Pike County, Missouri - The whole text, 1883 (part 11 of 13)

Wiili.'un II. Wiiil'v.^k'il.l;V-. lanucr and .-rock-raisor, postoihcc Vaiidah'a. Among those raised in Pike coimtj who arc \\urthy of notice is the sui.je.'c of this skerch. who was i.iora isi Peno township, Kovt-mber 14, 1840, the son of Thomas and Sarah G. Cury Whitelcdt^c, who were formerly of liarrifurcounty, Kentucky. Our subject was tlie seventh child of a family of eiirlit children. Ili^ father settled in Pike cc»uniy in 1840. His early life wa:5 spent in workino- on the farm and attending school. During the war he lived in Illinois one year, and in ISGl he went to ]\rontana, where he" lived eighteen months, engaged in freighting and on a cattle ranch. He moved on his present farm in iSTS, where lie has since livcl. lie was-, married xsovember IT, 1S74, to Keturah Wright, daughter of ,!ohn L. Wright, a prominent pioneer of Indian township. This union has brought to tliein thiee chi'dien: John P., Jauics, and I'liomas. ]\[r. Whiteledge is the owner of 930 acres of as goud land as can be found in the townshij^, which is in a hicrh state of cultivation and well improved, and well stocked- with cattle. Pie has a good rebidence, furnished with taste, and has all the comforts of a good home. He is a good business man, and fair ai^^d honorable in his dealings. He is numbered among t]:e best men in Indian township.

Jolui F. Wright (deceased). l\one are more worthy of notice tlmn the subject of this sketch. lie was born March 5, ISOS, near Pichmond, Virginia. He came- to Pike county in 1830, and was married to Miss Elizabeth Goodman in January, 1836. They were the parents of seven clnldren: Jaivies H., Amanda. Xancy, Keturah, Eliza, Victoria, and Jefferson. Mr. Wright was a raati of energy and perseverance. On his arrival in this county, having no means, lie connnenced work splitting rails at fifty cents a }n;ndred. After wr'rking at this business for some time he earned fifty dollars, which he invented in forty acres of government land, when he built a log-house. From this beginning lie continued to add to his possessions until at the time of his death he was the possessor of seventeen hundred acres of land, besides several thousand dollars in mortgages and notes. At the time of his death he was the wealthiest man in the townsnip. He was a man that was ever ready to assist those who were in destitute circumstances. He was a prominent menU)er of the M. E. Church South. He lived to sec his children take a prominent position in society. After living to a ripe old age he departed this life November 2, 1878.

James }[. Wriu'ht^ Esq.. stock-raiser and dealer. Amono: the prominent farmers and stock-raisers of Pike coun.ty is the subject of this sketch, the eldest sou ol-'Jolin F. W light. He was born October 5, 1S3S, on the old honiesttad. Ills early life was speiit in assistini> on the farm and attendii)^' school at Wataoji SDi.iiiiary. this connry. He wa.-, married to Miss Missouri Wil-^oi), daughter of David and ]\[ary Wilson, Septeml)er 27, 1S68. They are the paients of live children: jMa<j;-j:;ie, Georgia A., Birdie E.,' Joliu J"., and Joseph. Mr. Wright is tlie owner of nine hundred acres of land, wliich is well improved and under a high state of cullisation, and Mdiich he has !

where he dispenses liospitality in a royal manner. lie moved on his present farm in October, 1m50, where he has since resided. He is a man of \ broad experience and a successful busine-s man. His honorable dealing lias won him manv iViends. ' . . - - similar to tl«3 other prairie in the county, most of whicli has already been - described. Along the water-courses, however, some timber is found in every - \ part of the township, and the growth sucli as hickory, ash, elm, oak, nraple, ' \ a red clay, while the prairie soil, also black, is underlaid bv a pale blue <.r slatish colored clay of an exc^-ediiigly tenacious or waxy nature. At an early day the prairie lands were cMremely wet, and on this account, for a long titi'^e \Ycre regardrd as ei\tirely v/urthless. AVitiiin late years, howiivor. from tramping and drainage, they have become much drier than before, and ouite a revolution in public opinion has ensued, for these lands are now o-- teemcd of infinitely more value than the timbered districts. There can i;o no doubt bv.t that in the near future, when the farmer s]jall have learned th.; true value of tile drainage, and the necessity of an alkali, such as common slacked lime, these laiids will be as productive as the rich alluvial bottoms of the ^Mississijjpi. ^'or is the tiine f^ir distant when all the benefits of scientific larminc; will -be reaped by the owners of these beautiful praii'io homes. - .

Spencer, like oth.er liortions of the county, abounds in streams, many of which are small and a number unnamed. The )*rincipal v>'ater-course in the townsliip is Spencer Creek, which rises in the soutlieast, flows, northwest througli^two-thirds of the township, wlicn it bends its course to the north, and aifer traversing the northern portion, enters KaHs county, and finahv falls into Salt Kiver. This creek has several small tributaries of greater or less size, among them Clifty Fork, which supplies a considerable portion of the township with tlie requsite stock water during the greater portion of the year; and AMiite Oak Foi'k heads in the southwestern part of the township, and flowing north finds its continence with Spencer Creek.

There are quite a number of springs in the townshij) whose fiow is unceasino", and whose to the farmer and husbandman is above all price. The Elk Lick Springs, a place of considerable resort for both invalids and pleasure seekers, is situated in the extreme northwestern part of the township, aud about three miles nortliwest of the little town of Spencerburg. The land u]ion which these springs are situated belonged to the guvernmont, and it was not less than ten or fifteen years after the first settlers had begun to locate in the township before any attempt was made to improve them. The land upon which these springs are located was first entered iy a man named McBride, who employed John II. Shepard, late of Bowling Green, to erect a house upon a site at a short remove from where the bote, -now stands. This was in 1S33, but no knowledge of the medicinal virtues of the waters aj)])ears to have becji had until quite a number of years afterwards. Lilcc the Duiliilo Spring-o, in Buffalo township, the ground for quite a distance about th'-^se springs appears to have l)een licked or eaten away, and hence the surface wan eiitii'cly destitute of any sign of vegetation. This was done by the great uunjhers of wild animals, which at an early day, even before the country was settled, frequented this spot, donbtless^ on account of the salt which they found here. Since 1S50 these springs liave been considerably iinpritved, a good hotel and several cottages have been erected, and other preparations necf'ssary to the comfort of guests having from time to time been provided. Tluj waters are ]>er}iaps as fine and health-restoring f>.3 those of any other springs in the whole country, but unfortunately the eTjterprise necessary to n.iake tlse >-))riug-= a fii.'aru'-ial sncces? ha? bee^i sf.dly wanting. The hope is still entertained, however, that time will eltect such changes as may yet lead to the improvement of this sanitarium of nature, and that Elk j.,ick. like Eure]<a, and the A\'hite Sulphur, may have its gu.est.s Ironi the mouutairious regioris of the east, the gulf states of the south, and the territories of the west.

spencer township was early settled. From Yirginia, Kentuckj^, South Carolina and other southern states came the hardy pioneers, leading the v.anguard of western civili>:ation. From the best information' tc* be had John Onstott was the first white njan who ever entered Spencer townsliip. He cauje in the fall of ISIC. from tlie state of SntUh Carolina: crossed the Mississippi at St. Louis, then a mere village, and where lie met Thomas H. Benton, just fairly enteringupon his life work; followed the Salt lliver trail northv.-ard; camped at the head of the Bowling Clieei] prairie, and finally built his liouse, a log structure, tv,enty-four by tliirty-six feet, on the old Salt Ftiver road, and not far from the pre-ent town (.)f Sj>encerburg. liis house became the home of the early settlers. Men kiicw as much of their neighbors then as now, and the citizen of St. Charles had no trouble in directing the immigrant to the home of Onstott. All were kindly received and ]ios]>itiibly entertained, and such assistance render('d in selecting a home as was felt to be necessary. Fielden Gentle., the father of Jarvis J. Gentle, and time after the coining of Onstott. Mr. Gentle settled just soulli of wh.ere Henry Burch iifterwards lived. Zachariah Burch, a soldier of the Revolution, and John Tally, said to be a half Cherokee, came in 1S19, Burch addressed himself to farming. Tally engaged in hunting and trapping. Wif- liam ilrown, one of the fjrst settlers, eanie at a very early day, probably uut later than 1S20 or 182 J . Of all who cume l>eforc or for Sfine time after hiin, Mr. r?ro-.vn is the only s'orvivor. lie reside:^ three inihjs north of S|)oncerburrf. find is eio'hty-riix years o\' ago. Thi^ veneral-le man has always been a good citizen, and has to-day. as he has ever had, tl.ie esteem and aftcction of all who know liim. About the same time with "William IJrovvn came George Seeley fronj Sr. Oiai'lfs county and Harold Sanders fruni Virginia. '^

Reading, Bings, Tapley, Ware, AVeatherford, Tribble, Ci'ow, Whitlege, and other families, whose descendants still reside in the vownshii), and assist in m^ikiug up the present energetic, law abiding, and moral commaiiitA^ of which Soencer township is almost entirelv composed. ?

cheerfully contributed, and the fact that they were necessary lo each other's comfort tended to^draw tliem nearer togeclier and to strengthen the ties of friendship and affection. Their wants ^vere eom}>arativcly few, tor they sought the necessities and not the luxuries of life, and they were not only contented witli their situation but even made ha})];y by their surroundings. They sought noc immediate wealth fur themselves, but fiuure homes for their children, and the consciousness of seeking to act more for the good of others than the aggrandizement of self, led to peace of mind and self-satis facti"!i. Xor have th.eir eth>rts on behalf or their children been unavailing

^ their saccessors are generiilly in _u\>od eircuinstances and niaity of them are actually wealtliy. They prepared the way for those who Vv-eie to corne after them, and their eliildren enjoy to-day the advaiitages purchased by their in-

. dustry aad self-denial. Tlie Spencer township of the present is far different from Ljje same di.^triet of the pa^^r. At that time but little of this vast re- i gion had been brought iiito cultivation, and that only the woodlands of the J township, for the prairies were tlioup^ht to be utterly worthless. Now, how- ,?, ever, immense farms have succeeded the scattering patches, and the prai- | ries, which the early settlers both despised and ignored, have indeed been made to " blossom as the rose." The township is at this time rather thickly . settled and with a class of citizens noted for their .energy and enterprise. Large tracts are carefully cultivated, and the yield of corn, wheat, oats, and hay, richly compen^acc the tarmer for his persistent labor. In portions of the townslilp considerable attention is devoted to stock-raising, to which the "j country is admirably adapted. The houses of the farmers are generally of j a verv substantial character, and their surroundings usually indicate much j taste and careful attention. The peo])le are hu=i'itable and intelligent and -j have devoted much care to the intellectual and moral training of their chil- ^i dren. The township is well supplied with good and commodious schoolbuildings, and churches of every name and order are v.-itliin easy reach of almost every home. Tlicre are no gravel or juaeadam roads in the tov\-nship, but the prairie ruads are, excepting a short time in the early sprirsg, generally in splendid condition for light driving or lieavy hauling. 1 There is one railroad passing from east to west through Sj>CTicer town- i shij). tlie jvansas City branch of the Chicago 6c Alton, Avhich furnishes ^ suitable facilities for reaching the creat markets of the country. In point ' i of beauty we doubt if there is atsy j)a]'t of the country that ca.n excel. tliis - township. Xeiiher is there any locality in v/hich there has been a more j rapid development of the material interests of the county. One thing which must long continue to give Spencer a very decided advantage, and especially in the way of immigration, over Builalo, Calumet, Fenrj, and Cuivre townships, is the fact that there is no township debt oppressing the people and liampering their energies. To this fact can be added another of no small import - tliC grass-|ii'oducing quality of Iter splendid prairie lands - which must lon^^ make tliis one of the iinest firaziDs^ countries in the

Below is iriven. as complote a history as could he secured of the several churelies in tlie tovcnsliip, rmitting those ut' Currvville and Spencerbnr", wLmcIi will appear in their ])rope)' ].)lai:;cs in tlie history of these two towns.

Tiiis church was built rt1.<out the year lSc>3, at a cost of about titteen hundred dollai ^, by three denominations - the Cumberland Presbyterians, ^lissiunary B;i]>tist?, and Souihein Methodists. The churcli-liouse is a substantial frame stn:cture a'x.'Ut 35x40 feet, and with sittings for aljout -JOG persons. Fi'oni some cause the Methodists ap]^ear never to have organized jiere, and tlie Baptists and Presbyterians have at this time entire control of the cl^urcli. "Wliilc tl"o h.oiise is irenerallv r.nov.n as Mt. Ayr bv tlie o-onoral peoj'lc, and vrhile tlie Presbyterians recusnize their part of the church by the same name, the Baptists, who have an organization here, are known as the Providence congregation, and call the house by the' same name. Hence we have worshipinvf iu the same building the ]\[ouut Avr Presbyterians and the Providence Baptists.

The Ba]itist congregation, as shown by their records, %ras organized as early as July li', 1S5-2, by Elders D. F. Inlow and T. T. Johnson. But as this organization antedates the luiilding of the chure]> the inference is that they worsliiped elsewhere previous to the time when they organized here. There were nine constituting members as follows; L>. A'. Inlow, K. II. Davis, T. Burks, Milieta A. Bowies, Agnes Ayres, Catharine Lacj, Martha Lacy, Xaney Harper, and Eiiza Matthevrs. Rev. I). "N'. hdow was the fitst minister, and continued to serve the church until 1S5G. when he was succeeded by Rev. John M. Joluison, who was pastor fur one year. Mr. Johnson was followed by Lefrenier C. Musick, who remained until ISGO, when Rev. Johr.son again because the pasteir. Elder M. M. Mi:^disett was called in 1SC2, and remained in charge until 1S6C, v.hen Elder "William Kidd succeeded to the pastorate and preached to the church for one year. After Mr. Kidd came the Rev. S. Xoel, v;ho served from ISCu until 1809. wiien Rev. J. B. Ilav.-kins accejited the call of the church, and continued to act as j)astor for about twelve inonilis. Mr. Modisott succeedod Rev. Hawkins and remained until 1S72, when Elder T. X. Sanderson was chosen pastor, which position lie continued to occupy until ISTo. Rev. S. G. Givcns wa? iu charge from 1ST5 until 18S1, when Elder G. B. Smith v.as called, and re-

This church was organized by the Cumberland rre.-_]>yterians ot\ ]\Iny 22, 1S54-. It was in tlie same house me?i!ioned before as j\lonnt Ayr, and in ^y-hich tlse Zvlissionary Baptists had organized -tlie Providence congregation. The constituting members -were Barvey G. MeCune, William Eeading, Jr., Jacob Lemon, Ann W. Lemon, Margaret R. Vrilson, Alary J. Lemon, Mary McCune, and Llisha Almond. Harvey G. McCune and William Iicading, Jr., were the lirst elders. Prior to 18G9 the records appear to have been badly kept, and no data can be . found as to those \vl}0 Lave served as pastors of the church or in othei- oflicial capacities. In the latter year, however, Perry A. C'urry was clioscn church clerk, and from that time forv.-ard a more intelligible and reliable statement can be found. Kcv. L. P. Pharr was the preacher in cl)arge during 18G9. In 1870 Guy McCune, Perry A. Curry, Harmon and J. W. Caldwell, were the elders, and Harrison G. Mackey and Elisha T. Edwards were the deacons. In 1S72 Per. James AY. Duval was elected pastor, and served until 1875, when Kev, U. M. Boyd Tas chosen and rejuained in charge until 1S77. From 1S77 nntil 1S81 Pev. E. P. Phnrr -was the preacher, having been called the second time to the eaie of ^he chuix-li. In 1881 Pev. P. O. Elmore accej^ted a call and served one year, when Pe\. Alonzo Pearson, the present preacher, became his successor. Tlie membershi]) of this church could not be ascertained, but from members ar.d others it is learned that it j is a stvoni!; and prosperous organisation, and is now doing, and indeed lias | long been doing, a great and noble work in the cause of genuine Chris- 1 tianity. J

This church is situated in the extreme northern part of Spencer town- | sliip. 0.1 the road fro ni Spcncerburg to New- London and three and a half i niilcs nurth of tjie former place. ]l is a neat one-story frame building fuiu v.-as erected v, ith means contriluUcl in part by the Ilnpti^Ls and in part bv the general pnl)lic. T!ie cluireli in almost new, havin^cc l>een I'uilt witliin the last three or fun!- years. The honse was originally Luilt upon a pie(?e of land wluch htid been donated for cemetery ^Viirj-oses, but the trustees who controlled the cemetery projierty rern-ed to ^iw. the ]k])tists the exclusive control of the chure'!, which, resulted in the rei.toval to an acr: of land purchased for this purpose ju<t ?onth of the cemetery mentioned. "When this church was first built the society or congregation was sup])ortt;d by tlie Board of ]\Lissions acd a regular jjastor was not called until the .spring of 18S2. The congregation was organized by lievs. W. J. Patrick and James ]-Jeid iu IS'TS with ten members, among whom are found the names of a part as lollows: Gideon Ardry, \Vil]iam Ardry. Kobert Weldy, Mrs. AVeldy, and Geoi'ge JetlVies. Ftcv.janu^s J3igi;s, was the hrst missionary, succeeded by Rev. Vr. .J. Patricl:. The first regular pastor, who is still in charge, was Tiev. S. G. Givens, who was called in 1SS2. There are at this time twelve members in good standing. Services are held here regularly once every month. The cliurch is by r,o means a strong one, but ih'-y have tlie nucleus fur a future Ch.ristian gi-owth and the hope that they m.ay continue, to extend its borders and gain annually new accessions of st:-ength is by no means witliout some prospect of realization.

This church was organized about one year ago by iJevs. E. Jennings aiid ^Y. J. Patrick, with about twelve constituting members. There is no churchhouse, but the congregation meets and worshij)? at the Elm Grove schoolhouse, which is situated about three and a half miles southwest of Mount Ayr Church and a little northwest uf Curryvilie. Kichard Tribbk* is oue of the deacons. This concrre'^'atiou is but a weak ./ne and is onlv occasionally sup)>lied with ministerial labor. '

CURRYVILIE. The town of Cu:ry\'ille is situated in the southeastern portion of Spencer township and in the western ]->a\t of Pike couiU}. It is niiieteen miles from the Mississi]'pi Piver and eight nnles west of Bowling Green, the county seat of Pike. Tlio Ivausas City divi.-icn of the Chicago ifc Altot! Pailroad passes thr'jugh the town and furnislies to its citizens the requisite facilities for transoortation. The location of the town ivS all that couid be

It clanJ.-> upon a beautiful kiK.dl or emiijonco in the very center of one of the tine<t fui-inkir;- e.)UiUrie3 to be tbund witliin the limits ot" the cmiiUv,' while the adjacent rieli and roUiniC prairie land, with it.-; luxuriant f^^rowth of grass and llowers, furnishes in tlie sunmier season a picture of rare andexcejition-il lovelines?. CnrryvllJe was first laid out in I'^GO. under tlic supervision of Perry A. Curry, one of the oldest settlers in the county, and for whom ilie town was named, Judge llnrnion Caldwell, and Aaron ^FcPikc. I

The villap^e, however, was not incorjioratcd until 1874, when a town bvxird i was elected and Dr. H. P. Lewis, wl\o has been a citizen since 1S67, was \ cliosen chairman. The grov/th of the town lias not been ra])id, numbering at tliis time bat little more than inhabitants, still it has developed. .j gradually, and the progress it has made has been of the must substantial and \ satisfactory character. The business interests of the place have grown in a j ratio in excess of its increase in ])opulation. The tirsl l.)usine.-s house was j well ani immediatelv Itegan the erection of another house of like character, From this date, 18Ti\ the permanent imjn'Dvement of the town may be reckoned. Frum this time forward new business enterprises were undertaken and houses tbr their accommodaiiou were promptly erected until at the present dry goods, groceries, drugs, clothing, notions, saddlery, and other lines are ve'-y fully represented in the tou'n. J^esides tiiese branches of niercantile busiiiess the laljorious blacksmith and the industrious carpenter are to be found here, while t'AO active landlords cater to the inner man of the traveling ptiblic, and the pro^-erbially fat and good-natnred butcher smilingly serves his customers with the tenderest sirloins of grass-fed beef.

"While caring for the physical man, the people of Curryville have also been mindful of the intellectual and nioral wants of tiie child and the citizen. Heiice they have instituted the school for the one and organized the chiurch for the other.

As early as the spring of 1807, and when the village was scarcely a year old. several prominent citizens met at tliQ school-house on the farm of Judije Harmon Caldwell, to devise ways and meaiis for the erection of a better and more commodious sch<jol-building. That these were men of enterprise appears from the fact that the jTroposition to build a substantial and costU' structure was unanimou>ly indorsed, while their promptness is cle;irly evinced in their ii.nnif.'liate formation of a company called the Pike High

School Associat'OD. The suia of thirU-fivo huiKlrccl dollars was at onoe snbscribe'l, and a splendid two-«;torv brick building was erected, \vhich still stands, a niDiiinncnt to tr.e enterprise and wisdom of its funnders. In this house a very successfully conducted school has h.ni^ been tani^ht. Perrv A. Curry was the first teacher, assisted by Aliss Xannie Dickerson. 11. M . Boyd, the present eijicjent county commissioner, succeeded Mr. Currv then came E. P. I'harr, James Ort'utt, \V. B. Mel 'ike, IMiss Namvc I'iack, Rouker, and K. H. llowley. The gentlen.ien abo\'e Tiained as superintendents of the Curryville school are prominent amon^" the best educators of the county, Vrdiile the single lady superintendent, ]\riss Xannie Black, is in no respect inferior to either uf them. Indeed, her vigorous common sen=e and splendid scholastic attainments, no less tiian her perfect self-possession and easy and dignified mode of discipline, entitle her to a high place in the front rank of tlie strongest teachers in the state.

The scliool-building became tlie nucleus around which the business Interests of the town seemed to center, and for cjuite awhile ail tlie trade was located in this portion o^ the town. - The town, which soon commenced to grow, demanded more territory thaii the restricted district which had first been surveyed, and in ISTl an addition to Curryville was set oli" from the land belonging to William Iv. Biggs. This addition is now partially built up, and no donbt in the near future numerous other and valuable buildings will be erected.

Dr. II. P. Lewis was the first physiciai\ of Curryville, loca;ting tliere in April, ISOT, and controlling a constantly growing and extremelv lucrative practice. Several oth.er physicians have located in the town' nt difrVrent times, but after a short residence have again moved away, f Recently, liowever, another physician, Dr. W. E. Black, who is said to come highly recommended, has located in the villaii;e. A^s amona: the professional men of the town, we suppose it would be eminently prc)-jier to mention Mr. J. B. Simpson, the young, able, and affable editor of the Curryville Coavlcr. There is no lawyer in the towu, and it is to be hoped that it will be long before the services of one v.-ill be needed tiiere.

There are no n:ore gener.ms, hospitable, and whole souled people to be found anywhere than tho^e who reside in the town of Curry ville. Tiiev are also industrious, enterprising, and moral. Tlipy attcfd closely to their own business, and live in peace and liarinony witli each other. Tlicy are courteous to the strani^er, kind toward tlieir acfjuaintanccs, and considerate of the wants or necesbitles ot tlieir neii^hbors^.

Bratcher, tyler; A. A. Xewland, Francis Eced, and William TTatson. The lodge has grown until at this time it has more than doubled its original !

The Can yvillo division of this order v/as organized l.y Mrs. M. E, Gi.er March L JSS:^,. M-Itli the; Ibllowing m(M)d)ers: J. C. RoV)inson, Amelia Kohinson, Lonella Eol>in?on, Harry Steel, JIarvey I^Iitchell, i^riss Lutie Ilovd, Miss Katie ITood, (-ieorf:io IkiKlerson, Eddie Henderson, Percie Bovd, Ernest Lewis, E. Edwards, John Doolin, Eenj. P.urnett, James O. Pobinson, Henry Bower and wife, J. T. Reynolds, John Edwards, Miss I.eh'a Tally, Miss Ella Tally, .Aliss Lanrcna Eobinson, Misses Lizzie and Alice Steel, Miss Emma Grant, Frank Eecd, and Miss Belle Ivobins,

Cukkyvillk Chukches

Dnrin^r the year 1ST5 the Missionary Baptists, Ecrrular Baptists, and Cumberland Pi'esbyterians> united iu the ])!'oject of erecting a church-building for the use of all denominations. As the result a fine and coniniodious, frame clrarcli v.as built, and still nMuains, the only building- of the kind in the village. Since the organization of. the first three societies the Methodist Episcopal Church has elTected an organization. Thus the religious interests of the town are provided for by four denominations. Recently, however, the Regular Ba])tists have sold their interest in the building to the Missionary Baptists and contemplate making Spencerburg their place of worship, w})ere the}' have an interest in a church edifice. At this time Rev. J. AY. Patrick preaches for the Regular Baptists, Rev. E. P. Pliarr for the Presbyterians, and Jjr. IS. Shumate for the Methodists.

This church was organized in November, 1S65, by a presbytery coniposed of S. A. Bcaucliamp, of Huntsville, H. M. King, of Fayette, A. P. Rogers and E.Jennings, of Bowling Green, and J.T. Williams, of Louisiana. The following were enrolled as constituent members: Luke Lewis, Benj. King, "\V. K. -Biggs. Ftuchel King, Martha A. Biggs, Emrna Biggs, Anna Biggs, James "W. Riggs, Lucrelia Riggs, M. J. Trabue, AV. lirandon, Anna Brandon, J. E. McPike, H. P. Lewis, L. Lewis, G. W. Wylie, T. J. Ayres, and Mollie E, Ayres. The organization was completed by the election of Luke Lewis and Benj. Jung as deacons, and T. J. iVyres, clerk. An interesting scries of meetings followed this organization under the leadership of H. M. King. Illder S. A. Beauchamp had been preaching for some time and was now called to the pastoral care of the church. He remained but a few months, when Elder \V. J. Patrick was called, who has ever since been in charge, and is rendering etficient services. The first two deacons becoming superi> . . l/- lU

The ]\[. E. Church was organi^^ed at Curryville in April, 1S76, with the following meinbors: J. C. Eobinson, Amelia Kobinson, William Frankuni and wife, William Vrilliainson and wife, Thomas Re3'nold3 and wife, and Miss Amelia !- ranknm. Kevs. John AYilson, T. J. Enyart, and Dr. N. Shumate, have been the ministers in charge, the last named still ofliciating as pastor. The church is not very strong numerically, but is probably doing a work tiiat the other and larger denominations might have failed to accomplish.

Previous to 1575 the major portion of tlie congregation of tlie Curryville Cui;iberla!id Presbyterian Church held their membership with the Mount Ayr Ciiurch, several miles north of the village, \\'here the Curryville congregation now worships. In September of this year a part of the Mount Air people petitioned the ]-»resbytery, at its regular session, held with the Union Yalley Cimrch, in Marion county, to pcM-mit a division of thecongregation, and to allow ai^art of tho.-e members to hoM their services in the town of Curryville. The petition was promptly acceded to by the }n-esbytery, and Rev. James W. Campbell was a]->poinfed to organize the church at Currvville, which was accordingly done October 17, lS7o, and in a new church wliich tJie Presbyterians, with tlie Mis>Ionary and tlie Regular Baptists had just corapletet! in the village. The following named ot^cers were elected and ordained the same day on which the chui'ch was organized; viz., Harrison J. Mackey, W. H. Tinker, John W. Caldwell, Perry A. Curry, and A\'illiam nurnett, elders, and Josej^li W. lli'vd ami William S. Coon, deacons. The following was adopted as the constitution or basis of organization: ''We, v.'hose names are hereunto subscribed, believing ourselves to be followers of Christ, and desirous of advancing his cause in this community, do agree to form ourselves into a congregation, to i.>e known by the name of the Curryville Cumberland Presbyterian Church, liereby adopting the confession of faith and discipline of said church, and being under the care of the Salt River Presbytery.'' This constitution, or agreement was signed by the

Iiistoky Of I'Ike Coimt

Eliza x\.ndei\<oii, ]Maf::gic JJrown, lianiion CalJwell, John W. Caldwel]. Muilie Bradbury, Mary Caldwell, James 11. Caldwell, I. J^elle Caldwell. IVny A. Curry, Faisny Curry. Sarah \[. Curry, ]\[ilt'jii D. Curry, Jjeujainin .Burnett, Isabella j.^un!ctt, W. I^. Crow, C. V. Crow, Cornelia Edwards, Lvdhi I>rown, Moilie Ayres, ^ilaria J\raekey, Mollie McAIillen, EHzaA. Koberts, Mattie l^eed, America Smith, Perry Scro^^^in, May Stone, Mary K. Tinker, E. H. Crow, E. T. Edwards, IJ. G. Mnckcy, John J. MclMillen, Matilda Pool, Eraricis M. Ivced, Geo. W. Sirjitli, I,illie Scroa'^en, AVilliiun Stone, William IL Tinker, Ealph Tinker, and Mary M. ^Vylic. Thus the church at Curryville started out with a strong membership, and under the mo?t .favorable anspices. The foUowin^piTinibters have served thi.-i church: Revs. H. M. Boyd, James "W. Duvall, and E. P. Pharr, the present pastor. TIjc chnrcli is represented as being in a healthy and prosperous conditio;), as it is beiiig used as the instrument of great good in the community where it ic estaltlishcd. ' -

The town of Speucerburg is the oldest, and until the bnildino- of Onrrvville, was the only town in Sjiencer township. There is notliing about it that the stranger would regard as especially attractive;- neither is it unsightly. It is only a village of less than 200 inhabitants, very irregularly built up, and somewhat scattered over one of the many hills that abound in this portion of tlie township. The country around Spencerburg v."as settled at a very early day by immigrants mostly from Kentucky, and it is their descendants who make up the mass of the population at this time. The town itself was settled by the same people, and as early as 1S18 or lb 10 some business vras done in the place. John W. McQuie is said to have kept the first store in the town, while Aaron Ilendrick was the village sliocmaker, and also kept in the same shop a small stock of family groceries. W. Doyle was the first blacksmith in the town, and Dr. F. 1>. Leach the first practicing phvsician. Joel M. Wealhertbrd came in ISi-l and built the first cardinir machine in tiuit portion of the county, and also conducted the first factorv. At this time Mr. AVeatheribrd thinks there were not ni'-re than four houses in the place, which belonged respectively to Aaion Ilendrick, F. P). Leach, Powhatan Bryant and John McQuie. Mr, AVeatherford further states that people came twenty-fi\e and thirty miles to his cardinir mill, and for about eight years he carded not less than 1,600 pnnndi: of wool annually. The first horse-mill, or, indeed, a mill of an}' kind, was built by John OnstoLt near the site v»t" this little town, as fir back as 1S17 or 181S. This became tlie bus'mt'ss center of the towiisliip, and on ^^-rindin;^ days the census of the adnlt ninle |)0])uhiti(>n could liavo l^cen very correctly taken iK-re. Oiistott had also built a distillery not. far from tiie mill, and it AVfis not unusnal fur a few of the ueiglibors to dro}) in and talk a little politics here, tliougli no acconnt cf cither drunki.-nj^ess or bravds has ever been reported as having occurre<l. Mr. Onstott was a very estimable and deserving man, and although lie owned and ojK^rated a distillery, neither his honesty nor moral cliaracter wvvq ever called in question. It is probable tliat sixty ye^rs may have bronght about some change in the tastes of the p^eople or the character of the lifjuor. Just when the town of Si|'encerburg was first laid out cannot with act'ui-acy bu ascertained, though several have stated that it v.as done as eai'ly as ISIO. l)y J\>hn McQiiie nud a Mr. Lewis. The records do not confirm tiiese statemeuts, but that the town was settled this early, and that there was some character of sarvey made of tl)e place about thesame time, there can he hui:. little dordjt. The original town site contained twelve blocks, or ninety-six lots, to which has since been added, on the north, Bondurant's addition, four blocks, or thirty-two lots, and on the west what is known as the Western addition, containing the same area as Bondm-ant's addition nameil above. There has evidently been a sur\ey subsequent to the time of the laying out of the oi-igiual town, as the maps show that in 1S(»G, either all or a part of the town was laid out by J. M. Mc<^)uie, on section 30, township ."^i N., R. -i- west.

Spencerburg has never grown veiy rajiidly nor was it to bo expected that it should, since it has neither railroad nor river, n(n- even a macadam or gravel road. It is, however, an important factor in the list of material interests of northern Spencer. It supplies tlie residents of this portion of the tov, nship with tlicir dry goods and groceries, with their blacksmithing and carpenter work, with their notions and millinery, and all things else fco needful to an industrious community who live at a considerable remove from iaroer and better towns. The business interests of this little village may be summed up as follows:

Among the professional .gentlemen of the ]>lace may be mentioned two physicians and the village scliool-ma.-:ter. Xt^ lawyer is reported as living here, which speaks well for the upright citizens uf the town and vicinity. The schools of Spencerburg are the public schools common in all parta of the county. Tliey are said to be very well conducted and to give t^enoial satistactiou to the people of the district Tliere is but one church buiidiiuin tlic vilhigc, a ]ar^c sul.Ksttintial iVauie structure, which ir; owned in common by the Cuinberhmd Presbyterians, Southern Methodists, and AIis?i(ju ary and Ilegukr Baptists. ICach of tliese denominations has a one-iuin ih interest in the cliurcli and furniture, althougli hut two of theiu, tlie Metjiodists and Missionary Laptists have any oi;£;:ujizati(jn here. The Chri.~tian denomination, v.Iio ])ave no church projicrty of their own, also worship in this house.

The presbytery tliat ortianized this conij-ro^ation met March 3, 18G3. It was composed of Eh:ler G. W. Eoby and Messrs. John Ford, John S. Ford, and JoJm Ferrilh Rev. Roby delivered a discmirse after which the follov/- ir'g persons wl;o had been re^ndarly baptizf-d and had made the requsitc profession of faith, were admitted, and formed the original or constitutiii"- members; viz., Joel M. AVeatherford, Mary 13. Weatherfoid, H. M. Kino-, Fannie King, John A. Rose, Eliza Rose, "\Y. T. Fucjua, Mary Phears, Martha Bonduraut, twid c-tlicrs to tlie number of twelve. Rev. II. y[. Kini,^ v;as elected pastor and K. A. Laird was chosen clerk. The church was named the United Baptist Church of Spencerburg. The following ministers have liad charge of the church since its organization: II. ]\[. King, from lj«6i until 1866; Rev. Wheeler, from 1^G6 until .1^68; Rev. J. B. Hawkins from 1868 unli] 1870; and Rev. Sheldon, from 1870 until 1872. In this last year Rev. S. G. Givens accepted a call and continued to serve the congregation for six years, or until 1878, when he was succeeded by Rev. M. L. Bibb, who remained but one year. Rev. J. D. Biggs became pastor of the chureii in 1879 and remained until 1881,'when W. J. Patrick was elected by the cluirch and remained until 1882, when he was followed by Rev. James Reid. tr.e present pastor.

At the organization of the church John A. Rose and W. F. Fuqua were chosen deacons. Since then James Moore, Joel M. Weatherford, Joseph Bondurant and Bethel Rose have acted in this capacity. AVeatherford and Rose are the deacons at tliis time.

From twelve members in ]8*)4- the'church has gruwn to sixty-five c<.Mnmunicats in 1>S3. and with an earnest and laithful pastor, and a pious and devoted membership it is altogether probable that it will continue to grow until many who know not the way of life shall have been brought into the knowledo-e of tise truth, as it is' in Christ Jesus.

This charoii wa- orgaaizccl in 1837, and before tlu-vc was any cliurchlioiise in the vlllaue. The first prcachin^^- was at the liousc of ])v. F. H. Leach, a!)d witliout any (hit;t to p.isitivi'iy establish the fact it is nevertheless probable that the cun^'regatiou or church v/as also organized there. The constituting nienibers were Dr. F. 15. Loach, Matilda 8. Leach, Eliza McQuie, dohn Spencer, J")avcnport Nally and wife, William Spencer and wife. Alartlia, Nancy, and Matilda Kubinson, Harvey Milcliell and wife, Matilda ]lon^ton, John Frltchett and wife, Eebecca McQ'iie, Sarah Mc- Quie, and Mrs. A. Frances. The first preacher was Kev. Dravden Forsyth, wlio was followed in regular order by Fvevs. John Ellis, Gray Wilson, Jesse Sutton, and Alexander Spencer. In iSTo, after the church had been completed, the chnrcli was re-organized, witli but thirteen members, among whom were tlie following: Agnes G. Tribble, Joseph Bently, W. T. Cleaver and wife, Harriet Bentley, Mary Rose, and W. C. Wylie and wife. Since the re-orgunization the following preachers have ofiiciated here: Eevs. Henry Flay, Alexander Spencer, H. At. Myers, Shernn^n, and P>abcock. Kev. Mr. Hcpler is the ]>astor at this time. The churcli is said to in a fairly prosperous condition, with considerable Christian zeal, and numerically stronger than for quite a long time before.

This church was first organized at S}>encerburg in 1871, by Elder AYilliam Patterson, with the f dlowing constituting members: J. M. Johnson and wife, Kebecca Johnson, ^Ntaria Johnson, Lucinda Laird, Henry Laird, T. C. SafFell, Annie Evins, Louisa Hutcherson, Julia A. Snftell, Luciu'la Evins, Joseph Keithley, and Lucy O. Sattell. Joseph Keithloy and J. ^L Johnson were the first elders, and T. C. Saffell and Henry Laird the first deacons. C)n tlie 17th day of February, 1S7S, the church was re-organized by Elder d. B. Corwine, with the following members: T. C. Saffell, H. Ml Laird, Jack Cash, Brice Wheeler, Lucy Saifell, Cora Evins, Freeman Laird, J. B. Brasheir. Dixie Brashear, F. ^l. Wicks, Louisa Hutct\orson, Joseph Keithley, William Saffell, Thomas M. Guthrie, George Foreman, Laura Allison, deceased, Annie F>ening, Lucinda Laird, Margaret 15rashear, P>mma Wicks, aiid Joseph Lewis. After this second organization was effected Joseph Keithley aTid William Satfell were chosen elder.-, and T. C. SaiTell and H. M. Laird were again selected to act as deacons. F. M. Wicks was made church clerk. About this time quite a number of additions were made to the church, among them A. F.James, Victoria James, J. C. Jiriggs,

Biooraphical Skktciies

TlioiHas J. Ay res (deceased). Amoni:' the prominent pioneers of Piko county there are riOne more worthy of notice in history than the subject of this sketch. JTe was tli£ sen of John ar.d Ai^'ues Ayres, who were descendants of some of the old families of Buckingham county, Virginia. lie was born in Woodford couiiiy, Kentucky, tSe])temher 29, ISOO, WJien a child hib parents moved with him to Shelby county of that state, where he was reared. lie ]-eceived a limited education in the subscription schools of that county, lie was married Xovember 29, 1S21, to JMiss Elizabeth, daughter of Jesse and Phoda Lewis. She was born in Shelby county, Kentucky, Septeniber 5, 1806. Mr. A. continued farming in that county until the fall of 3S30, when he immigrated to Pike count}-, Missouri, arriving here with limited means, purch.asing eiglity acres of unimproved land, for which he was obliged to go in debt for a portion. However, being a man of good judgmient, and by hard work and strict economy he soon discharged his obligations; and from time to time added to until at his death he hud a landed estate of 500 acres of as good land as Pike county atiords, and a large portion of it is under a high state of cultivation. They were the parents of ten children, all of whom are living and occupying prominent positions in society: Martlia J., Ilebfcca B., Agnes Pi., John II., Elizabeth A., EhV.a A., Joseph S., Salathiel B., x\mos B., and Thomas J. Mr. Ayres obtained a hope in Christ in his eighteenth year, uniting with the liegular Baptist Church, and was an ardent worker in the cause of Christianity until his death, M'hich occurred on the 27th of June, 1S71. lie was highly esteemed by all who knew him, and Icfc a large circle of friends to mourn his loss.

T. J. Ayres, marchant, Curryville, is the son of Thomas and EHzabcth xVyres, who were prominent among the pioneers of Pike county, and wis born March 35, 15-15. liis youth was spent in assisting his father oi' the farm and atteiiding school. lie liriished his education at Cetlicd College, Paliuvra. His vacations wove .-^poiit in teaching. In the s]>ri]ig of ISTO he on^^agcd in the nicrc-uitilc business at S[K'ncerhnfi.';, wliore he renKiincd for three veaip, with marked success. In 1873 he sold out his business ut Spencerbu)-;.; and cauic to Currvville, where he has since been engaged in the same biisinc-s. He oceu['ics a n)anHn(.>th brick buihling. 76x44: feet in size, and carries a stock of genei-al merrhandise, which in (jualily and quantity is seldom seen in larger cities. By his honorable and U])right dealings with his patrons he has wou their contidence and respect, and, in fact, as a business man. altliongh yonng in years, he stands among the foremost in the county. His social lite is not behind his business qualitjcations. He was married April 2'X IsGO, to Miss ^li\vy E. Briddell, who was born in Pike county May 13, 1S46, daughter of E. J, and Eiizab'cth Briddell. A\^h(. n little jncre than an infant she was left an or]>han. She, however, found a home with her step-graiultaLlicr, who re:!:-ed f.cr with a tenderness seldom bestowed on a child by a fillier. He also gave her an education M-hich has fitted her as a leading member in society, and at his dei'h she shared equi^liy with hi- ch.ildrcn in his estate. She is a lady of refinement and culture, and is loved and honored l>y all who know jier. 'Sir. A. and wife are members of the Eaj.tist Church. He holds tlie position of clerk. In 1.S70 he was elected to the office (.f superintendent of tlie public schools, ia which capacity he served for tw-j years, with honor to himself and his constituents. By their union they have one child, Bettie B., born February 13, lS7ii.

James IT. C Boiiduraiil:. fnrmer and stock-raiser, post-otRce Currvville. He is a sun of Ejdiraim iJondurant. whose sketch appears elsewhere. He was born in Pike county, Missouri, February IS, 1S30, where he was reared and edricated, IIn ing at home u;itil he was tv.enty-one years of age. He then woi'ked out by the nmntli and rented land until he was mariied, December 1, 1862, to Miss Ellen B. Lacy, a daughter of Johnson and Eydia Lacy, pioneers of Pike county. He then purchased the farm where he has since lived, it contains 160 -acres of good land, under a high state of cultivation, and forty acres of wi,-odland )>asture. They aie the parents of two children, Alice J. and Ollie B. .:\[r. P.. is a memi)er of the Baptist Church. His wife is a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Churcii.

Ephraiin Bondurailt. farmer, is a native of Kentucky. He was born in "VVoodford c.-unty. Januaiy 16, 1800, where h.e lived until he was seven years ot age, when his i.arents m'>ved to Shelby county of that state. He was reared on a farm, living at liome until he grew to manhood. He was married Xovember 21', 1S-2G, to Miss Jane West, a native of Shelby county, Kentucky. In 1S".0 he iniiniirruted to Tike comity, Missouri, at wiiicli place, with the exception of two years, h.e lias since lived. In 1S47 he ufnt to Ileiidrick county, Tn(ii;uia, wiiere he remained until 1^40, when hf i-.. turned to Pike county, where he has since lived. He entered eighty acn. - of unim])rovcd land, which he improved, and from time to time lie added i.. it until he had 'a lino farm of about 200 acres under a high state of cultivation. In 1S7-J lie retired iVoni business. Tliey wuie the parents of twelve children: Joseph, Mary tS., Jane, George, Benjamin, JeiVrey, and James II. C; and William, Marion, Sarah, Kebecca, and Susaii A., deceased. He and his wife v.ere members of tlio IJaptist Church for many years, he having been a member for over >ixty years. . -

Jacob Bowers, livery stable, post-office Cnrryville. Jle was horn i:i Surrey county. Indiana, August 1>, 1S32, but when he was quite young Ids parents Tnoved to Shelby county of that state, where he was reared and educated. In 1855 ho was married to Miss Mary A. Wright of Union county, Indiana. He lived in Shelby county until 1850, when he immigrateii to Schuyler county, Missouri, where he liveil on a farm for three years, la May, ISOl, he, in company with his uncle and a man by tlie name of Smitli, went to the Rocky ^[ountains. They founded the Colorado Salt AYorks. in which business he continued until IsPti. when he returned to Schuyler county Mhere he remained for a short; time. He then returned to the place of his birth, where lie lived two ypars, after which he returned to Missouri and jnircliased a farm in Marion county, where he lived until the death ot his wife which occurred December 6. 1S71. He then sold his farm and moved to Palmyra in order to give his children the benefit of the schools at that place. They were the pareats of six children: Fanny, Henry, Annie, Munroe, Silas, and James. In 1S70 became to Curryville and purchased the liverv stable, and a residence where he has since lived. Mr. Bowers ;> a man of liberal views, and ly his honest and upright dealing has won the respect and confidence of all wdio know him.

Simon I^. P>i'anstetter. farmer and stock-raiser, post-office Curryville. Among the enterprising and industrious men of Spencer township, there are none more worthy (>f notice in history than the subject of this sketch. He was born Decem.ber 19. 1S4:0, the son of Simon B., deceased, who was among the pioneers of the county. His fatlier died when he was only seven years of ao-e, and he renained at home until he arrived at the ago of manhood. When the dark clouds of war hung like a pall over our country: he was among those brave men who went out in defense of the old flag, enlisting A])ril 14, lSt;2, in Comj.any I, Third Missouri Cavalry, participating in many

]uuu-tbua:lit balllcji. "While in u skirinish with j^rioo's men, tliov were surrounded, and after a de^J)orate fij;ht the sqund was surrendered, and our snhject taken prisoner. After b(.-in>;- relieved of all his clothing he was sii.*t down in cold blood, and left on the field for dead, the ball j-.as>ing throu^di his rio-ht lun"- and connnir out tit his back. After the enemy had left and he had gained coiisciousuess ho walked for r,oven miles over the frozen ground, his feet being ?ore and bleeding. Tie came to a cabin where, with much ditliculty, he obtained shelter, and through the kindness of the family, he got some ca:^t-oiT garments, consisting of part of a shirt atid pair of pants. Here he remained for ten days, his wound partially healing. He started out in the cold without coat or vest and trav-led 12u miles, dodging the eriemy, before lie came to a place of safety. Wh^-n he got to Cape Girardeau he obtained admission to the hospital, where lie received ail the care possible for one week, and was then transferred to St. Louis, where he remained about a mo:uh, and then came home on a leave of absence, remaining until December IS, l.SuJ-, when he returned to his regiment at St. Jose])h, and wa- honorably disciuirged at Macon City, June 10, 1S65, and returned home. He has since been engaged in farming ou the old homestead, where he was born and reared. His farm contains 212 acres of good land which he kej.'t under a high state of cultivation. Mr. B. was married ^'ovember 20, 1S64, to Miss ]\[ay J. Chamberlain, of Pike county. Their union has been blessed with eight children: Flora T., Artie L., Tberon J., Hugh and L'-'U (twins\ Daisy, Walter, and an infant. Mr. and Mrs. P». are members of the Chri.-tain Church.

Jaiue.s B. l>!'asheiir, farnjcr and stock-raiser, post-ottice Spencerburg. He was born in Rails county, Missouri. ])ecember 3. 1S33, and is a son of Eichard M. and Rmily E. Brashear, one of t'le pioneers of lialls county. Our subject was ]-eared on a farm and educated in the subscription schools, living at liome until he was twenty-four years of age. He was married Xo- \ ember 11, 185G, to Miss Jemima M., the daughter of John li. and Elizabeth James, who were among the pi-uieers of Pike cwnnty. She was born March 1-1, 1S37. Our subject took IGO acres of unimj'roved land, upon which he built a residence and improved it in a manner so it was second to none in the county. He lived there until 18(52. During tiie rebellion he moved with his family to the iiome place with Ids tathc-r, where he lived f<>r seven years, after which he purchastd the farm that he foiincrly livt-d uu, v.diere he lived until February, IbTo. He sold that place and moved to Pi.ke county, where he has since lived. His farm h;i^ eighty acres of good land under a high slate of cultivation. . in connection with his farming pursiiits he lias ail interest in a store at Spencerburg, coTisistiri^' of drugs ami fren. eral mercliaiidise, under tlie firm name of Wicks t^ Brasliear, where tlicv carry a largo stock of the above named articles, lie and his v.ife are ti:t' parents of two daui^liters, I'^mma A., the wife of F. M. Vv'ieks of Spenc*--- burg, born Xovember 21, ISof'; and EHzabeth T., the wife of William K. Keithley of Spencerhnri^, born August 8, 1SG2, lie and his wife and fuiD- 11}' are members of tlie Clirisiian Church.

J, Cook EriggS, merchant, post-oflice S])encerbnrg, was born in "Ralls county, !March 1, IS-iS, where he was reared and received his early education, which was completed at the State ]S'orinal School at Kirksville, Missouri, graduating in the fall (if 1870. In 1S71 he went to Cnrryville and opened a drug store which he nifmaged xvith good success tor tliree year- After he graduated at Kirksville lie came to Spencerburg and organized a graded school which he nifliiaged with credit to himself and his patrons un til ISSO, wiien lie, in com]jany with Adam Ogle, purchased a large stock of goods of general merelumdise and 0]>cned a store at Spencerburg, where, by honest and upright dealingo with his patrons he has built up a large trade. He v\'as married April 17, lS7!->, to j\liss Alice Ogle, a daughter of Geoii^" B. and Xancy J. Ogle of Pike county. They are the ]iaients of one child, Verta. He is a member of the Christian Church. He is also a member of A. F. S: A. M., Pike Lodge 399.

T . W, Brown (deceased), was born in Caroline county, Virginia, Juije 2, 1803, where he grew to manhood. He was married July 15, 1831--. to ^liss Hiliyard, of Granville county, ?\orth Carolina, and immigrated to I'ike county, Missouri, in 1839. and .-ettled near Bowling Green, wliere he lived until 1807, when he sold Ids farm and bought another in Spencer township, where he lived un'il his death, whicli occurred July 16, 1868, leaving an aged comi)anion and a lo\ing family to mourn his loss. They were the T>arents of eight childi'en, five of whom still survive: Mary A., Yv'illiam P., Lucy B., Thomas B., and Guilford C. Mrs. B. lives with her youngest son, and enjoys good health. She is a member of the Baj^tist Church. Mr. B. was a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.

James IL CaMwell. fai-mer and stock-raiser, ])Ostoffice Cnrryville. Among tlie enterprising young men of Pike county probably there has been none more successful than the sul)ject of this sketch. He is the youngest son of Judge Harmon and Mary Caldwell. He was born July 21:, 1815, and was reared on a farm, and received his early education in the common schools, finishing his studies at Watson Seminary, at Ashley. He lived with his ])arents until his father retired from business, when otir

Jolui AV. Cahhvcll, farmer and stock-raiser, j^ost-office Curryville. He was born in Pike county, July 28, 1840, and is the oldest son of Harmon and Mary Caldwell, who were prominent among tlie early settlers of Speiicer township. Here he was reared and partially educated, finishing his education at McGee College. In 1861 he purchased his present farm, consisting of 1,000 acres of unimproved land. Py strict attention to his farming pursuits he has made it one of the best stock farms in Pilce county. It is divided into fourteen se]iarate fields, with a large pond in each, so that it furnisiics water at all times of the year, and having the shade of a fine oak grove in nearly all the enclosures. His fann is well fenced with about seven miles of os;igc orange hedge. His residence is a large two-story brick building, which he completed in 1882 at a cost of about $.-),000, situated one mile west of Curryville, en an eminence comrnandino; n. beautiful view of the country for miles around. In 1874 he moved ids family to Curryville, where he built a large brick store-house and a tiric residence, and en- [ gao-ed in the mercantile business. He continued in that business until 1870, when he sold out and returned t" his farm, where he has since lived. Mr. C. is a man of the broadest ex])erience, and has won masiy warui and true friends. In 1875 he was ordained elder of tlie Cumberland Presbyterian Church at Curryville. which office he has since filled with honor to himself. He was married Octi-ber 25, 18G4, to Miss A(hlie G. Swelser, of Palls county, a lady of rare refinement and culture, and who is loved by all w)io know her. Tliev have been blessed. with si.x children: Mollie E., Madura,

JailiOS 11. Casli, of the firm of Car;] i it Ilaiuly, blacksmiths, postof. fice Curryvillo, was born in ]*ike county, ^Missouri, October S, lS5-i, and Is the son of Juhn Cash, a pioueor of the county. Ilis youth was i^pent in assisting his fatljer on the farm and attending' school, livini; at Iiome until hi: Nvas twenty-one years of a^e. He then beo-an to learn the blacksmith's tr.'uliwith I'ecd Ov Do'jling'. i-emainiiij.!; with tlicm until 1S75, v»hen he be^-an bu>iness'for himself in Curryville, where he has since been, attending strictly tu business and doing his v.ork in such a manner as to win tiie confiderjcc of his many patrons. He was married .\ovejnbcr 23, ISSO, to !Miss Clara Eobinson, a native of Pike county, Illinois. They liave otic child, Aliio.

Peri'}' A. Curi'V, surveyor, farm;;r, and stock-raiser, |)Ost-office Madisonvilic, lialls county. Among the enterprising citizens who have Ijeen instrumeiital in the advancement of public interests there are none more worth.y of notice than the subject of this sketch. He was born in Harrison county, Kentucky, Septeiiiber 20, ISIO, and was the son of John and Xancy Curry. hJe was there reared and educated, living with his parents until ho reached tiie age of manhood. His youth was spent in assistino' in the management of the farm and af ending the subscrijition school, and in hard study during his leisure hours, lie came to Pike county in the fall of 1S4U with liujited means, nearly all of his capital consisting of stroncr arms and a willirig heart. By hard study under very unfavorable circumstances he had in his younger days acquired a very superior education, and on arriving in this, then a comparatively new, country his great andjition was to impart his hard eai'ucd knowledge to others, and the first eight rears after arriving here was spent in teaching school. He was married in November. 1ST7, to Mrs. Susan I^uval, whose maiden name was Biggs, a daughter of the Hon. William Jnggs, one of the ])ioneers of Pike county.' In ISiS our subject was elected to the ofiice of county surveyor, which office he lield for two years, wdien he resigned. In 1850 he went to California, where he met with good success in mining for one and one half years. He then returned to the home of liis adoption and jmrchased a farm on Sugar Creek, where he lived until 1854, when he soli out, and entered 320 acres of unim|)roved land in Spencer tov.-nship, and on this tract the enterprising village of Curryville ul-w stands. Iri 1S52 he was again elected to the ofiice of county surveyor, which he has filled with lionor to himself and to the satisfaction of Ids constituents for more than twentv veai-s.

Win. Cj'OW, retired fanner, jior.t-ull'u'C Currvvillc, \> a iiutlve oi" Mercer coniity, Koiitucky, bom Fc!))'iiary 11, ISOO; ho w;.> there reared and received a limited education, livini^ at tliat phice until 1830, when he iinmi- (;rated to Pike county, ^lissouri, and located two miles south of Bowling Green, where he entered a. small tract of land containing seventy acres, wlicre he built a cabin and set about making a honie for his family, l-'roni time to time ho added to his j)hicc until he had one of the best farms in that ])art of the county. He was married in ISiiT to Miss Louisa Kenley, a native of Washington county, Kentucky. They had ten children. His wife died February IT, 18G2, and he retired from business in IST'2, moving to Bowling Green, where he lived until ISSO, when he came to Curryville, where he has since lived.

James A. Crow, a son of "William Crow, was born in Mercer county, Iventucky, January 3, 1S30, and v.hen an ini'ant he came to Pike county with iiis parents, where he has since lived. His youth was spent in assisting bis father on the farm and attending the subscription schools, until he was about twenty years of age, when he went to California, where he remained one year, after which he returned home and turned his attention to farmiiig, whicli occuj>ation he followed until 1S80, when he retired from the business with the exception of dealing in stock. He was married in 1853 to Miss S. J. McMillen. They have three children. Mr. Crow and his wife were members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Mrs. Crow died Xovember S, 1S7S. ^ " -

John Dean was born in Montgomery county. Pennsylvania, April 25, ISIO, where he was reared and educated. When fourteen years of age his father died, leaving the careof a family and the supjiort of his mother and six sisters to iiim, which duty he faithfully performed. He lived in Montgomery county until 1831, when, with the family, he moved to Pickaway, Ohio, where he purchased a farm and lived until 1818, when he purchased the land on which is now part of Cii'cleville, Ohio, which he sold to a good advantage and moved to Pike county, Alissouri, where he h.as been proTuinently identified with the agricultural and business interests of the c«")nnty for many yeai'S. He v/as married January 11, 184:8, lo Miss ]\Iaria McLellen, of Center ccumty, Pennsyhania. By this univui tliey had six children, three of whom still remain. He has been a local elder in the M. E. Church for many years. He and his v\-ife now jnake their home in St. Louis, enjoying tliC accumulations of man}' years of hard work.

James I)oolin, blacksmith and dealer in agricultural irapliments, postotiice Curryville. Among the self-made men who, by their energy and per- severance, have attained a hii;h }>ositi<'n an'.oii^ tlie business men of (^iirrvville is the subject of this sketch; lie was burn in rnhlslci cunntv, Ken. tucky. Feltriiary 24, 18-2^,; when quite voutio; lie cauie with his father, I'.r;,. jamin, to Pike county, Alissouri, locating near Clarksvilic. His youth \v:,, spent on a farm, living; at houie until he ari'ived at the age of twrnfv four years. During his youth he had no oj)])Oitunity of attending school, and when he ai'rivfd at the age of inarj]ii.>od he could not M'rite his nanu-. Through the assistance of his wife he learned to write and developed t!i.- talents.witli which nature had endowed liim, and which had previous to tliic time lain dormant Ibr the lack of an opportunity to use them. lie has since, by hard study and observation, attained a good practical educ;itiuii. lie was married March 1), IS-iS, to Miss Xancy L. Sick, a native of ]\,^,i'. county, Illinois. They were the parents of eight children: Annie K., Marv C. (deceased), Amanda J., James T., Yfilliam, John, Nancy, and Charles K. At the age of twenty-six years he purchased a set of tools and began t(< study and learn tiie art of gunsmithing, and by perseverance, which is a marked trait of Ids character, he succeeded in mastering the science until he has no buperior as a gunsmith in the state. During the war h.e had charge of the government machine sIkjjis at Little Ilock, Arkansas, which position he h.eld until the close of the coiitiict, after which he located in Audrain county, where he engaged in smithing until the si)ring of 1ST3, when he came to Curryville and engaged in the same business, and has, by honest and npriglit dealing won inany warm and true friends.

0. J . Ednioiuls, farmer and stojk-raiser. Among the promirseiU business men of Pike county, })robably none are more worthy of notice in this history than the subject of this sketch. He was born in Orleans county, Vermont, May 12, 1S36, and was there reared until he was eighteen years ot age, and educated. lie then left his Xew England home to see what might be in store for him in the great west. Having no meaiss lie worked his way to Kock county, Wisconsin, where he obtained employment and reuiained two years, attending school for a short time in the wdnter. He t.hen learned to pilot on the upper ^>Iississij)pi, following that in summer and woi'king in tlie pineries in the winter. In 1859 lie went to St. Louis, where he was in the lumber ot!ice of- Wells and Dexter for six months, after v/hich he came to Pike couTity, and turned his attention to farming, first renting. By good management and ecoiiomy he soon accumulated enough means to b\iy two hundred and tifty-.-ix acres of land, which he successfully cultivated until 18G8, when he began tiie contracting busintess, taking large contracts on the difierent railroads running through the county. He also cogagod in nianu- was nineteen years of age, when he went to learn the car}->enter trade. In j ISol he v/ent to ]a»s;s cofinty, Ohio, ^vhe^e he followed farming and working at his trade for about four years; he then went to l^ratt county, Illinois, | where he lived for te;i years, still following his avocations of carpenter and

E. K. Gates, merchant, Cunyville. The subject of this sketch was born in Kentucky, iii i83o; was roared on a farm nnd educated in the subr scription schools. At the age of about eighteen he had a desire to see somethir;g of the world, and turned his course toward the Pacific coast, i where in the spring of 1854 he landed in San Francisco," California. PVom there he went into the mining reigons, where he vsorked with good success ; months, after which he oame to Pike cuunty, and locating in Spcncerljurg enorro'ed in the mercantile business, where he remained for about ten years; !

months. His wife died in IP-tl."). lie was ao^nin marriod Marcli 0, 1860, to Mi^s Carolina Almond, of T'ike county. Bj this union tliore were two ehi1ih-en: I)e Lalette amj lamina, the hitter ordy about one year old.

Fielder G'cnlle (decea.-ed), was boni in Maryland, January 11, 1790, and when oidy two weeks old liis niother died, when he was reared by his aunt, Phebe JVck. When lie was twelve years of ac^e she nio\ed with him to Cincinnati, Ohio, where he was reared and educated. In 1811 he went to Bourbon county, Kentn.cky, where, April 10, l'^14r, he was married to .Mii=s Sarah Onetott, a native of that place. In the fall of ISIG he imniii^i-utcd to Pike county, Missouri, being among the first settlers in Spencer towrtshi}', where he did much hard work in clearing out his farm and going through many privutions subje<:'t to a fr.-)nfier life. lie lived on the farm he first located until his death, which occurred July 12, 1853, his wife livin'^' until February 7, ISSl, uhen she departed this life at the venerable old age of ciglity-fuur. They were ardent w^^rkers in tln^. cause of Christ and were members of tlie Eaptist Church. Tliey were the })arent3 of nine children, of whom five still survive: Elenor, Jarvis J., ICIizabeth M., Jfuie, and E. E.

.Tarvi.S J . Gentle, farmer and stock-raiser, ])Ost-office Spencerburg, was born in Fort Stout, Lincoln county, Missouri, January 12, 1817, and is a son of Fielder and Sarah Gentle, who were among the pioneers of the county. When two weeks of age he came with his parents to Pike county, Missouri, where he has since lived; he was reared on a farm and educated in the subscription schools, living with his parents until he grew to manlio'id. He was married February 10, 184f>, to Miss Susan A., a daughter of John and- Eliza Sutton, who were among the pioneers of the county. They are the parents of six children, five of whom are living: John F., Laura, Delia, IJortense, William Henry, and Clara, who died November 3, 1871, when twenty-two years of age. When he was a young man he purchased 120 acres of unimproved land, which he improved, and then sold it, and purchased his present farm. It contains 410 acres of good land, under a high state of cultivation. He has a fin.e residence, good barns and outbuildiiics, a good orchard of about -1(»0 trees, which yields large quantities of choice varieties of fruit: also a fine vineyard. Mr. Gentle and his wife are members of the Ikiptist Church. He is also a member of the A. F. & A. M. He was elected justice of the ])eace in ISGl, and has been a mctnber of the school board since the organization of the pufdic school syctem.

Ivciitiiclrv, Januarv IS, 1837, and was there reared and edticated. At an early ai^c lie heijtin to assist hifi iatbcv in his blaek:i.niitii sliop, wliich he coutiniu'd until he was twenty-two years ofai^e. In ISfi.) he canjc to Missouri, locating in St. I.oiiis, where he followed hib trade for two years, then moved to PolOfi, ]\[is?ouri, where he lived until ISTc, when he came to Pike county, settling in ]]owling Green, where he followed bis occupation steadily for five years; he theii moved to Ashley in oi-der to give his children the adviintage of ihe superior schools of that place, remaining there for four years. He then came to Curr3'ville, where be has since been CArrying on business, lie was married ]\[arch Y, ISOl, to Miss Eliza J. lliggins, a native of Indiana. Tliey have had six children: William E., Harden, lone, ISIattie E.. Eddie, and Eizzie (^ioceased).

J.Win HaAvkin.s, farmer and -Stock-raiser, post-office Cnrryville, is a son of William G. Hawkins, one of the pioneers of Pike county. He was born ?\Iai-ch 14, 1847. His yuuth was spent in assisting on the farm and attending scliool, living with his }.arent& until he was twenty-six vears of age; he then purchased his present farm, consisting of 120 acres of ^^-ood land under a high state of cultivation, well supplied with shade and water for ]ia5turing purpo^^es. He was married in November, 1872, to Miss Rebecca S. Biggs, of Pike county. By this union they have two children: Anna E. and OUie B. Mr. Hawkins and his wife are members of the Missionary Baptist Church, and he is a member of the A. F. cV: A. M., Pike Lodge No. 399. ' -

Jolill J. Kiiicaid, 31. D., Spencerburg, was born in Pike county, August 30. 1S5'2, a sun of Cap'tain ,L D. Kincaid, v;ho vras one of the pioneers of the county. His early education was obtained in this county and at college. He graduated in medicine at Louisville, Kentucky, in 1872. He commenced the study of medicin-e with Dr. F. Smith, of Frankford, Pike county, ^lissouri. wlu-re he remained until 1870, and then attended lectures at the Louisville, Kentucky, Medical College. He bci^^an to uractiee ill New Hartford, Pike county, in the tall of 1872, where he remained about four years, building up a large and successful practice. Jle then came to Spencerburg, where he now has a large practii;e. He was married May 30, 1878, to Maggie J. Heeds, of Pike county.

Abraliam Lacv, post-ofuce Curryville, was born in Hawkins county, Tennes^tee, July 3, IS-2G. When he was eight years of age his parents immigrated .to Pike county, Missouri, where our sr.bject was reared and educated, living with his parents until he grew to manhood. He w;is married October d, 18G0, to Miss Agnes Ayres, of Shelby county, Kentucky. By tlu'p iHiioTi they lip.d four cliilOren, three of whom are still living: Faiinv A., Johu A., and Joi^eph J>. In 1ST8 he was elected to the office of justieo of the peace, which otlice he .<til] liolds. ]\[r, Lucy has a fine farm of ninctvsix acres of ^ood lund, under a hii^li state of cultivation.

Jaincs Le"\\'elk'ii (deceased), v.as born ii^. Mason county, Yirainla. May 16, 1T9S. When he was a child \ufi parents moved to Graysiin ountv, Kentucky, where he grev\' to manhood. He was married in Logan county, Kentucky, in ISIG, to ]iliss Mary]). Wilie. In ISIS lie immigrated to Pike counfy, Missouri, and settled on the farm where New Hartfurd is now eitnated, where he lived a year and a half. He then moved to Crooked Creek and opened np- another fiirm, and lived at that place ten or twelve years, when he sold out and went to Kails courily, when he purcliased a larm then known as the General Steven Cleaver farm, living on that place about fourteen year^:, after which he returned to Pike county, where he purchased the farm where he lived until his death, which occurred February IS, 1807. His wife died October 2, 1S81. They were the })arents of nine children: Zephlinder, William, John W., Charlotte, Napoleon P., Caturah, ]\[ary A., James, and Dollie. He was a member of the Paptist Church, and his wife was a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church for sixtyeight years.

Joliil W. Le"\velIoii, pon of James and Mary Lev^-ellen, was born in Pike county March 9. 1S"23; was reared on a farm and educated in the subsci'iption scliools. When he was twenty years of age he left home and went to Clark county and remained one year, then returned to his native county and purchased the farm where he has since lived. His original purchase was eighty aci-es of improved land, but by hard work and good management lie has accumulated until he has a landed estate of 1,200 acres of fine land, a large poi-tion of which is under a high state of cultivation. Re has a large brick residence, built in 1S60, surrounded by fine groves, and his lawns are ornamented with beautiful forest trees and shrubbery. He was married January 27, 1S52, to Miss Mary M. Sisson, of l^ike county. Py this union they have four children: James, Elizabeth, AV. P., and Mildred A.

N". B. Lewelk'ii is a son of Janies and Mary Lewellen. Ue was born in Pike county, Heeember 20, 1827. He lived with his parents until l^.'S, when he purchased the farm v.iiere he now lives. It contained 160 acres at" timber land, and by hard work and good management he hns added to it until he now has a fine farm of (liO acres. Mr. S. has been an industriou?, haid-v;orkir!g man. ai.d hn^ accumuhited what he has by his o'vn exertion3_ He was uiarried October 27, 1S52, to Miss Agnes T. Lewellen, of Pike

Luke Lewis (retired), Curryville, a son of. Jesse and iUioda Lewis, was born Se{)teinber 20, ISIO, in Shell)y county Ive.ntucky. lie was married to Miss Elii;Hbftii Ann Feavy, in January, lS3"2,and immigrated to ]\IiiS'iuri the same year witli three elder brothers John. Jes.se, and Samuel, who were amono^ the pioneers of Spencer township. Of the four (;ur sul>ject is the only one now living. In ISoa he moved to Munroe county, where he lived until 1S78, when he returned to Pike county, to .spend the balance of liis days in Curryville Jle lost las wife in iVIay, ISGo, and again nuarried. lie lost his second wife in 1ST6, and is now livinj^ with his third wife. By his union with his first wife he had six children, who lived to be grown; live are still living. He reared his family on a farm, and at a day when educatioiud facilities were limited, but he managed to give his children a superior education. Luke Lewis is a man of good judgment and has always been reinarkiible for his firmness through life. lie has always been honored and respected by all who knew him. He united with the neighboring Laptist Church in ISil, and in 1S42 he was ordained deacon of the church, which office he has since held.

H. P. Lewis, M. D., Curryville, was born in Munroe county Missouri, in Kovember, ISoS, where he was reared and partially educated. lie attended college at Shelby ville, and graduated at Palmyra, llecummence*! the study of medicine in 1SG2, with Drs. Wick & Tucker of Spencerburg, where he remained for two years, attendiiig lectures at Rush College, Chicago. He began to practice in the spring of at Madison, Munroe county, Missouri, where he remained fur two years; he then went to Frankford, Pike county, remaining there one year; he then moved to Curryville, where he has since lived. He was the first physician in that town. Dr. Lewis is one of the most successful practitioners in the county, and heha.s built upalarge practice, and won a large circle of warm and true friends. He is one of the most enterprising men in Curryville. He was married in 1S63 to Mh-s Lou Givens, of Pike county. They have three children: Ernest, Samuel, and Nannie.

Uernv H. Laird, farmer, post-otfice Spencerburg, was born in Palls county, Missouri, April ^, 1S27, a son of Isaac and Nancy Laird, who were prominent airiong the pioneers of Pike county. Here our subject was reared and educated, living with his parents until he reached liis majority. He was left an ()r[)liau when a little nmre than an infant, wurlring around at any ]ilace lie could find a home until he Avas sixteen years of ai^e, when he v.'ent to learn the wagon and carriae^e trade. Ecincf am.bitiou? to o-ct an education, he worked at hi? trade days and studied nights, until he had earned enoni2;h nioney to attend johcol. He then cnt"ered the Thr'rnion x\cadeiny where lie con-ipleted his education in ISGO. When the late rebellion broke out he was among the firsL to go out in defense of his country. He enlisted in 1S61 in Comj-'aiiy !>. Scve^iteenth Indiana M(Minted Iniantry, where he served with honor to liim^elf and his country, until the close of the war. He was mustered out of the service August 22, l>iG5. He then returned to his place (.f birth, where ho remained a sh.orfc time, and then came to Pike county, where he has since lived. He is a member of the I. O. O. F.

TllOinnR J. l^rcPilce, fanner and stock-raiser post-office Curryville, was born in Pike county, Novenjber 15,1857, and was here reared and educated, living at home until he VN^as married, which was in January, 1877, to Miss Annie Laird, of Audrain county. By this union they have three children: ]\Iyrtle L., "Willie H., and ^^lattie. He has a tine farm of S40 acres of good land, under a liii;h state of cultivation, situated three and a half miles from Curryville. where he raises a great deal of stock, consisting of horses, mules, cattle and swine,

JiilJH'S E. McPikc. fanner and stock-reiser, post-oftice Curryville, was born in Pike countv, Mis;^onri, August 20, 1S53, where his youth was spent in assisting in the iminagement of the ffirm and attending school until Ikwas twentv-two years of age, when his father irave him the farm where ho now lives, containing 900 acres of land, improved and under a high state of cultivation. He is extensively engaged in raising stock, and, although a young man, he is considered one of the leading stock dealers in the county. He is a man of excellent judgment, and meets with marked success in all his andertakiiigs. Ey his honest and upright dealings he has won many warm and true friends. His home is a large two-story house, which is situat<-d in a beautiful location, commatiding a line view of the surrounding country.

Wilburil \eal. Tills jjjentltMiuu^ is a nativu of Teiiiios?ce, bom in "Wilson county, November's, 1811. lie was there reareil and educated. In tiio fall of iSoO lie imniiirratod to Pike county, Mi>5i>nri. with Ins father, Charles Neal, with whom lie lived until he was twenty-tlu-ee years of age. lie was married Oct^-'ner 2, 1S31, to Miss Sii.san P>utlei-, a native of Rourb m county, Kentucky. Tiiey a)e the jtareuts'oi' thirteen chiMr'-M, ten of whoiu s.tiil survive: Nancy, J., Ichahod Jl, Ch;u-le-^ 11, Wilourn, Jr., Isaac and Abraham, twin?; Trance:^ R., Fanny M., Mary, ami Virginia. In 1850 our S'.iliject went to California, whore he engaged in mining for a period of one and a half years. He then relurnod to Fike county and settled on his present farm, which contains 404 acres of land, under a iiigh state of cultivation. Mr. anil Mrs. Neal liave both been members of the Cumberland Presl-yteriauCliurch lor more than forty years.

Isaac Xeal, Spencerburg, was born in Pike county, Missouri, September 12, 1845, and was a son of ^V''iIbarn and Susan \eal. He was edficated In the common schools and reared on a farm, whicli avocation he has since followed, living with his parents until l-.e was married, July 7, 1S72, to Miss Annie Roland, a native of Ralls county, Missouri. He purchased the farm he now lives on in 1874, containing 100 acres of good land, and under a high state of cultivation. He has a fine residence, which he completed in 1SS2 at a cost of 6SuO, beautifully located and surrounded by a fine oak erove. Mr. and Mrs. Neal are the i-arents of three children: Nora, Nettie, and Mamie. Ht; and his wife are memhers of the Christian Church.

J. M. Oftitt, Curryvilie, was born in liourbon county, Kentucky, May 3, 1S4G. When he was three years of age his parents immigrated to Missouri, settling in Platte county, wliei-e he livt-.d on a farm until he was cleveu years of age, when he left home and went to California, where he engaged in herding stock, resnaining there four years, after which he returned home. At the breaking out of tlie late war lie enlisted in the army, wiiere he served for live vears and lifteen days, with honor and credit to himself. At the close of the war he returned to Pike county, and soon after went to Texas. Again he came to Pike c ounty, wdiere he was married March 22, 1S70, to Miss Margaret D. Downing, of Pike county. They have one child, Susie. Mr. O. and his wife are members of the Cuniberland Presbyterian Church.

Polly Oi^lp. Avho iinn}i:j:ratcd to Pike county, Missouri, wlicu lie was riu in fant. Lie \v;;b here reared tiii',1 educated, livinij uitli his }>areiits until hi; grew to Muinhood. In 1^50 ho vvcut to California, where he engaije.l \u mininj^ for four ycarr^ v,itlj ^oud succe&s. lie returned to his adopted home ill ISo-i and. purchased an ihteixet in a saw and jrritNi-mill, which occ;ij)!i. tion he foikv,ved for two ycai-s. He tlicu wtnt to Palls CL'Unty and j.uichascd 500 acre? of unimproved land, on which he lived about ei^dit year.-, >\hpn he a£:ain'returntd to Pike county, wlicre h.e continued to reside until liis death, lie was married Deceniber 0, IS") I. to Miss Nancy J, Pose, o!' Pike cuunty. Py thi? union there were seven cliildi-en: Sara A.. Alice W.. Adrian, Euna C, Hugh L., Clyde P.. and George P. ]Mr. Ogle died in Juno 8, 1ST5. 7die tamily resides on the old homestead where the father settled in 1829; it contains 2S5 acres of improved land under a high state of cultivation.

^ XuS(»il Pace, farmer and stoel:-raisei-, ]>ost-oflice Curryville, was born in Shelby county, Ivetitucky, Pebruary 28, 1S25. When he was nine years of age he came, with his morher to Pike county, Mis-^onri, his father having died when he was an infant, and settled on a farm in Ibitfab township near where his mother now lives. He was there reared and educated. His mother purchased eighty acres of unimproved land, and after three years Lis elder brother returned to Kentucky, leaving the management of the farm and support of his mother and younger brother to the subject of this sketch. By h.ard work and ii'ood managenient he performed his duty in an exemplary manner, educating liis younger brother so as to prepare him to fill a position as a leading physician in the state, and who, in after years, relieved our subject of the support of his mother. Mr. Pace was married September 19, IS-IS, to ^Ii=s Pliza J. Pogcrs, of Shelby county, Kentucky. By this union there were eight cluldren, of who!t» there are five living: Kancy A., Joseph, John AV., Alice B.. James X; three are deceased. His wife died June 0, 1864, and he has since made his home among his children. Mr. Pace and his wife and children are and were members of the Baptist Church.

J. Pliai'l' (deceased), a native of Sumner county, Tennessee, was born June 9, 1791. Reared on a farm, his youth was s])cnt in assisting on the farm and requiring an education, which he did with great credit, as opportunities at that early day v\-ere few, acquiring a much better tl>an an average one. He went to Kentucky and there married Eleanor Poyd, a native «'f Kentucky. By this union there were seven children. In 1819 he immigrated to Pike county, Missouri, being one of the tirst settlers in the couiity,

WillilUll Phearj< (deceased), was born in A'irginia, Sciitenibcr 2-2, 1800, and when he was eighteen years ot'oge he immigrated to Pike connty, Missouri, where lie lived until his death, jle was married December 29, 1824, to Miss Polly Harper, of Pike county, ^lissoui'i. 'i'hey had seven children. Mr. P. died December 3. 1852, and his wife died July P3, 1S72. She was a member of tlie PapList Church.

Elijah Piicavs, second son of "William and Pt)lly Plieare, was born in Pike cwup.ty, ^li^^ouri, December- I'-J-, 1S31. lie was reared on a farm and educated in the common schools. He lived on the homestead nntil the death of his mother, whcji he toi:)k possession of a portion of the saine, where he now lives. Ue was married September 12, 1ST8, to Afrs. Horn, whose maiden name v.as Mnrllia F. Momi-c. They have two children: ILonier and Pearlcv- Lee. Ilis wife had one son by her former marriage, William J. Horn. lie and his wife are members of the Cuml)erland Presbyterian Church.

^V. F. Pritclicft, farmer and stuck-raiser, post-olilce Curryville, was born in Pike county, ilissouri, April 20, 1S37, where he was reared and educated, living with his parents until he grew to manhood. In 1S60 he purchased 120 acres of unimproved land, which he im])roved and made one of the best small farms in tlie connty. Pie was married Xovember 25, 1859, to .Miss Sarah "Wilson of Pike county, jk,- this uni->n they had si.\ children, live now living: IsaacX., Marion, William P., John, James, and Mary A. in 1S63 he sold his farm and went with his family to California, wdiere he remained seven years, tlien retui-ned t;> the ])lace of his birth, and purchased his present firm containing 120 acres of improved land under a high state of cultivat;i>n. His wife died April 1, ISTtl.

l^afayette Reading", tarmer a!id stock-raiser, ]^.ulfalo township, postoflice Louisiana, youngest son of William and Margaret Peading, born September IS, 1812, in Pike county. He was here reared and educated. His youth was si)cnt in assistinu" on his father's f;irm and attendin<: school, living with the family until his father retired from business, when he took the homestead where he has since lived. It consists of S2S acres of go d land under a high state of cultivation. He was niarried Xuvember 12, l.bt)5,

William lU'n.'HMir (deceased, whose portrait a])j'ears in this wi)rk). Among the pioneers ot* Pike county \vho hy their own enei'gy and strict attention to hasine>s won ;i higlj position in society, thei'o are none more worthy of space in history than the subject of this sketch. lie was horn in Bourbon county, Kentucky, October 9, 1792, where he vvas reared on a farm and educated in the subscription schools of the time. He nvhs married January 11, ISltJ, to Miss Mai-garet Shawhan, a native of Bourbon county, Kentucky, born February 11, 1787. In 1820 he immigrated to Pike county, Missouri, where he settled in BuftUlo township, on the farm where his youngest son (Lafayctle) now li^-es. ][e piurchased the claim of a man by the name of Yedder. and afterwards entered the land. lie, from time to time, purchased other lands until he became one of the largest land-owners in the county, having a landed estate of over 2,000 acres. He was a man of liberal views, and by honest and upright dealing wi>n a large circle of warm and true friends. After living in I'ike county about fourteen years he persuaded his father and mother to leave their home in Kentucky and come and settle in this new and prosperous young country. George Heading, liis father, was born December S, 17G1., and Nancy, the mother, was born Xovember 25, 1771. Settling on a part of our subject's farm, where he lived until the death of his wife, which occui'red in 1842, he then went to Clark county, Missouri, where he died at a ripe old age. Wdliam and Alargaret Reading were the parents of eiglit children, all of whom have grown up and held high positions in society. Probably no family in the county are held in hiifher esteem than the Headino- familv. He and his wife were members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. He always took an interest in educational matters, and gave his children all the a^lvantages possible in that early day. H.is wile died in 18o0, and our subject followed eight years later.

Jolltl Reading;, farmer and stock-raiser, post-office Heading, Butfalo township, the eldest son of William and Margaret Heading, was born u\ Pike county, Missouri. Ffl)ruary 18, 1^-21. He was here reai-ed and educated. His youth was spent in assistiiig his father in tiie management ot the farm, anil attending the subscription sch.ools in the winter, living with ills parents until he was twenty years of age, when he was married, October

2S, ISil, to Mis^ ^>hihala .A. X:i!lov, a native uf YiM;inia. Tlicy Lad six children, five mnv liviiio;: William (deceased), T. 1'^., James 1^., Susan, Cyntliia, and N. T. In 1SI2 liis fatlier pwe liini li'A* acres (d' land, tlitTC being only abont twelve acrc.> cloared, tlio balance i)C!n«r timber. He built a hout'e aiid set ab')iU improving bis tarni, which he di<l in a most energetic manner, and has now a line lai ai 'if 3<'0 acies of good land under a high state of cultivation, in fact one of the best farm? in the township. His residence is a large two-story biick-|;ouse, built in 1877, forty by tifty-four feet in size, at a cost of $8,500, aiul is beautifully located on an eminence, commanding a line view of the country for miles around. He and bis wife have been ujembers of the M.E. Church for more than forty years. He has been postmaster of heading since lS(i8.

William Reading;-, Jr., farmer and stock-raiser, j.ostofiice Cun-yville, is the second son of Wdliam and Margaret lieading. He was born in Pike county, Missonii, June 10, 1$'2U. His youth was spent in assisting his father on the farm and attending school. He was married ]^^ovember 7, 1S50, to Miss iMartha S. Conn, a native of Kails county, Missouri. When he was twenty-one years of age his father gave him 240 acres of unimproved land in Spencer township, which, by sti'ict attention to his farming pursuits and good management, he has converted into one of the best farms in the county. As his mean? would permit, he purchased more land until he has an estate of 760 acres. He has a beautiful residence un Spencer Creek, two miles north of Curryville, built in 1S70, being a large two-story frame building, surrounded on two sides by hue oak groves, and in front he has a large lawn ornamented with beautiful shade trees and shrubbery. Mr. Heading is one of the m.ost enterprising men in the commnnity, and contributes liberally to all ente; ["ri-^os for the public good.^He has been a member of the school board for n-.any years. He and his wife are members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, and he is a member of the A. F. & A. M., Pike lodge No. 399. They are the parents of seven childrer.. five of whom are living: John S., Margaret D., 2\ancy, (Jeorge Ward, and May E. ,

Jay RciuliiiJ*', farmer and stock-raiser, post-ofiice Curryville, is the third son of Wiiliatn aiid Margaret PiCading, and was boru in Pike county, Missouri, July 5, 1S37. His youth was spent in assisting on his father's farm and attending school, living with his parents until tiie spring of ISdl when he settled on his present farm, but owing to the breaking oiit of the rebellion he did very little towards improving it until 1SG6, as he enlisted in the fall of 18G1, and served for four years as a soldier. He was married April

12, iSfjf^, to Miss Mai'}- n. A\'iI.son, a ii;itivo of Pike county, Missouri, He then nioveil to his t'ari)i, wheie he has since lived. His farm contains Ttls acres of i^-ood 'and r.nJer ;i' hirrli stale of cultivation. lie is one ol" the largest stock growers and dealers in Pike county, and he has the conlidi-nco aud res[^cct of all who know him. lie is always foi'eniost in any enterprise that tends to the puhlic g<>od, and conti'ibutes lihci-ally to all charitalde (;Kjects. Mr. Heading and his wife are niembers vf O.w. Cumberland Presbyterian Church. They are the parents of two childion, William II. and Francis L.

Samuel C, Reed, of the firm of Poed il' llughlctt, druggists, ])ost-office Curryville, was born in J*ikc county, MisE^ouri, -May 5, 1S39, Vvhere he ^va3 reared and educated. After le.Hving school he engaged in tlu' black- Bmith business with his brother at Ashley, for one year, aud then went to Lincoln county, v»'here he continued the business for himself until ISUl. The war breaking oui, he enlisted in Company A, Second ]\[issouii Infantry, where he reniained until the close of the war, when lie was honorably discharged. He partici])ated in some of the most hard fought battles of the PebeliioM. After the war he went to Otoe county, Nebraska, where be continued his trade about one year, when he got a position with the U. P. E. R. Co. in their shoj>s, and worked until IbtiS, when he returned to Lincoln county, wlicre he remained live years, lie then came to Curryville and entered the drug business, which he has since followed. He v/as married October 6, l^T'J, to Miss E. A. Pranstetter, of Pike county. They have two childrer, : Hugh C. and Mertie L.

Jolii) C. Robison, liveryman, ]->ost-office Curryville, was born iu Mercer county, Pennsylvania, A]>ril 27, 1844. When he was quite young his parents moved to Pike county, Illinois, where he was reared and educated. He lived at home until the Rebellion broke out, when he went out in defense of the old ilag, enlisting in August, 1S62, in Company F, >,'inetyuinth Illinois Iniantry, iu which company he served until the close of the war. At Spanish Fort "he was wounded in tlie hip; where the ball still reuiains, and was disabled for life. He was a non-commissioned uflicer. After the close of the war he entered into the mercantile business, which ,he follovred uutil recently. He is an exhortcr in the M. E. Church, and has always been an ardent worker in the temperance cause. He was married January 1, ISoD, to Miss S. A. Rollins, of Pike county, Hlinois. They Lave had three chiMren, tv/o of whom are livitig: Puella M., born Decenv ber 4-, 186S; Lorena M., born March 13, l>'70;and Mary (deceased), born August 12, 1ST2, who died March 12, 18TS. His wife is a member of