Greene County, Missouri - Biographical sketches, 1915 (part 26 of 29)

Mrs. Mattie H. Edwards, deceased; and Axie, wife of our subject. Mrs. Davis had the advantage of an excellent education, in the public schools of Marshfield, Morrisville College and Drury College.

Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Davis, namely : Robert O. and Alma, twins ; they have been given excellent educational advantages ; the son is married, and the daughter is living at home.

Mr. Davis is a member of the Order of Railway Conductors, Knights and Ladies of Security; his wife and children also belong to the latter order, and he and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, South.

John J. Underwood

Those who belong to the respectable middle classes of society, being early taught the necessity of relying upon their own exertions, will be more apt to acquire that information and those business habits which alone can fit them for the discharge of life's duties, and indeed it has long been a noticeable fact that our great men in nearly all walks of life in America spring from this class. The subject of this sketch, whose life history we herewith delineate, is a worthy representative of this class, from which the true noblemen of the republic spring ; but he has made no effort to be a leader of men, contented to lead an honest, industrious and conservative life, desiring no other title than that of a good citizen.

John J. Underwood, president of the Springfield Stone & Fuel Company, was born near Bolivar, Polk county, Missouri, August 25, 1872. He is a son of Abraham Alexander Underwood and Martha Ellen (Nenninger) Underwood. The father was a native of Pennsylvania, and the mother of Ohio. They grew up, were educated and married in the East, and resided there until 1S70, when they removed to Bolivar, Missouri. A. A. Underwood was one of five children. When the Civil war came cm he enlisted for service in the One Hundred and First Ohio Volunteer Infantry, from Bucyrus county, Ohio, and saw considerable hard service, including the greatest battle of modern times, Gettysburg, and he was also in a number of other important engagements. After a gallant service of two and a half years he was mustered out and honorably discharged. He studied law. and after coming to Bolivar, built up one of the largest practices in southwest Missouri and was one of the leaders of the Democratic party in this section of the state and prominent in public affairs. He was a candidate for Congress in 1876. His family consisted of eight children, namely: Mrs. Jennie Farrer, of Springfield; Gertrude died in infancy: Mrs. Mary West lives in Ok-

John J. Underwood was reared in his native community and received his education in the schools of Bolivar; his sisters were graduates of the Southwest Baptist College there. Our subject attended school until he was eighteen years of age, then moved to a farm with his parents, near Bolivar, where he worked for a number of years, then went to Oklahoma City, and took up a claim near there, where he remained a year in the city and a year on the claim, then returned to the home farm and lived there until 1907, when he located in Springfield and started in the feed and fuel business on Commercial street, and a year later took up the commission business, and later helped organize the Merchants Baking Company, and operated one of the best bakeries, although not so extensive as some, in the state, and was highly complimented by the state inspector, who stated that our subject's bakery was the cleanest and most sanitary on his record or that he had inspected in his territory. Mr. Underwood made this venture a paying one and operated the bakery until 191 1, when he was one of the incorporators of the Springfield Stone & Fuel Company, which was capitalized at ten thousand dollars, and which has been a pronounced success under his able management, he being president and manager of the same, and he now owns all the stock of the company. The other two incorporators were M. H. Southworth and A. L. Farrer.

Mr. Underwood carries on a general stone contracting business and also deals in cement, stone and fuel, but makes contracting bis principal business and handles large jobs, and in recent years he has furnished the materials for a number of the most important new buildings in Springfield, such as the addition to the government building, State Normal School building, all the material for the state home of the Knights of Pythias, such as sand and cement, and he did all the stone work on the State Normal School, also many other of the best modern buildings here. His work has been eminently satisfactory in every respect, and prompt and high-grade work is his aim, as well as scrupulous honesty. He understands thoroughly even- phase of his business, which is rapidly growing, and he is one of the best known contractors in his line in this section of the state. He also enjovs a large trade in fuel.

Mr. Underwood was married September 9, 1895, to Carrie Farrer, a daughter of Bucher and Elizabeth (Rafferty) Farrer. Her father was a native of Iowa and her mother of Ohio. They located in Dallas county, Missouri, in an early day and lived there until the father's death. His family consisted of three children, namely: A. L., Carrie, who married Mr. Underwood ; and Charles. Mrs. Underwood grew to womanhood in Dallas county and was educated in the common schools there.

Politically Mr. Underwood is a Democrat. He is a member of the Christian church, and fraternally he belongs to the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the Knights of Pythias and the Modern Woodmen of America. His wife belongs to the Mothers' Club of the Boys' School, and she is an active member of Campbell Street Methodist Episcopal church, South.

The John F. Meyer & Sons Milling Company

This corporation, which conducts the largest flour milling business in Springfield, is composed of a father and his four sons. John F. Meyer, the father, and the founder of the business, began making flour in St. Louis in 1864, half a century ago, and continued in that line in that city steadily until 1894, a period of thirty years.

In the last mentioned year Mr. Meyer took into partnership with himself, his four sons, Ferdinand P., H. J., H. A., and Louis S. Meyer, and established the firm under the name of John F. Meyer & Sons. As soon as this partnership was formed the large three-story brick milling plant, known at the time as the "Queen City Mills," and located on the northwest corner of Booneville street and Phelps avenue, Springfield, was purchased. This corner had been the site of a mill for many years prior to the date of the Meyer purchase. John Schmook. one of the most prominent builders of the early day Springfield during and immediately after the Civil war, had here for years a grist mill, and a planing mill adjoining. That was afterward succeeded by the Queen City Mills, the first of the large flouring plants (if the city, and this was the building that in [849 was purchased by the new milling partnership of John F. Meyer & S'His.

They at once remodelled the whole interior of the building, refitted it with the latest and most effective machinery, and increased its capacity to seven hundred barrels of flmir per day. A large elevator was also added at the east of the mill building, and smaller elevators were built at different points in the region, where the soft Missouri wheat for use in the mill was bought direct from the farmers who raised it.

The business grew and prospered. Every sack of Meyer flour that went to a consumer was an advertisement more effective than columns in the papers. The best wheat obtainable, the best machinery with which to reduce it to flour, and the most skillful men in the trade to operate that machinery; these, and strict business management, and and fair treatment, built up. extended, and established the business, and sent its products not only in all

Meanwhile the partnership had been made into a corporation under the name which still exists of the John F. Meyer & Sons Milling Company. In 1 901, after seven successful years at the original Springfield location, the demands of the trade justified large expansion, and a fine site was purchased at the corner of the National Boulevard and Pine street, in the manufacturing district in the eastern part of the city. Here a thoroughly modern mill was erected, furnished throughout with the latest machinery, and of a capacity of eight hundred barrels per day of hard wheat flour and four hundred barrels of soft wheat flour. A fine elevator was also added to the equipment of the new mill, the combined capacity of the elevators at the two mills and country stations aggregating five hundred thousand bushels. The smaller elevators for purchasing wheat direct from the growers, are scattered through Greene, Dade, Lawrence and Barry counties.

The business is stocked for one hundred thousand dollars capitalization, and has a surplus of two hundred and fifty thousand dollars. The company has some sixty employees, and a weekly pay-roll of a thousand dollars. The two most popular brands of flour turned out by the concern, are the Albatross, "Best on earth" soft wheat flour, and the Meyer's Model, "Always reliable," hard wheat flour. The reputation established by these brands is such that the copyright of the names is no small asset in such a business.

The general offices of the company are in suites 722, 723 and 724 Merchants-Laclede Building, St. Louis. The president, John F. .Meyer, and the secretary, Ferdinand P. Meyer, have charge of the St. Louis office, while the vice-president, Herman J. Meyer, the treasurer, Henry A. Meyer, and the general manager, Louis S. Meyer, are residents of Springfield and attend to the manufacturing end of the business.

In giving the story of such a successful business enterprise, it should not close without some slight sketch of the men behind the concern, who made the success possible, and we will close this story with a few words of personal history.

John F. Meyer, the head of this company, was born in Westphalia, Germany, on the 16th day of July, 1830. He spent his boyhood upon his father's large farm in Westphalia, and after the good old German fashion, he was given a thorough education. When a young man he learned the milling business, and followed it in Germany until he was thirty years of age. In i860 he joined that great company of his fellow countrymen, who saw a better outlook for themselves and their children in the great republic of the west than in their native land, and he emigrated to the United States. He located in St. Louis, Missouri. For four years he was in the grocery business, but in 1864, he formed a partnership with J. F. Imbs, under the name of Imbs, Meyer & Company, and entered into the trade which he had learned in Germany, and which he was to follow for life.

He married in St. Louis, in 1862, Miss Katherine Fechtel, who was also a native of Westphalia, Germany. The St. Louis milling business prospered, through the same means that have later made the Springfield concern one of the institutions of the Southwest. As Mr. Meyer's sons grew up they were most of them taught their father's trade of milling, and thus when the proper time came, were prepared to assume the responsibilities of the new company in Springfield. For just half a century John F. Meyer has followed his chosen business of milling. No man is better posted in all the intricacies of the trade: no man is better known as an expert on all questions connected with it, and at eighty-four years of age, he is still a clear headed, and must highly respected business man.

Of the four sons who with the father form the company, it need only be said that their twenty years in Springfield have demonstrated their entire ability to meet any competition, and all the demands of trade. Steadily and without any parade or sounding of trumpets, the John F. Meyer & Sons Milling Company has pursued the even tenor of its way. Starting with the highest ideals of furnishing as perfect a product as was humanly possible, they have held strictly to that plan, and the years have proved the correctness of the theory by crowning the work with the greatest success.

i oncentration of purpose and persistently applied energy rarely fail of success in the accomplishment of any task however great, and in tracing the career of Dr. James William Clark, a well known and successful physician of Bois D'Arc, Greene county, it is plainly seen that these things have been among the main secrets of his rise to a position of prominence and respectability. Moreover, he possesses genuine love for his work and regards it as a privilege to carry comfort and aid to the sick and suffering.

Dr. Clark is a scion of an old Southern family, and himself was born under Dixie's skies, having first seen the light of day at Bowling Green, Kentucky, .March 15, 1K74. He is a son of Joseph M. and Harriet H. ('Shannon) Clark. The father was bom, July 25, [833, and died March S, [909. He was a son of Bowling McKagy Clark, who was horn. December 8, 1777. The latter married on June 6, 1831, Jane Hagerman, who was born November 30, [808, Joseph M. (lark grew to manhood in the old I '.lue ( irass state and received a common school educatiton, and there he followed general farming and stock raising until 1882, when he moved to near Halltown, Lawrence county, Missouri, where he purchased about four hundred acres of land, where he carried on general agricultural pursuits on an extensive scale until his death, making a specialty of handling live stock, and while living there he shipped on the market over five hundred head of cattle and over three thousand hogs. He and Harriet H. Shannon were married, December 4, 1862. She was bom, March 30, 1842, in Bowling Green, Kentucky, and is a daughter of Samuel and Elizabeth (King) Shannon. Samuel Shannon was born in Warren county, Kentucky, August 1, 1798, and was killed by falling off a horse in 1882. He followed farming in Warren county, Kentucky, all his active life. He and Elizabeth King were married, February 5, 1822. She was born in Warren county, Kentuckv, May 21, 1803, and her death occurred in young womanhood, June 2, 1832. Politically, foseph M. Clark, mentioned above, was a Democrat. Fraternally, he belonged to the Masonic Order, and he was an active worker in the Baptist church, was responsible for the Antioch church, and was a deacon in his congregation for a number of years. His wife, mother of our subject, is still living, making her home in Halltown, Missouri.

Five children were born to Joseph M. Clark and wife, namely: Arthur V. is farming near Perry Springs, Missouri; Miles J. is cashier of a bank at Halltown, Missouri; Readie J. is the wife of C. H. Johnson, and they live near Halltown; Dr. James W. of this review, and Dr. Samuel M., who is a practicing physician at Halltown.

Dr. James W. Clark grew to manhood on his father's farm. He was eight years old when the family left Kentucky and settled in Lawrence county, Missouri. He received his early education in the public schools, and he was graduated from the high school at Halltown in 1892. When but a boy he decided to enter the medical profession, and with this end in view he began reading medicine with Dr. C. A. Wilkerson as preceptor, and also read with Dr. R. W. Paris while at home and during vacations. In 1896 he entered the St. Louis College of Physicians and Surgeons, where he made an excellent record, and from which institution he was graduated with the class of 1899. Soon thereafter he established himself for the practice of his profession at Miller, Lawrence count}-, where he remained two years, then located in Ash Grove, Greene county, where he remained two years. After practicing in Springfield three and one-half years he came to Bois D'Arc, where he has since remained, and here he has built up a large and satisfactory practice and is one of the busiest of the younger general practitioners in the county. He has remained a close student of all that pertains to his science and has met with a high degree of success.

William and Mary E. (Berry) Mesimer, a highly respected family of that locality. Mrs. Clark was killed in Springfield, September 26, 1914, by a runaway team that ran into the automobile driven by our subject.

Politically, Doctor Clark is a Democrat. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, South, and fraternally, belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and the Modern Woodmen of America. He has made a host of friends since locating at Bois D'Arc and enjoys the confidence and good will of the people throughout this section of the county.

Albert Martin Glass

This gentleman is another of the old soldiers whom it is a delight to honor. They are getting fewer and fewer in number and their steps are not as quick and full of meaning as they were fifty years ago when they were fighting for the supremacy of the Union. But it thrills one to see them in their old uniforms, with their tattered flags flying and their forms bent as they hobble along on their canes at reunions, Memorial Day or the Fourth of July. And how interesting it is to listen to them recount the stirring scenes of that momentous period in our country's history. Mr. Glass, who hails from the old Buckeye state, is now living in retirement on his fine farm near Bois D'Arc, Greene county, having in his early years accumulated a sufficient competence to insure the possession of all the comforts nf life in his old age.

Albert Martin Glass was born near Mapleton, Stark county, Ohio, June 18, 1843. He is a son °f John and Sarah (Baker) Glass. John Glass was born in Virginia, October 24. 1815, and was a son of William and Priscilla (Wiley) Glass, both Virginians. William Glass was born, February 2, 1790, and immigrated to Stark county, Ohio, in a very early day and there followed farming, later removing to near White Pigeon, Michigan, where he continued farming until his death, at an advanced age. His wife also lived to a ripe age. John ( ilas-> spent his life on a farm in Stark county, Ohio, and died there, March 3, 1845. He and Sarah Baker were marred on January 2, 1840. She was born in Stark county, Ohio, September 30, [823, ami her death occurred in February, 1901. The death of John Glass occurred March 3, 1X45. Politically, he was a Whig, and he belonged to the Presbyterian church, as did his wife.

To John Glass and wife the following children were born: Priscilla; Uberl Martin, our subject, and John I'... deceased, a sketch of whom appears elsew here in this work.

Albert M. Glass grew to manhood on the home farm in Stark county, Ohio, and he received the usual common school education of that period. On August 8, 1862, he enlisted in Company B, One Hundred and Fifteenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and spent several years in the service in the South. He was taken prisoner in February, 1864, by bushwhackers, near Murfreesboro, Tennessee. The only great battle he was in was at Stone's River, or Murfreesboro. Mr. Glass was mustered out and honorably discharged, July 6, 1865, at Cleveland, Ohio, thereafter returned to the farm in Stark county, Ohio, and continued general farming there until 1871, when he came to Greene county, Missouri, locating in Center township, purchasing land and he now owns two hundred acres of productive and well located land, which he has brought up to a high state of improvement and cultivation and which ranks among the best and most desirable farms of the county. He has a large pleasant home and a substantial group of convenient outbuildings. He still lives on his farm, but merely oversees it in a general way, having lived practically retired from active life during the past twenty years.

Mr. Glass was married, December 13, 1870, to Susan Van Voorhis, who was born in Stark county, Ohio, on November 16, 1844, and there she grew to womanhood and received such educational advantages as those days afforded. Mrs. Glass was a daughter of Peter and Margaret (Sickman) Van Voorhis. The father was born in Duchess county, New York, February 8, 1795, and the mother was born in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, February 19, 1805. There they were married, and were the parents of fourteen children, our subject's wife being the eleventh in order of birth.

Three children have been born to Albert M. Glass and wife, namely: James I., who is operating the home farm, was born September 6, 1871, and was married, January 28. 1897, to Olive Tressler, a native of Stark county, Ohio; they have one boy living, Henry E., born July 14, 1898; Dwight P., born April 22, 1901, died September 18, 1903. Earl C, second son of our subject, is practicing dentistry in Independence, Kansas; he married Edwena Chandler, a native of Illinois, on March 2^, 1909; he graduated from the Western Dental College at Kansas City. Iva R., third child of our subject, was born December 20, 1878, and died February 11, 1914; she married Marvin J. Ross in November,' 1903, and to their union two children were born, Florence and Edna.

Politically, Mr. Glass is a Republican and has been school director for many years. He belongs to the Grand Army of the Republic, and he and his wife are members of the Christian church. During his residence here, of over forty years, he has been known as an excellent citizen in every respect.

Edward Garner Tucker

There is an inherent something in every successful man that singles him out and sets him apart. He has ideas of his own, and in those ideas he has faith that nothing can shake. He defies precedent, ignores rules and falters not to do what others have failed to do before him. Edward Garner Tucker, president of the Tucker-Ferguson Company, of Springfield, has proven that he is a man of individual ideas and the possessor of those qualities which make for success, such attributes as ginger, candor, honesty of purpose coupled with a naturally optimistic temperament, which has been stimulated by actual observation.

Mr. Tucker is a scion of an old Southern family, and his birth occurred May ii, 1872, in Lebanon, Kentucky. He is a son of Creed H. and Rowanne (Riffe) Tucker. The father was born in Virginia, July 13, 1832, and when young in years moved to Kentucky with his parents, where he spent much of his life, successfully engaged in the hotel business until 1869, when, owing to failing health, he retired from active affairs. His death occurred in 1897. Politically, he was a Democrat, and in religious matters a Baptist. He and Rowanne Riffe were married in Lebanon, Kentucky, about 1859. She was born in the Blue Grass state in 1842 and there grew to womanhood, and, like her husband, received her education in the old-time common schools. She is still living, although past her alloted three score and ten years. She makes her home among her children, of whom there are: Mrs. Verne Powell, Boston, Massachusetts; Airs. Florence Tucker, Doling City: and Mr-. A. II. Gifford.

Edward G. Tucker spent his boyhood in Kentucky and moved with his parents u> Sedalia, Missouri, when young. lie received a common school education and attended high school at Sedalia. later studied ai Garfield University, Wichita, Kansas. After leaving school, he worked for the Adams Express Company in Springfield, Missouri, for a period of fourteen years, having come to this city in 188S. lie gave the company eminent satisfaction in every respect and was regarded as one of their most faithful and eflficienl employes, lie was alert, prompt, reliable and courteous, lie went to Pittsburg, -Kansas, in to<>4. and engaged in coal mining t'<>r three years, and his ventures there as an operator were quite successful. In 1907 he returned to Springfield and engaged in the warehouse business, enjoying a good patronage for two years, and in 1909 he and ( '. A. Ferguson incorporated the company of which he is now president and manager, and which, by his able management and close application, has grown to large proportions. They conduct one of the best known and most successful storage and transfer businesses in tin- part of the state.

A detailed description of the Tucker-Ferguson Company will be found on another page of this volume, to which the reader is respectfully directed.

Politically, Air. Tucker is a Democrat; however, he votes independently in local matters. Religiously, he is a member of the Christian church.

Mr. Tucker was married, August 15, 1S97, to Elizabeth Ferguson, who was horn. October 5, 1876, in Springfield. She received a good educattion, and is a daughter of John R., Sr., and Virginia Ferguson.

Five children have been horn to Mr. and Mrs. Tucker, namely:. Edward G., Jr., horn February 14, 1899, died when seventeen months old; Florence R., horn in 1902; Edna M., born in 1905; Anna E., horn in 1907; Alice B., born in 191 1. The daughters are all in school.

Bright And Salts

Bright and Salts are today among the enterprising and well known business men of Bois D'Arc, where they are engaged in the livery business, their barn being one of the best patronized in the west part of Greene county. They have a modernly equipped barn, which they keep in as neat a manner as possible and their horses are always well groomed and give good service. Their vehicles are also well kept and the firm tries to give prompt and honest service at all times, consequently it is popular with the traveling public.

John C. Bright was born in Benton county, Arkansas, February 10, 1881. He is a son of Alfred W. and Kate (Maberry) Bright, both long since deceased.

|ohn C. Bright grew to manhood in his native state and worked on a farm when a boy, and he received his education in the common schools. He continued farming in Arkansas, Oklahoma and Missouri, until [913, having removed to the last named state in 1905. He is at this writing successfully engaged in the livery business at Bois D'Arc with Robert A. Salts.

Mr. Bright was married February 22, 190S, to Maud Salts, who was horn in Center township, Greene count)', Missouri, in December, 1885, and here she grew to womanhood and received her education in the public schools. Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Bright, namely; Harley A., born June 19, 1909: James A., born July 28, 1912.

Robert Allen Salts was horn in' Center township, Greene county, Missouri, February 19, 1893. He is a son of Joseph and Elizabeth ( Walker) Salts, for years popular and well known farmers of Center township.

Robert A. Salts grew to manhood on the home farm, where he worked when a boy, and he received his education in the district schools of his com- munity. He engaged in general farming until 1914, when he went in business with his brother-in-law, John C. Bright, at Bois D'Arc, a member of the livery firm of Bright & Salts.

Politically Mr. Salts is a Progressive, and religiously he is a Baptist. He is a young man of much energy and is straight-forward in his dealings with the public.

Ammox Kxightex

It is now becoming generally understood that the life of the man who lives closest to nature is the best life, and no class of men are in better position to receive the benefits which are thus to be derived than farmers. You study the merchant, the professional man. the artist, the preacher, statesmen and inventor to find their lives no more excellent than the lives of mechanics or farmers. While the farmer stands at the head of art as found in nature, the others get but glimpses of the delights of nature in its various elements and moods. Amnion Knighten, one of the most progressive general farmers and stockmen of Franklin township, Greene county, is one of our worthy citizens who has ever taken a delight in nature and existence, because he has been in touch with the springs of life, having spent his years on the farm.

Mr. Knighten was born on November 26, 1854, in Lawrence county, Arkansas. He is a son of William York Knighten and Sarah (Archey) Knighten, both natives of that state also, the father's birth occurring in Lawrence county, December 28, 1826, and there he grew to manhood and .married. He was a life-lung farmer. He remained in his native state until 1873 when he came with his family to Dade county, Missouri, where he fanned a year, then moved t<> Webster county, and a year later took up his residence in Dallas county, where he bought a farm of eighty acres on which he spent the rest of his life, dying there at the advanced age of eighty-two years. He was a successful general farmer and handled a great deal of live stock. He owned nearly four hundred acres of good land in Arkansas. He was three times married, first to a Miss Phillips, and to this union one child was born, Mrs. Sarah Thome. The second wife of William Y. Knighten was known in her maidenhood as Sarah Archer, and to them eight children were born, namely: John Amonet is a practicing physician of Springfield; Amnion, subject of this sketch; William Thomas lives in Dade county, Missouri; Alice is deceased; William York, Jr., died in Greene county in 1901 ; Laura died in infano ; Mrs. Radie West lives in Lebanon, Laclede county.

this state; Airs. Effie Le Hew lives in Wisconsin. The mother of the above named children died on the home farm in Dallas county, Missouri, in February, 1877. The third marriage of William Y. Knighten was to Sally Stever, a native of Webster county, Missouri, and to this union four children were born, namely; Bogie, deceased; Mrs. Minnie Williams lives in Dallas countv. this state: Winfrey also lives in that county; and Bertram, who lived on the farm with the subject of this sketch, died in 1894. Politically, William Y. Knighten was a Democrat, and he belonged to the Christian church.

Amnion Knighten grew to manhood on the home farm where he worked when a boy, and he received a common school education. He came to Greene count}- in January, 1891, locating at Hickory Barrens, Franklin township, ten miles northeast of Springheld. He learned the blacksmith's trade at Marshtield, Webster county, and there he maintained a shop for some time, and also had a shop at Hickory Barrens, where he spent eight years, lie was regarded at both places as an exceptionally highly skilled workman. He also operated a store at the latter place, which he finally traded for a farm, and has since followed farming. He located on his present fine farm (The Mansel Putman homestead) in 1900. It is known as "The Prairie View Stock Farm." In connection with general farming he raises live stock in large numbers, specializing in Aberdeen and Galloway cattle, mostly the latter breed. His registered pedigree bull "Laddie," an Aberdeen, known as "Prairie View Laddie Xo. 4," was bred by J. M. Jones, of Everton, Missouri. It is the sire of "Laddie Blanchard," and its register number is 177435. Mr. Knighten's fine stock is greatly admired by all, being superior quality. His farm contains over four hundred acres of excellent land. It is nearly all under cultivation, a small portion being in timber. It is well improved in every way. and he has a substantial and convenient group of buildings. Everything about his place denotes thrift and good management. He also raises good horses, and the many cattle that he raises are sold to local buyers. He is one of the best judges of live stuck in the county. He built his present handsome residence in 1906, and has made most of the other improvements on his farm.

Mr. Knighten was twice married, first, to Mary E. Dotson, Julv 10. 1873. She was born in Polk count}', Missouri, but was reared in Arkansas. Her death occurred in 1891. To this union five children were born, namely: Samuel Arthur, who lives in Franklin township, near Fair Grove: Ida died when six years of age; Lona, wife of Claude L. Headlee, lives in Franklin township ( a sketch of Mr. Headlee and family appears on another page of this work ) ; John Albert is deceased: Pearl is also deceased.

On May 6. 1900, Mr. Knighten married for his second wife, Marv Jane Putman. a daughter of Mansel and Minerva (Tames) Putman. This sec- (115)

Politically, Mr. Knighten is a Democrat, and fraternally he belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows at Fair Grove. He was reared in the faith of the Missionary Baptist church. He is a congenial, quiet, plain gentleman and it is a pleasure to talk to him and visit his hospitable home. He is a man of strong intellectual endowment, and is deserving of much credit for his large success in life.

Andrew B. Duncan

It requires not only close application and studious habits to succeed in this day and age as a photographer, but also a natural esthetic taste. These characteristics are undoubtedly possessed by Andrew B. Duncan, one of the leading photographers of Springfield and southwestern Missouri, a man whose work has kept well abreast of the times and whose studio it is a pleasure to inspect by those who delight in and appreciate art of a high order.

Mr. Duncan was born, April 20, 1850, in Ontario, Canada. He is a son of Donald McDonald Duncan and Dorothy (Gennett) Duncan. The father was born near Grennock, Scotland. January 15. 1X12, ami the mother was a native of Ireland, burn in 181 5. They grew up in the British Isles and received limited educations, were married there and remained in that country until they emigrated to Canada, and there they kept an inn until the father's death in the year [864. The mother died in Ottawa, Canada, in [873. The maternal grandfather of our subject was captain of the ('oast Guards in Cork, Ireland, llis name was Andrew Bennett. Nine children were born In Donald .M. Duncan and wife, only three of whom survive at this writing, namely: [sabelle, Andrew 11.. and Frederick T.

Andrew B. Duncan grew to manhood in Canada and he received his education in the common and high schools of Ottawa. When a young man he took a position with the Singer .Manufacturing Company in .Montreal, which he held for some time, and was in the sewing machine business for a period of twenty years, during which time he became thoroughly conversant with every phase of the business and made a success, lie came to Kansas City, Missouri, in r886, where he was connected with the White Sewing Machine Company for a period of five years. In [891 he began bis career as photographer for which he had not only a natural liking but a decided innate ability and consequently was successful from the start. For ten years be was official photographer for the Frisco railroad, using his own private car, which was a model in every respect of its kind. He traveled extensively and did high grade work for which he was commended by the officials of the road. He came to Springfield in 1903 and located at the old Sittler place on St. Louis street. He was burned out there and he then moved to his present location. Since coming to this city he has enjoyed a large and constantly-growing business and his neat and modernly appointed studio is visited by people from all over the Southwest. I lis work is high-grade in every respect. He is an expert at posing as well as in finshing and he is never behind in the changing styles in his art.

Mr. Duncan was married on December 22, 1873, m Arnprior, Canada, to Mary Lyon, a native of that place, where she was reared and educated. The union of our subject and wife has been without issue.

Air. Duncan is a member of the Masonic ( )rder. including the Knights Templar and Ancient Arabic Order of Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. He holds membership in the Calvary Presbyterian church.

Holland Dairy Farm

During the past few years it has been demonstrated beyond a question of a doubt that the best paying dairy is the one that is most sanitary and managed under scientific methods, although the expense of proper equipment and maintenance may be large, in the end the outlay is not regretted. Those who own dairies nowadays pay more attention to the comfort of their stock than in former years. Barns are kept clean and filled with light and air. are built with cement floors, windows for ventilation, much attention paid to an adequate supply of fresh water and high-grade food; in fact, there lias been as much progress made in dairying as in most other lines of industry during the past decade.

One of the most up-to-date, sanitary and successful dairies in ( Ireene and surrounding counties is the Holland Dairy, owned and operated by Charles Holland, on his fine farm of four hundred and forty acres just west of Springfield, and the fame of this model dairy is far-reaching. It is often visited by people from other parts of Missouri and other states for the purpose of getting ideas for the establishment of dairies or improving those already established.

Here is to be seen a one-story concrete housing barn, thirty-six by one hundred and ten feet, complete with "Star" equipment; three silos with a capacity of five hundred tons. He keeps an average of fifty head of highgrade Holstein cows, the best that the market affords, and his herd is given the tuberculosis test twice a year. The cows are milked by Sharpies milkers.

The milk is never exposed to the air, going direct from the machine to the cooler, where the temperature is reduced from one hundred and one degrees to forty-four degrees, and from there to the bottling machine. All this machinery is thoroughly cleaned by steam and hand. One hundred and fifty gallons of milk are produced daily in this dairy. The tubular coolers are made of one and one-half inch copper tubes, which are tinned on the inside as well as on the outside. The tubes are made of sufficient gauge to withstand high pressure. Heavy tinned brass strips fill up the spaces between the tubes. The cooler represents a continuous surface on both sides, which facilitates the cleaning. Brass plugs are provided so as to be able to clean the inside of the tubes and free them from any sediment. All coolers are made with double waterway connections. They are figured on a basis of twenty square feet of cooling surface to each one thousand pounds of milk or cream cooled. A double end milk bottle filler is used, quarts at one end ; pints, half pints or quarter pints at the other. It is installed in a regular bottling house, where four hundred and fifty bottles are prepared daily for the trade and sent to the Springfield market in attractive deliver}- wagons, especially designed for the purpose. The most approved stanchions are to be seen in the milking barn.

Charles Holland, owner and manager of this dairy and surrounding farm, was born on November g, [879, in Springfield. Missouri. He is a son of T. B. and Bertonia (Hamilton) Holland, for a long lapse of years one of the prominent families of this locality, and of whom extended mention is made on other pages of this work.

Charles Holland grew to manhood in his native city, and after attending the common schools, entered Drury College, where he spent three years, later was a student for four years in the Webb School at Bellbuckle, Tennesee, and was graduated from that institution in [902. He then spent a vear in Yanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennesee, after which he entered the employ of the Holland Banking Company in his native city, and continued in the same until 1907, when he went into the live stock business, importing Coach and Percheron horses from France. He continued successful v in this business until January 1, 191 4, when he sold out and has discontinued this line of endeavor. In 1912, he began operating the Holland Dairv Farms, and this is now claiming his chief attention and it has been a most successful venture in every respect.

Mr. Holland was married April 18, 1900, to Louise Massey, a daughter of Frank R. and Sallie (Jones) Massey, one of the best known and influential families of Springfield, in which city Mrs. Holland was born on

April 25, 1879, and here she grew to womanhood and was educated. She has long been popular with the best clubs and social circles and is a lady of many pleasing attributes.

The union of Mr. and Mrs. Holland has resulted in the birth of four children, named as follows: Colley B., born on July 7, 1901 ; Charles, Jr., born in March, 1903; R. Massey, born on May 7, 1905; Richard H., born on May 9, 1907. They are all attending school, and are lads of much promise.

Politically, Mr. Holland is a Democrat. He is a member of the Springfield Club, and fraternally belongs to the Masonic order, in which he has attained the thirty-second degree, and he also belongs to the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.

Elmer D. Squibb

The people of Bois D'Arc and vicinity point to Elmer D. Squibb, wellknown jeweler and optician, as one of their most valued citizens, admiring him for his high moral character; for his life among them since his birth, some four decades ago, ma}- well be likened unto an open book. That they place implicit confidence in him is evidenced by the fact that he is regarded as one of the leaders in public affairs and is now serving them as postmaster. The duties of the various positions of trust which he has been called upon to fill have been discharged with credit.

Mr. Squibb was born in Bois D'Arc, Greene county, Missouri, May 11, 1875. He is a son of Joseph D. and Sarah (Leeper) Squibb. The name began from the Spanish Esquivel, and passed through France as Esquib, thence to Reading, Gerkshire, England, as Squibb, thence to Nova Scotia, and from there to Brooklyn. Xew York, where Dr. Edward R. Squibb established what is known today as the oldest chemical laboratory in the world. William P. Squibb and descendants are at Lawrenceburg, Indiana. John YV. Squihl 1 and descendants are known in Greene county, Tennessee, while James Squibb, the paternal grandfather of our subject, came and settled in Greene county, Missouri, in the early forties, where eight sons and one daughter, forty grandchildren and seventy great-grandchildren survived him in 1914. Joseph D. Squibb, father of our subject, is today living in Center township, carrying on general farming, operating about five hundred acres, practically all of which is under cultivation. He has reached the age of sixty-four years and is well preserved and can do as much work as ever.

Mrs. Sarah Squibb, mother of our subject, died in November, 1877. She was a daughter of Andrew- Leeper and wife,, who were natives of Greene county, Tennessee, and came into Greene county, Missouri, in the early forties and were among the first settlers. Here they first established the Leeper home. They have long since passed over the River of Time.

Elmer D. Squibb grew to manhood in Bois D'Arc and received his education in the public schools here, later attending for one year the Marionville Collegiate Institute at Marionville, Lawrence county, then studied in the Scarrett College at Neosho, Missouri, one year. From 1892 to 1899 he ran a drug store and studied pharmacy, passing the state board's examination in 1906. In 1899 he engaged in the grocery business. In 1900 he attended the Horological school at Omaha, Nebraska, from which he was duly graduated as a jeweler and optician, and in 1901 established his present store in Bois D'Arc. which he has since conducted with much success, enjoying a large business with the surrounding country. He carries a carefully selected line of jewelry, diamonds, watches, clocks, fobs, chains, bracelets, lockets, rings, charms, eye glasses, etc., and he has met with pronounced success as an optician. His repair work is regarded as high-grade.

On December 26, 1902, Mr. Squibb was appointed postmaster at Bois D'Arc and has since served in this capacity in a manner highly acceptable to the people and the department. Politically, he is a Republican, and has keen very active in political affairs for some time. He served one term as constable of his township and in 1912 made the race for treasurer, but went down in the general defeat of his party. He was township committeeman from 1902 to 1908. Fraternally, he belongs to Lodge Xo. 449. Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, and has been worshipful master for about eight year.-,; he belongs ti 1 Ash Grove Chapter of Royal Arch Masons, and Zebud Council of Royal ami Select Masters, of Springfield; he is also a member of Ash Grove Lodge X". 422, independent ( )rder of Odd Fellows, the Woodmen of the World, of which he has been secretary for four years, and is also a member of the Woodmen of the World Circle, lie and his wife are members "i the Methodist Episcopal church.

Mr. Squibb was married. .May 11. [898, to Maude M. Frame, who was born, April iS. [879. She is a daughter of J. W. and Delilah (Jones) Frame. Her father was born September 28, 1855, and her mother was born, Febmarj 12. [852; the latter's death occurred March 1. [883. Mrs. Squibb is a member of tin- Order of Eastern Star, Ash Grove Chapter, Xo. [09, She is deputy postmaster at Bois D'Arc. She is one of three children by her father's first marriage: Homer who is a practicing physician at Cave Spring; Mrs. Squibb was next in order of birth, ami Rosalee, who married Walter E, Baker, a merchant of Hois D'Arc. Mrs. Squibb received her education in the public schools in Bois D'Arc and is a graduate of Omaha Optical Institute. Omaha, Nebraska.

John Franklin Mason

While splendid success has come to John Franklin Mason, he has ever been actuated by the spirit of Lincoln in his sentiment : "There is something better than making a living - making a life." He was formerly one of the enterprising business men of Ash Grove, and is now the efficient recorder of Greene county and makes his home in Springfield. Beginning in a comparatively humble position in life he has made his way to a place of substance and honor entirely through his own efforts and yet he has not considered his private interests onlv, but rather has given greater consideration to the public welfare, for which he has ever been ready to make sacrifices.

Mr. Mason was born, November 26, 1868, on a farm near Halltown, Lawrence county, Missouri. He is a son of Reuben B. and Mary E. (Richardson) Mason. The father was born in Lawrence county, this state, on January 13, 1843. and was a son of Abraham and llulda (Bodenhamer) Mason. Abraham Mason was a native of North Carolina, where he spent his earlier years, and removed to Indiana in 1838. In 1841 he came West and settled in Lawrence county, Missouri, where he entered a large tract of land, which he cleared and on which he carried on general farming until his death, which occurred in 1861. lie was one of the influential citizens in that county in pioneer times. Politically, he was a Whig. His wife, who was also a native of North Carolina, died on the home place in Lawrence county, July 25, 1880. Reuben M. Mason grew to manhood on the home farm and be received a common school education; he followed farming all his life, with the exception of the time he spent in the Union army during the Civil war as a member of the Seventy-fourth Missouri Militia, and later as a member of Company A, Sixteenth Missouri Cavalry, lie saw considerable active service and made a good record as a soldier, and was honorably discharged and mustered out of the service, June 30, 1865. On January 18, 1866, he married Mary E. Richardson, who was born in Lawrence county, Missouri, October 26. 1846. She was a daughter of John \Y. and Maria L. (Ferris) Richardson. Politically, Reuben B. Mason was a Republican. His death occurred on March 27, 1902, but his widow is still living on the homestead near Halltown.

John F. Mason grew to manhood on the home farm in Lawrence county where he worked when a boy, and be received bis education in the common schools. He worked on the farm until 1898, when he went to Spencer, Missouri, where he spent four years in the mercantile business, and in 1002 moved to Halltown, engaging in the same line of endeavor, enjoying an excellent trade in both places. In 1907 he went to Ash Grove, where he conducted a drug store with success until he was elected to the office of county recorder, November 3, 1914. He carried his township by the largest number of votes that any candidate for county recorder ever received. He was elected by a majority of six hundred and ninety-three votes. He is rilling the office in a highly creditable manner, being industrious, prompt and courteous in his dealings with the public.

Mr. Mason studied pharmacy and passed the examination required by the state board of pharmacy, November 25, 191 1. He had a neat and well stocked store and carried a full line of drugs and drug sundries and he built up a large trade.

Mr. Mason was married, January 23, 1898, to Mina Nickel, a daughter of James A. and Jane (Breeden) Nickel, and to this union one child was born, James B. Mason, whose birth occurred on August 10, 1899. The death of the wife and mother occurred September 8, 1903. Mr. Mason was again married on April 10, 1906, to Daisy Smith, a daughter of Gaither and Melvina (Oldham) Smith. To this last union one child has been born, John M. Mason, whose birth occurred July 24. 1908.

Politically, Mr. Mason is a Republican, and fraternally, he is a member of the Masonic Order, including the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, the Chapter and the Royal Arch Masons, all of Ash Grove; he also belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Woodmen of the World.

David Miller Ritter

We are always glad to talk to the aged veterans of America's great Civil war, in which nearly five million men took part, but of this vast number only a comparatively few remain with us to tell the interesting story of the dreadful hardships they endured in their winter camps, in the hospitals, the harassing marches, in the battles and skirmishes, or in the prison hells. But their time is short now. so all persons should join in honoring them for sacrifices they made when the) were young and full of the love of life, but which was ottered free on tin- altar of their country. David Miller Kilter oi Center township, Greene county, is one of this number. He has made his home 111 our midst nearly a half century during which he has pn pressed from a modest beginning as a fanner to one of the largest agriculturists in the tow nship.

Mr. Ritter was horn near South Bend, St. Joseph county, Indiana. February 10, 1842. He is a son of Jacob and Elizabeth 1. Miller 1 Ritter. Mie lather was one of the pioneer settlers of that county, having moved there from Wayne county, Ohio. Our subject traces his ancestry hackto the historical Boston "Tea Party," when Aaron Miller, his maternal great-grandfather, assisted in throwing the tea overboard. To Jacob Ritter and wife twelve children were born, seven of whom are living, namely: Aaron is a retired farmer of Greene county; William H. H. is a retired1 farmer of St. Joseph county, Indiana; Franklin is farming in the lastnamed county; Emeline is the wife of I. N. Miller, a retired farmer of New Carlisle, Indiana; Clarinda B. is the widow of John T. Buchtel, of South Bend, Indiana; Lorinda is the wife of Ouinn Bulla, a fruit grower of Pomona, California, and David M. of this sketch.

Our subject was reared in his native county and received a good education in the common schools and the Northern Indiana College at South Bend. In 1862 he enlisted in the Twenty-first Indiana Battery of Light Artillery and served gallantly in the Union army until the close of the war, reaching the rank of corporal. After he was honorably discharged he returned to Indiana, and after a term in college came to Springfield, Missouri, in the spring of 1866, accompanied by H. E. Hardman, a former army comrade. They came overland, driving a herd of one thousand sheep. They were three months on the road. They first settled on Leeper Prairie, Greene county, buying forty acres there, selling out two years later and moving near Springfield on the Campbell farm, where they broke seventy acres of prairie for June Campbell, using ox teams for this purpose, having traded their sheep for cattle. They remained with Mr. Campbell three years, then our subject and Mr. Hardman dissolved partnership and Mr. Ritter and his brother Aaron formed a partnership and bought forty acres in the eastern part of Center township, adjoining our subject's present farm. Mr. Ritter of this sketch then homesteaded eighty acres adjoining on the south where he now resides, later purchasing one hundred and sixty acres from the Frisco railroad in Campbell township, but adjoining his home place, the property lying on the eastern boundary of Center and western boundary of Campbell township. Later he purchased forty acres more, making a total of three hundred acres, one hundred and twenty acres of which has been set to an apple orchard, which is one of the largest producers in this section of the ( )zarks. His land is all well improved and he has an attractive home and numerous outbuildings. He has been successful as a stock raiser also, giving preference to horses and mules. He is regarded as being exceptionally well informed in general farming subjects as well as horticulture and stock raising.

Mr. Ritter was married on May ^o, 1872, to Josephine Martin, a daughter of Joseph and Lucinda (Beets) Martin, who came from Anna, Union county, Illinois, to Greene county, Missouri, many years ago and here established their permanent home.

Three children have been born to our subject and wife, namely: Howard [., born on July- 4, 1873, was educated in the Springfield high school and Drurv College, married, in 1907, Ollie Piper, a daughter of Wesley Piper, of Ash Grove, Missouri; he is engaged in farming, his place lying beside that of his father, our subject; Clara L., born on January 31, 1876, was educated in the Springfield high school, married in September, 1895, Robert L. Toombs, a traveling salesman of Springfield, and they have two children, Robert, Jr., age eighteen; and Ethel .May. age sixteen. Ethel E.. our subject's youngest child, was born on April 21, 1878, was educated in the Springfield high school, married, in 1900, Alfred O. Smith, a traveling salesman of Springfield, and they have three children. Alfred Ritter, who is now thirteen years old; Richard Ritter. who is now ten years old; and Helen Josephine, who is eight years old. Politicallv, Air. Ritter is a Republican.

Bex'Jamix B. Counts

"Whatever is, is best" wrote the poet Longfellow. Evidently he did not believe in destiny or good fortune; rather, any man who blames destiny should blame himself. Good fortune simply means good opportunities that come to every man if he has the sagacity to see and accept that which is offered. Providence rules, but not to the advantage of the lazy and inefficient. Every man must be the architect of his success. If he has the right mettle in him he cannot be kept down. If he is made of inferior material he cannot be kept up, though all the world try to elevate him. Benjamin B. Counts knew at the beginning of his career that if he succeeded he would have to be industrious, capable and conscientious, and so he has forged ahead because of these qualities,

.Mr. ( omits was horn mi March 22, 1874, at Indianapolis, Mahaska county. towa. He is a son of James Alexander Counts, a native of West Virginia, where he spent his boyhood and attended school, coming West before the breaking "lit of the Civil War. but was in Ohio when I. inc. In called for troops to suppress the Southern rebellion, s, > he at once cast In- lot with the Union and enlisted in the Forty-fifth <»lii<. Volunteer Infantry, in which he served as a private [or three years, taking part in many of the mosl important battles of the war. In early life he learned the blacksmith's trade, at'which he became an expert and owned ami operated a large shop of his own until three years before his death, when he retired from active life, lie died at \ft<m. Oklahoma, in [910 at the age of sixty-nine years. Politicallv lie was a Democrat. He belonged to the Masonic order and to the P.aptist church. He married Margaret L. Houghton, who is living at the homestead in Afton, Oklahoma, being now sixty-seven years of age.

To these parents five children were born, namely : John Vester, formerly a section foreman on the Santa Fe road, is now farming in Oklahoma; Benjamin B., of this sketch; Claudius is a printer by trade and lives at Alhambra, Colorado; Erma is the wife of Oscar Byers and they live at Afton, Oklahoma; J oat is an electrician and lives at Bartlesville, Oklahoma.

Benjamin B. Counts received his education in the public schools, leaving school when seventeen years of age and went to work for his father at blacksmithing. remaining with him until he was twenty years of age. then married and began working for himself, following his trade, at Senecca, Missouri, where he ran a shop two years, then worked in the lead and zinc mines at Webb City for eight years. He came to Springfield on October 5, 1908, and began working in the Frisco's south side shops as fireman, later being promoted to assistant engineer, which position he held until the spring of 191 5. when he resigned and moved to his farm of fortv acres near Republic.

Air. Counts was married on February 25, 1893. to Sarah S. Westfall, a daughter of William and Sarah F. (Linger) Westfall, of Afton, Oklahoma. The father was a native of West \ irginia. To our subject and wife six children have been born, namely: Bertha is the wife of William F. Hartney. a machinist in the north side Frisco shops, Springfield; the second child died in infancy unnamed; Mildred lives in St. Louis; Ralph, Cecil and Harold are deceased.

Politically Mr. Counts is a Democrat, fraternally he belongs to the Knights of Pythias and the Modern Woodmen of America; he is a member of the National Order of Stationary Engineers and religiously he holds membership in the Methodist Episcopal church.

Ransom Benton Woodward

Life primarily is designed for what joy one can get from it. Happiness is the thing we all crave, the thing that we all need, for it best builds character; it comes from several causes, one a fine state of health. Happily the country affords the ideal place for bodily health and vigor. Happiness comes from the use of the body in vigorous and successful endeavor. Here is where life on the farm comes in strong; there is chance to develop the body perfectly in all manner of healthy work. And there is no need of overworking in the country. Happiness comes, too, from having an appreciative mind able to take in the beauty of the world and the delights of one's own environment. This application comes from training, largelv. There are men who cannot see with any joy the most serene landscape and even view with utter indifference the splendor of the autumn woods. Ransom Benton Woodward is a farmer who fully appreciates the advantages for happiness in a rural life and beauty of the outdoors.

Mr. Woodward was born two miles north of Bois D'Arc, Greene county, Missouri, April 3, 1850. He is a son of Jacob and Susan Caroline (Robinson J Woodward. The father was born on September 13, 18 19, in Calloway county, Kentucky, and was a son of Edward Woodward, who was born in Virginia about 1795. The latter's fatber immigrated to America from Scotland prior to the Revolutionary war, he and his four brothers working their way across the Atlantic on board an old-fashioned sailing vessel, tbe trip requiring several months, and they fought under Washington in the Revolutionary war. The father of our subject came to Greene county. Missouri, in 1837 and bought a distillery three miles northeast of Ash Grove, which he operated until about 1850. The first farm on which he lived after locating in this county was rented from Governor Polk. Early in the fifties Jacob Woodward entered one hundred and sixty acres from the government on the Leeper Prairie, now known as the Thorn place, and be remained there until 1857. In 1859 he bought the farm now occupied by his son, Ransom B. of this sketch. It lies in section 2, and consists of one hundred and sixty acres. He erected the family home here, which was at that time the only dwelling for miles around. Tbe building is still standing and is used by our subject for storage purposes. During the Civil war Jacob Woodward enlisted in tbe state militia shortly after hostilities began, under Capt. F. S. Jones, and he remained in the service until the close of the war, and, being an excellent soldier, rose to the rank of orderly sergeant under Gen. C. B. Holland, with whom he fought at the battle of Springfield, January 8, 1863, when General Marmaduke and General Shelby attacked the place. After the war he continued general farming and stock raising. He devoted especial attention to mule raising, up to the time of the war.

Ransom 1!. Woodward was reared on the home farm and his schooling was limited to about fifteen months in the Kelley school, the only graded school in Greene county at that time. It was under the management of Major L. P. Downing and Professor Crane. Our subject lived at home and assisted with the general work there until he was twenty-seven years old, at which time he married, on October 3, [877, Margaret Elizabeth McQuigg, a daughter of John W. and Elizabeth Jane (Robberson) McQuigg. The former died on August t6, 1883, but the latter is still living, having survived her husband thirty years. She was born on August 28, 1835. She makes her home with our subject, keeping house for him, bis wife having died on September jj. 1911. She was a woman of many praiseworthy charac- teristics and was greatly beloved by all who knew her. She was a good wife and helpmate, and no small part of our subject's success was due to her counsel, encouragement and sympathy.

Two children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Woodward, namely: Freddy Elbert, born in 1881, died in infancy; Edwin Deams, born on October 1, 1882, was educated at Drury College, Springfield, and he returned to the farm in 1902; on September 16, 190-!, he married Jessie C. Brower, a daughter of Jesse D. and Mary E. Brower of Center township, this county. He lives on a farm adjoining that of his father and follows general farming.

Our subject has devoted a large portion of his time during the past thirty-five years to cattle and mule raising and has been very successful. He now owns two hundred acres in one farm in sections 2 and 3, East Center township, and eight)- acres in section 1, this township. The former place is one of the best in the township, has good drainage into Clear creek and is well improved in every way. On it is to be found a substantial residence and good outbuildings; in fact, two comfortable residences, one of which is occupied by his son.

In 1909 Mr. Woodward and wife made an extended trip through the West and Northwest, including visits at Denver, Salt Lake City, Portland. Seattle, Spokane and Billings. After Mrs. Woodward's death our subject took another trip west as far as Los Angeles, where he spent two weeks, and then visited San Francisco, Oakland, Sacramento, on up the coast to Seattle and Vancouver. British Columbia, remaining six weeks in Seattle.

Politically he is a Democrat, and his support has never been withheld from any movement having for its object the general public good. He is a member of the Anti-Horse Thief Association.

James L. Heckenltyely

In reviewing the various professional interests of Greene county, the name of James L. Heckenlively cannot be ignored, for he has long been one of the most successful and best known architects in the Southwest. Although it is a known fact that, given the ordinary average education and good judgment, any man may make a success in the avenues of trade, yet in what are known as the fine arts, of which architecture is one, he must lie endowed with superior natural attributes and have gone through years of careful study and training to be able to cope with the brilliant minds which do honor to this vocation.

The father was born in Crawford county, Ohio, May 9, 1838, and the mother was born in Meigs county, Ohio, in April, 1S42. They grew to maturity in their native state; they were educated in the early-day schools. The death of Mrs. Heckenlively occurred on March 28, 1914. Mr. Heckenlively lias devoted his active life to agricultural pursuits, and is now living in St. Joseph, Missouri. His father, John Heckenlively, was born in April, 1799, in Germany, where he grew up, was educated and he became a Lutheran minister. He married Margaret Terrier, who was born in 1803 in Germany. They immigrated to America in an early day, located in Ohio, where they spent the rest of their lives, his death occurring on May 10, 1856. She died on March 24. 1852. Their children are all now deceased except Jacob, father of our subject, he being the youngest child. The family name was originally spelled in Germany as Heckenlaible. Jacob Heckenlively" remained in Ohio until about he was about twenty years of age, when he removed to Iowa, where he resided until lie came to Gentry county, Missouri, where he was married, in 1862. Barnabas Shisler, our subject's maternal grandfather, was born in Ohio. He was an earl}- settler in Gentry county, Missouri. His wife, Susan Consolver, died near Warsaw, this state, as a result of a fall, when nearly one hundred years of age.

Politically, Jacob Heckenlively is a Republican. During the Civil war he enlisted from Gentry county in an infantry regiment, and served in the Federal army six months. His family consisted of eight children, seven of whom are still living, namely: James I... of this sketch; John B., born .111 November 8, [865, lives in St. Joseph, Missouri; Delila J., horn on February 2. [868, live-- in Colorado; Susan E., born on January 4. 1870, lives m Colorado City, Colorado; Delia ('., horn on March 4, [872, died at Lakin, Kansas, September 28, 1 <i 1 i : Lafayette II.. horn on October 11. 1874, lives in Columbus, .Montana: Jefferson II.. horn on March 14. [878, lives in Harrison county. Missouri: Orville, horn on March 14. [884, lives in I'd Paso, Texas.

lames I.. Heckenlively received part of his education in Gentry county, Missouri, and there he taught school for some tune, later attending the Normal College at Stanberry, this state, lie had a decided natural bent toward architecture, which manifested itself when he was a small boy, and when he left school he began the study of this profession with diligence and devotion, making rapid progress, serving an apprenticeship in an architect's office. lie also learned the practical end of the business in Stanberry. Later he went to St. |oseph, Missouri, where he continued draughting, Studying and carpenter work as well. lie got his training by persistent hard work, close application, observation and practical experience. He began life for himself in [893 at St. Joseph and Stanberry. and in [894 came to Springfield and he has remained here ever since, and during this period of over twenty years his career has been marked by a steady growth, each year finding him further advanced than the preceding. He began on a small scale, but worked up to a large and lucrative business in a reasonably short time in general architecture, including not only all lines of the business, but also included civil engineering work. lie lias become widely known throughout this section of tbe state and his services have long been in good demand in other cities and towns besides Springfield. Among his more important jobs in Springfield may be mentioned the Carnegie Public Library, the high school. Masonic Temple, Grace Methodist Episcopal church, St. Paul's Methodist Episcopal church. South, St. John's Hospital, nearly all the ward school buildings and mam- others; also three buildings of the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville, and Indian schools and dormitories at Wagoner, Oklahoma. He has attractive offices on the fifth floor of the Landers Building.

Mr. Heckenlively was married on June 5, [889, in Albany, Gentry ci unty, Missouri, to Leanora E. Campbell, who was born in Kentucky. She is a daughter of John P. and Amanda L. (Pelley) Campbell. This was a prominent old Kentucky family, members of which were noted in various walks of life. They emigrated here from the Blue Grass state in an earl)- day and became well established in Missouri by their thrift and industry. Mrs. 1 leckenlively's father devoted his active life to general agricultural pursuits. She was given the advantages of an excellent education and is a lady of many admirable characteristics.

Two children have been born to our subject and wife, namely: Mepha May died in infancy; Lura I\, who is at home with her parents, was educated in the public schools, the high school and Drury College, ah uf Springfield, and she made a fine record in all of them.

Politically, Mr. Heckenlively is a Republican, but he has never been an office-seeker, although taking much interest in general public affairs, especially as they affect the welfare of his county and state. His family attends the South Street Christian church. He has long been prominent in the Masonic order, his record in the same being as follows : He was made a Mason in Springfield in 1901. Since then he has been worshipful master of the lodge, high priest of the chapter for two terms, commander one term, thrice illustrious master two terms, grand master of the grand council. Royal and Select Masters, in 1914 and 1915; received the Shrine in Springfield in 1903 and served in all the offices but potentate; was deputy inspector of the Grand Commandery of the Second District in 1909; received the honorary Red Cross of Constantine in Joplin in 1910; was consecrated and anointed into the Order of High Priesthood in Springfield in 1908; is grand representative of the Grand Council of Arkansas and the Grand Chapter of Arizona.

Johx Barrett

There are farmers who might be known as one idea men, for they give too much attention to some particular phase of their work to the neglect of the general system required to make farming a success. Such men may have a bad influence. The man who has a reputation for big crops should study his farming to see if it will bear close critical inspection in its various details. John Barrett, one of the foremost farmers of East Center township, Greene county, does this. He gives such attention as is necessary to produce large yields of all his crops and at the same time keeps his place attractive in every way, thus setting a good example.

Mr. Barrett is a scion of one of the earliest pioneer families in this section of the state, and for a period of eighty-six years the Barretts have been well and favorably known in Greene county - good farmers and good citizens. Our subject was born in ("enter township, this county, December 22, 1873. He is a son of Thomas Lafayette Barrett and Margaret A. (Binns) Barrett, the mother a daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth Binns. The father of our subject was born on November 10. 1843. in this county, here grew to manhood, attended the early-day subscription schools, and spent his life engaged successfully in general farming and stock raising, and became one of the best known men in the county. His father came from Hawkins county, Tennessee, early in the nineteenth century, and located in Greene county when this country was wild and settlers were few, but he was a man of courage and soon had a home established and land under cultivation. The death of Thomas L. Barrett occurred in 1910, after a life of usefulness and honor. lie was married on September 28, 1871, and reared a family of six sens and one daughter, namely: Eldorado married W, II. Yeakley, a farmer of Stockton, Missouri; Walter, who is farming in (enter township, Greene county, married Bertha Redfearn of Center township; Arthur, who was graduated from the Missouri State University, who is farming in (inter township, married Mattie Sparkman ; Elbert Lee, who is also farming in (enter township, married Minnie Sparkman, a sister of his brother's wife; Thomas V. died on October 3. K113, at the age of twenty-three years, after securing a good education in the Missouri State University; John, of this sketch; Weldon 1... who is in the state university at this writing.

Mr. Barrett, of this review, grew to manhood on the homestead, where he assisted with the work during crop seasons when growing to manhood and in the winter time he attended the local schools, obtaining a good education, lie has always followed general farming and lives on the homestead with his mother, the place consisting of four hundred acres of valuable and productive land, constituting one of the choice farms of this part of the county. It lies along the Carthage road, eight miles west of Springfield.

Mr. Barrett was married on June 4, 191 1, to Mary Harris, a daughter of William and Margaret Harris of Republic township, Greene county. where Mrs. Barrett was reared to womanhood and educated. To our subject and wife one child has been born, Esther Margaret Barrett, whose birth occurred on October 1, 1912.

Fraternally, Mr. Barrett is a member of Bois D'Arc Lodge No. 449, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, also the modern Woodmen of America and the Anti-Horse Thief Association. Politically he is a Democrat, and he and his family attend the Methodist church. Like his father and grandfather before him, he takes keen interest in all movements looking to the general improvement of his township and count)'.

Ray C. Boyfr

Kay C. Boyer was born at Meadville, Crawford county, Pennsvlvania, October 2j, 1880. He is a son of Lukes Boyer, who was born in Allentown, Lehigh county, Pennsylvania. He was a carpenter and contractor by trade, and spent many years of his life at the city of Meadville, where his death occurred in 1888, and he was buried at Sackerton, Pennsylvania. He was about lift\- years of age. He was a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and also belonged to the Lutheran church. His widow, who was known in her maidenhood as Nancy Beige, is now living in Springfield and is the wife of August Drishaver, a carpenter and contractor. Our subject is the only child by her first marriage, and there are no children by her last marriage.

Stephen Boyer, paternal grandfather of the subject of this sketch, was born in Lehigh count}-, Pennsylvania, later moving to Crawford county, that state. He was a tanner by trade, but followed farming in his later life, owning a small farm.

The Boyer family is of German extraction, and upon immigrating to America, settled first at Trenton, New Jersey, later locating in Pennsylvania. Boyertown, that state, was named after members of this old family, which has lived in the United States since before the Revolutionary war, in which conflict several of the Boyer men fought under George Washington.

Ray C. Boyer spent his boyhood in Pennsylvania, and was educated in the Meadville public schools. Leaving school when seventeen years of age, he began learning the painter's trade, which he followed three years. (116)

In 1898 he came to Springfield, Missouri, with his mother and stepfather, and secured a position as hostler in the shops of the Kansas City, Ft. Scott & Memphis Railroad. On June 27, 1909, he was promoted by the Frisco, which company leased the former railroad in 1900, to engineer, after he had been working as fireman for some time, and he is at this writing night engineer in the south side shops.

Mr. Bover was married twice, first, in 1904 to Nellie Massey, a daughter of Bud and Thressa ( Rathbone) Massey. Her death occurred in December, 1905. His second marriage was celebrated in 1908, when he married Eva Massey, a sister of his first wife. Both marriages were without issue.

Mr. Boyer is a Democrat. He is a member of the National Association of Steam Engineers, the Modern Brotherhood of American Engineers and is also a member of the Modern Woodmen of America. He lives on Wassola street, where he built a cosy home a few years ago.

Merton Cleanthus House

Although Merton Cleanthus House is a young man, at the age when most boys are just getting started in life, he is holding a responsible position, that of foreman of the O. ,K. Weld plant in the north side Frisco shops. Springfield. This position was secured not through any streak of luck or by the aid oi influential friends but through his own merit, because he was prepared and had the right ideas of what an employe should do, namely: that he should -true to do high-grade, honest, conscientious work promptly. Such a course, where there is g 1 judgment and average ability to begin with, always leads to gratifying results.

Mr. House hails from a section of the Union that has not sent many citizens to Greene county, having been bom on a farm in Steele county, Minnesota, December 24, 18N7. lie is a son of Lorenzo Jackson House, a native of the stale of New York where his earlier years were spent, finally removing to St. Paul, Minnesota, later to a farm near Meriden, that state. Finally selling his farm there lie came to Conway, Missouri, where he continued farming five years, then engaged in the butcher business for awhile. As a result of an accident while thus engaged which incapacitated him for further physical work, he removed to Springfield in moi and worked for the Van N03 News Company until 101 1 in which year his health failed completely and he was bedfast until bis death in December, [913, at the age of fifty-eight years. Politicall) he was a Republican, lie belonged to the

To Lorenzo J. House and wife four children were horn, namely: Merton C. of this sketch ; Sadie married S. A. Badgley, a painter by trade, of Caney. Kansas; Annie B., married O. M. Martin, died in November, 1913; Raymond is a barber in Springfield.

Merton C. House was reared on the farm where he worked when a boy, and he received his education in the public schools of Conway, Missouri, but left school when only fourteen years of age to begin life for himself. He came to Springfield and went to work in the Eagle Pencil Factory, where he remained two years, then learned the tailor's trade, working at the same with a number of Springfield tailors for a period of eight years, and became quite expert in this line, especially as presser and bushelman, hut owing to failing health was finally compelled to give up the work. His next employment was in the tin department of the Frisco's north side shops, under G. A. Holder; where he spent one year, then, on November 4, 1913, he was placed in charge of the O. K. Weld plant there, which position he has since held to the satisfaction of his employers, being regarded as one of the most efficient foremen this department has ever had.

Mr. House was married on Easter Sunday, 191 1, to Mamie A. Molen, a daughter of John Molen. a farmer in Arkansas. Mrs. House grew up on the farm and received a common school education. The union- of our subject and wife has been without issue.

It has not been so very long ago that a number of immigrants from our older Eastern states coming to Missouri could procure good new land and thereby get a start with small capital. Now the new lands of our country that can lie profitably farmed are practically all occupied. The only course left for the American farmer to pursue is to adopt a system of farming that will not only build up and maintain, hut will increase the production of the land. The dairy cow seems to be the means through which a part of our farmers are destined to do this. One of the citizens of Center township, Greene county, who secured new land upon casting his lot with us is Edward J. DeWitt, and this he developed intelligently and now has a good farm and has been making a comfortable living all the while.

ginia, his birth having occurred in Bedford county, that state, January 17, 1840. He is a son of Elisha D. and Susan (Coleman) DeWitt, both of whom were natives of Virginia, where they grew up, were educated and married and established their home. Their parents came from Scotland, so our subject is of Scotch descent from both sides of the house and he manifests many traits of that excellent race. These two families immigrated to the United States prior to the war of 1812. Ten children were born to Elisha D. DeWitt and wife, five of whom are living, namely: Lafayette is a tobacco manufacturer of Lynchburg, Virginia: Marion is farming in Bedford county. Virginia: Mary is the wife of John Thomasson, a sales agent for a carriage manufacturing concern of Lynchburg, Virginia; Eliza is the wife of William Owens, a farmer of Bedford county, Virginia; and Edward J. of this sketch. All three of these sons served through the Civil war in the same company.

Edward J. DeWitt grew to manhood on the home farm in his native county in the Old Dominion and there he worked during vacations, attending the common schools in the winter time. He remained at home until he was twenty-one vears of age when he enlisted in the Tenth Virginia Artillery, Lee's arm)-, at the commencement of the Civil war and remained in the service until Lee's surrender, April 16, 1865. He proved to be a faithful soldier and rose to the rank of sergeant. He took part in many of the important battles and campaigns of the war. After being mustered out he returned home where he remained until October 20. 1866, when he married Mollie Coleman, a daughter of William and Amelia 1 W'ooley) Coleman of Bedford county. Virginia. Upon his marriage he moved to near Riser, West Virginia, where he rented a farm and resided until 1873 in which year he came to Greene count)', Missouri, locating in Campbell township where he lived four years, then bought his present farm of eighty acres in Section 1 _>. Township 29, Range 23, Center township, the same having been formerly the property of the St. Louis & San Francisco Kailroad Company, and Mr. DeWitt was the first person to secure a deed to the property. He cleared it up and placed it under good improvements and cultivatii m.

To .Mr. and Mr--. DeWitt two children have been horn, namely: Willit J., born on August 13, 1X74. received a public school education and lived at home until In-- death, January 13, 1007: Monnie I'.. born on December 14, i88_\ married on November _'_'. [905, to Elmer Reynolds of Springfield, he being in the service of the Frisco lines at that place; they have three children, May who is eighl years old, Clarence who is five years old, and Ernest who is one year old.

Madison Andrew Brower

The man who produces double the customary crop assumes a leadership that brings responsibilities. His farm is an object of interest. When his work becomes known and his methods discussed he is called a model farmer. Others want to see and learn, and then do likewise. One of the farmers of Center township, Greene county, who not only raises big crops, but who keeps his farm in an attractive condition, everything well cared for, thus presenting to the visitor a pleasing appearance', is Madison Andrew Brower.

Mr. Brower was born in the above named township and county on December 2, 1869. He is a son of John Robinson Brower and Sarah Ann (Spoon) Brower. The father came from North Carolina before the Civil war and located in Center township, this county; the mother also came here from North Carolina about the same time, and here they were married and spent the rest of their lives on a farm, the father dying in 1899 and the mother passing away in 1908. They were the parents of nine children, seven of whom are living at this writing, namely: Louise married Daniel Henler, a farmer of Oklahoma; James is farming in Center township. Greene county; Calvin H. is teaching school in Center township; Etta married L. G. Reynolds, who is employed by the International Harvester Company and stationed at Springfield; Ella married John Cook, a farmer of Oklahoma; Lizzie married Edward Miner, a fanner of (."enter township; and Madison A., of this sketch.

Mr. Brower of this review grew to manhood on the home farm, where he worked when a boy during vacations, and he received his education in the public schools id" his community. He has always followed farming. He remained with his parents until he was married when twenty-six years old. He moved to his present excellent farm of one hundred and sixtv acres in section 13, East Center township, in 1904, which he purchased at that time. He also owns one hundred and sixty acres in section 23 of the same township. His farm is one of the best improved and best kept in the township and it lies on the Carthage road, five miles west of Springfield, occupying one of the highest points in this part of the Ozarks. It is well drained and very productive, having produced a number of record crops. In connection with general farming he pays considerable attention to hog raising, making a specialty of pure bred Poland-China hogs, and has been more than ordinarily successful in this line. His dwelling and other buildings are substantial and neat in appearance, and everything denotes good management about his place.

Mr. Brower was married on .May 10, 1895, to Airs. Mary Ann (Johnson) Wilson, widow of J. H. Wilson and a daughter of Ellis and Rachel Johnson, early settlers of West Center township, where she grew to womanhood and received her education.

Two children have been born to our subject and wife, namely: Lillian. born on July 13, 1897, and Claude, born on June 19, 1900. They are both at home with their parents.

Fraternally, Mr. Brower is a member of Elwood Lodge No. 278, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, also the Elwood Lodge of Modern Woodmen of America. Politically he is a Democrat, and he has always manifested a good citizen's interest in local public affairs. He attends the Methodist Episcopal church, South.

Green Irwin Blanchard

There is a recess in every man's brain that answers to the call of the wilderness, a heritage of pre-historic origin which will be with us always. If given the opportunity, it will respond at once to nature's beauty and depth. What is more natural than man's love for the conditions and environment that gave him food and shelter, enabling him to live during the dawn of his existence? Thus it is easy to understand why many of us prefer the country and life on the farm to that of the city. One such family is the Blanchards of whom Green Irwin Blanchard, of Center township, Greene county, is a creditable representative. For generations they have tilled the soil, made a good living and been happy. The older members knew what it was to fight the wilderness in order to live, but this they did courageouslj and successfully, ami never complained that their lot was hard.

Mr. Blanchard was born on December 17. [838, at Russelville, Logan county, Kentucky. lie is a son of Henry Hudson Blanchard and Mary I 1'atton 1 Blanchard, both of whom were born, reared and educated in that county ami state ami there they were married and established their home. Their parents were from North Carolina, immigrating to the Blue Grass state in an early day. The family is of English origin but for the last four generations they have lived in the United States. When our subject was one year old he was broughl by his parents in 1830 to Greene count)'. Missouri, the family locating in ('enter township on what is known as Leeper's

Prairie and theirs was the first house built in that neighborhood, their nearest neighbor being over three miles away. When Henry H. Blanchard landed in the wilds of this locality his worldly possessions consisted of a broken down wagon, a team of ponies in the same condition and five dollars in money; but, being a man of enterprise, he forged ahead and at the time of his death in 1862 he had acquired over three hundred acres of good land, several hundred head of live stock and a competency, besides a comfortable home. This was considered quite an achievement for those days and proves the sterling mettle from which the Blanchards are made. His family consisted of but two sons, Green I. of this sketch and John A., who was born in 1836. The latter received his education in the district schools of Greene county and here worked on the home farm when a boy, and he devoted his active life to general farming. He took a deep interest in public affairs and in 1872 was elected recorder of deeds of Greene county, the duties of which office he ably discharged for four years, then moved back to the farm, and later he served fourteen years as justice of the peace and was a member of the school board for several years, giving satisfaction as a public servant in every respect ; in fact, he was a strong personality and influential in his locality. His death occurred in 1895.

Green I. Blanchard grew to manhood on the home farm in Center township where he worked when a boy and he received his education in the schools of his community, attending subscription schools until he was fifteen years old, after which the public schools being established he attended them until he was twenty-one years old. He was twelve years old when the family moved to within a mile of Elwood and there our subject lived until his marriage in i860 to Mary Eaton, who died in 1884. For his second wife he married Mrs. Mary E. Lawdermilk, nee Craven, a daughter of Thomas G. and Mary Craven, of Center township, in September. 1886. The first marriage resulted in the birth of seven children, six of whom are still living, namely: Dora A., born on September 26, 1865, married in 1883 A. A. Vaughan, a cabinet maker in the Frisco shops at Springfield, and they have one child, Earl, born on July 24, 1895; he was graduated from the Springfield public schools, and is now a teacher in a manual training school there. Delia A., born April 2, 1867, married in 1884, B. L. Chastain, a contractor of Springfield; Henry W., born on December 2T,, 1868, is a conductor on the Rock Island railroad, lives in Kansas City, married Cora O'Neil in 1890 and they have one child. Irwin, who was born in 191 1. Fannie, born on November 9, 1870, married on May 30, 1893, Midlard Brady, a railroad man of Parsons. Kansas; they have one child, Grace, who is now eleven years old; Robert Lee, born on August 12, 1874, who is a conductor on the Missouri Pacific railroad ; he lives in Kansas City, and he married Bernice Gilty of that place. Virginia, born on September 3,

1877, married F. E. Blockman, a farmer living near Elwood, Center township, and they have two sons, Robert and June, fifteen and thirteen years old, respectively. John M., horn on June 25, 1880, was a railroad man and died in Nevada, April 8. 191 4 ; he married Delia Kindrix, of Center township, this county, who, with one child, Geraldine, eleven years old, survives him.

Our subject's second wife was born on May 2f, 1855, in Randolph county, North Carolina; she was first married to Dr. A. A. Lowdermilk, who died in 1884. She spent her girlhood in North Carolina and there she was educated. When nineteen years of age she removed with her parents to Greene county, Missouri, the family locating near Springfield where she lived until her marriage.

Our subject has made a success as a general farmer. He moved to his present farm of fifty-five acres in Section 11. Center township, in 1892 and here he has a neat home.

Mr. Blanchard was a soldier in the Civil war, having enlisted in May, 1863. in the Sixth Missouri Provisional Militia and served faithfully until August, 1864, with the rank of corporal.

Fraternally, he is a member of United Lodge No. 5. Ancient Free and Accepted Masons. He belongs to the Baptist church. Politically, he is a Democrat.