Randolph County, Missouri - Biographical sketches, 1920 (part 9 of 18)

Walter E. Spurling, a successful farmer and stockman of Prairie township, Randolph County, was born on the farm where he now resides, Dec. 6, 1877, the son of Thomas and Lucy (Brockman) Spurling.

Thomas Spurling was a native of Kentucky, born Aug. 26, 1835, and died in 1912. He came to Randolph County when a boy with his parents, Alfred and Elizabeth Jane (Hamilton) Spurling, both natives of Kentucky. Lucy Brockman Spurling was born in Randolph County. She was the daughter of Stephen and Lucy (Kimborough) Brockman, natives of Kentucky, who came to this section of Missouri at an early day and engaged in farming. There were eight children in the Spurling family: Willard, deceased; Esther Jones, deceased; Orpha, the wife of N. D. Brook, deceased; May W., postmaster at Higbee; Luther, deceased; James, deceased; Walter E., of this review, and Maggie, the wife of Benjamin Hardin, of San Benita, Tex.

Walter E. Spurling was reared on the farm in Prairie township, and attended the district school. He has been on the same farm all his life; he fell heir to a part of his land and bought out the other heirs. Mr. Spurling placed many improvements upon the place and in 1920, sold it and established himself on another farm which he bought that adjoins his original place on the west, now owning 205 acres of fine land.

On Jan. 6, 1910, Mr. Spurling was married to Miss Nettie Bogie, born in Prairie township, the daughter of John and Emma (Hubbard) Bogie, natives of Randolph County, and to this union one child has been born, Willard E., deceased.

Ml". Spurling is a Democrat and with his wife belongs to the Methodist church. He is one of the men who has helped develop this locality and is one of the substantial and progressive farmers of the county.

Charles J. Powell, a successful stockman and farmer of Randolph County, who owns 200 acres of land in Prairie township, was born at Renick, Oct. 7, 1865, the son of George 0. and Amelia Ann (Brooks) Powell. The father was a native of Virginia, born Feb. 23, 1833, and reared and educated in his native state and while still a young man came west. After reaching this section of Missouri, Mr. Powell taught school for a term in Prairie township, then entered about 400 acres of land here. He was recognized as one of the substantial farmers of the township and later in his life was a stock holder in the Mechanics Bank of Moberly. He was a Democrat, elected to the state legislature, where he served one term. He was depot agent in Renick for 22 years, beginning his services at the close of the Civil War. He was a member of the Baptist church. Permelia Brooks Powell was born in Garrett County, Ky., April 13, 1832, and now resides in Renick. She was reared and educated in her native state and came to Missouri, where she married Mr. Powell, April 2, 1857, and she became the mother of three children : Josephine, deceased ; Charles J., of this review, . and Anna Belle, the wife of L. Manard, of Moberly.

Charles J. Powell spent his youth in Renick and attended the public schools and when his school days were over began to clerk in a general store at Renick. He later bought a partnership in a drug store with Dr. S. M. Forrest,' a business in which he was engaged until 1908, when he started a general store which he managed four years, selling out in 1912, to engage in farming.

March 21, 1888, Mr. Powell was married in Pettis County, Mo., to Miss Lassie J. Morris, a native of Pettis County, who died Aug. 20, 1893, leaving two children: Cyril C, of San Francisco, Cal., and Lassie M., the wife of Thomas Hamilton, of Renick. Jan. 14, 1901, Mr. Powell was married to Miss Anna L. Griffith, a native of Huntsville, Randolph County, the daughter of David and Anna (Walters) Griffith, both natives of England, who came to the United States and located here at an early day. Mr. Griffith was one of the first merchants of this section and lived at Renick for several years. Two children have been bom to this union: George 0., and Constance J., both at home.

John W. Wiley, a representative stock man and farmer of Prairie township, Randolph County, who owns 120 acres of land, is engaged in raising pure blooded Shorthorn cattle. Spotted Poland China hogs, draft horses and general farm produce; he js also a stock holder in the Farmers Bank of Renick.

Mr. Wiley was bom in Howard County, Jan. 25, 1860, the son of James and Mildred Ann (Roseberry;) Wiley, the former a native of Shelby County, Ky., born in 1831, and died from smallpox while in the Confederate army in 1864. He spent his boyhood days in Kentucky, was educated there and came to Missouri when 18 years old. At the outbreak of the Civil War he enlisted in the Southern army from Howard County and never returned to his home. He owned 300 acres of land, situated east of Armstrong, at the time of his death. Mildred Ann Roseberry Wiley was bom in Howard County in 1834 and died Feb. 22, 1916, leaving the three children: John W., of this review; Mary P., deceased, and Allie, the wife of G. W. Creson of Howard County. -

John Wiley was reared on his parent's farm, received his education in the public schools and when old enough began farming. When only 20 years of age, Mr. Wiley purchased his present farm, where he has since lived. He has made improvements and today the Wiley farm is one of the best in the township, with good barns, a comfortable modern home and labor saving machinery of every kind.

Dec. 28, 1887, Mr. Wiley was married to Miss Mintie Hardin, born near Moberly, Randolph County, the daughter of James and Louisa (Ragsdale) Hardin, natives of Kentucky and pioneer settlers of this section of Missouri. Both are now dead. Eight children were bom to

Mr. and Mrs. Wiley: Alva, at home; Nellie, the wife of Don Hardin, of Oklahoma City, Okla. ; Eva, deceased; Hardin, a machinist at Armstrong, Mo.; Nadine, at home; Henderson, deceased; Harold, at home; Lucille, deceased.

Cyrus Halterman a Civil War veteran and well known pioneer resident of Salt Rifver township, is a native of Virginia. He was born in Shenandoah County, June 27, 1841 and is a son of Samuel and Dorothy (Barnhart) Halterman, both natives of Shenandoah County, Va. The Halterman family came to Missouri in 1843, when Cyrus Halterman was about two years old. They settled in Salt River township where the father entered 40 acres of government land. He was an industrious man and prospered in his undertakings and at the time of his death VAas the owner of over 200 acres of land which he had cleared of its native timber and improved. He was a successful farmer and stockman and was also engaged in the sawmill business. He and his wife spent the remainder of their lives in Randolph County and their remains are buried in the Salem church cemetery. They were the parents of the following children : George, Ann and David, all of whom are deceased ; Cyrus, the subject of this sketch; Susan, deceased; Joseph, who resides in Salt River township and John, deceased.

Cyrus Halterman was educated in the pioneer subscription schools of Randolph County and remained on the home farm with his parents until he was 19 years old. He then enlisted in the Confederate army, becoming a member of Company A, 10th Regiment, Missouri Infantry, General Parson's brigade and Price's division. The first battle in which he participated was at Prairie Grove, Ark., after which his command went into camp at Van Buren, Ark. He participated in a number of skirmishes in 1863 and then they went into winter quarters at Little Rock, Ark. From there he went to Helen, Ark., where he was taken prisoner and was sent to the Federal prison at Alton, 111. and transfen-ed from thore to Fort Delaware. He was exchanged and went from there to Richmond, Va., and then to Mobile, Ala., where he took part in a minor engagement. He then became a member of the 2nd Missouri Cavalry and took part in a number of skirmishes and was at Columbus, Miss., in the spring of 1865, when the war closed. He then returned to his Randolph County home and remained on the fa^'m with his parents until he was married.

He bought his present farm of 120 acres in 1876. It was mostly timbered land and his first home there was a two-room log cabin and his first bam was constructed of poles. He cleared away the natural timber, improved his place and built a comfortable residence and other farm buildings and has one of the well improved farms of Salt River township, where he carries on general farming and stock raising.

Mr. Halterman was married in Salt River township Dec. 2, 1868 to Miss Mary Roebuck, who was born Jan. 10, 1847, a daughter of H. K. and Rhoda (Jenkins) Roebuck, both natives of Alabama. To Mr. and Mrs. Halterman have been born eight children: Ida, married Will Wade, of Vernon County, Mo. ; Lula, married F. C. Bond, also of Vernon County, Mo.; George, resides in Randolph County; Maggie, married Hall Casey, they live in Oklahoma ; Ed, lives near Moberly, Mo. ; Virgie, Macon County, Mo. ; Lena, married Cecil Halliburton ; and Minnie, deceased.

Watts Littrell, one of the large land holders of Randolph County, who is engaged as a mule dealer, buying and selling as well as shipping animals, is a native son of this state. He was born in -Howard County, Aug.l6, 1866, the son of D. T. and Martha E. (Gashwiller) Littrell. The father was bom in Andrain County, Mo., in 1841, and died in 1906. He was reared and educated there, but moved to Howard County just before the outbreak of the Civil War and enlisted in the amiy from that county. After peace was established he returned. to his home and remained in business there until 1887, when he came to Randolph County in 1843 and died in September, 1919.

There were 10 children in the Littrell family, of whom Watts was next to the oldest. He was reared on a farm, obtained his education in the public schools and soon after attaining his majority began his independent career as a coal miner in the local coal fields. After four years he began farming in Prairie township. Subsequently he bought a farm in Audrain County, and lived there three J^ears, and sold at an advantage and moved to his preserlt location in 1912. Since acquiring this property, Mr. Littrell has made many improvements, such as good bams and sheds and remodeled his home. For many years he has dealt in mules and raising hogs, while he maintained a separate line in feeding and shipping to market. Since coming here Jess than a decade ago, Mr. Littrell has taken a prominent place among the stock-

Nov. 16, 1889, Mr. Littrell was married to Miss Maggie Wirt, of Randolph County, the daughter of William and Lucy E. (Robinson) Wirt, the former a native of Boone County, Mo., and the latter of Boone County, Ky. They were early settlers of this county. Three children have been bom to Mr. and Mrs. Littrell: Vivian, Neva and Waldo W., all at home.

Matthew H. Neal, an extensive and prosperous farmer of Randolph County, and the owner of 225 acres of land, has now retired from the active management of his business, but still lives on the place. He was born in Fauquier County, Va., July 25, 1840, the son of Thomas and Mary (Rogers) Neal. The father was born in the same county in 1749, the son of Matthew Neal and his wife, natives of Ireland and Scotland, respectively, who were members of some of the pioneer families of Virginia. Thomas Neal was a farmer all his life. He came west in 1841, and located on land in Marion County, Mo., where he died in 1854. Mary Rogers Neal was also born in Fauquier County, Va., in 1750, and died in Missouri in 1871; she was the daughter of Henry Rogers and his wife, who was a Miss Jett, before her marriage. They were natives of Scotland, who came to the United States at an early day and were among the early settlers of Virginia, where they passed their lives. There were three children in the Neal family: The first died in infancy; Matthew, of this review, and Sarah, who was the wife of J. M. Higginbotham, and is now deceased.

Matthew H. Neal spent his youth on the farm; first in Virginia, where the family lived until he was one year old, then came with Ki^ parents to Missouri. He received his education in the schools maintained at the period and when old enough began farming. He lived in Marion County some years and in 1868 came to Randolph County and bought the farm on which he' still lives. The land was practically unbroken when he came to Prairie township and he began at once to make improvements. He has a good comfortable, modern farm house, large bams and other buildings for the use of stock.

Mr. Neal has been a breeder of Poland China hogs for many years and has the reputation of raising the finest hogs in this part of the county. He brought the start of his present industry from Adams County, 111., w^ere he spent four years.

April 16, 1871, Mr. Neal was married to Miss Mary Ann Irons, born in Monroe County, Mo., Dec. 29, 1845, the daughter of Thomas and Nancy (Given) Irons. Seven children have been born to this union: Nannie E. and Susan M., twins, the former the wife of Robert Doyle, lives near Madison, Mo., and Susan is the wife of John Swetnam, of Moberly; John T., of Ogden, Utah; Wesley, of Lusk, Wyo.; Zula, the wife of J. L. Guthrie, of Shawnee, Okla. ; Sallie, at home and Matthew, Jr., farming the home place.

Mr. Neal is a Democrat and has taken an active part in local affairs for many years, having served as director and clerk of the school board of his district in the early days and later was one of the organizers of the Farmers' Grange and the Triple Alliance. He is a member of the Missionary Baptist church.

Waller W. Robertson, who is a prosperous farmer and substantial citizen of Prairie township, Randolph County, with his brother, Albert Henry, owns and operates about 214 acres of fine land and makes his home with his brother-in-law, William P. Burkey. Mr. Robertson was bom in Randolph County, Jan. 17, 1864, the son of Samuel W. and Margaret Ann (Austin) Robertson, the former a Kentuckian, born at Lexington, July 29, 1820. He was reared and educated in his native state and learned the trade of silversmith, which he followed while a young man.

About 1850, Samuel W. Robertson came to Missouri, took up land here in this county, and engaged in farming until his death in 1905. Mrs. Robertson was born in Huntsville, in 1830 and died in 1903. The homestead of 277 acres was divided among the children after the death of the parents. The ten children born to them were as follows: Linna C, a teacher in the schools of Arkansas; Albert Henry, a farmer of Prairie township; Abraham Lincoln, in business at Clark; Sallie A., deceased; Waller W., of this review; Nim D., an insurance man of Pike County, Mo.; Jennie, the wife of Andrew Burkey, a retired farmer of Clark; Bettie, the wife of William P. Burkey, a farmer of Prairie township; John, of Moberly, and a child that died in infancy.

Waller W. Robertson grew up on the farm and attended the district school. He had a fine voice and was sent to school in Moberly to cultivate it and in 1897 began his career as a singer. Associated with the Rev. B. G. Reavis, he entered evangelistic work and became well and faborably known throughout Illinois, Kansas, Nebraska, Iowa and

Missouri for his singing ability. In 1913, Mr. Robertson retired from this vocation and became associated with his brother in managing their farm. They are engaged in general farming and stock raising and are meeting with success. They are two of the young and progressive men in the township who by adopting modern methods and hard work have made the most along productive lines.

Hollie P. Hines, one of Randolph County's representative citizens and enterprising farmers, has spent all his life in this locality and has been identified with its development. He was born a mile east of Renick, Mo., Nov. 22, 1874, the son of William D. and Margaret Elizabeth (Martin) Hines, the former a native of Virginia, born about 1849, was reared and educated there and later came west. He was one of the pioneer settlers of Randolph County, accompanying his parents, Peter and Fanny (Baker) Hines, both born in Virginia. William D. Hines engaged in farming here and died in 1890. The mother was born in Kentucky, in 1842. She was the' daughter of Noah and, Judie (Oliver) Martin, natives of Kentucky, who came to this section of Missouri at an early day and took up land. Mrs. Hines died in 1905.

Hollie P. Hines was reared on his father's farm and received his education in the district school. Later he went to school in Renick and began farming in 1890, took charge of the farm of his father at the latter's death. He was very young to assume such heavy duties, but was the oldest of the children who were as follows: Hollie P., of this sketch; Mrs. Nelhe Long, a widow, living at Higbee, Mo.; one child died in infancy, and Noah, of Moberly, Mo.

In the early 90s, Mr. Hines worked for two years in Renick, but in 1894 again engaged in farming and the year of 1905 bought his present place of 80 acres, but did not move there until 1908. Mr. Hines has made improvements on the place, and now has a good, comfortable home, bams and other buildings. The place is well kept, and though Mr. Hines has worked hard, feels that he has been repaid for it.

March 28, ,1894, Mr. Hines was married to Miss Lulu Belle Bartee, a native of Howard County, the daughter of Joseph and Eliza (Lay) Bartee, both natives of Howard County. The following children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Hines: Joseph William and Lulu May, both at home.

Simon F. Adams, live stock shipper, farmer and stockman and one of the substantial men of Clark, Randolph County, owns and operates a farm of 150 acres of land in Pl-airie township. He is descended from one of the pioneer families that took a prominent part in the development of this township and the county. He was born on the farm which he now owns Oct. 2, 1859, the son of Robert arid Susan (Gashwiler) Adams.

Robert Adams was born in Kentucky, April 11, 1807 and died in 1897. He was reared ahd educated in his native state where he learned the blacksmith's trade. He came to Missouri in the early 30s and entered his farm here in Randolph County in 1832, which has never passed out of the hands of the Adams family. Mr. Adams cleared and improved it and engaged in farming at the same time conducting a blacksmith business. Mr. Adams' first wife was a Miss Palmer, who had 16 children, four being two sets of twins. He married Susan Gaswiler for his second wife and she had four children of whom Simon F. was next to the oldest. The father was a Whig and later joined the Democratic party, and was one of the organizers of the Methodist church in this district, took an active part in public affairs. Both parents are now dead.

Simon F. Adams was reared on his parents farm and received his education in the district school which was conducted in a log cabin, equipped with split log benches and burned logs for fuel.

Mr. Adams remained on the home farm assisting his father and when the latter died assumed the active management of the place until 1905 when he moved to Clark and began to handle live stock, buying and selling cattle, hogs and mules in which line he has met with success. He owns the old homestead which was entered from the government by his father.

Mr. Adams was married to Miss Cora Littrell, the daughter of George and Amanda (Brown) Littrell, and she died in 1898, at the age of 32 years. She was a native of Audrain County, Mo. She left one daughter, Anna Bess, the widow of O. Smith and now lives in St. Louis. In 1900, Mr. Adams was married to Miss Stella Crews, born in Callaway County, the daughter of John and Delia (Battenburg) Crews and to this union two children have been born: Maud and John Quincy both at home.

James E. Hubbard, president of the Exchange Bank of Clark, Mo., is one of the extensive land holders of Randolph Couiity, being the owner of 560 acres of valuable land where he is interested in raising Black Angus cattle. He is a Missourian, bom in Audrain County, Oct. 7, 1843, the son of Fleming and Elizabeth (Crews) Hubbard, the former a native of Madison County, Ky., born Oct. 28, 1807 and died in 1893. In 1828 he came to Missouri and took up government land in Randolph County and was one of the pioneers of this locality. The land which he entered has descended to his son James E. without going outside of the family.

Fleming Hubbard was a general farmer and regarded as one of the substantial men of his community. For some years he handled mules. Elizabeth Crews Hubbard was also born in Kentucky but passed the most of her life in Missouri. She died in 1850, aged 35 years. There were three children born to them: George W., a farmer north of Clark; James E., of this review, and David T., deceased. After his first wife died, Fleming Hubbard married a Miss Rittie Jane Shuttle who had one child. Anna, the wife of George Pickett, who lives at Mexico, Mo.

James E. Hubbard was reared on his father's farm and attended the district school. At the death of his father he inherited some 40 acres of land, which he sold for $10.00 an acre and bought his first farm in 1874. He at once started to make good and permanent, improvements and later the town of Clark was laid out by Mr. Hubbard, on a part of the first farm. Later he added an addition to the original town site. After the town had grown, Mr. Hubbard became one of the prime movers in the organization of the Exchange Bank of Clark, and was made president in 1919. For many years he has been interested in agricultural industries and since coming to Clark to live, 30 years ago, has retained his farm lands and managed them and now is interested in the breeding of Black Angus cattle.

Feb. 29, 1872, Mr. Hubbard was married to Miss Mary E. Butt, the daughter of James and Elizabeth Butt, of Howard County, both natives of Culpeper County, Va., who were pioneer settlers of Missouri. Three children have been bom to Mr. and Mrs. Hubbard: Fleming B., of Canyon City, Colo. ; James B., of Los Animas, Cal. ; and Alfred Earl, Who manages the farm for his father in Prairie township.

Mr. Hubbard is a Democrat, belongs to the Maccabees and the Baptist church. He has for many years been prominent, both as a banker and stockman.

Benjamin F. Ornbui'n, an extensive land owner and progressive stockman and farmer of Prairie township, where he operates a farm of 200 acres, is also a stockholder in the Renick Bank, one of the reliable banking houses of central Missouri. He is a native of Randolph County, born in Sugar Creek township, March 24, 1866, the son of Jackson L. and Emily (Brooks) Ornburn.

Jackson L. Ornburn was born near Rock Ridge, Va., in 1818 and died in 1905. He was reared in Virginia and received his education there and when a boy of 17 years came west with his parents who reached Missouri in 1836, located in Sugar Creek township where they entered land from the government, being among the early settlers of the section. The Ornburn family made the trip from Virginia overland, traveling in a covered wagon drawn by oxen. Mrs. Ornburn was a Kentuckian by birth and died in 1874, a young woman.

There were 12 children in the Ornburn family, of whom Benjamin was the eighth in order of birth, tie was reared on the farm which -his father entered from the government and attended the district school. He remained at home and helped his father until he was 28 years of age when he bought a farm of 140 acres in Monroe County and engaged in farming there until 1902, when he sold in the spring and came to Prairie township and purchased his present place. It was necessary for him to . place practically all the improvements on the farm as he built his present residence, barn and sheds and such buildings as were necessary for his stock and today the Ornburn place is one of the well kept places in the township.

In 1891, Mr. Ornburn was married to Miss Lillie Schooling, born in Prairie township, the daughter of Robert and Delia (Winn) Schooling, both natives of Boone County, Mo., and early settlers of tMs locality. Nine children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Ornburn : Floyd, of Alberta, Canada ; Frank L., at home, was inducted into the army during the World War and sent to Camp Funston, where he spent six months in training before the signing of the armistice; Zella, the wife of Glenn Hamilton, of Prairie township ; Onetta, Lacy, Aaron, Earl, dead ; Raymond and Gilbert, all at home and one child that died in infancy.

Mr. Ornburn is a Democrat and he and his wife are members of the Christian church. He belongs to the Modem Woodmen of America and was one of the prime movers in the organization of the Farmers Grange, which was established in Renick in 1920. He is one of the substantial citizens of his district.

William F. Darby, one of the extensive farmers and stockmen of Randolph County who owns a valuable farm of 518 acres in Salt River township, is a native of Miissouri and is a descendant of early pioneers of this state. Mr. Darby was born in Salt River township on the place where he now resides and is the son of Joseph W. and Sarah (Huntsman) Darby.

Joseph W. Darby was born in a pioneer log cabin in Pike County, Mo., Dec. 23, 1830. He was the son of John S. and Lucella Darby, both natives of Kentucky who came to Missouri in the twenty's and spent one winter in Pike County Mo., where they remained until 1831 when they. came to Randolph County and settled in what is now Salt River township. Here John S. Darby entered government land and built a log cabin about onehalf mile south of the present home of William F. Darby, He cleared away the timber and improved his place where he followed general farming and stock raising and he and his wife spent the remainder of their lives in Salt River township. Joseph W. Darby was about a year old when his parents settled in Salt River township, in 1831, and here he grew to manhood and remained at home with his parents until he reached his majority. He then bought a farm which is a part of the place where William F. Darby now lives. Here he engaged in general farming and prospered. He acquired more land and at the time of his death, Jan. 9, 1902, he was the owner of 550 .acres of valuable land. He was married to Sarah Huntsman, Feb. 14, 1861. She was bom in Randolph County, Oct. 11, 1837 and died on the home place in Salt River township Dec. 18, 1895 and she and her husband are buried in the Union church cemetery. They were the parents of six children as follows: Mary, born July 20, 1864 and died Sept. 27, 1869; Rosa, born Feb. 16, 1866; Marion L., born in Aug., 1868 and died April 22, 1870; WilHam F., the subject of this sketch; Ida L., bom Aug. 28, 1873 and died Aug. 23, 1875 ; and Mada Bell, born March 28, 1875 and died Sept. 8, 1879.

William F. Darby was educated in the public schools and in La- Grange College, Lewis County, Mo. He remained at home with his parents until he was 23 years old when he began his independent career on a 40 acre tract which was given to him by his father when he was 21 years old. Two years later he gave him 80 acres more and one year later, he purchased 94 acres from his sister and at the death of his father, he inherited 120 acres. He is now the owner of 518 acres, having purchased more land from his sisters after his father's death and today he has one of the best improved farms in Randolph County. There are two iarge bams on the place 50x52 feet, and 42x50 feet. He has a good residence and other farm buildings about the place are in good condition. He has a large silo with s\, capacity of 100 tons. But perhaps the most interesting building about the place, from a historical standpoint, is the old house in which William F. Darby was born. It has been remodeled and is used for granary and has a capacity of about two car loads of grain.

The Darby place is well equipped with all kinds of modern farm machinery for carrying on farming on a large scale. Mr. Darby has his own threshing machine, tractor and other up-to-date machinery. The residence and other farm buildings are lighted by the Delco lighting system. In addition to his general farming operation, Mr. Darby is a successful stock dealer. He specializes in raising registered Shorthorn cattle and has 65 head of these animals on hand at this writing. He also raises Spotted Poland China and Duroc Jersey hogs.

Mr. Darby was united in marriage March 8, 1898, with Miss Emma Julia Christman, a daughter of J. D. and Malissa (Hutsell) Chirstman, the former a native of Kentucky and the latter of Missouri, and now residents of Sugar Creek township. Mrs. Darby is one of six children bom to her parents, the others being as follows: Laura, married T. C. Newton, of Jackson township ; Lilly M., married L. Irvin O'Neil, of Cairo township; Ella, married Harry Ward, of Vandalia, Mo.; W. Earl, resides on the home place, and J. Clarence, lives in Union township. To Mr. and Mrs. William F. Darby have been born the following children: "Virgil, bom November 14, 1899, a student in the Moberly High School ; S. Lucile, born Aug. 26, 1901, a student in the Moberly schools; Evelyn, born Aug. 8, 1905, and died Aug. 16, 1907; Winona, bom June 21, 1907, resides at home; F. Adolph, born March 9, 1909; Myrtle Irene, born Jan. 19, 1911; Emma Marie, bom Dec. 15, 1914; William H., born July 11, 1916, and died Sept. 25, 1916, and Hubert Oliver, born Oct. 16, 1917.

Mr. Darby is a Democrat and he and Mrs. Darby are members of the Maptist church, and are both members of the Grange. Mr. Darby is one of the progressive and enterprising citizens of Randolph County and is widely and favorably known.

George L. Hulen, well known real estate and insurance man of Clark, Mo., who for many years was a farmer and merchant in this locality, was born in Boone County, Mo., Feb. 21, 1856, the son of Amos and Mary

Amos Hulen came to Missouri over 80 years ago and located on a farm in Boone County but after he was married some years came to Randolph County, taking up 170 acres of land in Prairie township where he engaged in farming the remainder of his life. Mrs. Hulen was also born in Kentucky and spent all her married life in Missouri. There were nine children born to them: David M., of Hallsville, Mo.; Ambrose C, of Columbia, Mo.; George L., of this review; Bettie, the wife of J. G. Littrell, of Clark; Sterling, P., cashier of the Exchange Bank of Clark; and the Others are all deceased.

George L. Hulen was reared in Boone County, Mo. and attended the district school and then entered the State Normal School at Kirksville, Mo. In the fall of that year he began teaching school but after one term engaged in farming in Boone County, which he followed for the next 12 years with success. In 1898, Mr. Hulen bought a grocery business at Centralia but sold it the same year and opened a grocery and meat market in Gallatin which he conducted until he came to Clark and established himself in the real estate and insurance business. Mr. Hulen is a notary public and also conducts a loan business. He has built up a fine business, due to his honesty, courteous treatment of his customers and accommodations in many ways.

Jan. 1, 1879, Mr. Hulen was married to Miss Anna P. Early, born in Mexico, Mo., the daughter of W. W. and Ruth (Leach) Early, natives of Virginia and Missouri, respectively, and both now deceased. Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Hulen: Stella, the wife of P. B. Defigh, of Clark, and Goldia C, the wife of Roy Hamilton, of Los Animas, Colo.

Mr. Hulen is a Democrat; he has taken an active part in civic affairs for many years and at the present time is city clerk of Clark. He is a member of the Christian church and of the Knights of Maccabees.

Harry P. Bailey, a progressive farmer and stockman of Prairie township is a native son of Randolph County, born on the farm which he now owns in Prairie township, March 27, 1884, the son of Thomas D. and Mary (Robinson) Bailey. The father was bom in Boyle County, Ky., March 23, 1831, and came to Missouri with his parents when a boy of 10 years. His parents were Alfred and Sarena (Baker) Bailey, who took up land in this township and was engaged in farming all their lives.

Thomas Bailey was reared on his father's farm, received his education In the public schools maintained in the frontier settlement and when old enough began to farm, a vocation he followed all his life ; he died in 1910. Ml. Baiiey owned a large tract of land at the time of his death, some 500 acres, where he had been conducting general farm operations and gained a reputation as a breeder of pure bred Hereford cattle. He was one of the organizers and stockholders of the Exchange Bank of Clark, where he resided for two and a half years then moved back to the farm. He was a Fopulist, a member of the Christian church and the Masonic Lodge. Mrs. Bailey was born in Boone County, Mo., Sept. 29, 1841 and died March 15, 1908. She was the daughter of Tandy Robinson who was a native of Virginia, as was his wife. Thomas D. Bailey enlisted in the Confederate army at the outbreak of the Civil War, enlisting in Company C, 9th Infantry. He was taken prisoner and held for 21 months before peace was declared when he returned to Missouri. Before going to war, Mr. Bailey had married a Miss Ridgeway who died while he was in the army and it was after his return that he married Mary Robinson and had a family of nine children, of whom the following survive : Bettie, the wife of Richard F. Neal, of Prairie township; Nettie C, the wife of B. T. Carter, of Monroe County, and Harry P., of this review.

Harry P. Bailey has always lived in the country; he was reared on his parent's farm and received his education in the district school. At the death of his father he received his share of the estate which consisted of 112 acres of land. Soon after that he bought over 77 acres where the house of the old home place stood and today has one of the well improved farms of the township.

Oct. 19, 1905, Mr. Bailey married Miss .Jessie L. Butts, at Clark, the daughter of J. W. and Luella (Bonnell) Butts, natives of Howard County and both now live in Clark, Mo.

Andrew J. Burkey, for many years one of the well known and substantial agriculturists of Randolph County, now lives lives in Clark, Mo., having given up the active management of his farm some years ago, and has been engaged in business in Clark. He was bom in Audrain County, Feb. 12, 1865, the son of Anthony and Josephine (Hukel) Burkey.

native land until his 14th year, when he immigrated to America. , He came to Missouri and located in Audrain County, where he engaged in farming. Later he bought land there, where he passed the remainder of his life. Josephine Hukel was born in Boone County, Mo., in 1883 and died in Audrain County in 1902. The following children were born to them: William P., a farmer and stockman of Prairie township; Andrew J., of this review; Newton, a farmer of Audrain County; Jasper, a twin brother of Newton, lives at Miami, Okla. ; Lizzie and Jake, the former the wife of Millard Ficklin, of Joplin, Mo., and the latter the owner of a store in Moberly; Newton and Jasper, twins.

Andrew J. Burkey was reared on the farm and attended the district school. For 35 years he was engaged in agricultural pursuits in Audrain County, but in 1900 came to Randolph County and took up his permanent residence in Clark where he engaged in carpenter work. For a time he conducted a feed store but for the past three years, he has been associated with C. W. Settle, in the furniture business.

Nov. 5, 1895, Mr. Burkey was married to Miss Jennie Robertson, of Randolph County, the daughter of Samuel Robertson and his wife who was a Miss Austin before her marriage. Their biography will be found in this volume.

Sterling Price Hulen, cashier of the Exchange Bank of Clark, Mo., has for more than a quarter of a century been connected with the banking and financial interests- of central Missouri and is one of the well known figures in commercial circles of the state. He is a native of Boone County, born Jan. 23, 1863, the son of Amos and Mary Jane (Roberts) Hulen.

Amos Hulen was a Kentuckian, born and reared in Estill County where he became a farmer. He came to Missouri about 1840 and was one of the first men to take up land in Boone County. After his marriage, Mr. Hulen came to Randolph County and bought 170 acres of land in Prairie township and was a prominent fanner of this section until he died. Mrs. Mary Jane Roberts Hulen was born in Kentucky and spent the most of her life in Boone County, Mo. She was the mother of nine children, five of whom survive and of them Sterling Price Hulen of this review is the youngest.

Sterling Price Hulen was reared on his parents' farm. He attended the district school and became a teacher in the district schools, where he was engaged in teaching for three years. In the spring of 1884 he bought a general store at Clark, which he conducted until 1893. Mr. Hulen became engaged in the banking business in 1893, having disposed of his store in January of that year. The Exchange Bank of Clark had been organized in 1890, and was three years old when Mr. Hulen became associated with it. He was conservative in his methods, which won the confidence of the people of Clark and surrounding country and it has been largely through the policies inaugurated by him that the bank's business has increased. The Exchange Bank is regarded as one of the sound financial institutions of the county and does a large amount of business which increases each year., Mr. Hulen is a progressive banker and is well and favorably known throughout Missouri.

Jan. 6, 1886, Mr. Hulen was married to Miss Ella Early, of Centralia. Mo., the daughter of S. W. and Ruth (Leach) Early, both now deceased. Four children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Hulen: Virgil E., interested in the oil fields of Winfield, Kans. ; Charles M., circuit clerk of Randolph County, living in Moberly; Price M., in the Savings Bank of Moberly, and Mary at home.

James H. Cottingham, a progressive farmer and stockman of Prairie township, who owns and manages a farm of over 133 acres of valuable land is a well known, breeder of Black Angus Aberdeen cattle. He was bom in this township Aug. 6, 1866, the son of George H. and Sarah (Brooks) Cottingham.

George H. Cottingham was born near Peoria, 111., in 1844 and died here in 1893. He was reared and educated in Illinois and then came to Missouri as a young boy of nine years, when his parents moved here and again attended the schools maintained here at that period. He engaged in farming and also ran a grist mill where flour was made. During the Civil War he was exempted from the draft because of this essential industry. The country was flooded with "Green Back" money at the time and Mr. Cottingham used to tell that the farmers would leave a $5.00 bill of that money with him in payment for mill work and he would stick it up over the rafters without any attempt at concealment and no one thought of taking it. As a young boy he herded cattle as his people were among the early settlers of Audrain County, and their nearest neighbors were 18 miles away. The parents were Kentuckians who first moved to Illinois and then to Missouri and died in Marion County.

George H. Cottingham spent his youth in Audrain County, but came to Randolph County before the outbreak of the Civil War. Here he took up 400 acres of land and also ran his mill, becoming one of the prominent and prosperous men of Prairie township. Sarah (Brooks) Cottingham, has spent nearly all her life in Randolph County; she now resides in Moberly at the advanced age of 85, on April 19, 1920; she was born in Randolph County, Mo., and is one of its oldest living residents.

James H. Cottingham was reared on his parents' farm and attended the district school and has followed farming to the present time. In 1897, he bought his present farm in Prairie township and that with the land he inherited owns 133 acres. He was one of 10 children bom to his parents. Mr. Cottingham began breeding Aberdeen Angus cattle in 1912 and has met with success in this line and now ships to different parts of the country. For many years he raised Shorthorn cattle and achieved a high reputation for the standard he maintained in that breed.

Jan. 28, 1893, Mr. Cottingham was married to Miss Laura T. Littrell ,of Audrain County, the daughter of Dr. T. and Martha (Gashwiler) Littrell, both deceased. Four children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. James H. Cottingham: Elsie, the wife of 0. Vance, of Harding, Mont.; Margaret, the wife of Leon McHatten, of Audrain County; Robert D., at home, and Helen, the third child born who died at the age of nine years.

J. E. Wirt, a well-to-do farmer and feeder and breeder of stock, who owns one of the best farms in Prairie township, was bom on this place Dec. 25, 1870, the son of James and Sallie (Hendrix) Wirt, the former a native of Boone County, Mo., bom Dec. 27, 1831. James Wirt was reared and educated in Missouri. He moved to the farm now ovsmed by his son in 1852, entered 260 acres of land from the government and spent the remainder of his life in Prairie township. He died in 1912. Sallie Hendrix Wirt, was bom in Randolph County, Mo., April 29, 1841 and died here in 1918. Mr. Wirt's first wife was a Miss Grubbs, who left one child at her death, a half sister to J. E. who had five brothers and sisters of his own, being the third child in the family.

J. E. Wirt passed his youth on the farm and attended the district school and when old enough began to assume many of the duties around the home place which he farmed with his father. When only 18 years old, Mr. Wirt began to feed stock and has continued this line to the present day. He is one of the progressive farmers of this section who has adopted modern methods advocated by state agricultural experts and those of the United States department of agriculture. Each year he ships from two to three car loads of cattle and hogs, being one of the largest shippers in the county.

In 1904, Mr. Wirt was married to Miss Clara Hardin, at Renick, the daughter of John R. and Mollie (Patton) Hardin, both natives of Missouri. Mrs. Wirt was born May 12, 1879 and died March 4, 1914, leaving one son, James E., of Renick, Mo.

Mr. Wirt is a Democrat and belongs to the Masonic Order. He has made a success of farming and stocb feeding and is one of the county's substantial and reliable citizens.

Harry M. Fifer, a well known insurance man and a descendant of a Randolph County pioneer family is manager for the Bankers Accident Insurance Company with offices at 3011/^ West Reed street. He was born in Salt River township, Randolph County, April 11, 1884, and is the son of Walter D. and Mary (Peyton) Fifer who were the parents of the following children: Jessie, deceased; Harry M., the subject of this sketch; Bertie, married Maj. R. E. Scott, Chicago, 111.; Cecie, married Ed Nichols, Moberly, Mo.

Walter D. Fifer was bom in Salt River township, Dec. 27, 1854 and has been engaged in farming and stock raising in that township since he attained the age of manhood. He owns 120 acres of land and is one of the substantial farmers of Randolph County. He is a son of James M. and Alice (Phillips) Fifer, both natives of Kentucky who came to Missouri and settled in Randolph County at a very early day. James Fifer was killed during the Civil War and his widow now lives with her daughter, Mrs. Virginia Wood, who is a widow and resides in Salt River township. Mary Peyton Fifer, mother of Harry M. Fifer, was born in Randolph County on the place where she now resides, June 12, 1862. She is a daughter of Rev. John Peyton who was a prominent minister in the Methodist Church, South, of Randolph County, who is now deceased.

remained at home with his parents until he was 21 years old when he began to do for himself. In 1908 he received the appointment of rural mail carrier out of the Cairo postofRce. He served in that capacity until 1913 when he accepted a position with the Prudential Insurance Company and remained with them about three years. In 1916 and 1917 he was engaged in the grocery business at Moberly, and during the latter year he became representative of the Bankers Accident Insurance Company at Moberly and has since devoted himself exclusively to that line of work, and has met with unqualified success in that field of endeavor; he has built up a large business in Moberly and vicinity.

Mr. Fifer was married June 8, 1905 to Miss Bessie L. Gaines, a native of Randolph County, born at Cairo. She is a daughter of Frank and Eliza (Halliburton) Gaines, both natives of Randolph County and descendants of pioneer settlers. Frank Gaines is deceased.

Mr. Fifer is a Democrat and a member of the Masonic Lodge and the Modern Woodmen of America. He and Mrs. Fifer are members of the Methodist church.

V. Heifner, one of the well-known conductors of the Wabash system, and a representative citizen, has been in the employ of the Wabash road for more than a quarter of a century. He is a native of Missouri and was born on a farm in Macon County, Dec. 14, 1862, the son of Thomas and Sarah (Coulter) Heifner.

Thomas Heifner was bom near Huntsville, Mo., in 1838, and was a farmer and stock raiser. He died on his farm three and a half miles northeast of Jacksonville, Mo., in 1909. He was a veteran of the Civil War. Mrs. Heifner was also a native of Macon County, Mo., born on a farm in 1849 and now resides in Jacksonville at the age of 81. They were the parents of nine children : William T., of Neosho, Mo. ; V. Heifner, of this review; Joseph J., of Maryville, Mo.; Mary F., the wife of Dane Jones, of Seattle, Wash. ; Rosa, the wife of Arthur Amick, of Denver, Colo. ; Maggie, the wife of James Dowding, of Jacksonville, Mo. ; Bert, of Denver; Frank, of Moberly, and Flora, the wife of Charles King, of Jacksonville, Mo.

Mr. Heifner was reared on the home farm and attended the district - school and remained at home with his parents until he was 18 years old, when he began for himself. He went to Ardmore, Mo., and secured employment with the Texas Coal Company, but later engaged in switching at Excello, for the Kansas and Texas Coal Railway. He permanently located in Moberly in 1892. That year he began work for the Wabash railroad as switchman, and later was on road as a brakeman and was promoted to conductor in 1903, and in 1913 was promoted to passenger conductor, which position he has since held.

May 6, 1890, Mr. Heifner was married to Miss Louisa Griffith, the daughter of J. C. and Melinda (Meadows) Griffith, the former a native of North Carolina, and the latter was born in Missouri. Mrs. Heifner was the second of their seven children. Three children have been bom to Mr. and Mrs. Heifner, as follows: Leroy, deceased; Minnie, at home, and Maud, the wife of W. L. Thompson, of Moberly.

Mr. Heifner is a member of the Order of Railway Conductors, the Knights of Pythias and the Presbyterian church. He is a Democrat and Mrs. Heifner is a member of the, Auxiliary of the Order of Railway Conductors and a member of the Presbyterian church. The Heifner family have an extensive acquaintance and stand high in Moberly and Randolph County.

Stephen G. Hamilton, mayor of Clark, Mo., who for many years was one of the successful breeders of Percheron and saddle stallions and jacks, is now living retired. Mr. Hamilton owns 260 acres of land in Prairie township, where he was engaged in farming for many years. He was born in this township,va half mile west of Clark, Jan. 18, 1859, the son of Hezekiah Hamilton, whose wife was a Miss Garvin before her marriage. Their history will be found on another page of this volume with the review of I. A. Hamilton. Mrs. Hamilton was the daughter of Stephen and Jeanette (Brooks) Garvin, who died in 1875, at the age of 42 years, leaving the following children: William B., of Clark; Jeanette, the wife of W. W. Angell, of Independence, Mo. ; Orpha, the wife of Stephen Burnham, living near Higbee ; Delia, deceased, was the wife of Henry McCune ; Binda, the wife of William Naylor of Prairie township and Stephen G. of this review, who was the third child in order of birth.

Stephen G. Hamilton was reared on his parents' farm near Clark and attended the district schools. He engaged in farming and after 15 years he bought an interest in a mercantile establishment in Renick and was associated with Henry Kimborough. They conducted this business for 13 years when Mr. Hamilton disposed of his interests and returned to farming again in Prairie township, remaining there until 1909, when he moved to Clark and was in the breeding business until 1920. Mr. Hamilton has made a specialty of breeding high grade Percheron and saddle

April 17, 1879, Mr. Hamilton was married to Miss Augusta Kimborough, who was born two miles west of Clark, the daughter of Henry and Elizabeth (Furgerson) Kimborough, both natives of Randolph County. The father is living at the advanced age of 84 years and his wife died in 1881.

Mr. Hamilton is a Democrat and has served as constable and was elected mayor of Clark and at the present time is serving a second term. The Hamilton family are members of the Baptist church.

Willard A. Owings, prominent farmer and stockman of Prairie township, who owns and manages a farm of 160 acres of valuable land was born near Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, the son of Urias and Josephine (Wilson) Owings. He was the second oldest of a family of four boys. The father was a painter by trade. He was a native of Kentucky where he was reared and educated and during the Civil War he moved to Iowa, where the family lived for some time. The mother was born in Marion County, Mo. and died when 33 years old, leaving her little family motherless. Her husband survived until 1917, when he died at Mexico, Mo.

After his mother's death Willard A. Owings was sent to live with an uncle, Benja;nin Wilson, his mother's brother, who lived at Oskaloosa, Kans. There he attended the public schools. Benjamin Wilson was the owner-editor of an Oskaloosa newspaper and when a young boy, Mr. Owings began to work around the printing office and by the time his schooling was over he was a good practical printer, and master of his trade within a short time afterward. He worked at this business until he was 22 years old when he engaged in farming in Audrain County, Mo., having come to Missouri from Kansas in 1885. After 10 years on the land, Mr. Owings went to St. Louis, and worked as motorman on a street car and remained in that city seven years. In 1897 he came to Randolph County and engaged again in farming for three years, when he . became a fireman of a locomotive on the Wabash Railroad but resigned in 1902 to return to St. Louis and run a street car for the next seven years. Coming to Prairie township in 1919, Mr. Owings soon wafe established as one of the well known farmers. He bought his present farm in 1917. He has made many improvements on his farm and handles and breeds high grade stock.

Nov. 15, 1891, Mr. Owings was married to Miss Zona Fainter, a native of Boone Cciuity, and two children have been born to them: Clella, attending high school at Macon and Floyd C, on the farm with his father.

Mr. Owings is a well educated, well read man and has taken an active part in public affairs ; he is a Democrat, a charter member of the Grange, has been serving on the school board of his district and with his wife is a member of the Baptist church.

Leonard W. Kelly, president of the Moberly Artificial Ice Plant, is one of the well known and substantial business men of Moberly and is engaged in one of the most important industrial pursuits of the city. Mr. Kelly is a native of Missouri. He was born at P'otosi, Mo., Feb. 6, 1869 and is a son. of Dennis and Elizabeth (Fea) Kelly and is one of three children bom to his parents as follows: Thomas, who now resides in Omaha, Neb., served as postmaster of Moberly for 9 years during the administrations of Presidents McKinley and Roosevelt; Dennis resides in Denver, Colo, and Leonard W., the subject of this sketch.

Dennis Kelly, the father was a native of Cork, Ireland. He came to this country in early life and was engaged in the mercantile business when he died comparatively a young man, being only 41 years old. His widow who was a native of Scotland, after the death of her husband, came to Moberly with her family of three small children in 1876. Here she conducted a boarding house and reared her family of boys. She was well known in the early days of Moberly and affectionately called "Mother Kelly". The boys attended school here and received good public school education. They were industrious- boys and sold newspapers and assisted their widowed mother in other ways and early in life they engaged in the general confectionery business in Moberly and conducted a bakery in connection.

Leonard W. Kelly learned the baker's trade in early life and was associated with his brothers in the bakery and confectionery business for a number of years. He became interested in the Moberly Artificial Ice Company in 1914, and since that time has been president of the company. This is one of the prosperous and well managed business concerns of the city.

Mr. Kelly was united in marriage June 22, 1905 to Miss Myma Kent, a native of Indiana. Mrs. Kelly died in March, 1918, aged 29 years. There were no children bom to Mr. and Mrs. Kelly.

Mr. Kelly is a member of the Masonic Lodge and belongs to the Shrine at Kansas City, Mo. and politically, he is a Republican and was postmaster of Moberly for four years under the administration of President Taft. He has served as president and secretary of the Commercial Club. In 1913, he organized a Good Fellows Club of Moberly. The purpose of this organization was to carry out charitable work in the city of Moberly and look after the wants of poor people who needed clothing and food. Mr. Kelly had some assistance in this work as there were three or four other members of the organization. He was chairman and in that capacity did much charitable work and did a great deal for many poor people in Moberly. He is public spirited and always stands ready to do what he can to help his less fortunate fellow man.

Otis Fountain, one of the leading breeders of Hereford cattle in Randolph County and the owner of a large tract of land in Prairie township, was born a half mile west of his present home, Aug. 14, 1871, the son of Willis and Julia (Barnes) Fountain. Willis Fountain was born in Boone County, Mo., Feb. 17, 1846 and was reared and educated in Missouri and died Feb. 13, 1918 Pie was a well-to-do farmer and stockman. He began buying and selling stock in Boone County when there was no bank there and would pay the men from whom he purchased after he had been paid himself. He handled as much or more live stock in a year than any buyer in the state. After living in Boone County for a long time he came to Randolph County and bought land which became very valuable. After the Civil War he settled down permanently, having been in the government service during hostilities as a butcher and was sent out onto the plains where the meat to supply the soldiers in the army was secured. Mrs. Fountain was bom and reared in Randolph County and died while still a young woman in 1872, leaving three children: R. M., of Sturgeon, Mo. ; Martha, the wife of L. J. Whitworth, is deceased, and Otis, of this review. Mr. Fountain, after the death of his first wife was married again and had two children : John F., of Detroit, Mich, and Beulah, the wife of J. Wallace Seymour, of Sturgeon, Mo.

Otis Fountain was reared on his father's farm and received his education in the district school and in the schools of Sturgeon before entering the college at Fayette, Mo. When old enough he engaged in farming. The land Mr. Fountain now owns was entered by his great grandfather,

James Barnes, descending from him to his son Absolom and then to the younger generations. It is one of the large and fine farms of Prairie township.

Oct. 6, 1891, Mr. Fountain was married to Miss Annie Ferguson, the daughter of W. W. and Mollie (James) Ferguson, natives of Randolph County and Carrollton County, Mo., respectively. Mrs. Fountain died Jan. 6, 1906, leaving six children: Julia, deceased; Wallace H., of Boone County ; Lucile, a teacher at home ; Otis A., also at home ; Cleo and Annie, at home. On Jan. 15, 1907, Mr. Fountain married Urith Bradley, a native of Randolph County, the daughter of William and Mary (Lewis) Bradley, both now deceased. There were two children born to this union: Mary Rachael and Radford M., both at home.

Joseph G. Stockton, a successful stockman and farmer and the owner of a large farm in Prairie township, is a stock holder and one of the organizers of the Exchange Bank of Clark, Mo. He was bom in Prairie township, July 3, 1842, the son of Thomas and- America (Jacobs) Stockton. The father was born in Kentucky in 1812 and died in Missouri in 1893; he was reared, educated and became a planter in his native state and while yet a young man came to Randolph County, one of the pioneer settlers of this section of Missouri. He bought considerable land, was a slave owner and operated a plantation before the Civil War and was a farmer after its close.

America Jacobs Stockton was a native of Boone County, Mo., and was reared and educated there and passed her life in this state and died in her 93d year in 1912. There were 12 children in the Stockton family all of whom survive but one who died in infancy. The youngest is now 54 and the oldest is 80 years of age. They are as follows: Mary, the wife of George Hubbard, of Clark; Joseph G., of this review; James T., of Columbia, Mo. ; Amanda, the wife of William Ryland, of Ponca City, Okla. ; Syrena, the wife of J. M. Fountain, of Centralia, Mo.; Fannie, the wife of James Barklay, living near Ray, Colo. ; Lizzie, the widow of Martin Ryland, Crescent City, Okla.; Belle, the wife of H. Noland, of Hannibal, Mo.; Georgia, the wife of H. Lyons, of Sturgeon, Mo.; Thomas L., of Crescent City, Okla.; and Alice, the wife of William Brown, of Crescent City, Okla.

Joseph G. Stockton was reared on his father's farm in Randolph County and has lived in the country all his life and received his education in the pioneer schools. More than a half century ago Mr. Stockton settled on his present farm. He has been engaged in general farming and stock raising during all that long period and for many years has been recognized as one of the substantial farmers of this section of the state. He is one of the few men now living who located here at the tim« he did. During the Civil War he went to Illinois and later to Kansas where he was located when President Lincoln was assassinated. Subsequently he returned to Randolph County where he has since been a continuous resident.

In October, 1868, Mr. Stockton was married to Miss Ehza Woods, bom in Boone County, Mo. and the following children have been born to them: Willie, the wife of Jake Sharp, of Prairie township; L. T., of Red Rock, Okla. ; Mollie, married 0. Brown, and is a widow at home ; Clara, married William McCune, is deceased; John, deceased; J. L., who manages the home farm.

Mr. Stockton is a Democrat and a member of the Methodist church. For some years he has lived retired, leaving the actual business of the farm to his son and now enjoys the sunset years in ease and rest.

Frank Street, a well known and successful farmer and stockman, who is the owner of 367 acres of land known as "Street's Corner Farm", in the southeastern part of the county where Randolph County joins Audrain and Boone counties, is a breeder of pure bred Aberdeen Angus cattle. He was born at Sturgeon, Mo., June 14, 1862 and is a son of William and America (Sutton) Street. '

William Street was a native of Kentucky and when a young man came to Missouri, first locating in Howard County. After the Civil War he came to Randolph County and spent the remainder of his life in this county. He died about 1877. America (Sutton) Street was also a native of Kentucky and came to Pike County, Mo., with her parents. Mr. Street was her second husband. After their marriage they lived in Boone County, Mo., before coming to Randolph County.

Frank Street spent his boyhood and youth on his father's farm, and attended the district school and later entered Bryant & Stratton's Business College, at St. Joseph, Mo. After completing his course in that institution he returned to Pl-airie township and engaged in farming. For a time he rented land and was successful. In 1895, he purchased 120 acres of land in this section. He carried on general farming and stock raising. From time to time he bought more land adjoining his original farm, becoming an extensive land owner. In the spring of 1919 Mr. Street moved to Clark to live though he still maintains the management of his large land holdings. In that year he began to handle and breed pure bred Aberdeen Angus cattle.

In 1890, Mr. Street was married to Miss Lizzie Wright, a daughter of Zeph and Elizabeth (Simms) Wright, both natives of Kentucky, who came to Missouri at an early date and became pioneer settlers of this section. The following children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Street: Nina, the wife of R. T. Hulen, of Sturgeon, Mo. ; Velpo, who enlisted in the army in May, 1918, and became a member of Company G, 351st Infantry, 88th Division, was promoted to corporal of his company and died of pneumonia while in the service; and Zeph, who lives at Sturgeon, Mo.

Mr. Street is a Democrat but has never aspired to hold public office, though he supports all movements for the betterment and the development of the community. He is one of the substantial citizens of Randolph County.

Judge J. H. Swetnam, a^former judge of the county court and prominent farmer and stockman of Silver Creek township, is a native of Missouri. He was bom in Howard County, April 20, 1860 and is a son of Bartee and Katherine (Walkup) Swetnam and was the second oldest of ten children to them.

Bartee Swetnam was also a native of Missouri and was engaged in farming and stock raising in Howard County. He died in March, 1890, at the age of 54 years. His wife was also a native of this state and died in 1890, aged about 50 years.

John H. Swetnam was reared on the home farm in Howard County and attended the district schools of the neighborhood. In 1882 he came to Randolph County and bought a farm four miles north of Yates. He improved this place and sold it in 1888. He then bought a part of the old -James farm, northwest of Higbee. After improving that place he sold it in 1904 and resided in Higbee for two years while he was serving as special road overseer. In 1916, he settled on his present farm in Silver Creek township where he has a well improved place of 120 acres. Here he carries on general farming and stock raising and is meeting with success.

August, -1903, at the age of 38 years. One child was born to that union, Harvey who is now engaged in fanning and stock raising northwest of Higbee. Judge Swetnam was married in 1904 to Myrtle Fray, a native of Randolph County, and three children have been bom to this union, as follows: Ruth, Ruby and Houx, all of whom reside at home with their parents.

Judge Swetnam is a Democrat and has always taken a commendable interest in political affairs. He was elected judge of the county court to represent the western district of Randolph County in 1904. At the expiration of his term of office he was reelected to succeed himself and served four years in all. During his term of office he displayed good business ability and sound judgment in the administration of the affairs of the county and was one of the best county judges that Randolph County- ever had. He is a member of the Presbyterian church and a representative of Randolph County's best citizenship.

George Thornburg, a successful farmer and stockman of Prairie township, who is also an extensive buyer and shipper of mules, is a native of this county. He was born Sept. 6, 1870, in Prairie township and is a son of James and Sallie (Kimbrough) Thornburg, the former a native of Pennsylvania and the latter of Prairie township, Randolph County. They were the parents of five children of whom George Thornburg, the subject of this sketch, is the only one living.

James Thornburg was born in Philadelphia, Pa., and in early life was a shipbuilder and also worked at the carpenter trade. He came to Randolph County some time in the sixties and was engaged in farming in Prairie township; he died, when comparatively a young man, in 1876, his wife having died in 1875. George Thornburg was only five years old when his mother died and his father died a year later. He was reared by an aunt, Alvira Kimbrough and a brother, Owen, who lived on the farm.

George Thornburg has always been engaged in farming and stock business and lived on the farm, except three years that he was cashier of the Renick Bank. He bought his present farm about 1890 and has made many improvements on this place. He owns 160 acres, and it is one of the valuable and well improved farms of Prairie township. He is a successful breeder of Aberdeen Angus cattle and Spotted Poland China hogs. In addition to his farming and other enterprises, Mr. Thornburg has bought and shipped for the past 30 years and during the past five years this department of his business has developed into large proportion, and he is one of the extensive mule dealers in this section of the state.

Mr. Thornburg vs^as married March 15, 1892, to Miss Anna B. Edwards, a native of Randolph County, born near Clark. She is a daughter of William T. and Martha (Terrill) Edw^ards, the former a native of Randolph County and the latter of Callaway County, and both are now deceased. To Mr. and Mrs. Thornburg have been born four children, as follows : William H., cashier of the State Bank, Thermopolis, Wyo. ; G. E., who is associated in business with his father and resides at home ; Robert T. and Annabel, both residing at home with parents.

Mr. Thornburg is a Democrat and takes an active interest in political matters. He has serve'd two terms as county assessor of Randolph County, from 1900 to 1904 and 1908 to 1912. He is a Mason and a member of the Methodist church, south, and an enterprising and progressive citizen.

John A. Pitts, a prosperous farmer and stockman of Silver Creek township and one of the large land owners of Randolph County, was born on his present place, March 2, 1862. He is a son of Rev. Samuel Y. and Anna (Winston) Pitts.

Rev. Samuel Y. Pitts was a pioneer Baptist minister of fhis section of Missouri. He was born in Silver Creek township on the place where his son, John A. Pitts, now resides. He was a man of strong character and an earnest and sincere minister of the gospel. He preached in various places throughout this section and had a wide acquaintance. His influence was always for good and he was loved by all who knew him. He was never known to have an enemy. He died in 1914 at the age of 81 years. He was the son of John A. and Sarah (McDowell) Pitts, both natives of Kentucky.

John A. Pitts came to Randolph County at a very early date and entered government land in Silver Creek township and at the time of his death was the owner of 1,420 acres of land which he divided among his grandchildren. He was an industrious man, a hard worker and was possessed of good business judgment and was one of the most successful citizens of his time in Randolph County. He died in 1876 at the age of 76 years. His wife died several years before. She was about "28 years old at the time of her death.

W., married M. S. Pilcher who is now deceased; A. Winston, Roanoke, Mo.; Ella D., married J. P. Hammett, Salisbury, Mo.; Harvey, deceased; Louisa, married Josh Hunker, Salisbury, Mo., and John A., the subject of this sketch.

John A. Pitts attended the district school in Silver Creek township until he was about eight years old, when his parents removed to Huntsville where he was a student at Mt. Pleasant College. Later, he attended William Jewell College at Liberty, Mo. In 1880, he returned to the home place where he now resides and which has since been his home. He became heir to a part of his grandfather's estate and later bought 100 acres. He is now the owner of 500 acres of well improved and productive land and is one of the large farmers and stock raisers in Randolph County. He is also an extensive feeder and has been e'specially successful in handling cattle in this manner. He is a stockholder and a member of the board of directors of the Yates Saving Bank at Yates, Mo.

John A. Pitts was united in marriage, March 21, 1883 with Miss Florence Head, of Howard County, Mo. She was born in Howard County in 1861 and is a daughter of Dr. Thomas B. and Bettie (Patterson) Head. Dr. Head was a physician and practised his profession at Huntsville. Mrs. Pitts 'is related to the Price family of which Gen. Sterling Price, the famous Confederate general was a member.

- To John A. and Florence (Head) Pitts were bom the following children: Anna, married W. H. Stark, cashier of the Yates Saving Bank, Yates, Mo.; Kate, married B. L. Myers of Detroit, Mich.; Mattie B., a teacher; Harva, also a teacher; John A., further mention of whom is made below; Augusta, at home and Elizabeth, a student in the University of Missouri.

John A. Pitts, Jr., served in the World War. He was a member of the 89th division and saw much active service. He was on the firing line three weeks before the armistice was signed and was with the Army of Occupation in Germany of which the 89th division was a part. After receiving his honorable discharge, he returned home in June, 1919. He is now a clerk in the office of an automobile factory in Detroit, Mich. John A. Pitts is a Democrat and a member of the Baptist church. He is one of the enterprising and substantial citizens of Randolph County and the Pitts family have ever held an honorable place in the community. Oswald S. Fray, a prominent farmer and successful breeder of Silver Creek township, is a native of Randolph County and a descendant of some of the earliest pioneer families of this section of the state. He was bom in Silver Creek township, May 17, 1854 and is a son of John C. and Martha (Barnes) Fray. They were the parents of twelve children as follows : Mrs. Sarah Embree who died at the age of 82 years ; William H., lives in Silver Creek township ; Susan, married Jacob Spotts and is now deceased; Mary J., married J. S. Dysart and is deceased; Lelia married J. J. Kirkpatrick, of Marshall, Mo.; Columbus C, Bowling Green, Mo.; Laura F., married James H. Ferguson who is now deceased and she lives in Silver Creek township ; R. Granville, postmaster at Yates, Mo. ; Oswald S., the subject of this sketch; John E., Silver Creek township; Addie, married George Mayo and they live west of Huntsville and Wirt C, lives at River Bank, Cal.

John C. Fray was born in Virginia in 1814 and came to Missouri with his parents who settled in Howard County at a very early day, and shortly afterwards removed to Randolph County and located in Silver Creek township where John C. Fray was engaged in farming and stock raising and became very well-to-do. He was the owner of about 600 acres of land and prior to the Civil War, usually owned 20 or more negro slaves. Martha (Barnes) Fray, mother of Oswald S. Fray, was born in Silver Greek township, Randolph County and her parents were among the very first settlers of this county. She spent her life in Silver Creek township and died in 1910 at the age of 91 years.

Oswald S. Fray was reared on the home farm in Silver Creek township and attended the public school at Roanoke. He remained at home and assisted his parents on the home place until he was about 25 years old. He bought a farm in 1877, upon which he made improvements, building a house and barn. In 1890, he went to Marshall, Mo., where he bought property and was engaged in the grocery and meat business there for three years. In 1893 he traded his property and business in Marshall for his present place in Silver Creek township. His place consists of 166 acres of valuable land which is well improved with good substantial buildings. In 1901 his house burned and he built a new residence in 1902 - and in 1916 his barn was destroyed by fire and he immediately rebuilt a good substantial barn. He carries on general farming and stock raising and has met with success. In 1919, he began breeding Spotted Poland China hogs and now has a very valuable herd of this breed.

from Kentucky to Mksouii with his family about 1868. To Mr. and Mrs. Fray have been born the following children : Kichard W., decsased ; James E., deceased; Hettie E., deceased; WiUiam B., a merchant at Clark, Mo.; and Mary B., married W. R. Derby and lives on the home place. Mr. and Mrs. Fray have three grandchildren, the children of William B. Fray, as follows : Erdice B., a graduate of the Moberly High School ; Edith L., and Edwin E.

Mr. Fray is a Democrat and a member of the Presbyterian church. For 18 years he served on the school board of District No. 71. Mr. Fray is one of the progressive men of Randolph County. For the past 5 years he has been one of three road commissioners of Yates special road district and takes a comimendable interest in local affairs.

Robert T. Camplin, a well known conductor who for a number of years has been in the train service of the Wabash Railroad, is a native of Missouri and a descendant of pioneers of this state. He was born in Monroe County, June 9, 1873, on a farm 15 miles south of Paris. His parents were John E. and Laura (Holliway) Camplin.

John E. Camplin was a native of Monroe County, Mo. He was born Feb. 27, 1848, a son of Rdlla and Eliza (Creed) Camplin, natives of Kentucky and early pioneer settlers in Monroe County, Mo. John E. Camplin located in Moberly at an early day in the history of this city, and for over 30 years was engaged in the dairy business here. He was widely knovm and was a citizen of high standing. He was a Democrat and took an active part in local political matters and was a member of the city council six or eight terms. He came to Moberly in 1873 and died here in 1918. Laura (Holliway) Camplin was born near Ash, Randolph County, April 1, 1853. She is a daughter of Edward and Caroline (Lee) Holliway, natives of Kentucky and early settlers in Randolph County where they spent the remainder of their lives after coming here. They were the parents of seven children, four of whom are living, including Mrs. John E. Camplin who resides with her son Robert T. Camplin in Moberly.

To John E. and Laura (Holliway) Camplin were born three children: Robert T., the subject of this sketch; John A., a conductor, resides in Moberly ; and Vera, married A. D. Miller, of Columbia, Mo.

Robert T. Camplin was about six months old when his parents settled in Moberly. Here he was reared to manhood and attended the public schools, and in early life learned the art of sign painting for which he had a special talent and today is one of the most skillful sign painters in the country. He followed this work for 14 years and in 1906, he entered the employ of the Wabash Railroad Company as brakeman and was promoted to conductor May 25, 1910, and since that time has been employed in the freight service in that capacity. In dull seasons of railroading he does some sign painting, his hand never having lost its cunning in that art, although he has been a railroader for 14 years.

Mr. Camplin was united in marriage Feb. 14, 1900, with Miss Lydia Storm, who was born near Morgan, Carroll County, Mo. To Mr. and Mrs. Camplin have been born two children: Ethel and Lucile, both of whom are at home with their parents.

Mr. Camplin is a Democrat and keeps himself well posted on current events. He is a m.ember of the Order of Railway Conductors and the family worship at the Christian church.

Ed. M. Forster, of the firm of Forster and.Yowell, prominent real estate dealers and loan representatives of Huntsville, is a native of Georgia. He was born at Macon, Sept. 10, 1855, and is a son of Rev. Frank X. and Senora (Turner) Forster, natives of South Carolina and Kentucky, respectively.

Frank X. Forster was a son of Rev. A. M. Forster, a prominent Methodist minister of the early days. Rev. Frank X. Forster was also a Methodist minister, and for many years was prominently identified with leading educational institutions of the Methodist denomination. He was a professor in the Wesleyan Female College at Macon, Ga., until the Civil War broke out. After the war, he was a professor in Central College at Fayette, Mo., for 17 years. He died in 1878 and his widow spent her last days with her son, Ed. M. Forster, and died in 1911.

Rev. Frank X. and Senora (Turner) Forster were the parents of the following children: J. T., a bank cashier at Lineville, Mo.; Ed. M., the subject of this sketch ; Rev. C. R., a minister of the Methodist denomination, who is a professor at the Wesleyan Female College at Macon, Ga. ; Dr. J. D., a prominent physician and surgeon, who conducts a sanitorium at Indian River Bay, Fla. ; Ada, married Rev. W. A. Davis, a missionary in Japan and is now deceased.

Ed M. Forster was graduated from Central College at Fayette, Mo., in the class of 1874. He took a special course in pharmacy and for six years was engaged in the drug business at Fayette and Higbee. He then removed to Moberly, where he was engaged in the real estate and insurance business and was also interested in the grocery business, until

1901. He then removed to Huntsville and since that time has been interested in various enterprises including the mercantile business, farming and real estate and loans. In partnership with Mr. Yowell, he has in recent years successfully devoted his attention to real estate and loan business. This firm is one of the progressive and enterprising firms of Randolph County and their customers extend over a large scope of territory.

Mr. Forster was united in marriage at Fayette, Mo., in 1877, with Miss Eva McCreary, a daughter of Judge Boyd McCreary of Howard County, Mo. To Mr. and Mrs. Forster has been bom two children, a daughter and son, as follows: Mrs. M. G. Kennedy, whose husband is agent for the Sante Fe and Wabash railroad companies at Lexington Junction, Mo., and they have four children, Merrill, Marvin, Jr., Irma Evaline and Julia May, and Claude T. Forster, who is employed in the Faessler Manufacturing Co., at Moberly, Mo.

Mr. Forster is a member of the Methodist church and for 25 years served as steward. He is a Democrat and a member of the Masonic Lodge and is one of Randolph County's representative citizens.

Dr. Robert E. Kiernan, the present mayor of the city of Huntsville, is one of the well-known and successful dentists of Randolph County and is the dean of the dental profession of this county. Dr. Kiernan was born in Audrian County, Mo., July 13, 1867. . His parents were Dr. Robert E. and Martha (Reed) Kiernan.

Dr. Robert E. Kiernan, Sr., was a native of Ireland, born in 1830. When he was two years old he was brought to America by his parents. After receiving a good preparatory education he studied medicine and was one of the pioneer physicians of this section of the country. He practiced medicine among the pioneers of the early days, when the pioneer doctors traveled on horseback. He practiced here long before the Civil War and located at Huntsville in 1873. He continued the practice of his profession there for a number of years. However, he retired from active practice several years before his death, which occurred in 1914, in his 84th year. His wife died in February, 1911.

Dr. Robert E. and Martha (Reed) Kiernan were the parents of the following children: Ella, Bettie and Nora, all of whom reside in Huntsville and Dr. Robert E., the subject of this sketch. Martha Reed Kiernan, the mother, was bom on a farm near Huntsville, Mo., in 1831. Her parents were among the very first pioneer settlers of this section.

Dr. Robert E. Kieman, whose name introduces this sketch, received careful training in his youth and obtained a good preparatory education. He then entered the Missouri Dental College, at St. Louis, Mo., and was graduated in the class of 1888. He immediately engaged in the practice of his profession and for 32 years has practiced in Huntsville. During that time he has built up a large practice and has become widely known in Huntsville and Randolph County. He has had the unusual experience of having done dental work for four generations of the same family, and has practiced dentistry longer than any other man in Randolph County.

Dr. Kiernan is a Mason and a member of the Knights of Pythias and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He is a Democrat and a member of the Christian church.

Judge W. H. Sandison, a leading implement dealer of Huntsville, is conducting the oldest established business in this city, it having been founded by his father in the early seventies, and for many years has been carried on by Judge Sandison, the present proprietor.

W. H. Sandison is a native of Pennsylvania and a son of William and Elizabeth (Burton) Sandison, the fonner a native of Scotland and the latter of Pennsylvania. William Sandison, the father, was bom in April, 1838, and died in Huntsville in January, 1916. He learned the blacksmith trade in early life, and when a boy went from his native land to Canada, where he worked at his trade for some years, when he went to Pennsylvania and was there married to Elizabeth Burton. He came to Missouri and settled at Huntsville in 1868. Here he engaged in blacksmithing. He erected a brick blacksmith shop and some years after locating here, engaged in the implement business, which he at first conducted in connection with blacksmithing. At his death he was succeeded by his son, W. H. Sandison, of this sketch. He took a prominent part in the early day affairs of Huntsville and held the office of city councilman and was also a member of the school board. He was a member of the Baptist church and active in church work. He was also a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. His wife died in 1889 and he died in 1916.

mobile salesman, Salt Spring township; Mary J., lives at Huntsville; C. D., a Spanish-American War veteran, now a jeweler at Huntsville; Annie, lives at Huntsville; A. 0., a jeweler at Sedalia, Mo.

Judge Sandison was reared in Huntsville and educated in the . public schools of that city and the University of Missouri at Columbia, Mo. Since reaching manhood he has been engaged in the implement business at Huntsville and has built up an extensive trade. He is well known in Huntsville and Randolph County. He has served as police judge of Huntsville for five terms, a period of ten years.

Judge Sandison is a Republican and a member of the Knights of Pythias. He has been keeper of the records and seals of that order in Huntsville for the past 28 years and for four years he served as secretary of the sixth district. He is one of the substantial business men of Huntsville and Randolph County.

Isham Powell, a leading farmer and stockman of Moniteau township, who is the owner of 300 acres of land, is one of the progressive citizens of Randolph County. He was born in Boyle County, Ky., Nov. 15, 1843, and is the son of Golson and Mary (Colter) Powell, both also natives of Kentucky and pioneers of Missouri, and are now deceased. They were the parents of eight children, five girls and three boys, of whom Isham Powell was the second in order of birth.

Isham Powell came to Missouri in 1856 and located in Randolph County, where he was engaged in farming when the Civil War broke out. He enlisted in the Confederate army and became captain of the company in Gen. Joe Shelby's command. He was with Shelby in Arkansas, Tennessee and Mississippi and did a great deal of scouting and was engaged in a number of skirmishes and battles in those states. After the war he returned to Randolph County and engaged in farming and stock raising again and has met with success in his undertakings. He endured many hardships and privations in the early days, but by hard work and industry, he has overcome many obstacles and succeeded. He has been an extensive stock feeder and has made money in that field of endeavor.

Mr. Powell was married in 1870 to Miss Mary L. Mitchell, a native of Cedar County, Mo., born March 23, 1848. She is a daughter of Stephen Alex and Louisa (Lilburn) Mitchell, natives of Tennessee, who came to Missouri with their respective parents, who were early settlers of Cedar County, Mo. Mrs. Powell's parents are both deceased. To Mr. and Mrs. Powell have- been born two children, as follows: Lulu, married James

Isham Powell And Grandson, Frank C. Powell

William Thompson Dameron, who is now serving his second term as postmaster of Huntsville, has been prominently identified with the public affairs of Randolph County for a number of years. He is a descendant of early pioneer families of Randolph county, both on his maternal and paternal sides. Mr. Dameron was born on a farm in Silver Creek township, June 6, 1854, and is a son of George W. and Eliza Jane (Mayo) Dameron.

George W. Dameron was born in Caswell County, N. C, Feb. 10, 1815. He was one of a family of 11 children of Bartholomew and Rebecca (Malone) Dameron, the former of whom died Feb. 25, 1847, and the latter Oct. 11, 1851. They came from North Carolina to Randolph County with a colony of about 60 persons, in 1830, and camped for a short time at Renick and on Jan. 1, 1831, reached Huntsville. They located in Silver Creek township, where Bartholomew Dameron spent the remainder of his life. He was a successful farmer and tobacco planter and owned a number of slaves.

George W. Dameron was 17 years old when he came to Randolph County with his parents. On June 25, 1840, he was m.arried to Miss Susan J. Lobban, who died Nov. 15, 1845, leaving one son, James B., who died at the age of 64 years. May 24, 1847, George W. Dameron was married to Miss Eliza J. Mayo. She was born in Randolph County, Dec. 27, 1827, and was a daughter of Allen Mayo, who came to Randolph County with his parents in 1817. He was a native of Virginia and went with his parents from Virginia to Tennessee and in 1817 they came to Randolph County and was the first settlers in this county. A brother, Valentine Mayo, was the first member of the family to reach this county. He came in 1816, and entered a tract of land in Randolph County and the following year the other members of the Mayo family, who had gone from Tennessee to Illinois, came here. Allen Mayo discovered Randolph Springs. He found it by following the buffalo trail to the Salt Lake and he often shot deer there. He later purchased salt at that place. He was truly one of the pioneers of Randolph County. Further details of Allen Mayo and the Mayo family history appears in this volume in connection with the sketch of his son, James P. Mayo.

To George and Eliza. Jane were born the following children : C. A., was a levee contractor in Mississippi and died in 1887; William T., the subject of this sketch; George P., who operates a picture show at Huntsville; Charles H., was a levee contractor in the South for a number of years and now resides at Huntsville; John M., is a levee contractor in the South; Mattie H., the widow of Lewis Malone, resides in Huntsville; Susan, Married H. Johnson, and lives in Huntsville; Lutie R., married Will Evans, of Huntsville, and Mrs. Parthena Smith, of Huntsville.