Grundy County, Missouri - Biographical sketches (7 of 8 so headed), 1881

Biographical sketches

"Was born in Coshocton county, Ohio, August 25, 1842. When our subject was fifteen years of age his father, Daniel Berry, Sr., removed to Quincy^ Illinois, and remained there during the winter of 1856-57, coming to this county in April, 1857.

At the beginning of the civil war our subject, in response to Governor Gamble's first call for volunteers, enlisted in company E, of King's battalion of " sixty day men." At the expiration of the time for which he had enlisted he reenlisted in the Sixth regiment of Missouri State militia, and served two years, after which he joined the Thirteenth regiment of Missouri veterans, serving in all four years and two months. He was engaged in a number of battles, in different parts of the State, with Qnantrell's guerrilla band in Jackson county, with Porter and Poindexter near Glasgow, subsequently on the Hannibal & St. Joe Railroad at Lone Jack, Harrisonville, Booneville, Warsaw, Springfield and other points in this State, besides several engagements in Arkansas and Texas. The command was captured at Neosho, Missouri, by General Jo. O. Shelby. He was paroled and soon after took up arms again on an expedition into Arkansas after guerrillas; was subsequently quartered at Jefferson City to defend the capital against the rebels under General Price; went into winter quarters in 1864-65, at Rolla; the following spring was sent with the command to quell Indian disturbance on the plains; remained in Colorado during the winter of 1865-56; was mustered out of service at Leavenworth, Kansas, on the 11th day of May, and returned to his farm in Grundy county, upon which he has since resided.

Mr. Berry was married, in this county, in July, 1866, to Miss Susan, daughter of James Ellidge, and a native of Pike county, Illinois. They have five children: Mary D., tJlj'sses G., James L., Zonie Effie and Carrie Florence. Both himself and wife are members of the Christian Church.

William Bennett

Was born in Warren county, New York, March 24, 1816. His father, Jeremiah Bennett, also a native of New York, was a leading farmer. His. mother's maiden name M'as Susannah Wilkerson. The family moved to

Iowa in 1843 antl were residents of that State for twelve years. He tlien moved to this county and settled upon his present place. Mr. Bennett was united in matrimony in his native count}^ in 1838, to Miss Mary Ann Somerville. The result of this union is six children, now living: Margaret E., now Mrs. Wm. Chipps; P]leanor; Nancy, now Mrs. Joseph Baldniaut; William S., Eichard W., and George M. Both Mr. and Mrs. Bennett: have been members of the Baptist Church for twenty years. He owns a good farm well stocked and abundantly watered. It is fairly improved and in a fine state of cultivation. Mr. Beimett is one of the oldest settlersand most highly respected men in the township.

James E. Berry

Was born in Coshocton county, Ohio, October 29,1846. His father, Daniel Berry, is a native of Belmont county, Ohio, and liis mother, Annie (Dillon) Berry, was born in Pennsylvania. When James was twelve years of agehis parents removed to Grundy county. His father is one of the oldest settlers and most prominent property owners of Myers township. James E. Berry was married in this county May 16, 1867, to Miss Mary A., daughter of Robert and Lucinda Whan. She was born in Ohio. Mr. Berry and his estimable lady are members of the M. E. Church. They are the parents of a family of bright and promising children. Mr. Berry is the owner of a farm of two hundred and eighty acres of excellent land, and is an industrious and thriving young farmer.

Francis M. Brittain

Was born in Rock Castle county, Kentucky, July 10, 1817. He is the son of Parks and Sarah (Price) Brittain - his father a native of Pennsylvania,, and his mother of New Jersey. His home was in Kentucky until he wasabout fourteen years of age, when he removed with his pa rents to Indiana, remaining live years; then went to Illinois, and from that State to Iowa- He came from Iowa to Grundy county, in the spring of 1856, and has since been a resident of this county and engaged in farming.

Mr. Brittain was married in Illinois, February 22, 1838, to Miss Femina. Larrimore. They became the parents of twelve children, eight of whom, five boys and three girls, are now living. Mrs. Brittain died in 1860, and Mr. Brittain married Miss Lydia Barnes, a native of Mercer county, Missouri. She died July 3, 1862, and, on the 13th of November following, he wedded Mrs. Elizabeth Lickey, nee Dalton. By his last marriage six chiL dren were born, two of whom, Minda E., born August 3, 1865, and Nathan M., born February, 1873, are yet living.

Mr. Brittain and his entire family are members of the Baptist Church. He owns a valuable farm of two hundred and forty acres, and is a prosperous farmer.

D. R. Berry

The gentleman whose name heads this biographj^, is a native of Ohio, i)orn in Coshocton county, November 11, 1850. He is a brother of James E., Daniel R., and Lewis O. Berry, whose biographical sketches appear elsewhere in this work. At the age of six years he removed with his parents to Quincy, Illinois, and one year later to Grundy county, Missouri, where he has since resided.

Mr. Berry was married in Sullivan county, Missouri, October 4, 1875, to Miss Alfaretta, daughter of Abram and Emily (Wear) Clark, natives of -Ohio. Mrs. Berry was born in Johnson county, Indiana. The issue of this nnion has been three children: Nora, Everett and Eugene. Mr. and Mrs. Berry are members of the Christian Church.

He is a prosperous business man, the owner of a fine, large and well improved farm, gives much attention to live-stock, and by his good man- ^agement and sound judgment makes that part of his business very profitable.

James G. Brittain

Was born December 10, 1840, in Knox county, Illinois. When about three j^ears of age he accompanied his j^arents from Illinois to Keokuk county, Iowa. In April, 1856, he migrated to Grundy county, Missouri. On the of September, 1860, he married Miss Mary E. Barnes, daughter of John B. Barnes, one of the earliest settlers of Grundy county, August 13,1862, James G. Brittain enlisted in the Twenty-third Missouri volunteer infantry, under Col. W. P. Robinson. Mr. Brittain lost his wife February 17, 1867, and was married again October 4, 1868, to Miss Maria E. Brown, daughter W. W. Brown

James G. Brittain is the father of one living child by his first wife: Mary F. The issue of his second marriage is six children, named as follows: Maggie, Etiie L., Richard, Fannie and Jessie. Mr. and Mrs. B. are members of the Baptist Church.

Lewis O. Berry

Was born in Cosliocton county, Ohio, August 16, 1851. He is the son of Daniel and Annie (Dillon) Berry, natives of Pennsylvania. At the age of -eight years the subject of this sketch removed to this (Grundy) county, with his parents, and has lived here since, engaged in farming and stock-raising. Mr. Berry was married in this county, on the 13th of May, 1875, to Miss Mary Wescoat, a native of Iowa and the daughter of Cyrus K. and Elizabeth Wescoat. Mr. and Mrs. Berry are the parents of three children: Frederick A., Alma A., and Oscar. Both Mr. B. and his wife are members of the Christian Church. He is a rising and prosperous young farmer and stock-raiser and is well esteeined by all who know him. He owne a fine farm, handsomely improved and devotes particular attention to raising and feeding live-stock.

William T. Colkman

William T. Coleman was born at Port Gibson, Mississippi, on the 26th day of June, 1827. His father, Michael Coleman, was a native of Kilkenny county, Ireland, and came to the United States on a British ship, in 1812. His mother, whose maiden name was Mary Parish, was born in Mississippi. At the age of two years our subject removed, in company with his parents, to West Tennessee where they resided till 1831, and then removed to Indiana. There Mr. Coleman was educated and lived until 1869 when he immigrated to Missouri, settling first in Putnam county. At the expiration of six years' residence in Putnam he came to Grundy county (1875) and has since made his home here. Mr. Coleman was married, in Decatur county, Indiana, July 29, 1851, to Miss Ellen, daughter of William and Delilah Ruddle. The issue of tliis union was thirteen children, nine of whom are yet living: Emma, Angeline, Elizabeth, Annie, Ella, Thomas, Frank, Oliver, and Edgar. Mr. Coleman has been a member of the Masonic order for a quarter of a century. He owns a neat, well improved and finely cultivated farm and devotes special attention to raising and feeding cattle and other live-stock. In politics Mr. Coleman has always been a staunch Republican. He is a pleasant, agreeable gentleman, a good business man and a valuable citizen.

William Cooksey

Is a native of Indiana. He was born near Danville, in Hendricks county, February 9, 1830. He is the son of John and Sarah (Martin) Cooksey, natives of Virginia. When ' our subject was seven years old his father removed to Illinois and there William received his education and grew to manhood, engaged in duties upon his father's farm. From Illinois Mr. Cooksey made an overland trip to California and Oregon. He spent five years in the great new West and during that time was engaged in mining, merchandising and other pursuits, enjoying a varied and interesting experience during his sojourn in the " land of gold." At the end of five years he returned l>y way of the Isthmus and New York to Illinois, and soon after came to this county and has lived here ever since. He was married in Grundy county, Missouri, May 16, 1858, to Miss Angeline Ford, daughter of James EI. and Amelia (Cochran) Ford, who were among the earliest settlers of the county. Mr. and Mrs. Cooksey have five children, all living-,: yiz., Mary M., Maria J., Eli M., Amelia and Sarah Jane. Mr. Cooksey enlisted at the beo-imiins of the civil war in the Misso~uri State militia and served during four years in defense of the Union. He was disciiai-ged at Chill icothe at the end of the war and soon after resumed the peaceful life of a'Tfarmer. He owns a farm of two hundred and twenty acres admirably adapted to stock-raising, to which business he devotes considerable attention with good success. His estimable lady and several of the children are members of the Christian Church.

James B. Duff

James B. Dufi' was born in Perthshire, Scotland, November 29, 1824. His parents, William and Jean (Watt) Duff, were also natives of Scotland, as were his grandfathers, John Duff and John Watt, all of whom lived and died in Perthshire. Our subject was educated in the excellent schools of the city of Perth, and after finishing his education he engaged in farming in his native land for five years, and then went to Ireland, where, in Kil- .kenny county, he was overseer and surveyor for the Earl of Dcsart for a .number of years.

James B. Duff was married in Ireland, on the 22d day of November, 1849, to Miss Ann Low. Three days afterwards he sailed for America, leaving his bride behinti him. He had the misfortune to be shipwrecked near the West Indies arid was cast away on an island for nineteen days, at the end of which time he was rescued and soon after landed at New Orleans. This was February 2, 1850. From New Orleans he made his way to Iowa and bought a farm in Des Moines county, where his wife joined him the following autumn. Mr. Duff subsequently sold his farm in Iowa and .removed to Sullivan county, Missouri, near the town of Wiutersville, where ihe lived about ten years and then came to Grundy county and located upon his present place. Mr. and Mrs. Duff became the parents of six children, -named as follows; viz., Charles M., died, while occupying a teacher's chair in the college at Edinburg, Missouri, July 21, 1873. Jennie L., married C. S. Mace, and is living at* St. Johns, Kansas. Maggie A., married J. B. Howard and lives near her father. William T. and Mary H. are at present (August, 1881,) living at home. Mrs, Duff died in October, 1879, at the age of sixty-one years. She was unis^ersally esteemed for her many excellent qualities and her death was mourned by a large circle of friends and relatives. She was the daughter of John Low, an inn-keeper in the town Downhill, Scotland. Mr. Duff has a farm of four hundred and eighty acres of excellent land in a fine state of cultivation and stocked with valuable breeds of horses, cattle and liogs.

John B. Ford

Was born in Marion county, Missouri, November 1, 1837. He is the son of James H. Ford, one of the oldest and most highly respected settlers of the township in which he now resides. While John was in his infancy his parents removed to Shelby and soon after to Knox county, whence they -came to Grundy count}' where he received his education and has since lived, in the occupation of a farmer and stock-raiser.

Mr. Ford was married, in 4;liis countj, on the 28tli day of August, 1859, to Miss Sarah Cooksey. They ai-e tlie ])arcnts of seven children: Rachel E., Maria J., Thomas B., Georo-e W., Mary A., EUa May, and James E. Mr. and Mrs. Ford have been members of the Christian Church for twenty-three jears. He was enrolled and served in the State militia during tlie civil war. Mr. Ford is the owner of a valuable farm and devotes his attention largely to stock-raising. He is a practical and successful farmer and business man, a good neighbor, and highly respected.

Benjamin F. Ford

Was born in Shelby county, Missouri, April 20, ISttl. His parents James H. and Amelia Ford, are natives of Kentucky. "When but three jears of age his parents removed to Grundy county where he has since resided. He received his education here and grew up on his father's farm in the northeast corner of the county. He has been engaged, all his life, in agricultural pursuits. Mr. Ford was married, in Grundy county, on the 15th day of December, 1869, to Miss Nettie McCracken, daughter of John A. and Catherine (Barbee) McCracken, natives of Indiana. They have had five children, three of whom are now living; Eva E., Sylvia J. and Cora B. Mrs. Ford is a member of the Christian Church. Mr. Ford enlisted in 1861, in company A, Twenty-third Missouri volunteers, and was captured at the battle of Shiloh and held a prisoner at Montgomery, Alabama, and Macon, Georgia; was subsequently exchanged and entered Sherman's army and participated in the siege and capture of Atlanta. Soon after the surrender of that place he was discharged and returned to this county. Mr. Ford owns a good farm and enjoys the confidence and respect of the entire community.

Was born April 16, 1831, in Clarke county, Indiana. His father, Ambrose Garriott, was an engineer, and was killed by the explosion of a boiler on a Mississippi River steamer. In 1852 John W. Garriott left Indiana for Iowa, where he remained about three years. After leaving Iowa he made his home in Putnam and Mercer counties, Missouri, until the close of the war. He enlisted from Putnam county in the United States army under Colonel Morgan. October 8th, 1865, Mr. Garriott married Miss Susan E. Martin, daughter of John Y. Martin, of Mercer county. Their marriage was blessed with six children ; viz., Martha J., Hiram N., John E., Oliver S., Cirilda A., and Joseph M. February, 1866, Mr. Garriott migrated to Grundy county. Mr. and Mrs. Garriott are both members of the Baptist church and enjo}"^ the reputation of good neighbors and highly respected citizens.

John M. Hudson

Mr. Hudson was married in his native county, October 2, 1856, to Miss Nancy Ann Taylor, daughter of James and Phoebe Taylor, nee Holmes. She is, also, a native of Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Hudson have one child, John T., who was born July 31, 1875.

Our subject enlisted in the Second provisional regiment of the Missouri State militia in the summer of 1863 and served about six months. Mr. Hudson lived in Iowa, during live months after leaving his native State, in the spring of 1857, and then came direct to this county, where he has since made his home. Mr. Hudson has filled the office of collector of the revenue in his township to the satisfaction of his constituents for a term of two years.

Ben.Jamin Low

"Was born in Columbiana county, Ohio, July 18, 1833, the son of Henry and Sarah Low, nee Grate, also natives of Ohio. His father died when Benjamin was quite young and his mother married again and removed with the family to Illinois where he learned the blacksmithing trade. He enlisted in May, 1861, in company B, Sixteenth Illinois infantry and served, in defense of the Union through the war, and was with Gen. Sherman on his celebrated " march to the sea." Was discharged at Goldsborough, N. C, in 1865, and soon after returned to Illinois.

Hon. Lewis Myers

Lewis Myers, in honor of whom Myers township was named, was born in Bath county, Kentucky, on the 26th of October, 1818. His father, Jacob Myers, was born in Fayette county, Pennsylvania, in the year 1792, and when seven years of age came with his parents down the Ohio River in a flat-boat, landing at the mouth of Cabin Creek near Maysville, in Lewis county, Kentucky, where he located for a time, then moved to Bath county and renuiined the rest of his life. He died April 24, 1872. Lucy Corbin was the maiden name of Mr. Myers's mother. She was born in Culpeper county, Virginia, and subsequently removed with her parents, Martin and Nancy Ann Corbin, to Kentucky. Her mother was Nancy Ann Scott, a near relative of General W infield Scott.

Lewis Myers was educated in Kentucky, and after leaving schocjl taught lor a number of years in liis native State, lie married, in JBatli county, Kentucky, August 4, 1842, Miss Nancy Ann Halls, also a native of that county. He left Kentucky in the spring of 1855 and came to Grundy county, Missouri, and, entering his present place, at once commenced improving his farm.

Mr. and Mrs. Myers have six children now living, named as follows: Lucy E., married 1. P. Martin; Mary Jane, Ann Eliza, married Wm. T. Hughes, now deceased; John, Richard, Ruth and Andrew.

Mr. Myers enlisted in the enrolled militia of the State under Governor Gamble's first call, and served in the capacity of orderly sergeant during the war.

He has served as justice of the peace for many years, and in 1SG4 was elected, by a handsome majority, to represent Grundy county in the General Assembly of the State where he served with credit during two sessions of the legislature. He has been postmaster at Muirton for nearly eight years and has discharged the duties in a highly satisfactory manner. In politics Mr. Myers was originally an "old line Whig." He lived near the great Henry Clay and imbibed the sentiments and doctrines of that statesman. Since the w^ar he lias voted and affiliated with the Republican party. Mr. and Mrs. Myers have been leading members of the Methodist Episcopal Church for nearly forty years. The majority of their children are also members of that church.

Mr. Myers possesses a productive farm of rich and valuable prairie land, beautifully situated and well watered. He is a leading farmer and a highly respected and influential citizen of the community in which he has lived for more than a quarter of a century.

Jabez H. Moses was born in Cayuga county, New York, October 7, 1836. He left New York with his parents when about one year old, and settled in the State of Illinois, remaining there about one year, during which time his father died. Soon after his father's death, in the care of his mother, he returned to New York. When about five years of age he left his native State for Michigan, where he grew to manhood. In the days of his early manhood he commenced the study of medicine, in which science he graduated February 1, 1864, from the Rush Medical College, of Chicago. Soon after graduating Dr. Moses was appointed assistant surgeon in the Mississippi squadron of the United States Navy, under Admiral Porter. About the time of his appointment he was married to Miss Maria Ver Beryck, daughter of Dr. Abraham Yer Beryck, of Granville, Wisconsin. The issue of this marriage was two children, whose names are Sidney and Lula.

Granville, Wisconsin, and in October, 1867, came to Grundy county, where he lived on a farm until 1S77, at which time he moved to Half Rock, in Mercer county, where he is now engaged in selling drugs and the practice of medicine. As a result of his energy and superior qualiiications the doctor enjoys a large and lucrative practice.

Margaret M. Myers

Margaret M. Trumbo was born in Bath county, Kentucky, November 5th, 1828. Her father is Manasset Trumbo and her mother's maiden name was Miss Hannah Taylor. Miss Trumbo was reared in Kentucky and married in Bath county to the late Milton J. Myers. With her husband she immigrated to Grundy county in 1854. She is the mother of seven children living; viz., George H., Mary A., now Mrs. William C. Henderson; Lucy H. Jacob M., William C., Martha E., and Alfred T. Mrs. Myers has been a widow little over one year. Herself and children own one of the finest farms in Grundy county.

The subject of this sketch is one of the leading farmers of Myers township. He was born in Carroll count}', Kentucky, on the 3d day of September, 1848. His parents were John A. and Catherine (Barbee) McCracken. The}'' removed to Indiana when our subject was but three years old, remaining there only a short time, came to this State and settled in Putnam county, and lived there during ten years. Mr. McCracken was educated at Chillicothe, Missouri, and subsequently lived for a number of years in Sullivan county. From there he went to Mercer county and after a residence there of six or seven years, came to Grundy county where he has since continued to reside. His occupation has always been farming. William A. McCracken was married in Sullivan county, Missouri, on the 8tli day of December, 1870, to Miss Ann M. Ford, daughter of James H. Ford. Mrs. McCracken was born in Sullivan county, Missouri, January 11, 1848. They are the parents of two children: James A., and Pearl. Mr. McCracken has been assessor of the township for two years, and is an industrious and enterprising business man.

Nathaniel Pettit

Was born in Beaver county, Pennsylvania, June 29, 1829. His parents, George and Hannah Pettit, were also natives of Pennsylvania. In his early youth his parents removed to Coshocton county, Ohio, and there our subject was educated and grew to manhood. He was married in Ohio, in October, 1851, to Miss Hannah, daughter of Abram and JSTancy Miller. Mrs. Pettit is a native of Ohio. The fruits of this marriage have been twelve children, nine of whom, five boys and four girls, are now living. Mr. Pettit owns a

Morgan Ralls

Morgan Ralls, one of the earliest settlers of this section of the country, was born in Logan county, Kentucky, December 25, 1815. His father, William Ralls, was a native of North Carolina, and his mother, whose maiden name was Naomi Montgomery, was born in Kentucky. When Morgan was ten years old his father removed to Marion county, Missouri, where our subject received all the education offered him (about three months' attendance upon the common schools) and grew to manhood. He began life for himself as a farmer and has never changed his occupation. He lived in what is now Knox county during five or six years, and from there went to Adair county where he farmed for fifteen years. From Adair he came to Grundy county for a time and then lived in Sullivan, from which county he subsequently removed again to Grundy and established his permanent residence there. Mr. Ralls was married, in Knox county, Missouri, April 5th, 1837, to Miss Lydia, daughter of George and Annie Abbott. They are the parents of ten children: George W., Charles L., Green B., Judith A., John C, Sarah J., Cardwell M., Louisa, Elizabeth and Emma C, Mr. and Mrs. Ralls have been members of the Christian Church for more than forty years. Mr. Ralls is, also, a member of the Masonic lodge at Wintersville. He is an old and highly respected citizen.

James Robinson

Was born in Logan county, Ohio, January 28, 1820. His father, Laborn Robinson, was of Scotch parentage. His mother was the daughter of James Logan, in honor of whom that county was named. When James was but three months old his parents removed to Gallatin county, Illinois, where he lived until fourteen years old, and then went to Rock Island and remained three years. Thence to Pike county, in the same State, where he engaged as a boatman on the river for seven years. In 1844 he went to Iowa City, and si^ months later made a trip to the mouth of the Yellowstone River. He returned to Rock Island and resumed the boating business, continuino; until the fall of 1846, and then attended school at Rock Island for one year. Soon after leaving school. May 20, 1847, he married Miss Ellen Brown, a native of Sangamon county, Illinois. After his marriage he returned to freighting and piloting on the Illinois River and continued that business until 1851, when he went back to Rock Island and farmed until 1853. Then on the 5tli day of xlpril, he started with a team of four yoke of cattle, overland, to California, which journey he accomplished in a little more than six months. He spent three years in California, chiefly engaged in mining, for the most part with good success; returning via Panama and

"New York to Pike county, Illinois, in the spring of 1856. Mr. Tlobinson came to Grundy county, Missouri, and settled upon his present place in the spring of 1856, and lived there until 1860, when he made his second trip to the gold fields of the then new West, engaged in mining and teaming, and returned by ship, reaching his home in Grundy county in January, 1864. Remained at home engaged with the duties upon his farm until 1876, when the Union Pacific having in the meantime been opened, he made his third trip, this time by rail, to the Pacific slope, and engaged in "packing" and trading, mostly in Oregon. He returned from Sacramento by rail arriving at home September 25, 1877. Mr. Robinson is a member of the Masonic order, and his wife, who died on the 21st of September, 1878, was a member of the Christian Church. The family consists of four children: Mary, Rebecca J., Helen M. and James M.

John W. Koot

John W. Root is a native of Athens county, Ohio, and was born October 5, 1845. His father, Levi Root, is a native of Livingston county, New York, and his mother, whose maiden name was Polly Stewart, was born in Athens county, Ohio. Our subject was educated in his native county, and after leaving school engaged as clerk in a dry goods store at Stewart's Mills for one year. Mr. Root was married in "Washington county, Ohio, September 8, 1860, to Miss Eliza, daughter of Ezekiel and Margaret Moore^ all natives of Ohio.

At the beginning of the civil war he enlisted under the stars and stripes and during the entire war fought in defense of the Union with the Army of the Cumberland. He participated in all the principal engagements of that campaign. Was wounded and taken prisoner at the terrific battle of Stone River after which he la^'^ for months in the hospital at Nashville. Finally recovering he returned to Ohio and remained at home for three months, subsequently rejoining his old command at Chattanooga. He held the position of orderly sergeant. After the war he continued farming in his native county until 1866, and then removed west of the Mississippi River and spent the first year in Iowa, and then, in the autumn of 1867, came to Grundy county, Missouri, and occupied his present farm upon which he has since resided.

Mr. Root has been justice of the peace for twelve years, and was one of the enumerators of tlie tenth census. He is a public spirited man and an ardent supporter of schools and churches. In politics Mr. Root has always been an active Republican.

He owns a neat, well cultivated and productive farm, and is in a prosperous condition. His family consists of seven children: Linna, Alice, George, Rosa M.., William W., James F., and Grace Viola.

James Shipman

The subject of this sketch is a native of Ohio. He was born in Behiiont county, February 20, 1812. His father, Mathias Shipinan, was horn in New Jersey, and his niotlier, whose maiden name was Mary Julia Aim Kuntz, was a native of Pennsylvania. He was educated in the common schools of his native State, and has followed a variety of callings, such as merchaudisinof, millino- and tarming:.

Mr. Shipman was married in Belmont county, Ohio, on the 29th day of December, 183G, to Miss Eliza, daughter of Daniel and Sarah Warren. By this union they had four children, all of whom are now dead.

He removed from Ohio to Illinois in 1863. Lived in the latter State during fifteen years. From Illinois he went to Kansas, and after two and a half years residence there, came to Missouri and located in Grundy county.

Mr. and Mrs. Shipman have been members of the Methodist Episcopal Church for more than forty-five years. Their son, George W., after having served one year in defense of the Union, contracted typhoid fever on the bay below Washington, and died at the hospital in that city at the age of nineteen years. He was a member of Sheridan's command, and a brave and gallant young soldier.

George W. Swopes

I« a native of Campbell county, east Tennessee, born December 2, 1827. His parents were James S. and Rutha (Brown) Swopes. His father was a Virginian, and his mother a native of New Jersey. When George was three years of age his father moved to Illinois, and a year later to Ray county, Missouri, where the family lived during twelve or thirteen years. From Ray our subject moved to Mercer county, just across the Grundy county line, where he has since continued to live, engaged in farming.

Mr. Swopes was married, December 27, 1848, in Mercer county, to Miss Sarah Brown, a native of Tennessee. They have eight children, six boys and two girls, now living.

Mr. Swopes was a soldier in the Mexican War. He enlisted in August, 1864, in company D, Forty-fourth Missouri infantry and participated in the battles of Franklin, Nashville and a number of minor engagements.

Francis B. Suelton

Was born in Warren county,. Illinois, December 8, 1844. Henry H. and Mary Shelton, nee Boj'^ne, natives of Kentucky, were his parents. Our subject was educated in his native State and engaged in farming there, until twenty-five years of age when he immigrated to Missouri and settled in Grundy county, where he was married, December 31, 1859, to Miss Mary J.

Both Mr. Shelton and his wife are members of the clmrch. He enlisted in 1863, in company C, One Hundred and Thirty-eiglith Illinois volunteers,. for six months and at the expiration of that term of service was discharged at Springfield.

James O. Thompson

Was born January 1st, 1849, in Indiana. He is the son of Samuel G. and Sarah A. Thompson. Samuel Gr. Thompson was born March 27, 1815,. near Kedstone, Pennsylvania, and when three years of age migrated with his parents to Carroll county, Ohio, where he lived until he was twenty-one years of age, and then moved to Jefferson county, Ohio, to learn the trade of blacksmithing. September, 1838, he moved to Edgar county, Illinois, where he married Miss Sarah Ann "Williams. Four children were the issue of this marriage, of whom our subject, James O. Thompson, was third. SamneJ (i. Thompson is still living on his son's farm, in Grundy county. In 1849 James O. Thompson migrated with his parents to Fulton county^ Illinois. In the fall of 1861 he left Fulton county and located in Warren county, Illinois. On the 14th of January, 1869, lie married Miss Lizzie Shelton, daugliterof H. H. Shelton, of Warren county. In Februarj', 1872, Mr. Thompson came to Grundy county where he has since engaged in farming. His only child is Samuel T. Thompson. Mr. and Mrs. Thompson are members of the Christian Church. He has provided for himself since eight years of age and as a result of his labors owns one of the best farms in Grundycounty.

Charles N. Vigneron

Was born December 31st, 1837, near the city of iNTancy, in France. He is theson of John M. and Mary A. (Compt) Vignerou, both of whom are natives of France. They came to the United States in 1853 and settled in Ohio. Beginning at the age of eighteen, Charles learned the trade of a carpenter. In 1861 he left Ohio for Tazewell county, Illinois. In 1862 he enlisted in the Confederate army under Stonewall Jackson. In 1863 he was taken prisoner by the Federal forces at Pilot Knob. Soon after his capture he was pa.- roled and December, 1864, enlisted in the State militia at Springfield, Illinois*. After the war he returned to Tazewell county, and October 14th, 186T, was. married to Miss Sarah Smuck, daughter of Christian Smuck, of that county. In March, 1871, Mr. Yigneron came to Grundy county and settled on a farm. He returned to Ohio in 1878 and remained eighteen months. He is now living on the farm which he bought when first he came to this country. He is the father of five children; viz, Mary, Eva^ Minnie, John W.^ and Leroy.