Henry County, Missouri - Biographical sketches, 1919 (part 9 of 17)

In 1854, Abraham Wiley homesteaded 240 acres in Deer Creek township and for the following thirty-four years he made it his home, changing it from a wild timber land, where the deer and buffalo were in their native haunts, to the cultivated fields of waving grain. Mr. Wiley was a carpenter, a trade learned in his youth, and helped in the building of the Baptist Church in Clinton, Missouri, besides various other edifices. He was a leader in the organization of East District school and the South Methodist Church, not alone lending his financial aid but his strong arm as well, in its reconstruction. His moral and religious life was an asset to the community in which he lived and labored.

January 25, 1857, Abraham Wiley married Angeline Woolfolk, who was born April 25, 1833, in Hopkinsville, Kentucky, the daughter of Charles Thomas and Polly Ann (Payne) Woolfolk, natives of Kentucky. They emigrated to Boone County, Missouri, in 1840, and in 1856 they came to Henry County, where they homesteaded in Deer Creek township, where Mrs. Wiley has made her home since her husband's demise. Four children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Abraham Wiley, as follows: Mrs. Nannie McElwrath, deceased wife of Alonzo McElwrath; Maggie, who was postmistress of the Lewis Station from 1902 to 1907, is now living with her mother; Robert G. lives two miles northeast of Clinton; Charles L., a sketch of whom is in this volume. Mrs. Nannie McElwrath left four children: Mrs. Mora Lillian Nesbitt, Deer Creek township; Charles L., merchant at Lewis Station; Helen N. and Hallie.

Mrs. Wiley's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Woolfolk, were slave holders in Kentucky and brought their slaves with them to Missouri. They were in the family until their release after the Civil War. Abraham Wiley, in his capacity of carpenter, helped in the building of the first homes in Clinton, Missouri, and was influential in many of its affairs. He passed away in 1901 in Lewis Station, Missouri, where he had made his home since 1899.

Robert Lee Jones is a successful farmer and an extensive mule dealer of Tebo township, who owns and operates a farm in section 36. Mr. Jones is a young man who gives promise of being one of the leading agriculturists of his community. He was born June 26, 1885, in Tebo township, Henry County, the son of Reuben A. and Fannie (Parks) Jones, who are also farming in Tebo township.

Robert Lee Jones was reared on the home farm and attended the Highland district school and the Calhoun High School. In 1909 he purchased his present farm of sixty-five acres and is conducting a successful farming business. He also is dealing in mules, buying and selling them the year around.

February 17, 1909, Robert L. Jones and Maude Dannatt were united in marriage. She was born in Clinton County, Iowa, und is the daughter of Samuel and Amelia (Rice) Dannatt. Mr. and Mrs. Dannatt, with their family, came to Deer Creek township, Henry County, in 1904 and purchased 120 acres of land, which they farmed until their retirement in 1909, when they moved to Clinton, Missouri. In 1913 they moved to Calhoun, Missouri, where they now reside.

Mr. and Mrs. Jones are the parents of four children as follows: Ethlyn Bonita, Floyd Kenneth, Ada Caroline, and Elsie Wonita. The family are members of the Baptist church and Mr. Jones votes the Democratic ticket. He is one of the substantial and progressive young men of Henry County.

Charles L. Wiley, a progressive farmer and stockman of Deer Creek township, is a descendant of the earliest pioneers of Henry County. Charles Wiley was born August 25, 1871, in Deer Creek township on the old homestead of his parents, Abraham and Angeline (Woolfolk) Wiley. A history of this family appears in this volume.

Charles Wiley received his education in the district schools and very early in life began for himself, by hard work as a farmer. He married Sallie Elizabeth Showalter October 3, 1895. She is the daugh- ter of Jacob and Sarah Belle (Beaty) Showalter, the former born in Ohio January 8, 1840, and "the latter was born in Henry County, Missouri, in 1838. Jacob Showalter served as a soldier in the 128th Indiana Infantry Eegiment of Volunteers, fought in many battles and was wounded at Chattanooga. He came to Henry County not long after the Civil War closed. He died January 8, 1908, and his wife departed this life August 2, 1910. They reared their family in Deer Creek township upon the farm of 382 acres, where their daughter, Mrs. Wiley, now lives. Mrs. Wiley was born on this farm Februaiy 6, 1873, and received her education in the rural schools. She has one sister, Mrs. Lillie Diehl. Three children have come to bless the home of Mr. and Mrs. Wiley. They are: Cecil, now a private in Rahe's Army School, Kansas City, Missouri ; Mary and Walter.

Mr and Mrs. Wiley are the owners of 981 acres of land in Deer Creek and Tebo townships. They are farming 500 acres, and renting the rest to tenants. Mr. Wiley is president of the Bank of Calhoun and school director of district No. 41. He realizes the opportunities of feeding large herds of cattle in his vast acreage, and he does this from year to year, often shipping five and six carloads of beef cattle per year.

Mr. Wiley is a Democrat and a public spirited citizen. In the Red Cross and Liberty Loan drives, he spent many days of his valuable time looking after Uncle Sam's business, as well as his own.

Charles Newman. - For the past fifty years Charles Newman has made his home at his present residence in Deer Creek township. He was born July 1, 1860, in Vemon County, Missouri, the son of Jonathan and Martha J. (Prior) Newman. They were born in Cooper County, Missouri, and Tennessee, respectively. In 1866, they left their home in Vernon County, Missouri, and lived on land in Johnson County for two years ; then they came to Henry County and rented the farm which was originally owned by Abraham Wiley for two years, after which they settled on the "Newman Homestead" in Deer Creek township, and followed their farming activities. Jonathan Newman was a veteran of the Civil War, having served in the Confederate Army. He passed away December 6, 1892, and his wife survived him until 1912.

Charles Newman attended the district school and has always remained on the home farm, looking after its interests and the numberless tasks of conducting it successfully. August 19, 1891, Mr. Newman was married to Columbia J. Goff, the daughter of Lewis I. and Sarah

(Wiley) Goff, who were born in Henrj' County, descendants of pioneer settlers. Mrs. Columbia Newman was bom in Tebo township, August 18, 1862, and received her education in the district schools. Twins, Lewis and Mary, have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Newman. Mary died in infancy and Lewis, born April 21, 1893, became a private in the National Army February 26, 1918, and is now serving in the 354th Infantry Regiment, 89th Division of the United States Army, now "Somewhere in France." Lewis is a member of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons and the Modern Woodmen of America.

Mr. and Mrs. Newman own 241 acres of land. He is not seeking political honors, but exercises his right of franchise by voting the Democratic ticket. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Church, South.

Joseph H. Smith. - Forty-eight years ago Joseph H. Smith came from his old Virginia home and settled upon a tract of timber land in the southwestern part of Leesville township, cleared the land, placed it in cultivation and in the course of time built a good home and beautified his surroundings. During all these years he has been well content to live upon his eighty acre farm engrossed with the duty of rearing and educating his large family of children. He has become well to do, gained wisdom with age, kept himself well informed on the events of the day and takes a keen interest in living and all that is going on in the world.

Joseph H. Smith was born April 21, 1845, in Patrick County, Virginia. He is the son of Foulks and Mary Ann (Handy) Smith, both of whom were members of old Virginia families, the former of English extraction and the latter of German descent. Foulks and Mary Ann Smith were parents of children as follow: Mrs. Lucinda Deatheridge, San Antonio, Texas; Samuel F., a soldier in the Confederate Army, killed in the fighting around Fort Donelson; Mary E., deceased; Ruth, died in early childhood; Joseph H., of this review; George F., a farmer in Leesville township; Mrs. Elitha Warner, living in Nebraska; Mrs. Sarah Alice Smith, deceased ; John L. Smith, a bachelor, lives just south of his brother's place; Mrs. Ida Deatheridge, living on a farm one mile north. Foulks Smith came to Henry County, Missouri, in 1871 and spent his last day* among his children, dying in October, 1878, at the age of sixty-eight years.

Joseph H. Smith enlisted in 1861 in Company A, 50th Regiment Virginia Infantry of the Confederate Army and served until the surrender of General Lee. He fought in the following battles : Fort Donelson, Fred- ericksburg, Sharpsburg, Winchester, Gettysburg, the Seven Days Battle of the Wilderness, besides many skirmishes and minor engagements. He was twice slightly wounded in battle. During a skirmish in Blackwater, Virginia, General Pryor was in command of the division. The Confederates were encamped near the enemy in a grove in the fall of the year. The night was rather chilly. Some of the soldiers woke up, stirred the smouldering fires, and before daylight the enemy captured the picket posts. An attack followed. The camp woke up and began to defend themselves. Shells began to come thick and fast. The Confederates were all surprised and excited but finally got in line for battle. Colonel Poague, commander of the regiment, was killed during the first part of the attack by the Unionists. As the men were lined up ready to begin the fight and repulse the Unionists and the firing was becoming faster and faster, all along the line, just at sunrise, General Pryor came riding down the line. Joseph H. Smith was standing munching away at a roasted sweet potato. He was still somewhat excited especially over the death of Colonel Poague, yet could find time to eat. As the general came near the young soldier he called out: "General, did you know that Colonel Poague was killed?" The general stopped his horse, eyed the soldier boy and his big sweet potato, and said : "Did you ever hear of a war but what somebody was killed? Please give me part of that potato." The general took half of the sweet potato and the fighting went on.

Returning to his home after the close of the war Mr. Smith found the whole country devastated, farms ruined, people penniless, business stagnant, and the outlook for the future so discouraging that he deemed it useless to try to make a new start. Added to these drawbacks was the restless feeling which possessed the returned soldier, who had been use to stirring outdoor life for four years. He decided to come West. Accordingly, in the fall of 1866, he came to Henry County, Missouri, with little capital and began the improvement of his fine farm, which he purchased in 1870, in Leesville township. During over half a century he has been one of the respected and influential figures in the citizenship of Henry County and is widely known for his progressiveness.

Mr. Smith was married in 1869 to Mrs. Frances Helen (Parks) Nichols, a widow. The children born to this marriage are: Ida Lee, a teacher in Colorado ; Hugh A., holding a professorship as head of the department of romance and languages at Wisconsin University, Madison, Wisconsin, holds a master's and doctor's degree and has studied at Harvard Uni- versity; Elmer, living in Iowa; Pinckney, who studied at the Missouri University; John M., a farmer in Leesville township; Audrey, wife of Professor Lionberger, Norris, Henry County; Mrs. Mary Jewett Poague, Benton County, Missouri ; Norma, a teacher in the public schools of Colorado; Winifred and Helen, at home with their parents, and are teachers. Every member of this family has taught school, excepting Elmer. Each of the children has attended high school, either at Windsor, Clinton or Appleton City. Mrs. Frances Helen Smith, mother of this fine family, was born in Henry County in 1854, and is the daughter of Mrs. Catherine Nichols, a widow who came to Henry County during the early thirties.

The Democratic party has always had the firm support of Mr. Smith, and he has always taken a keen interest in political matters, although he has never been a seeker after political preferment. The cause of education has generally been uppermost in his desires and he has lent his energies and influence toward the building of good schools in his neighborhood and has always been emphatically in favor of better educational advantages for the young. He was one of the leaders in the movement which culminated in the erection of a more modern building in his school district and is a firm friend of good schools. He is affiliated with the Presbyterian Church. Keen, intelligent, well posted on everyday events, he is a fine conversationalist who impresses one with his progressive ideas and broad outlook upon life.

Fred Batschelet. - Fifty-six years ago, Fred Batschelet, pioneer settler and large land owner of Davis township, left the old home of his parents in Switzerland and crossed the ocean to America in search of fortune and a permanent home. After some years, he found what he was desiring in Henry County, Missouri, and besides having accumulated a fortune in land and money, he has contributed one of the largest families of the county to the land of his adoption. Were the fact that he has reared a large family of fourteen children to sturdy manhood and womanhood the only thing which he had accomplished, he would still be worthy of an honored place in the historical annals of his adopted county. This is not all, however. Before Mr. Batschelet had learned the language and customs of his adopted country, and before he had obtained a foothold here in the making of his own career, he offered his services in behalf of the preservation of the Union, and is one of the few remaining Union veterans in Henry County.

Switzerland, and is the son of Benedict and Elizabeth (Weber) Batschelet, who were parents of five children. Benedict and Elizabeth Batschelet lived and died in the land of their nativity. Fred Batschelet was reared to the life of a farmer, but learned the baker's trade in his youth. In 1862 he immigrated to America and first settled in Illinois where he remained for three years. During the last year of the Civil War he served in the Union Army in Company A of the 40th Missouri Volunteer Infantry Regiment. For a time he was detailed to provost guard duty in the South.

While a citizen of Illinois, he was married and sometime later he located in St. Louis. In the year 1870 he, with his brother John, came to Henry County and invested in a tract of 106 acres. The brothers cultivated this tract in partnership for about four years and then each undertook to farm for himself. From this small beginning, Mr. Batschelet has accumulated an entire section of land, or 640 acres.

Mr. Batschelet was married in 1866 at Highland, Illinois, to Miss Anna Pfister, who was born in Switzerland, April 30, 1848, and came to America when a child with her parents who settled at Highland, Illinois. Fourteen children have been born to this union, as follows: Fred and Godf red, twins, born in Illinois, are farmers in Davis township ; John, a farmer, living near Lewis Station; Benedict, a farmer in Davis township; Minnie, wife of Daniel Dehn, Clinton township; Robert, lives in Oklahoma; Albert, a farmer in Bear Creek township; William, Davis township; Anna, wife of W. E. Hillebrand, Davis township; Mary, wife of Allen Mitchell, living on a farm near Montrose ; Caroline, Bertha, Edward, and Rosa, at home with their parents.

Mr. Batschelet is a Republican and has been active in civic affairs in his township during his long years of residence here. - He assisted in the organization of School District No. 42 and is a valuable citizen. Three years ago he retired from active farm labor, advancing years compelling him to relinquish much of his activity which had brought him prosperity during the years in which he has been farming in Henry County. He is a member of the Reformed Church. Few men can look back over a lifetime of endeavor and point to a better record of achievement than can Mr. Batschelet.

Jacob A. Marks. - In the death of the late Jacob A. Marks of Davis township, Henry County lost a good, industrious citizen, who stood high in the community and ranked among the real old settlers of this county, and western Missouri.

Jacob A. Marks was born in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, May 10, 1846, and departed this life at his home in Davis township, May 10, 1917. He was the son of John and Susanna (Schroeder) Marks, natives of Pennsylvania, and of Pennsylvania Dutch extraction. The Marks family, consisting of the parents and six children, came to Henry County in 1866. During the iirst years of his residence here, Mr. Marks worked as a farm laborer. At the time of his marriage to Susan M. Hibler, he settled upon an eighty-acre tract which his wife had inherited from the Hibler estate. This tract, Mr. and Mrs. Marks improved and increased to a total of 200 acres. Mr. Marks was an industrious and enterprising farmer and stockman and a successful citizen. His death was a distinct loss to the county.

On December 11, 1876, Jacob A. Marks and Susan M. Hibler were united in marriage and this marriage was blessed with ten children, as follows: The first child died in infancy; Maud, wife of David Burdick, Nevada, Missouri, mother of four children, Roy Marks, Margaret Ellen, Mildred Ruth, Leland Wilson; Thomas H., Kansas City, Missouri; Charlotte, wife of G. L. Gregory, San Diego, California, has one child, Leon G. ; Laura B., deceased; James B., farming the home place; Samuel, an enlisted man on the U. S. S. Wisconsin, United States Navy; Ruth V., Rolla B., and George Dewey, at home with their mother.

Mrs. Susan M. (Hibler) Marks was born in Walker township, Henry County, August 11, 1856, and is the daughter of Henry R. Hibler, one of the best known of the early pioneer settlers of Henry County, a sketch of whom appears in connection with that of Joseph F. Hibler of Walker township. Henry Hibler was an extensive stockman and a large land owner, who in the early pioneer days drove herds of cattle for the settlers to St. Louis and there disposed of them in the stock markets. Mrs. Hibler is capably managing her estate of 200 acres, and is also interested in the Dixie Oil Company, a producing and dividend paying oil company of Kansas. She is also a stockholder in the Sedalia Packing Company.

Mr. Marks was a Democrat and served as justice of the peace of Davis township. He was a member of the Methodist Church South and lived a Christian and upright life. He was affiliated with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. His descendants have just cause to be proud of his career as a citizen, an exemplary, honorable man in every sense that the words imply ; he was likewise a kind husband and a good father.

Charles Jacobs Simonds, a successful dairyman of Henry County, was bom March 16, 1873, in Palmyra, McCoupin County, Illinois, the son of Charles Granby and Mary J. (McConthey) Simonds. They were the parents of four children, and by a former marriage to Elizabeth McConthey, sister of Mary McConthey, Mr. Simonds had three children. Charles G. Simonds was born May 1, 1831, in Roodhouse, Green County, Illinois, and followed farming in that county until his removal to Cass County, Missouri, in 1878. He is a son of Joshua and Lulu Ann Simonds, the former a native of New York, where he was born January 8, 1802. In the very early days, and the opening up of Illinois, Joshua Simonds came to Roodhouse, Illinois, and conducted a general merchandise store, where he died September 10, 1834. Charles G. Simonds, his son, passed away November 12, 1902, in Ft. Scott, Kansas.

Charles Jacobs Simonds received his education in the rural schools of Cass County and the schools of Harrisonville and Warrensburg, Missouri. In 1899, he rented land in Cass County and continued to farm until 1902, when he came to Henry County and purchased the Thomas Gray farm, east of Calhoun. The following year he disposed of this land and purchased his present farm. He built a new house and made various other improvements.

The marriage of Charles Simonds and Lulu Alta Funk was solemnized, September 26, 1899, in Cass County. Mrs. Simonds was born May 9, 1878, in Cass County, a daughter of Joseph and Mary F. (Swank) Funk. Joseph Funk was born July 5, 1845, in Wheeling, West Virginia, and his wife was bom November 22, 1850, in Virginia. They now reside on their farm in Cass County, Missouri.

Mr. and Mrs. Simonds are the parents of six children: Marion Ashby, Joseph Charles, Mary Eunice, Perry Lawrence, Linneus Albert and Lulu Alta, all of whom are at home vdth their parents.

For the past six years, Mr. Simonds has been conducting a dairy business and his herd of Jersey cattle is increasing year by year with corresponding increase in the financial gains. He operates 250 acres of land, 200 acres of which he owns. Mr. Simonds is a Democrat, and is a member of the school board. He is a stockholder in the Farmers Elevator at Calhoun, and a member of the Mystic Workers.

John Tubbesing. - The rich farming lands of Henry County have been attractive to farmers of other counties and we find many men from other places coming here and purchasing this land for their homes. One of those who has made Henry County his home is John D. Tubbesing, a prominent farmer and stockman, who was born May 23, 1866, in Franklin County, Missouri, a son of William F. and Anna Tubbesing. For a more complete record of this family, see sketch of William Tubbesing, which appears in this volume.

John Tubbesing was reared in Franklin and Jefferson counties, Missouri, and in 1890 came to Henry County, where he rented land for one year, and afterwards returned to Jefferson County.

In April, 1891, John D. Tubbesing and Zetta Fox were married and in 1897 came to Henry County to set up their home. They purchased eighty acres of land in Tebo township, section 30, and later purchased their present farm. In the years gone by sons and daughters have come to bless their home as follow: Freddie and Edward, deceased; Lena, Herman, Lizzie, William, John and Harry at home with their parents. The mother of this family was born in September, 1866, in Jefferson County, Missouri, the daughter of John Fox, an early settler in Jefferson County, where he and his wife now reside.

Mr. Tubbesing is a breeder of Shorthorn cattle and owns 292 acres of land. He is a stockholder of the Farmers Elevator Company of Clinton, Missouri, and one of the substantial citizens of Henry County. He is public spirited and enterprising and has made good.

Edward F. Cuthrell is a successful farmer of Tebo township, who owns 590 acres of well improved land. This farm of generous proportions had its nucleus in 240 acres purchased in 1902 and Mr. Cuthrell has added to it until he has 590 acres of good farm land. Mr. Edward F. Cuthrell was born in Davie County, North Carolina, December 17, 1875, the son of James F. and Nettie (McBride) Cuthrell. James Cuthrell was a native of North Carolina and served in the Confederate Army for a short while, but was discharged because of disability. He was a tiller of the soil and lived to an advanced age, passing away in 1911. His wife, also a native of North Carolina, survived him until June, 1917, when she was laid away.

Edward F. Cuthrell remained in his native State until he was seventeen years of age, when he came to Clinton, Missouri, in 1892 and received employment as a farm hand. After five years of work as a farm hand Mr. Cuthrell in 1897 rented land for himself, until by dint of hard labor and economy, he was able to purchase the 240 acres, the nucleus of the present farm, in 1902. He made needed improvements, buildinga large bam 64x100 feet in extent and various other outbuildings.

February 3, 1894, Edward Cuthrell and Emma Gilkerson were united in marriage, and are the parents of the following children: Hattie, wife of E. Wilson, farmer of Tebo township; Taylor, a soldier in the United States Army; Rolla, in the United States Navy; Elmer, in Iowa; Alpha, Edward, EfRe and Pauline at home with their father. The mother of this family, Mrs. Emma (Gilkerson) Cuthrell, was bom in 1878 in Fields Creek township, Henry County, the daughter of Charles and Mollie (Page) Gilkerson, the former a native of Henry County and the latter of Lafayette County, Missouri. They live in California. In June, 1910, Mrs. Cuthrell passed away and her younger daughters are shouldering the responsibility of the home making since her demise.

Mr. Cuthrell has been an extensive breeder of jacks, road horses, Percheron and Belgian horses for twenty years. He has been a member of the Methodist Church since childhood.

John H. Royston. - "Uncle John Henry" Royston, as he was lovingly called by his friends, was one of the upright and conscientious men who make for the betterment of mankind. He was a devout member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church and always active in religious work. His friends and rlatives who honor his memory say that he was never known to use profanity. Such a man was the late John H. Royston, who was born May 12, 1827, and departed this life February 2, 1898. John Royston left his birthplace, Caroline County, Virginia, with his parents, Thomas W. and Susannah Royston, when a very young child. They first located in Monroe County, Missouri, and remained there until 1841, when they came to Henry County, Missouri, locating on the Grand River in the southeastern part of the county. They were God-fearing people who put their whole trust in His care, knowing that He cared for them among the wild and uninhabited lands of Missouri, as well as the more thickly settled part of their native State. They impressed their lives upon their son, who followed so faithfully his. early training.

John Royston was one of those "forty-niners" who left their homes and families and crossed the plains to California. He left Clinton April 16, 1849, and arrived in California August 8, 1849. Many never returned, but Mr. Royston came back to his old home and was married to Rachel Harris September 5, 1855. She was bom June 29, 1836, in Charitan County, Missouri, and was reared by Major Daniel Ashby of Mexican and Indian War fame. Major Ashby was one of the early men in the county and won for himself, through his bravery and uprightness, a name honored by Henry County people.

Mr. and Mrs. Royston set up their home on the present farm in Deer Creek township and reared their sons and daughters, as follow: Mollie, at home; George, manager of the old home place, was born December 28, 1857, in Deer Creek township, educated in the district school and has devoted his best energies to the farming business, knowing Nature in all of her moods and how best to woo the crops from her unwilling hand. He owns 160 acres of land in partnership with his brother, John E., the farm being known as the Royston Brothers farm. The other children are Grace D., deceased; Samuel and Susan, deceased; Anna, at home; Thomas W., in Oklahoma; John E. and Mora at home. Mrs. Royston, at the advanced age of eighty-two years, is still active in her home and a blessing to her children.

Politically Mr. Royston was a staunch Democrat and sei'ved as county assessor two terms in the eighties. In every capacity that Mr. Royston served, he lent the color of his upright life, doing things in such a manner that while they were unobtrusive, still they lingered in the hearts of his friends and acquaintances.

Jasper M. Anderson, a Civil War veteran and a descendant of one of the pioneer families of Missouri, is a native of Henry County. He was born May 28, 1844, on the farm which is now owned by G. L. Park. He is a son of Isaac and Eliza (Sharp) Anderson, natives of Tennessee. The Anderson family came to Missouri and settled on the Blackwater River in what is now Johnson County in 1832. They remained there about one year, coming to Henry County in 1833 and settling in Big Creek township. The father died in 1858 and the mother in 1879. They were the parents of the following children : Mrs. Elizabeth Swift, Mrs. Jane Moody, Mrs. Sarah Middleton, James M., Francis Marion, Isaac, all deceased except J. M., the subject of this review; William P., deceased; Mrs. Carrie Murphy, Joplin, Missouri; Mrs. Ehza Ellison, Kansas City, Missouri; E. W., deceased, and Cynthia, died in infancy.

J. M. Anderson grew to manhood amidst the pioneer surroundings of Henry County and received his education in the old log school house of that time. When the Civil War broke out he enlisted in the Confederate Army. He participated in the battle of Lone Jack and in that engagement received a gunshot wound in the left shoulder. After his recovery from the wound he rejoined his command and took part in a number of other engagements including the battles of Pea Ridge, Prairie Grove and a number of other skirmishes and lesser engagements. He served under Gen. Sterling Price and when the war closed he was in Texas. Shortly afterwards he returned to Henry County, which has been his home ever since. He is one of the successful farmers and stockmen of Big Creek township, and one of Henry County's leading citizens. He has a splendid farm of one hundred fifty acres of well improved land, which is conveniently located three and One-half miles southeast of Blairstown.

Mr. Anderson has been twice married. He was first married in 1877 to Miss Hester Webster, a daughter of James Webster, a pioneer of Big Creek township, both of whom are now deceased. To Mr. Anderson's first marriage were born the following children: Claud, Maud and Stella, all deceased ; Jessie, now the wife of Walter Waugh of Maurine, Missouri ; Martha, who resides at home, and Richard, Urich, Missouri. Mrs. Hester Anderson died in 1888. Mr. Anderson's present wife, whom he married September 12, 1897, bore the maiden name of Bettie Cox, a daughter of Thomas Cox of Big Creek township. He was a native of Montgomery County, Missouri, and his wife of Shelby County, Kentucky. They are both now deceased. Mrs. Anderson is one of the following childi'en born to her parents: Eugene, lives in California; Mrs. Ida Morton, Nevada, Missouri; Homer, California; Bettie, the wife of J. M. Anderson, and Charles, who lives in California.

Frank P. Diehl, a progressive young farmer and stockman of Deer Creek tovraship, has proven that this country is still a land of opportunity, that it is a land where one may start at the lowest rung of the ladder and by industry, succeed to an unexpected degree. Mr. Diehl is the owner of 935 acres of the finest improved land in Henry County. Eighteen years ago he purchased 160 acres of land in Deer Creek township. Prior to that he owned 335 acres of land from the estate of J. Showalter. Year by year he has added to his land holdings until he is now farming 935 acres of land won through his efforts and initiative. He has increased his herds of cattle each year as he has increased his acreage for their care and now is shipping from two to four carloads of cattle each year.

Frank P. Diehl was born February 20, 1869, in Monroe County, Ohio, the son of John C. and Sophia (Newhart) Diehl, who are retired farmers living at Clinton, Missouri. John C. Diehl was born July 3, 1835, in Germany and when an infant came with his parents to the United States.

They settled in Pennsylvania, later moving to Ohio, where they remained as leading agriculturists of their community. John C. Diehl answered his country's call during the Civil War and served in an Ohio regiment.

To John C. Diehl and Sophia Newhart were born twelve children, ten of whom grew to maturity, eight boys and two girls. In 1881 Mr. and Mrs. John C. Diehl came to Deer Creek township, Henry County, and purchased 160 acres of land, tilling the soil until their retirement a few years ago. Frank P. Diehl was a lad of twelve years when his parents came to Henry County and he attended the district school, and later he supplemented his education by attending the Lamkin Academy at Clinton. After finishing school Mr. Diehl worked as a carpenter in southwestern Colorado. For some time he was employed as a bookkeeper in a lumber yard and was interested in silver mining. After spending six years in the west he came home on a visit and has never returned.

February 20, 1895, Mr. Diehl was married to Lillie Showalter, who was bom in Henry County, February 23, 1869, the daughter of Jacob Showalter, who was amongst the earliest pioneers in Henry County, a sketch of whom appears in this volume. Four children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Diehl as follow: Opal, now Mrs. H. Brockway of Calhoun; Hazel, Thelma and Virgil, residing at home.

Frank P. Diehl is an extensive buyer and feeder of beef cattle, shipping many carloads each year. He may be justly proud of his achievements during his short stay on the farm. He has one of the finest improved farms in the county and ranks high as a farmer and stockman. Politically he is a Democrat and he is a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. He is a stockholder in the Bank of Calhoun.

John Batschelet, a successful and leading young farmer of Deer Creek township, Henry County, is following in the footsteps of his ancestors, who were tillers of the soil. They were among the early pioneer settlers of the township and John Batschelet is a native son of Henry County. He was born in Davis township, Henry County, November 13, 1870, a son of Frederick Batschelet, further mention of whom is made elsewhere in this volume.

John Batschelet was reared on a farm and received his education in the Willow Branch district school. He then engaged in farming as his vocation. In 1912 he purchased 200 acres in Deer Creek township and has made his home upon it since. He carries on general farming and

In 1911 Mr. Batschelet was married to Mary Neil, a daughter of Alex Neil of La Due, Missouri. She was born on a farm near La Due, Missouri, in 1882. One child, John K., has been born to Mr. and Mrs. Batschelet.

Mr. Batschelet is a stockholder in the Farmers Elevator of Clinton, Missouri, and he is one of Henry County's progressive, public spirited and substantial citizens. The success that he has attained is due to hard work and close attention to business.

David L. Burch, now deceased, was born in Putnam County, West Virginia, October 29, 1833, and came to Deer Creek township, Henry County, in 1851. He was only a lad of eighteen when he left the parental roof to homestead his land in this township. It was here that he met and married a daughter of one of the earliest pioneer families. She was Frances Finks, who was born Februaiy 15, 1832, and married David Burch December 18, 1856. Her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Mark F. Finks, were natives of West Virginia and among the earliest of the brave pioneers of Henry County. Mr. and Mrs. Burch made their home upon the homestead the husband had acquired and prepared for his bride. They had two children, Thornton D. and George. Their lives after years of labor and joy in each others companionship were brought to a close upon their farm. Mr. Burch died February 21, 1915 and his wife June 7, 1896.

Thornton D. Burch was born October 14, 1857, in Deer Creek township, Henry County, on the farm on which he now resides. He attended the rui-al school of his district and in 1892 opened up a general merchandise store at Lewis Station, Missouri, continuing in this until he took charge of the estate of his deceased parents in November, 1916.

His brother, George Burch, was born January 18, 1859, in Deer Creek township and is now farming near Lewis Station. He married Bodicia I. Miller, born September 4, 1863. They are the parents of seven children, as follow: Rolla W., born September 23, 1883; Nannie E., born August 26, 1885, is the wife of Thomas Wiley, a farmer of Deer Creek township; Homer W., born April 10, 1888, farming the Miller farm in Deer Creek township; Lena, born February 6, 1890, died November 5, 1890; Marshall, bom February 4, 1892, married Maude Carroll, at home with his parents ; David A., bom March 1, 1896, and Lyman are at home with their parents.

Thornton Burch and his brother, George, are interested in the breeding and raising of a herd of Polled Angus cattle, which are of a high grade.

The marriage of Thornton D. Burch and Nannie Spencer was solemnized February 27, 1883. Mrs. Burch was born October 27, 1855, in Perry County, Ohio, and with her parents, Francis M. and Martha (Wirick) Spencer, who were natives of Ohio, came to Henry County in 1868. They resided near Clinton for some time, but later made their home upon a farm in Deer Creek township, where their deaths occurred. Mr. and Mrs. Thornton Burch have no children. Politically Mr. Burch is a Democrat and he is a member of the Methodist Church, South.

David Burch and his good wife, who spent so many years upon their farm in Deer Creek township, were loved and honoi'ed by their friends and acquaintances. Their sons, Thornton and George Burch, are also progressive citizens, tilling the soil and adding to the financial and moral uplift of the community.

James S. Thomas. - The history of Henry County is founded on the histories of those intrepid men and women who came to her fertile lands when the buffalo and wild deer were unmolested in their native haunts. When the slow ox team was the safest and fastest means of locomotion, and neighbors few and far between. The homes were hewed from the native logs and the clearing plowed to plant the corn and wheat. Among such surroundings James S. Thomas was born March 21, 1856, the son of Cornelius and Sarah (Neathery) Thomas.

Cornelius Thomas was born in Virginia August 12, 1813, and was reared in Cumberland and Clinton Counties, Kentucky, where his parents lived during his childhood. Cornelius Thomas was married to Sarah Neathery, who was born in Clinton County, Kentucky, November 23, 1823. In 1844 they left their home in Kentucky and by steamship came up the Missouri river to Lexington, Missouri, where they loaded their household effects and farm machinery, such as it was, upon ox driven wagons. Upon their arrival in Tebo township they commenced their home building and Mr. Thomas was kept very busy in clearing the land and reclaiming it for the production of the corn and wheat which has placed Missouri in the front ranks of States excelling in the production of foodstuffs.

family over many days and weeks at a time. During the Civil War, the conditions were very hard for those left at home as well as for those at the front, but the men and women, by strict economy braved those stressful times and continued after the war in the rebuilding of the farms and homes. Mr. and Mrs. Thomas lived to see the results of their early struggles and enjoy the pleasures of peace and plenty in later years. Mr, Thomas was laid away May 15, 1876, and his wife survived him until February 12, 1898. They were the parents of ten children, eight of whom are living, as follow: Elizabeth, resides with her brother, James; Exeoney, wife of Esley Hornbai-ger, living in Big Creek township; Martha A., widow of F. Land at Rockyford, Colorado ; Harriet F., widow of W. M. McBride, Fort Morgan, Colorado; James, subject of this sketch; Walter, farmer of Tebo township; Charles, Denver, Colorado; Nannie, wife of Seymour S. Morgan, Juneau, Alaska.

James Thomas was reared and educated in Tebo township and knows every crook and cranny of his farm, as it has been his home all of his life. He began his farming career very young, as he was only nine years of age when he, with the help of an older brother, plowed, his brother guided the plow and he drove the oxen.

In 1890, Mr. Thomas commenced to buy the land of his present farm from the heirs and in 1898 it was all his own, consisting of 180 acres. He has since added 206 acres, making .386 acres in all. March 8, 1899, James Thomas and Addie McAfoose were married and have two children: Winona, born August 16, 1902, and Arthur, born June 9, 1909. Mrs. Thomas was born September 6, 1874, in Henry County, the daughter of Daniel and Maggie (King) McAfoose. They were natives of Pennsylvania and came to Henry County in 1868. They lived in Lewis Station and are now deceased.

Mr. Thomas has raised great numbers of hogs and cattle for the market but has not raised so many in recent times. He owns 386 acres of land, twenty acres of which is in the natural timber. He is a stockholder of the Calhoun Elevator and also a stockholder in the packing plant at Sedalia, Missouri. He fraternizes with the Modern Woodmen of America, located at Calhoun, Missouri, and politically is a Democrat.

James England. - Henry County is dotted with coal mines from east to west and from north to south. There are many men employed in this industry. Some of the owners have a number of mines in operation, others only a few, but wherever they are men are kept employed the year around, mining this needful fuel. James England operates two mines near Deepwater, Missouri, in Clinton township. He was born November 24, 1862, in St. Louis, Missouri, the son of William England and Sarah (Eccles) England. William England was born in Nottinghamshire, England, in 1837 and in 1857 sailed from his native shores to the United States.

From the Mississippi Valley he set out afoot to the western part of Wyoming. He spent eighteen months in that vast wild unexplored land. Then, after many exciting experiences with the Indians, and no shelter over his head but the stars, he made his return trip on foot again, locating in St. Louis, afterward moving to Bellville, Illinois, where he made his home until 1885, when he came to Henry County, Missouri, locating four miles east of Clinton. He made improvements on the land which he purchased, and developed the mine of coal, which is still being operated. He was married to Sarah Eccles in St. Louis, Missouri. She was a native of Staffordshire, England, bom in 1840. Her parents emigrated to this country in 1847, locating near Council Bluffs, Iowa, later moving to St. Louis. She passed away in 1889 and her husband in 1907. They had the following children: James, the subject of this sketch; William, Joseph, Edmund, Sarah Jane, Elizabeth Ann and Mary, all living on the old home farm except Mary, who departed this life in 1904, being the wife of James H. Cheatham at the time of her death.

James England received his education in Bellville, Illinois, and in company with his father had become interested in coal mining. After his marriage on June 28, 1884, to Hannah Jervis, who was born May 1, 1863, in Derbyshire, England, the young couple came to Henry County and located near Deepwater, Missouri. They are the parents of four children : Mary, a teacher of the Powersville, Missouri, school. She graduated from the Deepwater High School, Warrensburg Normal and was a student of Missouri University. Miss England was superintendent of the Powersville school and favorably known by Uel Lamkin, editor and author of this history. William C. and Harry are assisting their father in the work of the coal mines ; Lillian, wife of Earl Huey, makes her home in Deepwater, Missouii. Mr. England is the owner of 117 acres of well improved land which he fanns in connection with his mining interests. He leases 200 acres of land for the mining operations, in which he has two coal mines, employing thirty men. Mr. England is an independent Republican in his politics. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias Lodge and the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons.

Walter Clifton is a well known and successful breeder of Shorthorn cattle who is farming 156 acres of land in Clinton township. This land was homesteaded by his parents, James and Mary (Clifton) Clifton before the Civil War. James Clifton was born December 25, 1819, in South Carolina, and his wife was born in the same State January 5, 1824. They were the parents of ten children. Walter Clifton, whose name introduces this review, is the only living member of this large family.

Mr. and Mrs. Clifton lived in Perry County, Missouri, where they were employed in farming and dealt in cattle previous to coming to Henry County. They homesteaded 160 acres in Clinton township, clearing the land of its native timber and building their log cabin in the clearing, where the sons and daughters were reared. Mr. Clifton would buy large lots of hogs and cattle and drive them across country to St. Louis, Missouri, for the eastern markets. On his return trip he brought freight for the settlers. Mr. Clifton was a public spirited citizen and ever eager to lend his influence to the organizations which were an uplift to the community. He was a charter member of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of Clinton. He passed away in Henry County January 15, 1879. His wife, who was bom in South Carolina January 5, 1824, survived him nearly twenty years, passing away February 5, 1899. They were devout members of the Methodist Church.

Walter Clifton was born in St. Louis, Missouri, August 5, 1863, on one of the trips that his parents made to St. Louis with their cattle. His life was spent upon the farm and he was educated in the district school. His first employment as a farm hand netted him fifty cents a day and he often cut broom corn for seventy-five cents a day.

After his parents' death Mr. Clifton purchased the home place from the other heirs and built all new buildings in accordance with the modem needs. In 1916 he started his herd of Shorthorn cattle and expects to specialize in this breed.

Walter Clifton married Miss Anna Neil November 21, 1894. She is the daughter of Alex and Augusta (Haraagel) Neil, the former a native of Iowa and the latter of Germany, coming to the United States with her parents when she was an infant. They are now retired and live at La Due, Missouri. Mrs. Clifton was bom April 7, 1873, in Upton, Missouri, and was educated in the schools of this State.

Charles William Gaines. - In the passing of Charles William Gaines the city of Clinton and Henry County lost one of its most worthy citizens, judged by every standard of worth. Mr. Gaines was a man of strong and vigorous mind ; a citizen who had the courage of his convictions and was ever ready to defend his expressed convictions which were usually of a decisive character. While modest, reserved to a considerable degree in his character and demeanor, he permitted his chosen friends to occasionally cross the threshold of his inner soul and they, the few who were admitted to this inner sanctuary, saw inherent, noble qualities which were generally hidden from the world. The real Charles W. Gaines possessed a fund of quiet humor, a wealth of good fellowship and made an ideal companion, joining good humor and good sense. In the bosom of his family he was a well read companion endowed with a literary taste, which led him to accumulate a store of literary knowledge and to fill his home with good books and literary treasures. He was possessed of a strong and practical mind, his logic and experience enabling him to make quick decisions and right conclusions. In eveiy gathering of men, Mr. Gaines was esteemed and welcomed for his manly qualities and sterling worth.

His life was a success from practically every point of view with which we are apt to judge successful citizenship. A leader among the capitalists of Henry County and western Missouri, a diligent and practical agriculturist who tilled his broad acres so as to bring forth the acme of production, his life labors were of decided benefit to the community in which he was reared to manhood and where his life was spent.

Charles William Gaines, a late resident of Clinton, was the owner of valuable farming property in Henry County, his holdings aggregating two thousand acres. He was born in Henry County January 16, 1864, a son of Richard F. and Margaret (Stone) Gaines. The father, a native of Cumberland County, Kentucky, was born in 1839, while the mother's birth occurred in Henry County, Missouri, in 1841. She was a daughter of Judge John Stone, one of the ante bellum pioneers, a member of the famous Stone family, who removed to Henry County in 1839 from North Carolina. The Stone family were very prominent in the early history of Henry County. In early life Richard F. Gaines became a farmer and stockdealer. About 1854 he removed to Missouri, settling in Saline County, and in 1860 came to Henry County, where the grandfather of our subject purchased the farm which was owned by Charles W. Gaines. Rich- aid F. Gaines was largely reared in this State and became an extensive land owner and stock dealer. His father had been a large slave owner in the South. After the war Richard F. Gaines took charge of the estate and continued thereon until his death in 1891. He dealt extensively in cattle and also in mules during the Civil War. His father owned eight hundred acres of land, to which Richard F. Gaines kept adding from time to time, as his financial resources permitted, until he had about three thousand acres in Henry and St. Clair Counties, the extensive tract being devoted to general farming. He was a man of excellent business ability, energetic and far-sighted, and carrying forward to a successful completion whatever he undertook. He lost his first wife in 1868 and was married again to Emily D. Merritt, a daughter of Judge M. B. Merritt of Henry County. Mr. Gaines' death occurred in March, 1891.

Charles W. Gaines was a pupil in the district schools of Henry County and afterward attended the Fayette Central College. He was twentyseven years of age when his father died and was made administrator of the estate, which was settled up two years later. He then engaged in the live stock business, feeding, shipping and selling stock, and, like his father, won substantial success. His business affairs prospered under his capable direction and in matters of business judgment he was seldom if ever at fault. He became owner of two thousand acres of valuable farm land and gave his personal supervision to its cultivation and management. He resided upon the old family estate until his marriage in 1899, when he purchased one of the most commodious and beautiful residences in Clinton. There he made his home while giving supervision to his agricultural and live stock interests. His death occurred May 24, 1918.

It was on the nineteenth day of July, 1899, that Mr. Gaines was united in marriage to Miss Nancy Josephine Hannah, who was born in Davidson County, North Carolina, near Salisbury, a daughter of J. P. and Nancy (Covington) Hannah, both of whom are deceased. To this marriage were born two children: Charles W. and Richard Pinckney, both attending school. The parents attended the Presbyterian Church, yet Mr. Gaines contributed to the support of all other churches. He was prominent in Masonic circles, and was a past commander of Boaneges Commandery of Clinton and a member of the Mystic Shrine at Kansas City. He was also identified with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. In politics Mr. Gaines was a Democrat and i-eceived in 1898 his party's nomination for representative of Henry County, but declined. He was his party's candidate for the same office in 1914.

Mr. Gaines represented one of the old and prominent families of this section of the State and his lines of life were cast in harmony with this tradition. The work instituted by his grandfather and continued by his father had been carried on still further by him until his death, were of a character that had contributed to the general progress and prosperity of the community as well as to his individual success. At the same time he gained a place among the capitalists of Henry County and was recognized as a man of splendid business ability, whose enterprise found expression in his growing success. While Mr. Gaines sought no leadership in community activities, men naturally turned to him for guidance. His influence and his purse were ever at the command of the community for every worthy purpose. He was no passive patriot, but an American of vigorous assertiveness, and every call of his country found him answering promptly to her requests, whether for bond issues, the Red Cross or kindred war activities, in all of which he was greatly interested and liberal to a high degree. Mr. Gaines was charitably inclined and never allowed a call upon his purse to go unheeded when the object was worthy of help. As a valued member of the Elks Lodge he was always active in the usual holiday charity offerings made by this lodge. The Masonic fraternity held a strong place in his affections, the spirit of fraternalism and good fellowship being manifest in his relations not only upon the floor of these lodges but in his every day life. In the bosom of his family he was a kind and loving husband and father and had plans for the upbringing of his sons which will be carried to completion by the widowed mother. This community will long miss and mourn him as one of its best citizens.

Among the many tributes which came from men who were friends of Mr. Gaines and who sorrowed with his family in their bereavement the folllowing extract from a letter from Congi-essman Dickinson, best portrays the man himself as he appeared to his friends. It says: "He had so many friends and his strong qualities and high character made him more than worthy of their friendship and esteem. He was a high type of citizen, and loved right and justice and truth. He was generous and warm hearted and high minded."

Karl Wittig, a successful farmer of Fairview township, is a native of Wittenburg, Germany, born April 20, 1858. He is a son of Frederick Wittig, who was a native of the home land and spent his life in her environs. Karl Wittig received his education under the parental room and in the schools of his native land. In his early manhood he learned the blacksmith trade and upon his arrival in Seneca County, Ohio, in 1880, he was employed in this trade. He also woi'ked as a farm hand, and thus prepared himself for his work as an owner of his own land. In 1883 he homesteaded 160 acres in Morton County, North Dakota, proving up on the same and made the necessary improvements. In 1889 he sold his homestead and moved to Cowley County, Kansas, where he rented land until he came to Henry County, Missouri. He purchased 120 acres of land in 1894 and has added to his land holdings as he was able, and now owns 239 acres of valuable land.

The marriage of Karl Wittig and Katherine Staib was solemnized in Seneca County, Ohio, September 9, 1883. Mrs. Wittig was born in Seneca County, Ohio, March 24, 1852, the daughter of Jacob and Katherine (Hauck) Staib, who were natives of Germany and came to America in 1836. Mr. Staib was employed in the clearing of the timber and brush in the natural timber of Seneca County. He spent his life in that county and he and his wife both died and are buried there.

Mr. and Mrs. Wittig are the parents of seven children, as follows: Theodore, lives in California; Fred, of Mansfield, Washington; Nettie, at home; Robert, a soldier in the National Army in France; Alma, wife of Lloyd Sanders of Fairfield township; Anna, deceased (Alma and Anna were twins) ; Albert, at home.

Mr. Wittig is a breeder of the Aberdeen Angus cattle and the Poland China hogs. His herd of pure bred hogs is favorably known in his locality and he raises them in great numbers. He is a stockholder of the Farmers Bank of Deepwater, Missouri. Mr. Wittig votes the Democratic ticket and has served on the township board two terms. He has also been school director for fifteen years of district No. 89. He and his family are members of the Reformed Lutheran Church.

George W. Walker. - The descendants of Calvin E. Walker, the first homesteader of Walker township, are scattered all through that township, and George Walker, whose name introduces this review, is a rflember of this family and a descendant of this hardy pioneer. George Walker was born October 19, 1883, in Walker township, Henry County, the son of Calvin Edward Walker and Emma (Moore) Walker, both of whom are from representative families of Walker township, their birthplace.

of this county. She inherited ninety acres of land from her father's estate which she and her husband are now farming. To Mr. and Mrs. Walker have been born four children as follow: Lillie M., May 0., Claude and Ralph.

Mr. Walker carries on a general farming business and raises wheat and corn and also raises stock. In politics he is a Republican and one of Henry County's progressive and public spirited citizens. He takes a keen interest in local affairs. As a citizen of this county and State he stands ever ready to do his duty.

Calvin Edward Walker. - The late Calvin Edward Walker was born March 16, 1858, in Walker township, Henry County, the son of Calvin E. and Martha Walker. Calvin E. Walker was born in North Carolina and in the days when men were coming from the southern and eastern States to homestead Missouri land, Mr. Walker located in what is now Walker township, Henry County. The township was named in his honor, as he was the first homesteader that entered land upon the Government's list. His wife, Mrs. Martha Walker, was a native of North Carolina and she was the mother of eight children, who have made their homes in Henry County and have added to the moral and financial welfare of the county.

Calvin Edward Walker gained his education upon the old homestead and in the meager schools of his day. While they were not advanced as far as our educational institutions of today, still they learned the three R's and the practical work of the farm to earn a livelihood. Mr. Walker married Emily Moore, August 1, 1880. She was born March 19, 1861, in Walker township, Henry County. Her parents were among the early settlers of the township and are now deceased.

Mr. and Mrs. Walker are the parents of six children, all living in Walker township with the exception of Earl, who is serving in the National Army in Camp Funston, Kansas. They are as follow: Lillie M., deceased; George, whose sketch appears in this volume; Earl, in the serxace of the United States; Calvin P., twin to Earl, at home; Charles C, Walker towTiship; Addie M., wife of Claude Jenkins, Lucas, Missouri.

C. Edward Walker passed away April 20, 1900, and since his demise Mrs. Walker has continued to operate the home farm with the help of her sons, who are filling the places of their respected father and grandfather in Walker township.

Willis M. Stevens, who is engaged in the real estate and loan business at Clinton, has been prominently identified with Clinton and Henry County for a number of years. Mr. Stevens is a native of Indiana, born in 1859 and is a son of James and Hannah B. (Pierce) Stevens, the former a native of North Carolina and the latter of New York. The Stevens family came to Missouri in 1869 and settled in Springfield township, Henry County, where the father bought 240 acres of land and here spent the remainder of his life engaged in farming and stock raising. He and his wife are now deceased and their remains are buried in Mt. Olive Cemetery. They were the parents of twelve childrn, only two of whom are now living, Willis M., the subject of this sketch, and Mrs. Sarah Pickord, who resides in Laclede County, Missouri.

Willis M. Stevens received his education in the public schools in Springfield township and Clinton High School, and shortly after leaving school he came to Clinton and entered the employ of Bledsoe and Lane as clerk, remaining with them about two years. He then was appointed city weigher and served in that capacity six years. He was then elected county treasurer of Henry County, serving for four years. At the expiration of his term of office as county treasurer he was elected county recorded and served four years. In 1899 he engaged in the real estate and loan business, succeeding M. C. Land, and since that time has been successfully engaged in that line, and during the course of his career m the real estate business he has handled many important transactions. He has served as a member of the city council of Clinton and is the present treasurer of Clinton township.

Mr. Stevens was married December -31, 1884, to Miss Bettie N. Wray, daughter of Tillman and Hannah Wray of Clinton, Missouri. Her parents were Virginians and came to Henry County prior to the Civil War. To Mr. and Mrs. Stevens have been born one child, Bertia A., the wife of Lieut. M. J. Sonnebeck, who is now serving in the National Army. To Lieutenant and Mrs. Sonnebeck have been born two children, Elizabeth K. and Willis R.

Mr. Stevens has rendered invaluable service to the city of Clinton in the capacity of president of the Commercial Club, a position which he has filled for the past five years. This organization is recognized as one of the live commercial clubs of the State, and Mr. Stevens is entitled to no small amount of credit for the many good results obtained by the progressive and aggressive work of the organization. Among the ac- complishments of the Clinton Commercial Club within the past five years might be mentioned the obtaining of a $6,000 bridge across the Grand River, south of Clinton, inducing the Overman Overall Factory to locate here, which gives employment to a large number of people, and the installing of the Clinton White Way. Of their work in connection with this accomplishment the "Daily Democrat" of June 17, 1915, had the following to say: "Mr. Stevens may be said very accurately to be the man who put it across, for while the credit is shared by every friend and subscriber to the movement, it was his untiring efforts that would not permit discouragement, that the White Way has been brought about. He had the Commercial Club loyally back of him and especially an executive, soliciting and ways and means committee consisting of Doctor Neill, Doctor Marseilles, J. S. Spore, G. S. Holliday, S. Degan, B. G. Phillips and Carl Jiacomini." The work of the Commercial Club in which Mr. Stevens has taken an active part has been far reaching in the building up and the betterment of Clinton He is a live wire and the results of his efforts are to be seen on every side.

He is a Democrat and has been active in politics since boyhood. He is one of the substantial citizens of Henry County, who is able to get results when he devotes his time and ability to measures. Mr. Stevens has been very active in furthering patriotic work, serving as chairman of the organization committee having charge of the Liberty Bond campaign, and has been active in promoting Liberty Bond sales, as well as Red Cross and Y. M. C. A. work and promotion of the raising of funds for each organization in Henry County.

Aurelius L. Armstrong, a leading druggist of Clinton, Missouri, has been continuously engaged in business here longer than any other merchant. He is a native of Missouri, born in Quincy, Hickory County, August 8, 1854, a son of Andrew L. and Sarah Ann (Hancock) Armstrong. The father was bom near Jacksonville, Illinois, in 1820, and about 1838 came to Missouri, first locating in Lincoln County, where he was married to Sarah Ann Hancock. He went from Lincoln County to Hickory County in 1852. Here he remained until 1855, when he came to Henry County and settled on a farm four miles northwest of Clinton. About two years later he came to Clinton, where he was engaged in the mercantile business until the time of his death in 1858. Although a resident of Henry

County but a few years he took an active part in local affairs and became prominent in local politics. He was a candidate for the State Legislature in 1856.

The Armstrong family are of old Pennsylvania stock and William Armstrong, grandfather of A. L., the subject of this sketch, came from Pennsylvania to Illinois at a very early date in the history of the latter State. Sarah Ann (Hancock) Armstrong, mother of A. L. Armstrong, whose name introduces this review, is one of the honored pioneer women of Henry County. She celebrated her ninetieth birthday on May 5, 1918, having spent sixty-three years of her life in Henry County. She is a woman of unusual physical and mental vigor and is as active as most people who are thirty years her juniors. She is a constant reader of the daily papers as well as current literature in general and carries on regular correspondence with a number of friends and acquaintances. She also does considerable fancy needlework, despite her advanced age.

A. L. Armstrong was the third and youngest child born to his parents. His older brother, Hannibal H., is an attorney in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; Solon, the second born, died in infancy. A. L. Armstrong received his education in the public schools of Clinton and Kentucky University, Lexington, Kentucky. After returning from college, Mr. Armstrong entered the employ of C. C. Williams, who conducted a drug store at Clinton, and for two years was thus employed. He then entered the employ of Bolton and Davis, and two years later bought the interest of Mr. Davis in the drug store and the firm became Bolton & Armstrong. This business arrangement continued for a period of five years when Mr. Armstrong sold his interest to his partner and in the fall of 1879 engaged in the drug business for himself, and has been continuously engaged in that business in the town of Clinton to the present time. His first drug store was on the south side of the square, and in 1890 he moved to the north side and has remained in that vicinity since, having occupied his present place of business about ten years.

May 1, 1878, Mr. Armstrong was united in marriage with Susan May Henshaw, a native of Clay County, Missouri, and a daughter of Joseph P. and Melissa (Neely) Henshaw, both now deceased. They died in Johnson County.

party organizations since boyhood. He has served two terms in the State Legislature, representing Henry County in the Forty-sixth General Assembly in 1910, and was re-elected, serving as a member of the Fortyseventh General Assembly.

He has been mayor of Clinton. For a number of years Mr. Armstrong has been a member of the Henry County Democratic Central Committee and is at present chairman of the City Democratic Central Committee. He is a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the Royal Neighbors of America and a member of the Christian Church, having been an elder in the local church for over twenty-five years. Mr. Armstrong is one of the progressive and public spirited business men of Henry County, and during his long career here has built a reputation for honesty and integrity that is rarely equaled by any man in any community.

John A. Rush, late of Blairstown, Missouri, was a Union veteran of the Civil War and one of the interesting pioneer settlers of Henry County. He was born in Greene County, Ohio, January 12, 1842, the only child of Alvah and Mary A. (Roberts) Rush, the former a native of Kentucky and the latter of Maryland. The father died in Big Creek township in 1874, the mother having passed away in Ohio in 1863.

John A. Rush was reared and educated in Ohio and spent his early life in the uneventful way of the average boy of his time. In 1863 he enlisted at London, Ohio, in the 154th Ohio National Guard and served about one year, being mustered out of service September 27, 1864, at Camp Denison. In 1866 he came to Missouri and first settled at Independence, where he remained two years. In 1868 he came to Henry County arid settled on the present site of Blairstown in Bogard township. Here he built a log cabin in February, 1869. He lived in a tent for a time until his cabin was completed. Mr. Rush recalled that his log cabin was located about fifty feet southwest of where Shepperd's garage now stands. This log house was his home until 1875, when he built a frame house which was destroyed by fire, and he built his present residence in 1886. Mr. Rush remembered among the pioneer residents who helped him raise his first log cabin the names of Conrad Fisher, Jesse Fisher, Henry Lotspeich, Boone McCarty, Conrad McCarty, K. Elliott, John Cox, Wilson Bedford, Elias Gilkner, James Jenkins, Thomas Jenkins, Ira Dunham and his brother and Daniel Quick. They are all dead now except Elias Gilkner.

ing and was the owner of one of the valuable farms of Henry County. It consists of four hundred eighty-one acres of well improved and productive land. Mr. Rush was one of the first to sow blue grass in Bogard township. He departed this life June 3, 1918.

Mr. Rush was united in marriage in 1874 to Miss Mary A. Wall, a daughter of Dr. Z. R. Wall, a Johnson County pioneer and a native of South Carolina, who was one of the very early settlers in the southern part of Johnson County, now deceased. Mrs. Rush has one brother now living, Robert Wall, who resides at Denton, Missouri. She has three sisters, Mrs. Fannie Hughes, Mrs. Margaret Simpson and Mrs. Cornelia Hubbard, all residing at Denton, Missouri. To John A. Rush and wife have been bom the following children: Mrs. Mary Elizabeth Wright, Kansas City; Mrs. Maudie Alice Urton, Kansas City, Missouri; John W., Blairstown, Missouri; Mrs. Lillie Eva Gilliam, Johnson County, Missouri; Mrs. Glennie Anderson, Johnson County, Missouri; Mrs. Maggie Hunt, Blairstown, Missouri, and ClifRe, who resides at home.

Mr. Rush always took an active part in local public affairs and was deeply interested in any movement for the improvement and upbuilding of the community. He was the original promoter of Drainage District No. 2 and was president of that company. This drainage system is thirteen miles long, running from the Judge Guyer farm in Johnson County southeast through Bogard township in Henry County to the W. S. Ward farm in Big Creek township. This drainage movement met with strong opposition at first but Mr. Rush with the assistance of some others who had the foresight to see the benefits to be derived from such a project, succeeded in overcoming the reactionary element. It is now universally conceded that the project was the proper thing. Mr. Rush saw practically all of the development of Henry County and played an important part in the progress in this, the banner county of Missouri. He was a man who always lived a clean and upright life and cultivated simple habits. He lived to be seventy-six years of age and physically and mentally was equal to the average man a score of years his junior. He was one of the substantial and highly respected citizens of Henry County. Mr. Rush was a member of the Christian Church for over thirty years and was affiliated with the Grand Army Post of Blairstown.

E. M. (Joodwin, senior member of the finn of Goodwin & Harman, prominent real estate dealers of Clinton, is a native Missourian. He was bom in Knox County in 1872, and is a son of W. E. and Rosa J. (Sharp)

Goodwin, the former a native of South Carolina and the latter of Indiana. W. E. Goodwin came to Moniteau County, Missouri, when a small boy with his widowed mother. They settled at Sandyhook and later removed to Knox County, Missouri, where he grew to manhood and was married to Rosa J. Sharp. In 1885 he came to Henry County with his family and located at Deepwater, which was the year that the town of Deepwater was laid out. W. E. Goodwin was an ordained minister and for a number of years was identified with the American Bible Society. He has always been active in religious work and was principally the founder of the Southern Methodist Church at Deepwater. He and his wife contributed liberally to the maintenance of this church and both felt a just pride and satisfaction in the results of their work. Some time after locating at Deepwater W. E. Goodwin became associated with the Keith & Perry Tile Company, and in fact helped build the factory. This company was later succeeded by the W. S. Dickey Clay Manufacturing Company and Mr. Goodwin remained with that company until 1903. He removed to Clinton about 1910, where he still resides. He took an active part in the building up and development of the town of Deepwater and served as its mayor three terms. He was also justice of the peace for a number of years and served as township treasurer two terms. His wife departed this life in 1911 and her remains are buried in Englewood Cemetery. W. E. and Rosa J. (Sharp) Goodwin were the parents of the following children: E. M., the subject of this sketch; Estella May, now the wife of Dr. E. A. Reeves, Kansas City, Kansas ; Bessie, now the wife of Dr. E. H. Henry, dentist, Deepwater, Missouri; Oscar Lee, who died at the age of twenty-five years, and his widow, who bore the maiden name of Estella Millenbarger, is now a teacher in the public schools of Kansas City, Kansas. She has one son, Robert Goodwin, aged thirteen years.

E. M. Goodwin received his educa'tion in the public schools of Deepwater, Missouri, and for ten years was in the employ of the W. S. Dickey Clay Manufacturing Company at Deepwater. He then engaged in the real estate business at Deepwater as a member of the firm of Hearn & Goodwin. In 1904 he was elected county collector of Henry County, and removed to Clinton and after the expiration of his term of office he engaged in the real estate business with R. E. Harman under the firm name of Goodwdn & Harman and since has continued in that business. They are one of the leading real estate firms of not only Clinton but this section of the State. They have done a great deal of emigration and coloni- zation business in western Kansas and Colorado. In 1917 this firm bought 14,000 acres of land and sold 8,000 of it. They operate extensively in southern and western lands.

In addition to his activities in the real estate business, Mr. Goodwin has for the past five years operated a large stock farm and for fifteen years has been an active auctioneer and has conducted more sales during that time than any other auctioneer in Henry County. Duiing the past year he has devoted his entire time to war activities, being sales director of the Third and Fourth Liberty Loan..

Mr. Goodwin was united in marriage in November, 1894, with Miss Hattie Davis, a native of Henry County and a daughter of M. B. Davis, who came from Illinois here and now resides in this county. Mrs. Goodwin's mother died when Mrs. Goodwin was an infant. To Mr. and Mrs. E. M. Goodwin has been born one son, Ray Davis Goodwin, a graduate of the Clinton High School and was a member of the class of 1919, University of Missouri, where he was specializing in agriculture. He is now a sergeant in the National Army.

Mr. Goodwin is representative of the substantial business men of Clinton and Henry County, and the Goodwin family stands high in the community.

L. E. Keyes, a progressive business man of Clinton, who is president of the L. E. Keyes Mill & Elevator Company, is a native of New York. He was born in Tioga County November 15, 1849, a son of Orlando and Lucinda Keyes. The father was a minister and served as chaplain in the Union Army for eighteen months during the Civil War, and while in the service lost his health and died at Climax, Michigan, in 1865 at the age of forty-three years. His widow now lives at Scotts, Michigan, aged ninety years.

Orlando and Lucinda Keyes were the parents of the follov/ing children: Irene, now the wife of James Powers, Scotts, Michigan; L. E., the sub.iect of this sketch; Wilbur W., died at Scotts, Michigan, in 1907 at the age of fifty-five years ; Sarah M., married H. 0. Cline, who served as sheriflf of Ingham County, Michigan, and she is now deceased; Etta M., married Doctor .Jackson of Scotts, Michigan, and they are both deceased ; Charles H., died in 1878 at the age of twenty-one years.

Mr. Keyes removed to Michigan with his parents when he was a boy and was reared in that State, receiving his education in the public schools at Climax, Michigan. When fifteen years of age he began work- ing at the cooper's trade which he followed for three years. He then worked at the carpenter's trade, which he followed for two years. He then followed farming for a time and in 1879 came to Missouri, locating at Rolla, where he engaged in the milling business again and was foreman in a mill at Rolla for twelve years. In 1891 the concern with which he was associated moved their plant to Clinton and Mr. Keys continued with them until 1917, when he engaged in the milling business at Clinton, for himself as president of the Keyes Mill & Elevator Company, successors to the J. H. Krocke Milling Company, which was organized in April, 1907, to succeed the J. H. Krocke Grain Company which at that time failed. The Keys Mill & Elevator Company succeeded to this business February 6, 1917. Its officers are: L. E. Keyes, president; Charles Wonderlick, vice-president; and L. W. Keys, secretary and manager. The business is capitalized at $10,000. During the year 1917 this company did over $255,000 worth of business.

The Keys Mill & Elevator are well equipped to handle a large volume of business. The capacity of their elevator is eighteen thousand bushels of grain and besides this they are able to handle a large quantity of grain in their warehouses and cribs. They manufacture meal and feed on a large scale, and are jobbers in flour. The elevator is constructed of concrete and both the mill and elevator are equipped with all modern machinery and appliances.

L. E. Keyes was married in 1875 to Clara J. Dean of Scotts, Michigan, and the following children were born to this union: Dean W., engaged in the train service of the Missouri, Kansas & Texas railroad; Paul C, a conductor on the Missouri, Kansas & Texas railway and resides at Sedalia, Missouri; L. W., secretary of the Keyes Mill & Elevator Company; and Clayton, who was accidentally killed while in the employ of the Kansas City, Clinton and Springfield Railway Company, at the age of twenty-two years. All of Mr. Keyes' sons are interested in the business.

Mr. Keyes is a member of the Modem Woodmen of America, the Methodist Episcopal Church, and is one of the substantial business men of Clinton.

L, W. Keyes, secretary and manager of the Keyes Mill & Elevator Company at Clinton, is a native of Missouri. He was born at Rolla in 1885 and is a son of L. E. and Clara J. (Dean) Keyes, a sketch of whom precedes this article. L. W. Keyes was educated in the public schools at Rolla and learned the cooper's trade with his father, and continued in the employ of the same company with which his father was employed until he became associated with the Keyes Mill & Elevator Company in the capacity of secretary and manager.

Mr. Keyes was married March 4, 1909, to Miss Nellie Raney, a daughter of Joe and Annilda K. (Pigg) Raney of Clinton, Missouri. To this union has been born one daughter, Clayta.

J. C. Scott, head miller for the Keyes Mill & Elevator Company of Clinton, Missouri, has been a prominent factor in the milling business of Henry County, for a number of years. Mr. Scott was born in east Tennessee, January 21, 1868. He came to Henry County in 1888 and was employed as miller at Jackson's Old Water Mill, one of the historic old land-marks of Henry County, a cut of which appears in this volume. Mr. Scott was employed there for three years. He was later employed by the Krocke Milling Company for a time, and in 1912 entered the employ of the Keyes Mill & Elevator Company as miller, where he has since been employed.

Mr. Scott was united in marriage in 1891 to Miss Anna Ambrose, a daughter of J. C. Ambrose, now deceased. Mrs. Scott was born in Virginia. To Mr. and Mrs. Scott have been born seven children, as follows: William F., Denver, Colorado ; Wilbur, with the Clinton Democrat, Clinton, Missouri ; Oran, in the employ of Montgomery Ward & Company, Kansas City; Emmet, Helen, Mary Virginia and Howard. The four last mentioned reside in Clinton, with their parents.

Mr. Scott has followed the milling business for over thirty years and is one of the most competent men in that line of work to be found in this section of the State. He knows milling and mills from beginning to end. He is a capable mechanic, a conscientious man and a valuable citizen. The Scott home is located at 723 Franklin street, Clinton, Missouri, and Mr. and Mrs. Scott and their family stand high in the community.

Joseph L. Duckworth, of Clinton, is a native of Missouri, and belongs to a pioneer Henry County family. Mr. Duckworth was born in Warren County in 1854, and is a son of Lewis and Sarah (Baxter) Duckworth, the former a native of Kentucky and the latter of Virginia. They located in Warren County, Missouri, prior to the Civil War, and after the close of that conflict they came to Henry County in 1865 and settled in Bethlehem township, where the father died in 1869. The mother survived him a number of years and departed this life in 1915 at Clinton. Their remains rest side by side in the Bethlehem Cemetery.

To Lewis and Sarah (Baxter) Duckworth were born the following children: James Lewis, who was a Civil War veteran, having served four years, and for some time after the war was in the United States secret service, died in Colorado; John, died in Warren County, Missouri; Joseph L., the subject of this sketch; Edward, present whereabouts unknown, and Mrs. Dora Butler, deceased.

Joseph L. Duckworth was reared and educated in Henry County. He was only fifteen years of age when his father died, and after that time he was unable to attend school to any extent, as his widowed mother required his assistance on the home farm in Bethlehem township. Here he was engaged in farming and stock raising until 1910, when he removed to Clinton, which has since been his home. He was engaged in the feed business for a time, and in 1915, he entered the employment of the Keyes Mill & Elevator Company, where he is at present employed.

Mr. Duckworth was married in 1886 to Miss Lula Counselman, a daughter of J. N. Counselman of Bethlehem township, Henry County. J. N. Counselman was a Henry County pioneer, he and his wife settling here in the sixties; they are both now deceased, and their remains are interred in the Bethlehem Cemetery.

To Joseph L. Duckworth and wife have been born four children, as follows: Gladys, a milliner at Holden, Missouri; Orva, manager for the Armour & Company poultry house at Duluth, Minnesota; Florence, a teacher, and Odessa, who resides at home with her parents. They are all graduates of the Clinton High School, and all have had the advantage of good educations.

Mr. Duckworth is interested in the welfare of his town and county and has always taken a commendable interest in public affairs. While a resident of Bethlehem township, he held the office of Justice of the Peace for a number of years, and is now a member of the Clinton city council, serving his second term in the second ward. He is a substantial citizen and stands high in the estimation of his friends and neighbors who know him best.

Paul Tyler, the well-known cashier of the Citizens Bank of Clinton, has been prominently identified with the banking interests of Henry County for a number of years, as well as his father before him. Mr. Tyler was born at Bloomington, Illinois, March 15, 1862, a son of W. D. and Adelaide (Warriner) Tyler, the former a native of Genesee, New York, and the latter of Illinois. The mother died in 1880. W. D. Tyler came to Clinton in 1866. He was then thirty-six years of age. He came to this country from New York State, and took a prominent part in the early affairs of Clinton and Henry County. He served two terms as mayor of Clinton and was elected county recorder in 1872, serving four years. He took an active part in educational matters and was a member of the Clinton school board for twenty-six years, twenty-two years of which he was president of that body. When the Missouri, Kansas & Texas railroad was constructed, he was paymaster for that company for a time.

W. D. Tyler was one of the organizers of the Citizens Bank of Clinton and was it's first cashier, serving in that capacity for twenty years. He died in 1913 at the age of eighty-three years and his remains are interred in Engelwood Cemetery.

The Citizens Bank of Clinton is the successor of the First National Bank of Clinton, which was organized in 1872 with a capital stock of $50,000. The first officers were : J. G. Dorman, president ; M. B. Merritt, vice-president, and W. D. Tyler, cashier, all of these gentlemen are now deceased. The First National Bank was succeeded by the Citizens Bank of Clinton in 1894, and the officers of the new organization were: J. M. Every, president; W. A. Hastain, vice-president; and Paul Tyler, cashier. The capital stock was then the same as now, $25,000. The present officers of the bank are George S. Holiday, president ; W. F. Smith, vice-president, and Paul Tyler, cashier.

Paul Tyler was the only child born to his parents. He received a good high school education and his life has practically been spent in the banking business. He began as bookkeeper in the Clinton National Bank and when the Citizens Bank was organized he became its cashier and has held that position to the present time. Mr. Tyler has had a long experience in the field of bankers and is one of the best posted men in Henry County in the intricate problems of finance and the system of modern banking.

Mr. and Mrs. Tyler reside on the corner of Clinton and Second streets, and have a broad acquaintance and many friends in Clinton and Henry County, and the Tyler home is well known for its gracious hospitality.

John B. Wehmeyer, of Bogard township, is one of the successful farmers and stockmen and leading citizens of Bogard township, which has been his home for over half a century. He was born in Germany in 1838 and when four years of age (1842) was brought to this country by his parents, who settled in Warren County, Missouri. In 1867 John B. Wehmeyer came to Henry County and shortly afterwards bought his first land in Bogard township, which consisted of seventy acres, for which he paid seventeen ^dollars and ten cents per acre. He prospered and from time to time, as the opportunity presented itself, he acquired more land. His next purchase was one hundred sixty acres at ten dollars per acre, then eighty acres at nine dollars per acre, eighty acres more at nine dollars per acre, and forty-two acres at twenty dollars per acre. In recent years Mr. Wehmeyer has divided most of his land between his children, although he now owns one hundred ninety acres of some of the best land in Henry County. For a number of years he was extensively engaged in feeding cattle and was very successful in this branch of the stock business. He has also generally been engaged in stock raising and farming and is regarded as one of the successful men of the county.

On March 6, 1867, Mr. Wehmeyer was united in marriage with Miss Mary Single, a native of England. She was the widow of Samuel Studley. To John B. Wehmeyer and Mary (Single) Studley Wehmeyer were born the following children: William H., a farmer in Bogard township, married Pearl Forsythe and the following children were born to this union, Mary, Ruth, John, Fred and Robert; George S. Wehmeyer, farmer in Bogard township, married Etta Schnorf, and the following children were born to them. Glen, Harmel, Wilbur and LeeRoy; Robert W. Wehmeyer, a farmer in Bogard township, married Jessie Schnorf and they have two children, Clarence and Chester; and Anna, married George Wisely and died in Texas, leaving two children, Ruth and Fred.

On January 25, 1862, Mr. Wehmeyer enlisted in Company F, 3rd Missouri Cavalry and was engaged in the service until February 8, 1865, when he was honorably discharged. During the course of his military career, Mr. Wehmeyer participated in eighteen battles and skirmishes. The most of his service was in Missouri and Arkansas. He was a good soldier and always did his duty faithfully and well and earned a military record without a blot upon it.

Mr. Wehmeyer is truly one of the pioneers not only of Henry County but of the state of Missouri. He was in the city of St. Louis before there were any street cars, and when a young man he clerked in a store in that city for twelve years. During his boyhood days in Warren County, Missouri, railroads were unheard of there and in fact there were none in the State when the Wehmeyer family settled here.

Everett Single, a grandson of Mr. Wehmeyer, is now serving in the National Army in France. Mr. Wehmeyer was a member of the Grand Army of the Republic at Blairstown.

James T. McKee, now deceased, the founder of McKee's Book Store was a pioneer merchant of Clinton, and prominently identified with the interests of Henry County for many years. He established the McKee's Book Store in 1870, and conducted this business for forty years, until the time of his death. The store is still owned and conducted by his estate under the management of his daughter, Miss Inez L. McKee, who took charge of the business at the death of her father in 1909. This business which is now in the forty-eighth year of its existence, is one of the oldest mercantile establishments in Henry County, and during all this time, McKee's Book Store has never permitted its methods to grow old. The stock and store is kept up to date, and everything usually found in a first-class, well-conducted book store in any city is within reach of the customers of this store.

James T. McKee was a native of Darke County, Ohio, born in 1845. He grew to manhood in his native State and received a good education. In 1867 or 1868 he came to Missouri, driving most of the way with a team and wagon, and settled at Clinton. He taught school here for a time, teaching at the old Union school district. Later he served as assistant postmaster, under Postmaster Fike. In 1870, he established McKee's Book Store, and was engaged in that business until his death as above stated.

In 1873 James T. McKee and Frances Ricketts were united in marriage. She was a native of Findlay, Ohio, born in 1845. She died in 1895. To James T., and Frances (Ricketts) McKee were bom the following children: Dr. Ralph H., a graduate of Clinton Academy, and Wooster College, Wooster, Ohio, University of Chicago, and is now professor of chemistry in Columbia University, New York City ; Inez, L., a graduate bf Wooster College, Wooster, Ohio, and was engaged in teaching until her father's death, when she took charge of the business in Clinton, and has conducted it since; Charles Romney, chemist with the United States Glue Company, Milwaukee, Wisconsin; he is a graduate of Lake Forest College, Chicago, Illinois.