Randolph County, Missouri - Biographical sketches, 1920 (part 8 of 18)

When the United States entered the World War Stanley McKinney enlisted in November, 1917 and was sent to the Great Lakes Training Station, near Chicago and remained in the service about a year. He was just ready to be assigned to sea duty when trouble developed in his left arm and he was pronounced unfit to go and has not yet entirely recovered. He was discharged and returned home and with his brother Temple, is operating the home farm now that their father has retired from the active management of the place.

Mr. McKinney is a man of high standing in his community. He has been a Democrat since he cast his first vote. He can tell many interesting occurrences and experiences of the early days in Missouri and now in his sunset years is enjoying the farm which he and his wife built up and improved.

George R. Rennolds, president of the Higbee Savings Bank of Higbee, Mo., is a native of Randolph County and has been prominently identified with the development of this section of the state for many years. He was bom two and a half miles southeast of Higbee, Dec. 23, 1850, the son of John C. and Deliah Ann (Quisenberry) Rennolds.

John C. Rennolds was a native of Albermarle County, Va., born Dec. 9, 180-5. His parents were bom seven miles from Dublin, Ireland, where they spent their early youth and while still young came, to the United States. George Rennold's paternal great grandfather, Thomas Rennolds, was a man of fine education and served as Lord Mayor of Dublin, and took an active part in the political life of his day. Deliah Ann Quisenberry was bom near Winchester, Clark County, Ky., Dec. 19, 1813, and died in Missouri, Dec. 7, 1875. Mrs. Rennolds was reared and educated in her native state. Her father was born in Cologne, Germany. He was a hat manufacturer, and came to the United States, locating in Clark County, Ky., where he continued to work at his trade, also managing a farm until his death.

John C. Rennolds was reared and educated in Virginia, where he early learned farm business in which he was engaged until 1826, when he came to Missouri and settled in Boone County. He took up land which he cleared and was engaged in farming there until 1832 when he went to Howard County, but two years later came to Randolph County, where he spent the rest of his days. He died March 26, 1875. He was engaged in raising fruit and tobacco after he came to this section of the state. He was one of the well-to-do and prominent men here for many years. To John C. Rennolds and wife were born the following children: James T., deceased; Elizabeth, married Jacksop Brink, deceased; Jackson Q., deceased; Martha, who married John C. Moore, deceased; William, deceased; Sarah F., the wife of N. Noland, deceased; Mary B., the wife of J. B. Andrews, deceased; Henry G., deceased; Deliah A., the widow of John B. Calhoun, resides in Texas; John M., of Fayette, Mo.; George R., the subject of this sketch; Cassie D., who married B. Pyle, was killed in 1878 by a tornado, and Catherine F., deceased.

George Rennolds was reared on his father's farm and attended the subscription schools, where he laid the foundation of a good practical education to which he has continued to add all his life by a wide range of reading. When only 13 years old he began to earn money for himself, dropping corn for 25 cents a day; corn planters were unknown in his youth. As soon as he was old enough and his strength permitted, Mr. Rennolds began to operate a farm for himself. He kept bachelor's hall, did his own cooking, washing and sewing, as well as the necessary farm work, but on account of ill health, he left the farm in 1876 and took a trip to Texas. Upon his return in 1877, Mr. Rennolds came to Higbee and ' with his brother, John M., he built the first house in Higbee before the town site was platted and from that time to the present has been the leading financial and business figure of the town. Soon after locating here, Mr. Rennolds engaged in the mercantile business, but he already saw that the rich farming land of this section was to become still more valuable and bought a farm, the nucleus of his later properties. In 1878 he began his broader financial career with the organization of what was called the Rennolds-Moss Railroad Tie Company. They had offices and two stores, one in Higbee and the other at McMullin, Mo. They soon began to take contracts, not only for furnishing ties for the railroads, but the actual construction of the roads for some of the new lines. The company contracted for furnishing all the ties, and also posts to fence the right of way of the Chicago & Alton Railroad from Louisiana to Kansas City, which was one of their most successful pieces of work. T. J. Moss was president of the concern and George Rennolds, vice-president, and J. M. Rennolds, secretary and treasurer. As their business grew, the tie company had contracts for the construction of 'several new lines of road running into Kansas City and also south to Dennison, Tex., on what is now known as the Missouri, Kansas and Texas Railroad. As the scope of their operations broadened, T. J. Moss and Mr. Rennolds opened offices at Fayette, Higbee and St. Louis, to facilitate the handling of the varied lines in which they were engaged. Each year saw the business increasing to such an extent throughout Missouri, Arkansas and Kentucky, that the company began, to run steamboats on the Missouri River from St. Charles to De- Witt, and on the Mississippi River to Keokuk, la. In 1884, Mr. Rennolds disposed of his interest in the tie company and invested his money in land in Texas and Missouri. At one time he held 15,000 acres in ranching. He then sold practically all of his holdings in Texas and came to, Higbee and became an operator in live stock, buying and selling live stock, shipping many car loads to Texas. He continued to hold his land in Randolph County, which today aggregates 600 acres of some of the finest land in central Missouri.

In 1889, Mr. Rennolds became the prime factor in the organization of the Citizens Bank, of Higbee, was made president of the institution and has served in that capacity for more than 30 years. Mr. Rennolds has not confined his energies to one field of endeavor, but has been interested in varied fields of finance, as he is not only a banker, but a successful managing farmer, is director of the Bank of Moberly and holds stock in two trust companies of Kansas City. He is a Democrat and a member of the Christian church. He is a 82nd degree Mason and a Shriner, belonging to lodges of Renick and Moberly. He is a member of the Commandery Chapter and is a Knights Templar.

On Oct. 2, 1883, Mr. Rennolds was married to Miss Kizzie Elizabeth Dysart, of Randolph County, the daughter of Nicholas and Euphemia (Givens) Dysart, natives of Kentucky, who were early settlers of Howard County, Mo., settling there in 1818 and later removing to Randolph County where they were v^^ell known and prominent residents all their lives. Mr. Dysart was one of the early settlers and teachers of Howard County and in 1821 took the census, having to ride horseback to St. Louis to make the returns to the government. Mrs. Rennolds was the yon.r.gest of the nine children bom to her parents. She was reared and educated in Missouri. She died Oct. 6, 1918. Mr. and Mrs. Rennolds had one child, Bennie L., the wife of Chester Odell, and they now live with Mr. Rennolds. Mrs. Odell is a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution.

was born in Coopersburg, Pa., Oct. 28, 1867 and is a son of Edwin and Amanda E. (Cooper) Burkhalter and the oldest of three sons born to them. The other two are: Irvin J., residing at Wellsville, Mo., and Harry E., also of that town. The Burkhalter family left Pennsylvania in 1875, came west and located in St. Louis, but a year later settled near Wellsville, where the father engaged in farming. He spent his life there, becoming one of the prosperous farmers of that section. He died in 1915, aged 67 years. Mrs. Burkhalter is also a native of Pennsylvania and now resides at Wellsville, Mo., aged 71.

Dr. Burkhalter came to Missouri with his parents ana spent his youth on his father's farm, attending the district school in the winter time and helping on the home place in the summer until his 19th year. After obtaining a good preparatory education, he entered Washington University at St. Louis, Mo., in 1892 and was graduated in 1895 with the degree of Doctor of Medicine. Dr. Burkhalter soon engaged in practice at Vandalia, Mo., where he remained three years and then located at Higbee, where he has been engaged in practice for a quarter of a century.

In 1895, Dr. Burkhalter was married to Miss Florence Stewart, of Wellsville, Mo., and to this union five children have been born: Frances, the wife of C. Warren, of Higbee; Toinette, who married C. C. Smith, a physician and now resides at home; Lucille, Evelyn Mae and Charlotte, all residing at home.

Dr. Burkhalter is a Republican and though he takes an active part in politics, has never had time to hold public office. With his family, he is a member of the Methodist Church, South, and' his fraternal affiliations are with the Knights of Pythias, the Modern Woodmen of America and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.

Mark Mui-phy. a well known retired merchant of Higbee, Mo., was for many years numbered among the substantial business men of Higbee and has been essentially the architect of his own' fortune. When he entered upon his career, he Was possessed of little save inherent ability and a determination to succeed and they have been sufficient, through their development to enable him to become a well-to-do merchant.

Mr. Murphy 'is a native of Ireland and was born Feb. 29, 1840. He is a son of Michael and Honora (CHne) Murphyr being the sixth of their ten children. The father was a farmer in his native land and spent his life in County Mayo, Ireland, while the mother came to America in 1854 to join her children. She died in Macoupin County, 111., in 1889. In

1849, Mark Murphy left Ireland for Manchester, England, where he started to learn the watchmaker's trade and in 1851 came to the United States, locating first in New York City, where he worked at the jewelry business. Subsequently he went to Canada as he had a sisi^r there. After remaining some time in Canada, they all came to the States and Mr. Murphy engaged in farming in Illinois. Later he gave that up and secured a position with the Chicago & Alton Railroad as station agent and telegraph operator. He was advanced from one position to another for som-e years. He then engaged in business for himself as a grain merchant at Girard, 111. From this start, he branched out, added a partner and purchased a stock of general merchandise, assisting m tne rnanagem.ent of the store until 1879, when he went to Kansas City, Mo. At this time Mr. Murphy accepted a position in the freight office of the Chicago & Alton Railroad but a year later was assigned to Higbee as station agent of that railroad and for 11 years served in that capacity when he resigned his position to engage in merchandising. At first he opened a jewelry store, later added many lines and organized the business into a general department store which in turn developed into a business of which the hardware department was the principal feature. For nearly 30 years Mr. Murphy was the leading merchant of Higbee ; he won and retained a place of high standing in the commercial life of this section of the state, by his integrity, soilnd business methods and his ability to make friends. In 1919, he retired from the active management of his business which he turned over to his grandson, Mark C. Murphy and now is enjoying a well earned respite from business cares. Mr. Murphy is a Democrat and served as mayor and alderman of Higbee. His fraternal affiliations are with the Masonic Lodge.

In 1861, Mark Murphy was married to Miss Martha Renfro, of Lincoln County, Ky., who died in 1910, leaving two children: Martha L., now living with the father and Mark F. of Calloway, Mo.

Mr. Murphy has seen great changes in this country; he broke the virgin prairie soil in Illinois with an ox team ; he passed through Chicago when that great metropolis had but two railroads and for a switch engine, a black stallion was used to shift cars. It has been his fortune to attain many of his ideals and ambitions and to so have directed his affairs in life that he has won success without the aid of outside influences.

George Winn was a farmer in Howard County ail of his life and died in January, 1902. He was prominent in his community, serving as judge of the county court 12 years. At one "time he owned 800 acres of the finest land in the county. He was a Democrat. His father served in the Union army during the Civil War. Frances (Hitt) Winn was born in Culpeper County, Va. She is now living at Fayette, Mo., at the advanced age of 84 years.

Dr. Winn was reared on his father's farm and attended the public school for his elementary education and entered the University of Missouri in 1892. Two years later he entered the Missouri Medical College at St. Louis, Mo., graduating with the degree of Doctor of Medicine in 1895. Within a short period, he located at Yates, Randolph County, remaining there until 1913, when he came to Higbee where he has since been engaged in practice, excepting the time he served in the army.

When the United States entered the World War, he responded to the president's call for volunteers in the medical department and enlisted Aug. 12, 1918, was commissioned Oct. 9, 1918 and assigned to duty at Camp Arthur, Tex., April 2nd. He was transferred to San Antonio, Texas and spent six months and six days on the border. With headquarters at Sierra Blanca, Dr. Winn»had charge of that post and one camp at Hester's ranch. Dr. Winn, soon after the cessation of hostilities, was discharged from the service and returned to Higbee, where he has since been devoting his time to professional duties.

On Oct. 15, 1919, Dr. Winn was married to Miss Ida M. Cubbage of Randolph County. She is a daughter of Harvey and Mary (Duncan) Cubbage, natives of Kentucky, who were early settlers of Randolph County. One child has been born to Dr. and Mrs. Winn, George Warren.

While in college, Dr. Winn also studied pharmacy and his state license is dated April 2, 1895. From May, 1895, to April, 1913, he owned and managed a drug store in Yates when he purchased the Dr. Broen drug store in Higbee which he conducted along with his practice until he entered the government service.

Dr. Winn is a Democrat and a member of the Baptist church. He holds membership in the Masonic Lodge and Independent Order of Odd Fellows Lodge. He is one of the progressive men of this section and is a stockholder in the Yates Savings Bank.

Ross A. Mitchell, M. D,, a well known and successful physician of Moberly, Mo., is a native of Sangamon County, 111., born Dec. 1, 1881. He is a son of George and Belle (Meacham) Mitchell, natives of Ohio and Illinois, respectively. George Mitchell was a farmer in Illinois and is now living retired and he and his wife reside at Moberly, Mo.

Dr. Mitchell received his early education in the public schools of Illinois. When 13 years old he came to Missouri and graduated Horn tne Centralia High School. After completing his preparatory studies, he entered the University Medical School, Kansas City, graduating in 1906 with the degree of Doctor of Medicine. The same year. Doctor Mitchell established himself for practice at Clark, Randolph County, where he built up a good practice, during the four years he remained. He then accepted a position as physician for the coal and coke company of Uniontown, Pa., an association which continued until 1914. With an idea of specializing in certain branches, he resigned his position to come to St. Louis to take special post graduate courses in the medical department of Washington University, remaining there a year. In 1915, Dr. Mitchell came to Moberly, opened offices in the Priesmeyer Building, where he now enjoys a lucrative and growing practice of general character, though he specializes in diseases of children, a branch in which he has met with particularly gratifying success. He has given much special study and thought to this department of his profession and has met with uniform success.

Dr. Mitchell is a Democrat and is a member of the Masonic Lodge and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. Gifted with a love for his chosen profession, quick of intuition and generous and sympathetic in his work, he has won the esteem of the residents of this section by his courteous manner and genial nature as well as acknowledged ability.

John W. Alexander, for many years recognized as one of the progressive and prosperous farmers and stock raisers of Randolph County, is now living retired in Moberly, enjoying the fortunes woil by industry during life's early years. He is a native son of Randolph County, born in Silver Creek township, March 22, 1849, the son of John Alexander who was born in Kentucky, where he was reared and educated. After attaining manhood, he decided to come West and became one of the pioneer settlers of Randolph County, taking up government land here; he became one of the well known and prominent agriculturists of this section.

John W. Alexander was reared on his father's farm and attended the district school near his home. He engaged in farming early in life and at his father's death, he inherited 80 acres of the home farm. He purchased more land from time to time until he became the owner of nearly 400 acres of some of the best land in the county. He was engaged in farming and stock raising for many years and introduced many modem methods of agriculture and animal husbandry that proved of benefit, both to himself and his neighbors. Mr. Alexander worked hard, many times beyond his strength and in 1914, he retired on account of poor health and came to Moberly and now lives at 5011/4 W. Reed street.

On May 3, 1904, Mr. Alexander was married to Miss Ledru M. Allen, who was born at Roanoke, Mo., Feb. 7, 1889. She is a daughter of Reuze G. and Logan (Boatman) Allen, both natives of Chariton County, Mo. and now living in Moberly. One child has been born to Mr. and Mrs. Alexander, John W., who is at home with his parents. The Alexander family are members of the Baptist church and Mr. Alexander is a Democrat.

Orville Meals, proprietor of Lone Oak Farm, four miles east of Moberly in Sugar Creek township, is known throughout this section of the state as one of the most successful breeders of Aberdeen Angus cattle and a well-to-do farmer, who is making a marked success. Orville belongs to one of the pioneer families of Randolph County and the land which they first entered from the government still remains in the family,

Orville Meals was born on the farm where he now resides, Aug. 30, 1878, the son of J. T. and Martha (Dunn) Meals and for more than 40 years has been a resident of this section. His father was bom, reared and passed his days on the same homestead. He died in 1914, aged 63 years, and was laid to rest in the Meals family burying ground on the farm. The mother resides with her son, Orville, who is the only child of his parents.

Orville Meals was reared on the farm and received his education in district school No. 52, where he laid the foundation for a good practical education to which he has ever since added by the careful study of his business problems, the study of national questions of the day and wide reading. He has always followed farming and stock raising and is the proprietor of 320 acres of fine land, 100 acres of which is in blue grass pasture and he has one of the finest stock farms not only in Sugar Creek but in Randolph County. His present residence, built in 1916, is modern in every manner; he has a Delco light system for the house and adjoining buildings, furnace heat and from his 310 foot well he pumps water with a wind mill which runs by gravity to all parts of the farm yard and also supplies the house with a running water system. He has a silo of hollow tile for winter forage for his cattle and good bams for the stock. White Oak branch runs through the farm which supplies the pasture with an unfailing supply of water in the pasture.

It is interesting to learn that his land was entered by Preston Meals, Orville's graYidfather, who came from Howard County and a part of his old home is still standing on the farm. John Moberly rebuilt this first house and made a good modern residence of it but at present it is unoccupied. The old family cemetery of the family contains nearly 100 graves.

Orville Meals was married on March 18, 1902, to Miss Pearl Parrish, the daughter of Ezekiel and Nancy (Owens) Parrish, of Moberly and one child has been born to them^, Thomas Chester, aged 11.

Mr. Meals is a member of the Randolph County Aberdeen Angus Association and also of the State Association and the National Association and Lone Oak Farm is noted for its fine cattle. Mr. Meals has 19 registered Aberdeen Angus cows which he bought in 1917 and six calves and a famous bull, "Black Mark the Fifth," bred by Ursher & Ryan, heads the herd, being regarded as the best bred bull in this section of the country.

David S. Hare, who conducts a popular cafe and confectionery store at Higbee, Mo., is a native of Springfield, 111. He was born Sept. 8, 1874 and is a son of Henry and Jeanett (Smith) Hare and is the second in order of birth of nine children born to them, six of whom are now living.

Henry Hare was born at Qutic, England, Aug. 29, 1851. He was reared in his native land and when 17 years old, came to America and first settled in Illinois. He was a coal miner and worked at his trade in Illinois for a time and in 1884 came to Missouri and settled at Elliott, where he worked as a ,coal miner and in 1886 he came to Higbee and was engaged in farming in that vicinity until his death, Dec. 21, 1911. He took a prominent part in local affairs and served as police judge of Higbee for four years and was also a member of the city council. He promoted a number of public enterprises while an official in Higbee and was instrumental in having the public "well" dug in Higbee and was also one of the promoters of building the city hall there. He was a Republican and a charter member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows Lodge at Hig-

David S. Hare was about ten years of age when his parents came to Missouri and he attended the public schools of Higbee, and at the early age of 11 years began working in the coal mines of that district and followed that industry until 1911 when he engaged in his present business at Higbee and has met with success. He conducts a modem up-to-date place and has built up a good trade.

Mr. Hare was married Feb. 27, 1901 to Miss Mary Lena Roberts of Prairie township, Randolph County. She is a native of Missouri and a daughter of Alex, and Mary (Newton) Roberts. To Mr. and Mrs. Hare have been bom four children as follows: Thelma, married Forrest Lee, of Moberly, Mo. ; Ermon, Jeanett and Earmson.

Mr. Hare is a Republican and a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and is recognized as one of Higbee's substantial and enterprising business men.

Willard Owen, a well known and successful farmer and stockman of Moniteau township, who is also a breeder of Shorthorn cattle, is a native of Randolph County. He was born in Prairie township, Jan. 22, 1865 and is a son of Joel T. and Amanda (Ragsdale) Owen. They were the parents of seven children, of whom Willard Owen, the subject of this sketch is the oldest.

Joel T. Owen was bom in Moniteau township, Dec. 30, 1839 and was a farmer all of his life and is now living retired with his son, Willard Owen. He was a son of John and Sallie (Higbee) Owen, both natives of Kentucky and among the very earliest settlers of Randolph County. They were the parents of six children, of whom Joel T. was the fifth in order of birth. W. E. Owen, a brother of Joel T., crossed the plains during the gold excitement in California and now lives in Linn County, Mo.

Amanda (Ragsdale) Owen, mother of Willard Owen, was born in Prairie township, Randolph County, in September, 1839; she died Nov. 11, 1919. She was a daughter of Charles and Cassie (Crystler) Ragsdale, natives of Kentucky and among the very first settlers of Randolph County. Charles Ragsdale crossed the plains in 1850, and after remaining in California a short time retumed to Missouri and here spent the remainder of his life.

he was weighmaster for the Osage Mining Company, Elliott, Mo., and for 26 years was in the employ of that company. In 1907 he bought 126 acres of land in Moniteau township and since that time has been successfully engaged in farming and stock raising. In 1917, he began breeding Shorthorn cattle and now has a valuable herd. He is a careful farmer and is meeting with success.

Nov. 26, 1889, Mr. Owen was married to Miss Mary J. Magruder, a native of Howard County, Mo. She is a daughter of Thomas Magruder, who died when Mrs. Owen was a child. To Mr. and Mrs. Owen has beenborn one child, Georgia May, who married Pete Gruber of Higbee, Mo.

Mr. Owen is a Democrat and is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Knights of Pythias. He is a public spirited, enterprising and dependable citizen.

Clay A. Shumate, the local agent in Moberly for the Hudson-Essex automobiles and a dealer in all automobile accessories, in partnership with James Figgins, has had a varied and successful business career. Mr. Shumate is a native of Randolph County and Moberly, born Dec. 2, 1879, the son of Thomas and Eliza (Yaeger) Shumate, being the fourth of the eight children born to them. Both parents were natives of Portsmouth, Ohio, where they were reared and spent their youth. They came to Missouri with their parents and were married at Hale, Mo., where Thomas Shumate engaged in farming before coming to Moberly about the close of the Civil War. He became foreman for the Wabash Railroad and remained in the employ of the road until 1882, when he engaged in business for himself by establishing a dray and transfer company in Moberly, which he managed until about 10 years before his death when he retired. He died in 1919, aged 73 years. Mr. Shumate is survived by his widow who still resides in Moberly.

Clay Shumate was reared in Moberly, attended the public schools of the city and after finishing his schooling went to work for the Wabash Railroad when only 18 years old. He began in the freight department and worked up from trucking through the various departments to traffic manager. Later, Mr. Shumate was promoted to the position of traveling freight and passenger agent. In 1918 he resigned to take a contract with the Wabash Railroad to feed the livestock in transit. In 1919, he formed a partnership with James Figgins and opened a salesroom for the distribution of the Hudson and Essex cars, with a complete line of accessories.

Since first coming to Moberly, Mr. Shumate has taken an active part in the civic life of the town and is ever ready to support any and all measures for the development of the county and city. He is a director of the Chamber of Commerce and is a Republican and one of the substantial and progressive men of Moberly.

William P. Dessert, a well known harnessmaker and dealer, with a store at 219 North Clark street, Moberly, Mo., is one of the oldest merchants of the city and today is rated as one of the most prosperous of its citizens. He was bom at Mt; Sterling, 111., Jan. 17, 1855, the son of Joseph and Sophia (Rioth) Dessert, being the sixth of 11 children born to them. The father was born in Alsace-Lorraine, where he was reared and educated, and before coming to this country had learned the tailor's ti-ade. When only 16 years old he came to America, first locating in Ohio, but later he removed to Mt. Sterling, 111., where he passed the remainder of his days. Sophie Rioth was also born in the same provinces as her husband, 15 miles from his native town, but never knew or met him until after coming to the United States. She was about 10 years old when she accompanied her parents to this country.

William P. Dessert passed his boyhood and youth in Mt. Sterling, 111. and attended the public schools and when old enough served his apprenticeship as harnessmaker with his brother Frank, at Macon, Mo., where he remained for 25 years. During this time he had acquired capital and opened a harness shop of his own. At different times, Mr. Dessert had come to Moberly and being impressed with the good opening here for a harness business located here in 1897. From first locating here, Mr. Dessert met with success. He is a stockholder in the Bank of Moberly.

On Nov. 8, 1878, Mr. Dessert was married to Miss Ella Chisholm, a native of Canada, being descended from Scotch and Canadian stock. Nine children were born to this union: Joseph, at Fulton, Mo.; Katharine, at home ; Mark, at home, who enlisted during the World War and saw 18 months service in France as a member of the tank corps, taking part in all the important engagements in which the American army was engaged in which he was captain and since returning to private life he has become associated with his father in business in Moberly; Sophia, at home; Leo, of Los Angeles, Calif.; Daniel, deceased; William, also with his father, is a machinist by trade, who was working for the government at Washington, D. C, when war was declared and enlisted in the engineering division of the navy for service as long as hostilities continued; Marie, at home; and Celia, also at home.

Dr. William J. Miller, a well known and successful dentist of Moberly with offices in the Moberly Bank Building, is a native of Randolph County and was bom in Moniteau township, Jan. 28, 1883: He is a son of Agustus and Ann Mary (Christian) Miller, being sixth in order of birth in a family of nine children, as follows : Eugene, deceased ; John A., a farmer and stock raiser, of Moniteau township; Elizabeth, the wife of A. J. Hunker, who resides near Roanoke; Dorothy, who lives with Mrs. Hunker; Ella, the wife of R. B. Burkhart, of Huntsville; Gussie, the wife of R. R. Quinn, who is salesman for Paige automobiles and Delco lights at Moberly ; Frances, a teacher of domestic science at Palmyra, Mo. and Eva, the wife of H. A. Yeager of Palmyra.

Agustus Miller was born near Drakes Valley, Ohio, in 1849. He was reared there and after reaching n^aturity, became a farmer, but desiring to take advantage of the cheaper land in the west came to Missouri in 1874 and located in Randolph County, Moniteau township, where he became a well known breeder of Hereford cattle and also a prosperous general farmer, owning at the time of his death, in 1912, about 1,100 acres of valuable land. Mrs. Miller was born in Randolph County, about two miles south of the present site of Moberly.

Doctor Miller was reared on his father's farm and attended the high school, also the district school at Higbee, graduating from the high school with the class of 1901. In the fall of the same year, he entered the dental department of St. Louis University at St. Louis, Mo. and was graduated with the degree of Doctor of Dental Surgery in 1905. Within a short time. Dr. Miller returned to Randolph County and began the practice of his profession in Moberly. He has built up an extensive practice and is well known for his professional skill and ability.

On Oct. 28, 1906, Doctor Miller was married to Miss Vivia M. Danley, of Moberly, the daughter of W. D. and Anna (McSweeney) Danley, and two children have been born to them : Danley and William J., Jr., both at home.

John S. Sours, a well known merchant of Moberly was bom at St. Charles, Mo., June 22, 1866. He is a son of John and Catherine (McCabe) Sours, the former a native of Rochester, N. Y., and the latter of Brighton, Mich.

John Sours was a bridge builder who came to Moberly when the village was not yet platted to take a position with what is now known as the Wabash Railroad. He purchased some of the real estate of the townsite, which in time became very valuable property, though he maintained his position as superintendent of bridges with the railroad until he died in 1901 from injuries sustained from a fall from a bridge over the Grand River near Brunswick.

John S. Sours was the second of the 10 children born to his parents. He attended the school of Montgomery City, Mo. In 1882 he began as a clerk for Henry Roemer in his general wholesale and retail store, one of the early business houses of the town. On June 1, 1883, he accepted a position with the bridge and building department of the Wabash Railroad, as a carpenter. In 1887, he began firing a locomotive. In July, 1892, Mr. Sours was promoted to engineer and held one of the runs out of Moberly for two years. He resigned in the spring of 1894. On April 15, 1895, Mr. Sours bought one-half interest in the grocery business at 551 West Coates street with F. J. Smith. In 1896, Mr. Smith sold out his interest to L. W. Ficklin and the firm was conducted as Sours and Ficklin. In 1898, Mr. Sours took over the entire store and has since been sole owner, having been 25 years at this present location, on April 15, 1920.

On Nov. 2, 1897, Mr. Sours was married to Miss Nonie Reeves, a native of St. Charles, Mo. She is the daughter of Michael and Ellen (Hurley) Reeves, natives of Ireland.

Michael Reeves was employed in the repair department of the Wabash Railroad in Moberly, and in the early days he was a brakeman, serving in that capacity during the Civil War. He is now dead and his widow iresides in Moberly at 308 Taylor street. Four children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Sours: One child died in infancy; Mary "Vesta, Louise and Mildred are at home.

Mr. Sours is a Democrat and he is a member of the Catholic church, Knights of Columbus, National Union, Brotherhood of Locomotive Firemen and Engineers and Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.

William Egly, who for nearly half a century was engaged- in coal mining and for more than 15 years has been one of the recognized leading agriculturists of the Higbee district where he owns 255 acres of valuable land of Moniteau township, is a native of Pennsylvania. He was bom in Allegheny County, Pa., Dec. 14, 1849, and is a son of John N. and Katherine (Horn) Egly, being the sixth of their 11 children. The parents were both natives in southern Germany, but left their native land some 80 years ago and after coming to America met and were married at Pittsburgh, Pa., where John Egly was a coal miner. Later in life he bought a farm in Pennsylvania, near Armstrong, where he passed the remainder of his days.

William Egly was reared in Pennsylvania and attended the village schools until his tenth year when the family moved on a farm. He attended the district school there. As soon as he was old ehough, he began his career as a coal miner, a vocation which he followed 50 years. After working in the eastern coal fields for some years he came west to follow the same vocation in Kansas and Texas advancing from one position of importance to another. Mr. Egly was made foreman of a mine and later superintendent. He purchased his first farm near Sherman, Texas, farmed thei-e three years then entered his work again as miner at Pittsburgh, Kan., but left that state to return to Pennsylvania. Later he returned to Kansas remaining there until the spring of 1900 when he came to Howard County, Mo. and was interested in mining operations there some five years before buying his present farm in Randolph County. In the spring of 1906, Mr. Egley moved onto his place. He has made excellent and permanent improvements in the way of buildings and improving the fertility of the soil and has become recognized as one of the substantial farmers of this section.

On Aug. 12, 1876, Mr. Egly was married to Miss Mary Ann Smith who was born in Northumberland County, England, Nov. 13, 1857. She is a daughter of William and Hannah (Henderson) Smith, both natives of England who emigrated frorrt their native land in 1860 and 'settled near Pittsburgh, Pa., where the father was engaged in coal mining. In 1896 they came west, locating in Randolph County where Mr. Smith purchased a farm and passed the remainder of his days there. He died in April, 1906 at the age of 74 years. Seven children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Egly: John, an engineer at the coal mines at Higbee; George B., at home; Leonard N., also at home; Maud, deceased; Lillie M., the wife of S. C. Elwin, Haskell, Okla. ; Alice, who married J. R. Robertson of McKee, Pa.; and Charles H., at home. Mr. Egly is the grandfather of eight grandchildren.

Mr. Egly is a Democrat, having cast his first vote for Horace Greeley. With the other members of his family, Mr. Egly is a member of the Methodist church.

Joseph H. Wheeler, a well known and progressive farmer and stockman of Sugar Creek township was born in Muskingum County, Ohio, Sept. 17, 1853. He is a son of Jacob and Agnes (Walker) Wheeler. Jacob Wheeler was a native of Pennsylvania and followed farming and stock raising throughout his 'life. He died at the age of 74 years. His wife was born in Muskingum County, Ohio, and died at the age of 57 years. Her remains and those of her husband are buried in the Otsego cemetery. They were the parents of the following children: Margaret J., deceased; Mrs. Anna Eliza McCall, Concord, Ohio; Joseph H., the c^ubject of this sketch; John, deceased; Ardon, Oakland, 111.; George Dallas, Conlog, 111. ; Henson, Ashmore, 111. ; Mrs. Carcella Sublett, Oakland, 111. ; and Harrison, Oakland, lU.

Joseph H. Wheeler was educated in the public schools of Muskingum County, Ohio, and worked at farming in that vicinity until he was 19 years old. He then spent about a year in Washington and Alleghany counties, Pa., when he went west and was engaged in farming near Ottumwa, Wapello County, Iowa. After remaining there 18 years he came to Missouri and for three years lived in Caldwell County, Mo. He then returned to Ottumwa, Iowa and later went to Dudley, Iowa, where he remained six years. Up to 1892, Mr. Wheeler had farmed rented land and worked by the month. About this time he returned to Missouri and rented a farm in Monroe County, which he shortly afterwards bought. It contained 341 acres and after improving the place he. sold it in 1918. In the meantime he purchased his present place in Randolph County in 1905 and moved onto it in 1908, renting his Monroe County farm until he sold it.

Mr. Wheeler's home place is one of the well improved and valuable farms of Randolph County. The residence is a two-story, nine room structure, heated by hot air furnace and lighted by an acetylene plant and equipped with hot and cold running water. It is one of the best residences in Randolph County. The place is well supplied with pure water from a well 205 feet deep which Mr. Wheeler drilled in 1908. The water is pumped by a windmill and distributed to the feed lots and other points of convenience about the place. In 1909 Mr. Wheeler built a large bam 40x50 feet, which with the other buildings about the place is in good condition. Mr. Wheeler specializes in raising Holstein cattle and Poland China hogs.

Joseph H. Wheeler was married Feb. 26, 1884 to Miss Emma Moss. She is a daughter of Daniel V. and Maria (Stone) Moss, both of whom are now deceased. The father was a native of Indiana and died in Dallas County, Mo., at the age of 57 years. His v/ife was born in Louisville, Ky. and died in Iowa. Mrs. Wheeler has one brother, Edward Moss, who resides at Liberal, Mo. and a sister, Mrs. Luella Shew of Knox County, Missouri.

To Mr. and Mrs. Wheeler have been bom seven children: Clara Agnes, resides at home ; Nashio, married Charles Kite of Oakland, 111. ; Andy Hinson, Sugar Creek township; Bessie married William Ashmore, Oakland, 111.; Inez, at home; Lurilla died at the age of 11 years and 10 months; and Ivy Allen resides in Moberly.

Hiram Land, a successful farmer and stockman of Randolph County, was born in Moniteau township, Randolph County, Jan. 29, 1860. He is a son of Sterling and Margaret (Baker) Land and is the eldest of the 10 children born to them. Sterling Land is now living in Saline County, Mo., at the advanced age of 82 years. He was born in Kentucky, the son of William and Polly (Johnson) Land, both natives of that state, who came to Randolph County in 1839 and were among the pioneer settlers of this section of Missouri. They spent the remainder of their lives here. Margaret Baker was a native of Randolph County, born and reared here. She was a daughter of O. P. and Maria (Baxter) Baker, natives of Kentucky who came to Missouri in the early days and were pioneer settlers. Mrs. Land now resides in Saline County.

Hiram Land was reared on his father's farm and attended the district school. In 1900, he entered the employ of the Missouri, Kansas & Texas Railroad and worked in bridge and construction department where he remained 13 years, then moved to present farm. Before entering the employ of the railroad company, Mr. >Land bought 100 acres of land which he fanned 14 years. He sold that 100 acres and went to work for the M. K. & T. R. R. Co. He then bought his present farm of 150 acres just before resigning from the railroad company and has lived here seven years. He improved his place and for the past seven years has been successfully engaged in farming and stock raising in Moniteau township and today is rated as one of the most substantial men in Randolph County.

On June 23, 1887, Mr. Land was married to Miss Correnna Lesley, of Randolph County, the daughter of Joseph Lesley. He and his wife, who was a Miss Johnson before her marriage, were pioneer settlers of central Missouri at an early day and were recognized as prominent residents of Randolph County for many years. Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Land: Pearl, the wife of H. Angelberger of Cleveland, Ohio, and Riley, at home with his parents.

Medley Burton, one of the leading merchants of Higbee, Mo., since 1916, was for more than a quarter of a century one of the leading farmers and stockmen of Randolph County, and a well known member of an old pioneer family of this section. Mr. Burton was born on a farm a half a mile west of Higbee, Feb. 26, 1865, and is a son of Joseph W. and Sallie A. (Pyles) Burton who were the parents of 11 children: Laura, the wife of W. W. Settles, of Muskogee, Okla. ; T. G., farming the home place in Moniteau township, Randolph County; Bird, deceased; Binda, the wife of J. B. Tymony, deceased ; Hence, a miner of Higbee ; Dick, who resides at Mystic, Ky. ; Wood, deceased; Gavella, the wife of J. M. Crew, of Muskogee, Okla.; Anna, who married G. L. Williams, of St. Louis, one child, who died in infancy and Medley.

Joseph W. Burton was bom near Louisville, Ky., June 1, 1816. He was reared in his native state until four years old, when he was brought by his parents to Missouri who settled in Randolph County, locating near Higbee. After attaining his maturity and finishing his education, Mr. Burton began farming, a vocation which he followed all his life. He died in January, 1915. He was prominent in this section and was the owner of 350 acres of land. His wife was a native of Higbee who spent her life in this vicinity.

Medley Burton was reared on the home farm near Higbee and attended the public schools. In early life he engaged in farming which he followed for 30 years, becoming well and favorably known in his native township where he was ever ready to support all laudable purposes for the development and improvement of the county and town. Mr. Burton accepted a position with the Walton Coal Company and was thus engaged for 20 years. In 1916, he purchased the general merchandise stock of S. E. Marrs, in Higbee, where he has since been engaged in business which he has since successfully conducted.

Dawkins, natives of Randolph County where the father was engaged in farming. Four children have been born to this union. Walton, who is in partnership with his father; Joseph, who is interested in coal mining in Higbee; Georgia, the wife of George Walton of Higbee, and Ruby, resides at home.

Mr. Burton is a Democrat and he and his wife are members of the Christian church. He is a member of the Masonic Lodge No. 527, of Higbee, Mo.

William D. Edwards, one of the well known and prominent farmers and stock raisers of Randolph County, who owns a farm of some 200 acres in Moniteau township, is a native of Wisconsin. He was born in Racine, Wis., March 20, 1860, the son of Edwin and Julia (Gleeson) Edwards who had six children, four of whom grew to maturity as follows: Richard, Mexico, Mo. ; Edwin Moberly, Mo. ; William D., of this review, and Douglas who resides at Pearl, 111.

Edwin Edwards was born in the county of Essex, England, in 1830. He was reared in his native land and received his education there, but as he was ambitious to get ahead in the world and when only 20 years set sail for the United States. On first reaching this country he settled in New York, working as a farm laborer until he became accustomed to the ways of his now adopted country. Mr. Edwards married in the East and soon afterwards removed to- Wisconsin where he engaged in farming until 1868 when he came to Howard County, Mo. He was a Democrat. Mr. Edwards died in 1914. Julia Gleeson was born in Ireland in 1830 and came to the United States with her parents when eight years old. She died in 1899.

William D. Edwards was reared on his father's farm and attended the district schools of Howard County. While yet a boy, he assumed many of the duties around the home place and at an early age was a good practical farmer, able to carry on farming operations on the place owned by his father. In 1897, he came to Randolph County, purchasing his present farm in Moniteau township, where he has made many improvements and brought his land to a high state of fertility. Mr. Edwards early began raising high grade stock and has met with success in this field of endeavor, as well as in general farming. He is one of the substantial men of the community and .is a stockholder of the Citizens Bank of Higbee and of the Yates Bank.

a daughter of John and Scilvitha (Hand) Cline, both natives of Indiana and early settlers of Howard County, Mo. To Mr. and Mrs. Edwards eight children have been born: Dr. Edwin Edwards, the eldest, is a physician and surgeon of St. Louis, Mo. He enlisted in the medical corps during the World War and was assigned to duty at Camp Pike, Ark., where he served for a period and later was transferred to Palo Alto, Calif., to a hospital controlled by the government. He was married to. Nevada Wilson of Pike County, Mo. and they have two children, Hazel and June. The other children born to William D. Edwards and wife are: Charles, United States postal clerk, running out of Kansas City; Willard, a farmer of Howard County ; Terry, lives in Moberly ; Julia is the wife of Dv. Williams of Fayette, Mo.; Omar, at home; Rolla, deceased, and Virginia, also at home.

The Edwards family are members of the Christian church. Mr. Edwards is a Democrat. The family are well known in this section where they have many friends.

Dr. George M. Nichols is a well known and successful physician and surgeon of Randolph County, who for more than a quarter of a century has been engaged in the practice of his profession at Higbee, Mo. He was bom in Boone County, Mo., Aug. 25, 1860 and is a son of E. J. and Polly Ann (Hawkins) Nichols to whom were born the following children: William, deceased; John J. of Winchester, Kan.; George; E. E., of Leavenworth, Kan. ; Overton, F., lumberman of Hallsville, Mo. ; Nannie, the wife of W. H. Naylor, deceased; Rosa Ann, the wife of Samuel Morris, deceased ; and Dr. Robert L., deceased, was a physician of Higbee.

E. J. Nichols was born in Madison County, Ky-, April 29, 1825 and died in 1894. He came to Boone County at an early day and became a farmer and trader here. He was a son of William and Mary (Roundtree) Nichols, also natives of Kentucky and pioneer settlers of this state. They came to Missouri in a covered wagon drawn by oxen. Leaving Baron County, Ky., they made the trip overland to Boone County, where they took up government land and became well known farmers of that section. Polly Ann Hawkins, mother of Dr. Nichols, was born in Boone County, Mo., Dec. 8, 1828 and died in 1897. She was a daughter of James and Sallie (Thomison) Hawkins, natives of Virginia, who came west and were among the first settlers of Missouri, locating in this state in 1824, when Missouri was still considered the frontier.

Dr. Nichols was reared on his father's farm, attended the district schools and later entered the State University. Finishing a four year college course in 1884, he entered the College of Physicians and Surgeons at Keokuk, la., where he was graduated with the degree of Doctor of Medicine in 1886. Dr. Nichols soon opened an office at" Sebree, Howard County, but three years later moved to Meyers where he remained in professional work until 1893, when he came to Higbee, becoming a partner with his brother, Dr. Robert Nichols, who died a few months later and Dr. George M. Nichols continued to practice in Higbee to the present time and has met with success. In 1891, he took a post graduate course in Rush Medical College at Chicago.

Dr. Nichols is a Democrat and for more than 20 years has taken an active part in the civic life of Higbee and Randolph County. He was elected mayor of Higbee, serving in that capacity for more tha^n two terms and many of the municipal improvements were inaugurated by him. At the present time, he is local health officer, is president of the Randolph County Medical Society, is a member of the Missouri State Medical Association, the American Medical Association. He served as second vicepresident of the State Medical Association for some time. He and his wife are members of the Baptist church.

On Dec. 24, 1883, Dr. Nichols was married to Miss Sallie Naylor, who was bom at Sturgeon, Boone County, Mo., Sept. 19, 1863 and to this union two children were bom: Madine, the wife of Dr. C. A. Johnson, of Kiowa, Okla., and Irene a teacher in the high school at Muskogee, Okla. The mother of these children died and Dr. Nichols married Miss Ida Mc- Bain on April 2, 1892. She was a native of Boone County, born in 1862 and died in 1898, leaving two children, Evelyn, the wife of Paul Nunnilly,. of Ardmore, Okla. and Pauline, the wife of John Minor, now deceased. In 1900, Dr. Nichols married a Miss Freta Avery, a native of Howard County,, who was bom in 1871 and died in 1909, leaving two children, William M., of Utica, Neb., a sugar beet raiser and Freta, a teacher at Great Bend, Kan. In 1904, Dr. Nichols married Mrs. Mamie Rucker Thompson, the widow of Dr. Thompson. Dr. Nichols has four grandchildren in whom he takes pardonable pride.

Judge Z. T. Chilton, now living retired at Renick, Mo., has had an unusually successful career as a farmer and stockman in Randolph County and is now the owner of 840 acres of valuable land in Pi-airie township besides considerable town and city property, and he is also a stockholder

Judge Chilton is a native of Randolph County, born in Prairie township, Feb. 2, 1847. He is a son of John and Rachael (Jackson) Chilton. John Chilton was bom in Virginia in 1809 and died in Randolph County in August, 1864. He was a son of James and Margaret (Jenkins) Chilton, both also natives of Virginia. John Chilton's wife, Rachael Jackson was born near Hartford, Ky. in 1814 and died Jan. 5, 1913. She was the daughter of Christopher and Katherine (Rhodes) Jackson, both born in 1768. They were married in 1790 and came to Pike County, Mo. in 1823 where Katherine (Rhodes) Chilton died in 1857. Rachael (Jackson) Chilton was a cousin of President Andrew Jackson and General Stonewall Jackson and a niece of United States Senator George Jackson who was elected to the Senate in 1798.

James Chilton, grandfather of Judge Z. T. Chilton, was a descendant of an old and aristocratic Virginia family who traced their ancestors back to Sir Charles Chilton who came to Briton with William, the Conqueror. The town of Chilton is the original home of the family in Briton. Members of this family have been conspicuous in the English history for centuries. Margaret Jenkins, wife of James Chilton also came from a distinguished old Virginia family from Loudoun County and members of which settled in Pike County, Mo., about 1828.

John Chilton and his wife came from -Pike County, Mo. to Randolph County in 1834 where he entered over 1,000 acres of land and what is now known as Prairie township when this section of the state was sparsely settled. He was an extensive farmer, ovsmed q. number of slaves and raised tobacco and fine stock. He frequently drove his stock to market at New Orleans. He took great pride in the high class livestock which he raised and won a number of prizes at exhibition of his stock.

To John and Rachael (Jackson) Chilton were born 12 children as follow: James Thomas, bom 1833, married Harriet McQuitty and they had one child; William C, bom in 1835, was a farmer and stockman, married Julia Dent Grant and they had four children; Fannie, married Crosswhite; Mollie married John Gaugh and John T. maried Elsie Flemming ; Margaret E., bom April 5, 1837, married Dr. John McGee, Feb. 27, 1855 and had three children, Dr. Wesley, Dr. Charles and Dr. William Kent McGee; Dazarene bom Oct. 19, 1838, died Jan. 11, 1866, married Joseph Dulaney and had three children, Annie, George H., and John ; John H., bom April

24, 1840 and died Aug. 7, 1842; lone, bom June 20, 1841 and married George B. Ownby, Sept. 1, 1864, and three children were born to this union, John, Nettie and George W. who married Ethie Ragsdale; Christopher J., born March 23, 1843, married Martha E. Owenby and they had two children: Dr. James C., of Hannibal, Mo., and Mary, who married Joseph Harlan, of Texas; Judge Z. T. Chilton of this review; George W., bom April 24, 1848, married Elizabeth F. Swenney and they had eight children: lone married George Brown of Quincy, 111.; Mamie mamied Thomas Arnold of Centralia, Mo. and Pearl married a Mr. Stewart, and James F. ; Catherine A., born July 28, 1852, died May 4, 1871 ; Fannie, bom Feb. 7, 1856 and died Nov. 11, 1859; Dr. R. Green Chilton, born in 1858, married Jane Thornton of Arkansas in 1874 and they have three children, Annice, Edward and Charles who reside in the state of Washington. John Chilton and wife, the parents of the above mentioned family are buried in the private cemetery on the old Chilton homestead which has been in the family for 78 years.

Judge Z. T. Chilton was reared on his father's farm in Prairie township and received a good education, having attended the Renick and Sweet Springs public schools. In early life he taught school about five years and was one of the proficient spellers of the country. He recalled with interest many of the early day pastimes, including the old fashioned spelling bees. Mr. Chilton engaged in farming and stock raising in early life and met with success. He retired in 1908 and since that time he has resided in Renick. He has invaded other fields of investment and enterprise aside from purely agricultural pursuits in which he has been equally successful in a financial way. He was one of the charter members at the organization of the Farmers Bank of Renick and served as a director. He is also interested in banking in Kansas City and the owner of a great deal of town residence property as well as a part of the old Chilton homestead. He is a Democrat and has always taken a good citizens interest in political matters. He served as county judge of Randolph County for eight years, having first been elected in that office in 1902 and was one of the best County officers that Randolph County ever had. He is a member of the Masonic Lodge.

Judge Chilton was married Dec. 1, 1870 to Miss Eliza Gonser, a native of Columbus, Ohio, bom in 1844, and one son was bom to this union, Ernest L. Chilton, who was born Sept. 13, 1871. He is a prosperous farmer and stockman of Prairie township, a member of the Christian church and holds membership in the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Ernest L. Chilton was married Oct. 24, 1894 to Irene M. Smith of Clark County, Mo. She is a member of the Presbyterian church and the Daughters of the American Revolution. To Ernest L. Chilton and wife have been born three children: Russel Lee, born Aug. 18, 1895; attended high school and the South M. E. College of Stuttgart, Ark. and is now a farmer and stock man; Bemice L., a graduate of the ^irksville Normal School and Pauline, a high school student.

George D. Halliburton, one of the successful farmers and breeders of Randolph County, who is the owner of 455 acres of land in Cairo township, some of which extends over into Salt River township, is a native of Randolph County. He was born in Salt River township Sept. 17, 1860 and is the son of Thomas W. and Martha E. (Rodgers) Halliburton, both natives of Nashville, Tenn. The father followed farming in his native state in early life and came to Missouri shortly before the Civil War and settled in Salt River township. Here he bought 240 acres of land which was mostly timbered land. He cleared away the timber and improved his place and followed general farming and stock raising until his- death, June 8, 1893. His wife also died on this place and their remains are buified in the Union church cemetery.

Thomas W. and Martha E. (Rodgers) Halliburton were the parents of 11 children as follows: John A. deceased; Edward R., Cairo township; (leorge D., the subject of this sketch; Ophelia, married G. W. Creed, of Salt River township; Cynthia, married Fay Ridgeway, who is now deceased; Dr. James M., a practicing physician at Atlanta, Macon County, Mo.; Samuel M., Cairo township; Sarah E., married H. G.. Brock of Monroe County; William E., deceased; Callie, Huntsville, Mo.; and one child who died in infancy.

George D. Halliburton was reared on the home farm in Salt River township and attended the district school. He remained at home until he was 20 years old, when he went to work in a sawmill. About a year later began working as a farm laborer and was thus employed for two years. He then went to Monroe County and on Feb. 15, 1886 he returned to Randolph County and rented a part of the place which he .low owns. Ta',-0 years later, or in 1888, he bought 160 acres and in 1890, he bought another tract of 1071^ acres. He has added to his acreage from time to time until he is now the owner of 455 acres of valuable and well improved land, which is one of the fine appearing farms of Randolph County. The farni residence is a modern nine room structure, equipped with the Delco electric lighting system and the other buildings about the farm are spacious, conveniently arranged and well kept. There are three large barns, 60x80 feet, 34x60 feet and 82x42 feet, and all of the conveniences usually found on a modern farm such as scales, implement buildings and etc., are in evidence on Mr. Halliburton's place. He has installed a complete water system, the water being pumped from a well 420 feet deep and distributed to various places required. In addition to Mr. Halliburton's extensive farming operations, he is a successful stock breeder. He has a valuable herd of Aberdeen Angus cattle, headed by a registered male which he purchased from the herd of Brand & Moore of Memphis, Mo. Mr. Halliburton was formerly engaged in breeding Shorthorn and Hereford cattle. He is also a successful breeder of Poland China hogs. He is also quite extensively engaged in buying and selling mules and has done an extensive business in that line.

Mr. Halliburton has been twice married. On Jan. 24, 1884 to Miss Eliza Jane Bennett, who died June 8, 1892. To that union the following children were bom: Orley, a sketch of whom appears in this volume; one child died in infancy; Opal, deceased; and Guy, a farmer of Cairo township.

Mr. Halliburton was married the second time on April 17, 1895 to Miss Alma Hutchinson, a daughter of J. N. and Sallie (Whitfield) Hutchinson and the following children were born to that union: Gladys and George D., Jr., both at home with their parents.

Mr. Halliburton is a member of the Masonic Lodge ; he is a Democrat and a member of the Baptist church. He takes a keen interest in the various enterprises and movements which tend to upbuild and better the community. He is president of the Randolph County Mutual Fire Insurance Company and has contributed much to the success of this well known and important local institution.

William R. Davis, a prosperous merchant of Eenick, Randolph County, is a native son of Missouri, born in Howard County, Sept. 23, 1877, the son of R. D. and Elizabeth (Walters) Davis. The father was born in Wales in 1843 and died in 1899. He was reared and educated in his native land and learned the blacksmith's trade. He came to the United States after the Civil War and located in Missouri, lived several places in this state and then settled in Randolph County. About 1885, he opened a general store in Renick. He built the store building and was engaged in business here until his death. Elizabeth Walters Davis, also a native of Wales, born in 1846, accompanied her husband to America and was his companion until his death. She died in 1915. They had the following children: David, of St. Louis; Anna, of Renick; William, of this review; A. G., of St. Louis; A. H., of Renick; and three are deceased.

William Davis was reared in Randolph County and received his educational advantages in the public schools of Renick. When he was old enough he went into the store to assist his father, and soon became a practical business man and merchant and at the death of his father took over the township and management of the business which is known as the R. D. Davis Mercantile Company. Mr. Davis is not married and lived at home until the death of his mother. He is a Republican and a member of the Masonic Lodge and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.

Miss Anna Davis is a partner with her brother in the store which is one of the modernly equipped and up-to-date mercantile establishments of this locality.

James H. Littrell, one of the prominent and worthy citizens of Randolph County who is now living retired at Renick, was for many years a farmer and lumber merchant and was successful. He was born in Audrain County, Mo., Jan. 1, 1841, the son of George and Eliza Jane (Hocker) Littrell, the former a native of Scott County, Ky., bom in 1809 and died in Audrain County, Mo., in 1897. He came to Missouri at an early day and entered land in Audrain County. His wife was also born in Scott County, Ky. They had 12 children of whom three are living : James H., of this sketch; George F., of Sturgeon, Mo., and Kittle, the wife of W. H. Turner, of Mexico, Mo.

Mr. Littrell was reared on his father's farm and received his education in the district school and a select school in Howard County, then attended high school in Boone County. He began teaching district school in Howard and Audrain counties, a vocation he followed for five years and engaged in farming for a year in Howard County before moving to Audrain County where he farmed four years. In 1873, Mr. Littrell came to Randolph County and became a well known farmer here. He started a lumber business in Renick in 1883 which he owned and managed 12 years, then sold out, to start farming again and remained in this business until 1913 when his wife died and he retired from the active business.

In 1867, Mr. Littrell married in Howard County, Mo. to Miss Nettie Gashwiler, of Randolph County, the daughter of J. W. and Louisa (Schooling) Gashwiler, natives of Kentucky and of German descent. She died in November, 1901, leaving six children, only one of whom is now living, Frederick H., a lumberman of DeRider, La.

Mr. Littrell is a Democrat and served as constable for two years and justice of the peace for 16 years. He is a member of the Baptist church and is a Mason, belonging to Lodge No. 186 at Renick.

Ralph Mitchell, a leading dealer of hardware, agricultural implements and harness of Renick, Randolph County, who also conducts a general repair shop in connection with his store, is also a stock holder in the Farmers Bank of Renick. He was born at Medora, 111., Nov. 6, 1881, the son of William P. and Mary Mitchell, who had eight children of whom Ralph was the youngest. The father was a native of Richmond, Va. and the mother of Shipman, 111. In 1886 the father came to Randolph County and bought a farm of 160 acres near Clark in Prairie township where he farmed until his death in 1908 at thfe age of 73 years. The mother died in Illinois in 1886.

Ralph Mitchell was reared on the farm and received his education in the district school near his home and in Renick. After leaving school he engaged in farming, a vocation he followed until 1911, though he spent two years, 1903-1904, working in a packing house in St. Louis, but returned to rent a farm from his father and in 1911 bought his present business. Mr. Mitchell is well liked and has many friends. He has a reputation for honest dealing and is a man who lives up to all business obligations.

On Dec. 29, 1908, Mr. Mitchell was married to Miss Nelsie Pearl Ragsdale, who was bom in Randolph County, the daughter of William and Nannie Ragsdale, now residents of Prairie township. One child has been bom to this union, Helen Doris.

Mr. Mitchell is a Democrat and belongs to the Masonic Lodge and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. He is one of the progressive business men of the county and is ever ready to help in its development.

pioneer families of Missouri and a native of this state. He was born one mile east of Middlegrove in Monroe County, June 2, 1850. He is a son of George H. and Columbia R. (Staples) Bassett, pioneer settlers of Monroe County. George H. Bassett was born in Henry County, Va., Oct. 18, 1806 and in 1825 came to Missouri and first settled in Randolph County four miles east of Moberly. Later he sold out here and removed to Monroe County where he entered land from the government and from time to time added more acreage to his holdings until he was the owner of 1200 acres which he divided among his children. In 1882, he retired and removed to Middlegrove where he died Oct. 9, 1895. During his active career he was a successful man of extensive business affairs and prior to the Civil War owned a great many slaves. His wife, Columbia Staples, was also a native of Henry County, Va., born Dec. 7, 1814. She died in Monroe County in September, 1900.

Robert H. Bassett was one of a family of 11 children born to his parents and he was the ninth in order of birth. He was reared on his father's farm and received his education in the district schools and in the schools at Middlegrove where he received a good common school education. In early life he taught school for a few years and then engaged in farming and stock raising on land which he received from his father's estate. He improved this place and sold it about 1876 and during succeeding years he owned a number of different farms and carried on stock feeding on an extensive scale and met with success. Oct. 6, 1901 he disposed of his farming and stock business and removed to Moberly where he has since resided.

Mr. Bassett was married Aug. 27, 1874 to Miss Lena T. Stephens. She is a daughter of Thomas N. and Mary (Sindell) Stephens, early settlers in Monroe County, Mo. Thomas Stephens was born in Benton,' County, Ky., July 11, 1808. He was an early settler in Monroe County and became a large land owner and well to do. At the time of his death, Dec. 6, 1887, he was the owner of 1300 acres of land. His wife was born in Virginia, Aug. 27, 1817 and died in Monroe County, Aug. 31, 1895. Her parents were also early settlers in Missouri.

To Robert H. Bassett and wife have been born the following children : Virginia, married Hugh B. Nave of Moberly, Mo. ; Homer Bassett, a sketch of whom appears in this volume ; Mrs. Jewell Williams of St. Louis ; Sadie, married Herbert B. Lamb, Moberly, Mo.; Ida S.. deceased, and Joseph H., deceased.

Mr. Bassett is a member of the Christian church and the Bassett family is one of the representative families of Moberly and Randolph County.

Homer Bassett, cashier of the freight department for the Wabash Railroad Company, is one of the well known and progressive citizens of Moberly and for many years has been identified with the Wabash Railroad and its many patrons in this city. He was born in Monroe County, -Mo., Feb. 2, 1879 and is a son of Robert H. and Lena T. (Stephens) Bassett, a sketch of whom appears in this volume.

Homer Bassett was reared on his father's farm and received his education in the public schools and Middlegrove College. In 1902 he entered the employ of the Wabash Railroad Company as a freight trucker and later became a clerk in the freight department and has held various clerical positions in the freight department of that company and is now serving in the capacity of cashier of the freight department.

Mr. Bassett was married April 20, 1904 to Miss Lydia J. Hager. She is a native of Hannibal, Mo. and a daughter of George and Lydia (Camery) Hager, both of whom are now deceased. To Mr. and Mrs. Bassett have been born one son, Harold W. Mr. Bassett is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America and is a Democrat. He and Mrs. Bassett are members of the Christian church and have a wide acquaintance in Moberly where they have many friends.

Guy Cottingham, president of the Farmers Bank of Renick and a leading stock dealer and buyer of Randolph County, who owns a farm of 345 acres in Prairie township, was born in Monroe County, Mo., Oct. 27, 1877. He is a son of George T. and Anna (Gonser) Cottingham, the former a native of Kentucky, born in 1822 and died in 1892. He was reared and educated in his native state and became an early settler of this section of Missouri as he located here when only 15 years of age.

George T. Cottingham made his home first in Monroe County where he lived and farmed until 1880 when he came to Randolph County and bought land near Renick where he engaged in general farming, owning 300 acres of good rich land and there passed the remainder of his days. Anna Gonser Cottingham was born in Ohio in 1847 and died in 1919.

Guy Cottingham was reared on the home farm, attended school in Renick and when 20 years of age began to farm independently. In 1892, he bought his present land where he at once began permanent improvements. At different times he has owned farms in various parts of the county which he has improved and later sold at a profit. He began to handle stock at the same time that he began to farm and found that it was a profitable business. In association with H. D. Wilcox, Mr. Cottingham formed a business partnership in 1916 to handle live stock on an extensive scale. They buy, feed and ship. Mr. Cottingham was one of the organizers of the Renick Bank, bought a large block of its stock and became president of the institution in 1914, one year after its establishment. He is a stockholder in the Randolph Trust Company of Moberly and of the Beggs Automobile Manufacturing Company of Kansas City, Mo.

Dec. 23, 1898, Mr. Cottingham was married to Miss Laura L. Boulware, the daughter of Fleming and Hannah (Owen) Boulware, natives of Indiana and Randolph County, respectively. Mrs. Cottingham was bom in Cooper County, Mo. Three children have been born to this union: Guy, Jr., George T., deceased and Marjory.

Byrd Marshall, for many years known as a prosperous farmer and conservative banker is now a leading merchant of Renick. He is a native son of Randolph County, born in Prairie township, a mile west of Renick, May 14, 1873, the son of George and Nealey (Harris) Marshall. The former was born near Middlegrove, Mo. and reared in Randolph County and became- a well known and well-to-do farmer here. Mrs. Marshall was bom in Renick and reared, educated and married here. She died in April, 1910, aged 65 years. They had the following children: Charles, of St. Louis ; Byrd, of this sketch ; Midge, on the old home place ; Opal, the wife of J. S. Littrell, deceased ; Nannie Belle, deceased ; Ollie, deceased and two children who died in infancy.

Byrd Marshall was reared on his father's farm and attended the district school and was graduated from the Renick schools. Soon after this he was engaged in farming. In 1914 Mr. Marshall came to Renick to accept the position of cashier of the Farmers Bank, a position he held four years, when he resigned and engaged in farming for a year. He then purchased his present business, a general mercantile store, formerly owned by Genola Brothers & Company. From the first Mr. Marshall met with success in this enterprise and is one of the leading merchants of the county.

On April 3, 1908, Mr. Marshall was married to Miss Edna Hubbard, who was born near Renick, the daughter of Sale and Jane (Cedars) Hubbard, both natives of Randolph County. The father was a farmer and is now deceased and his widow resides in California.

Wiley D. Marshall, a well-to-do farmer and stockman of Prairie township, who is also a successful breeder of Shorthorn cattle and spotted Poland China hogs, is a native of Randolph County. He was born at Renick, Prairie township, and -is a son of Rice and Kate (Harris) Marshall and is the eldest of seven children born to them. The others are as follows: Claude, a teacher in the Moberly schools; Etheta, married Henry Owens, who is the sheriff of Randolph County and resides at Huntsville; Melvin, chief of police of Moberly; and Fannie, married Exie Noel, of Oklahoma City, Okla., and two died in infancy.

Rice Marshall was born in Westmoreland County, Va., in 1841, and died in Prairie township, Feb. 14, 1895. He was a son of Wiley Marshall, who married a Miss Mason, and they were both natives of Westmoreland County, Va. They came to Randolph County about 1847 and here spent the remainder of their lives. They were the parents of five boys,. all of whom were blacksmiths, except one, who was a woodworker. During the Civil War, Rice Marshall and his brother George served in the Confederate army under General Price. While on a raid in Louisiana, they became separated from their command and before they were able to rejoin their regiment the war ended.

Rice Marshall was about six years old when his parents settled in Randolph County and here he was reared to manhood, and in early life worked at the blacksmith trade for about 14 years, later he engaged in farming and stock raising and followed that vocation until the time of his death. Kate (Harris) Marshall was bom at Renick, Randolph County, in December, 1851, and now resides in Moberly. Her parents were Charles and Etheta (Rorer) Harris, natives of Virginia and early pioneer settlers of Randolph County.

Wiley D. Marshall was reared on the home farm in Prairie township and attended the district schools and later the Moberly High School and the State Normal School at Warrensburg, Mo. He taught school for a number of terms, 84 months in all and for ten years served as postmaster of Elliott, at the same time making his home on the farm.

For seven years he was a street car motorman in St. Louis. In November, 1907, he returned to Randolph' County and engaged in farming and also continued to teach. He is operating the old home place and during the threshing season he operates a threshing outfit and threshes for his neighbors in the vicinity of his home.

Mr. Marshall was married Dec. 25, 1896, to Miss Dora Lee Bradley. She was born in Sugar Creek township, Randolph County, and is a daughter of D. T. and Martha (Jennings) Bradley, both natives of Randolph County and members of old pioneer families of this section. To Mr. and Mrs. Marshall have been born the following children: Lucile, married William Christian, and they live south of Moberly; Wilena, married Denny Graves of Higbee, Mo.; Maude, Helen, Charles and Etheta, all of whom reside at home with their parents. Mr. Marshall's children have all had the advantages of good educations and the three older daughters have all been teachers.

Charles A. Manning, a leading farmer and stockman of Salt River township who is one of the well known and. successful breeders of Randolph County, was born in Salt River township, four miles southwest of where he now resides. He is a son of John W. and Martha I. (Vaughn) Manning, who were pioneer settlers of Missouri.

John W. Manniijg was born near Nashville, Tenn., Dec. 7, 1831 and came to Missouri with his parents who settled in Cooper County in 1840. He was a son of Douglas and Mary (McDuffy) Manning. Douglas Manning died in Cooper County and later his widow, with her children removed to Macon County where she spent the remainder of her life. John W. Manning was educated in McGee College which was located in Macon County at what is now known as College Mound. He was a well educated man and for 29 years followed the profession of teaching in Randolph, Monroe and Macon counties. He served as treasurer of Randolph County from 1894 to 1898, having been elected to that office for one term. He purchased the farm in Salt River township where Charles A. Manning and some of the other members of the family now reside in 1871. Here he was successfully engaged in farming and stock raising for many years and which was his home until the time of his death,i Feb. 25, 1914. He was one of Randolph County's leading citizens who contributed his part towards the upbuilding and development of this county. His wife, Martha

I. (Vaughn) Manning, was bom in Monroe County, Mo., Nov. 16, 1837. She was a daughter of William and Eliza (Poague) Vaughn. She died on the home place in Salt River township and her remains are buried by the side of her husband in Grand Prairie church cemetery.

To John W. and Martha I. (Vaughn) Manning were bom the following children: Eliza E., died at the age of 16 years; Mary L., resides on the home place in Salt River township ; Mattie G., also resides on the home place; Charles A., whose name introduces this sketch; James F., a successful farmer and stock man of Cairo township; Logan H., who died in infancy; Ida A., married William Smith and now resides in Cairo township and Viola, died at the age of 16 years.

Charles A. Manning was reared on the home farm in Salt River township and educated in the district schools. He remained at home and assisted in the operation of the home farm until his father's death and since that time he has operated the home place which consists of 273 acres, 1021/^ acres of which he and his brother, J. F., are the owners. The Manning farm is one of the valuable and well improved places of Randolph County. The residence is a large eight room structure and the place is amply supplied with other farm buildings. There are two large barns, 46x60, and 42x60 feet. Mr. Manning carries on general farming and stock raising and specializes in the breeding of White Faced Hereford cattle and is the owner of a valuable herd of pure bred registered cattle of this breed. He began breeding White Faced Herefords in 1900 £.nd during the past 20 years has exhibited his stock at a number of local stock shows and fairs.

Mr. Manning takes an active part in the Grange organization and is a progressive farmer and stockman. He is a member of the Presbyterian church and is a Democrat.

Ira S. Hamilton, a progressive citizen of Prairie township and a well-known farmer and stockman who is also extensively engaged in the dairy business, is a native of this county. He was born in Prairie township, Jan. 31, 1877, and is a son of Hezekiah and Cordelia (Hamilton) Hamilton. They were the parents of five children: Ira S. and Ida, twins, the former of whom is the subject of this sketch and the latter wife of James H. Cleeton of Renick, Mo.; Sallie, deceased; Thomas, deceased; and Ethel, married Charles I. Butts of Prairie township. By a former marriage of Hezekiah Hamilton to Susan Garvin, six children were bom, two boys and four girls.

Hezekiah Hamilton was a son of William Hamilton and came to Randolph County with his parents when he was seven years old. He was born in Kentucky, May 9, 1827, and his parents were natives of that state. He grew to manhood in Randolph County, where he was engaged in farming and stock raising and became very well-to-do and was an extensive land owner, owning about 808 acres. He died at Renick, Jan. 26, 1911.

Ira S. Hamilton was reared on his father's farm in Prairie township and was educated in the district schools. He remained on the home farm and assisted his father and when the latter died Ira S. Hamilton inherited 80 acres of the home place. He has made improvements and carried on general farming and stock raising and also dairying. He has about 30 heads of milk cows and delivers his milk to Moberly.

Mr. Hamilton was married Feb. 2, 1898, to Miss May Ilagsdale, a native of Randolph County. She was born in Moniteau township, and is a daughter of John W. and Rosa H. (Dixon) Ragsdale, the forAier a native of Randolph County and the latter of Rockbridge County, Va. Mrs. Ragsdale is deceased and Mr. Ragsdale is now retired. To Mr. and Mrs. Hamilton have been born five children as follows: Garnett Easton, resides at home; Eunice Belle, deceased; Ora Rivers, Lurlene May and Florence Lorene, all residing at home with their parents. Mr. Hamilton is a Democrat and a member of the Christian church of which he is a deacon. He is a member of the Grange and one of the progressive and enterprising citizens of Randolph County.

James H. Bagby, a prominent farmer and stockman of Randolph County, who owns 180 acres of valuable land in Moniteau township, was bom in Chariton township, this county, June 26, 1864. He is a son of William H. and Mary S. (Wisdom) Bagby, and on his paternal side is descended from a long line of Virginia ancestors. His father was bom here in Randolph County and died here in 1884, aged 47 years, having been a farmer all his life. He was the son of William Bagby, a native of Virginia, who was a pioneer settler of this locality.

James H. Bagby spent his boyhood days on his father's farm, attended the district and the Huntsville schools. He engaged in farming in early life and bought his first farm in 1889, five miles southwest of Huntsville. Here he made improvements and followed fai^ming untif 1896. After selling this first place, Mr. Bagby moved to Huntsville, where he was engaged in the livery business until 1899. He then was em- ployed by John N. Taylor and remained in his employ eight years. Mr. Bagby spent 90 days in New York City with a herd of Herford cattle that Mr. Taylor had imported from England.

Mr. Bagby purchased his present farm in 1907 from Cleve Hargis. Since acquiring the property he has made many substantial improvements on the place which is one of the best stock farms in the county. Mr. Bagby has made a specialty of breeding Hereford cattle and has exhibited his stock at the local fairs with success. He started with one pure bred cow and has raised 22 head from that cow, all pure bred Herefords.

Feb. 15, 1888, Mr. Bagby was married to Miss Mary E. Smith, a native of Moniteau township, Randolph County. She is a daughter of William and Mary (Owens) Smith, both deceased. One child has been born to Mr. and Mrs. Bagby: Mary N., the wife of Carl Davis, of Prairie township.

Mr. Bagby is a Democrat and in 1908 was elected constable of Moniteau township. He is one of the progressive and enterprising citizens of Randolph County.

William F. Jones, a successful auctioneer of Higbee, who is also the owner of a valuable farm of 120 acres, adjoining the city limits of Higbee, is a Kentuckian. He was born in Madison county, May 1, 18G0, and is a son of Joseph and Minerva (Ferrell) Jones; the father born in Fayette County, Ky., was a farmer all his life in his native state and died in 1892. The mother is also deceased. They were the parents of the following children: W. S., of Lexington, Ky. ; two who died in infancy; Thomas A., a farmer of Moniteau township; Dovie, married John West, who is now deceased and she lives in Richmond, Ky. ; Joseph D. of Peoria, 111.; and William F., of this review. By a second marriage to Mrs. AUender of Independence, Mo., Joseph Jones had two children, a girl, deceased, and Jonathan, who lives in Lexington, Ky.

William F. Jones was reared on the farm and attended the district school. He began to earn his living when only 13 years old, doing anything he could as a boy and woi:ked hard to get along. He came to Missouri in 1883 and clerked for his uncle, William Jones. In 1886, Mr. Jones began working by the month as a farmer in Prairie township. In 1891 he bought a farm in Prairie township which he operated until 1897, when he sold out to engage in the grocery and feed business until 1915. Having been successfully engaged as an auctioneer, Mr. Jones sold his store to devote his entire time to auctioneering and farming. He is a capable auctioneer and is recognized as such over a broad scope of the country. He has been especially successful in general farm sales and all his other undertakings in vi^hich he is now interested.

On April 30, 1884, Mr. Jones married Miss Esther A. Spurling, who was born near Renick, the daughter of Thomas and Lucy J. (Brockman) Spurling, natives of Winchester, Clark County, Ky., and both now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Jones have no children of their own but raised one adopted daughter, now Mrs. Walter Davies. Mrs. Jones died on Sept. 22, 1919, after a long and useful life.

Mr. Jones is a Democrat and a member of the Methodist church, south. For some years he was a successful breeder of Black Angus cattle and gained a reputation in that line, but disposed of his pure bred cattle in 1919.

John H. Hardin, an enterprising farmer and stock raiser of Randolph County and the owner of 120 acres of land in Prairie township, was born within 60 yards of his present home, April 3, 1850, the son of Benjamin and Susan (Hubbard) Hardin. The father was bom in Kentucky, in April, 1910, and died Aug. 31, 1879. He came to Missouri with his parents in 1820 and located in Howard County. With his father, James Hardin, hunted bears in this vicinity. John H. Hardin says that his father used to tell that they sometimes killed a deer before breakfast, skinned it and cut steaks for the meal.

Benjamin Hardin was reared in Howard County and was married there. In 1887, he came to Randolph County and entered the farm now in the possession of the Hardin family from the government. He owned over 1,000 acres of land in the early days and became one of the well-to-do farmers of this section of the county. His wife, Susan Hubbard Hardin, was bom in Virginia and died May 2, 1864, aged 46 years. There were 11 children bom to them of whom eight survive: Sarah, the widow of Samuel Downing, Columbia, Mo.; James, deceased; Zerilda, the widow of James Huffman, Muskogee, Okla. ; Mollie, the wife of John Herold, deceased; Nannie, the widow of Thomas Patton, Los Angeles, Cal.; John H., the subject of this review; Benjamin T., of Kansas City, Mo.; Susan, the wife of William Jackson, deceased; Asa, deceased; George, a physician of Marshall, Mo.; Mattie, the wife of Arthur Maxwell, of Moberly.

John H. Hardin has always lived on the farm which his father entered from the government and when the elder man died he inherited a part of the original grant of land, that section of it which Benjamin Hardin owned at his death. Mr. Hardin began farming with his father and later took charge of the place. He has placed improvements on the farm from time to time. In 1902, Mr. Hardin moved to Renick, where he was engaged in the implement business for 10 years when he went to Sedalia, Mo., where he was in the same business from 1911 to 1913, when ho returned to Renick. For many years Mr. Hardin has owned a large tract of land, about 785 acres. He has traveled from coast to coast, but finally came back to the farm in 1917.

On Dec. 18, 1878, Mr. Hardin was married to Miss Nannie Hubbard, of Macon County, Mo., the daughter of John W. Hubbard. Eleven children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Hardin: Benjamin* of San Benito, Tex.; Clara, the wife of A. A. Ash, of Battle Creek, Mich.; Laiua, deceased; Nannie, deceased; Anna, the wife of G. Chilton, of Baton Rouge, La. ; Donald, of Oklahoma City, Okla. ; Lucille, deceased ; James M., at home; Kathleen, the wife of James Day, of Oklahoma City; Roberteen, the wife of 0. W. Christian, of Brookfield, Mo.; and Lyle, who enlisted in the army for three years' service and is still, with the Army of Occupation on the Rhine. Donald Hardin also entered the army and saw two years' foreign service. James M. also saw service in the World War.