Jackson County, Missouri - Biographical sketches, 1920 (part 8 of 15)

George W. Fisher married Mary Ellen Crow, who was bom 1830 and died May 19, 1863. She was born in Kentucky and was a daughter of Uncle Jake Crow, famous in the early days as an exhorter and a leader among the pioneers, who came to the county in 1834. For a few months, George W. Fisher was enrolled as a soldier in the Mexican War. After beginning his own career he sold his part of the homestead and bought 250 acres and developed it. His children, by his first marriage were'as follows: Three died in infancy; William A. of this review; Mrs. Annie E. Crump, deceased ; Sallie A., wife of John C. Crenshaw, Blue Springs, Mo. ; James Benjamin, living in south Texas; George P. Fisher, Independence! Mo. By his second marriage with Mrs. Elizabeth Lobb, a widow, George W. Fisher was father of one child, Maud, who died at the.age of 19 years.

When Order No. 11 was issued in 1863 the Fisher family went to Quincy, Ill. and remained there until 1864, and in the spring of that year they returned to Richmond, Ray County, and resided there until 1865. They then returned to the old home and found things in a deplorable con¬ dition. The Fisher farm, and in fact, the entire countryside had reverted to its former primitive condition. Brush and trees had grown up around the house and it was necessary again to clear and break the ground. Mr. Fisher had to cut the brush and sprouts so that the women of his family could get into the house. Wild animals abounded. Foxes and wolves howled around the house at night and prowled practically unmolested in the woods and fields. Prairie chickens were present im countless thousands and William A. Fisher tells of shooting game in the yard of his home.

son County, which sets on a hillside overlooking the Blue Valley. He originally purchased a considerable acreage but has sold some of his land. He has lived on his place near Adams Station since 1895 and formerly owned 103.5 acres but has sold 40 acres.

Mr. Fisher was married in 1874 to Sarah Ann Gibson, who was born in Jackson County, March 5, 1857, a daughter of Silas Harvey and Eliza¬ beth (Slaughter) Gibson, natives of Jackson County. Silas H. Gibson was a son of Joseph Gibson who settled in Jackson County as early as 1834. The children born to W. A. and Sarah Ann Fisher are: Guy H., a farmer living nearby; Crump C., Independence, Mo.; George Frederick, on the adjoining farm; William Virgil, lives in Oregon; Mrs. Lucy Ethel Cook, on an adjoining farm; Mrs. Marcia N. Alleman, Independence, Mo.; Earl W., lives on the Spring Branch road; Vern P., is in the employ of the county and makes his home with his father. Mr. Fisher has ten grand¬ children: Guy H. Fisher has one child. Fields; Crump C., has two chil¬ dren, George and William; George Frederick has five children, Madge, Mildred, Fred, Elizabeth and Roger; Mrs. Lucy Cook has two children. William Fisher and Helen Cook.

Mr. Fisher is a Democrat. He is a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian church and is a Mason. He is also a member of the Mod¬ ern Brotherhood.

Joseph E. Jones, a farmer and orchardist, of Fort Osage township, was born and reared in* the Six Mile country and has lived all of his life in the neighborhood. Mr. Jones is owner of a valuable farm of 160 acres upon which he has resided since 1900. He has improved this place with a nine room modern residence which stands near a large grove of maples. The Jones orchard covering 12 acres was planted 15 years ago and has given a yield of over 3,000 bushels this year (1919) which has been sold at prices ranging from $1.00 to $1.65 per bushel in the orchard.

J. E. Jones was born Jan. 13, 1863 and is a son of J. E. and Lockey (Wheeler) Jones, both of whom were natives of Kentucky, and came to this county in 1844. J. E. Jones, the father, was bora in 1821 and died in 1899. Mrs. Lockey Jones was born in 1825 and died in 1886. They reared a family of seven children: Rev. A. T., a Baptist minister, died in 1918; Asa, lives in Carroll County, Mo.; Rev. Robert H. a Baptist min¬ ister in Texas; Mrs. Mildred Charlton, living in Fort Osage township; George W., living on a farm two miles north ; Joseph E., of this sketch ; and Rufus, lives in Washington.

R Chiles living near Buckner; Mrs. Hattie E. Peace, near Blue Mills; Wiliam E., lives in Colorado; David R, lives near Denver; Mrs. Josie a agher, Hereford, Texas; Mrs. Lulu Jones of this review; Edwin L of San Luis Obispo, Calif., and Edgard, living in Nevada

0111 children, John William, Glenn Jones, Joseph Vernon, Lulu Majorieuella wife of Frank B. Hock, living near Buckner; Annabel is at home With her parents.

Mr. Jones is a Democrat. He is a member of the district school board and has charge of the erection of the new schoil house in the district e IS a member of the Brotherhood of American Yeoman and is a Baptist.

David Richard Owings, retired farmer. Oak Grove, has spent 70 years of his life in Jackson County, where he was born April 3 1849 He has participated in the making of a great county, has reared a'fine family of sons and daughters and is now living comfortably in his pretty cottage home in Oak Grove. He is a son of Joshua and Martha Elizab^KceoS Owings who were among the first pioneers of this section of MisLiri twice married. By his first marriage there were two children: Andrew P., deceased, and a daughter who died in infancy. By the second mar¬ riage there were nine children of whom David R., the subject of this sketch was the oldest; Marion Francis lives southwest of Oak Grove; Nathan Benjamin, north of Oak Grove; John Hicks, east of Oak Grove; Amanda Geneva, deceased; Mrs. Melissa Gibson, Lafayette County; Levi, northwest of Oak Grove; Dudley D., Lafayette County; Mrs. Nancy Lat¬ imer, Portland, Ore.

When Mr. Owings was married in 1869, he and Mrs. Owings received 40 acres of bottom land from Mrs. Owings' father. This they sold and then purchased 40 acres of upland and moved there in 1874, improved it and made a comfortable and productive place which served as their home until Sept. 1, 1902 when they removed to Oak Grove. The Owings farm embraces 140 acres of well improved and valuable land northwest of .Oak Grove.

Dec. 21, 1869, Mr. Owings was married to Mary Melissa Nickels, who was born May 10, 1852, in Franklin County, Ky., a daughter of James and Ruanna (Graves) Nickels, who came to Missouri and located in Nod¬ away County in 1852. Just after the close of the Civil War they came to

Jackson County and settled here in 1867. The Nickels farm was located three miles southwest of Oak Grove, in Sniabar township. James Nickels was born Nov. 21, 1816 and died Dec. 2, 1889. His wife was born April 19, 1822 and died April 22, 1895. The Nickels children are as follows: Robert, Cass County, Neb.; Elizabeth Frances, deceased; William, Cass County, Neb.; Emily Jane, deceased; Uriah, deceased; Martha Salome, deceased ; Mrs. Mary Melissa Owings, of this review ; Otis, Independence, Mo. ; Mrs. Henrietta Simpson, Salsalito, Cal. ; Mrs. Arvilla Ruanna Neal, Kansas City, Mo.

The children born to D. R. and Mary Melissa Owings are: James Joshua, bora Aug. 5, 1871, lives on the Owings home place; Carrie Emma Peerson, born Oct. 31, 1874, resides southeast of Oak Grove; Mrs. Martha Geneva Williams was born June 12, 1877 and died Oct. 18, 1900; Mrs. Lucy Belle Starns, born April 18, 1879, lives at Oak Grove; John Wil¬ liam, born May 30, 1882, lives seven miles south; Dudley Leroy, born Feb. 24, 1886, Coffeyville, Kan.; Mrs. Ethel Ruanna Barnes, born Dec. 16, 1888, lives on a farm four and a half miles south. Mr. and Mrs. Owings have 14 grandchildren and two great grandchildren. On Dec. 21, 1919, this estimable couple celebrated the fiftieth anniversary of their wedding.

Mr. Owings is a Democrat. He and Mrs. Owings are members of the Primitive Baptist church. They are pleasant, agreeable, well informed people who have done well their part in the making Jackson County what it is today.

Joel Rufus Hudspeth, late substantial farmer and stockman, of Fort Osage township. Confederate veteran, and pioneer citizen of Jackson County, was born Nov. 21, 1839 in Fort Osage township and departed this life in 1895. He was a son of Joseph and Amanda Hudspeth, both natives of Kentucky. Joseph W. Hudspeth was a son of William Hudspeth who came to Jackson County on his first trip in 1826. In 1828 he removed his family to this county and became one of its most prominent citizens in the early development of the county. a first marriage, Joseph W. Hudspeth was father of three children; Mrs. Amanda Elvira Jacobs, de¬ ceased; Joel Rufus, of this review; William Napoleon, deceased. The second wife of Joseph W. Hudspeth was Mrs. Lou (Rice) Brown, who bore him one child, J. Lamartine, deceased.

During the Civil War, Mr. Hudspeth joined the forces of General Joe Shelby and served for four years. He took part in the battles of Prairie Grove, Helena, Little Rock, Lone Jack and was with General Price on his raid through Missouri in 1863. fighting at Lexington, West Port, Pea Ridge and other engagements during Price's retreat to the south. He returned home after the close of the war.

Aug. 15, 1866, Mr. Hudspeth was married to Miss Sarah Franklin, who was born in Jackson County, Dec. 24, 1846. She is a daughter of Benjamin (born 1825, died 1848) and Mary Ann (Rice) Franklin (born 1825, died 1853). Benjamin Franklin was a son of Louis Franklin, a native of North Carolina, who was a pioneer of Jackson County. The first wife of Benjamin Franklin was Jane Horn who bore him one child. James F. Franklin, now deceased, and whose widow, Mrs. Virginia Lee Franklin, lives in Independence. The Hudspeth homestead is now owned by Mrs. Sarah Hudspeth and her children and it was upon this large farm that Joel F. Hudspeth settled. He built a house of eight rooms of oak lumber taken from his own land. This residence was erected in 1868 and is in good preservation. The fai-m consists of 400 acres and is one of the best in Jackson County.

The children born to Joel Rufus and Sarah A. Hudspeth are as fol¬ lows: Joseph, Mary, Elvira, Charles Rice. Joseph resides in Washing¬ ton. He married. Bertha Gallagher and has two children: Mrs. Mary Belle Swartz, .mother of three children, Frances M., Joseph and Sarah; and Rufus who served in the National army in France during the World War. Mary is the wife of Robert Elsea, Lake City, and has three sons: Robert, Charles Joseph and James Rufus. Elvira is the wife of Franklin P. Chiles, and is mother of five children: Richard Hudspeth, who served in the National army in the tank corps ; Sarah ; Frank Perrin ; Henry Clay and Annabel. Charles Rice HiJdspeth of Fort Osage township, married Mary Boston of Kentucky and has two children, Henrietta and Frances.

Further information concerning the genealogy of the Hudspeth family of Jackson County is given in this volume in the sketch of Thomas B. Hudspeth. The family is descended from old Colonial and Revolutionary stock and is one of the oldest and most prominent of Jackson County. Joel Rufus Hudspeth was a true representative of this family and kept alive its traditions for industry, financial ability, honesty and steadfastness to principle. He was a Democrat who took a keen interest in political matters and was influential in county affairs. He had many warm and steadfast friends and was well liked and respected by all who knew him. Mrs. Hudspeth, affectionately known as "Cousin Sallie" is a member of the Baptist church. Her grandfather, Rev. Louis Franklin, was one of the first Baptist preachers in this part of Missouri and he preached for a number of years for the Six Mile Baptist church and w'as pastor of the Independence and Blue Springs Baptist church, establishing several churches in this section of Missouri.

Henry Stock, prosperous farmer and stockman, is owner of 80 acres of rich bottom land in Fort Osage township, near the town of Levasy, which he purchased in 1887, and improved into a valuable piece of prop¬ erty. He was born Oct. 28, 1859, in Warren County, and is a son of Frederick and Louisa (Fosse) Stock, a sketch of whose lives is given in connection with the sketch of Samuel H. Stock in this volume.

Mr. Stock was reared in Warren County and came to Jackson County in the spring of 1884. Everything which he owns has been earned since coming to this county. He purchased his faiTn in 1887, an unimproved place. In the course of time, Mr. Stock erected a good house and de¬ veloped one of the best farms in Jackson County which produces large crops each year. Of late years, he has been living in Levasy and has turned over the cultivation of the farm to his nephew.

Mr. Stock was married in September, 1884, to Miss Mary Schaberg, who was born in Warren County in 1860, a daughter of John and Lucetta (Dreimeyer) Schaberg. John Schaberg was bom in St. Charles County, Mo., in 1835, and died in 1910. Lucetta, his wife, was born in 1839 and

John and Lucetta Schaberg were the parents of the following chil¬ dren: John, deceased; Mary Stock, of this review; William and Garrett, deceased; Laura, wife of Samuel H. Stock; Mrs. Elizabeth Schroer, whose husband is proprietor of the Levasy garage; Herman, lives in Oklahoma; George, deceased; Walter, North Dakota; Polly, deceased; Caroline, wife of T. Hall, of Sibley, Mo.

No children have been bom to Henry and Mary Stock, but they have reared a nephew, Samuel Meinershagen, a son of Minnie M. Meinershagen. He was born in 1892 and is now managing the Henry Stock farm. He was married in April, 1914, to Miss Verna Heimann, who was born in St. Charles County in 1894, a daughter of William and Adelia (Siefker) Hei¬ mann, who now reside in Cooper County, Mo. Mr. and Mrs. Meinershagen have two children, Dorothy, born Sept. 21, 1915; and Herman, born Oct. 2, 1918.

Henry C. Gausman, prosperous farmer and stockman, of the Levasy neighborhood in Fort Osage township, is the owner of 246 acres of land in two farms. One hundred and thirty acres are comprised in his home place, and he owns a fine farm of 116 acres, a mile or so west in the same township. This land is practically all Missouri River bottom land and is highly productive. Mr. Gausman maintains a herd of Durham cattle, headed by a pure bred bull.

H. C. Gausman was bom Dec. 6, 1871 in Femme Osage township, St. Charles County, Mo., and is a son of Charles and Mary (Schemmer) Gausman both of whom were born and reared in St. Charles County, the children of pioneer German settlers in that county. Charles Gausman was born in 1845 and died in 1918. He was a son of Stephen Gausman who emigrated from Germany and settled in St. Charles County. Mrs. Mary Gausman was bom in 1851 and now makes her home with William Finkelmeyer in Levasy.

The Gausmans moved from St. Charles County to Lafayette County in 1882. H. C. Gausman was reared to manhood in that county and in 1899, he came to Levasy, Jackson County and was employed on the farm of Mr. Dieckman. He was next in the employ of Herman Schaberg. Soon he began renting the place where he is now living. In 1917, he purchased his first farm and has had a very successful career. He is an industrious and entei prising agriculturist and is known as a good business man.

Mr. Gausman was married in 1902 to Paullina Dieckmann, born in St. Charles County, a daughter of the late Florenz Dieckmann, an account of whose life and career will be found in the sketch of T. W. F. Dieckmann in this volume. Three children have been born to this marriage : Adaline,, Lydia and Freda.

Mr. Gausman is a Republican and is a member of the Levasy Evangel¬ ical church. He is a director of the Bank of Levasy and is one of the leading citizens of the Levasy neighborhood.

Charles R. Harris. - For a half century and more, Charles R. Harris has resided upon his fine farm in Fort Osage township. He was born June 2, 1840 in Montgomery County, Ky., and is a son of James William and Lucy Ann (Jones) Harris, both natives of Kentucky. James W. Harris was a son of Alexius Harris, a native of Culpeper County, Va., and a Kentucky pioneer. James W. Harris came to Jackson County in 1865 and remained one and a half years and then returned to Kentucky. After another trip to this county he again went back to Kentucky and in the fall of 1868 he came and located permanently. James W. Harris died here in 1876.

Charles R. Harris came to this county in 1869 and bought 80 acres of land, only four acres of which was in cultivation, the rest being covered with timber and brush. He paid or agreed to pay $1,000 for his first '80'' and borowed $730. For 40 years Mr. Harris paid interest, cleared his land during his first few" years erected a comfortable home, increased his acreage to 160 acres and reared a large family of ten children.

Mr. Harris w'as maiTied Nov. 13, 1873 to Harriet Duffield, who was bora April 9, 1853 in Pickaway County, Ohio. She is a daughter of Thomas and Carlotta (Rapley) Duffield, natives of England, who came from Ohio to Jackson County in 1869 and here lived the remainder of their days.

The ten living children born to Charles R. and Harriet Harris are: Thomas, James W., Livona Jane, George Washington, Oliver D., Mary Lee, Luther C., Bernice, Grace, Raymond, Charles Bryan. Thomas D. resides four miles south of Buckner. He maraied Lee Edwards deceased, and has two children, Livona Elizabeth, or Beth, and Anna June. James W. is at home, managing the home place. Livona is the widow of John R. Brannan. George Washington lives in Independence. He married Emma J. Necessary and has three children, Rosa Ellen, Tressa and Milton Luther.

Oliver D. married Leila Robertson and has two children, Bernice and Emelina. He resides at Delta, Colo. Mrs. Mary Lee Witt has three chil¬ dren, Livona, Harry Charles and Helen Roberta. Luther C. married Beulah Long and has one child, Myrtle. Mrs. Bernice Weatherford has one child, Harriet Elizabeth. Mis. Grace Wyatt has three children, Fred Harris, Evangeline and Woodrow' Wilson. She lives near Mecklin, Mo. Ray¬ mond lives near Lake City. Charles Bryan died at the age of seven years.

Henry Stephens, late prominent citizen of Lake City, Fort Osage, township, w'as a successful man. He began his career as a farmer and stock raiser with little or no capital and achieved a more than ordinary success in two states.- At the time of his death he was one of the best known stockmen in the territory contiguous to Kansas City, and was a member of the Board of Trade of the city. Mr. Stephens was born near Coleburg, Prussia, Feb. 10, 1851, and died at his home in Jackson County, Sept. 9, 1913. He was a son of Henry Stephens who died in 1854. His mother, Mary (Neufeldt) Stephens and his stepfather, Godfrey H. Hobus, came to America in 1860, and he was reared at Laporte, Ind., and in 1868 located in Illinois. In January, 1872, he came West and located in Marion County, Kan., when land was cheap and that section of Kansas was in the infancy of its development. In 1871 he had purchased 160 acres of land from the Santa Fe Railroad Company at a cost of $4.65 an acre and began farming and raising live stock. He added and bought more land until he owned 2,560 acres in Marion County. He located in Peabody, Kan. and engaged in live stock feeding on a very extensive scale. Being desir¬ ous of extending his operations which had now become of large propor¬ tions, he came to Jackson County in 1902 and purchased 240 acres at Lake City, upon which he erected large feeding sheds, a mill and a large store house where he continued his cattle feeding operations in addition to caring for his large interests at Peabody, Kan. He built a splendid residence for his family and his success continued. Mr. Stephens fed and marketed over 2,000 head of cattle yearly on his place, adjoining Pea¬ body where he had feeding dots and fed and marketed several hundred head from his plant at Lake City.

Mr. Stephens was married Sept. 25, 1881, in DanfoiTh, Ill., to Miss Louisa Merkle, w'ho was bom March 9, 1861 near Peoria, Ill. She is a daughter of Christian and Helena (Tascher) Merkle, the former a native of Wittenburg, and the latter of Baden, Germany. Christian Merkle was born Dec. 21, 1826 and was one of five sons and three daughters: Frank, George, Joseph, Christian, John, Barbara, Philona, Catherine and Mary. He was well educated in his native land and served in the German army in the suppression of the revolution in 1848. In 1854 he immigrated to America, arriving in Philadelphia in May of that year. After a four months stay in Cincinnati, Ohio, he went to Wabash, Ind., thence to St. Louis and then to Peoria, Ill., where he was employed in a brewery. In June, 1859, he was married to Helena Tascher who came to the United States from Germany when 16 years old. For some years Mr. Merkle had the contract for carrying the mail from Havana to Cuba, Ill. In 1862 he located in Iroquois County and settled in Danforth township where he bought 80 acres of prairie land. Succeeding years saw him very successful in his farming operations. He reared a family as follows: John, a farmer in Iroquois County. ; George lives in Indiana ; Andrew and Charles living in Illinois; Christian lives in Iroquois County; Emma Helena, Iroquois Oounty; Caroline, died May 19, 1908. Christian Merkle died Jan. 10, 1910. Mrs. Merkle died June 18, 1918.

The children born to Henry and Louisa Stephens are: Emma, Charles, William Henry, Grace Helena, George H., Louisa, Jr., John H. and Carrie. Emma is the wife of Merton Smith, living south of Lake City and is mother of four children; Louisa Eglantine, Henry Stephens, Merton Leon and Merkle C. Henry Charles married Julia Baird and has two children: H. Charles, Jr., and Alice Louise. He resides at Whitewater, Kan.

William Henry lives on a farm near Whitewater, Kan. He married Anna Frude and has three children: William H., Jr., Hadley Woodrow and Edith Marie. Grace Helena, George H., Louisa, Jr., and John H. are at home with their mother. Carrie died in infancy.

Elwin S. Pemberton, of Fort Osage township, is rearing one of the largest families in Jackson County. It is evident that rearing his 11 children has not proven a handicap to Mr. Pemberton's success as an agriculturist and stock raiser, inasmuch as he has met with prosperity in his career. He is the owner of a fine fann of 165 acres, which is im¬ proved with a good brick residence, erected by his father, Thomas C. Pemberton, in 1889, and a splendid bank barn, with concrete basement, and weatherboarded with native walnut.

as the Eckles farm. Two years after his birth his parents moved to the Pemberton homestead, south of Sibley, which Thomas C. Pemberton de¬ veloped into one of the finest farms in the county, while also plying his trade of bricklayer and mason. Thomas C. Pemberton, father of E. S. Pemberton, was a native of Kentucky, who came to Jackson County in 1850. A sketch of Thomas C. Pemberton appears in this volume.

E. S. Pemberton received his education in the district school at Sible}/. When 25 years of age he settled upon a small farm west of his present place. He sold his first tract in 1906 and bought his present farm fiom the estate of Aunt Amanda Hamilton. He paid $52 an acre for his land, which is now easily worth $200 an acre.

Mr. Pem.berton was married in 1895 to Miss Emma Triplett, a daughtei of Eli Triplett, an account of whose life is given in connection with the sketch of Daniel F. Triplett, of Fort Osage township. To this marriage 13 children have been born, as follow: Esther, Lola, deceased, Gladys, An¬ nie, Arlie, Clay, Herbert, Stanley, deceased, Thomas, \V^illiam, deceased, Ralph, Emma Belle, Kinslow. All of the ten living children are at home, and a happier family does not exist in Jackson County.

While Mr. Pemberton is a Democrat, he has no time to bother with political matters. He is strictly a home and family man, whose sole thought is for the education and training of his children and their future.

John L. Hiffner, farmer and stockman, proprietor of 126 acres of valuable farm land, within one and a half miles of Blue Springs, in Sniabar township, was born Dec. 24, 1888 on the place which he^ow owns. He is a son of the late John L. Hiffner, a Missouri pioneer.

John L. Hiffner, the elder, was born in Jessamine County, near Louis¬ ville, Ky., March 9, 1830 and died at his home in Jackson County, Sept. 29, 1915. When a boy he chopped wood for 25 cents a cord, earning in all $35 a year. This money he dutifully turned over to his mother. He was a good worker, so good, that his energy excited the admiration of his uncle for whom he worked. His uncle offered to bet his best team and wagon that John Hiffner could do more work in a day than any other workman in the neighborhood. A m.atch was arranged. Young John ate a light breakfast and told his aunt, "I am going to lead the field today." And he did lead the field. He broke 426 pounds of hemp, a tremendous day's work, leading his nearest strong competitor by 12 pounds Mr Hiffner came to Missouri in 1851 and engaged in buying mules for a Randolph County stockman. He made several trips to Louisiana and brought back as many as 175 mules on his trips. He was adventurous and made trips to the great West, mining gold in the Rocky Mountains and British America. He resided for eight years in Richmond, Mo. and served as sheriff of the county. Upon his return from the west he settled on a farm near Atherton, Mo. He next settled on the place now owned by Sater Necessary northeast of Independence. In 1888 he purchased the Hiffner home place near Blue Springs and improved a splendid farm prop¬ erty.

During the Civil War, Mr. Hiffner served under Gen. Joe Shelby, fighting throughout the war in General Price's various campaigns. He was always a lover of horses and was a noted horseman. He opened the first gold mine in the Silver Plume region of Colorado, and built the first brick house erected in the city of Denver.

Mr. Hiffner, Sr., was married in 1876 to Margaret Giffin, who was bom in Ross County, Ohio, Oct. 24, 1856, on a farm located near the town of Bainbridge. She is a daughter of Tilbury and Nancy (Rhodes) Giffin, both of whom were born and reared in Ohio. In the fall of 1870, the Giffin family came to Jackson County, and located on a farm near Adam's Station, where Mr. Giffin operated a farm for Peter Adams until 1875. He then lived on a farm near Atherton for five years. In 1880 he located on a farm one and a half miles west of Atherton, where he lived until 1885. He then purchased a farm near Atherton. Tilbury Giffin was born in 1824, and died in 1884. Mrs. Giffin was born in 1836, and died in 1906. Their children are as follows: Emma, deceased; James, Miami, Okla. ; Margaret Hiffner ; Mrs. Mattie Griggsby, Parker, Kan. ; Mrs. Kittie Shinegar, St. Joseph, Mo.; Claude, near Atherton; Mrs. Fanny Paxton, Ather¬ ton, Mo.

The children born to John L. and Margaret (Giffin) Hiffner are as follows: Mrs. Effie Chancellor, born June 25, 1878, mamied H. G. Green, Independence; Cordelia Green, born April 11, 1880, died in infancy; Lola Lee, born June 9, 1882, married Frank Carbrough, and resides in Idaho; Nancy G., born Feb. 13, 1886, married E. J. Tatum, Independence ; John L., Jr., of this review; Mary Ruth, born Dec. 20, 1894, married H. C. Park, and lives in Illinois. Mrs. Margaret Hiffner resides with her son on the home place.

John L. Hiffner, the elder, was a well read man, and took a keen inter¬ est in every day affairs. He was a Democrat, who was influential in the affairs of his party. He was a member of the Masons and the Knights of Pythias. He was progressive in thought and deed and was never known

John L. Hiffner, the younger, was educated in the Blue Springs public schools, and has spent all of his life upon the Hift'ner farm. He came into possession of the farm through inheritance, and purchase of the interests of the heirs, and is considered to be one of the best farmers in his neigh¬ borhood.

He was married March 18, 1912, to Miss Mayme Quinn, a daughter of John W. Quinn, merchant of Blue Springs, Mo. Mr. and Mrs. Hiffner have one child, Marjorie, born Sept. 19, 1917. Mr. Hiffner is a Democrat. He is affiliated with the Knights of Pythias of Blue Springs, and is a Shriner and Thirty-second degree Mason.

Frank B. Hock, one of the younger and progressive farmers and stockraisers of Fort Osage township, owner of 80 acres of well improved land on the Lexington road just west of Buckner, was born in Buckner, Dec. 17, 1887.

Joseph H. Hock, his father, was born in Kentucky, May 11, 1849 and died at his home in Jackson County, Dec. 4, 1914. He left his home in Kentucky and came to Jackson County in 1869. His father, Joseph H. Hock came sometime later and spent his last days in this county. Joseph H. Hock was married here to Miss Martha Ann Minter, who was born in Platte County, Mo., July 31, 1849 and died Nov. 8, 1916. They were united in marriage Oct. 20, 1872, and reared children as follows : George H. died in infancy; William C., an attorney in Kansas City; Robert Lee, Kansas City; Annie E., died at the age of four years; Earl Joshua died at the age of 18 years; Frank B., of this review.

Joseph H. Hock followed farming during his entire active life. In 1891 he located on the Perrin Farm in Fort Osage township. In 1899 he purchased the farm where his son, Frank B., now lives, and made im¬ provements which have since been remodeled by his son, who has mod¬ ernized the residence. Joseph H. Hock and wife were members of the Baptist church. Martha Ann (Minter) Hock was a daughter of John and Anne R. (Cooper) Minter, of Virginia.

Frank B, Hock was educated in the Buckner High School, and cared for his father and mother during their last years. He was married Sept. 19, 1917, to Miss Luella W. Jones, a daughter of Joseph E. Jones, a sketch of whom appears in this volume.

In addition to his farm of 80 acres, Mr. Hock is renting considerable land. During the present year, 1919, he harvested 70 acres of corn, which gave a good yield, and he plans to plant 100 acres in 1920. He has sown 70 acres of wheat for the harvest of 1920. For some years he has been a breeder of pure-bred Duroc-Jersey hogs, and raises and feeds 100 head yearly. Mr. Hock, although a Democrat, is inclined to be independent, and casts his vote accordingly. Mrs. Hock is a member of the Buckner Baptist Church. He is prominent in Masonic circles, and is a past master of the Masons, Lodge No. 501, of Buckner, serving as worshipful master of this lodge in 1913.

Thomas W. Webb, one of the best known farmers of Fort Osag*e town¬ ship, is a member of one of the old pioneer families of Jackson County. He was boim July 27, 1862 in Jackson County and is a son of Hewitt Preston Webb, who was born and reared in West Virginia.

Hewitt Preston Webb was born in 1838 and died Jan. 30, 1899. He was a son of Asa Webb, one of the first pioneers of Jackson County who entered land in the county and came here in 1844. H. P. Webb was reared to manhood in this county and served for four years in the Confederate army during the Civil War. At that time he owned a farm at Lone Jack. For a time during the war he was a member of QuantrelPs band. At the battle of Lexington he was one of the men who advised General Price heights around the city which were fortified and defended with cannon. He, with others, advised the general to execute a flanking movement, inas¬ much as a direct assult upon the city would result in disaster. Quantrell was the leader of the dissatisfied element, and, because General Price re¬ fused to follow the advice given him by Mr. Webb and others Quantrell and his followers withdrew' from Price's command. History records the fact that they were right and the Battle of Lexington was lost to the Con¬ federates. Mr. Webb was not a regular follower of Quantrell, however, as he followed in due time the regularly waged warfare of the Confederate located in Fort Osage township. Raiders from across the border burned his home and run off all of his live stock. After the war he bought 40 acres in Fort Osage township of Silas Hudspeth and then bought 40 acres more from the Skinner heirs. He rented 440 acres in 1866 on the Huds¬ peth place and four years later moved to his home place. This farm was his home until his death.

Hewitt Preston was married at Lone Jack, Mo., in 1852, to Mary Perry, who was born March 17, 1835, in Brown County, Ill., a daughter of John and Permelia (Bridges) Perry, who removed to Jackson County in

1838 and settled near Lone Jack. The children born to this marriage are: Permelia Elizabeth, wife of Lon Landers, living on the Webb home place; Mary Ann, wife of Frank Hurst, Mount Washington, mother of seven children; Thomas Winfrey of this review, has five children; William Pres¬ ton, Louisville, Kan., has four children; John Coleman, deceased; Zapora Ella, wife of William Lease, Kansas City, has six children; Robert Lee, Holton, Kan., has three children; Benjamin, Franklin, Kan., has four chil¬ dren; Lulu Dell Slotz, deceased; Mattie Belle, wife of Jeff Duncan, Inde¬ pendence, has seven children ; Mrs. Ida May Johnson, Wamego, Kan. ; Henry Clay Webb, lives near the county farm. Mrs. Webb has 38 grand¬ children and has 25 great grandchildren and has the distinction of being one of the oldest pioneer women of Jackson County.

Thomas W. Webb was reared in the log house erected by his father in Fort Osage township. After his marriage he erected his present home on the Lexington road. He first purchased 40 acres from the home place and has made subsequent additions to his acreage until he owns 160 acres.

Mr. Webb was married in September, 1883, to Miss Barbara Leap, who was born in Indiana, a daughter of Perry Leap. Six children have been born to this union, as follows: Grover Cleveland Webb, Kansas City, Kan. ; Martha Lethe, wife of Guy Frazier, Galveston, Texas ; Oliver Preston, on the home place; Claude Thomas, deceased, his remains buried in Salem churchyard; Charles Franklin, at home; and Mattie Belle, aged two years.

The Democratic party has always had the support of Mr. Webb, who is one of the best known citizens of his neighborhood. He is a member of the Woodmen Lodge.

Thomas H. Lentz. - The oldest established registered pure bred herd of Herefords in Jackson County is owned by Thomas H. Lentz of Fort Osage township. The Lentz herd of Herefords was established in April, 1884, by Noah Lentz, father of Thomas H. Lentz. The herd usually num¬ bers 30 head, every one of which is a purebred. Mr. Lentz sells his stock at private sale to buyers coming to purchase stock from all parts of the United States. The Lentz farm consists of 200 acres upon which the elder Lentz settled after coming to Jackson County.

Noah Lentz was born in Rockingham County, Va., in April, 1841 and died March 5, 1916 in his 75th year. He was a son of John W. Lentz, a native of Germany who was brought to America by his parents who set¬ tled in Virginia, where he was reared. Upon attaining his majority he

Noah Lentz, although a Union sympathizer was drafted into the Con¬ federate army in Virginia and was in the army of General Lee. He de¬ serted and was held prisoner after his capture. His desertion being caused by a desire to visit his mother and his brother who were sick. Overstay¬ ing his leave of absence, he was placed in the guard house and while being held a prisoner he overheard some of the Confederate officers talking of plans and learned that the war would end in a few weeks if the Union army would do certain things. He made his escape, divulged his informa¬ tion to the Federal commanders and the war was ended in four weeks.

When Noah Lentz landed at Napoleon, Lafayette County, Mo., he had just $7.00 and a sick wife to care for. He was without suitable clothing and was forced to go barefooted in the dead of winter. He got a job of cutting cord wood at $7.00 per month. By hard work, good management, close application to business and self denial he was enabled in the course of time to purchase 200 acres of land. When he established his Hereford herd in 1884 he was in debt $8,000, but he had faith in the demand for a better breed of cattle on the Missouri farms than the stockmen had been raising. His faith was justified, for the Lentz herd has brought pros¬ perity to him and his descendants. He was one of the largest hog pro¬ ducers in the county. He became the owner of 1,856 acres.

Noah Lentz was three times married. Mrs. Lou (Kirby) Lentz, wife of the late Noah Lentz, was born May 8, 1856 in Tennessee and died March 29, 1916. She was a daughter of James Kirby, who came to Jackson County at the close of the Civil War. The children born to this marriage were James Oliver died in infancy ; Myrtle Anna wife of William Baldus, Independence; Thomas H. Lentz of this review. His second wife was Eliza Lewis, who bore him three children: James, deceased; John W., Colorado ; and Joseph Harmon who lives near Salem church in Blue town¬ ship. The first wife of Noah Lentz was Katie Webb who died 18 months after their marriage. Thomas H. Lentz was educated in Woodland College, and Baker University, Baldwin, Kan., where he graduated in 1914 with the degi'ees of A. B. and A. M. and where he also completed a business course. For eight months after leaving college he was employed as traveling sales¬ man. He then returned to the farm. The herd of Herefords having been divided among the children, each child receiving six head, Thomas H. Lentz purchased the entire remaining cattle from his father and some of

Mr. Lentz was married June 5, 1912 to Miss Myrtle Hersh, of Kan¬ sas City. She was born in Iowa, a daughter of Edwin H. and Mary E, Hersh, the former living at Blue Springs, and the latter having died in March, 1919. To this marriage has been born one child, Thomas R. Lentz, born June 19, 1916.

Mr. Lentz is independent in his political views. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and holds a membership in the American Hereford Breeders' Association.

Thomas D. Winfrey, of Fort Osage township, who owns a valuable farm of 160 acres in this township, located on the old Santa Fe trail high¬ way. Mr. Winfrey first bought 120 acres in 1893 ; he next bought 40 acres in 1914, Every rod of fence, every tree and shrub on the place, the fine residence, every barn and outbuilding, has been erected by the owner. When Mr, Winfrey came to Jackson County from southern Missouri, his total possessions amounted to about $1,600, including his household furni¬ ture, livestock, and farming implements. He purchased his first 120 acres for $5,000, and went in debt to the amount of $2,900, in 1896, His last purchase of land cost him $170 an acre. The Winfrey land is very productive and the soil fertility has been carefully conserved. Seventy acres of wheat harvested in 1919 produced 1,575 bushels. Of late years Mr. Winfrey has relaxed from active farm work, and rents out his land.

Thomas D. Winfred was born in Dallas County, Missouri, Jan. 20, 1850. He is a son of Elisha and Margaret (Brown) Winfrey, further men¬ tion of whom is made in this volume. Thomas D, Winfrey was partly reared in Dallas County, and accompanied the family to Laclede County upon their removal there. He desired above all things to take an active part in the conflict between the North and the South, but stern measures on the part of his parents prevented him from doing as he wished. After his marriage, in 1876, he resided on a farm in Laclede County until his subsequent removal to Jackson County.

Feb. 18, 1876, Mr. Winfred was married to Miss Elizabeth Tennyson, who was born in Laclede County, Sept. 23, 1854, a daughter of Joseph and Elvira (Cooper) Stokes, both natives of Crawford County, Missouri. The children bom to this union are : Charles Marion, a farmer and owner of 400 acres of land in Fort Osage township ; William Everett, a farmer living east of Six Mile Church; Lulu, at home; J. Frank, a farmer living near Lake City; Lenora, a teacher in the Kalispel, Mont., High School, was educated in the State Normal School at Warrensburg, and the State University at Columbia, and has taken post-graduate courses at the Uni¬ versity of Michigan and the Chicago University.

Mr. Winfrey is a Democrat. He is a member of the Six Mile Baptist Church, and liberally contributed toward the building of this church. He is one of the best and most substantial citizens of Jackson County.

Mary J. Switzer. - During the years in which she was employed in the office of Walter L. Yost, at the stockyards of Kansas City, Mary J. Switzer dreamed of the time when she would own her own farm, raise fine livestock and cultivate land as it should be cultivated. She studied the science of raising fine livestock and of intensive scientific agriculture for years before her opportunity came to purchase a place in which she could indulge her lifetime ambition. "Early Dawn Farm," a beautiful country place south of Independence, in Brooking township, on the Lees Summit rock road, is the result. This farm consists of 130 acres, and is a delight to the eye. This place was an old rundown farm, which had been allowed to grow up in brush and weeds, and the soil was depleted' of its natural fertility. Since 1916, Miss Switzer has transformed the place. She erected a handsome, modern home, built a bam, cleared the land, and has raised excellent crops each year. In 1915 she purchased the nucleus of the "Early Dawn" herd of pure-bred Herefords from the James Curtis herd, and from the Gudgell and Simpson dispersal sale. She took along Uncle George Shand, who for many years had been in charge of the Gudgell and Simpson herd of Herefords, and knows more about the breed¬ ing of Hereford than any other breeder in Missouri. For over 11 years he was with Gudgell and Simpson, and he now has charge of the "Early Dawm" herd of splendid animals.

During the time she was employed in office work Miss Swdtzer owned two other farms, which she improved and sold. She has had considerable success in raising w'heat, going at this phase of agriculture in the same thorough manner in w^hich she has always done things. She threshed 26 acres of wheat in 1918 which yielded 35 bushels to the acre. Prac¬ tically all of this yield was sold as seed w'heat. Miss Switzer's methods of preparing the ground for seeding are somewhat different from the ordi¬ nary methods employed on Jackson County farms, and involved the plow'- ing of the ground during the dry season of July and August, so that when the rains came in the late summer, before seeding time, the soil was softened and full of moisture, which remained in the ground while the wheat was sprouting and maturing.

Mary Jane Switzer was born in Kendall County, Illinois, and is a daughter of George Herbert and Mary Ella (Congdon) Switzer, the latter of whom was a daughter of Nicholas Congdon, a native of Rhode Island. George H, Switzer was a son of John Wesley Switzer, who was bom in New Jersey, and was reared in Canada, a son of a Swiss and French mother. George H. Switzer located in Kansas in 1899, and now makes his home in that State. Mrs. Mary Ellen Switzer died when Mary Jane was but a child.

Miss Switzer received a good education and taught school prior to locating in Kansas City, where for twelve years she was employed at the stockyards as Mr. YosCs private secretary.

Henry Vassilii Palaeologus Kabrick. - Besides being a pioneer of Jackson County, Mr. Kabrick is one of the remaining Confederate veterans who fought for the cause which they deemed right. H. V. P. Kabrick of Sniabar township, was born at Morrisonville, Va., Nov. 15, 1841. He is a son of George and Jane (Morrison) Kabrick, the former of whom died in 1866 at the age of 70 years. Mrs. Kabrick died in 1897 at the advanced age of 88 years. The Kabricks came to Jackson County from Virginia in 1855. When Order No. 11 was issued the family went to St. Charles County and remained there until the close of the war.

Coming to this county with his parents in April, 1855, H. V. P. Kabrick grew to manhood on his father's farm. Aug. 14, 1862, he enlisted in Hayes Regiment, Second Missouri Cavalry, and served until the close of the Civil War with the Confederate army. He fought at the battles of Lone Jack and Newtonia under Gen. Joe Shelby and participated in the battles of Lexington, Boonville, Little Blue and after the battle of Westport he took part in the retreat of General Price's army to the South. His last battle was at Newtonia, Mo. After the surrender of Price's army at Shreveport, La., he returned home.

In December, 1870, Mr. Kabrick m^ade his first investment in a farm one and a half miles northwest of Oak Grove. He built up his place and prospered and is now the owner of a splendid place of 155 acres which has grown more and more valuable during later years. In addition to his home place he is owner of 32 acres of land on Sni creek and has eight acres of timber land. For a number of years Mr. Kabrick followed the trade of carpenter while building up his farm.

Nov. 15, 1870, Mr. Kabrick was married to Mrs. Frances F. (George) Moore, widow of Ezra Moore who was killed July 11, 1862 at Sorenson, Mo. between Lone Jack and Pleasant Hill during the Civil War. The only child born to Mrs. Kabrick's first marriag-e was an infant who died at the age of six months. The children born to H. V. P. and Frances F. Kabrick are: Lorena Peerson, residing on the Kabrick home place; D. G. Lee, born April 15, 1877, died in Jan. 3, 1916, was a soldier in the Spanish American War as a regular in the United States army and saw three years of seiwice in the Philippines ; Lulu Edna died at the age of one year. The mother of these children was born June 14, 1841 on the old George homestead near Oak Grove. She is a daughter of David C. and Nancy E. (Bass) George, natives of Pulaski County, Tenn., who came to Jackson County Oct. 9, 1836. David C. George was killed by Federal militia¬ men Feb. 15, 1863 while returning home from the South, southeast of Eldorado Springs. Mrs. George died in 1888.

Mr. Kabrick has always been a Democrat. He is one of Jackson County's sturdy and well known citizens who has witnessed the making of this county and has done well his part in its upbuilding. Mrs. Kabrick, his faithful helpmeet during these many years, is a member of the Prim¬ itive Baptist church and ranks among the oldest pioneer women of this section of the state.

David Philpot Dyer, senior member of the firm of Dyer and Son, Lake City, Mo., is a Missouri pioneer. He has been engaged in the mer¬ cantile business in Jackson County since December, 1882. His first ex¬ perience in business in Jackson County was at Grain Valley, Mo., where it was necessary for him to take charge of a store in the settlement of a relative's estate. He came to Lake City in 1903, and has one of the best stocked retail country stores in the county. He and his son, John H. Dyer, are partners in the business, which has an excellent patronage.

David P. Dyer was born in Virginia in 1839, and was a son of George W. and Maiy Ann (Philpot) Dyer, who removed from Virginia to Warren County, Missouri, in 1842. George W. and Mary Dyer were the parents of ten children, two of whom died in infancy. The others are as follow: Mrs. Sina Ann Jennings, Grain Valley, Mo. ; Mrs. Martha Jane Locke, Kansas City; Mrs. Minnie Minton, St. Louis; Truston P., Los Angeles, Calif., who, with the subject of this sketch, are the suiwivors of the family.

Mr. Dyer enlisted in the Missouri State Guard in Calloway County in 1861, as a private in Company B, under Captain Berry, and later in Regan's battalion. He was elected lieutenant of his company. He fought in the battle of Lexington, and after six months service was taken pris¬ oner by the Federals in Randolph County. He gave a $2,500 bond for his parole, and was banished from the State. In the spring of 1865 he went to Colorado, and cut logs for a sawmill in the mountain country until No¬ vember, 1865, He then returned to his home and family in Warren County, and remained there until December, 1882, when he located at Grain Valley.

Mr. Dyer has been three times married. His first marriage was in December, 1860, with Mary Catherine Jackson, a daughter of former Lieut. -Governor Jackson, of Randolph County, Missouri. She died ^t Grain Valley in 1888, leaving five children, as follow: Robert Edwin, John Hancock, Ursula, Lee and David B. Robert Edwin Dyer lives in Texas. He married Alice Lakey, and has five children: John Earl, who served in the National Army and fought with the A. E. F. one year in France; Mrs, Mary Woods, mother of two children, Edwin and Virginia; David Woodson was married in Scotland, while serving as a volunteer in the United States Navy; Wayne and Robert.

John Hancock Dyer was born in 1866, and is his father's partner in the business at Lake City, He was married in 1890 to Josie Vaughn, and has children as follow: Claude C., a farmer, who married Lorene Van¬ dyke, and has one child, Joseph Carlyle; Golden R., wife of Julius W. Mann, mother of one child, Asa Dyer Mann, lives at San Benito, Texas; Mary Belle, deceased; and Agnes.

Mrs. Ursula Galloway, lives in Kansas City, and has five children : Emmett, a sailor in the United States Navy, Mrs. Nannie Thomas, Woodson, Chester and Vernon.

Mr. Dyer is a Democrat, and has always taken a decided interest in political matters. He was prominent in the civic and political affairs of Warren County, and was elected judge of the probate court of the county in 1874, serving four years in that capacity. He was appointed justice of the peace at Grain Valley, and served for a time in this office. While a resident of Warren County he was a candidate for sheriff, and ran for the office in the face of a Republican majority of 800 votes, and ran far ahead of his ticket, his opponent winning the office by but 90 votes. Mr. Dyer served as deputy sheriff of Warren County before the war. In

1860 he served as deputy United States marshal. Mr. Dyer has been a member of lire Masons since 1863, and is one of the oldest Masons in the county.

iteeves Prcpst, successful farmer of Fort Osage township, owner of one of the best quarter sections in Jackson County, upon which he has resided since 1888, and had the satisfaction of building up and prac¬ tically creating his farm and erecting all of the splendid existing improve¬ ments, is one of the substantial citizens of this county. He was born Feb. 27, 1865, in Pickaway County, Ohio, and is a son of William and Elizabeth Propst, a sketch of whom appears in connection with that of James W. Propst. In the same year that Reeves Propst was born his par¬ ents removed from Ohio to Illinois, and there resided until 1874, when William Propst came to Jackson County and purchased 400 acres of prairie land south of Buckner.

Reeves Propst grew up in this county, and assisted his father in the cultivation of his farm until 1888, when he began farming on his own account. He received as his share of the Propst estate, a farm of 133 1-3 acres, but purchased a sufficient acreage from his brother to make 166 acres. He was married in 1890 to Miss Catherine Mitchell, who was born at Irondale, Mo., in 1867. She is a daughter of John and Mary (McDonald) Mitchell, the former a native of Ireland, and the latter born in Cincinnati, Ohio. John and Mary Mitchell were married in Pennsylvania. The Mitch¬ ells moved to Irondale, Mo., and Mrs. Mitchell died in 1870. The father died at Bismarck, Mo. Mrs. Catherine (Mitchell) Propst was living in Kansas City at the time of her maiTiage. To the union of Reeves and Catherine Propst have been born children as follow: Clarence, Mary E., Julia, Celia, William, James, John, Francis Vincent and Richard Reeves.

Clarence was born Feb. 28, 1891, and served one year and 20 days in the National Army during the World War. He was inducted into the service May 23, 1918, and was in training at Camp Colt, Gettysburg, Pa., and went from there to Camp Merritt, N. J., October 10. He was a mem¬ ber of the Tank Corps at Camp Colt, and was attached to the Utility De¬ tachment at Camp Merritt. He was honorably discharged from the ser¬ vice June 12, 1919. Mary E. was born Sept. 3, 1892. Julia E. was born Jan. 3, 1894, married Oct. 29, 1919, to Adolph Leiback, and resides at Lenexa, Kan. Celia was born Aug. 1, 1897. William was born July 28, 1899, and died at the age of two years and nine months. James was born June 20, 1901. John was mom March 27, 1903. Francis Vincent was bom Sept. 26, 1901. Richard Reeves was born Sept. 1, 1909.

O'Donnell Brothers. - Michael, Richard and Mounie O'Donnel, of Fort Osage Township, owners of a splendid tract of rich land near Levasy, consisting of 240 acres, have achieved a more than ordinary success in Jackson County. They came to this county from Howard County, Mis¬ souri, in 1880, with very little money, but endowed with an ambition and energy to work hard and build up a home for their parents and themselves. They first bought a farm on the bank of the Missouri River, and farmed it for a time, and then bought their present farm, upon which they have built a substantial and handsome residence and placed other improve¬ ments which have added to the value of the farm, including a fine or¬ chard. They use a tractor for the greater part of the farm work. The tractor was made in their own shop, the boys being natural mechanics. The machine which was assembled in the shop does excellent work. A son of Mounie 0 Donnell also built an autombbile. Every member of the family is a mechanic and the O'Donnell shop resembles a small factory. When not employed on the farm or attending to business they can be found working in the shop, building some new piece of farm machinery or overhauling the old machines.

Dominick O Donnell, the father, was born in Ireland, and immigrated to America in' his youth. He was married in Pennsylvania to Sarah Wingler, and moved from that State to Ohio, thence to Indiana, and from there they came to Howard County, Missouri, in 1878. They came to Jackson County in 1880. Dominick O'Donnell died in this county, Jan. 6, 1902, Mrs. O'Donnell died Dec. 4, 1911. Dominick and Sarah O'Donnell were the parents of children as follow: James, lives in Arkansas; John, deceased; Mrs. Mary De Garmo, St. Louis ; Michael, of this review ; Daniel, Howard County; Richard, a farmer in Fort Osage township; Mrs. Willie Gam¬ mon, Odessa, Mo. ; and Mounie, of this review.

Both O'Donnell brothers are Democrats. Their creed of life is "do right," and they have followed this maxim since boyhood. As a result they have made a success of their every undertaking, and are regarded highly among the citizens of their township and county.

Thomas C. Pemberton. - The late Thomas C. Pemberton, of Foi*t Osage township, was a successful citizen, who not only achieved material prosperity as an artisan, and farmer in this county, but bequeathed to his adopted county a family which occupies a high place in the esteem and regard of the citizenship. Mr. Pemberton was born near Augusta, Ga., Aug. 12, 1827, and died at his home near Sibley, Feb. 19, 1905. He was a son of Russell and Hulda (Garner) Pemberton, who removed to Kenton County, Kentucky, in 1833. Mr. Pemberton made his home in Kentucky until he had attained his majority. When 17 years of age he went to Cincinnati, Ohio, and learned the brick mason's trade, serving an appren¬ ticeship of two years. When he had learned his trade he went south and followed his trade in Indiana and other sections through the building season. During the winter he engaged in steamboating on the Missis¬ sippi River, and thus employed his time for several years. He made his home at Covington, Ky., until 1850, when he started overland to the gold fields of California, accompanied by his wife and one child. His wife was taken sick, and he landed in Jackson County, and for a short time made his home in Independence, and gave up the plan of going to California. He soon engaged in the manufacture of brick at Sibley, and successfully carried on his business in Sibley, Lexington, Wellington and other towns in this vicinity. He also erected or supervised the erection of man3> brick residences in Jackson and Lafayette counties, and was kept busily and profitably employed until the outbreak of the Civil War. He took no part in this struggle, but was persecuted and harassed by invaders from Kansas and Union adherents because of his Southern birth. Several times he was forced to flee for his life, and kept in hiding until he went to Arkansas, where he remained for a few months, and then went to Leaven¬ worth, Kan., following his trade in that city for two years until the close of the w^ar. Returning to 'his home in Fort Osage township, he resumed the pursuit of his trade and set about improving his farm. In 1877 he turned his attention exclusively to farming and stock raising, and built up one of the fine estates in Jackson County, comprising 300 acres.

Mr. Pemberton was first married in Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1848, to Miss Louise Leier, a native of Baltimore, Md., who died in Sibley, Mo., in 1853, leaving two children, Thomas A., died at the age of three years ; and Louise, deceased wife of Robert Hughes, who died in Wyandotte County, Kansas, leaving two children, Olivia and Emma.

Mr. Pemberton's second marriage was in Fort Osage township, Dec. 10, 1856, with Miss Armilda Thompson, a daughter of John K. and Jerusha Thompson, natives of Kentucky. Four children were born to this union.

as follow: Thomas C., Anna M., Cora Belle, Elwin S., and Margaret. The mother of the foregoing children was born in Jackson County, Dec. 10, 1837, and departed this life Nov. 2, 1917. Thomas C. Pemberton died in 1911. He had married Nellie Hayes, who bore him four children: Charles, Jefferson, Thomas C., Jr., and Maude. Anna M. died in 1886. Elwin S. is a prosperous farmer, living in Fort Osag'e township, a sketch of whose career appears elsewhere in this volume. Cora Belle and Mar¬ garet reside on the Pemberton home place of 200 acres, which is im¬ proved with a handsome brick residence erected by their father. Miss Belle Pemberton has charge of the farm, and has proven herself to be an able manager.

Thomas C. Pemberton devoted his life to his affairs and to the rearing of his family, in whom he took great pride. His ambition in life was to provide amply for their welfare. In this he succeeded while doing his part as a citizen in the upbuilding of Jackson County. His honorable oealing, his steadfast determination to succeed in whatever he undertook won him success. He was a member of the Knights of Pythias.

Henry S. Kritser, owner of a splendid farm in Brooking township of 40 acres, on which he has resided since 1883, and which is one of the best appearing and most fertile farms in the neighborhood, is on of old timers of Jackson County. Mr. Kritser has lived all of his 75 years in thi§ county , and is one of the oldest of the native born pioneers in Brooking township. He was born Jan. 5, 1844, in Independence.

His father, Martin L. Kritser, was born in Pennsylvania, and went from his home on the border line of western Pennsylvania to Kentucky, and there married Mary Jane Wilson, at Mays Lick, Ky. He came to Missouri in 1834, and conducted a grocery store at Independence until 1855. In 1855 he located on a farm of 240 acres south of Raytown, in Brooking township, and lived on this farm until his death. He was the father of seven sons and seven daughters, 11 of his children attain¬ ing maturity. Three sons are living: Millard F., Kansas City; John S., Taylor, Texas; and Henry, the subject of this sketch. Two daughters are living: Lydia, Kansas City, Mo.; and Kate, Independence. Two of his sons, John S. and Martin Kritser, were members of Gen. Joe Shelby's bodyguard, or Langhorne's company, during the Civil War, and served throughout that conflict.

Henry Kritser, of this review, wanted the worst kind to go to war and fight for the Southern cause, but someone had to stay at home and assist his parents. Once when Shelby's men were passing through the country, his brother, John, stopped at the home for a meal. Henry had made up his mind to join him and go with Shelby, but his brother insisted that the hardships were such that he should not go, and that it was his duty to stay at ome. He stayed with his father on the home farm until 1868; he then married and located on a farm one and a half miles south, until he bought his present place.

Mr. Krits4r was married in 1868, to Elizabeth Davenport, who was born in 1845, and died Oct. 2, 1915. She was born in Jackson County and was a daughter of Stephen Davenport, a Jackson County pioneer, who came here from Kentucky. Three children blessed this union: Mrs. Maude Patrick, lives in Kansas City, and has two sons, Frank and Charles Patrick, both of whom served in France with the A. E. F. ; Jesse J. Kritser lives in Texas ; and Charles lives on the home place and has charge of the Kritser farm. He married Mary Dripps, and has one child, Mary Alice.

Mr. Kritser is a Democrat, empL^atic in his views and a strong Wilson adherent, and decidedly in favor of President Wilson's policies and the League of Nations. He is a member of the Christian church. During his entire life he has been active in furthering good movements, which have had much to do with the development of the county. He started the movement for the building of the Raytowm-Lees Summit rock road, and had the satisfaction of seeing this splendid project pushed to com¬ pletion. He was one of the originators of the No. 2 consolidated school district. Mr. Kritser talked this school to the patrons and stayed with the proposition until all opposition was vanquished, and the school was established and a new building erected. He is a good citizen, a fine type of the old time pioneer who has progressed with times, and is young in enterprise and thought.

James Alvin Debord has the distinction of being the third oldest native born pioneer in Brooking township. He was born in this township, Nov. 4, 1855, on the Alvin Brooking estate north of Raytown. His father was William C. Debord, who married Serena M. Brooking, a daughter of Alvin Brooking, a pioneer settler of Brooking township, and after whom this township was named.

William C. Debord was born in Virginia, and died in Brooking town¬ ship in 1860. He came to this county when a young man, and was here married to Serena M. Brooking, who w^as born in Kentucky, and died in Jackson County in 1904. William C. Debord was well educated, and taught school in this county when he first came here and boarded at the

Brooking home. He later engaged in farming, and was the father of five children, four of whom were reared: William H. and Alice, deceased; James A., of this sketch; John Debord, living in Brooking township; and Mrs. Emma Bull, living near Raytown.

In 1861, Mrs. Debord was married to Logan Pendleton, and bore him six children: Mrs. Lillie Rice, living near Raytown; Robert, deceased; Edward, Raytown ; Mrs. Mattie Whitehouse, near Brooking cemetery ; Alex, deceased , Mrs. Elvira Wilson, living on the Brooking home place ; and Marcus, living near Brooking cemetery.

James A. Debord attended the Chapel school and the Lane and Pitcher school, which were conducted mainly on the subscription plan. When he became of ag'e he began working on his own account, and was employed on the Henry Brooking place for three years. He was married in 1879 to Amanda Stapp, who was born in Kentucky in 1853, and was a daughter of Washington Stapp. Mrs. Debord died Nov. 20, 1917. The children born to this union are: Jessie, wife of M. W. Sechrest, Brooking township, mother of three children, Elsie, Mildred and Clyde; Wallace, at home, married Myrtle Stout, and has two children, Leonard and Stayton Alvin, and Alice, deceased.

After his marriage, Mr. Debord settled on the Rube Marckaby place, and lived there for one year. He then rented the farm belonging to the Campbell heirs, east of the cemetery, for two years. He moved to his present farm in 1882, at which time he bought 40 acres and improved it. Mr. Debord owns 30 acres of the old Brooking farm, and has 110 acres of valuable land in all.

He has always been a Democrat. Mr. Debord is well informed, takes a keen interest in every day affairs, lives comfortably and happily and is a thoroughly good citizen.

Ottis Adams, farmer and stockman, proprietor of 385 acres of well improved farm land, is a native of Jackson County, and a descendant of one of the first pioneer settlers of Jackson County. The Adams farm is situated in Sniabar township, and is improved with a splendid farm house, set in a grove of evergreens and all buildings are in good condition. ' Mr. Adams has made his home on the place since 1897, and is making a spe¬ cialty of breeding Shorthorn cattle, of which he has a fine herd of 20 pure-breds. This herd is 22 years old, and was purchased from the Chiles herd of Shorthoras. Mr. Adams disposes of his fine cattle at private sale.

County. See sketch of James M. Adams in this volume. Ottis Adams was reared in Jackson County, and attended the district schools. He was mar¬ ried Feb. 8, 1897, to Miss Nellie G. Campbell, born in Jackson County, Feb. 4, 1879, a daughter of John B. Campbell, Jr., born Aug. 13, 185G, and died on April 30, 1886. J. B. Campbell, Jr., was a son of John B. Campbell, a pioneer in Jackson County, and became a large land owner. John B. Campbell, Sr., was born Jan. 20, 1822. Rachel A. Campbell, his wife, was born Oct. 6, 1822. He died March 4, 1884. J. B. Campbell, Jr., was mar¬ ried to Alice Latimer, March 21, 1878. Mrs. Adams mother was Alice Latimer, prior to her marriage. She was bom Feb. 4, 1860, in this county, and was a daughter of the late Washington Latimer, a pioneer.

To John B. and Alice Campbell were bom two children: Mrs. Nellie G. Adams, and Ruth, bom July 15, 1881, and died Oct. 13, 1885. Mrs. Adams inherited the home place. In 1893 Mrs. Campbell married Newton J. Love, and this marriage was blessed with four children: Mrs. Ruby Chapman, Sniabar township; Terrence, who was a soldier in the World War, and sei*ved in France as a member of Company C, Eighty-ninth divi¬ sion ; Ralph and Jewell, at home with their parents in Buckner. Mrs. Adams has resided on the home place since she was two years old, with the exception of one year's residence in Kansas City with Mr. Adams after their marriage. The children bom to Ottis and Nellie G. Adams are: Keith, Roma George, and Kenneth Ottis.

Keith Campbell Adams was bom Feb. 25, 1900, and is now attending high school in Kansas City. He enlisted in the United States Navy June 5, 1918, spent six months in the training station at Seattle, and three months at Norfolk, Va., and was discharged in February, 1919. Roma George Adams was born Sept. 27, 1903, and is a junior at Central College, Lexington, Mo. Kenneth Ottis Adams was bom Dec. 12, 1916.

Mr. Adams is a Democrat, who takes an interest in political and civic affairs. Mrs. Adams is a member of the Methodist Church South, and they are sociable, companionable, well-read people.

William C. Potts, extensive farmer and stockman, owner of 400 acres in Sniabar township, is a native of Jackson County. He was born on an adjoining farm, June 28, 1861, and is a son of Levi and Sina Emily (Slaughter) Potts, the former a native of Kentucky and the latter of Mis¬ souri. Levi Potts served in the Confederate Army during four years of the Civil War. During the early part of the war he served with Quantrell, and during the last part of the war he was in General Price's com* mand.

Levi Potts was bora in 1827, and died in 1913. He was a son of John Potts, who married a Miss Morrow, and who came from Kentucky to Jackson County in 1829, and entered government land near Lake City. He later left the county and moved to a farm near Columbus, Johnson County. After some years spent in Johnson County he returned to Jackson County and purchased the land whereon a part of Grain Valley is now located. The land adjoining the site of this town later passed to Levi Potts, when the estate was divided among the heirs. Some of this land is still owned by descendents of John Potts. In the early fifties Levi Potts located southeast of Grain Valley, and purchased land which is now owned by his son, William C. Potts, and accumulated a total of 360 acres. In his later years he made his home with his son, William C. Mrs. Sina Emily Potts was born in 1837, and died in April, 1903. She was a daughter of Josiah Slaughter, an early pioneer of this county, who came here from Virginia. There were ten children born to Levi and Sina Emily Potts, as follow: Mary Elizabeth, deceased wife of John Gore; Mrs. Sarah Frances Snodgrass, Grain Valley, Mo.; Lethia, deceased; William C., of this sketch, and Eliza, who died in childhood ; Josiah Potts, lives on a nearby farm; Mrs. Ida Lynch, lives on an adjoining farm; John, died in youth; Riley, died in September, 1902; Mrs. Georgia Hoar, Kansas City.

William C. Potts attended the Stony Point and the Moreland schools, and when he had attained his majority he began making his own way. His father gave him a horse, bridle, saddle, and later gave him some land. When his father died he received 40 acres as his share of the estate. Mr. Potts made his first purchase of land in 1883, a tract of 54 acres. In 1895, he bought his present home place of 103 acres, upon which he has erected all of the improvements. He bought 70 acres in 1899. In 1905 he bought 100 acres of the old Mason farm. In 1913 he purchased 60 acres and had purchased a small tract of timber land consisting of 15 acres.

Mr. Potts was married in 1883 to Mary E. Steele, who was born Sept. 12, 1861, in Jackson County, a daughter of Samuel J. and Catherine (Snodgrass) Steele, pioneers of Jackson County, both of whom are d«^ ceased. Samuel J. Steele was a native of Kentucky, and was an associate of Daniel Boone. He made in all seven trips across the plains, and in the early days he drove herds of hogs and cattle from Missouri to the Carolinas. During the forties he was a freighter across the plains over the Santa Fe trail, in the employ of Spangler.

several months. He returned home and sometime later made another trip to the Pacific coast. Mr. Steele also made trips to Califoniia and mined gold in company with Sam Campbell:

Five children have been born to William C. and Mary E. Potts, as follow: Delbert, living on a farm nearby, a land owner, married Grace Elizabeth Brown, and has four children, William Calvin, deceased, Riley, Lenora Margaret, and James Leroy. Elza Potts married Ida Beryl Smith, is a farmer, and a member of the Free Masons, being a Shriner and a Scot¬ tish Rite Mason. Mrs. Louetta Moore lives south of Tarsney, and has one child, Robert Lane. Myrna, deceased. Josie is attending school.

Mr. Potts is a Democrat. He and his family worship at the Meth¬ odist church, and he is affiliated with the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of Grain Valley, and is a Shriner and a thirty-second degree Scot¬ tish Rite Mason.

Charles Quarles Lewis, farmer and dairyman, a few miles east of In¬ dependence, is a native Missourian, and one of the best known men in Jackson County. He was born in Saline County, March 13, 1857, in old Jonesboro, now Napton. He is a son of Charles Q. and Virginia W. (Gooch) Lewis, both of whom were born in Virginia and accompanied their respective parents to Missouri when children. The families first located in Ohio and came to Missouri overland. Virginia W. (Gooch) Lewis was a daughter of William D. Gooch, a pioneer millright in Mis¬ souri, who erected Gooch's Mill and founded the settlement of that name in the southeastern part of Cooper County, Missouri.

The children born to Charles J. and Virginia W. Lewis are as follow: Nannie Quarles, deceased; Mrs. Lillian Leora Miller, deceased; Mrs. Ada Byron Tucker, Oklahoma City; Mrs. Mary Miller Williamson, Oklahoma City; Mrs. Eliza Henry Tucker, Bryan, Texas; William Thornton or Charles Q.; Meriwether Lewis, deceased. Meriwether Lewis, famous in American history as the associate of George Rogers Clarks in the Lewis and Clarke exploring expedition of the Missouri River Valley and the northwestern country, was a relative of the father of C. Q. Lewis, of this review, and was likewise the great-uncle of C. Q. Lewis, the younger.

The mother of the foregoing children is descended from an interest¬ ing American family. Her father, William D. Gooch, married Matilda Chiles, on March 25, 1813. W. D. Gooch was born April 16, 1782, and died Sept. 9, 1856. His wife, Matilda, was born Sept. 2, 1793, and died April 30, 1859. Matilda (Chiles) Gooch was a daughter of John and Polly (Tisdale) Chiles, who were married Jan. 6, 1792. John Chiles was bom Aug. 18, 1767. His wife, Polly, was born Sept. 2, 1793.

Charles Q. Lewis, Sr., settled in Saline County, Missouri, after his mar¬ riage. In 1877 he moved to Buchanan County, and founded the old St. Charles Hotel at St. Joseph, at the corner of Fifth and Charles streets. He operated this hotel until 1892, and then moved to Independence. In 1897 he removed to Oklahoma City, and resided there with his daughter, Mrs. T. W. Williamson, until his death.

Charles Q. Lewis resided in Saline County, Missouri, until he at¬ tained his majority. He then accompanied his father to St. Joseph, and from 1877 to 1879 he conducted a cigar store in that city. In 1880 he went to La Cygne, Kan., and became a member of the firm, George J. Miller Mercantile Company, remaining with this concern until 1890. He then returned to St. Joseph, and was in partnership with his father in the real estate business for 18 months, and in 1892 he came to Inde¬ pendence, and in April of that year engaged in the grocery business, the firm being C. Q. Lewis and Son. The grocery store was enlarged to a general merchandise business, and they conducted it for about four years. Selling out the business, Mr. Lewis engaged in farming and dairying east of Independence for about eight years. In 1904 he became a traveling salesman for the Eagle Manufacturing, and Smith and Sons Manufactur¬ ing Company, of Kansas City, a position which he held for four years. He returned to the farm and operated it until 1913. He then engaged in the real estate business in Independence for three years, since which time he has lived on his son's farm. During the winter of 1919-1920, Mr. and Mrs. Lewis resided in Blue Springs, returning to their farm in the spring of 1920. The Lewis dairy farm comprises 90 acres.

Charles Q. Lewis was married Jan. 31, 1882, to Miss Laura J. Lehr, who was bom in Topeka, Kan., Aug. 14, 1857. She is a daughter of Ga¬ briel (born May 26, 1823, died Dec. 23, 1869) and Margaret (Marks) Lehr (born Nov. 22, 1825, died April 4, 1909). Gabriel Lehr was a native of Lewiston, Pa., and was a Kansas pioneer. Owing to the unsettled con- dition in the border state in 1859 he returned to Pennsylvania and re¬ mained there until 1867, when he went to Kansas and purchased 1,500 acres of timber and lowlands, south of Paoli, in Miami and Linn counties. He established a sawmill and proceeded to clear the land of timber. He died before the project was fairly under way. His widow, with character¬ istic fortitude and determination, took his place and proceeded with the plans of developing and paying for the land. She operated the mills and furnished the timbers for the construction of the Fort Scott and Gulf railroad, now the Frisco railroad. Mrs. Lehr was an excellent manager and a very capable woman. While doing this work which had devolved upon her after her husband's death, she reared a family of children, as follow: Thaddeus Baker, Paoli, Kan., a traveling salesman; Clara Ellen (Christian), Odell, Ill.; James Lincoln, Seattle, Wash.; Albert Marks, Oklahoma City, manufacturer; and Mrs. Laura J. Lewis.

The children born to Charles Q. and Laura J. Lewis are as follow: Charles P., bora Sept. 3, 1883, deceased; Lillian L., bora Oct. 24, 1885, was the wife of Rev. James Percy Stewart, minister and missionary, de¬ ceased; George Winn; and Charles Q., Jr.

Rev. James Percy Stewart was born near Richmond, Va., and came to Liberty when a young man and was educated in William Jewell College. He was pastor of the Baptist church at Fulton and St. Louis, and finished his theological education in a seminary at Louisville, Ky. He was sent as missionary to Rome and remained there for seven years. His last charge was that of pastor of the Boles Avenue Baptist Church of Kansas City. Rev. Stewart died Feb. 6, 1916, at Liberty, Mo. Mrs. Stewart has five children: Meriwether Lewis Stewart, who was bora in St. Louis, just 100 years after the death of his ancestor and namesake, Meriwether Lewis, the explorer; John Armstrong Stewart; Mary Emily, Lillian Virginia, and James Percy Stewart, Jr.

George Winn Lewis was born Feb. 6, 1889, and is employed as an engi¬ neer on the Chicago and Alton railroad. He was married April 19, 1911, to Viola W. Graham, and has three children : G. Winn, born April 26, 1912, died Sept. 3, 1917; Ruth, bora in May, 1915; Lucy Marjorie, born May 31, 1913; Catherine Virginia, bora in May, 1918.

C. Q. Lewis, Jr., a farmer, living in Blue township, was born April 11, 1892, and was married Dec. 13, 1911, to Susan Bhkemore, and has three children: Virginia Louise, bora May 18, 1913; Robert, born in July, 1914; and Meriwether, bora in March, 1917.

handed down from his parents and grandparents, and which give the fam¬ ily records for four generations. He is an independent Democrat. He and Mrs. Lewis are members of the Baptist church of Independence, and he is a Mason, member of Lodge No. 76, of Independence.

Isaac N. Thompson, now living retired at Lees Summit, was for many years successfully engaged in farming and stock raising, and is still the owner of 400 acres of land in Prairie township, which is one of the valuable famis of Jackson County. Mr. Thompson is a native of Illinois, born in Madison County, Dec. 2, 1846. He is the son of William Hester A. (Nave) Thompson. William Thompson was a Kentuckian, and in early manhood removed to Madison County, Illinois, from his native State. He was a man of extensive affairs, and in the early days of Madison County, Illi¬ nois, was engaged in farming and stock raising. He also conducted a hotel, and operated a stage line to St. Louis. Later he removed to Miniicsota with his family, about 1855. He remained there about ten years, when he came to Jackson County, Missouri, and bought 700 acres of land in Prairie township. Here he was engaged in stock raising and feeding, on a large scale. He was also an extensive shipper of live stock. He died on his farm home in Prairie township at the age of 66 years. His wife, Hester A. (Nave) Thompson, was a native of Nashville, Tenn. She lived to the advanced age of 86 years, and departed this life in 1906.

Isaac N. Thompson is the youngest of three children bom to his par¬ ents. Three sisters died of scarlet fever. Mr. Thompson was educated in the public schools of Illinois and Minnesota, and was about 19 years of age when he came to Jackson County with his parents, in 1865. He re¬ mained on the home farm in Prairie township with his father, and co¬ operated in its operation, and in the stock business, until his father's death, when he inherited the home place. Here he was extensively en¬ gaged in farming and stock raising until 1906, when he retired and moved to Lees Summit, where he has since resided, and where he has a pleasant, modem home.

Mr. Thompson was united in marriage. May 11, 1869, with Miss Mary Wilson, a native of Kentucky. She is a daughter of David and Sarah J. (Walker) Wilson, who were very early pioneer settlers in Missouri, com¬ ing to this State about 1844. To Mr. and Mrs. Thompson have been bom seven children, as follow: Mabelle, married John Collins, and is now de¬ ceased; Gertrude, married John Jemmison, and is now deceased; Wyman, a bookkeeper in the stockyards, Kansas City, Mo. ; Frank, a daughter, re¬ sides at home with her parents ; Lena, married E. Butterfield, and resides

Mr. Thompson is a Democrat, and one of Jackson County's substantial citizens. He takes a keen interest in the welfare of his town and county, and is progressive and public-spirited. He is one of the original boosters for better roads.

James L. H. Franklin, late well known farmer of Fort Osage town¬ ship, was bom March 30, 1842, and died Aug. 5, 1908. He was a son of Benjamin Franklin, who was born in Bourbon County, Kentucky, and ac¬ companied his father, Lewis Franklin, to Jackson County, in 1831. Lewis Franklin founded a home for his family in this county and died here in 1860. Benjamin Franklin was reared to manhood on his father's farm, and after his marriage to Letha Horn, a native of Johnson County, he settled in Osage township. He died at the age of 33 years.

James L. H. Franklin was the only child of his parents. He grew up in Jackson County, and received such education as was afforded by the district schools. He followed in the footsteps of his forebears, and be¬ came a farmer and stockman, improving his splendid farm of 480 acres, and making a success of his vocation.

The late Mr. Franklin was three times married. His first marriage was with Miss Maryetta Tyer, a daughter of Lewis Tyer, of Fort Osage township. One child was born to this union, James L., who died when a year old. Mrs. Maryetta Franklin died in Denver, Colo., in 1874, where she had gone in the hope of regaining her health. Mr. Franklin's second marriage was with Laura Turner, who died without issue. In 1892 he was united in marriage with Miss Virginia Lee Barnes, who was born Dec. 5, 1863, at New Market, Mo. She was a daughter of Michael and Eliza¬ beth (Smith) Barnes, both natives of Missouri. Michael Barnes was a son of Rev. James Barnes, a Baptist minister, who was one of the first Baptist missionaries who went to California. Michael Barnes also went overland to California, taking his family in prairie schooners, in 1864. The trip required six months and upon their arrival there they settled on a ranch near Petaluma, Sonoma County. Here he reared his family, and engaged in ranching for a number of years.

After their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Franklin settled on the Franklin home place in Fort Osage township, and co-operated in building up the fine Franklin estate, which now consists of 430 acres, and is owned by Mrs. Franklin, who removed to Independence after the death of Mr. Franklin, and now resides at 614 West Maple avenue. One daughter was

The late Mr. Franklin was a Democrat. He was industrious and enterpiising. He was a member of the Baptist church and liberal in his support of the church and kindred institutions.

John Young Porter was born Oct. 25, 1857, and departed this life on March 26, 1918. He was a son of William Carroll and Frances (Powers) (Hutchings) Porter, natives, respectively, of Sumner County, Tenn., and Kentucky. William C. Porter was born in 1817, and died in Jackson Coun¬ ty, March 18, 1900. He came to Jackson County in 1834, when a youth of 17, mariied here, and participated in the early day development of the County. He accumulated a large body of land, some of which he entered from the government, and became one of the wealthy citizens of Jackson County. He was the father of six children: John Young, of this review; Mrs. Martha Ann Cook, of Independence ; Mary Alice, wife of Joseph An¬ derson, Blue Springs; Eliza Jane, deceased; Jessie and another child died

John Young Porter was reared to young manhood on his father's farm, near Lees Summit. His father gave him the present Porter place, which is a part of the old Hutchings place, in Sniabar township, and after his marriage in 1891 he settled on the property and proceeded to develop it. The Porter place consists of 230 acres, 60 acres of which is devoted to apple growing. The Porter orchard is 23 years old, and is now in the prime of production. Foreseeing that this section of Jackson County was des¬ tined to become a fruit growing center, Mr. Porter set out the orchards, cared for and sprayed his trees in the scientific way, and the family is now reaping the results of his labors. For several years the orchards have been producing splendid crops of apples. This year, 1919, the apple crop was sold on the trees for $4,500. The Porter homestead is one of the best improved in Jackson County, a large white farm house, large bams and a concrete silo with a capacity of 180 tons are the major improvements.

Nov. 26, 1891, John Y. Porter was married to Miss Julia Anne Brown, who was bom in Sumner County, Tenn., March 5, 1863. She is a daughter of Jeremiah and Lucy Samantha (Brizendine) Brown, the for¬ mer of whom resides in Independence. Jeremiah Brown was bom in July, 1843, and came from Tennessee to Jackson County in October, 1881. They settled on a farm just across the road from the Porter place, and later moved to a place near Oak Grove. After some years of residence near Oak Grove, Mr. Brown retired to Independence. Mrs. Lucy S. Brown was born Oct. 29, 1836, and died March 27, 1918. They were the parents of eight daughters: Mrs. Mary Elizabeth Clampitt, living near Oak Grove, Julia Ann Porter j Mrs. Susie Lane St. Clair, Oak Grove j Mrs. Amanda Jane Mundy, died at Blue Springs; Mrs. Marguerite Luella Bergschneidei, Eldorado, Kan.; Mrs. Beulah Lillian Mundy, Independence; Mr^. Willie Pond Holke, Independence.

The children born to John Y. and Julia Anne Porter are: William Carroll Porter, bom Sept. 6, 1892, now managing the Porter home place ; and Marie and Julia, at home with their mother.

John Y. Porter was a Democrat. He attended the Methodist Epis¬ copal church, of which Mrs. Porter is a member, and was affiliated with the Modern Woodmen of America. He was an industrious and enterprising citizen, who stood high in his community.

William M. Sloan, attorney, former real estate dealer of Kansas City, well known politician, now a farmer in Sniabar township, is one of the most widely kno\\n citizens of Jackson County. Mr. Sloan, after years of activity in commercial an^ civic circles of Kansas City, is now residing comfortably on his beautiful country estate. He was bom at Keokuk, Iowa, in 1859, and is a son of John and Fannie M. (Breeden) Sloan, both natives of Mason County, Kentucky. John Sloan, the father, was a mer¬ chant at Alexander, Iowa. Fannie M. (Breeden) Sloan was a daughter of John M. Breeden, an attorney and Kentucky pioneer, who was a nephew of President James Madison, and came of a prominent Southern family. When Mr. Breeden removed to Keokuk, he became a capitalist and pro¬ moter and owned considerable land near the city and real estate within its confines. About 1861, the Sloan family, Mr. Breeden and his family lo¬ cated at Lexington, Mo. The family of John M. Breeden consisted of six sons and a daughter. He and three of his sons entered the Union Army. John M. Breeden was taken prisoner later by the Confederates and died from the effects of his imprisonment. William Breeden became a colonel in the army, and entered the Jesse Scouts with General Fremont. After the close of the war he located at Santa Fe, N. M., and served as attor¬ ney-general of the territory for 14 years. Talma Breeden died during the Civil War.

Marshall M. Breeden enlisted in the Union Army at the age of 16 years. After the war he went to New Mexico, and seiwed as postmaster at Santa Fe. He became assistant attorney-general and practiced law. He later moved moved to Utah, and became attorney-general of that State. From there he moved to Los Angeles, and died in 1918.

John M. Breeden, Jr., went to Colorado and died young in years. Henry Clay Breeden, at the age of 14 years, went to Burlingame, Kan., and from there made the overland trip to California. When he arrived in San Francisco he had a total of 35 cents. Despite his poverty he put up at a first-class hotel and secured a position almost immediately. A few years later he went to Portland, Ore., and secured a good position. He and a partner engaged in the furniture and carpet business, which he expanded into an extensive business. He made considerable money. After some years, he sold out in Portland and traveled all over the world witli the an¬ nounced intention of locating in the most suitable and desirable spot in which he would make his future home. He finally located in Los Angeles, and is one of its wealthiest citizens.