Henry County, Missouri - Biographical sketches, 1919 (part 12 of 17)

Robert H. Holland was about eleven years of age when he came to Henry County with his parents, and here he received the principal part of his education in the public schools, and spent his early life on the home farm. He has made farming and stock raising his life's occupation and has met with success. He has a good farm of two hundred forty acres and in recent years has given much attention to stock improvement, and now has a small herd of registered white-face cattle, which are among the best strain of pure bloods to be found in the county. The "Pecan Stock Farm" is located three and one-half miles south of Hartwell in Honey Creek township. The place is well improved with good residence and other substantial farm buildings.

Mr. Holland was united in marriage in December, 1894, to Miss Gertrude Brovim, a daughter of John D. and Louisa (Cecil) Brown, a sketch of whom appears in this volume. Mrs. Holland was born in Deepwater township. Her mother is deceased and her father now resides at Montrose, Missouri.

Mr. Holland is a Democrat and takes an active interest in local politics, being the present Democratic committeeman from Honey Creek township. He is a member of the township board and holds the office of treasurer. His fraternal affiliations are with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and the time-honored Masonic Lodge. He holds membership in both these lodges at Clinton, Missouri. Mr. Holland is a progressive and energetic man who by his own unaided efforts has won a place in the community of which any man may be justly proud.

William Richard Dunn, a progressive farmer and stock man and a descendant of a pioneer fartiily of White Oak township, was born in this township October 13, 1878. .He is a son of Jasper and Anna (Taylor) Dunn, pioneers of Henry County. They were the parents of the following children: James Earl, lives in Kansas City, Missouri; William R., the subject of this sketch; Charles Clyde, Urich, Missouri; Florence Bell, now the wife of Samuel Mendenhall, Urich, Missouri.

William Richard Dunn is the owner of one of the ideal stock farms of Henry County, known as the "Sunny Slope Stock Farm," which is located in White Oak township about five miles southeast of Urich. This is not only a valuable farm from the standpoint of the value of the surface, but is richly underlaid with a vein of coal of workable commercial value. Although the coal under the Dunn farm has never been worked to any great extent, handsome offers in the way of royalties have been made by various operators. Mr. Dunn is extensively engaged in stock raising and makes a specialty of pure-bred Hereford white-face cattle. He is one of the successful cattle men of White Oak township, and is known far and wide for the high class stock raised on his place. He is the owner of a farm of five hundred twenty acres, which is well watered and possessed of all the natural advantages of an ideal stock farm. The home farm consists of three hundred sixty acres, most of which is valuable and productive farm land and ranks as one of the leading farms of Henry County.

Mr. Dunn was united in marriage March 4, 1903, to Miss Ora T. Gates, a daughter of William A. and Virginia Gates of Walker township. They were pioneer settlers of Henry County and now reside in Walker township. The father is seventy-seven years old, and the mother seventy-five. To Mr. and Mrs. Dunn have been bom two sons, Charles Victor and William Richard, Jr.

Mr. and Mrs. Dunn are members of the Presbyterian Church and rank high among the leading people of their community. Mr. Dunn is strictly a twentieth century farmer and stockman and his place bespeaks his thrift and industry.

Fridolin, or Fritz, Oswald, a prosperous and progressive farmer of White Oak township, is a native of Switzerland. He was born July 9, 1862, and is a son of Caspar (born December 14, 1823; died 1894) and Barbara Oswald (born 1836, died 1893), both natives of Svdtzerland. Fridolin Oswald was reared in his native land to the age of eighteen, immigrated to America in March, 1881, with his parents who, after spending a few weeks in Illinois, their father came to Henry County, arriving in April, 1881. The father bought the farm where Fridolin now lives, and after living on it about two years he removed to Montrose, where he died in 1894. His wife departed this life in 1893, and their remains rest side by side in the Catholic Cemetery at Montrose. They were the parents of the following children: C. J., Kit Carson, Colorado; Fridolin, the subject of this sketch; Barbara, married Joseph Wagner, Montrose, Missouri; Elizabeth and Carl, died in infancy, and Caroline died in 1895, aged eighteen years.

Fridolin Oswald was educated in his native land and after coming to this country he remained with his parents until he was twenty-one years of age. Since then he has been engaged in fanning and stock raising on his own accord and now owns a valuable and productive farm of two hundred acres situate three miles southeast of Urich. The place is well improved, with a very good farm residence and two bams. He

Mr. Oswald was united in marriage July 28, 1884, with Miss Elizabeth Stapf, a daughter of Severin and Barbara Stapf. The father is a native of Bavaria, Germany, and the mother of Alsace-Lorraine. They came to America in the early fifties. Mrs. Oswald was bom in Ohio. Severin Stapf was born in August, 1826, and died June 3, 1911. The mother was born August 13, 1838, and died April 13, 1893. Their remains were buried in the cemetery at Germantown, Missouri. They were the parents of the following children: Mary, married Henry Plume, Plainville, Kansas; Frank, died at the age of twenty-six years ; Elizabeth, the wife of Fridolin Oswald, the subject of this sketch; Mrs. Barney Blomert, Walker township ; Thomas, Germantown, Henry County ; Minnie, married A. Vogle, Montrose, Missouri. To Fridolin Oswald and wife have been born the following children: Barbara, married Joe Mensterman, Urich, Missouri; Mary Elizabeth, born September 26, 1886, died November 28, 1886; Frances Elizabeth, born March 7, 1888, a nurse in St. John's Hospital at Salina, Kansas; Charles F., born December 8, 1889, now a soldier in the National Army at Camp Funston; John Joseph, born September 18, 1891, enlisted in the United States Army February 26, 1918, and is now a member of the 354th Infantry, 89th Division, in France; William, born August 6, 1893, who resides at home ; Benjamin, born September 12, 1896, at home ; Julia Minnie, born June 4, 1898, at home ; Edmond Thomas, born January 12, 1901, at home.

The Oswald family are prominent in the community and Mr. Oswald is one of the substantial citizens of Henry County. Mr. Oswald and family are members of the Urich Mission of the Catholic Church.

Robert Barth, a successful young farmer and stockman of White Oak township, and a member of one of the pioneer families of Henry County, is a native of this county. He was born in White Oak township November 28, 1892, and is a son of John and Saphrona (Rombold) Barth. A sketch of John Barth and further mention of the history of the Barth family appears in this volume.

Robert Barth was reared on the farm in White Oak township, and received his education in the district schools of Henry County. Farming and stocTc raising has been his occupation since boyhood, and he has a valuable farm of one hundred sixty acres, which is located about two and one-half miles southeast of Urich in White Oak township. This place was formerly known as the Henney place and is a well-improved farm and under a high state of cultivation. In addition to general farming, Mr. Earth is making a success of raising cattle and hogs.

On March 3, 1915, Mr. Earth was united in marriage with Miss Mabel Goodman, a daughter of Eenjamin and Eessie (Harris) Goodman. The Goodman family came from Ohio in 1888, and settled in Henry County. Mabel Earth is a native of Henry County, Missouri. Mr. and Mrs. Goodman now reside in White Oak township and the following children have been born to them: Mabel, wife of Robert Earth, the subject of this sketch; Myrtle, died at the age of two years; Georgia, Roy and Floyd reside at home with their parents. Mr. and Mrs. Earth are well known in the community and popular with the young people of Henry County.

Edward W. Earth, a progressive young farmer and stockman of White Oak township, was born in Kansas City, Missouri, in 1892. He is the eldest son of John W. and Lena (Gretzinger) Earth, and a grandson of John Earth, a pioneer of White Oak township. A sketch of John Earth with more extended mention of the Earth family history appears in this volume.

Edward Earth attended school in the district school and later the Urich High School and then took a course in Central College at Fayette, Missouri. He then taught school for two years, when he engaged in farming, which he has since followed. He has a farm of eighty acres of valuable land, which is located three and one-half miles south of Uricb in White Oak township. Since owning this place Mr. Earth has made many improvements and now has one of the fine farms of western Henry County.

Mr. Earth was married September 11, 1916, to Miss Alma Eradley, a daughter of J. L. and Anna (Eaton) Bradley of Walker township, Henry County. Mrs. Earth was one of four children born to her parents aa follows : William, resides at Towanda, Kansas ; Mrs. Effie Mehlhop, Dexter, New Mexico; Alma, the wife of Edward Earth, the subject of this sketch, and Earl, who resides at home with his parents. To Mr. and Mrs. Earth has been born one child, Dorothy Mae, bom December 21, 1917.

Mr. Earth is an industrious and hardworking young man and realizes that success is not an accident, and comes through diligence and honest toil. He is one of the young farmers and stockmen of Henry County who is making good.

John W. Barth, successful farmer and stockman of Walker township, and a leader in his section of the county in both civic and pohtical movements, is a native son of Henry County. Mr. Barth was born near Zoar Station, Tuscarawas County, Ohio, in 1866, and is the eldest son of John and Mary Lebold Barth, earlier pioneer settlers of Henry County. A complete biography of John Barth appears elsewhere in this volume. John Barth became one of Henry County's most successful and influential citizens, owner of a large tract of land, and was widely and favorably known throughout the county.

John W. Barth accompanied his parents to Henry County in childhood and was here reared to manhood and educated in the district school of his home neighborhood in White Oak township. He began during his boyhood days to "follow the plow" and leai-ned the vocation of agriculturist and stockman from his capable father. He received as his share of the Lebold estate a tract of ninety-six acres, which was one-fifth of 487 acres which had been given to John and Mary Lebold Barth by the father of Mrs. Barth, who had invested in this land prior to the advent of the Barths in western Missouri. Mr. Barth improved this tract, which is located in Walker tovsmship and has added to his holdings until he now owns a total of two hundred and forty acres. He is extensively engaged in stock raising and is recognized as one of the successful citizens of Henry County.

In 1891, John W. Barth and Miss Lena Gretzinger were united in marriage. This marriage has been blessed with the following children: Edward W., bom December 5, 1892, residing on a farm in White Oak township; Amelia H., bom April 7, 1894, and died in 1905; Mary M., born March 9, 1897; Clarence C, bom June 11, 1899. Mrs. Lena (Gretzinger) Barth was bom near Zoar Station, Tuscarawas County, Ohio, in 1866, and is the daughter of Jacob and Magdalena Gretzinger, who spent all of their days in Ohio.

In addition to his farming interests, Mr. Barth is president of the Farmers' Bank of Urich, Missouri, and is active in public affairs. He is a Democrat and is leader in his township of all movements furthering America's cause in the World War. He is serving as bond sales director in Walker township. He and Mrs. Barth and the members of his family are affiliated with the White Oak Methodist Episcopal Church.

Agrippa Valentine Clary, a prominent pioneer of White Oak township, was bom in Overton County, Tennessee, July 12, 1851. He is a son of John H. and Lavina (Sevier) Clary, both natives of Tennessee. John H. Claiy came to Henry County, Missouri, in November, 1860, and settled in Walker township, Henry County, and spent the remainder of his life in Missouri. He lived for many years in Walker township, and later moved to the southwestern part of the State. He died near Joplin at the age of eighty-four years. His wife preceded him in death sveral years. She died at Rich Hill, aged sixty-three years. John H. and Lavina (Sevier) Clary were the parents of the following children: Agrippa Valentine, the subject of this sketch; William R., Wenatche, Washington ; Mrs. Martha Gragg, deceased ; Mrs. Mary Tinsley, deceased ; George W., Diamond, Missouri; Catherine, deceased; John, deceased; James, deceased, and Nannie Bales, deceased.

A. V. Clary was educated in the public schools of Walker township, a Mrs. Cummings being his first teacher. The school house which he attended was one of the pioneer log buildings, and he had an opportunity to experience the beginning of public schools in Minnesota. Mr. Clary remained on the home farm until 1874 when he engaged in farming for himself on the place where he now lives. He owns ninety acres, five miles south of Urich, and carries on both general farming and stock raising and is one of the successful men of White Oak township.

Mr. Clary was united in marriage with Mary Frances (Dunn) Sevier, a daughter of J. N. and Zulima (Ogle) Dunn of White Oak township. Mr. and Mrs. Dunn were pioneers of White Oak township, coming from Kentucky to Cooper County, Missouri, in a very early day, and came from Cooper County to Henry County in 1853. Mrs. Clary was born in Cooper County October 8, 1847. Mr. and Mrs. Dunn were the parents of the following children: Thomas, deceased; Mrs. Nancy Elizabeth Blevins; Daniel Luther, deceased; James A., a sketch of whom appears in this volume ; Mrs. Margaret E. Armstrong ; Mary Frances, the wife of Agi-ippa Valentine Clary, the subject of this sketch; Jasper Newton, who lives at Urich, Missouri. To Agrippa Valentine Clary and wife have been bom the following children: George Ernest, who lives on the home place; Ola A., a farmer in Walker township ; and John E., the present treasurer of Henry County. Mrs. Clary was first married to George A. Sevier and to that union were born the following children : James W., a sketch of whom appears in this volume ; Rosa E., married W. R. Williams, and she is now deceased; Dora E., married W. G. Martin, a sketch of whom appears iit; this volume, and Elwood F., a farmer of White Oak township, a sketch of whom appears in this volume.

Mr. Clary has a vivid recollection of the pioneer conditions as they existed in Henry County over fifty years ago. He recalls many of the pioneers who lived here when he came, and has observed the many changes that have gradually taken place in the county since his boyhood days. to the present time. He is a Democrat. Mr. and Mrs. Clary are members of the Urich Presbyterian Church.

Robert W. Allen. - Upon the old Allen homestead in Tebo township in Henry County there have been born and reared three generations of the Allen family, since the land was first entered in 1835 by George J. Allen, father of Robert W. Allen, the subject of this review. Robert W. Allen was born on this farm September 2, 1850, and is the son of George J. and Esther (Mitchell) Allen, who were parents of eight children : Mrs. Susan M. Hodges, deceased ; William M. and Ann E., deceased ; Belle J., Windsor, Missouri; James, deceased, twin brother of Belle J., died in the Confederate Army during the Civil War; George J., living in Montana ; Emma, widow of J. W. Huston, Windsor ; Robert W., youngest of the family.

George J. Allen was born in Washington County, east Tennessee, April 5, 1809, and died in Henry County March 5, 1850. In 1835 he came to Henry County from Tennessee and settled in Tebo township, where he improved a splendid property and which later passed to his son, Robert W. Allen, and is now being tilled by Robert L. Allen, son of Robert W. Mrs. Esther (Mitchell) Allen was born in Tennessee May 17, 1815, and died February 13, 1853. After the death of their parents the eight Allen children all remained on the farm, the oldest children taking the responsibility of the rearing of the younger and every child grew to upright and worthy manhood and womanhood.

Robert W. Allen remained on the home farm of the family and tilled his acreage, consisting of 290 acres, until his retirement to a home in Windsor in 1911. He came into possession of the Allen homestead through the gradual purchase of the interests of the heirs and built it up into a splendid property.

October 9, 1879, Robert W. Allen and Miss Sallie M. Sutherland were united in marriage. Mrs. Sallie M. Allen was bom in St. Clair County, Missouri, the daughter of Uriah and Margaret Jane (Harris) Suther- land. To this marriage have been born two children: Clara, wife of Rev. O. L. Byrns, Golden City, Missouri, mother of one child, Margaret ; Robert L., who is managing the old home place of the family in Tebo township, a graduate of the Kansas City Veterinary College, and who combines the practice of his profession with farming pursuits, married Myrtle Bell and has one child, Robert Bell Allen.

Mr. Allen has always been a Democrat, politically, and is a member of the Presbyterian church. In addition to his land interests he is a stockholder of the First National Bank of Windsor and owns stock in the Peoples Bank of Calhoun, Missouri. Mr. Allen is one of the highly valued and substantial and enterprising citizens of Windsor and Henry County.

Dr. Robert L. Allen, veterinarian and farmer, Tebo township, Henry County, was born on the farm where he now resides June 28, 1882, and is the son of Robert W. Allen, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this volume.

Robert L. Allen was educated in district school number nine and the Windsor High School, from which he graduated in 1900. In 1902 he entered the Kansas City Veterinary College and graduated therefrom in 1905. He began the active practice of his profession in 1905 and for a year he was engaged in the service of the Government, being stationed at South Omaha, Nebraska. In 1906 he located at Columbia, Missouri, and practiced his profession in the State veterinarian's department for two years, all of which broad experience tended to develop his powers and render him more proficient in the practice of his profession and to broaden his knowledge of the diseases of animals. In 1907 he located in Windsor and soon built up a lucrative practice. In 1909 he settled upon the Allen home place in section 12 of Tebo township. Doctor Allen is a well known breeder of Hereford cattle and is farming 400 acres of land, being owner of 120 acres in Tebo township. He is continuing his successful practice which he carries on with his farming operations.

On April 4, 1909, Doctor Allen was married to Miss Mrytle Bell, who was born in Pettis County, Missouri, the daughter of John H. and Mary H. (McDaniel) Bell, the former of whom was a native of Illinois and the latter of Missouri, and are now living on a farm in Pettis County. Mr. and Mrs. Allen have one child, Robert Bell Allen, born August 21, 1910. Mrs. Myrtle Allen is a graduate of the Windsor High School and taught school for a number of years in Windsor and Weatherford, Oklahoma, and Clinton, Missouri, the greater part of her teaching experience having been in graded schools.

Doctor Allen is a member of the Missouri State Veterinarian Association and the Missouri Valley Veterinarian Association. He is a member of the Presbyterian Church.

George H. Henny, a prosperous farmer and stock raiser of White Oak township, belongs to a Henry County pioneer family. Mr. Henry is a native of Ohio. He was born in Tuscarawas County, Ohio, in 1880, and is a son of Rudolph and Elizabeth (Goodman) Henny. Rudolph Henny was an early settler in White Oak township, and after coming here was engaged in farming and stock raising and spent the remainder of his life in this township. He died in 1902, and his widow now resides in Bogard township. They were the parents of the following children: Charles, now resides in Denver, Colorado; Elmer, lives on the home place in Bogard township, with his mother; George H., the subject of this sketch; Clara Ellen, resides at home, and Clarence Ray in Bogard township. George H. Henny was reared on the home farm in Walker township, and remained at home with his parents until he was twenty-five years of age. Later he purchased his present farm of one hundred fifty-two acres. It is a valuable farm and located about one-fourth of a mile south of Lucas. Mr. Henry has recently built a seven-room bungalow of modern design and his other farm buildings are in thorough keeping with his high-class residence. His land is fertile and productive and has the advantage of being well watered.

Mr. Henry was united in marriage February 8, 1911, with Miss Ida M. Barth, a daughter of John and Sophia (Rombold( Earth. More extensive mention is made of the Barth family in this volume. Mr. and Mrs. Henny have one son, Oren Clifford. Mr. Henny takes an active interest in local public affairs and is now a member of the school board of his district. He is one of the substantial and progressive citizens of Henry County.

W. S. Ward, a well-to-do and progressive farmer and stockman of Big Creek township, is a native of Indiana. He was born in Boone County, February 19, 1868, and is a son of Lafayette and Malissa A. (Waugh) Ward, natives of Indiana. The Ward family came to Henry County in 1869, when W. S. was about one year old. They settled about two miles east of where Blairstown now stands. Here the father engaged in farming until the time of his death in ],,882. His widow married Abraham Crites, who is now deceased, and she lives at Blairstown. To Lafayette and Malissa (Waugh) Ward, were born the following children: W. S., the subject of this sketch; Charles E., deceased; Omer, deceased; 0. L., Salesville, Montana; 0. T., Big Creek township ;. and Ernest, who resides on the home place in Big Creek township.

W. S. Ward was reared on the home farm in Big Creek township and received his education in the rural schools of Henry County. He remained at home with his parents until he was twenty-two years of age. He then went to Johnson County, Missouri, where he was engaged in farming for four years, when he returned to Henry County and engaged in farming and stock raising in Big Creek township. He bought his present farm in 1902 and since then has added many improvements, making of it one of the attractive and valuable places of this township. Mr. Ward is a modern farmer and stockman, as the neat and well-kept appearance of his farm indicates.

In 1889 W. S. Ward was united in marriage with Miss Katie R. Shelton, a daughter of C. D. and Emma (Ray) Shelton of Chilhowee, Johnson County, Missouri. Mrs. Ward was born in Illinois and her parents are also natives of that State. C. D. and Emma Ray Shelton are the parents of the following children: Katie R., the wife of W. S. Ward; James M., Kansas City, Missouri; W. A., Bozeman, Montana; Mrs. Mary Coe, Ft. Worth, Texas; C. N., Big Creek township; Mrs. Pearl Wright, Sedalia, Missouri; and Mrs. Alice Killingsworth, Walnut Grove, Missouri.

To W. S. Ward and wife have been born the following children: Otto, born in 1890, enlisted in the United States Army September 20, 1917, and is now in the service in France, having gone there with the 88th Division in March, 1918; Francis P., bom 1891, was educated in the Big Creek Consolidated High School and graduated at the University of Missouri. He then accepted a position as teacher of science in the high school at Litchfield, Illinois, for two years, filling the position of principal the last half of the second year. He entered the United States Army July 6, 1918, and is now stationed at the Central OflScers' Training School, Camp Zachary Taylor, Louisville, Kentucky. Blanche, bom 1895, a graduate of the Big Creek Consolidated High School, who resides at home with her parents.

W. A. Stansberry, a Henry County pioneer and prominent farmer and stockman of Big Creek township, is a native of Ohio. He was born in Fairfield County, in 1852, a son of W. H. and Rachel (Elsborn) Stansberry, natives of Ohio. They came to Missouri in 1870 and settled in Big Creek township, Henry County. Later they removed to St. Clair County, where they lived for a time, but returned to Henry County and both died here, and their remains are interred in the Carpenter Cemetry in Johnson County. They were the parents of the following children : Mrs. Samantha Jane Crist, now deceased; Mrs. Mary Showalter, Carroll, Ohio; Mrs. Kate Lane, Clinton, Missouri; John, Old Chilhowee, Missouri; W. A., the subject of this sketch; George, died in Montana; Charles, resides at Tulsa, Oklahoma; Mrs. Rachel Sherman, died at Pittsburg, Kansas; Mrs. Emma Corsen, died in Johnson County, Missouri ; Noah, lives in Johnson County,. Missouri; J. J., Miami, Oklahoma; Mrs. Frank Murphy, Honey Creek township, and Mrs. Millie Heath, Taborville, Missouri.

W. A. Stansberry was reared and educated in Ohio and was about eighteen years of age when he came to Henry County with his parents in 1870. After coming here he worked some by the month, but soon engaged in farming in Big Creek township on rented land. Later he bought a farm and now owns one hundred twenty acres, two and one-half miles southeast of Blairstown. His place is well improved with a good farm residence and other suitable farm buildings. He is engaged in general farming and stock raising, having been especially successful raising Duroc Jersey hogs in recent years.

Mr. Stansberry was married in 1876 to Miss Sarah E. Webster, daughter of James H. and Mary Jane (Carpenter) Webster of Big Creek township. The father died in Arkansas in 1903, and the mother died in Henry County during the Civil War, having contracted pneumonia from exposure when driven from home by "Jayhawkers." Mrs. Stansberry was one of four children born to her parents, the others being: Pleasant Webster, who served in the Confederate Army during the Civil War, and now resides at Bozeman, Montana ; Mrs. Mary Haney, Chickalah, Arkansas, and Mrs. Hester Anderson, now deceased. After the death of the mother of these children, the father married again to Mary Lotspiech, and to this second marriage were born the following children: Charles, lives in Arkansas; Mrs. Dora Hanes, deceased; Walter, lives in Oklahoma; Oscar, Arkansas; Florence, Arkansas, and Maude, deceased.

Blanche, died at the age of three years; Hattie, married Sterling S. Patterson, who is now deceased, having left one child, Ora Ellen, who resides with Mr. and Mrs. Stansberry ; John W., at home ; Mary J., married Cecil Gray, Big Creek township.

Mr. Stansberry has seen much of the history of Henry County in the making, as it were. He recalls when the town of Norris was known as Norris Fork and when the postofRce was established there on the star mail route from Holden, and they received mail three times each week. He recalls the first store building there which was erected by Moore & "Wright. This was about 1873, and this firm carried on the mercantile business there for a number of years.

Walter W. Cheek, a prosperous farmer and stockman of Big Creek township, is a native of Illinois. He was born in Mason County, May 7, 1862, and is a son of Thomas and Mary (Newkirk) Cheek, the former a native of Kentucky and the latter of Maryland. The Cheek family came to Missouri and settled in Henry County in 1883. The parents returned to Illinois and now reside at Havana, that State. They are the parents of the following children: George, Havana, Illinois; Thomas, deceased; Walter W., the subject of this sketch ; Robert died at Urich, Missouri, in 1901 ; John, lives at Manito, Illinois ; Samuel, St. Louis, Missouri ; Frank, Phelps County, Missouri ; Fannie, died at the age of fourteen ; James Madison lives in South Dakota; Marietta, resides with her parents at Havana, Illinois, and Delia, died in infancy.

Walter W. Cheek came to Henry County with his parents in 1883, when he was about twenty-one years of age. He followed fanning in the vicinity of Urich for a number of years and in 1890 purchased his present place in Big Creek township. This is a valuable farm of one hundred twenty acres, and is a part of the Fox estate, which was originally entered from the Government by William Fox, grandfather of Mrs. Cheek. He was a very early settler in this vicinity and entered a great deal of land from the Government in Henry County. At one time he owned about eight hundred acres.

Walter W. Cheek was married to Miss Geneva A. Fox in 1888. She is a daughter of William C. Fox, a native of Kentucky, who was bom in 1814. He married Emma Hornbarger, a native of Tennessee, born in 1826. William C. Fox died May 21, 1899, and his wife died in 1897, and their remains are interred in the Carpenter Cemetery.

Mr. Cheek is not only a successful farmer and stock raiser, but takes a keen interest in local affairs and is especially interested in the public school system and for seventeen years has served as director of his school district. He is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America and the Presbyterian Church and is one of the substantial citizens of Big Creek township.

William C. Fox came to Howard County, Missouri, from Kentucky. He was a "forty-niner," crossed the country and was in the gold mining country of the Pacific Coast for twelve years. Upon his return via Cape Horn, he settled in Big Creek township, Henry County. He was a farmer and stockman on a large scale. W. C. Fox had two children: Mrs. Walter Cheek and James Edgar Fox, who died in 1908 in Kansas City, where he had moved from his farm in Big Creek township.

William C. Fox was the son of James Fox, a Missouri pioneer who was one of the earliest settlers of Howard County and later of Henry County. W. C. Fox owned a fine farm of 320 acres and dealt extensively in live stock.

Thomas Marshall Swart, an extensive land owner and prosperous pioneer of Big Creek township is one of the leading citizens of Henry County. Mr. Swart Avas born in Kentucky, August 21, 1839, and is a son of George W. and Elizabeth (Bartlett) Swart, both natives of Nicholas County, Kentucky. The parents were both born in 1799 and the mother died at the age of forty years and the father lived to be ninety-three years old. George W. Swart was a son of James Swart of Virginia, who was a soldier in the Revolutionary War, and served under General Washington. He died in Nicholas County, Kentucky. His wife lived to the advanced age of one hundred six years.

George and Elizabeth (Bartlett) Swart were the parents of the following children: Margaret; Mrs. Phoebe Jane Campbell; William; Mrs. Hannah Ferguson; Mrs. Elizabeth Parker; George H. ; Mrs. Mary Weaver; Mrs. Fannie Wood ; Angeline ; Mrs. Caroline Graves ; all of whom are now deceased, and Thomas M., the subject of this sketch.

Thomas M. Swart was reared to manhood in Nicholas and Mason counties, Kentucky, and received his education in the schools of his time. He engaged in farming in his native State in early life and followed that vocation there until 1878, when he came to Henry County, Missouri. He settled near Maurine, where he first purchased two hundred and thirty acres at twenty dollars an acre. Before coming to Henry county he was engaged in raising tobacco, hemp, corn and wheat in Kentucky. He sold his land in the Blue Grass country for ninety dollars an acre. Since coming here he has followed farming and stock raising and has met with unusual success, and is now the owner of about two thousand acres of valuable land and is thus one of the largest land owners of Henry County. His children have 700 acres. His home place is well improved, as is all his land, and his is one of the finest farm residences of the county.

Mr. Swart was united in marriage December 18, 1861, vdth Miss MaiT C. McFerrin, a native of Mason County, Kentucky. She was born in 1844 and is a daughter of James and Louisa (Paul) McFerrin, natives of Kentucky, who are both now deceased. To Mr. and Mrs. Swart have been born the following children: William S., married Chessie A. Ross of Blairstown and now resides on the old home place; Mary J., now the wife of Newton D. Yount of Sedalia, Missouri.

Mr. Swart is one of the substantial men of Big Creek township and is entitled to classification among Henry County's most successful citizens. He is a Democrat in politics and he and Mrs. Swart are members of the Presbyterian Church.

Kapels Forsythe of Big Creek township is a descendant of one of the pioneer families of Henry County. He was born in Big Creek township March 7, 1891, a son of Edward and Jamica (George) Forsythe. George Forsythe was a native of Ohio and a son of James Forsythe, who settled in Henry County with his family in 1874. James Forsythe spent the remainder of his life in Honey Creek township, where he settled upon coming to this county. He died in 1891. Edward Forsythe died in 1916 and his wife departed this life January 20, 1897. She was a native of Henry County and a daughter of Elijah George, who was among the very early settlers in this county.

To Edward and Jamica (George) Forsythe were bom the following children : Anna, married Chester Malone, Blairstown, Missouri ; lone, married Grover Eraser, who is now serving in the United States Army in- France; Kapels, now serving in the United States Army in France; Noel, serving in the United States Army, now stationed at Camp Funston; Hazel, married Howard Harper, Blairstown.

Kapels Forsythe received his education in the public schools of Big Creek township and remained on the home farm until he was twentythree years of age. In August, 1913, he went to Montana, where he home-

320 acres of land in the yellowstone country. He has made some substantial improvements on his place and has raised fifty acres of wheat there during the present season,

The Forsythe home farm in Big Creek township consists of 160 acres of well improved and valuable land. It is located two miles northwest of Garland, a part of the place being situate in Honey Creek township.

Ellet Huey. - From unbroken prairie land which was first turned by the plow drawn by oxen, Ellet Huey has created one of the most beautiful and fertile farms in Henry County, a place of 130 acres in the southwestern part of Bethlehem township. Mr. Huey has lived upon his farm since 1866 and has witnessed the development and growth of Henry County. He has reared a splendid family of children, has seen his grandchildren grow to maturity and now has great-grandchildren.

Ellet Huey was born October 3, 1842, in Montgomery County, Ohio, the son of James and Ann Elizabeth (Schwartz) Huey, natives of Ohio. The parents of Ellet Huey accompanied him to Missouri and his father died at his home. The mother also died in this county. His brother, Albert, also came west, but returned to Ohio and spent his life in that ;State.

In the spring of 1865 Ellet Huey enlisted in Company D, 132nd Ohio Volunteer Infantry and served until the close of the war under Captain Beard. In 1866 he came to Missouri in search of a home and found his location in Bethlehem township, Henry County. This was prairie and timber land.

Mr. Huey paid thirteen dollars an acre for his land, which is now worth at least seventy-five dollars an acre. He erected a log house of three rooms and one and a half stories, since adding a frame addition to the original house, which is a picturesque and comfortable affair, attractively shaded by great trees and reached by a driveway from the highway.

Mr. Huey was married in 1863 to Miss Margaret Palmer, who was born in Ohio in 1844. Twelve children were born of this marriage : Lucy, Henry Harris, Robert Wilson, Ida, George, John, Wilber, Ella, May, Florence and Herman. Mrs. Lucy Snyder, the eldest child, lives at Clinton. Missouri. She is mother of four children : Mrs. Pearl Stuessi, Great Falls, Montana, mother of Beverly, Keith, Wilma and Justine ; Mrs. May Roberts,

Kansas City, mother of Virginia Roberts ; Harry, Kansas City ; and Wilma, Clinton Missouri. Henry Harris Huey lives in Milton, Oregon, married OUie Butt and has four children, Marion, Harold, Elba May, Oletha Rose. Robert Wilson Huey is deceased. Mrs. Ida Dooley lives in Clinton, and has three children, Ray, novir a soldier in the National Army; Irene, and Howard. George Huey is a resident of Portland, Oregon, where he is a ship builder. John is a farmer in Bethlehem township, married Myrtle Herst, and has four children, Maude, Mabel, Tracy and Bessie. Wilber Huey is a farmer living near La Due, married Myrtle Cook. Mrs. Ella Oskins lives at Calhoun, Henry County, has two children, Claude and Cleo. May is at home with her parents. Florence Huey is the wife of Thomas F. Bronaugh. Herman Huey is a farmer in Bethlehem township, married Alice Bailey and has seven children: Mildren, Muriel Ira, Eugene, Robert, Elmer, Buford and Bernice, twins.

James Huey was the son of Albert R. and Margaret Huey and was born October 7, 1814. Ann Elizabeth Huey was the daughter of George and Sarah Schwartz, and was born in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, October 4, 1838.

John H. Titus, a well known merchant at Norris, Missouri, is a native of this State. He was born in St. Clair County, near Lowry City, November 19, 1877, and is a son of James W. and Caroline (Roberts) Titus, the former a native of Virginia and the latter of Ohio. James W. Titus was born February 22, 1839, and when a young man moved to Illinois, where he was living when the Civil War broke out. He enlisted in Company H, 79th Illinois Infantry, and served for three years. He took part in a number of important battles. He was wounded severely .at the battle of Stone River, and after being wounded was taken prisoner and for a time was confined in Libby Prison and later transferred to other Confederate prisons. He came to Missouri in 1865 and settled near Osceola. He made the trip through from Illinois with a team and wagon, driving a wagon which he had made by his own hands. In 1868 he moved to the present site of Lowry City. At that time that section was unsettled and his was the first house built near where the town now stands. This house is still standing and at the present time is occupied by his daughter. Mr. Titus was a carpenter and built the first store building in Lowry City, as well as several other buildings there. For a time he was engaged in the lumber business there. To James W. and Caroline (Roberts) Titus were born the following children : William D., deceased ; Mrs.. Louster E. Brown, Lowry City; Mrs. Martha A. Houk, Chico, California; Mrs. Lydia A. Page, Sacramento, California; Thomas J., deceased; Sarah, J., deceased; Francis, deceased; John H., the subject of this sketch; Ira N., deceased, and Myrtle E., deceased.

John H. Titus was reared at Lowry City and educated in the public schools. He began life as a farmer near Lowry City, where he remained seven years. He then sold out and went to Florida. He returned, however, in a short time and bought a farm near Chloe, Missouri, where he was engaged in farming and stock raising until 1914. He then came to Norris and engaged in general mercantile business, to which he has since devoted his attention. He carries a very complete line of merchandise and deals extensively in farm produce. His trade extends over a large section of the country surrounding Norris, and by his integrity and honesty as a merchant he has won the confidence of the public. Mr. Titus was married December 25, 1898, to Miss Rosa Huebner, a daughter of C. F. and Jennie (Crissman) Huebner, the former a native of Somerset, Ohio, and the latter of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The father has been, in the mercantile business at Lowry City for the past forty years. His wife died in 1907. They were the parents of the following children : Mrs. Minnie Foster, Lowry City; Rosa, wife of John H. Titus, the subject of this sketch; Daisy, died at the age of thirteen; Mrs. Carrie Patterson,. Lowry City, Missouri, and Mrs. Lula Weir, Bolivar, Missouri. To Mr. and Mrs. Titus have been born six children as follow: John Charles, Mary B., Ruth C, Jewell H., Myrtle 0. and J. Harold.

Prof. Ralph Lionberger, principal of the public schools of Blairstown, Missouri, is prominent in the teachers' profession of Henry County and for the past seven years has been principal of the Norris High School. Mr, Lionberger was born in Buffalo County, Nebraska, October 30, 1885. He is a son of T. R. and Etta (Thornton) Lionberger. The father is a native of Illinois and the mother of Iowa. They now reside in Leesville township, Henry County. T. R. Lionberger went to Nebraska when he was a young man and remained in that State until 1895, when he came to Henry County, which has been his home since that time. To T. R. Lionberger and wife have been bom the following children: Ralph T., the subject of this sketch; Carrie, married Thomas McCown,-

Leesville township ; Nellie, married Hugh Randel, Calhoun, Missouri ; Calvin, died May 14, 1908; Gaylord, Etoile, Edwin, Otis and Harry, all residing at home. Ralph T. Lionberger was educated in the public schools and was graduated from the Appleton City High School in the class of 1908. He has studied in the State University at Columbia, Missouri. He taught his first term of school in the Turner district, Leesville township. He afterwards taught one year at the Appleton City Academy and one year in St. Louis County, Missouri. In 1910 he became principal of the Norris High School, and held that position for seven consecutive years. He then taught one year in high school in Benton County, and in 1918 was elected principal of the Blairstown school, which position he now holds.

Professor Lionberger was united in marriage August 28, 1910, with Miss Audrey E. Smith, a daughter of J. H. and Ellen (Nichols) Smith, of Leesville township. The Smith family are pioneers of that section of Henry County. Mrs. Lionberger was bom in Leesville township and educated in the public schools of that township, Windsor High School and Appleton City Academy. Joseph H. Smith is a Virginian and served in the Confederate army with the Virginia troops. Shortly after the Civil War he came to Henry County. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Ellen Nichols, was born in Leesville township. Her mother, Catherine Parks, came to Henry County with her parents in 1835 when she was ten years of age, and they were among the very first settlers of Henry County. To J. H. and Ellen (Nichols) Smith were born the following children: Ida, Fort Collins, Colorado; Hugh, Madison, Wisconsin; J. M., Brownington, Missouri; Elmer, lives in Iowa; Pickney, Nevada, Missouri; Audrey E., the wife of Prof. Ralph Lionberger, the subject of this sketch ; Jewette, Lincoln, Missouri; Noi-ma, a teacher. Fort Collins, Colorado; Winifred, a teacher in Henry County, and Helen, also a Henry County teacher. To Professor and Mrs. Lionberger have been bom two children, Herbert and Lowell.

Professor Lionberger is interested in farming as well as his educational work and owns a valuable farm of fifty-one acres adjoining the townsite of Norris. He has an extensive acquaintance in Heniy County and he and Mrs. Lionberger have many friends.

Albert W. McFarland, a prominent farmer and stockman of Big Creek township, is a member of one of the pioneer families of Henry County, whose residence in Missouri dates back to territorial date. Albert W. McFarland was born in Henry County, six miles southeast of where Blairstown now stands February 4, 1878. He is a son of William J. and

Mary E. (Mitchell) McFarland. William J. McFarland was bom in Moniteau County, Missouri, September 26, 1834, and died December 21, 1893. His wife, Mary E. (Mitchell) McFarland, was born in Cooper County, Missouri, December 25, 1843, and died May 12, 1913. William J. McFarland was a soldier in the Confederate army, serving under Gen. Sterling Price. He came to Henry County in the fall of 1867 and settled in Big Creek township, where he first purchased 160 acres of land and became one of the successful farmers of Henry County. At the time of his death he was the owner of about 600 acres. William J. McFarland was a son of Jesse McFarland, who came to Missouri in 1809, and was here during the time of the disastrous earthquake in 1811. Jesse McFarland was a son of Jacob McFarland, who was a member of the first territorial legislature of Missouri. He died in Moniteau County. Jesse McFarland was the first sheriff of Cooper County, Missouri. He also was the first Government surveyor of what later became Rives County, receiving his appointment in 1821, when he was twenty-one years of age. He died at Pleasant Hill, Missouri.

Albert W. McFarland received his education in the public schools of Henry County and the State Normal School at Warrensburg, Missouri. Later he attended the Gem City Business College at Quincy, Illinois, where he was graduated in the class of 1906. He then returned to Henry County, where he has since been successfully engaged in general farming and stock raising, and is recognized as one of the leading agriculturists of Henry County. His farm consists of 300 acres of valuable farm land, which is well improved.

Mr. McFarland was united in marriage July 24, 1901, with Miss Hattie Woodruff, a daughter of R. B. and Rosa (Young) Woodruff, pioneers of Johnson County, Missouri. The Woodruff family came to Henry County forty-five years ago and now reside in Big Creek township. Mrs. McFarland has two brothers: John D. and Edgar, both residing at home with their parents. To Mr. and Mrs. McFarland have been born eight children, as follow: Augusta L., Inga, Courtney L., Ruth V., Mattie M., William J., Olive M. and Douglass W.

Mr. McFarland takes an active interest in public affairs and is one of the progressive and capable citizens of Big Creek township. He has held local office at various times and was president of the first high school board of the consolidated district, and is a member of that board now. He is also president of the township board.

J. E. A. Hornbarger, an extensive farmer and stock raiser of Big Creek township, is a native of Tennessee. He was born in 1851 and is a son of William M. and Mary J. (Lotspiech) Hornbarger, natives of Tennessee. William M. Hornbarger came to Henry County in 1854 and settled in Big Creek township, where he bought 120 acres of land, which is now a part of J. E. A. Hornbarger's place. He remained here until 1880, when he went to Arkansas and settled near Alma, Crawford County. Later he sold that and moved to Paris, Arkansas, where he died. His wife died in Henry County. They were the parents of the following children: Josephine, deceased; J. E. A., the subject of this sketch; Roten L., deceased; Mrs. Fannie Millen, deceased; Maggie, deceased, and Mock, was in Oklahome when last heard from.

J. E. A. Hornbarger received his education in the pioneer schools of Henry County, attending school in the Victor district, which was then conducted on the subscription plan. The school building was a primitive log structure and he recalls his first teacher as being Miss Mollie Lotspiech, a sister of his mother. Saniuel Victor, a Baptist preacher, was also one of the pioneer teachers in this district. Mr. Hornbarger was reared amidst the pioneer surroundings of Henry County and his early life was spent under conditions that develop self reliance, and he has made his own way in the world practically since boyhood. He began farming on his own account in Big Creek township in 1873. In 1877 he bought forty acres, which was the first land that he ever owned. He has added to that from time to time and now owns 240 acres of some of the most valuable and productive land in Henry County. All the improvements on this place have been placed there by Mr. Hornbarger. The farm is located two miles southeast of Maurme, and is crossed by the Frisco railroad. Mr. Hornbarger carries on general farming and is also quite extensively interested in stock raising.

In 1875 Mr. Hornbarger was married to Exony Thomas, a daughter of Cornelius and Sally Thomas, Henry County pioneers, who settled in the vicinity of where Lewis Station now stands. To Mr. and Mrs. Hornbarger have been born the following children: Sally, married Charles Jagerman of Honey Creek township; Mrs. Pinkie Yount, deceased; Ruth, married Bud Harrington of Honey Creek township, and Ruby, married William Wolf of Honey Creek township.

In the early days he broke prairie with ox teams with the old fashioned plow and later with the steel improved plow. He was here many years in advance of the corn planter and he recalls that the first com planter owned in this vicinity was purchased by Elijah George in the early seventies. It was a wooden structure with the exception of the tires on the wheels. Mr. Hornbarger has contributed his part to all this developmeht that has made Henry County the banner county of the State, and is entitled to classification as one of its honored pioneers.

Walter S. Waugh, a prominent farmer and stockman of Big Creek township, is a native son of Henry County and a descendant of a prominent pioneer family of Missouri. Mr. Waugh was born in Big Creek township on the place where he now resides March 23, 1877, and is a son of John W. and Julia A. (Hamilton) Waugh, natives of Indiana and pioneers of Henry County, Missouri. A more complete sketch of the Waugh family history appears in this volume in the sketch of James H. Waugh, a brother of the subject of this sketch.

Walter S. Waugh was educated in the public schools of Henry County and was reared on the farm where he now resides. He has always been engaged in farming and stock raising and is one of the successful farmers and well known stockmen of Big Creek township. He purchased the home place in 1910. It is a splendid farm, containing 355 acres, situated two miles southwest of Norris. The place is well improved and is one of the attractive places in the township. The residence was destroyed by fire December 26, 1917. It was considered one of the finest residences in the western part of the county. Mr. Waugh is now building a residence that will be modern in every particular when completed.

Mr. Waugh was united in marriage March 20, 1902, with Miss Jessie May Anderson, daughter of J. M. Anderson of Big Creek township, a sketch of whom appears in this volume. To Mr. and Mrs. Waugh have been bom the following children : Thelma Agnes, John M., Claud A., Walter W., and Joe, who died in infancy.

William S. Swart, who with his son, G. L. Swart, are proprietors of the "Elmland Stock Farm" in Big Creek township, is a native of Kentucky. He was bom in Mason County, September 20, 1862, a son of M. and Mary C. Swart. William S. Swart came to Henry County March 22, 1878, when he was about sixteen years of age, with his parents. He remained at home until he was about twenty-five years of age, when he engaged in farming for himself on the farm which his son, G. L., now owns. He improved this place, adding all modern farm conveniences, until it is one of the best farms in Henry County. "Elmland Stock Farm" contains 406 acres and is located one mile east of Maurine.

William S. and G. L. Swart are extensively engaged in breeding Pole Angus cattle and at this writing (1918) have on hand about 114 head. They are also recognized among the most successful hog breeders of Henry County, specializing in pure blood, big boned Poland China hogs. They added the hog industry to their stock business in 1917 and have some very high class registered stock.

On October 5, 1887, William S. Swart was united in marriage with Miss Julia Ann Ross, a daughter of W. H. Ross of Big Creek township. The mother is now deceased and the father resides on his home farm in Big Creek township. To William S. Swart and wife have been bom the following children: Grady L., who is in partnership with his father in the "Elmland Stock Farm;" Verlie B., married Carl Beatty of Shawnee township, and Eliza K., who resides at home with her parents.

Mr. Swart is a progressive and public spirited citizen and takes a keen interest in the welfare of his township and county. He is now sending his third term as treasurer of Big Creek township. He is a member of the Woodmen of the World of Norris, and one of Henry County's valued citizens.

Joe A. Ross, a progressive farmer and leading citizen of Big Creek township, is a native son of Henry County. He was born in the township where he now resides April 28, 1875, and is a son of William H. and Eliza Jane (Norris) Ross. William H. Ross was born in Illinois in 1843, a son of Samuel and Margaret (Gray) Ross. Samuel Ross came to Henry County, Missouri, with his family and settled in Shawnee township in 1844, when William H. was about one year old. They spent the remainder of their lives in this county. They were the parents of eleven children, of whom William H. is the only one living. The others were: Freeman, Alfred, Lee, James C, Alvin, Robert, Catharine, Almeda, Sarah and Sophronia. To William H. and Eliza Jane (Norris) Ross were born the following children: Mrs. Julia Ann Rochester, Big Creek township; Joseph Adam, the subject of this sketch, and Ida Belle. The mother died in July, 1904, and the father now resides on his farm in Big Creek township.

Joe A. Ross was educated in the public schools of Henry County and the Iowa Business College at Des Moines, Iowa. He then engaged in farming and for ten years followed that vocation, when he entered the employ of the Frisco Railroad Company as station agent and telegraph operator. In 1915 he returned to the home farm in Big Creek township and since that time has been engaged in general farming and stock raising.

Mr. Ross was married January 14, 1904, to Miss Anna Davis, a daughter of Benjamin and Mollie Davis of Saline County, Missouri. Mrs. Ross's father died in 1913 and her mother now lives near Miami, Missouri. Mrs. Ross has one brother, John Davis, who resides in Saline County, and a sister, Cora, who resides at home.

Mr. Ross is a Democrat and is a member of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons Lodge No. 343, Argicola, Missouri, and is the present master of that lodge.

George F. Smith. - The first home of George F. Smith, widely known "old settler" of Leesville township, living south of the village of Coal, was a log cabin. Forty-seven years ago he settled upon his first forty acres in Leesville township, cleared the land of timber, suffered from chills and fever, worked hard and planned ahead for a beautiful home. He has realized his ambitions and now owns one of the most attractive farm residences in Henry County, combining the old time ideas of a Virginia home with modernity and occupying a beautiful setting in the timbered country from which Mr. Smith has created his fine farm. The first "foi-ty" has grown to four "forties," or a total of 160 acres of well tilled land. The Smith farm is well improved with a fine farm residence of seven rooms, erected in 1880 and remodeled in 1890.

George F. Smith was born in Patrick County, Virginia, September 17, 1847, and is the son of Foulks and Mary Ann (Handy) Smith, both members of old Virginia families. For further particulars the reader is referred to the sketch of Joseph H. Smith, brother of the subject of this review. George F. Smith was reared and educated in Virginia and came to Missouri in 1868. He was first employed as a hired hand at monthly wages for one year. He made rails at a wage of $1.25 to $1.50 per hundred and became an expert rail splitter, able to cut and split from 100 to 130 fence rails per day. Mr. Smith in his younger days was an expert at both axe wielding and at "the table." Strong in body and very active he was an expert with the old fashioned cradle and his services were in demand during the wheat harvest season. He received $18 to $20 per month and his board for this work. In the meantime he enjoyed life while working hard and after a hard days work in the field he would follow the hounds in an exciting fox hunt all night long. For years he kept a pack of fox hounds and also treed and caught many "coons." He made his first purchase of land in 1871, when he bought forty acres, which was only partly cleared of timber. He has cleared and improved this tract as well as three others of the same size, and weht in debt for land each time when he made a purchase, believing that the best plan is to let the land help pay for itself.

January 7, 1869, George F. Smith and Susanna C. Nichols were united in marriage. This marriage was blessed with children as follow: William F., the successful merchant at Coal, Missouri; George Henderson, accidentally killed, was born December 14, 1873, and died January 27, 1896; Mrs. Kate Trollinger, Oklahoma; Lenney, a farmer of the neighborhood; Finis Frances, died at the age of one year; Mrs. Adella McCowan, a former teacher now living at Malvern, Iowa; Mrs. Lillie D. Randalls, living near Tightwad, Henry County; Cora Edith, a successful teacher for the past four years, and a student of the Warrensburg State Normal School; Jennie, died in 1905 at the age of thirteen years.

Mr. Smith is a Democrat and loyal to his party and its principles. He is a deacon in the Presbyterian Church at Coal and is, one of the best known of the substantial and well to do old settlers of Henry County.

Omer H. Mclntire, a farmer of Big Creek township and a descendant of a family of Missouri pioneers, was born in Adair County April 8, 1856. He is a son of Daniel and Agnes (Huston) Mclntire, natives of Kentucky. Daniel Mclntire was bom October 25, 1821, and in 1841 when he was twenty years of age came to Missouri with his parents. He was a son of Hugh Mclntire, a native of North Carolina, who came to Clark County, Kentucky, in 1828 with his family. Hugh Mclntire was a son of Francis Mclntire, who was a soldier in the Revolutionary War, and served throughout the seven years of that conflict for American independence and during the term of his service was wounded five times.

Daniel C. Mclntire married Agnes F. Huston in Scotland County, Missouri, September 23, 1847. She was a daughter of Archibald Huston and a native of Boone County, Kentucky. Daniel C. and Agnes (Huston) Mclntire were the parents of the following children: William Seldon, Joseph M, Omer H., the subject of this sketch; Mrs. Martha E. Gray, Ada Lee and Daniel M.

Daniel C. Mclntire entered Government land in Adair County, Missouri, and lived there until 1858, when he came to Henry County and settled in Honey Creek. Here he built a grist and saw mill which he operated for a number of years. Later he bought a farm which he moved on in 1866. He was prominent among the early day pioneers of Henry County and influential in this section. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge and the Methodist Church, South. He died in 1912 at the advanced age of ninety-one years. His wife departed this life in 1914 and their remains rest side by side in the Carrsville Cemetery.

Omer H. Mclntire was reared in the pioneer home in Henry County and received his education in what was known as the subscription school, the pioneer educational institution of Henry County. He remained on the home farm and followed farming and stock raising during the lifetime of his parents. The Mclntire farm is one of the valuable and productive farms of Big Creek township, and Mr. Mclntire has met with success in his chosen field of endeavor and is one of the substantial men of his community.

Omer H. Mclntire was united in marriage in 1901 to Miss Ida Garrison, daughter of Robert and Susie Garrison, natives of Tennessee. The mother died in 1887 and the father now lives near Huntingdale. Mrs. Mclntire is one of eight children born to her parents, the others being as follows : Robert, resides in Montana ; Charles, deceased ; Joseph, Huntingdale, Missouri; David, deceased; Harry, at home; Mrs. George Ridge, Urich, Missouri; Mrs. Homer Inmer, Shawnee township. Mr. and Mrs. Mclntire have two children: Margaret Katheryn and Robert Daniel.

John L. Gray came to Henry County about 1840 and settled in Big Creek township, where he entered land and also bought a number of acres. His entire holdings aggregated about 2,600 acres. He built a residence on section 22 and here was engaged in farming and stock raising during the remainder of his life. Prior to the Civil War he owned a number of slaves. When he first settled here Lexington was his nearest important trading point and he made frequent trips to that place. He hauled a part of the lumber for his first home from Otterville, a distance of fifty miles.

Francis M. Gray spent his boyhood days on the home farm in Big Creek township and was educated in the rural schools of the neighborhood and later attended Central College at Fayette, Missouri, and also took a course at the Gem City Business College, Quincy, Illinois. He then returned to the home farm, where he remained until 1894, when he moved to his present place, which is located about a mile southeast of Norris. Here he owns 1,280 acres, which is one of Henry County's most valuable farms. It is one of the best improved and best places to be found in Henry County. The residence, which is an unusually attractive home, is located on the Clinton and Holden highway. There are two sets of buildings on the Gray farm, one of which is occupied by Mr. Gray's son. Mr. Gray and his son are not only extensively interested in general farming and grain raising, but have established a reputation as being among the leading stock breeders of the county, and on their place may be found some of the highest type of cattle and hogs. They are breeders of white face cattle and Duroc Jersey hogs and their registered stock have a high reputation among stockmen throughout this section of the State.

Francis M. Gray was united in marriage May 29, 1889, with Miss Mary A. Butcher, a daughter of Alexander M. Butcher, a pioneer settler of Big Creek township and a personal sketch of whom appears in this volume. To Mr. and Mrs. Gray have been born two children: Cecil E., born February 21, 1894, educated in the Norris High School, Missouri University, married Mary J. Stansberry, a daughter of W. A. and Sarah E. Stansberry of Big Creek township, and is now in partnership with his father in operating the home place. Harry P.. the youngest son, was born March 27, 1897. He was educated in the Norris High School, Central College at Fayette, Missouri, and received the degree of Bachelor of Arts in the University of Missouri in June, 1918. He enlisted in the United States Navy July 1, 1918, and is in training at the Great Lakes Naval Training Station.

Mr. Gray has always taken an interest in public affairs and has been especially a strong supporter of public schools and to him and W. S. Ward, T. M. Sw^indell and W. S. Swart belong the credit of promoting the local high school, which later developed into the Consolidated High School District No. 1 of Henry County, which was the first consolidated high school district in the state of Missouri. Mr. Gray is a Henry County citizen of real worth and his push and public spiritedness has not only rewarded himself but is of inestimable value to his community and county. The co-operation of such men as Francis M. Gray makes it possible to build democratic empires.

Charles L. Thompson, a successful farmer and stockman of Big Creek township, while yet a young man, has probably had more experience than any other man in Henry County. He was born near Lone Jack, Jackson County, Missouri, February 9, 1874, and is a son of William and Elizabeth (Simmons) Thompson, the former a native of West Virginia and the latter of Kentucky. The father is now eighty-two years of age and the mother is seventy-seven. They were the parents of the following children : Jemima, married James Bynum and is now deceased ; T. H., Odessa, Missouri; William A., on the home place in Jackson County; Alice, married C. B. Kennedy; Minnie, married John Cummings, Bliss, Oklahoma; Charles L., the subject of this sketch; Robert, deceased; Oliver, Lone Jack; Oscar, lives in Wyoming; Maud, married Clifford Tyson, Callaway County, Missouri; George, Barton County, Missouri, and four died in infaijcy.

Charles L. Thompson was reared in Jackson County, Missouri, and educated in the public schools. He remained at home with his parents until he was twenty-one years old, and then went to New Mexico. After remaining there a short time he went to eastern Colorado. Here he bought two farms, aggregating 280 acres and for sixteen years was engaged in the cattle and sheep business. He was an extensive feeder and met with success in that business. While he was interested in business in Colorado, Mr. Thompson made a trip to Alaska in the interest of a mining company and while there developed some mining property which he still owns. In 1910 he disposed of his interest in Colorado and returned to Henry County, where he bought 475 acres of land. Later he sold 160 acres and now owns 315. This is one of the well improved and valuable farms of Big Creek township. Since purchasing- the place Mr. Thompson has made many improvements and the place has a good residence and ample barns and other farm buildings. The place is well watered by natural springs and Noi-ris Creek. Mr. Thompson is not only a large producer of grain but one of the extensive stockmen of the county. His farm is located four miles southeast of Blairstown and is recognized as one of the best farms in the county.

Mr. Thompson was united in marriage in 1904 to Miss Catherine Smith of Danville, Illinois. She was born in that city in 1874, a daughter of Joseph and Susan (Keykendall) Smith, the former a native of West Virginia and the latter of England, who came to this country at the age of sixteen. Mrs. Thompson departed this life March 4, 1916, leaving the following children: Joseph and Catherine.

Mr. Thompson is one of the substantial citizens of Henry County and his worth as such is universally recognized. In politics he is a Democrat.

A. Davis, a prominent farmer and stockman of Big Creek township, belongs to a pioneer family of Henry County. He was born in Clark County, Ohio, in 1870, and when one year of age came to Henry County, Missouri, with his parents, Daniel and Margaret (Hill) Davis, both natives of Ohio. Daniel Davis was born in Green County, Ohio, in 1838, and his wife, Margaret (Hill) Davis, was bom in Ohio in 1847. She died April 30, 1915, and her remains were interred in Carpenter Cemetery. Daniel Davis has been an invalid for a few years past and rsides with his son, A. Davis, the subject of this sketch.

To Daniel and Margaret (Hill) Davis were bom the following children: James M., deceased; Mrs. I. G. Farnsworth, Holden, Missouri; Mrs. J. L. Hunt, Big Creek township, Henry County ; Elmer, deceased ; Absolom, the subject of this sketch ; William, deceased ; Mrs. R. L. Jackson, Holden. Missouri; Mrs. R. L. Wall, Blairstown, Missouri, and J. C, Big Creek township.

Absolom Davis received his education in the district schools of Henry County. He has made farming his life's occupation and has spent over forty-eight years of his life on the old home place where his father settled upon coming to this county in 1871. The place is located in Big Creek township about one and one-half miles from Blairstown. This land was originally entered from the Government by William Fox and when Daniel Davis settled here he purchased the land for twenty dollars per acre. The farm consists of 455 acres and is one of the valuable farms of Henry County. Mr. Davis is extensively engaged in stock raising and is one of the successful stock feeders of the county, as was his father while actively engaged in business.

On March 8, 1911, Absolom Davis was united in marriage with Miss Linnie Thornburg at Oklahoma City. She is a daughter of J. W. Thornburg of Bridgeport, West Virginia. Mrs. Davis' mother is deceased and her father resides at Bridgeport. They were the parents of the following children: Carl, William, Jesse, Frank and Linnie, the wife of A. Davis. Mr. and Mrs. Davis have one daughter, Virginia Ruth, who was born January 30, 1918.

James A. Marksberry, a successful farmer and stockman of Big Creek tovraship, is a native son of Henry County and a descendant of one of the honored pioneer families of this section of Missouri. Mr. Marksberry was born in a log house on the old home place in Big Creek township July 26, 1871, and is a son of Alex and Melissa (Kimsey) Marksberry, both natives of Missouri. The father was born in Clay County and is now deceased, having departed this life November 13, 1913. The mother was born in Big Creek township in 1842 and now resides at the place of her birth. Her parents, Alfred and Sarah Kimsey, were among the pioneers of Henry County and settled in this section before Henry County was organized. The father was killed during the early part of the Civil War and his wife died July 4, 1901. Alexander and Melissa (Kimsey) Marksberry were the parents of the following children: Mrs. Mary Murphy, who resides in Ohio; James A., the subject of this sketch; Edwin R., who lives in Big Creek township, Henry County; John, Shawnee township; Mrs. Nora Murphy, deceased, and Linn, who resides at Blairstown, Missouri.

James A. Marksberry was reared on the home farm and attended school at the Agicola school district in Big Creek township. He remained at home with his mother until he was thirty-two years of age and in 1906 purchased his present farm, which consists of 300 acres of well improved land located two miles southeast of Blairstown. Mr. Marksberry has a splendid farm residence which was built in 1915. It is a two story, nine room structure and one of the line residences of the county. He carries on general farming and stock raising, and is recognized as one of the successful men of Henry County.

Mr. Marksberry was united in marriage April 28, 1908, to Miss Florence McDonald, a daughter of Josiah J. McDonald of White Oak township, Henry County, a sketch of whom appears in this volume.

To Mr. and Mrs. Marksberry have been born the following children: Mary Lee, Dorothy, Kathryn and James, Jr. The Marksberry family are prominent in the community and Mr. Marksberry is one of the substantial and progressive men of Big Creek township.

George A. Johnson, a progressive citizen of Honey Creek township, Henry County, is a native of Missouri. He was born in Gascanade County June 9, 1878, a son of Christ and Mary E. (Wolff) Johnson, natives of Sweden. The father settled in Gasconade County when he was twentyfour years old and resided there until 1885, when he removed to Pettis County and was engaged in farming near Sedalia until 1900, when he traded his farm there for a place in Henry County near Maurine. Here he was engaged in general farming and stock raising until the time of his death, February 26, 1917, and his widow now resides on the home farm in Henry County. They were the parents of the following children: Mrs. Martha Quaintance, Gerster, Missouri; George A., the subject of this sketch; Mary M., a trained nurse who enlisted as a Red Cross nurse during the World War and after having served for a time at Camp Severe, South Carolina, she signed up for oversea duty and at this writing (October 23, 1918) she is at New York City awaiting orders to sail for Europe ; Mrs. Katie A. Bower, Altoona, Pennsylvania; Mrs. Alice S. Benezette, Chilhowee, Missouri, and Florence, who resides at home.

George A. Johnson received his education, principally, in the public schools of Pettis County, and was engaged in farming in early life. He came to Henry County and engaged in the mercantile business at Garland. After a few years he traded his stock of goods for a farm and since that time has been engaged in farming and stock raising. His place is located one and one-half miles northwest of Garland and is one of the well improved places of western Henry County. He built his residence in 1915 and he has also built a large barn and other farm buildings, which makes of his place one of the modern equipped and well improved farms of the township.

Mr. Johnson was united in marriage March 25, 1903, with Miss Eunice W. Benezette, a daughter of D. W. and Nannie (Mohler) Benezette. Nannie Mohler's father was a Dunkard minister. D. W. Benezette was a native of Virginia and an early settler of Henry County, and was engaged in farming in Honey Creek township. A few years prior to his death he went to New Mexico, where he died. His wife died in 1906. They were the parents of the following children: Mrs. Mary Burke, Fields Creek township, Henry County; Mrs. Richard McWhirt, Centerview, Missouri; Edward, who was accidentally killed while hunting in 1903; Howard, a conductor on the Santa Fe railroad, resides at Argentine, Kansas ; Eunice, W., the wife of George A. Johnson, the subject of this sketch; Harry H., Chilhowee, Missouri; Mrs. Lucy Lumary, deceased, left a daughter, Anna, who was six months old at her mother's death and since that time has made her home with Mr. and Mrs. George A. Johnson, and she is now nine years old; Mrs. Abbie Woodruff, resides in Texas, and Frank E., a soldier in the United States Army, now serving in France with the American Expeditionary Force, and Mrs. Ruth V. Hunter, Chilhowee, Missouri. To Mr. and Mrs. Johnson have been born two children, Nannie Marie and George Virgil.

Mr. Johnson is one of the progressive citizens of Honey Creek township and takes a keen interest in all modern improvement and advancement. He has been a member of the local school board for the past seven years and is recognized as one of the good roads boosters of Henry County. He is one of the substantial citizens of his township and county.

Wesley Holland. - For sixty-five years Wesley Holland has lived in Henry County and has experienced the revelation of wild unbroken waste lands being replaced by fertile farms, modern cities and industries. Mr. Holland was born in Benton County, Missouri, February 14, 1845, the son of Needham and Matilda (Blankenship) Holland, who were natives of Barron County, Kentucky, and came to Benton County, Missouri, in the early days, remaining there until 1853, when they came to Henry County. In after yeai's they lived in different portions of the State, Mrs. Holland being laid to rest in Vernon County, Missouri. Mr. Holland died in Texas. He was the father of twenty children, ten by his first wife and ten by the second. For many years he was a member of the Missouri State Guards.

Wesley Holland was educated in the rural schools of Henry County and helped in the work of the pioner home, incidental to the farming methods of those days. In 1862 Mr. Holland enlisted in the Confederate Army under Gen. Joe Shelby and served for three years. He was in many important battles, one of which was Prairie Grove, Arkansas. Mr. Holland loves to review those stirring times and one of the incidents he relates is as follows: He was a member of Gen. Joe Shelby's cavalry and each fourth man was detailed to hold horses, while the other three were to invite an attack of the Union men. Mr. Holland's captain ordered him to hold one of the officer's horses and Mr. Holland replied: "H - 1, I didn't enlist to hold horses ; I came to fight," and the captain said : "All right, there are plenty of them here that want the job," and let him get in the thick of the fray. The men were then ordered into an open field to draw the enemy's fire and they succeeded in doing so. The Union batteries opened, but firing over the heads of the Confederates, who were lying flat upon the ground. One of the Confederates, observing their shots flying high, yelled: "They're shooting too d - n high," and the laugh went the rounds. But that kind of shooting suited Mr. Holland and his comrades, as they were the targets for the big guns in that memorable battle. They were then ordered to take to their horses and continued their fighting of one of the biggest battles that took place west of the Mississippi River during the Civil War - Prairie Grove.

Mr. Holland received his honorable discharge in 1865 at Shreveport, Louisiana. He returned to Henry County, Leesville township, and resumed farming upon Forty acres which he purchased at that time. He remained upon this land until 1881, when he sold it and purchased 200 acres in Osage township, his present home. In 1913 he purchased 200 additional acres, making 400 acres of well improved land that he now owns.

December 25, 1868, Wesley Holland was married to Georgiana Renfro in Leesville township. Mrs. Holland was born December 7, 1837, in Barren County, Kentucky, the daughter of John and Elizabeth (Leeper) Renfro, who were early settlers of Henry County. Mr. and Mrs. Holland are the parents of six children and have twenty-one grand children and four great grandchildren. Their children are as follow: Minnie Frances, wife of William B. Moree, Lowry City, Missouri; John N., Lowry City; William Y., in Montana; Retta of California; and Thomas B., of Minnesota; Matilda Elizabeth, now Mrs. Henry Schmidli, Brownington, Missouri.

Mr. and Mrs. Holland have spent most of their lives in Henry County and have contributed in no small degree to its development. Upon their farm they raise the usual crops of wheat, com, etc., and also successfully raise alfalfa. Mr. Holland has a herd of Shropshire sheep, which are eligible for registry, and give of their valuable wool to their owner. He is a Democrat, and is a member of the township board. Mr. and Mrs. Holland have been members of the Baptist Church for over forty years. He is a member of Spangler Camp, Confederate Veterans, Clinton, Missouri, and wears the "Cross of Honor," given for four years' service.

Cecil E. Gray, a progressive young farmer and stockman of Big Creek township, is a native son of Henry County. His father, Francis M. Gray, a sketch of whom appears in this volume, was also born in Henry County, and the Grays are one of the pioneer families of this section.

Cecil E. Gray was born in Big Creek township February 21, 1894. He was educated in the public schools and graduated from the Norris High School. He later attended the University of Missoui'i, where he was graduated in 1916. He then engaged in farming and stock raising in partnership with his father in Big Creek township, where they own and operate one of the large farms of the county. It consists of 1,280 acres and they are extensively engaged in breeding registered Hereford cattle and Duroc Jersey hogs and also general farming. The Gray place is known as the "Inland Farm" and as an up to date and modernly conducted stock farm, it has few equals and no superiors in this section of the State,

Mr. Gray was united in marriage January 22, 1917, with Miss Mary J. Stansberry, a daughter of W. A. and Sarah E. (Webster) Stansberry. A sketch of W. A. Stansberry appears in this volume.

Ernest Ward, a well known and progressive farmer and stockman of Big Creek township, is a member of one of the worthy pioneer families of Henry County. He was born in Big Creek township April 5, 1881, and is a son of Lafayette and Melissa A. (Waugh) Ward. A more extensive sketch of the Ward family appears elsewhere in this volume. Lafayette and Melissa A. (Waugh) Ward are the parents of the following children: W. S., a sketch of whom appears in this volume; Charles E., deceased; O. L., lives in Montana; Oscar T., Big Creek township, and Ernest, the subject of this sketch.

Ernest Ward was reared on the home farm and received his education in the public schools of Henry County. He began farming on his own account in Montana when he was eighteen years of age in partnership with his brother, 0. L. Ward. He continued farming in Montana for two years, when he came home and assumed control and operation of the home place, to which he has since devoted his attention. The Ward farm is located two and one-half miles east of Blairstown and contains 185 acres of well improved and valuable land. The farm buildings are modern and commodious and the place is well adapted to stock raising. Mr. Ward is not only extensively engaged in general farming but raises high grade mules, horses, cattle and hogs, and is recognized as one of the successful stock raisers of Henry County.

On December 20, 1908, Ernest Ward was united in marriage with Miss Edith Atkins, daughter of County Judge R. 0. and Dora (Doak) Atkins of Johnson County. Judge Atkins was born in Pettis County, Missouri, and is a son of James Atkins, a native of Kentucky, who was born in 1828 and died at Blairstown, Missouri, in 1904. James Atkins married Elizabeth Elliott, also a native of Adair County, Kentucky, born November 21, 1832, and died May 20, 1912. James Atkins and his wife settled in Henry County near Windsor in 1850. About three years later they removed to Johnson County, Missouri. The remains of James Atkins and wife were buried at Blairstown. To Judge R. 0. Atkins and wife were born the following children: John, who now resides on the home place in Big Creek township, Henry County; Edith, the wife of Ernest Ward, the subject of this sketch; Ethel, married Harry Salsbury, principal of the Blairstown public schools ; Mary, who resides with her father in Johnson County; Jennings, George and William, residing at home. To Ernest Ward and wife have been born the following children : Alberta Lee, Charles Ray and Robert Harold.

Thomas L. Fisher, one of the substantial and well known farmers and stockmen of Big Creek township, is a native of Missouri. He was born in Pettis County January 11, 1865, and is a son of Hampton G. and Nannie (Newbill) Fisher. Hampton G. Fisher was also a native of Pettis County, Missouri, born in 1842. He was a son of Thomas L. Fisher, one of the very early pioneers of Pettis County. Samuel L. Fisher was a Pennsylvanian, born in 1800, and came to Missouri, settling in Pettis County in 1821, and is said to have been the first man to plant corn on what is knovm as South Fork in Pettis County. Upon coming to Pettis County he entered a large tract of land from the Government and was an extensive farmer and stockman during his life time. He lived to the advanced age of ninety-one years. He died in 1891. His remains are

Thomas L. Fisher is one of seven children bom to his parents, the others being as follow: Charles A., who lives in Idaho; Mrs. Carrie Mainline, Pettis County, Missouri ; Cassie, who died at the age of sixteen ; Mrs. Cora Hainline, deceased; Clark, who lives in Pettis County; Mrs. Mollie Sterling, Pettis County, Missouri.

Thomas L. Fisher was reared on his father's farm in Pettis County and received a good common school education and when he was about twenty years of age began life for himself. He followed farming in Pettis and Johnson Counties and in 1895 came to Henry County and purchased a small farm. Later he sold this farm and bought other land. He now owns a valuable farm of two hundred eighty acres, one hundred sixty of which is located in Big Creek township, and eighty acres in Chilhowee township, Johnson County. Mr. Fisher's farm is well improved and in a high state of cultivation and indicates the industry and progressiveness of its owner.

Mr. Fisher was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Miller, a native of Allen County, Ohio, and a daughter of Marcus and Melissa Miller. The father died when Mrs. Fisher was a child and the mother later married John Blume, and they came to Johnson County, Missouri, in 1888. She died in 1913 and her remains are buried in Mineral Creek Cemetery, Johnson County. Mrs. Fisher is one of the following children born to her parents: Daniel, lives in Allen County, Ohio; Jesse, Allen County, Ohio, and Mrs. Dora Bear, lives in Washington. To Thomas Fisher and wife have been born the following children : Ruby L., married Elmer Orr, St. Louis, Missouri; Lloyd; Paul M., a graduate of the Blairstown High School ; Forest C, Florence B., Media L., Francis M., Walter L., all residing at home with their parents.

Mr. Fisher is a public spirited and enterprising citizen and takes a keen interest in public affairs, and is especially interested in the progress of the public school system. He is now serving his second term on the school board of Blairstown.

Oscar T. Ward, a prominent farmer and stockman of Big Creek township, is a native of Henry County and was born in the township where he now resides March 13, 1879. He is a son of Lafayette and Melissa A. (Waugh) Ward. A more extensive history of the Ward family appears in connection with the sketch of W. S. Ward. To Lafayette and Melissa

A. (Waugh) Ward were born the following children: W. S., a sketch of whom appears in this volume ; Charles, who was accidentally killed while digging a well on the Oscar T. Ward place ; 0. L., who resides in Montana ; Oscar T., the subject of this sketch, and Ernest, who resides on the home farm.

Oscar T. Ward was reared in Big Creek township and received his education in the district schools of Henry County. He has made farming and stock raising his life work. He purchased his first piece of land, which consisted of seventy acres, in September, 1901, and has added to this place from time to time until he now owns one hundred fifty-six acres of valuable land, one hundred sixteen acres of which is in Big Creek township and forty acres in Chilhowee township, Johnson County, Missouri. The Ward farm is well improved with good fences and modern farm buildings. The place is well watered and suitable for stock raising as well as general farming. Mr. Ward raises mules, cattle and hogs quite extensively and is regarded as one of the highly successful farmers and stockmen of the community.

December 22, 1901, Oscar T. Ward and Miss Alice Albin were united in marriage. She is a daughter of D. L. and Hattie Albin, and was born in Ross County, Ohio, November 22, 1881. The Albin family came to Missouri in 1882 when Mrs. Ward was about a year old. They located in Johnson County, Chilhowee township, where the parents now reside. Mrs Ward was one of the following children born to her parents: Charles, Greenfield, Oklahoma; Alice, the wife of Oscar T. Ward, the subject of this sketch; Mrs. John Davis, Big Creek township; Mrs. Walter Doak, Greenfield, Oklahoma; Roy Albin, who resides in Big Creek township; Myrtle, deceased; Mrs. Howard Waugh, Big Creek township; Edith and Edna, twins; Edna married Fred Shiel, Greenfield, Oklahoma, and Edith resides at home with her parents, and Nadine, who also resides with her parents.

Mr. Ward is a member of the Masonic Lodge at Blairstown and also the Modem Woodmen of America. He takes an active interest in local public affairs and for many years served as treasurer of the consolidated school district number one, resigning from that position in 1917. He and his wife are members of the Presbyterian Church at Blairstown. He is an elder and is now serving his second year as superintendent of the Sun-

William M. Boston, a successful and well known farmer and stockman of Big Creek township, is a native of Missouri. He was born in Rose Hill, Johnson County, October 11, 1873, a son of Isaac and Jane (Simmons) Boston, both natives of Missouri. The father was born in St. Louis County and the mother in Cole County. Isaac Boston is a son of David L. W. Boston, a Kentuckian, who came to Missouri in 1842 and settled in Johnson County, where he spent the remainder of his life. He entered Government land and also bought several hundred acres until he owned nine hundred acres in Rose Hill township, Johnson County. Isaac Boston was a child when his parents settled in Johnson County and here he grew to manhood and was engaged in farming and stockraising until 1907, when he went to Beaver County, Oklahoma, where he now resides. His wife died in 1909, aged sixty-three years. They were the parents of the following children: Albert W., Denver, Colorado; John C, Ft. Lupton, Colorado; William M., the subject of this sketch; Henry C, Ft. Lupton, Colorado; Stella M., married Dosse Potts, and is now deceased; Lawrence M., Ft. Logan, Colorado; Bessie M., married George Coburn, Ft. Lupton, Colorado, and Roy W., Ft. Lupton, Colorado.

William M. Boston was reared in Rose Hill township, Johnson County, and received his education in the public schools of that vicinity. He began life for himself as a farmer and stock raiser in Johnson County, and in 1900 bought one hundred three acres of land in Big Creek township, which was known as the Thomas Davis place. Since that time he has met with uniform success and has added one hundred twenty acres to his original purchase, and is now the owner of a splendid farm of two hundred twenty-three acres. The place is well improved with a good residence, barns and other farm buildings. Mr. Boston is extensively engaged in raising cattle and hogs, making a specialty of Poland China hogs, and his place is well adapted to stock raising as well as general farming.

July 12, 1899, William M. Boston was united in marriage with Miss Myrtle Potts, a daughter of James R. and Sallie E. (Davis) Potts, who now reside at Blairstown, Missouri. Mrs. Boston was born in Big Creek township and her parents were early settlers of that township. Mrs. Boston has one brother, Dosse Potts, who resides at lola, Kansas. To Mr. and Mrs. Boston have been born two daughters: Ruth 0. and Gladys I., both of whom are students in the local school and reside at hom_e.

Mr. Boston is a student of men and affairs and an extensive reader. He gives special attention to the literature of agriculture and modern farming methods. His extensive reading coupled with years of experience along agricultural lines place him in the front ranks of modern farmers and stockmen. Mr. and Mrs. Boston are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church of Blairstown, Missouri.