Ray County, Missouri - The whole text, 1881 (part 18 of 23)

James S. Asbury was born in Ray county, Missouri, November 21, 1847. His parents, Stephen and Nettie Asbury, emigrated to Missouri in the year 1843, first locating in the southern part of the state until 1847, and then coming to Ray county. Our subject attended the common schools of this county, and remained at home until he was sixteen years of age. He then went to Leavenworth, Kansas, and obtaining work, remained there during eighteen months. While in the city of Leavenworth, he attended night school, and thus finished his education. He clerked in a dry goods store at Plattsburg, Missouri, after leaving Leavenworth, and also at Dover in Lafayette county. He opened a store on his own account at Hainesville, Missouri, in the year 1869, and remained there for two years. He then kept store for eleven years at Lawson, in this county. At present, April, 1881, Mr. Asbury is conducting a large dry goods and grocery store at the town of Vibbard. He is also postmaster at that place. He was married April 8, 1875, to Miss Lottie C. Barrett, daughter of Rev W. C. and Nancy Barrett, natives of Williamsport, Virginia. The marriage ceremony was performed by the bride's father, who is a minister of the Baptist Church. Mrs. Asbury was born in Virginia, September 9, 1850. They have two children living: Louis J., born January 15, 1877; Herbert, born April 2, 1880. Mr. Asbury is a successful, popular merchant, and an accommodating and efficient postmaster.

Adam Hauser was born in Ray county, Missouri, May 13, 1849. He is the son of Thomas and Susan Hauser. His father was born in Surry county, North Carolina, November 18, 1809, and died April 21, 1881. His mother was born in the state of Indiana, September 20, 1822, and is yet living. Our subject after finishing the course of study in the district schools, attended William Jewell College, at Liberty, Missouri, and at the age of seventeen years, entered upon the duties of a teacher in the schools of his native county. Mr. Hauser was married December 15, 1870, to Miss Margaret M. Odell, daughter of Henry and Anna Odell. Her father was a native of South Carolina, and her mother of Indiana. She was born in Ray county, July 18, 1853. Mr. and Mrs. Hauser have three children : Kate L., born November 1, 1871 ; Cleopatra A., born November 3, 1874; Virgil M., born February 27, 1878. Mr. Hauser owns seventy-four acres of land in township fifty-two, range twenty-nine, and also two houses and lots in the town of Vibbard. He is assessor of the town and also a member of its council. He and his wife are members of the Christian Union religious denomination. He is a popular and successful teacher and a valuable and leading citizen.

Rev. Allen Sisk

Allen Sisk was born in Cocke county, Tennessee, December 9, 1833. He is the son 'of Lawson and Sarah Sisk. His father was born in Culpepper county, Virginia, his mother in Cocke county, Tennessee. She is dead. His father is yet living in Tennessee at the advanced age of eighty years. His grandfather, Bartlett Sisk, was a soldier in the war for American Independence. Our subject came to Ray county in 1853, and has since resided here. He was married May 13, 1856, to Miss Nancy A. Smart, daughter of Samuel and Mary J. Smart, natives of Cocke county, Tennessee. She was born in Ray county December 2, 1839. Mr. and Mrs. Sisk have six children living: Mary E., born June 21, 1857; John, bora October 18, 1861; Dorothea A., born January 29, 1864; Sarah E., born July 21, 1866; James H., bora July 21, 1873; William C, born August 19, 1867. Mr. Sisk united with the regular Baptist Church in the month of August, 1860, and soon after commenced the study of the ministry. He was ordained in the year 1866, and has since been diligently working in the Lord's vineyard, and his labors have been blessed with great success. He is a devout Christian and much beloved by his congregations.

J. R. Jones

John R. Jones was born in Harrison county, Kentucky, July 10, 1842. He is the son of Richard S. and Verlinda Jones, natives of Kentucky. He was educated in his native state, and grew to manhood on the farm of his father. At the age of nineteen years, in the fall of 1861, he enlisted in company D, 23d Kentucky regiment of Union volunteer infantry, army of the Cumberland, and participated in the following named battles of the civil war: Mission Ridge, Chickamauga, Franklin and Nashville, besides numerous skirmishes. He was discharged in January, 1865, and returned to his home in Kentucky. He came to Ray county, in the month of August, 1872. March 6, 1873, Mr. Jones was married to Miss Margaret F. Shelton, daughter of L. L. and Catherine Shelton. Her father was born in Kentucky, and her mother in Missouri. Four children have been born to Mr.-and Mrs. Jones, only two of whom are now living: Viola C, born June 18, 1877; Verlinda S., born March 6, 1881. Mr. Jones is a thrifty, enterprising farmer and stock-dealer, a leading citizen, and a much respected member of the community in which he lives.

John E. Weber

John E. Weber was born in Louisa county, Iowa, August 1, 1857. His parents are Henry and Mary Weber. His father is a native of Germany, and his mother of the state of Ohio. John attended the district schools of his native state, and obtained a fair English education, and as soon as old enough he began to learn the blacksmithing trade in his father's shop. He continued working for his father until he was twentytwo years of age, and then left home, and began blacksmithing on his own account, in the town of Swanwick, then at Lawson, and is now doing a good business at Vibbard, this county. In the year 1858 his parents removed from Iowa to Kentucky, and after living there during twelve years, they emigrated to Missouri, and located, for two years, at the city of St. Joseph. From there they came to Ray county, and settled at the town of Elkhorn. Our subject is a good blacksmith, and very industrious. He is popular and receives a large patronage.

Was born in St. Charles county, Missouri, October 6, 1846. His parents were Thomas H. and Sarah E. McGaugh. His father was a native of Tennessee and his mother of the state of Virginia. At the age of sixteen years our subject enlisted and served about eighteen months; he was in the affray, when the noted desperado, Bill Anderson, was killed, near Albany, this county, in the year 1864. January 20, 1867, Mr.

McGaugh was married to Miss Nancy C. Coffer, daughter of William and Miranda Coffer, natives of North Carolina. Mrs. McGaugh was born in the year 1849, in North Carolina. Three children, now living, have been the result of this union: Ida M., born October 26, 1867; Lottie Lee, born April, 1873; Homer H., born April, 1877. Mr. McGaugh is now engaged very successfully in business, at the town of Orrick.

Lewis H. Wood

Lewis H. Wood is a native of Albemarle county, Virginia, and was born December 25, 1832. He is the son of Henry and Rutha Wood, also natives of the state of Virginia. At the age of eighteen years, our subject went to California, and remained there during five years, engaged in mining. He then returned to his home in Virginia, but remaining there only a short time, emigrated to Missouri. He first stopped for about a year in Jackson county, and then came to Ray county, in 1857, and has ever since made his home here, though he has often been in Kansas and other states while working at his trade, which is that of a plasterer. Mr. Wood was married May 10, 1859, to Miss E. L. Rothrick, daughter of Alexander and Ellen Rothrick, natives of the state of New York. Mr. and Mrs. Wood have six children: Mamie, born March 7, 1860; William L., born April 9, 1862; Lilly P., born June 2,1871; Andrew B., born April 15, 18 - , Effie born May 14, 1876, Emmett, born January 16, 1881; Mr. Wood is an excellent plasterer and his services are much in demand.

Rial Creason

Rial Creason was born in Ray county, Missouri, on the 3d day of March, 1835. His parents were Willaim and Mary Creason. His father was a native of Kentucky, and his mother of the state of Tennessee. The family emigrated to this county at an early day, and were compelled, by fear of Indians, to,live in a block house on first coming. Our subject was married on the 31st day of August, 1854, to Miss Mary D. Hall, by Reverend T. N. O'Brien, of the Baptist Church. Mrs. Creason was born in Ray county, March 29, 1839. Her parents were T. and Zilpha Hall, natives of North Carolina, who came to this county about the year 1833. Mr. and Mrs. Creason became the parents of thirteen children, all but four of whom are now living: Martha E., born February 28, 1S27; Cyrus W., born Ma}' 15, 1858; Thomas W., born February 3, 1863'; Sarah F., born January 3, 1865; Meda, born February 10, 1866; Wiley B., born September 15, 1869; Robert E., born June 11, 1871; Daisy, born June 15, 1875; Lena, born December 27, 1877; Emma, born April 3, 1860, and died in the fall of 1862; Susie, born April 5, 1865, and died in 1866; Furney, born in 1867, and died in 186S; Rosa, born May 16, 1872, and died in October, 1874. Mr. Creason has served seven years as justice of the peace, and is at present occupying that office. He owns about six hundred acres of Ray county's best bottom land, and is a successful and prosperous farmer and a good citizen. He is treasurer of Albany Grange, No. 520, P. of H., and a leading member of Ada Lodge, No. 444, A. F. & A. M., at Albany.

Oscar Mason

Oscar Mason was born in Ray county, Missouri, October 13, 1852. He is the son of John and Mary H. Mason. His father was born in Kentucky, and his mother in Mississippi. His opportunities for education were very limited, on account of the war, but he made the best use he could of such time as he spent at school, and has a fair common school education. He began farming for himself at the age of seventeen years and continued in that business in this county for about three years, and then went to Texas, where he engaged in herding cattle for two years and then returned to this county. He then engaged as clerk for one year in the dry goods store of Dorton & Pigg, since which time he has been engaged at Orrick, in business for himself.

Daniel H. Tucker, Sen., was born in Marion county, Kentucky, October 21, 1816. His parents removed to Ray county, Missouri, in the spring of 1835, and our subject has ever since lived here. He was married, November 10, 1836, to Miss Milly Ellioth, daughter of John and Susanna Ellioth, natives of North Carolina. She was born November 21, 1820, in Ray county. They have eleven children living: Mary E., James L., Martha, Sarena, Benjamin F., Milly, Andrew E., Daniel H., Eliza, Sallie, William. Susannah, Kitty A. and John E. are dead. Ten of these are now married, and nine of them living near their father. (Mary E. lives in Cedar county, Missouri). Mr. Tucker owns two hundred acres of excellent land in Fishing River bottom and is a well-to-do farmer, and a respected member of the community. He belongs to Ada Lodge, No. 444, A. F. & A. M., at Albany.

John Bogart

John Bogart is a native of Ray county, Missouri, and was born on the 24th day of April, 1825. His father, Alexander Bogart, was a native of Tennessee, and his mother, Mary, was born in Indiana. They emigrated to this county in the year 1819, and settled near where our subject now resides. John Bogart was married September 7, 1845, to Miss Elizabeth A. Hogue, daughter of James and Elizabeth Hogue, natives of South Carolina, who came to this county about the year 1838. Mrs. Bogart was born in South Carolina, November 10, 1827. The issue of this marriage was ten children, six of whom are yet living: Alexander, born October 6, 1846; Elizabeth, born August 20, 1849; Janette, born June 6, 1853; James VV., born November 21, 1855; Sarah C, born March 15, 1858; John R., born January 15, 1868; Mary Jane, born September 2, 1848, died October 4, 1848; Nancy, born November 7, 1851, died July 27, 1852; Mary E., born April 12, 1863, died May 8, 1864. Mr. Bogart served as justice of the peace for ten years. He is a prosperous farmer and a good citizen.

James L. Tucker

James L. Tucker was born in Ray county, Missouri, April 17, 1843. His parents were Daniel H. and Milly Tucker, natives of the state of North Carolina. At the commencement of the civil war, Mr. Tucker enlisted in the home guard militia, and served for about six months, when he joined company B, 3d Missouri cavalry, under Captain A. Allen, and served for three years. He participated in the battles of Springfield, Monia, Cane Hill, and Neosho. At the close of the war he returned to Ray county, and went from here to Dakota territory as a teamster; was gone about a year. Soon after his return here from Dakota he was married May 29, 1866, to Miss Sarah S. Wholf, daughter of John Wholf, a native of Ohio. She was born in Ray county, Missouri, September 22, 1843. In the year 1870, Mr. Tucker located on the southeast quarter of section six, town fifty-one, range twenty-nine, where he has since resided. He owns eighty acres of excellent, well-improved land, and is prospering well. Mr. and Mrs. Tucker have four children living, and three dead: Hannah, born August 7,1868; Milly, born October 30, 1869; Michael W., born September 7,1874; Fannie L., born October 28,1880; Kitty A., born April 30, 1871; died Sepember 15, 1872; Daniel H., born December 14, 1872; died October 10,1873; Mary E., born October 2,1876; died October 29, 1879. Mr. Tucker is a good citizen, and highly esteemed by his neighbors.

James Buist

James Buist was born in Fifeshire, Scotland, April 21, 1835. His parents, David and Robino Buist, were also natives of Scotland. His parents both died when James was quite young, and he lived in the family of his uncle until he was eighteen years of age, when he began to earn his own livelihood. When nineteen years old our subject emigrated to America, landing at New York on the 15th day of May, 1857. He went to Philadelphia and remained there until 1860, and then came to Missouri, locating first in Clay county, for a short time, and then coming to Ray where he has since had his home. Frem 1862, to 1863, Mr. Buist was a teamster in government employ, connected with a supply train. He was married May 16,

1865, to Miss Margaret E. Smith, daughter of Philip and Jane Smith. Her father was born in the north of Ireland, and her mother in Missouri. She was born in Platte county Missouri, June 26, 1849. Three children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Buist: David, born in December, 1867; William, born December 13, 1869; Mary, born November 4, 1873. Mrs. Buist died February 16, 1877, and Mr. Buist was married again, June 7, 1878, to Mrs. Mary E. Harris. They became the parents of one child, Annie, born in May, 1879. Mr. Buist lived unhappily with his second wife, and they are now separated by divorce. He is a well-to-do farmer, and a valuable citizen.

Dr. S. A. Paxton was born April 24, 1847, in Lincoln county, Kentucky. His parents were William and Matilda J. Paxton. His father was born in 1808, and his mother in 1818. When our subject was quite young, his parents removed to Missouri, stopping, for a time, in Pike county, and then went to Montgomery county, and, in the year 1868, came to Ray county. Remaining here but a short time, they went to Colorado, thence to Texas, and various other localities, finally returning here to settle permanently. Dr. Paxton graduated from the McDowell Medical College, at St. Louis, in February, 1877, and has since been engaged, very successfully, in the practice of his profession. Fie is now located at the town of Orrick, and is a popular rising young physician, and a leading citizen of the town.

Samuel Tarwater

Samuel Tarwater was born in Tennessee in the year 1806. His parents removed to Ray county, Missouri, in the autumn of 1816, and settled among the Pottawattamie Indians, who then dwelt in this county. They endured all the privations and hardships incident to pioneer life. Our subject remained at home with his parents until he was eighteen years of age and then began working for himself. He was married in the year 1824, to Miss Polly Broadhurst, by Rev. W. Turnadge. They lived happily together for a quarter of a century, and then Mrs. Tarwater died, and in 1852, Mr. Tarwater was again married to Mrs. Elizabeth Orphet. After seventeen years of wedded life, she, too, died. Mr. Tarwater was married the third time in 1869, to Miss Sarah E. Mills. She lived only about two years after her marriage, and Mr. Tarwater was left alone by death the third time. His fourth marriage was with Mrs. Malinda E. Brown. She died two years after her marriage and our subject was for the fifth time married May 15, 1881, to Mrs. Mary A. Scott, the daughter of Thomas and Psyche Keen)-. Her father was a native of North Carolina and her mother of Tennessee. Mrs. Tarwater was born March 20, 1831, in this county. Mr. Tarwater is the father of nine children by his first marriage, seven by the second and one by the third marriage. Of these, only three of his first wife's and three of his second wife's children and the one of the third wife are now living. Mr. Tarwater is one of the oldest and best citizens of Ray county. As early as the age of eighteen years he engaged in numerous skirmishes with roving bands of hostile Indians, who, not infrequently raided the settlements for purposes of theft or murder. He was also engaged in the Heatherly and the Mormon wars. In a fight with Mormons on Crooked river, two of them attacked him at once with corn knives and nearly cut him to pieces. He received a terrible gash in the skull, through which the brain was plainly visible, was cut about the throat and one terrible blow across the face severed the jaw bone and destroyed all the upper teeth. From the effects of these wounds, Mr. Tarwater was compelled to keep his bed nearly six months and has never, entirely recovered, for the wound on his head affected his memory and the injury to his mouth caused an impediment in his speech. Samuel Tarwater, now venerable with nearly four score years, has been closely identified with and assisted in the progress of Ray county from an almost primeval wilderness to her present proud position of wealth and population in the front ranks of the sisterhood of counties that go to make up the grand old commonwealth of Missouri.

Cyrus D. Gant

Cvrus D. Gant was born in Ray county, Missouri, September 10, 1839. He is the son of Joshua A. Gant, a native of North Carolina. At the age of twenty Years, he began to work for himself, and was, September 17, 1866, married to Miss Ella M. Hughes, daughter of John and Deborah Hughes, natives of Kentucky. They have six children: William, born September 2, 1867; James N., born November 17, 1868; Leila, born March 1, 1874; Ora L., born January 10, 1876; Maud, born September 3, 1878; Ella, born March 13, 1881. When the civil war commenced, Mr. Gaut enlisted in company C, Third Missouri Confederate cavalry and served with that regiment for six months, and was then transferred to the Third Missouri infantry, in which he served throughout the remainder of the war. He participated in the battles of Lexington, Pea Ridge, first and second Iuka, Corinth, Vicksburg, Grand Gulf, Black River, Atlanta, Kenesaw and Franklin or Stone River. At the last named battle he was wounded five times, and being left on the field, fell into the hands of the Union troops. He was kept at Franklin two months and was then sent to the hospital at Nashville, where he remained about the same length of time. He was released at Camp Chase in Ohio the same day that President Lincoln was assassinated. He walked to St. Louis, and there meeting a friend who kindly furnished him with the necessary means he was enabled to take passage on the steamboat up the river and thus reached home again after an absense of more than three years. Mr. Gant is now engaged as a trader and dealer in live stock. He does a thriving, paying business, and is a valuable member of the community of Vibbard, where he resides. He is highly respected by his neighbors and friends, and is a leading and influential citizen.

James Greene

James Greene was born in the state of Tennessee, April 15, 1811. His parents were David and Jorissa Greene, natives of White county, Tennessee. Our subject came to Ray county, Missouri, in the year 1832, and engaged in farming, which has been his life-long avocation. In the year 1845, James Greene was married to Miss Mary Hough, daughter of Absolom Hough, a native of Germany. She was born November 20, 1824. They have six children, living: Martin V., born October 2, 1842; David, born November 25, 1844; Nancy, born August 4, 1848; Samuel, born June 6, 1853; Martha, born March 11, 1858; James, born January 8, 1869. Mr. Greene served eighteen months at the beginning of the late civil war, as a member of Colonel King's staff (Union army). At the expiration of that term of service, he re-enhsted in the 44th regiment of Missouri volunteer infantry, and served in the battles of Pea Ridge and Spanish Fort, as well as all other engagements in which his regiment participated. At the last named battle he was under fire for eleven days. At the close of the war he was discharged at St. Louis, and returned to his family in Ray county. Both Mr. Greene and his wife are members of the Christian Church. He is an industrious, thrifty, and successful farmer and a good citizen.

The subject of this sketch was born in Campbell county, Tennessee, in the year 1837, and was brought by his parents when four years old, to Knoxville, Ray county, Missouri. His father was a farmer, and our subject was raised on a farm. Having completed the course of study taught in the common schools, he began teaching at the age of nineteen years, and pursued that profession with good success during eight years. He then entered the drug and grocery business at Haller, and continued it, at that place, for about six years, and until his removal to R. & L. Junction. There he was occupied in the same line of business for about two years, and then selling out at the Junction, he removed to Lawson, this county, and built a large and commodious store house there, in which he conducts a very profitable trade in drugs and groceries. Mr. Hatfield was married at Lawson, in the month of June, 1878, to Miss Fannie Potter, of Gentry county, Missouri, by the Reverend Mr. Roote. They became the parents of two children, both of whom died in infancy. Mr. Hatfield is a rising, popular merchant and a public spirited man.

G. W. Montgomery was born in Gallatin county, Kentucky, July 31, 1833, and received his education and grew up there. At the age of twenty-one years, he left home and went to California, where he staid about eighteen months, and then returned to his native county, and again attended school for one year. At the expiration of that time he came to Missouri, and, stopping first in Clinton county, taught school there for one year, and then came to Ray county. He taught school for a time after his arrival in this county, and then engaged in farming until the outbreaking of the civil war. In 1861 he enlisted in company F, Hughe's regiment of state guards, Slack's brigade, and served for three months, and then returned home. In the winter of 1861, he enlisted in company A, second Missouri regiment, Confederate States army, and remained in the service until March, 1862, and then went to Kentucky, where he remained until 1865, and then, returning to this county, engaged in farming until 1870, and then entered the hardware and lumber trade, which he continued until February, 1881, when he established his present business, that of furniture, undertakers' goods and agricultural implements, at the town of Lawson. Mr. Montgomery was married in the year 1858, to Miss Agnes Clevenger, who was born in Ray county in the year 1843. They became the parents of two children, Elizabeth, now Mrs. Brock, and Robert E. Mr.' Montgomery was married the second time, in 1872, to Flora Childs, who was born in the state of New York, in 1849. He is a member of the Bee-Hive Lodge, No. 393, A. F. & A. M., at Lawson, and is also a leading member of the M. E. Church South

F. Brock

The gentleman whose name heads this article was born in Franklin county, Kentucky, December 26, 1820. He left Kentucky when seven years of age, with his parents, and coming to Missouri, locating first in Clay county, where he remained until 1854, and then came to Ray county and located upon his present farm, in section thirty, township twenty-nine, range fifty-four. He owns a fine farm of 278 acres, well improved and in an excellent state of cultivation. He is also engaged in raising stock, and has a fine herd of blooded cattle, and also a flock of well-bred sheep. Commenced dealing in lumber, at Lawson, in the autumn of 1871, and in 1873 added a stock of hardware to his business, and has since continued both lines in addition to his farm. He owns a fine store-house at Lawson, and is doing a prosperous business. Mr. Brock was engaged in the local war against the Mormons, and was also in the state militia, under command of Colonel Doniphan. He was married March 17, 1853, in Clay county, Missouri, to Miss Diana Moore, by the Reverend Mr. Price, of the Baptist Church. Mrs. Brock was born in Franklin county, Kentucky, February 13, 1826, and her parents moved to this state soon after her birth. Mr. and Mrs. Brock have two children: W. H. and George E. Mr. Brock is a member of Bee-Hive Lodge No. 393, A. F. & A. M., and was one of the charter members when the lodge was organized, in 1865.

James C. Weakley was born in Mercer county, Pennsylvania, May iJ9, 1844. His father, William S. Weakley, was a native of Pennsylvania, and was born March 1, 1816; died September 1, 1848. Our subject learned the trade of a tinner at the age of eighteen years, and has since devoted his attention to that avocation. During Morgan's raid through Ohio and Virginia, in 1863, he responded to the call for volunteers for one hundred days, and served through that campaign. March 1, 1863, he enlisted in company G, 145th regiment of Pennsylvania, and served until July 4, 1865, when he was discharged at Cincinnati. He was engaged at the battles of the Wilderness, Spottsylvania Court House, North Ann River, Cold Harbor, Petersburg. At the last named battle he was so badly wounded as to disable him for service, and he was discharged, and returned home to Pennsylvania, where he remained until September, 1865, and then, coming to Missouri, engaged, during the succeeding winter, at his trade in Hamilton, Caldwell county, Missouri, and then came to Knoxville, Ray county. From the latter place he removed to Lawson in 1870, and has since been doing a good business in stoves, tinware, etc., at that place. Mr. Weakley was married January 27, 1867, at Knoxville, this county, to Miss Mary E. Vinsant, a native of Tennessee, born October 17, 1846. They have six children: William R., John, James, Charles D., Esther, and Mary E. Both Mr. Weakley and his wife are members of the M. E. Church South. He has held the position of secretary of Bee-Hive Lodge No. 393, A. F. & A. M., for several years.

Isaac Cook

Isaac Cook was born in Guilford county, North Carolina, July 3, 1817, and learned the blacksmithing trade there, which business he has pursued ever since. Came to Missouri in 1844, and worked at his trade first for awhile in Clinton county, andjthen removed to Ray county; is now located at Lawson. During the late civil war he was first lieutenant of company B, 6th Missouri cavalry, commanded by Colonel E. C. Catherwood. Mr. Cook was married in 1839, in North Carolina, to Miss Hannah E. Woodburn. They became the parents of ten children: Elizabeth A., Jane, John, Tabitha, Margaret, Susan, James, Henry, Frances, and an infant (dead). Mr. Cook's second marriage occurred May 17, 1865, when Mary E. Barrow, of Green county, became his wife. She bore him three children: Isaac S., Addie, and Charles F. Mrs. Cook died in the month of June, 1880. Mr. Cook is a member of the Christian Union Church. He is an excellent blacksmith, and has a large and lucrative business. He is a man of good character, and is a valuable addition to the town of Lawson.

J. W. Asbury was born in Todd county, Kentucky, February 8, 1840. His parents removed to Missouri in 1843, and located, first in Dade county, where they lived for three years, and then came to Ray county. His father, who was a blacksmith, located in Richmond, and worked at his trade there, until 1852, and then removed to Camden, this county. From Camden he went to Lexington, Lafayette county, and after remaining there for a period, returned to this county. Our subject learned the trade of blacksmithing, and pursued that business until the beginning of the civil war. He enlisted, in 1861, jn company A, 3d Missouri Regiment, Confederate army, and was engaged at Pea Ridge, Mansfield raid, Jenkins' Ferry, Lexington, and Independence. He was discharged at Shreveport, Louisiana, in 1865, and went to Nebraska, where he engaged for two years, at his trade. He then went to Wyoming territory, and to Colorado, working successively at different places. At Cheyenne, Wyoming, he set up a shop of his own. He returned to Missouri in 1868, and began merchandising at the town of Hainesville,!and at the end of two years, came to Lawson, this county, where he and his brother, J. S. Asbury, opened a large business in dry goods, groceries, boots and shoes. They have conducted the business very successfully, at that place, ever since. Our subject was married in 1872, at Plattsburg, Missouri, to Miss Tilly Barrett, of Clinton county, who was born at Parkersburg, Virginia, December 27, 1857. They have two children living. Mr. Asbury is a member of the Missionary Baptist Church, and also belongs to the Masonic fraternity.

Was born in Jefferson county, east Tennessee, July 9, 1821, and at the age of twenty years left there and came to Ray county, Missouri, locating near Richmond, where he lived for six years, and then bought land and settled in Caldwell county, and engaged in farming and stock dealing there, until 1879, when he returned to Ray county and located at Lawson, where he has since been engaged extensively and profitably in buying and shipping live stock. Mr. Cates still owns a fine farm of 240 acres in Caldwell county. He was married February 11, 1841, to Miss Edith

Joiner, in Jefferson county, east Tennessee. Mrs. Cates was born in the month ot September, 1821, in Tennessee. The issue of this union was twelve children: Mary, Ellen, John, Samuel, Margaret, William, Martha, Stephen, Melsina, George, Florence and Pleasant. Mrs. Cates died June 5, 1877, and Mr. Cates was again married in July, 1876, to Sallie Robinett. Mr. Cates is a deacon and an active and influential member of the Baptist Church. He has served for several years as justice of the peace, and is a prominent and respected citizen.

James M. Crowley

James M. Crowley was born in Fishing River township, Ray county, Missouri, April 26, 1857. He was educated in the district schools of this county, and when he had grown up engaged in farming, which is his present occupation. He was married at Lawson, in 1879, to Miss Bettie Whitsett, by Rev. Mr. Linn. Mrs. Crowley was born in Ray county, in the year 1858. The issue of this marriage has been one child: William, born May 26, 1880. Mr. Crowley is an enterprising, industrious and rising young farmer and a good citizen.

Was born in Union county, Illinois, October 6, 1837. Moved to Wellington, Lafayette county, Missouri, in 1853, and was educated there. After leaving school he began the study of medicine, and afterwards attended and graduated from Rush Medical College, at Chicago, Illinois. He has practiced very successfully in Lafayette, Clay and Ray counties; he is now located at Lawson, and associated in the practice of his profession with his brother, Dr. J. C. James. They also own and conduct a drug store at Lawson. Dr. G. W. James was married December 11, 1872, at Lawson, to Miss Susan Immell, of Pennsylvania. She was born in 1848. Three children have been born to Dr. and Mrs. James: Temperance Immell, William and Arthur. Both Dr. James and his estimable lady are members of the M. E. Church South. He is a good physician and enjoys a lucrative practice.

Was born in Union county, Illinois, October 7, 1841. He attended medical college at Ann Arbor, Michigan, and afterwards graduated from the medical department of the Iowa State University, and began the practice of his profession in July, 1864, in Clay county, Missouri. In the year 1872, he located at Lawson, this county, and with his brother, also a physician, opened a drug store at that place, in connection with his practice. Dr. W. C. James was married May 28, 1874, in Clinton county, Missouri, to Miss Alice Estill. She died the 15th of May, 1875, having lived less than one year after her marriage. Dr. James is a leading member of Bee-Hive Lodge, No. 393, at Lawson, and is also a member of the M. E. Church South, at that place. Dr. James is an able and popular physician, and James Bros, are doing a prosperous drug business. They are valuable citizens of the thriving little city of Lawson.

Dr. C. N. Palmer was born in Scott county, Kentucky, February 25, 1831. His parents removed to Independence, Jackson county, Missouri, in 1836, and there our subject attended school. He subsequently graduated from the State University at Columbia, in 1850, and began the study of medicine. He attended the St. Louis Medical College, graduating in 1853, and the next winter attended a post-graduate course of lectures at Philadelphia. He located for the practice of his profession in Clay county, Missouri, in the spring of 1854, and remained there until 1870, when he came to Lawson, in this county, and has since practiced there. Dr. Palmer was married in 1853, in Clay county, to Miss Susan Cook, who was born in Garrard county, Kentucky, in 1840. They became the parents of three children: Lutie C, Fanny A., Mary B. Mrs. Palmer died in 1869 and the Doctor was again married in 1873, to Josephine Hollingworth. They have three children : Patracia, Charles H., and Grace. Dr. Palmer enlisted in the Confederate army in 1861, and served throughout the war. He held the rank of lieutenant-colonel and participated in the battles of Pea Ridge, Arkansas, Seven Pines and the seven days fight at Richmond, Virginia, under General Robert E. Lee, besides numerous minor engagements. After the war was over he went to the west and traveled through the different states and territories to the Pacific ocean, returning after an absence of two and a half years, to Liberty, Clay county, Missouri, where he remained as above stated, practicing his profession, until his removal to Lawson. Dr. Palmer is an accomplished, experienced and successful physician, and a prominent and influential citizen of Ray county. He is a member of the Christian Church, of the Masonic fraternity, and of the I. O. O. F.

Robert M. Hunter

Robert M. Hunter was born in Jessamine county, Kentucky, December 3, 1841, and lived there until 1869, when he removed to Ray county, Missouri, and located upon his present farm. He has been a farmer and stock-raiser all his life. He owns one hundred and sixty acres of good land in a fine condition of cultivation, and well improved. He is also engaged in raising the best breeds of stock, among which are some thorough bred short-horn cattle. Mr. Hunter was married, October 3, 1871, in Ray county, Missouri, to Miss M. C. Rippy. They are the parents of two children: Cora A., born December 27, 1S72; Nannie A., born December 31, 1874. In the summer of 1863, Mr. Hunter enlisted in company B, 8th regiment Kentucky cavalry, C. S. A., and served until he was captured, in the summer of 1864, near Salineville, Ohio, during Morgan's raid, and held a prisoner of war at Camp Chase, Ohio, where he was finally discharged, and returned home to Kentucky. During the time he was in the army he engaged in the battles of Hartsville, Tennessee; Nashville, Elizabethtown, Rolling Fork, Louisville, Richmond, Winchester, Mt. Sterling, and Green River bridge, besides other less important ones. Mr. Hunter is a leading farmer, and a valuable and highly respected member of the communitv, and citizen of Ray county.

Benjamin Sturgis

Benjamin Sturgis was born in Madison county, Ohio, October 14, 1830. At the age of ten years he came with his parents to Caldwell county, Missouri, and lived there until 1878, when he came to this county. He was reared upon a farm, and has been all his life engaged in the business of farming. Mr. Sturgis was married, first, in 1854, in Caldwell county, marriage was two children: George and Lucy Jane. His wife died in 1856, and in 1858, Mr. Sturgis was again married by Rev. Mr. Williams, to Lucy Violet, of Clay county. They are the parents of seven children : William, Nero, Benjamin, Oliver, Clara, living, and Matthew and Phoebe, dead. The second Mrs. Sturgis died in 1876. Mr. Sturgis is a leading member of the Christian Union Church.

Griffin I. Winger

Griffin I. Winger was born in Roanoke county, Virgina, May 1, 1849. His parents removed to Ray county, Missouri, when our subject was but three years old, and settled upon the same place where he now resides. He owns one hundred and forty-three acres of good farming lands, well improved and in a fine state of cultivation and productiveness. Mr. Winger was married in the month of March, 1870, to Miss Mary E. Ra}-, a native also of Roanoke county, Virginia. She was born May 21, 1850. They have three children: Bertha A., born August 19, 1872; Marcus B., born April 13, 1874; James W., born August 11, 1880. Mr. Winger and his wife are members of the Missionary >Baptist Church. The parents of our subject were natives of Virginia: his father died January 8, 1859; his mother is living with him on the old homestead. Mr. Winger is a well-to-do farmer, and a respected citizen of Polk township.

William Crowley

William Crowley was born in Powell Valley, Tennessee, October 31, 1816. He is the son of Isham Crowley, also a native of Tennessee. Soon after the birth of William, his father removed to the state of Alabama, where the family lived for about thirteen years, and then in 1829, removed to Clay county, Missouri. Our subject remained about eleven years in Clay county, and then going to Clinton county, lived there during eight years. In the year 1849, he came to Ray county and has continued a citizen and a farmer of this county ever since. He owns a valuable farm (section seven, township fifty-four, range twenty-nine,) of two hundred and ten acres of verv fertile farming land, well fenced, and in an excellent condition of cultivation, with fine, thrifty bearing orchards, and an abundance of pure water for the numerous herds of cattle, horses, sheep and hogs, with which the pastures are stocked. The farm is improved by a handsome, commodious and conveniently arranged dwelling house, a large and substantially built barn and granaries, sheds and other buildings for the protection of stock and the shelter of grain, feed, etc. Mr. Crowley is also engaged, to a considerable extent, in buying and selling live stock, and devotes particular attention to breeding and raising the best varieties. He is a thrifty, practical, experienced farmer, and the condition of his model farm bears testimony to his success, in that, his chosen branch of business. Mr. Crowley was married November 19, 1840, by Rev. John Edwards, to Miss Margaret Miller, a native of Clay county, Missouri, born May 29, 1S25. The issue of this marriage was ten children, all but one of whom are living: James I., born February 7, 1843; William T., born May 5, 1845; Susan F., born March 8, 1848; John W., born January 6, 1850; Eugenia K., born April 2, 1852; David M., born August 21, 1854; George W., born April 8, 1858; Barnum M., born September 4, 1860; U. S. Grant, born August 27, 1863: A. B. Lincoln, born September 18, 1865, (died in infancy.) Mr. Crowley has served during four successive terms, of four years each, as justice of the peace in his township, and was justice of the Ray county court during a term of four years. He discharged the duties of these positions of trust and honor with the same judgment and ability with which he has so successfully managed his individual business. His conduct in public as well as in private life, has always been highly honorable and just. He and his wife, with several of the children, are members of the Christian Church. He is also a member of Grange No. 1129, P. of H.

The subject of this sketch was born in Cooper county, Missouri, April 5, 1841. When he was six years of age, his parents removed to St. Joseph, Missouri, and lived there and in Buchanan county about five years and then went to Platte county where they resided until our subject was fourteen years of age, when they returned to Buchanan county. There he learned the carpentering trade and worked at it until 1880, when he came to Lawson, Ray county, where he is now located. Mr. Williams enlisted in company E, Cornell's regiment, C. S. A., under General Sterling Price, in the month of September, 1861, and was engaged at the battles of Pea Ridge, Corinth, Iuka, Grand Gulf, Champion Hills and at the siege of Vicksburg, where he was captured by the Union army under command of General U. S. Grant, and held as a prisoner of war until January 3, 1865. After his release he went to Indiana and thence to Buchanan county, Missouri. Mr. Williams was married in 1854, to Miss Maria Goodman, of Buchanan county, by Rev. James Roberts. They have three children: George, born December 10, 1861; James, born June - ,1866; Annie, born July 5, 1868. Mr. Williams and wife are both members of the Baptist Church at Lawson, and he is also a member of the I. O. O. F. He is a good carpenter and builder, and his business is in a prosperous condition.

Andrew J. Greenawalt

Andrew J. Greenawalt was born in Hardin county, Kentucky, June 15, 1829. He remained in his native county until fourteen years of age, and then came to Missouri, and lived first, one year, in Clay county, and then went to DeKalb county and remained there until 1865, when he removed to Ray county and bought the same farm upon which he is living at present (April, 1881). Mr. Greenawalt was married in De Kalb county, November 28, 1850, to Miss Nancy Sloan, a native of Monroe county, Ohio, born August 9, 1833. Her parents came to Missouri in the year 1841. Mr. and Mrs. Greenawalt became the parents of seven children, five of whom are now living: Susan J., born July 18, 1853; John B., born August 3, 1865; James S., born September 6, 1860; Elijah P., born May 26, 1866; William L., born October 2, 1868; Sarah E., born July 25, 1858, and Christina, born March 2, 1871, are dead. Mr. Greenawalt enlisted May 13, 1861, in company F, Ninth Missouri infantry, C. S. A., commanded by Colonel Clark, of General Sterling Price's army. Mr. Greenawalt was in the battles of Lexington, Springfield and Pea Ridge where he was captured by the Union troops and taken to the military prison at Alton, Illinois, and kept there until September 8, 1862, when he was exchanged at Vicksburg, Mississippi, and went to Little Rock,

Arkansas, and v/as with his command at Prairie Grove, Cypress Bayou, Old River Lake, Milliken's Bend, (Louisiana), Mansfield, Sabine Fork, and the surrender at Shreveport, Louisiana. June 24, 1865, reached his home again in De Kalb county, Missouri, after an absence of nearly four years, and subsequently, as above stated, came and settled permanently in Ray county. Mr. Greenawalt owns a very desirable farm of one hundred and twenty acres of fertile and productive land, which evinces by its neat and thrifty appearance the industry and good management of its owner. Mr. Greenawalt and his wife with three of the eldest children are members of the Christian Church.

Milton Piercey

Milton Piercey was born near Greensborough, in Guilford county, North Carolina, October 25, 1822. From the age of eighteen to twenty years he served an apprenticeship at the carpentering trade, and then began working at that business, and continued it until 1844, when he immigrated to Ray county, Missouri, and settled on the farm he now owns and occupies. With the exception of two years, 1848-50, spent in Clinton and Caldwell counties, this state, he has lived here ever since he first came, engaged in farming and carpentering. He came here a poor youth, and has made all he has by his industry, economy, and good management. He owns a valuable farm of three hundred acres, under good fences, well improved, and fully stocked and equipped. Mr. Piercey was first married, in this county, August 31, 1848, to Miss Permelia C. Taylor, daughter of John and Zenisha Taylor. Two children were born of this union, viz: Amos K., born December 27, 1850; Sarah E., born November 9, 1852. Mrs. Piercey died in November, 1852, and Mr. Piercey was again married July 25, 1854, to Zillah A. Taylor, who was born in Virginia, in 1832. They became the parents of five children, three of whom are now living, viz: Henry C, born February 25, 1856; George W., born March 7, 1858; Caroline S., born April 9, 1865. Mr. Piercy was married the third time, March 23, 1871, to Lottie J. Cummings, by Reverend William Dickson. She was born in Guilford county, North Carolina, May 22, 1831. The issue of this marriage was two children: Robert D., born June 4, 1872; Charley M., born March 21, 1874; died August 15, 1874. Mr. Piercey and his wife are members of the Presbyterian Church, and he is also a member of the Masonic order, at Lawson.

W. F. Thomas

The subject of this article was born in Clay county, Missouri, December 4, 1836, and at the age of eight years, removed with his parents to Platte county for about a year, and then to Andrew county, where the family lived during two years, and then our subject went to St. Joseph and commenced learning the saddler trade. After an apprenticeship of four and a half years, he went to Kansas and engaged at his trade for a time in Atchison, and then he went to California, and, during the succeeding eight years, traveled through the states and territories on the Pacific sl©pe, working at mining, and prospecting as he went. He came to Ray county in 1869, and engaged, during two years, in farming, and then began working at his trade, at Lawson, and has since built up a very profitable business at that place. Mr. Thomas was married February 16, 1875, in Andrew county, Missouri, to Miss Carrie Walker, by Reverend Mr. Cruikshanks. She was born in Andrew county, in May, 1853. They have one child, Ferdie, born February 13, 1876. Mr. and Mrs. Thomas are members of the M. E. Church South, and he is a member of Bee- Hive Lodge, No. 393, A. F. & A. M., at Lawson.

The gentleman whose name heads this article, was born in Greene county, Illinois, October 9, 1844. When six years of age he removed with his parents to Macoupin county, Illinois, and lived there until twenty-five years old, when he came to Missouri and engaged in farming in Clay county, until 1878, and then came to Ray county. Mr. Robinett was married in Clay county, Missouri, December 6, 1870, to Miss Sue H. Claflin, by Reverend J. V. B. Flack. She was born in Macoupin county, Illinois, in the month of June, 1853. Mr. and Mrs. Robinett are the parents of five children, named as follows: Charles J., Mary E., John M., Daisy R., and Ada R. Mrs. Robinett is a member of the Baptist Church. Mr. Robinett is an industrious and thrifty farmer, and a good citizen.

W. A. Miller

William A. Miller was born in Stokes county, North Carolina, July 26, 1821, and remained there with his parents until he was sixteen years old, and then removed to Clay county, Missouri, and lived there until the spring of 1844, when he came to Ray county, and has lived here ever since, engaged in farming and stock-raising. He owns a fine farm of four hundred and fifty-one acres, of excellent tillable land, well improved and stocked with the best breeds of cattle, sheep and hogs. Mr. Miller payo careful attention to breeding and raising only the best kinds of live stock. He was married in Clay county, Missouri, January 4, 1814, to Miss Sallie McGee, by Rev. John Walker. She was born in Montgomery county, Kentucky, October 27, 1828. The issue of this marriage was ten children, all but three of whom are now living: Ann E., wife of Chas. Bates; Frederick D., Melvin M., Susan J., Ellen, Emma L., and Eugene. Mr.

Miller is a member of the Christian Church, of the Grange, and Masonic order. He is a leading stock-raiser and farmer, a good neighbor and a prominent and valuable citizen.

Randolph McDonald was born in Adair county, Kentucky, October 7, 1806, and received his education and attained to his majority there, working on his father's farm. He was poor, and opportunities and advantages for young men were meager in the locality where he grew up, and at the age of twenty-eight years, he determined to leave Kentucky, and seek a home across the " Father of Waters," in the rich, productive lands of Missouri. Pie settled in Ray county, in the year 1835, and engaged in farming and stock-raising. By his untiring energv, unfagging industry, strict economy, and good management he has secured for himself a competency. He has a fine, large farm of five hundred and sixt}^ acres of prairie and woodland, handsomely improved, well irrigated, and stocked with good herds of horses, cattle, hogs, and sheep. Mr. McDonald was married, in the state of Kentucky, in 1828, to Miss Locky Oxford, by John Gilbert, a minister of the Baptist Church. Mrs. McDonald was born in the year 1808, in North Carolina. The issue of this union was nine children, viz: Rosannah, born March 11,1832; Mary Ann, born November 23, 1833; Jeremiah, born October 16, 1835; Elizabeth, born August 28, 1837; William G., born August 29, 1838; Eliza Jane, born April 26, 1841; Sarah E., born February 28, 1844; Jacob Randolph, born July 6, 1845; Locky Emeline, born December 26, 1846. Rosannah, Mary A., and Louisa are dead. Mrs. McDonald died in the month of December, 1871, and her death was deeply mourned by her family and large circle of friends and relatives. Mr. McDonald is a leading member of the Baptist Church. He has never aspired to any public office, preferring the quiet walks of private life, and devoting his attention to his farm, and to the support, careful training, and proper education of his family. Mr. McDonald is a practical, successful farmer and business man, a good citizen, a consistent Christian, an agreeable gentleman, and he^enjoys the universal esteem and respect of the people of his communitv.

A. P. Moss

A. P. Moss was born near Versailles, in Woodford county, Kentucky, in the year 1803. Came to Ray county, Missouri, in 1845, and has since lived here. He was married in 1823, in his native count)-, to Miss Lucy Boston, by Rev. William Penny, of the Baptist Church. They became the parents of eight children. Mr. Moss is a devout member of the Christian Church, and also belongs to the I. O. O. F. He is an old and highly respected citizen of Ray county.

M. R. Fowler

M. R. Fowler was born in Randolph county, Missouri, May 4, 1834. He attended the schools of his father's neighborhood, and grew up on the farm. At the age of twenty-two years, he came to this county and has been a farmer and stock-raiser of Ray county ever since. He owns one thousand and eighty-two acres of valuable land, about one thousand acres of which is prairie land, and in an excellent state of cultivation, well watered, and enclosed by good and substantial fencing. He has a handsome and conveniently appointed residence, and the farm is additionally improved by barns, granaries, sheds and other buildings, also a fine, thrifty bearing orchard. Mr. Fowler is extensively engaged in raising and feeding cattle and hogs for market. He was married in Ray county, to Miss Elvira Moss, daughter of A. P. Moss. She was born in Ray county, Missouri, February 6, 1851. They have six children. Their names with dates of birth following, viz: Archie P., born March 20, 1866; Thomas N., born August 28, 1867; Charles P., born January 15, 1870; Lucy R., born January 15, 1874; Carrie, born June 7, 1876; Fred. D., born March 18, 1878. Mr. Fowler is an active and leading member of the Christian Church, as is also his wife. He is a prominent farmer, and an influential and valuable citizen.

Samuel J. Crowley

Samuel J. Crowley was born near Kearney, Clay county, Missouri, March 24, 1843. His father, Samuel Crowley, is a native of Campbell county, Tennessee, came to Clav county and settled there in 1820. Our subject lived in Clay county until seventeen years of age, and then came to Ray county and was engaged in farming and stock-raising during ten years here, and then removed just across the line into his native county, where he now lives. He has a fine prairie farm of two hundred and forty acres, in a high state of cultivation, and handsomely improved. Mr. Crowley was married in Ray county, Missouri, February 11, 1869, to Miss Louisa A. Misener. Mrs. Crowley was born in this county, February 3, 1849. They are the parents oi three children: Nancy B., born May 21, 1872; Frank P., born March 24,1876; Misener L., born December 17, 1880. Samuel Crowley, Sr., father of our subject, was born November 14, 1786, in east Tennessee, died July 1, 1849. Our subject's mother, Nancy, was born May 13, 1805, died January 28, 1S75. Mr. Crowley is a leading, prosperous and highly respected farmer.

S. I. Cates was born in Caldwell county, Missouri, June 7, 1857. He was educated in his native county, and remained there until the year 1878, when he came to Ray county, and, establishing himself at the thriving town of Lisbonville, opened out a large stock of general merchandise. By courteous treatment, and fair, honorable dealing with all, he has built up a large and profitable trade. Mr. Cates was married at Lisbonville, this county, May 22, 1879, to Miss Carrie Lukey, by Reverend J. C. Penny, of the Baptist Church. Mrs. Cates was born in Clay county, Missouri, in the year 1863. They have one child, Elsie, born June 7, 1880. Mr. Cates is an industrious, enterprising, and progressive young gentleman, and a good business man.

J. H. James, M.D.

Doctor J. H.James was born in Union county, Illinois, August 26. 1843. and lived there until he attained the age of twenty-three years. He then removed to Wellington, Missouri, and, after remaining there only a few months, went to Kansas City, where he remained for a time, engaged in carpentering, which trade he had acquired in Illinois, at the age of sixteen years. From Kansas City, he went to Chicago and attended medical lectures at Rush College during the years 1869-'70. He then came to Lisbonville, Ray county, and engaged in the practice of medicine until 1875, when he attended lectures again, at Missouri Medical College, St. Louis. He returned to Lisbonville, and has since built up a large and profitable practice there. Doctor James was first married in Caldwell county, Missouri, April, 1873, to Miss Margaret Cates, by Reverend John Harmon. They had one child, who died in infancy. He was married the second time, December 2, 1877, to Miss Belle Langford, by Reverend Carter, at Lisbonville. Mrs. James was born in Caldwell county, Missouri, May 18, 1861. The issue of this marriage has been three children, all of whom died in infancy. Doctor James is a member of the M. E. Church South, and Mrs. James of the Missionary Baptist Church.

The subject of this sketch is a native of Rav county, Missouri, born August 29, 1838, and has lived in the same neighborhood in which he was born all his life, engaged in farming and stock-raising. Mr. McDonald owns a fine farm of four hundred acres, three hundred and forty acres of which are fertile, rolling prairie lands. This farm is well improved, and inclosed with strong fences. It is in an excellent state of cultivation, and is very productive. Mr. McDonald is also extensively engaged in raising fine breeds of live stock. He was married in Caldwell county, Missouri, in 1859, to Miss Caroline Kelmel, by Reverend John Turnadge, a Baptist minister. They are the parents of four children: L. S., born March 21, 1860; T. R., born August 21, 1S62; W. W., born December 22, 1864; M. C, born November 1, 1866. Mr. McDonald is a leading member of Palo Lodge, No. 232, A. F. & A. M.

Robert Glenn Miller was born in Campbell county, East Tennessee, August 17, 1810. He came to Ray county and settled in Polk township, in 1830, where he lived during about fifteen years, and then moved to Caldwell county, Missouri. During the time he lived in the latter county he was elected and served as sheriff three terms, and was also a member of the county court. He also held at different times, several township offices. December 18, 1879, he returned to Ray county and located at the town of Vibbard, and is now (April, 1881,) engaged in conducting a hotel at that place. Mr. Miller was married in East Tennessee, March 1, 1829, to Miss Rebecca Skidmore, a native of Campbell county, East Tennessee born July 2, 1811. The issue of this marriage was ten children. Their names with dates of birth, follow, viz. : David, born November 22, 1829; Catherine E., born September 19, 1832; Hannah, born November 27, 1834: James, born March 9, 1836; Allen L. D., born March 26, 1838; Isabella ])., born February 14, 1840; Robert G., born April 4, 1842; Lydia J., born December 19, 1844; John T.,born March 19, 1847; Julia Ann, born April 10, 1849. Mrs. Miller died August 17th, 1851, and Mr. Miller married again May 9, 1852, to Eliza Ann Pollard, by Judge Hawkins Green. Six children were born of this union, viz.: David A., born April 3, 1853; Mary F., born September 20, 1>54; Maria J., born March 14, 1858; Ann E., born February 26, 1859; Rebecca A., born May 11, 1860; Clotilde, born June 22, 1862. Mrs. Eliza A. Miller died January 20, 1880. The following named children are also deceased: Catherine E., died January 17, 1835; David, died May 28, 1846; Allen L. D., died May 5, 1858; Mary F., July 6, 1877; John T., was killed November 30, 1864, at the battle of Franklin, Tennessee. He was a member of company C, 44th Missouri infantry, U. S. A. David A. has studied medicine, and intends soon going to a medical college. He was married May 18, 1881, to Miss Sallie Hill, by Elder C. S. Bolton. He is a voung gentleman of great promise.

T. R. Gant

Thomas R. Gant was born in Orange county, North Carolina, March 31, 1836. His parents removed with him to Ray county, Missouri, when he was but two years of age, and he has spent most of the time since in this county. He was engaged in farming and stock-raising until about the year 1872, when he commenced merchandising, and has continued that business ever since. He is now located at the town of Vibbard, and with his brothers, is conducting a large store at that place under the title of T. R. Gant & Bros. They own the fine store building in which they do business, and are also proprietors of the telephone and hack line between Vibbard and Excelsior Springs. Messrs. T. R. Gant & Bros, are doing a thriving and profitable trade, their sales last year, in the aggregate amounting to $20,000.00. Mr. Gant was married at Richmond, this county, to Mrs. Ann E. Green, daughter of Jackson Hughes. She was born in Ray county, Missouri, April 16, 1839. They became the parents of five children: Ada F., born December 6, 1869; John N., born June 25, 1871; Anna Lee, born April 4, 1873; Thomas E., born August 23, 1876; Anna P., born October 6, 1879. Anna Lee and Anna P. are both dead. Mrs. Gant had two children b}r her former marriage: Mary D., (Green), born April 18, 1859; Richard, K. (Green), born June 9,1861. Mr. Gant is a member of Harmony Lodge, No. 384, A. F. & A. M., and his wife is a member of the M. E. Church South.

Doctor Andrew C. Donoven was born in Union county, Illinois, June 1, 1849. He came to Missouri in 186S, and after stopping a short time in Clay county, settled in Ray and has since lived here. He graduated from Rush Medical College at Chicago, in 1871, and in the spring of the same year, commenced the practice of his profession. He is a very successful and popular physician, and enjoys a large and paying practice. Dr. Donoven owns a fine large drug store at Vibbard, which he conducts very profitably, in connection with his practice. The doctor has never been married. He is a leading member of the M. E. Church South, and a valuable citizen of the town of Vibbard.

Joseph P. Gant

Joseph P. Gant was born in Ray county, Missouri, November 7, 1850. Has lived here during his entire life. He engaged in mercantile business with his brothers at Vibbard in 1872, and is now a partner in the store, though at present, (May, 1881), is conducting a stage line between Vibbard and Excelsior Springs. Mr. Gant was married March 25, 1879, to Miss Jennie M. Bissell, by Rev. S. J. HufFaker. Mrs. Gant was born in Mahoning county, Ohio, May 5, 1856. Mr. Gant is an active, enterprising young man, and is much esteemed by his numerous friends.

H. A. Scantling

Henry A. Scantling was born in Kansas City, Missouri, February .23, 1849. When he was quite young, his parents removed to Clay countv, Missouri, and after living there for fifteen years, to Clinton county, Missouri, where our subject engaged in merchandising for two years and then came in the month of August, 1880, to Vibbard, Ray county, and has since conducted a general merchandise store in that place. He enjoys the confidence and respect of the community and is largelv patronized in his business. Mr. Scantling was married in Clinton county, Missouri, in 1873, to Miss Susan McRosey, by Rev. E. Rozelle'. Mrs. Scantling was born in Clay county, Missouri, March 20, 1854. Three children have been born of this union: Sarah M., born October 27, 1874; Leota, born December 25, 1876; Linney B., born December 16, 1879. Mr. and Mrs. Scantling are consistent members of the M. E. Church South.

J. M. C. Trout

James M. C. Trout was born in Roanoke county, Virginia, (now West Virginia), February 16, 1850, and lived there until he was seventeen years old, and then came to Missouri, and after stopping for a short time in Clay and then in Clinton counties, to Ray county, where he resided until 1874, and then went to Texas. After spending about nine months in the Lone Star state, he came back to this county and settled on the farm where he now resides. He has been engaged in farming and stock-raising the greater part of his life. Mr. Trout was married in Ray county, this state, in 1870, to Miss Sirenia Taylor, by Rev. Mr. Montgomery. Mr. Trout was born in this county in the year 1S50. The issue of this union was two children, but one of whom, Eliza, born March 24, 1873, is living. Mrs. Trout died October 16, 1875, and our subject was again married in

Andrew P. Swickard was born in the state of Ohio, August 29, 1855. Removed with his parents to Ray county, Missouri, in 1858, and has lived here ever since, occupied in farming from the time he was large enough to work. Mr. Swickard was married in this county February 24, 1877, to Miss Nancy Jane Cleavenger, by Rev. O. D. Hyder. Mrs. Swickard was born in Rav county, Missouri, March 14, 1856. Three children have been born of this union, only one of whom, Charles Bradford, born September 27, 1878, is now living. Mr. Swickard is an industrious, active and energetic farmer, and a good citizen.

W. H. Brock

William H. Brock was born in Ray county, Missouri, August 5, 1854, and has spent his life to the present time here. He was reared on a farm, and was engaged in farming until January, 1881, when he commenced dealing in hardware, agricultural implements and lumber, at the town of Lawson. Mr. Brock was married in this county, October 9, 1879, to Miss Mary A. Barbee. She was born in Ray county, Missouri, May 31, 1863. They became the parents of one child: Willie F., born July 27, 1880,

Wesley M. Allison

Wesley M. Allison was born in Greenfield, Dade county, Missouri, September 19, 1846. He remained in his native county until fifteen years old, and then came to Richmond, Ray county, and entered the store of Thomas Casey in the capacity of clerk. He remained in the employ of Mr. Casey and others until 1868, when he commenced business, on his own account at Millville. He conducted his store at Millville for eight years, and then sold out, and going again to Richmond, entered into a co-partnership with Jacob Mann, and they continued merchandising at Richmond under the firm name of Mann & Allison, until 1870, when our subject sold out his interest in the business, and going to Lawson established himself in business in that lively little city, and has since remained there. Mr. Allison was married at Richmond, Missouri, in 1868, to Miss Mary L. Brown, daughter of Col. B. J. Brown, by Rev. G. W. Hand. They have six children, viz: Flora B., born January 11, 1869; Charles H., born January 9, 1871; Arden D., born January 12, 1873; Lillian, born March 12, 1875; Carl S., born March 24, 1877; Carrie, born August 29, 1878. Mr. Allison is a member of the M. E. Church South, and also of Bee-Hive Lodge No. 393, A. F. & A. M. He has held the office of notary public for ten years in this county. By polite and gentlemanly bearing, fair and equal treatment of all, Mr. Allison has become deservedly popular as a merchant, and highly respected as a man and citizen.

Edward P. Tiffin

Edward P. Tiffin was born in Ross countv, Ohio, November 24, 1839. At the age of five years he came with his parents to Ray county, Missouri, and settled in the town of Knoxville. He has lived in the vicinity of that place ever since. Mr. Tiffin owns 1,500 acres of excellent land, all under fence, and about 1,000 acres in a fine state of cultivation and productiveness. These lands are improved with good houses, barns, and other buildings; are well irrigated by running streams of pure water, besides ponds, wells, and springs, for the accommodation of stock. They are diversified by groves, green pastures, fertile fields, and thrifty orchards and gardens, yielding abundantly of fruit and vintage. The broad rolling pastures are filled with the best breeds of horses, cattle, hogs, and sheep, and the whole estate, in its appearance and the completeness of its appointments and arrangement, evinces the masterly management and sound judgment of its owner. Mr. Tiffin was married in this county in the year 1861, to Miss Margaret Campbell, a native of Jackson county,

William G. Estill

William G. Estill was born in Clinton county, Missouri, January 16, 1860, where he lived until 1877, and then went to Liberty, Clay county, Missouri, and engaged as clerk in a dry goods store for two years. At the expiration of that time he came to Vibbard, this county, and engaged as clerk and salesman in Doctor Donoven's drug store, commencing at the same time the study of medicine under the instruction of Doctor Donoven. During the winter of 1880-81 he attended lectures at the Missouri Medical College, St. Louis, and intends completing the course and graduating from the same institution. He is a young man of good character, with steady, studious habits, and the prospect of his future is one of great promise.

J. F. Spencer

Joel F. Spencer was born in Sullivan county, Missouri, September 17, 1845, and lived there until he was eighteen years of age, and then traveled for several years through different states and territories of the west. He came back to Linn county, Missouri, and lived there for three years, during which time he learned, and worked at the trade of a carpenter. He came to Ray county in the year 1870, and has lived here ever since. He is now located at Vibbard, and is dealing in furniture in addition to his carpentering business. Mr. Spencer was first married in Linn county, in the year 1866, to Elizabeth James. One child, Demaris, was born of this union, June 22, 1867, Mrs. Spencer died March 1, 1S75, and our subject was again married in 1877, to Sarah J. Goodman. They have two children: Bertha, born February 14, 1879, and an infant, yet unnamed, born October 2, 1880. Mr. Spencer and his wife are members of the Christian Union Church.

W. J. Scantling

William J. Scantling was born in Clay county, Missouri, September 8, 1845, and lived there until the age of twenty years, when he went to Clinton county, Missouri, and engaged there in farming until 1877, when he began to work in a flouring and saw mill. He continued in that business till 1S80, and then came to Ray county, and located at Vibbard, where he is now working at the blacksmithing trade. Mr. Scantling was married in Clinton county, Missouri, in 1867, to Miss Mary A. Rogers, by Rev. G. S. Huffaker. Mrs. Scantling was born in Platte county, Missouri, in the month of October, 1847. The issue of this marriage has been five children: Alice E., born July 12, 1869; John H., born Octo-

Elias Hightower

Elias Hightower was born in Ray county, Missouri, November 5, 1832. His father, Joseph Hightower, was born near Charleston, South Carolina, in the year 1812, and when eighteen years old, went to Virginia, and from there to East Tennessee where he was married to Miss Elizabeth Cleavenger, a native of that state. He came to Ray county, Missouri, in the year 1828, and settled near the old town of Bluffton. He subsequently removed to a farm near Fredericksburg, upon which he died, in September, 1869. His wife (Elizabeth), is still living on the old homestead in this county, at the age of sixty-seven years. Elias Hightower attended the schools of his father's neighborhood during the winter, and worked on the farm in summer until he attained his majority, and then began farming on his own account. With the exception of about four years, he lived in Caldwell county, and two years spent in California, he has always resided in Ray county. He settled on the farm he now occupies, in the year 1856. He owns, (besides two hundred acres in the state of Kansas), a fine farm of two hundred and eighty-six acres, one hundred and sixty acres of which are in cultivation. This farm is inclosed by good, strong fences, is well improved, and supplied with an abundance of pure water, a fine, thrifty orchard, and everything necessary to the successful management of a model farm. Mr. Hightower is giving attention also to raising the best breeds of live stock. He was first married in 1855, to Miss Nancy Ann Wyman, daughter of Christian Wyman, of Ray county. One child, Nancy A., (now wife of Thomas P. Montfort), was born of this union, July 3, 1856. Mrs. Hightower died the same year, and our subject was again married in January, 1857, to Mary F. Wyman, by Rev. Samuel Cleavenger. She was born in Ray county, Missouri, October 5, 1842. They became the parents of ten children, six of whom are now living: Cornelia J., born July 23, 1857; Harriet C, born August li, 1859; Mariah E., born June 2, 1866; Robert E., born March 4, 1869; Mary M., born January 24, 1871; Oran L., born August 8, 1873; William A., born August 13, 1861, died April 22, 1862; Colona A., born February 27, 1865, died August 28, 1865; Fanny E., born August 11, 1859, died June 11, 1872; Ninon A., born August 30, 1876, died January 3, 1878. Mr. Hightower is a leading member of the Missionary Baptist Church, and of Harmony Lodge, No. 384, A. F. & A. M. He is a leading farmer, a prominent and useful citizen, and a man universally respected and esteemed by all who know him.

Levi A. Holman

Levi A. Holman is a native of Rav county, Missouri, born January 24, 1843, and has lived in the county all his life except the time he was absent in the 1 ite civil war. He enlisted, in the fall of 1862, in company F, tenth Missouri cavalry, and served until the close of the war. He participated in the battles of Cherokee Valley, Tupelo, Corinth, Selma and a number of others. He was discharged in June, 1865, and returned to his home in this county, and resumed his former business of farming and stock raising. Mr. Holman was married, December 28, 1865, to Miss Mary Teegarden, a native also of this county, born July 31, 1846. The issue of this marriage has been six children: Celia C, born April 21, 1867; Hardy, born March 21, 1869; Fanny B., born November 24, 1871; James, born January 9, 1873; Nancy, born December 9, 1878; Julia, born December 24, 1880. Mr. Holman and his wife are both members of the Christian Union Church, and he is a member also, of the Farmers' Club, Mr. Holman is a prosperous farmer and a valuable and leading citizen.

Was born in Todd county, Kentucky, on the 28th day of October, 1822. He began the study of medicine in the year 1845, with Dr. Vaugh. of Todd county, Kentucky, as his preceptor, and graduated from the Louisville Medical College in 1848, with the degree of Doctor of Medicine. He came to this county in 1850, and has practiced his profession with good success here, ever since. Dr. Gordon was married in Ray county, Missouri, in 1851, to Miss Martitia Hargrave, by Rev. D. H. McClure. Mrs. Gordon was born in Alamance county, North Carolina, in 1830. Three children were born of this marriage: Howard S., born August 2, 1852; George A., born May 11, 1861; Mary A., born August 8, 1863, died August 11, 1864. Dr. Gordon is a member of the Masonic fraternity. He is now located at the town of Vibbard, this county, where he owns valuable property. His practice is very extensive, and his attention is entirely given to it. He is an able and popular physician and leading citizen.

Thomas A. Sloan

Thomas A. Sloan was born in Bledsoe county, Tennessee, August 28, 1848. He came, with his parents, to Ray county, Missouri, in the year 1853, and has had his home here ever since, and has been engaged chiefly in farming. Mr. Sloan enlisted, May 2, 1862, in company A, 3d Missouri cavalry, Captain Elliott, Colonel King, and General Schofield commanding, and served during the remainder of the war. He was captured by General Jo. Shelby's men, at Neosho, Missouri, and taken to Little Rock,

Arkansas, and paroled. He returned to his regiment, and was subsequently captured by a guerrilla band, under Captain Johnson, but succeeded in making his escape, and rejoining his comrades the night following his capture. He participated in the battles of Lone Jack, Springfield, Cane Hill, Camden, Little Rock, Ft. Smith, Van Buren, Pilot Knob, and others. He was discharged, May 11, 1866, at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. Mr. Sloan was married, June 21, 1868, in Ray count)-, Missouri, to Miss Susan M. McGaugh, by Reverend D. H. McClure. Mrs. Sloan was born in Warren county, Missouri, April 15th, 1846. They are the parents of three children: Joseph S., born April 15, 1869; William H., born July 4, 1871; Frederick H., born July 10, 1874. Mrs. Sloan is a member of the M. E. Church South. Mr. Sloan located at Vibbard, September 1, 1880, and opened a livery stable in that place, which he is at present (April, 1881) conducting. He is a very popular gentleman, and a useful citizen of Vibbard.

Joshua B. Gant

Joshua Butler Gant is a native of Ray county, Missouri, born April 15, 1848. He was reared on a farm and engaged, after growing up, in farming, until the age of twenty-nine years, when he and his brothers entered the mercantile business at the town of Vibbard, Ray county. This business they have ever since conducted, and now have a nourishing trade besides owning the handsome store house in which their stock is kept, and other valuable property in Vibbard. Mr. J. B. Gant is a practical experienced business man, a good citizen and a valuable member of the community in which he lives.

Samuel L. Crowley was born in Ray county, Missouri, May 20, 1850. He grew upon his father's farm, which was the present site of the town of Vibbard, and has spent the greater part of his past life here, engaged for the greater time in buying and shipping live stock to market. From 1873 to 1879 he lived in Vernon county, Missouri, occupied in farming and dealing in stock. He returned to Ray county in 1879, and is now located at Vibbard, where he owns and operates a large flouring and saw mill, and his business is in a highly prosperous condition. Mr. Crowley was married in the month of June, 1869, in Vernon county, Missouri, to Miss Fannie Hughes, by Rev. W. Ditzler. She was born in Ray county, Missouri, May 27, 1851. The issue of this union has been four children: James W., born April 9, 1872; Eugene, born January 9, 1874; Robert and Frank dead. Mr. Crowley is a member of Harmony Lodge, No. 384, A. F. & A. M., and his wife is a member of the Christian Union Church. Mr. Crowley is a man of great energy, industry and enterprise in business, and he has, in consequence, been more than ordinarily successful. He is respected and esteemed for his many excellent qualities as a man and a citizen, by all who knew him.

Thomas H. Lile

Thomas H. Lile was born in Warren county, Missouri, January 1, 1845, and at the age of ten years came with his parents to Ray county, and has had his home here ever since. He enlisted in 1861, in company B, 3d Missouri regiment of volunteers, but was soon afterward transferred to the 6th Missouri, commanded by Colonel Catherwood. He served during three years and was discharged at St. Louis, in 1864. He participated in the battles of Springfield, Lone Jack, Pineville and Sycamore, Arkansas, besides many skirmishes. Mr. Lile was married in 1871, in Ray county, to Miss Mary Meyers, a native of this county, born September 17, 1847. They became the parents of five children: Matthew W., born August 22, 1872; Robert, born January, 1874; Etta May, born March 1, 1879; Henry T. and George E. dead. Mr. Lile and wife are members of the Christian Union Church, and he is also a member of the Farmers' Club. He owns a neat, well cultivated farm, and is very popular among his neighbors, the respect of whom he enjoys.

Stephen Savage

Stephen Savage was born at New-castle-upon-Tyne, England, April 29, 1842. He came to the United States at the age of twenty years, and enlisted in company A, Fifth New York artillery, and rose from the rank of a private to that of seeond lieutenant. He was discharged at Harper's Ferry, Virginia, in I860. He was in the battles of Piedmont, first and second Winchester, Snicker's Gap, and others. Was twice wounded. After the war he was engaged at the watchmaking trade, in New York city, and afterwards in different places in Illinois. He was married December 31, 1870, in Illinois, to Miss Anna LaPlaunt, a native of St. Joseph, Missouri, born May 16, 1849. They became the parents of four children. Mr. Savage and wife are members of the Baptist Church. He is now located, engaged at his trade, in Vibbard.

James R. Holman was born in Ray county, Missouri, August 15, 1S49. After finishing the common school course here, our subject attended college at Columbia, Missouri, and subsequently took a commercial course at St. Louis. Mr. Holman has been dealing in stock during the past fifteen years, and is now, perhaps, the largest shipper in the county. He owns one thousand acres of land, about four hundred acres in the prairie, all fenced, handsomely improved, and stocked with the best breeds of horses, cattle, sheep and hogs. He is one of the most prominent and successful farmers in Ray county. Mr. Holman was married, in 1808, in this county, to Miss Eliza Lanier. The issue of this union was one child. Mrs. Holman died in 1872, and our subject was again married, March 11, 1874, to Miss Martha Johnson, by Rev. Hardy Holman. They have one child. Mr. Holman is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and a highly respected and influential citizen.

John Knight

Was born in the county of Mayo, Ireland, May 16, 1817. Came to the United States in 1840, landing at Baltimore. He settled in the Shenandoah Valley, Virginia, where he lived until 1855, and then removed to Boone county, Kentucky. From Kentucky he came to Missouri, in 1857 or '58, and stopped first in Macon county, where he secured a contract on the Hannibal & St. Joe railroad. He worked on the railroad also in Platte county, and then engaged in building a turnpike road. He came to Vibbard, this county, where he now lives, in 1876. Mr. Knight was married in Shenandoah county, Virginia, in 1850, to Miss Catharine Jenkins, a native of Shenandoah county, Virginia, born in 1830. They became the parents of nine children, six of whom are now living: Mary J., born May 16, 1852; William, born Decernber 16, 1853; Ellen, born December 26, 1856; Michael and Amanda, twins, born June 4, 1860; Annie, born November 11, 1868.

William Knight

William Knight was born in Rockingham county, Virginia, December 16, 1853. He left his native state, when quite young, with his parents, and lived for a time in Kentucky, then in Macon and Clinton counties, Missouri. He came to Ray county in 1876, and settled at the town of Vibbard, where he is now engaged, very successfully, in business.

John W. Turner

John W. Turner was born in Clay county, Missouri, July 25, 1843, and has lived there all his life, except two years, spent at Denver, Colorado. He owns a very valuable farm, just across the Ray county line, well improved and in a fine state of cultivation, with an abundance of water for stock, and a good bearing orchard. This farm is parti}- in the prairie, with just enough timber to afford material for buildings, fences and fuel. Mr. Turner is very extensively engaged in buying and shipping cattle, hogs and sheep to market. His business extends through the counties of Ray, Clay, Clinton and Caldwell. By his good management and excellent judgment, he has made the stock-dealing branch of his business very profitable and successful. By an accident in the summer of 1867, Mr. Turner had the misfortune to lose his left arm. While carrying a sharp . scythe, on a mule, the animal took fright and threw him, cutting his wrist so severely on the scythe as to necessitate amputation of the arm below the elbow. Mr. Turner is a leading member of the M. E. Church South, and an honorable, highly respected and influential citizen.

James T. Hurt

The subject of this sketch was born in Ray county, Missouri, October 12, 1849, and has lived here all the time during his past life. He was engaged in farming prior to 1870, when he began merchandising at Lawson in company with Mr. Robert Clark. In 1876, he bought a store in Lisbonville and lived there for four years, at the expiration of which time he returned to Lawson, and in the beginning of 1881, entered in partnership with Mr. Allison, forming the firm' of Allison & Hurt, dealers in general merchandise. Mr. Hurt was married December 15, 1874, to Miss Allie E. Crithfield, by Rev. W. C. Campbell. Mrs. Hurt was born November 22, 1849, in Ray county. The issue of this marriage has been three children: Austin, born May 22, 1876; Thomas, born October 21, 1878; Arthur, died in infancy. Mrs. Hurt died February 10, 1881, deeply mourned by her friends and relatives. Mr. Hurt is a member of the M. E. Church and also of the Masonic order.

Was born in Ray county, Missouri, February 4, 1859, and has lived there all his life, engaged, since he was old enough to work, in farming. Mr. Tompson was married in this county, in 1879, to Miss Susan Glasscock, by Rev. Hardy Holman. Mrs. Tompson was born August 26, I860, in Ray county, Missouri. She is a member of the Christian Union Church. Mr. Tompson is a member of the Farmers' Club, and owns a neat, pleasant home of ninety-six acres, and is an industrious, rising young husbandman, with a promising start in life.

John R. Berten was born in Caldwell county, Missouri, February 26, 1857. He is the son of Thomas J. and Celia (Cravens) Berten, who were married at Knoxville, this county, in 1843, by Solomon Cravens, J. P., and became the parents of a family of eight children, five boys and three girls. When John was yet a small boy his parents removed to Ray county, Missouri, where he was reared on a farm and has since lived. He removed to the town of Lawson, 1873, where he now lives, engaged in the livery stable busiuess. At the age of eight years, Mr. Berten had a severe fever, which left him a permanent cripple. He has a good English education and is fond of books and study. He is a very popular voung gentleman and enjoys the esteem of all who know him.

William Hannas

William Hannas was born in Hampshire county, West Virginia, October 8, 1836, and lived there until the age of twenty-two years, when he removed to Green county, Ohio, and remained there five years. He then went to Pike county, Illinois, and lived there about the same length of time. In 1870, he came to Missouri, and settling in Carroll county, remained there until April, 1881, when he came to this county. He has been a life-long farmer. He owns two hundred and sixty acres of land, principally prairie, well fenced and cultivated, improved with a good residence, barn and other buildings and bearing a neat, prosperous appearance. Mr. Hannas was married in West Virginia, in the year 1859, to Miss Mary M. Williams, a native of Hampshire county, Virginia, born May 26, 1842. The issue of this marriage has been the following named children, viz: Philip W., born September 2, 1860; Edgar, born July 6, 1864; Mordacai, born February 27, 1866; Mollie, born December 5, 1869; Daniel A., born April 27, 1871; Rosa E., born September 30, 1874; Margaret, born October 26, 1S76; Virginia, born February 19, 1879. Daniel Hannas, the father of our subject, was born in Hampshire county, Virginia, in October, 1812, died January, 1875. Jacob Williams, the father of Mrs. Hannas, was born in Frederick county, Virginia, January 7, 1792. Mr. Hannas is a successful farmer and an active, influential citizen.

Joseph A. Smith

Joseph Addison Smith was born in Guilford county, North Carolina, September 23, 1822. His parents removed to Ray county, Missouri, in 1838, settling within two miles of where Mr. Smith now resides. Here our subject lived, occupied with duties on his father's farm, until 1846, when he enlisted in company C, 1st Missouri cavalry, under Col. A. W. Doniphan, for the war with Mexico. From Leavenworth, Kansas, the 1st Missouri marched to Santa Fe, and thence across the Rio Grande river into Mexico. Mr. Smith served twelve months, and was discharged at the old Mexican town of Monterey. He participated in the battles of Brazito (near El Paso, New Mexico,) Sacramento, marched to Chihuahua, and thence to Monterey, where he was detailed to the care of the sick, and remained while his regiment marched on, to be discharged at New Orleans. After the war, Mr. Smith returned to this county, and commenced improving a farm on the open prairie, which at that time was not settled and hardly thought to be habitable, building a small log cabin where his residence now stands. His friends wondered at his going so far away on the prairie, and ridiculed the idea of improving a farm in that wild and untried region. But he was not dissuaded from his purpose, and in time made those lands, that were regarded with so much disfavor then, to "blossom as the rose." But this was not a speedy transformation. There were long years of labor and cultivation before the place assumed its present prosperous and thrifty appearance and condition. For years his lone cabin, standing in bold relief on a high ridge, served as a guide and a landmark for travelers crossing the prairies. Mr. Smith was married in Grundy county, Missouri, December 18, 1849, to Miss Catherine Miller, by Reverend William McCameron. Mrs. Smith is the daughter of Judge Jesse and Mercy Ann Miller. She was born in Franklin county, Ohio, January 12, 1832, and came to Missouri, with her parents, at the age of eight years. Mr. and Mrs. Smith have eleven children, viz: Joseph C, born October 2, 1851; William W., born November 1, 1853; Nora J., born October 23, 1855; James A., born November 15, 1857; Victoria, born January 8, 1860; Maggie S., born March 16, 1862; Clement L. V., born August 4, 1864; Stephen D., born January 1, 1867; Angie S., born March 20, 1869; David C, born August 24, 1871; Mary M., born October 16, 1874. Mr. Smith owns 955 acres of excellent land, 700 acres of prairie land, enclosed by good, substantial fences, and in a high state of cultivation, with a large, thrifty orchard, bearing abundantly many of the best varieties of fruit. His residence, a large, handsome brick structure, is situated upon a high, rolling plateau, commanding a view of the towns of Lawson and Vibbard, with the surrounding country for miles away. He also has good, roomy, wellarranged convenient barns, sheds, and granaries, for the shelter of stock, feed, grain, and farming implements. Mr. and Mrs. Smith are members of the Old School Presbyterian Church, at Lawson. He has been an elder and an active, leading member of that church for eighteen years. When Mr. Smith first came to this county there was an abundance of deer and other game here, and in his youth he was a great hunter, and had many interesting experiences in the chase. Joseph A. Smith is one of the most highly respected and prominent citizens of the county.

Robert H. Finch

Robert H. Finch was born in Bourbon county, Kentucky, January 7, 1827, and lived there until the age of twenty-two years, when he came to Missouri, and settled in Ray county. In 1849 he made a trip to California, in quest of gold, but after remaining there during one year, returned to this county, and has lived here ever since. Mr. Finch owns nine hundred acres of valuable land, six hundred acres in the prairie, under fence, well cultivated, with an abundance of pasture land and pure water, for the accommodation of stock. His farm is improved with a fine large frame house, good barns, and other buildings, and two large, thrifty, bearing orchards. He is engaged extensively in dealing in stock, and devotes special attention to breeding and raising only the best varieties. Mr. Finch was married in this county, December 8, 1856, to Mary B. Brown, by Rev. John Walker. Mrs. Finch was born in Warren count)-, Missouri, February 25, 1831, and came with her parents to Ray county, in 1835. Mr. Finch and his estimable lady are leading members of the Old School Presbyterian Church. He is also a member of Bee- Hive lodge, No. 393, A. F. & A. M., and was a charter member when the lodge was organized, and received the honorable distinction of being elected to the office of W. M. by his brethren. Mr. Finch .is one of the most prominent and prosperous farmers and stock dealers of this section of the country. He is an upright, fair-minded, honorable gentleman, and a useful and highly respected citizen.