth, lie wa- compelled to work hard when a boy and hi- education was limited to thirty-two days in a common school. When twenty-five years of age he moved to Crawford county, this -tate. where In- spent the rest of his lite engaged in general fanning, in which he was fairly successful, \t tin- age of twenty-nine years he married and soon thereafter moved on a farm adjoining that of his father, who had also located in that county. His death occurred in 1888. He was an honest, hard-working and well-liked man, who was influential in the general welfare of his community. The mother of our subject, a woman of strong Christian character, was born April 20, 1839. in Crawford county, Missouri, and there grew to womanhood and received a common schood education. Her death occurred April 17, 1885.

Five children were born to Thomas J. Bacon and wife, namely: Mrs. Mary Elizabeth Caldwell, who died December 5, [895; Emma died when five years of age; John T., of this review; Charles Benjamin, a resident of Marshall, Missouri, is at this writing postmaster at that place; and Reuben M., who lives in San Antonio, Texas.

John T. Bacon grew to manhood on the home farm in his native county and there he worked hard when he became of proper age during the crop seasons, and in the winter time he attended the rural schools of his home district; later was a student in the Salem Academy. Salem, Missouri, for one term. When twenty-one years old he entered Missouri Valley College. Marshall, this state, from which institution he was graduated with the class of [896. Mis alma mater honored him with the degree of Doctor of Divinity. In the autumn of [896, having fostered for some time the laudable ambition to become a minister of the gospel, he entered Cumberland University, Lebanon, Tennesee, where he made an excellent record and was graduated with the class of 1899. He came direct from there to Springfield, Missouri, accepting a call as pastor id' the First Cumberland Presbyterian church, which is located at Jefferson and Olive streets, and here he has remained to the present time, his long retention in this important church being sufficient criterion of his popularity with the congregation and of his ability, fidelity to duty and growth in power. lie has remained a close student all the while and has developed with his church. During his pastorate here the membership has increased several hundred, until it is today one of the largest, most earnest and wealthiest congregations in Springfield. Mr. Bacon is a forceful, logical, learned and not infrequently and eloquent pulpit orator, instructing and entertaining his audience at the same time, and he is also a man of no mean business ability, and has looked well to the material affairs of the church, as well as to its spiritual welfare. Although a man of plain address, avoiding the lime-light of publicity, he is nevertheless one of the most widely known and popular ministers Springfield has ever had, and he has been active for years in movements having for their aim the general moral upbuilding of the city.

grew to womanhood and received a common school education, later was a student in Howard Payne College at Fayette, from which she graduated in 1894. She has proven to be a most faithful helpmeet and the success of our subject as a minister has been due in no small measure to her sympathy, encouragement and counsel. She is a very active church worker and a leader in the societies of the church of which Mr. Bacon is pastor. She is a daughter of William P. and Dora A. ( Brown) Dysart, a highly esteemed and well-known family of Howard county. Mr. Dysart was born in Randolph county, Missouri, received a good education, graduating from old McGee College in the fifties, and later in his early life taught school for awhile, later took up farming, which he followed successfully until his retirement from active life several years ago. He is now making his home with the subject of this sketch. Mrs. Dysart was born in Howard county, there grew to womanhood and received a common school education. She. too. is still living, completing the happy circle of Mr. Bacon's household.

One child has blessed the union of our subject and wife, William Dysart Bacon, whose birth occurred June 20, kku': he is at present a student of the Stale Normal here and is making a line record for scholarship.

Politically, Reverend Bacon is a Democrat. Personally, he is a man of line physique with a striking resemblance to William J. Bryan, of whom he is a greal admirer. Fraternally he belongs to the Masonic Order and the Knights of Pythias. He is a broad-minded, genial, obliging gentleman of genteel and courteous address ami the number of his friends j- limited to his acquaintance.

It is a pleasure to write the biography of a man who has forced his way from the common ranks up the ladder of professional success, having overcome obstacles that would have downed, and does down, myriads of men of less sterling liber. I'.ut this is just the thing that Dr. Walter L. Pursselley, physician and surgeon fi Springfield, has done, and he is theretore entitled to his success and to the respect that is accorded him by a wide acquaintance in Greene county. He infuses his personality, courage and conscience into his work, is active at his books during ever) spare moment. is determined and has the strength of will for achievement. Habits of systematized thought, study and reflection have invigorated his mind, and he has clear discernments of his profession, comprehensive of its principles, ami. to points obscure to many of his professional brethren, the genius of their application. lie is a good doctor, a safe and competent adviser in consultation and with a constantly growing practice, to which he applies himself with faithful and conscientious zeal, no oracle, such as the ancient Greeks applied to when in doubt of the future, is required to forecast his professional success in years to come.

Doctor I'ursselley was born in Greene county, Missouri, August 30, [866. He is a son of William and Sarah 1 Beasley) Pursselley. The father devoted his life to general farming, retiring from active work a few years prior to his death which occurred at the age of seventy-three years. During the Civil war he was a soldier in the Union Army, having enlisted in the Eighth Missouri Volunteer Infantry, under Colonel Lisenby, and was in active service three and one-half years, serving his country faithfully. Among the many engagements in which he participated was the battle of Pea Ridge. Arkansas. The mother of our subject died at the age of sixtythree years. The paternal grandfather, John Addison I'ursselley, belonged n> the band of brave, sterling frontiersmen who pushed the borders of civilization westward. He emigrated from Tennessee to Missouri in a very earlv day, transporting his family and household effects by wagon over rough roads and unbridged streams. Inheriting the same elements of the pioneer adventurer, his son. William Pursselley, father of the Doctor, joined the famous band of "forty-niners" and crossed the great western plains to the gold fields of California. He had man}- thrilling escapes from the hostile Indians of the West while en route, and he assisted in recovering a herd of cattle which the red men had stolen from white emigrants. The Pursselleys are of Scotch-Irish and German-American ancestry.

Dr. Pursselley grew to manhood on the home farm and he received his early education in the district schools and the Henderson Academy, at Henderson, Missouri, lacking two months of graduating when he quit to take ii] 1 teaching. Ambitious to enter the medical profession when a young man. he taught school six vears in order to obtain funds to defrav the expense of a medical course. He entered the Missouri Medical College at St. Louis in 1894, and was graduated from that institution in 1897. Soon thereafter he came to Springfield and began the practice of his profession, remaining here ever since, and enjoying a constantly growing practice as a general practitioner, however, he has of late years devoted special attention to surgery in which he seems to be especiallv gifted. He is generallv known to his friends as "the busy doctor," which may be interpreted to mean that he does a large business.

Doctor Purssellev is one of seven children, five bovs and two girls, both girls being deceased, and subject being the eldest of family; William T. W., John W., Clay W. and James W., all living in Polk county, farming, except one, John W., who is in the milling business at Brighton, Missouri.

the Southwest Missouri Medical Society, the Missouri State Medical Association and the American Medical Association. Fraternally he belongs to the Masonic Order, the Woodmen, Order of the Maccabees, Royal Neighbors and many others. Politically, he is a Republican, and religiously, is a member of Grace Methodist Episcopal church.

Doctor Pursselley was married, December 26. 1898. to Nora M. Potter, of Palmetto. Greene county. Missouri. She was born there in November, 1876, was educated in the public schools and the Henderson Academy. She is a daughter of Judge \Y. H. F. and Amanda (Pickle) Potter. The father is a prominent citizen of Greene county, where he has long been active and influential in political affairs, and is an earnest worker in the Masonic Order, of which he is now chancellor. He held one term as county judge of Greene county. He has devoted his life successfully to general farming, but is now living in retirement. Mrs. Pursselley has the following brothers and sisters: .Mrs. Monnie Burris, of Bolivar, Polk county. Missouri; Jefferson Potter. of Pleasant Hope, Polk county; George Potter, who lives seven miles east of Springfield; Ople Potter, unmarried, of Palmetto, Missouri, and Willie Dennis Potter, also living at Palmetto.

To Doctor Pursselley and wife one child has been born. Mary Pursselley. whose birth occurred in Springfield, April 6, 1900. She is making an excellent record in school, being in the eighth grade, and has nearly finished the third grade in music in which she has decided talent.

Dr. Thomas Montgomery King

The science of osteopathy is now well established throughout the civilized world, and it has had a rapid growth during the past decade. Its merits were recognized from the first by many people, who had become skeptical in the use of drugs, but, like all sciences, whether good or bad, it had to be thoroughly demonstrated in all communities and prove the test of time. This it seems to have done, fur we find today advocates of osteopathy everywhere, who claim beneficial results from it. and considering the short time it has been known, comparatively short at least to that of medical science, it has gained a wonderful foothold, one that is now assured and that no doubt will never be eradicated no matter how much opposition is met with. Any new science, creed, doctrine or philosophy meets with various kinds of antagonism, and it is only the worthy that survive.

One of the leading, capable and best known exponents of osteopathy in Springfield and Greene county is Dr. Thomas Montgomery King, who was born at College Springs. Iowa. He is a son of George Adam King.

a native of Pennsylvania, in which state the latter grew to manhood and received his education. He devoted his active life to general farming and stock raising, and finally removed to College Springs. Iowa, where he spent the rest of his life, dying there on July 24, 1887, having dropped dead while at work in his fields. He married Caroline Simpson, a daughter of James McBride Simpson, a native of Pennsylvania. Her death occurred in 1897. The paternal grandfather, Solomon King, was a native of Pennsylvania, and devoted his life to farming. His wife was Esther Schotz prior to her marriage.

Dr. King grew to manhood on the home farm in Iowa and there worked when a hoy. He received his early education in the public schools and at Amity College, College Springs, Iowa. He subsequently entered the American School of Osteopath}- at kirksville. Missouri, where he made an excellent record and from which he graduated in 1899. He also took a post-graduate course in the Los Angeles College of Osteopathy, which he completed in 1910. He located in Springfield, Missouri, in February, 1899. opened an office for the practice of his profession and has been here to the present time, his practice during the sixteen years having steadily grown until it has now reached very large proportions and he is kept very busy. He was 1 me of the first osteopaths to establish himself in the practice of this profession in Springfield. He is one of the best known osteopaths in southern Missouri. He is a member of the Ozark Osteopathic Association, of which he was the first president, and is very active in the work of the same. He is also a member of the Missouri State Osteopathic Association, and was president of the same for one vear. He is also a member of the American Osteopathic Association, of which he was assistant secretary for two years. He has filled these responsible positions in a most faithful, able and highly acceptable manner. Politically he votes independently, and religiously he is a member of the Presbyterian church. His offices are in the Landers building.

Dr. King married Fannie B. Clark. November 21. 1900. She is a daughter of Robert A. Clark, formerly a prominent business man of Springfield, who died many years ago. His widow, who was Julia A. Withrow prior to her marriage, was horn in Virginia, and is making her home with Dr. and Mrs. King in Springfield.

Two children have been born to Dr. King and wife, namely: Julia Margaret King, born January 17, 1902, is now attending high school; and Robert Montgomery King, born April 4. 1905, is in the fifth grade in the ward schools.

William C. Trogdon

When the farmer matures his plans and operates his farm on the basis of a real purpose for the future, just as the business man, the railroad, or the corporation, then will he have the ability to get the long-time mortgage loans at the lower rates and with the many privileges that business organizations now enjoy. He must figure out a certain definite annual expense on the basis of a certain gross income which must be sufficiently in excess of the expense to provide funds for proper maintenance of the farm and its equipment and its soil fertility, as well as an ample sum to take care of the annual payments on principle; he must provide for the usual accidents and failures and then an additional net sum or dividend of profit, at a proper rate, based on the market and increasing value of the farm which he is operating. In short, the successful fanner of this day and age must look well to the financial side of his business. William C. Trogdon, of Boone township, is one of our Creene county farmers who does this and consequently he is living very comfortably and setting a good example before his neighbors.

Mr. Trogdon was born in Lawrence county, Missouri, Jul)- 15, 1875. lie is a son of Reuben F. Trogdon, who was horn in North Carolina, from which state he removed to Indiana in an early day, settling near Mooresville, subsequently removing to Missouri, prior to the breaking out of the Civil war. He settled at the head of Clear creek. Greene county, where he resided ten years, then moved to Lawrence county. He finally returned tn Greene county and bought a farm of two hundred and six acres in Boone township, which he has brought up tn a good state of cultivation and general development and on which he is still residing. As he prospered he later added one hundred and thirty-five acres to his holdings, the latter excellent tract lying at Brookline. lie is one of the best known citizens of this part of the county, and has an attractive home. He married Phoebe Ann Mc- Dorman, daughter of William McDorman, a farmer, who spent main- vears on a farm in Greene county, Missouri, where he became well established.

William C. Trogdon grew to manhood on the home farm where he assisted with the general work when a boy, ami he acquired his early education in the common schools of Greene county. At the age of twentv-one years he began farming for himself, which he continued with gratifying results until 11)04, when he engaged in merchandising at the village of Miller, Lawrence county, until 1910, having enjoyed a satisfactory trade with the people of that locality. Deciding to return to farming, he purchased one hundred ami twenty acres in 1 <> 1 1 . two and one-half miles southeast ot Ash Grove, where he still resides, engaged in general farming and stock raising, experimenting with alfalfa. He is a man who gives his affairs the closest attention, using his brain as well as his brawn. His land is well tilled.

Mr. Trogdon was married in 1896 to Ollie Burney, a daughter of James Burney, a farmer and miller of Greene county. He originally came from Tennessee.

Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Trogdon, namely: R. I.ail, born December 14, 1899, and Velta, born December 1, 1901, both attending public school in their neighborhood.

Politically, our subject is a Republican. Fraternally, he belongs to the Masonic Order, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Woodmen of the World. Mrs. Trogdon is a member of the Rebekahs, Royal Neighbors and the Order of Eastern Star.

Walton Eugene Kdmonson

One of the best remembered and most highly respected citizens of Walnut Grove ami vicinity in a past generation was the late Walton Eugene Edmonson, who, after a successful and honorable career as farmer, educator and merchant, took his journey to that mystic clime, Shakespeare's "undiscovered bourne from whence no traveler e'er returns.'' when in the prime of life and usefulness; but he left behind him a heritage of which his descendants may well be proud - an untarnished name. He was the creditable descendant of one of the earliest pioneer families of this section of Greene county, the Edmonsons having assisted in redeeming the rich soil from the primordial state, and here played well their roles in the drama of civilization and no family has been better known here for several generations.

Mr. Edmonson was born on a farm near Walnut ( imve, August 12, 1866. He was a son of Fide and Martha ( Potter) Edmonson. The father was born in this vicinity also, in November, 1840, and is therefore approaching his seventy-fifth birthday. He is a son of Allen and Polly (Julian) Edmonson, who were very early settlers in Walnut Grove township, clearing and developing a farm here when the country was sparsely settled, and here Fide Edmonson grew to manhood on the homestead and early in life began farming for himself in this locality where he continued to reside until a few years ago when he removed with his family to Polk county, and has continued agricultural pursuits ; how ever, is now practically retired. His wife was also born and reared in Greene county. To them the following children have been born : Alonzo, who was formerly in the banking business in Walnut Crrove ; Walton E., subject of this memoir; Dudley, who lives in

Walton E. Edmonson, commonly known as "Walter," grew to manhood on the farm and assisted his father with the general work when he became of proper age. Being of a studious disposition he obtained a good education in the local schools and by constant home study. For many years he taught school in Walnut Grove township and did much to improve the school system, raising the local schools from common to graded schools, and in many ways advanced the cause of education in this locality, and he was regarded as one of the most efficient teachers in the county, and was popular with both pupils and patrons. In 1891 he gave up educational work and turned his attention to merchandising in Aldrich, Polk county, and remained there two years, then came to Walnut Grove and continued general merchandising. He built up a good trade by his honest and courteous dealings with his many customers and he continued in this line of endeavor the rest of his life.

Mr. Edmonson was married on December 31, 1890, to Flora Y. Tarrant, who was born in Dade county, Missouri, June 17. 1870, and there grew to womanhood and received a good education in the public schools. She is a daughter of William M. and Josie (King) Tarrant. Air. Tarrant was born in Bowling Green. Kentucky, August 20, 1843, am' nc was brought to Dade county, Missouri, when a small boy by his parents, and there grew to manhood, and when the Civil war began he enlisted in the Sixth Regiment, Missouri Volunteer Cavalry, Union army, and he served gallantly and faithfully until the close of the struggle, at the termination of which he received an honorable discharge. He returned to Dade county, where he followed general agricultural pursuits with success until his death, which occurred in April. 11)04. Mis widow died July j 1 , 1 < > 1 _|_. being well advanced in years. They were the parents of the following children: Flora V., who married Mr. Edmonson of this review; Albert B., Fannie and Eva.

To Mr. and Mrs Edmonson the following children were born: Mamie E., born in October, 1891, is the wife of J. A. Poindexter, a farmer of Dade count)-; Lucy E., born in November, [893, is the wife of Chester A. Holder, a fanner in Walnut Grove township: Cliff E., born December 12, 1895, 's the wife of R. B. McDonald, of Walnut Grove, and Travis E., born October _'4. 1896, lives in Walnut Grove.

'Hie death of Mr. Edmonson occurred on December 8. 1896, when only a few months past his thirtieth birthday, his untimely death being lamented by his wide circle of friends and acquaintances. Politically, he was a Democrat. He was a worthy member of the Presbyterian church, and fraternally, was a member of the Masonic Order and was very active in the work of the same.

After the death of our subject, Mrs. Edmonson opened a millinery store in Walnut Grove, which she conducted with much success, enjoying a large patronage and soon won a reputation for a skilled and tasty trimmer. On May 12, 1913, she was appointed postmistress at Walnut Grove and is now incumbent of the same. She has discharged her duties in this connection in a faithful and highly acceptable manner to both the department and the people.

Louis P. Ernst

in treating of men and characters, the biographer contemplates them as he finds them, and not according to conceptions of his own. He is not supposed to entertain any favoritism, to have any likes or dislikes, or caprices of any kind to gratify, or to not have any special standards of excellence, "according to an exact scale" of Gunteror Aristotle, or fall out with the life of a great subject, because "not one of the angles of the four corners was a right one." He will not attempt to prove himself always in the right. Where a long contact with the personage exists, the Labor of arrangement, synopsis and production becomes more simple, and this is quite equally true as applied to those who have been performers, whether in front of the curtain or otherwise, through the shorter or longer years. And, yet, in the business, financial and professional avenues, we discover "age lagging superfluously on the state," side by side with the thrifty fruitage of actors in their spring, or zenith-time of endeavor. While Louis P. Ernst, well-known ex-mayor of the city of Springfield, has passed the nadir of his professional life, yet has many years of profitable activity before him. He is a man of thought and study and finds essential nutriment in feasting at the boards of the legal masters of the past. Having depended, a great deal upon these authorities he has ever kept well prepared for his daily tasks. Under the teachings of an intelligent mother he early acquired those habits of industry and self-reliance, which, linked with upright principles, have uniformly characterized his manhood-life. He commands the unqualified confidence of the people of Greene county, and deserves it. Since locating in our midst less than a decade ago he has shown himself to be an earnest man, and in that sense applies himself to business, an honest man in dealings with his clients and all others, a simple man in his tastes - simplicity emphasizing every phase of his life.

Mr. Ernst was born, July 9, 1853, in Lorain county, Ohio. He is a son of George Ernst, who was born in the year 1801, in Hanover, Germany, where he grew to manhood, received an excellent education and spent his earlier years. Learning the tailor's trade when young he spent seven years as military tailor in the German army, making officers' uniforms. He emigrated to American in 1831, locating in Lorain county, Ohio, when that section was a part of what was still known as the Western Reserve, and there he spent the rest of his life, dying in 1856. He married Elizabeth E. Ernst, inn relation), in 1821. She was born in Hesse, German}-, in 1803. Her father, Conrad Ernst, emigrated to the United States in an early day and settled near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Philip, Casper and Jacob Ernst, brothers of his father, are all now deceased.

Louis P. Ernst is a fine example of a self-educated and self-made man. He spent his boyhood in Lorain county, Ohio, and there attended the common schools and worked hard on the farm during the summer months, later taking a classic course in Oberlin College in that state, then entered the University of Michigan, at Ann Arbor, where he took part of the law course. When twenty-three years of age he began teaching school, also practicing law in Ottawa count}-, Michigan, where he resided for a period of twentyfive years, during which he became well known as an attorney and educator, being superintendent of count}' schools for several years. In fact, his first life work was teaching, having begun that work in Illinois prior to entering Oberlin College, and although young in years, he won quite a reputation for correct pronunciation of English words, and he was always selected to lead the spelling bees for miles around. He has always been known as having an exceptional memory for remembering names and faces, never forgetting people he has met, no matter how long ago.

Mr. Ernst came to Springfield, Missouri, January 8, 1906. and at once began the practice of law. It was not long until he took his place among the leaders of the Greene count}' bar and was a familiar figure in the local courts. He took an interest in public affairs and in 1908 was elected mayor of Springfield, performing the duties of this important office for two years in a manner that reflected much credit upon himself and to the entire satisfaction of his constituents and all concerned, doing much during that period for the general upbuilding of the city. After his term of office bad expired, having become tired of official and professional life, Mr. Ernst purchased a half section of good land two miles north of the village of Ebenezer, in Robberson township, this county and engaged extensively in stock rasing, although still making Springfield his home.

Mr. Ernst married on August 20, [881, .Minnie E. Treloar, who was given a good education in the schools of Ottawa county, Michigan, where she taught successful^ several years prior to her marriage, and later continued to teach private classes (Mr some time. She is the daughter of Samuel J. and Martha J. (Kearney) Treloar. The father was born in Plymouth, England, in 1839. and died in Springfield, March 22, [910. The mother was born in New Brunswick, Ottawa, Canada, May u, 1842. and is making

Air. Ernst became alderman in Springfield one year after coming here. Before his term as alderman had expired he was elected mayor, although he had lived but a short time in our midst. He did much to encourage public improvements while in office and looked well to the city's finances, using his influence to secure very low contracts for work for the city. He also created a widespread sentiment toward general public improvement.

Mr. Ernst was formerly a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Politically, he is a stanch Republican and has long been active in the affairs of his party. He and his wife are affiliated with the Second Presbyterian chu'rch of Springfield.

Paul E. Andrew

The life of the professional man seldom exhibits any of those striking incidents that seize upon public feeling and attract attention to himself. His character is generally made up of the aggregate qualities and qualifications he may possess, as these may be elicited by the exercise of the duties of his vocation or the particular profession to which he belongs. But when such a man has so impressed his individuality upon his fellow men as to gain their confidence and through that confidence rises to important public trust he at once becomes a conspicuous figure in the body politic of the community. Paul E. Andrew, superintendent of the schools of Walnut Grove, is one of the deserving young men of Greene county, who, not content to hide his talents in life's sequestered ways, has by the force of will and a laudable ambition forged to the front in a responsible and exacting calling and earned an honorable reputation in one of the most important branches of public service. His life has been one of hard study and research, and the position to which he has attained while so young a man is evidence that the qualities he possesses afford the means of distinction under a system of government in which places of usefulness and honor are open to all who may be found worthy of them.

Mr. Andrew was born. September 28, 1 887, seven miles southwest of Springfield, Missouri. He is a son of O. L. and Laura (Shinpaugh) An-" drew, the latter a daughter of H. H. and Maggie Shinpaugh, her people removing from Tennessee to this section of Missouri in an earlv day. O. L. Andrew was born in Macoupin county. Illinois, and there he grew to manhood and received a common school education, including a business course at Carlinville, that state. He came to Missouri when a young man and began his career as farmer seven miles southwest of Springfield, where he continued to reside engaged in general farming until 19 13, when he removed to Exeter, California, where he now resides. He owns forty acres there, four acres of which include peaches and apricots, the rest of the farm being in alfalfa, six and eight crops being harvested each year. Politically, he is a Republican. He belongs to the Modern Woodmen of America there. He is a member of the Presbyterian church.

Paul E. Andrew ,only child of his parents, grew to manhood on the home farm in Greene county and assisted his father with the general farm duties when he became of proper age. He received his early education in the rural schools, then came to Springfield and entered the high school, from which he was graduated with the class of 1907, then entered Drury College, and received the degree of Bachelor of Science from that institution in 191 1. He attended three summer sessions at the Springfield State Normal, from which he received the degree of Bachelor of Philosophy in 1914. He made a splendid record for scholarship in all three of these institutions and thus became well equipped for his chosen life work - that of educator. He was principal of the high school at Miller for two years, then was chosen superintendent of the Walnut Grove schools, the important duties of which position he has discharged during the past two years in a manner that has reflected much credit upon himself and to the eminent satisfaction of the board and patrons and he has been popular with his pupils. He has done much to give Walnut Grove a better, stronger and mure modern school system, being a man lit progressive methods and advanced ideas, quick to adopt the new when he deems it best, but using due discretion in laving aside the old.

( >n December 27, 1909, Mr. Andrew was united in marriage with Edna Suavely, a young lady of education ami refinement, ami a daughter of J. Edward ami Ida Suavely, a well-known family of Springfield. After graduating from the Aurora high school, Mr-, \mlreu attended Drury College, later the Normal in Springfield, from which she was graduated in 1910, after which she taught one year in the Marshfield high school, at Marshfield, Webster county. She is now teaching English and Latin in the Walnut Grove high school, ami is regarded as an efficienl ami successful instructor. rhe union of Mr. ami Mrs. Andrew has resulted in the birth of one child. Jewel Cyrene, horn March 24, [912.

Politically, Mr. Andrew is a Republican. Fraternally, he belongs to the Independent Order of Odd bellows at Miller, also to Lodge No. 569, Masonic Order, at that town. He is a member of the First Presbyterian church at Springfield, lie and Mrs. Andrew have made a host of friends since coming to Walnut < rrove.

C. W. Earnest

Nature's remedies and methods for curing the ills of man, beast or soil are always the best and most economical. So we must learn the simple lesson that wherever the necessary mineral elements of plant food are deficient, whether it is because they never were deposited in sufficient quantity by nature or whether the)' have been exhausted by erosion or repeated cropping, we must not only return them in their natural form, but we must make them available for plant food by supplying organic matter in abundance. No considerable increased crop yields will be realized until these facts are thoroughly understood and methods involving their application adopted. C. W. Earnest, a farmer of Cass township, Greene count}-, has long been aware of these facts and has governed his methods of agriculture accordingly, and that is the reason that he has prospered.

Mr. Earnest was born, December 3, 1839, in Blount county, eastern Tennessee. He is a sun of Wesley Earnest, who was born in Greene county, Tennessee, September 10, 1796. His parents located in that state among the early settlers and there he grew to manhood, attended the early-day schools, taught in log cabins, later studying at a college for awhile. His active life was devoted to general farming. He remained in his native state until 1851, when he removed to Missouri. He married, in his native state, Nancy Ramsey, a daughter of John Ramsey. She was born in Tennessee, August 20, 1800. To their union nine children were bora, two of whom died when young, namely: John R., deceased, came to Greene county, Missouri, where he became one of the judges of the County Court; William was drowned when a boy; James C, born May 11, 1828, died in 1905; Malinda died a few years ago; Susan died when young; Polly Ann died in girlhood; Nancy Ann died many years ago; C. W. of this sketch; Elizabeth is the widow of George Biggs, he being deceased. A half sister to these children was Eliza Blackburn, who married Charles Hughes.

C. W. Earnest grew to manhood on his father's farm where he worked when a boy. He was twelve years of age when he removed with his family to Greene county, Missouri. He received his education in the common schools. After spending nineteen years on his father's farm in this county, he removed in 1871 to the farm which he now owns, thus he has lived on one place forty-four years, during which he has developed one of the best farms in Cass township, bringing it up to a high state of improvement and fertility. His farm consists of two hundred and five acres. He carries on general farming and stock raising, having formerly devoted much of his attention to raising mules.

During the Civil War he served two years in the militia, on the Federal side, however, he did not have occasion to do anv active fisrhting-.

Mr. Earnest was married in 1891, to Elizabeth Murray, to which union three children were born, two of whom died in infancy; Jessie is living at home. The death of the wife and mother occurred June 28, 1903. On November 18, 1906, our subject married Tennie Sneed. This union has been without issue.

Politically, Mr. Earnest is a Democrat, and while he is in no sense a politician, he has always been loyal in his support of all movements looking to the betterment of his township and county in any way. He is a member of the Presbyterian church at Cave Spring. Having lived so long in the northern part of Greene county he is one of the best known men in this locality, and his reputation for right living is all that could be desired.

It is a pleasure to any one, whether farmer or not, to look over a well improved and finely kept landed estate like that of John H. Garton, of Brookline township, who has lived on the same place for a period of over a half century. He is a man who believes in keeping abreast of the times, in adopting, so far a- practicable, the most approved twentieth-centur) methods in general farming and stock raising. As a result of his long years of husbandry he has about solved the question of scientific fanning as the people of this section of the Ozark country know and understand it in political, educational and moral matter-, an advocate of right living and honesty among public officials, and while laboring tor his own welfare he has never been neglectful of the g 1 of his neighbors and the general public

Mr. Garton was horn in Maury county. Tennessee, February 8, 1854. Me is a -on of Philip and Christiana 1 Hoffman) Garton, who spent their earlv lives in Tennessee, where the lather was born and where his father settled in a wry early day. coming to that stale from the Carolinas. The Garton faniiK 1- of Scotch descent. Philip Garton grew up on a farm and lie began life for himself as a general farmer in Tennessee, where he resided until t86i, when he emigrated with his family to Greene count}-. Missouri. and located on a large tract of land in Brookline township, which place is now occupied by his son. our subject. Mere the father developed a valuable lie was one of a family of ten hoys, three of whom were triplets. Seven of tile ten served during the war between the states in the Confederacy. The other three, including Philip, went into the Northland, hut on account of physical disabilities none of them served in the army. The mother of the subject of this sketch was burn in the Province of Saxony, Germany, and w hen a young girl she was brought to the United States by her parents, the family locating in Tennessee, and there she grew to womanhood and married Air. Garton, and to them three children were born, a son and two daughters, namely: John H., of this review; Alice, who married G. Lemp, of St. Louis, and they have three children; Florence married Joseph Adams, a farmer of Brookline township, and they have four children, all daughters.

John H. Garton grew to manhood on the home farm, he having been seven years of age when he removed here with his parents from Tennessee. He assisted his father in the general work of the place and here he has lived -continuously and now owns the farm which consists of three hundred acres well improved and highly cultivated land, one of the choicest farms, in fact, in the township. He carries on general farming and stock raising on an extensive scale, handling an excellent grade of live stock. He has a .good home and good outbuildings and up-to-date farming implements, the Garton Place Stock Farm being equal to any in the community.

Air. Garton was married April 4, 1900, to Nora Rose, of Greene county, where she grew to womanhood and was educated in the common schools, as was Mr. Garton. She is a daughter of Reuben Rose, a successful farmer of the western part of the county. To Mr. Rose and wife eleven children were born.

To Mr. and Mrs. Garton three children were born, one of whom died in infancy; Francis Marion, born in June, 1903; and Christiana, born in August, 1906.

Politically Mr. Garton is a Democrat, and religiously he belongs to the Presbyterian church. He has never been ambitious to be an office holder, but he is deeply interested in public matters.

Dr. Axsox Harvey Gifford

The homeopathic science of the treatment of multiform ills of the flesh ;has an able representative in Greene county in the person of Dr. Anson Harvey Gift'ord, of Springfield, formerly an instructor of music in Drury College, a man with talents sufficient to become well known in more than -one avenue of endeavor, in this respect being unlike most men, for few there be who are able to rise above the mediocre even in one line of effort. Those who know Doctor Gifford well say that he has been the architect of his own (97.)

character, is a distinct personality ; a man of independent mind and thought, diffident, but self-reliant, reserved but self-assertive, self-disciplined and highly intellectual. He has ever been a student, reader and thinker, and for his opportunities, a scholarly, effective professional man. None is more faithful than he in the performance of his every-day duties. Method, system, order - "Heaven's first law" - are rigidly observed by him.

Doctor Gifford was born at Owego, New York, May 11, 1854. He is a son of Harvey B. and Marietta (Corbin) Gifford. The father was born at Owego, Xew York, and the mother at Salem, Massachusetts. The paternal grandfather was one of the pioneer settlers of New York state, where he devoted his life to farming. The maternal great-grandfather, Mr. Corbin, was born in England, from which country he emigrated to America in colonial times, and became an American officer in the Revolutionarv war in which he fought gallantly until taken prisoner. He was returned to England by the British and kept in irons for some time, the chains on his ankles wearing the flesh to the bone. He was finally exchanged, but on his way back to America he died as a result of the exposure and inhuman treatment to which his captors had compelled him to submit so long. The father of Doctor Gifford spent his early life as a farmer in his native state, later removing to Chicago, Illinois, where he engaged in the music business, and had a well-patronized store which was wiped out in the great conflagration which destroyed that city in the autumn of 1871. Mr. Gifford being a heavv loser. He then removed with his family to Sedalia, Missouri, and resumed farming in that vicinity where he spent the rest of his life, dying in 1888. The mother of Doctor Gifford was born, February .?-!. 1824, and her death occurred in 191 1 at an advanced age. being ninety years old. She was buried at Bois D'Arc, Missouri.

Dr. Anson H. Gifford was educated in the public schools, later attended Wheaton College in Illinois, also took a course at Drury College, Springfield, Missouri. Aside from a small start in life he has been self-supporting since he was about eighteen years of age. and worked his way through college, doing whatever he could get to do to make an honest dollar, but followed teaching for the most part. In 1875-76 he taught music in Drury College. He has a pronounced natural talent as a musician ami has made himself proficient in the same. In [885 In- entered the Homeopathic Medical College in Chicago, in which he made an excellent record and from which institution he was graduated in the spring of [889. Soon thereafter he came to Springfield, Missouri, where he began the practice of his profession and has remained here to the present time, all the while enjoying a large and growing business and ranking among the leading men of his science in the southern part of the state.

and the American Institute of Homeopathy. He is a member of the Woodmen lodge, in politics he votes independently, and in religious matters he is a member of the Presbyterian church.

Doctor Gifford was married in 1883 to Alice H. Tucker, of Sedalia, Missouri. She was born in Lebanon, Kentucky, in 1862, and is a daughter of C. H. Rosanna (Riffe) Tucker. The father, who was a liveryman in Sedalia, died in 1903, and the mother is living in Boston, Massachusetts. Mr. Tucker was left an orphan when he was quite young and was compelled to carve out his own fortune unaided, but by his sturdy manhood, perseverance and indomitable courage became a man of importance and prominence. Mrs. Gifford's maternal grandfather was Teter B. Riffe, who was a colonel in the Confederate army during the Civil war. He lived to an advanced age, dying about 1803. His father was a general in the Indian wars in the early history of the state of Kentucky, where he commanded state troops, and he was well acquainted with Daniel Boone, the renowned hunter, pioneer and trapper.

To Doctor Gifford and wife one child has been born, Riffe Tucker Gifford, whose birth occurred in Sedalia, Missouri, January 31, 1885; he was educated in the schools of Springfield, and is unmarried. He is a young man of much promise.