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

Lemuel P. Willis

Mr. Willis, one of the most intelligent and successful farmers of North Jackson township, is a native of Kentucky, born in Shelbyville, February 6, 1845. His parents, John and Julia P. (Hunter) Willis, were both from the same county, Mr. Willis having come to Missouri in 1856. He bought 160 acres of land and improved the farm which is now the home of Lemuel P., and upon which he himself lived until his death in August, 1879. Lemuel P. spent his 3^outh on the farm in his native county. He was educated partly at the common schools aud partly at Shelby College. After leaving school Mr. Willis clerked at Shelbyville up to the time of his coming to Missouri, in 1856. When he began farming it was with his father, whom he assisted in improving the place. February 7, 1860, he married Miss Sarah S., daughter of Walter and Elizabeth B. Withers, of Monroe. Mrs. Willis is a lady of a very high order of intellect, and taught school both before and after her marriage. Mr. Willis has always lived on the home place. He has 160 acres of land, all fenced, with 125 in meadow and plow land. He has his place comfortably improved with good buildings, orchards, etc. He is of most pleasant disposition and of many sterling qualities. He is universally respected and liked in the township. Mr. and Mrs. Willis have two children : Lena, now a young lady, and Lura. The former, with her parents, is a member of the Missionar}^ Baptist Church.

Abner Wilson

Mr. Wilson's father, Benjamin R. Wilson, came to Randolph county with his family in 1855. He was from Fayette county, Ky. He was a farmer by occupation, and lived in Randolph county until his wife's death. His wife Avas a Miss Agnes W. Haley before her marriage. She was a daughter of William Haley, of Kentucky. Abner Wilson was 14 years of age when his father's family came to this State, having been born in Fayette county, Ky., October 13, 1841. His first employment for himself was carrying the United States mail, which he followed for about four years. In 1873 he began railroading on the Missouri, Kansas and Texas Railroad, and was engaged in that until four years ago. He then commenced selling sewing-machines, and although his experience in that business among the ladies was not unpleasant, it failed to yield the profits which he had hoped to realize. Still he did satisfactory business, but in 1882 he concluded to locate at Paris and open a restaurant. He conducted a restaurant at Paris for about two years. While in this business he became well acquainted with the people of the county generally, and being a man of intelligence and agreeable manners, he won the respect and good ophiions of the public. In 1884, when a competent and reliable superintendent of the county farm was needed, he was recommended for the position, and was daly awarded the contract for conducting the farm by the county court. Since then he has had charge of this place and is meeting with good success in carrying it on, and his administration thus ftir has proved satisfactory to the court and the public. On the 2d of November, 1861, Mr. Wilson was married in this county to Miss Mary E. Boyd, a daughter of Andrew Boyd. They have three children: Agnes J., Otto and Ernest. They have lost one, William H. Mr. and Mrs. Wilson and one daughter are members of the Christian Church at Paris.

William C. Wilson

Mr. Wilson is a native son of Monroe county, where he first saw the light January 27, 1850. His parents were Sanford E. and Amanda ( Abernathy) Wilson, the former a Kentuckian by birth, but both raised in Monroe. Mr. Wilson, Sr., was a successful farmer, and he and his wife were faithful members of the Christian Church. Thev raised a family of eight children: Ellen N., George, Wesley, Nannie, Alfred, Edward, Eva and William C. The last named, with whom we have now to do, was brought up principally in California, and there Decem- ^ ber 21, 1860, he espoused in San Francisco a fair bride, one of the most beauteous daughters of Tennessee. The marriage is a childless one. Mr. Wilson is a farmer by occupation, and is one of the most highly honored citizens of the township. His place contains 200 acres, delightfully situated and improved. He and his wife belong to the Christian Church.

Walter Withers

If this respected old citizen of Monroe county lives to see the 9th day of next December, he will then have rounded out the advanced age of four score years, ten naore than the allotted period of man's earthly career. Notwithstanding his venerable age, Mr. Withers is still in comparatively good health, and is quite active. Like most of the older citizens of Monroe county he is a Virginian by nativity. He was born in Culpeper county December 9, 1804. When he was about six years of age his parents removed to Kentucky and settled in the vicinity of Louisville, where his father followed farming until his death. After growing up to the age of majority, Mr. Withers, the subject of this sketch, was married near Louisville, and he continued to reside in Kentucky until 1837, when he decided to cast his fortune in the then new State of Missouri. He accordingly removed to this State and settled in Monroe county, about five miles from Paris, on Otter creek, where he improved a farm. Later along he sold this place and improved another farm on Middle fork of Salt river. He was residing on that place when the California gold excitement broke out in 1849. He, in common with thousands of others in Missouri, became a gold seeker, and in company with Dr. Bowers, a relative to the famous *' Joe Bowers, all the way from Pike," and several others, made up a train to cross the plains. They were on the way four months, and on the Humboldt river while they were at breakfast, their horses were stolen by the Indians. They pursued the savages, but on overtaking them found that they were too much like a hot potato to fool with - too well armed to tackle. They therefore gave up their horses and hitched their cattle on to their wagons, by which they were enabled to complete their journey. Mr. Withers spent 18 years on the Pacific coast engaged principally in mining and with varying success. Upon returning by the way of the Isthmus and New York to Missouri, he settled down again to farming near his first settlement on Otter creek, where he has ever since resided. Here he has a good homestead, the fruit of a lifetime of industry, and is living in retirement and in ease and comfort through the declining years of life. His good wife is still spared to accompany him down the hill side of their earthly journey. They have been the parents of 11 children, eight of whom are living: John, Gustavus, Adolphus, Perry, Susan, Sarah and Margaret.

Geoege R. Withers

This, one of the finest and best flour mills in Monroe county, and, indeed, throughout the surrounding counties, was erected in 1882 by G. R. Withers & Co. at a cost of "$20,000. Afterwards Mr. Grimes bought out the interests of the other members of the company except Mr. Withers', and Grimes & Withers thus became sole owners and proprietors. The mill was started to running early in 1883 and has since been doing a heavy business. The character of the mill and the extent of -its business has already been spoken of in the sketch of Mr. Grimes, which appears on a former page of this volume. Mr. Withers was born in this county December 19, 1841, and was a son of Walter and Elizabeth Withers, who now reside at Holliday. His father went to California in 1849 and was absent on the Pacific coast for 18 years, returning in 1867. George R.'s early youth was spent on a farm and he succeeded in obtaining a good ordinary education in the common schools. For a long time he was engaged in farming in the county and handling stock. He and his brother, Hiram B., now deceased, then commenced the drug business at Granville, which they followed for three years. February 3, 1870, Mr. Withers was married to Miss Susan O. Kipper, a daughter of John Kipper, deceased. Her mother, who was a Miss Jane Nickel, is still living, at the advanced age of 84, and finds a pleasant and welcome home with her daughter, Mrs. Withers. Mr. Withers has a good farm of 215 acres, four miles north of Paris. Before engaging in the milling business Mr. Withers was a prominent stock shipper of the county, but since then has given his entire time and attention to his present business. Mr. and Mrs. Withers have but one child, a son, George K., a^^ed 13.

Judge Stephen M. Woodson

In the veins of Judge Woodson is mingled the blood of three old and well known Virginia families - the Woodsons, Lesueurs and Bacons. Each of these families have htid and have to-day conspicuous representatives in the various walks of life in different States of the Union. The Woodsons have long been prominent in Viroinia, ancl two of the family in Kentucky have represented their State in Congress, whilst all in this State are aware of the eminent public services of Gov. W^oodson. The Lesueurs are of French oriirin, the founder of the family in this countrj^ having come over with Lafayette to assist the colonies in their struggle for independence. For 300 years they have been one of the most eminent families in France. Eustace Lesueur, born in 1617, was the greatest of French painters, called the French Raphael. J. Lesueur, born in 1624, was the eminent French historian. Peter Lesueur was the great wood eno-raver, born in 1636, and his son, grandson and great-grandson named, respectively, Peter, "Vincent and Nicholas, all became men of distinction. J, F. Lesueur, born in 1763, was the distinguished French composer, and all the world is familiar with the name of Thomas the famous mathematician. Hon. Mr. Lesueur, at present a candidate for Secretary of State, is a lineal descendant of this French family. The Bacons are of English origin. Judge Stephen M. Woodson's grandparents on his father's side were John S. and Anna S. Woodson, and his grandi)arents on his mother's side were Martelle and Elizabeth (Bacon) Lesueur. His parents were Benjamin and Martha (Lesueur) Woodson, of Franklin county, Va. Judge Woodson was born in that county February 3, 1814, and was reared on a farm, receiving a good education under his father, who was a prominent teacher of the south-western part of Virginia. Judge Woodson came to Missouri in 1840 in company with his father's family, who settled in Monroe county. Here Judge Woodson followed farming until 1849, when he engaged in the manufacture of wheat fan-mills,, which he carried on with success up to the third year of the war. After the war he engaged in farming here and raising and haiidlinostock, in which he has been quite successful. He is comfortably situated in life. In 1869 he was elected judge of the county court and served for six years on the bench. He has been justice of the peace, an office he still holds, for many years, and is one of the leading and influential men of Jackson township. Judge Woodson has been twice married. November 24, 1850, he was married to Miss Marinda li'iiwkes, a daughter of Jerarcl Favvkes and wife, nee Nancy Rodgers, formerly of Kentucky. Judge Woodson's first wife died April 2, 1855. She left him two children: Richard W". (deceased) and Benjamin, now 29 years of age. To his present wife the Judge vvas married February 9, 1863. She was a Miss Martha E. Spillman, a daughter of John S. and Elizabeth (Waymen) Spillman, formerly of Virginia. They have had three children : Martha E., deceased ; George H. and Mary E., the last two now attending high school at Strother. The Judge and wife are members of the Regular Baptist Church.

The subject of this memoir, who was one of the early settlers of Monroe county, died at his residence in Jackson township on the 25th of June, 1867. He reached the age of 70 years and 9 months, and had resided on the farm where at last the light of his life went out for a period of over 33 years. He was therefore a personal witness to, and a participant in the growth and development of the county from an uninhabited wilderness to one of the first counties in the State. To the great change thus brought about in the county he contributed his full share by his industry and intelligence as a pioneer, farmer and citizen. He was a native of Kentucky, born in Mercer county, on the 8th of September, 1797. In 1824 he was married to Miss Mary S. Starns, of that county, and after residing there for ten years he removed west to Missouri, coming to Monroe county, where he entered the land on which he made his farm and resided until his death. His first wife died January the 24th, 1842, having borne him nine children : Elizabeth, Malinda, Lucy, Katie, Jackson, James, David, Mary and Thomas. To his second wife, previously a Miss Elizabeth Moore, of Callaway county, he was married January 1, 1843. This union proved a long and happy one and five children are the fruits of their married life : Sallie, Robert, Martha, Fannie and Susan. Fannie, who became the wife of Peter Campbell died January 17, 1884, leaving two children, Bessie and Fannie Mat, whom their good-hearted grandmother is rearing. Mrs. Woods resides on the old family homestead, one of the estimable, neighborly and motherly-hearted ladies of the vicinity. The farm contains 280 acres and is an excellent place. She is a worthy member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, as was also her husband prior to his death.

James M. Worrel

Mr. Worrell, one of the popular hotel landlords on the line of the Missouri, Kansas and Texas Railway, and who keeps a first-class house in every particular, a house that bears an enviable reputation not only at Paris and throughout the county, but with the traveling public generally, is a native of Monroe county, but was reared in Virginia. His father was Kobert P. Worrell, Jr., a sen of Robert P. Worrell, and was bom and reared in Maryland. When a young man he went to Kentucky and was there married to Miss Elizabeth Woods, whose father originally owned the land, now the site of the city of Lexington, in that State. Mr. Worrell (James M.'s father) was a merchant tailor and after his marriage removed to Missouri, locating at Big Leg in Monroe county. He shortly went to Virginia, however, with his family and settled at Danville. He and wife reared a family of seven children: Robert H., Mar}' A., Richard B., James M., Wakefield C, Emma and Charles. James M. was born while his parents were residents of Monroe county, March 31, 1846. He was reared at Danville, Va., however, and in 1861 enlisted under Col. Withers, of Gen. Pickets division of the Confederate service, and served until the close of the war. After the war he went to Illinois, where he was married in December, 1868, to Miss Mary A. Parker, a daughter of Capt. T. A. Parker. He followed the painter's trade at Lebanon, III., until his removal to Paris, Monroe county, in 1878. He continued at his trade at this place for about two j^ears and then engaged in the book store business, Subsequently he was in the grocery business and in 1882 he took charge of the Glenn House, which he has since conducted and with excellent success. Mr. and Mrs. Worrell have one son, Henry B.

James L. Wright

Mr. Wright has had over 16 years' experience in business life, and is a skillful and thorough druggist. He has a neat stock of fresh and well selected drugs, and is prepared to supply the trade in and around Paris with everything usually to be found in a first-class retail drug store, and at prices which can not be undersold by any responsible house. Mr. Wright was born on his father's farm, four miles northwest of Paris, August 22, 1847. His parents, Walker and Jane (Greer) Wright, were early residents of this coimty, his father coming here when quite young, as early as 1837. They were married in this county, and resided here for many years afterwards. In 1867, however, he removed to Randolph county, and he afterwards represented that county in the State Legislature. At the age of 19 James L. began teaching school, and taught for about two years. He then became a clerk in the store of T. G. Harley & Bros., for whom he clerked some four years. He subsequently clerked for other parties, and taught a term of school. In 1875 he and E. K. Stone began the grocery business at Paris, and they discontinued two years following. He afterwards followed clerking until 1880, and then engaged in the drug business at Madison; and in December, 1882, he removed to Walker, in Vernon county, whei'e he continued the drug business until his return to Paris, in the sprinu' of 1884. Here he has since carried on the drug trade and with excellent success. November 21, 1873, Mr. Wright was married to Miss Emma F. McNutt, a daughter of Dr. E. G. B. McNutt, deceased. . She was born April 11, 1851. They have one child, Mattie L., born March 31, 1877.

S. P. Wright

Mr. Wright was left an orphan when in infancy by the death of his father, and he was reared by his grandi)arent8, of Pike county. They resided on a farm, and he was therefore brought up to a farm life. He had the usual school advantages of that time, and when 21 years of age, anxious to see something of the world, as well as to look out for an opportunity to make something for himself, he went to Texas, that State then being regarded, as it still is, as a favorable place to get a start in life. He was not favorably impressed with Texas, however, and returned after a short sojourn there. He now engaged in farming in Audrain county, and was busily occupied with his crops and stock when the war broke out in 1861. It had not been in progress long before it became evident that he would have to join one army or the other, or leave the country. He accordingly did as his sympathies and principles directed, joined the Southern forces under Col. Porter. Subsequently he participated in the fights at Newark, Kirksville, Walnut Branch, and several skirmishes. The command was disbanded at Walnut Branch, for it was impossible to remain together longer without being captured, and Mr. Wright was captured after all. He was soon afterwards paroled, however, and it being impossible to get to the Southern army, he went to California in company with Hugh Glenn in his train of emigrants, stock, etc. He remained in California until the clouds of war rolled by, and was engaged in farming in the Sacramento Valley until the fall of 1866. He then returned to Missouri by way of Panama and New York, and located in Monroe county, where he has since been enijaoed in farming. On the 9th of December, 1867, he was married in this county to Miss Virginia T. Dowell, daughter of James Dowell. Mr. and Mrs. Wright have five children: Lucy C, James S., Mary A., Bettie E. and Peyton D. They have lost three: Charles F., an infant and Jason M, the first of whom died at the age of three, and the last at two years of age. Mr. Wright began in this county as a renter, but has succeeded so well that he was soon able to buy a farm, and has an excellent place of 180 acres, all improved. He is engao-ed in breeding horses and mules in addition to general farming, and has first-class fine blooded representative animals for that purpose, as good as there are in the county. Mr. and Mrs. Wright are members of the Baptist Church. Mr. Wright, as indicated above, is a native Missourian, born in Ralls county, January 2, 1838. He was a son of Peyton P. and Susan (Enlow) Wright, his father of Virginia and his mother formerly of Kentucky. His father came out to this State when a young man, and settled in Rails county after his marriage. He died, however, soon afterwards, while Sanford P. was less than a year old.

Robert L. Yowell

The subject of this sketch was born August 30, 1835, in Madison county, Va., of Ephraitn Yowell and Susan Eddings, his wife, both natives of the Old Dominion, where Mr. Yowell, Sr., was a successful farmer. With that desire for change which seems common to youth, and which, in many instances, proves fatal, not only to all hopes of success in life, but to that stability without which there can be no real strength of character, Mr. Yowell, Sr., a happy exception to the above possibility, moved in 1837 to Monroe county. Mo. Of a family of 10 children, called respectively, Clara, Albert, William P., Harriet, Francis, Joseph S., Mary V., Tlieophilus and Emma N. Robert L., was their youngest child. Left motherless at the age of three years, and when still a boy suffering the additional loss of a watchful and tender father, it was his hard fate to find himself, at a time when most he needed a parent's guiding hand, thrown upon the world to face alone and unaided, the cold indiiference, or worse still, the cruel contempt which Init too frequently falls to the lot of the friendless orphan. With a heart for every fate and a will indomitable and fixed as the decrees of death, he looked neither to the right nor left, but fixing his eyes steadily upon the distant but ever nearer goal, guided as the mariner by the North Star, by the brilliancy of its gleam, he has steered his course with a sure and unerring hand through shoals and quicksands, treacherous rocks and adverse gales to a harbor, the smiling beauty of which puts to the blush his fairest dream. Mr. Yowell selected for his vocation in life the elevating pursuit of agriculture. Reared in Monroe county, he has always made it his home and triumphing over all obstacles, he is now the proud owner of one of the finest farms in the county with every natural advantage that energy and determination, which have ever been his closest companions, have added to the comforts and conveniences of cultivation and improvements. On the 30th of May, 1861, Miss Lucy E. Marr, one of the most charming daughters of Monroe county, became his blushing bride. Of this heaven-made union were born six children, of whom four are living, viz. : Rickson L., Henry E., John H. and Ira S. Li the bosom of his family Mr. Yowell enjoys a richly earned repose. He and his wife worship according to the faith of the Methodist Church.

Addenda

Notwithstanding the efforts made to secure the history of the following churches that they might be inserted in their proper pUice, our endeavors proved unsuccessful. Hence we give them here. The reader is referred to the chapter on Ecclesiastical History, pp. 278- 291, for other church history.

The Congregation of Disciples at Paris. - This congregation was organized March 10, 1832, with seven members, only one of whom survives (Abernathy) to-day. They now occupy their third house of worship, which is a structure of modern design, built of brick with four rooms, viz. : class-room, dressing-room, pastor's study and experience-room. The latter has a seating capacity of 450. The class-room can be used in conjunction with the audience department, which enables the church to seat comfortabl}' about 600. The baptistry is just to the left of the pulpit and under the platform, but entered from the study in a very convenient way. The building is gothic in design throughout, with windows of beautiful stained cathedral glass, and was built at a cost of about $11,000. The congregation has had seven regular pastors, three of whom survive : Alexander Proctor, J. W. Mountjoy and H. B. Davis, the last named being the present incumbent. The present membership is about 250. The names of Alfred Wilson, Henry Thomas, A. H. Rice and Thos. Allen are revered by those who survive them, as ministers who labored faithfully and successfully among them. Also Peter Donan did noble service for the Master in their community. The following are the names of the charter members: J. C. Fox and wife, Jno. Forman and wife, J. R. Abernathy, John Shoot and wife. Marcus Wills is remembered as an eflScient minister among this people.

First Baptist Church of Monroe City. - The organization of this church was effected January 23, 1869, the original members being as follows : J. M. Proctor and wife, Ellen ; T. J. Canterbury and Jennie, his wife; Geo. W. Swan and wife, Eliza; Wm. B. White and his dauo-hters, Gallic M., Anna and Nellie White, and Mrs. J. H. Brown, Mrs. Mary Fuqua, Wm. Ashley and wife, Deborah I. ; David Minor and Esther A., his wife ; J. A. Peirsol and wife, Susan E. ; and Mr. Eaton K. Glark. The erection of a frame church edifice was commenced in the fall of 1869, and was completed and dedicated in the summer of 1870. Its cost was about $1,100. This building has become too small for the congregation and a new brick structure will be put up this year. The estimated cost of this new building is from

$5,000 to $6,000. Wm. C. Busby was the first pastor of the church, serving from February, 1869, to February, 1872; he was followed by Pierre K. Ridgely, from February, 1872, to June, 1875, the latter being succeeded by James S. Green, from September, 1875, to the present time. The church now has a membership of 78 - 35 male and 43 femiale members. A Sunday-school has been sustained since the organization of the church. The superintendent is Thomas Proctor. The church officers have been : Clerks, G. W. Swan (at organization), R. B. Bristow, J. W. Paul and J. A. Peirsol ; Treasurers : P. A. Pendleton and J. M. Proctor. The present officers are: Clerk, J. A. Peirsol ; treasurer, J. M. Proctor; deacons, J. M. Proctor, J. A. Peirsol, L. C. Burdil, George Lee and R. D. Woods. This church, while not having had such an extensive career, has been uniformly progressive and is now in a good spiritual condition. The only ordination which has occurred here was that of Pierre R. Ridgely, February 24, 1872.

Bethel Cumberland Presbyterian Church - Is located at Holliday, and was organized between 1830 and 1840. Rev. Jas. Sharp is pastor at this time. The church house is a frame structure about 32x40 feet in size. A Sabbath-school of from 50 to 75 scholars is maintained here.

Shiloh Cumberland Presbyterian Church - Is situated about four miles west of Paris. It was organized about 1878 or 1879, and now has some 70 members. Rev. T. W. Baker has been pastor ever since its organization. A Sunday school is held regularly.

Bluff Springs Cumberland Presbyterian Church - Is situated about seven miles south-east of Paris. The congregation are removing and rebuilding a church at this date, August, 1884.

The A. M. E. Church (Methodist) - Was organized by I. N. Triplitt in the year 1870. Those who have served as pastors are as follows : J. W. Shropshire, six months ; D. Bell and H. H. Triplitt, each one year; W. Martin, two years; F, M. Dale, J. Thomas and H. H. Triplitt, each one year; J. R. Loving, two years; J. P. Watson, three years, and R. H. Congdon, two years, and now the pastor. The membership at present is 75. Their house was built in the year 1880 by J. P. Watson, and in size is 34x48, and 14 feet high, costing about $1,200.

Colored Baptist Church. - The Second Baptist Church of Paris (colored) was organized in 1867. The pastors here have been James Hawkins, Clay Vaughn, Wm. P. Brooks and James Hawkins, who is now the pastor. The brick church edifice which they occupy is 36x60 feet in dimensions and is valued at $1,200. It was built in 1864 by the Old School Baptists (white) and purchased by the colored church in 1880.

C. Hanger, J. C. Kipper, S. Houcheus and T. Burton. There are at present 30 members, the officers being George W. Webb, W. M. ; George S. Jones, S. W. ; William G. Smiser,' J. W. ; T. O. Bailey, treasurer ; N. M. Read, secretary ; George M. Curry, S. D. ; John W. Adams, J. D., and W. T. Delaney, tyler.

Monroe Council JSfo. 43, of Missouri, Order of Chosen Friends - Was organized August 12, 1884. The officers and charter members were George L. Turner, past chief councilor ; George A. Hawkins, chief councilor; William A. Bird, vice-councilor; George W. Tompkins, secretary; Noah A. Sidener, treasurer; Henry G. Johnson, prelate ; John W. Strean, marshal ; John R. Griffith, warden ; Harry E. Schofield, guard; William S. Whitehead, sentry; George L. Turner, John Hanley and Nicholas Lasson, trustees. Charter members - Noah A. Sidener, Mrs. Zer. L. Lively, Henry G. Johnson, William S. Whitehead, Mrs. Teresa M. Simpson, John W. Strean, Harry E. Schofield, Samuel H. Ryan, George W. Tompkins, Albert R. Wheeler, Eugene L. Anderson, Samuel F. Henderson, George A. Hawkins, John Hanley, George L. Turner, John R. Griffith, Horace J. Kent, William A. Bird, Thomas E. Garrett, Mrs. Mary S. Torrell, Felix Wunsch, Andrew Grimm, Nicholas Lasson, Mrs. Roxanna Johnson and Mrs. Harriet E. Kent.

Prof. R. D. Woods

Prof. Woods is a native of Kentucky, born in Nelson county, February 11, 1832. His parents were John A. and Nancy G. (Davis) Woods, and his father was a sou of Michael and Esther Woods, also of that county. His fjither was born April 9, 1800, and had four brothers : James, Michael, Samuel and William ; and three sisters ; Susan, who becan)e the wife of Mr. Massey ; Mary, who married a Mr, Barclay ; and Jane, afterwards Mrs. Hardy. John A. Woods was reared a farmer, and received a good common school education. In March, 1827, he was married to Miss Nancy G. Davis, a daughter of Richard G. and Frances Davis, of Goochland county, Virginia. Subsequently he followed farming in Nelson county until 1839 when he removed to Ralls county, Missouri. In a short time he bought a farm in Pike county, where he resided until his death in 1849. He left his wife with nine children, of whom seven are living ; Michael, the eldest, died en route to California in 1850 ; Mary, died at the family homestead in Pike county ; Elizabeth became the wife of John H. Davis, and now resides at Waxahachie, Tex., her husband being dead ; Jane is now the widow of Arthur Maupin ; Julia is the wife of N. B. Langs- ford ; Louisa is the wife of William Kelly, of Audrain county ; William is married and a resident of Jackson county; J. Thomas is a resident of Texas ; and Prof. R. D. Woods, the subject of this sketch. Prof. Woods was reared to a farm life, but being disabled for farm work by an affliclion of the erysipelas, he prepared himself for the profession of teaching. He took a course at Bethel College and began teaching in the fall of 1854. He has been engaged in his chosen calling continuously ever since that time. Prof. Woods has achieved a wide and enviable reputation as a teacher and has held the position of principal of some of the best public schools of the State, including those of Mexico, Liberty and Kearney. He is now principal of the public schools at Monroe City and has given unqualiified satisfaction in this position. April 2, 1863, he was married to Miss Margaret Bodine, a daughter of Richard and Margaret (Gore) Bodine, of this county. Her mother is still living at the advanced age of 80 years. Mrs. W. has two brothers living: Martin, and Massey G., of Paris, and two sisters : Mrs. Amanda Birkit, wife of S. P. Birkit, and Ella, both of Paris. Mr. and Mrs. Woods have three children; Archie B,, a telegraph operator on the Missouri Pacific Railway, Bessie and Ella. Prof. W. is a member of the Baptist Church, and also of the A. F. and A. M. Mrs. Woods and her daughters are members of the Christian Church.