Johnson County, Missouri - - Biographical, 1918 (part 18 of 19)

At the time of this writing George Adams is the owner of more than five hundred acres of land in Johnson county. He began with a very smaU tract of land, which he inherited from his father's estate, and by hard labor and cautious saving has acquired his present splendid country home. Air. Adams has none to thank but himself for his fine stock farm, for the money which purchased it was made buying and selling sheep and mules. He had at the beginning of his business career much ill fortune and a very gloomy outlook, but in time the tide turned and he began to prosper. Mr. Adams first had success in handling mules. He now is devoting much time to sheep raising, and for the past ten years has been keeping annually one hundred head of Oxfords and for fifteen years has never had any but a pure-bred male at the head of the herd. He sells the lambs and keeps the best to increase the herd and for wool growing. Mr. Adams is partial to the Oxford breed. Scientists in agriculture have pronounced the Oxford the largest of the medium-wooled sheep, the best adapted to feed on wet pastures, and especially useful to produce mutton lambs to be marketed in early stimmer. at four and five months, of age. He believes the Oxford produces the most as well as the best wool. Air. Adams also keeps Chester \\"hite hogs, which, too, are purebretl. Air. Adams has usually four brood sows and one male and from them obtains two litters of pigs each year, which means that he has ready for market forty to fifty hogs annually. He does not attempt to keep a certain number of mules at any one time, but is constantly 1>uying and selling them. Fifteen years past he began raising purebred Shorthorn cattle and at the present time has forty cows and heifers, seventeen yearlings, and twenty-seven head of young cahes. At the head of the herd is a purebred male. \\'ith the exception of about fifteen acres, all the Adams farm is now under cultivation or in meadow. The residence was built by his father, but additions have since been matle to the original log structure. The view from the Adams home is a fine one, taking in the entire farm. A'erv few farmers in Alissouri have as fine barn as is found on the George Adams farm. This barn was built many years ago of black walnut. Thomas .Vdams constructed it from lumber obtained from a mammoth black walnut tree, which grew upon the place and had been blown down. This tree was six feet in diameter and sixty feet to the nearest limb and from it sixteen-foot lumber was sawed and used in

On New Year's day, 1889, George Adams and Anne Haller were united in marriage. The parents of Mrs. Adams were natives of Germany, from which country they had emigrated and several years prior to the marriage of their daughter had settled in Johnson county. To George and Anne (Haller) Adams were born six children: Edith, wife of Mr. Skidmore, residing on a farm near the home of her parents; Nellie, wife of Mr. Cronhardt, residing near Knob Noster, Missouri; Lydia, Sarah Anne, Henry H., and George Gaylord, at home. Mr. Adams has always been interested in good roads and the people of his community owe him much for his strenuous efforts in securing the fine highways in their neighborhood. Oak Hill road, which runs for a mile and a half along the Adams farm, was largely built by George Adams. Assistance was not available from the other citizens of the township and, undauntedly, Mr. Adams worked practically alone in its construction. Much praise and credit are due an enterprising citizen, such as he, who can find time from the countless duties devolving upon him in the management of his own private affairs to build without help a highway, which will benefit not only himself but also his neighbors. Mr. and Mrs. Adams are earnest supporters of the Baptist church, of which Mr. Adams has been a worthy elder for many years.

S. P. Piper, the capable engineer of the Light & Water Plant of Holden, Missouri, is one of the well-known citizens of Johnson county, a member of a good, old, pioneer family. Mr. Piper was born in 1867 in Johnson county, Missouri, a son of Mr. and Mrs. Kim Piper, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this volume.

In 1882, S. P. Piper left Missouri and went to Texas to reside. He remained on a ranch in that state five years and then returned to Johnson county, Missouri and he has lived in this county continuously since that time. Mr. Piper went to Texas just six years after the adoption of the state's present constitution and when the country was largely undeveloped. He saw the state when it was really "woolly" and his experiences there he will never forget. Until about eighteen years ago, S. P. Piper was engaged in the pursuits of farming and stock raising. He then abandoned the farm and began the work of engineer and since 1900 he has been employed in this capacity at the city's Light & Water Plant in Holden.

in 1896. To this union have been born three children, all of whom are at home with their parents: Helena, Maude, and William. Mr. and Mrs. Piper are highly respected in Holden and they number their friends by the score in Johnson county. Mr. Piper is a member of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons and of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Politically, he is affiliated with the Democrats.

More than a half century ago, the Pipers settled in Johnson county. The family of children, of whom S. P. was one, literally "grew up with the country" and each member has well maintained the good name and excellent reputation established by the father, a name that has come to be symbolic of honesty, honor, and industry.

Kim Piper, a well-remembered and beloved pioneer of Johnson county, was a native of Kentucky. He came to Missouri from his native state in the early fifties and located first in Pettis county, coming thence to Johnson county in 1859. Mr. Piper brought his wife and two children with him from the South to establish the new home in what was at that time the "western wilderness." His friends had said that it was a rash thing to do and prophesied that the family would be killed by the red men of the forest. All the household goods they could possibly do without were sold and the rest, with provisions, were put into the large emigrant wagon. Beds and bedding, with their scant clothing, were placed on the backs of the horses. The feather beds were so carried on the horses as to make a good platform, upon which the children sometimes rode. They found this great sport until going downhill or o\'er a rock\- road, at which time they were glad to climb back into the w«gon beside the patient, unchiding mother. The family were ferried over the rivers, the horses swam across, and the wagon would be taken to pieces and carried across in a skiff, one part at a time. As they proceeded on their journey, the men of the emigrant train, for there were several members of the party westward bound, would be obliged to cut away the trees so that the wagon could get through. Two brothers of Kim Piper were with the train : John and Mason. Mason Piper returned to Kentucky during the Civil War and never came West again. The Piper family located on a tract of land in Johnson county, after a brief sojourn in Pettis county, a farm located about five miles south of Holden, Missouri. On this place, the father engaged in farming and stock raising and in the course of time became very well to do and influential. Several years later. Kim Piper sold this farm and went to Texas, where he remained for a few years and then returned to Johnson county, Missouri to spend the remainder of his life contentedly engaged in the pursuits of agriculture.

When the Civil War broke out, Kim Piper was one of the first to enlist to fight for the Southern cause. He served under General Sterling Price and saw active service in the Southern and Gulf states. When the war had ended he came back to his home in Johnson county, again to pursue the peaceful vocation of farming and to do his part in restoring and rebuilding that which had been destroyed by the havoc of war.

Kim Piper was the father of the following children: Nancy, deceased; S. P., the subject of this review; William, of Cooke county, Texas; and two other children now deceased. The mother died many years ago and the father's death occurred in 1883. Mr. and Mrs. Piper were noble types of the brave, true, hardy pioneer. They cheerfully and uncomplainingly endured the hardships, privations, sacrifices and tirelessly toiled and hoped for better, happier days. Such lives as these were not lived in vain and what they did for the succeeding generations can never be forgotten. A new sense of appreciation should be awakened in the hearts of the young people of today and upon them impressed by such a life history the fact that the choicest blessings we now have could not exist were it not for the constancy and labor of men and women like Mr. and Mrs. Kim Piper.

T. E. Rice, a worthy representative of an honored and respected pioneer family, is one of the successful and enterprising farmers and stockmen of Jackson township, a member of a family that has been closely and prominently connected with the history of Johnson county. Mr. Rice is a son of Samuel and Susan (Easley) Rice,- che father, a native of Kentucky and the mother, of Lonejack. Missouri. He Avas born in 1876 near Pittsville. Missouri on his father's farm in Jackson township, one of the following children born to Samuel and Susan Rice: William, Kansas City, Missouri ; Mrs. Carrie Palmer, wife of P. S. Palmer; J. M., Pittsville, Missouri; Mrs. J. L. Patterson, Pittsville, Missouri; T. E., the subject of this review; Miller W.. a well-known dentist of Kansas City, Missouri ; Mrs. J. J. Culp, Warrensburg, ]\Iissouri: and R. S., a mail carrier, who resides on the home place near Pittsville. Samuel Rice came overland from his home near Richmond, Kentucky to Johnson county. Missouri. He settled on a tract of choice land near Pittsville and on his farm in this county spent the rest of his life. During the Civil War, Samuel Rice enlisted with the Confederates and served under General Francis M. Cockrell. When the conflict ended, Mr. Rice returned to Johnson county to pursue again the work of farming and stock raising. He began life in the West a comparatively poor man, but by constant industry, economy, and careful management, he acquired a comfortable competence, which is now in the possession of his descendants. He died in 1890 and, twenty-one years after his death, Mrs. Rice departed this life, in 1911. The history of Johnson county would be incomplete were no mention made of Samuel and Susan Rice. For many years their lives were inseparably interwoven with the industrial and financial interests of Jackson township and much of its present prosperity is attributed to their efforts. Plain and unassuming in manner, yet ever frank and genial, 'they won and retained the love and respect of all who knew them.

T. E. Rice obtained a good common school education in the public schools of Johnson county and he later was a student at the Warrensburg State Normal School. He cared for his widowed mother and was self-supporting at an age when most boys are still dependent and carefree. Early in life, he became interested in raising only purebred stock and he is now engaged in handling purebred Shorthorn cattle, though he also devotes some attention to general farming. Air. Rice is a member and director of the Johnson County Live Stock Association.

In 1910. T. E. Rice and Elizabeth Davis, daughter of M. H. Davis, an honored pioneer of Johnson count}', were united in marriage and to this union has been born one child, a daughter. ]\Iary Roberta. Mr. and ]\Irs. Rice are valued members of the Baptist church. Mr. Rice is affiliated with he. Ancient Free and Accepted Masons and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He believes in the principles embodied in the platform of the Democratic party and is unswerving in his fealty to that political organization. The influence of the Rices has always been exerted in behalf of whatever conduces to charity, kindness, and right living.

John W. Miller, ex-sheriff and the present deputy sheriff of Johnson county, Missouri, was born in 1868 m Ohio. He is a son of John and Elizabeth Miller, the former a native of Scotland and the latter of Ireland. Both parents emigrated from their native land in earlv youth. John Miller had learned the shoemaker's trade in the old country and when he came to .America followed his trade here for many years. In these days, the shoemaker made shoes by hand as well as repaired them. To John and Elizabeth Miller were born six children, five boys and one girl: John, Jr., the subject of this review; James B., Webb City, Missouri; David, St. Louis, Missouri; Charles, Carthage, Missouri; George, St. Louis, Missouri; and Mrs. Margarette Dodd, who is deceased. Mr. Miller spent the last fifteen years of his life in Fredonia, Missouri, where he died in 1908. Eight years later, he was followed in death by his wife. Mrs. Miller's death occurred in 1916.

In 1890, John W. Miller came to Johnson county and located in Warrensburg, where he accepted the position of foreman of the Blue Stone Quarries, which position he held until 1912, when he was elected sheriff of Johnson county on the Democratic ticket. Mr. Miller served as sheriff four years and is deputy sheriff at the present time. In addition to the duties of that office, John Miller is a member of the Knob Noster Brick & Tile Company. This company owns property valued at fifty thousand dollars and employs thirty men. Their kiln has a capacity of from fifty to seventy-five thousand brick a day. The company uses seven grades of clay, each representing a different priced brick. They have, at the time of this writing, on hand an unlimited supply of clay. In spite of the advanced prices, the demand for the products of the factory is far greater than the supply. Orders are frequently sent outside the state of Missouri. The Knob Noster Brick & Tile Company furnished five or six millions of brick for the construction of the Missouri State Capitol building. Mr. Miller resides in Warrensburg, where he owns a beautiful residence, a modern home of twelve rooms. Each day he drives to Knob Noster to look after his interests there.

In 1888, John W. Miller was united in marriage with Mary Chapman, daughter of Thomas and Ruth Chapman. Mr. and Mrs. Miller are members of the Warrensburg Presbyterian church. Mr. Miller is at the present time a member of the Warrensburg School Board. He is one of Johnson county's leading and most influential citizens.

David E. Shy, M. D., the efficient and successful, young physician and surgeon of Knob Noster, Missouri, was born December 13, 1879 in Pettis county, Missouri, son of David J. and Sarah (Godbey) Shy. David J. Shy. Jr. was born in Pettis county, Missouri, son of David Shy, Sr., who came to Missouri from Kentucky in 1838 and located in Pettis county in 1840 and there engaged in farming. David Shy, Jr., the father of the subject of this review, still resides on the farm which his father entered from the government more than seventy-five years ago. Sarah (Godbey) Shy is a daughter of Josiah Godbey, a Methodist minister of Kentucky, who came from Iventucky to Missouri sixty-five years ago. To David J. and Sarah Shy iiave been born the following children: Dr. Milton P., who is engaged in the practice of medicine at Sedalia, Missouri; Mrs. Lena Anderson, Little Rock, Arkansas; Mrs. Mamie Decker, deceased; Mrs. Ada Kendrick, Knob Noster, Missouri; Mrs. Edith Warren, Sedalia, Missouri; Mrs. Ethel Monsees, Smithton, Missouri; and Dr. David E., the subject of this review.

David E. Shy attended the public schools of Pettis county, Missouri, the Smithton High School one year, the Morrisville High School two years, and Central College one year. He completed his educatian in the State University of Kansas, graduating from the medical department in the class of 1907. After completing college, Dr. Shy began the practice of medicine at Knob Noster, opening an office in 1907. He has from the beginning enjoyed an extensive practice, which now encompasses a circuit of seventeen miles south of Knob Noster. Dr. Shy is the local surgeon for the Missouri Pacific Railway Company.

In 19.10, Dr. David E. Shy and Esther Rothwell were united in marriage. Esther (Rothwell) Shy is a daughter of C. W. and Sarah Rothwell, of W'arrensburg, Missouri. To Dr. and Mrs. Shy has been born one child, a son, David Emory, Jr. Both Dr. and Mrs. Shy are members of the Baptist church and Dr. Shy is affiliated with the Knights of Pythias, of which lodge he is chancellor commander.

P. H. McKeehan, a well-known and beloved pioneer of Johnson county, who is now deceased, was born in 1826 in Granger county, Tennessee, son of James and Nancy McKeehan, both of whom were of Irish descent.

Mr. McKeehan enlisted in the Civil War and served four years in the Confederate army. When the war closed, he moved with his family to Missouri and they settled on a farm in Johnson county, located south of the present city of Knob Noster, which place comprised twenty acres, wdiich Mr. McKeehan purchased on credit. The Civil War had left them in almost destitute circumstances and Mr. McKeehan had a very difficult time getting a new start. He was a carpenter by trade and bv practicing the most rigid economy and with good business management, he was enabled to purchase with his savings one hundred twenty-three acres more land. He constantly increased his holdings and at the time of his death in 1915 was the owner of one hundred forty-three acres of splendid farm land in Johnson county. P. H. McKeehan was a man of genial disposition, kindly manners, and pleasing address. He began life in Missouri under the most adverse conditions, but he succeeded and established a reputation which the most favored might well strive to emulate. He has bequeathed to his descendants a name, which is the synonym for strict integrity, fine morality, and honorable dealings, a name which his sons should be proud to bear.

In 1862, P. H. McKeehan was united in marriage with Susan Kendrick, the daughter of Jackson and Jane Kendrick, who were pioneers of Missouri, coming to this state in 1851. Mrs. Kendrick died on the plains, while enroute to California. To P. H. and Susan (Kendrick) McKeehan were born six sons and one daughter. Their only daughter, Mrs. McDonald, is now deceased and her child, a son, Lyndall, who is now eleven years of age. lives with his grandmother, Mrs. McKeehan, and attends school, now a pupil in the seventh grade. The six sons, all of whom are now living, are: Joe,' A. O., and E. E., all of Windsor, Missouri; W. W., Kansas City. Missouri; J. M., Camas, Washington; and E. K., Springfield, Missouri. Mrs. McKeehan is a highly valued member of the Methodist Episcopal church, as was also Mr. McKeehan. She recalls having many times ridden on horseback to church, when they first came to Johnson county. She devotes much time to the raising of chickens and takes great pleasure in her work.

The late Mr. McKeehan and his widow were always brave and noble hearted, unflinchingly bearing all the misfortunes, privations, and poverty, incidental to war and pioneer life. Johnson county has been particularly fortunate in having men and women like these, who were willing to endure much and work hard that the country might be better because they had lived in it. The countless advantages, which we now enjoy and deem so absolutely necessary, could have no existence were it not for the brave men and women, who "blazed the way." We can not give too much honor and praise to them.

E. E. Sutherland, a widely and favorably known farmer and stockman of Jefferson township, Johnson county, is a member of one of the highly honored and most prominent pioneer families of Missouri, a representative native son of Johnson county. Mr. Sutherland was born

September Zb, 1888 at the Sutherland homestead where he still resides, in Jefferson township, a son of Daniel Logan and Mary Elizabeth (Garrett) Sutherland, both of whom are natives of Missouri. Daniel Logan Sutherland was born in St. Clair county, Missouri in 1846, son of Uriah L. and Margaret J. Sutherland. The Sutherland family is of Scotch lineage and difTerent membeVs of the family were prominent in the colonial history of our country, the father of Uriah L. Sutherland, Daniel Sutherland, Sr., giving faithful and effective service in the War of 1812. Elizabeth (Garrett) Sutherland is a daughter of J. \V. and Ann Tanda Garrett. To Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Logan Sutherland have been born the following children: James O., representative from Johnson county to the Missouri State Legislature, a successful farmer and stockman of \\'indsor, Missouri: Leland B., Windsor, Missouri; Sam H., Windsor, Missouri: Mrs. Walter Botts, Mangum, Oklahoma; Mrs. W. G. RufBn, Windsor, Missouri; E. E., the subject of this review; and Roland G.. of Pettis county, Missouri. The Sutherlands resided at the old Sutherland homeplace for thirty-five or forty years and in December, 1907, Air. and Mrs. Sutherland moved to ^^'indsor, Alissouri in Henry county, and in this city they are now making their home. A more comprehensive sketch of the Sutherland family appears in connection with the biography of D. L. Sutherland, which will be found elsewhere in this volume.

At Sunnyside school house in Jeft'erson township. E. E. Sutherland obtained his elementary education. He is a graduate of A\'indsor High School, Windsor, Missouri and after completing the high school course he attended Missouri State University, at which institution he completed a short course, and entered William Jewell College, for one term. \\'hen Mr. Sutherland was twenty-one years of age, he began life for himself engaged in farming and stock raising on the homeplace, where he has since remained. He is an industrious, intelligent, young husbandman and is making a marked success in his chosen vocation, following in the footsteps of his father who was one of the leading and most prosperous agriculturists and stockmen of western Missouri for many years and is still a man of influence and prominence in his community.

The marriage of E. E. Sutherland and Nelle Grace Yunker was solemnized September 29, 1909. Mrs. Sutherland was born at Nevada, Missouri, but from infancy until the time of her marriage she lived at Sedalia, Missouri. To Mr. and Mrs. Sutherland have been born three children: Frances Jane, Marjorie Leone, and Ernest Eldon, Jr. The Sutherlands have long maintained a high standing, financially and socially, in Johnson county and Mr. and Mrs. Sutherlad are very popular with a large and ever-widening circle of friends in Jefferson township. They are faithful workers and valued members of the Baptist church. Politically, Mr. Sutherland is a stanch Democrat.

W. T. Hemdon, one of Johnson county's noble pioneers residing in Jefferson township, was born in Logan county, Kentucky in 1850, son of George and Elizabeth Herndon, the former, a son of James Herndon and the latter, a daughter of James Foster. James Herndon was a well-known and highly respected farmer of Kentucky and James Foster was one of the first settlers west of Warrensburg, Missouri. George Herndon came with his family to Johnson county in 1856 and they settled on land north of Warrensburg. He enlisted with the Confederates in the Civil War and in June, 1862, he was killed at the battle of Corinth, Mississippi.

W. T. Herndon attended school at Hazel Hill in Johnson county, where his first teacher was William Jones and later, Air. Tomlin and Roger Steer. He regularly attended church, which was held at Old Liberty where "Uncle Billy" Caldwell and Reverend Cockrell used to preach. In those days, people enjoyed going to church, where they could meet their friends, who came from long distances in wagons, drawn by oxen, or on horseback, to attend. Mr. Herndon vividly recalls the early land conditions of his youth, when practically all the county was open prairie and from high points, hundreds of deer and thousands of prairie chickens could be seen. Many times, he has broken virgin sod, driving a yoke of oxen. The constant menace in the early days was the prairie fire and even as a boy, W. T. Herndon was called upon to assist in fighting the destructive foe. He recalls that the first year in Johnson countv, there was planted that which was called, "sod corn." It was planted in every third furrow as the sod was broken and the crop was never plowed, but produced a good yield. When this was not done, an ax had to be used to cut through the sod. Kirkpatrick's old water mill, located on Blackwater, was the place where the grain was taken, to be ground, by the settlers. A sack of corn would be thrown across the horse's back, the same amount in citlier end. and taken to the mill, several miles away, across the i)pen prairie. There were always many men and buys about the mill, waiting for their grists and often they had to wait two or three days. They would camp out and fish in the nearby pools while waiting for their corn or wdieat to be ground. "Going to the mill" was a great pleasure for the pioneer settler did not see much company in his little, rude, log cabin home and the trip to the mill means as much as a long journey now.

All his life, W. T. Herndon has been engaged in the pursuits of agriculture. In 1882, he bought ninety acres of land in Johnson county and since that time has bought and sold several farms. He is at the present time associated with his youngest son, C. D. Herndon, in farming and stock raising. They have a nice stock farm in Johnson county, consisting of one hundred forty-four acres of land.

In 1874, W. T. Herndon was united in marriage with Anna Lipscon, daughter of J. M. and Cyrene Lipscon. To W. T. and Anna (Lipscon) Herndon have been born five children: George, W'indsor, Missouri; Sanford, Lajunta, Colorado: Eugene, Henrietta, Missouri; Ora, Windsor, Missouri: and C. D., W'indsor, Missouri. Both Mr. and Mrs. Herndon are memliers of the Christian church. They have ever done their part nobly and well in the upbuilding of this county and are numbered among its best and most highly valued citizens.

R. C. Cooper, a successful and highly esteemed farmer and stockman of Jefferson township, is a member of one of the prominent pioneer families of Johnson county. He was born in Johnson county in 1867, son of Thomas J. and Nannie E. Cooper. Thomas J. Cooper was a son of Albert J. and Eliza J. (McDonald) Cooper, the former a son of David Cooper, who came to Missouri from Kentucky in 1832. Eliza J. (McDonald) Cooper was born in 1820 in Howard county, Missouri, daughter of Isaac McDonald, who settled in Missouri in a very early day and in 1830 moved witli his family from Howard county to Johnson county. A. J. Cooper was one of the wealthiest men in Johnson countv in his time, owning at one time more than six hundred acres of land. His death occurred in 1888 and five years later he was followed in death by his wife, who died in 1893. Thomas J. Cooper was reared and educated in Jolmson county and he has spent most of his life in this county, engaged in tlie pursuits of agriculture. Mrs. Thomas J. Cooper was born in \^irginia, the daughter of T. J. Davis, a well-known and prosperous farmer.

R. C. Cooper first attended. Another teacher, who came some time later, was George Aber. Mr. Cooper clearly recalls many of the incidents of his school days, but he likes best to remember the pleasures and not the troubles. He has a vivid recollection of the pleasant times the children had at recess. They had no little gravel-covered yard, where they dared not run for fear of knocking some one down, but the whole, wide prairie for their playground. They might go as far as they liked, provided they were within hearing distance when the teacher shouted, "Books !" That was the way of ringing the bell at recess. "Town Ball" was the favorite game played, but it had many close competitors. When a boy, Mr. Cooper always attended church with his father. People enjoyed church more then than now, for everyone went, many having to travel long distances in ox-wagons or on horseback. The early preachers, whom he knew personally were Reverends Frank Goodwin and A. M. Cockrell and "Uncle Bob" Harris. Reverend Goodwin had a peculiar habit of putting his little finger in his ear and keeping it wiggling while praying. Quite naturally, this was not lost on the bright, keen-eyed. Cooper lad, who found the preacher's idiosyncrasy very amusing. His grandfather Davis always cleaned old High Point church on Saturdays to be ready for the large meetings invariably held the ensuing day. Tlie settlers followed trails to church, for there were no roads, most of the land being open prairie. Wild game aI)ounded and Mr. Cooper has killed hundreds of prairie chickens.

At the age of twenty-three years, R. C. Cooper began life for himself. For many years, he traveled in various states and worked at many different occupations. He was employed as deputy sheriff at Conejos county, Colorado at one time and while serving in this position, Mr. Cooper had countless interesting and thrilling expeirences with Western robbers and thieves. On his return to Johnson county, he engaged in the more quiet and less exciting pursuit of farming and later, stock raising. At the present time, he is owner of one hundred thirty-three acres of land, which have been made to pay for themselves.

In 1904, R. C. Cooper was united in marriage with Frances Calvert, daughter of W. A. Calvert, of Johnson county. To R. C. and Frances (Calvert) Cooper has been born one child, a son, Robert Lee. Mrs. Cooper has complete charge of the poultry raised on the Cooper place and she has established a name for herself as a remarkably sue- cessful woman in regard to fine turkeys. She has raised and sold more than a thousand dollars worth of these birds and with the proceeds paid for a small farm of twenty acres in Johnson county. Mr. Cooper is now in charge of his father's farm. He is rated highly among the progressive and well-to-do farmers and stockmen of this section of the state.

W. S. Dennis, the genial and popular merchant of Henrietta, Missouri, is a native of Indiana. He was born in 1857 in Jefferson county, son of Jacob N. and Eliza (Thompson) Dennis. Jacob N. Dennis was a son of John Dennis, of Scotch and English descent. The Dennis family were residents of the state of New York. Governor Dennis, of Ohio, traces his genealogy back to the same ancestors as W. S. Dennis, the subject of this review. Eliza (Thompson) Dennis was a daughter of Captain Thompson, of Virginia. He received his title in the Revolutionary War and was proud of the fact that he was one of the "F. F. V." Jacob Dennis moved with his family from Indiana to Missouri in 1866 and located at Knob Noster, where he engaged in the general mercantile business, associated with the firm called Swingle & Dennis. In 1867, he purchased E. G. Gilbert's grist mill, located south of the town of Knob Noster. He was an excellent miller, capable, industrious, and enterprising, and he made of the mill a big proposition and had remarkable success. People came from long distances of many miles over the open prairie to this mill and they would often be obliged to camp, while waiting for their grist. W. S. Dennis has frequently seen as many as fifty camping at one time. In 1870, Mr. Dennis moved the mill to Knob Noster and for several years had a splendid business in the old town. He sold his mill in 1881 and retired from active business, to be long remembered as the originator of "Snowflake Flour," a widely known brand. His wife had died two years before Mr. Dennis retired, her death occurring in 1879, and in 1892. she was followed in death by her husband.

]\Ir. Baker was the teacher of the first school, which W. S. Dennis attended at Knob Noster, Missouri. Another teacher who came later was Louis Bigley. He always attended church with his parents and recalls several of the early day preachers, among whom, were "Uncle Bob" Harris, Reverends Randel, and Whitsett. The people seemed more social and fond of merry-making in the olden days. "Singing schools," dancing parties, house-raisings, corn-huskings, "spinning

In early youth, W. S. Dennis began life for himself. He was employed as bookkeeper at his father's mill in Knob Noster and when the mill was moved to Leeton, Missouri, he assumed complete charge of it there. After five years in the milling business at Leeton, he returned to the original choice of his father and engaged in the general mercantile business, purchasing a general store in Henrietta, where he has since remained. Mr. Dennis carries a fine stock of general merchandise, which is valued at five thousand dollars, and he enjoys an extremely large patronage, his trade extending from Henrietta four or five miles. He is industrious, efficient, and capable and he possesses good business judgment, qualities which invariably win. He has been very successful and his business motto is, "We sell everything." Besides his store, he is the owner of his residence and a small tract of land, consisting of three acres.

In 1893, W. S. Dennis was united in marriage with Mattie Denton, daughter of Oliver C. Denton, of Knob Noster, Missouri. To W. S. and Mattie (Denton) Dennis have been born three children: Emma, who is a graduate of the Warrensburg State Normal School and is now engaged in teaching at Gainesville, Missouri ; Lela and Irene, who are at home with their parents. Both Mr. and Mrs. Dennis are members of the Baptist church. The Dennis family is one of the best and most highly respected in Johnson county.

A. B. Roop, a progressive and successful farmer and stockman of Jefferson township, is a native of Ohio. He was born in 1862 and is a son of Ezra and Nancy Roop, the former, a son of Abraham Roop, a thrifty New Englander. Ezra Roop purchased a section of land six miles southwest of Warrensburg, where the Roop family resided for nearly two years, when they returned to Ohio on account of the ill health of Mrs. Roop. Soon after the close of the Civil War, they returned to Johnson county and Mr. Roop purchased a farm, comprising two hundred forty acres, located near Warrensburg. where he engaged in farming and stock raising. He became very prosperous and was widely known and held in the highest esteem in Johnson county. His death occurred in 1910 and his widow now resides near the old home place in Johnson county. Of the ten children born to Ezra and Nancy Roop, six are now living: E. W., Warrenslnirg; A. B., the

When A. B. Roop was a mere child, he came to Johnson county with his parents. He recalls the open state of the country at that time, when practically the entire county was unfenced grazing land and the cattle of early settlers had unlimited range. Wild game was to be found in abundance and he saw eight deer in his father's field at one time. A. B. Roop attended school held in his father's "shop" on the home place. This was a "subscription school" and Miss Pierson was the teacher. Later, he attended public school held in the Foster building in Warrensburg. He recalls two of his schoolmates who attended the public school in Warrensburg: John Fickas and William Smith.

After leaving school, Mr. Roop early in life engaged in the pursuits of agriculture and for a number of years was employed in farming near Centerview. In 1901. he purchased more than a thousand acres of land in Jefferson township. This farm was in poor condition and the improvements badly in need of repair at the time of the purchase, but Mr. Roop has by great industry and perseverance improved tlie place to a remarkable extent, e\'en in this short length of time and he is constantly bettering the land. The soil was especially adapted to bluegrass and he is devoting much time and attention to stock raising. He has at the time of this writing, nearly one hundred head of high grade Aberdeen Angus cattle. The Roop stock farm is well watered by an ever-flowing spring. Mr. Roop will have more than one hundred tons of hay this year and nearly one hundred acres of his farm are in corn.

In 1886, A. B. Roop was united in marriage with Ef^e Shelton, daughter of William and Sarah Shelton. Mr. Shelton purchased two hundred acres of land from Judge Whitsett. which land he later sold and purchased other tracts, which he owned at the time of his death in 1886. To A. B. and Effie (Shelton) Roop have been born seven children: Eugena. who is engaged in teaching school at Buffalo. Kansas; Louise, Shelton J., Alonzo, Jr., Mary, Joseph E., and George Baile. All, with the exception of the oldest daughter, reside at home with their parents. Mr. Roop has always taken an active interest in civic and educational afl^airs and for many years has been clerk and school director in his district. He is one of Johnson countv's best and most

C. A. Wash, the progressive, young stockman and widely reputed poultryman of Post Oak township, was born in Johnson county, Missouri in 1881. He is a son of John N. and Missouri Ann (James) Wash. John N. Wash was born in 1827 in Virginia, son of John Wash, Sr. Missouri Ann (James) Wash was a daughter of John James, who came to Missouri among the first settlers, many years prior to the Civil War. The Wash family moved from Virginia to Missouri, when John N., Jr., father of the subject of this review, was a mere child. John Wash, Sr. settled on the farm, which is at present the home of Alva Smith, long before the Civil War. He was considered a very wealthy farmer in his day, owning several hundred acres of land and numerous slaves. He was an influential and prominent citizen, always taking an interested part in public affairs and at one time was a member of the Missouri state Legislature. At that time, the family name was spelled "Walsh," but as there were so many people of that name residing in St. Louis, Missouri, where he was living, thus causing much confusion, John Wash, Sr. had his name legally changed to the present spelling and a record of the change was made at Washington, D. C. Both the father and mother of C. A. Wash are now deceased, the father's death occurring in 1903 and the mother's within a few years afterward.

C. A. Wash attended the district schools of Johnson county. Early in life, he began working for himself, engaged in farming on the home place. He cared for his widowed mother after his father's death and he inherited a portion of the old home place. In 1906, he purchased eighty acres adjoining his farm and is here engaged in stock raising, handling thoroughbred stock exclusively. He has pure-bred Poland China hogs and Shorthorn cattle. Mr. Wash also devotes much attention to the poultry industry and he has a fine flock of Rhode Island Red chickens, which he prefers, deeming that strain one of the best for laying purposes. He has separate pens for his birds and is very particular about their breeding. The Wash farm cost forty-seven dollars and fifty cents an acre. Mr. Wash has refused ninety-five dollars an acre recently and he is constantly at work in the attempt to make the place still more valuable. A large part of the farm is now in grass land and devoted to pasturing stock. An abundance of good water is supplied the stock by two ever-flowing springs, one of which is an old landmark, near a beaten trail, along which the soldier boys of the sixties passed by the thousands. A pioneer home, a house of two rooms, one below and one above is still standing on the Wash place, a constant reminder of days long past. Mr. Wash's parents lived in just such a primitive home, when they first came to Missouri, although later they were able to build a better residence, the father hauling the lumber from Lexington, Missouri.

In 1905, C. A. Wash was united in marriage with Lulu A. Walters, daughter of J. Walters, of Leeton, Missouri. To C. A. and Lulu A. (Walters) Wash have been born three children: Lorraine; Albert; and Dorothy May. who is deceased. Both Mr. and Mrs. Wash are members of the Christian cliurch and they are held in the highest esteem and respect in their community.

G. W. Helderbrand, one of Johnson county's most honored and esteemed pioneers, was born in 1838 in Jefferson county, Missouri. He is a son of Bartholomew and Anna (Richardson) Helderbrand. The great-grandfather of G. W. Helderbrand, John Helderbrand, secured a charter from the Spanish king, granting Mr. Helderbrand land in Jefferson county, Missouri, in a very early day, when this territory was claimed by Spain. Jonathan Helderbrand, son of John Helderbrand, inherited these land grants and he emigrated from Spain to America and settled in Jefferson county, Missouri on a vast tract of land and here his son, Bartholomew, was born. Jonathan Helderbrand was one of the first to bring civilization to the wide, unbroken prairie land of Missouri, one of the brave and noble few, who "blazed the way." To such a man, enough praise and glory can not be given. He was a public-spirited, patriotic citizen of his adopted land and fought for the colonies throughout the Revolutionary War. Bartholomew Helderbrand was born in this section of the country, long before Missouri became a state.

In 1864, G. W^ Helderbrand was united in marriage with Jane Medley, the daughter of W. H. Medley, a pioneer of Missouri, who settled in Johnson county in 1866. To G. W^ and Jane Helderbrand have been born nine children, six of whom are now living: Mrs. Emma Albin, Warrensburg, Missouri Mrs. Jennie Phillips, Leeton, Missouri; W. B., who resides in Oklahoma: Rosa, who resides in Chilhowee. Missouri; Amos, Chilhowee, Missouri; and Dora, who is married, Chilhowee, Missouri. Both Mr. and Mrs. Helderbrand are members of the Baptist church. Mr. Helderbrand has the distinction of being the oldest member of the church in Johnson county. He joined the church in 1872 and is the only member living, who belonged at that time. In 1896, Mr. Helderbrand built his present residence on the site that had been his home for forty-seven years. Mr. and Mrs. Helderbrand were married in Jefiferson county, Missouri, but two years after their marriage, they came to Johnson county and in 1866 settled on the farm in Post Oak township. In 1870, he had prospered sufficiently to be able to purchase sixty-six acres of land. He has always been engaged in farming and stock raising.

Years ago, G. W. Helderbrand pastured his sheep on the open prairie, where the present flourishing city of Chilhowee is now situated. When he came to this county, the prairie was practically all open land. Wild game abounded and roads were unknown. The settlers traveled along trails or followed their sense of direction. The lack of bridges and the countless deep pools and streams made travel very difficult and dangerous. Supplies were secured from New Town. Prairie fires were constantly feared and Mr. Helderbrand personally experienced two very destructive fires. Many times in his youth, he broke virgin sod, while driving a yoke of oxen. Oxen were also used to draw the wagons, in which families came to church. In those days all the people went to church, some in wagons, many on horseback, and several would walk the entire distance of many miles across the prairie. Reverend Amos Horn and "Uncle Billy" Caldwell were two of the earliest pioneer preachers and later, Re\'erend A. M. Cockrell.

Mrs. Helderbrand sheared the sheep, carded the wool, spun the thread, wove the cloth, and fashioned a fine suit of "homespun broadcloth," which Mr. Helderbrand wore on his trip back East, to visit relatives, in 1872. Mr. Helderbrand has experienced all the hardships and privations of pioneer life in a new country and many of his experiences would teach valuable lessons to the youth of today. He has worked, when a young man, for twelve dollars and fifty cents a month, which was considered a munificent sum and an exceptional remuneration. His first investment was in two horses, in which investment he put all his savings, and shortly after the purchase both horses died. That was only one of the many misfortunes, which have befallen him, but not one has shaken his courage and a stern determination to make life a success. Always looking on the sunny side of life, Mr. Helderbrand

C. D. Wallace, the well-known farmer and stockman of Post Oak township, is a son of one of the noblest pioneers who ever came to Johnson county. He was born in 1847 in Rockbridge county, Virginia, son of J. G. and ]^Iartha C. Wallace. John Wallace emigrated from Scotland to America in the early colonial days and settled on a plantation in Virginia and there his son, J. G., was born and reared. The death of John Wallace occurred on the Virginia plantation many years ago. J. G. Wallace moved with his family to Johnson county, Missouri in 1858 and they settled in Post Oak township, where Mr. Wallace purchased two hundred si.xty acres of land. He engaged extensively in sheep growing anrl general stock raising and became very prosperous and widely known. His death occurred in 1898.

A boy, eleven years of age. C. D. A\'allace came to Missouri with his parents. He \'ivi(lly recalls the land conditions at that time, when nearly the entire county was open grazing land, covered with tall, coarse grass. Game of all kinds could be seen in abundance, hundreds of deer and thousands of prairie chickens. The first home of the ^^'allace family in Missouri was a rude, unfinished log cabin, such as was the home of all the pioneers. C. D. Wallace attended a "subscription school," which was held at the little log house, known as Shanghi school house. George Williams and "Bill" Steward were two teachers, who taught the school before the Civil ^^'ar. R. T. Berry was one of the first teachers soon after the war. Mr. A\"allace recalls the pioneer church and many of the early-day preachers, among whom were Reverends Houx, Glass, and Reed. The young and old enjoyed attending church in those days and boys and girls would ha\'e great times on horseback, racing with each other to the church. Those who did not walk, or ride in an ox-cart, rode on horseback to church and to all social occasions. Mr. Wallace's father was for several years engaged in hauling goods for Moody & Gilkeson, merchants in the old town of Warrensburg, hauling from Lexington to \\'arrensburg and coal to Sedalia, driving yokes of oxen. During the Civil War, ^Ir. Wallace remembers, all produce to be sold was hauled to Sedalia.

In 1871, C. D. AA\iIlace and Elizabeth M. Bradley were united in marriage. ]\Irs. Wallace is the daughter of J. F. Bradley, one of the earliest settlers of Johnson county. To C. D. and Elizabeth M. (Brad- ley) Wallace have been born ten children, all of whom have been reared to matiu-ity and are now living: Mrs. Ona H. Brooks, Warrensburg; J. W., Chilhowee, Missouri, R. F. D. 20; R. E. ; Mrs. Maud A. Hodges, Blairstown, Missouri; I. R., Mesca, Colorado; Mrs. Mary E. Workman, Leeton, Missouri; C. D., Rockham, South Dakota; T. A., Chilhowee, Missouri; Martha G., Chilhowee, Missouri; and Marcus A. Mr. Wallace began life for himself farming on the old homestead and he has ever since been engaged in the pursuits of agriculture. He is now owner of one hundred twenty acres of land in Post Oak township, forty acres of which are in meadow land. Mr. Wallace is a progressive and intelligent farmer and a strong advocate of crop rotation. He has splendid success raising high grade Poland China hogs.

James Duffey, an industrious and capable, young farmer and stockman of Post Oak township, is one of Johnson county's best and most intelligent citizens and agriculturists. He was born in 1876 in Topeka, Kansas, son of Paul and Emily Duf-fey, who were formerly of Wisconsin.

Mr. Duffey received a good common school education and early in life began working for himself on the farm. In 1904, he came to Johnson county, Missouri and purchased one hundred eleven acres of land in Post Oak township. The place was in very poor shape at the time of the purchase, but Mr. Duffey is an ambitious worker and he immediately began to build up the land by sowing grass and raising stock. He has i:>een successful to a remarkable degree and the Duffey farm has increased in value threefold since he came to it. He sold seed corn to the men, wdio tried to discourage him in buying the farm, telling him that nothing would grow on the place. Mr. Duffey advocates deep plowing, a method he pursues, and he has seventy-five acres of land in corn and twenty-five acres in oats. He devotes much attention to stock raising, handling Durham cattle and Poland China hogs. In planting grain. James Duffey furrows the field and plants in the trenches and he has had uniform success, obtaining annually good yields. He believes firmly in the utility of the silo and each year fills one and has plenty of silage during the winters.

In 1893, James Duffey and Susie May Schute were united in marriage. Mrs. Duffey is the daughter of George Schute, of Kansas. To Mr. and Mrs. Duffey have been born five children: Zenius, Winnie, Gladys, Joseph, and Harold. All the children are at home with tlieir parents.

In everything James Duffey nndertakes, he confides in his sons and takes them into partnership with him. He is doing his best to arouse their interest in the farm and has made friends and comrades of them, encouraging them in tlieir work, in their ambitions to have something of their own. Joseph had a fine pig last year, 1917, given him by his father and the other boys had fourteen acres of land in corn. They planned to purchase an automobile with the proceeds from their corn crop and Mr. Duffey promised them that if they should not be able to sell enough corn to pay for the car he would help them, and James Dufifey never breaks a promise made to his children. Mr. Duffey is pursuing a well-defined course in an endeavor to teach his boys that the farmer aiming to have a profitable business must understand many things about plants and animals, for without a knowledge of their nature, their habits, and their needs he may labor year after year making only a halfway success of his work, that it is easy to waste the good things Nature has provided and easy to increase the ordinary production from the land - if one only knows how. If James Duffey should fail utterly as a farmer and stockman, his life will not have been lived in vain, for he is making a splendid success as father of one of the finest families in Johnson county. Mr. and Mrs. Duft'ey are valued members of tiie Latter Day Saints church.

J. C. Sharp was born in Henry county, ^Missouri in 1875. He is a son of Frank S. and Nannie Sharp. Frank S. Sharp was a son of Joseph Sharp, who emigrated from Scotland when he was a lad and came to America. He located for some time in Illinois and thence moved to Henry county. Missouri, where he settled and became a prosperous farmers and stockman. Frank S. Sharp was a child at the time his parents moved to Missouri and he was reared and educated in Henry county and was there married to Nannie Evans. To Frank S. and Nannie (Evans) Sharp were born two children: J. C, of this review: and Mrs. Anna B. Adams, Chilhowee. Missouri.

Miss Lizzie Culley was teaching the school at Stony Point at the time that J. C. Sharp started to school at that place. He was later taught bv Miss Rena Dunham and Miss Julia Holland, at different times. Mr. Sharp has often participated in the old-fashioned "spelling bee." He recalls among the preachers of his boyhood days: Reverends A. M. Cockrell. Z. T. Orr, Finis King, and J. H. Houx.

son county and began farming for himself. Since that time, he has improved his place and now has one of the attractive country homes of this state. The residence is a neat, comfortable structure of six rooms and there are two large well-built barns on the place. The farm is well watered and an ideal place for stock, considering its size. Mr. Sharp has increased his holdings and is now the owner of one hundred twenty-five acres of land, most of which tract is in meadow land and pasture.

In 1898, J. C. Sharp and Dora Anderson, the daughter of A. J. and Mary Anderson, were united in marriage. Both Mr. and Mrs. Sharp are held in the highest esteem in Johnson county, where they are numbered among the county's most valuable citizens. The Sharp family has always borne an enviable reputation in this section of Missouri, all being honest, honorable, upright citizens. J. C. Sharp's father was such a man, pleasant, kindly, possessing a strong personal character, and high ideals and so was also his grandfather, Joseph Sharp, who died in California, to which state he had moved in 1895. The father is now living, his home being in Howell county, Missouri. J. C. Sharp's mother died in 1913. Mr. Sharp is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America and politically, he is a Republican.

G. W. Eppright was born in Johnson county in 1877. He is one of two sons born to his parents, George and Mary Jane (Stone) Eppright, his brother being C. S. Eppright. George Eppright was the son of Jacob Eppright, who came to Johnson county in the early forties and settled on a farm in Chilhowee township. He was of German descent. Mary Jane (Stone) Eppright is the daughter of Salathiel Stone, who settled in Johnson county in 1839 on a farm, which he purchased in Post Oak township. The father, George Eppright, died in 1900 and the widowed mother makes her home with her son, Charles, on the farm in Chilhowee township. A more comprehensive sketch of the Eppright family will be found in the biographies of Charles Eppright and Mrs. Mary Jane (Stone) Eppright, which appears elsewhere in this volume.

AVill Sanders, John McGurk, and Will Bridges were early-day teachers of the school which G. W. Eppright attended, held at Pleasant Green school house. Among the pioneer preachers, whom he personallv knew, were: Reverends Houx, Marr, and Gilham. Protracted meetings were held at Pisgah and Mr. Eppright has participated in many, when the crowd would be immense and enthusiasm would soar high. He recalls the time when there was much open prairie and wild game could be found in abundance. Social gatherings were frequently held and it is Mr. Eppright's opinion that the young people enjoyed themselves far more in those days than the young people do today.

In 1901, G. W. Eppright purchased the different interests of the heirs in his father's estate and he is now the owner of two hundred eighty acres of the old home place and one hundred forty acres in another tract. This year, he has sixty acres of his farm in wheat, but he is devoting more and more of his land each year to grass and pasture land. The place is well watered, splendidly located, and adapted for stock raising. There are two large, well-built barns and numerous farm buildings on the Eppright place and Mr. Eppright pursues the latest and most scientific methods of farming and stock raising, being a progressive, enterprising, up-to-date citizen.

In 1902, G. W. Eppright and Eva Jane McElwee were united in marriage. Eva Jane (McElwee) Eppright is the daughter of John McElwee, of Chilhowee. To G. W. and Mrs. Eppright have been born six children: John O., James M., Georgia J., Thomas A., Franklin B., and David R., all at home with their parents. Both Mr. and Mrs. Eppright are held in the highest respect and admiration in Johnson county, where the Eppright family has long been considered one of the best and most substantial. G. W. Eppright is a member of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons and of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. Politically, he is a Democrat and he has always been active in the ranks of his party.

R. D. Hussey, one of Johnson county's most energetic and progressive citizens, was born in Jackson county, Missouri, in 1867. He is a son of Daniel and Mary Hussey. His grandfather, Robert Hussey, was an Englishman. He was a weaver and he followed his trade all his life in England, where he was born and where he died. Daniel Hussey was born in England in 1830. In early manhood, he emigrated from England and came to America, where he located in Canada. For four years, he served in the English navy as ship carpenter. In 1866, he came to Jackson county, where he purchased a farm and on this place spent the remaining years of his life. His death occurred in 1902. He was by trade a baker, but he was very successful as a farmer and stockman.

Mr. Hussey, of this review, received his education in the public schools of Jackson county. When he attained maturity, he became interested in the construction of bridges and was for several years the foreman of the Kansas City Bridge Company. He was employed for fifteen years in bridge building. In later years, he has been engaged in farming and previous to 1904 owned a farm in Jackson county. At that time, he sold the Jackson county farm and purchased one in Johnson county in Rose Hill township, which he sold within a short time to purchase another there. He sold the latter place, when he purchased one hundred sixty acres of land in Chilhowee township, which he now owns. The Hussey farm comprises a tract of land that has been worn out, but Mr. Hussey is doing all in his power to bring the soil up to a high state of cultivation. He has practically all the place in grass land and this year, of 1917, he had twenty-seven acres in oats, producing a good crop. He is raising Poland China hogs and Shorthorn cattle. At the present time, he is milking twenty-five cows and sells the cream from his dairy in Warrensburg. The farm is well watered by four excellent springs. One of the springs is a mineral spring and has never failed to supply plenty of water. People from all the country round haul water from this spring in dry weather.

In 1894, R. D. Hussey was united in marriage with Etta Hinote, the daughter of Alexander Hinote, one of Johnson county's honored pioneers. To Mr. and Mrs. Hussey has been born one child, a son, Lewis S., May 14, 1916, Lewis S. Hussey was married to Edith V. Sutton, daughter of H. J. and Allie (Godfrey) Sutton. Mrs. Sutton was born in Illinois. Lewis S. Hussey is a splendid, alert, young man. He is associated with his father in farming and stock raising and in the liigh endeavor to make their farm one of the best and a profitable investment.

E. N. Pendleton, a progressive, industrious farmer and successful liorticulturist of Rose Hill township, is a native of Virginia. He was born in Bedford county in 1856, son of Henry and Nancy Pendleton, who were well known and respected in that state and in Missouri. Henry Pendleton was a son of Phillip Pendleton, who was one of the colonv of Jamestown, Virginia, whence he moved to Bedford countv and settled on a large plantation and became one of the wealthiest farmers in that part of the state. The Pendletons have figured prominenth' in the history of this country and they are related to two of the most distinguished of the colonial families of Virginia, the Washingtons and the Lees. Henry Pendleton moved with his family to Missouri in the early days and settled in Clinton county on a farm comprising one hundred acres of land, where he spent the remainder of his life. He died about thirty years ago.

]\Ir. Pendleton, whose name introduces this sketch, grew to manhood in Clinton county, ^Missouri, on his father's farm and he has been interested in farming and stock raising ever since he attained maturity. He was owner of one hundred forty acres of land in Clinton county prior to his coming to Johnson county and on that farm was successfully engaged in general farming and stock raising until 1909, when he sold his farm and moved to Warrensburg in order that his children might have better educational advantages. Later, ;\Ir. Pendleton purchased two hundred acres of land in Grover township and again engaged in farming and stock raising. In 1914, he sold this farm, realizing a good profit, and purchased his present country home in Rose Hill township, a place embracing eighty acres of land, abundantly supplied with water and splendidly equipped for stock raising, having a well-constructed, roomy barn and numerous sheds. The barn was built by Mr. Pendleton in 1914. Practically all the farm is in grass and clover and Mr. Pendleton is devoting his attention almost exclusively to stock raising and to horticulture. He has remarkable success as a fruit producer, liaving fruit when all his neighbors have none. He is a well-read and intelligent horticulturist and his success is attributed largely to the fact that he cultivates the soil which is around the trees and constantly sprays them during tlie bearing season. As a farmer, Mr. Pendleton is strictly up-to-date. He is now hard at work in trying to conserve the fertility of the soil on his place. He plants clover and wheat and permits both to mature and then turns the crops under, after wdiich he plants the field in corn and then pastures the land for a year or two, after which he repeats the process, thus gradually building up his land to a high state of cultivation. No gully is ever permitted to wasli through his place. Air. Pendleton wants to keep all the soil he purchased. He fills all ditches on his farm and keeps the hedges well trimmed. He is an enthusiastic advocate of good roads and neatly kept farms and his own

In 1890, E. N. Pendleton was united in marriage with Martha Metzger, daughter of Lawrence Metzger, of Clinton county. To this union have been born three children: Mrs. Josephine Kohler, Kingsville, Missouri ; Lena E. and C. Henry, at home with their parents. Mr. and ]Mrs. Pendleton are worthy and valued members of the Christian church. Politically, Mr. Pendleton is a Republican and he has always been active in the ranks of his party. The Pendleton family is one of the most highly regarded and respected families in Johnson county.

James A. Haller, manager of the John A. Haller Farm Company, is one of Johnson county's most progressive and successful agriculturists. Mr. Haller is a native of Kentucky. He was born in 1872 in Nicholas county, son of Dr. John A. and Martha Ellen Haller, both of whom were natives of Nicholas county, Kentucky. Dr. John A. Haller was a son of John Haller, Sr., who was born in Baltimore, Maryland, and in boyhood went to Kentucky. The Haller family is of German lineage. Martha Ellen Haller is a daughter of a prosperous plantation owner of Kentucky now deceased. Dr. John A. Haller came to Missouri in 1879 and settled on a farm in Rose Hill township, Johnson county, where he was engaged in farming and stock raising in addition to practicing medicine. Doctor Haller had a large practice and became verv' prominent both in the medical profession and in the stock business. He was industrious and ambitious and at the time of his death, in 1901, was owner of five hundred seventy acres of land. He raised stock extensively but did general farming as well. Dr. Haller was twice married and of the five children born of his first marriage four are now living, namely: Missouri E., Latour, Missouri; Mrs. Florence Ingram, Latour, Missouri: James A., subject of this review: and Charles N., Latour. Missouri. After the death of Martha Ellen Haller, Doctor Haller remarried and he was the father of eight children, six of whom are now living: John ; Hattie, the wlife of Mr. Deatley, Blairstown. ]\r,issouri : Mrs. Pearl B. Harper, Holden, Missouri; Bernie, Paonia, Colorado; Doctor Forest, Garden City, Missouri; and Raymond, Craig, Montana.

James A. Haller attended school at Rose Hill, where Albert Gloyd was liis first teacher. Miss Hattie Sheller later taught the school when Mr. Haller was a schoolboy in attendance. He recalls among his school- mates several men and women now residing in his neighborhood, among them: C. I. Hunt, the Sheller boys, and Blanche D. Corbin. Reverend J. C. Littrell and Reverend "Billy" Whitsett were pioneer preachers still preaching in Mr. Haller's youth. He remembers the days of horseback riding, when old men and women, the middle aged, and even little children traveled on horseback. When he was a lad, there was still much unfenced land in Johnson county and an abundance of wild game. Roads had not yet been built and even in the eighties the settlers of Johnson county went from place to place by direction and along trails.

Air. Haller is a graduate of the Warrensburg State Normal School in the class of 1900. Prior to graduation, he was engaged in teaching school at Scaly Bark. Star, Mt. Xenia, and in Rose Hill township and at Gallatin, Missouri. After he had graduated, he entered the Kansas City Law School, from which institution he graduated with the class of 1901. Mr. Haller then formed a partnership with D. C. Lewis, a leading attorney of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and for one year was engaged in the practice of law. He was appointed administrator of his father's estate and at the time of the latter's demise. James A. Haller returned to Johnson county and later organized the John A. Haller Farm Company and has since been efficiently managing the business affairs of this organization, of which Dr. Haller's second wife and the following sisters and brothers are members: Missouri E., Florence, Charles N., John H., and Hattie. James A. Haller is of course a member of the company and under his capable and careful management the organization has pro\en to be a wise and splendid one. Annually, he handles fifty head of mules, twenty head of horses, nearly two hundred head of cattle, three hundred head of hogs, besides taking care of the nine hundred acres of the company's land, on which he raised in 1917. two hundred tons of hay and had sixty acres in wheat, one hundred fifty acres in corn, and had two hundred acres of wheat sown. Last year he had five hundred head of hogs. There are on the place hundreds of chickens and Mrs. Haller plans to have three hundred winter layers. Both Mr. and Mrs. Haller are energetic, enthusiastic, young people and they are making a splendid success of life.

James A. Haller was united in marriage with Blanche D. Corbin, daughter of L. H. Corbin, a former schoolmate and playmate. To this union have l3een born four children : Jean W., Martha Mav, Sallie B., and W. Tipton. Air. Corbin makes his home with his daughter,

Mrs. Haller. Mrs. Corbin is deceased. Mr. Haller has been an active Republican for many years. Both he and Mrs. Haller are highly regarded and esteemed in Johnson county, where the Haller family is widely known and respected.

John Sheller an industrious and enterprising farmer and stockman of Rose Hill township, was born in Crawford county, Ohio, in 1862, a son of Jacob and Louisa (White) Sheller. The Sheller family was originally from Pennsylvania. Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Sheller came from Ohio to Missouri in 1866 and settled on a farm in Rose Hill township, Johnson county, where the father engaged in farming and stock raising on his place comprising one hundred sixty acres and in addition worked at his trade as carpenter. He was a splendid, "all-round" workman and prospered in the new Western home. At one time, he- was the owner of three hundred twenty acres of land in Johnson county. Louisa (White) Sheller was a daughter of Nathaniel White, of Tennessee. To Jacob and Louisa Sheller were born four children, three of whom are now living: Mrs. Hattie Stahl, Tonkawa, Oklahoma; and John and Charles, both well-to-do farmers, Latour, JNIissouri. The father died in 1881 and the mother in 1903.

At Rose Hill, where Lessie Hunt was employed as teacher, John Sheller began his school career. He received a good common-school educated in the district schools of Johnson county and then began farming, which vocation he has ever since followed. When he was a boy, there was much unfenced land and many undeveloped farms in Johnson county. He recalls having seen countless herds of deer and many prairie chickens. Mr. Sheller was reared on the farm and he has always been interested in the pursuits of agriculture. He is now owner of a splendid stock farm embracing three hundred ten acres of good land, one hundred fifty acres of wliich are in pasture land and meadow. He had, in 1917, forty acres of the farm in wheat, fifteen acres in oats, and seventy acres in corn. Last autumn he sowed forty-five acres of the farm in wheat. The Sheller farm is abundantly watered, conveniently located, and nicely kept.

In 1896, John Sheller was united in marriage with Lucy Belle Roach, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Roach, who came to Missouri from Kentucky. Mr. and Mrs. Sheller are highly respected in their communitv and thev have countless friends in Johnson countv. Politicallv,

J. E. Coleman, a well-to-do and influential farmer and stockman of Rose Hill township, is a member of a well-known and prosperous pioneer family. He is a native of Johnson county, a son of Thomas E. and Phoebe (Thistle) Coleman, early settlers of this county coming to this state from Ohio. Thomas E. Coleman was a son of Edwin Coleman, and an emigrant from Ireland, where he was born. In early manhood, he came with his father to America and they located first in Kentucky and then in Ohio. In 1857, Thomas E. Coleman moved from Ohio to Johnson county and settled on a farm located south of Latour. He became a wealthy stockman, owning at one time more than nine hundred acres of land. Mr. Coleman was a bright, quickwitted, energetic man, a born leader, so in a very short time after coming West his influence began to be felt in the community and for more than thirty years, he was township committeeman, and justice of the peace for many years. He was an active worker in the Democratic party and possessed much power politically. Mr. Coleman was a worthy and consistent member of the Catholic church. Phoebe (Thistle) Coleman was a daughter of Samuel Thistle. To Mr. and Mrs. Thomas E. Coleman were born ten children, six of whom are now living: S. C, Latour, Missouri: J. E., the subject of this review: Mrs. Nellie Boone, of Montana: Mrs. Mary Hampton. Latour, Missouri: Mrs. Belle Schooque, of Idaho; and Mrs. Nora Haynes, Independence, Missouri. The father died in 1906 and three years later the mother joined him in death. j\Ir. and Mrs. Coleman were upright, honorable citizens and they reared to maturity a fine family, all members of which are highly respected and valued in their respective communities.

At Sidney school house, where Charles Barnes was employed as teacher, J. E. Coleman first attended school. He obtained a good common-school education and then began to farm and to raise stock. He recalls Reverend Deane, who used to preach when he was a lad and he remembers how all the settlers would go to church, many of them traveling a long distance in wagons drawn by oxen. Oxen were also used to aid in breaking sod. There was much unbroken prairie in those days of the late sixties and early seventies and Mr. Coleman often went across the wide, unfenced fields to Holden, following a trail and passing only a few log cabins along the way. Wild game was plentiful and hunting and fishing were not considered sports but occupations. The young folks had good times for there were always parties, dances, and "bees" to attend. For many years, the Coleman family resided in a log cabin of two rooms and then later, the father built a larger and more comfortable home.

In 1892, J. E. Coleman was united in marriage with Katie Flynn, daughter of Daniel Flynn, a well-known and honored pioneer of Johnson county. To this union has been born one child, a daughter, Anna M., who is at home with her parents. The Colemans are valued members of the Catholic church. Mr. Coleman is a member of the Catholic Mutual Benevolent Association.

In 1885, Mr. Coleman purchased one hundred acres of land and engaged in farming and stock raising. He has done well in his chosen vocations and has merited his hard-earned success, now owning two hundred thirty-live acres of well-improved land. There are three large barns and a splendid silo on the place besides numerous other farm buildings. The residence is a comfortable house of six rooms.

Politically, J. E. Coleman is a Democrat. He and Mrs. Coleman are numbered among Johnson county's most substantial and valued citizens and they have countless friends in their own community.

R. C. Hull, the capable and well-known cashier of the Bank of Centerview, is the only son of a prominent and prosperous pioneer family of Johnson county. He was born in 1876 in Centerview, Missouri, son of R. C, Sr., and Margaret (Clifton) Hull. Jacob Hull, grandfather of R. C. Hull, Jr., came to Missouri in the earliest days from New Hampshire. He settled on a tract of land in Johnson county and successfully engaged in farming, becoming widely known and influential in the community. In 1866, R. C. Hull, Sr., came to Centerview and entered the mercantile business as the first merchant in the little village. The remainder of his life was spent in Centerview. Margaret (Clifton) Hull is a native of Ohio. To Mr. and Mrs. Hull were born two children: R. C, Jr., the subject of this review; and Mrs. A. W. Gibbs. The father died in 1898 and since his death the mother has made her home with her daughter, Mrs. Gibbs. The senior Mr. Hull was a gentleman of splendid reputation, fine morals, and distinctive character. He was one of the county's most enterprising and industrious citizens, a man of true worth and great value.

R. C. Hull, of this review, attended school at Centerview. Two of his first instructors were Professor Shipp and Judge Summers. He recalls among the pioneer preachers of his boyhood days Reverends P"rank Russell, Poague, Hutchinson, and J. H. Houx. Later, Mr. Hull was a student at Lexington, Missouri and at the Warrensburg State Normal School. He is a graduate of Gem City Business College, Quincy, Illinois. Soon after Mr. Hull had graduated from business college, his father died and he assumed charge of his affairs and conducted the store in Centerview until 1906, when he was elected cashier of the Bank of Centerview, which position he is now filling. Mr. Hull is also one of the stockholders of the bank.

In 1902, R. C. Hull, Jr., was united in marriage with Margaret Hering, daughter of J. H. and Sarah Hering, and to this union have been born three children: Mildred, Rodney C, and Sara. Mr. and Mrs. Hull own a beautiful home in Centerview. a modern residence of eight rooms. Mr. Hull has noted many changes which have occurred in Johnson county during his lifetime and he is still a young man. The old rail fence has been supplanted by one of wire, the highways have been greatly improved, and automobiles have usurped the place of carriages and buggies. Mr. Hull is one of Centerview's "hustlers" and he and Mrs. Hull are enrolled among the county's best and most respected young citizens.

The Bank of Centerview, of which financial institution R. C. Hull, Jr., is the efiicient cashier, has at present a capital stock of fifteen thousand dollars, surplus fund of fifteen thousand dollars, deposits amounting to one hundred fifteen thousand dollars at the time the last official statement was issued, and loans of one hundred thousand dollars. The present officials of this excellent banking institution are: C. H. Houx, president; Dr. J. R. Bozarth, vice-president; R. C. Hull, cashier; and John Graham, George Eppright, John DeLaney, and S. O. Ball, directors. Much of the success of the Bank of Centerview is undoubtedly due to the careful exactness and cautious business judgment of the well-qualified cashier, who is a master of the intricate problem of finance.

Mrs. Margaret (Clifton) Hull, the highly regarded and respected widow of the late R. C. Hull, Sr., a leading citizen and pioneer merchant of Centerview. Missouri, is one of Johnson county's brave pioneer women, whom we are proud and happy to have still with us. She is a native of Ohio and after her marriage with Mr. Hull came with him to Center- view to make their liome in the little village out on the open prairie. There were but four houses in Centerview at the time of their coming, in 1868. Mr. Hull was employed as agent for the railroad company and he also entered the mercantile business, becoming very successful in the new home. R. C. Hull, Sr., was Centerview's first merchant.

To R. C. Hull and Margaret (Clifton) Hull were born two children: R. C, Jr., and Mrs. Alberta (Hull) Gibbs. Their only son is now the well-known cashier of the Bank of Centerview and their daughter is a widow, residing in Centerview, with whom the mother makes her home. Mr. Hull was a man of fearless character, a typical pioneer, brave, noble, and true. He was a gentleman of the old school, whose pleasant manners and kindly ways won for him friends by the score. For many years, he was postmaster of Centerview. In many ways, R. C. Hull, Sr., was one of the most influential and capable men of his time. He died in 1898. His widow still resides in the old home, with her widowed daughter.

Mrs. Hull is a very intelligent, alert, and energetic lady and a most interesting conversationalist. She can relate in a very entertaining way many pioneer experiences which she has had. She pictures vividly the time when she and Mr. Hull came to the town of Centerview and how the early settlers traveled in large farm wagons or on horse back to church and to all the social gatherings. She thinks that the people in those days were more willing to lend and take assistance in their work, that one was more dependent upon and thus more friendly to his neighbors. Picnics were occasions anticipated with pleasure for months and enjoyed with all the zest of youth. Among the early preachers, whom Mrs. Hull knew personally, were: Finis King William Gordon, Josiah Thompson, and Reverends McGrady and Tuttle.

L. N. White, a progressive, intelligent young farmer and stockman of Centerview township, is a native of Indiana. He was born in 1879, a son of Dr. W. L. and Mary (Hall) White, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this volume.

Mr. White, whose name introduces this review, attended school at Glendale and in Warrensburg. He was later a student at the Warrensburg State Normal School and at Baker University. Mr. White took work in college in both the business and academic departments. After leaving college, he began farming and stock raising. He purcliased half the homestead, for which he paid in three years. In 1908, he moved from the farm to Baldwin Citv in order to attend school, after which time he returned to the farm for a few months and then, in 1909, rented his place and moved to his father's farm. After a short time on the home place, I\Ir. White bought the old Whitmore place from his father, which he sold after one year and bought the old Roop farm, which he also sold within a short time. He cleared about one thousand dollars on the latter farm and then traded his part in the homestead, which is located near Houts' Chapel, for a part of Doctor Bozarth's place. At the present time, Mr. White owns one hundred iifty-three and a half acres of land, for which he paid one hundred twenty-tive dollars an acre. This past season he harvested six hundred bushels of wheat, three hundred fifty bushels of oats, and eighteen tons of hay. He had seventy acres of his farm in corn. ]\Ir. White is also interested in stock raising and has at the present time, in 1917, twelve head of Herefords and seventy-five head of fine hogs. The place is well equipped for handling stock, having an abundance of sheds: farm buildings of all kinds in good repair: and a concrete watering tank, recently installed, which is filled l)y gravity pressure from an everflowing spring. L. X. White is one of the county's most enterprising agriculturists. He ad\"Ocates the liberal use of fertilizer and of pasturing stock to increase the fertility of the soil, and he practices that which he advocates.

In 1902. L. N. White was united in marriage with Susa E. Xeet, daughter of Jacob and Hester Neet, and to this union have been born three children: Sylvia E., Lindley W., and Susanna G. Mr. and Mrs. \\'hite are well known and esteemed in Johnson county.

Dr. W. L. White, a retired ph}-sician and farmer of Johnson county, is a native of Indiana. He was l)orn in 1832, a son of Xathan and Rebecca ( Lindley) White, a prominent pioneer family of Indiana, the father, a native of Xorth Carolina and the mother, a daughter of Samuel Lindlev. a brother-in-law of Xathaniel Green, AVashington's most trusted general in the Revolutionary War. Doctor White was reared and educated in Indiana and spent the greater part of his youth in that state.

In 1862. Dr. W. L. White enlisted in the Civil War and served throughout the conflict under General Stewart. He took an active part in the battles of Franklin and X^ashville and in many other important engagements. After three years of faithful service. Doctor White was mustered out and honorably discharged in September. 1865. After the war closed, he returned to his home in Indiana and practiced nredicine for several years. Dr. W. L. White is a graduate of the University of Michigan. His health failed and he was obliged to abandon his chosen profession and to spend his time out of doors. Accordingly, he purchased more than three hundred acres of land in Indiana and engaged in farming and stock raising for many years. Later, he traded this place for a stock of hardware, which in turn he traded for a farm of one hundred sixty acres of land in Johnson county, Missouri, and in 1881, came West to make his home on the farm for which he had traded. Doctor White specialized in the raising of Poland China and Berkshire hogs and became very successful and prosperous. For years, he was owner of a high-bred pacing mare, valued at more than a thousand dollars. Recently, the doctor divided his land among his children and he is now spending the close of his long life of usefulness in comfort and carefree ease.

in 1865, Dr. W. L. White was united in marriage with Anna Parsons, in Indiana. To this union were born two children. Within a few years after her marriage, the mother died and Dr. White remarried, his second wife being Mary Hall, and to Dr. W. L. and Mary (Hall) White were bori;i four children, two of whom are now living: Mrs. Minnie Andrews, Centerville, Missouri; and Lindley N., a well-known farmer of Centerview township. Dr. White is now eighty-five years of age. but he is as alert mentally as many men a score of years younger than he. He is one of Johnson county's most respected and valued citizens.

Reverend J. T. Holloway, the highly respected and well-known pastor of the Centerview Church of the Brethren and progressive farmer and stockman of Centerview township, is a native of Illinois. He was born in 1855, a son of John and Mary Holloway, honored pioneers of Johnson county. John Holloway was born in Tennessee, a son of Nathan Holloway, who was also a native of Tennessee and of Scotch and German lineage. When his son was still but a child, Nathan Holloway moved to Kentucky and, in that state. John Holloway was reared and educated. In early manhood, he left Kentucky and located in Illinois, coming thence to Missouri in 1867, settling in Johnson county. Mr. Holloway rented land and for many years was engaged in general farming. He was always active in church work and served as janitor of tlie Knob Noster Church of the Brethren (Dunkard) for several years. When he first came to Johnson county, John Holloway resided in a small house of two rooms, which was the Holloway home for nearly two years, and then the family moved to a larger and more comfortable residence, a house of the primitive, log-cabin type. In those days, the land was virgin soil and crops were easily produced in abundance. Mr. Holloway is now at the ad\'anced age of ninety-two years. He makes his home with his son, J. H.. on the farm north of Knob Noster.

Reverend Holloway attended the country schools of Johnson county and he recalls among his teachers; Professor T. J. Summers, George Gallaher, J. H. Harter, and Miss Clara Leash. He remembers several pioneer preachers, whom he knew in his boyhood days, and four men in this connection stand out prominently, namely: Reverends S. S. Mohler, John Mohler. "Uncle Andy" Hutchinson, and Bear. Mr. Holloway's early companions in the days long past were Amos \\^ampler, T. J. Summers, Benjamin Summers, Jacob Wampler, and the Thornton boys.

The first church established in Johnson county by the Dunkards was the Alineral Creek Church of the Brethren. A second one was soon after organized north of Knob Noster. Missouri. In the early days, services were frequently held in the homes and in connection with church work "singing schools" and prayer meetings were conducted in the cabin homes of the early settlers. Church services were largely attended then. People in that day were not so absorbed in moneymaking and seemed to have more time for church work. Reverend Holloway has been pastor of the Centerview Church of the Brethren for twenty years and during his pastorate here he has done splendid work all over the count}- and many churches are rejoicing as the result of his efforts. He is recognized as a most forceful speaker and evangelist and recently held a series of revival meetings at Clearfork Church of the Brethren, which greatly strengthened this congregation. Reverend Holloway has never accepted a salary as compensation for his church work. He believes that a man should support himself independently of his church and then he will more probably preach the whole Gospel.

Practically all his life, Reverend Holloway has been interested in farming and stock raising. In 1886, he purchased a tract of land comprising forty-five acres and during all the ensuing years has been laboring in the endeavor to improve the soil by the use of fertilizer and crop rotation and he has succeeded. Reverend Holloway has always rented a farm of one hundred sixty acres in addition to farming his own place and is extensively engaged in raising Poland China hogs and other stock.

In 1882, Reverend J. T. Holloway and Lenna Strausburg, daughter of Jacob Strausburg, who settled in Johnson county in the early sixties, were united in marriage. To this union have been born four children, who are now living: Reverend Jacob H., Leavenworth, AVashington; Mrs. Grace Rich, Centerview, Missouri; Mrs. Maud E. Cunningham, Centerview, Missouri; and Mrs. Clara Houx, Centerview, Missouri.

When Reverend Holloway came to Johnson county with his parents fifty years ago, one could travel from the Holloway home to AVarrensburg, a distance of ten miles, following a straight line across the open prairie. The Holloway boys, driving yokes of oxen, were often employed in breaking sod. J. T. Holloway used to have a plow which would cut to a depth of twenty inches. The customary method of planting grain in the olden days was to drop seed corn in every third furrow. Cattle paths led in all directions and these were usually taken for roads. The pioneer settler was privileged to go anywhere on the unfenced prairie and cut all the hay he desired and Reverend Holloway has many times harvested hay in immense quantities from the open fields. He has also had his experiences with the ever-dreaded prairie fires. Reverend Holloway is a pioneer citizen of Johnson county, worthy of much honor and consideration.

H. A. Stitt, an honored pioneer of Johnson county, a highly respected and prominent retired farmer and stockman and school teacher of Rose Hill township, is a native of Ohio. Mr. Stitt was born in 1839 in Favette county, a son of James and Catherine Stitt, both of whom were members of good, patriotic, colonial families. James Stitt was a son of William Stitt, a native of France, who came to America with his parents, when he was a child. William Stitt was a drummer boy in the Revolutionary War. Airs. Stitt was a daughter of James Menary, a veteran of the War of 1812. In 1802. James Stitt moved with a colony from Newark, New York, overland to Ohio and settled there. He filled the office of judge in his county in Ohio for a period of many years. Mr. Stitt was a public-spirited citizen and a man of honor, who was very influential in his community.

engaged in teaching school. He had taught school three years before the Civil War broke out. During the war, he left his school work and enlisted in the conflict. Air. Stitt served under General Grant throughout the long struggle. In 1866, Mr. Stitt came to VVarrensburg, Missouri. One of his first acquaintances was Senator Francis M. Cockrell, who welcomed him to the little Western town. Senator Cockrell had been almost financially ruined by the war and Mr. Stitt recalls that at that time the Cockrells were in very straightened circumstances. In partnership with J. C. Roach, H. A. Stitt entered the mercantile business in Warrensburg and for several years was one of the leading merchants of this city. He moved to a farm, a tract of land comprising eighty acres in Rose Hill township, which he purchased in 1872. Mr. Stitt then engaged in teaching school and farming. He was employed as teacher in the school at Rose Hill for five consecutive years and for many years taught in the district schools of the township. He became a stockholder in the Bank of Latour in 1883 and for several years was the assistant cashier of the l)ank.

To H. A. and Airs. Stitt have been born three children, who are now living: Ned, Latour, Alissouri; Mrs. Alice McNeal, Mullen, Nebraska ; and Bessie, Latour, Alissouri. Air. and Airs. Stitt and their son and youngest daughter reside in Latour. The Stitts are worthy and valued members of the Presbyterian church. In former days. Air. Stitt was considered one of the best singers in Warrensburg and at the time of his residence in this city was chorister of the W^arrensburg Presbyterian church. He and his wife have often gone to church in their farm wagon and in crossing creeks the water often ran into the bed of their vehicle. There were no roads in those early days and he and Airs. Stitt were once lost out on the open prairie.

Mr. Stitt was well acquainted with Reverend J. H. Houx, one of the most beloved of the pioneer preachers, and Leonard Renick, the well-remembered colonel of the Confederates. He states that social conditions w^ere excellent in Johnson county when he was a young man. He came to \\'arrensburg a stranger, but the residents were kindly disposed toward new comers and they cordially made H. A. Stitt feel that he was one of them and welcome in their midst. All were glad to give assistance in times of need in those days. For more than fifty years. Air. Stitt has been one of Johnson county's invaluable citizens.

Centerview township, one of Johnson county's most substantial citizens, is a "self-made" man. Mr. Colster is now owner of a fine stock farm, comprising two hundred forty acres of very productive land, and the day has not long past when he was well pleased to obtain employment, at eight and ten dollars a month pay. He was born in 1853 in St. Charles county, Missouri, a son of Barney Colster, who was of German descent. Both his father and mother have long since been deceased.