Grundy County, Missouri - Biographical sketches (2 of 8 so headed), 1881 (part 1 of 3)

Biographical sketches

"Was born upon a farm in Boone county, Missouri, on the 23d of July, 1818. On the farm he continued to live until reaching his twenty-second year, receiving such education as the common schools of his native county afforded. Leaving Boone county in 1840 he came to Grundy county and settled in Trenton, then a very small village, and engaged in a general mercantile business with John Graham as a partner, under the name and style of Graham & Austin, In this business he continued, with few changes in the firm, until 1859, when he became associated with Messrs. Jacob T. Tindall and John H. Shanklin in the law and brokerage business, under the firm name of Tindall, Shanklin & Austin. This firm transacted business until 1862, when by the death of Colonel Tindall at the battle of Shiloh, the firm of Shanklin & Austin was established, and still carries on an extensive banking and legal business, Mr. Austin having the general management of the banking department. Mr. A. has never sought political notoriety or preferment, but has always interested himself in the building up and general prosperity of Trenton.

Mr. Austin was united in the marriage bonds to Miss Susan Collier, in 1847. By this union they have a family of six children, named, respectively, Sarah Frances, now Mrs. William W. Ilubbell, of Trenton; Eliza, now Mrs. N. Shanklin, of Trenton; William E., cashier of Shanklin & Austin's bank; Laura, now Mrs. James Carnes, of Trenton; Lizzie, now Mrs. E. M. Harber, of Trenton; and Alice, now Mrs. J. H. Hughes, of Trenton. Mrs. Austin is a worthy member of the Christian Church of Trenton.

Asher Brothers

This firm consists of M. C. and H. B. Asher, both natives of Muskingum county, Ohio. M. C. was born March 27, 1851, and H. B., March 3, 1853. They came to Grund}^ county with their parents in 1869, settling on a large tract of land eight miles northeast of Trenton, Mdiere they lived with their parents and helped to improve the farm imtil they began life for themselves. Before leaving home they had received a good common education. The senior, M. C, began teacliing when nineteen years of age, and when twenty, his father gave him a tract of land adjoining the homestead, of which he made a good farm and still owns it. March 14, 1871, he married Miss Georgiana McMillen, of Muskingum county, Ohio, and began housekeeping on his new farm. Living there until 1875 lie rented the place out and came to Trenton to represent his father in the firm of Miller & Asher, and the same in their successors, Asher & Murphy, until 1879, when the present firm established themselves in business. He has one child, Orville. H. B., the junior member of the firm, remained on the homestead until 1876, when he came to Trenton and began learning the tinner's trade with Miller & Asher, working witli them and their successors, Asher & Murphy, until 1879, when the present firm of Asher Brotliers was formed. December 24, 1876, he married Miss Elizabeth Humphrey, of Grundy county.

William R. Berry was born in McConnelsville, Ohio, April 14, 1840, and was there reared and received an elementarv education in the common and high schools of McCoinielsvillc, afterward attending the State University at Ann Arbor, Michigan, from which institution lie graduated in 1860. lieturning home he at once entered upon the study of medicine under Dr. John Ewing, of McConnelsville, in whose office he remained three years. In 1864 he volunteered his services as army surgeon, and became assistant surgeon in the hospital department, under General W. T. Sherman in his celebrated march to the sea, remaining until the capture of Atlanta, in the fall of 1804, when he resumed his studies, graduating a doctor of medicine from the Michigan State ITniversit}', at Ann Arbor, in the spring of 1865. Immediately after his graduation he came west and settled in Trenton, and entered upon the practice of medicine and surgery, remaining three years, and removing in 1868 to Macon City, Missouri, where he continued practice until 1872. In this latter year he went to New York Oity and completed a full course in the medical department of the university of that city, and graduating therefrom in the spring of 1873. From New York he went to Edinburgh, Scotland, entered the medical department of the Edinburgh University, passed an examination in the fall of 1873, and received a certificate of membership to the Koyal College of Phj'sicians and Surgeons - an honorary degree. Returning to Macon City in the spring of 1874, he for a time gave up the practice of his profession, invested in mining stocks, and gave his attention to interests connected with the mines of southwest Missouri, in which business he was engaged for four years. In the spring of 1878 Dr. Berry again located in Trenton, and once more entered upon the practice of medicine, in which city he yet resides, and continues practice.

Dr. Berry was married in McConnelsville, Ohio, on November 1, 1860, to Miss Elizabeth Dunlap, of that place. They have a family of three children, named, respectively, Annie E., Corydon L., and William L. Dr. Berry is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and became a master mason in Trenton Lodge No. Ill, in the year 1867.

Hon. A. H. Burkeholder

Abraham Hudson Burkeholder was born at Dillsbury, York county, Pennsylvania, June 27th, 1835. When he was four years of age his parents moved to Perry county, and settled on a farm near Newport, where he enjoyed the advantages of the neighborhood common school until his nineteenth year, when he began the battle of life for himself. He went on the Juniata Canal as a boat driver and soon became a bowsman and steersman. In a few months, however, he was taken down with a malarial fever, from which he did not recover for nearly a year, and this event was the turning point in his life, as he entered the Markleville Normal Institute in his twentieth year, where he graduated, receiving the second honors of his class, in his twenty-fourth year. He had no capital but his love of knowledge and a determination to obtain it by his habits of industry and economy.

By teaching scliool and otlier labor, he paid for liis own education. After graduating he entered tlie law ofBce of Mclntire & Son at Blooralield. Pennsylvania, in April, 1860, where he read law, and at the April term of the Common Pleas Court, in 1862, was admitted to the bar. In the meantime his father had moved to Ohio, near Toledo, and he immediately followed him. He had been a Democrat up to this time and had voted the Douglas ticket in 1860, but here he cut loose from old party lines and afterward acted in harmony with the administration of Lincoln, and made speeches against the rebellion. On December 25th, 1862, he married Miss Rebecca Ada "Waltner, of Putnam county, Ohio. They have a family of two children living, Poe and Xorton. He taught school during the fall of 1862 and winter of 1863, at the close of which he took the field and made recruiting speeches for the Union army, and in June, 1863, enlisted as a private soldier in the Eighty-eighth Ohio volunteer infantry. He was successively promoted till he became quartermaster of the One Hundred and Seventy-ninth Ohio volunteer infantry. He served till the close of the war, receiving his discharge at Kashville, Tennessee, when he returned to his home in Ohio, but immediately turned his eyes westward and moved to Missonri with his family, and settled in Trenton, where he at once began the practice of his profession. In the year 1866 he was elected as a Republican to the ofiice of probate judge and ex officio president of the County Court, for the term of four years. In 1872 he was elected j^rosecuting attorney of the county, and in 1876 was elected to the State senate from the Fifth district, on the Republican ticket. On entering the senate Mr. Burkeholder at once took hold of legislation with a w-ill and determination to make himself felt, introducing a number of important measures the first session and carrying several through successfullj^ He was a member of the committee on criminal jurisprudence and four other standing committees, and during the first session was i-egarded as a hard-working, zealous member, bnt as a member of the Thirtieth General Assembly, with the expe_ rience of the first session, he took rank above the average senator. In addition to other committees, he was made chairman of the committee to revise all the taxation and assessment laws relating to railroads. He is the author of the law relating to the right to increase the levy for the support of schools and erecting school-buildings, and of the act of 1879 directing the State board of equalization to make a back tax assessment on all the railroads in the State for the 3^ear 1873, but the law was not enforced and the State lost from seventy-five to one hundred thousand dollars in taxes that the railroads owed the State. Passing by a number of his bills that became parts of the statutes, his services in procuring the charter of the Quincy, Missouri & Pacific Railroad extended for the term of three years and were invaluable. His incessant labors saved the bill from defeat and thereby enabled the railroad company to go on building the road west from Kirks- ville, and the people of Grundy now enjoy the completion of the road to Trenton, which will before long become a fijreat throuf^h line. He possesses an enterprising spirit, always working in the interest of good society, and to build up the cmnmunity and for the spread of education. He became president of the board of trustees of Grand lliver College in 1876 and he still fills that position.

Was born in Collinsville, Illinois, June 7, 1838. His father dying when he was only eight years old, he lived with his mother, remaining at home with her until he was twenty-six years old. He was educated in the common schools in Illinois, which he completed with a course in the high school at Lindley, Missouri, in 1868. With his mother and brother James, he came to Missouri in 1857, and settled in Lindley, Marion township, Grundy county. In 1858 he and his brother embarked in the mercantile business at Lindley, under the lirm name of J. M. Bailey & Brother. Retiring from the iirm in 1862, he went to California, and settled in Sierra county, and engaged in ranching and farming until 1866, then sold out and went to Porno, Mendocino county, California, and engaged in the mercantile business. In 1869 he returned to Lindley, Missouri, and became the successor of James Winters in the mercantile business, wdiich he carried on at Lindley until 1870. That year he sold out and came to Trenton, and became associated with liis brother in the firm of James M. Bailey & Company, changing the firm name to L. D. Bailey & Compan3^ In the fall of 1872 he sold his interest in the firm to his brother, and again visited California, and engaged in hotel keeping at Ukiah, the county seat of Mendocino county, and continued the business until the fall of 1874, and then once more returned to Grundy county, and again associated himself with his brother in the mercantile business at Trenton, under the name of J. M, Bailey & Company. Retiring from the firm in 1878, he opened a millinery and fancy goods store in Trenton, and carried it on for two years, when he became proprietor of the Elmore House, of Trenton, of which he is still proprietor. In January, 1862, Mr. Bailey married Miss Eliza D. Hayden, of Lindley, from whom he was divorced in 1880. They became the parents of five children; namely, Eli B., Laura, Clarence, Otto and Lulu. Eli B., Laura and Lulu are living with their mother in Davilla, Texas, and supported by their father. On February 29, 1880, Mr. Elmore married Miss C. W. Bowen, of Trenton.

Richard E. Boyce

Richard E. Boyce was born on a farm in Daviess connty, Missouri, IM^ovember 18, 1847. When he was ten years old his parents came to Grundy county and settled in Harrison township, and afterward in Washington towiisliip. He worked on the farm until sixteen years of age, when he began teaching school, having attended the district school of the township and taken a three 3'ears' course in Grand River College at Edinbnrg, Grundy county. He continued teaching, in Mercer and Grundy counties, up to 1867, when he accepted a clerkship in the store of W. W. Brooks in Trenton, remained one year, and then accepted a similar situation with Bozman & Carnes, of the same place, continuing with them until they sold out in 1869, and remaining with their successor, James M. Bailey, until 1872, in which year he was elected sheriff of Grundy county, and held that position for two consecutive terms. In 1876 he was elected county treasurer, and while so officiating was also engaged in the mercantile business at Trenton, from which he retired in the spring of 1878. In the spring of 1879 he again engaged in the mercantile business at Trenton, being associated with W. T. Wisdom, under name of R. E. Boyce & Company. In the spring of 1880 Mr. Wisdom sold his interest to J. M. Bailey, when the present firm of R. E, Boyce <&: Co. was formed. In 1871 Mr. Boyce was united in marriage to Miss Euphemia Leeper, of Grundy county. They have three children by this union; namely, Dorinda, Edwin L. and Mattie.

Melvin Bingham, prosecuting attorney of Grundy county, was born near Waukegan, in Lake county, Illinois, July 4, 1854. When two years old his parents removed to Bremer county, Iowa, and settled on a farm, where he lived with them until eigliteen years of age. He obtained an elementary education in the common schools of Bremer county, and finished it in the Upper Iowa University, at Fayette, entering this institution in the fall of 1872, and attending four years, taking a scientific and commercial course, and graduating in 1876. After leaving the universit}^ he taught school, as he had previously done. He continued to teach until the fall of 1877, when he came to Missouri for his health, and visited at Trenton, returninof home in March, 1878. In May of the same year he came back to Trenton, and began the study of law in tlie office of Shanklin, Low & McDougal, studying with them until April, 1879, wlien he was admitted to the bar. He remained with the above firm until January, 1880, when he established an office of his own, and has built up a lucrative practice. Although a young man, his talents are appreciated, and he lias been called into public service by the voice of his fellow citizens, having been elected prosecuting attorney of Grundy county, in November, 1880, On the 15th of December, 1880, he was united in marriage to Miss Florence Ohmart, daughter of 0. Ohmart, of Trenton, Missouri.

Libanus Ballinger was born on a farm near Chillicothe, Missouri, January 9, 1851, where he lived with his parents until his sixteenth year, and -then went to Cliillicotlic and served an apprenticesliip of three years to learn the art of ])liotographing, with Louis Moberly, after which he went to Boone county, Missouri, and spent a j'ear with liis brotlier. In 1869 lie came to Trenton and bought out a photograph gallery; pursuing that business until 1871, he sold out and accepted a clerkship in the Trenton post-office, under Postmaster David Crook, and held it until the spring of 1874, when he went to Palmyra, Missouri, and was employed in the bookstore of F. Krummel until February, 1875. Accepting a position as traveling salesman for E. S. Poppin & Company, of St. Louis, he was in their employ until the following July, when he returned to Trenton, and in October was employed by Boyles & Bowen, lumber dealers, as book-keeper, remaining with them until March, 1877. Again accepting a clerkship in the Trenton post-office, (under the same postmaster) he held the position for two years. In March, 1879, he established his present business, dealing in books, stationery and notions, and is building up a good trade. On the 13th of September, 1876, Mr. Ballinger married Miss Albina S. Devereaux, of Palmyra, Missouri. They have one child, Leon D., born in Trenton, June 18, 1878. Mr. B. is a member of the I. O. O. F. and A. O. U. W. orders.

The present genial circuit clerk and recorder of Grundy county, was born in Coshocton county, Ohio, November 29, 1833. He was reared in his native county, and began life for himself in 1851, engaging in the photographing business, which he followed until 1856 or '57. In 1853, March 13th, he was joined in marriage to Miss Anna Green, of Coshocton county, Ohio, who died at Trenton, May 27, 1877. In 1857 our subject went to Illinois and lived in the cities of Peoria and Fulton, where he was engaged in carpentering until 1867, in which year he came to Grundy county. Settling on a piece of wild land he improved and lived upon it until 1875, and, with farming, was also engaged, to some extent, in raising hedge plants. In 1875 he rented his farm and came to Trenton, having been elected circuit clerk and recorder the previous year. In 1878 he was elected his own successor, and is now worthily serving his second term. His great popularity deserves mention, for having been twice elected, as Grundy county is strongly Republican and he is a Democrat, and was defeated when brought out by his party for the election of sheriff in 1872. December 1, 1878, Mr. Berry married Mrs. Sallie H. Miles, of Linn county, Missouri. He has six children - all by his first wife; viz., William W., of Kansas City; John, clerk in the store of Boyce & Co., in Trenton; Marj^, living at home; Frank, clerking for M. S. Fl^-nn in Trenton; and Cora and Jennie, living at home.

Mrs. Nancy Benson

settled near Kejtesville, Chariton county, until 1844, when tliey came to Grundy county and permanently located on a farm near Trenton. On the 5th of January, 1851, she became the wife of James G. Benson, who was one of the pioneers, and a prominent citizen of Grundy county. Mr. Benson was born in Maryland in 1813, and came to Grundy county in 1836. In 1865 he was appointed county judge by the governor, and in 1877 was presiding justice of the county court of Grundy county, and held that otKce up to the time of his death, which occurred November 22, 1878. Mr. and Mrs. Benson were the parents of four children: Lou Emma, wife of Mr. Bert Tomlinson, of Trenton; William T.; Ruth, wife of J. W. Proctor, of Trenton; and Charles. Mrs. Benson, since her husband's death, has owned and conducted the Union House, of Trenton.

Gustav Earth

Was born in Illingen, Prussia, June 19, 1857, and was educated in the high school of the city of Illingen, completing the higher branches in. tlie Hebrew Seminary of the same city. When fifteen years of age he came to the United States, and on his arrival, in 1872, accepted a position as salesman in the store of his brotliers, J. and V. Barth, at Columbia, Missouri, and continued with them three years. In 1875 he came to Trenton and engaged in business with his brother, under the firm name of Simon Y. Barth & Co., and dealino- in clothino' and a^entlemen's furnishino: g^oods. He is also associated with his brother, at Atchison, Kansas, where they are doing business as S. Y. Barth & Co. He was reared, and still adheres to the Jewish faith and worship.

John Buckley

Was born at Lindsay, Province of Ontario, Canada, August 8, 1840, where he was reared, attended the common schools and served an apprenticeship of three years to learn the blacksmith's trade under John Thirkell, an extensive and prosperous carriage-maker of that place. After the expiration of his apprenticeship he was employed in the same shops as journeyman three years. In 1863 he came to the United States and was emploj'ed in the shop of T. D. Demorest, of Unionville, New York, in the agricultural works of Seymore, Allen & Co., of Brockport, same State, in the car manufacturing shops of L. Gill & Son, of ColunibuS, Ohio, and in the shops of the Atlantic & Great Western R. R. Co., at Cleveland, Ohio, going to Chicago in May, 1S66, where he was employed in the shops of the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific R. R. Co. There he worked until 1872, when he was promoted to the foremanship of the company's blacksmith shops at Trenton, Missouri, under R. O. Carscadin, master mechanic. October, 13, 1872, he married Miss Rose M. Coughlin, of Chicago. Tiiey have one child, Anna Elizabeth, two yeai-s old, and born in Trenton. Mr. and Mrs. Buckley are members of St. Joseph's Catholic Church of Trenton.

W. C. Benson

William C- Benson was born on a farm near Snow Hill, the county seat of Worcester, county, Maryland, on the 2(1 of September, 1820. Ilis mother dying when he was two years old, and his father when he was ten, our subject was placed in care of an uncle living near his native place. With this uncle he remained until he reached the age of fifteen years, having worked on the farm except such time as he attended the district school in winter. In 1836 he accompanied his uncle in his removal to Missouri, stopping at Lexington, the county seat of Fayette county, where he remained until the following fall, and then struck out for the Grand River country, and settled near where Trenton now is, then in the county of Livingston. When nineteen years old he started out to make his own living, securing employment at splitting rails by the hundred, which he shortly gave up to accept a situation at driving a breaking plow at $10 per month, continuing that business until he became of age. At that time he began to learn the carpenter's trade, and worked at the business for fifteen years, when, in 1856, he went into the store of G. M. Cooper & Co., of Trenton, as clerk, and remained three or four years. This firm sold out to Harris & Cook, with whom he remained a short time, and then accepted a similar situation in the store of Parker & Chandler. In the employment of this firm he continued until 1861, when he received the appointment of deputy sheriff under Edson P. Harding, served about six months, then accepted a position in the store of G. W. Moberly, which he held until 1877, and was next in the employ of D. M. Rice & Sons, successors to Mr. Moberly. In 1868 he embarked in the mercantile business on liis own account, and the following year John A. Shanklin became his partner, under the firm name of W. C. Benson & Co. This firm continued to do business until the spring of 1871:, when Mr. Shanklin retired, and Edward A. Benson succeeded him, under the name and style of W. C. Benson & Son, and they still continue to carry on a large business, averageing annually about $25,000. During the time Mr. Benson was in the employ of Mr. Moberly, and afterward, he was elected and reelected treasurer of Grundy county, serving in that capacity eight years. He is a prominent member of the I. O. O. F., and has filled all the offices in the subordinate lodge, and is now deputy grand master of his district.

Mr. Benson has twice been united in matrimony; the first time to Miss Elizabeth Walker, of Tennessee, in 1811. This lady died in 1865, leaving her husband three children; namely, Beatrice, now Mrs. Erwin Dunlap; Ruth, now Mrs. John A. Shanklin; and Edward A., of the firm of W. C. Benson & Son.

Mr. Benson was county treasurer during the war, and owing to tlie troublous times, when the war waged liercely and bushwhacking parties raided the country, he was in constant fear of being robbed of the county funds in his keeping. He at last tlirew the key of the safe away, so that if he should be called on for it, he could not surrender it or tell where it was. Mr. Benson is a member of the Baptist Cluirch.

Isaac Coles was born on a farm near Deerfield, Portage county, 01no> October 1st, 1819. His ftither was of New Jersey birth and his mother was a native of Massachusetts. Wlien Isaac was six months old his father removed to Pennsylvania, and settled upon a farm he had traded for on Scrubgrass Creek, in Venango count}^ fifteen miles from Franklin, the county seat. Here little Isaac, when old enough, attended his first school, trudffinff alon^ for a mile and a half through the unbroken forest to the temple of learning, which consisted of a rude log school-house with bench seats, the backs of which was the invigorating atmosphere which whistled through the cracks of the structure. The teacher was supported by subscriptions from the patrons, but these sums were never large enough to enable him to acquire fabulous wealth by his labors. Isaac attended this school until the spring of 1832, when his father sold the farm and removed to the western part of Mercer county, in the same State, and they lived upon a farm bordering upon the Shenango River, for one year. From here the family removed to Hartford, Trumbull county, Ohio, where Isaac attended the district schools a short time and then went to live with the family of Mr. Seth Hayes, at Burgh Hill, in the same county, working during the summer and in the winter attending the select school at Burgh Hill. When fifteen years old he entered the academy at Farmington, in Trumbull county^ and the winter he was sixteen taught school at Brookfield. From this time on he continued to teach in winter and .study in summer for some six years, when in the spring of 1838 he entered the office of Dr. Joseph Truesdale, of Poland, Mahoning county, Ohio, and began the study of medicine. The following summer he taught three months in Poland, and the next winter conducted a select school in Bourbon county, Kentucky, returning to Dr. Truesdale's office the ensuing spring. The winter of 1840 found him teaching in Rossville, Butler county, Ohio, and employing his leisure moments perusing medical works borrowed from a neighboring physician. He presided over the school at Kew Harmony, Indiana, the winter of 1841, and the following spring returned to Dr. Truesdale's ofiice, where he I'emained until the school season and then went to Brookfield, Ohio, thus teaching his last school at the same place he first officiated. The summer of 1842 lie read medicine with and assisted Dr. Joseph Cowden, of Lowell, Ohio, and the next fall attended to the practice of Dr. Wood, of Pulaski, Mercer county, Pennsylvania, durini>^ the doctor's absence. He attended tlic sessions of 1843 and 1844 of tlie "Willonghby Medical College, and in tlie spring of the latter year began practice at Milton, in Trunibnll county, Ohio, removing the next year to Palmyra, Portage county, in the same State^ where he practiced his profession until August, 1860, and then located at Pilot Knob, Iron county, Missouri, practicing there up to the latter i)art of 18()2, when owing to troubles growing out of the civil war he returned to the land of tlie I'uckeye and settled in Shalersville, Portage county. "While living upon his farm in Portage county, in 1864, Dr. Coles entered the army as a volunteer surgeon, and was immediately sent to the front to attend upon the wounded in Eosecrans's army at Chattanooga, Tennessee. He attended the course of lectures of 1866-67 of the Charity Hospital Medical School, at Cleveland, Ohio, from which institution he graduated. In the spring of 1867 Dr. Coles retraced his steps to Missouri and located in Trenton, where he has since resided and secured a large and extensive practice in the various branches of his profession. Shortly after his arrival in Trenton he was associated with Dr. Wm. R. Berry, until that gentleman's removal to Macon City. Dr. Coles is a frequent contributor to the press, and in 1876 composed and read the centennial poem at the grand fourth of July 'celebration of that year. He still holds the position of examining surgeon of Grundy county, having been appointed in 1867. He has served two terms in the city council, and for four years was director of the public schools of Trenton and was also treasurer when the high school was erected. Dr. Coles cast his first vote for Martin Yan Buren in 1840, and remained a member of the Democratic party up to the time of the repeal of the Missouri Compromise and the Kansas- Nebraska agitation, when he entered and assisted in the organization of the Bepublican party, voting for Fremont in 1856 and Garfield in 1880.

Dr. Coles was united in marriage in Shalersville, Portage county, Ohio, August 1st, 1847, to Miss Elizabeth Viets, daughter of Chauncey and Clarissa Viets. The issue of this union was two children: Vietta, now Mrs. H. H. Lord; and Fiat - both of Ohio birth. Dr. Coles's father died in 1841 and his mother in 1847.

Clemens Augustus Conrads is a native of Prussia, and was born February IS, 1838, in the city of Coblentz, which takes its names from its situation at the confluence of the Phine and Moselle rivers. He received an education in the common schools of his birthplace, and worked with his father as a machinist until he reached his twentieth j'ear, when he emigrated to the United States, and located at Lindley, in Grundy county, in May of 1858, where he engaged in the stove and tinware business with his brotlrer, F. C. Conrads, who had preceded him to this country some four years. Retiring from the firm on account of ill health, in 1862 he made a trip to Nevada and California, where he, for a short time, engaged in mining. Returning to Grundy county in 1865 his brother had removed to Trenton, where he again became a partner under the firm name of Conrads & Bro., which firm still conducts a general stove and tinware business. In 1866 Mr. Conrads married Miss Annie E. Lowen, of Trenton. By this marriage they have four children, Lena, Rupert, Kate and Ralph. Mr. Conrads is conservative Democrat in politics. Was a member of the city council from 1870 to 1872; in 1873 was elected county judge, reelected in 1877, and served until 1879. At the time of his visit to California, and before, he suftered severely from chills and fever, which usually attacked him in July and remained with him "closer than a brother" until February, but his trip across the plains proved a panacea for all his ills, and from the date of his return his health has been excellent.

Luther Colliek

The present mayor of Trenton, was born in the town of Fayette, Howard county, Missouri, June 19, 1842. His father, William Collier, was the contractor and builder of the Grundy count}' court-house, at Trenton, and was in Trenton at the time of his son's birth, making arrangements for the removal of his family to that place. In April, 1843, the family took up their residence in Trenton, where the subject of this sketch was reared, receiving an education in the common schools and high school of Trenton. This latter institution was at that time under the charge of Prof. Joseph Ficklin, now professor of mathematics in the State University. Mr. Collier graduated in the fall of 1859, and in 1860 became assistant instructor at the high school under Prof. W. D. SteNvart, principal, and continued until May, 1861. In the summer of the same year he opened a select school in Trenton, and taught one month, when he gave it up to a young lady, and enlisted in the Missouri State militia for six months. He was mustered out in March, 1862, and resumed teaching in Trenton, but after a three months' term, again enlisted in tlie service of his country, this tinje in company B, of the Twenty-third regiment of Missouri volunteer infantry. He was successively promoted fifth sergeant, orderly sergeant and captain, but before receiving his commission as captain of company A, of the Twenty-third, he was detailed as acting adjutant of the regiment, and while in discharge of liis duties was cut off* from mail, facilities, and so failed to get his commission until mustered out of the service in Washington City, in June, 1866. Adjutant Collier was an active participant in the battle of Peach Tree Creek, Georgia, the siege of Atlanta, and battle of Jonesborough, Georgia, the fight at Bentonville, North Carolina, besides a number of others, and accompan- General W. T. Sherman in his fiimous march from Atlanta to the sea. Returning to Ti-enton after his honorable discharge from service, he accepted a clerkshij) in a store, which he held but a short time when he became assis- tant deputy in the county clerk's office, continuini^ until 18G8. lie then began tiie study of hivv in the office of Shanklin, Austin & lierrick. February, 1870, he was admitted to tlie bar, and in 1871 opened an office in Trenton and began tlie practice of hiw. With the exception of the winters of 1871 and 1872, when he was docket clerk of the House of Ilepresentatives, at Jelferson City, lie lias continued uninterruptedly in the practice ot his profession, lie has held several offices of trust at the hands of the people, having been elected clerk of the school-board for seven years in succession, city attorney of Trenton for six years, cit}'^ clerk from 1869 to 1880, when he was elected mayor, which office he now holds.

Mr. Collier has been twice nuxrried. The first time to Miss Martha B. Carter, of Trenton, who was taken from him by death, June 16, 1878. By this union his tireside was blessed with five interesting children, named, respectively, Annie D., Oscar L., Kate, Jewett aTul Luther. His second wife. Miss Fannie Browner, of Clinton county, became Mrs. Luther Collier, October 29, 1879. They have one child, Leland H. Mr. and Mrs. Collier are members of the Christian Church of Trenton, of which church the first Mrs. Collier was also a devout member.

Dr. James Cooper

James Cooper was born near Carver's Ferry, in Madison county, Kentucky, on the 19th of February, 1814, where he w^as reared to manhood, and received a common school education. In 1837 he miirrated to Missouri and taught school three months in Boone county, and then began the study of medicine under Dr. Wilcox, of Rocheport, in the same county. He continued to study, alternating with school-teaching, until 1839, when he removed to Linneus, Linn county, Missouri, and practiced for five years, removing to Trenton in 1844. Here he formed a ])artnership with Dr. Thompson, and practiced with him for one year, then opened an office alone, and has attended to the arduous duties of an extensive pi-actice for thirtyeight years, four of which, from 1854 to 1858, he was associated with Dr. E. Harris. Li 1861 he was commissioned army surgeon, and placed in charge of the hospitals at Chillicothe and Trenton, holding this position until 1863, when he resigned and removed to Canton, Illinois, where he acquired a large practice during his six years' residence. He returned to Trenton in 1869, continuing his residence and practice there since.

On the 10th of August, 1837, Dr. Cooper was joined in wedlock to Miss Mary Ann E. Harris, daughter of Major Robert Harris, of Madison county, Kentucky. Three children were the fruits of this union; namely, Ann E., now Mrs. R. A. Collier, of Trenton; Eberle 15., present deputy count;- clerk of Grundy county; and Nanjiie J., now Mrs. W. S. H. Marsh, of Trenton. Dr. and Mrs. Cooper are members of long standing of the Methodist Episcopal Church of Trenton.

J. E. Carter

John E. Carter was born near Lafayette, Tippecanoe county, Indiana, December|31st, 1836. He grew up in the Hoosier State, and learned the trade of !)lac'ksnii thing:. In 1854 the family migrated to Missouri and settled in Trenton,5w]iere the subject of this sketch began business on his own resources by engaging in blacksmithing, in which he continued until 1863, excepting the time he served as captain in tlie Missouri State militia, in 1862. In the latter part of 1863 he launched his bark upon the journalistic sea by purchasing the Grand River Repuhlicmi, which he edited and published only a short time, then sold out and returned to his business of blacksmithing to which he added wagon and carriage making, carrying on the business until 1879, when he accepted a position as traveling salesman for Semley Bro., of Quincy, Illinois. With this firm he remained only a sliort time, then returned to Trenton and in 1880 was elected treasurer of Grundy county, which position he is at present acceptably filling. In May of the year last named he purchased an interest in the Trenton Weekly Star, and was elected editor of that paper by the stockholders. Mr. Carter continued to edit the Star until July 28th, 1881, when lie retired, having won during his occupancy of the chair editorial a wide reputation as a bright and popular waiter. After retiring from the newspaper business, he once more began \voi-k at his trade of blacksmithing and carriage making, in which 'he is still engaged.

Mr. Carter was united in marriage to Miss Mary J. Wethered, of Alpha, Missouri, on the 30th of January, 1860. By this union they have five children; namely, Minnie M., Elizabeth A., Luther D., Samuel W. and Martha C. Mr. and Mrs. Carter have been members of the Christian Church of Trenton for nineteen years.

Is the present master mechanic of the southwestern division of the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railway, at Trenton. He was born in Moravia, Cayuga county, New York, December I7th, 1825, and was there reared, ' and educated until his fifteenth year was reached when he was apprenticed for three years, to learn the machinist's trade, in Auburn, and was to receive for his services fifty dollars for each year. He readily acquired the knowledge and skill of his chosen trade and became proficient as a machinist long before his time expired, and received the compensation of a skillful journeyman. From 1842 until 1846 he worked in several prominent machine-shops in New York, and next began to run a locomotive, as engineer, on the Buffalo & Attica Railroad, which he did until 1848, when he went to New Orleans, Louisaiui, and was employed on the steamboat, "76," plying between New Orleans and Nashville, Tennessee, until 1851. Returning north he received employment in Roger's locomotive works at Paterson, New Jersey, and was sent out with locomotive eiii^ines to all parts of the Union. He left the shop in 1852 and was employed on the Lake Shore Road as an eno^ineer nntil 1856 when he went to Bolivar, Tennessee, and became master mechanic of the Mississippi Central & Tennessee Railroad and that road consolidating with the Mobile & Ohio, soon after he went to Jackson, Mississippi, as master mechanic of the same road and continued nntil November, 1861. On account of the disturbed condition of the South he went north and accepted the position of division master mecham'c for the Michigan Central Railroad, with headquarters at Michigan City. Serving in that capacity until 1863, lie was employed in the same position on the New York Central and Erie roads at Corning, and Rochester, New York. In 1871 he came to Trenton and became master mechanic of the southwestern division of the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railwa\\ February 8th, 1851, Mr. Carscadin married Miss Maria Louisa Smith, of Buffalo, New York. She was a graduate of Mrs. Willard's Female Seminary, of Troy, New York. Mr. and Mrs. Carscadin have fonr children; viz., Fred. S., an engineer on the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific; Emma, wife of Myron Shearwood, also an engineer on the same road; Bessie, and Robert St. John.

R. A. Collier

Robert A. Collier was born in Fayette, Missonri, March 19, 1838. In 1844, when he was six years old, his parents came to Grundy county and settled in Trenton, then a small hamlet, where he was reared and educated and has lived ever since with the exception of four years spent in travel in Colorado, Utah and Illinois. His father being a bricklayer he learned that trade but followed it only a short time after attaining his majority. In 1861 he enlisted in company B, Twenty-third Missouri volunteer infantry under Colonel Tindall, and participated in the battle of Shiloh, where he was taken prisoner and held as such seven months, during which time he was confined at Corinth, Memphis, Mobile, Montgomery, Chattanooga, Macon, and in Libby Prison; was patroled at Aiken's Landing, Virginia, October 19, 1862; was twice promoted, first as orderly sergeant and next as second lieutenant. In 1863 he was detailed assistant commissary for the district of Rolla, Missouri, and was mustered out in 1864, serving six months longer than the term enlisted for. Returning to Trenton he was deputized county and circuit clerk by Hon. George H. Hubbell. In 1866 he engaged in the mercantile business with W. T. Wisdom, under firm name of Wisdom & Collier, and retired from the firm the following winter. In the fall of 1870 he was elected county treasurer of Grund}' county and was elected his own successor. In 1875 he was appointed township trustee of Trenton, which he was legislated out of by a change made in the law. Since that time he has been variously employed, becoming book-keeper for

K Shanklin & Brother in 1880. In 1862 Mr. Collier married Miss A. E. Oooper, of Trenton. Thej have four children: Willie C, Robert E., Leon E., and Mary Ellen.

F"redei-ick Charles Conrads was born at Coblentz, Prussia, January 26, 1835. When thirteen yeai-s of age he began to learn the tinner's trade, and served four j^ears. In 1852, then in his seventeenth year, he left home, maintaining himself by working in Hesse Darmstadt, Ems, Cologne and Muelheim, up to 1854, when he went to London, England, and failing to find employment after a two months' sojourn, started for the United States, landing in New York City, October 23, 1854. Again failing to find work at his trade, he went to the country, in New Jersey, and worked as a farm hand until June, 1855, then came to Missouri and secured employment at Glasgow, Howard county, in the tinshop of John R. Carson, and worked for him., at that place and at Carrolton, one* year, and with Mr, Carson's successor, J. J. Heisel, at Carrolton, until the spring of 1857. From Carrolton he went to Linneus, Linn county, and worked in the tinshop of Smith & Melmein until the spring of 1858, when he came to Grundy county and enwao^ed with liis brother Clemens in the stove and hardware business at Lindley, under style of Conrads & Brother. In 1862, his brother, on account of declining health, retired from the firm and went to Colorado. He continued in business at Lindley until 1864, when he came to Trenton and established himself in the hardware, stove and tinware business. In October, 1865, his brother returned from Colorado, improved in health, and again associated with him and formed the present firm of Conrads & Bro. January 1, 1861, he married Armecie B. Cooper, of Lindley. They have eight children; viz., Joseph W., clerking with his father; David W., a printer, and at work in the Trei^on Bejmblican office; John R., a student in the higli school; Gussie G., Elizabeth C, Claudie A., Winthrop C, and Clementine. He is an Odd Fellow, and a member of Grand River Lodge No. 52, of Trenton.

D. W. Coon

Was born on a farm, near Princeton, Mercer county, September 19, 1854. He received his primary education in the district school, and finished in the high scliool at Princeton during his sixteenth and seventeenth years. After leaving school he was emj)loyed in the dry goods store of Hunt & Coon, of Princeton, remained with them some five or six months, and then began to learn the drug business in the drug store of Dr. G. W. Newman, of Princeton, and was with him and his successors, G. T. Newman & Co., three years. Leaving them in 1876, he went to Half Rock, in Mercer county, and carried on the drug business for himself until April, 1879, when he removed to Spickardsville, in Grundy county, and there engaged in the drug business until 18S0. Selling out he ciinie to Trenton and established his present drug business in January, 1881. Mr. Coon's course in life is, indeed, commendable. "When seventeen he bought his team of his father, agreeing to pay $200 out of his first earnings. Without receiving any ])ecuniary aid from any one he has succeeded in establishing himself in business with a well-earned reputation. January 1, 1877, Mr. Coon married Miss M. E. Lewis, of Princeton. They have two children, Claude and Cleo.

Comkr Brothers

n. S. and E. T. Comer, founders of the firm of Comer Brothers, established their business in February, 1881. They were born on a farm near "Wilton Junction, Muscatine county, Iowa - the senior, August 30, 185.5, and the junior, November 28, 1856. They lived in their l)irthplace until 1868, when their parents moved to Tipton, Iowa, so that their children might have the opportunity to attend school, and they completed their education in the Tipton high school in 1869. In 1870 their father Jiad the misfortune to lose his property, when they returned to Muscatine county, and went to Texas to retrieve his losses and improve his health, but he was taken down with the vellow fever, from which he never recovered. With their mother and two sisters to be supported, they began working as farm hands for different farmers. During the winter of 1869 and '70 they bought standing timber," chopped it into cord-wood and sold it. From that time until 1872 H. S. was variously employed. He came to- Trenton in the year last named, and was employed in the drug store of his uncle, W. P. Cowans, until 1873, when he, accepted a position in the brick- 3'ard of W. W. Gordon and worked for him until the following May, when he went into the Eagle Mills to learn the milling business, working there and in the City Flouring Mills of Trenton until January, 1881. E. T. also worked in the vicinity of Wilton Junction until December, 1872, when he came to Trenton and was employed in the grocery store of S. D. Saxby as delivery clerk until February, 1873, when he went on the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railway as train-boy, but disliking that he quit the next May and accepted a clerkship with Shanklin Bi-others, of Trenton, and was with them and their successors until February, 1879, when he began work for G. D. Smith in the agricultural implement and grain business. The following year he became associated with his employer in the same Imsiness as Smith & Comer, he retiring from the firm January 1, 1881, and became associated with his brother, II. S., in tlie grocery business. March 16, 1878, Mr. E. T. Comer married Miss Mildred Smith, daughter of G. D. Smith, of Trenton. These brothers, although young men, have built up a good business reputation. Thrown upon the world empty-handed, without a father's aid or counsel, they have manfully battled with the world, and by their temperate habits, persevering efforts, and unflinching energy have gained a. standing that men many years older might envy.

Hon. R. A. Debolt

Rezin A. DeBolt, of Trenton, is a native of Fairfield county, Ohio, born January 20, 1828. Reared on a farm, liis time up to his seventeenth year was divided between agricultural pursuits and acquiring an education in the common schools of the county, the first of which was the foundation of his present rugged and vigoi'ous constitution, and the last the beginning of future attainments. In 1845, in his seventeenth year, he was apprenticed for three 3'ears to a tanner, served his time, and followed his trade for a few years, and in the meantime gave his nights to study, "many times and oft" burning the " midnight oil, " as he eagerly pored ovxu' dry volumes of legal lore. Ceaseless diligence and tireless study were at last rewarded, and in February, 1856, the whilom tannei-'s apprentice was admitted to the bar, to practice in the courts of Ohio. Two years he practiced in his native State, then following the tide of immigration which was flowing rapidly westward, he joined the throng, hoping to take the tide " at the flood which leads on to fortune." Arriving in Missouri he settled in Trenton and began the successful practice of his profession in 1858. The following year he was appointed commissioner of common schools of Grundy county, and was elected to the same oflBce in 1860, but still continuing his practice which the duties of his oflice did not interfQi-e with. AVhen the dark clouds of dread civil war first hovered over the land, he was among the first to come to his country's aid, and his voice grew strangely eloquent when he raised it in behalf of the Union and the stars and stripes. In 1861 he recruited a company; was elected captain in the Twenty-third Missouri volunteer infantry. At the head of his men he participated in the battle of Shiloli, and was captured April 6, 1862, and held a prisoner until the following October. His health had become impaired and he resigned his commission in 1863, but again entered the United States service in 1864, and was commissioned major of the Forty-fourth Missouri volunteer infantry, remaining until mustered out in August, 1865. November, 1863, he was elected iudge of the Circuit Court of the Eleventh iudicial circuit, which ofiBce he held by reelection until January 1, 1875, and by his impartial rulings won many encomiums. In 1877 Judge DeBolt again entered the arena of political life, as a caudidate for congress, and after an exciting and bitter canvass Was elected a member of the Forty -fourth Congress, as a Democrat, defeating liis opponent by two hundred and seventeen votes. Since the expiration of his term in Congress, he has given his entire attention to his large law practice. He is a man fearless, independent and outspoken in his advocacy of what he believes to be right. By hard battles against desperate resistence, he has won his M'ay to his Jiigh position in the esteem of the people among whom he lives.

Maria M. McCleery, of Fairfield county, Ohio, near Lancaster, June 10, !1849. By this niarriM<^e they liad a family of six children, three only of whom are living. Mrs. DeBolt died Fehruarv 4, 1869. His second marriaee was to Miss Lanrestine U. Dinsmoor, a native of Canada, but reared in New York. The ceremony was performed October 12, 1869. Five children have been the issue of this union, all living.

Judge DeBolt has a fine residence in the southeastern portion of the city, with grounds covering ten and a half acres, handsomely laid off with shade trees and shrubbery in front of the house. With his wife and family gathered around, it makes one of the most pleasant and comfortable homes in Trenton.

James R. Devaul

Was born near Elkton, Christian county, Kentucky, Mai'ch 28. 1814. His parents came to Missouri in 1820 and after stopping in Chariton county one year, went to Ray county where they settled. They removed in 1834 to Daviess county, being one of the first five families that settled in that county, and thence to Grundy county in 1835. He lived with them until attaining his majority in 1835, and in the spring of 1837 staked his first claim on government land which he afterward improved and entered - the same land is now a part of the site of Trenton city. He has, in his time, improved five farms in Grundy county. He was among the pioneers and took an active part in the organization of Grundy county, is now the only surviving member of the first grand jury of the county, and was elected and held the office of justice of the peace four years. March T, 1837, Mr. Devaul married Miss Sarah Howell, of Linn county, Missouri. They have ten children living; namely, William A., and Jasper N., of California; Luther C, of Oregon; Martha A., wife of William Corn well, of Grundy county: Louisa, wife of John II. Roberts, of Oregon; Green C, and Oscar remaining at home. Two have died, Daniel P., in the United States army, and Sarah J., in Grundy county. Mr. and Mrs. Devaul are members of long standing in the Baptist Church, he for fifty-five years, and she for forty years, being one of the original members of the Trenton Church. The publishers of this work extend their thanks to him for tlie valuable information he has given to their historian and for the interest manifested in its compilation.

Abner Drinkard

Was born near Glasgow, Howard county, Missouri, February 1, 1826. He came to Grundy county with his parents in 1841 and settled at the forks of Grand River, five miles northwest of Trenton. In 1862 he enlisted in the Confederate army. Captain Hugh's company and Col. Perkins's regiment, and in October of the same year was taken prisoner at Roanoke, Missouri, and kept in prison at St. Louis, and Alton, Illinois, until February, 1865, when he was liberated on parole. He went to Qnincy, Illinois, and from there to Roanoke, Missouri, returning to Grundy county in 1872, settled in Trenton and worked at carpentering until 1876, when he was employed in the repair shops of the C, R. I. & P. R. R. company, and remained four years. In 1880 he went to live with his son, "William E., assisting him in his grocery store at Trenton. He has l)een twice married, the first time to- Miss Effie Maston in 1842, who died in 1843; and the second time to Miss Caroline E. Clark, in 1847, and by whom he has five children: Mary J., wife of C. Sires, of Grundy county, William E., grocer of Trenton; John W., employe in C.,R. I. & P. R. R. shops; James M., and Fronie, wife of Newton Ratliff, farmer of Grundy county. In 1852 he was elected county assessor holding the position for two years, and in 1858 was elected one of the county judges, holding that position until 1862, when he was legislated out of office.

Cornelius J. Driscoll

Was born in tlie county of Cork, Ireland, November 1st, 1843. His parents left their native isle during the famine- of 1847, and went to- London, England, where his father died the following year, and where he lived with his mother until March, 1852, then came west with her to America, landing in New York City in April of that year. They settled at Springfield, Massachusetts, where he lived until 1875. In 1861 he began to learn the painter's trade, under W. H. AUis, and followed it until 1866, when he began to work at the carpenter and joiner's trade, with Hogan & Keeff, of Springfield, and worked with them until 1870, then began contracting and building for himself in the same place, and continued that business until he came West in 1875. He settled at Trenton, and engaged in contracting and building, where can be seen many beautiful structures designed and built by him, among which are the Hodge Presbj'terian, and the first Presliyterian churches, the Baptist church, and the residences of Messrs. Geo. F. Walker, and C. E. Peckham. The beauty of his handiwork is displayed in the altar of St. Joseph church (Catholic) which he designed and built.

On the loth of August, 1871, he married Miss Mary A. Sheehan, of East Hampton, Massachusetts. Mr. and Mrs. Driscoll are members of St. Joseph Catholic Church of Trenton.

Was born in Lorraine, France, July 15th, 1847; when about three years old, his parents came to the United States and settled in Chicago. When our subject was fourteen he began working in the planing-mills of Abbott & Kingman, of Chicago, making his home with his parents, to whom he gave his wages. When eighteen he began to learn the trade of machinist in the shop of John Schhicks, of Chicago, and was with him up to 1869, when he was employed as macliinist in the shop of the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railway Company, at Chicago. lie worked there until 1872, when the same company sent him to work in their sho})s at Trenton, wliere he continued until 1876, when he left them and engaged in the saloon business at Trenton. In 1871 he married Miss Margaret Schneider, of Chicago. They have three daughters, Maggie K., Barbara E., and Gertrude F., and two sons, Franklin and Louis H.

William E. Drinkard

Established his business in Trenton in October, 1880. He was born on a farm near Trenton, March 22d, 1850. In 1864, when fourteen years of age he went to Illinois and worked on a farm near Quincy, until 1866, when he went to Roanoke, Missouri, and worked at the carpenter's trade with his father. In 1871 became to Trenton and worked at carjientering until 1874, when he was employed in the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railroad shops where he worked until 1879. This latter year he began clerking for D. E. Lilly and was in his employ until he opened business for himself in 1880. In 1875 he married Miss Sarahette Fleak, of Trenton. They have two children, Rella and Pearl.

Corwin A. Freeman was born in LaGrange, Lorain county, Ohio, December 11th, 1850. While an infant, his parents removed to Newark, Kendall county, Illinois, where he was reared and educated, attending the district schools of Newark until his twelfth year, when he entered Fowler's Institute, of Newark, taking an irregular course preparatory to the study of medicine. His father, being a physician, had him educated especially for the profession, and he began the study when he was fifteen in his father's oflSce and continued three years, when he attended one course of lectures at the Bellevue Hospital College, of New York City, then returned home and began practice with his father. He intended returning to New York and finishing his course, but the support of his mother and three younger brothers was unexpectedly thrown upon him and he was prevented, yet he persevered in his study and practice and was enabled to complete a course in the Long Island Medical College in 1876, when he graduated as M. D., second in his class. He returned to Newark and continued practice until October, 1878, when he came to Trenton and established himself in his present practice. In 1876, October 18th, he married Miss Lottie Wright, of Newark, Illinois, who died at Trenton, October 13th, 1879, from congestion of the lungs brought on by exposure while convalescing from typhoid fever. October 18th, 1880, Dr. Freeman married Miss Mary Odom, granddaughter of Rev. John Evans, of Grundy county.

J. B. Farnam came to Trenton in 1872, having been sent there from Chicago bj the Chicago, Kock Island & Pacific liailway Company to act as passenger and freight agent temporarily, and also agent for the United States express company. Soon after, he was permanently employed, and kept the position until 1875, when he established himself in the drug business at Trenton, in which he has since been engaged. J. B. Farnam was born on a farm near Lockport, Niagara county, New York, June 25, 1826. When fourteen years of age he went into the drug store of G. W. Merchant, the celebrated Gargling Oil manufacturer, of Lockport, to learn the drug business, and remained with him in the store until 1845, and during 1846 and 1847 was traveling salesman for the same house. In 1848 he was employed in the drug house of Scamraon & Haven, of Chicago, and was in their employ until 1851, when he became station and express agent at Hudson, Michigan, appointed by the Michigan Southern Railroad Company. He acted in that capacity until 1860, and from that time until he came to Trenton, in 1872, was at Decatur, Illinois, employed by the United States and Merchants' Union express companies. Mr. Farnam, on October 18, 1852, married Miss Sarah A. Ryerson, of Chicago.

John Fitterer

Was born near Dayton, Ohio, March 25, 1852. His mother dying when he was eighteen months old, he was placed by his father with different families until he was eight years old, when he began living with C. A. Hoffman, now his partner in business, who married his sister, and was then living near Carthage, Illinois. He lived with Mi". Hoffman, until he was twelve, when he went to live on a farm with William Fruze, near Carthage, and worked for him until he was fovirteen, when he came to Trenton, in 1865, with an older brother, Enos Fitterer, and his brother-in-law, C. A. Hoffman. With them he learned the trade of baker, being with them about two years, when he went to Chillicothe and was employed by Leach Brothers as stagedriver from that place to Trenton for one year. In 1869 he went to Keokuk, Iowa, and was employed as baker by Stahl & Saltzer, wholesale bakers and cracker manufacturers, until 1871, when he returned to Trenton and worked at his trade with Fitterer & Range. In 1873 he went to Chicago, and was emploj^ed in the fancy bread and cake bakery house of Samuel Gourley, until 1875, and again returned to Trenton and went into the bakery and grocery business with his brother Enos, under the firm name of Fitterer & Brother. In 1877 they sold out to Hyde & Crandall, and he remained as baker with them some two months, when he purchased Mr. Crandall's interest, changing the firm name to Hyde & Fitterer; and in 1879 his present partner, C. A. Hoffman, bought Mr. Hyde's interest, and the present firm of Fitterer & Hoffman was formed.

Mr. Fitterer obtained his education by attendint^ district scliools in various places, and being born of German parents had to attend school to learn the English language, which he learned to speak fluently by the time he was eight years old. Mr. Fitterer married Miss Lillie Cline, of Trenton, They have two children, Ethel and Alouis.

Was born on a farm eight miles northwest of Trenton, April 3, 1848, where he was reared. His father died when he was twelve years old, and from that time he and three brothers remained on the farm with their widowed mother, and by their labor the farm work was carried on, thereby suj)porting her and a sister. In 1869, when he was twenty-one, he rented a farm in Fayette county for one year, at the expiration of which time he returned to Grundy county, and during 1871 he and two brothers farmed the homestead. In the spring of 1872 he attended T. J. Bryant's commercial college at St. Joe, graduating from that institution in June of the same year, then came to Trenton and began clerking for J. M. Bailey and was with him until June, 1874, when he made a pleasure trip to Denver, Colorado, with R. P. Carnes, who made the trip for his health, many of his friends accompanying him. The excursion was called " the Carnes expedition." After returning in August, he worked for a short time on the home farm, when he was employed as book-keeper in the First National Bank of Trenton, and was so employed for three years, and when it was changed to the Union Bank he became book-keeper and assistant cashier and continued to hold that position until the fall of 1878. He was the nominee of the Republican party in 1878 for sheriif and was defeated by only twenty-nine votes. In December of the same year he was employed as salesman and bookkeeper in the lumber yard of H. S. Carnes, and was with him until 1879, in March of which year he went to Colorado and prospected in various places and assisted in survej'ing and platting Gothic City, near the Elk Mountains, Colorado. Returning to Grundy county in August, the following October he began to travel for a drug house of St. Joe, traveling in twenty-eight States in all parts of the Union, and returning to Trenton in April, 1881. He then purchased of H. S. Carnes his interest in the boot and shoe business of Carnes & Nichols, changing the firm to B. C. Nichols <fe Co. October 24, 1876, Mr. Fulkerson married Miss Georgia Shannon, of New Market, Missouri, by whom he has two boys, Hugh Floyd, and a younger son, not named.

Ma.T. John C. Griffin

John Collier Griffin was horn near C^mthiana, Iventuck}', October 1, 1812. He lived with his parents until his thirteenth year. Milieu he went to live with Dr. Samuel C. Miller, of his native town, with whom he lived three years, and was then employed in the store of Joseph Van Deren, of the same place, for two years. The close confinement impairing his liealth he was advised to go south, and went to ]!^atchitoches, Louisiana, remaining there and in that vicinity for seven years. Returning to Kentucky in the winter of 1838, he stojjped at Louisville until the following fall, and then came to Missouri and settled in that portion of Livingston county, now known as Mercer connty, and engaged in farming and stock-raising. In 1839 he was elected major of the first battalion of militia organized in Livingston county. He came to Trenton in February, 1841, and engaged in the mercantile business and followed it until the spring of 1845. At the first general election held in Grundy county, in 1842, he was elected representative, and elected his own successor in 1844. In 1845 he was elected by the Fifth senatorial district as a delegate to the constitutional convention, to revise the State constitution. In 1847 he was elected captain by a volunteer company of cavalry, which was received into the United States service at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, to serve during the war with Mexico, and assigned to duty in the Indian Territory. His company was mustered out of the service at Independence, Missouri, in September, 1848. He closed out his mercantile business in Trenton in 1845, and removed to his farm some six miles north of that place, to which he returned in 1852. In 1850 he was elected senator by the Fifth senatorial district and served as such until 1856, and in that year was elected circuit attorney for the Eleventh judicial circuit, and elected his own successor in 1860, since which time he has been in the law practice at Trenton. April 6, 1843, he married Miss Nancy J. Clark, of Grundy county, who died September 6, 1858. They had seven children, only one of whom, Martha J., wife of William "W. Bonta, is now living. Major Griffin has been identified with all the best interests of Trenton and Grundy county since the pioneer days, and been called upon to serve the people of Grundy in a public capacity more times than any person now living, and has fairly earned " the well done, good and faithful servant,'^ which has been bestowed upon him.

George Gilmore

George Gilmore was born on a farm near Bloomington, Illinois, June 1, 1845. He was reared upon the farm, and received an elementary education in the district schools. In 1864, when nineteen years old, he joined the Union army, enlisting as a private in company G, Thirty-third Illinois volunteer infantry, serving eighteen months, when he was discharged on account of disability, having been wounded at Spanish Fort, Alabama, by the explosion of a shell, which shattered his ankle joint and rendered amputation of the foot necessarv. After his discharge he returned home, and in April, 1866, entered Eureka College, at Eureka, Illinois, and was a student until the spring of 1870, when he went to Bloomington, Illinois, and studied law in the office of E. M. Prince for six months, liaving previously heen a member of the hxw class while attendirii^ Eureka ColIe<^e, and was admitted to the bar at Bloomington in 1871. lie began practice at Pontiac, IMiuois, but remained only a short time, and in March, 1872, came to Trenton, where he practiced until 1876, then accepted the position of cashier in the* First National Bank of Trenton, which he filled until it surrendered its charter in August, 1876, when he became cashier of its successor, the Union Bank of Trenton, which position he still holds. October 6, 1878, he married. Miss Isabelle M. Borin, of Pontiac, Illinois. They have one child, Gladys, born in Trenton, July 8, 1880.

William Gessler

Was born in New York City, October 11, 1845, and was there reared, educated and learned his trade of machinist. His father dying when he was four years of age, and his mother when he was twelve, he at that early age had to maintain himself He was tirst employed as an errand boy in the Bockman Street Bank, which position he held some eighteen months, and after that served in the same cajjacity for the Singer Sewing Machine Company one year. December 27, 1859, when fifteen, he apprenticed himself to the Novelty Works Company, to learn the machinist trade, and served until 1863, when he was employed by the Gennett Brothers to go to Chatsworth, Livingston county, Illinois, to superintend the placing of machinery in their Beet Sugar Factory, and was with them UTitil 1864. From there he went to Chicago, and was emploj^ed as machinist by the Illinois Central Railroad Company. In 1866 he quit the above company and was employed by the Frost Manufacturing Company, of Galesburg, Illinois, and worked for them until 1870, when he went to Lincoln, Nebraska, and built and put up the machinery in the Lancaster Mills, of that place. After completing this work, the following spring he, with John McKesson, built a machineshop and foundry at Lincoln, under the firm name of McKesson & Gessler. Retiring from the firm in 1872, he came to Trenton and was emploj'cd in Ms present situation as machinist in the C, R. 1. & P. Railroad shops. July 2, 1871, he married Miss M. C. Carson, of Galesburg, Illinois. They have three children: Maud, Grace and Frances, all born in Trenton. He is a member of Adelphia Lodge, No. 38, K. of P., of Trenton, and of Alpha Lodge No. 155, A. F. & A. M., of Galesburg.

S. Green Abaum

Was born in Offenbach, Prussia, August 3, 1837. He knows but little about his father, who came to the United States prospecting in 1842, and soon after his arrival in New Orleans died of yellow fever. His mother remained in Europe and died there in 1871. At ten years of age he came with friends to the United States, where he had two brothers, one, Alex- ander, in ]-*hiladelphia, Pennsylvania, and the other, Moses, in the Nap]>a Yalley, California. He lived a short time with the brother in Philadelphia, who i-emoved to Fayette. Howard county, Missouri, and engaged in merchandising, and he remained with him and clerked in his store and ' attended school until 1852, when he went to his brother in California, who was also in the mercantile business, with whom he lived until 1856, when he returned to Fayette. He was brought up a merchant, entering his brother's store when he first came to America, and continued as a clerk up to 1861, when he joined the Union army, enlisting in company D, Seventh Missouri cavalry, Missouri State militia, and served during the war in soiithern Missouri and northern Arkansas. He was mustered out at St. Louis in the fall of 1865, and went to Atchison, Kansas, where he was employed as a clei'k in a clothing house for one year, then established himself in the millinery business at that city, which he followed until he was burned out in 1868. He next went to Hamilton, Missouri,, and carried on the mercantile business for E. Fist & Co. until 1870, then accepted a situation to travel for a hide, wool and leather house in St. Joe. In 1872 he established himself in the hide, wool and fur business at Trenton. June 22, 1872, Mr. Greenabaum married Miss Nettie Strouse, of Trenton, by whom he has four children, Leon, Lottie, Rinda and Abram, all born in Trenton. Mr. and Mrs. Greenabaum were brought up in and adhere tO' the Jewish faith, but are not members of anv conm-effation.

Harvey Ginn

Was born in New Castle, Henry county, Indiana, October 1, 1848. When he was eight years old his parents removed to Putnam county, Missouri, where he lived with them until he was sixteen years old, at which age, in

1864, he enlisted in the Confederate army under Captain P. Thompson, in Col. Forbes's regiment, and served one year. After being mustered out in

1865, he returned to Putnam county and attended school until 1867. January 1, 1867, he married Miss Sarah J. Ayers, who 'died March 3, 1871. Soon after his marriage he pnrchased a farm in Putnam count}' and lived on. it until the death of his wife. In the spring of 1871 he began to work on the Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railway as a laborer, working four months, then came to Trenton and worked in the machine-shops and roundhouse (then being erected) until February, 1872, when he went on the road as brakesman. He held this position until 1877 when he was given the position of conductor on a freight train, which he still holds. He has twa children, Emma and Alvertes Omri.

Calvin Gilham

Was born on a farm near Morristown, Belmont county, Ohio, January 13, 1838, where he was reared and lived until 1854, when he came to Missouri.

He lirst settled on a farm in Daviess county, and lived there until 1859, when he came to Grnnd}' county and engaged in the milling business at Trenton, with his father, Isaac Gilham. lie was one of the proprietors of the City Mills, buying an interest in them just before their completion. In February, 1862, he joined the Union army, enlisting in company I, Missouri State militia, under Col. King and Captain Garvin, served one year, and while out was promoted to second lieutenant. When his regiment consolidated with the Seventh regiment, Missouri State militia, there were a number of supernumei'ary officers who were obliged to resign, he being one of them. He immediately returned home and engaged in farming. In 1870 and 1871 he was one of the originators of the woolen-mills of Trenton. Selling his interest in 1876, he engaged in his present business of farming and dairying. In 1873 he, with Byron and Daniel Markerts, prospected for and found the vein of coal that is now being successfully worked at Trenton. Like every new experiment the expenses were great, and they were obliged to sell, and others are now reaping the benefit. December 23, 1857, Mr. Gilham was united in marriage to Miss M. D. Merrill, who was born and reared in Trenton. Tliev have three children, Charles, Bessie and Ada Belle. Mr. and Mrs. Gilham are members of the Baptist Church of Trenton. He is, also, a member of the Grand River Lodge i^o. 52, I. O. O. F.

Jacob Goldenberg

Was born in Iloringhausen, Hesse Darmstadt, Prussia, February 7, 1842, where he lived until he was fourteen years of age, attending school up to that age when he began clerking in his father's store, and remained with him until 1858 then came to the United States, arriving at Castle Garden, ]^ew York City, July 4, of the same year. He went to St. Louis and purchasing a small stock of goods started out as a peddler, following the business for nearly one year, when, disliking it, he began clerking in a grocery store at Jerseyville, Illinois, and there remained until the fall of 1860, when he went to New Orleans and clerked in a dry goods house until the, breaking out of the war of the rebellion. Returning to Illinois he held the position of clerk in a clothing house, in Jacksonville, until 1864, when he went to Springfield, same State, and accepted employment in a clothing house. In the fall of 1866 he located in Hamilton, Missouri, and opened business on his own account, dealing in clothing and o-entlemen's furnishino; o^oods. He continuedin this, until 1871, when he'came to Trenton and established himself in the same business. Jacob Golden bero^ and Miss Marv Bushnell were married at Springfield, Illinois, in 1865. They have two children, Simie and Bertha.

William T. George

Was born on a farm near Knoxville, East Tennessee, April 8, 1848. He came to Missouri with his parents when he was three years old, settling near Princeton, Mercer county, where he was reared and lived until 1874. He started out in life at eii^hteen, farming as a renter, for six years. In 1872 he began railroading as a subcontractor under his father, Abner George, following the business until 1878, At that time he began to furnish piling, bridge timber and hard wood lumber to the Atchison, Topeka, & Santa Fe R. K, Co., under contract. In 1879 he contracted with the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacilic Eailway Company to furnish wood material for bridging, piling, car-building and ties, employing annually about two hundred men and furnishing about 250,000 ties, 5,000 piles, and 100,000 feet of bridge timber. He came to Grundy county and settled on Hickory Creek in 1874, and from this to Trenton in 1878. March 22, 1866, he married Miss Sarah A. Mulvaney, of Mercer county, by whom he has seven children; namely, Johnson H., Tisia Ann, James W., Salitha, Abner, Elma and Sarah. Mr. and Mrs. George are members of the Baptist Church.

Judge George Hall

The above named gentleman is one of the most influential citizens of Trenton, as well as one of the most polished and learned ornaments of the Grundy county bar, of which he has been a member since 1867. George Hall was born of highly respected parents, upon a farm, near Indianapolis, Indiana, JMarch 10, 1840, where he continued to live until he became of age. He received an education, such as the common schools afforded, until he reached his nineteenth year, when he entered the academy at Danville, Indiana, and remained in attendance for two j-ears. Returning home in 1861, at the outbreak of the war of the rebellion, he at once enlisted in company A, of the Nineteenth regiment of Indiana volunteer infantry, and in August, 1862, again enlisted, this time in company B, of the Seventy-ninth regiment of Indiana volunteers, in which command he served during the war. He was in many of the liotly contested engagements in that long and terrible struggle for the Union, having participated in the battles of Louisville, Virginia; Perry ville, Kentucky; StoneRiver, Chickamauga and Chattanooga, Tennessee; Resaca, Kingston, New Hope Church, Pine Mountain, Kenesaw Mountain, Marietta, Peach-Tree Creek, Atlanta, Jonesborough and Lovejoy's Station, Georgia; Franklin and Nashville, Tennessee. He was mustered out of service in June, 1865, at Nashville, returned home, and a short time thereafter went to Indianapolis, where he began legal studies in the office of J. W. Blake. In due time he was admitted to the bar, and also to practice in the Supreme Court of his native State. Bidding farewell to his home and friends in Indiana, he journeyed westward in search of a location, and his prospecting tour ended in Trenton, where he "hung out his shingle," and entered upon the practice of law. His efforts were attended with signal success, and his business increased until his practice is now one of the largest and most lucrative in the city. In 1868 he was appointed city attorney, wliicli position lie held until November 8, 1870, when he was elected ]>rohate jndge for the term of four years, and then reelected for the same length of time, l^oliticall)', Judge Hall is a Kej)ul)lican, and was the delegate from his district to the Repuldican National Convention, at Chicago, in 1880, which nominated President James A. Garfield. The same year he was the nominee of his party for the circuit judgeship.

Judge Hall married Miss Hachel A. Smith, a native of Morgan county, Ohio, April 15, 1869. They have four children, Hallie, Homer^ Mabel and Frank. Mr. and Mrs. Hall are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

Hon. K. V. Horton

Edward Festus Horton \vas born on a farm twelve miles west of Marietta, in Washington county, Ohio, on the 10th, of September, 1840. He attended the common schools where he acquired the elementary branches of an education, which he completed at Marietta College. Leaving home in 1857, at the age of seventeen, he w-ent to Iowa, determined to fight his own battles and win his own way in the world. Locating at Unionville, he remained but a short time, and removed to Fort Dodge, in the same State, where he was engaged in the farm implement business. Returning to Unionville in the winter of 1858-'9, he taught school until the following spring, and then began the study of medicine under S. H. Sawyer, M. D., in whose office he continued until the breakinc: out of the civil war in 1861. He entered the service of the Union as second lieutenant of company I of the Third regiment of Iowa cavalry, and September 1st, 1862, was promoted to the captaincy of his company. June, 1863, he was honorably discharged on account of physical disability. Returning to Unionville, he was elected a member of the General Assembly of Iowa, and entered upon his duties, but before the expiration of his term, in 1864, was appointed provost-marshal of the Fourth Iowa district, which position he held until the close of the war in 1865. Resuming his medical studies, he graduated from the medical department of the Iowa State University, at Keokuk, in 1866, and soon after he began to practice at Iconium, Iowa. At Iconium he remained until the spring of 1868, then removed to Grundy county and located in Trenton, where-he has since resided. Entering actively upon the practice of his profession. Dr. Horton soon attained a high standing in the community and secured a lucrative practice. In 1872 he was elected and represented the district in the lower branch of the Missouri legislature, and discharged the duties devolving upon him most creditably to himself and his constituents. Retiring from the practice of medicine in 1874, he engaged in the grain and seed business with Gilbert D. Smith, under the firm name of Smith & Horton, and continued until 1878, when he received the appointment of postmaster. This latter position he has most M'orthily and satisfactorily filled and still holds.

Dr. Horton was united in marriage to Miss Sarali Dean, of Unionville, Iowa, October 8tli, 1861, by whom be has three children living; namely, Blanche, Claude and Edward; and one dead: Dean, who died at the age of two years.

Joseph E. Harris was born on a farm, near Richmond, in Madison county, Kentucky, January 13th, 1821. In his native county he was reared, and received an education in the common schools of the district. Early evincing a desire to become versed in the science of medicine, his longing was not gratified until he had reached his twenty-fourth year when he became a student in the office of his elder brother, J. M. Harris, M. D., of Richmond, Ky., and afterward graduated from the Louisville Medical College of Louisville, Ky., and began practice in Madison county in 1849, and continued for four years. In 1853 he removed to Manchester, Ky., where lie practiced his profession one year, and then came to Grundy county, and permanently located in Trenton, which has since been his home. Dr. Harris is a Freemason of long standing, and one of the first chapter masons in the county having received the degrees in 1855, after riding one hundred and twenty miles to Huntsville, in Randolph county, for that purpose.

Dr. Harris has been twice married, the first time to Miss Jane McDonald, ot Wyoming county. West Virginia, who died in 1861. In 1865 he married Mrs. Eva A. Bishop, by whom he has five children: Robert M., Anna, Lillie, Mav and Ada.

T. B. Harber was born on a farm near Richmond, Kentucky, in October 1829, where he was reared, and lived with his parents until 1849, in which year he married Miss M. A. Phelps, only daughter of G. Phelps, of Madison county, Kentucky. He bought a farm in the same county, and farmed there eight years. In 1857 he came to Clinton county, Missouri, and engaged in farming, as a renter, one year, then went to Osborn, a newly laid out town on the Hannibal & St. Joe Railroad, where he engaged in the mercantile business, building the first business house and dwelling in the place. - He carried oti business at Osborn until the fall of 1861, when he was so unfortunate as to have his store robbed while on a visit with his family to Kentucky, and on his return closed out his stock of goods, and engaged in farming. The fall of 1862 he kept a hotel and bought and shipped stock until August, 1864, when he went to Nebraska City, Nebraska, and engaged in hotel keeping until 1865. Quitting the hotel business, he devoted his attention to freighting at Juleslnirg, and other points in Colorado, until 1866, when he returned to Clinton county, and pursued farming. In 1872 he again embarked in the hotel business, continuing until 1874, when he was employed as a clerk in the stores of N. A. Winters &

Company, and Chapman & Kirk, up t(» 1877, when he traveled as salesman for the mercantile house of R. L. McDonnald & Company, 8t. Joe. He became proprietor of the Americati Hotel, of Trenton, in 1878, and still conducts that house. During President Buchanan's administration he was appointed postmaster at Osborn, and held the office by re-appointment by President Lincoln, until 1864. In January, 1879, he was appointed presidin<j" justice of the Grundy County Court, which position lie held until 1881. He has eifi^ht children: James B., of Colorado; Edgar M.. attorney-at-law, of Trenton; Tivis S , of Colorado; Nannie L., relict of the late William Coiumt, of Trenton; Bessie, wife of M. F. Hough, of Chicago; and Rella and Charles, living at home. One child, George T., died in Colorado, in 1881.

Benjamin F. Harding

Was born in Meigs county, Ohio, April 25, 1831. He came to Grundy county with his parents in April, 1845, and settled on a farm five miles west of Trenton, near Edinburg, where he lived with them until he was about twenty years of age. What little education he has received was by attending the common schools in the difterent places where his parents resided, and at the Old Grand River College at Edinburg. In April, 1861, he joined the Union army, enlisting in company B, Twenty-third Missouri volunteer infantry as a private, but was afterward promoted to second lieutenant of his company. On account of poor health he resigned his commission in the fall of 1862, and returned to Grundy county and engaged in the mercantile business with his father, E. P. Harding. Having the misfortune of being burned out soon after, from that time until 1865, he was employed as clerk in his father's store in Trenton. In the spring of 1866 he removed to Henry county, Missouri, and lived in Springfield a short time, and from there went to Clinton, and thence, in 1868, to Keytesville, the county seat of Chariton county, where he worked at his trade as mason and plasterer. Returning to Grundy county in 1870 he worked at his trade up to 1878, when he was elected county collector, and still holds that office. In 1881 he was elected school-director for the city schools of Trenton. Mr. Hardin married Miss Sarah Elizabeth Reynolds, of Trenton, and she died at Osceola, gt- Clair county, Missouri, March 8, 1868. He has two children: Margaret C, wife of Harvey H. Griffy, of Trenton; and Kate, living with

Was born in Trenton, Missouri, N^ovember 4, 1844, where li3 was reared and has spent his life. He obtained his elementary education by attending private schools maintained by his father and a few of his neighbors for the benefit of their own families, and others too indigent to aftbrd to pay for schooling their children, and among the teachers they employed were Messrs.

Stewart and Ficklin, who have since become eminent teachers, the latter now holding a professorship in the Missouri State University. His education was completed at the college of Glasgow, Missouri, which he attended for six months in 1850, and from that time until 1861 worked on his father's farm. In the fall of the last named year, when only sixteen years of age, he entered the State service as second lieutenant and adjutant of the Grundy battalion, under Colonel Walter King, and served until the expiration of his term of six months. Early in 1862 he assisted in organizing the Third regiment Missouri State militia, ffoin^ out as lirst lieutenant and adjutant, and served one year, when he resigned his commission and returned to Trenton. In 1863 he was deputized circuit and county clerk of Grundy county by his father. In October of the same year Mr. Ilubbell was united in marriage to Miss Fannie Austin, of Trenton, and immediately after engaged in the mercantile business with James Austin, his father-in-law, and J. H. Shanklin, under the firm name of W. W. liubbell & Co. That firm closing out in 1866, he engaged in farming and stock-shipping until 1868, when, with A. J. Spitler, he formed the firm of Hubbell & Spitler, and engaged in the grocery business at Trenton. They conducted the business -only a short time when they were burned out, and from that time until the spring of 1881 he engaged in farming and buying and shipping grain and stock. In February, 1881, he purchased Mr. Borders's interest in the firm of Murphy, Lanius & Co., and formed the present firm of Murphy, Lanius & Hubbell. Mr. and Mrs. Hubbell have six children: Alida T., Arthur R., Austin E., Laura L., Nellie Grant and M. "Woolsey.

Edgar M. Harber was born upon a farm near Richmond, in Madison couTit}^, Kentucky, October 26, 1854. He attended the common schools of Clinton county, Missouri, whither his parents had removed from Kentucky, and completed his education in the high school at Nebraska City, Nebraska, wdiere his parents resided from 1857 to 1871. In this latter year he removed to Trenton, and in 1873 entered the law otiice of Captain H. J, Herrick as a student, and after two years' study was admitted to the bar in August, 1875, and at once began practice. During the time he was pursuing his studies in the ofiice of Captain Herrick he was elected and served as justice of the peace, his term, however, not expiring until January, 1877. In 1879 he was appointed city attorney of Trenton by Mayor George Tindall, was re-appointed by Mayor H. S. Low in 1881, and still holds the position, which he has most ably filled. He was nominated and elected presidential elector for the Tenth congfressional district on the Democratic ticket in 1880, and was the vouno'est member of the electoral college.

Mr. Harber was united in marriage to Miss Lizzie Austin, of Trenton, on the 8th of March, 1881. For so young a man, Mr. Harber has reached a prominence in the community in which lie lives which is snr])as8e(] by few, and in the achievement of this well deserved popularity has laid the foundation for a future of great promise.

L. D. Hall

Was born in Smithfield, Jefferson county, Ohio, February 27, 1836. When he was live years old his father removed to. Lawrence county Ohio, where he was reared, and received a common school education, which he completed at the Ohio State University, at Athens, in 1854. In November, 1855, he began teaching in Lawrence county and continued until 1871, when he enlisted in the Union army, first in a three months' regiment, and at the expiration of that time again enlisted, in company D, Ninety-first Ohio volunteer infantry, and served during the war. While out was promoted through the various grades from private to second lieutenant, and participated in a number of battles, the most important being Cloyd Mountain, Winchester, Cedar Creek and Lynchbure::. After the war he resumed teachino' in Lawrence county, Ohio. He came to Grundy county in 1858, and continued teaching until 1873, when he was engaged in his present position of timekeeper of the southwestern division of the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railway, under R. O. Carscadin. March 31, 1873, he was united in marriage to Miss Nancy E. McCollum, of Trenton.

Joseph W. Hill

Was born at Bellefontaine, Logan county, Ohio, April 11, 1849, At the age of eight years, with his parents, he went to McKinney, Collin county, Texas, and after living there two years, returned north and came to Bolivar, Polk count}', Missouri, in 1859, and from there came to Grundy county the following year and settled on a farm in Madison township. He continued to live with his parents until March, 1865, when he enlisted in company B, Fifty-first Missouri volunteer infantry, and served six months. On being mustered out at the close of the war he returned to Trenton and began to learn the carpenter's trade, hiring out at once and not serving any time. He has since worked at the trade in Trenton, with the exception of the time from March, 1871, until January, 1872, when he lived in Clinton, Missouri, where he failed to find employment, but had a good team stolen. He returned to Trenton in January, 1872, and began, work as a contractor and builder, and has built up a good business. April 7, 1870, Joseph W. Hill and Miss Ella Luke, of Trenton, were married. They have three children, Eva, Maud and Lula, all born in Trenton. Mrs. Hill is a member of the M. E. Church at Trenton. He is a member of Grand River Lodge No.. 52, I. O. O. F., and of Adelphia Lodge No. 38, K. of P., at Trenton.