Pettis County, Missouri - Biographical sketches, 1919 (part 8 of 14)

Spencer Delos Haight came to Missouri July 7, 1862, and remained at Springfield, Missouri, for a few months with his father, who was engaged in the shoe business there. He then enlisted in the Union army, becoming a member of Company F, 14th Missouri Cavalry. During the Civil War his command operated in Missouri and Arkansas, principally, and Mr. Haight remained in the army after the close of the Civil War and saw some service on the plains and in the West. After he was dis¬ charged from the army he went to Arkansas, where his father was, and remained there a short time. He bought 117 head of cattle there and started to Pettis County with them. However, he reached here with only eighty head. He settled on the place where he now resides and here worked for R. F. McCormack. Mr. Haight rented this place for twenty years before he bought it. He has made extensive improvements, has good substantial buildings, which makes this one of the valuable places in Elk Fork township. He has twenty-five acres devoted to an apple orchard which has proven very productive and profitable. Mr. Haight has made a careful study of the fruit industry and is posted on the subject of horticulture as well as being one of the most practical fruit men of the county.

August 22, 1871, Spencer Delos Haight was united in marriage at Green Ridge, Missouri, with Miss Henrietta Scofil, a native of Rome, Oneida County, New York. She was born March 15, 1849, and came to Missouri with a sister. Her parents spent their lives in New York. To Mr. and Mrs. Haight have been born the following children: George

M., died August 8, 1873, aged nine months and four days; Helen E., died Mhrch 11, 1883, aged six years, nine months and seventeen days; Carrie B., died March 16, 1883, aged nine years, ten months and sixteen days; Levi D., died February 16, 1888, aged nine months and two days; Hattie Ethel, a graduate of the Green Ridge High School, resides at home with her parents.

Mr. Haight has seen much of the pioneer life of Pettis County and recalls with much interest the early days on the prairie here, and notes the great transformation that has taken place since the days of the primitive conditions when he herded cattle on the prairie of what is now the well tilled and highly improved farms of Pettis County. Mr. Haight is a Republican and has always taken a keen interest in local public affairs. He has served on the school board a number of terms. He is a charter member of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, Green Ridge Lodge No. 224. He has been a Mason for many years and helped organ¬ ize two lodges in Green Ridge. He is one of the pioneer citizens and Civil War veterans of whom Pettis County is justly proud.

John B. Kyd belongs to the younger generation of progressive agri¬ culturists of Pettis County. He was born in Elk Fork township on the place where he now resides July 13, 1885. He is a son of Charles and Margaret (Mackie) Kyd, natives of Scotland, who settled in Elk Fork township, Pettis County, in 1870. Charles Kyd spent the remainder of his life in this county, after coming here, and died March 5, 1910, and his widow now resides in Green Ridge, Missouri. A more complete his¬ tory of the Kyd family appears in the sketch of George H. Kyd in this volume.

John B. Kyd was reared on the home farm in Elk Fork township and attended the public schools. Later he attended the Green Ridge High School and afterwards attended the University of Missouri for three and one-half years. He then taught in the Fredericktown High School, at Fredericktown, Missouri, and also taught in the Green Ridge High School. In 1909 he engaged in farming on the old home place, where his father settled nearly fifty years ago. This place consists of 205 acres, and here Mr. Kyd carries on general farming and stock rais¬ ing and is one of the successful farmers of Pettis County. He has pur¬ chased the interests of the other heirs in his father's estate and is now the sole owner. He is interested in a number of other enterprises, in addition to his farming interests and is a stockholder in the Sedalia Dairy Company.

Mr. Kyd was married June 11, 1913, to Miss Eula Hollenback, a native of Green Ridge township, Pettis County. She is a daughter of George E. and Minnie (Flesher) Hollenback. George E. Hollenback is now deceased and his widow lives on her home place near Green Ridge, Missouri. To Mr. and Mrs. Kyd has been born one child, Margaret Estella.

Mr. Kyd is a member of the Masonic Lodge and he and Mrs. Kyd are members of the Eastern Star and the Knights and Ladies of Security. They belong to the Congregational Church.

James E. Ream, the well-known cashier of the Peoples Bank of Green Ridge, Missouri, is a native of Pettis County, and is a descendant of one of the old and honorable pioneer families of Missouri. Members of the Ream family settled in Missouri over a century ago. The family is traced from Switzerland, through France, and was founded in the United States some time between 1715 and 1718. James E. Ream was bom about four miles east of Green Ridge, December 14, 1866. He is a son of James S. and Ellen (Melvin) Ream, who were the parents of four children, as follow: James E., the subject of this sketch; Maud A., who resides in Green Ridge; Frederick E., a merchant of Green Ridge and mayor of that town, and Minnie F., who died in infancy.

James S. Ream was born near old Georgetown, Pettis County, Mis¬ souri, March 4, 1847. During the Civil War, he served in the State militia in Capt. Wash Stark's company, and participated in the engage¬ ment which took place near Sedalia. He followed farming in early life. In 1872, about the time the town of Green Ridge was founded, he engaged in the general mercantile business there, and later conducted a drug store. He was a lifelong Democrat, and prominent in local politics. He served as postmaster of Green Ridge for one term. He also served as mayor of Green Ridge. He died January 24, 1911.

James S. Ream was a son of Absalom and Mary Ann (Biggs) Ream. Absalom Ream was born in Booneville, Missouri, in 1824. His wife, Mary Ann Biggs, was also born in Cooper County in 1824. They came to Pettis County at a very early day in the settlement of this county, and first located near old Georgetown. In 1879 they removed to Green Ridge, where Absalom Ream died, in 1894. He was a farmer all his life. His wife died in 1898. They were the parents of ten children, as follow: Two died in infancy; James S., mention of whom appears above; Mrs. Mary F. Bennett; Albion, lives in Elk Fork township, Pettis County; Larkin B., a hardware implement and furniture dealer, Green Ridge,

Missouri; Martin C., deceased; Rosa D., married John W. Hicks and is now deceased; Mrs. Martha W. Hurt, Clinton, Missouri, and Charles M., deceased.

James E. Ream was reared to manhood in Green Ridge, and received his education in the public schools. Early in life he became a registered oharmacist, and clerked in his father's drug store in Green Ridge until 1909. He then became cashier of the Peoples Bank of Green Ridge, and has held that position to the present time. This bank is one of the leading financial institutions of Pettis County, and some of the best business men and farmers in Green Ridge and vicinity are interested in it. Since its organization it has been under capable management and has ever offered the greatest safety in banking to its many customers, as well as paying satisfactory dividends to the stockholders. Mr. Ream, who has been cashier of this bank now for over ten years, is a careful banker, as the record of the institution shows. He is both conservative and progressive, which are the rare but essential elements of a success¬ ful banker in this day and age. Mr. Ream is a close student of the per¬ plexing and manifold problems of legitimate banking and finance.

Mr. Ream is unmarried, and resides with his mother and sister. Politically, he has been a constant supporter of the policies and principles of the Democratic party.

Jacob D. Helman, a Union veteran of the Civil War, now living retired, after a long and successful active career, has been identified with Pettis County for half a century. Mr. Helman traces his ancestry, in this country, back about 150 years. He was born in Ashland County, Ohio, January 31, 1834, and is a son of John and Sophia (Dougherty) Helman. John Helman was born in Center County, Pennsylvania, August 5, 1786. He was a farmer all his life, and when a young man removed from Pennsylvania to Ohio, and lived to the advanced age of eighty-eight years. He died November 20, 1874. Sophia (Dougherty) Helman was born in Pennsylvania January 30, 1795. She was of Irish descent. She died January 21, 1885.

To John and Sophia (Dougherty) Helman were born seven chil¬ dren, as follow: Mary, married Dan Eshleman, and they are both now deceased ; Catherine, married M. Crial, and they are deceased ; Herman, died in California; Able, died in Oregon; Emmaline, married David Brickley, and they are deceased; John R., deceased; Jacob D., the subject of this sketch.

Jacob D. Helman was reared in Ohio and received his education in the public schools of Ashland. His early life was spent on the home farm until the Civil War broke out, when he enlisted in Company C, 42d Ohio Infantry, in September, 1861. He served under James A. Gar¬ field, who was colonel of his regiment until he became general. For two years Mr. Helman was regimental color bearer. He participated in many important battles, as well as numerous minor skirmishes. He was at the siege of Vicksburg, Mississippi, and in a number of engagements in that vicinity, which led up to this notable siege. Much of his service was along the Mississippi River, between Vicksburg and New Orleans. He served through the greater part of the war as a corporal. He received an honorable discharge and was mustered out of the United States service at Columbus, Ohio, in 1864. He then returned to his home, in Ashland County, where he was engaged in farming until 1869, when he came to Missouri and settled in Pettis County. He bought a farm near Camp Branch, where he was actively engaged in farming and stock raising until 1913. Mr. Helman made a success of farming and stock raising. His farm consists of 415 acres of well-improved land, with fifteen acres of natural timber. Mr. Helman retired in 1913 and removed to Green Ridge, where he is now enjoying a well-earned rest at the close of a successful and honorable career. He is a stockholder, and one of the directors of the Farmers and Merchants Bank of Green Ridge, and his judgment on matters of business and finance is as keen now as it was in the midst of his active career.

Mr. Helman was married in 1860 in Center Co.unty, Pennsylvania, to Miss Mary H. Bower, a native of Center County, born October 24, 1838, and a daughter of Christian and Susan (Schenck) Bower, natives of Pennsylvania, who spent their lives in that State. To Jacob D. Helman and wife were born the following children: Elvie, who resides with her parents in Green Ridge; Eugene B., and Forrest E., further mention of whom are made in this volume.

Mr. Helman has always been identified with the Republican party, and while living on his farm served as township clerk for a number of years. He is a member of the Methodist Church, and is a charter mem¬ ber of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, Lodge No. 24, Green Ridge, Missouri. He has been a member of the Grand Army of the Republic since the post was organized, at Green Ridge. Mr. Helman is one of the grand old men of Pettis County, and will long be remembered as one who contributed his part to making Pettis County one of the leading counties of Missouri. It can be truly said of him, that in war he did his duty as a soldier, and in peace he did his duty as a citizen.

William Baker, now living retired at Green Ridge, has for sixty years been identified in various ways with the growth and development of Pettis County. He came here, a young man, long before the Civil War, when this section of Missouri was practically an uninhabited waste, for the most part, and has contributed in many ways to the great changes that have been brought about in making this county one of the leading political subdivisions of the great State of Missouri.

Mr. Baker is a native of Ohio. He was born in Stark County May 2, 1840, a son of Bernhart and Margaret (Hoover) Baker, both natives of Germany. They were married in their native land about 1830, and were the parents of eleven children, the two oldest of whom were born in Germany. William, the subject of this sketch, was the fifth in order of birth, and is the only member of the family now living. The father was born in 1803, and died in 1855. He was a stonemason, and worked at his trade in Stark County, where he died. His wife was born in 1812, and after the death of her first husband she married Nicholas Burkhart, a native of Switzerland. They came to Sedalia in 1866, where he worked at his trade, which was that of a shoemaker. The mother died in 1875.

William Baker was reared in Stark County, Ohio, and learned the carpenters' trade. Early in life he went to Iowa, where he worked at his trade for a time, and in 1858 came to Pettis County, Missouri, and settled on Flat Creek, in Washington township. Here he worked at his trade, building residences for the early settlers, and was thus engaged when the Civil War broke out. He first enlisted in the home guards in Captain Thatcher's company, and later served in Captain Montgomery's company, which was attached to the Sixth Missouri Regiment. This was disbanded in 1862, and Mr. Baker enlisted in the State militia, in a company commanded by Captain Sneed, and later by Captain Brown. He was at the engagement near Sedalia, during which he captured a Confederate soldier, and, on an election day, 1864, he captured another Confederate.

After the Civil War Mr. Baker engaged in farming in Green Ridge township, and worked on the farm and at his trade, alternately, from 1867 until 1898. He then went to Green Ridge and bought out a lumber yard, and was successfully engaged in the lumber business until March,

1916. He had an extensive trade, and did a big business and, perhaps, during that period, handled equally as much lumber as other retail country yards in Pettis County. Mr. Baker's straightforward methods in all his business transactions won the confidence of the buying public. He proceeded upon the theory that a satisfied customer was the best advertisement. His theory proved to be sound, and both he and his cus¬ tomers profited thereby. Upon retiring from the lumber business, in 1916, he turned it over to his son, Arthur N. Baker, who still conducts it.

October 24, 1865, William Baker was united in marriage with Miss Mary Burkhart, a native of Switzerland, born December 30, 1843. She came to America with her parents when she was about eight years old. They settled in Stark County, Ohio. To William Baker and wife have been born seven children, as follow: Charles, resides in Green Ridge township; Minnie, married H. Carr, who is now deceased, and she resides in Kansas City, Missouri; Fred, deceased; Rosa, deceased; John, resides at Granite City, Illinois; Arthur N., engaged in the lumber business at Green Ridge, Missouri, and Emma, deceased.

Mr. Baker owns a valuable and well-improved farm of 202 acres, situated in sections 1 and 11, Green Ridge township, and is a stockholder in the Farmers and Merchants Bank at Green Ridge, of which he was one of the organizers. He has always been identified with the Repub¬ lican party. He is a member of the Congregational Church, of which he is a deacon. He is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic.

Mr. Baker is truly one of the pioneers of Pettis County, and there are very few now living whose settlement here antedate his. He built the first dwelling house in the city of Sedalia. This building was for a school teacher, named W. C. Westlake. No man in Pettis County is entitled to recognition in a work of this character more than William Baker, of Green Ridge.

Edward R. Wilson, a former judge of the County Court and suc¬ cessful farmer and stockman of Pettis County, now living retired in Green Ridge, is a native of Pennsylvania. He was born in Chester County, August 4, 1845, and is a son of William and Margaret (Mona¬ ghan) Wilson, both natives of Pennsylvania, where they spent their lives. The father was a farmer, and died in 1889, aged eighty-six years, and the mother died in 1845, when the subject of this sketch was a baby. Five children were born to William and Margaret (Monaghan) Wilson, as follow: Mary, deceased; Emma, married F. S. Stichter, and they are both deceased; James, deceased; William, deceased, and Edward R., the subject of this sketch. The father married for his second wife, Rachael McDowell, a native of Chester County, Pennsylvania, and two children were born to this union: Patterson, deceased, and Sarah, married David Bell, and they reside at Silver Springs, Maryland.

Edward R. Wilson was reared on his father's farm in Pennsylvania, and educated in the public schools. In 1864 he came to Missouri and settled in Pike County, where he clerked in a dry goods store at Louis¬ iana, Missouri, for his brother-in-law. He remained there about a year, when he returned to Pennsylvania, and in 1868 came to Missouri again, and settled in Pettis County. Here he engaged in the operation of a farm owned by his uncle, R. E. Monoghan. He remained on this place for thirty years and made many improvements. It is now owned by William G. Mayfield. In 1896 Mr. Wilson purchased his present place, of 320 acres, and for a number of years operated both this and his uncle's farm, which totaled 960 acres. He was quite extensively engaged in the cattle business, and fed a great many for market.

Mr. Wilson has been twice married. November 3, 1870, he was married to Miss Emma Diamond, daughter of Samuel and Nancy (Parr) Diamond, natives of New York State. Emma Diamond was born in Peoria, Illinois, September 12, 1846, and died in Pettis County, June 21, 1891. To Edward R. and Emma (Diamond) Wilson were born six chil¬ dren, as follow: William, deceased; Mabel, married William Briscoe, Maplewood, Missouri; Emmet, lives in Franklin County, Washington; Frank, Casper, Wyoming; Orval, resides at home with his father, and Edward R., Jr., who lives on the old home farm. March 14, 1901 Mr. Wilson was married to Mrs. Nellie (Reed) Manvell, a native of Geneva, Ontario County, New York. She was born February 19, 1846, a daugh¬ ter of Hiel and Sarah (McArthur) Reed. Mrs. Wilson's first husband, William Manvell, has been dead a number of years. Three children were born to them, all of whom died in infancy. Mrs. Wilson is one of four children born to Hiel and Sarah (McArthur) Reed, and is the eldest. The others are: Frank B. Reed, mail carrier at Green Ridge; Nathan, farmer in Green Ridge township, and Harriet, married George Farr, the latter who is now deceased.

Mr. Wilson is a Democrat, and has always taken an active interest in political matters. He has served as a member of the County Court for two years. He is a member of the Congregational Church, and is one of its trustees. He is one of the substantial men of Pettis County, who has made good. He has a long and honorable career to his credit, and is one of Pettis County's first citizens.

Charles L. Calvert, of Green Ridge township, is one of the success¬ ful farmers and stockmen of Pettis County, and is a descendant of a pioneer family of this State. Mr. Calvert was born in Cooper County, Missouri, October 21, 1853, a son of Elias and Kisiah (Hughes) Calvert, both natives of Tennessee, who with their parents were early settlers in Cooper County, Missouri. In 1860 Elias Calvert and his family came to Pettis County, and settled on a farm in Elk Fork township. This was an unbroken section of the country at that early date, and Mr. Calvert broke the primitive prairie with ox teams and improved a farm in that township, and met with a reasonable degree of success in his undertakings. He was industrious, a good citizen, and a Christian man. He was one of the organizers and charter members of the Baptist Church of Green Ridge. He and his wife died of lagrippe in 1890, their deaths occurring within two days of each other. They were each seventy-four years of age. Elias and Kisiah (Hughes) Calvert were the parents of the following children: Mary, married Sam Rains, and they reside at Twin Falls, Idaho; Ellen, married Mathew Rains, Kansas City, Missouri; James M., Craig, Missouri; Charles L., the subject of this sketch; Henry, Nevada, Missouri.

Charles L. Calvert was about seven years of age when he came to Pettis County with his parents. He was reared and educated in this county and remained at home with his parents until 1882. He has always followed farming, and in 1882 purchased his present place, in Green Ridge township. He made many improvements, and now owns a well-cultivated, fine-appearing and fertile farm of 130 acres. He carries on general farming and stock raising, and gives special attention to raising high-grade Duroc Jersey hogs. He is justly regarded as one of the successful and up-to-date agriculturists of Pettis County. He has set out a number of trees on his place which, together with the splendid farm buildings, give the place an imposing appearance.

Mr. Calvert was united in marriage February 10, 1881, with Miss Ella J. Weedin, a native of Moniteau County, Missouri, and a daughter of Caleb and Amanda (Wilkerson) Weedin, the former a native of Ten¬ nessee and the latter of Illinois. They settled in Pettis County in 1866. To Mr. and Mrs. Calvert have been born seven children, as follow:

LeRoy, resides in Green Ridge township ; Oliver C., East Sedalia, Missouri ; Nellie M., married L. Ream, Green Ridge, Missouri; Gertrude, married Forrest Helman; Marie, deceased; Forrest L., and Robert Carl, at home.

Mr. Calvert is a Democrat, and he takes a commendable interest in public and political affairs, but has never sought office. He is a member of the Baptist Church, of which he is a deacon, and his fraternal affilia¬ tions are with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Modern Woodmen of America.

John W. Smith, a well known farmer and stockman of Green Ridge township, was born 'in the township where he now resides June 26, 1868. He is a son of Melvin R. and Elizabeth (Funk) Smith, the former a native of Indiana and the latter of Kentucky.

Melvin R. Smith was born in Rushville, Indiana, July 17, 1840. He was a son of Rev. William Smith and wife, who were natives of Ten¬ nessee. William Smith went from Tennessee to Indiana at an early day. He was a farmer and blacksmith when a young man, and later became, a minister in the Methodist Church, South. He came to Missouri in 1847 and settled in Lafayette County. In 1861 he went to Benton County, where he and his wife spent the remainder of their lives.

Melvin R. Smith, the father of John W., came to Missouri with his parents in 1847 when he was about seven years of age. He was reared and educated in this State and during the Civil War enlisted in the Union army at Warsaw, Missouri. He served in the cavalry and at one time was taken prisoner. After the close of the war he settled in Elk Fork township, Pettis County, where he owned 107 acres of land at the' time of his death, March 25, 1914. Elizabeth (Funk) Smith, wife of Melvin R. Smith, was born near Louisville, Kentucky, November 19, 1849, and now lives on the old homestead in Elk Fork township. She is a daughter of John and Lucinda (Rodgers) Funk, the former a native of Kentucky and the latter of Maryland. The Funk family settled in Pettis County before the Civil War and John Funk conducted a hotel at Dres¬ den, in the early days, and later followed farming in Green Ridge township.

To Melvin R. and Elizabeth (Funk) Smith were born eleven chil¬ dren, all of whom were born and reared in Pettis County: John W., the subject of this sketch; Lucinda, married Lee Glenn and lives in Johnson County, Missouri; Ollie, married John Neal, Kansas City, Missouri, whose son, Virgil R., was one of the first volunteers to serve in the World War and is now with the 140th United States Infantry in France; Jesse M.,

Kay County, Oklahoma; Robert W., resides at home in Elk Fork town¬ ship ; Lillie, married Charles Neal and they live in Oklahoma ; Herman T., deceased; Lyle, lives in Johnson County, Missouri; Alice, married Charles Yost, Elk Fork township; Lena, married R. Ray, Elk Fork township, and Ovid, Elk Fork township.

John W. Smith was reared on a farm in Elk Fork township and re¬ ceived a good common school education in the public schools. He began life for himself as a farmer on rented land when he was nineteen years old. In 1898 he purchased the farm which he improved and later sold at a profit and has bought and sold a number of farms since that time. He purchased his present place of 124 acres in Green Ridge township in 1908. Here he has been successfully engaged in farming and stock raising since that time. He is particularly successful in stock raising as well as general farming, and his constant aim is to keep a herd of high grade stock.

Mr. Smith was united in marriage December 5, 1893, with Miss Minnie Yost, a native of Benton County, Missouri, born in Lake Creek township, December 30, 1869. She is a daughter of Antone Yost, a sketch of whom appears in this volume. To Mr. and Mrs. Smith have been bom one child, Tony C., married Eugenia King and resides in Johnson County, Missouri. They have one child, Mary Christina.

Mr. Smith is a Republican and a member of the Modern Woodmen of America. In 1919 Mr. Smith was appointed road overseer of District 27. He is one of Pettis County's progressive farmers and he and Mrs. Smith have a broad acquaintance in this county and are highly respected.

William Proctor, of Green Ridge township, has been a resident of Pettis County for over half a century, and is one of the honored old resi¬ dents of this county. He was bom in Portfordshire, Scotland. He was reared and educated in his native land*, and in early life was engaged in farming there. In 1867 he immigrated to America, and settled in Win¬ nebago County, Illinois. Here he was engaged as a farm laborer until 1869, when he came to Pettis County, Missouri, continuing the same line of work. Later he engaged in farming on rented land in Green Ridge township. He then bought a farm of 120 acres, where he was engaged in fanning and stock raising for a number of years, when he retired.

John and Charles Kyd, in Pettis County. A history of the Kyd family will be found in connection with the sketch of John B. Kyd, which appears in this volume.

To William and Isabel (Kyd) Proctor have been born the following children: Charles K., lives in Green Ridge township; Robert, lives near Camp Branch, Missouri; Mrs. Anna Knapp, Green Ridge township; Eliz¬ abeth, married Jesse Ragar, Green Ridge township, and John, who resides on the home place, which he rents.

John Proctor was born in Green Ridge township, Pettis County, August 31, 1885. He was educated in the public schools, and grew to manhood here. He was married November 30, 1916, to Miss Mildred L. Pfaff, a native of Pettis County, born August 16, 1888. She is a daughter of William H. and Mary C. (Laney) Pfaff, the former a native of Ohio and the latter of New York State, and now residing in Green Ridge township, Pettis County.

William G. Mayfield, one of the large land holders of Pettis County, and an extensive stockman, is a native of Georgia. He was born in the northern part of that State, February 2, 1853, and is a son of John and Casandra (Garner) Mayfield. They were the parents of ten chil¬ dren - five girls and five boys - of whom William G. was the fifth in order of birth. John Mayfield, the father, was a native of South Carolina. He followed farming all his life, and died in Morgan County, at his home, just east of Smithton, aged eighty-four years. The mother was a native of Kentucky, and died at the age of fifty-four years. Their remains are interred in the cemetery at Smithton, Missouri. The Mayfield family settled in Missouri in 1863, on a farm about five miles east of Sedalia. They remained there about six years when they moved to Morgan County, settling on a farm just east of the Pettis County line, where the parents spent the remainder of their lives.

William G. Mayfield attended the public schools very little, only about eleven months in all. However, his mother was an unusually welleducated woman, and under her private instructions he obtained a good education. When he was twenty years of age Mr. Mayfield began teach¬ ing school, and taught in Pettis, Morgan and Benton counties for six years. In 1879 he engaged in the stock business in Benton County, in partnership with his brother, D. B. W. Mayfield, who now resides eight miles southeast of Windsor, in Benton County, where they first engaged in the stock business. They carried on an extensive business, and leased a great deal of land in addition to their own. They handled thousands of cattle and prospered. This partnership continued until 1895, when it was dissloved, and since that time William G. Mayfield has been in the stock business alone. For a time he was engaged in the business in Benton County, and during the course of his career he has owned farms in various sections of the State, and lived in a diiferent number of places. He now owns 960 acres of well-improved and valuable land in Green Ridge township, and in addition to this Mrs. Mayfield owns 280 acres. He also rents a great deal of land, as his extensive stock business requires considerable acreage. He is also an extensive cattle feeder, frequently having on hand from 200 to 700 head. He employs from three to five men in connection with his general farming and stock operations. In fact, Mr. Mayfield is no doubt the most extensive cattle man in Pettis County today.

Mr. Mayfield was married, in 1894, to Miss Blanche Amick, who was born in Tebo township, Henry County, Missouri. She is a daughter of M. R. and Cerepta (Merritt) Amick. To Mr. and Mrs. Mayfield have been born nine children, as follow: Cassie, married E. Bagby, Green Ridge, Missouri; Logan A., who was born in Benton County, Missouri, in 1896, enlisted in the limited service corps, United States Army, and received training at Columbia, Missouri, in the University of Missouri; William G., Jr., at home with his father; Cerepta; Imogene; Merritt; Thomas and Susan, twins, and Pauline.

Mr. Mayfield is a Republican, and attends the Christian Church. He is a member of the Masonic Lodge at Windsor, Missouri. He is a progressive and public-spirited citizen, and does business on a big scale. He has practically spent his lifetime in the stock business, and is one of the best-posted men in that particular line in the State, to which the success that he has attained bears testimony. He has an extensive acquaintance throughout this section, and his integrity in the business world is unquestioned.

George E. Hollenbeck, now deceased, was for fifty years identified with the interests of Pettis County, and during the course of his career was prominently identified with banking business and agricultural in¬ terests, and was recognized as a potent factor in the industrial develop¬ ment of Pettis County.

Amanda (Archer) Hollenbeck, natives of Ohio. The father was an ex¬ tensive traveler and was on the western coast of South America at the time of his death, June 26, 1872. His wife died in May, 1889.

George E. Hollenbeck obtained a fair education under adverse cir¬ cumstances, as the schools in general were closed in this section during the Civil War. He was about eight years old when he came to Missouri with his parents. He was one of the real pioneers of Pettis County. When a young man he hauled lumber from Sedalia to his father's farm with oxen. His father went to South America when George E. was about eighteen years of age, and then the young man engaged in farm¬ ing for himself. He gave considerable attention to stock raising and later bought and sold cattle, and during the course of his career probably bought and sold more cattle than any other man in Pettis County. He was a good judge of stock and not only that but was a man of high class business ability and a good manager and made a success of what¬ ever business enterprises he undertook. He was one of the organizers of the Farmers and Merchants Bank at Green Ridge, and was president of that institution for a number of years and during his incumbency in that office he showed an unusual knowledge of the intricate system of banking and finance. During the panic of 1907 the bankers held a meet¬ ing at Sedalia, Missouri, to decide on issuing cashier's checks, or deposit certificates, as a medium of circulation, in lieu of cash which was gen¬ erally favored by bankers throughout the country. Mr. Hollenbeck and E. E. Durand, cashier of the bank, absolutely refused to consent to such a measure, and while other banks went over to that system the Farmers and Merchants Bank kept doing business on a cash basis which has ever been their policy. This act won for the bank many friends in the financial world and gave the Farmers and Merchants Bank a substantial rating equaled by few banks in the State. Mr. Hollenbeck always supported the policies and principles of the Democratic party, and in all his dealings with his fellow men, his honesty and integrity were the paramount prin¬ ciples of his business methods.

In December, 1885, George E. Hollenbeck was united in marriage with Miss Minnie Flesher, a daughter of Dr. William H. and Mary C. (Parr) Flesher. Doctor Flesher was born in Virginia June 12, 1829. He received a good education and later read medicine in Meigs County, Ohio, and in the University of Louisville, Kentucky. During the Civil War he enlisted as a private in the 8th Virginia Infantry and was later commis- sioned a captain and served until the close of the war. In 1877 he came to Green Ridge, Pettis County, where he was engaged in the practice of medicine until his death.

To George E. and Minnie (Flesher) Hollenbeck were born the fol¬ lowing children: Eula, married John B. Kyd and resides in Green Ridge township; Mary A., died in 1913; Elizabeth B., married J. L. Purchase, Elk Fork township; Ralph E., was born July 8, 1896, and is now serving in the United States Signal Corps in the World War; George E., resides at home; Lelia, married M. C. Funk and resides in Colorado, and Wilfred and Mildred, twins, residing at home with their mother.

Mrs. Hollenbeck is an estimable woman and resides with her children on their fine farm of 211 acres in Green Ridge township. The Hollenbeck family are highly respected and rank among the leading families of Pettis County. Mrs. Hollenbeck is a member of the Congregational Church.

Edwin Newell Knapp, a successful farmer and stockman of Green Ridge township, is a native of Galesburg, Knox County, Illinois. He was born September 6, 1866, a son of James H. and Lydia S. (Courier) Knapp. The father was a native of New York State and when a young man went to Michigan and a few years later went to Knox County, Illinois, where he was couty superintendent of schools and later he had a music store at Galesburg, Illinois. He then came to Missouri in 1869 and settled in Green Ridge township, Pettis County, where he bought a farm in section 9 which he improved and farmed. He lived there until his death in 1884, at the age of fifty-six years. James H. Knapp was a pioneer school teacher in Green Ridge township, having taught school in District No. 75. The first year he received no pay, but donated his time in order to get the school started. He taught this school for three terms and the district is known as the Knapp school. Lydia S. (Courier) Knapp, mother of Edwin Newell Knapp, was born in Michigan and died in 1909 while on a visit at Brookville, Kansas, aged seventy-nine years. Her remains are buried at Green Ridge, Missouri. She had made her home with Edwin N. Knapp about all her life. James H. and Lydia S. (Courier) Knapp were the parents of thirteen children, six of whom are now living, Edwin Newel being the only one who resides in Pettis County.

Edwin Newel Knapp was about three years of age when he was brought to Pettis County by his parents. He was reared in this county and educated in the district schools and the public schools at Windsor, Missouri, where his mother lived after the death of his father on account of the better educational facilities afforded there for her children. Later she moved to Warrensburg, Missouri. Mr. Knapp has made farming and stock raising his chief occupation and for a number of years farmed on the home place. He bought his first land in 1898 and now owns eighty acres in Green Ridge township which is considered one of the valuable farms of that section of the county. Mr. Knapp carries on general farm¬ ing and stock raising and has met with very satisfactory success.

June 9, 1901, Mr. Knapp was united in marriage with Miss Margaret Ann Proctor, a daughter of William Proctor, a sketch of whom appears in this volume. To Mr. and Mrs. Knapp have been born five children, as follow: Agnes M., Isabel, Lydia C., Mary L., and Anna Louise.

Mr. Knapp is a Republican and a member of the Congregational Church. His lodge affiliations are with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Woodmen of the World. He is a progressive citizen and one of the substantial men of the community.

Victor Lewis, a prosperous stockman and farmer of Green Ridge township, is a native of Pettis County and was born on the farm where he now resides February 12, 1870. He is a son of Elijah W. and Malinda (Montgomery) Lewis. They were both natives of Kentucky. The father was born in 1820 and came to Pettis County, Missouri, from Kentucky prior to the Civil War. When the war broke out he returned to his native State but returned to Pettis County after the war closed. He died in 1874. His wife died the same year at about the age of thirty-two years. They were the parents of five children, as follow: Otis, deceased; Mrs. Beatrice Hanlon, Los Angeles, California; Victor, the subject of this sketch; Hattie, deceased, and Frances, married L. J. Woody, Richards, Missouri.

Victor Lewis' parents died when he was about four years of age, and he was reared by the Montgomery family in Kentucky to the age of eight years, when he came to Pettis County and lived with his uncle, Frank Montgomery, until he was eleven years old and for the following four years lived with his brother. During that time he worked out some as a farm hand, and also attended district school in the winter. Shortly after this he went west and was employed in ranch work two years, then engaged in the railway train service as brakeman and afterwards fireman. He was engaged in this line of work about two years and later in general merchandise business at Butte, Montana, and Denver, Colo¬ rado. In 1893 he returned to Missouri and engaged in farming six miles south of Windsor, Missouri. In 1897 he began farming the home place where he now lives. He inherited fifty-three acres, and has acquired more land from time to time and now owns 675 acres, 500 of which are in Pettis County. He has carried on general farming and stock raising but has given more special attention to feeding cattle for the market and generally has from 200 to 300 head. He has found cattle feeding to be his most profitable department and is one of the successful feeders of Pettis County.

Mr. Lewis was married February 12, 1893, to Miss Eliza McMillin, who was born in Gasconade County, Missouri, October 5, 1868. She is a daughter of John B. and Mary (Anderson) McMillin. The McMillin family settled in Benton County, Missouri, about 1867. The father died in Windsor, Missouri, in 1902, aged seventy years. His wife preceded him in death a number of years, having departed this life in 1878, aged thirty-five years. Four children have been born to Victor and Eliza (McMillin) Lewis, as follow: John W., born March 17, 1895, in Windsor, Missouri, is now serving in the United States army at Camp McArthur, Waco, Texas, having been called to the service in September, 1918 ; Leland, residing at home with his parents; Milford and Mary, both residing at home with their parents.

Mr. Lewis is a Democrat and a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He is a progressive and public spirited citizen and stands ever ready to contribute his part for the betterment and upbuilding of the community.

Washington Stark, now deceased, was an early settler in Pettis County and a prominent factor in the affairs of this section of the State for many years, during his active career. He contributed to the develop¬ ment of Pettis County from an industrial, educational and moral stand¬ point. He was of that sturdy type of man who laid the foundation of the great West upon which the present generation is building and upon which the safety of the future depends.

Washington Stark is a descendant of the Stark family of Revolu¬ tionary fame in this country, and no name coupled with the Colonies' struggle for independence shines with greater luster on the pages of American history than the name Stark. Mr. Stark was born in Pike County, Missouri, March 10, 1834. His parents were Judge James and Jane (Watts) Stark. Seventeen children were born to them, of whom Washington Stark was the fourteenth in order of birth. He was the

Judge James Stark and his wife were natives of Kentucky. Judge James Stark went from Kentucky to Pike County, Missouri, in 1816. He drove through the wilderness with ox teams and carts, bringing with him his family, household goods, etc. He also brought apple seedlings and slips with which the famous Stark nursery had its beginning. This nursery, the headquarters of which are now located at Louisiana, Mis¬ souri, has been in the hands of the Stark family for four generations, and has developed into the largest nursery in the United States.

Much has been written on numerous occasions concerning the promi¬ nence of the Stark family during Colonial times, and the services per¬ formed by that family in the Revolutionary War, and suffice it is to con¬ fine ourselves in a work of this character more to the immediate family and biographical review of Washington Stark, the subject of this sketch, whose life and career were intimately associated with Pettis County. Among others who have written at length on the history of the Stark farfiily is Hon. Champ Clark, who has given a very clear and concise review of this prominent old American family.

Washington Stark was reared in Pike County and received a good education. When he was a young man, his father gave him Government land in Green Ridge township, Pettis County, of which the father held a Government grant. This land is situated in section 3 and consists of 400 acres of valuable land which Mrs. Stark now owns. Washington Stark was engaged in farming in Pettis County after coming here in 1854 until the Civil War broke out. When that great conflict came on, he first became a member of the State Guards and was stationed at Sedalia and was soon commissioned captain of a company and served in that capacity practically through the war. At the close of the war he returned to his farm and was successfully engaged in farming and stock raising for a number of years. He was a man of keen judgment, close observation and a constant student of men and events. In 1891 he rented his farm and moved to Windsor. There he helped organize the Citizens Bank, which was organized several years before his removal to Windsor, of which he was president for several years. In fact, he held that office until the time of his death. He was at qne time mayor of Windsor and was prominent in the public affairs of that town. Politically he was ever a stanch supporter of the policies and principles of the Democratic party. He was not a lodge member, neither did he hold membership in any particular church, but he was a broad minded Christian gentleman and the personification of liberality towards all creeds and denominations.

Washington Stark was united in marriage in 1856 to Miss Martha W. Whitledge, who was born in Pike County, Missouri, October 18, 1836, a daughter of Thomas B. and Christina (Jacoby) Whitledge. Thomas B. Whitledge was born in Pike County, Missouri, and was engaged in business there practically all his life. The Jacoby family are of old Ken¬ tucky stock and were related to Daniel Boone, whose name and fame is inseparably linked with the early history of Kentucky.

To Washington Stark and wife have been born seven children, two of whom died in infancy: Mrs. Augusta Pepper, who resides in Windsor; Mrs. Cora Shelton, Windsor, Missouri; Lewis, resides with his mother in Windsor, and Martha, married Doctor Draper, now residing at Co¬ lumbia, Missouri, while her children are attending the university, but her permanent home is in Windsor, Missouri.

Mrs. Stark resides in Windsor, where she has a splendid home, al¬ though she still retains the home farm of 400 acres in Pettis County. She is an estimable lady and a member of the Christian Church.

James A. Fleming, vice-president of the LaMonte Bank, who is also extensively interested in farming and stock raising, is one of the pro¬ gressive and enterprising business men of LaMonte. Mr. Fleming was born in LaMonte, September 19, 1868, a son of John S. and Eliza R. (Routsong) Fleming, the former a native of Virginia, and the latter, of Maryland. They were the parents of four children, two of whom are now living. James A., the subject of this sketch, and Mrs. R. H. Wheeler, who resides in La Monte, Missouri.

John S. Fleming came to Pettis County in 1858, and engaged in farming in LaMonte township. He was an extensive farmer and stockman, and had a very successful business career. At the time of his death he owned about 900 acres of land. He was active in a number of other enterprises, as well as farming and stock raising. He was one of the organizers of the LaMonte Bank, and for sixteen years was president of that institution. He was a public-spirited citizen, and did business on a big scale. He was a lifelong Democrat, and a member of the Meth¬ odist Church South. He retired from active participation in business affairs the last few years of his life, and died in May, 1916, at the advanced age of eighty-eight years. His widow now resides in LaMonte

James A. Fleming was reared on the home farm, in LaMonte town¬ ship, and educated in the public schools and Central College, at Fayette. He then worked in the LaMonte Bank for a time, when he went to Kansas, where he, with Mr. C. B. Littlefield and George Talpey, of Knob Noster. organized the Cassoday Bank of Cassoday, Kansas, and operated it about three years. He was then employed as office manager at the Stock Yards in Kansas City, Missouri, for a livestock commission com¬ pany. In 1908 he returned to LaMonte and engaged in farming and stock raising, and also interested in banking. He owns 520 acres of val¬ uable land and, in addition to carrying on the livestock business, he directs the operation of the farm work on his place.

Mr. Fleming is a Democrat, and takes a keen interest in public affairs. He is a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the Knights of Pythias, and is a Knights Templar Mason and a member of the Mystic Shrine. He is one of the capable business men of Pettis County.

Henry Gregory, a well-known farmer and stockman of Green Ridge township, has been a resident of Pettis County over fifty years. Mr. Gregory was born in England April 16, 1841, a son of Henry and Jane (Laney) Gregory, both natives of England. The father died in his native land in 1852, and the following year the mother with her children immi¬ grated to America and settled at Waterloo, New York. There Henry Gregory grew to manhood and attended school some, although his prin¬ cipal task, from the time he was eleven years of age, was to assist his mother in the support of the family. He worked in a tannery, where his duty was to grind tanbark in an old-fashioned mill used for that purpose. He walked two miles to and from his work each day, and received for his labor twenty-five cents per day. When he was sixteen vears old he began work at the carpenters' trade for an uncle. After learning the trade he was engaged in building houses in the vicinity of Waterloo, until 1867. He then went to St. Louis, Missouri, where he engaged in the oil business. This venture did not prove a success. He then decided that he wanted a farm, and in 1868 he came to Pettis County, where he has since been engaged in farming and stock raising, and has met with very satisfactory results. He now owns 139 acres of land in Pettis County, eighty acres of which is in Green Ridge township and fifty-two acres in Washington township. His property is well

Henry Gregory And Wife

Mr. Gregory was first married, in 1870, to Miss Mary M. Lambert, a daughter of John and Margaret (Sutliff) Lambert, of Waterloo, New York. The following children were born to this union: Clara L., resides at home with her father; Isaac L., Washington township, Pettis County; Henry E., Rochester, New York, and Herbert S., who resides on the home place. The mother of these children died in 1883. On October 13, 1893, Mr. Gregory was married to Miss Ellen Alice Lambert, a native of Waterloo, New York, born June 14, 1855. She is a sister of Mr. Gregory's first wife.

Mr. Gregory has always supported the policies of the Republican party. He was reared in the Episcopal faith. His children attend the Congregational Church. Mr. Gregory has an extensive acquaintance, and during his long and honorable career in Pettis County has made many friends. He has lived a good Christian life and has never, know¬ ingly, done a wrong to his fellow-men.

Everett A. Wood, M. D., one of the leading physicians and surgeons of this Section of the State, is a native of Pettis County. Doctor Wood was born about five miles northeast of Sedalia March 26, 1864. He is a son of John L. and Adaline (Vickers) Wood, both natives of Kentucky. The father came to Missouri when a young man and first settled in Henry County, where he was engaged in farming until the Civil War broke out. He then came to Pettis County and was also engaged in farming here until the close of the war, when he returned to Henry County and spent the remainder of his life there. He was born in Kentucky in 1836 and died in Clinton, Missouri, in 1916. The mother was born in Ken¬ tucky in 1844 and died in Clinton, Missouri, in 1914. They were both members of the Baptist Church. To John L. and Adaline (Vickers) Wood were born the following children': Dr. Everett A., the subject of this sketch ; Mrs. Ella T. Puntney, Kansas City, Missouri ; Herman, a cabi¬ net maker, Kansas City, Missouri, and Harry, a decorator.

Doctor Wood spent his boyhood days on the home farm and attended the district school, and later took a course at William Jewell College, Liberty, Missouri. He then taught school for a time. In 1885 he engaged in the real estate business at Clark County, Kansas, remaining there until 1888. He then went to Keokuk, Iowa, where he was employed as book¬ keeper in a wholesale grocery house until 1893. He then entered the

After completing his medical course, Doctor Wood engaged in the practice of his profession at Sedalia. His skill and ability as a physician was soon recognized and it was not long until he had a good practice. In 1905 he founded the Maywood Hospital, the institution being named in honor of his wife. Doctor Wood conducted this hospital in connection with his practice until 1915, when he sold it to the Sisters of the Incarnate Word and it is now known as St. Mary's Hospital, and is situated on the corner of Broadway and Ohio street. Doctor Wood then erected a build¬ ing on West Fifth, corner Osage and Fifth streets, which is known as the Wood Building. This is a two story structure, the second floor of which is specially designed for physicians' offices and besides Doctor Wood's office, three other physicians occupy this floor. These offices are commodious, conveniently arranged and have all the conveniences of any offices to be found anywhere.

Doctor Wood was first married in 1888 to Miss Stella Picken, a native of Carthage, Illinois. She died in 1900. Two children were born to that union: Paul, died in infancy, and Ruth, who is a graduate of Maryland College, Baltimore, Maryland, and is now taking a special course of study at the Hull House, Chicago, Illinois. In 1903 Doctor Wood was married to Miss May Jaynes, who was bom and reared in Sedalia in the house which later was converted into a hospital by Doctor Wood, as above men¬ tioned and given the name, Maywood, by the combination of Mrs. Wood's name, May Wood. Mrs. Wood is a daughter of Col. A. D. Jaynes, who was treasurer of the Missouri, Kansas & Texas Railroad Company and who also organized the First National Bank of Sedalia. He and his wife are now deceased. A sketch of Col. A. D. Jaynes appears in this volume.

Doctor Wood is a close student of the science of his profession. In fact he has been a student all his life, and early in life acquired the habit of thoroughness which no doubt was the foundation for the success which he has attained in his chosen field.

Harry E. Agee, editor and publisher of the "LaMonte Record," is one of the live, progressive newspaper men of Pettis County, and a descendant of one of the pioneer families of this county. Mr. Agee is a native son of Pettis County. He was born on a farm, about one mile west of LaMonte, February 18, 1879, and is a son of William H. and Nannie (Terry) Agee.

William H. Agee is also a native of Pettis County, bom in April, 1857. He is a son of William Agee, a Kentuckian, as was also his wife. William Agee settled in Pettis County, on Flat Creek, about 1832. He laid out the town of Dresden, Missouri, of which he was the founder, and for a number of years was engaged in the mercantile business in this county in the early days. William H. Agee was educated in the town of Dresden, and in early life began clerking in his father's store. He has practically spent his life in the mercantile business. In 1888 he moved to LaMonte, where he has since conducted a hardware store, and is one of the prominent merchants of that thriving town. William H. Agee was united in marriage to Miss Nannie Terry, a daughter of Vincent Terry, an early settler in Pettis County. To this union were born the following children: Harry E., the subject of this sketch: Ollie G., engaged in the hardware business with his father, in LaMonte; Estella, married W. C. Maltby, Tulsa, Oklahoma; Herbert, resides in St. Louis, Missouri, and Walter D., city editor Sedalia "Democrat," Sedalia.

Harry E. Agee received his education in the LaMonte public schools, attending the high school there, and in early life, assisted in his father's store, when not attending school. He then worked for a time in the printing office at LaMonte, and after becoming proficient in typesetting, he went to Sedalia, in 1901. Here he was employed on the "Sentinel" and the "Daily Capital," remaining there until 1903. He then returned to LaMonte and purchased the "LaMonte Record." This is one of the old newspapers of the county, having Jbeen established flby John W. Baldwin, in 1882. Since purchasing this paper, in 1903, Mr. Agee has made substantial success with it, built up a large circulation and estab¬ lished a very satisfactory job printing business, notwithstanding the fact that he met with a loss by fire in 1909, which completely destroyed his plant. This disaster occurred just after he had his plant equipped with a good, complete line of modem machinery. However, he pro¬ ceeded at once to rebuild and install new machinery, and today, he has one of the well equipped small printing plants of the county, and has built up a pleasant and profitable business. Mr. Agee is a member of the Christian Church, and his political views are Democratic, as is the policy of his newspaper. He has served as city clerk of LaMonte. He has manifested a fondness and evinced an exceptional ability for writing since boyhood, and his well-edited newspaper bears testimony that journalism is his proper sphere.

Wilbur D. Wade, of LaMonte, a man of extensive interests in western Pettis County, is one of the notable examples in this county of what can be accomplished by a young man of ability and ambition with a determination to succeed. Mr. Wade is a native of Virginia. He was born in Highland County, Virginia, March 27, 1855, and is a son of William McCoy and Nancy (Ruckman) Wade, who were the parents of thirteen children, six of whom are living, as follow: Mary Anne, bom August 24, 1838, married William Gum and died July 20, 1904; Samuel R., born December 12, 1839, and during the Civil War he enlisted in the Confederate army in Cooper County, Missouri, was wounded in battle and, after recovering from his wounds, was murdered while on his way to join his regiment, which was with General Price's army; Mrs. Matilda F. Weedin (a sketch of the Weedin family history appears in this volume) ; Mrs. Margaret Winston (a sketch of the Winston family also appears in this volume) ; James S., born May 16, 1846, and died January 6, 1907 ; Reuben Alexander, born January 8, 1848, and resides in Los Angeles, California; Sarah 1., married T. M. Bobbitt, a sketch of whom appears in this volume; John R., bora January 17, 1852, now resides in Kansas City, Missouri; Virginia A., born October 2, 1853, married Joe Smith and lives in Pueblo, Colorado; Nancy Alice Adella, born March 27, 1855, and died at the age of four years; Wilbur D., the subject of this sketch, a twin brother of Nancy Alice Adella; Manila C., born March 28, 1857, married William Burton, and died in 1913, and Anson L., born December 21, 1858, and died in infancy.

William McCoy Wade was born in Bath County, now Highland County, Virginia, January 12, 1817. He lived in Virginia until 1859, when he came to Missouri with his family and settled in Cooper County. He remained there until March, 1865, when he came to Pettis County, and settled on a farm about ten miles northwest of LaMonte. He was a farmer all his life, and at the time of his death was the owner of about 100 arces of land. He was an industrious and hard-working man, and met with a reasonable degree of success, although he met with some reverses, including the depressing period of the Civil War. He reared a large family, and well deserves to be recorded among the honored pioneers of Missouri. He died November 17, 1881. Nancy (Ruckman) Wade, mother of Wilbur D. Wade, was born in Highland County, Virginia, August 20, 1816, and died in Phelph City, Missouri, March 22, 1882. She was a devout Christian woman, and she and her husband belonged to the Methodist Church South.

Wilbur D. Wade was four and one-haif years old when his parents came to Missouri, and ten years old when they settled in Pettis County. He had attended school before coming to Pettis County, but received the principal part of his education in the public schools of Blackwater township. He remained on the home farm with his father until 1875, when he went to LaMonte and learned telegraphy, under the preceptorship of his brother, John R., who was at that time employed as telegraph operator for the Missouri Pacific Railroad Company, at LaMonte. After learning telegraphy Mr. Wade was employed as a telegraph operator at various stations on the Missouri, Kansas & Texas railroad, and also was

In 1881 Mr. Wade returned to Pettis County, bought the old home farm, which his father owned, and engaged in farming and stock raising. He has also been an extensive feeder of cattle for the market. In addition to his farming and stock operations, he traveled on the road for six years, for a St. Louis grain commission house, and while thus engaged he got his first real financial start. He worked hard and saved his money. He has bought more land, from time to time, until he now owns 1,265 acres of some of Pettis County's best land. His farm property is all located in LaMonte township except 346 acres, which is in Elk Fork township. His property is all well improved, and under a high state of cultivation. He has built a number of large, commodious barns and nice residences. He carries on general farming and stock raising, and feeds cattle and hogs on an extensive scale. Mr. Wade has resided in LaMonte since 1889, where he built a magnificent fourteen-room residence, in 1914. This is a modern structure throughout, luxuriously furnished, and one of the finest homes in Pettis County. It is built of stone and stuccoed, and this place is known as "Wayside Farm."

On October 14, 1886, Wilbur D. Wade was united in marriage with Miss Anna M. Snoddy, who was born in Pettis County, June 10, 1864. She is a daughter of Dr. William D. and Elnor (Brown) Snoddy, natives of Virginia and Franklin County, Missouri, respectively. Doctor Snoddy was a pioneer physician of Pettis County, and lived at old Georgetown in the early fifties. He entered government land, southwest of LaMonte, where he lived until 1882, when he retired and moved to LaMonte. He died in Warrensburg in 1910, aged about eighty-eight years. To Mr. and Mrs. Wilbur D. Wade have been born two sons: Lawrence L., who lives

Mr. Wade is a Democrat, and takes a commendable interest in public affairs. He was elected mayor of LaMonte in 1916, and has given that town one of the best administrations that it ever had. He is a member of the Christian Church, in which he is an elder, and takes an active interest in Sunday school work. He is a Knights Templar Mason and a member of the Mystic Shrine, and belongs to the Modern Woodmen of America. Mr. Wade has worked hard, and he has been justly rewarded by success, and the story of his career should act as an inspira¬ tion to the young men of today, who are willing to make an honest endeavor to attain success. Mr. Wade is public spirited and patriotic, and has always been a liberal contributor to charitable institutions, churches and all patriotic movements during the great World War.

Paul L. Wensell, secretary and manager of the LaMonte Milling & Grain Company, is the active head of one of LaMonte's important busi¬ ness institutions. This business was orgainzed in 1893 by M. H. Morris, who is now a prominent real estate man in Sedalia; C. W. Ruddy, who is still interested in the business, and Paul L. Wensell, the subject of this sketch, and these three gentlemen still constitute the firm. Mr. Morris is president, Mr. Ruddy treasurer and Mr. Wensell secretary and manager. In 1910 they built an elevator. The mill is 40x80 feet in dimension and is equipped with all modern machinery for grinding meal and feed. They handle meal, feed, grain and flour but do not manufacture flour, as the other products fully tax the capacity of their plant. This is one of the thriving industries of LaMonte. In 1917 they shipped 85,000 bushels of corn and in 1918, 130,000 bushels of wheat to Kansas City and St. Louis.

Paul L. Wensell is a native son of Pettis County. He was born in LaMonte March 19, 1876, and is a son of Aaron L. and Amanda (Reed) Wensell. They were the parents of eight children, all of whom are liv¬ ing, Paul L., of this sketch, being the third in order of birth.

Aaron L. Wensell was born in Ohio in 1838. He served in the Civil War and in 1870 came to Pettis County, Missouri, and for a number of ye£fc*s was engaged in railroading. Shortly after coming to Pettis County he became a locomotive engineer on the Missouri, Kansas & Texas rail¬ road out of Sedalia. However, he was an experienced railroad man when he came to Missouri. Later in life he operated a threshing machine. He died in LaMonte in 1896. Amanda (Reed) Wensell, mother of Paul L. Wensell, is a native of Pennsylvania and now resides in LaMonte. She is a member of the Presbyterian Church, as was her late husband.

Paul L. Wensell was reared in LaMonte and educated in the public schools and has been engaged in the milling business at LaMonte prac¬ tically all his life. He was united in marriage in 1909 with Miss Maggie Shelley, a native of Blackwater township, Pettis County. She is a grad¬ uate of the LaMonte High School and the State Normal School at Warrensburg, Missouri.

Mr. and Mrs. Wensell are member of the Presbyterian Church, and he belongs to the Modern Woodmen of America. Politically he is a Republican.

Earl Stanton Elliott, an enterprising and successful agriculturist of LaMonte township, is a native son of Pettis County. He was born in Hughesville, August 15, 1886, and is a son of Joseph and Carrie (Berry) Elliott, early settlers in the vicinity of Hughesville. Earl Stanton Elliott was one of a family of seven children born to his parents, five of whom are living. Mr. Elliott received his education in the district schools and the Hughesville High School. In 1908 he engaged in farming on his own account and has operated rented land extensively. He is now farm¬ ing 485 acres of land in LaMonte township which he rents from W. D. Wade. In addition to this, he owns 172 acres in Johnson County which he purchased in 1917. He carries on general farming and stock raising and has met with a very satisfactory degree of success.

Mr. Elliott has been twice married. In 1908 he was married to Sallie Aldridge, a native of Pettis County and a daughter of James and Anna (Howe) Aldridge, early settlers of this county. To this union was born one son, James Spencer Elliott. Mrs. Elliott departed this life in 1912. In 1915 Mr. Elliott wras united in marriage with Miss Catherine Knight, a native of Pettis County and a daughter of James W. and Izora (Hatton) Knight. James W. Knight is a former superintendent of schools of Pettis County. To Mr. and Mrs. Elliott has been bom one child, Stella Grace.

Mr. Elliott is a supporter of the policies and principles of the Demo¬ cratic party and his fraternal affiliations are with the Modern Woodmen of America. He is one of Pettis County's substantial young men who is making good.

Lewis T. Berry, a well-known farmer and stockman of Prairie town¬ ship, belongs to a pioneer family of Missouri. He was born near Linneus, Linn County, Missouri, February 8, 1857, a son of John R. and Eliza (Wright) Berry. The father was born in Kentucky, and came to Mis¬ souri just after the Civil War closed. He engaged in the mercantile busi¬ ness at St. Joseph, and later was in business at Holden and at other places in western Missouri. The mother was a native of Virginia. They are both now deceased. They were the parents of six children, two of whom are now living: James H., who resides in Los Angeles, California, and Lewis T., whose name introduces this sketch.

Lewis T. Berry was reared, principally, in Pettis County, his parents having settled here about the time the Missouri, Kansas & Texas Rail¬ road was being constructed. In early life he worked as a farm hand, and for a time worked for Mr. Hubbard, a dairyman at Sedalia, remain¬ ing with him about five years. He then entered the railway service as engine caller, and began firing about 1878, and later was promoted to locomotive engineer. About 1886 he resigned and bought his present farm, in Prairie township, which at that time had very little improve¬ ments on it, with the exception of an unpretentious pine cabin. Mr. Berry has made extensive improvements, and now has one of the wellimproved and productive farms of the county, where he is successfully carrying on general farming and stock raising.

Mr. Berry was united in marriage November 17, 1880, with Miss Lizzie Davidson, a native of Pettis County, and a daughter of J. T. and Angeline (Warren) Davidson. Mrs. Berry was born August 1, 1863, and departed this life January 19, 1916. To Mr. and Mrs. Berry were born four children: Lena, deceased; Edna, married C. A. Richards, Dresden township; Thomas L., lives in Pettis County, and Hazel, resides at home with her father.

When Mr. Berry was a child, he passed through the experience of being stolen by the Indians - an experience common to a certain extent in the Colonial, or even later history of our country, but there are few of the present age or generation who have such an adventure to their credit. When the Berry family lived at St. Joseph, Missouri, where the father was engaged in the wholesale mercantile business, the Berry home was located on about an acre of ground, and young Lewis and his brother were playing in the yard one day, and the Indians, who were plentiful in that vicinity, kidnapped Lewis, who was the younger of the two boys, he being about three years old. The Indians started for their camp with the child. The mother missed her boy, and immediately an alarm was given and a posse formed, which went in pursuit of the Indians and in a short time located the child and, after much parleying, the Indians surrendered the boy without a fight. This, perhaps, is an expe¬ rience that no living person in Pettis County has ever had.

John M. Baldwin, a prominent farmer and breeder and president of the Farmers Bank at LaMonte, is a native of Kentucky. He was born May 13, 1856, at Maysville, Mason County, Kentucky, the son of Robert L. and Sallie E. (Metcalf) Baldwin, both natives of Kentucky who spent their lives in that State. The father was a farmer. He died in 1866 at the age of forty-five years. The mother died in 1862, aged forty years. They were the parents of two children, John M. Baldwin, the subject of this sketch, and Mrs. Emma T. Patterson, now deceased.

Mr. Baldwin was left an orphan at an early age, being only a little past five years old when his mother died, and only nine years old at the time of his father's death. After the death of his father, he was reared under the guardianship of W. W. Baldwin, an uncle. He was educated in the schools of Kentucky and the University of Virginia, at Charlottes¬ ville, Virginia. When he was twenty years of age he entered the employ of his uncle as bookkeeper in a plow factory which his uncle operated. In 1879 Mr. Baldwin came to Missouri and settled in Lafayette County, where he remained about eighteen months. He then went back to Ken¬ tucky, but remained a short time, however, when he returned to Mis¬ souri and engaged in farming and stock raising in Pettis County, near Dresden. In 1904 he located on his present place in LaMonte township. Here he has 460 acres of well improved land, under a high state of cul¬ tivation. It is one of the fine farms of Pettis County and is known as "Auvergne," which translated into English means Evergreen. The resi¬ dence is located on section 24. Mr. Baldwin carries on general farming and stock raising and makes a specialty of breeding Shropshire sheep, and for thirty-two years has been a successful breeder of these sheep. He was one of the organizers of the Farmers Bank of LaMonte, which began business in 1914, and has been president of that institution since its organization. Further mention is made of the Farmers Bank of La¬ Monte elsewhere in this volume in the chapter on banks. The field of banking is by no means a new venture for Mr. Baldwin. He has been interested in the banking business in Pettis County for a number of years and was one of the organizers of the Sedalia National Bank.

Mr. Baldwin was married in October, 1883, to Miss Nannie L. Cat¬ ron, a native of Lafayette County, Missouri. Her parents were also natives of Missouri. To Mr. and Mrs. Baldwin have been born six chil¬ dren, as follow: Robert Lee, an electrical engineer, Kansas City, Mis¬ souri; Dolf, at home; Elizabeth, resides at home; Mrs. Emma Denton, LaMonte township; John M., Jr., in training for Government service in the University of Missouri at Columbia, and one child died in infancy.

Mr. Baldwin is a stanch supporter of the policies and principles of the Democratic party and is a member of the Methodist Church, South. He is a Knights Templar Mason and a member of the Mystic Shrine, hold¬ ing membership in the Blue Lodge and chapter at LaMonte, the Commandery at Sedalia and the Shrine at Kansas City, Missouri.

The business career of Mr. Baldwin may truthfully be said to be a successful one. He has not only succeeded for himself but in so doing he has contributed to the development of the great resources of Pettis County and Missouri.

Wilbur Ewers Files. - For many years it has been a recognized fact in this country that the raising of standard stock is one of the most important features confronting the stock raiser of the present and future. A number of stockmen have invaded this important field of stock hus¬ bandry, but, like all other important vocations, the sphere of the success¬ ful breeded requires especial knowledge, as well as study and application, to win success. Some have failed altogether, others have succeeded along special lines. We frequently find a man who is a successful breeder of some particular breed of horses, and others, various breeds of cattle, sheep, etc. It is a rare instance, where we find a man who has won a state-wide reputation as a breeder of horses, cattle, hogs and sheep. Such a man is Wilbur Ewers Files, whose name introduces this sketch. He is one of the successful breeders in the state of Missouri, and is recognized as such by those who are in the best position to know.

Mr. Files is a native of Ohio, born near Mount Vernon, Ohio, April 14, 1863, and is a son of William S. and Martha Ann (Ewers) Files. William S. Files, the father, was a native of Maine, born at Belfast Bay, June 11, 1824. When about eleven years of age he moved to Ohio with his parents, where he was reared and educated, and spent his boyhood days on a farm. In 1852 he was married to Miss Martha A. Ewers, a daughter of Robert Ewers. William S. Files continued fanning in Ohio until 1866, when he came to Missouri and settled in Pettis County, on a farm near Dresden. In 1876 he took charge of the LaMonte House, which was the principal hotel in LaMonte, and conducted it for a number of years prior to his death.

Wilbur Ewers Files was about three years of age when his parents settled in Pettis County, and here he was reared and received his educa¬ tion in the public schools. He has made farming, stock raising and breeding his life's work. He owns a splendid farm of 240 acres of wellimproved land, with commodious dwelling and other farm buildings, located in section 23, LaMonte township. Mr. Files is a breeder of Hol¬ stein cattle, Percheron horses, Mammoth Jacks and Jennys, and Shrop¬ shire sheep. He is also extensively engaged in the dairy business, and feeds cattle for the market. All his stock are either registered or eligible to registration. For the past three years he has exhibited Percheron horses at the Missouri State Fair, and taken the grand champion prize. At the last fair his seven-year-old mare was awarded first prize. His stallion, "Champaigne" No. 46,934, took the first prize at the State Fair. This horse was imported from France, and was bred by the French government. The horse was imported by McLaughlin Bros., of Columbus, Ohio, in 1904. Mr. Files bought this horse from S. E. Martin, and owned him for a number of years. This is one of the best horses ever owned in Pettis County. Mr. Files conducts an extensive dairying business, which is in thorough keeping with all his methods, and is carried on on a scientific basis.

Mr. Files was united in marriage January 21, 1904, with Miss Ursula Terry, who was born in LaMonte, and her parents moved to the farm where she now resides, when she was two and a half years old. She is a daughter of Thomas and Nancy (Ewing) Terry, who now reside in LaMonte. To Mr. and Mrs. Files have been born two children, Wilbur Terry and Claire E., both residing at home.

Mr. Files is a Republican, and is a member of the Christian Church. He belongs to the Modern Woodmen of America and the Masonic Lodge. He also holds membership in the Holstein Friesian Company of Sedalia. In addition to his other numerous interests, Mr. Files is a stockholder and director in the LaMonte Telephone Company. He is a man well known, not only in Pettis County but throughout the State, and has done and is doing as much as any other man in Pettis County to encourage the raising of better stock.

Jefferson Davis Woodward, a successful farmer and stockman of LaMonte township, is a native of Kentucky. He was born in Montgomery County August 17, 1861, a son of Richard M. and Cynthia (Faulkner) Woodward. They were the parents of nine children. Richard M. Wood¬ ward was born near Lexington, Kentucky, in 1838. He grew to manhood in his native State, and followed farming there until 1882, when he came to Pettis County and settled in LaMonte township, where he followed farming until his death, in 1905. He was an industrious man and a suc¬ cessful farmer and stockman. He took a commendable interest in public affairs, and was a lifelong Democrat. His wife, Cynthia (Faulkner) Woodward, was born in Powell County, Kentucky, December 25, 1841, and now resides in LaMonte, Missouri. She is a member of the Christian Church.

Jefferson Davis Woodward was reared in Kentucky and educated in the public schools of his native State, and came to Missouri in 1882, about a month after his parents came here. Farming and stock raising has been Mr. Woodward's life occupation. He remained at home and followed farming with his father for a number of years. He and his father bought part of Mr. Woodward's present farm in partnership, and Mr. Woodward is now the sole owner, having purchased his father's interest in 1896. He has made extensive improvements on the place, built a large silo, as well as other modern improvements. He owns 121 acres of land, which is situated in section 22, LaMonte township. Mr. Woodward carries on general farming and stock raising, in which he has been very successful, and for the last fifteen years he has been a breeder of Poland China hogs and Holstein cattle. He is a member of the Pettis County Holstein Friesian Company.

Mr. Woodward was married March 14, 1894, to Louisa Fisher, a native of Callaway County, and a daughter of Walter and Mattie (Terry) Fisher, the former a native of West Virginia, and the latter of Callaway County, Missouri. The Fisher family came to LaMonte about 1903, and 1905 moved to Arkansas, and 1916 returned to LaMonte, where the father died, 1917, and where the mother now resides with her youngest daughter, Miss Edna Fisher. To Mr. and Mrs. Woodward have been born the fol¬ lowing children: Ralph B., born May 9, 1895, enlisted in the United States army after this country entered the World War, and is now serv¬ ing in the construction department of the Aviation Corps in France; Mary, a student at Missouri University; Paul, deceased; Clarence, residing

John W. Johnston, a successful and well-known farmer and stockman of LaMonte township, is a native of Missouri. He was born in Benton County August 29, 1869. His parents were William and Mary (Johnston) Johnston. They were the parents of six children, John W. being the only one who resides in Pettis County. William Johnston was a native of Scotland and, when a young man, he came to American and settled in Sangamon County, Illinois, prior to the Civil War. There he met and was married to Miss Mary Johnston, who was also a native of Scotland. William Johnston and his wife came to Missouri in 1859, and settled in Benton County. The father was engaged in farming and stock raising, and they spent the remainder of their liveg in that county. The father died in 1904, aged seventy-four years, and the mother departed this life in 1889, aged forty-nine years. They were highly respected people, and prominent in Benton County.

John W. Johnston was reared and educated in Benton County. He was reared on a farm and has made farming his life's vocation. He fol¬ lowed farming in Benton County, where he owned the old Johnston home¬ stead until 1904. He then sold his farm in that county, and removed to Pettis County, and in 1910, bought his present farm in LaMonte town¬ ship. This place consists of 200 acres; it is well improved, and under a high state of cultivation, and is one of Pettis County's valuable farms. Mr. Johnston has made valuable improvements and has recently built a large silo. He carries on farming and stock raising, and is now making a specialty of breeding Aberdeen Angus cattle, and has a herd of eight head of pure-bred cattle of this breed.

Mr. Johnston was married in December, 1899, to Miss Jessie Rolstin, a native of Benton County, Missouri, and a daughter of David R. and Josephine (Chastain) Rolstin, the former a native of Canada, and the latter of Benton County, Missouri. To Mr. and Mrs. Johnston have been bom one son, John R., who resides at home with his parents. Mr. John¬ ston is a member of the Knights of the Maccabees, and he and Mrs. John¬ ston are members of the Christian Church. Mr. Johnston is one of the progressive citizens of Pettis County, and a supporter of any worthy movement, or enterprise, which tends to the betterment of the community. He is interested in the Farmers Bank of LaMonte, in which he is a stock¬ holder.

Dennis Connor, of LaMonte township, is an early settler in Missouri and for many years has been engaged in farming and stock raising in Pettis County, where he has met with success, and is one of the sub¬ stantial citizens of this county. He began life a poor boy, but by hard the owner of 320 acres of valuable land in LaMonte township. Mr. Connor was born in County Kerry, Ireland, in 1842, a son of Humphrey and Mary (English) Connor.

When Dennis Connor was eight years old, in 1850, he was brought to America by his parents, who settled in Kentucky. The father followed railroad construction work. The family removed to Missouri prior to the Civil War and the father was employed on the construction of the Wabash railroad. Shortly afterwards he came to Pettis County, where he was engaged in farming until the time of his death, in 1878. He was seventy-four years old when he died. The mother was also a native of Ireland. She died in 1890, aged eighty years.

Dennis Connor worked on railroad construction work when a young man in the capacity of teamster. When the Civil War broke out he was engaged as a teamster in the employ of the United States Government. In this capacity he hauled supplies for the United States troops to vari¬ ous points from Sedalia. Shortly after the close of the war he engaged in farming in Pettis County with his father, northeast of LaMonte. He sold this place in 1881 and purchased his present farm in 1881 and has made practically all the improvements that are on this place, including the fine residence and other farm buildings.

Mr. Connor was married in 1868 to Miss Ellen Clifford, a native of Ireland, who was brought to the United States by her parents when she was five years old. She is a daughter of John and Katherine (Coffey) Clifford. They came to Missouri about 1855 and settled in Johnson County, where they spent the remainder of their lives. The both died at Warrensburg. To Mr. and Mrs. Connor have been born eight children, as follow: Dennis, Jr., lives in Kansas City, Missouri; Anna, resides at home with her parents; John, at home with his parents; Mrs. Emma Brosnahan, lives in Kansas City, Missouri; Agnes, married A. Cross and they live in LaMonte township; Lula, married P. J. Devine and they reside in Cooper County, Missouri ; James, lives in LaMonte township, and Dora, at home with her parents.

affairs. He and his family are members of the Catholic Church. Mr. Connor has spent over half a century of his life in Pettis County and is well worthy of being classified as a worthy pioneer in a work of this character. When he first came to this county, the present site of the city of Sedalia was an open stretch of prairie, with some swamp land during rainy weather, and the county was mostly an open and unbroken country. He has seen many changes worked out in this county since the days of the Civil War. While he has been handicapped on account of a limited education, he has gone on and succeeded to a very consid¬ erable extent by hard work and the application of good, sound, practical judgment. He is now living practically retired, while his sons carry on the work of the home place.

John W. Sims, who is associated with the Morris Real Estate and Loan Company of Sedalia, is one of the progressive business men of Pettis County. Mr. Sims is a native of Missouri. He was born in Audrain County, and is a son of Benjamin 0. and Luella (Walden) Sims, both natives of Audrain County and descendants of pioneer families of that section of the State. Benjamin 0. Sims was engaged in farming and stock raising for a number of years but is now engaged in the banking business at Welletka, Oklahoma.

John W. Sims is the eldest of a family of eight children born to his parents. He was educated in the public schools of Mexico, Missouri, and the Sproul Academy. He then took a general business course and studied law at the Gem City Business College at Quincy, Illinois. After com¬ pleting his business course, Mr. Sims engaged in the land business in Texas. In 1904 he promoted the handling of 42,000 acres of land in Texas which involved the founding of the town of Kingsville, Texas, which now has a population of from eight to ten thousand people. This town is located on the St. Louis, Brownsville & Mexico railroad. In 1908 Mr. Sims came to Sedalia and since that time has been associated with the Morris Real Estate and Loan Company, one of the leading institu¬ tions/ of its kind in Pettis County.

Mr. Sims was united in marriage June 26, 1906, With Miss Edna T. Morris, a daughter of Wilber T. Morris, a sketch of whom appears in this volume. To Mr. and Mrs. Sims have been born two children, Wilber Morris and Elouise.

Mr. Sims is a Republican and a member of the First Baptist Church of Sedalia and is one of the deacons of the church. He belongs to the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.

George E. Spears, a prominent farmer and stockman of Prairie township, who has won a wide reputation as a successful breeder of Shorthorn cattle and Poland China hogs, is the owner of 336 acres of well-improved and valuable land in Pettis County.

Mr. Spears was born in Mercer County, Kentucky, June 29, 1851, and is a son of Dr. Hugh C. and Susan M. (Munday) Spears, both natives of Kentucky, the former of Jessamine County and the latter of Wood¬ ford County. In 1854 Doctor Spears left his Kentucky home with his family, came to Cass County, Missouri, and when the Civil War broke out he went to southern Tennessee.

Dr. Hugh C. Spears was a physician and surgeon, having been educated in the Lexington Medical School at Lexington, Kentucky, receiving much of his medical instruction from Dr. Berg Dudley, a cele¬ brated surgeon of that day. After returning South, at the outbreak of the war, Doctor Spears served as surgeon in General Forrest's Confed¬ erate command. At the close of the war he returned to Kentucky, remaining there from 1865 to 1868. He then returned to Missouri and settled in Pettis County, where he followed farming, and also practiced medicine until 1885. He then went to Williamson County, Texas, where he remained for a time, when he removed to Hill County, Texas, and spent the remainder of his life there. He died May 18, 1906. His wife, the mother of George E. Spears, died January 14, 1876. Doctor Spears was a prominent Mason, and a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He was a Democrat, and a member of the Christian Church.

George E. Spears was one of a family of eight children born to his parents, two of whom are living. The other living member of the family is John C., and resides in the northern part of Pettis County. George E. Spears received his education in the public schools, and was engaged in farming with his father in early life. In 1879 he bought his first land, in Heath's Creek township, and followed farming there, and also stock raising, with uniform success until 1918, when he sold his place and bought 336 acres, most of which is situated in Prairie township. This place was known as the Clay Whitzel farm, and is now called the "Prairie View Farm."

Mr. Spears was united in marriage December 5, 1878, with Miss Lucy B. Burford, a native of Webster County, Missouri, born July 25, 1858. She is a daughter of Daniel W. and Mary (Clark) Burford, the former a native of Tennessee and the latter of North Carolina. They were married in Webster County, Missouri, and a few years later, or about the close of the Civil War, they came to Pettis County and settled in Heath's Creek township, where they both spent the remainder of their lives. Daniel Burford was a Methodist minister and an early-day circuit rider. He was born July 22, 1818, and died January 27, 1888. His wife was born April 30, 1822, and died December 5, 1886. To George E. Spears and wife have been born the following children: Mary, married T. J. Todd, Sedalia, Missouri ; Sidney, deceased ; Alexander Campbell, was educated in Hill's Business College, Sedalia, and lives near Otterville, Missouri ; Sallie, married J. K. Barley, and is deceased ; Hugh C., who was educated in the Sedalia Central Business College and the Auto School of Kansas City, Missouri, enlisted in the United States Aviation Corps, and in 1917, and at this writing, is in England with the United States Army; George V., lives near Cliffton, Missouri; Anna, resides at home; Lee, married Gilbert Rains, and lives in Heath's Creek township; and two children died in infancy; Roy F., youngest, at home.