Monroe County, Missouri - Biographical sketches, 1884 (part 7 of 11)

Marcus M. Powers

(Farmer and Stock-raiser, Post-office, Florida). Mr. Powers has a hirge stock farm of nearly 500 acres, and he makes a specialty of raising and handling stock, producino- uo cxrain whatever, except for feeding purposes, on the farm. Re is one of those clear-headed, practical men who do evervthing of a pecuniary nature from a common.sense business point. According to his ideas and figures if it pays at all to raise grain and grass, it pays twice as well to feed them to stock and put them on the markets in the shape ot cattle, hogs, sheep and other farm animals. At least, this is his policy as a farmer, and his success in it shows that it is a sound one. Mr. Powers has led a very active life and one not devoid of substantial results. He was eight years of age when his parents came to this county then Ralls county, in 1830, having been born in Green county, Ky., January 22, 1822. He grew up in the county and had the benefit of one of the old-fashioned puncheon floor educations, ciistributed by the occasional itinerant old-field school teachers who taught school here in those days, when the^ timber was sohard frozen that they couldn't make boards. Still of a studious mind, young Powers studied at home and succeeded in obtainino- a very good knowledge of books, quite sufficient to -et alono- with^in tlie world. January 16, 1844, he was married to Miss Mary Terrell a daughter of Robert Terrell, of Randolph county, but formerly of Kentucky. After his marriage, Mr. Powers engaged in farming in Jackson township, and was getting along first-rate^ until the Califoniia gold excitement broke out. He then caught the general fever to cross the plains and get rich in a little while Accordingly, he went overland to the Pacific coast in^ 1850 in company with his brother, Tom Reavis and others, and spent nearly three years oii the shores washed by the Pacific. He was principally eno-ao-ed m milling and freighting out there, and while there, his brotlfer, Robert, died. Mr. Powers returned to Missouri by water in 1853 and having made some money he bought a farm in South Fork township, where he resided for about 17 years, successfully eno-acred in farming. Whilst there his first wife died in 1864. ^She^left him eight children : Robert C, Richard E., Cyrus B., Orville H., George M. James W., Harvey T. and Arthur L. Three of these are manned and have families of their own. Mr. Powers was married to his present wife, March 11, 1866. She was previously Mrs. Anoeline Nesbitt, relict of Nicholas Nesbitt, and a dauditer of James Field formerly of Kentucky. There are two childreirby this union, Minnie and iieulah C. Mr. Powers' second wife died November 15, 1880

Meanwhile, in 1870, he sold his farm in South Fork township to his two youngest brothers, and bought the old Powers' paternal homestead in Jefferson township, consisting of 475 acres. This is one of the best stock farms in the township and all the improvements are substantial and well arranged, both as a home and for stock-raising. Mr. Powers is a genial, whole-souled man, hospitable and generous, and is as pleasant to meet or to spend an evening with at his own home as it is to have your shirt-front blown open by a gust of cool wind in a harvest field of a sultry day in July. Mr. Powers has been an exemplary member of the Presbyterian Church for the past 43 years, and is one of the sterling men of that denomination in Florida. Mr. Powers was a son of R. D. and Harriet (Poage) Powers, his father originally of Virginia, but his mother a native of Kentucky. They were married in Kentucky and came to Missouri in 1830. The father bought and entered over 700 acres of land here and improved a fine farm. He became one of the prominent citizens of Jefferson township and served as magistrate some years. He died in 1859, wide and sincerely mourned. He was twice married. There were eight children by his first wife and four by his last, Marcus M., being the eldest by his first marriage. Four sons by his first marriage are still living, and all the children by his second wife.

Theron B. Powers

Mr. Powers was born in Monroe county, Jefferson township, February 23, 1834. He is a brother to Mr. M. M. Powers, whose memoir adds greatly to the interest of these pages. Theron B. received a good education in the common schools, and at the age of 20 went overland, in company with James and John Terrell, of Randolph county, to California, taking a large herd of cattle. He was four months making the trip. Its tediousness, however, was amply compensated for hy the success which met him upon his arrival. He was engaged for 15 years in freighting upon a large scale from Sacramento to difi'erent places in Nevada. Longing for home after so many years, Mr. Powers returned by way of the Isthmus, New York and Chicago in 1869, after which, for five years, he was engaged with his brother, J. N. Powers, at Long Branch, in farming and the stock business, which seems always to have had a fascination for him, and of which he has made a complete success. In 1870 Mr. Powers became enamored of the fresh charms of one of Monroe county's fairest daughters. Miss Lucy M., daughter of Joseph Hocker, formerly fron) Kentuck}', and one of the earliest settlers of the county, and on the 23d of Febrnarv, of the same year, " they twain were made one flesh." Naturally enough he was drawn through this influence to Monroe county, to which he moved in the spring of 1874. He now has a beautiful place of 620 acres of land, all fenced, except one tract of 80 acres, which is in timber. The home farm is almost all in meadow and pasture and contains every comfort and convenience.

Mr. Powers makes a specialty of raising and feeding cattle for the wholesale market, and ships as fine specimens as ever crossed the boundaries of Monroe county. In November, 1880, he shipped 27 head, making three car loads, and averaging 2,145 pounds in weight. The following year he fed 18 head that averaged 1,885 pounds. Mr. Powers is one of the most experienced and skillful stock-raisers in the county. His judgment is always good, and possessing unbounded energy and, withal, a strong taste for his chosen business, he has made his place a model stock farm, and his utterances on the subject of cattle are received as those of an oracle by all for miles around him. He is a leading man in the connty, and strives ever to elevate his profession by his uniting efforts and example. Mr. and Mrs. Powers have six children : Mary Emma, Cassie V., Hattie R., Homer N., Oscar B. and Charles O. Mr. P. is a member of Florida Lodge, A. F. and A. M., and he and his wife belong to the Baptist Church.

Thomas M. Reavis

Mr, Reavis' grandfather, Mark Reavis, an early settler in Kentucky from North Carolina, became a pioneer settler in Saline county. Mo., but finally made his home near Columbia, in Boone county, Avhere he resided until his death. He moved from Virginia to Buncombe county, N. C, and from there moved to Warren count}', Ky., in or about 1800. After a residence in Kentucky of some 18 or 20 years he came on to Missouri in 1820, locating at first in Saline county St. Charles, Cote Sans Dessein and Old Franklin were then small landings or villages on the river. In the upper part of Saline county, his uncle, Ned Reavis, discovered a valuable salt spring and decided to engage in the manufacture of salt. He accordingly procured kettles in St. Louis or some other place where they could be obtained, and other utensils necessary for that purpose. He made salt in that county until after steamers began to navigate the Missouri, in "1819. They made the cost of transportation so cheap that salt could be brought up the river from other and larger works at a distance and sold for less than it could be made for in Saline county or this part of the country. The manufacture of salt was therefore discontinued. Mr. Reavis, the subject of this sketch, remembers hearing his father relate what an excitement the advent of the first steamboat up the Missouri created. The father went some distance to see it, and knew of many who went miles to view the great wonder. Saline county then being too far away even from the outposts of civilization, the family moved back and settled near Columbia, Boone county, where the grandfather spent the remainder of his days, one of the highly I'espected old citizens of that county.

Mr. Reavis' father, Jones B. Reavis, the son of Mark Reavis, w^as about six or seven years of age when the family moved to Kentucky from North Carolina. He enlisted in the War of 1812 from that State and served from 1814 till its close under Gens. Adair and Thomas, and embarked in flat boats at Smithland, Ky., and went down the Ohio and Mississippi rivers to New Orleans. After the war they marched back to Kentucky on foot, where they were honorably discharged. Jones B. Keavis in a few years after came out to Missouri, the year previous to his parents, in 1819, to Saline county, and finally moved to Boone county. He was married in Boone county in 1823 to Miss Hannah Morton, who was on a visit to see relatives, of Woodford county, Ky. In 1830 he removed to Monroe county, where he became a farmer and stock-raiser, and resided here until his death, which was in 1858. He was a man of industry and intelligence and was highly respected in this county. His wife died in 1871. They had a family of 11 children, five now living: Thomas M. Eeavis, of Monroe county ; James O. Reavis, Mrs. Bartlett Russell, David M. Reavis, Andrew Reavis, of California.

Thomas M. Reavis was born in Boone county, March 7, 1826. He was therefore four years of age when the family removed to Monroe county. Reared in this county, in the winter of 1847 he enlisted under Lieut. John H. Hawkins as recruit for Price's army in New Mexico, and served till the close of the war. He was honorably discharged at Independence, Mo., in the fall of 1848. Subsequently he made several trips to California, but finally settled down permanently at farming in this county. At the outbreak of the Civil War, in 1861, he enlisted in the Missouri State Guard, Southern service, as a private under Col. Brace, and afterwards was promoted to the position of first-lieutenant in Capt. Grigsby's company, at Springfield. After the close of his term in the State service, he enlisted in the regular Confederate army and was out until the close of the war. After the war he returned to Monroe county and engaged in farming, which he has since followed.

Joshua Richmond

Mr. Richmond was born in Frederick county, Md., November 14, 1815. His parents, natives of the same State, were Francis and Susanna (Stottlemyer) Richmond. The father held the commission of first lieutenant in the War of 1812. He moved to Missouri in 1837 and settled near Hannibal on a farm, where he died in 1844. He was twice married, his second wife drawing a pension until her death, in 1881. Joshua R. lived in Maryland on a farm until he was past boyhood, receiving a good common school education as he grew up. At the age of 17 he came West and fixed on Dayton, Ohio, as the scene of his struggle with life. He began learning the brickmason's trade, but after vvorking at this for three years, the strong associations of childhood drew him with restless power to his own home. After a visit of one year with renewed resolution and courageous hope he again set his face toward the setting sun. He settled in Hannibal, Mo., where he worked at his trade most profitably for 16 years. In 1854 he removed to Monroe county, bought some raw land and improved the place upon which he now lives. He owns 240 acres of land, 160 of it is fenced, and about 120 improved. He has a commodious residence and good buildings, also a fair orchard. In farming, as in all else he has undertaken, Mr. Richmond has brought to bear qualities which can not fail of success. Pluck, energy and patient iu dustry never have but one result, and this has crowned Mr. R.'s labors. He fell a victim, in 1844, to a fever that sooner or later must scorch the being of all weal mortals with its burning breath, love; that tyrant, restless as death, bound him in his chains, those chains so fair, so sweet, so alluring, that we voluntarily clasp them round our chained hearts, and which, when we feel the bitter pain of their merciless power, we struggle vainly to tear away : -

On the 17th of June, 18 - , Mr. Richmond wedded Miss Aurelia Torry, a bright young school teacher from Massachusetts. Three years later she was torn from his despairing arms by the Death Angel who envied his joy. January 16, 1849, Miss Angeline M., daughter of Hiram Cook, of Hannibal, formerly of Massachusetts, became Mr. R.'s second wife. Mrs. Richmond was born in Massachusetts, but came to Missouri at the age of nine years. Seven children have made the poetry of their married lives: Lizzie C, wife of Harmon Vaughn, of Ralls county ; Charles F., now at Westminster College, Fulton, Mo.; Angeline A., a teacher in Colorado; Cora L., also a teacher of Monroe county; Hiram C, Adella and Joshua are living. Ella J, died in 1876, aged 20 years, and one flower fell from the stalk ere its first leaves were opened. Mr. R. and his family are members of the Presbyterian Church, of which he has been a deacon for 25 years,

Le Grande Rouse

Mr. Rouse is a business man of long experience, and has an established trade in and around Florida which he has built up by close attention to business, fair dealing and his accommodating way of treating customers. He has been engaged in business more or less continuously for over 20 years, and at Florida, without any interruption whatever, for the last 18 years. He carries a general stock of drugs and groceries and keeps everything in these lines to be found in a village store of a place even much larger than Florida. He is well known to the people of elefi'erson township and, indeed, of the eastern part of Monroe and the western part of Ralls counties, and commands a good trade throughout the entire territory tributary to this point. Mr. Rouse was born in Boone county, Ky., March 4, 1832, but was reared in Monroe county, this State, his parents, Maj. Jeremiah and Nancy (Barlow) Eoiise, having immigrated to this county in 1836. His father received the title of Major in the old Muster days, which ever afterwards clung to him. He bought and entered land in this county and improved a farm, on which he lived until his death in 1866. He and wife were both originally from Virginia. Le Grande Rouse's opportunities for an education consisted of an occasional three months' school in the winter time, which was attended usually about every other day, or, iu other words, wheu the snow was not blowing in at the cracks at the school house or not melting on the roof and leaking through, or the weather was not so cold but that the room could be kept warm by a log fire iu the stick chimney at the end. Those were the good old days of spelling matches at the schools, and the boys and girls had any amount of fun, if their only books were Pike's Arithmetic and the Life of Marion, interspersed now and then, by way of variety, with an interesting chapter in the Scriptures. Mr. Rouse succeeded in acquiring a sufficient knowledge of books to move along very well in business affairs, and afterwards, by study and reading, made himself a man of good, fair general English education and liberal information in affairs, business, political and otherwise. June 24, 1858, he was married to Miss Polly Scobee, a daughter of Capt. John Scobee, formerly of Kentucky. He then located on a farm in Jefferson township, which he improved from raw land. He lived there for about five years and then engaged in merchandising in Ralls county. A year later he resumed farming in Jefi:erson township and in 1866 sold the firm he then owned and l^ought another place, where he farmed for a while. He then sold that and bought the old Rouse homestead. Later along he traded that for his present property and business at Florida. He owns his business buildinir here and also his residence. One of his sons is now in business with him. Mr. and Mrs. Rouse have five children: Jeremiah F., Elvira, wife of Josiah Heavenridge ; Sarah E., Robert J. and John C. They have lost three: James W., John A. and Lucy L., all between two and four years of age. Mr. Rouse is a member of Florida Lodge No. 23, A. F. and A. M.

Mr. Scobee is a native of Monroe county, born October 21, 1821. His father, Stephen Scobee, was horn and raised in Kentucky, and there married Miss Sarah S. Ely, also otKentucky. The family moved to Missouri in 1821, and settled in what was then Ralls, but is now Monroe county, where Stephen Scobee entered land to the amount of 7,000 acres. He was a large and prominent stock-dealer and farmer. He died in St. Louis in 1855. Roi)ert S. was raised on the farm in Jefferson township where he still lives. Upon arriving at his majority and after his marriage Mr. S. settled in Ralls county and improved a farm, which he made his home for 20 years. He then sold it and bought the old homestead, endeared to him by a thousand tender associations, and sweeter in his eyes than any home on earth could ever be. He moved to the county in 1859, and now owns 280 acres of land, mostly in meadow, pasture and plow. He has a handsome residence and all other necessary improvements. His property was even larger than at present, but he has sold a portion and has also given with lavish generosity to his children. Of these he has eight: Martha Ann, wife of Isaac P. Bibb, of Randolph county ; Stephen T., Elizabeth J., wife of S. H. Scobee ; R. G., married and living in Adair county ; J. D., also married ; D. A., a young man at school at College Mound, McGee College; M. B. and James W. Besides his own goodly flock, Mr. Scobee has taken into his noble heart and hospitat3le home two fatherless little ones, Robert D. and Katie E. Norman, upon whom he bestows the same affection and parental care which fell to his own children. If nothing else were known of this good man beyond the above recorded fact, that alone would stamp him forever as living in a moral atmosphere as far above that breathed by mankind generally as are the pure, white stars above the senseless clods of the earth's clay. " Inasmuch as ye have done it unto the least of these, ye have done it unto me," Christ hath said, and he to whom these words have been more than empty sounds, can have but little to fear at the last trnmp. Mr. Scobee is an intelligent and industrious farmer and stands as high as any man in the township. His wife, a woman well worthy of a place by his side, to whom he was married January 24, 1843, was Miss Dulcinia, daughter of Saunders and Elizabeth Norman, formerly from Boone county, Ky. Mrs. S. was born in that county in 1824, but was brought to Missouri when a tiny maid of three summers, and has spent the rest of her life in Monroe county. She and her husband present a beautiful example of Christian life. Thev are both members of the Baptist Church.

Stephen H. Scobee

Mr. Scobee was born in Monroe county, July 20, 1845, of Frances Wood, of South Carolina, and Capt. Stephen Scobee, a native of'Kentucky. The latter served as captain of militia during the drill times. He moved to Missouri when a young man, entered land and improved a farm in Monroe county, where he lived until his death in November, 1876. He was one of the earliest settlers of the county. Of thel children who grew to maturity, Stephen H. was the fourth son. He has always lived in Monroe county and is now one of its model farmers. He owns 360 acres of land with 260 in meadow pasture and plow land. His improvements are first-class and his orchard is especially fine. Dnring the war Mr. Scobee served for about nine months in Col. Pinnell's regiment. He was on duty in Louisiana and Texas but was in no engagements. Upon the cessation of the hostilities he returned to his home and in January, 1866, married Miss Bessie, daughter of Robert and Dulcina Scobee, of Monroe county. After this important event he went to work in earnest as a farmer, and has met w^ith the brightest success. Every opening vista of life has been but a fresh and fair surprise. He enjoys tlie cordial respect and good will of all who know him. Mr. and Mrs. Scobee have six living children: Cena J., Minnie L., Thomas, Katie F., Sallie S. and Christy C. Two died in infancy, and Robert, aged 18 months and Mattie aged three months. Mr. and Mrs. Scobee are members of the Missionary Baptist Church.

Dennis Thompson

Mr, Thompson, a business man of long experience, was the pioneer merchant of Stoutsville, having opened the first stock of goods here ever brought to the place. He came to Stoutsville in 1867 and has been here merchandising continuously ever since, a period now of 17 years. He carries a good stock of drugs and groceries, commodities not only to make well but to make fat his fellow creatures, and being a man without reproach and of popular address he, of course, seeing the commendable lines which he is in, does an excellent business, for all the goods he keei)S are for the good and nothing for the hurt of humanity. Mr. Thompson is one of the sterling business men and public-spirited citizens of Stoutsville and has contributed his full share to the prosperity of the place. He is a man whom all respect and have confidence in and whose influence in the community is only for good. He is a native Missourian, born in Ralls county, September 29, 1824, and a son of Hiram T. Thompson, who came to this State away back in 1818. His father married here, having lost his first wife, to Miss Elizabeth Dale, who became the mother of the subject of this sketch. She came to Missouri when a child with her parents in 1807, when the white men of the interior of the State could almost be numbered on one's fingers, but when the Indians and the wolves and the wild beasts of the field and forest were hardly less numerous than the blades of grass that waved before the summer breezes on the boundless prairie like the waters of a horizon-bound sea. Mr. Thompson'sparents removed to Monroe county, near Stoutsville, in 1827, where they resided for 20 years. The father died in Texas in 1863, whence he had removed a year or two before. Dennis Thompson, after he grew up, followed stock trading for about eight years and then sold groceries at Florida, in this county, for a short time. He subsequently followed either farming or the grocery trade until 1867, when he came to Stoutsville, as stated above. January 30, 1845, he was married to Miss Sarah F. Yowell, a daughter of Ephraim Yowell, of this county, but formerly of Virginia. Mr. and Mrs. Thompson have three children: Clarissa A., wife of Shedrack Woodson ; Elizabeth J., wife of William Carter and George W. Mr. Thompson served eight years as justice of the peace of Jefferson township and is, therefore, generally called by his neighbors and acquaintances 'Squire Thompson, for in this country, although a man may quit an office, the title of the office never quits him, unless it is for one a little moi'e high sounding. Hence the country, in these piping times of peace, is

John W. Yandeventek

Mr. V. was born in Monroe county, February 27, 1844, on the same farm which is still his home. He was the son of William Vandeventer, who came to Missouri from Virginia, in 1831. He was a young man and settled in Monroe county, afterwards marrying Miss Sarah Conrad, a native of Kentucky. He entered and bouofht land to the amount of 800 acres, and improved a splendid farm, upon which he lived until his death, Deceml)er 26, 1866. J. W. grew to manhood on the home farm, and at the age of 20 enlisted in the Confederate army. He took a brave part uutil the close of the war, beino" under Col. McDaniel. In 1865 Mr. Vandeventer came home, and once more taking up his old life as a farmer, married, Januarj' 15, 1875, Miss Mary Buchanan, daughter of Robert Buchanan, of Monroe countv, formerly of Virginia. Mrs. V. was born in the county. Of this marriage were born three children: Antha L., Hattie B. and Ma^o-ie H. Mr. Vandeventer owns, in partnership with Mr. Goss, upwards of 1,200 acres of land, nearly all fenced and in grass. They are large dealers and feeders of cattle and hogs and ship annually about ten car loads. The firm of Goss & Vandeventer also own the Florida Flouring Mills and in addition carry on an immense mercantile business at Florida, this branch of enterprise being erected under the immediate supervision of the other partner, Mr. Goss. This is one of the staunchest and most reliable firms in Monroe county, and do a trade second to none. The brightness of their prosperity is largely due to the capable management and untiring energy of Mr. Vandeventer, who possesses to an eminent degree every characteristic most necessary to success. He and his family are also shining additions to the society of the township. Mrs. V. is a member of the Presbyterian Church.

Capt. Benjamin F. White

One of the oldest of those heroes who fought, bled, and risked death for the preservation of Southern fights is the subject of the present sketch. Capt. White is a son "whom Missouri proudly claims as her own. His parents, James M. and Nancy White, canie from Kentucky in 1832, and settled in Jefferson township, Monroe county. Benjamin F. was born in Monroe county, July 2, 1838, and spent the early years of his life on his father's farm, having fair educational advantages. In 1861, being of a suitable age, and his heart full of zeal and enthusiasm in the cause of the land of chivalry, Mr. W. enlisted in Col. Brace's regiment of Calvary, Co. B, State Guard. His intelligence and natural capacity to rule elevated him at once to the rank of lieutenant, in the spring of 1862, he enlisted in the regular Confederate service, Col. Porter's calvary, and fought with brilliant gallantry until the close of the war. He was captain of Co. F. Mr. White was wounded three times : first, at Monroe City, through the hand and arm, losing the end of one finger, also received a flesh wound in Newark, and on another occasion had two ribs broken. He took part in many battles, among them, Lexington, Kirksville, Little Rock, Arkansas, Camden, and skirmishes innumerable through Missouri, Arkansas, Louisiana and Texas. When peace once more

Ca)>t. W., who had lived to see his beloved banner trailed in the dust, wended his mournful way homeward, and taking up his plow, endeavored in the peaceful life of a farmer to find repose and happiness. March 15, 1866, he led to the altar Miss Sarah J., daughter of William S. Briggs, of Ralls county, but formerly of Kentuck3\ Capt. White came to his present farm in 1877, and is now one of the well-to-do men of the township. He has 480 acres of land all fenced and almost all in cultivation, meadow and pasturage. His buildings are neat and substantial and mostly new, and his farm presents a very attractive appearance. He has been no less deserving as a citizen than as a soldier, and bears a reputation of which his family may justly feel proud. He has three children living: Joseph T., Benjamin T. and Robert M. Mr. and Mrs. W. are connected with the Christian Church, and he is a member of Florida Lodge of the A. F. and A. M., in which he fills the responsible position of treasurer.

Wiley M. Wilkerson

Mr. Wilkerson was born in Monroe county, June 15, 1833. His father came from Kentucky when a young man, away back in 1822, and was married here to Miss Phoebe Dean, formerly of Lawrence county, Ind. He settled in this county and remained here until 1850, when he went to California, crossing the plains. He remained there two years and died at Havana, Cuba, while on his way back by the Isthmus route. Wiley M. was reared on the farm, and in 1850 he, too, went to California, reniiiining for four years, engaged in mining. Returning in 1854, he engaged in farming on the home place, which he continued for several years. But in 1858 he engaged in the grocery business in a small way at Florida, which he continued until 1861, when he enlisted in the Southern service. He was out for about two years, participating during that time in fights at Kirksville, Walnut Creek, and numerous other ens^ao'enients. Returnins^ in 1863, he went to Carrollton, where he remained until after the close of the war. He then came back to Florida and resumed merchandising at this place, which he has since continued. He has built up quite an extensive business, and now carries a large and well selected stock of dry goods, clothing, hardware, farm implements, groceries, queen' s-ware, glassware, etc. He has a large trade, which is steadily increasing. Mr. Wilkerson is one of the leading business men of tliis part of the county, June 14, 1859, he was married to Miss Amelia J. McQuary, a daughter of Robert McQuary, of this county. Mr. and Mrs. Wilkerson have two children, William E. and Exie May. He and wife are members of the M. E. Church at this place. Mr. Wilkerson is in easy circumstances, and owns his business building, his residence property, and does exclusively a cash business, at least so far as buying is concerned. His career as a business man has been one of entire success, and personally he is highly esteemed and popular with all who know him, for he never sought to prosper by the injury of any one, but, on the contrary, to live an upright life and accumulate what he could by honest methods.

Hiram Wommack

Mr. Wommack was born in Tennessee, Sumner county, April 5, 1811. His parents, Richard and Catherine (Street) Wommack, moved from Virginia to Tennessee at an early day, and were among the pioneer settlers of Sumner county. There the father was ruthlessly torn from his family by death in 1812. After this dread calamity the bereaved ones, no longer able to bear the scene of such a misfortune, moved to Missouri and settled in Lincoln county. Hiram was the youngest of a family of eight children, all of whom grew to maturity. He was raised in Lincoln county, on the farm, and had but limited advantages in schooling, but his natural intelligence triumphing over all accidents of circumstances, he acquired an unusual store of information, and his mind is now well trained and stocked with a more than ordinarily wide range of reading. In September, 1833, Mr. Wommack married Miss Louisa, daughter of Judge G. W. Zimmerman, of Lincoln county, formerly connected with a mercantile house in Falmouth, Va., of which State Mrs. Wommack is a native. After his marriage Mr. Wommack settled on a farm in Lincoln county and farmed with much profit to himself until 1867, wlien he sold his place, and, moving to Louisiana, in Pike county, there embarked in the wholesale and retail grocery business, in which trade he continued for four years. At the end of that time he again sold out, moved to Monroe county and bought his present farm. Mr. Wommack has 300 acres of land all fenced and in a good state of cultivation, on which he has placed improvements of the very best order. He is, in every sense of the word, an enlightened farmer, and his example is of great benefit to those around him. Before the war Mr. Wommack was quite a laroe slave owner. He and his wife have had nine children : Catherine, wife of Dr. Brown, of Audrain county ; Ann, who died in 1878, the wife of A. J. Reed ; Washington, now in Denver; Mollie, wife of E. F. Matthews, of Louisiana, Mo. ; Victoria, wife of R. G. Hanna ; James M., married and living at Laddonia, Audrain county; Zulina, widow of William G. Proviance ; Alice, wife of Dr. Bledsoe, of Perry, Ralls county, and Lillie, a young lady and teacher of instrumental music. Mr. Wommack and family are members of Perry Presbyterian Church.

Drury L. Woodson

'Squire Woodson, a substantial farmer and leading citizen of Jeiferson township, is a native of the Blue Grass State, born in Edmonson county, December 29, 1825. Both his tather, Shadrach Woodson, and his mother, whose maiden name was Betsey Haines, were originally from Virginia but were married in Kentucky. When Drury L. was less than a year old his parents removed to Missouri, and settled in that part of what was then Ralls county, which is now included in Marion county, near Hannibal, where the father entered land and improved a farm. He died there in 1863. He had been twice married, Drury L.'s mother being his second wife. There was a son and daughter by his first marriage, and three sons and three daughters by his second marriage, all of whom lived to reach their majority except one daughter, but only four are now living. Drury L. is the youngest of the family and was reared on the farm near Hannibal, receiving a good common-school education as he grew up. He then engaged in teaching school, and continued to study while teaching, following teaching desultorially, alternated with either farming or merchandising, up to within tenor twelve years ago, having taught in all a length of time that would be equal to perhaps 15 consecutive years. May 31, 1849, he was married to Miss Nancy Johnston, a daughter of Rev. John M. Johnston of Ralls county, but originally of Kentucky. Prior to this he had become book-keeper for a mercantile house in Hannibal, but the year after his marriage he began farming and continued farming, attending his place during the summer and teaching during the winter, until 1859. June 21, of that year, he had the misfortune to lose his wife, who at her death left him four children. After his wife's death he quit the farm and followed teaching exclusively for three years. December 30, 1862, he was married to Miss Martha A. Warren, a daughter of Richard Warren, of Ralls county. He was living in Audrain county at the time of his marriage and he now settled on his farm in that county, where he followed farming until 1866. However, he sold his place in 1865 and in the fall of the following year came to his present place, where he has since resided, where he has 100 acres of good land comfortably improved. Since coming to Monroe, up to within a few years ])ast, as stated above, he has worked on the farm in the summer and taught in the winter, and for a short time he was engaged in merchandising at Stoutsville. While living in Audrain county he was elected justice of the peace and served for four years. In 1870 he was elected magistrate in Jefferson township, of this county, and has since been continuously re-elected, still being an incumbent of that office. 'Squire Woodson has the reputation of being one of the best magistrates, if not tlie best one, in the county. For three years he held the office of deputy assessor, and has been a notary public since 1880. He is prominently identified with the Democratic party of this county, and has been a delegate to different conventions for a number of terms, county, district and congressional. The 'Squire and Mrs. Woodson have six children: Richard, Pink, Robert L., AVilliam I., Lizzie and Effie. Two are deceased, Elmer and Ora S., both of whom died at the age of four years. There were four children by the 'Squire's first marriage, namely: Rose, wife of George W. Woolwine ; Jennie, wife of A. W. Woolwine, both of Audrain county ; JohnM., of Sumner county, Kans., and .Joseph, who died at the age of 12 years. Mr. and Mrs.^Voodson are members of the Baptist Church at Stoutsville, and he is a member of the Masonic order.

Prof. Townsend Wright

Prof. Wright, one of the prominent educators of the county, and for the past year also identified with the Monroe Democrat as one of its editors and proprietors, is a native Missourian. He was born in Howard county, June 2, 1853, and is a grandson of one of the pioneer settlers of that county, Townsend Wright, who came there from Kentucky as early as 1819. The Professor's father, John R. Wright, a well-to-do and respected citizen of Howard county, was born and reared in that county, and still resides there, near Fayette, and within a mile from where he was born. Prof. Wright's mother was a Miss Jane Hern before her marriage, a daughter of Solomon Hern, who came from Madison county, Ky., in" 1830. Young Wrijrht spent his early youth on the farm, assisting in such work as "he could do, and attending the neighborhood schools"when they were in session. He early became qualified to teach school, and having an ambition to rise something above the humbler stratum of life, he engaged in teaching as a means, not only of advancement, but of self-culture. He alternated teaching with attending school himself, the better to prepare himself for his work in the school-room, or, rather, he attended college. He attended Mt. Pleasant College desultorily for some four years, equal to, perhaps, two years of consecutive attendance. Studying all this time with assiduity, whether in or out of college, he succeeded in acquiring a superior general education. Since quitting college he has continued to teach uninterruptedly, and is now teaching his fifth year at Florida. At this place, as, indeed, at every place he has ever taught, he is esteemed by common consent one of the most capable, successful and popular teachers who ever presided over a school-room. In April, 1883, Prof. Wright formed a partnership with his brother, J. B. Wright, for the purpose and publication of the Monroe Democrat, which they have since edited and published. This is the first paper ever established at Florida, and was first published here in 1882, but its publication was suspended a few months afterwards. Its career since these gentlemen have conducted the paper has been one of entire success, and a prosperous future for it seems to be assured. Editorially it is ably conducted, and its business management is all that could be desired. It is a weekly paper of dignity and character, and is obtaining a wide influence in aff*airs. On the 26th of August, 1879, Prof. Wright was married to Miss Katie A. Tulley, an amiable and accomplished daughter of James Tulley, Esq., of this county. But she was taken from him by death a few years after her marriage. She died November 23, 1882. They were blessed with one child, a little girl, Mary J. But she too now sleeps in the same church-yard where her mother is buried. Prof. Wright is a worthy member of the Baptist Church, and he is also a valued member of the A. F. and A. M.

Jackson Towistship Judge James R. Abernathy

This venerable and honored citizen of Monroe county, now well advanced in his ninetieth year and still bright and active in mind, thouo-h not vio;orous in health, has been a resident of Missouri from the time of its territorial days, and of Monroe county for over half a century, since prior to its organization as a county. He has, therefore, been a personal witness to the progress of his adopted State and of this county from their infancy, and by no means an inactive or obscure participant in the great work of development that has been accomplished, a work that has placed Missouri among the great and prosperous States of one of the first nations on the globe. Judge Abernathy is a native of the Old Dominion, born in Lunenburgh county, February 25, 1795, though the ancestors of both of his parents had been settled in that State since long prior to the Revolution. In 1797 the family removed to Kentucky, and the father was one of the pioneer settlers of Fayette county, now one of the first counties in the Blue Grass State. James R. was reared in Fayette county and learned the hatter's trade and in the tall of 1817 came to Missouri, locating at first in Howard county. Having received a good common school education, he taught school for several years in that county and removed to Ralls county in about 1823. Ralls then included the territory uow contained in Audrain, Monroe, Shelby, Lewis, Clark, Knox, Schuyler, Scotland and Adair counties. Prior to this, however, Judge Abernathy had been engaged in agricultural pursuits and was at New Madrid at the time the great earthquake occurred in that vicinity, and lost all he had by that unfortunate event. After remov- ing to Ralls county he remained there for a period of about nine years and then came to what is now the site of Paris, which then, however, was almost an unbroken wilderness of forest, being covered principally with white oak timber and hazel brush. Here he started a school for the instruction of the children of the " settlement," and when not occupied in the school-room worked at the carpenter's trade, or at building chimneys. While teaching school, or rather during all his leisure time, he pursued a course of study for admission to the bar and in due time took an examination for license to practice, which was duly issued, his examination having been highly satisfactory. He now began the active practice of his profession, rapidly growing into an excellent practice, both in the circuit and Supreme courts. At the bar at that time were many of the most eminent lawyers of the West, with whom Judge Abernathy coped with success in the practice. He rose with rapid strides in his profession and subsequently was elected circuit attorney. His circuit included 12 counties, and to attend to the business in each he made three trips a year, which necessitated a ride of 300 miles each trip, or 900 miles a year. The country was then unsettled except here and there a pioneer and there were scarcely no roads, few stopping places and no bridges at all. The circuit was of course made on horseback, and during the summer season the green-head horse-flies were so bad that the trip had to be made after night, and in the absence of roads the North star sufficed for a guide, and the wolves kept the ride from being lonesome, with an occasional scream from a panther to add additional life and interest to the journey. Judge Abernathy filled the office of circuit attorney with marked ability, and was accounted one of the most successful prosecuting attorneys in the State. Prior to this Judge Abernathy had held various positions of public trust. Before his admission to the bar he was appointed to sell the school lands in Monroe county, the sixteenth section in every township, a trust that he fulfilled to the entire satisfaction of the public. After the organization of the county he was appointed its first treasurer, and held that office for 12 years and until his resignation to accept the office of circuit attorney. He had also held the office of constable and was for about 16 years justice of the peace. Later he ran for judge of the county court, his competitors being John Quarles and Ephraim Poey. He canvassed the entire county and was triumphantly elected. Subsequently he was appointed to the same office by Gov. Thomas C. Fletcher. During the war he was a stanch Union man, and was subjected to many indignities and outrages on account of his loyalty to the Old Flag. He had been a soldier in the War of 1812, and the Union for which he had fought then he could not forsake in the hour of its greater peril in 1861. He now draws a pension from the Government on account of his services in the Canadian War. Judge Abernathy has been married three times. His first wife was a Miss Jennie Winn, to whom he was married in Kentucky. She died October 13, 1822. Her children are all deceased. May 11, 1826, he was married to Miss Rosana Davis, by whom he had nine children.

After her death he was married to his present wife, Miss Jane Davis, June 28, 1841, a sister to his first wife. Their three children are also deceased. She is still living and is thoroughly devoted to the comfort and happiness of her husband. Judge Abernathy, although he has had much physical affliction in his time, having been confined to his bed for seven years at one period, is still as bright in mind and conversation as men usually are who are 20 years his junior. He is a man whose life is without reproach and one who has been of much value to those among whom he has lived. No man in the county is more highly venerated and respected.

Andeew J. Adkisson

The family of which Mr. Adkisson, one of the popular business men of this part of Monroe county, is a representative, like many of the older and better families of Missouri, took its rise, so far as this country is concerned, in the Old Dominion, the grand old mother of States as well as of Presidents. Mr. Adkisson's father, John Adkisson, was, as were his ancestors for generations, a native of Virginia. When a young man he came out to Kentucky, where he was subsequently married to Miss Elizabeth Silvey, also originally of Virginia. He lived in Kentucky until 1853, having been an early settler of Mercer county, in that State, and also a gallant soldier in the War of 1812. From Kentucky he immigrated to Missouri with his family and located in Monroe county, where he lived until his death, in 1872, a period of nearly 20 years. Andrew J. Adkisson was born in - Mercer county, Ky., July 26, 1828, and was married there September 29, 1849, at the age of 21, to Miss Sarah, daughter of Hiram Noel. Mr. Adkisson came to Missouri with his father's family, and bought land in Monroe county, where he followed farming and stock-raising until he besran business at Welch in the fall of 1882. The foUowino; fall he removed to his present place of business, where he has since carried on his store. He carries a good stock of general merchandise, including dry goods, clothing, furnishing goods, hats, caps, boots, shoes, groceries, etc., etc., and has an excellent trade. Thus far his success at this point has been unmistakable, and he is well pleased with the outlook for the future. Mr. Adkisson is a man of plain but genial manners, social and accommodating, and justly popular with all who know him. He and his excellent wife have been blessed with a family of seven children : Elizabeth M., now the wife of R. W. Evans ; John T. (married), both of Boone county ; William H. (married), Anna, wife of James Sanker, of Boone county; James H. (married), of Davies county; Sarah B., wife of W. H. Hayes, of Kansas, and Charles L. Mr. and Mrs. Adkisson are members of the Baptist Church.

Ciceko Alexander

The Alexanders came originally from the North of Ireland, John Alexander, the grandfather of the subject of this sketch, having settled in America from the region of Belfast, Ireland, in about 1775. He first made his home in Pennsylvania, but in an early day removed from that State to Kentucky, settling in Clark county, where he became a substantial and influential citizen, and died in 1841, at the advanced age of 94. John Alexander, Jr., the father of the subject of this sketch, was born in Clark county, in 1800, and was reared and married in that county. His wife was a Miss Elizabeth J. Ragland, of another pioneer family of Kentucky. He became a minister of the Christian Church, and also an energetic farmer, and continued to resided in Clark county until the year of his father's death, shortly after which, in 1841, he removed to Missouri with his family, and settled on a farm five miles south-west of Paris. Elder Alexander survived his removal to this State but three years, dying in 1844. He was engaged in the work of the ministry in this county until his death, and also in farming. Elder Alexander was a man possessed of the strong character and intelligence for which the stock he represented - that sterling people of the North of Ireland - are noted. He was also a man of more than ordinary culture and information considering his times and surroundings, a strong and able and deeply earnest minister of the Gospel. He died suddenly of apoplexy, while in the meridian of life and of his usefulness as a minister. His widow is still living, and makes her home with her children at Paris. She, however, after her first husband's death, became the Avife of Col. Thomas Nelson, of this county. He died in 1851. Elder Alexander left a family of five children, namely : Armistead M., a leading lawyer of this section of the State, and at present representative of this district in Congress ; Cicero, the subject of this sketch; Sallie F.,now the wife of E. A. McLeod, sherift' of Marion county; Mary M., now Mrs. Alex. Milstead, of Macon county, and Eliza J., the wife of T. J. Marsh. Cicero Alexander was born in Clark county, Ky., March 15, 1836, and was, therefore, five years of age when the family removed to Missouri. Growing up in this county, as early as 1849 he began in mercantile life. Since then he has been continuously engaged in business at Paris, with the exception of a short interval or two, for a period now of 34 years He began as a clerk, but soon engaged in business on his own account. Mr. Alexander has been moderately successful, and is one of the substantial business men of the county. His son, Eben M., is his present partner in business. They have one of the leading grocery houses of the county. They have a trade of about $25,000 a year. Mr. Alexander was married in the fall of 1857, Miss Eliza McBride, daughter of E. W. McBride, becoming his wife. She died nearly 20 years afterwards, early in 1875. There are three children living of this union, Eben M., Mary and John. To his present wife, formerly Miss Ellen M. Carter, Mr. Alexander was married July 8, 1878. She is a daughter of Levi Carter, of New Hampshire, who is still living, at the advanced age of 97. Mrs. Alexander was a popular and accomplished teacher in the Paris public schools previous to her marriage, and before coming to Paris had taught at Belleville, 111. She is a graduate of New Hampton Institute, N. H. Mr. and Mrs. A. have two children. Carter and Roger G.

Junius J. Armstrong

'Squire Armstrong comes of two old and respected New England families - the Armstrongs and Boyntons, His father, Ira Armstrong, born at Fletcher, in Franklin county, Vt., where he spent his whole life, was a soldier in the War of 1812 and for a long time was employed by the government as A, detective in the secret service to ferret out the frauds of smugglers from Canada, Mr. Armstrong's mother was a Miss Lucy Boynton, originally from Massachusetts. Her family, settled in New England for generations, can be traced back for nearly nine hnndred years in England, and it comes of a historical lineage, a copy of the coat of arms used by the family in that country now being in the possession of the subject of this sketch. Mr. Armstrong was born in Franklin county, Vt., October 30, 1823, and received a good academic education in his native county, becoming well qualified for teaching. When 21 years of age he went to North Carolina and taught school in Wayne and Lenoir counties for about 10 years. He then went to Clinton county, la., where he bought land and improved a farm. 'Squire Armstrong lived in Iowa some 10 years, and until his removal to Missouri. Here he has lived for many years and has throughout his entire residence at Paris been esteemed one of the worthy and valual)le citizens of the place. He was for a number of years mayor of Paris, and also president of the school board. He held the latter position when the new public school building was erected, and by his good management contributed very materially to the success of the enteri^rise. He has always been a warm friend of popular education, and has done much for public schools at this place. Years ago he was elected justice of the peace and such is the confidence the public have in his ability and integrity, that he has been continued in that office, which he still holds. In the fall of 1853, 'Squire Armstrong was married to Miss Nancy Kinsey. She died seven years afterwards. The 'Squire has one son by his first marriage, Arthur DeF., who is now engaged in the book and stationery business at Paris. In 1803 Mr. Armstrong was married to Miss Elsie A. Wood.

Nimrod Ashcraft

Mr. Ashcraft was born in Monroe county, September 12, 1831, and was reared on his father's farm in this county. When 19 years of age he came to Paris to learn the blacksmith's trade and worked for Mr. A. Crutcher for two years, at $30 a year. The next year he received $50 for his labors, and by three years' hard work saved $20 with which to set up for himself. When he came to Paris a complete invoice of his worldly possessions showed that all he had was a new suit of jeans clothes, which his mother had made him, and a five franc piece. After working three years, he took his $20 and invested it in an outfit to carry on business for himself. He established his shop on the same spot where it now stands and has since carried on blacksmithing at this place. From the time he commenced here, in 1850, he has never lost as much as 10 days continuously from work, and has been as faithful to his business as any one who ever wielded a hammer over an anvil. His life has been one of continuous hard work and he has been satisfactorily successful. He now has a good property in Paris, and is comfortably situated. In 1858 he was married to Miss Lucinda Speed, a daughter of Judge James Speed of this county. Three children are the fruits of this union : Belle, Charles and Frank, One, Ella, died in infancy. When Mr. Ashcraft came to what is now Paris, there were but two or three houses in the place, and these were constructed of logs. A log hotel occupied the place where the Glenn House now stands, and all o;oods were either brought from St. Louis or Hannibal by wagon. He has therefore witnessed the progress of the place from its very cradle up. During the war Mr. Ashcraft suffered severely by depredations from both sides and was virtually stripped of everything he had. His father, Henry Ashcraft, was born in Kentucky, and died in Paris June 4, 1870. His mother, Ella Wood, was a native of Bourbon county, Ky. ; she died on May 4, 1872.

Mr. Ashcraft is an elder brother to Nimrod Ashcraft, being two years the latter's senior, a sketch of whom, together with an outline of his parental family history, appears just above this biography. It is therefore unnecessary to repeat any of the facts stated in the former sketch, which was given first because the notes were taken first, and not in the order of the ages of the brother, which, perhaps, would have been better. Mr. Ashcraft, the subject of this sketch, was reared in this county and remained on the farm until he was 17 years of age. He had little or no schooling, and the business education he has acquired has been obtained mainly by his own application and without instruction from others, either school or otherwise. In

1846 he came to Paris and apprenticed himself to the blacksmith trade, at which he worked as an apprentice for three years. He then worked as a journeyman for three years, and in 1851 formed a partnership with Mr. Crutcher in a shop at this place. This partnership continued for six years. Then he and his brother formed a partnership which lasted until 1874. By this time hard work had begun to tell seriously on his health and he concluded to change employment. He therefore went to farming and farmed with success for three years. Returning now to Paris, he re-engaged in his old business. Later along he established his present shop, where he receives a large custom and is doing a flourishing l)usiness. In the summer of 1855 Mr. Ashcraft was married to Miss Mary Z. Clapper, formerly of Virginia. They have six children : Sarah F., married, and living in California ; Mary C, now a teacher in the high school at Paris ; Lulu B., now the wife of E. J. Eubanks ; James H., in the shop with his father ; Carrie B. and Maggie, the last two attending school. Two others, Katie and Frank, died at tender ages. Mr. and Mrs. Ashcraft are members of the church.

James E. Barker

Mr. Barker engaged in his present business in the spring of 1884, and had built for his special use, as a business house, a good frame building, commodious and tastily constructed and well arranged for carrying on merchandising. He at once laid in a good stock of general merchandise, including dry goods, clothing, hats, caps, boots, shoes, groceries, hardware, etc., etc. ; indeed, everything to be found in a iirst-class country general store. He is a young man of character and good business qualifications, and having ample means of his own to carry on his business without embarrassment, as well as being located in an excellent business point for general trade, being in the midst of a fine country, well settled by prosperous farmers, he can hardly fail of success. Mr. Barker is a native of Monroe county, and a son of Thomas J. Barker, one of the substantial citizens and prominent stock men of the county. Young Barker was born on his father's homestead, in this county, October 12, 1860. He was reared to a farm life and at handling stock, but had ample opportunities, which he improved to the best advantage, to obtain an excellent common school education. On the 1st of March, 1881, he was married to Miss Kate M. Moore, a daughter of John W. Moore, then of this county, but now of Vernon county. After his marriage he engaged in farming and stock-raising, which he continued until the spring of 1884, when he established his present store at Welch. Mr. and Mrs. Barker have one child: Jeflerson W. Mr. Barker's father came from Kentucky, when 16 years of age, with his parents. He grew up in this county and married Miss Sarah C. Dawson, also formerly of Kentucky. He has since been actively engaged in farming and stock dealing. He now has over 1,000 acres of fine land, and large numbers of stock,

Hon. Thomas P. Bashaw

This history of this country is replete with illustrations of the possibilities of true manhood and merit under our institutions, regardless of favorable conditions of birth, early advantages or family influence. The young man of to-day, of character and courage and brains, becomes the man of prominence of to-morrow, and afterwards, the distinguished citizen. So it has ever been, so it now is, and so, at least as long as free institutions prevail, will it ever be.

Civilization pushes westward, or into the wilderness, new States are founded, and each State presents her names of eminent citizens to be inscribed on the roll of the able and distinguished men of the country. Nor is Missouri behind her sister States in this regard. She can point with pride to those of her citizens who have held places, or now hold them, among the foremost in the country - in the halls of legislation, in the professions, and in almost every department of learning and genius and skill. That her future in this particular is not to be in unfavorable contrast with her past and present, is evident to the most casual observer. Here and there and in every section of the State may be seen young men whose characters and attainments, and whose careers, hardly more than yet begun, point Avith a certainty, impossible to doubt, that they are destined for the highest services in their respective departments of life.

Prominent among the comparatively young men of this State, whose future and personal worth, and whose careers, thus far, give every promise of eminence in the service of the State and of personal distinction, is the subject of the present sketch, Hon. Thomas P. Bashaw. Judge Bashaw, now but little past 40 years of age, is already recognized as one of the leading men of Missouri. A man of sterling integrity of character and of a high order of ability, he has risen to the position he now holds in popular esteem by his own merits - by his own eff'orts and resolution almost alone, and in the face of great difficulties. Four of the most valuable years of his life for selfimprovement, from the age of 17 to his twenty-second year, were spent as a private soldier in the Confederate army, bravely fighting for what he believed to be the right; and after this he had to complete his education as best he could and prepare himself for the bar, the profession to which he had decided to devote himself. Without means, his courage and determination, nevertheless, were unfaltering, and he went to work to carve out his career with that industry, patience and perseverance which, combined with the other sterling qualities of his mind and character, could not fail of success. The result is already partly manifest. One of the best lawyers of North Missouri, he has also served with high honor, three terms consecutively, in the Legislature, having been Speaker of the House during his second term, chairman of the ways and means committee (declining the speakership) during his third, and chairman of several important committees during his first term.

Thomas Philip Bashaw was born in Shelby county, Ky., October 31, 1843. His father was Philip T. Bashaw and his mother's maiden name was Elizabeth. The father was a farmer by occupation and was quite successful, but died when Thomas P. was but three years of age. Thus deprived of the assistance and counsel which only a father can give, young Bashaw's advantages were afterwards what he himself made them, although his mother was one of the kindest and best of women, and a woman of superior intelligence, profoundly concerned for the welfare of her child. After the fjither's death the family remained on the farm, and young Bashaw's early youth was busily occupied with assisting at farm work and attending the local schools. Of steady, studious habits, he made excellent progress in his studies, and whilst still quite a youth matriculated at the State University, in Lexington, where he was pursuing a regular course of study when the war broke out. Of Southern parentage and sympathies, he promptly enlisted in the service of the South, and for four long years followed the bright-barred, but ill-starred banner of the Confederacy, with unfaltering devotion, until it went down to float no more. He served during most of the war in the commands, respectively, of Gen. Marshall Williams and Gen. John Morgan. He did his duty faithfully and well as a soldier, and at the close of the war returned home with no regrets for the gallant but unobtrusive part he had borne in the struggle.

Young Mr. Bashaw now resumed his career where he had left off" in 1861, not, however, re-entering the University, for too much time had already passed by to permit him to think of that. Refreshing himself in his studies by close ajDplication to his books, he soon felt prepared to be in the regular study of law, which he accordingly entered upon under the preceptorage of Hon. S. S. Bush, a leading member of the bar at Louisville, Ky. After studying at Louisville for some time, he came to St. Louis, Mo., and in 1867 was admitted to the bar in that city by .Judge Rombauer, being examined in open court by Judge Rombauer and Hon. A. W. Slayback.

After his admission Mr Bashaw located at Mexico, in Audrain county, but several prominent citizens of that place, aware of his culture and character, prevailed upon him to take a position as a teacher in a private seminary, which he accepted. He taught for a short time there with excellent success, and then came to Paris, where he also taught for a few months. But impatient to engage in the practice of his profession, he opened a law office at this place, and began his career as a member of the Monroe county bar.

Personally, Judge Bashaw possesses those qualities which go far to win the respect and confidence of men. Plain and unassuming, his honesty is apparent to all, whilst his manners are agreeable, and his conversation, never too voluble, is always pleasant. Personal popularity comes, almost unavoidably, to such men. Added to this is his close attention to business, and he is always remarked for his studious habits. Gifted with a mind of superior natural strength, which he has cultivated with great industry, and having a fine command of lanofuasfe, he soon showed that as an antasjonist in a lawsuit he was not to be despised. Preparing himself well in his cases before entering the court-room, and conducting them there with vigilance and with marked skill and ability, his early success was most decided, and as a result he rapidly accumulated a handsome practice. It is unquestionable, however, that one of the most important factors in his success at the bar is the absolute confidence which the court and the public have in his honesty.

Judge Bashaw's progress in the practice of law has been steady and substantial; not pre-eminently a brilliant man, he is yet one of those men of strong minds, possessed of large general powers and, withal, an indefatigable worker. By his industry and strength of mind and constitution, he has come to the front as a lawyer, and his future promises still greater eminence at the bar. He is what may be termed a safe lawyer. He takes no risks, but provides against every contingency. Studying his cases thoroughly, he is rarely, if ever, taken by surprise, whilst he often gains a cause where the opposing counsel are less studious and vigilant than himself.

As a speaker, he is generally calm, and always dignified, and addresses himself to the point or points in issue, discussing each question with clearness and force, and striving to secure a favorable decision more through the reason of men than through their passions or feelings. His process of reasoning is that of the closest and most studied logic, and his success in infiuencing the opinions of court or jury to his views of a difiicult or complicated question is of ten remarkable. A man of great originality of thought, he is not as much given to relying upon precedent as some, but if a case, according to his belief, has been wrongly decided, he attacks it without hesitation, however high the authority whence it came. He justly believes that the men of the present generation are not less intelligent than were those of the past, being no subscriber to the doctrine that, -

Karely quitting the field of reason and logic in a discussion unless the nature of the subject is such as justly to appeal to the hearts and consciences of men, when he is called upon to address himself to the emotions of a jury, he does so with that earnestness and manifest sincerity that he never fails to make a profound impression, and, often, when fully wrought up by the consideration of some great wrong or some feeling or sentiment of our common humanity, he rises to a high point of eloquence.

Judge Bashaw has devoted himself mainly to civil practice, and for a number of years has been identified as attorney with nearly every important civil suit tried in this county, and with a great many throughout the circuit. Judge Bashaw's services are much sought after in this department of the law. There has hardly been a criminal case tried in this county for a decade with which he has not been connected either for the defense or prosecution, but generally for the former.

As has been intimated, Judge Bashaw has frequently been called into the public service. Less than six years after he began the practice at Paris, he was elected to the responsible office of probate judge of the county, a position he filled with ability and to the entire satisfaction of the public until his election to the Legislature in 1878. A higher compliment could hardly be paid a young man than was paid him by his election to the probate bench at the time he was elected, considering his then limited experience at the bar, his age and his brief residence in the county. The office to which he was elevated was one of o;reat trust, havin": to do with the administration and manag-ement of the estates of widows and orphans, people with little or no qualifications to take care of their own interests, and who have to rely almost solely upon the intelligence and integrity of the court. How well he deserved this compliment, however, is shown by his subsequent rapid rise in public life.

In 1878, as has been said, he was elected to represent Monroe county in the House of Representatives of the Thirtieth General Assembly. Judge Bashaw at once took a prominent position in the Legislature. Among the other measures of importance he took a leading part in enacting were the Immigration Act, the General Election Act, the State Treasurer Bond Act, and the Penitentiary Act. He was the author of the first of these bills, and secured its passage as ii law of the State mainly by his own earnest, forcible and successful advocacy of it. The first act was designed, and it has had the effect, to encourage immigration to the State. It established a State Board of Immigration and provided for all other necessary steps in bringing Missouri to the attention of the public of this country and of Europe, as a desirable location for settlers. Its results have been of inestimable value to the State. The second act provides for the simplification of our election laws and prevents many former abuses under them, and has proved a most wise and efficient law. The State Treasurer Bond Act, as every intelligent citizen of the State knows, has saved the people of the State thousands of dollars, even admitting that further abuses would not have been practiced under the old law. This act provides for the safe deposit of the funds of the State ; provides that ample bonds shall be given by those receiving the deposit, dollar for dollar, according to the amounts so deposited ; that the interest of this money shall go to the State, and not to the State Treasurer personally, as was the case under the old law ; and also sets up other important safeguards for the protection of the interests of the State. The Penitentiary Act greatly reforme d the system of management of the State prison. It prevents the working of convicts outside the prison walls and corrects other abuses that had crept into the management of that institution, so that, from a great public burden which the people were taxed to sustain, it has become

From this brief and incomplete review of his record during his first term in the Legislature, it is seen that his time was not uselessly nor idly spent ; but that, on the contrary, he was one of the laborious members of that body and a man who took a broad and statesmanlike view of his duties as a legislator. There was nothing narrow or demagogical in anything he did, but bis labors and measures were all for the general good of the State. These laws were among the most important acts passed during his term. Thus, taking so prominent a part in the legislation of the State during his first term of service in the House, it is not surprising that, on his re-election to that body, he was honored with the Speakership. He was elected Speaker of the House of the Thirty-first General Assembly by the unanimous vote of the members of that body of his own party, and with the cordial good wishes of his opponents on the Republican side. It is conceded by all qualified to give an intelligent and impartial opinion that he made one of the best Speakers who have presided over the House since the war. Making a study of parliamentary law, and having already had considerable experience in practical legislation, he shortly became a superior parliamentarian, and possessed of a commanding, dignified presence, of great equanimity of temper and clearness and impartiality of judgment, he so conducted the proceedings of the House that there was the least possible friction or delay and as to win the esteem of every member of that body. In no single instance was a decision of the chair overruled whilst he occupied it, and at the final adjournment he was honored with a unamimous resolution of the House expressing the high confidence and consideration in which he was held by the members of that body.

In the Thirty-second General Assembly Judge Bashaw declined reelection to the Speakership, preferring to be on the floor, where he would have better o[)portuuities for making himself useful in the practical work of legislation. He was, therefore, honored with the chairmanship of the Ways and Means Committee, the leading committee of the House. During this term he introduced and secured the passage of the act establishing a State Board of Health, and also an act regulating the practice of medicine and surgery in this State, both of which have proved of great public benefit, but the details of which we have not the space here to present. He also introduced and secured the passage of the act making unusually liberal appropriations for the support and encouragement of the common schools, the State Normal Schools, the State University and other public educational institutions. He also advocated throughout his entire service equal taxation of all classes of property, according to just and equitable valuations, believing that such a system is the only fair manner of taxation and the one least burdensome to the great body of the people.

Judge Bashaw's personal popularity and the influence of his high character attributed not a little to his success as a legislator. His name was always regarded by his colleagues and the public generally as little less than a synonym for honor and integrity, whilst all had and still have confidence in the sonndness and clearness of his judgment. That he supported a measure was sufficient assurance to those who knew him that there was nothing impure in it, and the estimation in which his ability was held always secured the measures he advocated the most respectful and candid consideration. Few men in Missouri, if any, have made a record as a legislator, in so short a time, so creditable as his. With such consideration is he regarded throughout the State as an able, upright and statesmanlike public man, that he is now one of the leading men whose nomination for the office of Governor will be advocated before the approaching State Democratic Convention, and his nomination is considered by many an assured fact. However that may be, whether he is nominated this year or not, every one recognizes that he is one of the coming men of the State, and that the highest positions in the gift of the people are not beyond his reasonable hopes and expectations. That he is destined to reach, as he is already approaching, the position of one of the distinguished and eminent public men of Missouri, if he lives and retains his mental and physical vigor, as he has every prospect of doing, no one for a moment doubts.

For five years Judge Bashaw was one of the editors of the Paris Mercury, and while in this capacity the paper took a high rank among the leading interior journals of the State, a rank it still holds.

On the 13th of January, 1868, Judge Bashaw was married to Miss Frances P. Shaw, a young lady of superior culture and refinement. She is a daughter of William A. Shaw, a prominent minister of the Presbyterian Church, in St. Louis, and the Judge and Miss Shaw were married in that city. Rev. James H. Brookes, an eminent Presbyterian divine, officiating. This union has proved a most happy one, and is blessed with four children, namely : Laura, Hallie, Nellie and Thomas P.

Judge and Mrs. Bashaw are members of the Presbyterian Church, and the Judge is a member of the Odd Fellows Fraternity. He and wife are honored members of the best society at Paris, and, indeed, wherever they are known.

John Biggs

Mr. Biggs came to the United States from England in 1870, then a young man 25 years of age. One of those sterling, practical Englishmen, energetic and with a clear knowledge of the requisites ot success in any calling in which they engage, of the same class who laid the foundation of free institutions in this county and opened the way for the magnificent destiny it was destined to achieve, and has partly already accomplished, - he has shown himself to be a worthy representative of his nationality, both as a citizen and a worker in developing the resources of his adopted country. Mr. Biggs was born in Herefordshire, May 20, 1845, and was a son of Daniel Biggs and wife, nee Miss Catherine E. Pember, the ancestors of both of whom had been native to that conntry time out of mind. Young Biggs received a good general education in the schools of his native county and was brought up to a farm life. Desiring to become a landholder himself and a farmer independent of rents, he decided to come to America where fiivorable opportunities were to be had, not only of becoming an independent farmer but also of farming with better profit than in England. He followed farming in this country from 1870 to the spring of 1883 in different States in the West, namely, Michigan, Illinois, Iowa and Kansas, and then located permanently in South Jackson township, of Monroe county, Mo. Here he bought a large farm of 400 acres all under fence and either in cultivation or pasturage, but principally the latter, as he makes a specialty of raising stock. These tacts show that Mr. Biggs has been quite successful as a farmer and stock-raiser. Still comparatively a young man, with the start he already has and with his energy and enterprise he can hardly fail of becoming one of the leading agriculturalists and property holders throughout this vicinity of North Missouri. On the 25th of December, 1875, Mr. Biggs was married to Miss Flora I. Williams, a daughter of Horace P. Williams, a prominent stock man of Cook county. 111. Mrs. Biggs is a lineal descendant from Rodger Williams, one of the founders of the colony of Rhode Island and president of its counsel, originally from Wales, who was born in 1599, and came to America in 1631. He was in early life a clergyman of the English church, but became a Dissenter and preached at Salem and Plymouth, Mass., until he was banished from that colony by the religious intolerance and bigotry of the Puritans. Speaking of this - the banishment of Rodger Williams and Puritan bigotry and intolerance generally - Hon. S. S. Cox in a speech delivered in New York, January 13, 1863, said : " The same egotistic intolerance is observable in their treatment of Rodger Williams in 1635. His persecutors came to New England with no correct ideas of religious tolerance. Their system tolerated no contradiction and allowed of no dissent. The statutes of uniformity of England they re-enacted here, by church and public sentiment. This was the source of those dissensions which rent their own youthful Republic, and whose intolerant spirit has produced in our time that sectional alienation which deluges the land in blood. The New Eno:land Pilo-rim drove Rodo;er Williams into the winter wilderness, as he drove Mrs. Hutchinson and Coddington to the same exile, for differences of opinion in religion. He enacted laws forbidding trade with these outlaws for conscieuce sake. Savages were more kind than these bigots ; for the Indians hospitably received the victims of persecution. Disdaining the Pope as anti-Christ, and hating the prelate, the harsh Pilgrims set up every little vanity of a preacher as their Pope infallible, every village Paul Pry as an inquisitor, and every sister communicant as a spy for the detection of heresy. " Mr. and Mrs. Biggs have one child, Eva E., born October 23, 1881, at Kinsley, Edwards county, Kas. Mrs. B. is a member of the M. E. Church.

Joseph M. Blades

Mr. Blades was the posthumous son of Abraham Blades, formerly of Virginia, by his wife Ruth, whose maiden name was also Blades, and was born in Oldham county, Ky., March 10, 1819. Born after his father's death, young Blades never knew what it is to have the assistance and encouragement which only a father can give. His mother married a second time and continued to reside in Oldham county, and young Blades was reared in that county. Brought up to a farm life, he naturally chose farming as his calling when he became old enough to start out fori himself. On the 2d of July, 1844, he was married to Miss Mary J. Shroeder, a daughter of Philip Shroeder, then of Kentucky, but afterwards of Monroe county. Mo. After his marriage Mr. Blades removed to Jefferson county, Ky., but four years later came to Monroe county, this State, where he has since resided. Here he began in 1852 as a renter, and by industry and good management has succeeded so well as a farmer that he now owns an excellent place of nearly 200 acres, a place on which he has resided and which he has owned for many years. This is a good farm, and is provided with all necessary improvements and conveniences. Mr. and Mrs. Blades have had ten children, five of whom are living: William T. (married), of Barton county; James M. (married), of this county ; Laura A., wife of James Deaver ; Henry R. and Erastus G. Those deceased were Matilda, who died at the age of 15 ; Ruth E., died when in her tenth year ; Altraetta B., who died when 8 years old ; Susan E., also died at the age of 8, and John V. Wesley, named after the great Methodist preacher, died in infancy. Mrs. Blades is a member of the M. E. Church South.

Benjamin F. Blanton

Mr. Blanton, who in early life had several years' experience in the newspaper business, bought the office of the Monroe City Appeal in 1873, and changed its name to the Monroe County Appeal, and its place of publication from Monroe City to Paris. Since that time, for a period, now, of 11 years, he has been conducting the Appeal as editor and proprietor, at this place. Sufficient time has elapsed to decide its fate as a journal, whether it was to be a success or a failure. The result has been most gratifying to him and to the people of the county, generally. The Ajjpeal has become thoroughly and firmly established, both as a business enterprise and in popularity and influence. Mr. Bhmton is one of those men of strong character, positive convictions and the courage to maintain them, and, withal, full of energy and perseverance. Having begun the publication of the Ap)peal on a sound footing, in a business point of view, with his qualities of character, failure was hardly in the range of possibility. The policy he adopted upon which to conduct his paper, strict allegiance to the best interests of the people of the county, regardless of all other considerations, political or otherwise, assured its success. In a newspaper, particularly, the public expect to find an advocate, outspoken and fearless, of the common interests ; for it is on the patronage of the public that a paper thrives, and if it proves false to the mterests of the people, it forfeits its only just claim to support. Recognizing this in its full force, Mr. Blanton has never permitted the Appeal to swerve from its line of duty, as he saw it, from any consideration, or in any circumstances. He has allowed it to become the or^an of no man or set of men, or of any cabal of small-fry or other politicians, or any party. While it is Democratic, it is as free and quick to denounce fraud or unworthy schemers in its own party as on the opposite side, and its influence in this respect, particularly, is recoo-nized and feared by those who, pretending to be solicitous for the interests of the public, are only seeking their own advancement and aggrandizement. Thus the Appeal has won the respect and admiration of the honest men of all parties and classes, and has been al)le to establish itself as one of the successful and influential countrv journals of North Missouri. A good business manager, Mr. Blanton is at the same time a clear, terse and forcible editorial writer, bringing his ideas out in short, pithy sentences that leave a lasting impression on the mind of the reader. Looking to the interests of the people, he writes directly to that point, regardless of whom it hits or don't hit, and he never stops to see who is making wrv faces or smiling at his work. He is perfectly fearless in the expression of his views, as every upright and worthy editor ought to be. Mr. Blanton is of an old and respected Missouri family. His parents, Thomas and Nancy (McCrary) Blanton, came to this State, back in 1832. They were from Kentucky, where both were born and reared. His father was a blacksmith by trade, but later in life followed farming. He first located at Jefferson City, and while there did a large part of the iron work in the construction of the penitentiary. He made the hinges on which the first door of that buildino- was hung. In 1842, however, he removed to Howard county, where he made his home until his death. He was a man of sterling intelligence and many estimable qualities, and was greatly respected by all who knew him. Benjamin F. was born at Jefferson City, September 20, 1838. He remained at home until he was 13 years of age, when he 'entered the ofiice of the Glasgow Times, then owned "by Clark H. Green, to learn the printer's trade, where he worked for several years. In 1856 he took part in the "Kansas Troubles," and was in the first fight with the old horsethief martyr and red-handed saint, John Brown. In 1858 Mr. Blanton was married to Miss Harriet Young, a daughter of David Young, a prominent farmer of Howard county. Prior to this be had engaged in farming, and for the next 15 years he devoted himself exclusively to agricultural pursuits. Mr. Blanton was an enterprising fiirmer and met with substantial success. Mr. and Mrs. B. have 10 children : Mattie, Kate, Charley, Lillie, Edgar, Jack, Pearl, Andy, Maggie and Frank. He is a prominent member of the A. O. U. W., K. of H. and the Masonic order.

Alfred G. Bodine

Mr. Bodine was a son of Isaac A. Bodine, a substantial citizen of the county and formerly county treasurer, but now deceased. Mr. B.'s mother was, before her marriage, a Miss Mary Gore. She is a sister to Dr. A. E. Gore and is still living at Paris. Both theBodines and Gores were early settlers of Monroe county from Kentucky. Alfred G. was born in Paris, October 30, 1858, and was reared in this county. He was educated in the public schools and since he was 19 years of age has been engaged in business life. In 1877 he engaged in shipping coal from Godfrey, Kans., which he followed for three years. He then located in Saline county, where he was in the grain business for the following year. In January, 1881, he began selling lumber at Lamar, in Barton county, and was there about six months. . From Lamar he located at Hannibal and from there returned to Paris, in February, 1883. Here, the same year, he established his present business. He has a good stock of lumber, shingles, lath, lime, etc., etc., and is doing a good business, considering capital invested. Mr. B. is a member of the K. P.'s Apollo, No. 25, at Hannibal.

Samuel M. Bounds

The parents of Mr. Bounds, Thomas J. and Henrietta (Dennison) Bounds, are from Kentucky, where they were married in January, 1837. They came to Missouri the following year and settled in Monroe county, eight miles west of Paris. He died there in 1853- and she, in 1879. Both were members of the Christian Church. They had a family of seven children: George S., John W., Laura Z., Marcellus S., Samuel M., James D. and Rebecca E. Samuel M. Bounds was born on the farm October 26, 1849, where he was reared to manhood. He was not married until he was 30 years of age, when, on the 18th of December, 1869, he was united according to the forms of law in the ordinances of the Christian Church with Miss Julia F. Smith, an estimable young lady of the county. She was a daughter of John B. and Harriet (Wilcox) Smith, formerly of Kentucky. Mr. and Mrs. Bounds have one child, a daughter, Leta B. Mr. Bounds has followed farming from early life, and has a good homestead of 140 acres. He and wife are members of the Christian Church .

G. M. Bower

number of years, he has a large trade and established reputation, the result of fair dealing and the exercise of good judgment as a business man. Mr. Bovver is a native of Monroe county and was born in October, 1838. His father, Dr. G. M. Bower, a pioneer physician of this county, was in comparatively comfortable circumstances, and the son, as he grew up, had as good common school advantages as the county afforded. Until he was 21 years of age, most of his time was spent in the school-room, so that he acquired a good general education. After reaching his majority he engaged in farming on his own account and later along went to trading in stock. After following this for two years, he established a lumberyard at Paris and has since given his whole attention to this line of business. In 1873 Mr. Bower was married to a daughter of Maj. James Ragland, then a prominent citizen of this county. His first wife, however, survived her marriage only a short time, when, in 1878, he was married to his present wife, Miss Anna Levering, a daughter of Frank Levering, Esq., of Hannibal. Mr. Bower's father came to Missouri in 1832 and settled about a mile and a half from the present site of Paris. He had a thrilling experience in the War of 1812. Originally from Virginia, he removed from that State to Georgetown, Ky., where he was residing at the time of his enlistment in the Canadian War. He was captured by the Indians during that struggle and was sold into slavery. For 14 days he was compelled to subsist on roots alone. In one of the terrible border fights which characterized the War of 1812, every surgeon of his command was killed, except himself, and most of the privates were either killed or wounded, so that he was compelled to care for the wounded of the entire command, a duty that he discharged with that humanity and kindness for which he was always remarkable. After the close of the war he continued to reside in Kentucky until his removal to Missouri. He married in Kentucky, his wife, formerly Miss Catherine Long, being a daughter of James Long, of that State. She, however, was his second wife, his first wife having died some years before. It was by his second marriage that he reared the family of children of which the subject of the present sketch was a meml^er. A physician by profession, he practiced medicine in Monroe county until his death, and was a physician of high standing in his profession as well as very successful in the practice. He was also earnest and active in church work, being a member of the Baptist denomination, and often in the absence of a minister filled the latter's appointment in the pulpit. He was one of the good pioneers of Monroe county whose memory is venerated by all who knew him.