Harrison County, Missouri - Biographical sketches, 1921 (part 2 of 15)

Coi-nelius Ebersole was born in Ohio, May 30, 1848, came to Ray County, Missouri, in the fifties and to Harrison County, Missouri, about 1870. He operated the Old Muddy Mill just over the line in Gentry County for several years, then followed farming, and now lives retired in New Hampton. His wife, Eliza (Ralph) Ebersole, was bom in Gentry County, Missouri, the daughter of George Ralph, a pioneer farmer in Dallas Township, who came from Kentucky in the early days. Mrs. Ebersole died in 1911 and is buried in Lone Star Cemetery. To Cornelius and Eliza (Ralph) Ebersole the following children were born : Charity, living in New Hampton; George, living on the home place; W. J., the subject of this review; Joseph J., of New Hampton ; Robert, a resident of Albany, Missouri, where he is in the milling, feed and flour business ; Eva, the wife of Alex Murray, of Albany, Missouri, a partner of Robert Ebersole; Bessie, now Mrs. George L. Parman, of New Hampton; Fred S., a farmer in Dallas Township ; and Amy, a teacher of music in New Hampton.

W. J. Ebersole was educated in the public schools and at the age ot nineteen began farming and milling business. He came to New Hampton in 1907, buying the old mill property. The next year he built a new mill and in 1915 he built the elevator now owned by the Farmers' Elevator Company. He sold this in 1919 and built a concrete elevator with a capacity of 8,000 bushels. Here he has ample room for the handling of both wholesale and retail business in flour, feed, grain, and field seed. He has installed a ten-ton scale, probably the only one of the kind in the county, and has all modern machinery for use in the elevator.

Mr. Ebersole built a very nice residence in New Hampton which he later traded for a farm. He now owns fourteen acres of land adjoining the town and on this plot he raises thoroughbred Spotted Poland China hogs and pure bred Plymouth Rock chickens. Mr. Ebersole also owns a farm of 120 acres in Dallas Township, which he operates.

native of Gentry County, Missouri, and a daughter of G. S. and Lizzie Grace Runyon, both now Hving in Lone Star, Missouri. Mr. and Mrs. Ebersole have three daughters: Ima E., Inez B. and Iris M.

Mr. Ebersole is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and of the Knights of Pythias Lodge. Mr. Ebersole has met his present success because of his energy, industry and business foresight.

J. S. Magee, cashier of the Farmers Bank of New Hampton, has been connected with the banking institution of which he is an oificer for twenty-two years, two years as the president and twenty years in his present capacity. The growth of the bank is therefore a part of the personal history of its efficient cashier. Mr. Magee was bom in Gentry County February 11, 1856, the son of John R. and Martha A. (Young) Magee. His father came from Kentucky to Gentry County and then to Harrison County, where he was a prominent farmer for many years. He died in February, 1918, at the age of eighty-five. His wife, Martha A. (Young) Magee, died in February, 1877. The remains of both are buried in Magee Cemetery. Four children were bom to John R. and Martha A.( Young) Magee, as follows: J. S., the subject of this sketch; Robert M., now a resident of Warrensburg, Missouri; Amanda, deceased; and W. L., who died May 31, 1903. Amanda Magee married T. A. Williams, who lives in Phoenix, Arizona. Mrs. Williams died in Boulder, Colorado, at ithe age of fifty-seven and her remains are buried in Magee Cemetery.

J. S. Magee was educated in the public schools of Harrison County. He taught school, farmed, and was in the mercantile business before accepting his present position. His varied training and his business acumen have made him an invaluable asset to the bank with which he is connected. This institution, the Farmers Bank of New Hampton, was organized in 1892 with a capital stock of $10,000.00 and with D. P. Wayman president and T. J. Wayman cashier. The capital stock was later increased to $15,000.00. The bank has a sui-plus of $60,000.00; undivided profits of $10,000.00; and deposits of $235,000.00. The present officers of the bank are: J. H. Virden, president; Daniel Gibson, vice-president; J. S. Magee, cashier; W. C. Magee, assistant cashier; Eunice Gibson and Gladys Brenizer, bookkeepers; and J. H. Virden, Daniel Gibson, Joseph Funk, A. D. Stevenson, F. J. Hesseltine, J. A. Christie and John R. Mack, directors.

Mr. Magee was married October 19, 1876, to Lavenia A. Williams. a native of Gentry County, living near Albany, and a daughter of Thomas J. and Sarah Williams, both deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Magee have eight living children: Charles G., a merchant in Pittsburg, Kansas; Essie M., now^ Mrs. C. A. Heryford of 'New Hampton ; Alice L., widow of H. B. Taylor, Des Moines, Iowa ; R. W., with the New Hampton Implement Company ; F. M., who learned the banking business under the tutelage of his father and is located in I.os Angeles, California; Grace, a teacher in Chicago, Ilhnois; W. C, assistant cashier in the Farmers Bank; and Herman J., a graduate of the New Hampton High School and of the Missouri University, class of 1921.

W. C. and Herman Magee were volunteers in the United States Army during the World War. They both went overseas and served nearly two years. W. C. was with the Thirty-fifth Division and Herman J. was in the Navy, located at Base No. 17, and worked in mine laying in the North Seas. W. C. was married in 1920 to Bonnadine Smyth, of New Hampton.

The Magee family can be justly proud of the record held by its members in the county where the name stands for civic pride and progessive ideals.

Ray Bartlett, manager of the Farmers Elevator Company of New Hampton, was born near Bethany, Missouri, January 3, 1888, the son ot Zack and Mary (Barnes) Bartlett, the latter now living in Bethany Township. Zack Bartlett was born in Harrison County in 1849, the son of Daniel Bartlett who was one of the early settlers of this part of Missouri. He died September 30, 1921, and is buried at Morris Chapel. The Bartlett name is connected with the pioneer history of Harrison County.

Zack and Mary (Barnes) Bartlett had the following children: Mattie, now Mrs. Thanner of Seattle, Washington; Victor, deceased; D. R., living in Jefferson Township; Kate, whose home is in Jefferson Township; Eva, now Mrs. Hagen, of Cainsville, Missouri; Jennie, now Mrs. Kidwell of Dallas Township; Ray, the subject of this sketch; Robert, living in New Hampton; and Lucille, at home.

Ray Bartlett was educated in the Bethany Public School, and taught in HaiTison County for ten years, teaching his first term in the Nassman District and his last in Maple Grove District in White Oak Township. Mr. Bartlett was also a farmer for six years, leaving that line of work to accept his present position in 1921. In his work now, Mr. Bartlett is prov- ing most successful, his energetic handling of business and his strong sense of integrity give him the confidence and esteem of his associates and of the public. The elevator was purchased by the Farmers Grain, Produce & Mercantile Company in 1919, two years before the present manager took charge. This elevator has a capacity of 15,000 bushels of grain thus affording ample space for the handling of the business done by the company. The company officers are : C. L. Cover, general manager ; Ray Bartlett, elevator manager; F. 0. Peasley, president; W. R. Clelland, vice-president; Alfred Denny, secretary-treasurer; and M. B. Kelara, F. 0. Peasley, J. Funk, W. R. Clelland, C. T. Magee, Alfred Denny and J. T. Green, directors.

Ray Bartlett was married April 25, 1919, to Beatrice Vance, a daughter of William and Sarah Vance of Butler Township. Mrs. Bartlett was born and grew to womanhood in Butler Township. She was educated in the rural schools of Harrison County and the State Teachers College at Maryville, Missouri. Mr. and Mrs. Bartlett have three children, as follows: Robert Vance, Sarah Lane and Forrest Morland.

Mr. Bartlett is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and has served one term as collector of Jefferson Township. He is a young man of ability.

Garland Wilson, popular attorney at law and member of a prominent family of Harrison County, was horn in Bethany, Missouri, February 8, 1885, the son of J. C. and Alice E. (Turner) Wilson, a sketch of whom appears in this volume.

Garland Wilson received his early education in the Bethany public schools. He graduated from the State University at Columbia, Missouri, in 1905, taking the A. B. degree. He then entered the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor, Michigan, and gi-aduated from the Law Department in 1907. The same year he was admitted to the bar in Missouri and continued to practice in partnership with his father for three years. Since that time he has been engaged in the practice of law in Bethany, Missouri. His office was formerly the property and office of John M. Sallee, a well known attorney in the county. His home is the residence formerly known as the Judge Wanamaker place, located at 815 South Twentieth street.

Garland Wilson

Bethany, Missouri and Mrs. Hattie Darr is deceased. Mrs. Wilson was born in Carroll County, Missouri and was a teacher in the Bethany public schools before her marriage to Mr. Wilson. Mr. and Mrs. Wilson have thee children as follows: James C. II, Helen Darr and Garland Wilson, Jr.

Mr. Wilson was elected city attorney of Bethany and served four years, from 1908 to 1912. In November, 1912, he was elected prosecuting attorney of Harrison County and sei'ved for the two years following. During the World War, Mr. Wilson w^as a leader and organizer in his county. He handled the sales of the Liberty bonds and was treasurer of the organization to promote the bond sales. When the National Democratic Convention met in Baltimore, Maryland, in 1913, and nominated Woodrow Wilson for the first time, Mr. Wilson was a delegate from Missouri. The Wilson family has been widely and favorably known in Democratic politics for years and the men of the family have always been prominent in political aifairs. Garland Wilson has had no small part in the making of the family reputation for integrity and progress.

A. H. Solomon, well known member of the firm of Scott & Solomon, of New Hampton, Missouri, was born in Martinsville, Missouri, the son of James L. and Nancy M. (Ross) Solomon. The Ross name is intimately connected v/ith the early history of Harrison County. Nancy Ross was the daughter of Hugh Ross, who was one of the sturdy and fearless men belonging to those pioneer days when conveniences were unknown and hardships prevailed.

Hugh Ross was born in Ohio and came to Missouri in 1842. He made the trip by steamboat to St. Louis and from there walked all the way to Harrison County, carrying on his back all of his worldly assets. These included an ax which served him in good stead in his wild frontier home. He entered land first in Gentry County, and then came to Dallas Township, Harrison County, and took up land four and one-half miles west of New Hampton. Here he built a little cabin and began to improve his land and here a year later he brought his bride, Catherine Carter. They continued to live on the same land for many yeai'S and were the witnesses of great changes in the county. The old Eagleville and St. Joseph trail ran in front of their place, thus keeping them constantly in touch with the world beyond their immediate vicinage. Catherine (Car- (18) ter) Ross died in 1904 and Hugh Ross died at the home of his daughter in Dallas Township in 1907 at the age of eighty-four. The remains of both are buried in Carter Cemetery. The old home place with its many historic associations is now owned by Hugh Ross' grandson, A. H. Solomon. Quite recently Mr. Solomon had an old barn that had been built by his grandfather, tom down and the hewed timbers of which the barn was constructed were found to be as solid as on the day they were first used.

To James L. and Nancy (Ross) Solomon the following children were born: Etta C, now the wife of U. G. Gibson of New Hampton; A. H., the subject of this sketch; Anna, the wife of C. B. Robins of Bonilla, South Dakota ; Mary, now Mrs. G. E. Scott of New Hampton ; Katie, died at the age of twelve ; J. C, a poultiy dealer and restaurant o\vner at Blythedale, and Ola, now Mrs. Eddie Linch of McFall.

A. H. Solomon was educated in the public schools of Martinsville and New Hampton and the Normal School at Stanberry. After finishing school, he worked on a farm for two years and then went to New Hampton where he worked at blacksmithing for more than twelve years. The next two and one-half years he worked in a grocery store and meat market, and following that time, he became manager of the Miner Frees lumber yard. He kept this position for two years, then left New Hampton and was on a farm for four years. After that he with the Rowland Mercantile Company for a year and then accepted the position as cashier of the Bank of New Hampton on April 5, 1920, and served in that capacity until August 9, 1921. He then entered into partnership with George E. Scott. They manufacture ice and are engaged in the general produce business and handle coal. They buy produce wholesale and retail over a large scope of territory. Their building is of brick and concrete, floors are concrete, and has a frontage of thirty-five feet and 110 feet deep; their ice factory supplies ice for this city and also the refrigeration plant. Their plant is easily worth $40,000. This is one of the best equipped plants in Northwestern Missouri.

Mr. Solomon was married March 30, 1898, to Fannie E. Barger, a daughter of Alex H. and Nancy Barger, both deceased. Mrs. Solomon was born in New Hampton and received her education in the New Hampton schools and the Normal at Stanberry.

Mr. Solomon is a member of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons the Royal Arch and the Knights Templar Degrees, and he is a member of the Shrine. He also belongs to the Kmghts of Pythias Lodge.

His early surroundings and his varied experience in business have given him a wide acquaintance. Throughout his life he has been associated with the development of Harrison County and has always held high standards and progressive ideals in civic affairs.

J. M. Kelly, a former County Judge, reliable citizen and popular garage owner of New Hampton, Missouri, was born in Gentry County, April 25, 1863, the son of Francis M. and Tabitha J. (Magee) Kelly, both deceased.

Francis M. Kelly was a native of Kentucky and his wife was bom m Indiana. They were married in Harrison County, Missouri, and lived in the southwest corner of White Oak Township where they owned 107 acres of land. They improved their farm and lived on it for nineteen years. Francis M. Kelly died in 1880 and is buried in Caldwell, Kansas. His wife died a few years before, and is buried in Foster Cemetery. To Francis M. and Tabitha J. (Magee) Kelly the following children were born: Catherine, now Mrs. Wallace Walton of Leedy, Oklahoma; J. M. the subject of this sketch ; Martha, now Mrs. Rawley Clark of Denver, Colorado ; William, a resident of Springfield, Missouri ; and Tazwell F., of Butler Township.

J. M. Kelly came to Harrison County with his parents and has spent his life in Butler and White Oak townships. He owns a farm of 120 acres in Holt County, Missouri, and also owns 480 acres of land in Custer County, Oklahoma. Mr. Kelly has lived in New Hampton for the last fifteen years. For the last five years he has been in the garage business doing general repair work and keeping from three to five men employed ail the time.

J. M. Kelly was married August 2, 1885 to Eva R. Walton, a daughter of T. F. Walton, of Butler Township. Both her mother and father are deceased. To J. M. and Eva R. (Walton) Kelly the following children have been born : Delbert F., married Pearl Smith of Oklahoma, and lives in New Hampton ; Sylvia May, wife of Eugene Coster, living in St. Paul, Minnesota; Ray R., married Madge Taylor and lives in New Hampton; and Linnie E. at home. Ray R. Kelly is a World War veteran, having been one of the first of the Harrison County boys to go overseas. He was in France for sixteen months, attached to a French Division and serving as a mechanic.

Mr. Kelly was the constable and collector of Butler Township for eight years, justice of the peace of White Oak Township for two years, clerk and assessor for two years, and served two term as county judge of Harrison County. These offices given him by the vote of his fellow citizens, as well as the flourishing business which he conducts, indicate the very high regard and respect in which he is held by the community.

A. L. Funk, the efficient and well known manager of the New Hampton Lumber Company, was born in Indiana, but came with his parents to this county in the fall of 1863, coming through in wagons. His father, Jol}n R. Funk, settled one mile south of New Hampton and bought about 300 acres of land, the crop, stock and machinery, for $2,800.00, and lived there until about 1894 when he moved to New Hampton, where he died in 1897, in his eighty-ninth year. He is buried in Foster Cemetery, and his wife, Elvira Ringo Funk, who was born in Kentucky in 1816, died about four years previous to her husband's death.

Mr. and Mrs. John Funk were the parents of the following children: Joel H., who died when forty-two years of age; Mrs. Martha J. Rader, who died in 1919; Mrs. Margaret Swope of Butler Township; Mrs. Lydia Swartz, John W. Funk, Mrs. Sarah Reed, William, Peter, all deceased; A. L. Funk, the subject of this sketch; and four children who died in infancy.

A. L. Funk was educated in the public schools of this township, and, at the age of eighteen years, married Emma Yocum, a daughter of William Yocum and wife, both deceased. Mrs. Funk was educated in Illinois, and died December 5, 1919, at the age of fifty-eight years.

Mr. and Mrs. A. L. Funk were the parents of the following children: Essie, the wife of Dr. 0. G. ¥/eed of St. Joseph, Missouri; Ova Ellen, who died at the age of twenty-four years, and who was a clerk in Magee and Stevenson's store at New Hampton ; Beatrice Elvira, the wife of Edward Kipp of Long Beach, California; Ruth D., who lives at home, and teaches in the New Hampton schools. For six years, Ruth Funk has taught in the schools here, and taught one year at Grant City, in 1920. She received her education at the State Teachei's College at Warrensburg and Maryville, Missouri.

Township, and has also been mayor of New Hampton for three years, and was on the school board here for more than fifteen years. He is a member of the Woodmen of the World.

Mr. Funk is manager of the New Hampton Lumber Company, which is owned principally by the farmers of this vicinity, and was established April 11, 1902. A. B. Martin was the manager for nearly one year, and then Mr. Funk was hired and has been with this firm ever since. This yard carries a complete line of building material, except hardware, and the capital stock is $8,000.00. The officers are : John H. Magee, president ; John T. Green, vice president; W. R. Clelland, secretary; Joseph Funk, treasurer. These four, together vdth E. A. Carter, W. A. Denny and J. R. Chenoweth, constitute the board of directors.

Mr. Funk has taken but two vacations in eighteen years, and has given his entire attention to the success of the business. He has had a large experience in millwright work, also as a builder of houses, and this experience has been of much value to him in conducting the lumber yard.

Scott and Solomon, leading dealers in poultry, produce of all kinds and coal, of New Hampton, with a branch house at Matkins, Missouri, have been in business in New Hampton since Api'il, 1908. The building consists of one story with basement, and artificial cooling rooms are established with the plant, and, in every way. Messrs. Scott & Solomon are well equipped with the best machinery for handling goods.

George E. Scott is a native of Virginia, born September 19, 1882, and came to this county with his parents, James L. and Mary P. Scott, in 1884. James L. Scott is a pioneer merchant of New Hampton, having been in the harness and shoe repairing business here for thirty years. He was born in Smith County, Virginia in 1842, and was married there in 1874 to Mary P. Davis, a daughter of D. Davis of Smith County. James L. Scott enlisted in the Confederate army in July, 1861, from Tazewell County, Virginia and remained in the army until Lee's surrender. Mr. and Mrs. Scott were the parents of six children, as follows: Mrs. Sallie Morgan of New Hampton ; Mrs. Fannie Gross of Miami, Florida, the prisident of the State Missionary Society of Florida, and the wife of Rev. J. M. Gross; George, the subject of this sketch; Elmer and D. Scott of Harrison County ; and James L. of Grant City, Missouri.

and, after finishing school, worked for a few years for different people. He went into business for himself with C. E. Swartz, and for four years they conducted a produce business with the firm name of New Hampton Produce Company. At the end of four years, Mr. Scott sold out his interest and purchased an interest in the produce house of Rowlett & Sexton, buying Mr. Rovvlett's interest in February, 1907, this firm being known then as Scott & Sexton, when one year later, Mr. Sexton sold out to Mr. Morgan and since that time, the business was under the name of Scott & Morgan, until August, 1921, when it became Scott & Solomon.

Mr. Scott was married April 1, 1906 to Mary B. Solomon of New Hampton, a daughter of James L. and Nancy M. Solomon. Mr. and Mrs. Scott have seven children : Margaret O., who died at the age of four years; Borland R., Maxine, Kathleen, Edwin, Erwin and Verl.

E. C. Morgan, formerly of this firm, is the son of George and Frances E. (Frazier) Morgan, who came from Muskingum County, Ohio, in 1861 and settled in Clay Township, where they bought and improved a farm. Mrs. Morgan died in New Hampton, October, 1914 and Mr. Morgan died December 10, 1919, and both are buried in Akron Cemetery. They were the parents of the following children: Mary L., the wife of W. H. Evans, of Blythedale, Missouri; Charles, a traveling salesman of Omaha, Nebraska; W. L., a farmer of Mercer, North Dakota; G. W., a farmer of Akron, Missouri ; R. F., a traveling salesman of Des Moines, Iowa ; and E. C.

E. C. Morgan was educated in the county schools and at Park College, Parkville, Missouri. Prior to being connected with this firm, he was engaged in farming in Iowa.

Mr. E. C. Morgan was married March 22, 1902 to Sallie D. Scott, a daughter of James L. and Mary P. Scott of New Hampton. Mrs. Morgan was born in Virginia and came here with her parents in 1884. Mr. and Mrs. Morgan have a son, George Thurston, born May 2, 1902.

Edward Smyth, the well known postmaster of New Hampton, who is now serving his second term as postmaster, was born in County Meath, Ireland, August 10, 1864, the son of Edward and Margaret Smyth, both of whom died in Ireland.

Mr. and Mrs. Edward Smyth were the parents of the following children: Ann, of Sydney, Australia; Margaret, of Ireland; Patrick, who died in Australia; Chirstopher, who died in Ireland; Oliver, of County Meath, Ireland; Edward, the subject of this sketch; John, who died in New York ; Thomas of Australia ; Michael of County Meath, Ireland ; Mrs. Mary Sheridan, deceased ; and James of County Meath, Ireland.

Edward Smyth was educated in County Meath, Ireland, and grew to manhood there, coming to America in 1885 and locating near New Hampton, where he engaged in farming until he was appointed postmaster. In 1900, he bought thirty-six acres of land adjoining the town site of New Hampton, and successfully engaged in horticulture, specializing in the raising of apples, cherries, pears and grapes. Mr. Smyth closely follows bulletins and agricultural papers and adopts the latest ideas and methods in raising fruit. He sells to shippers at his orchard.

Edward Smyth was married in 1892 to Martha Jane Johnson, a daughter of Mark and Ann Johnson of this county. Mr. and Mrs. Smyth are the parents of three children: Bonnadene, assistant postmaster and graduate of New Hampton High School of class 1910; Dallas E. of St. Joseph, Missouri, a graduate of New Hampton High School of class 1917; and Meta, a student of New Hampton High School. During the World War, Dallas E. Smyth was in a motor mechanic school at Des Moines, Iowa, and was also in camp in Georgia, Alabama and Camp Taylor, Kentucky, he was in training at Camp Taylor when the armistice was signed.

Edward Smyth has also been constable and collector of White Oak Township. He is an efficient public official, who stands the test of responsibility and measures up to a high standard.

Frank Jones, the well known and enterprising proprietor of Jones and Company grocery store, located on the west side of the square in Bethany, Missouri, was born in Harland County, Nebraska, October 18, 1885, the son of Jonathan and Sarah (Charlton) Jones. Mrs. Sarah Jones lives in Tulsa, Oklahoma with her daughter, Mrs. Nettie Wernett.

dren: John L. of Gilman, Missouri; Frank Jones, the subject of this sketch; Mrs. Nettie Wernett of Tulsa, Oklahoma; R. L. of Tindall, Missouri; L. M., of Spickard, Missouri; Mrs. Dora Newman of Delta, Colorado; and Mrs. Viola Hobbs of California.

Frank Jones was educated in the public schools of this county. After finishing his education, he engaged in farming near Blue Ridge, Missouri, until December. 1920, when he bought his present grocery from Paul G. McGowen. This store was formerly located on Main Street, but was moved soon after Mr. Jones purchased it to its present location, next to the post office. Mr. Jones carries a general line of groceries and meats and has a first class grocery. The goods are neatly displayed and convenient for rapid work. Mr. Jones has a full line of fresh and cured meats and has an excellent patronage from both city and country.

Fi-ank Jones was married June 16, 1920 to Mabel Darby of Martinsville, Missouri, a daughter of Thomas Darby and wife of that place. Mr. and Mrs. Jones have a son, Frank Jr., bom April 8, 1921.

William Avery Miner. - The late William Avery Miner of Ridgeway, Missouri, was during his lifetime a leading factor in the development of Harrison County and through his high minded purposes, indomitable courage and pure patriotism, he not only influenced his own time, but left his imprint upon the institutions of his community and county. He created a condition of independence during his business career as a result of his earnest efforts and the weight and force of his characteristics. If he undertook to accomplish a thing, he gave it his best efforts whether it was a private enterprise or a public service. He belonged to that class of men who accomplish something worth while each day which is always an important factor in the careers of successful men.

Mr. Miner was born at Brodhead, Green County, Wisconsin, May 8, 1861. He was a son of Samuel Elbert Miner asd Maria C. (Kelley) Miner. The Miners belong to one of the old New England families. Rev. Samuel Elbert Miner, father of William Avery Miner of this review, went into Wisconsin during its pioneer days well equipped with educational and other qualities which rendered his labors effective among the builders of the commonwealth. Being a minister, he set about preparing the way for an effective campaign in spreading the Gospel, with establishing congregations and building churches, at Madison, the capital of the state. He was chaplain of the first constitutional convention of the state and his pastorial work was carried on for a period of many years. During his long and effective labors he had at various times charge of the Congregational churches at. Madison, Elkhom, Wyocena, Brodhead and Monroe, but in his later years he gave up his ministerial work and engaged in the retail lumber business. Reverend Miner was known, not only in the affairs of the church and in business in his state, but in politics as well. His Yankee birth and rearing set his heart unalterably oposed to human bondage and when the question of the abolishment of slavery came toi be agitated, his radicalism placed him with the Abolitionists of his state. During the period of the Civil War he was appointed a member of the Sanitary Commission, and his duties took him into the South where Wisconsin troops were fighting the battles of the Union. He consented for two of his sons, not yet of military age, to take their places in the ranks, and one of them lost his young life on the bloody field of Gettysburg.

Rev. Samuel Elbert Miner was bom at West Halifax, Vermont in December, 1815, and had a long line of New England ancestors who were factors in the Colonial life of Stonington and Groton, Connecticut. His father was Samuel Holman Miner and his mother was Anna Avery. The latter was a daughter of Captain Thomas Avery, a first lieutenant of the First Connecticut regiment of Revolutionary troops. Samuel Holman and Anna (Avery) Miner were the parents of nine children, several of whom lived beyond the years of "three score and ten", and one of them passed the century mark of time. Rev. Samuel Elbert Miner married Maria C. Kelley, who died in July, 1861, and their children were as follows: Charles E., who died in the uniform of his country at Gettysburg as a member of Colonel Custer's famous Seventh Michigan Cavalry, and is buried in the National Cemetery there ; Edgar S. of Bethany, Missouri ; Mrs. George A. Richardson, deceased, of Gilman City, Missouri ; Mrs. B. F. Baker, a resident of Clear Lake, Iowa; Mrs. F. W. Stump of Redfield, South Dakota, and William Avery of this, review.

William Avery Miner was reared at Monroe and educated in the high school there and grew up in the home of a scholarly and intellectual father and this fact had its influence in shaping the intellectual training of the son. He began life in Harrison County as a clerk in the

Bethany yard of Miner-Frees Lumber Company. This was the first unit of this company's system of yards and was established just ahead of the railroad's advent to the county seat. When the road was built to New Hampton, Mr. Miner opened a yard for the company there, remaining until 1885, when the company purchased a yard at Ridgeway and he established himself here.

Upon coming to Ridgeway, Mr. Miner embraced the opportunity to share in the profits of the Miner-Frees Company and invested what capital he had accumulated on salary and thus secured a foothold which made the results of his labor more efl:'ective. It was due to the persistent efl^'orts of the Miner brothers that the Miner-Frees Company has forged ahead and is supplying the building demand over a large area of this part of Missouri. They operate yards at the following places: Ridgeway, Brimson, Coffey, Spickard, Oilman City, Mound City, Oregon, Bethany, Blythedale, King City, New Hampton, Ford City, Missouri, and Leon, Iowa and also Highland, Kansas. The general offices of the Miner-Frees Lumber Company are located at Ridgeway and the following are the present officers of the company: E. S. Miner of Bethany, Missouri, president; Elbert S. Miner, vice-president and general-manager; E. A. Miner, ti-easurer; Lawrence M. Crossan, secretary and R. M. Stanley, auditor.

In the field of banking, the Miner-Frees Company has been almost a pioneer in Harrison County. In June following Wiliam Avery Miner's advent to Ridgeway, he with his brother and B. M. Frees started a private bank at Ridgeway, known as the Ridgeway Exchange Bank. It was capitalized at $5,000.00 and William A. Miner was the cashier. The institution started with a fire and burglar proof safe which was located in the lumber yard, where it remained until 1902, and in that year the present brick building was erected. In December, 1902, the Ridgeway Exchange Bank had a paid up capital of $15,000.00 and a sui-plus of $3,000.00 at which time it was converted into the First National Bank of Ridgeday, with a paid up capital of $30,000.00, and a list of more than thirty stockholders. In June, 1914, the bank increased its capital to $60,000.00 from earned surplus. When the bank was organized, Mr. C. C. Fordyce became its president, and upon his retirement in March, 1914, William A. Miner became his successor, which office he capably held until his death, March 22, 1920.

Spencer, a daughter of John Spencer, one of the early settlers of Bethany and one of the officers of a pioneer log church of that town. Mr. Spencer came to Missouri from Muskingum County, Ohio, and was reared near Pattonsburg where his parents settled. He married Rachel Alley whose father came to Harrison County in 1844 from Indiana, when she was nine years of age. The Spencer children were as follows: Mrs. Sarah E. Young of Trenton, Missouri; Mrs. Martha A. Miner, of Ridgeway; Mrs. Susan A. Tull of Ridgeway, Missouri; and G. William of Bethany.

To Wiliam A. Miner and wife the following children were born: Charles F., Elbert S., and Erwin Avery, all of whom reside at Ridgeway, Missouri.

Mr. Miner was a York Rite Mason and a member of Moila Temple. He was a member of the Christian Church, having united with that denomination in 1908, but all his life he was a liberal contributor to all denominations. He was public spirited and stood ready at all times to do his best for the furtherance of any worthy cause which had for its object the betterment and dupbuilding of the community and its institutions. He was instrumental in locating the Ridgeway school building on its present site and gave the ground for that purpose for just what it cost him several years previously. He was the founded of the school library and gave the first money for its establishment. It was through his efforts and encouragement that the Ridgeway Journal was established and in fact he was an active factor in all local progressive movements.

During the World War, Mr. Miner was Chairman of the Harrison County Council of Defense and directed the work of that organization with his characteristic force and efficiency. It was during the campaign for the Second Liberty Loan that he delivered and address at Bethany, which is here quoted, as these words of Mr. Miner show what manner of man he was and best indicates his highminded patriotism, force and foresight :

"We are living in a great crisis in the world's history, a supreme crisis in the history of America. Governments such as ours are threatened with annihilation. The right of self-government, for which our forefathers gave their lives is in the balance. Shall future history record that we proved faithless to this great trust, this priceless heritage, or shall it go down to our children's children that we met the shock like men, giving our young men and our substance without restraint, freely, yes eagerly that 'Government of the People, for the People, and by the People shall not perish from the earth.'

"Many of you have seen more that 200 of our young men, the flower of our families, go from homes of Harrison County, marching bravely away with laughter and song, with their faces turned toward this awful world conflict, marching away to victory or death under a flag that has never known defeat, that you and I may pursue the even tenor of our way in Peace, Plenty and Prosperity, and that Freedom may not die.

"Shall we be worthy of this sacrifice? Then let us see to it that this SECOND LIBERTY BOND issue be so over-subscribed that notice is served on the Kaiser in no uncertain manner, that the whole inexhaustable resources of these United States of America are behind our fighting men, that we are determined to see this thing through to the last ditch, to the end that LIBERTY may live, that Treaty rights shall be maintained between Governments great or small, and that Might alone does not make Right.

"We have heard the argument advanced in this campaign that, as this country sent more than her quota of men into the service, she does not need to raise the full amount or her apportionment of this Bond issue. We cannot think this argument can come from the lips of any man whose own flesh and blood is going to the fighting line. Shall we be less generous to our dollars than we are of the lives of our young men? Rather let us see to it that our quota of men in the service have MORE than enough of all that goes to make life easier for them in trench or hospital. That is the very least we can do for them, and that, surely they have the right to expect of us.

"The Kaiser has thrown dust in the eyes of the American people long enough. Now that our vision is clearing, let us take the bonds of this, the greatest country on earth, with such a greedy appetite that all the world shall know of our supreme confidence in the result.

"Aside from its patriotic features, as a business or saving investment there is nothing that equals these bonds. In amounts so small that every head of a family may own one or more, bearing interest at 4 per cent per annum, payable semi-annually, free from all taxation, except the supertax, that would apply in case one person owned more than

$5,000.00 of same, and absolutely safe, we should esteem it a privilege to own them. Should the war end within one year we have no doubt these bonds will command a substantial premium, and if the war continues longer the bonds will eventually sell above par.

"V/ith this statement of fact before you, let all subscribe freely and eagerly, as the terms of payment are easy, and your local bank will glady help you, should you not have the amount at hand just at the time the payments mature, and in this way do your part to meet this urgent situation. Do it now. This campaign ends October 27th."

William R. Burton, a successful farmer and pioneer of White Oak Township, was born in Wisconsin, November 18, 1847, the son of George and Margaret (Setzler) Burton. George Burton came to Harrison County in 1855 and entered the farm where William R. Burton now lives. This farm consisted of 120 acres. George Burton's first residence was a one room log cabin; later he built another residence of one room, to which he added another room, and where he lived until 1882, when he died, at the age of sixty-five years. His wife died in 1895 and both are buried in Foster Cemetery. Mr. and Mrs. George Burton were the parents of the following children; Andrew, who died at the age of seventy -two years; William R., the subject of this sketch, Sarah Jane of New Hampton; Frank of Bethany, Missouri ; George, deceased ; Laura, the widow of Alex Barger of White Oak Township; Martha and Emma, twins; the former married John Wallace of White Oak Township, and the latter married Russell McClure of White Oak Township; and Henry of Bethany, Missouri.

William R. Burton bought the heir's interest in the home place, and now owns 187 acres, where he has lived since 1855. Most of the improvements have been put here by Mr. Burton, and the residence, which was built in 1890, is on the Jefferson Highway, three and one-half miles east of New Hampton.

Mr. Burton was married to Virginia C. Brooks, a daughter of Thomas and Catherine Brooks, who came to Harrison County, Missouri in 1854 and settled in White Oak Township. Thomas Brooks was born April 15, 1826 and died June 6, 1901, and is buried on the home place. His wife, who was bom in Tazewell County, Virginia, October 24, 1829, now resides with her daughter Mrs. Burton, and is in her ninety-second year. Mr.

and Mrs. Brooks were the parents of the following children: Thomas B. deceased ; Mrs. Jennie Burton ; a son died in infancy ; Rebecca, who was the wife of John Green, and died June 5, 1921, and is buried on the home place.

Mr. and Mrs. William R. Burton have a son, Thomas Newton Burton, and who fanns the home place. He was married December 29, 1915 to Tincy Vesper Justice, a daughter of Alfred and Dora Justice of Betnany Township.

Wilham R. Burton is one of the few men in this county who lives on the farm his father entered. He says he has made enough rails since coming here to fence a large part of Harrison County, and that, in the pioneer times, he used to go to the woods often without breakfast and work until noon. He has a nice home and the comforts of life are being enjoyed by him and his estimable wife.

Rev. H. G. Bloomfield, a well known minister of New Hampton, Missouri, was born in Michigan, November 6, 1875, the son of Samuel and Rozena (Hoyt) Bloomfield. The latter, who was a native of Pomeroy, Ohio, died in Lincoln, Kansas, in 1884.

Samuel Bloomfield was born in Colchester, England, and came to America when twenty years of age. He settled in Lincoln, when buffaloes were on the plains, and, while in Kansas, was a surveyor for six years. He located in Harrison County in 1884 and later moved to Bethany, where he died about 1919, and is buried in Miriam Cemetery.

Rev. H. G. Bloomfield was educated in the schools of Albany, Missouri, and took a course in theology at Vanderbilt University at Nashville, Tennessee. His first pastorate was at Craig, Missouri, and he has been in the ministry of the Methodist Church, South, for fourteen years. He is now pastor at Maysville, DeKalb County, Missouri. Rev. Bloomfield owns a five acre farm at New Hampton, which he purchased in 1914. For three and one-half years, he was in the banking business vdth the bank of New Hampton, and was cashier for three years and is now assistant cashier. He was one of the organizers of this bank and is now a director. Rev. Bloomfield has been president of the Harrison County Telephone Company for four years.

Rev. Bloomfield was married September 3, 1901 to Lillie Van Hoozer, a daughter of John and Sarah Van Hoozer. The latter lives with her daughter and the former died in February, 1920 at the age of eighty-three years and is buried at Grace Cemetery. John Van Hoozer settled north of New Hampton in Dallas Township, when a young man, and was a pioneer of this part of Missouri. When Robideaux ran an Indian trading post at St. Joseph, Mr. Van Hoozer was a pioneer freighter from there to other points in this part of Missouri.

Rev. Bloomfield is a member of the following lodges: Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Yeoman, Knights of Pythias and Modern Woodmen of America. He is well known in New Hampton and Harrison County, and is a substanial and influential citizen.

John H. Virden, a prosperous and well known farmer of Harrison County, and president of the Farmers Bank ot New Hampton, was born in White Oak Township, on the farm now owned by Naomi J. Kinkade, October 6, 1854, the son of John W. and Caroline (Black) Virden.

John W. Virden was a native of Delaware, but came to Harrison County in 1839 and settled in White Oak Township, and was the first settler here. The first hogs he raised on his farm, he drove to Weston, Missouri, where he had them slaughtered and sold them dressed for $1,25 per hundred weight. He took a wagon loaded with corn, drawn by oxen, to feed the hogs while on the way to Weston. The nearest neighbor to Mr. Virdon in the early days, was a Mr. Daley, who lived on the town site of Albany. At that time, there were no matches, and once, when Mr. Virden's fire went out, he had to go to Mr. Daley's, which was nme miles away, to get fire. Mr. Virden entered 160 acres of land when he first located here, and later entered more. The Indians supplied him with venison and they called him a "good white man, no shoot," as Mr. Virden brought no gun wth him here. He died in his eight-eighth year, about 1895, and is buried in Foster Cemetery, and his wife died in 1904.

Mr. and Mrs. John W. Virden were the parents of the following children: W. M., who died in 1900 at the age of fifty years; Ann Eliza, who died when fourteen years of age; John H., the subject of this sketch; Mrs. Naomi Kinkade of New Hampton and Mrs. Emma E. Pruden of New Hampton.

John H. Virden received his early education in a log cabin school, near Foster Cemetery, and later attended school in a house on the home farm.

He remained at home until twenty-two years of age, when he engaged in farming. His present place, which is located one and one-half miles east of New Hampton on the Jefferson Highway, consists of 1100 acres of land, and the farm has four sets of impi-ovements, including six stock barns. Mr. Virden has fed cattle and hogs for thirty years and has been very successful. He is now breeding the V/hiteface cattle and Hampshire hogs and Shropshire sheep and raises mules extensively. He moved to his present farm about 1881, and besides his agricultural pursuits, Mr. Virden was one of the organizers of the Farmers Bank of New Hampton, and has been its president for the past ten years, and previous to accepting this office, he was director and vice president.

During the course of his career as a successful farmer and banker, Mr. Virden has ahvays found time to devote to the betterment and upbuilding of New Hampton and Harrison County, to the interests of which he has at all times shown unselfish devotion.

Mr. Virden was married in February, 1878, to Florence A. Chipp, a daughter of John W. and Elizabeth Chipp, both deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Chipp came to Missouri from Indiana and settled in Gentry County.

Mr. and Mrs. Virden are the parents of four children: Elizabeth, the widow of Curtis Larmer of Albany, Missouri; Florence Stella, the wife of Charles A. Roland, a merchant of Bethany, Missouri; Emma J., the wife of Louis T. Gibbs, of Kosse, Texas; Paul H., who lives on the home place. During the World War, Paul Virden was in Columbia, Missouri, a volunteer in the S. A, T. C. He was born in April, 1899.

Lewis D. Smith, for more than nine years the progressive superintendent of the Harrison County Home, has been prominent as a farmer, a stock raiser, and in public charity work ever since he has lived in the county. He was bom in Logan, Illinois, May 4. 1870, the son of Charles M. and Elizabeth Smith. Mrs. Smith died in Pottawattamie County, Iowa about 1876, and Charles M. Smith was married the second time, to Carrie Hannah, also deceased. By his first marriage to Elizabeth Smith, he had the following children: Abbie, died in girlhood; George, living in Iowa; Grant, a resident of south Missouri; Abilene, deceased; and Lewis D., the subject of this sketch. By his second mar-

Lewis D. Sjiith

Lewis D. Smith, attended the pubhc school of Illinois one year and later at Ridgeway, Missouri. He began working by the month on a farm and kept this work up for twelve years at the end of which time he bought 120 acres of land southeast of Ridgeway, again working by the month to make Ids first payment on the land. After three years on his farm, he accepted his present position as superintendent of the County Home. The Harrison County Home is situated just west of the city limits of Bethany. The building, a thoroughly modern structure supplied with water and electricity from Bethany, cost about $40,000.00 when it was built. The farm surrounding it consists of I821/2 acres, well kept and managed in such a way as to make the place practically self supporting. For a long time the Home did pay for its support but the recent drop in the price ox farm products has increased the cost of running the farm. Tlie faiJn buildings are built and arranged according to a plan worked or.l; by Mr. Smith witti most successful results. On the farm one finds a horse barn, a cattle barn lighted by electricity, a silo, two poultry houses, hog sheds, smoke house and a cave. There is also a house for the men inmates to use during the day. At present there are ninteen inmates, some of them doing light work. Mr. Smith himself is a practical farmer and a lover of good stock and the results of his interest and work are quickly seen when one visits the Home. For the last seven years he has been raising pure bred Red poll cattle, Spotted Poland China hogs, and Standard bred Brown Leghorn chickens.

Lewis D. Smith was married September 4, 1895, to Alice Israel of Ridgeway, a daughter of John and Cornelia Israel, both of whom died at Bethany, where their remains are buried. Mrs. Smith is a native of Schuwley County, Missouri. Mr. and Mrs. Smith have one daughter, Elizabeth Lee who graduated from the Bethany High School, and spent two years in Drake University at Des Moines, Iowa, she was married, September 26, 1921, to Claud Zimmerlee, and they nov/ live at Bethany, Missouri.

Mr. Smith is a member of the Knights of Pythias Lodge, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Daughters of Rebecca, and the Modern Woodmen of America. Mr. Smith served as president of the Missouri State Alms House Association. This association is made up of all the managers of the alms houses of the state and meets w^ith the (19)

Missouri State Conference of Charities and Correction Board in connection with social welfare work. Mr. Smith's work in his superintendence of the Harrison County Home has always received high praise from the association. The county may well be proud of the results of Mr. Smith's labors.

J. V. Newton, a leading farmer of White Oak Township, was born in Quebec, Canada, June 2, 1864, the son of John and Isabelle (Kidd) Newton, both of whom died in Canada.

J. V. Newton came to the United States in 1904 and was in California for six years. He also lived in Detroit, Michigan, New York, Ohio, and came to this county in 1913. By trade, Mr. Newton is a millwright, learning this work in Quebec. He now operates a farm of 120 acres, which is located one mile northwest of New Hampton. Mr. Newton also has done extensive contracting work for the El Oro Mining and Railway Company of Mexico, having as many as one thousand men working under him at one time. He was with this Company for more than eight years, and the headquarters of the company is in London, England.

Mr. Newton was married October 15, 1913 to Lottie Williamson, a daughter of John Williamson. Mrs. Newton was born on the farm where she now lives, and taught school in Hamson and Gentry counties for about twenty years.

John Williamson came to Harrison County from Illinois in 1865, and purchased 175 acres of land in this township. There was a log house on the farm when he came, and later, he built the present home of J. V. Newton. Mr. Williamson was a farmer and stockman and died here in 1899 at the age of sixty-one years. During the Civil War, he enlisted from Vermont and served three years, and he had two brothers, Robert and Arthur Williamson who were also veterans of the Civil War. Robert Williamson died in Kansas City, Missouri, and Arthur Williamson died in Alberta, Canada.

Mrs. John Williamson was a native of Ireland, born near Dublin. She died in 1907 at the age of :.ixty-nine years, and both she and her husband are buried in Foster Cemetery.

Mr. and Mrs. John Williamson were the parents of the following children: Lottie, the wife of J. V. Newton; Arthur J. of Albany, Missouri ; Mary A., the wife of Henry McMillan of Gentry County, Missouri ; Dr. C. N. Williamson of Gentry County ; Reece, who died in infancy ; Jean- ette Marie, the wife of Harry M. Davis of Casper, Wyoming ; James Alexander, who lives on part of the home place; and Hon. John R., who died at the age of thirty-five years, and who was a representative of this county in the State Legislature prior to his death.

Robert D. Scott, an enterprising and progressive member of the Scott Mercantile Company, of New Hampton, Missouri, was bom September 20, 1896, the son of J. L. and Mary P. (Davis) Scott. Mr. and Mrs. J. L. Scott were natives of Virginia, but settled here early in life, where they Uved for a few years, and then moved to Ridgeway and farmed for awhile, but later returned to New Hampton, where Mr. Scott entered the harness business; he has been successfully engaged in shoe repairing business for the past ten years. He was also scale master for a number of years.

Robert D. Scott was educated in the schools of New Hampton and spent one year at Park College at Parkville, Missouri. He enlisted in Company G. 139th infantry, June 21, 1916 and went to the Mexican border with Company G. He returned March 5, 1917, and August 5, 1917 he was called again into service and went to Camp Doniphan, Oklahoma, where he remained nine months, and was sent overseas, April 22, 1918. He was on the front lines for four months with his division in the battle of St. Mihiel and Meuse Argonne. He was mustered out May 8, 1919 with a term of service of almost three years to his credit.

The Scott Mercantile Company, of which Elmer and Robert D. Scott are proprietors, succeeded Scott and Nickerson in June, 1921. This firm carries a full line of groceries, shoes, dry goods and ladies' and men's ready-to-wear merchandise. The store is neatly kept and goods are nicely displayed. The building is 50x100 feet with basement under the entire store, and the basement is used for plumbing and storage. The ladies' and gent's ready-to-wear department is on the balcony of the first floor. The firm has a large business, for more than the average store in cities of this size, owing, no doubt, to the progressive and hustling activities of the proprietors.

son and is chancellor commander for the Knights of Pythias lodge, No. 285. He is a chartey member of the American Legion and is at present Post Commander.

Harry B. Henton, successful manager of the New Hampton Implement and Hardware Company, and member of a prominent pioneer family of Gentry County, was born three miles north of Albany, October 5, 1878, the son of James W. and Judie A. (Fallis) Henton, both deceased. James W. Henton was a native of Kentucky and came to Gentry County, Missouri, with his parents, John B. and Martha A. (Magee) Henton. They died in Gentry County and are buried at Henton Cemetery on the home place. James W. Henton died March 11, 1893, at the age of fifty years, four months and two days, and his wife died December 29, 1898, at the age of fifty-two years, seven months and fifteen days. Mr. and Mrs. James Henton were the parents of the following children: E. M., cashier of a bank at Denver, Missouri; Clara M., of Albany, Missouri; Belle, the wife of Marshall W. Cunningham, deceased, of Albany, Missouri; R. T., who lives on the home farm near Albany; Anna V. and Julia C, who died in childhood; and Harry B., the subject of this sketch. James W. Henton was a leading educator and was a teacher in the Gentry County public schools for many years, and was superintendent of the schools for several years.

Harry B. Henton was educated in the public schools of Gentry County, and has followed the mercantile business since he was eighteen years of age, his first work being with Mrs. J. B. Twist and Company of Albany He was with this firm for a year and then went to New Hampton and began work with Magee & Stevenson and continued with them until the death of Mr. Magee, when the stock was sold to Higgins and Rowland, and Mr. Henton then worked for this firm for a number of years and finally purchased Mr. Higgins' interest in 1906 and continued with this firm until 1908 when Mx\ Rowland bought out Mr. Henton. He then went to Stafford County, Kansas, and purchased a farm. He remained there for six months, at which time he sold out and returned to Albany and opened a dry goods store in partnership with his sister, Mrs. Cunningham. They sold this establishment in the fall of 1912, and then engaged in the real estate business at Albany until March, 1916, when

Mr. Henton came to New Hampton as manager of his present business. This firm carries a line of implements, buggies, wagons, pumps, windmills, harness, hardware, tractors and engines and does heating and plumbing. Mr. Henton is an excellent manager, and the company does a good business, owing to his business ability, which he acquired in his various experiences in the mercantile line.

Mr. Henton was married in 1902 to Nettie Maupin, of Stafford, Kansas a native of Monroe County, Missouri. Mr. and Mrs. Henton have reared two girls from childhood: Joyce and June Magee. Joyce is a graduate of the New Hampton High School of class of 1920 and June graduated in 1921.

Samuel Bob Stockwell, a well known and progressive farmer of White Oak Township and member of a leading family of this section, was born December 28, 1870 on the farm where he now lives, the son of Shelton M. and Amanda Ellis Stockwell. Mrs. Shelton Stockwell was born November 17, 1826, a daughter of Judge Ellis, a farmer and Christian preacher who came to Harrison County from Rush County, Indiana, in 1867 and located six miles north of Bethany, where he and his wife died. Mrs. Shelton Stockwell died March 20, 1918 and is buried at Mirian Cemeterj'. Shelton Stockwell lived in Ray County, Missouri, in Civil War times and was a member of the Missouri State Militia. After the war, he settled three miles west of Bethany, purchasing the Joe Riggs farm. He was one of the early live stock feeders and bred Poland China hogs and Shorthorn cattle. In politics, he was a Republican and favored good schools, and he and his wife were members of the Christian Church.

Mr. and Mrs. Shelton M. Stockwell were the parents of the following children: Alonzo, of Bethany, Missouri; Belle, the wife of J. W. Kerlin, of Albany, Missouri; Viola, the wife of Charles McCoy, of White Oak Township; Alice, the vnfe of W. M. Claytor, of White Oak Township; Elizabeth, the wife of R. A. Cowan, of Bethany; Jennie, the wife of J. B. Rhodus, of Bethany, and Samuel B., the subject of this sketch.

The father of Shelton M. Stockwell was a native of Bourbon County, Kentucky, and he had all the Kentuckian's love for fine horses, which he bred and he also engaged in farming. He married a Miss Goff, of a prominent family of Bourbon County, and they moved to Rush County, Indiana, where he followed farming until his death. He was also a Chrstian preacher. He and his wife were the parents of the following children: Thomas, died in Nebraska; Mrs. Eliza Cowan died in Indiana; Parson, who died in Missouri; Elisha, who died in Ray County, Missouri; Shelton M., the father of Samuel B. ; Margaret, who married Hugh Cowan and died in Indiana and Robert M.,who died in Harrison County, Missouri. Samuel Bob Stockwell was brought into close connection with stock early in life, and began buying cattle when thirteen years of age, and in the meantime attended the county schools, and, in his words, "he went as far as he could.? He became manager of the home farm at the age of eighteen years, and eight years later was put in entire control of it. He fed his first load of cattle in 1896 and has been identified with feeding stock ever since. His ranch comprises land in sections twelve and thirteen in township 63, range 29, aggregating 320 acres. In Bethany Township he owns land in sections 7 and 18, same township and range, amounting to 200 acres. He has an excellent ranch whch he devotes to the raising of horses, mules and cattle, and he also operates a ranch near Hatfield, Missouri.

In politics, Mr. Stockwell is a Republican, but has no political ambition. He possesses a pleasing personality, being an intelligent and interesting conversationalist. He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and of the Knights of Pythias lodges and both he and his wife attend the Christian Church.

Mr. Stockwell was married April 17, 1910 at St. Joseph, Missouri, by the Rev. M. M. Goode, to Miss Sadie J. Sutton, a daughter of John H. and Ellen Hubbard Sutton of Rush County, Indiana. Mr. Sutton was reared in Daviess County, Missouri, and lived in Harrison County since 1888, and has been a prominent contractor here for many years. He has four sons engaged in the same line of work. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Sutton are: Leonard H., Henry G., Fred K., Ralph H.. Mrs. Stockwell, Nell K. ; the last named was formerly county superintendent of the public schools of this county; John H., Jr., and Herbert D.

John H. Sutton died at Bethany, Missouri, December 8, 1920, at the age of seventy-four years, and is buried in the Pythian Cemetery. Herbert D. served in Company G., 139th Infantry, 35th Division. He was sent to the Mexican border and was returned here and discharged March, 1917, and was again called to duty during the World War, in May, 1918, and was sent to France. He was in the battles of Argonne, St. Mihiel, Meuse and was returned to the United States, June, 1919, after three years of service. He lives in Bethany, Missouri.

Robert H. Stockwell, another nephew, enlisted in 1916 and was sent to the Mexican border. He was discharged and returned in 1917, and during the World War he was overseas with the 35th Division and was in service three years. He now resides in Bethany.

Mr. Samuel Bob Stockwell is a hustling and enterprising farmer and is known as one of the most successful stockmen of this section. He and his family are well known throughout the county.

Isaac H. Blessing, a prosperous farmer and pioneer citizen of Harrison County, was born on the farm now owned by Roy Blessing in White Oak Township, December 25, 1864, the son of William C. and Mary C. (Ellis) Blessing. William G. Blessing was a Union soldier during the Civil War and died about 1890 and is buried at White Oak Cemetery, and his wife lives with a son, Roy Blessing, in New Hampton, Missouri.

Mr. and Mrs. William C. Blessing were the parents of the following children: Joseph E., of White Oak Township; Isaac H., the subject of this sketch; W. G., of Butler Township; Vodra, of White Oak Township; Mamie, the wife of Pen Oxford, of Broken Bow, Nebraska; Albert Ft., of Broken Bow, Nebraska ; Stella, the wife of Herbert Wiley, of Broken Bow, Nebraska; Roy, of New Hampton, and Calvin of White Oak Township.

Isaac H. Blessing was educated in Burton school district and has lived in Harrison County all of his life, fifty-three years of that time in White Oak Township. He bought sixty acres of his present place in 1893 and since that time has added ninety-five acres, making a total of 155 acres in the farm, which is located three miles southeast of New Hampton and was formerly the Wheeler farm. Mr. Blessing has a well improved place now, he having remodeled the residence, built two barns and poultry houses. He does general farming and stock raising.

Mr. Blessing was man-ied April 4, 1887 to Martha E. Miller, a daughter of George and Eliza (Clevenger) Miller, the latter dying about 1911 and who is buried at Mt. Zion Cemetery. George Miller, who is eighty-five years of age, makes his home with his daughter.

Mr. and Mrs. Miller were the parents of eleven children, as follows: Mrs. Rose Edgar, of New Hampton ; John, of New Mexico ; Mrs. Blessing ; Mrs. Ella Toombs, of Kansas; Grace, deceased; Mrs. Katie Clark, Albany, Missouri ; Bell, deceased ; William on the home place ; Mrs. Dosia Toombs, of Bethany; Charles and Emily, deceased.

To Mr. and Mrs. Isaac Blessing have been born four children, as follows: Edith, the wife of Gilbert Rogers of David City, Nebraska; William Earl, who died in infancy; Evert Eber, who died when twelve years of age; and Heraian on the home place with his parents.

Mr. Blessing is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows at Bethany and is justice of the peace and member of the township board. He was one of the organizers of the Bank of New Hampton and is now a stockholder. Mr. Blessing is an enterprising citizen and representative of the successful type of farme)' and stock raiser of this county, and he and his family are highly esteemed in the community.

Charles A. Axline, a well known citizen of Bethany, who has resided here for the past thirty-nine years, and who has been a resident of Missouri for more than fifty years was born in Kentucky September 6, 1853, the son of Jacob and Mary C. (Edmonds) Axline both natives of Virginia. Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Axline were married in Kentucky and settled in Jackson County, Missouri in 1855, near Hickman Mills. While there, Mr. Axline entered the United States Army as a Union soldier. He was killed near Hickman Mills in 1864, by bushwhackers. He was Captain of Company B, 6th Regiment Missouri Cavalry M. S. M., and was in the Battle at Independence, Missouri. He is buried in Independence, Missouri. His wife died about 1886, in Fairfield, Iowa, where she and her family moved in 1865.

Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Axline were the parents of the following children: Henry M., who died in infancy; John, who served in the Civil War; George, who was accidentally killed in Jackson County, Missouri; William D., who was drowned in Tiffin, Ohio, in the flood of 1913 ; Charles A., the subject of this sketch; Sanford and Thomas, deceased.

Charles A. Axline was educted at Fairfield, Iowa, where he learned the marble cutting business, which he has followed from July, 1868, to the present time. He is an expert in his line of work.

to Melinda J. Chance, a daughter of John P. Chance. Mr. Chance was a member of Company F, of 23rd Missouri Infantry, during the Civil War. He was mustured out at St. Louis, Missouri and was in all probability murdered while on his way home. To Mr. and Mrs. Axline have been bom three children: Myrtle M., the wife of George W. Marshall, a fanner in Saskatchewan, Canada; Maud C, the wife of Joseph A. Benedict, of Chicago, Illinois, and Arthur A., bom October 27, 1889, at Bethany, Missouri.

Arthur A. Axline, was educated in the schools of Bethany and was a carriage painter a few years prior to going into sei^vice during the World War. He was married at Camp Doniphan, Oklahoma to Leah A. Crouch, and went overseas as 1st lieutenant of Company G, of the 139th Infantry, 85th Division. He acted as Adjutant of the second Battalion while overseas, and was later transferred to Company E, and was in command of this company when killed September 28, 1918, in the Argonne Forest. His remains were shipped to Bethany, Missouri, the 23rd of September, 1921, and he was buried with military honors in the Pythian Cemetery at Bethany, Missouri. The Wilson-Axline Post of the American Legion at Bethany is named for Capt. Carlisle Wilson and Lieut. Arthur A. Axline. Arthur Axline Avas a man of excellent bearing and reputation and stood high among the men of this county.

Charles A. Axline was for eight years a member of the National guards and Captain of Company D, 4th Missouri Infantry. He is a progressive, enterprising and substantial citizen.

Martin V. Toombs, a leading farmer of White Oak Township and proprietor of Pine Grove Farm was born in Trimble County, Kentucky, August 22, 1838, the son of Thomas and Hannah (Bain) Toombs ; his father was bom May 1, 1813 and his mother was born April 10, 1819. They came to White Oak Township many years ago, driving through and Mr. Toombs walking most of the way. Both are dead and are buried in this county. Their children are: Martin V., the subject of this sketch; Mary E. Cummings, deceased; Emily Jane Rice, deceased; George W., of White Oak Township; Ann Eliza; and William L., deceased; all of the above were bom in Trimble County, Kentucky, and three other children: Cornelia Dotson ; Thomas, who died in infancy ; and Thomas II, were bom in Harrison County, Missouri. When the Toombs family located here the following old settlers were located in this vicinity: Jerry Youngs, Alfred Peet, John Virden and Hampton Cox. Thomas Toombs entered land here and owned at one time four hundred acres.

Martin V. Toombs grew to manhood on his father's farm and during the Civil War enlisted at Bethany, Missouri, with Company E, 43rd Regiment Missouri Volunteers in 1863, and was in service for eight months when he was sent home and in August, 1864, volunteered again and served until the war closed. He was taken prisoner at Glasgow, Missouri, and sent to St. Louis where he was paroled.

Mr. Tombs was married December 27, 1860, to Eliza Jane Foster, u daughter of John and Mary (Malony) Foster of White Oak Township; her parents came here October, 1850, and located on a farm which embraces the Foster cemetery. Mrs. Toombs was born near Greenville, Tennessee, and was nine years old when they came here. The father was a farmer and spent his life here. The father and mother are buried in Foster Cemetery.

Mr. and Mrs. Toombs have the following children: Jefferson B., who was born October 29, 1861 ; Mai tin V., who was born December 13, 1863 and died May 1, 1921 ; Ann E., the wife of Eugene Swartz, of New Hampton; John J., born February 1, 1869 and died in infancy; Thomas and Mary, twins, the former living in Ridgeway, Missouri, and the latter the widow of James Foltz; Oscar F., born March 20, 1873 and died in infancy ; Oscar Lee, born November 14, 1875 and died at the age of thirteen years; William Franklin, born October 20, 1878 and died in infancy; Winifred, deceased, born October 11, 1882 and Orpha May, bom Julj^ 15, 1887 and died at the age of thirteen years ; Martin V. Toombs was married to Bird Fenimore, of White Oak ToAvnship and they lived with his father and mother on the home place until his death.

Mr. and Mrs. Toombs have lived on their present fann of 170 acres since the spring of 1866, purchasing the place before the war, at which time it was raw prairie. The farm is well improved and gets its name from the many pine trees which were set out by Mr. Toombs. Mr. and Mrs. Toombs are fine people and have a host of friends throughout the county. Mrs. Toombs was seventy-nine years of age April 26, 1921 and is a very active woman for her age, as she does all of her housework and raises many chickens each year.

Swartz, both teachers in Ridgeway; Ruby Swartz, who is a graduate of the New Hampton High School of 1921 class ; Thurston Swartz and Orphie May Toombs.

James A. Yates, a leading farmer and extensive land owner of White Oak Township, was born near Gallatin, Daviess County, Missouri, August 26, 1860, the son of Howard L. and Mary Margaret (Bird) Yates. His mother was a native of Daviess County and was reared an orphan. She died November 25, 1875 at the age of thirty-nine years and is buried at Everly Cemetery. Howard L. Yates was born in Rappahannock County, Virginia, November 6, 1836 and came to Missouri when eighteen years of age by boat, leaving the boat below St. Joseph near Weston where he worked for a few years and later he was married in Holt County, Missouri. He then moved to Daviess County, Missouri, and cleared and improved 200 acres of land. He lived there until his death in 1915 and is buried at the Brown Cemetery, at Gallatin, Missouri.

Mr. and Mrs. Yates were the parents of the following children: Mrs. Nancy Glasscock, of Gallatin, Missouri ; James A., of this sketch ; Mrs. Roma E. Hunter, of Gallatin; John E., deceased, who was a druggist at New Hampton, Missouri ; Mrs. Alpharetta Chamberlain, of Gallatin; Charles G. on the home place ; and Howard, who is in the marble business at Gallatin.

James A. Yates was educated in the public schools near Gallatin and at the age of twenty began railroading and continued in this work for eleven years, seven years of which time he was conductor. He resigned from railroading at Bentonville, Arkansas, and came to Daviess County, Missouri, where he engaged in farming, purchasing 100 acres of land which he later sold when he came to Harrison County and settled in White Oak Township where he has since lived on his present farm of 160 acres ; this farm was the old home place of J. W. Corell who moved here in 1876.

Besides this land, Mr. Yates owns 485 acres in White Oak and Butler townships. There are three sets of improvements on his farms, and the residence on the home place is a fine old farm house with beautiful evergreen trees in the yard, and the name of the place is "Evergreen" which is derived from the trees that were set out in the yard about thirty-eight years ago, Mr. Corell planting them on account of his boyhood home in Virginia being among the evergreens. Mr. Yates is an extensive feeder of cattle and hogs and has fattened as many as four car loads each year.

for judge of the southern district of Harrison County, running on the Democratic ticket, but was defeated. He is connected with the Farmers Bank of New Hampton.

January 19, 1898, Mr. Yates was married to Ada Virginia Corell, a daughter of J. W. and Mary (Sexton) Corell. Her father was born in Tazewell County, Virginia, September 19, 1831 and came to Missouri in the fall of 1876 and settled, first on the Polk Davis farm in White Oak Township, and eighteen months later on the place where Mr. and Mrs. Yates now live. He was one of the organizers of the Farmers Bank of New Hampton and was its president at the time of his death. He served three years in the Confederate army and was with Pickett's division in General Lee's army at the time of surrender. Mrs. Yates has the revolver he used and a desk he made and carried while in service. Besides being a farmer, Mr. Corell was a cai-penter and was an excellent mechanic. He died December 5, 1902 and his wife, who was born in Smith County, Virginia, October 17, 1858, died March 13, 1913 and both are buried in Shady Grove Cemetery. Their children were Amanda and Robert Lee, the latter dying in infancy. Mrs. Yates was born in Tazewell County, Virginia, where she also received her education.

Mr. and Mrs. Yates have six children: Mary Margaret, the wife of Garland Arthur, of White Oak Township; James Carl, Iva Jean, Charles Bird and Georgia Clingan, all at home.

Corp. Lemuel Alvin Parks, who was with the famous 35th Division during the World War and who is well known in this community, was born in Butler Township, May 8, 1894, the son of Marvin Elmer and Laura Bell (Stratton) Parks, who live on the home place in Butler Township. His mother was born in Butler Township and his father is a native of Gentry County. They are the parents of the following children: Lemuel Alvin, the subject of this sketch; Benjamin F., of Albany, Missouri; Elmer Olin, of Butler Township; Ina May, Irvin Roscoe and Freeman Earl, all at home.

Corp. Lemuel Alvin Parks was educated in the public schools and attended the New Hampton High School and after finishing his education he assisted in farming at home until he enlisted, May 20, 1917, and was sent to Camp Doniphan, Oklahoma. After seven months' training there, he went to Camp Mills, New York and was sent overseas April 14, 1918, landing at Liverpool, England, and going from there to Romsey, England, where he remained for about twenty days, and then sailed from South Hampton for La Havre, France. He spent two months at Monchey, France, and then was sent to the Alsace Lorraine sector, where they had the first engagement and he was in the trenches about sixty days at different times. He was taken prisoner at Meuse Argonne, September 29, 1918, while holding a brush thicket that was surrounded by Germans. Word had been sent to them to retreat but the messenger was killed. Corporal Parks was released December 8, 1918. In the Meuse-Argonne, only sixty-nine men out of 240 in Company G of the 139th Infantry were checked up.

Mr. Parks returned to the United States April 14, 1919, one year after going over and was mustered out at Camp Funston, May 8, 1919, after service of nearly two years. Since returning he was with the New Hampton Hardware Company for one year, but since July, 1920, he has been a mail carrier on R. F. D. No. 2 out of New Hampton.

Mr. Parks was married August 28, 1921 at Pattensburg, Missouri, to Mabel E. Clark. She was born in Washington Township, Harrison County, Missouri, and is the daughter of Alfred E. and Anna Clark, who reside on their farm on the western outskirts of New Hampton. Mrs. Parks received her education in the district schools and in 1919 she graduated from the New Hampton schools. Mrs. Parks then taught two years at Ricetown, Missouri. Mr. and Mrs. Parks are now residing at their home in White Oak Township one-fourth mile south of New Hampton.

Mr. Parks is a fine young man, who served his country well and who has a bright and promising future. He is energetic and progressive and will make a success in life.

W. Arthur Denny, the senior member of the firm of Denny and Jones of New Hampton, who conduct one of the leading stores of this city, is well known in the county, having been in business here for the past fourteen years. Mr. Denny is a graduate of Central Christian College, having finished in 1900, and, after graduation, he taught school in this county, prior to spending three years in Chicago in the general offices of the Burlington railroad. Following this work, he returned to New Hampton and entered the hardware and furniture business with a $4,200.00 stock, the firm being known as Magee & Denny at that time, but later was sue-

From the first the business was successful, trade grew, and now the department store is one of the most complete and large stocks in north Missouri, the firm having gradually added different departments until at the present time, complete lines are carried in twelve departments, consisting of dry goods, shoes, clothing, ladies' ready-to-wear, groceries, hardware, paints, queensware, gents' furnishings, rugs, carpets, etc. The store has a large frontage of 195 feet, the floor space comprising 19,800 feet, which includes basement, main floor and balcony. All of the departments are thoroughly stocked, neatly kept and up-to-date.

W. Arthur Denny was married October 25, 1904, to Margaret Sampson of Albany, Missouri, a daughter of Lewis Sampson and wife. Mrs. Denny was bom, reai-ed and educated in Albany. Mr. and Mrs. Denny have one child, Charles Lewis, aged eleven years. Mr. Denny takes an active part in the aff'airs of New Hampton and is a member of three lodges: Knights of Pythias, Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Masonic.

Charles W. Jones of this firm, who also has a wide acquaintance in this vicinity, was born near Martinsville, Missouri, but moved to Oklahoma with his parents, James Jones and wife, when a boy and was reared and educated there. After finishing college, he began his business career as a clerk in a hardware store, but soon returned to New Hampton, where he was engaged in the hardware business with his brother. Roe Jones, and C. G. Chipp, continuing with this firm for about three years, when the present firm of Denny and Jones was organized.

By good management and fair dealing, Messrs. Denny and Jones have built up an extensive business, and have a host of friends throughout the county. Their ideas are progressive, both supporting every movement for the welfare of New Hampton.

Robert E. Maples, cashier of the Bank of New Hampton, at New Hampton, Missouri, is thoroughly qualified for the important and responsible position which he holds. He has been a stockholder of this institution since its organization and is also a director at the present time. He was born near Bolton, Missouri, January 26, 1877, the son of John and Anna (Hovverton) Maples; his father was a native of Indiana and his mother was born in Knox County, Missouri, and they were married near Bolton, Missouri, but came to this county about 1857 and settled in Fox Creek, later moving to Ridgev/ay, about 1882, where he engaged in farming until his death in August, 1918 ; his wife died two days later. They were the parents of the following children: Walter, of Ridgeway, Missouri, and Robert E., the subject of this sketch.

Robert E. Maples received his education in the Hunt school and followed farming until 1919 in White Oak Township, when he sold his farm and moved to New Hampton. He has filled the office of justice of the peace of this township and in 1919 was elected assistant cashier of the Bank of New Hampton and on August 1, 1921 he became cashier, an office which he very capably and efficiently fills.

August 8, 1900, Mr. Maples was married to Orpha C. Young, a daughter of F. B. Young, deceased, and Casandra (Magee) Young; her mother lives one mile south of New Hampton and is eighty-four years of age. Mr. and Mrs. Young were the parents of the following children: Jane, who lives with her mother on the home place ; Colfax, of Wall Lake, Iowa ; Harvey, of Oklahoma City ; Reverend Chester, a minister of the M. E. church; Susie, the wife of L. D. Dailey; Garner, of New Hampton; and Asa, of Oklahoma City.

The Bank of New Hampton was established in 1909 with a capital stock of $10,000.00 and with J. W. Kavanaugh acting as the first president and John H. Ross the first cashier. The building in which the bank does business was constructed in 1909 and is owned by the bank. The capital stock has been increased to $15,000.00; the surplus is $5,000.00, and the deposits are $85,000.00. The present officers are N. D. Lindsey, president; Roy D. Lindsey, vice-president; R. E. Maples, cashier; H. G. Bloomfield, assistant cashier, and W. Johnson, W. J. Cooper, Frank Swartz, Albert Miles and J. F. Gibson, directors.

Joseph Wright, a well known retired farmer and veteran of the Civil War, who lives in New Hampton, Missouri, was born in Puloski County, Virginia, August 1, 1845, the son of Lorenzo Dow and Margaret (Brookman) Wright. Lorenzo Wright died in Indiana, August 1856, and his wife died one and one-half miles southwest of Eagleville, in 1878. Mr. and Mrs. Lorenzo Wright were the parents of the following children: John of Washington Center; Sebastia of Cheyenne, Wyoming; Joseph, the subject of this sketch; and Mi's. Julia Ann Becklehammer, Mrs. Ferbie Zimmerman, Mrs. Sarah Burnett, Emmaline A. Robbins, Melinda, and Mary Davis all deceased.

Joseph Wright was educated in the public schools of Indiana and in McFall district school in this county. During the Civil War he enlisted in August, 1864, in Company E of the 43rd Missouri Infantry under Captain Sutton, and was in the Battle at Glasgow, Missouri, where he was taken prisoner with six hundred others, including James Neville, ex-shei'iff of this county, whose sketch also appears in this volume. Mr. Wright was paroled and sent to Brownsville, Missouri and then sent to St. Louis, Missouri, where he reentered service.

Joseph "Wright was married in 1866, to Mary McHenry of Eagleville, who died in 1878. Thoy v/ere the parents of two children: Melissa May, the widow of John Sherrell of Washington Township; and Sarah Josephine, the wife of Ulysses Donaldson of St. Joseph, Missouri. Mr. Wright married a second time in 1880 to Mary Smith, a daughter of Joseph and Hannah (Jowett) Smith, who came to Harrison County from Johnstown, Pennsylvania in 1867, and engaged in farming here. Joseph Smith died about 1887, and his wife died in January, 1881, and both are buried at Wesley Chapel. Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Smith were the parents of the following children: Skirrow, deceased; Abraham of Washington Township; Samuel, deceased; all three of whom are veterans of the Civil War, enlisting from Indiana County, Pennsylvania, with Company F, of the 21st Pennsylvania Cavalry ; Mrs. Wright, of this sketch ; George of Washington Township; John of Washington Township; and Sarah E. Graham of Washington Township.

Mr. and Mrs. Wright moved to New Hampton in August, 1918, after farming in Washington Township for fifty-two years. They are well known and highly respected citizens of Harrison County.

Mr. And Mrs. Joseph Wright

Elijah Albert Carter, an interesting pioneer of Gentry County, Mis- Houri, who, for many years was prominently identified with the development of tills county, and who is now living a retired life at New Hampton, was born January 13, 1 846, the son of Vincent and Patience (Glendenning) Carter.

Vincent Carter was born January 4, 1814, in Tennessee, and his wife was bom in Indiana, March 13, 1821. and they were married February 28, 1839, coming to Gentry County, Missouri, in 1841, where they entered land, owning in all about 200 acres.

Elijah Carter, the father of Vincent Carter, came with his son to Gentry County in 1841 and died here in 1858. Two brothers, John and Hiram Cai'ter, and two cousins, Big and Little John Carter and Richard Glendenning also located in this county at that time, and, from the fam.ilies of the Carters and Glendennings sprang the Methodist Episcopal Church of Gentry County, their homes being the headquarters for the entertainment of the ministers of that church. The first camp meeting, in about 1842, was held on the Elijah Carter place, where the Carter Cemetery was also located. There were about 200 people who attended the meeting, coming from Daviess, DeKalb, Nodaway, Gentry and other counties, and they generally came in ox wagons and were well supplied with provisions which they cooked and ate on the ground. The ministers present were Isaac Burns and Noah Richardson, both devoted servants of the early church.

Elijah Carter, grandfather of E. A. Carter, was married in Tennessee to Susannah Castle, and they had fifteen children: Elizabeth, Vincent, Saleta, Jane, Nancy, Joseph, Katie, John, Sarah, Hiram, Susannah, Nathan, Martha, Lewis and Mary, and they also reared two adopted children. Mrs. Carter died in 1859.

The children of Vincent and Patience Carter were: Elizabeth, the widow of Wesley Mack, who lives on the home place; William G., of New Hampton; Susannah, wife of Jackson Dye, deceased; Elijah Albert, of this sketch ; John L., of Gentry County ; Martha, the wife of William Clelland, of Harrison County, Missouri; Hiram Franklin on the home place; Jane, the wife of Fillmore Needles, who died October 11, 1881, leaving two children, James Clelland and Carrie Belle.

E. A. Carter spent his boyhood days on his father's farm and attended the subscription and public schools, and since growing to manhood, engaged in farming in Gentry County, continuing in this vocation until about

1906 when he settled at New Hampton, where he now Hves on six and onehalf acres which he owns in the west part of town, on which he has a nice residence, barn, walks, trees, garden, etc. Prior to locating here, he owned 253 acres, on which he had made his home since 1878. He still owns eighty acres of this land.

Mr. Carter was married December 16, 1867 to Martha Stewart, who was born June 13, 1862, a daughter of Samuel and Mary Stewart. To Mr. and Mrs. Carter, nine children have been born : Laura, the wife of James Holden; Mary, who died when five years of age; Jeanette, the wife of James Barger, deceased; Samuel, of Emporia, Kansas; Stella, the wife of Harry Watts ; Maggie, the wife of Robert C. Holden ; Vincent on the home place; Beatrice, the wife of Elmer Scott, and one son who died in infancy.

Mr. and Mrs. Carter are now living a pleasant and enjoyable retired life, surrounded by their family and friends, who respect and honor them. They are members of the Methodist church.

Mr. Carter has a vivid memory of the early happenings in Gentry County and relates many interesting incidents of pioneer days. He says that his father used to haul cured bacon to St. Joseph, which he sold for two and one-half cents per pound, slaughtering from forty to fifty hogs at one time, which it took two years to grow, as they let them run in the woods and a little corn was fed to them in the winter only.

Mr. Carter was born one mile east and one mile south of Lone Star in a log cabin and the clapboards of this cabin were held on with weight poles, as no nails were available. Chinkin were held in place between the logs with mortar made of mud and the puncheon floor was made of slabs split and hewn; the hearth was made of mud, stone and sticks with a mud chimney. The cabin was built on 160 acres of land which his father had preempted at $1.25 per acre. Mr. Carter says his father began life on this place with one horse, one yoke of steers, one cow, a wife and one baby, one wagon and one dog, but that nearly every other man in the neighborhood had from six to eight hounds, or dogs.

In those days farming implements were very crude and the breaking plows which were made by the blacksmiths were pulled by three or four yokes of steers.

Mr. Carter says that the only schooling he received was in a log cabin, made similar to the one in which he was born, and that one log was left out across one end and greased paper was used for window lights. The teachers in those days did not believe in "sparing the rod and spoiling the child."

The first postoffice and gristmill were in the southern part of Gentry- County and it cost twenty-five cents in those days for postage for letters, the government collecting from the receiver.

Grain was cut with a hooked sickle and pounded out with sticks called flails and the chaff was blown out by the wind. The flour was ground at the mills, but had to be bolted by hand before using and the corn was soaked to soften it and then grated for meal. Biscuits were a luxury, only to be had on Sunday. All the cooking was done in the fire place.

Flax and hemp were raised and the fiber spun into cloth and the mother would card the wool and also spin it into yarn and weave it into cloth and then make the clothing for the entire family; she often worked until eleven or twelve o'clock at night. The father made the shoes for the family and also for the neighbors.

On Sunday, the family walked to church or else rode in an ox team wagon and all of the children went barefoot in season until they were about twelve years of age.

When Mr. and Mrs. Carter started in life they rented land and owned a span of three year old colts and a second hand harness. They had four sheep and one dozen hens apiece. The second year after their marriage they bought forty-five acres of land, going in debt for it, later trading this farm for 120 acres near Locust Grove schoolhouse, also going in debt for the diff"erence in price. By hard work and thrift, they finally owned 252 acres of land on which they lived until they moved to New Hampton.

J. E. Goble, the efiicient and enterprising manager of the Matkins Mercantile Company of Matkins, Missouri, is a native of Butler Township, Harrison County, born November 20, 1882, the son of J. W. and Mary (Jeffries) Goble, the former having died in 1915 and is buried in Matkins Cemetery and the latter now living on the home place in Butler Township.