Linn County, Missouri - Chapter 26: Parsons Creek Township, 1882 (part 2 of 2)

Fkancis M. James

son of Levi W. and Eliza {nee Eaton) James, was born in Logan county, Ohio, January 5, 1838. When a small boy his parents moved to Knox county, Illinois, where he was brought up on a farm and educated at the -common schools. At the age of fifteen years he was apprenticed to the carpenter's trade. In 1860 he removed with his parents to Chillicothe, Missouri. During the year 1861 Mr. James acted in the capacity of scout and guide for the Federal troops in this part of the State. In 1862 he enlisted in the Fourth Missouri Provincial Eegiment and served two years, participating in numerous skirmishes and in scouting expeditions. In 1864 he enlisted in the Forty-fourth Missouri Yolunteer Regiment, and served in A. J. Smith's command until the close of the war, having taken part in the battles of Columbia, Spring Hill, Franklin, Nashville and Spanish Fort, Tennessee, besides numerous other skirmishes. He was mustered out of service at St. Louis, August 19, 1865, with the rank of sergeant. Mr. James located at Meadville that year and lias been a resident of that place ever since, he being the only one left of those who were living there when he settled in the town. Mr. James has worked at his trade and also engaged in the drug business there, his father having started thelHrst drug store in Meadville. lie bought out his brother's interest in the drug store in 1880, and is now doing a first rate business, his experience and business qualifications enabling him to build up a popular t)'ade, and to stand high, in the community as an enterprising citizen.

James B. Johnson

is a son of Scarlet and Amelia {nee Burns) Johnson, and was born in Clermont county, Ohio, October 22, 1831. He grew to manhood in his native county, and received his education in the common schools. His mother died when he was eigiit years old, and his father when he was twelve, thus leaving him orphaned at that early age. Young James found a home with his aunt, a married sister of his mother's, and was well treated by her and family. This kindness he repaid by remaining w'ith them as a faithful friend, looking after their comfort and happiness till both aunt and husband were laid in their graves. In 1861 he enlisted in the One Hundred and Fiftythird Regiment of Ohio "hundred days' men," in which he served his full time doing duty in Virginia. After the war, he tended his uncle's farm, remaining unmarried till his uncle's death. March 15, 1868, he married Miss Martha J. Riggs, daughter of George Riggs, Esquire, of Ohio. Soon afterwards he moved to Meadville, Linn county, Missouri, to the farm on which he now resides, and which he had purchased in 1865. His place adjoins the corporation of Meadville, and he has it well improved with a line residence and other improvements to con-espond. Mr. Johnson is a live, go-ahead man, and is just that kind of a citizen that it takes to develop and improve a new country.

John Mc Nicholas

son of l^atrick and Mary (nee Casey) McNicholas, was born in Mayo county, Ireland, March 10, 1831, where he lived until 181'J, when he went to England, lived there two years, and in 1852 emigrated to the United States, landing at New Orleans in February of that year. He followed railroading in 1853 in Indiana, and in 1854 worked on the Mississippi Central road; in 1855-56 he was employed on the Memphis & Charleston Railroad in Alabama; came to Missouri in 1857 and worked for the Hannibal & St. Joseph Railroad, and in 1862 located at Meadville, where he had been section boss on the latter road for seventeen years. In 1879 Mr. McNicholas gave up railroading and has since been engaged in farming. He owns a farm of 640 acres and a fine residence in town, and all this has been accumulated, notwithstanding he began life at the age of seventeen years without a dollar, and his father dead. Mr. McNicholas was married September 16, 1855,. to Miss Bridget Kennedy, of Cincinnati, and a native of Ireland. She died

April 13, 1860, leaving three children, John, William, and Michael. Mr. McNicholas was again married November 6, 1861, to Miss Bridget Carter, daughter of Patrick and Catharine {oiee Moran) Carter, of Livingston countj, Missouri. By this union there were ten children; those living are named Patrick H., Martin J., Katie E., Mary J., James S., Margaret, and Posa. Mr. McNicholas has held the offices of school trustee and councilman.

George H. Mc Kay

son of John and Phoebe {nee Gale) McKay, was born in Lucas county, Ohio, October 21, 1847, where he lived until 1857, when, with his mother, his father being dead, he removed to St. Joseph, Missouri, and in 1861 went to Colorado, where his mother died. Four years later he came back to St. Joseph, served an apprenticeship at the harness and saddle trade, and in 1867 came to Meadville, Linn count}', and worked two years for H. Black. He then run a harness shop himself until 1872, when he followed farming three years, at the end of which time he again engaged in the harness and saddle business, and has now a large and flourishing trade, doing a business which amounts to several thousand dollars a year. He filled the office of constable in 1869-70. Mr. McKay was married March 10, 1872, to Miss Mary E. Geren, daughter of Lewis and Celia Geren, of Meadville, formerly of Tennessee. Mr. McKay is a popular, trustworthy, and valuable citizen.

Abe Marks

whose portrait appears in this volume, is the son of Alfred and Catharine {nee Ward) Marks, and was born in Haverstraw, Rockland county, New York, December 25, 1843. His father is a wholesale merchant in New York City, and followed merchandizing in Haverstraw. Abe's early life was passed in his father's store and in attending school. His mother died when he was but six years old, and when he was fourteen years of age he went to New York City, and was employed by the New York & Erie Railroad as bill clerk, for two years. In 1864 Mr. Marks came to Hannibal, Missouri, where he was employed as a clerk and agent on the Hannibal <fe St. Joseph Railroad. In 1866 he went to Nevada and became superintendent of the Philadelphia & Colorado gold mines. He held this position eighteen months and returned to Missouri in the fall of 1867. Locating at Meadville, Linn county, Mr. Marks engaged in the lumber business and followed it until 18S0. When he first settled there he took an active interest in the prospects of the town and was instrumental in having its name changed from Bottsville to Meadville. For several years he has been the agent for the sale of town lots, and to his sagacity and energy the place is largely indebted for its prosperity and growth. Mr. Marks has been a school director and has been a justice of the peace for eight years, during which time he has never had a decision reversed by any higher court. At present he holds the offices of township clerk, assessor and notary public. The latter office was tendered him in 1869 by Governor Fletcher, in 1873 by Governor McClurg, in 1877 by Governor Phelps, and again in 1881 by Governor Crittenden. Mr. Marks was married October 11, 1871, to Miss Minnie Geren, daughter of Lewis and Celia Geren, of Meadville, natives of Tennessee. By this union there are five children : Helen, Edwin C., Paul T., Harold, and Abe. Mr. Marks is just in the prime of a vigorous manhood, and, judging by his past, he may reasonably look forward to a useful, happy, and brilliant future.

Drias L. Madden

Is a son of Silas and Sebelah (Johnson) Madden, and was born in Monroe -county, New York, September 1, 1840. He grew up in his native county, receiving a common school education, and there engaged in farming, to vocation he had been reared. In 1868 he came to Linn county and farmed for the first three years. He then began selling nursery stock, in he continued five years, or till he began merchandizing at Meadville in 1876. On coming to this county Mr. Madden had but two dollars in the world, though he is now one of the leading merchants of Meadville, carrying a grocery stock averaging $10,000 per year. He owns three store buildings, two residences, and thirty-five acres of land, twenty acres of which is laid, out in town lots at Meadville. Mr. Madden was married September 19, 1860, to Miss Eliza Hinton, daughter of Simeon and Sarah Hinton, formerly Monroe county, New York. Three sons have been born of this union, all of whom still survive, named William E., Arthur F., and Frank L. Mr. Madden is a member of the A. O. U. W., and is one of the livest citizens of Meadville, and he is liberal in donating to all charitable measures and to public improvements.

Rev. George W. Myers

The subject of this sketch was born in Harrison county, Ohio, February 27, 1840. He is the son of Samuel and Mary E, {nee Connell) Myers, and was reared on a farm in his native count3% receiving a common school education. In 1864 he moved to Champaign county, Illinois, and in 1865 removed to this State, coming to Linn county and locating near Meadville in Parsons Creek township. He bought 80 acres of land, but did not at once begin farming, but worked for wages one year as a farm laborer. In 1866 he began farming on his own land, and is still 80 engaged. xVpril 16, 1868, he married Miss Sarah A. Neal, daughter of James and Elizabeth Neal. They have had three children by this union, one of whom, Mary E., is still living. Mr. Myers joined the Methodist Episcopal Church when sixteen years of age. and being an earnest and sincere Christian and greatly concerned for the welfare of hisfellow men, felt it his duty to preach the gospel of the "Meek Nazarine.'^ Accordingly, he rented his farm in 1874, and moved to Glasgow, Missouri. To better prepare himself for his new field of labor, he attended Lewis College at that place for two years, and in 1876 was assigned to a circuit in Chariton county. But the low lands of the bottoms gave him the fever and ague, so impairing his health that he was forced to abandon his work and retire to his farm in Parsons Creek township. He has increased his original purchase, till he now owns 160 acres of good land, which he has well improved. On coming to Linn he had a cash capital of only $200, but he has thrived by prudence and industry till he now owns good property. His wife is also a zealous member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and they both labor faithfully in the vineyard of the Lord, looking cheerfully forward to the time when the Master shall say: "Come up higher."

William Eobbins, Deceased

son of William and Nancy (nee Sloan) Robbins was born in Westmorland county, Pennsylvania, June 24, 1834. He was raised in his native county and in addition to the educational facilities afforded by hiscounty, he received the benefit of a course at Duff's Mercantile College at Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where he graduated in 1853. In 1854 he went to California, where he was engaged in teaching school for two years. He returned in 1856 and in 1858 moved to Linn county, Missouri, to the place "where his widow now resides. After moving to Missouri he was engaged in farming and teaching school. He was a strong Union man, and in 1860 cast the only vote for Abraham Lincoln for President that was cast in Parsons Creek township. During the war he served as first lieutenant of one of Linn county's companies of Missouri State Militia. He was a man of intelligence, an estimable and worthy citizen, enjoying the respect and confidence of hi& fellow men. He was married February 4, 1858, to Miss Martha C. Christy, daughter of Andrew and Eliza {nee Ekin) Christy, of Allegheny county, Pennsylvania. Mr. Robbins died October 31, 1868, leaving seven children, six of whom are still living: Elizabeth E., Nannie A., Charles F., Margaret C, William C, and Birdie M. The oldest at the time of his death being less than ten years of age. His widow certainly deserves great credit for her care and management in the raising of so many children left in their tender years without the aid of a father's protecting hand. Mr. Robbins,. by his energy and industry had acquired 240 acres of land, which he left for a home to his bereaved family.

John W. Rudder

cated there in the common schools. He followed farming in that county until 1851, when he located at Linneus, Linn county, and was engaged chiefly in merchandizing until 18G9. From 1856 to 1860 he tilled the office of deputy sheriff of Linn county; was also constable for nine years and township assessor two terms. In 1870 he removed to his farm south of Meadville and was engaged upon it until 1881, when he located at Meadville, and went into the grocery business in partnership with A. P. Barton. Mr. Rudder owns a well improved farm of 255 acres, besides his merchandizing, and has made all by his energy, honesty, and economy. Mr, Itudder was married April 12, 1857, to Miss Elizabeth Goldman, daughter of Jacob and Susan Goldman, of Linn county, Missouri, formerly of Kentucky. By this union there were four children, three of whom are living: Elizabeth, Clara and Samuel. Mr. and Mrs. Kudder are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church South, and are popular with all who know them.

son of Francis and Nancy (nee Collins) Rodgers, was born in Boone county, Missouri, June 26, 1840; was reared on a farm and received his education at the common schools. His father died when he was but two months old and his mother sometime afterward, he being thus early in life lelt an orphan and without any resources. In 1859 he commenced the study of medicine, but the war breaking out he left his books and joined the army, enlisting first in Kinney's battalion, in the State Guards, under Governor Jackson's call. He afterwards enlisted in the Sixteenth Confederate Missouri Infantry, General Parson's division, and was in the battles of Boonville, Fulton,sLexington, and Dry Wood. He served till the does of the war, having been captured three times. He escaped from the Federal prison at Columbia, Missouri, and St. Louis, Missouri, after being there three months; and also made his escape from a train of cars, by leaping through a window, after having been captured at Paris, Illinois; this time he made his way through Kentucky, back to his command. After the war Dr. Rogers returned to Boone county and resumed his medical studies, receiving his education mostly at the St. Louis Medical College. In 1867 he commenced the practice of his profession at Brown's Station, Boone county, Missouri, and in 1869 located at Meadville, Linn county, where he has since resided and enjoyed a large and lucrative practice. Dr. Rogers is a popular and public spirited citizen, and is a member of the A. O. U. W. lodge.

was born in Monroe county, Michigan, June 16, 1833. He is the son of AValter and Catharine Reynolds, and was reared and educated in his native county. At the age of twenty-one, he began running ou the Rock Island Railroad as engineer, remaining in the service of the road for five years. In the spring of 1861, he came to Brookfield, this county, and ran on the Hannibal & St. Joseph Railroad as engineer for four years. He was freight conductor on the same line for the succeeding ten years. In 1877 and 1878, he was engineer on the Central Branch of the Pacific Raih-oad, running between Atchison and Greenleaf. During the years 1879 and 1880, he was engineer on tlie Union Pacific, liaving spent twenty-six years in railroading. He then retired to a farm he had bought in Parsons Creek township, and is still engaged in that quiet vocation. Mr. Reynolds was married in 1859 to Miss Eiizabetli Mattliews, daughter of James and Catharine {?iee Draper) Matthews, of Washington, Iowa. He owns a neat, well improved little farm of eighty acres, where he expects to end his days in quietude. The long and exciting life of railroading that he has led, will furnish food for reflection, and many pleasant reminiscences will recur to his memory as he grows old, of the days when he sped through space on the back of the "steam dragon."

John A. Smiley

son of John and Jane Smiley, was born in Augusta county, Virginia, September 13, 1823. His mother's name before marriage was Steel. When a small boy, his parents moved to Rockbridge count}', Virginia, where he lived until eighteen years of age. He then started out in life for himself. He went to Franklin county, Ohio, having on his arrival but fifty cents in pocket. Here he remained two years. He then moved to Adams county, Ohio, where he married and lived till 1854, when he moved to Louisa county, Iowa. In 1867, he moved to Putnam county, Missouri, and in 1875 to Linn county, Missouri, the place where he now lives. He held the office of township trustee in Adams county, Ohio, and was school director and secretary of the school board for three years in Louisa county, Iowa. Mr. Smiley is a highly respected and valuable citizen. He owns three hundred and ten acres of land, which he has acquired by his own industry. He was married in 1843 to Miss Nancy Ann Cornelius, daughter of James and Jane {nee Campbell) Cornelius, of Adams county, Ohio. Her father was a native of Virginia, and a soldier in the War of 1812. By this union, he had thirteen children, twelve of whom are living: Jane E., James K, Mary M., John A., William A., Hadaca M., Sarah V., Louisa A., George W., Robert B., Henry S., Frank L., all of whom, except four, are married.

Michael D. Smith

son of Michael and Sarah Smith, was born in Rowan county, North Carolina, December 10, 1830, where he lived until he was twenty six years old.

His father died before the son was born, and his mother died when he was fourteen years old, he being thrown out into the world upon his own resources. Learning the carpenter's trade, he worked at it until 1S56, when he removed to Wayne county, Iowa, and in 1860 came to Linn county, Missouri, where he has since been a resident. He followed his trade and fanning until 1881, when he and his son, James M., engas^ed in the grocery business, and constitute one of the leading firms of Meadville, carrying a tine stock and doing an extensive business. Mr. Smith has filled the oflfice of school director, constable, and justice of the peace, and has been a member of the Masonic order since ISS-i. He was married in 1854 to Miss Sarah E. Hendricks, of llandolph county, l^orth Carolina. By this union there were seven children, six of whom are living: James M., Emmerett, William M., Sarah L., George and Elmore. Mr. and Mrs. Smith are consistent and active members of the Methodist Episcopal Church South.

son of John K. and Eleanor (nee Davidson) Sturges, was born in Monmouth, Warren county, Illinois, December 22, 1848. In 1859 his parents removed to Cass county, Miss'ouri, and in 1863 returned to Warren county, Illinois, having lost all their property in the war. Three years later they came to Linn county, Missouri, where the subject of this sketch has since resided, having been reared on a farm and educated in the common schools. At the age of nineteen years he went to clerking in a store at Meadville for Thomas Evans one year, then for H. Black four yeai's, and in the spring of 1873 went to Plattsmouth, Nebraska, and clerked in the county treasurers' office. He then went to Summit, Macon countjs Missouri, and engaged in merchandizing. In 1874 Mr. Sturges returned to Meadville and bought out Edward Campbell, of the firm of W. R. Spoften & Co., and continued, merchandizing. In 1876 he became sole owner of the establishment and has since carried on the business, being one of the leading merchants of Meadville. He carries a large stock of dry goods, clothing and millinery, and does a trade of about $20,000 per year. He owns his store building and a fine residence, notwithstanding he began life as a clerk, without a dollar. Mr. Sturges was married. May 29, 1876, to Miss Hattie R. Black, daughter of A. D. and Eliza M. Black, of Linn county, Missouri, but formerly of Pennsylvania. By this union there are three children, Clyde A., Ethel E. and Charles H. Mr. Sturges is a member of the Congregational Church, and is a charter member of the A. O. IT. W. and I. O. G. T.

William C. Shepherd

is a son of William L. and Matilda {nee (xenen) Shepherd, and was born in Parke county, Indiana, August 23, 1839. When he was six years old his parents moved to Hancock county, Illinois, where William grew to man- hood and received his education in the common schools. In 1860, he took the "silver fever'' and made a trip west to Pike's Peak, then supposed to be the El Dorado of that much coveted metal. He returned, however, the same year, and engaged in farming in Hancock county, Illinois, till September, 1869, when he moved to Meadville, Missouri, and engaged in buying and sliipping cattle, continuing in that business till 1879. He theii moved out to the farm on which he now resides, and engaged in farming and feeding cattle. His place in I 'arsons Creek township contains one hundred and fifty-eight acres adjoining Meadville, on which he has a line residence,, and other improvements to correspond. Mr. Shepherd was married, August 14, 1862, to Miss Jemima Harding, daughter of Philip and Rachel {nee Stillwell) Harding of Hancock county, Illinois. Eight children have been born of this union, five of whom, Stanley, Lottie B., Milo E., Homer and Virgil, (twins) are still living. Mr. Shepherd is an active, energetic citizen, and has made all he possesses by his own exertion.

son of Edwin E. and Mary {oiee Bailey) Turner, was born in Pobertsom county, Tennessee, July 23, 1831. At the age of twenty-one years, having been reared on a farm and educated at subscription schools, he was apprenticed to the carpenter's trade in Keysburgh, Kentucky. In 1860 he purchased a farm in his native county, and was engaged upon it when thewar broke out. In 1861 he enlisted in company C, Forty-ninth Tennessee Confederate Regiment, as orderly sergeant. Mr. Turner was captured at the battle of Fort Donelson in Februarj', 1862, was taken to Camp Douglass, Chicago, and held prisoner there seven months. In September, 1862,. he was exchanged at Vicksburg, and was sent out as a recruiting ofiicer for the Confederate service, but, finding the people of his part of the State not inclined to enlist, they being within the Federal lines, and being captured again, he gave up army life, took the oath of allegiance and went to Chicago. Mr. Turner worked at his trade in that c\\.y until 1872, when he removed to Linn countj^, Missouri, and engaged in farming. In 1875 he removed to Meadville, where he now resides, owning a beautiful residence adjoining the town, and engaged in culture of small fruits. Mr. Turner is a very energetic and esteemed gentleman. He was married, November 6^ 1856, to Miss Martha M. Bell, daughter of John and Elizabeth {nee Gunn) Bell, of Robertson county, Tennessee. She died April 20, 1863, leaving twochildren, George B. and John B. The former owns fifty-eight acres of land, is a carpenter, and a young man of great energ}^ and promise. Mr. Turner was again married, December 25, 1864, to Miss Carrie McDonald, daughter of James and Isabel {nee Alexander) McDonald, of Chicago^ Illinois.

son of John and Snsanna Thompson, was born in Jefferson county, Indiana, July 6, 1831. In 1840 his parents removed to Washington county, Indiana, and in 1843 to Danville, Kentucky. There young Thompson lived seven years, the greater part of the time attending school at Lexington and Frankfort. In 1850 the family removed to Jackson county, Indiana, and there he attended the Bloomington College two terms. In 1858 he attended the Louisville Medical College, and commenced the practice of medicine in 1859 in Jackson county, Indiana. The war breaking out, Dr. Thompson, in 1862, enlisted in the Seventh Confederate Kentucky Regiment, and served as assistant surgeon in the same until the close of the war. He then returned to "Washington county, Indiana, and resumed the practice of his profession. In 1866 Dr. Thompson attended a course of lectures at the Cincinnati College of Medicine and Surgery, and graduated at that institution the same year. In 1868 he located at Meadville, Linn county, Missouri, and has since resided there, having established himself in a large practice and enjoying the confidence and high regard of the community. Dr. Thompson was married in 1865 to Miss Elizabeth Cooprider, of Madison City, Indiana. She died in 1867, leaving one child. Dr. Thompson was again married, in 1872, to Miss Nancy E. Hersiman, daughter of Charles and Martha Hersiman, of Linn county, Missouri. By this union two children, Mattie E. and Jansen E. are living. Two are dead.

Alfred Ward

son of Hardy and Mary Ann {nee Jones) Ward, was born in Randolph county, North Carolina, September 12, 1826. His parents were both natives of the same State. Mr. Ward was raised on a farm and lived in his native county till 1867, receiving his education in the common schools around him. In ls57 he moved to Wayne county, Iowa, where he lived till 1861, when he moved to Linn county, Missouri, where he has ever since resided, excepting about a year during 1866-7, when he lived in Mercer county, Missouri. In 1867 he moved to the farm where he now resides and has been successfully engaged in farming ajid stock raising. He is a prominent, highly esteemed, and popular citizen. He has been a Mason for thirty-five 3'ears. He has held the ofiice of justice of the peace for four years, and it is needless to add he has discharged the duties of the position with credit to himself and satisfactorily to his constituents. He owns a fine improved farm of eighty acres, which he has acquired by his own exertions. In 1847 he married Miss P]liza Brower, daughter of Adam and Charity \nee Faustj Brower, of Randolph county. North Carolina. Her parents were natives of the same State. He has had by this union ten children, seven of whom are living: James F., Eli H., Alfred M., Dennis C, Oscar H., Eliza J. and Ella C.

Asa P. Wolverton

son of Isaac and Elizabeth {iiee Demorest) Wolverton, was born in Oswego^ Tioga count}', New York, October 21, 1839, and in 1851 he, with his parents, removed to Boone countj, Illinois, where he grew to manhood, and at the age of twenty years engaged in the commission business, buying and shipping produce in the town of Belvidere. In 1865 he went to Greenville,. Alabama, and engaged in the hardware business, following it until 1868, when he removed to Meadville, Linn county, Missouri, bought eighty acres of land adjoing the town, the land being nothing but a wild prairie tract. Mr. Wolverton has now forty-two acres in fruit trees, being the finest fruit farm in Linn county or this part of the State. There are 4,000 apple trees.. This farm was set out in 1873, and in 1881 sold over $3,000 worth of fruit. In this orchard there are four different kinds of winter apples, one hundred peach trees and various other kinds of fruit. Mr. Wolverton is a man of great energy, and this shows what can be done in a few years on wild prairie laud. Besides this magnificent fruit farm, Mr. W. owns a store building in Meadville. He was married in January, 1878, to Miss Elizabeth A. Cundiff', daughter of Jerry and Lucy B. {iiee Ashbrook) Cundiff, of Meadville, Missouri, and native of Linn county. There are two children, Luther P. and Thomas L. Cundiff", bv this union.

Spencer A. Willbaeger

was born in Meigs county, Ohio, February 22, 1836. His parents were Henry and Catharine {iiee Roush) Willbarger, who moved with their family to Randolph county, Missouri, in 1841. Mr. Willbarger's maternal grandfather was in the Revolutionary War, and his paternal grand ancestor was a soldier of the War of 1812. The Willbargers only lived a few months in Randolph county, when they moved to Chariton county, and settled near Cunningham. There thej^ were flooded out by the high waters of 1844, and had to move to higher ground. Spencer received but a limited education, as he only attended school for twelve months. At the age of fifteen, Mr. Willbarger started out in life for himself, to seek his own fortune. He had as cash $4.50, and nothing else but the clothing he wore. He has, however, battled successfully with time and tide, and now owns a fine farm of two hundred and twenty acres, which is well improved, and has one of the largest barns in the county. Mr. Willbarger has always been a farmer and stock-raiser. He moved to Linn county in 1860, and located on the farm he now owns. During the civil war, he was eight months in the State Militia service, in the company commanded by Captain Thomas. He and wife have been members of the Methodist Episcopal Church for fifteen years, and he has been a member of the Masonic fraternity for twelve years. Mr. Willbarger was first married June 30,

1854, to Miss Mary Ann Harmon, daughter of Lindsley and Mary Harmon, of Carroll county, Missouri. She died September 14, 1856, and he was again married February 12, 1862, to Mrs. Susan R. Legate {7iee Grant), dauffhter of Daniel and Elizabeth Grant. She was tirst married to John Legate, June 25, 1854. He died January 12, 1862, leaving his widow with two children living, named Daniel M., and Eliza A. By the present union, Mr. and Mrs. Willbarger have had ten children, seven of whom are still living: Harvey H., Henry S., Charles D., Yallie M., Allen S., Fred, and Victor. Mr. Willbarger is one of the most substantial and successful citizens of the county, and by his upright course has won that esteem due to all deserving men.