Johnson County, Missouri - - Biographical, 1918 (part 16 of 19)

September 24, 1860, the marriage of Jacob Ayres and Mary Jane Marr, daughter of Daniel Marr, a leading pioneer of Johnson county, was solemnized and to this union were born two children, both daughters, both of whom are now deceased: Delia, who married Jerome Sammons and after his death, which occurred about twenty years after marriage, she married James Quarrels Watchman, of Warrensburg, Missouri; and Julia M., the wife of George LaCoque, of Iowa. Mrs. LaCoque died in 1901. The mother of Delia and Julia died in 1870. March 11, 1872, Jacob Ayres and Mrs. Hettie (Medley) Freeman were united in marriage and to them have been born five children: Oliver, Jr., who is married and is now residing in Emmett, Idaho;

Lena, the wife of Charles Webster, residing in Bates county, Missouri; Rebecca, the wife of George Granger, residing on a farm nine miles from Warrensburg; Viola, the wife of E. T. Houts and they reside on a farm one and a half miles northwest of ^^'arrensburg: and Jacob Randolph, Jr., who married Elsie Phillips and they reside on the home place with his parents.

During the Civil War, Jacob Ayres, the subject of this sketch, served for nine months in the Federal army under Capt. M. U. Foster. Mr. Ayres was in the thick of the two battles fought at Lexington and he took an active part in several other important engagements and skirmishes. Prior to the war. Mr. Ayres had purchased sixty acres of land in Johnson county and was engaged in farming and stock raising. He paid fifteen dollars an acre for this tract of land and in 1868 sold it for twenty dollars an acre. He then purchased a tract of sixty acres located in Chilhowee township ,for which he paid fifteen dollars an acre, and upon this farm resided eight years and then sold it to Silas Cully, about 1870, for twenty dollars an acre. In 1887, Mr. Ayres bought his present country place, a farm comprising ninety acres of valuable land located in Post Oak township for which he paid twelve dollars an acre. This farm has been constantly growing in value during the past thirty years and is now one of the fine country homes in Post Oak township.

Jacob Ayres has overcome a multitude of discouraging obstacles that have beset his path since coming to Missouri fifty-seven years ago. He has by well-directed energy and constant industry acquired a sufficiency of material wealth to place him in comfortable and comparatively independent circumstances. Jacob Ayres knows full well the meaning of the term "honest toil" and what is involved in the Scriptural injunction to earn one's bread "by the sweat of the brow." Too rapidly the ranks of the brave pioneers are thinning and it is only fitting and proper that those of "the old guard" whom we are glad to still have with us, should have their meed of praise and full share of honor ere they, too, join the noble band who have gone on before. Honored and respected by all. Jacob Ayres is enrolled among the county's most valued citizens. He has been a worthy member of the Providence Baptist church during the entire period of his residence in Johnson county, though he was clerk of the Cornelia Baptist church for ten years. Politically, Mr. Ayres is a stanch, life-long Republican.

Samuel Dudley Boosinger, a progressive, capable farmer and stockman of Simpson township, ranks with the best citizens and most substantial men of Johnson county. Mr. Boosinger was born in Macoupin county, Illinois, February 27, 1861, a son of H. F. and Ellen (Blake) Boosinger, who were the parents of five children: Oscar, Emma, Annie, Kate, and Samuel Dudley, three of whom are now residing in Johnson county, namely: Emma, the wife of Walter Willard, of Warrensburg; Kate, the wife of Jefferson Coffman, of Columbus; and Samuel Dudley, the subject of this review. H. F. Boosinger came to Missouri from Illinois in the autumn of 1868, bringing his wife and children to reside on a farm located four miles northeast of Warrensburg. For nearly forty years, H. F. Boosinger was a chore farmer in Johnson county and during that time was for ten or twelve years in charge of a place comprising nearly two hundred acres of land. He retired from active farm work in 1910 and is now making his home with his daughter, Kate, near Columbus, Missouri.

The schools in Johnson county were few and of indiiterent quality, when Samuel D. Boosinger was a boy, and his early education was limited. He did not attend school after he was fifteen years of age and when he was eighteen years old, Mr. Boosinger began to be self-supporting and was married. He was in early manhood employed on the different farms in the neighborhood, as a renter. About 1882, he purchased seventy acres of land in Warrensburg township, a tract for which he paid thirty dollars an acre and after five or six years sold it for thirty-five dollars an acre. Mr. Boosinger then went to Oklahoma, where he remained twelve years, returning to Johnson county in 1904. At that time, he purchased his present country home in Simpson township, a farm comprising one hundred thirty-four acres originally, for which he paid fifty-two hundred dollars, and to which he has added since a forty-acre tract, located two miles north of his first purchase, which cost him twenty-six hundred dollars. The place on which he resides is a part of the old William G. Parman homestead, land entered by him from the government for twelve and a half cents an acre. The house, which is part log, that was built by William G. Parman is still standing and it is said to be the oldest house now in Simpson township. Mr. Boosinger has practically all the farm in grass and he is specializing in stock raising. .\t the time of this writing, in 1917, he has a

December 21, 1879, the marriage of Samuel Dudley Boosinger and Alice Parman, daughter of William G. Parman, was solemnized and to this union have been Ijorn seven children, all of wdiom are now living: Arthur D., born November 15, 1880; Beulah Pearl, born Novmber 15, 1887, married John Snow, and they reside at Lamonte, Missouri; Davis Earl, born January 2. 1889, married Elfie Browning, and they reside on a farm in Montserrat township; William H., born February 20, 1899; Robert O., born January 6, 1901; Daisy Nell, born January 1, 1904; and Teddy Alfred, born June 4, 1906.

Politically, Air. Boosinger is affiliated with the Republican party and, though he is intensely interested in public affairs, he has never aspired to official preferment, preferring the life of the quiet, peaceable tiller of the soil to that of office-seeker. Samuel D. Boosinger has always been a worker and the key notes to his success are persistent application, indomitable perseverance, and unquestioned integrity. He and ?klrs. Boosinger not only possess the highest esteem of their neighbors, but thev are widely known and respected throughout Johnson county.

S. F. Belt, an industrious enterprising farmer and stockman of Simpson township, is one of Johnson county's best and most publicspirited citizens, an agriculturist of more tlian local reputation. Mr. Belt was born in Clav county. Missouri, September 10, 1863. a member of a pioneer family, who came to ^Missouri from Kentucky in 1857. He remained with his parents thirty-eight years and then left the homestead and came to Johnson county.

In 1906, S. F. Belt moved from his old home to a farm in Johnson county, a place comprising originally one hundred acres, which he purchased from Mrs. Foster, to wdiich he has since added, and it now is a tract of two hundred forty-four adjoining acres of land. Mr. Belt has rebuilt the residence, erected a barn, added a chicken-house, sheds, and all the other improvements now on the farm. He is engaged in both general farming and stock raising and is well pleased with the success he has had and the progress he has made since coming to Johnson countv. He handles only a good grade of stock and at the time of this writing, in 1917. has forty head of cattle, fifty head of hogs, twelve liead of horses and mules. In 1915, he bred, raised, and sold one hun-

December 10. 1884 the marriage of S. F. Belt and Lottie Belt was solemnized in Carroll county, Missouri. To this union have been born four children, three of whom are now living: Joseph E., who is employed as bookkeeper at the Commercial Bank of \\'arrensburg; Homer L. and Eugene P.. at home with their parents. ]\Irs. Belt is a valued member and earnest, consistent worker of the Hazel Hill Christian church. Mr. Belt is a stanch Democrat but he has never wished or sought political preferment.

S. F. Belt has been a resident of Johnson county but eleven years, yet even now his place among those of highest standing in the county is assured. From the first, Mr. Belt has taken a keen interest in promoting the material interests of his chosen township. His country place is a model of neatness and thrift, the improvements up-to-date and well kept, the drainage as nearly perfect as it can be made, and an air of prosperity seems to pervade the entire farm. Mr. Belt is a worker, and his name for honesty and integrity stands high in business circles. It has been said of him that, "S. F. Belt's word is as good as a government bond." He and Mrs. Belt are highly respected in their community and they have a host of friends in Johnson county.

E. A. Eldredge, a prominent, young agriculturist of Madison township, is a native of Cooper county, Missouri. Mr. Eldredge was born in 1878, a son of James, Sr. and Eliza (Hawkins). Eldredge. James Eldredge, Sr. was a native of Rhode Island. He located in Cooper county, Missouri several years prior to the Civil War. During that conflict, he enlisted and served with the Southern army for almost the whole of the war period of four years. Mr. Eldredge was a sailor previous to his coming West. After the war ended and he returned to Missouri to reside permanently, he became interested in farming and stock raising, which pursuits he followed in Cooper and Johnson counties the remainder of his life. To James and Eliza (Hawkins) Eldredge were born the following children: Mrs. Sarah Porter, Holden, Missouri: Mrs. May Boggs, who resides in the vicinity of Holden Missouri; Henry, who died in 1911: James, who resides on the home place near Holden, Missouri : and E. A., the subject of this review. The Eldredges moved to Johnson county from Cooper county in 1881 and for the past quarter century the name Fhlredge has lieen inseparably connected with the growth and development of Madison township. James Eldredge, Sr. was an industrious, enterprising citizen, who had the welfare of his community at heart, a man intensely interested in better things and in aiding his fellowmen improve their environment. His death in 1912 has been deeply felt and greatly lamented in Johnson county. Mrs. Eldredge is now making her home in Holden, Missouri.

When three years of age, E. A. Eldredge came to Johnson county with his parents and for the past thirty-six years this county has been his home. Mr. Eldredge has always resided near Holden. Missouri. He was reared and educated in Madison township and twenty years ago began life for himself, following the vocation of farming. In the spring of 1912, Mr. Eldredge moved to the farm which is now his home, a place he had purchased in 1910. The Eldredge farm comprises one hundred eighty acres of valuable land in Madison towmship.

E. A. Eldredge was married in January, 1912 to Myrtle Merritt, of Holden. They have one son, Lewis, aged two years. Mr. Eldredge is affiliated with the Odd Fellows and he is a worthy member of the Christian church. Politically, he is independent.

F. A. McWethy, president of the Johnson County Live-Stock Association, is one of the most progressive and best-known agriculturists of Johnson county. He is a native of Ohio and though Mr. McWethy is still a young man he has been a resident of six different states at different times during the past forty-five years. He was born January 10, 1872 at Kirtland in Lake county, Ohio and when he was yet a child, two years of age, his parents moved to Westfield, New York, where they resided until the son, F. A., was a lad seven years of age and then the family returned to Kirtland, Ohio. A few years later, the McWethys again left Ohio and this time came West. They located in Ness county, Kansas and remained there until the time of the opening of Oklahoma for settlement, in 1889, when they went to that part of the country and located on a tract of land in Kingfisher county. One year after the McWethys moved to Oklahoma, Mrs. McWethy, mother of F. A., the subject of this review, died, leaving the son, then a young man eighteen years of age, motherless. F. A. McWethy has one sister living: Mrs. George M. Hiles, of San Antonio, Texas. The father died August 28. 1913.

of Oklahoma for seven years. In that state, F. A. McW'ethy and Ora Brower were united in marriage. The McWethys have two children: A. C. Brower, Independence, Missouri ; and Floy May, who was born December 12, 1900 and is at home with her parents. Two years after their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. McWethy went to Boulder county, Colorado to make their future home and after a brief residence near Longmont, came to Missouri and located at Clarksdale, residing there for three years, coming thence to Johnson county and settling on the farm, which is now their present home, after one year spent on half the Allison i:)Iace located south of Holclen. Mr. Mc\A'ethy purchased the Allison land for thirty-five dollars an acre and sold it twelve months later for fiftyfive dollars an acre. He then bought his fine country place and since acquiring the ownership of this farm has been constantly at work improving it. The residence is a pleasant, attractive home, a well-built structure, modern throughout. The father of F. A. McWethy died here. He had made his home with his son the last three years of his life.

At the time of this writing, in 1917, F. A. McWethy is president of the Johnson County Live-Stock Association. He has a state-wide reputation is a successful stockman and breeder. Mr. McWethy h specializing in registered Shorthorns and he has at this time a large herd of exceptionally high grade cattle on the farm. He is a valued member of the Yeomen and a consistent and worthy Christian gentleman, a member of the Latter Day Saints church of Holden, Missouri and the superintendent of the Holden Stake Sunday School Association of this denomination. Mr. McWethy is a man of high ideals and possessor of a keen sense of honor and justice, a citizen whose word is as good as any Liberty bond. The McWethy family is highly regarded among the best families of this section of the state.

Simeon Thomas Lewis, the oldest resident of Holden. Missouri, an honored pioneer of Johnson county, and one of the brave veterans of the Confederacy, is a native of Kentucky. Mr. Lewis was born in 1836 in Munfordville, Hart county, Kentucky, a son of S. C. Lewis who was one of the first settlers in Pettis county, Missouri. The elder Lewis came to Missouri in 1850 with his family. The Lewis family were with a train of emigrants from Kentuck}-. a train composed of six different families that came West in emigrant wagons. The faimlies separated after reaching Missouri and some settled in Pettis county, others in Tackson and Clav counties. S. C. Lewis was the father of the follow- ing children: S. Thomas, the subject of this review: William H., Lees Summit, Missouri; Mary, who is married and resides at Rich Hill, Missouri; John, Schell City, Missouri; Jennie, now Mrs. Fulkerson, Garden City, Missouri; and Fannie, who is now Mrs. PuUon and is living on the old home place in Bates county near Altona, Missouri. Mr. Lewis remained in Pettis county several years and then moved to Bates county on the farm where his youngest daughter, Fannie, is now residing and there he spent the remainder of his life.

S. Thomas Lewis was reared and educated in Warren and Barren counties, Kentucky. He was a youth fourteen years of age, when his parents moved ^^"est with their family, and after coming to this state attended the olden time "subscription school" for a few months. S. T. Lewis enlisted in the Civil \Ya.v. serving first under General Price, in the Windsor Guards in February, 1862. Mr. Lewis was transferred to the Second Missouri Infantry and for some time served under General Burbrage and then under Maj. Francis M. Cockrell. Twice in battle. Mr. Lewis was severely and dangerously wounded. He took a prominent part in the struggle at Baker's creek. While recuperating from his wounds, he did post duty and then served as hospital warden. He was at Vicksburg during the siege and at the time of its capture on July 4, 1863. At the close of the year 1862 Vicksburg and Port Hudson were the only Confederate fortresses on the Mississippi and after months of unsuccessful maneuvering. General Grant brilliantly executed a bold plan of separating Pemberton and Johnston, driving Pemherton into Vicksburg and compelling Johnston to retreat. Grant laid siege to the city on May 19 and in the days which followed provisions became so scarce that rats and mule-flesh were used for food. Flour sold for one thousand dollars a barrel, in Confederate money. For seven weeks the inhabitants endured untold suffering in the caves which were dug in the banks and then Pemberton surrendered Vicksburg and thirtytwo thousand men. ]\Ionths later, ]\Ir. Lewis obtained a furlough at Shreveport, Louisiana and from there went to Texas, returning after a brief absence to Shreveport. where he was in active hospital service at the time the war closed in 1865.

August 2, 1865 S. Thomas Lewis and Miss Ballard, daughter of B. D. Ballard, of South Carolina, were united in marriage at Greenwood in Caddo Parish, Louisiana. The maiden name of the mother of Mrs. Lewis was Smith and she was a nati\-e of .\labama. Both parents of Mrs. S. Thomas Lewis died in the South many years ago. To Mr. and Mrs. Lewis have been born eight children, six are now living: Robert, Chicago, Illinois; E. E., a prominent poultryman of Johnson county, proprietor of the "Holden Egg Farm," Holden, Missouri; Mary, who is married and is now residing in Chicago, Illinois; Louise, Los Angeles, California; Gertrude, now Mrs. Swartz, of Detroit, Michigan; and Albert, who lives in Kansas. Linnie and Frank both died after they were grown and married. After their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Lewis came to Missouri and for a few months were located in Pettis county, then in Bates county, and finally settled in Holden, Missouri. They have always resided in the house in which they now live since they came to this city to make their home. Mr. Lewis is a cabinet maker by trade and he has followed building and contracting all his mature life. The first two houses built where Sedalia is now located were erected by S. T. Lewis.

Mr. Lewis is independent in politics. He is intensely interested in public issues and takes an active part in political affairs, but he has invariably voted for the man and not the party. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias and is the oldest member of this fraternal order in the state of Missouri. He has been a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows since 187L Mr. Lewis is one of the most valued members of the camp of Veterans of the Confederacy in Johnson county and he belongs to the Baptist church, of which he is an earnest and beloved worker.

E. E. Lewis, the widely-known owner and manager of the "Holden Egg Farm" located near Holden, Missouri, is one of the enterprising, successful citizens of this county. Mr. Lewis is a Johnson county boy, a member of an old, established pioneer family of Missouri. He was born Setpember 11, 1867, in Holden, a son of Mr. and Mrs. Simeon Thomas Lewis, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this volume. The father is now living in Holden and is perhaps the oldest citizen in this city.

In the public schools of Holden. Missouri, E. E. Lewis obtained his primary education. At the age of fifteen years, he had mastered the barber's trade and for six years was engaged in following his trade. He then went to Chicago, Illinois, to work as barber in that city and when he had been there but a short time he became interested in street car work and abandoned his trade and for ten years was employed by the city traction company on the street cars in Chicago. For twelve years, Mr. Lewis was employed as yardmaster by the A. T. & S. F. Railway Company. He then resigned his position and moved from Chicago to Holden, Missouri, where he has since resided. Mr. Lewis entered the poultry business at Holden and at first engaged in it on a very small scale but gradually increased the business until he is now recognized as the leading ponltryman of Johnson county.

During his residence in Chicago, E. E. Lewis and Isabel Adams, of Chicago, were united in marriage. Mrs. Lewis takes a deep interest in Mr. Lewis' work and she has been an enthusiastic assistant and constant source of inspiration. Mr. Lewis has made a scientific study of the poultry industry and of the Single Comb White Leghorns in particular. Several years ago, he conceived the idea of the "Holden Egg Farm," a poultry farm which in time should "stand for Leghorn supremacy" and where would be demonstrated that the raising and breeding of pure-bred fowl is a profitable occupation. How well E. E. Lewis has succeeded in putting his idea into actual and practical use and how bountifully his efforts have been recompensed is proven by the fact that he has pleased, well-satisfied customers in all parts of the United States and that the business of the "Holden Egg Farm" has been constantly increasing for the past twenty years.

Although people are awakening to the advantages of poultry keeping and the large profit in raising only pure-bred chickens, yet there are still many who do not realize the amount of money they are actually losing. Poultry raising differs from other farm occupations in that the work is light and can be made a pleasant and pleasurable activity. The young folks and the women in the home can easily manage the poultry on the place and there are thousands of them in this country making a good living in this way. The argument for poultry keeping so overwhelms all against it that it would seem that every property owner in the country would also be a poultry owner. Poultry furnishes the family an abundance of food which is easily prepared. Poultry raising can be done on small lots, can be started with small capital for even the best blooded fowl may be had for a small outlay for eggs of pure-bred birds, and insures a profitable income because poultry furnishes so great variety of products, as eggs for hatching and eating, broilers, adult fowl of various kinds, and feathers, all of which are easily marketed. The absolute certaintv of a market is one of the attractive features of the business and at Thanksgiving and Christmas times the poultryman can usually secure fancy prices. On a farm where the range is unlimited, a multitude of harmful insects are eaten by chickens and thus their feed costs practically nothing.

There are countless breeds of chickens. There are egg breeds, meat breeds, and general purpose breeds, and each has much to recommend it. But, of the egg breeds, the Leghorns are the most popular and generally conceded to be the best. They are small, nervous, lively, good foragers, not inclined to sit, like to run a good deal, and they lay white eggs and many of them. The particular strain, which the "Holden Egg Farm" keeps exclusively, is the Single Comb White Leghorn. Mr. Lewis states that this breed matures to two pounds more quickly than any other, will begin laying when four and five months old, and costs half as much as other breeds to keep. He has now on the farm approximately fifteen hundred chickens and is shipping eggs every day to all parts of the country. He plans to have hundreds of carefully culled birds on the place each year. Only the perfect and best hens are admitted to the breeding flocks and they are not kept after two years of age. The imperfect birds, so pronounced by skilled specialists in poultry husbandry, are shipped to the Chicago market when they are eight or nine weeks old, weighing at that time one and three-fourths pounds. Mr. Lewis figures on obtaining from eighty to ninety per cent, of his number of hens in eggs. "Holden Egg Farm" is splendidly equipped to care for the birds properly and for producing sturdy, vigorous individual Leghorns. In the words of the owner, "Careful, Purposeful. Selective Breeding for Vigor" is the keynote of Mr. Lewis' remarkable success. He is in love with his work and his entire attention is devoted to it. Mr. Lewis is exceptionally well qualified for his vocation and his years of experience and training have proven to be an invaluable business asset. All products of the "Holden Egg Farm" are sold under a written guarantee and it is a truthful statement that, "It is impossible for a reasonable minded person to deal with the 'Holden Egg Farm' and not be satisfied." E. E. Lewis has done more than any other one man to liring Johnson county to the front in the poultry industry.

James M. Moore, Jr., widely known as "The Bee Man" in Johnson county, is a native of Wisconsin. He was born in 1849 in Waukesha county, a son of Mr. and Mrs. James M. Moore, Sr. The father was a native of New York. In the earh' days, he located on a large ranch in Wisconsin, a vast tract of land located on the main highway between Waukesha and Milwaukee, and there his son. James M., Jr.. was born several years later. During the Civil War, both father and son enlisted in the Union army. James M. Moore, Sr., served three years and four months with the Sixteenth Wisconsin Infantry. He was in the thickest of the fray at Pittsburg Landing, a battle better known as Shiloh, which took place April 6. 1862. on the Tennessee river, about twentyfour miles from Corinth. The struggle began Sunday morning, when Johnston attacked Grant, who with thirty-three thousand men was awaiting the coming of Buell with his twenty-seven thousand men before attacking Johnston at Corinth. It was one of the terrible, bloody days of the four years" war. The Confederates were in the end driven from the field, but twenty thousand men were lost, either killed or mortally wounded. It was in this battle that General Albert Sidney Johnston, one of the greatest of the Southern commanders, was killed. Mr. Moore, Sr., afterward was a member of the hospital corps. A few years after the close of the war. James M. Moore. Sr., and his son, came to Johnson county, Missouri, with an emigrant train and for man}' years the former was a highly respected and prominent citizen of Holden. He was a stanch Repulilican and took an enthusiastic part in politics while a resident of this city. In the latter part of his life, Mr. Moore. Sr.. went to the Dakotas to reside. Atfer a few years there, he returned to Missouri and entered the Soldiers' Home, where he died.

The early education of James 'SI. ]\Ioore. Jr.. was received in the district school near his father's ranch in Wisconsin. He afterward attended the Waterloo High School in Jefferson county, Wisconsin, and from 1868 until 1872 was a student in a private school in that state, in which institution he studied under Professors Lawrence and Galloday. As has been stated above, Mr. ]\Ioore. Jr.. enlisted in the Civil War. He was only a lad. sixteen years of age, when he joined Company G, Forty-ninth \\'isconsin Infantry, in the spring of 1865. He came to St. Louis. Missouri, with the company commanded by Rollo Phelps and did guard duty only. At St. Louis, he was mustered out and honorably discharged. I\Ir. Moore. Jr.. returned to his home in Wisconsin and shortly afterward the Moore family moved to Dodge county and thence to Johnson county. 3.Iissouri. A party of emigrants from Dodge county, Wisconsin, came to this state at that time, a band of five different families in nine wagons. The Moores located at Pleasant Hill. The elder Moore later purchased a farm located southeast of Holden, which he sold within a few years and moved to the city of Holden in 1871. The ensuing year, James M. Moore, }r., left Holden and went to Colorado to engage in mining and engineering in that state for four years. He has had forty-eight months" actual, practical experience in the gold mines of Colorado. In 1878, he returned to Johnson county, Missouri, and this county has been his home ever since.

In 1876, James M. Moore, Jr., and Alice Bates, daughter of H. J. Bates, of Johnson county, were united in marriage in Denver, Colorado. Mr. and Mrs. Moore, Jr., remained in Colorado one year after their marriage and then came to Holden, Missouri. Mr. Moore, Jr.. was associated with his father-in-law in the business of carpentering and contracting for a number of years and then the former purchased the interest of Mr. Bates and for several years conducted the work alone. Many years ago, James M. Moore, Jr., became interested in gardening and bee keeping and in recent years has given his entire attention to this work. To Mr, and Mrs. Moore, Jr., have been l)orn three children: Mrs. Charles Baldwin; Mrs. D. T. Nawgel, wife of a prominent business man of Holden, Missouri; and Charles B., who resides on a farm near Montrose, Colorado, a tract of land on the Uncompahgre river, near the Gunnison river project.

James M. Moore, Jr., is known throughout this section of the state as "The Bee Man." He is breeding Italian bees. He buys the best queens he can find, at the time of this writing, in 1917, has eighty colonies. Last year, in 1916, he obtained three thousand pounds of honey from his hives. It is exceedingly interesting to converse with Mr. Moore, Jr.. about his work with bees. One can learn much from an hour so spent. He has studied the business carefully and is conducting it along the most approved and scientific lines. Bees, he states, get all their food free of expense and though they recjuire considerable care, it is generally not expended in feeding them. Each colony contains a queen, workers, and drones. The queen lays the eggs; the workers, imperfectly developed females, gather the honey, furnish wax and beebread, make the combs and fill them, and feed the young bees; and the drones, male bees, do nothing. The queen lays one egg in a cell and from it hatches the young bee, or larvae, which looks like a tiny insect or worm and it gets only what is fed to it. In a few days, the cell is sealed, the larva spins a cocoon, and then in about three weeks comes out, the well-known insect with wings. The queen lays her eggs in three kinds of cells. From the smallest come the workers, from the next in size the drones, and from a few of the largest the queens. If bees are to be kept out of mischief, like men and children, they must be kept busy. A modern way is to keep the queen's wings clipped so she can not fly away. With careful and intelligent management, such as is given the Moore bees, the yield of honey will average at least fifty pounds a year from each hive and the bees should yield a profit of from five to ten dollars a swarm, but honey, like everything else in this world, does not always come up to our great expectations. James 'SI. Moore, Jr., has won wide recognition as one of the best-informed, most successful apiarists in Missouri.

]Mr. Moore had two brothers and one sister: George, who served in the Civil War one year and is now deceased: Sidney, who is residing in Nebraska and was formerly in the employ of the Union Pacific Railway Company: and Mrs. J. E. Davis, of Los Angeles, California.

John F. Baker, stock buyer and dealer, Holden, Missouri, was born on a farm in Rose Hill township. Johnson county, in 1872, son of William E. and Louisa (Scott) Baker, early settlers of Johnson county, both of whom are now deceased, the father dying in 1914 and the mother in 1891. William E. Baker was a son of Henry F. and Elizabeth (Hambright) Baker, the former, a native of New York and the latter, a native of Kentucky. Henry F. Baker was a hat manufacturer. He came West and located in Independence, Missouri, in the early twenties. He bought fur and made hats and was also a contractor and builder. Henry F. Baker erected the first court house in Cass county, built of brick which he himself made and which are in existence to this day with his name as maker stamped upon them. Henry F. Baker served in the Mexican \\'ar and after the close of his war service settled in Rose Hill towmship, Johnson county. He became quite an extensive land owner. Henry F. Baker died in 1856. His wife was a member of the Hambright family which had its origin in \"irginia, members of which family served in the Revolution of 1776. The great-grandfather of John F. Baker, James Hambright, settled at Fort Sibley. His father fought in the American Revolution. But two of Henry F. Baker's children are now living: O. T. Baker, of Holden: and Mrs. H. E. Dickerson, of Rose Hill.

John F. Baker was educated in Rose Hill High School and at the State Normal School at Warrensburg. He began his career as a farmer and stockman and remained on the farm until 1907, when he removed to Holden. Since his boyhood days, Mr. Baker has been interested in stock raising and dealing in live-stock and began this business while still living on the farm. Since coming to Holden, he has broadened his activities and has become an extensive dealer in cattle, horses, and mules.

Mr. Baker was married in 1894 to Ada H. Roberts, daughter of the late Thomas Jackson Roberts. To this marriage have been born two children, namely: Catherine and John Allen. Thomas Jackson Roberts, father of Mrs. Baker, was born in Tennessee in 1843 and died in 1915. He was a son of George K. and Mary Elizabeth (Rhodes) Roberts, both of whom were natives of Kentucky, and who settled in ^Nlissouri in about 1854 on a farm three miles north of Holden in Johnson county. When the Civil War began, he enlisted in Colonel Cockrell's regiment shortly after the battle of Lonejack was fought and served under General Price. He fought throughout the remainder of the conflict and was discharged at Baton Rouge, when the war ended. He returned to his farm and followed the peaceful pursuits of agriculture until his death. In 1866, he was married to Catherine Hayes, a native of Johnson county, Missouri, daughter of Montgomery and Mary ( Cockrell) Hayes, the latter, a sister of Senator Cockrell. Montgomery Hayes was a native of Kentucky and was reared in Saline county, Missouri. In 1849, he made the long overland trip to the California gold fields and died there. There were seven children born to Thomas J. Roberts, as follow: Anna, wife of George Brock, living near Strasburg, in Johnson county; Bettie. deceased; Ada, wife of the subject of this review; Minnie, wife of P. A. Harvey, Fargo, North Dakota; Margaret, wife of James C. Mayes, living at Montserrat; Birl, wife of Finis E. Mayes of Montserrat ; Allen, living on the Roberts' home place in Madison township.

Mr. Baker is allied with the Democratic party and has served as a member of the County Central Committee of his party for the past fifteen years. He is at present a member of the city council of Holden. Mr. and Mrs. Baker are members of the Christian church. He is fraternally afifiliated with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and is active in all matters which have for their oliject tlie advancement of iiis home city and his county, doing nobly his part as a good citizen and business man. He is also a member of the Elks of Warrensburg, with which lodge he has been affiliated for the past fifteen years.

John A. Lee, of Madison township, is descended from one of the oldest Virginia families. He is also a son of one of the earliest of Johnson county's pioneers. He was born in Centerview township in 1860, son of John C. Lee, who was born in Howard county, Missouri, a son of Richard Lee, of the Lees of \'irginia, one of the earliest pioneers to make a settlement in Howard county, Missouri. John C. Lee, father of the subject of this review, made a settlement in Columbus township, Johnson county, in the early forties, and some years later he settled on a farm in Centerview township, selHng his place in Centerview township just prior to the outbreak of the Civil \\'ar and purchasing three hundred twenty acres in ]\Ladison township. A\'hen the Civil War broke out, he enlisted in tlie Confederate army and served under General Cockrell, taking part in many hard-fought engagements. After the war, he returned to his farm in Madison township and cultivated it for four years, after w'hich he moved to Howard county where he became prominently identified with public affairs. He filled the office of justice of the peace and was elected district judge, following which he served two terms as presiding judge of the county. He was father of three children, as follow: William, Seymour, Texas; James H., Howard county; and John A., subject of this review.

John A. Lee has lived practically all his life in this county. Ten years were spent in Howard county. He has made agricultural pursuits his life work and has become a very successful farmer and stock raiser.

Mr. Lee was married in October, 1893. to Arminta Bedichek, a native of Texas, town of Greenville. ^Ir. and Airs. Lee have five children: A\'ilfred C. a sergeant in the National army. Company G, Three Hundred Fifty-sixth Infantry; Ramona. Letha. John, and Robert E.

In politics. Air. Lee has always espoused the cause of the Democratic partv. He is a member of the Christian church. The Lees are highly esteemed among the county's best families.

Bank of Holden, the oldest bank in Johnson county, was organized May 6, 1872. The first directors were: W. A. Campbell. T. J. Allison, I. Starkev. J. G. Cope and Charles Bluhm. Lewis Cheney was elected president and I. M. Smith, cashier and secretary. Mr. Smith resigned the following October and J. G. Cope was elected cashier and M. Coppinger, secretary.

In 1873, the great panic occurred, strewing the country with financial wrecks. The Bank of Holden and the one at Warrensburg were the only ones left in the county. The country was comparatively new, the territory large, and an increasing demand for money called for a larger capital and on August 1, 1878, the bank's capitalization was increased to one hundred thousand dollars. In 1893, another disastrous panic swept the land, and, although not so disastrous as that of 1873, great damage was wrought. Securities of all kinds depreciated greatly in value and a feeling of distrust so pervaded the entire country as to almost call in question the stability of government bonds. The Bank of Holden, like other strong institutions, was well prepared, but even better than gold in its value was the confidence of its patrons and the public, which enabled it to pass through the crisis unscathed and continue on the even tenor of its way.

The year 1895 found the territory very much reduced, money more plentiful, and greater competition. A surplus fund of fifty thousand dollars had accumulated which could not be profitably employed and on June 24, a dividend of fifty per cent, was declared. Five years later, these conditions still existing, it was deemed advisable to reduce the capital to fifty thousand dollars, which was done on June 21, 1900.

Lewis Cheney served as president from 1872 to 1879, inclusive ; John G. Cope served from 1882 to 1886, inclusive: C. C. Tevis succeeded Mr. Cope and served until 1889; he was followed by S. W. Jurden. who served until 1901, when he was succeeded by the present incumbent, H. R. McCutchen.

The management of the Bank of Holden is proud of its record and, with the utmost confidence in its future, solicits the patronage of the community. The of^cers of the Bank of Holden are: President, H. R. McCutchen; cashier, A\'. F. McCutchen: directors, O. R. Rogers, B. Plessner, H. R. McCutchen, M. R. Snyder. J. H. Zehr, W. F. McCutchen, W. B. Wallace, J. M. DeMasters and C. W. Seip. With a capital, surplus, and undivided profits of over one hundred thousand dollars and total resources of over five hundred thousand dollars, the Bank of Holden is in a position to take care of any business, large or small, intrusted to it.

Oscar Gilliland Boisseau is a native son of Johnson county and he comes from a family of Johnson county pioneers. He was born on the southeast quarter of section six, township forty-six, range twentyseven, in Columbus township. He is the son of Daniel T. and Laura Belle (Gilliland) Boisseau. The mother died when Oscar G. was eight days old and he was reared by his grandparents, on the farm where he was born.

The Boisseaus were French Huguenots, who migrated to the colonies, where they would be free to follow their religious teachings unmolested. The subject of this sketch is a relative of Reverend James Boisseau, who came to Virginia from Marennes, France, about 1688. He located in what is now Dinwiddie county, on what was known as Hatchers run, about seven miles from Petersburg on the main road from Petersburg to Dinwiddie.

John Boisseau, the great-grandfather of O. G., was born in Dinwiddie county, Virginia. He was a soldier in the Revolutionary War, enlisting in 1780. The family has been able to verify the record of his service. It is also believed that he was a soldier of the War of 1812, but so far his service, if any, has not been authenticated. Soon after the close of the Revolutionary War. he united in marriage with Nancy Carter and moved to Kentucky before it was admitted to the sisterhood of states. He located in what is now Simpson county, east of Franklin, the present county seat. Here he reared his family and spent the remainder of his life, dying about 1834. One son, Benjamin W., the grandfather of this subject, was born in Simpson county, Kentucky, in 1801. In 1828, he was married to Sarah Fuqua. He moved to this county in 1834, first locating near Columbus, later entering a large body of land in what is now Jackson township, about one mile west of Blackwater church, where he lived till his death in 1863. His first wife died and he later married Sybil A. Duncan, an early-day school teacher and a native of Rockbridge county, Virginia. She passed away in 1891.

Laura Gilliland Boisseau, the mother of Oscar G. Boisseau, was born in Johnson county. She was the daughter of Abel Gilliland and Catherine (Stewart) Gilliland. Abel Gilliland was a native of east Tennessee. He was born near the junction of the French Broad and Holstein rivers. His parents were Isaac Gilliland and Rachel (Horn) Gilliland. Isaac Gilliland died in Tennessee and his widow and her familv came to Johnson county in 1829. She located at what is known as the village of Rose Hill, where she resided till her death about 1850. Abel Gilliland settled in Columbus township, where he continued to reside till his death, January 29, 1880. In 1840, he was married to Catherine Stewart, a native of Wilson county, Tennessee. She was the daughter of Abner Stewart, an early settler of Post Oak township.

All of Mr. Boisseau's immediate ancestors Hved in Johnson county and came here at a very early day. His four grandparents, Benjamin W. and Sybil A. Boisseau, Abel and Catherine Gilliland, and five of his great-grandparents, Henry and Susan Duncan. Abner and Nancy Stewart, and Rachel Gilliland. lived and died in this county.

Oscar G. Boisseau spent his early life on his grandparents' farm in Columbus township, attended the country school, one term in the public schools of Holden, then in September, 1890, entered the State University at Columbia, where he remained two years, did not complete the academic course but did secure a diploma from the commercial department, taking the work in that department given at that period.

In 1892. he went to Aberdeen, South Dakota, where he remained for the next two years. Later, he was engaged in newspaper work in Nebraska, Minnesota, and Michigan.

He returned to Johnson county in 1899. He spent the next year on the old farm in Columbus township. August 10, 1900, he opened a real estate office at Holden, Missouri, and continued in that vocation till 1915, when he retired from the realty business and now conducts a loan agency.

In 1904, Mr. Boisseau was elected mayor of the city and was twice re-elected, retiring from that ofifice in April, 1910. During his administration the franchise of the Holden Water Company expired. After considerable negotiation, the city purchased the plant for eighteen thousand dollars.

The system was somewhat run down and bonds were issued for thirty thousand dollars to pay for the plant and make a number of extensions and improvements. In 1915. he was chosen a member of the city council, where he served till 1918. when he was again called upon to serve the city as mayor. He is now occupying that place.

Mr. Boisseau is a life-long Republican. He has served on the various campaign committees of his party. He was elected a member of tlie Countv Central Committee in 1900, serving till 1908, again chosen in

1912. and is still a member of that body. In 1914, he was its chairman. He was selected a member of the Congressional Committee in 1904, serving till 1908; secretary of the Congressional Committee from 1908 to 1912; and chairman of same from 1914 to the present time. j\Iade a member of the State Committee in 1910, retiring in 1914. From 1915 to 1917. he \\as secretary of the Association of Young Republicans of IMissouri and president of that organization in 1917-18.

Mr. Boisseau devotes part of his spare time to the study of history. The study of Missouri and Johnson county presents an attractive and interesting field to him. He is a member of the State Centennial Committee, which has charge of the one hundredth anniversary of the admission of the state. He is a member of the State Historical Society, the Missouri Historical Society. Missouri Valley Historical Society, and the following state societies: Iowa. Minnesota. Wisconsin, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota. Kansas, Oregon, New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas. Louisiana. Tennessee. North Carolina. Illinois, Michigan and Vermont.

May 18. 1908. Mr. Boisseau was united in marriage with Jennette M. Smith, daughter of A\'illiam C. and Elizabeth Wilson Smith. \A'illiam C. Smith was one of the first attorneys to locate in Holden. He ser\'ed the city as mayor for seven years.

William G. Hartnell, farmer, sorghum manufacturer, and poultry fancier of Post Oak. was born in Cornwall. England, on October 11, 1863. He accompanied his parents to Canada in 1867 and wdien he was fifteen years of age he moved with his parents to Michigan and resided in that state for twenty-six years. In 1904. he removed to British Columbia, Canada, and there engaged in the lumbering business with his two brothers. He remained in British Columbia until 1909, at which time he came to Johnson county, Missouri, and purchased one hundred sixty acres of land in Post Oak township, upon which he has added several improvements. One year after buying this farm, he erected what was the first dome roof in this section of the country, his own idea, for which he obtained patents in Canada as well as in the United States. This barn was fifty-two feet in diaineter and had a total height of fifty feet. It contained a silo that had a capacity of one hundred twenty tons of silage. The mow in the barn would contain seventy tons of loose hay and the barn itself, sheltered and comfortably housed forty head of cattle. The roof of the barn was entirely round, or circular, and could be seen for many miles. It was one of the best-built barns in the state of Missouri. This valuable building was destroyed by fire on December 10, 1911, after which Mr. Hartnell held a sale and disposed of his dairy cattle, thus practically quitting the dairy business, although he has had several pure-bred Jersey cows on his farm, as well as a male that was from high-class prizewinning stock.

In the year 1913, this enterprising citizen began experimenting in the manufacture of cane sorghum, and it is in this industry that his inventive genius has held full sway and partial success, at least, has crowned his efforts. During 1913, he harvested thirteen acres of cane from which he made his first output of sorghum. In 1915, he manufactured twenty-four hundred gallons of splendid sorghum. The first year, he had but a small grinder and the entire plant was operated by a hired threshing machine. He had had no former experience in the business. At present, his plant is made up, as follows: A twenty-five horsepower boiler; the largest cane crusher in this section; and a steam engine to operate it that could easily maintain a grinding capacity of three hundred gallons daily.

Mr. Hartnell uses the steam system, having steam pipes in the various vats and so arranged that the scum can easily be removed with the minimum amount of labor. From the crusher, the juice is pumped up into the second floor of the plant, where it enters the settling tanks, where much of the refuse is removed. From here, it enters the simmering pans and these pans, or vats, heat the juice to almost a boil, and much of the scum is removed in these pans. From the simmering pans, the juice next enters the main boiling pans, which are kept constantly boiling to full capacity, and it is in these pans that the remaining refuse and foreign matter is removed, and the juice prepared for the evaporator. The evaporator, as well as the pans, is controlled by valves and can be heated to just the desired point by simply turning a valve. From the evaporator, the finished product enters the cooler and flows to the desired tank or directly into barrels, as may be desired.

This plan was evolved by Mr. Hartnell and all boiling and caring for the finished article is arranged for in his concrete plant, whicli is fireproof, having concrete floors and windows sufficient to achnit an abundance of light. \\'hile his plant was built in 1917, he is already laying plans for a new and much larger plant, one that will have a capacity sufficiently large to accommodate his neighbors who ha\-e grinding to be done, as well as a large acreage for himself.

Mr. Hartnell and his sons did the cement work in their cement factory, as well as the pipe fitting, boiler fitting, and, in fact, very little outside help was required in the building of the factory and what help that was hired was common labor in doing the cement work in the second story of the plant. His new factory will be built in Post Oak, midway between his two farms and more conveniently located for custom work, for shipping, as well as for receiving coal to operate his modern factory. Air. Hartnell has lately purchased a farm in Henry county, of one hundred sixty acres, one-half mile south of his new factory.

William Hartnell & Sons' famous sorghum of quality has in the past season of 1917 been shipped to over a third of the states in the Union, one customer having placed five orders in less than five months, and this from far-away Oregon. Mr. Hartnell is also engaged in the poultry business extensively and raises AMfite Leghorns, having more than se\'enteen hundred, at this writing. A modern brooder house has been erected in which all chicks are cared for until of sufficient age "to rustle" for themselves. Some two hundred laying hens are usually kept that are high quality birds, the kind that lay eggs that the best market demands.

Mr. Hartnell was married to Polly Baxter on July 21, 1887. and to this union have been born children as follow: Willard L., at home; Elmer L.. of Flint, Michigan: Euda Campbell, of Fellows. California; Kate Harclerode. of Fellows. California: Grant, of Fellows. California: Jesse J., Pearl. John, and Orin. all at home. The mother of these children was born in Ohio in 1863 and departed this life on June 2, 1916. She was a good and worthy woman whose loss has been sadly felt by those who knew her.

Since he was nine }ears of age. ^Ir. Hartnell has been a member of the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and has been a minister of this denomination since 1901. He is a prominent and active member of the Post Oak church.

J. J. Davis, a well-known and successful farmer and stockman of Post Oak townshin. is a memlier of one of the first pioneer families of Johnson countv. He was born in Johnson county in 1867, son of Rob- ert I. and Mary A. (Helterbrand) Davis. Robert I. Davis was a son of a prosperous farmer of Tennessee. Long before the Civil War, Mr. and Mrs. Robert I. Davis came to Johnson county, Missouri and settled on the farm in Post Oak township, now owned by their son, J. J., the subject of this review. The old Davis home was a rude, log cabin, one of the primitive homes of pioneer settlers. In this log cabin, J. J. Davis was born. He recalls the large open fireplace, where all the cooking was done and beside which the family gathered in winter time, spending their evenings telling stories while the mother would spin, knit, or fashion clothing for the children. Mr. Davis' house is on the site of the old homestead.

Mr. Davis recalls hearing his aunt relate how, when she was a girl, she used to go to church carrying her shoes in her hands and when near the church sit down and put them on. AVhen all the clothing was made by the mother and the father in the home, it was appreciated highly by the owners, who, knowing how difficult it was to obtain, tried their best to save it as long as possible.

During the Civil War, Robert I. Davis was obliged to go to St. Louis, Missouri, and there remain throughout the war. Mrs. Davis was left in charge of the farm and bravely and nobly she fought against adversity in the effort to keep their little home and the children well cared for, until the day when the father should return. Few pioneer women endured more hardships and privations, but Mrs. Davis was a wonderfully cheerful, little woman of great determination and never for a moment shirked responsibilities, which would have staggered a strong man. She and a neighbor. Nan Morris, would take the wagon and go for supplies to Sedalia, Missouri.

After the war had ended, the father returned to the farm and again assumed charge of affairs. He became very prosperous and in his day was a prominent and influential citizen of Johnson county. His death occurred in 1875. Of the six children born to Robert L and Mary A. Davis, only two are now living: J. J., the subject of this review; and Mrs. Emma Stout, of Warrensburg, Missouri.

J. J. Davis attended the public schools of Johnson county. "Dave" Mohler and John Wennick were two of his early school teachers. Mr. Davis often heard two of the first pioneer preachers, "Uncle Billy" Caldwell and Reverend A. M. Cockrell. People enjoyed going to church in

J. J. Davis recalls going after the cattle for his mother. In those days, stock had unlimited range and they would often wander far across the open prairie. The Davis lad had a dog, "Cap," which was invaluable in aiding in bringing the cattle home. "Cap" never failed to find the stock. He would listen for the bell of the leader and when Mrs. Davis told him to go for the cows, "Cap" would be of¥ and always bring them back.

In 1892, J. J. Davis and Gertrude Downing were united in marriage. Gertrude (Downing) Davis is a daughter of John and Eliza Downing, of Lafayette county, Missouri. To 'Sir. and Mrs. Davis have been born three children: Ernest, Chilhowee, Missouri; Edgar, at home; and Marian, at home. 'Sir. and Mrs. Davis resided on the home farm of the former after their marriage and it is still their home. Mr. Davis is the owner of one hundred eighty-nine acres of good farm land, forty acres of which are rich bottom land, never failing to produce a large crop. He has gathered as many as eighty bushels of corn to an acre. He has fifty acres of corn in 1917, which made fifty bushels to the acre. More than one hundred acres of the Davis farm are in grass land. 'Sir. Davis devotes most of his time to stock raising, producing on this place high grade hogs, crossed between a Poland China male and Duroc Jersey sows, and fine beef cattle of the Aberdeen Angus breed. He has planted bluegrass on that portion of his farm, which has been cultivated for eighty years, and it is his opinion that many farmers in Missouri would prosper more if they would sow all ridge land in grass and devote it to stock raising.

]Mrs. Davis is an expert with poultry and at the time of this writing in 1917 has a large flock of fine Brown Leghorns. She prefers this breed because of their splendid laying quality and she has found them, by actual experience, to yield large profits.

Mr. Davis is a man of unusually high character. Both he and ]\Irs. Davis have been for twenty-four years members of the Providence Baptist church and they are numbered among Johnson county's best and most highly valued citizens.

Lee Bamett, one of Johnson county's fine, young citizens and most energetic agriculturists, was born in 1872 in Washington township, Lafayette county, son of James Monroe and Esculania (Evans) Barnett.

James Monroe Barnett was born in December, 1843 in Lafayette county, Missouri, the oldest of fourteen children born to Absalom Davis Barnett, who came to Missouri from Kentucky about 1839 or 1840. At the time of the excited rush to the gold field in California in 1849, Absalom D. Barnett made an overland trip to that state, going across the plains and mountains and returning by way of the Isthmus of Panama across which he walked, and New Orleans. He had a gold nugget of unusual size, which he displayed to a group of men in New Orleans and some person in the crowd kept it. From New Orleans he went to St. Louis, thence to Lexington, and then back to the farm in Lafayette county, no richer materially then when he had left. His death occurred in 1880 and interment was made in the cemetery at Mount Hope. James M. Barnett spent his entire life, practically, in Lafayette county. He enlisted in the Civil War and served throughout the conflict with "Fighting Joe" Shelby and General Price. He was only seventeen years of age at the time of his enlistment. After the war closed, he returned to the farm and the remainder of his life was spent in the pursuits of farming and stock raising. In the early seventies, he farmed in Vernon and Cass counties for several years. Esculania (Evans) Barnett was born in 1856 in Lafayette county, a daughter of Levi and Narcissus (Christiali) Evans, who came to Missouri from Kentucky, where they had resided near Bowling Green. To James Monroe and Esculania Barnett were born five sons, all of whom are now living: Lee, the subject of this review; Robert P., who recently disposed of his interests in the home place in Lafayette county, selling to his brother, Samuel J., and the former now owns a farm near Chilhowee; William Francis, who resides on a farm near Mt. Tabor church; Samuel J., the present proprietor of the Barnett homestead in Lafayette county; and Dr. James J., a prominent dentist of Joplin, Missouri. The father died at the homestead in November, 1881. Burial was made at Mt. Tabor cemetery. The mother died in 1908.

Lee Barnett received a good common-school education in the public schools of Lafayette county, after which he attended the Warrensburg State Normal School for one year. Until he was twenty-six years of age, he remained on the home farm, engaged in the work of general farming and stock raising. In 1898, he purchased his present home, a farm of one hundred sixty acres of land located fifteen miles northwest of Warrensburg and eleven miles from Mayview, a place entered from the government by Daniel Atkinson, who at one time owned several thousand acres of land in this section of Missouri. Mr. Barnett has his farm now nicely improved, having but recently built a splendidly equipped barn and improved the residence, a home of unusually neat appearance, and installed a windmill, which pumps water from a well two hundred fifty feet in depth. The Barnett farm is exceedingly well watered, having four wells and an excellent cistern. Mr. Barnett is justly proud of the woven wire fencing enclosing his place, having used more than six hundred forty rods of four-foot wire. Twenty-five acres of the farm are in wheat, twenty-five acres in oats, forty acres in corn, and the balance in pasture. Mr. Barnett usually keeps from twenty to twenty-five head of horses, several mules, from twelve to fifteen head of cattle, and from sixty to one hundred head of hogs. He has a registered Shorthorn male at the head of the herd of cattle.

In 1905, Lee Barnett and Gertrude West were united in marriage. Mrs. Barnett is a daughter of Henry C. and Julia A. (Poole) West, of Lafayette county, one of Missouri's most highly respected, prominent, and worthy families. The father of Henry C. West was one of the honored pioneers of that county and Ephraim Poole, father of Mrs. Henry C. West, was also one of Lafayette county's brave, early settlers. Charles Poole, a son of Ephraim Poole, was a Confederate veteran. Henry C. West was a dauntless Confederate soldier, serving under General Price throughout the war. To Mr. and Mrs. West were born ten children, five girls and five boys, six of whom are now living, all energetic, substantial, excellent citizens of their respective communities, men and women of highest standing socially and financially: James E., who is the proprietor of a valuable farm near Odessa in Lafayette county, Missouri; Thomas E., who now owns and resides on the West home place near Odessa in Lafayette county, Missouri: Herbert C, a successful and influential farmer in Cass county, Missouri: Mrs. David P. Hurr, of Rock Island. Texas, the owner of a large ranch in Texas : and Mrs. Robert M. Anderson, who owns and resides on a farm near Mayview, Missouri; and Mrs. Lee Barnett, the wife of the subject of this review. Henry C. West departed this life on June 6, 1907. Mrs. West had preceded her husband in death several years. She died December 28. 1902. Both mother and father were laid to rest in Elm (33)

Grove cemetery. Mr. and Mrs. Henry C. West were beloved citizens of Lafayette county and they have been keenly missed by the immediate family circle and by a host of friends . Mr .and Mrs. Barnett are splendid and very popular young people who are enthusiastically working hard to improve their nice country place. No citizens in Johnson county are more deserving of success and are more highly esteemed than Mr. and Mrs. Lee Barnett.

E. K. Steele, capitalist, former president of the Farmers & Commercial Bank of Holden, Missouri, was born in Holden, May 24, 1874, a son of the late William Steele, merchant and banker. William Steele was born in Scotland, February 10, 1846. When nine years of age he accompanied his parents to Canada in 1855. He was reared to young manhood in the Dominion and in 1870 he immigrated to Missouri, locating in Holden, where he purchased a grocery store which he conducted for eight years. In 1878, he disposed of his store and entered the grain business, which he followed for two years. In 1881, he organized the Farmers & Commercial Bank of Holden and continued in the banking business until his retirement from active life. Mr. Steele was a very successful citizen who made a success of his various ventures and took an active and influential interest in the afifairs of his home city, serving for a number of years as a member of the Holden School Board. His death occurred in December, 1915.

William Steele was married in 1873 to Miss Mary F. Kennedy, of Canada, and to this union were born three children: E. K. Steele, subject of this review; Mary M. ; and James H.

E. K. Steele was reared and educated in Holden, receiving his education in the public schools of his native town. He began his career as clerk and general utility man of his father's bank in 1890. From this position he was promoted to the post of assistant cashier and became cashier of the bank in 1905. In 1916 he succeeded his father as president of the Farmers & Commercial Bank but resigned his position in June of 1916. Since this time, he has been looking after his extensive property interests in Holden and Kansas City. He is financially interested in the Mutual (Bell) Telephone Company and has banking interests which are considerable. He is connected with the Farmers & Commercial Bank as a director.

olent and Protective Order of Elks of AVarrensburg. He has also served as city councilman and has always taken a keen and influential interest in promoting the affairs of his home city.

Mrs. Mary J. (Mints) Bunn, one of Warrensburg's most highly respected and esteemed women, was born in Pensacola, Florida, a daughter of Robert Washington and Sarah Elizabeth (Miller) Mints. Mrs. Bunn has long been a resident of Warrensburg, to which city she came with her husband. W. H. Bunn, in 1874. Since his death, in 1912. she has made her home with her son, Thomas Jeft'erson Bunn, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this volume. Mary J. (flints) Bunn was reared, educated, and married in Pensacola. Florida.

In 1868. W. H. Bunn and Mary J. ]\Iints were united in marriage. A\'. H. Bunn was born in Ohio in 1835 at Xenia. He enlisted in the Civil War at Paris. Texas, in 1861. serving in the Tenth Texas Cavalry throughout the war. He took an active and prominent part in the battle of Little Blue, serving under General Price, and during this conflict two horses were shot from under him and he, himself, was shot in both legs. Prior to that, Mr. Bunn was dangerously wounded at the battle of Manassas Junction on July 21. 1861, and left on the battlefield in the belief that he was dead. At Shreveport, Louisiana, in 1865, W. H. Bunn was paroled from service and in 1868 he w'as married, as stated in a preceding sentence.

In 1874, Mr. and Mrs. W. H. Bunn came to Warrensburg. Prior to that time. Mr. Bunn had been engaged in the queensware business at Pensacola, Florida. He had thus been engaged previous to the war, his place of business being located in Paris. Texas. After coming to Warrensburg, he entered the real estate business, his office being over the Peoples National Bank for more than thirty years. W. H. Bunn was very prominent in civic affairs and one of \\'arrensburg's leading and most widely-known citizens. For a number of years, he was a member of the city council and was city police judge. Under both administrations of President Cleveland, he was appointed United States revenue collector, his of^ce being in Kansas City, Missouri. After his term in this office had expired, Mr. Bunn again assumed the duties of police judge. About two years prior to his death, on August 7, 1912. he retired from active business. He was a highly valued member of the Knights of Pythias and the Ancient Order of United AA'orkmen. Interment was made in the cemetery at Warrensburg.

W. H. and Mary J. (Mints) Bunn were the parents of the following children : Mamie, who is the wife of \\'. ^\'. Durham, of East St. Louis, Illinois, and they are the parents of three children: Bunn, Thelma, and Dixie ; Katherine, who is the wife of Eugene Dupuis, wdio has made a name for himself on the vaudeville stage and is now with the Orpheum in New York City; Fannie B., who is a graduate of the Warrensburg State Normal School and of Spalding's Commercial College, the wife of Mr. Whitsett, and the mother of one child, a daughter, Marjorie Jane, who is now the wife of F. W. Bigum, of Ramona, Oklahoma, and Mrs. \\'hitsett is at present in the employ of J. H. Freeman, a wellknown broker, of St. Louis, Missouri ; and Thomas Jefferson, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this volume, and with whom the mother now makes her home.

Thomas J. Bionn, cashier at the freight depot of the Missouri Pacific railway, has perhaps seen more of the world than any other person in Johnson county and he is still a very young man. He was born in 1882 in Warrensburg, Missouri, the only son and youngest child of the children born to his parents, W. H. and Mary J. (Mints) Bunn. W. H. Bunn was a native of Ohio where he was born at Xenia in 1835. Mary J. (Mints) Bunn is a native of Florida where she was born at Pensacola a daughter of Robert Washington and Sarah Elizabeth (Miller) Mints. To W'. H. and Mary J. Bvmn were born four children: Mamie, the wife of W. W. Durham, of East St. Louis, Illinois; Katherine, the wife of Eugene Dupuis, of New York City ; Fannie B., who is now Airs. \\'hitsett, of St. Louis, Missouri; and Thomas Jefferson, the subject of this review. A more comprehensive sketch of the Bunn family is given in connection with the biography of Mrs. Mary J. (Mints) Bunn which appears elsewhere in this volume. August 7. 1912, the father died and Mrs. Bunn has resided with her son, Thomas J., since that time.

In the city schools of Warrensburg, MissoiUM, Thomas J. Bunn received his education. He was also a student in the Warrensburg State Normal School for several terms. At the age of sixteen years, he enlisted in the LInited States navy in 1898, at St. Louis. This was at the time of the Spanish-American War. For four years, Mr. Bunn was in service and during that time saw much of the world. He received training at Norfolk, Virginia and thence sailed to the West Indies on the sailing vessel, "Alliance." Thence the crew sailed to Philadelphia League Island Navv Yard and then to the South Atlantic Station, the South

African Station, and tlie European Station, circumnavigating the globe. Mr. Bunn was in active service on the first-class cruiser, "Minneapolis." the battleship, "Iowa," and the transport, "Perry." He had tried to enlist in the home company, but being too young he was not accepted. For the past six years, Thomas J. Bunn has been in the employ of the Missouri Pacific Railway Company at W'arrensburg, where he is the efficient clerk and cashier at the freight depot.

Thomas J. Bunn was united in marriage with Fannie Irene Alden, of Galveston, Texas. Mrs. Thomas J. Bunn is a daughter of A\'. L. and Adelia (Harrison) Alden, the former, now deceased. To Thomas J. and Fannie Irene (Alden) Bunn have been born three children: Katherine, William H., and Priscilla Alden. Mr. Bunn is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Both he and Airs. Bunn are very popular and held in the highest respect in Warrensburg, in which city they reside.

J. F. Samuel, a prominent and widely-known contractor of \\'arrensliurg, Missouri, was born May 23, 1859, in Piatt county, Illinois, a son of D. A. Samuel, a native of North Carolina, and Ruth (Greene) Samuel, a native of Tennessee. D. A. Samuel was a son of Herndon Samuel, who was a veteran of the War of 1812. At one time, during the War of 1812, Herndon Samuel was ordered to carry an officer across a stream. As the man of authority was far more able to walk across the stream than was Mr. Samuel the latter purposely fell in the water and gave the big fellow a good "ducking." D. A. Samuel was born in North Carolina but reared to manhood in Kentucky. In early maturity he moved from Kentucky to Illinois. During the Civil War he enlisted in the Union army, serving with Company A. Tenth Illinois Cavalry throughout the war. He received no wounds from shots but was seriously ruptured by his horse falling with him. The last year of service he was the company veterinary. From Illinois, D. A. Samuel came with his family to Johnson county, Missouri, in 1870 and located in Hazel Hill township. Ruth (Greene) Samuel was born in Tennessee and reared in Kentucky. To D. A. and Ruth Samuel were born two children: Zachariah, of southern Oklahoma; and J. F., the subject of this review. Mr. Samuel learned the cabinet maker's trade in Paris, Kentucky, and at eighteen years of age was a skilled artisan. He was away from home on a trip through Kansas and Oklahoma and was employed in work on a church building in Coffeyville, Kansas, when his death occurred, caused by an accident, in 1887. Interment was made in Liberty cemetery. The Samuel family were residing in Warrensburg at the time the tragedy occurred and the widowed mother is now residing in tliis city on North Holden street.

In the schools of Hazel Hill township, J. F. Samuel obtained his education. He remained at home with his parents until he was twentyone years of age. Mr. Samuel learned the carpenter's trade, being taught by his father. In 1886 J. F. Samuel came to Warrensburg and one year later built his present shop on North Holden street. He has followed the business of contracting since that time and has erected many school houses throughout the county and numerous fine residences. At the time of this writing, in 1917, Mr. Samuel has the contract for the ConsoHdated High School building to be erected in Hazel Hill township at a cost of seven thousand dollars. This building will be located eleven miles northwest of Warrensburg and one and a half miles west of Hazel Hill. In the spring of 1917, Mr. Samuel purcliased three acres of land, nicely improved, just south of the city limits of Warrensburg, which place formerly belonged to tlie Peters heirs. This pleasant suburban home on the rock road on South McGuire street is the present residence of the Samuel family.

In 1883, J. F. Samuel and Emma Donnaldson, of Hazel Hill, the daughter of David and Elizabeth Donnaldson, were married. Mr. Donnaldson is now deceased and Mrs. Donnaldson resides in Warrensburg. They were the parents of the following children: Mrs. Sallie Cecil; Mrs. Louisa Burrington : Mrs. Stella Staley : Ed, A\'arrensburg; Charles, \\'arrensburg: \\'i]liam. Independence, Missouri: and Mrs. J. F, Samuel, the wife of the suljject of this review. To Mr. and Mrs. Samuel have been born nine children: Mrs. Kittie Shackleford, Hazel Hill; Harry. Kansas City, Missouri; Gilbert, Colorado Springs, Colorado; Mrs. Lillie Pollock, deceased; Ada, at home: Roy, Kansas City. Missouri: Clifford, Tracey, and Ruth, at home.

Charles A. Gray and Charles A. Baker, proprietors of the Pertle Springs Health and Pleasure Resort of Johnson county, are two of this county's most enterprising and capable citizens. They purchased this famous resort in 1917 and now are devoting much time and energy in the endeavor to make Pertle Springs the most sought-for spot in Missouri. They have met with well-deserved success, for this is an ideal retreat.

Reverend Sam Jones is the one responsible for the erection of the large auditorium at Pertle Springs. He was conducting a meeting at the time that he reahzed and foresaw the possibilities of such a building at the Springs and immediately started the movement which culminated in the erection of the structure, having a seating capacity of two thousand people on one floor and a stage that will accommodate two hundred people. The well-remembered "Dick" Bland Silver Convention was held here in 1896, when William Jennings Bryan made one of his famous "silver speeches." This renowned orator has appeared here several times since that date.

The land originally belonged to Mr. Pertle, for whom the Springs were named. The dusky Indian warriors often visited the place in the days long gone b}^ and many were benefited by the mineral waters. The medicinal properties of the waters of Pertle Springs are widely known. Iron, sulphur, and magnesia, besides other minerals are contained in the water.

The grounds of the Pertle Springs Health and Pleasure Resort comprise eighty acres of which thirty-six are owned by Gray and Baker. There are nine lakes, one being kept exclusively for bathing purposes. The bathing facilities at Pertle Springs are the finest in the state, the water being continually changed. The water-line around the lake devoted to fishing covers thirty-two acres. The lake supplying water for the waterworks covers sixteen acres of land. The chain of smaller lakes covers from two to four acres of land each and all have been stocked with large quantities of fish. Gray and Baker own six cottages and Mr. Christopher owns two flats and a number of cottages at the Springs. The hotel, to which additions have been made since the original structure was erected, has sleeping accommodations for two hundred fifty people. This building is 175 x 69 feet in dimensions, with a continuous veranda from the southeast to the northwest corner of the hotel. There are two hundred twenty-five feet of porches. The hotel is equipped with all modern conveniences and supplies first-class and exceptionally fine service. A garage on the grounds has space for fifteen autos and guests of the resort are given car room free. Two storage houses for ice, having a capacity of two thousand pounds, are annually filled. Gray and Baker raise all the produce used in the hotel, having a two-acre tract in garden products. During the Epworth League Convention, thirteen hundred meals were served daily and not one penny's worth of garden produce was purchased, their own garden furnishing all that was needed in the hotel. One especially attractive feature of Pertle Springs is the fine shade furnished by some of the most magnificent forest trees to be found anywhere. They are growing in the park just as nature planted them. The sandy soil and rolling hills in the park make a splendid natural drainage and even in the rainiest weather there is no mud to be found. Pertle Springs is a beautiful place, a quiet retreat with special accommodations for children. Swings for the little visitors have been provided and a pool was constructed last season especially for children's bathing.

Three conventions were held at the Springs the past year, of 1917, namely: The Epworth League Convention, the B. Y. P. U. Convention, and the Circuit Clerks' and Recorders' Association of Missouri. A "dummy" line from Warrensburg, two and a fourth miles in length, connects the city with Pertle Springs and in the busy seasons trains are run every thirty minutes. The company also have a "dummy" engine and a motor that runs on this track during the busiest times.

Charles A. Gray, one of the proprietors, of the resort, was born December 18, 1862, in Jefferson county, Kansas, near Perry. Mr. Gray is a mechanical engineer. He learned engineering from practical experience with a skilled workman and for thirteen years was employed as engineer by the Jones Dry Goods Company of Kansas City. Mr. Gray was a licensed engineer of Kansas City for thirty years. Two years prior to purchasing an interest in this resort, Charles A. Gray was manager of the railroad and grounds here. He was united in marriage with Edna M. Littleton, of Kansas City. Kansas, the daughter of Edward and Emma Littleton, the former of whom is now deceased, and the widowed mother resides in Kansas City, Kansas. To Charles A. and Edna M. (Littleton) Gray has been born one child, a daughter, Nellie, who is now the wife of Mr. Gallagher, of Kansas City, Kansas. Mr. Gray gives special attention to the care of the grounds at Pertle Springs and to attending to the comfort and enjoyment of the patrons of the resort.

Charles A. Baker, one of the proprietors of the Pertle Springs Health and Pleasure Resort, was a student in the public schools of Greenwood county, Kansas, and at the Methodist Episcopal College. Baldwin, Kansas. For twenty-seven years, Mr. Baker was employed as an accountant for different firms in Kansas City. Missouri, being eleven years with Jones Dry Goods Company and at other times with Emery Bird Thayer, Swift & Company, and KHne Cloak & Suit Company. He now has charge of the Pertle Springs Hotel, all the cottages, and the two rows of flats on the grounds of this park. Charles A. Baker was united in marriage with Minnie Momma, the daughter of Nicholas and Frederika Momma, of Howard City, Elk county, Kansas. The father of Mrs. Baker is now deceased and her mother resides in Howard City. Mr. and Mrs. Charles A. Baker are the parents of two sons: Karl M., Ft. Dodge, Iowa; and Earl M., of Kansas City.

Jasper F, Newton was born June 16. 1886, in Hazel Hill township. He is a son of Jasper E. and Florence A. (Parker) Newton, the former a native of Johnson county and the latter, of Lafayette county. Jasper E. Newton was born October 23, 1847. He was a son of John Newton, Esq., who settled in Hazel Hill township prior to the Civil War. He later moved to Warrensburg, when he retired from the active pursuits of farming, gardening, and stock raising. His son, Jasper E., was reared and educated in Hazel Hill township. He enlisted in the Civil War, serving in the Confederate army. He was married to Florence A. Parker on April 17, 1870, and they located on a farm in Cass county prior to coming to Johnson county. Nine children were born to Jasper E. and Florence A. Newton, two of whom were born in Cass county and seven in Johnson county on the home place in Hazel Hill township and all of whom are now living: J. jNIack. of Alontana; Mrs. Stella M. Griffin, of Oklahoma: Emmet P.. of Montana; Mrs. Alice Miller, of Pennsylvania; Mrs. Florence Woodrufif, of Colorado; Mrs. Lena Bailey, of Montana; Jasper F., of this review; Mrs. Minnie Ferguson, ot Hazel Hill township and Elba, on the home place in Hazel Hill township. The father died in May, 1913, and the widowed mother is still residing on the home farm in Hazel Hill township, three miles from Hazel Hill.

Mr. Newton, the subject of this sketch, attended the public schools of Johnson county and later was a student at Missouri Valley College. About ten years ago, Jasper F. Newton began life for himself in Dakota, where he was employed as day laborer. From Dakota he went to Iowa, where he also worked by the day. In 1909, Mr. Newton returned to Johnson county. He purchased his present home from Waldo Bratton in December, 1915, and in September of the following year started the dairy business on this farm, with twenty head of fine grade cattle. The eighty-ton silo, which he has erected on his place, has been found to be one of his best investments. The milk-house is constructed of concrete and well water is pumped into it to be used in cooling the milk. The barn for the cattle has concrete floors and is kept in a perfectlysanitary condition. It is large and well constructed. Since coming to this farm, Jasper F. Newton has built his present attractive and comfortable residence, a structure of six rooms, well arranged and neatly kept. This has all modern conveniences, with the exception of a furnace. Mr. Newton sells the milk from his dairy to the Missouri Dairy Company and the milk always grades A.

May 7, 1909, Jasper F. Newton and Nell Florence Buchanan were united in marriage. Mrs. Newton is the daughter of P. W. and Ida (Chinn) Buchanan. Mr. Buchanan was born in 1858 in Lafayette county, Missouri, son of Robert Buchanan, who emigrated from Scotland and came to the United States and settled in Lafayette county, Missouri, where his death occurred several years later. P. W. Buchanan is engaged in the dairy business and he and Mrs. Buchanan reside on a fine farm one mile east of Warrensburg. To Jasper F. and Nell Florence Newton have been born two children : William Jasper and Ida Ruth. Mr. and Mrs. Newton are held in the highest esteem in Johnson county, where the Newton .family has long been widely and favorably known.

W. B. Parsons was born in 1873 in Illinois, a son of Arthur and I\Iary Jane ( Skeen) Parsons. Arthur Parsons is a native of Ohio. He came with his wife to Missouri just after the Civil War and they remained in this state for several years and then returned to their home in Illinois. After a few years, Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Parsons moved back to Missouri and settled in Johnson county, where they are now residing on a farm near Greendoor. To Arthur and Mary Jane Parsons have been born the following children : John E., a well-known stockman of Columbus township; Wilbur T., a prosperous farmer residing near Greendoor; and W. B.. the subject of this sketch.

Mr. Parsons, of this review, received his education at Greendoor and at Waldron, Missouri. At the age of twenty-one years, he began life for himself, engaged in farming. He purchased in 1902 his present farm home of two hundred sixty acres in Hazel Hill and Warrensburg townships, eighty acres of the place being in Hazel Hill township and the balance in Warrensburg township. John Taylor formerly owned this place. This is a splendid stock farm and well watered. The well on the place has never been known to lie dry and the windmill is kept pumping all the time. Mr. Parsons has added all the improvements connected with his dairy since coming to the farm, including a fine dairy barn, two silos, and a splendid milk-house. Previous to starting the dairy, Mr. Parsons kept a number of cows and for years was engaged in the production of butter and cream. January 2, 1917, the dairy was opened on his present farm. The milk-house is constructed of concrete and into it water is pumped, by a windmill, for the cooling vats. All vessels used in connection with the dairy are kept perfectly clean and sanitary, being thoroughly cleansed and placed in the sunshine every day. In the barn, Mr. Parsons has room for thirty-five cows. This place is also kept clean and is no haunt for flies. Twenty-four cows are at the present time being milked and the whole milk is sold to the Missouri Dairy Company. Mr. Parsons makes two deliveries in the summer time, taking the milk, after being cooled, to Warrensburg and from there shipping it to Ivansas City, Missouri. The milk goes on ice to this city dairy and always grades A. In the winter time, the cattle are fed ensilage and Mr. Parsons has erected in 1913 and in 1915 silos, of one hundred and one hundred thirty-five tons capacity respectively. He employs one assistant all the time and his two sons are invaluable in the work of the dairy.

In 1898, ^^^ B. Parsons and Jettie Taylor, daughter of John and Julia Taylor, of Hazel Hill township, were united in marriage. Air. Taylor is deceased and the widowed mother makes her home with her children. Jettie (Taylor) Parsons has lived on the farm which is now and has been her home ever since she was three years of age. To W. 1j. and Jettie Parsons have been born two sons: Guy, who has just completed two years of the course in the Warrensburg High School and attended this institution during the term of 1917 and 1918; and Glenn, a student in the Warrensburg High School. Air. and Airs. Parsons are progressive, hardworking, excellent young people and are richly deserving of all the success which has in the past and will in the future certainly attended all their enterprising efforts.

H. H. Shackleford, proprietor of the "Walnut Flat Stock Farm" in Hazel Hill township, was born February 11, 1860 in Hazel Hill township. He is a son of James AI. and Caroline ( Harrison ) Shackleford, who were the parents of eight children: John Baxter, who died at the age of nearly twelve years: three children, who died in child- hood during an epidemic of diphtheria; Mrs. Syhanus Lockard, W'arrensburg; Mrs. John Glass. Higginsville, Missouri; B. F., Fayetteville, Missouri; and H. H., of this review. James M. Shackleford was born in Kentucky in 1825. About 1833, he came to Missouri with his parents, who settled in Hazel Hill township. He was reared to maturity in this part of Johnson county and in 1849 was united in marriage with Carohne Harrison, who was born in Limestone county. Alabama, on February 16, 1829. Her grandfather, Joseph Harrison, was one of the first settlers in Hazel Hill township, where he entered a large tract of choice land from the government. He died on this farm and is Ijuried in the family cemetery. A more comprehensive history of the Harrison family appears elsewhere in this volume. Mrs. James M. Shackleford died in 1863 and is buried in Liberty cemetery. Thirty years later, she was followed in death by her husband, his death occurring in 1893. The father also was laid to rest in the cemetery where the mother is buried.

In the Mount Moriah school of Hazel Hill township, Mr. H. H. Shackleford obtained a good common school education. He began life for himself at the age of twenty-two years and practically all his life has been interested in farming and stock raising, in which pursuits he is now engaged. Mr. Shackleford purchased his present home in 1894. buying the land from several different people. This farm formerly belonged to ^^'illiam Matthews, an old pioneer of Hazel Hill township. "Walnut Flat Stock Farm" comprises eighty acres of valuable land located two miles southwest of Fayetteville and nine miles from Warrensburg. All the splendid improvements on this place Mr. Shackleford has himself placed there since his coming to this stock farm. In 1905, the barn, 40 x 54 feet, was built and in 1911. the residence was remodeled and made modern. Mr. Shackleford has given special attention to the raising of horses and jacks, handling registered Percherons and draft horses. He began about twelve years ago with draft horses and now has only one registered animal, "Clarence," purchased in 1915, weight twenty-two hundred pounds. "Dewey," who heads the jacks, was sired by "Choice Goods," the greatest show jack in the world, and was raised by Mr. Shackleford.

In 1882, H. H. Shackleford was united in marriage with Helen Roberts, daughter of John and Nancy (Tuttle") Roberts, of Hazel Hill township. The Roberts family came to Johnson county in the fifties and located in Hazel Hill township. Later, :\Ir. and Mrs. Roberts moved to Mercer county, Missouri, where Mr. Roberts died in 1870. Mrs. Roberts died in 1896 and interment was made in Liberty cemetery. To H. H. and Helen Shackleford have been born three children: E. L., who married Catherine Samuels and is the owner of the "Uncle Billy" Lemmon place, where they reside ; Beatrice, the wife of E. E. Pollock, of Fayetteville, Missouri; and H. H., Jr., at home with his parents. The Shackleford family is one of the best, all members of which are honest, thrifty, industrious citizens.

Charles W. Dixon was born December 22, 1877 in Warrensburg, Missouri. He is a son of Joseph T. and Ella (DulHeld) Dixon. Joseph T. Dixon was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He came to Warrensburg, Missouri about 1871 or 1872 and in 1876 was united in marriage with Ella Duffield, a native of Virginia, and to them were born four children: Charles W., Bessie, Minnie, and Josephine. The father died in 1901 and the widowed mother is now residing in Warrensburg. A more comprehensive history of the Dixon family appears in the biography of Mrs. Ella (Duffield) Dixon, which will be found elsewhere in this volume.