Henry County, Missouri - Biographical sketches, 1919 (part 13 of 17)

John Gilmer Atkins, a successful farmer and stockman of Big Creek township, was born in Johnson County November 25, 1884, and belqngs to a pioneer family of this section of Missouri. He is a son of Robert Oliver and Dora Alice (Doak) Atkins, natives of Johnson County. Robert Oliver Atkins is now a resident of Johnson County, and at present one of the members of the board of county judges. More extensive mention of the Atkins family history is made in connection with a sketch of Ernest Ward, which appears in this volume.

John G. Atkins was reared on his father's farm and educated in the public schools of Blairstown, Missouri. He remained at home with his parents until his marriage, which occurred January 25, 1911. He was united in marriage with Miss Margaret Lee Stewart, a daughter of W. H. and Isabell Frances (Cox) Stewart. The father was a native of West Virginia, bom July 13, 1828, and died July 4, 1911. He came to Henry County in an early day and first located at Clinton and later removed to White Oak township, and died at Urich. His wife was bom May 1, 1845, and died June 1, 1916, and their remains are interred in the cemetery at Urich.

W. H. and Isabell Frances (Cox) Stewart were the parents of the following children: John E., Urich, Missouri; Jennie, deceased; Even L., deceased ; Frances ; William H., deceased ; Charles, Kansas City, Missouri ; Albert A., Urich; Earl G., Urich; Raymond Fernwood, died in infancy; Mrs. Fern Spry, deceased ; Margaret Lee, wife of John G. Atkins, the subject of this sketch ; Edith, wife of Ernest McCoy, Calhoun, Missouri, and Ethel, married Dr. J. N. Jerome, Urich, Missouri. By a former marriage of W. H. Stewart to Margaret Burchnell, the following children were born : B. N., Urich, Missouri; Harry, deceased; Mrs. Florence Read, Goodwell, Oklahoma ; Mrs. Leslie E. Scholl, deceased, and R. B., who resides on the Gaines ranch near Clinton, Missouri.

Mr. Atkins resides on his farm of eighty acres which is located threefourths of a mile east of Blairstown, where he is engaged in general farming and stock raising and makes a speciality of big boned Poland China hogs and Hereford cattle. In connection with his farming he is also employed as rural mail carrier on Route No. 23 out of Blairstown and has served in the capacity as substitute carrier for the past ten years. Mr. and Mrs. Atkins have one son, John Gilmer, Jr., born July 19, 1916.

Mr. Atkins is one of the progressive and energetic young men of Henry County and is recognized as one of its leading citizens of the younger generation.

Alexander M. Butcher, a Henry County pioneer who has contributed his part to the upbuilding of the county and State, is now living retired, after an active life of usefulness of over a half a century in this State. Mr. Butcher is a native of Ohio. He was born in Licking County, Ohio, February 5, 1837, and is a son of Nathan and Elizabeth (Sillin) Butcher, natives of Virginia, the former of Hampshire and the latter of Loudoun County. The father died in 1843 when Alexander M. was about six ysars of age. The mother afterwards married Samuel Crow. She died in Auglaize County, Ohio. To Nathan and Elizabeth (Sillin) Butcher were born the following children: Alexander M., the subject of this sketch: John, deceased; Mrs. Mary Ellen Crawford, Wapakoneta, Ohio; James, Wapakoneta, Ohio. Upon the death of his father, Alexander M. made his home with his grandfather, James Butcher, Sr., who moved to Montgomery County, Indiana, in 1849.

Mr. Butcher was reared to manhood in his native State and Indiana, and received a common school education. When the Civil War broke out he lived in Indiana and served in the Home Guard, during the Morgan raid. In 1866, Mr. Butcher came to Missouri and settled in Big Creek township where he first bought eighty acres of land from James Webster. He added to his original holdings until he at one time owned six hundred acres. Later he disposed of some of his land and now owns four hundred and thirty-six acres in Henry County, which he now rents and is living retired in Warrensburg, Missouri.

E. Waugh, a native of Montgomery County, Indiana, born in 1842. She died October 11, 1915. The following children were born to Alexander M. and Margaret E. (Waugh) Butcher: Martha Elizabeth, now Mrs.

When Mr. Butcher came to Henry County the ruin wrought by the Civil War was in evidence on every hand, and as he expresses it, the number of charred chimneys in view plainly indicated the wages of war. He soon found and made many new friends in the new country, and since first coming to Henry County he has never regretted his choice of a home.

Mr. Butcher is a Republican and has always taken an active interest in politics, although he is a believer in men instead of parties. At one time he was the Republican candidate for county judge, but owing to the great normal Democratic majority, was defeated. He has held local township office and for a number of years in the early days was township clerk of Big Creek township. He is one of the substantial pioneer citizens, who has contributed his part to the development and upbuilding of Henry County.

Ralph E. Butcher, an enterprising and leading farmer and stockman of Big Creek township, is a native of Henry County. He was born in Big Creek township, January 21, 1890, and is a son of Paris P. and Edith L. (McFarland) Butcher. Paris P. Butcher was a son of A. M. Butcher, a sketch of whom appears in this volume. Paris P. Butcher was a native of Indiana and came to Henry County with his parents when a boy. He died in 1892 at the age of twenty-eight years. His wife departed this life in 1900, and their remains are buried in the Carpenter Cemetery. Edith L. (McFarland) Butcher was a native of Missouri and her mother, Mary Eliza McFarland, was a schoolmate of the mother of the author of this volume in Cooper County, Missouri.

Ralph E. Butcher was reared in Big Creek township and educated in the public schools and the Norris High School. He has followed farming and stock raising all his life and has met with merited success. He purchased his present place of one hundred fifty-five acres in 1912. The place is well improved with a good farm residence, large bams and other suitable farm buildings. Mr. Butcher is extensively engaged in raisingcattle and hogs as well as general farming.

February 18, 1914, Ralph E. Butcher was united in marriage with Miss Mabel F. Park, a daughter of G. L. and Anna L. (Gait) Park, of Big Creek township. A sketch of G. L. Park appears in this volume. To Mr.. and Mrs. Butcher have been born two daughters, Leona M. and Dorothy B.

J. L. Hunt, a well known and successful citizen of Big Creek township, was born in Audrain County, Missouri, May 1, 1861. He is a son of Alexander and Margaret (Kiefer) Hunt, the former a native of Kentucky and the latter of Audrain County, Missouri. The mother was born in 1839 and died in October, 1893, and her remains are buried in the Urich Cemetery. Alexander J. Hunt, the father, was born in Kentucky -June 30, 1837, and now resides with his son, J. A. Hunt, in Bogard township. Alexander Hunt is a son of Hiram Hunt, a native of Kentucky who came to Missouri with his family in 1853 and settled in Montgomery County, where they resided during the Civil War. In 1867 the Hunt family came to Johnson County and settled in Chilhowee township, where Hiram Hunt, the grandfather of J. L., spent the remainder of his life. Alexander J. Hunt served in the State Militia in Montgomery County during the Civil War and later served with the Home Guards. He is now in his eightysecond year.

J, L. Hunt is one of six children born to his parents, the others being as follow: J. A., Blairstown, Missouri; T. M., Kankakee, Illinois; A. D., whose address is unknown; Mrs. Jennie Lee White, Lamoni, Iowa, and G. C, Phoenix, Arizona.

J. L. Hunt was reared on a farm in Johnson County, Missouri, and received a good common school education. He remained at home with his parents until he was twenty-three years of age, when he engaged in farming on his own account in Johnson County. Two years later he came to Henry County and purchased his present place, which is located one mile southeast of Blairstown. He settled here January 4, 1886, where he has a valuable and productive farm of forty acres. While Mr. Hunt is not what might be called a large land owner, he is one of the successful and well to do farmers of Big Creek township. In addition to his general farming he also has a splendid orchard which has been a profitable source of income. Mr. Hunt believes that less land, better cared for and better farmed, is the best method of getting good agricultural results.

August 14, 1884, Mr. Hunt was united in marriage with Miss Minnie B. Davis, a native of Madison County, Ohio, and a daughter of Daniel and Margaret Davis, pioneer settlers of Big Creek township and a sketch of whom appears in this volume. The mother died April 30, 1915, and the father is now in his eighty-seventh year. They were the parents of the following children: James M., deceased; Mrs. Edna Farnsworth, ,Holden, Missouri; Minnie B., the wife of J. L. Hunt, the subject of this sketch; D. H., deceased; Apps, on the home place in Big Creek township; William W., deceased; John, a farmer in Big Creek township; Mrs. Bertha Jackson, Holden, Missouri; Lydia, the wife of Robert Wall, Blairstown, Missouri. To Mr. and Mrs. Hunt have been born the following children: Florence, died in infancy: Osee Frances, married Don Cochin, Ardmore, Oklahoma; Iva Edna, married Warren Ellis, Point Marion, Pennsylvania; Lydia Oleto, who resides at home with her parents.

John C. Davis, a prominent citizen of Big Creek township and a leading farmer and stockman, was born on the place where he now resides in October, 1875. He is the son of Daniel and Margaret (Hill) Davis, pioneer settlers of Big Creek township. The mother died in 1915 and the father now resides on the place where he settled in Big Creek township upon coming here after the close of the Civil War. They were the parents of the following children : Monroe, deceased ; Mrs. Edna Farnsworth, Holden, Missouri; Mrs. Minnie Hunt, Big Creek township; Hill, deceased; Apps, on the home place ; William, deceased ; Mrs. Bertha Jackson, Holden, Missouri; John C, the subject of this sketch, and Mrs. Lydia Wall, Blairstown, Missouri.

John C. Davis was reared on the home place and received his education in the district schools of Big Creek township. He remained at home with his parents and was engaged in farming on the home place until he was twent3'^-nine years of age, when he purchased his present place from Tobias Doak. His farm consists of one hundred acres of well improved land, eighty acres of which is situated in Big Creek township and twenty in Bogard township. The residence, however, is in Big Creek township, one and one-half miles southeast of Blairstovm. The residence and other farm buildings are modern and the place in general presents a neat and well kept appearance. Mr. Davis is engaged in general farming and stock raising and has met with a well merited degree of success.

January 11, 1905, John C. Davis was united in marriage with Miss Maud E. Albin, a daughter of D. L. and Hattie M. (Hough) Albin. Both natives of Ohio and now residents of Chilhowee, Missouri. D. L. and Hattie M. Albin are the parents of the following children: Alice, married Oscar Ward; Charles, resides at Greenfield, Oklahoma; Maud, the wife of John C. Davis, the subject of this sketch ; Ethel, married Walter Doak,

Greenfield, Oklahoma; Gertrude, maiTied Howard Waugh; Roy Albin, Big Creek township; Myrtle, died at the age of eighteen, and Edith and Edna, twins; Edith resides at home and Edna is now the wife of Fred Shiel, Greenfield, Oklahoma, and Nadine resides at home. To John C. Davis and wife have been born three children: Frances Alberta, Dorothy May and Elmer Lee.

Mr. Davis is a m.ember of the Modern Woodmen of America No. 2888, Blairstown, Missouri, and Mrs. Davis belongs to the Royal Neighbors. The Davis family are well known and are numbered among the leading citizens of Henry County.

Jefferson A. Hunt, a prominent farmer and stockman of Bogard township, is a native of Missouri. He was born in Pike County in 1865, a son of A. J. and Margaret Jane (Keifer) Hunt. The mother is now deceased. She died in October, 1893, aged fifty-four years. The father now lives with J. A., the subject of this sketch.

Jeff ei son A. Hunt came to Henry County with his parents in 1868 when he was about three years of age. He was reared on a farm and received his education in the public schools. When twenty-one years of age he began farming on his own account. In 1890 he purchased his first land in Big Creek township, which he later sold and for twelve years was in the Government service as a rural mail carrier out of the Blairstown postoffice. He bought his present farm of two hundred acres in May, 1917. It is located one mile west of Blairstown in Bogard township, and is one of the valuable farms of northwestern Henry County. It is well improved with a good residence and other farm buildings which bespeaks the industry of its owner.

J. A. Hunt was united in marriage in 1887 with Miss Susan B. Lotspiech, a daughter of John and Caroline (Potts) Lotspiech, both now deceased. To Mr. and Mrs. Hunt have been born three children, who are now living, as follow: Walter A., married Goldie Pope, and resides at Blairstown, Missouri; Dorris C. and Howard W., residing at home with their parents.

Mr. Hunt is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Modern Woodmen of America of Blairstown. He is one of the succesfcfiil men of the county, and has made good through his own industry and integrity. He began with nothing and by his own unaided efforts has become one of the prosperous men of the community.

Jesse C. Merrill, a leading farmer and stockman of Bogard township, is a native of Illinois. He was born in Vermillion County, Illinois, September 26, 1853, a son of William C. and Susan (Smith) Merrill. William C. Merrill, the father, was a native of New Hampshire and a very early settler in Illinois. He died at Rossville, Illinois, in 1853. He was a son of Jesse C. Merrill, a native of Ireland. Susan (Smith) Merrill, the mother of Jesse C. Merrill, of this sketch, was a native of England, and came to America with her parents, who settled in Illinois at an early date. William C. and Susan (Smith) Merrill were the parents of two children: Jesse C, the subject of this sketch, and Florence, who married J. D. Wilson and now resides in Denver, Colorado. After the death of William C. Merrill his widow married James Carter and the following children were born to that union: Mary Carter, Denver, Colorado; Mrs. Mattie E. Mowery, Rossville, Illinois, and J. Oscar Carter, Mendon, Ohio.

Jesse C. Merrill was educated in the public schools of Vermillion County, Illinois, and the Danville Business College at Danville, Illinois, where he was graduated in 1876. He then engaged in farming, which he successfuly followed in his native State, until 1912, when he came to Henry County, Missouri, and bought his present place in Bogard township. It is located about two miles west of Blairstown and is one of the valuable farms of Henry County. It consists of four hundred acres and was formerly known as the Quick farm. When Mr. Merrill came here he immediately erected a new modern residence which is up-to-date in every particular. It is a two story, eleven room structure, equipped with light, water and heat systems. The other buildings about the place, including the barns and garage, are thoroughly in keeping with the residence. Mr. Merrill is extensively engaged in stock raising and is one of the successfful stockmen of the county. He has on his place usually about sixty head of cattle, thirty horses and mules and from seventy-live to one hundred hogs. The place is nicely located on the state highway which runs from Garden City to Blairstown.

On February 16, 1876, Jesse C. Merrill was united in marriage with Miss Nancy J. Partlow, a native of Vermillion County, Illinois, and a daughter of Jesse L. and Rachel (Davidson) Partlow, both of whom are now deceased. They were the parents of the following children: Mrs. Mary E. Anderson, Frederick, Oklahoma; Mrs. Annie Robins, Huron, South Dakota; Nancy J., wife of Jesse C. Merrill, the subject of this sketch; Mrs. Lilhe B. Sale, Urbana, Illinois; and Mrs. Ida Rush, South

Wayne, Wisconsin. Two Jesse C. Merrill and wife have been born six children as follow: Dr. Susan R. (Merrill) Cooper, a graduate of the Cincinnati Medical College and now a practicing physician at Aurora, N-ebraska; William and Lillie, twins, the former now residing at Giltner, Nebraska, and the latter at home with her parents, and both are graduates of the Rossville High School, Rossville, Illinois ; John R., also a graduate of the Rossville, Illinois High School, is now a farmer and stockman in Big Creek township, Henry County; Mrs. Grace R. Ernst, Mc- Cook, Nebraska, and Hunter, married Jessie May Waugh, and resided on the home farm until he became a private in the National Army stationed at Camp Funston, August 1, 1918.

The Merrill family rank among the leading people of Henry County and Mr. Merrill is one of our substantial and progressive citizens. Mr. and Mrs. Merrill are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In politics, he is a Republican.

A. H. Weakley, the present superintendent of the Henry County Home has earned the well-merited reputation of being one of Henry County's most efficient public officers. Mr. Weakley was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, in 1867, a son of Harrison and Martha (Messie) Weakley, both natives of Fairfield County, Ohio, and they now reside at Stoutsville, Ohio. They were the parents of the following children: A. H., the subject of this sketch; Effie; Arthur C; Delia and Edward, deceased; Mrs. Etta Lest, who resides in Pickaway County, Ohio; Mrs. Lydia Marks, Fairfield County, Ohio; and Lula Belle, deceased.

A. H. Weakley was reared and educated in Fairfield County, Ohio, and in 1886 came to Henry County, Missouri. He settled at Deepwater, where he was successfully engaged in painting and paper hanging for twenty years. In 1911, he was appointed superintendent of the Henry County Home, which is one of the best conducted institutions of the kind in the State. Mr. Weakley possesses the faculty of not only making the place a real home for the unfortunate whose condition in life necessitate such institutions, but he also has been successful in conducting this institution with a minimum expense to the county. This is not because the inmates are not properly cared for and properly fed, for the reverse is quite true of the Henry County Home. Under Mr. Weakley's capable management he keeps the production of the home farm up to the highest state of efficiency. He raises from twenty to twenty-five head of hogs annually for the consumption of the home and also keeps a sufficient number of cows to furnish an ample supply of milk and butter, and every field of production is represented here. In 1917 he raised over four hundred chickens. Under his management the Home is as nearly self-sustaining as would seem possible, with from twenty to thirty inmates, which is about the usual number.

Mr. Weakley was united in marriage in 1899 with Miss Inez McGinnis, a daughter of John McGinnis of Deepwater, Missouri; to this union was born the following children: Ray and Fay, twins; Ray is now a soldier in the United States Army, having enlisted in August, 1917, and is now with the American Expeditionary Forces in France; Fay, is a student in the Catholic Academy, at Clinton, Missouri ; Clifford ; Ruth ; and Lula Belle, residing at home with their father.

John Ream, now deceased, was a prominent farmer and stockman of Fields Creek township. He was a native of Ohio, bom in Richland County, October 17, 1839, a son of Henry Ream, a native of Pennsylvania, who came to Grundy County, Missouri, in 1853, and here spent the remainder of his life. John Ream received his education in the public schools of Ohio and Missouri. In 1910 he came to Henry County and purchased a farm of one hundred fifty-four acres, about three miles north of Clinton in Fields Creek township. Here he was engaged in farming and stock raising until the time of his death. He was a good citizen and held in the highest esteem by all who knew him, and his death was not only a loss to his family but to Henry County. Mr. Ream died May 10, 1917.

John Ream was united in marriage June 29, 1886, with Miss Eleanor Rhea, a daughter of Archibald and Sarah (Sterrett) Rhea, both now deceased. John and Eleanor (Rhea) Ream, were the parents of the following children : Ethel, died at the age of two years ; Robert Rhea was born in Grundy County in 1889 and resides on the home place with his mother; John S. was born in 1896, educated in the public schools of Hickory County and enlisted in United States Navy at St. Louis, December 27, 1917, and while at the Great Lakes Training Station on Lake Michigan, contracted pneumonia and died April 21, 1918, his remains being interred in the Rural Dale Cemetery at Clinton, Missouri.

Mrs. Eleanor (Rhea) Ream is a descendant of a Virginia and Missouri pioneer family. Her father, Archibald Rhea died in 1863 when Mrs. Ream was about one year old, and his remains are buried in the Pickett Cemetery in Mercer County, Missouri. Her mother died in 1896 and is buried in Trenton, Missouri. Mrs. Ream is one of four children born to her parents, as follow: Margaret, deceased; Abriska Stewart, deceased; Samuel, Adairsville, Kentucky; and Eleanor, who married John Ream, the subject of this sketch.

Robert Rhea Ream, son of John and Eleanor (Rhea) Ream, was reared and educated in Grundy and Hickory counties, Missouri, and in 1910, came to Henry County, and since that time has been engaged in farming and stock raising on the home place. He was united in marriage in 1910 with Miss Addie M. Pierce, a daughter of Charles and Minnie B. Loomis Pierce, who settled in Hickory County, Missouri, several years ago, coming from Iowa. Mrs. Ream was the only child born to her parents, who now reside in Hickory County. To Mr. and Mrs. Ream have been born three children, Lois Louise, Francis Marion and Robert Pierce. Mr. Ream is one of the progressive young men of Henry County and the Ream family are well and favorably known in this section.

Thomas J. Bilderback. - The "Walnut Grove Stock Farm," located in Osage township, is owned and operated by Mr. T. J. Bilderback, a progressive farmer who realizes the opportunities of raising and feeding cattle in this section. The ideal conditions of living within a corn-growing district where feed of the right sort is plentiful and easy access to the large city markets offers unusual advantages to the stockman. Mr. Bilderback was born in Laclede County, Missouri, May 7, 1855, and is the son of Thomas B. and Sarah (Rimmers) Bilderback. Thomas Bilderback was born February 3, 1822, in Pennsylvania, the son of Daniel and Sarah (Castleman) Bilderback. His parents moved from Pennsylvania, to Ohio and from there to Illinois and to Laclede County, Missouri, in 1847. They were the first settlers in the vicinity when they settled, the closest neighbor being fifteen miles and the gristmill, twenty-five miles away.

Army for four years, and at its close returned to his farm in Laclede County and farmed until his death, May 19, 1894. Mrs. Sarah (Rimmers) Bilderback was born in November, 1825, a native of Tennessee. She died July 4, 1890 and was buried in Bilderback Cemetery, where her husband was later laid away. They were the parents of seven children: Elizabeth, deceased; Sarah J., deceased; Henry L., Judson, Stephen W., Thomas J., and Elzina.

Thomas J. Bilderback was educated in Laclede County schools and previous to his coming to Henry County in 1885 he farmed there. In 1890 he purchased 120 acres and later added 200 more acres, making 320 acres that he is farming. A small two-room house was on the premises at the time he purchased it, which he replaced in 1894 by a seven-room home. He has two barns and a silo. The first barn used for his cattle is 40x100 feet with a silo. A car track conveys the ensilage from the silo to the feeding troughs. The second barn used for the horses is 60x80 feet. Mr. Bilderback ships three carloads of cattle and two carloads of hogs each year.

On August 4, 1885, Thomas T. Bilderback and Nancy C. Stewart were united in marriage and have the following children: Earl C, married Clara Crabtree, Abbey, Canada; Pearl, wife of Claude Joplin, of Kansas City, Missouri ; W. M., deceased ; Ada, Katryne and Golson, at home. Mrs. Nancy Bilderback was born November 22, 1867, the daughter of Henry H. and Rebecca F. (Curd) Stewart, who were both born in Henry County, the former now living at Albion, Oklahoma, aged 76 years, and the latter died on December 5, 1876. They were the parents of the following: Ada, deceased; Nancy Katherine, wife of T. J. Bilderback; John H., Albion, Oklahoma; William, Deepwater, Missouri; Francis, Seattle, Washington. Henry H. Stewart was married the second time to Mrs. Lizzie (Rickett) Jackson, a widow, who bore him two sons: George, Romona, Oklahoma; and Earl, Albion, Oklahoma.

John Martin, one of the leading farmers of Fields Creek township, was born in Germany, June 21, 1867, and as he says, he came to America when he was twenty years old to escape Prussian military servitude, and has never regretted the day that he made the decission. He landed in New York City, October 11, 1887. He worked in a cooper shop eighteen months. He then went to Iowa, where he was engaged in farm- ing and stock raising until 1913. During that year he came to Missouri and bought two hundred forty acres of land in Fields Creek township, four miles northwest of Clinton. He has improved this place considerably since that time, having built a large barn, a silo and other farm buildings and today has one of the well-improved and valuable farms of the county. He follows general farming extensively and is also well known as a successful stock raiser. He specializes in high-grade Shorthorn and white-faced cattle and Poland China hogs. He makes a practice of finishing for the market all the cattle which he raises on the place and usually markets about two carloads of cattle and two car loads of hogs each year.

Mr. Martin was married in Iowa City, Iowa, February 22, 1894, to Miss Julia Lohrer, a daughter of Lawrence and Elizabeth Rist Lohrer, natives of Germany. Mrs. Martin was born in Germany in 1868 and came to America with her sister, Mary, in 1886. Mrs. Martin has a brother, John, and a sister, Mary, who reside in Lane County, Iowa, and the following brothers and sisters live in Germany, Anthony, Helen, Louise, Leo and Joseph.

To John Martin and wife have been bom the following children; Elizabeth, a teacher in St. Matthews Parish, St. Louis, Missouri ; Ernest, farmer in Iowa ; Herbert, farming in Iowa ; George, resides at home and is now a student in the Commercial College at Clinton. Otto, also a student in that institution; Joseph and Lawrence.

Mr. Martin takes a deep interest in local aff"airs and is always ready and willing to lend his co-operation to any movement for the betterment and up-building of his township and county. He is the present clerk of School District No. 40. When he left his native land and came to this country he was without capital but the opportunities offered here, coupled with his industry and good management, has won for him a competence and comfortable home. When he left Germany, he had much difficulty in escaping the vigilance of the officers. In order to escape he made the trip through Switzerland, France and Belgium and in that way evaded the officers. In order to avoid suspicion he carried no baggage whatever and all his earthly possessions consisted of the clothes which he wore. His recollection on the military system of Germany is anything but pleasant and he has no patience with any man who has prospered and made a home offered by America that has any vestage of sympathy with any other country. His doctrine is that if they love their native land that is where they should have remained. In politics he is a Republican. He and all of his family are members of the Catholic Church. Herbert is a member of the Knights of Columbus.

Frank Keck, one of the leading farmers and stockmen of Fields Creek township, is a native son of Henry County. He was born in Clinton, February 5, 1865, a son of Constantine and Amelia (Holly) Keck. The former a native of Germany and the latter of Ohio. Constantine Keck came to Missouri in 1836 when he was sixteen years of age and settled in Cooper County. In 1862 he came to Henry County and for a time carried mail between Clinton and Sedalia, before the railroad was built. Afterwards he purchased one hundred twenty acres of land to which he added one hundred sixty acres, which now is a part of the Keck homestead. He built one of the first brick residences in Henry County, in the early days. This is now the home of Fred Keck, and is one of the most substantial residences in the county today.

To Constantine and Amelia (Holly) Keck were born the following children, Frank, the subject of this sketch ; Mrs. George Russell ; Herman ; John ; Fred ; who reside on the old home place ; and Arthur. Frank Keck was reared and educated in Henry County, and has made farmmgand stock raising his life work. He has succeeded in his well-directed efforts and today is one of the well-to-do and substantial citizens of Fields Creek township. His farm is located three miles northwest of Clinton, and was known as the Waddell place. Since purchasing this place Mr. Keck has rebuilt the residence and also erected a large barn and made other improvements, which places his farm in a class among the well-improved and valuable places of Henry County. He is extensively engaged in stock raising and general farming, making a specialty of registered Shorthorn cattle.

On March 20, 1895, Frank Keck was united in marriage with Miss Hattie Smith, a native of Iowa, and a daughter of George and Cathryn (McVay) Smith ; the father died in Iowa in 1866, and the same year the mother came to Henry County, Missouri, where they had purchased a place prior to Mr. Smith's death. Mrs. Smith spent the remainder of her life in this county, and died September, 1910, and her remains are interred in the Englewood Cemetery. Mrs. Keck is the oldest of a family of thiee children, the others being James J., and Edgar, who reside on the old homestead.

The Keck residence is one of the modern homes of Henry County. It is equipped with an acetelyne lighting system and he has installed a water system and other conveniences which furnish all the conveniences of a city with the freedom of the country.

William M. Meredith, a farmer and stockman of Fields Creek township is a native of Missouri and a descendant of a pioneer family. He was born in Jefferson City, Missouri, November 22, 1854, and is a son of William Dangerfield Meredith and Sarah J. Meredith. The former was a native of Virginia and located in Jefferson City, Missouri, in 1833. He was a carpenter and worked on the old State Capitol building at Jefferson City. He also donated to the State a part of the Capitol grounds ; he died in Jefferson City in 1860 and his remains are buried there. Sarah J. Meredith was a native of Franklin County, Virginia. She died in 1856. They were the parents of the following children: Henry, died in California; Ed; Mrs. Susan Collins; Mrs. Mary Knisley; Peter; Louis, all deceased; and Mrs. Sally Woody, Clinton township, Henry County; and William M., the subject of this sketch.

William D. Meredith, the father of William M., crossed the plains in 1849, when gold was discovered in California. He sold lots in Jefferson City for $2.50 each to raise money with which to make the trip to California. His sons, Ed and Henry, accompanied him on the trip, which was made vdth ox-teams. Henry died in California.

William M. Meredith, in early life, worked as a farm laborer in Calloway and Maries County, and in 1882 came to Henry County and bought a farm of eighty acres in Fields Creek township, which is now owned by his son, Dangerfield Meredith. In 1916, Mr. Meredith bought his present place in Fields Creek township, which is located one and threefourths miles northwest of Clinton, where he has a nice home with pleasant surroundings.

Mr. Meredith was united in marriage in 1871 with Miss Emma Woody, a daughter of Rev. Davis Woody and Parthenia Isabell Woody. Rev. Davis Woody was a Baptist minister and came to Missouri in 1830, and first located in Osage County, later he went to Maries County. He died September 21, 1878, and his wife, Parthenia Isabell, died at the age of fifty years. Their remains are interred in the Wilde's Cemetery in Maries County, Missouri. Rev. Davis Woody and Parthenia Isabell

Woody were the parents of the following children : Camilais V., deceased ; Sally Ann, married Richard Warren, and died in Oklahoma at the age of seventy-four years; Andrew K., resides in Miller County, Missouri; Constantine died at the age of eighteen ; Davis lives in Clinton, Missouri ; Emma, married W. M. Meredith, the subject of this sketch; and Lewis L., died in infancy.

To William M. and Emma (Woody) Meredith have been born the following children: Dangerfield, a farmer and stockman of Fields Creek township, married Stella Harris; Virginia, married Jack Pendleton, Fields Creek township; Sally, married Arthur Keck, Fields Creek township, and Mary S., married Charles Arnold, Honey Creek township. Mr. and Mrs. Meredith have ten grandchildren, the names of whom are Mabel, Jesse, Emerson, Lucile, Walter, Elmer and Hazel Meredith ; and Meredith and Mary Keck, and Emma Pendleton. Mr. Meredith is one of the substantial citizens of Henry County.

John Wesley Waugh, a progressive farmer of Big Creek township, is a native son of Henry County and is a descendant of pioneer ancestors. He is a son of James H., and Gertrude (Payne) Waugh, the former a native of Indiana, and the latter of Illinois. James H. Waugh came to Henry County with his parents who were early settlers in this section of the State. To James H., and Gertrude (Payne) Waugh were born the following children, Howard, a farmer in Big Creek township; John W., the subject of this sketch, and Mrs. Jessie Merrill, who resides in Bogard township.

John Wesley Waugh was reared in Henry County, and educated in the district school and the Norris High School. He now operates a farm of two hundred. forty acres in Big Creek township, about one-half mile east of Norris, where he is extensively engaged in general farming and stock raising.

Mr. Waugh was united in marriage October 29, 1913, to Miss Ursel L. Gilliam, a daughter of B. L. and Minnie (King) Gilliam of Big Creek township. Mr. and Mrs. B. L. Gilliam live on the old Gilliam homestead in Big Creek township. They are the parents of the following children: Ursel L., the wife of John W. Waugh ; a son who died in infancy ; and Mrs. Archie Waugh, who resides in Big Creek township. Mr. and Mrs. Waugh have one child, Lyle Gilliam Waugh.

The Waugh family are well known and highly respected in Henry County. They rank among its leading citizens. Mr. and Mrs. Waugh are well known and stand high in the community.

E. R. Marksberry is one of the energetic and thrifty farmers and stockmen of Big Creek township, and a descendant of one of the pioneer families of Henry County. He was born in a log cabin in Big Creek township, September 30, 1874, a son of Alexander and Melisia (Kinsey) Marksberry. Alexander Marksberry died in 1913 and his remains were interred in the Carrsville Cemetery. His widow resides on the home place one and three-fourths miles east of Norris. They were the parents of the following children: Mrs. Mollie Murphy, who lives in Ohio; James A., a sketch of whom appears in this volume; E. R., the subject of this sketch; John, resides in Shawnee township; Linn, Blairstown, and Nora, deceased.

E. R. Marksberry received his education in the Agricola school and remained on the home farm with his parents until he was twenty-four years old. He then engaged in farming and stock raising on his own account and now owns one hundred acres of valuable and well improved land which is located two and one-half miles east of Norris. The Marksberry farm is well equipped with a good residence and other buildings.

Lir. Marksberry was united in marriage June 5, 1898, with Miss Alice M. Lane, a daughter of W. H., and Susan Lane. The mother died when Mrs. Marksberry was a baby and the father now resides in Chilhowee, Johnson County. Mrs. Lane is one of five children born to her parents as follow: Charles E., Shawnee township; Mrs. Agnes Squires, Chilhowee, Missouri; Mrs. Nancy Beaty, Colorado; Mrs. Leona Vance, Warrensburg, Missouri; and Alice M., married E. R. Marksberry, the subject of this sketch. To Mr. and Mrs. Marksberry have been born one daughter. Pearl, who is a graduate of the Norris High School, and has specialized in music, and is now engaged in teaching music. She is a talented musician and has given much time and study to that art.

Mr. Marksberry is a member of the Masonic Lodge, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons No. 343, Agricola, Missouri. He is a progressive farmer and one of the substantial and highly respected citizens of Big Creek township.

George N. McQuitty, a progressive and enterprising farmer and stockman of Big Creek township, is a native of Henry County. Mr. McQuitty was born August 3, 1879, a son of George W., and Mildred (Johnson) McQuitty. George W. McQuitty was also a native Missourian, born September 16, 1839, in Boone County. Mildred (Johnson) McQuitty was a native of Kentucky and a daughter of Robert R. Johnson, a Kentuckian, who was a pioneer settler of Missouri.

The McQuitty family ranks among the early pioneer settlers of Missouri. George W. McQuitty, the father of George N., was a son of George W. McQuitty, a native of Kentucky, who was one of the very early settlers of Boone County, Missouri. He married Elizabeth Roland, also a native of Kentucky and a daughter of William Roland. George W. McQuitty, Sr., and his wife spent the remainder of their lives onj a farm in Boone County, after settling there. George W., Jr., father of George N., was reared to manhood in Boone County, and received a good common school education - much better than the average boy of his time. When the Civil War broke out he cast his lot with the legions of the lost cause, enlisting in the Confederate Army in February, 1862, in Company C, 6th Missouri Infantry. He served under Colonel Irvin and participated in many important and hard-fought engagements. He was at the Battle of Corinth and luka and Grand Gulf. He was taken prisoner at the last-named place, but two months later was paroled. He then returned to his home in Boone County, where he remained until the close of the war. In 1867, George W. McQuitty came to Henry County and bought a farm in Big Creek township. He was well known as a prominent stockman and farmer.

To George W. and Martha Mildred (Johnson) McQuitty were born the following children: W. T., who resides on the home farm; Mrs. C. E. Butcher, Big Creek township; George N., the subject of this sketch; Alice B., Fulton, Missouri; Mrs. C. F. Crews, Big Creek tovraship; and Mrs. L. R. Mayes, Shawnee township, Henry County. By a former marriage of George W. McQuitty to Miss Lucinda Goslin of Boone County, who died October 25, 1870, the following children were born: J. R., who resides at Welch, Oklahoma, and Elizabeth, who married J. J. Stansberry.

George N. McQuitty was reared on his father's farm and received his education in the Agricola public schools. He remained on the home farm with his parents until he was twenty-five years of age, when he engaged in farming on his own account, in which he has been successfully engaged to the present time. He operates two hundred eighty acres in Big Creek township, of which he is the owner. Mr. McQuitty is well known in Johnson County as one of its leading farmers and stockmen and a public spirited citizen.

now deceased, and the latter resides at Greeley, Colorado. Dixon and. Dora Hanna were the parents of the following children: James A., Nettie, Otis and Ida, all residing at Greely, Colorado, and Henrietta, wife of George N. McQuitty, the subject of this sketch. To Mr. and Mrs. McQuitty have been bom the following children: Ora A., Mildred 0., Dora E., George W., Morris M., Anna May and Richard Everett.

The McQuitty family are well known and prominent in the community and George N. McQuitty is one of the substantial citizens of Henry County.

S. W. Shewmaker, owner and proprietor, "Blue Valley Grain and Stock Farm," is a native Missourian. He was born in Buchanan County, April 16, 1868, a son of J. P. and Minerva J. (Rockholt) Shewmaker, both also natives of Buchanan County, the former born in 1842 and the latter in 1844. They now reside in Platte township, Buchanan County. J. P. Shewmaker is a son of Woodford Shewmaker, a Kentuckian, who died while making a trip across the plains to California in 1849. S. W. Shewmaker's great grandfather, Luda Martin, was a Scotchman and entered the land from the Government in 1837, which is now owned by J. P. Shewmaker, in Platte township, Buchanan County. A part of the old cabin which Luda Martin built on the place, when he settled here, is still standing.

S. W. Shewmaker is one of four children born to his parents, as follow: S. W., the subject of this sketch; Marj% who resides in Buchanan County, Missouri ; Dr. J. L., Phillipsburg, Kansas ; and A. F., a stereotype foreman and pressman of the St. Joseph Gazette plant and printing office, who lives in St. Joseph, Missouri. S. W. Shewmaker was reared in Buchanan County and educated in the public schools. He graduated from the Gower High School and Bryant's Commercial College of St. Joseph. He engaged in farming and stock raising in early life in his native county, until 1914, when he came to Henry County and purchased his present place. "Blue Valley Grain and Stock Farm" contains 375 acres, and adjoins the town of Brownington. The land is principally what is known as valley land and is one of the productive grain farms of the county, as well as being admirably adapted to stock raising. Mr. Shewmaker raises large quantities of wheat, corn and oats, and is also extensively interested in stock raising. He specializes in breeding roan Durham cattle and has met with more than usual success in this field of endeavor, his herd leader being registered. He is also quite an extensive hog raiser.

S. W. Shewmaker was united in marriage in 1888 with Miss Ella C. Gibson, a daughter of J. A. and Caroline Gibson. Mrs. Shewmaker departed this life in October, 1917, leaving the following children: G. F., married Vernie Isenhour, of Andrew County, Missouri, and lives on the old home place; Ray R., married Eunice Denzler, Brownington, now in the National Army, going to Camp Funston, July 23, 1918; J. Carl, an employee of the Empire Oil and Gas Company, Eldorado, Kansas ; and Ewing, Paul and Janett, all of whom reside at home with their father.

William S. McCalmon, a leading citizen of Bogard township, is a native of Ohio. He was born in Wayne County, February 26, 18G5, a son of James C. and Mary E. (Schultz) McCalmon. The father was born Hear Akron, Ohio, and the mother was a native of Lancaster, Pennsylvania. The mother died in 1902, and the father lives in Bogard township on the old homestead, where he settled in 1873. He was born September 4, 1831. James C, and Mary E. (Shultz) McCalmon were the parents of the following children; William S., the subject of this sketch; Rebecca, married A. J. Crawford and lives at Colfax, Iowa; Nellie, died in infancy.

William S. McCalmon came to Henry County with his parents in 1873, when he was about eight years of age. They settled in Bogard township, and here young McCalmon was reared and educated. He received a good common school education and has always been devoted to farming and stock raising. He remained on the home farm until he was twenty-eight years old, when he engaged in farming for himself. He now owns and operates a well improved and productive farm of one hundred twenty acres, which is situated three miles west of Blairstovim. Mr. McCalmon has placed all the improvements on this place within the last fifteen years and it is one of the neat and well appearing farms of Bogard township. He is engaged in general farming and is one of the successful and progressive stock raisers of Henry County. He is a carpenter by trade, although he has never followed that line of work extensively with the exception of doing mechanical work of that character for himself.

On October 12, 1892, William S. McCalmon and Hattie Tharp were united in marriage. She is a daughter of H. T. and Fiorina (Haynes) Tharp, natives of Tipton, Indiana. The mother was born in 1852 and died in Johnson County in 1892, and her remains are interred in the cemetery at Quick City, Missouri. The father now lives in Florida. To H. T. and Fiorina (Haynes) Tharp were born the following children: Mrs. Cora Pitts, Larned, Oklahoma; William, Los Angeles, California; Hattie, wife of William S. McCalmon; Mrs. Lillie Hendricks; Freewater, Oregon; Jack, Phoenix, Arizona; Mrs. Effie Wolfe, Spokane, Washington, and Mrs. Leona Peacock, Cocoanut Grove, Florida. By a former marriage of Mrs. Tharp to W. H. Keen, one daughter was born, Gracie Belle, who married D. T. Hisey, Altona, Kansas. To William S. and Hattie (Tharp) McCalmon, were born the following children: Charles Albert, Raymond H., Helen Willis. Charles Albert, who was a teacher, is now a private in the National Army and at this writing (August 7, 1918) he is stationed at Camp Dodge. Raymond H. married Eula Streight May 22, 1918, and is a farmer in Bogard township.

John Little, proprietor of "Edgewood Farm," and a highly respected pioneer of Bogard township, is a native of Ohio. He was born in Starke County, April 19, 1845, a son of John and Elizabeth (Falconer) Little, the former a native of Scotland and the latter of Stark County, Ohio. John Little, Sr., came to America from his native country when he was a young man. He located first in Starke County, then in Columbiana County, Ohio, where he spent the remainder of his life. He died in his ninety-third year. His wife died at the age of eighty. They were the parents of the following children: James, Minerva, Ohio; Robert, Columbiana County, Ohio; John, the subject of this sketch; George, Courtland, Ohio; Mrs. Joseph Frederick, who is now deceased; Mrs. Agnes Hawkins lives in Columbiana County, Ohio, and Mrs. Maggie Hart, who lived near Baird, Ohio, and is now deceased.

John Little was reared to manhood in his native State and was educated in the public schools of Ohio, and Union College, an institution near Alliance, Ohio. He came to Missouri in 1870, and first settled near Old Wadesburg, Cass County. One year later he came to Henry County, where he has since resided. Upon coming here he bought one hundred fifteen acres of land, to which he has added from time to time and is now the owner of five hundred eighty acres of well-improved and valuable Henry County land. Mr. Little, in addition to general farming, has been extensively engaged in stock raising and is one of the well-known

On February 6, 1873, John Little was united in marriage with Miss Harriet Quick, who was born in Bogard township November 13, 1853, daughter of Cornelius and Dosha (Page) Quick, the former a native of Ohio, born in 1826, came to Missouri in 1850, and died in Cass County in 1875, and the latter a native of Kentucky, born in 1824, and died in 1875 in Cass County, just over the county line. Their remains are both interred in Page Cemetery, Bogard township. Mrs. Dosha (Page) Quick was born in Kentucky, a daughter of Rev. Joshua Page, a Christian preacher who settled in Missouri near Independence in 1830, and made a permanent settlement in northwest Bogard township in 1837. lb Cornelia and Dosha (Page) Quick were born the following children: Harriet, married John Little, the subject of this sketch; Maurice, resides at Quick City, Johnson County, and that town was named in his honor; Mrs. Paulina McComb, mother of Lieutenant Dana McComb, who is now serving in the United States Army in the Philippine Islands; Howard, who is a veteran of the Boer War in the British Army, now lives in South Africa; Sally, died at the age of twenty-two years; Mrs. Clara Single, deceased; Mrs. Alice Wallace has a son Roscoe D. Wallace, who is a sergeant in the United States Army now in France. The Little family is well represented in the World War. In addition to those above mentioned, Mr. Little has two nephews in the service, Captain E. R. Hawkins and Jay Unger. To John and Harriet (Quick) Little have been born the following children: Cornelius, died at the age of two years; Stella Daisy, married Alexander Sloan and lives in Henry County; Elizabeth Lillian, married George B. Ruckel, Creighton, Missouri ; Clara Belva, married Clarence H. Ruckel, Creighton, Missouri, and she has three daughters, Clara, Harriet and Mary Louise ; Louise Harriet and Leora J. twins, the former living at home with her parents and the latter now the wife of Harry M. Evans.

Mr. and Mrs. Little are truly representative pioneers of Henry County. They have lived on their present place in Bogard township for over forty-five years and many memories of their lives cluster about this pioneer place. Mr. Little was a pioneer school teacher of Henry County and has always given his unlimited support to the advancement of education. All of his children have been given the advantages of a good education and all are graduates of the State Normal School at Warrens- burg, Missouri, and all of his children have taught in the public schools except Louise, who is a music teacher. The Littles are among the prominent pioneer families of Henry County.

Mr. Little has been a life-long Republican. Mr. and Mrs. Little are members of the Presbyterian Church. Mr. Little has been active in Republican politics during past years and has been the candidate of his party for the office of county judge and also for the office of State representative, each time running far ahead of his ticket.

Joshua C. Carney, a leading citizen and one of the progressive farmers and stock raisers of Fields Creek township, is a native of Missouri. He was born in Scotland County in 1865, a son of Washington and Sarah E. (Fryrear) Carney, natives of Kentucky, and pioneer settlers of this section of Missouri. The father died in Johnson County, Missouri, July 19, 1903, and his remains are buried in Rock Springs Cemetery, and the mother now resides at Holden, and is seventy-five years of age. Washington E. Carney had a successful career and at the time of his death was the owner of over six hundred acres of land. To Washington and Sarah E. (Fryrear) Carney were born the following children: Mrs. Sarah Eads, Kingsville, Missouri; J. D., a former Pi-obate Judge of Henry County, now residing at Clinton ; Robert L., Holden, Missouri ; Joshua C, the subject of this sketch; D. P. Holden, Missouri; Mrs. Nora Eads, Kansas City, Missouri; Mrs. Lillie Lewis, Kansas City, Missouri; Gilbert A., Sugar City, Colorado ; Charles, Holden, Missouri ; N. V., Gailton, Colorado, and Russell, Holden, Missouri.

Joshua C. Carney was educated in the public schools of Holden, Missouri, and remained under the parental roof until he was twenty-three years of age. He then was engaged in farming rented land for four years, when he bought a farm containing two hundred acres of land in Jackson township, Johnson County. He lived on this place for eight years, when he sold it. After renting the lands for a time he went to Texas, where he remained two years and then to Colorado, remaining in that State about one and one-half years. In 1910 he bought his present place in Fields Creek township about one and one-half miles northwest of the court house. This is one of the valuable farms of the county and here Mr. Carney is engaged in general farming and stock raising.

March 3, 1889, Joshua C. Carney was united in marriage with Miss Emma Eads, a native of Johnson County; she is a daughter of C. H. Eads, who is now deceased, and his wife, Mrs. Jane Eads, resides in

Kansas City at the age of seventy-six years. Mrs. Carney is one of a family of twelve children born to her parents, as follows: Mrs. Belle Reynolds, lives in Kentucky; W. T., Kingsville, Missouri; Mrs. Hellen Garrison, Fort Sill, Oklahoma; J. Sherman, Kansas City, Missouri; Rufus M., deceased; Emma, married Joshua C. Carney, the subject of this sketch; E. L., St. Joseph, Missouri; Charles, deceased; E. C, Kansas City, Missouri; Pierce, St. Joseph, Missouri; Mrs. Bessie Tuggle, Kansas City, Missouri; Frank, a soldier in the United States Army. To Mr. and Mrs. Carney have been born six children as follow: Stella M., deceased; Eula E., Greely, Colorado; Jannie B., Greely, Colorado; Bertha M., Garnett C, and Morgan H., the last three named residing at home.

Joshua C. Carney is a representative of one of Henry County's substantial pioneer families and is one of the valued citizens of Fields Creek township.

Robert Lincoln Thompson, a leading merchant of Bi-ownington, Missouri, is a native of England. He was born April 10, 1868, and is a son of James and Grace (Nichols) Thompson, both natives of England. James Thompson came to America with his family in 1873 and first settled in Maryland. A short time afterwards he came to Henry County, Missouri, and settled at Lewis Station, and he and his wife are both deceased. They were the parents of the following children: James A., who resides at Brownington, Missouri; Mary Ann, married John Bowen of Windsor, and is now deceased; George W., Deepwater, Missouri; Robert Lincoln, the subject of this sketch; Nicholas M., died at Deepwater, Missouri, and Elijah H., Deepwater, Missouri.

Robert Lincoln Thompson was reared in the vicinity of Lewis Station and received a good common school education. He remained at home for a few years after reaching his majority and in 1895 engaged in the mercantile business at Brownington, Missouri. He bought the Taylor & Kiderville general store there and since that time has devoted himself to a mercantile career. He conducts a general store and carries a very complete line of dry goods, groceries, men's furnishings and sundry other articles usually found in an up-to-date general store in a town of the size of Brownington.

Mr. Thompson was married in 1892 to Miss Ada A. Wagner, a daughter of Dallas and Julia (Turner) Wagner of Brownington, Missouri, both of whom are now deceased. Mrs. Thompson has one brother, Dorsey, proprietor of the Hotel at Brownington, Missouri. To Mr. and Mrs. Thomp- son have been born the following children : Leona, who assists her father in the store; Eva, a graduate of the Deepwater High School who also assist her father in the store ; Genevieve and Julia.

Mr. Thompson takes a commendable interest in the progress and development of his home town and has served as mayor of Brownington and has also been a member of the school board. He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Modern Woodman of the World. He is one of the progressive and enterprising citizens of Henry- County, whose career is worthy of study and emulation.

Dr. James R. Rogers, a prominent Henry County physician, engaged in the practice of his profession at Brownington, is a native son of Henry County, and a descendant of pioneer parents of this section. Doctor Rogers was born in White Oak township, Henry County, September 12, 1885, and is a son of A. W., and Dona C. (Claggett) Rogers, of Lucas, Missouri. The father came to White Oak township, Henry County, in 1877, and opened a drug store there the same year, which he still conducts. He was one of the pioneer business men of that section and for fortytwo consecutive years has been engaged in business there. He was born in Warren County, Missouri, May 19, 1844. His wife, the mother of Doctor Rogers, departed this life July 2, 1914, and her remains are buried in Mullin Cemetery, White Oak township. They were the parents of the following children: Eugene, died in infancy; T. J., a druggist in Brownington, Missouri; William E. died in infancy; Fannie, married C. C. Helms, Kansas City, Missouri; Marvin, Lucas, Missouri; Walter C. Kimball, Texas; Dr. James R., the subject of this sketch, and A. M., Manhattan, Kansas.

Dr. Rogers was reared in Henry County and received his elementary education in the public schools and later entered the University Medical College of Kansas City, Missouri, where he was graduated with a degree of Doctor of Medicine in the class of 1909. The same year he came to Brownington, Missouri, and engaged in the practice of his profession. Doctor Rogers has met with success in his chosen profession from the beginning of his professional career. He is a student of the great progressive strides which have been made in the field of medicine and surgery and what success has come to him has not been of the chance or accidental variety. A town of the size of Brownington should congratulate itself upon having a physician of the capability of Doctor Rogers.

Doctor Rogers is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows Lodge No. 516, Brownington, Missouri. He is a progressive and public spirited citizen as well as a leading member of his profession.

Dr. Ulysses G. Strieby, a prominent physician and surgeon of Brownington, Missouri, is a native of Indiana. He was born in Kosciusko County, Indiana, July 10, 1865, and is a son of Joel and Melvina (Norris) Strieby. The father served in the Union Army during the Civil War and was slightly wounded by the explosion of a shell, while in the service. In 1871 the Strieby family came to Missouri, settling in Henry County. They first located in Springfield township, where they remained until 1892, when the father sold that place and bought another one, where he was engaged in farming unfil 1906, when he removed to Clinton and since that time has lived practically retired. Joel and Melvina (Norris) Strieby are the parents of the following children: Dr. Ulysses G., the subject of this sketch ; Minnie, married Thomas B. Parks, county surveyor of Henry County, a sketch of whom appears in this volume; and Lena, married John Hunter McGill, Nevada, Missouri.

Doctor Strieby was educated in the district schools of Henry County, and the Calhoun High School. After receiving a thorough preparatory education he entered the University Medical College of Kansas City, Missouri, where he was graduated with a degree of Doctor of Medicine in the class of 1892. Upon graduating he immediately engaged in the practice of his profession at Sleeper, Missouri. After practicing there for a time he removed to Mt. Zion, where he was engaged in the practice of his profession about one year. He then went to Lowry City, Missouri, and for four years was engaged in the practice of his profession there. He then went to Oregon, where he remained until 1903, when he returned to Brownington, Missouri, and since that time has been successfully engaged in practice of his profession. Doctor Strieby has built up a large practice and is recognized as one of the skilled physicians and surgeons of Henry County.

Doctor Strieby was married in 1893 to Miss Dora Hunter, a daughter of Henry and Elizabeth (Cathey) Hunter, pioneer settlers of Osage township, Henry County. The father died in 1897 and his remains rest in Mt. Zion Cemetery, and the mother is now living at Clinton, Missouri. They were the parents of the following children: Henry, whose present address is unknown ; Mrs. George Richman, Osage township ; Mrs. Charles Councilman, Clinton, Missouri; George Hunter, deceased; John, McGill, Nevada; Mrs. Rose Peelor, lives in California; and Harley, Clinton, Missouri. To Dr. and Mrs. Strieby have been born children as follow: George Manford, deceased; Zoe, Ima, and Uel.

Doctor Strieby is a member of the Masonic Loodge of Deepwater, and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and Modern Woodmen of America of Brownington, Missouri. He is one of the substantial citizens of Henry County, and a physician and surgeon of high standing.

Milton Benjamin Merritt. - Few pioneers of Henry County did more for the development and upbuilding of Henry County than did the late Judge Milton Benjamin Merritt, who for over three score years was an influential and widely-known figure in the life of Henry County. Judge Merritt was born in East Tennessee, April 27, 1819 ; soon after his birth was taken to Gibson County, Tennessee. He died in Henry County, Missouri, March 14, 1906. His parents were Benjamin and Elizabeth (Barnett) Merritt, who had a family of six children, three of whom came to Henry County. Milton B. Merritt came from Tennessee to this county in 1841. He taught school in Johnson County for some time and after his marriage in 1844, he settled on what is now the Merritt homestead in Tebo township. He was one of the earliest of the pioneers of the Tebo neighborhood. Lexington and Boonville, were the nearest trading points. Ten or more families came from North Carolina about the same time and settled in what is now Tebo township. Milton B. Merritt used horses and later oxen to break up his land. Two things were absolutely necessary to sustain life in those early days. These were wood and water, and the settlers invariably chose a location convenient to both. Mr. Merritt was a Democrat politically and was one of the leaders of his party in Henry County. He was first appointed to the office of county judge and was afterwards elected to this office for two terms.

Judge Merritt was married September 25, 1844, to Susan Fewel, who was born in Rockingham County, North Carolina, June 18, 1825, the daughter of Mason C. and Malinda Lindsey (Wall) Fewel, natives of Culpeper County, Virginia. The Fewels came from North Carolina to Rives County, Missouri, in 1839, and were here when Henry County was formed and organized. Ten children were born to Milton B. and Susan (Fewel) Merritt, as follow: Mrs. Emily D. Gaines, deceased; Mrs. Cerepta V. Amick, deceased ; Roschen M., deceased wife of William J. Fewel ;

Eddith Livania, deceased ; Lelia T., wife of Ed Avery, Tebo township ; Dr. A. F. Merritt, deceased; Amentha A., living with her aged mother on the old home place; Mrs. R. W. Avery, Tebo township; Mrs. Mary E., Avery, deceased; Milton E., a farmer in Tebo township. The Merritt estate consists of three hundred and sixty acres of productive farm lands and is located in section 21, Tebo township .

Mrs. Susan A (Fewel) Merritt is the oldest living pioneer woman in Henry County. She has 21 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild, Emmett Ellis Bagby, Green Ridge, Missouri. She has four grandsons in the National Army, in France, Liland Earl Avery, Lyman Lane Avery, Arthur F. Merritt and Ralph Merritt.

Judge Merritt assisted in the organization of the Primitive Baptist Church and also helped to build the Baptist Church in Tebo township, always having been a liberal contributor to religious works. His liberality in the founding of this church was such that the church congregation donated him two burial lots in the church yard cemetery. His name will always be linked with the early history of Henry County as one of its founders and builders.

Thomas J. Rogers, a progressive druggist engaged in business at BrovsTiington, Missouri, is a native of Missouri. He was born in Marion County, October 17, 1871, and is a son of A. W., and Dona C. Rogers. His father was engaged in the drug business for many years at Lucas and Thomas J. Rogers was practically reared in a drug store. He was educated in the public schools and entered the drug business at Brownington, Missouri, with W. H. Delavergne in 1902 and continued in that connection until the death of Mr. Delavergne in October, 1915, when Mr. Rogers bought the interest of the Delavergne store, and since that time has conducted the business alone. The Rogers drug store is up to date in every particular and Mr. Rogers not only carries a complete line of drugs but in his stock is well represented druggist' sundries and the numerous articles usually found in a modern drug store.

Thomas J. Rogers was united in marriage in 1898 with Miss Bessie Peelor of Brownington, Missouri, a daughter of James L. and Martha Peelor. The father is now deceased and after his death the mother married Jason W. Newell, and now reside at Eldorado Springs, Missouri.

of Brownington. He takes an interest in local affairs and is one of the boosters of Brownington's enterprise. He is a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of Clinton, Missouri, and the Modern Woodmen of America of Brownington.

Arthur Clinton Loudermilk, a well-known stockman and farmer of Fields Creek township, is one of Henry County's leading citizens. He is a descendant of pioneer parents and was born on the place where he now resides, October 12, 1877, a son of Wesley and Minerva (Organ) Loudermilk, the former a native of North Carolina, born September 25, 1838, and the latter of Illinois, born March 20, 1848. Wesley Loudermilk died August 7, 1908, and his remains are buried in Englewood Cemetery, Clinton, Missouri. His widow now resides with her son Arthur Clinton, the subject of this sketch. Wesley Loudermilk and Minei-va Organ were married at Verdun, Illinois, and came to Henry County, Missouri, in 1867. They purchased a farm in Deer Creek township, which they sold two years later and bought where Arthur Clinton Loudermilk now lives. The father was engaged in farming and stock raising here until the time of his death in 1902. To Wesley and Minerva Loudermilk were born the following children: Alice, married Charles Bowles, Beaumont, Texas; Ira, married W. E. Gibson, Bozeman, Montana ; Gabriella, married B. J. Hunt, Clinton, Missouri; Arthur Clinton, the subject of this sketch; and Maud, married L. C. Bridges, Bozeman, Montana.

Arthur Clinton Loudermilk was reared on his father's farm and received his education in the district schools of Henry County. Since boyhood, Mr. Loudermilk has been engaged in farming and stock raising, and is one of the practical farmers and stockmen of Henry County. He owns and operates a well-kept and attractive farm of two hundred thirty-five acres in Fields Creek township, which is located about two miles north of the public square. The place is well improved and the farm buildings are in excellent condition, which bespeaks the painstaking and careful management of Mr. Loudermilk. He is a practical farmer and stockman and well posted in the various intricacies of what is recognized as America's leading industry of today - agriculture. It has been well said that "Food will win the war," and Mr. Loudermilk is one of the food producers to whom this great country has turned in its hour of need and peril.

Arthur C. Loudermilk was united in marriage in 1910 to Miss Mabel Padfield, daughter of J. H. and Amanda Padfield of Clinton, Missouri. To this union have been born three children, as follow: Bertha, married John Biggs, Clinton, Missouri; Mrs. Carrie Todfield, Colorado Springs,

Mr. Loudermilk is one of the substantial men of Henry County. His doctrine has been that a "rolling stone gathers no moss," and in accordance with that precept he has cast his lot with Henry County and stuck to his original plans and today he is regarded as one of the successful men of this county.

Grady Spangler, a progressive young farmer of Fields Creek township, is manager of 900 acres of land, six miles north of Clinton. Mr. Spangler is an extensive breeder of hogs and cattle for the market. He was born October 15, 1894, in Clinton, Missouri, and is the son of James M., and Alice Houston Spangler. James Spangler is a native of Illinois who came to Henry County in 1866, purchasing land here. From time to time, James Spangler has increased his land holdings until he js now one of the large land owners of the county. He is also the president of the Peoples National Bank at Clinton, holding a controlling interest in same. Mr. Spangler's beginning of his successful farming and business relations was in the employ of Captain Curtis of the Curtis Ranch, where for a number of years, Mr. Spangler was its manager. He is now making his home in Clinton, still ably looking after his business affairs. His wife, Mrs. Alice (Houston) Spangler was born near Lewis Station, Missouri, the daughter of Bayard and Catherine (Adamson) Houston, the former deceased and the latter living on a farm near Lewis Station, Missouri.

Mr. and Mrs. James Spangler are the parents of the following children: Georgia, deceased; Catherine E., a teacher in the high school of Clinton, Missouri; Lewis Young, operator of coal mines at Lewis Station, Missouri; David Crockett, near Huntingdale, Missouri, whose sketch appears in this volume; and Grady, the subject of this sketch.

Grady Spangler was educated in the Clinton public schools and Missouri University, at Columbia, Missouri. After his return from the University, Mr. Spangler assumed the management of the present farm and is successfully conducting the same.

May 31, 1917, Mr. Spangler was married to Frances Willard Marseilles a daughter of Drs W. M. and Myrtle (Pickett) Marseilles of Clinton, a sketch of whom appears in this volume. Mrs. Spangler was born February 10, 1898, Brookfield, Missouri, and educated in Clinton High School.

William Childers, is a well-known and prosperous farmer and stockman of Fields Creek township. He is a native son of Henry County, and was born in the township where he now resides, June 14, 1882, a son of W. H. and Martha (Webster) Childers. The father was also born in Henry County, the date of his birth being December 30, 1842. He is a son of Washington Childers, a native of Kentucky, who settled in Henry County in 1842. He spent the remainder of his life here and his remains are interred in a private cemetery on the old Carr homestead. W. H. Childers now resides in Clinton, Missouri, and is seventy-seven years of age. He was a soldier in the Confederate Army during the Civil War, enlisting January 1, 1862, in Captain Beaty's Company. He took part in a number of important engagements and served until the close of the war. He then returned to Henry County and was successfully engaged in farming and stock raising until 1917, when he retired and removed to Clinton. His wife died in April, 1898. They were the parents of the following children: William, the subject of this sketch; John H. ; Mrs. Lillie Burton and Mrs. Mollie Burton, all of whom are deceased, except William.

William Childers was reared on his father's farm in Fields Creek township, and received a good common school education in the district schools.

Since reaching his majority he has been engaged in farming and stock raising and is now the owner of a valuable farm of one hundred seventy-two acres in Fields Creek township, about six and one-halfmiles north of Clinton on the Warrensburg road. The place is well improved with good farm buildings which are modem and commodious.

Mr. Childers was married in 1901 to Miss Bessie Dean, a daughter of William and Elizabeth (Woodruff) Dean, natives of Virginia, and they are both now deceased. They were the parents of the following children: George Edward, Wayside, Kansas; Daisy, married G. A. Lile, Clinton, Missouri; Charles Wallace, deceased; Otis, Nowata, Oklahoma; Earl, Bigheart, Oklahoma and Bessie, married William Childers, the subject of this sketch. Mr. and Mrs. Childers have two children: Andie Otto and Vera Pansy.

Mr. Childers takes a keen interest in local public affairs and has been a member of the school board for a number of years, and a member of the township board. At present he is a member of the Council of Defense. He is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America, and he and Mrs. Childers are members of the Knights and Ladies of Security. The Childers family belong to the Baptist Church, and Mr. Childers is clerk of the local organization, and also a deacon.

F. L. Fellhauer, the well-known assistant postmaster of Clinton, is one of Uncle Sam's capable and obliging officials. Mr. Fellhauer was born in Henry County March 30, 1881. He is a son of D. V. and Leotie (Elledge) Fellhauer. The father was born in Illinois, February 14, 1865, and is now living retired in Clinton, Missouri. Leoti (Elledge) Fellhauer was bom in Henry County, August 20, 1859, and was a daughter of Isaac Elledge, a very early settler of Davis township where he entered lands from the Government. He improved a farm there which he lived upon for sveral years and in later life retired and removed to La Due, where he died in 1903, and his remains were interred in Bear Creek Cemetery. His wife departed this life in 1916 and her remains are also buried in Bear Creek Cemetery.

D. V. and Leoti (Elledge) Fellhauer were the parents of the following children, Bertha Susan, married E. E. Graham and resides in Kansas City, Kansas; F. L., the subject of this sketch; Max E., a mail carrier in Clinton, Missouri; Roy V., resides in Kansas City, Missouri; Jay D., a soldier in the United States Army ; Ira J., deceased ; Elmer B., Clinton, Missouri; Erna, married Roy Todd, Kansas City, Missouri.

F. L. Fellhauer received his education in the public schools and the Montrose High School. He taught school for two years and later attended Colt's Business College at Clinton, Missouri, where he completed the course in shorthand and bookkeeping. He was then employed in Kansas City, Missouri, as a stenographer for two years, when he returned to Clinton. In 1905 he was appointed to a clerkship in the Clinton postoffice and in 1912 became assistant postmaster, and has served in that capacity to the present time.

Mr. Fellhauer was united in marriage in 1911 with Miss Lee Brandenberg, a daughter of A. Y. and Elizabeth (Layton) Brandenberg. The father was a Union veteran of the Civil War and died in California, and the mothel' now resides in Clinton, Missouri. To A. Y. and Elizabeth (Layton) Brandenberg were born the folowing children: Gertrude, married W. Shipley, and lives in Nebraska; E. N., employed in the postoffice at Clinton, Missouri; Jesse maried J. H. Hamilton, Springfield, Missouri; Fred lives at Hamlet, Nebraska; Loretta married C. C. Canan, Clinton, Missouri; John, Clinton, Missouri; Mollie married Charles A. Morton,

Mr. Fellhauer is a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and is one of Henry County's most valued citizens.

Eugene N. Brandenburg, an efficient employee of the Clinton postoffice, who serves in the capacity of money-order clerk, is a native of Illinois. He was bom at Pittwood, Illinois, November 24, 1867, a son of A. Y. and Elizabeth (Layton) Brandenburg, the former a native of Indiana and the latter of Illinois. The Brandenburg family came to Missouri in 1869, and first settled in Polk County. The father was a Union veteran of the Civil War and served for four years in the capacity of first sergeant in the First Illinois Light Artillery. He died at San Monica, California, and his widow now resides in Clinton, Missouri. They were the parents of the following children: Gertrude, married W. Shipley and lives at Hamlet, Nebraska; Eugene N., the subject of this sketch; Jesse, married J. H. Hamilton, Springfield, Missouri; Fred, Hamlet, Nebraska; Sarah, married C. C. Canan, Clinton, Missouri; John, Clinton, Missouri; Mollie, married Charles A. Morton, Kansas City, Missouri; Alonzo, deceased; and Lee, married F. L. Fellhauer, a sketch of whom appeal's in this volume.

Eugene N. Brandenburg was educated in the public schools of Boliver, Missouri, and when twelve years of age went to work in a printing office to learn the printer's trade, which he followed until he was thirty-one years of age. When the Spanish-American War broke out in 1898, he enlisted in Company F, Second Missouri Infantry, and was in camp with his command at Chickamauga Park and Lexington, Kentucky. He was mustered out of service and honorably discharged in October, 1898. He then returned to Clinton, where he was shortly afterwards appointed a mail carrier. He was later transferred to the St. Louis office, where he served for eighteen months. Later he returned to Clinton, where he was appointed a clerk in the postoffice, and has been connected with the Clinton postoffice since that time, having served as money order clerk since 1914.

January 24, 1889, Mr. Brandenburg was united in marriage with Miss Lola Gray, daughter of C. W. and Anna (Graham) Gray of Clinton, Missouri, both of Mrs. Brandenburg's parents are now deceased, and their remains are interred in the Englewood Cemetery. They were the parents of four children: Mrs. Sarah Jessee, Kansas City, Missouri; Mrs. Blanche

Holmes, Kansas City, Missouri; George, San Diego, California, and Lola, the wife of Eugene N. Brandenburg, the subject of this sketch. To Mr. and Mrs. Brandenburg have geen born two children as follow: Harry Gray, bom December 25, 1899, educated in the Clinton High School, enlisted in United States Navy in June, 1917, and is now serving in European waters ; Carter Eugene, at home with his parents ; and Grace, an adopted daughter, at home with her parents.

Samuel Fox, a well-known and successful stockman and farmer of Bogard township, is a native Missourian. He was born in Vernon County, September 11, 1879, a son of John and Mary (Donaldson) Fox. John Fox was a native of Virginia and settled in Vernon County, Missouri, about 1866. He now resides at Eldorado Springs, Missouri. To John and Mary (Donaldson) Fox were born the following children: Lee lives in Kansas; Charles, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; Harve, Corder, Missouri; Edward, a soldier in the United States Army, having enlisted in September, 1917, and after a period of training at Camp Funston, Kansas, he was sent to France in the spring of 1918; Ivan, in West Virginia, in United States service; and Dewey, who resides on the home place, and Mrs. Mary Rix, now deceased.

Samuel Fox was educated in the public schools and remained at home with his parents until he was twenty-one years of age. He has been engaged in farming and stock raising all his life and has resided on his present place in Bogard township, which was the old Thomas McClung homestead. It is a valuable farm of one hundred seventy acres, one mile north of Urich. The place is well improved with a splendid twostory frame residence of eight rooms which was built in 1915. Mr. Fox is quite extensively engaged in the stock business and besides raising cattle and hogs he has a reputation of being one of the leading Shropshire sheep raisers of Henry County. He has a herd of sixty-seven of this breed of sheep and is one of the successful sheep men of this section.

Mr. Fox was married in August, 1905, to Miss Bessie McClung, a daughter of Thomas and Lizzie (McCoy) McClung. The father is now deceased, and the mother resides at Urich, Missouri. They were the parents of the following children: Minnie; Wallace, a soldier in the United States Army; and Bessie, wife of Samuel Fox, the subject of this sketch. To Mr. and Mrs. Fox have been born two children, Ruth and Thomas. The Fox family are prominent in the community and numbered among Henry County's progressive and enterprising citizens.

Robert W. Avery. - The Avery family is one of the oldest and bestknown of the pioneer families in Henry County, their coming to this county dating in the forties. The late Robert W. Avery of Tebo township was a sterling and worthy representative of this old and prominent family. He was born on the old Avery home place in Tebo township June 14, 1851, and was the son of Judge William L. and Sophronia Caroline (Williams) Avery, who were among the earliest of the pioneer families of Henry County.

Mr. Avery was reared to young manhood on the parental farm and received a good education in the district school and was brought up to believe in the best principles of good citizenship. During his entire life he practiced the precepts of honesty and high morality taught him by his excellent parents. He always made his home upon the Avery home place and came into possession of this fine farm through inheritance and purchase. He was a successful live stock dealer as well as a splendid farmer, becoming the owner of three hundred and ninety-nine acres of good land in Tebo township. Mr. Avery departed this life April 27, 1907, sincerely mourned throughout the county as a splendid and upright and industrious citizen who left the community a better place in which to live through the example he set of industrious and right living.

On December 10, 1884, Mr. Avery was united in marriage with Serena Merritt, and to this union were born five children, as follows: Walter C, Pine Bluff, Arkansas; Sidney R., at home; Lyman L., a soldier in the National Army, was in training at Camp McArthur, Waco, Texas, and is now in France; Susan C, at home. The first son of the family died in infancy, born May 1, 1887. Walter C. was born October 28, 1888, married Miss Ethel Woodard, and has three children, Lucille, Louise, Irene: Sidney R. was born August 7, 1893 ; Lyman was born March 3, 1896 ; Susan C. was born February 7, 1902.

The mother of the foregoing children was born in Henry County, March 28, 1861, the daughter of Judge Milton B. and Susan A. (Fewel) Merritt, who were parents of ten children. Judge Milton B. Merritt was born in Tennessee, April 27, 1819, and was an early pioneer of Henry County. He served as county judge for a number of years and was one of the best known men of his day in Henry County. He died March 24, 1906. His widow is now living on the old Merritt home place. She is one of the oldest pioneer women in Henry County, if not the oldest; she is well past ninety-three years of age, having been born June 18, 1825. Mrs. Avery was educated in the district schools and the Warrensburg Normal and is a capable and well-informed lady.

Mr. Avery was a Democrat but took little active interest in political matters. He was contented to strive and create for his family and his home, his interests in life being manly with his home and family to whom he was very devoted, no sacrifice being too great and no endeavors being too much for him to attempt in their behalf.

Benjamin F. Spry, a representative citizen of Bogard township, is a native of Missouri, and a descendant of pioneer parents of this State. Mr. Spry was born in Howard County, September 19, 1881, son of George W. and Elzerne (Shipp) Spiy, both natives of Howard County. The father was born in 1851 and died October 7, 1915, and the mother was born in 1856 and died February 29, 1916, and their remains rest side by side in the Hickory Grove Cemetery. They were both descendants of pioneer families of Howard County, Missouri. To George W., and Elzerene (Shipp) Spry were born the following children: Cowin lives at Macksville, Kansas; Corbin died at age of thirteen years; Ludie May married William Mendenhall, Urich, Missouri; Benjamin F., the subject of this sketch ; Fern W., Rolla C, Bogard township ; and Bessie L., married J. Kellison, Blairstown, Missouri. Fern W. Spry resides with his brother, Benjamin F., his wife having died June 27, 1915. She boi-e the maiden name of Olive B. Stewart. They were married October 2, 1917, and two children were born to this union: Mary Louise, who died in infancy, and Harold F., who is a bright and intelligent little boy of three, and makes his home with his uncle and aunt, Ben and Maude Spry.

Benjamin F. Spry was reared on a farm and educated in the public schools. He remained at home with his parents until he was twenty-two years of age, when he engaged in farming and stock raising for himself. He now owns a farm of two hundred acres in Bogard township, which is one of the well-improved and productive farms of Henry County. In addition to being a successful general farmer he is also engaged in stock raising extensively, and is one of the successful stock feeders of the county.

Mr. Spry was married September 28, 1904, to Miss Maude E. Simpson, a daughter of George and Annie (Kepner) Simpson of Bogard township. To Mr. and Mrs. Spry has been born one daughter, Clara Lee.

W. F. Lear, a native son of Henry County and a prominent farmer and Stock raiser in Bogard township, was born in this township, April 30, 1861. He is a son of Christopher and Minnie (Blazer) Lear, early settlers of Henry County. Christopher Lear was a native of Holland, he came to America when he was eighteen years of age. His method of obtaining passage to America from his native land was considerably out of the ordinary. He arranged with some companions of his to put him in a baiTel and place him on board the vessel as freight. After the vessel had put to sea, his companions were to open the barrel and let him out, which they did. After the commanding officer discovered him, young Lear was required to work to pay his passage until the vessel reached New York, when he was permitted to go his way. This was exactly what he had planned on and in this way succeeded in reaching America. From New York he went to St. Louis and shortly afterwards came to Henry County, and bought land in Bogard township, where he was engaged in farming and stock raising until his death in 1901. He was an industrious man and a good citizen. His widow now lives at Anadarko, Oklahoma. They were the parents of the following children: John, deceased; Henry, deceased; Lizzie married J. H. Tabor. Carbondale, Kansas; W. F., the subject of this review; and Charlotte, who died in infancy.

W. F. Lear was reared in Bogard township and educated in the district schools. He remained at home with his parents until he was married in 1885. In 1887 Mr. Lear purchased a farm in Bogard township, and since that time has been successfully engaged in farming and stock raising. The Lear place contains one hundred twenty acres of valuable and well-improved land, which is located in Bogard township four miles north of Urich. The place is well kept and the farm buildings are in good condition and altogether presents an appearance indicating the thrift and industry of the owner.

Mr. Lear was united in marriage February 3, 1885, to Miss Belle Hendricks, a daughter of M. L. and Nancy (Tabor) Hendricks. He was born in Kentucky in 1834 and came to Henry County with his parents when he was about one year old. M. L. Hendricks was the son of Asa Hendricks, who was truly one of the pioneers of Henry County, and experienced the hardships and vicissitudes incident to pioneer life. He came to Henry County from Kentucky in 1835. He made rails in Lexington one winter for twenty-five cents per hundred, while his wife remained at home in Henry County and cared for the children. Mr. M. L. Hendricks died December 13, 1882, and his wife died November 3, 1911, and their remains are buried on the old Hendricks homestead. To M. L. and Nancy (Tabor) Hendricks were born three children, the oldest of whom died in infancy and the others are: Mrs. W. F. Lear, the subject of this sketch, and Mrs. H. E. Huffman, of Warrensburg, Missouri. To Mr. and Mrs. Lear have been born four children, as follow: Alice married R. C. Spry, Bogard township, Henry County; Clarence N., married Zonie Depew of Bogard township and resides on the home place ; Loy H., now in the service of the United States Navy and after a period of training at the Great Lakes Training Station near Chicago, Illinois he went to France and is stationed at a naval aviation base; and Dora E., who resides at home with her parents.

Mr. Lear is one of the progressive men of Bogard township and one of Henry County's substantial citizens. He is a Republican in politics. Mrs. Lear is a member of the Urich Christian Church, as are Mrs. Alice Spry and Mrs. Dora E. Lear.

John B. Gamlin, proprietor of the "Highland Stock Farm" in Bogard township, is one of the leading farmers and stockmen of this county. Mr. Gamlin is a native of Illinois, born in 1871, a son of John and Elizabeth (Baker) Gamlin, both natives of England. They were married in Illinois in 1866 and ten years later came to Missouri and settled in Pettis County. They resided in that county from 1876 until 1889, when they came to Henry County and settled on a farm in Bogard township, near Blairstown, and they now reside at Raymond, Illinois. They were the parents of the following children : Kate married W. H. Rector, Bogard township; John B., the subject of this sketch; William H. lives at Urich, Missouri ; Matthew resides in Illinois ; Mrs. Mary Burke, deceased ; Joseph lives in Illinois; Mrs. Virgie Gamlin lives in Illinois; Nellie married Ray Henry and lives in Illinois.

John B. Gamlin received his education in the public schools. In 1909 Mr. Gamlin purchased his present place of two hundred acres, which is located about four and one-half miles north of Urich. It is one of the valuable places of western Henry County with a splendid residence and other farm buildings. The place is well watered and adapted to stock raising as well as general farming. Mr. Gamlin raises horses, cattle.

sheep and hogs. He keeps a good grade of Shropshire sheep and Durham and white-face cattle. He is also an extensive breeder of Poland China hogs. Mrs. Gamlin has built up an extensive reputation as a successful chicken raiser. She specializes in White Leghorns, and at this writing has about eight hundred chickens. She has been interested in this line of work for the past five years.

March 16, 1898, John B. Gamlin was united in marriage with Miss Louisa Eller, daughter of H. P. and Martha (Hendricks) Eller of Bogard township. Mrs. Gamlin was born in Bogard township. Her mother is now deceased and her father, who was a native of North Carolina, resides at Urich. To H. P. and Martha (Hendricks) Eller were born the following children: Thomas, deceased; Louisa, wife of John B. Gamlin, the subject of this sketch; Annie, married W. H. Gamlin and resides at Urich, Missouri; Jessie, married Emmett Meinert and lives in Montana; Albert H., now a soldier in the United States Army, a member of Battery A, 348th Field Artillery and located at Camp Lewis, Washington. He enlisted in Montana in the autumn of 1917. To Mr. and Mrs. Gamlin has been born one son, Ray L., who resides at home with his parents, and is one of the competent stockmen of Henry County. He thoroughly understands the stock business and is recognized as one of the competent judges of stock in the county. The Gamlin family rank as one of the leading representative families of this section.

J. O. Cunningham, owner and proprietor of the "Valley Farm," is one of the extensive farmers and stockmen of Henry County. Mr. Cunningham is a native of Illinois. He was born in McLean County November 30, 1864, a son of J. W. and Rachel Elvina (Shaw) Cunningham. The father was a Union veteran of the Civil War and now resides in Iroquois County, Illinois. The mother died in October, 1917. They were the parents of the following children: J. 0. Cunningham, the subject of this sketch ; Emery, Sikeston, Missouri ; John S., Iroquois County, Illinois ; Eva May, married Clarence Hollister, Sikeston, Missouri; Elma, married John Whitlaw, Hastings, Nebraska.