Pettis County, Missouri - Biographical sketches, 1919 (part 13 of 14)

To William Henry and Tobitha Kate (Fletcher) Ernst were bom the following children: Henry M., a prominent citizen of Atchinson, Kansas, where he has resided about forty years; Charles F., the sub¬ ject of this sketch; Ella L., married H. R. Vandervort and lives in Chi- cago, Illinois; Josephine, married Charles Smith, Racine, Wisconsin; Kathrine G., married A. Willoughby, Stony Point, Virginia; Sarah K. married William M. Armour, Rockford, Illinois, and Lyman P., an engi¬ neer on the Northwestern railroad, Des Moines, Iowa.

Charles F. Ernst learned carriage painting in his father's shop in Cincinnati, Ohio. He received his education in the public schools. He came west from Cincinnati with his parents, and in 1882 went to Kansas City where he was engaged in carriage and sign painting until 1890. He came to Sedalia that year and established himself at 611 South Ohio Street and since that time has been engaged in sign writing, exclusively. He is an artist in his work and has no peers in this section of the country.

Mr. Ernst was united in marriage at Chicago, Illinois, October 19, 1879, to Miss Elizabeth B. Bonesteel, a native of Dublin, Indiana. She was born August 17, 1864, a daughter of Dan G. German, who resides in Chicago. To Mr. and Mrs. Ernst have been born three children: Charles H., the eldest of the family, resides at Grants Pass, Oregon. He was born in Chicago, Illinois, in 1880, and is now engaged in the insurance busi¬ ness. He was a member of the National Guard Company of Sedalia for a number of years and served in the Spanish-American War under Colonel DeMuth. After that conflict and after receiving an honorable discharge he enlisted in the United States regular army and served three years. He was married to Miss Effie Harvey, a native of Canada and they have one child, Charles K. Jr. The second son born to Charles F. Ernst and wife is Lyman R., who was bom at Mexico, Missouri, in 1889. He was chief clerk in the legal department of the Mobile & Ohio railroad, when the United States declared war against Germany. At that time he and two others, organized a machine gun company, composed of the em¬ ployees of the Mobile & Ohio railroad company, but when the selective service bill was passed, he was inducted into the army and is now serving in France as sergeant major. He served as secretary to General French, who made an inspection tour through France. Lyman R. Ernst was married to Miss Lanie Reisnour, of Alabama, August 16, 1917. They have no children. The youngest child born to Charles F. Ernst and wife, Anabel, is now the wife of Edward Dunsing, a lumber man of Concordia, Missouri.

Mi-. Ernest is a Republican and has served on the Park Board in Se¬ dalia for eleven years and for nine years was president of that body. He is a member of the Masonic Lodge, the Knights of Pythias, the Independ- ent Order of Odd Fellows, the Knights of the Maccabees, the Modern Woodmen of America and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. He has been honored by various lodge offices from time to time. Mr. Ernst is one of the substantial citizens of Sedalia and has an extensive acquaintance both of a business and social nature and has many friends.

Van Barett Gorrell, a prominent farmer of Prairie township, is one of the successful cattle feeders and breeders of Pettis County. He is the son of Hinton and Lulu (McClung) Gorrell, who also reside in Prairie township, and a sketch of Hinton Gorrell, giving a more extended history of the family, appears in this volume.

Van Gorrell was born in Prairie township on the place where he now resides, October 15, 1882. He received his education in the public schools and Central Business College at Sedalia. He was reared on a farm and has made farming and stock raising his life occupation, in which he has been unusually successful. He is well known as a breeder and has fed cattle for the market with very satisfactory results. He owns a valu¬ able and well-kept farm which consists of 480 acres which is regarded as one of the best farms in Pettis County. Mr. Gorrell is a practical farmer and stockman and his success may be attributed to two reasons - know¬ ing his business and attending to it.

Mr. Gorrell was united in marriage June 11, 1913, to Miss Jessie Marie Millard, a native of Smithfield, Illinois. She is a daughter of George A. Millard, a native of Illinois, who came to Pettis County, Mis¬ souri with his family, about 1910 and settled on a farm in Prairie town¬ ship where he now resides.

To Mr. and Mrs. Gorrell have been born three children as follow: George H., Laura, and Genevieve. Mr. Gorrell is a Democrat and one of Pettis County's most progressive young men.

William Oliver Powell, one of the progressive and up-to-date young agriculturists of Pettis County, is operating 350 acres of land in Elk Fork township. Mr. Powell belongs to the new type of farmers and stock raisers who combine practical methods with well directed scientific principles. He has not only had experience on the farm but has had the advantages of an agircultural education.

Mr. Powell was born and reared in Elk Fork township, on the farm where he now resides which is the property of his aunt, Alice Gilmore. He was born September 4, 1892, a son of Edward and Millie (Spickert) Powell.

Edward Powell was born on the same place where his son William Oliver was born, August 12, 1865, and his parents were William 0. and Mary Ellen (Record) Powell, who were the parents of four children, two of whom are now living, Edward and Mrs. Alice Gilmore. Edward Powell has been a farmer and stock raiser all his life and has lived in Pettis County, with the exception of about five years which he spent in Johnson County. He purchased his present place in Elk Fork township in 1902. He owns 120 acres of well improved and valuable land.

Edward Powell was married December 7, 1890, to Miss Millie Spickert who was born January 20, 1866, and is a daughter of John and Mary (Quincy) Spickert, natives of Kentucky and early settlers in Pettis County.

William Oliver Powell, the subject of this sketch, was educated in the public schools of Pettis County, the Central Business College of Sedalia and the University of Missouri, where he took an agricultural course. He then engaged in farming on the place in Elk Fork township which he has followed to the present time.

December 25, 1914, William Oliver Powell was united in marriage with Miss Eunice Donaldson, a native of Warrensburg, Missouri, and a daughter of Joseph H. and Nellie (Bagsby) Donaldson, natives of John¬ son County. Joseph H. Donaldson worked at blacksmithing for a number of years and in 1898, located at Green Ridge, Missouri, where he is now conducting a meat market. Mrs. Powell is one of a family of four chil¬ dren born to her parents. She was educated in the Green Ridge High School and the State Normal School at Warrensburg and for six years prior to her marriage was a successful teacher in Pettis and Johnson Counties. Mr. Powell is a Democrat and his lodge affiliations are with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Modern Woodmen of America. Mr. and Mrs. Powell are members of the Methodist Church.

Louis Bucher, a Civil War veteran who has been identified with Pettis County for over fifty years, is a successful farmer and stockman now living retired in Green Ridge township. He was bom in Alsace, Germany, a son of John and Margaret Bucher. The parents came to America about 1845, when the subject of this sketch was five years old. Shortly after coming to this country the father disappeared and left the mother with six small children. She was unable to care for them and they were adopted to various families, in St. Charles County, Missouri. Louis Bucher was reared by Raphiel D. Denny. He was given very few opportunities for an education and the experiences of his early life were not all that might be desired. When the Civil War broke out he enlisted in 1861, when he was about twenty-one years old, being enrolled in United States service at St. Charles, Missouri. He became a member of Com¬ pany K, Twenty-fourth Missouri Infantry and saw much active service. He participated in the battles of Perryville, Stone River, Chickamauga, Missionary Ridge, Kenesaw Mountain and numerous minor engagements and skirmishes. He was taken prisoner at Stone River but was paroled shortly afterwards. He was honorably discharged and mustered out of service at Chicago, Illinois, in 1864. During the course of his military service he fought under General Buel and General Rosencrans.

After being discharged from the United States service Mr. Bucher returned to the home of R. D. Denny in St. Charles County, Missouri, where he remained until 1868. In that year he came to Pettis County with the Denny family and worked for Mr. Denny about ten years. It seemed that all that Mr. Bucher was getting out of his work was the pleasure of it. He only received $200 for the many years that he had worked for Denny. In 1878, after remaining with Mr. Denny for ten years in Pettis County, he began farming on his own account on rented land and for fourteen years followed this arragement when it suddenly occurred to him that all this time he had been breaking prairie land for others and making improvements which gave very little, or no, returns. He found himself in practically the same position as the man who was catching flood-wood on shares for another. After that he saw to it that he rented land where there was not so much raw prairie breaking to be done, and from that time on made steady progress. In 1898 he bought his present farm of 120 acres and made valuable improvements and brought the place up to a high state of cultivation. Here he followed farming until 1915 when he retired and his sons are now operating the place.

Mr. Bucher was married September 24, 1868, to Miss Mary Ann Kruel. who was born near St. Louis, Missouri, December 16, 1848. Her parents were natives of Germany and came to the United States when young with their parents and spent their lives in St. Charles County, Missouri. The following children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Bucher: Joseph E., lives in Prairie township; George W., lives on the home place in Green Ridge township; Mrs. Mary E. Sullivan who resides in Sedalia; Charles L., Prairie township; and John Wesley, on the home place in

Mr. Bucher is a Republican and a member of the Catholic Church and Mrs. Bucher belongs to the Lutheran Church. He is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic.

Barney Bertman, one of Sedalia's most enterprising and progressive business men, has within a comparatively brief period, built up a busi¬ ness of a scope and extent that compares favorably with any other busi¬ ness enterprise in the city of Sedalia. Mr. Bertman is engaged in the retail and wholesale coal business, the retail and wholesale oil business and general contracting, and among his other industrial activities he has the contract for sprinkling the streets of Sedalia. He is probably the leading coal dealer in the city. It requires five heavy coal delivery auto trucks to handle the retail department of his coal business, not to mention the great amount of coal that is sold at his yards to parties who do their own hauling. He has an average of twenty-two people on his pay roll. Mr. Bertman's business is located at 502-506 West Main Street.

Mr. Bertman is a notable example of a man who began life without capital, and while yet a young man he has achieved unusual success in the business world and developed an extensive business enterprise. He was born in Russia, November 10, 1875, and came to America with his parents, Abraham and Ida Bertman, in 1888. The family settled in Kansas City, Missouri, where the parents spent the remainder of their life. Barney Bertman attended the public schools in Kansas City and re¬ mained in that city until 1899, and on March 27 of that year, came to Sedalia, where he engaged in the junk business for about two years. Later he engaged in the coal business, then added general contracting and in 1913 engaged in the wholesale and retail oil business.

Mr. Bertman was married in 1896 to Miss Bessie Sameler of Kansas City, Missouri, and to this union have been born three children as follow: William, who is assisting his father in the business; Ester and Abraham, both students in the Sedalia High School

Mr. Bertman is a Republican, a member of the Modern Woodmen of America, having held membership in that organization for twenty-three years. He is also a member of the Woodmen of the World. He is a member of the Jewish Church and since coming to Sedalia has been pres¬ ident of the congregation here.

Joseph Delap, a well known and successful farmer and stockman of Blackwater township, belongs to a leading pioneer family of this section of Missouri. He was bom in Blackwater township, August 20, 1875, a son of Barney and Lucy F. (Whitfield) Delap, early settlers in Black¬ water township. The father was engaged in fanning and stock raising here until his death in 1882.

Lucy F. (Whitfield) Delap, the mother, now resides in Pettis county. She is a descendant of colonial ancestors. Her parents were J. E. and Miss H. H. (Winston) Whitfield. J. E. Whitfield was a native of Grandville, North Carolina, bom in August, 1817. He was a son of William Whitfield, who wTas a soldier in the War of 1812. William Whitfield was a son of John Whitfield who was a soldier in the Revolutionary War. J. E. Whitfield was married to Miss Winston, June 12, 1844. She is a daughter of Jessie Winston, a native of Franklin County, North Carolina. Mrs. Delap has a sister, Ella J., who is now the wife of William J. Morris, of Sedalia.

Joseph Delap was reared on a farm and received his education in the district schools of Blackwater township. After his father's death he remained on the home place and when he was about twenty years of age he rented land from his mother and engaged in farming on his own ac¬ count. He now operates 220 acres of his mother's land and sixty acres of his own. He carries on general farming and stock raising, making a specialty of raising Poland China hogs and has met well merited success.

Mr. Delap was united in marriage in October, 1899 with Miss Stella Babbitt, of Pettis County, Missouri. She is a daughter of Jessie and Elizabeth (Lantz) Babbitt, who wrere early settlers of Pettis County. The father now resides in Johnson County, Missouri. To Joseph Delap and wife have been born the following children: Sidney; Lillian; Mildred; Marion; Nellie; Edith; A. J. ; Robert; Walker and Donald, all of whom are residing at home with their parents, except Lillian who is deceased.

Mr. Delap is a Democrat and a member of the Baptist Church. He holds membership in the Modem Woodmen of America. He is one of Pettis County's substantial citizens and the Delap family stand high in the community.

Franklin George Weathers, a well known and successful farmer and stockman of Blackwater township, is a native son of Pettis County. He was bom at Hughesville, August 15, 1887 and is a son of George and Clara (Kells) Weathers. They were the parents of four children, of whom Franklin George is the youngest. The father died in 1894 and the mother now resides in Hughesville township with her son, James Weath¬ ers. She was born in Ohio.

Franklin G. Weathers was reared on a farm and educated in the dis¬ trict schools. He has made farming and stock raising his principal occu¬ pation, and in 1912 bought his present place in Blackwater township. This farm consists of 320 acres and is one of the well improved farms of Pettis County. It was formerly owned and improved by Captain Shanks who is now deceased. Mr. Weathers has made many improvements since he bought the place. He carries on general farming and stock raising and also feeds cattle for the market.

October 6, 1909, Franklin George Weathers and Miss Frances Stirlen, a native of Pettis County, born July 31, 1891, were united in mar¬ riage. She is a daughter of Benjamin F. and Mary (Dawes) Stirlen. A sketch of the Stirlen family appears elsewhere in this volume. To Mr. and Mrs. Weathers have been born two children, Sterlin and Mary, both of whom are at home with their parents.

Mr. Weathers is a Democrat and a member of the Modern Wood¬ men of America. He and his wife are members of the Baptist Church. They are well and favorably known in the community and representa¬ tive members of Pettis County pioneer families.

William Winston, a pioneer settler of Pettis County, now deceased, was identified with the settlement, growth and development of this sec¬ tion of Missouri, for many years. He was born near Franklinton, Frank¬ lin County, North Carolina, February 18, 1833, and was a descendant of old southern stock. His father, Jesse Winston, was a prominent planter in North Carolina and a large slave owner until the Civil War. He spent his life in North Carolina.

In 1851, William Winston came to Pettis County, Missouri, from Tennessee, where he had been employed as clerk in a store conducted by his brother. Upon coming to Pettis County, Mr. Winston engaged as clerk in a general store at Dunksburg, Missouri. This store was con¬ ducted by Dr. B. F. Dunkley, a prominent early-day physician of Dunks¬ burg and the founder of the town which was named in his honor.

William Winston came to Pettis County at a time when this section was sparsely settled and very little progress in the way of development had been made. The country was unfenced, the prairie land unbroken, with the exception of little cultivated patches here and there, and at that time Pettis County was well on the frontier border. When Mr. Winston came here there was no Sedalia and only three or four houses in the vicinity of where that city now stands. At one time he stacked straw on the site of the present Pettis County court house. He saw much of the early days of Pettis County and did his part in laying the foundation for the future development and greatness of this county. After working for a number of years at the mercantile business, Mr. Winston purchased a farm and engaged in farming in Blackwater townshop, where he was successfully engaged in farming and stock raising until the time of his death, February 18, 1908. He was the owner of 800 acres of valuable land which he divided among the members of his family. He was a Christian gentleman and a member of the Methodist Church, South.

William Winston was twice married, his first wife being Jane Sciceloff, a native of Pettis County, to whom he was married in 1856. Eight children were born to this union of whom the following are living: Mrs. David Shanks, Blackwater township, Pettis County; Mrs. Charles Calhoun, who resides near Stokley, Blackwater township; and George, Kansas City, Missouri. The mother of these children died in 1872.

April 15, 1873, William Winston was united in marriage with Miss Maggie E. Wade, a native of Highland County, Virginia, born March 17, 1844. More extensive mention is made of the Wade family history else¬ where in this volume. To William and Maggie E. (Wade) Winston were born the following children: Stella, born March 30, 1874, married Ora Forsyth and now resides near the old Winston home ; Mary, born April 2, 1876, married Larkin H. Blackburn, and died June 10, 1910 ; Ernest, a sketch of whom appears in this volume; Forrest, a sketch of whom ap¬ pears in this volume ; and Maud, born May 18, 1884, and died October 30, 1885.

Mrs. Winston resides on the old homestead, of which she owns 120 acres. She takes an active interest in business affairs and oversees the cultivation of her farm. She is one of Pettis County's honored pioneer women and may well be proud of the family of sons and daughters whom she has reared. She is a member of the Methodist Church, South.

Thomas W. Patrick, of Blackwater township, is a native of Mis¬ souri and a descendant of pioneer stock. Mr. Patrick was born in La¬ fayette County, February 5, 1843, a son of Preston and Elizabeth Taylor (Berry) Patrick. Preston Patrick was born in Lloyd County, Kentucky, January 21, 1811, and died in Lafayette County, Missouri, in 1861, and his wife was born in Boone County, Missouri, January 11, 1820, and died in April, 1900. Her parents were natives of Kentucky. Preston Patrick was a son of Thomas and Rebecca (May) Patrick, natives of Virginia who came to Missouri from Kentucky and settled in Lafayette County at a very early day.

Thomas W. Patrick spent his boyhood days on the farm and at¬ tended such school as were provided in the pioneer days. His education was obtained in the old log school house of the type commonly used for school purposes during the early settlement of the country. He was inclined to be of a studious nature and much of his education is credited to self-study. He followed farming in early life in Lafayette County, and during the Civil War he served as postmaster and remained in Lafayette County until 1869, when he came to Pettis County and set¬ tled in Blackwater township which has since been his home.

Mr. Patrick was married April 17, 1866, to Miss Wilmine Francine Feagan, a native of Smith County, Tennessee, born March 3, 1845. To Mr. and Mrs. Patrick have been born three children: Katharine, mar¬ ried William Oglesby, who is now deceased, and she resides at Lexing¬ ton; Mrs. Lena T. Oglesby of Blackwater township; and H. Edwin, a farmer and stock raiser of Blackwater township. He married Ella Hutch¬ ison, a native of Cherokee County, Kansas, and they have three children, as follow: Bernice J., Robert E. and Edwin W.

Thomas W. Patrick is one of the honored pioneers of this section of the State. Politically he is affiliated with the Democratic party and a member of the Methodist Church South.

George H. Davis of Blackwater township a prosperous farmer and stockman, has established the well-merited reputation of being one of the leading hog breeders in this section of the State. He has been inter¬ ested in the hog business since he was a boy. He gives special attention to breeding Chester White and Poland China hogs. In addition to his success as a breeder of pure-blood hogs, he also feeds hogs for the mar¬ ket on an extensive scale.

Mr. Davis is a native of Missouri. He was born in Maries County, April 13, 1856, a son of Granaway and Nancy Jane (Smith) Davis and is the youngest of their nine children, three of whom are living. The parents were both natives of Kentucky. They came to Missouri at an early day and the father died in Maries County, about 1868, aged fortyfive years and the mother died in Saline County in 1874, aged fifty-four

George H. Davis was reared on a farm and received his education in the district schools. His father died when George was about twelve years of age, and it fell to his lot and his brothers', to assist their mother in the support of the family. Thus' he began hard work at an early age and was of necessity denied many opportunities enjoyed by the average boy, even of his time. Shortly after the death of his father, the family removed to Webster County, Missouri, where the mother rented a farm which she operated with the assistance of George and his brother. In 1871, George H. Davis came to Pettis County and settled in Heath's Creek township where he worked rented land until 1880. He then bought a farm east of Houstonia in partnership with his brother. About eight years later, he sold this farm and bought his present place in Blackwater town¬ ship. He owns 382 acres of well-improved land and is one of the suc¬ cessful farmers and stockmen of Blackwater township.

Mr. Davis was united in marriage, December 25, 1877, with Miss Maria Jane Hill, a native of Saline County, Missouri, born March 4, 1855. She is a daughter of Ewing and Maria (Caghorn) Hill, both na¬ tives of Kentucky. To this union were born the following children: Edgar E., Clarence E., Robert E., all of whom died in infancy; and Harry E., who is now engaged in farming the home place in Blackwater township. He married Fay Bullock of Sweet Springs, Missouri. To Har¬ ry E and Fay (Bullock) Davis have been born one child, Meredith Jane. Mrs. Davis, wife of George H. Davis, departed this life, September 28,

Mr. Davis is a Democrat and while not a member of any particular church, has contributed liberally to churches and religious work all his life. His career has been a successful one and he has contributed his part to the building up and betterment of his county and community.

1914. He was born in Cole County, Missouri, February 7, 1847. He was a descendant of one of the prominent pioneer families of Missouri. His parents were Joseph C. and Mary (Parker) Higgins, to whom were born three children, John P. being the youngest.

gins, a native of Bath County, Kentucky. In 1820, when Joseph C. was one year old, his parents' removed from Bath County to Union County, Kentucky, and there the wife of James Higgins died in 1826. In 1842, Joseph C. Higgins moved from Kentucky to Missouri and settled in Cole County, near Jefferson City. Shortly after the discovery of gold in California, he went there in 1850. He remained there nearly a year and on account of bad health, returned, making the trip around South America to New Orleans. The vessel upon which he was making the trip was driven ashore in South America in a storm. However, he finally ar¬ rived at New Orleans after a long voyage and came up the Mississippi by boat to St. Louis, and in the latter part of 1851 he reached his old home in Cole County. The same year, he came to Pettis County, where he purchased a large tract of land and at one time owned over 3,000 acres which he divided among his children. He erected on his place a palatial residence at a cost of $10,000. It was a large residence of twelve rooms and furnished in elegant style, the equal of which was rarely found in those early days. He was not only a large farmer and stock raiser but one of the most extensive stock dealers in the county. He dealt mostly in mules and about 1882, he was the largest mule dealer between Kansas City and St. Louis.

In 1839, Joseph C. Higgins was united in marriage to Mary Parker, a native of Virginia. She died in 1845. In 1847 Joseph C. Higgins was married to Ella Dellinger, a daughter of Henry Dellinger and a native of Maryland. She died in May, 1863, leaving four children. Joseph C. Hig¬ gins was one of the prominent factors in the affairs of Pettis County during his life time. He was a strong character and a capable business man.

John P. Higgins, the subject of this sketch, was reared on his father's estate in Blackwater township, Pettis County and had the advantage of a good education as well as the business association of his able father. In early life, he became interested in breeding fine horses and cattle. He made a specialty of Hereford cattle and thoroughbi*ed saddle and driv¬ ing horses and won State-wide fame for his high-class stock in which he always took great pride. He made frequent exhibits of his stock, both horses and cattle at various county and State fairs and during one sea¬ son, won two silver cups on his saddle and driving horses. He was also a successful farmer and general stock raiser and prospered in his under¬ takings. Like his father, he was a capable business man. He was the organizer of the Houstonia Bank and was president of that institution for a number of years. He took a keen interest in public affairs and served as county judge of Pettis County from the western district. He was a member of the Christian Church and was a liberal contributor to church works. He was a progressive citizen and his affiable manners won for him many friends.

The following were born to John P. Higgins and wife: Mrs. Mary C. Warren, Blackwater township; Joseph C., Blackwater township; James T., Blackwater township; John R., Blackwater township; Frank H., Black¬ water township; and Robert R., who lives on the home place in Black¬ water township.

Joseph C. Higgins, son of John P. Higgins, whose sketch appears above, was born in Blackwater township, November 4, 1882. He received a good common-school education and afterwards attended Hill's Busi¬ ness College at Sedalia, Missouri. In 1912, his father gave him 110 acres of land in Blackwater township which he improved and has added addi¬ tional acreage to his place and now owns a splendid farm of 266 acres where he carries on general farming and stock raising. A few years ago he built a large barn which was unfortunately destroyed by fire in 1917.

On April 25, 1917, Joseph C. Higgins was united in marriage with Miss Loretta Cashman, who was born near Houstonia, Pettis County, April 28, 1897. She is a daughter of William and Loretta (Livers) Cashman, the former a native of Pettis County and the latter of Pennsylvania. They now reside in Houstonia township. To Mr. and .Mrs. Higgins have been born one child, Loretta Susan.

Mr. Higgins is an enterprising young man and is making the kind of progress in the woi'ld of affairs that compares, favorably to the careers of both his father and grandfather.

.Terd E. Sewell, who is now operating a farm of 657 acres in Black¬ water township, has been a resident of Pettis County since 1871. Mr. Sewell is a native of Kentucky, born in Pulaski County, August 5, 1863. He is a son of Milton and Sophia (Randolph) Sewell. For a more extended history of the Sewell family, see sketch of James Sewell which appears in this volume.

Jerd E. Sewell was reared on a farm and in early life, was denied the opportunities of obtaining an education, however, notwithstanding that handicap, he has succeeded in life to a very satisfactory degree. His in¬ dustry and integrity has made up, in a measure, what he lacked in edu¬ cation. In 1871, he came to Pettis County and worked as a farm laborer for from twelve to sixteen dollars per month. In 1878, he rented land in Houstonia township. Later he bought a farm and during his career has owned four different farms, all of which he improved to some extent. After following farming about twelve years, he engaged in the livery business at Houstonia for sixteen years. Later he traded his livery busi¬ ness for a farm in Blackwater township. In 1904, he sold this farm and rented the T. L. Price farm in Blackwater township, where he has since been engaged in farming and stock raising. He makes a specialty of breeding Duroc Jersey hogs.

Mr. Sewell was married December 25, 1884, to Miss Sarah Jane Laughlin, a native of Davidson County, North Carolina, born December 7, 1866. She is a daughter of Harris and Millie (Bodenhamer) Laughlin, both na¬ tives of North Carolina, and early settlers of Pettis County. To Jerd E. Sewell and wife have been born nine children as follows: Effie, mar¬ ried P. Smith, Houstonia township; Mary, married Roy Short, Preston, Kansas; Angie, married William Wolfe, Speed, Cooper County, Missouri; Minnie, married Russel Urie, Sweet Springs, Missouri; James; Nellie; Clarence; Charles and Josephine, reside at home with their parents.

Henry C. Meyer, now living retired at Emma, Missouri, is a native of this State and belongs to one of its pioneer families. He was born in Saline County, Missouri, February 27, 1865, and is a son of Christian and Betty (Stuenkel) Meyer, the former a native of Hanover, Germany, and the latter a native of this country. They were the parents of five children, of whom Henry C. was the second in order of birth. The mother died, and Christian Meyer married for his second wife, Dena Dirking, a native of Lafayette County, Missouri, who is now living with her youngest daugh¬ ter, Mrs. Laura Dittmar of Johnson County, Missouri.

Christian Meyer was about eighteen years of age when he came to America in 1839 and settled in the southern part of Saline County, Missouri, where he worked by the month for a time and later homesteaded 160 acres of Government land which was covered with a heavy growth of timber. This was an early day in the settlement of Missouri, and Mr. Meyer's first home was a log cabin. He was an industrious and thrifty man and accumulated considerable property and at the time of his death in 1912, he was the owner of over 800 acres of land. He died in his old home in Saline County at the age of seventy-three years.

Henry C. Meyer was reared on his father's farm in Saline County and has always made fanning and stock raising his occupation and has met with well-merited success. He inherited 173 acres, a part of which was in Pettis County. He improved this place and after making his home there for about twenty-one years, sold it and bought a farm on section 33, in Blackwater township. Here he made extensive im¬ provements, including a large barn, silo and a modern residence. This place was known as the old Binkley place. Mr. Meyer continued to oper¬ ate this farm until 1915 when he rented his farm and moved to Emma, Missouri, where he is now living practically retired. He is the owner of 357 acres of valuable farm land.

Mr. Meyer has been twice married, his first wife being Miss Bertha Meyer, a native of Lafayette County, Missouri, born in 1868. She was a daughter of Henry P. and Minnie (Pape) Meyer, natives of Germany. Five children were born to this union as follow : Martin C. ; Arthur B. ; Betty; August; and Walter. The mother of these children died January 15, 1903, and Mr. Meyer afterwards married Miss Katherine Willman, a native of Lafayette County, Missouri. No children were born to this union.

Of the children born to Henry C. Meyei''s first marriage, Martin C., was bora in Saline County, Missouri, October 21, 1889, and is now oper¬ ating his father's farm in Blackwater township, Pettis County. In 1918 he purchased 190 acres of land in Blackwater township which he is also operating. He was educated in the district schools of Pettis County, and the Chillicothe Business College. He was united in marriage May 12, 1915, to Miss Nora Rehkop, a native of Lafayette County, Missouri, born March 19, 1891. She is a daughter of David Rehkop, a native of Canada. Mr. Meyer is a Republican. Arthur Meyer was born in Saline County, August 12, 1891. He received his education in the public schools and is now engaged in farming in partnership with his brother Martin. He married Miss Della Vogelsmeier, a native of Saline County, bora January 26, 1896, a daughter of John W. and Nellie (Dankenbrink) Vogelsmeier, both natives of Missouri. Betty Meyer is the wife of A. Dierking of La¬ fayette County, Missouri. August Meyer resides at Emma with his father. Walter Meyer died at the age of two years.

James E. Drake, a prominent farmer and stockman of Dresden town¬ ship, is well-known throughout this section of the State as a successful breeder of Denmark saddle horses, Mammoth jacks and Duroc Jersey hogs. Mr. Drake is a native of Missouri. He was born three miles south of Osceola, August 23, 1853. He is a son of Jefferson and Millie (Roberts) Drake, both natives of Green County, Kentucky. They came to Missouri at an early day and settled on a farm in Henry County. Later, they removed to Texas and afterwards returned to Missouri and settled in St. Clair County. In 1863, he came to Sedalia. Later, he lived at Dres¬ den for a time and afterwards removed to Clinton, Missouri, where he died in 1875, aged sixty-three years. His first wife died in 1866 and he afterwards married Mrs. Clarkston, a widow. Two children were born to this union, both of whom are now deceased.

James E. Drake came to Pettis county with his parents in 1863. He had very little advantages for schooling in the early days, and he began life in earnest when very young. He worked by the month as a farm laborer for five years in the vicinity of LaMonte and later rented land for a time. He saved his accumulations and in 1877 bought his first land which consisted of 102 acres. He bought more land from time to time and is now the owner of 303 acres of well-improved and valuable land. His land has cost him from twelve to forty dollars per acre. The first which he purchased was open prairie. He has made all the improvements.

Mr. Drake was united in marriage, January 31, 1874, to Miss Nancy T. DeHaven, a native of Virginia, born January 2, 1857. She is a daugh¬ ter of Reuben and Margaret (Gill) DeHaven, natives of Virginia and early settlers in Pettis County, coming here about 1860. To Mr. and Mrs. Drake have been born four children as follow: Jennie Lee, married Ottis Saxon, who resides near Sedalia; Charles J., who lives in Dresden town¬ ship where he owns a farm of eighty acres; James C., who resides on the home place; and Margaret F., married A. J. Harris, Sedalia.

Mr. Drake is a stockholder in the Farmers Bank of LaMonte, and politically is a Democrat. He is one of the substantial men of Pettis County and the success that has come to him has been through his own unaided efforts. He has worked hard all his life and is truly a self-made man.

County. He was born in Noble County, Ohio, January 22, 1854, and is a son of Vachel B. and Malinda (Archer) Teener. Vachel Teener was born August 18, 1812. He was a son of Henry Teener, who was born in Maryland, September 7, 1786, and Sarah (Thomas) Teener, who was born September 12, 1791. She died September 15, 1847, and Henry Teener died May 4, 1841. They were the parents of eleven children, and Vachel B. Teener, father of Francis G. Teener, was the second in order of birth. Melinda (Archer) Teener, mother of Francis G. Teener, was born in Ohio June 10, 1822, and died in her native State in 1858. Vachel B. Teener was engaged in farming in Ohio in early life, and later engaged in the mercantile business at Cumberland, Ohio, and spent the latter part of his life there. He died July 12, 1887.

Francis G. Teener was one of a family of five children born to Vachel B. and Melinda (Archer) Teener. He spent his early life in town where his father was engaged in the mercantile business in Ohio. He attended the public schools and when fourteen years of age began work as a farm laborer in Ohio. In 1878, he came West and settled in Pettis County, Missouri. He remained here until 1886, when he went to Has¬ kell. County, Kansas, where he homesteaded Government land. He im¬ proved his place and sold it in 1894. He then returned to Pettis county and bought his present place in Dresden township. He owns 100 acres of valuable and well-improved land, and he is engaged in general farming and stock raising. Mr. Teener was married January 5, 1884, to Miss Julia Ann Kells, a native of Guernsey County, Ohio. Two children have been born to this union, Lillian, who resides at home with her parents and Mary Edna, married R. F. Lewis of Webster Grove, Missouri.

Politically, Mr. Teener is identified with the Democratic party, al¬ though he is inclined to be liberal in his political views and independent in voting. He is a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. The Teener family is well and favorably known in Pettis County, and Mr. Teener is a public spirited citizen and what success has come to him has been through hard work and his reputation for honesty and integ¬ rity, which has been his life's policy.

Edward H. Harris, Jr., the well-known cashier of the Third Na¬ tional Bank of Sedalia, has been identified with the banking business since boyhood. Mr. Harris is a native of Missouri. He was born in Cooper County, January 13, 1865, and is a son of Edward H. and Mary (Ellis) Harris, who were the parents of the following children: Richard,

Detroit, Michigan; Mrs. Sallie Fink, Pilot Grove, Missouri; Mrs. W. F. Johnson, a prominent attorney of Boonville, Missouri; Mary, who resides with her father at Pilot Grove; Edward H., Jr., the subject of this sketch; William T., New York City; and Frederick K., president of the Farmers & Merchants Bank, El Dorado Springs, Missouri.

Edward H. Harris, Sr., was born in Bourbon County, Kentucky, De¬ cember 20, 1829. He was engaged in the mercantile business in early life, coming to Cooper County, Missouri, when a young man. In 1884, he organized the Pilot Grove Bank, Pilot Grove, and for twenty years, was president of that institution. He is now living retired at Pilot Grove after a long, honorable and successful business career. Mary (Ellis) Har¬ ris, wife of Edward H. Harris, Sr., was a native of Virginia. She de¬ parted this life in 1904.

Edward H. Harris, Jr., was reared in Cooper County and received his education in the public school and Pilot Grove College. He then took a course in the Gem City Business College, Quincy, Illinois. After completing school, he entered the Pilot Grove Bank with his father and was employed in that institution until May 29, 1913, when he came to Sedalia as cashier of the Third National Bank, which position he still holds. Further reference is made to this institution elsewhere in this volume.

Mr. Harris was united in marriage, October 30, 1892, to Miss Alma W. Windsor, a native of Boonville, Missouri, and a daughter of John H. and Elenore (Zollinger) Windsor, early settlers in Cooper County, where the father was a successful farmer and stockman, and is now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Harris have no children.

Mr. Harris owns a well-improved and valuable farm in Cooper County, besides his other interests and has a nice modern residence at 615 West Broadway, Sedalia. Having devoted his life to the banking business and always been a close student of men and affairs, as well as the intri¬ cate problems of banking, Mr. Harris is exceptionally well qualified for the responsible position which he holds. He possesses that rare trait of character, which might be termed the banker's temperament - con¬ servative enough for safety and progressive enough to meet the require¬ ments of sound financial policies. Politically, he supports the policies and principles of the Democratic party. He is a member of the Methodic Church, South, and is a Knights Templar Mason.

R. Banning. - The Banning Dairy and Poultry Farm, located east of Sedalia in Smithton township, operated by R. Banning and son, Walter, consists of eighty-eight acres of good prairie soil. Mr. Banning has owned the tract since 1896, and has built up the place from unfenced prairie land which was practically unimproved, although it had been in culti¬ vation for many years previous. An attractive farm residence of ten rooms is fronted by a nice lawn and hedge. A good barn 40x46 feet with shed sixteen feet wide, is seen in the background. Mr. Banning main¬ tains a herd of fifteen Holsteins for dairying purposes and he has main¬ tained the dairy farming project for the past fifteen years. All of the milk product is shipped to Kansas City. Over two hundred pure-bred Plymouth Rock poultry is kept on the place, and hogs are raised as well as carrying on general farming operations.

R. Banning -was born in Ohio, March 21, 1866, the son of parents wrho died when he was but an infant. Consequently he has but little recollection of his parentage or ancestry. He was reared in the home of a family named Edwards until he attained the age of twenty-four years. For a period of three years he farmed in Miami County, Ohio, on his own account, and in 1896, he came to Pettis County, Missouri, and purchased his present farm.

Mr. Banning was married in 1895 to Miss Sarah P. Counts, who was born in Ohio, a daughter of Jeremiah and Emily Counts, the former of whom died in Ohio and her mother came to Pettis County with Mr. and Mrs. Banning, dying at the Banning home, September 24, 1910. One son has been born to Mr. and Mrs. Banning, Walter, born September 30, 1898, a graduate of the Sedalia High School and now his father's right-hand assistant and partner in the operation of the farm.

Lee Morrison Gentry. - The Gentry Dairy Farm in the northwest part of Smithton township, and a few miles east of Sedalia, is one of the prettiest places in Pettis County. This farm is devoted primarily to dairying, a herd of twenty-five pure-bred and grade Holsteins being main¬ tained on the place. Mr. Gentry is a specialist in the breeding of thorough¬ bred stock, and has a registered herd leader for his herd. Twro barns and a silo which stores alfalfa and silage grace the premises. The Gentry farm of 91 acres is a fertile one and convenient to the shipping point,

Mr. Gentry is a member of one of the oldest of the Missouri pioneer families which have rounded out a residence in Missouri and Pettis County of one hundred years in 1919. He was born in Cedar township, February 20, 1885, and is a son of Nicholas H. Gentry, one of the most widelyknown breeders and stockmen in the country, and who has resided in Pettis County during his entire life. Nicholas H. Gentry was born on the Gentry homestead in Cedar township March 16, 1850, the son of Joel Gentry, who was the son of Richard Gentry, one of the first of the Pettis County pioneers. An extended biography of Nicholas H. Gentry appears elsewhere in this volume. The mother of Lee M. Gentry was Marion (Dixon) Gentry, who departed this life in 1916.

Lee M. Gentry was reared on the Gentry home place and received his primary education in the grade and high schools of Sedalia. He pur¬ sued a classical course in the Missouri State University and began farm¬ ing on his own account in March, 1910, when he took possession of his present home place.

Mr. Gentry was married in March, 1910, to Miss Christine Spencer, of Sedalia, a daughter of Samuel Edward Spencer, deceased, who for a period of twenty-six years was a traveling salesman for the Hamilton Brown Shoe Company of St. Louis. Mrs. Gentry's mother was, prior to her marriage, Hallie Heistmeyer and is now deceased. Lee M. and Chris¬ tine Gentry have two children: Helen Spencer Gentry, aged seven years; Lee Morrison, Jr., aged four years.

Mr. Gentry is a Democrat and takes a good citizen's interest in political affairs. He and Mrs. Gentry are members of the Christian Church of Sedalia.

George E. Griffin, a prosperous and well known farmer and stock man of Smithton township, owns a well-improved farm of 145 acres located one and a half miles northeast of Smithton. Mr. Griffin was born June 19, 1868, on a farm in Morgan County, just over the Pettis-Morgan County boundary line. He is a son of William (b. 1835, d. 1893), a native of England, who immigrated to America in 1865. William Griffin first located in Pennsylvania and was there engaged in the business of con¬ tractor and builder. He prospered in his vocation and in 1867 came to Missouri and invested his savings in a tract of land in Morgan County. He moved to Pettis County in 1880 and built up a fine homestead on the prairie, owning twro hundred and forty acres in the Griffin home place. Mr. Griffin resided on his place until his death. He was married in Penn¬ sylvania to Miss Mary Hughes who was born in England in 1842 and came to America in 1867. Nine children were born to William and Mary (Hughes) Griffin: George E., of this review; Fannie, wife of George R. Green of Smithton township; Mrs. Maria Bridges, living on a farm just east of Mr. Griffin's place; Mrs. Ed Sawford, Smithton, Missouri; one daughter died in infancy; Rosa, wife of William E. Lamm, Smithton township; a son died in infancy; Frank Griffin, farming the home place,; Walter Grover, a farmer in Smithton township.

George E. Griffin received a good education in the public schools and Central Business College at Sedalia. He spent one year (1896) in Cali¬ fornia in the employ of a general department store, and has since been successfully engaged in farming. He has only recently, in the spring of 1918, purchased his present home place, which is equipped with an attractive farm residence and good farm buildings.

Mr. Griffin was married in 1901 to Miss Dollie Cline, who wras born in Cooper County, Missouri, a daughter of Abner and Edith L. (Stark) Cline, natives of Virginia, who were early settlers in Cooper County.

The Democratic party has always had the support of Mr. Griffin and he and Mrs. Griffin are members of the Presbyterion Church. He is fra¬ ternally affiliated with the Knights of the Maccabees of Otterville, Mis¬ souri.

Charles B. Shepard, dairyman, Cedar township, is fanning 168 acres of land in addition to 110 acres, owned by his sister, making 278 acres in all embraced in the Shepard farm. Mr. Shepard has a herd of forty-four Holstein cows, half of which are pure-bred stock. The average daily out¬ put of the dairy ranges from forty to fifty gallons of milk.

Casimar P. Shepard was born in Aurora, Portage County, Ohio, and was a son of Simeon T. Shepard, a native of Westville, Massachusetts, and a member of an old New England family. Simeon T. Shepard was a son of David Shepard who died while fighting for American independ¬ ence, during the Revolutionary War. His wufe was Malinda Norton, a daughter of Simon and Sallie (Pease) Norton. Simon Norton was a sol¬ dier of the War of 1812. Simeon Shepard had children as follow: Casi-

Casimar P. Shepard served in a one-hundred-day regiment of Ohio Volunteers during the Civil War, and after the war he came to Pettis County, Missouri, in 1866. He lived at Tipton, Missouri, for the first year, and in 1867 bought a farm in Flat Creek township. In the spring of 1883 he sold his Flat Creek farm and purchased his farm north of Georgetown, owning 160 acres in all. He improved his land, and at the time of his death owned 300 acres. He began the dairy business which is being successfully carried on by his son. Mrs. Mary M. (Brown) Shepard, his wife, was born in Geauga County, Ohio, a sister of A. W. Brown, a sketch of whom appears in this volume. The following chil¬ dren were born to Casimar P. and Mary M. Shepard as follow: Charles B., subject of this sketch; Barton, living at Georgetown; Annie, makes her home with C. B.

After he attended the Georgetown public schools, Charles B. Shepard studied at the Central Business College. He has always resided upon the home place. He learned the dairy business from his father and has been very successful in carrying on that business.

Judge John L. McCurdy. - The McCurdy farm of 400 acres in section 32, Hughesville township, is one of the most attractive country places in Missouri. The modern residence is built upon a hill overlooking the greater part of the home farm, and sets back from the road in a grove of forest trees. The McCurdy i*esidence was erected in 1909 and con¬ sists of ten rooms, all modern throughout. It is one of the splendid coun¬ try places for which this section of Pettis County is noted. Mr. McCurdy is an extensive feeder of cattle and hogs, besides producing for the mar¬ kets over four carloads of cattle annually, he has sold from the place during the past year over $6,000 worth of fat hogs.

John L. McCurdy was born on a farm in Blackwater township, No¬ vember 22, 1863. He is a son of John McCurdy, a native of Ireland. John McCurdy, the elder, was born in 1821, and when a mere lad he came to America in company with an aunt and located in Bourbon County, Ken¬ tucky. When twenty-three years of age he engaged in dealing in live stock and followed this vocation for several years in the southern States.

In the fall of 1857, he came west and located in Blackwater township where he became owner of a fine farm. In 1893 he sold his holdings in Blackwater township and purchased a large tract of 1,000 acres in Cedar and Heath's Creek townships which he proceeded to develop into a splen¬ did estate. He retired to a home in Sedalia in 1889 and died there in 1906.

In the spring of 1857, John McCurdy was married to Elizabeth Miller of Bourbon County, Kentucky, and a member of the Miller family who were founders of Millersburg, Kentucky. Ten children were born to this marriage: Mrs. Mollie Wood, a widow, living in Sedalia; Miss Mattie McCurdy, residing with Mrs. Wood; William, residing on the Rector farm, east of Sedalia; John L., subject of this sketch; James, Cedar township; Mrs. Emma Rector, residing east of Sedalia; Robert T., and George, twins, the former of whom lives in Kansas City, and the latter died at the age of twenty-one years; Vivian T., a fruit grower in Cali¬ fornia; Birch, a grower of oranges, California.

After receiving the rudiments of an education in the district school of his home neighborhood, John L. McCurdy attended the Van Patton High School at Sedalia. When John McCurdy died the two brothers, John L. and James purchased the family estate from the heirs and later made a division of the land.

Mr. McCurdy was married November 22, 1891, to Mary Fristoe, who was born in Longwood township, a daughter of Charles and Anna (Menefee) Fristoe. This marriage has been blessed with children as follow: John Lawson McCurdy, born 1894, a high school and college student, en¬ listed December, 1917, in the United States Navy, and entered the service on January 5, 1918, and at this writing is in England with the overseas fleet of United States War vessels on duty in the World War; Vivian, born 1896, graduate of the Sedalia High School ; George Thomas, bom October 22, 1900, now a student in Wentworth Military Academy; Amos Francis, bom 1907.

Charles Fristoe, father of Mrs. Mary McCurdy, was bom in Longwood township, 1833 and died in October, 1892. He was a son of Amos Fristoe and Susan Walter (Withers) Fristoe, the latter of whom died in 1863. Amos Fristoe was a native of Virginia and was one of the Pettis County pioneers who came to this county in the early twenties. He was the first county clerk of Pettis County and served for fourteen years in this position. He also represented the county in the Missouri State Leg- islature for two terms. He was a soldier in the War of 1812, prior to coming to Missouri. Amos Fristoe's children were: Richard, died of cholera while crossing the plains en route to California in 1849; Edward was shot during the Civil War; Charles served in the Confederate Army under General Price and Colonel Jackson, was taken prisoner and held for ten months in Sedalia, Warrensburg, and later at Alton, where he was released ; Amos Fristoe, a lieutenant in the Confederate Army, was killed at the Battle of Franklin, Tennessee; Julia died in 1873; Mrs. Margaret Clopton, deceased; Mrs. Mildred Glasscock died in 1903. Amos Fristoe was born March 4, 1792 and died February 22, 1872.

Charles Fristoe was married in 1857, to Anna Menefee, born in 1838. She was born in Georgetown, Kentucky, a daughter of Spencer and Anna C. (Hutchinson) Menefee. The mother of Anna Hutchinson was a niece of the famous Davy Crockett of border and St. Alamo fame. The Menefees came to Pettis County in 1857 and settled on a farm in Longwood township near Longwood and there lived the remainder of their lives. Mr. and Mrs. Fristoe located on a farm nine miles north of Sedalia in Longwood township and lived there for many years. To Charles and Annie M. Fristoe were born the following children: William Walter, Med¬ ford, Oregon; Amos Boston Fristoe, Spokane, Washington; James W., Lincoln, Nebraska; Charles, Lincoln, Nebraska; Mrs. John L. McCurdy. Mrs. Annie M. Fristoe makes her home with her daughter, Mrs. John L. McCurdy and is a remarkably well preserved and intelligent lady despite her age.

Mr. McCurdy and his immediate family worship at the Christian Church. He is a member of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons and the Modem Woodmen of America. Politically Mr. McCurdy is a stanch Democrat. He was elected judge of the County Court of Pettis County and served for two terms of two years each. Much important highway improvement was accomplished during his administration and many con¬ crete bridges and concrete culverts were built. He faithfully and con¬ scientiously performed the duties of his office in such a manner as to merit and win the commendation of his fellow citizens.

John Daniel May, late prominent resident of Hughesville township, was bom in 1841 in Mercer County, Kentucky, and died in Pettis County, May, 1913. He was a son of William May of Kentucky. J. D. May was reared to young manhood in Kentucky, served four years with the Con¬ federate forces during the Civil War, and after the close of the war he came to Pettis County. He was married in 1867 to Sallie Mildred Durley, who was born in 1848 on a farm, four miles east of Sedalia. She is the daughter of Samuel and Sallie (Scroggin) Durley, natives of Kentucky who first migrated to Illinois and thence to Missouri. Samuel Durley was born in 1805 and died in 1879. He was five years of age when his parents settled in Illinois and his father, Ratio Durley, was one of the earliest of the Pettis County pioneers. He came to this county when a young man and purchased Government land when it was being sold for twelve and a half cents an acre, and could be obtained by merely filing upon the land and paying the nomial Government price of a few cents per acre. Samuel Durley was reared in this county and served several terms as county judge.

Mr. and Mrs. J. D. May first lived in the Durley home, in the eastern part of Hughesville township, and then built the present May homestead w'hich was their home for fifty years. The May farm consists of 140 acres of excellent land.

The following children were born to John Daniel and Sallie Mildred May: Lee, married Addie Landes, has eight children and lives on a farm in Hughesville township; Walter G., lives in Kansas City; Samuel D., a farmer in Hughesville township; Thomas Jackson, a railroad man at Elden, Missouri; Joseph J., a farmer near Sedalia; James, born in 1878, is managing the home farm ; John Montgomery, lives near Lincoln, Mis¬ souri; Leonidas Durley, lives at Sedalia; Mary Amanda, died at the age of twenty-eight years, wife of Carl Thornton, and left one child, Lee Milton.

Lee May was born July 17, 1868, and is owner of a farm of forty acres, but is cultivating a large tract of 240 acres. On May 16, 1898, he married Addie Landes, who has borne him eight children: Lillian, Jose¬ phine, Mildred, Leonidas, Addie Lee, Wallace, Mary and James. In politics he is a Democrat, is a member of the M. E. Church South, and is affiliated with the Modern Woodmen of America. Mrs. Sallie May is a member of the M. E. Church South. James E. May is a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of Sedalia.

Will R. Scott, farmer and stockman of Heath's Creek township is a member of an old Missouri pioneer family. Mr. Scott was born and reared on the farm which he now owns, and has 180 acres which is de¬ voted to general farming. The Scott farm is equipped with a new silo and he is at present building additional improvements to his home. W. R. Scott was born August 12, 1857, and is a son of Samuel Scott and Sarah (Miller) Scott.

Samuel Scott was born in old Kentucky in 1818 and was a son of Ezekiel Scott, also a native of the Blue Grass State, who emigrated to Saline County, Missouri, in 1820, and entered free government land upon which he built up a homestead. Some years later he entered land in Heath's Creek township, Pettis County, in 1836, and this land was given to his son Samuel. Samuel improved the farm and resided thereon until his death June 18, 1860. He was owner of 700 arces in Heath's Creek township. His wife was born in 1821 and died in 1892. To Samuel and Sarah Scott were born six sons and two daughters: Mrs. Bettie Tabler, Heath's Creek township; Nicholas, deceased; James, lives in Oklahoma; Samuel B., died at Walla Walla, Washington; Susie, deceased; Will R., subject of this sketch; John C., a fanner in Heath's Creek township. Ezekiel, the eldest son of the family, enlisted in the Confederate Army when sixteen years old and followed the fortunes of the army under com¬ mand of General Marmaduke for the duration of the war. The early death of Samuel Scott made it necessary for the devoted and capable mother to rear the family. This she accomplished and instilled into their hearts and minds the principles of right living and upright citizenship.

Will R. Scott had the advantage of capable teachers when a youth, although the schools were held for but four months in each year. He received his share of the Scott estate when the land was divided and has added to his inheritance. Mr. Scott was married on April 12, 1890, to Miss Ida Hay, and to this union have been born children as follow: Lulu Margaret, at home; and Willie E., a student in the Warrensburg Normal School. Mrs. Ida (Hay) Scott was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, March 7, 1861, and is a daughter of Peter (b. 1828, d. 1908) and Lucretia (McCleary) Hay (b. 1832, d. 1901). The Hay family came to Missouri in 1870 and Mr. Hay settled on the prairie in Heath's Creek township on the old Blachem Miller place. Mr. Hay developed a fine farm and was a large land owner. The Hay children are as follow: Mrs. Ida Scott, of this sketch; James, on the Hay home place; Josephine, wife of W. W. Cook, Warrensburg, Missouri; Mrs. Maude Bassett, on the home place; Peter, Saline County; Mrs. Minnie Platter, Holden, Missouri; Harry, William, Saline County; Harley, on the home place; Leander, deceased.

Mr. Scott is a Democrat of the loyal and stanch variety. Mrs. Scott is a member of the Baptist Church. Mr. Scott is fraternally affiliated with Lookout Lodge of Modern Woodmen of America.

Jesse Karrick. - The first few years which Jesse Karrick, extensive land owner, of Longwood township, Pettis County, spent in Missouri were not productive in any sense. In fact, Mr. Karrick came to this State equipped with a capital of $1,600, which he lost while trying to make ends meet in tilling rented land in Saline County. However, he was a young man then, and the true, energetic type of young manhood of Ken¬ tucky parentage is not easily discouraged. Mr. Karrick naturally ex¬ pected to make his fortune in Saline County when he arrived there on March 7, 1883. He remained six years in that county and then decided to come to Pettis county, moving here in 1890. He was still shy of capital but his credit was good and he had lost none of his optimism. He pur¬ chased 160 acres near Longwood on time; made good, paid for his land, and then bought more and more land, as prosperity smiled upon him. In August, 1900, he purchased the old John S. Vincent place of 573 acres, a beautiful tract of valley, prairie and woodland which forms his pres¬ ent home. In addition to his home place, Mr. Karrick owns two other farms, one of sixty acres, and another of 102 acres. At various times he has dealt in land and has owned as high as 1,100 acres in Pettis County. For many years Mr. Karrick has been an extensive feeder of live stock and achieved success in this vocation. The Karrick residence is in a beautiful location on a hilltop, and was built in 1850. The house is a very attractive one and presents a pleasing sight after one has made the trip to the home along the winding roadway through the woods to the house.

Jesse Karrick was born in Bath County, Kentucky, November 22, 1852. He is the son of George W. and Amanda (Shrout) Karrick, both of whom were born and reared in the Blue Grass State. George W. Kar¬ rick was a son of John Karrick, whose father was a Scotchman who emi¬ grated from his native city, - Edinburg to Maryland. Amanda (Shrout) Karrick was a daughter of Peter Shrout, a native of Germany who emi¬ grated to this country and married an Irish girl names McCarthy. It will thus be seen that the Karricks are descended from a mixture of nationalities which is productive of a high type of Americanism. John Karrick was but three years of age when his father moved his family and belongings from the Ohio River on a flatboat to the new home in the wilderness of Kentucky. George W. Karrick lived all of his days in Ken¬ tucky and died in 1910 at the age of seventy-six years. Mrs. Amanda Karrick was born October 17, 1835 and resides in the old family home in

Kentucky. Their children are: Jesse, subject of this sketch; George, liv¬ ing in Kentucky; Mrs. Mary Jane Wills, Bath County, Kentucky; Isaac, Miller County, Missouri; Lindolph, a farmer in Longwood township; Mrs. Millie McClain, Benjamin, Preston, Dora and John, living in Kentucky.

His parents being well-to-do, Jesse Karrick had the advantages of a good school education. He assisted his father on the home farm until he became of age. He then decided to strike out for himself. Accord¬ ingly he came to Missouri, as above stated. While his experience in Mis¬ souri at the beginning were not such as to encourage him in his belief that Missouri is the land of opportunity, his later successes in Pettis County have instilled into his mind that there is no better plat of ground in the State, than Pettis County. Mr. Karrick has been a hard worker and an excellent financier who has won his way into the first ranks of Pettis County's successful men of affairs.

On June 12, 1873, Mr. Karrick was united in marriage with Celia C. Thompson, of Bath County, Kentucky. Mrs. Karrick was born Novem¬ ber 21, 1852 and departed this life March 22, 1900. She was a daughter of Shelton and Maggie (Donahue) Thompson. The children born of this happy marriage are: Mrs. Clara Lee Tickmeyer, Heath's Creek township: Belle, at home keeping house for her father; William N., a farmer in Longwood township ; Lou, wife of Thomas J. Raines, Heath's Creek town¬ ship; Mrs. Edith Karrick, Longwood township; Rosa, died in childhood; lna, wife of John Duffield, living on the Gentry place in Cedar township; Shelton, Heath's Creek township; Maude, wife of Ollie Raines, Longwood township; Jessie, at home.

One hundred and sixty acres of the land owned by Mr. Karrick is a part of the original Swope estate, one of the first places settled in Pettis County by Jesse Swope, pioneer. Mr. Karrick is a Democrat. He is a member of the Christian Church, of which his departed wife was a devout member. He is affiliated with the Modern Woodmen of America Lodge of Longwood. Mr. Karrick is a hospitable, kindly, well informed and progressive citizen who is likable and has many warm friends in Pettis County. He was one of the organizers and is a stockholder and director of the Longwood Bank.

John W. Raines. - The boyhood days of John W. Raines, old settler and large land owner of north Heath's Creek township, were spent in poverty ; his hardships were many ; his education was neglected from necessity. Owing to the death of his father, the boys of the Raines fam- ily were forced to begin the work of supporting the mother and family when very young. During his long and successful career, Mr. Raines has triumphed over adversity; overcome the handicap of not being pos¬ sessed of a "book lamin'," and made good within sight of his birthplace. He has accumulated an estate of 566 acres, much of which has been bought a piece at a time. This is a picturesque farm, consisting of hill, valley and prairie land, half of it being covered with forest. Heath's Creek flows through the farm. Mr. Raines raises from 150 to 200 head of hogs annually, and from forty to sixty head of cattle are raised and maintained on the place, which is ideal for stock raising. Mr. Raines has resided on his farm since 1893. His first purchase of land was a tract of ninety-five acres. This small farm is the nuclous around which he has added a "patch at a time," just as he was able. He and his brother first bought 100 acres of land on time, without paying a dollar down on the tract. He then purchased ninety-five acres and bought his brother's interest.

Mr. Raines was born May 18, 1851, just on the edge of Saline County, Missouri. He is a son of Charles and Margaret (Lockridge) Raines, both of whom were natives of Kentucky, and came to Missouri with their re¬ spective parents many years ago, when the State was young and incom¬ ing settlers were just beginning the task of redeeming Missouri from a wilderness state. Charles Raines died when the subject of this sketch was but a child. Margaret Raines departed this life in 1893. There were four children in the Raines family, as follow: William served in the Union Army during the Civil War and died in 1866 ; Mrs. Margaret Nich¬ ols, deceased; James, deceased; John W., subject of this review.

John W. Raines was married in 1875 to Lovica Fowler, born in Pettis County in 1854. She was a daughter of Charles Fowler, an early set¬ tler of Pettis County. The following children were born to John W. and Lovica Raines: Thomas J., a prosperous farmer and stockman of Heath's Creek township; William, on the home place: Mrs. Emma Remmo, Saline County ; Griscom, a farmer, Heath's Creek township ; Ollie, a farmer, Heath's Creek township; Gilbert, on the home place; John, farming on the home place.

In politics Mr. Raines is a Republican. He and Mrs. Raines worship at the Miller Presbyterian Church. For a man who began his career with but a team and wagon, an old double shovel, twelve-inch plow, and one cow. Mr. Raines has done remarkably well.

John W. Kellerman, owner of the Kellerman homestead in Heaht's Creek township, consisting of 425 acres, was born in April, 1864, in the house where he is now living. The first room of the Kellerman home was erected in 1857, and subsequent additions have made it quite an im¬ posing farm residence. John Kellerman, his father, was born in Ohio, December 3, 1827, and died in October, 1901. He was a son of David Kellerman, a native of Germany, who after emigrating to America, set¬ tled in Ohio, moved again to Illinois, and thence to Pettis County, Mis¬ souri, in the early pioneer days. He purchased his first land from William Scott, and also entered free Government land.

In the halcyon days of 1849 when all the world was agog over the news of the great gold strike on the Sutter farm in California, and men were hurrying to the Coast from all parts of the world, John Kellerman joined a party enroute to the gold country, driving ox-teams across the plains and mountains to California. This expedition started westward from Arrow Rock, Missouri, and Mr. Kellerman reached the gold fields without mishap, excepting an occasional foray with the plains Indians. He got a quantity of the yellow metal which he carried in a buckskin bag or vest fastened around his body. His return route was via the Isthmus of Panama and New Orleans.

John Kellerman was married in 1857 to Miss Emily Henderson, who was born in September, 1834, in Kentucky, a daughter of John H. and Mildred (Faulkner) Henderson, who migrated from Kentucky to Pettis County, Missouri, in 1839. John H. Henderson was born in Buckingham County, Virginia, January 9, 1805. He was a son of John Henderson who moved from Virginia to Allen County, Kentucky, in 1833, his death oc¬ curring in a few months after his arrival in Kentucky. John H. Hen¬ derson moved to Kentucky in 1828 and thence to Pettis County with his young wife, whom he had married June 24, 1832. Mrs. Mildred (Faulkner) Henderson was a daughter of James Faulkner of Kentucky. Five chil¬ dren were born to John H. and Mildred Henderson as follow, only three of whom were reared: Mrs. Emily G. Kellerman, William H. and Julia A.

During the Civil War, John Kellerman served as a member of Captain Lower's company of Home Guards. He became well to do and was highly respected. Five children of the eight born to John Kellennan and wife survive: Mrs. Lena Kate Johnson, residing on the home place, widow of

Napoleon B. Johnson, who was a native of Cooper County, Missouri, and died in 1910 at the age of sixty years on his farm in Arkansas; Ward Kellerman, a farmer living on a farm south of Beaman, Missouri; Vir¬ ginia, deceased; John W., whose name heads this review; Curtis, Heath's Creek township; Josephine, wife of Green McFarland, Bowling Green township; and two children who died in infancy.

John W. Kellerman is a progressive farmer who believes in using modern methods of farming. A gasoline propelled tractor is used on the farm for the plowing and cultivating of the land, a portion of which is rich bottom spil. In 1918 Mr. Kellerman harvested 75 acres of corn from his river bottom land which produced the unequaled yield of 50 to 60 bushels to the acre. He has sown 52 acres of wheat for the harvest of 1919. The Kellerman farm produces about 25 head of Shorthorn cattle and about fifty head of hogs annually, Mr. Kellerman's plan being to raise enough grain and forage to supply the animals on his place, without selling grain or having more stock than can be fed from the crops raised on the farm, a method of farming which is conducive to a steady profit and which continually restores the fertility of the soil. He is a Republican in politics and is a member of the Christian Church, as are the women of his household who comprise his aged mother and Mrs. Johnson, his sister.

George W. Thornton, a successful farmer, Hughesville township, is a native son of Pettis County. He was born on the Claycomb place, eight miles north of Sedalia, December 22, 1862, and is a son of Hiram Thornton, born in 1810 and died in 1872. Mr. Thornton was one of the best known of the early settlers of Pettis County. He was a son of Peter Thornton, of Virginia, who migrated to Missouri and settled near Arrow Rock when Hiram Thornton was but a boy. Nelson Cemetery is located on the old Thornton place in Saline County where Hiram Thornton was reared.

Hiram Thorton was married in Saline County to Miss Sophia Turley who was born November 19, 1817, and died August 2, 1876. She was reared on the old Turley farm in Cooper county; the town of Lamine now stands upon the old farm. Sophia Turley was a daughter of Stephen Turley, an early pioneer of Missouri. Hiram Thornton came to Pettis County, April 16, 1836, at a time when the population of this county was small and this whole neighborhood was but sparsely settled. He settled on what is now known as the Claycomb place and was one of the first justices of the peace in Heath's Creek township. The postoffice of Thornleigh was named in his honor. The old Thornton home is still standing and around this home Mr. Thornton built up an estate of nearly 500 acres and resided there all of his days. The remains of both he and his wife rest side by side in a private burial ground on the old Turley homestead in Cooper County.

Hiram Thornton was a Democrat and a Presbyterian, and was one of the influential men of his day in Pettis County, filling many positions of honor and trust and at one time served as treasurer of Pettis County. The children born to Hiram and Sophia Thornton are: William Harvey, b. July 23, 1836, d. October 28, 1839; Mary Elizabeth, b. December 11, 1837, d. February 27, 1848; James Marion, b. January 31, 1840, died November 19, 1917, his death occurring at the Soldiers' Home, Leaven¬ worth, Kansas; Selinda Jane, b. October 3, 1841, d. February 12, 1848; Stephen Turley, b. February 26, 1843, d. June 10, 1841 ; David Jones, Union veteran, b. December 4, 1844, d. June 27, 1876; Martha Helen Sneed, born November 30, 1846, resides in Hepner, Oregon; Benjamin Franklin, b. December 14, 1848, d. June 10, 1907 at Pueblo, Colorado, his remains being interred in Nelson Cemetery, Saline County; Adelia Mer¬ rill, born December 23, 1850, lives at Marshall, Saline County, Missouri; Milton, born March 5, 1853, lives at Hughesville, Missouri ; Hiram Miller, born May 15, 1855, died in California, in 1917 ; Mrs. Sophia M. Phillips, born June 13, 1858, lives at Marshall, Saline County; Lurany May Wamp¬ ler, born August 7, 1859, formerly lived in Johnson County, died in New Mexico in 1914 ; Henry Clay, born November 30, 1860, resides in Sedalia ; George W., subject of this sketch.

George W. Thornton was left an orphan at the age of thirteen years and began doing for himself at that age. He made his home with his brother, Benjamin, until he attained the age of seventeen years and then hired out as farm hand for four years. In 1883 he rented land from the Fristoes for one year, and will always kindly remember the fine treat¬ ment accorded him by Mr. and Mrs. Fristoe, especially the kindness of Mrs. Annie Fristoe, whom he considers one of the finest ladies in the land. They made him one of the family. He then rented 160 acres in Hughesville township. In 1887, he rented the Hutchison place for one year. Then he and his brother Henry Clay formed a partnership and at the solicitation of George W. Crawford, and leased the Crawford farm of 320 acres for three years. This partnership was then dissolved and he then rented 600 acres adjoining the Crawford farm for the next three years.

In the spring of 1906, Mr. Thornton moved to his present home place consisting of 192.5 acres which he had purchased in 1905. In addition to his own farm he is renting a tract of seventy acres. Mr. Thornton has placed practically all of the substantial improvements on his place and is comfortably fixed. He keeps a herd of high grade Poland China hogs and has sold hogs to the value of $2,500 during 1918, besides having 100 head on the farm at this present writing. He harvested eighty-five acres of wheat in 1918, which yielded a crop which sold for $3,500, and aver¬ aged twenty bushels to the acre. He has 130 acres for the harvest of 1919 and has specialized in wheat for the past thirty years. Mr. Thorn¬ ton paid sixty dollars an acre for his farm, now valued at over twice this much, the place being well improved, convenient to a school, located near the end of the rock road from Sedalia, with Hughesville, a convenient shipping and trading point, but one and a half miles to the north.

On December 28, 1892, Mr. Thornton was married to Miss Bettie Carson, and they have one son, Donald George, born July 18, 1909. Mrs. Bettie (Carson) Thornton was born February 14, 1872, in Adams County, Illinois. She is a daughter of James and Narcissus (Garner) Carson, natives of Ireland, who settled in Franklin County, Missouri, coming to the State from Illinois in 1879. They first resided in Hickory County for three years. In 1882 the Carsons came to Pettis County and Mr. Carson followed farming near Sedalia until his death. James Carson was born in 1836 and died December 29, 1914. Narcissus Carson died December 24, 1915, at the age of seventy-four years. Of ten children born to James and Narcissus Carson, seven are living: Alexander, born 1861, lives at Huntsville, Missouri; Mrs. Martha McVickers, born 1863, lives at San Antonio, Texas; Emma, wife of Dr. C. W. Merkel, lives at Ann Arbor, Michigan; Thomas J., born 1867, lives at Greenwood, Arkan¬ sas; Mrs. Bettie Thornton of this review; Mrs. Mollie Harmon, born 1869, lives at Kansas, Illinois; Gilford and Stanley, deceased; Ira, lives at Mulberry, Kansas; Garner, deceased.

Mr. Thornton is a Democrat, a member of the Presbyterian Church and is affiliated with the Modern Woodmen of America Lodge of Hughes¬ ville.

William Winston McClure, live stock buyer and shipper, Hughesville, Missouri, is a native son of Pettis County. He was born September 21, 1885, on the McClure homestead east of Hughesville, and is a son of the late Das McClure, an extended biography of whom is presented elsewhere in this history. William W. McClure is likewise a grandson of Winston

W. W. McClure received his early education in the public schools after which he attended Prof. D. R. Cully's Academy at Hughesville. Mr. McClure has followed the farming and live stock business since his boyhood days. He has dealt in land, selling and buying tracts, and is owner of 128 acres east of Hughesville. Mr. McClure resided on the farm east of town until his removal to Hughesville in March, 1913. For the past fifteen years he has been the leading live stock buyer and shipper in this section of Pettis County. His shipments of livestock from this point will aggregate 200 carloads annually, thus doing a business which will run into tens of thousands of dollars each year. He has built up a splendid reputation for honesty, integrity, and reliability which are prime assets in his business dealings and have led his patrons to remain with him in a business capacity and as warm friends from year to year.

On November 8, 1905, W. W. McClure and Miss Mary Aldridge were united in marriage. Mrs. Mary McClure was born in Pettis County and is a daughter of James S. and Anna (Howe) Aldridge, both of whom were born and reared in Pettis County and are now residing on their farm in Longwood township. Three children have been born to William Winston and Mary McClure, as follow: Winston James, born May 23, 1908; Mary Luella, and Anna Louise, twins, bom December 29, 1912.

Politically, Mr. McClure is a Democrat of the true and stanch kind who is a firm believer in democratic principles of government. He and Mrs. McClure are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church South, and he is affiliated with the Modern Woodmen of America Lodge of Hughesville.

Charles August Selken, assistant cashier of the Smithton Bank, Smithton, Missouri, is a native born resident of this thriving little city. Mr. Selken was born June 30, 1875, and is the son of John H. Selken.

John H. Selken was born in West Virginia, in 1836, the son of John Selken, a native of Germany, who immigrated to America and settled near Wheeling, West Virginia. He came to Missouri in 1866. John H. Selken served in an Ohio infantry regiment of volunteers during the Civil War. Soon after the close of the war he came to Missouri and located on the prairie, one mile west of Smithton, in Pettis County. The Selken farm eventually joined Smithton on the western edge, and was well improved by Mr. Selken. He moved to the present Selken home¬ stead in 1885. Mr. Selken died in 1905. His wife, prior to her marriage, was Elizabeth Ann Rickey, born in Noble County, Ohio, in 1842, and resides on the Selken homestead. Mr. and Mrs. John H. Selken were parents of three sons: Frank H., deceased, George D., deceased, and Charles August, subject of this sketch.

After attending the public schools Charles A. Selken pursued a course of study at the business college at Sedalia. Following his business course, he clerked for a time in a general store. For seven months he filled the post of delivery clerk in the Sedalia postoffice. He returned to Smithton in 1897. In 1904 he served as customs inspector at the port of St. Louis. He served as postmaster of Smithton from 1897 to 1913. On July 1, 1910, he became associated with the Smithton Bank and has served as the efficient assistant cashier of this bank since that time.

Mr. Selken was married November 30, 1911, to Miss Mayme E. Muri, of Clarksburg, Missouri, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Muri. One child has blessed this marriage: Frank Muri Selken, born November 17, 1917.

Mr. Selken is one of the live business men of Smithton, and is known as a substantial man of affairs in the community. He is a Republican, and is fraternally allied with the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons.

David White. - The leading store in Smithton is the general mer¬ chandise store established by David White, in 1839, and operated by White & Haire until 1896, when Mr. White purchased his partner's interest in the business. The White store is completely stocked with an excellent line of groceries, dry goods and clothing, and is housed in a large building on the main street of the town.

David White was bora in Madison County, Kentucky, the son of John H. and Mary (De Bard) White, both of whom were born and reared in Kentucky and lived all of their lives in that State. David White was reared in Doyle County, Kentucky, and first came to Pettis County, Missouri, in 1871. He engaged in fanning in this county in the northern part of Smithton township, and was successful as a farmer. He con¬ tinued farming until he engaged in business, in 1889. In addition to his business Mr. White is owner of a farm of ninety acres south of Smithton, and has 160 acres located west of Smithton. He is also president of the Bank of Smithton, and one of the town's leading and best respected citizens in many ways.

Thomas J. Raines. - Born on Pettis County soil, bred to the life of a farmer and stockman, Thomas J. Raines has gone his successful course true to the traditions of the second generation of the Raines family in Pettis County. The tale of his success since he attained his majority, and began his career with a single span of mules, reads like a tale from modern fiction. In the short space of twenty years Mr. Raines has accumulated a fortune in lands and money, and his success is a living evidence of the fact that old Pettis County is still the "land of oppor¬ tunity" for an ambitious and energetic citizen. Mr. Raines, beginning in 1890 with the aforesaid span of mules as his only capital, rented land for three years, made some money, then bought 200 acres near Lookout, Missouri. For this land he paid down $500. The soil being in a depleted condition and the buildings in a run-down condition, he set to work and created a valuable farm. This farm he sold at a profit in 1905. He then bought the old Jackson Williams farm of 150 acres, built up this tract into a better and more valuable farm, and sold it at a profit in 1910. In 1912, he purchased the Zieg Scott farm of 286 acres. Mr. Raines again repeated the operation of building up a run-down and depleted farm, and sold out at a profit in 1917. During the past twenty years he has amassed a comfortable fortune of over $25,000, and is accounted one of the leading progressive stockmen of Pettis County.

The present Raines farm embraces 364 acres, in one body, in section 4, Heath's Creek township. Mr. Raines is here repeating the process of restoring the land to a better condition of fertility, and is improving the farm with the intention of making a permanent, comfortable home for his family. Since August, 1917, he has made considerable changes in the appearance of this tract. He has only recently completed the erec¬ tion of a beautiful, modern residence of eight rooms, equipped with every modern convenience to make life comfortable and pleasant on the farm. This residence stands on an elevation and presents an attractive appear¬ ance from the roadway. The Raines farm is devoted to general farming and stock raising; 100 head of cattle are produced annually for the mar¬ kets, and he markets from 200 to 300 head of hogs each year.

Thomas J. Raines was born April 11, 1878, on a farm in the northern part of Heath's Creek township. He is the son of John W. Raines, one of the old settlers of Pettis County, a sketch of whom appears in this volume. His grandfather was Charles Raines, of Virginia, a pioneer of Saline County, Missouri. Thomas J. Raines was educated in the district school of his neighborhood, and has followed the vocation of farming from boyhood. The only assistance Mr. Raines received from his father, who is a large land owner, was a span of mules. He used this team in making his first crop and then sold the mules for $160.

Mr. Raines was married, in 1901, to Miss Lou Karrick, a daughter of Jesse Karrick, a wealthy and substantial farmer of Longwood town¬ ship, a sketch of whom appears in this history. This marriage has been blessed with three children: Lillie, aged seventeen years, a student in Sedalia High School ; Robin, aged fifteen years, also a student in Sedalia High School, and Carl, eight years old.

Mr. Raines is a Republican. He and his family worship at the Christian Church. He is fraternally allied with the Longwood Lodge, No. 4,237, Modern Woodmen of America. He is a director of the Bank of Longwood, and is a progressive and enterprising citizen who is ever ready to give his assistance in promoting worthy projects.

Charles W. McAninch, extensive farmer and stockman, of Hughesville, has resided in Pettis County for sixty-one years. From a modest beginning he has accumulated one of the largest estates in this section of Missouri, his acreage totalling 1,225 acres of rich lands on the prairie country in the vicinity of Hughesville. His home farm embraces 705 acres in one continuous body, upon which Judge McAninch and his family have resided since 1883. The farm residence is an imposing and an attractive building, which has been remodeled and modernized, every comfort enjoyed by residence of the city being available in the McAninch home. The farm buildings are extensive, and are kept in an excellent state of repair. Charles W. McAninch was born March 5, 1849, in Page County, Kentucky. He is a son of Harrison and Polly Lockett (Walker) McAninch.

Harrison McAninch was born in 1809 and died in 1849. He was a native of Kentucky, and was reared and married in that State, to Miss Polly Lockett Walker, who was also a native of Kentucky and a daughter of Kentucky parents. Harrison McAninch was the son of George McAninch, a native of Glasgow, Scotland, who emigrated to America late in the eighteenth century and settled in Kentucky. Harrison and Polly L. McAninch were parents of the following children: Mary P., James L.,

Mary P. McAninch was born in 1841, and when she was eleven years old came to Missouri. She married P. H. Salmon, of Cooper County, Missouri, and died in 1915.

Zach T. McAninch was born in Kentucky in 1847 and came to Pettis County in 1852, and is now living retired at Sedalia. He married Mary Neill, of Pettis County. She died in 1910, leaving a son, C. L. McAninch, a farmer, near Beaman, Missouri.

In the spring of 1863 Zach T. and James McAninch crossed the plains, and spent the winter at Salt Lake City and Denver, eventually locating at Boise City, Idaho, where they remained for six years.

When he was eight years of age Charles W. McAninch came to Pettis County and was reared to young manhood in the home of his uncle, Charles Walker. When he became of age he received his first wages from his uncle, who paid him $15 per month, and for the year's work his uncle also gave him a horse and saddle. The three McAninch broth¬ ers - Charles W., Zach. T. and James L. - then rented a large tract of land in partnership for five years, and were extensively engaged in farm¬ ing and stock raising. This venture was a profitable one, and after the marriage of Zach T. McAninch the partnership arrangement was con¬ tinued by Charles W. and James McAninch. The brothers continued to rent large tracts of land until 1883, when Charles W. McAninch made his initial purchase of 700 acres in Hughesville township. As the years have passed Judge McAninch has added to his acreage until he is owner of one of the largest farms in Pettis County.