Randolph County, Missouri - Biographical sketches, 1920 (part 11 of 18)

Elbert D. Lea, who has been cashier of the Clifton Hill Banking Company since its organization 20 years ago, is one of the well known and capable financiers of Randolph County. He was born three-fourths of a mile northeast of Clifton Hill, May 25, 1858 and is a son of J. M. and Sarah F. (Henderson) Lea. The mother was bom in Randolph County in 1840 and died in 1914. She was a daughter of John A. and Frances (Graves) Henderson, natives of Virginia and very early pioneer settlers of Randolph County. They came here some time in the 30's.

J. M. Lea was born in North Carolina in 1833. He was a son of Ashley G. and Mary (Matlock) Lea, natives of North Carolina who came to Missouri and settled in Randolph County in 1839 when J. M. Lea was six years old. J. M. Lea spent practically his entire life in Randolph County and died in 1907. He served in the Confederate Army during the Civil War under Gen. Sterling Price. He followed farming and stock raising throughout his active career and met with success.

To J. M. and Sarah F. (Henderson) Lea were born the following children: E. D., the subject of this sketch; Mrs. Carrie P. Lambreth; Jennie died at the age of two years; Ashley G., a farmer and stockman near Clifton Hill; Mrs. Eva Starke, Kansas City, Mo.; Mrs. Mamie Gunn, Hves in Oklahoma and Mrs. Fannie Baker, died Nov. 8, 1919.

Elbert D. Lea was educated in the public schools and Mt. Pleasant College. In early life he engaged in teaching and for 11 years followed that vocation in connection with farming. In 1896, he was elected judge of the county court of Randolph County and resigned that position after having been re-elected to a second term. He resigned to accept the position of cashier of the Clifton Hill Banking Company upon the organization of the bank in 1900 and since that time he has served in that capacity. His vast experience in banking as well as his natural adaptitude to this important field of enterprise qualifies him as one of the leading financiers of central Missouri. Mr. Lea maintains his interest in farming and is the owner of a valuable farm of 170 acres which adjoins the place where he was born.

In 1883, Mr. Lea was married to Miss Maggie Mayo, a daughter of , Thomas Mayo and a granddaughter of "Uncle Allen" Mayo who was the first pioneer settler of Randolph County, coming here in 1816. Mrs. Lea's mother was Sarah Mathis before her marriage and was a schoolmate of Mr. Lea's mother. To Mr. and Mrs. Lea have been bom four children: Mrs. Jennie Maude Griflin, on the home farm in Clifton township and

Mrs. Sarah Blanche Brockman has one son, Wilfred Lee Brockman, and resides at Fayette, Mo.; James Mayo, the second in order of birth, died at 4 years^ of age in 1891 and the third child died in infancy.

William August Esry, the present county collector of Randolph County is a native of this county and since his boyhood has been identified with the interests of Randolph County. He was born July 26, 1871 and is a son of John Logan and Sarah F. (Baily) Esry, the former a native of Chariton township, Randolph County and the latter of Macon County, Mo.

John Logan Esry was a son of Nimrod Esry, a native of Kentucky who was one of the first pioneer settlers of Chariton County. His wife was a daughter of August Baily, a native of Kentucky and a very early settler of Missouri. Mrs. Esry was born in 1850 and now resides at Higbee. John Logan Esry moved to Moberly with his family in 1881. Here he was employed by the Simmons Milling Company and the Millbank- Scampton Milling Company for a number of years. He is now deceased. To John Logan and Sarah F. (Baily) Esry were born seven children, five of whom are living: Mrs. Amanda Holbrooks, who resides near Moberly; William A., the subject of this sketch; John T., a farmer near Huntsville; G. M., Omaha, Neb. ; and Pearl Hall, Kansas City, Mo.

William A. Esry was educated in the public schools, attending the district schools and also the Moberly schools. He began his career as an office boy for the Simmons Milling Company in Moberly and later entered the employ of a grocery and bakery and after a time went with the Wabash Railroad Company as car inspector and after holding that position for six years, he resigned and engaged in the grocery business at Moberly and for 15 years and seven months successfully conducted that business and sold out Sept. 2, 1914. In 1914, he was elected collector of Randolph County and entered upon the duties of his office in March, 1915. At the expiration of his first term of office, he was reelected without opposition and is now serving his second term which expires in March, 1923. He is a capable and conscientious public official and devotes his best efforts to the duties of his office. He owns 182 acres of valuable land adjacent to the city limits of Huntsville on the north.

Mr. Esry was married Dec. 24, 1898 to Miss Louisa Fletcher of Sturgeon, Mo. and a daughter of E. S. Fletcher and to this union have been bom five children : Mrs. Margaret Flemmings, of Huntsville ; Gladys, Mildred, Olga, and W. A., Jr., all of whom are at home with their parents.

Mr. Esry and the other members of his family belong to the Christian church. He is a prominent Mason being a member of the Masonic Lodge A. F. and A. M. No. 344, Moberly, Mo.; Royal Arch Masons, Moberly Chapter No. 79; Knights Templar, Tancred Commandery No. 25; R. and S. M., Centralia Council and the Order of the Eastern Star, Randolph Chapter No. 150. He is a member of the Missouri Association of Past Commanders, Knights Templar. He has been a member of the Knights of Pythias for 25 years and is Past Chancellor Commander. He is also a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows of Moberly, Knights of the Maccabees of Moberly, National Union, Woodmen of the World, Knights and Ladies of Security and Brotherhood of American Yeomen.

Porter Mayo, now living retired at Clifton Hill, Mo., is one of the substantial citizens of Randolph County and a representative of one of its earliest prominent pioneer families. He was bom about five miles south of Clifton Hill, Nov. 18, 1837, in a pioneer log cabin which was built by his father in the early days. He is a son of Allen and Martha (Finnell) Mayo.

Allen Mayo was born in "Virginia, July 14, 1802. His parents were Thomas and Mary (Blair) Mayo. Thomas Mayo served in the Revolutionary War under Washington. .About 1805, he removed from Virginia to Tennessee and was engaged in farming in Campbell County until 1817 when he came to Missouri. In the spring of 1818 he came to Randolph County and here built a log cabin and cleared a piece of land and spent the remainder of his days in this county.

Allen Mayo came to Randolph County with his parents and they were practically the first settlers in this section. Wild game at that time was plentiful and Allen Mayo, at one time killed three deer before breakfast. Wild hogs were commonly found in the woods "and it is related that he killed twelve wild hogs in one day. He was a real frontiersman and was familiar with all the buffalo trails and every detail and condition of this country in the pioneer days, for a radius of miles around. He discovered Randolph Springs, having followed a bualffo trail to that point and frequently shot deer in that vicinity and later salt was manufactured there. He died Feb. 16, 1894. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Martha Finnell, was a daughter of Charles and Lucy Finnell who were also pioneer settlers of Randolph County and came from Garrard County, Ky., where Mrs. Mayo was born June 28, 1804. She died July 5, 1890.

Porter Mayo was reared amidst the pioneer surroundings of the early days in Randolph County and attended such schools as were available in those early times. ' The school house which he attended was of the primitive pioneer type, built of -logs with a fire place in one end of the building, built of sticks and mud and the furniture was of the crude variety made by the pioneer's axe. The schools were conducted on the subscription plan, common to the early day and the school year consisted of about three months. Mr. Mayo saw this section of the country practically in its primitive state and in his boyhood days he was something of a hunter himself. He has killed many wild turkeys and geese and now has in his possession a rifle of the style that was used in the pioneer days which was made by J. F. Riley of Huntsville.

Porter Mayo was married to Miss Maggie C. Stark, March 19, 1863. She was bom in Randolph County, Sept. 6, 1838, a daughter of William and Catherine (Goodman) Stark, the former a native of Shelby County, Ky., born Nov. 9, 1795, and died April 7, 1874 and the latter bom in Washington, Albemarle County, Nov. 1, 1808. Mrs. Mayo is one of the following children born to her parents: Mary Jane, bom in Murray County, Tenn., May 4, 1825 ; Elizabeth A., bom in Chariton County, Mo., March 20, 1827 and died May 26, 1876 ; Jacob, born June 29, 1829 ; Francis Marion, born in Chariton County, July 18, 1830 and died Feb. 18, 1905; James M., bom in Randolph County, July 29, 1833 and died Aug. 2, 1909; Nancy and William H., twins, bom Nov. 5, 1835; Maggie C, bom Sept. 6, 1838 and is now the vdf e of Porter Mayo ; Louis A., bom July 15, 1840 and died Feb. 4, 1919 and Samantha C, bom Aug. 11, 1846.

room and adjoining shed and a loft. Later he built a more substantial six room residence which is still standing. He began his career on an 80 acre farm and increased his land holdings until he became the owner of 280 acres. He followed farming and stock raising and was successful in his undertakings. He remained on the farm until 1910 when he moved to Clifton Hill where he has since been living retired.

To Mr. and Mrs. Mayo have been born the following children: Mary Ann, born Jan. 8, 1864 and died Sept. 2, 1865; Minnie Florence, born Feb. 12, 1866, married J. B. Frisbie, Kansas City, Mo.; Thomas Rector, bom April 10, 1868, lives at Clifton Hill, Mo.; Martin Edgar, born Dec. 11, 1869, lives three miles northeast of Clifton Hill; Lewis Allen, bom Nov. 27, 1871, lives in California and William Porter, born Aug. 14, 1873 and died Jan. 13, 1910. Mr. and Mrs. Mayo have six grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

Mr. Mayo is a Republican and served as postmaster at Clifton Hill during President Harrison's administration and lived on his farm while he held that office. He voted for Abraham Lincoln for president and has voted for every Republican candidate for president since that time. He was elected justice of- the peace of Silver Creek township three times and says that he was elected by the Democrats. He is a member of the Baptist church and one of Randolph County's honored pioneer citizens.

J. Will Graves, a former judge of the county court of Randolph County now living retired at Clifton Hill, is a native of Virginia. He was born in Lawrence County, Va., Oct. 16, 1838 and is a son of Jonathan and Anna (Glass) Graves, both natives of Virginia. Anna (Glass) was a member of the same Virginia family as Senator Carter Glass of Virginia. Jonathan Graves was the son of Jacob Graves, a Virginian who spent his life in his native state. Jonathan Glass came to Missouri in 1839 and first settled in Johnson County. He remained there until the Civil War broke out when, for the safety of himself and family, on account of local conditions in Johnson County, he removed to Randolph County and spent the remainder of his life here. He was engaged in the mercantile business here for many years and died in 1885. His wife died in 1893. They were the parents of five children, three of whom are living; J. Will, the subject of this sketch; John lives in Oklahom.a and Mrs. Ella, Henderson, also lives in Oklahoma.

Colonel Eugene Irwin, General Green's brigade and Price's division. He participated in the Battles of Fort Gibson, Big Black and Corinth, Miss., as well as a number of other engagements and skirmishes. In 1863 he was captured at Fort Gibson and takeii to the Federal prison at Alton, 111. His health was bad and he was released from prison and went to Lincoln County, Mo. with a friend. In 1865, he went to Montana and was successfully engaged in gold mining for two years and made money. He then returned to Randolph County and was married. Here he began farming and taught school during the winters for about seven years. In the meantime he had become the owner of a small farm and later acquired more land until, at one time, he was the owner of 500 acres northeast of Clifton Hill and was extensively engaged in stock raising and feeding as well as general farming. In 1916, he sold out and removed to Clifton Hill where he has since been living retired.

Mr. Graves was first married in 1867 to Rosalee Brockman, a daughter of Lindsey Brockman of Randolph County. To that marriage were born five children as follows : Edwin, a farmer northwest of Clifton Hill ; Lindsey, a farmer southwest of Huntsville; Rolla, who lives on the old home place; Mrs. Gussie Anderson, who died in 1890, and one child died in infancy. The mother of these children died in 1912. In November, 1917, Mr. Graves was married to Rilla Harlow, a native of Randolph County and a daughter of Albert Thomas and Mary Ann (Reed) Harlow, natives of Virginia. Albert Thomas was born in 1837 and came to Randolph County when a young man and died here in 1890. His wife was born in 1834 and was brought to Randolph County by her parents in 1837. She died in 1916.

Judge Graves has been a life long Democrat and has always taken an active interest in political affairs. In 1894 he was elected judge of the county court and at the expiration of his term of office was re-elected, serving two terms. He is a member of the Christian church and has been an elder for 25 years. He is a member of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons and bears the distinction of being the oldest Mason in the state of Missouri. He was made a Mason at Columbus, Johnson County, Mo., in 1860 becoming a member of Mitchell Lodge No. 86. The building and records of this lodge were burned during the Civil War. Mr. Graves is now a member of the Clifton Hill Lodge No. 161 and was master of that lodge for eight years. He is a member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen at Salisbury, Mo. He is one of Randolph

Charles C. Brown, a prominent farmer and stockman of Silver Creek township and a former judge of the county court is a native of Randolph County. He was born in Silver Creek township, Feb. 7, 1854 and is a son of John and Arminta (Martin) Brown. John Brown was bom in Germany in 1821 and when a young man came to America and finally settled in Randolph County, Mo., where he engaged in farming and met with success. He died in 1905. His wife was born in 1832 and died in 1912. They were the parents of 11 children, six of whom lived to maturity; George, lives in Schuyler County; Julius, deceased; Charles C, the subject of the sketch; James, Schuyler County, Mo.; William, Howard County and Hurley, deceased.

Charles C. Brown was educated in the public schools and remained at home until he was 21 years old. He began his independent career as clerk in the general store at Yates, Mo. and was shortly afterwards married and leased a farm from J. H. Yates. He next became interested in timber cutting, getting out railroad timber for railroad companies and furnished large quantities of bridge timbers and ties for the Wabash and Chicago and Alton railroad companies. He did an extensive business in this line which proved profitable. At the same time he kept up his interest in farming and stock raising and invested in land. He now owns 360 acres in his home place three miles south of Clifton Hill, Mo. and a farm of 365 acres about five miles south of Clifton Hill, Mo., in Silver Creek township, besides 150 acres in Howard County. His land is all well improved and he has a good residence on the home place which was remodeled in 1905 and the other buildings about the place are well kept and substantial. In addition to carrying on general farming, Mr. Brown is extensively engaged in stock raising and feeding. He feeds and markets from 150 to 200 head of cattle and raises from 160 to 200 head of hogs each year.

On Jan. 23, 1884, Charles C. Brown was united in marriage to Miss Nolle E. Dameron. She was born near Randolph Spring and is a daughter of Louis G. Dameron. To Mr. and Mrs. Brown have been born five children as follows: Mrs. Ora Stocker resides in Silver Creek township; Elbert C, a Federal highway engineer, served as captain in an engineering corps during the World War and is now located at Jackson, Miss.; Mrs. Addie B. Brockman, of Clifton Hill, Mo.; Aubrey E., enlisted in the students training school at Columbia during the World War and is now a student in the University of Missouri ; Reba Lee, a student in the Clifton Hill High School.

Mr. Brown is a stockholder and a member of the board of directors of the Clifton Hill Banking Company. He is a Democrat and takes a prominent interest in political matters and is a member of the Demociatic Central Committee from Silver Creek township, having served in that capacity for a number of years. In 1912 he was elected judge of the county court and held that ofRce in a capable manner for a term of four years. He is a member of the Baptist church at Clifton Hill and is recognized as one of the successful men of affairs of Randolph County whose career has been marked with success.

Everett Edward Hurt, assistant cashier of the Clifton Hill Banking Company, is a representative business man of Randolph County and a descendant of one of the very early pioneer families of this section of Missouri. He was borA on a farm south of Clifton Hill, Oct. 5, 1877 and is a son of Nathan Perry and Virginia Ella (Moore) Hurt.

Nathan Perry Hurt was a native of Kentucky, bom March 22, 1822, and died June 28, 1905. He was a sOn of Allen and Mary (Lowry) Hurt, both of whom were natives of Kentucky and early settlers in Missouri. The Hurt family settled in Howard County in 1829 where Allen Hurt spent the remainder of his life successfully engaged in farming. Nathan Perry Hurt acquired a great deal of land in Randolph County and at the time of his death, was the owner of about 860 acres which he divided between his children.

Virginia Ella (Moore) Hurt, mother of Everett Edward Hurt, was born in Illinois, Sept. 22, 1852 and died May 18, 1917. She was a daughter of William Wilson and Eliza (Craig) Diloore, natives of Virginia who left their native state and first located in Illinois and in 1857 came to Missouri and settled in Howard County. Later they went to Charlton County, Mo. and from there came to Randolph County where they spent the remainder of their lives.

Nathan Perry and Virginia Ella (Moore) Hurt were the parents of the following children: Eugene H. ; Everett Edward, the subject of this sketch; Olivia, died in 1881; Lurlene Burch Richeson of Clifton Hill, Mo.

Everett Hurt was educated in the district schools, Salisbury Academy and the Chillicothe Business College. He entered the Clifton Hill Banking Company's employ in 1900 and for 20 years has been connected with

On Nov. 6, 1913, Mr. Hurt was married to Miss Mable Snoddy. She is a native of Howard County and a daughter of George F. Snoddy of that county. To Mr. and Mrs. Hurt have been born one child, Olivia.

Mr. Hurt is a Democrat and a member of the Methodist church. He is a Knights Templar Mason, being a member of the Commandery at Moberly the Council at Centralia and the Chapter at Clifton Hill. He is also a member of the Order of the Eastern Star.

William D. Clifton. - The name Clifton has more than an ordinary historic significance in connection with the history of Randolph County, from the fact that Clifton Hill was named in honor of David Clifton, grandfather of William D. Clifton. He was the owner of the present site of Clifton Hill and one of the pioneer settlers in this locality. William D. Clifton, who is a successful farmer and stockman and breeder, was bom on a farm one and a half miles east of Thomas Hill, in 1870 and is a son of Minor and Catherine (Ficklin) Clifton.

Minor Clifton was born in Owen County, Ky., in 1848 and died in Eandolph County Nov. 27, 1902. He was a farmer and stockman and was engaged in that business practically all his life. He was a son of David Clifton, a Kentuckian, who settled in Randolph County with his family in 1858. He was also a farmer and stockman. During the Civil War he served in the Confederate Army in General Price's division and at the close of the war, was with General Price when he surrendered at Shreveport, La. Catherine (Ficklin) Clifton was bom in Randolph County in 1836 and now resides in Moberly. To Minor and Catherine (Ficklin) Clifton were bom the following children: William D., the subject of this sketch; Hugh, Moberly, Mo.; Horace, Long Beach, Calif., and Daniel Boone, Moberly, Mo.; and Leonard lives at Fort Henry, Mo.

William D. Clifton was educated in the public schools and in early life engaged in farming and stock raising in which he has met with success. He is the owner of 80 acres of valuable land and operates 200 acres, 120 being a part of the old home place. He is well known as a successful breeder of Spotted Poland China hogs.

Mr. Clifton was married in 1895 to Miss Mildred Vaughan, of Chariton township. She is a daughter of Levds and Mallie Vaughan, early fettlers of Randolph County. Mr. and Mrs. Clifton have one daughter, Kathryn, who married Robert Heifner, Jan. 18, 1920 and they reside four miles northwest of Huntsville, Mo.

Mr. Clifton is a member of the Baptist church and is a Democrat. He holds membership in the Modem Woodmen of America Lodge and is a highly respected and substantial citizen of this county.

Alguin S. Asbell, one of the well known and successful farmers of Salt Spring township and proprietor of what is known as Sweet Spring Stock Farm, located about two and one-half miles south of Huntsville, is a native of Kentucky. He was born in Madison County, Nov. 30, 1869 and is a son of A. D. and Margaret (Barnes) Asbell, both natives of Kentucky.

A. D. Asbell was bom in Estill County, Ky., and died in Randolph County, Jan. 1, 1919. His wife was born in Madison County, Ky. and died in December, 1910 and their remains are buried at Huntsville. A. D. Asbell was a son of Joseph Asbell, a native of North Cai'olina who came to Kentucky at an early day and settled in Estill County, where he spent the remainder of his life. He was a blacksmith and lived to be over a hundred years old. A. D. Asbell came to Missouri and settled in Randolph County, Dec. 2, 1879. He bought 80 acres of land in Salt Spring township which is now owned by his son Alguin S. Asbell. He followed general farming and also worked at the blacksmith trade. He added to his original purchase of land and at the time of his death was the owner of 120 acres.

Alguin S. Asbell was one of five children born to his parents as follows: William, Huntsville, Mo.; Mrs. Sallie Alverson, Lockwood, Mo.; Henry, Huntsville; Mrs. Mollie Wright, deceased; and Alguin S., the subject of this sketch. Alguin S. Asbell was about ten years old when he came to Randolph County with his parents and here grew to manhood. He has always been engaged in farming and in addition to owning the old homestead of 120 acres, he owns another 120 acres. He carries on general farming and is one of the successful stockmen of Randolph County. For the past 20 years he has raised Duroc Jersey hogs at a time having as many as 300 head on hands. He also raises good grade cattle. His place is well improved and an excellent stock farm as well as being adapted to general farming. His residence is a good substantial six room house and he has another four room house on the place for a tenant and three good substantial bams and other buildings.

Mr. Asbell was married March 4, 1895 to Miss Kittie Martin, a daughter of T. M. and Mary Martin, both of whom are deceased. The father died about 1900 and the mother in Aiig. 31, 1911 and they are buried at

Huntsville. Mr. and Mrs. Martin were the parents of the following children: Mrs. Maggie Davis, Effingham, Kans.; J. W. Martin, Salt Spring township; Mrs. Nellie Barron, Huntsville, Mo.; Charles T., Salt Springs township; Mrs. Sadie Williams, Liberty, Mo.; Mrs. Alguin S. Asbell, of this sketch; Joseph, Huntsville; Mrs. Mada Wood, Harrisonville, Mo., and Robert E., Salt Spring township. To Mr. and Mrs. Asbell have been bom four children: Margaret, a graduate of the Huntsville High School, who has taken an extensive course in music and is highly accomplished- in that art, is now a teacher and resides at home with her parents; and Clinton, a student in the Huntsville High School who is making special study of agriculture; and the other two children died in infancy.

Mr. and Mrs. Asbell are members of the Providence Christian church and stand high in Randolph County where they are well known and highly respected.

Joseph F. Heifner, a prominent farmer and stockman of Salt Spring township, who operates a valuable farm of 204 acres, in that township, is a native of Missouri and belongs to one of the pioneer families of this state. He was born in Macon County, Dec. 19, 1865 and is a son of John and Mary Elizabeth (Baker) Heifner.

John Heifner was born in Kentucky, Sept. 2, 1827 and died in February, 1906. He was the son of Bartholomew Heifner, a Kentuckian who came to Missouri with his family in 1834 when John Heifner was about seven years old. John Heifner came to Randolph County in 1873. He operated,^ a carding machine and was engaged in carding Wool for many years in the early days. Mary Elizabeth (Baker) Heifner was born in Missouri in 1831 and died in 1906. She was a daughter of Isaac Baker, a Kentuckian, who was one of the very early pioneers of this section of Missouri. He was a great hunter and an Indian fighter and was one of the first pioneers who came to Randolph County. He had many encounters with the Indians during the days of the early settlement in this county and he also had many thrilling experiences in hunting large game such as bears and wolves. He was a man of great courage and an expert in the use of firearms. He possessed unusual physical strengthand endurance and lived to the advanced age of 98 years.

John and Mary Elizameth (Baker) Heifner were the parents of the following children, who lived to maturity: Mrs. Louisa Tompkins, of Moberly; Mrs. Lelia Marvin, deceased; Pressly, Darksville; Belle, deceased; Joseph F., the subject of this sketch; Hugh, died at the age of

Joseph F. Heifner was educated in the public schools and in early life engaged in farming and is now the owner of 204 acres of land where he is successfully carrying on general farming and stock raising and is one of the substantial farmers of Salt Spring township. Mr. Heifner was married March 27, 1890 to Miss Julia Clifton. She was born in Randolph County, Jan. 19, 1871 and is a daughter of Rev. Daniel Boone and Mary (Kinman) Clifton.

Rev. Daniel Boone Clifton was a native of Kentucky, born in 1841 and died April 17, 1918. He was a son of David Clifton, after whom Chfton Hill was named and further mention of whom is made in connection with the sketch of W. D. Clifton. Rev. Daniel Boone Clifton was a Baptist miriister and in the early days preached the gospel in Howard, Macon, Randolph and Boone counties. He was, perhaps, the best known of the pioneer preachers in this section of Missouri and during the course of his career had charge of many churches. He baptized a great many people during his time and preached a great many funeral sermons and performed marriage ceremonies without number. He remained vigorous and was active in the ministry until two years before his death. Mary (Kinman) Clifton was bom in Kentucky in 1839 and died Dec. 18, 1916. She came here with her husband Rev. Daniel Boone Clifton shortly after their marriage in 1866, he having returned to Kentucky for her. They were the parents of the following children: Fannie, deceased; Hugh, deceased; Julia, the wife of Joseph F. Heifner, the subject of this sketch and OUie, deceased.

To Joseph F. Heifner and wife have been bom the following children : Opal, bom March 16, 1891, married Frank L. Miller and to this union was born one daughter, Lillian Odell; and Robert Heifner married Mallie Kathryn Clifton, a daughter of William B. Clifton, Jan. 18, 1920.

Mr. Heifner is a Democrat and a member of the Baptist church. He is a progressive and enterprising citizen and is well known in Randolph County and is held in high esteem.

David Tumear, one of the very early pioneer settlers of Randolph County, was prominent in the early days affairs of this county and now has a number of descendants in Randolph County and central Missouri. He was bom in Virginia, June 2, 1795 and died in Randolph County, May 29, 1876. He was the son of John and Elizabeth Turner, the former of whom died when a young man and the mother lived to the advanced age of 99 years. The Turners came from Virginia and are descendants of an old and highly respected Colonial family of Virginia.

David Turner came to Missouri in 1820 when he was about 25 years old and after remaining for a short time in Howard County, he moved to the town of Smithlan which is now Higbee. He bought land on the prairie and in 1823 established himself on the place which he made his future home. The place was timbered with walnut. He proceeded to build a home and clear his place and engaged in farming. He was a slave owner and carried on farming on a large scale and accumulated 860 acres of land, all of which is still owned by his sons except 100 acres. David Turner was one of the pioneers of Randolph County and was a member of the first jury of the new' county. He was a member of the Christian church and was a charter member of that organization at Huntsville. He was a splendid Christian man and contributed his part to the political, industrial and spiritual development of Randolph County in the days of its formative period.

David Turner was first married in Madison County, Ky. to Jane Cloyd, Feb. 24, 1820 and to that union were born eight children as fol-. lows: William Miller, born May 27, 1821, was married and died on the home place; James Madison, born Dec. 22, 1823, went West in early life and later returned to Randolph County and died here; John Cloyd, born Dec. 13, 1824, died on the home place; Samuel, born Oct. 21, 1826, deceased; Richard, born June 16, 1829, died in California; Hudson, born May 5, 1881, died on the home place; Mrs. Martha Jane Terry, born Feb. 21, 1834, and David Allen, born Sept. 21, 1836, and died at Hood River, Ore., Dec. 25 1919. Jane Cloyd Turner died Jan. 28, 1839 and David Turner married for his second wife Mrs. Elizabeth (Clayton) Payton. She was a native of Barron County, Ky., born June 15, 1817 and was the youngest daughter of' George and Martha Clayton. She was previously married to Joseph W. Payton and they settled on a farm eight miles from Huntsville where Mr. Payton died, Aug. 5, 1844. The following year his widow married David Turner. She died Nov. 19, 1900.

To David Turner and Elizabeth Clayton Turner were born the following children: Clayton, born April 17, 1846 served in the Confederate army under General Price and died Feb. 10, 1880; Sarah Almyra, bom March 81, 1848, married T. C. Jackson and is now a widow and resides at Higbee; Warren Franklin, bom Dec. 25, 1849, is engaged in farming on the home place; Harvey Scott, born May 2, 1852, and Miss Miller Vaughn, born June 14, 1855. The two brothers, Warren Franklin, Harvey Scott, and Miss Miller Vaughn are engaged in operating the old home place in Salt Spring township.

The Turner brothers are successful farmers and stockmen and also are extensive stock feeders. They market about two car loads of stock annually. They raise the general farm crops of this section, including wheat, corn and oats. They are members of the Methodist church and are Democrats and are representative of Randolph County's best citizenship.

John H. Reed, a successful farmer and stockman of Salt Spring township, is a native of Randolph County and a descendant of a prominent pioneer family. He was bom one mile south of Huntsville in 1857 and is the son of Capt. Thomas B. and Rachel E. (Denny). Capt. Thomas B. Reed was born in North Carolina, July 20, 1819. He was a son of John D. Reed who was a soldier in the War of 1812, whose father, Henry Reed, served in the American army in the Revolutionary War. Henry Reed was a native of Ireland and came to America in Colonial times ana settled in Guilford County, N. C. Here his son, John D., was born. John D. married Elizabeth Jenkins, the daughter of a Methodist clergyman.

Capt. Thomas B. Reed, son of John D. and Elizabeth (Jenkins) Reed was born in North Carolina, July 20, 1819. He was brought to Howard County, Mo. by his parents when a baby. The family moved to Randolph County in 1822 and here John D. died in 1869. Capt. Thomas B. Reed was educated in the common schools and the University of Missouri and was graduated from that institution in the class of 1847 and was valedictorian of his class. He taught school in Huntsville for a time and studied law and was admitted to the bar in 1851. He was engaged in the practice of law when the Civil War broke out and he enlisted in the Union Army and was commissioned captain of Company G, 9th Missouri Infantry. He served until the close of the war during which time he was detailed to military duties in various capacities. He served as provost marshal at Rolla, Mo. and was judge advocate at Macon City, Mo. At the close of the war he returned to the practice of law. His first partner was Judge Arthur P. Terill and later he practiced with Judge William A. Hall. He was a Whig until the organization of the Republican party, after which he was a Republican. In 1866, he was elected a member of the Missouri State Senate and reelected in 1868, serving four years as a member of that body and was a prominent and influential member. In addition to his profession and political activities, he was also engaged in operating coal mines in a company with W. T. Eutherford and Judge Burkhartt and he was treasurer of the company. They- did an extensive business in Randolph County for several years. He was a member of the Christian church and an advocate of prohibition.

Captain Reed was married Nov. 28, 1855 to Rachel E. Denny, of Howard County, Mo. She was a daughter of James M. Denny, a Kentuckian who was a very early pioneer, settler of Howard County and a member of a prominent Kentucky family; he owned a number of slaves and was a large land owner. Capt. Reed died Oct. 5, 1899 and his wife died April 5, 1905. She was an accomplished woman and possessed unusual talent; she was one of the original members of the Womens Christian Temperance Union and an untiring worker in behalf of the principles which that organization represents.

To Captain Thomas B. Reed and wife were born the following children: John H., the subject of this sketch; James D., a prominent physician and wealthy banker of Covina, Calif. ; Elizabeth Frances, married John N. Taylor, of Columbia, Mo. ; Lida R. married R. M. Cook, a banker of Kansas City, Mo. and she is now deceased ; Anna Maude, D. P. Payne, of St. Joseph, Mo.

John H. Reed was educated in the public schools and Mt. Pleasant College and was graduated from that institution in 1876. He taught school for two years and then attended business college in Detroit, Mich, and afterwards studied law. He managed his father's estate until 1900. In 1904 he purchased his present farm in Salt Spring township. This place is known as "Hillcrest" and consists of 280 acres of well improved and valuable farm land. The residence is a large white house built on the Colonial style and the place presents an attractive appearance. Mr. Reed carries on general farming and stock raising and raises pure bred stock.

Feb. 8, 1900, James H. Reed was married to Miss Adah Gill, a native of Randolph County, bom Feb. 23, 1867. She is a daughter of Judge Adam Fisher and Mary (Fairchild) Gill. Adam Fisher Gill was bom in St. Charles County, Mo. and was the son of John Gill of Danville, Ky., who *is the son of John Gill, of Virginia, and a grandson of Adam Fisher who fought in the Revolutionary War. Mary (Fairchild) Gill was a daughter of Capt. 0. H. and Adah W. Fairchild. She was a highly cultured woman of strong mentality and was a prominent pioneer club woman. Adam Fisher Gill came to Randolph County in 1866 and settled near Randolph Springs and farmed near Gill school house and gave the land for that school grounds. He lived in Huntsville for 20 years prior to his death in September, 1918 in his 82nd year. He was a well read man and his natural inclination was towards the law and he served as justice of peace and police judge. His widow who is now 76 years of age makes her home with her children. Mrs. Gill has been a remarkable woman, reared in St. Louis and had the best educational advantages. She has spent her married life in the country. She has been deeply interested in church, club and civic affairs. Adam Fisher and Mary (Fairchild) Gill were the parents of the following children: Adah married John H. Reed, the subject of this sketch; Dr. Everett Gill, D. D., has traveled extensively, served in the Red Cross during the World War and has been a missionary to Italy for ten years where he is now stationed; Emma, married J. W. Agee, a prosperous merchant of Keytesville, Mo. Mrs. Reed is a graduate of high school and Mt. Pleasant College and the Ladies College at Liberty, Mo. and for a number of years taught in the Liberty Ladies College and the Huntsville schools. To Mr. and Mrs. Reed have been born one child, Mary Louise. She is a graduate of the Huntsville High School and is a graduate in music and has studied extensively under private instructors.

Mr. Reed is a Democrat and a member of the Christian church and one of the substantial and enterprising citizens of Randolph County. Mrs. Reed is a member of the Baptist church; she holds membership in the Daughters of the American Revolution and is a prominent club woman. She is a member of the Women's Christian Temperance Union and is president of the local Misisonary Society.

James T. Sears, a progressive farmer and stockman of Chariton township, is a native of 'Randolph County and a representative of one of the very early pioneer families of this county. He was bom on the place where he now resides, Feb. 3, 1859 and is a son of Levi and Rebecca (Ash) Sears. Levi Sears was also a native of Randolph County, born in 1829 and died in 1915. He was a son of Wiley Sears, a Kentuckian who came to Missouri in "the early 20's and settled on Silver Creek near Mt. Airy. He built a home and improved a farm and here reared his family and spent the remainder of his days. Rebecca (Ash) Sears was a native of Indiana. She was born in 1835 and died in 1910. She was a daughter of George Ash who came to Missouri with his family and settled in Monroe County in 1837 or 1838.

Levi Sears was reared in Randolph County and spent his life here. During his old age, he and his wife removed to Chfton Hill where they spent the remainder of their days. They were the parents of the following children: James T., the subject of this sketch; Rev. P. F., a Baptist minister; G. W., a merchant at Musselfork, Chariton County; A. G., a druggist at Dodson, which is a suburb of Kansas City and Mrs. Naomi Hatten, the Avife of Dr. Hatten of Columbia, Mo.

James T. Sears was educated in the district schools and since early life has been engaged in farming and stock raising. He first took charge of the home place and in 1900 bought it and has therefore always lived on the farm where he was born. It is a well improved fertile farm and consists of 161 acres. There is a good residence and barns and other buildings. In addition to his general farming, Mr. Sears also raises and feeds stock extensively. He markets about two car loads of cattle and a hundred head of hogs each year.

Mr. Sears was married in 1881 to Miss Lura Thomas, of Thomas Hill. She was born in Randolph County, a daughter of W. A. Thomas and to this union were bom three children as follows: Josephine, married Charles W. West, of Kansas City and they have two children. Waller Richmond and James Charles ; George Herbert, Kansas City, Mo. ; and Dorothy married Forrest Rice, resides on the home place and has one child, Geraldine Rice. Mrs. Sears died July 1, 1915 and is buried in Thomas Hill cemetery.

Lewis Arnold Summers, a large land owner and extensive farmer and stock man of Clifton township is a native of Randolph County. He was born on the place where he now resides Sept. 5, 1890 and is a son of James H. and Elba Ella (Humphries) Summers, a sketch of whom appears in this volume.

Lewis Arnold Summers was educated in the public schools and has always been engaged in farming with the exception of a short time that he was employed in the train service on the Burlington Railroad. He is carrying on general farming and stock raising and operates 372 acres of land and owns 272 acres of the original Summers' homestead. The place is well improved with good buildings and the Summers place is one of the productive farms of Clifton township.

Lewis A. Summers was united in marriage July 31, 1913 to Miss Kathryn Kirkpatrick. She was born near Yates, Missouri and is a daughter of John and Kathryn (Alexander) Kirkpatrick. John M. Kirkpatrick is now deceased. He was bom in Pennsylvania in 1837 and in early life went to Iowa and i|n 1880 he came to Missouri and settled in Randolph County where he was engaged in farming and also conducted a livery stable for a time. He was married to Kathryn Alexander in 1884. She was born in Howard County in 1864 and was a daughter of John and Charity (Denny) Alexander. John Alexander was a native of Kentucky and an early pioneer in this section of Missouri. He was born in 1807 and came here in 1827.

To Lewis Arnold and Kathryn < Kirkpatrick) Summers were bom the following children: John, bom April 13, 1916; Mary Kathryn, born July 13, 1918.

James P. Mayo, a successful farmer and stockman of Silver Creek township, is a native of Randolph County and is a descendant of one of the honored pioneer families of this county. He was bom on the farm where he now resides, Sept. "11, 1845 and is a son of "Uncle Allen" and Martha (Finnell) Mayo.

"Uncle Allen" Mayo was one of the prominent pioneer settlers of this section of the state. He was born in Virginia, July 14, 1802. His father, Thomas Mayo, was an old and respected citizen of Patrifek County, Va., who married Mary Blair, who was a member of the same family to which General Frank Blair belonged. Thomas Mayo served in the Revolutionary War under General Washington. About 1805 he removed from Virginia with his family to Campbell County, Tennessee, where he was engaged in farming about 12 years. He came to Missouri in 1817 and in 1818 settled in Randolph County and engaged in farming during the remainder of his life.

Allen Mayo, or "Uncle Allen" was 16 years old when he came to Randolph County with hite parents. He entered government land in Silver Creek township in 1823, which is now owned by James P. Mayo, of this sketch. Allen Mayo was a successful farmer and prospered. He was one of Randolph County's most highly respected citizens of the early days. At the county fair at Jacksonville, in the fall of 1883, he was formally presented with a cane by the fair association in the name of the

James P. Mayo

Allen Mayo was married April 23 1823 to Martha Finnell, a daughter of Charles and Lucy Finnell, also pioneer settlers of Randolph County. Mrs. Mayo was born in Garrett County, Ky., June 28, 1804. They were the parents of the following children: William; Eliza, married George Dameron; Thomas; Charles F.; Lucy, married Samuel McCulley; Porter; Mary, married F. M. Stark; John A.; Mildred and James P., the subject of this sketch. The surviving members of the above family are Potter, who resides at Clifton Hill, Mo.; Mary, lives in Silver Creek township; John A., Clifton Hill; and James P. "Uncle Allen" Mayo died Feb. 13, 1894. His wife died Aug. 6, 1890. They were members of the Baptist church and "Uncle Allen" Mayo was a Democrat. He was a strong Union man and voted for Lincoln in 1864.

James P. Mayo was reared in Silver Creek township and attended the early day subscription schools and was at home on his father's farm when the Civil War was being waged. He enlisted in the Union army in 1864, becoming a member of Capt. Charles F. Mayo's company (Captain Mayo was an older brother of his) Colonel Denny's regiment. He was discharged at Huntsville in 1865 after the close of the war. He then returned to his father's home where he remained until 1875, when he purchased a farm of 160 acres in Silver Creek township, which he improved. He is now the owner of 210 acres of well improved and valuable land. He has a good substantial residence and three bams on the place and other farm buildings. In addition to his general farming, he is an extensive stock breeder and one of the pioneer Shorthorn breeders of the county, having been engaged in this business since 1885. He has been breeding pure bred Poland China hogs since 1895.

April 15, 1879, James P. Mayo was marled at Huntsville, Mo., to Miss Sophia S. Sutliff, daughter of John and Catherine A. (Vamum) Sutliflf, the former a native of New Jersey, bom July 12, 1824 and died in Randolph County, Sept. 3, 1906 and the latter, a native of Butler, Pa., bora Aug. 19, 1824 and died Jan. 8, 1904. Mrs. Mayo is one of ten children bom to her parents, as follows : Enoch, Huntsville, Mq. ; John, deceased ; one died in infancy; Mrs. Mayo; JuHa Ann, deceased; Sarah, married Lannie Baker, Moberly, Mo. ; William H., Silver Creek township ; Amanda, deceased; Hattie, Silver Creek township; Joseph, deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Mayo have no children.

James H. Summers, now deceased, was during his active career a prominent factor in the progress and development of Randolph County. He was bom in this county May 4, 1849 and died March 6, 1917. He was the son of Joseph M. Summers, who was born Dec. 18, 1816 and was brought to Missouri by his parents, Jeremiah and Elizabeth (Baker) Summers in 1818. Jeremijah Summers was a native of North Carolina and his wife was a Virginian.

The Summers family settled in Randolph County in 1819 and were among the very early settlers of this section. The country was still in a primitive state and Indians were numerous. Joseph M. Summers was reared to manhood here and became a large land owner and was one of the wealthy men of Randolph County during his time. He married Martha Patton April 1, 1841. She was a daughter of William and Rebecca (Engleton) Patton, natives of Tennessee. Seven children were born to Joseph M. Summers and mfe as follows: William P., Walter H., Mrs. Fannie Wylan, James H., the subject of this sketch; Mrs. Jennie Brown, Charles P. and Giles R.

James H. Summers engaged in farming and stock raising in Clifton township shortly after his marriage. He prospered and was regarded as one of the successful farmers and stockmen of Randolph County. He fed cattle for the market extensively and also hogs and was one of the big shippers of western Randolph County. At one time he owned 640 acres of valuable land but in later years disposed of some of his land and at the time of his death owned 375 acres of which his son, Louis Arnoll Summers now owns 273 acres and hijs widow 102 acres which is located in Clifton township.

James H. Summers was married March 19, 1878 to Miss Elba Ella Humphries. She was bom in Silver Creek township May 10, 1860 and is the daughter of Isaiah and Elizabeth Jane (Goodman) Humphries. Isaiah Humphries was a native of Randolph County and was a son of Isaiah Humphries, an early pioneer of this county. Mrs. Summers' father died whijle serving in the Confederate army in 1865. Elizabeth Jane (Goodman) Humphries was born Nov. 17, 1837 and now resides with her daughter, Mrs. Summers. She is a daughter of James Edwin and Mary (Alexander) Goodman of Tennessee. Mrs. Summ.ers is the only living child of her parents. A younger sister, Mary, is dead. After the death of her first husband, Mrs. Humphries married Louis Finnell, who was born Jan. 26, 1822 and died May 27, 1911. One child was born to that union, Louila M., bom Sept. 8, 1872 and dUed Feb. 3, 1897.

To James H. and Elba Ella (Humphries) Summers were born the following children: Clarence Eugene, born Feb. 8, 1880, a traveling salesman, Lincoln, Neb., married Merle Burris and they have five children: Mida Vesta, Martha Elizabeth, James Henry, Theodosia and C. E., Jr. ; Joseph Henry, born April 2, 1884 and died Feb. 3, 1890 ; Christine Elizabeth, born May 29, 1887, married Willliam Hansel Mayo, Tulsa, Okla. and has two children, Elba Lucille and James Allen; Louis Arnold, a sketch of whom appears in this volume.

George William Lay, now deceased, was an early settler and a member of a pioneer family of Randolph County. He was born in Orange County, Va., in 1830 and died on his farm in Clifton township, Randolph County in 1906. He was a son of Frank and Jane (Eddings) Lay, both natives of Virginia. They came to Randolph County with their family and settled at Huntsville, in 1837. Frank Lay was a carpenter in early life and later operated a gristmill. He and his wife spent the remainder of their lives in Randolph County after coming here. <

George William Lay was reared to manhood in Randolph County and followed farming and stock raising practically all his life and met with reasonable success. In 1868, he bought 160 acres of prairie land north of Clifton Hill. He improved this place and there spent the remainder of his life. He was married in 1851 to Sarah Ann Matlock. She was born in Caswell County, N. C, Sept. 4, 1834. Her parents were James and Martha (Gunn) Matlock, natives of North Carolina who came to Missouri and settled in Randolph County in 1836. The Matlock family are descendants of a prominent old southern family of Colonial times, members of which served in the American Revolution. Mrs. Lay is one of the oldest pioneer women now living in Randolph County.

To George William and Martha Ann. Matlock Lay were born the following children : James Francis, married Nannie Robertson and has four children: Mrs. Eliza Ann Richeson, who is the mother of two children, Frank Howard and Thomas ; W. E. Lay, married Georgia Johnson and has one child, Nannie Louise; J. C. Lay, married Nellie Holman and Samuel Jones Lay, deceased; Charles William Lay, born June 19, 1858 and resides in Clifton township where he is engaged in farming and George Ashley on the home farm, married Stella Penn and three children were born to that union, Aubrey, Frank Penn, Leslie Earl. The mother of

George William Lay was a life long Democrat and a member of the Methodist church. He was a public spirited citizen and contributed his part to the upbuilding and development of Randolph County and its institutions. The Lay family is prominent in the community where they reside.

Sam W. Wright, an extensive stockman and farmer of Chariton township, who is also one of the well known and successful breeders of pure bred registered cattle of the county is a native of Randolph County. He v.'as born in the neighborhood of his present home, April 21, 1858, in a pioneer log house which had been the home of the Wright family for many years. He is a son of Johnson and Ehza Jane (Trumbeil) Wright, natives of Kentucky.

Johnson Wright came Lo Randolph County about 1830 and entered a large tract of government land in 1834. He located in Chariton township and here built a home for his famijly and cleared away the timber , from his land and was considered one of the successful farmers and stockmen of the early days. He died April 21, 1867 and his wife died in 1889. They were the parents of the following children: Mrs. Mary McDaniel, deceased ; Robert T., served in the Confederate army during the Civil War and is now deceased. George Preston, deceased ; James A., deceased ; Non R., deceased; Rebecca, died at the age of 6 years; Staley A., a farmer in Chariton township and Annie married James Martin of Moberly and is now deceased; Sam W., the subject of this sketch and Mrs. Malta J. Brogan, deceased.

Sam W. Wright has always been engaged in farming and stock raising and since early manhood has operated the home place in Chariton township. After the death of his father, he bought the interests of the other heirs and is now the owner of 240 acres. This is one of the valuable farms of Randolph County and is especially well adapted to stock raising. Mr. Wright has about 196 acres devoted to pasture and gives special attention to raising and breeding live stock. He feeds cattle for the market extensively and raises pure bred Polled Angus cattle and at this writing has about 30 head of registered cattle of thijs breed.

Sam W. Wright was married in Sept. 18, 1889 to Miss Fannie Burgwin of Boone County, Mo., and to this union have been born the following children: Guy B., bom in 1887, a farmer, married Pensy Clempson; Ralph, born in 1889 and Mrs. Zanna D. Gray.

John H. Hammett, vi|ce-president of the J. M. Hammett Banking Company and one of the extensive farmers and stockmen of Randolph County, is a native of this county and a descendant of a prominent pioneer family of this section. John H. Hammett was bom on a farm adjoining his present place in Salt Spring township, May 20, 1866 and is a son of Francis Marion Hammett and Susan (Robinson) Hammett. A sketch of Francis Marion Hammett appears elsewhere in this volume.

John H. Hammett was reared in the vicinity of Huntsville and educated at Fort Henry and then took a business course and graduated at the Christian Brothers College at St. Louis, in 1885. He then engaged in farming and stock raising in Salt Spring township. He began with 320 acres and has added to his original holdings until he is now the owner of 600 acres of productive and well improved land. He has a large modern residence on his place and a number of well built and conveniently arranged grain, hay and stock bams. He devotes special attention to the stock business and feeds for the markets about six car loads of cattle and 400 hogs each year and is recognized as one of the most successful stock raisers of Randolph County.

Mr. Hammett was united in marriage March 16, 1893 with Milss Mary Vaughan, a native of Randolph County. She was bom at Mt. Airy, a daughter of John and Addie (Dameron) Vaughan, both members of prominent pioneer families of Randolph County. Dr. Vaughan of Ann Arbor, Mich, is a brother of Mrs. Hammett. To Mr. and Mrs. Hammett have been born two children : Harper, who is a student at Howard Payne College, Fayette, Mo. and J. H., Jr., a student at Central College. Mrs. Hammett departed this life Dec. 12, 1918 at the age of 50 years. She was a member of the Methodist church and lived a consistent Christian life.

Mr. Hammett has been vice-president of the J. M. Hammett Banking Company at Huntsville for the past 14 years, having held that position since his father's death. He is a Democrat and takes an interest in local affairs. He has served as road commissioner and for seven years was president of the special road dijstrict. He is a member of the Methodist church and the Knights of Pythias. He is progressive and public spirited and his career has been marked with success.

left the impriint of his influence in shaping the destiny and moulding the affairs of his time. He was born in Randolph County on the old Hammett homestead, Aug. 19, 1831 and was a son of Joseph M. Hammett.

Joseph M. Hammett was a native of Kentucky, born in Warren County, Dec. 25, 1809. He was a son of Elijah Hammett, a native of South Carolina where the Hammett family was founded in America during Colonial times. When Elijah Hammett was a boy, his parents removed to Kentucky where he married Mary Snodgrass, a natiive of Kentucky and a daughter of David Snodgrass who was prominent in the affairs of that state.

In 1826, when Joseph M. Hammett was 16 years old, he came to Missouri with his parents and they settled in Howard County where they remained two years when they came to Randolph County. Here Elijah Hammett entered a large tract of government land which he and his son, Joseph M. improved and which was the future home of the family. Elijah Hammett died at Waco, Tex., ifn 1857 while there on a visit. His wife died in 1843. Joseph M. Hammett was the only son bom to his parents. There were four daughters: Mary, Rebecca, Martha and Louisa.

Joseph M. Hammett was married Feb. 20, 1830 to Mary Millsap of Randolph County who died in 1864, leaving the following children : Francis Marion, the subject of this sketch; James W., Benjamin F., Charles H. and Jefferson B. Joseph M. Hammett married for his second wife, Mrs. Amanda La Fon, Feb. 20, 1866.

Joseph M. Hammett had a remarkably successful business career. He was a large land owner and a successful farmer, owning at the tinie of his death, over 6,000 acres of land in Chariton, Macon and Randolph counties. He was one of the pioneer bankers of Huntsville and for a number of ye^rs was president of what was then known as the Huntsville Savings Bank. He exerted a strong influence in the building of the North Missouri Railroad through this sectijon of Missouri and took a leading part in the establishment of Mt: Pleasant College. For many years he did an extensive business in live stock. He was a member of the Methodist Church, South and an exemplary citizen.

Francis Marion Hammett received a good education and was a man of consilderably more than the average intellectual attainment. He began his career as a school teacher and was a popular and successful educator. He next became a purchasing agent for stock and tobacco buyers in adjoining counties and soon drifted into that business on his own account.

In 1850 he went to California where he was successfully engaged in mining about a year when he returned to Randolph County and engaged in farming and stock raisilng and was successful in these enterprises and became a large land owner and was also heavily interested in cattle ranches in Colorado and New Mexico. He was also interested in the banking business and was president of the bank in Huntsville, having succeeded his father to that position. He was interested in many enterprises with the same uniform success.

On Nov. 23, 1854, Francis Marion Hammett was married to Mary S. Robertson, a daughter of Hiram Robertson, a prominent pioneer citizen of Randolph County and to this union were born ten children as follows: Joella, Benjamin H., William F., Sidney A., Stonie, James L., John H., Clarence J., Susan A., Edwin De Young.

Francis M. Hammett and wife were members of the Cumberland Presbyterian church. Mr. Hammett's life was a success and he has many descendants in Randolph County who are worthy descendants of honorable ancestors.

George W. Gross, a prominent farmer and stockman who owns and operates a farm of 220 acres in Salt Sprijng township, is a native of Missouri and a descendant of very early pioneers of this section of the state. George W. Gross was bom in Macon County in 1849 and is a son of Noah and Mary (Sears) Gross.

Noah Gross was born in Kentucky in 1816 and was a son of Abraham Gross who was one. of the very early pioneer settlers of Howard County, Mo., coming to this section in 1818. He was one of the first pioneer settlers in Silver Creek township, Randolph County. Mary (Sears) Gross was a daughter of Hardy Sears who was also a pioneer settler of Silver Creek township, locating there about 1820.

Noah Gross and Mary Sears were reared in Randolph County and married here and shortly after their marriage, removed to Macon County. They were the parents of 11 children, nine of whom lived to maturity as follows: Mrs. Louisa Atterbury, deecased; J. F., lives in Macon County; Mrs. Dicy Elizabeth Talbert, deceased; George W., the subject of this sketch; Mrs. Sarah Frances Goodson, lives in Macon County; John H., Macon County; Thomas Jefferson, Macon County; Mrs. Minnije Nora Truitt, Macon County and Lucius, deceased. ~

County. Shortly afterwards, he went to New Mexico but returned to Randolph County in a short time and bought his present place in Salt Spring township where he has since been successfully engaged in farmijng and stock raising. He owns 220 acres of land upon which he has placed substantial improvements which includes the neat, modern farm residence, a large barn and other buildings of a substantial character. He carries on general farming and stock raising.

Mr. Gross was married in 1884 to Miss Martha Balder, a native of Macon County, born, in 1856. She is. a daughter of Nathan and Irene (Mathis) Baker, the former a native of Kentucky and the latter of Missouri. The mother died when Mrs. Gross was only three years old, in 1859. To Mr. and Mrs. Gross have been born two children : Earl, married Goldia Nicholson and Constance, who resides at home with her parents. By a former marriage to Alberini Bernard, Mr. Gross has one son, 0. C, who married Ethel Wedding and has three children: Albert Wesley, Phillip and Melrose. Mr. Gross is a Democrat and attends the Baptist church. He is one of the progressive and enterprising citizens of Salt Spring township and Randolph County and the Gross family is well known and highly respected in this section.

Anthony J. Weber, a leading business man of Moberly, who ovms and manages the Weber Ice Cream Factory and Bottling Works at 513-17 West Coates street is a native of Illinois. He was born at Joliet, 111., Dec. 23, 1892, a son of John Jacob and Ida (Brenley) Weber.

John Jacob Weber was born in Switzerland and received a good education in his native land. He served in his canton as a justice of the peace. In 1840 John J. Weber immigrated to the United States and settled in Illinois, near Schanohan. He remained there two years engaged in farming before going to Joliet to work as a millwright in iron work. Later he purchased a cow, sold milk, made some money, purchased more cows and soon was running a dairy herd of 30 cows. He continued this business for 15 years and met with success until he turned the business over to his sons and retired. At the time of his death, Mr. Weber was a wealthy man. Ida (Brenley) Weber was also born, reared and educated in Switzerland and now lives in Jefferson City, Mo., at the advanced age of 76 years.

Anthony J. Weber spent his youth in Joliet, 111. and attended the public schools there and was graduated from the Joliet High School in 1911. He soon secured a position as verification clerk in the American

A. J. Weber

Steel and Wire Company where he remained two years. In 1913, Mr. Weber was appointed private secretary to J. A. Weber, representative of the Sixth District to the State Legislature, but soon decided to go into business for himself. His brother, John J. Weber had purchased an ice cream plant at Jefferson City, Mo. in 1913 and he became a partner in that enterprise. In 1917, the brothers bought the plant in Moberly, enlarged it and today ship their products all over central and northern Missouri and into southern Iowa. Their present building in Moberly which they erected to care for the increasing business is modern in every way. The Weber Company is incorporated for $20,000 and they conduct the two independent plants, John J. Weber is located at Jefferson City and Anthony J. Weber lives in Moberly.

On Oct. 16, 1916, Anthony J. Weber was married to Miss Ruth Elain Murphy, a native of Callaway, Mo. She is a daughter of Judge R. J. and Susanah (Sugget) Murphy. One child has been bom this union, Robert A.

Mr. Weber is a Democrat. He and his wife are members of the St. John's Catholic church and Mr. Weber belongs to the Knights of Columbus, the Beneovlent and Protective Order of Elks and the Loyal Order of Moose. He is a member of the United Commercial Travelers Association and the Travellers Protective Association.

L. M. Crose. - No proper alignment of the farmers of Randolph County could be made without placing L. M. Crose the owner-manager of the Green Hill Stock Farm in the front rank. Green Hill Farm is the home of pure bred Holstein cattle and well known throughout this section of Missouri. L. M. Crose is a native son of Randolph County, bom on the farm where he now lives, March 11, 1887, the son of Marion and Etta (Jones) Crose, the former a native of Indiana and the latter was born at Green Hill Farm, was reared and attended the school near her home and was married here. They both now live in Moberly.

L. M. Crose spent his youth on the old home place, was educated in the district school near his home and the schools of Moberly as the farm lies just a mile and a half east of the city limits. The Crose brothers bought this place in 1905 and operated it together until 1917, when L. M. took over his brother's interest. This tract consists of 309 acres of rich soil; there is a fine modem residence, with electric lights, running water and other conveniences. Two large barns are on the farm and a silo of 225 tons capacity. The lOO foot well can not be pumped dry and a wind mill is used for the pumping. Mr. Crose feeds about 40 head of hogs annually, has a herd of 30 Holstein cattle, 15 of them registered and in the future intends to have only registered cows. He owns a registered bull from the Four Square farm of Wellsville, Mo., which was owned by L. H. Mueller and is registered under the name of "Count Cornicopia Ormsby", No. 216170, said to be one of the finest Holstein bulls in the county. In addition he raises standard bred Barred Plymouth Rock chickens, annually keeping about 200 hens and is regarded as one of the most substantial farmers and stock men of this section.

On April 15, 1913, Mr. Crose was married to Miss Edna Ratliff, of Sugar Creek township, the daughter of Judge George Ratliflf, a prominent man of the county. Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Crose : Dorothy, Roy Pollard and Frank, all at home with their parents.

Mr. Crose is a member of the Baptist church and is a Democrat. He is a member of the school board. District 52, and is president of the same.

Alfred Terry, a prosperous farmer and stockman of Salt Spring township where he now resides and is a descendant of one of the prominent pioneer familiies of Randolph County. Alfred Terry was born July 31, 1858 and is a son of Josiah and Martha Jane (Turner) Terry. Josiah Terry was a native of Kentucky, born in 1832 and died in November, 1896. He was a son of William Terry, a Kentuckian who settled in Randolph County in 1836 when Josiah Terry was four years old. He took up land in Salt Spring township, improved ift and here spent the remainder of his life.

Josiah Terry was reared amidst the early day surroundings in Randolph County and when the Civil War broke out, he enlisted in the Confederate army. During the course of his service, he was captured by the Federals and sent to the military prison at Alton, 111. After the war he returned to farming and stockraising and became well-to-do and acquired a great deal of land, becoming the owner of about 685 acres.

To Josiah and Martha Jane (Turner) Terrj' were bom the following children: Mrs. Thresa J. Mason, who is now a widow and resides at Moberly; Mrs. Fannie Baker, of Neosho, Mo.; Alfred, the subject of this sketch; Mrs. Joella Rutledge, lives in Idaho; Talton, deceased; Arthur, Spokane, Wash.; Mrs. Jennie Klink, resides on a farm in Salt Spring township.

Alfred Terry was reared in Salt Spring townshijp and educated in the district school. In early life, he bought a farm and began his independent career as a farmer and stock raiser. Later he sold that place and bought another near Cairo, where he lived until 1894. In 1898 or after the death of his father, he bought the home place after having rented it for one year. This farm consists of 369.89 acres and is valuable and productive land. It is well improved and the farm residence which is a neat white cottage in the center of 160 acre tract gives the place an unusually attractive appearance. The bams about the place are substantial buildings and well kept. In addition to general farming, Mr. Terry is also engaged in raising cattle and hogs.

Alfred Terry was united in marriage Jan. 29, 1885 with Miss Florence L. Terrill of Darksville, Mo. She is a native of Randolph County and a daughter of Dr. Robert and Anna A. (Hall) Terrill, pioneers of Randolph County. Dr. Robert Terrill was a native of Kentucky, born July 1, 1824. He was left an orphan when he was only four years old and in 1830, when six years of age, he was brought to Missouri by an uncle, John Terrill, who settled in Howard County. Robert Terrill, after obtaining a good education, attended the Eclectical Medical College at Cincinnati and later took a course in the St. Louis Medical College and also a course in the College of Physicians and Surgeons at Keokuk, la. For many years he was engaged in the practice of his profession at Darksville and his practice extended from Bloomington to Fort Henry and from Musselfork to Grand Prairie. He was one of the best known and most successful physicians of the pioneer days in this section. He was a Baptist and one of the organizers of Mt. Shiloh church. He was also a prominent Mason. To Alfred Terry and wife has been born one son, Preble, born March 15, 1891 and died Oct. 5, 1917.

Mr. Terry is a Democrat and one of the v^ell known and substantial citizens of Randolph County and Mrs. Terry is a member of the Baptist church.

George Preston Wright, now deceased, was during his life time prominently identified with the agricultural interests of Randolph County and became well-to-do. He belonged to one of the pioneer families of Randolph County and was born in Chariton township Jan. 15, 1845, and died June 11, 1916. He was a son of Johnson and Eliza J. (Trimble) Wright. Johnson Wright was a son of Evans and Rebecca Wright and was a native of Kentucky. He was prominent in the early day affairs in Randolph County and served as justice of the peace for a number of years. He was also a member of the State Legislature at one time. He was married to Eliza J. (Trimble) in 1840. She was a native of Montgomery County, Ky. and a daughter of Robert a«d Elizabeth Trimble, both also natives of Kentucky.

George Preston Wright was one of a family of ten children born to his parents. He was reared in Chariton township and educated in the public schools and always followed farming and stock raising and met with more than ordinary success in his undertakings. At the time of his death, he was the owner of 470 acres of valuable land which was divided between his widow and children. Mrs. Wright now owns 252 acres of the original Wright homestead.

George Preston Wright was united in marriage in 1880 with Miss Ella P. Crisman. She was born in Chariton township Jan. 16, 1862 and is a daughter of Austin and Mary Prances (Coleman) Crisman, natives of Virginia who settled in Randolph County in 1858. They settled in Salt Spring township. To George Preston and Ella P. (Crisman) Wright were born the following children: Mrs. Mittie Frances Summers, who has 3 children, Esther, Susie and Herbert and resides in Chariton township; Charles J. married Ada Stephens of Randolph Co., Mo. and has no children and lives in Chariton townshijp; George Roscoe married Ruth E. Grey and has one son, Harold; Ella Coleman, married Roscoe Palmer and has two sons, Charles Robert and Frank Leslie.

George Preston Wright was a Republican and always took a commendable interest in public affairs and was one of the well posted men of the county. He was a member of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons and well known and highly respected in the community. Mrs. Ella P. Wright, his widow, now resides with her children in Chariton township and is one of the highly esteemed pioneer women of Randolph County.

Mr. G. P. Wright was first married about 1875 to Mittie Austin Crisman, a sister of Mrs. Wright, and one son was bom to that marriage, James Welford, now deceased. He was married to Zula Gray and son was born to them, Churchill Wright.

Henry Barber Cavanaugh, a Cijvil War veteran and a well known farmer and stockman of Chariton township, has been a resident of this township for over 35 years. He was born in Howard County, near Roanoke, Jan. 26, 1845, and is a son of Thomas Brooks and Sarah Elizabeth (Young) Cavanaugh, both natives of Kentucky and pioneer settlers of Howard County.

Henry Barber Cavanaugh remained at home with his parents until after the Civil War broke out when he enlisted in the Confederate army, Aug. 10, 1862. He served in Gen. Sterlijng Price's division for two years and ten months and was with that command at Shreveport when the war ended. He participated in the battles of Pleasant Hill, La., Prairie Grove, Ark., and Helena, Ark. and a number of other engagements and skirmishes. His health was bad during the course of his military career and he was incapacitated for military servit^e about one-third of the time.

After the close of the war he returned home in 1865 and began farming for himself in 1867. He first located near Darksville and operated a place adjoining the village for three years. He bought and sold other places where he was engaged in farming until 1885, when he purchased his present place where he has since been engaged in farming and stock raising. He owns 145 acres upon which he has placed substantial improvements and made of it one of the valuable farms in that section.

Mr. Cavanaugh was married April 21, 1867 to Miss Sarah Elizabeth Broaddus, a native of Logan County, Ky., born Jan. 1, 1842. She is a daughter of Edwin and Hettie (Campbell) Broaddus. They settled in Randolph County in 1854 and here spent the remainder of their lives. To Mr. and Mrs. Cavanaugh have been born the following children: Minni)9 Elnore, who died at the age of seven years ; Edwin Seymour, married Ollie Woolburton and has three childien, Lillian, Leroy and Lloyd ; Georgia Alice, married Lawrence L. Crisp and they have one child. Iris Marie; William Thomas, died at the age of 20; Charles, who is engaged in farming southeast of Darksvijle, married Idene Foster and they have one child, Charline; Henry H., of Moberly, married Idris Foster and has two sons, Jack Milton and Henry Foster and Andrew B. died in infancy.

Clarence J. Hammett, an extensive farmer and stockman and a large land owner of Salt Spring townshiip, is a member of one of the prominent pioneer families of Randolph County. He was born Oct. 28, 1868 on the Hammett home place in Salt Spring township and is a son of Francis Marion Hammett, a biographical sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this volume.

Clarence J. Hammett was reared on the home place in Randolph County and educated in the schools of Fort Henry and the Huntsville High School. He then attended the Christian Brothers College at St.

Louiis and the Terrill School in 'Tennessee. Since early manhood he has been engaged in farming and has become one of the most successful farmers and stockmen of Randolph County. He is now the owner of 780 acres of land, 300 acres of which comprises his home place and 480 acres in another farm. His places are well improved with three good substantial sets of farm buildings and improvements. He carries on general farming and stock raising and employs progressive methods and up-to-date machinery and labor saviing devices.

Mr. Hammett was united in marriage Sept. 9, 1895 with Miss Rosa Patterson, of Boone County, Mo. She is a daughter of Hiram and Mary Elizabeth Patterson, both natives of Holt County, Mo. To Mr. and Mrs. Hammett have been born the following children: Dorothy, who is a graduate of the Huntsville High School, resides at home with her parents ; Rachel, a graduate of the Huntsville High School and the Gem City Busitness College of Quincy, 111. resides at home with her parents and Fred Patterson, also a graduate of the Huntsville High School and during the World War, in August, 1918, was inducted into the Training Camp of the University of Missouri at Columbia and now resides at home with his parents.

Jim Will Swetnam, an- extensive live stock dealer who is also engaged in farming and stock raising in Salt Spring township, is a native son of Randolph County. He was born Aug. 8, 1863 and ijs a son of WiUiam and Hannah (Carter) Swetnam. William Swetnam was born in Kentucky in 1825 and died in Randolph County in 1890. He was the son of William Swetnam who came to Howard County, Mo. from his native state of Kentucky in 1827, and shortly afterwards came to Randolph County with his parents where they spent the remainder of their lives. Here William Swetnam, father of Jim Will Swetnam, was reared to manhood, engaged in farming and stock raising and spent his entire life. The Swetnams were one of the very early pioneer families of Randolph County. Hannah (Carter) Swetnam was also a native of Kentucky. She was born in 1827 and died in this county about 1900.

To William and Hannah (Carter) Swetnam were born the following children: Matile, deceased; Billie, deceased; Jim Will, the subject of this sketch ; Mrs. Mamie Jackson, who resides south of Huntsville ; Mrs. Fannie Collins lives in Chariton township; Isaac resides at Albany, Mo.; Mrs.

Jim Will Swetnam was educated in the public schools of Parksville and has been interested in farming and live stock since early manhood. He bought his first farm in 1891 and during the course of his career has bought and sold a number of farms in Randolph County from time to time. He now owns 62 acres of well improved and valuable land in Salt Spring townshilp where he carries on general farming and stock raising in addition to devoting most of his time to buying and shipping live stock in which he has met with uniform success. He is one of the well known live stock dealers of Randolph County.

Mr. Swetnam was married Dec. 28, 1884 to Miss Louisa May Etherton, a native of Randolph County, bom Oct. 3, 1865. She is a daughter of Allen and Louisa (Webster) Etherton, both natives of Randolph County. Allen Etherton was born Feb. 15, 1839 and died in 1904. He was a son of Benjamin Etherton, a very early pioneer of this section of the state. Louisa (Webster) Etherton was bom in 1836 and died in 1871. She was a daughter of Jesse Webster, a pioneer settler of Randolph County and a native of Virgi|nia who came to this state at a very early day. To Allen and Louisa (Webster) Etherton were bom the following children: Samuel, deceased; Louisa May, the wife of Jim Will Swetnam, the subject of this sketch and Major who resides in Kansas City, Mo. After the death of the mother of these children, Allen Etherton married Mattie Swallows and the following children were bom to that union: Judd, Joseph, Benjamijn, Jack and Ella.

To Mr. and Mrs. Swetnam have been born the following children: WiUie, died in 1904, and Myrtle, who married Ernest Ficklin and they have three children, J. W., Leroy and Maybelle.

Mr. Swetnam is a Democrat and a member of the Midway Baptist church. He is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America and a progressive and enterprising citilzen who takes a commendable interest in public affairs.

Dr. 0. F. Hatton, a well known physician and surgeon of Darksville, was bom near Columbia, Boone County, Mo., May 18, 1866. He is a son of F. B. and Mary M. (Westlake) Hatton, both natives of Missouri who spent their lives in Boone County. The mother was a native of Randolph County. They were the parents of the following children: Mrs. Anna Gertrude Maupin who died, leaving three children: Claudia May, of

Doctor Hatton was reared in Boone County and attended the public schools where he received a good preliminary education. He then entered the University of Missouri at Columbia an dwas graduated in the class of 1891 with the degree of Doctor of Medicine. He also took post graduate work in Chicago later. In 1891, Doctor Hatton engaged in the practice of his profession at Rolling Home, Randolph County v/here he remained three years. He then returned to Boone County and practiced at Columbia for ten years. From there he located at Sedalia, Mo. and for three years was engaged in the practice of his profession in that city. From Sedalia, he returned to Randolph County and was at Thomas Hill for eight years. In 1916 he located at Darksville where he has since been engaged in practicing." Upon locating at Darksville, he bought the old Dr. McCormick home which consists of ten acres.

Doctor Hatton was first married in 1892 to Miss Naomi Sears, a daughter of Levi Sears. She dited in 1908, leaving one child, Evelyn, who is now attending school. In October, 1909, Pr. Hatton was married to Mrs. Agusta Jean Lemon. By a former marriage, Mrs. Hatton had two children : Hatton Lemon, Denver, Colo, and Mrs. Ariel Burton Lemon, a teacher. Mrs. Burton has one child, Eleanor, who makes her home with her grandparents. Dr. and Mrs. Hatton.

Doctor Hatton is a member of the Randolph County Medical Society and the Missouri State and American Medical Associlation. He is also a member of the Modern Woodmen of America, Knights of the Maccabees and the Knights and Ladies of Security. He is a Democrat and a member of the Methodist church. Doctor Hatton is engaged in the general practice of medicine and during the course of his career has met with uniform success.

Winfield Scott Campbell, general merchant and produce dealer at Darksville, Mo.," is one of the live progressive business men of Randolph County. He is a native of Kentucky, born March 19, 1851, and a son of Nathaniel and Sarah (Martin) Campbell, both also natives of Kentucky. The father was a farmer and both parents spent their entire lives in Kentucky.

Winfield S. Campbell was reared to manhood in his native state and received an education |n the public schools. He came to Missouri in 1874, and for six months lived at Higbee. He then came to Darksville where he was engaged in general farming and stock raising until 1916 when he engaged in the mercantile business. He carries a clean stock of general merchandise and has built up an extensive trade over a broad scope of rich territory. He also buys and shilps all kinds of produce and does a large business in that line. »

Mr. Campbell was united in marriage in 1876 to Miss Mary Broaddus, a daughter of Edwin and Hettie P. (Campbell) Broaddus. The Broaddus family are old settlers in Randolph County. To Mr. and Mrs. Campbell have been born two children, Horatio P., of Darksville, Mo. and Hettie V. resides at home with her parents.

Mr. Campbell i|s a Democrat and a member of the Baptist church. He is an enterprising citizen and has an extensive acquaintance in westem Randolph County and is known for his integrity and honesty. Mr. Campbell has lived at his present residence since 1880. He has not moved since he began housekeeping.

George Edward Gipson, one of the well known and successful farmers and stockmen of Chariton townshilp, is a native of Missouri and comes from an old distinguished family of pioneers. He was born in Macon County, Mo., July 14, 18^6 and is a son of Daniel Baker and Elizabeth Catherine (Teter) Gipson. Elizabeth Catherine (Teter) Gipson was also a native of Macon County, Mo. and a daughter of Isaac Teter, a vers' early'settler in that part of Missouri.

Daniel Baker Gipson was born in Macon County, Mo. and was a farmer all of his life. He was a son of Stephen Gipson, who was bom in Randolph County and was a son of Robert Gipson. Robert Gipson lived to the remarkable age of 120 years and even in his advanced years was a man of unusual physical strength and vitality. When he was 100 years old he won a wrestling match. The Gipson family were very early pioneer settlers in Missouri, comijng from Kentucky to this state. They were originally Virginians, however, and in the early days, members of the family migrated from that state to Kentucky.

To Daniel Baker and Catherine (Teter) Gipson were bom 14 children, 12 of whom grew to maturity and 11 are now living as follows: George Edward, the subject of this sketch; Isaac; Mijnnie married Newton Hinton and lives at Limon, Colo.; Mollie, deceased; Jasper N. ; Mack L. ; Jua married George Hinton and lives at Limon, Colo.; Eva married Dr. F. L. Tripper, a physician at College Mound, Mo.; Charles; Henry; Lula married John Clemson; Jay U. ; Homer and Herbert, who died Nov. 11, 1918.

George E. Gipson was educated in the district schools and took a higher course at College Mound. He has made farmilng and stock raising his life's occupation and has met with success in his undertakings. He first bought 79 acres of land in 1905. Later he bought 39.5 acres and in 1915, he bought 160 acres, of which his son owns 80 acres. Mr. Gipson now owns 198.5 acres of well improved farm land where he carries on general farming and also stock raising.

Mr. Gipson was married April 13, 1892, to Miss Regina Berry, a native of Putnam County, Mo. She was bom Sept. 10, 1870, and is a daughter of Hamilton Wade and Rebecca Ann (Cassidy) Berry, the former a native of Virginia and the latter of Ohio. Hamilton Wade Berry moved to Macon County with his family in 1889, where he was a Cumberland Presbyterian minister. He died in 1917 at the age of 82 years. To Mr. and Mrs. Gipson have been bom the following children : Claude Ansel, a farmer and stock raiser of Chariton township, married Helen Hudson and they have one child, Walter Roy ; Lelah, died in 1901 at the age of about one year; Dessie Lula, a junior in the Macon High School and George Henry, a student in the high school.

Mr. Gipson is a Republican and a member of the Presbyterian church. He holds membership in the Knights of Pythias Lodge of College Mound, Missouri.

Aubert Bruce Richmond, a successful farmer and one of the well known breeders of registered cattle of Randolph County, owns and operates a farm of 200 acres in Chariton township. Mr. Richmond was born just east of his present home in Chariton township, March 24, 1867. He is a son of James M. and Elizabeth Rose (Dawkins) Richmond.

James M. Richmond was born ijri Randolph County in 1836 and died in 1883. He was the son of James Matt Richmond, one of the very early pioneers of Randolph County who came to this state fi'om North Carolina and spent the remainder of his life here. James M. Richmond, father of Aubert Bruce Richmond, was a farmer and stockman and at the time of his death was the owner of 200 acres of land in Chariton township. Elizabeth Rose (Dawkins) Richmond was born iin Randolph County and was also a member of a pioneer family of this section. She was a daughter of George Dawkins who was also a native of Randolph County and whose parents were among the very early settlers here. Mrs. Richmond died in 1871. To James M. and Elizabeth Rose (Dawkins) Richmond, were bom the following children : Vanitia Vitulla Potts of Thomas Hill ;

Mrs. Mary Elizabeth Matlock, of Chariton township; Sedonia E., Bynum- ' ville, Mo.; Edgar M., Moberly, and Aubert Bruce, the subject of this sketch.

Aubert Bruce Richmond spent his boyhood days on the home farm and attended the public schools. Later he took a course at the State Normal School at Kirksville, and afterwards studied law at Huntsville, Mo. He then engaged in farming. In 1900, he went to Moberly and 'was engaged in the hotel business for seven years and then was engaged in the mercantile business for 21/2 years. He then returned to Chariton township and since that time has devoted himself to farming and stock breeding. He owns 200 acres of land which was formerly the home place of his grandfather. He carries on general farming and makes a specialty of breeding registered Aberdine-Angus cattle and Poland China hogs. He finds a ready market for hiis pure bred registered hogs and cattle and sells to breeders throughout the country. He is recognized as one of the successful breeders of Randolph County and while through his eflforts he has been instrumental in raising the standard of live stock, he, at the same time has been rewarded financially for his foresight in this branch of animal husbandry.

Mr. Richmond was married in 1886 to M^s Lutie W. Richmond, a native of Randolph County. She is a daughter of W. T. and Mary Susan (Gray) Richmond, the former of North Carolina and the latter of Kentucky. To Mr. and Mrs. Richmond have been bom two children: Lady Belle, died in 1916 and Mary Alice, a graduate of the Moberly High School, who resides at home with her parents. ^

Mr. Richmond is a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. He is a Democrat and takes an active interest in political matters. In 1916 he was a candidate for sheriflf. He is a progressive citizen and has an extensive acquaintance in Randolph County and is highly esteemed.