Johnson County, Missouri - - Biographical, 1918 (part 7 of 19)

Dr. J. P. McCann attended school in Warrensburg, Missouri. He was a student at the Warrensburg State Normal School, of which institution he is a graduate. After completing the course in the Normal School, he matriculated in the American Medical College, St. Louis, Missouri, graduating in the class of 1902. He then began the practice of his profession at Lamonte, Missouri and remained there until 1914, when he went to New York for further study, taking a post-graduate course in the medical college, specializing in diseases of the eye, ear, nose, and throat. Prior to this, Dr. McCann had done research and post-graduate work in the medical college at Chicago, Illinois in 1904. In 1915, he located in Warrensburg in the Montgomery building. Dr. McCann has one of the most completely equipped offices of his profession in the city. He has all the new and improved devices and surgical instruments needed for any emergency, including an X-ray apparatus, a gas and oxygen machine, and a special suction pump, which is used to keep the blood out of the throat during operations in that part of the body. Dr. McCann is an eye, ear, nose, and throat specialist, bnt at present is engaged in general practice as well. He has been in great demand since opening his office and has an extensive practice, often making calls many miles froin the city.

In 1901, Dr. J. P. McCann was united in marriage with Mary I. Harris and to them were born two children: Kenneth and Margaret. Mrs. McCann died and in 1912 Dr. McCann was united in marriage with Mary Purnell, the daughter of T. A. Purnell, of Greenridge, Missouri. Both Dr. and Mrs. McCann are members of the Methodist church and he is a valued member of the Johnson County Medical Society.

In addition to his residence in Warrensburg, Dr. J. P. McCann is the owner of a splendid stock farm near Lamonte. Politically, he is affiliated with the Democratic party and he is a member of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons.

Calvin T. Hull, a prominent and prosperous stockman of IMontserrat township, was born in 1850 in Rockbridge county, Virginia, the son of Jacob and Nancy Hull. When C. T. Hull was nine years of age, he came to Missouri with his mother and in 1859 settled in Johnson county, where Mrs. Hull and an older son, Frank, purchased one hundred sixty acres of land and engaged in farming.

Mr. Hull attended the public schools of Johnson county. He wa.s reared on the farm and from earliest boyhood assisted with the work of the farm. When he attained maturity he began life for himself on the farm, engaging in stock raising. He is now the owner of a tine stock farm in Johnson county, a well-watered place, comprising two hundred seventy acres, eighty of which are in bluegrass. C. T. Hull devotes almost his entire attention to the raising of cattle and hogs for the market.

In 1878, C. T. Hull was united in marriage with Martha Reavis, the daughter of John and Lorretta (Warren) Reavis. John Reavis was the son of James Reavis who came from Kentucky to Missouri in the early da)'s. John and Loretta Reavis were the parents of the following children: Mrs. Mary Box, Mrs. Anna Kreb, Mrs. Etta Adams, Airs. Alice Hunter, and Mrs. Martha (Reavis) Hull, the wife of the subject of this review. The death of John Reavis occurred in 1910 and his widow now makes her home with her daughter, Mrs. C. T. Hull, To C. T. and Martha (Reavis) Hull have been born four children: Mrs. Cleo Hunt. Holden. Missouri; Mrs. Byrle Miller, Norborne, Missouri ; Mrs. Goldie Dawson, Lone Elm, Kansas : and Annie Laurie, who resides at home with her parents. .Ml four daughters attended school in Johnson county at the Dawson school bouse, wdiich is located near their home and all are graduates of the Warrensburg State Normal School. Both Mr. and Mrs. Hull are members of the Christian church.

C. T. Hull has been a resident of Johnson county more thaii half a century and has seen the countless changes incidental to growth and improvement. He has ever been an earnest supporter and enthusiastic helper in all causes having for their object the betterment of the community. He takes a keen interest in securing better schools, better churches, and better roads. Mr. Hull is one of the county's best and most highly respected citizens.

O. B. Hall, M. D., of Warrensburg, Missouri, is one of the leading physicians of Johnson county. He was born in 1868 in Kent county, Michigan, the son of Seth Thompson and Margaret Ann Hall. Seth Thompson Hall was born in Genesee county. New York, the son of Elisha Hall. Elisha Hall's father, Elijah Hall, was a native Virginian and the son of one of the Pilgrim fathers, who caine to America in the "Mayflower" in 1620.

O. B. Hall attended the Greenville High School, Greenville, Michigan and is a graduate of the Michigan Agricultural College in the class of 1893, from which institution he received the degree of Bachelor of Science. In 1893. he entered the Detroit Medical College and for two years was a student in that institution. He completed his medical training in the University Medical College at Kansas City, Missouri, in 1898.

In 1898, after completing college. Dr. Hall began the practice of medicine in Warrensburg, Missouri. He is engaged in general practice and has patients all over Johnson county. Dr. Hall drives a car and he has established a record for quick and punctual attention to calls. He is at present the secretary of the Johnson County Medical Society and he has served in this capacity since 1913. Dr. Hall was at one time president of the County Secretaries' Association of Missouri.

December 26, 1899, Dr. O. B. Hall was united in marriage with Christina M. Hinkel and to them was born a son, Emil Blinn. Mrs. Hall died soon after the birth of their son. May 24, 1904 Dr. Hall was united in marriage with Zephie E. Collins, the daughter of A. B. Collins, of Warrensburg, Missouri. To Dr. O. B. and Zephie E. (Collins) Hall have been born three children: Inez Marguerite. Ethel Josephine, and Max Edward. Both Dr. and Mrs. Hall are highly esteemed members of the Baptist church, of which Dr. Hall is a deacon. They have a beautiful home in Warrensburg and in addition. Dr. Hall is the owner of considerable income property.

Dr. Hall has always taken a keen and active interest in civic affairs and for six years was a member of the city council of ^^'arrensburg. He is a member of the Democratic party and is affiliated with the .\ncient Free and Accepted Masons and the Odd Fellows.

Dr. M. D. Hamisfar, a successful dentist of ^^"arrensburg. Missouri, is a native of Ohio. He was born in 1865 in Perry county, Ohio, a son of Dr. Leroy and Mary C. (Williams) Hamisfar. the former, a son of William Hamisfar and the latter, a daughter of \\'illiam Williams, of Pennsylvania. William Hamisfar was born in Germany and in early manhood emigrated from his native land and came to America, and settled in Ohio. His son, Dr. Leroy Hamisfar, was a graduate of the School of Dentistry at Delaware, Ohio and of the Baltimore Dental College, Baltimore, Ohio. He was engaged in the practice of medicine and dentistry for thirty years in Somerset and St.

Marys, Ohio. In 1875. Dr. Leroy Haniisfar moved from Ohio with his family to Missouri and they settled on a farm of more than three hundred acres of land, located four miles south of Warrensburg. After coming to Missouri, Dr. Hamisfar devoted his entire attention to farming and stock raising and became widely known in Johnson county as a prosperous and influential citizen. He died in 1882 and his widow now resides in Warrensburg at 310 East Broad street. Dr. M. D. Hamisfar, the subject of this review, has living one brother and one sister: James H. and Florence K., both of whom reside in Warrensburg.

M. D. Hamisfar attended the pul)lic schools of Ohio and the Warrensburg State Normal School, ^\'arrensburg. Missouri. He is a graduate of the \\"estern Dental College. Kansas City, ^Missouri in the class of 1896 and also was a special student in the Kansas City School of Pharmacy and graduated from the I'uivcrsity Medical College at Kansas City with degree of Doctor of Medicine in 189.5. In 1896. Dr. Hamisfar began the practice of dentistry in Warrensburg. I\Iissouri and has continued in the practice of his profession in this city ever since.

In 1902, Dr. M. D. Hamisfar and Grace Ethel Davis, the .laughter of Dionysius Davis, a prominent farmer of Johnson county, Missouri, were united in marriage and to this union has been born one child, a daughter, Eulia L.

Dr. Hamisfar is a man of exceptional aliility and remarkable versatility. He has perfected a local anaesthetic, which contains no injurious narcotics or habit-forming drugs, after spending much time and labor in difficult study and research. He uses this anaesthetic in his own practice. He is also a talented musician and for the past twenty-five years has been a memlier of every musical organizatinn in the city of Warrensburg. In his ofifice is a \'ita-Xola. which the doctor frequently accompanies with his violin in a pleasing and masterly manner. He is a deep thinker and has read widely. Iieing a close student of the world's greatest writers and no reader in Johnson county is better informed than he on the standard authors. He is himself a writer of ability, having contributed many valuable articles to the different dental journals. Though not a church member, he has written several very able articles on religious subjects and the true philosophy of life. Dr. Hamisfar is also well known as a public speaker, frequently addressing various conventions held in Missouri. He is a member of the State and the National Dental Societies and in 1899 was elected delegate to the National Dental Association, held at Niagara Falls, representing the Missouri State Dental Association.

Thomas Eugene Williams, a leading farmer and stockman of Hazel Hill township, has been a resident of Johnson county for nearly sixty years. He was born June 21, 1858, on his father's farm in Hazel Hill township, a place located seven miles northwest of Warrensburg. He is the son of Thomas Williams, Sr., who was born in Tennessee in 1821. In the autumn of 1857, Mr. \\'illiams, Sr., moved from Tennessee to Missouri and settled on the farm in Johnson county, where his son, Thomas Eugene, was born the ensuing summer. To Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Williams, Sr., were born the following children: E. A., Warrensburg, Missouri; Parilee, who was the wife of J. W. Cleveland and who died in 1906; Vianna, the wife of R. D. Brandon, of Gilroy, California ; Melissa, the widow of Samuel K. Heck since 1884, now residing at Flagler, Colorado; Dufa, who died in childhood in 1862; E. D.. a prominent citizen of Franklin, Kentucky, where he has been a merchant for forty years and is now the president of one of the best banks in that city; and Thomas Eugene, the subject of this review. The father died in 1859 and the mother in 1863. Thomas Williams was buried in the old cemetery at Warrensburg and Mrs. Williams was laid to rest at Mount Moriah. Thomas Eugene, the youngest of the six children, was left an orphan at the age of five years.

In the country schools of Johnson county, Thomas E. Williams obtained his primary education. He later attended the Warrensburg State Normal School, from which institution he graduated with the class of 1880. He then began teaching school and for nineteen consecutive years was thus employed. His first school was at Mount Moriah. Eight successive terms, Mr. Williains was employed as teacher of the Aullville school, two terms at Number 61 in Salem district, five terms at McCoy and during his long career as teacher Mr. Williams never applied but for one school. As an educator, he was remarkably successful and highly regarded.

In 1891, Mr. Williams moved to his present country hoine. for which he traded a stock of merchandise in 1885. This place comprises one hundred thirtv acres of good farm land, conveniently located within a mile and a half southwest of Robbius and nicely imporved. Mr. W illiams has himself improved the farm, building the residence in 1913 and the barn in 1909, and since he has owned this place, he has not only added all the improvements now on it l)ut has also given his three children tiie best of educational advantages. The Williams home is one of the pretty, attractive country places for which Johnson countv is noted and of which all are proud. All the trees Mr. Williams himself planted. The cyclone of 1913 wrought great havoc on tiie Williams farm, blowing away all the farm buildings except the barn, which was unroofed, and the residence was l>adiy denu)lislicd. totaling a loss of more than a thousand dollars. Undaunted. Mr. WiUiams has his lieautiful place again in excellent repair.

In 1883. Thomas Eugene \\'illiams was united in marriage with Minerva Ellen Stewart, the daughter of Eli Stewart, an honored pioneer of Simpson township, and Mary Ellen (Roach ) Stewart, who now lives at Leeton, Missouri. The father is now deceased. To Thomas Eugene and Mary Ellen Williams have been l^orn four children: Elmer Eugene, who attended the Warrensburg State Normal School and is a graduate of the \\'arrensburg Business College, now engaged in the mercantile Inisiness at Robbins; Nettie Maude, who died at the age of one year and eleven months : Mary Ola. who is a graduate of the Warrensburg State Normal School in the class of 1915 and is now engaged in teaching school, having taught school for the past seven years, employed at the home school, in Columbus township, at Hazel Hill, and for the past three years at Salem : and Alma Leota. who also is a graduate of the \\'arrensburg State Normal School in tiie class of \^\5. and of the ^^'arrensburg High School prior to that, and now is employed as teacher in the new Consolidated District Number 3, having taught her first term of school in Coleman Number 65. consolidated district, and in 1916 and 1917 at Rye, Colorado. Pueblo county, where she was assistant superintendent, and last term she taught at Coleman.

Mr. Williams, on October 18. 1917. succeeded in getting the Williams family together for a family reunion. His entire family were gathered at the Williams home for the first time since 1876. This family has always been one of the most public-spirited, conspicuous families in this section of Missouri, every member of which is known widely for his honestv. charitv, and humanity. No other people in Johnson county

Dr. J. H. B. Hoefner, a prominent osteopath of Warrensburg, Missouri, was born in 1877 in St. Charles county, Missouri. He is the son of Henry and Caroline (Vosz) Hoefner, both of whom are of German descent. Henry Hoefner is the son of Casper Hoefner, who emigrated from Germany to America in 1851 and settled in St. Charles county, Missouri, where he purchased a farm, upon which his son, Henry, was reared. Henry Hoefner is now the owner of four hundred twenty acres of land in St. Charles county, where he is a successful and influential farmer and stockman. Caroline (Vosz) Hoefner is the daughter of Ernest Vosz, who was of German lineage. Of the children born to Henry and Caroline (Vosz) Hoefner, the following are now living: Arnold, New Melle, Missouri; Fred, New Melle, Missouri; Henry, Franklin, Pennsylvania; Dr. J. H. B., the subject of this review; Victor, Waukegan, Illinois ; Edwin, New Melle, Missouri ; Mrs. Anna Karrenbrock, New Melle, Missouri; Mrs. Matilda Pierce, Hastings, Nebraska; J^aura, New Melle, Missouri ; and Edna, New Melle, Missouri.

J. H. B. Hoefner received his early education in the public schools of St. Charles county, Missouri. He was a student in the Warrensburg State Normal School for three years and later attended the American School of Osteopathy at Kirksville, Missouri, of which institution he is a graduate of the class of 1903. After completing college. Dr. Hoefner began the practice of osteopathy in \A'arrensburg. Missouri. His wife. Dr. Lavina Hoefner, who is a graduate of the American School of Osteopathy in the class of 1903, is associated with Dr. J. H. B. Hoefner in the practice of their profession. They were united in marriage in 1903, soon after graduation from college.

Osteopathy is a comparatively new scientific treatment for disease. A score of years ago few physicians, whether in private practice or hospitals or just out of medical college, considered it necessary to know the conditions of the mouth before prescribing drugs for physical illness. Osteopathy has taught truths, which the medical profession lost sight of, but within the last fifteen years has slowly acknowledged. Discredited by the medical profession, by medical journals, and medical schools, osteopathy has in fifteen years built up a practice of more than eight thousand men, having four years' training, including more than one hundred physicians with full medical training plus a course in osteopathy. There were means of learning fifteen years ago what was truth and what was quackery about the practice of osteopathy, but by refusing to look for the truth and concentrating attention upon the quackery, the medical profession lost fifteen years. No appeal can be stronger, no justification more complete, than the following paragraph quoted by William H. Allen, secretary of the Bureau of Municipal Research in his book, "Civics and Health," from an osteopathic physician, having both the medical and osteopathic degrees:

"The physical method of treating disease presents a tremendous and significant departure from the empiricism of medicine and the experimentation of dietetics, the restricted fields of electricity, suggestion, water cures, and massage. The patient as an individual is not treated; the disease as a disease is not treated; the symptoms are not treated; but the entire physical organism, with its many parts and diverse functions, is exhaustively examined until each and every abnormal condition, wliether of structure or of function, causing disease and maintaining symptoms, is found and administered to with the skill of a definite art, based upon the data of an exact science."

Dr. Hoefner chose this branch of therapeutics as his specialty because he had personally seen so much good accomplished by osteopathy where other methods of treatment had failed. The human body is like other machines, when all parts are normal and working harmoniously perfect health follows inevitably and Dr. Hoefner firmly believes no apparatus but the human hand is needed to secure this harmony of the parts of human anatomy. He has been very successful in his chosen profession. He is the owner of his handsome residence in Warrensburg and is a stockholder in the Still-Hildreth Sanitarium at Macon, Missouri and in the Knob Noster Brick & Tile Company. Dr. Hoefner is a worthy member of the Christian church, of which he is a deacon. Politically, he is affiliated with the Democratic party.

John T. Stevens, a prominent and successful farmer and stockman of Washington township, is one of Johnson county's most highly respected pioneers. He was born in 1847 in Moniteau county, Missouri, the son of Absalom and Elizabeth Stevens. Absalom Stevens was .the son of David and Rebecca (McClanahanl Stevens. David Stevens was born in New York, the son of Isaiah Stevens, who was killed while serving in the Revolutionary War with Washington's army. David Stevens left New York in early maturity and located in Virginia on a plantation on the Roanoke river. Here he was united in marriage with Rebecca McClanahan and to them was born Absalom, the father of the subject of this review, in 1811 in eastern Tennessee, where David and Rebecca Stevens had moved within a short time after their marriage. David Stevens enlisted in the War of 1812 and served throughout the conflict. In 1816 he moved with his family to Missouri and located permanently in what is now Moniteau county, where he engaged in farming, becoming widely known as a capable, industrious, and highly esteemed citizen. Absalom Stevens was reared to maturity on the home place in Moniteau county and was married in that county and there reared his family. In 1863, he moved from Moniteau county to Johnson county, where he was a prominent and influential farmer. His death occurred in 1898.

The boyhood days of John T. Stevens were spent as the average lad on the farm in those early times spent his days. He assisted his father with the work on the home place and attended school, which was held in an old log house not far from their home in Moniteau county. School lasted but a few months in the year and even when it was in session the older boys and girls could not always go. The majority of children in the old-time schools learned thoroughly that which they did learn, but few learned much. The bright ones would learn rapidly, as the "master" heard them "say their lessons" as often as they wished, but the slow ones learned almost nothing. Often children would go to school all that they could for several years and not be able to read and perhaps would be obliged to leave school to go to work before they had learned enough to read a simple story or write a letter. John T. Stevens was sixteen years of age, when his father moved to Johnson county. The first teacher, whom he recalls having in the Johnson county schools, was Mr. Ball. As a youth, Mr, Stevens often heard two of the earliest pioneer preachers: Reverend George Langdon and Reverend "Jimmie" Porter.

John T. Stevens was united in marriage with Mary C. Miller in 1873. Mary C. (Miller") Stevens is the daughter of James Miller, a well known pioneer of Missouri. To John T. and Mary C. Stevens were born ten children: J. Robert, farmer, Washington township. Knob Noster.

Missouri; Mrs. Stella Wright, Billings, Oklahoma; Jesse D., at home with his parents; Airs. Lillie Conner, Knob Noster, Missouri: Mrs. Bettie Edmondson, Greenridge, Alissouri; Leamon, Redrock, Oklahoma; Mrs. Mary Lyle, Knob Noster, Missouri; Mrs. Beulah Dunham, Knob Noster, Missouri; Mrs. Aland Wheeler, Knob Noster, Missouri; and Delia May, who died in childhood.

In 1863, John T. Stevens came to Johnson county with his father. He recalls how excited he was when he heard in the distance the cannon at Boonville. Alissouri. There were but few settlers in this county in those early days and practically the entire county was open prairie. Mr. Stevens has often broken sod, driving a yoke of oxen. He has frequently seen, when a youth, herds of deer, flocks of wild turkeys, and thousands of prairie chickens in Johnson county. With the coming of settlers the wild game disappeared and the railroad, telegraph, telephone, and other modern inventions brought rapid changes to the new country, all of \vhich Mr. Stevens has himself witnessed. He is now the owner of four hundred three acres of fine farm land, one hundred eighty acres of which were purchased by his father. Absalom Stevens, when he came to Johnson county more than fifty years ago. Mr. Stevens has one hundred fifty acres of land in pasture and devotes much of his time and attention to stock raising.

Air. Stevens relates that one of the colony of settlers, with whom the Stevens family came to Missouri, brought with him a "mill stone" and with it erected a mill at a large spring, which they discovered in Moniteau county, - an old fashioned water mill. At the same place, there was later erected a cotton gin.

Dr. Ira A. Roberts, a prominent dental surgeon of Warrensburg, is a native of Iowa. He was born in 1860 in Clark county. Iowa, a son of Harvey Newton and Caroline (Spry) Roberts. Harvey Newton Roberts was born in Ohio, son of James Roberts. Jr., who was a prominent farmer of Ohio. James Roberts, Jr. was a son of James Roberts, Sr., who was a native of Scotland, and a veteran of the War of 1812. In early manhood Harvey Newton Roberts went from Ohio to Hartford. Iowa, where he was united in marriage with Caroline Spry, daughter of John Spry, who liad moved from Ohio to Iowa. To Harvev N. and Caroline Rol^erts were born the following children: James O.. Lawrence. Kansas; Dr. Ira A., the subject of this sketch;

Ulysses Grant, who died in infancy; Mrs. Cora Cott, deceased; Theron O., who resides in Canada; Mrs. LiUian V. Schuler, Chicago Heights, lUinois; Mrs. Lois E. Phillips, Lawrence, Kansas; and Mrs. Hallie N. Monroe, Ottawa, Kansas.

In 1867 the Roberts family moved from Iowa to Missouri, where they remained two years, and in 1869, went to Miami county, Kansas. Two years later, the father entered land from the government in Sumner county, Kansas, and there the family moved in 1871. Harvey N. Roberts spent the few remaining years of his life on this farm in Sumner county. He died in 1877. His wife is still living and is making her home at present with her daughter, Mrs. Schuler, of Chicago Heights, Illinois.

Dr. Ira Roberts received his early education in the public schools of Miami and Sumner counties, Kansas. He attended the university at Ottawa one year, and at the age of seventeen years was obliged to leave school, on account of the death of his father, and assume charge of the farm and help care for the younger children. For eleven years, he was engaged in farming on the home place. In 1888, he began life for himself, breaking "native sod."'

In 1889, Ira A. Roberts was united in marriage with Edith May Sabin, a daughter of Isaac Adams Sabin, and Esther (Abbott) Sabin, who both were born in Spencer, New York and lived there until they were married. In 1856, Mr. and Mrs. Sabin removed from New York to Minnesota, where they proved up on a government claim of one hundred sixty acres. Soon after they moved to Wisconsin, where Mr. Sabin taught school several years. While living in this state three daughters were born to them : Carrie A., now Mrs. Carrie Collins, of Manhattan, Kansas; Edith M., the wife of the subject of this sketch; and Grace, who died in infancy. Mr. Sabin was well known in educational circles, as he taught school in nine states of the Union, and was engaged in this profession for the remarkable period of fifty-four years. Much of this time he taught in high schools, or held the position of city superintendent of schools. He died in 1913 and his wife in 1895. Mrs. Edith Roberts, as well as her sister, Mrs. Collins, was educated at the State Normal School of Whitewater, Wisconsin and later moved to Oxford, Kansas, where she taught school several years.

children: Gertrude Amy, who graduated at the Warrensburg State Normal School in 1912, taught school in Redlands, California, attended the University of Redlands two years, from which she graduated in 1916, married Elmer L. Setterlund, a young Baptist minister, and is now living in Rochester, New York, where Mr. Setterlund is taking a seminary course; Agnes Constance, who graduated at the Warrensburg State Normal School in 1914 and has been teaching since that time in a public school for Mexican children in Beaumont, California; Donald Judson, who graduated at the Warrensburg State Normal School in 1915, and joined the regular army soon after war was declared with Germany in April, 1917, and he now is in training at Nogales. Arizona, a member of the fife and drum corps, Company F, Thirty-fifth Infantry; and Dwight Lester, who graduated at the Warrensburg State Normal School in 1917, and holds the position of principal of the Foster ward school in Warrensburg, who in 1916 married Mary Gladys Cramer, of Syracuse, Missouri. Both Donald J. and Dwight L. were members of the Normal School band and orchestra for several years.

Mrs. Roberts has e\er been her husband's faithful helper, and the greatest source of inspiration. She has assisted her husband in the dental office for a number of years. Quite recently Mrs. Roberts graduated from the School for Dental Hygienists, at Rochester. New York, where she took a course in "mouth hygiene." and is now devoting much time lecturing on the care of children's teeth.

Dr. Roberts is a graduate of the Kansas City Dental College, in the class of 1896, and in 1906 did post-graduate work at the Chicago College of Dental Surgery. In 1916 he graduated from the International School of Orthodontia. Dr. Roberts began the practice of dentistry at Omaha, Nebraska. From Omaha he moved to Jefterson, Iowa, where he remained eleven years. He came to Warrensburg from Jefferson in 1908 in order to educate their children in the Warrensburg State Normal School, and has since been engaged in the practice of his profession in this city, where he has a large ])ractice.

Politicallv, Dr. Roberts is affiliated with the Prohibition party. He is a worthy and highly valued member of the Baptist church, of which he is a deacon. He has taught the men's bible class in the Sunday School for a number of years. Mr, and Mrs. Roberts are numbered among Johnson county's best and most progressive citizens.

Elmer Eugene Williams, the efficient and industrious merchant of Robbins, Missouri, is the only son of a well-known and respected, early family of Johnson county. He was born in AuUville, Lafayette county, in 1885, the son of Thomas Eugene and Minerva (Stewart) Williams, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this volume. Mr. and Mrs. Thomas E. Williams reside one and a half miles southwest of the town of Robbins on a farm, which has been their home since 1891. They are the parents of four children, three of wliom are now living: Elmer Eugene, the subject of this review; Nettie Maude, who died in infancy; Mary Ola, at home with her parents; and Alma Leota, at home. The two girls are both graduates of the A\'arrenslnn-g State Normal School and are now teaching school.

Elmer Eugene Williams is a graduate of the Warrensburg Business College with the class of 1908. He was a student of the Warrensburg State Normal School two years. After leaving school, Mr. ^^^illiams engaged in farming on his father's place for six years. In 1913, he purchased the J. F. Jordan general store in Robbins. which mercantile establishment he has ever since been successfully conducting. Mr. A\'illiams enjoys a large patronage and his neatly-kept store is well stocked with all the staple goods necessary for country trade. He is peculiarly fitted for his chosen work, possessing c|uiet, pleasing, courteous manners, strong personality, and excellent business judgment. It is not at all difficult to predict a brilliant business career for this promising young merchant.

March 4, 1913, Elmer Eugene ^^'illiams and Lee Ora Taylor, the daughter of John W. and Julia Ann Taylor, were united in marriage. Mrs. Williams was born in 1890 on her father's farm in Warrensburg township. John W. Taylor was born in 1839 and died March 22). 1913. Interment was made in Liberty cemetery. Mrs. Taylor was born in 1842 in Hazel Hill township. Since the death of her husband, she has been making her home with her childreii, of whom there are nine : Ollie T., William. Ella. Jettie. Dollie. Amos C. Anna. Ada H., and Lee Ora. the wife of Mr. \\'i]!iams. of this review. To IMr. and Mrs. Williams has been born one child, a daugliter. Frances Charlene.

Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Eugene W'illiams are fine, enterprising, young citizens of Johnson county and they are very popular in their community, where the Williams family has long been considered one of the best and most substantial families in the township.

John W. Shepherd, a well-known and highly esteemed farmer and stockman of Washington township, is one of Johnson county's pioneers. He was born in 1S48 in Marshall county, West Virginia, a son of John and Amanda (Sockman) Shepherd. John Shepherd was a son of Nathaniel Shepherd, a native of West Virginia and Amanda (Sockman) Shepherd was a daughter of Henr\ Sockman, also of West \'irginia. They came to Johnson county, Missouri from West Virginia in 1865 and settled on a farm of one hundred acres of land, located four and three-fourths miles from the present city of Knob Noster.

One of the first pupils to attend the Prairie Home school was John W. Shepherd. He recalls among his classmates and schoolmates. William Clark. Mrs. William Clark, and John McDonald. The school "master." as he was called, was Fred Boyd. As a boy, John W. Shepherd often attended the Pleasant Grove Cumberland Presl)}-terian church, which \\as one of the first to be built in \\'asiiington township. "Uncle Jack" Whitsett and "Uncle John" Morrow were two of the earliest pioneer preachers, and it was the latter preacher, who organized this church in 1853. ^^'illiam Gerry. Mr. Ivnapp. and Mr. Means were among the first officers of the church. They were elders and N. B. Shepherd, brother of the subject of tliis review, was church clerk for many years. People would come for miles and miles, on horseback, to attend this churcli and the congregations were always large. The\' listened to the preaching with the greatest interest and respect. Great and enthusiastic re\i\-als were held at Pleasant Grove in those early pioneer days.

In 1893. John W. Shepherd was united in marriage with Emma Dunham, daughter of Robert M. Dunham, wiio came to Missouri from Indiana in 1868. To John W. and Enmia (Dunham) Shepherd have been born two children: ^Nlrs. Alice Rhea McConnely. Lamonte, Missouri and Claude M.. who resides at home with his parents. Both Mr. and Mrs. Shepherd are valued and consistent nieniliers of the Presbyterian church. Mrs. Shepherd is interested in the ]Mniltry industry and devotes much time to the raising of Plymouth Rock chickens, of which she has a splendid breed. She has been remarkably successful. The box house, which was the Shepherd liome for many years, has been replaced by a handsome, substantial residence, which is surrounded by numerous farm buildings, making a ver\- pleasant and cnn\enient country home. The Shepherd place comprises one hundred twenty- four acres of land, forty of which are in grass land. Mr. Shepherd is engaged in stock raising, raising Poland China hogs and Red Polled milch cows. The large, fine trees in the yard at the Shepherd home were planted when the family first came to Johnson county more than a half century ago.

The Shepherd family is one of the oldest in the annals of this country. They settled in the colony of Virginia prior to the time of the French and Indian War, the last struggle of wdiich began in 1756. Their place of settlement was later called Shepherdtown, in honor of the family. The great-great-grandfather of John W. Shepherd was a veteran of the Revolutionary War. He settled in Brooke county. West Virginia, after the war had ended, and on the plantation in that state was born Nathaniel Shepherd, the grandfather of the subject of this review. N. B. Shepherd, the brother of the subject of this review, served in the Civil War with the union army for three years. He is now making his home with John ^^^ Shepherd.

The social conditions in Johnson county were good in the early pioneer days, when the Shepherd family came to make their permanent home here, even if the life was hard and not particularly bright. The young people were not without simple amusements, like houseraisings, corn-husking parties, and social gatherings for spinning, quilting, and apple-paring. On these occasions there was much genuine fun. There was much open land and Mr. Shepherd often helped break sod, driving a yoke of oxen. Wild game abounded and in those days there were a number of pools, in which there was an abundance of fish. The soil, which was so rich in the early days, has been worn out, and Mr. Shepherd belie\'es that clover must be planted and farms converted into pasture land in order to conserve the soil. He is pursuing this course.

Francis L. Sibert, an honored and respected pioneer of Johnson county, Missouri, is a member of one of the oldest and best families of Missouri. He was born in Page county, Virginia in 1834, son of George W. and Mary (Long) Sibert, the former, a son of Francis Sibert. Sr. and the latter, a daughter of Isaac Long, of Virginia. Francis Sibert, Sr. was a saddler by trade, a scholar, and a linguist. He was widely known for his ability to speak fluently several different languages and for his splendid mental powers. He was born in 1760 and though but a lad of fifteen years, he served with his father in the Revolutionary War. His father died in the service. The son's death occurred in 1850, when he was ninety years of age. George W. Sibert, son of Francis Sibert, Sr., and father of the subject of this review, moved from Page county, Virginia in 1851 to Cooper county. Missouri and there spent the remainder of his life. In 1865, Francis L. Sibert went to Lawrence, Kansas. In 1874, he came to Missouri and in 1876 to Johnson county and settled on a farm in Washington township. The Sibert place, upon which Mr. Sibert has lived forty-one years, excepting two years spent in Kansas City, comprises four iiundred acres of splendid farm land.

In 1876, Francis L. Sibert was united in marriage with Laura Thatcher, daughter of Dr. J. P. Thatcher, wlio represented Pettis county in the state Legislature several terms. To l-'rancis L. and Laura (Thatcher) Sibert were born fi\e children: one died in infancy George P.. Knob Noster, Missouri: Edwin F., Knob Noster, Missouri: and J. W^alter, Knob Noster. Missouri, all operating the home place; and Airs. Lavena Gulp, Kansas City, Missouri. In 1906, Mrs. Sibert died. For many years, Mr. Sibert has been the school director in his district. His sons are largely engaged in stock raising and have converted most of his fine farm into pasture and grass land, seeking in this way to conserve the soil. Mr. Sibert. Sr., is a worthy member of the Methodist church, as was also Mrs. Sibert.

George W. Sibert, father of Francis L. Sibert, was one of the leading and most influential men in Missouri, in his day. He had been a prominent man of aftairs in his old home in \^irginia and before coming to Missouri had earned wide recognition In- securing the passage of the first railroad bill in the state Legislature of Virginia, where he was a representative from Shenandoah county. He was the author of the bill and it was through his efforts and influence that the bill became a law. His son. Francis L. Sibert, is a worthy descendant of splendid and exceptionally gifted ancestors. He possesses a well-trained mind and remarkable memory. Air. Siliert is gifted with exceptional conversational powers and it is a pleasure to hear ln"m relate the many interesting incidents, which occurred in pioneer days, with whicii his memory is stored. He is one of Johnson county's most highly valued citizens.

W. T, Gibson, a prominent and successful farmer and stockman of Jefiferson township, is one of Johnson county's most prosperous and respected pioneers. He was born in 1847, the only child of James, Jr. and Margaret Gibson, of Boone county, Kentucky. James Gibson, Jr. was a son of James Gibson, Sr., who was a well-known and highly esteemed farmer in Kentucky, of Scotch Irish descent. Margaret ( Current ) Gibson was of German descent. James Gibson, Jr. moved with his family from Kentucky to Missouri in 1853 and settled on a large farm in Saline county, a place which Mr. Gibson entered from the government. In 1857 he purchased four hundred acres of land in Jefferson township, Johnson county from Thomas Owsley and two years later the Gibson family moved there. At that time, the Owsley home was considered the finest in this part of the state. It is a wellconstructed house of two stories, with spacious rooms, large, airy hallways, and open fireplaces. The lumber for its construction was obtained at Boonville and hauled from there, a distance of sixty miles. Tiiis residence bore the distinction in those early days of being the last house on the road from Windsor to Warsaw in Benton county. The completion and opening of the house was celebrated with a magnificent ball, when all the elite from the entire countryside were present, the gentlemen most elegantly clothed in homespun broadcloth, hightop boots with spurs, with long hair and well-developed beards, while the costumes of the maidens beggar all description. The almost empty rooms. 18 x 18 feet in dimensions, furnished an abundance of room in which to "trip the light fantastic toe" - and it was certainly tripped.

The first teacher of W. T. Gibson was Joe Goodwin. Another instructor, whom he had in his boyhood days, was Palmer Smith. Among his schoolmates he recalls the Goodwin. Patrick. McDonald, and Cooper children. He completed his education at McKendree College at Lel^anon. Illinois and after leaving college, returned to his father's farm and engaged in the pursuits of agriculture. He vividly recalls the period of the destructive grasshoppers in 1874 and 1875 and the too frequent prairie fires, which he helped fight until ready to drop from exhaustion.

In 1873. W. T. Gibson was united in marriage with Elizabeth Ford, the daughter of George ^^^ Ford, of Kentucky. To W. T. and Elizabeth (Ford) Gibson have been born six children: .'Mice Georgia, wife of Pemberton Cooper; James, who is deceased: Perrin. a farmer.

Jefferson township; Mary; and Jessie, wife of Howard Hart, Windsor Missouri, a former teacher, a graduate of Warrensburg State Normal School, of Pratt Institute, who completed a course in art and taught art among the wealthy people of New York City for years. Mr. Gibson is the owner of more than a thousand acres of land and is extensively engaged in stock raising, having most of his splendid stock farm in grass land and pasture. He has, at the time of this writing, sixty head of Shorthorn cattle and seventy head of hogs. The place is well improved and equipped to care for stock, on a large scale. Mrs. Gibson has had remarkable success in raising chickens and she has complete charge of the poultry industry on the Gibson farm. Both Mr. and Mrs. Gibson well merit all the success they have attained.

When Mr. Gibson came to Joimson county, tiie country was new and most of the land was open prairie and \irgin sod. Driving a yoke of oxen, he has often broken the sod on liis father's farm. Wild game was in abundance. The wild geese frequently destroyed entire cornfields. In spite of the hardships, the young people enjoyed themselves immensely, for there were parties and dances to attend the whole year round. Everyone, who possibly could, attended church, many coming from a great distance on horseback. Mr. Gibson remembers several of the pioneer preachers, among them. Reverends B. F. Lawler. Caldwell, B. F. Goodwin. McCary, and Robert Harris.

J. L. Cooper, descendant of one of the most honored pioneer families of Missouri, is a prominent stockman of Jefferson township, where he owns a splendid stock farm of two imndred forty acres of land. He was born in Johnson county, Missouri in 1873. His father was the son of Henry Cooper, a widely known and prosperous stockman of Jefferson township. Henry Cooper was born in Kentucky and was of Irish descent. He came to Missouri in 1832, riding bareback a two-year-old colt. Henry Cooper was at that time a youth fourteen years of age and the same year lie walked barefoot through the frost many miles in order to get leather with which to make himself shoes. For many years, he "bached" with "Uncle Dick" Pettis. Henry Cooper liegan life in Missouri, practically penniless, but by practicing economy his industry was rewarded in time by the accumulation of a small fortune. He was at one time the owner of fourteen hundred acres of the best farm land in Johnson county. In 18.=^0, Henry Cooper was united in marriage with Nancy Stiles, the daugliter of Dennis Stiles, a well-known and influential farmer and honored pioneer of Missouri, who came West in an early day from New Jersey. To Henry and Nancy (Stiles) Cooper was born the father of the subject of this review. Both Mr. and Mrs. Cooper were highly valued members of the Christian church. The Cooper residence was undoubtedly the finest in the vicinity of Windsor within a circuit of many miles. The lumber for its construction was hauled from Boonville. It was an imposing structure, splendid and stately in appearance, with open fireplaces both down and upstairs, the house consisting of two stories, an unusual feature in those early days, when the log cabin of two rooms and a "loft" was the rule. Henry Cooper was politically a Democrat and he always took an active and interested part in civic affairs. He was a predominant factor in the upbuilding and in the early history of Johnson county.

J. L. Cooper attended the public schools of Johnson county and early in life began working for himself on the farm. He is now the owner of a fine stock farm, which is entirely grass land and Mr. Cooper devotes his whole attention to the raising of stock. At the time of this writing he has eighty head of Duroc Jersey hogs and forty head of Black Polled Angus cattle. He is also owner of two splendid stallions, "Peter Hall." a pacer and "Lee Dufif." a trotter. The Cooper stock farm is well-watered and improved. The home is a nice country residence surrounded by a beautiful lawn.

In 1901, J. L. Cooper was united in marriage with Laura Hodges, the daughter of Silas Hodges, of Kentucky. To J. L. and Laura (Hodges) Cooper has been born one child, a son, Henry. Mr. and Mrs. Cooper are highly valued among Johnson county's best and most substantial citizens.

J. O. Sutherland, representative from Johnson county in the Fortyninth General Assembly of the state Legislature of Missouri, is one of the most prominent and influential stockmen of this section of the state. He was born in 1871 in Johnson county, son of Judge D. L. and Elizabeth Sutherland. D. L. Sutherland is a son of Uriah Sutherland, who was a prosperous farmer in St. Clair county. Missouri. Judge Sutherland moved from St. Clair county to Johnson county in 1869 and settled in Jefferson township on a small farm of forty acres, where he engaged in farming and stock raising. He was a capable, industrious, enterprising young man and by practicing economy and good business judgment, after a few years of privations and hardsliips began to prosper. At one time Judge Sutherland was owner of twenty-eight hundred acres of the best farm land in Missouri, for whicli he paid by hard toil, as the Scriptures command "by the sweat of the brow," never making one cent in speculation. He is a man of genial disposition and kindly manners, whom to know means to respect and admire, and he has countless friends in Johnson county. He served at one time as judge of the county court in this county. In 1909, he and his wife moved to Windsor, Missouri, Judge D. L. Sutherland and his sons, K, K. and R. G., are at present engaged in stock raising, having the largest iierd of Black Al)erdeen xAngus cattle in this part of Missouri. To Judge D. L. and Elizabeth Sutherland have been born seven children: J. O., the snbject of this review; L. B., Windsor, Missouri; Mrs. Margaret Botts, Mangum, Oklahoma; S. H., Windsor, Missouri; Mrs. Edna Ruffin, Windsor, Missouri; E. E., who is associated with his father in stock raising on the farm near Windsor, Missouri; and R. G., wiio is also associated with his father in stock raising.

J. O. Sutherland is a graduate of the W arrensburg State Normal School. After leaving college, he engaged in the vocation of farming, giving particular attention to stock raising, in which pursuit he has been remarkably successfnl. He is now the owner of one thousand acres of splendid farm land, most of which is grass and pasture land. He buys and sells annually many hundred head of cattle, selling particularly all his cattle in the St. Louis market. The Sutherland stock farm is one of the best equipped for caring for large herds of stock in this section of the state. It is well improved with large, well-constrncted barns, two capacious silos, constructed of concrete, and a concrete water-tower, from which water is pumped to supply both the residence and the stock barns.

In 1894, J. O. Sutherland was united in marriage with Etta Elbert, the daughter of L. J. and Mary E. Elbert, pioneers of Henry county. Missouri. To J. O. and Etta (Elbert) Sutherland have been born three children, all of whom reside at home with their parents: Elbert L., who was a student for two years in the Missouri State Agricultural College: Annie E.. and J. Logan. Mr. Sutherland possesses a fine library of books dealing \vith agricultural subjects and he and his son, Elbert L., keep well abreast the times and are exceptionally well informed on all the latest knowledge pertaining to the particular phase of agriculture in which they are especially interested.

In 1916, J. O. Sutherland was elected representative from Johnson county to the Forty-ninth General Assembly of the state Legislature of Missouri. It was chiefly due to his influence and efforts that the Workman's Compensation Act passed the House of Representatives, however faihng of passage in the Senate. He was a member of the committee on agriculture and assisted in the formation of the Johnson County Farm Bureau. He is politically a member of the Democratic party and is one of the most popular citizens in this state. Mr. Sutherland resides near Windsor, Missouri. The Sutherland home is one of Johnson county's most beautiful country residences. It was built in 1912 and is an eightroom structure, modern throughout and nicely furnished, one of the homes of which this county is proud.

J. E. Hall, of W^arrensburg township, was born in 1853 in Franklin county, Missouri. He is the son of Abner and Mildred (Bourn) Hall, the former, a native of North Carolina and the latter, a native of Virginia. Abner Hall was born in 1797 and in the early thirties, came to Missouri, settling in Franklin county. Mildred (Bourn) Hall came to Franklin county from Virginia, when she was fourteen years of age. Abner Hall and Mildred Bourn were married in Franklin county and there all their children were born and reared : Benton, who died in early youth; Caroline, who died in 1863; Nannie, the wife of William H. Wegman, of St. Louis, Missouri ; R. M. Johnson, who is now deceased ; Honore, who died in childhood; and J. E.. the subject of this review. The father died in Franklin county in 1863.

J. E. Hall attended the public schools, established after the Civil War, in Washington, Franklin county. With his mother, he came to Johnson county in 1867 and March 10, 1868, they settled on the farm, which is now the home of Mr. Hall. The home place originally comprised one hundred twenty acres of land, but Mr. Hall at present owns ninety-five acres and is engaged in general farming and truck gardening He raises garden vegetables, melons, and strawberries. Thirty acres of his farm are in pasture. When Mr. Hall came to Johnson county witli his mother in 1868, practically the only roads were cowpaths. In driving from their home to Warrensburg. they came through a dense wood or forded Pertle Springs. Farms were not generally fenced in those days and wild game, turkey, deer, and prairie chickens, could be found in abundance. The mother died in 1904 and burial was made in the cemetery near ^^'^arrensburg, known as the Dunkard cemetery.

riage. Airs. J. E. Hall is the daughter of Samuel and jane Ayres, of Warrensburg, Missouri. The Ayres family came to Johnson county m 1870 from Pennsylavnia and settled one mile west of the Hall homestead. Samuel and Jane Ayres were the parents of the following children, who are now living: Clarence, of Kansas City, Missouri; Vance, who resides near Los Angeles, California; and Mrs. Celestia Lewis, of Hemmit, California; and Mrs. J. K. Hall, the wife of the subject of this review. To J- E. and Mary .-Mice Hall iiave been born four children: Byron, who died at the age of thirty years; Warren, who is a motorman in the employ of the street railway company at St. Louis, Missouri; James, Jr.. who resides at home with his parents; and Lee. who resides in ^^'arrensburg township. The parents of Mrs. Hall are now deceased.

At the Eair at St. Louis in 1904, strawberries raised by Mr. Hall on his farm in \\'arrensburg township received prizes in ten leading varieties. The berries were sent to Mr. Goodman, secretary of the State Board of Horticulture, who displayed them. Fifteen of the Maximas variety of berry filled a quart box.

J. E. Hall is an exceptionally fine horticulturist, possessing some \-ery excellent ideas, which he is successfully jnitting in operation on his farm.

W. F. Goodwin, a prominent and highly respected farmer and stockman of Jefferson townshi]). is a son of one of the noblest pioneers who came to Missouri. He was born in Johnson count\-. Missouri. December 6, 1852. son of Reverend B. F. and Elizabeth Goodwin. B. F. Goodwin was born in 1821 in Kentucky and was reared and educated in that state. Fie attended school in one of the primitive log schoolhouses. of Kentucky. l^o reach it. the children followed a "blazed" path through the forest. The schoolhouse had a stick chimney, clapboard roof, a greased paper widow, and puncheon floor. Inside, the puncheon bendhes were placed around three sides of the room and on the fourth side was a fireplace. Tlie "master" sat in the center of the room and called the puj^iils to him to "say their lessons." The older pupils had a puncheon liench. or rather shelf, on which to write, but the small children had no shelf, for of course they could not write. They had to study their "a-b-c's" all day long and after that learn to spell. The primitive schools of Kentucky were what were knowm as "loud schools." "When the children were told bv the teacher to Study their spelling lessons, every child in the room would take his book and shout "1-a la, d-y dy, lady; s-h-a sha, d-y, shady," and so on through the entire lesson. If the noise became too great, ,the teacher would rap on his puncheon desk and say, "Silence." and the uproar would become a little less. Unless a scholar was very bright and apt at learning, he learned but little in those olden times. B. F. Goodwin was an exceptionally bright young man and soon learned all that the "master" could teach. He was always studious and a deep, religious thinker and in early maturity entered the ministry as a Baptist preacher. He was of ^^'elsh lineage. In 1845. he came to Missouri. Three years after coming to this state, he was elected to the office of justice of peace, which position he filled from 1848 until 1854 with the greatest satisfaction to his constituents. Reverend Goodwin is one of the best-remembered of the early pioneer preachers, a man whom all the settlers knew and loved. He was welcomed in every home and even the poorest pioneer was glad to share all he had with him. Wherever he went. Reverend Goodwin was listened to with the greatest respect and attention. He possessed a winning personality and was a natural leader of men and his life was not lived in vain, for many men and women in Johnson county were uplifted and made nobler by his teachings and inspired by his exemplary doctrines and life His death in 1893 was the source of universal regret in Johnson county.

W. F. Goodwin was a student at the Warrensburg State Normal School two terms, in 1874 and 1875. He assumed charge of his father's farm in 1882 and has ever since been engaged in agricultural pursuits. He is at the present time owner of two hundred forty acres of land, which are well improved and watered. Eighty acres are in pasture land and Mr. Goodwin devotes much time to the raising of Poland China hogs, Shropshire sheep, Jersey and Shorthorn cattle. The Goodwin home was built in 1884 and is one of the pleasant, comfortable, country homes of which Johnson county is proud.

In 1882, W. F. Goodwin was united in marriage with Ida Sullivan. the daughter of James Sullivan, of Kentucky. James Sullivan was the son of Horace Sullivan, a prominent citizen of Kentucky. To W. F. and Ida (Sullivan) Goodwin has been born one child, a daughter. Vivian.

there was much open land and as a bov. he has frequeiitly caught tish, which were to be found in abuinhmcc in the pools tliat tlien existed in all parts of the county. He recalls the many deer chases in which he participated in the days just after the Civil War. He remembers all the hardships the Goodwin family endured as the natural consequence of war and early pioneer life and how nobly and uncomplainingly his father and mother endured all the privations, hopefully looking forward to brighter, happier days. Little by little, life in the new country began to change and as the people could travel about UKire conveniently it became easier to sell that which thev raised and buv what was needed and no longer did the\- have to make everything for themselves. The coming of the railroads, telegraph, telephone, and other modern conveniences brought rapid changes to Johnson county, and all these have been witnessed by j\Ir. Goodwin. The brave, true lives, such as the Goodwins', lives spent in toiling for the upbuilding of the county and state, have made this beautiful country possiiile and they are deserving of the greatest honor and praise.

W. A. Garrett, a well-known and esteemed stockman of Jefferson township, is the son of an honored and respected pioneer of Johnson county, Missouri. He was born in 1848 in Johnson county, son of J. W. and Ann T. Garrett. J. W". Garrett was the son of James Garrett, who came to Missouri in 1843 from Mar\land. where he was born on the plantation owned by his father. James Garrett purchased three hundred twenty acres of land in Johnson county and engaged in farming and stock raising, becoming one of the most prosperous and influential citizens of his day in the county. His mother. Amy (Sims) Garrett, and his father, who was a veteran of the Revolutionary War, lived and died in Maryland. J. W. Garrett, the son of James Garrett, was engaged in the manufacture of tobacco prior to the Civil War. After the war. he became interested in farming and stock raising and devoted his entire attention to the -pursuits of agriculture. He enlisted in the Civil W^ar, serving with the Confederates under Major Cockrell. He participated in the battle of Lonejack. where his brother, Robert, was killed. Several years prior to the war, he was united in marriage with Ann T. Perry, the daughter of William T. Perry, who came to Missouri in 1837 and was one of the first settlers in Johnson county. The death of J. W\ Garrett occurred in 1882.

Walker, tlie daughter of W'yatt Walker, a Virginian, who came to Missouri in 1869. To W. A. and Alice (Walker) Garrett were born the following children: Mrs. Ivy Munday, Windsor, Missouri; Mrs. Edna Powell, Leeton. Missouri; Daisy C, Windsor, Missouri; Mrs. Lennie Kavanaugh, Kansas City, Missouri; Robert L., Windsor, Missouri; and Mrs. Nellie Reynolds, Leeton, Missouri. In 1888, Mr. Garrett built the handsome residence, which is their present home. Mrs. Garrett died in January, 1913.

In 1875, Mr. Garrett purchased his grandmother's farm, consisting of two hundred sixty acres of land in Johnson county. He has since increased his holdings and is now the owner of three hundred twenty acres of fine farm land, most of which is in grass. Mr. Garrett devotes almost his entire attention to stock raising, dealing largely in Red Polled cattle and Duroc Jersey hogs. The Garrett stock farm is especially valuable, due to a deposit of coal underlying the place at a depth of sixty feet - a vein of perhaps more than five feet and of a splendid grade. The farm is well watered, having an overflowing natural spring. This spring furnished water for many of the early pioneers in the days gone by.

Almost seventy years ago, W. A. Garrett was born in the cabin home of his father on Johnson county. He has witnessed many changes in this country since the days of his boyhood. When he was a lad, there were no roads and very few fences, practically all the country being wide, open prairie. The settlers traveled by direction and they obtaiiied their supplies at Boonville or Lexington. Mr. Garrett hauled the lumber, with which to build their home, from Lexington, when the family first came to Johnson county. An old log cabin, the oldest house in Missouri, perhaps, is still standing on the farm now owned by ^^'. A. Garrett. He recalls with much pleasure the days of his youth, the "good, old days" of the long ago. Mr. Garrett states that the young people were not shy of simple pleasures and amusements and enjoyed themselves immensely at house-raisings, corn-husking parties, spinning, quilting, apple-paring "bees," and country dances. The social conditions were the very best and there was not to be found an inhospitable family in all the country. To travel on horseback was the invariable rule and everyone, who could possibly go, attended church, many men and women coming on horseback from long distances. Mr. Garrett remembers a pioneer preacher, having the same name as his own, who preached the doctrines of Ciiristiaiiily in the good-old fashioned way at Okl Sardis. Among some very vaitiable relics of the olden times, whicii W . A. Garrett has in his possession, are a skillet, a crane, and parts of a ver_\- primitive loom, the last mentioned having been brought to Missouri in tiie earliest days from Xorth Carolina.

J. W. Russell, a prosperous farmer and stockman of jelTerson township and stockholder in the I-'irst National I'.ank of W indsi.r. Missouri, is one of Johnson county's most valued pioneer citizens. He was born in 1845 in North Carolina, son of William A. and Ann (Wiley) Russell, the former, a son of Alexander Russell, who died in Tennessee, to which state he had moved from Xorth C.-irolina. and the latter, a daughter of \\'illiam and .Mary Wilex, of North Carolina. \\'illiam A. Russell moved with his familv to Missouri in iSOS and settled in Johnson coimt}-, where he purchased in 1S7(1 one hundred twenty acres of land in Jefferson township and engaged in farming. 'I'o William A. and Ann (Wiley) Russell were born four children the subject of this review Mrs. Lou Garrett. Windsor, ^lissom "Windsor, Missouri: and Mrs. Elizabeth Medley, deceased.

In the "subscription schools" of North Carolina, J. W. received his education. He came to Missouri with his parent^ and recalls '\i\idly the conditions of the coimtry at that time, county south of the present town of Bowen was unfenced, sod land. Hunting and fishing were important occupations, rather than pastimes, in the early days. Deer, wild tm-keys. prairie chickens, and wild geese were to be found in abundance and the pioneer settlers were never in want of meat, though there nn'ght he a dirth of other provisions. Mr. Russell often attended in his youth the old fashioned "singing schools" which he states one can never forget if he had once been present. Clothing was all made in the home and as a boy. he often watched the making of garments from the time the wool was cut from the sheep until they were ready to wear. His father washed the sheep and the mother carded and spun the wool, after he had cut it off. and she wove and colored it. all in the home, then made the cloth into clothes. There was always much that the children could do. The shoes were made in the homes of the early pioneers, the father making them for the erntire family, until later a shoemaker traveled from caliin to cabin, making shoes for all. Tt was difficult to provide shoes for all the family and often the little children, who were obliged to go barefooted, had to remain indoors all winter. Even grown people had to be economical with their shoes and Mr. Russell has often seen young ladies and men walk to church barefooted, carrying their shoes with them and when near the church stop to put them on. That was an excellent plan, especially if there were pools or streams to wade on the way, and it was the best way to save shoes. Among the first pioneer preachers, whom Mr. Russell remembers, were Reverend Joseph Warder, a Primitive Baptist minister. Reverend William Caldwell, a Missionary Baptist minister, and Reverend Dry. He also remembers two early day school teachers: J. H. Scott and A. W. Roberts.

In 1875, J. W. Russell was united in marriage with Lillian Garrett, the daughter of James W. Garrett, who came to Johnson county, Missouri,, in 1843. To J. W. and Lillian (Garrett) Russell have been born three children, who are now living: Mrs. Emma Myers, Bowen, Missouri; Adrian, Los Angeles, California; and Mrs. Elva Silvey. Pratt, Kansas. They built their first home in 1877 and in 1895 Mr. Russell rebuilt the residence, which is one of the beautiful homes of Johnson county a large, handsome structure of imposing appearance. The Russell place is well improved with two well-constructed barns and numerous farm buildings in keeping with the well-kept surroundings. Mr. Russell is a member of the Primitive Baptist church and has been clerk of the church for many years. He is also clerk of the Mt. Zion Association.

J. W. Russell is a public-spirited citizen and takes keen interest in civic affairs. For several terms he was justice of peace in Johnson county. Besides his home near Bowen, Missouri, he is owner of valuable property interests in Windsor, where he is also one of the stockholders in the First National Bank. He is a man of pleasing personality, courtly manners and kindly spirit and has countless friends in Johnson county, where his home has been for almost a half century.

George Franklin Moseley, Esq., an honored pioneer of Johnson county and justice of peace for the past twenty-five years, now residing in Jefiferson township, was born in 1838 in Christian county, Kentucky. He is a son of William C. and Louisa H (Shelton), Moseley. the former, a son of John Moseley. a well-known farmer in Kentucky, and the latter, a daughter of Beverly B. Shelton, who moved to Missouri from Kentucky in 1851. Mr. and Mrs. Moselev came to Missouri with their

The first stick to be found on the farm, on which the Moseley family settled, was placed there after tliey came. Practically all the county was open prairie and the land was covered with tall, coarse grass. The cattle of the early settlers were permitted to roam freely over the unlimited grazing territory. In his youth. .Mr. .Moselev could see plenty of deer, wild turkeys, and prairie chickens. The wild game was in great abundance and none of the pioneers ever wanted meat. Supplies were secured at Knob Noster. It was a great evem wiien the esttlers began to get mail regularly. At first, the letters were brought twice a month and. later, once a week by men on horseback. They carried little horns, which they blew loudly as they came into town and all the people would flock out of their cabins to meet them. The mail was placed in a large box and each person would look over all the letters and take those wdfich belonged to him. There were no public schools in Johnson county when Squire Moseley came here. All the children, who attended school, went to "subscription schools." which were held in log houses, having puncheon benches and floor. Among the first teachers, whom he recalls, were Paschal Henshaw and Miss Mellie Peters. Mr. Moseley was one of the men wdio worked hard to secure the free school and for years was clerk of Brushy district in Johnson county. The churches were even more primitive than the schools and for a long time meeting.s were held in the rude log cabin homes. The preacher was a pioneer and hunter just like the rest of the settlers. ?dr. Moseley remembers Reverends Frank Goodwin, "Uncle Billy" Cahhvell. McCary and Whitsett. Families came in wagons, drawn by a yoke of oxen, to hear the preaching, to which all listened with the greatest respect. Squire Moseley possesses an unusually retentive memory and besides recalling the land conditions, the early mails, the first schools, and churches, he has a vivid recollection of some of the many hardshhips through which all the settlers passed. One of the ever-dreaded evils was the prairie fire and. countless times, G. F. ^Moseley and Robert Wall were called upon to aid in fighting the oncoming flames. Those were the exciting times in the olden days.

In 1861, G. F. ]Moselev was united in marriage with Mary J. Moseley, daughter of George W. ?*roseley. who was one of the first settlers of Johnson countv, coming to this section of the state in 1852. To G. F.

and Mary J. Aloseley have been born four children, who are Hving: John W.. Calhoun, Missouri; Mrs. Sarah H. Payne, Windsor, Missouri; George W., Sedalia, Missouri; and Oscar O., Windsor, Missouri. Squire Moseley is owner of sixty acres of land, which he has rented. He is living retired in Jefferson township, where for the past twenty-five years he has been justice of peace. When Judge Cockrell was prosecuting attorney of Johnson county, he had many cases in Squire Moseley's court, and he has ever been one of Jiis most highly valued friends. For more than a quarter century. Squire Moseley has been in public life and he has innumerable friends and acquaintances in this part of the state. He is a worthy member of the Methodist Episcopal church, South, of which he has been steward and trustee for many years.

On the Moseley place near Knob Noster is standing an old log house, which he built in 1866 and which was the Moseley home for many years. This cabin is an interesting reminder of the days long past.

Albert Crawford Fitch, proprietor of "Hilldale Stock Farm," which is located one-half mile east of Columbus, Missouri, is one of the progressive, intelligent, up-to-date farmers and stockmen of Johnson county. He is a native of this county. Mr. Fitch was born December 25, 1868 in Columbus township, a son of James Madison and Martha (Davis) Fitch, the former, a native of Kentucky and the latter, of Missouri. James Madison Fitch came to Johnson county, Missouri, from Iventucky in 1866 and settled on the farm where he now resides. Martha (Davis) Fitch was a daughter of William Davis, a native of North Carolina, a well-known and prominent pioneer of Columbus township. Mrs. William Davis was a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. McFarland, of Tennessee. Mrs. Davis was born in Tennessee. Mrs. Fitch died about November 21, 1895. To James Madison and Martha Fitch were born seven children, who are now living: C. G., a farmer of Centerview township, Johnson county: Forrest, of Centerview township, Johnson county: James E., who resides in Texas: Mrs. Mahala Phillips, of Centerview township: Mrs. Nellie Mosby, of Columbus township: Mrs. Anna Faulkner, Lafayette county, Missouri: and A. C. the subject of this review.

In the Wolden district school .\. C. Fitch obtained a good commonschool education. At the age of twenty-two years, he began life for himself, engaged in farming and stock raising in Columbus township. He purchased his present farm in 1Q02. "Hilldale Stock Farm" was formerly owned by William Hou.x. a pioneer of Johnson county, who settled here in the early tliirties. The original farm comprised but one hundred tifty acres of land, to which Mr. Fitch has since added and now "Hilldale Stock Farm" embraces three hundred five acres of valuable farm land in Columbus township. The place is alnmdantly watered and is generally conceded to l)e the best stuck farm in the township. ;\lr. Fitch has added many improvements since he became the owner and the farm has now three good residences and five splendid barns on it. A new barn has just been completed, 40 .\ 50 feet in dimensions and eighteen feet to square, with a concrete foundation, lioxing of walnut and frame of white oak, and the post supports all set in concrete. Mr. Fitch usually keeps from seventy-five to one hundred hogs on the farm, sixty head of Shropshire sheep, some of which are registered, and forty head of cattle, besides a herd of calves. A number of the cattle are registered Durhams. Mr. Fitch has thirteen acres of the place in alfalfa and he had already cut it three times last year, of 1917, and at the time of this writing, had harvested fifty-five large loads from the small field. He thinks that alfalfa is a splendid paying proposition. "Hilldale Stock Farm" is conveniently located on the Columbus and Warrensburg road.

A. C. Fitch and Adah Holderman. daughter of Gilderoy and Jane Holderman, were united in marriage on Octoljer 7, 1894. ]\Irs. Fitch is a native of Bates county, Missouri, and at the time of her marriage was residing in the state of Washington. Both her parents are now deceased. To Mr. and ]\Irs. A. C. Fitch have been l:)orn ten children, all of whom are now living: Mattie E.. born September 31, 1895, at home; Mary C, born May 5, 1897, who is engaged in teaching school at the Liberty school house near her home; Esther F., born July 2, 1899, a student in the Warrensburg High School; Albert H, born June 10, 1901, a student in the Warrensburg High School; James Sherman, born July 29, 1903; Louis Ouentin. born September 27, 1905; .\da Cava, born September 23. 1907; Hadley. born December 29. 1909; B?ulah .\iJene, born March 12. 1912; and Rodney Bee, born March 27, 1914, all at home with their parents. Mr. Fitch possesses some very e.xcellent ideas about farm management which he is successfully putting in operation on his place. He is constantly at work making substantial improvements and has made an enviable name for himself among the best stockmen of this part of Missouri. The Fitch family is one of the most valued and respected families in Johnson county.

Mrs. Adah (Holderman) Fitch was born October 22, 1873, in Bates county, Missouri, a daughter of Gilderoy and Jane (Francis) Holderman. Gilderoy Holderman was born in Wyandotte county, Ohio, January IZ, 1833, a son of Jacob Holderman, of German descent ,born in Pennsylvania. Gilderoy Holderman came to Missouri and settled in Bates county in 1857. He died in the state of Washington October 28, 1883, where he had gone in 1881 : was a Union veteran and was wounded in battle. Jane (Francis) Holderman, born near Joliet, IlHnois, February 16, 1838, a daughter of Thomas B. and Hannah Francis, natives of Ireland and Holland, respectively. The Francis family came to Bates county in 1856. Governor David R. Francis is a relative of Mrs. Fitch. Mrs. Holderman died February 14, 1890. There were ten Holderman children, three living: Mrs. Louisa J. Danielson, '\^'aitsburg, ^^'ashington : Mrs. Fitch : and Arthur B., Portland, Oregon.

J. J. Phillips, of \\'indsor, Missouri, is a descendant of one of the most respected and honored of the earl}- colonial families and the son of a leading pioneer of Johnson county. He was born in 1857 in Johnson county. Missouri, son of Charles P. and Louisiana Phillips, the former a son of Jesse Phillips, a prominent farmer in Kentucky and the latter, a daughter of John Coats, ex-sheriff of Callaway county, ^Missouri. Charles P. Phillips came to Johnson county, Missouri, about 1850 and settled in Jefferson township, where he homesteaded one hundred twenty acres of land and engaged in farming and stock raising. He was at one time, prior to the Civil War, justice of peace in this county. Mr. Phillips was industrious, capable, and enterprising and succeeded well in life. He was held in the highest esteem by all and his death in 1899 was mourned by countless men and women throughout the county. He was a valued and worthy member of the Presbyterian church, of which he had been an estimable deacon for many years. Ten years later, in 1909. he was followed in death by his wife. Louisiana (Coats') Phillips, one of the bravest and noblest of the pioneer women, who came to Johnson county in those early days. J. J. Philliiis has but one sister living: Mrs. Mattie Steele, Marshall, Missouri.

In early youth, J. J. Phillips began life for himself on the farm. For many years he engaged in general farming and stock raising, but recently he has been devoting practically his entire attention to the stock business. He is now the owner of two hundred eighty acres of the best farm land and one hundred acres are in pasture. The Phillips stock

In 1883, J. J. Phillips was united in marriage with Lula Peak, the daughter of George \\'. and Eliza (Draper) Peak, the former, a son of William Peak, a prosperous farmer and stockman, who was one of the earliest settlers of Missouri. George W. and Eliza (Draper) Peak were the parents of the following children: Mrs. Carrie McDonald: Mrs.' Lula Phillips, the wife of the subject of this review; Mrs. P>ettie L.'impkin: Mrs. Georgia \\heeler: Mrs. Jessie Cooper: Robert H. : and C. E. Peak. To J. J. and Lula (Peak) Phillips have been born five children: Charles, Windsor, Missouri, Rm-al Route 1.^: Jesse, ^^'indsor. .Missduri. Rural Route LS ; Mrs. Fay Gunter, l-.ldon. Missouri : Russell P.. Windsor, Missouri; and Lawrence P.. Windsor, Missouri. Mr. and Mrs. Phillips moved from the farm to Windsor. Missouri, in order to give their children the best educational advantages, but Mr. Phillips is still a citizen of Johnson county and he inaintains the supervision of his farm in Jefiferson township. The genealogy of Mrs. J. J. Phillips traces l)ack to Augvistine and ^lary (Ball) Washington, of Westmoreland countv. Virginia, who were the parents of six children, one of whom was the world-renowned George Washington.

Sixty years ago. J. J. Phillips was liorn in Johnson count v. .\ianv changes, incidental to growth and improvement, have taken place in this section of Missouri during the past half century and Mr. Phillips has been an eye witness of them all. He can recall when there were but few settlers in the count}- and most of the land was unfenced prairie. In those early days the young and old rode on hoi seback to church and people came from great distances to hear the pioneer preachers, among whom he remend^ers. Rev. B. E. Goodwin. "Uncle Billy"' Lawler. and "L'ncle Billy" Caldwell. Of the early day school teachers were two, whom he personally knew well. Mrs. Bright and Mollie Baunaugh.

Judge J. C. Wingfield, ex-judge of the county court of Johnson county. Missouri, is a son of one of the old jMoneers and a member of one of the first families of Johnson county. He was born in a little log cabin, having one room below. 18x18 feet in dimensions, and a "loft" above, which his father bad built in 1848. Judge Wingfield was born in 1858, the son of J. C. and Mary R. J. C. Wingfield was a son of William Wingfield. a native X'irginian. who came to Missouri in 1835 and entered a large tract of land from the government. J. C. Wingfield engaged almost entirely in farming, for in the early days stock raising was not profitable, there being no good markets, as there are at the present time. He was a capable, industrious, intelligent agriculturist and his efforts were rewarded with a fine degree of success, for he was the owner at one time of more than five hundred fifty acres of the choicest farm land in the state. In the latter part of his life, he engaged more and more in the stock business. His death occurred in 1870.

After the death of his father in 1870. J. C. W'ingfield, with his brother, Newton, assumed charge of the farm in Johnson county. When Judge Wingfield was a lad, one might travel miles in Johnson county and ne\'er see a settlement. Those were the halcyon days of the cattlemen, for stock had unlimited range over the wide, unfenced prairie. He attended a "subscription school," which was held in the old Highpoint log church, where "Uncle Billy" Caldwell used to preach, and where Miss Sally Coleman taught school. He recalls seeing hundreds of wild turkeys, as he looked out the church window, when at school. Families came to church in wagons, drawn by oxen. The first buggy, which was ever seen in this section of the country, was brought here in 1875 and was regarded as a curiosity.

There was little that one would call cozy or comfortable about the log cabin, in which Judge Wingfield was born and reared. When it snowed, one could track the family as they had moved about the room. There was one beautiful feature about the home and that was the open fire. The fireplace was immense and great logs could be burned in it, which would crackle and snap during the long winter evenings and fill the rude, unfinished room with bright, rosy heat. By the fireside the mother would sit with her knitting, spinning, or quilting while the father read his Bible or smoked his pipe and sometimes as the fire blazed, storytelling helped to while away the evening hours. The fireplace would accommodate a backlog five or six feet long and was large enough for roasting an entire sheep. Of course, all food was cooked at this open fire. Over it swung a great iron crane, on which kettles could be swung. The mother had a large iron skillet with legs and heavy lid in which she baked bread by placing coals on the lid and under the skillet. Sometimes she made "Johnny cake," which was corn bread baked on a board, set up close to the fire until one side was done and then turned to let the other side bake. No one ever ate food which seemed so good as that cooked before the fire. The fire was not permitted to go out, but at night the coals would be covered with ashes, for it was no easy mat- ter to start a fire, which had to be done with tiint. Matches were not to be had, when Judge Wingfield was a hid. All the clothing was made in the Wingfield home by the mother, who carded the wool, spun, wove, colored, and fashioned it into clothing for the entire familv. Mr. Wingfield took a wagon load of bacon to Warsaw, Missouri, and sold the bacon for two and a half cents a pound in order to buy a cookstove, for which he paid twenty-eight dollars.

In 1883, J. C. Wingfield was united in marriage with Viola Herndon, the daughter of James and Sarah Herndon. pioneer settlers of Missouri. To. J. C. and Viola (Herndon) Wingfield have been born three sons: Xewton, who resides at Baker City, Oregon; Stanley and Clinton. Judge Wingfield is the owner of five hundretl acres of splendid land in Johnson county, and some valuable farm land in Oklahoma. He is engaged in both farming and stock raising, having adoptetl the policy of planting corn each alternate year, devoting the land to pasture during the intervals, so that he is constantly building up the fertility of his soil and the Wingfield farm is growing better every year. He has learned from experience that wheat and oats crops have not paid and he is of the opinion held by all the best informed agriculturists, that it is foolish for Missouri to attempt to compete with other states in the growing of these crops, when there are other products as valuable, which can better be raised in this section of the countr}-.

J. C. Wingfield was elected judge of the county court in Johnson count}' in 1894. His name is carved on the tablet stone in the W'arrensburg court house as one of the builders and as r, member of the court at that time. He is and has always been one of Johnson county's most highly valued citizens.

A. D. Cooper, an honored and highly esteemed pioneer of Johnson county and a meinber of one of the first families of Missouri, is a prosperous and influential farmer and stockman of Jefferson township. He was born in 1850 in Johnson county. :\Iissouri. in a log house, consisting of four rooms two below and two above, which is still standing on the farm now owned by Mr. Cooper. He is a son of A. J. and Eliza J. (McDonald") Cooper. A. J. Cooper was a son of David Cooper, who came to Missouri from Kentucky in 1832 and entered a vast tract of land from the government. Purchasing the "right"' to the land from Joshua Gillam. A. J. Cooper, the father of the subject of this review, settled on a farm in Johnson countv. which place he entered from the government.

He was a native Kentuckian and was especially interested in stock, devoting much time and attention to stock raising in addition to farming. He prospered and became widely known as a successful and leading citizen of the county, being considered one of the wealthy men of his day. He was at one time owner of six hundred acres of land in Johnson county. His death occurred in 1888. Eliza Jane (McDonald) Cooper was born in 1820 in Howard county, Missouri. She was the daughter of Isaac McDonald, who moved with his family to Johnson county about 1830. Mrs. Cooper followed her husband in death in 1893.

Educational opportunities were very limited in Missouri when A. D. Cooper was a lad. There were no public schools before the Civil War and the "subscription schools'' lasted but a few months in the year and even when the school was open big boys and girls could not always go for there was much work to be done at home. Early in life, he began working for himself on the farm of one hundred acres given him by his father.

In 1870, A. D. Cooper and Mary Frances Peak, the daughter of G. ^^^ Peak, were united in marriage. G. W. Peak went to California in 1849, at the time the entire country was wild with excitement over the discovery of gold in Captain Sutter's millrace in that state. More fortunate than the thousands of emigrants, who died on the way, he reached California and for some time remained there, returning to Johnson county within a few years. His death occurred in 1880. To A. D. and Mary Frances (Peak) Cooper w^ere born three children: George F., Windsor, Missouri and Eliza, J., wdio is the wife of Mr. Stiles, of Windsor, Missouri: and one died in infancy. The death of Mary F. (Peak) Cooper occurred in 1875. In 1892, Mr. Cooper was married to Parthena Drace, who died in 1904. He was again married in 1911, his wife being Ella R. (Craig) Cooper, the daughter of J. and Louisa Craig, natives of North Carolina, who came to Missouri in a very early day from Tennessee. Mr. Cooper is the owner of two hundred acres of land in Johnson county, most of his place being in pasture. He devotes his time and attention to stock raising, in which he has been successful to a remarkable degree.

Many times in the early days, Mr. Cooper broke sod in Johnson county, driving three and four yoke of oxen. There was much open land, which w^as covered with a heavy growth of blue-stem prairie grass that grew to a great height. Wild game was in abundance and thou- sands of times Mr. Cooper has eaten dried venison. He has seen prairie chickens, in trees, as thick as blackbirds. Prairie fires were always feared and fire guards were kept burning around the farms of the early settlers. Supplies were secured at Boonville and Warsaw and hauled from there. Mr. Cooper recalls the pathetic and tragic accident, which occurred in his youth, when an old colored man. Nathan, was sent to Blackwater with a wagon drawn by oxen. He was to bring home provisions and while on the way drove into what appeared to be but a small pool, but which was really a very deep hole filled with water, because the oxen smelled water and nuule for the pool, jumjied off a bank and the yokes held their heads under water. Both driver and team were drowned.

No one in Johnson county is better informed than A. 1). Cooper as to the pioneers of Johnson county. Having lived in tliis count\- all his life and possessing a remarkalde memor\-. he can i-emend)er manv of the county's first families and the leading men and women, who mo\-e(I amid the scenes of the life long past and have gone on liefore. It is a service to humanity of inestimal)Ie \alue to wrest their names from oblivion. Among the pioneer preachers, whom he recalls, were: Re\- erends Adams, "Uncle Bill)'"' Caldwell, Frank Goodwin, all of whom were Baptist ministers: and Reverends George Langdon and Allen ^^'right, who were Christian' ministers. Several of the early day teachers were: Edward C. Ixearn: I'abius Butler, who had a stock story about peeling trees, which he told on every occasion, until he finally wore it and everyone out; Damos Stiles. ]\Iarsh Foster. "Rube" Sharp and Ham Smith. The following were some of the first families, who resided in Johnson county: Stiles, Owsley, Phillips, Clark, W'oodard, Gibson, Goodwin, Farris, Gray. \\'ingfield. Neil, Draper, and Peak families.

Air. Cooper has experienced all the hardships and privations of pioneer life and as he nears the seventieth milestone the recollection of all the hard, bitter days fades and in its place is a pleasant remembrance of countless bright, happy ones of long ago. A\'hen he was a young man. there was no dirth of amusements in Johnson county. Ilie young people enjoved themselves innnensely at house-raisings, dancing, and corn-husking parties, and social gatherings for spinning, apple-paring, quilting, and singing. There were "spelling bees" and "singing schools" and the young men and women rode miles across the prairie on horse-

^[r. and Mrs. Cooper are numbered among Johnson county's most respected citizens. We are particularly fortunate in having such a man as Mr. Cooper still with us, to aid in recording the past history of this beautiful county, the countless advantages of which could never exist were it not that hardy, brave men and women, such as he, lived and worked here long ago.

Mrs. Belle (Carter) Young, widow of Elijah W. Young, the late prominent farmer and stockman of Hazel Hill township, is a member of a well-known and highly respected pioneer family of Missouri. She was born in Cape Girardeau county, the daughter of Howard and Mary (Thompson) Alton Carter, the father, a native of Litchfield, Maine. Howard P. Carter came to Missouri in 1847 and settled in Cape Girardeau county, where he followed the profession of teaching. He was an attorney in Litchfield, Maine prior to his coming West. Mary (Thompson) Alton Carter was the widow of John Alton and the mother of one child, a son, Amasa R. Alton, now of Pitman, Arkansas, previous to her marriage with Howard P. Carter. To Howard P. and Mary Carter were born two children: Howard P.. Jr., Pitman. Arkansas; and Mrs. Belle (Carter) Young, the subject of this review. The father died in 1861 and the mother in 1910. Both parents are interred in the cemetery in Cape Girardeau county. Mr. and Mrs. Carter were upright, noble-minded, estimable citizens, a father and mother worthy of the highest praise and respect.

Mrs. Belle (Carter) Young was a student of the Cape Girardeau Normal School. For six years prior to her marriage, she was engaged in teaching school. November 18, 1886, Elijah W. Young and Belle Carter were united in marriage and they went immediately after their marriage to "Edgewood Farm," the present home of Mrs. Young. Elijah W. Young was born in 1843 in White county, Illinois. When he was a child two years of age, his father, Elijah Young. Sr., moved with his wife and child from Illinois to Missouri and settled on a tract of land comprising five hundred acres, of which a part is now known as "Edgewood Farm." The original farm was entered from the government by Elijah Young, Sr., whose death occurred April 15, 1887 on this place. His wife had preceded him in death but one week, her death occurring April 8, 1887. Both parents were interred in Hobson cemetery. Elijah

Elijah W. Young received his education in tlie public schools of Johnson county. From early manhood, he was engaged in the pursuits of farming, stock raising, and horticulture. Air. Young was one of the very first to plant a commercial orchard in Johnson county. His orchard embraced eight acres of land and was exclusively an apple orchard, with which he made a marked success. As a stockman. Air. Young was equally as successful as he was as a horticulturist. He raised registered jacks, fine mules, horses, cattle, and hogs . At first, he kept Berkshire hogs, but later, he preferred the Duroc Jersey breed, of which he raised a large number. His death came in January, 1916, and burial was made in Hobson cemetery, where his parents were laid to rest. Elijah W. Young was an industrious, capable, intellectual citizen, whose long life of more than the allotted three score years and ten was an exemplary one. He had experienced ail the privations and hardships of pioneer days, but he always spoke of tliem in a happy, jovial way. Mr. Young apparently believed that it is "the voice that ever singeth in the heart, that makes living worth the while," for he never made an exhibition of his cares and worries, always trying to keep that voice singing in his own heart and in the hearts of those about him.