Greene County, Missouri - Biographical sketches, 1915 (part 27 of 29)

Samuel Herrick

Not too often can be cited to the discouraged young man starting out in life's serious battle, the lessons to he found in the records of such selfmade men as Samuel Derrick, well known transfer and storage man of Springfield. For the life histories of such men are not only interesting but instructive, showing what may be done in this free land of ours despite unfavorable early environment if one has the courage, the will and the grit to do and dare.

Mr. llerrick was horn in Cole county, Missouri, June 10, 1862. He is a son of Ebenezer and Annie (Truble) Merrick. The father was a farmer, and his death occurred when our subject was twelve vears of age. The death of the mother occurred in 1899.

Samuel Uerrick grew to manhood on the home farm in Cole county, where he worked hard when a hoy and there he received his education in the public schools. Although hut a hoy when his father died, he found it necessary to shoulder heavy responsibilities, and this early necessity for doing his own thinking and earning his way in the world, while hard at the time, has doubtless been responsible for his success in later life, such train- ine often being of more value to the youth than where they are protected in every respect and have some one to plan and work for them, taking all responsibility off their shoulders. He began supporting himself when sixteen years old and has "hoed his own row'* ever since. He has adapted himself to every new condition that he has found necessary to meet and has made a success of his business career.

Coming to Springfield when but a hoy, Mr. Herrick here worked at a number of different things, including nearly two years in the employ of the G. D. Milligan wholesale grocery house, then worked for eighteen months with the Hadley Wholesale Grocery Company as order clerk, which was also his position with the former linn. He then went with the Keet-Rountree Dry Goods Company, where he worked as packing and shipping clerk for a period of eight and one-half years. He was an alert, capable, wideawake and trustworthy employe, and gave all these firms eminent satisfaction. While working for the last named he purchased a span of three-yearold horses and gave a man half what the horses earned by hauling on the Streets. He saved his earnings from both sources until 1904, when he began a transfer and storage business in a very small way. He managed his affairs judiciously and his business grew steadily until it has now reached very large proportions, and in addition he sells automobiles, being agent for the well-known Hudson, the Regal and Grant pleasure cars and in trucks he is agent for the General Motor Truck and Dart Trucks. In connection with being agent for above named cars he has a general repair shop and sells tires and sundries. He now owns an attractive and modernly appointed home, also three good storage buildings and other properties and is in independent circumstances. One of his rules is to pay cash for everything he buys and for all labor performed for him.

.Mr. Herrick was married on March 4, 1888, to Mary E. Philpott. a daughter of David A. Philpott, a resident of Servis Point, Webster county, Missouri. He is a veteran of the Civil war. The union of Mr. and Mrs. Herrick has resulted in the birth of the following children : Ira Manley, born in Webster county, April 26, 1880, was educated in the Springfield ward and high schools, also a business college here; he married a Miss Wood. Maude, born in Springfield, March n, 1891, died in 1899; Nona, born in Springfield, March. 4, 1895, was educated in the Springfield ward and high schools, and business college ; she is single and living at home. Samuel, Jr., born in Springfield, January 21, 1807, was educated in the ward, high schools, and the State Normal of this city. Neoma, born in Springfield, December 5, 1898, was educated in the ward schools and is now attending business college; Otto, born on August 15, 1900; Everett, born May 7, 1907.

ment in life's affairs, he does not take all the credit to himself, admitting that the counsel and sympathy of his good wife has been of great assistance to him, and his children have also aided him in many ways ; in fact, here is a mutually helpful anil happy family. He has built a nice home for his eldest son, costing three thousand rive hundred dollars and gave it to him. He has never neglected to do all possible for the welfare of his children and he is a great lover of his home.

Politically, Mr. Herrick is a Democrat. He belongs to the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and the Modern Woodmen, and religiously the family are members of the Baptist church.

Howard Strunk Glassmoyer

There is something in the wilderness of nature that seems to appeal to one in a subconscious way, something in the forests, the streams and all the natural nakedness of the lakes, winding waters, trees ami grasses that is irresistible. The solitude is attractive. We go to the forest to glory in the silence of its intricacies, yet we care not for silence and solitude, although it is pleasant all around us. We do not feel alone. There are living things here that speak through their very silence, a medium which makes us feel. There are families who are not satisfied away from nature, away from the farm and these nut only enjoy existence but also make a comfortable living, being satisfied without the huge earnings that so many city dwellers crave. Such is the Glassmoyer family, who have from generation to generation been, for the most part, tillers of the soil.

Howard Strunk Glassmoyer, a farmer of Center township, Greene county, was born near Reading, Pennsylvania, December _'_>, 1867. He is a son of Peter M. and Caroline (Strunk) Glassmoyer. both of whom were born and reared in the neighborhood of Reading, our subject being born in the same house in which his mother first saw the light of day. Mis grandparents were also born in the neighborhood of Reading. The family, for generations, were "Pennsylvania Dutch" and were characterized with the usual thrift ami steady habits of that type of our citizens. There the parents of our subject grew up, attended the district schools and were married and spent their active lives engaged in farming, the father dying in his native locality in [887, but the mother. n<>w advanced in years, is still living at Reading. They became the parents of four children, two sons and two daughters, a son and a daughter being now deceased, a daughter is living at Reading.

the old Keystone state and there he worked on the farm and attended the common schools. He has followed farming ever since he was fourteen years of age. He came to Greene county, Missouri, in 1887, and went to work for his uncle, Samuel Strunk, now of Kansas City, Kansas, and his old farm is now owned by the subject of this sketch, he having purchased it in 1007. It consists of four forties and was at one time owned by the St. Louis & San Francisco Railroad Company, and it lies partly in Section 12 and partly in Section 13. He is carrying on general farming and stock raising and has a comfortable home.

Our subject was married in 1892 to Anna Johnson, a daughter of Samuel C. and Lucy Johnson, and to this union six children have been born, namely: Margaret E., born in 1894 lives at home and is at this writing teaching in Center township; Earl, born on March 5, 1896, died on March 5, 1901, on his fifth birthday; Otto, born in November, 1897, lives at home and assists his father with the work on the place ; Ira S., born in January, 1900; Oren, born in May, 1902; and John, born in April, 1904, are all three attending school.

Jesse O. Redfearn

One farmer may develop particular skill in feeding cattle; another has great success in raising horses; another has a special knack for planning crops, still another farmer can make fruits and vegetables do exceptionally well. Such farmers are experts in these lines of work. They ought to be made the experts for the community so their skill can be brought on to all the farms in the locality. If this could be carried out the production of the farms in any section would be greatly increased. While Jesse O. Redfearn, of Center township, Greene county, does not seem to have specialized on any one phase of agriculture he has studied all carefully and has made a success as a general farmer. His neighbors might do well to observe his methods in many lines.

Mr. Redfearn was born in Greene county, Missouri, April 10, 1856. He is a son of Josiah F. and Lucy K. (Bennett) Redfearn, the mother being a daughter of Perminter Bennett, of Tennessee. However, she was born in South Carolina. The father of our subject was born in Tennesese and was a son of Townley Redfearn. The latter was a farmer and stock man and he migrated to Greene county, Missouri, in the early thirties among the first settlers, worked hard developing a farm from the wilderness and spent the rest of his life here as did his wife, both being buried in the Yeaklev

Josiah Redfearn grew up on the home farm, assisting his father clear up the land, and he received a meager education in the old-time subscription schools. His family consisted of five sons and four daughters, namely: Mrs. Harriet E. Hoyal lives at Bois D'Arc, this county: Mary is deceased; Sarah died in infancy; Leonidas died in infancy; Jesse O., of this sketch; George H. is teaching school at Republic ; William E. is engaged in merchandising at Bois D'Arc; John Perminter is deceased; Redella A. lives in Bois D'Arc. Politically Josiah Redfearn was a Democrat and during the Civil war he was a member of the State Militia. His death occurred on August 13, 1902, at an advanced age. His wife preceded him to the grave on July 17, 1896. They were buried in the Yeakley cemetery.

Jesse O. Redfearn grew to manhood on the home farm where he assisted with the work when a boy and he received a limited education in ih. country schools. On December 21, 1876, he was united in marriage with Catherine H. Johnson, a daughter of Richard and Cecilia (Morris) Johnson. The father was a farmer and a native of Greene county, Tennessee, from which state he came to this county in an earl}- day and here our subject's wife grew t < > womanhood and attended the public schools. Twelve children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Johnson, namely: Mary P., deceased; Barton F., deceased; James William, deceased; Mrs. Susan Jane Baker is the wife of a farmer in this county: Mrs. Martha C. Harrelson is also the wife of a Greene county farmer; George C. is deceased; Catherine H, wife of our subject; Benjamin I!, lives on a farm in this county; Alexander S. lives in Greene county; Julia Ann is deceased; Joseph Ross lives on a farm in this county; Mrs. Emma I). Dyer lives in California.

The following children have been born to Jesse < >. Redfearn and wife: Mrs. Bertha C. Barrett is the wife of a Greene county fanner; Mrs. Carrie Jane Sweeney lives at Willard. this county; William Ross died when thirtytwo years of age; Melvin Floyd has remained unmarried and lives in Los Angeles, California; James H. lives at In. me; John Carlos married Xeva Maxes. November 25, 1914; she is a daughter of J. A. Mayes; J. Clives lives mi a farm near the home place; Mrs. Lucy M. Elson is the wife of a Greene county farmer.

Mr. Redfearn has devoted his life to general farming. He located on his present place in [878, which at that time consisted of sixtv-three acres. hut he prospered with advancing years by hard work and good management and iv now owner of a good farm of one hundred and sixty acres. This land was formerly owned by his father. Our subject has made practically all the present improvements on the place. In connection with general farm-

Mr. Redfearn is a Republican. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, South. In 1882 he joined Masonic Blue Lodge No. 449 at Bois D'Arc. He is active in church work, being at this writing a trustee in the church where he holds membership, and he has been superintendent of the Sunday school for a period of twenty years. He has also been clerk of the school board in his district for some time. He has assisted in furthering any movement calculated to be of general benefit to his community.

Lewis F. Pipkin

The gentleman of whom the biographer now writes is known as one of the progressive men of affairs of the city of Springfield, having been actively identified with the industrial world in this Ideality for many years. Mr. Pipkin's well directed efforts in the practical affairs of life, his capable management of his own business interests and his sound judgment have brought to him prosperity, and his life demonstrates what may be accomplished by the man of energy who is not afraid of work and has the ambition to continue his labors, even in the face of seemingly discouraging circumstances. Our subject has been content to spend his active and useful life in his native county, and he is a product of one of our honored pioneer families, having been born here over a half century ago, he has lived through the wonderful changes that have taken place in this vicinity, his boyhood having been spent in an epoch when practically everything was different from what it is today - when Springfield was little more than a village.

Lewis L. Pipkin, secretary and treasurer of the Springfield Grocery Company, was born at Fair drove, Greene county, Missouri, September 14. 1861. He is a son of William H. and Christina (Hoover) Pipkin. The father was a native of Tennessee and the mother was born in North Carolina, the birth of the former occurring in the year 1833. These parents spent their earlier lives in the South, attended the early-day schools and migrated to Greene count}', Missouri, in frontier days and spent the rest of their lives in this locality, Mr. Pipkin dying here in 1893. He became a successful and well-known business man and was postmaster of Springfield during President Cleveland's administration, during his first term. At one time he was a candidate for count\- collector, and was defeated by only eight votes. His friends believed that he had been elected and endeavored to induce him to contest the election, but he refusd to do so. While he took much interest in public affairs he was not an office-seeking politician, how- ever, was always willing to do his duty as a good citizen, having at heart the welfare of his city and county. He was known as a man of excellent business ability, broad-minded, well-informed, scrupulously honest and a true friend and genteel gentleman. He was an active church worker and was a delegate to the general conference of the Methodist Episcopal church. South, in Boston, Massachusetts, in 1890, also in 1892. He served for years as a member of the hoard of stewards of the local church of this denomination and was very prominent in church affairs. The death of his wife occurred in the year 1899. They were the parents of one son and five daughters, all of whom survive at this writing, namely: Lewis F.. of this sketch ; Cyntha Jane, Margaret Alice, Rosina Ida, Carrie Bell and Mary Etta.

Lewis F. Pipkin spent his boyhood at Fair Grove where he attended school until he was seventeen years of age, when he began working in his father's general store at that place. He had a natural bent for mercantile pursuits, and. having ambition to forge to the front in this line, he soon gave evidence of unusual ability. He remained in the store with his father, until the latter removed his family to Springfield in 1879, and here founded the firm of Doling & Pipkin, general merchants, which venture was successful from the first and grew to large proportions with advancing years. The firm retained the services of our subject until 1882, when he accepted a position in a book store in this city, which business he bought out in 1884, and continued to conduct it with very gratifying results for a period of nearly twenty years or until 1903, when he sold out. During the following year he was connected with the Springfield Traction Company, and in 1904 became associated with the Springfield Wholesale Grocery Company as bookkeeper, and in [909 was elected secretary and treasurer of the company, which responsible position lie is still holding in a manner that reflects much credit upon his business ability and to the eminent satisfaction of all concerned.

Mr. Pipkin is thoroughly informed upon all details in connection with the grocery business and is one of the prime factors in this great institution, which does an enormous annual business, covering a vast territory in the Southwest, lie has a capacity for detail and has introduced new systems which have greatly increased the volume of the business to a large degree. In all his transactions he has proven himself worth) of the trust reposed in him and is faithful to all obligations in every relation of life.

Mr. Pipkin was married in Springfield, May 6 f886, to Lillie Y. Murray, a daughter of Lilburn II. and W'nath I.. (Anderson) Murray, one of Springfield's most prominent families, Mr. Murray having been one of the leading business men here during a past generation. Here Mrs. Pipkin grew to womanhood and received an excellent education, and lure -lie has long been a favorite with the circle- in which she moves.

The union of Mr. and Mrs. Pipkin has been blessed by the birth of the following children: Eula Lillian, Louise M., Marguerite, William 11., and Lilburn Murray Pipkin.

The family are members of St. Paul's Methodist Episcopal church, South, and are regular attendants. Politically Mr. Pipkin is a Democrat, and he has always taken an active interest in the welfare of his party, particularly as regards its local affairs, and his influence has been most potent for the general good. For three terms he has served as city collector, discharging his duties faithfully and with circumspection. He is a member of the Springfield Club, the James River Club, and the Young Men's Business Club, and is thoroughly in sympathy with the aims of the last named organization, collaborating with the members in order to increase the commercial importance of the Queen City of the Ozarks. Fraternally, he is a member of the Knights of Pythias and the Royal Arcanum.

Mr. Pipkin has risen to his present commanding position in the business world solelv through his individual efforts, his industry, fidelity, honesty and because he has from the first been an adherent of correct principles and lofty ideals, and his career is most creditable in every respect.

John P. Williamson

ft is a pleasure to see a farm like that of John P. Williamson, of Jackson township, Greene county, in which vicinity he has lived for over sixtyone years and where he is well known. He has seen this community develop from its pioneer environment to its present thriving condition and he has taken a lively interest in this development.

Mr. Williamson was born in Bedford county, Tennessee, April 14, 1848. He is a son of Robert H. and Sophia A. (Stevens) Williamson. The father was also born in Bedford county, Tennessee, in October, 1818, and there he was reared on a farm and attended the early-day subscription schools, and there he began life as a farmer, remaining in his native locality until in 1853 when he brought his family overland to Greene county, Missouri. He located on one hundred and twenty acres. Lie was a hard worker ami good manager and he later became owner of a valuable farm of two hundred and forty acres. During the Civil war he served in the Missouri State Militia and was in a number of engagements - skirmishes, but no real battles. He was married in his native state in 1847. He was a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian church. His death occurred on his farm here in 1902, honored and respected by the entire community. His wife was a native of Bedford county, Tennessee, and there she was reared on a farm

John P. Williamson was five years old when, in 1853, he accompanied his parents from Tennessee to Greene county, Missouri, and here he grew to manhood on the old homestead where he worked when a boy, and he received his education in the district schools. He remained with his parents until he was twenty-one years of age, then started out in life for himself, buying forty acres on which he worked hard and got a good start. Being industrious and prospering he added to his original purchase until he became owner of an excellent place of one hundred and ninety-three acres - the farm he now occupies. He has a well-kept and neat appearing place, which produces well and on which he carries on general farming and stock raising. He has dealt extensively in live stock in the past and no small portion of his competence has been thus obtained.

Mr. Williamson was married on November 27, 1874, to Malinda Davis, who was born in Dallas county, Missouri, April 15, 1853, and there she grew to womanhood on a farm and received her education in the rural schools. She is a daughter of Woodford 1. and Netty ( Highfield ) Davis, both parents being now deceased.

The true western spirit of progress and enterprise is strikingly exemplified in the lives of Mich men as Elisha DeBoard, one of Greene county's most progressive citizens, whose energetic nature and laudable ambition have enabled him to conquer many adverse circumstances and advance steadily. He ha> met and overcome obstacles that would have discouraged many men of less determination ami won for himself not only a comfortable competency, together with one of the very choice farms of this favored locality, but also a prominent place among the enterprising men of this section of our great commonwealth, and no man is worthier of conspicuous mention in a volume of the province of the one in hand.

Mr. DeBoard, one of the leading citizens of Republic, and president of the State Bank of that city. 1- of Huguenot descent, his more immediate forebears being of the Blue Grass state. His birth occurred at Mt. Vernon, Kentucky. January 5, [860. I Ic is a son of Aimer C. and Susan (Souel )

DeBoard, and is one of twelve children, five sons and seven daughters. The father was a native of Kentucky where he spent his life, he and his wife dying in that state a number of years ago.

Elisha DeBoard grew to manhood in his native state and there received his education in the common schools, adding to this foundation in later years by contact with the business world and by wide home reading. Leaving Kentucky when twenty-one years of age he came to Greene county, Missouri, and took up farming for his life work. Saving his earnings he purchased a farm of his own when twenty-five years old, and by close application and good management prospered with advancing years. He purchased the fine farm on which he now lives near Republic in 1896, and this he has brought up to a high state of cultivation and improvement. It consists of three hundred and twenty acres, and on it stands a commodious home in the midst of pleasant surroundings and numerous substantial barns and other buildings. He has been a general farmer and has paid special attention to raising good grades of live stock and preparing them for the markets. In the year 19 12 he became interested in the Republic State Bank and is a heavy stockholder in the same, and since 1912 has been president of this popular, sound and safe institution, one of the best banks in this section of the state and one of the most ably and conservatively managed. Its rapid growth and increased prestige of recent years has been due for the most part to the wise management and popularity of its president, who has ever been a man in whom the people of this locality have reposed the utmost confidence. It was organized in 1912, with a capital stock of ten thousand dollars. A general banking business is carried on under the state laws of Missouri. The other officers of the bank, besides our subject are, Jim Decker, vice-president; Lon Edmondson, cashier; Ray Grove, assistant cashier; directors, William Pierce, Ed Gammon, Jack Davis, William Beard. The bank has a modern equipment in every respect, safety vault and all conveniences and has a substantial building.

Mr. DeBoard was married in July, 1884, to Mary Harlason, who was born, reared and educated in Greene county. She is a daughter of James Harlason and wife, and is one of five children, three sons and two daughters. Mr. Harlason was one of the earliest pioneers of Greene county, having come here in the year 1825 and developed a good farm and became well known. His death occurred in 1901 at an advanced age.

Eight children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. DeBoard, namely: Ralph is married and farming in Republic township, this county; Roxie married Milton Paulson, a farmer, and they have two children; Susie is still with her parents ; Ruby married Lawrence Britton, a farmer, and they have one child, Don ; Glvnn is married, lives in Aurora, Missouri, where he ("7)

Politically, Mr. DeBoard is a Republican, but he has never sought to be a leader in public affairs. He and his family attend the Christian church.

Harris K. Dale

The soil is a great conservator of health, not a menace; its life and death processes are among the most wonderful in nature. "Back to the soil" needs to be a health slogan as well as an economic one. But what kind of soil? The best answer is that of modern scientific fanning, which conserves the soil as well as man. Science was long a very artificial thing; but it is now being naturalized, and the encouraging thing is that science pays in efficiency and dollars and cents. Scientific farming is not only the most profitable, but it is one of the greatest conservators of public health. Harris K. Dale is a scientific farmer of Center township, and by reason of his long career as tiller of the soil he has enjoyed the best of health. He has spent nearly a half century in Greene county, where he has worked his own way up from a modest beginning to a position of independence and comfort.

He is of German and Welsh descent and up to some seventy-five years ago the name was spelled Dahle, it being simplified at that time to conform to the Anglo-Saxon way of spelling. Our subject was born in Clarion county, Pennsylvania, March 29, 1854. He is a son of Solomon and Katherine B. (Zink) Dale. The father was born in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, in October, 1819. His mother was of Welsh descent and the father's parents were both natives of Germany, from which country they emigrated to America in an early day and established their home in the old Keystone state. The mother of our subject was born in Clarion ci mnty, Pennsylvania, January 6, 1820. The Zink family was of Welsh extraction. These parents grew up in Pennsylvania and there attended the early-day schools and were married there. Solonum Dale, however, received more than the ordinary amount of education for his day. and he became a successful teacher. He was well informed on a great diversity of subjects and could speak seven different languages. He devoted many years to educational work in his native state, but finally took up fanning, which he followed during the latter part of his life. He removed with his family from Pennsylvania to Greene county. Missouri, in 1867, reaching here on October 16. They lived a year on a farm a few miles west of the place now owned by the subject of this sketch in Center township. In 1808 Solomon

Dale bought the farm now owned by his son Harris K. from the Atlantic & Pacific Railroad Company (now the Frisco). It consisted of one hundred and sixty acres and now lies on the Carthage road just west of Springfield. He improved the land by hard work and persistent application and here spent the rest of his life. When the above named railroad was built through Greene county he was employed by the company as interpreter, as many of the gangs of workmen could not speak English and they represented many different nationalities. Politically he was first a Whig, and later a Republican after this party was launched back in the fifties. He took an active interest in public affairs and was influential in politics in his locality. Before leaving Pennsylvania he served as tax collector and as school director, also filling the latter office after coming to Greene county. He was a member of the German Lutheran church in his native state, but joined the Methodist Episcopal church when he came to this county. His death occurred on August 3, 1874. His widow survived him over thirty years, dying March 3, 1906, at the advanced age of eighty-six years. They were both buried in the Brookline cemetery.

To Solomon Dale and wife ten children were born, named as follows: Margaret E., Isaiah K., Mary M. and Sarah Ann are all deceased; Mrs. Edith Best lives in Kansas City, Kansas; Harris K., of this sketch; Mrs. Emma A. Parker lives in Springfield ; Katie, Ceora and Walter Monroe are all three deceased.

Harris K. Dale was thirteen years of age when he came with his parents to Greene county, Missouri, from Pennsylvania. He received his education in the public schools of his native state and this county. His brothers and sisters received good educations, mostly in Pennsylvania, and some of them made teachers and taught school in Greene county many years. Our subject worked on the farm when a boy and he has followed general farming all his life, and for some time he has made a specialty of raising fruit and livestock. He began operating a threshing machine of bis own in 1878, and followed this work continuously, with the exception of about two years, during the threshing season to the present time, and is one of the best known men in this line of endeavor in this part of the state. He has also operated a clover huller and corn shredder for some time. He holds the record for threshing the greatest number of bushels of wheat of any man in Greene county. He has worked hard, managed well, been economical and is now a man of easy circumstances financially, all due to his own efforts along honest lines.

Mr. Dale was married in Greene county on October 17, 1877, to Sarah J. Robertson, a daughter of William R. and Mary (Saline) Robertson. She was born, reared and educated in this county, where her father was long

The following children have been born to William R. Robertson and wife: Isabell is the wife of E. R. Shipley, a Greene county farmer; William Wesley married Rody World and he is engaged in the grocery business in Springfield; Sarah J., wife of our subject; Cordelia is the wife of F. G. Cowen, who is connected with a dry goods firm in Kansas City, Kansas; John Green is engaged in the grocery business in Springfield; James L. is a wholesale groceryman in Springfield; Florence married Charles Baxter, for many years a baker of Kansas City, Kansas, but is now deceased; Nanny died in infancy; Leonidas E. is engaged in business with his brother under the firm name of the Robinson Grocery Company, of Springfield.

To Harris K. Dale and wife one child has been born, Mawdy Irene Dale, who has received an excellent education in the Springfield high school and the old Normal in that city.

Politically, Mr. Dale is a Republican and has always been a loyal supporter of his party. He has served his community as road commissioner and also as school director. Fraternally, he is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, having joined the Elwood lodge eighteen years ago; he also belongs to the Modern Woodmen of America and to the Rebekahs. He has done much to promote general public and material interests and, like his father before him, his character has always been unassailable.

Some people seem to forget that a fertile soil is a fixing, breathing thing, well fed by nature or by the hand of man. with the natural mineral elements and the organic matter necessary for the use of the soil bacteria in the manufacture of plant food, and for a delightful environment in which they can live and work. James G. Magill, a farmer of Center township, Greene county, has not overlooked this fact, and consequently he is making his farm produce good crops annually and is living comfortably as a result of his able management.

Mr. Magill was born in Carroll county, Arkansas, March 31, 1853. He is a son of Hugh and Rebecca (Scott) Magill, and as the name would indicate, the family is of Irish descent. Hugh Magill was born in Greene county, Tennessee, where he spent his boyhood and attended school, removing to Arkansas when a young man, and lived in Carroll county a number of years, and there he died. The family came to Greene county during the latter part of the Civil War. Hugh Magill served in a militia regi- ment in the early part of the war, but was discharged on account of disability, and died as a result of the sickness he contracted while in the service, his death occurring on White river in 1862, and he was buried there. His widow is still living, having thus survived him over a half century, being now ninety-two years of age; she is one of the oldest citizens of Greene county, and makes her home with her son, our subject. Politically, Hugh Magill was a Republican and he was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. His family consisted of seven children, namely: John, who was a member of Company I, First Missouri Volunteer Infantry, served three years in the Union army and died before the close of the war; Mrs. Emaline Redfearn is deceased; Mrs. Rachel Wade lives in Christian county, her husband being now deceased; Frances died in early life; James G., subject of this sketch; Mrs. Nancy Carter lives on a farm in Greene county; Hester is the wife of George West and they reside a mile west of the village of Piano, this county.

John Scott, maternal grandfather of our subject, was born in Tennessee, where he spent his early life, and from there removed to Arkansas, thence to Missouri. He was living in Springfield at the time of the Civil war. He devoted his active life to general farming. He enlisted in the Union army and died while in the service. His family consisted of eight children, four of whom are still living, namely : Mrs. Rebecca Magill, mother of the subject of this sketch; Mrs. Susan Laslay lives in Christian county; Samuel is a carpenter and resides in Springfield ; Mrs. Polly Mondy lives in Monett.

James G. Magill grew to manhood on the home farm, where he worked hard when a boy, and he received his education in the public schools. He was married in Greene county, in January, 1882, to Sarah West, a daughter of Josiah J. West, a native of Tennessee. His wife was known in her maidenhood as Angeline M. Mason. Mr. West devoted his life to farming. He emigrated to Missouri in the early forties, being among the first settlers in Greene county, and here he spent the rest of his life on a farm, his death occurring on March 18, 1905, at an advanced age. He was buried in the cemetery at Prospect church. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. His wife's father, Josiah Mason, was born in Tennessee, where he resided until about 1837, when he immigrated to Greene county, Missouri, among the pioneers. He was a blacksmith by trade, also following farming. He spent the rest of his long life in this county, dying in 1900, and was buried in the Squibb cemetery.

The following children were born to Josiah J. West and wife : Mrs. Ellen Mills is living five miles north of Republic, this county ; James lives at Milton, Oregon, where he holds the office of deputy sheriff; William is farming in Greene county; Sarah, wife of the subject of this sketch; Rosalia, who married a Mr. Hendrix, is now deceased; John is engaged in farml862 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.

James G. Magill was twelve years of age when he removed with the rest of the family to Greene county. He has devoted his active life to farming. His father dying when he was young, he had to assume part of the responsibilities of supporting the family, and he knew what hard work meant from the time he was large enough to wield a hoe or axe or hold the plow handles. He located on his present farm in 1910, and has made many good improvements since buying it. He is carrying on general farming and stock raising successfully- He has charge of the Magil Central Telephone switchboard. He has no children. Politically, he is a Republican, and he is a member of the Baptist church.

Peter Klingensmith

A properly managed farmers' organization can be used to secure the farmers the benefits that "big business" secures from doing things on a big scale. Many have the idea that nothing can be done in this line unless there is a powerful organization, but this is a mistake - the successful cooperative enterprises have come from small beginnings. One of the progressive farmers of Center township, Greene county, who is always ready to adopt the advanced methods of farming, is Peter Klingensmith.

He was born in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, February 15, 1844. He is a son of Gasper and Barbara (Bush) Klingensmith, and a grandson of Andrew and Susanna Klingensmith. Ancestors on both sides of the house originated in Bavaria, Germany. Andrew Klingensmith's father emigrated from that country to America in an early day and here spent the rest of his life, dying in Pennsylvania on a farm. Several generations of the family have been farmers. Andrew Klingensmith was a member of the old Lutheran church. His family consisted of eleven children, eight boys and three girls, all now deceased. Gaspar Klingensmith was born in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, December 24, 1820. He was a shoemaker by trade. Upon leaving Pennsylvania he located in Trumbull county, Ohio, where he followed his trade for a short time. Leaving that locality in 1865, he located in Daviess county. Indiana, where he engaged in farming, and there his death occurred November 5, 1885. His wife had preceded him to the grave January 19, 1865. Before moving to Ohio they were members of the old Lutheran church, but at that time they joined the United Brethren church. Politically, he was a Republican.

Peter Bush, father of Mrs. Klingensmith, devoted his life to farming. He was twice married; twelve children were born by his first wife and four by his second marriage. He was a Democrat and a member of the Lutheran church.

Peter Klingensmith, our subject, was five years old when his parents removed with him to Ohio. There he grew up and attended the public schools, and when a young man learned the carpenter's trade. From Ohio he moved to Daviess county, Indiana, and there, on June 17, 1868, he married Sarah Rodarmel, a daughter of Friend Rodarmel, a native of Indiana, and a son of Joseph Rodarmel, a native of Pennsylvania, but whose father was a native of Germany, from which country he emigrated to the United States in an early day and settled in the old Keystone state. Friend Rodarmel was the father of twelve children, four of whom died in infancy, three of them still living, namely : William lives in Knox county, Indiana, where he is engaged in farming; Sarah, wife of our subject, and Marcellus, a farmer of Knox county, Indiana. Politically, Friend Rodarmel was a Republican, and he was road commissioner for some time in his community. He belonged to the Cumberland Presbyterian church. His death occurred April 29, 1870. His wife survived him twenty-five years, dying December 23, 1905, at an advanced age.

Seven children have been born to our subject and wife, namely: Charles, a carpenter at Bristow, Oklahoma, is married and has seven children. He is a Modern Woodman. Gasper, the second son, who lives at Washington, Indiana, is a carpenter and contractor. He is noble grand of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and also belongs to the Improved Order of Red Men. He is married and has five children. Jesse is a carpenter by trade, lives in Greene county, and has a wife and five children. Mrs. Lucy Ginn is the wife of a Greene county farmer and they have three children. Anna Augusta died when three years of age. Edwin Ray is farming in Greene county, is married and has two children. Amanda is the wife of Clarence Kindrick, of Elwood, this county, and they have one child.

Peter Klingensmith left Indiana in 1888 and came to Cowley county, Kansas, where he resided until 1891, when he moved to Greene county, Missouri, locating on his present farm, buying fifty acres, which he has placed under excellent improvements and one on which he has made a comfortable living. He has done a great deal of the work in building and keeping repaired the famous Carthage road.

Politically, he is a Republican, religiously a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and fraternally a member of the Masonic blue lodge No. 449, of Bois D'Arc, but he first became a Mason in Indiana ; he also belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows at Elwood, to Encampment No.

42 in Springfield, and to Lodge No. 512 Rebekahs, in which he has held several offices. His wife is a member of the Ladies' Aid Society of the Center Grove Methodist church, there being thirty-two members in the society, and she is one of the most active.

Aaron M. Ritter

Few men live to the advanced age of Aaron M. Ritter, a venerable citizen of Campbell township, who has passed his eightieth birthday, without having changed his life work several times, but it seems that he has been wise in sticking to agricultural pursuits. For it takes a farmer to succeed at farming, just as it takes a clerical man to make a success of office work, an engineer with a locomotive, an architect in architecture, or a musician in music. That man is indeed fortunate who, when young and starting out in life, chooses his work wisely, selects the thing for which nature has best adapted him and in which he can make the greatest success in his immediate environment, for both innate ability and one's surroundings must be taken into consideration. No matter how strong a natural bent one might have for agricultural pursuits, he could not display that faculty to advantage on the banks of the Red Sea. Our subject has made a success of his chosen life work because he was fitted for it and because he located in a country propitious for general farming. He has been a resident of Greene county forty-five years.

Mr. Ritter was born May 25, 1834, in St. Joseph county, Indiana, near the city of South Bend. He is a son of Jacob and Elizabeth ( Miller) Ritter, and a grandson of John and Mary (Gauver) Ritter. John Ritter was born in Ohio, but his -father was a native of Germany, from which country he came to the United States when young, in the old Colonial period, and he was living in Massachusetts at the time of the famous Boston "tea party," in which he participated. He lived to be eighty-seven years of age. John Ritter grew up in Ohio and married there, later establishing his home in Wayne county, subsequently removing to Portish Prairie, thence to Iowa, in which state he died. He was one of the pioneers in the last named state. He devoted his life to farming. His family consisted of ten children. Politically, he was a Whig, and religiously a Dunkard. His oldest son, Jacob Ritter. father of our subject, was probably born in Ohio. He went to Wayne county when a young man, being one of the first settlers in that part of the state of Indiana. He resided there about twenty years, or until his death. His wife, Elizabeth Miller, was a daughter of Daniel and Sarah (Hardman) Miller. Her father was a minister in the Dunkard church.

To Jacob Ritter and wife twelve children were born, seven of whom are still living. Aaron M., of this sketch, was the fourth child in order of birth. The father was a Whig in politics in his earlier life, but finally became a Democrat. He was a member of the Universalist church. He belonged to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He devoted his active life to farming in St. Joseph county, Indiana, and for a number of years was justice of the peace there.

Aaron M. Ritter grew to manhood on his father's farm in Indiana, and there he worked when a boy. He received a district school education, also spent one term in Mercantile College, Cincinnati, Ohio. He has been married three times. First, in the spring of 1869, in Lawrence county, Missouri, he was united with Martha A. Johns, who died in early life. One child born to this union is also deceased. Our subject's second marriage took place in 1872, to a Mrs. Isabelle Gray, nee Landreth, and to this union three children were born, all of whom are deceased, and the mother passed away in 1898. Mr. Ritter was subsequently married to Emma J. Perryman, a daughter of John J. and Cassey (Griffen) Perryman. This last union resulted in the birth of two sons, Miller and Howard Ritter.

Mr. Ritter came to Missouri in the sixties. He served a short time as a volunteer soldier in the West for the government in assisting to protect mining towns. In 1870 he located on a farm in Greene county, and has since resided here, engaged successfully in general farming and stock raising. He owns a productive and well improved farm of one hundred and seventy-six acres in Campbell township.

Politically, he is a Socialist, is well read and a man of progressive ideas. Fraternally, he is a Master Mason. He has been regarded as one of the leading citizens in his part of the county for nearly a half century.

Edward Forrest Race

Some farmers who have cropped their soils from year to year, taking everything off and returning nothing, when their crops fall off until there are no profits, sometimes conceive the idea that they can have their soils analyzed and have a fertilizer mixed for them that will furnish all the needed elements of plant food, so that by applying that fertilizer to their lands they should grow bumper crops. They are doomed to disappointment. The chemist can tell the amount of plant food in a sample of soil, but he cannot tell how much of it is in available form for plant food, and another sample a few yards away would in all probability show a very different amount of plant food. Knowing this, Edward Forrest Race, a successful; fanner of Campbell township, has always tried to keep his land up to the standard of fertility by employing the best modern methods, therefore rendering an analysis of his soil unnecessary.

Mr. Race is a native of Greene county, Missouri, born on November 6, 1869. He is a son of Alfred P. and Sarah C. (Greenwade) Race, the latter a daughter of Moses Greenwade and wife, whose family consisted of ten children, six sons and four daughters. Alfred P. Race was born in Hampshire county, Virginia, and was of Scotch descent. He was probably the eldest in a family of ten children. He received his early education in the district schools and devoted his life to general farming. He was married in Maryland, in which state his wife, mother of our subject, was born and reared. To this union ten children were born, five of whom are deceased. Those living are : Mrs. Laura Moore, who resides at Willard, this county ; Edward F., of this sketch; Sarah M. lives in Nebraska; William T. makes his home in Polk county, Missouri ; Albert lives in Kansas. The parents of these children left Maryland not long after their marriage and located in Illinois, subsequently coming to Greene count)-, Missouri, purchasing a farm, which, however, they later sold and moved back to Illinois, and after a year's residence returned to this county and bought back the farm near the village of Willard which they had previously owned, and here they continued to reside, engaged successfully in general farming until Mr. Race's death, in the fall of 1909, and there Mrs. Race still makes her home. Politically, Alfred P. Race was a Democrat, but was never active in public life. He stood high in his community and was well liked by all who knew him.

Edward F. Race grew to manhood on his father's farm, and he received his education in the district schools of Greene county. He has farmed all his life, and has been very successful in general agricultural pursuits and stock raising. He located on his present well improved farm of one hundred and forty-two acres in 1004. His residence and outbuildings are substantial and convenient, and he has made the excellent improvements now to he seen On his place, lie take- much pride in his home and farm, and everything denotes close attention to details.

Mr. Race was married on March 1, [899, to Lular Gillespie, a daughter of William S. and Martha M. (Horn) Gillespie, natives of North Carolina, in which state they grew to maturity, were educated and married, and soon after the latter event they moved to Tennessee, and from there to Missouri about thirty-live years ago. and bought a farm in Greene county, near the town of Stratford. After living there five years they moved to a good farm near Willard. where the family still resides. There are seven children of this family, named as follows: C. Plato, of Willard; S. Ciscero. of Willard; O. Sular, the wife of D. C. Knox, of Willard; Lular C, wife of our subject; O. Dexter lives at Willard; Willie T., of Springfield: R. Eddie, of

Willard. William S. Gillespie, father of these children, served all through the Civil war in the Confederate army, taking part in many important engagements, including the battle of Richmond and those in the vicinity of that city. He was only sixteen years of age when he enlisted.

To Edward F. Race and wife four children have been born, namely: Pearl Madalene is attending the Willard high school; Ester Naomi, Lloyd Franklin and Orville Edward.

Politically, Mr. Race is a Democrat, but he has never been an aspirant for political office. He is a member of the Grand Prairie Presbyterian church at Willard and is an elder in the same and an active church worker.

Thomas W. Price

One would find it necessary to search long and far to find a farm kept t'n better condition or managed under more up-to-date methods than that of Thomas W. Price of Taylor township, Greene county - the place on which he has spent his life. He has not only worked hard and persistently in keeping everything in its proper place, but has been a student of local conditions and has read such literature as pertains to twentieth century methods of husbandry, so that he has been enabled to reap just reward for his pains and labors from year to year.

Mr. Price was born here on July 14. 1871. He is a son of John If. and Mary (Calwell) Price. The father was born in Russell county, Virginia, July 19, 1822, and was reared there on a farm and received a common school education. The mother of our subject was born in Tazewell county. Virginia, December 17, 1830. She was brought to Missouri when. a young girl by her parents, the family locating in Greene county, where she attended school, and here she married Mr. Price in 1868 Her death occurred on the home farm in Taylor township, July 13, 1899. John H. Price was fourteen years of age when, in 1836, he immigrated with his parents from the Old Dominion to Greene county, Missouri. His father entered a farm from the government which he developed. Here John 11. Price worked amid pioneer environments, and in 1853. during the gold fever days, he and his brother drove five hundred and twenty-five head of cattle overland to California, reaching their destination with four hundred and ninety head. A loss of only thirty-five head from this large herd over the wild plains of the vast west and during a trip of some six months was indeed a remarkable feat. He was successful in his venture to the far West, and returned home in due time and turned his attention to general farming. When the Civil war came on he joined the Home Guards in

1 86 1, and was made assistant inspector general of General McBride's brigade of the Federal army, and in September, 1861, he was commissioned lieutenant-colonel for meritorious services. He had command of the post at Lebanon until October of that year. He was in command of the State Guards at Springfield when Gen. John C. Fremont marched his great army to that place, and it was against Colonel Price's men that Major Zagonyi made his famous charge in October, 1861, just west of the city. Colonel Price was captured in Taney county and for a brief period was held a prisoner at the government arsenal in St. Louis, finally being exchanged and rejoining the army under Gen. Sterling Price at Osceola, St. Clair county. He saw considerable hard service and was an efficient and brave officer. He fought at the battle of Pea Ridge and was captured again and sent to the Union prison at Alton, Illinois, where he was held for six months. In June, 1863, he rejoined the Confederate army and was made adjutant of Colonel Cornell's Missouri regiment. In August, 1863, he was appointed inspector general of Freeman's brigade of Marmaduke's division, which position he held with honor and success until the close of the war. Returning home after his brilliant military career he resumed farming and was owner of two hundred and fifteen acres, on which he carried on general farming and stock raising in an able manner. He was well known and influential in his locality, and was a man of fine personal character. His death occurred on April 7, 1889, in Henderson, Missouri. He had but two children, namely : Mrs. Lydia Foster, who lives in Springfield, and Thomas W., of this sketch.

Thomas W. Price was reared on the home farm, where he worked hard when growing up, and he received his education in the common schools. He worked the farm for his father until the hitter's death. He has remained on the In >iik- place, which consists of one hundred and thirty-eight acres at the present time, this being his part of the original. He has kept it well improved and carefully cultivated and the buildings in good repair.

Air. Trice was married on October 15, 1902, to May Wells, who was born in Webster county. Missouri, December 4, 1880, and was reared on a farm there and received her education in the common schools. She is a daughter of John D. and Elizabeth (Compton) Wells, both of whom still live in Webster county and are actively engaged in farming. Four children have been born to our subject and wife, namely: Mary. John H, Marion and Mildred.

Politically, Mr. Price is a Democrat. He has been justice of the peace in Taylor township for four years, giving eminent satisfaction. He belongs to the Modern Woodmen and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.

Isaac T. Tracy

It is a pleasure to farm if one manages like Isaac T. Tracy, of Jackson township, Greene county. On his farm of large acreage it is doubtful if you could find anything materially out of its place. The owner has even been his own manager and carefully looks after details. Nothing is done in a haphazard manner, everything being carefully planned and methodically carried out.

Mr. Tracy was born in Webster county, Missouri, April 15, 1858, and the fact that he has spent his life in this section of the Ozark Mountains indicates that he has been contented with local conditions. He is a son of Evans and Sarah (Kinselo) Tracy, the father bom near Glasgow, Barren county, Kentucky, in 1814, was reared on a farm there and received the usual limited education in the subscription schools of those frontier days. He remained in the Blue Grass state until 1840 when he emigrated to Missouri and settled in Greene county in 1841, entered a farm from the government, owning a good place of one hundred and twenty acres, which he cleared and developed. His wife was also born in Kentucky in 181 7, and her death occurred on the homestead in Webster county, Missouri, December 16, 1888. She was reared on a farm in her native vicinity and attended the early-day schools. These parents were married in their native state. The father died on his farm in Webster county, where he removed from Greene in an early day, the date of his death being May 17, 1891.

To Evans Tracy and wife nine children were born, namely : Mrs. Nellie Hill is the eldest; Erasmus lives in Fair Grove, Greene county; Mrs. Mary Debbis, Mrs. Amanda Burgone ; James is deceased ; Mrs. Mealy Britton, Mrs. Sarah Wommack, Isaac T. of this sketch; Samantha is the youngest.

Isaac T. Tracy grew to manhood on the farm in Webster county, where he did his full share of the work about the place when not in school. He attended the public schools of his home district, and assisted his father with the work on the place until he was twenty-one years of age, then started in life for himself, buying a farm of eighty acres in Webster county on which he got a good start. Finding this too small for the proper exercise of his talents as a husbandman, he sold it and purchased an excellent place in Jackson township, Greene county, consisting of two hundred and forty acres, which he still owns. He has made many substantial improvements with the advancing years until he now has one of the most up-to-date farms in this part of the county as well as one of the most productive, and he has been very successful as a general farmer and stock raiser. He has a commodious home and numerous substantial outbuildings. A good grade of live stock is always to be seen in his fields and about his barns and no small portion of his annual income has been derived from this source. His boys now operate the place for the most part, he merely planning and overseeing the work.

Air. Tracy was married in 1888 to Lucretia Wommack, who was born in Greene county, October, 1861, and here she was reared on a farm and attended the rural schools in her neighborhood.

Politicallv, Mr. Tracy is a Republican and while he has remained loyal td his party through both defeat and victory he has never sought to be a leader in public affairs. Fraternally he is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Modern Woodmen. Religiously, he is a member of the Baptist church.

John A. Wallis

Although the twentieth century farmer is of necessity a very busy man lie can nevertheless keep on equipping himself with such information as advancing times make necessary. John A. Wallis, a farmer of Jackson township, Greene county, is a man who has kept abreast of the times in a fairly commendable manner, being both a wide reader and a close observer and he is therefor succeeding.

Mr. Wallis was born near Ebenezer, Greene county. Missouri, May 16. 1867. He is a sun of Allen and Mary E. ( Bedell) Wallis, both natives of North Carolina, the father born on October 1, 1823, and the mother on November 18, 1832. They were young in years when they emigrated with their parents to Greene county, .Missouri, each family being early settlers here. These parents of our subject grew to maturity on farms in this locality and were educated in the district schools, which they attended a few months each winter for a few years, and here they were married on January 21, 1849. Allen Wallis became a very successful farmer, owning a farm of four hundred acres. Me lived in different parts of this county. Ilis death occurred on December 23, 1898, and two years later, on June 10, 1 000. his wife followed him to the grave. They were worthy members of the Methodist Episcopal church, were great charity workers ami kind to their neighbors, especially in sickness, and were greatly beloved by all who knew them. They were the parents of seven children, namely: Mrs. Malissa J. Cowden, Mrs. Sara E. Cowden - these gentlemen being brothers; I.uther E. is engaged in fanning in this count)-; Mrs. Xettie O. Brackett is

John A. Wallis was reared on the home farm where he worked until his marriage, having meanwhile received a good common school education. On September 23, 1888, he married Ella Huff, who was born in Greene county, April 23, 1869, on the farm where she now lives, and here she was reared and she was educated in the public schools. She is a daughter of Charles \V. and Missouri ( Whitlock ) Huff, both natives of Greene county, the father born on July 16, 1830 and the mother was born on June 21, 1834. Mr. Huff was one of the successful farmers of this county, owning seven hundred acres at the time of his death. June 15, 1886. His wife died on October 7, 191 1. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and she belonged to the Presbyterian church. They were well known and highly respected. To these parents eight children were born, namely : Thomas A., Charles C, Mrs. Sarah E. Gridges, a widow; Samuel, deceased; Annie E., deceased; Mrs. Lulu X. Brown; Etta A., wife of our subject, and Marvin, deceased.

After his marriage Mr. Wallis bought a farm of one hundred and sixty-five acres. He at present lives on his father-in-law's farm, owning two hundred and fifteen acres of the same, and in all he owns three hundred and five acres. He is engaged in general farming and stock raising in a successful manner and keeps his land well cultivated and well improved and has a pleasant home.

Dr. William E. Albright was born in Polk county, Missouri, May 20,. 1805. He is a son of William Franklin Albright, who was born in Georgia in 1822. He spent his youth in his native state and there received his education, in part, but was still a lad when, in 1843, he removed to Missouri, in which state he spent the rest of his life, engaged in farming and in the ministry of the Cumberland Presbyterian church, and did an incalculable amount of good in the work of the same in various ways. He was of the hospitable, kind and courteous type of Southerner, and was greatly beloved by all who knew him. He did not live for self alone, but was constantly on the lookout for some way whereby he might benefit others. He married Millie Jane Fullerton, who was born in Tennessee, from which state she came to Mis- souri in her girlhood; she, too, was a fine Christian character; she died at the age of sixty-two years, but the doctor's father, truly a "grand old man of Israel," was not summoned to his reward until he had reached the ripe old age of eighty-nine years. Of their children two sons and one daughter are living at this writing, namely: Dr. William E., of this sketch; Sterling Price (named after the great Confederate general ) lives at Purdy, Missouri, where he owns and operates a drug store; Anna Elizabeth is the wife of William D. Laney, also engaged in the drug business, and lives at Thayer, this state. The maternal grandfather, James Fullerton, died many years ago in Polk county, Missouri, whither he had moved from Tennessee in an early day, and spent the rest of his life in farming. His wife, Anna Elizabeth, has also been deceased a number of years. One sister of the doctor's mother survives, Mrs. Hannah Kerr, of Polk county, where her husband, James Kerr, a farmer, died more than thirty years ago.

Doctor Albright grew to manhood on the home farm in Polk county and there found plenty of hard work to do when a boy. In the winter time he attended the public schools. He is a fine sample of the self-made man. After entering his teens he earned his own way by engaging in various kinds of business, principally farming, and he has seen life on its hardest side, but with indomitable energy and perseverance he has forged ahead and may be justly proud of the large success which has attended his efforts. After attending the public schools he entered the Pleasant Hope Academy, near his boyhood home, completed the course and was graduated. Then he entered the Kansas * it v Medical College in 1900, from which institution he was graduated with the class of 1904. Soon thereafter he began the practice of his profession at Carterville. Kansas, where he remained tw<> years, then came to Springfield. He was successful from the first, and is now enjoying a large and constantly growing practice.

Doctor Albright is a member of the Greene County Medical Society and the Woods County Medical Society (Oklahoma). Fraternally, he belongs to the Masonic order, and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, also the Loyal Order of Moose. Politically he is a Democrat, and in religions matters is a Methodist.

Doctor Albright married Rosa Ellen Sullivant, a daughter of Jackson Sullivant, a native of Pleasant Hope, Missouri. He formerly engaged in farming in Polk county, but is now retired and makes his home with our subject and wife. His wife, who was Sarah Elizabeth Edmondson, died in 1903. Mrs. Albright is the only child and is very fond of her father, who is a fine old gentleman, highly respected by all who know him.

1891 ; he received his earlier education in the ward schools of Springfield, was later graduated from Drury Academy, and expects to complete the regular course in Drury College, then take up the study of medicine; he is making an excellent record as a student and is a lad of much promise. He is a natural musician, and is also educating himself on the violin as a side issue of his more serious life work.

Dr. Thomas V. B. Crane

It must be true that an honest, faithful, capable life, considered even in its temporal relations, is not lived in vain ; that its influence is not as transient and evanescent as mere physical vitality, but that the progress of mankind, in all that is virtuous and ennobling, is accelerated by it; that although the life of one man may be a small factor in the aggregate lives of the race, yet if well spent, its after influence is perceptible and continues to endure for the good of mankind. One such life in Greene county is that of Dr. Thomas V. B. Crane, one of the best known general physicians of the city of Springfield, a man who has always guarded well his conduct in all the relations which he has sustained to the world, and while advancing his individual interests has not neglected his general duties as a neighbor and citizen, and "while living in a house by the side of the road, has been a friend to man."

Doctor Crane was born on June i, 1869, in Phelps county, Missouri, in the midst of the beautiful verdure of the Gasconade river. He is a son -of A. W. and Roda A. (McDaniel) Crane. The former devoted his active life to farming and he died in July. 19 14. The mother, who is now seventyeight years old, is living with the subject of this sketch, he taking a delight in ministering to her every want in her declining years. Josiah Crane, the paternal grandfather of our subject, was born on the Hudson river in the state of New York, in the year 1800. During young manhood he moved to Pennsylvania, where he met and married Prudence Bates, and finally moved to Cannon county, Tennessee. To Josiah Crane and wife six sons and one daughter were born, Allison Woodville Crane, the youngest, being the father of the subject of this sketch. He was born in the year 1841. His family consisted of six children, named as follow: Mattie, deceased; Thomas V. B., our subject; George A. is a Presbyterian minister in Texas; Melissa is deceased; Mrs. Maggie E. Belcher is living in Florida; Henry D. lives in Little Rock, Arkansas.

Soon after Doctor Crane's birth his father moved with him to Salem,, Dent county, Missouri, where he lived two years, the family then moving to Kentucky. In the fall of 1874 his father moved back to the old Josiah Crane home in Tennessee. Meeting with reverses, the most notable being the destruction of his home by fire in the winter of 1874-75, A. W. Crane moved with his family to Kentucky again, thence to Illinois, and in the fall of 1880, moved to near Mountain Home, Arkansas, where, although then eleven years of age, our subject entered school for the first time. The terms averaged from three weeks to three months that he spent in school each winter during the four years that he lived in Arkansas. In the fall of 1884 his father moved to Missouri, locating in Ripley county, where about three months of schooling out of each of the next two years were all he could embrace on account of assisting with the farm work. In the fall of 1886 his father moved to Bushton, Cole county, Illinois, where young Crane worked on the farm in summer and attended public school in winter during the succeeding five years. In June. 1891, our subject came back to Ripley county, Missouri, where he began teaching and farming. He took the literary course in Abbott College, at Maynard, Randolph county, Arkansas; then, in the year 1899, he entered the St. Louis College of Physicians and Surgeons, where he spent two years, then transferred to Barnes' Medical College, St. Louis, from which institution he was graduated with the class of 1903. Soon thereafter he began the practice of his profession in ^\'ashington, where he remained one year ; then came to Springfield, where he opened an office on July 19, 1904, and here he has remained to the present time, enjoying all the while a growing and satisfactory patronage. He is deserving of a great deal of credit for what he has accomplished in view of the fact that he is purely a self-made man, having educated himself.

Doctor Crane was married on September 18, 1892, to Amanda A. Marlin, of Osceola. Mississippi county. Arkansas, where she was born on February 26, 1871. She is a daughter of David M. and Elmira (Casey) Marlin. Mr. Marlin. who devoted his life to farming, died in Maw 1909, his wife having preceded him to the grave several decades, dying when Mrs. Crane was a small child.

Three children have been burn to Doctor Crane and wife, namely: Marvin Elsie, born in Ripley county, Missouri, in 1893, was educated in the public schools of that count} and the ward schools of Springfield; she was graduated from the high school here, after which she spent two years in Drury College. Bryan D., the second child, was born on October 30, iN<A was graduated from the ward schools in Springfield, after which he spent two years in high school here, then entered Scarritt-Morrisville Col- lege at Morrisville, Missouri, where he was making an excellent record when he met an untimely death. Adolphus H., the youngest child, was born in Ripley county, this state, October 24, 1898; he was graduated from the ward schools in Springfield and at this writing is in his third year in the local high school.

It must not be forgotten that, although our subject was deprived of the privilege of attending the common schools in early life, his education was not neglected altogether, for both his father and mother, especially the latter, were painstaking in the tutoring of their children ; and many were the nights, although tired and weary from the cares and toils of the day, by the light of the tallow candle, grease lamp or pine knot fires, and other means for artificial light, the parents and the children might have been seen as tutors and pupils, searching for those things which go to build character and fit boys and girls for future usefulness. This is a tribute which will not be paid to the average father and mother of today.

Doctor Crane is a stanch Democrat. He is a member of the Blue Lodge, Council and Chapter, of the Masonic Order; also the Modern Woodmen of America and the Royal Neighbors. He is also a member of the Greene County Medical Society, the State Medical Society, the American Medical Association and the Southwest Medical Society. The family are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, South.

Addison Brown

Addison Brown has achieved marked success as a lawyer while yet a young man, for the vocation he selected is one of the most exacting of all professions and, too, he has had to win his way in the face of opposition in various ways and in a community long noted for the high order of its legal talent. He throws his whole soul into his work. As a citizen, he stands for the highest ideals in all the relations of life.

Mr. Brown was born on January 19, 1874, in Ozark, Christian county, Missouri. He is a son of E. B. and Sarah A. (Clapp) Brown; the father was born on December 5, 1845; the mother was born on July 15, 1856. These parents received good educations, and the father attended the Keokuk Medical College, at Keokuk, Iowa, from which institution he was graduated in April, 1872. He first began the practice of his profession in Ozark, Missouri, where he remained until 1889, when he removed to Billings, this state, and there he is still actively engaged in the practice of medicine, having built up a large patronage. Politically he is a Democrat. He belongs

To E. B. Brown and wife nine children were born, all of whom are still living, named as follow : Mollie L., born on August 28, 1872, is single and she has been teaching in the public schools of Dallas, Texas, for the past seven years; Addison, of this sketch; Fred H., born on November 16, 1876, is single, and he is engaged in the practice of medicine at Billings, Missouri; Ross B., born on June 20, 1879, married Elizabeth Berry, and they live in Branson, Missouri, where he is engaged in the real estate business; Frank H., born on July 15, 1883, married Lucy Garroutte, and the)' are living in Billings, where he is engaged in the mercantile business; Minnie V., born in 1886, is single, and is teaching in the public schools of Dallas, Texas; Ned R., born on November 3, 1888, married in 1909; he is a traveling salesman and resides in Colorado Springs; Joseph D., born on January 11, 1893, is a pharmacist and lives in Billings, Missouri; Alta L., born on December 8, 1896, lives in Billings; she is a student in the State Normal school at Springfield, Missouri.

John D. Brown, the paternal grandfather of our subject, married Jean Bray, and to them five sons and three daughters were born, all of the boys being made physicians. Joseph Addison Brown was the father of Dr. William McFarland Brown, a physician and surgeon of Springfield, Missouri, a complete sketch of whom appears on another page of this work, in which will be found a complete genealogy of the Brown family. Dr. G. P. S. Brown, of Nixa, Missouri, is also a physician; he is an uncle of the subject of this sketch.

Addison Brown received a common school education, being graduated from the high school at Billings. Missouri, in 1893. He became a registered pharmacist in Texas on July 15. [893, and for a number of years engaged in the drug business in the city of Dallas with much success. He was manager of a number of drug stores there. Finally he decided to enter the legal profession and began studying law during spare moments. Progressing rapidly, he entered the law department of Washington University, at St. Louis, Missouri, from which institution he was graduated on June 20, 1 901, having made an excellent record. From 1901 to 1905 he was engaged as manager of drug stores in Dallas, Texas.

On September 1, 1905. Mr. Brown located in Springfield for the practice of his profession. He has been very successful from the first and his clientage has constantly increased since coming to this city. During the past seven years he has been attorney for a number of wholesale merchants here. He has long ranked among the leaders of the Greene county bar.

Gaylard Douglass

Among the enterprising business men of Springfield and Greene county of the present day is Gaylard Douglass, widely known dealer in farm loans, with offices in the Landers Building, suite No. 934-36, a man who has succeeded in life partly because he has inherited commendable traits from his sterling Buckeye ancestors, and partly because he has dealt honorably with his fellow men, thereby winning and retaining their good will and confidence, and his reputation in the several localities where he has lived has ever been above idle cavil.

Mr. Douglass was born near Ft. Wayne, Indiana, February 16, 1851. He is a son of Samuel and Diana (Edgington) Douglass, both natives of the state of Ohio, the father's birth occurring near Mansfield. These parents grew up and were married in their native locality and established their home on a farm in Allen county, Indiana, where they were known as honest, industrious and neighborly people, and they spent their lives on a farm and both died there, the mother passing away when the subject of this sketch was but a child. They were the parents of twelve /children, our subject being the only survivor.

Gaylard Douglass grew to manhood on the home farm and he did his full share of the work there when a boy. He received a limited education in the public schools, but this lack of learning has later been supplied by wide miscellaneous reading and by contact with the world, until he may well be called a successful self-made man. In 1876 he left his native state and came to Bates county, Missouri, where he spent ten years engaged in general farming and, working hard and managing well, he got a good start. He took much interest in live stock and handled a good grade. Although liking the farm and live stock business, he finally decided that the city held greater attractions and opportunities for him and removed to Clinton, Henry county, this state, where he engaged in the real estate business for some time, then went to California and remained in that state two years, after which he returned to Clinton, Missouri, and went into the loan business, and made his first loan at Schell City, Vernon county, this state. He was successful in this line of endeavor and, seeking a larger field for his operations, he came to Springfield in 1904, where he continued to the presl8/8 GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.

ent time, building up a large business in farm loans and real estate. He maintains an up-to-date office in the Landers Building, and is regarded as one of the best posted men in the value of Missouri farm property or in the city. He is assisted by his son, J. M. Douglass, and enjoys a constantly growing business.

Mr. Douglass was married on December 21, 1872, to Catherine Lovinia Dolley, who was born and reared near Ft. Wayne, Indiana. She died in Red Bluff, California, February 12, 1898, leaving two sons, namely: James M., who married Nellie N. Danley, lives in Springfield; Clark, who married Mary Lee, of Mountain Grove, Missouri; later they moved to Seymour, Webster county, where they now live. Mr. Douglass was married a second time to Alice Davis, a native of Missouri and a daughter of Wilbur Davis and wife. This second union has been without issue.

Mr. Douglass has been very successful in a business way, and he has a beautiful home at 724 East Walnut street, Springfield. Politically, he is a Republican, and religiously he belongs to the Presbyterian church.

John S. Owen

The name of the late John S. (Sol) Owen needs no introduction to the readers of this history, for he was widely known in Greene county for many years, being a worthy representative of one of our best pioneer families, and he was highly regarded by all who knew him.

Mr. Owen was born September 22, 1857, near Wilson's Creek, this county. He was a son of Capt. C. Baker and Ellen (Yarbrough) Owen. He was a grandson of Col. Sol Owen, who settled the old Owen farm in 1837, on which place our subject's death occurred. The parents of our subject were both born in Tennessee, from which state they came to Greene county, Missouri, in an early day, when they were children, the father being twelve years of age when he came here. Here he grew up and helped develop the farm. When the Civil war came on he enlisted in the Federal army and became captain of Company D, Twenty-fourth Missouri Volunteer Infantry, which he commanded in a praiseworthy manner for three years. Later he served four years as sheriff of Greene county. He was a farmer and stock raiser. He was a strong Democrat and a leader in his party.

Captain Owen was twice married, first to Ellen Yarbrough, mother of our subject. The only other child by this union was Stephen A. Douglas Owen, who died in January, 191 5, on his farm on the James river, this county. The mother of our subject died when he was a small boy. Later Captain Owen married Caroline McCroskey, an aunt of C. W. McCroskey, the present superintendent of schools of Greene county. A sketch of Professor McCroskey appears in this volume. Eight children were born to Captain Owen and his second wife, all of whom are living but one.

John S. Owen of this sketch grew up on the home farm and he was educated in the rural schools, however, educating himself for the most part, and was an excellent example of a self-made man. When twenty-four years of age he started in life for himself on a farm of one hundred acres, which was a part of the old Owen homestead. He prospered and at the time of his death owned two hundred eighty-seven and one-half acres, which valuable place is now in possession of our subject's widow and children. Mr. Owen carried on general farming in a very successful manner. He was never much of a trader, for being a great home man, did not like to be absent from his family. However, he handled many mules, of which he was an excellent judge. This farm is known as the "Old Judge 'Sol' Owen place."

Mr. Owen of this sketch married, on April 28, 1881, Sarah M. Rose. She was born in Greene county, Missouri, near the Wilson's Creek battleground, on October 16, 1859. She is a daughter of Reuben O. and Lucy A. (McElhaney) Rose. Mr. Rose was born in Tennessee, from which state he came to Greene county, Missouri, devoted his active life to general farming and died on his farm near Wilson's creek in March, 1880. His wife was also born in Tennessee, and she is still living on the old homestead here, and, although now advanced in years, is well preserved - in fact, looks many years younger. She has always looked for the silver lining in life's clouds and is the possessor of many admirable characteristics. Mr. Rose was owner of the old Rose flouring mill, well known in the former generation in this part of the country. To Reuben O. Rose and wife fourteen children were born, ten of whom are still living. Mrs. Owen received her education in the public schools of her community.

Eleven children were born to our subject and wife, namely: Charles B., born April 5, 1882, married Evelena Murray, a farmer and stock man of Polk county, Missouri; Jerome B., born November 22, 1883, married Olive Murray, and they live on a farm in Greene county; Abbie E., born April 13, 1885, died September 10, 1886; Rose H., born December 3, 1886, married Charles Reichle, a machinist in the Frisco shops, and they live in Springfield; Joseph C, born March 1, 1889, married Amelia Helbig, and they reside on the home farm; Robert F., born October 1, 1890, died July 24, 1891 ; Wilda (Nora) A., born April 8, 1892, lives at home; Sarah E., born January 10, 1894, married Clarence Robertson, who is engaged in the banking business, and who resides at 468 South Grant street, Springfield ; Savanna F., born February 3, 1896, is living at home; John Sol, Jr., born

Mr. Owen was a public-spirited man, always ready to give his support to any good movement in his community. He was a deputy sheriff of this county, serving under Sheriff John Day, serving the full two years very creditably. In 1896 he was elected sheriff of Greene county on the Democratic ticket, and served two years in a very creditable manner. Like his father before him, he was loyal to the Democratic party. Fraternally, our subject was an active member of the Knights of Pythias and was buried by that order. He also belonged to the Modern Woodmen, the Woodmen of the World and the Royal Arcanum. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, South. His wife and children also belong to this church. The death of Mr. Owen of this review occurred October 24, 1899.

George E. Raymond

Perhaps as much suffering has been caused in this world of ours from inadequate heating facilities as from any other cause. This was especially true in the earlier ages before mankind had evolved modern methods. Even what we now call old-fashioned fireplaces were not thought of until comparatively recent epochs in history. For centuries they were very crude affairs; even the chimneys of the log cabins built by the first settlers of our country less than a century ago were made of poles and clay or mud, and later, when houses contained several rooms, all but one of them were without any method of heating, for but one fireplace, as a rule, was to be found in a home, some of the wealthier classes having two, perhaps. Then stoves became generally used, but many rooms were still left without heat, few caring to go to the expense and trouble of keeping the entire house properlv warmed during the winter months. So mankind has undergone a great deal of physical discomfort and downright suffering, especially among the poor of nearly all countries for lack of heat in their dwelling places. But with modern methods, such as are installed by the Raymond Heating Company, of Springfield, people are now making themselves more comfortable during the cold months, entire buildings, no matter how large, being kept warm continuously from one central source, so that the rigors of the long northern winters are now without their terrors, even farmers throughout th.~ country enjoying their furnace heat, which is distributed over their modcrnlv appointed houses in the form of hot air, steam or warm water.

of modem heating, and he is one of the well known and successful business men of Springfield, where he has resided nearly a half century. He was born in Pekin, New York, July 8, 1861, and is a son of Joseph P. and Elizabeth (Bromley) Raymond, both natives of New York state, the father born in 1820 and the mother in 1818. They grew to maturity in their native state, received limited educations in the common schools and were married there. When a young man Joseph P. Raymond learned the shoemaker's trade, which he always followed for a livelihood. He removed from New York with his family to Springfield, Missouri, in the fall of 1868, and here spent the rest of his life, dying in 1887, and here his wife died in 1889. They were parents of five children, namely : Emmett B. lives in Los Anodes. California; Bedten S., deceased; Mary T-, deceased; William B. lives in Springfield, Mo., and George E., subject of this sketch.

Mr. Raymond of this review was seven years of age when he came with the family to Springfield, Missouri, and here he grew to manhood and was educated in the common schools. When a young man he went to Ohio and served an apprenticeship in a tinshop at Dayton, returning to Springfield a few years later, where he finished learning his trade, and here he worked at the same until 1887. when he went into business for himself on South street, establishing a heating and sheet metal works, continuing to the present time with ever increasing success until he enjoys a very extensive and lucrative business as a result of his close application and good judgment and his fair dealings with the public. In 1900 his son, Clyde, formed a partnership with him and the firm name became the Raymond Heating Company, and their plant at 219-221 West Walnut street is one of the best of its kind in the Southwest, equipped with up-to-date appliances of all kinds, and skilled work is promptly done, a specialty being made of warm air heating and ventilating and sheet metal work.

Mr. Raymond was married July 12, 1881, in Springfield to Milicient Ewers, who was born in Knox county, Ohio, October -4, 1861. She is a daughter of Orrilla and William G. Ewers, both natives of Ohio, where they grew up, were married and educated and established their home. They are both now deceased. Mrs. Raymond was nine years old when, in 1870. her parents removed with her to Springfield, Missouri, and here she grew to womanhood and received a common school education. The Ewers home was established on the north side.

To Mr. and Mrs. Raymond only one child was born, G. Clyde Raymond, whose birth occurred April 11, 1883, in this city, and here he grew up and was educated. He married Georgia Davis. He is in business with his father, as before stated, and is a young man of enterprise and ability.

the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the Knights of Pythias and the Royal Arch Masons. He is an associate member of the Springfield Club. He has always borne an excellent reputation in local business circles.

Frederick W. Armstrong

Mr. Armstrong was born in Hillsboro, Illinois, January 13, 1868. He is a son of William F. and Minerva P. (Simmons) Armstrong, the former born in Ireland, April 11, 1830, and the latter in Hillsboro, Illinois, January 7, 1837. In that state she grew to womanhood, was educated in the common schools, and she and Mr. Armstrong were married in the town of Hillsboro. Her death occurred December 17, 1901. William F. Armstrong spent his early years in his native land and there attended school, and when a young man he set sail across the broad Atlantic for American shores and located in Hillsboro, Illinois. He was a carpenter and contractor, which line of endeavor he followed during his active life, except when in military service. Upon the first call for troops by President Lincoln to put down the Southern Confederacy in April, 1861, Mr. Armstrong enlisted in Company E, Ninth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and he proved to be such a brave and excellent soldier that he was promoted from private through the various subordinate ranks to that of major, and was a successful and dashing officer, taking part in many important campaigns, battles and skirmishes. He was many times wounded, receiving a severe wound at the battle of Shiloh, and he carried five bullets to the grave in his body. He served not only in the Civil war, but in some of the campaigns against the hostile Indians of the West, and was in the United States army in all nearly five years. After leaving the army he returned to Hillsboro, where his death occurred April 17, 1868. Politically, he was a strong Republican. He belonged to the Masonic Order and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. His family consisted of four children, namely: Tom W., a Springfield plumber, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in tins volume; Elizabeth is deceased; Samuel, the eldest, lives in Hillsboro, Illinois, and Frederick W., of this sketch.

Mr. Armstrong of this sketch grew to manhood in Hillsboro, Illinois, and there he received his education in the common schools, working at odd times in a grocery store before leaving school, and when fourteen years old he began working at the carpenter's trade, but after following it for one summer he turned his attention to the plumbing business, serving an apprenticeship and became an efficient workman in due course of time. He remained in his native town in this work until 1890. when he came to