Ray County, Missouri - The whole text, 1881 (part 20 of 23)

George Sanderson

George Sanderson, now (April, 1881,) assessor of Ray county, was born while his parents were en route from Tennessee to Missouri, at the time of their first removal to this state. The exact point at which his birth occurred is not now definitely known, but is believed to have been in the county of Sumner, Tennessee. The date was February 26, 1829. His father, Edward Sanderson, was a native of the state of Virginia, and, after coming to Missouri from Tennessee, he settled near Richmond, in Ray county. Here he lived with his family until he was thrown from his horse, which had taken fright at a railroad train, and killed. George Sanderson was educated in the schools of his father's neighborhood, which were supported by private subscription, the public schools not having then been established. He continued working upon the old homestead until his marriage, in 1851, to Miss Mary A. McGaugh, daughter of John B. McGaugh, M. D., formerly of Ray county, now deceased. At the time of his marriage, Mr. Sanderson was living upon a farm five miles west of Richmond. His wife died on the 27th day of June, 1861, and he afterwards married Miss Margaret Parrott, of Ray county. Mr. Sanderson is the father of seven children, five by his first wife, and two by the second. The eldest, a daughter of the first Mrs. Sanderson, is dead. The others are living, and three of them are married. In 1865, Mr. Sanderson purchased the farm upon which he now resides. It is situated in section eighteen, township fifty-three, range twenty-eight. He was appointed justice of the peace in his township by the county court, in 1867, and after serving in that capacity for two years, he was elected for a term of four years, and was filling the office at the time of his election to the office of assessor of Ray county, in 1880. He received the nomination in the democratic convention over six competitors. He had formerly served as deputy assessor, and brought experience as well as ability to the discharge of the duties of the office. Mr. Sanderson has twice taken the census of this county, once in 1876, and then again in 1880. He is a member of the M. E. Church South, and has been for more than twenty years. Mrs. Sanderson is a member of the Missionary Baptist Church, and two of the children belong to the Christian Union Church. Mr. Sanderson is also a Mason, with membership in Harmony Lodge No. 384, at Vibbard. A large portion of . his life has been spent in public service, and he has discharged his duties so ably and so efficiently as to retain the respect and support of the people.

George E. Robinson

This gentleman is a native of the state of Pennsylvania. He was born on the 2d day of May, 1S60. When he was about eight years of age, his father removed to the state of Iowa, but remained there only seven months, and then came to Ray county, Missouri. Here he purchased a home and at once commenced farming. George attended school in the winter season, and assisted with the farm work during the summer, until the death of his father, in the autumn of 1870. The mother of our subject married again in 1877, and he began work for himself. In the month of February, 1881, George E. Robinson was married to Miss Lillian Stonum, daughter of John Stonum, Esq., of Ray county. Mr. Robinson is a member of the Christian Union Church, and a very worthy young man. He resides with his wife on the farm his father owned, and is doing his part in the great work of developing the agricultural resources of his native county.

M. B- Craven

Max. B. Craven was born in Giles county, Tennessee, on the 12th day of June 1850. His father was a farmer and drover, who engaged largely in selling stock in the southern markets. When our subject was three years old his father removed from Tennessee to Ray county, Missouri, and here Maximilian has alwavs since lived. He was attending school in 1861, but the further prosecution of his studies was interrupted by the outbreak of the civil war. After attaining his majority he remained at home until the death of his father, and then he exchanged his interest in the homestead, one-sixth, with his brother-in-law, Wiley Harris, Esq., for the farm on Crooked river, in section six, township fifty-three, range twenty-eight, upon which Mr. Craven now resides. Max. B. Craven was married on the 14th day of March, 1878, to Miss Mary Frances Thompson, daughter of Joseph Thompson, formerly a resident of Ray county. One child has been born to Mr. and Mrs. Craven, a promising son, now about two years old. Soon after his marriage Mr. Craven returned to his farm on Crooked river, and has since lived there. In 1S80 Mrs. Craven inherited a tract of land lying in township fifty-three, range twenty-eight, which Mr. Craven has since controlled, not farming it himself, but renting it to others. He has a very excellent farm, and intends making extensive improvements upon it in the near future. Both Mr. and Mrs. Craven are highly esteemed for their good qualities by their neighbors and friends. They are both young, and have just started upon the journey of practical life, but having made so propitious a commencement, they will no doubt live long and happily.

J. B. Russell

John Boyd Russell was born in the state of Maryland on the 16th day of September 1811. In John's boyhood his father, Mr. R. Russell, removed his family to Mason county, Virginia, now Jackson county, West Virginia, where they continued to reside, except during four years spent in Ohio, until John was grown. Such educational advantages as he had were received in the schools of Virginia. Though his early education was to some extent neglected, he has by subsequent study, and almost constant perusal of standard works of literature, become possessed of a fund of useful knowledge. Mr. Russell immigrated from Virginia to Ray county, Missouri, in 1856, and settled upon the farm where he now resides, in sections five and eight, township fifty-three, range twenty-eight. This farm comprises four hundred and eighteen acres of productive and valuable land, well improved, with good comfortable dwellings, strong fences, etc., is situated on the ivest fork of Crooked river. Mr. Russell has been twice married, first, before leaving Virginia, in the year 1834, to Miss Sarah McKnown. She died in 1863, and he was subsequently married to Mrs. Francis M. Thompson, widow of B. N. Thompson. Mr. Russell is the father of nine children, all the issue of his first marriage; only four of them are living and they are all married. In religious belief Mr. Russell inclines to Universalism. He has never been a member of the church or an}' secret society or organization. He was justice of the peace for four 3_ears in this county, and also served in that capacity in Virginia. Mr. Russell is a successful, prosperous farmer, and an esteemed and influential citizen of the community in which he lives.

Granville Crenshaw

The subject of this sketch is an enterprising and prosperous young farmer, and a native of the state of Missouri, having been born in Jackson county, on the 31st day of January, 1847. His father, Robert A. Crenshaw, removed from Jackson county while Granville was an infant, and settled in Ray couuty, section four, township fifty-three, range twenty-eight. Here, engaged in working upon his father's farm, our subject grew up. In obtaining an education, he received the advantages of the district schools in the locality of his home. In #the month of October,

1876, Granville Crenshaw was married to Miss Martha L. Thompson, daughter of J. A. Thompson, Esq., of Kansas City. Two children have been born of this union, both boys and both living. Soon after his marriage, Mr. Crenshaw became the owner of a fine farm of three hundred and twenty acres, lying on the ridge just east of the west fork of Crooked river. On this farm Mr. Crenshaw has since resided. Mrs. Crenshaw, a very estimable lady, is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church South. Mr. Crenshaw has a valuable farm, a handsome, comfortable residence, and is a rising young farmer, and a valuable member of the community in which he lives.

Aaron Teegarden

Aaron Teegarden is a Virginian. He was born in Mason county, (now West Virginia), on June 10, 1816. His father, Job Teegarden, moved to the state of Ohio about the year 1826, and settled in Knox county. Here our subject received the principal part of his scholastic training, and after attaining his majority, came to Ray county, Missouri. He was just beginning life for himself, and was without means and a " stranger among strangers." Nothing else offering to be done, he hired out as a laborer, and engaged in chopping wood and making rails, and doing anything that he could find to do in order to make a living. Out of the wages of his labor he saved money enough in about a year to enter forty acres of land, and soon after he bought another tract of the same size. To this farm he continued to add other purchases from time to time, as this means would allow, until at the age of twenty-six years, he was the owner of a good farm of one hundred and sixty acres of valuable land. In the month of March, 1845, Mr. Teegarden was married to Miss Nancy Cummings, daughter of Moses Cummings, Esq., of Ray countv. They became the parents of seven children, all of whom are now living, and five of them, two sons and three daughters, are now married. Mrs. Teegarden died in the year 1S74, and Mr. Teegarden afterwards married Mrs. Philanda Shanks, a lady whose husband had been killed in the civil war. Mr. Teegarden has always taken much interest in politics, and great care and pains to keep himself informed respecting events in the political world. He is the owner of a fine, fertile farm of six hundred and twenty acres of bottom land, in a high state of cultivation and well improved. It is situated in sections three, nine and ten, township fifty-three, range twentyeight. Though he began life as a poor, friendless youth, he is now the possessor of a competency, and highly esteemed by all who know him.

William J. Smith

This gentleman was born in Carroll county, Missouri, on the 10th day of September, 1829. His grandfather, on the maternal side, Mr. Barnes was a native of Germany, who settled, at an early day, in Boonslick, Virginia, and lived there during the war of American independence. Mr. Barnes was the brother-in-law of Daniel Boone, the great Kentucky pioneer. The father of the subject of this sketch, George Smith, was a farmer of Carroll county, Missouri. He was accidentally drowned while on a bee hunt in Livingston county. William J. Smith was educated in the schools of his native county, and at the age of twenty-one years commenced teaming in the town of Dewitt, and followed that business for ten years. In September, 1850, he was married to Miss Minerva Smith, daughter of Mr. Moses Smith, of Carroll county. Though this lady had the same name, she was not connected by blood relationship to Mr. Smith. He removed to Tarrant county, Texas, in the autumn of 1853, and farmed there for about four years, and then came back to Dewitt. Soon after his return, in 1858, his wife died, and he was married again to Mrs. N. A. Adkins, a widow. Mr. Smith is the father of four children, whose mother was his first wife. Three of them are living and married. Six months after his second marriage, Mr. Smith removed to Ray county, and bought the farm upon which he lives. It now includes two hundred and twenty-seven acres of rich and productive land. Mr. Smith's favorite occupation is dealing in live stock, but his health has been so poor of late, as to prevent his engaging in that business. He is a successful farmer and a sharp, shrewd and experienced trader. He is also a good neighbor and a valuable citizen.

Joseph B. Perry

Was born in Shelby county, Indiana, on the 12th day of January, 1842. His parents removed to Edgar county, Illinois, when he was but four years old, and there he received his education and lived until the commencement of the civil war. He enlisted August 24, 186.1, in company H, 29th Illinois infantry, and was engaged in the battles of Fort Donelson, Shiloh and Holly Springs. At the last named battle he was taken prisoner and paroled on the field. He was again captured by the enemy at Woodville, Mississippi, and confined in prison, first at Meridian, Mississippi, and then again at Mobile, Alabama. After spending six months in the military prisons at the above mentioned places, he made his escape, and again joining his command, was sent to Texas, and remained there until he was discharged about the 1st of December, 1865. He at once returned to Edgar county, Illinois, and remained there until January, 1867, and then went back to his native state of Indiana, and lived there until the year 1869. In the month of August, 1869, he came to Missouri, and located in Ray county, upon the farm where he now resides, section twelve, township fifty-four, range twenty-six. This place consists of two hundred and sixty acres of excellent farming land, well stocked and improved, a neat, comfortable dwelling, and a thrifty young orchard. Mr. Perry was married on the 27th of December, 1867, to Miss Sarah E. Tindall, a native of Shelby county, Indiana. They have five children, named as follows, viz.: Oren E., Eunice E., Ida May, Everett E., and Joseph B. Both Mr. and Mrs. Perry are consistent members of the M-. E. Church.

Mifflin B. Weeks

Was born in the state of North Carolina in the year 1821. His father having died while our subject was in infancy, he was taken to be raised by an uncle. When he was ten years old his uncle removed with him to the state of Illinois, and a year later to Patrick county, Virginia. Here our subject lived until he was grown. Being an orphan, he was compelled at an early age to work for his own subsistance, and, in consequence, his advantages for obtaining an education were very meager. In 1843 he removed to Floyd county, and, after spending two years there, to Mercer county, where he made his home for thirteen years. Mr. Weeks was married on the 15th day of May, 1840, to Miss Eurah, a native of the state of Virginia, born and raised in the region of the Blue Ridge mountains. They are the parents of seven children living and one dead. The names of those living are: Martha E., John H., Nancy C, Louisa J., Benjamin G., Charles M., and Joseph A. The name of the child they lost by death was William J. Mr. Weeks came to Missouri in 1859, landing at Lexington, March 7, and located in Ray county, where he has since lived constantly, except during five years spent in Caldwell county, Missouri. He located on his present farm, section 2, township 54, range 26, in June, 1880. Mrs. Weeks is a member of the Christian Church, and was formerly a member of the regular Baptist Church for the space of thirty-five years. Mr. Weeks is an industrious, thrifty farmer, and a valuable aid to the development of the material wealth of his adopted county.

Jacob A. Weeks, youngest son of Mifflin B. Weeks, was born in Ray county, Missouri, October 15, 1864. He is a very industrious and exemplary young man, and well thought of by all who know him. He is at present living on the farm with his parents.

John C. Shrum

This gentleman was born in Caldwell county, Missouri, on the 6th day of April, 1846, and received his education and grew up there. In the spring of 1S72, he bought a new prairie farm, in sight of his birth place, just across the county line, in Ray. This place he fenced and improved by building a comfortable house. He has, in all, two hundred acres of excellent farming land, all under fence, except twenty acres of woodland. Eighty acres of this place are in Ray, the remainder in Caldwell county, Its products are corn, oats, and grass. Mr. Shrum is engaged, quite extensively, in raising cattle. He has been a life-long farmer and stock-raiser. The father of our subject, Mr. John L. Shrum, came to this county, at a very early day, from North Carolina. He subsequently spent about four years in Illinois, and on his return from that state to Missouri, brought with him a reaping machine, said to have been the first introduced in Ray county. During the late civil war, Mr. Shrum was enrolled in the state militia, but was not in active service at any time. He was married, on the 18th day of August, 1867, to Miss Caroline McBee, a native of Ray county, and daughter of James and Elizabeth McBee. They are the parents of six children, five of whom are now living: Carrie E., John L., Ida May, Samuel L., Dennis N. (now dead), and Mary C. Mrs. Shrum is a worthy member of the M. E. Church. Mr. Shrum is an enterprising, successful farmer, and a good citizen.

Col. Charles B. Kavanaugh

This distinguished soldier and farmer was born at Booneville, in Cooper county, Missouri, in the year 1822, and has always lived in the counties of Cooper, Lafayette, Carroll and Ray, respectively. He was reared to farming, and has nearly all his life pursued that avocation or the kindred one of raising and dealing in cattle and other live stock. As a notable exception to this course of life may be mentioned the fact of his having been a merchant at Lexington, Missouri, from the year 1851 until the commencement of the civil war, the space of about ten years. On the 14th of December, 1861, Mr. Kavanaugh left Lexington, Missouri, with a full company of recruits, for the southern army. In camp, midway between Osceola and Springfield, the company was organized, and Mr. Kavanaugh elected captain. Soon after they joined General Sterling Price's command, and went into winter quarters. After the battle of Pea Ridge, the regiment to which Captain Kavanaugh's company belonged was reorganized, and he received the appointment to command it with the commission of colonel in the C. S. A. His competitor for this position was Jo. O. Shelby, afterwards general. Colonel Kavanaugh's regiment was ordered, under command of Brigadier General Green, to Mem- phis, and on the march participated with General Beauregards's command in the battle of Corinth, Mississippi. He was, subsequently, engaged in the battles of Little Rock, Dardanelle, and assisted in the capture of a Federal gunboat on White river. Colonel Kavanaugh served with much distinction and great bravery throughout the war. He was greatly beloved and honored by the soldiers of his command. His regiment was often under fire in the thickest part of the fight, and Colonel Kavanaugh repeatedly had his horse killed from under him while charging the enemy's guns at the head of his command. During the last year of tha war he suffered much from sickness, and, although all communication with his home had long been cut off, his wife finally heard of his illness, and, after making her way through the Union lines, and being detained about three weeks at Little Rock, joined her husband, and remained with him during the continuance of the war. To Mrs. Kavanaugh's tender, careful nursing during his illness, her husband, in all probability, owes the preservation of his life. At the close of the war, Colonel Kavanaugh was discharged from the army at Austin, Texas, and the winter following returned home to Missouri. Everything, in the way of property, he had possessed, was lost by the war. In his devotion to the cause he thought just, all had been sacrificed. A friend kindly furnished him with the necessary means, and the colonel began dealing in Texas cattle, and soon recuperated his financial condition. In 1866, he moved to Carroll county, Missouri, and engaged in farming there for about five years, and in 1871, came to Ray county and commenced improving his present place, on the prairie, in section nineteen, township fifty-four, range twenty-six. This is a fine farm of five hundred and sixty acres of excellent farming land, well improved, with good buildings, and inclosed by stone, plank and rail fences. Upon the farm are two thrifty young orchards of apple, peach and other fruit trees. Colonel Kavanaugh continues to pay special attention to the raising and feeding of cattle. He is a leading member of the Christian Church, and of the Wakanda Grange, P. of H. Colonel Kavanaugh was also a soldier in the war with Mexico. He served during the entire war, and was sergeant in company B, Colonel A. W. Doniphan's regiment, 1st Missouri cavalry. The principal battles in which he was engaged were Brazito and Sacramento, though he participated in several minor engagements. Colonel Kavanaugh has been twice married. First in 1850, to Miss Eliza James. The issue of this union was one daughter, Fanny C, now the wife of P. M. Grove, and living at Los Angelos, California. Mrs. Kavanaugh died in 1852, and the colonel was subsequently married to Miss Mary A. Rea, daughter of Judge Edmond Rea. She is a native of Virginia, but came to Missouri when a child. They became the parents of nine children, named as follows, viz: Edmond R., Charles A., Archie W., Lee Davis, Mary P., Genevieve S., Katie Dixie, Joseph

Jacob Huskisson

Jacob Huskisson was born in east Tennessee on the 8th day of January, 1839, and lived there until he was fourteen years of age. His father was a blacksmith, and he taught that trade to his son. In 1853 our subject went to Bradley county, and was engaged there working at his trade, until he was seventeen years of age, and then went to Alabama, and followed farming until 1861. He then returned to east Tennessee, and farmed in his native state for about two years longer. In the year 1863, he enlisted in company B, Eighth regiment, Tennesse cavalry Union volunteers, and was engaged in the fight at Knoxville, Tennessee, and in other battles. He was discharged at the close of the war, at Knoxville. He at once returned to his home, and resumed work at his trade, and continued it there until 1S69, when he came to Richmond, Ray county, Missouri. Here he engaged in farming, for about four years, and then, after going to Carroll county, and remaining there one year, he moved to Girard, Illinois, and worked at his trade there for two years. Returning to Carroll county, Missouri, he followed blacksmithing there for about two years, and then in the month of August, 1880, came again to Ray county, and settling at Tinney's grove, opened a blacksmith shop and has continued there working at his trade till the present time, April, 1881. Mr. Huskisson was married in the year 1868, to Miss Rhoda Wilson, a native of Tennessee. They have six children, named, respectively: Emmett, Jacob, Elizabeth, John, William and George. Mr. and Mrs. Huskisson are both members of the Missionary Baptist Church.

William Russell

The subject of this sketch is a native of Washington county, Virginia. He was born on the 1st day ol March, 1813. Left his native county in childhood, on the removal of his parents to Marion county, Tennessee, and lived there until he attained his majority. He was reared on a farm, and received fair educational advantages. In the autumn of 1838 he came to Ray county, Missouri, and located near Millville. Here he was occupied in farming until 1S58, when he removed to Knoxville, and engaged for a number of years in mercantile business there. In the spring of 1868 he removed to Russellville, and has since resided in that place, where he has a residence, store building, and several other lots. Mr. Russell has held various offices of trust in Ray county. He was first elected, in 1846, to the office of constable, and served in that capacity, for six years. He was elected justice of the peace in 1852, and has held the office, almost uninterruptedly for nearly thirty years, and in all his admin- istration has had but two appeals taken from his judgement, and they were affirmed by the higher courts. He has, also, held the office of notary public for the space of seven years, and still has a year or more of his present term to serve. He is a member of the Knoxville Lodge of A. F. & A. M., and has several times been elected by his brethren to offices in the lodge. Mr. Russell was married on the 20th day of October, 1832, to Miss Tansom Burgess, a native of Virginia. The}' are the parents of eight children: Cynthia A., Elijah B., Sarah E., George W., Matilda T., Missouri C, Mary E., and Emeline C. The last named is dead. Both Mr. and Mrs. Russell, and all the children, but one, are members of the M. E. Church South. Mr. Russell and his estimable lady have been members of that church for more than half a century. Our subject has been all his life very strictly temperate, and moral. The offices he has held for such great length of time bear testimony to the high esteem in which he is held by his fellow men.

This gentleman was born in Madison county, Virginia, on the 13th dav of September, 1827. He received a classical education, and began the study of medicine at the age of nineteen years. He completed the course, graduating from the Medical University of Pennsylvania, at Philadelphia, in the year 1849, and the following spring commenced the practice of his profession in the Shenandoah Valley, of Virginia, and continued it there, until 1856. He came to Missouri on the 29th day of April, 1856, and located in Lafayette county, where he lived about two years, and then, going to Carroll county, practiced medicine there, for some five years. In February, 1865, he came to Russellville, Ray county, where he located permanently, and has ever since practiced his profession there. He has a fine residence, good barn, orchard, etc., and is very well situated to live comfortably and happily. Dr. Carpenter was married in the year 1852, to Miss Martha C. Winsborough, a native of Virginia, and daughter of William and Julia Winsborough. Six children have been born of this union, named as follows: Emma V., Thomas W., Alice G., Minnie Lee, Joseph and Archie. Dr. Carpenter was a member of the I. O. O. F. in Virginia, and is now a member of the Millville Lodge, of the order of A. F. & A. M. Mrs. Carpenter is a member of the Christian Church. Dr. Carpenter is a successful, able and popular physician, and a highly respected and valuable citizen.

F. M. Ferree was born in Franklin county, Pennsylvania, in the year 1821, and lived in that vicinity until he was nineteen years old. His parents died when he was very young, and he was thrown upon his own resources, in the world alone. At the age of thirteen years he began to learn the carpenter's and joiner's trade, and, after finishing his apprenticeship, followed that avocation for about twenty-one years, and during the last fifteen years of that time, carried on the business quite extensively. In 1843 he went to Wayne county, Ohio, and spent about a year; then to Tippecanoe county Indiana, where he lived about the same length of time. From Indiana he removed to Monroe county, Michigan, and lived there for the space of twenty years. In the spring of 1865, he moved from Michigan to Seneca county, Ohio, and lived there until 1867, when he came to Ray county, Missouri, and located at Morton. After remaining at Morton for four years, he removed to Russellville, and lived there during the same period of time as at Morton. In the month of December, 1874, he moved to his present location, section 16, township 53, range 26, where he has about eighty acres of fine farming land, nearly all in cultivation and unusually well fenced. This farm is abundantly watered, having seven good wells, besides running streams all the year. Mr. Ferree has a comfortable house, a very convenient and large barn, an orchard of choice fruit trees, and a vineyard. He owns, beside this home place, 190 acres of land, of which 160 acres are in cultivation. Mr. Ferree takes great interest in bees, and has a large, handsome apiary, well filled with hives. He is thoroughly acquainted with the business of handling bees, having been engaged at it for thirty years. Some of his hives yield more than one hundred pounds of honey in one season. He learned the wagon making and blacksmithing trade, in 1859, and conducted a business of that kind until two years ago. Mr. Ferree was married in the year 1848, to Miss Deborah A. Watkins, a native of the state of New York. They became the parents of nine children, seven of whom are now living: Boyd W., Mary A., James E., Hall, Milton T., Guy and Anna; one son, and an infant daughter are dead. Mr. Ferree is a worthy member of Myrtle Lodge, of A. F. & A. M., at Millville. He is a successful, prosperous farmer, and a good citizen.

Boyd W. Ferree

Boyd W. Ferree, son of F. M. Ferree, was born in the state of Michigan on the 14th day of October, 1850. There he lived until he was fourteen years of age, and then went with his parents to Seneca county, Ohio, where they remained about two years. In the spring of 1867, he came to Ray county, Missouri, and located temporarily, at the town of Morton. Three years afterward he went to Russellville, Ray county, and there engaged in blacksmithing. In January, 1878, he opened a shop on his own account at Russellville, and has since conducted the blacksmithing business in that place. He now owns a comfortable residence with a small orchard, and is doing a good business at his shop. He also has sev- eral other lots besides the one upon which his residence and shop are situated. Mr. Ferree was married in the year 1876, to Miss Nancy W. Belcher, a native of Virginia. Mrs. Ferree is a consistent member of the Christian Church. Mr. Ferree is a skillful workman and commands an extensive patronage.

Abraham Pope

The subject of this article is a native of Boyle county, Kentucky. He was born in the year 1835. He grew up on a farm, and followed the busines of farming in his native state, until the spring of 1857, when he came to Missouri. He located in Ray county, upon the same farm where he now lives, (section four, township fifty -three, range twenty-six). This place was originally only two hundred and forty acres of land, but by subsequent purchases Mr. Pope has extended it until now his possessions embrace four hundred and seventy acres of excellent farming and pasture lands, enclosed by good plank and rail fences, and improved with a fine residence, good barn and orchard. Mr. Pope is engaged quite extensively in raising and feeding cattle and hogs for market. He raises Berkshire and Poland China hogs exclusively. Mr. Pope was married on the 16th day of December, 1856, to Miss Susan Bright, a native of the state of Kentucky. They have seven children living, named as follows: Armstead H., Lydia A., Elizabeth, Mary F., Effie May and George W. (twins), and Samuel Henry. The father of our subject, Mr. George H. Pope, was also a native of Kentucky. He died in 1846, aged fifty years. His mother, Mrs. Delilah (Bright) Pope, was born in the same state as her husband. She died very recently, at the age of seventyfive years. Both her mother and father were also natives of Kentucky. Mr. Pope is a member of Myrtle Lodge, A. F. & A. M. at Millville. He is a practical, successful farmer and stock-raiser, and a prominent and valuable citizen of Grape Grove township.

James T. Campbell

James T. Campbell was born in Lafayette county, Missouri, in the year 1844. When he was three years old his parents removed to Kentucky, and lived there some six or seven years. At the expiration of that time they came back to Missouri, and located in Ray county, and here our subject has since resided. He began farming on his own account in the year 1866. In the month of April, 1880, he removed to his present place, section three, township fifty-three, range twenty-six^ where he owns eighty acres of improved land, with residence, barn, and other buildings. The farm is all inclosed with either rail, board, or hedge fences. Mr. Campbell was married in the year 1864, to Miss Mollie A. Freeman, a native of

Missouri. The issue of this union was five children. Their names follow: Dora, Alexander I., Stella, Thornton, and Emma. Mr. Campbell enlisted in September, 1862, in company D, 35th Missouri volunteers, Union infantry, and was engaged in the battle of Helena, Arkansas, and a number of smaller engagements. He was discharged in July, 1865. His father, Mr. A. R. Campbell, is a native of Pennsylvania, and his mother, Matilda (Freeman) Campbell, is a native of the state of Kentucky. Both his parents are now living in Ray county, Missouri. Mr. Campbell also owns, in addition to the lands mentioned above, one hundred and fifteen acres of farming, pasture, timber, and coal lands in another locality. He is a leading farmer, and a valuable member of the community in which he resides.

Was born in Ray county Missouri, in the year 1840, and has lived here ever since. He has been all his life engaged in farming, beginning on his own account to do business in 1861. Five years afterward he settled upon the farm where he now resides, section four, township fifty-three, range twenty-six. Here he owns a valuable farm of one hundred and seventy acres, in a tine state of cultivation and handsomely improved. He is turning his attention to stock-raising, and intends, in the near future, to make it a specialty, as his farm is especially adapted to grass growing. Mr. McBee was married in the year 1862, to Miss Susan F. Gentry, daughter of B. B. and Narcissa Gentry, and born in Ray county, Missouri. Mr. McBee and wife are the parents of seven children, named as follows: Mary Jane, Martha Ellen, Benjamin F., Edward P., Nora F., Everett M., and Jessie E. In the autumn of 1864, to escape troubles growing out of the civil war, Mr. McBee took refuge in Nebraska, and remained there about eighteen months, until the war was over and peace restored, and then returned to his home in Ray county. Mr. McBee, his wife and their eldest daughter, are members of the M. E. Church South. His father, Mr. Daniel McBee, was a native of Ohio. He died in 1846, aged forty-seven years. His mother, Catherine, was born in Ohio. She is still living in Ray county, Missouri. Mr. McBee is a leading, practical and successful farmer and stock-raiser, and is greatly respected by the community in which he resides.

William S. Wollard was born in Ray county, near Richmond, in the year 1847, and has lived all his life in this county. His father, Mr. John Wollard, was a native of North Carolina. He came to Missouri when it was a territory, and settling in Ray county, cleared and improved the land where Richmond is situated. He afterward donated land to aid in building up the town. John Wollard died in May, 1878, aged seventyseven years. Our subject began farming and stock-raising on his own account in the spring of 1867, and the next year moved to his present location, section 8, township 53, range 26. He continued living on his farm until 1875, when he commenced a general merchandising business at Russellville, and followed it until the year 1879. He then returned to his farm, and has lived there ever since. This farm comprises 330 acres of very fertile land, the principal part of which is in cultivation and well fenced and improved. In 1868, Mr. Wollard began with ninety acres of land and a log cabin, and as the result of his enterprise, perseverance, and industry he now has this fine large farm, with a dwelling house elegantly appointed and conveniently arranged for comfort and ease, an orchard of some three or four hundred bearing trees of the best varieties of fruit, and his pastures filled with fine-bred stock, and his barns and granaries full of the rich products of his fields. Mr. Wollard was married in 1868, to Miss Maddie Barham, a native of the state of North Carolina. The result of this union was seven children, all of whom are living, named as follows: Nettie Frances, William F., Walter L., Ollie Belle, Robert Jackson, Nannie E., and Henry A. Mr. Wollard is largely engaged in raising, feeding and shipping live-stock. He handles only the best classes of hogs and cattle. He is a member of the M. E. Church South, and also belongs to Wakanda Grange No. 935, P. of H. He is a prominent and very successful farmer, and a leading and influential citizen.

John L. Barham

The subject of this article was born in North Carolina in the month of December, 1820. He was educated in his native state, and pursued the business of farming there, until he was about twenty-seven years of age. In the spring of 1848 he came to Ray county, Missouri, and located on a farm near Albany. After living there about six years, he came to his present farm, section two, township fifty-three, range twenty-six, and has lived there ever since. He owns two hundred and nineteen acres of excellent land, well improved and watered, a fine orchard bearing an abundance of choice fruit, and all under good fence. Mr. Barham is in a highly prosperous condition, and has entirely recuperated the heavy damages and losses of property he sustained during the civil war. He was married, in 1846, to Miss Elizabeth Frazer, a native of the state of North Carolina. They have thirteen children: William F., Frances M., James N., Balaam, John, Ann, Robert L., Joseph, Thomas, Elizabeth, Lutie, Charles and George. Mr. Barham's father, Balaam Barham, was a native of North Carolina. He died about the year 1850, aged sixty-three years. His mother, Elizabeth, was a native of the same state. She died at the age of seventy-four years, after coming with her son to Ray county, Missouri. Ever since the year 1859, our subject has been devoting especial attention and care to raising, feeding and shipping live stock. He has made the business very successful and profitable. He is a member of Myrtle Ledge No. 338, A. F. & A. M., at Millville, and also of Cyrus Royal Arch Chapter, No. 36, at Richmond.

Silas C. Robinson

This gentleman is a native of Kentucky. He was born October 24, 1832. His father, Michael Robinson, was a native of Virginia. He was born December 14, 1804, and died December 27, 1861. His mother, Margaret Robinson, was born in Kentucky, on the 1st day of April, 1812, and is still living in that state at this time - April, 18S1. Our subject lived in Kentucky until after he had acquired his education, and attained manhood's estate. In the spring of 1854 he came to Missouri, and, locating in Jackson county, remained there for about three years. He then went back to Kentucky, but, remaining there only a few months, came to Ray county, Missouri, in the spring of 1857, and bought land here. Soon after he went again to Jackson county, Missouri, and lived there about eighteen months. Returning to Ray county in 1860, he located upon his present farm, section ten, township fifty-three, range twenty-six. Here he owns two hundred and seventy acres of good land, two hundred and forty acres of which is in cultivation, under good fences of rails and hedge. The farm is well watered, having one running spring and a half dozen wells. Mr. Robinson has a handsome and commodious dwelling house, a good barn and other buildings; also, a fine bearing orchard, and an abundance of small fruits and berries. He is devoting his attention largely to raising and dealing in the best classes of live stock. Mr. Robinson was married on the 17th day of January, 1861, to Miss Margaret J. Bright, a native of Lincoln county, Kentucky. They have seven children, named as follows: Lillian, WilliamF., John Bright, Mollie M., Lucy May, Lottie Belle, and Charles Edgar. Mr. Robinson is a member of Wakanda Grange, No. 935, P. of H. He is a successful, prosperous farmer and stock-raiser, and a valuable citizen.

Reuben Vantrump

Is a native of Rockingham county, Virginia. He was born in the year 1826. He was reared and lived on a farm till he was twenty years old, and then learned the blacksmithing trade, though he never pursued it, as a business, in after life. In the year 1854, he went to Indiana, and engaged in farming there for about six years, and then, in 1860, began operating a saw-mill, and followed that business for eight years. He then sold his sawmill property and bought a farm, and lived upon it until the fall of 1875, when he came to Missouri. He stopped the first winter after coming to the state, in the town of Norborne, in Carroll county, but the next spring came to Ray county, and settled where he now resides, section fifteen, township fifty-three, range twenty-six. Mr. Vantrump was married, in the year 1848, to Miss Diana Carnes, a native of Virginia. Mr. and Mrs. Vantrump have three children living: John C, Americus V., and Medici Belle. John Vantrump, father of our subject, was a native of Virginia; born in 1799; died in 1870. He was a member of the German Reformed Church, for a great number of years prior to his death. The grandfather of our subject came across the Atlantic in the same ship with Peter Stuyvesant, the "last and best governor" of New Amsterdam (now New York). Reuben Vantrump's mother was a native of Rockingham county, Virginia, and was born in 1806. She died in 1874. Mr. Vantrump is a member of the I. O. O. F. He owns a valuable farm of very productive land, which he manages very successfully. He is a good neighbor, and a very valuable citizen.

Benjamin B. Gentry

Benjamin B. Gentry was born in Columbia, Boone county, Mo., in the year 1828, and lived there until ten years of age, when his parents removed with him to Monroe county, Missouri. There he received his education and lived about twelve years. Mr. Gentry was married in the year 1847, to Miss Narcissa E. Wallard. Three children were born of this union : Susan F., Nancy Jane, Mary C. In the spring of 1850, he came to Ray county, and leaving his wife at Richmond, started overland to California. He was one of a large company, and they made the journey to the land of gold, in just four months from the date of starting, reaching their destination on the 1st day of September. They had the good fortune to escape the cholera which was raging at that time in a very virulent form throughout the country, and especially on the route to the west. Mr. Gentry remained in California, mining, for about fourteen months, and then returned to Missouri by water, reaching Richmond Christmas night, 1851. He soon after bought a farm just west of Russellville, and lived there eighteen years, engaged in farming and stock-raising. He then moved to his present location, section four, township fifty-three, range twenty-six, where he owns five hundred and ten acres of excellent land, nearlv all in one body, well watered and the principal part of it in cultivation, well improved, handsome comfortable residence, two fine orchards, a very convenient, large roomy barn, other out-buildings, and everything necessarv to the full equipment of a first-class modern farm. Mr. Gentry devotes a great deal of attention to raising and feeding live stock, and has done so for many years. His first wife died in 1858, and he afterwards married Miss Sarah McKenzie, a native of Virginia. The result of this union was nine children, named as follows: Alelia E., Benjamin Mc, James S., Alice Belle, David J., John S., William Edward, dead, Charles N., and Effie Maud. Both Mr. and Mrs. Gentry are leading members of the Christian Church. He is also a member of Myrtle Lodge, No. 338, A. F. & A, M. at Millville, and of Wakanda Grange No. 935, P. of H. He is a prominent farmer and an influential citizen.

Charles L. Bowen

Charles L. Bowen was born in Ohio, in the year 1830. He received a liberal education in his youth, and continued to remain at home until the commencement of the civil war. He enlisted about the first of June, 1863, and by the middle of the month was commissioned captain of company F, 7th Ohio volunteer infantry. In July following, he was promoted to a lieutenant-colonelcy and assigned to the same regiment, and remained with the 7th Ohio until their term of service expired. He was discharged from the army in April, 1S64. He suffered an injury to his right eye while in the service of the Union. At the close of the war he went back to farming in Ohio, and continued that business there until the spring of 1869, when he came to Missouri, and first stopping for a few months in Carroll county, settled permanently where he now resides, in Ray county (section five, township fifty-three, range twenty-six). Here he owns a good farm of one hundred and fifty-two acres of land, mostly in cultivation, with an orchard of about two hundred trees bearing choice varieties of fruit. Charles L. Bowen was married in the year 1858, to Miss Almina Slough, a native of Ohio. They have seven children, named as follows: Annie A., wife of Armstead Waters.) Susan J., Ida May, Albert Wilmot, Pauline M., Mary Almina, and Maud Bertha. Mr. Bowen's father, Robert W. Bowen was a native of Maryland. He died in March, 1865, aged seventy-two years. His mother, Susan L., was also a native of Maryland. She died in 1863, aged seventy-two years. The father of Mrs. Bowen, Frederick Slough, was a native of Ohio. He died March 11, 1846. Her mother, Mary, was born in Ohio; died July 14, 1853, aged forty-one years. Mr. Bowen's father was a soldier in the war of 1812, and his grandfather served seven years under General George Washington, in the war for American independence. He was with the army on their terrible march to Valley Forge. Our subject has been postmaster at Willmott ever since the office was established, in 1874. He is a member of the order of Odd Fellows.

Rev. E. W. Cato

This gentleman was born in Wayne county, Mississippi, in 1819. When eight years old his father moved with him to the state of Alabama, and there he was educated and grew up. He pursued farming and other branches of business in Alabama for a number of years. In 1858 he began working at the wagon-making trade, and continued that business, but with some interruptions, until 1865. He enlisted in August, 1864, in company - , 4th regiment of Alabama reserves, and served in the Confederate army until the close of the war. After the war he began working at his trade, and also conducted a farm in connection with it. In the spring of 1868 he left Alabama, and came direct to Missouri. He stopped first for a few months in St. Louis county, and then went to Lafayette county, where he remained about a year, at the expiration of which time he came to Ray county, and has made his home here ever since. In the month of February, 1877, he removed to his present location, section 32, township 54, range 26. Mr. Cato has about two acres in orchard and vineyard, and intends devoting his attention to grape-growing and winemaking. He was married in the year 1840, to Miss S. A. Booker, a native of Alabama. Both Mr. and Mrs. Cato are members of the Church of Latter Day Saints, and he is a minister of that denomination. Mr. Cato's father, Allen Cato, was a native of North Carolina. He died a few years ago, aged eighty years. His mother has been dead for a long while; she was a native of Mississippi. Mrs. Cato's father, Willis Booker, was a native of North Carolina. He died in 1866, aged about seventy years. Her mother, Sarah, died a few years ago, at the age of seventysix years. Mr. Cato is very popular as a preacher among his people, and is much esteemed and respected.

George W. Clemens

Was born in Rockingham county, Virginia, in the year r£45. He is the son of Jeremiah and Elizabeth Clemens. His father was born in Pennsylvania, and his mother in Kentucky. They are both yet living, in the state of Illinois. At the age of nine years our subject left Virginia with his parents, going to Madison county, Illinois, where he remained until 1864, and then removed to Putnam county, Illinois. He began farming on his own account in 1865, and continued it in Illinois, until the year 1870, when he removed to Ray county, Missouri, and located upon the farm where he now resides (section thirteen, township fifty-three, range twenty-six.) This farm comprises four hundred and thirty-four acres of rich land, improved with a comfortable residence and good barn, and abundantly watered with good springs and wells, besides running streams. The farm is enclosed by hedge fences chiefly. Mr. Clemens is largely engaged in raising live stock, and has his farm principally in pasture for that purpose. He intends in future to make a specialty of raising fine-bred sheep. Mr. Clemens was married on the 8th day of February, 1865, to Miss Elizabeth Larcher, a native of Ohio. They are the parents of six children: Joseph, Mary Elizabeth (dead), Emma Jane John,

Wesley, Jeremiah and Matthias. Mrs. Clemens' father, Mr. Matthias Larcher, is a native of Germany. He came to this country at an early day. He and her mother, Elizabeth, are now living in the state of Indiana, both at the advanced age of about seventy-one years. Both Mr. and Mrs. Clemens are consistent and leading members of the German Baptist Church.

Son of John and Hannah Endsle}-, was born in Ray county, Missouri, in the year 1836. His parents were both natives of North Carolina. His father was born October 26, 1796, in Gilford county, North Carolina; died September 26, 1874, aged almost seventy-eight years. His mother died in March 1880, aged seventy-two years. Our subject was reared on a farm and received the advantages of the district schools in acquiring an education. He continued farming until the year 1859, when he went to California, arriving in the month of September, after having been about five months on the wray, and remained there and engaged in mining until the month of March 1865, when he went to Nevada and remained in that state eleven months. He then returned to California, but remaining only a short time started to the Frazer river country in the north. He succeeding in getting only as far as Victoria, and returned to Portland, Oregon. Thence he went to the Blackfoot country in Montana, and after mining there for a time, returned to Missouri in October, 1868. Remaining but a short time in this state, he returned to Montana, via New York and San Francisco, and followed mining until the fall of 1869. He then returned a^fain to Ray county, Missouri, and located permanently here. Early in the spring of 1870, he removed to the place upon which he now resides, section fifteen, township fifty-three, range twenty-six. Here he owns five hundred and fifty-one acres of good farming pasture and timber lands, well watered and under good fencing. He has a handsome and comfortable residence, erected in 1876-7, at a cost of more than $2,500, a good barn and other buildings, and also a fine thrifty bearing orchard. He is devoting much attention to raising cattle and mules, and is also engaged in feeding stock for market. Mr. Endsley was married in 1871, to Miss Jennie Brown, a native of Carroll county, Missouri. Mrs. Endsley's father, William Brown, was a native of Tennessee. He died October 17, 1880, aged seventy years. Her mother, Sarah A., is a native of Salem, Stokes county, North Carolina. She is now in her sixty-eighth year, and is living with her daughter, Mrs. Endsley. Mr. Endsley is a very prosperous farmer and a prominent citizen.

Daniel H. Stratton

Daniel H. Stratton was born in Ray county, Missouri, in 1840. He is the son of Daniel and Elizabeth Stratton. His father, a native of Kentucky, died in the month of June, 1866. His mother, who was born in Virginia, is yet living in Ray county. She is now seventy-two years of age. Mr. Stratton was raised on a farm, and has followed that business all his life. He commenced farming, on his own account, in 1861, and removed to his present location, section twenty-three, township fiftythree, range twenty-six, in the spring of the year 1868. He owns one hundred and twenty acres of rich land, well improved and watered, and in a fine state of cultivation. He is engaged, quite extensively, in raising and feeding hogs and cattle for market. This branch of his business is very profitable. Mr. Stratton was married in the year 1863, to Miss Elizabeth C. Bowman, a native of Virginia, but reared, principally, in Missouri. Seven children have been born of this union, named as follows: Joseph Jackson, Samuel D., (dead) Alice C, Annie E., Florence R., Daniel H. and Sarah. Mr. Stratton holds the office of steward in Prairie Grange No. 1084, P. of H. He is a successful farmer, and is highly esteemed among his neighbors.

Was born in Ray county, Missouri, in the year 1847. He was educated and reared in his native county. In the spring of 1868, he commenced farming on his own account, and two years later removed to the place where he now lives, section twenty-two, township fifty-4:hree, range twenty-six. Here he owns two hundred acres of good, productive land, well fenced and improved. His farm is nearly all sown in grass. Fortv acres are in blue grass, and one hundred and twenty acres in timothy and clover. Mr. McCuistion has, for some years, been engaged very extensively in feeding and handling cattle. He feeds from one hundred and fifty to two hundred head every year. In the spring of 1S65 he went to Iowa, and, after remaining there for a short time, thence to Nebraska, where he lived about three months. From Nebraska he moved to Salt Lake City, Utah, and after staying there for a short time, returned to his home in Ray county, Missouri. Mr. McCuistion was married on the 27th day of September, 1870, to Miss Mollie J. Wollard, a native of Ray county, and the daughter of Thomas H. Wollard, Esq. The issue of this union was three children, only two of whom, Blanche Leonora and William Thomas, are now living. Mr. McCuistion is a good business man, a successful farmer and stock dealer, and a valuable citizen.

Addison Harper

Addison Harper is a native of Augusta county, Virginia. He was born on the 15th day of September, 1809. While yet a child his parents removed with him to Rockingham county, Virginia, where he lived for some years. Between the age of twelve and fifteen years he lived at Philadelphia, and then returning to Virginia, shipped as a sailor on the United States ship Vandalia, Captain Gallagher. The afterwards celebrated Admiral Farragut was second lieutenant of the ship, and our subject became quite well acquainted with him. Mr. Harper remained on ship board more than three years, and during that time sailed all along the coast of South America, and visited many of the important sea-ports of that country. At the expiration of his service as a sailor, he returned to Virginia, and, subsequently, in the years 1849-50, represented Rockingham county in the state legislature. During his residence in Virginia, he met the distinguished French marquis and general, De La Fayette, on the occasion of one of his visits to America. In the year 1839 Mr. Harper engaged in merchandising, at Brock's Gap, Virginia, and followed that business in connection with farming until the commencement of the civil war. Enlisting in the Confederate army, in the month of May, 1861, Mr. Harper recruited a company of volunteers, afterwards known as company A, 7th Virginia cavalry. He was a captain in the same regiment with Captain (afterwards general) Ashby. Colonel Mosby, then a private, was also a member of same regiment. Mr. Harper was engaged in the battles of Manasas, Bull Run, Cross Keys, Port Republic and many others. He was promoted to a colonelcy, but afterwards resigned, and, returning home, engaged in the peaceful occupation of farming, until the month of October, 1869, when he removed to Ray county, Missouri, and located where he now resides, section 27, township 53, range 26. He owns 220 acres of good land, 200 acres of which is in cultivation and well improved. Mr. Harper was married November 9, 1837, to Miss Susan A. Cottrell, a native of Rockingham county, Virginia. They became the parents of thirteen children, six of whom are living at present, named as follows: Nancy B., Martha S., William A., Samuel M., Emma and Benjamin F, Both Mr. and Mrs. Harper are members of the German Baptist Church, and he is also an elder of that denomination.

James M. Pugh

This gentleman was born in Ray county, Missouri, in the year 1841. His father, David Pugh, was a native of Davidson county, Tennessee. He died in 1852, aged fifty years. His mother (Serena) is, also, a native of the state of Tennessee. She is yet living in Vernon count}*, Missouri. Our subject was reared and educated in this county and has lived, during his entire life here. Locating where he now resides, (section 29, township 53, range 26), in 1869, he commencing the business of farming for himself. He is the owner of three hundred and sixty acres of excellent land, under good rail and hedge fences, and improved with a large, comfortable residence, a good frame barn, and other necessary buildings. During the last four or five years, Mr. Pugh has been giving much attention to the raising of live stock, especially cattle. James M. Pugh was married on the 1st day of October, 1874, to Miss Huldah F. Wollard, a native of Kay county, Missouri. They are the parents of two children, Laura Temple and Thomas Wollard. Mr. Pugh is a member of Lodge No. 322, A. F* & A. M., at Hardin. He is a good citizen and a practical, successful farmer.

David B. Bowman

David B. Bowman is a native of Rockingham county, Virginia. He was born April 22, 1817. He was raised on a farm, and, after he grew up, pursued the business of farming in his native county until the year 1857. Early in the spring of that year he started to Missouri. He traveled with teams as far as Wheeling, Virginia, and came from there by river, landing at Lexington, Lafayette county, on the 4th day of May, 1857. Soon after he came to Ray county, and located upon his present farm, in section thirty-two, township fifty-three, range twenty-six. He owns here two hundred and forty acres of prairie land, in a fine state of cultivation, well improved, and inclosed with hedge fences. He has, also, an excellent orchard. Besides this homestead, Mr. Bowman owns one hundred and thirty-one acres in Crooked river bottom, fifty acres of it timber land, and under fence. Mr. Bowman is engaged, also, in raising and feeding a superior grade of cattle for market. He was married in 1840, to Miss Anna Showalter, also a native of Rockingham county, Virginia. They became the parents of twelve children, all now living but one. Their names follow: John H., Elizabeth C, wife of D. H. Stratton; Ann E., wife of J. Vantrump; Jacob F., Rebecca, wife of Oscar Dana; Virginia F., David B., Benjamin D., Sarah M., Ida F.,and Emma.

Mrs. Bowman died January 23, 1878, at the age of about fifty-six years. She was an estimable lady, greatly esteemed during life, and her death was much lamented throughout a large circle of friends. Mr. Bowman is a consistent member of the German Baptist Church, as was, also, his wife.

John H. Evans

Was born in Ray county, Missouri, in the year 1838. He received his education in the district schools of his native county, after the manner usual with other farmers' boys at that time. His father, Lorenzo D.

Evans, is a native of Tennessee. He immigrated to Missouri at an early day, and is now living here at the advanced age of eighty-seven vears. His mother, Susan, is also a native of Tennessee, and is yet living. After our subject attained his majority, he engaged in farming in this county until the outbreaking of the civil war. He enlisted June 4, 1861, in company F, 4th Missouri regiment of General Sterling Price's command. He was engaged in the battles of Carthage, Wilson's Creek and Lexington. Having taken sick, he was left at Rose Hill, Johnson county, Missouri, where he remained until the time for which he enlisted had expired. He was slightly wounded twice in battle. From Rose Hill after his recover}', he came home to Ray county, but remaining only a short time went to Illinois, and remained in that state about a year. Returning again to his home, he resumed the business of farming, and in the month of February, 1866, removed to his present location, section thirty-five, township fifty-three, range twenty-six. Here he owns one hundred and four acres of farming and timber lands, well improved and watered by running streams. Mr. Evans gives special attention to raising good breeds of hogs and cattle. He has been twice married, first in February, 1866, to Miss Mary A. Long, a native of Missouri. The issue of this marriage was four children: Effie F., Robert S., Fannie E., and Susan Estella. His wife died July 13, 1877, and Mr. Evans was again married November 3, 1878, to Miss Alice E. Chrisman. They have one child, Henry L. Mrs. Evans is a member of the Missionary Baptist Church. Mr. Evans has been, for three years past, secretarv of Prairie Grange, No. 1084, P. of H.

David B. Rhodes

The subject of this sketch was born in Rockingham county, Virginia, in 1828. He received his education in the common schools, and grew up in his native county. At the age of eighteen years he learned the carpentering trade, and pursued that calling, constantly for ten years afterwards. Mr. Rhodes was married in the year 1856, to Miss Sarah Zigler, a native of Rockingham county, Virginia. In the year, 1858, he partly quit carpentering and engaged in farming, which business he followed, in his native state until 1868. He then left Virginia, and came to his present farm, (section 35, township 53, range 26), in Ray county, Missouri, where he has ever since resided. He owns a neat place of ninety-six acres, of good land, well watered by a running stream and spring. He has a comfortable residence, a conveniently arranged barn, and a fine young orchard. He is engaged, also, in raising and feeding stock, chiefly cattle. During the war, Mr. Rhodes was living in the " burnt district " of the Shenandoah valley, and in consequence, suffered considerable loss of property. Mr. and Mrs. Rhodes became the parents of eight children: Minnie, wife of Samuel A. Sandy; Emily F., wife of John Vantrump; Laura A., wife of Samuel K. Rhodes; Lizzie A., wife of Samuel Hogan;John M., Sydney A., Jacob S. and Iva May. Both Mr. Rhodes and wife, with three of their daughters, are members of the German Baptist Church.

Samuel B. Shirky

Was born in Rockingham county, Virginia, on the 1st day of September 1840. He attended the common schools of the neighborhood, and after he grew up remained at home, working on the farm until the beginning of the war between the states. He enlisted in the Confederate army in August, 1861, company H, 10th Virginia cavalry, Hampton's brigade. He was engaged in the battle of Gettysburg, the seven days fight around Richmond and at Spottsylvania court house. He was paroled after the surrender of General Lee, at Appomattox court house, and returning home resumed the business of farming. In the spring of 1869, he came to Missouri and located where he now resides, section twenty-six, township fifty-three, range twenty-six, in Ray county. He owns one hundred and sixty acres of very productive land, all in a high state of cultivation except about twenty acres of timber land. Upon this land is a large spring affording water sufficient for hundreds of head of stock. He has two thrifty young orchards, besides small fruits and grapes in great abundance. He has a handsome commodious residence, and a barn unusually large, well arranged and convenient for the accommodation of all his live stock, hay, grain and agricultural implements. For the past four years Mr. Shirky has been seeding his fields successfully in blue grass, timothy and clover, in order to convert them into a stock farm exclusively. He now handles all the live stock the size of his farm will allow. He has some very fine graded cattle and is constantly improving his herd. Samuel B. Shirky was married in the year 1865, to Miss Catharine Zigler, a native of Rockingham county, Virginia. They are the parents of eight children, six of whom are now living: John H., Anna C, Gideon E., Joseph B., Sallie V., and Emma F. Mr. Shirky and his wife are both members of the German Baptist Church. His parents, David and Catharine Shirk}-, are both natives of Rockingham county, Virginia, and both still living. Mr. Shirky has a model farm, and he conducts it very successfully.

Thomas H. Wollard

Thomas H. Wollard was born in Ray county, Missouri, in the year 1827, upon the land whereon the town of Richmond is now situated. His father, John Wollard, a native of the state of North Carolina, came to Ray county when it was almost a wilderness, and pre-empted and improved the land where Richmond now stands. He died in Ma)', 1877, aged seventy-six years. Our subject's mother, Mrs. Nancy Wollard, was a native of Tennessee, she died in 1873, aged seventy years. Thomas H. Wollard grew up on a farm immediately east of Richmond, and lived there until he enlisted in the army for the war against Mexico. He started out in Captain Israel Henley's company, with Colonel Sterling Price's regiment. They marched from Richmond to Sante Fe and thence to El Paso, Chihuahua. In the meantime, however, the company had been organized and placed under command of Captain Thomas Hudson, and assigned to Colonel A. W. Doniphan's regiment. Mr. Wollard engaged in the battles of Brazito and Sacramento, then marched to Buena Vista and Monterey, thence to New Orleans, where he was discharged from service. From Newr Orleans he returned home, in July,

1849. In the year 1849, he came to his present location, section 28, township 53, range 26, and has lived there ever since. He owns more than 1,300 acres of most excellent land in one body, besides other farms adjacent, amounting in the aggregate to about 2,000 acres. His home place is in a very fine state of cultivation, improved with excellent buildings, handsomely appointed for comfort and convenience. He has about 1,000 acres of blue grass and timothy, enclosed with good hedge fences, chiefly in 40 acre fields. He has three large orchards bearing the best kinds of fruit, and berries and the smaller fruits in almost endless \;ariety and profusion. Mr. Wollard has, for twenty-five years, been making a specialty of raising cattle and mules. At present he is giving his attention almost entirely to cattle. He was married in the month of January,

1850, to Miss N. C. Prichard, a native of Ray county, Missouri. They are the parents of five children: Huldah F.. wrife of J. M. Pugh; Mary J., wife of John H. McCuistion; John M., Laura I. and Thomas J. Mr. Wollard is one of the best and most successful farmers, as well as one of the most prominent and influential citizens of Ray county.

William W. Nelson

Was born in Lafayette county, Missouri, October, 1825. His father, John Nelson, a native of East Tennessee, came to Missouri in a very early day and settled in Lafayette county, before Lexington wras laid out. He died about four years ago, aged eighty-four years. Our subject attended the district schools and lived in Lafayette county until the beginning of the war with Mexico. On the 6th day of June, 1846, he enlisted in company B, Captain William Walton, of Colonel Doniphan's regiment, and marched from Lafayette county to the seat of war in Mexico. He was engaged in the battles of Brazito and Sacramento, and, after doing much hard marching, was discharged at New Orleans, about the 1st of July, 1847, and returned home. He staid in Lafayette county until the spring of 1848, and then went again to Mexico. He remained only a short time and came back to Missouri. In the month of August, 1849, he started to California, by the southern route, and, after traveling nearly all winter, reached there on the 22d of January, L850. He lived there, engaged in mining for nearly four years, and then returned, by water, to Lafayette county. After remaining one year longer in his native county, he came, in 1855, to Ray county, and settled where he now lives, section thirtyone, township fiftv-three, range twenty-six. He is the possessor of two hundred and sixty acres of fertile land, in a fine state of cultivation, improved with good buildings and well watered by living springs. Mr. Nelson was married in the month of June, 1856, to Miss Keziah S. Grant, a native of Daviess county, Missouri. The issue of this marriage was nine children: John W., George C, Sterling P., Leonidas, Cora A., Lavina B., Franklin Y., Leila and Clarence. Mrs. Nelson is a member of the Presbyterian Church.

Dr. Moody Mansur was born in the township of Temple, Hillsboro county, New Hampshire, on the 3d day of February, 1808. In the winter of 1813, his parents removed to Windsor county, Vermont, where he remained on a farm until the month of November, 1827. He then went to Bostont Massachusetts, and engaged as clerk in a hotel with his older brother, Stephen, where he remained about two years. In February, 1829, he engaged with his brother Alvah, and one Ransom Reed, in a wholesale store, at Lowell, Massachusetts. Here he remained nearly three years. From 1832 to 1835, during the scholastic year, he attended an academy at Hampton, New Hampshire, making great advancement in English literature and the classics. After leaving this school, he went to Lowell and commenced the study of medicine with Dr. Elisha Bartlett, as preceptor. He continued with Dr. Bartlett for three years, and in the meantime attended three courses of lectures in Boston, at the medical college of Harvard University. In August, 1836, he received his diploma from this institution, conferring upon him the graduates' degree of Doctor of Medicine, and entitling him to membership in the Massachusetts Medical Society. He returned to Lowell and began the practice of his profession there, which he continued until September, 1837, and then went to Philadelphia. From there he went out as physician and surgeon, to the armv in the Florida war. So efficient were the services he rendered, that not a man whom he treated died from sickness. The army was disbanded at New Orleans, and Dr. Mansur reported at Washington City for settlement of his claim for professional services. In October, 1838, he established himself in Jefferson City, Missouri, and the next year opened a drug store in connection with his practice. He continued this business there until 1841, and then went to Weston, in Platte county. There he remained until the autumn of 1844. He suffered greatly from the flood of that year, both in property and the health of his family. In the month of November, the health of his family being sufficiently restored, he removed to Liberty, Clay county, Missouri. Here he remained until the spring of 1845, and then removed to Ray county and settled upon a part of the lands he owns at present. In 1849, he went to California, overland, with an ox team. So great were the hardships he endured on this trip, that his health was entirely destroyed, and he was prostrated with a long spell of sickness after reaching San Francisco. He remained in California until 1851, and his experiences there were varied and interesting, but our space will not permit our recounting them here. In February, 1851, he started home by way of the Isthmus of Panama and New Orleans. He spent forty days on an ocean sail vessel between San Francisco and the Isthmus. He crossed Panama on foot, and shipped in a steamer for home via New Orleans, arriving in Ray county, in the month of May. He soon after removed to his present location, section eighteen, township fifty-three, range twenty-six, and has, ever since, lived there. He owns two hundred and thirty-eight acres of good land, about half of which is in a fine state of cultivation, well improved, with handsome, comfortable residence, fine orchard and small fruits etc., of great variety and abundance. Dr. Mansur was married in the month of June, 1839, at Jefferson City, Missouri, to Miss Mary M. Basye, a native of the state of Missouri, and the daughter of Major Alfred and Frances R. Basye. Her father was a native of Kentucky, and her mother of South Carolina. Eleven children have been born to Doctor and Mrs. Mansur. Seven of them are now living, named as follows: Louisa Frances, wife of James Tinsley; George G., Elismon, Basye Gertrude, David A., Richard H., and Edward A. In politics Dr. Mansur, for twenty-nine years prior to the civil war, was a democrat. When the war broke out he sided with the cause of the Union, and since that time, until 1876, he affiliated with the republican party. Since 1876, he has been an active promulgator and supporter of the principles of the greenback-labor party. In religion Dr. Mansur is, and has been for fifty-four years, a member of the Baptist Church. His wife, one daughter and two sons, belong to the Christian Church.

Leonard G. Oster

Was born in Richland county, Ohio, in October, 1838. When he was but two years of age, his parents removed with him to Caldwell county, Missouri. Here he was educated and grew up. In 1857 he went to the state of Kansas, but, remaining only a short time, removed from there to Santa Fe, New Mexico. From there he soon returned to Missouri, and remained here until 1860, when he went to Colorado, and engaged in mining for about six months. Then came back again to Mis- souri, and remained here until the beginning of the civil war. About the first of December, 1861, he enlisted in company K, 22d regiment of Missouri volunteers, Union army. He was twice wounded and finally captured by the enemy, at the battle of Shiloh. After remaining a prisoner in the hands of the Confederates for some days he was re-taken by the Union troops. He was discharged, January 22d, 1863, at Benton barracks, St. Louis, and immediately returned home. He joined the army again, in 1864, and was engaged in the fight near Albany, Rav county. Soon afterward he was discharged from the service, and returned to farming in Caldwell county, Missouri. In 1873 he made a trip to Arkansas, and brought back with him a herd of cattle. In the year 1874 he sold his property in Caldwell county, and removed to his present location in Ray county (section thirty, township fifty-four, range twenty-six). He owns three hundred and sixteen acres of productive land, improved with a handsome new residence and other buildings, also a thrifty orchard. In addition to farming he is engaged in raising, feeding, and shipping live-stock. Mr. Oster was married, in the month of January, 1864, to Miss Rebecca A. Phillips, a native of Indiana, but reared chiefly in the state of Illinois. They have eight children living: Ada D., Anna M., Herbert U., Charles, Daniel, Myrtle, Daisy, and Rosa B. Mr. Oster is a member of Myrtle Lodge, No. 338, A. F. & A. M., at Millville. Mrs. Oster is a member of the Christian Church.

John A. Ross

The subject of this article was born in Kosciusko county, Ohio, on the 11th day of February, 1839. While he was in infancy his parents removed with him to Brown county, Ohio, and there he lived until he was nineteen years old. In the month of April, 1858, he came to Ray county, Missouri. While at St. Louis, on his way from Ohio, he attended the funeral of the distinguished Missouri senator and statesman, Thomas H. Benton. He taught school for a short time soon after his arrival in the county. In the spring of 1859 he started to Pike's Peak, Colorado, but, on arriving at St. Joseph, changed his mind and went to Des Moines, Iowa. After visiting several places in that state, he returned to Missouri, and taught school for a short time in Mercer county. From that time until the beginning of the civil war he traveled through western Missouri, pursuing the business of sign writing. On the 1 9th day of June, 1861, he enlisted in company A, 1st Missouri battalion mounted infantry, 8th division, Missouri state guards, captain, David Boone; lieutenant-colonel, John W. Payne; division commander, General James Raines. He was engaged in the battles of Dug Spring, Wilson's Creek, Dry Wood, and Lexington. At the latter place, after the battle, the command was re-organized, called the 6th cavalry, and placed under the command of Colonel John T. Coffee. Mr. Ross was appointed ordnance master, in which position he continued until he was discharged from the service. He was engaged in the battles of Pea Ridge, Shiloh, and Farmington. Mr. Ross was the first to reach and raise the Union general Lyon after he was shot, at the battle of Wilson's Creek, early in the war. Having been sick and unable to do duty, and, in consequence, committed to the hospital at Mobile, Alabama, Mr. Ross was discharged from that institution in the summer of 1863, and went to Fort Laramie, to Denver, and to Montana, where he engaged for about two years in mining. From there he went to Nevada, thence to California, from California to Mexico, and from there to Central America, and thence into South America, where he remained, in Quito, a short time; thence he came back to the coast, and from the coast to the West Indies. Here he remained a short time, and then sailed for New York. Arriving there, he spent some time in that city. Then he came west, and stopped for a short time in Brown county, Ohio. From there he came to Ray county, Missouri, arriving in the month of March, 1866. The succeeding year he started again to California, but being taken sick at Rock Bluff, he returned to Lafayette county, Missouri, and remained there about three years. In the fall of 1869 he came to his present location in this county, section 22, township 54, range 26. He owns a fine, fertile farm of four hundred acres, all inclosed by good fences, and well improved. Mr. Ross was married in 1876, to Miss Sarah I. Cato, a native 'of the state of Alabama. They have three children: John A., Anna, and Samuel R. Mr. Ross is a member of Dover Lodge No. 122, A. F. & A. M.

Jacob Vantrump

Jacob Vantrump was born in Rockingham county, Virginia, in the year 1845. He lived there on a farm until 1859, and then came to Ray county, Missouri. In 1867 he moved to his present location, (section 23, township 53, range 26,) where he owns ninety acres of excellent land, enclosed with good hedges, and well improved. He has a very fine orchard, two good wells, and an unfailing spring. He enlisted August 1, 1864, in company F, 44th Missouri infantry, Union arm v. He participated in the battle of Mobile, Alabama. In November, 1864, he was attacked by sickness, and lay in the hospital for several months. He was discharged from the army August 1, 1865, at St. Louis, and at once returned home to Ray county. Mr. Vantrump was married June 10, 1866, to Miss Eliza Ann Bowman, a native of Rockingham county, Virginia. They became the parents of six children, named as follows: Mary E., John H., Sarah A., Rebecca F., Temperance M., and Madissa

Belle. Both Mr. and Mrs. Vantrump are members of the German Baptist Church. He is a valuable citizen, and an enterprising and prosperous farmer.

W. T. Wilson

This gentleman was born in Fleming county, Kentucky, on the loth day of July, 1822. There he was educated, and lived upon a farm until he was twenty years old. In 1842 he came to Ray county, Missouri, and settled on a farm about two miles south of Richmond. He was living there during the flood of 1844, and sustained great damage from the overflow of the river. In the month of March, 1855, he moved to his present farm, section thirty-four, township fifty-three, range twenty-six, and has continued to live there ever since. He owns one hundred and fifty-seven acres of good land, well fenced and improved. It is watered by the Wakanda. He has a large orchard of some seven hundred bearing trees. This orchard yields an immense and valuable crop. Mr. Wilson was married July 4, 1844, to Miss Nancy E. Pritchard, a native of the state of Tennessee, but came to Missouri early in life. They became the parents of seven children: Sarah J., Robert (died in 1872, aged twentyfive years), Virginia F., the wife of George W. Temple; Mary E. (died in May, 1878), Ida, Lee, and Oleita. Both Mr. Wilson and his wife are leading members of the Christian Church, and he is also lecturer of Prairie Grange, No. 1084, P. of H. Mr. Wilson's farm is particularly well adapted to raising tobacco and hemp. He has produced some as large crops of these commodities as have ever been grown in the countv. Mr. Wilson is a leading, prosperous farmer, and an influential and valuable citizen of Grape Grove township.

Henry Renfro

Henry Renfro is a native of Ray county, Missouri. He was born on the 5th day of February, 1835. His father, Mr. John Renfro, came from Kentucky in 1833, and settled on a farm about four miles north of Millville. When our subject was fifteen years old, his father sold this place, and removed upon the one he now owns, a mile or two east of the former place. Here Henry attended school in his youth, and worked on the farm until he was twenty-two years old, and then went to Chillicothe, Missouri, where he spent a year. Returning home, he took entire management of his father's place, and conducted the farm for two years. He then went to Colorado, and, after spending six months, mining for gold there, he returned home in the autumn of 1859. The following winter he was married, at the age of twenty-five years, to Miss Martha McCuistion. After his marriage he was engaged in farming until the beginning of the civil war. Leaving his young wife and infant daughter in the care of his father-in-law, Mr. Renfro joined his fortunes with the cause of the south, and enlisted for three years in the Confederate army, company C, Colonel Reeves' 3d Missouri volunteers. Before the expiration of the time for which he had entered the army he enlisted for the whole war. His experiences were interesting and varied, but the scope of this work will not admit of following him through them all. At the siege of Vicksburg, Mississippi, he received a wound, which necessitated the amputation of his left leg below the knee. After the surrender he was paroled, June 26, 1865, and returned home to Ray county, arriving July 19, 1865. His wife had managed to save about five hundred dollars from the wreck of his property by the war, and on this amount he again began the life of a peaceful, law-abiding citizen. During the first three years after his return from the war he farmed, and then, going to Miliville, entered the drug trade with Doctor W. M. Quarles. In 1873 he bought Doctor Quarles* interest in the business and has ever since conducted the business very successfully alone. Mr. and Mrs. Renfro are the parents of nine children, seven girls and two boys, all living at home with their parents. Mr. Renfro is a worthy member of the Christian Church, at Miliville.

James B. Noel

This gentleman is a native of Monroe county, Missouri. He was born on the 1st day of March, 1840, and spent the first twenty years of his life in that county, at home with his parents, in the manner usual with the sons of farmers. In 1.861 he enlisted, at Governor Jackson's first call, in the army of the Confederacy, joining the company of Captain James Johnson, who had been a soldier in the war with Mexico. After the battle of Springfield, Missouri, the term of service for which he had enlisted having expired, Mr. Noel returned to his home, but was compelled to flee the same night of his arrival at home, to escape being killed by bitter partisans of the other side. He went to Arkansas and enlisted in the state guards. He subsequently left Arkansas, and during the remainder of the war, lived a " life on the wing," going from point to point in the Jtates of Missouri, Iowa and Nebraska. He was compelled to live in this migratory manner to avoid entering the Union service. After the war was over he kept a feed and sale stable one year at Nebraska City. He has been engaged, at different times in life, in a variety of employments. The most profitable of these was freighting goods between Canon City and Leadville, Colorado, soon after the opening of the latter place. Mr. Noel had previously (1862) made his home in Ray county, and he returned here in the autumn of 1879, and has since that time been engaged here in farming, trading and freighting. He was first married in the spring of 1863, in Ray county, to Miss Alice Davis, daughter of Mr. Van. Davis. Three children were born of this marriage, but only one, Hiram Tucker, is now living. Mrs. Noel died in April, 1870, and Mr. Noel was married again in September, 1872, to Miss Sarah Risley, of Ray county. The issue of this union was three children, two boys and a girl, all now living. Mr. Noel is now (April, 1881,) proprietor of the only hotel at Millville.

Richard C. Craven

Richard C. Craven was born in Ray county, on the 21st day of August, 1843. His father, Solomon Craven, was an earl}- settler of that county, having come from Tennessee here in 1829, and settled upon a farm near Knoxville, where our subject was born, and where he lived until twentytwo years of age. He attended the district schools of his father's neighborhood during the winter season, and assisted with the farm work in summer. In 1865 he went to Colorado, and was there occupied in mining for about three years in the locality of Central City. He then removed to a ranch, in the southern part of Colorado, and lived there for one year. After spending the succeeding summer in the Indian Territory, he returned to Ray county, Missouri, and engaged in farming for three years. He then, in 1873, began merchandising at Millville, in partnership with Mr. Graham Fletcher. They continued in the business together, until the month of May, 1880, when Mr. Fletcher sold his interest to W. R. Craven, and the brothers have since conducted the business together, under the title of R. C. & W. R. Craven. Mr. Craven was married on the 9th day of January, 1870, to Miss Emma Wood, daughter of Robert A. Wood, who resides near Millville. They became the parents of seven children, two of whom died in infancy. The others are now living Mr. Craven became a member of the M. E. Church South, in 1871, and is also a member of the Masonic order. He was, for six years prior to 1880, master of lodge No. 338, at Millville. He joined the I. O. G. T. lodge when it was organized in 1879. He is a prosperous business man and a good citizen.

Is a native of Ray county, Missouri. He was born on the 4th day of March, 1856. He worked on his father's farm in summer, and attended school in the winter, until he had completed the course usually taught in the common schools. He then entered Central College at Fayette, Missouri, and remained a student in that excellent institution for two years. After returning home from college, he began merchandising, in 1878, with his brother-in-law, Mr. John P. Grimes, under the firm name of Grimes & Cramer, at Millville, Ray county, Missouri. In this business, Mr. Cramer is, at present engaged. He was enumerator, in his locality, of the tenth United States census. He is a gentleman of steady business habits, and a member of the Good Templar lodge at Millville. Grimes & Cramer are very popular, and they are doing a lively and prosperous business.

John P. Grimes

Was born in Campbell county, East Tennessee, June 3, 1838. His father, Henry C. Grimes, was a farmer, and raised a family of seven children, of whom our subject was the third in order of birth, and the first son. His father first came to Ray county, Missouri, in 1836, but remaining only one year, went back to Tennessee and remained there live years longer. He came back to Missouri, and settled in Ray county, in the year 1851. John was then in his fourteenth year, and he spent the succeeding eleven years on the farm, with his father, about ten miles from Richmond. The principal part of his education he obtained in Tennessee, though he attended school after coming to this county until he was grown. In the spring of 1864, he bought a farm ab«ut seven miles northwest of Knoxville, and lived there four years. He then sold this farm and began merchandising at Knoxville, and continued the business until February, 1870, when he traded his stock of goods for a farm near Millville, and lived there, until the following August, raising one crop. He then bought the store of Carter & Davis, at Millville, and removed thither with his family. In August, 1878, J. F. Cramer became a partner in the business, and the firm is styled Grimes & Cramer. They continue to do a thriving business at Millville. Mr. Grimes was married in the month of October, 1S60, to Miss Mary E. Cramer, daughter of Judge David Cramer, of Ray county. Seven children have been born of this union, all now living at home with their parents. Mr. Grimes is a member of the Masonic lodge at Millville, and has several times served his lodge in an official capacity. He is also a Good Templar, having been a charter member of the lodge where he lives. He has belonged to the Methodist Episcopal Church South since 1868. He has frequently represented his church as a delegate to conference, etc.

J. M. Carter

The subject of this sketch was born in St. Lawrence county, New York, January 3, 1830. His father, Mr. Ira Carter, was a farmer and stock-raiser of that county, and the possessor of considerable property. Ira Carter removed with his family to the state of Illinois, and there our subject was educated. His father died when James was sixteen years of age, and the next year he came to Richmond, Ray county, Missouri, and began clerking in the general merchandise store of Carter & McGhee. The senior partner of this firm was his half-brother. After remaining in this position for about eighteen months, he went, at the heat of the gold excitement in 1849, to California, where he spent a year at mining, and then went to Oregon, and engaged in the lumber business. This enterprise was very successful, and in 1852 Mr. Carter returned to Missouri.

Me located at Albany, Ray county, and engaged in merchandising and milling with his brother, Mr. Eli Carter. He continued the business until 1859, when J. M. Carter sold his interest to his brother and others, and bought, in partnership with Mr. W. R. Shotwell, the mill located at the town of Millville. They operated this mill together until Mr. Carter went to Colorado, in 1860. In Colorado, Mr. Carter operated a saw-mill for another party, for about one year, and then came for his family, and took them to Colorado with him, leaving Mr. Shotwell again in charge of the mill they owned in partnership. During the time he was in the state of Colorado Mr. Carter engaged in farming and stock-raising, and by his industry and enterprise made the business very successful. He returned to Millville, Ray county, Missouri, in the autumn of 1865. Mr. Carter was married on the 1th day of May, 1854, to Miss Susan R. Harrison. They became the parents of seven children, two sons and five daughters, all now living. One daughter, Ida B., is the wife of Mr. John A. Fletcher. The others are at home with their parents. Mr. Carter resides at Millville, where he owns and operates a large flouring-mill. He is a leading member of the M. E. Church South, and belongs to the Masonic lodge at Millville. His business is very prosperous, and he has a handsome home, surrounded by modern conveniences and comforts. As a man and a citizen he is highly esteemed and respected by all who know him.