Pettis County, Missouri - Biographical sketches, 1919 (part 9 of 14)

Mr. Spears is a staunch supporter of the Democratic party, and he and his wife are members of the Christian Church. Mr. Spears is a member of the Woodmen of the World and the Knights of the Maccabees. Mrs. Spears holds membership in the D. of H. and the A. 0. U. W. The Spears family is one of the highly respected families of Pettis County, and Mr. Spears is a substantial and progressive citizen.

Wilber T. Morris, of the Morris Real Estate and Loan Company, of Sedalia, Missouri, is a native of this State. He was born near Arm¬ strong, Howard County, September 15, 1860, a son of Rev. William H. and Sarah Elizabeth (Williams) Morris, who settled in Missouri about 1830, coming from Virginia. The following children were bom to them: Mary E., married Joseph H. Robertson, now deceased, and she resides in Sedalia; William Clay, deceased; Anna, married Frank Payne and is now deceased; Wilber T., the subject of this sketch; Maggie, died in infancy; Melvin H., a member of the firm of Morris Real Estate and Loan Company; Sarah E., married W. M. Hayden of Sedalia; Edwin, deceased; Edward R., a farmer and stockman near Sedalia, and Lassie, married Charles Powell of Renick, Missouri, and to her union two children were bom, a son and daughter, the son, C. Chester, now in France in the Medical Corps.

Missouri. He then engaged in teaching and for three years was thus en¬ gaged in the public schools at Clark, Missouri. In 1881, Mr. Morris came to Pettis County and engaged in farming and stock raising four miles north of LaMonte in Blackwater township on what is now known as the A. 0. Teeter farm. Mr. Morris owned this farm for several years. In 1872 he moved to Sedalia, where he engaged in the real estate and loan business. He was first associated with John West and later the firm became known as Morris and Shultz. In 1900 his brother, Melvin H., became a member of the firm and since that time it has been known as the Morris Real Estate and Loan Company. This company does an extensive loan business and during its existence has handled some of the most important real estate transactions of this section of the State. Mr. Morris is also interested in farming and stock raising and owns a valuable farm of 400 acres in LaMonte township. This place is operated under his personal supervision. He makes a specialty of raising Jersey and Holstein cattle and at this writing has about seventy-five head on his place.

Mr. Morris was united in marriage November 11, 1879, with Miss J. Ella Whitfield, a native of Pettis County, born in Blackwater town¬ ship. She is a daughter of James E. and Hixie (Winston) Whitfield, the former a native of North Carolina and the latter of Tennessee.

James E. Whitfield was a son of William Whitfield, who was a native of North Carolina and served as a soldier in the War of 1812. William was the son of James E. Whitfield, who was a soldier in the Revolutionary War. James E. Whitfield, father of Mrs. Morris, was born in Granville, North Carolina, August 9, 1817. In the spring of 1849 he came to Pettis County and settled in Blackwater township and spent the remainder of his life there, engaged in farming. He was an active worker in the Bap¬ tist Church and was a Democrat. During the Civil War he served in the Confederate army. He was married June 12, 1844, to Miss Hixie Winston, a native of Franklin County, North Carolina, and a daughter of Jesse Winston of North Carolina. They were the parents of seven children, of whom Mrs. Morris is the youngest.

To Wilber T. Morris and wife has been born one child, Edna T., who is now the wife of John W. Sims, a sketch of whom appears in this volume.

Mr. Morris is a Republican and while he takes an active part in political affairs, has never aspired to hold political office. He is a mem¬ ber of the Baptist Church at Sedalia and is one of its trustees. He takes a commendable interest in promoting all worthy public enterprises which tend to the betterment and upbuilding of his city and county. He takes a special interest in the advancement of agricultural methods and the betterment of the public school system. He is one of the worthy and substantial citizens of Pettis County. He is an advocate of good roads, and has always taken an active interest in that movement.

Peter Hoffman, one of Sedalia's leading hardware men and dealer in sporting goods, is a veteran merchant of this city. Mr. Hoffman is a native of Texas. He was born in Austin, April 15, 1855, a son of Philip and Mary (Meyer) Hoffman, who were the parents of five children, one of whom died in infancy. Philip Hoffman was born in Nassau, Germany, and when a young man left his native land and went to Texas. Here he worked at his trade, which was that of a wagonmaker, and conducted a wagonmaking and repair shop at Austin, Texas. In 1865 he came to Sedalia with his family, driving through from Texas in a covered wagon, or what was known as a "prairie schooner." Here he worked at his trade as a wagonmaker about ten years, and later engaged in the grocery busi¬ ness. He spent his latter years in retirement and died in 1889, aged sixtynine years. Mary (Meyer) Hoffman died when Peter Hoffman was about five years of age.

Peter Hoffman was educated in the public schools of Sedalia, and in early life began work in a drug store for J. H. Mertz, and later worked for Mertz & Hale until 1876. He then went to St. Louis and worked in a drug store, and at the same time attended the Pharmaceutical College of St. Louis, where he was graduated with honors. In 1881 Mr. Hoffman returned to Sedalia, and the following year engaged in the hardware busi¬ ness, which he has since continued. He has built up a large trade, and carries a complete line of hardware, including shelf hardware, stoves, sporting goods and, everything usually found in a first-class hardware store. His stock averages about $20,000.00. The business is located at 305 South Ohio street, Sedalia, and occupies the basement, main floor and upper floors of the building. Mr. Hoffman began the hardware business here with his brother Frank, and they conducted a store for about eight years, when he bought Frank's interest. For the past six years Mr. Hoff¬ man's sons have been with him in the business, and the firm is known as P. Hoffman Hardware Company.

The father was a farmer, and they later removed from Cooper to Pettis County. To Mr. and Mrs. Hoffman have been born the following children: Arthur M., Sedalia; Edward, Sedalia, and Victoria, resides at home with her parents.

Mr. Hoffman is a Republican, a member of the Congregational Church and the Modem Woodmen of America. He has had a long and honorable career in the mercantile business in Sedalia, and by his square dealing and upright methods he has built up a business that is based on nearly forty years of honorable dealing.

Ben H. Nash, who is now living at LaMonte, is a successful farmer and stockman, and, with his two daughters, Constance and Ethel, is now the owner of 208 acres on section 36, LaMonte township. Mr. Nash was born in Kentucky, January 29, 1852. He is a son of James and Sarah E. (Wilson) Nash, both natives of Kentucky. James Nash was a farmer, and fairly successful in his undertakings, and did well, consider¬ ing the opportunities of the pioneer times in which he lived. He died in Mason County, Illinois. Sarah E. (Wilson) Nash, mother of Ben Nash, belonged to a prominent Kentucky family, and was a direct descendant of George M. Wilson. He held the first land grant, granted by King George. This grant of land was eight miles north of Marysville, Ken¬ tucky, and Sarah E. Wilson fell heir to a part of this estate.

When Ben H. Nash was about four and a half years old his mother died, and he was reared by an uncle, Ben M Bush, after whom Ben H. Nash was named. Mr. Bush was in the railroad service prior to the Civil War, and during the war he was a captain of a United States government towboat, the name of which was "Crescent City." He was engaged in transporting supplies to federal troops at various places along the great waterways of the South. Capt. Ben M. Bush was present and saw the engagement at Palmyra, and transported the guns which were captured from the Confederate army on his boat, the "Crescent City."

Ben H. Nash remained with his uncle until he was twenty-one years old. He received his education in the public schools and the Aurora High School, at Aurora, Indiana. In early life he worked at the carpenters' trade in Cincinnati, Ohio, and later in railroad shops at Indianapolis, Indiana. After that he went to Boone County, Kentucky, and worked on a farm with a brother-in-law. In 1868 he returned to Aurora, Indiana, and worked in a chair factory, as a chair finisher. In 1880, Mr. Nash came to Missouri, settled at El Dorado Springs, where he clerked in a general store, and was also deputy postmaster there. In 1883 he went to Kansas, but shortly afterwards returned to Missouri, and settled in Pettis County and since that time has been engaged in farming and stock raising. For a number of years he was well known as a successful breeder of Poland China hogs. His farm is well improved and is one of the valuable places of the county. It was entered from the Government by Mrs. Nash's grandfather, Marion G. Pemberton. In 1911 Mr. Nash retired and re¬ moved to LaMonte, where he now resides.

April 29, 1885, Mr. Nash was married to Miss Zora A. Pemberton, a daughter of M. M. and Sophronia (Robinson) Pemberton, who were pio¬ neer settlers of Pettis County, the Pemberton family having come here in 1832. Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Nash, as follow: Constance H., who resides at home with her parents ; Ethel M., also resides at home with her parents, and Sophronia Z., married C. L. Clingan, a prominent auctioneer of LaMonte. The Nash family met its supreme bereavement in the death of the mother, in 1898. She was born in Pettis County in October, 1868.

Mr. Nash is a Democrat, and has always consistently advocated and supported the principles of that party. He is a member of the Methodist Church and a steward of the LaMonte congregation. He is one of Pettis County's substantial citizens who has made good, and the Nash family are prominent members of the community.

Scott Mahin, a prominent farmer and stockman of LaMonte town¬ ship, is a native of Illinois. He was born February 9, 1867, in Lawrence County, Illinois, and is a son of Samuel Taylor and Letutia (Claggett) Mahin, the former a native of Jessamine County, and the latter of Todd County, Kentucky. They were the parents of four children, as follow: James M., deceased; Ira C., a sketch of whom appears in this volume; Addie, married Charles M. Reed, Warrensburg, Missouri, and Scott, the subject of this sketch.

The Mahin family settled in Pettis County over sixty-three years ago. The parents of Scott Mahin were married in Kentucky, and in 1855 came to Missouri. They made the trip by steamboat part of the way, and completed the trip in an old prairie schooner type of wagon, which was well-known to the pioneers of the West. They settled at Knob Noster. Johnson County, where Samuel Taylor Mahin worked at the carpenters' trade until the war broke out. In 1861 he went to Illinois and located in Lawrence County, where he followed farming until 1873, when he returned to Missouri. In 1878 he bought a farm in LaMonte township, Pettis County, where he remained until his death, in 1915, at the age of eightythree years. His wife was born February 12, 1833, and died June 5, 1905. Samuel Taylor Mahin was prominently identified with the affairs of western Pettis County, during his lifetime, and met with success in his private undertakings. Politically, he was a Democrat, and a member of the Presbyterian Church. He was an active worker in the Sunday school, and was superintendent from the organization of the Sunday school at LaMonte for many years. He left his imprint on society, and made the world better for having lived in it.

Scott Mahin was educated in the public schools and the University of Missouri. He began farming on his own account, on rented land, when he was twenty-one years of age. In 1891 he purchased a small tr^ct of land in LaMonte township, and he has added to his original purchase, from time to time, until he now owns a valuable farm of 200 acres, where he carries on general farming and stock raising, and is meeting with wellmerited success. His farm is well improved, with good farm buildings and a fine residence.

Mr. Mahin was united in marriage in 1894 to Miss Laura Dorrance, a native of Pettis County, Missouri. She departed this life in 1899, at the age of twenty-five years, leaving two children, Roy E., who was one of the brave boys to give up his life for democracy in the World War. He enlisted in the United States Aviation Corps in 1917, and on December 3 of that year sailed for overseas. He died at Narze, France, Decem¬ ber 27, 1917, and his remains are buried there. He was born August 28, 1895. The youngest son born to Mr. Mahin's first marriage is Guy W., who married Goldie Shull, of Hughesville, and is on the home place with his father. Mr. Mahin was married the second time, in 1905, to Miss Gussie B. Wharton, of Wheeling, West Virginia, whose parents came to Pettis County in 1878.

Mr. Mahin is a Democrat, and his wife is a member of the Methodist Church. He is one of the progressive farmers of Pettis County, and his success in this life is no accident. He is a hard worker, and a man of sound business judgment and keen foresight.

An interesting historic fact in connection with Mr. Mahin's place is that there is a very fine spring there, which in the early days was a favorite camping place for the Indians. Many arrow heads and other Indian relics have been found in the vicinity of this spring.

George S. Patterson, a well-known stock dealer, who is also engaged in farming and stock feeding, is one of the progressive citizens of LaMonte. Mr. Patterson was born in Rush County, Indiana, July 19, 1874. He is a son of James and Elizabeth (Parker) Patterson, who were the parents of eight children, six of whom are living, George S. being the youngest of the family.

James Patterson was born in Ohio February 4, 1834, and died at Lynnville, Iowa, October 1, 1908. He was engaged in agricultural pursuits all his life. His widow now resides at Oskaloosa, Iowa.

George S. Patterson was reared in Iowa and educated in the public schools at Lynnville and Highland Park University, at Des Moines, Iowa. After leaving school he was engaged in farming and stock feeding in Iowa, and owned a farm there. In 1904 Mr. Patterson came to Missouri, and located in Blackwater township, Pettis County, where he was engaged in farming and stock raising until 1910. He then removed to LaMonte, where he was employed in a mill about a year, when he engaged in farm¬ ing again. He has owned a number of farms in this vicinity which he has bought and sold, and now owns ninety-six acres just east of LaMonte. Here he carries on general farming, stock raising and feeding. In 1915 he engaged in buying and shipping stock, which he has continued to the present time. He handles a great deal of stock, and has established a reputation as a square dealer and honest buyer, which is a man's greatest asset in this or any other industry.

September 21, 1899, George S. Patterson was married to Miss Mari¬ etta Parker, who was born near Greenfield, Hancock County, Indiana, December 29, 1872. She is a daughter of Eli G. and Mary M. (Thomas) Parker, the former a native of Wayne County, Indiana, and the latter of Randolph County, Indiana. To Mr. and Mrs. Patterson have been born one child, Francis W., born December 26, 1901, in Jasper County, Iowa. Eli G. Parker, Mrs. Patterson's father, is now deceased, and her mother makes her home with Mr. and Mrs. Patterson.

Mr. Patterson is a Republican, and takes an interest in local affairs, and has served as treasurer of LaMonte. He is a stockholder of the Hol¬ stein Friesian Company. He and Mrs. Patterson are members of the Methodist Church, and Mrs. Patterson is active in missionary society work and takes a deep interest in Red Cross work. She is also a member of the W. C. T. U. Mr. and Mrs. Patterson are well known in Pettis County, and have many friends.

William Duke, now living retired in LaMonte, after an active and successful career, is a native of Ohio. He was born at Woodville, Ohio, December 12, 1841, a son of John and Nancy (Burnham) Duke, who were the parents of seven children, three of whom served in the Union Army in the Civil War, and five of the family are now living, as follow: Mathew, lives in Texas; Isaac, lives in Iowa; Mrs. Mary Hiser, also lives in Iowa; John, New Mexico, and William, the subject of this sketch. John Duke was born in North Ireland, in 1807. He settled in Ohio at an early day, where he made farming his life's occupation. He died in 1852. Nancy (Burnham) Duke died in 1855.

Mr. Duke was reared and educated in Ohio, and spent his early life in the same manner as the average boy of his time, until the Civil War broke out. On October 16, 1861, he enlisted at Woodville, in Com¬ pany D, 72d Ohio Infantry, under Capt. Andrew Nuhfer, Col. R. P. Buckland and Lieutenant-Colonel Canfield. The latter was killed at the battle of Shiloh. His company was sent to Camp Crogan, Fremont, Ohio, and after being drilled there and at Camp Chase, Ohio, until March 1, 1862, they were ordered to Cincinnati, and from there down the Ohio River and up the Tennessee to Pittsburg Landing, where they went into camp as a part of General Sherman's army. Shortly afterwards they partici¬ pated in the battle of Shiloh, and later at Corinth. After that battle they were marched to Memphis, Tennessee, where they did guard duty until the fall of 1862. In the early part of 1863 Mr. Duke was with his command in a number of skirmishes in Kentucky and Tennessee, and in the spring of 1863 they were ordered to Vicksburg, Mississippi. On the way they were in the battle of Jackson, Mississippi, and proceeded to Vicksburg and took part in the memorable siege there, which ended July 4, 1863. They then returned to Jackson, and followed the Confed¬ erates from there to Brandon and, after a skirmish with the enemy, returned to Jackson, remaining there about six weeks. About this time the term of enlistment of this company had expired, and Mr. Duke, with the other members, re-enlisted as veteran volunteers, and they were given furloughs for thirty days, after which they reassembled at Mem¬ phis, Tennessee. In May, 1864, they were ordered to Guntown, Mis¬ sissippi, in a raid under command of General Sturgess, and on June 11, 1864, about 200 of the regiment were taken prisoners, including Mr. Duke. They were sent to Andersonville, and experienced all the horrors of that notorious place, and in September of that year an exchange of prisoners was arranged between Generals Hood and Sherman. The terms of the exchange were not exactly known to all the prisoners, so a great many more than exchanges had been contemplated for,- rushed out of the prison and were allowed to go to "Rough and Ready," the place of exchange on neutral ground, and those that were not included in the exchange, were compelled to return to Andersonville. Those who were being returned were forced to ride on the tops of freight cars, and while enroute to the prison Mr. Duke and a comrade, Charley Gurnsey, dropped from the train while it was in motion and succeeded in making their escape, and immediately started to make their way back to the Union lines. They experienced many hair-breadth escapes. At Jonesborough they stumbled over a guy rope of a tent in the dark, which was occupied by some Confederate soldiers who were asleep. They traveled at night and hid in the daytime, and were not far from the Union lines when they suddenly came to the end of their journey by running ito a Confederate picket post, who captured them. After being sent to headquarters they were taken to Savannah, Georgia, and later to Lawton and Blackshire, and in December, 1864, they were marched across the country some sixty miles to Albany, and from there sent to Andersonville again, reaching there on Christmas Day, 1864. Here they were confined until the close of the war. On April 24, 1865, they were put on board the steamer Sultana, and while on their way up the Mississippi River, when a few miles above Memphis, the boilers of the Sultana exploded, and, out of 2,300 persons on board, mostly paroled prisoners, only 600 were rescued. Mr. Duke was sleeping not more than ten feet from the boilers when the explosion took place, and he was severely scalded and otherwise injured. He was sent to Overton Hospital until he recovered from the shock. He was then taken to Camp Chase, Ohio, where he was sent to the hospital again for a time. He was discharged in May, 1865, having attained the rank of sergeant.

After the close of the war Mr. Duke returned to Woodville, Ohio, where he was engaged in farming with his brothers, until 1869. He then came to Pettis County, Missouri, and bought a farm, three and onehalf miles southwest of LaMonte, where he made extensive improve¬ ments, and followed fanning and stock raising until 1908, when he retired and removed to LaMonte. Mr. Duke's farm consists of 215 acres. He has a splendid modern residence in LaMonte, where he is spending his time in well-merited retirement and rest, from the more strenuous duties of his active career of the past.

Mr. Duke was married October 1, 1867, in Ohio, to Miss Emaline Brim, who was born in Wood County, Ohio, May 4, 1846. She is a daugh¬ ter of George and Betsy (Loop) Brim. George Brim was born in Devon¬ shire, England, in 1807, came to America when he was twenty-one years old, and settled in Ohio, where he followed fanning until his death, in 1873. His wife was born in New York, in 1813, and died in 1895. To Mr. and Mrs. Duke have been born the following children: Walter, deceased; Charles C., deceased; Minnie M., deceased; Estella C., mar¬ ried Doctor Clabaugh, a Sedalia physician, now serving1 in the United States Army Medical Corps; Luella M., married H. L. McCune, Dresden township; Arthur W., Meeker, Oklahoma; Emma E., married George Wagner, Jr., LaMonte township. Estella and Luella are twins.

Mr. Duke is a Republican, and takes an active interest in local affairs. Mr. Duke was presented with a medal by the State of Ohio, for serv¬ ices during the Civil War.

William H. Shernaman, one of the progressive and enterprising young farmers and stockmen of Pettis County, was born in LaMonte township July 15, 1887. He is a son of William Shernaman, a prominent farmer and stockman of this county, a personal history of whom appears in this volume.

William H. Shernaman was reared on his father's farm and received a good education in the public schools. He remained at home with his father until he was twenty-one years old, when he began life for himself. He rents 280 acres of land in LaMonte township from his father, where he has been successfully engaged in farming and stock raising since 1912. He feeds a large number of cattle and has found this to be a very profitable branch of the stock business. As well as making a notable success of various phases of the stock business, Mr. Shernaman is espe¬ cially successful in raising grain. He has produced some of the best corn crops in recent years, raised in this section. He planted his first corn crop in 1907 and has raised some very good corn. In 1898 he made ex¬ hibit of his corn at the State Fair at Sedalia. For the past seven years he has been quite extensively engaged in breeding brown Leghorn chickens.

Mr. Shernaman was married April 22, 1914, to Miss Rose Brosnahan, who was born in Johnson County, Missouri, September 28, 1893. She was educated in the public schools and the State Normal School at Warrensburg, having graduated from that institution and taught school for three terms. She is a daughter of John and Mary (Lynch) Brosnahan,

John Brosnahan was born in Ireland and came to the United States in early life and settled in Johnson County, Missouri, where he is suc¬ cessfully engaged in farming. Mary (Lynch) Brosnahan is a native of Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Brosnahan are members of the Catholic Church.

Mr. Shernaman is a Republican and attends the Catholic Church, of which Mrs. Shernaman is a member. Mr. and Mrs. Shernaman are well known and have many friends in the community.

Joseph V. Stirlen, of LaMonte township, is prominently identified with the agricultural interests of Pettis County, as well as numerous other important enterprises. He is the owner of a valuable farm of 354 acres, upon which he is engaged in general farming and stock raising, and also feeding for the market. Mr. Stirlen has been engaged in farming since early life. He also buys and ships livestock and grain at Dresden, where he is the owner of the grain elevator.

Mr. Stirlen was born in Dresden township, Pettis County, March 27, 1880, and is a son of Benjamin F. and Mary V. (Gorreli) Stirlen, and was the only child born to their marriage. Benjamin F. Stirlen was born near Fort Wayne, Indiana, July 9, 1851, and was a son of William C. and Mar¬ garet (Spearman) Stirlen, natives of Ohio. They came to Missouri in 1872 and settled near Hughesville. Here William C. Stirlen purchased a farm and spent the remainder of his life. Benjamin F. Stirlen, father of Joseph V., was a farmer and stockman all his life, after coming to Pettis County with his parents. He was the owner of 320 acres of land at the time of his death, March 27, 1912. His first wife, Mary V. Gorreli, died in 1880. For a history of the Gorreli family, see sketch of Hinton Gorreli. Benjamin F. Stirlin married, for his second wife, Mary V. Dawes, a native of Saline County, Missouri, and one child was born to this union, Martha F., who married F. B. Weathers, and they live in Blackwater township. Benjamin F. Stirlen was a member of the Baptist Church, and a lifelong Democrat. He was recognized as one of the substantial men of the com¬ munity, and an upright citizen.

Joseph V. Stirlen was reared in Pettis County, and received his educa¬ tion in the district schools and the Sedalia High School. He moved to his present farm in 1917. This is one of the well-improved farms of the county.

native of Blackwater township, Pettis County. She is a daughter of Hampton G. and Mary Jane (Newbill) Fisher, both natives of Pettis County, whose parents were among the very earliest settlers in this county. To Mr. and Mrs. Stirlen have been born two children, as follow: Virginia Ellen and Delilah Kathryn.

Mr. Stirlen has always supported the policies of the Democratic party. He is a man of keen business judgment, coupled with habits of industry which are the principal elements of his success.

Daniel I. Tevis, a well-known citizen of LaMonte township, who is a prominent farmer and stockman, is a native of Missouri. He was born a half-mile north of Tipton, Missouri, September 5, 1864. He is a son of Hebrew and Anna (Igo) Tevis, and is one of twelve children born to them. The parents were natives of Kentucky, and very early settlers in Missouri. They came to Pettis County in 1866, and settled sixteen miles north of Sedalia, where they spent the remainder of their lives on a farm. The father was a progressive farmer, and prominent in the early-day affairs of northern Pettis County. He was an exemplary citizen, and he and his wife lived good Christian lives. He was a member of the Presbyterian Church, while she worshiped with the Christian denomination. Hebrew Tevis was born in Kentucky January 14, 1824, and died in Pettis County, September 7, 1902. His wife was born in Kentucky October 12, 1827, and died January 1, 1890.

Daniel I. Tevis was about eight years old when he came to Pettis County with his parents. Here he was reared on a farm and educated in the public schools, and remained at home with his parents until he bought a farm, near the old home place. He purchased his present place in 1899, where he has since been engaged in farming and has met with very satis¬ factory results. His farm consists of 120 acres of land, which is well improved and conveniently arranged for general farming and stock raising.

Mr. Tevis was married October 3, 1888, to Miss Ida May Smith, a native of Pettis County, born July 1, 1868. She is a daughter of William L. and Louisa (Spratt) Smith, both natives of Kentucky and early settlers in Pettis county. They settled in Blackwater township where they spent the remainder of their lives. To Daniel I. and Ida May (Smith) Tevis have been born two children. The elder, Thurman M. Tevis, was born in Longwood township, Pettis County, April 13, 1890. He was educated in the public schools, Hill's Business College, Sedalia, the State Normal School at Warrensburg and the Ransomerian School of Kansas City,

Missouri, where he graduated in 1915. He made a special study of pen¬ manship and that, coupled with the fact that he was a natural penman, made of him an expert who has few, if any, equals in this country. He married Miss Stella Winger, a native of Iowa, and one child, Harold P., was born to this union. When the United States entered the World War, he was engaged as teacher in penmanship in the Walter Jackson Business College at Chillicothe, Missouri. He was drafted and on July 5, 1918, entered the army. He is now a member of Company K, Thirtyfourth Infantry, Seventh Division, and is in France. The second child born to Mr. and Mrs. Tevis, Maud M., resides at home with her parents.

Mr. Tevis is a Democrat and has held local office including con¬ stable and membership on the school board. The family are members of the Christian Church and are prominent in the community. In addi¬ tion to his interests in agricultural pursuits, Mr. Tevis is interested in the banking business. He was one of the organizers of the Farmers Bank of La Monte, which began business in 1912, and he has been a member of the board of directors of that institution since 1916. He is a capable business man, a successful farmer and a citizen worthy of the highest consideration.

Ira C. Mahin, a well-known farmer and stockman of La Monte town¬ ship, is a descendant of one of the early pioneer families of Missouri. Mr. Mahin was born at Knob Noster, Johnson County, August 24, 1857. His parents wrere Samuel Taylor and Letutia (Claggett) Mahin, both natives of Kentucky, the former of Jessamine, and the latter of Todd County.

Samuel Taylor and Letutia (Claggett) Mahin were married in Ken¬ tucky, and settled in Missouri in 1855. They made the trip from Ken¬ tucky to Johnson County, Missouri, part of the way by steamboat and part of the way in a covered wagon. The father was a carpenter and worked at his trade at Knob Noster until 1851, when he went to Law¬ rence County, Illinois, where he followed farming until 1873, when he returned to Missouri. He bought a farm in Pettis County in 1874 and died on this place in 1915, aged eighty-three years. His wife departed this life, June 6, 1905. She was born February 12, 1833. For further history of the Mahin family, see sketch of Scott Mahin which appears in this volume.

Ira C. Mahin was reared on a farm and received his education in the public schools, and when a young man engaged in farming. In 1883, he bought his present farm which was practically unimproved, with the exception of an old log cabin. Mr. Mahin made improvements, and erected suitable farm buildings until he has one of the well-improved farms of the county. His place consists of 125 acres. He carries on general farming and stock raising and has met with success. Richard Breeding was the first settler on the place which Mr. Mahin now owns.

Ira C. Mahin was married in 1883 to Florence A. (Mahin) Guyn, widow of Rankin Guyn of Kentucky. She was born in Knob Noster, July 28, 1857. To Ira C. Mahin and wife were born two children, Emma, married Dan Mann, and Samuel G., now at Los Angeles, California. He was in the Government service and was at Camp Carney, California, breaking horses for Government service. Later he belonged to the first aid corps. By her former marriage to Rankin Guyn, Mrs. Mahin has two children, Minnie, married Roe Kiblinger, and is now a widow, resid¬ ing at Sedalia, Missouri, and Lelia, married James Mahin, Sedalia, Mis¬ souri.

Leon H. Archias is one of the successful business men of Sedalia who is prominently identified with the business interests of this city. Mr. Archias is president of the Archias' Seed Store Corporation and also president of the Archias Floral Company, both well-known and flour¬ ishing commercial institutions of Sedalia. The Archias Seed Store Cor¬ poration was incorporated in 1905 with a capital stock of $20,000, with Leon H. Archias as president; L. A. Kipping, vice-president; and L. Archias, secretary. This company is known for the reliability of its products and the motto on the trade-mark of the Archias Seed Store is "Sure Seeds," which in view of the methods of this company, is a very appropriate trade slogan. This business was founded in 1884, several years before the incorporation of the company. Their main office and sales room are located at 106-108 East Main street, Sedalia, and they handle a complete line of all varieties of field, garden and flower seeds as well as everything for the poultry yard, dairy and bee keeper.

The Archias Floral Company of Sedalia, have their offices at 106- 108 East Main street, their green house at Fourth and Park avenue and their nursery at Fifth and Sneed avenue, Sixth and Carr avenue. They produce and market choice cut flowers, floral designs, roses, plants and bulbs and are growers and propagators of a complete line of fruit and ornamental trees and evergreens. This is one of the extensive insti- tutions of its kind in the State, and, not only supplies a large local trade in and around the city of Sedalia, but they have a large mail order business to which they give special attention. They deliver fresh flowers anywhere in the United States on a few hours' notice, being members of the Society of American Florists and Florist Telegraph Delivery Asso¬ ciation. The Archias green houses are spacious and modern, being equip¬ ped with every modern innovation in floraculture and is not only one of the attractive, but one of the important commercial institutions of Pettis County.

Leon H. Archias was born in Helena, Arkansas, February 12, 1869. He is a son of Leon Joseph and Marguerite Anna (Wellauer) Archias, the former a native of France and the latter of Augusta, Georgia. They were the parents of the following children: L. E., deceased; Leoncie M., married George H. Nixon, who is now deceased and she resides in Denver, Colorado; Annie E., married F. W. Steere of Seattle, Washington, de¬ ceased; Leon H., the subject of this sketch; Rosalie, married A. J. Blackwell and resides in El Paso, Texas; John Conrad resides at Los Angeles, California; Mrs. Florence A. Corey, Ft. Worth, Texas; and Mrs. Alberta Johnson, who resides in California.

Leon Joseph Archias was born at Donzere in the province of Drome in southern France, August 30, 1829, and died in Kansas City, Missouri, in 1902. He was a son of Leon Archias who was born in 1794 in France and served in the Napoleonic wars under Napoleon Bonaparte and won a title for meritorious service. In civil life he was a farmer and fruit grower in his native land. Leon Joseph Archias grew to manhood in his native land and was identified with horticultural work from boyhood. He came to America in 1853, landing in New York, March 26th of that year, and later went to Helena, Arkansas, where he engaged in the florist and nursery business. He afterwards retired and during the last ten years of his life he was an invalid, having been afflicted by a para¬ lytic stroke. He died in 1902 and his wife is also deceased.

Leon H. Archias, the subject of this sketch, has been engaged in the seed, florist and nursery business all his life. In early life, he was associated with his father. For a time he and his brother, L. E., now deceased, owned and operated stores in Fayetteville, Arkansas, and Carth¬ age, Missouri.

October 26, 1892, Leon H. Archias was united in marriage with Miss Loretto McCabe of Helena, Arkansas. She is a daughter of James and Sarah (Burns) McCabe. The father was a general contractor and is now deceased and the mother resides at Helena, Arkansas. To Mr. and Mrs. Archias have been born six children as follow: Elise Loretto, a graduate of Notre Dame College, Baltimore, Maryland, who served at the Red Cross headquarters, Washington, D. C., during the World War; and Edith Marie, a graduate of the Sedalia High School, and College of St. Teresa, Winona, Minnesota, who was also in the Red Cross service at Washington, D. C. ; Helen Agnes, a graduate of the Sedalia High School, is a student in the Springfield Business College, Springfield, Missouri ; 'and Leon, a student in the Central Business College at Sedalia, Missouri; Marian Cecelia and Ruth Anne, both pupils of Sacred Heart parochial school.

Mr. Archias is a member of the Catholic Church and is affiliated with the Knights of Columbus, Lodge 381, Sedalia, of which he is a charter member; the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Lodge, 125, Sedalia; Modem Woodmen of America, Camp 2065; Knights and Ladies of Security ; Fidelity Council No. 53 ; and the T. P. A. He is one of the oldest members of the American Seed Trade Associa¬ tion, a member of the Society of American Florists and Florists Tele¬ graph Delivery Association. He was a charter member and secretary of the Missouri State Florists Association; a member of the State Horti¬ cultural Association of Missouri; the Association of American Nursery¬ men; the State Corn Breeders Association and the Holstein Friesian Association of Pettis County.

Mrs. Henrietta J. Amick, now residing in LaMonte, Pettis County, is one of the noble pioneer women of this section of Missouri, and belongs to a family of pioneers. She was bom October 1, 1840, in Trigg County, Kentucky. Her maiden name was Henrietta Weathers, and she was a daughter of William and Susan (Goodwin) Weathers, the former a native of Lewis County, Kentucky, and the latter a native of Christian County, Kentucky.

William Weathers was born May 22, 1807. He was a son of John and Henrietta (Carrington) Weathers, the former a native of Virginia and the latter of Kentucky. She was bora February 15, 1785, and died October 27, 1864.

William Weathers was reared in Kentucky, and when fourteen years old began the shoemaker's trade. In 1826 he was married, in Caldwell County, Kentucky, to Miss Sallie Storms, a native of Indiana. She died in 1839, leaving three children: William C., Peter J., and John M. The same year that the mother of these children died William Weathers was married to Susan Goodwin, a native of Christian County, Kentucky, born December 25, 1815. She died March, 1897. The following children were born to William and Susan (Goodwin) Weathers: Mrs. Henrietta Amick, the subject of this sketch; Payton N., Stillwater, Oklahoma; Mrs. America L. DeSpain, a widow, who now resides with her sister, Mrs. Amick, at LaMonte, Missouri; George P., deceased; Alfred G., deceased, and Young G., who resides in Sedalia, and has the distinction of having three sons who served in the great World War.

In 1842 William Weathers came to Pettis County with his family, and first settled near old Pink Hook Mill, where he farmed rented land, and the first year raised nine acres of corn. In 1844 he entered govern¬ ment land in Houstonia township. These were primitive days in this section of Missouri. Mr. Weathers built a log cabin on his claim, and had to travel twenty miles to get neighbors to assist him. He was an industrious man and a good citizen. After coming here, he devoted the remainder of his life to farming and stock raising, and at the time of his death owned over 400 acres of land. He was a Christian gentle¬ man, and had been a member of the Primitive Baptist Church since 1830. He died December 16, 1884, and his wife departed this life in March, 1897.

Henrietta Weathers, now Mrs. Henrietta Amick, the subject of this sketch, was first married January 28, 1858, to Joseph J. Scott, a native of Pettis County, Missouri, and a descendant of a pioneer family of this part of the State. He was born in 1835, a son of Joseph J. and Nancy (Roberts) Scott. The father was a soldier in the War of 1812. Joseph J. Scott, Jr., remained in Pettis County until 1865, and at the close of the Civil War went to Bates County with his family, where he remained until 1872, when he returned to Pettis County and spent the remainder of hi? life here. A few years before his death he retired and removed to LaMonte. He died in 1892. To Joseph J. and Henrietta (Weathers) Scott were born the following children: Allie M., married R. F. Keels, who is now deceased, and she resides at Santa Fe, Kansas; Eveline J., married Thomas Mcllvane, and is now deceased; Rush M., lives in Hous¬ tonia township; Louetta, married J. Inman, a livestock commission man, Kansas City, Missouri; Susan E., married H. M. Janney, Dresden town¬ ship: Harmon Y., deceased; Nancy E., deceased; Martha A., deceased, and Winfield, deceased.

In 1897 Henrietta (Weathers) Scott was married to Judge M. R. Amick, who is now deceased, and who, during his lifetime, was promi¬ nently identified with Henry County and was a descendant of pioneer parents. Judge Amick was born December 8, 1846, in Tebo township, Henry County. His father died in 1847. His name was Marandy Amick. Judge Amick's mother was a daughter of Major William and Elizabeth Wall, and she died in 1854. Thus, Judge Amick was left an orphan at the age of nine years, and at that time became a member of the house¬ hold of his uncle, Dr. James W. Wall, with whom he remained until he was twenty-one years of age. He inherited 500 acres of fine farming land, and when he reached his majority he devoted his time to improv¬ ing it, and beautiful "Elm Grove," where he lived and died, was a model farm home, and a haven of hospitality. Judge Amick was first married January 18, 1872, to Miss Serepta V. Merritt, daughter of the late Judge M. B. and Susan A. Merritt. To them were born six children, three of whom are living: Walter M. Amick, of Windsor; Mrs. Mayfield, of Green Ridge, and Charles Amick. Judge Amick's first wife died in 1891, and in 1893 he married her sister, Mrs. Emily (Wall) Gaines, widow of the late Richard Gaines. She died in 1895, and in 1897 he was married to Mrs. Henrietta Scott, as above stated. Judge Amick was a member of the Sardis Primitive Baptist Church, and was active in church work up to the time of his death. He was a lifelong and consistent Democrat, and served one term as associate judge and one term as presiding judge of the County Court of Henry County. In all his life's relations, he was a good man, a warm friend, a kind neighbor, and a devoted husband and father.

Mrs. Henrietta Amick is one of the grand old pioneer women of this section of the State. She has thirty-six living grandchildren, forty-two great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild. She now resides in her comfortable home in LaMonte, and is as active in body and keen in mind as many women several years her junior.

James D. Fisher, a well-known and successful farmer and stock man of Blackwater township, is a member of one of the very early pioneer families of Pettis County and Missouri. He was born on the place where he now resides in Blackwater township, December 21, 1866. His parents were Rodney D. Fisher and Kate C. (Higgins) Fisher, to whom were born four children, as follow: Sallie, died in infancy; James D., the subject of this sketch ; Copsie H., Springer, New Mexico ; and R. Emmett, who resides in Kansas City.

Rodney D. Fisher, who was better known to his many friends as "Uncle Rodney," was a life long resident of Blackwater township and one of the honored pioneers of Pettis County. He was a son of Samuel and Sallie (Hampton) Fisher and was born in Cooper County, September 27, 1831, and died on the home place in Blackwater township, January 30, 1909. He was one of eight children, two of whom are now living: Hampton G., who resides in Blackwater township, and Rhodes C., who resides in La Monte, Missouri.

Rodney D. Fisher was about two years old when his parents removed from Cooper to Pettis County, in 1833, and settled in Blackwater town¬ ship. Here he grew to manhood amidst the pioneer surroundings of that day, and when he reached his majority, he entered land from the Government at a cost of $1.25 per acre. He spent his life on this place and improved it, meeting with a reasonable degree of success, as a farmer and stock raiser. His son, James D. Fisher, now owns the land which his father entered upon. Rodney D. Fisher was married, September 27, 1863, to Miss Kate C. Higgins, who was born in Johnson County, Mis¬ souri, in August, 1840. She was a daughter of Bush Higgins, whose wife bore the maiden name of Cromwell and whose parents were early set¬ tlers in Johnson County and spent their lives there. Mrs. Fisher died January 29, 1870.

Rodney D. Fisher was a member of the State Guards during the Civil War. He was one of the best-known residents of northern Pettis County. He was a life long Democrat and a member of the Baptist Church, and was known for his regular attendance until old age and feebleness pre¬ vented. He was a man of kindly disposition and had a good word for everyone with whom he came in contact. He was particularly fond of children and enjoyed the society of young people.

Samuel Fisher, the father of Rodney D. Fisher, was a native of Ten¬ nessee, born February 2, 1800. He was a son of John Fisher. In 1809, when Samuel Fisher was nine years of age, his parents removed from their Tennessee home to Green County, Kentucky, and in the fall of 1816, the family went to Illinois. They remained there until 1820, when they came to Missouri and settled in Cooper County. In 1833, Samuel Fisher came to Pettis County and settled in Blackwater township, where the Fishers were one of the first four families to locate. This section of the State was then sparsely settled and well on the border of the wild and unbroken frontier. The Indians were still here and the buffalo, elk, bear, deer and other wild animals were in abundance. The nearest mar¬ kets were Boonville and Lexington, and the nearest grist mill was at Lexington, and whe the settlers made a trip there with their ox-teams, it required three days. At that time, the settlers made all their cloth¬ ing from homespun cotton and flax.

Samuel Fisher was married to Sarah Hampton, a native of South Carolina, March 4, 1829. She died in 1888, at the age of eighty years, and Samuel Fisher departed this life in 1890 at the age of ninety years.

James D. Fisher, whose name introduces this sketch, was reared on the farm where he now resides in Blackwater township, and was educated in the district school of Blackwater township, the Sweet Springs Academy, at Sweet Springs, Missouri, and the State Normal School at Warrensburg, Missouri. In early life he engaged in teaching and for eight years followed that profession. He taught in Bates County two years and in Pettis County six years. In 1894, Mr. Fisher engaged in farming on the home place, in Blackwater township. In 1911, he bought the place and since that time has made extensive improvements, including a residence and other buildings. The place is in a high state of cultiva¬ tion and one of the valuable farms of Pettis County. Mr. Fisher car¬ ries on general farming and stock raising, and has met with well merited success.

August 23, 1893, James D. Fisher was united in marriage with Miss Etta Velma Wilson, a native of Bates County, born in Hudson township, April 9, 1876. She is a daughter of James T. and Fannie (Holt) Wilson and is one of a family of ten children, all of whom are living. James T. Wilson is a native of Boone County and his wife was born in Callaway County, Missouri. To Mr. and Mrs. Fisher have been born six children, as follows: Virgil, married Sallie Means and resides in Blackwater town¬ ship; Kate G., who is a graduate of Sweet Springs High School, is now a teacher in the consolidated schools at Houstonia, Missouri; Grace L., a student in the Sweet Springs High School, resides at home; Ruth F.; James W. ; and Virginia L., all at home with their parents. Mr. Fisher is a Democrat and takes an active interest in political affairs. He has served as justice of the peace of Blackwater township for ten years and in 1918, was a candidate for the Democratic nomination for State repre¬ sentative from Pettis County. He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Modern Woodmen of America. He is one of Pettis County's progressive citizens and is widely and favorably known.

William M. Lee, a Civil War veteran and early settler in this section of Missouri, is now living practically retired at Dunksburg, Missouri. Mr. Lee is a native of Kentucky. He was bom in Pulaski County, Septem¬ ber 14, 1843, a son of George W. and Elizabeth G. (Bobbitt) Lee. They were the parents of nine children of whom William M., the subject of this sketch, was the eldest. In 1856, William Lee came to Pettis County with his parents and settled in Blackwater where he engaged in farming. The father, George W. Lee, died at La Monte, Missouri, about 1897, aged seventy-seven years, and the mother died in 1891 at the age of sixtynine years.

William M. Lee was engaged in farming in Blackwater township, Pettis County, until the Civil War broke out. April 12, 1862, he en¬ listed in the Union Army, becoming a member of Company F, Seventh Regiment, Missouri State Militia. He served under Col. John Phillips, and Thomas T. Crittenden, who afterwards became Governor of Mis¬ souri, was his lieutenant colonel. Mr. Lee saw service in Missouri, Kan¬ sas, and Arkansas, and at the close of the war, was discharged from the service with an honorable military record to his credit. He then was engaged in farming for three or four years in Johnson County when he located in Pettis County. He has served as justice of the peace and constable for a number of years and for the past fourteen years has been a notary public. He practically retired from active busi¬ ness in 1908. He owns a comfortable home in Dunksburg, and besides his other interests, is a stockholder in the Concordia Savings Bank and is vice-president of that institution.

Mr. Lee was united in marriage July 12, 1866, with Miss Mary A. Swope, a native of Pettis County, who was born in Longwood township, December 15, 1849, a daughter of Milton Swope, who was one of the early pioneers of Pettis County. Milton Swope was a son of Jesse Swope, an early pioneer. To William M. and Mary A. (Swope) Lee have been born the following children : Willie, a daughter, deceased ; Percy, deceased ; Ernest, Dunksburg, Missouri; Lora, married C. C. Curnutt, who is now deceased and she resides at home with her parents; Pearlie, deceased; and one child died in infancy.

Mr. Lee is a Republican and a member of the Christian Church. He is one of the substantial pioneers of this section who is well entitled to a place in a work of this character.

Dr. R. Seaton Tyler, a prominent physician and surgeon, who has been successfully engaged in the practice of his profession in Dunksburg and vicinity for forty years, is a native of Indiana. He was born in Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana, December 3, 1855, a son of M. W. and Mary (Seaton) Tyler. They were the parents of seven children, three of whom are living. M. W. Tyler and his wife were both natives of Jefferson County, Kentucky, from which State they moved to Indiana, and in 1868, with their family, came to Missouri and settled in Johnson County. The father was successfully engaged in farming and stock rais¬ ing in Johnson County for many years. In later life, he retired and removed to Dunksburg where he died in September, 1891, at the age of eighty-one years. His wife preceded him in death a few months. She was seventy-nine years old.

Doctor Tyler was reared in Indiana until the age of thirteen and attended the public schools there. The family then settled in Johnson County, Missouri, and here he attended the public schools until 1872, when he entered the State Normal School at Warrensburg. After at¬ tending that institution for two years he engaged in teaching. He taught three winter terms and worked on the farm during the summer sea¬ son and during his spare time, studied medicine under the preceptorship of Dr. B. F. Dunkley, a prominent pioneer physician of Johnson County from whom Dunksburg takes its name. In 1877, Dr. Tyler entered the St. Louis Medical College of St. Louis, Missouri, and was graduated from that institution with a degree of Doctor of Medicine in 1879. In April of that year, Doctor Tyler began the practice of his profession at Dunks¬ burg where he has since been engaged in active practice.

During the forty years of Doctor Tyler's activity in the practical fields of the great science of medicine and surgery, much progress has been made in this sphere of scientific research and practical application. Doctor Tyler is one of the men of the medical profession whose constant aim and effort has been to keep in touch with the advances in his pro¬ fession. While his professional life has been a busy one, and the duties of his every-day practice has taxed his time to a considerable extent, yet he has always endeavored to devote some portion of his time to in¬ vestigation and studious research of his profession. Doctor Tyler's prac¬ tice has extended over sections of four counties, and when he began his practice the hardships and laborious methods of travel for the country doctor, was anything but pleasant. It was his lot to make long drives, either with a team or on horseback, both day and night, over roads, in all kinds of conditions, except good. This was long before the days of the automobile, which in a large measure, has facilitated the work of the country doctor.

Doctor Tyler was united in marriage, November 3, 1880, with Miss Florence Shanks, a native of Pettis County, born in Blackwater township, July 5, 1860. She is a daughter of Samuel and Emeline (Bobbitt) Shanks. Samuel Shanks was born in St. Louis County, Missouri, in 1826, and died at Sweet Springs, Missouri, April 26, 1906. He had a remarkable and interesting career as a soldier and frontiersman. He served in the Mexi¬ can War and after receiving his discharge from the United States Army in 1849, he made the trip across the plains and over the mountains to the newly discovered gold fields of California. After remaining there about eighteen months, he returned to Missouri and entered Government land in Blackwater township, Pettis County. About this time he was married to Emeline Bobbitt. She was born in Kentucky, July 6, 1829, and died March 27, 1864, leaving four children, of whom Mrs. Tyler was the third in order of birth. About five years after the death of his first wife, Samuel Shanks was married to Lucy B. Tate, a native of Kentucky. Four children were born to that union, three of whom are now living.

To Doctor and Mrs. Tyler have been born the following children: R. Seaton, Jr., a farmer and stock man of Johnson County, Missouri; L. W., a farmer and stock man of Blackwater township, Pettis County; DeWitt, deceased; Paul M., now in the United States service at Camp Merritt, New Jersey; Lyon S., a general merchant at Dunksburg, Mis¬ souri; Mary K., married W. Van Bibber, Blackwater township, Pettis County.

Doctor Tyler is a member of the Baptist Church and his fraternal affiliations are with the Modern Woodmen of America. He is a Democrat and stands high in the counsels of his party. He represented his dis¬ trict in the General Assembly during the forty-sixth and forty-seventh ses¬ sions of the State Legislature. He and Mrs. Tyler own a splendid farm of 250 acres in Blackwater township. Doctor Tyler is not only a leading physician of Pettis County, but is one of its substantial citizens of whom Pettis County is justly proud.

William Shernaman, a well-to-do and progressive farmer and stockman, of LaMonte township, is a notable example of a successful, selfmade man. He is the owner of a valuable farm of 720 acres of wellimproved land. The well-kept buildings and the clean, cultivated fields and the high-class stock bear mute testimony to the fact that Mr. Sher¬ naman is an up-to-date farmer and stockman. He was born in Ger¬ many. February 28, 1850, and when sixteen years of age immigrated to America, settling in New York State. He remained there about a year, when he went to Lafayette, Indiana, where he worked as a cabinet¬ maker about two years. In 1869 he came to Missouri and settled at Knob Noster, Johnson County. Here he worked as a farm laborer. He saved his earnings and soon was able to buy a farm. Later he bought land in LaMonte township, Pettis County. He worked hard to get a start, and has succeeded as a general farmer and stock raised, and has also been an extensive cattle feeder. In 1893 he moved to the place in LaMonte township, where he now resides.

Mr. Shernaman was married in 1880 to Miss Theresa Hartman, who was born in Canada, September 12, 1859. She is a daughter of Sebastian and Eva (Fogel) Hartman, natives of Germany. The Hartman family came from Minnesota to Pettis County, and from here moved to Kansas, where the father died, and his widow now lives at Ellenwood, Kansas. To Mr. and Mrs. Shernaman have been born seven children, as follow: Mrs. Belvedera Mardex, who lives in Johnson County, Missouri; Emma, married Robert Fowler, and they live northwest of LaMonte, Missouri; William H., a farmer in LaMonte township; John, resides at home with his parents; Mary, married Garland Spaulding, Johnson County, Mis¬ souri ; Frank and Nannie, residing at home with their parents.

Mr. Shernaman is a Republican, and a member of the Christian Church. He is a worthy citizen, and success has not come to him by accident. It is the result of thrift and industry. He began with nothing, and is today one of the substantial and well-to-do men of Pettis County. He has not only made financial progress, but has raised a large family and given each of them a good education, and helped them in a financial way in their start in life.

Nathan J. French, a well known and prosperous farmer and stockman of Blackwater township, is a native of Virginia. He was born in Loudoun County, Virginia, March 19, 1849, a son of Lewis and Phoebe (Marshall) French, who were the parents of seven children, three of whom are now living. The parents were both natives of Virginia and

William Shernaman And Family

Nathan J. French was reared on the home farm in Loudoun County, Virginia, and received his education in the public schools of his native State. In 1874, when he was twenty-five years of age, he came to Pettis county and settled in Blackwater township. Here he worked by the month for a number of years, and for a time was employed on the farm by Judge W. C. Gibson. He was industrious and saved his money. He first bought sixty acres of land, borrowing the purchase money for the same from H. F. Bradford who is now deceased. In three years, Mr. French had paid for this land and since that time has bought additional acreage and now owns 316 acres which comprises one of the valuable and well improved farms of Blackwater township. In 1910 he bought the George W. Lee farm. He has followed general farming and stock raising and has been an extensive and successful feeder as well. His career has been a successful one. He started out in life a poor boy, and of the 316 acres which he now owns, there is not a dollar of obligation against it.

Mr. French has been twice married, his first wife being Miss Ella Cox, a native of Pettis County, to whom he was married in 1876. She departed this life in 1880, at the age of twenty-six years, leaving two sons, William, who now resides in Kansas City, Missouri, and Arthur of St. Joseph, Missouri. In 1887, Mr. French was united in marriage with Miss Mary Lee, a native of Kentucky, born April 22, 1855. She is a daughter of George W. Lee. A more extensive history of the Lee family appears elsewhere in this volume. To Mr. and Mrs. French have been born four children as follow : Ada, who resides at home with her parents ; Emma, deceased; Alice, married H. L. Parsons and lives in Blackwater township; and Amy Edith, resides at home with her parents.

Mr. Fre.ich is a Democrat and a member of the Christian Church of Mt. Zion, of which he is an eller. He is one of the substantial citizens of Pettis County and the French family are well known and highly esteemed in the community.

Thomas Milton Bobbitt, now deceased, was a Union veteran of the Civil War and one of Pettis County's most valued citizens. He belonged to a pioneer family of this section of the State, and during his lifetime was an important factor in the progress and development of Blackwater township, which had been his home for many years. Thomas Milton Bobbitt was bom December 1, 1838, and died April 24, 1-911. He was a native of Pulaski County, Kentucky, and a son of John and Orpha (Paschal) Bobbitt, both natives of Virginia who migrated to Kentucky in early life where they were married. They were the parents of six children as follow: Columbus was a druggist at Georgetown, Pettis County, and died during the Civil War; James A. was a farmer and is now deceased; Emeline married Sam Shanks and is now deceased; Thomas M., the subject of this sketch; Nancy P., deceased; and John G., deceased.

John Bobbitt, with his wife and family, left their Kentucky home in 1849 or 1850 and came to Missouri, first settling in Howard County. They drove through from their native State in covered wagons. After remaining in Howard County a short time, they went to Holt County, Missouri, and a few months later they went to Johnson County and set¬ tled. Here they began life in the primitive pioneer style of that day, their first home being a log cabin, with all its crude fixtures and furnish¬ ings, including a dirt floor. John Bobbitt spent the remainder of his life in Johnson County. He was born December 14, 1804, and died August 8, 1867. His wife was born June 1, 1804, and died January 23, 1888.

Thomas Milton Bobbitt remained at home until the outbreak of the Civil War and in 1862 enlisted in the Union Army at Warrensburg, Mis¬ souri, and served until the close of the war, when he was mustered out of the service at St. Louis, Missouri. He then returned to his home in Blackwater township, Pettis County, and three years later purchased the home where Mrs. Bobbitt now resides. Mr. Bobbitt was a suc¬ cessful farmer and stock raiser, making a specialty of pure blood Poland China hogs. He was a Republican and took a commendable inter¬ est in public affairs and was an especial strong advocate of good schools. He served on the local school board for many years. He was a quiet modest man of a retiring disposition and made many friends. He was a member of the Christian Church.

April 18, 1869, Thomas Milton Bobbitt was united in marriage with Miss Sarah Isabelle Wade, a native of Highland County, Virginia, bom April 16, 1850, and a daughter of William McCoy Wade. A more exten¬ sive history of the Wade family appears elsewhere in this volume. To Mr. and Mrs. Bobbitt have been bom four children, as follow: Dexter H. married Cartie Bright and lives near Sweet Springs, Pettis County; Cora married F. W. Terry, now at Okmulgee, Oklahoma, and they have one son, Dexter, who served in the World War in a machine gun company and took a course in an officers' training camp in France where he was com¬ missioned lieutenant; John Elmer was drowned in 1911; Fay A., who resides at home and manages the home farm.

Timothy J. Buckley, a prominent farmer and stockman and vicepresident of the Farmers Bank of LaMonte, is one of the well-known and successful men of Dresden township. Mr. Buckley is a native of Missouri, born in Saline County, December 25, 1860. His parents, Michael and Mary (Mullen) Buckley, were both natives of County Cork, Ireland. They were the parents of twelve children, four of whom are living as follows: Nellie, who resides at Colorado Springs, Colorado; Timothy J., the subject of this sketch; Michael A., of Dresden township, Pettis county ; Thomas A., who resides near Sedalia.

Michael Buckley was born in County Cork, Ireland, in 1822. He was reared to manhood in his native land and when twety-nine years of age came to America and located in Iowa where he was engaged in railroad contracting about four years. In 1855 he came to Missouri and located in St. Louis. Here he continued his business as a contractor and con¬ structed the first street railway in the city of St. Louis. He also had the contract of building and grading the first race track on the old fair grounds there. He had the contracts for several other important con¬ struction works during his active career as a contractor. He built seven miles of railroad track out of Brownsville, now known as Sweet Springs, Missouri. During the Civil War he disposed of all his construction equip¬ ments including several teams, tools, etc., and came to Pettis County. Here he engaged in farming and stock raising, near Dresden, and also met with success in this line of endeavor, and at the time of his death, in 1882, he was the owner of 630 acres of land, upon which he had made extensive improvements. His wife survived him for a number of years. She died in Sedalia, in 1907, aged seventy-two years. Michael Buckley was a Democrat and he and his wife were members of the Catholic Church. He was an honored citizen of Pettis County and contributed no small part towards the development and upbuilding of this county.

Timothy J. Buckley was reared on a farm and received a good com¬ mon school education. He remained at home with his parents until his father's death when he, with his brothers, continued to operate the home farm. In 1903 he and his brother, Michael A., purchased a farm of 450 acres of which Timothy J., now owns 210 acres. When they purchased the place it was very little improved ; the improvements, practically, con¬ sisted of a three strand wire fence around the place. It was formerly owned by A. J. Hall. Mr. Buckley has made extensive improvements and his place today compares favorably with any other farm in Pettis County.

It is known as "YVoodside Stock Farm." In addition to his agricultural interests, Mr. Buckley is a stockholder in the Farmers Bank of LaMonte and has been vice-president of that institution since its organization.

In February, 1890, Timothy J. Buckley was united in marriage with Miss Ellen Connor, a native of Dresden township, born February 26, 1865. She is a daughter of John Connor, a prominent Pettis County pioneer, a more extensive sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this volume. Five children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Buckley as follow: Joseph E., born December 6, 1893, was first paying teller in the Central National Bank at Tulsa, Oklahoma, when the United States entered the World War and on December 1, 1917, enlisted in the United States Army as an aviator, and is now in France; Eugene P., born June 4, 1895, was edu¬ cated in the public schools and enlisted in December, 1917, as a mechanic in the aviation corps and was serving in that capacity when the war ended; Mary E., a teacher of domestic science in the Holden High School, at Holden, Missouri ; Norine and John T. at home.

Mr. Buckley is a progressive man and takes an active interest in pro¬ moting the welfare of his county and State and has ever been ready and willing to co-operate with any worthy public enterprise. He was one If the first directors of the Farmers Mutual Insurance Company. Politi¬ cally he is a Democrat and he and his family are members of the Catholic Church. His fraternal affiliations are with the Knights of Columbus, Modern Woodmen of America and Knights of the Maccabees.

Michael A. Buckley, a prosperous farmer and stockman of Dresden township, is well known throughout this section, as a successful breeder of Shorthorn cattle and Poland China hogs. Mr. Buckley is the owner of 240 acres of well-kept and productive land, known as "Valley View Farm." He was born in Saline County, Missouri, September 3, 1862, and is a son of Michael and Mary (Mullens) Buckley. A more extensive history of the Buckley family appears in connection with the sketch of Timothy J. Buckley to be found elsewhere in this volume.

Michael A. Buckley was reared on a farm and attended the district schools. His education was supplemented by private instructions from his father who was an unusually well educated man and an excellent mathematician. Michael A. Buckley began life on rented land which he continued to operate for three years. He then bought a farm in the northwestern part of Dresden township. In the spring of 1895, he pur- chased his present place of 240 acres. There were very few improve¬ ments on the place when he bought it. When he first moved here, he lived in a canvas house while he dug a well and built a smokehouse. Later he erected a fine modern residence of fourteen rooms, which is equipped with electric lights, a heating system and hot water. It is one of the most modern residences to be found in the county, affording all the con¬ veniences of city life, with the freedom of the country. Mr. Buckley has built two large barns and a silo on his place and has set out a number of trees which, altogether, give the place an unusually attractive and wellkept appearance.

January 13, 1897, Michael A. Buckley was united in marriage with Miss Loucetria Thompson, a native of Missouri who was born eight miles south of California, December 27, 1870. She is a daughter of J. B. and Mary (Bowen) Thompson, natives of Kentucky. The father was a suc¬ cessful farmer and stockman, and died in 1914, at the age of eighty-four years and ten months. The mother now resides in Springfield, Missouri. To Mr. and Mrs. Buckley have been born the following children: Natalie, a bookkeeper in St. Louis, Missouri; Joseph; Edward; Helen; John, and Geraldine, all of whom reside at home with their parents.

Mr. Buckley is a supporter of the policies and principles of the Demo¬ cratic party, and he is a member of the Catholic Church. He is one of the successful and substantial men of this county.

George W. Steele, a well-known farmer and stockman and leading breeder of Dresden township, is a native of Illinois. He was born in Knox County, Illinois, July 10, 1866, a son of James M. and Jane (Rich¬ mond) Steele. They were the parents of five children as follow: John, deceased; Samuel L., deceased; Joseph W., Kansas City, Kansas; William E., Kansas City, Missouri; and Gorge W., the subject of this sketch.

James M. Steele, father of George W. Steele, was born in Pennsyl¬ vania. He was a cabinetmaker in early life and in 1857 went to Illinois where he remained ten years and in 1867, came to Missouri and settled in Dresden township, Pettis County. About a year after coming here, he bought the place now owned by George W. Steele. Here he engaged in farming and stock raising and was quite an extensive cattle man. He was an industrious, hard-working man and met with a fair measure of success. He was a Democrat and a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He died in 1904, aged seventy-five years. His wife was a native of Virginia, born in 1831. She died in Dresden township in 1906.

George W. Steele was about one year old when he was brought to Missouri by his parents. He attended the district school in Dresden township where the family settled, and received a good common-school education. He has spent his life on the old home place where he now resides, and after the death of his parents, he purchased the interests of the other heirs. The place consists of 170 acres of good tillable and pro¬ ductive land. It is well improved and here Mr. Steele carries on general farming and stock raising, giving special attention to breeding Poland China hogs, a field of endeavor in which he has met with very satisfac¬ tory and profitable results.

In September, 1898, George W. Steele was united in marriage with Lillie E. Chryst, a native of Pettis County. A more extensive history of the Chryst family appears in the sketch of C. B. Chryst, which will be found in this volume. To Mr. and Mrs. Steele have been born the fol¬ lowing children: Melvin, Leslie, Albert, Edward, Della M., Earle and Leone, all of whom reside at home with their parents.

Mr. Steele is a Republican and a member of the Methodist Church. He belongs to the Knights and Ladies of Security. He is one of Pettis County's progressive citizens and the Steele family stand high in the community.

John H. Bothwell, of Sedalia, is not only one of the ablest and most distinguished lawyers in the State, but for many years he has also been a conspicuous figure in Missouri in an industrial, financial and political way. He was born in Clay County, Illinois, near Clay City, November 20, 1848. He is a son of James K. and Mary A. (Brissenden) Bothwell, to whom were born seven children as follow: Henry C., spent his life in the mercantile business and is now deceased; John H., whose name in¬ troduces this sketch ; Florence, resides at the old home in Clay City, Illi¬ nois; Camilla, deceased; James, Seattle, Washington; William B., de¬ ceased; and Frank, deceased.

James K. Bothwell was a native of Ohio, born in Athens County, April 20, 1818. He was a son of James and Charlotte (Potter) Bothwell, the former a native of the north of Ireland of Scotch parentage and the latter, a native of either Pennsylvania or New Jersey. Her parents, however, were natives of New Jersey. James K. Bothwell removed from Ohio to Illinois in 1840. He spent most of his life in the mercantile busi¬ ness in Clay County, Illinois. He was married, February 22, 1846, to Mary A. Brissenden, who at the time of her marriage resided in Edwards County, Illinois, the marriage ceremony taking place at her home. She was bom August 23, 1821, in Edwards County, Illinois, and was a daughter of John and Elizabeth (Mee) Brissenden, natives of England, who come to America in 1818 and settled with an English colony in Ed¬ wards County, Illinois. John Brissenden was a farmer and also an ex¬ tensive merchant for that day. While he never conducted a store him¬ self he established various stores and turned the management over to his sons and other relatives. James K. Bothwell spent his life in Clay County, Illinois, where he died May 26, 1899, in his eighty-second year. His wife died July 16, 1898.

John H. Bothwell was reared on a farm close to Clay City, Illinois, and after receiving a good public school education he entered the Uni¬ versity of Indiana, at Bloomington, Indiana, where he was graduated with the degree of Bachelor of Science, July 2, 1869. He then began reading law and later read law in Springfield, Illinois for a time. He then entered the Union University Law School at Albany, New York, where he was graduated with the degree of Bachelor of Law, in 1871. In May of that year he was admitted to the bar of the State of New York, and in November, 1871 he came to Sedalia, Missouri. Mr. Bothwell im¬ mediately engaged in the practice of his profession here and in a short time had built up a very satisfactory practice. His practice has been mostly on the civil side of the courts and during his career he has handled some of the most important cases in this section of the State, both in the State and federal courts.

Soon after coming to Sedalia, Mr. Bothwell became actively identi¬ fied with this section in a business way as well as professional and he also has extensive interests elsewhere in the State. He is a stockholder in the Sedalia National Bank and for a number of years was president of that institution. In 1902 he organized the West St. Louis Water & Light Company of St. Louis, Missouri. This is an extensive corporation with large interests in St. Louis County. Mr. Bothwell is the president of that company and also its attorney, having held the office of presi¬ dent since 1904. In addition to his other interests, Mr. Bothwell has owned thousands of acres of Pettis County land and is now the owner of the far-famed "Bothwell Lodge," noted for its picturesque beauty, further mention of which is made elsewhere in this volume and a view of which appears in this book.

Mr. Bothwell is a Republican and has always taken a deep interest and an active part in political matters. He has represented Pettis County in the State Legislature four terms, being a member of that body during the sessions of 1889, 1895, 1901 and 1903. He served as assistant prose¬ cuting attorney of Pettis County from 1873 to 1876. In 1890 he was act¬ ing judge of the Circuit Court to assist the judge during illness. He has been strongly urged on several occasions to consent to enter the race for the governorship of Missouri by prominent members of his party, but he has declined to do so. He was chairman of the Republican State Com¬ mittee in 1892, 1893 and 1894. In 1896 and in 1908 he was a delegate-atlarge from the State of Missouri to the Republican National Conventions.

Mr. Bothwell has been active in promoting and encouraging the civic and industrial welfare of Sedalia and Pettis County. He has cheerfully given his time and money for the encouragement and advancement of local enterprises. He has been unceasing in his efforts to bring institu¬ tions to Sedalia and encouraged the investment of outside capital, such as the building of railroad shops here, the permanent location of the State fair and other lesser institutions. He was one of the first to start the movement for a new court house when it was built.

October 22, 1884, Mr. Bothwell was married to Miss Hattie E. Jaynes, a daughter of Col. A. D. Jaynes, a sketch of whom appears in this volume. No children were born to this union. Mrs. Bothwell de¬ parted this life in June, 1887.

Fred H. Schenk, well known in Pettis County as one of the prosper¬ ous and progressive farmers and stockmen, is a native of Illinois. He was born in Madison County, Illinois, February 9, 1860, and is a son of John G. and Anna (Stroeter) Schenk, natives of Germany. They were married in their native land and immediately immigrated to America, and for a time lived in Wisconsin. Later, they moved to St. Louis, Mis¬ souri, where the father worked at his trade, which was that of a miller. After remaining in St. Louis for a time he went to Illinois and bought a farm in Madison County. This was a small place and heavily timbered and he lived upon this place for a number of years, and here all his chil¬ dren were born. In 1881 the family came to Missouri and settled in Pettis County, and here both parents spent the remainder of their lives. The mother died in 1900, aged sixty-seven years and the father departed this life in 1913, aged eighty-three years. They were the parents of the following children: Augusta, married F. A. Stahlhut, of Sedalia town- ship; Fred H., the subject of this sketch; Charles J., who resides in Idaho; Oscar W., LaMonte township and Mrs. Elizabeth Logan, now deceased.

Fred H. Schenk has followed farming all his life. He remained with his parents until he was married. In early life he worked for farmers by the month and after his marriage he rented land south of LaMonte and continued to operate rented land until 1893 when he bought his pres¬ ent place. His farm contains 180 acres of well improved and productive land and is one of the well-kept and neat-appearing farms of Pettis County. The transformation which Mr. Schenk has wrought in the im¬ provement of this place since he bought it, twenty-five years ago, affords mute testimony as to his industry and ability as a farmer. Before he bought the place it had been poorly farmed, sadly neglected and in a dilapidated state. Neighbors discouraged him and told him that he could not raise bleck eyed peas on such a farm. Only weeds were in evidence on every hand. The buildings were dilapidated and the fences neglected. In spite of all these conditions, Mr. Schenk went to work and, under systematic cultivation, he has developed one of the best farms in Dres¬ den township. He has added improvements, the equal of which is to be found on few farms in this county. He has erected farm buildings and his residence which he built in 1912 is one of the finest modern homes to be found in the county. It is equipped with acetylene lights and vapor vacuum heat.

Mr. Schenk was married September 30, 1886, to Miss Elizabeht Magnus, a native of Benton County, Missouri. She is a daughter of Fredrick and Anna (Roef) Magnus, natives of Luxemburg, who came to this county about 1859. To Mr. and Mrs. Schenk have been born five children as follow: Elmer W., a building secretary of the Young Men's Christian Association, Chicago, Illinois; Fred, who is now operating the home farm; Lorine, a teacher in the public schools of Johnson County, is a graduate of the LaMonte High School and has attended the State Normal School at Warrensburg ; Oscar, deceased; and Agnes, deceased.

Mr. Schenk is a Democrat and takes a commendable interest in pub¬ lic affairs, and is now serving as road commissioner of LaMonte special road district. He is a member of the Christian Church of which he is an elder and an active worker and liberal supporter of church work. He is one of Pettis County's best citizens.

Wilbur F. Wheaton, a well known and successful farmer and breeder, of Dresden township, is one of the substantial citizens of Pettis County. Mr. Wheaton is a native of Illinois and was born in Dupage County, May 12, 1860. His parents were Warren L. and Harriet (Rickard) Wheaton, both natives of Connecticut and descendants of some of the early New England families. Warren L. Wheaton was born in 1812 and died in 1903. His wife died in 1863. In 1837 they came west and settled in Dupage County, Illinois. This was an early day in the settlement of that section of the country. Mr. Wheaton engaged in farming and stock raising and met with success to an extent considerably more than the average man. He was prominent in the early day politics of Illinois and was a conspicuous figure in political affairs about the time that Abraham Lincoln was coming into national prominence. He was a delegate to the National Convention which nominated Lincoln for president in 1860. He also held local offices of trust and responsibility and was a member of the Illinois State Legislature. The town of Wheaton, Illinois, was named in honor of Warren L. and his brother, Jesse C. Wheaton. When the Chi¬ cago & Northwestern railroad was being constructed, the right-of-way was surveyed through Warren L. Wheaton's farm, and when the railroad officials came to Mr. Wheaton for a settlement he told them that he did not want any pay for the right-of-way through his farm, if they would agree to have a station near there. The railroad company agreed and built a station on Mr. Wheaton's farm. This was the beginning of the town of Wheaton which was platted on Mr. Wheaton's farm, and today the town of Wheaton is a thriving city of about 6,000 population, located twenty-five miles west of Chicago and is the county seat of Dupage County.

The Wheaton brothers gave liberally to Wheaton College, one of the early educational institutions in Illinois. Warren L. Wheaton gave thirty acres of land for the college grounds, in addition to contributing to its maintenance. He was a progressive and public-spirited man who was 'widely known throughout Illinois.

Wilbur F. Wheaton was one of a family of six children born to his parents. He was reared in Dupage County, Illinois, and educated in the public schools and Wheaton College, the institution above mentioned and has made farming his chief occupation. When a young men, he went to Nebraska and spent nine years on the, then, frontier of the west. He then returned to Illinois where he remained above five years and went to

Iowa. Three years later, or in 1902, he came to Pettis County, Missouri, and settled in Dresden township and purchased the Couey farm, which was known as the old Agee place. This farm contains 240 acres of highly improved land and bears the name "Outlook Farm." Since buying this place, Mr. Wheaton has made extensive improvements; he has remodeled the residence and equipped it with electric lights. He carries on general farming and stock raising and has been especially successful in breeding Poland China hogs, having become interested in this field of animal husbandry in 1907.

Mr. Wheaton was united in marriage December 30, 1896, to Miss Emma Rette Nind, a native of Kane County, Illinois. They have no children. Mr. Wheaton is a member of the Methodist Church and is a Republican, but inclined towards independence in politics.

Charles Campbell Gentry, better known as "Cam" Gentry, is one of the extensive farmers and stockmen of Pettis County. He owns 500 acres of rich valley land, in Dresden township, which is devoted to gen¬ eral farming and stock raising. Mr. Gentry raises mules and Duroc Jer¬ sey hogs, principally, and perhaps is better known through his success in this line of endeavor, than any other branch of agricultural activities, although he carries on diversified farming extensively and has been suc¬ cessful in cattle raising.

"Cam" Gentry is a native son of Pettis County and a descendant of pioneer ancestors of this section. He was born June 12, 1867, in Dresden township and is a son of John C. and Dotty (Haggard) Gentry, both na¬ tives of Missouri. John C. Gentry was a son of Joshua Gentry, a native of Kentucky. Further mention is made of the Gentry family history elsewhere in this volume. John C. and Dotty (Haggard) Gentry were the parents of two children: Charles Campbell, the subject of this sketch; and Mrs. Mary Belle Mawhorter, now deceased.

John C. Gentry was born in Marion County, Missouri, and died January 15, 1878, in Dresden township, Pettis County. He served in the Union Army in the Civil War. He came to Pettis County in 1866 directly after the war.

Joshua Gentry, grandfather of C. C. Gentry, had three sons in the Union Army and three sons in the Confederate Army. At the time of his death he was president of the Hannibal and St. Joseph railroad. He was an early Indian trader at Big Springs, near Hannibal.

and has practically made his own way in the world since he was seven¬ teen years of age. He first began working for farmers by the month and later operated rented land. In 1891 he bought his first land which con¬ sisted of an eighty acre farm which was not very well improved. He pro¬ ceeded to make improvements and cultivate the soil with profit. This property cost him fifteen dollars per acre. He has added to his original purchase from time to time, as opportunity offered and circumstances permitted, until he now owns a valuable farm of 500 acres upon which he has made extensive improvements. He has a fine modern residence, lighted with gas and other improvements, and the farm buildings in gen¬ eral are in thorough keeping with the residence.

Mr. Gentry was married May 31, 1893 to Miss Minnie Gottschalk, a native of Pettis County, Missouri. Three children have been born to this union as follow: John C., deceased; Mrs. Maud Randleman, Sedalia, Mis¬ souri; and Charles William, who resides at home with his parents.

Mr. Gentry is a supporter of the politics and principles of the Demo¬ cratic party, and takes a keen interest in the conduct of local public affairs, and has served as road commissioner of the twelve-mile Rock Road district for the past ten years. He is one of the progressive and enterprising men of Pettis County.

Col. A. D. Jaynes was born in Lawrence County, Ohio, November 26, 1829. His ancestors were from Virginia, and participated in many of the important affairs of that State. His father removed to Ohio, where he became largely interested in the iron business, and the youthful Jaynes, though enjoying but limited opportunities for an education, im¬ proved rapidly, and became an elegant penman, and expert in arithmetic and accounts. From the age of fourteen to that of twenty-one, he re¬ ceived a most careful business training with his father, and then became interested in the mercantile business with C. & W. H. Kelley. In 1853 he became connected with the Vinton Iron Furnace, Vinton County, Ohio, and continued with this corporation until 1864.

To more effectually complete the military organization of the State, in 1861, the Governor of Ohio requested A. D. Jaynes to raise and equip an independent regiment, which he did, and was commissioned colonel. Near the close of the war the regiment was mustered into the United States service, as the 141st Regiment Ohio Volunteers. After the war closed, Colonel Jaynes, in company with Cyrus Newkirk, settled in Se¬ dalia, Missouri, then only a small village.

These two gentlemen organized the First National Bank, in March, 1866. Colonel Jaynes was its cashier the first eight years, and its presi¬ dent until 1880. He took a prominent part in the organization of the Lexington & St. Louis railroad. He was interested in building the Tebo & Neosho railroad, which afterward became the Missouri, Kansas & Texas railroad. He assisted in the organization of the First National Bank of Ft. Scott, the First National Bank of Parsons, Kansas, the First National Bank of Denison, Texas, the Valley National Bank of St. Louis, the Life Association of America and the Missouri Stock and Bond Board of St. Louis.

Colonel Jaynes was married July 20, 1858, to Miss Mary Jane Brown, daughter of John Brown, Esq., of Athens County, Ohio. Their family consisted of five children, two sons and three daughters: William V. ; John Brown; Hattie Ellen; Flora May; and Jennie Susan.