Greene County, Missouri - Biographical sketches, 1915 (part 2 of 29)

John M. Cowan, of this sketch, grew to manhood in Montgomery county, Indiana, where his parents removed soon after his birth, locating near Crawfordsville, where he received his early education in the common schools, later attending Wabash College there, from which institution he was graduated with the class of 1842 with the degree of Bachelor of Arts, the degree of Master of Arts being conferred on him later by that college. As before stated he has been the oldest living graduate from that school for many years, it having been seventy-two years, more than the Psalmist's allotted life for a man, since our subject received his degree there. Deciding upon a legal career he then entered the law department of the University of Indiana, from which he was also graduated in 1845. Immediately thereafter he began practicing law at Frankfort, Clinton county. Indiana, and became one of the leading lawyers in western Indiana, enjoying an extensive and lucrative practice. He was judge of the eighth judicial circuit in Indiana for a period of twelve vears, the duties of which responsible position he discharged in a manner that reflected much credit upon himself and to the eminent satisfaction of all concerned, his long retention being sufficient criterion of his efficiency and popularity. His decisions were noted for their profound knowledge of the basic principles of jurisprudence and for an unbiased fairness to all parties concerned, and they seldom met reversal at the hands of higher tribunals. lie held this office from [858 until 1S70. Retiring from the bench he resumed the practice of law. entering into partnership with Thomas M. Patterson, who eventually became a United States senator from the state of Colorado. Subsequently our subject formed a partnership with lion. M. I). White and his second sun. James 1'. K. Cowan. He carried on his practice with greater success and popularity than ever until 1881, when he retired from the profession owing very largely to his wife's failing health, and he and his wife removed to Springfield, Missouri, in search of a better climate. Col. W. D. Crothers, an old-time friend, having settled in the Ozarks, which country he pronounced decidedly healthful, was instrumental in bringing the Judge here. Soon thereafter, our subject purchased the old Murray farm, two miles south of Springfield, one of the finest and must desirable farms in dreene count}, and he became one of our largest agriculturists and stock men. In (889, Judge Cowan built an attractive city home on South Jefferson street, and he purchased The Springfield Republican, which his two sons. James and William, edited and managed successfully for some time. The Judge was a pioneer in the development of Walnut street as a business center, which has rapidly gained on the other business centers during the past few years until it bids fair to soon surpass all competitors.

Judge Cowan was married at Stockwell, Indiana, November 13, 1845, t0 Harriet Doubleday Janney, who was born July 29, 1826, and was a daughter of Abel and Margaret (Porter) Janney. She was a descendant of a Quaker family of that name in Virginia, and her maternal ancestors were from the Porter family of Lancaster county. Pennsylvania and the Judahs of Switzerland. Mrs. Cowan was a woman of strong intellect and many estimable characteristics. She was called to her eternal rest. June 28, 1905.

To Judge Cowan and wife the following children were born: Edward Howard Cowan, born December 21, [846, was graduated from Wabash College. Crawfordsville, Indiana, with the degree of Bachelor of Arts, later received the degree of Doctor of Medicine from Miami Medical College; he married, November [3, 1877. Lucy L. Avars: they live at Crawfordsville, where he is a successful physician, and they have had two children, John Avars Cowan, horn August 11, 1880. died September 27, 189] ; Elizabeth L. Cowan, born June jr. 1884, is a teacher of domestic science in the high school at Crawfordsville. Indiana. James Porter Ellis Cowan, second son of the Judge, was born October 20, 1848; he received the degrees of Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts from Wabash College (was the first grandchild of that institution); he is a special pension examiner in Washington, I). C. lie married, first, Louana Burnett, January 30. 1N73, and to this union was born Harriet Janney Cowan, November 12, 1873. She married Lewis T. Gilliland, November T3, iqoo; they live in Portland, Oregon, and have one child, Maxwell Porter Gilliland, horn August [5, 1901. James P. E. Cowan's second marriage was on December 31, 1883, to Lalula R. Bennett, and to this union three children were born, Janet L. Cowan, horn July 7, 1885; Mary Bennett Cowan, horn July 20, [888; \nna J. Cowan, horn August 18, 1891 : they all three live at Marietta, Ohio. Laura Anna Cowan, third child of Judge Cowan and wife, was born March 14, 1851, was educated at Glendale Female College in Ohio, lives in Springfield, Missouri, is a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution and Daughters of the War of 1812: she married on February 16, 1876, Allen Trimble Blaine, who was born November 13. 1846, and died April 26, 1880. He was a soldier in the Seventy-fourth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, later veteranized and was a member of the Twenty-second Indiana Volunteer Infantry; to Mr. and Mrs. Blaine was born Mary Maxwell Blaine, October 3, 1877; she was graduated from Drury College with the degree of Bachelor of Science in 1898, and Master of Arts from the University of Pennsylvania in 1900. She lives in New York City: was married February 14, 1906, to Rudyard S. Uzzell, who is an A. B. and a member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity from the University of Denver; to Mr. and Mrs. Rudyard LTzzell two children have been born, William Cowan LTzzell, born January 14, 1910; and Rudyard S. Uzzell, Jr., born June 26. 1912. John William Cowan, the youngest

Judge Cowan was formerly a strong Whig and later just as strong a Republican. He has been a life-long Presbyterian. He is a member of the Society of Colonial Wars, and is a member of the Sons of the American Revolution. -Although past his four score years he is hale and hearty and as active as many men at fifty. He is a grand character and is beloved by all who know him.

Rowan E. M. Mack

Another of the successful business men of Springfield who is a native of Greene county, where he has been content to spend his life, is Rowan E. M. Mack, well known groceryman. Much of his active life has been spent in agricultural pursuits, alternated with the grocery business, and in each he has made a pronounced success, owing to his willingness to closely apply himself to his affairs, lead an honest life and depend upon himself rather than waiting for others to assist him or for fate, to provide for him.

Mr. Mack was born in this county. May 11, 1865. He is a son of William L. ami \rmenta (Dew) Mack. The father was born in Tennessee in [832, and the mother's birth occurred in that state in 1836. They were brought to Greene count}-. Missouri, by their parents in the early forties and here they grew up. attended school and were married. William L. Mack was by nature a fine penman and was a well read man for his day and generation and was influential in his community. His earlier life was devoted to farming and stock raising, but he quit the farm upon being appointed deputy sheriff under Jack Potter, and removed lii- family to Springfield. Later he served as deputy under Probate Judge W. A. Lincoln for a period of eight years. He gave entire satisfaction in both these positions. He was always a strong Republican in his political affiliations, Ill- family consisted of six children, four of whom are living at this writing, namely: Maude E. is deceased; lona i- deceased; Rowan E. M., of this sketch: Caddy S., IMward W. and Lilly.

Rowan E. M. Mack is an excellent example of a -elf-made man. He received only about six months' schooling, but he has made up for this lack of early training by wide home study, and is now a well informed man. He assisted hi- father with the general work on the farm when he was a boy, being eighteen years old when he removed to Springfield. Here he worked in various stores, in each of which he sought to learn something of what was going on about him, so when he was only twenty years of age he was enabled to launch out in the grocery business for himself, in a location at the corner of South and Walnut streets. However, after five years in this line he decided to return to farming, and for five years tilled the soil near this city, then came back to Springfield and engaged in the grocery business five years, after which he engaged in farming again for four years. On February 28, 1904. he opened a grocer\ store at his present location, corner of High and Grant streets, and the fact that he has remained here ten years indicates that he has been successful and has enjoyed a good trade all the while. He has a well arranged and neat store and carries a large stock of Staple and fancy groceries, also a large line of teed.

.Mr. .Mack was married <>\i July _'4. 1800, in Springfield, to Norma E. Dutton, a daughter of H. J. and Louise ( Brinsdon ) Dutton. She was born in Cedar county. Missouri. June 22, 1N71. Her father was one of the earlyday merchants in Springfield.

Mr. Alack owns his store building and also a comfortable and substantial home nearby. lie also owns three farms, two of which arc located in Polk county, the other in Greene. His farms in Polk county consist of three hundred and twenty acres, which he is maintaining as stock I arms.

Politically, he is a Republican. Fraternally, he belongs to the Modern Woodmen, the Modern Brotherhood and the Knights and Ladies of Security. He and his wife are members of Woodland Heights Presbyterian church.

Edward Swayzee Finch

One of Greene county's well known and successful business men is Edward Swavzee Finch, manager of the Metropolitan Hotel, Springfield, for a decade in its early history, later operator of a large farm and now conducting a big store in Ash Grove. His earlier history in the wild West reads like an adventure story and as a soldier in the war between the states he proved himself a man of courage, but like thousands of his comrades he has laid aside all animosity. For in the fulness of time there has been blotted from the bosoms of men all sentiment toward men of another section. No longer do we measure prejudice by the metes and bounds of a river of imaginary lines. Those who fought and won. and those who fought and lost have mutual admiration for the courage and patriotism of the other. The very issues of the contest have almost passed from memory. Today one can not tell whether the boy who wears the uniform of a united country came from a sire who wore the blue or the gray. In these uncertain days, when there are rumors of war. there is no question as to who will do his duty when the clouds have lowered and the reign of death begins. There is no suspicion in the minds of men that any one section of our land will sulk, but from every point of the compass will come the men of stout hearts and ringing patriotism to redeem from insult the common banner of a common people.

Mr. Finch was born in Columbus, Ohio, February 2, 1849. He is a son of Wallace M. and Martha (Comstock) Finch. Wallace M. Finch was born in Maryland in 1820, and was a son of Mathew Finch and wife. Mathew Finch was also a native of Maryland but removed from there to New York where he followed contracting until his death. He was a captain during the war of 1812, and his father was a captain in the Revolutionary war. When a young man Wallace M. Finch went to Chillicothe, Ohio, and began in the mercantile business in a small way, later establishing himself in Columbus, where he became a very successful wholesale merchant. He retired from business on account of ill health in 1857 and until his death spent his winters in the South and summers in the North. His death occurred in 1863. Politically he was a Whig and during the last few years of his life a Republican. He was a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Episcopal church. He and Martha Comstock were married about 1845. She was born in 1X26 in Columbus, Ohio, and died in 1903.

Edward S. Finch left Columbus, Ohio, when seven years of age. He received common school education and later was a student at Racine College, Racine. Wisconsin. In December. 1863, he enlisted in Company I, Second Wisconsin Cavalry, and saw considerable hard service in the South, proving to be a courageous and gallant soldier. He was wounded in the battle of Black River in the right arm. and later was again wounded in the same place while on patrol duty. He was honorably discharged in August, 1865. After the war he attended a commercial school for some time, then went to Richmond, Indiana, where he worked in the office of a wholesale grocery company as shipping clerk, also salesman. He then went to Mexico, Missouri, where he engaged in the grocery business in 1872-3. then came to Springfield, this state, where he worked as clerk in the Metropolitan Hotel tor six months, then spent five years on the western frontier as a miner, prospector, stage-driver anil lie was the first sheriff of Ouray county, Colorado, when it required a man of nerve, tact and courage to fill such an office. He had many thrilling and interesting experiences (hiring his career in the West. He came back to Springfield in the spring of 1879, his mother having purchased a two-thirds interest in the Metropolitan Hotel, our subject later purchasing the remaining third. The hotel building he operated successfully for a period of ten years, during which it was one of the most popular and best appointed hostelries in southwest Missouri. In 1889 ne left the hotel and engaged in the real estate business, and to him and others is due the credit of opening the Pickwick addition and securing the Elm street car line and also the Old Normal School. And for many years he was identified with every movement for the upbuilding of Springfield and a large contributor to the same. In 1896 he traded his interests in Springfield for the old Gates farm, Greene county, and engaged in general agricultural pursuits nn a large scale until K)i4 when he purchased the Smith Brothers' store in Ash Grove which he is now conducting and is enjoying a large trade. He carries a complete line of merchandise, everything found in an up-to-date store of this kind. By his fair dealings and courtesy he has not only retained the customers which the store formerly had but is securing new ones constantly. He employs a number of capable assistants, and his store would be a credit to cities much larger than Ash Grove He was one of the ten men who signed the guaranty that brought the "Gulf shops" to Springfield.

Mr. Finch was married on October 26, 1889, to Brella Sherwood, who was born in Springfield, Missouri. She received a good education. She is a daughter of Judge T. A. and Mary E. (Young) Sherwood, one of the prominent old families of Greene county.

To Mr. and Mrs. Finch six children have been born, namely : Mary, wife of \\". A. Hennington, lives in Springfield; Martha, who is a stenographer and student in the State Normal school at Springfield; Florence is at home; Constance is also a student in the State Normal; Elenore and Adele are both at home.

Politically. Mr. Finch is a Democrat. He belongs to Capt. John Matthews post. Grand Army of the Republic at Springfield. Religiously, he is an Episcopalian. He is one of the active and prominent Masons in this part of the state. He was made a Master Mason in 1881 in Solomon Lodge, and has now demited to the Ash Grove Lodge. He is a member of the Chapter, Royal Arch Masons, and St. John's Commandery No. 20, Knights Templar, which he was captain general for ten years, then was eminent commander for some time and again became captain general. He also belongs to Abou Ben Adhem Temple, Ancient Arabic Order of Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, and at this writing is captain of patrol and has been for ten years. By his daily life he seems to strive, in an unobtrusive manner, to inculcate the sublime principles of Masonry, and his example as a man and citizen might well be emulated by the vouth whose characters are vet in the making.

The annals of Greene county do not present to the historian a name mure worthy of laudation than that of the late William McKerall, a hue type of the old-time chivalrous Southern gentleman, one of the largest land owners of this county for many years and in his earlier career a lawyer of distinction and a soldier of talent, having been a West Point product and an officer in the Mexican war. His life was one of hard study and unselfish industry, whose laborious professional duties in the various relations in which he was placed, led to a high position in the esteem of the public, which gave evidence that the qualities which he possessed afforded the means of distinction under a system of government in which places of honor and usefulness are open to all who may be found worthy of them, lie passed over the troubled sea of life like a galleon through the phosphorescent Spanish Main, leaving in its wake a pathway of illuminating radiance.

Mr. McKerall was born in Orange county, North Carolina, lune 17, [824. He was a sun of John Wilson McKerall and Lorena McKerall. a prominent old family of the Carolinas. The father of our subject was born at Norfolk, Virginia, in 1771. His father was a Scotch sailor and was lost at sea. I luring John McKerall's early life, his folks moved to North Carolina and his mother was married to a man by the name of Childs. While Mr. McKerall was in Tennessee attending to business, the children of his mother's second marriage, influenced his creditor- to push their claims, which they did. and John McKerall lost bis entire estate, lie was a lawyer but gave up bis practice late in life and was recorder in Orange county. North Carolina. He was commander of a company in the War of 1812. His sister was the wife of one of the governors of North Carolina. Tohn McKerall died of apoplexy in 1834 on the way from bis borne to bis office in Hillsboro.

Our subjecl grew to manhood and attended school in Orange county, North Carolina. When sixteen years of age he entered West Point Military Academy and was in the same class with Winfield S. Hancock, who became a famous general and was called the "hero of Gettysburg." Owing to failing health, our subject was compelled to leave West Point before he finished the course. He returned to his home in North Carolina and later entered Caldwell Institute. When the Mexican war began, he enlisted as a volunteer and was elected first lieutenant of Company E, in a North Carolina regiment. Later he was promoted to captain. On one occasion he commanded a detachment on escort and conducted a supply train one hundred and eighty miles without loss or mishap. He was a most capable and faithful officer, trusted and admired alike by bis men and' superior officers. He was honorably discharged at Old Point Comfort, Virginia. He then took up the study of law and settled in Louisiana, and practiced his profession in Texas for some time, moving to Waco in 1854. After a successful career at the bar, lie engaged in merchandising and raising cattle on a large scale. The same year he was appointed to till an unexpired term as chief justice of McLennan county, Texas. He discharged his judicial duties in a manner that reflected much credit upon himself and to the eminent satisfaction of all concerned.

Our subject was married twice, his first wife being a Miss Sedbury and tn their union two children were horn, Nannie and William. In the summer of 1868 he came to Greene county, Missouri, and married Mrs. Alary Roan (Danforth) Campbell, widow of Capt. John Al. Campbell. She was horn February 22, 1838, and was reared and educated in Greene county. She was the daughter of J. F. and Latitia Danforth. Her first husband, 1 apt. John Al. Campbell, was burn in Springfield, November 17, 1832. When fifteen years old, he joined the Cnited Stales army when the Mexican war began and served in that conflict with credit, taking part in a number if engagements, His father was also a soldier in that war, at the close of which, the latter was made bearer of dispatches to Washington City. The < 'ampbells were honorably discharged al the close of the war. Five children were burn to Mis- William Mekerall by her marriage with Captain Campbell, namely: Louisa. Argyle and John, all deceased; Finley lives in California; ami Airs. Mary Schaffer lives in New Mexico.

In the union of our subject and wife, four children were born, Josiah Danforth is living in Greene county; Fannie Elizabeth, widow of Thos. Jackson Bennett, who died November 8, 1013. lie was a native of Dallas county ami was a farmer and capitalist. Airs. Bennett is living on the homestead with her mother. Daisy is the wife of Jei O'Kino, to whom she was married December 19, 1913.. He is a graduate of the Imperial University of Tokio and is a gentleman of rare ability. Airs. O'Kino is also making her home with her mother; and John Wilson, who is the youngest of the family. After the marriage of our subject and wife, they settled 011 land inherited by Airs. McKerall, northeast of Springfield. Air. McKerall prospered as a general farmer and stockman and at one time owned seven hundred acres of valuable land in this county and for vears ranked among our most progressive men of affairs and influential and honored citizens. The house in which the widow and her two daughters reside was built in 1849 and is of the Colonial type.

Politically, William ATcKerall was a Democrat. He was a member of the Alasonic Order and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He belonged to the Methodist Episcopal church. Personally, lie was a scholarly,, broad-minded, gentleman of never-failing courtesy.

Lemuel C. Ricketts

In pioneer days when farming implements and machinery were of the crudest kind, requiring a goodly supply of both muscle and grit to use them to advantage, brawn, more than brains, was needed in the business of farming, in order to rescue the fertile soils from the wilderness of forest and prairie growth. In these modern days of worn and worn-out soils and the abandoned farm, with the most improved labor-saving farm machinery, the business of farming needs brains more than brawn, that our soils may be rescued from the wilderness and desert or wasted fertility that has stifled and depleted them. One of the farmers of Jackson township, Greene county, who is evidently intelligently applying himself to his vocation, is Lemuel C. Ricketts, who not only uses his brains, but is a hard worker with his hands, and therefore has succeeded.

Mr. Ricketts was born in Fairfield count}, ( >hio, November 3, 1873. He is a son of Jesse M. B. and Othelia (Chaney) Ricketts, both natives of that county and state also, each born near the town of Carroll, the father's birth having occurred in 1819. There they spent their earlier years and attended the common schools. Jesse M. B. Ricketts also went to school in Columbus. Ohio, studied law. and later practiced his profession at Einley and Lancaster, that state, with success. He retired from his professional life at the age of sixty-five years, and moved to a farm in Greene county, Missouri, his place here consisting of eighty acres. His death occurred in Colorado at the advanced age of eighty years. His family consisted of three children. namely: Mary Ella, deceased; Lemuel C, of this sketch; Airs. Viola M. Russell lives in Billings, .Montana.

Lemuel ( '. Ricketts was reared in Ohio. lie was thirteen years of age when he removed with the family to Greene county, .Missouri. He received a good education, lie hired out most of the time until he was twenty-one years old. In [897 he went to the West, where he worked for some time as a contractor, returning to Greene county in 0,07- Scum thereafter he purchased the farm of two hundred and twenty acres where he now lives, He has a well-improved and productive place, which gives every indication of good management. lie has been very successful in a business way and is one of the substantial and influential citizens id" this section of the county. He is president of the Hank of Stafford, which he helped to organize and which, under his able and judicious management, has become one of the popular and sound banking institutions of this part of the state. He has been president since its organization. It has had a constant and satisfactory growth and a general banking business is carried on. He has built an attractive home on his farm. This place was settled in 1S45 by F.rskin Danforth.

Mr. Ricketts was married, January 6, 1899, to Estella Palmer, who was born in Wisconsin, August 19, 1N70. She is a daughter of Randolph and Marira (Dearth) Palmer. She spent her early life in Iowa, Kansas, Arkansas, Oklahoma and Missouri. She received a common school education.

The father of Mrs. Ricketts was a soldier in the Civil war, having enlisted in Company D, Sixty-third Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and he served in the Georgia campaign under General Sherman, with whom he marched to the sea. Pie is now living in Joplin, .Missouri.

Politically, Mr. Ricketts is a Republican. Fraternally, he is a thirtysecond degree Mason, and is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.

Timothy J. Wrightsman

"Through struggle to triumph" seems to be the maxim which holds swav with the majority of people, that is, those who attain to a successful goal at all, must find it after arduous effort. And, though it is undoubtedly true that many fall exhausted in the conflict, a few, by their inherent force of character and strong mentality, rise above their environment, and all which seems to hinder them, until they reach the plane of affluence toward which their face was set through the long years of struggle that must necessarily precede any accomplishment of great magnitude. Such has been the history, briefly stated, of Timothy J. Wrightsman, one of Greene county's pioneer business men and Civil war veterans, who, after a long, busy and useful life, is living in honorable retirement in his attractive home in Springfield, spending the December of his years in quiet, as he is now in his seventy-seventh year.

Mr. Wrightsman is the scion of an old Southern familv and hails from the Old Dominion, "the mother of Presidents." his birth having occurred in Roanoke, Virginia, November 13, 1838. He is a son of Joseph and Kesia (Beckner) Wrightsman, both natives of Virginia, also, the father's birth having occurred in 1808, and the mother was born there in 181 8. They grew to maturity in their native state, attended the early-day schools and were married there, and devoted their lives to agricultural pursuits, and the father was also a cabinet maker by trade, and made a great deal of fine furniture in his early life, thereby getting his start in the business world. He remained in

Virginia until about [849, when he removed hi> family to Illinois, remaining in that state until the year 1857. when he brought his family overland to Greene county, Missouri, locating a few miles south of Springfield, where he spent the rest of his life in farming and was drowned in a small creek in that vicinity in January, 1883. His wife had preceded him to the grave twenty years, having died in [863, in Illinois. To these parents ten children were horn. six of whom are still living, namely: Sarah and Julia are both deceased; Timothy J., of this sketch; Ann lives in Ozark, Missouri; Lear is deceased: George lives in Florida; Abbie lives in Webb City, .Missouri: Susan lives in Kansas; Rebecca lives in Rich Hill, Missouri, and Edward is deceased.

The Wrightsman family is of German descent, the paternal grandfather of our subject, Alexander Wrightsman, being born in Germany, from which country he emigrated to the United States in Colonial days and located in Virginia, where he became well established through his industry. lie was a soldier in the Revolutionary war, taking part in a number of the principal engagements.

Timothy |. Wrightsman was nine years old when his parents removed from Virginia to Illinois, and there he grew to manhood, living there for a period of eight years, when he removed with his father and the rest of the children to Greene county, .Missouri, in [857, since winch time he has been a resident of this locality, ami during that period of nearly sixty years he has seen great changes "come over the face of the land." the forests changed into productive farms, the wild prairies reclaimed on which peaceful herds now graze, and small villages grow into cities of wealth anil renown. In his hoyhood days h( worked hard on the farm, and attended the rural schools, receiving a limited education, hi 1 S75 he began operating a flouring mill at Walnut Grove, Greene county, which he continued for four years, then ran a grocery store at Shell City, Missouri, for four years, then, in the fall of [883, he came to Spring.field and engaged in the grocery business on East I ommercial street, continuing this line tl en for a period of twenty-six years. during which time he enjoyed a large and lucrative trade, ranking among the best known and most popular grocers on the north side, lie always carried a large and well selected stock of fancy and staple groceries and dealt honestly and courteously with his hundreds of customers, retaining their confidence and good will to the last. He accumulated a comfortable competency through his judicious Inismcss management and retired from active life in 1003. since which time he has been living a quiet life, merely looking after his various real estate holdings. He has a line residence on North Campbell street.

Mr. Wrightsman served three years during the Civil war in Company E, Third Missouri Cavalry, Confederate army, under Captain Thompson. He first served under old "Dick" Campbell, having enlisted in the fall of 1861. .He saw considerable hard service, including the battle of Pea Ridge, his first real engagement, lie did not participate in the battle of Wilson's (reek, being held a prisoner in Springfield by the Federals at that time.

Mr. Wrightsman was married on January 1 1, 1870. in Christian county. Missouri, to Mildred Chestnut, a daughter of Judge Chestnut, one of the first judges of that county. He and his wife were natives of Ohio, from which they removed to Taney county, this state, in [833, and were therefore early pioneers of the Ozark region. James Chestnut, brother of Mrs. Wrightsman, was the first man killed in Christian county, on account of the Civil war, he having been murdered by bushwhackers, while serving as deputy sheriff.

Five children have been horn to Mr. and Mrs. Wright-man. namely: Fred, horn in 1871, is a freight conductor on the Frisco, and lives in Springfield: Walter, horn in 1873. lives in Texas and is employed by the Dean Drug Company; Frank, horn in 1S70, lives in Oklahoma; Herbert, horn in 1878, lives in Monett, Missouri; Cora F... horn in 1880, is the wife of S. O. Duemler, and they reside in Springfield.

Politically, Mr. Wrightsman is a Republican, hut he has never been active in public affairs, preferring to leave the troubles of public office to others, merely striving to do his duty as a fair-minded citizen.

Calvin Furrow7

The varied, interesting and often exciting experiences of Calvin Furrow, would make a fair-sized volume should they he told in detail by some of our writers of Western adventure stones. Out of all these experiences he received much good, such as an accurate knowledge of the world, courage to fight life's battles, and coolness as well as decision, which a man had to possess in order to survive if lie lived in the wild West forty or fifty years ago; but unfortunately space forbids us giving more than a brief resume of his unusual life record within the pages of the present volume.

Mr. Furrow was born in Folk county, Iowa. August 15, 1848. He is a son of John and Lydia (Johnson) Furrow. In those pioneer days in Iowa educational advantages were limited and young Furrow was not permitted, under the circumstances to obtain the text-book learning that he otherwise would have been glad to have embraced. He grew to manhood on the farm and spent his early youth engaged in farming and handling live stock, later taking up farming in Kansas; but not long thereafter went on to Fort Sill, Indian Territory (as the eastern part of Oklahoma was then known), and from there went on to New Mexico, finally located in FT. Worth, Texas, in which vicinity he worked as a cowboy until 1871, then returned to Iowa and for ten years was in the employ of the Wabash railroad. We next find him in the Black Hills of South Dakota, where he engaged in mining for awhile, but his principal work there was as a cowboy. He remained in that picturesque country for a period of over twenty-five years. Leaving the Black Hills country in 1906 he came to Greene county, Missouri, and has since been successfully engaged in farming, making his home in Boone township. He owns eighty acres in Greene county and one hundred and twenty acres in Wright county, all well improved and valuable land, and he is regarded as one of the best farmers in this section of the county and is well fixed in the way of worldly goods.

Mr. Furrow was married in December, 1868, to Martha E. Kensler, a native of Fulton county, Indiana, and a daughter of John and Louisa Kensler. She was born on June 22, 1851. She was a member of the Christian church at Ash Grove. Mrs. Furrow died September 20, 1914.

To Mr. and Mrs. Furrow one child was born, Louisa Furrow, who was burn in the central part of Iowa on March 24, 1879. She received a good education, and in the year 1901 was married to Marion Arment, and they now reside in Sand Hills, Nebraska.

Politically, .Mr. Furrow is a Democrat, but he has never sought political honors, although not lacking in proper patriotism. Fraternally, he belongs to the Masonic Order, including the Blue Lodge, and the Ash Grove Lodge No 124, Royal Arch Masons, and is active in this order.

Edwin Wiggins Elson

In the person of Edwin Wiggins Elson, Greene county has a farmer and stockman of ideas of such a progressive nature that his methods might well be studied by the younger generation of agriculturists, for his fine farm in Boone township has lYu equals as to improvement and high state of cultivation, lie has been a resident of this locality for more than thirty-five years, during which time he lias advanced by his own labors and sagacious plans from a comparatively modest beginning to a position in the front rank of agriculturists in the Ozark region, and in matters pertaining to the welfare of his township, county and state, he is deeply interested, and his efforts in behalf of the general progress have been far-reaching and beneficial.

Mr. Elson was burn in Stark county, Ohio, April 8, 1850. He is a son of John H. and Osee (Wilson) Elson. The father was born in Brooke county, West Virginia, October 14. 1806, and was a son of Capt. John R. and Margaret (Wiggins) Elson. Captain Elson was also born in what is now Brooke county. West Virginia, but which at that time was a part of Virginia proper - 1769. He was a son of Richard Elson, who was born in Scotland, from which country he emigrated to Virginia in Colonial times, and there entered four hundred acres of government land, taking up a "tomahawk claim," which he cleared and placed under cultivation and on which he spent the rest of his life, and there reared his family of four sons and three daughters. Capt. John R. Elson served in the War of [812, also in the Indian wars with a most creditable record. His death occurred in 1820 in Starke county. Ohio, where the family removed a few years before his death. His widow survived until 1N47. John 11. Elson, father of the subject of this review, when twelve years of age, moved to Starke county, Ohio, where he engaged in farming the rest of his life, dying in 1898. He and the mother of our subject were married in [833. She was

Edwin W. Elson was reared on the home farm, where he worked when a boy. He received a good education in the public schools and .Mt. Union College at Alliance, Ohio, after which he turned his attention to general farming in Ohio, where he remained until 1N7N, getting a good start in the meanwhile, and in that year came to Greene county, .Missouri, where his brother, William P. Elson. (a sketch of whom appears on another page of this work) had preceded him shortly after the close of the Civil war. Upon reaching his new locality our subject bought a farm of one hundred anil sixtv acres in Boone township and was soon actively engaged in general farming and stock raising, and, prospering with advancing years by his close application and good management, he has added to his original holdings until he now owns six hundred and forty acres of productive and highly improved land, all under cultivation, constituting one of the most valuable and desirable farms in this section of the state. He has an attractive and commodious home in the midst of pleasing surroundings, and nearby may also be seen a group of convenient outbuildings. He is an excellent judge of all kinds of live stock, and is one of the best known stockmen in the western part of the county. He makes a specialty of jacks and Percheron horses, and at present owns seven jacks and one Percheron registered. His animal sales will average twenty mules, and he has now sixty mules on hand and ten brood mares. He also feeds large numbers of hogs for the market, and each year sows a vast acreage of wheat.

Mr. Elson was married January 29, 1880, to Mary Belle Jones, who was. born in Greene county. Missouri. August 31, i860, and here she grew to womanhood and received her education. She was a daughter of Benjamin G W. and Kittura (Cossey) Jones. The father was horn in Tennessee,

February 26, 1822, and died in this county July 2j, 1898. Mrs. Elson's mother was born in Indiana, and also died in this county. The father was a farmer all his life. This union was blessed with thirteen children, six of whom are still living.

To Mr. and Mrs. Elson nine children have been born, named as follows: Benjamin F.. born February 20, 1881. is farming in Walnut Grove township, this county; Edna Myrtle, born February 28, 1883. died when three months old: Thomas E., born June 8. 1884: Nora, born June 12. 1886, is the wife of William Marsh, and they live in Fair Play, Missouri; Sherman, born April 5, 1888. is farming in this township; Joshua C. born August 7, 1890; Mae, born December 2, [893; Ruth, born August 24, 1897; and Helen, born December 2, 1900. The younger children are at home.

Politically. Mr. Elson is a Republican and has been more or less active in local political affairs. He has been school director in his district for about thirty years. Religiously, the family attend the Methodist church. Among those in whose midst he has so long resided he is held in the highest esteem by reason of his public-spirit, his upright life and his obliging and neighborly disposition.

One of the oldest pioneers of Greene county is Sampson Bass, one of the best-known citizens and substantial farmers of Jackson township, who has Spent nearly all of his long life of eighty-seven years in this county, which he has seen come up to its present position from the wilderness where roamed the red man and wild beast and where very few white people were t'> he found. To all this change lie has been an interested and by it> means a passive spectator, having sought t" d his full share in the work of progress in the locality where he has been contented to abide through many decade-, lie talks most interestingl) of the early days when customs and manners were different, men and women were different - everything, in fact, unlike what our civilization is today, lie and other earl) settle;- are of the opinion that thos(- were better, at least happier, times than now, and this is. in the main, true, lie might well he compared with the character represented by the American poet, Oliver Wendell Holmes, in hi- beautiful lines. "The Last Leaf." for Mr. Pass ha- lived to see his early acquaintances and friends perform 'heir allotted acts in the local drama of civilization and then pass hi to rest, coming down to us from a former generation.

Air. I'.ass was born in Marion county. Tennessee, on December 8. 1827. lie i- a si in ot Andrew- and Ellen 1 Smith I Bass. The father was a native of Georgia, from where he removed to North Carolina, thence to Tennessee when a small boy, and he grew to manhood in the last named state on a farm, and there received a limited education. He emigrated with his family td Missouri in 1830 and, by mistake, settled on land belonging to the Indians, who subsequently drove him off and he settled in Greene county in the fall of 1830, securing eighty acres at first. He started with practically nothing in this state, but being a man of exceptional ability, he became wealthy for those times and owned fourteen hundred and forty acres of land at the time of his death, having acquired his property by hard work and good management, and he died in 1867 on the place where our subject now lives. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. His wife was a native of Marion county, Tennessee, and there grew up on a farm, received a limited schooling and there she married Mr. Bass. She was a pioneer woman in every respect, working hard assisting her husband to get a start in the wilderness, spinning and weaving, molding candles, making soap and the thousand and one things about the house, of which the modern woman knows nothing except by tradition. She was also a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. Her death occurred on the homestead here in 1862. To these parents fourteen children were born, namely : Sampson, our subject, is the oldest; John, Henderson, Jackson and James are all deceased, Martin V. lives in Greene county, Newton, McCord and Leonard H. are deceased, Lila lives in Polk county, Missouri: Leda, deceased; Narcissus, deceased: Margaret is living in Greene county; Ellen also lives in this county.

Mr. Bass, of this sketch, was three years old when his parents brought him to Missouri and he was reared in Greene county and here received such limited educational advantages as those early times afforded. He worked hard assisting his father clear and develop the home farm, remaining under the parental roof tree until he was twenty-one years old, when, in 1849, he married Ann Rogers, who was born in Tennessee on October 11, 1830, from which state her parents brought her to Greene county, Missouri, when she was a child, and here she grew to womanhood. Her death occurred in 1866. Mr. Bass married a second time, in 1888, to Eliza Lowder. who was born in Greene county, Missouri, October 8, 1850, a daughter of George H. and Juda (McCall) Lowder. She is a member of the Baptist church, as was also Mr. Bass' first wife. To the first union nine children were born, namely: Elizabeth, deceased; Jane. Polly, Riley, Sampson H., Jr., deceased; Dave J., deceased; the three youngest children died in infancy. To Mr. Bass' second union two children were born, Roy and Wright.

After his first marriage Mr. Bass went to work as a wagon maker, later bought forty acres. His father then gave him eighty acres, and later he (64) entered forty acres. He worked hard and managed well and therefore prospered with advancing years. He continued to buy land until he accumulated seven hundred acres, constituting one of the finest farms in the county, which land he placed under an excellent state of improvement and cultivation and established a commodious home. In i860 there was no mill in this part of the county and one was badly needed, so Mr. Bass invited his neighbors to his home on Christmas day of that year for the purpose of talking over a proposition to establish a mill in the neighborhood. It finally devolved upon Mr. Bass to build a mill in section 15, Jackson township, and for years he carried on a large and successful business with his combined flour and sawmill, sawing lumber for residents in adjoining counties, as well as for those who lived in Greene. This was in i860 and was the first steam mill to be operated in Greene county. During the Civil war he ground flour for the armies in this part of the state. He sold his mill in 1866 and resumed farming. The town of Bassville in this township was named for our subject. Politically Mr. Bass is an uncompromising Democrat. He is a member of the Masonic Order, and religiously belongs to the Baptist church.

Wilbur M. Fallin

The Missouri mule has a reputation throughout the world. That reputation in some sections is not the kind that would be pleasing to him if he but knew, for there are times when he is unruly, stubborn and inclined to show his displeasure by means of his heels. But nevertheless, when it comes to quality and line points in his anatomy he is nut excelled on the globe and he has done much to advertise the "Show Me" state abroad. There are few foreign armies where he is not found, and nearly every war of importance increases his demand. However, by nature he is not a warrior and no doubt prefers the peaceful plantations and the lazy negro drivers of the cotton and cane districts of the South, where, for threequarters of a century these animals have been sold in ever increasing numbers. Throughout this state men may be found who devote their exclusive attention to dealing in mules, finding it a desirable and profitable business. Among these the linn of Fallin Brothers of Springfield, composed of Wilbur M. and Walter A. Fallin, is the best known in southwestern Missouri, and is one of the oldesl and most successful.

Wilbur M. Fallin was bom March 31, [872, in Greene county. Missouri. He is a son of Joseph S. and Polina (Reed) Fallin. The father was born in middle Tennessee in 1841, and there grew to manhood and attended school, emigrating to Greene county, Missouri, in the early sixties, where he established the future home of the family, and here his death occurred on March 26, 1909. He was a stone mason by trade, but devoted most of his life to general farming and stock raising. He left his farm in 1884 and moved to Springfield. His wife was born in 1843, and she died in 1877. They were married in Arkansas. To this union five children were born, namely: Anna died about 1889; Minnie lives in Springfield, Missouri; Wilbur M., of this sketch; Emma Belle lives in Springfield; Walter AM who is a member of the firm of Fallin Brothers.

Wilbur M. Fallin received his education in the ward and high schools of Springfield. He had an inclination toward the livestock business when very young and began his career by buying and selling hogs and calves. He also learned the trade of stone mason under his father, but did not follow this long until he returned to the livestock business and also engaged in farming a few years. In the year 1900 he formed a partnership with his brother, Walter A. Fallin, who gave up his position as machinist in the Frisco shops, and they engaged in the horse and mule business, under the name of Fallin Brothers, buyers and sellers, and were successful from the first. They have continued in this line of endeavor ever since and have built up an extensive and lucrative business. They were first located on the south side of the city lot, remaining there until 19 14, when they bought and built three commodious and substantial barns, including the erection of a modern two-story brick building, one hundred and twenty by one hundred feet, on Market street and Mule alley, where they are at present located, owning two hundred feet on Market street and one hundred and seventyfive on Mule alley. They keep a large number of high-grade mules on hand at all seasons, buying and shipping to various markets continuouslv.

Wilbur M. Fallin was married on December 10, 1902, to Mary Elizabeth Roper, who was born in Polk county, Missouri, June 12, 1884. She is a daughter of J. W. Roper and wife, who live on a farm in Polk county. Mr. Roper's wife was known in her maidenhood as Vine Davis. Mr. Roper moved from his farm to Springfield and engaged in mercantile pursuits for some time, and he is still living in this city.

Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Wilbur Fallin, namely: Wesley Edwin, born September 7, 1904; Alfred M., born August 18, 1906, died December 10, 1909; and Orin, born August 29, 1909.

Walter Augustus Fallin, of the firm of Fallin Brothers, was born October 23- i&77< at the Fallin homestead near Springfield, and here he grew to manhood and attended the ward and high schools. He learned the machinist's trade when a boy and for some time worked at the same local Frisco shops, where he remained until 1900, when he formed a partner- ship with his brother and began dealing in horses and mules, as related in a preceding paragraph. He was married on April 7, 1901, to Hattie G. Price, who was born in Greene county, August 29, 1882, and was here reared and educated. She is a daughter of William K. and Ellen (Gregory) Price, the father a native of Ohio, and the mother was born in Greene county, Missouri. Mr. Price came to Springfield when a young man and has long been employed in the local Frisco shops, where he has charge of a department.

Four children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Walter A. Fallin, named as follows: Lawrence A., born September 25, 1903; Walter Harold, born June 12, 1908; Joseph Price, born March 31, 1912; Earle Augusta, born August 9, 1914.

Politically, Mr. Fallin is a Republican. Fraternally, he belongs to the Court of Honor, the Maccabees, the Independent Order of Odd Fellow s and the United Workmen, also the Travelers' Protective Association. He is a member of Central Christian church.

The Fallin boys are excellent judges of mules and horses, and have gained and retained a reputation for prompt and fair dealings, consequently have always enjoyed the good will and confidence of their score of regular customers and patrons.

Both Wilbur and Walter Augustus served ten months in the Spanish- American war, enlisting for service, and on May 3, 1898, were called out. Their company went first to Jefferson Barracks, then to Chickamauga, Tennessee, and from there to Lexington, Kentucky, then to Albany. Georgia, where they were mustered out, March 3, 1899.

Howard Ragsdale

In the list of present day lawyers of Greene county, the name of Howard Ragsdale, of Ash Grove, must not be overlooked. He has passed the half-way house along the thoroughfare of the human years, and has rapidly risen to an influential and prominent place in his profession in both Greene and Dade counties. He is a well read lawyer, a ready debater, an industrious, indomitable worker, and a skilful tactician. The mighty Julius pleading at the bar was greater than when thundering in the war. He conquered nations with his invincible legions : ' Tis of more renown to save a client than to save a town." .Air. Ragsdale's arguments to the courts embody no surplusage, but are direct, terse and incisive; to the jury they are plain, logical, matter of fact, compactly presented. He cares more for a rod of truth than for a mile of rhetoric, more for a principle than for a thrilling climax, more for a fact than an acre of verbal felicities ami gems. He has a clientage in the courts that older practitioners would be pleased to command. He is a man of -firm and decided convictions, whether in law, politics, or in any department of thought or action employing his time and attention.

Mr. Ragsdale was born in Dade county, Missouri, August 16, 1869. He is a son of Benjamin F. and Nancy E. (Buckner) Ragsdale. The father was born in Greenfield, Missouri, in October, 1843, and was a son of Joshua and Sarah Ragsdale. Joshua Ragsdale emigrated from the Carolinas in a very early day, the early thirties, and located in Dade county, where he entered twelve hundred acres of land from the government and here he followed general fanning the rest of his life, and became a prosperous and influential citizen. He had married before leaving his native country, a woman who also first saw the light of day under Dixie skies. Benjamin F. Ragsdale grew up on his father's broad acres, which he assisted in getting ready for cultivation and he helped with the general work of the farm when a boy. He was given the usual educational advantages of the times. During the war of the states he enlisted in a Dade county company in the Union arm)- and was captured by the Confederates but subsequently paroled. He spent his life in Dade count)', successfully engaged in agricultural pursuits and was widely known there. His death occurred on November 25, 1899. Politically he was a Republican. He and Nancy E. Buckner were married in 1867. She was born in Lawrence county, Missouri, in 1852 and her death occurred in July, 1910.

Howard Ragsdale grew to manhood in his native county and received a good common school education; later was a pupil at Ozark College, Greenfield, Missouri, lie began life for himself by teaching school a few terms with satisfaction, then began studying law with E. 1'. Mann, of Greenfield, with whom he remained two years, and in 1807 was admitted to the bar of Missouri, and soon thereafter he began the practice of his profession at Everton, Dade county, where he remained thirteen years, enjoying a large patronage and ranking among the leading attorneys of that county. He served a term as prosecuting attorney of Dade county in a manner that reflected credit upon himself and to the satisfaction of all concerned. In 1909 he located in Ash Grove and has remained here to the present time and has from the first enjoyed a satisfactory and growing practice throughout this locality.

Mr. Ragsdale was married in September, 1899, to Ellen Finley. wdio was born in Greenfield, Missouri, February 1, 1879, and there grew to womanhood and received a good education. She represents one of the old prominent families of that town, and is a daughter of Milton Finley and wife.

Ioi4 Greene County, Missouri

the Masonic Order, the Blue Lodge at Everton, and the Royal Arch Chapter at Ash Grove. He is also a member of the Knights of Pythias. He is a man of excellent mental endowments and commanding personality, a man who has ever stood well in this locality.

Will J. Major

"The gay will laugh when thou art gone, The solemn brood of care plod on, And each one, as before, will chase His favorite phantom; yet these shall all Leave their mirth and their employment, And shall come and make their bed with thee."

The above lines, penned by America's great poet of Nature, in his incomparable "Thanatopsis," strikingly sets forth in a few phrases a picture of death. Since the beginning of the world death has been looked upon as "the king of terrors." Why this should be so. since it is as common as birth or any other natural occurrence, the biographer leaves to more philosophic minds. The manner of laying the dead away has been given much thought by the various peoples of the earth, and many and diverse methods have been promulgated; in fact, all times, and places and customs are noted by the historian, from the methods of certain savage tribes, who suspend their dead in tall trees to the present rapidly-growing method of cremation, when all that is earthly of a mortal quickly disappears in a wave of white heat. It has always seemed to be the prevailing desire of most nations to preserve the bodies of the dead a-- long a- possible, ami, this being -". thinking men began devising means whereby this could best be accomplished, and thus resulted the art of embalming, ages ago, and although the methods have undergone changes from time to time, it is doubtful it the twentieth century undertaker can do his work any more effectively than did the Egyptian embalmer in the days of Pharaoh. The most advanced ami satisfactory methods of embalming are employed by Will J. Major, well known undertaker of East Commercial street, Springfield.

Mr. Major was born in Iroquois county, Illinois, December 19, 1861. He is a son of Robert 1). and Ellen (Hitchcock) Major. The father was born in Tippecanoe county, Indiana, about 183"), and was a son of James Major and wile. James Major was born in Indiana back in the days of the first settlers ami there he grew up, but finally located in Illinois where his death occurred in 1877, after an active" life as a fanner. His wife, who was a native of Pennsylvania, preceded him to the grave by several years. Robert D. Major learned the carpenter's trade in early life and followed this in connection with fanning for a livelihood. He remained in Illinois until 1883 when he went to Montana and followed his trade, remaining there until 1885, when he came to Springfield, Missouri, where he continued carpentering practically until his death in 1896. Politically, he was a Republican, was a member of the Baptist church, and belonged to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, in which he passed all the chairs in the local lodge. Ellen Hitchcock, mother of our subject, was born near Niagara Falls, New York, March 30, 1832, a daughter of John and Eliza Hitchcock. She died in St. Louis, Missouri, September 4, 19 14, at the age of eighty-two years and six months.

Will J. Major received a common school education, spending two years in the high school at Aurora, Illinois. He remained on the home farm until he was eighteen years of age, then began learning carpentering and cabinet making, at which he worked until 1898, having attained a high degree of skill in each. He then spent four years as assistant custodian in the Springfield postofhce. Then went to work for J. M. White, a pioneer undertaker of this city, and, making a careful study of the business, he passed the state board examination in 1909, and was duly qualified to enter the profession, and has since been in business for himself at 230 East Commercial street, and is now one of the busiest and most popular undertakers in Springfield, maintaining large, modernly equipped and well furnished parlors and his treatment of his patrons is always courteous and honorable.

Mr. Major was married April 15, 1886, to Anna B. Reynolds, who was born in Nebraska, October 1, 1869. She was a daughter of a highly respected family, and she received a good education, and proved to be an excellent helpmeet. This union has been blessed with three children, namely : Mabel, born July 4, 1890, is the wife of John Hulse, of Springfield; E'Uene, born in September, 1892, is the wife of Lee Donald, of Kansas City; Helen, born July 25, 1897, is at home.

Mr. Major is prominent in fraternal circles, belonging to Springfield Lodge No. 218, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, of which he is past grand, has been district deputy grand master for three years, and has been secretary of the same for the past eighteen years; he is a member of the Empire Encampment, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, of which he is past chief patriarch; also Springfield Canton No. 23, Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He is a member of Julia Lodge No. 72, Daughters of Rebekah. He also belongs to the Loyal Order of Moose, Bears, Fraternal Order of Eagles, Knights and Ladies of Security, Modern Woodmen of America, Woodmen of the World, Modern Brotherhood, Knights and Ladies of Honor, and the Court of Honor.

Ely Paxson

From the days of the Egyptian mummies, when the old Pharaohs were elaborately embalmed, to the present time this science - embalming - has gone through various stages of development, but it is doubtful if it is any better today than when the body of the great Rameses was prepared for the tomb, for the student of history finds that the ancients knew many things which we do not know, the "lost arts" being a theme which has engaged much thought by moderns. In various museums, notably the British, mummies are to be seen which have withstood the ravages of many thousands of years. The manner of laying away the dead has differed widely in different ages and with different nations. The ancients preferred sepulchers hewn from solid rock, some were buried in upright positions, some with their heads to the east, others to the west. We read of the Hindus casting their dead into the Ganges river, of bodies being deposited in trees by the Indians of North America and the natives of Africa. It was once the desire to so prepare the body that it would retain its material form forever; now many desire that this house of clay shall be dissolved as quickly as possible after it has been cast aside by the inscrutable something we call spirit or soul, hence cremation is now a well-established business. The universal civilized manner of burial demands skill of a high nature, and so in every city and town in Christendom we find undertakers and embalmers. One of the most adroit, learned and successful, as well as best known and popular, of those who are engaged in this line of endeavor in Springfield is Ely Paxson, whose experience of half a century entitles him to a position in the front rank of undertakers in Missouri.

Mr. Paxson was born near Findlay, Ohio, January 17, 1847. He is a son of Morris and Mariah (Shipman) Paxson, and a descendant of an old English family of Colonial stock. Ely Paxson, the paternal grandfather of our subject, was a native of Pennsylvania and received bis christian name from the old Ely family. He grew to manhood in the old Keystone state and there became a successful farmer and useful citizen, remaining there until [833, when he removed with his family to near Findlay, Ohio, where he continued farming until his death, which occurred about 1876. His son, Morris Paxson, father of the subject of this sketch, was born in Burks count}', Pennsylvania, September 26, 1825, and he was eighl years of age when the family removed to Ohio. He grew to manhood in Hancock county and assisted his father with the work on the farm, and he received his education in the pioneer schools there. When a boy he learned the blacksmith's trade, at which he became quite expert. lie remained in the Puckeye state until 1867, when he came to Missouri, arriving in Springfield in

May of that year, and here he spent the rest of his life, becoming well known to the business world here in that early period of the city's development.

His death occurred January 17, 1893, in his sixty-eighth year. He was an honest, hard working man whom everybody respected. He was a member of the Knights of Pythias, and religiously he belonged to the Methodist church. He and Mariah Shipman were married at Findlay, Ohio, where she had spent her girlhood and was educated. To this union seven children w ere bom.

Ely Paxson, the immediate subject of this sketch, spent his boyhood at Findlay, Ohio, and there received his education in the common schools, and later learned the cabinetmaker's trade, also the undertaking business, for which he seemed to possess from the outset decided natural ability, such as industry, tact, steady nerves, kindness, promptness and integrity, and these qualities with others have resulted in great success in later years. In 1868 he came to Springfield. Missouri, and for two years worked as a journeyman cabinetmaker in the establishment of Julius Kassler on College street, then entered into partnership with his employer, and in March, 1880, bought him out, and has continued in the undertaking business ever since alone, his business growing with advancing years until it has long since reached very extensive proportions and Mr. Paxson's name is known over all southwestern Missouri, and in his dealings with the people here for a period of over fortyfive years he has maintained a reputation for honesty, courtesy and good citizenship, enjoying all the while the good will and esteem of his fellow men. His establishment was destroyed by fire in 1875 and again in 1885. In 1888 he erected the substantial two-story brick structure which he still occupies, and which is modernly equipped in every respect for the successful and prompt carrying on of his business, and here he employs assistants of the highest skill.

Mr. Paxson was married on March 20, 1873, to Anna Belle Keet, daughter of James Keet, a prominent business man of southern Missouri, the Keets having been among the leading families of Springfield for many years, and here Mrs. Paxson grew to womanhood and received an excellent education. She is a lady of culture and is prominent socially.

Politically, Mr. Paxson is a Republican and has been more or less active in public affairs. lie was coroner of Greene county for two terms, the duties of which office he discharged with ability and satisfaction. Fraternally, he is a well-known Mason, having attained the thirty-second degree in that order. For a number of years he was recorder of St. John's Commandery No. 20. Knights Templars, of which he is past eminent commander. He is treasurer of the latter body and Solomon Lodge. Free and Accepted Masons, and treasurer of Springfield Chapter, Royal Arch Masons. He is

Mr. Paxson has always had the welfare of Springfield at heart, and his aid in furthering the best interests of the same has never been withheld in all laudable movements, and he is not only one of the best known men in this citv and count}-, but is one of the most highly respected for his industry, public spirit and exemplar}" record as a man and citizen.

The great Empire state ( which seems to have been given a most appropriate sobriquet) has sent large numbers of her enterprising citizens into the great West, where they have made commendable records in every walk of life, being people who believe not only in doing things but in doing- them well; they seem to be, almost without exception, men and women who combine the proper elements of character and innate qualities to make good and useful citizens. James S. Mcllvin, a locomotive engineer of the Frisco Lines, living at Springfield, is one of this number.

Mr. Mcllvin was born at Rochester, New York. May 16, 1856. He is a son of Robert and Rosine E. (Richards) Mcllvin. both parents natives of New Hampshire, each representing an old Xew England family. They grew to maturity in their native state, attended the common schools there and were married in Xew Hampshire, but removed from that state to the state of Xew York aboul the middle of the nineteenth century. The father of our subject was a carpenter by trade and he followed carpentering and building during the latter part of his life, but his earlier years were devoted to farming. His death occurred at West held. Xew York, about ten years ago. He removed his family to Kansas when that state was being settled by Eastern people and there the mother of our subject died, in the town of Lacygne, in 1872. To these parents two children were horn. namely: Herbert, a conductor on the Southern Pacific railroad, lives in Dallas, rexas; and James S., of this sketch.

James S. Mcllvin was taken to the state of Kansas In- his pari when he was a small boy and there he grew to manhood and received his education in the common schools. He began his railroad career in [877, in Pennsylvania, on the Bessemer railroad, which at that time was known as the old Alleghany road. He began as fireman and remained with this road about five years, then came to Kansas and worked out of Dodge City a short time as fireman on the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe road. He removed to Kansas City, Missouri, in 1NS1, ami began firing on the Kan

City, Ft. Scott & Memphis railroad. He was sent to Springfield by this road in 1882 and worked on the Ozark division. He assisted in track laying from Cedar Gap to Mammoth Spring. In 1883 he was given a regular run as engineer on this division. He remained with the old "Memphis Route" until it was leased to the Frisco Lines in 1900. when he went with the latter road, with which he has remained to the present time. He is now engineer on a freight train, between Springfield and Thayer. He has given excellent satisfaction in the various positions he has held with different railroads, being capable, alert, conscientious and trustworthy.

Mr. Mcllvin was married in Mercer, Pennsylvania, October 23, 1883, to Ida A. McGinnis, who was born in YTenango county, Pennsylvania. She is a daughter of Samuel and Sarah (Jolly) McGinnis. The father is deceased, but the mother is living at the advanced age of eighty-five. Air. McGinnis devoted his life to farming. Mrs. Mcllvin's maternal grandfather, Capt. Thomas Jolly, was a soldier in the War of 181 2, in which he made an excellent record. He lived to the unusual age of ninety-three years.

Six children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Mcllvin, namely: Gertrude is the eldest; Annetta is teaching in the public schools of Springfield; Mary, Hazel. Edith K., and June are all at home.

Politically, Mr. Mcllvin is a Republican. He belongs to the Masonic order and the Order of Eastern Star, he and his wife being charter members of Crescent Chapter. No. 21. The family belongs to the Cumberland Presbyterian church.

Elwood Alamando Williams

It was Charles Kingsley, the noted English author, who said that every morning we should remember to be thankful that we have something to do during the coming day, whether we like it or not. Being forced to work, and forced to do our best, will breed in you temperance and self-control, diligence and strength of will, cheerfulness and content, and a hundred virtues the idle will never know. Elwood Alamando Williams, a farmer near Ash Grove, is one of the citizens of Greene county who takes delight in his work and is therefore happy and prospering.

Mr. Williams was born on a farm in Carroll county, Missouri, September 23, i860. He is a son of Mortimer H. and Jennie S. (Gale) Williams. The father was born in Monroe county, Ohio, June 20, 1837. and was a son of William and Martha (Hurd) Williams. William Williams was born near Wheeling, West Virginia, in 1809, and followed farming until. 1S48, when he began running a boat down the Ohio river to the Mississippi, then up that stream and up the Missouri river to Boonville and later to Carroll county, Missouri, carrying freight and passengers, each trip requiring several weeks. He was a cooper and cabinet maker by trade and was also a physician of the old school. After locating in Missouri he made a professional trip to Ohio. He was a learned man and remained a close student all his life, one of his favorite studies being astronomy and he became an amateur astronomer of no mean ability. He entered eighty acres of land in Carroll county, this state on which he spent the rest of his life, dying there in 1887. Politically, he was first a Whig, later a Republican. He was an ardent worker in the cause of education and helped in the matter of establishing schools. Fraternally, he was a member of the Masonic order, and he was a free thinker and broad-minded man. His wife was also born near Wheeling, West Virginia, the year of her birth being 1812, and her death occurred in 1859.

Mortimer H. Williams had only such educational advantages as the frontier schools could furnish in his day, but his father taught him much and furnished him many books, so he became a well-informed man, and he taught school in Carroll county, this state, for a number of years, and, learning the blacksmith's trade, followed that for some time. In 1873 he moved to Chillicothe, Missouri, where he followed his trade for about ten years, then went to South Dakota, continuing blacksrnithing there about six years, then engaged in mining in the Black Hills a few years, after which he made three trips to Alaska, finally locating in Rapid City, South Dakota, where his death occurred in 1909. Politically, he was a Republican; religiously, a Universalist, and fraternally a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. His wife, Jennie S. Gale, whom he married in 1859, was born in Chautauqua county, New V'ork, on farm where the first chautauqua in the United States was held. Mr-. Jennie Williams was burn January [3, 1S40, and her death occurred in [883, To these parents five children were born.

Elwood A. Williams received a fairly good education up to the tenth grade in the Chillicothe schools. When seventeen years old he went to Deadwood, South Dakota, where he worked a- a freight driver, having charge of a nine-yoke team hitched to three wagons, and this work he continued about a year, then went to a lumber camp for a year, then was superintendent ami bookkeeper for a lumber camp for several years, after which he came to Rapid City, South Dakota, and was head of the lumber yards there for three year-. During this time he filed on one hundred and sixty acres and proved up on the same, -old out and filed mi a homestead of one hundred and sixty acres, and proved up on it, and lived on the same for seven years or until 1900, when he sold out and came to Greene count}', Missouri, purchasing one hundred and sixty acres in Boone township, and has since resided here. He owned over one thousand acres of land in Dakota, which he finally sold. He is making a specialty of live stock, raising a fine grade of mules, horses, sheep, cattle and hogs for the market, and no small portion of his annual income is derived from this source. He is one of the substantial men of Boone township, and has made what he has solely by his own efforts.

Mr. Williams was married on November 29, 1888, to Maggie M. Trimmer, who was born in South Dakota, October 1, 1872. She was born near Chamberlain, that state, and there reared to womanhood and was educated, She is a daughter of George M. and Mary 1 Boyua ) Trimmer. Mr. Trimmer was born near Cheona, Illinois, November 8, [844, and was a son of Nicholas and Mary Trimmer, who lived and died on a farm in Illinois. George M. Trimmer received a common school eduction, working on the home farm during the summer months, and when a young man lie went to the eastern part of South Dakota and began wood contracting for steamboats on the Missouri river. In 1876 he went to the Black Hills, and there engaged in mining and fanning. He was a sterling pioneer, and helped establish trails, towns, did freighting and was incidentally a renowned hunter. He was a stanch friend of the Sioux Indians, who liked him. He was the first settler in Hot Springs, South Dakota, and he did much toward making it one of the best towns in that state, and at this writing he owns a tine orchard of one hundred and sixty acres near there, which was the first orchard set out in that region. He is one of the prominent and influential men of eastern South Dakota and has been offered many political positions of importance in the state, but has refused them all. Politically, he is a Democrat, and fraternally he belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and is an enthusiastic worker in the same. On November 8, 1871, he married Mary Boyua, who was born March 4. 1847. Grandfather Boyua was an early French trader on the Missouri river.

Mrs. Trimmer was the real discoverer of the springs in what is now known as Hot Springs, and cut the first bathing "tub" out of a rock. When a child she was present at the New Ulm massacre in Minnesota, and was taken prisoner by the Sioux Indians and carried to the head of the Missouri river.

To Mr. and Mrs. Elwood A. Williams three children have been born, namely: Blanche G., born December 20, 1889, was given good educational advantages; Barney B., born April 20, 1892, was also well educated in the schools of Ash Grove, Missouri; M. Cleopatra, born September 26, 1897, graduated from the Ash Grove high school with the class of 1915. These children are all at home with their parents.

Politically, Mr. Williams is a Progressive, and is liberal in his public views. Fraternally, he is one of the leading Masons of this locality, being a member of Ash Grove Lodge No. ioo, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons; Ash Grove Chapter, Royal Arch Masons; and Zabud Council No. 125, Royal and Select Masters; he also belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He has for some time been a member of the local school board, and religiously he holds membership in the Presbyterian cll'urch. He has had a vast experience in the world's affairs and talks most entertainingly of his life in the picturesque pioneer days of the North, and it is a pleasure to visit him in his neat, hospitable home.

Fred William Rauch

Thus wrote the poet Longfellow in his line poem on the flowers, which have been a favorite theme of poets since the days of Homer, and it has ever been the opinion of the thinkers of the world that he who does not love and admire these "stars of earth" has little good in him. No vocation could be more conducive to pure and high thinking, and consequently right and wholesome living, as a natural sequence of such thoughts, as floriculture. Most of the flower gardens and green-houses in this country are conducted by Germans. We offer no theory as to why this is so. Suffice it to add that we are greatly indebted to our brothers of Teutonic blood in many respects, and especially because they keep us supplied with their beautiful and necessary "hot-house" products during the "winters of our discontent."

Fred William Ranch, a young German-American, is one of the successful florists of Springfield. He was born on July 7, 1881, in Springfield, Ohio, and is a son of Peter and Caroline (Winter) Ranch. The father was born in Hessedarmstadt, Germany, April 26, [854, and there he grew to manhood and received a common school education. He remained in the Fatherland until tX;.^ when he emigrated to America with a brother, and settled in Urbana, Ohio. He learned the blacksmith's trade when a young man, also was a tool dresser and he followed his trades in a machine shop in Urbana a short time, then removed to Springfield, Ohio, where he con- tinued working at his trade until 1884, in which year he came to Billings, Missouri, located on a farm near there, which he operated four years. He then returned to Urbana, Ohio, and followed the cigar manufacturing business for eleven years, then came back to Billings, this state, and for the past fifteen years has engaged in farming there. He has been very successful in a business way and owns a good farm and is highly respected by all who know him. Politically, he is a Democrat. He has been school director at Billings for a number of years, having received every vote in that place except his own in the elections for director. Fraternally he is a member of the Knights of Pythias and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He is a member of the German Evangelical church. He and Caroline Winters were married in 1877. She was born in Baltimore, Maryland, December 31, 1859, and she received a good common school education. She is a daughter of William Winters and wife. Mr. Winters is a baker by trade and is still living, making his home with Mrs. Rauch at Billings. His wife died about fifteen years ago.

Eight children were born to Peter Rauch and wife, namely: George is a florist at Monett, Missouri; Fred W., of this sketch; Lulu is the wife of Frank Dean, of Billings; Charles is a florist in Monett; Katie lives in Monett; Anna and Philip are at home with their parents; William died when six years old.

Fred W. Rauch received a good education in the common schools, and when a boy learned broom making and worked at the same about four years, after which he worked on a farm near Billings, Missouri, for four years, then came to Springfield and worked for a florist about two and onehalf years, meanwhile learning the ins and outs of the business, then was employed at the Chalfant conservatories a year, then, with two brothers built greendmuses and laid out gardens at Monett where they are still in business, his two brothers remaining there and operating the business, while our subject stays in Springfield, where he returned in 191 1 and began operating the Chalfant conservatory and later established offices in the Colonial Hotel under the firm name of Rauch Brothers, and he has built up a large and constantly growing business.

Mr. Rauch was married March 10, 1907, to Bertha Kemm, a native of Springfield, born April 10. 1880, in Wisconsin. She received a good education in the public schools. She was a child when her parents, Karl and Mary (Schmith) Kemm, brought her to Springfield. Her father's active life has been devoted to the ministry.

Politically, Mr. Rauch is a Democrat, and religiously he is a member of the Presbyterian church. He is a prominent Mason, being a member of Gate of the Temple Lodge No. 422, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons ;

Vincent Council, Royal and Select Masters; St. John's Commandery No. 20, Knights Templar; Abou Ben Adhem Temple and Ancient Arabic Order of Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. One would judge from Mr. Rauch's daily intercourse with his fellow men that he is endeavoring to live up to the sublime precepts of Masonry.

Alexander Knox

Born on the far-away heaths of bonnie Scotland, that picturesque country, famed in song and story, familiar to us principally through the versatile descriptions of such immortals as Scott, Burns, Stevenson and Miller, but spending the major part of his life in America, the late Alexander Knox, a descendant of the famous British statesman, John Knox, is deserving of mentions in these pages. His long life of usefulness and commendable acts winning for him the sincere regard of all those with whom he came in contact, it is meet that his life record should be preserved in proper form. He possessed many of the traits of character of his sterling Scotch ancestors.

Air. Knox was born in Scotland, January 26, [848. He was a ><>n of George Knox and wife, who were natives of Scotland, where they grew up and were married and spent their lives.

Alexander Knox grew to manhood in his native land and there received a -'"id education, taking a high literary course in one of the best schools of the country. When twenty-one years of age. in [869, he immigrated to the United States alone, and first settled in the South, hut after a short time lie came to Missouri, lie began life fur himself as a general farmer, which line of endeavor he followed until about [875, then entered the employ of the St. Louis and San Francisco Railroad Company, first as fireman and later he became an engineer, and finally was engineer on ;i passenger train, which position he held for many years, or until his health failed. He was regarded as one of the most faithful and competent of the company's employees, and was popular with officials and his fellow employees.

Mr. Knox was married on January n. [873, to Maria E. Ball, who was horn near London, England, April 11. [856, She is a daughter of Frederick and Margaret (Price) Ball, both natives of England, where they grew up. were married and established their home, and where they resided until 1S70. when they immigrated to America, first locating in Illinois, later moving to Missouri, and here Mr. Ball began working for the St. Louis and San Francisco Railroad Company in their shops at Springfield. He was a skilled blacksmith, having as high as four and six helpers under him all the time, and was looked upon by his officials as one of their most valuable men. 1 [e did a great deal in his department to make it up to date, and he was given credit for many things of importance. He was a man who was held in high regard by all who knew him. He remained in the local shops until his death in the year 1882. His family consisted of six children, three of whom are still living, namely: Frederick, Mrs. Agnes Havens, and Mrs. Maria E. Knox, widow of our subject.

Mrs. Knox spent her girlhood in England and was educated in the common schools there and in the schools of St. Louis, .Missouri. She was fourteen years of age when the family moved to America.

Two children were born to Alexander Knox and wife: Alice M., born on September 29, 1879, married first to Charles Schneider, who 'lied about fourteen years ago; later she married T. P. Nichols, and they live in St. Louis. They have two children. Josephine and Charles A. George F. born on July 8, 1882, married Courtney Gustin, who is engaged in the shoe business in Springfield. Our subject and wife also raised James D. Knox, from the time he was five years old, and shortly after our subject's death Airs. Knox adopted the child, who was burn on November 18, 1880; he married Maude Walker; he is connected with the Frisco shops and lives in Springfield. They have three children. Charles Vere. Maxine and Margaret.

Alexander Knox was a Republican. He belonged to the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers, and was secretary of the local order for a period of fifteen years, performing the duties of the office most faithfully. He was a member of the Masonic Order, the Blue Lodge, Gate of the Temple ( Masonic ) and the Ancient Order of United Workmen, being a charter member of the same. He was a member of the Royal Arcanum Lodge, and belonged to the First Congregational church.

The death of Mr. Knox occurred on August 14, 1899, when scarcely past the half-century mark. Mrs. Knox has a cosy home on Washington avenue, Springfield.

Frederick Charles Wilder

One of the public-spirited citizens of Ash Grove who withholds his cooperation from no movement which is intended to promote public improvement in that city and vicinity is Frederick Charles Wilder, who for the past fourteen years has been engaged successfully in the livery business there and is one of the best known men in this line of endeavor in Greene county, and what he has accomplished illustrates his steadfastness of purpose. In his earlier years he was a farmer and also worked as iron molder.

He is a son of Thomas and Catherine (Tubbs) Wilder. The father was born in the state of New York, in October, 1828, was there reared to manhood and educated in the district schools and he devoted his active life to farming. He joined the tide of "forty-niners" for the gold fields of California and remained in that state a few years, finally returning to Illinois, his trips across the great trackless plains being without particular incident. He resumed farming and remained in the Sucker state until in 1869, when he removed with his family to Lawrence county, Missouri, where he bought one hundred acres which he farmed until 1881, when he went to Barry county, Missouri, and homesteaded one hundred and sixty acres, which he cleared, improved and farmed until his death, which occurred in 1902. Politically, he was a Republican, and religiously a Methodist. Catherine Tubbs, mother of the subject of this sketch, was burn in 1837. It is not certain whether in Illinois or Wisconsin, and her death occurred in 1875.

Frederick C. Wilder grew to manhood on the home farm, where he worked when a boy, and he received his education in the district schools. He spent four years in Dundee, Illinois, working for the Illinois Iron Bolt Company, learning the molder's trade, from 1894 to 1898, after which he returned to the home farm in Lawrence count}', Missouri, not caring to continue the molder's trade as a livelihood. lie engaged in general farming until fourteen years ago, when he came to Ash Grove and started in the liver}- business, which he has continued here and in Mt. Vernon, Lawrence county, to the present time, and his is now the only livery businessin Ash Grove. He lias a well-equipped barn, including such vehicles as his needs require and a large number of good horses. His barn is popular with the traveling public, prompt and honest service is his aim.

Mr. Wilder was married March 17. [887, to Emma Bowman, who was horn in Christian county. Missouri, August 4, [869, and was reared on the farm and educated in the public schools. She is a daughter of William P. and Sarah Bowman. The father was a pioneer of Christian count) and the mother was born there.

Five children have been horn to Mr. and Mrs. Wilder, namely: Oma, born January 1. [888, is cashier at Bourguenot's confectionery in Springfield; Dade, horn May 20, [889, is employed by the Aurora Milling Company at Aurora, Missouri; Nellie, horn February 5, [892; she married Richard M. Ryan and they live in Hot Springs. Arkansas: Luna, horn .March [9, [894; and Clyde, horn May 17, [897.

Politically, Mr. Wilder is a Republican. Fraternally, he i- a member of the Knight- of Pythias, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and the W Imen of the World. Religiously, the Family attends the Presbyterian church.

Daniel H. Herman

For a period of thirty-five years the name of Daniel H. Herman has stood for the highest grade of tailoring known in southwest Missouri, and his business advancing with the years has long since assumed very large proportions, and, owing to the excellent quality and style of the work from his establishment, his prestige is such that many of his customers come from nearby towns, and the fact that many of them have remained with him fur a quarter of a century or more is a criterion of not only good service but courteous and honest treatment. Mr. Herman has devoted practically his life to this line of business and no one is more thoroughly conversant with the various phases of the same than he. As a man of affairs and a citizen he has been one of the influential men of Springfield for many years,

Mr. Herman was born June _\ [857, in Syracuse, New York. He is a son of Henry and Hannah (Stern) Herman. The father, a native of Bavaria, Germany, emigrated to the United States about [832 ami settled i,. Syracuse, Xew York, where he was an extensive live stock dealer until 1868, when he went to Chicago, where he continued the same business. In 1871 he went to Rochester. Xew York, and followed the same vocation, subsequently moving to Elmira, that state, where his death occurred in [904, at the home of his daughter, and he is buried in the lot adjoining that containing the grave of Mark Twain. His wife, Hannah Stern, was also born in the province of Bavaria, Germany. She came to America when young and married Air. Herman in Syracuse, New York. Her death occurred in 1894 >n Rochester, that state, but she was buried in Chicago. Air. and Airs. Henry- Herman were the parents of rive children, namely: Hannah is the wife of Albert Samuel, of Elmira, New York; Fanny is the widow of Henry Klopfer, the great Chicago packer; Benjamin lives in Rahway, Xew Jersey; Daniel H., of this review: and Charles, who lives in Xew York City. Politically, the father of these children was a Democrat. He belonged to the Alasonic order, and he was a member of the Hebrew Reformed church.