Greene County, Missouri - Biographical sketches, 1915 (part 18 of 29)

Daniel E. Cloud

Much depends on the kind of start one gets in this world, just as it does in a race. The horse that gets the best start, all other things being equal, will almost invariably win the race. So in the race of life; if you are properly started, with suitable grooming, such as good educational and home training, you will lead in the race in after years and enjoy your existence, at the same time accomplish something worth while and be of service to your associates. Such home influences were thrown around Daniel E Cloud, one of the best known citizens in the northern part of Greene county. Both father and mother were people of sound principles and exemplary habits and at their deaths, many years ago, there was no word of reproach spoken by any one, and they left a name revered by their many friends.

Mr. Cloud was born on December 8, 1857, in Pike county, Arkansas. He is a son of John B. and Amanda ( Kelley) Cloud, the latter having been a daughter of Elijah and Elizabeth Kelley. Mr. Kelley was for many years a prominent citizen of Arkansas in the days of the early settlers. He was a minister in the Christian church, and had the distinction of being a member of the first Legislature of Arkansas. John B. Cloud was born in Logan county. Kentucky, in November, 1836. There he grew to manhood, was educated in the common schools and there resided until 1854, when he removed to Clark county. Arkansas. He became owner of a good farm of one hundred and sixty acres which he operated and he also dealt extensively in live stock. During the Civil war he served four years as a member of Company H, Sixth Arkansas Volunteer Infantry, of the Confederate army. He enlisted early in the conflict, proved to be a gallant and efficient soldier, and for meritorious conduct was promoted to captain of his companv in April, 1862, and continued as such until tbe close of the war. He saw much hard service and participated in many battles and skirmishes, including Pea Ridge, Corinth, Farmington, Iuka and Port Hudson. He was captured during the last named engagement and was held prisoner nine months at Johnson Island, Ohio, being exchanged in March. 1864. Soon thereafter he returned home and joined the army of the Trans-Mississippi, his operations being confined to Arkansas during the rest of tbe war. After tbe close of hostilities be went to Okolona, Clark count}'. Arkansas, where he engaged in raising blooded stock. He and Amanda Kelley were married in 1856, in Arkansas, and to them seven children were born, named as follows: Daniel E., of this sketch; Elizabeth, of Chickasha, Oklahoma, is the widow of Adolphus Cothan, he being deceased: John S. died when fourteen years of age; Hettie, of El Centre, California, is the widow of Charles Kemp, he being deceased; Nannie died in 181)5; William T., who is treasurer and collector of Washita county. Oklahoma, lives at the town of Chickasha; Beulah is the wife of Thomas Haves and they reside in Arkansas. Politically, J. B. Cloud was a Democrat. He was a member of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, also belonged to the Christian church, in. which he was an elder for many years. His death occurred in [894, his wife having preceded him to the grave on May 10, 1885.

Daniel E. Cloud grew to manhood in Arkansas and there attended the common schools, and after working in a store for two vears be came to Missouri and attended Morrisville College in I '"Ik county for two vears. then returned to Arkansas and engaged in the live stock business for two vears. Returning to Missouri be located in Greene county, where he has since resided, engaged in general farming and Stock raising, also merchandising. He operated his farm in Cass township until 1898, and still owns two hundred and twenty-five acres there. Tn tbe last mentioned year he engaged in the general merchandise business at Cave Spring, continuing for five years. then came to Willard and continued in the same line of endeavor until 1914 when he traded his stock of goods for a farm in Murrav township, which he is now superintending, keeping his Cass township farm rented. He owns m all four hundred acres of valuable, well-improved and productive land and is successfully carrying on general farming and stock raising on a large scale. While a merchant he enjoyed a large patronage, both at Lave Spring and Willard, always carrying a large and well-selected stock of general merchandise and dealing courteously and honestly with his many customers.

Mr. Cloud was married on July n, 1882, to Ida B. Appleby, a daughter of Samuel G. and .Martha Appleby, one of the oldest and best-known families of northern Greene county. Mrs. Cloud grew to womanhood on the farm here and was educated in the public schools and finished her schooling in Morrisville, Missouri. Five children have been born to our subject and wife, namely: Gertrude is the wife of A. F. Logan, a traveling salesman for the firm of Keet & Rountree, of Springfield; Horace E. died February _>_', 1904; Beulah is the wife of Guy Murray, a farmer of Greene county; John S. lives at home anil is engaged in the general mercantile business at Willard; William Clay is attending school, he completed the eighth grade this term, while only twelve years of age.

Politically, Mr. Cloud is a Democrat. Lie belongs to the Masonic Order, Blue Lodge, Royal Arch and Council: also the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Modern Woodmen and the Court of Honor, all of Willaru, Mrs. Cloud is also a member of the last named order. They belong to the Christian church at Cave Spring, in which Air. ('loud was an elder during the period of his resilience at that place.

Carver O. Mercer

To ambitious, struggling youths, with only the hroad, perhaps cheerless highway of the future lie fore them, this narrative of a self-made man - a successful life - presents an example worthy of consideration and earnest emulation, and might even fill a faltering heart with strong zeal, or a youthful mind with greater determination and a fuller recognition of those attributes which constitute true manhood - nature's patent of nobility - industry, integrity, temperance and right living along all lines Carver O. Mercei, who has been an enterprising resident of Springfield for over thirty years, is a well-known contractor and has long been identified with the affairs of the city, consequently is well known here and over Greene county.

Mr. Mercer was born in Poughkeepsie, Dutchess count\r, New York, November 22, 1852. He is a son of Thomas C. Mercer, a successful pioneer physician, who was born in Louisville, Kentucky, in 181 7. He was the son of a brick manufacturer who furnished the brick for many of the first houses built of this material in Louisville. There Doctor Mercer grew to manhood and, after receiving a common school education, entered the Louisville Medical College from which he was graduated, and soon thereafter began the practice of his profession in that city. He seemed to specialize in surgery for which he had much native ability. He served nine years in the United States army, part of the time as regular physician and part of the time as contract surgeon. After leaving the service of the government he located in Utica, Indiana, where he engaged in the practice of his profession for some time, later removing to Jeffersonville, that state, where he continued practice with his usual large success until his death in 1884. His wife, who was Katherine Orvis before her marriage, was a native of the state of New York. To Dr. Mercer's father and mother five sons and two daughters were born, named as follows: Thomas C, father of the subject of this sketch ; Henry, who was a printer in Louisville, Kentucky, is deceased ; James met death in a hotel in Texas when it was destroyed by fire ; I'ope met death by being accidentally shot; Levi, deceased, was among the early settlers near St. Louis, Missouri; Julia, deceased, was the wife of Claudius Devaull, a carpet merchant of Louisville, Kentucky; the name of the youngest daughter could not be learned by the writer.

To Dr. Thomas C. Mercer and wife two sons and two daughters were born, namely: Carver O., of this sketch; Elizabeth married Louis Girdler, superintendent of the Fall City Cement Company, and they have four sons and two daughter-: Henrietta is the wife of Philip Arnold, who is engaged in educational work in Joplin, Missouri, and to them three 50ns, one of whom is deceased, and two daughters, have been burn: Neville, who became a deputy clerk to the probate judge of Jasper county, Missouri, and was well known in public affairs in his vicinity, is deceased, having died in Greene county.

Carver < >. .Mercer spent his earlier years in his native city and in Utica, Indiana, being educated in the common school in the latter place. At an early age he began life for himself by launching out in the teaming and transfer business. lie remained in Indiana until 1S73, when he came to Missouri and located in the city of Joplin, in which he spent ten years, then. in 1883, came to Springfield. He has continued the business in which he was first engaged since leaving Indiana, his business gradually increasing until it reached large proportions many years ago, although it had a modest beginning, lie has king been one of tin- best known transfer men in Springheld and is quite well equipped in every respect for this line of work, always trustworthy hands employed all the while. He has had the contract for sprinkling the streets ,,i Springheld since 10,04. and has also had the contract for hauling coal fur the pumping station of this city since 1906. That he has retained these contracts so long would indicate that he has given the best oi service and highest satisfaction to all concerned. He has been very successful in a financial way and owns considerable property here, including

Mr. Mercer was married on February 29, 1880, in Newton county, Missouri, to Amanda j. Wolf. She is a daughter of George Wolf, a farmer of Fremont county, Iowa, who is now deceased. In that county the birth of Mrs. Mercer occurred, March 1-9, 1854, and there she grew to womanhood and received her education in the common schools. She proved to be a faithful and sympathetic helpmeet. She was called to her eternal rest on December 16, 1913.

Our subject and wife had no children of their own, but they adopted a son, Leo Mercer, who was born March 4, 1888. He was given a common school education in Greene county, and in early life he enlisted in the United States army in which he served seven years, during two of which he was stationed at Alcatraz Island, near San Francisco, California, and later spent several years in the Philippine Islands. His record as a soldier was an honorable and excellent one. He worked a year tor the New York Continental Jewell Filteration Company, his work being in Springfield. After this he secured employment with the Jarrett & Richardson Construction Cornpan)- of Springheld and is still connected with this firm, which, for two years has been engaged on a large viaduct in St. Louis.

In 1911 Leo Mercer and Alary Owen were carried in Greene county. She is a daughter of Bill Owen, a farmer living near Springfield. She was educated in the schools of this city. To Leo Mercer and wife, two children have been born, a son and a daughter, namely: Orvis Leo and Mary.

W'Hldon F. Staley

The country has many advantages over the city. Likewise, it has its disadvantages, and one of the greatest of its disadvantages is the lack of opportunity to gain a competence within a reasonable period of time. Many farmers have grown rich through increased valuation of their land; others have become well-to-do through carefully husbanding their resources, rigid and economical living and good business ability, ofttimes combined with favorable seasons for their principal product. It seems something of a pity that the farmer is not responsible for considerable of the increase in the high cost of living. He should be getting more of the high prices which the city people are paying for their produce than he is, because he is justly entitled to it. It costs too much for the farmer to market his stuff. Transportation charges are too high. The middleman's profits are excessive and there is not sufficient security for the farmer to insure him a just and honest return from all commission dealers. Nevertheless to the honest, pushing, hard-working and enterprising farmer is due the prosperity, wealth and advancement of any community, and to their zeal, energy and integrity will its future prosperity be indebted, as it has been in the past. Among the names that have long been prominent in agricultural circles in the northern part of Greene county is that of Weldon E. Staley, of Cass township.

Mr. Staley hails from below the Mason and Dixon line, being a representative of a sterling old Southern family, and his birth occurred near Raleigh, North Carolina, July 9, 1840. He is therefore nearly to the milepost marking three-quarters of a century. He is a son of Alfred Staley, who was born in Xorth Carolina, June 2, 181 1, in which state he grew to manhood and received a good education for those early days. He devoted his active life to general farming in which he met with more than ordinary success. In an early day he removed with his family to Clinton county, Missouri, making the long, tedious overland journey in wagons, in typical pioneer fashion. After spending two years in that county he came to Cave Spring, Greene county, this state and established the future home of the family, and there also established a general merchandise store. He built up a large trade among the early settlers, notwithstanding the fact that the country round about was sparsely settled, but many of his customers came long distances from settlements in the northern part of this and the southern part of Polk county. He remained a merchant there until his death, which occurred on December 16, 1853. His wife, Lucina Brower, was born in North Carolina, in which state she was reared, educated in the subscription schools, and there they were married on February 12, 1835. To their union nine children were born, three of whom died in infancy, the others being named as follows: Caroline married James Van Bibber, of Greene count}-, Missouri; William B. is a retired farmer, living in Texas; Weldon E. of this sketch; John ( '. died at Cave Spring many years ago; Sanders, who was at one tune a judge of the Greene County Court, lives in Springfield; Lula, who married Doctor Coltrane, is living in Springfield.

Weldon E. Staley was young in years when his parents brought him from North Carolina to Missouri. He received a common school education in Greene county, and assisted his father in the store at Cave Spring until he was about twenty-one years of age. He and his brother operated the store for many years after which he removed to the farm, although he had been very successful in the merchandise business. hi [860 he purchased his present fine farm in Cass township, and in [861 removed to it, thus he lias been a resilient on one farm for the unusual period of fifty-four years. Doubtless very few farmers of this county have lived on their farms during a period of such a length of time. His place consists of two hundred and sixt) acres, which he has developed very largely from a wild state, bringing it up to a high standard of improvement and cultivation through close application and good management. He has carried on general farming and Stock raising on an extensive scale and has a good home in the midst of pleasant surroundings. During the Civil war he was a member of a militia regiment, but did not see much active service.

Mr. Stalev married Angeline Evans, January j$, l86l. She is a daughter of Joseph Evans, one of the old settlers in this part of Greene county, the Evanses having been among the best known and most highly respected families of this locality for several generations. Here Mrs. Staley spent her girlhood and attended school. Mrs. Staley died, December 20, 1903.

Ten children were born to .Mr. and Mrs. Staley, one of whom died in infancy; the others were named as follows: William Walter, Molly is the wife of Tom Watkins. and they reside in Springfield; Mrs. Dolly Roberts lhes in Greene county; Fannie is the wife of W. E. Thompson and they live in Cass township; Horace lives in Carthage, Missouri; Joe lives on the farm with his father; Kate is living at home; Bunch is engaged in farming a short distance west of the homestead; Juanita is the wife of George Haun, and they live on a farm south of Springfield.

Politically, Mr. Staley is a Democrat, and while he has ever been loyal in his support of the party and a public-spirited man, he has never sought public office or political leadership, being content to devote his attention exclusively to his home and his farm. Like the rest of the Staleys. his reputation in all the relations of life has been that of a plain, honest and helpful citizen, deserving of the high esteem in which he is held by wide acquaintance.

Calvin Pollack

Of the second generation of those of foreign blood in Greene county, the name of Calvin Pollack, a merchant of Cave Spring, Cass township, should receive special setting in a biographical work of the nature of the one in hand, for in him are outcroppings of many of the characteristic traits that have made the French people successful and leading citizens wherever they have dispersed. He has tried to keep before him the aphorism, expounded by one of the greatest writers of the present age, "That the wise make oi their failures a ladder, the foolish a grave," and he has refused to recall the doings of the past except their lessons, which he has used as guides for present-day actions, refusing to permit obstacles to thwart him in his race for a given goal. In thus advocating sound and wholesome principles of life for himself, he has inadvertently had a palliative influence on the lives of those with whom he has come in contact, the people of this locality knowing him as an honest, earnest, energetic and public-spirited citizen, worthy of their confidence and respect.

Air. Pollack was born in Cass township, Greene county, Missouri, September 6, 1874. lie is a son of Joseph Pollack, who was born in 184 2 in Alsace-Lorraine, which was a part of France up to 1871, but since the Franco-Prussian War it has been a province of Germany. Reidseltz is the name of the village in which he first saw the light of day and where he spent his boyhood and attended school. Leaving there at the age of seventeen years he immigrated to America, landing in New York City. He came on west to Dayton, Ohio, where an elder brother had previously located. From there he went to St. Louis, where he attended a commercial college. After remaining there two years he came to Springfield, and engaged in the mercantile business, working for the firm of Frieberg & Klotz, which established a branch store at Walnut Grove, this county, of which Air. Pollack was placed in charge. On March 1, 1866, he married Martha Elizabeth Skeen, a daughter of Hope Skeen. She was born on October 11. 1845, at Fair Grove, this county, and removed to Cass township when eight years old and grew to womanhood and received her education. She is a member of one of the prominent old families of this locality, and she has spent her life in Greene county, living now at Cave Spring. After his marriage Joseph Pollack purchased a farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Cass township ami here spent the rest of his life as a general farmer. He developed his

Twelve children were horn to Joseph 1'ollaek and wife, four of whom died when young, namely: Guy died at the age of twenty years; Delinda is the wile oi George Keek and they make their home in Colorado; Calvin, of this sketch: Adele is the wife of C. Denby, ami the) reside at Pearl, tins county; Marvin is living on the old home farm in Cass township; Harry is married ami is clerking in the store of hi- brother, our subject; Mrs. Katie Short lives in Tennessee where her husband is engaged in the real estate business; Helen is at home with her mother.

Calvin Pollack grew to manhood on the homestead ami assisted with the general work about the farm when a boy. lie received his education in the common schools here ami he began life for himself as a farmer, continuing in this Ime of endeavor successfully for a period of twenty-five years. Leaving the farm he began clerking in the general merchandise store of D. E. Cloud at Cave Spring, remaining in his employ four years, during which time he learned the ins and outs of this line of business, but continued to work four years mure in the same store for \Y. S. Click, who purchased the store from Mr. Cloud. After spending eight years as clerk and becoming well acquainted with the business and the people of this locality, he bought out his employer and has since managed the store on his own accord, enjoying a large and constantly growing business, and keeping at all seasons an extensive and well-selected stock of general merchandise. Having always dealt courteously and honestly with the scores of regular patrons of the store, he has enjoyed the confidence and good will of the people of this community.

Mr. Pollack married Nellie Darraugh, March 18, 1900. She is a daughter of Whitfield Darraugh. and was reared and educated in Greene count}-. Two children have been born to our subject and wife, namely: Florence, now ten years old, is attending school at Cave Spring; and Josephine, seven years old, is also in school.

Politically, Mr. Pollock is a Democrat, and is a supporter of every measure, which makes for the general upbuilding of his community. Fraternally he is a member of the Modern Woodmen lodge at Cave Spring He is an active member of the Christian church of his home community, being a deacon in the same.

William E. Thompson

It used to be if there was a bright boy in the farmer'> family he must needs forsake the farm to become a lawyer, or a doctor, or some sort of a professional man. but those whose wits were seen to be dull, would do very well on the farm. On the surface it would seem that the farms lost and the professions gained. But it was not always so and more often the farmer lad who chose to remain on the farm outstripped his apparently brighter brother. Yet because he dealt with things earthly his occupation and he himself, likewise, were very frequently "looked down upon." As years went by, however, it became more and more apparent that to succeed in crop producing required knowdedge no less exacting in its requirements and covering a vastlv wider range of subjects than the knowledge which brought success in other walks of life. For many, many years, however, it was true that our practice as applied to crop raising far outran our knowledge of the principles involved. While it is true that the cultivation of the soil and the handling of crops will never become an exact science, yet the knowdedge which we now apply to the work in which we are interested and which any tiller of the soil must have at his command, has increased manifold within very recent years. And it is because of this gain in knowdedge, both theore- tical and practical, that the attitude of every one toward the farmer and his occupation has changed. Today farming in its several more or less specialized branches of vegetable growing, fruit growing, berry raising, poultry raising, and held crop production is regarded as a worthy calling for the brightest and best minds in the land. One of the most progressive general agriculturists of the northern part of Greene county is William E. Thompson, of Cass township, who owns a large acreage of valuable land and who applies twentieth century methods to his business.

Air. Thompson was born in the above named township and county on January 14, 1867. He is a son of William E. Thompson, who was born on April 28, 1827, in Tennessee, and there he grew to manhood on his father's farm and received a common school education. Remaining in his native state until 185 1, he emigrated to Greene county, Missouri, and established the future home of the family in Cass township. During the Civil war he served in the Federal army, in a home militia regiment, and was stationed in Springfield during the latter part of the conflict, however, he saw little actual fighting. After being discharged from the service he located on a farm of his own in Cass township and developed a good place through his good management and hard work. He married Malinda Earnest, .May 23, 1850. She was born, June II, 1830, and was a daughter of Wesley Earnest, one of the early settlers in the vicinity of Cave Spring, this county. To their marriage ten children were born, six of win mi died when young; those who survived were named as follows: Sarah married Doctor Delzell, of Rogersville, Webster county, Missouri, where they still reside; Alice is the wife of W. S. Julian and they make their home near Gravel Springs, Oklahoma; William E, of this -.ketch; Ethel is the wife of W. E. llaun. and they live on a farm in Cass township.

The father of the above children was a Democrat. He was an active member of tin- Presbyterian church, and gave liberally of his time and means in building the church of this denomination at Cave Spring, which structure has been used as a high school for a number of years, lie was a member of the Masonic Order and was active in the work of the same in this county. The death of Mr. Thompson occurred on February 3, 1908. his wife having preceded him to the grave on June 14, [906. Thev were held in high esteem by their neighbors and friends, being noted for their honesty, charity and hospitality.

William E. Thompson, of this sketch, grew to manhood on the homestead farm in Cass township and there worked hard when a boy during the crop season. During the winter he attended the common schools and the high school at Cave Spring, later spending one term in Morrisville College and one term in Dairy College, after which he worked with his father on the home farm for two years, then purchased a farm of his own. Ten years after leaving school he purchased his present excellent home farm of two hundred and forty acres. He has managed well and applied himself closely to his work as general farmer and stock raiser and, prospering with advancing years, has added to his original purchase other tracts until today he owns in all four hundred and five acres of valuable and well-improved land. He makes a specialty of raising large numbers of mules for the market. He is an excellent judge of live stock, especially of mules. He has a commodious home and substantial and convenient outbuildings where his stock, which he tries to keep up to a good grade, is properly cared for at all seasons. Everything about his place denotes thrift and that a man of modern ideas is at the helm.

Mr. Thompson was married on February 12, 1890, to Fanny Staley, who was born in Cass township, Greene count}-, and there reared and educated. She is a daughter of Weldon E. and Angeline (Evans) Staley, a complete sketch of whom will be found on another page of this volume. To our subject and wife one child was born, which died in infancy.

Politically, Mr. Thompson is a Democrat, and he has been more or less active and influential in local party affairs for some time, having been township committeeman for twelve years.

William M. Morton

One of the famous lines of "The Old Homestead,"' a popular play a generation ago, was "Young blood tells.'- This expression .'applies hot alone to a man's social advancement, but in business life particularly, where the old men are dropping out and the younger generation stepping into their shoes. In Springfield it would seem that the young men are in the lead in almost every calling or vocation, especially in the trades. In looking over the list of engineers at the various industrial plants of the city one finds many of them mere youths, in which list occurs the name of William M. Morton, engineer at the Marblehead Lime Works. But although young according to the calendar, they have studied and wrought faithfully to become proficient in their line and are doing their work satisfactorily.

Mr. Morton was born August 20, 1880, in Knoxville, Tennesee. He is a son of Frank and Tenie ( Shield ) Morton, natives of Tennesee. The father received a common school education and when a young man learned the blacksmith's trade, which he made his chief life work, and was regarded as an expert. He and his wife grew up in their native state and were married there, and established their home in that country. After following his trade there many years Frank Morton removed with his family to Wright county, Missouri, where he continued his trade. His family consists of five children, names as follows : Minnie married G. H. Morton and they live in Aurora, Missouri; William M. of this sketch; Fred lives in Springfield; Walter has remained in Wright county, this state; Charles is deceased.

William M. Morton assisted his father with his work when a boy, and during the winter months he attended the common schools in Wright county, and when he began life for himself it was as a farmer, which he followed with success for eight or ten years. However, he was more or less a rover in his youth and did not stay in one place long at a time, but this traveling around was beneficial to him in an educational way, for he learned by coming in actual contact with the world, having been by nature a close observer. He always had a liking for stationary engineering, and, upon coming to Springfield a number of years ago he secured employment as engineer at the Marblehead Lime Works, which position he has filled ever since. This would indicate that he is not only a capable man in his line of endeavor but that he is entirely trustworthy and reliable.

Mr. Morton was married in Springfield I Jecember 24. 1910, to Mary Cheatham, who was born in the year 1892, in Greene county, Missouri, and she received a common school education. She is a daughter of James and Maggie (Reynolds) Cheatham, of Springfield. The father is dead and the mother is still living here.

Dr. J. Leroy Atherton

\s we stand amidst the wonders of modern achievements and take a cursory glance over the factors that make up the sum total of the highest civilization the world has known since the age of Pericles, one factor looms forth conspicuously - the art of healing. Some even in their enthusiasm claim that it is above all the rest. This may not seem plausible to many in view of the fact that such great progress lias been made in the mechanical sciences, which is more closely allied with our every-dav life and is therefore more generally understood and appreciated. Whereas the study of the ills of the flesh is restricted to a proportionately small number of students. However, the progress in the art of healing has been somewhat remarkable during the past half century. One of the younger generation of physicians of Greene county is Dr. J. LeRoy Atherton, who has been unusually success-

Doctor Atherton was born in Illinois, February 13, 1879. He is a son of Aaron S. Atherton, a native of Ohio, a minister in the Methodist Episcopal church, who followed his profession until his health began to fail in 1883 when he located on a farm in Vernon county, Missouri, later removing to Nevada, this state, where he resumed preaching and continued at this work for about five years, practically doing charity work, filling various pulpits without recompense. His death occurred in the city of Nevada about 1902 after a long and useful life. He was highly esteemed by all who knew him for his many fine characteristics and be ranked high as a preacher. His wife, mother of our subject, was known in her maidenhood as Mary Sanders, and she traces her ancestry back to Holland. She is still living in Nevada. Milton Atherton, paternal grandfather of the subject of this sketch, was born in Ohio. In his later life be removed with his family to Vernon county, Missouri, where his death occurred when about seventyeight years of age. His progenitors were very early settlers in New England from which country they came to Ohio in pioneer days. From Ohio the family removed to Illinois when that state was still a wild unimproved prairie. Tlie older members of this sterling old family were typical pioneers and liked the wild frontier life best of all.

To Rev. Aaron S. Atherton and wife the following children were born: S. M. Atherton, Waldron Arkansas; Mary E. Atherton, deceased; Ruth E. Pheils, Nevada, Missouri; Aaron E. Atherton, Dover, Oklahoma; Joseph R. Atherton, Nevada, Missouri; Gilbert H. Atherton, Girard, Kansas; J. LeRoy Atherton, Springfield, and Agnes S. Johnson, Nevada, Missouri.

Dr. J. LeRoy Atherton received his early education in the public schools and later studied at Baker University in Kansas, after which he began the study of medicine at the Bennett Medical College, Chicago, Illinois, where he made a good record, and was graduated with the class of 1912. Soon thereafter he began the practice of his profession in Chicago where he got a good start and remained in that city until January 1, 1915, when he came to Springfield, Missouri, opening an office with a view of remaining here permanently. He has started out well in his new location, his patients gradually increasing all the while. He is a member of the Greene County Medical Society, the Missouri State Medical Association and the American Medical Association. Fraternally he belongs to the Masonic order, including the Chapter, Royal Arch Masons and Council.

On December 18, 1909, be was united in marriage with Dr. Mary Jean McLaggan. who was born in Chesley, Ontario, Canada. She grew to womanhood in her native province and received her early education at Toronto, later taking the course at the Bennett Medical College in Chicago, from which she was graduated with the class of 1912, and a few months later began practicing in that city with her husband, and since coming to Springfield she has continued the practice of her profession with gratifying results. A separate and complete sketch will be found of her on another page of this volume.

The union of our subject and wife has been without issue. Doctor Atherton is deserving of a great deal of credit for what he has accomplished in the face of obstacles. He is a self-educated and self-made man. He has earned his own living since he was seventeen years of age. He worked hard during vacations to get money to defray the expenses of a higher education. Learning something of civil engineering he followed that for the most part between terms of school, but was not above doing any kind of work to earn an honest dollar.

One of the enterprising young business men of Springfield is Melville E. Dark. What he has achieved in life proves the force of his character and illustrates its steadfastness of purpose, and his advancement to a positi'in of credit and honor in the business circles of Greene count} is the direct outcome of his own persistent and worthy labors, and he is a congenial and popular gentleman with bright prospects for the future.

.Mr. Dark, who is district manager of the Illinois Life Insurance Company, witli offices in the Holland building, was horn at Lewisburg, .Marshall count). Tennessee, September 29, [879. lie is a son of Harris E. and Martha E. (Dyer) Dark, the father horn in Lewisburg, Tennessee, February 5, 1S44. and the mother was horn in Franklin, that state, Movember 5, 1853. They grew to maturity in Tennessee, received their educations in the public schools, and were married there and established their home at Lewisburg, where the father engaged in farming.

Melville E. Dark spent his boyhood days 111 his native locality and there he received a practical education. lie came to Springfield, Missouri, in the year tool and has since made this his home, finally becoming district manager for the Illinois Life Insurance Company, the duties of which responsible position he is discharging in a manner that reflects much credit upon hinisell and to the entire satisfaction of the company, and is rapidly extending the interests of the same in this territory where he has built up a large business. He understands every phase of the life insurance field and keeps well abreast of the times in the same.

.Mrs. Dark was hum at Richmond. Missouri, October 5. 1887. She moved with her parents from Kansas City, Missouri, to Springfield in 1906, at which time her father accepted a position as chief tie and timber inspector for the Frisco railroad.

Moses M. Renshaw

A man who has spent his life as a farmer can not move into town ami make himself indispensable in an art studio, nor can the artist, the machinist, the dry goods clerk, those from the professional offices, become prosperous in any early time as hewers of wood and drawers of water, tillers of the soil, or salesmen of its products. No greater disaster could come to the masses in cities than to thrust them unprepared into the strange situations they would encounter in attempted farm life. Their story would be one of' tragedy. There are a great mans people in the cities now-a-days who desire to heed the "back-to-the-land" slogan, who have very little conception of what is to be done to success after they are located on a farm. All such should have some capital to start with and go slow until they can learn what they should know of the thousand and one things regarding life as an agriculturist. On the other hand, those who have spent their lives as farmers should stay away from town unless they have laid by enough money to live comfortably without an income. Moses M. Renshaw, a farmer of Cass township, near Cave Spring, Greene county, has lived on a farm many years, and being contented and successful, has no desire for city life.

Mr. Renshaw has spent practically all of his life of three score and ten years in the vicinity where he now resides, having been born there December 15, 1844. He is a sou of Joseph A. and Sarah (Griffis) Renshaw. a pioneer family of the northern part of this county. The father was born in Tennessee, in 1813, and the mother was also a native of that state. There they b. ith spent their childhood years, received limited educations in the old-time subscription schools, and when young, removed with their parents to Greene county, Missouri, the mother coming here in 1842. Here the parents of our subject spent the rest of their lives, the father dying in the year 1863 and the mother died May 9, 1914. They were the parents of eight children, namelv: Robert, who is making his home on the farm with our subject; (98)

Moses M. of this review; the next child died in infancy; Sarah J. married Gilbert Hughes and they live in Murray township, Greene county; Howard A. died in 1900; William C. lives on a farm near the home of the subject of this sketch; Mary is the wife of J. B. Easly, who is engaged in the real estate business 111 Springfield; Francis A. is living with our subject.

Moses M. Renshaw grew to manhood on the farm in his native locality, and he received his education in the common schools of Greene county, and here he began life for himself as a farmer. In 1877 he removed to Arkansas, where he engaged in the livery business in Tine Bluff. Jefferson county, remaining there until 1900, enjoying a large and successful business all the while, and became well known throughout the county. He then went to Wyoming, where he remained only a short time, after which he returned to his native vicinity in Cass township, Greene county, locating on his present farm of two hundred acres of well-improved and productive land, his well-kept place bearing the name of "Locust Lawn Farm." He carries on general farming, keeping tenants on bis place to assist him. He is also owner of valuable land on the prairie south of his home district, his holdings in all amounting to nearly six hundred acres. He farms on an extensive scale, is careful of details, always exercising proper system and 'adopting advanced methods. He handles large numbers of live stock from year to year.

Politically. Mr. Renshaw is a Republican, but he has never been especially active in public affairs. He is a member of the Presbyterian church, in which lie has been a director.

In a comprehensive work of this kind, dealing with industrial pursuits, sciences, arts and professions, it is only tit and right that that profession on which, in some period or other in our lives (the medical profession) we are all more or less dependent, should be noticed. It is the prerogative of the physician to relieve or alleviate the ailments to which suffering humanity is heir, and as such he deserves the most grateful consideration of all. One of the most promising of the younger physicians and surgeons of Greene county, who, by his own ability, has attained a good foothold in his profession, is Dr. William A. Delzell, of Springfield.

Dr. Delzell was born at Henderson, Missouri. June 4, 1885. lie is a son of Dr. William David Delzell, who was born near Rogersville, this .state. July 4. 1844. his parents having locate.! there in pioneer days. There he grew to maturity, assisted with the general work on the farm and received his education in the public schools of Webster and Greene counties. After finishing his primary education he entered the St. Louis Medical College from which institution he was graduated with the class of 187 >. Soon thereafter he returned to his native vicinity where he engaged successfully in the practice of his profession until about 1896, when he retired from practice and removed to his large stock farm near Rogersville, Missouri, and engaged in general farming and stock raising on an extensive scale. 1 le has iong been a prominent man in that locality in public affairs, and in 1899 he was elected representative to the state Legislature, serving his constituents in such an able and satisfactory manner that he was elected for a second term in [901 and again distinguished himself as a member oi the lower house. He was given by nature many strong attributes, and he became a splendid example of a successful and influential self-made man, having forged his way to the front up from the station of a poor farmer boy. Inhabits were above all idle cavil and he has always been highly esteemed by all who know him. On January 27, 1875, he was united in marriage with Sarah E. Thompson, a daughter of William E. Thompson, a native of Greene county, Missouri, and one of the earl)' settlers here. His death occurred some twelve years ago. A. D. Delzell, the paternal grandfather of the subject of this sketch, was a minister in the Presbyterian church, having commenced preaching when eighteen years of age and followed the same the rest of his life. His death occurred at the age of seventy-five years.

Dr. William A. Delzell grew up in his native localitv and he received his early education in the public schools and Morrisville College, in Polk county. Desiring to follow in the footsteps of his father in a professional way he entered the university of St. Louis, where he completed his literary course, then was a student in the medical department of that institution, making an excellent record and was graduated therefrom in 191 2, taking the full four years' course. He then served a year as interne in the St. Francis Hospital in Colorado Springs, Colorado, and thereby gained much valuable experience, especially in surgery. He then came to Springfield and opened an office and he has succeeded in establishing an excellent general practice and does a great deal of surgical work, in which he is specializing and for which he seems to be well fitted by both nature and training.

Doctor Delzell was married, January 27. 19 14, to Myrtle Bearden, a daughter of R. R. Rearden and wife, of Springfield, where she was reared and educated.

Doctor Delzell is a member of the Greene County Medical Societv, the Southwest Missouri Medical Society and the Missouri State Meidcal Association. Fraternally, he belongs to Lodge No. 5, Free and Accepted Masons. He is a Democrat and a member of the Methodist church. He is a man of industry, worked hard for his professional education and is still working hard in order to further equip himself for life's duties. His personal habits are above criticism. His offices are on the sixth floor of the Landers building:.

If one cares to take the time to examine works on the early races of mankind he will be surprised to learn how profoundly ignorant those early peoples were regarding the anatomy of the human organism and how very little they knew of the art of healing, in fact, they believed that the sick were possessed of evil spirits and that they could not be dispersed by any means except incantations. .Many centuries elapsed before the thinking Greeks established something of a science in the treatment of diseases and began studying plants, advocating the theory that certain ones possessed medicinal properties. This placed the study of the human organism upon a scientific basis, and since that remote age many theories have been advanced, little actual progress being made, however, up to a century or two ago. The last two decades have witnessed remarkable strides and new discoveries are daily being made. It seems that there remains yet a very great deal to be discovered if humanit) is to cease suffering by reason of the "ills to which flesh is heir.'* .Many women have of late years been studying and practicing medicine in its various branches, with success equal to the men. One of these is Mrs. Mary Jean McLaggan ^.therton, of Springfield, whose record is that of a -killed, sympathetic practitioner, cheerful in the sick room, and possessing the happy faculty of winning the confidence "I" her patients, which has much to do with their restoration t<> health.

She was born on May 28, [882, in the Province of Ontario, Canada. She is a daughter of John and Catherine (Munn) McLaggan, both natives of Scotland, from which country they came to Ontario when young and were married there and established, their home on a farm near the town of Peterborough. It was in 1*5-' that he left his native land and settled in Canada. When old aye came on he retired from active work on his farm. He had accumulated a comfortable competency by his industry, and he and hi- wife are living at this writing in Chesley, Ontario. To these parents the following children were born: Florence Able. Chicago; Isabel "vshelford, Toronto, Ontario; Alexander McLaggan, Saskatchewan. Canada; Catherine Broughton, Toronto. Ontario; Peter McLaggan, Vancouver, British Columbia; John McLaggan, Metiskow, Alberta; Mary Jean Atherton, Springfield, Mo.; Elizabeth McLaggan. Chesley, < Mitario, and Martha Mclntyre, Chicago.

Scotland where he grew up and married Isabella Fisher, also a native of that country, and there they resided until 1852 when they emigrated to Canada and established their home at Peterborough, Ontario, where they both died a year later of Asiatic cholera.

Mrs. Dr. Atherton grew to womanhood in her native locality and received her early education in the common schools and at Harbord Collegiate Institute, at Toronto, Canada, from which she was graduated with the class of 1899; she attended the Toronto Normal College for Teachers in £900, and was a teacher in the Chicago Public School until 1908. In 1908 she entered the Bennett Medical College, at Chicago, Illinois, making an excellent record and graduating therefrom in the spring of 1912.

On December iN, [909, our subjecl was united in marriage with Dr. J. Lerov Atherton, who was a native of Illinois who attended the above mentioned medical college at the time our subject was a student there and they were graduates of the same class. They both began practicing in Chicago, she in the fall of 1913 and there continued with success until their removal to Springfield, Missouri, January 1, 191 5, where she has continued the practice of her profession, building up a large practice which is rapidly growing. A complete sketch of her husband will be found in another part of this volume.

Edward F. Kohler

To the man in the habit of superficial thinking it would seem that the place of one's birth could not matter very much; that it could have no special bearing in shaping his earthly career, but proof to the contrary is overwhelming. The principal reason for the difference in degree of industry, intelligence and standards of civilization in the various nations of the world is due veryr largely to latitude and topography. For an example it is not hard to "figure out" why the people of Belgium are progressive, energetic, courageous and in the main, intelligent, and why the inhabitants of the islands of the South Seas are languid, lazy, ignorant and primitive in their modes of living. The former have to hustle for a livelihood on account of a somewhat resisting nature, while those of the latter live off of nature's bounty without exerting themselves winter or summer. People, like the Swiss, who live in a temperate, mountainous, inland country are hardy, independent, liberty loving and seekers after knowledge, consequently they make good citizens and are welcomed in all countries to which they may

Air. Kohler was born in Switzerland, January 16. 1866. He is a son of Edward and .Margaret (Funk) Kohler, both natives of Switzerland, the father born in 1835 and the mother in 1836. There they grew to maturity, were educated, married and spent their lives, the father dying in 1882 and the mother passing away in 1886. The elder Kohler was a banker, in business in the city of Nidaw and was a successful and prominent man there during the latter years of his life. His family consisted of eight children, rive of whom are living, namely: Arthur lives in Springfield, Missouri; Carl lives in Argentine Republic, South America, where he is engaged in contracting; Edward F. of this sketch; Marie lives in Arbon, Switzerland; Rosa also lives there.

Edward F. Kohler grew to manhood in Switzerland and after passing through the public schools spent three years in college. After serving an apprenticeship in the mercantile business he immigrated to the United States in 1884, locating first in Monticello, Iowa, and worked on a farm near that town, until he could master the English language, which he studied during spare time. Later he secured employment in a store where he remained until 1891, during which time he not only became proficient in our language but learned our methods of commercial life. He then came to Springfield, Missouri, and secured a position as mechanic in the north side Frisco shops. His natural ability in this direction ami his faithfulness and energy won him promotion and he became foreman, being in charge of a department in these shops for several years, giving eminent satisfaction. In 1904 he began the mercantile business for himself on a small scale, renting a little frame building at 1054 Springfield avenue, and there he carried a line of general merchandise, later purchasing a fifty-foot front frame building. His business steadily increased and in time he was able to erect a handsome twostory brick building on his fifty-foot l"t. In [914 he built t" In- Store another brick building with a fifty-fool front, making now a substantial block with a one hundred foot frontage, in which be maintains a modern, well-stocked ami neat department store, of four departments - groceries, hardware, shoes and clothing and has a large force of clerks ami assistants. He has built up a large and lucrative business by his energy, honesty and courteous dealings. He may well lie referred to as one of the leading business nun "I the north side, lie has done much for this section of the city, and was instrumental in securing the first paved streets in his locality as well as electric lights and gas. and he is now advocating the necessity of a better sewage system lure, lie is a man of excellent judgment and foresight, has Ins store under a superb system and is by nature the possessor of rare executive ability.

Mr. Kohler was married in 1887 in Monticello, Iowa, to Rosa Messerli, who was born in Switzerland. She is a daughter of Joseph and Margaret (Glauser) Messerli. When a child her parents brought her to the United States and located in Iowa where the father died some time ago and where the mother still resides. Mrs. Kohler grew to womanhood in that state and was educated in the common schools.

To our subject and wife one child has been born, Freda Kohler, whose birth occurred on September 1, 1888, She received a good high school education in Springfield, and married Clem P. Horat, an enterprising young man who is engaged in business with Mr. Kohler.

Politically, Mr. Kohler is an independent voter. He belongs to the Modern Woodmen and the Improved Order of Red Men, and religiously he is a member of the German Congregational church. He is a pleasant man to meet, impressing the stranger at once with his sincerity and genuine worth.

Jesse Marion Kelley

In nearly every community have lived individuals who, by innate ability and sheer force of character, have risen above the masses and won for themselves conspicuous places in public esteem. Such a man was the late [esse .Marion kelley, a pioneer of Greene county and who was intimately identified with the civic and industrial history of the city of Springfield for a long lapse of years, his career as a progressive man of affairs having been synonymous with all that was upright and honorable in citizenship. He contributed freely of his time and means to the maintenance of the earlyda}- schools of this locality and other institutions which he deemed would make for the general good, using his influence in every way possible to advance the general welfare of those with whom he associated in the various walks of life. Mr. Kelley was not only a public-spirited citizen, but a wholesouled gentleman, whom to know was to admire and respect, and he not only delighted in public improvements in a material way, but liked to see also the promotion of such interests as were conducive to the comfort and happiness of his friends and fellow citizens. There was probably none of his contemporaries in this locality who was held in higher esteem by the population, during which might he termed the formative period of the count}-, regardless of all sects, political or professional creeds. His life most happily illustrated what one may accomplish by faithful and persistent effort in carrying out noble purposes, even in the face of discouraging circumstances. It is the story of a life that has made the world better for his having lived, for his actions sprung from a heart hlled with love and altruism for humanity, and was a blessing to all who were within range of his influence. Personally, Mr. Kelley was a high-minded, right-thinking man, according to those who knew him well, his private character having always been unassailable. His life may be safely imitated by the young, and the great amount of good which he did, while laboring for his own advancement and that of his family, will never be fully known until the last great day when the book of life shall be opened on high and every man receive due credit for his works, his actions and his influence.

Mr. Kelley was born in Greene county, Tennessee, in 1830, and he was seven years of age when he settled near Walnut Grove, Greene county, Missouri, with his parents, George and Sally (Bouldon) Kelley. The family made the overland trip from Tennessee by wagon, arriving in time to erect the log house that was to be their home, before the rigors of winter set in. It was merely a temporary shelter, and often during the terrible winter that followed they awoke in the morning to find that their beds were covered with snow which had sifted in through the cracks 111 the walls. But despite the hardships and privations incident to the lot of early settlers, the wife found time to give some instruction to her children. To the little son. Jesse, fell the task of keeping the smaller children employed, and to him many of the younger as well as the older ones owed their knowledge of reading, spelling and the rudiments of arithmetic. Grammar was riot taught until a later date, but as the mother and father were excellent grammarians the children used good language from hearing it constantly in their home. When the youngest of the children was quite small the father. after a lingering illness, was summoned from earthly scenes, leaving the highly educated and strong-minded mother to provide for the large family. She took up her task with rare courage and fortitude, and succeeded admirably although surrounded by a most discouraging environment. lesse had been engaged to teach the county school in that vicinity one season, and although his pupils advanced as never before, the community felt that because lie had not turned the class back to the word "baker" 1 which was a sort of land-mark in the old spelling-books) he was doing them an injustice, having taught them to read and write instead. However, before the end of the following summer the patrons of the school came to the boy ("he was still very young) and importuned him to accept the school for another season, "because it was so nice to listen to their children read after their day's work was done."

George Kelley, the father, had served very creditably as a member of the state Legislature, also as sheriff of Springfield before his untimely death. Jesse being his deputy. In Springfield, then, seemed to exist the opportunity for the son to further his fortunes, so he decided to locate here, and for many years was employed as a dry goods clerk. Here he met and married Sarah (Taylor) VVoriey, a daughter of Hiram and Sarah Worley, a relative of the Taylors of Tennessee and a direct descendant of the Monroes and Henrys ol \ irginia, of whom the great orator, Patrick Henry, was one. To the union of Jesse M. Kelley and wife three sons and one daughter were born; Charles, the eldest, died during the Civil war; Richard, a promisingyoung railroad man, died as a result of exposure while attending to his regular duties for his company at Grand River, Indian Territory ; Alary .Lizzie, who lived to the age of nineteen years, graduated from the Ward Seminary of Nashville, Tennessee, being a brilliant musician and one ot a strong, peaceful mind; after graduating she returned to her home and lived tor a short time to enjoy the benefit of her education; Edwin H. Kelley, who is later mentioned in this sketch, is the other son. Shortly after their marriage the wife prevailed upon her husband to purchase a small house and lot near the corner of Walnut and South streets. They pooled their ready money and contracted to pay the balance in monthly payments. Long before the expiration of the stipulated time they were given in which to make the final payment settlement was made in full, and they improved the place by adding several rooms and in making other important changes. Before and during the first years of the war between the states a great many strangers passed through this section of the state, many of them finding true hospitality and pleasant surroundings at the Kelley home. From this modest beginning sprang the name and fame of their hotel. About 1879 Jesse M. Keliey's name began to be mentioned with favor as a worthy public official, and he became a candidate for recorder of deeds on the Republican ticket, and he was duly elected, serving the county well, inaugurating many improvements. At the close of his term of office he began work on one of the first sets of abstracting books in this county, and he remained identified with this business in Springfield until his death, which occurred in January, 1914, at the advanced age of eighty-four years.

Air. Kelley was one of the founders of the present splendid public school system of Greene county. He posted the announcements, calling the citizens in mass meeting, which resulted in much heated discussion, because some believed that the colored population would be sent to the same schools established for the whites. One fanatic even threatened the life of our subject, and rode many miles to shoot him, "for callin' his children no better'n niggers."

At the opening of the Civil war Mr. Kelley joined the Home Guards and helped build the forts and rifle pits south and west of the city. During these distressing times, coal was hauled from Greenfield, each wagon train having hairbreadth escapes from the enemy. Then came news of large armies marching on Springfield, and die citizens expected severe bombardments, uater the town was attacked and while shells were falling around their home the Keiteys took what they could of their household effects, journeying by stage to Kolla, Phelps county, which was at that time the western terminal of the railroad, 'there they took the train to St. Louis and on into Illinois. Upon returning, after quiet had been restored in the Ozark region, our subject and his wife found nothing but their house remaining, and they again opened a small hotel, which up to the year 18S1 was the favorite stopping place for many of Springfield's most influential citizens. The hotel will be remembered by many as the Kelley House. The domestic life of Air. and Airs. Kelley was ideal, and Airs. Kelley's death occurred only a few hours after that of her husband, in January, 1914.

Their son. Prof. Edwin H. Kelley, has long been one of Springfield's best known musicians. He was born in this city on October 16, 1865, and here he grew to manhood and received his education in the local ward and high schools. By nature he is both a musician and an artist, and during his school days here he became well known for his fine drawings. In 1891 he went to Leipsic. Germany, and studied music under Hans Sitt. a famous instructor of the Royal Conservatory of Music of that city, remaining there several years, making an excellent record. While abroad. Prof. Kelley studied art during the summer months in the studio of Martin Laemuel, a distinguished artist of Germany, who has since remained a very warm friend of Prof. Kelley. The latter made many paintings in water color while a Student in Germany. They were all from life, and each one of them has a history in themselves. They show unmistakable talent, and have been admired by all who have bad the privilege of seeing them. Returning to America in [895, be was appointed musical director at the did Normal school in Springfield, which position he held two years. Since then he has been one of the instructors in music at Drury College at two different periods. He now devotes his attention exclusively to his studio in the Masonic Temple building in this city and has a large number of pupils constantly. lie teacher the violin, on which instrument he is exceptionally proficient.

Prof. Kelley was married in Leipsic, Germany, February 14. [895, shortly before his return to the United States, to Marguerite Kneip. a mem- I er of a prominent old family of Leipsic, where she was reared ami educated. This union has been blessed by the birth of two children, namely: Elizabeth, horn on December [3, [895, received a common school education in the local waul and high schools, and is a member of Christ Episcopal church, in which she was baptized when a child: Alice was born on February 5, [902, and is now in the eighth grade in the public schools and has made excellent records in all her work.

Prof. Kelley and wife are members of Christ Episcopal church, and he belongs to the Springfield Musicians' Union, also the Springfield Musical Club.

James D. Van Bibber

The late James D. \ an Bibber, was a well-known man throughout Greene county during a past generation, having been clerk of the county court for a period of twelve years, and long a successful merchant and agriculturist in the northern end of the county. He will long be remembered in this locality as a man of public-spirit, comprehensive ideas and as a man of honest impulses and genial and sociable personality.

Mr. Van Bibber was born on May 3, 1828, at Liberty, Clay county, Missouri. He sprang from old Colonial stock of Holland Dutch ancestry - three brothers, sea captains - coming to America from Holland in the early part of the seventeenth century, and located in New York and Virginia, and were among the early founders of the country. Joseph Van Bibber, grandfather of our subject, was born in Virginia from which state he moved to Missouri in 1800 with his family and settled in Callaway county, in the wilderness. He married a Miss Irwin, of Irish stock. He owned a large tract of land and passed the remainder of his days in Callaway county. He was the father of seven children, namely: Lucinda, Minerva, Melissa, Joseph, Irwin, Erank and Daniel. Joseph Van Bibber, son of above and father of our subject, was born in Greenbriar county, Virginia, in 1797 and was but three years old when brought by his parents to Callaway county, Missouri, and was, therefore, reared in this state, received a common education and was a gunsmith by trade and employed by the United States government at Libert)-, Missouri, when there was an Indian agency at that point. He married in St. Charles county, Missouri, Susan Boone, a daughter of Nathan and Olive (Van Bibber ) Boone. Nathan Boone was the son of the most famous of all pioneers - Daniel Boone, of Kentucky. It will be remembered that this noted hunter and Indian fighter moved to Missouri about 1795 and settled in St. Charles county, having been preceded by his son. Daniel. Morgan Boone came a few years previously. Nathan, who came in 1800, was born in Kentucky in 1781 and married there before he was twenty-one years of age. and he and his wife became the parents of thirteen children, twelve of whom lived to be married men and women, namely: James, Jeremiah, Delinda, Susan, Olive, Nancy, Benjamin H., John C, Levica, Melcena, Mary, Sarah and Mahala. Mr. Boone resided cfn his farm in St. Charles county until 1834. He was a captain in the Dragoon service of the United States army and stationed at Fort Leaven- worth many years. He was engaged in the early Indian troubles, and resigned when he became an aged man, being lieutenant-colonel at the time. In 1834 he moved to Greene county and settled on land near Ash Grove which he purchased from the government, several hundred acres, and here he passed the remainder of his days, an honored citizen, and reached the age of seventy-five years.

After his marriage Joseph Van Bibber lived at Liberty until 1832, when he went to Arkansas and settled in Randolph county, in the wilderness, and was one of the first settlers in that county, and was one of the surveyors who laid out the town of Pocahontas, the county-seat of that county, and there he died at the age of forty-two years, and his wife died a few years previously. They were the parents of four children who lived to grow up, namely: Letitia, James D., Sarah and Emulus C.

James D. Van Bibber, subject of this memoir, was left an orphan when he was thirteen years of age. after which he lived with his grandfather, Col. Nathan Boone, at Ash Grove, until between fifteen and sixteen years of age, when he began to work out for himself. He worked and paid his tuition at a subscription school, and attended school at Springfield two terms and thus gained a common education and began life in an industrial way as a clerk at Cave Spring, Greene county, later engaging in the mercantile business there for himself in which he built up a good trade and continued in this line of endeavor until the breaking out of the Civil war. He then purchasing until he owned about seven hundred acres, and lived on this land until 1862 when he came to Springfield and engaged in the mercantile business until the close of the war. In 1874 he was elected clerk of the county court, and held this office twelve years, being elected three times. He discharged the duties of the same in a manner that reflected much credit upon himself and to the satisfaction of all concerned. He owned a good farm just north of the city limits of Springfield which he sold in 1887 and bought two hundred and forty-three acres upon which he built a large residence. He spent the rest of his life engaged successfully in general agricultural pursuits.

Air. Wan Bibber was married in 1854 at the age of twenty-six years, to Caroline Staley, daughter of Ufred and Lucinda (Brower) Staley. Alfred Staley was born in North Carolina where he spent his earlier years and from that state he emigrated to Missouri in 1846 and settled in Greene count}'. In 1848 he went into the mercantile business at Cave Spring, where he was a prominent merchant until his death in 1853.

Politically, Mr. Van Bibber was a Democrat, and fraternally he belonged to the Masonic Order, being a member of O'Sullivan Lodge No. 7, of Walnut Grove, and held the office of secretary for three years. He was a man of high Christian character and when bis death occurred in 1909, sincere regret was expressed in the community in which he lived.

John Langsford

Perhaps two-thirds of the citizens of Springfield and Greene county are of English descent, but the percentage born in the British Isles is comparatively small. There is no marked difference - a slight peculiarity in accent and speech, maybe, is about all, and some words mean to an Englishman something a little different to what they may convey to the American, but they are not very man)-; and thus being so closely related in so many respects, so nearly resembling each other from a physical standpoint and our aims being about the same, it is well that the peoples of these, the two greatest nations on the face of the globe, should be friends and mix freely.

John Langsford, city sewer inspector of Springfield, is one of the Britons who has cast bis lot with the people of Greene county. Pie was born in the western part of England, June 24, 1862. He is a son of William and Mary Ann (Oliver) Langsford, both natives of England, the father's birth occurring in 1825. They both grew to maturity and received good educations in their native land, were married there and there spent their lives. The mother died when our subject was a small boy, about fifty years ago, after which the father married again, and he and his last wife have both been deceased some time. William Langsford was for many years connected with a great mining company for which he had charge of sinking shafts in northern England. His family consisted of three children, namely : Jane Ann, deceased; Charles, deceased; and John, of this review.

John Langsford was but a boy when he immigrated to the United States, and he received a meager schooling in the common schools of both countries, but educated himself for the most part. He located in Calumet, Houghton county, Michigan, where he worked for a copper mining company for a period of eighteen years, having had charge of the sinking of shafts, in fact, he continued to reside in Calumet for a period of about thirty years during which he was always engaged in the mining business, the various phases of which he knew thoroughly and was enabled thereby to make a good livelihood. In 1902 he left the Wolverine state and came to

Joplin. Missouri, in the lead and zinc mining district, and for some time had charge of two mines there, however, the following year he came to Springfield and took charge of the zinc mines near this city, remaining in this line of work until three years ago. In 1912 he was appointed sewer inspector of Springfield, which position he still holds, the duties of which he has discharged in a manner highly creditable to himself and to the satisfaction of all concerned.

Mr. Langsford was married on May 29, 1884, in Michigan, to Edith Harry, a native of England, from which country she emigrated with her parents to America when eight years of age. She is a daughter of Robert and Margaret (Trewella) Harry. The father was a mine operator. His death occurred some years ago, but Mrs. Harry is living in Calumet, Michigan. The wife of our subject grew to womanhood in Michigan and there received a common school education.

Five children, all living at this writing, have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Langsford, named as follows: Joshua, burn October 19, 1886, lives in Iowa City, Kansas, where he is superintendent of the United Iron Works, is married to Nina Potter and they have one child, Robert; Clara, born on April 17, 1888, lives at home; Margaret, born on May 27. 1891, is teaching school and lives at home; Lester R.. burn on June 2. [895, is a clerk in the Frisco offices in Springfield, and lives at home: John M., born on December 22, 1910.

Politically, Mr. Langsford votes independently. Fraternally, he is a member of the Masonic Order, Knights Templars, and the Ancient Arabic Order id' Nobles "t the Mystic Shrine. He ami his family are members of the Grace Methodist Episcopal church on South street.

The success that lias been attained by John E. Henshaw, general superintendent of the new Frisco shops in Springfield, in the mechanical world has been well deserved and his example is \\orth\ of emulation by the ambitious youth who would rise to the top of that vocation, for it indicates that merit alone, after all. wins the prizes in this uncertain human existence, especially is this true in our great republic of the West, where positions of responsibility and adequate financial reward are open to all who are worthy to fill them, regardless of birth, rank, station or caste.

Mr. Henshaw is of English descent and has inherited many of the sterling traits of that noble race. He was born in Port Huron. Michigan, January 2j, 1867. He is a son of John and Ann 1 Hilton ) Henshaw. both natives of Manchester, England, the birth of the father having occurred in 1837.

and the mother was born in 1839. There they grew to maturity, were educated in the common schools and were married in i860. When only a little over nine wars of age the father of our subject began working in the mines in his native land, helped to shoe horses, and finally became an expert blacksmith which trade he followed until he left England for America in 1861. lie and bis wife located first in New York, and he secured employment in the Brooklyn navy yard, and worked on the old Alabama, which warship was brought there for repairs during the Civil war. In [866 he left New ^i ork for Michigan, and went to work in a marine shop, but later worked for George F. Pullman in the first Pullman car shops built in that state. In 1X70 he secured employment with the Chicago & Grand Trunk Railway in Port Huron, that state, as hammer man and blacksmith. In 1881 he removed with his family to Detroit where he again secured employment with the Pullman company, with which he remained there for about ten years, then worked for the Detroit. Grand Haven & Milwaukee Railroad in its shops at Detroit until 1891. In 1897 he moved to Topeka, Kansas, where be went to work for the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad Company as blacksmith. In December, 1900, he came to Springfield and worked as spring maker in the Frisco shops, and remained in charge of that department in the north side shops until he retired from active life July 1. 1904, and is now living in quiet in his cozy home in this city. He gave eminent satisfaction in all the positions he held, for he was regarded by his employers as an expert in his trade and a man that could always lie relied upon implicitly, who was faithful and conscientious in all his work. He became a well-read man and still keeps well up with the times on current topics. He is one of the oldest members of the Independent ( )rder of Odd Fellows in Missouri, if not in the United States, having joined that order when twenty years old, in 1857. in Manchester, England, the lodge being known as the Manchester Unity. Politically be is a Democrat, and has long been active in political matters. His wife was called to her eternal rest on August 3, 190J. To these parents three children were born, namely: Jane is deceased; Tilly is also deceased, and John E. of this review.

John E. Henshaw received a common school education in Port Huron and Detroit. Michigan, also attended a business school in Detroit, known as the Goldsmith, Bryant & Stratton University, later attended a school for drawing in that city. Following in the footsteps of his father he became a machinist by trade, and has worked in many different shops, and, being a keen observer, has gained many new ideas in each place he has worked until today he is one of the most highly skilled men in his line in the country and is a man of progressive and advanced ideas. He has worked his way up from the bottom rung of the ladder until today he stands at the top. He came to Springfield, Missouri, in 1900 as pit foreman in the north side

I 568 Greexe County, Missouri

Frisco shops, later was gang foreman, also erecting foreman, and on June 25, 1909, was made general foreman of the Springfield shops. On October 7, 1910, he became superintendent of the new shops which position he still holds, and is discharging his duties in a manner that is reflecting much credit upon himself and to the eminent satisfaction of all concerned.

Mr. Henshaw was married on January 11, 1894, in Detroit, Michigan, to Florence Breitemeyer, who was born in that city in June, 1877, and there reared and educated. She is a daughter of Charles and Alary 1 Aames) Breitemeyer. Her grandfather was the oldest German ilorist in Detroit at that time.

Many elements contribute to the development of a country, but no one thing plays SO large a part as sterling worth and character, ft is to the rugged, steadfast men and women who come into its domain that any country must look for its progress, and it is most often the plain, blunt men of business and every-day affairs who most affect a country's history. One of the most extensive farmers in the southwestern part of Greene county is John Aar onnell, who grew up just after the (nil war. Through the years that have pasesd since then, his life has been a busy and fruitful one. ami he has played an important part in the affairs of the community during the nmst important period of its development, lie is one of our b examples of a successful self-made man.

.Mr. McConnell was born on South street, Springfield, .Missouri, April 17. [865. lie is a m 'ii of Thomas C. and Hannah B. I Bledsoe) McConnell, who emigrated to Springfield from Tennessee during the Civil war. and in this city the father maintained a grocery store until r868, when he removed to Granby, Missouri, where, shortly afterward he was accidentally killed. Our subject was at that time less than two years old, and his mother removed with him to Christian county to make their future home, with Mrs. McConnell's parents, who resided on a farm in that county, and there our subject spent his early boyhood. When eight years of age his mother married again, her last husband being James Holderby. a Baptist minister at Wilson (reek, where our subject lived until he was fifteen years old. leaving home at that time to work out as a farm hand. He had little opportunity to obtain an education, but this lack in his early life has been subsequently made up for by wide home reading until he has become a well informed man on current topics and important movements in the world's affairs. Saving his money when a lad he was enabled to purchase his first land, forty acres, in Brookline township, Greene county, when twenty-four years of age. He was not onlv a hard worker, but a good manager as well, and, prospering with advanceing years, he added to his original purchase until he owned a fraction less than nine hundred acres of valuable land. He has given each of his three children forty acres, and the use of eighty each out of his ranch, the rest he keeps well improved and well cultivated and engages in general farming and stock raising on a large scale, being regarded by his neighbors as one of the progressive agriculturists of the county. He has a large and well furnished home and numerous good barns and outbuildings in general, and an excellent grade of live stock of all kinds may be seen on his place. All this is the result of close application and honest dealings with his fellow men as well as the exercise of sound judgment. About three hundred acres of his land embraces the Wilson Creek battlefield, a part of historic "Bloody Ridge" where the greatest slaughter took place being on his land, and the home that he occupies at the present time is the one where the body of Gen. Nathaniel Lyon, commander-in-chief of the Union army, was laid out soon after he was killed about noon on the day of the battle. Mr. McConnell has a number of relics picked up on the battlefield which he takes a pride in exhibiting. Mr. McConnell handles a number of car loads each season of cattle, hogs and grain.

He raised two hundred and fifty acres of wheat in 1914 that averaged over twenty-three bushels to the acre. In 1915 he had about the same acreage, with about sixty acres of corn. His farm is second to none in the county.

Mr. McConnell was married in December, 1885, to Mollie Keltner, a daughter of George and Martha Keltner, of Republic, this county. She was born in Greene county and here grew to womanhood and was educated in the common schools. She proved to be an excellent helpmeet and when her death occurred in 1902 she was greatly missed by her neighbors who knew her for a woman of the finest character and noble impulses.

To our subject and wife the following children were born: Josephus married Minnie Hagwood, lives in Brookline township and they have three children. Earl, Virgil and Elsie; Bessie married William McElhanv. of Brookline township, and they have two children, Gladys and Glen; Myrtle married Robert McClure, of Republic towmship, and they have one child, Eva ; a son died in infancy, unnamed.

Benjamin Bowman

It requires men of peculiar temperament to be successful railroad conductors. There are many who have spent several decades, perhaps, in railroad service who are still utterly unfit to take charge of a passenger train, although they may he quite capable in some other specific line of railroading. Among other attributes essential to a successful conductor are fortitude, patience, quickness of perception and coolness of temper, also a steady nerve; for one is often called upon without an instant's warning to meet trying and exacting situations. One of the trusted and popular conductors on the Frisco lines is Benjamin Bowman, who has been with this company for over fifteen years and in the railroad service for a period of thirty-three years; having had varied experience in different parts of the country.

Mr. Bowman was born on February 27, 1865, in Shelby county. Illinois. He is a son of Harrison and Sarah ( Yarbroughj Bowman, the father born in the old Keystone state of Pennsylvania Dutch stock, and the mother was a native of Kentucky. The former, whose birth occurred in 1839, is still living in Shelby county, Illinois. He was a successful farmer during his active life, but is now living in retirement in the town of Cowden. The mother of our subject died when he was about six years of age. To these parents five children were born, namely: Mary. John \\\. Benjamin, Joe is deceased ; and James.

Benjamin Bowman grew to manhood on the home farm in Illinois where he worked hard when a b<>v, and there he received a limited education in the public schools. In 1881 he began his career as a railroader in the Burlington shops at Beardstown, Illinois, hut a little later he began as brakeman tor the same road and continued in this capacity until 1885, when he was promoted to freight conductor. In 1887 he went to Temple, Texas, and went to work as freight conductor for the Santa Fe road, about two years later he was promoted to passenger conductor, his run being from Temple to Galveston. Leaving the Santa Fe road in 1895 he went to work tor the Missouri, Kansas & Texas out of Houston, Texas. About ten months later he went to Mexico, and ran a train for the Mexican Central railroad out of San Luis Potosi. Later he went to Vera Cruz, where he remained nine or ten months, in charge of a mixed train on the Inter Oceanic Railroad, then went to Salatio, Mexico, and worked on the Mexican National railroad, having a mixed run. After remaining in the land of the ancient Montezumas until 1898 he save up his position there and came to Springfield, Missouri and secured employment with the Frisco as freight conductor in which capacity he worked a few years then was given a passenger run between Springfield and St. Louis which he has retained tor 1 be past eleven years.

Mr. Bowman was married on January 30, 1889. in Sealy, Texas, to Lillie Harvey, who was born on a plantation in the Lone Star state, and there she was reared and educated. Her death occurred on December 27, 1909.

To Air. and Mrs. Bowman four children were born, namely : Bennie, the eldest daughter, was born on May 3, 1894; Gordon, born on September I3> J895; Chester, born September 1, 1904; Virginia, born on October 30, 1908.

In May, 191 1, Mr. Bowman was married a second time, his last wife being known in her girlhood as Sarah Willia. She was born in Mobile, Alabama, February 27, [882, and is the daughter of a physician. She grew up under the environments of a Southern home and she had excellent educational advantages. To this union of our subject and wife one child has been born, Lois, whose birth occurred on January 3, 1912.

Politically, Mr. Bowman is a Democrat. He is an Episcopalian in his religious affiliations, and fraternally is a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and also holds membership in Division No. 321 brotherhood of Railway Conductors. He lives in Denning Place, on the north side of the citv.

James W. Fitch

James W. Fitch was born on the J2t\ of March, 1865, in St. Clair county, Illinois. His father was John L. Fitch and his mother Mary J. (Owen) Fitch. Mr. Fitch, Sr., was burn in Wyoming county, New York in 1831. He was a graduate of Rochester College of Rochester, New York, and began his life as a school teacher, following that profession for about five years. Later he became a farmer, locating in Wisconsin for some years. Afterward he moved to Illinois, where he met and married his wife. Here he was a flour miller for some time, and then returned to his native state of New York in 1870.

The family afterward immigrated to Christian county, Missouri, and so settled near Billings. To this pair were born five children : James W., Clarence E., who lives in Chicago; Henry L., of Joplin, Missouri; Jennie (Davis); and Etta M. (Norman). John L. Fitch, the father, died at Eureka Springs, Arkansas, in 1882. His wife died in Billings in 1909.

James W. Fitch got his schooling in Wyoming county, New \rork, and there learned and followed the trade of a plasterer for a time. But in 1887 he found employment with the Frisco as a fireman, and began the life that he has followed ever since. His first run was on a freight train between Springfield and Pierce City. That year he moved to Springfield, and has

In 1892 he became a freight engineer, running from Springfield to Newburg. He stuck to his business and in 1906 was promoted to a regular passenger run, between Springfield and Fort Smith, Arkansas. On this responsible run he is one of the best known and most trusted engineers.

Air. Fitch married on October 18, 1888. Margaret A. Popp, who was born in Bavaria, Germany, November 9, 186S. She immigrated with her parents to Monee, Will county, Illinois, and afterward came to Billings, Christian county, Missouri. Here Mr. Popp spent the remainder of his life on a farm where his wife still survives him.

.Mrs. Fitch passed away on April 19, 1912, leaving one daughter. Edna M., born on August 25. 1891, and who is her father's housekeeper. The mother was a member of the Episcopal church and an active church worker. Politically, Mr. Fitch is a Republican and fraternally, he belongs to the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. He is also a member of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers.

Alfred H. Van Bibber

Even though every other condition ma}- be exactly right, even to the weather, farmers are beginning to learn that the success of any crop, whatever the kind, depends upon the seed. An increasing proportion of farmers do not think of planting their corn without first testing the seed thoroughly; but how about the clover, the garden seeds, and so on through the list? The tiller of the soil is learning that he ran not afford to run the risk of poor seed with them any more than with the corn. It is not hard nor does it take much time to sprout one hundred or less seeds of most kinds. Then you know instead of guessing. This and many other phases of advanced agriculture has been learned by Alfred H. Van Bibber, a farmer of Campbell township, Greene county.

Mr. Van Bibber was born on May 17. 1858, at Cave Spring, in the northern part of Greene county, Missouri, and when a small boy moved to Springfield and a few years later moved to the old home place where he now lives. He received a practical education in the district schools, starting farming when twenty-one years old. He is a son of James D. and Caroline (Staley) Van Bibber. The father was born in Clay county, Missouri, in 1828, and the mother was born in North Carolina, in 1837. She immigrated with her parents to Greene county, Missouri, in an early day and here she has since made her home, and is still living on the homestead, now advanced in years. James D. Van Bibber grew up on the farm and received a limited education in the old subscription schools in which his wife was also educated. His father, Joseph Van Bibber, was one of the earliest settlers of Clay county, Missouri, he and his wife having removed there from Virginia. James D. Van Bibber received sufficient education to enable him to teach school for some time when a young man. lie moved from Clay county to Arkansas and later to Creene county, being about sixteen years old when coming here, and for some time engaged in mercantile pursuits in Springfield. In 1874 he was elected to the office of county clerk of Greene county, and the fact that lie was re-elected several times, serving in all twelve years, would indicate that he was a man of ability and discharged his duties faithfully ami satisfactorily. He was a merchant for several years, and later purchased a farm near Cave Spring, Iowa, in 1887, established the family home of two hundred and forty acres in North Campbell township. His death occurred in 1909. Politically, he was a Democrat and was influential in the affairs of his party. Fraternally, he was a member of the .Masonic Order. He was a man well informed on current topics and led a useful and upright life, leaving behind him a host of friends.

Only two children were born to James D. Van Bibber and wife, namely: Alfred H., of this sketch; and Laura Belle, who has remained single and is living at home with her mother.