Greene County, Missouri - Biographical sketches, 1915 (part 21 of 29)

William C. Farmer received a good education in the schools of Milturd, Illinois, and Emporia, Kansas. He studied pharmacy and went in the drug business in Collins, St. Clair county, Missouri, in 1887, continuing the same successfully for a period of twelve years, then went to Osceola as agent for the Pabst Brewing Company, of Milwaukee, where he remained until 1905 when he came to Springfield as distributor for that company, continuing with the same until 1907, giving the firm eminent satisfaction in every respect. Desiring to go into business for himself he organized the Electric Bottling Company in 1907, which has proven to be one of the leading concerns of its kind in southern Missouri, and he is now owner and manager of the same. It is located at 545 West Phelps avenue, but was first started at the same number on South Campbell street. It was successful from the first, under Mr. Farmer's able management and has rapidly grown in volume and importance with increasing years until its products are now finding a ready market over a wide territory, and are regarded as of a superior quality. A variety of popular carbonated beverages is manufactured here. About four hundred cases a week were manufactured at first, but this output has increased to three thousand bottles daily, the present output. The plant was retained at its first location for four years, then moved to its present convenient location, a substantial one-story brick building with nine thousand feet of floor space, with a capacity of two car loads per day. The plant is equipped with every modern device for the rapid manufacture of high-grade stuff, and fifteen competent assistants are constantly employed. A sterilizing and washing machine has just been installed at a cost of over six thousand dollars. Everything about the place is kept in ship shape, is thoroughly sanitary and managed under a superb system. The principal products of this well-known plant are coco-cola, farmer's root beer, ginger ale and sodas of such flavors as orange, lemon, cherry, cream, grape, strawberry, lemon and lemon sour. A specialty is made of Polar distilled water, one hundred per cent pure, having a capacity on this product of seven hundred gallons daily, and a verv large sale is made from this department alone. Pabst "Blue Ribbon" beer is also handled.

Mr. Farmer was married in July, 1S88, to Myrtle Pritchard, of Waubleau, Missouri. She was born in 1868. and she received her education at the Christian College of that place. She is a daughter of J. E. and Elizabeth (Orr) Pritchard. Her father devoted his active life as millwright.

To Mr. and Mrs. Farmer four children have been born, namely : Wallace E., born on April 23, 1889, is assisting his father in the bottling works; William C, Jr., born in 1891, is engaged in business with his father; Pau-

Politically, Mr. Farmer is a Democrat. Fraternally, he belongs to the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and the Loval Order of Moose.

Hiram W. Diggins

Hiram W. Diggins was a resident of Springfield for nearly thirty-five years and one of the best known railroad men in the West. He was born at La Porte, Indiana, April 30, 1837, a son of Nelson and Katie M. Diggins. His father's people were from the state of New York and his mother's people from the state of Pennsylvania. When he was two years old his people moved to a farm near Woodstock. Illinois, and Mr. Diggins grew to manhood in that section and was educated in the public schools of Woodstock, Illinois. He first began clerking in a general merchandise store, but in 1857 commenced railroad work as freight brakeman on the Chicago & Northwestern railroad. He was promoted successively to freight conductor and passenger conductor and in 1867 he quit railroading and for one year was joint proprietor of the Beaumont hotel at Green Bay, Wisconsin. In 1869 he disposed of his hotel interest in Green Bay and came to Kansas City and was made a freight conductor on the Missouri River, Fort Scott & Gulf Railroad ( later, Kansas City, Fort Scott & Memphis railroad and now a part of the Frisco system). In 1871 he went to Ottawa, Kansas, as trainmaster of the Leavenworth, Lawrence & Galveston railroad (now Southern Kansas branch of the Santa Fe). In the latter part of 1873 he accompanied Octave Chanute to the Erie system and was made superintendent of second track work. He returned to Kansas City in the latter part of 1 -^74 and shortly afterward took charge of construction train on Kansas-Midland railroad, building from Topeka to Kansas City. After completion of this system it was absorbed by the Santa Fe and Air. Diggins was a passenger conductor on Santa Fe system from Kansas City west for a number of years. In 1879 he came to Springfield as superintendent of the Springfield & Western Missouri railroad, a short line which had just been purchased by the Kansas City, Fort Scott & Gulf. Mr. Diggins was the superintendent in charge of construction of the Kansas City, Fort Scott & Gulf railroad and Kansas City, Springfield & Memphis railroad, joint systems in their extensions toward Kansas City and toward Memphis and he remained with the Kansas City. Ft. Scott and Memphis railroad as superintendent at Springfield from 1879 until 1895, at

Mr. Diggins was married on November 12, 1861, to Emily Keeler, who was born in Salisbury, Vermont, July 28, 1836, a daughter of Leavens C. and Emily Norton Keeler. Mrs. Diggins' girlhood days were spent in Vermont, but she had reached young womanhood when her parents moved to Palatine, Illinois.

Two children were born to Hiram \Y. and Emily K. Diggins, namely, Charles K., September 30, 1862, who died in March, 1865, and Archibald B., born on November 19, 1865. Archibald B. married Delle Bosworth, of Brunswick, Missouri, in 1886. Two children were born to this union, namely, Doris D. and Emily D.

Hiram W. Diggins was a loyal Mason, a Knight Templar, being a Past Eminent Commander, and was a loyal member of the Mystic Shrine. Although a life-long Democrat, he was liberal in politics and was a man loved and respected by all who knew him and a man who never spoke ill of any one, and was stanch and loyal to his friends.

William B. Cloud

It was Oliver Wendell Holmes who said that the human race is divided into two classes - those that go ahead and do something and those who sit and inquire, "Why wasn't it done the other way." A review of the history of the Cloud family of Greene county shows clearly that they have ever been of the former class, and therefore have not only attained a large measure of material success, but have contributed in no uncertain degree to the general development of the community which has been honored by their residence for three-quarters of a century. When they cast their lot in Clay township they found a wild, sparsely settled community, and they endured the usual privations of pioneers, hut being possessed of those qualities which turn adversity into success, they bore with brave hearts the vicissitudes of the early days and in due course of time became well established and at the same time did much toward the progress of that section of the county, which owes much to them. A creditable representative of this old family is William B. Cloud, who for the past eight years has filled the responsible position of clerk of the Greene County Court, being still incumbent of the office. Up to that time he had devoted himself to general agricultural pursuits with ever increasing success, ranking among the best farmers of his native vicinity.

Air. Cloud was born in section 25, Clay township, this county, October it), 1862. He is a son of Calvin M. and Elizabeth (Kirshner) Cloud. The father was a native of Granger county, Tennessee, and the mother was born in Hawkins county, that state. There they spent their childhood, were educated in the old-time subscription schools, and were married in Greene county, Missouri. Leaving their native state in 1838, they traversed the rough roads westward to Greene county, Missouri, and iocated in Clay township, entered land from the government, which they improved through close application and hard toil, and here spent the rest of their lives, the death of the father occurring in 1887 at the age of sixty-live years, the mother surviving until January 10, 1895, attaining about the same age as did her husband. Calvin M. Cloud was a prominent man in his township. For many years he served the people as justice of the peace, and was also clerk of the school district for some time. Politically he was a Republican. His father also entered a farm from the government in Clay township, but joined the great caravan of gold seekers across the great plains of the West to California in 1849, anc^ there he spent the rest of his life. Our subject's maternal grandparents also immigrated to Greene count)- in the early period of her history, locating in the east part of Campbell township, on the James river and Pierson creek, and there spent the rest of their lives.

Cabin M. Cloud and wife were the parents of ten children, seven of whom are still living, namely: .Mrs. L. F. Wills of Norwich, Kansas; John lames died at Winrield, Kansas, in November. 101^; Mrs. Mary E. Wills, of Milton, Kansas; Mrs. Martha M. Gault is deceased; Mrs. Lucy A. Wrightsman, of Springfield, Missouri; Thomas H. lives in Winlield, Kansas; Mrs. Sarah R. Kinser is deceased; William B., subject of this sketch; Mrs. Harriet E. t hapman, of Ozark, Missouri; Edward C. lives near Grandfield, ( (klahoma.

William B. Cloud grew to manhood on the home farm and he received his education in the rural schools of Clay township, and later took a business course, lie remained on the home farm, oi which he owns eighty acres, which he has kept well improved and under a high state of cultivation, and the buildings well repaired. He remained on tin- farm until he was elected clerk of the county court eight years ago, taking office on January t. [907. lie now resides in Springfield, lie lias tilled the office of clerk in an able and satisfactory manner, being painstaking, obliging and courteous to the public, and is popular with all who have occasion t" visit the office or having dealings with the court.

Mr. (loud married, in [886, Mary V. Patterson, who was born, reared and educated in Clay township, Greene count)'. She is a daughter of William Patterson, a well-known contractor and farmer who came here from Tennessee and established the family home in Clay township main- vears aero. Two children have heen born to Mr. and Mrs. Cloud, namely: James R., now deputy clerk under his father, married Mida Ewing, of Ozark, Missouri, and thev have two children, Velma Gene and Bernice Burton; Roxie Inez, the second child of our subject, is also one of his deputies in the county clerk's office. She married Harry T. Brundidge, Jr., of Kansas City, where he was a prominent newspaper reporter.

Politically, Mr. Cloud is a Republican. He is prominent in fraternal circles, holding membership with the Knights and Ladies of Honor, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Modern Woodmen of America, Improved Order of Red Men, Benevolent and Protective Order of Klks and the Loyal Order of Moose. He attends the Methodist church, but Mrs. Cloud affiliates with the Baptists.

Charles Crowdus

That the dairy cow can be the means through which agriculture can be put on a permanent and profitable basis is clearly shown by the history of Denmark. Forty years ago that country was on the verge of bankruptcy. The land had been run down through years of continuous grain farming. The people were poor and dissatisfied and were leaving the country for America as fast as they could get the money for their passage. A few of the far-sighted men of the country saw a possible solution of their national problem in the dairy cow. Dairying was introduced into Denmark, and now the little nation once poverty-stricken is pointed out as an example of what can be done when the proper system of farming is followed. The country is prosperous. The production of the soil has been increased to more than double what it was forty years ago. People no longer have a desire to leave, and, as a whole, they arc considered among the best educated and intelligent of the world. The country exports annually over seven million dollars' worth of dairy products, to say nothing of the enormous amount consumed within its borders, and all from an area much less than one-fourth of Missouri. No country in the world is better adapted for dairying than the Ozark region, and yet it is surprising how few have become aware of this fact. Here is a fine rolling country, a good black limestone soil, an abundance of pure spring water, a long growing season and the center of an unlimited market. Among the Greene county men who have had the sagacity to see this opportunity and take advantage of the same is Charles Crowdus, proprietor of the Crowdus Sanitary Dairy and Poultry Ranch in Campbell township, in the outskirts of Springfield, in which city he has long been well known, having for years been connected with the Heer Dry Goods store prior to taking up his present line of endeavor.

Mr. Crowdus was born at Weatherford, Texas, April 5, 1878. He is a son of William B. and Mary (Heer) Crowdus, the latter a daughter of C. H. Heer, of Illinois. He was a native of Hanover, Germany. William B. Crowdus was born in Kentucky, from which state he came to Springfield, Missouri, when a young man, and for a number of years engaged in the grocery business on the public square and South street. This was in 1873, forty-two years ago. In 1877 ne went to Weatherford, Texas, and there his death occurred in 1879, when his son, Charles Crowdus was only a year old; his only other child, a daughter, died in infancy unnamed. William B. was a brother of J. C, J. B. and R. L. Crowdus of the Crowdus Hide & Wool Company, a widely known concern, engaging in business at Fort Worth, Texas, Oklahoma City, and St. Louis.

Charles Crowdus was brought back to Springfield by his mother soon after his father's death, and here he grew to manhood and was educated in the parish schools, later attending Christian Brothers College at St. Joseph, and Jesuits College at St. Mary's, Kansas, also studied at Notre Dame University, South Bend, Indiana. Applying himself assiduously he took advantage of this excellent opportunity for education and became well equipped for life's serious duties. After leaving school he was with the Heer Dry Goods store in Springfield for a period of about ten years, where he did much to make the business a success during that period. Finally tiring of the exactions of this line of endeavor he moved just south of the city limits and turned his attention to dairying and poultry raising and has made a pronounced success in both. He runs a retail route and has built up a good business in this city, finding ready sales for all his products. He is well equipped in every respect for the dairy business, having a modernly appointed dairy barn, convenient, up-to-date and sanitary in even* respect, and he keeps a superior grade of cows. He makes a specialty of raising White Wyandotte poultry and has built up a good demand for his fowls and eggs. He keeps well posted on all phases of the dairy and poultry business and gives his close attention to each line. He has a cosy home on South Jefferson street.

Mr. Crowdus was married on October 2, 1009, to Mary Ethelyn Lawing, a daughter of R. J. Lawing and wife, an influential family of Ozark, Christian county, this state. Mr. Lawing is a fanner in that vicinity and was for a number of years postmaster at Ozark. His wife was known in her maidenhood as Mary Clark, and to their marriage eight children were born, all of whom survive at this writing. Mrs. Crowdus grew to womanhood in the vicinity of Ozark and received a good education in the local schools.

Inheriting many of the commendable attributes of his sterling Scotch ancestors, Andrew W. MacElveny has forged to the front in the railroad service by his individual efforts, alone and unaided, while yet a young man. 1 [e has had a vast experience in remote sections of the United States, where he has preferred to reside, although born and reared under the British flag, beyond our northern border in the land of the "mother of snows." We have always welcomed such men as he, no matter from what clime they may hail, for he combines the essential elements that make a good citizen.

.Mr. MacElveny, who at present is chief clerk in the general manager's office of the Frisco lines in Springfield, was born May 5, 1882, at Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada. lie is a son of Robert MacElveny, who was born in Scotland, from which country he immigrated to America with his parents when a young man, the family locating in the Province of New Brunswick. Early in life he began railroading, eventually becoming master mechanic for the Inter-Colonial Railway Company in New Brunswick, remaining there until in the eighties, when he removed with his family to Winnipeg, Province of Manitoba, where be established his permanent home and where he still resides.

Andrew W. MacElveny attended St. John's College, after passing through the common schools and graduating from high school. Eater he went to St. Paul, Minnesota, as office boy in the general offices of the Northern Pacific Railroad Company, where he remained several years, having been first promoted to clerk, then stenographer. The company transferred him to Tacoma, Washington, where he spent a year and a half, then returned to St. Paul for the same road and worked in the engineer's office. From there he went to Galveston, Texas, and worked fur the Topeka, Atchison & Santa Fe Railroad, under E. D. Lev)', who was chief clerk there for a period of four years. He became chief clerk under Mr. Levy, representing him in Texas, and was for a time traveling agent. He was station agent for the Santa Fe at Rogers, Texas, for a while. He was traveling agent for the Frisco hnes for six months, and he came to Springfield in 1908 as stenographer for Mr. Levy, and later he was promoted to chief clerk of several different departments in the Frisco offices. In 191 1 our subject was promoted to assistant superintendent of freight loss and damage claims; in March, 1914. he was appointed chief clerk for Air. Levy, who is general manager of the Frisco lines, and this position he still holds.

Mr. MacElveny was married on December 28. 1908, to Lillian Wilcox, of Temple, Texas, a daughter of Capt. George E. and Annie Wilcox. This union has resulted in the birth of two children, namely : Walter E. and Katheryn Elizabeth.

The Freeman Family

One of the oldest, best known and honored families of Greene county is the Freemans, the first member of which, a Revolutionary soldier, braved the wilds of this locality nearly a century ago and from that day to the present time his descendants have played well their parts in the local drama of -civilization and the family history is well worth perpetuation on the pages of a volume of the nature of the one in hand. This family has not only been noted for their unflagging industry and success in material things, but also good citizens, always ready to support such measures as had for their bbject the general good of the community and county, and too, they have looked well to their personal reputations.

( )ne ot tlu- best known member- of this family of the present generalion is Rederick Flavius Freeman, who was born in Greene county, Missouri, October 3, [852. lie is a son of William B. and Eliza F. (Snow) Freeman. The former was born in North Carolina. August 7. 1825. He came \<> Missouri in early life and spent the re>t of bis days in Greene county, engaged in farming and slock raising, lie was married on August 11, 185 1. He was engaged in buying cattle tor the government during the Civil war. at the time of his death. September 11, [862. I lis wife was horn -on April 13, 1834; she survived him nearly forty-seven years, dying on March 17, IQ09.

To William I!. Freeman and wife the following children were born: Rederick F., mentioned in the preceding paragraph, being the eldest: Samuel S.. born on \ugus1 i<>. [854; Mrs. Mollie I.. Edmondson, born on December 4. 1850: Gabriel B., born on September 23. [858; William W.. born on November 6, [861, died July 3, [899; Ona A., born on May 9, [859, died on July 6. iNdn.

having enlisted as a private in 1776, from North Carolina, under Capt. Andrew Oliver and Colonel Hogan. After hi-- first term of enlistment of three months had expired he re-enlisted on July 20, 1878, for nine months, as a private under Captain Childs and Colonel Hart in the Tenth North Carolina Regiment. In 1781 he enlisted a third time, for three months, as a private under Captain Taylor and Colonel Eaton. He saw considerable hard service and fought gallantly for his country in such engagements as Guilford and Camden? At the time of his enlistment he resided in Bertie county, North Carolina. He applied for a pension on July 23. 1832. and his claim was allowed. At that time he lived in Burke county. North Carolina. His birth occurred in the former county, October 26, 1759. He spent the major portion of his life in the old Tar state, engaged in farming, but in his old age he sought a newer country and made the long overland journey with his family to Greene county. Missouri, where he spent the rest of his days, dying here on January 2j, 1838, at the age of seventy-nine years, lie was buried in the National Cemetery at Springfield and the government placed an appropriate monument at his grave where lies the only Revolutionary soldier in that cemetery.

William Freeman, mentioned above, married Mary Bryan in 1786. She was a daughter of Robert Bryan. Her death occurred, on November 5, 1N45. The record shows that their children were, in [850, Rederick, riftysix years "Id; Larry was fifty-two years old; Lemuel II. was forty-nine wars old: Elizabeth and James, twins, were forty-seven years old. the former being the wife of Israel Smith.

Returning to the career of Rederick Flavins Freeman: lie grew to manhood on the home farm and assisted with the general work there when a boy. His educational advantages were somewhat limited. His business experience in life has been his best teacher, and has given him a broad comprehension of men and things and self-reliance. He is a well-read man. posted on current matters, and he has succeeded in his life work. He is a general farmer and an extensive buyer and shipper of live stock. He has always lived in Greene count)- and has kept actively engaged at his chosen vocations. He is a stanch Democrat of the old school; he thoroughly believes in the principles of his party, is an ardent worker for the cause of Democracy, but has had no time for political favors himself, yet he is always on deck at the needed time to assist his friends and his party.

Rederick Flavins Freeman was married on Januarv 20, 1876, to Martha Ann Cooper. Mrs. Freeman was born on May 9, 1856, in Greene county, Missouri. She is a daughter of George W. and Zerelda F. ( Goodin) C( r.per. the father born on February 20, 18 14, and died on November 12, 1 88 1 ; the mother was born on December 29. 1820. and died on December (104)

29, 1884. These parents were among the early settlers of Greene county. To them the following children were born: Joseph G., born on October 15, 1839, died on October 14, 1S64; Airs. M. Jane Hardy, born on June 12, 1841 ; John D., born on January 3, 1843; ^rs- Nancy E. Howard, born on April 24, 1845; Airs. Margaret E. Moore, bom on March 2, 1848; A. D., born on March 10, 1850, died April 20th of that year; Robert M. E., born on May 21, 1851, died in 1905; A. A. W., born on January 26, 1854, is deceased; Martha Ann. wife of Rederick F. Freeman, and Z. A. C. Newbill, born on January 21, 1S61. Rederick Flavius Freeman and wife are members of the Presbyterian church.

To Rederick Flavius Freeman and wife the following children have been born: Walter Edmond, born on April 12, 1877. was educated in the common schools of Greene county, and at an early age commenced working in the machine shops of the St. Louis & San Francisco Railroad Company at Springfield, and continued there for five years, then engaged in the general merchandise business in Springfield, which he successful}' conducted for nine years. In 1908 he was elected sheriff of Greene county with the largest majority any Democrat ever received for that office. He overcame a Republican majority of eight hundred and had eleven hundred and ninetynine majority to his credit, which is sufficient evidence of his high standing in the county as a man and citizen; his term of office expired on December 31, 19 1 2, having enjoyed the distinction of being the youngest sheriff the county ever had, and he was also the first to hold a four-years' term, and was the last to serve while the county offices remained in the old court house, was also the first sheriff after the new court house was occupied. He was a member of the city council during the years [905-06. He has been a prominent member of the Democratic County Committee for several years, and he held the office of state committeeman in mm and 1911. He was president during the existence of the Drovers Bank of Springfield, which went out of business in the fall of 1013. He was a director of the Peoples Bank from its organization until 191 2, assisted in its organization and was one of its stockholders. At this writing be is extensively engaged in the real estate business, handling bis own property principally. He is an active Democrat, belongs to the Baptist church, and fraternally is a member of the Masonic order, the Modern Woodmen, the Benevolent and Protective Order of F.Iks, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, ami also belongs to the Sons of the American Revolution. He married Lucy Gertrude Noblitt, November 22, 1899. She is a daughter of William Allen Noblitt, who was a mechanic in the Frisco shops, and bis death occurred on March 23, [888. Mr. Noblitt was a veteran of the Civil war. having enlisted for service in the Union army at Springfield in [863, and left for the front in February, [864, as a member of Battery 1, Second Light Artillery, under Stephen II.

Julian, and lie saw considerable service, including the great battle of Nashville, Tennessee, December 15 and id. 1864. lie was honorably discharged and mustered out at the close of the war. after which he returned to Greene county and resided here until his death, llis health was si> seriously impaired while in the army that he never recovered and he died while still a young man. His wife was Nancy Tennessee Gooch, a native of the state of Tennessee from which state she came to Missouri when a child and is still living at the age of sixty-five years. She is of English and Scotch extraction. Her daughter, Mrs. Walter Edmond Freeman is a graduate of the Springfield high school. She and her husband have one child, Mildred Lucille Freeman, born on February iN. [905, who is now attending school, assisted three of her cousins in unveiling the monument erected by the government in the National Cemetery at Springfield over the grave of her ancestor, William Freeman, who was a veteran of the American Revolution. There was a large gathering and appropriate speeches were made during the ceremony of the unveiling. Mrs. Walter E. Freeman has one sister, Mrs. Josie Chapman, who resides in Springfield; also one brother, Ernes) Allen Noblitt, also of Springfield.

John Guy Freeman, second son of Rederick Flavius Freeman and wife, was born on November 17, 1879. He now resides about ten miles north of Springfield, where he owns a large farm ami is extensively engaged in raising live stock. Politically, he is a Democrat. He was married to Margaret Shelledy, May 3, 1901. She is a daughter of Leander Nelson Shelledy, who was born on April 27, 1840, in Edgar county. Illinois, but left there at an early age for Kansas, where he was living at the outbreak of the Civil war and there he enlisted in the Union army on July 21, 1862, and participated in numerous important engagements, remaining in the service until the close of the war, having been mustered out on July 17, 1N05. Nol long thereafter he came to Greene county, Missouri, where he lived until his death, April 7, 1906. He married Mrs. Sarah A. Pitt, November 5, 1877. Her maiden name was Calkin. Mrs. Margaret Freeman's father was previously married, by which one son was born, Allen A. Shelledy, who saw service as a private during the entire Spanish-American war, being mustered out on August 16, 1899. He then went to the Philippine Islands where he has continued to reside and has been successful in his work there. The mother of Mrs. Margaret Freeman had four children by her first marriage, namely: Marvin A. Pitt, who lives north of Springfield, Missouri; Sidney Pitt, who is now living in Roswell, New Mexico; Mrs. Elizabeth Freeman lives in Kansas; and Mrs. Nellie Givins lives in Oklahoma. Mrs. Margaret Freeman has the following brothers and sisters: James E. Shelledy is living in Dalhart, Texas; Charles C. lives in Greene county, Missouri; Mrs. Charles M. Trankham lives in Greene countv, Missouri ; Henry A.

John Guy Freeman and wife have one child, Hal, born on August 23, 1907; Charles Emmett. born on May 10, 1881, married Gertrude Johnston, April 12, 1903, and they have one child, Edna May, born on May 23, 1906; Harry Frank, born on June 26, 1882, married Ruby Stovall, September 25, 1904, and to them two children have been born; Grace Marie, whose birth occurred on September 2^, 1905; and Harry Bryan, whose birth occurred on October 15, 1909; Harry Frank Freeman has resided in Springfield for several years and been a member of the police department and is now deputy sheriff of Greene county. Dr. Samuel Flavins, fifth child of Rederick F. Freeman and wife, was born in the old Freeman neighborhood, near Heady, September jj, 1884, was educated in the common schools of his district, later spending one year in Morrisville College, in I'olk county, also spent one term at the Missouri State Normal and four years in the American Medical College at St. Funis, from which he was graduated in 1909. He took a post-graduate course at St. Louis University in 1912. His special work has been diseases of children in which he has met with great success. He commenced practicing his profession in Flwood, Greene county, remaining there three years, then moved to Springfield in 1912 where he is nowlocated and is building up a satisfactory business as a general practitioner and a specialist on the diseases of children. He is a member of the Southwest Missouri. State and National Eclectic Medical Societies. Ik- has held the office of county physician for Greene county since [909, which he still retains, the duties of which he is discharging in a highly acceptable manner. Fraternally, he is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Royal Neighbors and the Mystic Workers, American Yeomen, and Knights of Pythias. Politically, he is a Democrat, and religiously a member of of the Baptist church, of which he is a deacon. Doctor Freeman married Fiela Jessie Bennett, November 25, [909; -he is a daughter of William I', and Alice (Mooney) Bennett, a well-known ami substantial family who live on a farm near Flwood where Mrs. Freeman was reared and educated in the public schools, later attending Morrisville College. She has the following brothers and sisters: Dr. Floyd W*. Bennett, a practicing physician of St. Louis, Missouri; Gerl M. Bennett lives in Denver, Colorado: John F. Bennett, who lives at Englewood, Colorado, is a deputy sheriff of Arapahoe county, also llerschel David at home. Doctor Freeman and wife have one child, Flavius Bennett Freeman, who was born at Elwood on May 30, 1911. The three younger children of Rederick F. Freeman and wife were named as follows: Delia Maud, born on February 28, [886, married Harvey Tiller. April 29, i<)o6, and they have two children. Dwight Freeman, born in July, 1907; and Helen Blanche, born in January, 191 1; Harley Gabriel, burn on November 23, 1889, married Madge Gately on October 10, 1909, and they have one child, Frances Muriel, born on October 5, 191 1; George Porter, eighth and youngest of the children, was born on February 22, 1892, married Stella Keech. April 20, 1912, and they have one child, Jessie Wanetta, born on February 19, 1914.

Thus from the foregoing paragraphs it will be seen that the various members of the Freeman family are well situated in life, are good citizens and deserving of the high respect in which they are held.

Herbert W. Pigg

A man's life work is the measure of his success, and he is truly the most successful man who, turning his powers into the channel of an honorable purpose, accomplishes the object of his endeavor. In the study of every man's life we find some main-spring of action, something that he lives for, and in Herbert W. Pigg, of Springfield, it seems to have been an ambition to make the best use of his native and accpiired powers and develop in himself a true manhood. For many years he was engaged in railroad service holding responsible office positions with the great Frisco system, but at this writing he is incumbent of the office of deputy internal revenue collector in which he is making a commendable record.

Mr. Pigg was born on December 11, 1872, in Madison county, Kentucky, being the scion of a sterling old Southern family, the son of Louis P. and Susie (Ballard) Pigg, both natives of Kentucky. Louis P. Pigg moved from the Blue Grass state to Clay county, Missouri, when our subject was three years old and later located in Kansas City where he became a successful business man, engaging in the wholesale and retail grocery business in Kansas City for a number of years, building up a large trade and accumulating a competency. He retired from active life a few years ago. He is now about seventy-eight years of age and his wife is about seventy-six years old. During the Civil war he cast his lot with the Southern Confederacy, serving three vears in a gallant manner, taking part in many of the important engagements and campaigns in the South. Six children were born to Louis P. Pigg and wife, named as follows: Nora is deceased; Herbert W. of this sketch; Minnie lives in Kansas City; B. J. is deceased; Odie W. lives in Kansas City; and D. George who lives in Kansas City.

Herbert W. Pigg attended the ward and high schools of Kansas City, later spent two terms at Center College, Danville, Kentucky and also took a commercial course in Kansas City at Spaulding's Business College. After his graduation from the business college, he accepted a position with the Kansas City. Ft. Scott & Memphis Railroad Company in Kansas City, continuing in the work there, being promoted from time to time, until October 1, 1901, when he came to Springfield, Missouri, after the consolidation of the above named road with the St. Louis & San Francisco Railroad Company. He had been in office work for the former road all the while and upon coming here he became assistant chief clerk in the mechanical department, which he held until he resigned to take his present position, having been appointed deputy internal revenue collector, April 1, 191 5. He is discharging the duties of this important position of trust in a manner that reflects much credit upon himself and to the entire satisfaction of the department. While in the employ of the Kansas City, Ft. Scott & Memphis Railroad Company in Kansas City, Mr. Pigg studied medicine under Dr. Charles F. Wainwright, dean of University Medical College, Kansas City; our subject never completed his course in medicine due to the fact that Doctor Wainwright left Kansas City, going to Xew York where he later died.

Politically he is a Democrat, and has long been active and influential m the affairs of his party. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias, and he affiliates with the Christian church. Personally he is a well informed, broad-minded, companionable and genteel gentleman in every respect, and he and his talented wife are in every way deserving of the high esteem in which they are universally held. Mr. Pit;x's death occurred very suddenly on June 22, 1915, due to an attack of heart trouble.

Henry Webb Porter

The final causes which shape the fortunes of individual men and the destinies of states are often the same. They are usually remote and obscure; their influence wholly unexpected until declared by results. When they inspire men to the exercise of courage, self-denial, enterprise, industry and call into play the higher moral elements; lead men to risk all upon conviction, faith - such causes lead to the planting of great states, great nations, great peoples. That country is the greatest which produces the greatest and most manly men, and the intrinsic safety depends not so much upon methods and measures as upon that true manhood from whose deep sources all that is precious and permanent in life must at last proceed. Such a result may not be consciously contemplated by the individuals instrumental in the production of a country; pursuing each his personal good by exalted means, they work out this as a logical result; they have wrought on the lines of the greatest good. When the life of one such individual ends, we look back over the pathway he had trod and note its usefulness, its points worthy of emulation and perpetuation. What the late Henry Webb Porter, successful attorney-at-law and self-made man of Springfield, did for his fellowmen and the communities honored by his citizenship, in general might, in a manner, be told in words, but its far-reaching influences cannot be measured. He was in touch with the people, and from a sincere and deepfelt interest in their welfare labored for all that would prove of public benefit until the busy and useful life was ended.

Mr. Porter was born in Shelbyville, Tennessee, November 27, 1835. He was a son of William and Judith (Reeves) Porter, the father a native of New Jersey and the mother a native of Tennessee. They grew up in their respective localities and received limited educations in the schools of the early days. William Porter came to Tennessee when young in years and there married, and he devoted his active life to agricultural pursuits, at one time operating an extensive tobacco plantation. He removed with his family from Tennessee to Greene county, .Missouri, in 1855, and bought a farm north of Springfield, securing same from the government, and this land he developed by hard work and lived on the place until 1864, then moved on a farm in Arkansas, where he spent the rest of his life, lie became a prosperous farmer and influential man in his community. His death occurred on December 16, 1878. His family consisted of eleven sons, ten of whom grew to manhood, but only two of them are living at this writing; they were named as follows: Granville and Benjamin, twins, are deceased; Peter, deceased; Abner is living; William, deceased; Robert, deceased; Jesse is living; Henry W., our subject, and John, deceased, were twins; Felix, deceased; the youngest child died in infancy.

Henry W. Porter grew to manhood in Tennessee and he received a limited education in the public schools there and in Greene county, Missouri, having been twenty years of age when he removed here with the rest of the family. He spent his boyhood on his father's farm and assisted with the general work on the same. He studied at home, became a well-read man and. studying law, was admitted to the bar and practiced man}' years with much success. He was well versed in all phases of the law, and was a forceful and earnest pleader at the bar. He also took a great interest in political affairs, and was active and influential in the Democratic party. He held a number of public offices, always with credit to himself and satisfaction to all concerned. He was an able and strong worker for the cause of temperance.

in that state until 1902, when he returned to Greene county, and lived in Springfield about four years, being then retired. His death occurred in Arkansas on March 5, 19 14.

Air. Porter was married in Greene county on March 17, 1865, to Matilda J. Bedell, who was born at Ebenezer, in the northeastern part of Greene county, February 2, 1837, and she grew to womanhood on the old Bedell farm near that village and received her education in the public schools there. This old homestead was entered from the government in 1830 by Mrs. Porter's mother, and the farm has never gone to owners outside the Bedell family. The Bedells are among the pioneer and well-known families of Greene county. Mrs. Porter is a daughter of David H. and Marina ( Wallace) Bedell, both being born in North Carolina, where they grew up, attended the old-time schools and were married. They made the long overland journey from that state to Greene count}', Missouri, in early pioneer days, and here endured the hardships and privations incident to all frontier people of those times. By hard work and close application, good management and economy, they became well established in due course of time, and spent the rest of their lives on their farm here, his death occurring shortly before the breaking out of the Civil war, and she died during the war. Thev were noted for their honesty and hospitality, and were well known to the pioneers here. The family of Henry W. Porter consisted of twelve children, five of whom are living at this writing, namely: Mahlon, Judith. Edward, John, are all deceased; Melissa lives at Springfield; Charles lives in Arkansas; Mira and Alary, twins, are deceased; Laura, deceased; Walter lives in Arkansas; Sadie lives in Virginia; Fannie lives in Little Rock, Arkansas.

Airs. Melissa Hulett, fifth child of our subject, was born on October 10, 1S70, in Eveningshade, Arkansas, and there she grew to womanhood and received her education in the public and high schools. On I lecember 27- ^93, she was married in .Arkansas to Ezra Hulett. Soon thereafter they removed to ['oonville, Missouri, where thev continued to reside until [902, when they located in Springfield, where they have since resided. Mr. Hulett was a cabinetmaker by trade, a highly skilled workman, and later lie became a successful contractor. Tie was horn on May I, 1866. in Rocheport, Atchison county, Missouri. He was a son of Andrew and Anne 1 < 'lark 1 Hulett. Mr. ('lark, father of Anne Clark, was a pioneer of Boonville. this stale. The death of Ezra Hulett occurred on October 31, 11)13. 1 lis family consisted of four children, namely: Lucile. horn on October 24, [894, is single and lives at home; Matilda, horn on November 26, [895, died January iS. 1808; Blanche, horn on January i. [898; Mary, horn on November 6, 1902.

.Mrs. Hulett and daughters are members of St. Paul's Methodist Episcopal church, South, and she belongs to the auxiliary of the Young Women's Christian Association. She is active in church work and has a wide circle of friends. She owns a beautiful home on South Campbell street.

Belonging to Greene county's enterprising class of professional men, Dr. William Lafayette Turner, of Galloway, Clay township, is deserving of specific mention in these pages. To the active practice of medicine he has given, not only the gravity of his thought and the truest exercise of his abilities, but the strength of his personality and the momentum of his character. He is a physician of discriminating mind, keen and acute in reasoning, a patient and persistent investigator, sinking his inquiring lead down to the bottom of principles, and thereby, being enabled to better and more fully understand the case or cases to be treated, and consequently he meets with a high degree of success.

Doctor Turner was born near Marshfield, Webster county, Missouri, July 17, 1871. He is a son of Robert N. and Sarah F. (Cox) Turner. The father was born in Webster county, this state, in 1843, was reared on the farm and received a meager education in the early-day schools. He worked for his father on the homestead until he was married, then began working at the carpenter's trade, at which he became quite expert and which he has made his principal life work. Has also done considerable contracting. Naturally talented as a musician he made himself proficient in that art and for some time taught music during the winter months when there was no carpenter work. About 1899 he moved to Texas where he remained some three years, then went to Ft. Smith. Arkansas, and established his home, and in that city his death occurred on March 12, 1914. Politically, he was a Democrat, and he belonged to the Methodist Episcopal church, South. His wife was also a native of Webster county, Missouri, where she grew to womanhood and was educated, her birth having occurred in February, 1841. She is still living in Springfield. She is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. South. To these parents ten children were born, namely: Doctor William L., of this sketch; Mrs. Hepsabeth Straughan. Robert J., John B., who lives in Ft. Smith, is the inventor of the automatic street car switch which is in use all over the country; Lucy, Jessie P., Mrs. Nellie Guthrie. Delia, Oma and Lee.

Doctor Turner grew to manhood on the home farm in Webster county and there he assisted with the general work during the summer months. He received his education in the public schools of his native county, later attended high school at Marshfield, and when nineteen years of age he began life for himself as a teacher. He kept up home study and in 1895 was enabled to enter the Springfield Normal where he spent a year, then studied two years at Drury College, after which he resumed teaching, which vocation he followed for some time in Greene and Webster counties. He gave a high degree of success as an educator ami his services were in large demand, but believing that his true bent lie in another direction, he abandoned the school room in 1901 and began the study of medicine, entering Barnes Medical College, St. Louis, be remained in that institution until his graduation in 1906, making an excellent record. Returning to Marshfield he remained there a short time, then located for the practice of his profession at Galloway, Greene county, where he has since remained, and has built up a large and growing practice and is regarded among the leading general practitioners in this section of the country. He owns a pleasant home on the Springfield and Ozark road.

Doctor Turner was married on July 18, 1901, to Joel P. Haden, who was born in Greene county. Missouri, April 22, 1883. She is a daughter of Joel H. and Nancy A. ( Beshears) Haden. The father was born in this count}-. December 4, 1847. ail(' ^ere grew up on a farm and received a common school education. During the Civil war he served in the Home Guards, seeing considerable service in his native county. After the war he returned to the farm, and has followed general agricultural pursuits, being now owner of a valuable and well-improved farm of three hundred acres. He has long made a specialty of raising fine live stock, and is an excellent business man, well known and influential in his vicinity. Politically he is a Democrat. His wife was born in this county, December 2, 1858, and here she grew to womanhood and was educated in the public schools.

To Doctor Turner and wife six children have been born namely: Edith, deceased; Retha, deceased; Jod. Fred, Mary and Pinkney are all at home.

Politically, Doctor Turner is a Democrat. He is a member of the Greene County Medical Society, and the .Missouri State Medical Association. Religiously, lie belongs to the Methodist Episcopal church. South. He is a man of exemplary habits and is popular with all classes.

L. W. Preston was born in Boyle count). Kentucky. July 13, i860. He is a son of Francis A. and Mary (Sedore) Preston, both natives of Kentucky, the father born in 1832, and his death occurred in Springfield, Missouri, February n, 1908. The mother was born in 1834, and her death

occurred in this city on March 16. 1908. They thus ran a pretty even race on the highway of life, and were regarded by all who knew them as a fine

They were married near Nicholasville, that state. Mr. Preston learned the blacksmith's trade in his youth, at which he became quite expert and which

.he followed all his life. He removed with his family from Boyle county, Kentucky, to Springfield, Missouri, in 1880, and here he followed his trade until his death. Politically, he was a Democrat. He belonged to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. His family consisted of eight children, three of whom are still living, namely : Nettie, Belle, Katherine and Bettie are all deceased; L. W., of this review; William, deceased; James L. lives in Springfield ; and Edward N. also lives in this city.

.he had grown up and received a common school education. When he first came here he worked for Jess & Sturdy in their carriage works for a while, and in 1884 he and his father opened a carriage and blacksmith shop at the present location, corner of Pickwick street and Patton alley, and it is thus the oldest established business of its kind in Springfield, is also one of the best and most favorably known. The firm's large, substantial, two-story brick building is modernly equipped with every appliance for turning out high-grade work, and a specialty is made of manufacturing wagons, but auto and carriage painting and general carriage repairing are done, and rubber tires are handled. Our subject learned the business under his father starting in with him when our subject was twenty-one years of age, and they worked together until the father's death. Only the best grade of material is handled by the firm, and only skilled workmen are employed. Prompt and first-class work is Mr. Preston's aim.

We quote the following from the Springfield Leader, under date of December 18, 191 1: "One of the best known and most reliable establishments of its character in the city of Springfield is the L. W. Preston Carriage Company. L. W. Preston is the proprietor and manager of this concern, and he has been in the carriage manufacturing business since 1884 at his present stand. He is thoroughly conversant with all the details of the business, and has built up a large and flourishing trade. Mr. Preston is prepared to do all kinds of carriage repairing. He has four departments, the woodshop and the smithing departments being located on the ground floor, the painting and trimming departments on the second floor of his large establishment. He makes a specialty of manufacturing high-class delivery wagons, and has had quite a run on these in this vicinity. All work is under the immediate supervision of L. W. Preston, and is looked after by him in the most thorough and conscientious manner. Nothing but A No. I material is used in all work. Besides the work mentioned. Mr. Preston has built up an extensive trade on rubber tires; he also does all kinds of auto painting. His telephone number is 954."

Mr. Preston was married on March 20. 1890, in Springfield, to Eva E. Follett. She was born on March 17, 1869. in Michigan, and she is a daughter of and Sarah A. (Orcutt) Follett. The mother was twice married. Mrs. Preston was brought to Springfield, Missouri, when young, and here she received her education in the high school. Her stepfather died soon after the family located in Springfield.

Lewis E. Chappell

The influence of a good dairy in any locality can hardly be measured in money value. A good example of how the dairy will pulverize the farm mortgages and establish bank accounts may be seen in the transformations which have taken place in some of the localities of the < )zarks during the past few years. The value of well-managed dairies has been manifest in the growth of bank accounts. The real value of dairying to the farmers in any community is not in the fact alone that the keeping of cows will increase the fertility of the soil and make the farm more productive, but the big thing is the fact that every time a farmer takes a can of milk to the market he has increased his credit with every man he has dealings with in the community. One of the leading dairymen of Greene county is Lewis E. Chappell, whose sanitary and modernly equipped dairy and well-kept farm is located just southeast of Springfield.

Mr. Chappell was born on March 7. [854, in the state of New York. He is a son of S. E. and Cordelia M. 1 Baker) Chappell. The father died in 1902: the mother's death occurred in i860. They were both natives of New York state, and there they grew up and were married. They received good educationSj the father being a graduate of Hamilton College in his native state, and the mother was a graduate of Bosser College in Poughkeepsie, that state. They spent their active lives in agricultural pursuits. When our subject was three years of age he removed with his parents to I ass county, Michigan, where they lived until our subject was twelve years of age, and where the death of his mother occurred, and while there the Civil war came on and the father enlisted, in 1 86 1 . in Edwinsburg, in a Michigan regiment, and he was made hospital steward, in which capacity he served for two years, then spent two years more as a regular soldier and saw considerable hard service. After being honorably discharged from the service he returned to Michigan, where he made his home most of the time during the rest of his life.

Lewis E, Chappell spent his boyhood on the farm in Michigan and he received a common school education. In 1866 he went with an uncle to Henry county, Missouri, and settled on a farm, where our subject remained seven years, or until lie was nineteen years old, when he went to -Mi'inaiia with Doctor Hayden, a government surveyor, and with him covered a large portion of the upper Rocky Mountain country, remaining in the West eight years, spending the latter part of the time in Mexico. Then returning to Henry county, Missouri, he remained there three years, carrying the mail on a star route, during which time he traveled in every state in the Union. In 1895 'K' came to Greene county, rented a farm on which he soon had a good start, and in 1906 he bought eighty acres southeast of Springfield, about two miles from town, and this lie has improved, erecting most of his buildings, which are modern and substantial, conveniently arranged for a dairy, including a large milk house, silo, etc. He started out with six cows and on rented land, and by industry, good management and honest dealings with his customers, he has gradually built tip one of the most extensive, up-to-date and most desirable dairies in the Southwest, and his products are finding a ready market at all seasons owing to their superior quality. He milks his evening milk separately, puts the cream on ice, 'and it is taken out in the morning, and he puts it on the market without any "doctoring" - selling four per cent, milk from Holstein, Durham and Jersey cows, all a good grade and kept in the best of health, his herd now consisting of forty cows. He uses a gasoline engine to run his separator, all his mixed grade being four per cent. He runs two wagons to the city to haul his milk to market. His dairy is under the name of L. E. Chappell & Sons.

Mr. Chappell was married on March 1, 1882, to Nancy Jane Norris, who was born in Ohio, where her family had long resided. To our subject and wife six children have been born, namely: Blanche, born in 1879, married Doctor McCandless, of Kansas City; Ruth, born in 1892, married Henry LeCompte, and they live in Springfield; Fred, born in 1884, is assistl662 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.

ing his father in the dairy business; Nettie, born in 1S91, married H. B. McCammon, and they live in Colorado; Charles J., born in 1893, is also with his father in the dairy business; Esther, born in 1896, married Lem. Fisher, and they live in Springfield.

Why any man is made, who knows? Why any life is, from snails to* gods, who is to tell? Why you are what you are. why some men are what they are; the influences and causes which made them so, and how far thecauses and influences were voluntary, or accidental - in short, whether we make our own destiny, or have it made for us - who shall solve the eternal riddle? These are things which none of us can fathom, but all of us can make the most of the little life which is ours, as has been the case with Dr. David Ulysses Sherman, one of the well-known physicians of Springheld, and, by doing our best "between these walls of time," as he is evidently striving to do, we may be a blessing to ourselves, our families and the human race.

Doctor Sherman was burn at Henderson, Webster county, Missouri, September 29, 1871. He is a sen of Henry Sherman, born near Idlebury, Germany, March 10. 1836, and he spent his young manhood in his native land, where he was educated, and in 1854, with two brothers, he immigrated to the United Stales, also a sister accompanied him, and they settled in Butler county, Pennsylvania. Four years later Henry Sherman and his sister came to Missouri, locating on a farm near Henderson, Webster county, lie had learned the blacksmith's trade in Germany, at which he continued to work in connection with farming after taking up bis residence in the new world. He proved his loyalty to his adopted country in 1861 by enlisting in the Union army, in which he served six months as a private, then was assigned to the government horseshoeing shops in Springfield, Missouri, these shops occupying the present site of the Colonial hotel, lie was later transferred to the government shops in St. Louis, where he was retained until the close of the war. lie was an expert in his trade and gave every satisfaction. After his discharge he returned to Webster county and built a shop mi his farm, where he did the custom work for miles around, and succeeded in due course of time in hammering out on the anvil five hundred acres of choice farming land in that county. He was one of the best known blacksmiths in that part of the state, and many of his patrons came

1855. His death occurred in 1907. She was a native of Virginia, from which state she made die long overland journey, when a child, with her parents; the family made the trip in an old-fashioned wagon, drawn by an ox team. They settled at Henderson, Missouri. Airs. Sherman's mother was of Irish ancestry, and both she and Mr. Hardy were members of the Presbyterian church, devout Christians, doing much church work, being always ready with their time and money to do anything to further the interest of the church, and they assisted in building many new churches; their home was always open to ministers and church workers. The death of the mother of Doctor Sherman occurred in 1904. Seven sons and one daughter were born to Henry Sherman -and wife, namely: William E., who lives on a farm near Henderson, Missouri; Henry O. lives on a farm near Fordland, this state; (_ harles C. is engaged in the hardware business in I ordland; James D. and Obit I), are both farmers near Fordland; Lucian L. makes his home at Elmonte, California, and is a bookkeeper by profession; Dr. David U., of this sketch; and Mrs. Matt'ie Cobb, who lives at Boulder, Colorado.

Doctor Sherman grew to manhood on the home farm in Webster countw where he worked hard when a boy during the summer months and in the winter time he attended the old district schools there, the old school house located on his father's farm, later entering the Henderson Academy, from which he was graduated in 1891. In September, 1895, he entered the Beaumont Hospital, at St. Louis, where he took the prescribed medical course, and was graduated with the clas> of 1S07-98. Soon thereafter he came to Greene county and began practicing his profession at Elwood, where he remained ten years, enjoying an excellent country practice; in fact, it is safe to say that no country physician in this part of the state had a more extensive practice (hiring that period than he. In order to further lit himself for his chosen vocation, he took the post-graduate work in the Chicago Post-Graduate Medical School in 1896, and at once removed to Springfield, where he has remained to the present time and has built up a very satisfactory practice.

Doctor Sherman is a member of the Greene County Medical Society, of which he is ex-president; also a member of the Southwest Missouri Medical Society, the Missouri State Medical Association and the American Medical Association. Fraternally, he belongs to the Royal Arch Masons, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Modern Woodmen of America and the Royal Neighbors of America. Politically, he is a Republican, and religiously he belongs to the Methodist church.

river, in Greene countv, Missouri. She is a daughter of Walter B. Gault. of Irish ancestry, one of the early pioneers of Greene count}-, and he was one of the successful and well-known farmers of the eastern part of the county, and he did much to promote the general good of the county, having been ambitious to place it in the front rank of the counties of the state, which position it now occupies. During the Civil war Mr. Gault was a soldier in the Union army, and was commissioned lieutenant for meritorious service.

Mrs. Sherman grew to womanhood in her native vicinity and received her education in the district schools and the Henderson Academy, at Henderson. Missouri, from which institution she was graduated, after which slu- began teaching, which she followed successfully for a period of nine years. On account of the death of her parents when she was young, she was left to depend upon her own resources, and she succeeded in becoming one of the must popular teachers in her section of the state.

To Doctor Sherman and wife two children have been born, David Orlando Sherman, whose birth occurred at Elwood, Missouri, January 16. 1896; he is at this writing a student in the Springfield high school, where he is making an excellent record.

It will always be a mark of distinction to have served the Union during the great (nil war between the states. The old soldier will receive attention no matter where he goes if he will but make himself known. And when he passes away, as so man) of them are now doing, friends will pay him a suitable eulogy for the sacrifices he made a half century ago on the sanguinary fields of battle in the Southland or in the no less dreaded prison, fever ramp or hospital. And ever afterward his descendants will revere his memory and take pride in recounting his services for his country in its hour of peril. One of the eligible citizens for special mention in the present volume is S. A. Baker, formerly a successful bricklayer and plasterer, but now engaged in the grocery business in Springfield, partly because he is one ot the old soldiers who went forth in that great crisis in the sixties to assist in saving the union of states, and partly because he has led an honorable life. He is a plain, unassuming gentleman who has sought to do his duty in all the relations of life as he has seen and understood the right.

S. A. Baker

in Massachusetts, in 1806, and was reared on historic Bunker Hill, Boston. His death occurred in Springfield, Missouri, December 24, 1863. The mother was burn in North Carolina, December 9, 1823, and her death occurred on January 19, 1904. These parents received a limited education, Cdiiie West when young and were married in Arkansas in 1843. S. A. Baker, grandfather of our subject, was born in Massachusetts, being of an old family of Xew England. His father was also S. A. Baker, and he was a soidier in the Revolutionary war, which fact made our subject eligible for membership in the organization of Sons of the American Revolution.

The father of our subject was a bricklayer by trade, also a plasterer. For some time he owned a farm in Arkansas, having been an early settler in Washington county. From there he removed with his family to Springheld, Missouri, during war times, 1863, and his death occurred soon thereafter. His son, our subject, had come here the year previous. He was the only child.

The gentleman whose name introduces this sketch grew to manhood in Arkansas and there attended the common schools, receiving a fairly good education, for those times. He was compelled to leave school when the war broke out. In vacations he worked at surveying and in learning the bricklayer's and plasterer's trades under his father. He came to Springfield and enlisted, on September 4, 1862, in the First Arkansas Cavalry, Company L, under Capt. John Bonine, and he saw considerable hard service. He' was in the battle of Fayetteville, in April, 1863, and three other engagements, also the battle of Prairie Grove and numerous skirmishes, being in eight regular engagements in all. He proved to be a faithful soldier and was honorably discharged in Fayetteville on August 23, 1865. Remaining in Arkansas until the following January, he came to Springfield and worked at the bricklayer's trade, which he continued until nearly twelve years ago, having become quite proficient. He spent a number of years in the employ of the Ash Grove Lime Kiln works, building and repairing lime kilns. Owing to an accident which injured his eye, he was compelled to give up his trade, so he engaged in the grocery business at 635 West Chestnut street, and has remained in this stand since February 2^,, 1903. He has built up a very satisfactory trade, and carries an excellent line of staple and fancy groceries. He owns his place of business, as well as a fine brick home adjoining.

lier education. They later moved to Greenfield, Missouri. Mrs. Baker is a member of the First Christian church here, and is also a member of the Ladies' Circle.

Politically, Mr. Baker is a Republican. He is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, also the Sons of the American Revolution as before indicated. He belongs to the First Christian church.

Bert S. Lee

One of the most conspicuous figures in the commercial circles of Springfield and Greene county of the present generation is Bert S. Lee, a man actively identified with the business and industrial interests of this section of the Ozarks and for a number of years widely known as one of the leading members of the Masonic Order in Missouri. Equally noted as a citizen whose useful career has conferred credit upon the community and whose marked abilities and stirring qualities have won for him much more than local repute, he holds today distinctive precedence as one of the most progressive and successful men that ever inaugurated and carried to satisfactory termination large and important undertakings in this locality. Strong mental powers, invincible courage and a determined purpose that hesitate at no opposition have so entered into his composition as to render him a dominant factor in the business world and a leader of men in notable enterprises. 1 le is essentially a man of affairs - sound of judgment and far-seeing in what he undertakes, and every enterprise to which he has addressed himself lias resulted in a large measure of material success.

Bert S. Lee removed to Springfield during his youthful period, and there attained man's estate and made it his permanent residence. Educational advantages were obtained in the public schools and Drury College in that city, lie grew and expanded with the environment, becoming identified strongly with the business, social and moral interests of the community to which be contributes energy, fellowship and exemplification of those influences which tend toward the elevation of erring humanity. Endowed with executive ability in managing business affairs, lie was entrusted by the llobart-I.ee 'fie Company with the handling of its finances in the pnsiti'Hi of secretary and treasurer, which position he has held continuously since its organization in 1891, having been one of the potent factors in building up this linn, which ranks with the leading firms of its kind in the Southwest, handling Large quantities of railroad supplies, especially tics.

for the Frisco system. For several years he has been a director of the Springfield Grocery Company, one of the largest and best known wholesale grocery houses of southwest Missouri, and is now president of the corporation and is managing its affairs in an able and eminently satisfactory manner. Interested with the Branson Town Company and the Arkansas Mining and Mercantile Company, he is the secretary and treasurer of each.

Mr. Lee was married on December 2~, 1893, to Mabelle Lingsweiler, a daughter of John G. and Emma R. ( Ostrander) Lingsweiler, a prominent family of Lebanon, Missouri. The union of Mr. and Mrs. Lee has been graced by the birth of five children, named as follow: John Lawrence, Francis Theodore, Raymond Fitshugh, Mabelle Lucille and Richard Albert. Thev are receiving excellent educational advantages and are all youngsters of much promise.

Politically, Mr. Lee is a Democrat and is loyal in the support and work of that party, and yet not with ambition to become a political leader. While not the sport of common parlance, he has sporting procilivities growing out of his social nature, and holds membership in the James River Hunting and fishing Club, the Country Club, the Springfield Club, and the Young Men's Business Club. He is president of the Springfield Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution. Identified with the Young Men's Christioit Association of Springfield, he is one of the directors, president of the board and a mistee of the association. When the energetic and enthusiastic members of the Masonic Fraternity of his city determined to provide a substantial meeting place in and by the erection of a splendid temple building, he was designated on the first committee of arrangement and plans, and became one of the board of directors of the association and its treasurer. In religious matters he is equally active, being a member of St. Paul's Methodist Episcopal church. South; he has for over fifteen years conducted its Sunday school as superintendent; he is one of the trustees of the church and chairman of the finance committee of the board of stewards.

Before this municipality of affairs all had inception Mr. Lee became interested in Freemasonry and in Sparta Lodge No. 296, located at Sparta, in Christian county, on March 31, 1893. he was made a Master Mason. Transferring membership to Gate of the Temple Lodge No. 422 of Springfield, he served as worshipful master in 1899, 1900 and 1907. Since 1901 he has been district lecturer of his Masonic district, and from IQ04. president of the Masonic Board of Relief of Springfield. In Vincil Chapter No. no, Royal Arch Masons, on September 24, 1897, he was exalted to the Royal Arch degree, and served it as high priest in 1901 and 1908. On April 24, 1901, he was anointed, consecrated and set apart to the Holy Order of High Priesthood at the grand convention held in the city of St. Louis. He serves the Grand Chapter as chairman of important committees and is the representative of Tennessee near the Grand Chapter of Missouri. At the resuscitation of Zabud Council No. 25 of the city of Springfield, he was one of the few who were ready to extend a helping hand, petitioned for its instruction, and on May 17, 1904, received the degrees of Royal and Select Master. Devoting himself to its interests, he was elected thrice illustrious master in the years 1905, 1906 and 1907, and his fidelity, energy and enthusiasm contributed largely toward the enviable condition which Zabud has attained among the councils of the state. In April, 1905, he was appointed grand marshal, and was regularly advanced, becoming grand master in April. 1910. His record in that important position shows that he accomplished much for the propagation of the Cryptic system. At the triennial assembly of the General Grand Council of Royal and Select Masters of the United States of America, held in Indianapolis, Indiana. September 9, 19 1 2. he was honored by his companions by being elected to the position of general grand steward of the United States.

The Grand Jurisdiction of Rhode Island honored him with a commission as its representative near the Grand Council of Missouri. The orders of Christian Knighthood were conferred upon him on November 4, 1897. in St. John's Commandery No. 20, Knights Templars, stationed at Springfield, and in 1902 he was elected its commander. In the Grand Commandery of Knights Templars of the State of Missouri, in April. 1904. he was appointed grand warder, subsequently elected by the suffrage of his fraters. he served in every station in the line except one and became grand commander in May. i<jii. closing the year of service at Cape Girardeau, May 29, 1012. That it was strenuous the record shows, and if no other tablet ever appears distinctively many will be found reproduced by memory to consciousness for courteous treatment under his command. A commission from Virginia authorizes him to respond for that Templar jurisdiction in the Grand Commandery of Missouri. In 1907. St. Andrew Conclave No. 11 of Joplin, created him a Knight of the Red Cross of Constantine and appendant orders. He attained the thirty-second degree of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite in 1906 by Joplin Consistorv No. 3. He is a Noble of the Mystic Shrine, postulated in 1903 to Abou-Ben-Adhem Temple of Springfield.

Thus is portrayed, in part at least, the accomplishment of a busy man. It was attained through the solving of an economic problem: The art by which human needs and comforts are applied. The systematic use of time, free to everybody, but frequently wasted by injudicious application and the further fact that the average possessor is not stimulated to an economv of time by necessity arising through desire to make it count in weight and [lower as it passes to the wheel. Prompt, reliable and responsible, he maintains dignity, being genial, affable and courteous, none have difficulty in approach; careful of his antagonisms, he preserves friendships. Of strong religious inclination, he has faith in things not perceived, and is affected morally somewhat after the philosophy of Kant, "Act so that the maxim of thy will can likewise be valid as a principle of universal legislation." Air. Lee is yet young, has barely passed the inception of usefulness to his fellows. His methods demonstrated contain the elements which point to a successful culmination of the divine purpose in the bestowal of life, and the future years will evidently find his advancement further in paths of honor and righteousness as well as usefulness. These and more are due his conscientious course and one is justified in employing the lines of Tennyson :

Waldo Cornwell Booth

It would be to most of us a source of genuine gratification to be able to trace our ancestry back through the centuries, and to know how they lived, what they looked like, what the}- followed for a livelihood, what they did in the world and what their ambitions were; but, unfortunately, here in America, few of us are able to do this; in fact, the majority of us know practically nothing of our progenitors beyond our grandparents. The Booth family, formerly, spelled Bothe, Bouthe and Boothe, seems to have had a greater pride in their family tree and made a careful record of each generation, so that the history of the family is today accurately traceable back through some six centuries. We find that it is an ancient English family, and prominent and influential both in that country and in America, whither some of the family immigrated among the first in the earliest Colonial period, their descendants now numbering thousands and are to be found all over the Union.

The family name first occurs in the county palatine of Lancaster, England, where a son of Adam de Boothe was living in 1275. All the other families of this name in various parts of England and America are believed to be descended from this parent stock, through its younger branches. From his son William the family comes down through Thomas, Robert and Sir Thomas, who was knighted during the reign of Edward III in the thirteenth century; his son John lived during the reign of Richard II. We come on down to Sir Robert Booth, the first of the family to settle at Dunl6jO GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.

ham Massey, in Cheshire, who died there in 1450. Several members of the family about this period became bishops and great lawyers and statesmen, and many of them married into families of the nobility, Sir George Booth, who died in 1483, marrying a relative of the King of Scotland. The Booths were also people of wealth, owning vast estates. We find that, coming on down the line, Sir George Bouthe was knighted by Queen Elizabeth during the latter part of the fifteenth century, and died in 1652. Sir George Bouthe, who died in 1684, was a member of parliament and commander-in-chief of the English army in Wales and western England, and was for eminent services created a baron by ( harles II. and from him descended a line of barons to Earl George H. Grey of Stamford, who was living in 1825.

Richard Boothe of Stamford, ancestor of the name in Connecticut, and for whom the city of Stamford was named, was born in 1607, but it is not known from what part of England nor in what year he emigrated to America. He held various offices of trust in his new home, and seems to have been an influential man in Colonial affairs. His large landed property was divided among his children. During that early period of our history we also know that Robert Boothe lived at Exeter. Xew Hampshire. in 1645, removing to Saco, where he died in 1672; and John Boothe. who lived at Scituate, .Massachusetts, in 1656; Humphrey Boothe was a merchant at Charlestown. Massachusetts. Richard Boothe. mentioned above, married Elizabeth Hawley. and to them eight children were born, namely: Elizabeth, Anne. Ephraim, Ebenezer, John. Joseph, Bethiah and Johanna. From these children descended the numerous Booths of the present generation throughout America.

Waldo Cdrnwell Booth, subject of this memoir, was born in Portsmouth. Xew Hampshire. May 21. 1836, and was a son of George and Abby (Cornwell) Booth. Both his grandparents were soldiers in the Revolutionary war. George Booth was engaged in the foundry business in New Brittan, Connecticut, for a number of years, finally removing to Cincinnati, Ohio, where he lived with his son, our subject.

Waldo C. I'.ooih received an exceptionally good education for the period in which he lived. He grew to manhood in his native state, and remained in Xew England until 1853, when he came to Cincinnati with an uncle and there engaged in the hardware business, first securing employment in a store and finally working his way up until he became a member of the firm of R. \\". Booth & Company, which for years was rated as the largest wholesale hardware company in that city, and there our subject became a prominent man in both business and social circles, and he made a great success as a merchant through his close application, honest dealings and the exercise of sound judgment, lie came to Springfield, Missouri, in

1870, on account of failing health, which, being restored by the change, he again engaged in the hardware business, operating here one of the largest and best patronized stores of its kind in the city, and enjoying an excellent trade, and later he also engaged in the tobacco manufacturing business here, one of his most famous brands being ''Old Coon," well remembered by the older smokers of the country.

Mr. Booth was married on September 6, 1865, to Martha Thomas, who was born in Buffalo, New York, December 11, 1839. She is a daughter of Calvin F. S. and Eliza (Shields) Thomas, the former a native of New York City, where his birth occurred in 1808, the family later removing to Norfolk, Virginia. After the death of his father he, with his mother and sister, went to Boston, where he established a printing office. Later he settled in Buffalo. New York, where he engaged for some time in the publication of a newspaper and in the wholesale paper business, owning a large paper warehouse there. Meanwhile he had married and reared a family. After the death of his wife he gave up his business and made his home with his daughter, who had married Waldo C. Booth, our subject, in Cincinnati, the family coming to Springfield in 1869. Mr. Thomas did not engage in business here of any kind, his failing health compelling him to lead a quiet, retired life. The Springfield people who yet remember him recall him as a silent but cultured, kindly gentleman. He died in [876 while in Buffalo, New York, where he had gone on a visit. Mr. Thomas knew America's greatest author, Edgar Allen Poe, whom he befriended when he was engaged in the printing business in Boston, in 1 S J 7 , Mr. Thomas then being about eighteen years old. He was a poor boy. ami with the assistance of a widowed mother and what he could earn by his printing business, was trying to get an education. In that year he met Poe, who was about the same age, and who was then in the United States army, where he was known as Edgar A. Berry. He prevailed on Thomas to publish a volume of his poems, and when the thin, forty-page volume was issued the title page was as follows: "Tamerlane and Other Poems. By a Bostonian. Boston: Calvin F. S. Thomas. Printer. 1827." It was of cheap paper, poorly executed mechanically, and rudely bound. It contained ten poems, some of them without any title. But four of them, "Tamerlane," "The Lake,"

To Waldo C. Booth and wife four children were born, namely: Stanley C, who is head bookkeeper for the McGregor-Noe Hardware Company of Springfield, married Lydia Wood; Fred is deceased: Ralph \Y. is also deceased; George H., who is now connected with the Springfield Wagon Company, married Grace Hyner of St. Louis.

Waldo C. Booth was a soldier in the Union army during the Civil war, having enlisted at Cincinnati in 1861 in the Fifth Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He was soon commissioned first lieutenant, later became a captain. He was subsequently given command of a company in the One Hundred and Thirty-seventh Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He proved to be an efficient officer, and took part in numerous important engagements. Politically, he was a Democrat. He was a member of the school board for a number of terms, and he was often solicited to make the race for mayor of Springfield, but always declined. Fraternally, he was a member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen, and religiously he was a Unitarian. He belonged to the Shakespeare Club of Cincinnati. In his earlier life he was an enthusiastic sportsman. Personally he was admired by all who knew him for his integrity, business ability and exemplary character.

John E. Dennis

The mind of the farmer must be as well balanced as the farm affairs. With a good mental grasp on the situation a farmer should be enabled to get great enjoyment and must profit out of his specialties without interferring with the known necessity for diversified farming. One of the farmers of Washington township, Greene county who understands this is John E. Dennis, and he is therefore making a success as a general farmer.

Air. Dennis was born in Greene county, Missouri. May 17, 1865. He is a son of Benjamin Franklin Dennis and Margaret (Smith) Dennis. The father was horn in Jackson county. Tennessee, in 1830, and was eleven years old when he accompanied his parents, William K. and Sarah (Chaffin) Dennis, to Missouri, locating in Greene county. When a young man he made two overland trips to California, but finally took up his permanent abode on a farm of two hundred acres in this count}', and in due course of time became one of our most progressive farmers and extensive landowners, and was a heavy dealer in live stock, especially mules, lie continued active in his work until njii. when he retired from active life and moved to a fine residence in Rogersville, Missouri, where he is now living. He is president of the Bank of Kogersville and is one of the prominent men of the eastern part of Greene county. Margaret A. Smith, whom he married in 1864, was his first wife, and by her four children were horn, all of whom survive, namely: John E., Clara B., William A., and George F. The mother of these children was born in this comity in 1843 and her death occurred in 1870, after which Mr. Dennis married, in 1877, \lrinha G. Ferrell. who was burn in Tennessee in 1861. To this second union five children were born, namely : Henry C, Cora A., Grover C, Shirley Y., and Ben Elmer.

John E. Dennis grew to manhood on the home farm and there assisted with the general work, and he now owns and occupies one hundred and sixty acres of the place on which he was reared. He received his education in the public schools of hi ^ community, and he has always followed general farming and stock raising. His farm is well improved and is one of the productive, well located farms of the county, and on it stands a good group of buildings.

Mr. Dennis was married on December 23, 1886, to Martha T. Bodenhamer, who was born east of Springfield, May 3. iSfi/. and was reared there on a farm and educated in the district schools. She is a daughter of A. J. and Elizabeth (Whorten) Bodenhamer. Both these parents were born in Greene county, were reared, educated and married here and are still living on a farm in this county and are high respectable people.

Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Dennis, namely: Mrs. Yolie Hedgepath, born on October 12, 1887; Benjamin A., born on March 15, 1889, and Charles Lee, born on July 23, 1893.

Politically, Air. Dennis is a Democrat, and fraternally he belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Modern Woodmen, at Rogersville, Webster county.

William V. Smith

A great essayist once said that "when one has given the besl that is in him to a work, he experiences a feeling of satisfaction." While this statement may seem rather broad, yet a greater truth than this was never spoken. Whether one is successful or not in what one undertakes, if he realizes that nothing on his part has been left undone he should have no regrets. This does not mean that the unsuccessful person feels just as elated over defeat as the successful over victory. When one does his best and is successful he has a double reason to be bappy. To this class belongs William Y. Smith, who has had a varied career as farmer, implement dealer, traveling salesman and life insurance agent, and whose record shows that by his individual efforts persistently applied he has succeeded in lines that have claimed his attention.

Mr. Smith was born in Greene county. Missouri, June 5, 185 1. He is a son of William and Sarah (Julian) Smith, natives of Virginia and Tennessee, respectively. They grew to maturity in the East and were educated there and married in Kentucky. The father was a physician by pro- fession. He went to California in 185 1, during the gold fever period, and his death occurred in Eugene, Oregon. His widow survived until 1875, dying in Greene county, Missouri. To these parents six children were born, three of whom are deceased, namely: Julian D., deceased; Robert O., deceased; Cyrenia lives in Paris, Texas; Saphronia lives in Fair Play, Missouri; Aglentine, deceased; and William Y., of this review.

William V. Smith had little opportunity to receive an education. He attended night school for a time, but later in life this early lack has been made up for by wide miscellaneous reading, and he is today a well-informed man on general topics. He was married near Willard. his native count}-, October 15, 1871, to Anna B. Campbell, who was born in Greene count}', Missouri, in 1855. and here she grew to womanhood and received a common school education. She is a daughter of Andrew and Louise ( White ) Campbell, natives of Tennessee and Kentucky, respectively, but were married in Greene county, Missouri, after they immigrated here among the early pioneers, locating on a farm. During the Civil war Mr. Campbell joined the Confederate army and died in the service. His widow survives and is living in Tennessee. Mrs. Smith is a granddaughter of George White, one of the pioneer preachers of ( ireene county, who located here in the year 1853 and was known as a circuit rider, preaching at Friendship Baptist church near Ebenezer. Ash Grove, Slagle Creek church and Cedar Bluff, holding services one Sunday each month in the churches in his regular circuit.

Eight children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Smith, rive of whom are living at this writing, namely: Lydia Eugenia lives in Kansas: Fred, deceased; Ethel is married and lives in Springfield, Missouri; Mattie is als« > with her parents; Nellie lives in Joplin, Missouri; Walter died in infancy; Campbell lives in Springfield, and Lee is deceased.

William Y. Smith is an example of a self-made man. I lis father died when he was a small boy, leaving our subject's mother with a number of children in rear, which made it necessary for William \. in face life alone and unaided; but tins lie did courageously, and the hard knocks be received at that tender age proved valuable to his makeup, lie engaged in general farming on the farm where he was reared, continuing in this vocation until he was twenty-five years of age, then moved to Springfield and engaged in the implement business, later went on the road for a harvester company. selling machines, remaining in that line of work a number id" years, or until the various harvesting machine companies were consolidated into the trust, whereupon be turned bis attention ti> the life insurance business. During the past five years he has been on the road as a commercial traveler, selling different lines. bu1 principally lighting systems and silos. He is one of the most successful and best known traveling men in this section of the country. He has a pleasant home on Monroe street, Springfield.

Mr. Smith is a Democrat, and has long been more or less active in the affairs of his party. He is a member of the Anti-Horse Thief Association.

Thomas Ellis Dabbs

Thomas Ellis Dabbs was born in Champaign county, Ohio, August 8, 1878, and when three years of age he came to Greene county, Missouri. with his parents and here has since resided. His father, William P. Dabbs, was born in Virginia, May 28, 1821), and was the son of Abner and Mary Dabbs, who located in North Carolina in 1838, after spending their earlier years in the Old Dominion. In 1844 they left the old Tar state and made the long overland journey to Greene county, Missouri, where William P. Dabbs grew to manhood. On October 3, 1858, he married Hannah M. Johnston, a daughter of John B. Johnston, formerly a citizen of Springfield. To this union ten children were born, six of whom are living at this writing, namely: Mary C, Hannah E., Clara L., Ellen V., Thomas E., and Robert Lee. The last named is a girl.

William P. Dabbs was a Southern sympathizer during the war between the states, and in the fall of 1861 he enlisted in the State Guards, and in February, 1862, joined Capt. "Dick" Campbell's company, and served in the regular Confederate army under Gen. Sterling Price. He took part in a number of engagements and was taken prisoner at the hotly contested battle of Champion's Hill, Mississippi, May 17, 1863, and was held at Camp Morton, Fort Donelson and Point Lookout until March, 1864. when he was released. He made his way to Clark county, Ohio, where he joined his family who had been ordered out of Greene county, Missouri, in the spring of 1864. He remained in Ohio until 188 1 when he returned with his family to Greene county and bought a farm of one hundred and seventy-five acres.