Jackson County, Missouri - Biographical sketches, 1920 (part 9 of 15)

The father of William M. Sloan moved to Decatur, Ill., and engaged in farming for three years. He then became interested in the manufacture of corn planters operated by horse power, and purchased the patents of the Alexander Corn Planter, the first planter operated by horse power ever placed in the market. He built up an extensive business, sold out, and in 1874 located in Cincinnati, Ohio, where he engaged in railroad contracting. He died at Indianapolis, Ind., July 19, 1906. He reared a family of three sons and four daughters, as follow: Dr. John H. Sloan, William M., of this review; Ardella, living in Kansas City; Mrs. Anna M. Noel, whose husband is James W. Noel, a prominent attorney who was an assistant prosecutor for the State in the Los Angeles Times dynamiting case ; Clifton B. and Fannie V.

Dr. John H. Sloan was a physician who practiced in Santa Fe, N. M.. for 30 years. His health failed and he returned to Missouri, dying in Kansas City, Nov. 14, 1917. Mamie A. is the wife of Charles A. Dyer, an attorney of Indianapolis. Clifton B. Sloan is an architect in Knasas City. Fannie V. is the wife of William E. Campbell, of Clay County, now living in Kansas City. His mother was the first white child bom in Kan¬ sas City, and his father was one of the original owners of the town site of Kansas City.

William M. Sloan, of this review, was educated in the public schools of Springfield, Ill., and Cincinnati, Ohio. For two years he attended the country schools of Bourbon County, Kentucky, and then completed his education in Cincinnati. In the latter city he studied at the Chickering Institute, pursuing a commercial course, and also studied at the Cincinnati

Law School. In 1882 he went to Santa Fe, N. M., and entered the law offices of Breeden and Waldo, the former of whom was attorney-general of New Mexico, and the latter the solicitor for the Santa Fe Railroad Company. He was admitted to the bar in 1884, and remained in Santa Fe until his marriage, Dec. 25, 1885. He then located in Kansas City, and engaged in the real estate business during the great real estate boom. He organized the real estate firm of Sloan and Truitt and their opera¬ tions were conducted on a large scale.

Mr. Sloan became interested in politics, made speeches over the county, and became widely acquainted, becoming one of the leaders of the Republican party in the city and county. In 1894 he was the candidate of his party for the office of county marshall, and was elected by a plur¬ ality of 22 votes. However, the opposition never intended that he should take up the duties of his office. Election crooks who were in the pay of the politicians are alleged to have got hold of the election record books, and changed the figures, so as to show that Mr. Sloan had been defeated by 17 votes. His opponent in the election was then rushed to Jefferson City and received his commission from the governor. Mr. Sloan and his friends at once instituted a contest, and the matter was fought out in the courts for sometime, the Supreme Court eventually decided against his contest by a vote of four to three.

In 1895, Mr. Sloan was appointed by Mayor Davis to the position of chvf deputy in the city clerk's office, a place which he ably filled for one and a half years. Following this he filled the office of street commis¬ sioner under Mayor Jones, and continued in the office under Mayor Reed. He w'as then appointed to a place in the upper house of the city council, to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Councilman Kelly, and held this position for three and a half years. In 1904 he w^as re-elected to a mem¬ bership in the upper house, and served until 1908. During this time he w'as a member of the street railway committee, which had charge of the street railway franchise, the terminal railway depot franchise, and other important railw'ay matters of vital interest in to the people of Kansas City. Under Mayor Thomas T. Crittenden, the city and the other parties interested became deadlocked over the land damage question relative to the settlement of the depot problem, and at his request Mr. Sloan wrote a letter to the mayor submitting a plan for the solution of the deadlock. He outlined a plan whereby a committee of five men should be appointed to fix the damages. The mayor hastened to accept it and called him to a meeting, where he offered him a place on the committee tw'o days later.

The conference was held at the Baltimore Hotel, and the mayor informed Mr. Sloan that he had proposed the real solution to the vexing problem. He suggested ten real estate men, of whom five were to be chosen for the commission, but that feature was rejected and John A. Moore, representing the company, and Mr. Sloan, reprectmting the city, were selected. This commission of two men then performed the hitherto hopeless task of as¬ sessing the damages for the proposed public improvements.

After leaving the office of street commissioner, Mr. Sloan organized the Sloan and Norris Realty Company, and engaged in general real estate and fire insurance business in 1901. This firm was successfully engaged until Mr. Norris' death, Oct. 5, 1917. Mr. Sloan then closed out the busi¬ ness and came to his farm in Sniabar township.

Mr. Sloan was married Dec. 31, 1885, to Miss Lula Waldo, in Prince Geoige s County, Maryland. Mrs. Lula Sloan was born in Independence, Missouri, March 8, 1861, and is a daughter of the late Dr. David and Eliza (Norris) Waldo, natives of Kentucky. Dr. David Waldo was a son of Jedediah Waldo, who had children as follow: John, Edward, Cornelius and Polly Porter. Dr. Waldo was bom April 30, 1802, near Clarksburg, W. Va., and died May 20, 1878, in Independence. He graduated in medi¬ cine at Lexington, Ky., in 1822, and for some years he was engaged in overland freighting to New Mexico. He engaged in banking in Independ¬ ence, and became one of the best known men of his day in this city. He was a fine scholar, a student, and a Christian gentleman. Dr. Waldo was married March 27, 1849, at Independence, to Eliza Jane Norris, a daugh¬ ter of Edward and Margaret (Glascow) Norris, the latter a native of Cul¬ peper Court House, Va., and the former of Mount Sterling, Ky. During the Mexican War Dr. Waldo was captain of a company of Missouri Vol¬ unteers.

The children born to Dr. David and Eliza (Norris) Waldo are: Wil¬ liam, born Jan. 1, 1850, killed in New Mexico in May, 1894; Olive, born July 23, 1851; David, born June 21, 1853; Minnie, born Sept. 21, 1856; Lula Elizabeth, wife of the subject of this review.

The children born to William M. and Lula Sloan are as follow: Agnes, Aldine, John K. and Waldo Douglas. Agnes Sloan was born in December,' 1888, and was the wife of Elbert G. Barnes. She died Dec. 6, 1918.' Aldine, bom Jan. 20, 1890, and died July 3, 1911. Lieut. John K. Sloan, late of tile National Army, was bom in 1892, and died of influenza in camp at Dallas, Texas, Oct. 13, 1918. He graduated from the Kansas City schools, and was graduated from the Manual Training High School and the department of civil engineering-, State University, and was a man of gi'eat promise and ability of a high order. When the United States de¬ clared war upon Germany he was engaged as assistant engineer on a bridge contract at Nowata, Okla. He at once offered his services to the government, and enlisted in the aviation department of the army at Kan¬ sas City, and was commissioned a lieutenant while waiting at Dallas, Texas, for orders to proceed overseas. Waldo Douglas Sloan was born in June, 1897, and enlisted in the National Army. After the armistice was signed he received his honorable discharge and retunied home.

Mr. and Mrs. Sloan have good and just right to be proud of the fact that they sent their two sons to serve under the stars and stripes in de¬ fense of human liberty throughout the world. The sympathy of all is with them in the sacrifice which they suffered in the loss of their eldest son. Few men of Jackson county have had a more interesting or unsel¬ fishly useful career in the service of his fellowmen than Mr. Sloan.

William Baldus, 143 East College street. Independence, Mo., owner of a farm of 150 acres in Fort Osage township, is a native of Illinois. Mr. Baldus was born Sept. 21, 1887, and is a son of Joseph and Margaret (Hoffman) Baldus, residing at 916 North Main street. Independence.

Joseph Baldus removed from Illinois to Saline County, Missouri, in 1889, and engaged in farming there until 1909, when he sold out and came to Jackson County, purchasing a farm in Fort Osage township. In the summer of 1911 he sold his farm and moved to a home in Independence. He has reared a family of five sons and three daughters, as follow: George Baldus, a farmer in Lafayette County ; Mrs. Margaret Buie, whose husband is a farmer in Saline County; Edward Baldus, a farmer, near Oak Grove, Jackson County; Fred Baldus, a student in William Jewell College; Frank and Cora, at home with their parents; and Mrs. Clara Lebow, Independence.

William Baldus was reared in Saline County, and was educated in the district schools. He began farming on his own account in 1911 on his place, consisting of 150 acres in Fort Osage township, and specialized in the raising of pure-bred Hereford cattle, descended from the original Lentz herd of Hereford. In 1919 he rented his farm and purchased a residence in Independence.

Mr. Baldus was married March 8, 1911, to Miss Myrtle Lentz, who was bom on a farm near Atherton, Mo., Nov. 1, 1883, and is a daughter of Noah and Louisa (Kirby) Lentz, further mention of whom appears in this volume. Six children have been born to this marriage, as follow;

Mr. Baidus is a Republican. He is a progressive and enterprising citizen, a successful farmer and stockman, and has many wami friends among the people of his neighborhood.

Edwai'd J. Owen, farmer and stockman, owner of a valuable farm of 152 acres in Sniabar township, is a native of Illinois. He was born in Mc¬ Lean County, Nov. 11, 1858, and is a son of Alma Owen, a sketch of whom is given in this volume with that of William F. Owen. Mr. Owen pur¬ chased his present home place in 1903. It was formerly the Clemons place. He has done considerable improving since coming into possession of the farm, and has erected two large concrete silos.

Edward J. Owen was eight years of age when his parents came from Illinois to Missouri. Three families formed the party. The other fami¬ lies were relatives of the Owens, named Clark and Burnham. Five wagons carried the travelers and their belongings. Mr. Owen brought along ten head of cows. There were three boys in the party, and a free-for-all fight ensued each night as to which of the boys should ride the old mare owned by Mr. Owen to the nearest water. After coming to Jackson County, Edward J. Owen attended the Owen school. He remained at home with his parents until 1S83, and then located west of the Owen school house. He improved 60 acres and increased his holdings to 100 acres, and later moved to the farai where N. Powers now lives. He purchased his home farm in 1903.

Edward J. Owen was married in 1883 to Cassandra Johnson, a daugh¬ ter of Henry and Elizabeth (Ware) Johnson. She was bom in Clay Coun¬ ty, March 31, 1865. Her father, Henry Johnson, was a native of Virginia, and came to Jackson County in the early thirties. He served iif the Civil War with the Confederate Army, and after the war settled down to farm¬ ing. Now, at the advanced age of 76 years, he is making his home with his children. Elizabeth, his wife, was born in 1837, and died in 1901. To Henry and Elizabeth Johnson were bom nine children : Mrs. Cassandra Owen, of this review; Mrs. Irene Page, Montana; Mrs. Nettie Harris, Olathe, Kan.; Fred, Belvidere, Ill.; William, Nebraska; Mrs. Belle Hogue, Pink. Hill, Mo.; Jesse, near Oakland church; Mrs. Josie Thomas, Independ¬ ence; Thomas, Grain Valley.

The children born to Edward J. and Cassandra Owen are as follow: Mrs. Stella Riske, lives in Independence ; Russell, lives near Lake City, and maiTied Pearl Perkins, who has borne his three children, Kate, Bernardine and Pauline; Mrs. Alta Zumalt, lives on the home place, has one child, Reba Covene.

Mr. Owen is a Republican, and Mrs. Owen is a Democrat. They are members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, and Mr. Owen is a member of the Brotherhood of American Yeoman.

James D. Wood, the present capable steward of the Jackson County Home, is a native of Texas, although he has spent practically all his life in Jackson County, and for many years has been identified with the inter¬ ests of this county. He was born in Terrant County, Texas, March 4, 1867, and is a son of James R. and Nancy (Chrisman) Wood.

James R. Wood was born in Virginia in 1824. In 1831, when he was seven years of age, he came to Jackson County, Missouri, with his par¬ ents, who settled' on a farm in Sniabar township. Here he grew to man¬ hood, and during the Civil War, he went to Texas with his family, where he was engaged in farming until 1867. He then returned to Jackson County, and bought land two and one-half miles northeast of Lees Sum¬ mit. Here he was engaged in farming and stock raising until about a year prior to his death. He was quite an extensive mule dealer, and was successful in his business operations. At the time of his death, in 1893, he was the ower of 240 acres of land, which was divided among his chil¬ dren. His wife was also a native of Virginia, bom in 1825. She died in 1892. They were the parents of five children, as follow; Mrs. Elizabeth Bisher, whose husband is now deceased, and she resides with her chil¬ dren at Lees Summit; Dr. M. P. Wood, a physician of Independence, Mo.; Pearce, married V. B. Snead, resides at Wichita, Kan. ; Louvnie, married A. W. Williams, and they live in Iowa; and James D., the subject of this sketch.

James D. Wood was less than one year old when his parents returned from Texas to Jackson County. He was reared in this county, and re¬ ceived his early education in the district schools. Later he attended William Jewell College at Liberty, Mo., for two years. He then engaged in the hardware business at Lees Summit, and during the course of his career, he has devoted 18 or 20 years to the hardware business. In 1915, he was appointed steward of the Jackson County Home by the county court, and has ably and conscientiously filled that position to the present time.

Mr. Wood has been twice married. On March 28, 1890, he was united in marriage with Miss Betty Warren, a native of Johnson County, Mis¬ souri. She was a daughter of Thomas Warren, who came to Jackson

County about 1870, where he engaged in the grocery business. Mrs. Wood was born July 28, 1870, and died Oct. 26, 1894, leaving one daughter, Ursula, now the wife of H. B. Jennings, of Cass County, Missouri. June 7, 1907, Mr. Wood was married to Laura Day, a native of Saline County, Missouri, and a daughter of John Day, who was a native of Ohio, and settled in Saline County, where he and his wife spent the remainder of

Hon. James Monroe Adams. - "The brightest man in eastern Jackson County," was the tribute once paid to the late Pol. J. M. Adams, of Fort Osage township, by one of his admirers. The man who made the state¬ ment was William H. Wallace, who paid a tribute to Mr. Adams on the occasion of his making a speech at Buckner, and after expressing his de¬ sire that Mr. Adams come to hear him he added the foregoing" remark. Legislator, lav/yer, justice of the peace, newspaper writer of more than local fame, J. M. Adams and his accomplishments will always figure prom¬ inently in the history of Jackson County. He was born on a pioneer farm near Atherton, Mo., Nov. 13, 1833, and died at his home south of Buckner, Mo., in November, 1916.

Lynchburg Adams, his father, was practically the first pioneer set¬ tler to establish a permanent home in Fort Osage township. He was born near Lynchburg, Va., Feb. 22, 1804, and married Elizabeth Drake, who was born in Howard County, Mo., Dec. 7, 1808. She was a daughter of Isaac Drake, a soldier of the Revolutionary War, in whose memory a monument was erected near Atherton by the Daughters of the American Revolution. Lynchburg Adams came to Jackson County, March 20, 1819, and located near Sibley, in Fort Osage township, where he was manned, Nov. 1, 1827. He entered land in the Blue bottoms later, and resided there until his death, Dec. 6, 1873. His wife died Jan. 24, 1859. They had five children, four sons and a daughter, James M. being the fourth in order of birth. The first farm upon which Mr. Adams settled upon has long been engulfed and carried away by the ever changeful Missouri River. The old Adams homestead of 320 acres, which Mr. Adams purchased in 1844, was located near Atherton.

Hon. J. M. Adams

Hill College, in Jackson County, and spent one year in the University of Missouri, and was graduated at Jones' Mercantile College in St. Louis.

During the Civil War he served as a member of Company G, Colonel Reeves regiment, the company being commanded by Captain Kemper, and attached to Gen. Sterling Price's division. He took part in the Battle of Pea Ridge, and shortly after was obliged to leave the army on account of ill health. He then returned to Jackson County, and afterwards went to Clay County, where he taught school for a year. At the close of the war he returned to Jackson County, and took up the life of a farmer. He also carried on general merchandising at Pink Hill for eight years, and then located in Fort Osage township, upon his farm of 150 acres, and there made his home until his death. For 12 years Mr. Adams was numbered among the successful teachers of Jackson County. He was married April 5, 1859, to Miss Annie E. Nottingham, daughter of Jacob and Margaret (Fickel) Nottingham, natives of Virginia. Mrs. Adams was born April 1, 1838, in Lafayette County, Mo., but was reared at Blue Mills, near Ather¬ ton, in Fort Osage township. The children born of this marriage are: Lynchburg B., bom Feb. 13, 1860; John W., born 1862; Cozzette, born 1864, wife of James A. Hensley, Denver, Colo. ; Mrs. Bessie Biggerstaff, born 1866, Pleasant Hill, Mo. ; Mrs. Fannie Byrd, born 1868, lives in K^ansas City; James, Jr., born 1870, deputy sheriff, Kansas City; Arthur, born 1870, an attorney, Kansas City; Avonia, born 1874, wife of Charles Adams, California; Emmett born 1876; Ottis, a farmer in Sniabar town¬ ship; Carl, born 1880, an attorney in Kansas City.

James M. Adams originally owned 520 acres, but sold off much of this tract, and at the time of his death he left 140 acres as his estate. He was a thorough Democrat, who was frequently honored with public office. In 1859 he was elected justice of the peace. He was appointed notary public under Gov. B. G. Brown, and was reappointed by each suc¬ ceeding governor for a number of years. In November, 1884, he was elected to the State Legislature, and served one term. Senator George Vest said of him in this respect: "He was the brightest man in ihe State Legislature." When a member of the legislature, Mr. Adams made the speech which nominated Vest for the Senate. The Senator never forgot this service, and when Cleveland was elected President and in office, the Senator asked Cleveland for an appointment for his friend Adams. Cleve¬ land said to Vest: "Senator, I don't know this man Adams, Is he cap¬ able?" Senator Vest replied: "Mr. President, he can fill your position better than you, yourself. He can fill any position from Senator to Pres- ident." Mr. Adams got the appointment, that of assistant internal reve¬ nue collector at Kansas City, under Hasbrook, and held the position for four years. In the fall of 1878, John W. Booth was elected constable of Kaw township, and Judge Adams became one of his bondsmen. Six months later Booth resigned, and Mr. Adams was appointed to this posi¬ tion and held it for 12 years. This office was, at that time, an important one. After the expiration of his term of constable, Mr. Adams returned to his farm. Governor Marmaduke, when he took office, sent for him to come to Jefferson City, and told him that he was going to appoint him to one of the best positions in the State, because he was worthy of it, and capable of filling this position. Two days before it was time for the gov¬ ernor to sign the legal papers certifying to the appointment the governor died. For over 20 years Mr. Adams served as justice of the peace, and practiced law for many years. He was well versed in legal procedure, and was an accomplished orator and public speaker, who could express himself upon any subject convincingly, learnedly and well. He was quick in repartee and agile minded. He was noted as a newspaper contributor, and wrote for such papers as the Independence "Sentinel" and the Oak Grove "Banner." He was a splendid letter writer. This accomplishment excited the wonder and admiration of friends and opponents alike. His ver¬ satility in this respect won for his son, L. B. Adams, the appointment of postmaster at Buckner.

Colonel Adams was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church South. He was a stalwart champion of all matters of public improve¬ ment, and every worthy cause received his full and unswerving support. He was a Royal Arch Mason, and served as worshipful master of Buckner Lodge, No. 501. He was a charter member of Buckner Lodge, Independ¬ ent Order of Odd Fellows, and was liberal in his contributions. He prac¬ tically built the Pink Hill Methodist Church, paying $600 out of his own purse for the erection of the building. At one time Colonel Adams was a man of considerable wealth, but lost considerable money through his inability to deny a friend who sought his assistance. His purse was al¬ ways open to his friends, and so ill advised were some of his ventures in indorsing notes for needy friends that he lost at one time over $15,000 in bad notes and loans. He was one of the finest characters of Jackson County, and every good citizen was his friend. Colonel Southern once said of Mr. Adams: "Colonel Adams was the most popular man in Jackson County." daries of Jackson County, and received 50 cents per day for his labor. He saved $150, and bought a claim at Atherton for $200, earning the balance of the purchase price by selling honey, deer and coon hides. He became very wealthy, selling his first farm for $2,000 after two years ownership. He then paid $1,000 for 280 acres in 1844.

Lynchburg B. Adams, who is managing the Adams home place in Fort Osage township, is a lawyer of ability, and in many respects re¬ sembles his father. He was educated in Morrisville College, and grad¬ uated from the Kansas City Law School in 1890. He practiced law in Kansas City for ten years, and was successful in his practice. Ill health and the admonition of his physician that if he expected to live many years, caused him to give up his law practice, and return to the home farm, where he has regained his health and is caring for his aged mother. Mr. Adams served four years as postmaster of Buckner, under President Wil¬ son. He takes an active part in county politics, and is one of the "wheel horses" of the Democratic party in eastern Jackson County.

Martin F. Leinweber, a progressive and well known farmer and stock breeder of Prairie township, is a native of Illinois. He was bom in Mason County, Ill., April 4, 1876, and is a son of Martin and Katherine (Rigle) Leinweber, the former now deceased, and the latter residing in Prairie township, Jackson County. A more complete history of the Leinweber family appears in connection with the sketch of John R. Leinweber, which appears in this volume.

Martin F. Leinweber received his early education in the district schools, and from early life was trained to the duties and details of fai'ming and stock raising. He remained at home with his parents until he was 22 years of age and after the death of his father, he inherited 200 acres of valuable land. Since that time he has made improvements on his faiTn and increased his acreage until he is the owner of 260 acres in Prairie township. Here he carries on general farming and stock raising and for the past six years has specialized in breeding Shorthorn cattle. He has some excellent stock of this strain and is recognized as one of the successful breeders of Jackson County.

On Sept. 4, 1904, Mr. Leinweber was united in marriage with Miss Lula H. Ritter, native of Jackson County, Missouri, and a daughter of William and Mildred (Cantrell) Ritter, the former a native of Missouri and the latter of Kentucky. They were early settlers in Jackson County. To Mr. and Mrs. Leinweber have been born two children as follows: Mildred and Roberta, both of whom are at home with their parents.

In 1901 Mrs. Leinweber began teaching in the district schools of Jackson County and taught three years. She graduated from Lees Sum¬ mit High School and later attended the State Normal School at Warrensburg, Mo.

Mr. Leinweber is a Democrat and a member of the Lutheran church. He is a stockholder in the Citizens Bank of Lees Summit, and the Drovers Packing Plant of Kansas City, Mo., and one of Jackson County's success¬ ful citizens, wKo by keen foresight and constant industry is accomplish¬ ing things.

Robert George Wilson, Jr., a prominent citizen of Lees Summit, Mo., has been prominently identified with the affairs of Jackson County since early manhood. Mr. Wilson is a native of this county. He was born at Independence, Feb. 14, 1852, and has practically spent his life in Jackson County. His parents were Robert George and Louisa (McMurray) Wil¬ son, both natives of Boyles County, Kentucky, and among the prominent early settlers of Jackson County. Robert George Wilson, Sr., was born at Danville, Ky., in January, 1820. He followed farming in early life in his native State, and in 1851, came to Jackson County, Missouri, first locating at Independence. In 1852, he bought a farm in Prairie township, where he was engaged in farming and stock raising until 1886, when he retired and moved to Kansas City, spending the remainder of his life there. He died in 1911. During his active career, he was prominent in the affairs of Jackson County, and was one of the widely known men of this section of the State. He took a keen interest and a prominent part in politics, al¬ though he never aspired to hold political office himself, and was never a candidate for public office, preferring to assist his friends in the realiza¬ tion of their political ambitions. One of his main sports and pastimes was wolf hunts. He made many friends during the course of his career, and was known far and wife for his keen sense of humor and ever ready joke. The Wilsons w'ere of English descent. Robert George Wilson, Sr., was a son of Samuel Wilson, who settled in Kentucky at a very early date. Louisa (McMurray) Wilson, mother of Robert George Wilson, Jr., was

Robert George Wilson, Jr., was reared in Jackson County, and received his education in the George Bryant School of Independence, Mo., and Westminster College of Fulton, Mo. He remained on the home farm until the fall of 1873. In 1874, he was appointed deputy county clerk of Jackson County, and for six years capably performed the duties of that office. He then resided in Kansas City until 1882, when he was appointed county collector by the governor of the State to serve out the unexpired term of Joe Green, At the expiration of that term, he was elected county collector, and re-elected to succeed himself, serving two terms. In 1887, he returned to his farm in Prairie township, where he remained but a short time, however, when he returned to Kansas City, but shortly afterwards returned to his farm, and since that time has continued his interest in farming and stocK breeding with uniform success. For years he has been a successful breeder of Aberdeen Angus cattle. In 1905, he moved to Lees Summit, where he has since resided, although he has continued his active interest in his stock raising operations. He is the owner of one of the splendid farms of Jackson County. It consists of 530 acres of highly improved and valuable land, and adjoins the Longview Farms on the east. Mr. Wilson seiwed three years as postmaster of Lees Summit, serving in that capacity until December, 1918, when he resigned.

Sept. 30, 1885, Robert George Wilson, Jr., and Miss Anna Waugh, of Chariton County, Missouri, were united in marriage. Her parents were early settlers in that section of the State, and were natives of Virginia. To Mr. and Mrs. Wilson have been bora five children, as follow: Frances, Mary, Robert G., Jr., Thomas E., and Louise, all of whom reside at home with their parents, except Robert G., Jr., who is deceased. Thomas E. was in training at Camp Pike, Ark., during the World War, and after the signing of the aiTnistice, was discharged and returned home.

Mr. Wilson is a Democrat and a member of the Presbyterian church. He has a broad acquaintance, and is one of the well and favorably known men of Jackson County.

James A. Dark, now living retired at Lees Summit, has been identified with Jackson County for more than 50 years. He was born at Pine Hill, Ontario, Canada, son of Edwin and Caroline Herron Dark, and was one of 10 children bora to them, as follows Eliza Ann, married Jerry Wood and is now deceased; William C., deceased; Henry lives in Blue township, Jackson County; James A., the subject of this sketch; John M., Prairie township ; Hannah married M. W. Dunnington, Drexel, Mo. ; Elizabeth mar¬ ried S. C. Munns, and resides near San Jose, Calif. ; Thomas E., deceased ; and two children died in infancy.

Edwin Dark was bora in England, Feb., 1822, and in 1833 when 11 years of age, he went to Canada with his parents. He remained in Can¬ ada until 1862 and after spending some time in Iowa and Missouri, he came to Jackson County in 1866 and with his family settled on a farm in Prairie township, where he bought 180 acres of land, 40 acres of which was timber. Here he was engaged in farming until the time of his death Sept. 6, 1876. He was a Democrat and member of the Baptist church. His wife was also a native of England, born in 1824, died Feb. 9, 1900.

James A. Dark spent his active career in farming and stock raising in Jackson County and in 1903 he retired and since that time has resided at Lees Summit. He owns a good farm of 80 acres of land in Prairld township.

James A. Dark was married March 30, 1876, to Josephine Hart Ritter, who was born in Linn County, Kan. and came to Jackson County from Texas with her parents in 1867. To James A. Dark and wife have been born the following children: William, a sketch of whom appears in this volume; Mary Dora, married H. H. Doudna, Prairie township and Charles D., Kansas City, Mo. Mr. Dark is a Republican and a member of the Baptist church.

William H. Dark, of Prairie township, is well known throughout Jackson County as an extensive farmer and successful breeder of Short¬ horn cattle. Mr. Dark is a native son of Jackson County, and was bom in Prairie township, Jan. 22, 1877. He is a son of James A. and Josephine (Ritter) Dark, a sketch of whom appears in this volume.

William H. Dark was reared on the home farm in Prairie township, and attended the district school. He became familiar with farming in early life, to which he has devoted himself to the present time, and has met with success. He now owns 230 acres of land, a part of which Mrs. Dark inherited from her father's estate. Mr. Dark has made extensive improvements on the place, including a fine modern residence, which he built in 1911. He carries on general farming and stock raising, and for the past five years has been a breeder of Shorthorn cattle, and has some very fine stock of this strain on his place.

Mr. Dark was married Nov. 26, 1903 to Miss Clara Leinweber, a native of Mason County, Ill., and a daughter of Martin and Katherine Lein¬ weber. A more extensive history of the Leinweber family appears in this volume in connection with the sketch of John Leinweber, who is a brother of Mrs. Dark. To Mr. and Mrs. Dark have been born five chil¬ dren, as follows: Leonard E., Mabel Lorene, William M., James A., and Evert E., all of whom reside at home with their parents.

Mr. Dark is a Republican and a member of the Baptist church. He is a stockholder in the Citizens Bank of Lees Summit and widely and favor¬ ably known in Jackson County.

Levi V. Tudor, a successful dairyman of Prairie township, who is also a breeder of Jersey and Shorthorn cattle, was born in Ross County, Ohio, March 27, 1855. He is a son of Miles C. and Mary (Thorp) Tudor, who were the parents of 13 children as follows: John, deceased; George W., deceased; Milton, resides in Colorado; Levi V., the subject of this sketch; Thomas, deceased; Mary, married Ed Constable, Lees Summit, Mo.; Ed¬ ward, Independence, Mo. ; Hannah, married Henry Davis, Lees Summit, Mo.; Daniel, deceased; Charles, Greenwood, Mo.; Mrs. Ida Sollers, St. Joseph, Mo., and two died in infancy.

Miles C. Tudor was a native of Virginia and when a small boy, re¬ moved to Ohio with his parents. He was the son of William Tudor and the Tudor family is of English extraction. In 1869, Miles C. Tudor came to Jackson County, Mo., and bought 120 acres of land, three miles east of Lees Summit, for which he paid $50 per acre. He operated this place for 15 years, when he sold out and moved to Lees Summit and spent the re¬ mainder of his life there. He died in 1901 at the advanced age of 84 years. Mary (Thorp) Tudor, his wife, died in 1899, at Lees Summit.

Levi V. Tudor was 14 years of age, when he came to Jackson County^ Mo. with his parents. He received his education in the district schools and since he was 18 years old, he has shifted for himself. He began as a farai hand and later operated rented land and his first investment was two lots in Lees Summit. About that time he was married, built a home in Lees Summit, and began operating a farm near Lone Jack, which was owned by his father-in-law. He sold his Lees Summit property and in¬ vested in teams and farming implements. In 1898, Mr. Tudor purchased his present place, which then consisted of 80 acres, at $25 per acre. He sold 40 acres of this place and later added 20 and is now the owner of 60 acres of valuable land which is well adapted to general farming, as well as the dairy and stock business. His place is well improved, including a modern residence, which he built in 1912. He has been in the dairy busi¬ ness for the past 17 years. He has 22 head of milch cows and his place is equipped with modern dairy fixtures and he uses modern methods. He has his own cream separator and utilizes the skim milk to a profitable advantage by feeding a herd of hogs, which is always maintained on the place. He is also successful as a breeder of Jersey and Shorthorn cattle.

March 1, 1895, Mr. Tudor was united in marriage with Miss Emma Henderickson, a native of Indiana and a daughter of Rev. John Henderickson, who was a Baptist minister. The Henderickson family went to Kan¬ sas in the pioneer days of that state and John Henderickson entered 160 acres from the g-overnment, where the town of Lincoln Center, Kan. nowstands. In 1866, they came to Jackson County, when Mrs. Tudor was a young child. To Mr. and Mrs. Tudor have been born four daughters, as follow: Mamie T., married Charles Muckey, Prairie township; Minnie Ruth, married Weller Talley, Lees Summit; Georgia A. and Katie, both reside at home with their parents.

Samuel H. Stock, proprietor of 160 acres of Missouri River bottom land, neai Levasy, Fort Osage township, is a native of Warren County, Mo. Mr. Stock was born March 3, 1867, and is a son of Frederick and Louisa (Fosse) Stock, both of w'hom were natives of Germany. Fred¬ erick Stock was born in 1823, and died in 1911. His wife, Louisa, was born in 1830, and died in 1905. The elder Stock w'as twice married. He emigrated from Germany to America in 1846, with his first wife, who died some time after the birth of his first child, August, deceased. He was married to Louisa Fosse in Warren County, and to this marriage were born children as follows: Paullina Meyer, Blackburn, Mo.; Minnie, deceased, Henry, a retired farmer, of Levasy, Mo.; Mrs. Johanna Peters, who died at Henderson, Neb.; Samuel H., of this review; Charles, de¬ ceased. Frederick Stock sold out his holdings in Warren County in 1892, and came to Jackson County, where he owned a farm. He died at the home of his son, Henry Stock.

Samuel H. Stock was reared to young manhood in Warren County, and came to Jackson County in 1889. He rented a farm during his first year, and then bought 70 acres, where his son now lives. There were no improvements on this farm but a small shack, and Mr. Stock went to work and erected the existing improvements on the place. He purchased his present home place in 1903, the year of the great flood, when the Mis¬ souri River bottoms were under water from the overflow'. He has erected

Two immense walnut trees in the front yard are a feature of the Stock place. It is probable that they are the largest trees of the kind in this part of Missouri, of immense girth and wide spreading branches they present an imposing sight to the tree lover.

Mr. Stock was married in 1890 to Laura Schaberg, born in Warren County, a daughter of John W. Schaberg, who came to Jackson County in 1884, and died here in 1910, aged 76 years. His wife, Lucetta (Dreimeyer) Schaberg, was born in 1840, and died in 1908.

Samuel H. Stock And Family

The children of Samuel H. and Laura Stock are: John, born Oct. 4, 1892, lives a half mile north of the home place; Mrs. Ella Schropshire, born Oct. 6, 1894, lives three miles northwest; Walter, born Sept. 20, 1897 ; Julia, born Oct. 28, 1902. John Stock has one child, Mae Pearl.

Mr. Stock is independent in his politics, and votes for the man, re¬ gardless of his political party. He is a member of the Evangelical church of Levasy. He has decided ideas about patriotism and love of country, and believes emphatically that the sentiment of no American citizen can be divided between two countries. He is in favor of one language for Amer¬ icans, and that the American language - one flag, one set of ideals, and those should be the ideals of America, the land where he has reared a family, and where he has accumulated a competence.

Hartman Hoke, a well known farmer and stock raiser of Prairie town¬ ship, although a native of Pennsylvania, has spent the greater part of his life in Jackson County. He was born in Franklin County, Pa., Dec. 24, 1863. His parents were William and Harriet (Dickhout) Hoke, both also natives of Franklin County, Pa. They were the parents of 12 children, eight of whom grew to maturity as follows: Hartman, the subject of this sketch; George, Van Buren township; Jennie, married Robert Gillette, Independence; Jacob, Vale, Mo.; Charles, resides on the home farm in Prairie township; Sherman, deceased; Everett lives on the home place also and Benjamin, Prairie township.

William Hoke was bom in Franklin County, Pa., 1841,- and his wife was born in the same county in 1843. The family moved from Pennsyl¬ vania to Ohio in 1865, and in 1881 came to Jackson County, Mo. and set¬ tled on a farm and both parents spent the remainder of their lives here. The father died in 1904, and the mother survived him about 15 years, departing this life in February, 1919.

Hartman Hoke attended the public schools in Ohio and after coming to Jackson County, was a student in the Lees Summit public school. He has made farming his life occupation, beginning his independent farming operation on rented land in 1886. In 1900, he bought his present place which consists of 80 acres of well improved land. He has been generally successful in his undertakings and is a stockholder and one of the directors in the Citizens Bank of Lees Summit.

Mr. Hoke was married June 9, 1887 to Miss Della Norvell, a native of Jackson County, Mo. She is a daughter of Benjamin F. Norvell, whose wife bore the maiden name of Mary Ann Risk. They settled in Jackson County about 1866, and here the father followed farming and stock rais- ing. To Mr. and Mrs. Hoke have been born the following children: Grace, married H. Fowlks, and died leaving one son, Howard Fowlks; Mrs. Mamie A. Browning, deceased; Fred, deceased, and William F., now in the Rolla School of Mines at Rolla, Mo.

Mr. Hoke is a Democrat and attends the German Reform church. He is widely and favorably known in Jackson County and the Hoke family stands high in the community.

James D. Thomas, a well to do farmer and stockman and progressive citizen of Prairie township, is a native of Virginia and a descendant of old Virginia stock. He was born near Scottsville, Va., May 11, 1858, and is a son of R. V. and Christian E. (Bragg) Thomas, who were the par¬ ents of the following children : John, who now resides in Virginia ; James D., the subject of this sketch; Mrs. Sarah E. Bragg, deceased; and Robert J., who resides in Jackson County, Mo.

R. V. Thomas was born in Virginia, where he was engaged in farming and spent his entire life in his native state. He was born in 1809 and died in 1890, thus reaching the ripe old age of 81 years. He was a son of William, who was also a native of Virginia and spent his entire life in that state. He was a farmer by occupation. Christian E. (Bragg) Thomas, mother of James D. Thomas, was a native of Virginia, and spent her entire life in that state. She was bom March 24, 1832 and was a daughter of John Bragg, whose wife bore the maiden name of Griffin. They were both natives of Virginia. The Thomas family suffered much hardship and many privations during the Civil War in Virginia. They were stripped of all they had in the way of sustenance, on frequent occa¬ sions by the soldiers and were left absolutely destitute.

James D. Thomas received a limited education in the district schools and grew to manhood in his native state. In 1888, he came to Jackson County. Here he began as a farm hand and later began to operate rented land. When he settled in Jackson County, he had a wife and one child and his entire capital consisted of $50.00, but he was industrious and am¬ bitious and by hard work and close attention to the details of his farm¬ ing operations, he has made good. In 1907, he bought his present place in Prairie township. He has made improvements and now has one of the valuable and improved farms of 120 acres in that locality.

Mr. Thomas was married Dec. 23, 1885, to Miss Gazelle Beal of Albermarle County, Va. She is a daughter of Winfield S. and Permelia (Kidd) Beal, natives of Virginia. To Mr. and Mrs. Thomas have been born eight children: Grace, married Lee Templeton, Henderson, Col.; Waverly, a farmer and stockman, of Van Bnren township; Mrs. Emma Van Dyke, Prairie township, Jackson County; James, Prairie township; Inez, mar¬ ried H. Kreger, Prairie township ; Elmer, Kansas City, Mo. ; Ralph, resides at home and Alfonso, also resides at home with his parents.

Mr. Thomas is a Democrat, a member of the Methodist church, and belongs to the Modern Woodmen of America. He is public spirited and a representative of Jackson County's best citizenship.

Robert Emeiy Ritter, a prosperous farmer and stockman and the owner of a well improved farm of 186 acres, is a member of one of the pioneer families of Jackson County. He was born on a farm in Prairie township, June 14, 1880, and is the son of John Luther and Rebecca (Osborn) Ritter.

John Luther Ritter was also a native of Jackson County, born in 1852, a son of Henry and Martha Ritter, and was one of nine children born to his parents. He was 13 years old when the Civil War broke out and the Ritter family, like many others in this section, left the scenes of carnage and devastation incident to the war and went to Texas and dur¬ ing their stay there for three years, life was a struggle for existence and they endured many hardships. Mr. Ritter, when a boy, made his own shoes out of furs and horse collars out of straw. At the close of the war, the family returned to Jackson County and here John Luther Ritter en¬ gaged in farming. He broke prairie with ox teams and worked hard, and finally success came. His first home was a log cabin which in time w'as succeeded by a more pretentious dwelling. At the time of his death. May 7, 1905. he was well-to-do and the owner of 260 acres of land. He was a prominent Mason and a member of the Baptist church and one of the organizers of that denomination in this locality. He was a Demo¬ crat and took a keen interest and a prominent part in political affairs and was frequently a delegate to his party conventions. His wife was a native of Iowa, born at Cedar Point, Jan. 1, 1850 and died Aug. 1, 1915. They were the parents of three children, as follow: Bert, resides at Mt. Wash¬ ington, Mo.; Robert Emery, the subject of this sketch; and Harry of Prairie township. The mother was first married to Charles Williams and two children were bom to that marriage; Henry Williams and Bud Marion Williams, deceased.

Robert Emery Ritter spent his boyhood days on the home farm and attended the district school. At the age of 24, he began farming on rented land and in 1913, he bought 66 acres of land, which is a part of

June 26, 1904, Robert Emery Ritter was united in marriage with Emma Katherine Leinweber, a native of Mason County, Ill., and a daugh¬ ter of Martin and Katherine Leinweber. For a more complete history of the Leinweber family, see sketch of John R. Leinweber, which appears in this volume. Mrs. Ritter is the owner of 160 acres of land, which she inherited from her father's estate.

Mr. Ritter is a member of the Baptist church and is a Democrat. He holds membership in the Modern W oodmen of America and is a progressive and public spirited citizen.

James F. Harris, one of the well known farmers and stockmen of Prairie township, is a representative of Jackson County's very earliest pioneer families, who have been identified with this section of Missouri since 1830. William Harris, grandfather of the subject of this sketch, came here from Virginia with his family. James F. Harris is a native son of Jackson County, and was born on a farm in Sniabar township, July 5, 18o6. He is a son of John H. and Louisa (Bridges) Harris, who were the parents of four children, as follow: Mrs. Betty Hutchings, a widow, residing in Kansas City, Mo.; James F., the subject of this sketch; Effie, married D. D. Shawhan, Cass County, Mo. and William, deceased. After the death of the mother of these children, John H. Harris married Louisa J. Powell, of Blue township, Jackson County, and to this union six chil¬ dren were boi n, as follow : Mrs. Mattie McCloud, Monegaw Springs, Mo. ; Mrs. Edna Canada, Van Buren township; Alpha, married Joe Thomas, Van Buren township; Fred, Van Buren township; May, married Charles Hendricks and they reside near Lee Summit ; and Rosa, married N. Corder, Prairie township.

John H. Harris, the father of James F., was also a native of Jackson County. He was born in Blue township, about three miles south of Inde¬ pendence, July 20, 1843. He was a son of William and Rhoda Harris, who were natives of Patrick County, Va., and settled in Jackson County, in 1830. William Harris was among the very first settlers in this sec¬ tion. He had the second deed recorded which was placed on record in Jackson County. There are many descendants of William and Rhoda Harris m this country, and the Harris family very appropriately holds the family reunion each year. These reunions are held regularly on the second Sunday of September, which are largely attended by the numerous mem¬ bers of this pioneer family. The attendance ranges from 300 to 600 mem- bers of the family. There are about 718 relatives who are descendants of William Harris. The family of Harris reunion was organized by James F. Harris, May 6, 1911, and he was elected chairman of the organization at that time and has since served in that capacity.

John H. Harris, father of James F., was one of the widely known and successful farmers and stock breeders of Jackson County. In fact, he was one of the pioneer stock breeders of this state. He was a breeder of Chester White hogs, Shorthorn cattle, Cotswool sheep and jacks and jennies. He frequently made exhibits of his stock at fairs and stock shows of the country. He was the owner of the jack which won the first prize in the two year old class at the World's Fair and second prize at the grand sweepstakes. Mr. Harris raised two jacks which won the first and second prizes at the Worlds Fair at Omaha, Neb.

John H. Harris had an interesting career, filled with experiences and incidents of early day life in the west. During the Civil War and just before Order No. 11 went into effect, he went west across the plains and settled on the south Platte River, about 80 miles from Denver. He was engaged in carrying the United States mail by stage coach from Atchison, Kan., to Sacramento, Cal., at the time that the Sioux and Cheyenne Indians w^ent on the warpath. When the Sioux Indians were advancing on Camp Sanborn from the direction of Denver, Mr. Harris, with 18 or 20 other men, crossed the Platte River, where they converted an adobe house into a fort, making port holes in it and took their positions to defend them¬ selves against the Indians. Mr. Harris' family and four other families were in the improvised fort. He was elected captain and after the Indians were turned back, he went to Denver with his family, where he remained about two months, w^hen he returned to Atchinson, Kan., with a freight¬ ing outfit, bringing his family with him. He bought a span of mules at Atchison and returned to Jackson County with his family. Here he en¬ gaged in farming and stockraising and met with a considerable degree of success and at the time of his death. Sept. 23, 1918, he was w'-orth about $70,000. His land was divided between his children, who received 80 acres each.

James F. Harris was reared on his father's farm in Jackson County and thus became familiar with farming and stock raising at an early age. He attended the public schools and has made farming the principal occupation of his life. He is now the owner of 80 acres, which was a part of his father's homestead, and he is successfully carrying on farming and stock raising. Mr. Harris was married October 7, 1880, to Miss Lizzie J.

Hackler, a native of Jackson County, born June 5, 1862, near Hickman Mills. She is a daughter of Martin and Elizabeth (Jennings) Hackler, natives of Virginia. Martin Hackler was a Confederate veteran of the Civil War, serving under Gen. Sterling Price and was twice taken prisoner by the Federals. He served for six months in the prison at Westporh He was a very early settler in Jackson County, coming here in 1834. He was twice married and to his first marriage seven children were born, all of whom are now dead. Mrs. Harris is one of four children born to his second marriage. To Mr. and Mrs. Harris have been born three children, as follow : Mrs. Ruth Fristoe, Sniabar township ; Carl. Kansas City, Kan. ; and John H., Jr.

Mr. Harris is a member of the Methodist church and is a Democrat. He has been a member of the Knights of Pythias, at Lees Summit, for over thirty years. He is one of Jackson County's leading citizens and is widely and favorably known.

Columbus T. Fowlkes, a successful farmer and stockman of Prairie township, has been identified with Jackson County and its development for over 50 years. He was born in Surrey County, N. C., Jan., 1847, and is a son of Charles G. and Amanda (Toliver) Fowlkes, to whom were born the following children; Columbus T., the subject of this sketch; Patience F., married E. Cole and is now a widow, residing in Allegheny County, N. C.; Rebecca C., married Cyrus Bullock, and is now a widow residing at Shawnee, Okla.; Tabitha, married E. Sturgill and is also a widow, residing in Allegheny County, N. C. ; Phoebe E., Allegheny County, N. C. ; William, a Baptist minister, Allegheny County, N. C.; Sarah A., married Jesse J. Waddwell, Allegheny County, N. C.; Charles S., Stonington, Colorado ; Amanda A. Genevra, married J. T. Evans and lives in Mary¬ land and one child died in infancy.

Charles G. Fowlkes, the father, was born in Carrol County, Va., July 2, 1822, and died in North Carolina in 1914. He was a physician and re¬ ceived his medical education in the Cincinnati Medical College. He prac¬ ticed in Virginia for a number of years and later went to North Carolina where he continued the practice of medicine and spent the remainder of his life. He was a successful and skilled physician. He was the son of William Fowlkes, of White Sulphur Springs, Va.

Amanda M. (Toliver) Fowlkes, mother of Columbus T., was also a native of North Carolina, born Feb. 22, 1824, and died in 1905. She was a daughter of Charles Tolliver, a native of North Carolina, who was a son. of John Toliver, also a native of North Carolina, who lived to be 103 years old. The Toliver family came from Italy and were founded in America by two brothers, George and Charles Toliver, who were expelled from that country by the Catholic authorities on account of their religious convic¬ tions. They came to this country at a very early date and there are many descendants of these two brothers in the United States.

Columbus T. Fowlkes came to Jackson County, June 22, 1869, driving through to his destination. He brought with him a very fine stallion, which he rode part of the way. This horse belonged to his uncle, Allen Wagoner. Mr. Fowlkes began his career in Jackson County as a farm hand, receiving $20 per month. The first winter he spent here, he was employed by Jewell Lipscomb, feeding cattle. He purchased a farm of 56 acres in 1892 and later added to it until he now owns 148 acres. He has made improvements and has a very valuable farm upon which he carries on general farming and stock raising and has met with success.

Mr. Fowlkes was married March 26, 1873 with Miss Sarah A. Giffin, a native of West Virginia. She died in 1880, aged 24 years, leaving four children as follows: Hattie married H. Keine, St. Joseph, Mo.; Margaret E., married Robert L. McCary, Prairie township; Moettie, maiTied Charles Wilburn, Cass County, Mo.; and William T., deceased. Mr. Fowlkes was married the second time, in 1884, to Lydia F. Haukenberry, a native of Illinois and to this union seven children were born, as follow: Etta May married J. W. Snodgrass, Grain Valley, Mo.; Harrison T., who is con¬ nected v»^ith the Citizens National Bank at Lees Summit; Nellie, married Charles Wyatt and lives in Sniabar township; Elsie E., married R. L. Trapp, Kansas City, Mo. ; one child died in infancy ; Ray M., at home with his parents and Mrs. Flossie M. Welch, Kansas City, Mo.

Robert Kissel, the well knowm president of the Bank of Greenwood, and for many years a leading farmer and stockman of that vicinity, has been identified with the interests of Jackson County for nearly 40 years. He was born in Lycoming County, Pa., in Sept., 1848, and is a son of Samuel and Elizabeth (Lutz) Kissel, both natives of Pennsylvania. They were the parents of seven children, three of whom are now living, and Robert is the only one residing in Jackson County. The Kissel family removed from Pennsylvania to St. Louis, Mo. and four years later moved to Madison County, Ill., where they remained until 1882, when Robert Kissel came to Jackson County. The parents came West a few years later and both spent the remainder of their lives in the vicinity of Green¬ wood. The father died about 1900, at the age of 80 years.

Robert Kissel spent his boyhood days on a farm in Madison County, Ill., where his parents settled when he was six years old, and shortly after coming to Jackson County, in 1882, he bought 80 acres of land south of Greenwood. He improved this place and added additional acreage from time to time until he became the owner of a splendid farm of 266 acres which he still owns. He carried on farming and stock raising, and pros¬ pered. In 1912, he retired from the farm and moved to Greenwood. How'ever, his interest in business and other affairs has not ceased. In 1903, he was one of the organizers of the bank of Greenwood, and at the organization of that institution he was elected vice-president and later became its president, which position he still holds.

Mr. Kissel has been twice married. His first wife bore the maiden name of Melissa Williams and she was born and reared in Madison County, Ill. To this marriage were born four children, as follows: Robert, who now conducts an auto livery business at Greenwood; Samuel, who is oper¬ ating the home place ; Charles, deceased ; and Ella, married George Ester¬ line, and lives in Madison County, Ill. The mother of these children died in Macupin County, Ill. and Mr. Kissel was later married to Miss Nancy Shade, a native of Virginia. Five children were born to this marriage, as follow : Minnie, resides at home with her parents ; Vollie, deceased ; Clar¬ ence, Kansas City, Mo. ; Grace Ecton, Kansas City, Mo. ; and Harry, Kan¬ sas City, Mo.

Mr. Kissel is a Republican and a member of the Baptist church, of which he is one of the trustees. He takes a keen interest in public affairs and for a number of years has served as a member of the local school board. He is a substantial citizen and well-to-do and what success has come to him has been through his own industry and business foresight.

John H. Schuster, president of the Bank of Levasy, owmer of 320 acres of rich Missouri River valley land in Fort Osage township, was bom in Warren County, Mo., July 16, 1869. He is a son of Frederick W. and Elizabeth (Brown) Schuster, natives of Germany.

Frederick W. Schuster was born in 1834, and died in 1911. He was a son of Frederick Schuster, who emigrated from Gemiany to America in 1842, and settled in Warren County. Elizabeth Schuster was bom in 1842, and died in 1915. She accompanied her parents to America in 1855. F. W. Schuster sold out his holdings in Warren County in 1889, and came to Jackson County. He purchased a splendid tract of land, improved it with a large residence and barns, and reared a family of children as fol¬ lows: Frank, living at Pleasant Hill, Mo.; Minnie, deceased; Mrs. Alvina

John H. Schuster cared for his parents in their old age, and came into possession of the Schuster homestead through inheritance, and pur¬ chase of the interests of the other heirs. He has prospered, and is one of the substantial and well-to-do farmers of Jackson County. He has served as president of the Bank of Levasy since 1914. Nov. 6, 1919, he pur¬ chased 80 acres of land adjoining his 240-acre farm. Mr. Schuster's homestead raised a corn crop averaging 60 bushels to the acre in 1919.

Mr. Schuster was married in 1898 to Miss Amelia Luetkemeier, who was born in St. Charles County, Mo., a daughter of Rudolph Luetkemeier. The children born to this union are: Mrs. Verna Harrison, Levasy, Mo.; Bertha, Edna, Elvira, and Raymond, at home with their parents.

Willis H. Young, deceased, was born in Jackson County, June 19, 1854, and was a descendant of early settlers in this county. His parents were Charles H. and Rebecca J. (Smith) Young, natives of Kentucky. ' Charles H. Young came to Missouri at a very early day and bought land near Blue Springs, becoming a very extensive land owner. Charles H. and Rebecca Smith Young were the parents of eight children, of whom Willis H., whose name introduces this sketch was the first in order of birth.

Willis H. Young was reared on his father's farm in the vicinity of Blue Springs and attended the district school. He began life for himself on rented land when he was 19 years of age, renting land from his father. A' year later, he bought a farm containing 100 acres, to which he added 60 acres more in a short time. He was succeeding in his farming operation and raising livestock, when in 1883, on account of failing health, he re¬ moved to Colorado with his family, which consisted of his wife and two children. Here he engaged in farming and stock raising and later bought a farm. He died in Colorado, May 21, 1898. He was a Democrat and took an active interest in political affairs during his career. He was a member of the Baptist church.

Jan. 23, 1873, Willis H. Young was united in marriage to Miss Mis¬ souri Wells, a native of Jackson County, born near Lees Summit, Jan. 11, 1855. She is a daughter of Isaac B. and Sarah A. (Shepherd) Wells, natives of West Virginia. Isaac Wells came to Jackson County with his parents at an early day, when he was a mere child. He was born in West Virginia, Jan. 30, 1826, and died in Jackson County, Jan. 29, 1912. His

To Willis H. and Missouri A. (Wells) Young- were born the following children: Lottie L., deceased; Myrtle, deceased; Ella, residing at home with her mother; Mrs. Ollie N. Viergutz died, leaving three children, who now live with Mi's. Young; Charles I., deceased; Mrs. Naomi Hill, resides on her mother's farm and has three children ; Edith P., married C. Boggs and lives at Lees Summit ; Mrs. Zora 1. Hamblen ; William H., deceased ; and Susan, deceased.

After the death of her husband in Colorado, Mrs. Young rem.ained in that state until 1901, spending 28 years in all in Colorado. She then returned to Jackson County and in 1905 purchased her present place in Prairie township. She owns 280 acres in all, 160 in Colorado and 120 in Prairie township, which is well improved and valuable land. The place is operated by her son-in-law, Arthur Hill. This farm is well stocked with high grade cattle and hogs and is one of the well managed and profitably conducted farms of Jackson County. In 1907, Mrs. Young' built a large modern residence on the place and since that time has resided there.

Mrs. Young remembers many of the incidents of early day life in Jackson County. Although a child when the Civil War broke out, she has a vivid recollection of many incidents of those trying times.

Thomas B. Miller, well known and successful banker of Jackson County, who is the present cashier of the Greenwood Bank has been identi¬ fied with the interests of Jackson County for over 50 years, since he was 15 years old. Mr. Miller was born in Washington, Pa., May 19, 1853, and is a son of Mathew B. and Agnes (Fergus) Miller, both natives of Penn¬ sylvania. Matthew B. Miller was born in Pennsylvania in 1823, and came to Jackson County, in 1868. He settled on a farm near Lees Sum¬ mit and was successfully engaged in farming and stock raising. At the time of his death in 1886 he was the owner of 117 acres of land which is the property of Thomas B. Miller the subject of this sketch. Agnes (Fergus) Miller was born in Pennsylvania about 1835 and died in 1885.

Thomas B. Miller is the eldest of seven children born to his parents, five of whom are living. The others are as follow: David S., hardware merchant, Lees Summit; John, a farmer and stockman; Jennie, Green¬ wood, Mo.; and Agnes, married Arch Consolover, Prairie township.

Thomas B. Miller spent his boyhood days on his father's farm and was educated in the district school and attended business college in Kansas

City, Mo. In 1883 he engaged in the general mercantile business at Greenwood; at that time he was in partnership with H. J. Nicholeson. They also had stores at Axtel, Kan., and Virginia City, Neb. In 1903 when the bank of Greenwood was organized, Mr. Miller became one of the original stockholders and at the organization of the bank he was elected its president and W. H. Barren became cashier. Two years later Mr. Miller purchased Mr. Barron's stock and and became cashier of the bank and has held that position since, about 15 years. The bank of Greenwood has had a substantial growth and development since its organization and its business has been conducted along the lines of sound financial policies. The following is a statement of the bank of Greenwood at the close of business Aug. 28, 1919. Resources: loans, $64,689.36; overdrafts, $139.98; bonds, $1,851.33; real estate, $1,400.00; furaiture and fixtures, $1,190.05; cash and sight exchange, $45,354.62; total, $114,625.34. Liabilities: capital stock, $10,000.00 ; surplus, $10,000.00 ; undivided profits, $367.62 ; deposits, $92,689.34; other liabilities, $1,578.38; total, $114,625.34.

March 3, 1911, Mr. Miller was united in marriage with Mrs. Maud (Crockett) Coon, a native of Canada. Mrs. Miller has one child by her former marriage, now Mrs. Stella Rankin of Greenwood. To Mr. and Mrs. Miller have been born two children, Dunkin and Faith.

Mr. Miller is a Republican, although first of all he is a business man. He has a wide acquaintance in Jackson and Cass counties and his counsel in business affairs is highly valued by those who know him.

Joseph H. Powell, a well known and successful farmer and stockman and the owner of a fine farm of one hundred and twenty acres of land in Prairie township, has been identified with the interest of Jackson County for over half a century. He was born in Franklin County, Ohio, Dec. 25, 1849, and is the son of William and Rebecca (Gray) Powell.

William Powell was a native of Pennsylvania and when a boy re¬ moved to Ohio with his parents, Archibald and Elizabeth Powell, both of whom were natives of Pennsylvania. William Powell came to Jackson County, Mo., with his family in 1866, and here engaged in farming and stock raising, and became well to do. At the time of his death, about thirty-two years ago, he was the owner of over four hundred acres of land in Jackson County. His wife, Rebecca (Gray) Powell, was a native of Maryland and died in Jackson County. They were the parents of nine children as follow: Elizabeth J., deceased; Arron C., deceased; Theodosia Ann, deceased; Archibald McCoy, deceased; Thomas B., deceased; Mary, the widow of Eli P. Holbert, now residing at Lees Summit, Mo. ; Joseph H.,

Joseph H. Powell was reared on a farm and received his education in a district school. He boug'ht his present place in Prairie township m 1876. It is located two miles east of Lees Summit on the rock road, and is well improved. Mr. Powell carries on general farming and stock raising and in addition to his interest in agriculture, he is interested in othci* activities. He assisted in the organization of the Citizens Bank of Lees Summit, which began business in 1907, and he has been a stockholder and a member of the board of directors of that institution since its organ¬ ization.

October 2, 1887, Mr. Powell was united in m*arriage with Miss Anna B. Powell, a native of Jackson County, born near Independence. While her maiden name was Powell she and Mr. Powell were not related. She is a daughter of John D. and Parthena (Meddow) Powell, the former a native of Jackson and the latter of Cass County, Mo. To Joseph H. Powell and wife has been born one child, Jennie, who married W. M. Mayes, Chanute, Kan. She is a graduate of Lexington College at Lexington, Mo.

Mr. Powell is a member of the Baptist church and in politics is a Democrat. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias and one of Jackson County's well known and substantial citizens.

J. Roy Harris, assistant cashier of the Bank of Greenwood, is a descendant of one of the pioneer families of Jackson County. Mr. Harris is a native son of this county, having been born on a farm in Van Buren township March 9, 1890. He is a son of James T. and Roxanna C. (Rice) Harris, and one of three children born to them and is the only one living.

James T. Harris was born in Jackson County, Jan. 4, 1863, and is a son of Samuel B. Harris, a sketch of whom appears in this volume. Roxanna C. Rice Harris is also a native of Jackson County and was born Feb. 7, 1867. She is a daughter of William B. and Experience (Hewitt) Rice, the former a native of North Carolina and the latter of Illinois, and are both now deceased. The Rice family were early settlers in Jackson County, coming here before the Civil War.

J. Roy Harris was reared on the home farm in Prairie township and received his education in the public schools, graduating from the Greenwood High School in the class of 1905. He was engaged in farm¬ ing and stock raising until 1919 when he became assistant cashier of the Bank of Greenwood and is now serving in that capacity. He is a capable young man and well qualified for the responsible position which he holds.

March 19, 1913, . J. Roy Harris was united in marriage with Miss Sonotria E. Kite, a native of Kansas and a daughter of Frank L. and Margaret S. (Pedicord) Kite, the former a native of Illinois and the latter of Ohio. The Kite family now live in Cass County, Mo.

Mr. Harris is a Democrat and he and Mrs. Harris are members of the Christian church and are well known and have many friends in Jackson County.

Samuel B. Hands, now living retired at Greenwood, Mo., after an active and successful career, is one of the few surviving early pioneers of Jackson County. He was born in Patrick County, Va., May 12, 1830, a son of William and Rhoda (Burnett) Hands, natives of Virginia. Thejr came to Jackson County, Mo., in 1830, when Samuel B. was an infant, and located on a farm in Sniabar township and there spent the remainder of their lives. William Harris was born in 1795 and died in 1847 and his wife was born in 1800 and died in 1878. They were the parents of 15 children, of whom Samuel B. was the seventh in order of birth and the only survivor.

Samuel B. Harris grew to manhood on the old Harris homestead which was entered from the government in Sniabar township and about the time he reached his majority, he went to California, during the gold excitement and remained on the Pacific coast for seven years. He then returned to Jackson County and settled near Blue Springs, where he was engaged in farming until 1867. He then went to Bates County, Mo. and after remaining there 13 years returned to Jackson County and engaged in farming near Raytown. Later he removed to Blue Springs and about a year afterwards bought a farm of 200 acres in Prairie township, which he still owns. He has been engaged extensively in stock raising and has met with success in feeding cattle for the market. In 1911, he retired from his farm and moved to Greenwood where he is spending the sunset of his life in well merited rest.

Samuel B. Harris has been twice married. He was first married in August, 1860, to Parlee Webb, a native of Jackson County, Mo. and a daughter of John and Elizabeth Webb. Mrs. Harris died in Bates County, leaving seven children, as follow: Lucy married M. Hizer and is now a Vidow residing in Kansas City; James T., Prairie township; Emma, mar¬ ried J^mes Andrew, Colorado; Oscar, Prairie township; John, Greenwood, Mo. ; Charles, Prairie township ; and Albert, Prairie township. Mr. Harris was married the second time in 1879 to Cornelia A. McClintock, a native of Illinois, born in Hancock County. To this union have been born four children: Prudence, married John H. Powell, Prairie township; Alvin, now occupies the home farm in Prairie township; Carrie, deceased; and Cleveland, resides at home with his parents.

Milton A. Hullinger, of Greenwood, Mo., has been a resident of Jackson County since 1884 and during that time he has been actively identified with the agriculture interest of this section. He was born in Logan County, Ohio, April 3, 1863, and is a son of William and Ann (Taylor) Hullinger and was the only child born to them. They were both natives of Ohio, the former was born in Clark County in 1839 and died in Logan County, Ohio, in 1914 and the latter born in Logan County, Ohio, in 1843 and now resides in that county.

William Hullinger served in the Union army during the Civil War for two years. He enlisted in Logan County in Company C, 23rd United States Cavalry and participated in a number of important battles and campaigns. He was with Sherman on his march to the sea; After the war he returned to Ohio and spent the remainder of his active career engaged in farming.

Milton A. Hullinger was reared on the home farm in Ohio, and edu¬ cated in the public schools in that State, and in early life learned the stone cutter's trade. He worked at that vocation for a few years in Ohio, and in 1884 came to Jackson County and worked at this trade until 1895. He then engaged in farming, near Greenwood, first renting a farm, which he purchased, and now owns a good farm of 200 acres of productive land which is well improved. Mr. Hullinger has been a stockholder in the Bank of Greenwood since its organization, and has served as vice-president and is now secretary of the board of directors.

Dec. 26, 1898, Milton A. Hullinger was united in marriage with FanitTe E. Wilson, a native of Jackson County. She is a daughter of James and Elizabeth (Farmer) Wilson, both members of some of the first pioneer families of Missouri, and very early settlers in Jackson County. James Wilson was bom in Cooper County in 1819, and settled in Jackson County with his parents in 1823. Mr. and Mrs. Hullinger have no children.

Mr. Hullinger is a Republican, and a member of the Baptist church. He holds membership in the Knights of Pythias Lodge, and he is recog¬ nized and a representative citizen, worthy of the esteem and confidence of his fellowman.

William Totten, now deceased, was an early settler in Jackson County, and a man who saw much of the pioneer life in the West. He was a native of Ohio, bom in Columbiana County, Feb. 14, 1826, and died in Jackson County, Missouri, in 1900. He went West, to Iowa from his native State, at a' very early day. In 1869 he came from Iowa to Jackson County, driv¬ ing- in a covered wagon, or what was known in those days as a "Prairie schooner." After coming to this county he engaged in farming on rented land near Greenwood. Later he bought property, became actively identified with the interests of the community, and was engaged in the creamery business at Greenwood for a number of years. He was a progressive citi¬ zen, and took an active part of the bettering and the upbuilding of the com¬ munity. He was a member of the Presbyterian church, and was a Re¬ publican. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Prudence Bailey, was a native of Jefferson County, Ohio. She died in 1901.

To William Totten and wife were born four children, as follow ; Eliza¬ beth S., who resides at Greenwood, and is assistant postmistress; Mar¬ garet A., was appointed postmistress of Greenwood, Oct. 1, 1909, and has served in that capacity with general satisfaction to the many patrons of that office, as well as the government officials, to the present time. She is ably assisted in the discharge of the duties of the office by her sister, Elizabeth S., and the two sisters reside together in their well located and comfortable home in Greenwood. Freelove Maria Totten, the third child born to William Totten and wife, married Henry Ruff, and is now a widow and resides at Kingsville, Mo. Johnson H., the youngest of the family, died at the age of one year.

James II. Bowin, a successful farmer and stockman, of Prairie town¬ ship, was born in Jessamine County, Kentucky, June 7, 1862. He is the son of George A. and Sallie A. (Grant) Bowin, both natives of Tennessee. They were the parents of 12 children, seven of whom are living, as follow : Mollie, married George Riddle, Kansas City, Mo.; Lizzie, married D. C. Allbriten, Kansas City, Mo. ; Ella, manned E. E. King, Centertown, Ark. ; Samuel B., Lees Summit, Mo.; Lulu, resides at St. Paul, Minn.; Nannie, married W. B. Schultz, Kansas City, Mo.; James H., the subject of this sketch.

George A. Bowin, came to Jackson County and located near Greenwood, Sept. 13, 1880. He was engaged in farming for a number of years in Cass County, prior to settling in Greenwood.

James H. Bowin spent his boyhood days on the farm in Kentucky, and was educated in the district schools of that State and the public schools of Lexington, Ky. He began farming on his own account on rented land in 1886, and was thus engaged for 15 years, when he purchased his present place of 80 acres in Prairie township. His farm is well improved and he has recently built a modern residence, which is equipped with electric lights, hot and cold water, and all other modern conveniences.

Mr. Bowin was married Feb. 26, 1890, to Miss Cora J. Sample, a native of Jackson County, and a daughter of David and Mary (Boyer) Sample, a sketch of whom appears in this volume. To Mr. and Mrs. Bowin have been born three children, as follow: David E., who resides at home with his parents; Mary E., married W. R. Norris, and resides in Prairie township; and George B., at home.

Mr. Bowin is a Democrat, and a member of the Christian church. He is well known in Jackson County, and the Bowin family is prominent in the community.

Judge William G. Chiles. - The death of William G. Chiles, of Fort Osage township, in December, 1915, removed from this earthly realm a citizen of worth and integrity of purpose who capably filled the office of county judge, and who had, in the course of a long and useful life, been a material factor in the development of the great west and the upbuild¬ ing of Jackson County. Born in Jackson County, he lived to see his native heath develop from a wilderness to a thriving and prosperous and populous community. A plainsman and freighter to far western points in the pioneer days of the initial development of the great west, Mr. Chiles lived to see the great American desert, as it was called 50 years ago, filled with towns and cities and thriving farms. He, who traveled in his younger days over the rough trails which led to far off places in the west and southwest, and which were infested with the savage Indians, lived to see the railway girdle the country over which he had charge of overland freight trains drawn by oxen and horses in the old days.

William G. Chiles was born in Jackson County, in the Six Mile coun¬ try of Osage township, June 22, 1836. He was the fourth son of Joel F. and Azubah (Skinner) Chiles, a sketch of whom appears in this volume. When 14 years of age, he entered the employ of Frank Chiles, a cousin, who conducted a store at Sibley. He remained with him until the latter's death, in 1852. William G. then joined his brother, C. C. Chiles, who was managing their- father's interest in the store of Lightner and Chiles, and he was afterward with the firm of Chiles and Garrison until 1853. He then entered the Masonic College at Lexington, Mo. Upon his father's death, in 1855, he went home and assisted in the management of the estate until the spring of 1861. When the Civil War broke out he enlisted in the Missouri State Militia, and was enrolled until September, 1861, when he left Missouri, and went to Texas, with C. C. Chiles, his brother, and Eli¬ jah Chiles, a cousin, and others who had gathered their movable posses¬ sions and had started for Grayson County, Texas. He remained with the train until it reached the Creek Nation, and he then started in advance of the expedition, with David Miller, to secure a location for his brother and family. Upon his arrival at Sherman, Texas, he was assisted in se¬ curing the location by Mr. Hendricks, a lawyer, who referred him to John Bacon, who lived on the Choctaw, eight miles east of Sherman. He got a farm of 200 acres, two miles east of Warren. Soon afterwards they sold the greater part of their outfit of wagons and mules and horses to a buyer for the Confederate government, and they then bought 320 acres of im¬ proved land four miles from Sherman, paying $3,000 in Confederate money. After seeing his brother settled in his new home, William G. Chiles has¬ tened to his Missouri home, arriving there late in November. He found that he would not be allowed to remain there, so he started again for Texas. Pie had his wagon equipped for the journey and his supplies loaded when some Kansas Jayhawkers came to the farm and took everythink movable. He then secured another outfit and moved it to a church in Greeton valley, Lafayette County, and he made another start in Jan¬ uary. Arriving safely in Texas, he went to Fort Smith with the inten¬ tion of joining the Confederate forces. Arriving there he took charge of the ordnance department of Col. James Clarkson's forces, and joined Cap¬ tain Minehart's company. July 3, 1862, he was captured by a scout be¬ longing to General Blount's command, on Cabin Creek, in the Cherokee Na¬ tion. July 17th, with 115 prisoners of war, including Colonel Clarkson, he was sent in wagons to Fort Leavenworth. Eight days later the party ar¬ rived in Leavenworth, where the prisoners were paraded, inspected and placed in a prison camp. Through the intercession of his friends he was released on parole August 4th, and returned to Jackson County. He was required to report to the commandant at Fort Leavenworth on the first day of each week. December 1st, he was ordered to Platte County, and Sept. 1, 1863, he was ordered to report to General Schofield, in Kansas City. The GeneraU ordered him to take the oath of allegiance or join the militia, or he woul^^ be banished from the country. He chose banishment, was placed under $8,000 bond, and agreed to go to Canada. He did so, and remained in Toronto and Oakville, Canada, until the following December, when he requested the district provost marshal of this district to allow him to spend the winter in Clark County, Ky. He received his pass on Christmas Day, went to Kentucky, and remained there until the follow¬ ing March. He then obtained permission to go to Idaho, and there remain until the close of the war. From Canada he went to Platte County, where with P. P. Skinner and T. G. Calmes, he obtained an outfit for crossing the plains. He reached Boise City in August, and engaged in freighting from the Boise Valley to Owyhee, Minnesota, and Umatilla Landing, on the Columbia River, also to Idaho City. On his first trip to Umatilla he became snowbound and of necessity took steamer at the landing to Port¬ land, Ore., thence by steamer to San Francisco, by way of Vancouver, and reached the Golden Gate the day after the assassination of President Lin¬ coln. He then went by steamer to Sacramento, and by stage to Dawesville, where his brother, 1. C. Chiles, lived on his ranch. He also visited an uncle, J. B. Chiles, who lived in the Chiles Valley, and had resided in California prior to the discovery of gold. After his visit he returned to Umatilla, and with his cousin, he took a load of freight on the first day of May to Central City, Idaho, receiving 14 cents per pound for freighting. Late that fall he crossed the mountains to Virginia City, Mont., and joined Henry and Cyrus Calmes, who had ox teams loaded with freight from Salt Lake City. He took cattle and mules to Crow Creek, and went into winter camp there, prospecting and hunting during the winter on Indian Creek. In September, 1866, Mr. Chiles sold his interest in the mines and ranch on Indian Creek, and returned to Montana. From Helena, Mont., he went to Fort Benton, then the head of navigation on the Mis¬ souri River. He paid $40 for his passage down the river to St. Joseph on a flat boat, operated by Parkison and Price. This boat was propelled by oars, and on the first day the rowers gave out. A two-hour relief was then arranged, and by rowing day and night they reached Sioux City on the last of October. Mr. Chiles there boarded a steamer for St. Joseph, ar¬ riving home by rail, Nov. 2, 1866. In June, 1867, he made a trip to Gray¬ son County, Texas, on horseback. After visiting Hunt and Fanning coun¬ ties, Texas, he returned to Grayson County and took charge of the farai which he operated until 1868. In 1869 he rented his farm and returned to Missouri. In July he again went to Texas, traveling by mule team, and sold his Grayson County farm for $10 in gold per acre. Purchasing cattle to be driven to Baxter Springs, Kan., he placed them in charge of John Belcher, and late in September, he started on horseback to overtake the cattle. He caught up with the outfit a few miles the other side of Baxter Springs. A severe snow storm had occurred and the cattle were widely scattered. Mr. Chiles assisted in rounding them up, and in a few days sold his cattle to Kansas dealers, and started for Jackson County with a party. At Fort Scott, the others took train for Kansas City, leav¬ ing Mr. Chiles with the horses and wagons to drive through to Lees Sum¬ mit. He arrived home in November, and in 1870, purchased of his brother, P. S. Chiles, an interest in the farai which served for his future home. Mr. Chiles developed a fine farm, which he improved with a handsome resi¬ dence, and was rated as one of the substantial citizens of Jackson County. His farm consisted of 320 acres in Fort Osage township.

Sept. 28, 1870, Mr. Chiles was married to Mary E. Murfee, who was bom in Jackson County, April 23, 1849, a daughter of Joseph and Emily (Rice) Murfee, the former a native of Virginia, and the latter of Missouri. Joseph Murfee died in Indiana during the Civil War, and Mrs. Emily Mur¬ fee died in Jackson County, in June, 1849. Seven children were born to this maiTiage, as follow : The first child died in infancy ; Isaac C., Inde¬ pendence ; Phineas S., died at the age of two years ; Mary E., Kansas City ; Grahame M., on the home place; William G., Independence; Caroline, the wife of Elmer Allen, Independence.

In 1884, Mr. Chiles was elected associate judge of the Jackson County Court, on the Democratic ticket, and was re-elected to the office, serving in all four years. He was a member of the court which had charge of the erection of the new county office building in Independence, and let the contract for the erection of the county court house in Kansas City. He made a capable and careful official, who faithfully performed the duties of his office with fidelity and dispatch, always having in mind the best interests of the people. He became a member of the Christian church in 1861, and served as deacon and trustee of the Buckner church, which he helped to organize, and to which he was always a liberal contributor.

Grahame Murfee Chiles, farmer and livestock dealer, owner of 306 acres of well improved land in Fort Osage township, was born on the place where he now resides. Sept. 30, 1874. He was educated in the pub¬ lic schools and Spalding Commercial College, and Stanbury Private Nor¬ mal School. From early manhood he has been engaged in farming and dealing in livestock. For several years Mr. Chiles has been a successful buyer and shipper of livestock. For the past 18 years he has been en¬ gaged in the breeding of pure-bred Shorthorn cattle, and has made a suc¬ cess of this advanced phase of animal husbandry. Only recently he has

Mr. Chiles was married Nov. 17, 1897, to Miss Mary Blanche McCune, who was born Nov. 29, 1876, in Fort Osage township, a daughter of Na¬ thaniel and Margaret (Hall) McCune, natives of Ohio. Nathaniel McCune was born Jan. 30, 1842, in Coshocton County, Ohio, and was there reared as a farmer. He enlisted in Company A, One Hundred and Ninety-fourth Ohio infantry, in 1864, and served until the close of the war. Shortly be¬ fore his marriage, in August, 1868, he made a trip to Jackson County, and in the spring of 1869 he came to Jackson County and settled on a farm of 160 acres near Buckner. Mrs. McCune was born in Ohio in 1853. Na¬ thaniel McCune died in May, 1898. His widow makes her home with her children, of whom she has three living: Mrs. Nora B. Roth, Buckner, Mo.; Mrs. Mary Blanche Chiles, of this review; and Mrs. Sarah Robert¬ son, Buckner, Mo.

To Grahame M. and Mary Blanche Chiles have been born five chil¬ dren, four of whom are living: Glen Hall, died at the age of three years; Margaret Isabel, born Sept. 1, 1901, is a student in William Woods Col¬ lege, Fulton, Mo.; Emily Murfee, born Nov. 11, 1903, a student in Buckner High School; Dorothy Ruth, born July 24, 1905; Maiy Beall, born Oct. 12, 1913. The mother of these children attended the public schools and graduated from the Baptist Female College at Lexington, Mo., in 1895.

Mr. and Mrs. Chiles have traveled extensively, and both have lived all of their lives in Jackson County, excepting when they were absent on trips over the country. They have traveled all over Western United States, the Northwest and also the Southern States and Canada. They are progressive and interesting people, whose social position in Jackson County is assured. Mr. Chiles is a Democrat. Mrs. Chiles is a member of the Presbyterian church.