Monroe County, Missouri - Biographical sketches, 1884 (part 10 of 11)

Judge David H. Moss

In preparing a sketch of the life of Judge Moss the writer meets with a serious embarrassment at the very beginning. A man of long and recognized prominence, and for years closely identified with the history of his county, yet such is his known aversion to anything that might bear even the appearance of flattery, that it is difficult to state the facts in his career, as plainly as it is possible to put them, without incurring his disapproval, f(n' the facts themselves are greatly to his credit. These facts, however, will be plainly stated at a venture. Judge Moss is a native Missourian, born in Boone county, September 19, 1826. His father, James T. Moss, a Virginian by nativity, early went to Kentuckjs where in young manhood he was married to Miss Sarah D. Talbot, of Shelby county, of the old and respected Talbot family so well and favorably known in Virginia, Kentucky and Missouri. After their marriage, in 1821, they removed to Missouri and settled in Boone county, where Mr. Moss, Sr., became a successful farmer and valued citizen of that county. They reared a family of seven children, namely : Catherine T., now Mrs. Boyd ; Zerilda E., the wife of Mr. Bryan ; Dr. George W. Moss, Mason F., Preston T., Paulina T., now Mrs. Conder, and Judge David H. Moss. Judge Moss was reared in Boone county and received a good general education in the ordinary branches taught at the private academies of the county. In 18 - he came to Paris and began the study of law under Ma]. W. J. Howell. After a due and thorough course of study he was admitted to the bar, and at once entered actively into the practice of his profession. The California gold excitement breaking out soon afterwards, however, he joined the innumerable throng of Argonauts bound for the Pacific coast, and was gone for nearly three years. While absent he was engaged in mining and trading in California, and with fair success, but returning in 1853, he formed a partnership in the law practice with his old preceptor, Maj. Howell, and resumed the practice of his profession. A man of sound ability and thorough local attainments, as well as a forcible and successful advocate, and always honorable and true to his clients, he soon took an enviable position at the bar, and in 1856 was elected circuit attorney of the Sixteenth Judicial Circuit. He served for nearly three years in this office, and until he resigned it to give his whole time and energy to his private practice, which had now increased to such a volume as to demand his undivided attention. He continued successfully in the practice, discharging incidentally the duties of county attorney at the special instance and request of the county court until 1868, when he was elected circuit judge of the Sixteenth Judicial Circuit. He was not permitted, however, to assume the duties of his office by the desperate, unscrupulous faction then holding a high carnival of misgovernment, political corruption and shameless official oppression and persecution in this State, composed largely of the worst elements of society, men without property or standing before the war, with only now and then a citizen of some respectability, who was disposed to run with the hounds. They were put into power by Federal bayonets, and after the war retained it by virtue of an infamous disfranchising ordinance enacted mainly by the smoke-house militia, which excluded from the right to vote, or rather to have their votes counted (according to the way Count Rodman interpreted the ordinance), a large percentage, if not a majority, of the more respectable class of voters and representative citizens of the State. Notwithstanding this outrageous travesty on law and self-government, Judge Moss was elected by a majority of 1,200 votes of even those who were permitted to cast their ballots. But of course it was not intended by the scurvy, shameless faction then in power to permit the people to choose their own pul>lic servants, because if they did, these irresponsible adventurers, as many of them were, would be relegated to the deserved obscurity from which the unsettled condition of affairs, like the fermentation of spilt milk bringing whey to the top, had brought them. Count Rodman, the alleged Secretary of State at that time, but who has long since passed out of memory, but not out of infamy, arbitrarily threw out enough of the votes cast for Judge Moss to prevent his election, or rather enough to form an excuse for refusing to issue him a certificate of election. Of course his opponent. Judge Harrison, the former circuit judge, was not elected, but it is a truth of history, which must be stated, that he held over, nevertheless, and continued to exercise the duties and receive the honors and emoluments of the office to which Judge Moss was by every principle of right and justice entitled, to such a condition had affairs descended at that time. Not disposed, in these circumstances, to practice any longer in the circuit court. Judge Moss retired from his profession and engaged in the banking business, or rather he had previously engaged in banking, and he now turned his whole attention to that business. As early as the fall of 1865 he had organized the Monroe Savings Association. In the spring of 1871 this was merged into the First National Bank of Paris, of which he has long been, and is still, president. This is well known as one of the soundest and most reliable banks in this part of the State. The high character of Judge Moss and his well known personal honor and integrity, as well as his proved business ability, have contributed very largely to give the bank the enviable reputation it enjoys. Judge Moss is a man of great personal worth, sterling intelligence, and one of the highly esteemed and public spirited citizens of the county. In February, 1856, he was married to Mrs. Melville E. Hollingsworth, a daughter of B. S. Hollingsworth, of this county. Their children are : Pauline, who is now the wife of W. W. Anderson, of Hamilton ; Sallie, Preston, Annie, Clara, Georgie, Lillie and David H., Jr. ; another, Mary B., died in 1860, and still another at a tender age. The Judge and Mrs. M. are members of the Christian Church, and Judge Moss holds the position of elder in the church.

Joel M. Moss

Mr. Moss was born and reared at Paris and was a son of Dr. George W. Moss and wife, Mary E.,a daughter of Judge Joel Maupin. Judge Maupin was one of the prominent men of the country, and held various positions of local consideration, including those of sheriff, collector and county judge. Dr. Moss came to Missouri with his parents when a mere lad, and was reared in Boone county. His father died in that county, and his mother afterwards married Judge Maupin. Dr. Moss had already studied medicine and had taken one course of lectures at the time of his mother's marriage to Judge Mauj^in. He at that time met Miss Mary E. Mau|3in, the Judge's daughter, for the first time, and a year afterwards they were married. He continued his medical course and graduated at the Jefferson Medical College of Philadelphia. Meanwhile he had removed to Paris, and here he began the practice of medicine. He was quite successful and became a leading physician of the county. During and since the war he served as county treasurer and represented the county in the Legislature. He died here in 1881. His widow is still living at Paris, at the age of (34. Joel M. was born August 2, 1845, and was the second in a family of seven children, all living except George and Robert B. The former died of consumption and the latter was killed by being thrown from a horse. He was one of the leading young business men of the town, and stood high in the esteem of all who knew him. He had been married the year before, and his widow and an only child, six weeks of age at his death, survive him. Joel M. was in the Union service from 1862 until the close of the war, principally in the clerical profession, but was made regimental adjutant in 1865. January 12, 1865, he was married to Miss M. E. Cox, of Rye Beach, New Hampshire, who was then visiting at Chillicothe. After the close of the war he became deputy sheriff and afterwards deputy circuit clerk. He was then with an insurance company in St. Louis for three years. Following this he was a traveling salesman for a St. Louis house. He traveled during the winter seasons for about 10 3^ears, being assistant in the county office at Paris most of the time during the summer seasons. He became deputy county collector in 1881. He is also a local insurance agent at Paris and a notary public. He has made up the tax collector's books for the past eight years, and is considered one of the most efficient men for this work in the State. Mr. and Mrs. Moss have five children : Minnie P., Mamie W., Melville C, Edward and Frank P. He and wife are members of the Christian Church, and Mr. Moss is a leading member of the Masonic and Odd Fellows Orders. Edward C, now a lad 10 years of age, is a natural musician, and has played the piano and other instruments with remarkable skill and genius since he was three years of age. Misses Minnie and Mamie, young ladies of rare grace and refinement, are also accomplished pianists and are singularly entertaining and agreeable in society. The second sister Miss Mamie, is also a fine vocalist, having a voice of great sweetness and culture as well as of ample volume and flexibility.

John T. Nesbit

It was in 1824, when the subject of this sketch was but 10 years of age, that his parents removed to Missouri and located in Callaway county. A year later they crossed into Boone county and in 1828 settled permanently in what was then a part of Ralls county, but is now Monroe county. They were among the pioneer settlers of this county and Mr. Nesbit's father hewed the logs to build the first house ever erected in the town of Florida, which is still standing, and he also helped to build the first mill established at that place. John T., who was born in Harrison county, Ky., December 2, 1814, was partly reared in Monroe county, and coming up in this new country, he was trained in that school of hardships and adventures, which, if it did not afford its pupils the knowledge of books to be had in modern colleges, it at least gave them greater strength of character and greater fortitude, and made them more courageous and better fitted for the hard struggles of life than does the atmosphere in our colleo-e walls. The early training of the wilderness made men of generous and hospitable hearts, or unfaltering courage, or strong arms and willing hands to wrestle with the duties of life, developed such a manhood as is now unfortunately rapidly passing away with the flight of years, a manhood just and true, and noble and brave, such as every country needs and ought to have, but such, when these old pioneers are o-one, we shall probably not see again. In 1837 Mr. Nesbit was married to Miss Lucretia Lyon, formerly of Greenwood county, Ky. Thev have three children: John Y., Anna and William A. Mr. Nesbit, whose life has been one of untiring industry, crowned with satisfkctory success in the accumulation of a neat competency, has alvvavs taken an active interest in church affairs and in the advancement of the cause of education, to both of which he has contributed liberally by personal exertions and of his means on all proper occasions. He has been a member of the Methodist Church for the last 40 years, and for many years has been an officer in the church. He is one of the hio"hly respected and honored citizens of this place.

Judge William K. Neugent

Judge Neugent, one of the leading citizens of Monroe county, and a man who is held in the highest esteem wherever he is known for his character, sterling intelligence and business qualifications, a man whose life has been one of marked success and who has risen to an enviable position among the prominent and influential citizens of this section of North Missouri, has come up solely by his own exertions and personal worth, and in the face of the greatest obstacles and diffi- culties. He was left an orphan at an early age, and began for himself whilst still quite a youth by working on a farm at $4 a month. He kept at work at this rate for two years and thus made his start in life. His school advantages were practically /^^7, and all the education he has acquired he succeeded in attaining by personal application, with little or no help fi'oni an instructor. Yet, unfavorable as his early outlook seemed to be, he has come to be a man of recognized prominence, not only for his success in material affairs, but for his broad, general information and as a leader in public life of those among whom he lives. There are many farmers and business men in Monroe county who, in early life, had every advantage that abundant means and good schools could afford, but it will be admitted by all that there are few men in the county whose positions are so enviable as Judge Neugent's. Success, when honorably achieved, even in the most favorable surroundings, is always creditable, but when achieved in the most adverse circumstances is justly regarded as worthy of the highest commendation. Judge Neugent is a native of Kentucky, born in Shelby county. May 29, 1815. His father died when he was six years of age, after which he went to live with a brother, where he remained for eight years. When 14 years old he hired himself out to a farmer at $4 a month, where he worked for two years. He then apprenticed himself to a carpenter in order to learn the trade, with whom he worked until he had acquired a knowledge of carpentering. Returning to farm work, however, he followed it for a short time and soon began farming for himself. By industry and economy he accumulated enough to buy a small place, and about this time, in 1836, was married to Miss Mary Johnston. He continued farming with good success, and later along added to his place until he had one of the best farms in his vicinity. In the meantime his first wife died, surviving her marriage but a short time, and in 1841 he was married to Miss Elizabeth Wise. Mr. Neugent had occupied his leisure to good advantage at study, or rather at reading and acquiring a general knowledo;e of business transactions and of the affairs of the world. The office of justice of the peace becoming vacant in Shelby county, Ky., he was thought to be the proper man for the place, and was accordingly appointed to it by the Governor. His discharge of the duties of that office were so efficient and satisfactory that afterwards he was elected by the people, and continued to hold the office for twelve years and until he resigned to come to Missouri. He removed to this State in 1856, settling on the farm where he now resides in Monroe county. His removal from Shelby county, Ky., was greatly regretted by the people of that county, for he was regarded as one of their most useful and valued citizens, and left the county without an enemy. Judge Neugent soon became known here, as he was known in Kentucky, as a citizen of high character and superior intelligence, and a man highly popular among all with whom he came in contact. In 1866 he was elected judge of the county court, and served for six years. Again, in 1879, he was elected judge, this time for the western district of Monroe county, and after two years' service more on the county bench, in 1882 he was elected presiding judge of tlie court for a period of four years, the term which he is now filling. It is thus seen that he has "'already had years of experience on the bench, and it is not too much to say that he has made one of the best county justices that ever occupied the bench. in this county. Judge Neugent has always taken a commendable interest in school affairs, and has served as school trustee for his district for the last fifteen years, and has been a liberal supporter of the churches, being, himself, a member of the Presbyterian Church. Judge Neugent lost his second wife in 1866. At her death she left him five children, namely : Mary J., George W., James E., David E and Virginia B. In 1867 he was married to Miss Frances Coxby. She survived her marriage, however, only a short time, leavino- him one child at her death, Fannie F. To his present wife he wa^T married in 1869. She was formerly Miss Mary F. Dellaney, a lady of rare excellence of character and great personal worth. Judge Neuo-ent has been abundantly successful as a farmer and stock-railer and is comfortably and pleasantly situated. A resident of the county for nearly 30 years, he has from the beginning shown himself to be a thoroughly public-spirited citizen, and one earnestly devoted to the best interests of the county.

Frank L. Pitts

Mr. Pitts, a gallant one-armed ex-Confederate soldier, and onetof the substantial citizens and most popular and highly esteemed men of Monroe county, was born near Shelbyville, in Shelby county, April 25, 1841. His parents, James P. and Gertrude \jarman) Pitts, came from Maryland to Missouri as early as 1826. Thev first located at Hannibal, and from there, later along, went to Shelby county. But in 1845 they returned to Hannibal", where both lived until their deaths. The father was married a second time, and his widow is still living. He was a saddler and harness-maker by trade, and was successfully engaged in that line of business at Hannibal for years. He left a large family of children. Frank L., the sixth of his Other's family of children, was reared at Hannibal, and brought up to the saddler and harness maker's trade. In 1860 he and his next eldest brother, Thomas W., came to Paris, and eno-aged in the saddlery trade and business at this place. The Avar breakin'i out soon afterwards, Mr. Pitts promptly enlisted in the Missouri StTite Guard under Capt. Brace, and while in this service participated in the battles of Lexington and Pea Ridge, and some minor eno:ao-ements. He then enlisted in Co. G, Second Missouri infantry, uirdei- Col. Cockrell, and served until the close of the war, or rather until nearly the close, when, after having his arm shot off, he was taken prisoner and confined at Camp Chase until after peace was declared. We can not take the space to follow him through his four years of campaianincr in the South, or to give any idea of^the dangers and hardships throuoh which he passed. Suffice it to say, that as a soldier he was distinguished for bravery among as brave a body of men as ever kept step to martial music, or faced death without fear on the field of battle. He participated m all the campaigns and battles in which his command took part, and was ever found in the front rank of his comrades where brave men dared to do and die for the cause that they held dearer than life. After the war and after his release from Camp 'Chase, Mr. Pitts returned to Paris and began the harness business again at this place. He continued it with success until 1872, when he was elected sheriff of the county. Two years later he was re-elected. At the close of his second term as sheriff, in 1876, he was elected collector of the county, and he was afterwards twice re-elected to that office, serving three consecutive terms as county collector. Since the close of his last term, in January, 1883, Mr. Pitts has not re-engaged in business. He has valuable property interests, however, to which he is giving his attention. He is also a large stockholder in the " Governor " silver mine of Colorado, and has made two trips to the West, looking after his interests in the mine. February 4, 1875, Mr. Pitts was married to Miss Laura F. Boulware, of Monroe county. They have an interesting little daughter, Kittie, now In her third year. One, a promising infant son, Harry E., died when less than a year old. Mrs. P. is a valued member of the Christian Church. Mr. Pitts is universally regarded as one of the most estimable men of the county, highly esteemed by all who know him.

Thomas W. Pitts

Mr. Pitts has been engaged in his present line of business at Paris almost continuously since 1860, a period of 24 years, and has given his time and attention to no other business interest, save that of hotel proprietor, he having kept the Virginia House in Paris for 12 months. A man of high character and highly esteemed by all who know him, his name is a synonym for fair dealing, good work and good citizenship all over the county. He is the fifth of his father's family of children, something of a history of which has already been given in the sketch of his brother, Frank L. Pitts. The others are Mrs. Martha J. Owen, wife of W. T. Owen, of Hannibal, and a twin sister of Thomas W., both having been born July 4, 1838; Sarah, now Mrs. William L. Kidd, who resides at Hannibal, her husband being deceased ; William R., a wholesale merchant of Hannibal ; James K., Avho died in young manhood, in 1856 ; Frank L., the subject of the previous sketch, and Mary C, the wife of Frederick Waller, now of Leadville. Col. Thomas W. Pitts was married May 18, 1863, to Miss Bettie F. Vaughn (who was born in Sparta, Va.), a daughter of Col. John Vaughn, formerly of Kentucky. They have six children : Bina, Carrie, Bessie, Sadie, Olive V. and Archie. Two are deceased, Frank and Harry.

Milfred Powers

March 8, 1826, was the date of Mr. Powers' birth, and his father's farm in Greenup county, Ky., the place. When he was about five years of age his parents, Richard and Harriet (Poage) Powers, removed to Missouri and settled in Monroe county, on the old Hannibal and Paris road, about a mile from the North Fork. There his father entered land and improved a farm. He resided on his place near the North Kork until his death, which was in about 1860. He was very successful as a farmer and at one time owned about 1,100 acres of fine land. He served for a number of years as justice of the peace, and was from time to time a member of the grand jury, one of the well known and highly respected citizens of the county. He was a worthy member of the Presbyterian Church. Milfred Powers was reared on a farm in this county and following in the worthy footsteps of his father, himself became a farmer of the county after he o-rewup. He has been satisfactorily successful in his chosen occupation and now has a good place of 120 acres in Jackson township. In 1847 he was married to Miss Harriet Dickson, a daughter of James Dickson. Six children bless this union, namely: Laura B., James D., Luella M., Richard B., Annie J. and Harry C. He and wife are members of the Church. Mr. Powers is a inan of marked industry and thorough-going qualities as a farmer, and as a neighbor and citizen commands the respect of the community.

Charles M. Reed

Mr. Reed was born August 6, 1872, in Shelby county, Ohio. His father, James S. Reed, a native of Lycoming county, Penn., spent most of his }onth in Richland county, Ohio. In 1863 he moved to Iowa; in 1866 to Salem county. Mo., and the following year to Monroe. After a few years, he changed his residence to Shelby county. Mo. His wife, Mary Johnson, was a native of Shelby county, Ohio. They had four children, and of these three are still living : Thomas W., P. Wilbur and Charlie M. The last named grew up inShelby county, Ohio, and became a farmer and dealer in stock. After living successively in Iowa, Saline county, Mo., and again in Iowa, in" 1867 he removed to Monroe county. Mo., where he now owns a finely improved farm of 320 acres. Mr. Reed is a man of large brain and advanced ideas, and is made of that material which constitutes in its citizens the wealth and insures the welfare of every State. His honesty, upright character and energetic industry have placed him upon the only level possible to a man of his calibre. His benevolence and nobility of soul are shown in the fond care which he bestows upon three orphan children to whom he has given a place in his warm heart and hospitable home. His wife, to whom he was married in

Temple B. Eobinson

Col. Waltour Robinson, the father of the subject of this sketch, is remembered by the early settlers of Monroe county as one of its most highly respected and influential citizens. He came to Paris in 1838, and lived in this county for about 15 years, following merchandising at Paris for a time and then fiirming and stock-raising, near this place, in both of which he was very successful. His health failing, however, he removed to Lawrence county, in the south-western part of the State, for a milder climate, where he died two years afterwards, in 1856. He had represented Monroe county in the Legislature, and held other positions of public trust. In the old muster days he was colonel of militia. He was a man of fine intelligence and great strength of character, and in his day was one of the most popular men of the county. He was born in Virginia in 1815, and came to Missouri with his parents, settling in Boone county, in 1830. There he married Miss Clara A. Moss, a daughter of Mason Moss, originally of Virginia, and one of the pioneers of Missouri, settling first at old Fort Hempstead, in Howard county, where his daughter Clara was born in 1820, and afterwards moving to Boone county. Six of his family of children are living, namely: Temple B., the subject of this sketch ; Lucy H., now Mrs. R. N. Bodine ; Laura V., Walter M., Charles M. and Willie H. Kate M., who married George B. Caldwell, died in 1883. The mother, an active, intelligent and most amiable and estimable woman, is also still living, making her home with her son, Temple B. Robinson, at Paris. One of his sisters, Laura V., also resides with him. Temple B. Robinson was born in Monroe county June 16, 1841, and was educated at the Paris Male Academy. In 1861 he began the study of law under D. H. Moss, Esq., of this place, which he continued for a time, but his health failing from close application and confinement, he was compelled to abandon the law and engaged in the stock business, which he followed for some years. After the close of the war, however, he resumed the study of law, and was admitted to practice in 1865. He was then offered a partnership with Judge D. H. Moss, who had a large practice, which he accepted, and he continued with him until the Judge retired from active work in his profession in 1876, Since then he has had no partner, but has continued the practice and has achieved excellent success in his profession. He has a regnlar and substantial practice in both civil and criminal cases, and has an enviable reputation at the bar. Thoroughly upright, he has the confidence of every one, and a hard worker in his profession as well as a skillful practitioner nnd able advocate, he is looked upon as an attorney who can be implicitly relied upon by clients in the most difficult cases. Mr. Robinson was a steadfast Union man during the war, and, indeed, was an Emancipationist at heart from his earliest recollection.^ He has always taken an active and zealous interest in the cause of popular education, and stood by the public school system of Missouri after the war, when it needed all the friends it could get, and then had none too many. In 1867 he was made secretary of the school board, and has held that office continuously until the present, and during that time has worked with great energy for the success of the schools of Paris. He has never "^held or sought any other official position, although he takes a deep interest in all questions of public welfare and advancement, whether local, State or National.

Hon. Tyree T. Rodes

Mr. Rodes was born near Hydesburg, in Ralls county, November 23, 1841. He was the fourth"^ in a family of eight children of Dr. Tyree Rodes and wife, nee Miss Eliza Tipton, the father originally of Virginia, but the mother of an old Tennessee family. His father, born in Albemarle county of the Old Dominion, was reared in that State and educated at the Virginia State University, of which he was a o-raduate. Early in life Tennessee became his home, and from that State he came to Missouri in about 1837, settling in Ralls county, where he reared his family. He was a man of fine intelligence and culture, an able and successful physician, and an influential and substantial citizen of Ralls county. He died there in 1861. Tyree Tipton Rodes, the subject of this sketch, was reared in Ralls county, and educated at Rensselaer Academy, where he took a complete course. He subsequently attended a commercial college in St. Louis. Following this Mr. Rodes went to Virginia, where he was engaged in mercantile life until 1865. Returning to Missouri during the year last named, he located on a farm in the north-western part of Monroe county, and continued farming until 1873. Meanwhile, in 1868, he was nominated for the Legislature by the Democrats of Monroe county, and was elected by an overwhelming majority, but was not permitted to represent the people. Those were the days when it was one thing to vote and another thing to get the votes counted, if they were Democratic ballots. Indeed, judging from Tilden's experience, it is doubtful whether such days will ever cease, as long as Republican mathematicians have the casting up of results. Anyhow, Mr. Rodes' votes were thrown out as being the ballots of rebels, although each voter had taken an oath so loyal that it left his lips blue for a month after he had sworn it. It was in the same election in which Switzler and Dyer ran for Congress, and as Switzler was counted out, so of course Mr. Rodes was counted out also. Then Democratic voters, Avhen too numerous, were " rebels ; " when Tilden was counted out, they were " bulldozers ; " and the Lord only knows what they will be in 1884. Continuing on his farm until 1873, Mr. Rodes then came to Paris and became a ^partner with Mr. B. F. Blanton in the publication of the Appeal, taking charge of the editorial department of the paper. He was in the Appeal for five years and contributed very materially toward building up that paper to the position of prominence and influence it has ever since held among the leading country journals of the State. Since 1880 he has been engaged in the real estate business. In 1880 he was a candidate for the. Democratic nomination for State Senator from this district, but was defeated for the nomination as follows: There were three candidates before the convention, Major, of Howard ; Rouse, of Randolph, and Rodes, of Monroe county, and over 600 ballots were taken, the result standing each time Rodes 17, Rouse 14, and Major 11. On the 602d ballot the entire vote of Randolph county, which had until then been cast for Rouse, was cast for Major. Before the vote was announced, however, Monroe county cast her vote of 17 solid for Rouse, and called on Randolph county to come to the rescue of her candidate, which was accordingly done, resulting in the nomination of Rouse. October 15, 1868, Mr. Rodes was married to Miss Mary Blakey, a daughter of Hon. M. D. Blakey. They have three children : Jennie C, Marcus T. and Willie C. He has lost one child, Fannie B., who died in 1880 at the age of two years. Mr. Rodes is a prominent member of the Masonic order, and his wife is a member of the Christian Church.

Enoch W. Rogers

Mr. Rogers ranks as one of the conspicuous farmers and stockraisers of that rich agricultural and grazing land, Monroe county. He resides on section four, in Jackson township, and was born May 24, 1847. His mother died December 25, 1848, and his father making an overland trip to California in the spring of 1849, died there in 1851, leaving him an orphan. He, young Enoch, received the care of his uncle Wilson, and when only 13 years old he began the struggle of life for himself, attending as time allowed with a noble ambition a district school. At 18 years of age he went to Wan-en county. 111., where he located for several years. Thence he returned to Missouri, and September 28, 1870, was married near Madison, to Mary Eliza, daughter of C. P. Love, a lady who has been a life long joy to him in his cares and struggles. After his marriage he purchased a farm in Audrain county, sold this and purchased and sold other places to advantage. Finally, in December, 1883, he obtained the farm where he now resides, consisting of 165 acres of beautiful meadow land. His wife has borne him three children : Arthur P., Emma B. and Joseph C. Himself and wife are devout members of the Christian Church, while Mr. Rogers is a member of the Odd Fellows Lod<>;e.

Louis Rose

the shoemaker's trade, at which he afterwards worked as journeyman for a number of years at a small pittance. Most of the salary he received for his work was generously given for the support of his orphaned brothers and sisters. From this apparently unpromising beginning, by his industry, intelligence and perseverance, he has steadily come up in life until he has reached his present enviable position. Mr. Eose is a native of Germany, born July 26, 1836. His father was John C. Rose. His parents continued in Germany for eight years after the birth of Louis, during the last few years of which he attended the schools of his native village. Coming to America in 1844, the family settled at Cape Girardeau, where both the parents died a few years afterwards. At the age of 15, being left not only to look out for himself, but also to care for his brothers and sisters, by the death of his parents, he being the eldest in the family, Louis apprenticed himself to the shoemaker's trade, at which he worked as an apprentice four years and a half, two and a half at $4 a month and two years at $50 a year, receiving his board and washing besides. He then worked as a journeyman at a small salary, for shoemaker's salaries were not large then, and as has been said, practically, all he made went to help those dependent upon him, which at best was only too little. But some of the older of them grew up so that they could also assist, and in the fall of 1857 he was married to Miss Anna Klusmer. Married now, he felt that it was time to begin in business for himself and to commence establishing himself in life. But he had not a dollar to begin on, and to think of continuing life as a journeyman seemed out of the question. In this emergency his generous and true-hearted wife came to his relief. She had saved up $27 from her own work before their marriage, and this she loaned him to buy a kit of tools. Buying a few tools, he opened a shop of his own, and from this beginning sprang his subsequent success. He now has the largest boot and shoe house in Paris, and is doing a heavy and prosperous business. He also owns the handsome business house he occupies and the one adjoining which is occupied by a millinery store. He also has a handsome brick residence, where he resides. In a word, Mr. Rose is one of the solid men of the town of Paris, and one of its valuable and useful citizens. Whether he has ever refunded the $27 borrowed to his wife, or not, deponent sayeth not. But if she ever lost anything by the transaction, she is the least dissatisfied creditor one would meet of a summer's day. Doubtless she has found it the best investment she ever made in her life. Mr. Rose has been in business at Paris for many years, and has an established reputation as a man and citizen, which is without reproach. He and wife have three children : John W., Charles H. and Martha H. He has been a warm friend of the public schools. He is a member of both the Masonic and Odd Fellows orders.

Thomas J. Rowe

S. S. Rowe, father of Thomas J., was a native of New York, but he came when a young man to Missouri. He was by profession a dentist and traveled a part of his time in the practice of it. He, in the course of events, married Miss Elizabeth F. Summers, of Randolph county, and settled in the northern part of Audrain county. After trying several farms, he finally entered and purchased 1,500 acres of land and improved a place, upon Avhich Thomas J. now resides. He was twice mari;ied, the mother of Thomas J. being the second wife. There was one son by the first marriage, and four sons and a daughter by the last. Of these Thomas J. was the eldest. Mr. S. S. Rowe died in Monroe county, on the fjirm now owned by his son, in June of the year 1857. After his death Mrs, Rowe moved with her family to Randolph county and there the subject of the present sketch grew up on the farm. He was given a good English education at Mt. Pleasant College, Huntsville, Mo. After the completion of his studies, Mr. Rowe taught sciiool for three years in Randolph and Monroe counties, in the last named of which he finally settled in 1877. Two years later he married Miss Mary E., daughter of G. W. Vanlandingham, whose sketch may be found in this History. There are two children living by this union : Georgia Ann and Fannie Lena. One lovely babe, 11 months old, Corda L., died February 17, 1881. Mr. Rowe is a farmer of unusual ability and is a most interprising man. He owns 360 acres of land, all fenced, and about 300 acres are in meadow, pasture and plow land. His improvements are good and his place presents a very tidy and attractive appearance. Mr. and Mrs. R. are members of the M. E. Church South.

Frederick Sageser

Mr. Sageser, like many of the stanch citizens of Monroe county, is a native of Kentucky, having been born September 6, 1828, in Jessamine county. Both parents died, leaving Frederick with eight brothers and two sisters, he being the eldest of the family. With such cares before him, it is a high commendation to say of his character that he strove to obtain a good education when the weather was bad and he could not labor in the field, allowing his brothers to attend when it was fair and he could toil ; and in November, 1853, he wedded Elizabeth, daughter of Daniel Van Tice, she being a native of Jessamine. She died in 1856, leaving one son, Joseph Sageser, now a prominent physician of Chicago. Mr. Sageser was again married, February 14, 1858, to Miss Aurend Jane Gully. Shortly afterwards the young couple located in McLean county. 111., 80 miles from Chicago, residing there until 1882, when the property was sold and they removed to Monroe county. Here Mrs. Sageser passed away, August 21, 1881, riage March 26, 1874, to Elenora Wills, also of Kentucky parentage. After this event, he purchased a farm three miles west of his present location, improving it for five years, when he removed in the spring of 1879 to a better place. Of his children three have died : Mary E., in August, 1876, aged 13 months, Nellie F., February 27, 1884, aged three years; James F., March 1, 1884, aged 14 months. But one child is spared to them, William. R. Mr. Shrader, though one of the youngest prominent men of Monroe county, is an exeample of progress and a credit to success. He has risen steadily and held his place against the adversities which beset him and ere many years have passed, should he continue his steps, he will stand among the wealthiest and foremost farmers and stock-raisers of Monroe county.

Jeremiah B. P. Smith

Mr. Smith was born in Boyle county, Ky., April 3, 1836, and was a son of Ephraim Smith, of Garrard county, Ky., born November 19, 1795, and Elizabeth Pope, born in Boyle county, July 4, 1802. When 14 years of age his parents removed to Missouri, locating two miles north of Paris, where he remained with them for three years. He then came to Paris and apprenticed himself to the blacksmith's trade, and after he learned that, he went to Santa Fe, Jackson county. Mo., and worked there for about two years, but in about 1856 he established a shop of his own at this place. After a while he formed a partnership with Mr. Wilson and engaged especially in the manufacture of plows, which he followed with rapidly increasing success, their plows 'obtaining a wide sale and high reputation until the outbreak of the war put all sorts of business out of joint, including his own. He now traded his stock of plows off for a tract of land in Carroll county, taking the view very sensibly that whatever else the thieves stole during the war they could not carry his land off with them. He now farmed for a time and then went to California with Hugh Glenn, who took a large drove of mules. Returning from the Pacific coast two years afterwards by the way of the Isthmus and New York, he worked on a farm with his father until 1868, when he moved to his land in Carroll county, but his wife's health failing, he came back to Paris and resumed blacksmithino; and wao;on-makino:, which he has since followed. He is a man highly esteemed by all who know him, a first-class mechanic and has a large custom. March 3, 1868, he was married to Miss Mary B. Baughman, daughter of Samuel Baughman, of Boyle county, Ky. Mr. and Mrs. Smith are members of the Missionary Baptist Church, and he is a clerk and deacon of the church at this place and has been secured several years as superintendent of the Sunday-school. He was sent as a delegate to the Southern Baptist Convention at Waco, Tex., which was attended by about 10,000 people. While in Waco he was given a pass to Monterey and other points in Old Mexico by the superintendent of the Gould system, and visited the scene of Gen. Taylor's victory in the Mexican War, and also the

Alamo where Davy Crockett fell gallantly fighting and overpoweringja number of assailants, several of whom fell pierced by Ills sword before he himself yielded up his life. Mr. Smith visited many places of interest in Mexico, and gives an intelligent and interesting account of the country, its climate, appearance, people and their character, habits, manners, religion, their churches, schools, etc., and of the products of the country, tropical and otherwise, plants, flowers, fruits, etc.

James A. Smith M. D.

Dr. Smith is a native Indianian, born May 10, 1846. His parents were Jesse and Henry B. (Beales) Smith, his father from North Carolina, but his mother from Ohio. They married in Indiana, and resided there and in Iowa until 1857, when they came to Missouri, locating near Princeton, in Mercer county. In 1865 they moved to Grundy county, and three yeal's later to Montgomery county, where they made their home until 1881, when they came to Granville, in Monroe county, where the father is now engaged in merchandising. He was for 20 years engaged in the active ministry of the Christian Church, but now is, and for some years past has been, engaged in the mercantile business. Early in 1861 James A. (the Doctor) enlisted in the Fifth Kansas Volunteers, but soon afterwards became a member of the Tenth Kansas, under Col. Weir. He was then but 15 years of age, but nevertheless made a faithful and valliant soldier until after the close of the war, participating in no less than 26 battles and skirmishes, including some 15 regular engagements. During a service of four years and three months he was wounded but once, at Nashville, Tenn., when he was struck on the head with a piece of Confederate bombshell, but he was too sound on the Union question to be broken up in any such a way as that. Space is not sufficient in the limits to which we must confine these sketches to permit us to give the details of his army career, for while it is quite thrilling and interesting, it is too lengthy to admit of publication here. Under 20 years of age when he was honorably discharged from the service, after the Union had been restored, he went to work at the carpenter's trade with his uncle, in Montgomery county, this State. Meanwhile he had married, being a brave soldier boy but 17 years of age when he was united in the silken bonds of matrimony to his fair bride. She was just past 14 years of age when they were married, and after this happy event, was permitted to return home on a furlough of 30 days, and took his young wife home with him, where she remained until after the close of the war, and the 30 days' honeymoon he spetit with her was his only absence from the army during the entire war. His wife was a Miss Ruth Quinby before her marriage. He worked at the carpenter's trade until 1869, when he began the study of medicine under Dr. V. A. Willis. He took his first course of lectures at the Indianapolis Medical College, and his second course at the Medical College of Fort Wayne, Ind., at which he graduated April 10, 1871.

Dr. Smith began the practice at Price's Branch immediately after graduation, and afterwards moved to Pike county in 1877, and in the spring of 1880, he moved to Chipper, in Monroe county. From Clapper he came to Paris in February, 1884. He has a good practice here, and is vice-president of the County Medical Society and county physician. Dr. Smith's first wife died in 1871, leaving him two children : Charles E. and Hattie M. He was married to his present wife, September 1, 1874. She was a Miss Priscilla A. Watkins, a daughter of Jesse Watkins, deceased, one of the first settlers of Montgomery county. They have three children, Sanford M., Donie E. andEoy. One (Flora) is deceased. The Doctor was reared a Eepublican, but during the Greenback picnic coquetted considerably with that party, being one of its State central committee men, but he has now returned to his first and early love, and is happily for Blaine and Maine. The Doctor and wife are members of the Christian Church, and he is a member of the Masonic order and the Triple Alliance.

William H. Snell

Among the prominent young farmers of South Jackson township, the subject of the present sketch occupies a justly enviable position. He is one of those energetic, business-like men who go at anythinothey undertake with the determination to succeed, and where their opportunites are at all favorable they rarely, if ever, fail. Mr. Snell is a native of Missouri, born in the county where he now resides, on the 27th of October, 1852. His father was Willis Snell, originally of Kentucky, but from Boone county. Mo., to Monroe, and one of the successful farmers and sterling, highly esteemed citizens of this county. He died here in the spring of 1882. " Mr. Snell's mother was a Miss Martha F. Woods before her marriage, a dauohter of W. A. and Elizabeth Woods,, of Monroe county^ but formerly of Kentucky. William H. was reared on the family homestead, where he was born, one and a half miles north of Middle Grove, and received his education in the district schools of that vicinity. On reaching his majority he engaged in farming on his own account and being a young man of industry and good business ideas, made substantial progress as a farmer. On the 11th of March, 1880, he was married to Miss Mattie Crow, a daughter of Dr. W. H. H. and H. E. Crow, one of the early settlers of Monroe county, or rather the Doctor's parents were early settlers, for he himself was in infancy when they came here from Kentucky, in 1826. Prior to his marriage Mr. Snell had bought the land on which he now resides and made some improvements on it. He now came to his place with his young wife and went to work with renewed energy and resolution to"'establish himself comfortably in life. He has greatly improved his place since then and now has good buildings, excellent fences and all other necessary improvements and conveniences for a grain and stock farm. His place contains nearly 300 acres, all of which is under fence and about 240 acres are in me^adow and pasturage. Mr. Snell makes a specialty of breeding and raising good graded cattle, and has 50 head of fine cows. He and wife are members of the Christian Church. They have two children : Hattie Frances and Henry Willis.

W. E. Spalding

Mr. Spalding, whose career is a striking and remarkable proof of what industry, perseverance and good management can accomplish in cabinet making and the furniture business, as indeed in almost any other branch of industry or business, is a native Missourian, born in Kails county, November 29, 1829. His boyhood and youth were spent on the ftirm with his father, with whom he remained until after he was 18 years of age. He then started out for himself and learned the cabinet maker's trade, and after working at his trade at different places, located at Paris in 1855, where he established a shop of his own and where he has since resided. When he came to this place he had no capital. He rented a small room, 8x10 feet square, where he set up for himself and went to work. It is an old adage that, "If you keep your shop your shop will keep you," and his experience has given another proof of the truth of this. From that small beginning he has steadily come up until he now has one of the largest cabinet and upholstering establishments and furniture houses outside of a considerable city, in North Missouri, a house with a full plant of machinery, an immense stock of goods and a heavy business, commandino- a trade which extends over a wide district of country and is constantly increasing. His business house is a large two-story brick, fitted with two flights of stairs for greater convenience in handling furniture, and in his display rooms he has every fashionable pattern and style of furniture, including all the latest designs and articles in house-fitting, marble-trimmed goods of every variety of marble and make, upholstered goods, damask, silk and plush finished, and, indeed, everything to be found in a first-class, full-stock, retail furniture house. Of course this has not all been accomplished in a day, nor a month, nor a year, but is the result of years of patient industry, close attention to business, fair dealing and enterprise and good management. After his little 8 x 10 room he secured one a little larger as his business increased, then another still larger, then one larger yet, and finally built a small house of his own which, after awhile, he furnished with machinery, and he kept on enlarging his facilities, until at last he built the handsome brick structure which he now occupies. In 1879 he admitted Mr. Speed, who bought an interest in his business, into partnership with him, who, a thorough-going and enterprising business man, is doing a great deal to advance the interests of the firm. Prior to this Mr. Spalding had had but one partner, and that one only for a short time, so that this business is almost exclusively the product of his own muscle and brain, and stands out a worthy monument to his industry and personal worth. In 1862 Mr. Spalding was married to Miss Louisa E. Smith. She survived, however, less than two years after their marriage, their only child dying about the same time. In the spring of 186(3 he was married to Miss Eliza Speed, who still brightens his home. Mr. Spalding's parents were Benjamin E. and Matilda (Hager) Spalding, both originally of Marion county, Ky., and W. E. was the fourth of their family of six children. His great grandfather, on his mother's side, George Hager, was the founder of Hagerstowu, Md. His grandfather, Aaron Spalding, was a soldier in the Kevolutionary War. He was several times wounded during the war and carried bullets in his body to the day of his death, at a ripe old age, after independence had been won, which he received from the enemy whilst in the service of his country. Mr. Spalding's father came to Missouri in 1829 with his family and finally settled in Kails county, where he lived until his death at a good old age, highly respected by all who knew him.

Matthias W. Speed

It was in Casey county, Ky., that Mr. Speed was born, and he made his introitus into post-accouchement life January 17, 1834. His parents were Judge James Speed and consort, nee Dorinda Weatherford, both born and reared in Kentucky, and of old and highly respected families of the Blue Grass State. The same year that Matthias was born the family removed to Missouri and settled in Jackson township, of Monroe county. The father in early life was a tanner by trade, and followed that until his removal to Missouri. In this State he followed farming and after a while was elected constable of Jackson township, which at that time was an office of more importance than it is now and produced a neat income. By becoming generally acquainted over the county and justly popular wherever he was known, he was subsequently elected judge of the county court. Serving for four years with ability and satisfaction to the people, he was re-elected to that office, and during the responsible period of the erection of the county court-house he was president of the court, and had the principal burden of the responsibilities and duties incident to that important enterprise. Prior to this he had removed to Paris, and he held various positions of local consideration at this place, including the office of justice of the peace, which he held at the time of his death, aud had filled for 15 years before. He was also mayor of the city for some time. Judge Speed died in January, 1874, at the age of 65 years. Matthias W., the subject of this sketch, remained at home with his parents until he was 20 years of age, assisting on the farm and attending the neighborhood schools. He then came to Paris and worked at grading the streets for some time, after which he drove a hack between Paris and the St. Joe Railroad, and finally between Paris and Shelbina. In 1859 he bought an interest in a livery stable at Paris, and selling out later along, in 1860 he was made deputy sheriff, an office he tilled for two years. He then followed farming for two years, but after that returned to Paris and re-engaged in the livery business. Three years later he l>ought a half interest in a drug store, and was identified with it for about eight years. He then went into the fancy grocery business, but had the misfortune to be burned out soon afterwards ; yet he continued the grocery business until he became a partner with Mr. Spalding in 1879. His present business has been spoken of at length in the sketch of Mr. Spalding. It is thus seen that Mr. Speed is a self-made man and has come up in life by his own industry and business ability. March 6, 1860, he w^as married to Miss Eliza F. Gartin. They have five children : Uriah G., James F., Anna M. and Maude. One besides, Hattie Belle, is deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Speed are members of the Presbyterian Church. He has been an elder in the church for about 12 years.

Uriah G. Speed

Mr. Speed was l)orn and reared in the place in which he is now engaged in business, and is therefore well known to the people of Paris and surrounding country. It is only due truth that he is as favorably as he is well known by the people of this community. A business young man of irreproachable character and popular manners, he is highly esteemed by all who know him. Mr. Speed was born in Paris, June 21, 1863, a son of Matthew W. Speed. He acquired his education in the public schools of this place, and took a thorough course in book-keeping under a private instructor. While still young he learned the saddler's trade, working at it at Paris for about three years. Subsequently he was book-keeper for Henry Roemer, a leading grocer of Moberly. In 1882 he and John S. West engaged in his present line of business at Paris, and in the fall of the following year he sold out to Mr. West and formed a partnership with D, L. Cooper. Messrs. Cooper & Speed have one of the best saddlery and harness houses, manufacturing and mercantile, in the county. They have a ftiir trade and are doing a flourishing business.

Joseph E. Sproul

Mr. S., one of the most substantial farmers in Jackson township, and one of its highly respected citizens, is a native of Kentucky, born in Lincoln county, January 25, 1813. In 1829 his parents removed to Missouri, and settled in Monroe county, which w^as then a part of Ralls county, where they made their permanent home. In 1836 Joseph E. Sproul Avas married to Miss Elizabeth A. McGee, a sister to Josiah J. McGee, whose sketch appears in this volume. Young Sproul was quite poor when he was married, and worked by the month for some time afterwards until he saved up enough to get a piece of land. His true-hearted and brave young wife did her full share towards getting a start. She carded, and wove and spun, attended to the household affairs, managed their home with economy, and assisted wherever she could to help along. Finally they accumulated enough to make a payment on an entry of 80 acres of land. Here Mr. Sproul made a neat little farm. After a while he sold this to good advantage, and bought a part of his present place. For a time, also, he \as in partnership with his brother-in-law, in the milling business, but sold out after a year or two, preferring to follow farm life exclusively. However, he helped to build the first water-mill ever erected in the county. Mr. Sproul has lived on his present farm for nearly half a century, and has added to his original tract of 80 acres from time to time until he now has a fine place of nearly 500 acres. His little log-house, erected years ago, has given place to a handsome, commodious dwelling, one of the best in the township. Although they have left their litttle house of former years, they have not forgotten .it, for many memorable recollections'^ cluster about it, as dear as the memory of buried love, and as sweet as the prayer which childhood wafts above: -

" Yes, a deal has happened to make this old house dear. Chrlstenin's, funerals, weddiu's - what haven't we had here? Not a log in this buildin' but its memories has got, And not a nail in the old floor but touches a'tender spot."

Feench Strother

Very many of the professional men of Kentucky and Missouri are Virginians, either by nativity or by descent. This is true of Mr. French Strother, who was born on his father's farm near the county seat of Rappahannock county, Va. , January 14, 1825. His great-great grandparents were Frank Strother and Susan Dabney. From them have sprung some of the noted men of the nation. Gen. Zachary Taylor, - who, Avith less than 5,000 men, defeated the flower of the Mexican army, 20,000 strong and commanded by their military hero ; Gen. Gaines, the hero of Fort Erie ; John S. Pendleton, at one time called " the lone star of Virginia ; " and Judge A. H. Buckner, the distinguished chairman of the banking committee of Congress, with the subject of this sketch, these are some of the most prominent. To the same family belong D. H. Strother, widely known as Porte Crayon, and Judge J. P. Strother, of Marshall, one of the leading lawyers of Central Missouri. The descendants of Frank and Susan D. Strother are thought to be the true heirs on the mother's side of the immense estate of" the English capitalist, William Jennings, who left $5,000,000, still held undistributed by the British government. Mr. Strother' s great grandparents were John Strother and Mary Wade, and

His parents were French Strother and Mary Ann P. Browning. His father, the child of wealthy parents and his wife an heiress, was ever the poor man's friend and noted for his honesty. He died the death of a Christian in his eighty-seventh year, having enjoyed remarkable vigor of body and mind up to the time of his fatal sickness. Mr. S.'s maternal grandfather, Charles Browning, was, at the time of his death, the sheriff of Culpeper county, Va., a popular and good man, loved and respected of all. His mother still lives, though she has passed her fourscore years and is fast approaching the ten. She has been a child of God from her infancy, not knowing when she became a Christian. For 80 years she has lived and served the Saviour, and there are many v/ho Avill gratefully point to her as having led their feet to Christ. Her home is in Callaway county.

Mrs. Susan A. Strother, the wife of the subject of this sketch, is the daughter and only child of Thornton F, Petty and Mary Abbott, late of Culpeper county, Va. They gave her the benefits of an accomplished education, and with her were regular visitors at the fashionable watering places of Virginia. Their hospitality and neighborly kindness were unbounded, and they were equally noted for the humane manner in which they treated their servants. They both lived to a good old age. Mrs. Susan Strother has not only been a true wife to her husband and a faithful mother to her children, but she has gained a laudable reputation as a teacher and composer of music. She is an intelligent, cultivated Christian woman. They were married August 24, 1850, and have been blessed with seven children, two dying in infancy: Minnie T., who married John S. Goss, of Fort Smith, lived a beautiful life and died a Christian death ; Berta, the widow of Zach Baker ; Oscar Dabney, now living in Fayetteville, Ark. ; Lillibel, who died two years ago at the age of 12, of whom her pastor said she was one of the brighest examples of a young Christian he had ever known ; and Allie, the youngest child.

Mr. French Strother, when a lad of 12 years, was sent to the celebrated academy at Charlottesville, Va,, under the management of Alexander Duke and M. P. Powers, both graduates of the University of Virginia, that he might be fitted to enter the great university of the South. His collegiate course was pursued at that grand university. He then went while still young to Alabama, teaching there six years. Returning to his native State, he had charge of the Salem Female Academy for several years. He then came to Missouri, where he has lived ever since. He was first Principal of the Glasgow Female Seminary eight years ; then President of the Lindenwood Female College at St. Charles ; then President of the Independence Female College ; then Principal of the Carrollton public schools ; and now the Principal and proprietor of Strother Institute near Paris, Mo., which he is conducting with marked success. The prosperity of his school is sufficiently attested by the fact that he is compelled to build a substantial two-story addition to accommodate his growing patronage.

So much for the mnin facts of his lineage and his life ; and now a brief estimate of his character. These lines are written by one who has known him intimately for nearly 25 years, and who believes, with Cicero, that " flattery, the handmaid of the vices, should be far removed from friendship." Mr. Strother will always be reckoned at less than his real worth by strangers. He is, however, what Pope says is the noblest work of God - an honest man. He is the true metal, through and through, without alloy. Take him when, and where, and how you will, and you will find that you can rely implicitly upon what he says, upon what he promises, upon what he ought to do. If he owes you a dollar, you are as sure to get it as the day comes when it is due. If he tells you a thing is so, you may rely upon it as surely as upon your own eyes. If he undertakes to educate your child, you may be confident that he will never deceive you with claptrap or humbuggery.

He is the most generous and faithful of friends. Not only does he never turn his back when his neighbor is in trouble, but his purse, his time, his labor, his influence are all at the free disposal of the unfortunate and the needy. The writer has seen him fully and fairly tested, and there was less flinching and more whole souled generosity than he has ever seen in any other man. He is a typical Good Samaritan.

He is a superior teacher. There is no one to whom we would more confidently commit the education of a child. He has always had the confidence in his profession of the best and most intelligent men where he has lived. Education is his life work, to which he has already devoted 40 bus}^ years. Now that Prof. Kemper has gone, he is the Nestor of Missouri teachers. Mr. Strother is a sincere and active Christian. His parentage was Presbyterian, and so is he; but he finds room in his heart for all who love the Saviour. Monroe county is rich in having such a man, with such a wife, and such a school ; and it speaks well for her that she appreciates him.

Reuben L. Tillitt

Mr. Tillitt, a thrifty and industrious farmer, owns 100 acres of land upon Avhich he has placed every desirable improvement. He is one of the hard working, honest and valuable citizens of the township, and possesses the hearty regard of all who know him. Mr. T. was born March 9, 1838, in Monroe county, Mo. His father, Henry Tillitt, born in Kentucky, in 1807, came to Missouri before it was a State, but went back to Kentucky, where, in 1836, he was united in marriage to Miss Lurena J. Lewis. The following year he again came to Missouri and settling in Monroe county, worked at his trade of stonemason until his death, February 11, 1868. Mrs. Tillitt, after rearing a family of six children, her earthly toils ended, went to receive a heavenly reward, December 27, 1882. They were both members of the Christian Church. Reuben was the eldest of the family and lived at home until the beginning of the war. He fought for a time on the Southern side, then, thinking discretion the better part of valor, he went to Canada and remained until peace was restored. He then returned to Missouri and took up his present occupation. Mr. Tillitt was married June 13, 1867, to Miss Sallie F. Henderson, daughter of William J. and Clarissa Henderson. Mr. T. was born April 16, 1843, in Monroe county. Mo. Mr. and Mrs. Tillitt have not reared any children of their own, but have adopted a little neice, Cordelia Tillitt, by name, who was born August 10, 1871. Mrs. T. is a member of the Old School Baptist Church.

Larkin S. Towles

Mr. Towles' father, Henry Towles, was at one time one of the leading stock men and wealthy farmers of Bourbon county, Ky. He owned 2,000 acres of fine land in that cQunty and handled stock on an extensive scale. He was broken up, however, by the vicissitudes in the stock trade and other reverses ; but later along he recovered somewhat from his losses, yet only to the extent of acquiring a comfortable competency. He died in that county in 1854. He was a native of Culpeper county, Va., and came out to Kentucky when a young man, where he married Miss Sallie Bedford, whose parents were also from Virginia, and lived in Bourbon county until his death. During the War of 1812, he was a gallant soldier in the American army, and was twice wounded at the battle of Ft. Meigs, once in the hip and once in the left arm. He lost his arm from the effects of his second wound, and ever afterwards carried an empty sleeve as the evidence of the brave part he bore in the war. There were eight children in his family, five sons and three daughters, that grew to majority. Of these, Larkin S., the subject of this sketch, was the youngest. 'He was born in Bourbon county, January 28, 1833, and was married there after he grew up, September 3, 1861, to Miss Mildred A. Gass, a daughter of Mr. M. M. Gass, of that county. He continued to follow farming in Bourbon county after his marriage, and also stockraising, for he had been brought up to both of these, until 1877, when he removed to Missouri, and resided one year at Mexico. Previously he had bouglit the firm where he now resides, and in the spring of 1878 he came to his pi-esent place. He has a farm of 364 acres, 300 acres of which are in cultivation or meadow. Mr. Towles has his farm fairly improved, and is doing something in the way of stock-raising in addition to farming in a general way. He is a regular Kentucky farmer and a Kentucky judge of stock, which is saying a great deal. Personally, he is highly thought of by all in his vicinity and wherever he is known. Mr. and Mrs. T. have five children : Henry M., John G., Mary, Walter B. and Frank C.

George W. Vanlandingham

This estimable farmer aud stock-raiser resides on section 27, of Jackson township. He is a native of Kentucky, born in Bourbon county, three miles from Paris, February 2, 1824. His father, Merritt Vanlandingham, was a veteran of the War of 1812, and came to Missouri in 1826, living on a farm near Columbia until his death, which occurred in 1840. Thus in Boone county George grew up to manhood. He married Lucy Anna Carter, September 11, 1856. She was tTie daughter of Peter Carter, of Monroe county, born in Kentucky, and personated that best of all boons, a loving and industrious wife. Mr. Vanlandingham removed after his marriage to Monroe county, and purchased a tract of raw land and began a course of improvement which has made it one of the most valuable farms in this section of the State. It consists of 240 acres, well fenced and cultivated. From the start he was successful, as he understood his business and allowed no opportunity to pass for increase of his resources. His wife has borne him six children : Thomas J., William H., George W., Jr., Mary E., all happily married ; James M. and Almeda A. He was captain of the militia under Gov. Edwards for four years during the war.

Jesse Vance

Mr. Vance is a native of West Virginia, born in Pendleton county, May 25, 1846, though the original stock of the Vance family was of olcl Virginia. Branches of the family have radiated from the Old Dominion into North Carolina, Kentuck3% Illinois, Missouri, and a number of other States. Several of the family have risen to great eminence in life. Jesse Vance was a son of Jesse Vance, Sr., and wife, Hannah Conrad, both natives of West Virginia. In 1854 the family removed to Illinois, Avhere the father bought a farm and lived until his death, in 1861. He had over 400 acres of fine land and left considerable other property. He was twice married, Jesse being the eldest of six children, five sons and a daughter, by his first marriage. Jesse Vance, Jr., was married in DeWitt countv, 111., September 10, 1876, to Miss Adda E. Tull, a daughter of Lewis Tull, formerly of Ross county, Ohio. Shortly after his marriage Mr. Vance removed to Missouri and the foUowino- sprino- l)ouaht the land on which he now resides. This he improved and now has one of the valuable farms of the township. His place contains nearly 200 acres and is all fenced. Mr. Vance is a man of energy and a good fiirmer and is well respected in the community as a neighbor and citizen. Mr. and Mrs. Vance have three children : Hattie L., Jesse L. and James W. He and wife are members of the M. E. Church South, and he is a member of the A. F. and A. M. at Paris.

William A. Waller

Mr. Waller came to Missouri in 1838, and located in Monroe county. He was from Scott county, Ky., and was then just past his twentyfirst year. He came out to this State in company with his parents and he has continued to reside in Monroe county almost continuously from that time to this, a period now of 46 years. He has followed farming all his life, or from boyhood, and he has long held the position in this county of one of its most thorough-going and energetic farmers. On the 11th of February, 1841, Mr. Waller was married to Miss Susan Mallory, a daughter of Samuel Mallory, originally of Culpeper county, Va., but later of Fayette county, Ky. Mr. and Mrs. Waller have reared nine children: Permelia A., the wife of D. Phillips ; Sarah F., the wife of James T. Ball; Lucy, John S., James H., Ursula E., the wife of John Davis; Joseph A,, George W. and Ambrose B. , the latter of whom, Ambrose B. , died at the age of 27. In 1880 Mr. Waller was solicited to become a candidate for county collector and finally consented to make the race. In this canvass, however, he was defeated by a few votes, and four j^ears afterwards, when the office was again to become vacant, he made a second trial for it and was successful, being first nominated and then elected, defeating his opponents at the polls by a handsome majority. After his election he moved his family to Paris where he has since resided. He is now serving the term for which he was elected, and judging by the expressions of the people heard on every hand, he is making a most capable and efficient officer. The public have the utmost confidence in his integrity as a man and his fidelity as an official, while his business qualifications, as he has shown in his present office, and, indeed, for years past, are beyond question. Mr. Waller's ancestors have been settled in Virginia for gejierations and his father, John Waller, was born in Staff'ord county, of that State, in 1780. He lived in Virginia for a number of years after he grew up, and was a carpenter and millwright by trade. He followed these occupations in Virginia and also carried on a farm and was tobacco inspector for a number of years. Later along, however, he removed to Scott county, Ky., where he lived until his removal to this State in 1838. William A. was born while the family lived in Scott county, Ky., May 9, 1817. Mrs. Waller's father, Samuel Mallory, was born in Culpeper county, Virginia, in 1773, and came to Missouri in 1834, coming from Fayette county, Ky., to which State he had previously moved. He lived in Monroe county until his death, which occurred in 1863.

Lewis S. Watts

Oeorge Watts, of Ireland, emigrated to the United States in 1801, at the age of 18 years. Here he served in the American army dnring the campaign of 1812, and was in the battle of New Orleans. After a long and honored career, he passed away April 11, 1867. Lewis S. Watts spent his youth in Hendricks county, Ind., occupied with study. At 19 years of age he entered upon a diligent career as school teacher, after which he devoted his attention to medicine, until, with too many arduous duties in the way, he discontinued it. He learned the cooper's and plasterer's trades, proving himself a capable and successful artisan. In 1859 he entered a wholesale establishment in Indianapolis, continuing until 1861, when he enlisted (August 10) in Co. B, Seventh Indiana Volunteer Corps, Col. Dumont, and served until October 21, 1864. He was present at the battles of Winchester and Greenbrier, receiving three wounds ; and, later on, at the battles of South Mountain, second Bull Run, Antietam, Chantilla, Gettysburg, Chancellorsville and Wilderness, where he received a dangerous flesh wound. FaithfuUj^ during that terrible time did he serve his country, participating in 29 engagements, and well honored did he return home, knowing that he had not fought in vain. He was married November 6, 1864, to Miss Rassilla, the lovely daughter of Philip Waters, of Indianapolis. With his wife he located at Pittsboro, Hendricks county, following his trades until 1874, when he removed to Danville. Here he filled with credit the office of county treasurer. Then he engaged in the harness trade for a time, until he removed to his present farm, about six miles south of Paris. He was deprived by death, April 14, 1869, of his first wife, and was married June 28, 1878, to Lizzie, daughter of Henry Keith, of Danville. He has five children: John E., Ulysses S., Nora E., Robert E., LuUi E. His wife attends the Christian Church, while the Doctor is a member of the Masonic and Odd Fellows orders. No man can be met who has more self-contained dignity or personal magnetism than Dr. Watts. He has learned by mingling with the world to temper afi^iibility and kindness with the virtues of an honorable man.

Robert H. West

No just and adequate survey of the business interests of Paris could be given without including in it at least a brief sketch of the establishment and trade of the above named firm. Both members are experienced business men and men who have achieved success by their own energy, enterprise and good management. They became partners in business in March, 1884, though Mr. West had previously owned and conducted the house. They carry a stock of from $12,000 to $15,000 and occupy both stories of the large building over 22 feet wide by nearly 100 long. Their trade is extensive and profitable and they are doing a flourishing and steadily increasing business. Mr. West, the senior partner, comes of an old Virginia family, but he, himself, was born in Kentucky. His father, James W., came out to Kentucky in an Gcarly day with the latter's parents, and located in Bowling Green. He subsequently married Miss Johanna Pitts, of Georgetown. His father died in Kentucky, and JamesW. came to Missouri with his family, bringing his mother out also with him. They settled in Lewis county and he engaged in merchandising at Monticello. His first wife dying he was married a second time, and afterwards removed to St. Louis, where he became interested in steamboating and died there in 1849. Robert H. was born in Kentucky December 10, 1832, and was one of two children by his father's first marriage. He was principally reared at St. Louis, and when young, followed clerking there. At the age of nineteen he came to the interior of the State and clerked at Canton and Lexington, and attended school two years. He then spent a year in Nashville, Tenn., with his uncle, Rev. Fountain Pitts, his sister's home, where he had. previously visited and where she died. Returning to Missouri, he clerked at Monticello until the outbreak of the war. He was then in a wholesale house in Quincy, until 1866. While there^ October 30, 1864, he was married to Miss Anna R. Crutcher, a daughter of Thomas Crutcher. Returning to Canton from Quincy the following year, in 1867 he came to Paris, and was with his father-in-law at this place in the hotel business for some time and subsequently alone in the hotel. Li 1880 he quit the hotel and the following spring engaged in his present line of business with J. A. Robinson. He had previously been in the mill with Mr. Crutcher, and in the tobacco trade. In 1882 he succeeded Robinson's interest in the same, and was in business alone until Mr. Conyers became his partner. Mr. and Mrs. West have two children, Robert H. (Harry), a young man of nineteen years of age, and Esther J., now 14 years of age.

On the 19th of September, 1881, died at his homestead in this county Col. Philip Williams, for more than a generation one of the promment, highly respected and influential citizens of Monroe county. He was a man who achieved success in life solely by his own exertions and personal worth, by his sterling natural ability, his unremitting and untiring industry, his frugality and his intelligent appreciation of the conditions and opportunities of life around him. From early circumstances but little or no better than the average of those of the youths among whom he was reared, he rose to more than an ordinary degree of success in life, both in standing and influence and in the accumulation of property. It is but the statement of a plain and actual fact in his career that he was fully and exceptionally successful in everything that he undertook. Early qualifying himself for the profession of the law, in an unusually short time after he was admitted to practice he rose to a position of marked distinction at the bar. As a lawyer he soon became one of the leaders of his profession in the circuit and higher courts of the jurisdictions in which he practiced.

Outside of his profession he also became eminently successful in affairs. At the time of his death, and for many years before, he was by all odds the largest tax-payer and wealthiest man in his county. But successful as he was at the bar and in material affiiirs, it is not alone or chiefly for the enviable record he made in these particulars that he was esteemed one of the first citizens of the county, or that now, being dead, his memory is cherished as that of a man in whose life and career all with whom he was associated, either as a citizen or neighbor, or in any of the relations of life, may feel a just pride. A man of great mental force and of sterling moral character, his qualities of heart - his generous, manly disposition, his just, fair and liberal regard for the feelings and opinions of others, his considerate, tolerant nature, his sympathy and interested concern for the distressed and unfortunate - for these and for his public spirit as a citizen and his exemplary life as a neighbor and friend, he was admired and esteemed far more than for all that wealth and ability and distinction could confer. Col. Williams came of one of the better families of Virginia, though on his ftither's side not of an old family in that State. His father, Thomas Williams, was an intelligent and well-educated Scotchman, who came over to this country shortly prior to the Revolutionary War and settled on the coast of Virginia, near the James river. From the " Official Register of Volunteers in the American Army during the War of the Revolution," it is learned that he enlisted from Virginia and before the close of the war rose to the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel through several promotions awarded for gallantry and the successful performance of difficult and perilous service. After the war he settled in South-western Virginia, where he was married and made his permanent home. He became a well-to-do and prominent citizen of Franklin county, that State. He was a fiirmer, or planter, by occupation, being a leading tobacco grower of his county. From time to time he held different county offices and was esteemed one of the popular and influential men of the county. He was an earnest and exemplary member of the Presbyterian' Church, as was also his wife. He died at his homestead in Franklin county in 1831. His wife survived him less than a year. They reared a family of seven children, all of whom grew to mature years and themselves became heads of families. But all are now deceased, viz. : Susan, the wife of James Roberts ; Isaac, William, Thomas, Jesse, Philip and Robert. Col. Philip Williams, the sixth of his father's family of children, was born in Franklin county, Va., in 1801. His early youth was spent on the farm assisting at farm work and attending the neighborhood schools. He also at'tended the local academy of his county, and thence matriculated at Fincastle College in Botetourt county, where he took a thorough course in the htgher branches, including the classics, thus receiving an advanced general education. He was educated with a view to the profession' of the law, and accordingly, on quitting college at once entered upon a course of legal studies. In due time he was admitted to the bar and then entered actively into the practice of his profession. In a few years, however, he carried out a purpose he had formed some tune before, of coming West, believing as he did, that better opportunities were available in a new and fertile country for young men of character and ability to succeed in life than were to be found in the older States. Col. Williams at first located in Bloomlield, the then county seat of Callaway county, but the following year came to Monroe county, where he located and made his permanent home. His success in the legal profession has already been referred to. In the meridian of his activity and usefulness he occupied a commanding position at the bar in North Missouri. He had an extensive and lucrative practice in the courts of this and neighboring circuits, and in the Supreme Court of the State. He was a lawyer, strictly speaking, and in the true and best sense of that word, thoroughly devoted to his profession, a constant and hard student and a constant and hard worker, faithful to his clients, fair and honorable in the management of his causes, and always frank and manly with the court, his brother attorneys and the jury and officers of the court. He was not only thoroughly grounded in the rules and precedents of the law, but comprehended throughout the fullest scope the science and philosophy of civil jurisprudence, and had that admiration for his profession which every great lawyer, appreciating the law as the bulwark of justice and human rights, feels for a calling which, when not abused, must be admitted to be one of the most honorable and exalting in the affairs of men. He accumulated a large fortune by his practice and by his business abilit}^ outside of his profession. Before he disposed of any of his property, he is said to have been worth over $150,000 in lands and public and private securities. Col. Williams was in his eightieth year at the time of his death, and up to within a short time prior to his demise had enjoyed excellent health and retained his mental vigor and bodily activity to a degree much out of proportion to his years. He was a man of fine physical constitution and was rather of a sanguine temperament. He was very erect of form, and about six feet in height, having an average Aveight of 200 pounds. His complexion was fair, his eyes blue and his hair a dark auburn. For a man of his age he was of prepossessing appearance, and earlier in life was a man of fine presence. From youth he was particularly fond of reading and was highly cultivated in literature and in point of general information. Like most men of culture and bright minds he was especially fond of Shakespeare, and regarded the Bard of Avon as the greatest man who ever touched the planet. Milton was also one of his favorite authors in the department of verse. He was a man of fine social qualities, a pleasant and cultured conversationalist, and, what is rare in a good talker, a patient and respectful listener. In the society of Paris and vicinity, and wherever he was known, he was greatly prized, for both his character and social qualities were such as to render him an esteemed member of the best social circles. Though tidying no interest in politics as an aspirant for office, for he cared nothing for a political life or official prominence, he nevertheless manifested at all times a grave and intelligent concern for the proper administration of the law and the faithfnl and honest discharge of public duties by officials. As a citizen he voted and used his influence for the best men ofl'ered for the different positions to be filled, and was identified and acted with the Democratic party. He was a close student of civil government and was thoroughly read in history and conversant with the principles of political economy. He was a prominent member of the Masonic order, and for years held the rank of Royal Arch Mason, being also master of the lodge at Paris. During the Black Hawk War he was a gallant officer of volunteers in the campaign of the North-west. He left an estate at the time of his death valued at $100,000. He had previously given to his neice, Mrs. Annie E. Margreiter, $50,000 in U. S. four per cent bonds. The bulk of his estate at his death was also left to Mrs. Margreiter. She was a daughter of his brother, Robert Williams, her mother havincr been a Miss Harriet Menefee prior to marriage. Mrs. Margreiter was reared in Virginia, and her father being a man of ample means, he saw to it that she received the best of educational and social advantages. She was principall}' educated by a refined and accomplished governess specially employed for that purpose. Her father died in Virginia some 30 years ago, but her mother is still living on the old family homestead in that State. Miss Williams was early married to John Margreiter. There are no children, however, by this union, and she is now a widow lady, as she has been for some years. She is a lady of most estimable qualities of head and heart. Left with the large estate of her uncle, she has shown the force of character and business ability to manage it with marked success. She is unquestionably a lady of extraordinary business tact and discernment. Possessed of a large fortune, her charity and i)enevolence are not out of proportion to her ability to help those who are in distress and are worthy of assistance. Not to descend to minor acts of generosity, one of more than ordinary consideration may be mentioned. Having a mortgage lien on the Masonic building at Paris, which the lodge felt unable to i^ay when the debt fell due, she generously canceled the lien without receiving a dollar and made the lodge a present of the $5,000 and accrued interest. She is a devout member of the Baptist Church.

William A. Williams

John W. Williams, father of William A., was born and raised in Green county, Ky. He was one of the substantial fiirmers of the county, and married Miss Elizabeth S. Gibbons, also a native Kentuckiau. In 1828 they moved to Marion county. Mo., and there were born to them nine children, of whom but three survive: Maria L., Mary E. and William A. The latter, born February 20, 1832, lived for many long years in Marion county, farming and raising stock. His wife, to whom he was united September 1, 1853, was Miss Parthesa Pemberton, a native of the same county. Their little family of three children, like April flowers, bloomed but to fade. Mr. Williams is a farmer of wealth and weight, and owes his position chiefly to his own efforts. His farm of 200 acres is as fair a picture of comfort and prosperity as the eye could wish to rest upon. His standing in the community is of the very best.