Jackson County, Missouri - Biographical sketches, 1920 (part 14 of 15)

Arthur L. Curran. - The grocery firm of Curran, Schulenberger and Hausam, Independence, Mo. is one of the leading grocery concerns of Independence and is foremost in the business in this city. Every member of this firm is a native of Missouri and have catered to the public in the capacity of grocers since boyhood. The fine trade enjoyed by this enter¬ prising firm has been built up by courteous treatment of their many cus¬ tomers, selling only the best quality of goods, and selling at the lowest possible margin of profit consistent with good business management.

Arthur L. Curran was born on a farm near Grain Valley, Mo., in 1883. He is a son of David H. and Minnie (Montgomery) Curran, the former a native of Ohio and the latter a native of Jackson County. David H. Curran came to Jackson County prior to the Civil War with his father, Henry Curran, who settled on a farm two and a half miles west of Grain Valley. After many years spent as a farmer he moved to Independence where his death occurred in 1918 at the advanced age of 87 years. David H. Curran followed farming pursuits for a number of years and is now living retired at Tulsa, Okla. Mrs. Curran died in 1889 and her remains are buried in Blue Springs cemetery. They were parents of two children : Arthur L. Curran of this sketch ; and Maud, wife of James Talbot, Tulsa, Okla.

After attending the public schools, Arthur L. Curran studied in Inde¬ pendence High School and Brown's Business College, at Kansas City. Prior to engaging in business on his own account, Mr. Curran was in the employ of A. J. Bundschu, and the Boley Clothing Company of Independ¬ ence. In 1911 in partnership with Roy H. Schulenberg, they opened a grocery store on South Main street. In May, 1918, A. G. Hausam pur¬ chased an interest and the firm is now operated under the name of Curran, Schulenberger and Hausam, at 120 West Maple on the north side of the court house square.

daughter of William and Mary Schulenberg of Independence, the latter of Avliom died in 1897. The children born to this marriage are: David Harold and Mary Catherine.

The Curran residence is located at 115 West Sea avenue. Mr. Cur¬ ran was a member of the Independence city council in 1916 and 1917. He is affiliated with the Knights of Pythias and the Loyal Order of Moose.

John E. Harvey, farmer and stockman, Lexington road. Blue town¬ ship, Jackson County, was born near Clinton, Mo., June 10, 1882. He is a son of William and Palmyra (Houche) Harvey, the former of whom now resides in Kansas City. William Harvey followed farming in Henry County for several years and came to Kansas City in about 1895. Mrs. Harvey died at the Harvey home in Kansas City in 1913 and she is buried in Washington cemetery. The children of the Harvey family are: Mrs. Laura Wells, Clinton, Mo.; G. A., Sedalia, Mo.; Edward, living in Iowa; 0. J. Harvey, Kansas City; Mrs. Pearl Braden, Kansas City; John E. Harvey, subject of this sketch; Mrs. Mary Pollard, Kansas City; Earl, Kansas City.

John E. Plarvey was reared and educated in Henry County. His first business was that of produce dealer and he was connected for some time with the Independence Ice and Cold Storage Company and followed various occupations until he removed to his present home on the Lexing¬ ton road. Besides his own place of ten acres, Mr. Harvey is farming 160 acres- which is in alfalfa, orchard and pasture. In addition to his farm¬ ing operations, Mr. Harvey is in the employ of Jackson County as road builder.

Mr. Harvey was married June 20, 1906 to Miss Nellie Anderson of Independence. She is a daughter of M. W. and Julia (Daniels) Anderson, both of whom are deceased. Mr. Anderson came to Jackson County from Kentucky in 1830 and settled in Blue township. He served in the Con¬ federate army during the Civil War. He later became associated with Cornelius Chiles and removed to Independence and was president of the Anderson-Chiles Banking Company, which was later merged with the First National Bank of Independence. Mr. Anderson died Jan. 20, 1906. Mrs. Anderson died in 1887. She was a daughter of Robert Daniels who was reared on the farm now owned by Robert Barr and died there July 24, 1883. The children born to M. W. and Julia Anderson are as follow: Mrs. Kate Turner, wife of Robert S. Turner, she died Aug. 1, 1904; and Mrs. Nellie Harvey of this review, born and reared in Independence.

Charles E. St. Clair, of Oak Grove, Mo., has led an interesting and eventful life from the time his parents and their family drove across the country from Virginia in 1843 and located in Jackson County. Mr. St. Clair was born June 5, 1835, in Roanoke County, Va., and is a son of Robert and Elmira (Hewitt) St. Clair, natives, respectively, of Roanoke and Bedford counties, Va.

The St. Clair family drove from Roanoke County, Va., to Jackson County, with the family and all of their movable possessions loaded on wagons, in the fall of 1843. They located on a farm one mile north of Pink Hill, and six miles northwest of Oak Grove, where the father bought a pre-emption claim. The first home of the family was a one-room log cabin, with a loft overhead, where the children slept. This cabin had a mud and stick and sod chimney. The St. Clair family consisted of ten children, five sons and five daughters, as follows: Mary Elizabeth, died in 1855, was the wife of James McFarland; Charles Edward, of this review; Rev. John Haston, a Methodist preacher, died in 1899 ; Mrs. Julia Kirby, Everett Palmer, and Mrs. Emily Kirby, deceased; Harvey, deceased; Mrs. Virginia Clarkson, Kansas; and Mrs. Ann Henry Simpson, Hutchinson, Kan.; and George, a member of the Kansas City police force.

Three of the sons, Charles E., J. H. and Harvey, served with the Con¬ federate army during the Civil War. Harvey was killed during the Bat¬ tle of Port Gibson, Miss. The mother of the family died in 1865, just a day after the boys returned home from the war. The father died in 1868.

In June, 1861, Charles E. St. Clair enlisted in Company B, Sixth Mis¬ souri cavalry, in the State service, and was subsequently engaged in the regular Confederate service. He became a member of Gen. Francis M. Cockrell's brigade, French's division, and was directly under the command of Col. Eugene Irvin, and saw active seiwice in Mississippi, Alabama and Louisiana. Gen. Joseph E. Johnson was his first corps commander, and at Atlanta, Ga., the command was turned over to General Hood. Mr. St. Clair took part in the battles of Pea Ridge, Ark., Corinth, Miss., Port Gibson, Baker's Creek, Big Black or Magnolia Grove, the siege of Vicks¬ burg, Dalton, Ga., Resaca Station, Franklin and Nashville, Tenn., and Fort Blakely, in Mobile Bay, where he was captured and sent to Ship Island with a batch of prisoners who were guarded by blacks.

His father having accumulated 400 acres of land Charles E. St. Clair settled on the home farm after the war, and in 1871 he was married. He continued farming until 1891, and then removed to old Blue Springs. Mr.

Mr. St. Clair was married in 1871 to Mary Lauretta Mann, and the following- children have been bom to this union: Minnie Ethel, married Claude Thomas, and died Dec. 31, 1901 ; Myra Lee, wife of Herman Lefholz, Sniabar township, is the mother of five children, Lawrence St. Clair, Georgia Lee, Mary Josephine and Anna Pauline, twins, and Gussie. The mother of the foregoing children was born in Loudoun County, Va., in 1846, and died in February, 1903. She was a daughter of William and Lee Anna (Mann), who came to Jackson County in 1867.

Mr. St. Clair has always been a stanch Democrat. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church South. He is one of the best known and popular of the octogenarians of Jackson County, and is remarkably well preserved, despite his great age. During later years he has become somewhat of a globe trottei-, and has traveled extensively over 26 states, both east and west. He has spent a winter in California, going there with John W. Hudson in 1910, and has spent five winters in Arizona.

Mr. St. Clair is a member of the United Confederate Veterans, and is a regular delegate to all State and National conventions. He was a dele¬ gate to the Twenty-second annual convention of ex-Confederate veterans at Atlanta, Ga., from October 7th to 10th.

Joseph B. Beets, a pioneer resident of Blue township, was born in Cass County, Mo., in 1843, and is a son of James and Elizabeth (^ugglei) Beets, the former of whom was born in Tennessee and died in Jackson County at the age of 77 years. His wife, Elizabeth Beets, was born in Virginia, and she also attained the age of 77 years. In 1853 James Beets located with his family, in Miami County, Kan., at that time called Lykins County, and settled on a homestead about seven miles northwest of Paola, Kan. James Beets was a Democrat but was a Union sympathizer and was inclined to be loyal to the Federal government. This feeling did not save him from the depredations of the Kansas Unionists, however, and in 1861 he suffered the loss of his live stock which were stolen and run off by raiders. He practically had to leave the state and later joined General Price's ai-my and served for two years with the Confederate forces. He then returned to his family who had settled near the present site of Atherton. Soon after his return. Order No. 11 was issued and he took his family to Iowa where they remained for two years and then went to Nebraska. In 1865 they returned to Jackson County and Mr. Beets rented the Hifner farm until 1866 when he located on the present home farm now owned by his grandson, Charles E. Beets. This farm con¬ sists of 190 acres and is situated three and a half miles southwest of Atherton. It is improved with a handsome brick residence built in 1918. One hundred and sixty acres of the farm is river bottom land and the balance is upland. The farm is devoted to the production of corn, wheat and potatoes, 50 acres of the land having been planted to potatoes in 1919. The children bom to James E. and Elizabeth Beets are: Joseph B., of this review; Henry R., George W., Independence, Mo.; James D., Independence, Mo. ; William J., deceased ; Mrs. Cordelia Ann Hifner.

Henry R. Beets was born in Cass County, Mo., in 1845, and now re¬ sides with his brother, George W. Beets, in Fort Osage township. He married Julia Slacker, now deceased, and has five children, as follow: Lela, Fred T., who served three months in the National Army; James Ray¬ mond, now in the service of the United States Navy, stationed at Hamp¬ ton Roads, Va. ; Dorothy Virginia; and Henry R.

Joseph B. Beets, subject of this sketch, was married in March, 1875, to Leonora Jones, who was born and reared near Atherton, Mo. She died in 1912, and her remains are buried at Salem church cemetery. The Beets children are : Charles E. and James R. Beets.

John F. Moseley, "Shadow Lawn Farm". - That a family can live comfortably and also save money from each year's operations on a small farm in Jackson County has been demonstrated by Mr. and Mrs. John F. Moseley on their place of 15 acres three-fourths of a mile south of Inde¬ pendence. Mr. Moseley purchased his farm in 1911 and he and his family moved thereon in 1912. Four acres of the place are devoted to apples, cherries, plums and other fruits. Three acres are in alfalfa and the balance of the land is pasture. The farm supports four cows and a horse and from 250 to 300 chickens are raised each year of the pure bred Buff Oi-pington breed. Mrs. Moseley sells from 16 to 27 pounds of butter each week, five to eight pints of cream, 10 gallons of buttermilk and from 35 to 42 pounds of cottage cheese, saving the "whey" for the hogs which are raised for the purpose of providing meat for the family. In January of 1919 the hens produced 500 eggs. In February they produced 300 eggs, and she has had an average of 1,200 gallons of cherries during the past five years. In eight years past, Mrs. Moseley has had but four washings and one ironing done outside of her own home. Mr. and Mrs. Moseley do all the work of the farm and hire no help. During the past season, Mr. Moseley put up ten tons of alfalfa, and only paid out $1.85 for help. Each year he butchers six or seven hogs and during 1918 he put up 1,600 pounds of bacon. What this couple have done and are doing on a small farm should be an inspiration and guide for others to do likewise. They have plenty, do not have to overwork, have no fears for the future and best of all, have that feeling of independence, without the worry and troubles which beset the large land owner during these times of scarcity of labor and high wages for farm help.

John F. Moseley was born in Louisiana, Mo., May 24, 1861, and is a son of William R. and Mary E. (McCree) Moseley the former of whom was an early settler in Pike County, Mo., and served with the Federal forces during the Civil War. William R. Moseley died in Louisiana in 1873. After his death and upon the opening of Oklahoma Territory to settle¬ ment, his widow went to Oklahoma and took up a homestead claim near Garber, Garfield County. She died there April 18, 1915. The children of the Moseley family are: Martha, wife of Charles McRae, Rock Island, Ill.; Eva, wife of Harvey Cobb, Garber, Oklahoma; John F., of this review; Lillie died in Oklahoma.

After being educated in the public school, John F. Moseley learned the trade of pottery maker at White Hall and for 20 years he followed his trade at Macomb, Ill. In 1902 he located in Blackwater, Mo. and remained there for eight years. He then located in Kansas City where he engaged in contracting under the firm name of Moore and Moseley. In 1911 he purchased his present farm "Shadow Lawn" and settled down to the peace¬ ful and comfortable life of a country gentleman.

Mr. Moseley was married in Feb. 10, 1884 to Miss Victoria Cramer, a daughter of Gabriel A. and Mary Jane (Jeffress) Cramer. Gabriel A. Cramer was born in Cooper County, Mo., July 28, 1824 and died there in August, 1913. He was a son of Gabriel Cramer a native of Pennsyl¬ vania while his mother was a native of Virginia, her parents coming to Missouri in 1817 in a keel boat up the Missouri River, settling near Blackwater, Cooper County. The children born to Gabriel A. and Mary Cramer are: Milton, Blackwater, Mo.; Mary, deceased wife of Wright Hamilton; Lucy, deceased wife of Amos O'Neal of Cooper County; Caroline died at the age of 14 years; Gabriel A., died at the age of 61 years; Mrs. Vic¬ toria Moseley of this review ; Susan was the wife of Peter Beck and died in 1874. Gabriel A. Cramer was president of the Farmers Stock Bank of Blackwater for a number of years, from its organization until his death in 1913. He was a large land owner, becoming owner of 520 acres in Cooper County which he sold to his son a few years prior to his death.

When Mr. and Mrs. Moseley began their married life they had but $16.00 in capital. They are honest, well meaning and industrious citizens who are a distinct gain to Jackson County. Broad gauged in their views, well informed, happy and contented in their surroundings they are well satisfied with their lot. Mrs. Moseley is a member of the Universalist church.

John R. Leinweber, president of the Citizens Bank of Lees Summit and one of the most extensive farmers and stockmen in Jackson County, is a native of Illinois. He was born in Mason County, Dec. 9, 1865, and is a son of Martin and Katherine (Rigle) Leinweber. Martin Leinweber was born in Hamburg, Germany, Feb. 21, 1824. He was reared to man¬ hood in his native land and in 1854, came to America, landing in New York. He worked at common labor for a time and later came west, locat¬ ing in Illinois. When the Civil War broke out, he enlisted at Havana, Ill. and served in an Illinois cavalry regiment in the Union army for three years and three months. He was married at Paducah, Ky., Jan. 27, 1864 to Katherine Rigle, who was born at Paducah, Ky., April 26, 1846. After the close of the Civil War, Martin Leinweber settled on a farm in Mason County, Ill., where he resided for 30 years. He sold his place in Illinois and when he was about to move to Jackson County, he was accidentally drowned in Henry County, Mo., while endeavoring to ford Willow Branch creek. He was a successful business man and during the course of his career, had become very well to do. At the time of his death he was the owner of 1,840 acres of land in Jackson County and 1,820 acres in Henry County, Mo. and his vast estate is still undivided among the heirs.

To Martin and Katherine (Rigle) Leinweber were born 12 children, as follow: John R., the subject of this sketch; Mary, married Edward Stansberry, Mason County, Ill.; Elizabeth, married H. D. Hiller, Prairie township, Jackson County; Annie, mamed H. J. Hiller, Mason County, Ill.; Martin, Prairie township, Jackson County; Minnie, married Fred Garlish, Mason County, Ill.; Martha, married Herman Boeck, and is now deceased ; Clara married William Dark, Prairie township ; Katie, deceased ; Emma, married E. Ritter, Prairie township; George resides in Kansas City, Mo.; and Elvina married H. Beach and lives in Prairie township. The mother of these children now resides with her son, John R., the sub¬ ject of this sketch.

John R. Leinweber

in the public schools. Early in life he became familiar with the various details of farming and stock raising, and has made this field of endeavor his life occupation and has met with well merited success. He is now operating 1,150 acres of land and is the owner of 450 acres of some of the best land in Jackson County. His place is well improved, with a good modern residence and other farm buildings. He carries on farming on a large scale, using tractors and other up to date farm machinery. The place has two large silos of 400 tons capacity and also a grain elevator with a capacity of 18,000 bushels. He makes a specialty of breeding pure bred Shorthorn cattle and Poland China hogs. He holds private stock sales on an average of twice a year, and always finds ready market for his excellent strain of stock.

Mr. Leinweber was united in marriage Feb. 18, 1890, with Miss Dora Hiller, a native of Dearborn County, Ind., born Oct. 11, 1870. Her par¬ ents were natives of Hanover, Germany, and early settlers in Mason County, Ill. To Mr. and Mrs. Leinweber have been born five children as follows: Addie, married Paul Fisher and resides in Texas; Elsie, Alfred, Katherine and Martha, all of whom reside at home with their parents except the married daughter.

Mr. Leinweber was one of the organizers of the Citizens Bank of Lees Summit in 1906 and has been a stockholder in that institution since Its organization and served as its president since 1916. He is a stock holder in the Drover's Packing Plant of Kansas City, Mo., and he is president of the Farmers Mutual Fire and Lightning Insurance Company of Jackson County, Mo. He is a Democrat and a member of the Presbyterian church. Mr. Leinweber is accustomed to doing things on a large scale, and his progressive methods and business capacity have won for him a high rank among Jackson County's leading citizens.

Murt Sullivan, manager of the Atherton Elevator Company, Atherton, Mo., was born at Carters Creek, Murray County, Tenn. in 1869. He is a son of John and Mary L. (McKee) Sullivan who came to Jackson County, Mo., resided for some time in this county and at Kansas City and finally located in Clay County where they spent a number of years and returned to Jackson County. John Sullivan died in Jackson County in 1907. Mrs. Sullivan died in 1905. Their children are: Murt Sullivan, of this review; Robert, a farmer near Sibley, Mo. ; Jerry, a farmer near Sibley, Mo. ; and John P., Fort Osage township; Mrs. Elizabeth Jones, Sibley, Mo.; Mrs. Angie Hostetter, Blue Springs, Mo.; Daniel, Denver, Col.; Mrs. Julia James, Buckner, Mo.

Murt Sullivan was reared to the life of a farmer and stockman and is owner of a fine farm of 278 acres, of Missouri River bottom land adjacent to Atherton on the north. For some years he was a breeder of registered Poland China hogs and made a success of this branch of animal husbandry. He has been in charge of the grain elevator at Atherton since its incep¬ tion and has made a success of the business through a policy of fair and honest dealings with its patrons and conducting the business in such a fair manner as to attract and hold the trade of the Atherton territory.

Mr. Sullivan was married in 1904 to Susie L. Fuhr, of Sibley, Mo., a daughter of Lawrence and Susan (Alkire) Fuhr, both of whom are de¬ ceased, the former dying in 1906 and the latter having departed this life in 1896.

Adam Hill, farmer and dairyman, Blue township, is a native son of Jackson County, and a member of one of the oldest pioneer families of this section of Missouri. He was born on the Hill farm. Sept. 28, 1875, and is a son of William Moberly Hill, who was born July 6, 1836, and died Nov. 27, 1912. His mother was Ann Elizabeth (Gossett) Hill, and she was bom Nov. 10, 1850, and departed this life Nov. 4, 1880. William Moberly Hill was a son of Adam Hill, a pioneer of Jackson County, who came here from Kentucky in 1833, was a blacksmith by trade, and built the first race track in Jackson County. This track was laid out north of the present electric line at Englewood, and he later built a track on the farm now owned by Jo L. Hill and Frank Alston. Further details of the Hill family history will be found in the sketch of Jo L. Hill, in this volume.

Adam Hill was educated in the Rock Creek school, and the Marmaduke Military Academy, and the State University at Columbia. He grad¬ uated from Mamiaduke Academy in 1893. After studying at the univer¬ sity he returned home and followed farming. For eight years he has been conducting a dairy. Mr. Hill is the owner of 40 acres, located at Overton and Eighteenth streets, in Blue township. This farm is improved with a five-room bungalow and a dairy barn and horse bam. His herd of 16 milch cows includes four registered Jerseys. This farm is well watered, be¬ sides having city water. Rock Creek runs through the Hill land.

Mr. Hill was married Dec. 12, 1906, to Miss Julia Forlow, of Blue township, a daughter of William and Mary Forlow. Mr. Forlow resides with his daughter. Mrs. Forlow died Aug. 28, 1890, and her remains are interred in Woodlawn cemetery. The Forlow children are: Miss Minnie Forlow, a nurse, Kansas City, Mo.; Norma, wife of J. W. Hunter; Frank, Englewood, Mo. ; Oliver, Kansas City, Mo. ; Mrs. Adam Hill, of this sketch ;

Jacob, Sheffield, Mo.'; Bettie, wife of Dr. W. W. Hobbs, Raytown, Mo.; Jennie, wife of Joseph Denton, Independence, Mo.; Ena, wife of G. C. Boyd, Weisre, Idaho.

Robert Lee Bennett, proprietor of a flourishing furniture and under¬ taking business at Sugar Creek, the first of its kind to be established in that place, was bom in Surrey County, N. C., Jan. 1, 1876. He is a son of James and Lavina (Boyles) Bennett, both of whom were natives of North Carolina, who spent their lives in the State of their nativity. They were the parents of seven children, as follow: William, Rufus E., David F., James N., John L., Sallie Ann, and Robert Lee. James Bennett enlisted in the Federal Army and was detailed as a hammer man, and operated a forge for the making of iron work of all kinds used in the army. He lived to be 72 years of age. His wife died at the age of 68. Both are buried at Sulphur Springs, N. C.

Robert Lee Bennett attended school at Pilot Mountain, N. C. He served as deputy sheriff for four years, and then followed farming until he came to Jackson County, Mo,, in 1903. For five years he was in the employf'of the Redman-Baker Grocery Company, and was then in the em¬ ploy of the Wyandotte Furniture Company for four years. On Oct. 20, 1916, he opened his furniture and undertaking business -atf Sugar Creek, and has built up a splendid and profitable trade.

Mr. Bennett was maffied Oct. 22, 1908, to Miss Emma L. Shrank, of Independence, Mo., a daghter of John and Ellen Shrank, the latter of whom is deceased, and the former lives at 830 North Spring street, with Mr. Bennett. Mr. and Mrs. Bennett have two children : Ellen, and Elbert Pershing.

In 1908 Mr. Bennett was a candidate for constable. He stands six feet, six inches in height, and weighs 210 pounds, and was awarded the prize at Independence fair in 1913 as being the tallest man on the grounds.

N. H. Phelps, farmer and dairyman, deputy marshal of Jackson -County, owner of a fine farm of 58 acres on the old Lees Summit road, .now* known as the Phelps road, in Blue township, is a native son of Jackson County. His father was Josiah Phelps, a native of Kentucky, who .came to Jackson County in pioneer days with his father.

' " Josiah"' Phelps, during the Civil War, returned to Kentucky, and re¬ mained' there until the war was over. He followed farming and stock raising "after ''the war, and became the owner of 320 acres of land. He died in 1884. During his lifetime he was prominent in Jackson County, and was a leader of the Democratic party. The children of the Phelps family are as follow: E. 0., Thomas, Independence, Mo.; John, lives in Oklahoma; Mrs. Rosa Smith, deceased; N. H., subject of this sketch; Marion A., Blue Springs, Mo.; Mrs. Jennie Inman, deceased; Mrs. Julia Chatman, Sniabar township. More details of the Phelps family history are given in the sketch of Thomas Phelps in this volume.

N. H. Phelps, of this review, was educated in the district schools, and has followed farming and dairying successfully for several years. For the past 12 years he has filled the post of deputy marshal of Jackson County, and is now serving under County Marshal H. C. Hoffman. His fine farm of 58 acres is situated within two miles of Independence, and is a very pretty tract, improved with a handsome residence of six rooms, erected in 1891.

Mr. Phelps was married in 1890, to Miss Emma C. Crewell, a daugh¬ ter of William Crewell, an old settler of Blue township, a sketch of whom appears in this volume. Mr. and Mrs. Phelps have one son, William Jojseph, aged 24 years, at home with his parents.

Mr. Phelps is a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and the Fraternal Order of Eagles, and is deservedly popular in Jackson County.

Henry J. Binger. - The life story of Henry J. Binger, farmer and stockman, owner of 65 acres of excellent farm land on the Rock road, nine miles from Independence, and within three miles of Blue Springs, is that of a self-made man. Left an orphan in his boyhood days, he was forced to go to work for his living at a tender age. Through years of hard work and good management he has succeeded and is now one of the leading and prosperous citizens of Jackson County.

Mr. Binger was born March 10, 1870, near Milwaukee, Wis., and is a son of Joseph and Magdalena Binger, natives of Germany, who were pio¬ neers in the wilderness of Wisconsin. The father died not long after the birth of his son, Henry J., and the mother died in 1883, when in her fif¬ tieth year. Five children were left orphans, as follows: Charles, de¬ ceased; Henry J., of this review; Minnie and George, deceased; Andrew, whose whereabouts are unknown.

Henry J. Binger accompanied his mother to Jackson County in 1876, and when she died he was left homeless and penniless at the age of 14 years. For two months following he worked in Independence for a bare living. For the next two years he worked for a farmer at Carrollton, and managed to attend school for two terms of nine months during that period. He received $8.00 a month for his services, and bought his own clothes. Returning to Jackson County, he worked as farm laborer until 24 years of age, and won a reputation as a splendid worker and good farmer. After his marriage, Mr. Binger lived for three years on the Gato place, and then rented the Tom Clayton farm for seven years. His mother-in-law then induced him to take charge of her place, and he man¬ aged it for three years. It was then he bought his present home place of 65 acres, which is easily worth $300 per acre.

In August, 1894, Mr. Binger was married to Miss Lura DeWitt, a daughter of the late Daniel and Caroline (Lowe) DeWitt, the latter of whom is one of the oldest pioneer women of Jackson County, now being in the eighty-eighth year of her age. Three children have been born to Henry J. and Lura Binger : Herman, aged 22 years ; and Comer and Fred, deceased. Herman Binger enlisted for service in the National Army in 1918, and served for six weeks at Columbia, Mo., in the motor transport service, immediately after he became twenty-one years of age. He be¬ came ill with influenza, and nearly lost his life.

Mr. Binger is a Democrat. He is a member of the Presbyterian church, and is affiliated with the Knights of Pythias of Independence. He is one of the substantial and influential citizens of his neighborhood, and is known as a progressive and enterprising farmer, who has the respect and esteem of all who know him.

Col. James E. Hare, auctioneer, Independence, Mo., was born at Cam¬ den, Ray County, Mo., in 1881, and is a son of Thomas and Julia (Lally) Hare, both of whom are deceased.

Thomas Hare was born in Yorkshire, England, in 1829 and died in 1917. He emigrated from England to America in 1849 and settled at Lexington, Mo., where he was married in 1865 to Julia Lally who was born in Indiana in 1839. Mrs. Hare died in 1895. Thomas and Julia Hare were parents of the following children: Mrs. Sarah Ann Conners, de¬ ceased ; Mrs. Mary Elizabeth Bowers, Lexington, Mo. ; George J. Hare, de¬ ceased ; Thomas E. Hare, Excelsior Springs, Mo. ; Mrs. Kate Halleran, Lexington, Mo.; and James E. Hare, of this review.

While James E. Hare was a youth, his parents removed to Lexington, Mo. and he attended the public schools of that city. Up to the time of his entering the profession of auctioneer he was engaged in various mercan¬ tile pursuits. Coming to Jackson County in 1897, he settled in Inde¬ pendence. The first sale which Colonel Hare cried was for W. H. John¬ son in 1915. This sale was a success and he has since followed the pro¬ fession and is devoting his entire time to the crying of public sales.

Colonel Hare was married in 1906 to Catherine M. Golden of Rich¬ mond, Mo., a daughter of James E. and Mary Golden, both of whom are deceased ; Mr. and Mrs. Hare have five children : Marie Winifred, James E., Thomas Francis, George Michael and Harry Fagan.

J. B. Todd, postmaster of Sugar Creek, Jackson County, is a native of Texas. He was born June 16, 1881, in Whitney, Texas, and is a son of Edward and Jennie (Spaulding) Todd, both of whom were natives of Tennessee. Edward Todd went to Oklahoma in 1891, and located in Muskogee, when the present large city was but a growing village, and there were but two brick buildings in the place. He embarked in business in that city, and continued in mercantile pursuits until his retirement, in 1909. ^ His wife died in 1917, and he lives in Muskogee.

, J. B. Todd accompanied his parents to Oklahoma in 1891, and was there reared to young manhood. He was educated at the National Nor¬ mal University, Lebanon, Ohio, pursuing the scientific course in this well known school from 1899 to 1902. He then returned to Muskogee, and in 1904 he was married to Miss Lochie Ballard, of Sherman, Texas. She is a daughter of the Rev. C. L. Ballard, a minister of the Methodist Epis¬ copal church. Mr. and Mrs. Todd have three children: Ballard, Dorothy and Edward. Mrs. Todd died in July, 1913, and her remains were in¬ terred at Wagner, Okla.

In August, 1914, J. B. Todd came to Jackson County, and opened a drug store at Sugar Creek. He was appointed postmaster in 1915, suc¬ ceeding L. W. Ballinger, and Feb. 16, 1917, the Sugar Creek office was placed in the third class. Mr. Todd was appointed by President Wilson for a four-year term.

The first postmaster appointed at Sugar Creek was Ed. Harding, who received his appointment in 1903. L. W. Ballinger succeeded him in 1906, andjBallinger was succeeded by Mr. Todd in 1915. While this office has no rural routes or free delivery, it is the most unique in the United States, because of the fact that Sugar Creek is not an incorporated town. The office receipts will exceed $2,400 yearly, this large business being due to the patronage of the Standard Oil Company, and many of its 2,000 employes.

Mr. Todd is a courteous and obliging official, who takes a keen inter¬ est in the duties of his office and administers its affairs in a capable man¬ ner with the aid of his assistant. Miss Vivian Wilson, who has been in the office for the past three years. The first mail messenger from the Santa Fe railroad depot to the Sugar Creek postoffice was J. H. Thatch, who carried the mail from March, 1906, to January, 1909, and never missed a mail, resigning in January, 1919, on account of his advanced age, he be¬ ing then 75 years old.

Mr. Todd is a member of Wagner Lodge, No. 98, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, and the Chapter at the same city. He is affiliated also with the Woodmen of the World.

Burr Curtis Lear, 1216 West Lexington street, who for the past seven years has been conducting a thriving moving and storage business, employing from one to six men, using two moving vans, and maintaining two storage houses, one at the corner of Cottage and Washington, and the'btKer oh 1i)7ashington Park boulevard, was born in Elk County, Kan., Aug. 30, 18T4. He is a son of Wilson Shannon and Lucinda J. (White) Loar. ' <- - -

Wilson Shannon Loar was a veteran of the Civil War, enlisting in Kansas City, and serving with the Union armies. He freighted from Kan¬ sas City to Fort Scott for a number of years prior to the building of the railroad to Fort Scott. He died at the age of 74 years, and is buried in Woodlawn cemetery. Mrs. Lucinda J. Loar resides at 412 West Sea ave¬ nue. The children born to Wilson Shannon and Lucinda J. Loar are: Mrs. Millie Street, deceased ; Mrs. Nora Reitzel, Waterville, Kan. ; Mrs. Rosa Nesbitt, Independence, Mo.; B. C. Loar, of this review; Delbert, 700 South Cottage street. Independence; Grace, at home with her mother; Mrs. Stella Loveland, St. Clair Park, Blue township; Mrs. Lulu Scott, Minneapolis, Kan.

B. C. Loar was educated in the public schools of Kansas and Mount Ayre, Iowa, and Independence, Mo. For seven years he was chief clerk of the Missouri and Kansas Telephone Company, after which he engaged in the business of buying, building up and selling grocery stores in Kan¬ sas City and Independence.

Mr. Loar established his transfer and storage business in July, 1913, and has made a success of the undertaking. He has two moving vans, employs from one to six men, and has storage houses at Cottage street and Washington Park boulevard, and at 1230 West Rubey street.

Mr. Loar was married May 28, 1898, to Miss Cora Crawford, of John¬ son County, Mo., who has borne him children as follow: Hazel Margaret Loar, a graduate of Independence High School, studied at Spaulding's Commercial College, Kansas City, and is now employed as stenographer for Hickman-Warren Manufacturing Company, at Centropolis, Mo.

was reared by her foster parents, H. J. and Mary J. Lingo, of Post Oak, Johnson County, Mo. H. J. Lingo was born in Illinois, and moved to Johnson County, Mo., in 1882. He purchased a farm in that county, and owned 200 acres at the time of his death in his ninetieth year. Mary (Foss) Lingo, his wife, was born near New Albany, Ind., in 1846. She was a daughter of Lorenzo and Martha J. Foss, the former of whom came to America when 26 years old, and settled in Indiana. Mrs. Mary J. Lingo resides with Mr. and Mrs. Loar. Mrs. Cora Loar was educated in the Warrensburg State Normal School.

William M. Norris, a well known farmer and stockman, who is oper¬ ating 320 acres of land in Prairie township, where he is carrying on general farming, and also breeding Polled Hereford cattle, is a native of Missouri. He was born at Fredericksburg, Ray County, May 21, 1857, and is a son of Middleton and Susan (Adams) Norris, who were the parents of four children, of whom William M. is the second in order of birth. The father died when William M. was 11 years old, and the mother afterwards mar¬ ried John Sharp, and one child was born to that union. The mother is now deceased.

William M. Norris was reared in Ray County to the age of 10 years, when he came to Jackson County with his parents, in 1867. He re¬ mained at home until the death of his mother, in 1881, and since that time has been doing for himself. He has operated rented land success¬ fully , and for the past 13 years has been on the same farm, which is the property of Mary E. Long, of Kansas City, Mo. Since 1913, he has been breeding Polled Hereford cattle, and has met with considerably more than ordinary success in this department of animal husbandry.

Mr. Norris has been married three times. His first wife was Mary Horan. No children were born to that union. His second marriage was to Amanda Strange, and two children were born, to that union : Arville, Kansas City, Mo., and Harley, deceased. On Jan. 23, 1890, Mr. Norris was married to Alice Neidig, a native of Michigan, and a daughter of Jesse and Sarah Ann (Myer) Neidig, the former a native of Ohio, and the latter of Maryland. The Neidig family came to Jackson County in 1894, and the parents are both now deceased. To William M. and Alice (Neidig) Norris have been born three children : William Russell, Prairie township ;

William M. Norris

Mr. Norris has been a witness to much progress and development within the period of his recollection in this section of Missouri. When he was a boy growing up, he endured much hardship and many inconve¬ niences, common to the early days. He was born in a log cabin, and after the death of his father, assisted his widowed mother to maintain the fam¬ ily in a meager way. When a mere boy he drove oxen and plowed and hauled logs with them. He was probably 10 years old before he ever saw a wagon of any kind. Such was the scarcity of conveniences among the pioneers of the section where he lived 50 years ago.

John L. Cook, proprietor of the Maple Avenue Market, is one of the most successful business men of Independence. "Cook's" or the Maple Avenue Market was started in 1915 at 300 Maple avenue. Besides this establishment, Mr. Cook is the owner of another market at 112 East Lex¬ ington street, which he opened in 1901. Mr. Cook began his business experience in Independence in 1899, when he became associated with Martin and Company, on the west side of the square. He was with Smart and Company on South Main street, this being his first venture on his own account.

The Maple Avenue Market occupies a frontage of 50 feet, with a depth of 100 feet, and a basement extending under half of the store space. His East Lexington store, which also handles meats and groceries, occu¬ pies two rooms 30 x 100 feet. Mr. Cook does a large wholesale business in meats and groceries, in addition to his retail business. He has a contract with Jackson County to furnish supplies for five county institutions, and employs a total of 15 salespeople in his stores.

John L. Cook was born on a farm near Blue Springs, in 187.9, and is a son of Marion and Isabelle (Holloway) Cook, both of whom are now liv¬ ing on the Blue Springs road, on the farm owned by the subject of this sketch, which consists of 76 acres. Mr. Cook learned the butcher's trade at Hume, Mo., with his father. His knowledge of the grocery and meat business has been gained through experience, and the extensive concern under his ownership and management is the result of close application to business, fair treatment of the public, and unfailing courtesy to his hun¬ dreds of patrons at all times.

John L. Cook was married in 1901 to Miss Louise Zeller, of Rovanna, Neb., a daughter of Mathis Zeller, who resides in Nebraska. The future Cook family residence is in process of erection at 214 Farmer street, and

Mr. Cook is a member of the Baptist church. He is affiliated with the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, and is a Shriner and a Thirtysecond degree Mason. He is also a member of the Knights of Pythias, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Fraternal Order of Eagles, and the Loyal Order of Moose. He has served as councilman from the Fourth ward for two years.

Clarence O. Leeka, city attorney of Independence, Mo., was born in Fremont County, Iowa. He is the third son of William and Rachel (Sew¬ ard) Leeka. A great grandson of Christian Leeka and Elizabeth Armenc trout Leeka, of Rockingham County, Va., and a grandson on the maternal side of Byron Pidney Seward, a relative of William H. Seward, the states¬ man, and Emma Carter Seward.

After completing his collegiate courses of study at Lincoln, Neb., he studied law at Harvard Law School and Boston University, and thereafter settled in Custer County, Okla, and practiced law for seven years. He came to Independence, Mo., in 1910. He has been city attorney of that city for six years.

June 27, 1904, he was married to Ruth M. Sheehy, of Boston, Mass., a daughter of Rev. F. M. and Orilla Sheehy. To this union three chil¬ dren have been born: William Francis, Seward Clough, and Rilla.

Claud Bowling, farmer and stockman, livestock buyer and shipper, Port Osage township, road overseer of District No. 8 for the past 20 yeak^s, IS a native of Jackson County. He was born Sept. 9, 1869, on a farm in Fort Osage township, and is a son of James and Julia A. (Pinkerd) Bowl¬ ing, the former of whom was a native of Kentucky.

James Bowling attained the great age of 93 years, and died in 1913, his remains being interred in the Lobb cemetery. He was a veteran of the Mexican War, and came to Jackson County from Kentucky during the sixties, first settled near Blue Springs, and later moved to a farm near Buckner, where he resided for 40 years, then moving' to a home in Inde¬ pendence, where his death occurred. At the time of his death he was probably the oldest living resident of the county. His widow still resides in Independence. His children are: Claud and James. James Bowling died in 1919, at the age of 47 years. He was in the employ of the Metro¬ politan Railway Company for 19 years.

Mr. Bowling was married in November, 1893, to Maud Johnson, a daughter of Carroll and Sallie (Owens) Johnson, both of whom were natives of Jackson County, and resided near Pink Hill.

Six children have been born to Claud and Sallie Bowling, as follow: Robert, married Marie Corn, and lives in Independence; Ruby, wife of Ray Harris, Buckner, Mo.; Mrs. Gladys, wife of Ray Jones, Independence; Helen, Claudine Glen Miles, at home with their parents.

Mr. Bowling is a Democrat, and takes an active part in political mat¬ ters in Jackson County. He is affiliated with the Modern Woodmen of America of Independence, and the Woodmen of the World, of Buckner. In addition to his farming activities, Mr. Bowling is an extensive buyer and shipper of livestock. For the past 20 years he has filled the post of road overseer of his district, and so faithfully and well has he discharged the duties of the office that the people have full confidence in him, and he has the esteem of all who know him.

Fred Fleischman, retired merchant tailor, 1206 North Liberty street, is one of the best known and popular former business men of Independ¬ ence. He was born in East Prussia, Germany, March 26, 1855, and is a son of Frederick Fleischman. He was reared to young manhood in his native land, and served for four years in the Prussian Army prior to immi¬ grating to America, in 1879. He first followed the tailoring trade at Chi¬ cago, Ill., for one year, and then went to Fond du Lac, Wis., and was lo¬ cated there, and at Oshkosh, Wis., until he made up his mind to see the country. Accordingly he set out to cross the United States, and worked at his trade of journeyman tailor in Oakland and San Francisco and San Diego, Calif., and various other cities of Oregon and Washington, on the Pacific coast, and also stayed in Montana cities for a time. After years of wandering over the West, he settled in Independence, Oct. 1, 1885. He established himself in business and for 30 years he prospered in the city of his adoption. The Fleischman tailoring establishment was located on the north side of the square, and for years was patronized by the best people of the city and county. After his wife's death, in 1913, Mr. Fleisch¬ man retired from active business. Besides city property, he is the owner of 200 acres of timber land in McCurtin County, Okla. He purchased the site of his present home in 1894, and erected a seven-room residence thereon.

Lac, Wis, She departed this life in 1913, and her remains were interred in the Mt. Washington cemetery. The children born of this union are; Arthur H., Fred E., Theodore and Garnett W. Arthur H. operates the motor bus from Independence to Sugar Creek. Fred E. Fleischman served as city mail carrier for six years prior to enlisting in the United States Army. He first trained at the Medical Department of the State Univer¬ sity, at Columbia, and was in the service from June, 1918, to July, 1919. When the armistice was signed he was operating an ambulance carrying wounded and sick soldiers from arriving steamers to the hospitals in New York City, as a member of the Medical Corps. He is now operating an automobile on North Main street, and has the privilege of returning to the city mail seiwice within five years from his discharge from the army. Theodore Fleischman, now employed in the Independence postoffice, en¬ listed in the aviation department of the United States Army in March, 1918, was first sent to Texas, and then to Dorr Field, Fla., where he was in training when the war closed. Garnet W. Fleischman is in the employ of the Standard Oil Company, at Sugar Creek.

Mr. Fleischman is a member of the Evangelical church. During the many years of his successful business career in his home city, he made and retained a world of good friends, who were his valued and steadfast patrons. His record as an honest, conscientious tailor is a splendid one, and he is one of the fine old citizens of Independence, who can look back upon his active career with few regrets and with many pleasant reminis¬ cences,

Robert Franklin Milton. - "Sunnyside Farm," consisting of 420 acres, owned and operated by R. F. Milton, better known as "Frank" Milton, situated on the Lees Summit road, in Blue township, is one of the show places of Jackson County. On this large farm are five sets of farm im¬ provements. The home place is improved with a handsome residence, set in a grove of trees, and fronted by a stone fence, or wall, of attractive desigTi. In April of 1888, when Mr. Milton returned to Jackson County from Virginia, he purchased 100 acres, going in debt for the purchase price, borrowing $4,000. At this time there were no roads of any conse¬ quence in his vicinity, the roads being little more than "hog trails." The mprovements on the land were negligible, the old Lutrell cabin still stand¬ ing on the farm. Mr. Milton paid an average of $50 an acre for his land which is now worth from $400 to $500 an acre. He has paid from $40 to $200 an acre. He was born Nov. 18, 1859, on a farm near Wellington,

Benjamin Milton first settled in Lafayette County, and about 1859 he moved to Independence and followed his trade of carpenter. He was bom Nov. 7, 1833, and died Jan. 12, 1911. In 1877 he removed to Virginia, where he remained until 1892, and then returned to Jackson County, where he spent his last years, at the home of his son, R. F. Milton. He was the father of nine children: Marietta Virginia, born July 4, 1857, is the wife of George E. Cummings, Maywood, Mo. ; Robert Franklin, of this review; James Henry, born Nov. 17, 1860, is a division superintendent on the Rock Island railroad; George B., born Aug. 18, 1864, is a farmer, liv¬ ing nearby; Thomas Lockbridge, born Oct. 6, 1866, is a railroad man, liv¬ ing at Independence; Sadie May, born Feb. 6, 1869, is the wife of Edward Hodgins, of Kansas City, Kan.; Ambrose Cross, born July 20, 1871, has a farm adjoining that of his brother; Harry Everett, born April 23, 1875, is a railroad man, living at Independence; Mrs. Margaret Cordelia Hewlitt, born Aug. 3, 1878, is a widow, living at Liberal, Kan., was born in the Shenandoah Valley, Va. The mother of the foregoing children was born Sept. 17, 1833, and died in 1913. When the remains of both parents of R. F. Milton were laid away for the long sleep the six stalwart sons of the family served as pallbearers. They reared a splendid family of nine children, all of whom are living, doing well, and are respected citizens of their respective communities.

Robert Franklin Milton received his education in the schools of Mis¬ souri and Virginia. He returned from Virginia in 1885, after his mar¬ riage, and here began his successful career. He continued to send for the different members of the Milton family until all had returned to Jackson County. Mr. Milton owes his success to hard work, economy, good finan¬ cial management, and the rise in land values in this county. During his entire career he has been an extensive feeder of cattle and hogs, and also raises horses and mules.

Mr. Milton was married in 1885 to Miss Elizabeth L. Myers, who was born Aug. 2, 1858, in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia, a daughter of Joshua and Margaret (Myers) Myers. The children born to this union are: James Claude, Bessie Evelina, Grace Virginia, George Franklin, Dorothy Geneva. James Claude Milton was born Feb. 17, 1885, near Oak Grove, and is a farmer, living nearby. He married Frances Murphy, the daughter of Leslie Murphy, deceased, and has one child, Lucille Elizabeth.

Bessie Evelina, born near Wellington, Lafayette County, is the wife of Prof. Forrest Allen, former physical director at the State Normal School, Warrensburg, Mo., and is now physical director of Kansas University, at Lawrence, Kan. She is well educated, is a graduate of the Warrensburg Normal, and taught school prior to her marriage. She has five children, Mary Elizabeth, Forrest Clare, Jr., Milton Perry, Jane, and Robert Earl Forrest. Grace Virginia was born Feb. 14, 1891, and died Oct. 10, 1895. Ethel Frances Milton was born April 23, 1894, and is a graduate of Dillenbeck College, the Warrensburg Normal, and the State University at Co¬ lumbia. She is a talented elocutionist, and has been in the employ of the government at Washington for several months. George Franklin Milton was born Nov. 2, 1896, is a farm owner. He married Beatrice Muckey, in 1913, and has two children, Dorcas Viola, aged four years, and Georgia Beatrice, two months old. Dorothy Geneva was born May 16, 1900, and died Sept. 2, 1900.

Mr. Milton is a Democrat, who has taken a more or less active part in the affairs of his party. For three years he has served as deputy coun¬ ty assessor, and is well known throughout Jackson County, and served 13 years as road overseer. He and Mrs. Milton are members of the Metho¬ dist Episcopal Church South, and Mr. Milton is affiliated with the Knights of Pythias lodge. ' ;

D. H. Crick - The D. H. Crick Lumber Company, located on West Elm street, was organized in 1915 by D. H. Crick, the present proprietor. This concern carries a full line of lumber and builders materials and enjoys a splendid patronage from Independence people and the people of the contiguous territory.

D. H. Crick was born at Plano, Ill., Oct. 1, 1875 and is a son of James and Letitia (Evans) Crick, both of whom are deceased. James Crick was a native of Southampton, England and immigrated to America when 35 years of age, settling at Plano, Ill., where his death occuiTed in 1893. Mrs. Letitia Crick died in Independence in 1910. When a young man, James Crick served as a private in the British army and was a sharp¬ shooter. The children of James and Letitia Crick are as follow i James, a carpenter in the employ of the Independence Foundry ; Willia, proprietor of the Independence Foundry j Anna, wife of Henry Stahlee, postmaster of Plano, Ill.; John and Thomas with the Independence Foundry, the lat- 'ter of whom is superintendent; Ella, wife of T. C. Hatty, Independence; and D. H., subject of this sketch.

After coming to Independence in 1896, D. H. Crick was associated with his brothers in the foundry business until 1907. In that year he went to HaiTisonville, Mo. and operated the Eagle Manufacturing Com¬ pany until 1915. Disposing of his Harrisonville interests he returned to Independence and established his lumber business.

Mr. Crick was married in 1898 to Bernice Austin, a daughter of U. A. and Eliza Austin, the former of whom is living retired in Independence and the latter is deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Crick have three daughters: Helen, her father's office assistant ; Margaret, at home ; Essabelle, born in Harrisonville, Mo., also at home.

Mr. Crick is a member of the Yeoman Lodge. He takes a commend¬ able interest in civic affairs and is now serving his second term as a mem¬ ber of the Independence city council.

Bert Peterson, manager of the Independence Storehouse Co., was born at Harlan, Iowa, June 7, 1875. He is a son of Peter and Phoebe Angelina Peterson, both of whom are deceased, the former dying at Stewartsville in 1913 and the latter in Independence. They were parents of nine chil¬ dren. When he was a child, Mr. Peterson's parents removed from Iowa to Jackson County and he was reared and educated in this county. For 15 years he was engaged in the coal and feed business in this city under the name of Peterson Coal Company. He then traded his business for land in Kansas, 320 acres which he owns there, being near Gaimett in the Kansas oil belt. After disposing of his own business he operated the coal and feed business owned by E. Downey until June, 1917. He then became manager of the Independence Storehouse Company, a company which is one of the large concerns of Independence with headquarters at the corner of Elm and Lexington streets. This concern has three build¬ ings, and a stock of groceries is kept at the main building, together with coal, feed and building material. Another building is located at the corner of Lexington street and River boulevard and the third building is situated at the corner of Noland and Alton street. This company carries material and stock to the value of $100,000 and does an extensive business. The Main building of the storehouse company was originally the Inde¬ pendence planing mill, the storehouse being owned by the Reorganized Church of Latter Day Saints. It is a three story structure and with other buildings occupies a half block.

. Mr. , Peterson was married in 1898 to Margaret M. Friend of Stewarts¬ ville, Mo., a daughter of Jacob and Margaret Friend who reside in east

Independence, Mr, and Mrs, Peterson have two children: Kenneth and Earl Chessel, The Peterson family residence is located at 1424 West Short street. Besides his home, Mr, Peterson owns three cottages on South College street and another residence property on West Walnut street,

David Sample, now deceased, was for many years actively identified with Jackson County, and was well known and prominent throughout this section of the State, He was born near Sulphur Springs, Morgan County, Ill,, April 3, 1843, and departed this life Aug, 21, 1918, He was the son of William A, and Harriet (Moore) Sample, and was the eldest of six children born to them, as follows: David, the subject of this sketch; Mar¬ tha, married Isaac Wood, Jacksonville, Ill, ; Phoebe, married William Bagby, and is now deceased; Samuel, lives in Dallas, Texas; Granderson, Greenwood, Mo, ; and George, deceased,

William A, Sample, father of David Sample, was born in Morgan County, Ill,, Feb, 18, 1822, and died at Greenwood, Mo,, Oct, 19, 1908. His wife Harriet (Moore) Sample, was born in Kentucky, Oct, 15, 1822, and died in Bates County, Sept, 21, 1875, William A, Sample came to Jackson County in 1867, and was engaged in farming and stock raising and also bought and sold stock in this county. He also lived in Texas for a time,

David Sample came to Jackson County in 1868, and first located on a farm a mile east of Greenwood ; later he bought a farm of 160 acres, two miles east of Greenwood, This was heavily timbered land, and he cleared away the timber and improved the place, bringing it under a high state of cultivation, and at the time of his death it was one of the well im¬ proved and valuable farms of that locality. Like his father before him, David Sample was also extensively engaged in buying and selling live¬ stock, In early life he was engaged in freighting in the West, with head¬ quarters at Brownville, Neb,, and in the capacity of freighter he made several trips across the plains. He was a Democrat, and took an active interest in local politics ; he served as deputy assessor of Prairie township for four years. He was one of the organizers of the Lees Summit fair, and for 10 years served in the capacity of the marshal of the day when the Lees Summit fair was held. He was a consistent member of the Bap¬ tist church. During the last 10 years of his life he lived in Greenwood, and was engaged in the insurance business and was also a notary public. He followed these lines more to keep busy and have something to do than f'eb. 26, 1869, David Sample was united in marriage with Mary J. Boyer, a native of Morgan County, Ill., born Feb. 5, 1851. She is a daugh¬ ter of Thompson and Sophrona (Luttrel) Boyer, who were also natives of Morgan County, Ill., where they spent their lives. To David Sample and wife were born three children, as follows: Clara B., deceased; Cora J., married J. H. Bowin, a sketch of whom appears in this volume; Maud E., married John W. Harris, and resides in Greenwood, Mo. Since the death of her husband, Mrs. Sample makes her home with her daughter, Mrs. J. H. Bowin. David Sample will long be remembered in Jackson County as a citizen of real worth and high character.

John Ganz. - On Sept. 26, 1903, John Ganz, successful orchardist, living just east of Independence, came from Kansas City, where he had spent 16 years in the employ of the Kansas City street railways, bought 171/2 acres of land, without any improvements, whatever. The first thing which he and Mrs. Ganz did was to build a home. However, they had to have some sort of shelter, so they pitched a tent while their first home, which is now used as a barn, was in process of erection. For the next 12 years this w'orthy couple lived in the "bam." They then built a handsome brick cottage, in 1915. During the course of 16 years, Mr. and Mrs. Ganz have created one of the most valuable properties in Jackson County - a country home so attractive and so "homey" looking that it elicits words of praise from passersby on the rock road. Mr. Ganz had very definite ideas about the things he wanted to do. While he made the land yield produce to provide for his family, he set out a fine orchard, which is now bringing in "golden" returns each year, and the bare land has increased in value as the years passed and the trees came into bearing, until it is probable that $1,000 an acre would not purchase the Ganz orchards. Two acres of the place are in fruit trees. Mr. Ganz's specialty is the Stark Delicious, which matures in October, and sells for $3.00 per bushel. While his apple trees were growing, Mr. Ganz gathered several crops of peaches which he had planted between the apple trees. From two trees of Yellow Transparents he sold 30 bushels at $2.50 per bushel. The annual output of the orchard is about 1,000 bushels of apples. Other small fruits are grown in season on the Ganz farm.

people, whose example instilled into their son a liking for honest toil and a desire to get ahead in the world. Mr. Ganz was married in Burlington, Iowa, April 4, 1886, to Miss Olivia Schwaller, who was also born in Bur¬ lington, Iowa, in 1864. She was a daughter of Joseph and Anna Schwal¬ ler, the former of whom was of Swiss origin and the latter a daughter of, German parents. After one year's work in Burlington, as helper in a blacksmith shop, Mr. Ganz came to Kansas City, where he was employed as teamster for one year. He then began working on the old cable line, and for four years was employed on the turntable used in those days for turning the street cars. For a year he served as gripman and conductor, and was then employed as night foreman in the car barns for eight years. During these years of hard work, Mr. and Mrs. Ganz had been economical to the point of penury. They decided it was high time they got a perma¬ nent home - such a home as would suffice for their declining years, and eventually return for their efforts something more than a mere living. They purchased the land near Independence for $2,625, built the barn, and began developing the property. The new home erected a few years ago cost them $4,000, and everything about the Ganz place is in spick and span condition. Mr. and Mrs. Ganz have one son, Carl William Ganz, born in 1887.

John T. Crenshaw, retired farmer, of Blue Springs, has the distinc¬ tion of having lived 74 years of his life in Jackson County, and has, there¬ fore, grown old with the county. He was born in 1845, near Lone Jack, and is a son of Edward and Jane (Bynum) Crenshaw, both of whom were natives of Missouri, and both died in 1852. Left an orphan, when seven years of age, John T. Crenshaw was reared in the home of Silas Stovall, near Lone Jack, and m.ade his home with the Stovalls until Mr. Stovall's death. When he was 12 years of age, he began to work out as a farm hand, and received the munificent wage of 20 cents per day. Mr. Cren¬ shaw bought his first land in 1874, a small farm of 69 acres, in partner¬ ship with another person. Eight months later he sold this land, and then began buying his farm of 160 acres. The Crenshaw land is river bottom, located in Blue and Sniabar townships, and is rated as some of the most productive land in Missouri, producing from 75 to 80 bushels of corn to the acre. In 1918, Mr. Crenshaw turned over the active management of the farm to his sons and located in Blue Springs.

Mr. Crenshaw was married in 1874 to Miss Sallie Fisher, a daughter of George and Mary (Crow) Fisher, early settlers of Jackson County. The children born to this marriage are: Carl Nicholas, living on the home farm, father of five children, Glenna, Carl, Jr., Chester, Clifford and Mary Frances; Mary Ellen, wife of Dr. Rowe, a surgeon in the United States Navy, has one child, Violet Rowe; Fannie, deceased wife of Fred Botts; Wallace B., lives on the farm.

Joseph J. Owens, of Independence, Mo., is a native of Virginia, born in Loudoun County, Dec. 26, 1843. He came to Missouri and settled in Kansas City in 1866. He entered the drygoods business with Tootle, Hanan and Leach. Later, he moved to Texas and engaged in the whole¬ sale grocery business. In 1873 he returned to Missouri. In 1882 he be¬ came one of the incorporators of the Robert Keith Furniture and Carpet Company, of Kansas City. In 1884 he removed to Independence, retiring from the mercantile business, and engaging in the real estate business, buying and selling real estate on his own account.

Mr. Owens married Miss Josie Landis, daughter of John and Lucinda Landis, of Independence. The living children of this marriage are: Dr. J. L. Owens, of Kansas City, Misses Agnes and Emma Owens. The home address of the Owens family is 404 North Spring street. Independence, Missouri.

David C. Stayton, breeder of Hereford cattle, proprietor of 187 acres of land on the rock road, three miles northwest of Blue Springs, Mo., was born on the Stayton homestead, two and a half miles east of Independ¬ ence (now the Holke farm). He is a son of Arthur Stayton, concerning whom full information is given in the biographical sketch of Mrs. Sallie L. (Stayton) White, elsewhere in this volume.

David C. Stayton was educated in the public and high school of In¬ dependence, Mo., and has followed farming and stock raising during his active life, with the exception of two years in Kansas City, where he operated a grocery business, in partnership with a cousin. He moved from the old homestead to his present place in 1898, and for the past three years he has been specializing in the breeding of registered Hereford cattle. Mr. Stayton has a fine herd of 40 head at the present time, among which are some fine cattle, valued at over $1,000 each. Mr. Stayton sup¬ plies the local demand for pure-bred Hereford and sells at prices ranging from $400 to $500 per head.

Mr. Stayton's second marriage occurred in 1914, with Mrs. Martha (Mitchell) Kelly, a widow, and daughter of Reverend Mitchell, a minister of the Methodist church. By her first marriage Mrs. Stayton has one child. Ruby, wife of Robert Lyle, Kansas City, Mo.

Judge A. P. Fonda, justice of the peace, president of the Jackson County Boy Scouts of America, was born in Kansas City, Mo., in 1878. He is a son of A. P., Sr., and Laura D. (Wier) Fonda, the latter of whom was a daughter of Colonel Wier, who had charge of the erection of the Federal Prison at Leavenworth, Kan.

A. P. Fonda, Sr., was bom at Cohoes, N. Y., in 1846, and died in 1893. He came to Jackson County in 1872, and operated the first wholesale grocery concern established in Kansas City. He was a son of Abraham Fonda, who assisted in laying out the town site of Kansas City, Mo. For many years prior to the incorporation of Kansas City, the village which later grew into the present great city, was called Fonda's Landing, and the name Fonda might have been given to the incorporated town had there not been so many jealousies among the early founders. Abraham Fonda died at Albany, N. Y., His father was a pioneer in New York State, and was given 600 acres of land near New Amsterdam by the King of England. He served as an officer in the Revolutionary War. Colonel Fonda, of Mississippi, a brother of A. P. Fonda, Sr., served with the Con¬ federate forces during the Civil War. Captain John Fonda, another brother, and uncle of A. P. Fonda, of this review, served with the Union forces during the Civil War. It is a curious coincidence that A. P. Fonda, Sr., while serving with the Union forces in the Battle of Stone River, was captured by his brother. Colonel Fonda, and made a prisoner by the Con¬ federates.

A. P. Fonda, subject of this review, attended the Marmaduke Mili¬ tary School, at Sweet Springs, Mo., and was a student when the Spanish- American War began. He tried to enlist for service with the American Army, but was refused on account of defective feet. He then went to Cuba as a representative of the Jacob Bold Packing Company. When the World War first began, Mr. Fonda was experimenting with explosives of his own invention, one of which he had perfected. He tried to enlist the interest of the Federal authorities in his inventions, but was turned down. However, his invention was later accepted by the British Army authorities, and a sample of the explosive was sent to the Canadians and used by the Canadian forces on the Vimy Ridge charge. It is a Benzol- Phenol composition, and is very destructive to flesh and green foliage of all kinds when used. Later, Mr. Fonda developed Fondaol, a remedy and healing compound for the alleviation of bums and gun wounds of all kinds. Mr. Fonda has testimonials from officers of the medical coi-ps of the U. S. Army, certifying to the wonderful curative effects of Fondaol.

In 1916, Mr. Fonda joined the National Security League, and during the progress of the war acted in various capacities. He was chairman of the Labor Board of Jackson County, and drew up the "work or fight" ordinance which was enacted into law in cities throughout the United States. When the Third Liberty Loan Drive was on in Kansas City, Mo., Mr. Fonda sold over $3,000 worth of bonds in one block in Little Italy. He was appointed chairman of the Rating Committee of the Red Cross (outside of Kansas City) in Jackson County, and served as Food Admin¬ istrator of the county. As chairman of the Victory Loan Committee for Blue township, he raised $410,000, with an actual expense of $80.50, as shown by the expense vouchers.

While acting as Food Administrator he confiscated sugar held by hoarders, and the confiscated sugar was sent to army camps and the Red Cross. While the World War was on, the Boy Scout movement received an added impetus, and Mr. Fonda attended the Scoutmaster School, or¬ ganized in Kansas City, Mo. The first meeting held by the Boy Scouts on Scoutcraft was held at Mr. Fonda's place on the Lexington road, and every month during the war there was one or more encampments of the Boy Scouts on his place.

At a meeting held on Mr. P''onda's farm, the late Congressman William P. Borland addressed the Boy Scouts, and told them of the wonderful work he had seen done by them, and stated that it was "the third line of defense," next after the army and navy, and was the foundation of the r^pruiting element of both defensive arms of the government. He stated that not a single Boy Scout who had enlisted in the service from Jackson County and crossed the seas returned home as a private soldier - all had been promoted.

There are at the present time about 250 registered Boy Scouts in Jackson County, outside of Kansas City, divided into 21 troops. Mr. Fonda is president of the council.

Mr. Fonda served as justice of the peace at Sugar Creek when there were 14 saloons and eight gambling dens in operation. He acted as con¬ stable and marshal at the same time in several instances, and had some interesting experiences during his efforts to maintain law and order. Before he left Sugar Creek he succeeded in cleaning up the lawless ele¬ ment, and made Sugar Creek a law abiding community. For the past eight years he has served as justice of the peace in Independence, and has the reputation of being one of the firmest, yet the fairest, of the judges in the county.

Mr. Fonda owns the old Wayne City landing place, and for the past three years 14 acres of this tract has been used as an outing and drill place by the Boy Scouts. Only recently, and in order to assist in alleviat¬ ing the acute fuel shortage, due to the strike of the coal miners, Mr. Fonda has donated the timber on this tract to the city for wood, which was cut by the Boy Scouts and volunteer labor.

Mr. Fonda was married in 1909 to Cora P. Homan, of Carroll County, Mo., a daughter of William and Anna Homan, who reside in Carroll County. Mr. and Mrs. Fonda have two children: Nadine Fonda, and a foster son, named Paul, aged 11 years.

Mr. Fonda is a member of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, the Blue Lodge, Palestine Commandery, the Mystic Shrine, Ararat Temple, and is a Mason of the Thirty-second degree. He is affiliated with the Knights of Pythias and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. The Fonda residence is located on a tract of twenty acres on the Lexington road, the tract being a part of the old Cox farm, where the first distillery ever operated in Jackson County was located. The rock which forms the foundation of the new court house was quarried on this land.

Chiswell D. Hudnall, late well known resident of Sniabar township, was a native of Bedford County, Va. He was born in 1852, and departed this life in December, 1906, after years of successful endeavor as an agri¬ culturist. He came to Missouri in 1869, and joined his brother, Robert Hudnall. He grew to maturity in Jackson County, and was married to Sarah F. Livesay, Nov. 18, 1886.

Sarah F. Livesay Hudnall is a member of one of the oldest of the pioneer families of this section of Missouri. She was born in this county, April 30, 1864, and is a daughter of William Livesay. William Livesay was one of the best known of the pioneer residents of this county. Wil¬ liam Livesay was born in Virginia, Oct. 1, 1824, and in 1834 accompanied his parents to Lafayette County, Mo. Here he was reared and educated, and in 1846 went to Mexico, returning in the spring of 1847. In 1849 he took a trip to California, spent about two years in the gold mines, and upon his return went again to Mexico, remaining from 1852 to 1853. He then came to Jackson County, and became owner of 247 acres of good land. The town of Levasy was situated upon part of his land, and is named in his honor. He died Sept. 17, 1897. In 1855 he was married to Miss Nancy Ward, born in Lafayette County, Mo,, in 1833, and who de¬ parted this life in July, 1878. She was a daughter of David Ward, an¬ other pioneer, who assisted in platting the town of Independence, Eight daughters and three sons were born to William and Nancy Livesay, as fol¬ lows: Anna May, resides in Jackson County; William S.,.died in 1878, at the age of 21 years; John Ward, Barton County, Mo.; Mary E., deceased; Sabina Fitch, Oklahoma ; Mrs. Sarah Hudnall, of this review ; Mrs. Rebecca H. Gibson, Independence, Mo.; Mrs. Marguerite Belle Morrison, Blue Springs, Mo.; Mrs. Lyda L. Searcy, Oklahoma; Fountain, living in Okla¬ homa ; Mrs. Pearl E. Rogers, Independence.

After their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Hudnall resided for 14 years on a farm north of Oak Grove. In the spring of 1900, they purchased the fine farm of 120 acres in Sniabar township, where Mrs. Hudnall is now living. They placed every improvement on this p^.ace, erecting all buildings except¬ ing the house and making it one of the splendid farms of the neighborhood. Five children have been born to them, as follows: William J., Alexander W., Lucy, May, Olive R., and Maurice L. William J. Hudnall, managing the home place, was born Aug. 27, 1887, married Jessie VanMeter, and has five children : Helen, Horrell, Arnold, and twins, Clyde and Cora. Alexander W. Hudnall lives in Independence, married Marguerite Kerr, and has one child, Kenneth. Lucy May is the wife of Grover Ketterman, a farmer. Lone Jack. Mrs. Olive R. Lentz lives near Independence, and has two children, Chiswell Day and Naiomi May. Maurice L. lives on part of the home farm, married Rachel Carr, and has two children, Robert and William.

The late Mr. Hudnall was a Democrat, and was a member of the Methodist church. He was industrious, enterprising, and was well liked and respected by the people of the neighborhood.

John C. B. Hifner, former merchant and stockman, Atherton, Mo., owner of 140 acres of land in Kansas and town property in Atherton, a large brick store and lodge building and residence property, was born in Lexington, Ky., April 4, 1856. He is a son of George Henry Hifner, a sketch of whom appears in this volume.

Mr. Hifner accompanied his parents to Jackson County March 10, 1870, and was reared on his father's farm. When his father operated a hemp mill at Missouri City as well as a tobacco factory, John C. B. Hifner was one of the most capable workmen in his father's factories. He be¬ came also a successful farmer when the family removed to Jackson County. He engag'ed in the mercantile business in 1901 and built up one of the largest general stores in Jackson County prior to leaving the store in 1916, * an injury to his head causing him to relinquish business cares. He dis¬ posed of his store June 1, 1916. Mr. Hifner owns the large brick store building in Atherton, two residence properties and a dwelling in Inde¬ pendence, and has done well.

Mr. Hifner was married Dec. 20, 1883 to Cordelia A. Beets, who was born in Kansas, March 17, 1859, a daughter of James Beets, an account of whom appears in this volume. She accompanied her parents to Jackson County in 1871. Mr. and Mrs. Hifner have children as follow: Nellie Lena, deceased ; John Lloyd, at home and Russell A.

Russell A. Hifner is now employed in a sugar refinery at Scotts Bluff, Neb. He served with the Twentieth Engineer Corps of the United States army in France, enlisting Feb. 13, 1918 and received his honorable dis¬ charge from the service at Fort D. A. Russell, Wy., June 15, 1919.

The other children of the family are: Mrs. Lola Fern McClure, Frank¬ lin County, Mo.; Mrs. Blanche Pryor, Independence; and Garland, at home.

Mr. Hifner is independent in his political views. Mrs. Hifner is a member of the Methodist church and Mr. Hifner is liberal in his support of all denominations. He is affiliated with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He served as school director from 1883 to 1909 and then re¬ signed from the office. Since 1887 Mr. Hifner has been a notary public.

William A. Turner, farmer and stockman, of Blue township, has achieved a more than local reputation as a breeder of Duroc Jersey hogs. The Turner farm of 20 acres was purchased in 1917, and is a part of the old Hensley farm, and is situated at the intersection of the Atherton and Lexington roads. This farm is improved with a nice bungalow and two barns, and a modern hog house. The Turner herd of Durocs consists of ten brood sows, headed by "Pathfinder's Royalty", a magnificent specimen of Duroc, which measures 73 inches in length and 38 inches in height. The Turner farm has a four-acre orchard in bearing. Besides breeding

William A. Turner was born in Independence, Dec. 22, 1883, and is a son of Robert S. and Katherine B. (Anderson) Turner, the former of whom was born near Glasgow, Mo., and the latter is a native of Jackson County. Mrs. Turner died Aug. 1, 1900. Mr. Turner makes his home

Reid S. And William A. Turner

William A. Turner was educated in the public schools of Independ¬ ence and Kansas City. He served as deputy assessor under Assessor Jack O'Brien, and moved to his present country home in 1917.

Mr. Turner was married in 1916 to Mary M. McClement, of Independ¬ ence, a daughter of William H. and Elizabeth (Martin) McClement. Mr. McClement is a native of Pennsylvania, and upon coming to Missouri, he first settled at Butler, Mo., coming to Jackson County about 1899. Mrs. Mary M. Turner was born in Bates County, but was reared in Jackson County, Mo. Mr. and Mrs. Turner have two sons, Robert Dennis, born April 21, 1917, and William A., Jr., born Oct. 25, 1919.

Reid S. Turner, breeder of Duroc Jersey swine. Blue township, is the owner of one of the finest herds of registered hogs in Jackson County. His herd consists of 150 head of pure-bred Durocs, headed by "Jacks Col¬ onel Orion," sired by "Jacks Orion King, Second," bred and owned by the Longview Farms. The sires of his sows are "Great Sensation" andj "Pathfinder." For five years past Mr. Turner has been breeding pure¬ bred Rhode Island Red poultry, and has specialized as a breeder of reg¬ istered Durocs for the past two years. He has 20 brood sows in his pens, and is a successful breeder. Mr. Turner recently sold his 55-acre farm on the Lexington road with a view to buying a larger farm, whereon he can increase the size of his Duroc herd and engage in the production of the milking breed of Shorthorn cows.

Mr. Turner was born in Mexico, Mo., but was reared in Jackson Coun¬ ty. He is a son of Robert S. and Katherine (Anderson) Turner, the lat¬ ter of whom was a daughter of Matthew Anderson, former president of the First National Bank of Independence, and owner of several hundred acres of land in Jackson County. Further details concerning Robert S. Turner are given in the sketch of W. A. Turner.

Reid S. Turner was educated in the public schools of Independence and the Slater, Mo., High School. He served as deputy county collector of Jackson County for two years, under J. Q. Watkins, prior to engaging in livestock breeding as a life vocation.

Mr. Turner was married June 8, 1916, to Anna Summerfield, of Kan¬ sas City, Mo., a daughter of Emil Summerfield, who is the father of three children; Mrs. Marie Casey, Kansas City; Herman, Kansas City; and Mrs. Anna Turner, of this review.

Zachariah David Ketterman, proprietor of a fine farm of 135 acres in Sniabar township, upon which he has resided since 1887, was born in 1846 in West Virginia. He is a son of Adam and Corinne (Bergdahl) Ketter¬ man, the former a native of Virginia, and the latter of Pennsylvania, both of whom were of Pennsylvania German descent. They lived all of their days in Virginia, and reared a family of six children: Mrs. Barbara Ann Parsons, deceased; Jacob, who first settled in Jackson County, Mo., now resides in Cass County ; Gabriel, is deceased ; Z. T., of this review ; Daniel, lives in Oklahoma; Adam, Jr., living on the old homestead in West Virginia.

Z. D. Ketterman left his old home in Virginia in 1869, and after spending a few months in Cass County, Mo., he came to Jackson County, and located on a farm one mile west of his present homestead. He rented land until he bought his home farm, in 1887. The Ketterman place is a beautiful one, the farm residence standing on a hill, surrounded by trees and shrubbery, and presents an attractive appearance from the highway.

Mr. Ketterman was married March 29, 1877, to Elvessa Shrout, who was born in Bath County, Ky., Nov. 1, 1857, a daughter of John H. and Janella (Richards) Shrout, who came to Jackson County from Kentucky in the fall of 1865. Ten children have been born to Z. D. and Elvessa Ket¬ terman, as follows: Benjamin F., Nevada, Mo.; Virginia Belle, Hawes, Jackson County; Mrs. Roann Janella Rice, lives in Kansas; one child died in infancy; James Earl, lives in Ohio; Alice Pearl, twin of James, married a Mr. Frazier, and lives at Buckner, Mo. ; Clory May Warner, lives in Chi¬ cago; David Floyd, is at home; Grover Cleveland, is at home; Mrs. Lula Baker, Blue Springs, Mo. ; Lorena Elvessa, is at home.

David Floyd Ketterman, born Oct. 2, 1895, was a soldier in the Na¬ tional Army, Eighty-eighth division, and served in France. He was in¬ ducted into the service at Camp Dodge, Iowa, in June, 1918, crossed the Atlantic in August, 1918, and was on duty on the firing line when the armistice was declared. He returned home in June, 1919.

John H. Shrout, father of Mrs. Ketterman, was born July 8, 1830, and died Feb. 6, 1912. Mrs. Janella Shrout was born Jan. 30, 1836, and died Nov. 10, 1882. They first settled near Hickman's Mill, and after a five years residence there, they moved to Oak Grove, and later moved to the Ketterman neighborhood. Their children were: James Monroe, John Wesley, and Granville, living in Jackson County; Robert, Tulsa, Okla. ; Oliver, deceased , Elvessa Ketterman, of this review ; Sarah, deceased ;

E. A. Carr. - The best improved "eighty" in northeastern Jackson County, is the concensus of opinion given in regard to the Carr place in Fort Osage township, south of Buckner. This farm is devoted to the rais¬ ing and feeding of livestock, and Mr. Carr has owned it since 1895. The farm is improved with a handsome eight-room residence, modern in every respect, which he erected in the fall of 1911. A basement runs under¬ neath the residence. A large lawn, shaded by fine trees, fronts the house and everything is in spick and span condition. A large barn, 30 x 36 feet, and sheds erected in 1916 capable of sheltering 80 to 90 head of cattle, show the same care as the residence. Mr. Carr keeps on hand at all times from 30 to 50 head of cattle, 100 head of sheep, and from 125 to 150 head of hogs, of the Poland China breed. At the present time he is fattening 170 hogs for the market.

E. A. Carr was born in Bellefontaine, Ohio, in 1863, and is a son of Tillman and Caroline (Beckett) Carr, who moved to Pickaway County, Ohio, in 1866, and there lived the remainder of their days. E. A. Carr came west in search of a permanent home and fortune in 1885, without funds. He located in Jackson County, and for the first 12 years of his residence here he was employed at farm labor for $17.00 per month. He saved his money, and purchased his farm of 80 acres, upon which he has erected valuable improvements. This farm is one of the most productive in the county, and the land has been known to produce 80 bushels of com to the acre. A pumping system carries water to any and every part of the farm, and it is undoubtedly the most conveniently arranged and best equipped farm plant in Jackson County. It is conceded that the Carr farm is worth around $500 an acre.

Mr. Carr was married in 1897 to Ida May Botts, who was bom in Jackson County in 1876, and is a daughter of Romulus and Lena (Pearson) Botts, the latter of whom is living in Buckner, and the former is de¬ ceased.

Mr. Carr is a Democrat, and is known as a citizen who attends strictly to his own affairs in an industrious and capable manner. Mrs. Carr is a member of the Christian church.

George W. Hagan, a well known and successful farmer and stock breeder of Prairie township, Jackson County, is a native of this county and a son of one of the early pioneers and early day plainsmen of this section. He was born at Westport, which is now a part of Kansas City, Mo., Sept. 18, 1864. His parents were William and Sedalia (Wells) Hagan and he was the eighth in the order of birth of a family of 17 children, 10 of whom are now living.

William Hagan was born near Crabtree, Ky., May 15, 1829. In 1847, when he was about 18 years of age, he came to Missouri and settled near Lees Summit. He was a man who possessed the strong pioneer spirit of adventure and saw much of the West in the early days. He made a trip across the plains prior to the Civil War and two trips afterwards, serving as wagon master of the train. He shot a number of buffaloes during his trips across the plains. He was forced to leave his place during the Civil War on account of Order No. 11, but after the war returned to his farm, wheie he resided until 1892, when he moved to Lees Summit, where he died Nov. 13, 1916 as the result of an accident on the railroad crossing. On account of defective hearing, he failed to hear an approaching train, by which he was struck and died 13 days later. He had a very successful career and at the time of his death was the owner of 320 acres of land. He was a stanch Democrat during his active caieer and took a keen inter¬ est in public affairs. Sedalia Wells Hagan, mother of George W. Hagan,

George W. Hagan was reared on his father's farm in Prairie town¬ ship and received his education in the district schools of Prairie town¬ ship and the Lees Summit High School. In early life, he became familiar with the details of farming and stock raising and when 21 years of age began farming on his own account on rented land. He continued to oper¬ ate rented land until his father's death, in 1916, when he inherited 40 acres of the home place, which he has since operated and upon which he has made extensive improvements, later buying 40 acres adjoining the estate. His home is a modern house with electric lights and equipped with hot and cold running water. Mr. Hagan also owns 80 acres of land in Virginia, located 50 miles west of Washington, D. C.

Mr. Hagan gives special attention to breeding pure bred Jersey cat¬ tle and has been successfully engaged in this field of animal husbandry for the past 27 years and during the course of that time he has sold a great many head of pure bread Jersey cattle, his stock always commanding a high price. He began the breeding of Jersey cattle on a small scale in 1896, when he bought a pure bred Jersey cow "Queen Signal C". This animal was brought from Kentucky and owned by George Shawhan of Jackson County. In 1899, Mr. Hagan bought another pure bred Jersey cow, "Laura Cheiffoo", which was also brought from Kentucky in 1898. This was the beginning of Mr. Hagan's breeding industry, which has proven very satisfactory and profitable.

April 20, 1887, George Hagan was united in marriage with Virginia L. Prather, who was born in Lawrence, Kan. and reared from the age of one year in Cass County, Mo. She is a daughter of Laban A. and Frances (Embery) Prather, natives of Virginia, and both now deceased. To Mr. and Mrs. Hagan have been born the following children: Thetis, married J. A. McDaniel, and they reside in Prairie township; Ruth married Leland Dillman, Richmond, Ind. ; Juliet, married Lester Mathias, Kansas City, Mo. ; and George, who was born June 26, 1896, resides at home with his parents. During the World War, he enlisted in the United States marines and was sent to Quantico, Va., and served in the heavy artillery on the coast defense. He was discharged Jan. 8, 1919.

Mr. Hagan is a Democrat and a member of the Baptist church. The Hagan family stand high in the community and George W. Hagan ranks as one of Jackson County's leading citizens.

Charles W. Ryan, the oldest pioneer resident of Levasy, Mo., in point of years of residence in that vicinity, is a native of Virginia. He was born in Montgomery County, Va., in 1851, and accompanied his parents, John D. and Susan Jane (Fisher), to Jackson County, Mo., in 1859, land¬ ing from the steamboat Isabella, Sept. 15, 1859.