Ray County, Missouri - The whole text, 1881 (part 19 of 23)

C. P. Wright

Cornelius P. Wright was born in Cumberland county, Kentucky, January 23, 1833. In 1850 he learned the trade of a house and sign painter, in Burksville, Kentucky, and has pursued that calling ever since. At the age of twenty-one years he immigrated to Missouri, and located in Platte county, where he lived, engaged at his trade, during fourteen years. In 1868 he came to this county, and still lives here. He is located in business at Lawson, where he owns a good house and lot. Mr. Wright was married May 17, 1860, in Platte county, Missouri, to Miss Martha A. Shaw, a native of Cumberland county, Kentucky, born in the year 1843. Mr. and Mrs. Wright have five children: Arabella A., born June 24, 1861; Quintilla J., born October 5, 1864; Lewis G., born August 29, 1866; Minnie, born December 24, 1872; Elizabeth A., born December 9, 1874. Mr. and Mrs. Wright, with their three eldest children, are members of the M. E. Church South, and Mr. Wright is also a member of Bee-Hive lodge. No. 393, A. F. & A. M., at Lawson, and belongs to the organization of Knights of Honor. During the late civil war he served about eight months in the 82d regiment of Missouri state militia. He has filled the office of justice of the peace, in Platte and this county, for fourteen years. Mr. Wright is a good painter, and is doing a fine business.

Joseph H. Raum was born in Cumberland county, Pennsylvania, November 13, 1S20. He was educated and grew to manhood's estate in his native county. In 1847, he went to Washington county, Pennsylvania, but remaining only three years, returned to Cumberland county, and in 1868, emigrated to Missouri and settled in Ray county. Mr. Raum owned the land upon which the town of Lawson is situated, and its location is due to his liberality in donating land to the railroad company whose line runs through the town. Mr. Raum was married in Cumberland county, Pennsylvania, in 1852, to Miss Henrietta Hawk, a native of Franklin county, born January 13, 1827. Her parents were Jonathan and Mary Hawk, natives of Pennsylvania. The issue of this marriage was five children : Clara, born November 13, 1853, now the wife of Emerman; Kansas, born October 26, 1856; Lansing, December 23, 1858; Bird, born October 25, 1865. Mr. Raum and wife are leading members of the Old School Presbyterian Church. He is now proprietor and manager of the Lawson hotel, and keeps a good house, which receives the patronage of the travelng public.

John Crowley

John Crowley was born, August 10, 1828, in Clay county, Missouri. His parents were John and Sarah (Mayo) Crowley. His father was born in the state of Alabama, February 2, 1792; died September 29, 1877. His mother was born in Tennessee, October 10, 1797; died September 10, 1851. His grandfather, James Crowley, was a soldier in the war for American independence, and was present at the surrender of Cornwallis at Yorktown. Berry Crowley (great-grandfather of John) was a native of England. He was killed in a battle with the Indians, on the Ohio river, in Kentucky, at a very early day. The subject of this sketch lived in Clay county, working on his father's farm until the age of twentysix years, when he went to California. He started on this long journey from St. Joseph, Missouri, May 4, 1853, in company with his brother, Thomas Crowley, and four hired men, to help drive their cattle, and spent about four and a half months in a tedious overland trip, arriving in California, September 16. After spending about two years in the "Golden State," Mr. Crowley took passage on a steamship, at San Francisco, February 14, 1855, for the Isthmus, crossed among the first passengers on the railroad across Panama, and sailed from Aspinwall to Cuba, and thence to New Orleans. From there he came home by river, arriving March 31, 1855. In 1856 he removed to this county, and has lived here ever since. He owns nine hundred and seventy acres of land, seven hundred acres in cultivation, well fenced, and in a fine state of productiveness. This farm is improved, with one of the handsomest and most conveniently arranged dwelling houses in that section of the county, besides barns and other buildings. Mr. Crowley is a thoroughly practical and thrifty farmer, and the excellent condition of his farm is an evidence of his good management and industry. He is largely engaged in dealing in livestock, and devotes much attention to raising the best breeds. Mr. Crowley was married, in Clinton county, Missouri, February 2, 1858, to Miss

Ann Fuller, by Reverend E. M. Martin, of the Methodist Church. Mrs. Crowley is the daughter of Andrew and Mary Fuller. She was born in Clinton county, Missouri, April 6, 1833. Mr. and Mrs. Crowley are the parents of nine children, viz: Charles, born January 15, 1859; Sallie M., October 11,1860; Elizabeth ]., September 17,1862; Albert, September 15, 1864; John C, February 27, 1S67; Frank T., October 9, 1869; Ann May, January 27, 1872; George W. and Claude C, twins, born December 20, 1871. Mr. Crowley and his wife are active, prominent members of the M. E. Church South, and he is also a leading member of Bee-Hive Lodge, No. 3P3, A. F. & A. M. He is highly esteemed and respected, by all who know him, for his many excellent qualities as a man and a citizen.

John H. Goodman

John H. Goodman was born December 29, 1837, in Henry county, Virginia, and remained at home there until the commencement of the civil war. He enlisted in the 10th regiment of Virginia volunteers, Confederate army, and was in the battles of Seven Pines, Norfolk, and others. After the close of the war, Mr. Goodman emigrated to Missouri, and settled in Ray county, where he has since resided. He owns a small, neat, well cultivated farm, under good fence, and improved, with a comfortable dwelling house and other buildings. His principal business is dealing in live stock. He is extensively engaged in buying stock in this and adjoining counties, which he ships to eastern markets. He is well and favorably known throughout a wide extent of country, and has the confidence and respect, in a large degree, of the people. Mr. Goodman was married in Virginia, November 3, 1858, to Miss Sarah F. McDonald. Thev have eight children. Mr. Goodman is a leading member of Bee-Hive Lodge, No. 393, A. F. & A. M.

William Earhart

William Earhart was born August 25, 1844, in Cambria county, Pennsylvania, and received his education and learned the carpenter's trade there. At the age of nineteen years, he emigrated to Missouri, and settled in Buchanan county, where he worked at his trade during four years, and then removed to Lathrop, Clinton county, Missouri. He remained in the business of contractor and builder at Lathrop for six years, and then, in 1877, came to Lawson, this county, where he is now engaged in the same avocation. Mr. Earhart's business is very prosperous, and he keeps six carpenters employed under him to meet the demand for building. He was married in Buchanan county, in 1806, to Miss Sarah M. Guinn, daughter of Peter and Sarah B. Guinn, natives of Kentucky. She was born in Buchanan county, Missouri, in July, 1853. They are the parents of three children: Emma A., born July 8, 1871; Lida, born December 5, 1875; Jessie, born December 8, 1878. Mr. Earheart and his wife are members of the Baptist Church. His popularity as a man and his efficiency and ability as a workman, are well attested by the large and lucrative patronage he receives.

Jedediah Smith

The subject of this sketch was born in Guilford county, North Carolina, in the year 1792. He was married in his native state in 1819, to Miss Jane Close, daughter of Joseph and Susan Close, natives of North Carolina. Mrs. Smith was born in Guilford county, North Carolina, October 20, 1802. During the war of 1812, Mr. Smith served in the North Carolina militia. He emigrated to Missouri and settled in Ray county in the year 1838, and engaged in farming and stock raising. Mr. and Mrs. Smith became the parents of the following named children: John Calvin, Joseph Addison, Susan Ann, William Washington and Margaret E. J. Mr. Smith was an elder in the O. S. Presbyterian Church for many years. He died in September, 1869. He was a highly respected citizen, and a devout and active Christian. Mrs. Smith is yet living on the old homestead.

W. W. Smith

William W. Smith was born May 5, 1827, in Guilford county, North Carolina. He is the son of Jedediah and Jane (Close) Smith, natives of North Carolina. In 1838 William, in company with his parents, removed to Ray county, Missouri, and settled near where he now resides. In 1845 our subject returned to Tennessee, and finished his education at Mount Pleasant College, Murray county, after which he came back to this county, and in 1850, went, with a party of neighboring young menf to California. They made the trip with mule teams, and were on the road from the 10th of April until the 6th day of July, following. They mined awhile, and kept a provision store for a time, and withal made it pay pretty well. After staying in California one year, Mr. Smith sailed from San Francisco by way of the Isthmus of Panama and New Orleans, for home, which he reached in the spring of 1851, and has lived here ever since, engaged in trading, farming and stock raising. He owns two thousand acres of excellent land, the greater part of which is in cultivation. He has one thousand acres in the home place, which is handsomely improved by a fine, large dwelling house of fourteen rooms, well furnished and comfortably and conveniently arranged. He also has good barns and other buildings, for the accommodation of stock and the shelter of the products of his broad and fertile acres. His is one of the largest, best appointed and valuable farms in Ray county. Mr. Smith was married in this county, May 5, 1857, to Miss Sallie E. Miles, daughter of John N. and Margaret Miles, natives of Kentucky. She was born in Lawrenceburg, Anderson county, Kentucky, October 3, 1839. They became the parents of nine children, viz.: Thomas C, born April 17, 1858; Emma A., born November 24, 1859; Margaret J., born April 13, 1862; Robert A. L., born January 24, 1864; Miles W., born March 18, 1866; Susan K., born March 30, 1868; Annie J., born March 24, 1870; Sarah E., born August 17, 1872; Ella, born January 16, 1875. Mr. Smith and his wife are leading members of the Old School Presbyterian Church, and he also belongs to the Masonic fraternity, (Bee-Hive Lodge No. 393.) He has always been the friend of education and religion, an active supporter of schools and churches, a public spirited and valuable citizen, and his dealing and intercourse with his fellow men have always been characterized by just and honorable deportment, and he enjoys the confidence, respect and esteem of all.

W. J. Hurt

William J. Hurt was born in Surrey county, North Carolina, June 22, 1821. He came to Missouri at the age of twenty-one years, and after living in Buchanan county for four years, came to Ray county, and settled upon the farm he now owns and occupies, section nineteen, township fifty-three, range twenty-nine. He owns two hundred and eighty acres of good land, one hundred and fifty acres in cultivation, has a good house and orchard, and is very conveniently and comfortably situated. Mr. Hurt was married in Clay county, Missouri, in 1846, to Miss Mary Crowley, by Rev. George HufTaker. Mrs. Hurt is the daughter of John and Sarah Crowley, natives of Tennessee. She was born April 4, 1825. They have ten children, living, viz.: John W., James T., Riley F., Sarah, Christopher C, Jackson, Alice J., Lavorasly, Daniel and Ella. Mr. Hurt is a member of the Christian Union Church. He is a practical, successful farmer and stock raiser, and a respected and useful citizen.

The subject of this sketch was born and raised in Woodford county, Kentucky. He came to Missouri and settled in Clay county, more than fifty years ago, first establishing a cotton spinning mill there, and subsequently putting in additional machinery for the manufacture of woolen fabrics, which business he pursued in the city of Liberty for a number of years, and then removed to his present location, just upon the dividing line of Ray and Clay counties. Here he erected a large, spacious, three story brick building, and equipped it with the best improved and modern machinery, for the manufacture of woolen goods. In addition to being a complete and thoroughly furnished woolen mill, it has also a custom flour and grist department, which turns out a superior grade of flour and meal. Several years ago our subject took his son, John H., into partnership with him in business, and their enterprises are now conducted under the firm name of W. L.Watkins & Son. The junior partner is a thoroughly competent, active and experienced business man and has, of late years, chiefly managed and conducted the business of the firm. Messrs. W. L. Watkins & Son keep from twenty-five to thirty operatives, male and female, employed, and produce an excellent quality of goods, such as blankets, jeans, flannels, cassimeres and a full line of all goods produced by a first-class factory. Their goods are of unexcelled quality, and find a ready sale in the markets of the large cities of our own and neighboring states, and are in good demand in the towns of northwest Missouri. In addition to their manufacturing business, the Messrs. Watkins own 3,600 acres of valuable land, the greatest part of which is farming land, improved, with a handsome, commodious brick dwelling, large substantial barns and other buildings. They are also largely engaged in raising fine stock, making a specialty of Short-horn cattle and Berkshire hogs. Messrs. Watkins & Son have always been active and efficient in the aid of educational and religious institutions, and have done a good work for the advancement of the business interests of their section of the county. Their social and business lives have always been free from any reproachful or dishonorable act, and they enjoy the esteem and respect of a large circle of valuable and influential friends.

Madison B. Cummins was born near Greensborough, Guilford county, North Carolina, October 18, 1827, and received his education there. He came to Ray county, Missouri, when seventeen years of age. In 1850, he went, with the hope of bettering his forLunes, to the gold mines of the new west. After spending ten vears in California, he feturned to this county, but remaining only a short time, went again to California, and remained there until after the close of the civil war. He then returned and settled here, permanently. He owns a good farm of six hundred and fifty-six acres, about two hundred and sixty acres under fence, and improved with a comfortable dwelling house and other buildmgs. He is engaged in raising stock, and handles only the best breeds. His business is in a very prosperous and thriving condition. Mr. Cummins was married in this county, March 19, 1867, to Miss Margaret E. J. Smith, daughter of Jedediah and Jane Smith. She was born in Guilford county, North Carolina, September 5, 1830. They have one child, Lulu S. J., born November 19, 1868. Mr. Cummins and his wife are consistent, worthy members of the Old School Presbyterian Church. He is an accommodating neighbor, a charitable man, and a highly respected and valuable member of the community.

John H. Mellon

John H. Mellon is a native and lifelong resident of Ray county, Missouri. He was born October 17, 1851. He began the business of a dealer in live stock, in 1873, and has continued it, on a larger scale each year, ever since. He devotes his entire attention closely to his calling, and is one of the best as well as the largest stock traders in Ray county. In a pecuniary point of view His operations are very successful. He was married first, in 1877, in this county, to Miss Eliza J. Thompson. She was born September 1, 1845. Mrs. Mellon lived but a few months after her marriage, dying April 21, 1878, and the subject of this sketch was again married, in the month of March, 1879, to Miss Rebecca A. Windsor. She was born September 15, 1858. The issue of this marriage has been one child, James F., born March 11, 1880. Mr. Mellon is a useful citizen, and has won the respect of all with whom he deals, by his candor, honesty of purpose, and gentlemanly conduct.

Willliam M. McGaugh was born August 21, 1834, in Ray county, Missouri. He learned the blacksmithing trade in 1851, and after traveling about and working, at that calling in various places, he settled at the thriving town of Vibbard, this county, in the year 1876, and has since pursued his trade at that place. In April, 1881, he built a new shop and is doing a good business. Mr. McGaugh owns several good houses and lots in Vibbard. He was married in Carroll county, Missouri, in April, 1867, to Miss Betty M. Grider, daughter of Samuel and Mary Grider, natives of Kentucky. Three children have been born to them, viz: Walter Lee, born October 23, 1868; Mollie Belle, born August 17, 1869, died in September, 1880; and Ella, died in infancy. Mr. McGaugh is a member of Harmony Lodge, No. 384, A. F. & A. M. He is a good workman, a temperate, industrious man, and a valuable member of the community in which he lives.

Moses Hess

The subject of "this sketch was born in Lafayette county, Missouri, June 25, 1842. He is the son of Joseph and Margaret Hess, natives of the state of Kentucky. At the age of seventeen years he enlisted in company B, 3d regiment of Missouri volunteers, and was engaged in the ' battles of Springfield, Neosho, Newtonia, Pineville, Cane Hill and Little Rock. He was discharged in 1865, and soon after came to this county, and has since resided here. Mr. Hess was married to Miss Sarah Atkins, in October, 1866. They became the parents of five children, three of whom are now living: William, George and Charles. Mrs. Hess died May 31, 1875, and our subject was again married March 12, 1876, to Miss Mary Sharp, daughter of Aaron and Martha Sharp. She was born in the year 1856. The issue of this union has been four children, only two of whom, Martha and Cora, are now living. Mr. Hess is an industrious man of good, steady habits, and a good citizen.

Thomas Crowley

Thomas Crowley was born in the month of September, 1830, in Clay county, Missouri, and was reared there on a farm. In 1853, he went with a drove of cattle to the state of California, and remained there about two years, returning March 31, 1855. He came to this county and settled on the farm he now owns and occupies, in 1857. He owns a fine farm of five hundred and forty-two acres, five hundred acres of which are under good fence, and the greater part in cultivation. He has a comfortable, well arranged dwelling house, and a fine bearing orchard. Mr. Crowley was married in this county, in the month of October, 1857, to Miss Susan Nelson, by Rev. Hardy Holman. She is the daughter of Joshua and Henrietta Nelson, natives of Alabama, and was born in this county, December 20, 1839. Mr. and Mrs. Crowley became the parents of the following named children: Fann}', born November 14, 1858; John, born May 7, 1862; Robert, January - , 1S64; Kate, born January - , 1866; Mollie, born January - , 1868; Thomas P., born January 12, 1873; Susan M., born February - , 1875; Cappy, born June 25, 1877; James H., born November 9, 1880; John died October 13, 1861, and one in infancy. Mr. Crowley is a member of the M. E. Church South, and an active supporter of religion. He is a very prosperous farmer and stock-raiser, and a public spirited and influential citizen.

John Cleavenger

John Cleavenger was born in the state of Virginia, July 2, 1798. He is the son of Richard and Sarah (Wood) Cleavenger. His father was a native of New Jersey, and his mother of Shenandoah county, Virginia. His parents removed to Cocke county, Tennessee, when he was a small boy, and there he grew up, working on his father's farm until 1819, when he left Tennessee and came to Missouri. Mr. Cleavenger was one of a party who made the trip by river, in a keel-boat which they constructed themselves in Tennessee before leaving. When they reached the mouth of Fishing river, while ascending the Missouri, they steered their boat into the smaller river, and after ascending it about six miles landed, and settling there, made their homes thenceforth in this county. All kinds of game was abundant, and their chief occupation at first was hunting, but in a few years they cleared land, improved farms, and settled down to a quiet life of farming. Mr. Cleavenger was first married in 1817, to Elizabeth Hensley, of Virginia. The issue of this marriage was one child: Mary, born September 8, 1819. Mrs. Cleavenger soon after died, and he was again married in 1823, to Miss Margaret Wills, daughter of James Wills, an early settler of Ray county. She was born in Rutherford county, Tennessee, January 1, 1801. They became the parents of eleven children, four of whom are now living: Lily A., born] February - , 1828; Sarah, born March 5, 1831; Margaret, born June 21, 1833; Richard, born October 28, 1836. From 1830 to 1832, Mr. Cleavenger was sheriff of Ray county, and in 1856, was elected to represent the county in the general assembly. The duties of his office he discharged with credit to himself and to the satisfaction of the people. He has been a member of the Old School Baptist Church for more than sixty years. His wife is a Presbyterian. He is one of the oldest and most highly respected citizens of Ray county.

John R. Starkey

John R. Starkey was born in Mason county, Kentucky, August 26, 1832. At the age of six years he came with his parents to Ray county, and has lived here ever since, engaged, after he grew up, in farming. He was married in this county, to Miss Margaret Cleavenger, daughter of Mr. John Cleavenger. They have one child, Jeremiah R., born April 26, 1871. Levi Starkey, father of our subject, was born in the state of Pennsylvania, in 1804, died in 1863. Mary D., the mother of John R. Starkey, was born in Virginia in 1805, and is yet living in Carroll county, Missouri. Both Mr. Starkey and his estimable lady are members of the Baptist Church, and he is also a member of the Masonic lodge at Richmond. He is an industrious, enterprising farmer, a highly respected man and valuable citizen.

W. A. Huntsman

W. A. Huntsman was born in Chickasaw county, Mississippi, September 12, 1842. He received his education and grew up there. Early in life he learned the trade of a painter, and has since pursued that avocation. He came to this county, first, in 1870, and remained here about five years, when he went to Linn county, Missouri, and worked at his trade there, until April 1880, when he returned to Ray county, and located at the town of Lawson, where he is now engaged at his trade. Mr. Huntsman enlisted, June, 1861, in company F, seventh Mississippi cavalry and served throughout the war in the C. S. A. He was with General Lee at Appomattox, and laid down his gun there, April 9, 1865. During the war he was in the battles of Fredericksburg, the Wilderness, Sharpsburg, Gettysburg, Petersburg and Chancellorsville, besides many others. Mr. Huntsman was married in Clinton county, Missouri, in May, 1875, to Miss MollieJ. Easton, by Rev. Mr. Searcy. Mrs. Huntsman was born in Clay county, Missouri, April 17, 1854. Mr. Huntsman is a worthy member of the order of Good Templars. He is an excellent workman in all the different branches of his trade, and has a large and lucrative patronage. He is a generous, charitable, fair minded, honorable gentleman, and enjoys the confidence and respect of the community in which he lives.

Charles B. Bacon was born in the town of Spencer, Tioga county, New York, March 24, 1829. Began his medical studies in 1849, in the office of Doctor G. H. Preston, where he continued until 1853, and left off to teach school awhile in order to supply himself with the necessary funds for the further prosecution of his studies. In 1855 he went with Doctor Preston to Brantford, Canada, and practiced medicine there until 1859, when he attended, at Rochester, New York, a branch of the Cincinnati Eclectic Medical College. Then, in consequence of the failure of his health, he went to the mountain regions of Colorado and to Denver and Golden City. He came to Ray county in the fall of the same year, and has lived here ever since, engaged in the practice of medicine, farming and dealing in live stock. Doctor Bacon owns a fine well improved farm of two hundred acres, in section twenty-eight, township fifty-four, range twenty-nine. He is in a very prosperous condition and is highly esteemed by the good people among whom he lives and practices. Doctor Bacon has never been married.

James M. Stockwell was born in Chenango county, New York, May 13, 1834, and at the age of six years, left there with his parents, George W. and Elsie I. Stockwell, and removed to Ohio. His father was born in Massachusetts in 1788, and died August 14, 1863. His mother was born in Massachusetts, in 1798, and died in 1865. The family remained in Ohio during three years and then removed to Ray county, Missouri, and settled upon a farm near where our subject now resides. Mr. Stockwell lived in this county until the year 1849, and then taking the tide of immigration at its flood, went to seek his fortunes in the gold fields of California. After a journey of great hardship, privation and suffering, he reached the land of gold, and remained there for two years, and then returned to Ray county. He made a subsequent trip to California, and was absent from here about the same length of time as upon the former trip. Mr. Stockwell was married May 3, 1856, in Ray county, to Miss

May E. Bisbee, who was born May 27, 1834, in Ohio, and came to Missouri in 1838. They became the parents of five children: Rosina A., born February 5th, 1857, now the wife of John Buchanan; Arza, born November 3, 1859; Iola E., born November 14, 1865, now the wife of E. Boyd: David P., born 1867, died when a child; Harry W., born June 3, 1872. Mrs. Stockwell's father, Arza Bisbee, was born in the state of New York, December 25. 1807, and died in 1867. Her mother, Harriet M. *Bisbee, was born April 21, 1816, and died May 18, 1865. Mr. and Mrs. Stockwell are both members of the Christian Church. He owns a farm of five hundred and fifteen acres of excellent farming lands in a fine state of cultivation and well improved. He is a practical successful farmer, and a respected member of the community.

Jesse T. Roberts

Jesse T. Roberts was born in Madison county, Kentucky, December 9, 1839. He is the son of A. J. and Eliza Roberts. His father was born in Madison county, Kentucky, January 10, 1814, and is now living in Clay county, Missouri. His mother was born in Boone county, Missouri, in the year 1820. Our subject remained in his native county until 1863, and then removed to Hendricks county, Indiana, and was there engaged in farming until October 1, 1868, when he came to Ray count}-, this state, and bought the farm he now lives upon. Mr. Roberts was married in Garrard county, Kentucky, in the year 1863, to Miss Mary C. Wiley, daughter of Harvey and Ruth A. Wiley, natives of Kentucky. She was born in Garrard county, Kentucky, September 1, 1842. They have five children: William L., born July 2, 1865; Martha E., born March 21,1867; Nora A., born July 12, 1869; James A., born February 15, 1S74; Charles H., October 24, 1877. Mrs. Roberts' father, Harvey Wiley, was born in Garrard county, Kentucky, February 12, 1809, and is yet living in the same county. Her mother was born in Madison county, Kentucky, May 1, 1812, and is also yet living. Mr. Roberts and wife are leading members of the Christian Church, and he is also a member of Bee-Hive Lodge No. 393, A. F. & A. M., at Lawson.

John E. Linvill

Is the son of Thomas and Martha Linvill, and was born in Ray county, Missouri, February 10, 1845. He was educated in the schools of this county, and remained at home with his father, working on the farm, and dealing in stock, until he was twenty-five years of age. Mr. Linvill was married on the 24th of March, 1870, to xMiss Kate Grimes, the daughter of Major John and Nancy Grimes. She was born in the state of Tennessee, June 21, 1847. The issue of this marriage has been one child: Thomas G., born June 29, 1872, in this county. Soon after his marriage, Mr. Linvill settled on a farm near Knoxville, and after remaining there for some time, removed to another place in the same vicinity, where he lived until 1879, when he purchased and located upon his present farm (section thirty-three, township fifty-four, range twenty-eight). He owns about one thousand acres of land, all of which is enclosed by good fence, except about one hundred and fifty acres. The farm is handsomely and finely improved, well watered and stocked with the best varieties of live stock. Mr. Linvill is a leading, successful and prosperous farmer and stock-raiser, and a highly respected citizen.

Levi Morris

Levi Morris was born in Kanawha county, Virginia, August 3, 1835. He came with his parents to Missouri, and settled in this county, in 1839. His father died when he was sixteen years of age, and, being the oldest son, it devolved upon him to assist his mother in managing the farm and providing for the rest of the family. In 1877, the youngest heir having attained his majority, the estate was divided, and his mother and our subject have continued to live upon the homestead, their combined shares of the estate. January 9, 1873, Mr. Morris married Miss Nancy C. Grimes, daughter of Joseph C. and Julia Grimes. She was born in Ray county, Missouri, January 11, 1853. They became the parents of four children, all of whom are now living: Lulu G., born November 9, 1873; Minnie C, born September 29,1875; Gracie E., born September 11, 1877; Joseph B. F., born May 1, 1880. In 1859 Mr. Morris went to California, where he was engaged, with very fair success, in mining for about four years, after which he went to Idaho, and spent some time in mining there. While out west, he went into British America, and remained during one summer. He returned home to Ray county in 1872, and has lived here ever since. Mrs. Amanda J. Morris, the mother of our subject, was born in Clark county, Ohio, October 5, 1812. Her parents, John and Sarah Hamilton, both died when she was very voung, and she was taken to Virginia and reared by her grandparents, who lived in that state. September 29, 1829, she was marrried to Mr. Benjamin Morris. The issue of this union was eight children, seven of whom are yet living: Octavia N., born -September 11, 1830; Sarah M., born January 3, 1838; Mary J., born October 13, 1840; Benjamin F., born April 21, 1843; James W., born April 1, 1848; John B., born October 1, 1851, and Levi, our subject. Mrs. Morris is living now on the old homestead, section 26, township 54, range 28.

John Milstead

Is a native of Ray county, Missouri, and was born July 4, 1836. His father, John, Sr., was born in Virginia, February 18, 1786. His mother was a native of North Carolina. His parents had a family of nine children of whom he was the youngest. The family came to Ray county from Virginia, three years before our subject was born, and settled on the same place upon which he now resides, section fourteen, township fifty-four, range twenty-eight. John Milstead, Sr., owned several other farms, in different parts of the county, which he divided among his children. He died May 1, 1872. His wife died in August, 1865. Our subject is an industrious, prosperous, and successful farmer and stock-raiser, and is highly regarded and respected among his large circle of friends and acquaintances. He is a valuable addition to the community in which he lives, and an active worker for the development of the material resources of his native county of Ray.

Clayton Tiffin was born February 12, 1837, in Ross countv, Ohio. At the age of five years he came with his father, Dr. John C. Tiffin, to Knoxville, Ray county, Missouri, where he has ever since resided. He attended school at Knoxville, till he was thirteen years of age, when his father sent him to Frankfort, Ross county, Ohio, to ^attend school. He was entered a student at the old Frankfort Seminary. On leaving school he resolved to make a physician of himself, and commenced studying with his father, and pursued his studies under the latter's instruction, till he went to St. Louis, Missouri, to attend medical lectures, and at that time he was placed under charge of Dr. L. P. Perry, his uncle, a prominent physician of St. Louis. Dr. Perry was a graduate of the Virginia University, and left that institution with the highest honors. Dr. Tiffin graduated at the St. Louis Medical College, receiving the degree of M. D., and returned home and entered upon the practice of his profession with his father. After graduating Dr. Tiffin spent one winter in attending lectures and hospital at the Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia; and also one winter at the Bellevue Medical College and hospital of dhysicians and surgeons, New York. He visited the medical colleges at San Francisco, and while there formed the acquaintance of Dr. J. S. Potts, a prominent physician of San Jose, California, and agreed to take a trip with him to Europe, in order to acquire a more thorough knowledge in the general practice of medicine aud surgery, as well as of the different specialties. They met in New York in September, 1880, and having obtained letters of introduction to prominent physicians and surgeons in Europe, embarked for that country. They visited London, Paris,

Vienna, Berlin, Edinburg and Dublin. Dr. Tiffin spent most of his time in London and Paris, but attended the medical colleges and lectures in all the other cities mentioned, including that of Prof. Billroth, Vienna; of Prof. Longenbeche, Berlin, and of Dr. Brown-Sequard, Paris. While in London he purchased the finest set of surgical instruments that could be found, and also instruments for special diseases, at a cost in the aggregate of over $800. There is not a medical institution, hospital or infirmary, of any considerable importance in Europe, that he did not visit. In 1861 Dr. Tiffin enlisted in the enrolled Missouri militia, and the following year was made captain of his compan}^. He did active and efficient service in Ray and other counties of northwest Missouri. In 1865, by order of Governor Fletcher, he recruited an independent company for purposes of defense against bushwhackers and other lawless, marauding bands. In the engagement at Glasgow, Howard county, he was captured by the enemy, but was exchanged after a short time. October 6, 1865, Dr. Tiffin was married to Miss Julia A . Larrison. They have one child living: Alexis F., born December 28, 1871. Dr. Tiffin is one of the leading physicians* of Ray county, and perhaps no man in the state has been at greater pains or expense to gain a thorough knowledge of his profession in all its branches. He has an extensive practice and is a genial, hospitable gentleman.

Henry Zeiseness

This gentleman was born in Hanover, Germany, on the 22d day of May, 1825. In his youth he received the advantages of the excellent schools of his native land, and acquired a good education. Prior to leaving Germany he was engaged in the business of weaving. He came to America in the year 1849, landing at New Orleans, where he remained for about one year. From New Orleans he came to St. Charles, Missouri, and there worked on a railroad for a time, and then at farming. After remaining in and around St. Charles for about a year, he went back to New Orleans, but staid only a short time, and then went to McLean county, Illinois. Worked on a railroad there, for a short time, and then returned again to New Orleans. Went back again to Illinois and lived there until 1856, when he came to Missouri, and, after stopping temporarily in Caldwell county, settled in 1857 upon his present place (section two, township fifty-four, range twenty-seven,) in Ray county. He owns four hundred acres of very fine land, well fenced and watered, improved with comfortable and substantial buildings, and stocked with the best varieties of live stock. Mr. Zeiseness was married on the 22d of November, 1852, to Miss Magdalena Deger. She bore the following named children: Conrad L., born March 14, 1855; Mary F., born February 25, 1857; Joseph A., born June 8, 1860. Mrs. Zeiseness died September 22,

L864, and Mr. Zeiseness was afterwards married to Mrs. Mary Mohn, also a native of Germany, and born November 30, 1838. She came to America in 1855. Her. father, Nicholas Emerich, (now living with her) was born in Germany in 1805. She became the mother of four children by her first marriage, two of whom are now dead. The issue of Mr. Zeiseness' second marriage was three children: Mary M., born October 14, 1867; Henry and Martin L., twins, born May 5,1869. Mr. Zeiseness was on the Union side, and enrolled among the state militia, during the late war. He speaks and reads both the German and English languages. He is a valuable citizen, and a successful, prosperous farmer.

Joseph D. Craven

Joseph D. Craven was born in Davison county, North Carolina, on the 4th day of August, 1822. His parents, Thompson and Mary Craven, had a family of twelve children. At the age of four years he was taken by his parents to Randolph county, and lived there until 1854, working, -after he grew up, at carpentering and farming. He then went to Pottawattamie county, near Council Bluffs, Iowa, where he lived until 1870, and then came to Ray county, Missouri, and has lived here ever since, engaged in farming. (Section twenty-two, township fifty-four, range twenty-seven). He enlisted in the Union army while living in Iowa, in the autumn of 1864, company B, 17th Iowa infantry, commanded by Colonel Newcomb. The first battle in which our subject engaged was at Nashville, Tennessee. He was discharged from the army in the spring of 1865, and returned home in the month of August of the same year. Mr. Craven was married on the 14th of July, 1844, to Miss Bethenia Arledge. She was born in Randolph county, North Carolina, on the 16th day of August, 1821. The issue of this union was ten children, six of whom are now living: Jessie T., born October 16, 1847; Sarah J., born July 18, 1850; Elkana, born February 4, 1856; Amelia S., born October 6, 1858; Elcym, born August 18, 1860; Charles J., born January 18, 1864. Mr. Craven is an elder of the Church of Latter Day Saints, and has been presiding elder of the Missouri conference since 1872.

Albert P. Alspaugh

Was born in Fairfield county, Ohio, on the 18th of October, 1857. His parents removed with him to Adams county, Illinois, in the year 1861, and lived there for six years. Then went to Iowa for a time, and thence to Kansas. Came to Ray county, Missouri, and settled on a farm in section three, township fifty-four, range twenty-seven. Here our subject engaged in farming, until the beginning of 1881, when himself and an elder brother established a general merchandise country store, under the firm name of Alspaugh Bros. They are very popular young men, and are doing a brisk trade.

Samuel H, Stephenson

The subject of this sketch was born in Todd county, Kentucky, September 15, 1826. His parents, James and Catherine Stephenson, removed with him in his infancy, to Greene county, Illinois, where they lived during two years. They then came to Ray county, Missouri, and settled upon the same farm upon which our subject now resides, section one, township fifty-four, range twenty-seven. This was in 1833 or 1834. James Stephenson died in a few years after coming to this county. His wife died in 1862. During the civil war our subject belonged to the enrolled militia of the state. He was engaged in the skirmish at Albany, in this county. He was discharged from the militia in 1865. Mr. Stephenson was married on the 27th day of March, 1857, to Miss Hily C. Clawson. She was born in North Carolina, April 24, 1833. She came to this county with her parents, Eli and Dicey Clawson, in 1842. They settled near Knoxville. Her father died July 17, 1852, aged forty-six years. Her mother died in the same year, at the age of fifty-three years. One child, Parthenia C, was born to Mr. and Mrs. Stephenson, on the 8th day of May, 1852. She was reared on the old homestead, and, on the 12th of April, 1868, was married to Henry Blevins. He was a native of Ray county, Missouri, born August 2, 1846. He enlisted September 9, 1864, in the Union army, under Captain William D. Fortune, of General Smith's command. He participated in the battles of Franklin, Tennessee, and Spanish Fort, Alabama. He was disabled by disease after the last mentioned fight. Received his discharge from service August 15, 1865. Mr. and Mrs. Blevins had one child, Flora Grant, born September 5, 1869; died December 13, 1872. Rosetta Mulligan, an orphan niece, born in this county, in December, 1867, lives with the family.

John Switzer

John Switzer is a native of Lincoln county, Ohio. He was born on the 9th day of November, 1806. His parents were Jacob and Sophia Switzer. He received his education in his native county, and remained there, with his parents, until 1814. The family then removed to Richland county, Ohio. Our subject lived there, engaged in farming, until 1839, when he came to Ray county, Missouri, and, buying land, settled one and a half miles west of the village of Millville, and lived there during eleven years. He then sold his farm and moved to his present location, section four, township fifty-four, range twenty-seven, where he has ever since resided. Here he owns three hundred and seventy-eight acres of rich land, all in cultivation but about twenty -five acres of timber land, well improved and watered. He has a fine orchard of two hundred and forty trees. Mr. Switzer was married on the 14th of February, 182S, to Miss Elizabeth

Alexander. She was born in Belmont county, Ohio, on the 16th of January, 1809. Her parents were Peter and Jane Alexander. Mr. and Mrs. Switzer became the parents of ten children. Their names and date birth follow: Samuel C, born March 12, 1830; Matthew A., born August 14, 1831; Andrew J., born August 22, 1833; Peter A., born December 10, 1835 ; Mary J., born March 27, 1838 ; Jacob J., born October 8, 1840 ; John F., born December 17, 1844; James R., born June 2, 1846; George A., born March 2, 1848; Marion B , born July 7, 1850. The five eldest were born in Ohio, the others in Ray county, Missouri. The son, George A., now has chnrge of the homestead. Mr. Switzer is is a member of the M. E. Church.

Jackson Walters

Was born in Fairfield county, Ohio, December 29, 1834. He was educated in the public schools of his native county, and at the age of eighteen years commenced working on his own account. He hired as farm laborer at first, but by economical and saving habits was enabled to purchase land. He came to Ray county, Missouri, and now owns about fifty-five acres of excellent farming land, well fenced and improved, with convenient and comfortable buildings. This land is situated in section eight, township fifty-four, range twenty-seven. Mr. Walters was married on the 1st day of July, 1860, to Miss Annie M. Slough. She was born February 17, 1841, in Franklin county, Ohio. Her parents were Frederick and Mary Slough. Mr. and Mrs. Walters became the parents of ten children, six of whom are now living: Their names with dates of birth are: Charles W., born May 2, 1861; Tallman E., born January 26, 1863; Delbert T., born September 30, 1866; Albert M., born October 31, 1871; Thomas E., born September 5, 1876; Olen O., born April 5, 1880. The father of our subject, Nimrod Walters, died in 1869, aged 59 years. His mother, Margaret, is yet living in this county at the age of sixty-five years. Mr. Walters has made his way up to the position of a successful farmer by his own unaided efforts. He is highly regarded by his neighbors and friends.

John Tait

Is a native of Scotland. He was born in Kirkintiloch, December 18, 1826. He attended school there, and worked with his father at the business of weaving until he was thirteen years of age, and then immigrated to America. He stopped first in Saratoga county, New York, and was employed in a woolen factory there for about three vears, then went to Canada West and was engaged in the same business there. In Kent county, Canada, he learned the milling business. He remained in Canada until the year 1866, and then, coming to Missouri, stopped for one year in Caldwell county. In 1867 he came to his present location, Taits- ville, in Ray county. In connection with his brother James, he purchased the Taitsville Mills, and has since been engaged there very successfully, in conducting a flouring and grist mill. Mr. Tait was married on the 7th of November, 1850, to Miss Ann E. Simpson. She is a native of Brockville, Canada, and was born March 11, 1835. Her parents were Thomas and Mary Simpson. Eight children have been born to Mr. Tait and wife, named as follows: James T., born June 16, 1852; Thomas H., born April 5, 1855; William G., born June 30, 1858; Maccay D., November 9, 1861; Mary D., born October 30, 1865; Ann E., born July 1, 1869; Beulah, born September 29, 1873; Daniel J., born July 4, 1877. Thomas H., was married in 1877 to Miss Margaret Berbee. She died August 3, 1880, leaving one child, Lula M., born June 17, 1878. Mr. Tait's father, James, is yet living in Canada at the age of eighty-four years. His mother, Mary, died in 1835, aged thirty-nine years.

Henry W. Sater

Was born on the 30th day of September, 1830, in Baltimore county, Maryland. His parents were John and Catherine Sater. He was educated in Maryland, and remained at home, engaged in carpentering, until he was twenty-four years of age. He began to learn the millwrighting business at the age of twenty years. Mr. Satef was married, December 20, 1855, to Miss Mary A. Rony. She was born in Lebanon county, Pennsylvania, December 14, 1835. Her parents were John and Jane Rony. Thirteen children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Sater, seven boys and six girls. Ten of them are now living: Catherine J., born September 14, 1856; Ruth A., born October 20, 1857; Sarah V., born November 5, 1860; Thomas G.,born August 20, 1863; William S., born August 10, 1865; Margaret E., born October 14, 1867; Henry N., born February 9, 1870; Mary E., born February 27, 1872; Alexander, born Februrary 1, 1874; Martha C, March 3, 1876. Mr. Sater remained in Maryland, working at his trade until 1867, when he came to Ray county, Missouri, and settled on the Wakanda river. Here he remained about a year, and then removed to a place on Mud creek; after living there about the same length of time he went to Carroll county, and remained for a year. He removed to his present farm (section thirteen, township 55, range 27), in Ray county, in 1875. Here he owns a model stock-farm, of two hundred and fifty acres, two hundred and twenty acres of which are in a fine state of cultivation. His farm is watered bv fine springs of pure, unfailing water. Mr. Sater enlisted, September 13, 1861, in company F, Pernell legion, Maryland volunteers, and served fourteen months in the Union army. He was discharged in November, 1862, on acccount of physical disabilitv for military service.

Martin Coffman

Martin Coffman was born in Fairfield county, Ohio, on the 12th day of September 1830. He is the son of John and Susan Coffman. He received his education in Fairfield county, and remained at home with his parents until he attained his majority. In 1854, he leased a woolen factory in his native county, and conducted that business until 1857. He then engaged in farming for a while, after which, in connection with his brother Jesse H., he bought a steam saw mill and operated it for about three years. He then leased the same factory again, which he previously had, and conducted the business, in partnership with, other gentlemen, for about two years. He then built a factory of his own, and operated it for the space of three years, when he sold it to Mr. Randall, and returned to the factory he originally leased, and managed it until 1871, when he went to Franklin county, Ohio, and rented a woolen factory there. At the end of two years he quit this business, and went to farming again. He came to Ray countv, Missouri, in 1877, and the next year occupied his present farm (section 13, township 54, range 27), and has lived there ever since. On the 19th day of May, 1853, Mr. Coffman was married to Miss Mary L. Markwood. She was born, on the 9th dav of January, 1833, in Frederick count}', Virginia. Her parents were David and Elizabeth Markwood. Mr. and Mrs. Coffman became the parents of seven children, named as follows: Sylvester F., born November 15, 1854, (died March 27, 1859); Seymour F., born October 10, 1856; Charles M., born September 30, 1858; John D., born March 30, 1861; Ulysses G., born June 16, 1863; Jacob L., born August 16, 1865; Xenia B., born November 15, 1871. Mr. Coffman and three of his family are members of the Church of United Brethren.

N. L. Post

Nelson L. Post was born in Windom, Canada, June 12, 1833. His parents were Reuben and Ruth Post. When he was quite young they removed with him to Cleveland, Ohio, and lived there about two years. From Cleveland they went to Coshocton count}*, Ohio, and there his father worked on a canal for some time. He was educated in Ohio, and after he grew up, worked for various farmers of that state until he went to Michigan, where he continued working at farming for about two years. He then worked on a boat, running between Alleghany and Sandusky, for three years. After this he was first mate of a vessel trading in grain between Chicago, Buffalo and Oswego. He then served an apprenticeship to the wagon making trade, at Austin, Michigan. He remained there about two years. He then engaged at the ship carpentering trade. Afterwards returned to Ohio, and was engineer for a period* of time, in a steam saw mill, in Ashtabula county. Mr. Post was married on the 4th of July, 1S54, to Miss Susan E. Morey. The issue of this marriage was one child, Edwin A., born August 5, 1855. Mrs. Post died in 1857, and October 2, 1859, Mr. Post was married to Miss Margaret Lucas. They became the parents of six children, all of whom are now living. Their names with dates of birth follow : Robert H., born June 1 5, 1861 ; Nelson H., born May 25,1867; Jacob A., born March 18, 1869; Alice M.,born March 7,1871; Lydia W., born March 17,1873; Alexander L., born October 8, 1876. The second Mrs. Post died on the 29th of October, 1876, and Mr. Post was again married May 24, 1877, to Miss Amanda M. Hatfield. She was born in Ray county, Missouri, March 2, 1846. She has borne Mr. Post two children: Samuel J., born August 28, 1878, died September 20,1878; Mary B., born December 17, 1880. After his first marriage Mr. Post continued in the saw mill business, in Ohio for a time, and then engaged in the Chicago and Green Bay lumber trade. In 1854 he went to Clinton, Iowa, and remained there farming, until 1861. He enlisted in the Union army August 17, 1861, company E, Thirteenth regment, Iowa volunteers. He was engaged in the battles of Shiloh, Corinth, Vicksburg, Jackson, Kenesaw Mountain and Atlanta, and was with General Sherman on his celebrated " march to the sea." He held position of sergeant. Was discharged July 28, 1865, and at once returned to his home in Iowa. He engaged in wagon making, for a short time, and then came to Ray county, Missouri, and located upon his present farm, where he has lived ever since.

Moses Ritter

Son of William and Margaret Ritter, was born in Claibourne county, Tennessee, on the 10th of October, 1818. He remained at home with his parents in his native county until he was twenty-four years of agev and then commenced farming on his own account. He came to Ray county, Missouri, in 1843, and located upon his present place, section fifteen, township fifty-four, range twenty-seven. He was married first in 1840, to Miss Rhoda Carr. They had one child, Mary Ann, born in May, 1843, and now Mrs. Wild. Mrs. Ritter died in 1843, and Mr. Ritter was married the second time in 1845, to Miss Catherine Hammitt. She died the same year, and he was again married August 12, 1842, to Miss Martha A. E. Fowler. The issue of this union was five children: Plina F., born August 12, 1853; James P., born March 6, 1855; Martha E., born January 14, 1857; Moses A., born June 4, 1859; William F., born June 21, 1868. The third Mrs. Ritter is a native of Bedford county, Tennessee. Her parents were Samuel and Sarah Fowler. She was born January 24, 1833, and came with her parents to this county at the age of twenty-seven years. Mr. Ritter owns a fine farm of 358 acres,

150 acres in a high state of cultivation. This place is well improved and watered. Mr. Ritter is a prosperous farmer, and well regarded by his neighbors.

Major John Grimes

John Grimes was born in Campbell county, East Tennessee, on the 19th day of December, 1818. His father, George Grimes, was of Irish extraction. He died about the year 1846. His mother, Nancy, was of German descent. She died in 18(53. Our subject was educated in his native county, and lived there with his parents until about twenty years of age. He came to Ray county, Missouri, first in the year 1837, and engaged in farming here for two years. He then returned to Tennessee, and entered the southern stock trade, in which business he continued for three years. He then bought a tannery, and operated it for the space of ten years, alter which he dealt in drv goods until 1859, when he returned to Ray county, Missouri, and engaged in merchandising at Knoxville, in which business he has ever since continued. Major Grimes was married June 4, 1843, to Miss Nancy T. Kincaide. She was born in Campbell county, East Tennessee, February 26, 1818. Her parents were Thomas and Martha Kincaide, both dead. Major and Mrs. Grimes became the parents of five children; four of them are still living: Martha J., born July 14, 1845, married to W. R. Withers in 1867, has one child, John C; Nancy C, born June 21, 1847, married in 1870, to John Linville, has one child, Thomas G.; Louisa E., born June 10, 1849, married in 1870 to D. D. Gant, has two children, Mary Y. and Robert C. ; John K., born September 29, 1854, is a practicing physician at Polo, Caldwell county, Missouri. In 1862, Mr. Grimes was elected captain of company G, state militia, and when the regiment to which his company was assigned was organized, he was promoted to the position of major, and served during the war. He and Major Cox commanded the Union forces in the fight at Albany, in this county. Major Grimes represented this county in the general assembly in 1864. He owns lands in sections 25, 26, 27, 34, 35, township 54, range 28, and in section 32, township 54, range 27, 1,100 acres in all. He has given each of his children 220 acres. His homestead is handsomely improved, and is one of the best farms in that section of the country.

Dr. J. D. Gant is the son of James and Mary Gant; he was born on the 17th day of June, 1822, in Orange county, North Carolina. Attended the schools of his native county, and lived there until 1837, when he came to Ray county, Missouri, with his parents, and settled on a farm about seven miles northwest of Richmond. He worked on the farm until he was twenty-two years of age, and then began the study of medicine. Entered the St. Louis Medical College in 1849, and after attending three courses of lectures, graduated from that institution, receiving his diploma in 1854. He returned to this count}- in the month of July, 1854, and locating at Knoxville, commenced the practice of his profession, which he has ever since continued there. About three years ago he established a drug store and has since conducted that business in connection with his practice. Dr. Gant was married to Miss Sarah A. Creason, on the 10th day of May, 1855. She is the daughter of Goodwin and Sarah Creason, and was born in this county, October 31, 1837. She has borne Dr. Gant five children, four of whom are yet living. Their names, with dates of birth are: Marietta, born October 7, 1857, died March 12, 1871; Carrie F., born September 13, 1859; Ida F., born January 25, 1861; William F., born May 12, 1863; Samuel G., born May 9, 1866. Dr. Gant owns more than one thousand acres of land, about eight hundred and forty acres of which are in a fine state of cultivation, well improved, with handsome, commodious residence, good barns, and other buildings. The farm is well watered, and has a good, thrifty bearing orchard of about six acres. The doctor is also engaged largely in raising and feeding live stock, of which he handles only the best varieties. He is a leading member of the order of A. F. & A. M. Mrs. Gant is a member of the M. E. Church South. Dr. Gant keeps abreast with the progress of his profession, and in his practice is universally popular and very successful.

W. P. Burgess

William P. Burgess is a native of Ray county, Missouri. He was born October 31, 1840. Received his education in the district schools, and remained at home, working on the farm, until he attained his majority. His father, William G. Burgess, was a native of Tennessee. He came to this county in the year 1839, and died here, October 3, 1858. Our subject enlisted in the Federal army February 3, 1 S62, company D, 6th Missouri cavalry, commanded by General Catherwood. Re-enlisted on the 27th of February, 1864. He was in no regular battles, but was engaged in several skirmishes. He received his discharge from the service January 11, 1866, and returned to his home in this county. Mr. Burgess is living on the old homestead with his mother. The farm (section twentyseven, township <ftfty-four, range twenty-eight ), comprises eighty acres of land, all in cultivation, and improved with comfortable and convenient buildings. Mr. Burgess is engaged, to a considerable extent, in raising good breeds of live stock. The farm is well adapted to that business. He has a fine, thrifty orchard of one hundred and fifty trees, of good varieties of fruit. His mother, Mrs. Sarah Burgess, was born February 27, 1810. She is living with her son on the old homestead. Mr. Burgess is a thrifty, enterprising farmer, and a good citizen.

Adrian Gordan

Adrian Gordan is the son of J. D. and Emily B. Gordan. He was born in Ray county, Missouri, on the 9th day of November, 1850. He was educated in the schools of this county, and lived on the farm with his parents until he was twenty years of age. In 1870 he went to Lisbonville and was engaged there in selling goods for about seven years. After the death of his father, which occurred in the month of March, 1877, he returned home and took the management and control of the farm. He has lived there ever since. Mr. Gordon was married March 7, 1872, to Miss Celesta P. Tiffin. She is the daughter of John and Elizabeth Tiffin, and was born March 3d, J 853, in this county. Mr. and Mrs. Gordan became the parents of three children, two of wrhom are living: Grace T., born January 13, 1876; Eva L., born March 12, 1878. Their first child, Beatrice, died October 23, 1874. The homestead of the Gordan family, section sixteen, township fifty-four, range twenty-eight, comprises six hundred and thirty-five acres of excellent land. It is well improved, and in a fine state of cultivation, with good orchards and an abundauce of pure water. Our subject's mother, Mrs. Emily B. Gordan, is a native of Montgomery county, Kentucky. She was born February 1, 1818. She came to Missouri in 1830, and stopped with her parents during the two years in Caldwell county, and then came to this county. She was married to the father of our subject, January 10, 1838. They became the parents of six children, only two of whom are now living: Talitha, born October 15, 1841, and our subject. Mrs. Gordan, since the death of her husband, has continued to live on the old homstead with her son Adrian, who is a rising young farmer, and a valuable and excellent citizen.

David T. Mayes, a prominent farmer and stock dealer, was born in Ray count}-, Missouri, on the same farm upon which he now resides, March 2, 1845. He is the son of Wiley and Susan Mayes. His father was born in the year 1800, and came to this county in 1832, he was one of the first settlers in that part of the county, where his son now resides. Our subject laid the foundation of his education in the district schools, and afterwards attended the academy at KnoxVille. The further prosecution of his studies at school, was interrupted by the civil war, but possessing strong natural talent, and an ardent desire for knowledge, he has devoted himself ever since to the study of standard books upon a variety of subjects, and reads regularly the current literature of the day. September 17, 1864, Mr. Mayes enlisted in company G, 51st regiment of state militia, Union, and was engaged in several skirmishes. The winter following his enrollment he went to Nebraska with stock and did not return until after the restoration of peace, in 1865. David T. May's was married December 2, 1875, to Mrs. Margaret A. Saunders, widow of Thomas Saunders and daughter of James and Rachel Noel. She was born in Jackson county, Missouri, February 13, 1851. She is the mother of two children by her first marriage: George E., born December 16, 1870, and James W., born September 10, 1872. Mr. and Mrs. Mayes are the parents of one child, Susan R., born August 12, 1877. Mr. Mayes owns a fine farm of four hundred acres of excellent land, all inclosed by good fences, improved with a handsome, comfortable and commodious residence, convenientlv arranged, and substantial barns, sheds and other buildings. This place is well watered and admirably adapted to the purposes of a stock farm. Mr. Mayes devotes particular attention to the raising of fine stock, making a specialty of the best breeds of hogs and sheep. In politics Mr. Mayes has always been a JefFersonian democrat. He takes much interest in politics, and keeps well informed concerning events in the political world, especially those of his own state and county. He is connected with the Ray County Immigration Society, and thoroughly awake to the superior natural advantages his native county offers to the intelligent and industrious emigrant. Having always lived here he is identified with the county's progress, and feels a deep interest in the further development of her material wealth and resources in the future.

Winfield Miller

The subject of this article was born near Richmond, Ray couniy, Missouri, September 22, 1853. His father, Felix Miller, was also born in this county. The date of his birth was November 10, 1822. Our subject's grandfather, James Miller, a native of Virginia, came to Ray county, from Tennessee, at an early day. He wras of Scotch-Irish descent. Winfield's mother, Sophronia, was born, June 10, 1824, in Tennessee. She came, with her father, to this county, at the age of fifteen years. Winfield Miller, after completing the course in the district school at Richmond, attended a private school, kept by Prof. S. J. HufFaker, for three years. In the fall of 1872 he entered Central College, at Fayette, Howard county, Missouri. He completed the course of study in that institution, and graduated with the degree of A. B. At the age of nineteen years, Mr. Miller engaged in mercantile business; first, for three years at Richmond, and then, in the spring of 1877, moved to Knoxville, where he has since resided, and conducted a general merchandise store, in company with Mr. Gant. Winfield Miller was married, January 5, 1875, to Miss Mary C. Stone, daughter of Doctor J. E. Stone. She was born in Knoxville, Ray county, Missouri, November 14, 1854. Her father was born in this county, in 1822; died November 29, 1857. Her mother, Mary A., was born in Virginia, January 17, 1822, and came to Ray county in 1845.

Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Miller: Felix E., born October 20, 1875, and William W., born September 11, 1880. In the fall of 1875, Mr. Miller was appointed deputy sheriff under J. C. Brown. He also served in the same capacity under Thomas McGinnis, until January, 1881. He discharged the duties of that office very efficiently, and to the entire satisfaction of the people. He has also held other offices of trust in his township. Although comparatively young, Mr. Miller is a practical business man, and has built up a substantial and flourishing trade at Knoxville. He is highly esteemed and very popular with all his large circle of

Doctor John C. Tiffin was born in Cass county, Ohio, January 20, 1813. He is the son of Doctor Clayton and Catherine Tiffin. He remained in Ohio, attending school, until he was seventeen years of age, and then, going to St. Louis, Missouri, pursued the study of his chosen profession, medicine, for three years, under the instruction of his father and Doctor White. In 1835 he entered the Cincinnati Medical College, and afterward graduated from that school with the degree of M. D. After leaving college he practiced his profession in Clinton county, Ohio, for three years, and then, coming to Missouri, practiced in Clinton county for a short time, and then, in 1842, came to Ray county and established himself permanently where he now resides. Here he has had a very extensive and eminently successful practice. He was the first regular graduate of medicine to settle in that part of the county, and, in making his rounds while visiting patients, he has rode more, perhaps, than any other physician in this section of the country. Doctor Tiffin was married on the 12th day of November, 1835, to Miss Margaret Carder. Three children were born of this marriage, two of whom are now living: Clayton, born February 12, 1837, in Frankfort, Ohio (also a physician), and Edward P., born November 24, 1838. Mrs. Tiffin died in the month of September, 1842, and on the 23d day of April, 1843, Doctor Tiffin was married to Miss Elizabeth H. Whitsett. The issue of this marriage was five children, all but one of whom are yet living: John, born March 15, 1844; (he, too, is a physician); Mary E., born March 28, 1848; William W. (physician), January 12, 1850; Celesta P., born March 3, 1853. Two sons were in the Federal army during the war, and one, Clayton, was captain of a company. Doctor Tiffin owns about seven hundred acres of land. He has a handsomely appointed home, where, having retired from active practice, he will spend the evening of his life in comfort and ease. Perhaps no other professional man in the county has enjoyed the confidence, esteem, and respect of the people of Ray county in a larger degree or for a longer time than Doctor John C. Tiffin.

Thomas Shimmin

Is an Englishman. He was born in the town of Peel, on the Isle of Man, November 18, 1811. He attended school there, and at the age of fourteen years commenced learning the blacksmith's trade, under his father, Thomas Shimmin, Sr. Before leaving Great Britain for America, he traveled through many parts of England and Scotland. At the age of twenty-four years he immigrated to the United States, landing at Philadelphia, April 13, 1836. He engaged in blacksmithing and carriage making in that city for about two years. February 5, 1838, he enlisted in the dragoon service of the United States. Went from Philadelphia to New York, thence to New Orleans, and from there to the Indian Territory, then to Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. He was blacksmith of company E. Received his discharge February 5, 1841, and then came to Ray county, and stopped for a while at Camden, on the river. He then went to Knoxville, this county, and remained for a time. In 1869, he went to California, but only remained about a year, coming back again to Knoxville, where he has lived ever since working at his trade. Mr. Shimmin has one son, John Henry, born March 30, 1867. Our subject is an excellent wrorkman, and controls a large and profitable patronage.

Major W. P. Withers

William P. Withers is the son of Peter and Evelina A. (Price) Withers. He was born in Jessamine county, Kentucky, on the 27th day of September, 1819. The family are of English origin; their ancestors settled in Fauquier county, Virginia, at an early day. Their chief occupation has always been farming. In religion they were Baptists, and in politics whigs, until the dissolution of that body, since which time they have been divided in political sentiment. In 1S32 our subject removed with his parents to McLean county, Illinois. Here his parents both died, his mother in 1848, and his father in 1850, at the age of eighty years. His father served as a soldier in the early Indian wars, under General Wayne, " Mad Anthony of the West." William P. Withers was married to Miss Mary E. Coles, in November, 1843. She was a native of Hartford, Indiana, born in 1825. They have had eleven children, only five of whom are now living: George A., Henry C, Nellie, Ned, Allen W. Mrs. Withers died July 17, 1863, and Mr. Withers was married again October 22, 1867, to Miss Mattie J. Grimes, daughter of Major John Grimes. She was born July 18, 1845, in Campbell county, Tennessee. One child was born of this marriage, John G., born October 30, 1868, in Hamilton, Caldwell county, Missouri. In 1843 Mr. Withers removed to Howard county, Missouri, and conducted a hemp factory there for about two years. He then returned to Illinois, and remained there until 1850, when he went to the state of California, and engaged in stock-raising near Stockton for about a year, returning to Illinois by sailing vessel via Panama and New York. He continued, after his return, farming in Illinois until 1858, when he was elected sheriff of McLean county, and discharged the duties of that office for a term of two years, under Judge David Davis. In June, 1861, he raised a company of volunteers, and went into camp at Springfield, Illinois. He afterward received a commission as captain of company C, 5th Illinois cavalry, and in the month of February, 1862, left Springfield for the battle-ground. He was engaged in battles of Doniphan, Missouri; Helena, and Vicksburg, Mississippi; besides many others. He was discharged November 2, 1864, and returned home. Soon after going home he was commissioned as major of the same regiment in which he had formerly served, but before he joined the command the war ended. During the time he was in the army he served under Generals Curtis, Prentice, Washburn, Logan, Sherman, and Grant. Mr. Withers removed to Caldwell county, Missouri, and engaged there, for a time, in farming, and then entered the hardware and agricultural implement trade at Hamilton, but was soon compelled to abandon it on account of ill health, and came to Ray county in 1869, and settled upon his present place (section 35, township 54, range 28), and has lived there ever since. He owns 230 acres of land, the greater portion of which is in cultivation and well improved. He has been a member of the Missionary Baptist Church since he was seventeen years old. He is also a member of Royal Arch Chapter A. F. & A. M. In politics, Mr. Withers has always been a republican. He was a member of the earliest conventions of that party, and has always taken a prominent part in local politics. He was personally acquainted with President Lincoln, and heard him deliver his first campaign speech.

William Kelmel

Was born in Baden, Germany, on the first day of November, 1830. He came with his parents to the United States in 1831, landing at New York. They went to Zainesville, Ohio, and remained there about three years; then removed to another part of the state, and lived four years longer there. At the expiration of that time they removed to Jersey county, Illinois, and remained there during about six years. Came to Missouri in the year 1853, and stopping in Caldwell county, lived there until 1865, when our subject came to Ray county, and settled upon his present farm, where he has lived ever since. He owns two hundred and ninety-seven acres of good, rich land, in a fine state of cultivation, well watered and well improved. He is also engaged, to a considerable extent in raisinor and feeding good breeds of live stock. Mr. Kelmel was married on the 5th day of February, 1860, to Miss Martha Holman. They became the parents of two children: David, born December 15, 1860; William L., born October 7, 1864. Mrs. Kelmel was born June 7, 1841, in Ray county, Missouri. She died on the 7th of August, 1871, and Mr. Kelmel was married again February 14, 1872, to Miss Sallie Thompson. She was born in this county on the 25th of April, 1846. Mr. Kelmel is an industrious, thrifty, successful farmer, and a valuable citizen.

John Clark

This gentleman was born in Henry county, Virginia, on the 25th day of September, 1804. His parents were William and Keziah Clark. He was educated in his native state and remained there working at farming until he was twenty-four years of age, when he went to Tennessee and lived in that state, during twenty years, engaged in farming. In 1850 he removed to Howard county, Indiana, and lived there until he came to Ray county, Missouri in, 1855. He settled then upon his present place. Mr. Clark was married on the 22d of April, 1828, to Miss Henrietta Clark, also a native of Henry county, Virginia. They became the parents of thirteen children, eight boys and five girls. Thomas, son of John and Henrietta Clark, was born in Campbell county, Tennessee, in the month of April, 1844. He removed with his parents from Tennessee to Indiana, and from that state came with them to Ray county, in 1855. Here he lived, attending school and working on his father's farm until the outbreaking of the late civil war. He enlisted February 8, 1862, in company D, 6th Missouri cavalry, Captain S. E. Turner; Colonel Catherwood. He was engaged in several skirmishes, but no regular battles. He was in Kansas and Arkansas. Discharged March 21, 1865. He at once returned to this county, and has lived here ever since. Mr. Thomas Clark was married on the 26th day of July, 1866, to Miss Margaret Higgs, daughter of John and Rebecca Higgs. The issue of this union was one child: Viola, born May 27,1867, in Ray count}', Missouri.

Thomas Linvill

Thomas Linvill was born in Campbell county, Tennessee, September 9, 1805. His parents were Aaron and Rebecca Linvill. They removed when Thomas was very young to Howard county, Missouri, and located in " Sugar-tree bottom." There they remained for some time, then came to Rav county. Our subject located on his present farm at the age of twenty-four years, and has lived there ever since, during more than half a century. He owns five hundred acres of land, section twelve, township fifty-four, range twenty-eight, well improved and in an excellent condition of cultivation, well watered and stocked. About the first of December, 1834, Mr. Linvill was married to Miss Martha A. Stone, a native of Kentucky, born October 13, 1818. Her parents were John and Sallie

Stone. Eleven children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Linvill, rive of whom are yet living: James A., born December 25, 1842; John E., born February 10, 1846; Bessie A., born June 21, 1865; Eliza A., born Februarv 15, 1836; Sallie A., born May 12, 1838. Mr. Linvill was engaged in the local war against the Mormons, and was one of the party that captured Joseph Smith, the Mormon leader. Mr. Linvill was much annoyed by the local strife during the civil war, and lost heavily of his property. He has, however, entirely recuperated his losses, and is in a very prosperous condition. He is a leading farmer and an influential and prominent citizen.

Mrs. McVey is the daughter of Jesse and Eleanor Brady, and was born December 21, 1828, in Richland county, Ohio. She came with her parents to Ray county, Missouri, at the age of nine years. They settled first near Millville, then lived for a time in the vicinity of Knoxville, and removed to the present place of residence in the year 1852. Our subject was first married in the month of February, 1852, to Mr. Oliver P. Creason. They became the parents of one child, Emma, born January 9, 1853, in Rav county, Missouri. - Miss Emma Creason, after finishing the course in the district schools, attended Professor Huftaker's select school at Richmond during two terms. After leaving this academy she engaged in teaching, in which profession she has been deservedly popular and successful. She has taught in both this and Caldwell counties. She is the owner of one hundred and forty acres of land, sections one and two, township fifty-four, range twenty-eight, well improved and in cultivation. - Her husband having died some years previous, our subject was again married on the 3d day of April, 1860, to Mr. Alexander McVey. The issue of this marriage was three children. Their names with date of birth as follows: Mary E., born February 4, 1861; Perry A., December 21, 1867; James B., May 22, 1869. Mr. McVey died at the age of thirty-seven years, and Mrs. McVey has since remained a widow. She owns one hundred and eighty acres of good land, about one hundred and forty acres of which are in cultivation nicely improved with neat comfortable and convenient buildings, goodf orchard and an abundance of pure water. Mrs. McVey is taking great care and pains to properly rear and educate her children.

Joseph Gossage

Was born in Bedford county, Tennessee, on the 7th day of July, 1834. His father, William B. Gossage, and his grandfather, Daniel Gossage, were natives of the state of Maryland. His grandfather was one of General Washington's soldiers, in the war of the revolution. His father emigrated from Maryland to Tennessee, about the year 1820, and married the mother of our subject, who was Miss Mary Hendrickson, after settling in the latter state. Mr. Gossage's ancestors, on the maternal side, were from the state of North Carolina. Soon after the birth of Joseph, his father moved from Bedford to Blount county, Tennessee, and, after living there for fifteen years, to Campbell count}- in East Tennessee. Here Joseph remained until he was twenty-six years of age, and then came to Ray county, Missouri. He spent the first year after coming in schoolteaching near the town of Knoxville, and then the civil war came, and he enrolled in company - , Captain Grimes, and joined the state militia. He subsequently served under both Captains Whitmer and Tiffin. He did good service in defense of the Union his grand father had shed his blood to found and make free. Mr. Gossage was married, on the 5th of March, 1863, to Miss Fannie Nance, daughter of Bird Nance, Esq., of Richmond. Four children, three sons and one daughter, were born to Mr. and Mrs. Gossage. The oldest and youngest sons are dead, the other two children, Ella and Joseph, are living with their parents. After the war, Mr. Gossage farmed for about a year, in Ray county, and then, going to Clay county ran a stage line between Liberty and Weston. He conducted this business for three years, and then went to farming again, in Ray county, and continued so doing until 1873, when he was appointed, by the county court, superintendent of the county poor farm. This institution he managed very efficiently and successfully until 1881, when he declined to be re-appointed. He then moved to a farm, which he had bought, near Swanwick, on the St. Joseph branch of the Wabash, St. Louis & Pacific Railroad. Both Mr. Gossage and his estimable lady are members of the Missionary Baptist Church at Richmond. Mr. Gossage has a neat, comfortable home, and is prospering well in business. He is a respected and valuable citizen of Richmond township.

Cleason Robertson

This gentleman was born in Sevier county, East Tennessee, on the 28th day of May, 1834. His father was a farmer and the son was required to work, as soon as large enough, upon the farm, and his advantages for securing education were not very favorable. His father removed to Missouri in the year 1838. Our subject remained at home, working on the farm, until he was about fourteen years of age, when he began to hire out as a farm laborer, and make a living for himself. During the rest of the time until his majority, young Robertson lived in Caldwell county, Missouri, though his father remained in Ray county. At the age of twenty-three he was married to Miss Susannah McGhee, daughter of Mr. Samuel McGhee, of Caldwell count)-. The date of this union was September 6, 1857. They became the parents of three children, two sons and one daughter. The daughter died in Nevada. The sons, William C, and

George Nelson, are still living with their father. At his marriage, his father-in-law gave Mr. Robertson one hundred and thirty acres of land, which he speedily improved, and made a comfortable home. This farm was situated about twelve miles south-west of Kingston, in Caldwell county, Missouri. He subsequently traded farms several times successively, moving each time to a new place, but a short distance from his former one. Finally, in 1863, he sold the one he then possessed, and went to California, reaching that state in August, 1863. He traveled overland, with mule teams, taking his family with him. He remained but one winter in California, and then ieturned to the mines of Dayton, Nevada, where he staid for about eight years. During a part of that time he was engaged in mining, and then he began the business of a wood merchant, which was very profitable, and Mr. Robertson made considerable money. He came back to Missouri in 1872, and located in Ray county. Here he was engaged in speculating and trading for about two years. At the expiration of that time he moved upon a farm which he had purchased upon his return from California, about seven and a half miles northwest of Richmond. This farm, including subsequent purchases, comprises six hundred acres of most excellent land, well improved. Mr. Robertson gives his attention chiefly to grain-raising and the feeding of stock. In the year 1848 he went from Kansas City, Missouri, to old Mexico, the trip at that time requiring four months' time. He made a similar trip in 1852, freighting goods. Mr. Robertson, his wife, and son George, are members of the Christian Union Church, which worships at Pleasant Valley Chapel. He is also a member of the Masonic lodge, at Knoxville. Cleason Robertson has had a varied experience in life, and has seen much of different parts of the country. He has been very successful in business, considering the disadvantages and obstacles he has had to overcome. He is, to-day, a successful farmer, and a useful citizen of the grand old county of Ray.

Rev. William Mullin

Was born in the state of Tennessee, on the 24th day of February, 1818. His father was poor, and could not give his son such an education as he desired. The whole family removed from Tennessee to Missouri, while William was yet a boy, and in the schools of the latter state he received the greater part of his scholastic training. During his entire life, he was a hard student and an inveterate reader; in this way he became possessed of much more knowledge than many graduates of colleges and universities. He lived on the farm with his father, in Ray county, until he was married. Mr. Mullin professed religion at the age of eighteen, but did not join the church for many years afterwards. He was married, the first time, at about the age of twenty-three years, to Miss Elizabeth Stewart. The issue of this marriage was five children, three girls and two boys, four of whom are now living. Mrs. Mullin died, September 13, 1848, while the family were living near Lexington, in the Ray county bottom. The winter following the death of his wife, Mr. Mullen bought a farm near Albany, in Ray countv, and moved upon it. In 1849, Mr. Mullin was again married. The lady becoming his bride at this time, was Miss Mary Lafever, daughter of William Lafever, formerly of Ray county. Fifteen children were born as the result of this union. Twelve of them are now living. Though Mr. Mullin removed from place to place several times, within the county, after his second marriage, he never changed his residence from Ray county. In 1852, he united with the Missionary Baptist Church at Pleasant Valley, but did not commence preaching as an ordained minister until the year 1872. During his labors as a minister of the gospel, he preached in several counties of North Missouri, but principally in Ray county. He was a Master Mason, and member of the King Hiram Lodge, No. 309, at Knoxville. He was universally esteemed for his piety and goodness of heart, and was a popular and successful preacher. He died on the 12th day of December, 1879, and was buried with Masonic honors, at the family cemetery, upon his farm.

Samuel Colley

Samuel Colley was born in Russell county, now West Virginia, on the 1st day of September, 1813. His father was a farmer, and the father of a family of eleven children, of whom our subject was the fifth in order of birth. His father died when Samuel was twenty-one years old, and his older brothers and sisters having married and left home, the charge and care of the family devolved upon him. The land was poor and worn out, and young Colley had a hard struggle to support the family, and longed to go to the new west, where the husbandman's labor is abundantly repaid by bountiful harvests. He conceived the original and daring plan of making the trip to Missouri by river, on a flat-boat. He had had considerable experience during the early part of his life as a flat-boatman on the north fork of Holston river. He prepared for his perilous journey by building, with the assistance of his neighbors, an immense fiat-boat, during the winter and spring of 1838-'39. Several of Mr. Colley's kinsmen and neighbors, during the process of building the boat, became interested in the undertaking, and a number of them determined to join the expedition, and accompany the young adventurer on his passage to the west. Accordingly, when the novel craft was finished and launched in Clinch river, in the month of March, 1839, as many as sixty persons, including Mrs. Col-, ley's family, embarked for Missouri upon her. They floated about two hundred miles down Clinch river, passing dangerous rapids in safety, and on into and down the Tennessee, thence along the Ohio river to its mouth, where they sold the boat, and the whole company took passage on a steamboat via St. Louis, for Lexington, Missouri, where they arrived in safety, after having been out about six weeks, and traveled more than fifteen hundred miles on a flat-boat. From Lexington Mr. Colley came, with his mother's family, to Ray county, and rented a farm near the present site of Mt. Hope Church. He afterward removed to a farm on the east fork of Crooked river, and, after living there for about two years, he took possession of a farm by pre-emption claim. This place he subsequently sold, and bought another, upon which he lived until 1866, when he purchased and removed upon the place where he now lives. His farm includes two hundred acres, sixty in cultivation, and the rest in pasture land. It is located half a mile northeast of Haller, the residence being in full view of trains passing on the St. Joseph branch of the Wabash, St. Louis & Pacific railroad. Mr. Colley was married, the first time, in 1845, to Miss Eliza Jane Turnadge, daughter of Elder William Turnadge. By this marriage he became the father of seven children, one boy and six girls. In 1865 his wife died, and three years later he was married to Mrs. Martha McClain. This lady lived only about two years, and Mr. Colley was subsequently married the third time. His bride this time was Mrs. Esther Turnadge, widow of Jesse C. Turnadge, and daughter of Edwin Odell, Esq. His second and third wives each became the mother of one daughter. Both these girls are now living. Mr. Colley has been a member of the regular Baptist Church for about forty-four years. The present Mrs. Colley also belongs to the same denomination. They worship with the congregation at Crooked Rive* Church.

Henderson Sloan

One of the largest land owners and most successful and prosperous farmers of his section of the county. Was born in Iredell county, North Carolina, in the month of April, 1822. His father was a farmer, and with the hope of making his business more profitable, he removed, while Henderson was quite young, to Bledsoe county, Tennessee. Here the father died, and our subject was engaged in conducting the farm until his marriage. He was married on the 21st day of August, 1845, to Miss Rebecca Swaflbrd. The issue of this union was twelve children, all now living except two that died in infancy. Six of them are married and the rest are living at home. Two of the daughters are twins and so nearly alike as to be quite indistinguishable to any but members of the family. After his marriage Mr. Sloan continued farming in Tennessee, until 1852, when he removed to Ray county, Missouri, and purchased land in section 29, township 53, range 28. He has, at different times since, bought more land, until he now owns several hundred acres lying in sections 20, 29 and 30 of the same township and range. Mr. Sloan designs making, soon, some additional and valuable improvements upon his fine farm. He took but a small part in the civil war, only having been enrolled for a short time in the state service. He engaged in no battles and remained most of the time at home, attending to business upon his farm. Mr. Sloan is a member of the farmers' organization known as " United Taxpayers.'* His wife belongs to the Christian Church and his daughters are members of the Christian Union denomination. Mrs. Sloan attends services at the " New Church," and the young ladies at Rocky Fork school house. Henderson Sloan continues to reside upon the same farm he settled when first coming to Missouri, and gives his attention to the management of his large estate. He is a very successful farmer, and a highly respected and valuable citizen.