Jackson County, Missouri - Biographical sketches, 1881 (part 5 of 12)

Was born June 4, 1846, in Wyoming county. West Virginia; his parents were native Virginians, his ancestors on both sides having been soldiers in the Revolution, and war of 1812. His father, Stephen, died when our subject was six years of age, and the next few years of his hfe were spent on a farm, during the summer months, and attending school in the winter. In 1857 his mother moved with her family to Missouri, and settled four miles north of Chillicothe, in Livingston county. Here Witten remained five years, farming and attending schools within reach, until he prepared himself for a term in St. Paul's College, Palmyra, Missouri, but on sccount of failing health he was obliged to abandon his studies. Then traveled extensively in the northern, eastern and southern States, and returned to Chillicothe, remaining for some time, and was married to Miss Clara Bird, October 7, 1868, a daughter of Greenup Bird, Esq., now a prominent merchant in Kansas City. In August, 1868, Mr. McDonald associated himself with J. W. Hearne, for the sale of lumber and building material. In 1873 he became sole proprietor, and in connection with that business added agricultural implements, wagons and buggies. In January, 1878, the "McDonald Lumber Company" was incorporated, under the statutes of Missouri, with a capital stock of $150,000. The present officers are: President, K. McDonald; Secretary, A. J. McDonald; and Treasurer, Witten McDonald. They are doing business at the following places : St. Joseph, ChiUicothe, Richmond, Liberty, Cameron, Independence, Brunswick, and Carrollton. While in the latter place our subject was largely interested in the Carroll Exchange Bank, and also in the Chariton County Exchange Bank, of which he was Vice-President. In 1874 he joined the Masonic fraternity, and was soon elected principal sojourner of the chapter. Their family consists of two sons and two daughters.

Was born in Shelby county, Kentucky, December 25, 1817, and is the son of James H. and Eleanor Fry McGee. The former is a native of Virginia and of Scotch- Irish descent, being among the early settlers of Kentucky. Mrs. McGee was born in 1793, in Greenbriar county, Kentucky, and was the daughter of Isaac Fry, a gentleman very respectably connected in that county. Mabillon received very limited educational advantages in youth, and resided on a farm until 1827, when he removed with his parents to Clay county, Missouri. Thence to Jackson county, and located on a site between what is now Nineteenth and Twentieth, and Broadway and Main streets. Here he pursued his education still further by self application. In 1847 there was a call made by the Government for volunteers of Jackson county and of the Shawnee and Delaware tribes of Indians living west of Jackson county, to go to Florida and help fight the Seminoles. As one of the volunteers, Mr. McGee went, and rendered valuable services on account of his acquaintance with the chiefs, and also his knowledge of the Indian language. After returning he engaged in trading with the Indians, which he followed for' fourteen years, and during this time accumulated a considerable amount of property. He has selected a beautiful spot on which to pass the remainder of his days, consisting of sixty acres, now known as McGee's Summitt. April 28, 1844, he married Miss Mary E. Ward, of Greenup county, Kentucky. Her father was.an old settler of that State, and a highly respected citizen.

Was born May 21, 1815, two and a half miles from Beardstown, Nelson county, Kentucky, and soon after his birth, was taken by his father to Shelby county, seven miles from Shelbyville, where he was sent to school. When twelve years old his father removed from Shelby to Clay county, Missouri, near the town of Liberty, where, after living one year, he removed to Jackson county, Missouri, then known as the " Great Blue Country." His educational advantages were limited, as he had to help his father, and he worked on the farm and engaged in different occupations during his life. When twenty-one years of age he engaged in the saw mill business, and afterward surveyed "Indian grants." He was taken prisoner by the Osages, but was released after necessary promises were obtained from the agent. In 1838 he married Melinda Frey, of Shelby county, Kentucky, and by this union had seven children, of whom two are now living: M. E. (now Mrs. Judge Allen), and Anna P. (now Mrs. J. W. White). Mrs. McGee died September 19, 1846. The same year our subject engaged in government contracts for building the Sac and Fox Indian agency, and continued trading with the Indians until the spring of 1847, when he went into the mercantile business at Westport, In this year he married a sister of his first wife, who died March 19, 1867, leaving one child, who died when five years of age. After three years trading with the Indians he sold his branch house at the Agency, and the next year his store in Westport. From 1848 to 1852 he furnished outfits for emigrants to California, and also equipped John C. Fremont in both of his trips across the continent. Mr. McGee was one of the fourteen who bought the original "Kansas City,". and which was obtained for from $5,000 to $7,000. January 11, 1869, he married Susan B. Gill, born in Bath county, Kentucky, March 8, 1849, and by this union they have two children : Nellie and A. B. H.

Insurance agent, was born August 26, 1826, in Bedford, Pennsylvania, and spent his boyhood days on a farm. He emigrated to Cincinnati when about nineteen years of age, and engaged as clerk in a clothing house. He next became deputy city clerk, and in 1855 he was elected city auditor and served two terms. He emigrated to St. Joseph, Missouri, in 1859 and engaged in the boot and shoe business and followed it ten years, and was then elected city treasurer and filled the office two years. He was a delegate to the Chicago convention that nominated George B. McClellan for president in 1864. In 1869 he moved to Lynii, Massachusetts, and engaged in the manufacture of boots and shoes. There he resided some nine years, and during this time he served two years as alderman, and represented the county in the Legislature one term. This was the first time this district had been represented by a Democrat. He came to Kansas City in 1878 and engaged in the boot and shoe business one yeaf and six months, and then purchased his present insurance agency from D. S. Harman. He represents several companies, and by sterling principles of honesty and fair dealing has won the respect of a large circle of friends. He is a member of the Odd Fellows fraternity, also of several mutual benefit associations. He married Miss Carrie A. Raddin in 1861. She is a native of Lynn, Massachusetts, and was born on the 14th of April, 1837. She is a member of the Episcopal church, and he is a member of the Southern M. E. church.

Dealer in groceries, boots ^nd shoes, etc., was born in County Clare, Ireland, in December, 1835, and there lived until thirteen years of age. He was educated in the schools there, and in 1848 accompanied his parents to America. They landed in New York in 1857, going immediately to Williamsport, Pennsylvania, where they settled and engaged in hotel keeping. In this our subject was reared, remaining in the same place until 1878, when he came to Wyandott, Kansas, and commenced the grocery business. Nine months later he established himself at his present place. He has succeeded in gaining a fair patronage, as he carries a good stock, worth from $1,500 to $2,000. His marriage ,was in t86- to Miss Catharine Hartnett, of Williamsport, Pennsylvania. They have one child, Ella.

Dealer in coal, was born in the town of Portadown, county Armaugh, Ireland, in 1832, and there remained until 1851, when he came to the United States, landing in New York on the ist of May. From here he went to Pennsylvania, and was engaged in teaching in the Normal schools at Monongahela City, being associated with A. J. Buffington, then superintendent of the county schools. At the outbreak of the war, he was connected with the militia, -and the company, Capt. John Keys Ringold's Cavalry having volunteered their services, our subject left his school and served in the army for two years. Was then honorably discharged for disability, serving until the close of the war in quartermaster's department. This found him in Tennessee, and he soon- embarked in the mercantile business, which he continued until 1870. Then came to Kansas City, and since that time has been engaged in business here. May 22, 1866, he married Miss S. B. Dunlap, of Frostburg, Maryland. They hive six children: Thompson D., M. Robert J., Arthur A., Samuel S., Sarah B., and Benjamin.

Of the firm of McLeod & Combs, photographers and crayon artists, was born in Canada in December 1851, and was there grown to manhood, attending the Woodstock Academy. Graduated from that institution in 1869, and then commenced in the photographing business, in which he has since been engaged and for which he seems so peculiarly fitted. No house in this city can do finer work than McLeod and Combs. Mr. McL. left Canada in 1873, and went to Chicago, and thence to Sterling, Ills. Was there engaged in business some six years, and in 1880 came to Kansas City. He married Miss Bella Anderson, of Cadiz, Ohio, May 4, 1875. She was born October 7, 1852. Mr. Combs, the crayon artist of the firm, was born in San Francisco, and removed to Chicago about fourteen years ago. From there he came to this place.

Retired grocer, as born in St. Johns, New Brunswick, December 11, 1838, and resided there until eleven years of age, when his parents took him to Boston, he being reared and educated there. When sixteen years of age he commenced to learn the trade of an iron moulder, at Augusta, Me. , which business he followed for fourteen years, mostly in Boston. Then engaged in the grocery business there and continuing three yeafs, came west and began working at his trade, at Quincy. Remained there one year, and then in company with others came to Kansas City in 1870, and erected a foundry, for the purpose of making stoves. Before very long he sold out his interest in this business and became a salesman in a grocery kept by J. P. Hamblin. After remaining with him three years, he was employed by John Toney for a year. For a year he was engaged in business on his own occount in West Kansas, and owing to his increasing business moved where he now holds forth. His marriage was in June 1864, to Miss Mary Caton, of Augusta, Maine. She was reared and educated there They have three children : Edwin, Agnes and Alida. Two are deceased : Mary and Frankie, both dying at the age of two years and four months.

This pleasant and interesting old couple are among those who settled in Kansas City in its infancy, they coming here in 1848, when Kansas City was only a small collection of houses called Westport Landing. The city site was then a series of bluffs and ravines, a portion being a dense forest, but as if by a mystic wand they have seen the rough places made smooth and the city grow from a hamlet to the metropolis of the Missouri valley, if not of the West. Mr. McNees is a native of Tennessee, having been born in Rutherford county, in 1813. Leaving there when very young with his parents, he came to Howard county, Missouri. Mrs. McNees was born near Glasgow, Kentucky, March 14, 1820. Her maiden name was Margaret Ann Hayden. Her parents moved to

St. Louis, Mo., when she was very young, and where she was reared and lived until her marriage. They have two daughters : May, (wife of Robert Stringfellow), and Lizzie, (wife of J. A. Lee, bath of Kansas City). Their son James R. , fell a victim to cholera, while residing in the Indian Territory, when twentysix years old.

Of the firm of Callahan & McNellis, importers and jobbers in Irish and Scotch linens, was born in County Dougall, Ireland, May 8, 1848, and spent his boyhood days on a farm. When twenty-two years of age he came to the United States, and settled in Chicago, where he was employed as a clerk in a dry goods store. He remained under this firm for eight years, when he was made a member of it, and then came to this city, opening a branch wholesale house. Being the only ones who deal exclusively in these goods, their trade extends throughout the northwest, and they are very successful. Mr. McNellis commenced life a poor boy, and he is a good example of what may be accomplished when energy, with a will is brought into play.

Was born in Fayette county, Pennsylvania, January 7, 1802, where he lived until thirteen. His parents moved to Kentucky, and a year after, 1815, moved from that State to Switzerland county, Indiana, where he lived until 1858. May 27, 1827, he married Miss Mary Campbell, of Switzerland county, and settled on a wild tract of land in the same county, and succeeded in making one of the most valuable farms of the county. There he lived and reared a family of two sons and three daughters : Patterson, professor of mathematics in the Asbury University, of Green Castle, Indiana; William, who died in i860; Elizabeth; Martha, wife of J. W. L. Slavens, of Kansas City, and Frances Mary. In 187 1 he, becoming infirm from age, sold his farm, and came to Kansas City in the spring of

1872, where he invested his capital in real estate, consisting of tenement houses, from which he is receiving a good income. In January, 1876, he was bereft of his wife, who died a consistent member of the Grand Avenue Methodist Episcopal church. They were both members of long standing, being converted and received into the church in 1840.

Asa Maddox

Was born in St. Louis county, Missouri, July 6, 1838, and resided there until he became of age. His early education was received in the common schools of the neighborhood, and in 1855 he entered the St. Louis University, remaining for about eighteen months. Then attended Jones' Commercial College, of St. Louis, graduating in the winter of 1856, and he came to Kansas City in the spring of 1857. Soon after he engaged in the lumber business, continuing until March,

1873, when he sold out. Previous to this he was elected to the office of president of the Western Lumber Association of Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska and Iowa, holding the position two years. In 1873 he was elected to the office of sheriff of Jackson county, which he held until 1877. Mr. Maddox is a prominent secret society man. In the lodge of Arch Masons, he has held the position of worshipful master for ten years. Was captain-general of commandery of the Knight Templars, and is the present grand marshall of the Grand Lodge of Missouri. Also supreme councilor of the Supreme Lodge of the Order of Mutual Protection of the United States. Mr. Maddox has been twice married; first, in 1859, to Miss Mary F. Carter, of St. Louis. She died in 1867, leaving two children: Trustin P. and Effie A. His second marriage occurred in 1869, to Carrie Carter, a sister to his first wife, and of the same place as the former.

William A. Maddin

Carpenter and contractor, was born in St. Marks, Canada, April 22, 1851, and when but five years old moved with his parents to Edwardsburg, Canada. Remained about ten years then moved to Lisbon, New York. When eighteen years of age he learned the carpenter's trade, working transiently over New York till 187 1, when he went to Cleveland, Ohio. Remained in Cleveland, engaged at his trade and show-case making till June, 1880, when he moved to Kansas City.

Of the firm of Mainhardt & Co., jobbers of fine cigars, was born in Wurtemburg, Germany, November 23, 1854, and when fourteen years of age left home and commenced business for himself. He partly learned the art of telegraphy in Germany, and in 1868, came to the United States and settled in Wisconsin. There he remained some two and a half years engaged at his trade and then went south, telegraphing in Tennessee and Alabama for seven years. He came to Kansas City in 1878, and commenced in business. He keeps a good stock of goods, and is deserving of liberal patronage. He has worked his own way through life, and being possessed of a large amount of energy is bound to succeed in whatever he undertakes.

H. B. Martin

Broker and commissioner in iron and steel, was born in Galesburg, 111. , January 27, 1852, where he lived with his widowed mother, his father dying when he was very young. He received the rudiments of education in the district schools, and fuirther at Knox College at Galesburg. In 1880, after leaving school, he went to Cleveland, Ohio, and entered the Britton Iron and Steel Works, with a view of making himself proficient in the business, and came to Kansas City in February, 1881, and established himself in the commission and brokerage business. His prospects for the future are very promising. He represents the standard firms of Pittsburgh, Pa., and Cleveland, Ohio, and although quite a young man, is well qualified for the business he has chosen.

E. S. Marshall

Druggist, is a native of Kentucky, and was born in Mt. Sterling, Fayette county, July 22, 1857. When but a boy, he moved with his parents to Lexington, Ky., where they remained till the fall of 1865, when they moved to Cass county, Mo., and shortly after located on a farm. Was engaged in tilling the soil about fi ve years, when they moved to Holden, Johnson county, Mo. Mr. M. was engaged as clerk in a drug store, and in the fall of 1878 he began a thorough course in pharmacy at Ann Arbor, Mich., graduating July 1st, 1880. In November, 1880, he purchased the store, which he now owns, of W. K. Hawkins. Mr. M. is an enterprising young man and experienced in his business.

John H. Mensing

Gardener and dealer in ice, was born in Hanover, Germany, in 181 8, and when twenty years old he came to the United States, stopping in Charleston, South Carolina, for one year. Thence to Savannah, Georgia, and engaged in the grocery business, and also owned a mill, propelled by horse power, for grinding corn. He left Savannah in 1847, and came to Missouri and settled in Franklin county, where he was in the distilling business for a short time. Then went to Franklin county, Kansas, where he tried to farm but abandoned it in 1859, and came to Kansas City where he has been in variou"s pursuits, and is now gardening and dealing in ice, selling from 600 to i,iooo tons of the latter yearly. He married Miss Mary Ann Gager, of Washington, Missouri, by whom he has had eight

Lumber Dealer, was born in Mesopotamia, on the Western Reserve, of Ohio, September 26, 1827, and when eleven years old his parents removed to Gaines, Orleans county, New York. He was educated by attending the common schools at Gaines. In 842 he went into the printing ofifice of the Western Reserve Chronicle at Warren, Ohio, to learn the printing business, being in that and other offices in the same town until 1845, when he went to Canfield, Mahoning county, Ohio, and established the Mahoning Index. Thisjhe published until the following year when he went to Youngstown, Ohio, and assisted other parties to establish a Democratic paper. In 1847 he went to Wisconsin and settled at Kenosha where he was employed by the Kenosha Pier Company, doing a grain, commission and shipping business until 1868. In the meantime he had himself become owner of several vessels, doing a very successful business on the lakes. In January, 1869, came to Kansas City and established himself in the lumber business, doing a wholesale and retail trade. His sales the last year reached $180,000. March 2d, 1853, he married Miss Mary P. Foster, of Kenosha, Wisconsin, by whom he has four children : John F. , Joseph William, Charles Brockway, and Henry Chase.

Robert B. Middlebrook

Attorney, was born in Fairfield county, Connecticut, September 4, 1855. He received his education at the common schools and the academy of his native county. He graduated from the law department of Yale College in 1878, and came to Kansas City in the fall of that year, where he has established himself in the practice of law.

William H. Miller

Secretary and Treasurer of the Board of Trade, is a native or Missouri, and was born on the 12th of January, 1843, in Jasper county. When two years of age he was taken by his parents to Macon county, there remaining until ten years old, when he removed to Atchison county. There he spent most of his time until becoming of age, receiving a common school education. When seventeen he commenced learning the printers trade, which he continued until the breaking out of the war. In July, 1871, the country being so disturbed, it became necessary to organize home guards, and Mr. Miller became a member of that organization. In October, 1861, he enlisted in the Missouri State Mihtia, remaining therein until December 2d, 1862, when he was commissioned second lieutenant of th 35th Missouri Infantry; on the 22d of the same monlh he was promoted to first-lieutenant, and May 26th following to Captain. While in Arkansas ill health caused him to resign from the service in December, 1863, and he went to St. Louis. In January, 1864, he accepted a commission as first heutenant of the nth Missouri Cavalry, returned to Arkansas and remained until July, 1864, when he resigned and left the service. During the following August, 1864, he engaged in the newspaper business continuing until January i, 1877. He was publisher of the Advertiser of Brownsville, Nebraska, for a few months, and also of the Register oi Rulo, same State, for a few months. Then in January, 1865, he became connected with the Press of Nebraska City, of which he afterward became proprietor, but owing to financial depression he suspended that paper in January, 1869, and removed to Omaha, where he was for a time with the Republican. He then returned to Nebraska City, and was connected with the Chronicle for a short time. In July, 1871, Mr. Miller came to Kansas City, and accepted a position on the Journal, remaining until January i, 1877. He held the position of reporter, city, commercial and managing editor, and at all times gave the editor-in-chief more or less assistance. In 1873 he became Secretary of the Board of Trade, in connection with editorial duties, until January i, 1877, when he gave up the editorial profession to give his entire attention to this position. He was, until lately, also Secretary of the Kansas City Smelting and Refining Company, and is now Secretary and Treasurer of the Mining Stock Board, and of the K. C. & N. E. and K. C, N. & W. railroads; is vice-president of the Robert Raikes Association, which is interested in religious and benovelent work; and is vice-president also of the Academy of Science. As one of the editors of the Journal and as Secretary of the Board of Trade, he has given much attention to the development of Kansas City's commerce and markets, and originated the idea of barge navigation of the Missouri River. This, after several years' discussion, has finally been made a practical reality in the organization of the Missouri Valley Transportation Company. Mr. Miller was married in Nebraska City, in 1866, to Miss Geneva Linton, a native of Ohio, born August 29, 1848. They have had three children, all of whom are deceased. They attend the Congregational church.

W. C. Miller

Was born in Laporte county, Indiana, April 4, 1840, and was principally reared and educated in his native county. In 1870 he removed to Jackson county, Missouri, and located in Kansas City, where he has made his home ever since. Immediately after coming here, he purchased three farms in Johnson county, Kansas, one of which he traded for a livery stock and outfit in Kansas City, where he has been actively engaged, at the same time doing an extensive business, and has built up for himself an enviable reputation. In 1867 he married Miss Phebe Pottinger, of the same county and State as himself. Their family consists of three children: Lillie T., William R., and Luetta Grace.

William Miller

Liveryman, was born in Greenfield county, Michigan, in 1838, and when twenty-two years of age left his native county, and removed to Kansas City. After coming here, he worked at various avocations, and was engaged in freighting across the plains. In 1875 ^^ embarked in the livery business, and has since continued, it being very successful. He has been prudent and economical, and has secured a nice competency to rely upon. In i860 he married Miss Mary Ann McCracken, daughter of Judge McCracken, of this city. Their family consists of six children: Minnie A., Mary M., Jennie, Horace, George W. and Samuel.

John K. Miller

Was born near Shippingsburg, Pa., January 18, 1816. There he was raised, and served an apprenticeship in the blacksmithing business. He left his native town in 1840, and went to Mansfield, Ohio, and engaged in the manufacturing of plows, which he followed until 1855, after which time he made a tour to South America for his health. Returned in 1856, and in the spring of 1857 he came to Missouri, and settled in Kansas City, and opened a shop for shoeing horses at the junction of Main and Delaware streets, being exactly in the center of Main street, and being obliged to move his shop when the street was opened in 1868. He has been very successful in his business, and has realized much by the advance of city property. November 26, 1848, he married Miss Ellen Wise, of Mansfield, Ohio, by whom he has one son, John H., pastor of the First Presbyterian church of Junction City. Himself and wife are members of the First Presbyterian church of Kansas City.

F. A. Miller

Of the firm of Fred. A. Miller & Son, wholesale dealers in heavy hardware and wagon material, was born in Weston, Platte county,' Mo., June 13, 1855, and 52 - there resided until 1864, when his father, on account of political differences, was compelled to move. Going to Leavenworth, Kansas, he established himself in the hardware business, and there he is at present engaged. In the year 1878, in company with his son, F. A., they started their business in this city, where they carry a large stock, and are doing a good business in Kansas and Nebraska, beside a fine local trade. Our subject was principally reared and educated in Leavenworth, and when sixteen years of age went to Europe, and attended school in Germany for four years. There he received a thorough German education. After his return, he went to Leavenworth, where he remained three years prior to coming here. Although yet a youug man, he possesses an unusual amount of business principles, and is fully competent for his position.

General ticket agent Union Depot. The subject of this sketch is a native of Orange county, N. Y., and was born December 28, 1814. Was reared in his native county and there received his primary education. In January, 1834, (after having attended the Academy of Montgomery), he entered the junior class of the Union College located in New York, graduating in July, 1835, after which he went to Prince Edward county, Va. There he was engaged in teaching a classical and mathematical school for thirteen years. Then he went to Richmond, Va., where he was engaged on the James River and Kewanee Canal about four years. Then became general freight agent on the Richmond & Danville Railroad till 1856 ; and till 1857 was most of the time engaged traveling for his health. Was afterward employed by the Ohio and Mississippi Railroad till i860, when he went to Nashville, Tennessee, and took charge of the southern division of the Louisville & Nashville Railroad till 1861. Thence went to St. Louis and was under the employ of the Ohio & Mississippi Railroad a short time. In 1864 went to Washington, D. C, and was there engaged in the Quartermaster-General's office till 1865, and returned to Louisville, Kentucky, where he was contracting agent till 1867, when he returned to St. Louis and was there general agent for the North Missouri Railroad till May and then general ticket agent till 1870 - the time he located in Kansas City. First, he was ticket agent for the North Missouri Railroad till August, 1870, when he began in his present position. Mr. Millspaugh has the name of being one of the most experienced railroad men in the west. Was married in Mitchell, Ind., October 7, 1862. They have three children : Mary J., Margaret E. and Susan E.

Weigh master at Kansas City Stock-yards, is a native of Cincinnati, Ohio, and was born October 12, 1848. When he attained the age of five years, he, with his parents moved to Warren county, 111. , where they remained till 1859 ; then moved to Kansas City and in 1862 moved to Chicago. In 1866 he accepted the position of weigh master at the Union Stock-yards of Division C. In 1869 removed to Kansas City, and was, till 1871, engaged in buying and shipping live stock. June I 1 87 1, he accepted the position of weigh master for the Kansas City Stockyards, which he retained till the spring of 1873. Then, with his father, J. L. Mitchener, engaged in the live stock commission trade for one year as the firm of J. L. Mitchener & Son. From May i, 1874, to Feb., 1878 was engaged as bookkeeper for Hunter, Evans & Co., when he then again embarked in the commission trade as one of the firm of Saulsbury & Mitchener. January i, 1880, he began work as book-keeper for A. J. Gillespie & Co., remaining till November i, 1880. December i, 1880, he accepted his present position.

B. F. Mitchell

Dealer in grain and mill feeds, was born March i, 1836, in Montgomery county, Kentucky. He spent his boyhood days on a farm, and at the age of twentyone engaged in the mercantile business at Mount Ida. Immigrated to Platte City, Mo., in 1850, thence to Bloomington, 111., in 1862, and to Jackson county, Mo., in 1866. He engaged in agricultural pursuits until 1877, when he came to Kansas City and engaged in his present business. Has been identified with the school board for quite a number of years, and at present holds the office of notary public. He married Miss Ella Whaley in 1857. She is a native of Kentucky and was born in 1838. Their family consists of four children: C. W., Emma L., Susan S. and Claude W. They are members of the Christian church.

Whose portrait appears in this work, was born in Piqua, Ohio, March 13, 1834, and was the son of Dr. S. B. Morgan, a physician and druggist of that place. In 184S the family removed to Crawfordsville, Indiana, where our subject entered Wabash College, and when eighteen years of age, unaided by his father, he. secured an appointment to the Naval Academy at Annapolis, Maryland, graduating in 1856. He resigned immediately after on account of what appeared to him an unjust preferment of a class-mate. He returned home and read medicine with his father, attending lectures at the Medical College at Cincinnati. In the spring of 1861 he went to Kansas to locate some land warrants, and during this trip Fort Sumter was fired upon. On his return, while going down the Missouri River he witnessed such exhibitions of sectional strife among the passengers that he enlisted as a private in a Crawfordsville company immediately after arriving there much to the disapproval of his parents. He was offered the captaincy of a company, but Governor Morton required his services in the military camp to organize and drill recruits as they came in. He was afterward commissioned lieutenant-colonel of the 25th Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and ordered to the department of Missouri, participating in the severe service of that campaign. Charmed with the natural beauty and climate of the State, he resolved at the close of the war to locate in Missouri. During the war his most active service was in the Army of the Tennessee, and was engaged in the battles of Fort Donelson Hatchie, Pittsburg Landing and Davis' Mills, distinguishing himself for conspicuous bravery and courage at Fort Donelson. Soon after he was promoted colonel of the regiment. At Pittsburg Landing he was wounded, carried off the field and sent home; he was afterward placed at Davis' Mills, Mississippi, to guard that part of the line, and, with a small detachment of a few hundred men, defeated Colonel Vandorn with 6,000 men. He was afterward placed in command' of a brigade, and General Grant sent his name to Washington urging his speedy promotion. This mail was captured and the request never came before the senate. Near the close of the war he was - by way of reparation - made brigadier-general by brevet, for gallant and meritorious services. He then was retained on a committee for examining applicants for the regular army, not being mustered out until March 6, 1866. On the 7th of April following he arrived in Kansas City. In July he opened the first wholesale drug house in Kansas City; his capital being insufficient to meet the demands of trade, he associated with himself Joseph Parders and J. W. L. Slavens in 1867. The latter shortly retired, and Mr. Parders sold his interest to A. W. Bidwell, who proved to be an unprofitable partner and who committed suicide in 1871. In order that the stock should not be sacrificed at public sale to satisfy eastern indebtedness, thus throwing a heavy debt on the heirs. General Morgan, with the promise of liberal time, bought the interest but at the end of the second year a forced final settlement was made, and the' stock passed into other hands. This misfortune, taken with others, resulting from the financial crisis, accelerated the incipient disease engendered in the army, causing death by bronchial affection in 1878. He proved himself one of Kansas City's most public spirited citizens ; was a stockholder in the Hannibal & St. Joe Railroad, and was one of the originators of the Kansan City & Santa Fe Railroad, and a member of the first board of directors. He married a daughter of the late John Binford, of Indiana, in December, 1862. General John Love, of Indiana, left this tribute of our adopted citizen: " General Morgan has the confidence of the people of our State for all the qualities that adorn the gentleman and the soldier." And General Grant, in recommending him to the Secretary of State for a foreign appointment in 1875 said of him: "General Morgan is personally known to me as a brave and gallant soldier, and in my opinion is worthy and capable of filling any position in the government to which he may aspire."

William Mulkey

Retired farmer and capitalist, was born in Ash county. North Carolina, September 22, 1824, and when young was taken by his parents to Jackson county. Mo., in the fall of 1828, locating at Westport, as it was then known. His early education was given him by the noted Joe Smith, for a period of six months. At the end of this time the Mormons, becoming troublesome, were driven out of the county, and they went to Clay county. Mo. Our subject afterward attended the common schools, and at the age of eleven years commenced business for himself with the Indians, continuing until grown to manhood. In 1844-45 he commenced in Westport, being engaged in running a little steamer, and was here for a number of years. He has frequently visited John C. Fremont, when he was camping near this place, and assisted in preparing the outfit for his great trip across the plains. Mr. M. well remembers the prediction made by Thomas H. Benton, in a letter to a friend, an early settler here, that the time would come when railroads would run across the plains in all directions, the river be dredged and roads run across the plains and mountains to the Pacific Ocean. Mr. M. has lived to see this reaHzed to the fullest extent. He was married to Miss Catharine Dripps, in 1852. She is a native of Oregon, and a daughter of Major Dripps, one of the Ame^rican fur traders, who died in i860.

Frederick Mullett

Of the firm of MuUett Brothers, wholesale dealers in photographic goods and instruments, was born in Taunton, England, in 1840, leaving there with his parents when he was very young. They came to the United States and setried in Cincinnati, Ohio, where he was reared. When nineteen, in 1857, he went into the wholesale house of Tyler Davidson & Co. as a clerk, and was in their employ until 1865. In July of that year he went to Vicksburg, Miss., and was employed as manager in the hardware department of the retail house of Louis Hoffman & Brother, being with them until 1866. Then he came to Kansas City and became a partner with S. Gardner in the hardware business, they being together for eight years. Dissolving the copartnership in 1875 he went east and was employed as traveling salesman for Gatchel & Hyatt, of Cincinnati, and oiher firms, until January, 1877, when he returned to Kansas City and established himself in the business in which he is now engaged, with his brother Richard B. Mullett, who became a member of the firm in 188 1. In 18 j 8 he married Miss Martha Campbell, of Ottumwa, Iowa.

Cornelius Murphy

County Marshal, was born in Cork, Ireland, August i, 1849, ^nd when quite a small boy came with his parents to the United States, landing at New York City. His father immediately went to Virginia, where he was engaged for some time as contractor on a railroad. His family continued to live in different parts of the state for several years, when he removed to Jackson county Missouri, in 1857. Settled in what is now known as McGee's Addition, livec here for a short time, after which he went onto a farm with his father. Speni several years, then returned to Kansas City and accepted a clerkship in the cloth ing store of Kahn & Schloss ; continued with these parties for a period of five years, during which time he purchased a scholarship in the commercial college; there prosecuted his studies vigorously, graduating from this institution in 1869- '70. Subsequently was appointed deputy collector of Jackson county, Mo., which office he filled with much credit to himself and satisfaction to the citizens. In 1880 was elected to the office of marshal of Jackson county.

John Murray

Dealer in real estate, was born in the County Galway, on the River Shannon, June 15, 1831, where he lived with his parents until he was sixteen. He had fair opportunities for education up to that age, attending two years at the Irish National University at Woodford, a neighboring town. When he left home he was apprenticed three years to the dry goods business, at Portumnd, the residence of Lord Clanricker. In 1848 he came to the United States, landing in New Orleans in November of that year and there he lay some weeks, sick in the Sisters' Hospital. His first employment was as a waiter in the St. Charles Hotel, serving as such for six months, when he was employed as book-keeper by Patrick Walch, a heavy manufacturer of harness. Was with him until 1850, when he left New Orleans with his parents, who had arrived from the old country, for St. Louis, and while on the trip had the misfortune to meet with an accident, by which they lost all their clothing and baggage, and nearly lost their lives, caused by the explosion of the boiler of the boat on which they were traveling, near Memphis, on the Mississippi River. There they were obliged to lay up until they had recovered from their injuries. When sufficiently recovered they again started for St. Louis, arriving there in due time, and soon after their arrival there, he was employed as steward on board the steamer Connecticut. Soon after he was employed as second clerk on the steamer Pacific, plying between St. Louis and New Orleans, continuing as such until March, 1852. Then he came to Jackson county. Mo., settling at Independence, where he was employed as a clerk by Thomas Gilchrist and Isaac Campbell, until 1854, when he went to Blue Springs and did a general mercantile business for himself, and was also post-master until 1859. Then returned to Independence and was employed in the forwarding and commission business until i860, when he kept the Excelsior saloon for six months. Then sold out andreturned to Blue Springs, and soon after entered the Confederate army as aprivate and served as such until the fall of Vicksburg, afterward being promoted through various grades up to Provost Marshal. After being mustered out at the close of the war he went to St. Louis, where he accepted a position long enough to earn money to return to Independence, and also to have his family return, which had been banished from the State by Order No. 11, in his absence. He began life again by clerking, which he followed until May, 1867, when he ventured in business again for himself He held the position of county treasurer from 1874 to 1878. Beside being burned out in 1874, he lost heavily in the suspension of the First National and Mastin banks of Kansas City, from which he has not fully recovered. After his reverse he went to Leadville, Col., where he endeavored to retrieve his losses. Returned to Kansas City in 1881, and engaged in the real estate business with William S. Carter, late of Denver, Col. September 6, 1855, he married Miss Mary F. Smith, of Blue Springs, by whom he had one child : William F., of Independence-. Mrs. Murray died in September, 1866.

Was born in Mahoning county, Ohio, October 2, 1850, and when about twelve years of age removed with his parents to Michigan. He made this State his home until 1867, when he entered Mount Union College, of Ohio, pursuing his studies for about four years. Then went to the University of Michigan, studied four years, and from there to Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, graduating therefrom in 1876. In 1877 he went to work in the copper mines of Lake Superior, and then engaged in the river improvement work on the Missouri River, from which he was detached and placed on the lower Mississippi, where he remained about four months. In May, 1879, he came Kansas City, and now holds the position of Assistant United States Civil Engineer. He has been instrumental in promoting everything beneficial to the citizens of thisplace. Mr. Neir was married June 16, 1879, to Miss Anna A. McDonald, a native of Canada. They have but one son, William W.

Druggist. The subject of this sketch is a native of Westmoreland county, Penn., where he was brought up and educated. About twelve years ago he became engaged in the drug trade on Grand avenue, and has remained here since. Being a good business man, courteous and pleasing in his manner, he has built up a good trade. His store is a model of neatness.

M. M. Nye

Of the firm of J. W. Hamilton & Co., was born at Rockville, Parke county, Ind., May 3, 1857, and when he was eighteen years of age he went to Henry county, Iowa, spending one year in traveling over the State, and then returned to his native home, where he was engaged in bookkeeping for the Sandered Coal Company for one year. Then went to the southern part of Illinois and was engaged in railroading, holding different positions, as general bookkeeper, freight agent, conductor, and frequently had charge of a part of the construction work. Remaining till 1880, he returned to Indiana and was for a short time engaged in buying and shipping grain. In October, 1880, he located in Kansas City, at his present occupation. Mr. Nye, as an accountant, is accurate and reliable, and has made a success in all his undertakings.

Daniel O'Flaherty

Surveyor of Jackson county, was born, in Berking county, Virginia, in July, 1841, and in 1844 was taken by his parents to Kentucky, where he resided until 1855. Then removed to Missouri, locating in Jefferson City, and from there came to this city in 1857, where he has since made his home. In 1867 he was appointed to the office of assistant city engineer, holding this position until 1872. In 1868 was elected county survevor, which position he filled for four years, and in the fall of 1880 was re-elected to the office he now holds. He married Miss Ellen A. Ward, of Kansas City, in June, 1869. She is a native of Ireland. By this union they have three children living : A. E. , Joseph S., and Leo J. Have lost one child, two and a half years old.

Was born in County Kerry, Ireland, where he Hved until 1836, when he went to Canada. After a short stay at Quebec, went east, and in 1847 moved to Alle gheny county, Penn., at which place he lived two years. Afterwards removed to Frankfort, Ky. Followed railroading with his father at this place for three years. Also worked in the towns of Falmouth and Cinthiana. He was engaged in railroading in Cincinnati, Ohio, and Lexington, Ind. Then vs'ent to New Orleans, La., and for one year was clerk in a retail grocery store, after which he went to Louisville and engaged in the retail grocery trade. Was there until the riot of 1855, at which time he went to Oshkosh, Fondulac, and other parts of the State of Wisconsin. .After leaving Wisconsin he went to St. Louis, and from there to Cameron, at which place he followed railroading for eighteen months, and then came to Kansas City, where he engaged as contractor and excavator. Worked at this business until the war broke out, when he enlisted as a private in Company B, ist Kansas Volunteers, and'went to Fort Leavenworth, and back to Kansas City. Was through the campaign of 1861, and afterwards was under Major Sturgis and General Lyons ; at the battle of Wilson's Creek was near General Lyons when he was killed. Was also at the battle of Milliken's Bend, Corinth, Gun Town, Vicksburg, and various skirmishes. Was a captain, commanding a company, during the fight at Vicksburg, guarding the Mississippi River front, on the Louisiana side. Resigned his command and came to Kansas City, and after staying here a short time, returned to Goodrich Landing and took command of the citizen scouts, and scouted through the territory lying between Goodrich Landing and Lake Providence. While in command of the scouts he had a very hard fight called the battle of the Mounds, which resulted in a glorious victory for the Captain. At the close of the war he located at Vicksburg^ and engage(J in the wholesale and retail grocery business. Here he was married to Miss Sarah A. Duggin, of Vicksburg, and they have had three children, two now living: Katie M. and V. J. One, Eugene, is deceased.

Manufacturers of carriages. This firm is composed of H. B. Olin and Mr. Eastey. The former was born in Livingston county, New York, December 24, 1852, residing there until about three years of age, when, with his parents, he removed to Wisconsin. There remained about five years, then going to Kalamazoo county, Mioh., and after five years came to Ottawa, Kas. There our subject was educated, attending the Baptist University for three years. Remained in Ottawa eight years, and then went to the University at Rochester, N. Y. , where he attended until graduating with the degree of A. B. In 1879 Mr. Olin came to Kansas City, and formed a partnership with his brother-in-law, Mr. Eastey, which still continues. They have lately associated with them Mr. A. R. Hardustry, one of the finest finishers hereabouts. He learned his trade in England, and since coming to this country has been associated with J. B. Brewster, the king of carriage men. Mr. Olin was married February 17, 1880 to Miss C. S. Carter, of Rochester, N. Y. She was brought up and educated there.

P. L. O'Mara

Of the firm of Schoeller & O'Mara, proprietors of meat market, was born in Ireland, September 5, 1861, and when but two years of age, came to America, with his parents, and landed at New York. From there came to St. Louis, where he remained till 1870, when he came to Kansas City. In July, 1879, he entered into partnership with A. E. Schoeller, in his present occupation.

D. H. Painter

Physician and surgeon, is one of the many young doctors who took Horace Greeley's advice, and has cast his lot in the Great Western Metropolis. He is a native of Illinois, having been born at Macomb, McDonough county, April 13, 1855. He graduated from the Macomb High school in 1874, and immediately began the study of medicine under Dr. P. H. Garretsou, of his native town. Graduated from the Louisville Medical College, at Louisville, Kentucky, February 26 1876. He began his practice at Council Grove, Kansas, where he was very successful, and where he served as U. S. medical examiner until January i, 1881, when he located in Kansas City. April 16, 1877, he married Miss Bettie C.

Was born September 8, 1831, in Homer, Courtland county. New York. When five years of age, his father, Rev. Roswell Parker, a clergyman of rare gifts as a theologian and preacher, moved with his family to North Adams, Hillsdale county, Michigan, where he improved and cultivated a large farm for forty years. At nineteen years of age, with his parents' consent and approval, John D. Parker left the farm, for the purpose of securing an education, learned telegraphy, and, moving his instruments into the office of the Jonesville Telegraph, learned also the printing business. He then went to Ann Arbor, where he took a classical course in the Michigan University. He then taught five years in the schools of Indiana and Illinois when he resigned, and took a course in the Chicago Theological Seminary. After preaching two years, he was called to take charge of the preparatory department of Lincoln College, Topeka, Kansas, and was soon elected to the chair of Natural Science. After teaching in the college about three years, Prof. Parker resigned, and accepted a position on the staff of the Commonwealth. At the end of one year, he took charge of the Congregational church at Burlington, Kansas, and opened a small fruit farm, with the purpose of making a permanent home. In the autumn of 1871, Governor James M. Harvey, very unexpectedly and without solicitation, appointed him superintendent of the Kansas Institution for the Blind. During his administration of four years, the institution was greatly prospered, but when it was becoming a model institution. Governor Thomas A. Osborn changed the management solely for political reasons. On resigning his superintendency. Prof. Parker moved to Kansas City, where he has been engaged as city missionary and in teaching, editing, and reading proof. He is the originator of the Kansas Academy of Science and of the Kansas City Academy of Science. He donated his private cabinet, containing 2,000 choice specimens, to the Kansas Academy of Science, for the use of the Kansas University. He is a member of the Congregational church, and has had rare success in conducting Bible classes for many years. He excels as a writer, and possesses those mental gifts which, by proper cultivation, would give him a place among authors. As an organizer of scientific societies, Prof. Parker has laid foundations upon which men will hereafter build enduring monuments. His plans are laid wisely, he toils year after year with patience, looking for no earthly reward, and he has an abiding faith in the feeblest beginnings and darkest hours, of ultimate success. He places the foundation stones where they ought to be laid, and waits for those who come after him, to complete the structure. In 1867, Illinois College conferred upon him the degree of doctor of philosophy, in recognition of his attainments and services in natural science. Prof. Parker inherits the gift of invention from his father, and has obtained letters patent for a composing stick gauge, which will probably prove to be a standard instrument in its department.

Charles H. Patton

Proprietor of milk depot and oyster saloon, was born in Philadelphia September 26, 1850, and there was educated. Made it his home until seventeen years of age, when he went to New Jersey and learned the dairy business. This he continued there for seven years when he returned to Philadelphia, engaging in the milk business for one year. Then came to Kansas City, continuing the same business and also engaged in the oyster trade. This has since been his occupation and in it he has built up a good trade.

Is one of the few remaining old settlers of Kansas City who came here thirty years ago. He was born in Christian county, Kentucky, October 29, 1829. His father dying when he was young, he was thrown upon his own resources to gain a livelihood. His education consists of what he obtained in the common school and what he learned after entering the office of the Hopkinsville Express, to learn the printing trade, when only thirteen years old. In 1844 he was employed by A. Gant &.Son in his native town as a clerk, with whom he remained until January, 1849, when he accepted a clerkship in the dry goods house of H. D. Cunningham of St. Louis, Mo. In 1850 he came to Kansas City and went into the mercantile business with H. L. Weil, of St. Louis, under the firm name of H. L. Weil & Co. , and, on retiring from the firm the following year, he accepted a position in the dry goods house of Northrup & Chick. Remained with them until 1855, when he was elected Mayor of Kansas City, subsequently holding that position for five consecutive terms, and has represented his district in the State Legislature. He was also one of the incorporators of the Cameron Branch of the Hannibal & St. Joe Railroad. He has ever given his influence to promote the growth of the young city, and is proud of its present prosperity and future promise.

Peet Brothers & Co

Soap manufacturers. This firm consists of Robert and William Peet, and J. W. White. Robert and William are natives of England. They were born near Cambridge, in Cambridgshire, and are now aged respectively, 33 and 37 years. They spent their boyhood days on a farm, coming to America when boys of 15 and 19, spending all they had in defraying the expense of their voyage. They began life in a strange land, empty-handed. First found employment in the soap manufactory of Joseph Stafford, in Cleveland, Ohio, where the elder brother worked five years, learning the business, while his brother, after one year, quit and learned the carpenter's trade. The elder Peet, after working at the soap business for eight years, had accumulated the sum of $500, and was contemplating a visit to his old home in England, when he was advised by friends to abandon it, and come to Kansas City, well knowing that he was well versed in the secrets of manufacturing soap. After consulting his brother, who then resided at Cleveland, Ohio, he started for the west, coming to Kansas City in 1872, where he quickly discerned the advantages of the place and telegraphed his brother, who came at once. They first rented the old deserted soap factory belonging to Iven Brothers for one year, but occupied it only ten months, when Gen. W. H. Powell became connected with them. They being very young, and with limited capital, the accession of General Powell gave the business a new impetus, and, requiring larger quarters, they removed to No. 4, East Levee, near where they now are. In 1873, Gen. Powell sold is interest to Capt. J. W. White, when the present firm of Peet Brothers & Co. was organized. They have been successful from the first, and their business so increased that they had to enlarge their quarters by renting different buildings. Now they own the extensive soap works, formerly the old Kearney warehouse, on the levee, at the foot of Delaware street, a building. 25x100 feet and three stories high, to which they are putting up an addition, 25x100 feet, with a basement and two stories high. They manufacture 3,000 boxes of soap monthly, which is sent throughout Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, Colorado, Texas and New Mexico. Mr. White was born near New Bedford, Mass., August 6, 1821, and when sixteen years of age went on board the old Minerva, and followed the sea thereafter for twenty years, serving from a common sailor up to master of a vessel, and has been in most of the important ports of the world. He has made three whaling voyages in the Arctic regions, being at one time master of the Nasson, and afterwards the William Thompson, taking from two to three years to make the voyage. He abandoned the sea in 1857, and lived in Illinois until 1866, when he went to Cleveland, Ohio, and engaged in the implement business. Leaving there in 1873, he came to Kansas City and became connected with the Peet Brothers.

Mrs. Mary S. Peery

Was born in Tazwell county, Virginia, March 26, 1814, and when five years old her parents moved to Caledonia, Washington county, Mo., where she lived until her eighteenth year. Was then married to Rev. Edward T. Peery, a Methodist minister, the date of their marriage being January 28, 1832. Soon after her husband was called to the missionary work among the Indians, she accompanying him and devoting fifteen years among the Shawnee, Delaware, Kickapoo, Pottowatomie and Wyandott Indians. He was also presiding elder of the Cherokee Na- tion, she remaining and laboring among the Shawnees. Closing their labors among the Indians in 1847, they came to Kansas City and permanently settled, building them a house on his farm, on what is now the corner of Ninth and Harrison street, but at that time a dense forest, and sparsely settled. There her husband labored as a local minister, devoting his energies to build up a branch of the Methodist Episcopal church in his immediate neighborhood. He gave the first lot for a church site in the city, on Fifth, near Wyandotte street, and also aided in erecting it - a house, although made dear by its associations to many of the oldest members, has been recently desecrated by- being converted into a livery stable. Mr. Perry died in 1864, since which time she has resided in the city and vicinity. She has three children : Mary Jane (wife of Henry B. Bouton, of Kansas City), Sarah and Frank T. (of Colorado). She has three grand-children and one great-grandchild.

Robert Pennycook

Of the firm of Pennycook & Siverwright, was born in Edinborough, Scotland, and lived in that country until he was twenty-eight years of age. Spent two years in New Castle on Tyne, Cumberland county, England, working at the carpenter's trade as contractor and builder, under the firm name of Pennycook & Blair. Came to America in 1871, landing at New York, and came direct to Kansas City, where he remained four years, part of the time as contractor and builder. Afterwards he went to California and worked at his trade and kept saloon for about six years, and after disposing of this he returned to Kansas City in the latter part of 1880. Then engaged in business, carrying a general stock of hardware and new and second-hand furniture. Mr. Pennycook has been a heavy property holder in Kansas City fot the last nine years.

John T. Pendleton

Was born near Stanford, Lincoln county, Ky., January 30, 1829, where he was raised and educated. He worked on his father's farm until 1853, when he went to Georgia in charge of a drove of hogs, and that was the first starting out in life for himself. He next went ta Louisville, Ky., where he was employed in the packing house of Hull, Jackson & Co., and leaving them in the spring of 1855 he came to Missouri and was employed as clerk in the old Noland Hotel, of Independence, a house of wide reputation. In this he was employed until 1857, when he was head clerk in the wholesale and retail dry goods house of Mullen Bros., of Independence, being with them until their failure, in 1858. In the same year he with Samuel A. Shortridge went into the grocery business at Independence, under the firm name of J. T. Pendleton & Co., they doing business together until the spring of r86i, when the firm was changed to Wilson and Pendleton, they succeeding Wilson & Strode. He continued in business with Mr. Wilson until 1867 when, being elected treasurer of Jackson county in 1866, he retired from the firm. He held the position of county treasurer until 1870, when he settled on a farm near Independence and dealt in stock. In 1877 he established a coal office in Kansas City, near the Levee, where he is doing an extensive business, selling from twenty-five to forty car loads daily.

Attorney, was born in Rushville, Schuyler county, 111., December ri, 1841. Wm. Perkins, the father of W. W., was a practitioner and a member of the Schuyler county bar, it being the most noted bar of the state of Illinois. Being a prominent member of the Old School Presbyterian church, at the beginning of W. W.'s boyhood days, he gave up the practice of law and chose the profession of the ministry, studying theolgy under the tutorship of Lyman Beecher, of Cincinnati, the father of Henry Ward Beecher. After preaching over the States of Indiana and Illinois, he returned to Ohio. Having been a strong anti-slavery man he left the Old School Presbyterian and entered the Free Presbyterian church, and was appointed editor of their organ and located in Cincinnati, previous to this having resided in Ripley, Ohio. The subject of this sketch was educated in the common schools, and from 1857 to i860 he attended the Farmer's College at College Hill, teaching school for a short time, and also reading for his chosen profession. In the fall of i860 he returned to Illinois, and in the spring of 1M61 entered the pay department in the late war and remained on duty till peace was declared, being part of the time engaged by the express company. Then returned to La Salle county. 111., his father atthat time being the editor and proprietor of the Ottawa Republican. Then pursued the study of law and was admitted to practice by the Supreme Court of the State of Illinois in August, 1865. In 1867 he moved to Chicago, where he was engaged in the practice of his profession with great success, holding the office of attorney for the Board of Education two terms. He had the misfortune to pass through the Chicago fire, which deprived him of all his earnings, except such matter as was saved by being lodged in his safe, although showing the effects of the intense heat from without, proven by the melting of government seals and scorching of paper, which the writer examined. On account of the failing health of his wife he was compelled to seek a more genial climate, and in 1879 he moved to Windfield,'Cawley county, Kansas. In October, 1880, he located in Kansas City and is now considered one of the prominent attorneys of the city. Was married to Miss Bell. Parry, of Liverpool, England, April 13, 1870. They have one child, Charles E. (born March 31, 1871).

A. J. Pierce

Physician and Surgeon, was born in Pittsburgh, Pa., in 1832. He obtained a good literary education by attending school at Jefferson and Germantown, Pa., and graduated from Jefferson College, in Philadelphia, in 1856, and began practice in Pittsburgh with his father, an old practitioner in that city. In 1857, he came west and located in Leavenworth, where he practiced until i860, when he came to Kansas City and practiced until 1866. Then was called to Pittsburgh to settle up his father's estate, and from that time up to 1874, his time was spent alternately at Pittsburgh and Kansas City. In 1875, having permanently located here, he established the first surgical institute in the city, associating with him Dr. J. W. Foster and Dr. H. S. Greeno. In 1879, he retired from that institution and from general practice, having been in practice for thirty years. He is the first and oldest specialist in the city, and is a descendant of an old line of physicians, dating back over one hundred and fifty years, making a specialty of treating cancer and chronic diseases. After retiring from the practice of medicine, he engaged in building and the real estate business, and has done much to build up the city, having built seven business houses on Delaware and Third streets. January 14, 1878, he married Miss Mary Waters of Cleveland, Ohio.

D. S. Pollock

Attorney, was born in Christiansburg, Montgomery county, Va., August ii, 1842. Was left an orphaned boy when quite young, and since his youth has fought his own way through life. His early education was begun at the Academy in his native town, attending this institution till thirteen years of age, when he went to Newbern, Pulaski county, making his home with his uncle, C. S. Lane. In 1857, he entered the High school at Hillsville, Carroll county. Mo., where he remained about two years and returned to Hillsville, teaching school, principally, till i86r. Then enlisted in the Confederate army, remaining in service till the close of the war, when he returned to Pulaski county, teaching till 1867. Was there elected clerk of the Circuit Court for six years, and was removed by the military department act in 1869. In connection with his business, he had been spending his leisure time reading law, which profession he had chosen before the war. Practicing his profession in Newbern, in 1870 the State was re-admitted to the Union, and he was elected superintendent of public schools of the county. After organizing the schools throughout the county, he resigned his office. In 1873, was elected as commonwealth attorney of the county, holding this position, by re-election, till January, 1881. Then he drifted westward and located in Kansas City and prinipally engaged in the criminal practice, which he has made a specialty. Was married to Miss Maggie McCauU, a native of Scotlatd, February 10, 1880. They have one child, May V. Mr. P. is a member of the Masonic fraternity.

F. W. Poor

Proprietor of the Lindell Hotel, was born in what is now the town of Peabody, Massachusetts, December 18, 1845. His parents were Yankees and were born in the vicinity of Danvers. In 1864 he enlisted in Company C, Fifth Massachusetts Volunteers and served until the close of the war. Was connected with a wholesale butcher business fourteen years. Took possession of the Lindell Hotel in June, 1880. After refitting it he opened it to the public, and since then has had hardly room enough to accommodate his guests. He is a member of the Knights of Honor and Royal Arcanium. His marriage was in i867_toMiss G. M. Friend, a native of Berley (now Davens), Mass., born October 8, 1845. They have one child, Florence C. (born December 9, 1872).

David R. Porter

Is one of the oldest practicing physicians and surgeons of Kansas City. He is native of Jefferson county, N. Y., where he was born November 23, 1838. His father dying in 1845 ^^^ leaving no inheritance, he lived with his widowed mother - being one of six children - until his ninth year, when he began the battle of life for himself. In his boyhood he imbibed the desire to become educated, and at once bent his energies to attain that end. He began his literary education in the common schools of his native county and completed it in his twentieth year by graduating from Richmond College, Ohio, He soon after entered upon the study of medicine and in due course of time graduated from the College of Physicians and Surgeons at Keokuk, Iowa, and also from Bellevue Medical College, New York City. Thus well disciplined in the theory of medicine and surgery, he was soon called into active practice by being commissioned assistant surgeon in the 5th Kansas Volunteer Cavalry, and served during the late war. In 1865, at the close of his army career, he came to Kansas City and began what has been a long and extensive practice. He has filled the chair of Materia Medicia and Therapeutics in the Kansas Medical College from its infancy ; and as a. citizen is highly esteemed by his fellow citizens, by whose voice he has held many positions of trust in the citv. In 1870 he married Miss Ollie Smith, of Kalamazoo, Michigan, by whom he has one son, Pierre. Thus, in brief, is a biographical sketch of one who, by his unaided efforts, has raised himself to that eminence of usefulness so eagerly sought in his younger days, arid of whom it can be truthfully said that "merit is given to whom merit is due."

Agent of the Travelers Life and Accident Insurance Company, of Hartford Connecticut. The subject of our sketch although young, is one of the best experienced in his business in the city. This company has paid over two hundred losses during the past year, varying from $io to $2,000, and is a very reliable one. Mr. Powell has an excellent patronage and well deserves to succeed.

Cladius Prevost

Dentist, was born at Geneva, Switzerland, July 18, 1818, and was there reared and educated. In 1840 Ije left there and immigrated to America as a Protestant minister to the French Catholics. He was brought up in the Catholic faith but after a time turned from the duties of the priesthood and became a convert to Protestantism. He first entered into the ministry in Canada, where he remained about three years. Then removed to New York, and after laboring there some time, moved to Vermont, and afterwards preached in Ohio, Pennsylvania and Illinois. While preaching in Detroit, Mich., he was obliged to forego further efforts in that direction by reason of failing health. During all this time he taught the French language. After leaving the ministry he learned the business of dentist, and for one year followed this profession in Detroit. Thence to Greenville, Ohio, and practiced there and at Cocomo for two years, removing to this city in 1865. He immediately entered into business and became very successful, and until 1870 also carried on the jewelry trade. At this time becoming involved in a difficulty, of another person's villiany, he sold out and went to Labette county, Kansas, where he worked at his trade. Then returned to Kansas City, and again started the dental business, but after remaining a short time went to Wyandott. Once again he came to Kansas City, and here he now resides. He has been married four times. First, in 1843, in Champlain county, N. Y. , to Miss Mary Loomis. By her he had one son. His second marriage was to Mrs. Morrison, of Canada West, with whom he lived a short time. Then married at Dayton, Ohio, Mrs. Hubbert. Fourthly, and lastly he was married to Miss Sarah P. Ladd, of Wyandott, a lady of refinement, who is now proprietress of the establishment in which he labors.

Charles Raber

Son of Cornelius and Regula Raber, was born in Canton Zurich, Switzerland, December 26, 1841. Came to America with his parents in the spring of 1847, and settled in Highland, Illinois, where he received his education. At the age of 14, came with his parents to Kansas City, it being then only a landing place ; they settled in Westport, October 25, 1855. His father rented a small piece of land there (now known as the Judge Lewis place), and followed farming until the day of his death which occurred August 26, 1856, young Charles at that time being in the employ of Mr. Francis H. Booth. He remained with him the majority of the time, until the year 1862, when he formed a copartnership with Mr. Martin Keck, to do a general freighting business. They continued together doing a very successful business, making upward of twenty trips across the plain to Utah, New Mexico, Texas, Colorado and other points, until the fall of 1868. The Kansas Pacific R. R., was put through to Denver, and not caring to compete with it, they sold their outfits, (and it may be worthy of mention they had an old ox called Tom that by actual count made over ten thousand miles in Mr. Raber's service), and associated themselves with Mr. Helmerich in the Western Brewery, carrying on the brewing business for two years and not being successful closed out, Mr. Raber connecting himself with the Metropolitan

Billiard Hall corner of Grand avenue and Fifteenth streets. Was married at Kansas City to Miss Josephine Engler, June 9, 1874, and by this marriage they have had three children, all living: Clara E., (born March 5, 1875), Cornelius, (born December 24, 1878), and an infant (born December 14, 1880). Mr. Raber's mother is living with him, a hearty old lady of three score years and ten.

Aaron Raub

Butcher, was born on the 15th of December, 1824, and is a native of New York. He was principally reared in Pennsylvania, and at the age of twenty-one removed to Ohio, remaining for two years. Then emigrated to Freeport, 111., residing three years, and from there came to Kansas City, in 1852. Here he has made his home since. Immediately after coming he commenced the butchering business, which he has since followed. He is no doubt ^le pioneer in his line in the city, and is widely and favorably known for his liberal dealing, and has a large number of friends.

Justice of the Peace, was born near the town of Dundall, Ireland, and when thirteen years of age he, in company with his brother, emigrated to the United States, landing at New York. Then went to Cincinnati, and from this place went to St. Louis, in 1837, residing there until 1842, when he removed to Weston, Platte county, Mo., and there engaged in the mercantile business, following this until 1850, when he went to California. In 1851 he came to Kansas City, and has since been a resident here. From 1853 to 1858 he was engaged in the general merchandise trade, and at that time engaged in the real estate business. This he continued until the outbreak of the Rebellion, when, fearing that Kansas City would be nearly destroyed, he commenced farming, continuing it until 1867. Then was appointed Justice of the Peace of Kaw township, and has held the position since. Mr. Ranson has been twice married. First, in 1845, to Miss Emily Tally, a native of Jackson county. She died in i860, leaving four children : Angle A., Amanda E., Henry S., and Thomas. His second marriage occurred in 1861, to Mrs. Bettie Reese, a native of this county, daughter of Colonel Stine, also of Jackson county. They have seven children : Maude, John, Joseph, Samuel, Bettie, Daniel, and Pearl.

The subject of this sketch is a member of the firm of Moore & Rayburn, proprietors of one of the most extensive flouring mills in Kansas City. Mr. Rayburn was born in Ross county, Ohio, December 16, 18 18. Was there reared and educated, and at the age of twenty-two years became engaged in the live stock trade, which he followed until the year 1850. Then removing to McLean county, 111., he engaged in farming and stock raising, continuing in that until 1869, when he moved to Butler county, Kansas, and there carried on the same business until the fall of 1875. Came to Kansas City, Mo., where he continued dealing and handling stock until the year 1878. Seeing a favorable opening in the flour-milling business, he formed a co-partnership with Mr. J. W. Moore, in which business he is still actively engaged. He was married December 29, 1842, at London, Ohio, to Miss Ann M. Rouse, and by this marriage four children have been born to them: Jane R. (born October i, '50), Agnes (born January 16, '58), Joseph H. (born August 24, '61), and Angle (born January 6, '65).

Gen. J. W. Reed

Was born in Lynchburgh, Campbell county, Va., June 14, 1820, and resided there until twelve years of age. Received his education from private teachers, and at the age of nine years he entered the high school at his native town. Continued his studies until 1832, when, in company with a person by the name of Hess, he removed to Laport, Ind., residing with him until nineteen years old. Then joined his father's family. In 1841 he removed to Saline county. Mo., and resided there, engaged in teaching school and the practice of law until 1846. Then raised a company of volunteers and went into the Mexican War, being captain, and served about thirteen months, when he was honorably discharged and mustered out at New Orleans. In the fall of 1847 he came to Jackson county,, settling in Independence, and has been a resident of this county since. He commenced the practice of law there, continuing till the outbreak of the late war. Then moved to Kansas City, and from 1876 until now has been engaged in dealing in real estate. In 1853, and again in 1855, he was sent to the Legislature, and in i860 was elected to represent the people in Congress, and at the close of this season resigned.

Proprietor of the type, electrotype and stereotype foundry, was born in New York City December 31, 183 1, and was there brought up and educated. At the age of about twenty years he commenced learning the trade of type founder, and worked with one firm about nine months. Then was employed in the foundry of James Conner & Sons, with whom he finished his trade. About 1856 he became engaged as foreman in the Northwestern Type Foundry, of Milwaukee, Wis., which position he filled for about fifteen years. Then became the proprietor of the St. Paul Type Foundry, at St. Paul, where he continued about one year, and then came to Kansas City. He started the type foundry here in 1872, and has continued to operate it since that time. He keeps a full line of printers' materials and can furnish anything in the sterotype line. His goods are all first class, and he is doing a fine business. His marriage was about 1857, to Miss M. E. Adams, of N. Y. They have by this union five children : Cecilia, Anna, John, William and Arthur. Is a member of Knights of Honor.

Thomas S. Reyburn

Was born in Chariton county. Mo., May 20th, 1832, and at the age of seventeen years removed to Lexington, this State, where he learned the trade of brick layer, continuing it until 1854. Then went to CaUfornia, engaged in mining until i860, then returned to this State, and in 1861, enhsted in the Confederate service. Served three years and then removed to Nevada, and three years later went to California. After returning, he came to Kansas City in June, 1870, and immediately commenced working at his trade. This he has since continued, and many fine buildings here are specimens of his handiwork. His brother, J. W., was one of the early settlers in this county, and was one of the parties who rescued persons, who had settled on the flat or bottoms, during the flood of 1844. He is one of the veterans of the Mexican War, having served under Colonel Doniphan. He is now living in Carroll county, this state, and has a family of sixteen children, the youngest two months old. In March, 1872, our subject was married to Miss Angeline Cook, a native of South Carolina, but principally reared in Mississippi. She removed to Missouri in i860. They have three children, two of whom are living - Roscoe and Samuel. One died at the age of six years. Mr. Reyburn's parents are natives of Virginia, and of Swedish and Welsh extraction. They removed to Kentucky in 1825, and are among the early settlers of that State.

T. C. Rice

Manager of the Kansas City Bag Manufacturing Company, was born in Poland, Ohio, December 5, 1842, and spent his boyhood days there, receiving excellent educational advantages. In the summer of i860, he took atrip to the mountains, remaining till fall. In October, 1861, he enlisted in Battery B, ist Pennsylvania

Light Artillery, and held the position of First Lieutenant. Was with the Army of the Potomac through its most important battles, at Antietam, Gettysburg, batof the Wilderness, and others. At the close of the war, he returned to his home in Ohio, finishing his education, then came west, engaging in the drug business at Pleasant Hill, Mo., remaining eleven years. Then took a trip south and stopped a while in St. Joseph, where he married Miss Mary A. Long, a native of Baltimore, Md., born in 1856. They were married in October, 1875, and have two children -. L. J. and Mary C. Soon after their marriage he came to Kansas City, and in April, 1878, took charge of the bag manufactory. He is in a responsible position, as this establishment does a very large business. By his strict business integrity, he has made many friends. Mrs. Rice is a member of. the Catholic church.

Of the firm of Richardson & Heins, manufacturers of doors, sash, blinds, mouldings and stair material, was born at Dracutt, Middlesex county, Mass., in 1835, and there was reared on a farm until seventeen, when he went to Lowell and learned the trade of wood turner. Leaving there in 1857, he went to Boston and worked in the Bay State Mills, and the mills of Curtis and ' McNutt, until the breaking out of the war, when he enlisted in Company D, 41st Regiment Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, in which he served one year, when his regiment was transferred to the 3d Massachusetts Cavalry. In this he served during the war. After being mustered out, in 1865, he returned to Boston where he remained one year when he was pursuaded that there were better opportunities for employment in the west. He made a prospecting tour through Minnesota, Illinois and Missouri, and finally located in Osawatomie, Kansas, where he was engaged in the furniture business until 1868, then went to St. Louis and was employed in different manufacturing establishments, and in business for himself, until the fall of 1877, when he came to Kansas City, where he started the manufacturing establishment of Richardson & Heins, taking in Mr. Heins as a partner in 1878. Although beginning on a small scale, they now own a large shop, on Main street, furnished with all the latest improved machinery, and their annual sales amount to from $25,000 to $30,000.

Assistant secretary and treasurer of Kansas City Live Stock Exchange Company, was born in Buffalo, New York, April 29, 1847, and made that his home till 1869. He is a son of E. K. and Hannah L. (Martin), his father being a miller. E. E. was so reared till seventeen years of age. He was educated in the common schools of his native city and in the High school of Grand Rapids, Michigan. October 7, 1864, he accepted the position of book-keeper in Martin Comstock's wholesale store of feed, seeds and fruit, at that time the largest firm in the city. Resigning this position May i, 1868 he took charge of the wholesale produce store of Wallace Johnson, remaining one year, part of the time as traveling buyer and salesman. June 8, 1869, he went to Milwaukee and engaged as traveling salesman for Johnson & Thyng, soap and candle manufacturers. Not being satisfied with this position, he resigned July 27, 1869, shortly aftei going to Chicago, being on the Board of Trade with Wright & Beebe from August 16 till October 12, 1869. That day he accepted a position as book-keeper for Gregory, Strader & Co., live stock dealers, remaining with this firm till January 21, 1874, when he was appointed to the office which he now fills by the authority of J. M. Walker, who was at that time the president of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad, and also of the Kansas City Stock Yards. He was married to Miss Anna M. Nevins December 21, 1868. She was born in New Orleans September 22, 1849. They have five children : Dwight N., Anna L., Clara Belle, Frances L. and Elliott K.

Proprietor of Opium Curative Institute, is a native of Indiana, born in Connersville, Fayette county. Graduating before he had attained to maturity, he at once devoted his attention to his chosen profession, associating himself with his father. Dr. G. W. Riddell, an eminent physician and operative surgeon. A writer of considerable ability, he subsequently became identified with the Indiana Citizen, a prominent and influential journal. His career as a member of the editorial staff of this paper was such as to give him much distinction as an able and logical writer. He was an earnest advocate for the preservation of the Union, being among the first who responded to the call for troops. He enlisted for three months, and subsequently for three years, as a member of the famous ' ' Indiana Bracken Rangers," the first mounted company organized in the State. The brilliant exploits and grand achievements of this company in the field are familiar to all who have read the history of the rebellion. At the close of the war Dr. Riddell returned to his native State, and for some years devoted his attention alternately to his profession and editorial work, and, by his numerous writings, has attained to a high position among the medical fraternity. Although but a comparatively brief period in Kansas City, the doctor is well and favorably known, not only in the city and States of Missouri and Kansas, but throughout the country, enjoying the respect and confidence of all. He is a gentleman of good business capacity, suavity of manners and possessed of great courage and energy. Some years ago the doctor discovered a cure for the opium and morphine habit, and has recently devoted much attention to the treatment of cases of that class. In viewr of the fact that there are thousands of persons galling in the shackles of the tyrant opium, it will be of much interest to that unfortunate class to know that Dr. Riddell can deliver them from the gloom and torture into which they have been precipitated through the use of that potent and insidious drug.

Isaac M. Ridge

Physician and Surgeon, is one of the oldest settlers of Kansas City, having resided here over thirty-three years, and is identified with the builders and founders of the city. He is a hative of Kentucky, having been born in Adair county July 9th, 1825. He completed his education in the High school of Dover, Missouri, and studied medicine under Isaac S. Warren, M. D., of the same place, graduating from the Transylvania University at Lexington, Kentucky, in March, 1848. He then returned to Missouri, and immediately settled at Westport Landing, as Kansas City was then called. He soon had an extensive country practice, and many were the long and cheerless rides over the wilds and hills of Jackson county, and in what was then known as the Wyandott and Shawnee reservations, he having a large practice among the Indians. Having secured a competancy, he retired from practice in 1873, and since then has been improving his city property, located on Main and Walnut streets February 12, 1850, he married Miss Ehza A. Smart, daughter of the late Hon. Thomas A. Smart, by whom he has three children r William E., Thomas S. (now attending the State University at Columbia, Missouri), and Sophia Lee (attending the Christian College at the same place). His wife died in July, 1878. She was a member of the Christian church of Kansas City.

William E. Ridge

Is a son of Isaac M. Ridge, one of the oldest settlers of Kansas City, and his mother was the daughter of the Hon. Thomas A. Smart, one of the very first proprietors of the city. He was born on a spot of ground that is now the southeast corner of Ninth and Main street, September 25, 1852. In his boyhood days he rambled over the hills and bluffs, and through woodlands and fields, all of which have disappeared and yielded to the improvements made by the city fathers.

He was partly educated in his home schools, but finished in Washington and Lee University, at Lexington, Virginia, during 1869-70, the president of which, Robert E. Lee, died while he was in attendance. Returning from school in 1870, he worked on his father's farm, a short distance from the city, continuing to do so up to 1879. In the meantime, in 1873, he married Miss MoUie C. Stone, of Independence, Mo. His mother dying in 1878, he left the farm and came to Kansas City and lived with his father until the following year, when he occupied his own residence. During the past year he has been busily engaged in superintending the erection of the Ridge Block, on Main street - himself and a brother and sister being the proprietors, they inheriting the lots from their grandfather, Hon. Thomas A. Smart, and their father generously furnishing the capital to put up the buildings. He has four children : Isaac B., William Roy, Eliza Gray and Earl Stone. He was the first newsboy in the city, being employed to sell papers on the street by Matt. Foster.

Of the firm of Scarritt & Riggins, attorneys, came to Kansas City with his parents when he was six years old. He was born in Benton county, Missouri, September 17, 1854. He was educated in the High school at Kansas City, which he attended until he was sixteen, and at the Pritchett Institute, at Glasgow, Mo., graduating' from the High school department of that institution in June, 1872. In the fall of the same year he entered the law department of Harvard College, Mass., attending there one year, when he returned to Kansas City, completing his law course with Judge J. Brumback, in the fall of 1874, and the same fall went to Alpine, Colorado. There he resided until the fall of 1879, when he returned to Kansas City, and in January, 1880, became the junior partner of the firm of Scarritt & Riggins.

General Agency, was born in Shelby county, Ky., November 29, 1830, and at about the age of six years was taken by his parents to Hendricks county, Indiana. Resided there until 1857, receiving his education in a log house in his neighborhood. Consequently his schooling was somewhat limited' there, but he entered the seminary at Danville, continuing his studies until he had received a common English education. Then engaged in teaching in Hendricks and Putnam counties, and in 1849 was married to Miss Eliza, a daughter of David Downs, one of the earliest settlers of the county. Then was engaged in the mercantile business until 1857, when he removed to this State settling in Cass county, and there remained until the outbreak of the war. June 27, 1861, he enlisted in the Union Army, as a private in Company B, Cass county reserve corps, and the next day was promoted to the rank of quarter-master sergeant. On the ist of August, following, was promoted to first lieutenant and regimental quarter-master, and mustered out February 28, 1862. March i, 1862, he enUsted as a private in the second battalion company F, Missouri State Militia, and was promoted to quartermaster sergeant August 16. In an engagement with the enemy at Lone Jack, this State, while acting as aid to E. S. Foster, he was wounded by an ounce minie ball passing through the left lung, above the heart. Was sent to the hospital at Kansas City, and on the 15th of the next December was mustered out. After partially recovering he embarked in the wholesale and retail grocery trade in this city, and since then has been an active citizen in advancing every interest beneficial to the place. He served one term in the city council as president and in 1867 received the appointment as U. S. assessor of internal revenue; resigned in October, 1868, but was forced to continue until April, 1869, his resignation not being accepted. Then engaged in the general agency and collecting business. He is and has been an ardent member of the Baptist church.

D. M. Ross

Contractor and Builder, was born in Ohio, September 4, 1828, and when young was taken by his father to Indiana, settUng in South Bend, in 1830. Here he was principally reared and educated, and in 1846 entered the Mexican war in the fifteenth regiment under General Morgan. Served until the close when he was honorably discharged in 1848. Then returned to South Bend, remaining until 1850, and in the spring of that year came to Kansas City. Remained until the fall following when he went to New Mexico, and was gone about two years. During this time he engaged in contracting and building, and fitted up the Legislative Hall at Santa Fe, New Mexico, for the first legislative body that met there. He was engaged in many public enterprises, and in May, 1852, returned and followed the house building. After this he opened a wagon shop, and in 1865 ran a plaining mill, it being the first one in Kansas City. After continuing this for a time he again embarked in contracting and building. He was married in 1852, in Westport, to Miss Elitha Light, daughter of John Light, one of the early settlers here. They have two children: Mattie R., (now Mrs. Walker), and John J.