Randolph County, Missouri - Biographical sketches, 1920 (part 5 of 18)

On Nov. 7, 1888, Mr. Hutsell was married to Miss Susie F. Hall, of Union township, a daughter of Dr. R. R. and Annie (Coates) Hall, the former a pioneer of this township, as he located here in the late 30s. Mrs. R. R. Hall was the daughter of Captain Coates of Union township, who came here in the early days and entered a large tract of land, becoming one of the prominent men of this section of the state.

One son has been born to Mr. and Mrs. Hutsell, Wilbur Hall Hutsell, now located in Birmingham, Ala. He enlisted in the army during the World War and was first sent to Camp Beauregard, La., for 13 months' training. He was then transferred to Deming, N. M., for five months and sent from there to Camp Devens, Mass., where he received his commission as captain. While in the army Mr. Hutsell was a physical instructor for the soldiers and is now holding a similar position in private life at Birmingham, Ala. He was reared on his father's farm, received his elementary education in the district school and then graduated from the Moberly High School. Following this, he entered Missouri University, at Columbia, where he was graduated with the degree of Bachelor of Arts. On Nov. 12, 1919, he was married to Miss Corinne Southard, of Ft. Smith, Ark.

The Hutsell farm is admirably located and is one of the well kept and prosperous farms of Randolph County, and receives mail by rural delivery, being on route No. 3.

F. H. Meyers, manager of the F. M. Holtsinger Duroc Jersey hog farm, located six miles northeast of Moberly on the Paris road, is regarded as an authority on hog breeding, having specialized in this line of live stock for more than 15 years.

Mr. Meyers was born at Quincy, 111., March 4, 1875, the son of H. H. and Mary K. (Feeler) Meyers, both now deceased. Mr. Meyers was reared in Illinois, and received his education there. After leaving school he engaged in farming for a number of years and then came to Randolph County in 1900. For a time he farmed here and also held a position in a livery barn until he accepted a position on the Holtsinger hog farm, where he has been employed for the past 15 years. At first Mr. Meyers was a helper, but was advanced and today is superintendent of the place and has four helpers under him besides a night watchman. This farm is one of the best equipped stock farms in Missouri, where a specialty is made of breeding Duroc Jersey hogs. There are 300 head on the place at the present time; 80 brood sows, all registered; 60 yearling gilts, which will be bred for the summer sale, which takes place July 19, 1920. The last sale from the Holtsinger herd, held Feb. 17, 1920, brought $67,000.

The farrowing house is 132x22 feet, is heated with steam as is the sale pavilion, which is 50 feet in diameter and seats 800 people. At the present time this pavilion is being utilized as a farrowing house also. There is a stock barn 100x70 feet and a number of other smaller farm buildings devoted to various uses. All are fitted up for the comfort of the hogs, for which the farm is famous. The F. H. Holtsinger Duroc Jerseyhogs are known throughout the United States as the best of the breed. When Mr. Holtsinger advertises a sale it is attended by stockmen from all over the country.

Mr. Meyers is a successful breeder, gaining his present position through actual experience. For he has devoted his entire time and attention to the breeding and care of hogs, being, as he expresses it, "on the job night and day." There is no particular season at this farm as the work keeps up .the year round and the same number of men are kept steadily.

This year Mr. Meyers will attend the state fair at Sedalia with a number of show hogs. Greater Orion Sensation heads the herd and holds the record for the highest price sale for an untried sire in the world. He was a year old on Oct. 15, 1919, and now weighs over 850 pounds. In addition to being exhibited at Sedalia, Mr. Meyers intends to show him at the National Swine Show at Des Moines, la.

C. A. McAdam, one of the oldest residents of Randolph County, whw lives on a farm four miles northeast of Moberly, is descended from one of the pioneer families that settled in. Missouri at an early day and became well and favorably known in this section. He was born in Chariton County, Mo., Jan. 15, 1843, the son of John P. McAdam, a Baptist preacher who spent his life in Missouri and died in his 75th year. The mother died in 1879. John McAdam was one of the early preachers of central Missouri. There were the following children in the family: John P., of Salisbury, Mo. ; Lucius, of Colorado ; Dr. J. B., of Prairie Hill ; C. A., of this sketch; Eliza, deceased; Louisa, the wife of a Mr. Harbour, is deceased; Sallie, who became Mrs. O'Neal, deceased, and Diana, who married a Mr. Cobb, is also dead.

C. A. McAdam was reared in Chariton County and received the educational advantages afforded at that period. His brother, John P., was in the Civil War; he joined the Confederate army though but a boy and served until peace was established. Returning to Missouri he engaged in farming. In 1869, C. A. McAdam came to Randolph County and located on the farm where he still lives. He bought his land from William Wallace, a pioneer settler of this section.

prominent settlers of the county, who entered 640 acres of government land. His home is now owned by Pnce Dixon. The captain entered into the life of the community and. became a man of prominence and wealth before his death at the age of 75 years, in 1869. He was buried on the home place. His wife, Susan P. (Lanier) Coates, lived to be 84 years old and was buried on the well-known Turner farm, as she first married Synnie Turner. Her brother, J. Thomas now lives in Moberly. The other children in the Cpates family were: Tunstall, who died in Oklahoma; Norboum B., deceased, also of Moberly; David, deceased, of Moberly; Julia, who married a Mr. Roberts of Moberly, is deceased; Sallie, who married H. Roberts, died near Milton, Mo.; Anna, married Dr. Hall, deceased, and Belinda, who married Dr. Davis, of Moberly, is dead. Her son, Jefferson Davis, now runs a furniture store in Moberly.

There were the following children bom to Mr. and Mrs. McAdam: Erastus, who married Mattie Dawkins, lives at Lamar, Colo.; Thomas, deceased; Susie, the wife of William Cox, of Cairo township; Sallie, the wife of W. C. Dawkins, of. Moberly ; Henry R., married Annie White, and lives at LaJunta, Colo.; James, a machinist, of Moberly, married Dazzie Delaney, who is dead; Pearl, the wife of Earl Vantrese, of Moberly, and Ethel, the wife of Willard Rice, a machinist of Moberly.

On Jan. 28, 1919, Mr. and Mrs. McAdam celebrated their golden wedding anniversary, having all their children and grandchildren with them. This happy event occurred on the farm where they had lived for 50 years.

Mr. McAdam recalls that when he came here, in 1869, Old Milton was a thriving town and Uncle James Dameron and William Briscoe were two of the merchants. Among some of his friends of that period, most of whom have passed away, were Irvin Gay, Captain Coates, Joe Vince, Joseph Wrey, William Wallace and Levi Haynes, all well known and prominent men in their day. Mr. McAdam says that most of the land north of his farm, in 1869, was open prairie ; there were few settlers and they were far apart and he paid $18 an acre for his farm.

Mr. and Mrs. McAdam have 15 grandchildren and one of them, Roy Cox, has carried out the fighting traditions of his grandfather. H§ enlisted in the United States Marines when war was declared against Germany, and soon after was followed by his brother. Therefore the family was well represented in the fighting forces of the country.

Both Mr. and Mrs. McAdam have retained practically all of their physical and mental vigor. The former still looks after the farm though he rents a large part of the land, while his wife does all her own housework. Mr. McAdam has as a historical treasurer, a history of the Towles family, of which his mother was a member, showing that the earliest members in this country settled in the eastern states before the Revolutionary War and were prominent in colonial affairs.

John Henry Roberts, a substantial farmer and stockman of Randolph County, who lives about four miles north of Moberly in Cairo township, is a native of this county, bom on the farm which his brother now owns, Sept. 17, 1868, the son of John S. and Sallie (Terrill) Roberts. The former came to Randolph County with his father, William Roberts, when only six years old. The family settled on a farm a part of which is now the town site of Moberly. William Roberts died there and was buried in the family burying ground on the home place. John S. Roberts bought the farm which James G. Roberts now owns when it was unbroken land. He placed many improvements on it and erected a home.

John H. Roberts was reared on his parent's farm, early learned the practical side of the business while attending school at the Haynes school bouse. After he finished his education he began to farm, a vocation he lias followed to the present day. For some years he has also raised stock and has been successful. His present place consists of 265 acres, 110 of which originally belonged to his father, but the residence is on that part which belonged to John Hoog. After purchasing the farm, Mr. Roberts rebuilt the house and erected barns necessary for farm use and stock. Since first locating here Mr. Roberts has kept sheep and now has a flock of 80. Each year he feeds from 80 to 100 head of hogs and keeps a fine flock of Barred Plymouth Rock chickens. The land is well watered by springs and ponds furnishing a never failing supply for the stock.

On Dec. 28, 1893, Mr. Roberts was married to Miss May Griffin of Cairo, and they have one son, Raymond Griffin, bom in 1896, who graduated from the Moberly High School and then entered Missouri University at Columbia, receiving his degree in 1918, and is now at home with his parents.

Mrs. Roberts belongs to one of the pioneer families of Missouri, as her father, James G. Griffin was born, reared and educated in Macon County, but now resides at Independence. He married Belle McKinney, March 21, 1872, and for 25 years they lived in Cairo, where Mr. Griffin was a well-known merchant. Mrs. Griffin died in 1916. Mrs. Roberts was the oldest of their eight children.

James T. Boney, a well-to-do farmer of Cairo township, living five miles north of Moberly, with mail delivered by rural route No. 1, from Cairo, was born in this township, Nov. 11, 1869, the son of William J. and Emily (Campbell) Boney.

James T. Boney, grandfather of James T. and A. T. Boney took up government land three miles northwest of Cairo and lived there until his death in his 83d year. The family made the trip across half the continent in wagons and was accompanied by David McCann, William Boney's brotheY-in-law, who located a mile northwest of Jacksonville, where he spent the remainder of his life. William and Emily Campbell Boney were the parents of the following children, born in Cairo township: Walter G., of Eugene, Ore.; Arthur T., a sketch of whom appears in this volume; Robert M., of Merced, Calif., and James T. of this review who was reared on the old homestead, educated in the public schools and at Bolivar College, Polk County, Mo. After leaving college he returned to his native county to engage in farming which he has followed to the present time. He and his father began the breeding of registered Hereford cattle in 1883 and met with success and became known as prosperous stockmen of this section. In 1915, this herd was sold.

James T. Boney's present farm consists- of 262 acres in Cairo township, known for many years as the Kirkendall Farm; he also has a % interest in 405 acres of another tract; all the land is rich and has good pastures and is well watered. The residence on the home farm was built in 1879, but has been improved and modernized by Mr. Boney. He has built a silo and several good bams while other buildings are used for granaries, cattle sheds and hogs.

On Aug. 23, 1899, Mr. Boney married Miss Margaret Tait, a daughter of R. J. and Jean (Gemmill) Tait, both deceased. They came to Moberly in 1885 and the father died in 1909 and his wife died in 1914. One child has been born to Mr. and Mrs. Boney, William C, bom in 1900, who was reared on his father's farm, received his education in the local schools, graduated from the Moberly high school and now is attending the agricultural college of the State University at Columbia, Mo.

Rev. p. J. Carney. - Father Carney, who has charge of the parish of St. John's Catholic church of Moberly, was born at Castlebar, Ireland, June 17, 1874, the son of John and Mary (Henehan) Carney, being the third in order of birth, of their eight children. John Carney was a farmer and stock raiser in Ireland, and it was in the country that Father Carney spent his youthful years, attending the local college. When he became destined for the priesthood, he entered St. Patrick's Seminary at Carlow, where he continued his classic studies, and at the same time read for the ministry. When only 23 years of age, he passed his final examinations and was ordained in Ireland in 1897. The parents continued to reside in their native land. The mother died in 1910 at the age of 62 and the father died in 1919 at the age of 84.

Soon after entering the priesthood. Father Carney came to the United States, being assigned to duty in St. Louis until May, 1909, when he came to Moberly to assume charge of the parish here. Within a short time. Father Carney had laid plans for a new church edifice which was built under his direction and is a structure of which the Catholics may well be proud. The new modern residence has also been erected, and the church is free from debt.

In politics. Father Carney is an independent, as he believes in voting as his conscience dictates, but believes that in local affairs the man best fitted to serve the people should be elected to office. He is a member of the Knights of Columbus and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.

James G. Roberts, a prosperous farmer and stock raiser of Cairo township, living on the old home place, four and a half miles north of Moberly, was bom where he now resides April 13, 1872, the son of John S. and Sallie (Terrill) Roberts, whose history appears in the sketch of John Henry Roberts. He was reared in this township, spent his youth on the farm and was educated in the public school of the district and when old enough began to farm,' and has followed that business all his life. When he became owner of the old home place, Mr. Roberts began to make a number of improvements, as some of the buildings were old. He improved the house built by his father many years ago, so that it is one of the comfortable homes of this section. Several substantial' barns have also been built for farm use and the stock. He raised Shropshire sheep and Shorthorn and Angus cattle. The farm consists of 215 acres, well watered, and the part which he cultivates raises good crops.

Rev. P. J. Carney

The Roberts family was a large and well-known one here and is as follows: Luzerne, William, Milton Arthur, John, whose sketch appears in this volume; James G., of this sketch; Anna, the wife of John Walden, of Moberly; Sallie, deceased; Virginia Lee, wife of Bessie Walden, of Moberly; Minnie, the widow of Cliflf Roberts, of Moberly, and Josephine, the wife of William Moore, of Moberly.

A. T. Boney, one of the oldest residents and for years a prominent merchant of Cairo, where he owns a hardware and implement house, has taken a prominent part in the civic affairs of the town, having served as mayor and councilman for more than 20 years. His store building is 135x36 feet, divided into two sections, where he carries a full line of hardware, stoves, farm implements, furnaces and also has a tin shop for doing general repairing, equipped with machinery for lathe work, disc grinding and all kinds of sharpening. In the rear he runs a blacksmith shop. This business was started originally as far back as 1875 by John W. Baker, who was succeeded by James T. Boney, who ran it a year before disposing of his stock and good will to A. T. and W. G. Boney, and later W. J. Boney succeeded W. G. Boney, and remained a member of the firm until his death in 1914, when A. T. Boney became sole owner.

A. T. Boney was bom in CaiBO township July 30, 1864, the son of W. J. and Emily (Campbell) Boney, both deceased. The father came to Randolph County in 1837 from Duplin County, N. C, where he was born. His father, James T. Boney, took up government land in Cairo township and lived on the farm until in 1890. His wife died in 1889. Mr. Boney was reared on the pioneer farm, and received his education in the district schools. He then engaged in farming until he became a partner in the hardware business, which he has followed for 30 years.

In 1891, Mr. Boney was married to Miss Missouri Bobbitt, of Cairo township, a native of Virginia, the daughter of J. E. and Sarah Bobbitt. Mrs. Boney died in 1895, leaving two children: Herbert L., now associated with his father in business. He enlisted in the United States army Sept. 20, 1917, was assigned to Company L, 356th Infantry, and was sent to Camp Funston for training. June 16, 1918, he sailed for France and was soon sent to the St. Mihiel sector and took part in the Battle of the Argonne. From the time he was sent into the front line trenches until the armistice was signed, Mr. Boney was not out of range of the enemy guns. After hostilities ceased he became a member of the Army of Occupation in Germany. After 21 months foreign service, Mr. Boney was discharged from the army as he had returned to this country in June, 1919. He was a corporal during his entire time of service. Herbert Boney was reared in Cairo, received his elementary education in the public schools of Cairo and Moberly; then entered college at Liberty, Mo. After a period of study there h? went east and entered Harvard University, remaining a year. Emily, the second child, also was reared in Cairo and after graduating from the Moberly High School entered Hardin College, at Mexico, Mo., where she was graduated in music.

In recalling pioneer time of Randolph County, Mr. Boney says that there are but five people now living in the town of Cairo who were inhabitants 30 years ago when he came. He has seen many changes in his day. After the city was incorporated, Mr. Boney began to take part in its administration and for 20 years has served either as councilman or mayor.

Bank of Cairo, one of the sound and substantial institutions of central Missouri, was organized in April, 1905. Tticker G. Haden was the leading promoter of this bank and became its first cashier, a position which he still holds. The first officers of the bank were: J. W. Stigall, president; John Halliburton, vice-president and T. G. Haden, cashier, while the board of directors were the above men and D. G. Day,William Gaines and W. P. Nichols, now deceased. The present officials are 0. A. Wright, president; G. D. Day, vice-president; T. G. Haden, cashier; Miss Gertrude Walker, assistant cashier, with E. E. Campbell and William Gaines directors in addition to the active officials. Miss Walker has been with the bank for 11 years; she was born and reared here, the daughter of Paul Walker of this city. The present capital stock of the bank is $10,000; surplus, $20,000, with undivided profits, $2,500, which shows what a growth the institution has made since its organization. The chief corresponding bank is the First National, of St. Louis.

Tucker G. Haden was bom in Shelby County, March 14, 1869, the son of Thomas H. and Frances (Wright) Haden. both natives of Madison County, Ky. The father came to Missouri and took up land which he farmed all his life, becoming a well known and prosperous farmer and stockman of his section. Mrs. Frances (Wright) Haden died at the age of 61 years, and her husband lived to be nearly 85. There were the fol- lowing children in the Haden family: R. W., of Stockton, Mo., ex-judge and now assistant postmaster of the town; Travis, a retired farmer of Shelbina, Mo. ; Irwin, a farmer near Madison, Mo. ; A. C, a retired farmer of Clarence, Mo. ; J. D., a farmer near Holliday ; Bettie, the wife of Frank Carroll, of Clarence, Mo.; Fannie, the wife of Oscar Bean, of Madison, Mo.; Tucker G., of this review, and Monnie, the wife of T. S. Hobbs, of Rocky Ford, Colo.

Tucker G. Haden was reared on his father's farm in Shelby County, educated in the public schools and then entered the State Normal School at Warrensburg. He also took a special course in the Gem City Business College of Quincy, 111. He then taught school in Monroe County for 13 years before coming to Cairo to organize the bank, the success of which has been largely due to his foresight, executive ability and close application to business.

Nov. 6, 1913, Mr. Haden was married to Miss Mary Cave of Huntsville, the daughter of W. B. and Ella (Carlisle) Cave, both now deceased. In 1913, Mr. Haden built a modern bungalow on East Main street, where the family has resided since coming to Cairo. Mrs. Haden is a member of the Methodist church and Mr. Haden belongs to the Christian church. He stands high in Randloph County and is one of its successful bankers and enterprising citizens.

William W. Goodding, a representative citizen of Randolph County for nearly three quarters of a century, now having retired at Cairo, is one of the oldest residents in this section and a member of a pioneer family that located in this state when Missouri was considered the frontier. He was born in Cairo township, July 12, 1846, the son of Andrew and Margaret (Rogers) Goodding, both natives of Wayne County, Ky., where they were reared, educated and married. The father was born in 1801 and died in 1876 ; the mother was born in 1804 and died in 1881. Both were buried in the family burying ground on the Dameron farm. They came to Missouri and settled in Randolph County in 1829, making the trip to this state driving a wagon to which were hitched a yoke of oxen with a horse for leader. The first winter they were here was spent in a log cabin 20x20 feet with a dirt floor and they lived there through the severest winter storms for that year was one of exceptional severity. Old settlers said that was the worst winter on record.

and Samuel, all of whom came to Missouri and settled in Macon and Randolph counties. Andrew and Margaret Goodding had the following children: Richard, deceased; Mrs. Bettie Phipps; George, James, Polly, Jemima, Fannie, all deceased.

William Goodding, the subject of this review was reared on his parent's farm, attended the Pleasant Hill school of this township and remained at home helping his father on the farm until 1890, when he bought 160 acres of land from Mike Capp and engaged in general farming until 1913. Mr. Goodding was one of the well known and prosperous farmers of this section. When it came time for him to give up the active management of his land he sold the property and bought an acre of land within the limits of Cairo where he now makes his home, one of the old and honored residents.

Dec. 21. 1883, William Goodding was married .to Miss Elizabeth Elliott, a daughter of Robert and Nancy (Montgomery) Elliott, the former born in Randolph County in 1821, near Jacksonville and at the fair some 15 years ago, he took the prize as being the oldest resident citizen of the county. He died at the advanced age of 88 years. Mrs. Elliott died in her 63d year and both are buried in thie Teter family cemetery in Chariton township. Mr. Elliott's father, William Elliott, was one of the first settlers in this county and was the father of nine children of whom Mrs. Goodding is the third.

Mr. and Mrs. Goodding have one daughter, Ava, who married Frank Haynes of Moberly. She was born June 6, 1886, and married in 1906. Mrs. Haynes has a daughter, Nadine Elizabeth, in school.

Both Mr. and Mrs. Goodding are members of the Baptist Church of which they have been members many years, for Mr. Goodding will be 74 years old July 12, 1920 and belongs to a long lived family as his cousin Margaret Baker, of Cairo, bom in this county, is nearly 80 and they can tell many interesting experiences of pioneer days here.

Eldridge S. Morrison, one of the pioneer settlers of Randolph County, has been a resident here for more than a half a century. He was born in Montgomery County, Tenn., Jan. 17, 1842, the son of James P. and Sarah (Davis) Morrison, both of whom passed their lives in Montgomery County. They had the following children: Annie, deceased; Robert, was killed at the Battle of Gettysburg, while serving in the Confederate army, having enlisted at Clarksville, Tenn. ; A. P., lived at Fresno, Calif., and is deceased ; C. B., lives at Arbuckle, Calif. ; Emma Jordan, resides at Spring-

Eldridge S. Morrison was reared in Tennessee, received his education there and when the Civil War broke out enlisted in the Confederate army at Clarksville, being a member of Captain Dorsey's company of infantry. After the capture of Fort Donelson he was transferred to a troop of Kentucky cavalry, commanded by Captain Williams and participated in the battle of Fort Donelson, Shiloh, Miss., Mumsford, Ky. ; and many important skirmishes. After 12 months in the service, Mr. Morrison's health was so impaired that he was discharged for disability.

In 1867 Mr. Morrison came to Missouri, reaching Randolph County at 10 o'dock on the morning of Dec. 11th. He first located north of Cairo, where he farmed for a few years ; then in 1877 he removed to his present farm, two miles south of Cairo. When he came to this section of the township it was raw open prairie. Some settlers had located around here and a few farms were being cultivated, but it was a true pioneer settlement. There was a small house on the land Mr. Morrison purchased which has since been rebuilt and remodeled. He owns 340 acres of valuable land with some in blue grass pasture. Three substantial large barns have been erected and other farm buildings. For several years Mr. Morrison operated a dairy but gave up that branch of his business 20 years ago to raise Aberdeen Angus cattle in which he specialized. He kept a registered male at the head of his herd, fed the cattle he raised and shipped to market what were not disposed of at private sales. For years he was known as one of the successful breeders.

The Morrison farm is well improved in every way; there are six living wells on the place and water is pumped by three wind mills. For some years Mr. Morrison's son, William R., has been raising registered Hampshire hogs and since his father retired from the active management of the place has been- its manager. Though 78 years old and having lived on this farm for 43 years, Mr. Morrison retains much of his physical vigor though he has given up the harder work^

On May 2, 1869, Mr. Morrison was married to Miss Susan Caroline Boney, the daughter of J. T. and Elizabeth (Carr) Boney, who were born and reared in North Carolina and came west, settling two miles north of Cairo in 1835. Their history will be found on another page of this volume. Mrs. Morrison was born at the old homestead north of Cairo, was educated in the public schools of the district and taught school for five years before her marriage, having taught in eight schools of the county. There were 10 children in the Boney family all of whom were well and favorably known in the county.

Mr. and Mrs. Morrison have had four children: William R., farming the home place ; Emma, the wife of W. A. Bobbitt, of Cairo ; Maud, who married Henry Corbin, of Corder, Mo. ; Minnie, the wife of W. C. Buchanan, of Moberly, the last two being twins. Four grandchildren complete the family circle: Robert and Mary Corbin and Morrison and Dorothy Buchanan. ^

Mrs. Morrison tells that her parents came west so early that there' were few railroads, so they made the trip in a wagon drawn by a team of oxen and their worldly goods consisted of what could be packed onto the wagon and $300 in money. They were Cumberland Presbyterians; the father and his family attended the annual camp meetings held at Sugar Creek church. The parents were devoted members of the church and did much to elevate the religious standards of the county. All their children but one joined the church when young.

William R. Morrison, the son who now operates the home farm, was reared here, attended the district schools and when his education was completed began to farm with his father. In addition to breeding Aberdeen cattle, he has been specializing in raising Hampshire hogs, meeting with success in this line. He annually keeps about 30 head, feeding and marketing them. William R. Morrison is one of the farmers of the younger generation who has introduced modem methods into his business with success and today is rated as one of the practical men of the community. Six years of his life was spent on different railroads as a brakeman and conductor, from 1899 until 1905. He is a member of Brotherhood of Railroad Trainmen.

R. G. Terrill, a well known citizen of Moberly and a native of Randolph County, was bor ntwo miles south of Moberly, Oct. 12, 1866. He is a son of John R. and Ann (Roberts) Terrill, both of whom are now deceased. John R. Terrill was born in Kentucky and came to Missouri when he was a young man and settled on a farm south of Moberly where he was successfully engaged in farming and stock raising. He died in 1913, at the age of 84 years, his wife having preceded him in death many years. She died in 1872. They were the parents of the following children: W. E., deceased; Lolah, deceased; Emma, deceased; Lizzie, resides in Moberly; J. M., who is farming on the old home place; R. G., the subject of

R. G. Terrill was reared in Randolph County and received his education in the public schools. He has made farming his chief occupation and has met with success. He is now the owner of 110 acres of valuable land, south of the city of Moberly where he is carrying on general farming and stock raising, and is recognized as one of the substantial and successful citizens of this vicinity.

Mr. Terrill was married April 22, 1897, to Miss Lena Horner, a daughter of James S. and Louisa (Kingsbury) Homer, further mention of whom is made in this volume. To Mr. and Mrs. Terrill have been born two children: Louisa Ruby, a graduate of the University of Missouri, class of 1920; and John Vincent, a graduate of the Moberly High School and now a student at Central College, Fayette, Mo.

Mr. Terrill takes a commendable interest in matters pertaining to the public welfare. In 1911 he was elected clerk of Randolph County and capably held that office for four years. He is a member of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of Huntsville and has an extensive acquaintance throughout Randolph County.

Edward Ellsworth Leonard, a prominent contractor and builder of Moberly, has been a resident of this city for the past 35 years. He was born in Indianapolis, Ind., July 6, 1863 and is a son of Lewis B. and Susan (Snipes) Leonard. Lewis B. Leonard was born at Hagerstown, Md., in 1819 and died in Indianapolis, Ind., in 1916 and is buried in that city. He was a Union veteran of the Civil War. He enlisted at Columbus, Ind., in the 7th Indiana Battery and served one year and ten months. He was wounded at the Battle of Shiloh, Miss. His vdfe died in 1912 at the age of 77 years and is also buried in Indianapolis. They were the parents of 14 children, four of whom are living: P^lorence Leonard, Indianapolis; Annette, Indianapolis; Charles F., Indianapolis and Edward E., the subject of this sketch, was the youngest of the family. The others who grew to maturity and are now deceased are : Mrs. Martha Overman and Henry.

Edward E. Leonard was reared and educated in Indianapolis and learned his trade in that city. In 1885, he came to Moberly, Mo. and for two years was in the employ of the Wabash Railroad Company. He then engaged in contracting and building and since that time has done a vast amount of work in that line in Moberly and other parts of the state. He did the woodwork on the county jail at Huntsville and built the Radium

Hotel there and the original structure of the Huntsville school. He remodeled the Moberly Bank at Moberly and erected many high class buildings, too numerous to mention, in this vicinity. At this writing he employs 23 men including five brick-layers, three hod-carriers, two plasterers, two painters and two granitoid workers. He is the agent for the Kewanee metal store fronts and also the Millmer Elevator Company of St. Louis and these two branches of work take in all parts of the state.

Mr. Leonard was married in 1887 to Miss Bessie M. Dulany of Moberly. She is a daughter of George W. and Virginia Dulany, both of whom wer born at Middle Grove, Mo. The father died at Moberly and the mother now resides here at the age of 77 years. Mrs. Leonard was born in Moberly in 1869 and is the oldest person now living in Moberly, bom there. To Mr. and Mrs. Leonard have been bom two children: Dulany Ellsworth, a graduate of the Moberly High School, married Miss Clara Laurel of St. Louis and is now a freight claim inspector in the employ of the Wabash Railroad Company, attended the State University at Columbia, Mo., taking a course in law; and Mary Virginia, who was graduated from the Moberly High School in 1918, attended Christian College two years and resides at home with her parents at 515 South Williams street.

William C. Clifford, a passenger conductor on the Wabash railroad at Moberly, Mo., has for 20 years served in the capacity of conductor on this railroad and during that time has been a resident of Moberly. Mr. Clifford was born at Tolono, 111., Oct. 26, 1868, and is a son of William and Sarah (Phillips) Clifford.

William Clifford was a native of Kentucky, bom at Louisville, in 1850. He was a grain dealer and also served as justice of the peace at Tolono, m., and died at Clinton, 111., in 1892. His wife was born in Vincennes, Ind., in 1846, and died at Champaign, 111., in 1918. They were the parents of six children as follows: Edward, deceased; Charles V. Marshalltown, Iowa ; Fannie M., Champaign, 111. ; Nannie A., Little Rock, Ark. ; William C, the subject of this sketch; and Gertie, married G. W. Simpson, Champaign, 111.

William C. Clifford attended the public schools and when 16 years of age began as a brakeman on the Wabash railroad at Decatur, 111., continuing in that employment until 1887, when he went to St. Paul, Minn., with the intention of working for the Chicago and Great Western railroad as conductor. Shortly afterwards he went to British Columbia and was employed by the Canadian Pacific railroad as conductor until 1900. He then came to Mobei'ly, Mo., and entered the employ of the Wabash Railroad Company as freight conductor, serving in that capacity for 15 years, when he was promoted to passenger conductor. He now runs between Moberly and Omaha, on the Omaha Division.

Mr. Clifford was married in 1900 to Miss Isabel French, a daughter of Wallace R. and Isabel (Emsley) French, both were natives of Wisconsin and the father now resides at Waterloo, Iowa. The mother was born at Waukesha, Wis., and is now deceased.

Mr. Clifford is a 32nd degree Mason, Knights Templar and Shriner, a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the Order of Railway Conductors and is a Democrat, and both he and Mrs. Clifford are members of the Methodist church, the Order of the Eastern Star and the Knights and Ladies of Security. The Cliffords are well known in Moberly and they are highly regarded among their many friends and acquaintances.

Perry D. Menke, a popular and widely known passenger conductor who has been in the service of the Wabash Railroad Company for 36 years and during that time has been a resident of Moberly, Mo. He ifS a native of Illinois, bom at Granville, Edgar County, Sept. 4, 1857, and is a son of Peter L. and Margaret B. (Mitchell) Menke. Peter L. Menke was bom in Loudoun County, Va., July 4, 1831. He was a cabinet maker and carpenter and followed that line of work during the greater part of his life at Paris, 111. In later life he removed to Mattoon, 111., where he lived for five years prior to his death, Aug. 2, 1907. His wife was a native of Indiana. She was born at Liberty, Union County, Ind., Nov. 4, 1832, and they were married at Eaton, Preble County, Ohio, Nov. 26, 1850. She is now 87 years old and resides with her daughter, Mrs. C. L. Sweet at Hutchinson, Kan.

To Peter L. and Margaret B. (Mitchell) Menke were bom the following children: Charles H., bom March 28, 1852, at Eaton, Ohio, and died Dec. 4, 1902; Mary E., was born July 20, 1854, and died Sept. 4, 1855; Perry D., the subject of this sketch; Francis N. and Benjamin F., twins, bora Sept. 8, 1859, and Benjamin F., died Sept. 10, 1914; George L. and John H., twins, born at Grandview, 111., Dec. 27, 1861, and John H., died May 4, 1865 ; Thomas D., bom March 17, 1869, i)S an abstractor at Antonito, Colo.; James Edward, born Oct. 24, 1860, was an employee for the Missouri Pacific Railroad, and was killed by his own train at Ottawa, Kan., Nov. 4, 1887; Ida N., bom Jan. 1, 1870, married Frank Constant,

Perry D. Menke was reared in Paris, 111., and attended the publiic schools. When he was 18 years of age, he began his railroading career at Paris, 111., as night baggageman and also yard and billing clerk. Later he entered the train service of the Indianapolis division of the I. and St. L. railroad, which is now the St. Louis division of the New York Central railroad system, with Mattoon, 111., as his headquarters. In 1883, he went to Sedalia, Mo., where he was in the employ of the Missouri Pacific Railroad Company as conductor for one year. He then came to Moberly and worked for the Wabash as brakeman for a few months, when he was promoted to freight conductor and in 1887 became a passenger conductor and since 1890 has had a regular passenger run. Thus it will be seen that Mr. Menke has had many years experience as. a practical railroad man and has a good record to hiis credit.

July 30, 1907, Perry D. Menke was married to Miss Mildred Cevor, of Kansas City, Mo. She was born in Florida. Mr. and Mrs. Menke have no children.

Mr. Menke is a Knights Templar Mason and a member of the Shrine, Ararat Temple, Kansas City, Mo., and the Order of Railway Conductors, No. 49, Moberly, Mo. He is a Republican and a member of the Presbyterian church. Mrs. Menke is a member of the Episcopal church. They are well known in Moberly and Randolph County and are highly regarded represented citizens of the community.

James S. Horner, father of Mrs. R. G. Terrill of Moberly, was a pioneer merchant of Huntsville and prominently identified with the early development of Randolph County and belonged to one of the very earliest pioneer families of Missouri. He was bom in Howard County, Oct. 7, 1832 and was a son of Major and Keturah (Morgan) Horner.

Major Horner was one of the prominent early settlers of this state. He was born in Chesterfield County, Va., Dec. 19, 1789 and was married in that county, Nov. 7, 1812. He came to Missouri in 1819 and settled in Howard County where he bought land and some negroes and in February, 1839, he came to Randolph County and here owned over 600 acres of land northwest of the present site of Moberly. During the Civil War on account of condition prevailing here he removed to St. Louis and after the war he made his home at Columbia and died at the home of his son, James S. Horner, in Huntsville. He was a soldier in the War of 1812, serving in Capt. Wilson Bryan's Company, 19th regiment, serving with the Virginia troops. He served as sergeant in Capt. Benjamin Goode's company. Colonel Joseph Brown's regiment, Virginia Militia from Aug. 28th to Nov. 30, 1814, after having served as private as above stated. After coming to Missouri he was conspicuous in military affairs in this state. He was made Lieut.-Colonel of the 10th Regiment, 21st Division of Missouri Militia in 1822 by Governor McNair, and was appointed colonel in 1824. In 1837 he was apointed paymaster general of the State Militia by Governor Boggs and after having paid the men the first time he had a small amount of money left which he promptly returned to the treasurer which up to that time was an unheard of procedure. This was during the Morman War. He also acted as paymaster for the Missouri troops during the Black Hawk War. He was prominent in the political affairs of Randolph County and the state. In 1850 he was elected a representative to the state legislature and again in 1858 and in 1860 was elected state senator. He was a strong Southern sympathizer and voted for secession at the special session of the legislature, called by Governor Jackson which convened at Neosho, Mo. He rode from Moberly to Neosho on horseback to attend that convention. He was a Methodist and a life long Democrat. He was a strong temperance man and a prominent member of the Masonic Lodge.

James S. Horner was educated at Fayette, Mo., attending school there after his parents moved to Randolph County. He engaged in the dry goods business at Huntsville prior to the Civil War and was in partnership with his brother-in-law George Dameron. He was in business here when the Civil War broke out and being a Southern sympathizer, his store was looted by the -Federal troops and he shortly afterwards disposed of his business to a Northern man and went to St. Louis. After the war he returned to Huntsville, where he died Feb. 22, 1871. He was a member of the Methodist church and the Masonic Lodge. He was married Sept. 4, 1860 to Louisa Jane Kingsbury and to this union three children were bom: Laura Shirley Homer who resides at Moberly, Mo.; Lena, married R. G. Terrill a sketch of whom appears in this volume. After the death of James S. Homer his widow married Judge John R. Hull, who was a prominent lawyer of Randolph County. He served as prosecuting attorney and probate judge of this county and for a time published a newspaper in Huntsville. He and his wife are now both deceased. He died in 1892 and she departed this life in 1901.

Anthony J. Rother, the well known merchant tailor of Moberly is one of the best designers and cutters to be found anywhere in the country. He comes from a family of high class tailors and has made extensive study of the science of designing and the art of cutting and tailoring. Mr. Rother is a native of Missouri. He was born at Washington, Mo., Jan. 16, 1886 and is the son of John and Ann (Boehm) Rother who were the parents of the following children: Anthony J., the subject of this sketch; Julia Rother, Washington, Mo. and John, deceased. The mother died in 1890, having been accidentally burned to death on July 4th of that year. Her clothes caught fire from fireworks which were carelessly exploded- by some boys as she was passing along the street.

John Rother, father of Anthony J. Rother, was born in Prussia- Poland or what is now known as Germany. He came to America at the age of ten years, in 1870, and now lives at Washington, Mo. He was one of the finest tailors in the state of Missouri and has one brother who is a high class tailor of St. Joseph, Mo. He learned the trade from his brother John. Two of Mrs. Rother's brothers were also high class tailors : Chas. Boehm, St. Louis, Mo. ; Frank Boehm, in business with John Rother at Washing-ton, Mo.

Anthony J. Rother was educated in the Notre Dame Convent and then attended the Franciscian Brothers Dormitory and afterwards attended the University of Missouri at Columbia. For eight years he was connected with G. W. Harrell and Son, merchant tailors at Columbia. Later he was employed by Patt Brothers, tailors of St. Joseph, Mo. PYom there he went to New York and completed a course in designing men and women's garments. After completing this course he went to Dartmouth College, Hanover, N. H. and had charge of the tailoring department of a large men's furnishing store, which catered to the students and professors o,f the college. He then went to Boston where he was engaged in designing and cutting for a time when he returned to New York City. In 1915 he came to Moberly and engaged in his present business and owing to the excellency of his workmanship, the style of his designing and the reliability of his representation, he has built up one of the largest high class tailoring establishments in this section of the state. Mr. Rother follows the Mitchell system of which he has made a thorough study. This is a short standard measure of cutting and designing and is the foundation of all systems employed in this work. A designer who understands the Mitchell system thoroughly can easily handle any other system of cutting.

Anthony J. Rother was married in 1916 to Miss Mary G. Noonan of Moberly; she is a daughter of Richard and Genevieve Noonan. Mr. and Mrs. Rother have two children: Jane Ann and Richard John.

E. 0. and G. N. Blood, well known and prosperous stockmen and farmers of Ca'ro township, Randolph County, are the sons of N. L. and Laura (Blood) Blood, the former a native of Wisconsin, bom Jan. 5, 1847, and the mother was born in Pennsylvania. The father was a farmer and moved to Iowa where he was a farmer and stockman for many years. He came to Randolph County in 1909, and purchased the Arthur Roberts farm of 160 acres in Cairo township. He died in September, 1915, being survived by his wife until Dec. 9, 1918, when she too passed away. Both were laid to rest in Grand Prairie Cemetery. The following children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Blood ; E. 0., of this review ; Mrs. Edna Austin of Cairo township; G. N., of this sketch, and Marcia.

The Blood brothers were educated in the public schools of Iowa. They were reared on their father's farm and early began to assume many of the duties on the home place so that by the tim.e their schooling was over they were both good practical farmers. They came to Randolph County in March, 1909 and bought a farm a half mile north of Cairo, where they were associated in business with their father until his death. The farm is one of the well improved places in this section of the county ; has two good residences on it, good bams, machine shed, poultry house, calf barn and many other buildings for farm uses. Since coming to Missouri the Bloods have handled pure bred stock almost entirely, o-wning 10 pure bred Polled Shorthorn cows with Scottish Victor 2d, 17484-695098, at the head of the herd. He was bred by F. A. Murray & Son of Mason, 111. That they have been successful in the breeding and rearing of cattle is attested by the fact that six animals which they raised were sold on March 23, 1920, at Kansas City, at the American Polled Shorthorn Breeders Association sale to other breeders. They also keep a herd of 35 well bred Shropshire sheep with a registered male at the head of the flock.

Nancy Huntsman McKinney was born near Cairo and reared in Randolph County. Mrs. Blood is a member of one of the old pioneer families of the section.

G. N. Blood and his sister, Marcia, live together in one of the two farm houses. Miss Blood is a chicken fancier and raises the Brown Leghorn variety, having met with success in this branch of farm inlustry, usually having about 150 hens on hand.

Both Blood brothers are members of the Grange and considered progressive and practical farmers and men of industry and thrift which qualities are bringing them to the front of the agricultural producers of Randolph County, which does not lack for able farmers.

J. P. Stinnett, owner of Fairview Stock Farm, Cairo township, is one of the progressive and enterprising farmers and stockmen of Randolph County. He is a native of Kentucky, bom near Lexington, Fayette County, March 16, 1877. His parents were James P. and Sarah L. (Tay--^ lor) Stinnett, both of whom are now deceased. They were the parents of two children: J. P., the subject of this sketch and Scott Stinnett, of Fulton, Mo. The father died and after his death the mother was married to A. C. Duggins. She came to Missouri about 1893 and died here in ISgS.

J. P. Stinnett was reared and educated in Kentucky and came to Missouri when he was about 16 years of age. He bought 7014, acres, one and one-half miles north of Cairo which he sold in 1919 and bought his present place. This fann consists of 106 acres and is situated one mile south of Cairo and known as Fairview Stock Farm. Since purchasing the place Mr. Stinnett has made a number of valuable improvements, including an addition to the bam and after he has carried out some of his other plans of improvements, Fairview Stock Farm will be one of the conveniently arranged and attractive places of the county. Mr. Stinnett is a successful breeder of Shorthorn cattle and Duroc Jersey hogs. He has been engaged in breeding Duroc Jerseys for the past eight years and his present splendid herd of 23 hogs is headed by "Cairo Colonel," a valuable registered male hog. Mr. Stinnett is meeting with success and establishing a reputation as a breeder.

Nov. 24, 1903, Mr. Stinnett was married to Miss Bell Boyd of Cairo. She is a daughter of J. M. and Mollie Boyd, both of whom are now deceased and their remains are buried in Grand Prairie cemetery. Mrs. Stinnett was bom in Macon County, Mo. and came to Randolph County with her parents when she was ai girl, and here she was reared and edu- cated. To Mr. .'and Mrs. Stinnett have been born eight children as follow: Irene, a student in the Cairo High School; Sibert, Ida May, Ellwood, Willa Maud, Charles, Stella B. and Mildred Ruth.

Mr. Stinnett is a member of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Modern Woodmen of America. The Stinnett family is well known in Cairo and vicinity and are among the leading citizens of that section.

J. F. McKinney, one of the successful farmers and stockmen of Randolph County, was born in that part of Salt River which is now Cairo township, Jan. 11, 1849. He is the son of Daniel and Eliza (Brown) Mc- Kinney, both natives of Lincoln County, Ky., further mention of whom is made in this volume. They were pioneer settlers of Missouri and are now both dead and were buried in the cemetery of Liberty church. Of their family the following children survive: H. S., J. F., of this review, and Mat.

J. F. McKinney spent his boyhood and youth on his father's farm and received his educational advantages in the public school of Highland district. John Cottingham was his first teacher and the second teacher under whom he received instruction was Jonathan Bailey, followed by Reuben Weaver, all well known educators of that early day. After his schooling was over the young man began to farm, first on the home place and then independAtly. More than 40 years ago, Mr. McKinney bought the farm where he now resides, from his father, Daniel McKinney who entered the land from the government. The home place consists of a 40 acre tract which has a good farm home, large convenient barn and many other good improvements. He has engaged in general farming and stock raising for many years and been successful in his business, due to his own hard work and ability.

On Jan. 20, 1875, Mr. McKinney was married to Miss Mary E. Huntsman, who died March 6, 1904. She was the daughter of George M. and Euphemia Huntsman. There were three children born to this marriage: Glenn, who married Nora Ridgway, and Pearl, who live at home with their father. Pearl married William Baker, who with Glenn, now manages the farm; and Euphia married William Baker and is deceased. Mr. McKinney has two grandchildren: Armel and Roy F. Baker, who when war was declared against Germany enlisted in the United States navy. He was sent to the Great Lakes Training School, then transferred to the naval base at Norfolk, Va., where he was stationed until assigned to service on the battleship Indiana. Later he was transferred to the recruiting ship at Bay Ridge, N. Y., but finally was sent to the U. S. S. Southbend, a transport, and crossed the ocean three times during the war. He was mustered out of the service on Sept. 5, 1919.

Mr. J. F. McKinney is one of the substantial and progressive citizens of Randolph County who has done his part in stock and food production and aided in the development of this section for more than three-quarters of a century. He is now past 70 years of age, a hale, hearty man who retains all of his mental vigor; a man of intellect and education, who has been a close friend of the editor of this history many years.

Abraham S. Mines, a successful stockman and farmer and sterling citizen of Randolph County, was bom in Culpeper County, Va., July 19, 1853, the son of Peter S. and Fannie F. (Stover) Hines. Peter S. Hines was also born in Culpeper County, July 16, 1810, and died July ,7 1895. He was reared and educated in the east, where he lived until 1852, when he came west. Mr. Hines made the trip from the old home in Virginia to Missouri in a covered wagon, on which were loaded the necessities for the home to be established in the new country. He had a four horse team which drew the wagon and its burdens the long journey to Prairie township, Randolph County, where the family established a home. For 10 years the family lived near Higbee, then moved to l^e farm now owned by Abraham Hines, where the father died. Fannie Stover Hines, also was born in Culpeper County, Va., Feb. 22, 1812, and died in February, 1889.

Abraham S. Hines was reared on the pioneer farm, and was one of a family of ten children. He attended the public schools. When old enough he began farming and has followed this vocation practically all his life, though for 10 years he also ran a saw mill and farmed at the same time in Audrain County, Mo. At one time Mr. Hines bought a threshing outfit, which he ran, but as he expresses it, "It nearly broke me up," and he disposed of it. In 1892, he bought the farm of 140 acres from the Hines heirs, which he now owns and farmed there until 1900, when he sold it to good advantage, but bought it back two years later. Since then he has made permanent improvements on the place and has began breeding Shorthorn cattle in which he has been successful, and has made exhibits of his stock at local shows. For some time Mr. Hines has been improving the strain of his cattle and has a valuable herd. He and his sons are in business together. In 1918 they sold a cow and bull calf which brought $1,025 each. He also raises hogs and mules. The Hines

Jan. 28, 1886, Mr. Hines was married to Miss Mary C. Rupard, a native of Kentucky, the daughter of Lewellen E. and Millie (Easter) Rupard, both natives of Kentucky, who came to Randolph County, in 1868, and engaged in farming. Both are now dead. Six children were bom to Mr. and Mrs. Hines: Claud, deceased; Ezra, of East St. Louis, 111.; Mattie M., the wife of Guy Jackson, of Prairie township; Virginia, deceased; William Rex, and Eugene, at home.

W. L. Landrain, one of the honored pioneers of Missouri, who settled in Cairo towmship, Randolph County, when most of the land was raw unbroken prairie and has witnessed many changes that have taken place since he came here. Mr. Landram has contributed his share to county upbuilding and food production for more than 63 years. He was born in Bourbon County, Ky., March 18, 1833, the son of Reuben and Nancy (Dingle) Landram, the former a native of Virginia, who enlisted during the War of 1812 from Bourbon County and served until peace was declared. He came to Missouri in 1837, locating first in Marion County and remained there one year before settling in Macon County, where his children were reared. Both the parents are deceased and' were buried in Macon County. The following children were born to Reuben and Nancy (Dingle) Landram: Frances, married Buck Skinner and died on the way to California and the corpse was brought back to Missouri by her husband in a wagon; Nancy D., married John Speak and is deceased; James E., deceased; W. L., the subject of this sketch; Abner P., deceased; Lucy, married Samuel Shaffner and is deceased; Carter, Merced, Calif.; John and Alfred, both deceased.

W. L. Landram spent his boyhood days in Macon County with his parents and became a practical farmer. In 1851, at the age of 18 he came to Randolph County and began to work by the month to earn money enough to attend the McGee College at College Mound, Mo. When he finished his course he taught school for 12 years. Mr. Landram became heir to 80 acres of land which then was all unbroken prairie in 1857 built his first home. From time to tim.e he bought more land until he has 152 acres in the home farm and a tract of 40 acres bf timber a mile west. There is one piece of 25 acres on the homestead which has never been broken and the original blue grass remains to this day. For over 6? years this farm and house has been the home of the Landram family and it is one of the best kept places in the county. The two story house is well painted and attractive; there are two good barns and sheds, also other buildings for the stock, hogs and chickens. All the home place is good arable land and is cultivated. Two never failing wells furnish excellent water for household and farm use. In 1857 Mr. Landram planted some locust trees, which are still living and furnish good shade; one is now over eight feet in circumference.

On Sept. 11, 1856, Mr. Landram was married to Miss Betsey Jane Boney, the daughter of J. T. and Elizabeth (Carr) Boney. They were early settlers of Randolph County, coming here from North Carolina and bought a farm in Cairo township. Both are deceased and are buried at Grand Prairie. This historic old burying ground was laid out by Mr. Landram in 1865. The land and the church ground were given by William King and the first burial was of Leela Landram, who died Dec. -31, 1865, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. W. L. Landram of this sketch. Mr. and Mrs. Landram have lived on this farm and in the same house for more than 63 years. Sept. 11, 1919, they celebrated their 63d wedding anniversary. The following children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Landram: Orpha Ann, deceased; John Carr, died in California in 1901; James Logan, of Moberly; Leela Kate, deceased; Luella Bell, the widow of E. G. Kennedy, lives with her parents; William Edward, of Merced, Calif; Nellie, deceased; Finis Lee, of Merced, Calif.; Hugh Carter, deceased, and Oscar, deceased.

During the later years Mr. and Mrs. Landram have enjoyed six trips to visit their relatives in California. They have 12 grandchildren and three great grandchildren.

William K. Towles, Sr., now deceased, was a prominent citizen and well known stockman and farmer of Cairo township, Randolph County, and one of the honored pioneer settlers of this county. He was born in Howard County, May 29, 1843, and came to Randolph County with his parents that same year. They were Stokley and Mary (Ellis) Towles, both of whom passed the rest of their lives here and were buried on the home place. They had five children: Wilham K., Sr., Port, Thomas, Mrs. Nannie Grady and Mary, married George Towles and all are deceased. William Towles, Sr., was reared in Cairo township, and when his school days were over engaged in farming. At the outbreak of the Civil War he enlisted in the Confederate army and served four years, being wounded three times, first with a saber during a skirmish at Independence, Mo., and he was shot twice at the battle of Lexington, Mo. After peace was declared, Mr. Towles returned to Randolph County and resumed farming. On Sept. 24, 1871, he married Miss Martha Goodding and they had the following children: Richard, of Batesville, Ark.; William K., Jr., of this review; Mollie, the wife of William Sims, of Moberly; Jennie, at homej Jackson, at home, and Annie, the wife of A. W. Hinton, of Moberly.

WilHam K. Towles, Sr., devoted his time and energies to his farm endeavors and became one of the prominent stockmen and feeders of this section of Missouri. With his sons William, Jr., and Jackson, they owned 970 acres of land. Wm. K., Sr., Towles died March 24, 1920, and was buried at Oakland cemetery. He was a member of the Baptist church for more than 30 years, being a member at Pleasant Hill. He was a Democrat.

William K. Towles, Jr., was reared on the home farm, received his education in the district schools and then with his father and brother Jackson, began farming on an extensive scale. For 15 years this partnership continued until the death of the father and since that time the two brothers have continued the business. They are wide awake stockmen and feeders as well as progressive farmers and keep about 150 head of cattle each year, 30 head of horses and mules and now have 150 head of Shropshire sheep, and about 300 head of cattle. The place is well improved. One bam, 80x120 feet has a concrete foundation and is considered one of the best barns in the county. It has a loft with a capacity of 100 tons of hay and a basement 100 feet long for stock. A second barri was built with a silo and the third, 60x80 feet, has a basement under the entire structure with a silo built on the inside. In addition there are several smaller barns on the farm and other buildings. The Towles land lies in three townships. Salt River, Cairo and Chariton and the brothers also own the John Mason farm of 125 acres. Recently the Towles brothers purchased a fine coach stallion, "Ulex," and they have registered males at the head of their herd. There are six residences on the various pieces of land used by the family and for tenant farmers.

William K. Towles, Jr., has for some years taken an active part in the public affairs of his district. He is now township committeeman of the Democratic party for Cairo township.

Charles B. Bennett, one of the worthy citizens of Cairo township, who resides on his farm two and a half miles northeast of Cairo, is a native of this county and the descendant of one of the pioneer families that located here when this section of the state was sparsely settled. He was born in this township March 4, 1858, the son of Richard and Elizabeth (Ridgway) Bennett.

Richard Bennett was born near Lexington, Ky., and accompanied his parents to Missouri when his father, Moses Bennett, came here to take up a frontier farm in the late 40s. The family first settled in Grundy County. Richard Bennett came to Randolph County when old enough to leave home and entered the homestead where his son Charles B. was born. He died in 1903 his wife having passed away in 1885 and both are buried in Liberty Church cemetery. They were the parents of the following children: Mary, the wife of George M. Brown, of Cairo township; Alexander, of Cairo township; Charles, of this review; John, who died in 1915; Fannie, the wife of Smith Ridgway of Cairo township; Izona, deceased ; Alice, the ,wif e of Marion Ridgway, deceased ; Everett, of Goodwell, Okla., and Emit, of West Cliffe, Colo.

Charles B. Bennett spent his boyhood on his father'^ farm and attended the Sherwood school, one of the first school houses of this section of the township. It was located on the Sherwood farm. It was a crude log building furnished with split log benches and his first teacher was Susan Boney. He was eighht years old when entered at the frontier school. Mr. Bennett began to work on the farm and soon entered .upon an independent career. With the exception of four years, when he ran a dairy business in Moberly, he has lived in Cairo township. The farm which he owned and operated for 17 years, Mr. Bennett sold to Dr. Button, of Moberly and then bought his present place which is located on one of the rural mail routes out of Cairo. His present farm consists of an 80 acre tract where he located in December, 1913 and had formerly belonged to Everett Campbell. He has a good farm house, a barn 56 x 56 feet, and another barn used for stock, as well as other farm buildings. There is a fine supply of water from two never failing wells, pumped by windmills. Mr. Bennett keeps registered Shorthorn cattle and Poland China hogs, eligible to registration and has a flock of 150 Barred Plymouth Rock chickens. He is the first man in Cairo township to pay $100 an acre for his land which was the purchase price of his place but he believes the land worth it and has demonstrated that money can be made from property valued that high. He and his wife made the money which they now have by hard work when they were younger and now can enjoy the declining years in comfort. He recalls that when a boy he worked in the harvest fields for 50 cents a day and the day was from sun up to sun down and later he kept up the pace on his own land while his wife worked as hard and for as long or longer hours.

On Oct. 2, 1913, Mr. Bennett was married to Miss Jannie Roberts, a daughter of John and Ellen (Ellis) Roberts, both deceased. One child has been born to them, Mary Evlyn. The family are members of Liberty Christian church.

A. C. Sibbitt, the senior member of the firm of A. C. Sibbitt & Son, *of Moberly, who are the distributors of the Oldsmobile cars, is one of the progressive business men of this section. Mr. Sibbitt is a native of Indiana. He was bom in Carroll County of that state, Sept. 19, 1869 and is a son of Richard and Sarah (Tomlinson) Sibbitt. Richard Sibbitt was born in New Jersey and came West and settled in Carroll County, Ind. He was an officer in the Mexican War and died in Carroll County, Ind., at the age of 84 years. His remains are buried at Delphi, Ind.

A. C. Sibbitt is the only survivor of the family of four children born to his parents. He was educated in the public schools of Indiana and DePauw University at Greencastle, Ind. He then engaged in the mercantile business at Hoopeston, 111., and later was engaged in the real estate business. In 1915 he came to Missouri and located in Lincoln County and about a year later he came to Moberly and since that time has had the sales agency for the Oldsmobile cars in partnership with his son Glenn A. Sibbitt, a sketch of whom appears in this- volume.

A. C. Sibbitt was married in 1891 to Miss Maude Norris of Hoopeston, 111. She is a daughter of Luther and Amanda (Lightner) Norris. One son has been born to Mr. and Mrs. Sibbitt, Glenn A., a sketch of whom appears in this volume.

During the few years that A. C. Sibbitt has been in Moberly he has become closely identified with the interest of Moberly and Randolph County.

Glenn A.' Sibbitt, junior member of the firm A. C. Sibbitt & Son, 107- 109 East Coates street, Moberly, Mo., sales agent for the Oldsmobile cars, is a native of Hjiinois. He was bom in Vermillion County, 111., April 16, 1893 and is a son of A. C. and Maude (Norris) Sibbitt, a sketch of whom appears in this volume.

Glenn A. Sibbitt was educated in the public schools and took a three years course in civil engineering at Purdue University, Lafayette, Ind. When the United States entered the World War, he enlisted Sept. 17,

1917 and was sent to Camp Funston, Kan., for training ,becoming a member of L. Company, 356th Infantry and on the following April he was commissioned second lieutenant of field artillery. He then was assigned^ to Camp Jackson, S. C. as an instructor, first brigade F. A. R. D. School of Instruction. He was then sent to Fort Sill, Okla., and in November,

1918 was sent back to Carnp Jackson where he received his honorable discharge in March, 1919, after a period of 21 months of service. He then returned home and since that time has been engaged in the automobile business at Moberly as above stated.

A. C. Sibbitt & Son are the distributors for the Oldsmobile cars in Missouri for the counties of Randolph, Macon, Adair and Schuyler. During the three^ years that they have had this agency, they have built up an extensive business and rank among the leading automobile dealers in this section.

Glenn Sibbitt is a charter member of Theodore Bazar Post, American Legion of Moberly and is a member of the Phi Kappa Psi college fraternity. He is one of the progressive and enterprising young business men of Moberly, who has earned for himself a leading place in Moberly and Randolph County.

William G. Cox, one of the prominent citizens of Randolph County who owns a fine stock farm in Cairo township, was born in Macon County, Sept. 29, 1867, a son of Morgan and Sallie J. (Griffin) Cox. Morgan Cox was born in Kentucky and came to Missouri with his father, Levi Cox, who settled in Macon County at an early day on the farm where William G. Cox was born. Levi Cox died and was laid to rest there.

Morgan Cox came to Randolph County about 1875, and settled in Cairo township, improving a farm which lies just east of WiUiam Cox's farm.- He passed the remainder of his days in this locality and was laid to rest in Oakland cemetery in 1915 at the age of 74 years. He enlisted in the Confederate army at the outbreak of the Civil War and served under Generals Price and Poindexter. When peace was established he returned to Missouri and engaged in farming. His widow resides on the old home farm. She is now 75 years old. There were two children in the Cox family: Frankie, the widow of Warren Alverson, who makes her home with her mother and William G., of this review, who was reared on his parent's farm attended the district school of Haynes district and when his school days were over, began to farm and raise stock, a vocation he has followed all his life.

There are 290 acres in the William G. Cox farm which is one of the best stock farms in this vicinity and all the improvements with the exception of the house have been made by Mr. Cox himself. He has two good barns, a garage, and other buildings. For the past six years has been raising Aberdeen Angus cattle, having 35 head with a registered male at the head of his herd. Mr. Cox also breeds pure blooded Duroc Jersey hogs; he has five brood sows, all registered and 30 pigs. His registered male is from the champion boar, "Pathfinder". A large flock of chickens, about 200, are kept on the farm, pure bred Barred Plymouth Rocks, and Mrs. Cox takes great pride in her bronze turkeys which she raises and in 1919 her male turkeys averaged 28 pounds, each for which she received $15.

Feb. 11, 1891, Mr. Cox was married to Miss Susie McAdams, a daughter of Charles and Lucy (Coates) McAdams, pioneer settlers of Union township, a sketch of whom appears in this volume. Two sons have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Cox: John H., who was educated in the district schools and then graduated from the high school and entered the agricultural department of Missouri University at Columbia and after receiving his degree engaged in farming with his father and Roy Raymond also received his elementary education in Randolph County and graduated from the engineering school of Missouri University and is now a civil engineer engaged in professional, work at Foreman, Ark. Both brothers enlisted in the service during the World War. John H. entered the aviation branch of the army, and was sent to Urbana, 111., having enlisted on Jan. 31, 1918, and was mustered out Aug. 13, 1918, because of disability and then returned home. Roy Raymond enlisted in April, 1918, choosing the Marine Corps. He was sent to Paris Island for his training and then to Quantico, Va., where he was assigned to the mine and sapper division and was mustered out in January, 1919.

Mr. and Mrs. Cox are members of Liberty Grange. Mr. Cox is a man of modern methods and a strong advocate of good roads and is working for them in Cairo township. John H. Cox is Master of Liberty Grange No. 2119 and is deputy of Randolph County. He is a member of the Masonic Lodge of Cairo.

John C. Truesdell, now deceased, was for many years one of Randolph County's well known farmers and stock men, and a pioneer settler of this section. He was born at Rising Sun, Ind., Feb. 9, 1829, and died leaving to his wife the care and responsibility of raising their family of five children of whom John C. was the only son. Subsequently Mrs. Truesdell married a Mr. Hamilton. After the death of her first husband, Mrs. Truesdell moved to Kentucky where her children were reared and educated. She was a native of Kentucky and when her husband died returned to that state to be near her own people. She remained there the rest of her life.

John C. Truesdell remained in Kentucky until he was 19 years old, when he came to Monroe County, Mo. and entering land there in 1848. Later he moved to Audrain and Boone counties where he engaged in farming until the spring of 1861 when he came to Randolph County and bought 80, acres of land in Prairie township. He at once began making improvements on the place and when his capital permitted bought more land and that at the time of his death he was the owner of 400 acres of valuable land, which was divided among his heirs.

Mr. Truesdell's first wife was Miss Alma Crews, a native of Randolph County and the daughter of David and Elizabeth (Maupin) Crews. She died Dec. 10, 1874, leaving eight children, of whom three sons are now living. Mr. Truesdell was married on Jan. 10, 1878 to Miss Rebecca Stiles, who was born in Randolph County, Oct. 22, 1852, the daughter of Simeon and Ann Hannah Stiles, natives of Massachusetts and Virginia, respectively, and five children were born to this union: Simeon, who lives on the home farm with his mother ; Jerry, of Prairie township ; Elizabeth, the wife of Clyde Carr, of Boone County; Samuel, of Prairie township, and one child died in infancy.

John C. Truesdell was a Democrat and with his wife belonged to the Baptist church. His was an honorable and useful life and with his passing, he left the memory of a loving husband and father.

C. B. Embree, who conducts an up-to-date shoe repair shop at 117 East Cog,tes street, Moberly, Mo., is one of the enterprising and progressive citizens of Moberly. He is a native of Randolph County and belongs to one of the pioneer families of this section of the state. Mr. Embree was bom in Salt River township, Sept. 6, 1881 and is a son of Philetus and Maggie (Parker) Embree ,

John C. Truesdell

Philetus Embree is one of the real old settlers of Randolph County and a native Missourian. He was born in Monroe County in 1855, a son of Milton Jackson Embree who was a native of Kentucky and a pioneer settler in Monroe County, Mo. He died at Evansville, Monroe County, and his remains are buried there. Maggie (Parker) Embree, mother of C. B. Embree was born at Granvel, Monroe County, in 1858. She is a daughter of Peter Parker. Philetus Embree was engaged in farming in Salt River township for a number of years and he and his wife now resides in Moberly. C. B. Embrees' maternal grandfather, Parker, was a native of Virginia and a pioneer of Ralls County, Mo. and afterwards was an early settler in Salt River township, Randolph County, where he followed farming for a great many years. He died at Hannibal, Mo.

C. B. Embree was the only child born to Philetus and Maggie (Parker) Embree. He was reared in Salt River township and attended the district schools. For a number of years he was employed in the Wabash railroad shops at Moberly as a coach painter. He then entered the employ of the Brown Shoe Company and worked in their Moberly factory until Jan. 1, 1917, when he eijgaged in the shoe repair business for himself. He opened a shop at 117 East Coates street, where he is still located. He immediately equijiped his shop with all modern machinery, installing a finishing machine, jack outfit, repair machine and a sole stitcher and shortly afterwards he installed a nailer. He has one of the best equipped shoe repair shops in the city and by fair dealing and the best of workmanship he has built up a large patronage. In the spring of 1920, Robert H. Roberts became a partner in the business.

C. B. Embree was married April 25, 1906 to Miss Hattie A. Hulen, a daughter of W. M. and Elizabeth (Roberts) Hulen of Moberly. To Mr. and Mrs. Embree have been born three sons : Hulen, Chester and C. B., Jr. The Embree family are members of the First Christian Church of Moberly.

Alexander McCandl^s, a Civil War veteran and a retired merchant of Moberly is a Randolph County pioneer and one of the first merchants to engage in business at Moberly, 50 years ago. Mr. McCandless was born in Guernsey County, Ohio, Jan, 20, 1844, and is a son of James and Mary (Charles) McCandless. The McCandless family went to Iowa in 1850 where the father was engaged in farming during the remainder of his active career. He died at the age of 73 years and his remains are buried at Allertown, la. His wife died in Covinia, Calif., at the age of 89 years and her remains are buried there. They were the parents of the following children: Isaac, AUertown, la.; John, Kansas City, Mo.; Josie, the widow of Frank Crane, Covinia, Calif. ; Alexander, the subject of this sketch ; Charles died at the age of 80 years in Honolulu, Hawaii ; William, died at the age of 80 years at Honolulu (William went in 1868, to join his brother Charles who had gone to Honolulu) and there Charles joined a whaling vessel which landed at Honolulu where he located permanently and remained there until his death; Samuel died at Hutchinson, Kan. at the age of 50 years ; Elizabeth, married John C. Heasty and died at Mayfield, Kan. and left 61 descendants, including her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Alexander McCandless received his education in the public schools of Hamilton, 111., and in the state of Iowa. He had just about finished attending school when on Aug. 14, 1862, he enlisted in Company B, 78th Illinois Infantry and first went to Louisville, Ky., with his regiment and from there to Nashville, Tenn. and took part in the Tallohoma Campaign, the Chattanooga Campaign and he participated in the Battle of Chickamauga, Lookout Mountain and Missidhary Ridge. He was also in the Atlanta Campaign and with Sherman on his March to the Sea and through the Carolinas when Johnson surrendered at Raleigh, N. in 1865. Mr. McCandless then marched to Washington, D. C. and took part in the Grand Review in the national capitol in May, 1865. He then returned to Chicago where he received his honorable discharge and was mustered out of service after having served three years, lacking 60 days.

In 1868. Mr. McCandless came to Missouri and located in Louisiana where he remained for two years. In June, 1870, he came to Moberly. Here, in what was then the little village of Moberly, he built a small house on the east side of town. He had $60 in cash, which he paid th'e carpenter for the work and went in debt for the lot, material and plastering. After coming here, Mr. McCandless engaged in the shoe business, which he followed for 20 years, when he engaged in the jewelry business and for 30 years was engaged in that line. He has prospered in his undertakings and since he has retired from active mercantile life, he has devoted himself to looking after his various interests. He is the owner of five residence properties in Moberly, besides various other interests.

here when he came in 1870. Among those are Henry Miller, a retired groceryman, Ben and David White came here shortly after Mr. McCandless did and John E. Lynch was then a boy. His father, Pat Lynch, lived here, having moved his frame residence from Old Allen to Moberly.

Mr. McCandless has been twice married. He was married at Hamilton, 111., to Anna L. Law, who died at Moberly in 1885, leaving one son, Frank C, who now resides at Covina, Calif. He married Frances Lincoln Prentis, of Fountain Green, 111. She is a daughter of Daniel and Nancy (Hughes) Prentis, Daniel Prentis was born in Weathersfield, Vt., Jan. 31, 1799, and died at Fountain Green, 111., in December, 1884. He was a son of Thomas Prentis, who served in the Revolutionary War with the Connecticut troops. Nancy (Huges) Prentis was born in Clark County, Ind., March 3, 1818, and died at Fountain Green, 111., in 1892, and she and her husband are buried in the Fountain Green Cemetery. They were the parents of the following children besides Mrs. McCandless: Laura, widow of E. B. Sawyer, Camp Point, Tours, 111.; George Prentis, who served in the Union army during the Civil War and died near Houston, Tex.; William R. Prentis, died at Lordsburg, Ariz., at the age of 38 years, and Silas Wright Prentis, of Carthage, 111. He served in the Union army during the Civil War with the 64th Regiment, Illinois Sharpshooters. He is 78 years old. Mrs. McCandless is a cousin of the late Noble L. Prentis and the well-known writer of Kansas.

Although in his 77th year, Mr. McCandless is active in both mind and body as the average man many years his junior. Only recently he did all the work himself in the erection of a four-room cottage and enjoys amusements such as picture shows and other pastimes as much as ever. He is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic and past commander of the Department of Missouii, having been commander in 1917.

Mrs. R. M. Johnston, who owns one of the attractive millinery stores of Moberly, located at 405 Reed street, opened her business here on Feb. 17, 1910, and from the first has been successful. In 1919, she added a women's ready to wear department and today her store is one of the popular shopping centers of the city. Mrs. Johnston carries the latest styles of millinery and women's clothes and special fixtures have been installed for use, which make the house attractive as well as protecting the stock from wear and injury.

Mrs. Johnston is the daughter of James W. and Susan (Williams) Dysart, the former a native of Macon County, born May 23, 1845, and now lives with his daughter in Moberly. The mother was born near Sahsbury, Chariton County, in 1845, and died at Hobart, Okla., at the age of 50 years and is buried in Woodland Cemetery, Mpberly. There were two children: Mrs. R. M. Johnston and her sister, Martha Ella, the widow of H. H. Turner and both are charter members of Tabitha Walton Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution. Mrs. Turner has two children: Mary Elizabeth and Robert Dysart.

The Dysart family is of Scotch descent and a town of that name in Scotland is the original home of the family. Rev. James Dysart, a veteran of the Black Hawk War and a Cumberland Presbyterian minister, was Mrs. Johnston's grandfather. He came to Missouri in the early days, settling at College Mound and founded the college there. He followed his profession of preacher until he was 82 years old, having preached in Sturgeon, Boone County, Howard, Saline, Randolph, Macon and Adair Counties and many other places during the long years of his services, as he was one of the early ministers of this section when churches were scattered. Reverend Dysart was the founder and president of the board of directors of McGee College from its beginning until it closed. When he died he was laid to rest at College Mound. Mrs. Johnston's great grandfather, James Dysart, came to Randolph County from Tennessee, and he was one of the very first settlers here. He was a man of wealth, and brought slaves and came across the country with his possessions loaded on wagons drawn by ox teams and settled near Huntsville, where he had a large tobacco plantation, but the war impoverished him by freeing the slaves. He is buried in the old family burying ground on the original plantation. Mary Dameron, Mrs. Johnston's grandmother on her father's side, was bom in North Carolina and came to Randolph County with her parents. Her father was a veteran of the Revolutionary War. Samuel Williams, a maternal grandfather, settled in Howard County, coming from Kentucky; later he moved to Chariton, where his daughter, Susan Elizabeth, was bom in 1845. Samuel Williams' father was an officer in the colonial army during the Revolutionary War and was wounded and received a pension for many years.

On March 4, 1896, Minnie Dysart married Robert M. Johnston, at Moberly. They have been in business since, Mr. Johnston taking charge of the clerical end of the business and his wife the selling department.

He is a native of McKeesport, Pa., but came here years ago with his parents and was reared and educated in the Macon District High School and a college at Clarence, Mo. Mrs. Johnston graduated from the Moberly High School, and then attended the Missouri Valley College at Marshall for two years ; subsequently she took a course in the business college and entered business in St. Louis as buyer for the City Store. She then came to Moberly and began a business career which has been marked by gratifying success.

The Ragsdale-Carter Dairy Company, is one of the well-known institutions of Moberly, where they have an extensive trade of dairy products. Their plant is equipped with all modern machinery to handle this business by the most modem approved methods and is operated by electricity. The milk is pasturized by the best process known to this science. Other machinery in connection ' with the plant, including separator, ice cream freezers, washing machines for bottles and cans are to be found here in operation under the strictest sanitary conditions. They distribute milk throughout the city of Moberly and their delivery department is prompt and reliable and they have an extensive trade. The business has been operated under the present management with offices at 309 West Rollins street since Nov. 13, 1919. They employ not less than five men throughout the year in connection with operating the plant and the delivery department.

Joseph C. Carter, manager of the Ragsdale-Carter Dairy Company of Moberly, has been a resident of Randolph County for 20 years, and is one of the well-known business men of Moberly and this section of the state. He was born in Sullivan County, Mo., July 4, 1871, and is a son of George and Elizabeth (Ziegler) Carter, both of whom are now deceased.

Joseph C. Carter was reared in Sullivan County and received a good education in the public schools. He then took a course in the Humphreys. College and Business Institute at Humphrey, Mo. He came to Randolph County in 1900 and was engaged in farming and stock raising for five years, when he entered the mail service and for 14 years was a city mail carrier in Moberly. In 1919, Mr. Carter resigned from the government service to engage in his present business, further mention of which is made in this volume.

Mr. Carter was united in marriage in 1903 with Miss Victoria Ragsdale, a daughter of John W. and Rosa (Dixon) Ragsdale, the former of whom resides in Moberly and the latter is deceased. To Mr. and Mrs. Carter have been born two daughters, Helen and Bernice.

Earl Ragsdaie, of the Ragsdale-Carter Dairy Company, is a native of Randolph County, born Jan. 18, 1884. He is a son of John W. and Rosa (Dixon) Ragsdale. John W. Ragsdale was also born in Randolph County and is a descendant of pioneer settlers here who came from Kentucky and settled in Prairie township at a very early date. Charles Ragsdale, father of John W. Ragsdale, was a Kentuckian. He spent the remainder of his life in Randolph County after coming here. John W. Ragsdale was born in 1853 and now resides in Moberly. His wife died at the age of 60 years and her remains are interred in Oakland Cemetery. To John W. and Rosa (Dixon) Ragsdale were born the following children: May, married I. S. Hamilton, Moberly, Mo.; Victoria, married Joseph C. Carter, the sketch of whom appears in this volume; Gertrude, lives in Kansas City, Mo. ; Samuel C, Billings, Mont. ; and Earl, the subject of this sketch.

Earl Ragsdale attended the public schools of Moberly and since leaving school has been engaged in the dairy business and is one of the thoroughly experienced and practical dairy men of this section. In 1919 he and Mr. Carter established the Ragsdale-Carter Dairy Company, a successful institution which is mentioned more extensively in this volume

Mr. Ragsdale was married in October, 1905, to Miss Roxie Irons, of Prairie township, Randolph County. She is a daughter of Thomas and Mollie (Dent) Irons, a sketch of whom appears in this volume. The father is now deceased and the mother resides on the old homestead in Prairie township. To Mr. and Mrs. Ragsdale have been born two children : John Thomas and William Earl. Mr. and Mrs. Ragsdale reside at 131 Elizabeth street.

Charles E. Crisler, a progressive and enterprising citizen of Moberly, who has been identified with this city for the past 15 years, conducts a grocery store at the corner of Barrow and Porter streets, where he enjoys a profitable business. Mr. Chrisler is a native of Kentucky, born in Boone County, June 17, 1872. He is a son of Thomas and Matilda (Helm) Chrisler, both of whom were natives of Kentucky and are now deceased. The mother died in 1878 and the father survived her for a number of years, living to the advanced age of 91 years. They were the parents of the following children: Fannie, married William Rice and they reside at Burlington, Ky. ; Eliza Wingate, deceased ; Lewis, a veterinary surgeon of