Johnson County, Missouri - - Biographical, 1918 (part 3 of 19)

Jesse J. Gulp attended the public schools of Johnson county and the Warrensburg High School. After leaving high school, he was associated in business with his father until 1905, when he began business for himself, succeeding John Gulp, his father, as proprietor of the Elevator Mills of Warrensburg. September 15, 1908 the elevator was burned. Fire was discovered about five o'clock in the morning and it is supposed it started from a spark blown from an engine, which had been switching on the railroad several hours that night. The case was in court three years and was then compromised by the railroad company paying part of the loss sustained. Mr. Gulp rebuilt the elevator immediately, making the new one fireproof. He buys and sells all kinds of grain, seed, and like produce and has storage room for about thirty cars of grain and elevator capacity of thirty thousand bushels. The elevator .and buildings occupy all of block E on Grover street in the second addition of Warrensburg and all the elevator buildings are covered with iron. Mr. Gulp's present office and wareroom were built in 1909. The wareroom and office are constructed of brick, 50 x 100 feet in dimensions, and tlie building consists of two stories and is one of the best and most convenient on the line of the Missouri Pacific railway.

In 1904, Jesse J. Gulp was united in marriage with Judith Rice, the daughter of Samuel and Susan R. Rice. Both parents of Mrs. Gulp are now deceased. To Jesse J. and Judith (Rice) Gulp have been born three children: one child died in infancy; Susan Margaret; and Leland James. Mr. and Mrs. Culp reside in their home at 510 South Holden street in Warrensburg.

At the last meeting of the Warrensburg Baptist church in 1909, Jesse J. Culp was elected superintendent of the Baptist Sunday School, which has an average attendance of four hundred twenty members. Mr. Culp has held this office since 1909. He is also a member of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of Warrensburg, of the Blue Lodge, and is a Knights Templar. For the year 1915, Mr. Culp was president of the Warrensburg Commercial Club. His high standing in the state of Missouri as a business man is shown by the fact that he has l)een a director of the Missouri State Grain Dealers' Association for the past four years

Mrs. W. T. Wilson, one of Johnson county's noblest pioneer women, is the daughter of William and ElizaJjeth (Deering) Fewel, natives of North Carolina. William Fewel came from North Carolina to Missouri long before the Ci\il War and brought with him fifty or more slaves. Elizabeth (Deering) Fewel died in Rockingham countv. North Carolina prior to Mr. Fewel's coming West. His daughter. Miss Elvira, the subject of this review, was then sixteen years of age, and well remembers the journey to Missouri. They came bringing wagons, buggies, and carriages and were two months on the wa\-. They crossed the Mississippi river at Columbus, Kentucky. Mr. Fewel first located on Honey creek, where they remained for a few months, and then purchased the present home of Major Williams. This farm comprises about two hundred acres of land and William Fewel entered other land in both Henry and Johnson counties. His death occurred in 1867 and his remains were interred on the home farm. William Fewel was the father of seven daughters and two sons, of whom three daughters are now living: Mrs. W. T. Wilson, the subject of this review: Mrs. William Millner: and Elizabeth D.

In 1853, Elvira Fewel was united in marriage witii Sanniel Reynolds, of North Carolina. The following children are now living of those born to Samuel M. and Elvira (Fewel) Reynolds: Sanniel M., Jr., Corder. Missouri; AA'illiam F.. a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this volume; and Mrs. W. H. Dorman. Clinton. Missouri. Samuel M. Reynolds came to Henry county. Missouri before the Civil War and located on the farm, where Mrs. W. T. Wilson now resides.

He enlisted in the Civil War and was killed at the battle of Lonejack, August 16. 1862, while serving with Cockreirs regiment. He was buried in the same grave with other men. who fell that day.

Mrs. Elvira (Fewel) Reynolds was united in marriage with W. T. Wilson, a veteran of the Confederacy, in 1867. Mr. Wilson was in the battle of Lonejack, Missouri, where Samuel Reynolds lost his life. W. T. Wilson was born in 1833 in Lexington, Missouri. He enlisted in the Civil War in 1861 and served nearly four years. He was mustered out at Shreveport, Louisiana, June 15, 1865 and returned home at once. Mr. Wilson has been a resident of Henry county since the date of his return from the war. Both Mr. and Mrs. Wilson are now eightyfour years of age and still active and enjoying excellent health. Mrs. Wilson attends personally to all her housework and Mr. Wilson is able to do as much manual labor as a man many years younger than he.

D. L. Sutherland, ex-judge of Johnson county and formerly one of the prosperous stockmen of Jefferson township, is now a resident of Windsor, Henry county. He was born in 1846 in St. Clair county, Missouri, the son of Uriah L. and Margaret J. Sutherland. Uriah L. Sutherland was the son of Daniel Sutherland, who was a native of Logan county, Kentucky, and of Scotch descent. Daniel Sutherland served in the War of 1812. His son, Uriah L. Sutherland, came to Missouri from Kentucky in 1838 and settled in St. Clair county on the farm where his son, D. L., the subject of this review, was born eight years later.

Judge Sutherland was reared and educated in St. Clair county, Missouri. Li i868, he came to Johnson county, after selling a small farm of thirty acres, which was located in Vernon county, Missouri, and had been given him by his grandfather. With the proceeds from this farm in Vernon county, D. L. Sutherland purchased forty acres of land in Johnson county, where he began farming and stock raising. The farm cost him twenty-five dollars an acre. He was employed by "Jim" Wall, a pioneer trader, to buy cattle and from "Jim." Mr. Sutherland borrowed eighty dollars, with which he bought forty-two head of hogs. He fed these hogs and later sold them for two hundred fifty dollars, which he immediately invested in calves. From this humble beginning began one of the most remarkable careers in the stock business in the state of Missouri. Judge Sutherland states that he never kept book of his finances, but in some way he always came nut ahead at the close of each A'ear. He invested bis savings from time to time in land and at one time was the owner of nearly three thousand acres of land in Johnson county. He gave each of his children eighty acres of land and livestock sufficient to obtain a start in business, when twentyone years of age, and thus his original holdings have been decreased. He is at present the owner of a splendid stock farm in Henry county, near Windsor, to which city he and his wife moved about nine years ago and where he is engaged, with his sons, in the stock business, handling black Aberdeen Angus cattle. At the time of this writing, they have a herd of one hundred twenty-five cows, which is the largest in this section of the state. Practically all the Sutherland farm is grass land. It is exceptionally well improved and there are seven tenant houses on the place, whicli are occupied by his assistants.

In 1871. D. L. Sutherland was united in marriage with Elizabeth Garrett, the daughter of J. AW and Ann Tanda Garrett. To Judge D. L. and Elizabeth (Garrett) Sutherland have been born seven children: James O., a prosperous stockman residing near Windsor, Missouri, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this volume ; Leland B., Windsor, Missouri; Sam H., Windsor, Missouri; Mrs. Margaret Botts, Mangum, Oklahoma ; Mrs. Edna RuiTin, at home with her father, Windsor, Missouri; Eldon E.. of Johnson county, and Roland G., of Pettis count}-, wlio are associated with Judge Sutherland in stock raising on the farm in Henry county.

For many years D. L. Sutherland was a magistrate in Johnson county and he served faithfully and well as judge of the county court in Johnson county. In that, he imitated his father, who for several years prior to the Civil War was a highly respected judge in St. Clair county. Judge Sutherland is a stockliolder in the Citizens Bank of Windsor, Missouri. He is a man possessing many qualities worthy of the greatest respect and consideration and no life within the past decade in the state of Missouri has been more remarkalile. more full of suggestion for the youth of today. Judge Sutlierland and liis estimable wife are always "at home" to their mmiberless friends, welcoming ail wlio come to visit them at their beautiful residence in Windsor.

Jas. L. Robinson, ex-registrar of deeds of Johnson county, was born November 17. 1860 at the home of his father in Montserrat, Missouri. He is the son of Jehu and Julia .^nn fOglesby) Robinson. Jehu Rol)inson was liorn ^il'arch 26. 1812 in Roane county, Tennessee, tlie son of Joseph R. Rol)inson, who was liorn January 28. 1766, of

Irish descent. The father of Joseph R. Robinson was a veteran of the Revolutionary War. In 1819 Joseph R. Robinson moved from Tennessee to Missouri and located in Cooper county, when his son, Jehu, was a child of seven years. In 1833 Jehu Robinson came to Johnson county Missouri and with his father built a cabin on the farm, three and a half miles north of Knob Noster, which now is owned by John Wampler. Jehu Robinson later sold this place, purchasing another located between Knob Noster and Montserrat and here his son, J. L. Robinson, the subject of this review, was born. The new home Jehu Robinson himself built of lumber which he hauled from Lexington, Missouri. This home was built before the Civil War, in 1857, and was used as an inn, since it was located on the stage line between Sedalia and Kansas City, Missouri. The place was sold during the war and the Robinson family moved to Boone county, where they remained until 1875 or 1876 when they returned to Johnson county and settled on a farm, comprising four hundred fifty-two acres, northeast of Warrensburg. Julia Ann (Oglesby) Robinson was the daughter of Talton Oglesby. To Jehu and Julia Robinson were born the following children: Mary, who died at maturity; Mrs. Louisa Hull, deceased; John E., who married Mary M. Hocker, of Warrensburg, Missouri, and is now deceased ; Dr. J. F. Robinson, who married Linnie Sipe, and resides in Nevada, Missouri; Mrs. Sallie B. Reynolds, who resides in Henry county, Missouri, near Leeton ; and Jas. L.. the subject of this review. Jehu Robinson's death occurred October 16. 1886 on the farm northeast of Warrensburg and bis remains were interred in Hocker cemetery at Knob Noster. His wife died August 14, 1900.

Tas. L. Robinson attended the public schools of Johnson county, the State University at Columbia. Missouri, the ^^'arrensburg State Normal School, and Ouincy Business College. After leaving college, Mr. Robinson was for several years engaged in agricultural pursuits and later, in the furniture and undertaking business. In 1906, Jas. L. Robinson was elected county recorder of Johnson county and in 1910 he was reelected, serving a term of eight years, his term of office expiring in 1915. Mr. Robinson was one of the best qualified officials Johnson county has ever had.

March 12, 1884, Jas. L. Robinson and Suella Hughes were united in marriage. Suella (Hughes) Robinson is the daughter of H. Y. and Sallie Hughes, of Warrensburg. H. Y. Hughes was a native of Ten- nessee. He came to Missouri ai)out 1858 and in 1860 was united in marriage with Sallie Hughes. In 1876 he was elected county treasurer of Johnson county and the Hughes family moved from the farm, wliere Mr. Hughes located upon coming to Missouri, to Warrensburg. 'i"o H. Y. and Sallie Hughes were born tlie following children: E. B.. who is president of the Citizens National Rank, Plainview, Texas; Mrs. Birdie Bolton, wife of Lewis T. Bolton, who is engaged in the mercantile business in Kansas City, Missouri; and Mrs. Jas. L. Robinson, wife of the subject of this review. After his term of office as countv treasurer had expired, Mr. Hughes organized the Bank of Warrensburg and was president of that institution at the time of his death in 1899. Mrs. Hughes had preceded him in death ten years, her death occurring in 1889. Both parents were interred in the cemetery at Warrensburg. To Jas. L. and Suella Robinson have been born two sons: Leonard H., who died at the age of thirty years: and Kenneth N., who is a registered pharmacist at Warrensburg, Missouri, now a member of Medical Corps No. 24. having volunteered at Kansas Citv, Missouri July 1, 1917 and now in the service. Mrs. Robinson is a lady of remarkably fine attainments. The Robinson home at 121 West Gay street in Warrensburg is a model home, attractive, neatly kept, and beautiful both within and without.

Mrs. Robinson is the granddaughter of John Hughes, a native of Kentucky, who came to Missouri in 1850. He was born in Kentucky in 1799. In 1851 he located in Johnson county, where he entered six hundred acres of land from the government. John Hughes was united in marriage with Pollie Diddle, a native of Kentucky, and of the children born to them Mrs. R. L. Jackson, who resides in Holden IMissouri, alone surx'ive. John Hughes was a Southern sympathizer, and in the fall of the year 1862 took his sixteen slaves with him to Arkansas, locating near Huntsville. His neighbors at first were apparently in sympathy with the South, but later their attitude changed and they claiming to be Union sympathizers, began destroying the property and lives of those of the opposition. John Hughes, with eight others, was taken prisoner January 10, 1863 and placed in Huntsville prison. Three days later they, who had taken Mr. Hughes, removed the prisoners from their cell and under the pretense of sending them back to Missouri took the innocent and unsuspecting men about a mile from town, lined them up. and at a command a detachment of guards stepped forward and the helpless men were shot down. John Hughes alone survived. Mrs. Vatright, whose husband was one of the killed, asked permission of General Herron to get his body and her request was granted. She noticed signs of Hfe in Mr. Hughes and took him to her home. A slave of Mr. Hughes, whose name was "Buck," heard of it and made three different attempts to escape to his master. He succeeded the third time and faithfully remained by the side of his injured master, nursing him to health and strength, although he was left blind from the efifects of the wounds on his head. Before leaving Missouri, Mr. Hughes promised his slaves to bring them back home and he kept his promise. All. with the exception of one who joined the Union army, were brought back to Johnson county.

J. O. Reynolds, cashier of the Farmers Bank of Leeton, Missouri, is one of Johnson county's most progressive, young citizens. He is a member of one of the best and most prominent families in the county. He was born just across the county line in Henry county, December 30. 1880. the son of F. and Sallie B. (Robinson) Reynolds. \\\ F. Reynolds was born July 28. 1854 in North Carolina. He is the son of Samuel M. and Elvira ( Fewel) Reynolds, natives of North Carolina. W. F. Reynolds came with his parents to Missouri in 1857. where they located in Henry county. Samuel Reynolds was killed .\ugust 16, 1862 at the battle of Lonejack, Missouri, while serving in Cockrell's regiment. His widow married \\'. T. \\'ilson, a veteran of the confederacy, and they are now residing on the farm in Henry county. A sketch of Mrs. W. T. Wilson appears in this volume. W. F. Reynolds was a student at the Warrensburg State Normal School. At the first Sunday School he attended, Francis M. Cockrell was his teacher. That was early in the seventies. W. F. Reynolds and Sallie B. Robinson were united in marriage October 15, 1878 in Warrensburg and to tliem were born the following cliiUlren : Joseph O., the sulsject of this review: Jolm R., who resides on tlie lionie place: Anna Belle, at home with her parents; and M. Dearing. wiio resides on the home place. Sallie B. (Robinson) Reynolds was l)orn in Johnson county. October 15. 1857. Mr. and Mrs. Reynolds are now residing on tlie home place four and a half miles south of Leeton, Missouri versity of Missouri at Columbia one year. After leaving college, he engaged in farming for a short time and then entered the mercantile business in partnership with R. L. Garrett, under the firm name of Garrett & Reynolds. Later John R. Reynolds, brother of Joseph O., bought out Garrett and the firm continued in business under the name, Reynolds Brothers. The brothers traded the stock for a farm of one hundred sixty acres in Henry county and Joseph O. Reynolds then spent one year in Colorado. Upon his return he again engaged in farming, on the home place, and until 1911 was occupied with the pursuits of agriculture. Air. Reynolds was instrumental in organizing the Farmers Bank of Leeton and in .September. 1911 accepted the assistant cashiership of that bank. In May. 1913, he was elected cashier, succeeding H. F. Finks, who resigned his position to accept a similar one with the Brinkenhofif Faris Trust & Savings Company of Clinton, Missouri. The Farmers Bank of Leeton has experienced a remarkable growth and is one of the splendid banks of Johnson county, of which all are proud.

October 11, 1905, Joseph O. Reynolds was united in marriage with Nellie Garrett, the daughter of ^^^ .A. and Alice (Walker) Garrett, of Bowen, Missouri. Mrs. Garrett is now deceased and Mr. Garrett resides on the home place near Bowen. To Joseph O. and Nellie (Garrett) Reynolds have been born two children: William James, born April 15, 1915: and a daughter, Alice Belle, born August 26, 1917. Mr. Reynolds is af^liated with the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of Leeton, the Modern Woodmen of America of Leeton, and the B. P. O. E. of Warrensburg.

The Farmers Bank of Leeton, Missouri was organized in May, 1911, with a capital stock of twenty thousand dollars and began business July 11, 1911. The first officers of the bank were as follow: A. C. Todd, president: W. T. Baker, first vice-president: Guilford Morris, second vice-president: H. F. Finks, secretary and cashier: J. O. Reynolds, assistant cashier: and A. C. Todd, W. T. Baker, Guilford Morris, J. H. Boone, Moses Nehr, J. W. Stewart, L. C. Abington, S. L. Miller, F. G. Cooper, William Hinton, Dr. J. T. Anderson, T. J. Don Carlos. W. F. Reynolds, J. W. Shoemaker, A.' S. Michael, directors. The present capital stock of the bank is twenty thousand dollars, with a surplus fund of five thousand, undivided profits of three thousand, and deposits, at the time of this writing, amounting to one hundred thirty thousand dollars. The bank officials now are: A. C. Todd, president; W. T. Baker, first vice-president; Guilford Morris, second vice-president; J. O. Reynolds, secretary and cashier: Henly Stacy, assistant cashier; and G. L. Hall, L. C. Abington, J. W. Shoemaker. A. C. Todd, W. F. Reynolds, J. H. Boone, S. L. Miller. W. T. Baker. Moses Nehr. F. G. Cooper, William Hinton. Guilford Morris. W. T. Des Combes, Henly Stacy, J. O. Reynolds, directors. The bank owns its building, furniture, and fixtures, which are valued at more than five thousand dollars. From the time the bank opened its doors it has had an excellent business. The people have the utmost confidence in this institution, due to the careful and efficient management. J. O. Reynolds, the capable, young cashier, is thoroughly wide-awake and a "booster" for all projects which will help the little city of Leeton and the surrounding country. The stockholders and officers of the Farmers Bank have from the start been home people.

Henly Stacy, the well-known and highly respected assistant cashier of the Farmers Bank of Leeton, Missouri, was born August 29, 1866 in Schuyler county, Missouri, the son of James and Louisa (Garrett) Stacy, the former a native of Kentucky and the latter of Missouri. They are the parents of the following children: W. L., a prominent ranchman residing at Gardner, Colorado ; J. M., who died in early manhood; Mrs. L. P. Welch, Eureka, Kansas; Henly, the subject of this review; and Martha J., the wqfe of Dave Brown, of Warrensburg. Louisa (Garrett) Stacy died about 1896 and her remains were interred in the cemetery in Barton county, Missouri. James Stacy now makes his home with his daughter, Mrs. Dave Brown, in Warrensburg. He is eighty-six years of age. at the time of this writing.

Henly Stacy received his education in the public schools of Schuyler county. Since he was twenty years of age, he has made his own way in the world. He was reared on the farm in Schuyler county and in earliest boyhood assisted his father with the work of the farm. For about two years, he was engaged in the drug business at Queen City. Missouri. From Queen City, Mr. Stacy went to a farm in Barton county and for four years was engaged again in the pursuits of agriculture. He then left Barton county and went to Iowa, where he remainetl one winter. When he returned from Iowa he again located in l'>arton county, coming to Johnson county in 1900, when he purchased a farm in Post Oak township. This farm comprised four hundred sixty acres and was owned by Lewis Higgins, wlio sold ii lo Mr. Stacy for about twenty dollars an acre. Mr. Stacy sold this farm two years later. About thirteen years ago. he moved to Leeton. Misseuri and purchased the Dr. Wall property. Within a short time, he disposed of that place and purchased one lumdreil acres adjoining the townsite of Leeton, eighteen acres of which are now within the corporation limits, wdiere he now resides. Mr. Stacy also owns fi\e hundred acres of land in Post Oak townslhp. one of the best improved farms in Johnson county.

In 1891, Henly Stacy was united in marriage with Sybillia M. Deierling, the daughter of G. and Maria ( Blurton ) Deierling, of (Jueen City, Missouri. Mr. Deierling is deceased and his widow resides in Queen City. To Henly and Sybillia M, Stacv have been born two children: Mrs. Edith L. Hansam. who has (me daughter. Jane, and resides in Leeton, Missouri; and John L., who is a student in the Leeton High School and resides at home with his parents.

Leeton, Missouri is practically a farmers" town. Besides the Farmers Bank, Leeton has a lumber and an elevator company, and the Westlawn Telephone Company, M-hich has in operation more than three hundred fifty phones. Mr. Stacy has been one of the stockholders of the Farmers Bank of Leeton for years and is now assistant cashier and one of the directors of the bank. He has held the former position since May, 1913. Henly Stacy is a director of the Leeton Lumber Company, treasurer of the Farmers Cooperative Elevator Company, a member of the Leeton School Board and of the city council. Aside from his banking and other business interests mentioned. Mr. Stacy buys and sells stock. On his farm in Post Oak township, he raises horses, cattle, mules, and hogs, and is in partnership with his nephew and his son-in-law, E. F. Hansam, in the Leeton Mercantile Company. He is also a member of the firm. Stacy & Reynolds, which firm has the agency for Fords in this locality. Fords are sold as fast as they can be shipped to Leeton. Fifty cars have already been delivered this year and the firm has twenty-two unfilled orders. It is not necessary to eulogize Henly Stacy or his capabilities. The actual facts speak for themselves.

Mr. Stacy is af^liated with the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of Leeton, the Modern \\'oodmen of America at Leeton, and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks at \\'arrensburg.

Thomas Jefferson Halsey, secretary and treasurer of the Holden Milling and Elevator Company, Holden, Missouri, is a native of New Jersey and a scion of an old and distinguished American family of English origin. He is a direct descendant of Thomas Halsey, who took ship from England at the time the great revolution was brewing which placed Oliver Cromwell as Lord Protector of the commonwealth in power. John Hampden and Oliver Cromwell took passage on the same ship which carried Thomas Halsey to the new world, but they were prevented from leaving England by order of the king. Thomas Halsey descended from one of the oldest of the Broklind families in England, the Hneage of which traces as far back as 1189 and the family numbers in its various generations men who were famous in English history. The history of this long line of honorable ancestors, in this country and England, sprung from a far beginning, covers seven hundred twenty-nine years.

Deeds on record at Lynn, Massachusetts, furnish the first record of Thomas Halsey in America, which was during the year 1637. He possessed at that time one hundred acres of land at Lynn. He, with others, migrated from Lynn and founded the town of Southampton on Long Island, which was the first English colony within what are the present limits of New York. The name Thomas Halsey is affixed to the agreement between the settlers and the Indians who sold them the land upon which they made their settlement. The wife of Thomas Halsey was the first victim to fall at the hands of a hostile trilse of Indians who later raided this colony, in 1649. The Halseys of Long Island had many representatives in the French and Indian Wars and, later, in the struggle between the colonies and the mother country. When the news of the skirmish at Lexington reached Long Island, Jesse Halsey crossed over to New London and joined the patriot army. Immediately after the battle of Bunker Hill he enlisted and served throughout the war and retired with the rank of colonel. Captain Luther Halsey was one of 'the founders of the Society of Cincinnati and was instrumental in establishing Union College at Schenectady. Captain Jeremiah Halsey distinguished himself by bravery in the capture of Ticonderoga and contributed more of his time and money than many other patriots in Connecticut. He was later commissioned commander-in-chief of the northern department and as captain of the armed sloop "Enterprise" on the Great Lakes was the first naval commander of the United States. Halsey street in Brooklyn was named in honor of this great hero. Captain Elias Halsey was killed at Croton Heights, Fort Griswold, September b, 1781. Matthew Halsey fought in the battle of Long Island and afterward took out letters of marque and led an expedition to New London against some Hessian troops. Captain Silas P. Halsey was killed in an attempt to blow up the British blockading frigate, "Ramilles," this being, it is said, the first time the torpedo was used in warfare. In the war with Mexico the Halseys again came to the front. In the War of the Rebellion there were many of the Halseys of Long Island and also members of the family from other states on the muster rolls of the Union army. The Halsev familv has spread over the country and by intermarriage arc allied with many of the old colonial families of this and other states.

The Halsey coat of arms was granted to William Halsev and his brothers in 1633. In a letter dated Gaddesden, Hartfordshire, England, March 2i. 1885, addressed to Jacob L. Halsey, vice-president of the Manhattan Life Insurance Company of New York, Thomas Frederick Halsey acknowledges the clear and undoubted right of the descendants of Thomas Halsey born at Great Gaddesden to wear the Halsey arms. Thomas Jefferson Halsey, subject of this rexiew. was born in Dox'er, New Jersey. !Ma\- 4. 1863. a son of Thomas Jefferson and Sarah E. (Burt) Halsey. both of whom were natives of New Jersey.

Thomas Jefferson Halsey, father of the subject of this review, migrated to Missouri will: his family in 1878 and located on a farm two miles south of Holden in Johnson county. Prior to this he had serxcd in the Union army as major in the Eleventh New Jersey Infantry. Major Halsey was taken prisoner by the Confederates and confined in Libby prison, where he was forced to remain and suffer for nine long months. He was severely wounded in the battle of Chancellorsville. For a number of vears, he culti\ated his farm south of Holden and eventuallv moved to Holden and engaged in tlie mercantile business, a venture which proved successful from a business standpoint. He died at Holden, January 20, 1893. Mrs. Halsey departed this life March 29. 1905. Thev were parents of nine children, five of whom are now living, as follow: Frank, superintendent in the Calumet and Heckla Copper Mines at Calumet, :Michigan : E. E.. an attorney of Clarkston, \\'ashington. who has served three terms as a member of the state Legislature of his adopted state and introduced the present effective A\'ash- ington bone dry law; Fred, a merchant. Holden. JNIissouri ; Mrs. Mamie Shoemaker. Daleville, Indiana; and Thomas Jefferson, subject of this review.

The last-named was reared to young manhood in Hackettstown, New Jersey, and attended the public schools of his native city. After coming to Missouri with his parents he studied in the private academy at Holden, attended Holden College and the W'arrensburg State Normal School, a student here under Doctor Osbron"s administration. After taking a course in the Normal School he pursued a course of study in the Missouri State University. Thus, equipped with a good education as a sound basis upon which to build his subsequent interesting and successful career, he began active pursuits in the mercantile lousiness in Holden. He was thus engaged for a period of twenty-five years, finally disposing of his business in 1906. He then bought an interest in the Holden Milling Company and was connected with this concern until 1910 when he disposed of his milling interests and moved to Glendale, a suburb of Los Angeles where he was engaged in business pursuits for one year. He returned to Holden and bought an interest in the milling company, which he is now managing as secretary and treasurer, resuming his old position.

Mr. Halsey was married January 14, 1891 to Miss Clara Wiley of St. Joseph, Missouri and to this union have been born four children. the following three children living: Edwin C. who is employed in the mill at Holden; Herbert A., a junior in the Holden High School; Clara Elizabeth, a student in Holden grade school. Mrs. Halsey is a graduate of Holden College and taught school for a number of years, having been a teacher in the St. Joseph public schools.

For forty years, Mr. Halsey has been a member of the Presbyterian church and is a consistent religious worshipper and worker. His early plans were to enter the ministry and his education was planned with that object in view and had his eyesight not become weakened by constant study and reading he would have completed his education at Princeton University. Mrs. Halsey is a member of the Presbyterian church and is much interested in church and religious work. Mr. Halsey is affiliated with the Modern Woodmen of .\mcrica. He has always been a Republican in politics and is one of the leaders of his party in Missouri, Hadley was governor of Missouri. ]\rr. Halse\- was a member of the State Executive Committee, and was also a member of the State Committee at large. He served as mayor of llolden, during the period when the municipal lighting plant was installetl. havnig been elected to the office in April, 1895, serving two years. The lighlmg plant, which he advocated and which was placed in operation during his term of office, has proven to be an unqualified success. Mr. Halsey has always taken an interest in educational matters and filled the office of member of the school board for three years. Ever keenly alive to the growth and development of his home city, he has filled the post of president of the local Commercial Club and has served as chairman of the local Lyceum Bureau. In fact, when the citizens of Holden wish something accomplished for the good of the city, this versatile and accomplished citizen is usually to he found in the forefront of all progressive movements intended to better social, civic and commercial conditions.

Being a public speaker of considerable ability and power, he has given his services during political campaigns. He was a candidate for the Legislature at one time. \\'hen Herbert Hadlej^ made the race for governor. Mr. Halsey was prevailed upon to become his party's candidate for state auditor but declined. Mr. Halsey has delivered many addresses on public occasions and his audiences are always charmed and entertained by his style and erudition.

William F. Reynolds, an honored pioneer of Henry county, Missouri, was born July 28, 1854, the son of Samuel I\I. and Elvira (Fewel) Reynolds, natives of North Carolina. Samuel M. Reynolds was killed August 16, 1862, at the battle of Lonejack and his widow later married W. T. Wilson and they reside on the farm in Henry county, which Mr. Reynolds improved before the Civil ^^'ar. A sketch of Mrs. W. T. Wilson will be found elsewhere in this volume. One brother and one sister of William F. Reynolds are now living: Sainuel M., Jr., Corder, Missouri; and Mrs. W. H. Dorman, Clinton, Missouri.

Mr. Reynolds attended school in Calhoun, Clinton, and Warrensburg, Missouri. He was a student at the Warrensburg State Normal School early in the seventies. After leaving school he engaged in farming and stock raising in Henry county and. except for the eight years Mr. and Mrs. Reynolds resided in Warrensburg in order to educate their children there, he has ever since resided on the home place in Henry county, near Leeton.

October 15, 1878, William F. Reynolds and Sallie B. Robinson were nnited in marriage in Warrensburg. Sallie B. (Robinson) Reynolds is the daughter of Jehu and Julia Ann (Oglesby) Robinson, of Warrensburg, Jehu Robinson was a pioneer of Johnson county of the early thirties. He built a house of three stories near ]\Iontserrat, shipping the pine lumber from Cincinnati, Ohio to Lexington, Missouri, from which place he hauled it to \\'arrensburg. The third story was the first Masonic hall in Johnson county. It was furnished in 1856 and is still standing. Jehu and Julia Ann Robinson were the parents of the following children: Alary Alargaret; John E., deceased; Louisa H., deceased; Dr. Joseph F., Nevada, Missouri; J. T., deceased; Sallie B., the wife of the subject of this review; and James L. To William F. and Sallie B. Reynolds have been born the following children: Joseph O., who is cashier of the Farmers Bank of Leeton, a sketch of whom appears in this volume; John R., the well-known farmer and stockman residing on the home place near Leeton, Missouri ; Anna Belle, at home ; and M. Bearing, at home.

Although the Reynolds farm, comprising two hundretl forty acres, lies one and a fourtli miles across the county line in Henry county, Mr. Reynolds is claimed by Johnson county. He is one of the most excellent farmers and is owner of one of the finest and best improved places in the Leeton neighborhood, a highly valued and most desirable citizen, and the pioneers of this county claim him as their own. Part of the present Reynolds place is the original Fewel farm, which was entered from the government in 1849 by William Fewel. The Tebo, a small stream, runs through the place and the farm is well watered. Mr. Reynolds is still actively engaged in farming and stock raising.

Both Mr. and Mrs. Reynolds enjoy the stories of the days long past and recall much of the life in this section of the state in the early days. Mr. Reynolds often broke prairie land with a team of oxen, when the rattlesnakes were in abundance. He remembers the day his father left home to join the Confederate service at the battle of Lonejack. William F. was a child eight years of age and he climbed on the horse, behind his father, and insisted upon being taken with him. The boy was determined not to get off "Celum" and was removed, protesting vigorously. A neighbor brought the horse home after the battle. The empty saddle was the first news of the father's death.

James B. Greim, a retired farmer of Warrensburg, Missouri, was born April 15, 1861 in Warrensburg township, Johnson countw a member of one of the pioneer families of this section of the state. lie is the son of Nicholas and Barbara (Brunner) Greim, wlu> were united in marriage in Illinois in 1858. Nicholas Greim was a native of Germany. He emigrated from Germany to America wiien he was seventeen years of age and landed in New York City in 1852, unable to speak a word of English and with only ten cents in his pocket. He went from New York to Pennsylvania and for some time was employed in work on a canal. From Pennsylvania he went to Illinois, where he was married, and he and Mrs. Greim came to Missouri from Illinois and settled in Warrenslnirg township. Before the railroad \\;is built. Nicholas Greim hauled lumlier to Clinton, Missouri. To Nicholas and Barbara Greim were born the following children: William; j;imes B., the subject of this review: Mar}' E. : Henry Cr. : Maggie, deceased: Anna; John; Christopher; Fred; George: Clara: Amelia, deceased: and Sophia, who lives at home with her mother. Mr. Greim died October 31, 1906, and his remains were interred in the cemetery southeast of M'arrensburg. Mrs. Greim resides one and a half miles south of Warrensburg. A sketch of Barbara (Brunner) Greim appears elsewhere in this volume.

Tames B. Greim attended school at the old Valley school house near his home in \\'arrensburg township. He also was a student at the Warrensburg State Normal School for two years, in 1875 and 1876. Mr. Greim began farming on a place southeast of Warrensburg, a farm of two hundred eighty acres, which he improved and still owns. His son. Otto, now resides on this place and is a successful breeder of Hereford cattle. James B. Greim was engaged in the inirsuits of agriculture twenty-four years on this farm, until 1909, when Mr. and Mrs. Greim moved to Warrensburg. where they now reside at 113 Ming street and he is now engaged in general carpenter work and contracting.

January 14. 1886. James B. Greim was united in marriage with Rose Gunser, the daughter of Fred and Margaret (ISlack) Gunser, of AYarrensburg. Fred Gunser was a native of Germany. He came to Johnson countv before the Civil War. Mr. Gunser enlisted in the Civil

War in the Union service. He was a wagon maker by trade and conducted a wagon shop at Westport Landing before Kansas City was even a town. He also owned a wagon shop in Warrensburg, which place of business was located on the site of Mose Cohn's store on North Holden street. He worked in the wagon shop in the old town of Warrensburg, long before the war. Mrs. Gunser died September 19, 1883. Fred Gunser survived his wife thirty-three years, his death occurring January 26, 1916. He was laid to rest in the Warrensburg cemetery. To James B. and Rose (Gunser) Greim have been born two sons : Otto F., who is a graduate of the Warrensburg High School and Gem City Business College at Ouincy, Illinois and is now engaged in farming and stock raising on the home place and is one of Johnson county's most progressive and highly regarded, young citizens; and Willard N., who is a graduate of the Warrensburg High School in the class of 1910, a graduate of the Warrensburg State Normal School in the class of 1912, a postgraduate of the Normal School in 1913, and a graduate of the Young Men's Christian Association School of Physical Culture, Springfield, Massachusetts, and was employed for the year 1917 and 1918 in the schools of Cleveland, Ohio, but resigned to enter the ofificers' training camp at Ft. Sheridan, Illinois, was commissioned a captain and is now serving in the national army. While in college Willard N. Greim took an active part in all forms of athletics, being a member of the varsity football, basketball, and track teams, making the "All-Missouri" football team in 1912. He was a member of the literary and debating society and president of his class. For two years Willard Greim was principal of the Lathrop High School, Lathrop, Missouri, from 1913 until 1915 and for the past two years he had been an instructor in the Indian Orchard Sunday School. Air. and Mrs. Greim have reared and educated two of the finest young men in the state, of whom Johnson county is proud. The Greim family are well known in Johnson county and prominent in the community.

Barbara (Brunner) Greim, widow of Nicholas Greim, is one of Johnson county's pioneer women. She was born in Germany December 27, 1837. When she was fifteen years of age she emigrated from Germany with relatives and came to America. They located in Illinois and there Mrs. Greim remained about four years.

spring of 1859, they came to [Missouri and settled in Warrensburg township, locating first on a farm nortlieast of \\arrensl)urg and later moving to a farm southeast of the old tdwn. In 1901 ihev purchased thirty acres of land located one-half mile south of Warrensl)urg. Martin H. Williams built the house on this i)lace and liere Mrs. Greini now resides. During the Civil War, Mr. and Mrs. (ireim lost practically all they had by depradations from the enemw .\t one time Mr. Grcim was in Lexington, Missouri securing provisions for the famiiv wlien his team and wagon were confiscated. Xicliolas Greim died ()ctol)er' 31, 1906 and his remains were interred in tiie cemetery at the Dunkard churcii southeast of W'arrenslnirg.

Nicholas and Barbara (Brunner) Greim were the parents of thirteen children: \\'illiam H., who resides in Santa r>arl)ara, California; James B., a retired farmer of W'arrenslnirg, a sketch of wliom ai)pears elsewdiere in this volume: IMrs. Mary E. Drunimond, who resides in Warrensbnrg; Henry G., who resides in \\'arrensburg: Mrs. Margaret Priest, deceased: ]\Irs. Anna Glaspey, of Warrensburg: John K., Warrensbnrg: Christopher C. \\'arrensburg; Mrs. Clara Fitterh-, Warrensburg: George W\, ^^'arrensburg: Amelia, deceased: I-"red W.. Warrensburg; and Sophia E., who resides at home with her mother.

Harry T. Clark, shoe merchant of \\'arrensburg, Missouri, a member of the firm known as the Clark Brothers, is a native of Gasconade county, Alissouri. He is the son of H. F. and Rosetta (GofT) Clark, a biographical sketch of whom will be found elsewiiere in this \o!ume. The Clark family came to Johnson county in 1864 and in 1868 settled in Warrensburg.

In the public schools of Warrensbnrg. Harry T. Clark received his early education. He later attended the Warrensburg State Normal School and after leaving the Normal, entered the drug business in Warrensburg. associated with E. N. and N. B. Johnson, who owned one of the best pharmacies in the city. 'Slv. Clark studied pharmacy and became a registered pharmacist. He was associated witli the Johnsons in the drug business for three years and then entered the mercantile business, employed in the drygoods store of Christopher & Shepard for two years. Later. Mr. Clark purchased the interest of Mr. Roberts in the Roberts &- Clark Shoe Store and the firm became known as the Clark Brothers' Shoe Store, the store being located on North Holden street in the city of Warrensliurg. This firm is one of the pioneer mercantile establishments of Warrensburg, having continued in busmess for the past thirty-five years. The Clark Brothers carry a complete line of the best quality of men's, women's, and children's shoes and they are enjoying an excellent patronage. The stock is always kept up-to-date and in splendid condition and the word of a Clark is as good as gold.

November 26, 1900, Hany T. Clark was united in marriage at \\ estport near Kansas City, Missouri with Laura C. Orr, the daughter of J. P. and Utilda Orr, of Holden, Missouri. J. P. Orr was a prominent and able attorney of Holden, Missouri. Both parents of Mrs. Clark are now deceased and their remains rest in the cemetery at Holden. To Harry T. and Laura C. (Orr) Clark have been born two children, both daughters: Vera, who was born January 21, 1902; and Laura, who was born May 17, 1904. Mr. and Mrs. Clark are held in the hig'hest esteem in Johnson count}- and they are numbered among the best and most respected families in Warrensburg. The Clark home is located at 309 North Alaguire street.

Elmer J. Ozias, a well-known farmer and stockman of Centerview township, commissioner and . president of the "From County Seat to County Seat Highway Association," is one of six children born to his parents, J. A. and Lavina Ozias, four of whom are now living: Mrs. Will DeLaney, Centerview; Elmer J., the subject of this review; J. R., Centerview; and A. W., Centerview. The Ozias family came to this county from Ohio, to wdiich state they had moved from Maryland. Mr. and Mrs. J. A. Ozias came to Missouri with their family in 1866 and settled in Centerview township. He engaged in general farming and stock raising and became very prosperous and influential, owning at one time one thousand acres of land in Johnson county. Mr. Ozias (lied in 1914 and since his death his widow has made her home with her son, J. R., on the farm north of Centerview.

Elmer J. Ozias was born in Ohio May 8, 1862 and at the age of four years came to Johnson county with his parents. He was reared and educated in Centerview township. From boyhood, he has been interested in farming and stock raising and until he was twenty-one years of age, he remained on the homestead with his parents. .\t that time, he purchased his first farm of two hundred sixty-five acres of good crop-producing soil, from his father and on which he engaged in raising grain and stock, including hogs, mules, cattle, and horses. Mr. Ozias has from the beginning followed the plan of buying a large herd uf cattle in the autumn of each year and feeding them through the winter. At the present time, he has nearly two hundred head of Duroc Jersey hogs. He harvested two hundred tweniy-tix e tons of hay, one thousand two hundred sixty bushels of wheat, hve hundred l)ushels of oats, and in addition had one hundred seventy-tive acres of the farm in corn in 1917. Mr. Ozias has sown one hundred hfty acres of the place in wheat this autumn. The Ozias farm now embraces hve hundred fifty acres in Johnson county and all the splendid imiirovcments now on the farm he has placed there. When he bought the land there were no improvements on it. He has built a modern residence of ten well-lighted and airy rooms, supplied with hot and cold water and all the latest conveniences of a city home. It is finished with hardwood floors and well heated and lighted throughout. There are four large, well constructed barns on the farm and other buildings in keeping. In 1916, Mr. Ozias erected a mammoth concrete silo, having a capacity of three hundred seventy tons, ninety feet liigh, and fourteen feet in diameter, built of reinforced concrete. This silo is probably the best in this part of the country and it has been visited by hundreds of people, who have climbed to the top in order to obtain the \vonderful view of the surrounding country, which can be had there. From the first, ?klr. Ozias has pros])ered and he has riclily merited all the success that has come to him. He still resides in his handsome country home l)ut with his Buick car the city is but a few moments ride from his residence and thus he has all the athantages of the city near at hand while he enio\'s the peace and freedom of the country.

In 1909, E. J. Ozias was united in marriage with Bessie Henderson, daughter of ^^^ N. Henderson, of CofTeyville. Kansas. Mrs. Ozias is president of the Home Makers' Club and lier home is the center of the social life of their community. She was the organizer of this club, which first 'met about a year ago, the object of which is the mutual benefit and improvement of its members and to study how to make the home and its occupants better and happier. Contests in cooking are frequently a part of the programme, after which the men, guests of the. club, are expected to eat the results of all the experiments. At different times practical demonstrations of the art of cookery have been given before the club by members of the faculty of the State Universitv, who have charge of the Home Economics work in that institu- tion. At all meetings, a literary programme is given and on special occasions guests are invited and games and a dance are given, to which social events the young people look eagerly forward. There is a fine dance hall in the Ozias home and often a crowd of Warrensburg people, with whom Mr. and Mrs. Ozias have a wide acquaintance, spend the e\'ening enjoying a delightful dance at the Ozias country home. On last Fourth of July, two hundred guests partook of their hospitality and all seemed to have a very happy time. Mr. and Mrs. Ozias are probably doing more to make home life in the country attractive than any other famil\- in this part of Missouri and there is no more popular family in this county than the Ozias family.

Mr. Ozias has spent much time and considerable money in promoting good roads and is especially active in the building the Southern Highway from Kansas City to St. Louis. He is president of the Highway Commission of the County Seat to County Seat Highway, connecting all county seats adjoining with ^^'arrensburg. He assisted in laying out all the connecting highways. He is a Democrat in politics and is active in political affairs, one of the leaders, and is treasurer and member of the Democratic County Central Committee. He is a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. Mr. and Mrs. Ozias are members of the Progressive Dunkard church.

Dougald Steele, of Warrensburg. could well have served as inspiration for Longfellow's immortal poem, "The \'illage Blacksmith," for he was Warrensburg's blacksmith more than a quarter of a century ago. He was born in Scotland in 1848. the son of Alex and Catherine (Morrison) Steele, and came when eight years of age with his parents to Canada, where they located in 1856 in Glencoe. His mother died in Canada and the father, after remaining twelve years in America, returned to Scotland, where his death occurred. .Alex and Catherine (Morrison) Steele were the parents of the following children: Donald, who died in Canada: Michael, who died in Canada; Mrs. Charlotte Gorman, who died at Hillman. Michigan, where her husband. John Gorman, was judge of Montmorenc\- count}- for twenty-five years; and Dougald, the subject of this re\iew.

Dougald Steele received his education in the schools of Canada. At the age of fifteen }ears he was apprenticed to a blacksmith in Canada, whom he served three years, receiving for his ser\ices only his food and clothing. \\'lien eighteen years of age he had learned the blacksmith's trade, and in those days tiie hhici<sniith was ol)ligeil to make both his nails and horseshoes. In 1866 Dougald Steele left Canatla and located in Pennsylvania, where he remained one year. He went from Pennsylvania to Saginaw, Michigan and for three months was fireman on one of the lake steamers, when lie left Michigan and went to Illinois, remaining there one year. In ISW Mr. Steele came to Missouri and located temporarily at St. Joe. coming from that place to Warrensbnrg in the fall of 1869. For two years Mr. Steele worked at his trade in the employ of J. K. Miller, a pioneer blacksmith of Warrensbnrg. Fonr years prior to opening his own blacksmith shop, Dougald Steele was employed in the stone quari'y. He opened his first shop on the present site of Magnolia Mills and later moved to his present location, where he has been for the past thirty-five years, at 143 West Pine street in W'arrensburg. Mr. Steele has carried implements in addition to doing the work of the shop and nine \ears ago he soUI his forge and blacksmith business and now continues the implement business alone. In addition to his store building Mr. Steele owns his residence, rental property, and se\eral lots in \\ ai'rensburg.

In 1870. Dougald Steele was united in marriage with .\una Iviylers, and to them were born three children: Dougald. Jr.. salesman for the International Harvester Company at Topeka. Kansas, who tlrst married Bernice Higgins, now deceased, and he has remarried: Lula, who is the wife of George W'yatt, of Adrian, Missouri : and Edna, who is a graduate of the \\'arrensburg High School, the W'arrensburg State Normal School, and the University of Missouri at Columbia. Missouri, and is now engaged in teaching in the W'arrensburg High School. Mr. and Airs. Steele reared and educated children of wliom to be proud. Mrs. Steele died in Decem])er, 1906.

Mr. Steele is a member of the Ancient I'ree and .Accepted Masons, with whom he afifiliated thirty-three years ago. He is also a mend)er of the Royal .\rch and the Blue Lodge.

W. S. Clark, president of the A\'arrens!)urg Wholesale (h-ocery Company and vice-president of the Commercial Bank of Warrensburg, was born March 15. 1863 in \\'arrens1nn-g. He is the son of H. F. and Rosetta (Goff) Clark, a sketch of whom appears in this volume. H. F. Clark is an ex-mayor of W'arrensburg and an esteemed pioneer of Johnson county. He was born in 1836 in \'irginia and in 1861 was united in marriage with Rosetta GofT in Muskingum county, Ohio, antl to them were born the following children: John, who was a pharmacist in Warrensburg, and is now deceased; Rose, the wife of Ed Bradshaw, a broker of New York City ; Mary, who died in girlhood ; Stanton, who was a pharmacist at Norman, Oklahoma and died at the age of twenty-three years; two children died in infancy; H. C, who is engaged in the mercantile business in Warrensburg; W. S., the subject of this review; and Mrs. Charles Houx, wife of a well-known and leading stockman of Johnson county. Mrs. Clark's death occured in 1907 and she was laid to rest in the cemetery at Warrensburg. H. F. Clark now makes his home with his daughter, Mrs. Charles H. Houx.

W. S. Clark attended the public schools of Warrensburg and the Warrensburg State Normal School. After leaving school Mr. Clark engaged in the shoe business in partnership with his brother, on Holden street in Warrensburg. For a few years, he was employed as traveling salesman for the Standard Shoe Company of St. Louis, Missouri. W. S. and H. C. Clark were in business together for twenty-five years, when W. S. Clark accepted his present position with the Warrensburg Wholesale Grocery Company six years ago. For the past fifteen years he has been a director of the Commercial Bank of W^arrensburg and vice-president of that institution for the past two years.

November 27, 1890, W. S. Clark was united in marriage with Hattie Holliday, the daughter of Thomas G. and Auline (Phillips) Holliday, of Paris, Missouri. Auline (Phillips) Holliday is a sister of Colonel John F. Phillips. ex-United States District Judge of Kansas City, Missouri and a half-sister of Clay C. Arnold, now deceased, formerly a Kansas City, Missouri druggist, who was president of the election board of Kansas City under the administration of Governor Stevens, a member of the district board and a director of the National Bank of Commerce of Kansas City. Both parents of Mrs. Clark are now deceased. To W. S. and Hattie (Holliday) Clark has been born one child, a daughter, Marian, who is a graduate of the Warrensburg State Normal School and a graduate from the State University of Missouri at Columbia, where she is specializing in History and Languages.

The Warrensburg \\'hnlesale Grocery Com]):iny was organized in 1901 and incorporated November 9. 1904 by J. J. LoI)ban and the store was first located on North Holden street in Warrensburg. This mammoth institution, with more than three thousand feet of floor space.

is a business concern in whicii the pecple of \\arrensl)urg feel a special pride. The organizer. James L. Lobhan, was one of the hustling young men. who was reared in Warrensburg and with a vision which would have placed him in the front ranks in Kansas Citv or St. Louis, began the wholesale business in a country town, having l)ut one railroad as an outlet, and in a remarkably short time saw his mercantile venture grow by leaps and bounds. His untimely death in February. 1905, at the age of forty-two years, was the source of deepest regret to the people of this community, who admired and respected him greatly for his aggressive, undaunted spirit, intense enthusiasm, marked capabilities, and manly character. The present officers of the company are keeping the pace set by J. J. Lol)ban and under the management of W. S. Clark the business has made steady and healthy growth. He gives it the closest and most careful attention at all times. The ofticers at the time of incorporation were: H. T. Clark, president: Mrs. Lulu Lobban. vice-president and W. S. Clark, secretary, treasurer and manager.

Mrs. Nancy B. (Warren) Thomson, one of Johnson county's pioneer women, was born March 6. 1848 in Warrensburg township. She is the daughter of Thomas C. and Elizabeth ( Keavis I Warren, the former, a native of Kentucky and the latter, of Boone county, Missouri. To Thomas C. and Elizabeth ( Reavis ) Warren were born the following children: Mrs. R. AI. Box. Lamar. Missouri: Dr. James T.. a graduate in the old College of Medicine at Philadelphia, after graduating at St. Louis in 1869, valedictorian of his class, who w'as a prominent physician near Rich Hill, Missouri, where he was engaged in the practice of medicine, and at Lone Jack, in all for forty-nine years, and widely known as one of the best read and most thoroughly posted men of his profession, his death occurring in 1916: Airs. Martha Prigniore. Sweetsprings. Missouri: Mrs. Nancy B. Thomson, the subject of this review: Mrs. Angeline Thomson, deceased: Mrs. Caroline Ashley, deceased: Mrs. Frances Yardley. who died at Lamar. Missouri; Mrs. Emma Cones, who died at Lamar. Missouri : Mrs. Ella Carter, deceased: Mrs. Laura Roark. Mountain \'iew, Oklahoma: Mrs. Mary Tuck, Houstonia. Missouri: Mrs. Ida May Thomson, Lamar, Missouri: and Thomas. Jr., Sedalia, Missouri.

born in Kentuck)' in 1805. He came to Missouri with his father, Martin Warren, and tliey settled on a farm in Johnson county, land which is now tlie site of the city of \\'arrensburg. This city was named in honor of Martin \\'arren. Their home was the home now occupied by Miss Grover antl her brother, who are engaged in the real estate business in A\'arrensburg. ^lartin Warren was a veteran of the Revolutionary War. His death occurred in Warrensburg and his remains were interred in tlie \\'arrensburg cemetery. His son. Thomas C, was a prosperous farmer residing on the CIif¥ Baile farm, which is located three miles southeast of Warrensburg. Thomas C. Warren was united in marriage with Elizabeth Reavis in 1841 and to tiiem were 1:)orn the thirteen children named in a preceding paragraph, and lived to see all the children grown, married, and all meml^ers of the Christian church. Mr. W'arren sold his farm to James L. Hickman and moved to Pettis county, then to Cedar county, where his death occurred May 5, 1890. Four years later he was followed in death by his wife, who died February 13, 1894.

Nancy B. (\\'arren) Thomson received her education in a "subscription school" in Johnson county. There were no public schools in this section of the country until after the Civil War. The school was held in an old log house, having puncheon benches and floor. There were no l)ells in those days Init the "master," as the teacher was called, would call the children from play at recess time by shouting, "Books." Educational ad\'antag"es were few and not easily oljtained in the early days. In the pioneer homes, there was always much work that could be done I)y the older l^oys and girls and tlie\- were oliliged to remain at home mucli of the time, when school was in session, which was only for a few months each year.

September 2, 1868, Nancy B. Warren and Clifton Thomson were united in marriage. Clifton Thomson was Iiorn in Pettis county, Missouri, a son of Milton Thomson. He was the great-grandson of Gen. David Thomson, who was lieutenant-governor of Kentucky. Prior to coming to Missouri, Milton Thomson was engaged in farming on the Thomson homestead in Kentucky, where General Thomson is now buried. The old Kentucky home place of the Thomsons was near Georgetown, Kentucky, and when Milton Tliomson came to Missouri in 1818 and settled in Pettis county, the town wdiich grew from the settlement where he lived, was named Georgetown in iionor of Milton

Thomson's old home. Gen. David 'Jhomson was a veteran of the Ixev.ilutionary A\'ar. To Clifton and Xancv I!. (Warren) 'Idiomson wenborn the following children: R. Al., wIid is a \\elM<nown and highly respected attorne}' at Ravenna, Xehraska; Mrs. J. W. Dnnlap, (-'ori Worth, Texas; James R., who died in childhood at the age of three years; Clifton, Jr., who died in childhood at the age of fonr years; William, who died in infancy; Airs. W. C. P.arron, Kansas Cit\-, Missouri; W. F., who is a prominent merchant of Warrensbnrg, Missouri; Marian B., who died in childhood at the age of five years; and Frank j.. who is a prosperous and influential hanker of Kansas City, Missouri. .Mrs. J. W. Dunlap, nee Grace E. Thomson, the oldest daughter of Mrs. Nancy B. Thomson, was born in Pettis county, Missouri. She was a graduate of the Warrensbnrg State Normal School, and for a number of years engaged in teaching in the public schools of h'arminglon. Missouri, and of Texas. She was united in marriage in 1S''0 with I'rof. J. W. Dunlap, a distinguished professor of the state of Missouri, who filled various positions in the state as superintendent of st-hools and institute instructor at St. Joe and Bethany, Missouri. Mr. Dunlap is at present engaged in the mercantile business in i-"ort Worth. Texas.

Mrs. Thomson has lived in Johnson county all her life and she has witnessed many changes in the county during the past half century. She possesses a remarkably retentive memory and a great fondness for history. Mrs. Thomson recalls that the city of Sedalia. Missouri, was named in honor of Airs. Sarah E. Cotton, who is now eighty-six years of age and is residing in Sedalia. Mrs. Cotton was known familiarlv as "Seddy" and the name "Sedalia" was derived from the "pet name." She is a first cousin of Mr. Clifton Thomson.

.\fter their marriage. Air. and Airs. Clifton Thomson resided on a farm six miles west of Sedalia. A'lissouri, where they remained seven years. They then moved to a farm six miles northeast of Warrensburg. which was the Thomson home for nine years. From the jdace northeast of Warrensburg, the Thomsons moved to one just east of tlie city, where Air. Thomson was engaged in farming for three years, .\bout 1884, they moved to Warrensburg from the farm ami Air. Thomson entered the real estate and life insurance business in this city. He was a capable, industrious, highly esteemed citizen and his death in 1899 was the source of deepest regret in this community. His remains were interred in the \\'arrensburg cemetery.

H. L. Pemberton, the widely known and prosperous farmer and stockman of Rose Hill township, is a member of a pioneer family of Johnson county. He was born August 29, 1858 in Johnson county, son of L. W. and Rebecca (Davis) Pemberton. The father was born in Virginia in 1819. L. W. Pemberton was a son of Henry Pemberton, who came to Missouri from Virginia in 1833 and settled on a vast tract of land comprising one thousand acres in Rose Hill township, which farm he purchased for twenty-five cents an acre. The elder Pemberton built a rude, primitive log cabin of three rooms, having an old-fashioned fireplace and chimney, and this was the Pemberton home for many years. He engaged in general farming and became well known as a very wealthy man for his time. His son, L. \\'., was at one time sent to Kentucky to settle an estate the father had there and the young man made the round trip on horseback. He was reared to manhood on his father's farm in Johnson county and he, too, became known as a very successful and enterprising farmer and stockman.

L. W. Pemberton bought the homestead from his father and was in turn an extensive landowner. He was a quiet, unobtrusive, but genial man, one who was strictly honorable and honest in all his dealings with his fellowmen and he was justly esteemed and popular throughout this section of Missouri. Several years prior to the Civil War, L. W. Pemberton was united in marriage with Rebecca Davis, of Virginia and to them were born two children: Mrs. Ella F. Wood, who is now deceased; and H. L., the subject of this review. The mother died in 1862 and the father in 1897. They were num1:)ered among the county's most valued pioneer citizens.

Mr. Pemberton, the only son of Mr. and Mrs. L. W. Peml^erton and the sole survivor of his immediate family, was reared and educated in Johnson county. He attended the public schools of Rose Hill township and in 1875 was a student at a select male school, which was taught by Professor George Catron, and later, in the Warrensburg city schools. He began life for himself engaged in farm work on his father's place and the first money he made was made in selling wheat for one dollar a bushel. Mr. Pemberton invested his savings in land, the first tract which he owned comprising one hundred fifteen acres for which he paid twenty-seven hundred dollars. He has maintained the unbroken record of his predecessors and has prospered. At one time, he was the owner of sixteen hundred acres of land in Johnson ct)unty and he has always had splendid success in stock raising. At the present time, he has ninety-three head of fine cattle, of the white face Hereford breed, and more than one hundred head of hogs. II. L. Pemberton now owns seven hundred acres of choice land, a well watered and equipped farm. He is a capable agriculturist. No machinery is ever seen standing out in the rain on the Pemberton place. Mr. Pemberton has a machine shop and he ne\er fails to put the machinery away immediatelv when he has finished using it.

In 1884. H. L. Pemberton was united in marriage with Lucy E. Baker, daughter of Nathaniel and Louisa (Scott) Baker, early settlers of Johnson county. Mrs. Pemberton and Mrs. Mary H. Arnold, of Kansas City. Missouri were sisters. To H. L. and Lucy E. (Baker) Pemberton were born four children: Lilly L.. San Diego, California; Una. San Diego. California: Louisa. Kansas City. Missouri; and Harry, Holden. Missouri. Mrs. Pemberton, the mother of his children, was burned to death and in January, 1Q13. he was again married, his second wife being Mrs. Clara Shoup. born in Franklin county, Missouri, a daughter of L. ^\'. and Caroline (Lawson) Bird, natives of Tennessee, pioneers of Franklin county, came to Johnson county in 1891, both ikuv deceased. By her first marriage with Richard Shoup she is mother of two sons: and Mark, who are li\ing with Mr. and Mrs. Pemberton. Mrs. Pemberton is a member of the Christian church. Mrs. Pemberton is an energetic poultry raiser and at the time of this writing, in 1917. has almost one thousand chickens. The Pembertons reside in the same home, where Mr. Pemberton first started keeping house thirty-three years ago. The beautiful maple trees which shade the lawn of the Pemberton home were planted by Mr. Pemberton in 1885.

When H. L. Pemberton was a youth, the country was unbroken prairie from his father's hoine to Holden and fences were few. Deer, prairie chickens, and wild ducks were here in abundance. Oxen were used to break sod. Mr. Pemberton states that in the spring of the year the roads became practically impassable. He has always been a firm advocate of good roads for he well knows the inconveniences and hardships imposed by bad ones. Mr. Pemberton has been an active worker in the Democratic party but he has never aspired to hold office.

W. F. Thomson, a well-known and successful merchant of Warrensburg, is the son of one of the pioneer families of Johnson county. He was born October 18, 1881, in Warrensburg, the son of Clifton and Nancy B. (Warren) Thomson. Clifton Thomson was born in Pettis county, Missouri, and was a member of one of the leading pioneer families near Georgetown, Missouri. His death occurred in 1899. W. F. Thomson is the great-grandson of Martin Warren, in whose honor the city of Warrensburg was named.

The early education of W. F. Thomson was obtained in the Warrensburg public schools. He later attended the Warrensburg State Normal School for three years. After leaving school, he was engaged for several years in writing life insurance. With six years' experience in this line of work, Mr. Thomson abandoned the insurance business and entered the mercantile business, September 8, 1908, at 131 West Pine street, in Warrensburg, where he continued in business until June 1, 1913, when he moved to his present location at 118 A\'est Pine street. Mr. Thomson's New and Used Furniture Store occupies a building containing three floors and 25 x 90 feet in dimensions. He has a splendid trade, carrying everything in stock needed to furnish a home.

December 24, 1904, W. F. Thomson was united in marriage with Ota B. Nash, the daughter of Thomas and Amanda (Witt) Nash. Mrs. Thomson was born in Clinton county, Missouri. Both her parents are natives of Missouri. Thomas Nash's father and mother came from Kentucky in an early day and settled in Buchanan county. Missouri. Mrs. Witt is now deceased and Thomas Witt, grandfather of Ota B. (Nash) Thomson, now makes his home in ^^'arrensburg. To ^^^ F. and Ota Thomson have been born four children: the oldest child flied in infancy; Stella Blanche, Warren N.. and Mary E Mr. and Mrs. Thomson reside at 408 South Washington avenue in Warrensburg, Missouri. The Thomson family has long been considered one of the highly respected families of Johnson county.

J. B. Elliott, the progressive stockman of Warrensburg township, is one of Johnson county's exemplary citizens. He was born in Holmes county, Ohio, in 1854, the son of Moses and Martha A. (Frizzell) Elliott, both of whom were natives of Holmes county, Ohio. Moses Elliott was born in 1826. He came to Johnson county, in 1872 and settled on the farm in Warrensburg township, which place is now owned by his son, J. B., the subject of this review. Moses Elliott purchased two hundred acres of land from Judge Welslians, paying thirty dollars an acre. He engaged in farming and stock raising and fed cattle. Mr. Elliott succeeded well in his new Western home, which he enjoyed but a few short years, when his death occurred in 1895. Interment was made in the W'arrenslnirg cemetery. Mrs. hllliott died in 1909 and she. too, was laid to rest in the W'arrenshurg cemetery. Moses and Martha A. (Frizzell) Elliott were the parents of the following children: Mrs. Elmira Reid now deceased, who was the wife of James N. Reid ; Mary J., Warrensburg; J. B.. the subject of this review; Mrs. Enmia Spiess, now deceased, who was the wife of Adolph Spiess. of Warrensburg; J. F.. a well-known farmer, Warrensburg; Mrs. Martha A. Statler, the twin of J. F.. who is the wife of J. A. Statler. of Akron. Ohio; and Cora W.. who died in 1916.

J. B. Elliott recei\-ed his education in the public schools of Johnson county. Early in life he began working for Inimself. engaged in farming on the home place. He remained at home with his parents until he was thirty years of age. He and his brother. J. F.. were in partnership in farming and stock raising for many years. For the past ten years J. B. Elliott and his brother-in-law. E. R. McClean. have been associated in the stock business, making a specialty of raising Shorthorn cattle. Mr. McClean's father. W'illiam McClean. was owner of the first herd of pure-bred Shorthorns in this section of the country. After his death, his son and Mr. Elliott took charge of the cattle, which are now on the McClean place. Mr. Elliott also raises Shropshire sheep. Poland China hogs, and mules. the time of this writing, he has fifty head of sheep and for the season of 1917 the fleece averaged ten pounds of wool each and sold for sixty-one cents a pound. Bear creek flows through the Elliott stock farm, which is one of the pretty country spots in Missouri. The farm comprises three hundred twenty acres of valuable land, two hundred acres of which are rich bottom soil.

April 16. 1885. J. B. Elliott and Mary McClean were united in marriage. Mrs. Elliott is the daughter of William and Mary (Robinson) McClean. who came to Johnson county in 1868 from Ross county, Ohio. The McClean family settled on the farm in Warrensburg township, which place is now owned by the son, E. R. McClean. Both parents of Mrs. Elliott are now deceased and their remains are interred in the Warrensburg cemetery. The Elliott home is one of the attractive residences in Johnson county. It is located upon an elevation, overlooking the entire farm. The residence is a large structure of two

Stories, 16 x 34 feet in dimensions, built with an "L" and summer kitchen. The house is modern with a hot and cold water system throughout. There are several large and small stock barns on the place, all in keeping with the well-kept surroundings. The lawn Is well shaded by fine, old, stately trees, adding the finishing toucli to as beautiful a country scene as suggested in some charming pastoral idyl. Both Mr. and Mrs. Elliott are members of the Methodist Episcopal church in Johnson county, of which church Mr. Elliott has been a member for more than fifty years and steward for the past thirty-five years. He is a quiet, unobtrusive, model citizen, one who is held in the highest esteem in this county, where he has lived for nearly a half century.

Clinton J. Rucker, one of the directors of the American Trust Company of Warrensburg since the organization of the bank as the Johnson County Trust Company in 1898, a successful and prosperous farmer and stockman and operator of a threshing outfit, is one of the best and most skilled mechanicians in this section of Missouri. He was born in 1858 in Greene county, Ohio. Clinton J. Rucker is the oldest of ten children born to his parents, John and Mary J. (Smith) Rucker, natives of Rockingham county, Virginia, who were as follow: Clinton J., the subject of this review. Mrs. Mary Crow, Decatur, Illinois; Mrs. Sarah Earnhardt, the wife of John C. Earnhardt, of Grand Rapids, Michigan ; Mrs. Jennie Smith, the wife of Dr. Alexander Smith, of Union county, Ohio; William, Portland, Oregon; Mrs. Alice Hitt, the wife of Henry T. Hitt, now deceased: Dr. Frank, who was a prominent and very suQcessful physician of Centerview, Missouri, and is now deceased; Mrs. Rosalie Bolton, the wife of Dr. Wesley Bolton, who is a graduate of the St. Joseph Medical College, St. Joseph, Missouri, and is now engaged in the practice of medicine in Warrensburg; Mrs. May McEride, the wife of J. C. McBride, the well-known druggist of Warrensburg; and Mrs. Annie L. Leary, the wife of Harry Leary, Kansas City, Missouri. Of the three sons born to John and Mary J. Rucker, only two are now living. Dr. Lee Franklin Rucker. known as Dr. Frank Rucker, died several years ago. He was a graduate of the St. Louis Medical College and for many years was engaged in the practice of medicine at Centerview. Doctor Rucker was widely known in Johnson county and his loss has been keenly felt in the medical profession. The only surviving brother of Clinton J. Rucker, William

John Rucker came with his family to Missom-i in 1884 and settled on land known as the Gallaher addition to W'arrensburg, where he engaged in farming. Mr. Rucker increased his holdings at different times, purchasing eighty acres of land in the southeastern part of W'arrensburg, which was later inclmled within the city limits cf W'arrensburg, which place Clinton J. Rucker used to farm; and four liundred eighty acres of land, known as the C. H. McFarland farm; and the Shelton place southeast of W'arrensburg with eighty acres adjoining the place on the east. John Rucker was an industrious, capable, remarkably intelligent business man and richly deserved the success which attended all his efforts. His death occurred in W'arrensburg in 1887. His widow survived him only six years, when site joined her husband in death, September 23, 1893.

At the age of twenty-one years, Clinton J. Rucker began life for himself and for three j-ears was engaged in farming in Greene county, Ohio. With his accumulated savings, he purchased a small farm in Ohio, the place comprising twenty-seven acres of good farm land, for which he paid seventy-five dollars an acre. January 13, 1883, he came to W'arrensburg and six months later his fatlier came West. Until the marriage of Clinton J. Rucker, father and son were associated in farming on a place one and a half miles southeast of W^arrensburg and later, on a farm twelve miles south of W'arrensburg. Prior to his marriage, Clinton J. Rucker purchased two hundred fifty-five acres of the old homestead.

March 18. 1885, Clinton J. Rucker was united in marriage with Sadie E. Drummond. of Guernsey county, Ohio. Sadie (Drummond) Rucker is one of eight children born to her parents. Samuel and Sarah (Tingle) Drummond, the other children being as follow: Albert, who married Eliza Day and resides in W'arrensburg: Theodore, who married Georgia Gilliland, now deceased, and he resides in Warrensburg; ]\Irs. Rowena Davies, the wife of Ezra Davies, a highly respected hardware merchant of Fayetteville, Arkansas: Mrs. Rhoda Fickas, the wife of Richard Fickas, of Santiago, California; Joseph H., who is a successful real estate man, residing in Arkansas Pass, Texas: William, Los Angeles, California: and Edward, a civil engineer, residing in Portland, Oregon. Samuel Drummond was a skilled cabinetmaker, having learned the trade in early manhood, but he was engaged in farming after coming to Missouri in 1867. He died in July, 1878 and in November, 1890, Mrs. Drummond joined him in death. To Clinton J. and Sadie E. Rucker have been born the following children, all of whom were born in Johnson county and now live at home with their parents: Pearl, who is a graduate of the Warrensburg High School; Grace, and Mabel, graduates of the high school and Warrensburg Normal School; and Drummond. Pearl is a graduate of the Warrensburg State Normal School. Grace is a graduate of the city high school and normal and taught school for four years. Mabel is a graduate of the high school and normal college and is now a supervisor in the State Normal School at Ada, Oklahoma. Drummond is a graduate of the city high school, class of 1917, and is now a junior in the normal school.

The Rucker farm, which is located two miles northeast of Warrensburg. adjoining the the county farm on the east, comprises eighty acres of valuable land, which Mr. Rucker purchased in February, 1904. Mr. Rucker has greatly improved the place since his coming to it, remodeling the house, making it modern, and rebuilding the barn, which is now 60 X 72 feet in dimensions, with concrete floors and a splendid basement. Mr. Rucker's machine shop, in which he rebuilds machines, is located on the farm. The shop is equipped with engines, lathes, power drill presses, grinders, boilermaker's tools, plumber's tools, carpenter's tools, tinner's tools, and complete blacksmithing equipment. In connection with the shop, there is a large warehouse, 44 x 64 feet in dimensions, in which are stored machines. Mr. Rucker has, at the time of this writing, ten grain separators, six steam and one oil tractors for sale. In a stock room 16 x 24 feet in dimensions, are kept all the supplies necessary for his work. Mr. Rucker makes a specialty of rebuilding engines and threshers.

In addition to general farming and stock raising, Clinton J. Rucker annually operates a thresher. He has been engaged in this work for thirty-four consecutive years. In connection with this work, he has improved many of the outfits tliat were difficult to operate. Mr. Rucker has three machines at work this season, 1917, and has sold two outfits this year. Last year he made seven sales. He buys old machines. paying cash for them, and then rebuilds and sells them. He can put any old machine in excellent condition. J\Ir. Rucker purcliases some casting, but makes most that he uses. He can make any part of a machine and he always keeps in his shop a large stock of rep.'iirs.

to him. He has prospered remarkably well and at the time of this writing is the owner of extensive property interests, owning a fine twenty-acre tract adjoining Warrensburg on the north, on which place is a handsome, modern residence, one of the finest in the state of Missouri; residence property in Magnolia, Missouri; a cottage and flat of twenty-four rooms in Sedalia, Missouri; and residence property on Walnut street in Kansas City. Missouri. The Rucker property nortii of Warrensburg was formerly the Marcus Youngs place. It is a beautiful home, surrounded with large, native trees and with a park, including ten acres of land. An excellent spring is on this farm. Mr. Rucker's home, although in the country, has all the conveniences of a citv residence, being supplied with city water and electric lights obtained from Warrensburg. Mr. Rucker is also the owner of an Oldsmobile, a fortyeight hundred dollar car, sixty horse-power engine, and a six-cylinder Mitchell machine. With the Oldsmobile, the Rucker home is but two hours' ride from Kansas City, ^Missouri.

Charles Lowe, of the firm, Stockton & Lowe of Warrensburg, was born in 1857 in Henry county, Indiana. He is the son of George and Mary E. ( Roach ) Lowe, the former, a native of Ireland, who came with his parents to America when he was but an infant, and the latter, a nati\e of \'irginia. George Lowe was one of eleven sons born to his parents. Both he and his wife lived to be eighty-five years of age and their remains are interred in the cemetery at Newcastle, Indiana. George and Mary E. Lowe were the parents of the following children : Virginia, wife of Henry Hurliman, of Newcastle. Indiana ; William, who resides in Warrensburg: Anne, died at the age of twentyone years; David, died at the age of forty-five years; Jane, was the wife of John Whisman and is now deceased and he resides in Cass county. Indiana: Elizabeth, wife of Roy Carnell. of Cass county. Indiana: Alice, was the wife of George Goodwin and is now deceased and he resides at Newcastle. Indiana: George. Jr., Indianapolis, Indiana: John, died at Newcastle, Indiana: Charles T.. the ?ul)ject of this review; and Henry S., of Indianapolis, Indiana.

Charles Lowe attended the public schools of Xewcastle, Indiana. February 13, 1877, he came to Warrensburg from Indiana and engaged in carpentering. From that work he became interested in contracting and for probably eighteen years was thus engaged. He then entered the manufacturing business, associated with the firm of Stockton & Lowe, in the manufacture of concrete materials. For the past ten years, their place of business has been located on Gay street in Warrensburg on the Quarry switch. During the year of 1916 the company unloaded two hundred thirty-six cars of materials.

The first business venture of Mr. Lowe in contracting in Warrensburg was the purchase of an acre of land upon which he built four houses, which he sold on the monthly payment plan. This proved so successful that for many years afterward he was engaged in buying vacant lots and building houses. He has erected all sorts of buildings, from a small, inexpensive cottage to a ten thousand dollar structure. There are but three or four houses between the old town of Warrensburg and Gay street, which Charles Lowe has not built or improved. He purchased five acres of the Minerva land estate, when there was but one brick building on the place, and with the exception of that one house, he has built every house now on this addition, which lies between Gay and North streets.

In 1891, Charles Lowe was united in marriage with Ida M. Norris, of Warrensburg. By a former marriage with Sarah Scheadenberger, he has one son, Harry, who married Vorden Derheart, and they reside in Warrensburg. Mr. and Mrs. Lowe reside at 502 North Maguire street in Warrensburg, on which street tliere were but four families residing, when Mr. Lowe located his home there. Mr. and Mrs. Lowe are highly esteemed in Warrensburg, where they are numbered among the most substantial citizens.

George W. Houx, a prosperous citizen of Centerview township, a retired farmer and stockman, is a member of one of the first pioneer families of Johnson county. Mr. Houx was born in a log cabin on his father's farm in Johnson county in 1839, a son of Philip and Margaret Houx. who had settled in the county in 1837. Philip Houx was a son of Jacob Houx, who had come to Missouri among the first settlers and had located in Cooper county, where he liecame a very successful and wealthy farmer and stockman. The son. Philip, left Cooper county to make his permanent home in Jolmson county and lie, too, became a wealthy landowner. At one time. Philip Houx was the owner of two thousand acres of valuable land in Johnson and adjoining counties. He was a leading stockman of his day and was extensi\ely interesterl in raising mules and cattle, although he devoted nnich time to general farming. Mr. Houx was prominent as a man of public afTairs and he served the coimty four vears as sherifiF. He always took an enthusiastic part in politics and was a valued member of the Democratic party.

Public schools were not established in Johnson county until after the Civil War and George W. Houx obtained his education in the oldfashioned "subscription schools." lie attended school at Hill schoolhouse, where at ditterent times the following men and women taught: Samuel Chamberlain, Aliss Scott, and Mr. Thaxton. Mr. Houx has a vivid recollection of the early institutions in Johnson county. With the pioneer of the early forties, the church was considered the most important. Of course, there were no church buildings at first and when George W. Houx was a lad such a thing as a Sunday school was unheard of, but rehgious services were held at irregular intervals, most frequently in some settler's log cabin or out under the trees. Traveling pioneer preachers would visit a community and the people would come for miles and miles to hear him preach. It was no simple task for him to go from settlement to settlement, through thick forests and muddy swamps, yet he was always brave and cheerful, a welcome visitor in every cabin home. Re\erentls Robert and Juhn Morrow, Henry Renick, and the Weir brothers were early day preachers, who often were welcomed in the Houx home. Traxeling was mostly done on horseback in tne early days or in wagons drawn by oxen. The settlers never went from home merely for the pleasure of going from place to place sightseeing, for travel was difficult and dangerous. There were no roads, merely trails across the open prairie, and one followed directions then. Air. Hou.x rememl^ers when there was not one house on the trail from his father's place ti) Warrensburg. When the Houx family settled in Johnson count}', the father built a log cabin on his vast tract of land. This house had but one room and wdien the entire family of ten members gathered around the open fire in the winter time, it sometimes seemed uncomfortably cozy. The ingenious manner in which the brave, patient mother managed to rear her large family, eight lively and sturdy boys and girls to eat and sleep, in one small room is something for the spoiled children of fashion of today to ponder upon and deeply consider. The experiences of his youth, George W. Houx will never forget. He and his brothers often drove yokes of oxen, which were used when lireaking virgin sod, and they assisted their father countless times in fighting the dreaded and destructive prairie fires. Mr. Houx has, in the years gone by, cradled grain in the old way, the only known way then. He recalls the time when deer, wild turkeys, ducks, geese, and prairie chickens were here in abundance. He remembers the howling of the wolves at night time and relates that the moans of a young calf, which had been caught by a wolf at night, guided his father and brothers to its rescue and it afterward became a very useful work-ox. The young people of Mr. Houx's day had many happy times. Life was not all monotonous toil, for there were parties, dances, "singing schools," "quilting bees," houseraisings, and "husking bees," which were largely attended and greatly enjoyed.

For three years, George W. Houx served in the Civil War with the Confederates. His brother, Jacob, fought under General Cockrell and was killed during the war. After the conflict had ended, Mr. Houx returned to the farm in Johnson county. He has always lived on a farm and until his mother's death made his home with her. He owns a tract of land in this county, a place comprising four hundred fiftyeight acres, which he now rents. Formerly, Mr. Houx raised large herds of stock, specializing in Berkshire and Poland China hogs.

In 1898, George W. Houx and Mrs. Anna K. Fulkerson, widow of W. P. Fulkerson, were united in marriage. To this union has been born one child, a daughter, Georgia 'M., who is now attending school in Warrensburg. Mrs. Houx is the mother of five children, of her first marriage: Mrs. Edna R. Hart. \\'arrens1nn-g, Missouri: P. P., Centerview, Missouri; Mrs. Hattie L. Goings. Minden, Nebraska: Mrs. Elizabeth Lee, Columbus, Missouri : and W. D., Centerview, Missouri. Mr. and Mrs. Houx reside on the Fulkerson place and the two sons, P. P. and W. D., live with them and manage the farm. The Fulkerson brothers in addition own a farm of their own, which they also manage, making seven hundred acres in all. They are industrious and intelligent, young agriculturists and this past season harvested seventyfive tons of hay, one thousand nine hundred forty bushels of wheat, and had planted eighty acres of their land in corn. Tliey are devoting most of their attention, however, to stock raising. There are two Inmdred ninety-seven acres in their farm.

Mr. Houx is a worthy member and active worker of the Presliyterian cluircli. His long and useful career in Jolmson county lias now spanned more tlian tliree-f|uarters of a century and 1ie is just as interested in the growth and progress of tlie county today as he was fifty years ago. Mr. Houx has always contributed his support and encouragement to all enterprises which had the good of the community as their object. He is a noble and honored pioneer, who has bravely and cheerfvdly "done his bit."

Mrs. Hannah (Broyles) Baird, a pioneer woman of Missouri, was born March 6, 1827. in Campbell county, Tennessee. She is the descendant of a fine, old colonial famliy. prominent in the early days in the South, ancestors noted for great longevity. One lived to be one hundred five years of age and another, to the age of one hundred three years. In Tennessee, Mrs. Baird was reared, educated and married.

December 25, 1845, Louis Baird and Hannah Broyles were united in marriage at Jellico, Tennessee. Louis Baird was born October 14, 1824. in Campbell county, Tennessee. To them were born fifteen children: Tasy and Nancy, twins; Louis and Hannah, twins, both of whom died seven weeks after birth: Mrs. bllizabeth McKinney, born November 29, 1848 and is now deceased: Mrs. Keisiah Benefield, born October 18, 1850, and died April 13, 1897; Mrs. Martha J. McKinney, born August 12, 1852, and is now residing at Elston, Missouri ; Mrs. Samantha Smith, born April 25, 1854, and now resides at Nile, Missouri; Mrs. Eliza Emaline Cook, born December 25. 1857, and is now residing at Yeiser, Colorado; Mrs. Margaret Y. Birlew, born December 4, 1859, and is deceased; Mrs. Rebecca Demaries Gilmore, born October 29, 1861, resides at Hugo, Oklahoma: :\lrs. Mary Faulkner Lemons, born December 12, 1863. and now resides at Birchtree, Missouri; Lawson Bell Wallace, born September 26, 1867. and now resides at Mountaingrove, Missouri ; John Bowman, a skilled marble and granite cutter as there is in the state, of the firm of Baird & Townsend, A\'arrensburg, Missouri; and one child, born August 22, 1873, who died in infancy. Mrs. Hannah (Broyles) Baird has fifty-four grandchildren, fifty great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren, having probably more descendants than any other living person in Johnson county, or perhaps in the state.