Greene County, Missouri - Biographical sketches, 1915 (part 4 of 29)

His treatment of myself was so perfect and our days of close association so crowded with sweet memories that he will live in my mind for all time. 1 loved him as a son and Ik- respected me as an obedient son would a father. In our eighteen months of daily association we never had a cross word. I did at times chide him for some of his recklessness, hut he never answered me back. He knew 1 had his interest at heart. By his death I lost the dearest pal man ever had, one who knew no wrong. His equal in manly principles will never again grace the profession he adopted. May the dust rest lightly over him."

It would require volumes ti > hold all that was published about him. The Springfield Daily Leader, in its issue of June 8, 1913, contained an article under the caption of "McCarty and Ketchel," which we deem worthy of reproduction here:

"With the sad taking off of Luther McCarty, the name of his home town, Springfield, Missouri, became temporarily the most talked of place in America. Twice before the Queen City was the central focus point of the Union. The night Carl Morris went down to defeat from the powerful right of Luther McCarty and the day Stanley Ketchel was done to death were the two occasions when, everywhere over the country, this city was foremost in the topics being discussed. Speaking of Ketchel and .McCarty, two of the most senational men who ever gained distinction in the sport world, it is strange that this city should have to do with the end of one and the rise of the other. They were two grand characters standing out in bold relief from all others of their profession. Each bore a name, one Stanley, the other Luther, new to listiana. They both rose meteorically, astonished the world by the character of their ring work, champions of the never-to-be-forgotten kind, and after brief careers each went to a sensational death. From the beginning of their lives to their untimely end these two men, lovable socially and dreaded when in the roped enclosure, traveled in almost parallel lines. Disciples of Nomad by choice, stout-hearted to the point of recklessness, with the love for adventure uppermost in their hearts, it was but natural when they took to boxing' that their very temperaments would carry them to the front ranks of their new profession. Both men sprang into prominence from the unknown class over night. It was Joe Thomas, then welter-weight champion of the world, who was the steppingstone for Ketchel, while Carl Morris answered the same purposes for McCarty.

From the first time they attracted attention, McCarty and Ketchel were lionized by the public. Their care-free ways won people to them. The newspapers of Xew York attacked both men, but was the result of work on the part of their managers demanding what they figured the right price for services of the men wanted by the Xew York clubs. The un justness of their attack on McCarty was so palpable that many other papers took sides with the big boy, and the unwarranted abuse of the New York sport writers cut deep into McCarty's sensitive brain, but he never once complained. Both McCarty and Ketchel survived the attacks and when away from New York were idolized. They both thrived on the adulations they received, loved to be in the limelight and the very air they breathed, they exhaled with a sensational flavor. Dying sensationally as they did, they lived their parts right to the very last earthly move. Even in death, the eyes of the world were focused on them. The train bearing McCarty's remains was met all along the line by throngs of people who stood about, sad-eyed, talking of the good traits of the boy they all loved. Just so with Ketchel. When the former, on his tour, visited Grand Rapids, Michigan, he made the trip to the Polish cemetery and paid his respects to the grave of Ketchel - the man whom he had always looked upon as his hero. May the memory of both be kept green forever."

The name of Dr. Oscar L. Peak, of Springfield, will be held in lasting honor as one of the able physicians who has given loyal service in behalf of suffering humanity in Greene county. Those who know him best are unrestrained in their praise of his genial disposition and his ability as a physician. The large success which has crowned his life work, coupled with his ripe experience and kind heart, has enabled him to bring comfort, hope and confidence to the sick room and he has brought sunshine into many a home.

Doctor Peak was born in P.uffalo, Dallas county. Missouri, November 20, 1849. He is a son of Reuben T. and Juliet I'". (Johnson) Peak. The father was born in McMinn county, Tennessee, in 1824. and his death occurred in St. Joseph, Missouri. June 11, 1907. The mother was born in Steubenville, Ohio, July 16. 1828, and her death occurred August 2, 1852, in Buffalo. Missouri. The Doctor's father received a good college education in Illinois, and after coming to Missouri in pioneer times be taught school in Buffalo. lie was also a minister in the I'.aptist church in later life. A part of his earlier life was devoted to merchandising. I lis family consisted of six children, namely: Dr. Oscar L., of this sketch; Loren J., deceased; Marv A. lives in St. Joseph, Missouri; William ('. lives in Aline, Oklahoma; Edward C. lives in Modena, Utah, and Dr. Frank is a practicing physician in I 'ratt, Kansas.

Dr. Oscar L. Peak received a good common "school education, later attending Shurtleff College in Illinois, after which be took a course in a medi-

-cal college in Cincinnati, Ohio, where he was graduated with the class of 1878, and in 1886 he took a post-graduate course in St. Louis, Missouri. He began the practice of his profession in Pratt county, Kansas, in 1878, and remained there until 1893. He took an interest in public affairs there and was county superintendent of public instruction of Pratt county, Kansas, in the eighties. He was United States pension surgeon in Pratt county for over ten years. He enjoyed a good practice in that field, but in 1893 he left it and took up his residence in Springfield, Missouri, where he has since remained. He first established his office on the south side of the public square, later moving to the north side of the city, with an office at 4103^ East Commercial street, where he is still located. He has built up a large practice and is one of the best known general practitioners in the county.

Doctor Peak was married, April 13, 1880, in Pratt, Kansas, to Elizabeth Viola Moore, who was born in Van Buren county, Iowa, June 6, 1862. She is a daughter of Thaddeus S. and Samantha A. ( Richey) Moore. The latter was a daughter of James E. and Elizabeth (Parker) Richey. Mr. Moore was a cabinet maker by trade. He was born in 1834 and is now living in California. He is a first cousin of Thomas Moore, the famous Irish poet. The mother of Mrs. Peak was born in 1837 and died September 8, 1885. Mrs. Peak is a graduate of the Woman's Medical College of St. Louis. This college suspended operations several years ago.

Five children have been born to Doctor Peak and wife, namely: Burt, born February 22, 1881, in Pratt, Kansas, died February 28, 1882; Bird C, born May 20, 1882, married William A. Minor, superintendent of Lieut W. Weiler's force pump factory at Rochester, New York, and they are the parents of one child, Oscar E. Minor; Bessie O., born September 12, 1883, married, June 1, 1912, Rev. Paul B. Waterhouse, of Pasadena, Cal., a graduate of Princeton, and they are now living in Hachiman, Japan, where they are engaged in missionary work in Omi Mission. A son was born to them in Tokyo, Japan, February 19, 1915. He was christened Gordon Merrill. Mrs. Waterhouse is a graduate of Drury College, where she was'an honor student. She is also a graduate of Hartford (Connecticut) Theological Seminary Reuben T., born April 30, 1891, lives in Springfield. He attended Drury -College, after having graduated in the Springfield high school, later being graduated from the Western Dental College in 1914. He was married in October, 1914, to Miss Helen V. Trenary, of this city. He has an office with his father and is making a good start in his profession; Oscar L., Jr., born May 2^, 1893, died June 13, 1893.

Doctor Peak is a Republican, of the progressive wing of the party. Fraternally, he belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Modern Woodmen of America, the Knights and Ladies of Security, in which he has been financier for a period of ten years. He is also a national trustee of this order. He and his family are members of the First Congregational church. Mrs. Peak is president of the Greene county district of the Women' Christian Temperance Union. They are both very active workers in the temperance cause.

William Penn Elson

It was nearly a half century ago that William Penn Elson came to Boone township, Greene county, Missouri, from the old Buckeye state and here he has resided ever since, doing his part in the general change that has come 'over the face of the land," and his labors have benefited alike the community about Ash Grove and himself, for he had little of this world's goods when he took up his residence on a small farm here just after the close of the war between the states, but by close application and honest dealings he has become one of the substantial agriculturists of the township and owns a large and well stocked farm.

Mr. Elson was born in Stark county, Ohio, September cj, 1837, and is therefore now getting well along in years - seventy-seven in number - but is still comparatively hale and hearty, having led a careful life. He is a son of John Harris and Osee (Wilson) Elson. The father was born in Brooks county. West Virginia, October 14. [806, and was a son of Capt. John Harris and Margaret (Wiggins) Elson. Captain Elson was also born in the last named county and state, the year of his birth being 1701). He was a son of Richard Elson. The latter was a native of Scotland and (.migrated to America in old colonial da_\s, and took up a "tomahawk claim" of four hundred acres from the government, in the Old Dominion, now a part of the state of West Virginia, and there he spent the rest of his life engaged in fanning, clearing his land and rearing his family of four sons and three daughters. Captain John Harris Elson was an officer in the war of [812 and also served in the early Indian wars with distinction. His death occurred in [820. The subject of this sketch is now in possession of his poll-book and many of his papers, llis widow survived until [847. When twelve years of age John Harris Elson, father of our subject, moved to Stark county, Ohio, and there he engaged in farming the rest of his life, dying in 1898. Politically he was first a Whig and later a Republican. He and Osee Wilson were married in 1833. She was born May 15, 1815. She was a woman of rare intellectual attainments for those days anil was a great reader. Her death occurred in [891. The parents of the subject of this sketch were excellent types of the sturdy citizens of Ohio during the century that is past.

William P. Ki.Son

William P. Elson grew to manhood on the home farm where he worked when a hoy and he received good educational advantages, having attended the common schools and later Mt. Union College at Alliance, Ohio, after which he engaged successfully in teaching for a number of years in Ohio, Indiana and Illinois. Later he worked at the insurance business in Illinois, and in the town of Fidelity, that state, lie clerked and acted as postmaster for three years, then returned to Ohio, where he remained until 1X66 when he came to Greene county, Missouri, and purchased eighty acres in Boone township, and here he has since been engaged in general farming and stock raising, and, having prospered with advancing years, is now owner ol a fine farm containing two hundred and forty acres under cultivation and forty acres in timber, constituting one of the choicest farms in this part oi the county. It is productive, well improved and has on it a large, well-furnished residence and numerous substantial barns and other buildings.

.Mr. Elson was married. November 2, [875, to Elizabeth C. Frame, who was born in Montgomery county, Indiana, February 13. [860, and came to Greene county with hei father and mother, Samuel Park and Elizabeth E. (Harshburger) Frame when she was nine years of age. They settled in (enter township and were substantial citizens of the early days. .Mrs. Elson received her education in Greene county. She has proved to be an excellent helpmeet in every respect.

Six children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Elson, namely: Vinnie Ream, born December 23, 1770, is the wife of F. J. Hawkins, a farmer of Boone township; they have three children, Elson C, Carrol and Paul. |ohn Harris, born March 1 X, 1X71), who is in the commissary department of the United States army, is at present stationed at Vera Cruz, Mexico. He is married and has one child. Vinnie. Charles II., born July 1, [881, is assisting with the work on the home farm; married Laona Wheelock and they have three children. John Harris. Martha !-"., and Robert B. William Robert, born December 9, [893, lives on a farm in Boone township; married Frances Hawkins, and they have had two children, Louise and one deceased. Richard P., born November 13, 18X7, lives in Fayetteville, Missouri; married Jessie White and they have two children. Vera and William Penn. Archie died at the age of nineteen in the West.

Politically, Mr. Elson is a Republican and religiously a Presbyterian. Fraternally he belongs to the Ancient Order of United Workmen and the Masonic order. He has been more or less active in public affairs and has had charge of the Boone Township Republican Committee, and he once made the race for presiding judge of the county court. He is a man of influence in his community and no one is better or more favorably known in the western part of this county.

Harry Carrigan Morgan

In few branches of art or science have such developments or perfected improvements been made as in photography and few establishments in Greene county and this section of Missouri show more conclusive proof of this assertion than that of Harry Carrigan Morgan, whose studios are located on West Commercial street, Springfield. He has long been a close student of art, and his splendid work is pronounced by those best capable of judging, to be fully equal to that of his co-workers in this field of endeavor in this locality. He has won a growing reputation over this country for securing for those who sit before his camera, a natural pose and pleasing expression and in all his work is shown the skilled hand of the adroit artist. No one is more qualified to execute work in this direction than Mr. Morgan and no one has the happy faculty of meeting the requirements of all more than he.

Mr. Morgan was born near Logansport, Indiana, February 29, 1872. He is son of Rees and Alice (Carrigan) Morgan. The Morgan family is of Welch descent and the first emigrant took up his residence in America several generations ago. Rees Morgan was born in the same locality in the Hoosier state as was our subject, the former's father having been a pioneer citizen of Cass county and there he developed the home farm on which the father of our subject was born in 1847 and on which he was reared to manhood. He received his education in the common schools of his community, and when a young man learned the carpenter's trade and followed this and contracting for a livelihood. He remained in Indiana until 1883, when lie removed to Rolla, Missouri, where he carried on his line of business with success fur a period of seventeen years, meanwhile engaging in farming also. In [900 he came to Springfield, where he lived until 1908, working as a builder, then he and his wife located in California, where they now make their home. Politically he is a Republican, and religiously is a member of the Christian church.

Harry C. Morgan was eleven years old when hi- parents moved from his native state to Missouri, and grew to manhood on the home farm near Rolla. Missouri, where he worked when a hoy. and received his education in the district schools there, and also studied photography, having manifested a decided natural talent in this direction when but a child. He remained with his parents on the farm until he was twenty-one years of age. He worked in the city of Rolla a year, then came to Springfield and formed a partnership with S. H. Wickizer, and they conducted a studio for two years, but since that-time Mr. Morgan has been in business alone, and is now located on West Commercial street, where he has a neat and modern equipped studio and is doing a good business, many of his customers coming from neighboring towns and adjoining counties..

Mr. Morgan was married, August 12, 1897, to Minnie E. Pierce, of Shelbyville, Illinois. She was born in 1878. She received a good public school education. To the union of our subject and wife two children have been born, namely: Harold, born March 28, [899; and Edgar, born January 2, IQ05; they are both attending school.

Charles I. Groblebe

Springfield has long been noted lor a lumber center, and ever since the days of the Civil war large yards have been located here, and this line has been one of the leading assets of the city, which is a distributing point for the vast Ozark lumber region, and although much of both the pine and hardwood forests have been denuded of their best trees, in southern Missouri, the lumber business here has not abated, but the supply of lumber is obtained in more remote sections of the country, for the most part. One of the most successful of the younger lumbermen here is Charles I. Groblebe, whose place of business is located on South Campbell street.

Mr. Groblebe was born October 2, 1879, in Carroll county. Arkansas. He is a son of Charles and Mary (Mitchell) Groblebe. The father was born in March, 1844, in German)-, from which country he emigrated to the United States in his youth and settled in St. Louis. He served in a Missouri regiment in the Confederate army during the Civil war. After the war he went to Arkansas and engaged in the lumber business at Eureka Springs, and became a well known lumberman throughout northwestern Arkansas. He is now 71 years of age and is still active. His wife. Mary Mitchell, was born August 24, iS'50, and reared in Arkansas, and her death occurred September 12, 1883 when our subject was four years of age. He has three brothers, namely: George was born April 4, 1870, lives in Arkansas; Earl was born July 7, 1879, and lives in Elgin, Washington; Edward, born August 6, 1881, is employed on the Missouri & Northern railroad.

Charles I. Groblebe grew to manhood in Arkansas and when a boy he worked with his father in the sawmill or on a farm, and he received his early education in the public schools of his native state. He was a poor boy and fought his way up from the bottom, and he is deserving of a great deal of credit for what he has accomplished in the face of obstacles that would have discouraged many. He had to work hard when a boy. often in severe winter weather, when scantily clad, and he attended school only three months of the year. He came to Springfield. Missouri, in 1902, and in order to better equip himself for the battle of life, took a course in the Queen City Business College, remaining there a year, after which he worked two years in the local lumber yards, the meanwhile mastering the various phases of the lumber business, and in 1905 he went into the business for himself, and prospered from the first, his success growing with advancing years until today he is one of the widely known lumbermen of southwest Missouri. He is one of the few in this line who own their own property where their yards and buildings are located, and is the only dealer in Greene county owning an auto truck for the delivery of lumber. He carries a thirty thousand-dollar stock, which is extensive and complete, and he aims at prompt and honest service whoever he deals with.

Air. Groblebe was married in 1906 to Kate Brown, who was born, reared and educated in Springfield. She is a daughter of Thomas Brown and Mahalia (Stutzman) Brown. She is one of three children, the other two being Alberta and Frank.

Politically Mr. Goblebe is a Democrat. He is a member of the Springfield Club, and is a member of the board of directors of the Young Men's Christian Association and Young Men's Business Club. Fraternallv he belongs to the free and Accepted Masons, and is a Knight Templar. He is an active member of the South Street Christian church, and has been a member of the official board of the same since too~. He teaches the largest adult woman's Sunday school class in Springfield, lie is a man of genial personality and is popular in the circles in which he moves.

1 low shall we recall the fond memories that cluster about our beloved dead? I low -hall we portray the nobleness of his character, the purity of. his life, the gentleness of his disposition? I low shall we describe his affection as father, his tenderness as -on and brother, his devotion as husband, his sincerity as friend? How shall we impart the patience of his suffering, the unfailing fidelity of his trust in the great Healer of all our infirmities, the sorrow and desolation that, at his death, fell like a dark pall upon the hearts of the loved ones left behind? We know that all that is must share his destiny; that the brief term of mortal existence is but a passing dream - a story that is briefly told - and man's spirit drifts away on the bosom of that tranquil river that winds with noiseless murmurs through the -loom shaded shadows of the Valley of Death. To eulogize the <\e^i\> and preserve the memory of our dead from oblivion is at once our privilege and our sacred duty. Since the dawn of civilization men have made expression at the death of their fellows, whether such dead were citizen, statesman or soldier. Realizing that "all flesh shall perish together, and men shall turn again unto dust," we are naturally inspired with the desire that we may be remembered after death; that after our earthly remains shall have been laid away to sleep throughout the silent centuries yet to come, awaiting the final day, we are fed by the hope that some human heart that yet beats may cherish a memory of us, may yearn for one touch of "a vanished hand and the sound of a voice that is still." Prompted by such feelings we come to chronicle the lamented death, "in that he died so young," of Emmett Mc- Donald Ming.

Air. Ming was born at Gray's Summit, Franklin county, Missouri, December 3, i860. He was a son of Judge James Morris and Jemima (Osborne) Ming, the father a native of Virginia and the mother of Missouri. Judge Ming was a descendant of that chivalrous race of men who peopled the Old Dominion, but in an early day he emigrated to Franklin county, Missouri, and there became one of the leading and influential citizens of that section of the state, and he at one time represented that county in the state legislature and later was elected judge, serving as such for a number of years. His wife belonged to that class of noble Christian women and true type of womanhood found in the South in the happy days before the Civil war. Both the judge and his wife reached ripe old ages and spent their declining years serenely in their cozy home at the cjuiet town of Washington, Franklin county, where they were ever known as good neighbors, hospitable and helpful. They reared a large family of sons and daughters, Emmett M. of this review having been the youngest.

The subject of this memoir grew to manhood at the town of Washington, and spent his boyhood days upon the farm, close to nature. As a young man he was industrious, honest and everybody liked him. for even at that tender age he had a kind word for everybody, a helping hand for those in need, and a word of cheer for the disconsolate. He had the advantage of an excellent education, having passed through the common schools in Franklin count)-, and later took a regular course in Central College. Fayette, Missouri.

Mr. Ming began life for himself on a cattle ranch in Arizona, which he owned, but after his marriage he engaged in the lumber business, and later in the hardware and furniture business at Yinita, Oklahoma ( then Indian Territory ) , having selected Yinita as his future home. He built up a large and lucrative trade with the people of that town and locality and was doing much for the material welfare of the same, and at the time of his death his furniture establishment there would have been a credit to any city. He was a stockholder and promoter of the first artesian well at Vinita,. and was regarded by all who knew him as a business man of rare foresight and acumen.

Mr. Ming was married November 18, 1891, to Emma Wallis, a daughter of Christopher and Elizabeth (Hoover) Wallis, a well-known family of Marshfield, Missouri, where Mrs. Ming grew to womanhood and was educated. After their marriage they established their home at Vinita, in the Cherokee nation. Their union was blessed by the birth of two children, namely: Christopher, who was born at Vinita, October 20, 1892, and who is now a prominent young business man of Springfield, Missouri; and Martha Lelia, whose birth occurred at Vinita, July 18, 1896.

In 1899 Mr. Ming built a comfortable home for his family in Vinita, surrounding them with all the comforts of life and preparing a place for them and for himself in his old age. No man was ever more happily married and his affection for his wife and children was tender and strong. He was never happier than when at home with his family. His devotion to his father and mother was genuine as well as was his love for his brothers and sisters, and he was never known to falter in his loyalty to a friend. He was an active member of the Knights of Pythias, and belonged to the Methodist Episcopal church, South, at Vinita. His life was ever an open book, and no one ever heard him say anything derogatory regarding his fellow man.

Air. .Ming was called to his eternal rest in St. Anthony's hospital, St. Louis, Missouri, August _». 1900, when lacking a few months of his fortieth birthday, lie had been in failing health for some time. He was buried at his old home near Washington, Franklin county, "ii the old Ming homestead, on a beautiful bluff overlooking the Missouri river.

Something of the high standing of Mr. Ming in the community honored by his citizenship, may be gained from the following resolutions, passed by the Knights of Pythias at Vinita, Oklahoma, shortly after his death:

Whereas, God in His infinite wisdom has deemed it best to remove From the scenes of his earthly home our beloved friend and co-worker. Brother E. M. Ming, be it

Resolved, That while we bow in humble submission to His supreme will, yet we mourn the death of our fellow-worker, fully realizing our lodge has lost a faithful member, the community a true patriotic citizen and his family a good husband and father. His many sterling qualities of head and heart, the blameless character, and pure name won the love and admiration of all who knew him.

Resolved, That we extend to the sorrowing family our heartfelt sympatic in their bereavement, praying the all-wise Father to lighten the deep

Resolved, further, That a copy of these resolutions be spread upon the minutes of the lodge, that a copy of the same be sent to the local newspaper and also a copy to his bereaved family.

John D. Allen

The wanderlust, like a siren, calls to every youth to forsake his ancestral hills and halls and go out in quest of a better country. Many have heeded the summons to their advantage, but perhaps more have answered to their doom. In such a county as Greene that young man is fortunate who has the sagacity to remain at home. The call very frequently leads men to forsake the "land of milk and honey" and go in search of a never-to-beattained oasis of a mirage, ultimately finding instead the barren, sand-swept waste of a Sahara; often, too, after it is too late to return and establish themselves in their own native locality in a proper manner. John D. Allen, foreman of the tin department at the new Frisco shops, Springfield, is one of our native born sons who has been prudent in remaining in his native county.

Mr. Allen was born at Cave Spring, Cass township, Greene county, March 18, 1870. He is a son of Stephen G. and C. N. ( l'enley) Allen. The father was born in Georgia, April 15, 1845, and is still living at Cave Spring, w hither he removed from Dixieland in the year 1868. He has a good small farm here and has followed agricultural pursuits for some time but being a carpenter by trade his earlier life was devoted to work in this line. He served in the Confederate army in the Civil war, enlisting before he was eighteen years old. lie was wounded in the battle at Atlanta. Georgia, August 11, 1864. After the war, he located in Marion county, Tennessee, where he was married, August 10, 1867, to C. N. Penley, a native of Tennessee. In 186S, Air. Allen came to Greene county, locating at Cave Spring, where he has since resided and here has reared his family of seven children, namely: J. Charles, John D., Laura. Louis M., Stephen G., Mary A. and Katy J. The latter died at the age of four years. Mr. Allen, at the age of seventy years, is a hale, hearty man and enjoys caring for his little farm. Politically, he is a Democrat and belongs to the Universalist church.

John D. Allen grew to manhood on the home farm in Cass township where he worked when a boy and he received his education in the district schools at Cave Spring. He remained on the farm until he was nineteen years of age, then came to Springfield and went to work in the office of the

Springfield Republican, later he worked at the barber's trade for a short time. In 1890 he began work in the Xorth Side Frisco shops where he learned the tinner's trade, remaining there three and one-half years, then spent over six years in the South Side shops at his trade, after which he returned to the shops on the Xorth Side and has remained in the tin department litre, being now foreman in the new shops, which responsible position he has held since the opening of the new shops. He has a large number of men under his direction, and he is not only a most capable and highly skilled workman but is a man of considerable executive ability.

Mr. Allen was married on December 5, 1892. in Springfield, to Delia Gee, who was born in Indiana, April 12, 1871. She is a daughter of Amos and Nancy Jane Gee. The father was a native of Indiana and was born in 1845 and the mother was born in 1850. They are still living and reside on a good farm near Alva. Oklahoma.

Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. .Mien, namely: Wade, born on March n, 1895; Gladys, born on July 15, 1899; and Louise, born on August 9, 1909.

Politically. Mr. Allen is a Democrat and fraternally he belongs to the Modern Woodmen of America. He and wife belong to the Knights and Ladies of Security.

Johx Spandri

In the following .-.ketch is strikingly illustrated the force of well-directed energy, steadfast purpose and never-ceasing effort for the accomplishment of noble ends, and the successful overthrow of those obstacles which beset the progress of every young man who, unaided and alone, starts out to combat life's stern realities and hew his own way to distinction and fortune. It is the story of a successful life, and from the study of such a record tin- discouraged youth may gain lessons of ultimate value, lessons that are calculated to inspire new zeal in his faltering heart and new courage in his darkened spirit. It shows that it take- grit, perseverance and honesty to win in life's battle rather than the help of wraith or influential relative-- or friends. In other wonb. it is better to rely 011 ourselves and map out our own paths than in rely upon others and follow a career dictated by Others.

Mr. Spandri hails from the wonderful little republic of Switzerland, a country from which many of the so-called great nations of the earth might take valuable lessons. His birth occurred in the southern part of that country on December 1. i860. He is a son of Peter and Mary (Vanini) Spandri. both natives of Switzerland, where they were reared, educated, married and established their future home. The paternal grandfather of our subject was a native of Italy. Peter Spandri was a collier by trade, his work being chopping timber, which he burned by a process to make charcoal. His death occurred in his native land before our subject left there and the mother survived until about seven years ago, having reached an advanced age. To these parents four children were burn, namely: Juditta is living in Italy, Frank is deceased, John, of this sketch, and Giacomo lives in Europe.

John Spandri spent his boyhood in Switzerland and he received a limited education at home, which has been greatly supplemented in later life by contact with the world and by wide miscellaneous home reading until today he is a well informed man and an excellent conversationalist. When a boy he worked with his father in the woods, but when only fifteen years of age he left home and began working for wages. Believing that America held greater opportunities for the poor boy with pluck, he bade a final adieu to his native hills in the autumn of 1882, crossed the great Atlantic, landing in New York in the month of November. He did not tarry in the great city, but came 011 West to Rolla, Phelps county, Missouri, reaching the goal of his long journey with only ten dollars and twenty-five cents in his pocket. He soon found employment and went to work with a will. Six months later found him a contractor, in business for himself. In May, 1883, he came to Springfield and began contracting to build foundations for houses and buildings in general. Pie prospered at this and continued in this line until a few years ago. Among the foundations he laid for well-known buildings were those of the South Street Christian church. Meyer's Model Mills, the round liouse at the North Side shops, St. John's church and many others. Some years ago he turned his attention to other lines of contracting, such as railroad -construction work and sewer building. His first work in the former line was in 1901, when he turned out jobs for both the St. Louis & San Francisco and the Missouri Pacific railroads. It was in 1909 that he began sewer work, and during that year put in about three miles of sewer in Springfield, then took a large contract for the Frisco in Texas in building arch culverts. At this writing he is confining his attention to sewer construction. He has been a careful student of modern ways of contract work along his lines and his work is always highly satisfactory, being well done in every respect. He is well equipped in the matter of modern machinery and tools and employs a large number of skilled hands. He gives personal attention to every detail of his business, which is under a superb system. He has been very successful in a business way and is one of the substantial men of affairs of the Queen City of the Ozarks. He deserves a great deal of credit for what he has accomplished, which has been done in the face of obstacles. He owns an imposing home and office at 520^ East Commercial street.

Carmack. She was born in Phelps county, Missouri, on July 10, 1861, and is a daughter of William Carmack, a native of Indiana, where he grew up and married, removing with his family to Phelps county, this state, in an early day, and there he became a well-to-do farmer. Mrs. Spandri spent her girlhood in Phelps county, and she was given the advantages of a good education.

Two children have been born to our subject and wife, both deceased: they were named, John, whose birth occurred on December 28, 1886. received a good education in the Springfield ward and high school and Drury College; he met an untimely death in a railroad accident on May 15, 1910: he had married Blanche Morrison, by whom one child was burn. Walter J., whose birth occurred on September 8, 1909. William, our subject's second son, was born on November 22, 1888, received a good education in the Springfield schools and died on August 19, 1901. They were both very promising young nu-n and their early deaths were much lamented by their family and friends.

Politically Mr. Spandri is a Democrat and he has long taken an active interest in public affairs. However, has never been an office-seeker. Fraternally he belongs to the Masonic Order, including the Knights Templars and the Ancient Arabic Order of Nobles of the Mystic Shrine.

.Mr. Spandri won the Springfield Republican trophy cup in the first annual ( )/.ark motor tour of three hundred miles on June 27th to 29th, inclusive, 1910. using his favorite car - E. M. E, a make of the Studebaker Company. He gets a great deal of pleasure and diversion out of motoring. He is a gentleman of sociable inclinations, obliging, public-spirited and companionable, which traits, added to his unassuming manner and high sense of honor, make him popular among a wide acquaintance.

The medical profession of Greene county has no abler exponent than Dr. E. E. Evans, universally liked by all with whom he comes in contact. His friends feel deservedly proud of his success in his profession, for he ha- studied hard, worked diligently and liven self-sacrificing when there was need. He possesses excellent judgment of men and things, well balanced by knowledge and experience. He is a gentleman of good personal appearance and courteous address, and is certainly entitled to mention with the representative citizens of Springfield and Greene county.

Doctor Evans was born in Boone county. Indiana. January 2. 1867. He is a -on of John and Sarah Jane 1 Clark) Evans. The father was a contrac- tor and died here on December 17, 1913; the mother is living on St. Louis street, Springfield, Missouri. Grandfather Samuel Evans was a farmer and one of the early settlers of Boone county, Indiana. His death occurred at the age of eighty-four years. His wife was a Miss Wilson. The maternal grandfather, Ezra Clark, married Harriet Hancock. They were both natives of Ohio in which their parents were early settlers, and there Ezra Clark and wife grew up and were married, and soon thereafter moved to Boone county, Indiana, where they established the family home on a farm, and were among the first settlers.

Dr. Evans of this review has two brothers and one sister living, namely : Dr. Emery Evans, is a practicing physician in St. Louis; Dr. Harry T. Evans is engaged in the practice of his profession in Springfield, and Mrs. Ella Speer, also lives in Springfield.

Dr. E. L. Evans is one of those self-educated, successful, self-made men, commonly met in America. When a boy he earned his own way, working at various things to earn an honest dollar to assist in defraying the expenses of an education, and when he had gone far enough in the public .schools of his native county to enable him to teach he took up that line of endeavor and taught several terms most satisfactorily, working meanwhile, during the summer months, on the farm or at other things until he succeeded in obtaining his professional education. He received his primary education in the schools of Harrison, Arkansas, where he removed from Indiana when a boy, and later he attended the Rally Hill Academy, and in 1892 he entered the Marion Simms Medical College in St. Louis, from which he was graduated with the class of 1895. Soon thereafter he returned to Harrison, Arkansas, where he began the practice of his profession, in partnership with Dr. Kirby, and remained there eleven years, during which he enjoyed a large and constantly growing practice, and was one of the leading general physicians of Boone county throughout which his name was a household word. Seeking a larger field for the exercise of his talents he came to Springfield, Missouri, in April, 1906, and has been engaged successfully in the general practice from that time to the present, each succeeding year finding him further advanced and more popular than the preceding.

Doctor Evans is a member of the Greene County Medical Society, the Southwest Missouri Medical Society, the Missouri State Medical Association and the American Medical Association. He was for some time president of the Boone County Medical Society when he lived in Arkansas, and was also secretary of the same for many years, resigning the office upon his removal to Springfield. Fraternally he is a member of the Masonic order, including the Chapter, Commandery and the Ancient Arabic Order of Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. He also belongs to the Knights of Pvthias

Doctor Evans was married March 19, 1897, to Nora Kirby, who was born in Harrison. Arkansas, in September, 1876, and there grew to womanhood and received her high school education in Harrison, Arkansas, and graduated from Christian College at Columbia, Missouri. She is the scion of a prominent family of that place, and is a daughter of Dr. L. and Virginia (Crump) Kirby.

To. Doctor Evans and wife the following children have been born: Virginia, born January 11, 1898; Harry C, born March 17, 1899; Frances Irene born June 17, 1900; Dorothy Lee, born July 11, 1902; Lenore, born July 26, 1903; Kirby, born June 23, 1909, and Ezra Levi, born January 29, 191 1.

Albert X. Hanson

All credit is due a man who wins success in his chosen fields of endeavor in spite of obstacles, who, by persistency and energy gains a competence and a position of honor as a man and citizen. The record of the late Albert X. Hanson, for many years a well-known contractor of Springfield, is that of such a man, for he came t<> this city in the days of her rapid growth and here worked his way up from the bottom to definite success and independence. He quickly adapted himself to the conditions which he found here and labored so consecutively and managed so judiciously thai he finally became the manager of a thriving business, which he ever conducted along honorable lines and all the while was establishing a reputation among his acquaintances and friend- for sound judgment, honest dealings and good citizenship. I lis tragic death was a matter of sincere regret to all who knew him.

Mr. Hanson was born on October 17. 1848, in Hancock county, Illinois, lie is a sun of Nichols and Adalize (Hubbard) Hanson. The father was burn in the state of New York and the mother was a native of the province of Nova Scotia, Canada, from which she came to the state of New York when young where she met and married the elder Hanson. He was a blacksmith by trade in his early life, but later turned his attention to general farming. He and his wife removed from New York to Michigan, later to Illinois where they remained until within a few years of their deaths, having removed t<> Nebraska, where the death of Xichols Hanson occurred in iijoo at an advanced age. and his wife passed away soon after. During the Civil war he was quartermaster of the Twenty-sixth Illinois Volunteer Infantry under Hen. Kim C. Fremont, having enlisted in [862. Seven children were born to Nichols Hanson and wife, namely: Ellen, Charles, Louis are all deceased; Allien X., subject of this memoir; Mary E. Lewis lues in Springfield, Illinois; William is deceased; Florence, the youngest, lives in Turon, Kansas.

Albert N. Hanson received a common school education, and later attended a business college in Michigan about six months, lie was all his life a wide reader of good literature and in this way and by coming in contact with the business world he became a well-informed man. In bis early career he followed farming fur the most part until he came to Springfield, Missouri. He had engaged in railroading also for a time during his younger days, and was in the mercantile business awhile. After living in Kansas several years he moved t<> Shannon county, Missouri, where be .spent a few years, locating in Springfield in 1888. Here he engaged in contracting, general building and railroad construction work. When the Missouri Pacific built its branch from Crane, .Missouri, to this city be secured the contract for the excavation between Alain and Campbell streets in Springfield, also built the Washington avenue subway at the intersection of that thoroughfare and Commercial street. During a period of twenty years he kept in his employ a crew of from ten to fifteen men, working at various places all the time. Having through his able management and close application accumulated a competency for his declining years he partially retired from active life a few years before his death and lived quietly in his beautiful home on Guy street, Springfield.

Mr. Hanson was twice married, first, on December 30, 1867, in Hancock county, Illinois, to Aarie Mintle, who was born in Ohio, from which state she moved to Illinois when a child. She was born on April 19, 1846, and was a daughter of Aaron P. and Mary Ann ( Ward) Mintle. To our subject and his first wife the following children were born, namely: Jessie, born on March 30, 1870, died on December 22, 1874; Frank and Fred, twins, born on December 8, 1872. both live in Springfield; Flora, born on October 15, 1876, lives in Springfield; Fffie, born on April 14, 1870, lives in Springfield; Mrs. Pearl Rueter, born on June 29, 1882, lives in Springfield; Harry E. and Harvey E., twins, born on December 20, 1884, the former lives in Springfield and the latter died in infancy; Mrs. Stella Revnolds, born on June 20. 1887, lives in Springfield.

The mother of the above named children was called to her rest on March 24, 1910. On September 25, 1910, Mr. Hanson married Mrs. Etta B. Merchant, who was born in Ohio, October 25, 1862. She grew to womanhood in her native state and received a common school education. She first married W. W. Merchant on March 25, 1883, in Ohio. He died on March 12, iqio. Two children were born to this union, Maurice E., born on October 26, 1885. He married Odilia Branch on September 18, 1910.

They live in Kansas City. Missouri. They have one child, Donald J., born on September 24, 191 1, and died on May 24, 1914. The second child is Leister H., born on August 16, 1890.

Mrs. Hanson is the daughter of Erastus Lockwood and Emily R. Baxley. They were both born in Ohio, the father on September 12, 1833. He died on February 7, 1891, in Ohio. The mother was born on August 19, 1840, and is still living in Raymond, Ohio, at the old home.

Politically, Mr. Hanson was a Republican, and he was always loyal in his support of the party. He served as street commissioner of the city of Springfield under Mayor Bartlett, also Mayor Malotte. He discharged the duties of this important position in a manner that reflected much credit upon himself and to the entire satisfaction of all concerned. Fraternally, he was a member of the Knights of Pythias. Air. Hanson enlisted in Company A, Sixty-fifth Illinois Regiment Volunteer Infantry, in the ninety-day service. However, he served till the close of the war and was discharged at Jonesboro, North Carolina.

The death of .Mr. Hanson occurred on April 16, 191 5. as the result of an accident. He was driving across the street in bis automobile when a street car crashed into his machine, hurling him from hi- seat a distance of some twenty feet, his head striking the curbing. Burning oil from the gasoline tank id" the automobile was scattered ever him and the oil took fire, igniting his clothing. Help reached him immediately, but he remained unconscious to the end which came a few hours later, as a result of injuries to the head.

Personally Mr. Hanson was an admirable character, kind-hearted, companionable, charitable and always a high-minded gentleman. He was beloved by the hundreds of men who had been in his employ during his long business career. I lis work was always honestly done and all who knew him esteemed him highly as a result of bis main commendable characteristics.

Granville W. Turner

To be employed nearly a half century by one linn, continuously, is a record ol which few citizens id Springfield and Greene county can boast, but Granville \\ . Turner has been connected with the bridge building department of the St. Louis & San Francisco Railroad Company since 1866, and for forty years has been in charge of that department. He would not onl\ have had to proved himself to be an expert in his line, but also a man of courage, fidelity, integrity and industry to have been retained during so long a period, I te 1- one of the most widely known Frisco employees. He is a man who has always valued his good name and today takes pleasure in feeling that he has won the respect of his fellow workers and acquaintances by his course in life.

Mr. Turner was born in Knox count)-, Missouri, January 3, 1843. He is a son of Granville D. and Maria (Taylor) Turner. The father was born in the mountains of Kentucky and the mother was a native of Ohio, but she came to Harrison county, Kentucky, when young. These parents were married in Quincy, Illinois. Our subject's father and the first governor of Illinois came to Quincy together. Mr. Turner became a large land owner. He was a cabinet maker by trade. Leaving the Prairie state in an early day, he located in Knox county, Missouri and he and his wife died in this state. He was a minister in the Christian church, an old-time circuit rider, and preached among the pioneers. Politically, he was a Democrat. I lis family consisted of nine children, named as follows: The eldest child died in infancy; William is deceased; Mary; Emma; Granville W., of this sketch; James, deceased ; Reuben, deceased ; George and May E.

Mr. Turner of this review received a limited education in the common schools, and he grew up on the farm in Knox count)-, where he worked when a boy. He has worked hard and is a self-made man in the best sense of the term. In his youth he learned the carpenter's trade. In September, 1861, he enlisted for service in the Civil war, at Rolla, Missouri, under Captain Rich and Colonel Phelps, and although his term of enlistment was but for six months, he served nine months, lie saw considerable service during that brief period, including a number of skirmishes and the battle of Pea Ridge, Arkansas. He was honorably discharged in April, 186.2, then went to work for the government, building pontoon bridges, corrals, barracks, coffins, etc. He continued in this work until the close of the war, gaining valuable experience which stood him well in hand in his subsequent career. He began work for the Frisco at Rolla in 1866. in the bridge building department, with which he has been connected ever since, being head of the department for the system for some four decades. In 1913 he was retired by the company on a pension. However, he is still doing special work in his department, reporting direct to the general manager. He long ago mastered every phase of the art of bridge building and has kept well abreast of the times in this line of endeavor.

Air. Turner was first married in June, 1879, to Malissa Trower, in St. Louis, her native city. She was a daughter of Samuel Trower, a farmer and stock raiser, a pioneer of the Mound City, where, for a number of years, he was justice of the peace, also holding other minor offices. Mr. Turner's first wife died October 10, 1889. leaving five children, namely: Walter G. married Gertrude Singleton in St. Louis and he is a civil engineer by profession; Mary Agnes married Mr. Greenridge and they live in Douglas,

Arizona; George R. married Goldie Holder and they live in Walnut Grove, Missouri ; Nellie E. married Thomas Wommock, an employee of the Frisco, and they live in Springfield; Lillian F. married G. Marks, who is also connected with the Frisco and lives in Springfield. Mr. Turner's second marriage was consummated in February, 1893, m Carthage. Missouri, when he was united in marriage to Mrs. Agnes L. Brown, a daughter of John and Eliza Deyell, of St. Thomas, Ontario, Canada. To this second union two children have been born, namely, William E. and James D.

Politically, Mr. Turner is a Democrat. Fraternally, he belongs to the Masonic order, Gate of the Temple blue lodge and St. John's Commandery.

Mr. Turner made his headquarters in Springfield in 1873 and moved here to make his home in 1879. In 1872 he was made assistant superintendent of the bridge and building department of the old Atlantic & Pacific railroad, later known as the Frisco. In 1875 he was made general superintendent of this department. He has had something to do with the building of nearly every bridge on the entire Frisco system.

William Pexx Murray

The deft shuttle which weaves the web of human life and human destiny, constantly and ceaselessly flies backward and forward, and into the vast and checkered fabric is woven the individuality, the efforts, ambitions and achievements of each man - of all men. Within this web may be defined the lines of personality, be the}' those that lend the beautiful crystal sheen of honest merit and worthy effort, or dark, curving and deflecting ones, which penetrate warp and woof, and mar and efface the composite beauty of their darkened threads. The life record of the late William 1'enn Murray, for many years one of the most progressive agriculturists and stock men of Franklin township, Greene county, indicates that the fabric of which his individuality was woven was 01 the best and purest, and consequently he left behind him "that which is rather to be chosen than much riches - a good name."

Mr. Murray was born in Wyandotte county. Ohio. June 4. 1867. He was a son of David C. and Hulda I Dow) Murray. David Murray, who was also a native of the localit) in which our subject was born, grew to manhood. was educated and married there, and in 1869 he removed from the old Buckeye state to Greene county, Missouri, with his family, locating in Robberson township, on a farm of three hundred and twenty acres which he purchased and on which he followed general farming and handling live stock in a successful manner. I le Ik cante well known here and was considered a man who was uniformly fair in all his dealings with his fellow men. and here his death occurred in 1873, when our subject was six years old. His wife, who was also a native of Wyandotte county, Ohio, also died on the home farm 111 Greene county, being summoned to her rest in 1879.

William I'enn Murray was two years old when his parents brought him to Greene county and here he grew to manhood on the homestead where he worked when a boy, ami he received his early education in the common schools. February 18, 1891, he married Jennie Stiver, who was born January 5. 1870, a daughter oi Isaac and Susannah (Horner) Stiver. Isaac Stiver was born March [6, 1826, m Pennsylvania. After his marriage he moved to Elkhart county, Indiana, and was living there when Mrs. Jennie Murray was born, and there he engaged in farming fur twenty-two years, then sold out and removed with his family to Greene county, Missouri, locating seven miles northeast of Springfield, buying one hundred and twenty acres of good land, and here followed general farming until his death, July 24, 1897. He was a Republican and a Lutheran. His wife was born December 30, 1835, near Dayton, Ohio, and her death occurred on the home farm in Greene county, June 20, 1908. To Isaac Stiver and wife twelve children were born, namely: Daniel J. lives in Newcastle, Indiana; Jacob M. is deceased; Louis J. is practicing dentistry in Ft. Wayne, Indiana; Mrs. Mary L. Risk, of Amsterdam, Xew York; Isaac X. is deceased: Wesley M. lives in Campbell township, ( ireene county; William H. lives in Indianapolis; Jennie, widow of the subject of this memorial review ; Harrison G. lives in Springfield, Missouri; James is living but his address is not known at this writing; Edward and Calvin J. are both residing in Springfield.

William P. Murray devoted his active life to general farming and handling live stuck. lie owned a valuable and well kept place of one hundred and twenty acres in Franklin township; however, his principal business was raising, buying and trading in livestock, especially cattle, and in this he was very successful, being an exceptionally good judge of all kinds of stock and dealing honestly with his fellow men so that he retained their confidence and good will, lie owned over one hundred head of good cattle at the time of his death. March 9, 193 1.

Mr. Murray's family consisted of three children, namely: Mrs. Mazie Newton, born November 20, 1891, wife of R. H. Newton, first lieutenant of No. 2. Springfield fire department, of Springfield; Ralph, born January 15, i,v<)3, died October 16, 1893; and Norman B., born September 2T,, 1895, w^o is living with his mother on the home farm which he operates.

Politically, Mr. Murray was a Democrat and served for some time on school board. While he was not a member of any church he was religious at heart and a good honest man in every respect, a kind husband and an indulgent father and a man whom his neighbors admired and respected. He was superintendent of Sunday school at Pleasant Valley for several years and a man who delighted in extending a helping hand to those in need, and he will long be greatly missed from his neighborhood.

Flavius Josephus Underwood

The world owes much to the plain, plodding worker who, uncomplainingly, does his whole duty as he sees it; but beyond his labors there is a sphere of activity wherein the workers are few and the products produced more rare - that of genius. Through the medium of this subtle, sublime, elusive thing, possessed of certain favored ones, all the great treasures of art, music, invention, literature and science have been given to the world. Those who know him best do not hesitate to pronounce Flavius Josephus Underwood, a venerable inventor and business man of Springfield, as a genius of high order, although it is doubtful if many who know him appreciate this fact to the fullest extent. His fertile brain has given humanity many helpful things, which will continue for all time to be a hlessing to the race. For considerably more than a quarter of a century he has been one of our leading men of affairs, for man)- years a wagon manufacturer and later a contractor, but now in view of his advanced age, he having passed his eighty-fourth mile-post, he is living in retirement at his cozy home on North Grant street, although he is hale and hearty and in possession of his faculties, his lusty old age being due no doubt to the fact that he has led a busy, temperate and wholesome lite.

Mr. Underwood is a scion of one of the oldest American families, who lived in New England for many generations, where the first of the family landed from the ( lid World nearly four centuries ago, and from that remote period to the presenl time the various members of his descendants have played well their parts in pushing forward the wheel- of the car of civilization in the western hemisphere.

Flavius J. Underw 1 was horn in Hardwick, Caledonia county. Vermont, March o, [830. lie was a son of Silas and Lucy Warner (Leslie) Underwood, the latter a granddaughter of Roberl Leslie, an Irish peer, who immigrated to America in the earl) period of the country's history and located in New Hampshire. Silas Underwood was born at Westford, Massachusetts, December 7. 1783; he devoted hi- life to agricultural pursuits, and hi- death occurred in March, 1869. He was a son of John Und wood, of Bradford, Vermont, who was horn October 28, 1755. and was a 01 of Joseph Underw 1. born 0,1 September 15. [727, at Westford,

Massachusetts; the latter was a son of Joseph Underwood, born on May 28, 1681, at Watertown, Massachusetts; he was a son of Joseph Underwood, who was born in 1650 at Watertown, Massachusetts, and was a son of Joseph Underwood, the emigrant, who crossed the Atlantic from England, his native country, and took up his residence at Hingham, Massachusetts, in 1637, later removing to Watertown. He was the founder of the Underwoods in America, now quite numerous, having dispersed to all states of the Union.

Flavins J. Underwood of this review, was the youngest of ten children ; he grew to manhood in Vermont, assisting his father with the general work about the farm, and during the winter months he attended the district schools and an academy, and he began life for himself by teaching school in his native locality. Remaining in Vermont until he was twenty-two years of age he, following the advice of Horace Greeley, editor of the New York Tribune, came west, locating at Milton. Pike count}-, Illinois, and operated a farm in that vicinity several years. In i860 he went to Rock Island, that state, where he resided until 1871. having turned his attention to the manufacturing business, and became superintendent of Buford's Plow Works. Forty-three years ago he left Rock Island and came to Springfield, Missouri, where he has since resided, and where, with James M. Wilhoit, he started a wagon manufacturing plant, and made a success of this venture, operating the plant for many years with much success, there having been a great demand for their products owing to the high-grade workmanship and superior quality of their wagons. Our subject finally gave up the manufacturing business and turned his attention to contracting, which he followed with satisfactory results up to his retirement from active life a few years ago. But it has been as an inventor that Mr. Underwood has figured most conspicuously and for which he is deserving of the most credit. He has secured about twenty patents. While at Rock Island he built the first successful two-horse cultivator1, which has revolutionized agricultural work, especially in the corn producing states, lie enjoys the distinction of being the first person to advocate and demonstrate the circulation of steam for the purpose of heating buildings, which method is now so universally employed. Among his man}' inventions is a coal chute which he patented in 1904 and which is widely used. He believes his best invention is a machine for I Hiring out hubs in which to insert boxes. His name is deserving of a high place among the successful inventors of his day and generation.

Mr. Underwood was married at Hardwick, Vermont, July 8, 1851, to Daphna Josephine Hortense Bridgman, who was born in that town and there grew to womanhood and was educated. She, too, is a representative of an excellent old family of New England. Our subject and wife have traversed the life-path which leads through sun and shadow, for nearly sixty-three years. Theirs have been an ideal domestic life, mutually helpful and pleasant, and now, in the December of their years they can look backward with no compunction for wasted hours or misdeeds and forward with the hope of the just. Their union was blessed by the birth of four children, but only one survives, Airs. Ida M. Jenkins, who lives at Xobo, Greene county, Missouri; she has three children. Our subject and wife have seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. The following children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Underwood: Genevieve Leslie, born on November 19, 1853, died November 9, 1854; Ida May, born in April, 1856, married Grovner A. Shinn, September 19, 1873, and three children were born to them, John B., Grover L., and Nellie U. ; Inez Belle, born on October 18, i860, married George B. Garlick, and to them two children were born, Harold U., and Ruth; Nellie Maud, born, January 6, 1864, married William Sheffield, and to them two children were born, Hortense and Cornelia.

Politically, Mr. Underwood has always been a loyal Democrat. He has served as a member of the city council. He was at one time candidate for the state legislature, and for many years he has taken an active part in political affairs. During campaigns he lias frequently taken the stump in Greene and adjoining counties and won a reputation as a forceful speaker. Fraternally he belongs to the Masonic order, and is active as a member of St. John's commandery, and served as eminent commander several years ago. Mrs. Underwood is a member of the Order of Eastern Star of which she \\a-> formerly worthy matron when it was first organized.

This grand old couple are well known and highly esteemed by a very wide circle of friends in Springfield. (Mr. Underwood's death occurred on May 4. [914, after the above sketch was written.)

James E. Smith

It is a good sign when a county like Greene can boast of so many of her enterprising business men and farmers who arc native sons, for it indicates that there are to be found all the opportunities necessary to insure success in the material affairs of life and that her native sons, unlike so many if mi various sections, have found it to their advantage to remain at home. They have been wise in doing this for nature has offered the husbandman unusual advantages here and has seldom failed to reward the earnest worker with gratifying results, and when the tillers of the soil are prosperous all lines of business flourish, consequently not only the fanners have succeeded in this locality hut also the merchants, millers, lumbermen, stock dealers, and many

One of the native-born business men of Springfield is James E. Smith, whose birth occurred in this city, July 28, 1868. He is a son of David and Mary (Fulton) Smith. The father was born in Glasgow, Scotland, as was also the mother, and there they grew to maturity, were educated and married, and when young immigrated to America and located in Greene county, Missouri. The elder Smith was a well driller and he operated the first well drill in the vicinity of Springfield. It was in 1858 that they located here and they spent the rest of their lives in Springfield, the father's death occurring here in 1870. To them thirteen children were born; the following are still living, namely: Maggie lives in Pennsylvania: David, a machinist, in the employ of the Frisco, lives in Springfield: Joseph lives in Kansas City: James E., of this sketch, and Jennie E. (twins), the latter also lives in Springfield : Robert makes his home in this city.

James E. Smith grew to manhood in his native city and here received a common and high school education, and when young served his apprenticeship as machinist and followed this trade at the old foundry at Mill and Boonville streets, where he learned the trade. After remaining there about three years he secured a position in the Springfield Wagon Works, in the paint department, later drove a grocery wagon for ten or twelve years. In i8qo he went into the grocery business for himself on Boonville street, also cigars and confectionery, remaining in that stand until 1894. However, prior to that year he was for some time in the employ of the Frisco, working as brakeman between Springfield and Memphis. In 1897 he went to work in the city fire department, where he remained until 1000, then opened his present grocery store at 831 North Campbell street and has built up a large and constantly-growing business, carrying at all seasons a large and wellselected stock of fancy and staple groceries.

Mrs. Smith was married, August 13, 1890. to Anna Miles, who was born in Hannibal, Missouri, September 17, 1870. She is a daughter of William A. and Malinda (Snyder) Miles, both natives of Pennsylvania, being early settlers in Missouri, locating on a farm. Mr. Miles served five years in the Civil war, participating in many hard-fought battles. Mrs. Smith grew to womanhood in her native city and received a good common school education in Hannibal.

To Mr. and Mrs. Smith three children have been born, namely: James E.. Jr., born May 16, 1891, lives at home: Jennette, born March 19, 1896, died the same year: Genevieve, born November 10, 1898.

Mr. Smith is prominent in fraternal affairs, being a member of the Masonic Order, Knights of Pythias, the Improved Order of Red Men, the Roval Arcanum, Highlanders, also the Woodmen of the World and the Mod- ern Woodmen of America. He has been clerk of the Woodmen of the World for the past eighteen years and is active in Woodmen circles. Politically, he is a Democrat, and for the past three years has been councilman from the Sixth ward and has done much for the general good of the city. He was formerly secretary of the Retail Merchants' Association. His wife is a member of the Woodmen Circle and the Pythian Circle. Air. and Mrs. Smith belong; to the Catholic church.

George C. Rupprecht

It is not enough to be all right in this world, but it is necessary that we look all right as well, because two-thirds of success is making people think we are what we profess to be and can be depended upon. Success in life also depends a great deal in selecting the line of work for which we are best fitted by nature. How many third-class ministers, lawyers, physicians there are who might have made remarkable success as agriculturists or merchants, or as inventors, railroad men or mechanics. George C. Rupprecht, foreman at the Steineger Saddlery Company, Springfield, studied himself and found out what he was capable of doing and what he was unfitted for, so he wisely selected a practical calling and has made a comfortable living all the while.

Mr. Rupprecht was born October 4, 1865, at Wurzburg, Bavaria, a province of the German Empire. He is a son of John and Barbara (Seubertj Rupprecht, both natives of the same locality where they grew up. were educated, married and established their permanent home. There the death of the mother occurred in 1S71 at the early age of thirty-three Years! The father became somewhat prominent in public affairs and was a city official and held other public offices. He was also a commissioned officer in the 'regular arm}- there for a period of sixteen years. His death occurred in his native land in 1882. Her father, Michael Seubert. was also a Bavarian and spent his life in the Fatherland. He was a bleacher and master of bleachers, also a riverman for years. To John and Barbara Rupprecht four chidlren were born, namely: Carl, Anna, Barbara and George C.

Mr. Rupprecht, of this sketch, spent his boyhood in his native land and attended school until he was thirteen years of age, then went to worklearning the saddlery trade in the city of Wurzburg. After serving his apprenticeship he entered the Seventy-sixth Infantry of the German army, at Hamburg, ami served two years. Then he followed his trade in different towns of the Empire until 1892, when he came to America, landing at Baltimore, Maryland, and from there made the long journey to central

Texas, where he followed his trade until 1899, when he came to Springfield, Missouri, where he has since resided, and for over fifteen years he has been in the employ of the Steineger Saddlery Company, working for a year as saddle maker, then was promoted to foreman in 1900, which responsible position he has continued to hold to the present time, giving eminent satisfaction to his employers. He is an expert in his line and is reliable and trustworthy. At present he has twenty-four hands under his direction. He has saved his earnings and owns a good home on Cherry street.

Mr. Rupprecht was married in Springfield in 1900, to Cecelia Guettinger, who was born in Zurich, Switzerland, from which country she emigrated to America when young. This union has resulted in the birth of four children, namely: Carl is deceased; George is now twelve years of age ; Walter is eight, and Cecil is three.

Politically, Mr. Rupprecht is an independent voter. He formerly belonged to the Catholic church. He is a member of the German-American Alliance, being now president of the local order of the same ; he is also secretary of the German-American Beneficial Society of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. He is also prominent in the Masonic order, being a member of Solomon Lodge No. 271. in which he has held all offices. He is al 0 a member of Springfield Chapter No. 15 and has also held all offices, being at this writing high priest.

Clarence S. Mack

By a life of persistent and well applied industry, led along the most honorable lines, Clarence S. Mack has justly earned the right to be represented in a work of the character of the one in hand, along with other progressive men of affairs of Greene county who have made and are making their influence felt in their respective communities. He is widely known as a wholesale dealer in tobacco and other lines, and is a creditable representative of two of the old families of this locality.

Air. Mack was born in Springfield, Missouri, April 7, 1876. He is a son of James B. and Elizabeth (Shackelford) Mack, both natives of Springfield also, the father born in April, 1854, and the mother born in May, 1855, and here they grew to maturity, attended the local schools and have always resided. James B. Mack started in the drug business when only thirteen years of age, for the Hall Drug Company, and he continued successfully in this line for many years. About thirty years ago he began traveling on the road for the Myers Drug Company, of St. Louis, and is still thus engaged, being one of the best known commercial travelers in this portion of the Middle West. His family consists of but two children, Clarence S., of this sketch, and Georgia.

Clarence S. Mack grew to manhood in his native city and here received a high school education. When eighteen years of age he went into the retail cigar business on his own account, and this he continued with gratifying results until 19 10, when he entered the wholesale cigar, tobacco, candy and chewing gum business, also soda fountain supplies. His present place of business is 309 McDaniel avenue, where he has a neat, modernly appointed and attractive store and is carrying on a large and lucrative business which extends over a large portion of the Ozark region.

Mr. Mack was married on April 7, 1906, in Springfield, to Cyrena Jones, who was born in Piatt City, Missouri. She is a daughter of George T. Jones and wife. She received a common school education.

Politically, Mr. Alack is a Republican, lie belongs to the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and is a member of the Christian church. He is a sociable and genial gentleman who is well liked about town.

The James Family

This is one of the earliest pi< neer families in Greene count)-, where, lor a period of three-quarters of a century its members have been active in various circle.-, doing their lull parts in the upbuilding of the locality and leading public-spirited and exemplary lives, so that they have ever borne the best of reputations and haw in every way deserved the material success they have been blessed with, as well a- the high esteem in which they are universally

We first hear of David James, a native el' Wales, who, when a child, crossed the Atlantic ocean to the New World in an old-time sailing vessel, the trip requiring man) week-. Me located in Virginia, from which state he moved to South i arolina, thence to North Carolina, from there to Tennessee, later to Kentucky, then to western Tennessee, where his death occurred. ft is believed he was married in South Carolina to Nancy Atchison. He was a soldier in the Revolutionary war. was wounded in battle and he carried the bullet in his arm the resl of his life. He was a blacksmith by trade. One of liis mar relatives settled in Ohio, and he also had a brother. Enoch, and it is believed that the .Mr. James of President Garfield's cabinet was one of the ( )hio branch of the familv. It was u, Henrv county, Tennessee, that David

Jason R. James

James spent his last days and died in 1842. His wife, Nancy Atchison, was born in Ireland, but when an infant, was brought to South Carolina and there grew up and married. Her brothers were Sirgenner, John. Robert and William Atchison. In later years most of the Atchison family moved to Arkansas, some going on to Texas. Mrs. Nancy ( Atchison) James died on the old homestead in western Tennessee, about 1840. To David and Nancy James these children were born, Thomas; Polly, who married a second cousin by the name of James, from the Ohio branch of the family ; Mrs. Parmelia Wadkins of Kentucky; Mrs. Malinda Hall of Kentucky; Mrs. Aurelia Good, Joseph, John and Robert, all of Tennessee; David was killed when a boy, in Kentucky, by lightning, which struck a tree under which he took refuge during a storm which came up while he was out hunting.

Thomas James was born in South Carolina, December 21, 1792, but he grew up and was educated near the Kentucky and Tennessee line. He served as justice of the peace in Madison county, Tennessee, before removing to Missouri. He was a life long farmer, clearing and developing a good farm from the wilderness. It was in 1835 that he removed with his family to Greene county, Missouri, and his death occurred in Missouri while returning from his old home in Tennessee, on November 9, 1837, when a comparatively young man. He married Nancy (lately and their family consisted of nine children, all of whom are now deceased, namely: Mrs. Parmelia Wallace died in Greene county: Irwin David died when young in d'ennessee ; Levi also died in early life in Tennessee; Mrs. Minerva Putman died in Greene county ; Winfrey died in Oregon after the family moved to Greene county; Aurelia died in this county, November 6, 1844; Jason Robert, born February 2^. 1827, in Madison county, Tennessee. Jason R., seventh child in order of birth, was about eight years old when he removed with the family in December. 1835. to Franklin township, Greene county, Missouri, and here he grew to manhood and was educated and when only ten years of age assumed charge of and farmed the homestead after the death of his father. His mother also died on the homestead here. April 11, 1863, aged about seventy. During the Civil war, Jason R. was a soldier in the Union army under Captain Jenkins, in the Missouri State Militia, and took part in the battle of Springfield, January 8, 1863. After the war he continued farming here until his death at an advanced age, March 21, 1908. The eighth child in order of birth of Thomas and Nancy (Gately) James was Susan Jane, whose death occurred in Greene county, February 1, 1845; Thomas, the youngest child, died April 14, 1858; he was a minister in the Methodist Episcopal church. South. He married Elizabeth Patterson, by whom one child was born, Nancy Arbelia, who now lives on the old James homestead in Franklin township, this county, operating the entire James estate of two hundred acres, and she has one hundred and (69) two acres of her own which she farms with the assistance of her cousin, Robert James, the son of John and Martha (FutrellJ James. Nancy James was educated in the township schools and has lived on the home place most of her life. Winfrey James, mentioned above, was a Methodist minister, having preached all over Greene county, where he was widely known 111 pioneer days, but later moved to the state of Oregon, where he continued preaching and where his death occurred September 17. 1897. He became a presiding elder of a conference of his denomination in that state. He married Sarah Jenkins, first, and later married Jane Williams, after the death of his first wife. The first union was without issue, but four children born of the second marriage, namely: Charles Wesley, who lives in Oregon; John Fletcher lives in that state: Sarah Jane, who married Thomas Bailev, is deceased; for his third wife he married Malinda Baisley and by this union had two children, both living in or near the state of Oregon. Thomas died in early life. Parmelia James, mentioned above, married John Wallace, by whom one child was born. Henry James Wallace, who married Tina Harkne-^. of Franklin township. Greene count}-, and three children were born to this union, namely: Blondville, Mrs. Flora Vaughn is deceased ; Mrs. Lellian Bryan. Blondville Wallace married Pearl Logan and they have two children, Chesney and Flora Lee. Lellian Wallace married Bert Bryan and they have one child. Helen. Minerva James, mentioned above, married Man-el Putman, a farmer, late of Franklin township, and to this union one child was born. Alary Jane Putman. who married Amnion Knighten, a sketch of whom appears on another page of this volume. Both Mr. and .Mrs. Mansel Putman are deceased.

Little is known regarding the Gately ancestry. The great-great-grandfather Mercer seems to have been stolen when a child from his home. |i - ilily in the British Lies, and reared b) seafaring men. taught when a child to assisl "i! a sailing ship, especially in tying knots in the rigging. When lie was supposed to be about twenty-one years of aye lie was given hi- freedom and a tine cup (silver, lined with gold) was presented him, and be took bis own name. It i< believed that he eventually located in the state of Tennessee. His daughter, Jemima, married John Gately. an Italian. In North Carolina, the great-great-grandfather Mercei was living with great-grandfather Gately sometime after the year 170.V The former bid a considerable Mini of money and could not remember where be put it. and thinking bis son-in-law. John Gateb had stolen it. finally killed him. but afterward found the money where he 1 VTero r) had hidden it. Mercer had a son who was at one time a Congressman. Tbe son helped his father out of his trouble without punishment Great-grandmother Gately later moved to Kentucky, where -lie settled. Her children were John. James, Polly, Susan, Nancy, Crecy, Jemima and Phoeba.

Greene C0U Xt V, Missouri. Io9I

|iihn married Rebecca Watt and one of his sons was named John i lately also. Polly married William Atchison, a brother of great-grandmother James. Susie married William Jenkins. Nancy married Thomas James. Crecy married William Tedford. Jemima married Sam Bradshaw. Phoeba married Jesse Grace.

Emsley L. Bodenhamer

By a life consistent in motive and action and because of his many commendable personal qualities. Emsley L. Bodenhamer, for many years a successful farmer and stock raiser in Greene county, who is now connected with one of the leading implement houses of Springfield, lias earned the sincere reeard of all who know him. He came from an ancestry that distinguished itself in pioneer times, having had in them that unrest of the old world races that drives humanity ever westward on its great adventure, globegirdlers and zone-conquerors. His progenitors were courageous, large-muscled, a stolid sort of people, in whom acute imagination was coupled with immense initiative, and who possessed, withal, loyalty and affection as sturdy as their own strength. He has inherited many of their commendable attributes.

Mr. Bodenhamer was born on December 27. 1872, five miles east of Springfield, on the old homestead. He is a son of Andrew J. and Charlotte Elizabeth (Wharton) Bodenhamer, the former a native of Greene county and the latter of South Carolina, from which state she came to Missouri overland in an early day with her parents. The parents of Andrew J. Bodenhamer were among the pioneer settlers of Greene county, locating on a farm which they developed by hard work, enduring the usual hardships of life on the frontier. On the farm our subject's father grew up and worked when a boy, and he attended the early-day schools in his vicinity. He has devoted his life successfully to general farming, in which he is still engaged. He and his wife are both now advanced in years. His farm formerly consisted of one hundred and sixty acres, but is now only one hundred acres, he having disposed of the balance, not caring to be burdened with so much land in his old age. During the Civil war he enlisted, in 1861. in the Eighth Missouri Volunteer Infantry, in Springfield, and he served three years in a faithful and gallant manner.

The subject of this sketch grew up on the home farm and there he assisted his father with the general work when a boy, and in the winter months he attended the common schools in Seymour and his native vicinitv. He made his start in life on the farm. When twenty years of age he went to Tulare, California, where he spent three years, then returned to Greene county and resumed farming on a place containing two hundred and ten acres, near the old homestead. He continued general farming and stock raising on a large scale for eight or nine years, then sold out and moved to Springfield, in 1906, bought city property and went to work for the Diffenderffer Implement Company, at Market and Walnut streets, and has been employed by this firm continuously to the present time. He has proven to be a most energetic, capable and trustworthy employee and has drawn a great deal of trade for the firm.

Mr. Bodenhamer was married on December 18, 1895, to Mattie L. Quisenberry, who was born in Greene county. Missouri, June 10, 1878, and here she grew to womanhood and was educated. She is a daughter of Elcano and Ellen ( Vandergrift) Quisenberry.

One child has been born to our subject and wife, Minnie K. Bodenhamer, whose birth occurred on June 28, 1897. She is attending the State Normal School here and is taking a course in music, having decided natural ability in this line.

Louis X. Bassett

Every human being either submits to the controlling influence of others or wields an influence which loaches, controls, guides or misdirects others. If he be honest and successful in his chosen field of endeavor, investigation will brighten his fame and point the way along which others may follow with like success. Consequently a critical study of the life record of the gentleman whose name forms the caption hi tins paragraph may be beneficial to the reader, for it has been one of usefulness and honor and indicates how one may rise to positions of responsibility in the industrial world while yet young in years if he directs his energies along proper paths and is controlled b) pn 'per ideals.

Louis X. Bassett, superintendent of terminals of the Frisco Lines at Springfield, is a worthy representative of a distinguished family, lie w:as born August jo. 1874, in Allen county, Ohio, and is a son of Samuel II. and Mary (Whipp) Bassett. The father of our subject was born in Ohio, in October, 1848, and there grew to manhood and received a limited education, and there he married and spent his earlier years. His wife was also horn and reared in the stale of Ohio and was educated there, the date of her birth being in September, 1850. To these parents eight children were born, namely: Ollis O., Mrs. Rosie Buchanan, Sarah (deceased), Louis N. (subject), Clara, Samuel, Jr., DeWitt and Glen.

Samuel H. Bassett is a line example of a successful self-made American. He made up for his early lack of education of a higher order by wide home study and by contact with the world until he became an exceptionally well informed man. and, choosing a military career, has attained a prominent place in the United States navy, having been connected with the navy department since 1896, and is now occupying the responsible position of auditor of the navy, with offices in Washington, D. C, and is discharging his duties in a manner that reflects much credit upon himself and to the satisfaction of his superiors in that department. During the Civil war he joined the Federal army in the fall of 1863 and served very gallantly as a private in the Twenty-seventh Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Company I. He saw a ereat deal of active service in the far South, and was with General Sherman in his campaign about Atlanta ami was on the memorable inarch to the sea. At the close of the war he was mustered out and honorably discharged. Many years ago he worked in the internal revenue department in northwestern Ohio and from that went into the navy, in which his rise has been rapid. He has shown much natural ability, and this, combined with keen observing powers and the fact that he has been a diligent student of everything that pertained to his work, has made him very efficient as well as popular in this branch of the government service, and he is popular and well liked in government circles in Washington. He is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic and belongs to the Knights of Pythias.

Louis N. Bassett grew to manhood in Allen county, Ohio, and there received a good common school education, later studying at the Ohio State Normal, at Ada, that state. He began his railroad career in 1896 in Kansas City, Missouri, as messenger boy for the Frisco in the terminal department there, and he has remained with this road to the present time. Being diligent, quick to learn, faithful and reliable in all his work, he has been promoted until he now holds a very responsible position. He became chief clerk in that department, which position he occupied until in 1908, when he was appointed superintendent of terminals at Springfield, and has since held this post in a manner that has proven him to be entirely capable and worthy of the high degree of trust and esteem in which he is held by the company. He looks after the operation of trains, both passenger and freight, also the yards, tracks and station. He is regarded as one of the best men, in this particular field, the Frisco has ever had. and he is frequently complimented by his superiors for his efficient and prompt work.

Mr. Bassett was married April 3, 1895, m Ohio, to Genevieve Murray, who was born in Allen county, that state, where she was reared and well edu- cated. She is a daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth (Depler) Murray. Mr. Murray was one of the oldest residents of Allen county and was twice married and reared a large family. To his second wife eight children were born, three of whom were triplets. Dr. Robert D. Murray, the brother of our subject's wife, was, at one time, government physician, specializing in yellow fever, and was United States surgeon for many years and was located at Ship Island, Mississippi, for a time, and then went to Macon, Georgia, and was instrumental in wiping out the yellow fever epidemic at New Brunswick, Georgia, and in 1903 died in Key West, Florida.

Politically, Mr. Bassett is a Republican. Fraternally, he is a member of the Masonic order, including the blue lodge and other degrees of the Ancient Arabic Order of Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, and including the latter. He is active in the affairs of the order, in which he stands high. Religiously, he is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. Personally, he is a man of fine character, is a good mixer, and has made a host of friends since locating in Springfield.

Charles J. Drury

There is a great deal in being born under a good eye, one that watches and guards off the error and folly that overtake so many young men. The parents thai are able to infuse into their children the spirit of the Spartans - the spirit that can meet any fate and make the most of the world - will see their children grow to years of maturity with excellent habits and splendid principles, and see them become exemplary citizens. Charles J. Drury, former superintendent of the North Side machine shops for the Frisco, and a man who had an envied record in his special line of endeavor, although a young man. was fortunate in having broad-minded, honest and painstaking parent-, so dial he looked out upon the world from a sane, intelligent and comprehensive viewpoint.