Nodaway County, Missouri - Chapter 35: Official Record, 1882 (part 5 of 16)

County, where he also practiced his profession. Ten years later, or in i88i,he moved to this state, and settled in Gaynor City. Although a late addition to this county, he has gained by his successful practice hosts of friends and a lucrative business. Dr. Jewett has been twice married. First, in 1852, to Miss C. Logan. They had six children: Lizzie, Milder J., Marion, William M., Josephine and Laura. Dr. J. was married the second time in 1866, to Miss Martha Irwin, a native of Clarke County, Iowa. The doctor is a member of the Masonic fraternity.

Jasper N. Jones

section 16, post office Pickering, is a representative farmer of Nodaway County, and was born in the state of Ohio, May 19, 1828. He was there raised, spending his youthful days in the occupation which he has ever followed. At the age of twenty-three years he emigrated to Iowa, where he remained till 1877, when he removed to this state and county, settling where he now resides. He has 200 acres of choice land, 150 acres of which are under cultivation. Mr. Jones was united in marriage to Miss Rachel Sword, March 31, 1853. They have from this union eleven children living : William A., Sarah A., Carrie A., Charles D.r Margaret J., Jasper M., Edward F., Annie B., Earl V., Emma F., and Louisa E. During our late war Mr. Jones enlisted in August, 1862, in Company F, Thirty-eigthth Iowa Infantry, and served for two years.

O. N. Lester

farmer attd stock raiser, section 12, post office Hopkins. The subject of this brief sketch is a native of Indiana, and was born September 8, 1842. At the age of seven years, he, with the family, emigrated to Warren County, Illinois, there residing for a period of twenty-eight years. In 1872, he moved to Missouri, and settled where he now resides. He owns 125 acres of good average land, eighty acres of which are under cultivation. Mr. Lester was married, in 1874, to Miss Mary A. Stobaugh. They have two children, Florence and Emma J. During the late war, Mr. L. enlisted in Company D, One Hundred and Second Illinois Regiment, Twentieth Corps. His wife is a member of the Baptist Church.

Jacob Lindeman

farmer and stock raiser, section 26, post office Gaynor City. Among the successful and progressive farmers of this vicinity, is the subject of this sketch, who was born in Germany on September 1, 1827. He was reared to manhood in his native country, learning the machinist trade. In 1847 he emigrated to America and settled in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where he was engaged in following his trade, there residing for five years. From that place he went to Allentown, Pennsylvania, where he continued the same occupation and lived for five years, going next to> Stephenson County, Illinois. Owing to ill health he abandoned his trade and followed the occupation of farming. After a space of sixteen years, he took up his location in Decatur County, Iowa, remaining there eight years, at the end of which time he came to Missouri and settled in this county where he now resides. He has ninety acres of good land, all of which is under cultivation. Mr. Lindeman was married in 1850 to Miss Josephine Woster. They have six children: Charlie, Jacob, Emma, Alfred, Maria, and Carrie. Mr. L. is a member of the I. O. O. F., and also belongs to the Lutheran Church. He was road commissioner one term, and has been school director of his district for one term.

farmer and stock raiser, section 1 1, post office Hopkins, is deserving of more than a passing notice among the prominent farmers of this county. He is a native of Kentucky, and was born May 24, 1823. He was there raised to manhood and educated, and in the year 1854 immigrated to Illinois, where he resided seventeen years, following the occupation of farming. In 1871 he removed to Missouri and settled in this county, where he now resides. He has 135 acres of land that will average with any in the county, most of which is under cultivation. Mr. McGlothlan was married in 185 1 to Miss Sarah A. Massey, a native of Kentucky. They have been blessed with six children : James E., Robert F., Albert W., Mattie J., Jessie L. and Charles W. Mr. McG. held, with credit to himself and the public, the office of justice of the peace for five years, resigning his position at the end of that time.

dealer in general merchandise, Gaynor City. The subject of this sketch is the principal merchant of this town, and is also its founder. He is a native of Pennsylvania, in which state he was born June 26, 1853. While yet an infant, with the family he emigrated to Decatur County, Iowa, where they resided twelve years, after which time Mr. McLain removed to Illinois, settling in Brown County. After a residence there of twelve years, during which time he was engaged in farming, in 1879, he again returned to Iowa, where he lived six months. After that he went again to Illinois, and from there came to Missouri in 1879, and started the business that now occupies his attention. He has a large trade, and thoroughly merits his success.. He is honest in his dealings, and is possessed of sterling principles of right, and carries a full and complete stock of goods, in his line. Mr. McLain was married April 28, 1876, to

Miss Rebecca J. De Witt. They have by this union two children : Hattie J., and Lenvil D. Mr. McL. is the postmaster of Gaynor City. This town was established by W. H. McLain, and took its name from Edward Gaynor, who at that time had a blacksmith shop where the town now stands. This shop is now operated by Mr. McLain. The town is situated on the corners of sections 26, 25, 35, 36, although the stores are on section 26. The business portion is composed of a store and a blacksmith shop and a drug store, the latter operated by Dr. Cadwallader ; also a few residences.

farmer and stock raiser, section 33, post office Defiance, is prominent among old settlers and pioneers of this county. He i's a native of Ireland, and was born April 8, 18 10. When two years of age, the family immigrated to America, and settled in Chester County, Pennsylvania, where William was raised till the age of fifteen, at which time he emigrated to Ohio. There he was engaged in the occupation of farming till 1839, when he removed to Illinois, and after a long residence there of nineteen years, he moved to Iowa, where he remained one year. He then came to Missouri, and settled where he now resides. He has 1 19 acres of good average land, forty acres of which are under cultivation. Before dividing his land among his children, he had a tract of 640 acres. Mr. McLaughlin was married in 1843, to Miss Eliza Miller. They have five children living: John, James M., Richard S., Mary A. and Fannie. Mr. and Mrs. McL. are members of the M. E. Church.

section 2, post office Hopkins, is one of the successful young farmers of this county who owe their standing in society and success in life to their own endeavors. Mr. Murdoch, is a native of Louisiana, and, at an early day, with the family, he emigrated to Peoria County, Illinois, where he was raised to manhood, and educated. After a residence there of twenty years, he removed to Missouri, and settled in this county, where he has since resided. He has 160 acres of well improved land. In 1 87 1, Mr. Murdoch married Miss Eliza White, a lady of noble qualities and genial habits. They had by this happy union three children : Harry, Annie and Mary. After a period of ten years, she passed away from earth, in June, 1881. Mr. M. is a member of the United Workmen.

Frederick A. Orr

with the family, he emigrated to Hancock County, Illinois, where he was reared to manhood and educated, following the occupation of farming. In 1871 he removed to Missouri, and settled in this county, and on October 1, 1881, he started his present business. He carries a general stock of goods, valued at $1,600, which is large and complete, and he is doing an increasing business. Mr. Orr was married February 16, 1873, to Miss Henrietta Stingley, a native of Missouri. They have from this union three children : Efifie, John A. and Myrtie O. Mr. Orr is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and is junior warden of Gaynor City Lodge, U. D. A., F. and A. M. He was school director of District No. 6, of Jackson Township for two terms, and was also assessor of that township for one term.

Elias Reddick

farmer and stock raiser, section 21, post office Gaynor City. The subject of this sketch is an old settler and prominent citizen of this district, and a man who is deserving of special mention. He is a native of Ohio, and was born June 23, 1828. He was there raised until he attained his twenty-fifth year, at which time he immigrated to Indiana, where he resided three years. After this he returned to Ohio, and three years later went to Iowa, settling in Taylor County. After a residence there of four years, in i860, he removed to this state and county, settling where he now resides. He has 200 acres of land that will compare favorably with any in the county, eighty acres of which he has under cultivation. Mr. Reddick was married August 31, 1856, to Miss Mary Boyer. They have to bless their union nine children : Elias A., Martha J., Ida, Lilly, Clara M., Annie A., John, Ferdinand and Jesse L. At the breaking out of the rebellion Mr. R. enlisted in Company F. Twelfth Missouri Cavalry Regiment, and was quarter-master sergeant of his company, remaining in the service three years. He has held the position of school director and constable of his district. He and his wife are members of the German Baptist Church.

William T. Shades

farmer and stock raiser, section 21, post office Defiance. The subject of this sketch is a native of Ohio, in which state he was born January 11, 1844. He was there raised to manhood and educated, following general mercantile pursuits till 1869, at which time he immigrated to this state, and settled where he now lives. Since his residence here he has followed the occupation of farming, and now has 160 acres of land that will average with any in the county, eighty acres of which are under cultivation. Mr. Shades was married in 1867, to Miss Charlotte E. French. They have from this union seven children : William F., Roland C, Cora H.,

Mary, Delphine, John K., and Arthur G. During the war Mr. Shades enlisted in Company G, One Hundred and Seventy-third Ohio Infantry Regiment, and was second lieutenant of his company. He is now school director of his district.

George R. Shrock

section 4, post office Defiance, Worth County, is a prominent and representative farmer and stock raiser of this district, and was born in Pennsylvania, on February 2, 1835. He was there raised to manhood, being brought up in the occupation which he now follows. At the age of twenty years, he emigrated to Colorado, and engaged in the occupation of mining, remaining in the west eight years, a part of which time he spent in Montana and California. From there he removed to this state, and settled in Harrison County, and, after a residence of one year, he went to Worth County, remaining six years. He then came to this county, and settled where he now resides, being the owner of 246 acres of land, 175 acres of which are under cultivation. Mr. Shrock was married in January, 1869, to Miss Mary Coy, an estimable lady. They have, to bless this union, five children : Irene, Hubert, Earl, Marinda and Essie. Mr. Shrock is school director of this district.

Julius C. Simmons

section 9, post office Gaynor City, is a leading young farmer of this township, and deserves more than a passing notice. He is a native of Illinois, and was born November 7, 1848. He was there raised to manhood and educated, spending his boyhood days on a farm. In 1875 he emigrated to Missouri and settled in this county where he now resides. He has 160 acres of land that is as good as any in the county, most of which is under cultivation. Mr. Simmons was married Ssptember 29, 1870, to Miss Belinda Hahn, a native of Knox County, Illinois, and a descendant of an old pioneer family. They have from this union four children : Hannah, Mary, Phoebe, and Dolly. Mr. S. is at present one of the school directors of his district.

Charles Simmons

section 9, post office Gaynor City. The subject of this sketch is a native of Warren County, Illinois, where he was born in 1856. He was there raised to manhood, being brought up in the occupation which he now follows. In 1875 he immigrated with his father's family to Missouri, and settled in this county, where he now has eighty acres of land that will compare favorably with any in the county, all of which is under cultivation. Mr. Simmons was married April 26, 1880, to Miss Elsie A.Jenkins, farmer and sheep raiser, section 14, post office Hopkins. The subject of this sketch is a native of Washington County, Pennsylvania, where he was born April 15, 1820. When at the age of six years he, with his father's family, emigrated to Indiana and settled in Floyd County, from whence, after a residence of four years, he removed to Arkansas. There he resided only a short time, and then he went to Illinois ; but not liking the country, he soon came to Missouri and entered the employ of the American Fur Company. This state was then in its infancy. Mr. Smith remained with that company five years, when he returned to Illinois and settled, following the occupation of a cabinet-maker and carpenter for thirty years. Tiring of a settled life, he emigrated in 1869 to Iowa, where he resided only eighteen months, and from there came to this state and county. In 1878 he located where he now resides. He has over eighty-one acres of good average land, all of which is under cultivation. Mr. S. is one of the largest sheep raisers of this district, and to that industry alone he attributes his success in Missouri. He has been twice married ; first, in 1845, to Miss Elizabeth Gilliand. There are from this union four children living : Adelaide, Angeline, Emeline, and Catherine. Mrs. Smith's death occurred in 1855. After a period of two years, or in 1857, Mr- S. was united in marriage to Miss Nancy Watson. They have seven children : Martha E., Charles C, Fannie B., Clement L. V., Teddy E., Matilda, and Rezin. To Mr. Smith is attributed the honor of importing the first Cotswold sheep into this county.

Paris H. Spaulding

farmer and stock raiser, section 16, post office Defiance. Among the old settlers and prominent and successful farmers of this district the subject of this sketch is worthy of more than a passing notice. He is a native of New York, and was born October 9, 1842. He was there raised to manhood and educated, and is by trade a stonemason. In 1865 he emigrated to Missouri and settled in this county, and in 1873 moved on his present place. He has forty acres of his own, and besides this works eighty acres of the family's land. All of it is land that will average with any in the county, the larger portion of which is under cultivation. Mr. Spaulding was married October 9, i860, to Miss Lydia R. Pangurn- They have two children : Hattie L. and Paris L. Mr. S. was road commissioner one term. They are members of the Baptist Chfcrch.

farmer and stock raiser, is a respected farmer and old settler of this district. He is a native of Virginia, and was born in 1822. When at the age of eight years, with his father's family, he emigrated to Indiana, residing there twenty-seven years. From that state he moved to Bates County, Missouri, and after one year came to this county, and settled where he now lives. He has 716 acres of land in this county, 300 acres of which are under cultivation. Mr. Stobaugh was united in marriage to Miss Rachel Owen in 1845. They have from this union four children : Emily J., Jacob, Levi and Mary Ann. During the war Mr. S. was a member of the State Militia.

Washington Thompson

farmer and stock raiser, section 10, post office Hopkins. The subject of this sketch is a native of Andrew County, Missouri, where he was born April 28, 1848. While quite young, he, with the family, emigrated to Taylor County, Iowa, where he resided ten years. After this time he came to this county, where he has since resided. He was raised in the occupation he now follows, and in 1876 moved on the place where he now resides. He has eighty acres of land that will average with any in the count)-, fifty acres of which are under cultivation. Mr. Thompson was married December 20, 1874, to Miss Athea A. Shelman. They have from this happy union three children : James A., Lena E. and Elza A.

Robert T. Watson

section 3, post office Gaynor City, a successful young farmer and stock raiser of this district, is a native of the State of Iowa, where he was born October 9, 1849. At the age of three years, with his father's family, he emigrated to Oregon, where he was raised till he attained his fifteenth year, when he removed to Washington Territory. There he resided five years, and, in 1868, he returned to Iowa, and settled on the place where he was born, remaining till 1874. At that time, he emigrated to Missouri, and located where he now resides. He has 120 acres of average land, as good as any in the county, all of which is under cultivation. Mr. Watson was married, in 1877, to Miss Laura Lewis. They have from this union three children : Albert A., Esther E. and Morna.

Jacob M. Ashford

farmer and stock raiser, section 14, was born in Parke County, Indiana, on the 15th of April, 1846, and was the son of Elijah M. and Elizabeth (Dorrow) Ashford. The former was born in Columbiana County, Ohio, and was a farmer and bricklayer by occupation. His wife, the mother of the subject of this sketch, was also a native of Columbiana County, Ohio. Jacob spent his youth upon a farm in Louisa County, Iowa, and received a common school education. In 1865 he removed to Missouri, and in September of the same year located in this county. He served for two years during the war, and during the latter part was with General Sherman on his march to the sea, also participating in the grand reunion at Washington. March 18, 1869, he was married to Miss Mary Elizabeth McGinnis, daughter of A. W. McGinnis, of Polk Township, this county. They have a family consisting of Zacha O., born February 8, 1870; Sarah A., born November 29, 1871 ; Abinah M., born November 20, 1873 ; Persius, born December 4, 1877; Mary G., born December 20, 1879; and an infant, born November 25, 1881 - and lost one. Mr. Ashford belongs to Pickering Lodge, No. 472, A. F. and A. M., and is a member of the Christian Church. In his politics he is liberal. He owns 270 acres of improved land, well adapted to the raising of stock, in which he takes quite an interest. Upon his place is a neat and comfortable residence. While a citizen of this county he has filled the office of constable.

William A Walt

farmer and stock raiser, section 4, post office Pickering, was born in West Tennessee, December 25, 18 19, and was taken to Bartholomew County, Indiana, by his parents when only one year old. There he was principally raised, spending his boyhood days on a farm, and receiving an education in the neighborhood schools. He commenced business for himself when twenty-one years of age, with one horse and a cow, rented a farm, and has given his attention to agricultural pursuits since then. In October, 1848, he moved to Davis County, Iowa, bought a claim and commenced to improve a farm. During the war he served in the home guards ; he also had two sons in the regular service. In the spring of 1865, Mr. A. came to Nodaway County, and settled on his present farm.

Since that time he has stood among the enterprising citizens of Nodaway County. He owns ninety acres of farm land and thirty-five acres of timber. He has a handsome residence, a good barn, and an excellent orchard, besides considerable small fruit. Mr. Await was married March 28, 1841, to Miss Maria Nicholas, a lady worthy of him. She was born in Adams County, Ohio, August 12, 1821. They have had nine children, six of whom are living: Ezekiel, John W., Julia A. (now Mrs. William Sturgeon), William H., Sarah (now Mrs. Henry Kelly), and Thomas. They also have a grand-daughter living with them : Mary T. Coleman. Mr. and Mrs. Await are active members of the Methodist Episcopal Church of Pickering, in which he holds the position of class leader. He has been a church member for some forty-one years.

Ezekiel Awalt

farmer and stock raiser, section 4, post office Pickering, was born in Bartholomew County, Ind, April 10, 1843, and was the son of William and Maria (Nicholas) Await. The former, who was born in Virginia, a farmer by occupation, his wife being also a native of Virginia. Ezekiel spent his youth on a farm in Davis County, Iowa, receiving a common school education. During the late war he served for three years in Company F, Thirtieth Iowa Infantry, taking part in the battles of Vicksburg, Arkansas Post, Lookout Mountain, the campaign to Atlanta, and was with Gen. Sherman on his march to the sea. From thence he went to Washington, where he participated in the grand review. After the close of the war, or in the fall of 1865, Mr. Await removed to Missouri, locating in Nodaway County. Some time since he had the misfortune to have his dwelling burned, thereby losing nearly everything. He is now the owner of forty acres of land, upon which is a residence superior to the old one in many respects. He keeps some graded stock, but gives his attention chiefly to his orchard, he having about the best one in this township, consisting of some 600 apple trees, besides pear, cherry and plum trees, and he also raises great quantities of grapes. Mr. Await was married October 22, 1867, to Miss Sarah, a daughter of Alvin Sturgill, a native of Virginia. They have four children : Edith G., born June 26, 1868 ; William O., born November 21, 1870 ; Katie, born November 22, 1872, and Charles A., born March 13, 1875. Mr. A. is a Republican in politics. He worships with the M. E. denomination.

Peter Behm

is of Behm & Deppiesse, dealers in general merchandise, hardware, drugs, etc. This firm was organized in June, 1880. They have a double store, well filled with a well assorted stock in their line, and are doing a thriving business. Mr. Behm was born in Luxemburg, Germany, June 14th, 1844, and was brought to the United States by his parents in the winter of 1846. They settled in Washington County, Wisconsin, where Peter was principally raised, spending his boyhood days on a farm, and receiving his education in the schools of the neighborhood. In July, 1870, he came to Nodaway County, Missouri, and remained one year in Maryville, when he located in Pickering, which he has since made his home. In 1873, he commenced the mercantile business at this place, and has thus continued to the present. He is also engaged in shipping stock and produce, in which business he was quite unfortunate. He is an enterprising citizen, and gives his attention strictly to his business. Mr. Behm was married, in. 1870, to Miss Katherine Graser, a native of Wisconsin. They have had five children : Lena, Nicholas, Mary, Johnnie and Henry. Himself and wife are members of the Catholic Church of Maryville. John B. Deppiesse, Mr. Behm's partner in business, was born in Sheboygan County, Wisconsin, November 21, 1 861. He was raised on a farm, at his birth place, and, when eleven years of age, he commenced to learn the mercantile business, and has followed it through life. He came to Pickering March 24, 1880, and soon became associated with Mr. Behm, forming the partnership now carrying on business under the firm name of Behm & Deppiesse.

Martin L. Benton

farmer, section 30, is a native of Allegany County, New York, where he was born on the 22d of March, 1840, being the son of Abner and Abigail (Livermore) Benton. The former was born in Vermont, and was an agriculturist, while the latter was a native of Massachusetts. Martin received a common school education, passing his youth on a farm in Dubuque County, Iowa. In the fall of 1870, he removed to Missouri and took up his residence in Nodaway County, where he is now the fortunate possessor of 120 acres of good land, having upon the same a fair amount of stock. He also has a small orchard and a neat residence, making an attractive and home-like place. He has filled the position of road supervisor. Mr. Benton was united in marriage on the 29th day of November, 1866, to Miss Olive Swayze, a daughter of Wesley Swayze, late of Maryville. Their family circle includes Charles W., born September 27, 1867 ; Frederick' L., born September 20, 1872 ; Gilbert E., born June 27, 1877, and Alice E., born August 21, 1879. Mr. B. is a Greenbacker in his political views.

Dr. Charles D. Black

and was engaged in the ministry. His wife, Mary (Martin) Black, the mother of our subject, was born in Todd County, Kentucky. In 185 1 Charles moved to Hancock County, Illinois, where his youth was passed, receiving his education at Abington, Knox County, Illinois. Having resolved on the practice of medicine as his profession, he commenced its study with a Prof. Temple, of the homoeopathic school, and in 1868 began practicing at Bloomfield, Iowa. He is now partially retired from active duty in this calling on account of failing health. On the 10th of November, 1870, Dr. Black became a resident of Missouri*, at the same time locating in Nodaway County. He is now the owner of 340 acres of land in Missouri and 200 acres in Iowa. His handsome residence is situated on section 30 of this township. His stock embraces some of the best to> be found in the county, his breed of short horn Durhams, etc., always carrying away a full share of premiums at agricultural fairs. In connection with Mr. J. W. Paterfield, he is extensively engaged in feeding and shipping hogs and cattle, and makes the greater part of the shipments from this section of country. An evidence of the manner in which he has worked through life, thereby gaining the position he now occupies, is shown by the fact that his first start in the stock business was a calf which was given him when he was twelve years of age. Dr. Black is a favorite with those with whom he is acquainted, and has many friends. He takes a deep interest in educational matters, and at present is school director. He was married October 4, 1870, to Miss Mary J. Bell, a daughter of Charles Bell, of West Grove, Iowa. She was born August 1, 1853, in Davis County, Iowa. Dr. Black is a Republican in his political preferences. He is also a member of the Christian Church.

Nathan B. Brown

farmer and stock raiser, section I, was born in Coxbury, Licking County, Ohio, on the 21st day of October, 1842. His parents were L. R Brown, a farmer and carpenter, a native of Massachusetts, and Ann (Gleason) Brown, who was born in New York. Nathan passed his boyhood on the farm in his native county until he was nine years of age. He attended the common schools, and in 1857 became a resident of St. Louis, Missouri. In 1874 he came to Nodaway County, where he now owns 140 acres of good land, well watered and stocked, and upon which is a nice orchard. During the late war he served for three years in Company F, Fifth Missouri State Militia, cavalry, and took part in the battles of Big Blue, Little Osage, Jefferson City and Booneville. On the 16th day of March, 1869, he was united in marriage to Miss Catherine Stephenson, a daughter of A. B. Stephenson, of California, Missouri. Their family consists of Henry E., born May 29, 1870 ; Flora EL, born February 4, 1S72 ; Justice J., born October 3 1, 1874 ;, Luke E., born February 11,. 1877, and Bessie, born March 31, 1880. Mr, Brown has filled the office of road supervisor. He is Republican in politics, and is one of the most enterprising men of this district.

Joseph P. Chamberlain

farmer and stock raiser, section 32, was born in Summit County, Ohio, January 12, 1840, and was the son of Lyman and Caroline (Ferguson) Chamberlain. The former was a farmer, and a native of Connecticut,, and the latter was born in the State of Ohio. Joseph spent his youth on a farm at his birthplace. In the fall of 1861 he enlisted in Company K, Nineteenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and served for three years and three months, taking part in the battles of Shiloh, Corinth, Stone River, Chickamaugua, Chattanooga, and with Sherman through to Atlanta. After this, or in the fall of 1864, he came to Nodaway County, Missouri, and now owns 240 acres of land. At that time this land was mostly unbroken and lay in a wild state. By hard work, economy, and perseverance, he has succeeded in making one of the finest farms in the neighborhood. It is well adapted to stock raising, being watered and sheltered by timber, and in this branch Mr. C. takes quite an interest, having considerable graded stock. He was married February 25, 1866,. to Miss Louisa Nash, a daughter of Timothy Nash. They have five children; Juliet, born July 2, 1869; Lilly, born June 12, 1872; Laura, born February 12, 1875 ; Ada, born January 17, 1877, and Lulu, born December 20, 1879. ^r- Chamberlain has held the offices of justice of the, peace and school director. He is a " Garfield Republican " in politics, and a member of the M. E. Church. He is respected among his acquaintances, and gives every good cause his hearty support.

John W. Coleman

farmer and stock raiser, section 8, was born in Adams County, Illinois, May 8, 1841, and accompanied his parents to Nodaway County, Missouri, in the spring of 1855. His father, Dr. Josiah Coleman, entered the land on which Pickering now stands, and commenced improving a farm. He also followed the practice of his profession, traveling from Clarinda to White Cloud, and his name is very familiar to the early settlers of Nodaway County. He represented this district in the Legislature in the years 1865-6, and during the war mustered one of the first companies in the county. He himself went into the field as captain, under Gen. Kimball. He laid off the town of Pickering, and is now one of the leading and most respected citizens of Montgomery County, Kansas. J. W. Coleman was raised in the scenes of pioneer life, and has contributed his full share towards making Nodaway County one of the finest in the state. He was brought up as a farmer and received the benefits of a common school education, and through life has not departed from his early calling. During the war he served in the Enrolled Missouri Militia. His landed estate consists of 160 acres of fine land, upon which is a handsome residence, situated on an eminence overlooking the town of Pickering. He also has a good orchard, and is largely interested in stock raising. He has filled the offices of assessor and township collector many times, and has held his present position of clerk of the district some six years. Commencing life with a limited amount of capital, he has worked his way up steadily, though having met with several reverses. On the 13th of December, 1878, he lost his residence and household goods by fire. Being a pioneer, he is widely and favorably known, and has the respect of a large circle of friends. Mr. Coleman was married November 2, 1862, to Miss Mary R. Smith, who was born in Lawrence County, Ohio, March 16, 1842, She was brought to this county by her parents in 1855. They have had six children, four of whom are living: Donnizetti, Sirena A., John L. and Frank B. Mrs. Coleman is an active member of the M. E. Church, of Pickering.

Robinson Coleman

farmer and stock raiser, section 14, was born on the 8th of January, 1843, and is a native of Adams County, Illinois. His father, Dr. Josiah Coleman, was a native of Pennsylvania, and his mother - whose maiden name was Jane Hill - was born in Ireland. Robinson obtained his education in the common schools, spending his youth until twelve years of age at his birthplace. He then came to Missouri with his parents, locating in Nodaway Count}- on the 15th of April, 1855. The country was wild and unsettled, and he has passed through innumerable struggles peculiar only to pioneers. His father was well known and universally respected by the early settlers, and laid off the town of Pickering. In June, 1861, the subject of this sketch enlisted in the Enrolled Missouri Militia, and July 15, 1863, he re-enlisted in Company M, Eleventh Missouri Cavalry. He was mustered out Jul)' 27, 1865, at New Orleans, having participated in the battles of Jacksonport, Augusta, Brownsville, Arkansas, and man)' others. He is Republican in politics, and cast his first vote for Abraham Lincoln. Mr. Coleman has been twice married - first in the fall of 1866, to Minerva Await, who died, leaving one child : Mary D., born September 6, 1867. His second marriage was to Lydia M. Livesy, daughter of Simpson Livesy. They have four children : Adolphus, born May 10, 1874 ; Oliver, born February 27, 1876 ; Esthas, born March 3, 1878; and Walter, born February 17, 1S80. Mr. Coleman owns eighty acres of land, well watered and stocked, some of his cattle being graded.

Rev. William Cowley

paster of the Methodist Episcopal Church of Pickering. Among the earnest Christian workers of Nodaway County is the subject of this sketch. He is a native of the Isle of Man, arid was born April 30, 1840. He was reared at his birthplace, receiving part of his education at King William's College. He also learned the shoemaker's trade. In 1870, he crossed the ocean landing at New York, and then come west to St. Joseph, Missouri, and, from there, to Graham, Nodaway County, Missouri. In 1 87 1, he entered the ministry, and received charge of a circuit north of Graham. This charge he held until 1874, when he moved to Milton, Atchison County, Missouri, and remained in charge of that circuit for two years. Returning to Graham, he remained for one year, and then obtained the circuit at Albany, Gentry County, Missouri, continuing there one year. His next move was to Fillmore, Andrew County, Missouri, where he remained two years. Then he came to Pickering in March, 1881. He is an active worker, and a zealous Christian. He is a member of the I. O. O. F. fraternity, belong to Hesperian Lodge, of Graham. Mr. Cowley was married in March, 1874, to Miss Mary Bradford, an estimable Christian lady. She was born in Ohio, February 23, 1847. They have been blessed with three children : Annie S., Arthur B. and Mabel L.

George A. Downing

farmer and stock raiser, section 36, was born near Yan Yan, Yates County, New York, December 29, 18 18, and was the son of William R. and Mary (Miller) Downing. The former, a native of New York State, was a farmer and also a boot and shoe maker. His wife was also born in New York. George received a common school education, being brought up on a farm in Clarke and Washington Counties, Indiana. When twelve years of age he commenced business for himself by working by the month. At the age of seventeen years he moved to Fulton County, Illinois. In October, 1840, he came to Missouri, locating in what was then Buchanan (now Andrew) County. The Platte Purchase was then sparsely settled. Mr. D. often traveled through Nodaway and adjoining counties on hunting expeditions. In 1857, ne went to Texas, where he continued to remain until the spring of 1861, when the war broke out. At that time he exchanged his land for some in Nodaway County, and to avoid serving in the Confederate army, and fighting against his country, decided to move north. In company with Samuel McFarland and others, he traversed a country which was in a state of warfare, and had many narrow escapes with his life, his knowledge of the people and their habits, etc., often preventing trouble. During the war he served in the Enrolled Missouri Militia, and held the position of captain of a company of militia. Mr. Downing is the owner of 580 acres of land. He has some fine horses, and is quite largely interested in stock raising. He owns most of the property where the old town of Xenia formerly stood. This was laid off in 1856, and grew to be quite a village, having some business houses and thirty or forty families. The war had its bad effects on the prosperity of the town, and in 1870, the railroad completed the work of destroying it. Some of the buildings were moved to Hopkins and others to Pickering, so that all that remains to tell the tale of a once thriving village is a neat country school house, and part of the town site has been converted into a farm. Mr. D. held the position of postmaster of Xenia, and has filled most of the township offices. He was married March 22, 1843, to Miss Elizabeth Pierson, daughter of James Pierson, of Culpepper County, Virginia. Their family consists of Samuel H. born August 17, 1848; Mary A. (now Mrs. L. H. Wray), born October 9, 1850; Amanda E. (now Mrs. John F. Gray),- born May 7, 1852; M. Eva (now Mrs. S. C. Morrison), born August 20, 1857; George G., born May 5, 1868, and Delia F., born February 24, 1870. Mr. Downing belongs to the Masonic fraternity, holding his membership in Texas. He is Republican in politics, and in every respect a moral man, and one who enjoys the respect of many acquaintances.

James F. Fields

farmer and stock raiser, section 33, post office Pickering, is a native of Montgomery County, Indiana, where he was born on the 21st of August, 1835, being the son of a farmer, Foster Fields, a native of Ohio, and Eliza (Ayres) Fields, who was also born in Ohio. James spent his youth on a farm at his birthplace, receiving an education in the neighboring schools. About the year 1857 he moved to Knox County, Ohio, and remained in that state for some sixteen years, then coming to Missouri. In March, 1875, he located in Nodaway County, and is now the owner of 160 acres of excellent land, well watered and adapted to stock raising, having an excellent spring in his feed lot. He is engaged in raising stock of all kinds, and his farm is one of the most attractive in this district. Mr. Fields was married on the 3d of July, 1859, to Miss Aramenta V. Coleman, a daughter of Nathaniel Coleman, a native of Pennsylvania. They have five children : Columbia J., born October 15, i860; Lilly M., born June 20, 1865 ; Nevada A., born January 3, 1872;. Daisy E., born June 9, 1874, and Larkin J., born April 3, 1877. Mr. Fields takes a great interest in educational matters, and has held the position of school director. He is a Democrat in politics, and his religious preferences are with the United Brethren Church. Every good cause receives his support.

Thomas N. Garten

farmer and stock raiser, section 14, was born in Monroe County, Virginia, November 6, 1826, and was a son of John and Matilda (Wray) Garten. The former was a farmer by occupation, and was born in Virginia. The latter was also a native of that state. Thomas spent his younger days principally on a farm in Putnam County, Indiana, receiving his education in the subscription schools of pioneer fame. When about twenty-five years of age he commenced business for himself, having in his possession one horse worth $30. He has made agricultural pursuits his occupation through life, and has been successful in his undertakings. In the spring of 1866 he became a resident of Missouri, and on the 26th of June of that year located in Nodaway County. He now owns 100 acres of land, well stocked. When he purchased this farm it consisted of wild land, but through energetic and steady efforts he has secured a valuable place. Through some defect in the original title of sale he was compelled to pay for it twice. The Mowrey Branch runs through his farm, affording excellent facilities for stock raising. There is upon his place a good orchard and some small fruit. Mr. Garten has held the office of township collector three years and has been school director some fourteen years, besides having filled some smaller offices. During the war he contributed toward its successful carrying on. He is a Republican in political faith, and a member of the M. E. Church. Mr. G. has been twice married: First, in September, 1851, to Miss Sarah Johnson. They had two children, Margaret (now Mrs. James Pistole), born October 10, 1853, and Henry, born March 1, 1857. His second marriage occurred November 10, 18S8, to Sarah Simmonson, a daughter of Mr. I. Simmonson, of Indiana. Their family consists of five children: Scott, born August 1, i860; Charlie, born November 26, 1862 ; Edward, born April 8, 1865 ; Cora, born April II, 1871, and Alta? born November 15, 1878.

Robert Garten

farmer and stock raiser, section 16, post office Pickering, was born in Putnam County, Indiana, March 11, 1833. He was raised there until fourteen years of age, spending his boyhood days on a farm, receiving a common school education in the log school houses of pioneer days. In 1847, he accompanied his parents to Knox County, Indiana, where he resided four years, and then moved to Bureau County, Illinois, where he made his home for five years. His next move was to Missouri, settling in Platte County, and he has resided in the west since that time. He spent some five vears on the plains, engaged in freighting, and during that time made two trips to New Mexico, having had some narrow escapes from being massacred by the Indians. Being a crack shot, with both rifle and revolver, he has killed many buffalo, antelope, and other game, and has met with many thrilling incidents in his western experience. In 1863, he enlisted in the Enrolled Missouri Militia, and served about six months. He then enlisted in the regular service, in Company C, Fifty-first Missouri Volunteer Infantry, and served until the close of the war, when he came to Nodaway County, and purchased the land on which he now resides. It was then wild, and he commenced to improve it. He now owns 120 acres improved and sixty acres of timber and pasture lands. He has a neat and comfortable residence, situated about one-half mile south of Pickering, and has a good view of the town and the surrounding country. He also has an orchard and vineyard, and keeps his farm well stocked. Mr. G. was married, in 1866, to Mrs. Hannah Binnum, a widow with two children, H. E. and George P. Binnum. By the latter union there are four children : James S., William S., Carrie and Arthur M. Mr. and Mrs. Garten are active members of the M. E. Church of Pickering, in which he holds the position of church trustee, and formerly held the office of steward. He has been a member of the denomination for twenty years.

Edward S. Godsey

farmer and stock raiser, section 25, post office Hopkins, was born in Chesterfield County, Virginia, June 8, 1822. His father was of Irish lineage and his mother of English origin Edward spent his boyhood days on a farm at his birthplace, and when sixteen years of age accompanied his parents to Laurel County, Kentucky, in the fall of 1839. He remained in that state until the fall of 1850, when he emigrated to Taylor County, Iowa, which was almost a wilderness at that time, there being but about twenty families in the county. He came when the inhabitants were wolves and Indians, and may be considered a pioneer. He has the honor of having held the first office of constable in the county, and also of assisting in building the first house in Bedford. This was a log building erected for a drug store. Mr. G. remained there some twelve years, engaged in farming. He then came to Nodaway County, and settled on his present place March 20, [862. During the war he served in the Enrolled Missouri Militia. In 1863 he opened a general merchandise store at Xenia, and carried on the business two years. Since that time he has devoted his attention exclusively to agricultural pursuits. His landed estate consists of 354 acres, the home farm of 160 acres being well watered and improved. He has a good orchard, a neat and comfortable residence, barn, etc., and has his place well stocked. He takes an interest in educational matters, and has filled the office of school director seteral terms. Mr. Godsey commenced life a poor boy and has made what he now has by honesty and industry. He was married December 1 1,1845, to Miss Elizabeth Dowis, a native of Knox County, Kentucky. She was born March 5, 1825. They have been blessed with eleven children, six of whom are living: Jessie T., John F., Judy S. (now Mrs. George M. Ringold), Ella D., George, and Cora T. They are active members of the Missionary Baptist Church of Hopkins.

farmer and stock raiser, section 5, was among the early pioneers of Nodaway County. He was born in Ash County, North Carolina, March 10, 1831, and was taken to Campbell County, Tennessee, when two years of age. From there he went to Carroll County, Missouri, in the fall of 1841, and thence to Nodaway County in the spring of 1842. The family settled in what is now Union Township, the country then being something of a wilderness and the Indian tribes still roaming over the county. Mr. Gray purchased a claim and commenced improving a farm. The place was called Gray's Grove, the two brothers, John and Martin Gray, residing there. There was but one store in Maryville at that time, and that was kept in a log house. William relates an incident of going to mill to the Platte City Mills, below St. Joseph, when a boy, in company with two others. They were six weeks making the trip, and he came near freezing to death on his return. In the meantime the folks at home were subsisting on corn meal made on a hominy block. The hardships endured by the pioneers seemed enough to discourage and intimidate the most courageous. Mr. Gray has made this township his home since that time, and has taken an active part in improving it. During the war he served in the Enrolled Missouri Militia. In March, 1853, he settled where he now resides ; he had taken it as a claim previous to this and made some improvements. He now owns 270 acres of well improved land, has a good orchard, a neat and comfortable residence, a barn and excellent feed lot with a never-failing spring in it. He has filled most of the district offices often. Mr. Gray has been twice married : First, April 13, 1852, to Miss Nancy Ingalls, who died September 21, 1869, and left nine children, eight of whom are now living : James T., Wesley F., Martha E., (now Mrs. Wilson Hadley), John S., Mahala J., (now Mrs. George Loch), Austin S., Samuel G. and William T. He was married again to Mrs. Mary Shelton. She was born in Harrison County, Ohio, September 17, 1838. They have had five children, two of whom are now living : Edgar F. and Emmett O. Mrs. Gray has three children living by her former husband : Eva B., William R. and Albert L. Shelton. Mr. and Mrs. Gray are members of the M. E. Church.

Lieutenant Colonel M. B. W. Harman

farmer and stock raiser, section 15, post office Pickering. Among the -enterprising and well to do citizens of Nodaway County, may be mentioned the subject of this sketch, whose portrait appears elsewhere. He was born in York County, Pennsylvania, March 26, 1834, and when twelve years of age he entered a counting house, in which he remained some three years. He then accompanied his parents to Deleware County, Ohio, and obtained a position in a large salaratus factory, where after working for some four years, he became cashier and book keeper. He held this position two years, when he purchased a farm and commenced improving it. In 1857, he became engaged as traveling agent with Henry Miller & Brothers, publishers, of Columbus, Ohio, and traveled for about four years through the Southern States. He was in Georgia when the war broke out, but soon returned to Deleware County, Ohio, and on the 28th of August, 1861, he enlisted as a private in Company E, Thirty-first Ohio Volunteer Infantry, at Camp Chase, Ohio, under Colonel Moses B.Walker. He was soon promoted to sergeant major and assistant drill master. He served with the fourteenth army corps, and for gallant services rendered he was brevetted second, and afterwards first lieutenant and assistant quartermaster. At the battle of Chickamauga he saved the wagon train of the fourteenth army corps by his self possession and calmness. After this battle he was brevetted captain. At the battle of Altoona his regiment arrived in time to save the day, and he proved to be the ranking officer, the others having been killed or wounded. After this engagement he was brevetted major. Major Harman went through with General Sherman on his famous march to the sea, thence through the Carolinas to Washington, where he took part in the grand review. His regiment - the Thirty-first Ohio - was mustered out at Camp Chase, Ohio, July 26, 1865. Out of 1,492 that went to the field, only 712 returned. They took part in twenty-two principal battles. When mustered out he held the position of lieutenant colonel and assistant quartermaster of the Thirty-first Ohio Volunteer Infantry. At the battle of Trinity Station, Alabama, fought July 26, 1863, Mr. H. was wounded three times, and had eleven bullet holes through his clothing. He carries one of the balls in his head at present. He served on the staffs of the following generals : Moses B. Walker, John M. Connell, George H. Thomas, Albin Schoepf, John D. Schofield, A. Baird, Carl Turchin and Jeff. C. Davis. At the close of the war he came west and purchased the land where he now resides, one mile and a-half south of Pickering. Since that time he has been improving his place, and now owns 400 acres, with a handsome residence and two excellent barns, the largest of which was erected to hold three hundred tons of hay. He also has a large orchard of some 900 trees. His firm is situated on the bank of the One Hundred and Two River, and is well adapted to stock raising, in which branch he is largely interested, dealing in short horn Durham cattle, Jersey Red hogs and American Merino sheep. He has some of the finesc stock in the county, three head of his cattle being from the noted Thorndale family. He has some imported geese and some fine chickens, and, taking all in all, possesses one of the best and most complete stock farms in the county. He represented his district in the Twenty-sixth General Assembly of Missouri, and assisted in passing some very important measures. He is a member of Pickering Lodge, No. 472, A. F. and A. M., and also belongs to the Odd Fellows, Knights of Honor, and Good Templars1 Lodges. In character, as well as in purse, he is one of the solid men of the county. Mr. Harman was married January I, 1866, to Miss Rosana Baker. She was born in Lawrence County, Ohio, March 26, 1840. They have four children living: Cal., Lee, Nellie and Alice. Lost one : Linn.

J. W. Harman

station agent and grain dealer, was born in York County, Pennsylvania, December 6, 1842. In 1853 he accompanied his parents to Delaware County, Ohio, where he was raised to manhood, spending his boyhood days on a farm and obtaining a good business education. When seventeen he commenced traveling for Abbott Loomis & Co., of Columbus, Ohio, through the South, visiting all of the Southern states. He was at Washington City at the breaking out of the war, and heard Jeff. Davis' farewell address to the Senate. He was in Montgomery, Alabama, when Fort Sumter was fired on, but returned home and enlisted in Company E, Thirty-first Ohio, in 1862. He was taken sick with typhoid fever in the spring of 1863, and was discharged and sent home. Mr. H. then engaged in shipping stock until he regained his health. In December, 1863, he received the appointment of assistant quartermaster of the third division of the fourteenth army corps, under General Thomas. He remained with General Thomas until the taking of Atlanta, when he accompanied General Sherman on his famous march to the sea and through the Carolinas to Richmond. He has the honor of being the first of Sherman's men to reach that place. He and four others were sent ahead with dispatches, but the four failed to make the crossing at the Appomatox River, Mr. Harman's horse swimming it and carrying him through safely. He also took part in the grand review at Washington. After being mustered out at that place, he returned to his old home, and in the fall of 1865 immigrated to Nodaway County, Missouri, settling some six miles west of Hopkins. There he purchased 320 acres of wild land, and partially improved it. In 1867 he traded his land for a store in Xenia. and carried on the mercantile business two years, when he sold out to Donlin Brothers, and in 1872 accepted the position as station agent at Pickering with the K. C, St. J. & C. B. R. R. The town had just been established, and since that time he has been identified with the growth and prosperity of the place. He has been quite extensively engaged in the grain business, and during the year 1880 shipped some 400 cars. He owns a tract of twenty acres adjoining the town of Pickering, and has a handsome residence. Mr. Harman is largely interested in raising thorough bred Jerseys, and has the best herd in the county. He has filled his present position of notary public for some twelve years, and has also held the offices of justice of the peace and school director. At present he is township trustee. For four years he was the post master of Pickering, and is at present secretary and librarian of the circulating library of this place. He is a member of Pickering Lodge, No. 472, A. F. and A. M., in which he holds the office of senior warden. Mr. Harman was married January 1, 1866, to Miss Lydia E. Lytle. She was born in Washington County, Pennsylvania, in June, 1846. Two of his brothers and a sister were also married at the same house on the same day. Mr. and Mrs. H. have had two children : Minnie and Dale. Mrs. H. is a member of the M. E. Church ot Pickering.

Benjamin W. Kinney

farmer and millwright, section 3, was born in Genesee County, New York, on the 1st day of January, 1820. His father, Alexander, who was born in Connecticut, was a farmer by occupation. His mother, Sophrona (Bannister) Kinney, was a native of Vermont. Benjamin passed his youthful days on a farm, in Genesee County, New York, obtaining his education in the common schools. When twenty-two years of age, he commenced to learn the millwright's trade, which he has followed more or less through life. In May, 1862, he came to Missouri, locating in Nodaway County, where he now owns a farm of seventy-two acres, well watered, and upon the same is a handsome residence. He has some graded cattle, and keeps his farm well stocked. His orchard is an excellent one. This farm was one of the first settled in this vicinity, and was known as the Ingall's farm, in White Oak Grove. About the time Pickering was founded, Mr. Kinney, in company with others, started a wagon and farm implement factory in Pickering. He became one of the managers and a member of the executive committee, and, after running for one year, he bought his other partners' interest, continuing the business for about three years. He then moved the tools to his farm, where he is still engaged in the wagon business. Mr. Kinney is Democratic in politics. He was raised a Presbyterian in religious faith. In September, 1843, Miss Achsah Carson became his wife. She was a daughter of Andrew Carson, of New Jessey. They have two children.

Annie R. (now Mrs. James Coleman), born November 8, 1848, and James A., born in April, 1851. Mr. K. has held the office of justice of the peace.

farmer and stock raiser, section 4, was born in Holmes County, Ohio, April 12, 1839, and was reared at his birthplace until about thirteen years of age, spending his boyhood days on a farm and attending the neighborhood schools. In 18^3 he accompanied his parents to Pike County, Ohio, where he resided twenty years. When nineteen he commenced improving a farm of his own, and has since given his attention to agricultural pursuits. He was largely interested in stock raising while in Ohio. In the fall of 1871 he emigrated to Missouri, settling some six miles below Maryville, and has been identified with the interests of Nodaway County since that time. He located where he now resides in the spring of 1875, and is the owner of 160 acres of well improved land. It is watered by an excellent spring, and is one of the finest stock farms in the county. He has an excellent orchard, a good barn, residence, etc. Mr. McKee keeps a good deal of stock, and is largely interested in the business. He is an enterprising citizen, and holds the respect and esteem of a large circle of friends. He has filled most of the township offices, with satisfaction to all parties interested. He is a member of Pickering Lodge, No. 472, A. F. and A. M. Mr. McKee was married August 6, 1857, to Miss Cynthiana Roberts, a native of Pike County, Ohio. She was born March 6, 1839. They have six children living : Mary J. (now Mrs. W. I. Loch), William R., Margaret A., Samuel H., Nancy A., and Norton O. One is deceased.

farmer and stock raiser, section 35, was born in Henry County, Indiana, on the 9th day of July, 1843, and was a son of John and Ann Eliza (Rhodes) McVey. The father was a farmer and millwright, and a native of Ohio. The mother was born in New Jersey. William resided on the home farm until seven years of age, when he moved to Henry County, Iowa. There he was principally reared, and educated in the common schools. When seventeen years old he concluded to begin in life for himself, but finding it more difficult than he imagined, he returned home, where he remained until he was twenty-one. His first investment was to buy eighty acres of land in Page County, Iowa, for $100, afterwards selling the same for $1,000. During the war Mr. McVey served about nine months in the commissary department in Tennessee, and for about three months in Colorado. In 1875 he removed to Missouri, locating in this county in March of that year. He now owns 210 acres of land, upoa which is a young orchard and a good vineyard. There is also a neat residence on the place. He keeps his farm well stocked, and is one of the go-ahead and industrious agriculturists of the township. Mr. McVey was married July 6, 1 871, to Miss Emma Cook, a worthy lady, daughter of Isaac Cook, of Henry County, Iowa. Their family consists of Dexter, born April 16, 1872 ; Roscoe, bom August 1, 1874; and Lelia, born April 13, 1878. Mr. McVey has been school director about five years, and road overseer several terms. In his political views he is liberal.

George W. Nash

farmer and stock raiser, section 13, was born on the nth of December, 1823, in Wayne County, Indiana. His father, Samuel C. Nash, a native of North Carolina, was a farmer and sailor. His mother, whose maiden name was Nancy Gray, was also born in North Carolina. George spent his youth upon a farm in Madison County, Indiana, attending the schools of those early times. In 1843, he came to Missouri, and on the 8th of July, 1843, located in Nodaway County, near the town of Xenia. In the fall of that year he cast his first ballot, voting the straight Whig ticket. At the age of twenty-one years he began life for himself, his capital consisting only of his willing hands and brave heart. That he made good use of this capital is shown by the position he occupies to-day. The early struggles of these pioneers can never by imagined by those who have never passed such an ordeal. The nearest trading point of Mr. Nash was at Savannah, Andrew County. He remembers an instance of himself and brother going to Andrew County to split rails in order to obtain corn to eat. A friend, William Ingalls, rook the corn to mill, and from there home to the boy's parents. When they returned they found the corn had been eaten or loaned to the neighbors, and they were obliged to earn more. In 1846 a report came to the settlers that the Mormons and Indians were contemplating an attack upon them. The citizens hurried to the towns for protection, among these being Mrs. Nash - George's mother - who shouldered her musket and marched to the front, determined to die game. The enemies, however, failed to put in an appearance. In the spring of 1862 Mr. N. moved to Taylor County, Iowa, where .he remained thirteen years. In the fall of 1864 lie enlisted in Company C, Fourth Iowa Infantry, and marched through with Sherman to the sea, taking part in the grand review at Washington. He now owns 235 acres of land, with an orchard of 300 trees and fine residence. He is engaged in stock raising, having one thoroughbred and some graded cattle, but gives his attention principally to sheep interests. He has held the offices of road overseer and school director. Mr. Nash was married on March 26, 1846, to Miss P. Pistole, daughter of Thomas J. Pistole, Esq, They have seven children : Elvina dealer in harness, saddles and saddlery hardware, was born in Seneca County, New York, October 28, 1848, and is of Scottish-English origin- He was reared at his birthplace, spending his boyhood days on a farm and attending the neighborhood schools, cempleting his education at the Union Schools of Newark, Wayne County, New York, under Prof. Steel, the celebrated chemist. In 1862 he enlisted in Company G, Fiftieth New York Engineering Corps, when only thirteen years of age, as a drummer boy, and served until the close of the war. He was at the following battles : Gettysburg, Fredericksburg, second evacuation of Harper's Ferry, Petersburg, Battle of the Wilderness, and all the important engagements in which the Army of the Potomac were engaged. His drum corps took part in the grand review at Washington, in which they took the first premium, and were called back to be reviewed the second time. Mr. P. held the position of first drummer next to the drum-major. In 1866 he commenced to learn the harness-maker's trade, at Geneva, New York, under Charles H. Mead. At the expiration of the first year he was made foreman of the shops, and in 1869 he purchased the shops and carried on a large business until August 7, 1875, when he sold out and moved west. He remained a season at Albia, Monroe County, Iowa, engaged in mercantile pursuits, after which he took a trip through Nebraska, then coming to Nodaway County, Missouri. He settled at Pickering, where he started a harness shop, and has since carried on a thriving business, though having had to commence with a limited amount of capital. He has a neat and handily arranged shop, and being an excellent workman, finds plenty of employment. Mr. P. is a member of the I. O. O. F. Lodge, No. 347, of Pickering, in which he holds the office* of right scene supporter. He has been a member of the G. A. R. since 1865.

James C. Pistole

farmer and stock raiser, section 12, was born on his present farm in Nodaway County, Missouri, on the 20th day of March, 1850, and is the son of Thomas J. and Lucinda (Long) Pistole. The former was born in Virginia, and was an agriculturist. The latter was a native of Tennessee. James passed his youth on the place where he nowresides, attending the old log school house. In 1 870 he started out in business for himself, having 160 acres of land, one horse and cow, and about $700 in money. He has kept steadily at work, making no stir, but moving on quietly and industriously, until his present landed estate consists of 450 acres, upon which is an excellent residence, barn, orchard, etc. He has considerable graded stock and one thoroughbred, and raises quite an amount. Mr. P. held the office of township assessor, and when his term expired, the people, recognizing his ability, honored him with the position of county assessor. He was elected in the fall of 1878 for a two year's term. He is Democratic in politics. His marriage occurred on November 1, 1874, to Miss Margaret M. Garten, daughter of Thomas N. Garten, of this township. They have three children : Ada E.,born September 23, 1875 ; Walter T., born June 16, 1878 ; and Joseph, born September 29, 1880. Mr. Pistole is a member of Pickering Lodge, No. 472, A. F. and A. M., in which he holds the position of master of the lodge.

Peter A. Sare

dealer in agricultural implements, furniture, etc., was born in Monroe County, Indiana, on the 11th day of September, 1837, and is the son of L. B. and Jennie (Carmichael) Sare. The former was born in Kentucky, and was engaged in farming. The latter was a native of North Carolina. Peter was educated in the common schools, spending his younger days on a farm in Monroe County, Indiana. In 1856 he came to Missouri, settling some distance south of Maryville, where he remained five years, then returning to Indiana. In 1867 he again came to this county, and located about four miles west of Pickering. Mr. Sare may almost be called a pioneer, coming here, as he did and becoming so familiar with the early settlement of the county - his return after his long absence only tended to strengthen his interest for his old acquaintances. He is doing a good business in this town, and besides those above mentioned, is conducting a butcher shop. He owns the most of one block, three residences and a store building in Pickering, besides seven acres adjoining the corporation. He is most decidedly an enterprising citizen, and contributes his full share towards building up and improving the place. He has held the position of treasurer of the town. In politics he is a Democrat, and is a member of the Christian Church. Mr. Sare was married March 22, 1855, to Miss Mary A. Storm, a daughter of Peter Storm, of Greene County, Indiana. They have nine. children : James F., born December 14, 1856; John I., born February 6, 1859; L. J., (now Mrs James Knowles), born May 20, 1861 ; Margaret A., born August 1, 1863 Mary E., born September 26, 1865; Bonaparte S., born May 15, 1868 Martha A., born July 26, 1870; Cora E., born June 30, 1874; and Ira E. born November 8, 1878. Mr. Sare is a member of Nodaway Lodge, No 347, I. O. < ). F., of Pickering.

Dr. Amos D. Sargent

physician and surgeon, also farmer on section 32, is among the early settlers and /-well known citizens of Nodaway County. He was born in Hudson, Hillsborough County, New Hampshire, February 3, 18 14, and was taken by his parents to Troy, New York, and thence to Auburn, of the same state, where he remained some eight years. His father ran a boat on the canal, and when Amos became nine years of age he commenced to accompany him on his trips. The father was afterward taken sick, and died. Amos run the boat one season, and then returned to Hudson, New Hampshire, with his mother. Soon afterwards, he went on board a vessel, and remained for one year, when he was taken sick, and sent to New York, and thence to his old home in New Hampshire. He next took a trip up the lakes, on board of the same vessel with General Scott, who was conducting the Black Hawk War, in 1838. He visited Chicago, St. Louis and many other places in the Great Mississippi Valley, and finally settled in Aurora, Illinois, going from there to La Porte, Indiana, where he commenced the study of medicine. He began the practice of his profession at Edwardsborough, Indiana, then moved to Lima, and thence to Ontario. He remained in Indiana until November, i860, when he located in Southern Missouri, subsequently, went to Butler, Illinois, and then to Ashtabula, Ohio. After residing in Galesburg, Illinois, for a time, he moved to Boonesboro, Iowa, where he remained three years, then came overland to Xenia, Nodaway County, Missouri, in 1866. He has been engaged in the practice of his profession here since. In 1869, he settled on the farm where he now resides, owning 100 acres in all - eighty acres in the home farm. He has a neat and comfortable residence, and other out-buildings, and a small orchard and vineyard. Dr. S. has partially retired from the practice, on account of his age and the inconveniences of getting around. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity. He was married April 22, 1838, to Miss Lizzie Worthing. She was born at New Hampton, New Hampshire, January 4, 1818. They were married in Concord, New Hampshire, and the next morning after their marriage, started west over the Green Mountains by coach. Mr. and Mrs. Sargent have four children living: Ann L. (now Mrs. Titus R. DeWolf, of this county), Franciva A. (now Mrs. B. C. Willey, of Ashtabula County, Ohio), Dana A. (a leading physician of Hopkins), and Grace.

Martin Shelman

farmer and stock raiser, section 12, post office Pickering, was born in Breckenridge County, Kentucky, in November, 18 17, and was the son o{ Adam and Mary (Hays) Shelman. The former, a farmer by occupation, was a native of Virginia, and the latter also of that state. Martin passed his youth on a farm at his birthplace, receiving an education from the old common schools of that day. In 1842 he settled in Van Buren County, Ohio, and remained there until he came to this county in the spring of 1856. He was an early settler, is now widely known throughout the county, and has the respect of many acquaintances. He has done much toward building up and making his adopted county one of the best in the state, and has never been behind in any good work. He owns 215 acres of land, well watered, and upon it is a good orchard and comfortable residence. He keeps some stock on the place. His youngest son, Lysander, runs the farm, and under his management nothing is left undone. During the war, Mr. Shelman, unable himself to go into the field, assisted in caring for the widows of soldiers and in other good causes. He is Democratic in politics, and stands high for his morality. He was married January 7, 1838, to Miss Melinda Barlow, a daughter of Wilber Barlow, who was a native of one of the New England states. Their family consists of Nancy (now Mrs. Julius Wheeler), born April 17, 1839 John M., aged thirty-five ; Marion A., aged thirty-three ; Franklin P., aged twenty-nine ; Acy A. (now Mrs. W. Thompson), aged twenty-five ; Margaret (now Mrs. G. W. Jackson), aged twenty-three ; Amezette, aged twenty-three, and Lysander, aged twenty-one. Mr. Shelman has filled most of the township offices.

Charles P. Shroyer

farmer and stock raiser, section 33, post office Hopkins, was born in Mercer County, Illinois, on the nth day of July, 1844, being the son of John and Mary (Meadows) Shroyer. His father, who was an agriculturist, was a native of Dayton, Ohio, and his mother was born in Indiana. Charles passed his youth on a farm in Mercer County, Illinois, obtaining an education in the common schools of the neighborhood. In January, 1874, he became a resident of Missouri, locating in Nodaway County, where he now owns 260 acres of land, upon which is an excellent barn and a neat, comfortable house. A wind pump supplies the place with water. He is quite largely interested in stock raising, and has graded stock and some thoroughbred sheep. Mr. Shroyer has held the positions of school director and road overseer. He was married March 16, 1866, to Miss L. B. West, a daughter of H. R. West, a native of Kentucky. They have six children : Clara A., born February 8, 1867 ; Joseph R., born May 7, 1868; Effie, born August 4, 1870; Charles W., born December 18, 1871 ; Laura, born August 21, 1876, and Sarah A., born February 14, 1878. Mr. Shroyer is a member of the M. E. Church. He is Democratic in politics, and has done his share towards developing the richness of Nodaway County.

farmer and stock raiser, section 30, was born on the 22d of January, 1855, and is a native of Warren County, Illinois. His father, John Simmons, was a farmer by occupation, and was born in Kentucky. His mother, whose maiden name was Ruth Jarred, was a native of Virginia. J. F. passed his early years on a farm in Illinois, receiving the benefits of a common school education. In the fall of 1873 he came to Missouri, locating in Nodaway County, and is now the owner of 120 acres of improved land, watered, and upon which is a good orchard and dwelling. He raises considerable stock. Mr. Simmons commenced in life without means, and has worked his own way to his present position only by perseverance and industry. He has held the position of road overseer and school director. He was married on the 5th of March, 1S75, to Sarah Simmons, daughter of James Simmons, of Illinois. They have one child, Pearly, born November 5, 1881. Two are deceased. Mr. Simmons is Democratic in politics.

Edward Van Buren

farmer and stock raiser, section 8, a pioneer of Nodaway County, was born in Leicester, Livingston County, New York, on February 1, 1819, and was a son of Barnard and Barbara (Wood) Van Buren. The former was born in New York in 1780, and was engaged in agricultural pursuits. Edward's mother was a native of New Bedford, Massachusetts. Young Van Buren was brought up on a farm, in New York State, until nineteen years of age, obtaining an education in the common schools. In 1838, he removed to Warren County, Illinois, and on the 1st of v March, 1853, located in Nodaway County, Missouri. At that time there was but one house on the road between his place and Maryville, and no buildings north to the state line., He entered the land on which he now resides, and at present owns 159 acres, upon it there being a good residence and. barn, and an orchard of over 200 trees. Mr. Van Buren is largely interested in stock raising, having given this his principal attention. The first school house in this vicinity was erected on a part of his land, in 1859. The ground is now used for a cemetery. He attended the first lot sale in the City of St. Joseph. Having been among the early settlers here, he numbers his friends and acquaintances by the score, and possesses the respect and esteem of many. In politics he is a Republican, and has filled the positions of school director and road overseer. During the war, he served in the Enrolled Missouri Militia. Mr. Van Buren was married, December 8, 1843, to Miss Polly Ann Farris, a native of Kentucky, and a daughter of Charles Farris. Their family consists of: William, born January 15, 1846; Lydia (now Mrs. Thomas Taylor), born December 8, 1847; James J., born November 23,'

1849; Eliza E. (now Mrs. M. Shelman), born January 26, 1852; Belinda (now Mrs. M. Coleman), born April 24, 1854; Mary C, born May 2, 1857; Martin, born September 22, 1859; Sarah E., born February 22, 1862, (now Mrs. Jasper Wakefield) ; John F., born June 10, 1864; Charles H., born April 17, 1866, and Cora, born June 12, 1872. Mr. Van Buren is a member of Nodaway Lodge, No. 470, A. F. and A. M, of Maryville, and also belongs to Nodaway Lodge, No. 347, I. O. O. F., of Pickering. He has been a member of the Odd Fellow fraternity since 1856, and of the Masonic lodge since 1858. He assisted in organizing two Masonic and one Odd Fellow lodges.

Miles Wallis

proprietor of the Pickering Hotel, was born in Steuben County, New York, March 8, 1810, and was there reared to manhood, receiving fair educational advantages. In 183 1 he took a trip to Michigan, and traveled about 1,200 miles, having but $27 when he started. Returning to his native county with $250, he settled on a tract of unbroken land, which he afterwards sold, then moved to Erie County, New York, where he purchased another farm, but soon disposed of that at an advance of $500. He subsequently bought more property, and upon selling made $200, after which he became the owner of a set of mills. These he disposed of, making a profit of $300. Mr. Wallis was also engaged in the mercantile business for two years, in Cataraugus County, New York. In 1837 he served in what was known as the Canada Patriot War, holding the position of captain of a company of state militia. In 1842 he exchanged some property for a farm of 320 acres in Genesee County. New York, on which he settled. He was elected magistrate in 1843, filling the position for sixteen years. He also held the office of judge, discharging the duties thereof for one year. Immigrating west in the spring of 1877, he landed at Pickering June 24th of the same year, and subsequently purchased the hotel at this place, fitting it up in excellent -condition. He is now the owner of 1,000 acres of land in Shannon County, Missouri, and some property in this town. He has filled the position of mayor, and acted as president of the library association, having been one of the founders of that institution, to which he gave forty volumes of standard works. He is a member of Pickering Lodge No. 472, A. F. and A. M., also of Pickering Lodge No. 347, I. O. O. F. He has always contributed liberally toward the support of the gospel. He has been twice married : First, January 9, 1838, to Miss Lavina Tullar, of Penfield, Monroe County, New York, born October 4, 1815. She died in May, 1855, leaving six children, three of whom are now living : Louisa M., William M. and Frank M. Mr. W. was married again in November, 1856. to Mrs. Jane E. Wilkey. She died on the 19th of August, 1874.

William M. Wallis

physician and surgeon, was born in Genesee County, New York, January 12, 1848, and was reared at his birthplace, receiving his literary education in the schools of his native count)', principally at Alexander. Making choice of the practice of medicine as his profession, he commenced its study in the fall of 1867, and took three courses of lectures at the University of Buffalo, New York, during the winters of 1868-9 and 1870, receiving his diploma in February, 1871. At the close of the last course, he began the practice of his profession at Alabama, Genesee County, New York, where he remained some three months. He then took the western fever and immigrated to Nodaway County, Missouri, settling at Xenia in September, 1871. There he stopped until June, 1872, when he moved to Pickering, and is one of the pioneers of the place. In his manners he is much of a gentleman, and possesses the most thorough qualifications as a physician. He has an extensive practice, as he well deserves, and owns a neat office and a handsome residence in Pickering. He also owns a fine farm of 220 acres, and in partnership with his brother is largely interested in sheep raising, dealing in thoroughbred Cotswold. He was one of the first members of the board of trustees of this place, and has since held some of the offices on the board. He is an active member of Pickering Lodge, No. 472, A. F. and A. M., and has filled the position as master of the lodge for some four years. Dr. Wallis is an enterprising, energetic citizen, and is always found ready to assist in elevating the interests of the county. He was married April 28, 1875, to Miss Augusta Leach. She was born in Cayuga County, New York, September 11, 1847. They have two children: Frank C. and William M.

James A. Wiley

farmer and stock raiser, section 6, was born on the 7th of October, 1838, in Noble County, Ohio, being the son of Jacob Wiley, a farmer, and a native of Ohio, and Mary (Woodford) Wiley, who was born in Tennessee. James passed his youth on the farm in Ohio, and attended the common schools until fifteen years of age, when he removed to Warren County, Iowa. During the war he enlisted in company H, Thirty-fourth Iowa, and participated in Sherman's raid on Vicksburg and at the battle of Arkansas Post. In 1868, he removed from Warren County to Missouri, locating in Nodaway County in October of that year. Here he owns 320 acres of land well improved, with orchard, residence, barn, etc., all in good condition. He raises quite an amount of stock. Mr. Wiley commenced in business on his own account when twenty years of age, and that he has been industrious and persevering is shown by the position he at present occupies. This was not attained by the help of others, but through his own exertions, and he merits his success. He is Democratic in politics, and belongs to the M. E. Church. Mr. Wiley was married October 21, 1857, to Miss L. J. Allen, daughter of William Allen, a native of Harrison County, Missouri. Their family consists of eight children : William F., born August 18, 1858 : Mary M., born July 20, i860; Andrew J., born April 18, 1864; Lurinda A., born May 21, 1866 ; Jonathan E., born November 14, 1868 ; Arthur, born July 1, 1871; Jacob, born June 1, 1874 ; Luella, born October 1, 1876. Mr. Wiley has held the positions of road overseer and school director.

Charles A. Wolfers

dealer in general merchandise, hardware, etc., was born in Chautauqua County, New York, July 21, 1846, and remained at the place of his nativity until twenty-two years of age, spending his boyhood days in the villages of Centerville and Fredonia, and receiving excellent educational advantages. He commenced to learn the cigarmaker's trade when thirteen, and followed it for four years. During the late war he enlisted in Company I, One Hundred and Eighty-seventh New York Volunteer Infantry, in the spring of 1864, and served until the close of the war, some thirteen months, and during this time held the position of sergeant. He took part in many of the hard fought battles, among which were Hatchez Run and the engagement before Petersburg, and assisted in the capture of General Lee's army. He also participated in the grand review at Washington. After being mustered out at Buffalo, New York, he returned to his home at Dunkirk, New York, and commenced railroading in the employ of the^Atlantic & Great Western Railroad, with whom he remained some five years. In 1870, he immigrated west to St. Joseph, Missouri, where he accepted a position with the Kansas City, St. Joseph & Council Bluffs Railroad, continuing in the employ of this company six years, after which he engaged in the hotel business. For one year he kept the Hopkins House, and then came to Pickering, where he opened a general merchandise store. He now carries the largest and most complete stock of goods in the village, and has the patronage of many acquaintances. In his business capacity, he is an excellent salesman. Mr. Wolfers also holds the position of postmaster in the place. Besides his store and property, he owns a neat residence in Pickering. He has been entirely a ,-,elf-made man, and has worked his way through life by honesty, integrity and fair dealing. He takes an interest in educational matters, and at present fills the position of school director. Mr. W. was married July 5, 1867, to Miss Eliza A. Crandall, a native of Belmont, Allegany County, New York. She was born October 27, 1849. They have a family of three children living : Edward C, Annice E. and Mar)-. Two arc deceased.

William W. Wray

farmer and stock raiser, section 28, another old settler of this county, was born in Gallia County, Ohio, on the 4th of February, 1836, and was the son of John and Sarah F. (Wiseman) Wray. The former, a farmer by occupation, was a native of Virginia, and in that state was William's mother also born. Young Wray spent his youth on a farm at his birthplace, and attended the common schools until about eighteen years of age, when in the fall of 1853 he removed to Missouri. In November of that year he came to Nodaway County. His parents first settled seven miles from Maryville, then a small village, and when saloons were the prominent business houses. The first fall after locating here he and his father killed twenty-five deer, game of all kinds being very plentiful. A large dressed turkey was worth but twenty-five cents. Mr. Wray occasionally indulged in hunting, but the most of his spare time was passed in splitting rails. When about twenty-two years old he commenced in business for himself, by teaching and working by the month. He has risen to his present condition through his own habits of industry, economy, etc. Is now the owner of 415 acres of land, in 200 of which his mother has an interest. His farm is well adapted to stock raising, in which he is largely interested. The place is supplied with good water facilities, and there is also an orchard, barn, etc. Mr. Wray has held the position of township supervisor, and for some nine months acted as ex-officio county judge. He has been township treasurer and clerk for five years, and during his term of office the township erected four school houses. He is Republican in politics, and a member of the M. E. Church. Mr. W: was married March 31, 1861, to Miss Sarah E., a daughter of J. and Nancy Shelman. They have ten children : Bayard T., born January 10, 1862 ; Edward P., born November 15, 1863 ; John B., born March 14, 1865 ; William, born February 19, 1867; Henry H., born June 28, 1869 Wilbur W., born April 17, 187 1 ; George Thomas, born May 21, 1874 Clara E. M., born February 1, 1876; Fred. A., born September 3, 1877 and Irene, born April 28, 1881. The mother of Mrs. Wray lives with her son and daughter. She is in her seventy-sixth year, and enjoys good health.

Joseph T. Anderson

proprietor of Park Livery Stable and dealer in stock, was born in Marion County, Missouri, November 24, 1844, and, when eleven years old, with his parents, he moved to Lewis County. His father being a miller, Joseph was brought up to learn that business, which he followed, till the beginning of the war, in Lewis County, at the point now known as Hall's Mill. In 1862, he enlisted in the Federal cause, in Company F, Sixty-ninth Missouri Mounted Infantry, remaining in service till the close of the war, when he was honorably discharged. He then went west, to the mountains, visiting a number of the territories, and spending the greater part of his time in Utah, where he was employed by the Union Pacific Railroad Company to oversee in the work on the road for two years. He returned to Lewis County, Missouri, in the fall of 1870, and in the following spring he came to Nodaway County, locating on a farm, where he was for some time engaged in agricultural pursuits and dealing in stock. In the summer of 1879, he erected his present livery barn, which was opened to the public in June of the same year. It is so arranged as to accommodate the stabling of eighty horses, and is considered one of the best liveries in Northwest Missouri. Mr. Anderson's main pride is in keeping fine horses and the best of buggies. He was, for some time in the early history of the town, engaged in business as one of the firm of Hotaling & Co. During the past year he erected a fine residence, which is unsurpassed by any within the township. He is the owner and founder of Anderson's Mineral Well, the water of which is very pure, yet possessing all the essential minerals. An analysis and notice of this is made elsewhere. Mr. A. is a member of the Masonic, I. O. O. F., I. O. G. T. and A. O. U. W. orders. He was married April 4, 1865, to Miss Margeret J. McGee, of Lewis County, Missouri. She was born in February, 1850, and died in March, 1868. They had two children, one of whom is now living, William E., born May 2, [866. He was married, the second time, March 29, 1870, to Miss Mary L. Fisher, who was born in Lewis County, Missouri, February 8, 185 1. They have had seven children, but four of whom survive: Verdie M., John F., George N. and an infant.

farmer and stock dealer, section 7, post office Burlington Junction, was born July 15, 1844, in Noble County, Ohio. In 1858 he came to Nodaway County, Missouri, where he has since been recognized as one of her leading agriculturists. He received the advantage of a good school education, and during life has taught school, in all seventy-two months. While in his native county he was engaged in working in a tobacco packing house. In March, 1862, he enlisted in Company C, Fourth Missouri State Militia, and remained in service till April, 1865, when he returned to Nodaway County. Since the war he has improved three farms, and now is living on the one last opened, and which contains 350 acres. The appearance of things around his place denotes the energy and enterprise of the owner. Mr. Bainum is a member of the A. O. U. W. He was married November 25, 1869, to Miss Paulina A. Walker, who was born in Ross County, Ohio, August 20, 1853. They have six children : Olive, Jesse, James S., Herbert L., Eliza E., and an infant. Mr. and Mrs. B. are both members of the M. E. Church. John Bainum, the father of the subject of this sketch, was a native of Delaware, and a pioneer of Nodaway County. He was killed during the war while lieutenant of the Eleventh Missouri Cavalry. The mother of Mr. John Bainum, Mrs. Jane Bainum, 'whose maiden name was Scott, is a native of Ohio, and is now residing with her son. She is over eighty years of age.

Richard M. Black

farmer, section 28, post office Burlington Junction, was born in Warren County, Illinois, March 12, 1842, and was truly a pioneer of that county, as it was then in an unimproved condition. He was reared in his native county, and in the year 1861 he went to Burlington, Iowa, where he enlisted in the First Iowa Battery. After taking part in many of the important battles of the war, he was mustered out at Davenport, Iowa, on September 12, 1864. After this he returned to Warren County, Illinois, where he remained till February, 1869, when he sought to find a home further west. For a short time he stopped in Montgomery County, Iowa, and from there went to Linn County, Kansas. In October, of the same year, he located in Nodaway County, Missouri, where he has since continued to reside, his farm containing eighty acres. Mr. Black was married November 23, 1865, to Miss Eliza J. Gibson, a native of Guernsey County, Ohio. She was born November 29, 1841. They have had five children, four of whom are living : Minnie A., Lillie V., Samuel A., and Sherman E. Mr. B.'s parents, Samuel J. and Phcebe (Paddock) Black, who were natives of Kentucky, were among the first settlers of Illinois.