Jackson County, Missouri - Biographical sketches, 1920 (part 2 of 15)

Mr. Maupin was married in 1880, in his native county, to Miss Rosa Dumm, who was also born and reared in Madison County, Ky. She died March 14, 1918, leaving two children. May, wife of Robert Knowles; and Claude, associated with his father in the business.

E. P. Burton. - The real estate firm of Burton and Corthell, with of¬ fices at 205 West Lexington street. Independence, is one of the leading real estate concerns of Jackson County. The firm does a general real estate, loan, insurance, bond and abstract business, and is noted for its stability and successful experience, covering 22 years in which it has existed. The business was first established in 1897 by E. P. Burton, and was incor¬ porated in 1913, with Mr. E. P. Burton as president and Mr. E. E. Corthell as secretary and treasurer. The fine business enjoyed by this well estab¬ lished enterprise has been built up by careful, conscientious business meth¬ ods and by thoroughness of attention to detail in the work done on behalf of clients. This firm is one of the most conservative financial institutions in Independence, and one of the most reliable - facts which are attested by the high prices of the stock in the company, which cannot be bought for $700 per share, it having at the time of organization a par value of $100 per share.

E. P. Burton was born March 2, 1876, on a farm in Jackson County, and is a member of one of the oldest of the Jackson County pioneer fami¬ lies. His father was Levi Burton, who was born in Saline County, Mis¬ souri, and came to Jackson County in 1866, locating on a farm northeast of Independence. He died in 1880. His wife was Bernica (Short) Burton, who was born in Edmondson County, Kentucky, in 1844, and accompanied her parents, James and Lucinda Short, to Jackson County in 1850. The Short family settled on a farm north of Independence. Mrs. Burton now resides four miles southeast of Independence.

^ The first home of James and Lucinda Short in this county was a two room log cabin, in which they resided for many years. The Shorts were Baptists and meetings were held in the Six Mile neighborhood. Baptizing was often done in the dead of winter, when ice covered the Blue, and it was necessary to chop a hole so that the ceremony could be performed accord¬ ing to rite. The cooking in the Short home was done in an old-fashioned fireplace ; the bread was baked in an iron oven or kettle, which was placed in the glowing coals. Mrs. Burton, mother of E. P. Burton, still has in her possession the old oven used in her pioneer home, and is ready and willing to donate the article to the County Historical Society whenever a place is provided for taking care of relics of this character.

The children born to Levi and Bernica Burton are as follow: James M. Burton, born June 6, 1869, lives in Blue township; E. P. Burton, of this review; Walter, died in 1916, at the age of 33 years; Robert, died in in¬ fancy ; Harry Morris, a son of E. H. Morris, who was the first husband of Bernica Short.

James and Lucinda Short had children as follow: James M. Short, E. W. Short and Foster Short, all deceased; Mrs. Bernica Burton, and Mrs. Joseph Eaton, who died in Oregon.

E. P. Burton was educated in the Lees Summit public schools, and also attended business college in Kansas City. He began to make his own way when 12 years of age. For the past 22 years Mr. Burton has been engaged in the real estate and loan and insurance business as stated above.

Mr. Burton was married in 1916 to Katherine Pitcher, of Kansas City, Mo., a daughter of Gilbert and Mary Elizabeth Pitcher, both of whom are deceased. Thomas Pitcher, grandfather of Mrs. Burton, came to Jackson County in 1826. He married Nancy Parrish, who came also from Ken¬ tucky in 1825. Thomas Pitcher gave the site for the first public schools established in Jackson County, and the school house of his old district is still known as the Pitcher School. The Smarts and McGees, after whom streets were named in Kansas City, were relatives of the Pitchers.

Mr. and Mrs. Burton reside at 317 South Osage street. Independence. Mr. Burton is a member of the Baptist Church and Mrs. Burton is a mem¬ ber of the Christian Church of this city. He is affiliated with the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons and the Modern Woodmen of America.

Alfred G. Hausam, member of the grocery firm of Curran-Schulenberg and Hausam, Independence, Mo., was born in St. Charles, Mo., Feb. 20, 1867, and is a son of Jacob and Mary (Boelner) Hausam.

The father was born in GeiTnany, settled in St. Charles County upon immigrating to America, and in 1886, came to Kansas City. He followed his profession of engineer in this city and died in 1895, at the age of 72 years. Mrs. Mary Hausam was born Sept. 18, 1827, and resides in Kansas City, one of the oldest women of the county, having attained the great age of 92 years, and is still active. The children of the Hausam family are : Mrs. Lucille Miller, deceased; Julia Hausam, Kansas City; Mrs. Alvina Gottschammer, Kansas City; Jacob G. Hausam, Kansas City; Alfred G. Hausam, of this review.

Alfred G. Hausam received his education in the schools of St. Charles and St. Louis, where the family resided prior to coming to Kansas City. Since young manhood he has followed the grocery and meat business, and has charge of the meat market operated in connection with the store in which he is financially interested;

Mr. Hausam was married in 1897 to Emma P. Speck, a daughter of Martin and Susan (Mertischeimer) Speck, of Independence. Mrs. Hausam's father is a pioneer settler of Jackson County, coming here in the early forties, and now makes his home at 815 North Liberty street.

Three children have been born to Alfred G. and Emma P. Hausam, as follow: Alpha Marie, Roy Martin, and one child, Edward, who died in infancy.

Carl Foster. - On Aug. 1, 1918, the Foster Grocery Company began business on the west side of the square, succeeding E. B. Dooley. The Foster concern is operated on the "cash and carry" plan, which is rapidly finding favor with cash buyers in many cities of the country, inasmuch as the expense of delivery is eliminated and the cash buyer has the advantage of lower prices, which he would not obtain at a grocery where credit ac¬ counts are carried on the books. The cash buyer usually gets the wrong end of the deal where he trades at a place which extends credit to a large number of patrons who have their purchases delivered. He is assisting in paying for a delivery and credit system expense which is maintained for the accommodation of the other patrons. It would seem that most stores would find it a good plan to inaugarate a system of doing business where a cash purchaser would have the advantage of lower prices. Mr. Foster has gone the full length in this plan and sells only to cash purchasers who carry away their purchases. The large volume of trade enjoyed by the Foster establishment is ample evidence that the "cash and carry" store is meeting with popular favor.

Carl Foster, proprietor of the Foster Grocery Company, was born in Cass County, Missouri, Aug. 26, 1876. He is a son of Hamilton and Susan (Simms) Foster, the former of whom was a native of Ohio, and the latter a native of South Carolina. The Foster family resided in Cass County at the time of the beginning of the Civil War, and Hamilton Foster served with the Confederate forces. His family moved to H^rrisonville and re¬ mained there until the war closed. Mr. Foster died in 1'377, in Cass County. Mrs. Foster died in Benton County, Missouri, in 1894.

son County, and for four years following he was in the employ of the Peo¬ ples Union Mercantile Company in Independence. Later he wais in the employ of King & Co., and their successors. King and Hughes, then worked for King and Horn Brothers, who were succeeded by Horn Brothers. In September, 1917, when Horn Brothers dissolved partnership, Mr. Foster went to Eldorado, Kan., with Horn and Johnson. Aug. 1, 1918, he returned to Independence and purchased the E. B. Dooley stock of groceries, as stated above.

Mr. Foster was married in November, 1902, to Elsie D. Mann, a daughter of J. A. and Edith Mann, residents of Independence. Mr. and Mrs. Foster have one son, Jesse Foster, born Aug. 14, 1903, a student in the high school. The Foster family residence is located at 721 North Lib¬ erty street. Mr. Foster is a member of the Woodmen of the World Lodge.

E. B. Dooley, proprietor of a well patronized grocery and meat mar¬ ket at 713 West Lexington street, Independence, Mo., was born in Indian¬ apolis, Ind. He is a son of John W. and Rose (Bell) Dooley, the former of whom was born in New York in 1850. He located in Indianapolis and fol¬ lowed his profession of stationery engineer in that city until 1882, when he came to Independence, and was employed in this city in the same capac¬ ity for nine years. He is now in the employ of the Hugh Matthew Ma¬ chine Shops, Kansas City, Mo. Mrs. Rose Dooley died June 15, 1919, and the remains are interred in Woodlawn cemetery. The children of the Dooley family are: E. B. Dooley, subject of this sketch; May Dooley, liv¬ ing at the family home, 215 South Osage street; Lee, conducting a meat market on the west side of the square; Harry, also in the meat business with his brother. (The meat market conducted by Lee and Harry Dooley is operated in connection with the Foster Cash Grocery.) The two younger sons of the family are John and Frank Dooley, at home.

E. B. Dooley attended the public schools of Independence, and his first employment was in the F. E. Hall meat market, on the north side of the square. He received $4.00 per week, and was in Mr. Hall's employ for eight and a half years. Since that time he has been in business for himself. Mr. Dooley opened his present grocery and meat market at 213 West Lexington street, in September, 1918, and his store is stocked with a splendid line of eatables, staple and fancy groceries, and he has built up a fine patronage.

Mr. Dooley was married in January, 1906, to Miss Hattey Luff, of Independence, a daughter of Dr. Joseph and Jeanette (Parker) Luff, both of whom were born in Canada, and are now residing at 120 Pendleton ave¬ nue. One son has been born to this marriage, Roy, aged 12 years. Mr.

Dooley was first married in 1898 with Miss Bessie Letter, who died in 1900, leaving' a son, Frank Dooley, bookkeeper in the offices of the Kansas City Nut and Bolt Company. The Dooley home is at 124 Pendleton avenue.

Mr. Dooley is a member of the Knights of Pythias, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the Modern Woodmen of America, and the Loyal Order of Moose. He has an interesting recollection of the first street transportation system inaugurated in Independence, between this city and Kansas City. The cars were drawn by a wheezy little locomotive, probably a discarded one from some eastern city. The little engine pulled the train of cars and its appearance on the streets provoked much curiosity, people flocking in crowds to the square to witness the phenomenon.

G. W. Nesbitt, grocer, 1307 Lexington street. Independence, is a na¬ tive of this city, born here Aug. 16, 1869. From his boyhood days he has made his own way in the world. His parents were Hemy W. and Mary A. (Lucas) Nesbitt, the former of whom died in 1882, the latter departing this life in 1911.

Henry W. Nesbitt served with the Union army during the Civil War, and fought for the Union for two years, participating in the battles of Lexington and Independence. After his war service he went to Nebraska and after remaining there for a short time he returned to Independence via Wayne City. After a short residence of six years in Independence he removed to Illinois, and lived there for eight years. He then returned to Independence and resumed his trade of cabinet maker. His residence was built on Temple street, now the South River boulevard. His children are as follow : John A., in the employ of the Standard Oil Company, Sugar Creek ; George W., of this review; Mrs. Alice Belle Wright, Independence; Mrs. Nellie R. Madison, deceased ; Mrs. Melissa M. Nesbitt, deceased ; Mrs. Bina J. Scott, Independence; Dora died in infancy.

The education of George W. Nesbitt was obtained in the public schools of Maroa, Ill., and Independence. Owing to the early death of his father, he found it necessary to go to work at an early age. Since he was 13 years of age George W. Nesbitt has been constantly employed. He first worked in the grocery store of A. T. Slack, on the south side of the square, working there for two years, the store being in charge of William A. No¬ land, a former school teacher. He received $10.00 per month for the first two years, and the pay went to the support of his widowed mother. He was then employed in the Duke and Sullivan grocery at a salary of $1.00 per day for two years, during his last month's service receiving $18.00 per week. Mr. Nesbitt has worked for Cunningham Brothers, Yowell and

Lucas, and was manager of A. T, Slack's grocery. He also worked for W. S. Loar, and then with B. C. Loar, as partner, he purchased the Tim Pendle¬ ton grocery. One year later he sold out his interest to Loar.

For the next 11 years he was with the L. H. Fisher Silver Laundiy and Towel Company. This employment kept him in close touch with the grocery business and the butchers of the city, and he learned the art of meat cutting while visiting with them. He was now ready to venture into busi¬ ness on his own account. He had no capital, but borrowed $150 to embark in the grocery business with W. T. Bozarth. Six months later he sold his half interest in this store for $450, and then remodeled the Carson grocery and was in business there for two years. He again sold out and estab¬ lished himself with a fine stock of goods in his present location, where he has built up a splendid trade. Mrs. Opal Gunder is his able assistant, book¬ keeper and cashier.

Mr. Nesbitt was married in June, 1888, to Rose M. Loar, a daughter of Judge W. S. Loar and Lucinda J. Loar, the former of whom is deceased. To this marriage there has been born the following children : Bessie, wife of Dr. Harold Bullard, of Independence; Madge L. Nesbitt; Opal, wife of J. Blaine Gunder; Glifford L., with the Thor Electrical Company, and George W., Jr., at home.

Mr. and Mrs. Nesbitt reside at 1505 West Walnut street, their home being located on ground which was pasture and served as playground for the boys of the neighborhood when Mr. Nesbitt was a youth. He is a mem¬ ber of the Modern Woodmen of America and the ICnights of Pythias.

Mr. Nesbitt has the distinction of having served as the first conductor of the first electric car operated from Kansas City to Independence, and for one and a half years he was conductor on the old Dunning line.

E. E. Corthell, secretary-treasurer of the Burton and Corthell Real Es¬ tate Company, Independence, Mo., was born in Union County, Illinois, Dec. 13, 1868. He is a son of Jonathan and Sarah J. (Lunf) Corthell, both of whom were natives of Maine, and the latter of whom is now living at 126 Pendleton avenue, aged 77 years. Jonathan Corthell died Jan. 14, 1908. The Corthell family came to Independence in 1890. E. E. Corthell, of this review, was the only child bom to his parents.

E. E. Corthell was educated in the public schools and the Illinois State Normal School at Carbondale, Ill. After finishing his education he went to California and remained there for two years. In 1889 he came to Jackson County, and for several years followed mechanical work. In 1912 he

Mr, Corthell was married April 18, 1896, to Eliza Maude Click, of Cobden, Ill. This marriage has been blessed with one daughter, Helen May Corthell,

The CoiTliell residence is located at 126 Pendleton avenue. Mr. Cor¬ thell is an active member of the Reorganized Church of Latter-Day Saints in Independence.

William R. and Adron J. Randall, brick contractors and builders, 403 West Maple street. Independence, Mo., were born in this city and are the sons of William M. Randall, who was born in Jefferson County, W, Va., Oct. 3, 1827, a son of George and Mary (Wynkoop) Randall, both of whom were born and reared in Jefferson County, W. Va. Wm. R. Randall was born Oct. 20, 1860; Adron J. Randall was born Sept. 2, 1870.

William M. Randall married Rebecca E. Randall in Frederick County, Va., in April, 1852. Five years later they came westward to Independ¬ ence and resided here until death called them. William M. Randall was the pioneer brick contractor and builder in Independence. He erected all of the early brick buildings in this city, many of which are still standing and in use. Both he and Mrs, Randall were members of the Methodist Church, South, and Mr. Randall was a Knight Templar Mason and a mem¬ ber of the Royal Arch Chapter of Palestine Commandery. They were the parents of live children : George W. Randall, 904 West Blue street. Inde¬ pendence, Mo.; William R., born Oct. 20, 1860, a partner in the contract¬ ing business ; Joseph J., 409 West Lexington street; Luther Lee died in Au¬ gust, 1893, and Adron J., born Sept. 2, 1870; Mollie, died at the age of 13 years. VWlliam W. Randall died March 14, 1907 ; Mrs. Rebecca E. Ran¬ dall died Nov. 18, 1911.

The Randalls are members of an old and distinguished American family of colonial ancestry. The genealogy of William R. and Adron J. Randall can be traced backward in an unbroken line to Colonel Richard Townley, who took the oath of office as royal governor of Virginia colony, Feb. 28, 1684. His wife, Elizabeth Carteret Townley, was the widow' of Sir Philip Carteret, to whom the Duke of York ceded all of the east half of the state of New Jersey in 1664. After his term of office expired, Colonel Townley removed to Elizabethtown, East Jersey, so named in honor of his wife. From this couple was descended Rebecca E. Randall who came with her husband, William M. Randall to Independence from Virginia in 1856.

Joskph Rridok William R. Randall. Mrs. William R. Randall

On June 17, 1002, Adron J. Randall married Mary Bridges; One child was born to this marriage: Adrian Bridges Randall, bom June 17, 1907 and died Nov. 12, 1909. William R. Randall married Lillie Bridges on May 11, 1897. To the marriage of William R. and Lillie (Bridges) Randall have been born a son, William Joseph Randall. The brothers Randall reside at 403 West Maple street. Since their father's death, they have carried on the business of brick contracting and building and have achieved a splendid success in the business.

The Randalls have erected practically all of the more important brick and stone buildings in Jackson County and have built many large struc¬ tures in this section of the state. They erected the court house, the Junior High School, the Ott School, the Noland School, the Columbia School, St. Mary's Academy, the Presbyterian College, erected the Bap¬ tist church and rebuilt it, the Liberty St. Presbyterian Church, the H. M. Baile mansion, the Mercer residence, the Knox residence, the First Na¬ tional and the Chrisman Sawyer Bank of Independence. While the father, William M. Randall was living, the business was carried on in his name by his sons during his old age. Randall Brothers have erected the Bryant School, the William McCoy School, the Benton School, the Blue Springs School building, the Grain Valley School, the Sugar Creek school, the High School at Plattsburg, Lawson and Norbonne, the Pacific depot at Lees Summit and the Baptist church at Lathrop.

Mrs. Laura Elizabeth (Harris) Bridges, mother of Mrs. William R. and Mrs. Adron J. Randall, widow of Joseph P. Bridges, is one of the oldest pioneer women of Jackson County. She is a native of the county and was born on the farm now owned by the widow of Major Drumm, May 14, 1838. She is a daughter of Samuel and Jane (Hall) Harris, the former of whom was born in Richmond, Va., May 16, 1807 and died in this county, Nov. 6, 1854. Mrs. Jane (Hall) Harris was born in Rich¬ mond, Va., June 12, 1814, and died August 19, 1893. Samuel Harris entered land one and a half miles southeast of Independence in 1828, now known as the Drumm farm. He developed a farm of 160 acres upon which he resided until his death. His death was caused by a kick from a mule.

The children born to Samuel and Jane Hall Harris are as follow: Reuben A., died May 16, 1910; Mary E. Clark died July 31, 1919; Judy Ervin died May 6, 1897 ; Mrs. Laura Bridges of this review ; Missouri Ann Bridges, born April 14, 1840, resides at Blue Springs; William Henry, born May 14, 1842, died Feb. 23, 1868; Elizabeth, born Dec. 16, 1844, married

Samuel Harris and Jonathan Shepherd did all of the hewing of the timbers and assisted in the erection of the first court house in Jackson County. This old building now stands on the lot just west of the city hall. Reuben Harris, his brother, was serving as sheriff of the county at the time this court house was erected.

Laura E. (Harris) Bridges was educated in the Oldham school and was first married to M. V. B. Flannery, of the Hickman Mill neighborhood. Mr. Flannery was shot from ambush, June 29, 1864, in Texas, while seiz¬ ing with the Confederate forces. His body was brought to the Texas home and buried at Johnson Station, Tarrant County, Texas. Mr. Flan¬ nery was born May 18, 1835. One son was born to this marriage, William V. Flannery, born March 20, 1861, and died in Independence, Aug. 24, 1918.

January 6, 1867, Mrs. Laura E. Flannery married Joseph P. Bridges who was born Nov. 1, 1832 and died March 24, 1904. The children born of this union are: Lillie B., wife of William R. Randall; and Mary J., wife of Adron J. Randall.

Joseph P. Bridges was twice married. His first wife was Sarah Ruth Tatum and to this union was bom one son, William E. Bridges, bora Dec. 23, 1859 and died Feb. 21, 1910, leaving a widow and five daughters: Mrs. Jessie McMahan, Mrs. Fred C. Wortman, Mrs. J. C. Potter, Miss Anna and Miss Kathryn Bridges, all residing in Independence.

When Order No. 11 was issued in 1863 by Gen. Thos. Ewing, call¬ ing for the evacuation of the western part of Missouri, the present Mrs. Bridges was living with her mother on the home farm near Independence, her home near Lees Summit having been burned Feb. 28, 1863 by the "White Rags", marauders from Andrew and De Kalb counties. Each of the men wore a white band or rag for his hat band, hence the name. On September 3, 1863, she and her sister, Mrs. Julia Irwin, with their children accompanied by 63 other families of the neighborhood left for Texas with their movable possessions loaded in 23 wagons. At Clinton, Mo., their horses were confiscated by Federal troops and they then pro¬ cured oxen. Mrs. Laura Flannery, then a young woman of 25 years, walked and drove the oxen the entire distance through Arkansas, Louisi¬ ana and up the Arkansas River valley to Boggy Depot and on into Texas, traveling a distance of over 1,000 miles to Tarrant County. They re- mained in Texas until the war closed. At Lone Jack, Mo., they had stocked up with 100 pounds of flour and as they left the town they heard the firing of guns about a half mile distant. It transpired that Federal troops from Kansas had killed a half dozen men belonging to the Hunter and Potter families. These victims were later buried in one grave.

Mrs. Bridges is an old school Baptist and has been a member of the church for the past 53 years. Joseph Bridges was widely known in Jackson County, took a great interest in politics and was intimately ac¬ quainted with the leaders in the political and civic affairs of the county. He never sought political office but was always ready and willing to assist his friends to political preferment. Mrs. Bridges is a splendid woman, one of the last of the true pioneer type of women to whom age has brought wisdom and who is loved and admired by all who know her. She is an authority on pioneer happenings and is frequently consulted by the news¬ papers and others who desire information regarding happenings in the old days.

Garrett C. Stewart, member of the firm of Stewart and Dimoush, oper¬ ating the Stewart and Dimoush Planing Mill, Independence, Mo., is a na¬ tive of Ohio. He was born in Coshocton, Jan. 22, 1857, a son of William and Phoebe (Price) Stewart.

William Stewart was bom and reared in Virginia, and made his first trip to the West in 1836, coming as far as Lexington, Mo., where he rem.ained for one year, and then returned home. He later went to Coshoc¬ ton, and was there married to Phoebe Price, who was born in New York State in 1818, and died in Independence in 1900. Her mother was a rela¬ tive of Generals Price and Meade, who were members of General Wash¬ ington's staff. Some time after their marriage, William Stewart and his wife and family journeyed to Nebraska in 1864, going by way of the Ohio, Mississippi and Missouri rivers. After a ten years stay in Nebraska, they removed to Iowa in 1876. In 1896 they came to Independence, where Wil¬ liam Stewart died in 1898, aged 87 years. Their children were: George P., who died in September, 1919, at Palestine, Tex. ; James died at Grinnell, Iowa, in 1893; William died in 1895 at Grinnell, Iowa; and Garrett C., sub¬ ject of this sketch.

The grandmother of Garrett C. Stewart was a sister of Commodore Oliver H. Perry, the hero of the Battle of Lake Erie. She lived to attain the great age of 104 years. It is said of her that she walked six miles to her son's residence when she was 100 years old.

for some years he was employed as a fireman. Following this employ¬ ment he worked at the carpenter trade. He came to Independence Sept, 1, 1886, and soon afterwards started a planing mill in partnership with John Poppleton. This partnership continued for four years. In 1914 the present partnership of Mr. William L. Dimoush was established. For five years prior, Mr. Dimoush had been in Mr. Stewart's employ. The plant of the Stewart and Dimoush Company is located at 402 North Osage street, and is equipped for turning out all kinds of inside and outside mill work for buildings.

Dec. 20, 1887, Mr. Stewart was married to Jennie Breshaud, of Cedar Kapids, Iowa, and two sons have blessed this marriage ; Milton and Byron Stewart, forming* the Stewart Brothers Electrical Company, on West Ma¬ ple street. Milton Stewart married Esther Long, of Independence. The Stewart family residence is located at 115 East Lyndon street.

Ml. Stewait is a Mason. He has in his possession a highly prized silk Masonic apron, which is over 150 years old, and has been owned by mem¬ bers of his family for that length of time. He has been a member of the Masonic order for 41 years, and is affiliated with the Chapter and Conimandery. Mr. Stewart has been a member of the Masonic Building and Loan Association since its inception in 1907, and has filled all of the offices of the association. He is affiliated with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and the Woodmen of the World.

For six years Mr. Stewart served as a member of the city council, under the administration of mayors Samuel Woodson, Llewellyn Jones and Christian Ott. While he was a member of the council the city light plant was built, and the sum of $30,000 v/as voted for the erection of the plant. He served as a member of the lighting board for four years, and at all times has taken a commendable interest in city affairs.

Col. George A. Mann, auctioneer and real estate dealer, is probably the youngest member of his profession in Jackson County, and is one of the most aggressive and successful. He is a member of one of the best known and largest families of the county, and was born on a farm near Raytown, Mo.. Aug. 20, 1893. His parents are George H. and Caroline (Odell) Mann, who reside on a farm on the Lees Summit road. George H. Mann was born in Jackson County in 1867, and has always followed farming and dairying. He is a son of Ambrose Mann, a well known and aged citizen of Fort Osage township, now residing in Buckner, a biography of whom appears in this volume. Caroline (Odell) Mann was also born in Jackson County. Four children were born to George H. and Caroline Mann, as follow: George A.,

George A. Mann was educated in the public schools and studied for two years in the Independence High School. After completing his schooling he has been engaged in the dairy and livestock business prior to entering the real estate and auction field. Colonel Mann is a graduate of the Missouri Auctioneers School of Kansas City, Mo. His office is located in Room 17 of the Battery Block.

Colonel Mann was married Oct. 6, 1915, to Marietta Courtway, a daughter of Joseph and Mary (Hinton) Courtway, of Independence. Mts. Mann was born in Horton, Kan. To this marriage has been born a daugh¬ ter, Mary Caroline Mann. The Mann residence is located at 1620 West College street.

John S. Livesay, farmer and dairyman, living five miles northeast of Independence, on the Lexington road, was born in Lafayette County, Mis¬ souri, May 2, 1860. He is a son of George W. and Elizabeth (Renick) Livesay, the latter of whom was born in Lafayette County in 1834, and died in 1889. George W. Livesay was born in 1831, in Greenbrier County, Virginia, immigrated to Missouri with his parents in 1832, they settling at Lexington, Lafayette county, Missouri, where he was reared to young man¬ hood. The family homestead was located in the northwest part of Lafay¬ ette county, near the town of Napoleon. Mr. Livesay followed farming and stock raising during his whole life, and died in 1884. A brother, Wil¬ liam Livesay, was a plainsman and widely known in this section of Mis¬ souri. The town of Levasy was built on a part of his faiTn and was named in his honor, the variation in spelling of the name being due to a mistake on the part of the railroad officials when the town was established.

The children bom to George W. and Elizabeth Livesay are as follow: Joseph R., residing on a farm 28 miles north of El Paso, Tex.; William F., Kansas City, Mo. ; John S., of this review ; Sallie A., wife of Coleman Bed¬ ford, Independence, Mo. ; Robert E., a merchant of Oak Grove, Mo. ; Mary Rebecca, deceased, wife of J. R. Hulse, she having died near Oak Grove, in March, 1918. Further details of the Livesay family history are given in connection with the sketch of Robert E. Livesay, elsewhere in this volume.

Mr. Livesay, of this review, was educated in the public schools of Lafayette County, and was reared on the home farm near Napoleon. He farmed in his home county until February, 1893, when he came to Jackson County and purchased his present farm of 114 acres, situated five miles northeast ot Independence, on the Lexington road. He purchased his farm of J. H. Parker. Part of this farm was entered from the government by John Belcher, and a part of it was entered by Mr. Anderson, both of whom weie early Jackson County pioneers. Mr. Livesay maintains a herd of 15 Holstein and Jersey cows, and is operating a dairy to this extent, in con¬ nection with his general farming.

Mr. Livesay was married in 1890 to Miss Elizabeth Chinn, of Lafay¬ ette County. She was born in Kentucky, and accompanied her parents, Richard Chinn and wife, Sallie (Barton) Chinn, to Missouri when a child, the latter of whom was a daughter of Major Barton. Mr. and Mrs. Live¬ say have four children : Mary, Strother, Mildred and Elizabeth. By a for¬ mer marriage with PYankie Henderson, of Lafayette County, who died in 1889, Mr. Livesay has one son, Frank Livesay, of Independence, Mo. Frank Livesay married Lora Gallagher, of Independence.

John W. Rogers, proprietor of Lone Maple P^arm, Blue township, was born in Platte County, Missouri, Oct. 8, 1858. He is one of 11 children born to William S. and Emily (Miller) Rogers, six of whom are living, as follow: Barton W., Sibley, Mo.; Robert W., Grant Pass, Ore.; Alice J., wife of J. B. Fisher. Denver, Colo.; John W., of this review; James E.,' Mesa County, Colo. ; Ida M., Oregon ; Wallace B., deceased.

William S. Rogers, father of John W. Rogers, was born in Calloway County, Missouri, Dec. 6, 1826. He was a son of William Rogers, who was born in Charlotte County, Virginia, Feb. 16, 1792, and who was a son of Ezekiel Rogers, an officer of the American Revolution under General Wash¬ ington. William Rogers removed with his parents to Clark County, Ken¬ tucky, in 1795, and in 1801 accompanied them to Upper Louisiana or New Spain, where each settler received a grant of land totaling 640 acres. The temtory was then under Spanish control. Ezekiel Rogers died in Missouri in 1811, and his wife returned to Kentucky with her eight children. Wil¬ liam Rogers was a volunteer in the War of 1812, and served throughout the war as orderly sergeant. Upon his return home he was commissioned a captain of militia. Upon the breaking out of the Black Hawk War, in 1832, he volunteered for service and fought until the close of this war. First commissioned a major, he was promoted to colonelship, and finally was commissioned a brigadier-general. During the Florida War he raised troops for service in this war.

In 1840 he removed to Platte County, Missouri, and was the first man to organize a company of militia in that county. He was appointed brig- adier-inspector by B. M. Hughes, and was a most efficient officer. His name was presented for the legislative seat from Platte County in 1843, but the great amount of rascality and trickery he encountered in his can¬ vass caused his upright nature to rebel, and he withdrew from the contest, saying if he could not go into office honorably he would not serve at all. When the Mexican War broke out he regretted that he was too old for ser¬ vice. He thereupon sent his oldest son, at that time 19 years of age, to serve with the American troops. Four months later, when the second call for volunteers was issued, he sent his second son, only 16 years of age. During the Civil War he espoused the cause of the Confederacy, and as¬ sisted in drilling troops. After the war closed he declared that his rights as a citizen had been taken away from him, and he vowed never again to cast a vote. He died Sept. 9, 1886, and his remains are interred at Sib¬ ley, Mo.

William S. Rogers removed to Platte County with his parents when a boy, and there grew to manhood. In 1849 he married Emily Miller, a na¬ tive of Franklin County, born in 1852. In 1868 he removed to Wyandotte County, Kansas, and three years later he returned to Missouri, settling in Jackson County, on a farm 12 miles northeast of Independence, where he died March 17, 1903, and is buried in Six Mile cemetery. William S. Rogers was a veteran of the Mexican and Civil Wars. During the Civil War he served as captain of Company C, Colonel Winston's regiment.

John W. Rogers was educated in the common schools and has made his own way in the world since he attained the age of 15 years. He first worked for the neighboring farmers, and in July, 1878, he went to South Park, Colo., and worked on a ranch for 11 months. In company with his three brothers and another man he went to Leadville, in 1879, and thence to New Mexico and Texas, and soon afterwards to Kansas. In March he returned to Leadville, and was ill at that place for two months. Upon re¬ covering from his illness he worked three years on a ranch. He then pur¬ chased a ranch of 320 acres at South Park, Colo. He sold this later and returned to Jackson County in 1905, and purchased his present farm of 35 acres, on the Lexington road, which he has improved by remodeling the resi¬ dence and building additional fencing, making an attractive place.

Mr. Rogers was married Dec. 1, 1897, in Jackson County, to Sophia M. Sanders, who was born Oct. 2, 1867, in Garrard County, Kentucky, a daugh¬ ter of Samuel P. and Martha E. (Bright) Sanders, the latter of whom died when Mrs. Rogers was but a child. She was then reared by her aunt. Mildred J. Douglas, of Fort Osage township. Her maternal grandmother, whose maiden name was Sophia Rochester, was a granddaughter of Nich¬ olas Rochester, born in Kent County, England, in 1640, and settled in Westmoreland County, Virginia, in 1686. His grandson, Nathaniel Roch¬ ester, was the founder of the city of Rochester, N. Y.

Mr. and Mrs. Rogers have six children, the first five of whom were born in South Park, Colo., and the youngest was born in Jackson County. The children are as follow : Mary Alice, George Samuel, Lela Emily, Mil¬ dred Martha, Vera Lorena Elizabeth and Florence Aleene.

George Samuel Rogers enlisted in the United States Navy on July 22, 1918, and was in training at the Great Lakes Naval Training School or Camp until March 1, 1919, when he received his honorable discharge from the service. Lela Emily is at home. Mildred Martha is a teacher of Union school, Mary Alice, George S., Lela Emily and Mildred are all graduates of Independence High School.

George W. Hallar, late well known resident of the neighborhood of Blue Springs, Mo., was a member of one of the oldest and most prominent pioneer families of Jackson County. He was born in Mercersburg, Pa., Oct. 16, 1836 and died Nov. 10, 1903. He was a son of Jacob and Mary Ann (Wilkes) Hallar.

Jacob Hallar was born at Frederickstown, Md., in 1814, and died in Independence of cholera in 1854. He came from Pennsylvania to Mis¬ souri in 1845 and settled in Independence. He erected the flouring mill later known as the Wagoner and Gates Steam Mill, the latter parties pur¬ chasing it in 1866. Mr. Hallar also built the first foundry in Independence and also constructed the Wayne City macadam road, the first rock road ever built in Jackson County, which provided a roadway to the steamboat landing on the Missouri River. He crossed the plains in company with his brother Philip to the California gold fields in 1849, his brother Philip dying on the way. He returned to Independence in 1851 and went from here to Pennsylvania via the Missouri and Ohio rivers, in the following year. Jacob Hallar also laid out the Hallar and Michael O'Fallon addition to Independence. He was owner of the land where Woodlawn cemetery is now located and sold this tract to the city for cemetery purposes,.

Jacob and Mary Ann Wilkes Hallar were parents of the following children: George Washington Hallar, of this review; Anna Mary, wife of C. C. Chiles, banker of Independence; John Colvin Hallar was for some years a pony express rider on the plains in the employ of Russell and farm and remained with his father until 1903. In that year he moved to his own farm, near Six Mile Church, and remained on this place until Sep¬ tember, 1918, when he removed to his present place in Blue township. This farm consists of 285 acres, 120 acres of which was part of his grand¬ father Lewis' estate, 88 acres were purchased from H. H. Gentry, and 75 acres were bought from John S. Cogswell. Besides this farm Mr. Lentz owns 157 acres of land in Fort Osage township. During the past year (1919) Mr. Lentz has completed a modern brick residence, fitted with a Deico lighting system, hot and cold water, a basement divided into three rooms under the entire house, thus providing a cold storage room for fruits and vegetables. Mr. Lentz has 17 acres of orchard on his farm, which is equipped with five sets of improvements and well watered.

The Lentz herd of registered Herefords numbers 40 head of cows, and is headed by "Delpino." In addition he raises Poland China hogs. The Lentz faiTn is located five miles northeast of Independence, on the Ather¬ ton road.

Mr. Lentz was married Oct. 27, 1903, to Mary U. Ucker, a daughter of Joseph and Ann (Reber) Ucker, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this volume. One daughter has been born to this marriage, Anna Marie Lentz, student in the Independence High School.

John T. Crump, native born pioneer, veteran of the Civil War, now liv¬ ing retired on his place on the Lexington road, one and a fourth miles northeast of Independence, was born April 8, 1845. He is a son of Samuel T. and Paulina (Cox) Crump, both of whom were born in Kentucky.

Samuel T. Crump was born May 1, 1820, near Danville, Ky., and died in September, 1854, his remains being interred in the Lobb cemetery. Mrs. Paulina Crump was born in 1822, and died in 1862. She was a mem¬ ber of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, known as the Lobb Church, north of Blue Springs. Samuel T. Crump came to Jackson County about 1837 with his parents, Daniel and Elizabeth Crump, who settled on what is now known as the Isaac Lowe farm, north of Blue Springs, in Sniabar township. The log house which Daniel Crump erected on this place in 1839, is still standing, and is used as the residence of the sons of Andrew Lowe. Mrs. Elizabeth Crump died of cholera in 1849. Daniel Crump died in Octo¬ ber, 1858. He gave the land and founded the Lobb cemetery. The first body buried in this cemetery was that of a negro slave girl, who belonged to him. The children of Samuel and Paulina Crump are as follow: Mrs. Lucy Jane Dalton, widow of Rev. James G. Dalton, Grain Valley, Mo., a

The first^school which John T. Crump attended was held in the Na¬ than Hunt school house, a structure built of hewn logs. Wesley Mayes and Ed. Koger were his first teachers, the latter being a one-legged man, and a fine teacher and popular with his pupils. Mr. Koger died of pneumonia shortly after John T. Crump became a pupil of his. After leaving school, Mr. Crump took up the vocation of farmer. During the Civil War he served for nearly one year, from February, 1862, to January, 1863, with the forces of Gen. Joe Shelby. In July, 1863, he crossed the plains and went to the western country, driving ox teams. He made two trips across the plains, and also drove a freighting outfit from Denver to Virginia City. For three years he herded cattle and drove freighting outfits, and returned home in 1867, taking passage on a steamboat at the head of navigation on the Missouri River, and landing at Wayne City after a journey of over 2,700 miles, his ticket costing him $50.00 for the trip. The memorable boat trip was made in nine and a half days, the boat tying up to the river bank each night.

In 1871 Mr. Crump settled on his farm of 71 acres near Adams Sta¬ tion, and cleared his land of timber and brush, erected all improvements and continued to make his home on this place for nearly a half century.

He was married April 20, 1871, to Nannie E. Fisher, who was bom in January, 1852, a daughter of George W. and Mary E. (Crow) Fisher, who were early pioneers in Jackson County, coming to this county from Ken¬ tucky. A sketch of George W. Fisher and wife appears in this volume in connection with that of William A. Fisher. Mrs. Nannie E. Crump died Oct. 3, 1914, and is buried in the Lobb cemetery. The children born to John T. and Nannie E. Crump are as follow: Samuel T., Okmulgee, Okla. ; George F., Independence; J. William, went to Oregon March 1, 1901, and his present address is unknown; John H., Independence; Lucy M., wife of Harry G. Chance, Independence; Dalton H., at home; Howard Morrison; Benjamin, died when a year old; Mary P., the wife of Ross Yankee, Ok¬ mulgee, Okla.

Howard Morrison Crump enlisted in the National Army in July, 1917, was first trained at Camp Doniphan, and thence sent to Camp Mills, N. Y. He was then sent overseas to England, and thence to France, where he served for over a year on the western front as a member of the 129th Field Artillery. He is now in Independence.

bei'ship of the Lobb Cumberland Presbyterian Church. He joined this church in October, 1868, and has been active in its affairs for over 50 years, 20 of which he served as clerk of the church. He is a fine character, a man who stands high in the esteem of his fellow citizens, and is re¬ spected and admired by all who know him.

William Edward Vaughan. - The late William Edward Vaughan, of Blue township, was a man of industry, intelligence, and stood high as a citizen in his community. He was bom in Independence, Mo., Nov. 4, 1858, and died at his home in Blue township Oct. 1, 1917, He was a son of Patrick and Mary (Melody) Vaughan, both natives of Ireland, and came to Jackson County during the early forties, after emigrating from their native isle. Both spent the remainder of their lives here, the fonner dying in February, 1885, and the latter in November, 1885. Their remains lie buried in the Catholic cemetery.

Patrick and Mary Vaughan were the parents of the following chil¬ dren: Mrs. Mollie Inman, Independence; Mrs. Elizabeth Everett, Inde¬ pendence; Hugh Vaughan, Blue township; Thomas Vaughan, Colorado; Patrick Vaughan, deputy county clerk. Independence; Mrs. Frank Adams, Blue township ; Michael, deceased ; Mrs, Margaret Hostetter, deceased ; Wil¬ liam Edward, subject of this review; Henry, deceased; John, deceased; Catherine died in infancy.

William Edward Vaughan was reared and educated in Jackson County and followed fanning and stock raising during his mature life. The Vaughan place of 70 acres, situated six and a half miles northeast of Inde¬ pendence, on the old Santa Fe trail, was built up through his efforts, and is now' one of the fine places on the highway. The Vaughan residence was erected in 1900, and the farm is equipped with four barns for housing live¬ stock.

Mr. Vaughan was married in 1895 to Miss Jennie Everett, a daughter of Henry Clay and Rhoda (Hall) Everett, the latter of whom was born in Indiana in 1841, and died in 1913, at the home of her daughter. Henry Clay Everett was born in Pennsylvania. He died in Taney County, Mis¬ souri, in 1889, at the age of 61 years. The children of the Everett family are : John Everett, Independence, Mo. ; Mrs. Sallie Williams, Liberty, Mo. ; Mrs. Jennie Vaughan, of this review; Mrs. Callie Letch worth, of Liberty, Mo.; Addis Everett, Kansas City; Luther Everett, Gaun Valley, S. D. ; William, Gaun Valley, S. D.

The children born to William Edward and Jennie Vaughan are as follow. Biyan, at home, studied at Central Business College, Kansas City; Callie Elizabeth, graduate of the local convent in 1918 ; Allan, now a student in second year high school, Independence ; Virginia, at home.

Dr. John Bryant. - For 70 years past the Bryants have been prom¬ inently identified with the professional and business development of Kan¬ sas City, Independence and Jackson County. Four generations of this honored pioneer family have resided in the county and every member of the family who has attained maturity has taken a leading place in his respective community. Many years of successful medical practice in Kansas City and Independence, succeeded by a no less successful business experience have placed Dr. John Bryant of Independence in the front rank of prominent and wealthy citizens of Jackson County.

Dr. John Bryant was born in Jessamine County, Ky., March 19, 1843, and when seven years of age he came to Jackson County with his father. Dr. John Bryant. Dr. Bryant is descended from an old and prominent American family, members of which have fought in the wars of their country, a great uncle of the subject of this review having served as a soldier in the American Revolution. His name, also, was John Bryant.

The founder of this family in America was James Bryant, Sr., who emigrated from England to America in about 1700 and settled at Maiiakintown, Va. (II) James Bryant. (Ill) John Bryant of Cumberland County, Va., born Jan. 1, 1760. (IV) George S. Bryant, a native of Girard County, Ky., born in April, 1789. (V) Dr. John Bryant, Sr.,

George Smith Bryant, grandfather of Dr. John Bryant, was born April 18, 1789 and died in Independence, Aug. 5, 1850. His wife was Keziah Arnold, prior to her marriage. She was born March 17, 1790 and died July 21, 1858. They were married in 1807 and were parents of the following children: Berilla, born Oct. 18, 1808, married Rev. Kemper of the Hickman's Mill; Polly A., born Sept. 7, 1810, died Oct. 15, 1810; Margaret born Aug. 17, 1812, died April 8, 1818; Isaac A., born Nov. 21, 1818, died Nov., 1896, in Jackson County, Mo.; Dr. John Bryant, born Nov. 30, 1806, died Aug. 16, 1902 at Independence, Mo.

Major and died in 1874; William M. Hallar was killed in battle in Bates County, Mo., in 1863 ; James Albert Hallar, shot from ambush on Sniabar River while watering the horses of his troop which was a part of the command of Gen. Sterling Price of the Confederate army ; Oliver J. Hallar seiwed in Price's army and later died in Kansas City ; C. R. Hallar resides in Kansas City; Jacob Hallar died in infancy; Ed Hallar, a farmer in Benton County, Mo. ; Sallie J. married Samuel Sullivan of Independ¬ ence, Mo.

George W. Hallar attended Chapel Hill district school during his boy¬ hood days, and was a schoolmate of Senator George Vest, Senator Stephen B. Elkins, Senator Francis M. Cockrell, Prof. George S. Brown, John T. Crisp and the Rev. James Dalton. For some years prior to Civil War he carried mail from Independence to Salt Lake City, making several trips across the plains with Stephen Rennaberger.

After his marriage with Martha F. Kreeger on Jan. 14, 1876, Mr. and Mrs. Hallar settled on the old Hallar home place near Blue Springs. Mr. Hallar was engaged in farming this place until their removal to Inde¬ pendence, They sold this farm to Mr. Harris, moved to Blue Springs, lived there one year, then moved to a farm across the road from the home place, residing there until 1891. Mr. Hallar was twice married. His first wife was Miss Sue Cox whom he married in 1860. Two children were bom to this marriage: Mrs. Georgia Walker, deceased; and Mrs. Susie Alexander, 814 Van Horn road.

Three children were born to George W. and Martha F. (Kreeger) Hallar, only one of whom is living, Aileen, wife of George L. Remington, 822 Van Horn street. Independence. Aileen Hallar and George L. Rem¬ ington were married April 29, 1915. In June, 1891, Mr, and Mrs. Hallar removed to Independence, Mrs. Hallar now resides at 822 W. Van Horn road, Mrs. Martha F. (Kreeger) Hallar was born Aug. 21, 1853 on a farm two and a half miles west of Lone Jack. She is a daughter of George W, and Araminta (Daniel) Kreeger. The family resided on the farm west of Lone Jack until Order No. 11 was issued in August, 1863, when they drove with an ox team to Davis, Lafayette County, Mo., staying there during the following winter. The first night on the road was spent at Chapel Hill. Her grandfather, John Daniel, Hank Gibbons and Thomas Tucker also drove through to Lafayette County with ox teams at the same time. The children drove a few head of cattle. At Tebo River in Lafay¬ ette County, the oxen being thirsty, they made a break for the river on a gallop, the drivers losing control of the teams. The oxen plunged into the water and slaked their thirst but, fortunately did not upset the wagons. Fifty years later Mrs. Hallar crossed the same stream for the first time since the war in a large touring car. On the night before the memorable battle of Lone Jack, Mrs. Hallar recalls that General Cockrell with his force of Confederates, camped in the Kreeger pasture and Mrs. Hallar heard the sound of the guns and the roar of battle the next day.

John Daniel, grandfather of Mrs. Hallar, was one of the earliest pioneers of the Lone Jack neighborhood and became a large land owner. He died at the age of 80 years on the fami which he had developed and is buried at Pleasant Grove near Lone Jack. George W. Kreeger, father of Mrs. Hallar, followed farming and stock raising all of his days and died in 1894. Mrs. Kreeger died in 1875. Their remains rest in Pleasant Lawn cemetery. The children of George W. and Araminta Kreeger are as follow: Mrs. Martha Hallar, of this review; John D. Kreeger, Lone Jack, Mo.; R. R. Kreeger, Kansas City, Mo.; William H., Columbia, Ariz. ; Mary F. Kreeger, deceased; James L. Kreeger, Boonville, Mo.; Mrs. 0. D. Powell, Cockrell, Mo.; Josiah A., Lone Jack, Mo.; Mrs. John R. Blackwell, of Lees Summit, Mo., and Charles L., twins, lives at Lone Jack; Dr. George G. Kreeger, Richmond, Kan.

Mr. Hallar was a Democrat. He was universally respected by all who knew him. He was a member of the Masons and a member of the Mystic Shrine, Ararat Temple, Kansas City, Mo.

William L. Dimoush, junior member of the firm Stewart and Dimoush, planing mill, 402 North Osage street, was bom in Kansas City, Mo., March 14, 1882. He is a son of Louis C. and Louisa (Thieme) Dimoush, the for¬ mer of whom was born in St. Louis, Mo., in 1858, and came to Jackson County with his parents, who settled at Westport in 1870. The father of Louis C. Dimoush operated the old Harris House at Westport for about one year, and died there. He was a veteran of the Civil War. Louis C. Dimoush followed the tobacco business in Kansas City until 1901, and since that time has been in the employ of the Kansas City Terminal Company as special officer. The children of Louis C. and Louisa Dimoush are as follow: William L., subject of this sketch; Walter J.,*Kansas City, Mo.; Augusta E., 2204 Park street, Kansas City. The Dimoush family is of French origin, the name having originally been "De Moush."

William L. Dimoush graduated from the William Cullen Bryant School in 1896, and then studied for two years in Central High School. For a period of four years he was in the employ of the C. W. Gorman Planing Mill Company, at Twenty-fifth and Grand avenue. Following this employ- ment he was with the Huttig Mill and Kansas City Sash and Door Com¬ pany, the Lovejoys Planing Mill, and then spent a year in Denver, Colo. In 1906 he entered the employ of GaiTett C. Stewart. In 1914 Mr. Dimoush became a member of the firm.

Aug. 6, 1902, Mr. Dimoush was united in marriage with Elizabeth Florence Ford, a daughter of Zachariah and Sallie (Johnson) Ford, both of whom are deceased. Five children have been bom to this union: Walter Carl, William Leonard, Albert B., Harold August, and Louise Florence.

James Strodtman, owner of a splendid farm of 217 acres on the Lex¬ ington road, in Blue township, is a native of Missouri. He was born in Lafayette County in 1856, and is a son of John G. and Sophia Elizabeth Strodtman, the foraier of whom was born in Germany in 1812, and died in Lafaj^'ette County, Missouri, in 1899, and the latter died in 1897, at the age of 78 years.

John G. Strodtman immigrated to America in 1833 and first settled in Kentucky. Remaining there but a short time, he came to St. Louis, and in about 1836 he made a permanent location in Lafayette County, where he became owner of a farm and reared a fine family of children. His children are as follow: Mrs. J. G. Burnley, wife of the president of the Bank of Buckner, Mo.; William, Oak Grove, Mo.; James, of this review; Mrs. So¬ phia Summers, deceased; Mrs. Kate Edwards, fonnerly a teacher in the Lexington College, deceased; John, the oldest son of the family, was a prominent farmer in Lafayette County, and died on his farm near Na¬ poleon.

James Strodtman was reared and educated in Lafayette County, and prior to locating in Jackson County he was engaged in the mercantile busi¬ ness in Johnson County, Missouri, where he located in 1882. He purchased his present fine farm of 217 acres of Walter Alexander in 1904, and has spent several hundred dollars on improvements. Mr. Strodtman has re¬ modeled the residence, at a cost of over $2,000.00, and has an all modern home. The Strodtman land is devoted to the raising of alfalfa, as well as wheat, corn and all other crops common in this section. During 1918, and also in 1919, five cuttings of alfalfa were made from the fields.

Mr. Strodtman was married Oct. 17, 1878, to Mattie Elizabeth Wal¬ lace, a daughter of James and Lucy (Howerton) Wallace, both of whom are deceased. Mr. Wallace was reared in Lafayette County. Mrs. Wallace was born in North Carolina, and her parents were early pioneers in Henry

County, Missouri. Both are buried in the Carr cemetery in Lafayette County. Mr. and Mrs. Strodtman have four children: Mrs. Bessie Alice, wife of Walton Steel, St. Louis, Mo. ; Pearl, wife of Poindexter Bush, Inde¬ pendence, Mo. ; Lee Strodtman, married Bama Crutsinger, and lives on the home place and has two children, Nadina and Glenna Lee; Floyd Benjamin, at home with his parents. The latter served three months in the National AiTny during the World War, enlisting in September, 1918, and was mus¬ tered out of the service in December, 1918.

J. H. Lentz. - For the past 16 years J. H. Lentz has been a successful breeder of Hereford cattle - a strain originated by his father, the late Noah Lentz, in 1897, and known throughout this section of the country as fine registered, pure-bred stock. The Lentz farm consists of 285 acres, and is well improved, one of the finest places in Jackson County.

J. H. Lentz was born in Jackson County, March 31, 1878. He is a son of Noah and Eliza J. (Lewis) Lentz. Noah Lentz was born in Rocking¬ ham County, Virginia, in 1841, and was there reared to young manhood, serving for two years in the Confederate aiTny under General Stonewall Jackson. In 1875 he left Virginia and came westward, first stopping in Lafayette County, Missouri, and then coming to Jackson County. He pur¬ chased the Croysdale farm in Fort Osage township, improved it, and began the breeding of Whitefaced cattle in 1897. He made one of the notable suc¬ cesses in Jackson County as a farmer and livestock breeder, and accumu¬ lated several hundred acres of land. About one month prior to his death he removed to Independence, and died there March 5, 1916. Eliza J. (Lewis) Lentz was a daughter of James W. Lewis, who entered the land comprising a part of the Lewis farm in Blue township, now owned by the subject of this sketch. She died on this place in 1881. James W. Lewis was the father of 17 children, only two of whom, David and Herman, are now living. Two sons were born to Noah and Eliza J. Lentz, as follow: J. William Lentz, Wray, Colo., and J. H., of this review.

By a second marriage of Noah Lentz to Miss Louise Kirby there were three children born : Oliver, deceased ; Mrs. Myrtle Baldus, Independence, and Thomas H., on the home farm in Fort Osage township, five miles east of Buckner.

J. H. Lentz was educated in the public schools of Jackson County, and pursued a business course at Baker University, Baldwin, Kan., graduating from the commercial department in 1897. He then retuimed to the home

Ed. E. Fender was educated in the common schools of Iowa and Illi¬ nois. For a number of years he was engaged in the mercantile and cream¬ ery business at Rhine, Kan., and then operated a general store at Holden, Mo., for seven years. Mr. Fender was at Holden from 1902 to October, 1918. He followed farming in Johnson County, Missouri, for four years prior to locating in Jackson County, where he purchased the Winfrey Brothers farm in October, 1918. This farm was formerly the Gentry place, and is the original home place of the Moores, where a battle was fought between the Federals and Confederates during the Civil War. Dur¬ ing the war the present Fender residence was used by Gen. Joe Shelby as his headquarters, and was also used as a hospital for the wounded and sick. The residence is a large, two-story brick structure of eight rooms, erected in 1856 by Mr. Moore, who was a slave owner prior to the war. A number of soldiers are buried on this farm, and the house was damaged by a cannon ball during the course of the battle which raged around it, a corner of the building having been shot away. Mr. Fender has 25 acres of alfalfa which yielded four cuttings during the past season. Since tak¬ ing possession of the place he has planted an orchard of five acres.

Mr. Fender was married at Holden, Mo., June 10, 1908, to Miss Retta Parsons, a daughter of William and Martha (Kent) Parsons, the latter of whom makes her home with Mrs. Fender, and is aged 81 years. She was born Nov. 14, 1838, in Caldwell County, Missouri, and is a daughter of H. N. Kent, a native of Pennsylvania, who first moved to Ohio, thence to Illinois, and settled in Missouri in 1838. He died in Lee County, Illinois, in 1893. His wife was born in Indiana, and died in Madison County in 1841. William Parsons was born in Grant County, Indiana, and was married to Martha Kent on Feb. 28, 1856. He died on Nov. 29, 1913, and is buried in Independence cemetery. The children born to William and Martha Par¬ sons are as follow : Rev. Alonzo Parsons, Independence, is pastor of Wal¬ nut Park Church of Latter-Day Saints ; H. E. Parsons, Oklahoma ; J. L. Parsons, Seattle ; Cora, wife of J. Oglesbie, Nevada, Mo. ; 0. R. Parsons, Independence, Mo. ; Olivia, wife of John W. Taylor, Blairstown, Mo. ; Mrs. Retta Fender, of this review. Mr. and Mrs. Fender have three children: Everett, Edwin and Lucille.

By a former marriage with Bertha Knapp, of Beloit, Kan., Mr. Fen¬ der has four children: Alma Fender, DeSoto, Kan.; Mabel, wife of C. J. Blythe, Stotesbury, Mo.; George Fender, a sergeant in the regular army, stationed at Camp Grant, Illinois. He enlisted in August, 1916, and seiwed with the punitive expedition after Villa in Mexico, and he served with the

Mr. Fender is independent in politics. He and Mrs. Feiider are mem¬ bers of the Reorganized Church of Latter-Day Saints. Mr. Fender served as a member of the State High Council of the Holden Stake.

John Alfred Kerr, who is engaged in the real estate and loan business. Independence, Mo., was born in Washington County, Texas, Dec. 27, 1852. He is a son of William Penn Kerr, who was born in Philadelphia, Pa., July 10, 1814.

When William Penn Kerr was two years of age he was taken to Ten¬ nessee by his uncle, Alexander Thompson, and was reared there to young manhood. In 1830 he accompanied his uncle and father's family to Texas, and settled in Washington County. His father was Hugh Kerr, a native of Scotland, who died in 1845. Hugh Kerr was a poet of unsual ability. He wrote several poems based upon incidents of the early history of Texas, which were widely copied in the public press of that day. William Penn Kerr fought for the freedom of the Lone Star State in the Texas War of liberation from Mexico. He seiwed under Colonel Sam Houston, and fought at the battle of San Jacinto, the decisive battle which endecFin a great vic¬ tory for the Texans and gave Texas her freedom as a republic. He accom¬ panied his son, John Alfred Kerr, to Missouri in 1888, and died at the Kerr home in Fairmount Park in 1901. For over 50 years he had resided on one farm in Texas. His wife was Elizabeth Hill, a native of Georgia, who died inH885. She was a daughter of Asa Hill, and a cousin of Benjamin Hill, a noted states rights advocate and statesman of Georgia, who stood for the rights of the Southern states and boldly chaihpioned their cause on the floor of the United States Senate during the reconstruction days.

John Alfred Kerr was married to Miss M. E. Woodfin, of Tuscumbia, Ala., Kov. 21, 1874. The children born to this marriage are: John W., a garage man. Independence ; Lelia Fay Kerr, Kansas City, Mo. ; Ira Erma, wife of John H. Hardin, Independence, Mo.; Alberta Penn, San German, Cuba, is owner of a large cattle and sugar ranch ; Rector M. Kerr, 816 North Liberty street. Independence, a civil engineer in the employ of the Union TeiTninal Company; Emma Nettie, wife of Dr. L. H. Bradsbury, Lyons, Kan. ; Mary, wife of Warren D. Tracey, Toledo, Ohio ; Maud F. Kerr, a sten¬ ographer for the Santa Fe Railway Company; Proctor H., assistant pay¬ master for the Kansas City Bolt and Nut Works; Marguerite, wife of A. W. Hudnall, Independence, Mo. ; Kathleen, wife of John F. Jones, St. Louis, Mo. The mother of the foregoing children was bom in Mississippi, a daughter of Colonel Woodfin, a Confederate veteran. At the outbreak of the war he was a prosperous merchant and planter of Tupelo, Miss. He lost all he possessed during the war, and served four years in behalf of the lost cause. He died in Texas in 1886. His wife was a Miss Norwood, who died at Cotulla, Texas, in 1887. Mrs. Kerr died in 1914. She was a cousin of Henry Woodfin Grady, whose monument stands in the main thorough¬ fare of Atlanta, Ga., while a monument of Benjamin Hill, of Georgia, cou¬ sin of Mr. Kerr, stands in the Senate Chamber of the capitol building at Atlanta, Ga.

While a resident of La Salle County, Texas, John Alfred Kerr, of this review, served six years as treasurer of La Salle County, Texas. Prior to coming to Missouri, in 1888, he had been successfully engaged in the mer¬ cantile and banking business in that county. He resigned his position as treasurer when he came to Independence. His second marriage was wilii Mrs. Elizabeth Easter, of Independence, widow of Henry Easter. Mr. ana Mrs. Kerr are rearing five of Mrs. Kerr's grandchildren, viz: Edward, Ruth, Joseph, Jewell and John Lamfort.

The Kerr family residence is located at 901 Cleveland avenue, Kansas City, Mo. Mr. KeiT is a member of the Ancient Free and Accepted Ma¬ sons, Blue Lodge, Chapter and Knights Templar.

John E. Hill, senior member of Hill Brothers Hardware Company, Inde¬ pendence, Mo., was born March 11, 1854 and is a son of Richard and Eliza¬ beth (Stears) Hill, both of whom were natives of England.

Richard Hill was a pioneer settler in Waukesha County, Wis., where he followed his trade of wagon maker. He came to Jackson County in 1869 and established a shop on East Lexington street. After working for the former owner of the shop for a time he purchased it and the firm was known as the Hill and Humphrey Wagon Shop, Mr. Humphrey attending to the iron working department of the business. Mr. Hill operated this shop until his death in 1911, his wife having preceded him in death several years before. Richard and Elizabeth Hill were parents of the following children: .John E. Hill, of this review; Mrs. Anna Hedrick, deceased; Joseph, Leadville, Colo.; Mrs. Carrie Lowe, Independence; Mrs. Lottie Kirk, Kansas City, Mo.; C. S. Hill, junior, member of the Hill Brothers Hardware Company.

For 28 years after coming to Independence in 1870, John E. Hill was in the employ of the Slack and Nichols Hardware store. In the mean¬ time the firm had been changed to Nichols Brothers; then was known as the Nichols Hardware Company. Mr. Hill's first partner was Mr. Martin and the business was operated under the name of Hill and Martin in 1891). The firm name was later changed to Hill. Martin and Hill, composed of Charles S. Hill, J. W. Martin and John E. Hill. In January, 1918, Hill Brothers purchased Mr. Martin's interest. The hardware store is located on the northeast corner of the Court House Square, and the business is housed in a building owned by the firm, 60 x 80 feet, with two floors, a room 30 x 80 feet being leased to a grocery establishment. A basement is used and a tinshop is located in the rear of the display room. Hill Brothers carry a complete line of hardware, stoves, tinware, cutlery, etc., and they do all kinds of furnace work, steam and hot water heat installa¬ tions and plumbing.

John E. Hill was married in 1907 to Miss Lillie Smith, of Independence. By a former marriage with Miss Katie Ross, he has three children: Clar¬ ence D. Hill, in the employ of Metropolitan Street Railway Company, Kan¬ sas City; Ross E., an electrician, Kansas City; Mrs. Lawrence Hills, Inde¬ pendence, whose husband is an electrician employed at Sugar Creek.

Hill Brothers is one of the successful and hustling business concerns of Independence who have an extensive patronage from Independence, Kan¬ sas City and the surrounding territory in Jackson County.

Major Robert W. Barr, dairyman and successful breeder of registered Jersey cattle, has had an interesting and useful career. After years of military service he concluded to engage in farming and stock raising and has brought to his new field of endeavor the same concentration of pur¬ pose which made him successful in other fields. Mr. Barr was born at Montrose, Mo., Dec. 13, 1887, and is a son of Dr. B. B. Barr.

Dr. B. B. Barr was a native of Montrose and was living in Henry County at the outbreak of the Civil War. The family returned to Tennes¬ see and remained there until the close of the war. While there he at¬ tended medical school and upon his return to Montrose he began the prac¬ tice of medicine which was continued for many years in the city of Clinton. His wife. was Margaret Squires, a daughter of Jerome B. and Cynthia (McNeely) Squires and was also born in Henry County. They were parents of three children Mrs. Harold Pierce, of Paragould, Ark.; Robert W. Barr of this review; Herbert M. Barr engaged in the jobbing business at Omaha, Neb.

Robert W. Barr was educated in the public schools of Clinton, Mo. He entered West Point Military Academy in 1906 and graduated from this institution in 1910. He served as lieutenant of the Coast Artillery Corps on the Pacific coast at Fort Baker, Cal., and at Portress Monroe, Va.

Dr. John Bryant, Sr., was educated for the profession of medicine and upon coming to Jackson County in 1850 he practiced at Independence. He was prominent in the affairs of this city and county during the re¬ mainder of his life. He became a land owner. He gave the land for the building of a private school in the city of his adoption and with Judge Sheley and James Smart, erected a brick school building and employed the teachers for the school. This building stood just in the rear of Wil¬ liam Bryant's home. Rev. Noah Miller, a Christian preacher, also organ¬ ized a school and he and M. W, Miller taught school in a frame building near the woolen mills, prior to the erection of the brick school house. He was a charter member, deacon and elder of the First Christian church of Independence.

Dr. John Bryant, of this review, attended both of these schools in his boyhood days. His summer vacations were spent in herding cattle and raising crops on his father's farm near Hickman's Mill southeast of Inde¬ pendence. WTlliam Z. Hickman, author of this history, was his school¬ mate and playmate in those days and Dr. Bryant and his wife began their wedded life in a house on the lot now owned by Mr. Hickman. About 1860 the soil on the Bryant farm was first broken by the plow and Dr. Bryant raised his first crop of corn that year. From 1861 to 1866 John Bryant read medicine with his father who kept a drug store on the south side of the court house square. In the fall of 1862 he entered St. Louis Medical College and was graduated in 1864. The following fall he went to Philadelphia and entered Jefferson Medical College from which he was graduated in 1866. He then began practice in Independence. In the fall of 1866 he began practice in Kansas City but returned to his home city in 1867 and continued his practice until about 1892, when he gradually relinquished his practice so as to devote his entire time to business pur¬ suits. Since that time Dr. Bryant has looked after the extensive real estate interests of Mrs. Bryant in Kansas City. In company with D. 0. Smart and E. P. Graves, he erected the Commercial Block in Kansas City which was occupied by G. Y. Smith. They also erected the Robinson

Shoe Company building in Kansas City. He remodeled the old Smart House, which is now occupied by the Bergson-Clark Company and the Luce Trunk Factory. In 1892 he erected the Bryant building for the Robert Keith Furniture Co. and remodeled it for an office building ten years later in 1902. Dr. Bryant purchased his present residence plot of one and a half acres at 519 South Main in 1869 and erected one of the finest residences in Independence. The place has a beautiful blue grass lawn shaded by a variety of forest trees which he planted. The Bryant place was but a barren lot when he purchased it from Otho and Evan Hall.

Dr. Bryant was married Oct. 11, 1866 to Miss Harriet M. Smart, a daughter of the late Judge T. A. Smart of Kansas City, mention of whom is made in this volume. The children born to this union are Mrs. Charles E. Knox, Berkeley, Cal.; Mrs. L. E. Newman, St. Louis, Mo.; Mrs. W. H. Schutz, Kansas City, Mo. ; Mrs. G. VV. Backman, Kansas City, Mo. ; Dr. Call H. Bi*yant, Kansas City, Mo. Dr. and Mrs. Bryant have 17 grand¬ children. Mildred, John B., and Janet Christie Knox; Harriet Y., Martha B., Lina, Jane, Louis, Jr., and Charles Newman; Carl H., Mary B., and Arthur M. Schutz; Elizabeth, John Smart and Carl H. Bryant; G. B. and William Bachman.

Mildred Knox married Rolla Bascomb Moore, of Berkeley, Cal. and has one child, Rollin Bascomb, Jr., the great grandchild of Dr. and Mrs. Bryant.

Judge Thomas Austin Smart, father of Mrs. John Bryant, was born in Campbell County, Va., Nov. 16, 1806, and died Sept. 18, 1879. He came to Missouri in 1836 and located in Kansas City, when it was but a frontier village. He located on a plot of ground which is now the intersection of Walnut and Eleventh streets and owned a farm there, the boundaries of which extended beyond McGee street. He served two years as a member of the Missouri Legislature and also served as county judge. He mar¬ ried Harriet Louise Thompson, a native of Kentucky who died of cholera m 1849. Their children were: Mrs. Amanda Caroline Graves, wife of E. P. Graves, who died May 6, 1919, and she died Aug. 23, 1919; Mrs. Eliza Ann Ridge, wife of Dr. I. M. Ridge, both of whom are deceased; Martha died at the age of 15 years; George Washington and William Smart died in infancy; Oliver P., Thomas Gilpin and Mary Smart died in infancy; Mrs. Harriet Matilda Smart Bryant, of this review. The chil¬ dren of Dr. I. M. and Eliza Ann Ridge are: William and Thomas Smart Ridge, Kansas City, Mo. ; and Mrs. Robert E. Lakeman, deceased.

Fbr the past 60 years, Dr. John Bryant has been an active member of the Christian church of Independence. For the past six years he has been an elder of the church prior to this, having served as deacon of his church. Dr. Bryant was one of the heaviest contributors to the building of the Christian church of his home city. Mrs. Bryant became a member of the church in Kansas City, later uniting with the Independence church, and she has been a member of this denomination for 50 years.

Stanley and Henry J. Hifner, farmers and dairymen, living on the Lexington road, five miles northeast of Independence, are the sons of J. D. and Fidelia (Odell) Hifner, the latter of whom died in 1905.

J. D. Hifner, the father, was bom in Clay County, Missouri, Dec. 30, 1867, and is the son of George Henry Hifner, of Atherton, Mo. George Henry Hifner was born in Jessamime County, Kentucky, in 1833, and is a son of William and Margaret (Funk) Hifner. William Hifner came from Maryland to Kentucky with his father, Peter Hifner. William Hifner died in Jessamime County, Kentucky, in 1836. His wife died at the age of 86 years. George Henry Hifner came to Missouri when 24 years of age, and followed his trade of wagon maker, which he had begun learning when 17 years old. He located near Liberty, Glay County, Missouri, and followed farming until the outbreak of the Civil War. He enlisted in 1861 under Capt. William Price, Colonel Thornton's regiment, Gen. Sterling Price's di¬ vision, and served until he was captured by the Federals, in August, 1862, when he was placed in prison at St. Louis. He was released Dec. 29, 1862, and embarked in the produce business at Missouri City, where he remained until 1870. He then came to Jackson County, and settled on his fami of 187 acres, near Atherton. He increased his holdings to 871 acres, which he divided among his five children in 1885, giving each child a farm, ex¬ cepting a considerable acreage which he kept for his younger children. He was married in 1855 to Eliza J. Horine, of Jessamime County, Kentucky, a daughter of David Horine. The children born to this mandage are as follow : John C. B. Hifner, Atherton, Mo. ; Lizzie, at home ; Ella, wife of Ed. Gallagher, Kansas City, Mo.; Margaret, wife of James Beets; W. D. Hifner, Independence. Mo.; James D., a farmer living near Lees Summit; Boswell, at home.

James D. Hifner was bom Dec. 30, 1867. After the death of his first wife, in 1905, he married Martha Chiles, who reared the children. The children are as follow: Gilbert, Stanley, Henry and Helen.

Gilbert Hifner enlisted in the United States navy in 1917 and from Aug. 4, 1918, to Nov. 11, 1919, was on duty in France. He was born in 1895, and was trained at the Great Lakes Naval Training Station. He was with the United States S. S. Bridgeport at Brest, France, serving as chief yeo¬ man aboard this vessel.

Stanley and Henry Hifner are farming 214 acres of land on the Lex¬ ington road, and have harvested during the past season, 15 acres of alfalfa, 65 acres of wheat, and 15 acres of corn, the balance of their acreage being in pasture.

The Hifner Brothers raise pure-bred Duroc- Jersey hogs, and usually have a drove of 100 animals on the place. They maintain a herd of 15 head of Holsteins, and operate a dairy with this herd. Since taking pos¬ session of their farm they have added some substantial improvements to the place and are making a success of their farming and stock raisingventure.

Ed. E. Fender, proprietor of Old Colonial Home Farm, which consists of 52 acres, in Blue township, was born in Lee County, Illinois, May 16, 1869. He is a son of Absalom and America (Myers) Fender, both of whom were born and reared in Lee County, Illinois. Mrs. Fender was born March 9, 1847, and is now living at Holden, Mo. She was married in 1866. Absa¬ lom Fender was born in Lee County Feb. 16, 1844, and died at Goodland, Kan., in 1904. For 19 years prior to his death he had made his home in western Kansas, and had taken up a homestead near Goodland. The chil¬ dren bom to Absalom and America Fender are as follow; J. L. Fender, Holden, Mo. ; Ed. E., of this review ; Gay, wife of E. J. Scott, McCook, Neb. ; Phoebe, wife of Charles Neff, Kingsville, Mo. ; Lillie, wife of Warren Mid¬ dleton Canarado, Kan.; Roy, died at Goodland, Kan., at the age of 21 years ; Fred E., lives at Independence, Mo. ; Homer, was killed by a street car in Los Angeles in 1919; Earl lives at Holden, Mo.; Iva is the wife of George Dillon, Holden, Mo.

Absalom Fender was a son of Solomon Fender, an early pioneer of Lee County, Illinois. Mrs. Fender's father settled in Lee County prior to the Black Hawk War in 1832.

By Major Robert W. Barr

He resigned from the United States army in 1913 but in September, 1917, when the United States had entered the World War he enlisted as a captain and in November of the same year he was promoted to major of the 342nd Field Artillery and was stationed at Camp Funston, Just before his regi¬ ment sailed for France he was taken ill with pneumonia and was in the military hospital for 20 months, the dread disease causing the loss of his right lung. He was honorably discharged from the service in November, 1918. Upon his return from the hospital he located in Jackson County on Cedar Crest farm, his present home place, which he had purchased in 1915. This fine farm comprises 80 acres located four and a half miles northeast of Independence on the Lexington road and is one of the finest improved tracts in Jackson County. Mr. BaiT has 54 head of registered Jersey cows. His herd leader is a grandson of "Golden Ferns Noble", a $25,000 bull owned by William Proctor of New York City.

Mr. Barr was married in 1910 at West Point, N. Y., to Miss Mary Emily Glasgow, of Clinton, Mo., a daughter of Samuel and Emily (Walker) Glasgow, both of whom are deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Barr have a daughter, Virginia, born at Fort Baker, Cal., in 1911.

H. E. Earclay, cashier of the Atherton State Bank, Atherton, Mo., was born in Boone County, Missouri, Feb. 2, 1885. He is a son of A. C. and Anna W. (EveiTnan) Barclay, both of whom are now living in Boone County.

Mr. Barclay was educated in the Boone County public and high schools and the Central Business College of Sedalia. For four years, following his graduation from business college, he was in the employ of the Fidelity Trust Company of Kansas City, Mo. Prior to locating in Atherton, he or¬ ganized the Virgil State Bank, at Virgil, Kan., and was in charge of that bank for one year previous to coming to Atherton, where he assisted in the organization of the Atherton State Bank, and became cashier of this flourishing institution.

Mr. Barclay was married Aug. 22, 1912, to Miss Mary Murray, of Kan¬ sas City, a daughter of Mrs. Emma Murray. Besides his banking connec¬ tions, Mr. Barclay is secretary and treasurer of the Atherton Elevator Company, which is owned by local parties and was incoiporated in March, 1918, with a capital of $10,000. The president of this concern is Murt Sullivan. The directors are: H. E. Barclay, Murt Sullivan, John Mueller, J. W. Adams, Claude Giffin, Fred Stewart, J. B. Lynch and Boyd Beets.

The Atherton State Bank, Atherton, Mo., was organized Sept. 21, 1915, with a capital stock of $10,000. The surplus was $1,000 at the time of organization. The officers at the time of the organization were : Pres¬ ident, J. B. Lynch; vice-president, Boyd Beets; cashier, H. C. Barclay; directors, J. B. Lynch, Boyd Beets, H. E. Barclay, W. C. Adams, J. R. Jones, Claude Gif fin and Murt Sullivan. The directorate is the same with the ex¬ ception that J. W. Adams and John Mueller have succeeded W. C. Adams and J. R. Jones, and Fred Stewart succeeds Boyd Beets.

The capital stock of the bank is $10,000, with a surplus and undivided profits of $o,500. The deposits will exceed $70,000, figures which show a healthy and steady growth of the bank during its existence.

Lind and J. C. Stockwood, The Stockwood Tire Company. - An account of the career of Lind and J. C. Stockwood, and the success of the Stockwood Tire Company, of Independence, furnishes ample evidence that oppor¬ tunity in America is not dead, and proves beyond doubt that where new comers to this country are ambitious and energetic, they can succeed. Both Lind and J. C. Stockwood came to America with no knowledge of our language, and unfamiliar with our customs, yet, in a few short years of lesidence in this country, they have made a splendid success in business and are rapidly forging to the front.

The main office of the Stockwood Tire Company, which does a general retail and wholesale tire business, is located at 2301 Grand avenue, Kansas City. This plant is the wholesale distributing point for the concern which handles the Barney Oldfield Tire in Missouri. The company has a branch stole at Excelsior Springs, and at Lees Summit. Their Independence retail store is locate^d at 310 and ol2 West Maple street. Lind Stockwood is man¬ ager of the local store, and J. C. Stockwood is manager of the Kansas City wholesale house.

J. C. and Lind Stockwood were born in Denmark, the former having been born in 1892, and the latter in 1889, They are the sons of J. C. Stockwood, who resides in Denmark. They have two sisters, Mary and Anna Stockwood. Lind Stockwood emigrated from Denmark to America in September, 1907. When he landed in New York he had but $10.00. His first employment was on a farm, where he remained one and a half years, and in the meantime learned the English language. He was then em¬ ployed in railroad work for one year, after which he was in the employ of a rubber manufacturing concern at Worcester, Mass., where he learned the rubber business. In 1909 his brother, J. C. Stockwood, crossed the ocean and Lind met him at New York, and turned over to him his job in the rubber factory, and then came to Kansas City, Mo. His first work here was as locomotive fireman on the Rock Island railroad. He later entered the employ of the Norton Tire Company in Kansas City. His brother, J. C., came on from the East and was employed by the same con¬ cern. In 1916 Stockwood Brothers purchased the A. J. Stevens stock of tires at 215 West Maple. In April, 1917, they moved to their present loca¬ tion, 310-312 West Maple street, where they have a store room 40x100 feet. This firm was the first to handle truck tires in Independence. In July, 1917, they opened the Lees Summit store, with J. W. Moffatt as manager. In April, 1919, the Excelsior Springs and the Kansas City stores were

When Lind and J. C. Stockwood came to this country their unfamiliar¬ ity with our language was such that neither could order a meal intelligently. The fact that they have learned our language and become familiar with American customs in a few years and have established themselves in a flourishing business shows the mettle of which they are made. Both have been naturalized since coming to America.

John Mueller, merchant, Atherton, Mo., was born in Germany in 1872. He is a son of Felix and Anna Marie (Steinhilber) Mueller, the former of whom was drowned while engaged in the government mail service in Ger¬ many in 1886. His widow, accompanied by her son, John, of this review, came to America in 1887, and located in Kansas City. For 11 years follow¬ ing her advent in Kansas City she washed dishes in a hotel at $15 per month. Mrs. Mueller is now 74 years of age, and still makes her home in Kansas City.

John Mueller learned the trade of butcher and was in the employ of the Weber Meat Markets and the Cudahy Packing Company, of Kansas City, for several years. He then started a small meat market at Four¬ teenth and Cherry streets, following which he engaged in huckstering and buying calves for a year. He located at Atherton in 1900, opening up a meat market. He later added a stock of groceries and drygoods, and also conducts a hardware store, which is situated in a building 28x60 feet, across the street from his main store. He carried a stock of goods valued at $10,000, and is doing a splendid business.

Mr. Mueller was married Dec. 26, 1899, to Emily Sturhahn, a native of Quincy, Ill. Seven children have been born to this marriage: Anna, Lola and Mayola twins, Felix, Margaret, George and John.

Besides his stores, Mr. Mueller is owner of 336 acres of land, rich bot¬ tom soil, 36 acres of which adjoins the town of Atherton. He is a director of the Athei'ton State Bank, and is one of the leading citizens of this sec¬ tion of Jackson County.

Jo L. Hill. - Three generations of the Hill family have resided on the Hill farm in Blue township, a part of which was entered by Adam Hill, grandfather of the present owner of the place, over 80 years ago. Jo L. Hill, of this review, was born on the Hill farm Oct. 2, 1871. He is a son of William Moberly Hill, who was born on the same farm July 6, 1836, and was a son of Adam Hill, who came from Kentucky to Jackson County in 1833, purchased the farm, and also entered 80 acres of government land in Blue township. Adam Hill died on the place in 1886, at the age of 86 years, and his remains are interred in the Hill cemetery.

Adam Hill was a blacksmith, and followed his trade in this county. The old Independence and Westport landing road ran along the southeast side of his farm. During the forties he maintained a race track on his faim, and kept and bred some fast race horses. Many horse owners brought their racing stock to his track to try them out. A son, Curtis Hill, served with Gen. Joe Shelby in the Confederate Army. He enlisted when 18 years of age, and fought in many battles during the war. Once he was asked by General Shelby which of the many engagements he liked the best. He replied promptly, "I liked the one which we fought on the banks of the Mississippi River, with the Union soldiers on the other side of the water, which was so wide that the guns of neither army could reach the enemy on either side."

After the close of the war, Curtis Hill engaged in freighting across the plains. Upon the return trip of one of his expeditions, Indians attacked the train at the Upper Cimarron country or crossing, and he and a French¬ man were killed. His body was later brought home by Joseph Connelly and buried in the Hill cemetery.

William Moberly Hill was reared on the home farm and became owner of 300 acres of land, 76 acres of which is now a part of the Mount Wash¬ ington cemetery. When he was a pupil in the Rock Creek school, taught by the father of W. Z. Hickman, author of this history, he took part in the annual ducking, a custom which prevailed in the country school districts of those days. The boys of the school took the teacher down to a hole cut