Randolph County, Missouri - Biographical sketches, 1920 (part 16 of 18)

Mr. Lawrence was married at Clifton Hill, Mo., Aug. 18, 1905 to Miss Lillie Minor, a daughter of Josephus and Minerva (Bradley) Minor, both natives of Randolph County. The father was born Feb. 19, 1847 and died Nov. 11, 1908, and the mother was bom Oct. 16, 1857 and is now living in Randolph County. Mrs. Lawrence is' one of seven children bom to her parents, as follows: Anna, married Henry Carroll, Huntsville, Mo.; Thomas, Newton, Okla.; Edna N., married Wade Dunivent, Silver Creek township ; Joe Billy, deceased ; Loyd, Randolph County, and Lillie, his twin sister, who is the wife of Marvin R. Lawrence ; and Grace, married Frank Edwards of Randolph County. To Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence have been bom two children: Oleta, born Sept. 13, 1906 and Juanita, bom Oct. 16, 1917.

Mr. Lawrence is a Democrat and Mrs. Lawrence is a member of the Baptist church. The Lawrence family stand high in Randolph County and Mr. Lawrence is a substantial citizen.

Marion Murry, one of the well known and successful farmers of Silver Creek township, is a native of Ohio. He was born at Fremont, Sandusky County, Ohio, April 24, 1844. His parents were Adam and Eliza (Huggins) Murry. The father was born near iPittsburg, Pa., in 1815. He was a painter and stone mason in early life and when a young man, went to Ohio, where he was married, and after living for a time in Sandusky County, he removed to Elkhart County, Ind., where he bought a farm of 92 acres and followed farming there during the remainder of his life. He died in 1878. Elizabeth (Huggins) Murry, mother of Marion Murry, was born in Sandusky County, Ohio. She was married in this County and died there in 1846. Adam and Eliza (Huggins) Murry were the parents of the following children: Ethel M., deceased; Eliza J., deceased; Lawrence, deceased; William, deceased; and Marion, the subject of this sketch.

Marion Murry was about two years old when his mother died. He was educated in the district schools of Indiana and when a youth, learned the trade of plastering and stone mason, although he followed this line but a short time. He came to Missouri in 1869 and settled in Scotland County, where he was engaged in farming on rented land for about one year. In 1871 he came to Randolph County and farmed rented land across the line in Chariton County. Shortly afterwards, he bought 160 acres of land in Silver Creek township, which is a part of his present holding's. He purchased more land from time to time and is now the owner of 240 acres in Silver Creek township. He has improved his place and it is one of the valuable farms of this section of the county. In 1917 he built a modern residence. He carries on general farming and stock raising and is meeting with success.

Mr. Murry was first married in Scotland County, Mo., Feb. 28, 1869, to Miss Lucinda Watts, who died m 1880. The following children were born to that union: Eva May, born May 6, 1870, died in infancy; Ami D., born July 15, 1871, died Jan 6, 1874; Marion Terrill born Jan. 25, 1873, and lives in Oklahoma, and Matthew, born Aug. 15, 1877, lives in Oklahoma. In 1884, Mr. Murry was married to Miss Luro Munsell and td* this union one child has been bom, Jennie, born July 4, 1886, married Arthur Bagby and resides in Randolph County.

David R. Denny, a progressive and well-to-do farmer and stockman of Silver Creek township, is a native of this county. He was born on the place where he now resides in Silver Creek township, April 4, 1864, and is a son of Humphrey B. and Margaret E. (Snoddy) Denny.

Humphrey B. Denny was born in Howard County, Nov, 27, 1827. He was a son of James and Elizabeth (Best) Denny, natives of Kentucky, who settled in Howard County in 1818 and spent the remainder of their lives here. Humphrey B. Denny was reared in Howard County and early in life moved to Randolph County, where he was engaged in farming and met with success. At one time he was the owner of over 900 acres of land. He was married to Margaret E. Snoddy, Dec. 10, 1857. She was the daughter of Joseph Walker Snoddy, an early settler of Howard County.

Humphrey B. and Margaret E. (Snoddy) Denny were the parents of the following children: Narcissa P., married David Bagby and is now deceased; James M., Armstrong, Mo.; David R., the subject of this sketch; Nannie, married Ruby Humes, Howard County; Elizabeth, Silver Creek township; John A., Armstrong, Mo.; Humphrey, Jr., lives in Randolph County; Maggie, married Charles Mayo, Silver Creek township, and Maurine, married Russell Hicks, of Randolph County.

David R. Denny was reared in Silver Creek township and educated in the district schools. He remained at home and assisted his father on the farm during the lifetime of the latter and when his father died he bought the home place. This farm consists of 408 acres and is well improved with a good residence and other farm buildings. Mr. Denny car- ries on general farming and stock raising and is recognized as one of the leading citizens of Randolph County. He maintained the home and cared for his mother in her old age and has never married. He has been a life long Democrat.

Gather A. Skinner, a progressive farmer and stockman and also a breeder of Hereford cattle in Cairo township, was born in Sugar Creek township, Randolph County, Dec. 26, 1867. He is a son of Greenberry and Nancy C. (Wagaman) Skinner.

Greenberry Skinner was born in Sugar Creek township, Randolph County in 1843. He has always followed farming and stockraising during his active career and is now living retired at Cairo. He has lived in Randolph County all of his hfe except 12 years spent in Macon County and southwestern Missouri. He owns 120 acres of land in Macon County where he lived for six years when he sold the place when he went to southwestern Missouri and bought 160 acres which he sold and returned to Randolph County and in 1889 bought 100 acres in Salt River township. Later he sold that place and removed to Cairo and is now living retired. During the Civil War he served in the state militia.

Nancy C. (Wagaman) Skinner was born in Carroll County, Mo. in 1843 and was married in that county to Mr. Skinner in 1865. The following children were born to them: Lena, married W. M. Austin and lives in Cairo towflship; Gather, the subject of this sketch; Tommie F., Sugar Creek township ; Belle, married Jim Haley, Hannibal, Mo. ; Ada, married Frank Condon, Cairo township ; Lula, married Tom Capp, Hajmibal, Mo. ; Sarah, married Alf Capp, Hannibal, Mo. and Bessie, married Irvin Ray, Jacksonville, Mo.

Gather A. Skinner was educated in the district schools and remained on the home farm until he was 21 years old. He then worked out by the month and also rented land at times. In 1895 he bought 43 acres of land in Salt River township. He improved that place and sold it and in the spring of 1900 bought his present place in Cairo township. He owns 105 acres upon which he has made good substantial improvements. He built a modem seven room house in 1916 and in 1910 built a barn 36x36 feet. He is engaged in general farming and stock raising and in 1914 he began breeding pure bred registered Hereford cattle and now has a valuable herd of ten pure bred registered Herefords.

and now deceased. Mrs. Skinner was born in Cairo township, Jan. 24, 1873 and is the second of four children born to her parents. The following children have been bom to Mr. and Mrs. Skinner: Rodger, bom Dec. 30, 1900 and resides at home with his parents ; Floy, born April 20, 1902 ; Oleta, born July 22, 1905 ; Erma, bom June 17, 1909 ; Ruby, born Nov. 26, 1911, all of whom reside at home with their parents.

Swan >T. McDonald, of the Lynch-McDonald Construction Company which is one of the leading construction companies in this section of the state, is a civil engineer who has had an extensive experience in construction work. This construction business was founded by John E. Lynch and carried on by him for a number of years. In 1916, John Lynch, Jr. and Swan T. McDonald succeeded the Lynch Construction Company and since that time has successfully carried on the work. Later they purchased the Pan American Bridge Company's interest in Missouri and represent that Company in this state. M. A. Romane is associated with them in this department. The Lynch-McDonald Construction Company do all kinds of structural steel work, including bridges and buildings. While street paving and sewer work -is a specialty ; they also are extensive contractors of concrete work.

Swan T. McDonald was born in Moberly, Nov. 11, 1880 and is a son of P. T. and Alice (Ferguson) McDonald, now residents of Moberly. P. T. McDonald came to Moberly in 1873 and is now engaged in the transfer and storage business. His wife came here prior to her marriage in 1872 and they were married in Moberly Dec. 5, 1878. The following children were born to that union: Swan T., the subject of this sketch; Lyman P., general foreman of the machine department of the Wabash shops; A. Bruce, who is associated with his father in the transfer and storage business ; Ray F., a salesman in the employ of the John N. Taylor Piano and Auto Company and he was engaged in the grocery business prior to the World War and served one year in France with the 89th Division and spent 100 days in the front line trenches ; Eula Mae, married George Pennick, fireman for the Wabash Railroad Company, Moberly, Mo.; Gladys, bookkeeper for her father ; Arthur F., an employee of the People's Laundry, Moberly, Mo.

and was with the engineering department with the Wabash Railroad Company and was chief engineer of the Randolph Macon Coal Company until 1907. He was then appointed city engineer of Moberly and served in that capacity for nine years and during that time was county engineer and county surveyor for eight years, and in 1916 engaged in his present business. Mr. McDonald was married June 2, 1909 to Miss Margaret E. Pilcher of Moberly and two children have been bom to this union: Swan T., Jr. and Mary Alice.

Edward W. Ragsdale, proprietor of the White Way Grocery apd the Snow White Market of Moberly is one of the widely known and successful business men of this city which has been the scene of his interests since he attained manhood. Mr. Ragsdale was born in Moberly, March 29, 1872, and is a son of James W. and Ruth F. (Williams) Ragsdale, early settlers in Moberly and where the father was engaged in business. He died July 11, 1919 at the close of an honorable career and his remains are buried in Oakland cemetery. His widow now resides at 1202 Fisk avenue. They were the parents of the following children: Ora, died at the age of six years ; Lee, also died in childhood ; Maude, married J. C. Wilson and resides in Los Angeles, Cal. ; and Edward W., the subject of this sketch.

Edward W. Ragsdale was educated in the public schools of Moberly and when 17 years of age was appointed deputy under Thomas C. Dameron. Later he was appointed on the Moberly police force and served for four years, two years under Chief William Fox and two years under Chief Charles L. Quaile, both of whom are now deceased. The author of this history was mayor of Moberly at the time. Later,' Mr. Ragsdale was in the employ of the Wabash Railroad as brakeman and in 1903 he engaged in the coal and wood business in Moberly and later embarked in the meat and grocery business, being associated with his father until the death of the latter.

The White Way Grocery and the Snow White Meat Market which are owned and conducted by Mr. Ragsdale are extensively patronized and both are kept constantly stocked with a line of high grade goods and are among the leading business institutions of their kinds in the city.

Mr. Ragsdale, in addition to being a successful merchant, is also widely known as a successful breeder of registered Duroc Jersey hogs. He owns a valuable place of 15 acres within the city limits of Moberly and has this place arranged in the most modern fashion for breeding purposes. His herd consists of about 100 head of registered Duroc Jerseys and his herd leader is "The Greatest Pathfinder" which is one of the valuable hogs of the country and was purchased by Mr. Ragsdale from the celebrated herd of Hanks and Bishop of. New London, Iowa. Mr. Ragsdale holds annual sales and at the last one conducted by Col. F. M. Holtsinger, Feb. 17, 1920, there were 58 hogs sold by the Randolph County Duroc Association of which Mr. Ragsdale is vice-president. He was one of the promoters of the organization of this association which was effected in 1919.

Mr. Ragsdale was married May 16, 1906 to Miss Hattie Josephine Cook of Moberly, a daughter of Free Cook, whp now resides at Hayden, Colo. 'Mrs. Ragsdale's mother is deceased.

William H. Baird, superintendent of the Moberly Water Works, is a well known citizen of Moberly and a member of one of the pioneer families of Randolph County. Mr. Baird was bom in Clinton County, Pa., Sept. 7, 1862 and is a son of J. C. and Almina (Milligan) Baird both also natives of Clinton County, Pa. The Baird family came to Missouri in 1866 when William H., the subject of this sketch, was four years of age. They settled on a farm two and one-half miles northwest of Moberly which was the family home until 1895 when they removed to Moberly where the parents both died and their remains are buried in Oakland cemetery.

The children born to J. C. and Almina (Milligan) Baird were as follows: Mrs. Frank Tedford, Moberly, Mo. ; Frank P., SedaHa, Mo. ; Fletcher C, died in St. Louis in 1910; Mrs. R. A. Curran, Moberly, Mo.; William H.,. the subject of this review; Mrs. C. H. Williams, who lives in Texas; J. W., Moberly, Mo.; Mrs. Charles Brown, Brownsville, Texas and Dr. B. D., Galesburg, 111.

When the Baird family settled in Randolph County, in 1866, the city of Moberly was not even a village and William H. Baird remembers when there was only one house on the present site of the city of Moberly and that was the home of Patrick Lynch, the father of John E. Lynch of this city. William H. Baird was reared on the Baird homestead, northeast of Moberly and attended the district schools. He remained at home with his parents until he was 22 years of age when he engaged in railroading in the employ of the Wabash Railroad Company and later was employed in the freight department of the Wabash and Katy railroads for several years.

Mr. Baird was married to Miss Lizzie Clark, a daughter of Benton and Leila (Sallee) Clark of Moberly, both of whom are deceased. The Clark family was very early settlers in Moberly. To Mr. and Mrs. Baird have been born two children : Fletcher C, in the employ of the Wabash Railroad Company, as city passenger and ticket agent at Kansas City, Mo., married Miss Dorothy Schroeder of Omaha, Neb. and Frank B., of Washington, D. C. He is a first lieutenant in the Quarter Master's Department of the United States army, having received his commission at Fort Sheridan, 111. He was assigned to the 342nd Infantry and served for two years in France during the World War.

F. M. Stamper, a leading commission merchant of Moberly who has been engaged in this line of business for more than a quarter of a century, was born at Clifton Hill, Mo., Nov. 24, 1861. He is a son of Hiram and Sallie (Cobb) Stamper..

Hiram Stamper was born in Owen County, Ky. and came to Missouri in the early 40s, locating on a farm at Clifton Hill, Where he passed the remainder of his life. He died at the age of 78. His wife died at the age of 76. They were the parents of nine children: D. J., deceased; T. B., deceased; Eliza, married E. Martin, is deceased; James L., deceased; Elizabeth, married T. N. Grizzell and after his death married again and is now Mrs. Y. Scott, of Clifton Hill; F. M., the subject of this review; Lucian, married Samuel Cobb of Clifton Hill.

F. M. Stamper was reared in Clifton Hill, attended the public schools and then entered the State Normal School at Kirksville. He then engaged in teaching in Randolph County and became well and favorably known in this section of Missouri and was a successful teacher. He followed that vocation for ten years. He then purchased a lumber yard and hardware store at Clifton Hill, which he owned and managed until he engaged in the produce business. Mr. Stamper opened his produce house In Clifton Hill in 1893, became a buyer of poultry, butter and eggs and four years later opened a branch store at Salisbury and still maintaihs his interest there. For one year, Mr. Stamper was in Salisbury as manager of that branch and came to Moberly in 1902 to open his business here which was located in 4th street, but within a short time he was made an excellent offer and sold out to Swift & Company, accepting a position with that concern for two years. He then resigned to start a business for himself in the east side at his present location at the corner of Dameron and 4th streets. As money came in Mr. Stamper reinvested it in the business and branched out establishing plants at Carrolton, Marshall, F'ayette and Centralia, where butter, eggs and dressed poultry are all handled. He established artificial cooling rooms in connection with the plants and they are in every way well equipped wdth the best machinery for handling goods. In Moberly, a creamery has been established as a branch of the business and high grade butter is manufactured here.

On July 15, 1888, Mr. Stamper was married to Miss Maggie Richardson, of Chariton County. She is a daughter of Haven and Elizabeth (Cloyd) Richardson, pioneers of Chariton County, both now deceased. Three children were born to this union : Howard H., Moberly ; Ruth, the wife of J. VV. Flemming, of Moberly and Kate who graduated from the Columbia University, New York City with the class of 1919. The Stamper family have a nice home at Urbandale, a suburb of Moberly.

Mr. Stamper is one of the pioneer commission merchants of central Missouri and recalls that the first car load of dressed poultry he shipped to Chicago market brought just four cents a pound, eggs five cents a dozen and other produce in proportion. He has seen great changes in his business and he believes they are for the best.

Alfred Barlow, of the firm of Barlow and Graham, who own and manage a fine up-to-date shoe repairing shop at 527 West Reed street, was bom in Massachusetts in 1849. He is a son of John and Rebecca (Black) Barlow, the father a native of Ireland and the mother was born in Scotland. They were reared and educated in their native lands and after coming to the United States settled in Massachusetts and later came west, locating at Shawheetown, 111.

Alfred Barlow spent his youth at Shawneetown and attended the public schools in Illinois. While yet a small boy, Alfred Barlow began to learn the shoemaker's trade and by the time he was finishing school he was a good shoemaker and this is a business he has followed for the greater part of his 60 years. From Illinois, Mr. Barlow went to St. Louis, arriving in that city June 8, 1875 and took a position in a shoe factory. For about 12 years he was employed in various shoe factories in the city and when the United States declared war against Germany in 1917, he offered his" services to the government, was accepted and assigned to work as shoe inspector May 13, 1917. First located at Brookfield, Mo., Mr. Barlow remained there until the last two months before the signing of the armistice, when he was transferred to Columbia, Mo. After the cessation of hostilities he was free to go into business for himself and came to Moberly. He soon purchased the necessary up-to-date equipment and machinery and opened for business April 1, 1919. From the first, the new firm met with a warm response from the residents of the city. The business has increased rapidly and they employ three workmen.

On May 2, 1865, Mr. Barlow was married to Miss Mary E. Brinkley, a native of St. Louis, who died in 1906, leaving one daughter Eva, the wife of Knight Washburn of Los Angeles, Calif. Mr. Washburn is a mine inspector for a company with headquarters at Jerome, Ariz.

Mr. Barlow is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, having joined that organization in 1880 and has passed all of the chairs twice. '

Carl Haynes, county surveyor of Randolph County and city engineer of Moberly, was bom in Cairo township, Oct. 3, 1880 and is num.bered among the younger generation of professional men of central Missouri. His parents were the Rev. F. E. and Pamelia Agnes (Wilson) Haynes, both natives of Randolph County. The father was born on the same farm as his son Carl, in July, 1856 and Carl now operates the old homestead which his paternal grandparents Rev. Levi and Rebecca (Orr) Haynes settled on in the early fifties. Levi Haynes was boin in North Carolina, but traced his forbears to Wales. Rebecca Orr was a native of Tennessee, where she was reared and educated. Levi Haynes became one of the early settlers of central Missouri and bought the homestead still owned by the family from John Maxwell and lived there the remainder of his life. He lived to be 92 years old and is buried at Grand Prairie cemetery. During his life, Levi Haynes was a minister of the Presbyterian church and was one of the first ministers of the gospel in this part of the state.

F. E. Haynes was reared on his father's farm in Cairo township, received, his education in the early schools and studied for the ministry, a vocation which he followed for 30 years. His wife, Pamelia Wilson, was l)om three miles north of Moberly in Sugar Creek township in 1885 and was a daughter of Benjamin Wilson, an early settler here. There were 10 children in the Haynes family: Eula, the wife of James Dowdy, of Moberly; Dora, who married Elmer Turner of Cairo, Mo.; Carl, of this rreview; Frank of Moberly; Minnie, the wife of D. C. Jean, of Moberly;

Fred, of St. Louis ; Lee, who lives at Moulton, la. ; Opal, the wife of Charles Rutherford, of Moberly ; Ray, of Cairo ; and Jewell, the wife of A. E. Skinner of Cairo.

Carl Haynes spent his boyhood on his father's farm, attended the Haynes school and Prairie Hill Academy where he graduated in 1901. He took a position with the Santa Fe Railroad at Pueblo, Colo., where he was engaged for seven months, then was offered, and accepted a better position with the Wabash Railroad at Moberly. Three years later he resigned to engage in the transfer business in Moberly. Two years later Mr. Haynes entered the office of the county surveyor of Randolph County, an office then held by Swan McDonald and there for two "years he was engaged in the duties of office and studying surveying under his chief. Following this period he was, again an employee of the Wabash Railroad seven years and resigned in 1916 when he was elected county surveyor of Randolph County, a position which he has since held. Subsequently he was also elected city engineer of Moberly.

On Feb. 19, 1903, Mr. Haynes was married to Miss Carrie J. Simms, of Prairie Hill, Mo., a native of that place, bom March 12, 1882. She died Feb. 7, 1920, leaving two children: Willard and Joe Kenneth.

Newton E. Hinton, a well known automobile dealer and garage owner of Moberly with sales rooms at 106 South Clark street, is a progressive business man and a descendant of pioneer settlers of central Missouri. He is a native son of Randolph County and was born near Jacksonville, Nov. 3, 1864. He is a son of Richard W. and Mary Elizabeth (Gregory) Hinton, both of whom now reside on Hinton avenue in Moberly. The father is in his 77th year and the mother is 70 years old. They were born, reared, educated and married in Randolph County which has been their home the greater part of their lives. James Hinton, the grandfather of Newton E. Hinton, was born in North Carolina and became an early settler of this section of the country. His wife was a Missourian. The Gregory family settled in Tennessee at an early day and were prominent in public affairs there for many years.

To Richard and Mary Elizabeth (Gregory) Hinton were born the following children: Ellen, the widow of Bert Kimball, of Moberly; Newton E., the subject of this review ; Amanda J., the widow of George Brown, of Moberly ; Mary M., the wife of John Hightown, of Ardmore, Mo. ; Sarah, the wife of Charles Butler, of Iowa ; Hugh, a real estate dealer in Mgberly ; Dolly, the widow of Murf Davis of Huntsville ; James H., of Moberly ; John

W., of Kansas City, Mo. ; Etta F., the wife of James Show, of Slater, Mo. ; Elmer F., of Pontiac, Mich. ; Edgar R., of Jacksonville, Mo., and one child who died in infancy. -

Newton E. Hinton spent his childhood and youth in Randolph County, attended the public schools where he gained a good practical education and after his school days closed he worked in a sawmill and mastered that business and was engaged in it for a number of years. He then opened a livery stable at Ardmore, Mo., which he conducted for 13 years.

He came to Moberly in 1916, and in October of that year, purchased the garage of Thomas Williams. In April, 1919, he moved to his present location. The garage is 30x80 feet and two stories high. Mr. Hinton has an up-to-date salesroom, and carries automobile accessories and also has established a fine service station. Mr. Hinton has built up a large patronage, not -only in Moberly, but he stands high with the traveling public. Mr. Hinton also owns a half interest in a garage at Hannibal, Mo., where the Chevrolet cars are handled.

In 1880, Mr. Hinton was married to Miss Minnie Gibson, of College Mound, Mo., and they have six children: Evert, who is with the Hudson Motor Car Co. at Detroit, Mich. ; Earl, who owns a garage' at Huntsville, Mo. ; Gladys, with the Bell Telephone Company in Moberly ; Herchel, with his father in the garage at Moberly ; Henry and Robert, both at home and attending school. Mr. Hinton is a successful business man and has a wide acquaintance. He is a member of the Modem Woodmen of America and the Travelers Protective Association. The Hinton residence is at 521 Woodland avenue.

John W. Finn, the proprietor of Moberly's leading cafe, at 100 East Reed street, Moberly, Mo., is a native of Missouri. For a number of years he was a railroad man and it may be that his years of experience in that vocation prepared him to know just how to cater to men of the same calling, for his restaurant, just opposite the depot, is one of the popular eating houses for railroad men, as well as the general public.

Mr. Finn is a native son of Missouri, born in St. Charles County, Jan. 12, 1862, the son of John and Anna Finn, both natives of Coupty Cork, Ireland. They were married in St. Louis where Mr. Finn was connected with the Northern Missouri Railroad, which later became a part of the Wabash system. He became associated with that corporation in 1854, one of the early employees of the road who took part in the construction of the road from St. Louis to Macon City, having charge of much of the important work. After resigning from the construction department, Mr. Finn became a brakeman and came, to Moberly in 1873, a pioneer settler of this city. He remained associated with the railroad all during his active life. He died in 1911, having been preceded in death by his wife in 1904, and both were laid to rest in St. Mary's cemetery, Moberly. There were four children in the Finn family: Michael, who died in 1918; John, of this review ; Maggie, the wife of T. F. Roden, of Kansas City, Mo.

John W. Finn came to Moberly in 1873 with his parents.' He had already attended an elementary school and after the family were settled, here he again attended the public school. After his school days were over he began to work on the railroad, where he was employed until 1896. Resigning his position that year, Mr. Finn engaged in a private business venture by opening a restaurant, where he built up a fine trade. Being offered a good price for the business, he sold it in 1915 and went to Oklahoma, but within a short time returned and opened his present cafe on Reed street opposite the Union depot where he enjoys the custom of the railroad men and a large part of Ihe traveling public.

In 1886, Mr. Finn was married to' Miss Mary C. Borgmej'^er, on the 24th of June. She is a native of St. Charles, Mo., and the daughter of John and Minnie Borgmeyer, the former now deceased, while his widownow lives in Moberly. Mrs. Finn was the only daughter and she has four brothers.

James Temple Stephens. - The energetic and well directed efforts of James Stephens, of Moberly, have within less than three years resulted in the building up and development of a prosperous grocery business. James Temple Stephens was born at Waterloo, Neb., Dec. 29, 1889, the son of Lewis L. Stephens.

Lewis L. Stephens was bom near Middlegrove, Mo., in 1843, the son of Thomas Nelson and Mary (Swindell) Stephens, who was born in Virginia in 1818 and died in 1895. The father was a native of Kenton County, Ky., bom in 1808. He was reared and educated in his native state and when a young man rode through the country on horseback to Missouri in 1832 and entered government land in Monroe County, taking up a large tract. His father, William Stephens, also came here about the same time and the land patent issued to him was signed by President Andrew Jackson. Both William and Thomas Stephens spent the re- mainder of their lives in Monroe County, the former passing away in 1873, aged 90 years, while the son survived until 1887, and di«d at the age of 79 years.

There were the following children bom to Thomas Nelson and Mary (Swindell) Stephens: Lewis L.; J. C, of Columbus, Mo.; James T., of Moberly; Lena, now Mrs. Bassett; Leonard, of Middlegrove; Kent K., of Paris ; Ida, now Mrs. Noel, of Kansas City.

Lewis L. Stephens was reared on his -father's farm and received his education in private schools and when only 18 years of age enlisted in Monroe County in the Confederate army and served throughout the war. He was in many important skirmishes in Arkansas, Mississippi, Georgia and Alabama. He participated in many of the great battles as his company fought at Lexington, Pea Ridge, Ark., Baker's Creek, Miss., Vicksburg, Kenesaw Mountain, Atlanta and Altoona, where he was wounded. Just after the close of the war he located in Douglas County, Neb., not far from Omaha^ and engaged in farming and merchandising, both lines of industry being followed for 30 years. In 1895, Mr.' Stephens retired from the active management of his affairs and came to Moberly to open a store, but this too he <9is^sed of in November, 1918 and his son now has charge as owner.

Lewis L. Stephens was married in Douglas County, Neb., on Nov. 12, 1874 to Miss Harriet Concannon, a native of Indiana, the daughter of the Rev. Thomas and Rhoda (Hathaway) Conconnon, the former a minister of the Christian church and both were natives of Miami County, Ohio. One son was bom to this union, James Temple, the subject of this 'sketch.

James Temple Stephens was reared in childhood in Nebraska and when the family came to Moberly he attended the public schools here, later goimg to Kansas City, Mo., where he took special studies and voice training. Following this Mr. Stephens was engaged for concert work work by the Ridpath Lyceum Circuit, winning a high reputation for his skill as a musician. In 1918, when his father decided to retire, Mr. Stephens returned to Moberly to assume charge of the business and became the owner of the store at 709 South Williams street.

On April 12, 1916, James Temple Stephens married Miss Alma. Smith, the daughter of John and Emily Smith, of Moberly. Mr. Stephens is one of the young business men of Moberly who is rapidly winning a high place in the commercial circles of the city where he has taken an active

A. Thiemann, senior member of the firm of A. Thiemann & Son, the leading florists of Moberly are also engaged in raising early vegetables. Their greenhouse is located at 600 East McKitnley street where they have over 6,000 square feet inclosed under glass. Mr. Thiemann came to Moberly from Quincy, 111. in 1887 where he had been engaged in the cooperage business. After coming here he was employed in the Wabash shops until he and his son, Robert W., established their present business. They built their green house ill 1914, where from the first successful operations were established and they now employ eight persons to take care of the constantly increasing business.

Before inaugurating their establishment, Robert W. Thiemann went to Toledo, Ohio, where he entered the employ of one of the largest fancy vegetable growers of that state in order to learn the business from the ground up. For eight months he worked in the hothouse and gardens, then he returned to Moberly and with his father opened their present business. They specialize in vegetables, though a fine and varied florist business has also been built up, so that they can supply all the usual local demand for flowers. During the winter seasons they specialize in lettuce, early spring sees the first fancy tomatoes ready for the market and on their 10 acre tract they raise many and varied garden products under glass and in the open.

Mr. A. Thiemann was married to Miss Anna Steinkamp, a native of Quincy, 111., and she and her husband have lived in Moberly for 45 years, two of its oldest and most esteemed residents. There were six children born to them: Anna, a teacher in the Moberly schools; Lawrence, deceased; Robert W., of this review; Mary, at home; Bernard, attending high school; Louise, at home and Theresa, deceased.

Robert W. Thiemann was reared in Moberly and attended the public schools. After completing his education he engaged in his present business, becoming the junior partner with his father in the A. Thiemann & Son Greenhouse. They are now conducting a rapidly growing business, each year showing an increase due to the care and attention devotejJ to details and the tireless energy of both father and son. They occupy a place among the prosperous and sound business concerns of the city and are now earning the well deserved rewards for the labor, capital and time devoted to the new enterprise.

Ed A. Willott, of Moberly, has been identified with the interests of this city for 37 years and has a wide acquaintance in Moberly and Randolph County. Mr. Willott was born in St. Charles, Mo., in 1871, a son of Windel and Margaret (Tebo) Willott.

Windel Willott came to Moberly when this city was in its infancy and was one of the first to establish a bakery and candy factory here. It was located just back of where the Randolph Trust Company building now stands. He came here about the time the Wabash shops were built and spent the remainder of his life here. He died about 1877 and was one of the first to be buried in Oakland cemetery. His wife died in 1888 and her remains are also buried in Oakland cemetery. They were the parents of the following chifdren: Kittie, married John McCabe, of Cheyenne, Wyo. ; John, when last heard from was in New Orleans ; Robert, an attorney in New York City; Michael, a former well known business man of Moberly, who was proprietor of the Merchants Hotel, is now deceased; Louis, who was for several years a well known Moberly hotel man, is now deceased; William, who was a boiler maker in the employ of the Wabash Railroad Company is now deceased; Emma, married Thomas Daly, a druggist of Urbanna, 111.; Ed A., the subject of this sketch; August, proprietor of the Green Tree Cafe and Restaurant, Moberly, Mo. and Fannie, married George F. Morris, a Wabash engineer of Peru, Ind.

Ed A. Willott was educated in the public schools of Moberly and has made his own way in the world since he was 12 years of age. He has been interested in various business projects which he has conflucLed with uniform success. He ran a barber shop for 27 years and for over 10 years was engaged in- the retail liquor business at 209 North Fourth street. Mr. Willott has always been an enthusiastic booster of base ball and was the owner of the base ball park and for nine years was manager of the Moberly base ball team known as the Moberly Signals. He now has in his possession two very fine portraits of that team taken in 1905 and 1907. This was one of the best base ball teams of the league to which it belonged which included Hannibal, Sedalia, Mexico, Chillicothe, Macon, Higbee, Kirksville and Glasgow. Later it was a member of the Missouri and Illinois League.

Francis E. Winans manager of the F. W. Woolworth Company's store at 322-324 Reed street, Moberly, is one of the younger generation of the business men of Moberly who are winning a place for themselves in commercial circles. He was born at Poughkeepsie, N. Y., Oct. 15, 1895, the son of H. E. and Carrie S. (Shaw) Winans, both of whom now live at Belville, 111. They were born in the same county in New York, were reared and educated there. H. E. Winans is now advertising manager of the Western Cartridge Company of East Alton, 111. He formerly was in the hardware business and handled sporting goods in New York. To H. E. Winans and wife were born five children: Mildred, the wife of E. D. Phillips, of Los Angeles, Cal. ; Helen, who married E. R. Cuthlow, of Belleville, 111.; Alice, at home; Edna, the wife of A. S. Cole of Tulsa, Okla., and Francis E. of this sketch.

Francis E. Winans was still a young boy when his, parents came west to Illinois and he was reared in Belleville, attended the public schools and graduated from the high school in 1912. He then entered' the Belleville Commercial College for special courses in business. Later, he took an advertising coursfe in the International Correspondence School. In 1914, he accepted a position with the Woolworth people ai Belleville, 111., learned their methods and then was transf ei-red to St. Louis as assistant manager. After a period in that city he was sent to Pittsburg, Kans., as manager and from there came to Moberly, young in years but old in business experi- , ence. Mr. Winans assumed charge of the Woolworth store May 1, 1919, since which time he has become recognized as an enterprising merchant with good practical ideas.

When war was declared by the United States against Germany, Mr. Winans enlisted at Fort Scott, Kans. and was assigned to the aviation corps at his request and sent to Belleville, 111., for training, being transferred from there to Utica, N. Y. to give special study to the Savage Arms Company's field guns, spending two months in this line. Following that he was sent to Daytqn, Ohio, and became instructor in the aviation school there for nine months.

Asa T. Burton, successful farmer and stockman and prominent in the affairs of Union township operates a farm five miles northeast of Moberly, is a native of Randolph County. He was born on the land where he now resides, Dec. 12, 1886. His parents were William R. and Louise (Proctor) Burton, the former a native of Randolph County, born here May 15, 1845, the son of Jolly Burton, who was born in Kentucky and came here at an early day and entered land two miles northeast of Milton. He died in Macon County and is buried there. William R. Burton bought the present farm in 1872 and engaged in farming and lived there uncil his death, Sept. 22, 1900, and was laid to rest in Antioch cemetery. Louise Proctor Burton was born in Union township March 12, 1848, and now resides, with her daughter, Mrs. Hayes Russ, of Moberly. There were the foUovidng children in the Burton family: Russell P., has a position with the Fleming Foundry of Moberly ; Mary, the wife of Joseph Burton, of Union township; Fannie, the wife of Hayes Russ, of Moberly; Hall, deceased; Asa T., of this review; and Alice, the wife of Hubert Engle, of Cairo, Mo.

Asa T. Burton was reared on the home farm and received his education in the district school and when the school days were over engaged in farming. He soon assumed the entire management of the farm and today is regarded as one of the practical and successful farmers of the county. The old home place i's still owned by Mrs. W. R. Burton who leaves its management to her son, Asa T. The place is well improved with a good residence, large barn and other buildings, including a dairy bam, as Mr. Burton keeps 13 Jersey co\ys and carries on a considerable dairy business, selling milk and cream in Moberly. In addition, he has 14 Shropshire sheep, good work horses and a flock of 100 Rhode Island Red chickens. Mr. Burton takes special pride, too, in his Chester White hogs, which are high grade and has met with marked success as a breeder.

On Oct. 24, 1917, Mr. Burton married Miss Mabel Hurt of Union township, the daughter of L. A. and Sarah E. (Pentin) Hurt, and two children have been born to this union: Grace Marie, born Aug. 2, 1918, died Sept. 6, 1919, and Paul L., born Feb. 20, 1920. Mrs. Burton comes from a fine old pioneer family as her grandfather. Judge P. Y. Hurt, was a pioneer settler of Macon County, where he served as county judge for two terms.

The Burton farm is well located on one of the main roads leading into Moberly and is served with mail by rural route No. 3. Mr. Burton takes great care to keep the farm up, uses modern machinery where available and his is one of the prosperous dairy farm.s of this section of the county.

Rev. Finis Ewing Haynes, a retired Presbyterian minister of Cairo, belongs to a pioneer family of Randolph County of English descent. He was born in Cairo July 17, 1857, the son of Rev. Levi and Rebecca (Orr) Haynes, the former born in Roland County, N. C, Jan. 2, 1807 the son of James Haynes who came to the United States from England when a young man. He and his son Levi moved to Tennessee, locating in Murray County, where the father died.

Rev. Levi Haynes and his wife came to Randolph County in 1854, settling on a homestead of 570 acres in Cairo township, wnere he lollowed farming and preached the gospel for 64 years. He died in October, 1898. He and his wife lived together for 62 years and were the parents of the following children : James Wilson, of Joplin, Mo. ; J. Warren, of Moberly, Mo.; Robert Reed, of Denver, Colo.; William Levi, of Moberly; Rev. Finis, of this sketch; Sarah Elizabeth Thompson, deceased; Mary Jane Wilson, deceased; Martha Emily Wilson, deceased, and Rebecca Narcissa Cunningham, of Hinton, Okla. There were two other children that died in infancy.

Finis Ewing Haynes was educated at the Haynes school on the home farm near Cairo and as he says, "What I lacked in scientific book learning, I have gained by practical observations through a long life." After leaving the district school he engaged in farn;iing. In 1889, Mr. Haynes entered the ministry, though he continued to live on the home place until 1915, when he sold the homestead and came to Cairo to live, having 30 acres of land adjoining the town site.

Reverend Haynes has preached in Macon, Chariton, Randolph, Howard, Monroe, Boone and Callaway counties. For the past 18 months, he has given up active work.

Reverend Havnes was married Nov. 28, 1875, to Miss Permilia Agnes Wilson, who was born in Cairo township, Jan. 16, 1856, the daughter of Squire Benjamin R. and Agnes (Haley) Wilson. The father was one of the pioneer settlers of Union township who later moved to Cairo. He died at Holliday at the age of 85 years. His wife died in 1860 and both were laid to rest in the burying ground at Antioch church.

Reverend Haynes and his wife are the parents of the following children: Eula May, the wife of James Dowdy, of Moberly; Dora, the wife of C. E. Turner, of Cairo township, who live on a part of the old farm; Carl, now county surveyor and city engineer of Moberly; Florence, deceased; Frank, of Moberly; Minnie, the wife of D. C. Jean, of Moberly; Frederick, of St. Louis; Lee, of Moulton, Iowa; Opal, the wife of Charles Rutherford, of Moberly ; Ray, of Cairo ; and Jewel, the wife of 0. Aubrey Skinner, of Cairo.

For 38 years, Reverend Haynes has been a member of the Masonic Lodge at Cairo and was a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows until the local lodge surrendered its charter. This elderly gentleman has many interesting recollections of the early days here and says that the iirst merchant of Cairo was William Hoard who opened a little store a half mile west of the present town site, which had not yet been platted. Reverend Haynes has the original land warrant of the farm which he now owns, which was entered by Samuel Baker, Feb. 17, 1855. Reverend Haynes still retains much of his physical and all of his mental vigor and is interested in all public affairs.

Joseph G. Richeson, manager of the Cairo Lumber Company, Cairo, Mo., is a representative business man of Randolph County, and the Richeson family have been identified with the interests of this county about 70 years. Joseph G. Richeson was bom at Salisbury, Mo., Oct. 27, 1875, and is the son of Sanford G. and Mary E. (Minor) Richeson. The mother was born in Randolph County in 1851 and diied in 1889 and her remains are buried at Huntsville, Mo. and the father now resides at Huntsville.

Sanford G. Richeson was born in Kentucky and when three or four years of age was brought to Missouri by his parents. He is the son of Joseph Richeson who was killed near Huntsville by Federal soldiers during the Civil War and his remains were buried at Darksville. After his father was killed, Sanford G. Richeson joined the Confederate army and served about one year. Later he was engaged in the lumber business at Huntsville and is now living retired. The children bom to Sanford G. and Mary E. (Minor) Richeson are as follows : Wilber, who is engaged in the lumber business at Seattle, Wash. ; Vallie, married William Wilhite, Huntsville, Mo.; Joseph G., the subject of this sketch; Robert Bert, Ellensburg, Wash.; Thomas William, engaged in the lumber business at Seattle, Wash. ; Goldie, married Hugh Hitoton, Moberly, Mo. and Edgar, who died at the age of six years.

Joseph G. Richeson was reared and educated at Huntsville, Mo. and has been engaged in the luniber business all his life. He remained with his father in that business at Huntsville until he was 28 years of age. He then spent one year in Texas and was in Arkansas three years. He came to Cairo in 1913, and took charge of the Cairo Lumber Company and has been manager of that concern since. This is one of the leading lumber establishments of the county. They caiTy a complete line of lumber and building materials of all kinds, including paints and sewerpipe. The stock of this company is housed in a building 60x105 feet. They do an extensive business in Cairo and vicinity.

E. Miller of Huntsville, Mo. She was bom in Richmond, Ky. and is a daughter of John T. and Anna Miller who now resides at Danby, Okla. To Mr. and Mrs. Richeson' have been born three children: Sanford Miller, born Jan. 10, 1906 ; Joseph Giles, born Oct. 27, 1907, on his father's birthday; and Marysue who was named after her mother and aunt who were twins, was born June 12, 1915.

Mr. Richeson is a member of Cairo Lodge No. 486, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He is an energetic and enterprising business man and a leader in the affairs of the community. \

William F. Moore, proprietor of the "Smoke House", Moberly, Mo., where he carries on a retail tobacco and cigar business and also conducts a pool and billiard room, is a well known citizen of Moberly. Mr. Moore was born in Monroe County, Mo., Sept. 17, 1877 and is a son of William

F. and Mary E. (Arnold) Moore. The father was a successful farmer for 40 years in Monroe County, and died in 1919 and his remains are buried in Oakland cemetery at Moberly.' The mother preceded him in death many years, she having died in 1883 and is buried at Holliday, Mo. WiUiam F. and Mary E. (Arnold) Moore were the parents of two children : Mrs. Mattie E. Stice, of Denver, Colo.; and William F., the subject of this sketch. After the death of his first wife the father was ' again married to Mrs. Ellen Roberts and one child was born to that union, Mable, who is now the wife of Prof. Harry Larne who is an instructor in the Engineering Department of the University of Missouri at Columbia.

William F. Moore, the subject of this sketch, attended the public schools in Monroe County and in Moberly and took a business course in the Gem City Business College at Quincy, 111. He followed farming for a few years when he came to Moberly and purchasfed his present business in 1916. The "Smoke House" is one of the popular places of Moberly and is well patronized. Mr. Moore carries a complete line of cigars, tobaccos and smokers accessories and does an extensive business. During the World War Mr. Moore accepted a position as extra brakeman on the Wabash Railroad and still holds that position in addition to his other business, inasmuch as he is not steadily employed on the road.

June 2, 1899, Mr. Moore was united in marriage with Miss Josephine Roberts of Cairo, Mo. She is a daughter of John Roberts of Cairo who is now deceased. Mrs. Moore's mother belonged to one of the pioneer families of Randolph County; she was a sister of the late Judge Terrill who was prominent in the affairs of this county.

Mr. Moore is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and is well known and popular in the community. The Moore family is one of the old pioneer families of Missouri. William F. Moore had three uncles who served in the Confederate army in the Civil War and two of them, James and Thomas Moore were killed while in the service.

Joshua Terrill Epperly, a prominent citizen of Chariton township, has been identified with farming and stock raising in Randolph County all his life and belongs to one of the pioneer families of this county. Mr. Epperly was born in Chariton township about one-half mile south of his present residence, Jan. 6, 1858 and is a son of David and Virginia Epperly. They were natives of Kentucky and came to Randolph County in 1840 and here David Epperly entered government land where Joshua Terrill Epperly was born. He engaged in farming and stock raising here where he spent the remainder of his life. His wife died in 1873 and he departed this life Oct. 2, 1890 and their remains are buried on the old home place. They were the parents of the following children: William, deceased; Joseph, Hinton, Okla. ; Allen was a Confederate soldier and died in the Federal prison at Alton, 111., during the war; George, Bevier, Mo.; Mrs. Barbara Thomas, deceased; Mrs. Henry Eppard, Moberly, Mo.; Joshua T., the subject of this sketch; Lucinda, deceased and Garth.

Joshua T. Epperly attended the district school in the Epperly school district which was named after his father. He was reared on the pioneer farm in Chariton township and early engaged in farming and stock raising and is one of Randolph County's practical and successful farmers and stockmen. He owns 406 acres, 320 of which are in one body. His farm iiicludes the old home place upon which his father settled when he came

April 24, 1879, Joshua T. Epperly was united in marriage with Miss Mary Nancy Minor, a daughter of Willis and Martha E. (Epperly) Mino?. Mrs. Epperly was bom in Wayland township, Chariton County, Feb. 1, 1862. Her grandfather, Geoi-ge Minor and wife, Mary, were natives of Kentucky and very early settlers in central Missouri. To Mr. and Mrs. Epperly have been born the following children : Josie, died at the age of 21 ; Harvey Allen, Chariton township ; George W., died in infancy ; Arthur, born Jan. 26, 1885, married Kate Vandiver of Salisbury township and they have one son, Arthur Terrill; Mrs. Ethel McKeown, Dodsland, Canada; Thomas H., born Jan. 10, 1895, married Mabel Turner, of Chariton township and lives on the home place; Robert, born Feb. 4,- 1897, was a soldier in the National Army during the World War and while in training at McArthur, Tex., died from pneumonia Oct. 13, 1918 and his remains are buried in the Thomas Hill cemetery; Nora Lucinda, a student in the State Teachers College at Kirksville, Mo.; Ida Lee, also a student in the State Teachers College at Kirksville and Percy Andrew. Mr. and Mrs. Epperly have the following grandchildren: Dorothy, Millard, Lois and Mar j oris McKeown; and Arthur Terrill, Marion Hardin and Richard Lee Epperly.

Mr. Epperly has taken a prominent part in local political affairs for many years. He is now constable of Chariton township and served as deputy sheriff under sheriff Joe Hogue. He is a Democrat and has attended a number of conventions, the most recent of which was the Democratic State Convention which 'was held at Joplin in April, 1920, at which he was a delegate.

Claude D. Marshall, principal of the West Park School at Moberly is one of the well known and successful educators of central Missouri and is a descendant of pioneers of this section. He was born on a farm three and one-half miles south of Moberly, Oct* 29, 1874 and is a son of Rice R. and Kate Marshall.

Rice R. Marshall was a native of Virginia, bom Feb. 14, 1840. He was a son of William D. Marshall who came to Missouri at an early date and first settled near Middlegrove and later removed to Renick and in 1867 settled on a farm south of Moberly. Rice R. Marshall was one of five brothers, four of whom lived near Renick: Horace, died at the age of 85 years; Dorsey, died at the age of 75; George, died at the age of 55; Rice R. and William Henry, another brother, went to Pendleton, Ore., where he died at the age of 60 years.

Rice R. Marshall enlisted in the Confederate army during the Civil War at Renick, Mo. and served in Col. Pershing's regiment, General Price's division and was with his command at Shreveport, La. at the surrender, after which he walked from there to his home in Randolph County. After the war he was engaged in farming and stock raising and spent the latter part of his life on his farm south of Moberly. He died in 1895 at the age of 70 years and his widow now resides in Moberly. Tney were married Sept. 26, 1866, the day that the town lots of Moberly were first placed on sale.

To Rice R. and Kate ' T. Marshall were born the following children : Wiley D., lives on the home farm; Claude D., the subject of this sketch: Etha, married H. T. Owens ; Melvin N., of Moberly ; Fannie, married Exie Noel, Oklahoma City, Okla. ; Tuck, a daughter who died at the age of three years and Jimmie who died at the age of three years.

Claude D. Marshall was educated in the public schools and was graduated from the Moberly High School in the class of 1892. He then attended the State Normal School at Warrensburg and later the University of Missouri at Columbia. He taught his first school in the Vernon district, four miles south of Renick when he was 17 years old. He became principal of the Cairo school and in 1901 came to Moberly as principal of the West Park school. Five years later he was transferred to Central School and then to East Park School. For the past six years he has been principal of the West Park School. He was elected County Superintendent of Schools of Randolph County in 1906 and at the expiration of his first term was reelected to that office, serving four years in all.

Professor Marshall was married June 23, 1897 to Miss Irma Mathers, a daughter of J. S. and Emma (Allen) Mathers. The father died Sept. 16, 1913 and hiis remains are buried in Oakland cemetery. He was born in Kingston, Pa. He was a miller by trade and came to Moberly in 1882 and worked at his trade here for several years. Mrs. Mathers is a native of England, born in 1850 and now resides at Denver, Colo. Mrs. Marshalhas two sisters living in Denver; Florence, married Charles McEnery and Elsie who is unmarried. To Mr. and Mrs. Marshall have been bom two children: Alliene, a student at Christian College, Columbia, Mo., who was graduated from the Moberly High School in 1919 and Frank, a student in the Moberly schools.

Ben Levy, who was the founder of the Levy mercantile business in Moberly, was one of the pioneer business men of this city and he established the Ben Levy store here which is now known as the Henry Levy and Company store in 1870. He was born in Germany and came to America when he was about 15 years of age. He first settled in Indiana and in 1870 came to Moberly and was one of the leading factors in the business and commercial world here until the time of his death April 17, 1893.

Henry Levy, brother of Ben Levy, came to Moberly in 1881 and was associated with his brother in business here until the death of the latter in 1893, when he, in partnership with Mrs. Ben Levy continued the business which was established by his brother, until the time of his death which occurred in New York City, Feb. 23, 1918. Henry Levy was a progressive public spirited and enterprising business man and was always alive to the best interests of Moberly. He was president of the Moberly Commercial Club for two terms and while he held that office the city of Moberly celebrated its 50th anniversary and the great success of this occasion was largely due to the efforts put forth by Mr. Levy. He was a good business man and a natural executive. He was a man of strong character and pleasing personality. He was a prominent Mason and had an extensive acquaintance in the business world. He was never married but made his home with his brother's family in Moberly.

Ben Levy was married at Fort Wayne, Ind., Oct. 4, 1871 to Miss Flora Redelsheimer. Two children were born to this union: Mortimer B. and Isadore. Mortimer B. Levy was born in Moberly, May 27, 1876. After receiving a- good preparatory education in the public schools of Moberly, he entered the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor, Mich, where he was graduated in the class of 1899. He was admitted to the bar and in 1901 engaged in the practice of law at St. Louis and successfully practiced his profession there until 1918 and since that time has been associated with the Henry Levy & Company business of Moberly. Isadore Levy was born in Moberly, April 30, 1873 and educated in the public schools here and for the past 30 years has been associated with the Henry Levy & Company mercantile establishment.

The Ben Levy store was first established on North Clark street where R. A. Curran's grocery store is now located. In 1875, a frame building which stood on the corner of Reed and Clark streets was destroyed by fire and Ben Levy contracted with Mr. Chandler to erect a two story brick building on that corner which he leased for two or three years when he purchased it and this has been the home of the Levy business for the past 45 years.

The Henry Levy Company which is located on the corner of Clark and Reed streets occupies a two story building and consists of three store rooms fronting on North Clark street. The first floor of the building houses three departments of the business : Men's and boys' ready to wear clothings and furnishings, dry goods and shoes. The second floor of the building is devoted to ladies, misses and childrens ready to wear garments and millinery.

Much of the success of this great mercantile institution has been due to the devotion and efforts of Mrs. Ben Levy, who for a half a century has given her aid and counsel to the business and taken a real and sincere interest in the multitude of customers of this store. She is a capable business woman and at the same time possesses all the mother's traits of sympathy and charity.

Ben Levy, not only left those who were near and dear to him in comfortable circumstances from a financial standpoint, but he left them rich in the inheritance of his good name and the esteem of friends and neighbors.

A. A. Arline, supervisor of construction for the Southwestern Bell Telephone Company at Moberly, is a man who has had a varied experience in the important field of telephone work and holds a position which means more to the public than the average person realizes. The Southwestern Bell Telephone Company has over 2,400 telephones in the Moberly exchange, 350 at Higbee and 500 others in the county which connect with this company's line. The Southwestern Bell Telephone Company bought out the local Moberly Company in 1910, which at that time had 900 phones in operation. This company now has over 21,095 miles of wires in Missouri north of the river which is oyer one-half of the telephone wife mileage of the state.

A. A. Arline was born in Decatur County, Ga. and is a son of H. F. Arline who was a native of Georgia and now resides at Bainbridge, that state. His wife was a native of Alabama and died in 1890 and her remains are buried at Climax, Ga.

A. A. Arline was educated in the public schools of the native state and remained on a farhi until he reached maturity. He then worked at the lumber business in Georgia and Alabama until 1902 when he entered the employ of the Southwestern Bell Telephone Company of Texas as a laborer. Later he became lineman, local manager and traveling inspector and finally local manager at Orange, Tex., where he remained for two years. He then represented the company in various places in Alabama, Louisiana, Arkansas, Oklahoma and Mississippi and in March,_ 1916, came to Moberly, Mo., as construction foreman. One year later he was promoted to supervisor of construction with headquarters at Moberly and has since served in that capacity. His territory includes the northern half of Missouri.

Mr. Arline was married in 1911 to Miss Tommie E. Webb, of Houston, Tex. She is a daughter of H. T. Webb of that city. To Mr. and Mrs. Arline have been born one son, A. A., Jr., born Dec. 11, 1916. Mr. and Mrs. Arline reside at 826 West Rollins street.

James Thomas O^Conner, of Clifton Hill, is a veteran of the World War who saw much active service during that great conflict. He was born near Huntsville, July 31, 1888 and is a son of James W. and Mary (Morrissy) O'Conner, both natives of Randolph County.

James W. O'Conner was born about five miles south of Huntsville, May 5, I860 and is a son of Michael and Ann (Patterson) McGinnis O'Conner. The mother was a native of County Kilkinney, Ireland and the widow of Thomas McGinnis, an early settler of Randolph County. She died in June, 1914 and is buried in Mt. Salem cemetery and Michael O'Conner died in 1862 and is buried in Pleasant Grove cemetery. The children born to Michael O'Conner and wife were Michael, who now lives on the home place and James W.

James W. O'Conner grew to manhood in Randolph County and was educated in the public schools. He began life as a farmer and has been a successful farmer and stock raiser and for the past 14 years has resided in Clifton Hill and conducted his farm which is located one and one-half miles from town. James W. O'Conner was married Oct. 20, 1886 to Mary Morrissy, a daughter of James and Elizabeth (Kitchen) Morrissy, pioneers of Chariton County. James Morrissy was a native of County Clare, Ireland and died June 20, 1870. His wife was a native of North Carohna, and a daughter of Stephen Kitchen who was an early settler in Central Missouri. She died Dec. 8, 1882 and she and her husband's remains are buried on the home farm. To James W. O'Conner and wife were born three children as follows: James Thomas, the subject of this sketch; Anna Mabel, married 0. B. Elsea, Mobfirly, Mo. and Alvin William, Huntsville, Mo.

James T. O'Conner was educated in the public schools of Clifton township and was engaged in farming. On Oct. 3, 1917 he enlisted in the United States army at Moberly, Mo. and became a member of the 30th Infantry, 3rd Division and was attached to a supply company. He took part with his command in some of the most severe engagements of the World War. He was in the St. Mihiel offensive, Sept. 12-16, 1918, the Meuse Argonne offensive from Sept. 30 to Oct. 27, 1918 and the Besle sector, Aug. 4, 5, 9, 1918 and after the armistice was signed, he was with the army of occupation in Germany. During the Argonne Forest offensive he was wounded by shrapnel in the right leg and still carries a piece of shrapnel in his right foot. He was also gassed. Before going overseas, while at Camp Kearney, Cal. in training, he met with an accident which resulted in a broken leg. He remained with the army of occupation in Germany for several months after the armistice, when he was returned to Camp Taylor, Ky. and received his honorable discharge Aug. 28, 1919.

Mr. O'Conner's service as a member of a supply company was of a very hazardous character as the supply trains were always one of the chief objectives of the enemy fire. He has had horses killed while driving them and on one occasion six men were killed at one time who were members of his command. He has a number of interesting souvenirs from the battlefields of France which were the scenes of his military experiences, including a number of photographs and he has in his possession, a German trench knife, belt and flash light which were taken from a German officer in the Argonne Forrest in the last battle. Few soldiers of the World War have a better military record to their credit than James Thomas O'Conner.

Elliott Palmer, a/ prosperous farmer and stockman of Chariton township who is the owner of a well improved farm of 200 acres, is a native -of Canada. He was born in the Province of Ontario, Oct. 24, 1855 and is a son of William and Sarah Palmer who settled in Chariton township, Randolph County in 1869 and the father now resides in that township. A more extensive history will be found of the Palmer family in connection with the sketch of Shackel Palmer in this volume.

of where he now hves. He received most of his education in Canada where he attended school for six years, never missing a day except Sundays and hohdays. He also attended the public schools after coming to Eandolph County. Mr. Palmer remained at home with his parents until he was 27 years old when he began farming and stock raising on his own account. In 1887 he bought his first land which consisted of a place of 40 acres. He has added to this and now owns 200 acres in one body in Chariton township. He has made many improvements, having built a good residence and two substantial barns. His is an ideal location for stock raising as well as general farming. The place 'is supplied with water from two springs which are supplemented by wells and ponds; He carries on general farming and also raises and feeds stock extensively. He raises Polled Angus cattle of a good grade, Duroc Jersey hogs, and standard bred White Leghorn chickens. Mr. Palmers' place is loca;ted ten miles north of Clifton Hill.

Mr. Palmer was married in 1888 to Miss Catherine Turner, a daughter of John and Elmira (Baker) Turner, early settlers of Randolph County and now deceased. John Turner was a native of Kentucky and his wife was born in Clifton township, Randolph County. They were the parents of the following children: George B., Clifton township; James B., Milan, Mo.; Charles, Chariton township; Catherine, married Elliot Palmer of this review; Lynch, clerk for the superior court at Newman, Ga. ; Lillie, married Frank Fields, Omaha, Neb.; Lena, married J. G. Baker, Huntsville, Mo.; Mrs. Fannie Semple, deceased; Robert, deceased, and David, deceased. To Mr. and Mrs. Palmer have been born the following children: Bina, married R. S. Jerow, Meade, Kan.; Mary A., married Omer Ross, Bloomington, Mo. ; Julia M., married Taylor Webster 9,nd they live in Kansas; Sarah F., married Ancel Lyedorff, Macon County, Mo. ; Myra, George E. and Minnie reside at home with their parents.

Mr. Palmer is a member of the Knights of the Maccabees and the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons at Clifton Hill, He is a Democrat and takes a keen interest in political matters. In 1906 he made the race for the nomination to the oiRce of circuit clerk of Randolph County but was defeated. However he had the satisfaction of receiving every vote except one in his precinct at the primary which is good evidence of the esteem in which his neighbors who know him best regard him. He has been a notary public for a great many years, having received a commission to that office from each of the last eight governors of Missouri. He

Thomas B. Whittaker, an extensive farmer and stockman of Chariton township, is a large land owner and one of the successful men of affairs of Randolph County. He is the owner of 902 acres, 200 of which is located in Randolph County and 702 acres in Chariton County. This is one of the valuable farms in this section of Missouri. 300 acres of Mr. Whittaker's farm is upland, 300 acres second bottom land and about 300 acres first bottom land. Taken as a whole it is excellent land and very productive and well adapted to both general farming and stock raising. 250 acres is what might be called timber pasture land and 400 acres is under timothy and blue grass.

Mr. Whittaker employs up-to-date devices and modern methods and has a tractor on his place which is capable of plowing about ten acres per days. He will raise about 200 acres of corn the present season. A part of Mr. Whittaker's place is one of the historical old places of this section. It was the Judge W. A. Hall farm before it was purchased by Mr. Whittaker. This portion consists of 200 acres and is located in Randolph County. The residence is a large brick structure of 12 rooms, two stories high and was built by Judge Hall before the Civil War. It is a very substantial building and is still an excellent state of preservation. Mr. Hall, in addition to his general farming raises White Face Hereford cattle and pure bred Shropshire sheep. He is an extensive feeder and buys large numbers of cattle which he fattens for the market.

Thomas B. Whittaker was born in Cheshire, England, near the city of Manchester, June 24, 1851 and is the son of Benjamin and Mary (Lunt) Whittaker, both natives of England and now deceased and their remains are buried in Jacksonville, 111. The Whittaker family settled in Jacksonville, 111., in 1870, after having lived for some years in Pennsylvania, Massachusetts and Missouri. The father was a woolen mill operator.

Thomas B. Whittaker was one of a family of four children born to his parents and is the only one living. Those deceased are: Francis, Mrs. Sarah Irwin and Arthur. Thomas B. Whittaker was educated in the public schools and in early life worked in woolen mills in various capacities. When 15 years old, he began to learn the brass finishers trade and worked at that until he was 19 years old when he returned to the woolen mills and worked at that business in Jacksonville until 1871. He was married about that time and came to Chariton County, Mo., where he bought a farm and began clearing and improving it. However he worked at his trade in a woolen mill in St. Joseph, Mo. for four years to get money with which to improve his farm. When working at his trade of weaving, he was considered one of the highest class workmen. He specialized in weaving woolen cloth and had few, if any equals, in that art.

Mr. Whittaker was married in September, 1878 to Miss Hattie B. Brereton of Will County, 111. She is a daughter of Joseph Brereton who is a highly respected pioneer settler of that section of Illinois. To Mr. and Mrs. Whittaker have been born the following children: Benjamin, died at the age of 24 years; Mabel died at the age of 14 years; Mary; Morris, further mention of whom is made below ; Bessie, Nettie, Clarence, Wallace and Florence. Morris Whittaker, above mention, was a soldier in the World War having served as a member of a machine gun company in the 356th Infantry, 89th Division. He was in the service about 18 months, eight months of which he was in France. He was wounded Sept. 22, 1918 on the St. Mihiel drive about 12 days after the drive started. He was struck by a piece of shell which shattered his right arm and he spent three months in a hospital and has not yet fully recovered. All of the children were born in Chariton County, Mo., except Mary who was born in Illinois.

John B. Crews, chief of the fire department of Moberly, Mo., and one of the best known men of Randolph County, was bom in Prairie township, Oct. 18, 1861. He is the son of Samuel T. and Sallie (Gaswaller) Crews.

Samuel T. Crews was a native of Howard County, Mo. and was reared, educated and married in Missouri. After attaining manhood, he engaged in farming in Randolph County and became well-to-do. Samuel T. and Sallie (Gaswaller) Crews were the parents of five children: Mattielene, married Joshua Wirt and is deceased; William C. C, a stationary engineer at Des Moines, Iowa; John B., the subject of this sketch; Margaret, married James Hubbard and is now deceased and Joseph S.,. a conductor on the Wabash Railroad, whose biography will be found on another page of this history.

his parents in 1876 and attended the school on East Rollins street, at the same time working during vacations and on Saturdays. From 1876 to 1894, Mr. Crews was variously employed in Moberly, Mo. He understood horses and often was engaged to drive teams that proved difficult for less experienced men and this ability led to his being offered by the city the' position of driver in the fire department and for over 25 years he has served on the fire department of Moberly. He says that he has attended fires with equipment that ranges from the old two wheeled hose wagon to the present autornobile power engine.

In 1907 Mr. Crews wds appointed fire chief of the Moberly fire department by Mayor R. R. Rothwell, a position which he has held since. Chief Crews is a capable man, wise' in the handling of the men of the department, a good executive and always able to take advantage of every opportunity in fighting a fire.

On July 18, 1880, Mr. Crews was married to Miss Ida May Smith, a native of Illinois, the daughter of Benjamin Smith, an early settler of Monroe County, Mo. Four children have been born to this union: Jessie, married Ralph Fields, of Las Vegas, N. M.; Gussie, married High Hoffman, a real estate man at Chillicothe, Mo. ; Alma, the wife of. Frank Gerald, of Kansas City; Mo., and Ruth, the wife of James Ogden, of 'Moberly.

Chief Crews has acted independently all his life and it is but natural that he is an independent in his political views, voting for the man he believes to be the best fitted to serve the people. He and his wife are members of the Christian church and he is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America. Chief Crews has served the city of Moberly long and faithfully and it has been due to his capable administration that the fire department ranks high in central Missouri and the fire loss in Moberly is small.

Louis Klein, the owner and manager of one of the best known and most popular baking establishments of Moberly was bom in the province of Alsace, Sept. 21, 1870, where he was reared and educated, but like so many of the young men of' those provinces, he opposed military service to the German Empire and though young in years, he had thought much and when only 15 years of age he came to America and located in Moberly in 1885, where he was employed by A. Merke, a baker. Here he learned the baker's trade and was qualified to conduct all operation in a modern bakery. Later, Mr. Klein accepted a position as baker for D. Kelly and remained in that position for 12 years. In 1906, having ac- cumulated considerable capital, he started his first bakery on North Fourth street, where he met with marked success. Later he needed larger quarters and moved to 412 West Reed street. In time this too was outgrown by his business and he erected his present baking establishment.

-In 1917, he erected his present building at 210-212 5th street which is equipped with the latest labor saving machinery to be had for a large plant. Today Mr. Klein employs 11 people in the bakery which is the largest establishment of its kind in central Missouri. He not only supplies local trade but ships his products in every direction from Moberly.

Mr. Klein was the first man in Moberly to install an electric motor in his plant and had the first electric business sign on Reed street and operated the first motor delivery in Moberly.

In politics, Mr. Klein is an independent and with his family belongs to the Catholic church. He is a member of the Elks, Knights of Columbus and the Knights of the Maccabees. Mr. Klein is one of the old substantial residents and business men of Moberly and his stores are landmarks in the history of the city.

Joseph S. X^rews, a well known passenger conductor of the Wabash Railroad between Moberly and Omaha, is a member of a well known family of Randolph County. He was born in Randolph County, April 12, 1864 and is a son of Samuel T. and Sallie (Gaswaller) Crews. Samuel Crews was a native of Howard County, Mo., where- he grew up and was later engaged in farming. Subsequently the family came to Randolph County, where he was engaged in farming.

Joseph S. Crews was one of five children born to his parents. He was reared on his father's farm and attended the district school and later entered the high school at Renick and was graduated from the four year course. He then took a commercial course in Spaulding's Business College at Kansas City, Mo. He then accepted a position as bookkeeper for the Renick Coal Mining Company where he remained for five years. He then began as brakeman on the Wabash Railroad and his first run was between Moberly and St. Louis in 1889. In 1898 he was promoted to Conductor of a freight and 1908 he was given a passenger run from Moberly to Omaha and for the past 12 years has been on this run.

On Oct. 26, 1886, Mr. Crews was married to Miss Kate Patton Martin, a native of Randolph County. She is a daughter of James and Sallie (Stephens) Martin, natives of Monroe County and early settlers of Randolph County, where Mr. Martin became a well known and prosperous farmer. Mr. and Mrs. Cxews have an adopted daughter, Ruth, who married R. A. Manard, who is engaged in business in Moberly.

William H. EekarJ, superintendent of the Moberly division of the Wabash Railroad, is a native of Illinois. He was bom at Topeka, 111., Aug. 3, 1878, a son of, William and Amelia J. (Bandeen) Eckard and is the third of a family of six children. His father was a railroad agent in Illinois and also a grain dealer, owning a string of elevators on the Jacksonville & Southern Railroad. The grandparents were Moses and Sarah (Sommons) Eckard, natives of Pennsylvania, who were reared and educated in their native state. They came west at an early day. They were pioneer settlers of Mason County, 111., and became prominent in that section where they spent the remainder of their lives. Amelia J. (Bandeen) Eckard was born near New Albany, Ind., and died in 1908 at the age of 64 years.

William H. Eckard spent his boyhood days at Topeka, 111. and attended the public schools and acquired a good practical education. While yet in school he learned telegraphy, a vocation at which he began wo,rk when quite young. He soon began to realize that the best equipment that a man could have for the battle of life was a good education and ^ after working as operator until 1899 he entered Alma College, Alma,. Mich., where he remained a year. After leaving college, Mr. Eckard again accepted a position as telegrapher, was transferred from One town to another until he became associated with the Quincy, Omaha &. St. Louis Railroad, now a part of the Wabash system. He was stationed at Quincy, 111. for six months before being transferred to Kansas City and later to Stanberry, Mo., as train dispatcher. There he remained from 1900 to 1904. He was sent to Brunswick, Mo. in the same capacity and from there came to Moberly in 1905 as dispatcher for this division. Four months after coming here he was offered and accepted the position of night chief train' dispatcher at Decatur, 111. In 1910 he returned to Stansberry as train master where he remained until 1915 when he was

On June 17, 1916, Mr. Eckard was married to Miss Blanche Enyart, of Gallatin, Mo. She is a daughter of John Enyart who was a lumberman and banker of that town. He died Dec. 20, 1919. His widow now resides at Stansberry, Mo.

Mr. Eckard is a Democrat and a Knight Templar Mason and a member of the Shrine. He is one of the efficient and progressive railroad men who has climbed to his present position by hard work and natural inherent ability.

Amos L. Crumrine, known to all his many friends as "Al", has been a resident of Moberly for more than a quarter of a century and during almost all that time has been associated with the Wabash Railroad. He was born in Adams County, Pa., Nov. 14, 1856 and is a son of John and Eliza (Schley) Crumrine. They were the parents of 13 children of whom he was the youngest son and the tenth child in order of birth. John Crumrine was also a native of Pennsylvania and was a farmer.

Amos L. Crumrine was educated in the district school and the public schools of Middleton. When only 10 years old he began to learn the harness maker's trade and after serving his apprenticeship, followed that calling for five years before accepting a position with the buggy manufacturing concern at Indianapolis, Ind. While still a young man he began checking freight on the old Jeffersonville & Madison railroad at Indianapolis, Ind. This road afterward was absorbed by the Pennsylvania system. For 12 years he was associated with railroading and during that period he worked as breakmen and yardman. Leaving Indiana in 1894, Mr. Crumrine came to Moberly and began breaking on the Wabash railroad. He was soon promoted to conductor and ran freight and passenger trains for 16 years. He finally resigned to engage in the implement and hardware business which he disposed of to advantage four years later and returned to the Wabash Railroad as switch tender, a position which he has filled to the present time.

In 1893, Mr. Crumrine was married to Miss Julia Cashen, a native of Canada, who died in 1894. One child was born to them, Albert J., who is at home with his father. On Nov. 5, 1915, Mr. Crumrine married Lena Christian Beheler, a native of Randolph County, born at Huntsville, Mo., Feb. 22, 1872. She is a daughter of James P. and Martha E. (McDavitt) Christian, both of whom now reside at Renick where Mr. Christian is post- master. Mrs. Crumrine was the widow of James J. Beheier of Roanoke, Randolph County, at the time of her second marriage. Two children have been born to this union: Paul L., of Canon City, Colo, and Shirley Elizabeth, at home.

Mrs. Crumrine was reared and educated in Randolph County and later attended the State Normal School at Chillicpthe, Mo., and taught for three years here. She and Mr. Crumrine have a host of old friends in Moberly and Randolph County. Mr. Crumrine is a Repubhcan.

William P. Vandegrift, one of the well known business men of Moberly, with a plumbing and heating establishment at 420 West Coates street, was born in Odessa, Del., June 1, 1863. He is a son of Perry and Maria (Cosgriff) Vandegrift and is the sixth of their nine children. Perry Vandegrift was born in Cecil County; Md. He was a farmer and merchant and spent his life in these vocations. He died at Philadelphia, Pa., in 1913, aged 86 years. Mrs. Vandegrift was bom in Ireland and came to America when young. She died in 1910 at the age of 79 years.

William P. Vandegrift spent his boyhood days at Wilmington, Del., where he attended the public schools. While still living on his father's farm, he learned the plumber's trade in Wilmington, Del. Mr. Vandegrift has been in business for himself in different parts of the country, having been located at Washington, D. C, Los Angeles, Cal., and in 1901 came to Moberly. On April 28 of that year he engaged in business at his present location. From the first, Mr. Vandegrift has met with success.

On July 11, 1904, Mr. Vandegrift was married to Miss Anna A. Neth, of Moberly. She is a daughter of John and Mary (Gringrich) Neth. The father who is now retired was one of the pioneer cigarmakers of Moberly and can tell many interesting early day experiences of this section.

The Vandegrifts are of Holland descent and its members have been identified with this country for many years. The first members of this family came to the United States in 1665, locating in Maryland and Delaware; then a branch went to Pennsylvania. Mr. William Vandegrift's parents are descended from the Maryland branch. Members of the family have taken part in all the wars of the United States from the Revolution to the present day. Mr. Vandegrift takes a keen interest in all historical material and today has standing on his property at Moberly, the only log cabin left of the original structures of the first settlement of the present thriving city of Moberly.

Otto S. Fowler, now living retired in Moberly, who maintains his home at 312 South WiUiams street, is the ownet of nearly 300 acres of valuable land in Prairie township, where for many years he was engaged in farming and stock raising and was one of the leading breeders of Duroc Jersey Hogs and Hereford cattle of this county. Mr. Fowler is a native son of Randolph County, born on a farm near Clark in Prairie township Aug. 9, 1875. He is a son of William and Nancy J. (Hamilton) Fowler and one of the following children born to them: Sarah, who married Joseph McCune, is deceased; Matilda, is the widow of Mr. McCuUy of Moberly; Frances F., deceased; Flora and Ann F., also deceased; Louella, the wife of Doctor Mangus, lives in Florida, and Otto, the subject of this review.

William B. Fowler was born near Lexington, Aug. 24, 1823, the son of Elijah and Matilda (Burris) Fowler, both born and reared in their native state. Their son was also reared and educated in Kentucky and after reaching maturity became a farmer. He met and married Nany Hamilton who was born and reared near Lexington, Ky. and came to Missouri with her parents. The Fowlers took up government land in Prairie township, paying $1.25 an acre which at that time was considered a good price. William B. Fowler filed on a section of land which he broke, cultivated and in time became a rich productive farm. He spent his entire life on the farm and died March 16, 1905. His wife died Jan. 29. 1913.

Otto S. Fowler spent his early days on his father's farm in Prairie township and attended the district school, laying the foundation for a good practical education. He engaged in farming and stock raising and at his father's death, he inherited 100 acres of land. He invested in other land adjoining until he had one of the largest and most productive farms of Randolph County. Mr. Fowler studied agricultural problems and was one of the first to recognize that the control of the meat producing business had passed from the hands of the great cattle barrons with the passing of the open range and that henceforth this great industry was to lie in the hands of the small farmer who would raise high grade beef and hogs, so he invested in well bred animals and that his vision was wise needs not to be told when one learns of his successes in the live stock business. In 1920, Mr. Fowler retired from the active management of his business and has since resided in Moberly.

of Theodore R. and Sarah F. (Cleeton) Hamilton, both natives of Howard County, Mo. and to this union two children have been born, Osie F., the wife of R. T. Hulette of Renick and Opal M., the oldest daughter who is at home with her parents. Mr. Fowler has run the gamut of pioneer experiences in central Missouri and has accumulated his competency by farming and stock raising. He early^ took a prominent place as one of the progressive farmers of his district and made a marked success.

Ambrose C. Burton, deceased, was prominent in the affairs of Randolph County for many years. He was a representative of one of the oldest families in this county and state. Judge Burton was bom on his father's farm near Higbee, Mo., Sept. 23, 184.6, and died Jan. 26, 1920. He was the eldest of the two children bom to his parents. Judge May Medley and Minerva (Brooks) Burton; the former was bom in Moniteau township, Dec. 14, 1822, and died after passing his life in Randolph County, Feb. 6, 1916.

Judge May Medley Burton was reared on his father's farm near Higbee, received a good education and in time became a large landowner, being engaged in stock raising and general farming until 1870. Mr. Burton was a man who took an active part in the civic life of his generation and in 1856 he was elected to the state legislature where he served with such marked ability that in 1870 he was elected a member of the county court. He engaged in the mercantile business at Higbee but in 1878 moved to Sweet Springs, Mo., where he lived three years. However, in 1881, he gave up business and retired to the farm where he lived a retired life the rest of his days. Judge Burton's first wife was a Miss Minerva Brooks, who died in 1881, at the age of 45, leaving two children and on July 5, 1883, Judge Burton married Sarah A. Lassiter Gilman, widow of Robert Gilman, who served as county treasurer of Randolph County for a number of years. Mrs. Burton was the daughter of Henry Lassiter, a native of Kentucky.